bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compound word frequency modifies the effect of character frequency in reading Chinese
Authors: Cui Lei , Wang Jue , Zhang Yingliang , Cong Fengjiao , Zhang Wenxin , Hyönä Jukka
Published: October 2020

In two eye-tracking studies, reading of two-character Chinese compound words was examined. First and second character frequency were orthogonally manipulated to examine the extent to which Chinese compound words are processed via the component characters. In Experiment 1, first and second character frequency were manipulated for frequent compound words, whereas in Experiment 2 it was done for infrequent compound words. Fixation time and skipping probability for the first and second character were affected by its frequency in neither experiment, nor in their pooled analysis. Yet, in Experiment 2 fixations on the second character were longer when a high-frequency character was presented as the first character compared with when a low-frequency character was presented as the first character. This reversed character frequency effect reflects a morphological family size effect and is explained by the constraint hypothesis, according to which fixation time on the second component of two-component compound words is shorter when its identity is constrained by the first component. It is concluded that frequent Chinese compound words are processed holistically, whereas with infrequent compound words there is some room for the characters to play a role in the identification process.
Determining strength training needs using the force-velocity profile of elite female handball and volleyball players
Authors: Petridis Leonidas , Pálinkás Gergely , Tróznai Zsófia , Béres Bettina , Utczás Katinka
Published: October 2020

The aim of this study was to assess the vertical jump performance and the force-velocity profile of elite female handball and volleyball players. Forty-one female athletes were measured, 28 handball players (age: 24.0 ± 3.6 years, body height: 1.75 ± 0.05 m, body mass: 69.0 ± 7.3 kg) and 13 volleyball players (age: 24.1 ± 5.2 years, body height: 1.83 ± 0.07 m and body mass: 74.9 ± 7.9 kg). All players performed unloaded and loaded countermovement jumps (CMJ) on a force platform. The theoretical maximal force ( F0), the theoretical maximum velocity ( v0), the theoretical maximal power ( Pmax), the slope of the F-v relationship ( Sfv) and the force-velocity imbalance ( FVimb) were calculated. Mean value of vertical jump height was 0.33 ± 0.03m, with no difference between handball and volleyball players. Mean values of F0, v0, Pmax, Sfv and FVimb for all players were 31.2 ± 2.6 N/kg, 3.10 ± 0.50 m·s−1, 24.2 ± 3.2 w/kg, -10.32 ± 2.09 Ns/m/kg and 28.1 ± 13.3% respectively. Two players had a low magnitude velocity-deficit, whereas most of the players exhibited a low to high force-deficit. A strong correlation was found between the ratio of measured to optimal F-v slope with the change in the proportion of net force to total force during unloaded and loaded conditions. The findings suggest that it would be beneficial for these athletes to first decrease their force deficit through mainly maximal strength training before implementing training to further maximize power output. Establishment of the F-v profile could be a useful diagnostic tool for coaches to optimize strength training and to design training intervention based on the individual need of each athlete.
Modeling of the rotor-bearing system and dynamic reliability analysis of rotor’s positioning precision
Authors: Zhang Yimin , Liu Yongzhen
Published: October 2020

On the basis of the classical two degree of freedom (2-DOF) rotor-bearing system, the stochastic dynamic equations are solved and the dynamic reliability of the rotor’s positioning precision is examined in this paper. Firstly, the stochastic dynamic equations are converted to several deterministic dynamic equations by orthogonal polynomial approximation method. The contact uncertainty coefficient is described by Bernoulli distribution and the instantaneous contact probability of the ball-inner race contact of the rolling bearing is obtained. Then the state function of the system is defined and the statistical fourth moment method is adopted to determine the first four moments of the system response and state function. Edgeworth series technique is used to approach the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the maximum displacement of the response and the system state function. Different parameters effects on the characteristics of the responses and the reliability of the system are investigated. The comparisons of the results obtained from the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS), the previous study and the present study illustrate the effectiveness of the study.
The glucose error in arterial sampling: assessing staff awareness and the effect of sampling technique*
Authors: Patel Vikesh , Skorupska Natalia , Hodges Emily J , Blunt Mark C , Young Peter J , Mariyaselvam Maryanne ZA
Published: October 2020

Background

Using a dextrose-containing solution, instead of normal saline, to maintain the patency of an arterial cannula results in the admixture of glucose in line samples. This can misguide the clinician down an inappropriate treatment pathway for hyperglycaemia.

Methods

Following a near-miss and subsequent educational and training efforts at our institution, we conducted two simulations: (1) to observe whether 20 staff would identify a 5% dextrose/0.9% saline flush solution as the cause for a patient’s refractory hyperglycaemia, and (2) to compare different arterial line sampling techniques for glucose contamination.

Results

(1) Only 2/20 participants identified the incorrect dextrose-containing flush solution, with the remainder choosing to escalate insulin therapy to levels likely to risk fatality, and (2) glucose contamination occurred regardless of sampling technique.

