bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systemic lupus erythematosus complicated with reversible posterior encephalopathy syndrome: a case report
Authors: Hao Dong-Lin , Yang Yan-Li , Zhou La-Mei , Liu Qiu-Hong , Liu Rui , Xu Ke , Zhang Gai-Lian , Zhang Li-Yun
Published: July 2021

A 28-year-old female patient was hospitalized primarily because of “intermittent fever for 28 days aggravated by systemic rashes, oral ulcer, and edema in both eyelids for 5 days.” During treatment, convulsions and loss of consciousness occurred. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head revealed an abnormal signal with shadows in the bilateral frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes; cerebellar hemispheres; and basal nodes, with high signal intensity on T2 weighted imaging (T2WI), on fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery, and of the apparent diffusion coefficient and low signal intensity on T1WI and diffusion weighted imaging. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with reversible posterior encephalopathy syndrome (RPES). Intravenous high-dose methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide were administered for blood pressure control, which effectively controlled the disease. Therefore, when patients with SLE and hypertension or renal insufficiency or those receiving high-dose methylprednisolone or immunosuppressants suddenly present with neurologic abnormalities, a diagnosis of RPES must be considered, and head MRI is the first choice for diagnosis of this disease. In terms of treatment, the blood pressure should be quickly controlled, and the primary disease should be aggressively treated.
Positron emission tomography/computed tomography hypermetabolism of Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease mimicking malignant lymphoma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Shu , Du Bulin , Li Xuena , Li Yaming
Published: July 2021

Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease (KFD), also known as histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, is a benign, self-limiting inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology and pathogenesis. This report presents a rare case involving a man with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) hypermetabolism caused by KFD mimicking malignant lymphoma. The PET/CT maximum intensity projection showed multiple hypermetabolic lymphadenopathies and homogeneous FDG uptake in the bone marrow and spleen. Malignant lymphoma was initially suspected. The patient then underwent excision biopsy of one enlarged right cervical lymph node that was selected because it showed the highest FDG uptake in PET/CT, and examination of this biopsy specimen confirmed the diagnosis of KFD. PET/CT is useful for assessing the general condition of patients and can help to select lymph nodes for excision biopsy based on the highest FDG uptake. However, KFD can predispose to localized FDG uptake and limit the specificity of PET/CT by mimicking malignancy. Thus, positive results of PET/CT should be interpreted with caution.
A high prevalence of prediabetes and vitamin D deficiency are more closely associated in women: results of a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lee Jeonghun , Lee Young Joo , Kim Youngsun
Published: July 2021

Objective

Many studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency is associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. However, few studies have shown independent associations between vitamin D deficiency and the metabolic characteristics of prediabetes. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum vitamin D concentration and metabolic risk factors in adults with prediabetes.

Methods

We enrolled 161 patients aged 25 to 75 years in a cross-sectional study and collected clinical and biochemical data, including 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) status and fasting glucose concentration. Vitamin D status was defined as follows: deficiency (25[OH]D <49.9 ng/mL), insufficiency (49.9 to 74.9 nmol/L) or sufficiency (>74.9 nmol/L). Prediabetes was defined using fasting plasma glucose concentrations of 5.55 to 6.49 mmol/L.

Results

The prevalences of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were 49.7% and 24.8%, respectively. Participants with vitamin D deficiency had a higher prevalence of prediabetes than those without (53.8% vs. 32.1%), and there was a significant relationship between female sex and vitamin D status (odds ratio: 1.382; 95% confidence interval: 0.335–5.693).

Conclusion

Vitamin D deficiency is more closely associated with a high prevalence of prediabetes in women than in men. Further studies are needed to elucidate the explanation for this association.
Variations in the Acceptance of Parental Corporal Punishment of Children: What Matters?
Authors: Baniamin Hasan Muhammad
Published: July 2021

This article tries to identify people’s degree of acceptance of parental corporal punishment (CP) of children and the nature of the association of different variables, particularly the value variables with such acceptance. For this purpose, the study uses data from the World Values Survey 6 (2010-2014), which is a large survey of attitudes based on representative samples from 60 different countries (around 1,200 respondents from each). This study tested five hypotheses and two subhypotheses on individuals’ acceptance of parental CP: effects of emancipative values (aspiration to autonomy and freedom), nonmasculine values, religiousness, people’s dissatisfaction with life in general, and more specifically, dissatisfaction with financial and health conditions and national bans on CP. The findings show that the higher level presence of emancipative values and nonmasculine values are associated with lower support for CP. The study also finds that a number of sociodemographic variables affect the endorsement of CP; on the one hand, people with higher age and lower social classes (subjective) tend to express less support for CP, whereas on the other, people with no partners (divorced/separated/widowed/single) and men tend to express higher support for the use of parental CP. The identification of these associations can help us to develop more effective policies to address the problem of CP.
Gender, Myths, and Assumptions: Correlates of Risk Perception in Sexual Assault Scenarios
Authors: Hetzel-Riggin Melanie D. , James Shauntey , Roby Ryan , Buczek Theresa J.
Published: July 2021

