bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas in a patient with familial adenomatous polyposis: a case report
Authors: Naoi Daishi , Koinuma Koji , Sasanuma Hideki , Sakuma Yasunaru , Horie Hisanaga , Lefor Alan Kawarai , Sugano Kokichi , Ushiama Mineko , Yoshida Teruhiko , Sata Naohiro
Published: January 2021

Background

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is characterized by the presence of hundreds to thousands of colonic polyps, and extracolonic manifestations are likely to occur. Pancreatic tumors are rare extracolonic manifestations in patients with FAP, among which solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) are extremely rare. We report here a patient with an SPN of the pancreas found during the follow-up of FAP.

Case presentation

A 20-year-old woman was diagnosed with FAP 3 years previously by colonoscopy which revealed less than 100 colonic polyps within the entire colon. She complained of left upper abdominal pain and a 10-cm solid and cystic pancreatic tumor was found by computed tomography scan. Solid and cystic components within the tumor were seen on abdominal magnetic resonance imaging. Simultaneous laparoscopic resection of the distal pancreas and subtotal colectomy was performed. Histopathological findings confirmed the pancreatic tumor as an SPN without malignancy. Abnormal staining of beta-catenin was observed by immunohistochemical study. Multiple polyps in the colorectum were not malignant. Molecular biological analysis from peripheral blood samples revealed a decrease in the copy number of the promoter 1A and 1B region of the APC gene, which resulted in decreased expression of the APC gene.

Conclusions

A rare association of SPN with FAP is reported. The genetic background with relation to beta-catenin abnormalities is interesting to consider tumor development. So far, there are few reports of SPN in a patient with FAP. Both lesions were treated simultaneously by laparoscopic resection.
Prevalence and dynamics of clinically significant bacterial contaminants in herbal medicines sold in East Africa from 2000 to 2020: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Walusansa Abdul , Asiimwe Savina , Kafeero Hussein. M. , Stanley Iramiot. J. , Ssenku Jamilu. E. , Nakavuma Jesca. L. , Kakudidi Esezah. K.
Published: January 2021

Background

Infectious diseases remain a leading cause of mortality and morbidity around the world, and those caused by bacteria are common in the East African region. In this region, trade and consumption of herbal medicine has been expanding in the recent decades. Herbal medicines may be contaminated with pathogenic bacteria; however, there is limited information due to fragmented studies in East Africa. In this meta-analysis, we critically analyzed original research related to the incidence of pathogenic bacterial contaminants of HM in the East African region since 2000. The aim was to create a comprehensive understanding of the extent and dynamics of bacterial contamination in HM, to guide future research and concerted public health protection in the region.

Methodology

The study was conducted according to the standards of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses. We searched and evaluated published articles from eleven electronic databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, HerbMed, MEDLINE, Science Direct, Scifinder Scholar, Cochrane Library, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, EMBASE, Biological Abstracts and Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau Abstracts). Prevalences of different bacterial species, Cochran’s Q test, and the I2 statistic for heterogeneity were evaluated using a software called MedCalcs. Random and fixed effects models were used to determine the pooled prevalence of clinically significant bacteria from studies which were included in this meta-analysis. The potential sources of heterogeneity were examined through sensitivity analysis, sub-group analysis, and meta-regression at 95% level of significance.

Results

Fourteen studies met our inclusion criteria. Overall, the studies were highly heterogeneous (I2 = 98.48%) and there was no evidence of publication bias. Escherichia coli was the most prevalent contaminant. Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. were the most frequently reported primary pathogens with pooled prevalence of 10.4% and 6.3%, respectively. Our findings are in tandem with recent systematic reviews conducted in Europe and Asia, but are in discrepancy with the reviews recently conducted in southern Africa.

Conclusion and recommendations

The East African herbal medicine industry poses considerable health risks to communities through dissemination of clinically significant bacteria. Presence of enteric bacterial contaminants indicates possible fecal pollution of herbal medicine region-wide. Adequate research pertaining to microbial safety of herbal medicine in the East African countries remains highly desired. The latter will enable establishment of strong, region-wide herbal safety mechanisms in order to support comprehensive public health protection in East Africa.
A case-control study of pattern and determinants of quality of life of patients with diabetes in a developing country
Authors: Enang Ofem , Omoronyia Ogban , Asibong Udeme , Ayuk Agam , Nwafor Kenneth , Legogie Annette
Published: January 2021

Background

Globally, diabetes is a leading cause of impairment of quality of life. In the sub-Saharan African region, there is a need for studies that provide more valid assessment of effect of diabetes on quality of life (QoL). This study aimed at assessing quality of life among patients with diabetes attending a tertiary health service in Nigeria.

Methods

The study design was a case-control. Diabetic cases were randomly recruited from the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, while non-diabetic controls were civil servants and retirees. The validated and pretested WHOQoL-BREF instrument was used to assess quality of life, with higher scores indicating higher quality of life.

