bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subjective Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients with Dizziness and Vertigo
Authors: Xie Danica , Welgampola Miriam S. , Miller Laurie A. , Young Allison S. , D’Souza Mario , Breen Nora , Rosengren Sally M.
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Patients with vestibular disorders sometimes report cognitive difficulties, but there is no consensus about the type or degree of cognitive complaint. We therefore investigated subjective cognitive dysfunction in a well-defined sample of neuro-otology patients and used demographic factors and scores from a measure of depression, anxiety, and stress to control for potential confounding factors. Methods: We asked 126 neuro-otology clinic outpatients whether they experienced difficulties with thinking, memory, or concentration as a result of dizziness or vertigo. They and 42 nonvertiginous control subjects also completed the Neuropsychological Vertigo Inventory (NVI, which measures cognitive, emotional, vision, and motor complaints), the Everyday Memory Questionnaire (EMQ), and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS). Results: In the initial interview questions, 60% of patients reported experiencing cognitive difficulties. Cognitive questionnaire scores were positively correlated with the overall DASS score and to a lesser extent with age and gender. Therefore, we compared patients and controls on the NVI and EMQ, using these mood and demographic variables as covariates. Linear regression analyses revealed that patients scored significantly worse on the total NVI, NVI cognitive composite, and 3 individual NVI cognition subscales (Attention, Space Perception, and Time Perception), but not the EMQ. Patients also scored significantly worse on the NVI Emotion and Motor subscales. Conclusions: Patients with dizziness and vertigo reported high levels of cognitive dysfunction, affecting attention, perceptions of space and time. Although perceptions of cognitive dysfunction were correlated with emotional distress, they were significantly elevated in patients over and above the impact of depression, anxiety, or stress.
Does Drug Allergy Workup in Children Satisfy Their Parents?
Authors: Gokmirza Ozdemir Pinar , Celik Velat , Beken Burcin , Arcanlı İbrahim , Yazicioglu Mehtap
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Although drug allergy workup for pediatric patients (skin and drug provocation tests [DPT]) is performed, the procedures are troublesome, painful, and time-consuming. The aim of this study was to assess parents’ perception of and satisfaction with their child’s drug allergy workup. Further, to evaluate parents’ tendency to use the tested drug following a negative DPT and the consequences of re-exposure. Methods: Parents of children that underwent drug allergy workup from January 2017 to August 2020 in the Pediatric Allergy Department of Trakya University Medical Faculty were included. Satisfaction levels were assessed via a telephone questionnaire (3 open-ended, 7 multiple-choice questions). Satisfaction was scored on a Likert scale (1: very unsatisfied and 5: very satisfied). Results: A total of 102 parents participated the study. Fifty-two (51%) of patients were male, and median age was 6.2 years and a median time interval between admission and test appointment of 1 month; 16.7% had a positive drug allergy workup, with 88.3% reporting being satisfied (56.9%) or very satisfied (31.4%) with the workup. Satisfaction levels were inversely related to the time between admission and test appointment (rho: −0.254, p = 0.01), with 8.2% reporting they did not use the tested drug when necessary despite a negative result. The tested drug was used by 35 individuals (41.1%), 33 (94.2%) tolerating without reaction. Conclusion: Most parents were satisfied with the workup, but levels were inversely related to the admission and procedure time interval. Drug allergy workup should be performed as soon as possible to relieve parents’ anxiety and achieve more patient satisfaction.
Audiological Patterns in Patients with Autoimmune Hearing Loss
Authors: Psillas George , Dimas Grigorios G. , Daniilidis Michalis , Binos Paris , Tegos Thomas , Constantinidis Jiannis
Published: September 2021

Introduction: The aim of this study was to illustrate clinical and audiological patterns of hearing impairment in patients with autoimmune hearing loss (AIHL). Methods: Fifty-three patients with AIHL were retrospectively recruited, and a tapering schema of steroid treatment was administered in all these patients. The diagnosis of AIHL was essentially based on clinical symptoms, such as recurrent, sudden (sensorineural hearing loss [SSHL]), fluctuating, or quickly progressing (<12 months) SSHL (uni-/bilateral), in association with the coexistence of autoimmune diseases, high antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and the presence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) B27, B35, B51, C04, and C07. Logistic regression analysis was applied to correlate the clinical data and laboratory features of AIHL with final outcomes. Results: The onset of AIHL was mainly progressive (49%), followed by SSHL (39.6%) or fluctuating (11.3%). The pure-tone audiogram showed more commonly a downsloping pattern (42.6% of ears), but also an upsloping, flat, cookie-bite, or inverse cookie-bite shape. Bilateral progressive AIHL was more frequently simultaneous (23 patients) than heterochronous (4 patients). Nineteen patients (35.8%) showed a favorable response to steroid therapy. The presence of recurrent, bilateral SSHL versus recurrent, unilateral SSHL had statistically negative effect on hearing recovery (OR = 0.042, p < 0.05). The heterochronous bilateral SSHL may have better prognosis than simultaneous bilateral SSHL (OR = 10.000, p = 0.099). The gender, age, concomitant autoimmune disease, high ANA, HLA alleles, tinnitus, and vestibular symptoms had no statistical effect on a favorable outcome of AIHL. Conclusions: A bilateral, simultaneous, and progressive hearing loss combined with downsloping audiogram occurred more often in patients with AIHL. Bilateral simultaneous SSHL with recurrences represents the worse prognostic form of AIHL.
Teledermatology in the Saudi Arabian Healthcare System: Utilization and Challenges
Authors: Bin Dakhil Alhanouf A. , Altalhab Saad
Published: September 2021

