bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Absence of Consistent Sex Differences in Outcomes From Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy and Stenting Randomized Trials
Authors: Howard Virginia J. , Algra Ale , Howard George , Bonati Leo H. , de Borst Gert J. , Bulbulia Richard , Calvet David , Eckstein Hans-Henning , Fraedrich Gustav , Greving Jacoba P. , Halliday Alison , Hendrikse Jeroen , Jansen Olav , Brown Martin M. , Mas Jean-Louis , Ringleb Peter A. , Brott Thomas G. ,   on behalf of the Carotid Stenosis Trialists’ Collaboration
Published: January 2021

Background and Purpose:

CREST (Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy Versus Stenting Trial) reported a higher periprocedural risk for any stroke, death, or myocardial infarction for women randomized to carotid artery stenting (CAS) compared with women randomized to carotid endarterectomy (CEA). No difference in risk by treatment was detected for women relative to men in the 4-year primary outcome. We aimed to conduct a pooled analysis among symptomatic patients in large randomized trials to provide more precise estimates of sex differences in the CAS-to-CEA risk for any stroke or death during the 120-day periprocedural period and ipsilateral stroke thereafter.

Methods:

Data from the Carotid Stenosis Trialists’ Collaboration included outcomes from symptomatic patients in EVA-3S (Endarterectomy Versus Angioplasty in Patients With Symptomatic Severe Carotid Stenosis), SPACE (Stent-Protected Angioplasty Versus Carotid Endarterectomy in Symptomatic Patients), ICSS (International Carotid Stenting Study), and CREST. The primary outcome was any stroke or death within 120 days after randomization and ipsilateral stroke thereafter. Event rates and relative risks were estimated using Poisson regression; effect modification by sex was assessed with a sex-by-treatment-by-trial interaction term, with significant interaction defined a priori as
P
≤0.10.

Results:

Over a median 2.7 years of follow-up, 433 outcomes occurred in 3317 men and 1437 women. The CAS-to-CEA relative risk of the primary outcome was significantly lower for women compared with men in 1 trial, nominally lower in another, and nominally higher in the other two. The sex-by-treatment-by-trial interaction term was significant (
P
=0.065), indicating heterogeneity among trials. Contributors to this heterogeneity are primarily differences in periprocedural period. When the trials are nevertheless pooled, there were no significant sex differences in risk in any follow-up period.

Conclusions:

There were significant differences between trials in the magnitude of sex differences in treatment effect (CAS-to-CEA relative risk), indicating pooling data from these trials to estimate sex differences might not be valid. Whether sex is acting as an effect modifier of the CAS-to-CEA treatment effect in symptomatic patients remains uncertain.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT00190398 (EVA-3S) and NCT00004732 (CREST). URL:
https://www.isrctn.com
; Unique identifier: ISRCTN57874028 (SPACE) and ISRCTN25337470 (ICSS).
Sex, Age, and Socioeconomic Differences in Nonfatal Stroke Incidence and Subsequent Major Adverse Outcomes
Authors: Akyea Ralph K. , Vinogradova Yana , Qureshi Nadeem , Patel Riyaz S. , Kontopantelis Evangelos , Ntaios George , Asselbergs Folkert W. , Kai Joe , Weng Stephen F.
Published: January 2021

Background and Purpose:

Data about variations in stroke incidence and subsequent major adverse outcomes are essential to inform secondary prevention and prioritizing resources to those at the greatest risk of major adverse end points. We aimed to describe the age, sex, and socioeconomic differences in the rates of first nonfatal stroke and subsequent major adverse outcomes.

Methods:

The cohort study used linked Clinical Practice Research Datalink and Hospital Episode Statistics data from the United Kingdom. The incidence rate (IR) ratio of first nonfatal stroke and subsequent major adverse outcomes (composite major adverse cardiovascular events, recurrent stroke, cardiovascular disease-related, and all-cause mortality) were calculated and presented by year, sex, age group, and socioeconomic status based on an individual’s location of residence, in adults with incident nonfatal stroke diagnosis between 1998 and 2017.

Results:

A total of 82 774 first nonfatal stroke events were recorded in either primary care or hospital data—an IR of 109.20 per 100 000 person-years (95% CI, 108.46–109.95). Incidence was significantly higher in women compared with men (IR ratio, 1.13 [95% CI, 1.12–1.15];
P
<0.001). Rates adjusted for age and sex were higher in the lowest compared with the highest socioeconomic status group (IR ratio, 1.10 [95% CI, 1.08–1.13];
P
<0.001). For subsequent major adverse outcomes, the overall incidence for major adverse cardiovascular event was 38.05 per 100 person-years (95% CI, 37.71–38.39) with a slightly higher incidence in women compared with men (38.42 versus 37.62; IR ratio, 1.02 [95% CI, 1.00–1.04];
P
=0.0229). Age and socioeconomic status largely accounted for the observed higher incidence of adverse outcomes in women.