Results

Three hundred and thirty subjects were studied, with mean ages of males and females of 55.2 ± 4.8 and 51.8 ± 6.3 years, respectively. The mean total QoL score was 75.77 ± 11.2, with no significant difference between males and females. Among male and female cases, the mean score of the physical health domain was significantly lower for cases compared with controls (p = 0.05). Male cases compared with controls had higher scores for the environment domain (p < 0.05). Older age and higher systemic blood pressure were associated with lower QoL scores for both sexes (p < 0.05). Unmarried status, obesity, and poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 7%) were associated with lower QoL scores (p < 0.05). Fasting blood sugar (FBS) level and lipid profile were not significantly correlated with QoL score in both sexes (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Diabetes contributes to low quality of life among males and females, with significant differences in the affected domains. Diabetes care providers should identify affected domains during clinic consultation, in order to improve provision of more effective care.
Ceftiofur reduced Fusobacterium leading to uterine microbiota alteration in dairy cows with metritis
Authors: Jeon Soo Jin , Cunha Federico , Daetz Rodolfo , Bicalho Rodrigo C. , Lima Svetlana , Galvão Klibs N.
Published: January 2021

Background

Metritis is an inflammatory uterine disease found in ~ 20% of dairy cows after parturition and associated with uterine microbiota with high abundance of Fusobacterium, Bacteroides, and Porphyromonas. Ceftiofur is a common treatment, but the effect on uterine microbiota is poorly understood. Herein, we investigated the short-term impact of ceftiofur on uterine microbiota structure and function in cows with metritis. Eight cows received ceftiofur (CEF) and 10 remained untreated (CON). Uterine swabs were collected for PCR and metagenomic analysis at diagnosis before treatment (5 ± 1 DPP) and 2 days after diagnosis/treatment (7 ± 1 DPP) from the same individuals. Seven CEF and 9 CON passed quality control and were used for 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results

Ceftiofur treatment resulted in uterine microbiota alteration, which was attributed to a decrease in relative abundance of Fusobacterium and in gene contents involved in lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, whereas uterine microbiota diversity and genes involved in pantothenate and coenzyme A biosynthesis increased. Ceftiofur treatment also reduced rectal temperature and tended to reduce total bacteria in the uterus. However, other uterine pathogens such as Bacteroides and Porphyromonas remained unchanged in CEF. The blaCTX-M gene was detected in 37.5% of metritic cows tested but was not affected by CEF. We found that β-hydroxybutyric acid, pyruvic acid, and L-glutamine were preferentially utilized by Fusobacterium necrophorum according to metabolic activity with 95 carbon sources.

Conclusions

Ceftiofur treatment leads to alterations in the uterine microbiota that were mainly characterized by reductions in Fusobacterium and genes involved in LPS biosynthesis, which may be associated with a decrease in rectal temperature. The increase in pantothenate and coenzyme A biosynthesis indicates microbial response to metabolic stress caused by ceftiofur. Preference of Fusobacterium for β-hydroxybutyric acid may help to explain why this strain becomes dominant in the uterine microbiota of cows with metritis, and it also may provide a means for development of new therapies for the control of metritis in dairy cows.
An optimal frequency-domain finite-difference operator with a flexible stencil and its application in discontinuous-grid modeling
Authors: Fan Na , Xie Xiao-Bi , Zhao Lian-Feng , Tang Xin-Gong , Yao Zhen-Xing
Published: January 2021

We have developed an optimal method to determine expansion parameters for flexible stencils in 2D scalar-wave finite-difference frequency-domain (FDFD) simulation. Our stencil only requires the involved grid points to be paired and rotationally symmetric around the central point. We apply this method to the transition zone in discontinuous-grid modeling, in which the key issue is designing particular FDFD stencils to correctly propagate the wavefield passing through the discontinuous interface. Our method can work in an FDFD discontinuous grid with arbitrary integer coarse- to fine-grid spacing ratios. Numerical examples are developed to determine how to apply this optimal method to discontinuous-grid FDFD schemes with spacing ratios of 3 and 5. The synthetic wavefields are highly consistent to those calculated using the conventional dense uniform grid, and the memory requirement and computational costs are greatly reduced. For velocity models with large contrasts, our discontinuous-grid FDFD method can significantly improve the computational efficiency in forward modeling, imaging, and full-waveform inversion.
Reduced-Dose Radiation Therapy for HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Carcinoma (NRG Oncology HN002)
Authors: Yom Sue S. , Torres-Saavedra Pedro , Caudell Jimmy J. , Waldron John N. , Gillison Maura L. , Xia Ping , Truong Minh T. , Kong Christina , Jordan Richard , Subramaniam Rathan M. , Yao Min , Chung Christine H. , Geiger Jessica L. , Chan Jason W. , O'Sullivan Brian , Blakaj Dukagjin M. , Mell Loren K. , Thorstad Wade L. , Jones Christopher U. , Banerjee Robyn N. , Lominska Christopher , Le Quynh-Thu
Published: January 2021

PURPOSE

Reducing radiation treatment dose could improve the quality of life (QOL) of patients with good-risk human papillomavirus–associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Whether reduced-dose radiation produces disease control and QOL equivalent to standard chemoradiation is not proven.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this randomized, phase II trial, patients with p16-positive, T1-T2 N1-N2b M0, or T3 N0-N2b M0 OPSCC (7th edition staging) with ≤ 10 pack-years of smoking received 60 Gy of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) over 6 weeks with concurrent weekly cisplatin (C) or 60 Gy IMRT over 5 weeks. To be considered for a phase III study, an arm had to achieve a 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate superior to a historical control rate of 85% and a 1-year mean composite score ≥ 60 on the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI).

