bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Women, body and war: Kurdish female fighters through Commander Arian and Girls’ War
Authors: Fernàndez Aragonès Aina
Published: August 2020

The historical relationship between women and war is largely mediated by their body, used as a symbolic expression of the process of occupation, extermination and subjugation of one people by another through the systematic violation of women and girls. Kurdish women live a triple struggle: against the Daesh, against the national oppression of their people by the different states of the Middle East into which Kurdistan is divided, and last – but not least – against patriarchy. In this fight, their body is their weapon: Daesh fighters are put into panic by them, since if they die at the hands of a woman they will not go to paradise. Commander Arian (2018) directed by Alba Sotorra and Girls’ War (2016) directed by Mylène Sauloy portray the struggle of Kurdish women against Daesh in the area of Rojava (Syrian Kurdistan). This article explores the media frame used in those documentaries to explain the relationship that these women establish with violence, a relationship allegedly denatured but sustained throughout history.
Antenatal haemoglobinopathy screening – Experiences of a large Australian Centre
Authors: Ai Sylvia , Cliffe Corrina , Kidson-Gerber Giselle
Published: August 2020

Background

Antenatal screening is vital to identifying couples at risk of having children with a clinically significant haemoglobinopathy. In Australia, immigration is increasing carrier incidence.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed of full blood count, high-performance liquid chromatography and haemoglobin electrophoresis of women and their partners who underwent antenatal haemoglobinopathy screening over three years at a major NSW laboratory. Genetic testing results were included where available.

Results

One thousand six hundred and twenty-eight women and 729 male partners were screened at a median gestation of 14 weeks. 8.2% of women had a clinically significant result, with a median 16-day interval to partner testing. In 35% of couples screened simultaneously, the partner did not require testing. Genetic confirmatory testing was performed in 65% of high risk couples.

Conclusion

There was a significant delay to antenatal haemoglobinopathy screening for mothers, limiting time for genetic diagnosis, prenatal diagnosis and management of affected pregnancies. Screening should be performed earlier. Simultaneous couple testing is not cost-effective.
Impact of Two Different Reference Measurement Procedures on Apparent System Accuracy of 18 CE-Marked Current-Generation Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems
Authors: Freckmann Guido , Baumstark Annette , Jendrike Nina , Mende Jochen , Schauer Sebastian , Link Manuela , Pleus Stefan , Haug Cornelia
Published: August 2020

Background:

Measurement accuracy has been assessed for many different blood glucose monitoring systems (BGMS) over the years by different study groups. However, the choice of the comparison measurement procedure may impact the apparent level of accuracy found in such studies.

Materials and Methods:

Measurement accuracy of 18 different BGMS was assessed in a setting based on ISO 15197 using two different comparison methods in parallel: a glucose oxidase (GOD)-based and a hexokinase (HK)-based method. Accuracy limits of ISO 15197 were applied, and additional analyses were performed, including bias, linear regression, and mean absolute relative difference (MARD) to assess the impact of possible differences between comparison methods on the apparent level of accuracy.

Results:

While ≈80% of BGMS met the accuracy criteria of ISO 15197 when compared with the respective manufacturers’ reference measurement procedure, only two-thirds did so against both comparison methods. The mean relative bias ranged from −6.6% to +5.7% for the analysis against the GOD-based method and from −11.1% to +1.3% for the analysis against the HK-based method, whereas MARD results ranged from 3.7% to 9.8% and from 2.3% to 10.5%, respectively. Results of regression analysis showed slopes between 0.85 and 1.08 (GOD-based method) and between 0.81 and 1.01 (HK-based method).

Conclusions:

The results of this study indicate that there are systematic differences between the reference measurement procedures used for BGMS calibration as well as for system accuracy assessment. Because of the potential impact on therapy of patients with diabetes resulting from these differences, further steps toward harmonization of the measurement procedures’ results are important.
Surviving From the Margins: A Conversation About Identity With James Baldwin
Authors: Woodruffe Anjuliet G.
Published: August 2020

Black feminist thought and Black feminist autoethnography are the theoretical and methodological tools that I use to explore transnational identity construction as a Black, Trinidadian–American woman who has experienced hyper(in)visibility. Three letters capture my epiphanic moments as the outsider-within. I stage an interaction with the late literary-activist–scholar, James Baldwin, to address identity-making through race and transnationality, and to problematize interpersonal, structural, and disciplinary forms of power that shape my identity. My critical autoethnography is a self-story—a story that is always navigating between dual citizenships and culture. I place my epiphanic moments in conversation with those of James Baldwin to highlight Black experience from the past and present to provide new ways of narrating difference.
Intraarticular Corticosteroids for Hip Osteoarthritis: A Review
Authors: Choueiri Magda , Chevalier Xavier , Eymard Florent
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Hip osteoarthritis is a prevalent condition responsible for important pain and disability. Most available guidelines for nonsurgical management of hip osteoarthritis recommend a combination of nonpharmacological and pharmacological treatment modalities. Intraarticular corticosteroid injections have been used for decades, although evidence is quite scarce, and many controversies remain.

