bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of symptoms, ever having received a diagnosis and treatment of depression and anxiety, and associations with health service use amongst the general population in two Russian cities
Authors: Cook Sarah , Kudryavtsev Alexander V. , Bobrova Natalia , Saburova Lyudmila , Denisova Diana , Malyutina Sofia , Lewis Glyn , Leon David A.
Published: November 2020

Background

Little is known about the burden of common mental disorders in Russia despite high levels of suicide and alcohol-related mortality. Here we investigated levels of symptoms, self-reports of ever having received a diagnosis and treatment of anxiety and depression in two Russian cities.

Methods

The study population was men and women aged 35–69 years old participating in cross-sectional population-based studies in the cities of Arkhangelsk and Novosibirsk (2015–18). Participants completed an interview which included the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scales, questions on whether participants had ever received a diagnosis of depression or anxiety, and health service use in the past year. Participants also reported current medication use and medications were coded in line with the WHO anatomical therapeutic classification (ATC). Depression was defined as PHQ-9 ≥ 10 and Anxiety as GAD-7 ≥ 10.

Results

Age-standardised prevalence of PHQ-9 ≥ 10 was 10.7% in women and 5.4% in men (GAD-7 ≥ 10 6.2% in women; 3.0% in men). Among those with PHQ-9 ≥ 10 17% reported ever having been diagnosed with depression (equivalent finding for anxiety 29%). Only 1.5% of those with PHQ-9 ≥ 10 reported using anti-depressants and 0.6% of those with GAD-7 ≥ 10 reported using anxiolytics. No men with PHQ-9 ≥ 10 and/or GAD-7 ≥ 10 reported use of anti-depressants or anxiolytics. Use of health services increased with increasing severity of both depression and anxiety.

Conclusion

There was a large gap between symptoms and reporting of past diagnosis and treatment of common mental disorders in two Russian cities. Interventions aimed at improving mental health literacy and reducing stigma could be of benefit in closing this substantial treatment gap.
Cross-segment spinal plasma cell granuloma:a case report
Authors: Lin Renqin , Wang Shenglin , Lin Jianhua , Zhang Zhenzhen , Chen Xuanwei
Published: November 2020

Background

Plasma cell granuloma (PCG) is a rare non-neoplastic entity, with the precise etiology remaining unclear. Vertebra-affected spinal PCG has not been reported yet. This report presented a case with cross-segment spinal PCG in thoracolumbar region.

Case presentation

A 32-year-old male patient presented to the authors’ hospital since his health check-up results showed osteolytic lesions in the thoracolumbar spine. He felt asymptomatic throughout the course. Radiological examination revealed destructive changes at T12 and L1 vertebrae. Whereas laboratory examination excluded malignant tumor. The results of routine incisional biopsy remained inconclusive, thereby necessitating complete excision of the lesions. Finally, the infiltration of plasma cells observed by pathological examination of the surgical specimen confirmed the diagnosis of PCG.

Conclusions

To the authors’ knowledge, this was the first case of cross-segment spinal PCG with osteolytic property. The possibility of PCG should be considered for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of an osteolytic lesion in the spine. Since the etiology of PCG is unknown, the disorder was confirmed based on excluded diagnosis. Surgical resection is recommended both for the definite diagnosis and treatment of spinal PCG.
Esophagogastric polyurethane bezoar complicated by stomach wall microperforation and acute peritonitis: case report
Authors: Ziaja Krzysztof , Chudek Jerzy , Chlubek Aleksander , Sznapka Mariola , Toborek Tomasz , Ziaja Damian
Published: November 2020

Background

Bezoars are collections of indigestible material in the gastrointestinal tract, mostly described in children. Polyurethane “plastobezoars” consisting of composites used in the construction industry are rarely described bezoars formed in the esophagus and stomach, causing gastrointestinal obstruction, usually necessitating gastrectomy.

We describe an unusual presentation of polyurethane bezoar with a volcanic rock consistency, that caused gastrointestinal obstruction and perforation of the stomach wall.

Case presentation

A 39-year-old man, a construction worker, was referred with signs and symptoms of high gastrointestinal obstruction and abdominal pain. Esophagoscopy revealed a foreign body in the esophagus, 20 cm from the incisor line, causing its obstruction. The attempt to collect the material with forceps failed as the material was too hard. Spiral computed tomography visualized a wide, gas-filled esophagus and a large stomach. The patient with symptoms of acute peritonitis was operated. There were several microperforations of the stomach wall, caused by sharp bezoar fragments that filled the upper one-third of the stomach and lower part of the esophagus. After a longitudinal stomach incision, the bezoar was bluntly dissected from the wall and removed, and the stomach microperforations were closed by wall duplication. After the operation, the patient confessed to drinking, of his own free will, a two-component building foam used to seal pipes. The patient started normal feeding on the 4th day and was discharge home.

Conclusions

Polyurethane bezoars may cause stomach wall perforation and acute peritonitis. Computed tomography has limited usefulness in patients with polyurethane bezoars due to their low specific weight.
Impact of malnutrition on systemic immune and metabolic profiles in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Rajamanickam Anuradha , Munisankar Saravanan , Dolla Chandra Kumar , Thiruvengadam Kannan , Babu Subash
Published: November 2020

Background

While obesity and overweight status are firmly established risk factors for Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a substantial proportion of diabetic individuals, especially in Africa and Asia, are often underweight or normal weight. However, very little is known about the immunological and metabolic profiles of these individuals.

