bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Link Between a Husband’s Trust in Informal Institutions and Domestic Violence Against His Wife: Evidence From Pakistan
Authors: Akter Sonia
Published: November 2020

The global and national push to strengthen informal institutions’ role in increasing rural households’ access to justice has often met with skepticism in South Asia. This is because the impact of such initiatives on women’s welfare is debatable in many contexts due to reports of informal institutions’ hostile and oppressive behavior toward women. This study contributes to this debate by presenting the first empirical evidence of gender difference in trust in informal village institutions. The study also tests the relationship between a husband’s trust in informal institutions and his tendency to commit physical violence against his wife. It uses the Pakistan Rural Household Panel Survey datasets of more than 2,000 households from three provinces (Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) of Pakistan. Trust in local political institutions is measured by (a) respondent’s reliance on village institutions for handling general community affairs and maintaining law and order and (b) respondent’s perceptions of local government’s effectiveness in dispute settlement and ensuring public security. Men’s and women’s trust in informal village institutions and their perceptions of these institutions’ legitimacy do not significantly differ in most cases. Women exhibit a greater trust and confidence in informal institutions that hold regular resident meetings than in those that do not. The results also reveal a significant negative relationship between a husband’s trust in informal institutions and the incidence of physical violence against his wife. Greater trust in informal institutions has a significant positive correlation with a husband’s psychological well-being, his relationship with family, and his perceptions of institutional legitimacy. The findings imply that well-performing informal institutions work as an indirect deterrent for domestic violence in the study areas of Pakistan.
Recommendations for Reviewing Meta-Analyses in Organizational Research
Authors: DeSimone Justin A. , Brannick Michael T. , O’Boyle Ernest H. , Ryu Ji Woon
Published: November 2020

This article encourages transparency in the reporting of meta-analytic procedures. Specifically, we highlight aspects of meta-analytic search, coding, data presentation, and data analysis where published meta-analyses often fall short in presenting sufficient information to allow replication. We identify opportunities where reviewers can request additional information or analyses that will enhance transparent reporting practices and facilitate the evaluation of quality in meta-analytic reporting. We focus on concerns specific to (or prevalent in) meta-analyses conducted in organizational research. In doing so, we reference a number of existing and emerging techniques, highlighting their contribution to meta-analysis while emphasizing key information reviewers may request. Our focus is primarily on meta-analyses, but secondary uses of meta-analytic data are also considered. We conclude by providing a checklist for reviewers in an effort to facilitate the review process as it pertains to the goals of transparency and replicability.
Alcohol policy, multi-level governance and corporate political strategy: The campaign for Scotland’s minimum unit pricing in Edinburgh, London and Brussels
Authors: Hawkins Benjamin , McCambridge Jim
Published: November 2020

The Scottish government’s plans for a minimum unit price for alcohol were vehemently opposed by the alcohol industry leading to a 6-year delay in implementation after legislation was passed. This article seeks to explain the consequences of devolution and European Union membership for the development of minimum unit price in Scotland through the concepts of multi-level governance, veto points and venue shifting. Systems of multi-level governance create policy interdependencies between settings, an increased number of veto points at which policies can be blocked, and the potential for policy actors to shift decision-making to forums where favourable outcomes are more likely to be attained. In the minimum unit price debates, the alcohol industry engaged in multiple forms of venue shifting and used regulatory compliance procedures and legal challenges at the EU level to try to prevent and delay the policy. This has led to a ‘chilling effect’ on subsequent alcohol policy developments across the United Kingdom.
Examining Trends in Ideological Identification: 1972–2016
Authors: Halliez Adrien A. , Thornton Judd R.
Published: November 2020

Has polarization influenced how members of the public identify with ideological labels? In our analysis of patterns of ideological identification since the 1970s, we demonstrate that there has been an increase in the proportion of the electorate willing to locate themselves on the standard seven-point ideological scale as the parties have polarized. Moreover, consistent with existing evidence of partisan-ideological sorting, our results indicates that most of the increase in identifying with a label is associated with an increase in partisans selecting the ideological label that matches their partisanship. Finally, we show that attitudes toward moral traditionalism are increasingly related to ideological identifications. Our evidence indicates that the broader political system influences how members of the public identify with ideological labels.
Resistive network model of the weft-knitted strain sensor with the plating stitch-Part 2: Resistive network model during the elongation along course direction
Authors: Zhang Yujing , Long Hairu
Published: November 2020