Conclusion

Despite national guidance and local educational efforts, this is still an under-recognised error. Operator-focussed preventative strategies have not been effective and an engineered solution is needed.
Seeing and Knowing: Sourcing Safe Food in Zhejiang
Authors: Merrifield Caroline
Published: October 2020

At a farm-to-table restaurant in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, high-quality food is sourced through direct relationships between restaurant staff and trusted rural suppliers. The restaurant is part of China’s growing food movement, and it shares this core principle of direct purchasing with other movement projects nationwide. At the same time, as the state responds to public anxieties over food safety, it has taken a “transparency” approach, emphasising “traceability” from field to tongue. Although such an approach may seem to follow similar logic to direct purchasing in the food movement, these two ways of pursuing safety are radically distinct. Drawing on evidence from the Hangzhou restaurant’s procurement system and Zhejiang’s “Sunshine Kitchen” food safety policies, I find that state responses to the food safety crisis misrecognise underlying moral-economic problems. By contrast, the restaurant’s farm-to-table purchasing system holds out a compelling model for (re)fashioning forms of moral consensus between growers and eaters of food.
Why Service Recovery Fails? Examining the Roles of Restaurant Type and Failure Severity in Double Deviation With Justice Theory
Authors: Zou Suiwen (Sharon) , Migacz Steven J.
Published: October 2020

Due to the increasingly competitive nature of the industry, the prevalence of service failure in restaurants has made a satisfactory service recovery critical for retaining customers. However, the success rate of service recovery is far from satisfactory. Informed by Rawls’s justice theory, this study explored service recovery failures (double service failure) in a restaurant setting. Results from our experiment indicate that the effects of different types of service recovery failure on postrecovery evaluations vary across two situational factors: restaurant type and failure severity. Specifically, procedural injustice (low-resolution speed) was found to exert more influence on word-of-mouth intentions in a quick-service restaurant than a full-service restaurant. For failures of high severity (vs. low severity), distributive injustice (no compensation offered) is found to be more impactful. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Telemedicine, Patient Satisfaction, and Chronic Rhinosinusitis Care in the Era of COVID-19
Authors: Morisada Megan V. , Hwang Joshua , Gill Amarbir S. , Wilson Machelle D. , Strong E. Bradley , Steele Toby O.
Published: October 2020

Background

Telemedicine has become increasingly popular in the care of rhinologic patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. This change in practice patterns may place patients at risk of a perceived lower-quality exchange with their healthcare provider, which may in turn impact satisfaction.

Objective

This study compares patient satisfaction scores between in-person clinic visits and telemedicine video visits in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Methods

Sixty-nine patients with CRS presenting to an academic rhinology clinic between March to April 2020 were retrospectively divided into video visits (VV) and clinic visits (CV) groups based on mandated state quarantine orders on March 19. Patient demographics, disease severity measures, and Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-18 (PSQ-18) scores were collected and analyzed. Chi square test and Fisher’s exact test were performed.

Results

There were no significant differences in age (p = 0.81), gender (p = 0.55), CRS phenotype (p = 0.16), and disease severity measures (Sinonasal Outcomes Test-22 (SNOT-22) (p = 0.92); Lund-Mackay score (p = 0.96)) between the video and clinic visit groups. There were no significant differences in PSQ-18 total scores (VV PSQ-18 mean score = 78.1, CV PSQ-18 mean score = 78.4; p = 0.67) or the following subdomain scores between the two groups: general satisfaction (p = 0.73), technical quality (p = 0.62), interpersonal manner (p = 0.41), communication (p = 0.31), financial aspects (p = 0.89), time spent with doctor (p = 0.88), and accessibility and convenience (p = 0.47).

Conclusion

Patient satisfaction with telemedicine in the COVID-19 pandemic parallels that of traditional in-person visits. Video visits can serve as a viable alternative to clinic visits, while still maintaining high satisfaction.
Co-transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells makes haploidentical HSCT a potential comparable therapy with matched sibling donor HSCT for patients with severe aplastic anemia
Authors: Liu Zenghui , Wu Xiaoxiong , Wang Shunqing , Xia Linghui , Xiao Haowen , Li Yonghua , Li Hongbo , Zhang Yuping , Xu Duorong , Nie Danian , Lai Yongrong , Wu Bingyi , Lin Dongjun , Du Xin , Jiang Zujun , Gao Yang , Gu Xuekui , Xiao Yang
Published: October 2020

