bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maxillary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma: an especially rare malignant tumor mimicking periodontal disease
Authors: Januzis Gintaras , Sakalys Dovydas , Krukis Martynas Mantas , Seinin Dmitrij
Published: November 2020

Background

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is an especially rare, low-grade malignant vascular tumor that, according to WHO classification, is described as locally aggressive tumor with possible metastasis and makes up 1% of all vascular tumors. EHE is characterized by the accumulation of round, eosinophil-infiltrated endothelium cells; with vacuolation of their cytoplasm; frequent angiocentric inflammation; and myxohyaline stroma. This tumor is usually found in the liver, lungs, and bones and is especially rare in the mouth.

Case presentation

We present an 18-year-old Caucasian female whose oral cavity lesion had been misdiagnosed as marginal periodontitis. The patient was treated improperly for 2 years until she was referred to a maxillofacial surgeon. The patient complained only about gingival recession in the palatal area of her upper-right-side 13th, 14th, and 15th teeth. The lesion’s clinical appearance was of locally ulcerated painless lesion that affect the underlying bone as seen in X-rays in the palatal side of the right canine and the first and second premolars. Patient underwent surgery for her present defect and reconstruction using allogenic bone transplant. The diagnosis of EHE was based on the bony destruction as seen in x-rays and in the accumulation of tumor cells that were 100% positive to CD31; CD34 and ERG to endothelial markers. During the 31-month follow-up period, the patient exhibited no clinical and radiographic complications.

Conclusions

With this clinical case, we demonstrate that this rare tumor must be included in differential diagnoses of periodontal pathologies to perform histomorphological examination in a timely manner, which could lead to correct diagnosis and adequate treatment.
Use of wearable biometric monitoring devices to measure outcomes in randomized clinical trials: a methodological systematic review
Authors: Graña Possamai Carolina , Ravaud Philippe , Ghosn Lina , Tran Viet-Thi
Published: November 2020

Background

Wearable biometric monitoring devices (BMDs) have the potential to transform the conduct of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) by shifting the collection of outcome data from single measurements at predefined time points to dense continuous measurements.

Methods

Methodological systematic review to understand how recent RCTs used BMDs to measure outcomes and to describe the reporting of these RCTs. Electronic search was performed in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and EMBASE and completed a page-by-page hand search in five leading medical journals between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2018. Three reviewers independently extracted all primary and secondary outcomes collected using BMDs, and assessed (1) the definitions used to summarize BMD outcome data; (2) whether the validity, reliability, and responsiveness of sensors was reported; (3) the discrepancy with outcomes prespecified in public clinical trial registries; and (4) the methods used to manage missing and incomplete BMD outcome data.

Results

Of the 4562 records screened, 75 RCTs were eligible. Among them, 24% tested a pharmacological intervention and 57% used an inertial measurement sensor to measure physical activity. Included trials involved 464 outcomes (average of 6 [SD = 8] outcomes per trial). In total, 35 trials used a BMD to measure a primary outcome. Several issues affected the value and transparency of trials using BMDs to measure outcomes. First, the definition of outcomes used in the trials was highly heterogeneous (e.g., 21 diabetes trials had 266 outcomes and 153 had different unique definitions to measure diabetes control), which limited the combination and comparison of results. Second, information on the validity, reliability, and responsiveness of sensors used was lacking in 74% of trials. Third, half (53%) of the outcomes measured with BMDs had not been prespecified, with a high risk of outcome reporting bias. Finally, reporting on the management of incomplete outcome data (e.g., due to suboptimal compliance with the BMD) was absent in 68% of RCTs.

Conclusions

Use of BMDs to measure outcomes is becoming the norm rather than the exception in many fields. Yet, trialists need to account for several methodological issues when specifying and conducting RCTs using these novel tools.
Violence against children and adolescents by nursing staff: prevalence rates and implications for practice
Authors: Hoffmann Ulrike , Clemens Vera , König Elisa , Brähler Elmar , Fegert Jörg M.
Published: November 2020

Background

International studies show that child maltreatment is a widespread but often underestimated problem that causes high individual, social and economic costs. Child maltreatment is an important topic for the medical sector as well. On the one hand, affected persons often seek support and help from healthcare professionals, but on the other hand, assaults can also occur in medical institutions by healthcare professionals. Surprisingly, there is hardly any data on the frequency of child maltreatment by healthcare professionals in general and particularly by nursing staff.

Methods

Therefore, in a large representative survey of the German population of 2,516 subjects aged between 14 and 91, the experience of child maltreatment in medical institutions by nursing staff was assessed retrospectively.

Results

Of the 46 subjects who had an inpatient stay in a child and adolescent psychiatry before the age of 18, 33.3% reported to have experienced maltreatment by nursing staff, while 17.3% of the 474 persons who had an inpatient stay in general or pediatric hospitals experienced maltreatment by nursing staff. All forms of maltreatment were significantly more frequent in psychiatric compared to general and pediatric hospitals.