Background: In recent years, telemedicine has led to a dramatic shift in healthcare service delivery, mainly due to the ease with which telemedicine can be integrated into a multitude of specialties and its flexibility as a means of providing care. Over the last 2 decades, technological advancements have made telemedicine integral to healthcare in many countries. In particular, dermatology was benefited from telemedicine as a new tool, thanks to the visual character that pervades this practice. Teledermatology is the interactive practice of remote dermatological assessment, involving live contact with patients (“live interactive”) and data access and retrieval (“store-and-forward”). This review discusses the role of this new discipline in medical education, inpatient care, and primary care through the analysis of several studies addressing this topic. Also examined are the status and limitations of teledermatology in Saudi Arabia and some proposed solutions. Summary: Visual assessment of dermatological conditions is common practice among dermatologists. However, due to the scarcity of specialists in some areas, wait times have been a hindrance for patients requiring an assessment. Teledermatology improves access by reducing wait times, speeding up the referral process, and streamlining assessments. Furthermore, teledermatology effectively serves as a form of triage, particularly for cases of suspected cutaneous malignancy that typically require the shortest referral time. Earlier diagnoses, more effective management of chronic skin disease, and inpatient care are all additional benefits offered by the teledermatology practice. The use of teledermatology is now widespread, with roles extending beyond patient care to medical teaching and training in residency programs. This perhaps reflects physicians’ highly positive perceptions regarding teledermatology; however, patient perception in Saudi Arabia is still lagging behind the global standard, possibly due to privacy concerns. Key Message: Teledermatology can be reliably utilized to advance healthcare services and medical education. Improving patient awareness and perception of this emerging discipline is crucial; to that end, the practice must address privacy concerns. Patient uploads of photographs and videos should be stored on an end-to-end encrypted platform to provide optimal service and encourage patients’ participation. Ultimately, physicians should be well acquainted with the medical, ethical, and technical aspects of teledermatology.
Proceedings of the 2021 Cannabis Clinical Outcomes Research Conference
Authors: Goodin Amie J. , Wilson Debbie L. , Cook Robert L. , Wang Yan , Brown Joshua , Winterstein Almut G.
Published: September 2021

The Cannabis Clinical Outcomes Research Conference (CCORC) 2021 was held virtually on April 8 and 9, 2021. The conference was hosted by the Consortium for Medical Marijuana Clinical Outcomes Research, a research organization instituted by the state legislature of Florida in the United States. The inaugural annual CCORC 2021 was organized as a scientific meeting to foster and disseminate research on medical marijuana (MM) clinical outcomes, while promoting engagement among MM researchers, patients, clinicians, policymakers, and industry partners. Key conference themes included: (a) the disconnect between policy, practice, and evidence and steps towards reconciliation, (b) approaches to overcome common barriers to MM research, and (c) the use of focused translational approaches utilizing both mechanistic and clinical research methodology to tackle the complexities of MM outcomes. CCORC 2022 is planned for spring 2022 in Orlando, Florida, United States.
Analgesic Activity of Synaptamide in a Rat Sciatic Nerve Chronic Constriction Injury Model
Authors: Starinets Anna , Tyrtyshnaia Anna , Kipryushina Yulia , Manzhulo Igor
Published: September 2021