The application of haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) infusion as a treatment regimen for severe aplastic anemia (SAA) has been reported to be efficacious in single-arm trials. However, it is difficult to assess without comparing the results with those from a first-line, matched-sibling HSCT. Herein, we retrospectively reviewed 91 patients with acquired SAA. They received HSCT from haploidentical donors combined with MSC transfer (HID group). We compared these patients with 103 others who received first-line matched-sibling HSCT (MSD group) to evaluate relative treatment efficacy. Compared with the patients in the MSD group, those in the HID group presented with higher incidences of grades II–IV and III–IV acute graft versus host disease (aGvHD) and chronic graft versus host disease (cGvHD) ( p < 0.05). However, the incidence of myeloid and platelet engraftment, graft failure, poor graft function, and extensive cGvHD were comparable for both groups. The median follow-up was 36.6 months and the 3-year overall survival rate was similar for both groups (83.5% versus 79.1%). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that time intervals greater than 4 months from diagnosis to transplantation, experienced graft failure, poor graft function, or grade III–IV aGvHD were significantly associated with adverse outcomes. All HID patients received MSC co-transplantation with hematopoietic stem cells. However, the infused MSCs were derived from umbilical cord (UC-MSC group; 43 patients) or bone marrow (BM-MSC group; 48 patients) and were administered at different medical centers. We first compared the outcomes between the two groups and detected that the BM-MSC group exhibited lower incidences of grade III–IV aGvHD and cGvHD ( p < 0.05). This study suggests that co-transplantation of hematopoietic and MSCs significantly reduces the risk and incidence of graft rejection and may effectively improve overall survival in patients with SAA even in the absence of closely related histocompatible donor material.
Interstitial lung disease is a major characteristic of anti-KS associated ant-synthetase syndrome
Authors: Ge Yongpeng , Li Sizhao , Li Shanshan , He Linrong , Lu Xin , Wang Guochun
Published: October 2020

Background:

Anti-KS autoantibodies are rare myositis-specific autoantibodies that have been described to target asparaginyl-transfer RNA synthetase.

Methods:

Here, we review the published literature on critical issues concerning the detection of anti-KS antibodies and the clinical features associated with their presence.

Results:

Seven articles are reviewed, in all of which immunoprecipitation was employed for the detection of anti-KS antibodies. A total of 47 patients were included; the ratio of females to males was 1.9:1. In total, 46 (98%) of these patients had interstitial lung disease (ILD), which was the sole manifestation in half (50%) of them. Pulmonary pathology revealed 7 (27%) with usual interstitial pneumonia, and 16 (62%) with non-specific pneumonia. Arthritis was present in about one-quarter (26%) of patients, and the incidence of Raynaud’s phenomenon and mechanic’s hands was 19% and 32%, respectively. However, manifestations of myositis were rare (9%). In addition, three (11%) patients had malignant tumors. Most patients responded to glucocorticoid therapy.

Conclusions:

Identifying anti-KS in patients with ILD may be useful for treatment, but reliable practical detection is needed. Furthermore, clinicians need to be aware of the possible presence of anti-KS antibodies in patients with ILD, either isolated or in combination with myositis.
Physiology and clinical utility of the peripheral venous waveform
Authors: Chang Devin , Leisy Philip J , Sobey Jenna H , Reddy Srijaya K , Brophy Colleen , Alvis Bret D , Hocking Kyle , Polcz Monica
Published: October 2020

The peripheral venous system serves as a volume reservoir due to its high compliance and can yield information on intravascular volume status. Peripheral venous waveforms can be captured by direct transduction through a peripheral catheter, non-invasive piezoelectric transduction, or gleaned from other waveforms such as the plethysmograph. Older analysis techniques relied upon pressure waveforms such as peripheral venous pressure and central venous pressure as a means of evaluating fluid responsiveness. Newer peripheral venous waveform analysis techniques exist in both the time and frequency domains, and have been applied to various clinical scenarios including hypovolemia (i.e. hemorrhage, dehydration) and volume overload.
Corneal bee sting in a Bengal cat
Authors: Dulaurent Thomas , Perard Bertille , Mathieson Iona , Dulaurent Anne-Maïmiti , Isard Pierre-François
Published: October 2020

Case summary

A 6-month-old female Bengal cat was referred for a suspected vegetal foreign body (FB) in the mid-stroma of the right cornea. A small dark linear FB was identified in the dorsal aspect of the cornea, with associated cell infiltrate. Ophthalmic examination was otherwise normal, with no inflammatory reaction of the anterior uvea, and no abnormalities of the lens or fundus. Surgical removal was performed under general anesthesia. The FB, as observed under an optic microscope, was a worker bee stinger without the venom sac. Medical treatment consisted of topical and systemic antibiotics and steroids, and topical administration of atropine. Follow-up was uneventful.