Sexual violence continues to plague college campuses even with the implementation of bystander intervention programs. Previous research has demonstrated that diminished situational risk recognition increases the risk for sexual assault victimization. However, there is a paucity of research comparing men’s and women’s risk perception in sexual assault scenarios, risk perception from a victim or perpetrator perspective, or the role of previous sexual violence history, rape myth acceptance, and world assumptions on sexual risk perception. The current study examined male and female college students’ risk perception while reading a sexual assault scenario. Participants also completed measures of victim and perpetrator blame, rape myth acceptance, and beliefs in a just world. The results suggested that men’s and women’s risk perception is influenced by different rape myths and world assumptions. Specifically, women’s risk perception and victim blame are associated with sexual communication myths and beliefs in the randomness of the world, while men’s risk perception and victim blame are related to the acceptance of myths that women ask for sexual assault and that the world is a just, cruel place. The results call for the incorporation of additional training on how rape myths and world assumptions may impact risk recognition and intervention in sexual assault education. It will also be important to target different barriers to intervention for men and women.
A variational approach for estimation of monocular depth and camera motion in autonomous driving
Authors: Hu Huijuan , Hu Chuan , Zhang Xuetao
Published: July 2021

In this paper, a new direct computational approach to dense 3D reconstruction in autonomous driving is proposed to simultaneously estimate the depth and the camera motion for the motion stereo problem. A traditional Structure from Motion framework is utilized to establish geometric constrains for our variational model. The architecture is mainly composed of the texture constancy constraint, one-order motion smoothness constraint, a second-order depth regularize constraint and a soft constraint. The texture constancy constraint can improve the robustness against illumination changes. One-order motion smoothness constraint can reduce the noise in estimation of dense correspondence. The depth regularize constraint is used to handle inherent ambiguities and guarantee a smooth or piecewise smooth surface, and the soft constraint can provide a dense correspondence as initial estimation of the camera matrix to improve the robustness future. Compared to the traditional dense Structure from Motion approaches and popular stereo approaches, our monocular depth estimation results are more accurate and more robust. Even in contrast to the popular depth from single image networks, our variational approach still has good performance in estimation of monocular depth and camera motion.
What Drives Banking Profitability During Financial Crisis and Political Turmoil? Evidence from the MENA Region
Authors: Zaiane Salma , Moussa Fatma Ben
Published: July 2021

The purpose of the study is to identify bank specific, macroeconomic, and stability determinants of both conventional and Islamic bank performance. We also try to identify evidence on the impact of financial crisis and political instability during the Arab Spring (AS) period. The study covers a sample of 123 banks (34 Islamic banks and 89 conventional banks from 13 Middle East and North Africa [MENA] countries) over the period 2000–2013. We use different proxies of performance as dependent variables: return on asset (ROA), return on equity (ROE), net income margin (NIM), and estimate several regressions using the dynamic generalized method of moments. Our results reveal that bank size, asset quality, specialization, and diversification are the major bank specific factors affecting performance of Islamic and conventional banks. Besides, macroeconomic indicators (GDP and inflation) and regulatory quality influence both types of banks differently. Finally, both the financial crisis and political instability negatively affect bank performance.
Official Intervention and Exchange Rate Determination: Evidence from India
Authors: Rishad Abdul , Gupta Sanjeev , Sharma Akhil
Published: July 2021

Despite the adoption of a market-oriented regime, Reserve Bank of India explicitly practices sterilized intervention to normalize unfavourable developments in the market. This study seeks to find empirical evidence on the intensity to which the monetary authority was able to achieve its policy objective of directing exchange rate in the anticipated trail. The study employed an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to estimate the central bank reaction function in this regard. It was found that 1% purchase of foreign exchange reserve (net intervention) depreciated Indian Rupee by 0.255% for long-term. Whereas in short-term, intervention followed “leaning against the wind” policy to curb market vagueness. The findings of the study recommend that there should be more coordinated approach between official intervention policy and monetary policy formulation in consonance with the economic fundamentals for increasing the effectiveness and sustainability of the intervention operations.
Localization and genotyping of canine papillomavirus in canine inverted papillomas
Authors: Orlandi Margherita , Mazzei Maurizio , Vascellari Marta , Melchiotti Erica , Zanardello Claudia , Verin Ranieri , Albanese Francesco , Necci Fabiano , Pazzini Luca , Lazzarini Giulia , Abramo Francesca
Published: July 2021

Numerous canine papillomaviruses (CPVs) have been identified (CPV1–23). CPV1, 2, and 6 have been associated with inverted papillomas (IPs). We retrieved 19 IPs from 3 histopathology archives, and evaluated and scored koilocytes, inclusion bodies, giant keratohyalin granules, cytoplasmic pallor, ballooning degeneration, and parakeratosis. IHC targeting major capsid proteins of PV was performed, and CPV genotyping was achieved by PCR testing. Tissue localization of CPV DNA and RNA was studied by chromogenic and RNAscope in situ hybridization (DNA-CISH, RNA-ISH, respectively). IPs were localized to the limbs (50%), trunk (30%), and head (20%), mainly as single nodules (16 of 19). In 15 of 19 cases, immunopositivity was detected within the nuclei in corneal and subcorneal epidermal layers. PCR revealed CPV1 in 11 IPs and CPV2 DNA in 3 IPs. Overall, 14 of 17 cases were positive by both DNA-CISH and RNA-ISH, in accord with PCR results. A histologic score >5 was always obtained in cases in which the viral etiology was demonstrated by IHC, DNA-CISH, and RNA-ISH. IHC and molecular approaches were useful to ascertain the viral etiology of IPs. Although IHC is the first choice for diagnostic purposes, ISH testing allows identification of PV type and the infection phase. RNA-ISH seems a promising tool to deepen our understanding of the pathogenesis of different PV types in animal species.
The Moderating Effect of Democracy on Climate-Induced Social Conflict: Evidence from Indian Districts
Authors: Sarbahi Anoop , Koren Ore
Published: July 2021