At present, there is a growing interest in the study of the neurotropic activity of polyunsaturated fatty acid ethanolamides (N-acylethanolamines). N-docosahexaenoylethanolamine (DHEA), or synaptamide, an endogenous metabolite of docosahexaenoic acid, is a promising compound with anti-inflammatory activity. The results of this study demonstrate that synaptamide, when administered subcutaneously (4 mg/kg/day, 35 days), promotes a decrease in cold allodynia and mechanical hyperalgesia in a rat sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI) model. After CCI, synaptamide treatment enhanced the remyelination process in the site of sciatic nerve injury (33.4 ± 1.1% in the CCI+Syn group, compared to 28.4 ± 0.9% in the CCI group). Further, synaptamide suppressed the CCI-induced increase in the activity of microglia (13.1 ± 0.5% in CCI+Syn, compared to 15.3 ± 0.7% in the CCI group) and the number of nitric oxide synthase-positive neurons (58,307 ± 5,206 cells/mm3 in CCI+Syn, compared to 80,288 ± 4,287 cells/mm3 in the CCI group) in the dorsal horns of the spinal cord, and also reduced the concentration of interleukin 1 beta in the spinal cord (169.3 ± 4 pg/mg of protein in CCI+Syn, compared to 236.9 ± 9.3 pg/mg of protein in CCI group) 35 days after surgery. Synaptamide treatment resulted in decrease of reactive astrogliosis in the spinal cord dorsal horns to 20.8 ± 1.3%, which occurred simultaneously with a decrease in the substance P (SP) level (9.8 ± 0.5%) compared to vehicle-treated animals (30.2 ± 2.2% and 13.4 ± 0.9% of astroglia and SP staining area, respectively). In addition, synaptamide increased superoxide dismutase activity up to 68.6 ± 0.8% (control 50.6 ± 0.9%) in astrocyte culture. Thus, synaptamide provides anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in both peripheral and central nervous system after sciatic nerve injury.
The Screening Test for Aphasia and Dysarthria (STAD) for Patients with Neurological Communicative Disorders: A Large-Scale, Multicenter Validation Study in Japan
Authors: Araki Kentaro , Hirano Yoshiyuki , Kozono Machiko , Fujitani Junko , Shimizu Eiji
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Evaluation of multiple domains, such as language, articulation, and cognitive function, is frequently required in neurological communicative disorders. The purpose of this study was to investigate the performance of a 10-min screening scale for estimating aphasia, dysarthria, and cognitive dysfunction using a multicenter, large-sized consecutive series. Methods: We conducted a multicenter validation study that included 314 patients with brain injury between February 1 and June 31, 2018, from 20 medical centers across Japan. The Screening Test for Aphasia and Dysarthria (STAD) was developed in Japan in 2009, and a previous smaller-scale retrospective study established its high to moderate validity. All patients had undergone the STAD, and 212 of them underwent the Western Aphasia Battery or Assessment of Motor Speech for Dysarthria. The effect size on all 29 items and receiver operating curves of 3 sections of the STAD were analyzed based on external criteria, which were decided considering the clinical diagnosis of aphasia, dysarthria, and cognitive dysfunction. Correlations between the STAD and reference tests were calculated. Results: The phi coefficients of 23 out of 29 items exceeded the moderate effect size of 0.3 toward the targeted disorder. Overall, there was a good balance between sensitivity (82–92%) and specificity (77–78%), with moderate to large positive and negative likelihood ratios (3.7–4.19 and 0.1–0.23). The Pearson’s r between the verbal section and Western Aphasia Battery Aphasia Quotient, the articulation section and Assessment of Motor Speech for Dysarthria, and the nonverbal section and Western Aphasia Battery Nonlinguistic Skills were 0.89, 0.70, and 0.79, respectively. Conclusion: We demonstrated that the STAD has acceptable content and concurrent validity for the assessment of communicative function in patients with brain injury. This short screening tool can be useful in specific contexts, such as in early bedside investigations, to obtain a quick summary of communicative function prior to the administration of other tests, and in cases where more in-depth testing is not feasible.
Sponsorship in Beach Volleyball: effects of event quality, spectator satisfaction and brand experience on brand equity
Authors: Yamamoto Paula Yumi , Quevedo-Silva Filipe , Mazzei Leandro Carlos
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of event quality, spectator satisfaction and experience on brand equity of the sponsor in a sport event. In order to carry out this study, 352 spectators that attended the Banco do Brasil (Bank of Brazil) Circuit of Beach Volleyball answered a closed questionnaire. For data analysis, it is used the structural equation modeling. The results indicated that the quality of the event generates satisfaction, which confi rms increases the brand equity of the event sponsor. In addition, the spectators’ experience with the sponsoring brand also confirms the positive impact on brand equity. The quality of the event, the satisfaction of the spectators with the event and their sponsor's brand experience are elements that, if well managed and explored, contribute positively to sponsors’ brand equity. These strategies should be aimed both by sports managers, as a way to attract and retain sponsors, and by sponsors’ brand managers, as a way to get return on investment. For this purpose, the sport managers and sponsors should undertake a planning together to offer a high-quality event enabling an environment that provides spectators’ satisfaction and a positive experience with the sponsor brand. In theoretical terms, this research brought greater knowledge about the return of investments made by companies on sport sponsorship, and, the use of statistical methods in this study can be replicated, adjusted or even enhanced in future researches that investigate the theme sport events and their sponsors.
Ações educativas para promoção de atividade física por meio do agente comunitário de saúde: limitações e potencialidades
Authors: Dopp Erik Vinicius de Orlando , Nascimento Wedson Guimarães , Christofoletti Ana Elisa Messetti , Nakamura Priscila Missaki
Published: September 2021

Objetivou-se investigar limitações e potencialidades existentes a partir de uma ação educativa direcionada à Agentes Comunitários de Saúde para promoção de atividade física em adolescentes. A proposta foi pautada em um curso presencial com 12 módulos, baseado no Programa Geração Movimento. Para as coletas de dados, foi utilizado o relato de experiência, grupo focal e acompanhamento da intervenção por meio do diário de campo. Foi realizada triangulação de dados do conteúdo apresentado e análise de conteúdo a partir da pré análise dos dados, a exploração do material (codificação) e o tratamento dos resultados (categorização). Foram identificadas três categorias, sendo ambiente de trabalho: referente aos achados ligados ao ambiente de trabalho e seus fatores estruturais, burocráticos e de cunho administrativo, evidenciando maior número de limitações; Saberes e formação: referente ao processo de formação dos agentes acerca de conteúdos e da experiência, que apresentaram as maiores potencialidades para as ações; E por fim, ações de educação em saúde: baseando na influência do ambiente de trabalho sobre as práticas, referente a possibilidades encontradas nas ações de educação em saúde realizadas, por meio de fatores acerca da comunidade e ações desenvolvidas na equipe. Os benefícios apresentados dizem respeito ao aprimoramento do conhecimento dos profissionais envolvidos, em relação ao aconselhamento e a oportunidade de tomadas de iniciativas na comunidade de atuação.
Pedido de formação do DTLLC
Authors: Galvão Walnice Nogueira
Published: September 2021

