bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the enduring relationship between masculinity and homophobia
Authors: Diefendorf Sarah , Bridges Tristan
Published: February 2020

Recent research in the social sciences suggests a methodological paradox as scholars work to make sense of the contemporary relationship between masculinity and homophobia. Representative surveys consistently find dramatically decreasing levels of sexual prejudice among all groups, among men and young men in particular. Qualitative scholarship, however, continues to find that enactments of homophobia remain integral components of contemporary masculine identities. In this article, we make sense of this shift and apparent methodological inconsistency. We do not question which measure is best. Instead, we argue for a need to understand the ways that gendered sexual prejudice transforms in ways that allow the relationship between masculinity and homophobia to endure—sometimes even when it appears to be in decline.
On the construction of an artificial paradox: A critical commentary on Diefendorf and Bridges’ ‘On the enduring relationship between masculinity and homophobia’
Authors: McCormack Mark
Published: February 2020

The social trend of decreasing homophobia and liberalizing attitudes toward homosexuality is a contentious sociological issue. In a recent article in this journal, Diefendorf and Bridges contend that differences in findings of quantitative and qualitative research related to masculinities and homophobia demand new theories and methods to chart the enduring relationship between homophobia and masculinity. In this critical commentary, I demonstrate the flaws of the methodological framing and refute the characterization of qualitative literature provided. I argue that the theoretical errors in the original article are a result of inattention to social and historical context. Drawing attention to problematic citation practices, I call for critical approaches that recognize both positive social change and contexts where problematic dynamics persist.
Screening of Prognostic Factors in Early-Onset Breast Cancer
Authors: Yu Zhun , He Qi , Xu Guoping
Published: February 2020

Background:

Gene expression profiles from early-onset breast cancer and normal tissues were analyzed to explore the genes and prognostic factors associated with breast cancer.

Methods:

GSE109169 and GSE89116 were obtained from the database of Gene Expression Omnibus. We firstly screened the differentially expressed genes between tumor samples and normal samples from patients with early-onset breast cancer. Based on database for annotation, visualization and intergrated discovery (DAVID) tool, functional analysis was calculated. Transcription factor-target regulation and microRNA-target gene network were constructed using the tool of transcriptional regulatory relatitionships unraveled by sentence-based text mining (TRRUST) and miRWalk2.0, respectively. The prognosis-related survival information was compiled based on The Cancer Genome Atlas breast cancer clinical data.

Results:

A total of 708 differentially expressed genes from GSE109169 data sets and 358 differentially expressed genes from GSE89116 data sets were obtained, of which 122 common differentially expressed genes including 102 uniformly downregulated genes and 20 uniformly upregulated genes were screened. Protein–protein interaction network with a total of 83 nodes and 157 relationship pairs was obtained, and genes in protein–protein interaction, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, FGF2, adiponectin, and PCK1, were recognized as key nodes in protein–protein interaction. In total, 66 transcription factor–target relationship pairs were obtained, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ was the only one downregulated transcription factor. MicroRNA-target gene network contained 368 microRNA-target relationship pairs. Moreover, 16 differentially expressed genes, including 2 upregulations and 14 downregulations, were related to a significant correlation with the prognosis, including SQLE and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ.

Conclusions:

SQLE and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ might be important prognostic factors in breast cancers, and adiponectin might be important in breast cancer pathogenesis regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ.
Timing of renal replacement therapy for patients with acute kidney injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Andonovic Mark , Shemilt Richard , Sim Malcolm , Traynor Jamie P , Shaw Martin , Mark Patrick B , Puxty Kathryn A
Published: February 2020

Background

Acute kidney injury is associated with high mortality, and the optimal time to start renal replacement therapy for acute kidney injury is unknown despite several randomised controlled trials on the subject. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effect of earlier initiation of renal replacement therapy for acute kidney injury on mortality and reported secondary outcomes.

Methods

All literature in databases EMBASE, MEDLINE and CENTRAL was searched from January 1970 to March 2019 using terms related to renal replacement therapy, timing and randomised controlled trials. All randomised controlled trials with 25 or more adult participants suffering from acute kidney injury comparing timing of renal replacement therapy were included. The results of the selected studies were pooled and expressed in terms of risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using a random effects model.

Results

A total of 7008 records were identified; 94 were selected for full text review of which 10 were included in the final meta-analysis. The 10 studies comprised 1956 participants (989 ‘early’ group; 967 ‘late’ group) with 918 total deaths; the analysis demonstrated no significant differences between the ‘early’ and ‘late’ renal replacement therapy groups (RR = 0.98 (95% CI = 0.84, 1.15)) for mortality. No significant differences between groups were evident for period-wise mortality; dialysis dependence; recovery of renal function; length of intensive care unit or hospital stay; or number of renal replacement therapies, mechanical ventilation and vasopressor-free days.