Conclusions

The results of our representative retrospective survey demonstrate that maltreatment by nursing staff are not rare individual cases, but that medical facilities bear systemic risks for assault. Therefore, it is necessary that all medical institutions, in particular psychiatric hospitals, address this issue. In order to reduce the risk for assaults, it is important not only to implement structural measures but also to develop an attitude that emphasizes zero tolerance for violence against children and adolescents.
Acupuncture for chronic stable angina pectoris based on the theory of Meridian-Viscera Association: study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: He Zhaoxuan , Yang Yi , Wen Qiao , Yin Tao , Li Zhengjie , Ma Peihong , Zheng Hui , Yang Yunhong , Jiang Yongliang , Fang Jianqiao , Lan Lei , Zeng Fang
Published: November 2020

Background

Acupuncture has long been used to treat chronic stable angina pectoris (CSAP), but the acupuncture prescription for CSAP varies. This trial will compare the therapeutic effects between the acupoints on the Heart Meridian and the acupoints on the Lung Meridian for treating CSAP, so as to provide a better prescription for acupuncture treatment of CSAP.

Methods

This is a multicenter randomized controlled trial. A total of 148 CSAP patients will be randomly allocated into two groups through central randomization in a 1:1 ratio. This trial will include a 2-week screening period, a 4-week treatment period, and a 4-week follow-up period. The primary outcome is the frequency of angina attacks from baseline to 4 weeks after inclusion. Secondary outcomes include the frequency of angina attacks from baseline to 4 weeks after acupuncture treatment, the pain intensity of angina, total ischemia burden, heart rate variability, QT dispersion, the score of Seattle Angina Questionnaire, and the score of Short-Form of McGill Pain Questionnaire. These outcome measures will be evaluated at baseline, at the end of acupuncture treatment, and at the end of follow-up.

Discussion

We hypothesize that the effectiveness of puncturing at acupoints on the Heart Meridian will not be the same as those on the Lung Meridian. The results will provide further evidence of Meridian-Viscera Association theory and references for acupoints selection in the clinical practice.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900025804. Registered on September 9, 2019
Skeletal muscle healing by M1-like macrophages produced by transient expression of exogenous GM-CSF
Authors: Martins Leonardo , Gallo Camila Congentino , Honda Tâmisa Seeko Bandeira , Alves Patrícia Terra , Stilhano Roberta Sessa , Rosa Daniela Santoro , Koh Timothy Jon , Han Sang Won
Published: November 2020

Background

After traumatic skeletal muscle injury, muscle healing is often incomplete and produces extensive fibrosis. The sequence of M1 and M2 macrophage accumulation and the duration of each subtype in the injured area may help to direct the relative extent of fibrogenesis and myogenesis during healing. We hypothesized that increasing the number of M1 macrophages early after traumatic muscle injury would produce more cellular and molecular substrates for myogenesis and fewer substrates for fibrosis, leading to better muscle healing.

Methods

To test this hypothesis, we transfected skeletal muscle with a plasmid vector to transiently express GM-CSF shortly after injury to drive the polarization of macrophages towards the M1 subset. C57BL/6 mouse tibialis anterior (TA) muscles were injured by contusion and electroporated with uP-mGM, which is a plasmid vector that transiently expresses GM-CSF. Myogenesis, angiogenesis, and fibrosis were evaluated by histology, immunohistochemistry, and RT-qPCR; subpopulations of macrophages by flow cytometry; and muscle functioning by the maximum running speed on the treadmill and the recovery of muscle mass.

Results

Muscle injury increased the number of local M1-like macrophages and decreased the number of M2-like macrophages on day 4, and uP-mGM treatment enhanced this variation. uP-mGM treatment decreased TGF-β1 protein expression on day 4, and the Sirius Red-positive area decreased from 35.93 ± 15.45% (no treatment) to 2.9% ± 6.5% (p < 0.01) on day 30. uP-mGM electroporation also increasedHgf,Hif1α, andMtorgene expression; arteriole density; and muscle fiber number during regeneration. The improvement in the quality of the muscle tissue after treatment with uP-mGM affected the increase in the TA muscle mass and the maximum running speed on a treadmill.

Conclusion

Collectively, our data show that increasing the number of M1-like macrophages immediately after traumatic muscle injury promotes muscle recovery with less fibrosis, and this can be achieved by the transient expression of GM-CSF.
Canine babesiosis – a disease rarely considered in the context of male infertility
Authors: Domosławska Anna , Zdunczyk Sławomir
Published: November 2020

Background

Little is known about the impact of babesiosis on semen quality and fertility in dogs.

Case presentation

Four cases of infertility in male dogs after infection withBabesia canisare described. In all dogs sperm quality was low. Two dogs were castrated pharmacologically or surgically. In two dogs fertility was restored after supplementation with selenium and Vitamin E. As possible causes of spermatogenesis disorders due to the treatment of infection withBabesia caniswith imidocarb, fever and disturbed testicular microcirculation are discussed.