Relevance and novel information

Ocular bee stings have been described in humans, with several consequences ranging from mild conjunctivitis to severe lesions affecting the cornea, iris, lens and retina. Most severely affected cases have been observed when the venom sac was found with the stinger, with a likely greater amount of venom being delivered into the ocular structures. The relatively benign presentation of this case was probably due to the lack of the venom sac within the bee sting. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of a corneal bee sting in a cat.
Governance, Public Service Delivery and Trust in Government
Authors: Mishra Jyoti , Attri Vibha
Published: October 2020

Several studies in the past show that the work done by the incumbent government helps the ruling party to get re-elected. However, most of these studies focus on re-election and do not look at the impact assessment of governance on trust in government, which is a precursor of re-election. To fill this gap, this article explores whether perceptions of good governance lead to trust in government. The results support the view that governance at the state level leads to a higher trust with the state government. Of all the variables used to measure governance as access, benefitting from welfare schemes had the maximum impact on trust. Other governance measures like availing public services and citizens’ interaction with the state too had a positive relationship with trust in the state government. Furthermore, having the same government at the centre and the state, strengthened one’s trust in the state government.
Governance and Electoral Integrity: Evidence from Subnational India
Authors: Mahmood Zaad
Published: October 2020

This article presents the findings of perceptions of electoral integrity survey for subnational elections in India between 2015 and 2017. The perceptions of electoral integrity survey is an attempt to provide a comprehensive, impartial and independent source of information derived from experts about elections conforming to internationally recognized principles and standards. The article then evaluates the factors that account for differences in the perceptions of electoral integrity in India. We show that higher-income states in India tend to have higher levels of electoral integrity. However, we argue that differences in the quality of governance best explain subnational variation in the perceptions of electoral integrity in India.
Epidemiology of American Football Injuries at Universities in the United Kingdom
Authors: Bayram John M. , Hamilton David F. , Saunders David H.
Published: October 2020

Background:

College-level American football injury data are routinely collected; however, data relating to American football injuries at universities in the United Kingdom have never been reported.

Purpose:

To describe the epidemiology of UK university American football injuries.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

An online survey tool was used to collect the injury data of 410 players from 56 UK university teams who participated in the 2014-2015 British Universities and College Sports American football season. Survey data were collected from January to February 2016 and were analyzed to determine the incidence and patterns of injury.

Results:

Overall, 710 injuries and 204 concussions were self-reported among the 410 participants, of which 334 (81.5%) were injured and 131 (32.0%) experienced concussion symptoms. The rate of injury per 100 athlete-seasons was greater in defensive players (195.3) than offensive players (155.1). The most common injuries were knee and ankle ligament injuries. Most injuries were classified as severe (time loss of >4 weeks).

Conclusion:

UK university American football injuries differ markedly from those reported for US colleges. UK university players appear to have less playing experience, greater concussion risks, more severe injuries, and a greater proportion of injuries in defensive players versus offensive players.
Are Stethoscopes, Coats, and Pagers Potential Sources of Healthcare Associated Infections?
Authors: Arora Harbir S. , Kamat Deepak , Choudhry Swati , Asmar Basim I. , Abdel-Haq Nahed
Published: October 2020

We conducted a study to determine the rate of bacterial colonization of stethoscopes, coats, and pagers of residents at a pediatric residency training program as compared to that of badges, sleeves, and pagers of non-patient care staff (control group). Among 213 cultures obtained from 71 residents, 27 potential pathogens were isolated from 22 residents (27/213, 12.7%) as compared to 10 potential pathogens out of 162 samples obtained from 54 control participants (10/162, 6.2%) ( P = .0375). The most common pathogen isolated from residents and control participants was methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). The source of positive cultures among the residents was the stethoscope (8/22, 36.3%), pager (8/22, 36.3%), and coat sleeve (11/22, 50%). The rates of colonization with potential pathogens were higher among residents than control participants and about 12% of residents’ stethoscopes, coats and pagers were colonized with bacterial pathogens. These are potential sources of nosocomial transmission of pathogenic organisms.
Questionnaire-Based Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure and Hair Nicotine Levels in 6-month-old Infants: A Validation Study in Indonesia
Authors: Nadhiroh Siti Rahayu , Djokosujono Kusharisupeni , Utari Diah Mulyawati , Hasugian Armedy Ronny
Published: October 2020

Objectives. Using hair nicotine as the gold standard, this study aimed to establish cutoff points and validate the questionnaire-based environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure and ETS statuses of Indonesian infants. Methods. A cross-sectional study design was conducted among families who were participants of the Peer Health Cohort Study in Jakarta, Indonesia. Households with 6-month-old infants joined this study. The presence and amount of ETS exposure were assessed by both questionnaire and hair sampling for nicotine determination. Head hair samples were collected from 102 infants and measured by optimized gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Infants were grouped as ETS-exposed if they lived with at least 1 smoker at home. We used the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to assess the sensitivity and specificity of cutoff values of hair nicotine. Results. There were 78 (76.5%) infants exposed to ETS based on the questionnaire. The nicotine concentrations in hair were significantly higher in infants with ETS exposure than in those without ETS exposure ( P < .001). The area under the curve for nicotine was 0.774. A hair nicotine cutoff value of 2.37 ng/mg, with a sensitivity of 67.95% and specificity of 83.33%, was identified as the optimal cutoff value for separating exposed from non-exposed to ETS in infants. Conclusion. The hair nicotine value of infants aged 6 months is useful in confirming the questionnaire on smoking in the household and exposure to ETS. Moreover, it also could be used to distinguish ETS-exposed from non-ETS-exposed infants.
Sexual Harassment in Clinical Practice—A Cross-Sectional Study Among Nurses and Nursing Students in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Tollstern Landin Teresia , Melin Tove , Mark Kimaka Victoria , Hallberg David , Kidayi Paulo , Machange Rogathe , Mattsson Janet , Björling Gunilla
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Sexual harassment (SH) at the workplace is a globally discussed topic and one deserving of scrutiny. It is an issue that is often avoided although around 25% of nurses worldwide have experienced some form of SH at their workplace. Consequences of SH at workplaces can be very serious and an occupation hazard for nurses around the world. In Sub-Saharan Africa there is also a need for more studies in the field.