Methods

This study aimed to assess the relationship between malnutrition and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We examined a variety of analytes associated with the immunological and metabolic profiles of T2DM individuals with low (< 18.5 kg/m2) or normal (18.5–24.9 kg/m2) body mass index (BMI). To this end, we measured plasma levels of HbA1c, glucose, insulin, glucagon, adipocytokines and Type 1, Type 2, Type 17, pro-inflammatory and regulatory cytokines in T2DM individuals with low BMI (LBMI) or normal BMI (NBMI) with small sample size n = 44 in each group.

Results

LBMI individuals exhibited significantly higher levels of HbA1c, random blood glucose, insulin and glucagon compared to NBMI individuals. Similarly, LBMI individuals exhibited significantly higher levels of adiponectin and adipsin and significantly lower levels of leptin in comparison to NBMI individuals. LBMI individuals also exhibited significantly lower levels of the Type 1, Type 2, Type 17, pro-inflammatory and regulatory cytokines in comparison to NBMI individuals. Finally, while the metabolic parameters exhibited a significant negative correlation with BMI, the immunological parameters exhibited a significant positive correlation with BMI.

Conclusions

Malnutrition is associated with a significant modulation of glycemic, hormonal and cytokine parameters in T2DM. Hence, the biochemical and immunological profiles of T2DM is significantly influenced by BMI.
The 2020 blast in the Port of Beirut: can the Lebanese health system “build back better”?
Authors: Landry Michel D. , Alameddine Mohamad , Jesus Tiago S. , Sassine Saydeh , Koueik Elie , Raman Sudha R.
Published: November 2020

The August 2020 explosion in Lebanon resulted in casualties, injuries, and a great number of internally displaced persons. The blast occurred during an economically and politically complex time in the country. Given multiple and competing post-explosion reconstruction priorities, in ths editorial we briefly examine the requirements for a build back better scenario.
Presence of antibodies against tick-borne encephalitis virus in sheep in Tunisia, North Africa
Authors: Khamassi Khbou Médiha , Romdhane Rihab , Foughali Asma Amina , Sassi Limam , Suin Vanessa , Rekik Mourad , Benzarti M’hammed
Published: November 2020

Background

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEv) is a flavivirus that circulates in a complex cycle involving small mammals as amplifying hosts and ticks as vectors and reservoirs. The current study aimed to investigate the presence of TBEv in Tunisian sheep. A sample of 263 adult sheep were selected from 6 localities whereIxodes ricinusis well established. Sera were screened using ELISA for TBEv IgG detection, then the doubtful and positive sera were tested by the seroneutralisation test (SNT) and screened for West Nile Virus (WNv) IgG for cross-reaction assessment.

Results

The ELISA for TBEv IgG detected one positive serum and 17 borderlines. The SNT showed one positive serum among the 18 tested, giving an overall antibody prevalence of 0.38% (95% CI = 0.07–2.12%). All but one serum tested negative to WNv ELISA. None of the sheep farmers reported neurological signs among sheep or humans in their households.

Conclusions

The results may indicate the circulation of TBEv for the first time in Tunisia and in North Africa. Further studies based on either virus isolation or RNA detection, are needed to confirm the presence of TBEv in North Africa.
Conversion of poplar biomass into high-energy density tricyclic sesquiterpene jet fuel blendstocks
Authors: Geiselman Gina M. , Kirby James , Landera Alexander , Otoupal Peter , Papa Gabriella , Barcelos Carolina , Sundstrom Eric R. , Das Lalitendu , Magurudeniya Harsha D. , Wehrs Maren , Rodriguez Alberto , Simmons Blake A. , Magnuson Jon K. , Mukhopadhyay Aindrila , Lee Taek Soon , George Anthe , Gladden John M.
Published: November 2020

Background

In an effort to ensure future energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create domestic jobs, the US has invested in technologies to develop sustainable biofuels and bioproducts from renewable carbon sources such as lignocellulosic biomass. Bio-derived jet fuel is of particular interest as aviation is less amenable to electrification compared to other modes of transportation and synthetic biology provides the ability to tailor fuel properties to enhance performance. Specific energy and energy density are important properties in determining the attractiveness of potential bio-derived jet fuels. For example, increased energy content can give the industry options such as longer range, higher load or reduced takeoff weight. Energy-dense sesquiterpenes have been identified as potential next-generation jet fuels that can be renewably produced from lignocellulosic biomass.