Methods

This article reviews the available literature from Medline and Embase and discusses the evidence for intraarticular corticosteroid injections in hip osteoarthritis, where only 5 randomized controlled trials were found in the literature. These are analyzed in this article, which also aims to explain the main characteristics and features of glucocorticoids, along with their contraindications and potential adverse effects.

Results

Available randomized controlled trials show that intraarticular corticosteroid injections provide pain relief and functional improvement in hip osteoarthritis. This efficacy has not been shown with intraarticular hyaluronic acid injections.

Conclusion

This review shows that intraarticular corticosteroid injections are efficacious in hip osteoarthritis and that this benefit can last up to 12 weeks.
10 kHz spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of chronic back and/or leg pain: Summary of clinical studies
Authors: Luecke Thorsten , Edgar Deborah , Huse Daniel
Published: August 2020

Chronic pain has a major impact on sufferers and their families. The associated health care costs are substantial. In the context of increasing prevalence, effective treatment options are ever more important. 10 kHz spinal cord stimulation has been shown to effectively provide pain relief, aid in opioid reduction, and improve quality of life in patients with chronic intractable pain. The present review aims to summarize the clinical evidence related to the use of 10 kHz SCS in chronic back and/or leg pain. We searched the PubMed database between 2009 and 2 June 2020 for articles reporting clinical studies that included at least 10 human subjects permanently treated with a 10 kHz SCS system (Senza® system) for chronic back and/or leg pain for a minimum of 3 months. A randomized controlled trial (SENZA-RCT), as well as several prospective and retrospective studies, reported clinical outcomes in subjects with chronic back and leg pain treated with 10 kHz SCS. A high proportion of subjects (60%–80%) reported long-term response to therapy. Pain relief was provided without paresthesia. Other studies showed promising pain relief outcomes in subjects with back pain ineligible for spinal surgery, neuropathic limb pain, and in those with previously failed traditional low-frequency SCS. Most studies reported improved quality of life metrics and/or reduced opioid intake. Level 1 evidence has already been established for the use of 10 kHz SCS in treating chronic back and leg pain, corroborated by real-world, clinical experience. Exploratory studies also show the potential of the therapy in other refractory pain syndromes, although larger studies are desired to validate their findings. Overall, the literature suggests that 10 kHz SCS provides long-term pain relief in a high proportion of patients, along with improved quality of life and reduced opioid consumption.
A cut above? Inferior vena cava resection without reconstruction: a dual-centre experience
Authors: Noël Jonathan P , Tang Sarah Yu Weng , Muhammad Nana Aishatu Liman , Nicol David , Kockelbergh Roger C
Published: August 2020

Objectives:

To evaluate outcomes in our patients undergoing inferior vena cava (IVC) resection without reconstruction, as part of an adrenal/renal cell cancer (RCC) operation.

Methods:

British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) Data and Audit System records were obtained for two operating surgeons, each at geographically separate urological cancer centres. Retrospectively reviewed case notes of patients who had undergone IVC resection without reconstruction as part of an adrenal/RCC operation, assessing operative parameters, length of stay, complications and follow-up status.

Results:

A total of Twenty-eight patients (20 right-sided tumours, 8 left sided) underwent IVC resection without reconstruction in May 2013–February 2017. No perioperative or early deaths occurred. Fourteen patients (50%) had complications: sepsis; pneumonia; congestive cardiac failure; acute kidney injury; symptomatic peripheral deep venous thrombosis; splenectomy; and significant chyle leak. At a median follow-up of 21 months (range 1–55 months) six patients (21.4%) have died and two patients (7.1%) progressed to metastatic disease, giving a 71.4% progression-free survival in this series.

Conclusions:

This case series illustrates our experience of IVC resection without reconstruction as an acceptably safe procedure. This should be considered as an alternative to graft reconstruction, particularly as minimal invasive approaches are being adopted.

Level of Evidence:

3
Successful treatment of a rare Cowper’s bulbourethral gland syringocele in an adult with endoscopic laser deroofing using a rigid ureteroscope
Authors: Patel Sheena , Rai Jaskarn
Published: August 2020

Cystic dilatation of Cowper’s glands, also known as a syringocele, is a well-known condition of childhood, with increased recognition as a rare presentation of urinary tract symptoms in adults. Surgical techniques for its treatment vary, with several described in the literature. However, consensus on optimal treatment is unclear. We present a rare case of a Cowper’s gland syringocele successfully treated with laser deroofing with a previously undescribed method using a rigid ureteroscope, and we also review techniques in the literature.

