bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intrapartum uterine activity and neonatal outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: Reynolds Adam J. , Geary Michael P. , Hayes Breda C.
Published: September 2020

Background

Increased uterine activity (UA) may not allow adequate recovery time for foetal oxygenation.

Methods

The aim of the study was to determine if increased UA during labour is associated with an increased risk of either short- or long-term neurological injury in term neonates, or with neonatal proxy measures of intrapartum hypoxia-ischemia. MEDLINE, CINAHL, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched using the following terms: uterine activity, excessive uterine activity, XSUA, uterine hyperstimulation, and tachysystole. Any study that analysed the relationship between UA during term labour and neurological outcomes/selected proxy neurological outcomes was eligible for inclusion. Outcomes from individual studies were reported in tables and presented descriptively with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dichotomous outcomes and means with standard deviations for continuous outcomes. Where group numbers were provided, ORs and their CIs were calculated according to Altman.

Main results

Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Seven studies featured umbilical artery pH as an individual outcome. Umbilical artery base excess and Apgar scores were both reported as individual outcomes in four studies. No study examined long term neurodevelopmental outcomes and only one study reported on encephalopathy as an outcome. The evidence for a relationship between UA and adverse infant outcomes was inconsistent. The reported estimated effect size varied from non-existent to clinically significant.

Conclusions

There is some evidence that increased UA may be a non-specific predictor of depressed neurological function in the newborn, but it is inconsistent and insufficient to support the conclusion that an association generally exists.
Chronic hepatitis and HIV risks amongst Pakistani migrant men in a French suburb and insights into health promotion interventions: the ANRS Musafir qualitative study
Authors: Cailhol Johann , Khan Nichola
Published: September 2020

Background

Seine-Saint-Denis is a deprived departement (French administrative unit) in the North-East of Paris, France, hosting the majority of South Asian migrants in France. In recent years, the number of migrants from Pakistan, which has a high prevalence of hepatitis C globally, increased. As a corollary, this study addressed the high proportion of Pakistani patients in the infectious diseases clinic of a local hospital, diagnosed with hepatitis C, but also hepatitis B and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It explored genealogies and beliefs about hepatitis and HIV transmission, including community, sexual and blood risk behaviours. The aim was to understand the ways these risk factors reduce or intensify both en route and once in France, in order to devise specific forms of community health intervention.

Methods

The study took place at Avicenne University-Hospital in Seine-Saint-Denis, and its environs, between July and September 2018. The design of the study was qualitative, combining semi-structured interviews, a focus group discussion, and ethnographic observations. The sample of Pakistani participants was selected from those followed-up for chronic hepatitis C, B, and/or HIV at Avicenne, and who had arrived after 2010 in Seine-Saint-Denis.

Results

Thirteen semi-structured interviews were conducted, until saturation was reached. All participants were men from rural Punjab province. Most took the Eastern Mediterranean human smuggling route. Findings suggest that vulnerabilities to hepatitis and HIV transmission, originating in Pakistan, are intensified along the migration route and perpetuated in France. Taboo towards sexuality, promiscuity in cohabitation conditions, lack of knowledge about transmission were amongst the factors increasing vulnerabilities. Participants suggested a number of culturally-acceptable health promotion interventions in the community, such as outreach awareness and testing campaigns in workplaces, health promotion and education in mosques, as well as web-based sexual health promotion tools to preserve anonymity.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the need to look at specific groups at risk, related to their countries of origin. In-depth understandings of such groups, using interdisciplinary approaches such as were employed here, can allow for culturally adapted, tailored interventions. However, French colour-blind policies do not easily permit such kinds of targeted approach and this limitation requires further debate.
Structural validity of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire and its short version, the 6-Item CTS symptoms scale: a Rasch analysis one year after surgery
Authors: Multanen Juhani , Ylinen Jari , Karjalainen Teemu , Ikonen Joona , Häkkinen Arja , Repo Jussi P.
Published: September 2020

Background

The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) and its shorter version, the Six-Item Carpal Tunnel Symptoms Scale (CTS-6), are widely used for assessing function and/or symptoms in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. This study examined the structural validity of the BCTQ and CTS-6 among patients who had undergone surgery for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Methods

The data for this cross-sectional analysis were obtained from 217 adult patients who had undergone carpal tunnel release surgery 1 year earlier. All patients completed the CTS-6, Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) and Functional Status Scale (FSS) of the BCTQ at 12 months after surgery. The Rasch Measurement Theory (RMT) was applied to investigate the unidimensionality, residual correlation, differential item functioning, scale coverage/targeting, and person separation of the CTS-6, SSS and FSS of the BCTQ.

Results

The FSS showed unidimensionality and good scale and item fit. All items showed ordered response category thresholds. Eight of the FSS items displayed differential item functioning favoring age or gender. The multidimensional structure of the CTS-6 was absorbed by creating a testlet for frequency of symptoms or testlets for pain and numbness. The testlets supported unidimensionality in the BCTQ SSS. One item in the CTS-6 and two items in the BCTQ SSS showed differential item functioning favoring age or gender. Four items in the BCTQ SSS and two items in the CTS-6 exhibited disordered response category thresholds. Merging of the relevant response categories led to ordered response category thresholds. The person separation indices were 0.73, 0.86 and 0.77 for the CTS-6, BCTQ SSS and FSS, respectively.