Conclusions

Current evidence does not support the use of early renal replacement therapy for patients with acute kidney injury. Data from ongoing and future randomised controlled trials are required to strengthen the evidence base in the area.
Caplacizumab in adult patients with acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Hanlon Ashley , Metjian Ara
Published: February 2020

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is usually a fatal disease caused by a deficiency of the metalloproteinase, ADAMTS13, often due to autoimmunity. This leads to the development of pathogenic multimers of von Willebrand factor (vWF), causing an inappropriate interaction of platelets and vWF. This results in a thrombotic microangiopathy, which is treated with therapeutic plasma exchange and immune suppression. Although this treatment has reduced the mortality of TTP to only about 20%, there have been no recent significant advances in the treatment of TTP. Recently, a novel agent has been approved for use in TTP. Caplacizumab, which binds to the A1 domain of vWF, prevents the adhesion of platelets to vWF. It is a first in-class ‘nanobody’, that in clinical trials has shown marked efficacy in treating TTP and its complications. This review will discuss the development and implications of caplacizumab in the treatment of TTP.
Thiols as markers of redox status in type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: van Dijk Peter R. , Pasch Andreas , van Ockenburg-Brunet Sonja L. , Waanders Femke , Eman Abdulle A. , Muis Marian J. , Hillebrands J. L. , Bilo Henk J. G. , van Goor Harry
Published: February 2020

Introduction:

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is associated with inflammation and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Systemically, free thiols (R-SH) can be oxidized by ROS and circulating R-SH concentrations may directly reflect the systemic redox status. In this study the association between R-SH and clinical parameters of T1DM, including glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), was investigated. This is of particular interest since thiols are amendable to therapeutic intervention.

Methods:

As part of a prospective cohort study, data from 216 patients with a mean age of 45 (12) years, 57% male, diabetes duration 22 (16, 30) years and HbA1c of 60 (11) mmol/mol were examined. Baseline data were collected in 2002 and follow-up data in 2018. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, with age, sex, HbA1c and R-SH, was used to assess prognostic factors for the development of complications.

Results:

At baseline, the plasma concentration of R-SH was 281.8 ± 34.0 μM. In addition to a lower concentration of NT-proBNP in the highest R-SH quartile (305–379 µM) there were no differences in baseline characteristics between the quartiles of R-SH. The Pearson correlation coefficient for R-SH and NT-proBNP was −0.290 ( p < 0.001). No significant correlation between R-SH and baseline HbA1c ( r = −0.024, p = 0.726) was present. During follow-up, 42 macrovascular and 92 microvascular complications occurred. In Cox regression, R-SH was not a prognostic factor for the development of microvascular [hazard ratio (HR) 0.999 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.993, 1.005)] and macrovascular [HR 0.993 (95% CI 0.984, 1.002)] complications.

Conclusions:

In addition to a negative association with NT-proBNP, no relevant relationships between R-SH and parameters of T1DM, including HbA1c, were present in this study.
“Are Fans in the Stands an Afterthought?”: Sports Events, Decision-Aid Technologies, and the Television Match Official in Rugby Union
Authors: Stoney Emma , Fletcher Thomas
Published: February 2020

The intense commodification, commercialisation, mediatisation, globalisation, and digitalisation of sport in the past three decades have resulted in sporting organisations and governing bodies becoming inextricably tied to the global media industry and corporate economy. A result of this mediatisation, coupled with technological advancement, has been the introduction of decision-aid technologies in sport. Existing literature on decision-aid technologies has generally focused on the technologies themselves. Here, we focus on decision-aid technology use and its impact on event experience. This article examines fan attitudes towards the use of the Television Match Official (TMO) in rugby union in relation to the event experience. We present data from a global online questionnaire ( n = 194) and 11 semi-structured interviews with fans, representatives from rugby’s governing bodies, two TMOs, and a television producer. Data show an inconsistency in how TMO decisions are relayed to match crowds, which had an impact on events experience. The data also reveal how heavily reliant the TMO system is on broadcasters. Fans were generally in favour of TMO use, but they did want to be better informed when it came to TMO referrals and decisions. Indeed, fans said improvements to TMO decision delivery in stadia, specifically having audio of referee/TMO discussions/decisions relayed over the stadium PA system and/or captions providing explanations and decisions on TMO referrals, would mostly improve their event experience.
Mid-term clinical and functional outcomes of distal biceps tendon repair: A comparative study of two surgical fixation techniques
Authors: Poyser Emma , Abdul Wahid , Mehta Hemang
Published: February 2020

Objective:

Acute rupture of the distal biceps tendon is relatively uncommon, and surgical repair is advocated for acute injuries to restore strength and function. Numerous techniques are described in the literature, with no true consensus regarding the optimal method of fixation. The aim of this study was to evaluate patient-reported outcome measures, clinical outcomes and complications for patients undergoing distal biceps tendon repair using two fixation techniques: cortical button and suture anchor.

