bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long Noncoding RNA Serve as a Potential Predictive Biomarker for Breast Cancer: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Jiang Xuefeng , Zhang Guijuan , Wu Jieyan , Lin Shujun , Liu Yusheng , Ma Yi , Ma Min
Published: May 2020

Purpose. The detection of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is a novel method for breast cancer diagnosis. The purpose of this meta‐analysis was to evaluate the clinical significance of lncRNAs in identification of human breast cancer. Methods. Electronic databases, including PubMed (176), EMBASE (167), Cochrane Library (4), Web of Science (273), CNKI (41), VIP (18), and wanfang (21), were searched for relevant original articles. Diagnostic capacity of lncRNAs was assessed by pooled sensitivity and specificity, area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and subgroup and meta‐regression analysis. Stata and Meta‐Disc software were used to conduct the meta‐analysis. Results. 33 articles including 4500 cases were identified in our meta‐analysis. lncRNAs sustained a high diagnostic efficacy; the pooled sensitivity, specificity, AUC, and DOR of lncRNAs in differentiating BC from controls were 0.74 (95% CI: 0.69‐0.78), 0.78 (95% CI: 0.72‐0.83), 0.82 (95% CI: 0.79‐0.85), and 10.01 (95% CI: 7.13‐14.06), respectively. The subgroup analysis showed that the diagnostic efficacy of lncRNAs in Asian populations was higher than that in Caucasians; lncRNAs in BC were lower than those in TNBC and were higher in plasma and serum specimens than in tissues. In addition, heterogeneity was clearly apparent but was not caused by the threshold effect. Conclusion. This meta‐analysis suggested that lncRNAs might be promising biomarkers for identifying breast cancer, and its clinical application warrants further investigation.
miR‐520h Stimulates Drug Resistance to Paclitaxel by Targeting the OTUD3‐PTEN Axis in Breast Cancer
Authors: Geng Wenwen , Song Haiyun , Zhao Qianqian , Dong Ke , Pu Qian , Gao Haidong , Lv Yanrong
Published: May 2020

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as negative posttranscriptional regulators of target genes and are involved directly in the pathological processes of tumors, including drug resistance. However, the exact function of miR‐520h in breast cancer remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms of miR‐520h in paclitaxel resistance in the MCF‐7 breast cancer cell line. Ectopic expression of miR‐520h could promote the proliferation of breast cancer cells and inhibit paclitaxel‐induced cell apoptosis. Inhibiting the expression of miR‐520h could enhance the sensitivity to paclitaxel in paclitaxel‐resistant MCF‐7/Taxol cells. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assays showed that OTUD3 was a direct target of miR‐520h. OTUD3 plays a necessary role in the paclitaxel resistance effect of miR‐520h, and cotreatment with a miR‐520h inhibitor and OTUD3 overexpression significantly enhanced MCF‐7 cell sensitivity to paclitaxel. Moreover, miR‐520h substantially inhibited the protein expression of PTEN via OTUD3 and subsequently affected downstream p‐AKT pathway activity. In a clinical study, we also found that high miR‐520h expression was associated with more aggressive pathological characteristic and poor prognosis. Therefore, our findings showed that miR‐520h targeted the OTUD3‐PTEN axis to drive paclitaxel resistance, and this miR might be an important potential target for breast cancer treatment.
A Custom Genotyping Array Reveals Population-Level Heterogeneity for the Genetic Risks of Prostate Cancer and Other Cancers in Africa
Authors: Harlemon Maxine , Ajayi Olabode , Kachambwa Paidamoyo , Kim Michelle S. , Simonti Corinne N. , Quiver Melanie H. , Petersen Desiree C. , Mittal Anuradha , Fernandez Pedro W. , Hsing Ann W. , Baichoo Shakuntala , Agalliu Ilir , Jalloh Mohamed , Gueye Serigne M. , Snyper Nana Yaa F. , Adusei Ben , Mensah James E. , Abrahams Afua O.D. , Adebiyi Akindele O. , Orunmuyi Akin T. , Aisuodionoe-Shadrach Oseremen I. , Nwegbu Maxwell M. , Joffe Maureen , Chen Wenlong C. , Irusen Hayley , Neugut Alfred I. , Quintana Yuri , Seutloali Moleboheng , Fadipe Mayowa B. , Warren Christopher , Woehrmann Marcos H. , Zhang Peng , Ongaco Chrissie M. , Mawhinney Michelle , McBride Jo , Andrews Caroline V. , Adams Marcia , Pugh Elizabeth , Rebbeck Timothy R. , Petersen Lindsay N. , Lachance Joseph
Published: May 2020

Although prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality for African men, the vast majority of known disease associations have been detected in European study cohorts. Furthermore, most genome-wide association studies have used genotyping arrays that are hindered by SNP ascertainment bias. To overcome these disparities in genomic medicine, the Men of African Descent and Carcinoma of the Prostate (MADCaP) Network has developed a genotyping array that is optimized for African populations. The MADCaP Array contains more than 1.5 million markers and an imputation backbone that successfully tags over 94% of common genetic variants in African populations. This array also has a high density of markers in genomic regions associated with cancer susceptibility, including 8q24. We assessed the effectiveness of the MADCaP Array by genotyping 399 prostate cancer cases and 403 controls from seven urban study sites in sub-Saharan Africa. Samples from Ghana and Nigeria clustered together, whereas samples from Senegal and South Africa yielded distinct ancestry clusters. Using the MADCaP array, we identified cancer-associated loci that have large allele frequency differences across African populations. Polygenic risk scores for prostate cancer were higher in Nigeria than in Senegal. In summary, individual and population-level differences in prostate cancer risk were revealed using a novel genotyping array.