RESULTS

Three hundred six patients were randomly assigned and eligible. Two-year PFS for IMRT + C was 90.5% rejecting the null hypothesis of 2-year PFS ≤ 85% ( P = .04). For IMRT, 2-year PFS was 87.6% ( P = .23). One-year MDADI mean scores were 85.30 and 81.76 for IMRT + C and IMRT, respectively. Two-year overall survival rates were 96.7% for IMRT + C and 97.3% for IMRT. Acute adverse events (AEs) were defined as those occurring within 180 days from the end of treatment. There were more grade 3-4 acute AEs for IMRT + C (79.6% v 52.4%; P < .001). Rates of grade 3-4 late AEs were 21.3% and 18.1% ( P = .56).

CONCLUSION

The IMRT + C arm met both prespecified end points justifying advancement to a phase III study. Higher rates of grade ≥ 3 acute AEs were reported in the IMRT + C arm.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy, Endocrine Therapy, and Targeted Therapy for Breast Cancer: ASCO Guideline
Authors: Korde Larissa A. , Somerfield Mark R. , Carey Lisa A. , Crews Jennie R. , Denduluri Neelima , Hwang E. Shelley , Khan Seema A. , Loibl Sibylle , Morris Elizabeth A. , Perez Alejandra , Regan Meredith M. , Spears Patricia A. , Sudheendra Preeti K. , Symmans W. Fraser , Yung Rachel L. , Harvey Brittany E. , Hershman Dawn L.
Published: January 2021

PURPOSE

To develop guideline recommendations concerning optimal neoadjuvant therapy for breast cancer.

METHODS

ASCO convened an Expert Panel to conduct a systematic review of the literature on neoadjuvant therapy for breast cancer and provide recommended care options.

RESULTS

A total of 41 articles met eligibility criteria and form the evidentiary basis for the guideline recommendations.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy should be managed by a multidisciplinary care team. Appropriate candidates for neoadjuvant therapy include patients with inflammatory breast cancer and those in whom residual disease may prompt a change in therapy. Neoadjuvant therapy can also be used to reduce the extent of local therapy or reduce delays in initiating therapy. Although tumor histology, grade, stage, and estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression should routinely be used to guide clinical decisions, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of other markers or genomic profiles. Patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) who have clinically node-positive and/or at least T1c disease should be offered an anthracycline- and taxane-containing regimen; those with cT1a or cT1bN0 TNBC should not routinely be offered neoadjuvant therapy. Carboplatin may be offered to patients with TNBC to increase pathologic complete response. There is currently insufficient evidence to support adding immune checkpoint inhibitors to standard chemotherapy. In patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive (HR-positive), HER2-negative tumors, neoadjuvant chemotherapy can be used when a treatment decision can be made without surgical information. Among postmenopausal patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative disease, hormone therapy can be used to downstage disease. Patients with node-positive or high-risk node-negative, HER2-positive disease should be offered neoadjuvant therapy in combination with anti-HER2-positive therapy. Patients with T1aN0 and T1bN0, HER2-positive disease should not be routinely offered neoadjuvant therapy. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/breast-cancer-guidelines .
Association Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Metabolic Abnormalities in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Wang Juan , Xu Haobo , Yuan Jiansong , Guo Chao , Hu Fenghuan , Yang Weixian , Song Lei , Luo Xiaoliang , Liu Rong , Cui Jingang , Liu Shengwen , Chun Yushi , Qiao Shubin
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Metabolic abnormalities have been associated with long-term cardiac mortality in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a risk factor for metabolic abnormalities in general populations, but association between OSA and metabolic abnormalities in HCM is still undefined. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between OSA and metabolic dysfunction in a large series of patients with HCM.

Methods

A total of 587 patients with HCM who underwent sleep evaluations at Fuwai Hospital were included. Data from clinical characteristics, polysomnography studies, and metabolic measurements were collected.

Results

OSA was present in 344 patients (58.6%). Patients with OSA were older, more often male, and had more clinical comorbidities. Body mass index, blood pressure, fasting glucose, and triglycerides all increased (all P < 0.001) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased (P = 0.046) with the severity of OSA. In multivariate analysis, moderate to severe OSA and Log (apnea-hypopnea index + 1) were independently associated with obesity (odds ratio [OR], 2.42; 95% CI, 1.48-3.95 and OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.31-1.95), elevated blood pressure (OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.42-3.26 and OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.08-1.60), and elevated triglycerides (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.05-2.78 and OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.02-1.51 but not elevated fasting glucose (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.50-1.52 and OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.82-1.28) or reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 0.83-2.04 and OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.89-1.27).

Conclusions

Severity of OSA is independently associated with some profiles of metabolic abnormalities. Clinical trials are required to determine whether OSA treatment improves metabolic abnormalities and long-term outcomes in patients with HCM.
Daytime Napping Duration Is Positively Associated With Risk of Hyperuricemia in a Chinese Population
Authors: Wang Yanjiao , Zeng Yongli , Zhang Xuehui , Meng Qiong , Mi Fei , Wang Songmei , Xu Fang , Sun Yan , Feng Yuemei , Yin Jianzhong
Published: January 2021

Context

Loss of sleep or disturbance of sleep-wake cycles has been related to metabolic impairments. However, few studies have investigated the association between daily sleep duration and hyperuricemia.