Conclusions:

In the United Kingdom, incidence of initial stroke and subsequent major adverse outcomes are higher in women, older populations, and people living in socially deprived areas.
Female Stroke
Authors: Bonkhoff Anna K. , Karch André , Weber Ralph , Wellmann Jürgen , Berger Klaus
Published: January 2021

Background and Purpose:

Men and women are differently affected by acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in many aspects. Prior studies on sex disparities were limited by moderate sample sizes, varying years of data acquisition, and inconsistent inclusions of covariates leading to controversial findings. We aimed to analyze sex differences in AIS severity, treatments, and early outcome and to systematically evaluate the effect of important covariates in a large German stroke registry.

Methods:

Analyses were based on the Stroke Registry of Northwestern Germany from 2000 to 2018. We focused on admission-stroke severity and disability, acute recanalization treatment, and early stroke outcomes. Potential sex divergences were investigated via odds ratio (OR) using logistic regression models. Covariates were introduced in 3 steps: (1) base models (age and admission year), (2) partially adjusted models (additionally corrected for acute stroke severity and recanalization treatment), (3) fully adjusted models (additionally adjusted for onset-to-admission time interval, prestroke functional status, comorbidities, and stroke cause). Models were separately fitted for the periods 2000 to 2009 and 2010 to 2018.

Results:

Data from 761 106 patients with AIS were included. In fully adjusted models, there were no sex differences with respect to treatment with intravenous thrombolysis (2000–2009: OR, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.94–1.03]; 2010–2018: OR, 1.0 [0.98–1.02]), but women were more likely to receive intraarterial therapy (2010–2018: OR, 1.12 [1.08–1.15]). Despite higher disability on admission (2000–2009: OR, 1.10 [1.07–1.13]; 2010–2018: OR, 1.09 [1.07–1.10]), female patients were more likely to be discharged with a favorable functional outcome (2003–2009: OR, 1.05 [1.02–1.09]; 2010–2018: OR, 1.05 [1.04–1.07]) and experienced lower in-hospital mortality (2000–2009: OR, 0.92 [0.86–0.97]; 2010–2018: OR, 0.91 [0.88–0.93]).

Conclusions:

Female patients with AIS have a higher chance of receiving intraarterial treatment that cannot be explained by clinical characteristics, such as age, premorbid disability, stroke severity, or cause. Women have a more favorable in-hospital recovery than men because their higher disability upon admission was followed by a lower in-hospital mortality and a higher likelihood of favorable functional outcome at discharge after adjustment for covariates.
The United States and the NATO Non-extension Assurances of 1990: New Light on an Old Problem?
Authors: Trachtenberg Marc
Published: January 2021

The Russian government has claimed that the Western powers promised at the end of the Cold War not to expand NATO, but later reneged on that promise. Most former officials in the West, and many scholars as well, have denied that this was the case; but other scholars, along with a handful of former officials, believe that promises to that effect were, in fact, made in 1990. So who is right? The question still has political importance: how it is answered has bearing on how we should feel about NATO expansion and, indeed, about the United States' post–Cold War policy more generally. So it makes sense to stand back and try to see where the truth lies. An examination of the debate in light of the evidence—especially evidence that the participants themselves have presented—leads to the conclusion that the Russian allegations are by no means baseless, which affects how the U.S.-Russian relationship today is to be understood.
Generic relationships of New World Jerusalem crickets (Orthoptera: Stenopelmatoidea:Stenopelmatinae), including all known species of Stenopelmatus
Authors: WEISSMAN DAVID B. , VANDERGAST AMY G. , SONG HOJUN , SHIN SEUNGGWAN , MCKENNA DUANE D. , UESHIMA NORIHIRO
Published: January 2021

The New World Jerusalem crickets currently consist of 4 genera: Stenopelmatus Burmeister, 1838, with 33 named entities; Ammopelmatus Tinkham, 1965, with 2 described species; Viscainopelmatus Tinkham, 1970, with 1 described species, and Stenopelmatopterus Gorochov, 1988, with 3 described species. We redefine the generic boundaries of these 4 genera, synonymize Stenopelmatopterus under Stenopelmatus, and synonymize Viscainopelmatus under Ammopelmatus. We then discuss, and illustrate, all the types of the species of Stenopelmatus, all of which only occur south of the United States’ border.                We recognize as valid the following 5 described Mexican and Central American species: S. ater, S. piceiventris, S. sartorianus, S. talpa, and S. typhlops. We declare the following 13 described Mexican and Central American Stenopelmatus taxa as nomen dubium: S. calcaratus, S. erythromelus, S. guatemalae, S. histrio, S. lessonae, S. lycosoides, S. mexicanus, S. minor, S. nieti, S. sallei, S. sumichrasti, S. toltecus, and S. vicinus. We designate a neotype for S. talpa and lectotypes for S. ater, S. guatemalae, S. histrio, S. lessonae, S. mexicanus, S. minor, S. nieti, S. sallei, S. sumichrasti, and S. toltecus. We assign a type locality for S. piceiventris. We concur with the previous synonymy of S. politus under S. sartorianus. We describe 14 new species of Stenopelmatus from Mexico, Honduras and Ecuador, based on a combination of adult morphology, DNA, calling song drumming pattern, distribution, and karyotype: S. chiapas sp. nov., S. cusuco sp. nov., S. diezmilpies sp. nov., S. durango sp. nov., S. ecuadorensis sp. nov., S. faulkneri sp. nov., S. honduras sp. nov., S. hondurasito sp. nov., S. mineraldelmonte sp. nov., S. nuevoleon sp. nov., S. perote sp. nov., S. saltillo sp. nov., S. sanfelipe sp. nov., and S. zimapan sp. nov.                  We transfer the following 16 described United States taxa, plus S. cephalotes from the “west coast of North America”, from Stenopelmatus to Ammopelmatus: A. cahuilaensis, A. californicus, A. cephalotes, A. fasciatus, A. fuscus, A. hydrocephalus, A. intermedius, A. irregularis, A. longispinus, A. mescaleroensis, A. monahansensis, A. navajo, A. nigrocapitatus, A. oculatus, A. pictus, and A. terrenus, along with the Mexican taxon A. comanchus: these species will be discussed in a subsequent paper (Weissman et al. in prep).                We believe that all new Jerusalem cricket species descriptions should include, at a minimum, calling drum (most important) and DNA information.
Southward Cold Airmass Flux Associated with the East Asian Winter Monsoon: Diversity and Impacts
Authors: Liu Qian , Chen Guixing , Wang Lin , Kanno Yuki , Iwasaki Toshiki
Published: January 2021