Conclusions

These cases indicate that if males have fertility problems, question about babesiosis infection in the past should be a permanent point in the clinical interview.
Shifts in microbial diversity, composition, and functionality in the gut and genital microbiome during a natural SIV infection in vervet monkeys
Authors: Jasinska Anna J. , Dong Tien S. , Lagishetty Venu , Katzka William , Jacobs Jonathan P. , Schmitt Christopher A. , Cramer Jennifer Danzy , Ma Dongzhu , Coetzer Willem G. , Grobler J. Paul , Turner Trudy R. , Freimer Nelson , Pandrea Ivona , Apetrei Cristian
Published: November 2020

Background

The microbiota plays an important role in HIV pathogenesis in humans. Microbiota can impact health through several pathways such as increasing inflammation in the gut, metabolites of bacterial origin, and microbial translocation from the gut to the periphery which contributes to systemic chronic inflammation and immune activation and the development of AIDS. Unlike HIV-infected humans, SIV-infected vervet monkeys do not experience gut dysfunction, microbial translocation, and chronic immune activation and do not progress to immunodeficiency. Here, we provide the first reported characterization of the microbial ecosystems of the gut and genital tract in a natural nonprogressing host of SIV, wild vervet monkeys from South Africa.

Results

We characterized fecal, rectal, vaginal, and penile microbiomes in vervets from populations heavily infected with SIV from diverse locations across South Africa. Geographic site, age, and sex affected the vervet microbiome across different body sites. Fecal and vaginal microbiome showed marked stratification with three enterotypes in fecal samples and two vagitypes, which were predicted functionally distinct within each body site. External bioclimatic factors, biome type, and environmental temperature influenced microbiomes locally associated with vaginal and rectal mucosa. Several fecal microbial taxa were linked to plasma levels of immune molecules, for example, MIG was positively correlated withLactobacillusandEscherichia/ShigellaandHelicobacter, and IL-10 was negatively associated with Erysipelotrichaceae, Anaerostipes, Prevotella, and Anaerovibrio, and positively correlated with Bacteroidetes and Succinivibrio. During the chronic phase of infection, we observed a significant increase in gut microbial diversity, alterations in community composition (including a decrease in Proteobacteria/Succinivibrio in the gut) and functionality (including a decrease in genes involved in bacterial invasion of epithelial cells in the gut), and partial reversibility of acute infection-related shifts in microbial abundance observed in the fecal microbiome. As part of our study, we also developed an accurate predictor of SIV infection using fecal samples.

Conclusions

The vervets infected with SIV and humans infected with HIV differ in microbial responses to infection. These responses to SIV infection may aid in preventing microbial translocation and subsequent disease progression in vervets, and may represent host microbiome adaptations to the virus.
Alternative stable states in the intestinal ecosystem: proof of concept in a rat model and a perspective of therapeutic implications
Authors: Van de Guchte Maarten , Burz Sebastian D. , Cadiou Julie , Wu Jiangbo , Mondot Stanislas , Blottière Hervé M. , Doré Joël
Published: November 2020

Background

Chronic immune-mediated diseases are rapidly expanding and notoriously difficult to cure. Altered relatively stable intestinal microbiota configurations are associated with several of these diseases, and with a possible pre-disease condition (more susceptible to disease development) of the host-microbiota ecosystem. These observations are reminiscent of the behavior of an ecosystem with alternative stable states (different stable configurations that can exist under identical external conditions), and we recently postulated that health, pre-disease and disease represent such alternative states. Here, our aim was to examine if alternative stable states indeed exist in the intestinal ecosystem.

Results

Rats were exposed to varying concentrations of DSS in order to create a wide range of mildly inflammatory conditions, in a context of diet-induced low microbiota diversity. The consequences for the intestinal microbiota were traced by 16S rRNA gene profiling over time, and inflammation of the distal colon was evaluated at sacrifice, 45 days after the last DSS treatment. The results provide the first formal experimental proof for the existence of alternative stable states in the rat intestinal ecosystem, taking both microbiota and host inflammatory status into consideration. The alternative states are host-microbiota ecosystem states rather than independent and dissociated microbiota and host states, and inflammation can prompt stable state-transition. Based on these results, we propose a conceptual model providing new insights in the interplay between host inflammatory status and microbiota status. These new insights call for innovative therapeutic strategies to cure (pre-)disease.

Conclusions

We provide proof of concept showing the existence of alternative stable states in the rat intestinal ecosystem. We further propose a model which, if validated in humans, will support innovative diagnosis, therapeutic strategy, and monitoring in the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions. This model provides a strong rationale for the application of combinatorial therapeutic strategies, targeting host and microbiota rather than only one of the two in chronic immune-mediated diseases.
High-quality bacterial genomes of a partial-nitritation/anammox system by an iterative hybrid assembly method
Authors: Liu Lei , Wang Yulin , Che You , Chen Yiqiang , Xia Yu , Luo Ruibang , Cheng Suk Hang , Zheng Chunmiao , Zhang Tong
Published: November 2020

Background

Genome-centric approaches are widely used to investigate microbial compositions, dynamics, ecology, and interactions within various environmental systems. Hundreds or even thousands of genomes could be retrieved in a single study contributed by the cost-effective short-read sequencing and developed assembly/binning pipelines. However, conventional binning methods usually yield highly fragmented draft genomes that limit our ability to comprehensively understand these microbial communities. Thus, to leverage advantage of both the long and short reads to retrieve more complete genomes from environmental samples is a must-do task to move this direction forward.

