bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cohort profile: King’s Health Partners bladder cancer biobank
Authors: Kotecha Pinky , Moss Charlotte L. , Enting Deborah , Gillett Cheryl , Joseph Magdalene , Josephs Debra , Rudman Sarah , Hughes Simon , Cahill Fidelma , Wylie Harriet , Haire Anna , Rosekilly James , Khan Muhammad Shamin , Nair Rajesh , Thurairaja Ramesh , Malde Sachin , Van Hemelrijck Mieke
Published: September 2020

Background

Bladder cancer (BC) is the 9th most common cancer worldwide, but little progress has been made in improving patient outcomes over the last 25 years. The King’s Health Partners (KHP) BC biobank was established to study unanswered, clinically relevant BC research questions.

Donors are recruited from the Urology or Oncology departments of Guy’s Hospital (UK) and can be approached for consent at any point during their treatment pathway.

At present, patients with bladder cancer are approached to provide their consent to provide blood, urine and bladder tissue. They also give access to medical records and linkage of relevant clinical and pathological data across the course of their disease. Between June 2017 and June 2019, 531 out of 997 BC patients (53.3%) gave consent to donate samples and data to the Biobank. During this period, the Biobank collected fresh frozen tumour samples from 90/178 surgical procedures (of which 73 were biopsies) and had access to fixed, paraffin embedded samples from all patients who gave consent. Blood and urine samples have been collected from 38 patients, all of which were processed into component derivatives within 1 to 2 h of collection. This equates to 193 peripheral blood mononuclear cell vials; 238 plasma vials, 224 serum vials, 414 urine supernatant vials and 104 urine cell pellets. This biobank population is demographically and clinically representative of the KHP catchment area.

Conclusion

The King’s Health Partners BC Biobank has assembled a rich data and tissue repository which is clinically and demographically representative of the local South East London BC population, making it a valuable resource for future BC research.
Racial disparities in pedestrian-related injury hospitalizations in the United States
Authors: Hamann Cara , Peek-Asa Corinne , Butcher Brandon
Published: September 2020

Background

Racial/ethnic disparity has been documented in a wide variety of health outcomes, and environmental components are contributors. For example, food deserts have been tied to obesity rates. Pedestrian injuries are strongly tied to environmental factors, yet no studies have examined racial disparity in pedestrian injury rates. We examine a nationally-representative sample of pedestrian-related hospitalizations in the United States to identify differences in incidence, severity, and cost by race/ethnicity.

Methods

Patients with ICD diagnosis E-codes for pedestrian injuries were drawn from the United States Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2009–2016). Rates were calculated using the United States Census. Descriptive statistics and generalized linear regression were used to examine characteristics (age, sex, severity of illness, mortality rates, hospital admissions, length of stay, total costs) associated with hospitalizations for pedestrian injuries.

Results

The annual average of pedestrian-related deaths exceeded 5000 per year and hospitalizations exceeded 47,000 admissions per year. The burden of injury from pedestrian-related hospitalizations was higher among Black, Hispanic, and Multiracial/Other groups in terms of admission rates, costs per capita, proportion of children injured, and length of stay compared to Whites and Asian or Pacific Islander race/ethnicities. Compared to Whites, hospital admission rates were 1.92 (95% CI: 1.89–1.94) and 1.20 (95% CI: 1.19–1.21) times higher for Multiracial/Other and Blacks, respectively. Costs per capita ($USD) were $6.30, $4.14, and $3.22 for Multiracial/Others, Blacks, and Hispanics, compared to $2.88 and $2.32 for Whites and Asian or Pacific Islanders. Proportion of lengths of stay exceeding one week were larger for Blacks (26.4%), Hispanics (22.6%), Asian or Pacific Islanders (23.1%), and Multiracial/Other (24.1%), compared to Whites (18.6%). Extreme and major loss of function proportions were also highest among Black (34.5%) and lowest among Whites (30.2%).

Conclusions

Results from this study show racial disparities in pedestrian injury hospitalization rates and outcomes, particularly among Black, Hispanic, and Multiracial/Other race/ethnicity groups and support population and system-level approaches to prevention. Access to transportation is an indicator for health disparity, and these results indicate that access to safe transportation also shows inequity by race/ethnicity.
Bone mineral density reference values in Singaporean adults and comparisons for osteoporosis establishment – The Yishun Study
Authors: Chen Kexun Kenneth , Wee Shiou-Liang , Pang Benedict Wei Jun , Lau Lay Khoon , Jabbar Khalid Abdul , Seah Wei Ting , Srinivasan Sivasubramanian , Jagadish Mallya Ullal , Ng Tze Pin
Published: September 2020

Background

While there have been studies in Singapore on the prevalence and economic burden of osteoporotic hip fracture, there is a severe lack of reference data on bone mineral density and prevalence of osteoporosis. The purpose of this study is to establish the reference values for BMD and compare prevalence of osteoporotic conditions using other available reference values so as to better understand the status of bone health in Singaporean adults.