The winter monsoon has strong impacts on East Asia via latitude-crossing southward cold airmass fluxes called cold air outbreaks (CAOs). CAOs have a high diversity in terms of meridional extent and induced weather. Using the daily cold airmass flux normalized at 50° and 30°N during 1958–2016, we categorize the CAOs into three groups: high–middle (H–M), high–low (H–L), and middle–low (M–L) latitude events. The H–L type is found to have the longest duration, and the M–L type is prone to strong CAOs regarding normalized intensity. The H–L and H–M events feature a large-scale dipole pattern of cold airmass flux over high-latitude Eurasia; the former events feature relatively strong anticyclonic circulation over Siberia, while the latter events feature cyclonic circulation over northeastern Asia. In contrast, the M–L events are characterized by a cyclonic anomaly over northeastern Asia but no obvious high-latitude precursor. The H–L events have the greatest cold anomaly in airmasses near the surface, and the M–L events mainly feature a strong northerly wind. As a result, the H–L events induce widespread long-lasting low temperatures over East Asia, while the M–L events induce a sharp temperature drop at mainly low latitudes. Both H–L and M–L events couple with the MJO to enhance rainfall over the South China Sea, while H–M events increase rainfall over southern China. Moreover, the occurrences of H–L and M–L events have experienced a long-term decrease since the 1980s that has induced a stronger warming trend in the cold extremes than in the winter mean temperature at mid–low latitudes over East Asia.
A review of movement disorders in chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity
Authors: Wang Allison B. , Housley Stephen N. , Flores Ann Marie , Kircher Sheetal M. , Perreault Eric J. , Cope Timothy C.
Published: January 2021

Chemotherapy agents used in the standard treatments for many types of cancer are neurotoxic and can lead to lasting sensory and motor symptoms that compromise day-to-day movement functions in cancer survivors. To date, the details of movement disorders associated with chemotherapy are known largely through self-reported symptoms and functional limitations. There are few quantitative studies of specific movement deficits, limiting our understanding of dysfunction, as well as effective assessments and interventions. The aim of this narrative review is to consolidate the current understanding of sensorimotor disabilities based on quantitative measures in cancer survivors who received chemotherapy. We performed literature searches on PubMed and found 32 relevant movement studies. We categorized these studies into three themes based on the movement deficits investigated: (1) balance and postural control; (2) gait function; (3) upper limb function. This literature suggests that cancer survivors have increased postural sway, more conservative gait patterns, and suboptimal hand function compared to healthy individuals. More studies are needed that use objective measures of sensorimotor function to better characterize movement disabilities and investigate the underlying causes, as required for developing targeted assessments and interventions. By updating our understanding of movement impairments in this population, we identify significant gaps in knowledge that will help guide the direction of future research.
Performance of age-adjusted D-dimer values for predicting DVT before the knee and hip arthroplasty
Authors: Wu Jian Xiang , Qing Jiang Hui , Yao Yao , Chen Dong Yang , Jiang Qing
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To compare the specificity and sensitivity of preoperative D-dimer and age-adjusted D-dimer value for predicting the incidence of the DVT preoperatively in total joint arthroplasty (TJA) patients.

Methods

We enrolled 406 patients finally above 50 years old. Everyone had done ultrasonography bedside, and D-dimer concentrations were collected before surgery. The D-dimer and age-adjusted D-dimer cut-off was calculated by multiple logistic regression and receiver operating curve (ROC) analyses.

Results

A total of 39 patients had found asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by ultrasonography. The age (odds ratio [OR] 1.067; p = 0.003) and D-dimer (OR 1.331; p = 0.025) were related to the existence of DVT. For conventional D-dimer and age-adjusted D-dimer value, the area under the curves (AUCs) were 0.685 (0.499–0.696) and 0.795 (0.611–0.881), respectively.