Level of evidence:

Level 5.
A Cognitive Semantic Analysis of Arabic Verb of Visual Perception رأى (ra’a) in Fiction Writing
Authors: Jumaah Ruaa Talal , Md Rashid Sabariah , Abdul Jabar Mohd Azidan Bin , Ali Afida Mohamad
Published: August 2020

This study focuses on whether the metaphors of visual perception are really as universal as has been argued in the literature as research in non-Western languages has demonstrated that the metaphors are not universal. Thus, this study aims at unraveling the conceptual metaphors underlying the linguistic expressions of the Arabic verb of visual perception ىأر (ra’a) in fiction writing. This study adopts a qualitative approach and is situated within the field of cognitive semantics. A corpus of Arabic fiction writing, comprising 1 million words, between the period of 2010 and 2017 was compiled from different sources. Specifically, a sample consisting of 1,000 examples of the Arabic verb of visual perception ىأر was randomly extracted from the corpus using Ghawwas_V4.6 concordancer. The metaphor identification procedures (MIPs) were used to identify the metaphorical linguistic expressions in the corpus, and Lakoff and Johnson’s and Sweetser’s analytical frameworks were adopted for data analysis. The data analysis revealed many conceptual metaphors of knowledge and understanding underlying the metaphorical linguistic expression of the verb ىأر in Arabic. The findings of this study support Sweetser’s claim regarding the universality of conceptual metaphors related to the verbs of visual perception in motivating metaphors of knowledge and intellection. Thus, this study contributes to the literature on verbs of perception, particularly verbs of visual perception, as it is the first to address the conceptual metaphors underlying the verb ىأر in Arabic using real authentic corpus of fiction writing.
Opportunities and Challenges in Designing a Public Health Knowledge and Skills Curriculum for Refugee and Migrant Community Health Champions in the West Midlands, England (UK)
Authors: Mudyarabikwa Oliver , Regmi Krishna , Ouillon Sinead , Simmonds Raymond
Published: August 2020

There has been much discussion recently about the potential of Community Health Champions (CHCs) to promote universal health coverage in the United Kingdom. Among refugee and migrant groups, there is concern that untrained community workers miss out on understanding the major causes of poor health outcomes. This study aims to examine the challenges and opportunities that influence the designing of an effective curriculum to help CHCs develop the necessary knowledge and skills. A qualitative evaluation of a collaborative public health curriculum with this primary objective, focused on aspiring CHCs drawn from refugee and migrant populations, was conducted. The 5-week curriculum was delivered as a community partnership between a local university, three metropolises, and three refugee and migrant centers, all located in the West Midlands, United Kingdom. We found no evidence of existing curriculums that target refugees and migrants to develop knowledge and skills for influencing health services utilization by individuals within their own community. It is an opportune time to introduce such a curriculum because health providers occasionally use CHCs for some roles in their activities. Important challenges in this curriculum concerned generating consensus on content, dealing with power structures in negotiating the content, and agreeing on boundaries in curriculum activities. There is evidence of CHCs from refugee and migrant backgrounds having an interest in developing skills for helping reduce health inequalities in the United Kingdom. This study concludes that significant challenges exist in designing a CHC curriculum that all stakeholders can easily accept, but not having consensus on content may be detrimental to their learning.
Parent Stress in Relation to Use of Bedside Telehealth, an Initiative to Improve Family-Centeredness of Care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Guttmann Katherine , Patterson Chavis , Haines Tracey , Hoffman Casey , Masten Marjorie , Lorch Scott , Chuo John
Published: August 2020

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth technologies have become critical to providing family and patient-centered care. Little is known about the impact of these technologies on parent stress levels in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). We sought to determine the impact of bedside web cameras on stress levels of parents in the NICU in order to work toward interventions that might improve family-centered care. A validated survey, the Parental Stress Scale NICU, was administered to parents of babies admitted to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Neonatal/Infant Intensive Care Unit on days 7 to 10 of hospitalization. Parents were also asked if they used the available AngelEye Camera while their baby was hospitalized. Stress levels were analyzed for associations with the use of the bedside cameras. Parents who reported using the bedside camera also reported lower levels of stress relating to being separated from their babies. Bedside web camera interventions may hold potential for reducing parent stress related to separation from their babies, especially in the setting of a global pandemic.
Acadly: An Online Platform for Engaged Learning
Authors: Kriz Tiffany D.
Published: August 2020

Faculty and students alike can benefit from the use of educational technology, yet keeping up with the latest developments can pose a challenge for busy faculty. This article reviews one tool that could be used to facilitate teaching and learning in face-to-face, hybrid, or online courses. Acadly is an online platform and mobile application providing capabilities such as automated attendance, in-page discussion threads, and participation tracking. Acadly functions similarly to learning management systems yet differs in ways that some faculty and students may find appealing. The article discusses the strengths and limitations of the tool based on usage in five sections of an undergraduate organizational behavior course. Acadly appears to be useful in helping students organize their work and in facilitating greater student engagement. A notable limitation is that it currently lacks advanced grading capabilities.
Increased lipid metabolism impairs NK cell function and mediates adaptation to the lymphoma environment
Authors: Kobayashi Takumi , Lam Pui Yeng , Jiang Hui , Bednarska Karolina , Gloury Renee , Murigneux Valentine , Tay Joshua , Jacquelot Nicolas , Li Rui , Tuong Zewen Kelvin , Leggatt Graham R. , Gandhi Maher K. , Hill Michelle M. , Belz Gabrielle T. , Ngo Shyuan , Kallies Axel , Mattarollo Stephen R.
Published: August 2020