Methods

We carried out a population-based cross-sectional study using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (Hologic Discovery Wi) to measure the bone mineral density of Singaporean adults aged ≥21 years. A total of 542 participants were recruited from the large north-eastern residential town of Yishun. ﻿We computed T- scores (denoted by TSG) for each individual in the study. Similar diagnoses were also done based on T-scores provided by the densitometer (TDXA), NHANES database (TNHANES), and China (TCHN), and the differences in prevalence compared. We then compared the concordance between TSG and TDXA in the classification of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis was defined according to criteria by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Results

Peak lumbar spine BMD was 1.093 ± 0.168 g/cm2 in women, and 1.041 ± 0.098 g/cm2 for men. Peak whole-body BMD was 1.193 ± 0.93 g/cm2 in women at, and 1.224 ± 0.112 g/cm2 for men. Prevalence of osteoporosis based on lumbar spine was 9.3% in postmenopausal women, and 0.7% in men after 50 years of age. The percentage difference in prevalence range from 60.5–163.6%, when using reference values from TDXA, TNHANES, and TCHN. Comparing diagnosis using TDXA and TSG cut-off values, 28 versus 15 women were diagnosed as osteoporotic respectively. ﻿ The kappa statistics was 0.81 for women and 0.85 for men.

Conclusion: ﻿Our study shows that T-scores provided by DXA manufacturer over-diagnosed osteoporosis in Singaporeans, and the prevalence of osteoporotic conditions is not accurately represented. This over-diagnosis may result in unnecessary treatment in some individuals.
Analysis of musculoskeletal side effects of oral Isotretinoin treatment: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Karaosmanoğlu Nermin , Mülkoğlu Cevriye
Published: September 2020

Background/ objectives

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the pilosebaceous unit. Isotretinoin is an effective treatment option for severe acne. The aim of this study was to evaluate musculoskeletal side effects of systemic isotretinoin treatment.

Methods

Ninety-four patients with acne vulgaris and 100 sex- and age-matched controls were enrolled in this study. Only the patients who had musculoskeletal symptoms were evaluated in this study. All participants were firstly assessed by a dermatologist. The patients were asked whether they had any musculoskeletal symptoms after isotretinoin treatment, if so, the feature and duration of the symptoms were recorded. The dosage of the drug, treatment duration, incidence of arthralgia, myalgia, low back pain, sacroiliitis and tendinopathy and laboratory test results were noted. The severity of pain was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS). The severity of acne vulgaris was evaluated by Global Acne Grading Scale (GAGS). Sacroiliac radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and rheumatologic blood tests were requested from the patients meeting Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) criteria.

Results

Of the 94 patients, 71 were female and 23 were male. 47.9% of the patients had arthralgia, 53.2% had myalgia, 70.2% (66) had low back pain, 11.7% had sacroiliitis and 4.3% had tendinopathy. 37.8% of 66 patients with low back pain had inflammatory pain and 62.2% had mechanical pain. Bone marrow edema consistent with sacroiliitis was detected by sacroiliac MRI in 11 patients with inflammatory back pain. The median total cumulative dose of isotretinoin was significantly higher in patients with low back pain than in patients without low back pain (p = 0.014). There was no significant correlation between cumulative dose of drug, treatment duration and VAS with ESR and CRP (p > 0.05). Also no correlation was found between GAGS scores and musculoskeletal symptoms (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Low back pain is one of the very common complications of isotretinoin. It can be mostly mechanical or inflammatory. Isotretinoin-induced low back pain is dose-related, and inflammatory back pain without sacroiliitis is also frequent. The clinicians should be aware of the back pain may be a reflective of sacroiliitis during isotretinoin usage.
Openness in the NHS: a secondary longitudinal analysis of national staff and patient surveys
Authors: McCarthy Imelda , Dawson Jeremy , Martin Graham
Published: September 2020

Background

Improving openness—including candour when things go wrong, and willingness to learn from mistakes—is increasingly seen as a priority in many healthcare systems. This study explores perceptions of openness in England before and after the publication of the Francis report (2013), which examined failings of openness at one English hospital. We examine whether staff and patients’ views on openness, and experiences of giving voice to concerns, have changed since the report’s publication for better or worse.

Methods

Organisational-level data was collated for all trusts from the NHS National Staff Survey (2007–2017), NHS Acute Inpatient Survey (2004–2016) and NHS Community Mental Health Service User Survey (2007–2017). Survey items related to openness were identified and longitudinal statistical analysis conducted (piecewise growth curve and interrupted latent growth curve analysis) to determine whether there was evidence of a shift in the rate or direction of change following publication of the Francis report.

Results

For some variables there was a discernible change in trajectory after the publication of the Francis report. Staff survey variables continued to rise after 2013, with a statistically significant increase in rate for “fairness and effectiveness of incident reporting procedures” (from + 0.02 to + 0.06 per year; p < .001). For the patient surveys, the picture was more mixed: patient views about information provided by accident and emergency staff rose from a 0.3% increase per year before 2013 to 0.8% per year afterwards (p < .01), and inpatients being involved in decision making increased from a 0.4% rise per year before 2013 to 0.8% per year afterwards (p < .01); however, there were not rises in the other questions. Mental health patients reported a decrease after 2013 in being listened to (decreasing at a rate of 1.9% per year, p < .001).