Conclusions

Based on the RMT analysis, the CTS-6 has superior psychometric properties compared to the BCTQ SSS in surgically treated patients. The CTS-6 might be more accurate when separated into item sets measuring pain or numbness. The FSS of the BCTQ has acceptable construct validity, although gender differences at some ages were observed in responses.
Retention of metals in periprosthetic tissues of patients with metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty is reflected in the synovial fluid to blood cobalt transfer ratio in the presence of a pseudotumour
Authors: Nousiainen Tomi , Palosaari Sanna , Peräniemi Sirpa , Tervahauta Arja , Niinimäki Jaakko , Leppilahti Juhana , Lehenkari Petri
Published: September 2020

Background

Modern metal-on-metal (MOM) arthroplasties were performed for over a decade before alarming reports of adverse metal reactions dramatically reduced their use. Failures are seen more often with high-wearing implants, but also well-positioned components with more favourable wear patterns can cause problems. There are no specific clinical indicators that could help us to predict the prognosis of these implants. For this reason, we still need more information on the effect of underlying factors that contribute to this process.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, we investigated how cup orientation and type of pseudotumour determined by the Hart classification effect the distribution of metals in blood, synovial fluid and tissues surrounding the metal-on-metal hip prosthesis in revision surgery patients. One thousand two hundred twenty-nine metal-on-metal hip patients were screened and of those, 60 patients that had a revision surgery due to adverse metal reaction were included. Whole blood, synovial fluid and synovial/pseudotumour tissue samples were analysed for metal ion concentrations (Co, Cr, Mo and Ti).

Results

The lowest metal concentrations were found when both cup anteversion and inclination were optimal, and the highest when both were suboptimal. Suboptimal anteversion alone raised Cr-ion concentrations more than suboptimal inclination. The concentrations of metals in blood, synovial fluid or synovial soft tissue were the same in patients with and without a pseudotumour, but the relative transfer percentage of cobalt from synovial fluid to blood was higher in patients with a pseudotumour.

Conclusions

The implant orientation alone does not explain the metal concentrations found in tissues or distribution of metals between different tissues. The accumulation of metals in periprosthetic soft tissues increase the total metal load, and in the presence of a pseudotumour this is reflected in the transfer ratio of Co from synovial fluid to the blood. The total metal load of the pseudotumour tissue should be defined in future studies to determine if this will provide new insights for clinical practice.
Correction to: Epigenetic tuning of brain signal entropy in emergent human social behavior
Authors: Puglia Meghan H. , Krol Kathleen M. , Missana Manuela , Williams Cabell L. , Lillard Travis S. , Morris James P. , Connelly Jessica J. , Grossmann Tobias
Published: September 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Triglyceride glucose index for the detection of asymptomatic coronary artery stenosis in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Thai Pham Viet , Tien Hoang Anh , Van Minh Huynh , Valensi Paul
Published: September 2020

Background

Triglyceride Glucose (TyG) index has been associated with an increased risk in cardiovascular events. Silent coronary disease is common in patients with type 2 diabetes. In Vietnam, a low-middle income country, the burden of cardiovascular disease is growing simultaneously with the epidemiologic transition. Our aim was to assess the prevalence of coronary stenoses (CS) in patients with type 2 diabetes and no history or symptom of cardiovascular disease and to investigate the association between TyG index and cardiovascular risk factors and both the presence and severity of CS. Futhermore, we assessed the value of TyG index in predicting subclinical CS.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional observational study. We recruited 166 patients at Ninh Thuan General Hospital, Vietnam. TyG index and HOMA-IR were calculated, and a coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) was performed.

Results

The population was classified according to tertiles of TyG index. The highest TyG values were associated with higher BMI, waist circumference, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, plasma glucose, HbA1c levels and HOMA-IR, lower HDL-cholesterol, a higher incidence of metabolic syndrome and less frequent physical activity (p < 0.05 to < 0.0001). TyG index correlated with logHOMA-IR (p < 0.0001). CS ≥ 50% were present in 60 participants and 32 had coronary artery stenosis ≥ 70%. TyG index and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in patients with CS ≥ 70%. The number of narrowed coronary arteries and the degree of stenosis were associated with higher TyG index levels (p = 0.04 and < 0.005 respectively). A TyG index ≥ 10 was significantly associated with an increased risk of multiple coronary artery disease and of more severe CS. After adjusting for confounding factors, including logHOMA-IR, these risks remained mostly significant. A TyG index threshold at 10 resulted in 57% sensitivity and 75% specificity for predicting the presence of CS ≥ 70%. In subgroup analysis TyG index ≥ 10 was associated with an increased risk in CS ≥ 70% in patients treated with statin or antiplatelet therapy.