Objective

We investigated daily sleep duration (daytime napping and nocturnal sleep) with hyperuricemia risk.

Methods

We cross-sectionally analyzed data from the China Multi-Ethnic Cohort (CMEC), Yunnan region. A total of 22 038 participants aged 30 to 79 years were recruited in 2018. Hyperuricemia was defined as serum uric acid (SUA) above 7.0 mg/dL in men and above 6.0 mg/dL in women. Outcomes were associations between daily sleep duration and hyperuricemia.

Results

We found that the longest daytime napping duration was associated with a higher risk of hyperuricemia in the crude model (odds ratio [OR] [95% CI], 2.22 [1.88-2.61], P < .001) and in a multivariable adjustment model (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.41-2.01, P < .001) after adjusting for demographic, sleep habits, and metabolic risk factors. The association was moderately attenuated with additionally adjusted for serum creatinine (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.28-1.86, P < .001). Longer daytime napping duration was also related to higher risk of hyperuricemia combined with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Respondents in the group with daytime napping duration greater than or equal to 90 minutes presented with a higher risk of hyperuricemia combined with MetS (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.06-1.79; P < .001) in the fully adjusted model. We did not observe any relation between nocturnal sleep duration and risk of hyperuricemia in the study.

Conclusion

Longer daytime napping duration (but not nocturnal sleep duration) was independently associated with risk of hyperuricemia in a Chinese population.
Diabetes Type 1 Negatively Influences Leydig Cell Function in Rats, Which is Partially Reversible By Insulin Treatment
Authors: Wagner Isabel Viola , Klöting Nora , Savchuk Iuliia , Eifler Lisa , Kulle Alexandra , Kralisch-Jäcklein Susan , Dötsch Jörg , Hiort Olaf , Svechnikov Konstantin , Söder Olle
Published: January 2021

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is associated with impaired spermatogenesis and lower testosterone levels and epididymal weight. However, the underlying processes in the testis are unknown and remain to be elucidated. Therefore, the present study focused on the effects of T1DM on testicular function in a spontaneously diabetic rat model. BB/OKL rats after diabetes manifestation were divided into 3 groups: those without insulin treatment and insulin treatment for a duration of 2 and of 6 weeks. Anthropometrical data, circulating levels of gonadotrophins, testosterone, and inhibin B were measured. Intratesticular testosterone, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis were analyzed. Key enzymes of steroidogenesis were evaluated in the testis. Untreated diabetic rats had significantly lower serum follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels. Serum and intratesticular testosterone levels significantly decreased in untreated diabetic rats compared to healthy controls. Key markers of Leydig cell function were significantly downregulated at the RNA level: insulin-like factor 3 (Insl3) by 53% (P = .006), Star by 51% (P = .004), Cyp11A1 by 80% (P = .003), 3Beta-Hsd2 by 61% (P = .005), and Pbr by 52% (P = .002). In the insulin-treated group, only Cyp11A1 and 3Beta-Hsd2 transcripts were significantly lower. Interestingly, the long-term insulin–treated group showed significant upregulation of most steroidogenic enzymes without affecting testosterone levels. Tumor necrosis factor α and apoptosis were significantly increased in the long-term insulin–treated rats. In conclusion T1DM, with a severe lack of insulin, has an adverse action on Leydig cell function. This is partially reversible with well-compensated blood glucose control. Long-term T1DM adversely affects Leydig cell function because of the process of inflammation and apoptosis.
The infantile myofibromatosis NOTCH3 L1519P mutation leads to hyperactivated ligand-independent Notch signaling and increased PDGFRB expression
Authors: Wu Dan , Wang Sailan , Oliveira Daniel V. , Del Gaudio Francesca , Vanlandewijck Michael , Lebouvier Thibaud , Betsholtz Christer , Zhao Jian , Jin ShaoBo , Lendahl Urban , Karlström Helena
Published: January 2021

Infantile myofibromatosis (IMF) is a benign tumor form characterized by the development of nonmetastatic tumors in skin, bone, muscle and sometimes viscera. Autosomal-dominant forms of IMF are caused by mutations in the PDGFRB gene, but a family carrying a L1519P mutation in the NOTCH3 gene has also recently been identified. In this study, we address the molecular consequences of the NOTCH3L1519P mutation and the relationship between Notch and PDGFRB signaling in IMF. The NOTCH3L1519P receptor generates enhanced downstream signaling in a ligand-independent manner. Despite the enhanced signaling, the NOTCH3L1519P receptor is absent from the cell surface and instead accumulates in the endoplasmic reticulum. Furthermore, the localization of the NOTCH3L1519P receptor in the bipartite, heterodimeric state is altered, combined with avid secretion of the mutated extracellular domain from the cell. Chloroquine treatment strongly reduces the amount of secreted NOTCH3L1519P extracellular domain and decreases signaling. Finally, NOTCH3L1519P upregulates PDGFRB expression in fibroblasts, supporting a functional link between Notch and PDGF dysregulation in IMF. Collectively, our data define a NOTCH3–PDGFRB axis in IMF, in which an IMF-mutated NOTCH3 receptor elevates PDGFRB expression. The functional characterization of a ligand-independent gain-of-function NOTCH3 mutation is important for Notch therapy considerations for IMF, including strategies aimed at altering lysosome function.
NODAL/TGFβ signalling mediates the self-sustained stemness induced by PIK3CAH1047R homozygosity in pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Madsen Ralitsa R. , Longden James , Knox Rachel G. , Robin Xavier , Völlmy Franziska , Macleod Kenneth G. , Moniz Larissa S. , Carragher Neil O. , Linding Rune , Vanhaesebroeck Bart , Semple Robert K.
Published: January 2021