Methods:

A retrospective single-unit case series of 51 cases (50 patients) underwent distal biceps tendon repair, comprising 19 cortical button and 32 suture anchor fixations. Patients were assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and overall satisfaction. Clinical outcomes and complications were reviewed from patient records.

Results:

Thirty-eight (76.5%) patients responded to DASH questionnaires with a mean follow-up of 189 weeks (11.5–425 weeks). Mean DASH scores for cortical button and suture anchor groups were 6.2 (0–30.8) and 3.3 (0–16.7), respectively ( p = 0.21). Eight patients (16%) reported lateral cutaneous neuropraxia in the early post-operative period. All but two of these patients experienced complete resolution at the final follow-up. One patient had heterotrophic ossification, which did not require any further intervention. There was one re-rupture (suture anchor), but the patient declined further surgical intervention.

Conclusion:

There were no statistically significant differences in the patient-reported outcome measures, overall satisfaction and complication rate between patients undergoing either method of fixation.

Level of evidence:

III
Comparison of two frailty indexes in hip fractures
Authors: Lu Weiyan , Dai Liqun , Wu Gui , Hu Rong
Published: February 2020

Aim:

Modified-Krishnan’s frailty index (FI) is an FI calculation method developed by Krishnan et al. in 2014. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and correlation of the FIs from Krishnan and the Canadian study of health and aging (CSHA) in predicting postoperative outcomes of elderly patients with hip fracture.

Methods:

Based on clinical follow-up and observation, we utilized these two instruments to predict 3-month mortality, hip function, and recovery of daily activities. The area under the curve (AUC) and the Pearson correlation coefficient were used to compare the two scales’ predictive validities for postoperative outcomes.

Results:

A total of 130 patients were included; 67% female and mean age 77.5 ± 8.5 years. The AUCs of modified-Krishnan’s FI (AUC = 0.856; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.767–0.945) and the CSHA-FI (AUC = 0.793; 95% CI = 0.652–0.934) were used to compare the effectiveness in predicting patient mortality. The optimal predictive scores were 0.335 and 0.28, respectively. The Pearson correlation analysis showed that the modified-Krishnan’s FI correlated with the Japanese Orthopaedic Association hip score (pain, activity, walking ability, and ability for daily living; R = −0.249, p = 0.005), while the CSHA-FI was not correlated ( R = −0.125, p = 0.170). The modified-Krishnan’s FI ( R = −0.415, p < 0.001) and the CSHA-FI ( R = −0.332, p < 0.001) were both significantly correlated with the functional recovery scale score.

Conclusions:

The modified-Krishnan’s FI and the CSHA-FI were effective in the prediction of postoperative mortality. But the modified-Krishnan’s FI was more consistently associated with the recovery of hip function and daily activities at 3 months after the operation than that of the CSHA-FI. The modified-Krishnan’s FI was more suitable to utilize for risk stratification, identifying deficits, and predicting recovery capacity in hip fracture patients.
Nursing Students’ Assessment and Parent Reports of Their Children’s Oral Health Behaviors as Predictors of Tooth Decay Risk—A Cross-Sectional, Correlational Study
Authors: Patton Susan , Severe Stephanie
Published: February 2020

Aim:

The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between children’s tooth decay risk score and a dental examination and parent reports of oral health practices.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional correlational study utilizing data from an oral health assessment was performed by undergraduate nursing students and parents completed the permission forms.

Results:

Four hundred and fifty-six children received an oral health assessment. None of the percentages were found to be at high risk for tooth de cay and 21% were referred for further evaluation and dental treatment. Twenty-seven % of parents reported that their child was not being seen by a dentist and 49% reported that they had not established recommended tooth brushing practices in early childhood. In this analysis, the physical examination measures accounted for a significant amount of risk: R2 = 0.55, F(5,317) = 7.62, P < .00. The parent report measures offered little predictive power beyond the examination: R2 = 0.029, F(7,310) = 3.01, P = .00.