Conclusions

Data suggest that the Francis inquiry may have had a positive impact on staff and acute inpatients’ perceptions and experiences of openness in the NHS. However such improvements have not transpired in mental health. How best to create an environment in which patients can discuss their care and raise concerns openly in mental health settings may require further consideration.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Circ_002117 binds to microRNA-370 and promotes endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis in gastric cancer
Authors: Zhou Nan , Qiao Hui , Zeng Miaomiao , Yang Lei , Zhou Yongning , Guan Quanlin
Published: September 2020

Background

Mounting evidence implicates circular RNAs (circRNAs) in various biological processes during cancer progression. Gastric cancer is a main cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Herein, we aimed at investigating whether circ_002117 mediates gastric cancer progression through endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress.

Methods

Bioinformatics analysis detected differentially expressed circRNAs and their target miRNA candidates, and RT-qPCR was performed to detect expression of circ_002117, microRNA (miRNA)-370 and HERPUD1 in gastric cancer tissues and cells. Gastric cancer cells were transfected with plasmids and their proliferative ability and apoptosis were detected with gain- and loss-of-function assay. The ER of treated cells was observed under a transmission electron microscope. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and RIP were performed to detect the interaction between HEPRUD1, miR-370 and circ_002117-treated cells were injected into mice to establish xenograft tumor model.

Results

Circ_002117 and HEPRUD1 were poorly expressed whereas miR-370 was highly expressed in clinical cancer tissues and cells. Circ_002117 was indicated to target and suppress miR-370 expression, while HERPUD1 was directly targeted by miR-370. Circ_002117 overexpression or miR-370 deficiency promoted ER stress-induced apoptosis and decreased proliferation of gastric cancer cells, which was reversed by silencing of HEPRUD1. Circ_002117 overexpression or miR-370 depletion significantly suppressed gastric cancer tumorigenesis in vivo.

Conclusions

Taken altogether, circ_002117 facilitated ER stress-induced apoptosis in gastric cancer by upregulating HERPUD1 through miR-370 inhibition.
Disease control in patients with asthma and respiratory symptoms (wheezing, cough) during sleep
Authors: Doenges Jonathan , Kuckuck Elisabeth , Cassel Werner , Hildebrandt Olaf , Weissflog Andreas , Sohrabi Keywan , Koehler Niklas , Gross Volker , Greulich Timm , Koehler Ulrich
Published: September 2020

Introduction

The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA)-defined criteria for asthma control include questions about daytime symptoms, limitation of activity, nocturnal symptoms, need for reliever treatment and patients’ satisfaction. Patients with nocturnal symptoms like wheezing and cough often suffer from lower sleep quality and impaired daytime performance. The lack of an appropriate method for standardized and objective monitoring of respiratory symptoms leads to difficulties in asthma management. The aim of this study is to present a new method for automated wheeze and cough detection during sleep and to assess the actual level of asthma control by the Asthma Control Test (ACT).

Methods

Respiratory symptoms like wheezing and cough were recorded with the LEOSound-Monitor for one night in 55 asthmatic patients in their individual domestic setting. Patients were asked to assess their level of asthma subjectively with the ACT. The study consisted of 37 women and 18 men, with a mean age of 41 years, and a mean BMI of 27 kg/m2. Most of the patients had been taking an ICS/LABA combination and would resort to a SABA as their rescue medication.

Results

60% of the participants were classed as having controlled, and 40% were classed as having partially- or uncontrolled asthma. During sleep wheezing was found in 8 of the 55 asthma patients (14.5%) and coughing was found in 30 patients (54.5%). The median ACT score in wheezing-patients was 14, while in non-wheezing patients it was 21. Uncontrolled asthma was found in 6 of the 8 wheezing-patients. Coughing versus non-coughing patients did not show a significant difference in the ACT-score (20, 22 respectively).

Conclusion

Wheezing is a sign of uncontrolled asthma. The ACT-score in wheezing patients is worse compared to patients without wheezing. LEOSound proofed to be a useful tool in providing an objective evaluation of respiratory symptoms, like coughing and wheezing. In clinical practice, this may allow an improvement in asthma therapy.
Severe combined cardiac and neuromuscular toxicity from immune checkpoint blockade: an institutional case series
Authors: Arora Puja , Talamo Laura , Dillon Patrick , Gentzler Ryan D. , Millard Trish , Salerno Michael , Slingluff Craig L. , Gaughan Elizabeth M.
Published: September 2020

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibition is part of standard systemic management for many advanced malignancies. Toxicities from this treatment approach are unpredictable, though usually reversible with management per established guidelines. Some patients suffer major morbidity and treatment-related mortality from these agents in an unpredictable manner. Cardiac and neurologic complications are rare, but can result in serious clinical consequences.

Methods

We describe the presentation, management, and outcomes of eight sequential cases of combined cardiac and neurologic toxicities resulting in severe illness and demonstrating lack of rapid response to immunosuppression.