Significance:

This study presents an Africa-specific genotyping array, which enables investigators to identify novel disease associations and to fine-map genetic loci that are associated with prostate and other cancers.
Differentiation Syndrome with Ivosidenib and Enasidenib Treatment in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory IDH-Mutated AML: A U.S. Food and Drug Administration Systematic Analysis
Authors: Norsworthy Kelly J. , Mulkey Flora , Scott Emma C. , Ward Ashley F. , Przepiorka Donna , Charlab Rosane , Dorff Sarah E. , Deisseroth Albert , Kazandjian Dickran , Sridhara Rajeshwari , Beaver Julia A. , Farrell Ann T. , de Claro R. Angelo , Pazdur Richard
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

Differentiation syndrome (DS) is a serious adverse reaction of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) inhibitors ivosidenib and enasidenib in patients with (IDH)1- and IDH2-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML), respectively.

Experimental Design:

During FDA review of marketing applications for ivosidenib and enasidenib, data from pivotal trials were queried to identify cases of DS in patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) AML. One hundred seventy-nine patients with R/R AML received ivosidenib and 214 received enasidenib. Adverse events, labs, and vital signs in the first 90 days of treatment were screened per diagnostic criteria, and narratives were reviewed to adjudicate DS cases.

Results:

We identified 72 of 179 (40%) potential cases for ivosidenib and 86 of 214 (40%) for enasidenib; 34 of 179 (19%) and 41 of 214 (19%) were adjudicated as DS. Leukocytosis was present in 79% and 61% of cases, respectively. Median (range) time to onset was 20 (1–78) and 19 (1–86) days. Grade ≥ 3 adverse reactions occurred in 68% and 66%; 6% and 5% were fatal. Univariate analyses suggested baseline bone marrow blasts ≥ 48% and peripheral blood blasts ≥ 25% and 15% for ivosidenib and enasidenib, respectively, were associated with increased risk of DS. Complete remission (CR) + CR with partial hematologic recovery rates were lower in patients with versus without DS [ivosidenib 18% (95% confidence interval, 7%–35%) vs. 36% (28%–45%); enasidenib 18% (7%–33%) vs. 25% (18%–32%)].

Conclusions:

DS is a common and potentially fatal adverse reaction of IDH inhibitors, and use of standardized diagnostic criteria may aid in earlier diagnosis and treatment.

See related commentary by Zeidner, p. 4174
Impact of PD-1 Blockade on Severity of COVID-19 in Patients with Lung Cancers
Authors: Luo Jia , Rizvi Hira , Egger Jacklynn V. , Preeshagul Isabel R. , Wolchok Jedd D. , Hellmann Matthew D.
Published: May 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to dramatic changes in oncology practice. It is currently unknown whether programmed death 1 (PD-1) blockade therapy affects severity of illness from COVID-19 in patients with cancer. To address this uncertainty, we examined consecutive patients with lung cancers who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and examined severity on the basis of no or prior receipt of PD-1 blockade. Overall, the severity of COVID-19 in patients with lung cancer was high, including need for hospitalization in more than half of patients and death in nearly a quarter. Prior PD-1 blockade was, as expected, associated with smoking status. After adjustment for smoking status, PD-1 blockade exposure was not associated with increased risk of severity of COVID-19. PD-1 blockade does not appear to affect the severity of COVID-19 in patients with lung cancers.

Significance:

A key question in oncology practice amidst the COVID-19 pandemic is whether PD-1 blockade therapy affects COVID-19 severity. Our analysis of patients with lung cancers supports the safety of PD-1 blockade treatment to achieve optimal cancer outcomes.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1079
Cinnamaldehyde Enhanced Functional Recovery after Sciatic Nerve Crush Injury in Rats
Authors: Jahromi Zohreh , Mohammadghasemi Fahimeh , Moharrami Kasmaie Farshad , Zaminy Arash
Published: May 2020