Based on the static resistive network investigated in Part 1 of this series, the resistive network model of the weft-knitted strain sensor with the plating stitch is explored under the elongation along course direction, and it changes with the conductive loops’ configuration and contact situation. Since the voltage is applied at both ends of the course, under a specific stretching state, the resistive network model can be reduced to a resistance network connected in series in the course direction and parallel in the wale direction, which determines that the sensor’s equivalent resistance increases with the growth of the conductive wale number, and decreases with the raise of the conductive course number. Through experiment and model calculation, it can be obtained that in the initial stage of stretching, the contact resistances’ changes are the main factors affecting the mechanical–electrical performance of the sensor. Then as the sensor is further stretched, the length-related resistances of the conductive yarn segments begin to affect the sensor’s properties due to yarns’ slippage and self-elongation. In addition, the weft jacquard plating technology makes the strain of the sensor reach about 32% before yarns’ slippage and self-elongation, which expands the sensor’s measurable strain range, and avoids irreversible deformation of the sensor after repeated use in this range. It can be verified that the sensor’s gauge factor can be improved by reducing the conductive course number and increasing the conductive wale number. It should be noted that the ground yarn will reduce the gauge factor of the sensor during stretching, so it is necessary to choose a ground yarn with a smaller fineness than the conductive face yarn and good elasticity in practical.
Motherless Girls and the Orphan Myth in the Making of Nation: The Gendered Representation of a Nation in the Repertoire of the Finnish Theatre Company, 1872–76
Authors: Aho Laura-Elina
Published: November 2020

In this article, I argue that orphanhood and motherlessness as presented in drama reinforce the gendered representations used in nationalist processes. I examine the plays presented by the Finnish Theatre Company (founded by the Finnish nationalists in 1872) in 1872–76 and analyse their contribution to the gendering of the nation. In Finland, the idea of collective nationality was established during the nineteenth century by defining an ideal ‘Finnishness’ and creating ‘national’ imagery, especially through the arts. One of the most enduring representations was the embodiment of Finland, the Finnish Maid. As the theatre was one of the nationalist’s central institutions, I argue that it had a strong role in producing imagery for their uses, and that its early repertoire reinforced the gendered representation of the nation, emphasising youth and virginity as its main features. The study’s focus is on orphanhood and motherlessness as vehicles for intensifying the feminine representation of nationality. The ubiquity of orphan girl characters and the absence of mothers emphasise the sexual metaphor of a defenceless virgin, the notions of ‘true’ origin and the nuclear family as a scale model of the nation. Simultaneously the representations naturalise the gender categorisations established in the Western cultures during the nineteenth century.
Clinical characteristics and risk factors for severity of COVID-19 outside Wuhan: a double-center retrospective cohort study of 213 cases in Hunan, China
Authors: Hu Xingsheng , Hu Chunhong , Yang Yong , Chen Juan , Zhong Ping , Wen Yajing , Chen Xiangyu
Published: November 2020

Aim:

To investigate clinical characteristics and identify risk factors for severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia outside of Wuhan, China.

Materials and methods:

We included 213 patients with confirmed COVID-19 who had been discharged or died by 15 March 2020. We retrospectively collected epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, computed tomography imaging and outcome data. Clinical characteristics were described and relative risk factors were compared.

Results:

Most clinical characteristics of this study were similar to those from studies in Wuhan, but there were lower mortality rate and milder severity. The median time from onset of symptoms to confirmation and hospitalization was 4 and 5 days, respectively. The median virus clearance and shedding times were 10 and 15 days, respectively. When the severe/critical group was compared with the mild/moderate group, significant risk factors included: older age; dyspnea; hypertension; poor appetite; fatigue; higher white cell count, neutrophil count, prothrombin time, creatine kinase, creatine kinase-MB, D-dimer, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and C-reactive protein; and lower lymphocyte count and albumin ( p < 0.05). In the intensive care unit (ICU) group compared with the non-ICU group, risk factors included: older age; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); dyspnea; poor appetite; higher white cell count, D-dimer, ALT, AST and LDH; and lower lymphocyte count and albumin ( p < 0.05). Independent risk factors associated with the severe/critical group were dyspnea [odds ratio (OR) = 19.48], ALT (OR = 6.02) and albumin (OR = 3.36). Independent risk factors associated with the ICU group were dyspnea (OR = 8.88), COPD (OR = 31.80), D-dimer (OR = 8.37), ALT (OR = 28.76) and LDH (OR = 9.95) ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The severity of COVID-19 outside Wuhan, China was milder than that within Wuhan. The clinical infective period was long, and the longest virus shedding time was 35 days. The most important risk factors were dyspnea, COPD, D-dimer, ALT, LDH and albumin. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.
MiR‐193‐3p attenuates the vascular remodeling in pulmonary arterial hypertension by targeting PAK4
Authors: Wu Zhenhua , Geng Jie , Qi Yujuan , Li Jian , Bai Yaobang , Guo Zhigang
Published: November 2020

