bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robotic Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy and Immediate Breast Reconstruction With Robotic Latissimus Dorsi Flap Harvest: Technique and Results
Authors: Houvenaeghel Gilles , Cohen Monique , Ribeiro Sandrine Rua , Barrou Julien , Heinemann Mellie , Frayret Christine , Lambaudie Eric , Bannier Marie
Published: May 2020

Introduction. Only few cases of robotic latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction (RLDFR) have been reported in indication of reconstruction for breast cancer (BC). We report our experience of combined robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy (R-NSM) and RLDFR, and analyze technique, indications, and reproducibility. Methods. All patients with R-NSM and RLDFR from November 2016 to August 2, 2018, were analyzed, and technics have been described. Complication rate with Clavien-Dindo grading and postoperative hospitalization length (days) are reported. Results. Thirty-five R-NSM with RLDFR were performed in 22 cases for primitive BC and 13 for local recurrence. In 12 patients, another surgical procedure was performed during the same time (axillary lymph node dissection or contralateral breast surgery). R-NSM was realized through a short axillar incision, with inside-only installation for 12 patients (34.3%): 18 nonautologous and 17 autologous RLDFR associated with implant in 9 patients. In logistic regression, mastectomy weight >330 g was significantly associated with the use of implant (odds ratio [OR] = 17, P = .015), and significant factor of the time of anesthesia ≥380 minutes was 2 installations (OR = 10.4, P = .049). The median duration of hospitalization stay was 4 days. Complications rates were 51.4% (18/35; 9 grade-1, 2 grade-2, and 7 grade-3). In logistic regression, associated other surgical procedure was predictive of grade-3 complications (OR = 6.87, P = .053). Conclusion. We confirmed the reproducibility and safety of R-NSM and RLDFR with a decreased complication rate. NSM was performed in 42.8% of our patients after previous radiotherapy. We observed an increase of grade-3 complications when R-NSM and RLDFR was combined to another surgical procedure.
Evaluation of a Codesign Method Used to Support the Inclusion of Children With Disability in Mainstream Schools
Authors: Hyett Nerida , Bagley Kerryn , Iacono Teresa , McKinstry Carol , Spong Jo , Landry Oriane
Published: May 2020

Codesign is increasingly used for health research and service improvement. Codesign combines generative and exploratory methods, enabling collaboration between service end users and researchers as equal partners. The aim of this study was to evaluate a codesign method used to design an online education package about inclusive education for children with disability in mainstream schools. The study design was a multiple methods evaluation informed by participatory and transformative research paradigms, incorporating design sciences and public service approaches. A governance committee supported the process. The codesigners ( n = 12) included teachers, teacher assistants, parents, and allied health professionals. Process and outcome evaluation data were used; data collected were from verbatim transcripts of codesign workshop discussions ( n = 11), documents, Self-Report Level of Participation Surveys, and individual interviews ( n = 11). Thematic and descriptive analysis methods were used to describe the codesign processes, experiences, and outcomes. The key processes were identifying the issues through storytelling, voicing frustrations, being vulnerable, sharing insider knowledge, challenging other people’s roles, and deliberation and decision-making. Codesigners’ experiences and outcomes identified strengths and challenges in the method. A conceptual model is presented demonstrating interrelationships between processes, subprocesses, and codesigners’ experiences and outcomes. Codesign involves multiple, interrelated processes that support deliberation and creative design. Skills and resources are required to effectively facilitate what can be a meaningful, creative, and social process.
Research ethics should be taught as part of the NSW Higher School Certificate curriculum
Authors: Todorov Natasha
Published: May 2020

The Higher School Certificate is a certificate that recognises the successful completion of secondary education in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The most recent enrolment information available suggests that at least 13,472 students undertaking the NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) in 2019 conducted research projects that involved human participants. During the course of their high school education current HSC students are taught research design principles and statistics so that they are equipped to plan a research project and determine the meaning of the outcome; however, the students are not systematically taught the application of research ethics during their high school years. This article contends that the NSW HSC curriculum be expanded to include instruction in and application of the fundamentals of research ethics to these high school projects to ensure that all participants involved in these projects are accorded respect and protection as intended by the Australian National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research.
Interceptive orthodontic treatment in Singapore: A descriptive study
Authors: Song Yi Lin , Tan Elaine Li Yen , Chua Benn Chi Jin , Ng Rachel Jing Yi , Lam Natalie Kar Poh
Published: May 2020

Background:

The benefits of interceptive orthodontic treatment have always been a subject of much debate, and it is understandable that clinicians are confused about how to advise parents of potential interceptive orthodontic patients.

Objective:

The aim is to study the treatment outcomes of interceptive orthodontics associated with different appliances. Demographic information on patients presenting for interceptive treatment, prevalence and types of dental conditions treated, types and frequency of appliances used, treatment duration and the number of visits taken were also investigated.