Conclusion

More than one third of asymptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes had significant CS on CCTA. TyG index may be considered as a marker for insulin resistance and increased TyG index could identify patients with high risk of coronary artery stenoses and is associated with the number and the severity of artery stenoses.
HKDC1 promotes the tumorigenesis and glycolysis in lung adenocarcinoma via regulating AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Shi Bowen , Zhao Yue , Lu Qijue , Fei Xiang , Lu Chaojing , Li Chunguang , Chen Hezhong
Published: September 2020

Background

Hexokinase domain component 1 (HKDC1) plays an oncogenic role in certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma, liver cancer, and breast cancer. Previous bioinformatics study revealed that HKDC1 was significantly upregulated in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, its biological functions and potential mechanism in LUAD have not been studied.

Methods

We performed bioinformatics analysis, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and a series of functional assays in vitro and in vivo to investigate the roles of HKDC1 in LUAD.

Results

We discovered that HKDC1 was highly expressed in LUAD tissues and cell lines, and the positive expression of HKDC1 was correlated with aberrant clinicopathological characteristics in LUAD patients. Furthermore, HKDC1 could serve as a prognostic predictor for LUAD patients. Overexpression of HKDC1 promoted proliferation, migration, invasion, glycolysis, EMT and tumorigenicity, whereas knockdown of HKDC1 produced the opposite functional effects. Mechanistically, HKDC1 could regulate the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway to perform its biological function.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that HKDC1 plays an oncogenic role in LUAD. Targeting this gene may provide a promising therapeutic target to delay LUAD progression.
Tubal choriocarcinoma presented as ruptured ectopic pregnancy: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Xu Shengjie , Song Xiaohong , Jin Chengjuan , Li Yanli
Published: September 2020

Background

Tubal choriocarcinoma is an extremely rare but highly malignant trophoblastic tumor, which may be either gestational or non-gestational in origin. Due to atypical clinical manifestations and symptoms similar to ectopic pregnancy, it is easily to be confused with ectopic pregnancy. In addition, inadequate understanding of this rare disease by clinicians often leads to misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis, which in turn results in delayed treatment or even tumor metastasis.

Case presentation

This report summarized a case of a woman who was finally diagnosed as tubal choriocarcinoma through the follow-up of serum β hCG levels and histopathological results after undergoing salpingectomy for being misdiagnosed as ectopic pregnancy. Five courses of adjuvant chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil, actinomycin-D, vinorelbine regime) have been administered to the patient in the prevention of any recurrences. During 1-year follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic and presented no evidence of recurrence.

Conclusions

Tubal choriocarcinoma is easily to be confused with ectopic pregnancy. By analyzing this case and previous related cases, we aimed to provide references for clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of tubal choriocarcinoma.
Virtual reality-based treatment for regaining upper extremity function induces cortex grey matter changes in persons with acquired brain injury
Authors: Keller Jiří , Štětkářová Ivana , Macri Vince , Kühn Simone , Pětioký Jakub , Gualeni Stefano , Simmons С. Douglas , Arthanat Sajay , Zilber Paul
Published: September 2020

Background

Individuals with acquired brain injuries (ABI) are in need of neurorehabilitation and neurorepair. Virtual anatomical interactivity (VAI) presents a digital game-like format in which ABI survivors with upper limb paresis use an unaffected limb to control a standard input device and a commonplace computer mouse to control virtual limb movements and tasks in a virtual world.

Methods

In a prospective cohort study, 35 ambulatory survivors of ABI (25/71% stroke, 10/29% traumatic brain injury) were enrolled. The subjects were divided into three groups: group A received VAI therapy only, group B received VAI and physical/occupational therapy (P/OT), and group C received P/OT only. Motor skills were evaluated by muscle strength (hand key pinch strength, grasp, and three-jaw chuck pinch) and active range of motion (AROM) of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist. Changes were analyzed by ANOVA, ANCOVA, and one-tailed Pearson correlation analysis. MRI data was acquired for group A, and volumetric changes in grey matter were analyzed using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and correlated with quantified motor skills.

Results

AROM of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist improved in all three groups. VBM revealed grey matter increases in five brain areas: the tail of the hippocampus, the left caudate, the rostral cingulate zone, the depth of the central sulcus, and the visual cortex. A positive correlation between the grey matter volumes in three cortical regions (motor and premotor and supplementary motor areas) and motor test results (power and AROM) was detected.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the VAI rehabilitation program significantly improved motor function and skills in the affected upper extremities of subjects with acquired brain injuries. Significant increases in grey matter volume in the motor and premotor regions of affected hemisphere and correlations of motor skills and volume in nonaffected brain regions were present, suggesting marked changes in structural brain plasticity.

Trial registration

The trial “Limitations of motor brain activity – use of virtual reality for simulation of therapeutic interventions” has been registered under reference number
ISRCTN11757651.
De novo mosaic and partial monosomy of chromosome 21 in a case with superior vena cava duplication
Authors: Azad Abul Kalam , Yanakakis Lindsay , Issleb Samantha , Turina Jessica , Drabik Kelli , Bonner Christina , Simi Eve , Wagner Andrew , Fiddler Morry , Naeem Rizwan
Published: September 2020

Background

Full or partial monosomy of chromosome (chr) 21 is a very rare abnormal cytogenetic finding. It is characterized by variable sizes and deletion breakpoints on the long arm (q) of chr 21 that lead to a broad spectrum of phenotypes that include an increased risk of birth defects, developmental delay and intellectual deficit.