Objective

The overall aim was to determine the prevalence, types, and consequences of sexual harassment among nurses and nursing students at a regional university hospital in Tanzania.

Methods

The study has a cross-sectional design. A study specific questionnaire was distributed to a total of 200 nurses and nursing students. Descriptive statistics were used for calculation of frequencies, prevalence, including gender differences, types, and consequences of sexual harassment.

Results

The result show that 9.6% of the participants had experienced some form of SH at their workplace. Regarding the female nurses and students, 10.5% had been sexually harassed at work, whereas the number for males was 7.8%, but 36% knew about a friend who had been sexually harassed. The most common perpetrator were physicians. The victims of SH were uncomfortable going back to work, felt ashamed and angry.

Conclusions

In conclusion, nearly 10% of the participants had been exposed to sexual harassment. However, an even greater number of victims was found when including by proxy victims of sexual harassment. SH can become a serious occupational hazard and stigmatization for nurses. Enhanced knowledge is needed, and hospitals and medical colleges should emphasize their possibilities to give support and assistance to the victims of SH. Education about SH in all levels and prevention methods should also be emphasized.
Christian Medical Mission from the Perspective of Batswana Faith Healers
Authors: Togarasei Lovemore , Gabaitiri Lesego , Kubanji Rebecca , Madigele Tshenolo Jennifer , Mmolai Sana K. , Shanduka Tinoonga , Tabalaka Abel , Marwiro Amon
Published: October 2020

This article examines views of Batswana faith healers on medication and Christian medical mission in a context where official health policy generally does not recognize alternative health systems. It is based on fieldwork among Batswana designed to establish the impact of religion on those who seek healing and on health providers. Overall, the study established that faith healers do not discourage their clients from taking modern medication. They strongly believe, however, that faith healing contributes significantly to healing and health and needs to be recognized in the country’s health policy; they support and encourage collaboration between themselves and modern medical practitioners.
Improving Social Norms and Actions to Prevent Sexual and Intimate Partner Violence: A Pilot Study of the Impact of Green Dot Community on Youth
Authors: Banyard Victoria L. , Edwards Katie M. , Rizzo Andrew J. , Rothman Emily F. , Greenberg Patricia , Kearns Megan C.
Published: October 2020

Sexual violence (SV) and intimate partner violence (IPV), which often co-occur with bullying, are serious public health issues underscoring the need for primary prevention. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a community-building SV and IPV prevention program, Green Dot Community, on adolescents’ perceptions of community social norms and their propensity to intervene as helpful actionists using two independent data sources. Green Dot Community takes place in towns and aims to influence all town members to prevent SV and IPV by addressing protective factors (i.e., collective efficacy, positive prevention social norms, and bystander helping, or actionism). In the current study, one town received Green Dot Community (the prevention-enhanced town), and two towns received prevention as usual (i.e., awareness and fundraising events by local IPV and SV advocacy centers). The program was evaluated using a two-part method: (a) A cross-sectional sample of high school students from three rural communities provided assessment of protective factors at two time points (Time 1, n = 1,187; Time 2, n = 877) and (b) Youth Risk Behavior Survey data from the state Department of Health were gathered before and after program implementation (Time 1, n = 2,034; Time 2, n = 2,017) to assess victimization rates. Youth in the prevention-enhanced town reported higher collective efficacy and more positive social norms specific to helping in situations of SV and IPV over time but did not differ on bystander behaviors or on victimization rates. Community-based prevention initiatives may be helpful in changing community norms to prevent SV/IPV.
Is autologous transplant in relapsed DLBCL patients achieving only a PET+ PR appropriate in the CAR T-cell era?
Authors: Shah Nirav N. , Ahn Kwang W. , Litovich Carlos , He Yizeng , Sauter Craig , Fenske Timothy S. , Hamadani Mehdi
Published: October 2020