Activating PIK3CA mutations are known ‘drivers’ of human cancer and developmental overgrowth syndromes. We recently demonstrated that the ‘hotspot’ PIK3CAH1047R variant exerts unexpected allele dose-dependent effects on stemness in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). In this study, we combine high-depth transcriptomics, total proteomics and reverse-phase protein arrays to reveal potentially disease-related alterations in heterozygous cells, and to assess the contribution of activated TGFβ signalling to the stemness phenotype of homozygous PIK3CAH1047R cells. We demonstrate signalling rewiring as a function of oncogenic PI3K signalling strength, and provide experimental evidence that self-sustained stemness is causally related to enhanced autocrine NODAL/TGFβ signalling. A significant transcriptomic signature of TGFβ pathway activation in heterozygous PIK3CAH1047R was observed but was modest and was not associated with the stemness phenotype seen in homozygous mutants. Notably, the stemness gene expression in homozygous PIK3CAH1047R hPSCs was reversed by pharmacological inhibition of NODAL/TGFβ signalling, but not by pharmacological PI3Kα pathway inhibition. Altogether, this provides the first in-depth analysis of PI3K signalling in hPSCs and directly links strong PI3K activation to developmental NODAL/TGFβ signalling. This work illustrates the importance of allele dosage and expression when artificial systems are used to model human genetic disease caused by activating PIK3CA mutations.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Speculative Fever: Investor Contagion in the Housing Bubble
Authors: Bayer Patrick , Mangum Kyle , Roberts James W.
Published: January 2021

Historical anecdotes abound of new investors being drawn into a booming asset market, only to suffer when the market turns. While the role of investor contagion in asset bubbles has been explored extensively in the theoretical literature, causal empirical evidence on the topic is much rarer. This paper studies the recent boom and bust in the US housing market and establishes that many novice investors entered the market as a direct result of observing investing activity of multiple forms in their own neighborhoods and that “infected” investors performed poorly relative to other investors along several dimensions. (JEL D84, G12, G51, R31)
Multiparametric MR evaluation of uterine leiomyosarcoma and STUMP versus leiomyoma in symptomatic women planned for high frequency focussed ultrasound: accuracy of imaging parameters and interobserver agreement for identification of malignancy
Authors: Aminzadeh Parisa , Alibrahim Ekaterina , Dobrotwir Andrew , Paul Eldho , Goergen Stacy
Published: January 2021

Objective:

To assess accuracy of and interobserver agreement on multiparametric MR findings to distinguish uterine leiomyoma (LM) from uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) and soft tissue tumour of unknown malignant potential.

Methods:

Inclusion criteria: All females over 18 years with least one uterine mass measuring 5 cm or more in at least one of the three standard orthogonal dimensions on MR with histopathological confirmation of LM, LMS, or soft tissue tumour of unknown malignant potential (STUMP) in the 3 months following MR. Patients with LMS were drawn from a larger cohort being assessed for MR-guided focussed ultrasound (MRgFUS) suitability. Image evaluation: Assessed variables were: lesion margin, margin definition, T2 signal homogeneity, >50% of lesion with T2 signal brighter than myometrium, haemorrhage, restricted diffusion, contrast enhancement (CE), CE pattern, local lymphadenopathy and ascites.

Results:

32 LM, 10 LMS and 1 STUMP were evaluated. Ill-defined (p-value = 0.0003–0.0004) or irregular (p = 0.003–0.004) lesion margin, T2 hyperintensity >50% (p = 0.001–0.004), and peripheral CE (p = 0.02–0.05) were significantly more common in LMS/STUMP than LM for both radiologists. 10/11 (Reader 2) and 11/11 (Reader 1) LMS/STUMP displayed restricted diffusion but so did 63–80% of LM. Agreement was greatest for margin characteristics (κ = 0.73–0.81).

Conclusion:

Irregular/ill-defined lesion margin best distinguished LMS/STUMP from LM with good interrater reliability.

Advances in knowledge:

Assessment of agreement regarding MR parameters distinguishing LM from LMS and STUMP has not previously been undertaken in a cohort including a large number of patients with LMS. This will help inform evaluation of females considering minimally invasive LM treatment.
Activity and substrate specificity of Candida, Aspergillus, and Coccidioides Tpt1: essential tRNA splicing enzymes and potential antifungal targets
Authors: Dantuluri Swathi , Schwer Beate , Abdullahu Leonora , Damha Masad J. , Shuman Stewart
Published: January 2021