Peripheral nerve injury is a common clinical issue induced by trauma, tumor, and damage caused by treatment. Such factors create chemical and inflammatory alterations at the injury site, which increase nerve deterioration. Thus, minimizing these modifications can lead to nerve protection after injury. The present study sought to evaluate the possible improvement in nerve regeneration and enhancement of functional outcomes by cinnamaldehyde (Cin) administration following sciatic nerve crush in a rat model. Rats (n = 48) were distributed into 6 groups, including sham, injury, DMSO (vehicle group), and Cin groups (10, 30, and 90 mg/kg/day). Using small hemostatic forceps, crush injury was induced in the left sciatic nerve. Thereafter, Cin was administered for 28 successive days. Weekly records were taken for sciatic functional index (SFI) measurements. Further assessments including electrophysiological and histomorphometric evaluations, gastrocnemius muscle wet weight measurements, and estimation of the serum total oxidant status were performed. According to the results, Cin could accelerate sciatic nerve recovery after crush injury, and the dose of 30 mg/kg/day of Cin had better impacts on SFI recovery, muscle mass ratio, and myelin content. The current research demonstrated that Cin positively affects peripheral nerve restoration. Therefore, Cin therapy could be considered as a potential treatment method for peripheral nerve regeneration and its functional recovery. However, more investigations are required to further validate the study results and evaluate the optimal dose of Cin.
Anisakiasis: The Importance of Prevention and the Role of Diet Therapy in Allergic Patients
Authors: Giuliano Antonio Francesco Maria , Buquicchio Rosalba , Gatto Valeria , Nenna Saverio , Ventura Maria Teresa
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Anisakiasis is a zoonosis of parasitic origin whose diffusion seems to be continuously increasing. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits of a fish-free diet in patients allergic to Anisakis simplex as well as underlining the importance of awareness and prevention. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate the critical issues related to the spread of anisakiasis in relation to eating habits. Methods: Patients were assessed by means of skin prick tests (SPTs) and targeted laboratory testing, with an 18-month-long fish-free diet being recommended in cases of severe sensitization. The degree of awareness about anisakiasis was evaluated from interviews. Patients were subjected to follow-up visits after 18 months. Results: A total of 70 cases of sensitization to A. simplex were evaluated. The Interview answers highlighted a general state of misinformation among patients and healthy subjects along with a remarkable underestimation of anisakiasis-related risks. An overall lack of care regarding eating habits and diet plans also emerged. In 21 patients affected by severe sensitization, clinical and laboratory evaluations were repeated after 18 months of the subjects being on a fish-free diet. There was a remarkable improvement in serum IgE levels and clinical symptoms. Conclusion: Data analysis proved the need to implement new and more effective awareness-raising and prevention campaigns in order to reduce the incidence of anisakiasis. It is crucial to establish an adequate diet therapy for sensitized patients. Evaluation of cytokine patterns suggests how a polyphenol-rich regime can activate regulatory T cell function and possibly reduce the allergic and inflammatory components of the disease.
Profiling of the Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Proteome in Schizophrenia and Mood Disorders for the Discovery of Discriminatory Biomarkers: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Coppens Violette , De Wachter Oskar , Goossens Jobbe , Hendrix Jolien , Maudsley Stuart , Azmi Abdelkrim , van Gastel Jaana , Van Saet Alysia , Lauwers Tina , Morrens Manuel
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Current diagnoses in psychiatry are solely based on the evaluation of clinical presentation by the treating psychiatrist. This results in a high percentage of misdiagnosis and consequential inefficient treatment; especially regarding major depressive disorder (MDD), depression in the context of bipolar disorder (BD-D), bipolar disorder with manic symptoms (BD-M), and psychosis in the context of schizophrenia (SZ). Objective biomarkers allowing for accurate discriminatory diagnostics are therefore urgently needed. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proteomes of patients with MDD (n = 5) , BD-D (n = 3), BD-M (n = 4), and SZ (n = 4), and also of healthy controls (HC; n = 6) were analyzed by state-of-the-art mass spectrometry. Proteins with a differential expression of a >2 standard deviation (SD) expression fold change from that of the HC and between either MDD versus BD-D or BD-M versus SZ were subsequently identified as potential discriminatory biomarkers. Results: In total, 4,271 individual proteins were retrieved from the HC. Of these, about 2,800 were detected in all patient and HC samples. For objective discrimination between MDD and BD-D, 66 candidate biomarkers were found. In parallel, 72 proteins might harbor a biomarker capacity for differential diagnostics of BD-M and SZ. A single biomarker was contraregulated versus HC in each pair of comparisons. Discussion: With this work, we provide a register of candidate biomarkers with the potential to objectively discriminate MDD from BD-D, and BD-M from SZ. Although concerning a proof-of-concept study with limited sample size, these data provide a stepping-stone for follow-up research on the validation of the true discriminatory potential and feasibility of clinical implementation of the discovered biomarker candidates.
The Tumor-Suppressive Human Circular RNA CircITCH Sponges miR-330-5p to Ameliorate Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity Through Upregulating SIRT6, Survivin, and SERCA2a
Authors: Han Dong , Wang Yongjun , Wang Yabin , Dai Xinchun , Zhou Tingwen , Chen Jiangwei , Tao Bo , Zhang Jibin , Cao Feng
Published: May 2020

Rationale:

Doxorubicin is one of the most potent antitumor agents available; however, its clinical use is restricted because it poses a risk of severe cardiotoxicity. Previous work has established that CircITCH (circular RNA ITCH [E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase]) is a broad-spectrum tumor-suppressive circular RNA and that its host gene, ITCH (E3 ubiquitin protein ligase), is involved in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (DOXIC). Whether CircITCH plays a role in DOXIC remains unknown.

Objective:

We aimed to dissect the role of CircITCH in DOXIC and further decipher its potential mechanisms.