Imagens do processo nº 854/87, de 30-09-1987, onde a professora Walnice Nogueira Galvão, responsável pela Área de Teoria Literária e Literatura Comparada, solicita ao Diretor da Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas, João Baptista Borges Pereira, a criação do Departamento de Teoria Literária e Literatura Comparada.
Departamento de Teoria Literária e Literatura Comparada
Authors: Nitrini Sandra Margarida
Published: September 2021

Depoimento de Sandra Nitrini sobre a formação do Departamento de Teoria Literária e Literatura Comparada da Universidade de São Paulo.Fontes: Documentos que constam do Processo de Criação do Departamento, em sua maioria, encaminhados e assinados por Walnice Nogueira Galvão, então, responsável pela Área de Teoria Literária e Literatura Comparada e dos Relatórios de Avaliação do Departamento, pelas chefias do Departamento desde então.
Cultura de segurança na percepção dos profissionais de saúde de hospitais públicos
Authors: Carvalho Paloma Aparecida , Amorim Fábio Ferreira , Casulari Luiz Augusto , Gottems Leila Bernarda Donato
Published: September 2021

OBJETIVO Avaliar a cultura de segurança na percepção dos profissionais que trabalham nos hospitais públicos do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) do Distrito Federal, Brasil, três anos após a implantação do Programa Nacional de Segurança do Paciente (PNSP). MÉTODOS estudo transversal analítico realizado em onze hospitais públicos por meio do Safety Attitudes Questionnaire em formato eletrônico. A amostragem estratificada foi calculada, obedecendo à proporção do total de profissionais em cada hospital, assim como a representatividade de cada grupo profissional. Os resultados do escore total e dos domínios iguais ou maiores que 75 foram considerados positivos. Realizadas análises descritivas e inferenciais dos grupos profissionais e dos hospitais. RESULTADOS Participaram 909 profissionais. O escore total por grupo profissional foi negativo (62,5 a 69,5) e por domínio diferiram estatisticamente entre si em todos. Os onze hospitais tiveram escore total negativo (61,5 a 68,6). Os domínios com desempenho positivo foram satisfação no trabalho, percepção do estresse e clima de trabalho em equipe. Os resultados mais baixos foram condições de trabalho e percepção da gerência, e nenhum dos hospitais obteve média superior à 75 nesses domínios. Também foram encontradas diferenças nas médias dos domínios entre os hospitais, exceto em percepção da gerência. DISCUSSÃO Após três anos de implantação no PNSP, a cultura de segurança nos onze hospitais avaliados se mostrou fragilizada, embora os domínios satisfação no trabalho, percepção do estresse e clima de trabalho em equipe tiveram resultados positivos. Os resultados podem contribuir para a tomada de decisão dos gestores, pois a cultura de segurança é um elemento essencial na implementação da política de segurança do paciente.
Association Between Impaired Myocardial Flow Reserve on
82
Rubidium Positron Emission Tomography Imaging and Adverse Events in Patients With Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease
Authors: Feher Attila , Boutagy Nabil E. , Oikonomou Evangelos K. , Liu Yi-Hwa , Miller Edward J. , Sinusas Albert J. , Hinchcliff Monique
Published: September 2021

Background:

Coronary microvascular dysfunction has been described in patients with autoimmune rheumatic disease (ARD). However, it is unknown whether positron emission tomography (PET)-derived myocardial flow reserve (MFR) can predict adverse events in this population.

Methods:

Patients with ARD without coronary artery disease who underwent dynamic rest-stress
82
Rubidium PET were retrospectively studied and compared with patients without ARD matched for age, sex, and comorbidities. The association between MFR and a composite end point of mortality or myocardial infarction or heart failure admission was evaluated with time to event and Cox-regression analyses.

Results:

In 101 patients with ARD (88% female, age: 62±10 years), when compared with matched patients without ARD (n=101), global MFR was significantly reduced (median: 1.68 [interquartile range: 1.34–2.05] versus 1.86 [interquartile range: 1.58–2.28]) and reduced MFR (<1.5) was more frequent (40% versus 22%). MFR did not differ among subtypes of ARDs. In survival analysis, patients with ARD and low MFR (MFR<1.5) had decreased event-free survival for the combined end point, when compared with patients with and without ARD and normal MFR (MFR>1.5) and when compared with patients without ARD and low MFR, after adjustment for the nonlaboratory-based Framingham risk score, rest left ventricular ejection fraction, severe coronary calcification, and the presence of medium/large perfusion defects. In Cox-regression analysis, ARD diagnosis and reduced MFR were both independent predictors of adverse events along with congestive heart failure diagnosis and presence of medium/large stress perfusion defects on PET. Further analysis with inclusion of an interaction term between ARD and impaired MFR revealed no significant interaction effects between ARD and impaired MFR.

Conclusions:

In our retrospective cohort analysis, patients with ARD had significantly reduced PET MFR compared with age-, sex-, and comorbidity-matched patients without ARD. Reduced PET MFR and ARD diagnosis were both independent predictors of adverse outcomes.
PRMT5 Prevents Dilated Cardiomyopathy via Suppression of Protein O-GlcNAcylation
Authors: Li Zhenhua , Xu Jingping , Song Yao , Xin Chong , Liu Lantao , Hou Ning , Teng Yan , Cheng Xuan , Wang Tianle , Yu Zhenyang , Song Jiangping , Zhang Youyi , Wang Jian , Yang Xiao
Published: September 2021

Rationale:

Protein O-GlcNAcylation is dynamically regulated by 2 key enzymes, OGT (O-GlcNAc transferase) and OGA (O-GlcNAcase). Excessive protein O-GlcNAcylation contributes to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), but its regulatory mechanisms are not fully understood. The PRMT5 (protein arginine methyltransferase 5) is the major type II arginine methyltransferase, which plays critical physiological roles by symmetrically dimethylating various downstream targets including proteins involved in RNA splicing. However, its function in regulating protein O-GlcNAcylation and DCM is unexplored.