Results

We developed a biomass deconstruction and conversion process that enabled the production of two tricyclic sesquiterpenes, epi-isozizaene and prespatane, from the woody biomass poplar using the versatile basidiomycete Rhodosporidium toruloides. We demonstrated terpene production at both bench and bioreactor scales, with prespatane titers reaching 1173.6 mg/L when grown in poplar hydrolysate in a 2 L bioreactor. Additionally, we examined the theoretical fuel properties of prespatane and epi-isozizaene in their hydrogenated states as blending options for jet fuel, and compared them to aviation fuel, Jet A.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that prespatane and epi-isozizaene in their hydrogenated states would be attractive blending options in Jet A or other lower density renewable jet fuels as they would improve viscosity and increase their energy density. Saturated epi-isozizaene and saturated prespatane have energy densities that are 16.6 and 18.8% higher than Jet A, respectively. These results highlight the potential of R. toruloides as a production host for the sustainable and scalable production of bio-derived jet fuel blends, and this is the first report of prespatane as an alternative jet fuel.
Analysis of initial laboratory diagnosis of malaria and its accuracy compared with re-testing from 2013 to 2018 in Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Dong Ying , Deng Yan , Xu Yanchun , Chen Mengni , Wei Chun , Zhang Canglin , Mao Xianghua , Xue Jingbo
Published: November 2020

Background

According to China’s Malaria Eradication Action Plan, malaria cases diagnosed and reported by health authorities at the county level must be further re-confirmed by provincial laboratories. The Yunnan Province Malaria Diagnostic Reference Laboratory (YPMDRL) began the synchronous implementation of microscopic examinations and nested polymerase chain reaction (nested-PCR) testing to re-test the malaria cases initially diagnosed by county-level laboratories and to evaluate the consistency of Plasmodium species identified between by YPMDRL and by the county-level laboratories from 2013 to 2018 in Yunnan Province.

Methods

Data on malaria initial diagnosis completed by county-level laboratories in Yunnan Province were collected weekly from the “China Disease Prevention and Control Information System” from 2013 to 2018. The YPMDRL performed Plasmodium microscopic examination and 18S rRNA gene nested-PCR testing on every malaria case managed by the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The re-testing detection results were fed back to the initial diagnosis and reporting unit for revision of malaria case types.

Results

A total of 2,869 malaria cases were diagnosed and reported by county-level laboratories in Yunnan Province from 2013 to 2018. The re-testing rate was 95.6% (2,742/2,869), and the re-testing rate increased from 2013 to 2018. Among the re-tested 2,742 cases, 96.7% (2651/2742), 2.2% (59/2742), and 1.1% (32/2742) were doubly examined by microscopy and by nested-PCR, only by microscopy, and only by nested-PCR, respectively. The total Plasmodium species accuracy rate at county-level laboratories was 92.6% (2,543/2,742) reference to the diagnosis by YPMDRL. Among the inconsistent 199 cases, they were identified as including 103 negative cases, 45 falciparum malaria cases, 30 vivax malaria cases, 11 ovale malaria cases, and 10 malariae malaria cases by YPMDRL. From 2013 to 2018, the revised and registered malaria cases by the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System in Yunnan Province was 2,747 cases, including 2,305 vivax malaria cases, 421 falciparum malaria cases, 11 ovale malaria cases, and 10 malariae malaria cases.

Conclusions

The double re-testing strategy by microscopy and by gene testing increases the accuracy of diagnoses malaria in Yunnan Province, and gene testing can reliably differentiate Plasmodium species. The re-testing results provided by YPMDRL are the authoritative basis for revising malaria kind in Yunnan Province.
Income-related inequalities in unmet dental care needs in Spain: traces left by the Great Recession
Authors: Urbanos-Garrido Rosa M.
Published: November 2020

Background

Dental health is an important component of general health. Socioeconomic inequalities in unmet dental care needs have been identified in the literature, but some knowledge gaps persist. This paper tries to identify the determinants of income-related inequality in unmet need for dental care and the reasons for its recent evolution in Spain, and it inquires about the traces left by the Great Recession.

Methods

Data from the EU-SILC forming a decade (2007–2017) were used. Income-related inequalities for three years were measured by calculating corrected concentration indices (CCI), which were further decomposed in order to compute the contribution of different factors to inequality. An Oaxaca-type decomposition approach was also used to analyze the origin of changes over time. Men and women were analyzed separately.

Results

Pro-rich inequality in unmet dental care needs significantly increased over time (CCI 2007: − 0.0272 and − 0.0334 for males and females, respectively; CCI 2017: − 0.0704 and − 0.0776; p < 0.001). Inequality showed a clear “pro-cycle” pattern, growing during the Great Recession and starting to decrease just after the economic recovery began. Gender differences only were significant for 2009 (p = 0.004) and 2014 (p = 0.063). Income was the main determinant of inequality and of its variation along time -particularly for women-, followed by far by unemployment –particularly for men-; the contributions of both were mainly due to changes in elasticites.

Conclusions

The Great Recession left its trace in form of a higher inequality in the access to dental care. Also, unmet need for dental care, as well as its inequality, became more sensitive to the ability to pay and to unemployment along recent years. To broaden public coverage of dental care for vulnerable groups, such as low-income/unemployed people with high oral health needs, would help to prevent further growth of inequality.
Peripheral blood non-canonical small non-coding RNAs as novel biomarkers in lung cancer
Authors: Gu Wanjun , Shi Junchao , Liu Hui , Zhang Xudong , Zhou Jin J. , Li Musheng , Zhou Dandan , Li Rui , Lv Jingzhu , Wen Guoxia , Zhu Shanshan , Qi Ting , Li Wei , Wang Xiaojing , Wang Zhaohua , Zhu Hua , Zhou Changcheng , Knox Kenneth S. , Wang Ting , Chen Qi , Qian Zhongqing , Zhou Tong
Published: November 2020