Do political institutions moderate the effect of environmental stress on social conflict? We posit that while the frequency of social conflict in developing agrarian states can increase during drought, democratic competition reduces conflict and can facilitate cooperation, reversing this effect. This hypothesis is tested on a sample of all districts in India over a period from 2001 to 2014. The dependent variable captures the number of crimes perpetrated against scheduled castes—so-called “untouchables”—and scheduled tribes—India’s Indigenous groups—during a given district-year. When the effect of drought is moderated using a local electoral competition index, findings show that although droughts increase the frequency of social conflicts where political institutions are weak, they reduce it where political institutions are strong. The results are robust to alternative operationalization choices. Our findings, thus, have relevance both to scholars of the climate–conflict nexus and to policymakers working to address climate change’s effects.
COVID-19 and Antimicrobial Resistance: A Review
Authors: Adebisi Yusuff Adebayo , Alaran Aishat Jumoke , Okereke Melody , Oke Gabriel Ilerioluwa , Amos Oladunni Abimbola , Olaoye Omotayo Carolyn , Oladunjoye Iyiola , Olanrewaju Azeez Yusuff , Ukor Nelson Ashinedu , Lucero-Prisno Don Eliseo
Published: July 2021

As the world continues to respond to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), there is a larger hidden threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) lurking behind. AMR remains worrisome in that the pathogens causing resistant infections to thrive in hospitals and medical facilities, putting all patients at risk, irrespective of the severity of their medical conditions, further compounding the management of COVID-19. This study aims to provide overview of early findings on COVID-19 and AMR as well as to provide recommendations and lesson learned toward improving antimicrobial stewardship. We conducted a rapid narrative review of published articles by searching PubMed and Google Scholar on COVID-19 and Antimicrobial Resistance with predetermined keywords. Secondary bacterial infections play crucial roles in mortality and morbidity associated with COVID-19. Research has shown that a minority of COVID-19 patients need antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections. Current evidence reiterates the need not to give antibiotic therapy or prophylaxis to patients with mild COVID-19 or to patients with suspected or confirmed moderate COVID-19 illness unless it is indicated. The pandemic has also brought to the fore the deficiencies in health systems around the world. This comes with a lot of lessons, one of which is that despite the advances in medicine; we remain incredibly vulnerable to infections with limited or no standard therapies. This is worth thinking in the context of AMR, as the resistant pathogens are evolving and leading us to the era of untreatable infections. There is a necessity for continuous research into understanding and controlling infectious agents, as well as the development of newer functional antimicrobials and the need to strengthen the antimicrobial stewardship programs.
Lung Adenocarcinoma with Paraneoplastic Hyper-Eosinophilia Not Responding To Pembrolizumab
Authors: Wehbe Hisham , Kozah Maria , Koubaissi Salwa A
Published: July 2021

Background:

Paraneoplastic hyper-eosinophilia associated with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma is a rare finding and has been associated with a poor prognosis when present. Early hyper-eosinophilia appearing following non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) has been previously reported with contradictory outcomes.

Case summary:

We present the case of an elderly man with newly diagnosed metastatic lung adenocarcinoma and baseline hyper-eosinophilia, treated with pembrolizumab, and showing evidence of significant and rapid disease progression suggestive of hyper-progressive disease, worsening baseline hyper-eosinophilia, and a fatal outcome within 1 month of therapy initiation.

Conclusion:

Pre-treatment hyper-eosinophilia could represent a predictive factor of an unfavorable response to ICI treatment in cases of NSCLC. Additional similar cases are needed to draw a more conclusive relationship.
Huanlian, or changing faces: Deepfakes on Chinese digital media platforms
Authors: de Seta Gabriele
Published: July 2021

In China, deepfakes are commonly known as huanlian, which literally means “changing faces.” Huanlian content, including face-swapped images and video reenactments, has been circulating in China since at least 2018, at first through amateur users experimenting with machine learning models and then through the popularization of audiovisual synthesis technologies offered by digital platforms. Informed by a wealth of interdisciplinary research on media manipulation, this article aims at historicizing, contextualizing, and disaggregating huanlian in order to understand how synthetic media is domesticated in China. After briefly summarizing the global emergence of deepfakes and the local history of huanlian, I discuss three specific aspects of their development: the launch of the ZAO app in 2019 with its societal backlash and regulatory response; the commercialization of deepfakes across formal and informal markets; and the communities of practice emerging around audiovisual synthesis on platforms like Bilibili. Drawing on these three cases, the conclusion argues for the importance of situating specific applications of deep learning in their local contexts.
How can multi-criteria analysis support deliberative spatial planning? A critical review of methods and participatory frameworks
Authors: te Boveldt Geert , Keseru Imre , Macharis Cathy
Published: July 2021