Results

Here, we used an iterative hybrid assembly (IHA) approach to reconstruct 49 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), including 27 high-quality (HQ) and high-contiguity (HC) genomes with contig number ≤ 5, eight of which were circular finished genomes from a partial-nitritation anammox (PNA) reactor. These 49 recovered MAGs (43 MAGs encoding full-length rRNA, average N50 of 2.2 Mbp), represented the majority (92.3%) of the bacterial community. Moreover, the workflow retrieved HQ and HC MAGs even with an extremely low coverage (relative abundance < 0.1%). Among them, 34 MAGs could not be assigned to the genus level, indicating the novelty of the genomes retrieved using the IHA method proposed in this study. Comparative analysis of HQ MAG pairs reconstructed using two methods, i.e., hybrid and short reads only, revealed that identical genes in the MAG pairs represented 87.5% and 95.5% of the total gene inventory of hybrid and short reads only assembled MAGs, respectively. In addition, the first finished anammox genome of the genusCa.Brocadiareconstructed revealed that there were two identical hydrazine synthase (hzs) genes, providing the exact gene copy number of this crucial phylomarker of anammox at the genome level.

Conclusions

Our results showcased the high-quality and high-contiguity genome retrieval performance and demonstrated the feasibility of complete genome reconstruction using the IHA workflow from the enrichment system. These (near-) complete genomes provided a high resolution of the microbial community, which might help to understand the bacterial repertoire of anammox-associated systems. Combined with other validation experiments, the workflow can enable a detailed view of the anammox or other similar enrichment systems.
Dysregulated bile acid receptor-mediated signaling and IL-17A induction are implicated in diet-associated hepatic health and cognitive function
Authors: Jena Prasant Kumar , Sheng Lili , Nguyen Michelle , Di Lucente Jacopo , Hu Ying , Li Yongchun , Maezawa Izumi , Jin Lee-Way , Wan Yu-Jui Yvonne
Published: November 2020

Background

Chronic consumption of high sugar and high fat diet associated with liver inflammation and cognitive decline. This paper tests a hypothesis that the development and resolution of diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has an impact on neuroplasticity and cognition.

Methods

C57BL/6 wild-type mice were fed with either a healthy control diet (CD) or a fructose, palmitate, and cholesterol (FPC)-enriched diet since weaning. When mice were 3-months old, FPC diet-fed mice were randomly assigned to receive either FPC-enriched diet with or without 6% inulin supplementation. At 8 months of age, all three groups of mice were euthanized followed by analysis of inflammatory signaling in the liver and brain, gut microbiota, and cecal metabolites.

Results

Our data showed that FPC diet intake induced hepatic steatosis and inflammation in the liver and brain along with elevated RORγ and IL-17A signaling. Accompanied by microglia activation and reduced hippocampal long-term potentiation, FPC diet intake also reduced postsynaptic density-95 and brain derived neurotrophic factor, whereas inulin supplementation prevented diet-reduced neuroplasticity and the development of NAFLD. In the gut, FPC diet increasedCoriobacteriaceaeandErysipelotrichaceae, which are implicated in cholesterol metabolism, and the genusAllobaculum,and inulin supplementation reduced them. Furthermore, FPC diet reduced FXR and TGR5 signaling, and inulin supplementation reversed these changes. Untargeted cecal metabolomics profiling uncovered 273 metabolites, and 104 had significant changes due to FPC diet intake or inulin supplementation. Among the top 10 most affected metabolites, FPC-fed mice had marked increase of zymosterol, a cholesterol biosynthesis metabolite, and reduced 2,8-dihydroxyquinoline, which has known benefits in reducing glucose intolerance; these changes were reversible by inulin supplementation. Additionally, the abundance ofBarnesiella,Coprobacter,Clostridium XIVa, andButyrivibriowere negatively correlated with FPC diet intake and the concentration of cecal zymosterol but positively associated with inulin supplementation, suggesting their benefits.

Conclusion

Taken together, the presented data suggest that diet alters the gut microbiota and their metabolites, including bile acids. This will subsequently affect IL-17A signaling, resulting in systemic impacts on both hepatic metabolism and cognitive function.
The relevance of transversal competences in vocational education and training: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Calero López Inmaculada , Rodríguez-López Beatriz
Published: November 2020

Vocational Education and Training (VET) programmes have included the acquisition of transversal competences in their curricula as a tool to increase employability. The number of researches has exponentially grown in the last years, emphasizing its relevance and the multiple approaches and factors involved in the learning process. The present bibliometric study aims to provide an overview of the scientific research carried out during the last 10 years and to shed some light on several relevant topics in this field. The results indicate the need to improve students’ transversal competences in order to meet the demands of the labour market, the importance of the collaboration of all the actors involved in the process (policy makers, industry and educators) and from a pedagogical point of view, the necessity of introducing new teaching approaches to implement and assess the acquisition of transversal competences. However, and despite the surge of interest in the study of transversal competences in the last decade, further empirical research is needed, especially at Vocational Education and Training level, to understand how transversal competences develop and what kind of initiatives have an impact of their acquisition.
How to foster the formation of STEM identity: studying diversity in an authentic learning environment
Authors: Singer Alison , Montgomery Georgina , Schmoll Shannon
Published: November 2020

Background

STEM identity has been shown to have a powerful role in an individual’s success in educational environments, as well as on their career goals and trajectories. Historically, however, STEM identity formation for underrepresented students has been hampered by the lack of representation of in STEM fields, which predominantly consist of white males. One educational challenge is diversifying STEM classrooms, both in terms of the students themselves and also in terms of the science and scientists they learn about.