Conclusion

Compared to traditional D-dimer, age-adjusted D-dimer showed better performance in screening DVT, which was useful clinically.
Targeted eicosanoids profiling reveals a prostaglandin reprogramming in breast Cancer by microRNA-155
Authors: Kim Sinae , Lee Eun Sung , Lee Eun ji , Jung Jae Yun , Lee Sae Byul , Lee Hee Jin , Kim Jisun , Kim Hee Jeong , Lee Jong Won , Son Byung Ho , Gong Gyungyub , Ahn Sei-Hyun , Chang Suhwan
Published: January 2021

Background

Prostaglandin is one of the key metabolites for inflammation-related carcinogenesis. Despite the microRNA-155 is implicated in various types of cancers, it’s function in prostaglandin metabolism is largely unknown.

Methods

A targeted profiling of eicosanoids including prostaglandin, leukotriene and thromboxanes was performed in miR-155 deficient breast tumors and cancer cells. The molecular mechanism of miR-155-mediated prostaglandin reprogramming was investigated in primary and cancer cell lines, by analyzing key enzymes responsible for the prostaglandin production.

Results

We found miR-155-deficient breast tumors, plasma of tumor-bearing mouse and cancer cells show altered prostaglandin level, especially for the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin D2 (PGD2). Subsequent analysis in primary cancer cells, 20 triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) specimens and breast cancer cell lines with miR-155 knockdown consistently showed a positive correlation between miR-155 level and PGE2/PGD2 ratio. Mechanistically, we reveal the miR-155 reprograms the prostaglandin metabolism by up-regulating PGE2-producing enzymes PTGES/PTGES2 while down-regulating PGD2-producing enzyme PTGDS. Further, we show the up-regulation of PTGES2 is driven by miR-155-cMYC axis, whereas PTGES is transactivated by miR-155-KLF4. Thus, miR-155 hires dual-regulatory mode for the metabolic enzyme expression to reprogram the PGE2/PGD2 balance. Lastly, we show the miR-155-driven cellular proliferation is restored by the siRNA of PTGES1/2, of which expression also significantly correlates with breast cancer patients’ survival.

Conclusions

Considering clinical trials targeting PGE2 production largely have focused on the inhibition of Cox1 or Cox2 that showed cardiac toxicity, our data suggest an alternative way for suppressing PGE2 production via the inhibition of miR-155. As the antagomiR of miR-155 (MRG-106) underwent a phase-1 clinical trial, its effect should be considered and analyzed in prostaglandin metabolism in tumor.
Acetate Ringer’s solution versus 0.9% saline for septic patients: study protocol for a multi-center parallel controlled trial
Authors: Liu Fang , Zhang Jing , Zhu Yuan , Su Lianjiu , Li Yiming , He Li , Yu Li , Peng Zhiyong
Published: January 2021

Background

Previous study drew different conclusions on significant differences between saline and balanced crystalloid solution infused in critical illness but both showed a statistical difference in the sepsis subgroup. Thus, we will specifically focus on septic patients in this study to compare the effects of saline and balanced solution. We hypothesize that effects of saline on renal outcomes are related to the underline acute kidney injury (AKI) severity and total volumes of infusion.

Methods/design

The investigators designed a pragmatic, multi-center parallel controlled trial recruiting 312 patients who are diagnosed with sepsis/septic shock in the intensive care unit (ICU) and will be assigned with either acetate Ringer’s solution or saline in the corresponding month. Patients with an end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or who need renal replacement therapy (RRT) prior to or at the time of enrolment are excluded. Enrolled patients will be regarded as with mild, moderate, or severe sepsis on the basis of the severity of their illness and will be divided into subgroups according to their initial renal function and various intravenous infusion volumes when being analyzed. The primary outcome is major adverse kidney events within 28 days (MAKE28), including the composite of in-hospital death, receipt of new renal replacement therapy, or persistent renal dysfunction. Secondary outcomes include 28-day mortality, internal environment disturbance, incidence and duration of vasoactive drug treatment, duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of RRT, and ICU and hospital length of stay.

Results and conclusions

To our knowledge, this study will be the first to focus on septic patients and provide credible and evident data on the comparison of outcome between acetate Ringer’s solution and saline for intravenous infusion in adult septic patients on the basis of baseline renal function and infusion volumes taken into consideration.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT03685214. Registered on August 15, 2018
Rapid four-component synthesis of dihydropyrano[2,3-c]pyrazoles using nano-eggshell/Ti(IV) as a highly compatible natural based catalyst
Authors: Dehghani Tafti Arefeh , Mirjalili Bi Bi Fatemeh , Bamoniri Abdolhamid , Salehi Naeimeh
Published: January 2021

Nano-eggshell/Ti(IV) as a novel naturally based catalyst was prepared, characterized and applied for the synthesis of dihydropyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole derivatives. The characterization of nano-eggshell/Ti(IV) was performed using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, and Thermo Gravimetric Analysis. Dihydropyrano[2,3-c]pyrazoles were synthesized in the presence of nano-eggshell/Ti(IV) via a four component reaction of aldehydes, ethyl acetoacetate, malononitrile and hydrazine hydrate at room temperature under solvent free conditions. The principal affairs of this procedure are mild condition, short reaction times, easy work-up, high yields, reusability of the catalyst and the absence of toxic organic solvents.
Dynamic out-of-vocabulary word registration to language model for speech recognition
Authors: Kitaoka Norihide , Chen Bohan , Obashi Yuya
Published: January 2021