Case presentation

We report a 37-year-old G1P0 woman initially screened by non-invasive prenatal testing with no positive findings that was followed by an 18-week anatomy scan with a fetal finding of duplication of the superior vena cava (SVC). The medical and family history was otherwise uneventful. After appropriate genetic counseling, amniocentesis was performed to evaluate suspected chromosomal anomalies.

Conclusions

Interphase fluorescent in situ hybridization revealed loss of one chr 21 signal that was further delineated by chromosomal microarray analysis on uncultured amniocytes as a terminal 10 Mb deletion on chr 21q. Karyotype and microarrays on cultured amniocytes showed two cell lines for a mosaic 21q terminal deletion and monosomy 21. The combined molecular cytogenetics results reported following the ISCN 2016 guideline as mos 46,XX,del(21)(q22)dn[20]/45,XX,-21dn[10].nuc ish(D21S342/D21S341/D21S259x1)[100].arr[GRCh37] 21q11.2q22.12(15412676_36272993)x1~2,21q22.12q22.3(36431283_47612400)x1. Parental chromosomal analysis revealed normal karyotypes. Thus, this was a de novo mosaic full and partial monosomy of chr 21 in a case with SVC duplication. Despite the association of congenital heart disease with monsomy 21 we could not find any published literature or online databases for this cytogenetic abnormality. The patient terminated the pregnancy following the abnormal molecular cytogenetic results due to the possible challenges the baby would face if carried to term.
Can we safely reduce the administration of 131-iodine in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer? – experience of the Brugmann hospital in Brussels
Authors: Iconaru Laura , Baleanu Felicia , Taujan Georgiana , Duttmann Ruth , Spinato Linda , Karmali Rafik , Bergmann Pierre , Hambye Anne-Sophie
Published: September 2020

Background

131-iodine (131I) administration after surgery remains a standard practice in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). In 2014, the American Thyroid Association presented new guidelines for the staging and management of DTC, including no systematic 131I in patients at low-risk of recurrence and a reduced 131I activity in intermediate risk.

The present study aims at evaluating the rate of response to treatment following this new therapeutic management compared to our previous treatment strategy in patients with DTC of different risks of recurrence.

Methods

Patients treated and followed up for DTC according to the 2014-ATA guidelines (Group 2) were compared to those treated between 2007 and 2014 (Group 1) in terms of general characteristics, risk of recurrence (based on the 2015-ATA recommendations), preparation to 131I administration, cumulative administered 131I activity and response to treatment.

Results

In total, 136 patients were included: 78 in Group 1 and 58 in Group 2. The two groups were not statistically different in terms of clinical characteristics nor risk stratification: 42.3% in Group 1 and 31% in Group 2 were classified as low risk, 38.5 and 48.3% as intermediate risk and 19.2 and 20.7% as high risk (P = 0.38). Two patients (one in each group) with distant metastases were excluded from the analysis.

Preparation to 131I administration consisted in rhTSH stimulation in 23.4% of the patients in Group 1 and 100% in Group 2 (p < 0.001).

131I was administered to 46/77 patients (59.7%) in Group 1 (5 at low risk of recurrence) and 38/57 patients (66.7%) in Group 2 (0 with a low risk). Among the patients treated by 131I, median cumulative activity was significantly higher in Group 1 (3.70GBq [100 mCi] range 1.11–11.1 GBq [30–300 mCi]) than in Group 2 (1.11 GBq [30 mCi], range 1.11–7.4 GBq [30–200 mCi], P < 0.001). Complete response was found in 90.9% in Group 1 vs. 96.5% in Group 2 (P = 0.20).

Conclusions

Using the 2015-ATA evidence-based guidelines for the management of DTC, meaning no 131I administration in low-risk patients, a low activity in intermediate and even high risk patients, and a systematic use of rhTSH stimulation before 131I therapy allowed us to reduce significantly the median administered 131I activity, with a similar rate of complete therapeutic response.
Weight maintenance interventions for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Sauchelli Sarah , Bradley Julia , Cox Jennifer , England Clare , Perry Rachel
Published: September 2020

Background

Weight loss maintenance is a challenge for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which attenuates the long-term benefits of weight loss for diabetes management. Medication, specific dietary requirements and the psychosocial burden of T2DM signify that weight loss maintenance designed for obesity may not suit people with T2DM. The primary objective of this review is to comprehensively evaluate existing weight maintenance interventions for people with or at high risk of T2DM.

Methods

We registered a protocol for the systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised and non-randomised weight maintenance interventions for T2DM. Studies included will have been carried out in adults with clinical diagnosis of T2DM or pre-diabetes. All intervention types will be accepted (e.g. behavioural/lifestyle change and pharmacological). The primary outcomes will be weight control, glycaemic control and adverse effects. Secondary outcomes will include cardiovascular risk factors (e.g. total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, blood pressure control), psychological wellbeing (including health-related quality of life), change in glucose medication and waist circumference. Multiple electronic databases will be searched such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsychINFO and international registers (e.g. Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, WHO ICTRP). OpenGrey will be searched for grey literature. Two researchers will screen all citations and abstracts. This process will also be conducted by an additional researcher using a semi-automated tool to reduce human error. Full-text articles will be further examined by the researchers to select a final set for further analysis, and a narrative synthesis of the evidence will be presented. Potential sources of heterogeneity will be assessed, and a meta-analysis will be conducted if feasible. Risk of bias will be evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the certainty of evidence using the GRADE (grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluation) approach.