Conclusions:

These findings identify a need for a broader perspective to inform oral risk assessment and interventions to address oral health disparities. A social determinant of health framework would improve nursing students’ competency to identify children in need of early intervention. Oral health promotion at the family and community level would improve the preventive oral health practices.
Factors Influencing Future Music Participation: A Review of Literature Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Yoo Hyesoo
Published: February 2020

The theory of planned behavior (TPB) has been employed as a theoretical framework that predicts and explains an individual’s intention to engage in a certain behavior. The TPB postulates that an individual’s behavior is influenced by behavioral intentions, and behavioral intentions are caused by three distinct factors: attitude toward behavior, subjective norms, and perceived behavior control. To holistically understand factors influencing students’ intentions for continued music participation, this article examines music education studies focused on various factors related to student intention to persist in music based on the TPB. This review of literature will support researchers in determining the direction of future investigation of students’ intentions for continued engagement in music. Furthermore, understanding and documenting these factors in student intention could aid music educators in creating teaching strategies focused on increasing student continuation in musical activities.
The prevalence of primary headache disorders in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional population-based study
Authors: Al Jumah Mohammed , Al Khathaami Ali M. , Kojan Suleman , Hussain Mohamed , Thomas Hallie , Steiner Timothy J.
Published: February 2020

Background

The large geographical gaps in our knowledge of the prevalence and burden of headache disorders include most of Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). Following a nationwide population-based study in Pakistan, we present here a similar study from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Both were conducted as projects within the Global Campaign against Headache The two purposes of this study were to inform national health policy and contribute to global knowledge of headache disorders.

Methods

We surveyed Arabic-speaking adults aged 18–65 years in all 13 regions of KSA. While previous Global Campaign studies have engaged participants by calling at randomly selected households, the culture of KSA made this unacceptable. Participants were, instead, contacted by cell-phone (since cell-phone coverage exceeded 100% in KSA), using random-digit dialling. Trained interviewers used a culturally adapted version of the Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaire, with diagnostic enquiry based on ICHD-II. We estimated 1-year prevalences of the headache disorders of public-health importance (migraine, tension-type headache [TTH] and probable medication-overuse headache [pMOH]) and examined their associations with demographic variables.

Results

A total of 2316 participants (mean age of 32.2 ± 10.7 years; 62.3% male; 37.7% female) were included (participation proportion 86.5%). Gender and age distributions imperfectly matched those of the national population, requiring adjustments for these to prevalence estimates. Observed 1-year prevalence of all headache was 77.2%, reducing to 65.8% when adjusted. For headache types, adjusted 1-year prevalences were migraine 25.0%, TTH 34.1%, pMOH 2.0% and other headache on ≥15 days/month 2.3%. Adjusted 1-day prevalence of any headache was 11.5%. Migraine and pMOH were associated with female gender (ORs: 1.7 and 4.7; p < 0.0001). Migraine was negatively associated with age > 45 years (OR: 0.4; p = 0.0143) while pMOH was most prevalent in those aged 46–55 years (OR: 2.7; p = 0.0415). TTH reportedly became more common with increasing level of education.

Conclusion

Prevalences of migraine and TTH in KSA are considerably higher than global averages (which may be underestimated), and not very different from those in Pakistan. There is more pMOH in KSA than in Pakistan, reflecting, probably, its higher-income status and greater urbanisation (facilitating access to medication).
Methanol outbreak: a Malaysian tertiary hospital experience
Authors: Md Noor J. , Hawari R. , Mokhtar M. F. , Yussof S. J. , Chew N. , Norzan N. A. , Rahimi R. , Ismail Z. , Singh S. , Baladas J. , Hashim N. H. , Mohamad M. I. K. , Pathmanathan M. D.
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Methanol poisoning usually occurs in a cluster and initial diagnosis can be challenging. Mortality is high without immediate interventions. This paper describes a methanol poisoning outbreak and difficulties in managing a large number of patients with limited resources.

Methodology

A retrospective analysis of a methanol poisoning outbreak in September 2018 was performed, describing patients who presented to a major tertiary referral centre.

Result

A total of 31 patients were received over the period of 9 days. Thirty of them were males with a mean age of 32 years old. They were mostly foreigners. From the 31 patients, 19.3% were dead on arrival, 3.2% died in the emergency department and 38.7% survived and discharged. The overall mortality rate was 61.3%. Out of the 12 patients who survived, two patients had toxic optic neuropathy, and one patient had uveitis. The rest of the survivors did not have any long-term complications.

Osmolar gap and lactate had strong correlations with patient’s mortality. Serum pH, bicarbonate, lactate, potassium, anion gap, osmolar gap and measured serum osmolarity between the alive and dead patients were significant. Post-mortem findings of the brain were unremarkable.

Conclusion

The mortality rate was higher, and the morbidity includes permanent visual impairment and severe neurological sequelae. Language barrier, severity of illness, late presentation, unavailability of intravenous ethanol and fomipezole and delayed dialysis may have been the contributing factors. Patient was managed based on clinical presentation. Laboratory parameters showed difference in median between group that survived and succumbed for pH, serum bicarbonate, lactate, potassium and osmolar and anion gap. Management of methanol toxicity outbreak in resource-limited area will benefit from a well-designed guideline that is adaptable to the locality.
Keratin 86 is up-regulated in the uterus during implantation, induced by oestradiol
Authors: Zhang He , Zhao Huashan , Wang Xi , Cui Xiaolin , Jin Lingling
Published: February 2020

Background

Uterine receptivity is one of the determinants of embryo implantation, which is responsible for pregnancy success. Aberrant embryo implantation due to disrupted uterine receptivity is usually found in ovarian hyperstimulation induced hyperoestrogen patients.