Results

Our cohort consisted of six males and two females with an average age of 73.5 years (61–89 years). There were four patients with melanoma, and one patient each with urothelial carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, breast cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer. Four patients received combination immunotherapy and four patients received monotherapy. The median time to presentation from treatment initiation was 27 days (11–132 days). All patients had a cardiovascular and neurologic toxicity, and most had hepatitis and myositis. The cardiac signs and symptoms were the prominent initial features of the clinical presentation. Each patient was managed by a multidisciplinary team and received a range of immunosuppressive agents. All patients died as a consequence of the immune related adverse events.

Conclusions

The evaluation of patients with cardiac adverse events from immunotherapy, should include assessment of overlapping toxicities such as myasthenia gravis and myositis. Providers should be aware of the potential for an extended duration of disability and slow improvement for certain toxicities as these expectations may factor prominently in goals of care decisions.
Seasonal food habits of the four-horned antelope (Tetracerus quadricornis de Blainville, 1816) in tropical deciduous forests of Aravalli mountain range, Rajasthan, Western India
Authors: Meghwal Ramchandra , Bhatnagar Chhaya , Koli Vijay Kumar
Published: September 2020

Background

Feeding strategies assessment of endangered species during food limited seasons is important in order to understand their niche and advise effective habitat management steps. We assessed the four-horned antelope (Tetracerus quadricornis) seasonal diet from April 2014 to March 2015, in three wildlife sanctuaries in western India, namely, Sitamata, Kumbhalgarh, and Phulwari-ki-nal Wildlife Sanctuaries. Opportunistic focal animal sampling method was used in five 1 km paths in each sanctuary to take feeding observations. Each transect was walked three times a day (morning 06:00-10:00 h; mid-day 10:00-14:00 h; evening 15:00-18:00 h), 1 day a month, during 12 months, with a total of 540 surveys divided between 15 paths. The diet data was categorized into different plant categories.

Results

A total of 532 feeding records from 85 animal sightings were noted with a mean (± SD) of 14.78 ± 10.04 feeding records/month. Feeding was observed on 63 plant species belonging to 23 families. The highest feeding records noted were on trees (60.91%) in the diet followed by shrubs (20.49%), grasses (16.92%), forbs (1.50%), and climbers (0.18%) respectively. Most of the plant species consumed were from Fabaceae (n = 17) and Poaceae (n = 12) families. The overall browse-grass ratio was 83.08-16.92% (88.02-11.98% for Sitamata WLS; 82.11-17.89% for Kumbhalgarh WLS; 79.10-20.90% for Phulwari-ki-nal WLS). Leaves were the most consumed part of the plants (64.10%), followed by dry fruit (16.55%), fleshy fruit (13.34%), flowers (2.82%), buds (2.06%), and twigs (1.13%) respectively. Use of fleshy fruits, dry fruits, and trees showed significant seasonal dietary difference (P < 0.05) in all three sanctuaries.

Conclusions

Tetracerus quadricornis was found to consume more browse species than grasses. We recommend conservation and promotion of natural plant regeneration, in particular for the plant species that were the most consumed by four-horned antelope, namely, Aristida adscensionis, Dendrocalamus strictus, Dichrostachys cinerea, Acacia leucophloea, Butea monosperma, Helicteres isora, Ziziphus nummularia, and Ziziphus xylopyrus. Conservation of grassland patches, minimizing local pressure, and planning, construction, and maintenance of fire lines prior to timing of forest fires would help to protected T. quadricornis habitat in all three sanctuaries.
Uterine Scarring Leads to Adverse Pregnant Consequences by Impairing the Endometrium Response to Steroids
Authors: Li Zhilang , Bian Xiaotao , Ma Yeling , Yang Qian , Jia Wentong , Liu Juan , Wang Feiyang , Liu Ming , Li Yu-Xia , Shao Xuan , Wang Yan-Ling
Published: September 2020

Uterine surgical scarring is an increasing risk factor for adverse pregnant consequences that threaten fetal-maternal health. The detailed molecular features of scar implantation remain largely unknown. We aim to study the pathologic features of uterine surgical scarring and the mechanisms of compromised pregnancy outcomes of scar implantation. We generated a mouse model of uterine surgical scarring with a uterine incision penetrating the myometrium to endometrium to examine the pathologic changes and transcriptome profiles of uterine scarring at various postsurgery (PS) time points, as well as features of the feto-maternal interface during scar implantation. We found that uterine surgical scar recovery was consistently poor at PS3 until PS90, as shown by a reduced number of endometrial glands, inhibition of myometrial smooth muscle cell growth but excessive collagen fiber deposition, and massive leukocyte infiltration. Transcriptome annotation indicated significant chronic inflammation at the scarring site. At the peri-implantation and postimplantation stages, abnormal expression of various steroid-responsive genes at the scarring site was in parallel with lumen epithelial cell hyperplasia, inappropriate luminal closure, and disorientation of the implanted embryo, restricted stromal cell proliferation, and defective decidualization. High embryonic lethality (around 70%) before E10.5 was observed, and the small amount of survival embryos at E10.5 exhibited restricted growth and aberrant placenta defects including overinvasion of trophoblast cells into the decidua and insufficient fetal blood vessel branching in the labyrinth. The findings indicate that chronic inflammation and compromised responses to steroids in uterine scar tissues are the pivotal molecular basis for adverse pregnancy consequences of scar implantation.
Functional evidence that Activin/Nodal signaling is required for establishing the dorsal-ventral axis in the annelid Capitella teleta
Authors: Lanza Alexis R. , Seaver Elaine C.
Published: September 2020