Discussion

This review will critically appraise existing weight maintenance interventions targeting T2DM. Findings will inform future intervention development to support people with T2DM delay weight regain and prolong successful diabetes management.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42020168032
Antibiotics create a shift from mutualism to competition in human gut communities with a longer-lasting impact on fungi than bacteria
Authors: Seelbinder Bastian , Chen Jiarui , Brunke Sascha , Vazquez-Uribe Ruben , Santhaman Rakesh , Meyer Anne-Christin , de Oliveira Lino Felipe Senne , Chan Ka-Fai , Loos Daniel , Imamovic Lejla , Tsang Chi-Ching , Lam Rex Pui-kin , Sridhar Siddharth , Kang Kang , Hube Bernhard , Woo Patrick Chiu-yat , Sommer Morten Otto Alexander , Panagiotou Gianni
Published: September 2020

Background

Antibiotic treatment has a well-established detrimental effect on the gut bacterial composition, but effects on the fungal community are less clear. Bacteria in the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract may limit fungal colonization and invasion. Antibiotic drugs targeting bacteria are therefore seen as an important risk factor for fungal infections and induced allergies. However, antibiotic effects on gut bacterial-fungal interactions, including disruption and resilience of fungal community compositions, were not investigated in humans. We analysed stool samples collected from 14 healthy human participants over 3 months following a 6-day antibiotic administration. We integrated data from shotgun metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, metabolomics, and fungal ITS2 sequencing.

Results

While the bacterial community recovered mostly over 3 months post treatment, the fungal community was shifted from mutualism at baseline to competition. Half of the bacterial-fungal interactions present before drug intervention had disappeared 3 months later. During treatment, fungal abundances were associated with the expression of bacterial genes with functions for cell growth and repair. By extending the metagenomic species approach, we revealed bacterial strains inhibiting the opportunistic fungal pathogenCandida albicans. We demonstrated in vitro howC.albicanspathogenicity and host cell damage might be controlled naturally in the human gut by bacterial metabolites such as propionate or 5-dodecenoate.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that antibacterial drugs have long-term influence on the human gut mycobiome. While bacterial communities recovered mostly 30-days post antibacterial treatment, the fungal community was shifted from mutualism towards competition.
Blind sparse-spike deconvolution with thin layers and structure
Authors: Sui Yuhan , Ma Jianwei
Published: September 2020

Blind sparse-spike deconvolution is a widely used method to estimate seismic wavelets and sparse reflectivity in the shape of spikes based on the convolution model. To increase the vertical resolution and lateral continuity of the estimated reflectivity, we further improve the sparse-spike deconvolution by introducing the atomic norm minimization and structural regularization, respectively. Specifically, we use the atomic norm minimization to estimate the reflector locations, which are further used as position constraints in the sparse-spike deconvolution. By doing this, we can vertically separate highly thin layers through the sparse deconvolution. In addition, the seismic structural orientations are estimated from the seismic image to construct a structure-guided regularization in the deconvolution to preserve the lateral continuity of reflectivities. Our improvements are suitable for most types of sparse-spike deconvolution approaches. The sparse-spike deconvolution method with Toeplitz-sparse matrix factorization (TSMF) is used as an example to demonstrate the effectiveness of our improvements. Synthetic and real examples show that our methods perform better than TSMF in estimating the reflectivity of thin layers and preserving the lateral continuities.
Cementation exponent as a geometric factor for the elastic properties of granular rocks
Authors: Han Tongcheng , Wei Zhoutuo , Fu Li-Yun
Published: September 2020

A geometric factor properly describing the microstructure of a rock is compulsory for effective medium models to accurately predict the elastic and electrical rock properties, which, in turn, are of great importance for interpreting data acquired by seismic and electromagnetic surveys, two of the most important geophysical methods for understanding the earth. Despite the applications of cementation exponent for the successful modeling of electrical rock properties, however, there has been no demonstration of cementation exponent as the geometric factor for the elastic rock properties. We have developed a workflow to model the elastic properties of clean and normal granular rocks through the combination of effective medium modeling approaches using cementation exponent as the geometric factor. Based on the dedicated modeling approaches, we find that cementation exponent can be adequately used as a geometric factor for the elastic properties of granular rocks. Further results highlight the effects of cementation exponent on the elastic and joint elastic-electrical properties of granular rocks. The results illustrate the promise of cementation exponent as a geometric link for the joint elastic-electrical modeling to better characterize the earth through integrated seismic and electromagnetic surveys.
Evolution and morphology of rafted blocks in an ancient deepwater mass-transport complex (Exmouth Plateau, offshore North West Australia)
Authors: Eruteya Ovie Emmanuel , Niyazi Yakufu , Omosanya Kamaldeen Olakunle , Ierodiaconou Daniel , Moscariello Andrea
Published: September 2020