Methods

We piloted a 4-credit History, Philosophy, and Sociology of Science course at Michigan State University. Students were tasked with creating exhibits focused on themes of diversity and inclusion in science for a real client. Using a STEM identity survey, we assessed students’ attitudes towards the sciences, issues of diversity in science, and their sense of belonging to their educational communities. We also had the students respond to various short-answer questions throughout the semester to better understand their experiences working on a collaborative authentic learning task.

Results

Our results suggest that authentic learning experiences based around ideas of diversity and inclusion can help students develop sense of belonging and positive STEM identities. Students demonstrated shifts in their self-identities as scientists, focusing more on the intersection between their gender, ethnicity, and self-perception as a scientist. Through qualitative analysis of short-answer questions, we were able to ascertain that working in groups in an authentic learning environment helped the students improve their communication and collaboration skills.

Conclusions

Students’ increased focus on gender and ethnicity suggests that they are thinking critically about how their personal identities intersect with their scientific identities. Additional research would help us better understand if the coupling of authentic learning and inclusive teaching practices have significant impacts on the formation of students’ STEM identities.
Biomechanical asymmetries persist after ACL reconstruction: results of a 2-year study
Authors: Sharafoddin-Shirazi Fatemeh , Letafatkar Amir , Hogg Jennifer , Saatchian Vahid
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study was aimed to examine longitudinal (6, 12, 18, 24 months) asymmetries in double-leg landing kinetics and kinematics of subjects with and without unilateral ACLR.

Methods

Three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic parameters of 40 participants (n = 20 post-ACLR, n = 20 healthy) were collected with a motion analysis system and force plate during a drop-landing task, and asymmetry indices were compared between groups.

Results

The asymmetry index (AI) in the ACLR group compared to the healthy group decreased from six to 24 months for vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) from 100% to 6.5% and for anterior posterior ground reaction force (a-pGRF) from 155.5% to 7%. Also, the AI decreased for peak hip flexion moment from 74.5% to 17.1%, peak knee flexion moment from 79.0% to 5.8% and peak ankle dorsiflexion moment from 59.3% to 5.9%. As a further matter, the AI decreased for peak hip abduction moment from 67.8% to 5.1%, peak knee adduction moment from 55.7% to 14.8% and peak knee valgus angle from 48.7% to 23.5%.

Conclusions

Results obtained from this longitudinal study showed that ACLR patients still suffer from limb asymmetries during landing tasks, which appear to normalize by 24-monthspost-surgery. This finding can help us to better understand biomechanics of the limbs after ACLR, and design more efficient post-surgery rehabilitation programs.

Level of evidence

Level III.
Brain metastases assessment by FDG-PET/CT: can it eliminate the necessity for dedicated brain imaging?
Authors: Zidan Mamdouh A. , Hassan Radwa S. , El-Noueam Khaled I. , Zakaria Yasser M.
Published: November 2020

Background

Brain metastases (BM) are the most common intracranial tumors in adults outnumbering all other intracranial neoplasms. Positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET/CT) is a widely used imaging modality in oncology with a unique combination of cross-sectional anatomic information provided by CT and the metabolic information provided by PET using the [18F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) as a tracer. The aim of the study is to assess the role and diagnostic performance of brain-included whole-body PET/CT in detection and evaluation of BM and when further imaging is considered necessary. The study was conducted over a period of 12 months on 420 patients suffering from extra-cranial malignancies utilizing brain-included whole-body PET/CT.

Results

Thirty patients with 71 brain lesions were detected, 18 patients (60%) had BM of unknown origin while 12 patients (40%) presented with known primary tumors. After brain-included whole-body FDG-PET/CT examination, the unknown primaries turned out to be bronchogenic carcinoma in 10 patients (33.3%), renal cell carcinoma in 2 patients (6.7%), and lymphoma in 2 patients (6.7%), yet the primary tumors remained unknown in 4 patients (13.3%). In 61 lesions (85.9%), the max SUV ranged from 0.2- < 10, while in 10 lesions (14.1%) the max SUV ranged from 10 to 20. Hypometabolic lesions were reported in 41 (57.7%) lesions, hypermetabolic in 3 lesions (4.2%), whereas 27 lesions (38.0%) showed similar FDG uptake to the corresponding contralateral brain matter. PET/CT overall sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive, and accuracy values were 78.1, 92.6, 83.3, 90, and 88% respectively.

Conclusion

Brain-included whole-body FDG-PET/CT provides valuable complementary information in the evaluation of patients with suspected BM. However, the diagnostic performance of brain PET-CT carries the possibility of false-negative results with consequent false sense of security. The clinicians should learn about the possible pitfalls of PET/CT interpretation to direct patients with persistent neurological symptoms or high suspicion for BM for further dedicated CNS imaging.
Incidence, Mortality, and Survival Trends of Primary CNS Tumors in Cali, Colombia, From 1962 to 2019
Authors: Riano Ivy , Bravo Pablo , Bravo Luis Eduardo , Garcia Luz Stella , Collazos Paola , Carrascal Edwin
Published: November 2020

PURPOSE

Global studies have shown varying trends of CNS tumors within geographic regions. In Colombia, the epidemiologic characteristics of CNS neoplasms are not well elucidated. We aimed to provide a summary of the descriptive epidemiology of primary CNS tumors among the urban population of Cali, Colombia.