Natural killer (NK) cells play critical roles in protection against hematological malignancies but can acquire a dysfunctional state, which limits antitumor immunity. However, the underlying reasons for this impaired NK cell function remain to be uncovered. We found that NK cells in aggressive B-cell lymphoma underwent substantial transcriptional reprogramming associated with increased lipid metabolism, including elevated expression of the transcriptional regulator peroxisome activator receptor-γ (PPAR-γ). Exposure to fatty acids in the lymphoma environment potently suppressed NK cell effector response and cellular metabolism. NK cells from both diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients and Eµ-myc B-cell lymphoma-bearing mice displayed reduced interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production. Activation of PPAR-γ partially restored mitochondrial membrane potential and IFN-γ production. Overall, our data indicate that increased lipid metabolism, while impairing their function, is a functional adaptation of NK cells to the fatty-acid rich lymphoma environment.
Specific functions of Exostosin-like 3 (EXTL3) gene products
Authors: Yamada Shuhei
Published: August 2020

Exostosin-like 3 (EXTL3) encodes the glycosyltransferases responsible for the biosynthesis of the backbone structure of heparan sulfate (HS), a sulfated polysaccharide that is ubiquitously distributed on the animal cell surface and in the extracellular matrix. A lack of EXTL3 reduces HS levels and causes embryonic lethality, indicating its indispensable role in the biosynthesis of HS. EXTL3 has also been identified as a receptor molecule for regenerating islet-derived (REG) protein ligands, which have been shown to stimulate islet β-cell growth. REG proteins also play roles in keratinocyte proliferation and/or differentiation, tissue regeneration and immune defenses in the gut as well as neurite outgrowth in the central nervous system. Compared with the established function of EXTL3 as a glycosyltransferase in HS biosynthesis, the REG-receptor function of EXTL3 is not conclusive. Genetic diseases caused by biallelic mutations in the EXTL3 gene were recently reported to result in a neuro-immuno-skeletal dysplasia syndrome. EXTL3 is a key molecule for the biosynthesis of HS and may be involved in the signal transduction of REG proteins.
Comparative genomic analysis of Flavobacteriaceae: insights into carbohydrate metabolism, gliding motility and secondary metabolite biosynthesis
Authors: Gavriilidou Asimenia , Gutleben Johanna , Versluis Dennis , Forgiarini Francesca , van Passel Mark W. J. , Ingham Colin J. , Smidt Hauke , Sipkema Detmer
Published: August 2020

Background

Members of the bacterial familyFlavobacteriaceaeare widely distributed in the marine environment and often found associated with algae, fish, detritus or marine invertebrates. Yet, little is known about the characteristics that drive their ubiquity in diverse ecological niches. Here, we provide an overview of functional traits common to taxonomically diverse members of the familyFlavobacteriaceaefrom different environmental sources, with a focus on the Marine clade. We include seven newly sequenced marine sponge-derived strains that were also tested for gliding motility and antimicrobial activity.

Results

Comparative genomics revealed that genome similarities appeared to be correlated to 16S rRNA gene- and genome-based phylogeny, while differences were mostly associated with nutrient acquisition, such as carbohydrate metabolism and gliding motility. The high frequency and diversity of genes encoding polymer-degrading enzymes, often arranged in polysaccharide utilization loci (PULs), support the capacity of marineFlavobacteriaceaeto utilize diverse carbon sources. Homologs of gliding proteins were widespread among all studiedFlavobacteriaceaein contrast to members of other phyla, highlighting the particular presence of this feature within theBacteroidetes. Notably, not all bacteria predicted to glide formed spreading colonies. Genome mining uncovered a diverse secondary metabolite biosynthesis arsenal ofFlavobacteriaceaewith high prevalence of gene clusters encoding pathways for the production of antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic compounds. Antimicrobial activity tests showed, however, that the phenotype differed from the genome-derived predictions for the seven tested strains.

Conclusions

Our study elucidates the functional repertoire of marineFlavobacteriaceaeand highlights the need to combine genomic and experimental data while using the appropriate stimuli to unlock their uncharted metabolic potential.
Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli activates nitrate respiration to benefit from the inflammatory response for initiation of microcolony-formation
Authors: Nada Risa , Ebihara Shinya , Yen Hilo , Tobe Toru
Published: August 2020

Background

For successful colonization, enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) injects virulence factors, called effectors, into target cells through the type three secretion system (T3SS), which is composed of a needle and basal body. Under anaerobic conditions, the T3SS machinery remains immature and does not have a needle structure. However, activation of nitrate respiration enhances the completion of the T3SS machinery. Because nitric oxide released by the host inflammatory response increases nitrate concentration, we sought to determine the effect of the inflammatory response on initiation of EHEC microcolony-formation.

Results

The colony-forming capacity was increased in accordance with the increase of nitrate in the medium. The addition of the nitric oxide-producing agent NOR-4 also enhanced the adherence capacity, which was dependent on nitrate reductase encoded by the narGHJI genes. Culture supernatant of epithelial cells, which was stimulated by a cytokine mixture, enhanced the colony-forming capacity of wild-type EHEC but not of the narGHJI mutant. Finally, colony formation by wild-type EHEC on epithelial cells, which were preincubated with heat-killed bacteria, was higher than the narGHJI mutant, and this effect was abolished by aminoguanidine hydrochloride, which is an iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) inhibitor.