One unmet challenge in lung cancer diagnosis is to accurately differentiate lung cancer from other lung diseases with similar clinical symptoms and radiological features, such as pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). To identify reliable biomarkers for lung cancer screening, we leverage the recently discovered non-canonical small non-coding RNAs (i.e., tRNA-derived small RNAs [tsRNAs], rRNA-derived small RNAs [rsRNAs], and YRNA-derived small RNAs [ysRNAs]) in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and develop a molecular signature composed of distinct ts/rs/ysRNAs (TRY-RNA). Our TRY-RNA signature precisely discriminates between control, lung cancer, and pulmonary TB subjects in both the discovery and validation cohorts and outperforms microRNA-based biomarkers, which bears the diagnostic potential for lung cancer screening.
A U-shaped association between the LDL-cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol ratio and all-cause mortality in elderly hypertensive patients: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Yu Yu , Li Minghui , Huang Xiao , Zhou Wei , Wang Tao , Zhu Lingjuan , Ding Congcong , Tao Yu , Bao Huihui , Cheng Xiaoshu
Published: November 2020

Background

The low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein- cholesterol (LDL-C/HDL-C) ratio is an excellent predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, previous studies linking the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio to mortality have yielded inconsistent results and been limited by short follow-up periods. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine whether the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio could be an effective predictor of all-cause mortality in elderly hypertensive patients.

Methods

A total of 6941 hypertensive patients aged 65 years or older who were not treated with lipid-lowering drugs were selected from the Chinese Hypertension Registry for analysis. The endpoint of the study was all-cause mortality. The relationship between the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and all-cause mortality was determined using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression, smoothing curve fitting (penalized spline method), subgroup analysis and Kaplan–Meier survival curve analysis.

Results

During a median follow-up of 1.72 years, 157 all-cause deaths occurred. A U-shaped association was found between the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and all-cause mortality. Patients were divided according to the quintiles of the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio. Compared to the reference group (Q3: 1.67–2.10), patients with both lower (Q1 and Q2) and higher (Q4 and Q5) LDL-C/HDL-C ratios had higher all-cause mortality (< 1.67: HR 1.81, 95% CI: 1.08–3.03; ≥2.10: HR 2.00, 95% CI: 1.18–3.39). Compared with the lower and higher LDL-C/HDL-C ratio groups, patients with LDL-C/HDL-C ratios of 1.67–2.10 had a significantly higher survival probability (log-rankP = 0.038).

Conclusions

The results suggest that there is a U-shaped association between the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and all-cause mortality. Both lower and higher LDL-C/HDL-C ratios were associated with increased all-cause mortality in elderly hypertensive patients.
Health-related quality of life in children with congenital heart disease aged 5 to 7 years: a multicentre controlled cross-sectional study
Authors: Abassi Hamouda , Huguet Helena , Picot Marie-Christine , Vincenti Marie , Guillaumont Sophie , Auer Annie , Werner Oscar , De La Villeon Gregoire , Lavastre Kathleen , Gavotto Arthur , Auquier Pascal , Amedro Pascal
Published: November 2020

Background

In the context of tremendous progress in congenital cardiology, more attention has been given to patient-related outcomes, especially in assessing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with congenital heart diseases (CHD). However, most studies have mainly focused on teenagers or adults and currently, few HRQoL controlled data is available in young children. This study aimed to evaluate HRQoL of children with CHD aged 5 to 7 y.o., in comparison with contemporary peers recruited in school, as well as the factors associated with HRQoL in this population.

Methods

This multicentre controlled prospective cross-sectional study included 124 children with a CHD (mean age = 6.0 ± 0.8 y, 45% female) during their outpatient visit and 125 controls (mean age = 6.2 ± 0.8 y, 54% female) recruited at school. A generic paediatric HRQoL instrument was used (PedsQL 4.0).

Results

Self-reported HRQoL in children with CHD was similar to controls, overall (73.5 ± 1.2 vs. 72.8 ± 1.2, P = 0.7, respectively), and for each dimension. Parents-reported HRQoL was significantly lower in the CHD group than in controls. HRQoL was predicted by the disease severity and by repeated invasive cardiac procedures (surgery or catheterization).

Conclusion

HRQoL in young children with CHD aged 5 to 7 years old was good and similar to controls. This study contributed to the growing body of knowledge on HRQoL in congenital cardiology and emphasized the need for child and family support in the most complex CHD.

Trial registrationThis study was approved by the institutional review board of Montpellier University Hospital (2019_IRB-MTP_02-19) on 22 February 2019 and was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03931096) on 30 April 2019,https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03931096.
Anastomosis technique for pancreatojejunostomy and early removal of drainage tubes may reduce postoperative pancreatic fistula
Authors: Kawaida Hiromichi , Kono Hiroshi , Amemiya Hidetake , Hosomura Naohiro , Watanabe Mitsuaki , Saito Ryo , Nakata Yuuki , Shoda Katsutoshi , Shimizu Hiroki , Furuya Shinji , Akaike Hidenori , Kawaguchi Yoshihiko , Sudo Makoto , Matusda Masanori , Itakura Jun , Fujii Hideki , Ichikawa Daisuke
Published: November 2020

Background

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is one of the most serious complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Various factors have been reported as POPF risks, but the most serious of these is soft pancreas. To reduce POPF occurrences, many changes to the PD process have been proposed. This study evaluates short-term results of anastomosis technique for PD.

Methods

In total, 123 patients with soft pancreases who had undergone PD at Yamanashi University between January 2012 and August 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. We divided these patients into two groups depending on the time PD was performed: a conventional group (n = 67) and a modified group (n = 56).