Results

This study identified keratin 86 (KRT86), a fibrous structural protein, which was upregulated in uterine endometrium during peri-implantation. Using a hyperoestrogen mouse model established in a previous study, we found abnormal oestradiol (E2) levels during pre-implantation could trigger high expression of Krt86 in the uterine epithelium. In an ovariectomised mouse model, combining oestrogen receptors ERα and ERβ knockout mice models, uterine Krt86 was found to be up-regulated after E2 treatment, mediated by nuclear ERα. Furthermore, we found progesterone (P4) could ameliorate Krt86 expression, induced by abnormal E2.

Conclusions

These results revealed the dynamic expression and regulation of Krt86, especially in hyperoestrogen treated mice, indicating it might act as a marker for non-receptive uterus.
Repeated inoculation with fresh rumen fluid before or during weaning modulates the microbiota composition and co-occurrence of the rumen and colon of lambs
Authors: Yu Shaobo , Zhang Guangyu , Liu Zhibo , Wu Peng , Yu Zhongtang , Wang Jiakun
Published: February 2020

Background

Many recent studies have gravitated towards manipulating the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome of livestock to improve host nutrition and health using dietary interventions. Few studies, however, have evaluated if inoculation with rumen fluid could effectively reprogram the development of GI microbiota. We hypothesized that inoculation with rumen fluid at an early age could modulate the development of GI microbiota because of its low colonization resistance.

Results

In this study, we tested the above hypothesis using young lambs as a model. Young lambs were orally inoculated repeatedly (four times before or twice during gradual weaning) with the rumen fluid collected from adult sheep. The oral inoculation did not significantly affect starter intake, growth performance, or ruminal fermentation. Based on sequencing analysis of 16S rRNA gene amplicons, however, the inoculation (both before and during weaning) affected the assemblage of the rumen microbiota, increasing or enabling some bacterial taxa to colonize the rumen. These included operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging toMoryella,Acetitomaculum,Tyzzerella4,Succiniclasticum,Prevotella1,Lachnospiraceae,Christensenellaceae R-7group,Family XIIIAD3011, andBacteroidales S24–7corresponding to inoculation before weaning; and OTUs belonging toSucciniclasticum,PrevotellaceaeUCG-003,ErysipelotrichaceaeUCG-004,Prevotella1,Bacteroidales S24–7gut group uncultured bacterium, and candidateFamily XIIIAD3011 corresponding to inoculation during weaning. Compared to the inoculation during weaning, the inoculation before weaning resulted in more co-occurrences of OTUs that were exclusively predominant in the inoculum. However, inoculation during weaning appeared to have more impacts on the colonic microbiota than the inoculation before weaning. Considerable successions in the microbial colonization of the GI tracts accompanied the transition from liquid feed to solid feed during weaning.

Conclusions

Repeated rumen fluid inoculation during early life can modulate the establishment of the microbiota in both the rumen and the colon and co-occurrence of some bacteria. Oral inoculation with rumen microbiota may be a useful approach to redirect the development of the microbiota in both the rumen and colon.
The effects and interaction of soybean maturity gene alleles controlling flowering time, maturity, and adaptation in tropical environments
Authors: Miranda Carrie , Scaboo Andrew , Cober Elroy , Denwar Nicholas , Bilyeu Kristin
Published: February 2020

Background

Soybean is native to the temperate zones of East Asia. Poor yields of soybean in West African countries may be partially attributed to inadequate adaptation of soybean to tropical environments. Adaptation will require knowledge of the effects of allelic combinations of major maturity genes (E1, E2, and E3) and stem architecture. The long juvenile trait (J) influences soybean flowering time in short, ~ 12 h days, which characterize tropical latitudes. Soybean plant architecture includes determinate or indeterminate stem phenotypes controlled by the Dt1 gene. Understanding the influence of these genetic components on plant development and adaptation is key to optimize phenology and improve soybean yield potential in tropical environments.

Results

Soybean lines from five recombinant inbred populations were developed that varied in their combinations of targeted genes. The soybean lines were field tested in multiple environments and characterized for days to flowering (DTF), days to maturity (DTM), and plant height in locations throughout northern Ghana, and allelic combinations were determined for each line for associating genotype with phenotype. The results revealed significant differences based on genotype for DTF and DTM and allowed the comparison of different variant alleles of those genes. The mutant alleles of J and E1 had significant impact on DTF and DTM, and alleles of those genes interacted with each other for DTF but not DTM. The Dt1 gene significantly influenced plant height but not DTF or DTM.

