bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Congenital Heart Surgery Programs Across the World: Assessment by a Global Multi-Societal Consortium
Authors: Protopapas Eleftherios M. , Rito Mauro Lo , Vida Vladimiro L. , Sarris George E. , Tchervenkov Christo I. , Maruszewski Bohdan J. , Tobota Zdzislaw , Zheleva Bistra , Zhang Hao , Jacobs Jeffery P. , Dearani Joseph A. , Stephens Elizabeth H. , Tweddell James S. , Sandoval Nestor F. , Bacha Emile A. , Austin Erle H. , Sakamoto Kisaburo , Talwar Sachin , Kurosawa Hiromi , Halees Zohair Y. Al , Jatene Marcello B. , Iyer Krishna S. , Lee Cheul , Sharma Rajesh , Hirata Yasutaka , Edwin Frank , Cervantes Jorge L. , O'Brien James , St. Louis James , Kirklin James K. ,   The COVID-19 International Congenital Heart Surgery Taskforce
Published: August 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic currently gripping the globe is impacting the entire health care system with rapidly escalating morbidities and mortality. Although the infectious risk to the pediatric population appears low, the effects on children with congenital heart disease (CHD) remain poorly understood. The closure of congenital heart surgery programs worldwide to address the growing number of infected individuals could have an unintended impact on future health for COVID-19-negative patients with CHD. Pediatric and congenital heart surgeons, given their small numbers and close relationships, are uniquely positioned to collectively assess the impact of the pandemic on surgical practice and care of children with CHD. We present the results of an international survey sent to pediatric and congenital heart surgeons characterizing the early impact of COVID-19 on the care of patients with CHD.
Using Machine Learning for Analyzing Sentiment Orientations Toward Eight Countries
Authors: Guo Shesen , Zhang Ganzhou
Published: August 2020

By using machine learning technique, this article presents sentiment and concept analyses on 48,043 articles published in The Economist from 1991 through 2016. The Economist is one of the world’s most influential political and economic magazines. The article analyzes and compares the magazine’s sentiment orientations toward the Group of Seven’s ingroup member countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and its outgroup member country China. The sentiment analyses are performed on and compared between different periods of Clinton’s, Bush’s, and Obama’s administrations in the United States; Major’s, Blair’s, Brown’s, and Cameron’s cabinets in the United Kingdom; and Kohl’s, Schröder’s, and Merkel’s in Germany. The relationship between China hosting the Olympic Games or its growing economic power and the magazine’s sentiment orientations toward the country is examined. The concept analysis on the articles with extreme positivity or negativity shows that there is no difference between the ingroup and outgroup members in the topics covered in The Economist.
A Multicenter Retrospective Study With a Minimum 5-Year Follow-up Comparing Arthroscopic Bankart Repair and the Latarjet Procedure
Authors: Maman Eran , Dolkart Oleg , Krespi Rafael , Kadar Assaf , Mozes Gabriel , Safran Ori , Mozes Adam , Pritsch Moshe , Vogel Guy , Beyth Shaul , Chechik Ofir ,   Israeli Shoulder Group, Oran Ariel , Klein Hagai
Published: August 2020

Background:

Arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR) and the Latarjet procedure are surgical techniques commonly used to treat anterior shoulder instability. There is no consensus among shoulder surgeons regarding the indications for choosing one over the other.

Purpose:

To compare the results of the Latarjet procedure with those of ABR for the treatment of anterior shoulder instability.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Data on all patients who were treated surgically for recurrent anterior shoulder instability between 2006 and 2011 were retrospectively collected at 4 medical centers. The minimum follow-up was 5 years. Data were retrieved from medical charts, and patients were interviewed to assess their level of satisfaction (range, 0-100), functional outcomes (using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons shoulder score; the Subjective Shoulder Value; and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score), and quality of life (using the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF-12]). Information on return to sports activities and postoperative level of activity compared with that of the preinjury state, complications, reoperations, and recurrent instability were recorded and evaluated.

Results:

A total of 242 patients were included. The Latarjet procedure was performed in 27 shoulders, and ABR was performed in 215 shoulders. Patients in the ABR group had significantly higher rates of redislocation (18.5%; P = .05) and subluxation (21.4%; P = .43) but a lower rate of self-reported apprehension (43.0%; P = .05) compared with patients in the Latarjet group (3.7%, 14.8%, and 63.0%, respectively). There were 5 patients in the ABR group who underwent reoperation with the Latarjet procedure because of recurrent instability. The functional scores in the Latarjet group were better than those in the ABR group. The SF-12 physical score was significantly better in the Latarjet group than in the ABR group (98.1 vs 93.9, respectively; P = .01). Patient satisfaction and subjective scores were similar in both groups.