We propose a method of dynamically registering out-of-vocabulary (OOV) words by assigning the pronunciations of these words to pre-inserted OOV tokens, editing the pronunciations of the tokens. To do this, we add OOV tokens to an additional, partial copy of our corpus, either randomly or to part-of-speech (POS) tags in the selected utterances, when training the language model (LM) for speech recognition. This results in an LM containing OOV tokens, to which we can assign pronunciations. We also investigate the impact of acoustic complexity and the “natural” occurrence frequency of OOV words on the recognition of registered OOV words. The proposed OOV word registration method is evaluated using two modern automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems, Julius and Kaldi, using DNN-HMM acoustic models and N-gram language models (plus an additional evaluation using RNN re-scoring with Kaldi). Our experimental results show that when using the proposed OOV registration method, modern ASR systems can recognize OOV words without re-training the language model, that the acoustic complexity of OOV words affects OOV recognition, and that differences between the “natural” and the assigned occurrence frequencies of OOV words have little impact on the final recognition results.
Guangzhou Tongcao painting in late China Qing Dynasty (1840–1912 AD): technology revealed by analytical approaches
Authors: Zhang Chan , Huang Jianbin , Zhu Tiequan , Zhang Rongling
Published: January 2021

Guangzhou Tongcao paintings in Qing Dynasty of China witnessed the exchange of economy, culture, art and technology between China and foreign countries, which were an important export product in historical China. In this paper, by using Optical Stereo Microscope, Polarized Light Microscope, Scanning Electron Microscope attached Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy and micro confocal laser Raman Spectroscope, a Qing Dynasty Tongcao painting with the subject of family life of an official’s female relative was analyzed. Our study revealed that: (1) the hexagonal cell morphology which was easily observed in the Tongcao pith could contain more pigments and increase the stereo sense of painting, and the cell of historical Tongcao pith had started to degrade, which indicated an urgent requirement on conservation of Tongcao paintings; (2) alum was needed as the fixing agent in the preparation of pigments and the painting process; (3) both the China domestic pigments including red lead, calcite, lead white, carbon black and gamboge, and the synthetic pigments imported from Europe (synthetic ultramarine, prussian blue and emerald green) were applied in this painting, which reflected the bi-directional communication of culture and technology between China and western world. Meanwhile, the existence of synthetic ultramarine, prussian blue and emerald green was helpful to further identify the production date of this painting was late Qing Dynasty, mainly the mid-late 19th century.
Determinants of consumer attitudes and re-purchase intentions toward direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands
Authors: Kim Naeun Lauren , Shin Daeun Chloe , Kim Gwia
Published: January 2021

In the fashion and retail industry, a group of startups, referred to as Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) brands, are proliferating. DTC brands are defined as e-commerce brands that sell directly to consumers, without retailer ‘middlemen’ like department stores. They typically begin as a purely online business, fully leveraging digital channels for marketing and selling. Given the limited research on the topic, this paper aims to identify determinants of consumers’ attitudes and re-purchase intentions toward DTC brands. The initial qualitative phase of in-depth interviews with frequent DTC shoppers, resulted in the identification of eight determinants. The subsequent quantitative analysis with 210 US DTC shoppers confirmed that co-creation, cost-effectiveness, website attractiveness, brand uniqueness, social media engagement, and innovativeness of DTC brands significantly influence consumers’ attitudes while cost-effectiveness (indirectly), brand uniqueness, social media engagement, and brand innovativeness affect consumers re-purchase intentions. The findings offer insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and incumbent retailers on strengthening their value propositions.
A case of gastric and duodenal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma with multiple gastric cancers: a case report
Authors: Yokoyama Takashi , Tanaka Tetsuya , Harada Suzuka , Ueda Takeshi , Ejiri Goki , Sasaki Shoh , Takeda Maiko , Yoshimura Atsushi
Published: January 2021

Background

Gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is often caused by Helicobacter pylori and has a good prognosis. Rarely, patients with MALT lymphoma may have gastric cancer and have a poor prognosis.

Case presentation

We herein report a case in which surgical treatment was achieved for a 72-year-old male patient with gastric and duodenal MALT lymphoma coexisting multiple gastric cancers. He underwent upper endoscopy for epigastric discomfort, which revealed mucosal erosion on the posterior wall of the middle body of the stomach, an elevated lesion on the duodenal bulb, and a raised tumor on the antrum of the stomach. He was diagnosed with gastric and duodenal MALT lymphoma with early gastric cancer. One month after H. pylori eradication, a second upper endoscopy revealed no improvement in the gastric or duodenal mucosa, and areas of strong redness with a shallow recess just below the cardia of the stomach. As a result, a diagnosis of gastric and duodenal MALT lymphoma with two gastric cancers was made. Total gastrectomy with proximal duodenum resection using intraoperative upper endoscopy and regional lymph node dissection was performed. Pathologically, gastric and duodenal MALT lymphoma and three gastric cancers were detected. Since one of them was an advanced cancer, he started taking S-1 after his general condition improved.