Methods:

This study involved analyzing records of interceptive orthodontic patients seen at the National Dental Centre Singapore from January 2011 to December 2017. Treatment outcomes were divided into success, improvement and failure according to pre-determined treatment objective parameters.

Results:

A total of 1324 patient records (654 females, 670 males) were studied, with an average age of 10.6±1.9 years. The most common dental condition seen was the anterior crossbite while the most common interceptive orthodontic appliance used was the bite plate. Average treatment duration was 10.8±6.8 months (9.8±9.2 visits) for fixed appliances, 7.5±6.5 months (6.9±3.4 visits) for removable appliances and 10.8±3.2 months (12.6±3.3 visits) for a combination. Interceptive orthodontic treatment had an overall success rate of 75.5%, improvement rate of 9.5% and failure rate of 15.0%. The most common reason for failure was attributed to non-compliance.

Conclusion:

The data above shed light on interceptive orthodontic treatment in an Asian population and gives useful information for primary care clinicians to provide for concerned parents.
Difference in the in-hospital prognosis between ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with high Killip class: Data from the Japan Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry
Authors: Fukutomi Motoki , Nishihira Kensaku , Honda Satoshi , Kojima Sunao , Takegami Misa , Takahashi Jun , Itoh Tomonori , Watanabe Tetsu , Takenaka Takashi , Ito Masaaki , Takayama Morimasa , Kario Kazuomi , Sumiyoshi Tetsuya , Kimura Kazuo , Yasuda Satoshi ,   the JAMIR Investigators
Published: May 2020

Background

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction is known to be associated with worse short-term outcome than non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. However, whether or not this trend holds true in patients with a high Killip class has been unclear.

Methods

We analyzed 3704 acute myocardial infarction patients with Killip II–IV class from the Japan Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry and compared the short-term outcomes between ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (n = 2943) and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (n = 761). In addition, we also performed the same analysis in different age subgroups: <80 years and ≥80 years.

Results

In the overall population, there were no significant difference in the in-hospital mortality (20.0% vs 17.1%, p = 0.065) between ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction groups. Patients <80 years of age also showed no difference in the in-hospital mortality (15.7% vs 15.2%, p = 0.807) between ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (n = 2001) and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (n = 453) groups, whereas among those ≥80 years of age, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (n = 942) was associated with significantly higher in-hospital mortality (29.3% vs 19.8%, p = 0.001) and in-hospital cardiac mortality (23.3% vs 15.0%, p = 0.002) than non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (n = 308). After adjusting for covariates, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction was a significant predictor for in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 2.117; 95% confidence interval, 1.204–3.722; p = 0.009) in patients ≥80 years of age.

Conclusion

Among cases of acute myocardial infarction with a high Killip class, there was no marked difference in the short-term outcomes between ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in younger patients, while ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction showed worse short-term outcomes in elderly patients than non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Future study identifying the prognostic factors for the specific anticipation intensive cares is needed in this high-risk group.
Occupational health and safety hazards faced by healthcare professionals in Taiwan: A systematic review of risk factors and control strategies
Authors: Che Huei Lin , Ya-Wen Lin , Chiu Ming Yang , Li Chen Hung , Jong Yi Wang , Ming Hung Lin
Published: May 2020

Background:

Healthcare professionals in Taiwan are exposed to a myriad of occupational health and safety hazards, including physical, biological, chemical, ergonomic, and psychosocial hazards. Healthcare professionals working in hospitals and healthcare facilities are more likely to be subjected to these hazards than their counterparts working in other areas.

Objectives:

This review aims to assess current research literature regarding this situation with a view to informing policy makers and practitioners about the risks of exposure and offer evidence-based recommendations on how to eliminate or reduce such risks.

Methods:

Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses review strategy, we conducted a systematic review of studies related to occupational health and safety conducted between January 2000 and January 2019 using MEDLINE (Ovid), PubMed, PMC, TOXLINE, CINAHL, PLOS One, and Access Pharmacy databases.

Results:

The review detected 490 studies addressing the issue of occupational health and safety hazards; of these, 30 articles were included in this systematic review. These articles reported a variety of exposures faced by healthcare professionals. This review also revealed a number of strategies that can be adopted to control, eliminate, or reduce hazards to healthcare professionals in Taiwan.

Conclusion:

Hospitals and healthcare facilities have many unique occupational health and safety hazards that can potentially affect the health and performance of healthcare professionals. The impact of such hazards on healthcare professionals poses a serious public health issue in Taiwan; therefore, controlling, eliminating, or reducing exposure can contribute to a stronger healthcare workforce with great potential to improve patient care and the healthcare system in Taiwan. Eliminating or reducing hazards can best be achieved through engineering measures, administrative policy, and the use of personal protective equipment.