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive pulmonary vascular disease associated with dysfunction of pulmonary artery endothelial cells and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). To explore the potential mechanism of miR‐193‐3p in pulmonary arterial hypertension, human PASMCs and rats were respectively stimulated by hypoxia and monocrotaline to establish PAH model in vivo and in vitro. The expressions of miR‐193‐3p and p21‐activated protein kinase 4 (PAK4) in the lung samples of PAH patients and paired healthy samples from the healthy subjects in PHA cells and rats were detected by quantitative reverse transcriptase‐PCR. Morphological changes in lung tissues were determined using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and ratio of right ventricle to left ventricle plus septum (RV/LV p S) were measured. The binding relationship between miR‐193‐3p and PAK4 was analyzed by TargetScan and verified by luciferase reporter assay. Cell viability, apoptosis, and migration were detected by 3‐(4, 5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐ yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) flow cytometry, and wound‐healing assays, respectively. The protein expressions of PAK4, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), P21, p‐AKT, and AKT in vivo or in vitro were determined by Western blot. In this study, we found that in pulmonary arterial hypertension, miR‐193‐3p expression was downregulated and PAK4 expression was up‐regulated. MiR‐193‐3p directly targeted PAK4 and negatively regulated its expression. Hypoxia condition promoted cell proliferation, migration, and inhibited apoptosis accompanied with increased expressions of PCNA and p‐AKT/AKT and decreased expression of P21 in PASMCs. MiR‐193‐3p overexpression attenuated the effects of hypoxia on PASMCs via downregulating PAK4. Monocrotaline treatment increased p‐AKT/AKT and decreased P21 expression and caused pulmonary vascular remodeling in the model rats. MiR‐193‐3p overexpression attenuated pulmonary vascular remodeling, decreased p‐AKT/AKT, and increased P21 levels via downregulating PAK4 in monocrotaline‐induced rats. The results in this study demonstrated that upregulation of miR‐193‐3p reduced cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of PAH in vitro and pulmonary vascular remodeling in PAH in vivo through downregulating PAK4.
A Pilot Study on Playback Theatre as a Therapeutic Aid after Natural Disasters: Brain Connectivity Mechanisms of Effects on Anxiety
Authors: Munjuluri Sarat , Bolin Peter K. , Amy Lin Y. T. , Garcia Nina L. , Gauna Leslie , Nguyen Tien , Salas Ramiro
Published: November 2020

Background

Natural disasters can affect mental health and result in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Playback Theatre (PT) is a form of improvisation where actors play-back personal stories told by audience members. Whether PT can be therapeutic in post-disaster settings is not known.

Method

We used a series of PT performances and studied levels of depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms in a sample of 13 people affected by Hurricane Harvey that happened in Houston, TX, August 2017. Brain imaging, specifically resting state functional connectivity of the amygdala was also studied before and after the PT performances.

Results

Both anxiety ( p = .001, Cohen’s d = –1.25) and PTSD ( p = .002, Cohen’s d = –1.0) symptoms significantly decreased after a series of 4 PT performances from January 2019 – February 2019. Depression reduction was not significant. We performed resting state functional connectivity (RSFC) MRI before and after the series of performances. We used the right and left amygdala as seeds for RSFC analysis and found that the connectivity between the left amygdala and the bilateral supramarginal gyri was increased after PT. The bilateral supramarginal connectivity with the default mode and the saliency networks increased too, which correlated with reduction in anxiety scores.

Conclusions

PT may offer a form of intervention for anxiety caused by disasters. An increase in left amygdala/supramarginal gyri connectivity may be the underlying mechanism.
Elevated plasma levels of syndecan-1 and soluble thrombomodulin predict adverse outcomes in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Lu Ruinan , Sui Jingrui , Zheng X. Long
Published: November 2020

Immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) is a potentially fatal blood disorder resulting from acquired deficiency of plasma ADAMTS13 activity. Despite recent advances in early diagnosis and novel therapeutics, the mortality rate of acute iTTP remains as high as 10% to 20%. Moreover, a reliable clinical and laboratory parameter that predicts disease severity and outcomes is lacking. We show in the present study that plasma levels of syndecan-1 (Sdc-1) and soluble thrombomodulin (sTM) on admission were dramatically increased in patients with acute iTTP and remained substantially elevated in a subset of patients compared with healthy controls. The elevated admission plasma levels of Sdc-1 and sTM were associated with abnormal Glasgow coma scale scores, low estimated glomerular filtration rates, the need for intensive care, and in-hospital mortality rates. Moreover, a further simultaneous increase in plasma Sdc-1 and sTM levels at the time of clinical response/remission (eg, when normalization of platelet counts and substantial reduction of serum lactate dehydrogenase activity were achieved) was highly predictive of iTTP recurrence. These results demonstrate that endothelial injury, resulting from disseminated microvascular thromboses, is severe and persistent in patients with acute iTTP. Plasma levels of Sdc-1 and sTM on admission and in remission are predictive of in-hospital mortality and recurrence of acute iTTP, respectively. Thus, an incorporation of such novel plasma biomarkers into the risk assessment in acute iTTP may help implement a more vigorous and intensive therapeutic strategy for these patients.
Involvement of Hdac3-mediated inhibition of microRNA cluster 17-92 in bronchopulmonary dysplasia development
Authors: Wang Di , Hong Hui , Li Xiao-Xia , Li Jing , Zhang Zhi-Qun
Published: November 2020

Background

The incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a chronic lung disease of newborns, has been paradoxically rising despite medical advances. Histone deacetylase 3 (Hdac3) has been reported to be a crucial regulator in alveologenesis. Hence, this study aims to investigate the mechanism of Hdac3 in the abnormal pulmonary angiogenesis and alveolarization of BPD.