METHODS

We conducted a time-trend study from 1962 to 2019 using the Population-Based Cali Cancer Registry. The age-standardized rates per 100,000 person-years were obtained by direct method using the world standard population. Results were stratified by sex, age group at diagnosis, and histologic subtype. We used Joinpoint regression analysis to detect trends and obtain annual percentage change (APC) with 95% CIs. We estimated 5-year net survival using the Pohar-Perme method.

RESULTS

During 1962 to 2016, 4,732 new cases of CNS tumors were reported. From 1985 to 2019, a total of 2,475 deaths from malignant CNS tumors were registered. A statistically significant increase in the trends of incidence (APC, 2.8; 95% CI, 2.1 to 3.5) and mortality (APC, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1 to 2.0) rates was observed during the study. The most common malignant CNS tumor was glioblastoma (17.8% of all tumors), and the most frequent benign tumor was meningioma (17.2%). Malignancy was more common in males than in females. Unspecified malignant neoplasms represented 32% of all cases. The highest 5-year net survival was 31.4% during 2012 to 2016.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate an increasing burden of primary CNS tumors for the last 60 years, with a steady rate from the early 2010s. There was an improvement of 5-year net survival for the last decade. Males had higher mortality than did females. Additional efforts are needed to fully explore the geographic, environmental, and genetic contributors of CNS malignancies within the region.
Clinical Outcome of Leiomyosarcomas With Somatic Alteration in Homologous Recombination Pathway Genes
Authors: Rosenbaum Evan , Jonsson Philip , Seier Kenneth , Qin Li-Xuan , Chi Ping , Dickson Mark , Gounder Mrinal , Kelly Ciara , Keohan Mary L. , Nacev Benjamin , Donoghue Mark T. A. , Chiang Sarah , Singer Samuel , Ladanyi Marc , Antonescu Cristina R. , Hensley Martee L. , Movva Sujana , D’Angelo Sandra P. , Tap William D.
Published: November 2020

PURPOSE

To detect alterations in DNA damage repair (DDR) genes, measure homologous recombination deficiency (HRD), and correlate these findings with clinical outcome in patients with leiomyosarcoma (LMS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with LMS treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center who consented to prospective targeted next-generation sequencing with MSK-IMPACT were screened for oncogenic somatic variants in one of 33 DDR genes; where feasible, an experimental HRD score was calculated from IMPACT data. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated after stratifying patients by DDR gene alteration status and HRD score.

RESULTS

Of 211 patients with LMS, 20% had an oncogenic DDR gene alteration. Univariable analysis of PFS in 117 patients who received standard frontline chemotherapy in the metastatic setting found that an altered homologous recombination pathway gene was significantly associated with shorter PFS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.79; 95% CI, 1.04 to 3.07; P = .035). Non- BRCA homologous recombination gene alteration was associated with shorter PFS (HR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.35 to 5.04; P = .004) compared with BRCA-altered and wild-type homologous recombination genes. Univariable analysis of OS from diagnosis in the entire cohort of 211 patients found that age, tumor size, number of metastatic sites, localized disease, and non- BRCA homologous recombination gene alteration were significantly associated with OS. On multivariable analysis, non- BRCA homologous recombination pathway gene alteration remained significant (HR, 4.91; 95% CI, 2.47 to 9.76; P < .001). High HRD score was not associated with a different PFS or OS.

CONCLUSION

Patients with LMS with homologous recombination pathway gene alterations have poor clinical outcomes, particularly those with non- BRCA gene alterations. HRD score calculated from a targeted exome panel did not discern disparate clinical outcomes.
Mechanical and signaling mechanisms that guide pre-implantation embryo movement
Authors: Flores Diana , Madhavan Manoj , Wright Savannah , Arora Ripla
Published: November 2020

How a mammalian embryo determines and arrives at its attachment site has been studied for decades, but our understanding of this process is far from complete. Using confocal imaging and image analysis, we evaluate embryo location along the longitudinal oviductal-cervical axis of murine uteri. Our analysis reveals three distinct pre-implantation phases: embryo entry, unidirectional movement of embryo clusters and bidirectional scattering and spacing of embryos. We show that unidirectional clustered movement is facilitated by a mechanical stimulus of the embryo and is regulated by adrenergic uterine smooth muscle contractions. Embryo scattering, on the other hand, depends on embryo-uterine communication reliant on the LPAR3 signaling pathway and is independent of adrenergic muscle contractions. Finally, we demonstrate that uterine implantation sites in mice are neither random nor predetermined but are guided by the number of embryos entering the uterine lumen. These studies have implications for understanding how embryo-uterine communication is key to determining an optimal implantation site necessary for the success of a pregnancy.
Iδεολογικές αντιπαραθέσεις στα Βαλκάνια. Η προπαγανδιστική χρήση της λατρείας του αγίου Δημητρίου (τέλη 12ου-13ος αι.)
Authors: ΟΙΚΟΝΟΜΟΥ Στέλιος
Published: November 2020