Conclusions

This research identified major and minor effect alleles of soybean genes that can be combined to control DTF, DTM, and plant height in short day tropical environments in Ghana. These phenotypes contribute to adaptation to a low latitude environment that can be optimized in a soybean breeding program with targeted selection of desired allele combinations. The knowledge of the genetic control of these traits will enhance molecular breeding to produce optimally adapted soybean varieties targeted to tropical environments.
Facilitators, barriers and support needs for staying at work with a chronic condition: a focus group study
Authors: Bosma A. R. , Boot C. R. L. , Schaafsma F. G. , Anema J. R.
Published: February 2020

Background

Working with a chronic condition can be challenging. Providing support to workers with a chronic condition can help them to stay at work and prevent work-related problems. Workers with a chronic condition who successfully stay at work can provide valuable input for the development of effective supportive interventions to prevent exit from work and facilitate sustainable employment. The aim of this study is to explore the lived experiences of workers with a chronic condition and identify existing barriers, facilitators and possible support needs for staying at work.

Methods

Four focus groups were conducted between August and December 2017 with workers with one or more chronic conditions (n = 30). Participants included employees and (partially) self-employed workers. All focus group data were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed.

Results

Disclosure and expressing one’s needs were considered important personal facilitators for staying at work. Environmental facilitators included receiving practical information on working with a chronic condition and social and employer support. Environmental barriers were identified in the work environment, the health care system and service provision, e.g., manager and co-worker’s lack of knowledge about working with a chronic condition, a lack of focus on work in the course of treatment for a chronic condition, dissatisfaction with occupational physician support, and the absence of support for self-employed workers. Provided support should be available to all workers, and be proactive and tailored to the workers’ specific support needs.

Conclusions

A variety of facilitators, barriers and support needs were identified in various domains. By addressing environmental barriers (e.g., by integrating work in the course of treatment and creating supportive work environments), sustainable employment by workers with a chronic condition can be promoted.
Factors associated with intensive care admission in patients with lung cancer: a population-based observational study of 26, 731 patients
Authors: Puxty Kathryn , Grant Christopher H. , McLoone Philip , Sloan Billy , Quasim Tara , Hulse Kate , Morrison David S.
Published: February 2020

Background

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer related death worldwide and survival is poor. Patients with lung cancer may develop a critical illness, but it is unclear what features are associated with an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission.

Methods

This retrospective, observational, population-based study of linked cancer registration, ICU, hospital discharge and mortality data described the factors associated with ICU admission in patients with lung cancer. The cohort comprised all incident cases of adult lung cancer diagnosed between 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2009 in the West of Scotland, UK, who were subsequently admitted to an ICU within 2 years of cancer diagnosis. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with admission.

Results

26,731 incident cases of lung cancer were diagnosed with 398 (1.5%) patients admitted to an ICU. Patients were most commonly admitted with respiratory conditions and there was a high rate of invasive mechanical ventilation. ICU, in-hospital and six-month survival were 58.5, 42.0 and 31.2%, respectively. Surgical treatment of lung cancer increased the odds of ICU admission (OR 7.23 (5.14–10.2)). Odds of admission to ICU were reduced with older age (75-80 years OR 0.69 (0.49–0.94), > 80 years OR 0.21 (0.12–0.37)), female gender (OR 0.73 (0.59–0.90)) and radiotherapy (OR 0.54 (0.39–0.73)) or chemotherapy treatment (OR 0.52 (0.38–0.70)).

Conclusion

1.5% of patients diagnosed with lung cancer are admitted to an ICU but both short term and long term survival was poor. Factors associated with ICU admission included age < 75 years, male gender and surgical treatment of cancer
Mobile phone usage in patients with type II diabetes and their intention to use it for self-management: a cross-sectional study in Iran
Authors: Rangraz Jeddi Fatemeh , Nabovati Ehsan , Hamidi Rahele , Sharif Reihane
Published: February 2020

Background

Mobile health has potential for promotion of self-management in patients with chronic diseases. This study was conducted to investigate smartphone usage in patients with type II diabetes and their intention to use it for self-management.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 with 176 patients with type II diabetes visiting a specialized diabetes clinic or one of two endocrinology and metabolism specialists in north of Iran. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire containing items on demographic characteristics, disease information, use of mobile phones, smartphones and the internet, and intention to use mobile phones for diabetes self-management.