In spatial planning, the paradigm has shifted from positivist to deliberative approaches. Still, cost–benefit analysis remains the dominant evaluation method. Multi-criteria analysis is arguably more appropriate, as it allows for stakeholder participation. While there are dozens of ever more sophisticated multi-criteria analysis methods, their practicality as real-world learning tools has received little attention. The goal of this article is to assess the suitability of different multi-criteria analysis methods for deliberative planning. It presents a critical review of the logical-mathematical cores of the principal methods but also of the different participatory frameworks within which they can be applied. While mathematically sophisticated methods are valuable in well-defined problems with precise data available, we conclude that in the participatory and politically sensitive stages of the planning process, user-friendly and transparent methods are more appropriate and recommend the development of a method that supports the incremental improvement of design options rather than ranking alternatives.
Malls, modernity and consumption: Shopping malls as new projectors of modernity in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Eduful Alexander K , Eduful Michael
Published: July 2021

Shopping malls in the global South have been expanding rapidly, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, since 2000. Among others, they are seen as part of the processes of globalization, modernization and modernity. Using a mixed-methods approach based on case study of malls in Accra, Ghana, this study argues that malls in the global South, particularly sub-Saharan Africa, project images of modernity on account that they are framed as multiple loci of collective consumption and, as well, tend to represent nodes of global convergence.
Theory and simulation of calculating local illuminance density based on high dynamic range panoramic maps
Authors: Xia L , Xu R , Zhang T , Liu X
Published: July 2021

The development of the lighting profession toward the third stage requires our attention shifting from the light on certain planes to the light distributions in 3D spaces. In this article, we propose a practical strategy to measure the local density of illumination in 3D scenes based on the zeroth-order of spherical harmonics decompositions of a high dynamic range (HDR) panoramic map. The basic functional principle of deriving illuminance density from HDR panoramic maps was presented, and hereinafter named as illuminance panoramic. Illuminance panoramic was compared with Cuttle’s approximated illuminance scalar, which is essentially a physical approximation of the average illumination over a sphere. To verify the measurements, the average illuminance over a sphere, approximated illuminance scalar, illuminance panoramic, cylindrical illuminance, semi-cylindrical illuminance, and horizontal illuminance were simulated via a model (probe in a sphere). The results indicate that the measurement of density of illumination using HDR panoramic maps has well coincided with its definition (i.e., the average illuminance over a sphere) while other illumination values vary with how the probes are located. The measurement theories were later verified using six HDR panoramic maps of real scenes. This research provides confidence in developing applications in mobile phones by capturing HDR panoramic maps to measure the density of illumination in 3D spaces.
Contraceptive Access Through School-Based Health Centers: Perceptions of Rural and Suburban Young People
Authors: Westbrook Marisa , Martinez Lisette , Mechergui Safa , Scandlyn Jean , Yeatman Sara
Published: July 2021

Purpose

School-based health centers (SBHCs) have traditionally been concentrated in urban centers but have increasingly moved to rural and suburban settings. Adolescents living outside urban centers continue to experience barriers accessing contraceptives and reproductive health care. SBHCs are well positioned to reduce these barriers since they often offer convenient, in-school reproductive health care services. We describe the experiences of adolescents and emerging adults as they navigate access to contraceptives at SBHCs and nonschool locations in nonurban, low-income communities.

Method

We interviewed 30 sexually active individuals aged 15 to 21 living in rural and suburban communities in Colorado where high school SBHCs were recently introduced. Participants reflected on their experiences with or without in-school access to sexual and reproductive health services.

Results

Overall, young people supported within-school access to contraceptives, citing convenience, low cost, and greater confidentiality and privacy compared with out-of-school providers, particularly in rural areas. At the same time, findings point to the need for SBHCs to overcome adolescents’ and emerging adults’ misunderstanding of age requirements to access confidential contraceptive services and their remaining concerns around confidentiality in the school setting.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that SBHCs in low-income rural and suburban areas provide essential contraceptive services that young people access and value. Policy makers in nonurban communities should look to the SBHC model to reduce barriers for young people accessing reproductive health care, and health care providers should work to ensure confidentiality and to correct misinformation about their right to access contraceptive services.
Expanding Opportunities for Data Dissemination Through Collaborative Writing Teams in Public Health Practice Settings
Authors: McMullen Tramaine Paul , Mandelbaum Jennifer , Myers Kristian , Brightharp Courtney , Kavanaugh Kelly , Hicks Shauna
Published: July 2021

Government health departments at all levels make meaningful contributions to advancing the public health of communities, yet state health departments lack the time and infrastructure to share their findings with the broader scientific community. To address this gap in data dissemination, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control developed a “collaborative writing team” (CWT) pilot. As part of this pilot program, teams of staff members leveraged existing data to advance the public health knowledge base, with an emphasis on public health practice. The six steps of the CWT included (1) identify team members’ skills/strengths, (2) discuss available data, (3) determine opportunities to share data, (4) divide responsibilities based on team members’ strengths, (5) write and submit product, and (6) debrief. Between December 2019 and November 2020, the team had six abstracts accepted to two national conferences, one abstract accepted to a state public health conference, and one editorial published in a peer-reviewed journal. Feedback from participants indicated that self-efficacy in areas including writing, project facilitation, and analysis had increased among team. CWTs are a framework for people working within public health practice settings to disseminate findings.
Fast MCsquare-Based Independent Dose Verification Platform for Pencil Beam Scanning Proton Therapy
Authors: Liu Chunbo , Ho Meng Wei , Park Jiyeon , Hsi Wen Chien , Liang Xiaoying , Li Zuofeng , Song Yuntao , Feng Hansheng , Zhang Yawei
Published: July 2021