Implications:

This review has research, policy, and practice implications and provides future students and researchers with information on systematic review methodologies based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses strategy. It also identifies occupational health and safety risks and provides insights and strategies to address them.
Social Characteristics as Predictors of ADHD Labeling across the Life Course
Authors: Thompson Melissa , Wilkinson Lindsey , Woo Hyeyoung
Published: May 2020

Although originally considered to be a disorder of childhood, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasingly being diagnosed for the first time in adulthood. Yet we know little about the social characteristics (race, gender, and social class) of those first labeled in adulthood, how these differ from those first labeled in childhood/adolescence, and whether the ADHD label is applied proportionately across social groups given ADHD symptomology. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, the current research considers how typifications of ADHD affect application of the ADHD label in childhood/adolescence and in adulthood. Results indicate that even after controlling for ADHD symptoms, social characteristics are important predictors of the ADHD label in childhood/adolescence but are less influential in predicting ADHD labeling in adulthood. Additionally, results indicate the importance of race in moderating the association between childhood ADHD symptoms and application of the ADHD label throughout the life course.
Tobacco Cessation and Referral to the National Quitline
Authors: Blocker Julia , Lazear Janice , Ridner S. Lee
Published: May 2020

Background: Smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States. The rates of smoking remain elevated in rural, low income populations in comparison with the rest of the United States. Thus, prompting the process improvement project of implementing the Ask–Advise–Connect (AAC) method to the national quitline in a nurse practitioner–managed clinic for an automotive manufacturing plant in rural Tennessee. Methods: Ask–Advise–Connect method was added to the current smoking cessation program. The employees who utilized the clinic were assessed for smoking status at each visit and subsequently counseled on cessation. Individuals interested in cessation were connected to the national quitline with the AAC method. Pharmaceutical options and nicotine replacement therapy was also offered at no cost to the employee. Findings: In the 4-month period, the clinic provided 102 tobacco cessation counseling visits to workers who smoke. Twenty-four employees enrolled in the cessation program. The participants reported a cessation rate of 12.5% and 21% had a significant decrease in the number of cigarettes smoked. Of the participants, 12.5% ( n = 3) engaged in behavioral counseling with the quitline. Conclusion/application to practice: The addition of the AAC method as part of the smoking cessation program had limited success. As smoking cessation is difficult to achieve, any success greater than 7% can be considered an achievement. The 12.5% cessation rate of the participants was above the national average. Thus, demonstrating the benefit of having a workplace cessation program and incorporating the AAC method to the current smoking cessation program.
Minimally invasive injectable lumbar interbody fusion with mineralized collagen-modified PMMA bone cement: A new animal model
Authors: Kong Jianjun , Ma Jianqing , Wu Zhanyong , Wang Huiwang , Peng Xiangping , Wang Shaofeng , Wu Chunfu , Song Zhanfeng , Zhao Chaohui , Cui Fuzhai , Qiu Zhiye
Published: May 2020

This study was to develop a feasible and safe animal model for minimally invasive injectable lumbar interbody fusion using a novel biomaterial, mineralized collagen-polymethylmethacrylate bone cement (MC-PMMA), with unilateral pedicle screw fixation in an in vivo goat model. Eight goats ( Capra aegagrus hircus) were divided into three groups: MC-PMMA, unmodified commercial-polymethylmethacrylate bone cement (UC-PMMA), and a control group (titanium cage filled with autogenous bone, TC-AB). Each group of goats was treated with minimally invasive lumbar interbody fusion at the L3/L4 and L5/L6 disc spaces (injected for MC-PMMA and UC-PMMA, implanted for TC-AB). The pedicle screws were inserted at the L3, L4, L5, and L6 vertebrae, respectively, and fixed on the left side. The characteristics of osteogenesis and bone growth were assessed at the third and the sixth month, respectively. The methods of evaluation included the survival of each animal, X-ray imaging, and 256-layer spiral computed tomography (256-CT) scanning, imaged with three-dimensional microfocus computed tomography (micro-CT), and histological analysis. The results showed that PMMA bone cement can be extruded smoothly after doping MC, the MC-PMMA integrates better with bone than the UC-PMMA, and all goats recovered after surgery without nerve damage. After 3 and 6 months, the implants were stable. New trabecular bone was observed in the TC-AB group. In the UC-PMMA group a thick fibrous capsule had formed around the implants. The MC-PMMA was observed to have perfect osteogenesis and bone ingrowth to adjacent bone surface. Minimally invasive injectable lumbar interbody fusion using MC-PMMA bone cement was shown to have profound clinical value, and the MC-PMMA showed potential application prospects.
Coping with Europe: How Greek journalists deal with disconnections between the EU and national levels
Authors: Chronaki Despina , Frangonikolopoulos Christos
Published: May 2020

In this article, we explore Greek journalists’ perceptions of European Union (EU) journalism, the ways in which they talk about EU affairs, European integration and the EU establishment. There is a lack of research on how journalists from member states of the EU periphery deal with EU affairs. Greece being one of those member states is in our opinion an interesting case study, given circumstances like the financial or refugee crisis. We look at the challenges Greek journalists face in dealing with EU affairs, those they share with journalists from other countries, and those that are unique to the Greek case. We also look at certain coping strategies Greek journalists engage with in dealing with those challenges. Via our discussion we wish to offer a deeper insight into EU periphery journalists’ approaches to dealing with EU affairs and make recommendations for further research towards this direction.
Heterogeneity and Polygenicity in Psychiatric Disorders: A Genome-Wide Perspective
Authors: Wendt Frank R. , Pathak Gita A. , Tylee Daniel S. , Goswami Aranyak , Polimanti Renato
Published: May 2020