Methods

A hyperoxia-induced BPD model of was developed in newborn mice, and primary lung fibroblasts were isolated from adult mice. Hdac3 was knocked out in vivo and knocked down in vitro, while microRNA (miR)-17 was downregulated in vivo and in vitro to clarify their roles in abnormal pulmonary angiogenesis and alveolarization. Mechanistic investigations were performed on the interplay of Hdac3, miR-17-92 cluster, enhancer of zeste homolog 1 (EZH1), p65 and placental growth factor (Pgf).

Results

Hdac3 was involved in abnormal alveolarization and angiogenesis in BPD mice. Further, the expression of the miR-17-92 cluster in BPD mice was downregulated by Hdac3. miR-17 was found to target EZH1, and Hdac3 rescued the inhibited EZH1 expression by miR-17 in lung fibroblasts. Additionally, EZH1 augmented Pgf expression by recruiting p65 thus enhancing the progression of BPD. Hdac3 augmented the recruitment of p65 in the Pgf promoter region through the miR-17/EZH1 axis, thus enhancing the transcription and expression of Pgf, which elicited abnormal angiogenesis and alveolarization of BPD mice.

Conclusions

Altogether, the present study revealed that Hdac3 activated the EZH1-p65-Pgf axis through inhibiting miR-17 in the miR-17-92 cluster, leading to accelerated abnormal pulmonary angiogenesis and alveolarization of BPD mice.
In-depth studies on the modifying effects of natural ageing on the chemical structure of European spruce (Picea abies) and silver fir (Abies alba) woods
Authors: Ghavidel Amir , Scheglov Anna , Karius Volker , Mai Carsten , Tarmian Asghar , Vioel Wolfgang , Vasilache Viorica , Sandu Ion
Published: November 2020

Wood is usually stable under relatively dry conditions but may still undergo slow deterioration. The type of deterioration and how these processes affect the wood are important questions that need consideration if old wooden structures are to be studied and properly preserved. The aim of this paper is to establish the main structural and morphological differences between new and naturally aged European spruce (~ 150–200 years) and silver fir wood (~ 150 years). Naturally aged European spruce (a) was sourced from an outdoor part of a building constructed in the seventeenth century and naturally aged European spruce (b) were obtained from a furniture item located in a historical building from the eighteenth century. The principal age-induced changes in fir are the degradation of C–O and C=O groups in hemicellulose, according to the FTIR analysis. Degradation of cellulose and hemicelluloses was observed for spruce, with a greater effect seen in the indoor aged sample. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed that after aging C–C/C–H peaks were smaller in the spruce and fir samples, while C–O and O–C–O peaks were larger. The crystallinity index (CrI) obtained by X-ray diffraction showed that due to weathering the CrI of naturally aged spruce (a) increased compared to the new wood. The CrI of the aged spruce (b) and aged fir was lower than in the new woods. The ratios for the spruce sample, which aged indoors, were higher than those for the one aged outdoors. According to the observations made in this study, hemicellulose and cellulose are easily degraded under environmental conditions.
Increased incidence of glaucoma medication usage in middle-aged Australian males taking antiretroviral medication – a population-based study
Authors: Lee Wen-Shen , Parsons Shaun , Cugley Dean , Rogers Sophie , Lim Lyndell L. , Hall Anthony
Published: November 2020

Background

To investigate a possible association between glaucoma and the use of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) for HIV in the Australian population.

Methods

A retrospective review of Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme data was undertaken from July 2012 to December 2016, inclusive. Three patient groups were compared: those on both topical intraocular pressure (IOP) -lowering medication and ART, those on ART only, and those on IOP-lowering medication only, using the 2016 Australian resident population to estimate prevalence. Odds ratios (95% confidence intervals, [CI]) with Fishers exact test forpvalues were calculated stratified by age and gender.

Results

The number of prescriptions for topical glaucoma medications in the general Australian population increased progressively by age with a peak prevalence in those aged 80 years and above. Prevalence of ART was highest in males aged 40–49 and 50–59 years (0.41% [CI 0.40, 0.42] and 0.44% [CI 0.43, 0.45], respectively). Our analysis identified an increase in the prescription of IOP-lowering medication in males on ART aged 30–39 (OR 2.23 [CI 1.32, 3.75],p = 0.007) and 40–49 (OR 1.86 [CI 1.42, 2.43],p < 0.001), compared to those not on ART. There were no statistically significant increased odds for females or males aged 50 years or more.

Conclusion

Compared with the known increase in glaucoma prevalence with age in the general Australian population, a statistically significant increased prevalence in use of IOP-lowering medications was found in males on ART aged 30–49 years. The mechanism for this is yet to be determined, but possible causes include sequelae of HIV infection, a drug-induced side effect, or increased medical surveillance.
Management of proximal penile prosthetic cylindrical complications: a novel direct crural approach
Authors: Zugail Ahmed S. , Abdessater Maher , Althobity Abdulmajeed , Boustany Johnny , Nuernberg Mabel , Alhammadi Abdalla , Beley Sébastien
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Patients with proximal penile prosthetic cylindrical complications (PPPCC) can be treated with a direct crural technique without using the original traditional approach. In this article we present our novel direct crural approach for management of patients with PPPCC.