Purpose:

To commission MCsquare (a multi-cores CPU-based dose calculation engine) for pencil beam scanning (PBS) proton therapy, integrate it into RayStation treatment plan system (TPS) to create a dedicated platform for fast independent dose verification.

Method:

A MCsquare-based independent dose verification platform (MC2InRS) was developed to realize automatic dose re-calculation for clinical use, including data preparation, dose calculation, 2D/3D gamma analysis. MCsquare was commissioned based on in-air lateral dose profiles, integrated depth dose, and the absolute dose of different beam energies for Proteus®ONE. MC2InRS was validated with measurement data using various targets and depths in a water phantom. This study also investigated 15 clinical cases to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of MC2InRS platform in clinic practice.

Results:

Between simulation and measurement, the distal range differences at 80% (R80) and 20% (R20) dose levels for each energy were below 0.05 mm, and 0.1 mm, respectively, and the absolute dose differences were below 0.5%. 29 out of 36 QA planes reached a 100% gamma passing rate (GPR) for 2%/2mm criteria, and a minimum of 98.3% gamma was obtained in water phantom between simulation and measurement. For the 15 clinical cases investigated, the average 2D GPR (2%/2mm) was 95.4%, 99.3% for MCsquare vs. measurement, MCsquare vs. TPS, respectively. The average 3D GPR (2%/2mm) was 98.9%, 95.3% for MCsquare vs. TPS in water, and computed tomography (CT), respectively.

Conclusion:

MC2InRS, a fast, independent dose verification platform, has been developed to perform dose verification with high accuracy and efficiency for Pencil Bream Scanning (PBS). Its potential to be applied in routine clinical practice has also been discussed.
The Comparison of Predictive Value Among Chemerin, IL-18 and Hormonal Parameters in Assessing the Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Men
Authors: Jarecki Piotr , Herman Waldemar A , Losy Jacek , Lacka Katarzyna
Published: July 2021

Chemerin (CHEM) is a new proinflammatory adipokine involved in the immune, metabolic and reproductive processes. Low–grade state inflammation (LGSI) is a key element in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MS). Low SHBG is a good marker of male hypogonadism in MS. This study evaluated the prognostic value of selected adipokine, LGSI, and androgenic parameters in predicting the risk of MS among men. One hundred thirty-two random men aged 40 to 70 years old were enrolled. Measurements of anthropometric indices, blood pressure, and laboratory tests were carried out. A total of 62 men (47%) were diagnosed with MS. Chemerin concentrations were higher in men diagnosed with MS compared to healthy: 89.48 (78.12–112.10) vs. 77.9 (65.12–98.64) ng/mL; p = .002. Men diagnosed with MS presented with lower levels of total testosterone: 5.75 (4.00–6.57) vs. 6.40 (5.50–8.40) ng/mL; p = .0014 and SHBG: 46.58 (35.13–66.28) vs. 71.97 (56.1–92.7) nM/L; p < 0.000001. Elevated LGSI indices were demonstrated in men with MS as opposed to healthy [IL–18: 530.64 (409.12–640.56) vs. 418.85 (348.14–496.44) pg/mL; p = .000033 and hs–CRP: 2.15 (0.97–4.26) vs. 1.01 (0.41–2.68) ng/mL; p = .0057)]. In multivariate regression analysis, the highest negative predictive value in assessing the risk of MS was SHBG serum concentration, while the highest positive predictive values were: IL-18, hypertriglyceridemia, and waist circumference. Decreased SHBG levels, combined with elevated IL-18 concentrations in men showing hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype, significantly increase the risk of MS.
Global, Regional, and National Incidence and Year Lived with Disability for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia from 1990 to 2019
Authors: Xu Xiao-Feng , Liu Guo-Xiong , Guo Ya-Shou , Zhu Hai-Yun , He Da-Lin , Qiao Xi-Min , Li Xu-Hui
Published: July 2021

The objective of this study is to provide comprehensive and up-to-date estimates on the disease burden of BPH in 204 countries and territories between 1990 and 2019. Data about incidence, year lived with disability (YLD), and their age-standardized rates (ASRs) for 21 regions, 5 Socio-demographic Index (SDI) quintiles, 204 countries and territories, and 12 age categories from 1990 to 2019 were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study. Estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) of the ASRs and the associations between SDI and the ASRs were estimated. The effects of population growth, population aging, and age-specific rate on the changes in the absolute numbers of incidence and YLD were quantified. Globally, there were 11.26 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 8.79, 14.46) new cases and 1.86 million (95%UI: 1.13, 2.78) YLD due to BPH in 2019. The global ASRs of incidence (EAPC: −0.031, 95% CI: −0.050, −0.012) and YLD (EAPC: −0.058, 95% CI: −0.084, −0.031) decreased slightly from 1990 to 2019, whereas the absolute numbers increased dramatically from 1990 (incidence by 105.7% and YLD by 110.6%), mainly driven by the population growth (53.5% for incidence and 54.4% for YLD) and population aging (55.7% for incidence and 63.2% for YLD). The burden of BPH varied markedly among different regions, socioeconomic status, and countries. As the population is growing and aging, great efforts are required to develop effective prevention, treatment and management strategies to meet the high and increasing burden of BPH worldwide.
Modeling method of irregular cross section annular axis braided preform based on finite element simulation
Authors: Wang Xi , Zhang Guoli , Shi Xiaoping , Zhang Ce
Published: July 2021