Conclusion:

These results support recently published data on the Latarjet procedure that showed its superiority over ABR in midterm stability (dislocations or subluxations). The contribution of self-reported apprehension to the broad definition of stability is not clear, and apprehension rates were not correlated with satisfaction scores or the recurrence of dislocation or subluxation.
Where Does Indian Medical Education Stand Amidst a Pandemic?
Authors: Patil Poorvaprabha , Chakraborty Stuti
Published: August 2020

The recent outbreak of COVID-19, declared a pandemic, has affected medical education globally. The scenario is no different for medical students in India as they find themselves at a crossroads in their careers, with clinical and elective postings called off. Missing out on the opportunity to learn from “first-hand” clinical observation stands to threaten the quality of medical education and learning procured by Indian medical students which is extremely essential to deal with the vast patient load that awaits them in their impending future as healthcare professionals. Is the Indian medical education system being able to cope with the challenges imposed by the increasing burden of COVID-19? The authors propose few administrative and on-ground interventions that must seek to work collectively with all government and private medical institutions in order to help students/interns and residents in coping with stress, anxiety or academic losses incurred due to the pandemic.
Heritage as Contemporary Design: India’s Titan Watch Experience Discovered India in America
Authors: Bansod Abhijit
Published: August 2020

Heritage, as a concept and as a resource, is critical to a range of creative and cultural industries, today a gigantic sector of the world economy. The activities that contribute to this sector include crafts, tourism, design and fashion. In each, the challenge is often of establishing an identity that can stand out as a brand advantage within an era of globalized sameness. Abhijit Bansod is an industrial designer whose practice explores the application of heritage to market strategies including the inspiration he takes from India’s architectural heritage to help address the fiercely competitive global market for watches and timepieces. Through the collections he has created for Titan Watches, one of India’s most iconic brands, a classic heritage is transformed into a design identity that is both distinct and contemporary.
Evaluation of the Management of Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Kumar Jessica , Sy Isabelle , Wei Felix , Lemos Jane de , Loh Gabriel , Harbin Megan , Dahri Karen
Published: August 2020

Background: Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) are estimated to cost $1.5 billion annually in Canada. Previous studies have shown that barely half of all patients receive ideal care in hospitals. Deviations from guideline-defined optimal care lead to longer hospital stays, readmissions, and increased mortality. Objective: To determine the proportion of patients admitted to hospital for AECOPD who received treatment adherent to guidelines. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted with ethics approval from the University of British Columbia Clinical Research Ethics Board. Patients hospitalized for ≥24 hours with an AECOPD at a tertiary care center and a community hospital were assessed. Guideline-adherent treatment was defined as appropriate use of supplemental oxygen, inhaled bronchodilators, systemic corticosteroids, antibiotics, venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, initiation/continuation of nicotine replacement therapy for current smokers, and vaccination optimization, reflecting international standards of care. Outcomes were assessed using descriptive statistics. Results: A random sample of 210 patients were selected of which 99 met inclusion criteria. Only 4% received therapy that met all recommendations. Differences in management were found between sites, specifically the appropriate use of bronchodilators, corticosteroids, antibiotics, and supplemental oxygen. Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis and smoking cessation rates were 97% and 94%, respectively, at the tertiary care center, compared with 73% and 100% at the community hospital. Additionally, less than half of all patients had their immunization history verified. Conclusion: Gaps in the inpatient management of AECOPD continue to exist. Initiatives must be targeted to optimize management and reduce the burden of the disease.
Histological findings of patients with adnexal torsion who underwent surgical treatment: short reminder
Authors: Nissi Ritva , Santala Markku , Talvensaari-Mattila Anne
Published: August 2020

Background

Ovarian torsion is a rare emergency condition in women. Early diagnosis is necessary to preserve fertility.

Case

Our study evaluated 40 patients, who underwent laparoscopic surgery. The aims of this retrospective study were to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis in ovarian torsion, evaluate the process of patient treatment, and investigate the number of patients treated by minimally invasive surgery. In this article, we present the outcomes from the patient data.

Results

Thirty-two percent (13/40) of patients were first evaluated by the surgeon to investigate right-sided lower abdominal pain. These patients were first misdiagnosed with appendicitis or urinary tract stones. Among these patients, necrotic ovary tissue was more common, most likely due to a longer delay seeking medical attention. A total of 77% (31/40) of patients underwent laparoscopic surgery on the same date that they were admitted to the hospital. No severe complications occurred in this group of patients. All histological findings were benign. In 52% (21/40) of patients, the adnexa was removed, whereas in 37% (15/40) of patients the torsed adnexa was treated by detorsion. A total of 27% (11/40) of patients had no diagnosis before undergoing surgery.