Conclusion

For early detection of gastric and duodenal MALT lymphoma or gastric cancer, appropriate upper endoscopy and a biopsy are important. It is necessary to select a suitable treatment, such as H. pylori eradication, endoscopic treatment, surgery, chemotherapy, and irradiation, according to the disease state.
Governing displaced migration in Europe: housing and the role of the “local”
Authors: Meer Nasar , Dimaio Claudio , Hill Emma , Angeli Maria , Oberg Klara , Emilsson Henrik
Published: January 2021

This article will explore the extent to which a focus on the ‘local’ can tell us something meaningful about recent developments in the governance of displaced migrants and refugees. Taking a multi-sited approach spanning cases in the south and north of Europe, we consider how the challenge of housing and accommodation in particular, a core sector of migrant reception and integration, can shed light on the ways local and city level approaches may negotiate, and sometimes diverge from, national level policy and rhetoric. While it can be said that despite variation, local authorities are by definition ultimately ‘always subordinate’ (Emilsson, Comparative Migration Studies, 3: 1-17, 2015: 4), they can also show evidence of ‘decoupling’ across geographies of policy delivery (Pope and Meyer, European Journal of Cultural and Political Sociology, 3: 280–305, 2016: 290). This article traces how possible local variations in different European cases are patterned by ground-level politics, local strategic networks, and pre-existing economic resources in a manner that is empirically detailed through the study of housing.
HSV-pneumonitis in a patient with lung cancer receiving check point inhibitors – a case report
Authors: Sumer Johannes , Waldeck Frederike , Fischer Nadja , Appenzeller Christina , Koster Markus , Früh Martin , Albrich Werner C.
Published: January 2021

Background

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is commonly associated with oro-facial and genital manifestations. It rarely causes encephalitis and even less commonly, in heavily immunosuppressed patients, visceral disease or bronchopneumonitis. We present a case of cytologically-proven, PCR-positive HSV-1 tracheobronchitis and pneumonitis in a patient with less severe immunocompromise.

Case presentation

A 64 year old white man with steroid-induced diabetes mellitus and progressive small-cell bronchial carcinoma despite chemo- and immunotherapy with two checkpoint inhibitors presented with symptoms of lower respiratory tract infection. Community-acquired pneumonia was suspected and empirical broad-spectrum antibacterial treatment was initiated. Chest CT-scan revealed ground-glass opacities and tree-in bud lesions. Cytology of BAL showed extensive cytopathic effects typically caused by infection with herpes virus and PCR confirmation of HSV-1. Acute phase HSV serology was positive for IgG and borderline for IgM. The patient deteriorated clinically due to tumor progress and infection despite high-dose acyclovir therapy and died 2 weeks after admission.

Conclusions

We report an unusual case of fatal HSV-1 pneumonitis due to reactivation in a patient with lung cancer, steroid-induced diabetes and treatment with two checkpoint inhibitors. In immunosuppressed patients with non-improving pneumonia invasive diagnostic procedures are warranted including cytology and molecular diagnostics.
Botanical biopesticide combination concept—a viable option for pest management in organic farming
Authors: Reddy D. Srinivas , Chowdary N. Mounica
Published: January 2021

Background

Entomopathogens are frequent natural enemies of arthropods worldwide, and they are capable of alternative control agents against the important pests. The optimally selected botanical product can minimize their harmful effect on these entomopathogens, and it becomes essential to know the influence of combinations of botanicals and biopesticides (botanical biopesticide combination (BBC)) in comparison to their sole action.

Main body

Botanicals, especially neem products, are highly efficient to be combined with the entomopathogens (with some exceptions). There are many possible reasons for the synergistic action of these botanicals, attacking the immune system of the insect being one of the important ones. These botanicals when applied in combination with microbial pesticides showed maximum sublethal effects rather than complete mortality, making them the best alternatives for combating resistance development in insects. To work effectively, biological control agents must be used within a compatible program combined with botanicals. It is highly difficult for such products to compete with chemical controls in high-value crops, so where they can become a commercially viable option in organic cultivation. The increasing acreage is under organic production for high-value export crops, where pesticide residues are undesirable for the environment, and biopesticides and botanicals are good choices for crop protection. Concerning the effect of these products used in pest control, a significant reduction in dosage in relation to the individuals is noticed.

Conclusion

By combining the performance and safety, biopesticides and botanicals are efficacious. This knowledge should facilitate the choice of biopesticides compatible with less harmful or naturally occurring botanicals. And if these have to be incorporated into a pest management program through an organic approach, it is necessary to determine the effects of botanicals on the beneficial microbes, on the behavior of pest, the importance of application technique, and the role of application timing for these botanical biopesticide combinations.
Female and male-controlled livestock holdings impact pastoralist food security and women’s dietary diversity
Authors: Gitungwa H. , Gustafson C. R. , Jimenez E. Y. , Peterson E. W. , Mwanzalila M. , Makweta A. , Komba E. , Kazwala R. R. , Mazet J. A. K. , VanWormer E.
Published: January 2021

Background

Food insecurity is a global problem that requires a One Health approach. As many households in low- and middle-income nations rely on crops and livestock that they produce to meet their household’s needs, food security and nutrition are closely linked to the health of animals and the environment. Resources controlled by women are more often allocated to uses that benefit the entire household, such as food, health, and educating children, than men’s resources. However, studies of gender control of resources among pastoralist societies are scant. We examined the effect of female and male control of livestock resources on food security and women’s dietary diversity among households from one agro-pastoralist and two pastoralist tribes in Iringa Region in south-central Tanzania.