The irregular cross section annular axis braided preform is modeled by using finite element simulation instead of geometric modeling. The braiding process is simulated by using a finite element software to obtain the yarn path. And the braided preform is modeled by using nine virtual fibers to form irregular cross section shape of yarn. Meanwhile, a modified vertical braiding machine is used to braid the actual preform, to compare with results from the simulation model. The results show that the simulation model is consistent with the actual braided preform, braiding angle is about 36°, and yarn spacing is about 6 mm. The finite element method can predict the yarn path more accurately without the need of complex analysis and derivation, especially when the irregular mandrel is used for braiding. In addition, the cross-section shape of yarn composed of virtual fibers can be used to achieve a more realistic simulation result. FEM is an efficient simulation method, and can also provide an effective basis in studies of the actual cross-sectional shape of yarn and the properties of its composite reinforcements.
Naldemedine is effective in the treatment of opioid-induced constipation in patients with chronic non-cancer pain who had a poor response to laxatives
Authors: Hale Martin E. , Wild James E. , Yamada Tadaaki , Yokota Takaaki , Tack Jan , Andresen Viola , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr
Published: July 2021

Background:

Two studies demonstrated the efficacy and safety of naldemedine in adult patients with chronic non-cancer pain and opioid-induced constipation (OIC). However, no studies have compared the efficacy of peripherally acting µ-opioid receptor antagonists in patients with adequate and inadequate responses to prior OIC therapy with laxatives. This post hoc analysis of integrated data from the two previous studies compared the efficacy of naldemedine in patients who were unsuccessfully treated with laxatives [poor laxative responders (PLRs)] with those who either did not receive laxatives >30 days prior to screening or those who only received rescue laxative at or after screening (non-PLRs).

Methods:

Patients with OIC were randomized to once-daily treatment with naldemedine 0.2 mg or placebo. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of responders [⩾3 spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs)/week and an increase from baseline of ⩾1 SBM/week for ⩾9 weeks of the 12-week treatment period and ⩾3 weeks of the final 4 weeks of the 12-week treatment period]. Additional endpoints included change in SBM frequency, change in frequency of SBMs without straining, proportion of complete SBM (CSBM) responders, change in CSBM frequency, and time to first SBM. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were assessed.

Results:

The analysis included 538 (317 PLRs, 221 non-PLRs) and 537 (311 PLRs, 226 non-PLRs) patients in the naldemedine and placebo arms, respectively. There were significantly more responders in the naldemedine PLR (46.4%; p < 0.0001) and non-PLR (54.3%; p = 0.0009) subgroups versus the placebo groups (30.2% and 38.9%, respectively). In both the PLR and non-PLR subgroups, naldemedine treatment was superior to placebo on all additional endpoints. Overall incidence of TEAEs in the PLR subgroups treated with naldemedine or placebo was similar.

Conclusion:

This integrated analysis further supports the efficacy and tolerability of naldemedine in the treatment of OIC and demonstrates a consistent effect in both PLR and non-PLR subgroups. [ ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01965158 and NCT01993940]
Preserving ejaculatory function in young patients with lower urinary tract symptoms: medium- to long-term follow-up of prostatic urethral lift at a single center
Authors: Annese Pasquale , d’Altilia Nicola , Mancini Vito , Falagario Ugo G. , Del Giudice Francesco , Ferro Matteo , de Cobelli Ottavio , Porreca Angelo , Busetto Gian Maria , Carrieri Giuseppe
Published: July 2021

Background and aims:

Prostatic urethral lift (Urolift™) is a minimally invasive technique to treat male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The aim of the present study was to assess safety and medium- to long-term outcomes in the relief of urinary symptoms.

Methods:

We included 35 men, affected by severe symptomatic BPH evaluated by International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), with normal erectile function (EF) and ejaculatory function (EjF) evaluated by the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction (IIEF-5) and Male Sexual Health Questionnaire for Ejaculatory Dysfunction (MSHQ-EjD-SF). Exclusion criteria were prostate larger than 70 cm3, bladder neck sclerosis, concomitant third prostatic lobe, and/or other cervical urethral obstruction or cancer. All patients, preoperatively, performed uroflowmetry (UFM) with peak flow (Q-max) and post void residual volume (PVR), digital rectal exam, transrectal prostate ultrasound to measure prostate volume, PSA, and cystoscopy. Follow-up was scheduled at 1–3–6 months, then yearly, evaluating UFM, IPSS, IIEF-5, and MSHQ-EjD-SF.