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been performed for many psychiatric disorders and revealed a complex polygenic architecture linking mental and physical health phenotypes. Psychiatric diagnoses are often heterogeneous, and several layers of trait heterogeneity may contribute to detection of genetic risks per disorder or across multiple disorders. In this review, we discuss these heterogeneities and their consequences on the discovery of risk loci using large-scale genetic data. We primarily highlight the ways in which sex and diagnostic complexity contribute to risk locus discovery in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, Tourette’s syndrome and chronic tic disorder, anxiety disorders, suicidality, feeding and eating disorders, and substance use disorders. Genetic data also have facilitated discovery of clinically relevant subphenotypes also described here. Collectively, GWAS of psychiatric disorders revealed that the understanding of heterogeneity, polygenicity, and pleiotropy is critical to translate genetic findings into treatment strategies.
Correction of perceived visual distortions using a software application and correlation to age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Hassan Muhammad , Chakravarthy Adithi D. , Subramaniam Mahadevan , Chundi Parvathi , Sadiq Mohammad Ali , Halim Muhammad Sohail , Afridi Rubbia , Tran Anh N.T. , Sepah Yasir J. , Do Diana V. , Nguyen Quan Dong
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

To investigate the use of software-generated corrections in neutralizing perceived distortions in age-related macular degeneration.

Methods:

A tablet-based application was utilized to elicit distortions. Five subjects (seven eyes: neovascular age-related macular degeneration and three eyes: non-neovascular age-related macular degeneration) traced the reference lines, and their distortion traces were recorded. To counter distortion, a software-generated trace was re-traced by subjects to produce a corrected trace. Final traces were superimposed on optical coherence tomography images and following distances calculated: (a) dDT: distance between distortion trace and reference line; (b) dGT: distance between software-generated trace and corrected trace; (c) dCT: distance between corrected trace and reference line. Mean percent improvement in distortion was reported. Mean effectiveness of correction was also reported by utilizing t test to compare dDT and dCT. The number of distortion traces with underlying lesions on optical coherence tomography was also analyzed.

Results:

Mean age of the subjects was 76.6 (±9.5) years. Each patient traced six reference lines and each was considered a separate case. Out of 30 cases, 17 (56.6%) elicited distortion. Mean percent improvement in distortion was 71.3 ± 23% ( p < 0.05). Twelve cases (70.6%) had an underlying lesion (eight cases: disrupted photoreceptor layer and four cases: normal photoreceptor layer). Mean percent improvement in cases with normal photoreceptor layer (90.8 ± 5.45%) was higher than with abnormal photoreceptor layer (58.5 ± 7.17%) ( p < 0.05). Five cases with distortion had no associated underlying lesion. Mean percent improvement in these subjects was significantly higher than those with photoreceptor layer disruption.

Conclusion:

Software-generated corrections can potentially correct for perceived distortions in patients with age-related macular degeneration, especially in cases with preserved photoreceptor layer.
Diversity of nitrogen-fixing rhizobacteria associated with sugarcane: a comprehensive study of plant-microbe interactions for growth enhancement in Saccharum spp.
Authors: Singh Rajesh Kumar , Singh Pratiksha , Li Hai-Bi , Song Qi-Qi , Guo Dao-Jun , Solanki Manoj K. , Verma Krishan K. , Malviya Mukesh K. , Song Xiu-Peng , Lakshmanan Prakash , Yang Li-Tao , Li Yang-Rui
Published: May 2020

Background

Nitrogen is an essential element for sugarcane growth and development and is generally applied in the form of urea often much more than at recommended rates, causing serious soil degradation, particularly soil acidification, as well as groundwater and air pollution. In spite of the importance of nitrogen for plant growth, fewer reports are available to understand the application and biological role of N2fixing bacteria to improve N2nutrition in the sugarcane plant.

Results

In this study, a total of 350 different bacterial strains were isolated from rhizospheric soil samples of the sugarcane plants. Out of these, 22 isolates were selected based on plant growth promotion traits, biocontrol, and nitrogenase activity. The presence and activity of thenifHgene and the ability of nitrogen-fixation proved that all 22 selected strains have the ability to fix nitrogen. These strains were used to perform 16S rRNA andrpoBgenes for their identification. The resulted amplicons were sequenced and phylogenetic analysis was constructed. Among the screened strains for nitrogen fixation, CY5 (Bacillus megaterium) and CA1 (Bacillus mycoides) were the most prominent. These two strains were examined for functional diversity using Biolog phenotyping, which confirmed the consumption of diverse carbon and nitrogen sources and tolerance to low pH and osmotic stress. The inoculated bacterial strains colonized the sugarcane rhizosphere successfully and were mostly located in root and leaf. The expression of thenifHgene in both sugarcane varieties (GT11 and GXB9) inoculated with CY5 and CA1 was confirmed. The gene expression studies showed enhanced expression of genes of various enzymes such as catalase, phenylalanine-ammonia-lyase, superoxide dismutase, chitinase and glucanase in bacterial-inoculated sugarcane plants.