Results

The rate of clinically relevant POPF was significantly lower in the modified group than that in the conventional group (5.4% vs 22.4%, p value < 0.001), with there being only one case of POPF in the modified group. There were no cases of POPF-related hemorrhaging in the modified group. On the third day after the operation, the amylase levels in the drainage fluid for the modified group became less than half (1696 vs 650 U/L). Multivariate analysis showed that the modified method was the independent predictors to prevent clinical POPF (p value = 0.002).

Conclusions

Our novel anastomosis technique for pancreatojejunostomy reduced POPF in PD, especially in cases where the patient had a soft pancreas.
Factors influencing cancer genetic somatic mutation test ordering by cancer physician
Authors: Demeshko Anastassia , Pennisi David J. , Narayan Sushil , Gray Stacy W. , Brown Matthew A. , McInerney-Leo Aideen M.
Published: November 2020

Background

Clinical whole exome sequencing was introduced in an Australian centre in 2017, as an alternative to Sanger sequencing. We aimed to identify predictors of cancer physicians’ somatic mutation test ordering behaviour.

Methods

A validated instrument assessed somatic mutation test ordering, genomic confidence, perceived utility of tumour molecular profiling, and percent of patients eligible for targeted therapy. A cash incentive was included in 189/244 questionnaires which were mailed to all Queensland cancer specialists in November 2018.

Results

110 participated (response rate 45%); 54.7% oncologists, and the remainder were surgeons, haematologists and pulmonologists. Oncologists were more likely to respond (p = 0.008), and cash incentive improved the response rate (p < 0.001). 67/102 (65.7%) of physicians ordered ≥ 5 somatic mutation tests annually. Oncologists saw 86.75 unique patients monthly and ordered 2.33 somatic mutation tests (2.2%). An average of 51/110 (46.1%) reported having little/no genomic confidence. Logistic regression identified two significant predictors of somatic mutation test ordering: being an oncologist (OR 3.557, CI 1.338–9.456; p = 0.011) and having greater confidence in interpreting somatic results (OR 5.926, CI 2.230–15.74; p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Consistent with previous studies, the majority of cancer physicians ordered somatic mutation tests. However, the percentage of patients on whom tests were ordered was low. Almost half respondents reported low genomic confidence. Somatic mutation test ordering was higher amongst oncologists and those with increased confidence in interpreting somatic variants. It is unclear whether genomically confident individuals ordered more tests or whether ordering more tests increased genomic confidence. Educational interventions could improve confidence and enhance test ordering behaviour.
Microglial responses to peripheral type 1 interferon
Authors: Aw Ernest , Zhang Yingying , Carroll Michael
Published: November 2020

Background

Interferon α (IFNα) is a cytokine whose production is increased endogenously in response to viral infection and in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). An elevated IFNα signature has been associated with clinically observed neuro-behavioural deficits such as mild cognitive impairment, fatigue, depression and psychosis in these diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying these neuropsychiatric symptoms remain largely unknown, and it is as yet unclear how IFNα signalling might influence central nervous system (CNS) function. Aberrant microglia-mediated synaptic pruning and function has recently been implicated in several neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases, but whether and how IFNα modulates these functions are not well defined.

Methods

Using a model of peripheral IFNα administration, we investigated gene expression changes due to IFNAR signalling in microglia. Bulk RNA sequencing on sorted microglia from wild type and microglia-specific Ifnar1 conditional knockout mice was performed to evaluate IFNα and IFNAR signalling-dependent changes in gene expression. Furthermore, the effects of IFNα on microglia morphology and synapse engulfment were assessed, via immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry.

Results

We found that IFNα exposure through the periphery induces a unique gene signature in microglia that includes the expected upregulation of multiple interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), as well as the complement component C4b. We additionally characterized several IFNα-dependent changes in microglial phenotype, including expression of CD45 and CD68, cellular morphology and presynaptic engulfment, that reveal subtle brain region-specific differences. Finally, by specifically knocking down expression of IFNAR1 on microglia, we show that these changes are largely attributable to direct IFNAR signalling on microglia and not from indirect signalling effects through other CNS parenchymal cell types which are capable of IFNα-IFNAR signal transduction.

Conclusions

Peripheral IFNα induces unique genetic and phenotypic changes in microglia that are largely dependent on direct signalling through microglial IFNAR. The IFNα-induced upregulation of C4b could play important roles in the context of aberrant synaptic pruning in neuropsychiatric disease.
One minute of circulatory arrest for acute type A aortic dissection --------- a simple operation for acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD)
Authors: Jiang Detian , Huo Yufeng , Liu Yimin , Wang Yan , Zhou Jinfeng , Sun Xiangfei , Zhao Fen , Du Yonghai , He Songxiong , Liu Chao , Sun Wenyu
Published: November 2020

Background

Sun’s procedure is currently recognized as the standard procedure for acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD). But the operation istoo difficult for beginners. We hope to reduce the difficulty and complications of this operation.

Methods

The aortic arch was immediately cross-clamped after the stented graft was inserted into the distal aorta. Thereafter, the lower-body perfusion was restored. Then, anastomosis was performed between the proximal stent graft and the distal 4-branched Dacron graft. The other arteries were anastomosed to the arched branch of the 4-branched graft.