Conclusions

Rapid and accurate diagnosis is essential to preserve ovarian function.
Observation of Landau Level-Dependent Aharonov-Bohm-Like Oscillations in a Topological Insulator
Authors: Huang Shiu-Ming , Lin Chien , You Sheng-Yu , Chen Pin-Cyuan , Hong Jai-Long , Wong Jyun-Fong , Yan You-Jhih , Yu Shih-Hsun , Chou Mitch M. C.
Published: August 2020

We study the quantum oscillations in the BiSbTe3 topological insulator. In addition to the Shubnikov-de Haas (SdH) oscillation, the Aharonov-Bohm-like (ABL) oscillations are also observed. The ABL oscillation period is constant at each Landau level (LL) which is determined from the SdH oscillation. The shorter ABL oscillation periods are observed at lower LLs. The oscillation period is proportional to the square root of the LL at temperatures. The ratio of the ABL oscillation period to the effective mass is weak LL dependence. The LL-dependent ABL oscillation might originate from the LL-dependent effective mass.
Acute bilateral granulomatous anterior uveitis as an extra-hepatic manifestation of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection: a case report
Authors: Azimi Ali , Shirvani Mohammad , Hosseini Shahla , Bazojoo Vahid , Masihpoor Nasrin , Mohaghegh Sahar , Sadeghi Seyed Mohammad
Published: August 2020

Anterior uveitis (AU) is the most common form of uveitis. The differential diagnosis of AU is broad, ranging from infectious etiologies to autoimmune causes. However, approximately half remain idiopathic. Infections are the vision-threatening causes of AU which should be ruled out by history taking and detailed physical examination combined with guided work up. We report a rare case of bilateral granulomatous AU following hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection in an immunocompetent patient. A 35-year-old male presented to our center with a chief complaint of pain and redness in both eyes 3 days prior to the presentation. The patient’s medical and drug history was unremarkable. He had a history of river water consumption 20 days prior to presentation. The patient was diagnosed with acute bilateral granulomatous AU. All routine work up to investigate the etiology of the disease was unremarkable, except for the serology of acute HAV infection, which was positive. The patient was managed with the topical steroid and cycloplegic for 2 weeks with no recurrence at one-year follow up. Extra-hepatic complications of HAV were reported in previous studies including arthritis, urticaria, myocarditis, nephritis, and myositis. The mechanism of extra-hepatic complication of hepatitis A is unknown; however, immune-complex deposition is most likely the etiological cause. Our report represents a rare case of sudden onset with limited duration granulomatous AU as a presenting manifestation of HAV infection. Previous studies do not provide a direct evidence of granulomatous AU associated with the HAV infection.
Psychological interventions for posttraumatic stress disorder involving primary care physicians: systematic review and Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Gehringer Rebekka , Freytag Antje , Krause Markus , Schlattmann Peter , Schmidt Konrad , Schulz Sven , Zezulka Sophie Jana , Wolf Florian , Grininger Jonas , Berger Mathias , Vollmar Horst Christian , Gensichen Jochen
Published: August 2020

Background

Evidence-based psychological interventions for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are available in specialized settings, but adequate care in primary care is often lacking.

The aim of this systematic review was to determine the effectiveness of psychological interventions for PTSD involving primary care physicians (PCPs) and to characterize these interventions as well as their providers.

Method

A systematic review and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Primary outcome were symptoms of PTSD.

Results

Four RCTs with a total of 774 patients suffering from PTSD symptoms were included, all applying cognitive behavioural based interventions. Three studies with psychological interventions being conducted by case managers were pooled in a meta-analysis. Interventions were not effective in the short term (0–6 months; SMD, − 0.1; 95% CI, − 0.24-0.04; I2 = 0%). Only two studies contributed to the meta-analysis for long term (12–18 months) outcomes yielding a small effect (SMD, − 0.23; 95% CI, − 0.38- -0.08; I2 = 0%).

Conclusions

Psychological interventions for PTSD in primary care settings may be effective in the long term but number and quality of included studies was limited so the results should be interpreted with caution.
Human papillomavirus infection and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia progression are associated with increased vaginal microbiome diversity in a Chinese cohort
Authors: Chen Yulian , Qiu Xingdi , Wang Wenjing , Li Dong , Wu Anyue , Hong Zubei , Di Wen , Qiu Lihua
Published: August 2020

Background

In this study, the association between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and related cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or cervical cancer and vaginal microbiome was evaluated in Chinese cohorts.