The enzyme Tpt1 is an essential agent of fungal tRNA splicing that removes an internal RNA 2′-PO4 generated by fungal tRNA ligase. Tpt1 performs a two-step reaction in which: (i) the 2′-PO4 attacks NAD+ to form an RNA-2′-phospho-(ADP-ribose) intermediate; and (ii) transesterification of the ADP-ribose O2″ to the RNA 2′-phosphodiester yields 2′-OH RNA and ADP-ribose-1″,2″-cyclic phosphate. Because Tpt1 does not participate in metazoan tRNA splicing, and Tpt1 knockout has no apparent impact on mammalian physiology, Tpt1 is considered a potential antifungal drug target. Here we characterize Tpt1 enzymes from four human fungal pathogens: Coccidioides immitis, the agent of Valley Fever; Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans, which cause invasive, often fatal, infections in immunocompromised hosts; and Candida auris, an emerging pathogen that is resistant to current therapies. All four pathogen Tpt1s were active in vivo in complementing a lethal Saccharomyces cerevisiae tpt1Δ mutation and in vitro in NAD+-dependent conversion of a 2′-PO4 to a 2′-OH. The fungal Tpt1s utilized nicotinamide hypoxanthine dinucleotide as a substrate in lieu of NAD+, albeit with much lower affinity, whereas nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide was ineffective. Fungal Tpt1s efficiently removed an internal ribonucleotide 2′-phosphate from an otherwise all-DNA substrate. Replacement of an RNA ribose-2′-PO4 nucleotide with arabinose-2′-PO4 diminished enzyme specific activity by ≥2000-fold and selectively slowed step 2 of the reaction pathway, resulting in transient accumulation of an ara-2′-phospho-ADP-ribosylated intermediate. Our results implicate the 2′-PO4 ribonucleotide as the principal determinant of fungal Tpt1 nucleic acid substrate specificity.
Licence to Mine? Ein Überblick über Rahmenbedingungen von Text and Data Mining und den aktuellen Stand der Diskussion
Authors: Winterhalter Christian
Published: January 2021

Der Artikel gibt einen Überblick über die Möglichkeiten der Anwendung von Text and Data Mining (TDM) und ähnlichen Verfahren auf der Grundlage bestehender Regelungen in Lizenzverträgen zu kostenpflichtigen elektronischen Ressourcen, die Debatte über zusätzliche Lizenzen für TDM am Beispiel von Elseviers TDM Policy und den Stand der Diskussion über die Einführung von Schrankenregelungen im Urheberrecht für TDM zu nichtkommerziellen wissenschaftlichen Zwecken.The article gives a survey about the potential application of text and data mining (TDM) or similar techniques on the basis of given licence agreements for subscription-based electronic resources. It also resumes the debate about the supplemental licence amendments for TDM that has arisen over the introduction of Elsevier’s TDM Policy. Finally, it describes the current discussions about the possible implementation of copyright exemptions for TDM within the context of non-commercial scientific research.
Verbesserung der OCR in digitalen Sammlungen von Bibliotheken
Authors: Baierer Konstantin , Zumstein Philipp
Published: January 2021

Möglichkeiten zur Verbesserung der automatischen Texterkennung (OCR) in digitalen Sammlungen insbesondere durch computerlinguistische Methoden werden beschrieben und bisherige PostOCR-Verfahren analysiert. Im Gegensatz zu diesen Möglichkeiten aus der Forschung oder aus einzelnen Projekten unterscheidet sich die momentane Anwendung von OCR in der Bibliothekspraxis wesentlich und nutzt das Potential nur teilweise aus.Possibilities for improving the optical character recognition (OCR) in digital collections in particular by using computationally linguistical methods are described and previous PostOCR-techniques are analyzed. On contrast to these methods from the research and single projects, the current use of OCR in library practice differs essentially and does use its potential only partially.
Evaluating the use of video communication technology in a hospital specialist palliative care team during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Crosby Benjamin , Hanchanale Sarika , Stanley Sarah , Nwosu Amara Callistus
Published: January 2021

Background: Healthcare professionals’ use of video communication technology has increased during the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, due to infection control restrictions. Currently there is little published data about the experiences of specialist palliative care teams who are using technology to communicate during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this evaluation was to describe the experience of a UK based hospital specialist palliative care team, who were using video communication technology to support care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: An online survey was distributed to the specialist palliative care team at a University teaching hospital in the North West of the UK. We asked participants to provide their views on the scope of use, barriers and future opportunities to use technology for communication in hospital palliative care.

Results: The survey was completed by 14 healthcare professionals. Participants indicated that the most common reasons for using the technology was to receive team updates (n= 14, 100%), participate in multidisciplinary team meetings (n=14, 100%), for education (n=12, 86%) and to facilitate cross-site working (n=9, 64%). We identified barriers to using the technology, which were summarised as: (1) user-based difficulties; (2) inadequate technological infrastructure; (3) data security, privacy and ethical concerns; and (4) concerns regarding staff wellbeing. Participants stated that technology can potentially improve care by improving communication with hospital and community teams and increasing access to education. We have used these findings to develop recommendations to help palliative care teams to implement this technology better in clinical practice.