Methods and Results:

Circular RNA sequencing was performed to screen the potentially involved circRNAs in DOXI pathogenesis. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and RNA in situ hybridization revealed that CircITCH was downregulated in doxorubicin-treated human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) as well as in the autopsy specimens from cancer patients who suffered from doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy. Cell death/viability assays, detection of cardiomyocyte necrosis markers, microelectrode array, and cardiomyocyte functional assays revealed that CircITCH ameliorated doxorubicin-induced cardiomyocyte injury and dysfunction. Detection of cellular/mitochondrial oxidative stress and DNA damage markers verified that CircITCH alleviated cellular/mitochondrial oxidative stress and DNA damage induced by doxorubicin. RNA pull-down assays, Ago2 immunoprecipitation and double fluorescent in situ hybridization identified miR-330-5p as a direct target of CircITCH. Moreover, CircITCH was found to function by acting as an endogenous sponge that sequestered miR-330-5p. Bioinformatic analysis, luciferase reporter assays, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that SIRT6 (sirtuin 6), BIRC5 (baculoviral IAP repeat containing 5, Survivin), and ATP2A2 (ATPase sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
transporting 2, SERCA2a [SR Ca
2+
-ATPase 2]) were direct targets of miR-330-5p and that they were regulated by the CircITCH/miR-330-5p axis in DOXIC. Further experiments demonstrated that CircITCH-mediated alleviation of DOXIC was dependent on the interactions between miR-330-5p and the 3′-UTRs of SIRT6, BIRC5, and ATP2A2 mRNA. Finally, AAV9 (adeno-associated virus serotype 9) vector-based overexpression of the well-conserved CircITCH partly prevented DOXIC in mice.

Conclusions:

CircITCH represents a novel therapeutic target for DOXIC because it acts as a natural sponge of miR-330-5p, thereby upregulating SIRT6, Survivin and SERCA2a to alleviate doxorubicin-induced cardiomyocyte injury and dysfunction.
Folic Acid Supplement Use and Increased Risk of Gestational Hypertension
Authors: Li Qian , Xu Shangzhi , Chen Xi , Zhang Xu , Li Xiating , Lin Lixia , Gao Duan , Wu Meng , Yang Sen , Cao Xiyu , Tan Tianqi , Hu Wenqi , Guo Jinrong , Huang Li , Chen Renjuan , Zhou Xuezhen , Cui Wenli , Xiong Ting , Gao Qin , Wu Yuanjue , Hong Miao , Wang Xiaoyi , Zhang Guofu , Zhang Yu , Zhong Chunrong , Xiong Guoping , Yang Hongying , Yang Nianlan , Yang Xuefeng , Hao Liping , Jin Zhichun , Yang Nianhong
Published: May 2020

Current results regarding the effect of folic acid (FA) supplement use on gestational hypertension (GH) and preeclampsia are limited and inconsistent. We aimed to investigate whether FA supplement use was associated with GH and preeclampsia. Participants from the Tongji Maternal and Child Health Cohort with information on periconceptional FA supplement use and diagnosis of GH/preeclampsia were included (n=4853). Robust Poisson regression was used to assess the association of FA supplement use and GH and preeclampsia. Among the 4853 participants in this study, 1161 (23.9%) and 161 (3.3%) women were diagnosed with GH and preeclampsia, respectively. The risk ratio of developing GH was higher in women who used ≥800 µg/d FA supplement from prepregnancy through midpregnancy than nonusers (risk ratio, 1.33 [1.08–1.65]). After adjusting for social-demographic, reproductive, lifestyle factors, family history of hypertension, other supplement use, and gestational weight gain, the adverse association remained significant (risk ratio, 1.32 [1.06–1.64]). Restricting the analysis among women with normal weight, without family history of hypertension, and without gestational diabetes mellitus, the positive FA-GH association still existed. We did not find any significant association between FA supplement use and preeclampsia regardless of adjustment. High-dose (≥800 µg/d) FA supplement use from prepregnancy through midpregnancy was associated with increased risk of GH. Attention should be given to avoid the potential risk of GH due to inappropriate FA supplement use in women who are planning or capable of pregnancy.
Natriuretic Peptide Receptor 2 Locus Contributes to Carotid Remodeling
Authors: Korshunov Vyacheslav A. , Smolock Elaine M. , Wines‐Samuelson Mary E. , Faiyaz Abrar , Mickelsen Deanne M. , Quinn Breandan , Pan Calvin , Dugbartey George J. , Yan Chen , Doyley Marvin M. , Lusis Aldons J. , Berk Bradford C.
Published: May 2020

Background

Carotid artery intima/media thickness (
IMT
) is a hallmark trait associated with future cardiovascular events. The goal of this study was to map new genes that regulate carotid
IMT
by genome‐wide association.

Methods and Results

We induced
IMT
by ligation procedure of the left carotid artery in 30 inbred mouse strains. Histologic reconstruction revealed significant variation in
left carotid artery
intima, media, adventitia, external elastic lamina volumes, intima‐to‐media ratio, and (intima+media)/
external elastic lamina
percent ratio in inbred mice. The carotid remodeling trait was regulated by distinct genomic signatures with a dozen common single‐nucleotide polymorphisms associated with
left carotid artery
intima volume, intima‐to‐media ratio, and (intima+media)/
external elastic lamina
percent ratio. Among genetic loci on mouse chromosomes 1, 4, and 12, there was natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (
Npr2
), a strong candidate gene. We observed that only male, not female, mice heterozygous for a targeted
Npr2
deletion (
Npr2
+/−
) exhibited defective carotid artery remodeling compared with
Npr2
wild‐type (
Npr2
+/+
) littermates. Fibrosis in carotid
IMT
was significantly increased in
Npr2
+/−
males compared with
Npr2
+/−
females or
Npr2
+/+
mice. We also detected decreased
Npr2
expression in human atherosclerotic plaques, similar to that seen in studies in
Npr2
+/−
mice.