The TGF-β superfamily comprises two distinct branches: the Activin/Nodal and BMP pathways. During development, signaling by this superfamily regulates a variety of embryological processes, and it has a conserved role in patterning the dorsal-ventral body axis. Recent studies show that BMP signaling establishes the dorsal-ventral axis in some mollusks. However, previous pharmacological inhibition studies in the annelid Capitella teleta, a sister clade to the mollusks, suggests that the dorsal-ventral axis is patterned via Activin/Nodal signaling. Here, we determine the role of both the Activin/Nodal and BMP pathways as they function in Capitella axis patterning. Antisense morpholino oligonucleotides were targeted to Ct-Smad2/3 and Ct-Smad1/5/8, transcription factors specific to the Activin/Nodal and BMP pathways, respectively. Following microinjection of zygotes, resulting morphant larvae were scored for axial anomalies. We demonstrate that the Activin/Nodal pathway of the TGF-β superfamily, but not the BMP pathway, is the primary dorsal-ventral patterning signal in Capitella. These results demonstrate variation in the molecular control of axis patterning across spiralians, despite sharing a conserved cleavage program. We suggest that these findings represent an example of developmental system drift.
Comparison of the clinical application values of PCT, hs-CRP and SAA detection in the early diagnosis of sepsis
Authors: Sui Yuan-da , Xin Wei-na , Feng Lin-lin
Published: September 2020

Objectives: To investigate the clinical application values of procalcitonin (PCT), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) in the early diagnosis of sepsis.

Methods: In this retrospective analysis, 36 patients admitted to Liaocheng People’s Hospital were selected from May 2018 to July 2019. According to infectious disease diagnostic criteria, 17 patients were confirmed to have sepsis (observation group), and 19 patients were determined to be nonseptic (control group). The levels of PCT, CRP and SAA of patients were detected on admission, and the clinical application values of PCT, CRP and SAA for sepsis were compared.

Results: Seventeen patients were included in the observation group, including 9 males and 8 females, with an average age of 52.18 ± 9.49 years; 19 patients were included in the control group, including 12 males and 7 females, with an average age of 51.53 ± 8.50 years. On admission, there were significant differences in white blood cell (WBC) count (t = 5.134), neutrophil count (t = 3.143), lymphocyte count (t = 2.510), PCT (t = 9.250), hs-CRP (t = 2.947) and SAA (t = 11.360) between the observation group and the control group, and the differences were statistically significant. For the comparison of clinical application values: the sensitivity of PCT, hs-CRP and SAA was 78.95%, 52.17% and 50.00%, respectively; the specificity of PCT, hs-CRP and SAA was 88.24%, 61.54% and 37.50%, respectively; the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of PCT, hs-CRP and SAA was 0.920, 0.684 and 0.870, respectively; the logistic regression coefficient of PCT, hs-CRP and SAA was -0.577, -0.028 and -0.009, respectively; and the 95% confidence interval (CI) of PCT, hs-CRP and SAA was 0.779-0.985, 0.508-0.828 and 0.716-0.958, respectively.

Conclusion: Compared with hs-CRP and SAA, PCT had a higher clinical application value for sepsis, and PCT could be used as a reliable index for the early diagnosis of sepsis.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.7.2544

How to cite this:Sui Y, Xin W, Feng L. Comparison of the clinical application values of PCT, hs-CRP and SAA detection in the early diagnosis of sepsis. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(7):1683-1687. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.7.2544

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
COVID-19 outbreak, disruption of dental education, and the role of teledentistry
Authors: Farooq Imran , Ali Saqib , Moheet Imran Alam , AlHumaid Jehan
Published: September 2020

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected the whole world and has now been declared a Pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Although the mortality rate of this virus is low, it is especially potent against people with underlying systemic conditions. Dentistry is a profession where the doctor, as well as the dental staff, works in close vicinity to the patient’s mouth. Dental education has two core components; didactic and clinical training (including patient care). Dental education has been interrupted in the past due to certain events (Arab Spring and SARS outbreak). Currently, the pandemic of COVID-19 has disrupted dental education globally as most of the dental schools and universities in the world have closed amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. Teledentistry is a subspecialty of telemedicine that helps in the provision of educational activities, advice, and diagnosis about treatment over a distance with the help of technology like video conferencing. The current overview summarizes the potential role of teledentistry in continuing the dental educational process in terms of delivery of didactic components, clinical training, and patient care. It can be concluded that with modern updated devices and tools, teledentistry can be an effective way to prevent disruption of dental education and it can be utilized in continuing the dental educational process in this critical time of the COVID-19 outbreak.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.7.3125

How to cite this:Farooq I, Ali S, Moheet IA, AlHumaid J. COVID-19 outbreak, disruption of dental education, and the role of teledentistry. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(7):1726-1731. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.7.3125

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Comprehensive Survey of Plagiarism in Iran
Authors: Rokni Mohammad Bagher , Bizhani Negar , HABIBZADEH Farrokh , DANESHVAR FARHUD Dariush , MOHAMMADI Neda , ALIZADEH Ahad , ROKNI Ladan
Published: September 2020

Background and Objective: We conducted this study to assess the prevalence of plagiarism and to shed light on some dark aspects of this issue. The main objectives included to find out the etiology, prevalence, and detection of various forms plagiarism.