Methods

The vaginal bacterial composition of five groups, HPV-infected women without CINs (HPV, n = 78), women with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL, n = 51), women with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL, n = 23), women with invasive cervical cancer (Cancer, n = 9) and healthy women without HPV infection (Normal, n = 68), was characterized by deep sequencing of barcoded 16S rRNA gene fragments (V3–4) using Illumina MiSeq.

Results

HPV infection increased vaginal bacterial richness and diversity regardless of the status of CINs. The vaginal bacterial richness and diversity were further augmented in women with cervical cancer. Lactobacillus was the most abundant genus in all groups. HPV infection had a negative influence on the abundances of Lactobacillus, Gardnerella and Atopobium. Accordingly, HPV infection increased the relative abundance of Prevotella, Bacillus, Anaerococcus, Sneathia, Megasphaera, Streptococcus and Anaerococcus. The increased proportions of Bacillus, Anaerococcus and the reduced abundance of Gradnerella vaginalis were probably related with the progression of CINs severity. HPV infection without CINs or cancerous lesions was strongly associated with Megasphaera. The most abundant bacterium in the LSIL group was Prevotella amnii. However, Prevotella timonensis, Shuttleworthia and Streptococcaceae at the family level were three taxa related to HSIL. Furthermore, more taxa were associated with the Cancer group including Bacillus, Sneathia, Acidovorax, Oceanobacillus profundus, Fusobacterium, Veillonellaceae at the family level, Anaerococcus and Porphyromonas uenonis. Samples in the Normal group were mostly assigned to CST III. HPV infection converted the vaginal bacterial community structure from CST III to CST IV. Furthermore, the proportions of CST IV were gradually augmented with the progression of the severity of CINs.

Conclusions

This work interpreted the differential vaginal bacteria under HPV infection and various precancerous or cancerous lesions in a Chinese cohort. We distinguished the specific microbes and the vaginal bacterial structure that were related with the progression of CINs severity in Chinese women.
Genome-wide capture sequencing to detect hepatitis C virus at the end of antiviral therapy
Authors: Peng Peng , Xu Yanjuan , Fried Michael W. , Di Bisceglie Adrian M. , Fan Xiaofeng
Published: August 2020

Background

Viral relapse is a major concern in hepatitis C virus (HCV) antiviral therapy. Currently, there are no satisfactory methods to predict viral relapse, especially in the era of direct acting antivirals in which the virus often quickly becomes undetectable using PCR-based approaches that focus on a small viral region. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) provides an alternative option for viral detection in a genome-wide manner. However, owing to the overwhelming dominance of human genetic content in clinical specimens, direct detection of HCV by NGS has a low sensitivity and hence viral enrichment is required.

Methods

Based on template-dependent multiple displacement amplification (tdMDA), an improved method for whole genome amplification (Wang et al., 2017. Biotechniques 63, 21–27), we evaluated two strategies to enhance the sensitivity of NGS-based HCV detection: duplex-specific nuclease (DSN)-mediated depletion of human sequences and HCV probe-based capture sequencing.

Results

In DSN-mediated depletion, human sequences were significantly reduced in the two HCV serum samples tested, 65.3% → 55.6% → 33.7% (#4727) and 68.6% → 56% → 21% (#4970), respectively for no normalization, self- and driver-applied normalization. However, this approach was associated with a loss of HCV sequences perhaps due to its micro-homology with the human genome. In capture sequencing, HCV-mapped sequencing reads occupied 96.8% (#4727) and 22.14% (#4970) in NGS data, equivalent to 1936x and 7380x enrichment, respectively. Capture sequencing was then applied to ten serum samples collected at the end of HCV antiviral therapy. Interestingly, the number of HCV-mapped reads was significantly higher in relapsed patients (n = 5) than those from patients with sustained virological response (SVR) (n = 5), 102.4 ± 72.3 vs. 2.6 ± 0.55, p = 0.014.

Conclusions

Our data provides concept evidence for a highly sensitive HCV detection by capture sequencing. The abundance difference of HCV sequencing reads at the end of HCV antiviral therapy could be applied to predict treatment outcomes.
Prevalence and recurrence of bacteraemia in hospitalised people who inject drugs – a single Centre retrospective cohort study in Denmark
Authors: Thønnings Sara , Jansåker Filip , Sundqvist Christoffer , Thudium Rebekka Faber , Nielsen Susanne Dam , Knudsen Jenny Dahl
Published: August 2020

Background

People who inject drugs (PWID) have increased risk of acquiring blood-transmitted chronic viral infections such as Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) as well as increased risk of acquiring bacterial infections. We aimed to identify and describe bacteraemic episodes, their recurrence rates, predictive and prognostic factors amongst hospitalised PWID.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we included 257 hospitalised PWID during 2000–2006 with follow up at the Department of Infectious Diseases, Hvidovre Hospital, Denmark. Data collection included comorbidity (HBV-, HCV-, HIV-, and psychiatric comorbidities), social information (contact to an addiction treatment centre, homelessness), opioid substitution treatment (OST), treatment completion and microbiology findings. There was a 10-years follow-up regarding mortality.