For relapsed chemosensitive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), consolidation with autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (auto-HCT) is a standard option. With the approval of anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T cells in 2017, the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) reported an ?∼10% decrease in the number of auto-HCTs for DLBCL in the United States. Using the CIBMTR database, we identified 249 relapsed DLBCL patients undergoing auto-HCT from 2003 to 2013 with a positive positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT)+ partial response prior to transplant were identified. The study cohort was divided into 2 groups: early chemoimmunotherapy failure (ECF), defined as patients with primary refractory disease (PRefD) or relapse within 12 months of diagnosis and late chemoimmunotherapy failure, defined as patients relapsing after ≥12 months. Primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included progression-free survival (PFS) and relapse. Atotal of 182 patients had ECF, whereas 67 did not. Among ECF cohort, 79% had PRefD. The adjusted 5-year probabilities for PFS and OS (ECF vs no ECF) were not different: 41% vs 41% (P = .93) and 51% vs 63% (P = .09), respectively. On multivariate analysis, ECF patients had an increased risk for death (hazard ratio, 1.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-2.46; P = .03) but not for PFS or relapse. In conclusion, for relapsed chemosensitive DLBCL patients with residual PET/CT+ disease prior to auto-HCT, the adjusted 5-year PFS (41%) was comparable, irrespective of time to relapse. These data support ongoing application of auto-HCT in chemosensitive DLBCL.
Transcriptomic investigation reveals donor-specific gene signatures in human lung transplants
Authors: Baciu Cristina , Sage Andrew , Zamel Ricardo , Shin Jason , Bai Xiao-Hui , Hough Olivia , Bhat Mamatha , Yeung Jonathan C. , Cypel Marcelo , Keshavjee Shaf , Liu Mingyao
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Transplantation of lungs from donation after circulatory death (DCD) in addition to donation after brain death (DBD) became routine worldwide to address the global organ shortage. The development ofex vivolung perfusion (EVLP) for donor lung assessment and repair contributed to the increased use of DCD lungs. We hypothesise that a better understanding of the differences between lungs from DBD and DCD donors, and between EVLP and directly transplanted (non-EVLP) lungs, will lead to the discovery of the injury-specific targets for donor lung repair and reconditioning.

Methods

Tissue biopsies from human DBD (n=177) and DCD (n=65) donor lungs, assessed with or without EVLP, were collected at the end of cold ischaemic time. All samples were processed with microarray assays. Gene expression, network and pathway analyses were performed using R, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis and STRING. Results were validated with protein assays, multiple logistic regression and 10-fold cross-validation.

Results

Our analyses showed that lungs from DBD donors have upregulation of inflammatory cytokines and pathways. In contrast, DCD lungs display a transcriptome signature of pathways associated with cell death, apoptosis and necrosis. Network centrality revealed specific drug targets to rehabilitate DBD lungs. Moreover, in DBD lungs, tumour necrosis factor receptor-1/2 signalling pathways and macrophage migration inhibitory factor-associated pathways were activated in the EVLP group.A panel of genes that differentiate the EVLP from the non-EVLP group in DBD lungs was identified.

Conclusion

The examination of gene expression profiling indicates that DBD and DCD lungs have distinguishable biological transcriptome signatures.
The interrelatedness of chronic cough and chronic pain
Authors: Arinze Johnmary T. , Verhamme Katia M.C. , Luik Annemarie I. , Stricker Bruno , van Meurs Joyce B.J. , Brusselle Guy G.
Published: October 2020

Since chronic cough has common neurobiological mechanisms and pathophysiology with chronic pain, both clinical disorders might be interrelated. Hence, we examined the association between chronic cough and chronic pain in adult subjects in the Rotterdam Study, a large prospective population-based cohort study.

Using a standardised questionnaire, chronic pain was defined as pain lasting up to 6 months and grouped into a frequency of weekly/monthly or daily pain. Chronic cough was described as daily coughing for at least 3 months duration. The longitudinal and cross-sectional associations were investigated bi-directionally.

Of 7141 subjects in the study, 54% (n=3888) reported chronic pain at baseline. The co-prevalence of daily chronic pain and chronic cough was 4.4%. Chronic cough was more prevalent in subjects with daily and weekly/monthly chronic pain compared with those without chronic pain (13.8% and 10.3%versus8.2%; p<0.001). After adjustment for potential confounders, prevalent chronic pain was significantly associated with incident chronic cough (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.08–1.99). The association remained significant in subjects with daily chronic pain (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.06–2.11) with a similar effect estimate, albeit non-significant in those with weekly/monthly chronic pain (OR 1.43, 95% CI 0.98–2.10). After adjustment for covariables, subjects with chronic cough had a significant risk of developing chronic pain (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.02–2.62) compared with those without chronic cough.

Chronic cough and chronic pain confer risk on each other among adult subjects, indicating that both conditions might share common risk factors and/or pathophysiologic mechanisms.
Validation of Lung EpiCheck, a novel methylation-based blood assay, for the detection of lung cancer in European and Chinese high-risk individuals
Authors: Gaga Mina , Chorostowska-Wynimko Joanna , Horváth Ildikó , Tammemagi Martin C. , Shitrit David , Eisenberg Vered H. , Liang Hao , Stav David , Levy Faber Dan , Jansen Maarten , Raviv Yael , Panagoulias Vasileios , Rudzinski Piotr , Izbicki Gabriel , Ronen Ohad , Goldhaber Adiv , Moalem Rawia , Arber Nadir , Haas Ilana , Zhou Qinghua
Published: October 2020

Aim

Lung cancer screening reduces mortality. We aim to validate the performance of Lung EpiCheck, a six-marker panel methylation-based plasma test, in the detection of lung cancer in European and Chinese samples.