Methods

We conducted surveys with 196 households, which included questions on food availability and food consumption among women, livestock holdings, gender control of livestock and livestock product income, and household demographics, as well as open-ended questions on the use of income. Food availability and food consumption responses were used to construct food security and women’s dietary diversity indexes, respectively. We conducted mixed effects logistic regression to analyze how household food security and dietary diversity were associated with livestock and other household variables. We also examined qualitative responses for use of income controlled by women and how the household obtained income when needed.

Results

Female-controlled livestock generally supported better household nutrition outcomes. Greater chicken holdings increased the probability of being food secure in pastoralist households but decreased it in agro-pastoralist households, while increasing the probability of having medium-high dietary diversity among all tribes. Male-controlled livestock holdings were not related to food security status. Women used income to supplement food supplies and livestock they controlled as a primary response to unanticipated household needs.

Conclusions

Our results show that female-control of livestock is significantly related to household food security and dietary diversity in pastoralists and agro-pastoralists in rural Tanzania. Importantly, the relationship between food security and dietary diversity differs among tribes for both male and female-controlled livestock, which suggests that blanket policies regarding management of livestock holdings may have unintended consequences.
Host reproductive cycle influences the pouch microbiota of wild southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons)
Authors: Weiss Sesilje , Taggart David , Smith Ian , Helgen Kristofer M. , Eisenhofer Raphael
Published: January 2021

Background

Marsupials are born much earlier than placental mammals, with most crawling from the birth canal to the protective marsupium (pouch) to further their development. However, little is known about the microbiology of the pouch and how it changes throughout a marsupial’s reproductive cycle. Here, using stringent controls, we characterized the microbial composition of multiple body sites from 26 wild Southern Hairy-nosed Wombats (SHNWs), including pouch samples from animals at different reproductive stages.

Results

Using qPCR of the 16S rRNA gene we detected a microbial community in the SHNW pouch. We observed significant differences in microbial composition and diversity between the body sites tested, as well as between pouch samples from different reproductive stages. The pouches of reproductively active females had drastically lower microbial diversity (mean ASV richness 19 ± 8) compared to reproductively inactive females (mean ASV richness 941 ± 393) and were dominated by gram positive bacteria from the Actinobacteriota phylum (81.7–90.6%), with the dominant families classified as Brevibacteriaceae, Corynebacteriaceae, Microbacteriaceae, and Dietziaceae. Three of the five most abundant sequences identified in reproductively active pouches had closest matches to microbes previously isolated from tammar wallaby pouches.

Conclusions

This study represents the first contamination-controlled investigation into the marsupial pouch microbiota, and sets a rigorous framework for future pouch microbiota studies. Our results indicate that SHNW pouches contain communities of microorganisms that are substantially altered by the host reproductive cycle. We recommend further investigation into the roles that pouch microorganisms may play in marsupial reproductive health and joey survival.
Bacteremia as a risk factor for variceal upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding in cirrhotic patients: a hospital-based study
Authors: Zidan Mohamad Husseini Saeid , Zaghloul Sahar Gouda , Seleem Waseem Mohamed , Ahmed Hanan Samir , Gad Ahmed Ibrahim
Published: January 2021

Background

The presence of bacteremia as a complication of variceal bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis had been investigated by many studies. The aim of this study was to assess the bacteremia as a risk factor for variceal upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding in cirrhotic patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 99 patients with chronic liver disease divided into three groups: group I included 35 patients presented with first attack of variceal bleeding, group II included 35 patients presented with recurrent attacks of variceal bleeding, and group III included 29 patients with no history of previous variceal bleeding as a control group. Routine laboratory tests were done, upper GI endoscopy, blood culture, and measurement of procalcitonin level in blood.

Results

Patients with recurrent variceal bleeding had statistically (p < 0.05) the highest percentage of positive blood culture followed by patients with first variceal bleeding and the control (60% vs 45.7% vs 24.1%) respectively. In addition to procalcitonin results, patients with recurrent variceal bleeding had statistically the highest values of PCT followed by patients with first variceal bleeding and the control (1.92 vs 0.325 vs 0.22 ng/ml) respectively. Multivariate regression analysis showed that procalcitonin and hemoglobin only was the significant predictors for variceal bleeding. Hemoglobin at cutoff value of ≤ 9.6 and procalcitonin (ng/dl) at cutoff value of > 1.76 is the most specific in predicting bleeding 86.21%, 86.21% (CI 95%) respectively.