Conclusions

We found that components of carotid
IMT
were regulated by distinct genetic factors. We also showed a critical role for
Npr2
in genetic regulation of vascular fibrosis associated with defective carotid remodeling.
Physical Activity and Incident Heart Failure in High‐Risk Subgroups: The ARIC Study
Authors: Florido Roberta , Kwak Lucia , Lazo Mariana , Michos Erin D. , Nambi Vijay , Blumenthal Roger S. , Gerstenblith Gary , Palta Priya , Russell Stuart D. , Ballantyne Christie M. , Selvin Elizabeth , Folsom Aaron R. , Coresh Josef , Ndumele Chiadi E.
Published: May 2020

Background

Greater physical activity (
PA
) is associated with lower heart failure (
HF
) risk. However, it is unclear whether this inverse association exists across all subgroups at high risk for
HF
, particularly among those with preexisting atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Methods and Results

We followed 13 810
ARIC
(Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study participants (mean age 55 years, 54% women, 26% black) without
HF
at baseline (visit 1; 1987–1989).
PA
was assessed using a modified Baecke questionnaire and categorized according to American Heart Association guidelines: recommended, intermediate, or poor. We constructed Cox models to estimate associations between
PA
categories and incident
HF
within each high‐risk subgroup at baseline, with tests for interaction. We performed additional analyses modeling incident coronary heart disease as a time‐varying covariate. Over a median of 26 years of follow‐up, there were 2994
HF
events. Compared with poor
PA
, recommended
PA
was associated with lower
HF
risk among participants with hypertension, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome (all
P
<0.01), but not among those with prevalent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (coronary heart disease, stroke, or peripheral arterial disease) (hazard ratio, 0.91; 95%
CI
, 0.74–1.13 [
P
interaction=0.02]). Recommended
PA
was associated with lower risk of incident coronary heart disease (hazard ratio, 0.79; 95%
CI
, 0.72–0.86), but not with lower
HF
risk in those with interim coronary heart disease events (hazard ratio, 0.90; 95%
CI
, 0.78–1.04 [
P
interaction=0.04]).

Conclusions

PA
was associated with decreased
HF
risk in patients with hypertension, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome. Despite a myriad of benefits in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease,
PA
may have weaker associations with
HF
prevention after ischemic disease is established.
Adherence to Anticoagulant Guideline for Atrial Fibrillation Improves Outcomes in Asian Population
Authors: Krittayaphong Rungroj , Winijkul Arjbordin , Kunjara-Na-Ayudhya Rapeephon , Apiyasawat Sirin , Siriwattana Khanchai , Kanjanarutjawiwat Wiwat , Dutsadeevettakul Somchai , Lip Gregory Y. H. ,   for the COOL-AF Investigators
Published: May 2020

Background and Purpose—

Guideline adherent oral anticoagulant (OAC) management of patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation has been associated with improved outcomes, but limited data are available from Asia. We aimed to investigate outcomes in patients who received guideline compliant management compared with those who were OAC undertreated or overtreated, in a large nationwide multicenter cohort of patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in Thailand.

Methods—

Patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation were prospectively enrolled from 27 hospitals—all of which are data contributors to the COOL-AF Registry (Cohort of Antithrombotic Use and Optimal INR Level in Patients With Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation in Thailand). Patients were categorized as follows: (1) guideline adherence group when OAC was given in high-risk or intermediate-risk, but not in low-risk patients; (2) undertreatment group when OAC was not given in the high-risk or intermediate-risk groups; and (3) overtreatment group when OAC was given in the low-risk group or when OAC was given in combination with antiplatelets without indication.

Results—

A total of 3327 patients who had follow-up clinical outcome data were included. The mean age of patients was 67.4 years and 58.1% were male. The numbers of patients in the guideline adherence group, undertreatment group, and overtreatment group were 2267 (68.1%), 624 (18.8%), and 436 (13.1%) patients, respectively. The overall rate of ischemic stroke, major bleeding, all bleeding, and death was 3.0%, 4.4%, 15.1%, and 7.8%, respectively. Undertreated patients had a higher risk of ischemic stroke and death compared with guideline adherent patients, and overtreated patients had a higher risk of bleeding and death compared with OAC guideline-managed patients.

Conclusions—

Adherence to OAC management guidelines is associated with improved clinical outcomes in Asian nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients. Undertreatment or overtreatment was found to be associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes compared with guideline-adherent management.
A new stenoendemic species of Blephilia (Lamiaceae: Lamioideae; Menthinae) from the Interior Low Plateau of Tennessee

Authors: FLODEN AARON , SCHILLING EDWARD E.
Published: May 2020

A new species of Blephilia, B. woffordii sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on results of morphometric and molecular analyses. The results support the distinctiveness of four species of Blephilia. The newly recognized species is distributed on limestone bluffs and cliffs within a small section of the Caney Fork River drainage of Middle Tennessee in the Eastern Highland Rim physiographic province. This region is known for several endemic species and also several species disjunct from the Ozark region of the Interior Highlands. A revised key to the genus is provided.
Sphyraena stellata, a new barracuda from the Indo-Pacific, with redescriptions of S. helleri Jenkins, 1901 and S. novaehollandiae Günther, 1860 (Perciformes: Sphyraenidae)
Authors: MORISHITA SATOSHI , MOTOMURA HIROYUKI
Published: May 2020