Materials and methods

Between 2014 and 2019, data were retrospectively collected from 13 patients who underwent surgical revision using our novel direct crural approach for PPPCC. The procedure commences with identification of the affected zone. The patient is in a low lithotomy position. A 2-centimeter longitudinal incision is made directly over the affected site. Dissection is carried down through Colles’ fascia, followed by a longitudinal incision through the tunica albuginea at the proximal part of the affected cylinder. Via the incision we can deliver out the cylinder and manage its problem.

Results

Mean operative time was 40 min. No intra or post-operative complications were reported. All patients (Mean age = 57) were discharged on the same day. Postoperative follow-up found correction of all existing deformities at month 1, 3 and 6. All patients were satisfied and reported less pain and faster recovery than the first procedure.

Conclusion

Our technique, which can be used for all types of penile prosthesis, is both feasible and safe. It may simplify PPPCC revision by avoiding adhesions below the original incision, without jeopardizing the already implanted materials or the urethra. It may also improve patients’ safety and satisfaction, by reducing iatrogenic injury and post-operative recovery time.
Defensive functions of volatile organic compounds and essential oils from northern white-cedar in China
Authors: Bai Liping , Wang Wenjia , Hua Juan , Guo Zhifu , Luo Shihong
Published: November 2020

Background

Plants are known to emit diverse volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which may function as signaling substances in plant communication with other organisms. Thuja occidentalis, which is widely cultivated throughout China, releases aromatic VOCs into the air in winter and early spring. The relationship of this cultivated plant with its neighboring plants is necessary for the conservation of biodiversity.

Results

(−)-α-thujone (60.34 ± 5.58%) was found to be the major component in VOCs from the Shenyang population. The essential oils (EOs) from the Kunming and Shenyang populations included the major components (−)-α-thujone, fenchone, (+)-β-thujone, and (+)-hibaene, identified using GC-MS analyses. (−)-α-thujone and (+)-hibaene were purified and identified by NMR identification. EOs and (−)-α-thujone exhibited valuable phytotoxic activities against seed germination and seedling growth of the plants Taraxacum mongolicum and Arabidopsis thaliana. Moreover, the EOs displayed potent inhibitory activity against pathogenic fungi of maize, including Fusarium graminearum, Curvularia lunata, and Bipolaris maydis, as well as one human fungal pathogen, Candida albicans. Quantitative analyses revealed high concentrations of (−)-α-thujone in the leaves of T. occidentalis individuals from both the Shenyang and Kunming populations. However, (−)-α-thujone (0.18 ± 0.17 μg/g) was only detected in the rhizosphere soil to a distance of 0.5 m from the plant.

Conclusions

Taken together, our results suggest that the phytotoxic effects and antifungal activities of the EOs and (−)-α-thujone in T. occidentalis certainly increased the adaptability of this plant to the environment. Nevertheless, low concentrations of released (−)-α-thujone indicated that reasonable distance of T. occidentalis with other plant species will impair the effects of allelochemical of T. occidentalis.
A preinstalled nasopharyngeal airway in the right nasal passageway to facilitate nasogastric intubation in anesthetized and intubated patients: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Huang Ting-Yang , Lin Jr-Rung , Chung Yung-Tai
Published: November 2020

Background

Nasogastric intubation (NGI) is usually challenging in patients under general anesthesia, with reported success rate at the first attempt to be less than 50%. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a preinstalled nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) in the right nasal passageway can facilitate NGI in anesthetized and intubated patients.

Methods

A prospective randomized controlled trial including 108 patients scheduled for elective intra-abdominal surgeries requiring a nasogastric tube (NGT) was conducted. Fifty-three patients were randomized to receive NGI through a preinstalled NPA in the right nasal passageway (Group NPA) and 55 patients to receive NGI via the right nostril (Group O). The primary outcomes were success rates of NGI at first attempt, success rates of NGI in accumulative attempts, durations of successful NGI at the first attempt and success rates of NGI for the rescuing methods.
The secondary outcomes were bleeding incidence and hemodynamic changes induced by NGI.

Results

Success rate of NGI at the first attempt was 83.0% in Group NPA compared with 47.3% in Group O [P < 0.001; absolute risk reduction (ARR) = 35.7%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 19.1–52.4%; relative risk reduction (RRR) = 67.8%] and success rate of NGI in accumulative attempts (two attempts maximum) was 88.7% in Group NPA compared with 63.6% in Group O (P = 0.002; ARR = 25.0%, 95% CI = 9.7–40.4%; RRR = 68.9%). Duration for NGI successful at the first attempt in Group NPA was significantly longer than that in Group O (56.3 vs. 27.1 s; P < 0.001; Mean difference = 29.2 s, 95% CI = 20.0–38.4 s). Neither bleeding incidence nor hemodynamic response is significantly different between the two study groups.