Conclusion: Video communication technology has the potential to improve specialist palliative care delivery; however, it is essential that healthcare organisations address the existing barriers to using this technology, to ensure that these systems work meaningfully to improve palliative care for those who are most vulnerable beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
Interpersonal and communication skills development in nursing preceptorship education and training programmes: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Hardie Philip , Darley Andrew , Redmond Catherine , Lafferty Attracta , Jarvis Suzi
Published: January 2021

The preceptorship model is an education-focused model for teaching and learning within a clinical environment in nursing. It formulates a professional educational relationship between a staff nurse (preceptor) and student nurse and is based on the provision of providing patient care. Preceptorship is widely acknowledged in the literature as a positive pedagogical approach in clinical nursing education in terms of knowledge and skill acquisition, confidence, and professional socialisation of undergraduate nursing students. However, the literature also widely reports negative interpersonal experiences within this professional educational relationship resulting in negative educational experiences and in some cases, negative patient experiences. Therefore, the authors set out to examine what teaching strategies are being implemented by nurse educators to encourage the development of interpersonal and communication skills in facilitating positive interpersonal relationships between the preceptor, nursing student and patient. This paper outlines the protocol for an exploratory scoping review that aims to systematically and comprehensively map out the available published and unpublished literature on the teaching strategies to develop interpersonal and communication skills in preceptorship education and training programmes. To conduct a systematic and comprehensive scoping review, the review will be guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute and Arksey & O’ Malley (2005) six-stage iterative framework, as well as PRISMA-ScR framework guidelines, to ensure the quality of the methodological and reporting approaches to the review. It is anticipated that the results of the scoping review will inform nurse educators on the current educational practices for developing interpersonal and communication skills in preceptorship education and training programmes and identify any educational practices that are worthy of further consideration for future research.
Twelve months into a feasibility trial: reflections on three experiences of public and patient involvement in research
Authors: Joyce Robert , Dwyer Christopher P. , Hynes Sinéad M.
Published: January 2021

In this Open Letter we present reflections from three different perspectives on the integration of public and patient involvement (PPI) in a research trial. We reflect on the experience of having a patient employed as a contract researcher, with no prior research experience, on a feasibility trial of cognitive rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis. This Open Letter is written by the PPI research team member with reflections from a researcher on the trial and the principle investigator. We will discuss some of the changes made and the impacts that have been resulted from of PPI input into the trial. We focus on PPI involvement in participant recruitment, the development of trial material, integration of PPI along the research cycle, and collaboration. We hope that this Open Letter will encourage principle investigators and groups to include PPI members as part of the research team and help patients and members of the public understand what the experience of PPI members is like.
Operationalisation of the Randomized Embedded Multifactorial Adaptive Platform for COVID-19 trials in a low and lower-middle income critical care learning health system.
Authors: Aryal Diptesh , Beane Abi , Dondorp Arjen M. , Green Cameron , Haniffa Rashan , Hashmi Madiha , Jayakumar Devachandran , Marshall John C. , McArthur Colin J. , Murthy Srinivas , Webb Steven A. , Acharya Subhash P. , Ishani Pramodya G. P. , Jawad Issrah , Khanal Sushil , Koirala Kanchan , Luitel Subekshya , Pabasara Upulee , Paneru Hem Raj , Kumar Ashok , Patel Shoaib Siddiq , Ramakrishnan Nagarajan , Salahuddin Nawal , Shaikh Mohiuddin , Tolppa Timo , Udayanga Ishara , Umrani Zulfiqar
Published: January 2021

The Randomized Embedded Multifactorial Adaptive Platform (REMAP-CAP) adapted for COVID-19) trial is a global adaptive platform trial of hospitalised patients with COVID-19. We describe implementation in three countries under the umbrella of the Wellcome supported Low and Middle Income Country (LMIC) critical  care network: Collaboration for Research, Implementation and Training in Asia (CCA). The collaboration sought to overcome known barriers to multi centre-clinical trials in resource-limited settings. Methods described focused on six aspects of implementation: i, Strengthening an existing community of practice; ii, Remote study site recruitment, training and support; iii, Harmonising the REMAP CAP- COVID trial with existing care processes; iv, Embedding REMAP CAP- COVID case report form into the existing CCA registry platform, v, Context specific adaptation and data management; vi, Alignment with existing pandemic and critical care research in the CCA. Methods described here may enable other LMIC sites to participate as equal partners in international critical care trials of urgent public health importance, both during this pandemic and beyond.
FIGURAÇÃO DE PERSONAGENS-TÍTULO NA CONTÍSTICA DE MURILO RUBIÃO
Authors: García Flavio , Amaral Juliana Cavalcante do
Published: January 2021

O presente trabalho, baseado essencialmente nos estudos narrativos, tem por objetivo inicial destacar, do conjunto de contos de Murilo Rubião, aqueles em cujo título se verifique a presença de personagens-título, para, a seguir, observar, nesses contos, possíveis procedimentos discursivo-textuais utilizados pelo autor na figuração dessas personagens.
GUERRA COM TESTEMUNHA: CARTAS DE OSMAN LINS A MURILO RUBIÃO
Authors: Freitas Marcus Vinicius de
Published: January 2021

O trabalho apresenta e analisa um conjunto de cartas de Osman Lins dirigidas ao escritor mineiro Murilo Rubião, datadas entre 1965 e 1969, que integram o fundo documental Murilo Rubião no Acervo de Escritores Mineiros da UFMG. O período das cartas coincide com a atividade de Murilo como criador e diretor do Suplemento Literário de Minas Gerais (de 1966 a 1969), e com a escrita de Guerra sem testemunhas, publicado em 1969, livro no qual Osman Lins tematiza e discute o ofício do escritor, tarefa também cara a Murilo Rubião, em especial na sua correspondência com escritores.
Neurological induced incontinence in people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Hill Authors Barry
Published: January 2021

Background:

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are predisposed to neurological induced incontinence due to the pathophysiology of the disease.