Results

The majority of the participants had mobile phones (94.9%), smartphones (61.1%), and daily access to the internet (81.3%), and used phones two hours per day on average (80.1%). They mostly used mobile phones to contact friends (89.2%) and search for information (50.6%), and their greatest intention for using smartphones and the internet for self-management was related to dietary planning (96%), checking blood glucose (90.9%), and contacting specialists (87.5%). Younger participants were more interested in using smartphone applications (apps) (P < 0.001). About half of the participants argued that using apps can be interesting (54%) and useful (50%) for diabetes management, and intended to use apps much more in future (48.3%).

Conclusions

The majority of patients with type II diabetes are inclined to use mobile phone and the Internet, especially to plan their diet, check blood glucose, and contact their doctors. The present study provides valuable information for designing and implementing interventions based on mHealth to promote self-management in type II diabetes.
Improving prediction performance of colon cancer prognosis based on the integration of clinical and multi-omics data
Authors: Tong Danyang , Tian Yu , Zhou Tianshu , Ye Qiancheng , Li Jun , Ding Kefeng , Li Jingsong
Published: February 2020

Background

Colon cancer is common worldwide and is the leading cause of cancer-related death. Multiple levels of omics data are available due to the development of sequencing technologies. In this study, we proposed an integrative prognostic model for colon cancer based on the integration of clinical and multi-omics data.

Methods

In total, 344 patients were included in this study. Clinical, gene expression, DNA methylation and miRNA expression data were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). To accommodate the high dimensionality of omics data, unsupervised clustering was used as dimension reduction method. The bias-corrected Harrell’s concordance index was used to verify which clustering result provided the best prognostic performance. Finally, we proposed a prognostic prediction model based on the integration of clinical data and multi-omics data. Uno’s concordance index with cross-validation was used to compare the discriminative performance of the prognostic model constructed with different covariates.

Results

Combinations of clinical and multi-omics data can improve prognostic performance, as shown by the increase of the bias-corrected Harrell’s concordance of the prognostic model from 0.7424 (clinical features only) to 0.7604 (clinical features and three types of omics features). Additionally, 2-year, 3-year and 5-year Uno’s concordance statistics increased from 0.7329, 0.7043, and 0.7002 (clinical features only) to 0.7639, 0.7474 and 0.7597 (clinical features and three types of omics features), respectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study successfully combined clinical and multi-omics data for better prediction of colon cancer prognosis.
Dietary flaxseed oil rich in omega-3 suppresses severity of type 2 diabetes mellitus via anti-inflammation and modulating gut microbiota in rats
Authors: Zhu Lili , Sha Liping , Li Ke , Wang Zhen , Wang Ting , Li Yiwei , Liu Ping , Dong Xiaoying , Dong Youping , Zhang Xiaoxia , Wang Hao
Published: February 2020

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is closely associated with hyperglycemia, abnormal lipid profiles, chronic low-grade inflammation and gut dysbiosis. Dietary intervention plays a crucial role in the control of diabetes. Flaxseed oil (FO), a plant-derived omega-3 (ω-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), is rich in α-linolenic acid (ALA) which has been proved to benefit for chronic metabolic disease. However, the exact effects of dietary FO on T2DM remains largely unclear.

Methods

In the present study, SD rats were randomly allocated into four groups: pair-fed (PF) with corn oil (CO) group (PF/CO); DM with CO group (DM/CO); PF with FO group (PF/FO); DM with FO group (DM/FO). A diabetic rat model was generated by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NA). After 5 weeks of intervention, rats were euthanized and associated indications were investigated.

Results

Dietary FO significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (GHb), blood lipid, plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, IL-17A and malondialdehyde (MDA), compared to control group, respectively. Moreover, body mass (BM) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in DM/FO group were dramatically increased respectively, compared with those in DM/CO group. But insulin (INS) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) remained no significant difference between DM/CO group and DM/FO group. Sequencing analysis of gut microbiota showed a reduction in the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Blautia, as well as a reduction in the ratio of Bacteroidetes-Firmicutes in DM/FO group compared to DM/CO group. An elevation in the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Alistipes were detected in DM/FO group. Acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid belonging to short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as gut microbiota metabolites, were dramatically increased after FO intervention. Correlation analysis revealed that the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Blautia were positively correlated with IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17A or LPS, respectively. Additionally, Bacteroidetes and Alistipes were negatively correlated with LPS.

Conclusions

Taken together, dietary FO ameliorated T2DM via suppressing inflammation and modulating gut microbiota, which may potentially contribute to dietary control of diabetes.
HPV E6/E7 mRNA test for the detection of high grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2+): a systematic review
Authors: Derbie Awoke , Mekonnen Daniel , Woldeamanuel Yimtubezinash , Van Ostade Xaveer , Abebe Tamrat
Published: February 2020

Background

Genital infection with certain types of Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major cause of cervical cancer globally. For early detection of premalignant dysplasia, evidences are coming out on the usefulness of HPV E6/E7 mRNA test as a potential tool compared with cytology and HPV DNA testing. Taking into account shortage of compiled data on this field, the aim of this systematic review was to describe the latest diagnostic performance of HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing to detect high grade cervical lesions (CIN2+) where by histology was taken as a gold standard.