Methods: In this Cross-sectional study we used a questionnaire, face-to-face interview, analyzing the present notifications and codes, websites, and literature review. The current study was conducted throughout Iran from 2017-2018. Those associated with scientific journalism, academic staffs, and authors were interviewed or asked to fill out a prepared questionnaire.

Results: Nine hundred seventy nine questionnaires were circulated. Out of this 706 (72.1%) were completed and returned. Those with a master degree were most cooperative in filling out the questionnaires (36.4%); followed by Assistant Professors (29.6%). About 74.1% of respondents, had not participated in any educational workshops on plagiarism (P<0.001) while 10.8% had not heard anything about plagiarism (P<0.001). As regards correct reply as for definition and detecting plagiarism; 91.1%, 40.8%, 48.4% and 57.9% could reply correctly (P<0.001). Forty-one-point one percent of the participants believed that reprimand would be the best punishment. The percentage of plagiarism as per people associated in journal administration, was 22.9%; based on experts’ opinions, it was 30.0%; and based on analysis of some journals published in Iran, it was 25.5%.

Conclusion: We found a noticeable prevalence of plagiarism in Iran. Many factors are involved in this misconduct; most important being the need for academic staff and students to publish e more papers regardless of their quality to meet some of the academic requirements. Considering the high rank of Iran in terms of scientific growth worldwide, it is expected from the regulatory authorities to monitor all aspects of scientific misconducts in medical journalism.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.7.3456

How to cite this:Rokni MB, Bizhani N, Habibzadeh F, Farhud DD, Mohammadi N, Alizadeh A, et al. Comprehensive Survey of Plagiarism in Iran. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(7):1441-1448. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.7.3456

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Bounds for the Riemann–Stieltjes integral via s-convex integrand or integrator
Authors: Alomari Mohammad Wajeeh
Published: September 2020

Several bounds in approximating the Riemann–Stieltjes integral in terms of s-convex integrands or integrator are given.
On a topological simple Warne extension of a semigroup
Authors: Fihel Iryna , Gutik Oleg , Pavlyk Kateryna
Published: September 2020

Abstract is available in the PDF file.
Lessons from the heart: becoming more, not less
Authors: Greenaway Beth
Published: September 2020

In this month’s patient story, Beth Greenaway reflects on the positive outlooks and skills that living with a congenital heart condition has helped her to develop.
Time to think about time
Authors: Foster Sam
Published: September 2020

Sam Foster, Chief Nurse, Oxford University Hospitals, considers how the future of more flexible working might affect NHS staff's lives and time management, and looks at ways of preventing staff from feeling demotivated
Implementing enhanced patient education for surgical site infection prevention in cardiac surgery
Authors: Rochon Melissa , Magboo Rosalie , Barlow Carol , Ibrahim Sammra , Carruthers Lena , Pagett Jane , Morais Carlos , Silva Elizabeth
Published: September 2020

Objectives:

Photo at Discharge (PaD) is a nurse-led discharge strategy for enhanced wound care information for patients and healthcare providers. The purpose of this study is to describe implementation of PaD in three English cardiac centres.

Methods:

A prospective, cross-sectional design was used to evaluate implementation fidelity and sustainability of PaD on various geographical settings.

Results:

Three out of four hospitals (75%) approached agreed to complete surveys on implementation fidelity. Implementing the IT component took an average of 16 months (range 11–21 months). Across the three sites, 474 nursing staff have received training on PaD. Since implementing, a combined total of 9007 patients have received PaD. A 1-month compliance snapshot indicated mean of 96% (range 92–100%).

Conclusions:

PaD requires collaborative working, a change in behaviour and a change to the service. Despite these challenges, fidelity and sustainability scores across the sites were high. The findings from this study may help to increase implementation quality and dissemination of PaD.
Journal Scan
Authors: Welyczko Nikki
Published: September 2020

Nikki Welyczko, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, provides a brief overview of recently published nursing and health articles
Preceptorship: supporting new nurses in transition
Authors: Harrison Penny
Published: September 2020

Penny Harrison, Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing at De Montfort University, Leicester, discusses how nurses can support newly registered colleagues
Ulnar tunnel syndrome: pathoanatomy, clinical features and management
Authors: Scarborough Alexander , MacFarlane Robert J , Mehta Nisarg , Smith Gillian D
Published: September 2020

Ulnar tunnel syndrome is compression of the ulnar nerve at the level of the wrist within Guyon's canal. It is most commonly caused by a ganglion cyst but may also be secondary to fractures, inflammatory conditions, neoplasm, vascular anomalies, aberrant musculature or a combination of these.

Assessment should include a detailed history focusing on duration, site and progression of symptoms. The level of compression can be estimated clinically on examination by assessing motor and sensory changes in the hand.