Objective:

To elucidate the physiological function of PRMT5 and the mechanism underlying its role in regulating cardiac O-GlcNAcylation and homeostasis.

Methods and Results:

Conditional gene knockout was used to study the in vivo function of
PRMT5
in regulating cardiac homeostasis. An integrated analysis of transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles was performed to investigate the molecular mechanism. Adeno-associated virus 9-mediated gene delivery in the mouse was used to study the protein O-GlcNAcylation in
Prmt5
deficiency-induced DCM.
PRMT5
mRNA was decreased in human DCM hearts, and cardiomyocyte-specific
Prmt5
deletion in mice resulted in DCM and heart failure. Transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling identified increased O-GlcNAcylation in the hearts of
Prmt5
-knockout mice. Mechanistically,
Prmt5
deletion suppressed OGA expression by inhibiting the transcription of
Oga
and triggering its aberrant splicing. Consistently, a positive correlation of
PRMT5
and
OGA
was identified in human DCM hearts. Notably, gene therapy with adeno-associated virus 9 encoding the correctly spliced
Oga
normalized the cardiac protein O-GlcNAcylation levels and partially rescued the dilation and dysfunction of the hearts in
Prmt5
-knockout mice.

Conclusions:

Our data demonstrate a novel function of PRMT5 in regulating protein O-GlcNAcylation to maintain cardiac homeostasis, suggesting that targeting the PRMT5-OGA axis could be a potential strategy for treating DCM.
Doxycycline Combined With Bortezomib-Cyclophosphamide-Dexamethasone Chemotherapy for Newly Diagnosed Cardiac Light-Chain Amyloidosis: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Shen Kai-ni , Fu Wei-jun , Wu Yu , Dong Yu-jun , Huang Zhong-xia , Wei Yong-qiang , Li Chun-rui , Sun Chun-yan , Chen Ye , Miao Hui-lei , Zhang Yue-lun , Cao Xin-xin , Zhou Dao-bin , Li Jian
Published: September 2021

Background:

Doxycycline was demonstrated in a retrospective study to be associated with greater survival in patients with light chain amyloidosis. Therefore, we prospectively compared the efficacy of bortezomib-cyclophosphamide-dexamethasone (CyBorD) and CyBorD combined with doxycycline for cardiac light chain amyloidosis.

Methods:

This was a multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial. Patients with Mayo 2004 stage II to III light chain amyloidosis were included. Patients were randomized to doxycycline 100 mg twice daily along with 9 cycles of CyBorD (doxycycline group) or to 9 cycles of CyBorD alone (control group). The primary outcome was 2-year progression-free survival (PFS). PFS was defined as the time from randomization to death, hematologic progression, or organ progression (heart, kidney or liver). Hematologic progression was defined on the basis of a substantial increase in free light chain. An increase in either NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide) or cardiac troponin was the main criterion for defining cardiac progression. Cardiac PFS, defined as the time from randomization to cardiac progression or death, was compared between groups in an exploratory analysis. The corresponding treatment hazard ratio was estimated with a Cox regression model.

Results:

One hundred forty patients underwent randomization, with 70 in each group. The median age was 61 years (range, 33–78 years) with a male:female ratio of 1.75:1. Stage II disease was present in 34 (48.6%) and 33 (47.1%) patients in the doxycycline and control groups, respectively. After a median follow-up duration of 24.4 months, 32 of 70 (45.7%) patients in the doxycycline group and 30 of 70 (42.9%) patients in the control group experienced progression. PFS was not significantly different between groups (hazard ratio, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.59–1.60];
P
=0.91). Cardiac progression occurred in 29 of 70 (41.4%) patients in the doxycycline group and 26 of 70 (37.1%) patients in the control group. The death rates for both groups by the end of follow-up was the same, 25 of 70 (35.7%). No significant differences were observed for either cardiac PFS (hazard ratio, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.54–1.55];
P
=0.74) or overall survival (hazard ratio, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.60–1.81];
P
=0.89).

Conclusions:

Our trial demonstrated that doxycycline combined with CyBorD failed to prolong PFS or cardiac PFS compared with CyBorD alone in cardiac light chain amyloidosis.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03401372.
A taxonomic revision of South American species of the seed-harvester ant genus Pogonomyrmex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Part II
Authors: JOHNSON ROBERT A.
Published: September 2021