Conclusion

The results showed that a substantial number ofBacillusisolates have N-fixation and biocontrol property against two sugarcane pathogensSporisorium scitamineumandCeratocystis paradoxa. The increased activity of genes controlling free radical metabolism may at least in part accounts for the increased tolerance to pathogens. Nitrogen-fixation was confirmed in sugarcane inoculated withB. megateriumandB. mycoidesstrains using N-balance and15N2isotope dilution in different plant parts of sugarcane. This is the first report ofBacillus mycoidesas a nitrogen-fixing rhizobacterium in sugarcane.
The effect of transversus abdominis plane block on the chronic pain after colorectal surgery: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Pan Zi-Ye , Hu Zhong-Hua , Zhang Fan , Xie Wen-Xiu , Tang Yong-Zhong , Liao Qin
Published: May 2020

Background

Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) is common and would reduce the quality of life of patients. Transversus abdominal plane (TAP) block has been widely used in lower abdominal surgery and many researches demonstrated that it could improve acute postsurgical pain. We aim to determine whether TAP block could improve chronic postoperative pain at 3 months and 6 months after colorectal surgery.

Methods

A total of 307 patients received selective colorectal surgery under general anesthesia between January, 2015 and January, 2019 in a single university hospital were included: 128 patients received TAP block combined with patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) for postsurgical analgesia (group TP) and 179 only administrated with PCIA (group P). Main outcome was the NRS score of pain at 3 months after colorectal surgery. The data was analyzed by two-way repeated measures anova and the chi-square test.

Results

The NRS score at rest and during movement was decreased significantly at 24 h after surgery (rest NRS 1.07 ± 1.34 vs 1.65 ± 1.67, movement NRS 3.00 ± 1.45 vs 3.65 ± 1.89; all P = 0.003) in group TP than those of group P. There was no significant difference of NRS score at 48 h after surgery (P > 0.05). At 3 months after surgery, the NRS score during movement was also lower in group TP than that in group P (0.59 ± 1.23 vs 0.92 ± 1.65, P = 0.045). There was no significant difference of NRS score at 6 months after surgery (P > 0.05).

The prevalence of CPSP was 19.5% (25/128) in group TP and 20.7% (37/179) in group P at 3 months after surgery. 13.2% (17/128) of patients suffered from CPSP in group TP and 13.9% (25/179) in group P at 6 months after surgery. Both at 3 months and 6 months after surgery, there was no statistical difference of the prevalence of CPSP between the two groups (all P > 0.05) .

Conclusions

TAP block reduced NRS during movement at 3 months after surgery but did not reduce the incidence of CPSP at 3 months and 6 months after selective colorectal surgery.
What feedback do reviewers give when reviewing qualitative manuscripts? A focused mapping review and synthesis
Authors: HERBER Oliver Rudolf , BRADBURY-JONES Caroline , BÖLING Susanna , COMBES Sarah , HIRT Julian , KOOP Yvonne , NYHAGEN Ragnhild , VELDHUIZEN Jessica D. , TAYLOR Julie
Published: May 2020

Background

Peer review is at the heart of the scientific process. With the advent of digitisation, journals started to offer electronic articles or publishing online only. A new philosophy regarding the peer review process found its way into academia: the open peer review. Open peer review as practiced by BioMed Central (BMC) is a type of peer review where the names of authors and reviewers are disclosed and reviewer comments are published alongside the article. A number of articles have been published to assess peer reviews using quantitative research. However, no studies exist that used qualitative methods to analyse the content of reviewers’ comments.

Methods

A focused mapping review and synthesis (FMRS) was undertaken of manuscripts reporting qualitative research submitted to BMC open access journals from 1 January – 31 March 2018. Free-text reviewer comments were extracted from peer review reports using a 77-item classification system organised according to three key dimensions that represented common themes and sub-themes. A two stage analysis process was employed. First, frequency counts were undertaken that allowed revealing patterns across themes/sub-themes. Second, thematic analysis was conducted on selected themes of the narrative portion of reviewer reports.

Results

A total of 107 manuscripts submitted to nine open-access journals were included in the FMRS. The frequency analysis revealed that among the 30 most frequently employed themes “writing criteria” (dimension II) is the top ranking theme, followed by comments in relation to the “methods” (dimension I). Besides that, some results suggest an underlying quantitative mindset of reviewers. Results are compared and contrasted in relation to established reporting guidelines for qualitative research to inform reviewers and authors of frequent feedback offered to enhance the quality of manuscripts.