Results:

All procedures were performed by a single senior surgeon and follow-up was 33.8 ± 12 months. Preoperative PSA was 0.82 ± 0.4 ng/ml and mean operative time was 19.6 ± 10 min and 3 (2–4) implants per patient were used. Parameters reported at last follow-up schedule were: Q-max increase of 68% ( p = 0.001), PVR reduction 68% ( p = 0.005), and IPSS reduction 55% ( p < 0.0001). EF and EjF were similarly preserved, and no patients presented retrograde ejaculation. A total of 88.6% of patients were satisfied with LUTSs improvement and 100% satisfied with EjF.

Conclusion:

Urolift can improve urinary disorders secondary to BPH, preserving EjF and EF. It is a safe and easy method, reproducible, and with low incidence of complications. Careful selection of patients is mandatory. The main reason for dissatisfaction is the higher expectation of better BPH symptoms relief although patients with high bladder neck and/or prostate volume >45 cm3 were aware of the possible failure.
First- or second-generation epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors in a large, real-world cohort of patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Huang Allen Chung-Cheng , Huang Chi-Hsien , Ju Jia-Shiuan , Chiu Tzu-Hsuan , Tung Pi-Hung , Wang Chin-Chou , Liu Chien-Ying , Chung Fu-Tsai , Fang Yueh-Fu , Guo Yi-Ke , Kuo Chih-Hsi Scott , Yang Cheng-Ta
Published: July 2021

Background:

There are limited comparisons of first- and second-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in large, real-world cohorts of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with epidermal growth factor receptor ( EGFR) mutations.

Methods:

Patients with advanced NSCLC ( N = 612) with common EGFR mutations receiving first-line gefitinib/erlotinib and afatinib were grouped and propensity-score matched. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and secondary T790M mutations were analyzed.

Results:

The gefitinib/erlotinib and afatinib groups each contained 206 patients after matching. Compared with gefitinib/erlotinib, patients receiving afatinib achieved longer median PFS (16.3 versus 14.2 months; log-rank test p = 0.020) and had a lower risk of progression [hazard ratio (HR) 0.73 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.57–0.94); p = 0.017]. Median OS (37.3 versus 34.2 months; log-rank test p = 0.500) and reduction in risk of death [HR 0.89 (95% CI, 0.65–1.23); p = 0.476] did not differ significantly between groups. T790M positivity was significantly higher in the gefitinib/erlotinib than afatinib group (70.9% versus 44.6%, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that afatinib was independently associated with lower T790M positivity [odds ratio (OR) 0.27 (95% CI, 0.14–0.53); p < 0.001], whereas ⩾12 months PFS after EGFR-TKI treatment [OR 3.00 (95% CI, 1.56–5.98); p = 0.001] and brain metastasis [OR 2.12 (95% CI, 1.08–4.26); p = 0.030] were associated with higher T790M positivity. Sequential third-generation EGFR-TKI treatment was administered to 63 patients, in whom median OS after the second–third-generation and first–third-generation EGFR-TKI sequences were 38.8 and 29.1 months, respectively.

Conclusion:

Compared with gefitinib/erlotinib, afatinib had a higher treatment efficacy and a lower secondary T790M positivity in a large, real-world cohort of Asian patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC.
COVID-19-related conspiracy theories in China
Authors: Wang Xue , Zuo Shi-Jiang , Chan Hoi-Wing , Chiu Connie Pui-Yee , Hong Ying-yi
Published: July 2021

Many COVID-19 conspiracy theories implicate China and its agents, whether implicitly or explicitly, as conspirators with potentially malicious intent behind the current pandemic. We set out to explore whether Chinese people believe in pandemic-related conspiracy theories, and if so, how do their secure (in-group identification) and defensive (collective narcissism) in-group positivity predict their conspiracy beliefs. We hypothesized that national identification would negatively predict the tendency to attribute responsibility to an in-group, thus predicting less risk-rejection conspiracy theory beliefs (e.g., COVID-19 is a hoax). In contrast, national collective narcissism would positively predict the tendency to attribute responsibility for the pandemic to an out-group, which in turn would validate conspiracy theories that acknowledge the risk of the pandemic (e.g., COVID-19 is a bioweapon). To test these predictions, we collected data in China ( n = 1,200) in April 2020. Supporting our predictions, national identification was negatively associated with risk-rejection conspiracy beliefs via in-group attribution, whereas national collective narcissism was positively associated with risk-acceptance conspiracy beliefs via out-group attribution.
The United States in Kazakhstani public opinion: Double-edged cultural influence and the collateral damage of foreign policy
Authors: Laruelle Marlene , Royce Dylan
Published: July 2021

This article employs surveys by Gallup, the Central Asia Barometer, and the Barometer of Eurasian Integration, as well as focus groups that were commissioned as part of this research, to argue (1) that Kazakhstani perceptions of the United States compare unfavorably to perceptions of China and especially of Russia; (2) that Russian influence is a minor or nonexistent cause of the United States’ poor image; (3) that US cultural influence has an ambiguous effect on the country’s image in Kazakhstan, due to a “clash of values” between conservative Kazakhstani society and relatively liberal US cultural exports; (4) that the United States’ foreign policy, especially its violation of other states’ sovereignty, has an unambiguously negative effect on its image among Kazakhstanis; and (5) that the resulting relatively negative image of the United States translates into reluctance to build or maintain ties with it. In conclusion, we highlight areas in which the United States–Kazakhstan cooperation is likely to receive a better reception.
The concept of “Greater Eurasia”: The Russian “turn to the East” and its consequences for the European Union from the geopolitical angle of analysis
Authors: Glaser (Kukartseva) Marina , Thomann Pierre-Emmanuel
Published: July 2021