Conclusions

These results indicate that the inflammatory response enhances EHEC adherence by increasing nitrate concentration.
Hydrogen sulphide alleviates iron deficiency by promoting iron availability and plant hormone levels in Glycine max seedlings
Authors: Chen Juan , Zhang Ni-Na , Pan Qing , Lin Xue-Yuan , Shangguan Zhouping , Zhang Jian-Hua , Wei Ge-Hong
Published: August 2020

Background

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is involved in regulating physiological processes in plants. We investigated how H2S ameliorates iron (Fe) deficiency in soybean (Glycine max L.) seedlings. Multidisciplinary approaches including physiological, biochemical and molecular, and transcriptome methods were used to investigate the H2S role in regulating Fe availability in soybean seedlings.

Results

Our results showed that H2S completely prevented leaf interveinal chlorosis and caused an increase in soybean seedling biomass under Fe deficiency conditions. Moreover, H2S decreased the amount of root-bound apoplastic Fe and increased the Fe content in leaves and roots by regulating the ferric-chelate reductase (FCR) activities and Fe homeostasis- and sulphur metabolism-related gene expression levels, thereby promoting photosynthesis in soybean seedlings. In addition, H2S changed the plant hormone concentrations by modulating plant hormone-related gene expression abundances in soybean seedlings grown in Fe-deficient solution. Furthermore, organic acid biosynthesis and related genes expression also played a vital role in modulating the H2S-mediated alleviation of Fe deficiency in soybean seedlings.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that Fe deficiency was alleviated by H2S through enhancement of Fe acquisition and assimilation, thereby regulating plant hormones and organic acid synthesis in plants.
Psychological characteristics and associations between living kidney transplantation recipients and biologically related or unrelated donors
Authors: Lee Yujin , Park Hyewon , Jee Hee-Jung , Lee Heon-Jeong , Gwon Jun Gyo , Min Hyeonjin , Jung Cheol Woong , Kim Myung-Gyu , Cho Chul-Hyun
Published: August 2020

Background

Although recipients and donors in living kidney transplantation experience psychological distress—including depression and anxiety—during the pre-operative period, very few studies have evaluated the related psychological reactions. This study aimed to determine the characteristics and correlations of the mood states and personality of recipients and donors (genetically related and unrelated) of living kidney transplantations.

Methods

A total of 66 pairs of living donors and recipients were enrolled from April 2008 to June 2019 in this study, of whom 53 eligible pairs of living donors and recipients were included in the retrospective analysis of their psychological assessments in the pre-transplantation states. While participants’ personality patterns were assessed using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2), mood states were evaluated via both the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests and Spearman’s correlation analyses.

Results

The recipient group showed significantly higher scores for Hypochondriasis (t = − 4.49, p = .0001), Depression (t = − 3.36, p = .0015), and Hysteria (t = − 3.30, p = .0018) of MMPI-2 and CES-D (t = − 3.93, p = .0003) than the donor group. The biologically unrelated recipient group reported higher scores of Hypochondriasis (t = − 3.37, p = .003) and Depression (t = − 2.86, p = 0.0098) than the unrelated donor group. Higher scores for Hypochondriasis (t = − 3.00, p = 0.0054) and CES-D (t = − 3.53, p = .0014) were found in the related recipient group. A positive association was found for Hypomania (r = .40, p = .003) of MMPI-2, STAI-S (r = .36, p = .009), and CES-D (r = .36, p = .008) between the recipient and donor groups.

Conclusions

Recipients suffered from a higher level of depression and somatic concerns than donors before living kidney transplantation. Psychological problems like depression and anxiety can occur in both living kidney transplantation donors and recipients. This study suggests that clinicians must pay attention to mood states not only in recipients but also in donors because of emotional contagion.
Establishment of age group classification for risk stratification in glioma patients
Authors: Lin Zhiying , Yang Runwei , Li Kaishu , Yi Guozhong , Li Zhiyong , Guo Jinglin , Zhang Zhou , Junxiang Peng , Liu Yawei , Qi Songtao , Huang Guanglong
Published: August 2020

Background

Age is associated with the prognosis of glioma patients, but there is no uniform standard of age-group classification to evaluate the prognosis of glioma patients. In this study, we aimed to establish an age group classification for risk stratification in glioma patients.

Methods

1502 patients diagnosed with gliomas at Nanfang Hospital between 2000 and 2018 were enrolled. The WHO grade of glioma was used as a dependent variable to evaluate the effect of age on risk stratification. The evaluation model was established by logistic regression, and the Akaike information criterion (AIC) value of the model was used to determine the optimal cutoff points for age-classification. The differences in gender, WHO grade, pathological subtype, tumor cell differentiation, tumor size, tumor location, and molecular markers between different age groups were analyzed. The molecular markers included GFAP, EMA, MGMT, P53, NeuN, Oligo2, EGFR, VEGF, IDH1, Ki-67, PR, CD3, H3K27M, TS, and 1p/19q status.

Results

The proportion of men with glioma was higher than that of women with glioma (58.3% vs 41.7%). Analysis of age showed that appropriate classifications of age group were 0–14 years old (pediatric group), 15–47 years old (youth group), 48–63 years old (middle-aged group), and ≥ 64 years old (elderly group).The proportions of glioblastoma and large tumor size (4–6 cm) increased with age (p = 0.000, p = 0.018, respectively). Analysis of the pathological molecular markers across the four age groups showed that the proportion of patients with larger than 10% area of Ki-67 expression or positive PR expression increased with age (p = 0.000, p = 0.017, respectively).