Conclusions

This FMRS has highlighted some important issues that hold lessons for authors, reviewers and editors. We suggest modifying the current reporting guidelines by including a further item called “Degree of data transformation” to prompt authors and reviewers to make a judgment about the appropriateness of the degree of data transformation in relation to the chosen analysis method. Besides, we suggest that completion of a reporting checklist on submission becomes a requirement.
Solutions to improve the latent tuberculosis Cascade of Care in Ghana: a longitudinal impact assessment
Authors: Barss Leila , Obeng Joseph , Fregonese Federica , Oxlade Olivia , Adomako Benjamin , Afriyie Anthony Opoku , Frimpong Erica Dapaah , Winters Nicholas , Valiquette Chantal , Menzies Dick
Published: May 2020

Background

Loss of patients in the latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) cascade of care is a major barrier to LTBI management. We evaluated the impact and acceptability of local solutions implemented to strengthen LTBI management of household contacts (HHCs) at an outpatient clinic in Ghana.

Methods

Local solutions to improve LTBI management were informed by a baseline evaluation of the LTBI cascade and questionnaires administered to index patients, HHCs, and health care workers at the study site in Offinso, Ghana. Solutions aimed to reduce patient costs and improve knowledge. We evaluated the impact and acceptability of the solutions. Specific objectives were to: 1) Compare the proportion of eligible HHCs completing each step in the LTBI cascade of care before and after solution implementation; 2) Compare knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) before and after solution implementation, based on responses of patients and health care workers (HCW) to structured questionnaires; 3) Evaluate patient and HCW acceptability of solutions using information obtained from these questionnaires.

Results

Pre and Post-Solution LTBI Cascades included 58 and 125 HHCs, respectively. Before implementation, 39% of expected < 5-year-old HHCs and 66% of ≥5-year-old HHCs were identified. None completed any further cascade steps. Post implementation, the proportion of eligible HHCs who completed identification, assessment, evaluation, and treatment initiation increased for HHCs < 5 to 94, 100, 82, 100%, respectively, and for HHCs ≥5 to 96, 69, 67, 100%, respectively. Pre and Post-Solutions questionnaires were completed by 80 and 95 respondents, respectively. Study participants most frequently mentioned financial support and education as the solutions that supported LTBI management.

Conclusion

Implementation of locally selected solutions was associated with an increase in the proportion of HHCs completing all steps in the LTBI cascade. Tuberculosis programs should consider prioritizing financial support, such as payment for chest x-rays, to support LTBI cascade completion.
Computed tomography colonography versus colonoscopy for detection of colorectal cancer: a diagnostic performance study
Authors: sha Junping , chen Jun , lv Xuguang , liu Shaoxin , chen Ruihong , zhang Zhibing
Published: May 2020

Background

Colonoscopy is the reference standard for the detection of colorectal cancer but it is an invasive technique and has the risk of bowel perforation and bleeding. Unlike colonoscopy, sedation is not required in computed tomography colonography and requires additional reassurance endoscopy. The objectives of the study were to compare the diagnostic performance of computed tomography colonography against colonoscopy for a diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

Methods

Data regarding any polyp ≥10 mm diameter (ø) and < 10 mm ø but suspicious polyps of computed tomography colonography (n = 318), colonoscopy (n = 318), and surgical pathology (n = 77) for symptomatic colorectal cancer patients were collected and analyzed. Lesion ulceration, extramural invasion, and/ or lesion shouldering was considered as a suspicious polyp. Beneficial scores for decision making of curative surgeries were evaluated for each modality. The cost of diagnosis of colorectal cancer was also evaluated.

Results

Either of diagnosis showed polyps ≥10 mm ø in 27 patients and polyps of 50 patients were < 10 mm ø but suspicious. Therefore, a total of 77 patients were subjected to surgery. With respect to surgical pathology, sensitivities for computed tomographic colonography and colonoscopy were 0.961 and 0.831. For detection of ≥10 mm ø polyp, benefit score for computed tomographic colonography and colonoscopy were 0–0.906 diagnostic confidence and 0.035–0.5 diagnostic confidence. For polyps, ≥ 10 mm ø but not too many large polyps, colonoscopy had the risk of underdiagnosis. For < 10 mm ø but suspicious polyps, < 0.6 mm ø and < 2.2 mm ⌀ polyps could not be detected by computed tomographic colonography and colonoscopy, respectively. The computed tomographic colonography had less cost than colonoscopy (1345 ± 135 ¥/ patient vs. 1715 ± 241 ¥/ patient,p < 0.0001) for diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

Conclusion

Computed tomographic colonography would be a non-inferior alternative than colonoscopy for a diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

Level of evidence

III.
LARS2-Perrault syndrome: a new case report and literature review
Authors: Carminho-Rodrigues Maria Teresa , Klee Phillipe , Laurent Sacha , Guipponi Michel , Abramowicz Marc , Cao-van Hélène , Guinand Nils , Paoloni-Giacobino Ariane
Published: May 2020

Background

Perrault syndrome is a rare recessive and genetically heterogeneous disorder characterized by sensorineural hearing loss in males and females and gonadal dysgenesis in females. Mutations in seven different genes have been identified:HARS2, HSD17B4, CLLP, C10orf, ERAL1, TWNKandLARS2.