St Demetrius, the patron of Thessaloniki through the ages, became the subject of an ideological dispute between the second Bulgarian State and the Byzantine empire (end of 12th c. and throughout the 13th century).The Bulgarians and Vlachs of Haemus attempted to appropriate St Demetrius as the divine protector of their revolt (1185/1186).Τhe Byzantines challenged this founding ideology of the new Bulgarian regime by materialising tsar Ioannitzes' sudden death in front of Thessaloniki's walls (1207) and interpreting the Bulgarian king's end as one of Demetrius’ numerous miracles. According to the author, the Byzantine counter-narrative was not only based on the visualization of St Demetrius' miraculous intervention in 1207 and the new iconographical type of the martyr on horseback, spearing or unhorsing Ioannitzes, but also on Radomeros' miraculous murder presumably carried out by the same saint. This later miracle constitutes a conceived historical parallel to Ioannitzes' death.
Τεκμήρια της καθημερινής ζωής στο βενετικό Αιγαίο. Τα μεταλλικά ευρήματα των ανασκαφών στο Επάνω Κάστρο της Άνδρου (13ος – 17ος αιώνας)
Authors: ΜΠΑΡΜΠΑΡΙΤΣΑ Ελένη
Published: November 2020

BYZANTINA SYMMEIKTA 29 (2019), 141-194194Evidence of Everyday Life in the Venetian Aegean:The Metal Finds of the Excavationsin Epano Kastro of Andros (13th–15th centuries)Epano Kastro (Upper Castle) is located on the southeastern part ofthe island of Andros and was built by the Venetian sovereigns after 1205(fig. 1). During the period 2004-2010 a research excavation into preeminentparts of the castle was organized by the University of Athens and headedby Assistant Professor Eleni Deliyianni-Doris (fig. 2). The metal finds,mainly from copper alloys and iron, were serving the practical needs ofthe inhabitants. Based on the archaeological context and mainly on thesubsidiary monetary finds, most of them date back to the period of theVenetian rule on the island (1205-1566). They include: lockers (cat.: 1-7, fig.3), keys (cat.: 8-9, fig. 4), revetments (cat.: 10-11, fig. 5), lighting devices (cat.:12-15, fig. 6), fragments of vessels (cat.: 16-26, fig. 7), knives (cat.: 27-31, fig.8), utensils for spinning and sewing (cat.: 32-35, fig. 9), crossbow arrowheads(cat.: 36-39, fig. 10), firearm shots (cat.: 40-42, fig. 10), parts of horseshoes(cat.: 43-44, fig. 11), sockets (cat.: 45-49, fig. 12) and miscellaneous metal components (cat.: 50-54), including iron nails (fig. 13).
Using agricultural metadata: a novel investigation of trends in sowing date in on-farm research trials using the Online Farm Trials database
Authors: Walters Judi , Light Kate , Robinson Nathan
Published: November 2020

Background: A growing ability and interest in the collection of data, together with the development and adoption of the FAIR guiding principles, has increased the amount of data available in many disciplines. This has given rise to an urgent need for robust metadata. Within the Australian grains industry, data from over thousands of on-farm research trials (Trial Projects) have been made available via the Online Farm Trials (OFT) website. OFT Trial Project metadata were developed as filters to refine front-end database searches, but could also be used as a dataset to investigate trends in metadata elements. Australian grains crops are being sown earlier, but whether on-farm research trials reflect this change is currently unknown.

Methods: We investigated whether OFT Trial Project metadata could be used to detect trends in sowing dates of on-farm crop research trials across Australia, testing the hypothesis that research trials are being sown earlier in line with local farming practices. The investigation included 15 autumn-sown, winter crop species listed in the database, with trial records from 1993 to 2019.

Results: Our analyses showed that (i) OFT Trial Project metadata can be used as a dataset to detect trends in sowing date; and (ii) cropping research trials are being sown earlier in Victoria and Western Australia, but no trend exists within the other states.

Discussion/Conclusion: Our findings show that OFT Trial Project metadata can be used to detect trends in crop sowing date, suggesting that metadata could also be used to detect trends in other metadata elements such as harvest date. Because OFT is a national database of research trials, further assessment of metadata may uncover important agronomic, cultural or economic trends within or across the Australian cropping regions. New information could then be used to lead practice change and increase productivity within the Australian grains industry.
What is the clinical course of patients hospitalised for COVID-19 treatment Ireland: a retrospective cohort study in Dublin’s North Inner City (the ‘Mater 100’)
Authors: O’Kelly Brendan , Cronin Colm , Connolly Stephen Peter , Cullen Walter , Avramovic Gordana , McHugh Tina , O’Connor Eileen , Cotter Aoife , Doran Peter , McGinty Tara , O’Callaghan Dermot S , Gaine Sean , Sheehan Gerard , Brazil Eamonn , Marsh Brian , Lambert John S.
Published: November 2020

Background: Ireland has experienced an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). While several cohorts from China have been described, there is little data describing the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Irish patients with COVID-19. To improve our understanding of this infection we performed a retrospective review of patient data to examine the clinical characteristics of patients admitted for COVID-19 hospital treatment.