Conclusions

The study indicates a preinstalled NPA in the right nasal passageway facilitates NGI in anesthetized and intubated patients as an initial NGI method and as a rescuing method for patients undergoing two unsuccessful initial attempts of NGI without a preinstalled NPA. However, the NPA method proved to take more time than the routine method for NGI successful at the first attempt.

Trial registration: The study was conducted after receiving approval from Institutional Review Board of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou branch, Taiwan (registration number 201800138A3; April 11, 2018), and the clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03697642; Principal Investigator: Ting-Yang Huang; Date of registration: October 4, 2018; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/NCT03697642).
HFD and HFD-provoked hepatic hypoxia act as reciprocal causation for NAFLD via HIF-independent signaling
Authors: Zhang Xiaofang , Huang Caoxin , Li Xuejun , Shangguan Zhaoshui , Wei Wenjing , Liu Suhuan , Yang Shuyu , Liu Yijie
Published: November 2020

Background

The occurrence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is found to be higher in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is characterized by intermittent hypoxia. Activation of hypoxia-inducible factors has been shown in the development and progression of NAFLD, implying a cause and effects relationship between NAFLD and hypoxia. The present study was designed to investigate the interaction of lipotoxicity and hypoxia in the pathogenesis of NAFLD using mice model with high-fat diet (HFD) feeding or hypoxic treatment.

Methods

NAFLD model was induced in mice by HFD feeding, and in cultured primary hepatocytes by administration of palmitate acid. Mouse hypoxic model was produced by placing the mice in a Animal incubator with oxygen concentration at 75% followed by a 21% oxygen supplement. Hypoxic condition was mimicked by treating the hepatocytes with cobalt chloride (CoCl2) or 1% oxygen supply. Pimonidazole assay was conducted to evaluate hypoxia. Lipid metabolic genes were measured by real-time polymerase-chain reaction. HIF-1α and HIF-2α genes were silenced by siRNA.

Results

HFD feeding and palmitate acid treatment provoked severe hepatic hypoxia along with TG accumulation in mice and in cultured primary hepatocytes respectively. Conversely, hypoxia induced hepatic TG accumulation in mice and in cultured primary hepatocytes. Hypoxic treatment inhibited the expression of lipolytic genes, while increased the expression of lipogenicgenes in mice. Although both lipotoxicity and hypoxia could activate hepatic hypoxia-induced factor 1α and 2α, while neither lipotoxicity- nor hypoxia- induced hepatic steatosis was affected when HIF was knocked down.

Conclusions

HFD resulted in hepatic TG accumulation and concomitant hypoxia. Conversely, hypoxia induced hepatic TG accumulation in mice and in cultured heptocytes. Thus lipotoxicity and hypoxia might work as reciprocal causation and orchestrate to promote the development of NAFLD.
Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, pilot trial to investigate safety and efficacy of Cerebrolysin in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Woo Peter Y. M. , Ho Joanna W. K. , Ko Natalie M. W. , Li Ronald P. T. , Jian Leo , Chu Alberto C. H. , Kwan Marco C. L. , Chan Yung , Wong Alain K. S. , Wong Hoi-Tung , Chan Kwong-Yau , Kwok John C. K.
Published: November 2020

Asbtract

Background

There are limited neuroprotective treatment options for patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Cerebrolysin, a brain-specific proposed pleiotropic neuroprotective agent, has been suggested to improve global functional outcomes in ischemic stroke. We investigated the efficacy, safety and feasibility of administering Cerebrolysin for SAH patients.

Methods

This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-center, parallel-group pilot study. Fifty patients received either daily Cerebrolysin (30 ml/day) or a placebo (saline) for 14 days (25 patients per study group). The primary endpoint was a favorable Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE) of 5 to 8 (moderate disability to good recovery) at six-months. Secondary endpoints included the modified Ranking Scale (mRS), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) score, occurrence of adverse effects and the occurrence of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI).

Results

No severe adverse effects or mortality attributable to Cerebrolysin were observed. No significant difference was detected in the proportion of patients with favorable six-month GOSE in either study group (odds ratio (OR): 1.49; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.43–5.17). Secondary functional outcome measures for favorable six-month recovery i.e. a mRS of 0 to 3 (OR: 3.45; 95% CI 0.79–15.01) were comparable for both groups. Similarly, there was no difference in MOCA neurocognitive performance (p-value: 0.75) and in the incidence of DCI (OR: 0.85 95% CI: 0.28–2.59).

Conclusions

Use of Cerebrolysin in addition to standard-of-care management of aneurysmal SAH is safe, well tolerated and feasible. However, the neutral results of this trial suggest that it does not improve the six-month global functional performance of patients.

Clinical trial registration

Name of Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov

Trial Registration Number: NCT01787123.

Date of Registration: 8th February 2013.
Continuous endometrial volumetric analysis for endometrial receptivity assessment on assisted reproductive technology cycles
Authors: Martins Renato Silva , Oliani António Helio , Oliani Denise Vaz , de Oliveira José Martinez
Published: November 2020

Background

Human implantation is a complex process requiring synchrony between a healthy embryo and a functionally competent or receptive endometrium. In order to assess endometrial receptivity in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) cycles serial evaluation of endometrial volumetric analysis may have a predictive value on a positive outcome.