A new barracuda, Sphyraena stellata, is described on the basis of 41 specimens [98.0–587.0 mm standard length (SL)] collected from the Indo-Pacific. The new species can be distinguished from all congeners in having the following combination of characters: one gill raker on first gill arch; pelvic-fin insertion located slightly before vertical through first dorsal-fin origin; pored lateral-line scales 134–141 (modally 137), total lateral-line scales 139–148 (146); scales above and below lateral line 15–17 (15) and 14–16 (15), respectively; snout comparatively short, its length 13.6–15.8 (mean 14.4) % SL; upper jaw short, its posterior tip not reaching to below anterior nostril, its length 10.0–12.2 (10.8) % SL; eye small, orbit diameter and depth 4.3–7.0 (4.9) and 3.9–5.6 (4.5) % SL, respectively; anal-fin base shortish, its length 6.9–8.1 (7.5) % SL; last dorsal- and anal-fin ray lengths 4.0–5.6 (4.7) and 3.6–5.6 (4.6) % SL, respectively; anus not close to anal-fin origin, anterior and posterior margins of former to anal-fin origin 7.5–11.9 (9.9) and 5.2–8.3 (6.8) % of head length, respectively; head sensory canal pores on suborbital area simple or slightly branched, their lowermost parts not close to margin of lacrimal bone, large smooth area lacking canal pores on mid-margin of lacrimal bone; two yellow stripes on lateral surface of body (remaining as black stripes in preserved specimens); and caudal fin gray. In addition, S. helleri Jenkins, 1901 and S. novaehollandiae Günther, 1860, both being closely related to the new species, are redescribed on the basis of 4 (243.3–545.8 mm SL) and 15 (270.8–598.0 mm SL) specimens, including holotypes, respectively, with new diagnostic characters proposed for both species.
The marine ichthyofauna of Lebanon: an annotated checklist, history, biogeography, and conservation status
Authors: BARICHE MICHEL , FRICKE RONALD
Published: May 2020

This is an annotated checklist of the marine fish species of Lebanon (Levant coast, eastern Mediterranean). It comprises a total of 367 fish species distributed in 159 families and 27 orders, out of which 70 species are non-indigenous and 28 are recorded for the first time from Lebanon. The checklist includes all names and citations of species found in the literature, as well as references to specimens available in museum collections. It also includes an updated zoogeographic distribution and conservation status for each species. Threats were estimated based on surveys and observations made over the last two decades; broadly categorized conservation actions were also suggested.
From repression to oppression: news journalism in Turkey 2013–2018
Authors: Pukallus Stefanie , Bradley Lisa , Clarke Sarah , Harrison Jackie
Published: May 2020

The political context for practicing free and independent journalism has always been challenging in Turkey and ever more so after the failed coup d’état of 2016. This article examines and analyzes the changes brought about by this failed coup d’état in terms of their civil, legal, and political significance for news journalism and news journalists. More specifically and based on two sets of semi-structured interviews with Turkish editors and senior journalists supported by an analysis of gray literature, we argue that between 2013 and 2018 Turkey has moved from a pre-coup repression of news journalism (2013–2016) to a post-coup oppression of news journalism (2016–2018). The former was characterized by unsystematic attacks on news journalism conducted with impunity leading to a climate of fear that made self-censorship inescapable. In contrast, the latter relied on constitutional changes and the use of law to systematically compromise the civil institution of news journalism and to cast news journalists as political enemies of the Turkish state resulting in what can be likened to a loss of their citizenship. We further argue that the development from the repression to oppression of news journalism has been ‘authorized’ and ‘legalized’ by the constitutional changes that came into force on 9 July 2018.
Elective Tracheostomy During Mechanical Ventilation in Patients Affected by COVID‐19: Preliminary Case Series From Lombardy, Italy
Authors: Turri‐Zanoni Mario , Battaglia Paolo , Czaczkes Camilla , Pelosi Paolo , Castelnuovo Paolo , Cabrini Luca
Published: May 2020

The COVID‐19 outbreak poses continued struggles due to the unprecedented number of patients admitted to intensive care units and the overwhelming need for mechanical ventilation. We report a preliminary case series of 32 patients with COVID‐19 who underwent elective tracheostomies after a mean intubation period of 15 days (range, 9‐21 days). The procedure was performed with percutaneous (10 cases) and open (22 cases) surgical techniques. Neither procedure‐related complications nor viral transmission to health care workers was observed. Our preliminary experience supports the safety of tracheostomy, provided that appropriate protocols are strictly followed. The postoperative care is still debated, and, prudentially, our protocol includes tracheal tube change not before 2 weeks after tracheostomy, with cuff deflation and decannulation deferred until confirmation of negative SARS‐CoV‐2 test results. This is the first case series to report on such a rapidly evolving issue and might represent a source of information for clinicians worldwide who will soon be facing the same challenges.
‘Black Mail’: Networks of opium and postal exchange in nineteenth-century India
Authors: Gupta Devyani
Published: May 2020

This article discusses the overlap between British Indian networks of postal communication and trade, and smuggling of opium within a nineteenth-century inter-Asian context. These circulatory networks received support from the expansion of global shipping lines. The colonial state subsidised opium steamers of private shipping companies and converted them into mail packets, using them to transport illicit opium to parts of Southeast and East Asia. Domestically, inland postal routes came to be appropriated by local traders, cultivators and itinerants to smuggle excess opium, growing outside the purview of the colonial state, to various ports in western India, thereby cutting into the profits and prestige of the colonial state. Simultaneously, official complicity in opium smuggling also came to the fore, evident in the case of post offices situated in the eastern parts of the subcontinent, highlighting the inherent weaknesses within the colonial system of administration.
Efficacy of Cognitive Rehabilitation Versus Usual Treatment at Home in Patients With Early Stages of Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Kurth Sophie , Wojtasik Vinciane , Lekeu Françoise , Quittre Anne , Olivier Catherine , Godichard Vinciane , Bastin Christine , Salmon Eric
Published: May 2020

Introduction:

Assessing the benefit of cognitive rehabilitation (CR) remains difficult.