Methods: Demographic, clinical and laboratory data on the first 100 patients admitted to Mater Misericordiae University Hospital for in-patient COVID-19 treatment after onset of the outbreak in March 2020 was extracted from patient records.

Results: The median age was 45 years (interquartile range [IQR] =34-64 years), 58% were male, and 63% were Irish nationals. Patients had symptoms for a median of five days before diagnosis (IQR=2.5-7 days), most commonly cough (72%), fever (65%), dyspnoea (37%), fatigue (28%), myalgia (27%) and headache (24%). Of all cases, 54 had at least one pre-existing chronic illness (most commonly hypertension, diabetes mellitus or asthma). At initial assessment, the most common abnormal findings were: C-reactive protein >7.0mg/L (74%), ferritin >247μg/L (women) or >275μg/L (men) (62%), D-dimer >0.5μg/dL (62%), chest imaging (59%), NEWS Score (modified) of ≥3 (55%) and heart rate >90/min (51%). Supplemental oxygen was required by 27 patients, of which 17 were admitted to the intensive care unit - 14 requiring ventilation. Antiviral therapy was administered to 40 patients (most commonly hydroxychloroquine or lopinavir/ritonavir). Four died, 17 were admitted to intensive care, and 74 were discharged home, with nine days the median hospital stay (IQR=6-11).

Conclusion: Our findings reinforce the consensus of COVID-19 as an acute life-threatening disease and highlights the importance of laboratory (ferritin, C-reactive protein, D-dimer) and radiological parameters, in addition to clinical parameters. Further cohort studies followed longitudinally are a priority.
Variantes anatómicas del círculo arterial cerebral en un anfiteatro universitario en Bogotá (Colombia)
Authors: Quijano Blanco Yobany , García Orjuela Danilo
Published: November 2020

Introducción: el cerebro es un órgano altamente irrigado, y esta irrigación es suministrada por el círculo arterial cerebral: una red arterial anastomótica con frecuentes variaciones anatómicas, algunas asociadas con patologías. El objetivo es describir las características antropométricas y variaciones anatómicas del círculo arterial cerebral en una muestra de especímenes cadavéricos humanos. Materiales y métodos: se revisaron 50 encéfalos, de los cuales 24 cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Se realizaron medidas de diámetro y longitud y también se describieron variaciones anatómicas y variaciones morfométricas. Resultados: siete especímenes evidenciaron variaciones anatómicas (29.1%); 3 (12.5%), arteria cerebral anterior (ACA) ácigos; uno (4.1%), doble ACA en el segmento A1; uno (4.1%), triple ACA en el segmento A2 y doble arteria comunicante anterior (AcomA); uno (4.1%), agenesia de la arteria comunicante posterior (AComP) derecha; uno (4.1%), de la AComP izquierda. El 29.1% presentó variaciones antropométricas; el 12.5 %, hipoplasia de la AComP derecha; el 12.5 %, de la AComP izquierda, y el 4.1 %, hipoplasia bilateral de la AComP. Conclusión: la presencia de variaciones anatómicas fue inferior a la hallada en otros estudios, con predominio de variantes de la circulación anterior. Se describe la presencia de triple aca en el segmento A2 y doble arteria comunicante anterior.
Risks and predicting factors of suicidal ideation in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities
Authors: Manning Carol , Graham Yitka , Freeman Maria , Hayes Catherine
Published: November 2020

Background/Aims:

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are at an increased risk of suicidal ideation and suicide, compared to the overall population. This article provides an insight into the identifiable risk factors and protective determinants that can impact on these increased risks. The aim of this study was to ascertain the protective determinants of suicide ideation in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender population based on the extant published evidence base surrounding this issue in the context of health care generally and mental health nursing practice, specifically.

Methods

A systematic review of five articles pertaining to suicidal ideation in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community was undertaken, in accordance with the 2009 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Implementation Framework Guidelines.

Results

Datasets were synthesised using an inductive thematic analysis. Five core themes emerged from the data: (1) resilience (2) specific personality traits (3) mindfulness and self-esteem (4) social support and positive role modelling and (5) the need for culturally competent healthcare provision, of which mental health nurses are an integral part.

Conclusions

The findings of the systematic review revealed the need for mental health nurses and adjunct healthcare staff to reflect on their interactions with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender population, particularly where suicidal ideation or tendency is either directly articulated or suspected. Helping and supporting vulnerable members of society could potentially be driven by increasing awareness of these specific vulnerabilities in clinical practice.
Frequency-domain calculation of Smith–Purcell radiation for metallic and dielectric gratings
Authors: Szczepkowicz Andrzej , Schächter Levi , England R. Joel
Published: November 2020

The intensity of Smith–Purcell radiation from metallic and dielectric gratings (silicon, silica) is compared in a frequency-domain simulation. The numerical model is discussed and verified with the Frank–Tamm formula for Cherenkov radiation. For 30 keV electrons, rectangular dielectric gratings are less efficient than their metallic counterparts, by an order of magnitude for silicon, and two orders of magnitude for silica. For all gratings studied, radiation intensity oscillates with grating tooth height due to electromagnetic resonances in the grating. 3D and 2D numerical models are compared.