Investigations are used to confirm diagnosis or to clarify the underlying cause. X-rays and computed tomography can be used to exclude fractures. Ultrasound is used to diagnose ganglion cysts and vascular anomalies, and can localise the level of compression. Nerve conduction studies can be used to support the diagnosis and look for proximal compression.

Mild symptoms can be managed non-operatively. Surgical exploration and decompression is the gold standard treatment for neuro-compressive causes with largely good outcomes.
Practical interrogation scheme for the abrupt taper Mach–Zehnder interferometer refractive index sensor
Authors: Gong Xiaoyu , Yam Scott S.-H.
Published: September 2020

A practical interrogation scheme of a refractive index (RI) sensing system based on the abrupt fiber taper Mach–Zehnder interferometer sensor is designed, implemented, and demonstrated by experiment. The broadband light source and optical spectrum analyzer in the conventional design are replaced by two single-wavelength laser diodes modulated by a periodical square waveform and a simple photodetector (PD), which can significantly lower the cost and lead to easier integration. The photocurrent of the PD output signal is used as the indicator of the surrounding RI. Automatic data acquisition and processing is realized by LabVIEW programming. The experiment proves the feasibility of the new scheme and shows a high sensitivity (2371 mV/RIU) and high stability.
High-efficiency full-surface defects detection for an ICF capsule based on a null interferometric microscope
Authors: Wei Cong , Li Jianxin , Ma Jun , Duan Mingliang , Zong Yi , Miao Xinyu , Zhu Rihong , Yuan Caojin , Gao Dangzhong , Wang Zongwei
Published: September 2020

Laser inertial confinement fusion (ICF) triggers a nuclear fusion reaction via the evenly compressed capsule containing deuterium tritium fuel with a high-power laser. However, isolated defects on the surface of the capsules reduce the probability of ignition. In this paper, we present a full-surface defects detection method based on a null interferometric microscope (NIM) to achieve high-precision, high-efficiency, and full-surface defects detection on ICF capsules. A dynamic phase-shifting module is applied to the NIM to achieve a single-shot measurement in a single subaperture. With the capsule controlling system, the capsule is rotated and scanned along a planned lattice to get all subapertures measured. The eccentricity error can be measured from wavefront aberrations and compensated online to guarantee the measurement accuracy during the scanning process. After the scanning process, all of the surface defects are identified on the full-surface map. Theories and experimental results indicate that for the capsule with 875-µm-diameter, the lateral resolution could reach 0.7 µm and the measurement time is less than 1 h. The number of sampling points can reach about 50 million. To the best of our knowledge, our proposed system is the first to achieve full-surface defects detection of ICF capsules with such high efficiency and high resolution at the same time.
Cirugía radioguiada de paratiroides
Authors: Rayo-Madrid Juan Ignacio , Martínez-Esteve Andrés , Infante De La Torre José Rafael , Jiménez-Granero Pedro , Cobo-Rodriguez Amparo , Serrano-Vicente Justo
Published: September 2020

El hiperparatiroidismo primario es la principal causa de hipercalcemia en pacientes no hospitalizados, estando causado en el 85-90% de los casos por un adenoma solitario. La cirugía radioguiada (CRG) es una técnica quirúrgica mínimamente invasiva que emplea medicamentos radiofármacos para facilitar la localización y extirpación de lesiones benignas o malignas. La cirugía radioguiada de paratiroides (CRGP), como técnica GOSTT (Guided intraOperative Scintigraphic Tumor Targeting) y mínimamente invasiva, precisa de una prueba de diagnóstico por la imagen que permita localizar anatómicamente la lesión y establecer su comportamiento funcional. El MIBI-99mTc es el trazador de elección, debiendo siempre incluir estudios tomográficos, especialmente la SPECT-CT. Se emplea durante la CRGP junto con sondas intraoperatorias, gammacámaras y dispositivos SPECT portátiles, herramientas de navegación y sistemas robóticos laparoscópicos. La CRGP disminuye el tiempo quirúrgico, los costes hospitalarios y la morbilidad sobre el paciente, con una elevada efectividad y eficiencia.
Tiroidología y Paratiroidología en cirugía de tiroides y paratiroides
Authors: Pardal-Refoyo José Luis
Published: September 2020

La atención al paciente con patología de las glándulas tiroides y paratiroides es multidisciplinar. La formación y actualización de los conocimientos sobre el diagnós-tico y tratamiento de las patologías de tiroides y paratiroides es una necesidad en todas las especialidades implicadas. Página web del curso ‘Bases de Tiroidología y Paratiroidología en cirugía de tiroides y paratiroides’: http://tiroides.org.es/.
Contamination factors associated with surviving bacteria in Thai commercial raw pet foods
Authors: Kananub Suppada , Pinniam Nayika , Phothitheerabut Sitthiporn , Krajanglikit Praphaphan
Published: September 2020

Aim: This study aimed to identify the surviving bacteria in commercial raw pet food and to analyze the factors associated with their contamination.

Materials and Methods: A total of 17 samples from 12 brands available in Thailand were randomly selected for analysis. Fifteen samples were frozen products and two were freeze-dried. The total bacterial counts (TBCs) of Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Listeria spp., and Listeria monocytogenes were measured. Association between the bacterial profile and feed ingredients, as well as with product types, was analyzed by Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests.