Submarine mass wasting plays a fundamental role in transporting substantial volumes of sediments basinward including gigantic slide blocks. However, the understanding of processes involved in block generation and their associated deformation until flow arrest remains limited, especially in data-starved deepwater settings. Here, 2D and 3D seismic reflection data from the Exmouth Plateau, offshore North West Australia are used to investigate the architecture of large blocks preserved within an ancient mass-transport complex (MTC) and their interaction with the basal shear surface (BSS). The evolution of the investigated MTC (MTC-BDF) is related to instability along the slope and flanks of an underlying bifurcative Miocene canyon. The MTC-BDF spans approximately 75 × 35 km containing at least 32 well-imaged blocks (within the 3D seismic coverage) encapsulated in a well-deformed debrite background. These carbonate blocks interpreted as rafted blocks have lengths ranging from 0.48 to 3.40 km with thicknesses reaching up to 165 m. Interestingly, the blocks are more abundant in a region characterized by moderate- to high-amplitude debrites. Erosional morphologies encompassing a unique groove and other circular- to irregularly shaped depressions mapped along the BSS provide evidence for the erosive nature of the flow. The origin of the groove is related to transported blocks gouging the BSS. Importantly, intrablock deformations are recorded within these blocks as fault and fold systems. This suggests a complex flow regime within MTC-BDF, with the deformations arising either during block transportation or possibly upon arrest of the failed mass while interacting with bathymetric elements. Our findings suggest that inherent deformations within these blocks may serve as high-permeability conduits with implications for deepwater drilling operations within this segment of the Exmouth Plateau and elsewhere in other hydrocarbon-rich deepwater settings.
The Clinical Features and Molecular Mechanisms of ACTH-secreting Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Zhang Cui , Jin Jiabin , Xie Jing , Ye Lei , Su Tingwei , Jiang Lei , Zhou Weiwei , Jiang Yiran , Wu Luming , Wang Ting , Zhong Xu , Ning Guang , Shen Baiyong , Wang Weiqing
Published: September 2020

Objective

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) causing ectopic adrenal corticotropic hormone (ACTH) syndrome (EAS) are rare and aggressive with little known information. We aimed to elucidate the clinical features and molecular mechanisms of pNETs with EAS by methylation analysis.

Methods

Seven patients with ectopic ACTH-secreting pNETs who were diagnosed at Shanghai Clinical Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Center and Pancreatic Disease Center in Ruijin Hospital between 2001 and 2019 were enrolled. Twenty patients with ectopic ACTH-secreting thymic neuroendocrine tumors (TNETs) and 7 with nonfunctional pNETs (nf-pNETs) were also enrolled as controls. We collected clinical data and measured POMC promoter CpG methylation.

Results

All 7 patients had elevated ACTH and urinary free cortisol (UFC) levels with positive ACTH staining in the pancreas and were diagnosed with ectopic ACTH-secreting pNET. Of the 7 patients, 6 underwent surgery and 1 underwent transarterial embolization (TAE). Two patients were free of disease after surgery; 2 died within 90 days after surgery; and 3 had metastases and died within 1 year. Compared with ACTH-secreting TNETs, ACTH-secreting pNETs had similar clinical and biochemical features but a significantly poorer prognosis. POMC promoter CpG methylation was significantly lower in ACTH-secreting pNETs than in nf-pNETs and normal pancreas.

Conclusions

ACTH-secreting pNETs are aggressive and fatal. Surgery is definitively curative for patients with resectable primary tumors without metastasis. Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) promoter hypomethylation caused pNETs to produce ACTH. This study further supplements the genetic features of ACTH-secreting NETs.
Quality of Life in Patients With Hypoparathyroidism After Treatment for Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Büttner Matthias , Locati Laura D , Pinto Monica , Araújo Cláudia , Tomaszewska Iwona M , Kiyota Naomi , Vidhubala E , Brannan Christine , Hammerlid Eva , Husson Olga , Salem Dina , Ioannidis Georgios , Gamper Eva , Arraras Juan Ignacio , Andry Guy , Inhestern Johanna , Theurer Juliane , Taylor Katherine , Singer Susanne
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Surgical complications such as hypoparathyroidism (HPT) or vocal cord palsy are seldom assessed when the quality of life (QOL) in thyroid cancer patients is investigated. The aim of this study was to measure the QOL difference in thyroid cancer survivors with and without HPT.

Methods

Participants for this analysis were enrolled in 13 countries from a study that pilot-tested a thyroid cancer–specific QOL instrument. They were included if they had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer at least 9 months previously. QOL was measured using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core (EORTC QLQ-C30) and some items on HPT symptoms (eg, tingling in fingers or toes). HPT status and other clinical data were extracted from the patients’ medical charts. Comparisons of QOL domains between patients with and without HPT were performed using Mann-Whitney U test. The occurrence of HPT-related symptoms was compared using chi-square tests. Multiple ordinal regression analysis was performed to evaluate factors that might affect QOL.

Results

Eighty-nine patients participated in this study, 17 of whom were considered to have HPT. Patients in the HPT group reported significantly reduced QOL in 9 of the 15 scales of the EORTC QLQ-C30 compared to patients without HPT. Regression analysis showed that HPT was independently negatively associated with various scales of the QLQ-C30. Both groups showed a high prevalence of typical HPT symptoms.