This article examines the Russian project of Greater Eurasia, the reasons for launching such an initiative, and its possible influence on the current regional and global trends in the field of geopolitics, security policy, and relations between Russia and the European Union. The article argues that Greater Eurasia, as a developing geo-economic and geostrategic community, opens up opportunities for Russia and the European project to reset their relationship by creating new zones of mutual development.
Teachers’ Perceptions of Principal Leadership Practices That Influence Teacher Turnover
Authors: Scallon Amy Millett , Bristol Travis J. , Esboldt Joy
Published: July 2021

Teacher turnover is associated with administrative leadership; however, there is an empirical gap in the practices that principals enact that influence teacher turnover. This article uses in-depth case studies and interviews with 32 teachers across two high-turnover and two low turnover middle schools in one large urban public school district to examine teachers’ perceptions of principals’ leadership practices. When compared to principals leading high-turnover schools, we found three common practices that characterized principals of low-turnover schools: (a) recognizing teachers as knowledgeable contributors, (b) clearly communicating the school’s vision around high-quality teaching, and (c) centering student learning.
Community-based screening to determine the prevalence, health and nutritional status of patients with CKD in rural and peri-urban Bangladesh
Authors: Sarker Mohammad Habibur Rahman , Moriyama Michiko , Rashid Harun Ur , Chisti Mohammod Jobayer , Rahman Md Moshiur , Das Sumon Kumar , Uddin Aftab , Saha Samir Kumar , Arifeen Shams El , Ahmed Tahmeed , Faruque ASG
Published: July 2021

Background:

Studies have labelled chronic kidney disease (CKD) among the adult population in urban Bangladesh. To address knowledge gaps on CKD, we aimed to generate data on prevalence, health and nutrition of CKD individuals living in rural and peri-urban Bangladesh.

Methods:

Participants were recruited from the Mirzapur Demographic Surveillance System by age-stratified random sampling. We screened participants by measuring serum creatinine and urine albumin to creatinine ratio, and collected socio-demographic, lifestyles and health information (phase I). After 3 months (phase II), we repeated the urine and blood tests as per the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative guidelines. The glomerular filtration rate was calculated using the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration equation.

Results:

Among 928 participants, 872 completed the study. In phase I, probable CKD cases were 281 (32.2%); in phase II, confirmed cases were 192 (22.0%) (stage 1, 4.0%; stage 2, 11.8%; stage 3, 5.5%; stage 4, 0.6%; stage 5, 0.1%). In multivariable analysis, associated factors for prevalent CKD included aged ⩾60 years [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 5.02; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.85–13.65], hypertension (aOR 3.08; 95% CI 2.07–4.59), diabetes (aOR 2.52; 95% CI 1.60–3.96), presence of red blood cell in urine (aOR 3.20; 95% CI 1.71–5.98) and anemia (aOR 2.50; 95% CI 1.63–3.84).

Conclusions:

This is the first ever research on CKD prevalence in rural and peri-urban Bangladesh and recorded about 22%, which is higher than urban settings. Monitoring systems are needed to evaluate the overall burden and to mitigate risk factors with an emphasis on the rural and peri-urban population.
A case of adrenal Cushing’s syndrome and primary hyperparathyroidism due to an atypical parathyroid adenoma
Authors: Newman Christine , Costello Maria , Casey Mary , Davern Recie , Dinneen Kate , Lowery Aoife , McHale Teresa , O’Shea Paula M , Quinn Anne M , Bell Marcia
Published: July 2021

Cushing’s syndrome is a rare disorder of cortisol excess and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Hypercalcaemia due to hyperparathyroidism is a common condition; however, in 10% of young patients, it is associated with other endocrinopathies and occurs due to a genetic variant [e.g. multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 1 (MEN1), MEN2 or MEN4]. We report the case of a 31-year-old woman who was referred to the endocrinology out-patient service with an 8-month history of hirsutism, amenorrhoea and weight gain. Her biochemical work up was significant for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-independent Cushing’s syndrome. Radiological investigations revealed an adrenal adenoma. During investigation she was also found to have primary hyperparathyroidism due to a parathyroid adenoma. Pre-operatively, the patient was commenced on metyrapone and both her adrenal and parathyroid lesions were resected successfully. There were several concerning findings on initial examination of the parathyroid tumour, including possible extension of the tumour through the capsule and vascular invasion; however, following extensive review, it was ultimately defined as an adenoma. Given the unusual presence of two endocrinopathies in a young patient, she subsequently underwent genetic testing. Analysis of multiple genes did not reveal any pathogenic variants. The patient is currently clinically well, with a normal adjusted calcium and no clinical features of cortisol excess. She will require long-term follow up for recurrence of both hypercalcaemia and hypercortisolaemia.