Methods

Serial 3D transvaginal ultrasound performed in women on ART cycle to evaluate embryo implantation predictors. Prospective case control study of 169 subjects were assessed. Endometrial pattern, thickness, volume and adjusted endometrial volume (ratio between endometrial volume and uterine volume) was performed to all subjects on a continuous process from baseline, during controlled ovarian stimulation, trigger day with human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG) and at embryo transfer day.

Results

Demographics and ART procedures and scores, was similar between the two groups. Endometrial morphology also showed no difference between the two groups. Endometrial volume and adjusted endometrial volume was significantly higher in the positive group as soon as day 6 of ovarian controlled stimulation.

Conclusions

Serial 3D endometrial volume and adjusted endometrial volumes provides a predicting clinical tool enhancing elective embryo transfers in fresh ART cycle. Thus providing a non-invasive continuous technique for endometrial receptivity assessment that reflects endometrial changes during ART procedures.
Novel nomogram to predict risk of bone metastasis in newly diagnosed thyroid carcinoma: a population-based study
Authors: Tong Yuexin , Hu Chuan , Huang Zhangheng , Fan Zhiyi , Zhu Lujian , Song Youxin
Published: November 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a visual nomogram for predicting the risk of bone metastasis (BM) in newly diagnosedthyroid carcinoma (TC) patients.

Methods

The demographics and clinicopathologic variables of TC patients from 2010 to 2015 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database were retrospectively reviewed.Chi-squared(χ2) test and logistic regression analysis were performed to identify independent risk factors. Based on that, a predictive nomogram was developed and validated for predicting the risk of BM in TC patients. The C-index was used to compute the predictive performance of the nomogram. Calibration curves and decision curve analysis (DCA) were furthermore used to evaluate the clinical value of the nomogram.

Results

According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the data of 14,772 patients were used to analyze in our study. After statistical analysis, TC patients with older age, higher T stage, higher N stage, poorly differentiated, follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) and black people had a higher risk of BM. We further developed a nomogram with a C-index of 0.925 (95%CI,0.895–0.948) in the training set and 0.842 (95%CI,0.777–0.907) in the validation set. The calibration curves and decision curve analysis (DCA) alsodemonstrated the reliability and accuracy of the clinical prediction model.

Conclusions

The present study developed a visual nomogram to accurately identify TC patients with high risk of BM, which might help to further provide more individualized clinical decision guidelines.
A clear cancer cell line (150057) derived from human endometrial carcinoma harbors two novel mutations
Authors: Chang Yu-Hsun , Ding Dah-Ching
Published: November 2020

Background

Cell lines are extremely useful for both basic and clinical research. Thus, establishing endometrial cancer cell lines with malignant histology is important. This study aimed to extensively characterize an endometrial clear cell carcinoma cell line.

Methods

This cell line, named 150,057, was derived from the endometrial clear cell cancer of a 63-year-old woman. The morphology, chromosomes, chemosensitivity, tumor markers, xenotransplantation characteristics, and cancer-related genes of the cell line were characterized.

Results

This cell line exhibited adequate growth, being passaged more than 70 times. The morphology of the cells was polygonal with a cobblestone-like appearance. Karyotyping of the cell line revealed a hypodiploid chromosomal number. 150057 cells expressed CA19–9 and CA125. The cell line was sensitive to doxorubicin, paclitaxel, carboplatin, and cisplatin. After the cells were transplanted into the subcutaneous region of non-obese diabetic-severe combined immunodeficiency mice, they generated xenograft tumors with similar histology as the original tumor. A total of 59 somatic nucleotide mutations were identified in 25 of the 53 examined tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes. Two novel mutations were found in FGFR3 and ARID1A.

Conclusion

We established and characterized an endometrial clear cell carcinoma cell line that may be useful in carcinogenesis and treatment research for endometrial cancer.
Various pathways of zoledronic acid against osteoclasts and bone cancer metastasis: a brief review
Authors: Wang Lianwei , Fang Dengyang , Xu Jinming , Luo Runlan
Published: November 2020

Zoledronic acid (ZA) is one of the most important and effective class of anti-resorptive drug available among bisphosphonate (BP), which could effectively reduce the risk of skeletal-related events, and lead to a treatment paradigm for patients with skeletal involvement from advanced cancers. However, the exact molecular mechanisms of its anticancer effects have only recently been identified. In this review, we elaborate the detail mechanisms of ZA through inhibiting osteoclasts and cancer cells, which include the inhibition of differentiation of osteoclasts via suppressing receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)/receptor activator of nuclear factor κB (RANK) pathway, non-canonical Wnt/Ca2+/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) pathway, and preventing of macrophage differentiation into osteoclasts, in addition, induction of apoptosis of osteoclasts through inhibiting farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS)-mediated mevalonate pathway, and activation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced pathway. Furthermore, ZA also inhibits cancer cells proliferation, viability, motility, invasion and angiogenesis; induces cancer cell apoptosis; reverts chemoresistance and stimulates immune response; and acts in synergy with other anti-cancer drugs. In addition, some new ways for delivering ZA against cancer is introduced. We hope this review will provide more information in support of future studies of ZA in the treatment of cancers and bone cancer metastasis.
Age distribution and associated factors of cornea biomechanical parameter stress-strain index in Chinese healthy population
Authors: Liu Guihua , Rong Hua , Pei Ruxia , Du Bei , Jin Nan , Wang Di , Jin Chengcheng , Wei Ruihua
Published: November 2020