This paper provides a taxonomic revision and reviews natural history for 35 South American species of the seed-harvesting ant genus Pogonomyrmex. Species treated herein mostly comprise the P. rastratus-group; four species are revived from synonomy, three taxa are elevated from subspecies to species, five taxa are synonymized, and 20 new species are described. The following taxa are revived from synonomy: P. intermedia Menozzi, P. semistriata Emery, P. spinolae Emery, and P. weiseri Santschi. The following taxa are raised from subspecies to species: P. leonis Kusnezov, P. pulchellus Santschi, and P. sanmartini Kusnezov. The following new synonymies are proposed, with the senior synonym listed first, and the junior synonym(s) in parentheses: P. carbonarius Mayr (= P. kusnezovi Cuezzo & Claver, = P. weiseri var. neuquensis Santschi, = P. variabilis Santschi); P. vermiculatus Emery (= P. vermiculatus var. chubutensis Forel, = P. vermiculatus var. jorgenseni Forel). The following new species are described: P. apterogenos, P. araucania, P. atacama, P. bolivianus, P. colca, P. cusquena, P. excelsior, P. forelii, P. granulatus, P. lagunabravensis, P. loaensis, P. mapuche, P. maulensis, P. pichachen, P. propinqua, P. santschii, P. strioligaster, P. tafi, P. varicolor, and P. wilsoni. One species treated herein has brachypterous queens (P. atacama), one species has dimorphic queens (winged and brachypterous in P. longibarbis), and two species have ergatoid (permanently wingless) queens and ergatoid males (P. apterogenos, P. laguanbravensis); the latter two are the only known ant species in which both sexual castes are only ergatoid. I also provide keys for workers and queens (in English and Spanish), diagnoses for males, photographs of known castes, distribution maps, and a summary of known biology.
A Handbook and Reader of Ottoman Arabic
Authors: Wagner Esther-Miriam
Published: September 2021

Written forms of Arabic composed during the era of the Ottoman Empire present an immensely fruitful linguistic topic. Extant texts display a proximity to the vernacular that cannot be encountered in any other surviving historical Arabic material, and thus provide unprecedented access to Arabic language history.

This rich material remains very little explored. Traditionally, scholarship on Arabic has focussed overwhelmingly on the literature of the various Golden Ages between the 8th and 13th centuries, whereas texts from the 15th century onwards have often been viewed as corrupted and not worthy of study. The lack of interest in Ottoman Arabic culture and literacy left these sources almost completely neglected in university courses.

This volume is the first linguistic work to focus exclusively on varieties of Christian, Jewish and Muslim Arabic in the Ottoman Empire of the 15th to the 20th centuries, and present Ottoman Arabic material in a didactic and easily accessible way. Split into a Handbook and a Reader section, the book provides a historical introduction to Ottoman literacy, translation studies, vernacularisation processes, language policy and linguistic pluralism. The second part contains excerpts from more than forty sources, edited and translated by a diverse network of scholars.

The material presented includes a large number of yet unedited texts, such as Christian Arabic letters from the Prize Paper collections, mercantile correspondence and notebooks found in the Library of Gotha, and Garshuni texts from archives of Syriac patriarchs.
Lodovico Brunetti, the Unknown Father of Modern Crematorium
Authors: Magno Giovanni , Zampieri Fabio , Zanatta Alberto
Published: September 2021

The cremation has been documented since prehistoric times and it was a common funerary custom until the advent of Catholicism. Falling into disuse, during XVII–XVIII centuries there were new movements to bring it back according to modern criteria, mainly due to hygienic reasons and cemeteries overcrowding. This also led to the prototyping of new crematory ovens to improve the ancient open-air pyre. Lodovico Brunetti was the first to carry out a crematory experimental research in the modern countries. Since Brunetti's studies were based on the study of ancient cremations, a comparison with a modern experience of reconstruction of archaeological cremation is presented to evaluate the validity of his crematorium oven. Furthermore, the social and religious aspects related to Brunetti's inventions and the revitalization of cremation shows how tools and technologies and also the cultural environment have evolved over the years, effectively accepting the cremation practice as an alternative to inhumation.
Current strategies for endovascular management of varicose veins: An updated review of superficial ablation technologies
Authors: Ojha Vineeta , Kumar Sanjeev
Published: September 2021

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) which causes varicose veins and venous ulcers, is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the general population. The last several years have witnessed many revolutionary developments in the realms of minimally invasive techniques (both thermal and non-thermal) to treat CVI. Moreover, multiple newer societal recommendations have been published over the past one year on the basis of the current evidence. In this article, we will briefly summarise the imaging for varicose veins and review the existing evidence in literature as well as the current guidelines and recommendations for the management of varicose veins, especially focusing on the various superficial ablation technologies.
Comparison of mechanochemical ablation versus ligation and stripping for the treatment of incompetent small saphenous vein
Authors: Apruzzi Luca , Bilman Victor , Ardita Vincenzo , Favia Nicola , Saracino Concetta , Chiesa Roberto , Baccellieri Domenico
Published: September 2021

Objective

to compare the outcomes of mechanochemical ablation (MOCA) versus saphenopopliteal junction ligation and stripping (OS) for symptomatic small saphenous vein (SSV) insufficiency.

Methods

This is a retrospective study including symptomatic SSV patients treated with MOCA using the ClariVein catheter (Merit Medical, South Jordan, Utah, USA) or OS from 2015 to 2019.

Results

A total of 60 limbs (73.3% women, mean age 54.7 ± 14.4 years) were treated with MOCA and 58 limbs (63.8% women, mean age 54 ± 11.6 years) with OS. At 18 months follow-up, recurrence rates were 7.5% (4/53) for MOCA vs. 5.7% (3/52) for the OS group. MOCA group was associated with less pain at first postoperative day, and an early return to work (MOCA 3.5 ± 2.3 days vs. OS 14.2 ± 3.8 days, p < .0001). No cases of leg paresthesia/dysesthesia were observed in the MOCA group, while two patients (3.4%) presented neurological symptoms after OS treatment.