Conclusion

Thyroid cancer patients with HPT report significantly impaired QOL compared to thyroid cancer survivors without HPT. The assessment of HPT should be considered when measuring QOL in thyroid cancer patients.
Associations of BMI and Serum Urate with Developing Dementia: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Cao Zhi , Xu Chenjie , Yang Hongxi , Li Shu , Xu Fusheng , Zhang Yuan , Wang Yaogang
Published: September 2020

Context

Recent studies have suggested that a higher body mass index (BMI) and serum urate levels were associated with a lower risk of developing dementia. However, these reverse relationships remain controversial, and whether serum urate and BMI confound each other is not well established.

Objectives

To investigate the independent associations of BMI and urate, as well as their interaction with the risk of developing dementia.

Design and Settings

We analyzed a cohort of 502 528 individuals derived from the UK Biobank that included people aged 37–73 years for whom BMI and urate were recorded between 2006 and 2010. Dementia was ascertained at follow-up using electronic health records.

Results

During a median of 8.1 years of follow-up, a total of 2138 participants developed dementia. People who were underweight had an increased risk of dementia (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.91, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24–2.97) compared with people of a healthy weight. However, the risk of dementia continued to fall as weight increased, as those who were overweight and obese were 19% (HR = 0.81, 95%: 0.73–0.90) and 22% (HR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.68–0.88) were less likely to develop dementia than people of a healthy weight. People in the highest quintile of urate were also associated with a 25% (HR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.64–0.87) reduction in the risk of developing dementia compared with those who were in the lowest quintile. There was a significant multiplicative interaction between BMI and urate in relation to dementia (P for interaction = 0.004), and obesity strengthens the protective effect of serum urate on the risk of dementia.

Conclusion

Both BMI and urate are independent predictors of dementia, and there are inverse monotonic and dose-response associations of BMI and urate with dementia.
Dire, Médire, Dédire
Authors: Fleck Stephen H.
Published: September 2020

The article analyzes the triviality of Austin’s version of everyday-world speech act theory (which explicitly excluded fictional uses of language) in favor of its specific value for investigation of fictionality, invoking ideas of Pierre Bourdieu and Émile Benveniste. Noting the thematic prominence in the Misanthrope of two of Austin’s favorite examples of speech acts, for marriage (“I do”) and courtroom testimony (“I swear to tell the truth . . . ”), the article examines the work’s dramatic ambiguities in relation to Austin’s theory—and in particular, its shortcomings. Molière thus articulates the profoundly divided nature of Alceste indicated by Donneau de Visé (“ridicule”/“juste”), Rousseau (“un homme droit, sincère, estimable,” but also facing the world as “un personnage ridicule”), and recently by Georges Forestier and Claude Bourqui (the melancholic, jealous lover vs. the philosophe misanthrope, the world champion of sincerity), permanently at war with himself, in a war he is bound to lose. The article concludes that Molière constructs much of the famously conversational dramatic texture and indeterminate conclusion not through “successful” speech acts, but rather through failed ones; a reflection, too, of the rapidly transforming social values of the play’s historical moment.
Impact of Borderline Resectability in Pancreatic Head Cancer on Patient Survival: Biology Matters According to the New International Consensus Criteria
Authors: Anger Friedrich , Döring Anna , van Dam Jacob , Lock Johan Friso , Klein Ingo , Bittrich Max , Germer Christoph-Thomas , Wiegering Armin , Kunzmann Volker , van Eijck Casper , Löb Stefan
Published: September 2020

Background

International consensus criteria (ICC) have redefined borderline resectability for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) according to three dimensions: anatomical (BR-A), biological (BR-B), and conditional (BR-C). The present definition acknowledges that resectability is not just about the anatomic relationship between the tumour and vessels but that biological and conditional dimensions also are important.

Methods

Patients’ tumours were retrospectively defined borderline resectable according to ICC. The study cohort was grouped into either BR-A or BR-B and compared with patients considered primarily resectable (R). Differences in postoperative complications, pathological reports, overall (OS), and disease-free survival were assessed.

Results

A total of 345 patients underwent resection for PDAC. By applying ICC in routine preoperative assessment, 30 patients were classified as stage BR-A and 62 patients as stage BR-B. In total, 253 patients were considered R. The cohort did not contain BR-C patients. No differences in postoperative complications were detected. Median OS was significantly shorter in BR-A (15 months) and BR-B (12 months) compared with R (20 months) patients (BR-A vs. R: p = 0.09 and BR-B vs. R: p < 0.001). CA19-9, as the determining factor of BR-B patients, turned out to be an independent prognostic risk factor for OS.

Conclusions

Preoperative staging defining surgical resectability in PDAC according to ICC is crucial for patient survival. Patients with PDAC BR-B should be considered for multimodal neoadjuvant therapy even if considered anatomically resectable.
Elite Athletes and Pregnancy Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: WOWDZIA JENNA B. , MCHUGH TARA-LEIGH , THORNTON JANE , SIVAK ALLISON , MOTTOLA MICHELLE F. , DAVENPORT MARGIE H.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate fetal and maternal pregnancy outcomes of elite athletes who had participated in competitive sport immediately before conception.