Methods

A case–control European training set (n=102 lung cancer cases, n=265 controls) was used to define the panel and algorithm. Two cut-offs were selected, low cut-off (LCO) for high sensitivity and high cut-off (HCO) for high specificity. The performance was validated in case–control European and Chinese validation sets (cases/controls 179/137 and 30/15, respectively).

Results

The European and Chinese validation sets achieved AUCs of 0.882 and 0.899, respectively. The sensitivities/specificities with LCO were 87.2%/64.2% and 76.7%/93.3%, and with HCO they were 74.3%/90.5% and 56.7%/100.0%, respectively. Stage I nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) sensitivity in European and Chinese samples with LCO was 78.4% and 70.0% and with HCO was 62.2% and 30.0%, respectively. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) was represented only in the European set and sensitivities with LCO and HCO were 100.0% and 93.3%, respectively. In multivariable analyses of the European validation set, the assay's ability to predict lung cancer was independent of established risk factors (age, smoking, COPD), and overall AUC was 0.942.

Conclusions

Lung EpiCheck demonstrated strong performance in lung cancer prediction in case–control European and Chinese samples, detecting high proportions of early-stage NSCLC and SCLC and significantly improving predictive accuracy when added to established risk factors. Prospective studies are required to confirm these findings. Utilising such a simple and inexpensive blood test has the potential to improve compliance and broaden access to screening for at-risk populations.
Tuberculosis prevention in children: a prospective community-based study in South Africa
Authors: Mandalakas Anna M. , Hesseling Anneke C. , Kay Alexander , Du Preez Karen , Martinez Leonardo , Ronge Lena , DiNardo Andrew , Lange Christoph , Kirchner H. Lester
Published: October 2020

Tuberculosis (TB) preventive therapy reduces TB risk in children. However, the effectiveness of TB preventive therapy in children living in high TB burden settings is unclear.

In a prospective observational community-based cohort study in Cape Town, South Africa, we assessed the effectiveness of routine TB preventive therapy in children ≤15 years of age in a high TB and HIV prevalence setting.

Among 966 children (median (interquartile range) age 5.07 (2.52–8.72) years), 676 (70%) reported exposure to an adult with TB in the past 3 months and 240 out of 326 (74%) eligible children initiated isoniazid preventive therapy under programmatic guidelines. Prevalent (n=73) and incident (n=27) TB were diagnosed among 100 out of 966 (10%) children. Children who initiated isoniazid preventive therapy were 82% less likely to develop incident TB than children who did not (adjusted OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.06–0.52; p=0.0014). Risk of incident TB increased if children were <5 years of age, living with HIV, had a positiveMycobacterium tuberculosis-specific immune response or recent TB exposure. The risk of incident TB was not associated with sex orMycobacterium bovisbacille Calmette–Guérin vaccination status. Number needed to treat (NNT) was lowest in children living with HIV (NNT=15) and children <5 years of age (NNT=19) compared with children of all ages (NNT=82).

In communities with high TB prevalence, TB preventive therapy substantially reduces the risk of TB among children who are <5 years of age or living with HIV, especially those with recent TB exposure or a positiveM. tuberculosis-specific immune response in the absence of disease.
Hospital-based headache care during the Covid-19 pandemic in Denmark and Norway
Authors: Kristoffersen Espen Saxhaug , Faiz Kashif Waqar , Sandset Else Charlotte , Storstein Anette Margrethe , Stefansen Simon , Winsvold Bendik Slagsvold , Hansen Jakob Møller
Published: October 2020

Background

The Covid-19 pandemic is causing changes in delivery of medical care worldwide. It is not known how the management of headache patients was affected by the lockdown during the pandemic. The aim of the present study was to investigate how the initial phase of the Covid-19 pandemic affected the hospital management of headache in Denmark and Norway.

Methods

All neurological departments in Denmark (n = 14) and Norway (n = 18) were invited to a questionnaire survey. The study focused on the lockdown and all questions were answered in regard to the period between March 12th and April 15th, 2020.

Results

The responder rate was 91% (29/32). Of the neurological departments 86% changed their headache practice during the lockdown. The most common change was a shift to more telephone consultations (86%). Video consultations were offered by 45%.

The number of new headache referrals decreased. Only 36% administered botulinum toxin A treatment according to usual schemes. Sixty% reported that fewer patients were admitted for in-hospital emergency diagnostics and treatment. Among departments conducting headache research 57% had to halt ongoing projects. Overall, 54% reported that the standard of care was worse for headache patients during the pandemic.