Results

The cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time was (207 ± 52) min, and the aortic cross-clamp time was (114 ± 39) min. The circulatory arrest time was (38 ± 16) sec. One patient (4%) died. The incidence of complications was stroke (4%), renal dysfunction requiring dialysis (4%), prolonged intubation(12%).

Conclusions

The time of circulatory arrest in this operation is less than 1 min, which can avoid the complications caused by DHCA and decrease risk of bleeding and complexity by shifting anastomosis more proximally. The effect of our operation is similar to and even better than that of Sun’s procedure. It does not even require relatively advanced skill, much experience and excellent psychological quality, especially suitable for beginners.
Combined transcranial magnetic stimulation and brief cognitive behavioral therapy for suicide: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial in veterans
Authors: Bozzay Melanie L. , Primack Jennifer M. , Swearingen Hannah R. , Barredo Jennifer , Philip Noah S.
Published: November 2020

Background

At least 17 veterans die every day from suicide. Although existing treatments such as brief cognitive behavioral therapy (BCBT) have been found to reduce suicide attempts in military personnel, a number of patients go on to attempt suicide after completing therapy. Thus, finding ways to enhance treatment efficacy to reduce suicide is critical. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive technique that can be used to stimulate brain regions that are impaired in suicidal patients, that has been successfully used to augment treatments for psychiatric disorders implicated in suicide. The goal of this study is to test whether augmenting BCBT with TMS in suicidal veterans reduces rates of suicidal ideation, attempts, and other deleterious treatment outcomes.

Methods

One hundred thirty veterans with a suicide plan or suicidal behavior in the prior 2 weeks will be recruited from inpatient and outpatient settings at the Providence VA Medical Center in the USA. Veterans will be randomly assigned to receive 30 daily sessions of active or sham TMS in concert with a 12-week BCBT protocol in a parallel group design. Veterans will complete interviews and questionnaires related to psychiatric symptoms, suicidal ideation and behavior, treatment utilization, and functioning during a baseline assessment prior to treatment, at treatment endpoint, and 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Primary analyses will use mixed effect regressions to examine effects of treatment condition on suicidal behaviors, improvements in psychosocial functioning, and psychiatric hospitalization. Similar models as well as exploratory latent growth curve analyses will examine mediators and moderators of treatment effects.

Discussion

This protocol provides a framework for designing multilayered treatment studies for suicide. When completed, this study will be the first clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of augmenting BCBT for suicide with TMS. The results of this trial will have implications for treatment of suicide ideation and behaviors and implementation of augmented treatment designs. If positive, results from this study can be rapidly implemented across the VA system and will have a direct and meaningful impact on veteran suicide.

Trial registration

This study was registered prior to participant enrollment with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03952468. Registered on May 16, 2019.

Trial sponsor contact

Robert O’Brien (VA Health Services R&D), robert.obrien7@va.gov
Likelihood of suffering from an eating disorder in a sample of Spanish cyclists and triathletes
Authors: Muros José J. , Ávila-Alche Ángela , Knox Emily , Zabala Mikel
Published: November 2020

Background

During recent years, there has been increasing interest in the study of eating disorders within sports practitioners, with prevalence being reported to be higher than in the general population. The aim of this study was to describe and predict eating disorders according to sex, body mass index, age and sport discipline within a sample of athletes.

Methods

A sample of 4037 cyclists and triathletes from across Spain was selected. Athletes self-reported demographic characteristics and completed the revised restraint scale, SCOFF questionnaire and Mediterranean diet adherence screener. To be eligible for inclusion, participants had to be over eighteen years old.

Results

Males were significantly less likely than females (p < 0.001; OR = 0.33), and triathletes (p < 0.01; OR = 0.76) were less likely than cyclists to suffer from an eating disorder. Possibility of suffering from an eating disorder increased with increasing body mass index (p < 0.001; OR = 1.38) and decreasing age (p < 0.001; OR = 0.97).

Conclusion

Findings suggest that the roles of sex, sport discipline, age and body mass index predict risk factors for eating disorders in a sample of Spanish athletes. Clinical diagnosis seems necessary to better understand the factors and mechanisms at play when Spanish athletes develop an eating disorder.

Trial registration

Ethics Committee of the University of Granada (N°883) data: 16/11/2015.
Containing COVID: the establishment and management of a COVID-19 ward in an adult psychiatric hospital
Authors: Knowles Melanie , Aref-Adib Golnar , Moslehi Sarah , Aubrey-Jones Dominic , Obeney-Williams Janet , Leveson Senem , Galis Alina , Pitman Alexandra
Published: November 2020

Background

As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic in the UK emerged and escalated, clinicians working in mental health in-patient facilities faced unique medical, psychiatric and staffing challenges in managing and containing the impact of the virus and, in the context of legislation, enforcing social distancing.

Aims

To describe (a) the steps taken by one mental health hospital to establish a COVID-19 isolation ward for adult psychiatric in-patients and (b) how staff addressed the challenges that emerged over the period March to June 2020.

Method

A descriptive study detailing the processes involved in changing the role of the ward and the measures taken to address the various challenges that arose. Brief clinical cases of two patients are included for illustrative purposes.