Conclusions

Appropriate classifications of the age group for risk stratification are 0–14 years old (pediatric group), 15–47 years old (young group), 48–63 years old (middle age group) and ≥ 64 years old (elderly group). This age group classification is effective in evaluating the risk of glioblastoma in glioma patients.
The effect of non-organophosphate household pesticides exposure during pregnancy on infants birth sizes and growth rate: a cohort study
Authors: Soesanti Frida , Idris Nikmah S. , Klipstein-Grobusch Kerstin , Hendarto Aryono , Grobbee Diederick E. , Uiterwaal Cuno S. P. M.
Published: August 2020

Background

To date, there is limited evidence on the effect of antenatal exposure to non-organophosphate household pesticides on infant health. Our hypothesis is that antenatal exposure to non-organophosphate household pesticides will be associated with birth sizes and infant growth rate.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, 284 mother-infant pairs were studied. Mothers were recruited at the third trimester in two primary care centers and one private hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia. Mothers filled out questionnaires about exposure to non-organophosphate household pesticides at the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Birth weight and length were measured at birth. Afterwards, the weight, height, and head circumference (HC) were measured at 7 days, 1, 2, 4, and 6 months of age. Linear mixed modeling and linear regression was performed to calculate growth rate of each infant. Multivariable linear regression adjusted for confounders was used to assess the association between household pesticides exposure and birth sizes and infant growth rate.

Results

Based on self-report questionnaires, 133 (46.8%) mothers were exposed to household pesticides during pregnancy. The mean HC at day 7 in the exposed group was − 7.1 mm (95%CI -13.1;-1.2) lower than in the non-exposed group. The difference was more prominent in the non-mosquito pesticide group (linear regression coefficient: − 22.1 mm, 95%CI -36.5;-7.6). No material associations were found between antenatal exposure to household pesticides with other growth measures, including weight gain, length gain, HC increment and weight-to-length gain rates. No modification of effects by breastfeeding was found.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that antenatal exposure to household non-organophosphate pesticides is associated with smaller head circumference at birth.
Long term outcome of anastomotic leakage in patients undergoing low anterior resection for rectal cancer
Authors: Artus Alice , Tabchouri Nicolas , Iskander Othman , Michot Nicolas , Muller Olivier , Giger-Pabst Urs , Bourlier Pascal , Bourbao-Tournois Céline , Kraemer-Bucur Aurore , Lecomte Thierry , Salamé Ephrem , Ouaissi Mehdi
Published: August 2020

Background

The influence of anastomotic leakage (AL) on local recurrence rates and survival in rectal cancer remains controversial. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of asymptomatic anastomotic leakage (AAL) and symptomatic anastomotic leakage (SAL) on short- and long-term outcome after curative rectal cancer resection.

Methods

All patients who underwent surgical resection of non-metastatic rectal cancer with curative intent from January 2005 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Short-term morbidity, long-term functional and oncological outcomes were compared between patients with SAL, AAL and without AL (WAL).

Results

Overall, 200 patients were included and AL was observed in 39 (19.5%) patients (10 AAL and 29 SAL) with a median follow-up of 38.5 months. Rectal cancer location and preoperative neoadjuvant treatment was similar between the three groups. Postoperative 30-day mortality rate was nil. The permanent stoma rate was higher in patients with SAL or AAL compared to WAL patients (44.8 and 30% vs 9.3%, p < 0.001). The mean wexner continence grading scale was significantly different between AAL (11,4 ± 3,8), SAL (10,3 ± 0,6) and WAL (6,4 ± 4,7) groups (p = 0.049). The 3 and 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates were similar between the 3 groups (86.6% /84% vs 100%/100% vs 76%/70 and 82.9%/77% vs 100%/100% vs 94.7%/88.3% for patients with SAL, AAL, and WAL, p = 0.480 and p = 0.527).

Conclusion

The permanent stoma rate was significant higher in patients with SAL or AAL compared to WAL patients. AL did not impair long-term oncological outcome.
A ten-gene signature-based risk assessment model predicts the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jiang Hanliang , Xu Shan , Chen Chunhua
Published: August 2020

Background

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a major cause of cancer death. Therefore, identifying potential prognostic risk factors is critical to improve the survival of patients with LUAD.

Methods

Here, relevant datasets were downloaded from TCGA and GEO databases to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Univariate Cox analysis, LASSO regression analysis and multivariate Cox analysis were conducted on the DEGs combined with TCGA clinical data, and finally a risk assessment model based on 10 feature genes was constructed.

Results

The prognosis of patients was evaluated after the patients were grouped based on the median risk score and the results showed that the survival time of patients in the high-risk group was significantly shorter than that in the low-risk group. ROC analysis showed that the AUC values of the 1, 3, 5-year survival were 0.753, 0.724, and 0.73, respectively, indicating that the model was precise in predicting the prognosis, which was also verified in the external dataset GSE72094. In addition, a significant correlation was found between the risk score and the clinical stages of LUAD, that is, a later stage always corresponded to a higher risk score. Then, we performed survival analysis on the 10 feature genes independently in the TCGA-LUAD dataset through the GEPIA database, finding that the high expression of 6 genes (COL5A2, PLEK2, BAIAP2L2, S100P, ZIC2, SFXN1) was associated with the poor prognosis of LUAD patients.