Results: Campylobacter was not found in any product, whereas Salmonella spp. and Listeria spp. showed the highest prevalence with respect to the standard's limits. The TBC was significantly related to the type of the products (frozen or freeze-dried), and S. aureus and L. monocytogenes were significantly related to a chicken-based diet.

Conclusion: Pet food contamination can occur during the manufacturing process, storage, or even preparation. The freezing and drying processes may reduce, but not eradicate, the bacterial contamination in raw pet food. These results emphasize the need for quality control in the manufacturing process and show the importance of personal hygiene for the pet owner to reduce health risks.
Use of Fluoride and Silver Ion Compounds in Three International School Based Oral Health Programs – A Case Report
Authors: Duffin Steven R. , Duffin Marcus L.
Published: September 2020

Untreated dental caries in children is one of the most common diseases and largest public health problems in the world. A novel caries management program, using 50% silver nitrate, 38% silver diamine fluoride, and 5% sodium fluoride varnish, was developed at Shoreview Dental, LLC, a private dental practice in Oregon USA, and then introduced into schools in Ecuador, Ghana, and Bolivia. Cavitated carious lesions were treated with 50% silver nitrate, followed by covering with 5% sodium fluoride varnish, three times over two weeks for 165 children in Ecuador at initial assessment, 3 months, and 6 months. This protocol was repeated for 271 children in Ghana at initial assessment and 12 months. In Bolivia, 130 children were treated with 38% silver diamine fluoride, followed by covering with 5% sodium fluoride varnish, once per visit at initial assessment, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months. The percentage of children with active cavitated carious lesions at initial evaluation was 92.7% (Ecuador), 55.4% (Ghana), and 92.3% (Bolivia). The final arrest rate of treated surfaces was 98.8% (Ecuador), 67.6% (Ghana), and 90.2% (Bolivia). Effectiveness of cavitated caries lesion arrest is increased when it is thoroughly cleaned and dried before the treatment protocol. Further optimization is obtained when this protocol is repeated multiple times.
Three-Dimensional-Printed Liver Model Helps Learners Identify Hepatic Subsegments: A Randomized-Controlled Cross-Over Trial
Authors: Chedid Victor G. , Kamath Amika A. , M. Knudsen John , Frimannsdottir Katrin , Yost Kathleen J. , R. Geske Jennifer , Morris Jonathan M. , Taner Timucin , Matsumoto Jane M. , Kamath Patrick S.
Published: September 2020

INTRODUCTION:

The purpose of this study was to find out whether 3-dimensional (3D)–printed models improved the learners' ability to identify liver segments.

METHODS:

A total of 116 physicians from 3 disciplines were tested in a cross-over trial at baseline and after teaching with 3D models and 2-dimensional (2D) images. Adjusted multilevel-mixed models were used to compare scores at baseline and after 3D and 2D.

RESULTS:

Accuracy in identifying hepatic segments was higher with 3D first than 2D (77% vs 69%; P = 0.05) and not significantly improved by a combination of 3D and 2D. Increased confidence in segment identification was highest in trainees after 3D (P = 0.04).

DISCUSSION:

3D-printed models facilitate learning hepatic segmental anatomy.
PELAKSANAAN PEMBELAJARAN MUTHOLA’AH DI MA IBNUL QOYYIM PUTRI KELAS TAKHASUS TAHUN AJARAN 2018/2019 (ditinjau dari kemampuan tarjamah)
Authors: Dewi Nuraeni  , Adzfar Ammar
Published: September 2020

This research is motivated by the lack of reading and translating ability and the lack of utilizing attractive learning methods. Muthola'ah learning requires careful reading skills and Tarjamah learning methods to be able to understand the meaning contained in muthola'ah text. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the muthola’ah learning process in the takhasus class in order to be a new reference material for muthola’ah subject teachers at MA Ibnul Qoyyim Putri. This research is a qualitative field research, with data collection methods using observation, interviews, tests, and documentation. The number of students who took the tarjamah test was 18 students. The results showed that the muthola’ah subjects in the takhasus class for the students were, contributing more that with muthola’ah learning could increase students' understanding of Arabic learning, adding vocabulary as provisions to enter the next higher class. The skills achieved with muthola’ah learning include speaking, listening and writing skills. In terms of tarjamah ability, this muthola'ah subject indeed concluded that although teachers often translate from Arabic to Arabic, students can translate into Indonesian with tarjamah lafzhiyah and tahdluriyah types from three written tarjamah tests with the weight of tarjamah question sheets that are different and increase from meeting to meeting. The test results reached an average grade of 95.2. While the tarjamah fauriyah takhasus students test results reached an average grade of 82.8.

Keywords: Muthola’ah, Tarjamah, MA Ibnul Qoyyim Putri.
Les Chaires et l’esprit. Organisation et transmission des savoirs au sein d’une université germanique au XVIIe siècle - B. Klein, 2017
Authors: Dutron Martin
Published: September 2020

Recensé : Boris Klein, Les Chaires et l’esprit. Organisation et transmission des savoirs au sein d’une université germanique au XVIIe siècle, Lyon, Presses Universitaires de Lyon, 2017, 352 p.