Aims:

This short article aims to discuss the underpinning rationale of neurological induced incontinence in people with MS and explores urinary catheter options. Urinary catheters will be discussed, exploring different types of catheter, catheter sizing, and information on the manufacturers that can support patients and services as well as procurement needs for staff.

Findings:

Neurogenic bladder occurs when transmissions between the brain and the bladder are delayed or interrupted. While some people are born with neurogenic bladder issues, in the case of MS patients, the disease's effect on the brain through the development of lesions leads to progressively worsening body functions, quite often in the lower extremities.

Conclusions:

As bladder function degrades due to neurogenic bladder, patients with MS can experience frequent, painful or urgent urination, urinary incontinence, and urinary retention. Urinary catheterisation may be an option they use to manage their symptoms and may enhance their quality of life, enabling them to continue with other activities of daily living.
‘I just want someone to rub some life into them!’: the lived experience of impaired sensation in the feet related to multiple sclerosis
Authors: Cook Claire , Vuoskoski Pirjo
Published: January 2021

Background:

Impaired sensation in the feet is a commonly reported symptom experienced by people with multiple sclerosis.

Aim:

To explore the lived experiences of people living with multiple sclerosis-related impaired sensation in their feet.

Method:

Five open, unstructured interviews were analysed using a descriptive phenomenological method developed by Amedeo Giorgi.

Findings:

The essential structure of the research phenomenon consists of six key constituents: sense of heightened awareness of body sensation; sense of changed relationship to the feet; sense of changed participation in daily life; sense of the self with multiple sclerosis; sense of the meaning of interaction with others; and sense of being with impaired sensation.

Conclusions:

Findings imply that the experience of impaired sensation in the feet related to multiple sclerosis is a complex, lived-through phenomenon, interrelated to other aspects experienced with the condition. Clinicians are encouraged to consider implications of the phenomenon during encounters with people with multiple sclerosis, being well-placed to provide meaningful support.
An introduction to the UKMSSNA and the challenges of 2020
Authors: Whisker Emily
Published: January 2021

Emily Whisker offers an introduction and background to the UK Multiple Sclerosis Specialist Nurse Association (UKMSSNA) and its committee members. She looks at the experiences of the multiple sclerosis specialist nurse community during the pandemic, including the way in which negative experiences were overcome.
Short Communication: Serratia rubidaea as contaminant in laboratory environment
Authors: Virgianti Dewi Peti
Published: January 2021

Abstract. Virgianti DP. 2020. Short Communication: Serratia rubidaea as contaminant in laboratory environment. Nusantara Bioscience 13: 47-51. There have been many cases of bacterial contamination in the laboratory. The bacterial genera identified as contaminants are Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Micrococcus, Pseudomonas, Shigella and Serratia. These bacteria are classified as non-pathogenic and pathogenic bacteria that can interfere with the test and potentially develop false-positive results. The present research has shown that red-colored contaminant bacteria develop in unused sterile media in our laboratory. Based on related information, Serratia marcescens is a red bacterial species that have been reported as a contaminant in the laboratory. The purpose of this study was to identifiy contaminant bacteria at the molecular level. Based on the phylogenetic characterization using the 16S rDNA gene region, this red contaminant bacterium was identified as Serratia rubidaea.
Addressing Historic Injustice in Russia: The Case of Child Victims of Political Repression
Authors: Belykh Marina , Henderson Jane
Published: January 2021

Russia is still dealing with the legacy of widespread Soviet oppression. An important Rehabilitation Law adopted in 1991 established a compensation system for victims of state repression, including a right to housing in their families' pre-exile place of residence. However, the practical realization of these rights has been problematic, particularly following amendment to the 1991 Law in 2004. There is a cohort of elderly victims who as children were exiled with their parents. Three of these unsuccessfully brought claims for their promised housing and eventually appealed to the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation. In December 2019, the Court issued a landmark ruling supporting the claimants. Here we explain the historical context and contemporary significance of this important constitutional case.
Quantitative analysis of errors caused by vibration on polarization parametric indirect microscopic imaging system
Authors: Yu Fan , Liu Juan , Xiong Jichuan , Xu Bin , Hou Lianping , Marsh John H. , Ni Bin , Zhang Heng , Shi Daming , Liu Xuefeng
Published: January 2021

Vibrations cause many problems such as displacement, distortion, and defocusing in microscopic imaging systems. Because vibration errors are random in direction, amplitude, and frequency, it is not known which aspect of the image quality will be affected by these problems and to what extent. Polarization parametric indirect microscopic imaging (PIMI) is a technique that records polarization parameters in a conventional wide-field reflection microscope using polarization modulation of the illumination beam and additional data analysis of the raw images. This indirect imaging technique allows the spatial resolution of the system to be improved. Here, the influence of vibration on the image sharpness and spatial resolution of a PIMI system is analyzed theoretically and experimentally. Degradation in the sharpness of PIMI images is quantified by means of the modulation transfer function and deterioration in the effective spatial resolution by the Fourier ring correlation. These results show that the quality of PIMI images can be improved significantly using vibration isolation.