Results

We describe the achievements, lessons learned and outcomes of the process of repurposing a mental health triage ward into a COVID-19 isolation facility, including the impact on staff. Flexibility, rapid problem-solving and close teamwork were essential. Some of the changes made will be sustained on the ward in our primary role as a triage ward.

Conclusions

Although the challenges faced were difficult, the legacy they have left is that of a range of improvements in patient care and the working environment.
Surgical Outcomes Among Primary Aldosteronism Patients Without Visible Adrenal Lesions
Authors: Sam Davis , Kline Gregory A , So Benny , Pasieka Janice L , Harvey Adrian , Chin Alex , Przybojewski Stefan J , Leung Alexander A
Published: November 2020

Context

Many patients with unilateral primary aldosteronism (PA) have normal adrenal imaging, but little is known about their outcome following adrenalectomy.

Objective

To evaluate biochemical and clinical outcomes after adrenalectomy in patients with unilateral PA and normal-appearing adrenal imaging.

Design

Retrospective cohort study of patients seen between January 2006 and May 2018.

Setting

A Canadian tertiary care PA referral center.

Patients

Consecutive individuals with PA, normal cross-sectional adrenal imaging, and lateralizing adrenal vein sampling (AVS) who underwent adrenalectomy during the study period.

Primary Outcome

Biochemical response to adrenalectomy graded according to the Primary Aldosteronism Surgical Outcome criteria.

Results

A total of 40 patients were included. Biochemical outcomes were available for 33 people (mean age, 54.7 years; 91% male; median follow-up, 2.7 months), with 28 (85%) showing a complete or partial response and 5 (15%) with no response. Clinical outcomes were available for 36 people (mean age, 54.6 years; 86% male; median follow-up, 9.8 months), with 31 (86%) demonstrating a complete or partial response and 5 (14%) with no response.

Conclusions

The prognosis after adrenalectomy is highly favorable for patients with unilateral PA and normal-appearing adrenal imaging. Patients with lateralizing disease should be considered for surgery despite apparently normal adrenal imaging.
Prognostic Threshold for Circulating Tumor Cells in Patients With Pancreatic and Midgut Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Mandair Dalvinder , Khan Mohid S , Lopes Andre , Furtado O’Mahony Luke , Ensell Leah , Lowe Helen , Hartley John A , Toumpanakis Christos , Caplin Martyn , Meyer Tim
Published: November 2020

Background

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are detectable in patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and are accurate prognostic markers although the optimum threshold has not been defined.

Objective

This work aims to define optimal prognostic CTC thresholds in PanNET and midgut NETs.

Patients and Methods

CellSearch was used to enumerate CTCs in 199 patients with metastatic pancreatic (PanNET) (90) or midgut NETs (109). Patients were followed for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for a minimum of 3 years or until death.

Results

The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for progression at 12 months in PanNETs and midgut NETs identified the optimal CTC threshold as 1 or greater and 2 or greater, respectively. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, these thresholds were predictive for 12-month progression with an odds ratio (OR) of 6.69 (P < .01) for PanNETs and 5.88 (P < .003) for midgut NETs. The same thresholds were found to be optimal for predicting death at 36 months, with an OR of 2.87 (P < .03) and 5.09 (P < .005) for PanNETs and midgut NETs, respectively. In multivariate Cox hazard regression analysis for PFS in PanNETs, 1 or greater CTC had a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.6 (P < .01), whereas 2 or greater CTCs had an HR of 2.25 (P < .01) in midgut NETs. In multivariate analysis OS in PanNETs, 1 or greater CTCs had an HR of 3.16 (P < .01) and in midgut NETs, 2 or greater CTCs had an HR of 1.73 (P < .06).

Conclusions

The optimal CTC threshold to predict PFS and OS in metastatic PanNETs and midgut NETs is 1 and 2, respectively. These thresholds can be used to stratify patients in clinical practice and clinical trials.
Mi CasaIs NotSu Casa
Authors: Rosa Vanessa
Published: November 2020

Drawing on family photographs and documents, as well as archival research, the author reflects on her grandmother’s migration to New York City from Puerto Rico in the mid-1940s and examines her journey and new life in New York in relation to the broader sociopolitical context. The reflective essay considers how housing and homeownership were positioned as key to the promises of the American dream, while also revealing the limits of such ideals as tied to U.S. empire building on and off the island. The author analyzes her grandmother’s role as the president of her public housing tenant organization and her father’s experiences growing up in Harlem to better understand what it means to strategically navigate sites of inclusion and exclusion. This reflection is written in the spirit of testimonio in an effort to honor and extend Latina feminist epistemologies and contribute to scholarship that challenges traditional modes of knowledge production.
Functional flexibility in a spider's Orb Web
Authors: Mulder Tom , Mortimer Beth , Vollrath Fritz
Published: November 2020

Web spiders rely on vibrations propagated via their web to identify, locate and capture entangled prey. Here we experimentally test the robustness of the orb weaver's predation strategy when webs are severely distorted and silk tensions are drastically altered throughout the web, a common occurrence in the wild. We assessed prey identification efficiency by comparing the spider's initial reaction times towards a fruit fly trapped in the web, we measured location efficiency by comparing times and the numbers of tugging bouts performed, and we determined capture efficiency by comparing capture times. It emerged that spiders are capable of identifying, locating and capturing prey in distorted webs albeit taking somewhat longer to do so.
Structural Effect of Polyvinylpyrrolidone-stabilized Au Nanostars for SERS Application
Authors: Tang Yuansen , Kuzume Akiyoshi , Yamamoto Kimihisa
Published: November 2020