Conclusion

MOCA and OS are both safe and effective techniques for symptomatic SSV insufficiency. MOCA group demonstrated to be associated with less postoperative pain and early return to work compared to OS.
Bridging the Gap: The Predictive Roles of Emotion Dysregulation and Stalking-related Attitudes on Offline and Online Stalking and Intrusive Harassment
Authors: Chan Elisha , Viñas-Racionero Maria Rosa , Scalora Mario J.
Published: September 2021

Stalking and intrusive harassment (SIH) are prevalent and serious public health issues associated with significant psychological, social, and economic consequences. Further exacerbating this problem is the growing use of technology and the internet, which has facilitated the perpetration of SIH behaviors via electronic means. Given its prevalence and negative impact, it is imperative to identify precursors of cyber and offline SIH to better predict and mitigate its detrimental effects. Thus, the current study examined whether overall emotion dysregulation and stalking-related attitudes are predictive factors of SIH perpetration. In addition, it was determined whether specific difficulties with emotion regulation and stalking supportive attitudes were differentially associated with online and offline SIH perpetration. Participants consisted of 874 university students who completed an online survey comprised of a battery of self-report measures, including the Difficulties with Emotion Regulation Scale, Stalking-related Attitudes Questionnaire, Obsessive-Relational Intrusion Pursuit Short Form, and the Cyber-Obsessional Pursuit scale. Logistic regression analyses revealed that overall emotion dysregulation and greater endorsement of stalking supportive attitudes predicted SIH perpetration. Moreover, emotion regulation difficulties distinguished the domain(s) in which an individual was more likely to perpetrate SIH behaviors. Specifically, those who reported more problems with emotion regulation, particularly a lack of emotional awareness, were more likely to engage in both offline and online SIH behaviors concurrently than to perpetrate purely offline or purely online. These findings have significant implications for stalking risk assessment and prevention efforts. In particular, understanding the predictive roles of emotion dysregulation and stalking-related attitudes on online and offline SIH perpetration can inform the development and improvement of evidence-based prevention and intervention programs, as well as stalking risk assessment instruments.
Uniaxial compression mechanical properties and damage constitutive model of limestone under osmotic pressure
Authors: Song Zhanping , Wang Tong , Wang Junbao , Xiao Kehui , Yang TengTian
Published: September 2021

To study the influence of osmotic pressure on the uniaxial compression mechanical properties of limestone, uniaxial compression tests were carried out on limestone specimens under different osmotic water pressure. The test results show that with the increase of osmotic pressure, the closure strain, yield strain and peak strain of limestone gradually increase, while the closure stress, yield stress, peak stress and elastic modulus gradually decrease. To describe the stress-strain response of limestone during uniaxial compression failure, the concepts of compaction factor and osmotic pressure influencing factor were proposed, and a constitutive model of rock compaction stage was established by integrating the relationship between the compaction factor and osmotic pressure influencing factor and the tangent modulus of compaction section. On this basis, combining the continuum damage mechanics theory, and assuming that the rock micro-unit strength obeys the compound power function distribution, a constitutive model reflecting the uniaxial compression mechanical properties of rock under osmotic pressure was established by the statistical method. The rationality of the model was verified using the results of the uniaxial compression test of limestone under different osmotic pressures. The results show that the test results under different osmotic pressures are in good agreement with the theoretical curves, and the model in this paper can reflect the stress-strain response of limestone before its failure under different osmotic pressures.
Reduced concentrations of vaginal metabolites involved in steroid hormone biosynthesis are associated with increased vulvar vestibular pain and vaginal muscle tenderness in provoked vestibulodynia: An exploratory metabolomics study
Authors: Labus Jennifer S , Mayer Emeran A , Aagaard Kjersti , Stains Jean , Broniowska Katarzyna , Rapkin Andrea
Published: September 2021

Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is a chronic vulvar pain disorder characterized by hypersensitivity and severe pain with pressure localized to the vulvar vestibule. Knowledge regarding pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to the etiology and production of symptoms in PVD remains incomplete but is considered multifactorial. Using a cross-sectional observational study design, data from untargeted metabolomic profiling of vaginal fluid and plasma in women with PVD and healthy women was combined with pain testing and brain imaging in women with PVD to test the hypotheses that women with PVD compared to healthy women show differences in vaginal and plasma metabolites involved in steroid hormone biosynthesis. Steroid hormone metabolites showing group differences were correlated with vulvar vestibular pain and vaginal muscle tenderness and functional connectivity of brain regions involved in pain processing in women with PVD to provide insight into the functional mechanisms linked to the identified alterations. Sensitivity analyses were also performed to determine the impact of hormonal contraceptive use on the study findings. Women with PVD compared to healthy controls had significant reductions primarily in vaginal fluid concentrations of androgenic, pregnenolone and progestin metabolites involved in steroidogenesis, suggesting localized rather than systemic effects in vagina and vulvar vestibule. The observed reductions in androgenic metabolite levels showed large effect size associations with increased vulvar vestibular pain and vulvar muscle tenderness and decreases in androgenic and progestin metabolites were associated with decreased connectivity strength in primary sensorimotor cortices. Women with PVD showed symptom-associated reductions in vaginal fluid concentrations of metabolites involved in the biosynthesis of steroid hormones previously shown to affect the integrity of vulvar and vaginal tissue and nociceptive processing. Deficiency of certain steroids may be an important mechanism contributing to the pathophysiology of symptoms in PVD may provide potential diagnostic markers that could lead to new targets for therapeutic intervention.
Exogenous mitochondrial transfer and endogenous mitochondrial fission facilitate AML resistance to OxPhos inhibition
Authors: Saito Kaori , Zhang Qi , Yang Haeun , Yamatani Kotoko , Ai Tomohiko , Ruvolo Vivian , Baran Natalia , Cai Tianyu , Ma Helen , Jacamo Rodrigo , Kuruvilla Vinitha , Imoto Junichi , Kinjo Sonoko , Ikeo Kazuho , Moriya Kaori , Suzuki Koya , Miida Takashi , Kim Yong-Mi , Vellano Christopher P. , Andreeff Michael , Marszalek Joseph R. , Tabe Yoko , Konopleva Marina
Published: September 2021