Conclusion

To sum, this study established a 10-gene risk assessment model and further evaluated its value in predicting LUAD prognosis, which provided a new method for the prognosis prediction of LUAD.
The impact of high-intensity interval training exercise on breast cancer survivors: a pilot study to explore fitness, cardiac regulation and biomarkers of the stress systems
Authors: Toohey Kellie , Pumpa Kate , McKune Andrew , Cooke Julie , Welvaert Marijke , Northey Joseph , Quinlan Clare , Semple Stuart
Published: August 2020

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the largest cause of death in breast cancer survivors. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of exercise intensity on aerobic fitness and autonomic cardiac regulation (heart rate variability (HRV)) and salivary biomarkers of the stress systems (HPA-axis, cortisol; sympathetic nervous system, α-amylase) and mucosal immunity (secretory(s)-IgA), markers of increased risk of CVD in breast cancer survivors.

Methods

Participants were randomly assigned to; 1) high intensity interval training (HIIT); 2) moderate-intensity, continuous aerobic training (CMIT); or 3) a wait-list control (CON) for a 12-week (36 session) stationary cycling intervention. Cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak), resting HRV and salivary biomarkers were measured at baseline 2–4 d pre-intervention and 2–4 d post the last exercise session.

Results

Seventeen participants were included in this study (62 ± 8 years, HIIT; n = 6, CMIT; n = 5, CON; n = 6). A significant improvement (p ≤ 0.05) was observed for VO2peak in the HIIT group; 19.3% (B = 3.98, 95%CI = [1.89; 4.02]) and a non-significant increase in the CMIT group; 5.6% (B = 1.96, 95%CI = [− 0.11; 4.03]), compared with a 2.6% (B = − 0.64, 95%CI = [− 2.10; 0.82]) decrease in the CON group. Post intervention improvements in HRV markers of vagal activity (log (ln)LF/HF, LnRMSSD) and sympathetic nervous system (α-amylase waking response) occurred for individuals exhibiting outlying (> 95% CI) levels at baseline compared to general population.

Conclusion

High intensity interval training improved cardiovascular fitness in breast cancer survivors and improved cardiac regulation, and sympathetic nervous system (stress) responses in some individuals. High-intensity interval training was safe and effective for breast cancer survivors to participate in with promising results as a time efficient intensity to improve physical health and stress, reducing CVD risk.

Trial registration

This pilot study was retrospectively registered through the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR):
ACTRN12620000684921.
Validation of the German capability for suicide questionnaire (GCSQ) in a high-risk sample of suicidal inpatients
Authors: Cwik Jan C. , Forkmann Thomas , Glaesmer Heide , Paashaus Laura , Schönfelder Antje , Rath Dajana , Prinz Sarah , Juckel Georg , Teismann Tobias
Published: August 2020

Background

The German Capability for Suicide Questionnaire (GCSQ) was developed to measure fearlessness of death and pain tolerance – two constructs central to the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide. Initial scale development, definition of the factor structure and confirmation of the two-dimensional factor structure was performed in samples suffering from relatively low levels of suicide ideation/behavior. The present study aimed to validate the German Capability for Suicide Questionnaire (GCSQ) in a high-risk sample of suicidal inpatients.

Methods

Factor structure, reliability and validity were investigated in a sample of inpatients (N = 296; 53.0% female; age in years: M = 36.81, SD = 14.27) admitted to a hospital due to a recent suicide attempt or an acute suicidal crisis (in immediate need of inpatient treatment). To establish convergent validity, interview-based assessments of lifetime suicide attempts and non-suicidal self-injury as well as questionnaire-based assessments of painful and provocative events were used. Finally, stability of GCSQ-scores over a follow-up period of 12 months was assessed.

Results

Results indicated good psychometric properties, and provided additional evidence for construct validity and stability of the subscales over a one-year period, and demonstrated adequate fit of the data with respect to the original factor structure.

Conclusions

Results suggest that the GCSQ is a brief, reliable, and valid measure of capability for suicide that can be used in clinic assessment and research.
“Like a ticking time bomb”: the persistence of trauma in the HIV diagnosis experience among black men who have sex with men in New York City
Authors: Mgbako Ofole , Benoit Ellen , Iyengar Nishanth S. , Kuhner Christopher , Brinker Dustin , Duncan Dustin T.
Published: August 2020

Background

Black men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV compared to almost every other demographic group in the country and have worse outcomes along the care continuum. Diagnosis is a critical juncture. This study aims to explore the impact and meaning of an HIV diagnosis for Black MSM, and how this has changed over time, both for the individual’s experience living with HIV as well as for Black MSM in general.

Methods

From 2017 to 2018, we conducted in-depth interviews with 16 black MSM living with HIV in New York City diagnosed between 1985 and 2016.