To date, 19 variants have been reported in 18 individuals withLARS2-Perrault syndrome.

Case presentation

Here we describe the case of an 8-year-old girl with compound heterozygous missense mutations in theLARS2gene. We identified two missense mutations [c.457A > C, p.(Asn153His) and c.1565C > A, p.(Thr522Asn)] and subsequent familial segregation showed that each parent had transmitted a mutation.

Conclusions

These results have implications for genetic counseling and provide insight into the functional role ofLARS2. This case highlights the importance of an early diagnosis. Systematic genetic screening of children with hearing loss allows the early identification of a Perrault syndrome in order to ensure specific endocrinological surveillance and management to prevent secondary complications. Clinical data are compared with the other cases reported in the literature.
Maternal near miss and mortality attributable to hypertensive disorders in a tertiary hospital, Tanzania; a cross-sectional study
Authors: Manyahi Jane R. , Mgaya Hans , Said Ali
Published: May 2020

Background

Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy is the second most common direct cause of maternal deaths accounting for 14% of maternal deaths worldwide. Severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia are among the hypertensive disorders in pregnancy causing significant morbidity and mortality, hence categorized as Maternal Near Miss. At Muhimbili National Hospital these are the leading causes of maternal deaths accounting for 19.9% of maternal death. This study aimed to determine the proportion of severe maternal outcomes and maternal near-miss indices among patients with severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia at Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2017 to January 2018 at Muhimbili National Hospital. Women with severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia were recruited. Data were extracted from patient files after admission, and followed up until discharge or death; after discharge was categorized as maternal near miss or death as maternal death. The outcome indicators were calculated using the total number of live births during the study period, the number of maternal deaths and maternal near-miss due to severe pre-eclampsia/ eclampsia in the same period.

Results

Nearly two-thirds of women recruited, 199 (62.2%) had severe preeclampsia while 121 (37.8%) had eclampsia, 71 (22.1%) had severe maternal outcome whereby 63 had maternal near-miss with organ dysfunction and 8 maternal deaths. The overall maternal near-miss ratio was 87.4 while that for severe pre-eclampsia was 54, and 33 per 1000 live births for eclampsia. Overall severe maternal outcome ratio was 19.4 while that for severe pre-eclampsia was 12 and that for eclampsia was 9.5 per 1000 live births. Mortality index was 11% and the Case fatality rate was 2.5%.

Conclusion

There is a high proportion of women with severe maternal outcome attributable to severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, with a reduced proportion of maternal deaths. This signifies improvement of performance in our facility in dealing with patients with severe morbidities due to severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, however, more effort should be put to further reduce maternal mortality.
The association of depressive symptoms, personality traits, and sociodemographic factors with health-related quality of life and quality of life in patients with advanced-stage lung cancer: an observational multi-center cohort study
Authors: de Mol Mark , Visser Sabine , Aerts Joachim , Lodder Paul , van Walree Nico , Belderbos Huub , den Oudsten Brenda
Published: May 2020

Background

Identification of patient-related factors associated with Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and Quality of Life (QoL) at the start of treatment may identify patients who are prone to a decrease in HRQoL and/or QoL resulting from chemotherapy. Identification of these factors may offer opportunities to enhance patient care during treatment by adapting communication strategies and directing medical and psychological interventions. The aim was to examine the association of sociodemographic factors, personality traits, and depressive symptoms with HRQoL and QoL in patients with advanced-stage lung cancer at the start of chemotherapy.

Methods

Patients (n = 151) completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (trait anxiety subscale), the Neuroticism-Extraversion-Openness-Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D), the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). Simple linear regression analyses were performed to select HRQoL and QoL associated factors (a P ≤ 0.10 was used to prevent non-identification of important factors) followed by multiple linear regression analyses (P ≤ 0.05).

Results

In the multiple regression analyses, CES-D score (β = − 0.63 to − 0.53; P-values < 0.001) was most often associated with the WHOQOL-BREF domains and general facet, whereas CES-D score (β = − 0.67 to − 0.40; P-values < 0.001) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (β = − 0.30 to − 0.30; P-values < 0.001) were most often associated with the scales of the EORTC QLQ-C30. Personality traits were not related with HRQoL or QoL except for trait anxiety (Role functioning: β = 0.30; P = 0.02, Environment: β = − 0.39; P = 0.007) and conscientiousness (Physical health: β = 0.20; P-value < 0.04).