Conclusion

Bacteremia and procalcitonin are risk factor for variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients. Procalcitonin can be used as easily measurable and surrogate biomarker for bacteremia and variceal bleeding.
Screening of polysaccharides from fruit pulp of Ziziphus mauritiana L. and Artocarpus heterophyllus L. as natural mucoadhesives
Authors: Ray Priyanka , Chatterjee Sumana , Saha Prerona
Published: January 2021

Background

Mucoadhesive polymers are applicable for improving the delivery of drug by prolonging the residence time and time of contact of the dosage form with the mucous membrane. Mucoadhesion may be defined as a process where the polymer substance gets adhered either to the biological substrate or synthetic or to a natural macromolecule, or to the mucus membrane. The natural polymers can be studied to determine whether they possess some mucoadhesive properties as several excipients derived from plants have proved their potential in the field of conventional or novel dosage form. The present work aims at determination of physical properties of polysaccharides from fruit pulp of Ziziphus mauritiana L. (ZM gum) and Artocarpus heterophyllus L. (AH gum), such as mucoadhesive strength (shear stress determination), swelling index, pH, viscosity, angle of repose, Carr’s index, density, and its comparative study with synthetic polymers Carbopol 934 and HPMC and also to study its FTIR and 1H-NMR spectra analysis.

Result

The most important properties such as mucoadhesive strength of ZM gum (3% w/v) and AH gum (3%) was found to be comparable with HPMC (3% w/v) and Carbopol 934 (3% w/v); also, the swelling index of the isolated gums were also found comparable with both HPMC and Carbopol 934. Falling sphere method is conducted in which the time taken by the sphere to move 50 divisions to the bottom for 3% w/v ZM gum solution was 10.14 s and for AH gum was 10.13 s which is comparable to HPMC and Carbopol 934. The FTIR & 1H NMR spectra showed typical characteristic signals of polysaccharides and presence of typical sugar residues.

Conclusion

From the study, it can be concluded that ZM and AH gum has potential to be better than Carbopol 934 and HPMC in respect of mucoadhesive strength and also it has the potential to replace some synthetic mucoadhesive polymers and polysaccharides.
A system for monitoring a marine well for shallow water flow: Development of early detection
Authors: Berger William J. , Metz Zachary I. , Ul-Hadi Shams , Thomson James , Keenan James , Wedding Daniel , Nguyen Thien
Published: January 2021

Deepwater basins around the world contain shallow sequences of overpressured, sand-prone sediments that can result in shallow water flow (SWF) events. These events have frequently resulted in wellbore instability and increased man-hour exposure to potential health, safety, security, and environment risks, as well as nonproductive time, and they have sometimes been the cause of the loss of a well while drilling the shallow (riserless) section for oil and gas exploration or development projects. Methods previously established to classify the magnitude of an SWF event have been used with partial success to identify the onset of an SWF event. The need existed to develop a system enabling early prediction, detection, and mitigation of SWF events while drilling. Real-time monitoring of the riserless section of a marine well for SWF requires a system using a plurality of data feeds that we defined as the SYSTEM. The data feeds include seismic data, remotely operated vehicle video, and surface and downhole logging measurements. An SWF surveillance methodology, which we defined as a discharge category model (DCM), has been developed for early detection of an SWF event, prior to the onset of wellbore instability. DCM focuses on baseline discharge categories (ranging from no flow to minor flow) prior to wellbore instability and taking into account the U-tube effects. Real-time monitoring of data feeds coupled with DCM in the context of SYSTEM has helped to mitigate SWF events. There have been no wells lost due to SWF events that have used DCM in the context of SYSTEM in various basins throughout the world. In total, 154 wells have been monitored globally using DCM with 46 SWF events detected and mitigated before reaching a severity level that might compromise well integrity from 2012 to 2019.
Assessment of gas hydrate using prestack seismic inversion in the Mahanadi Basin, offshore eastern India
Authors: Ojha Maheswar , Ghosh Ranjana
Published: January 2021

The Indian National Gas Hydrate Program Expedition-01 in 2006 has discovered gas hydrate in the Mahanadi offshore basin along the eastern Indian margin. However, well-log analysis, pressure core measurements, and infrared anomalies reveal that gas hydrates are distributed as disseminated within the fine-grained sediment, unlike massive gas hydrate deposits in the Krishna-Godavari Basin. The 2D multichannel seismic section, which crosses holes NGHP-01-9A and 19B located at approximately 24 km apart, indicates a continuous bottom-simulating reflector (BSR) along it. We aim to investigate the prospect of gas hydrate accumulation in this area by integrating well-log analysis and seismic methods with rock-physics modeling. First, we estimate gas hydrate saturation at these two holes from the observed impedance using the three-phase Biot-type equation. Then, we establish a linear relationship between the gas hydrate saturation and the impedance contrast with respect to the water-saturated sediment. Using this established relation and impedance obtained from prestack inversion of seismic data, we produce a 2D gas hydrate-distribution image over the entire seismic section. The gas hydrate saturation estimated from resistivity and sonic data at well locations varies within 0%–15%, which agrees well with the available pressure core measurements at hole 19. However, the 2D map of gas hydrate distribution obtained from our method indicates that the maximum gas hydrate saturation is approximately 40% just above the BSR between the common-depth points of 1450 and 2850. The presence of gas-charged sediments below the BSR is one of the reasons for the strong BSR observed in the seismic section, which is depicted as low impedance in the inverted impedance section. Closed sedimentary structures above the BSR are probably obstructing the movements of free-gas upslope, for which we do not see the presence of gas hydrate throughout the seismic section above the BSR.