Results

Inductive analysis of the qualitative data allowed three major themes to emerge: diagnosis trauma, lack of patient -centeredness in the healthcare system, and acceptance of HIV diagnosis over time.

Conclusions

This small pilot study signals that an HIV diagnosis experience possibly remains traumatic for black MSM even in the era of highly effective ART, and they often perceive a lack of patient-centeredness in the delivery of a new diagnosis. This has persisted over time. In most cases, black MSM in our sample overcame this trauma due to self-motivation, social support and seeking out and fostering trusting relationships with their HIV provider and the healthcare system.
Mortality analysis of burns in a developing country: a CAMEROONIAN experience
Authors: Forbinake Ndung Ako , Ohandza Claude Stephan , Fai Karl Njuwa , Agbor Valirie Ndip , Asonglefac Betrand Kealebong , Aroke Desmond , Beyiha Gerard
Published: August 2020

Background

Burns are a serious public health problem worldwide accounting for an estimated 265,000 deaths annually from fires alone. The vast majority (96%) of deaths from fire-related burns occur in low- and middle-income countries and burns are one of the leading causes of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in the developing world. Most burn centres are situated in large cities and are inadequate for the high incidence of injuries. An 8 year review of 440 patients in the Douala General Hospital, showed that the majority of patients burned were males (n = 281, 68.9%), the mean age was 25.2 ± 17.77 years with an admission rate of 69.5% (306 patients). The modal and median age were 31.0 years and 25.0 years respectively, interquartile range (0.4–82). Majority of burns (n = 237, 53.9%) had burn surface area ≥ 10%, most burns were 2nd degree (n = 215, 48.9) and the commonest burn agents were flames (n = 170, 37.3%), electricity (n = 119, 26.3%) and water (n = 114, 25.2%). The paucity of data on burn mortality in Cameroon motivated this study and is aimed at determining the mortality rate, causes and factors associated with death of burnt patients in the burn unit of the Douala General Hospital (DGH).

Methods

It was a retrospective observational study carried out from the 1st of January 2008 to the 31st of December 2015 in the Burn Unit of the Douala General Hospital. An adapted questionnaire was used to collect demographic data, burn agents, burn depth; diagnostic delay, burn surface area, complications, comorbidity, mortality and its causes. Data was transferred to Microsoft Excel 2015 and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 for data analysis.

Results

During this 8 year period, 440 patients were studied and the mortality rate was 23.4% (103 patients). The fatal burn agents were, flames (n = 69, 67.0%), electricity (n = 15, 14.6%), water (n = 12, 11.6%), contact (n = 4, 3.9%), Oil (n = 2, 1.9%) and chemicals (n = 1, 1.0%). The causes of death were shock (n = 36, 35.0%), sepsis (n = 25, 24.3%), acute respiratory distress (n = 25, 24.3%), acute renal failure (n = 6, 5.8%), severe anaemia (n = 4, 3.9%) and unrecorded causes (n = 7, 6.7%).

Conclusion

A quarter of all patients died mostly from flame burns and to a lesser extent, electricity and scalds. Increase in burn depth and burn surface area worsened the prognosis. Shock (the commonest cause of death), sepsis, acute respiratory distress, acute renal failure and wound infection were significantly associated with mortality.
Bridge to surgery using a self-expandable metallic stent for stages II–III obstructive colorectal cancer
Authors: Ohta Katsuya , Ikenaga Masakazu , Ueda Masami , Iede Kiyotsugu , Tsuda Yujiro , Nakashima Shinsuke , Nojiri Takashi , Matsuyama Jin , Endo Shunji , Murata Jun , Kobayashi Ichizo , Tsujii Masahiko , Yamada Terumasa
Published: August 2020

Background

Bridge to surgery (BTS) using a self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) for the treatment of obstructive colorectal cancer improves the patient’s quality of life. This study aimed to examine prognostic factors of obstructive colorectal cancer.

Methods

We analyzed stage II-III resectable colon cancer cases (Cur A) retrospectively registered between January 2005 and December 2017. Overall, 117 patients with Cur A obstructive colorectal cancer were evaluated: 67 of them underwent emergency surgery (ES Group) and 50 of them after BTS with SEMS placement (BTS group). We compared surgical results and prognoses between the two groups.

Results

A total of 50 patients underwent endoscopic SEMS placement, which technical success of 96% and morbidity rate of 18%. Primary anastomosis rates were 77.6% in ES and 95.7% in BTS (p <  0.001); postoperative complication, 46.3% in ES and 10.5% in BTS (p <  0.001); pathological findings of lymphatic invasion, 66.7% in ES and 100% in BTS (p <  0.001); venous invasion were 66.8% in ES and 92% in BTS (p = 0.04); and recurrence of 25.4% in ES and 39.1% in BTS. The 3-year overall survival was significantly different between two groups (ES, 86.8%:BTS, 58.8%), BTS is worse than ES (log-rank test;p <  0.001). Venous invasion independently predicted worsened recurrence-free and overall survival.

Conclusions

The vascular invasiveness was correlated with tumor progression after SEMS placement, and the survival rate was lower in BTS. SEMS potentially worsens prognostic outcomes in stage II–III obstructive colorectal cancer.