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells are highly dependent on oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) for survival, and they continually adapt to fluctuations in nutrient and oxygen availability in the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment. We investigated how the BM microenvironment affects the response to OxPhos inhibition in AML by using a novel complex I OxPhos inhibitor, IACS-010759. Cellular adhesion, growth, and apoptosis assays, along with measurements of expression of mitochondrial DNA and generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species indicated that direct interactions with BM stromal cells triggered compensatory activation of mitochondrial respiration and resistance to OxPhos inhibition in AML cells. Mechanistically, inhibition of OxPhos induced transfer of mitochondria derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to AML cells via tunneling nanotubes under direct-contact coculture conditions. Inhibition of OxPhos also induced mitochondrial fission and increased functional mitochondria and mitophagy in AML cells. Mitochondrial fission is known to enhance cell migration, so we used electron microscopy to observe mitochondrial transport to the leading edge of protrusions of AML cells migrating toward MSCs. We further demonstrated that cytarabine, a commonly used antileukemia agent, increased mitochondrial transfer of MSCs to AML cells triggered by OxPhos inhibition. Our findings indicate an important role of exogenous mitochondrial trafficking from BM stromal cells to AML cells as well as endogenous mitochondrial fission and mitophagy in the compensatory adaptation of leukemia cells to energetic stress in the BM microenvironment.
Mobility surveys beyond stated preference: introducing MyTrips, an SP-off-RP survey tool, and results of two case studies
Authors: Rudloff Christian , Straub Markus
Published: September 2021

When introducing new mobility offers or measures to influence traffic, stated preference (SP) surveys are often used to assess their impact. In SP surveys, respondents do not answer questions about their actual behaviour, but about hypothetical settings. Therefore, answers are often biased. To minimise this hypothetical bias, so-called stated preference-off-revealed preference (SP-off-RP) surveys were developed. They base SP questions on respondents’ revealed behaviour and place unknown scenarios in a familiar context. Until now, this method was applied mostly to scenarios investigating the willingness to pay. The application to more complex mode or route choice problems, which require the calculation of routes, has not yet been done. In this paper, the MyTrips survey tool for the collection of SP-off-RP data based on respondents’ actual mobility behaviour is presented. SP questions are based on alternatives to typical routes of respondents, which are calculated on the fly with an intermodal router. MyTrips includes a larger survey and collects mobility diaries for one day representing respondents’ daily routine, calculates alternative routes and creates SP questions based on a Bayesian optimal design. Results from two case studies investigating behaviour changes are presented. The first case study investigated the extension of a subway line in Vienna, Austria. The second case study focused on the introduction of micro transit vehicles in a rural setting, replacing infrequent bus services. Results of the two case studies show a difference in response behaviour between SP and RP settings and suggest a reduction of hypothetical bias. For the latter study, a Latent Class SP-off-RP model was estimated. It shows that availability and accessibility of public transport are the main influences on the willingness to use it, independent of other household characteristics.
Medical cannabis authorization and the risk of cardiovascular events: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Zongo Arsene , Lee Cerina , Dyck Jason R. B. , El-Mourad Jihane , Hyshka Elaine , Hanlon John G. , Eurich Dean T.
Published: September 2021

Background

Cannabis is increasingly used for therapeutic purpose. However, its safety profile is not well known. This study assessed the risk of cardiovascular-related emergency department (ED) visit and hospitalization in adult patients authorized to use medical cannabis in Ontario, Canada from 2014 to 2017.

Methods

This is a longitudinal cohort study of patients who received medical cannabis authorization and followed-up in cannabis clinics, matched to population-based controls. The primary outcome was an ED visit or hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or stroke; and secondary outcome was for any cardiovascular event. Conditional Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess the association between cannabis authorization and risk.

Results

18,653 cannabis patients were matched to 51,243 controls. During a median follow-up of 242 days, the incidence rates for ACS or stroke were 7.19/1000 person-years and 5.67/1000 person-years in the cannabis and controls group, respectively- adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 1.44 (95% CI 1.08–1.93). When stratified by sex, the association was only statistically significant among males: aHR 1.77 (1.23–2.56). For the secondary outcome (any CV events), the aHR was 1.47 (1.26–1.72). The aHR among males and females were 1.52 (1.24–1.86) and 1.41 (1.11–1.79), respectively. Tested interaction between cannabis authorization and sex was not significant (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Medical cannabis authorization was associated with an increased risk of ED visits or hospitalization for CV events including stroke and ACS.