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) utilizes Au nanostructured surfaces where it demonstrates significant enhancement properties due to the localized surface plasmon phenomena. Here we systematically fabricated homogeneous polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-stabilized Au nanostars while controlling size and apex shape with the molecular weight of PVP, so as to elucidate the correlation between structural and optical properties of nanostars. The highest sensitivity of SERS measurements realized in this study reached 26 times higher enhancement than that with conventional Au nanoparticles with a diameter of 55 nm.
Da barba ao batom: desafios da diversidade num ambiente corporativo formal
Authors: Ramos Eric de Castro , Teixeira Ana Christina Celano , Oliveira Lucia B.
Published: November 2020

O caso conta a história de um profissional que construiu uma carreira bem-sucedida numa empresa de consultoria e que, durante esse caminho, identificou oportunidades e enfrentou desafios ao assumir a bandeira da diversidade em sua empresa. Mais especificamente, esse executivo se sente pressionado a tomar uma posição mais incisiva no momento em que se depara com a situação de um colega transgênero, mas pondera sobre a aceitação de suas propostas e sobre os possíveis impactos dessa iniciativa em sua própria carreira, especialmente considerando o formalismo e o conservadorismo característicos dessa organização.
Acesse a nota de ensino desse caso aqui
«Αντιμετωπίζω τον Εκφοβισμό στο Σχολείο»: Ένα πρόγραμμα πρόληψης και υποστήριξης μαθητών/ριών Δευτεροβάθμιας Εκπαίδευσης
Authors: Ρούση - Βέργου Χριστίνα , Ανδρέου Ελένη , Διδασκάλου Ελένη
Published: November 2020

The aim of the paper is to present the outcomes of an intervention program focusing on students’ training in coping with school bullying. The moto of the program was: “Stay calm / think clearly”. The activities of the intervention program were developed at Flinders University in Australia and included: a) a DVD with four short films dealing with social exclusion, physical bullying, verbal bullying and cyber bullying, b) a workbook (for each student), c) worksheets for students and d) teachers’ instructions/feedback sheets. For the Greek adaptation of the program, a pilot study was initially conducted which led to the final implementation and evaluation of the program. The final study included 932 students derived from 14 schools in Thessaly (12 schools in the intervention group and 2 in the control group). During the repeated (three times) measures approach, we evaluated students’ self-reports concerning: a) frequency of exposure to bullying, b) perceived self-safety from school bullying, and c) perceived self-efficacy in coping with school bullying. After the implementation of the program, the seriously victimized students (around 10% of the participants) reported less incidents of victimization, while their perceived sense of safety at school was increased. Overall the findings from this study suggest that the implementation of anti-interventions of this type can play an important role in empowering adolescents to adopt effective strategies to address the negative effects associated with bullying at school.
Μεταγνωστικές Στρατηγικές Ανάγνωσης: Ελληνική Προσαρμογή του Εργαλείου MARSI και συγκριτική μελέτη σε έφηβους μαθητές με και χωρίς ειδικές μαθησιακές δυσκολίες
Authors: Κουλιανού Μαρία , Ρούσσος Πέτρος , Σαμαρτζή Σταυρούλα
Published: November 2020

The paper presents the adaptation of the Metacognitive Awareness of ReadingStrategies Inventory (MARSI) in the Greek language. MARSI was designed toevaluate the metacognitive awareness and the perceived use of school andacademic content reading strategies by students. The tool measures three subscales: General strategies, problem-solving strategies, and support reading strategies. The present study examined the factorial structure and the psychometric properties of the Greek version of MARSI revealing good internal consistency and testretest reliability. The use of MARSI showed that the Greek students with and without learning difficulties use metacognitive reading strategies, but they score low in support reading strategies.
The explanatory coexistence of scientific and supernatural explanations: A meta-analysis
Authors: Pnevmatikos Dimitris , Georgiadou Triantafyllia
Published: November 2020

The explanatory coexistence of scientific and supernatural explanations in the same mind challenges the most influential theories of knowledge acquisition in psychology. It shows that although individuals acquire the scientific theories, the supernatural explanations are also used as causal explanatory frameworks even by experts. The present review and meta-analysis aimed to explore the factors that could influence the coexistence of supernatural and scientific explanatory frameworks in the concepts of the origins of life, illness and death/afterlife. On the basis of 35 identified articles (45 studies) that have been published between 1985 and 2016 and that examined both scientific and supernatural explanations within these concepts, the impact of age, religiousness, scientific expertise, cultural background and contextual factors was explored. Results suggest that although religiousness, cultural background, and contextual information have a large effect on the concepts of death/afterlife, illness and the origins of life respectively, the magnitude of the average effect depends on the concept.
ΨΥΧΟΛΟΓΙΑ ΤΕΥΧΟΣ 24(1) – ΙΟΥΝΙΟΣ 2019 Περιεχόμενα
Authors: Ελληνική Ψυχολογική Εταιρεία ΕΛΨΕ
Published: November 2020

SPECIAL SECTION «PSYCHO-PEDAGOGICAL INTERVENTIONS AND PREVENTION PROGRAMS IN SCHOOLS»Invited editor: Evanthia Makri-Botsari