Background

To investigate the new cornea biomechanical parameter stress-strain index (SSI) in Chinese healthy people and the factors associated with SSI.

Methods

A total of 175 eyes from 175 participants were included in this study. Axial length was measured with the Lenstar LS-900. Pentacam measured curvature of the cornea and anterior chamber volume (ACV). Cornea biomechanical properties assessments were performed by corneal visualization Scheimpflug technology (Corvis ST). Student’s t-test, one-way ANOVA, partial least square linear regression (PLSLR) and linear mixed effects (LME) model were used in the statistical analysis.

Results

The mean (±SD) SSI was 1.14 ± 0.22 (range, 0.66–1.78) in all subjects and affected by age significantly after age of 35 (P < 0.05). In LME models, SSI was significantly associated with age (β = 0.526,P < 0.001), axial length (AL) (β = − 0.541,P < 0.001), intraocular pressure (IOP) (β = 0.326,P < 0.001) and steepest radius of anterior corneal curvature (RsF) (β = 0.229,P < 0.001) but not with ACV, biomechanical corrected intraocular pressure (bIOP), flattest radius of anterior corneal curvature (RfF) or central corneal thickness (CCT) (P > 0.05 for each).

Conclusions

SSI increased with age after the age of 35. In addition to age, SSI was positively correlated with RsF and IOP, while negatively correlated with AL.
Where the congenital heart disease meets the pulmonary arterial hypertension, FLNA matters: a case report and literature review
Authors: Deng Xiaoxian , Li Shanshan , Qiu Qiu , Jin Bowen , Yan Menghuan , Hu Yuanpin , Wu Yang , Zhou Hongmei , Zhang Gangcheng , Zheng Xuan
Published: November 2020

Background

Pediatric patients with genetic disorders have a higher incidence of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) regardless of their heart defects. Filamin A (FLNA) mutation is recently recognized to be associated with pediatric pulmonary disorders, however, the clinical courses of PAH related to the mutation were reported in limited cases. Here, we presented a case and pooled data for better understanding of the correlation between FLNA mutation and pediatric PAH.

Case presentation

The patient was a 8-month-old female with repeated episodes of pneumonia. Physical examination revealed cleft lip, cleft palate and developmental retardation. Imaging examination showed a small atrial septal defect (ASD), central pulmonary artery enlargement, left upper lobe of lung atelectasis, and pulmonary infiltration. Genetic test showed she carried a de novo pathogenic variant of FLNA gene (c.5417-1G > A, p.-). Oral medications didn’t slow the progression of PAH in the patient, and she died two years later.

Conclusions

FLNA mutation causes rare but progressive PAH in addition to a wide spectrum of congenital heart disease and other comorbidities in pediatric patients. We highly recommend genetic testing for pediatric patients when suspected with PAH. Given the high mortality in this group, lung transplantation may offer a better outcome.
Number of long-term inpatients in Japanese psychiatric care beds: trend analysis from the patient survey and the 630 survey
Authors: Okayama Tatsushi , Usuda Kentaro , Okazaki Emi , Yamanouchi Yoshio
Published: November 2020

Background

The number of psychiatric care beds and the mean length of stay in psychiatric care beds in Japan have decreased over the past 10 years. However, as has long been indicated here and elsewhere, Japan lags behind other countries in terms of deinstitutionalization. Furthermore, the population of inpatients in psychiatric care beds is aging dramatically. In addition to the diversification of mental illness, the question of what measures to implement going forward regarding current psychiatric bed resources has emerged as a new challenge.

Methods

Using data from the Patient Survey and the 630 Survey, we examined trends in the number of long-term inpatients in psychiatric care beds in Japan through 2040. Population estimation was used for estimating long-term hospital bed demand because of small fluctuations in the admission and discharge of long-term inpatients.

Results

In 2017, nearly one-third of all long-term hospitalized patients were aged ≥75 years, and an estimated 47% of the total are expected to die by 2040. Thus, the overall demand for long-term hospitalization is forecast to decrease sharply due to aging of currently hospitalized long-term inpatients. The number of long-term inpatients in 2017 was 167,579, and this is projected to decrease to 103,141 in 2040.

Conclusions

We believe it is necessary to adopt a multifaceted approach to promote hospital discharge and transition to the community, and to address the diversification of mental illness and the issue of psychiatric care bed supply/availability, which are forecast to decrease due to the natural decrease in long-term inpatients.