Method:

An observational study was conducted in 33 patients with early-stage Alzheimer disease and their caregiver included in a clinical CR program at home, compared to 17 patients who received usual treatment. Evaluation of patient’s dependence and objective and subjective caregiver’s burden was performed by the caregiver with a research tool focusing on impairment in daily activities related to cognitive deficits.

Results:

Repeated measures analysis of variance showed a time by group interaction ( P < .05), with decreased patient’s dependence for adapted activities at 1 year in the CR group. Lawton scale for daily activities showed also a time by group interaction ( P < .05), with increased dependence at 1 year in the control group. There was a significant decrease in Mini-Mental State Examination scores in both groups at 1-year follow-up ( P < .05). Concerning caregiver’s subjective burden, there was a trend for the time by group interaction ( P = .07), and post hoc Tukey test showed that subjective burden was decreased in the CR group ( P < .05). This was confirmed by nonparametric Mann-Whitney analysis on differences between follow-up and baseline evaluation ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

This observational study in a clinical setting is in line with the benefit of CR reported in recent randomized controlled trials. The benefit obtained for adapted daily activities remained after 1 year, even if global cognition declined. Moreover, caregiver’s subjective burden related to all relevant daily activities evaluated within the CR program was decreased after 1 year in our clinical setting.
Relationship Between Oil Price Movements and Stock Returns of Oil Firms in Oil Importing Economies
Authors: Kushwah Silky Vigg , Siddiqui Areej Aftab
Published: May 2020

This article investigates the impact of oil price shocks on the stock returns of companies of the oil sector in oil-importing economies. The study considers oil stocks of top five oil-importing economies, that is, India, USA, China, Japan and Korea from 2007–2019. The oil price is considered as the independent variable, whereas the oil sector stock index return is considered as dependent variable. Based on the existing literature, some control variables like stock index return, inflation, interest rates, gross domestic product (GDP) and dummy for US-China trade war are included. Empirical evidence from the returns of oil sector stock index indicates that there is a significant and positive relationship between oil prices and oil sector’s stock returns. The result also highlights a strong relationship between stock market index and oil sector stock index. GDP of the country also leads to a positive impact on returns of oil stocks, although there is no significant impact of interest rates and inflation on the returns of oil stocks.
Nodular Vascular Transformation of the Lymph Node Sinuses Mimicking Sarcomatoid Change in Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Potential Diagnostic Pitfall
Authors: Mignano Salvatore E. , Russell Daniel H.
Published: May 2020

Vascular transformation of the lymph node sinuses (VTS) is an uncommon phenomenon that is believed to occur secondary to obstruction of efferent lymphatics, frequently occuring in retroperitoneal lymph nodes draining cancer. The nodular subtype of VTS, in particular, can mimic metastatic cancer, such as metastatic renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid differentiation, potentially resulting in inaccurate tumor grading and/or staging. We present a case of nodular VTS mimicking metastatic renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid differentiation in a patient with high-grade clear cell renal cell carcinoma, and explore the relevant differential diagnosis. Awareness of VTS is essential to avoid misdiagnosis of this benign and curative condition.
A Prelude—Unsettling Traditions: Reimagining the Craft of Phenomenological and Hermeneutic Inquiry
Authors: Vagle Mark D. , Thiel Jaye Johnson , Hofsess Brooke Anne
Published: May 2020

This is the editorial introduction for the special issue “Unsettling Traditions: Reimagining the Craft of Phenomenological and Hermeneutic Inquiry.”
Social Distancing and Incarceration: Policy and Management Strategies to Reduce COVID-19 Transmission and Promote Health Equity Through Decarceration
Authors: Henry Brandy F.
Published: May 2020

Incarcerated people are at disproportionately high risk of contracting COVID-19. Prisons are epicenters for COVID-19 transmission, including to the community. High rates of preexisting health conditions, limited access to quality health care, and inability to social distance make it impossible to reduce the impact of COVID-19 in prisons. Due to a history of compounded social determinants, incarcerated populations are disproportionately composed of people of color and people with stigmatized behavioral health disorders. Rapid decarceration is needed to promote health equity. Historical mass decarceration events demonstrate feasibility to rapidly release large groups of people while maintaining public safety. Iran and Ireland have released substantial portions of their prison populations by transitioning people to home confinement. In the United States and Uganda, some jurisdictions have reduced new incarcerations through policies that decrease arrests. These policies must be globally expanded to contain the epidemic, and its potential health consequences, while addressing health equity.
Definition of indicators of appropriateness in the management of neovascular age-related macular degeneration: An expert opinion
Authors: Avitabile Teresio , Boscia Francesco , Dell’Erba Alessandro , Introini Ugo , Lanzetta Paolo , Locatelli Paolo , Ricci Federico , Staurenghi Giovanni , Varano Monica , Zotti Fiorenza
Published: May 2020