Conclusion

Hospital-based headache care and research was impacted in Denmark and Norway during the initial phase of the Covid-19-pandemic.
CosinorPy: a python package for cosinor-based rhythmometry
Authors: Moškon Miha
Published: October 2020

Background

Even though several computational methods for rhythmicity detection and analysis of biological data have been proposed in recent years, classical trigonometric regression based on cosinor still has several advantages over these methods and is still widely used. Different software packages for cosinor-based rhythmometry exist, but lack certain functionalities and require data in different, non-unified input formats.

Results

We present CosinorPy, a Python implementation of cosinor-based methods for rhythmicity detection and analysis. CosinorPy merges and extends the functionalities of existing cosinor packages. It supports the analysis of rhythmic data using single- or multi-component cosinor models, automatic selection of the best model, population-mean cosinor regression, and differential rhythmicity assessment. Moreover, it implements functions that can be used in a design of experiments, a synthetic data generator, and import and export of data in different formats.

Conclusion

CosinorPy is an easy-to-use Python package for straightforward detection and analysis of rhythmicity requiring minimal statistical knowledge, and produces publication-ready figures. Its code, examples, and documentation are available to download fromhttps://github.com/mmoskon/CosinorPy. CosinorPy can be installed manually or by using pip, the package manager for Python packages. The implementation reported in this paper corresponds to the software release v1.1.
Negative bone scintigraphy in wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Martini Nicolò , Rizzo Stefania , Sarais Cristiano , Cipriani Alberto
Published: October 2020

Background

Amyloidosis is a rare systemic disease due to the extracellular tissue deposition of a fibrillar-shaped misfolded protein, called amyloid. Only two types of proteins commonly affect the heart leading to an infiltrative cardiomyopathy: immunoglobulin light chain and transthyretin (TTR) cardiac amyloidosis (CA). Despite the promising role of emerging imaging modalities, such as strain echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance and bone scintigraphy, its diagnosis is still often missed or delayed due to their inherent limitations and to a nonspecific clinical scenario with frequent concomitance of cardiac comorbidities. The gold standard for a definite diagnosis still remains endomyocardial biopsy, but in rare cases Congo Red staining could provide false negative results, as in our case, requiring immunoelectron microscopy.

Case presentation

A middle-aged male adult presented to the emergency department for relapse of heart failure. Echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance, along with the history of bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, were suspicious for TTR-CA. The diagnosis, however, was hampered by concomitant cardiac comorbidities and conflicting results of imaging modalities. In fact bone scintigraphy was negative, as well as Congo Red Staining on myocardial tissue samples obtained by endomyocardial biopsy. Given the high clinical suspicion, immunoelectron microscopy was performed, showing TTR amyloid fibrils deposits, that confirmed the diagnosis. A genetic analysis excluded and hereditary form. The patient was then referred to a specialist center for specific treatment.

Conclusions

This is a rare case of a TTR-CA with a negative Bone Scintigraphy and Congo red staining, which demonstrated that CA is frequently misdiagnosed because of the low specific clinical manifestations and the results of imaging modalities that sometimes could be misleading, with subsequent delayed diagnosis and correct treatment.
Community-dwelling older adults’ awareness of the inappropriate use of proton pump inhibitors
Authors: Rababa Mohammad , Rababa’h Abeer
Published: October 2020

Background

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are effective in treating gastroesophageal reflux, peptic ulcers, and esophagitis. However, the long-term use of PPIs by older adults is associated with adverse health outcomes. There is limited evidence about older adults’ awareness of long-term PPI use and its associated adverse effects. This study aimed to assess older adults’ awareness of the adverse effects of the long-term use of PPIs, and their willingness to stop PPI use given of the risks and benefits of PPI use.

Methods

this cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 120 older adults from three local healthcare centers located in Irbid, Jordan. Older adults’ awareness of PPI use was measured using the Patients’ Perceptions of Proton Pump Inhibitor Risks and Attempts at Discontinuation Survey.

Results

the majority of the participating older adults were not familiar with any reports linking long-term PPI use with adverse effects, reported no concerns related to the chronic use of PPIs, and reported that they had not discussed the benefits and risks of PPI use with their primary care providers (PCPs). Although the majority of the participants had not previously attempted to stop using PPIs, the majority expressed a willingness to stop PPIs due to their adverse effects, especially if advised to do so by a PCP. The factors associated with the long-term use of PPIs included age, indications for gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), improvement of GERD symptoms, and the willingness to reduce or stop PPIs. Being advised by a PCP to stop PPIs (p = 0.049) and having increased concerns about the adverse effects of long-term PPI use (p < 0.0001) were the only two statistically significant predictors of previous attempts to stop PPIs.

Conclusions

concerns regarding the adverse effects of long-term PPI use were associated with attempts to stop PPIs, especially in cases where this was recommended by a PCP. Discussions between PCPs and patients regarding the risks and benefits of PPIs are necessary in order to ensure that patients do not make inappropriate decisions regarding ongoing PPI therapy. Careful evaluation of the long-term use of PPIs among older adults is required.