Conclusions

Higher scores on depressive symptoms and ECOG performance status were related to lower HRQoL and QoL in patients with advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer. Supportive care interventions aimed at improvement of depressive symptoms and performance score may facilitate an increase of HRQoL and/or QoL during treatment.
Comprehensive metabolomics analysis of prostate cancer tissue in relation to tumor aggressiveness and TMPRSS2-ERG fusion status
Authors: Dudka Ilona , Thysell Elin , Lundquist Kristina , Antti Henrik , Iglesias-Gato Diego , Flores-Morales Amilcar , Bergh Anders , Wikström Pernilla , Gröbner Gerhard
Published: May 2020

Background

Prostate cancer (PC) can display very heterogeneous phenotypes ranging from indolent asymptomatic to aggressive lethal forms. Understanding how these PC subtypes vary in their striving for energy and anabolic molecules is of fundamental importance for developing more effective therapies and diagnostics. Here, we carried out an extensive analysis of prostate tissue samples to reveal metabolic alterations during PC development and disease progression and furthermore betweenTMPRSS2-ERGrearrangement-positive and -negative PC subclasses.

Methods

Comprehensive metabolomics analysis of prostate tissue samples was performed by non-destructive high-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (1H HR MAS NMR). Subsequently, samples underwent moderate extraction, leaving tissue morphology intact for histopathological characterization. Metabolites in tissue extracts were identified by1H/31P NMR and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). These metabolomics profiles were analyzed by chemometric tools and the outcome was further validated using proteomic data from a separate sample cohort.

Results

The obtained metabolite patterns significantly differed between PC and benign tissue and between samples with high and low Gleason score (GS). Five key metabolites (phosphocholine, glutamate, hypoxanthine, arginine and α-glucose) were identified, who were sufficient to differentiate between cancer and benign tissue and between high to low GS. In ERG-positive PC, the analysis revealed several acylcarnitines among the increased metabolites together with decreased levels of proteins involved in β-oxidation; indicating decreased acyl-CoAs oxidation in ERG-positive tumors. The ERG-positive group also showed increased levels of metabolites and proteins involved in purine catabolism; a potential sign of increased DNA damage and oxidative stress.

Conclusions

Our comprehensive metabolomic analysis strongly indicates that ERG-positive PC and ERG-negative PC should be considered as different subtypes of PC; a fact requiring different, sub-type specific treatment strategies for affected patients.
Proximal and distal predictors of self-regulatory change in children aged 4 to 7 years
Authors: Williams Kate E. , Howard Steven J.
Published: May 2020

Background

Growth in early self-regulation skills has been linked to positive health, wellbeing, and achievement trajectories across the lifespan. While individual studies have documented specific influences on self-regulation competencies in early childhood, few have modelled a comprehensive range of predictors of self-regulationchangeacross health, development, and environment simultaneously. This study aimed to examine the concurrent associations among a range of proximal and distal influences on change in children’s self-regulation skills over 2 years from age 4–5 years.

Methods

Data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (N = 4983) were used in a structural equation model, predicting a multi-source composite measure of self-regulation at each of 4–5 years and 6–7 years. By controlling for earlier self-regulation and covariates, the model examined the relative contributions of a comprehensive range of variables to self-regulation change including health, development, educational, home environment, time-use, and neighbourhood characteristics.

Results

The significant predictors of children’s self-regulation growth across 4 to 7 years were fewer behavioural sleep problems, higher gross motor and pre-academic skills, lower levels of maternal and paternal angry parenting, and lower levels of financial hardship. There were also marginal effects for high-quality home learning environments and child-educator relationships.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that if we are to successfully foster children’s self-regulation skills, interventionists would do well to operate not only on children’s current capacities but also key aspects of their surrounding context.
Did the UN convention on the rights of the child reduce child mortality around the world? An interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Tait Christopher A. , Parnia Abtin , Zewge-Abubaker Nishan , Wong Wendy H. , Smith-Cannoy Heather , Siddiqi Arjumand
Published: May 2020

Background

Child mortality has been reduced by more than 50 % over the past 30 years. A range of secular economic and social developments have been considered to explain this phenomenon. In this paper, we examine the association between ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which was specifically put in place to ensure the well-being of children, and declines in child mortality.

Methods

Data come from three sources: the United Nations Treaty Series Database, the World Bank World Development Indicators database and, the Polity IV database. Because CRC was widely ratified, leaving few control cases, we used interrupted times series analyses, which uses the trend in the health outcome before policy exposure to mathematically determine what the trend in the health outcome would have been after the policy exposure, if it had continued ‘as is’ – meaning, if the policy exposure had not occurred.

Results

CRC ratification was associated with declining child mortality. CRC ratification was associated with a significant change in shorter-term child mortality trends in all groups except high-income, non-democratic countries and low-imcome democratic countries. CRC ratification was associated with long-term child mortality trends in all groups except middle-income, non-democratic countries.

Conclusions

Child mortality rates would likely have declined even in the absence of CRC ratification, but CRC is associated with a larger decline. Our findings provide a way to assess the effects of widely-held societal norms on health and demonstrate the moderating effects of democracy and income level.