Wet age-related macular degeneration is a chronic condition culminating, in most cases, in blindness. The introduction of anti-angiogenic agents in 2006 has represented a major breakthrough in the treatment of the disease, but timely and effective treatment with regular follow-up and monitoring is mandatory to stabilize and preserve visual acuity. In clinical practice, however, appropriate therapy provision is frequently challenged by economic and organizational issues that result in suboptimal visual outcomes and increased incidence of legal blindness. International Guidelines have defined a diagnostic and therapeutic pathway to ensure the best practice in wet age-related macular degeneration management, but reference parameters to evaluate and compare the performance of Retina Centers are lacking. To address the appropriateness of wet age-related macular degeneration management in Italy, a multidisciplinary panel of ten experts gathered in three meetings. They defined three sets of indicators and relative benchmark values that each Center should comply with to ensure patients optimal care already from the first access: (a) clinical intervention indicators, to determine the possible Center’s deviation from the diagnostic and therapeutic pathway; (b) outcome indicator, to evaluate the socioeconomic impact of the healthcare systems’ performance; (c) management indicators, to test the size of the gap between the Center’s supply and demand. Once the indicators have been analyzed, healthcare systems can plan actions to improve appropriateness and monitor their effects. However, to put this in practice, a concerted effort by all parts involved in healthcare provision is required, together with adequate systems to analyze clinical and administrative documentation.
Mid-term results of a prospective randomised controlled trial comparing large-head metal-on-metal hip replacement to hip resurfacing using patient-reported outcome measures and objective functional task-based outcomes
Authors: Konan Sujith , Waugh Charlotte , Ohly Nick , Duncan Clive P , Masri Bassam A , Garbuz Donald S
Published: May 2020

Background:

The early outcomes of large head-metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty (MoM THA) are compromised by adverse local tissue reaction to metal debris. This study is the mid-term follow-up of a prospective randomised control trial (pRCT) comparing MoM THA to MoM HR. We sought to answer whether there was a difference between MoM THA and MoM HR at mid-term follow-up in the implant survival; patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs); and when performing objective functional tasks?

Methods:

A total of 104 patients were studied. Of these 56 had MoM THA (50 male) and 48 had HR (43 male). Mean age at surgery was 52 years in both groups. We reviewed this cohort at mid-term follow-up [minimum 8 years (mean 9 years; range 8–10; SD 0.7)]. PROMs that were completed were OHS, WOMAC, SF-12, and the UCLA. For objective functional task-based outcomes, gait parameters for operated legs were assessed in a subgroup of 17 patients with high UCLA.

Results:

Revision rate in MoM THA group was 7/56 (12.5%) and in the HR group was 1/48 (2.1%). Overall revision rate at minimum 8-year follow-up was 7.7% (8 of 104 patients). PROMs data comparing MoM THA versus HR showed no difference between the groups. 4 (8.5%) of the non-revised (47) HR patients had WOMAC function or pain score below 70. 3 (6.4%) patients had both pain and function scores <70. In the THA group, 5 (10.2%) of the non-revised (49) patients had WOMAC pain or function scores <70. 3 (6.1%) patients had both pain and function scores <70. The comparison of HA versus THA showed several gait parameters in the HR group to be better but not statistically significant ( p > 0.05 Mann-Whitney U-test).

Conclusions:

At mid-term follow-up, the revision rate of MoM articulation for THA is high (7.7%), being higher in large head MoM total hips versus resurfacing. Overall probability of 10-year survival is 92.3% (KM analysis, 95% for MoM THA and 98% for HR). The HR group had better functional parameters on gait-based tasks compared to THA group but this difference did not reach statistical significance.
Individual music psychotherapy and psychosis: Understanding and measuring relative effectiveness through rates of readmission
Authors: Lale Andy , Ntourntoufis Panos
Published: May 2020

This article explores the use of individual music psychotherapy for patients with psychosis who are frequently readmitted into hospital. It explores the extent to which music psychotherapy can support patients to stay out of hospital, thus reducing the costs of treatment. The high cost of inpatient stays is a major factor in shaping clinical services across both inpatient and outpatient zones of secondary care in the United Kingdom. Whether music therapy is seen as value for money may influence how it is provided and for how long. This article presents an empirical illustration of the frequency and duration of psychotic patients’ readmissions in England, and in London. An analysis of these data is provided in an attempt to ascribe meaning to these figures, through relevant literature and hypotheses. Finally, readmission rates are considered as a potential objective outcome measure of clinical effectiveness, by providing a comparison between patients treated with individual music psychotherapy and those receiving treatment as usual.
Looking inward: How does Chinese public diplomacy work at home?
Authors: Yang Yifan
Published: May 2020

Although public diplomacy is not intended for domestic consumption, it can still have an internal impact. It has been observed that China’s huge investment in public diplomacy has not resulted in a proportionate increase in its international image. However, Chinese public diplomacy not only tells China’s story and communicates its voice to the world, but also shoulders the responsibility of accruing legitimacy for the country, both internationally and domestically. By looking at the news reports on the Confucius Institutes and China’s National Image Film – two public diplomacy programmes implemented by the Chinese government – in the mainstream media in both the United States and China, this paper will assess how these influence domestic perceptions of China and the Chinese government, and help enhance the legitimacy of the ruling party. This is important in evaluating the effectiveness of Chinese public diplomacy.