Methods

Articles published in English were systematically searched using key words from PubMed/Medline and SCOPUS. In addition, Google Scholar and the Google database were searched manually for grey literature. Two reviewers independently assessed study eligibility, risk of bias and extracted the data. We performed a descriptive presentation of the performance of E6/E7 mRNA test (in terms of sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values) for the detection of CIN2 + .

Results

Out of 231 applicable citations, we have included 29 articles that included a total of 23,576 study participants (age range, 15–84 years) who had different cervical pathologies. Among the participants who had cervical histology, the proportion of CIN2+ was between 10.6 and 90.6%. Using histology as a gold standard, 11 studies evaluated the PreTect HPV Proofer, 7 studies evaluated the APTIMA HPV assay (Gen-Probe) and 6 studies evaluated the Quantivirus® HPV assay. The diagnostic performance of these three most common mRNA testing tools to detect CIN2+ was; 1) PreTect Proofer; median sensitivity 83%, specificity 73%, PPV 70 and NPV 88.9%. 2) APTIMA assay; median sensitivity 91.4%, specificity 46.2%, PPV 34.3% and NPV 96.3%. 3) Quantivirus®: median sensitivity 86.1%, specificity 54.6%, PPV 54.3% and NPV was at 89.3%. Further, the area under the receiver operating characteristics (AU-ROC) curve varied between 63.8 and 90.9%.

Conclusions

The reported diagnostic accuracy implies that HPV mRNA based tests possess diagnostic relevance to detect CIN2+ and could potentially be considered in areas where there is no histology facility. Further studies including its cost should be considered.
Stigma towards people with a diagnosis of severe mental disorder in primary healthcare centers: perspectives of service users and health teams in Chile
Authors: Vaccari Pamela , Ramírez-Vielma Raúl , Saldivia Sandra , Cova Félix , Vielma-Aguilera Alexis , Victoriano Víctor , Ulloa-Vidal Natalia , Grandón Pamela
Published: February 2020

Background

Stigma towards people diagnosed with a severe mental disorder (SMD) is one of the main obstacles for these service users to receive timely and relevant healthcare. This study was undertaken to understand how stigmatizing attitudes are demonstrated towards people with SMD in primary healthcare centers (PHC) from the perspective of those affected and primary healthcare professionals.

Methods

We used a qualitative exploratory research design to contrast the differences and similarities regarding stigmatizing attitudes towards people with SMD in primary healthcare centers (PHC) from the perspective of two groups: (i) people diagnosed with a severe mental disorder, and (ii) healthcare professionals. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and discussion groups and subsequently analyzed using Atlas.ti software.

Results

Our results indicate that both service users and healthcare professionals manifest stereotypes, prejudices, and discriminatory behavior in health care. In addition, structural aspects of the health system and organizational culture appear to contribute to stigmatization. Both groups agreed that there is a need for healthcare professionals to have more education, specialization, and skill development related to mental health issues.

Conclusions

Interventions to reduce the stigma towards people with SMD in PHC must consider delivery of information about mental disorders, development of skills in the healthcare professionals, and modifications in the culture of the health centers.
Nicotinamide attenuates the decrease in dendritic spine density in hippocampal primary neurons from 5xFAD mice, an Alzheimer’s disease animal model
Authors: Kim Hyunju , Kim Bora , Kim Hye-Sun , Cho Joo-Youn
Published: February 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory loss and the presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the patients’ brains. In this study, we investigated the alterations in metabolite profiles of the hippocampal tissues from 6, 8, and 12 month-old wild-type (WT) and 5xfamiliar AD (5xFAD) mice, an AD mouse model harboring 5 early-onset familiar AD mutations, which shows memory loss from approximately 5 months of age, by exploiting the untargeted metabolomics profiling. We found that nicotinamide and adenosine monophosphate levels have been significantly decreased while lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPC) (16:0), LysoPC (18:0), and lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LysoPE) (16:0) levels have been significantly increased in the hippocampi from 5xFAD mice at 8 months or 12 months of age, compared to those from age-matched wild-type mice. In the present study, we focused on the role of nicotinamide and examined if replenishment of nicotinamide exerts attenuating effects on the reduction in dendritic spine density in hippocampal primary neurons from 5xFAD mice. Treatment with nicotinamide attenuated the deficits in spine density in the hippocampal primary neurons derived from 5xFAD mice, indicating a potential role of nicotinamide in the pathogenesis of AD. Taken together, these findings suggest that the decreased hippocampal nicotinamide level could be linked with AD pathogenesis and be a useful therapeutic target for AD.