Methods

Online databases were searched up to March 24, 2020. Studies of any design and language were eligible if they contained information on the relevant population (pregnant women), exposure (engaged in elite sport immediately before pregnancy), and outcomes (birth weight, low birth weight, macrosomia, preterm birth, fetal heart rate and pulse index, cesarean sections, instrumental deliveries, episiotomies, duration of labor, perineal tears, pregnancy-induced low back pain, pelvic girdle pain, urinary incontinence, miscarriages, prenatal weight gain, inadequate/excess prenatal weight gain, maternal depression or anxiety).

Results

Eleven unique studies (n = 2256 women) were included. We identified “low” certainty evidence demonstrating lower rates of low back pain in elite athletes compared with active/sedentary controls (n = 248; odds ratio, 0.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.20–0.73; I
2 = 0%) and “very low” certainty evidence indicating an increased odds of excessive prenatal weight gain in elite athletes versus active/sedentary controls (n = 1763; odds ratio, 2.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.26–4.85; I
2 = 0%). Low certainty evidence from two studies (n = 7) indicated three episodes of fetal bradycardia after high-intensity exercise that resolved within 10 min of cessation of activity. No studies reported inadequate gestational weight gain or maternal depression or anxiety. There were no differences between elite athletes and controls for all other outcomes.

Conclusions

There is “low” certainty of evidence that elite athletes have reduced odds of experiencing pregnancy-related low back pain and “very low”certainty of evidence that elite athletes have increased the odds of excessive weight gain compared with active/sedentary controls. More research is needed to provide strong evidence of how elite competitive sport before pregnancy affects maternal and fetal outcomes.

PROSPERO Registration: CRD42020167382.
Interrupting Prolonged Sitting and Endothelial Function in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: TAYLOR FRANCES C. , DUNSTAN DAVID W. , FLETCHER ELLY , TOWNSEND MELANIE K. , LARSEN ROBYN N. , RICKARDS KYM , MANIAR NIRAV , BUMAN MATTHEW , DEMPSEY PADDY C. , JOHAM ANJU E. , COHEN NEALE , OWEN NEVILLE , MORAN LISA J. , GREEN DANIEL J.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

In healthy adults, the impairment of vascular function associated with prolonged sitting can be mitigated with intermittent brief bouts of activity. It is unknown whether these benefits extend to women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), in whom vascular function is typically impaired and sitting time is high. We examined the acute effect of regularly interrupting sitting time with brief simple resistance activities (SRA) on vascular function in PCOS.

Methods

In a randomized crossover trial, 13 physically inactive women with PCOS (18–45 yr) completed two 3.5-h conditions: 1) uninterrupted sitting (SIT) and 2) sitting interrupted by 3-min bouts of SRA every 30 min. Femoral artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), resting shear rate, and resting blood flow were measured at 0, 1, and 3.5 h.

Results

Mean resting femoral shear rate, averaged across the 3.5 h, significantly increased in the SRA condition relative to the SIT condition (40.1 ± 6.1 vs 62.8 ± 6.1 s−1, P < 0.0001). In addition, mean resting blood flow also significantly increased across the 3.5 h for SRA relative to SIT (45.0 ± 9.8 vs 72.8 ± 9.9 mL·min−1, P < 0.0001). There were no differences between conditions in the temporal change in femoral artery FMD across 3.5 h (P
time–condition > 0.05 for all).

Conclusion

Frequently interrupting sitting with SRA acutely increased resting shear rate and blood flow in women with PCOS but did not alter FMD. With sedentary behavior increasing in prevalence, longer-term studies of similar interventions to reduce and break up sitting time are warranted.
Seasonal Changes in Lumbar Multifidus Muscle in University Rugby Players
Authors: ROY ALEXANDRE , RIVAZ HASSAN , RIZK AMANDA , FRENETTE STEPHANE , BOILY MATHIEU , FORTIN MARYSE
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Although smaller lumbar multifidus muscle (LMM) was reported to be a strong predictor of lower limb injury (LLI) in Australian Football League players, LMM morphology has not been investigated in rugby athletes. This study examined seasonal changes in LMM in rugby players and whether LMM characteristics were associated with low back pain (LBP) and LLI.

Methods

Ultrasound examinations of the LMM were acquired in 21 university-level rugby players (12 women, 9 men) at preseason and end-season. LMM cross-sectional area (CSA), thickness at rest, and thickness during submaximal contraction (e.g., contralateral arm lift) measurements in prone and standing were obtained bilaterally at the L5–S1 level. The percent change in LMM thickness during contraction was calculated as follows: [(thicknesscontracted − thicknessrest)/thicknessrest × 100]. Self-reported questionnaires were used to acquire data on LBP and LLI.

Results

There was no significant difference in LMM characteristics between preseason and end-season measurements (P > 0.05). Preseason LMM CSA, side-to-side CSA asymmetry, and thickness at rest or during contraction were not associated with LBP or LLI. However, a lower percent thickness change in the standing position was significantly associated with having LBP during the preseason (P = 0.01) and playing season (P = 0.001), as well as LLI during the preseason (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

This study provides preliminary evidence that LMM contractile ability and behavior during functional movement, such as standing, may have important implications for the susceptibility to injury among rugby athletes.