Results

The study identified 257 patients classified as PWID. Of these, 58 (22.6%) had at least one episode of bacteraemia during their first hospital admission. Recurrence was found in 29 (50.0%) of the bacteraemia cases. Staphylococcus aureus was the dominant microorganism of both first and recurrent episodes with 24 (41.4%) and nine (31.4%) of cases, respectively. A psychiatric diagnose was significantly associated with a lower risk of bacteraemia in the multivariate analysis (OR: 0.29, [95%CI: 0.11–0.77], P = 0.01). Mortality was significantly higher in patients with bacteraemia (17.2% vs. 3.0%, P < 0.01, OR: 6.67 [95%CI: 2.33–20], P < 0.01).

Conclusions

In hospitalised PWID, bacteraemia was found in 22.6% and was associated with at higher mortality. The most common microorganism of bacteraemia was S. aureus. Psychiatric comorbidity was significantly associated with a lower risk of bacteraemia.
Patients with mild traumatic brain injury and acute neck pain at the emergency department are a distinct category within the mTBI spectrum: a prospective multicentre cohort study
Authors: Coffeng Sophie M. , Jacobs Bram , de Koning Myrthe E. , Hageman Gerard , Roks Gerwin , van der Naalt Joukje
Published: August 2020

Background

Acute neck pain (ANP) has recently been demonstrated to be a predictor of persistent posttraumatic complaints after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The aim of this study was to determine specific characteristics of patients with ANP following mTBI, their posttraumatic complaints and relationship with functional outcome.

Methods

Data from a prospective follow-up study of 922 mTBI patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) in three level-one trauma centres were analysed. Patients were divided into two groups: 156 ANP patients and 766 no acute neck pain (nANP) patients. Posttraumatic complaints were evaluated 2 weeks and 6 months post-injury using standardized questionnaires and functional outcome was evaluated at 6 months with the Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE).

Results

ANP patients were more often female (p < 0.01), younger (38 vs. 47 years, p < 0.01) with more associated acute symptoms at the ED (p < 0.05) compared to nANP patients. More motor vehicle accidents (12% vs. 6%, p = 0.01) and less head wounds (58% vs. 73%, p < 0.01) in ANP patients indicated ‘high-energy low-impact’ trauma mechanisms. ANP patients showed more posttraumatic complaints 2 weeks and 6 months post-injury (p < 0.05) and more often incomplete recovery (GOSE < 8) was present after 6 months (56% vs. 40%, p = 0.01).

Conclusions

MTBI patients with acute neck pain at the ED constitute a distinct group within the mTBI spectrum with specific injury and demographic characteristics. Early identification of this at risk group already at the ED might allow specific and timely treatment to avoid development of incomplete recovery.
Co-occurrence of Moyamoya syndrome and Kartagener syndrome caused by the mutation of DNAH5 and DNAH11: a case report
Authors: Zhang Lili , Feng Xungang , Zhang Junhu , Hao Yanlei , Wang Yuzhong
Published: August 2020

Background

Kartagener syndrome is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder of primary ciliary dyskinesia. Moyamoya syndrome refers to a moyamoya angiopathy associated with other neurological and/or extra-neurological symptoms, or due to a well identified acquired or inherited cause. We herein reported a case of a 48-year-old woman who was favored the diagnosis of Kartagener syndrome and moyamoya syndrome. The whole genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis showed a homozygotic nonsense mutation in the dynein, axonemal, heavy chain (DNAH) 5 gene, and heterozygotic missense mutation in the DNAH11 gene. This is the first report of the co-occurrence of the two rare diseases.

Case presentation

A case of a 48-year-old woman was presented with hemiplegia and slurred speech. The magnetic resonance imaging of the brain confirmed acute cerebral infarction in the right basal ganglia region, semi-oval center, insular lobe, and frontal parietal lobe. The electrocardiogram showed inverted “P” waves in L1 and AVL on left-sided chest leads and computed tomography scan of the chest showed bronchiectasis changes, cardiac shadow and apex on the right side, and situs inversus of aortic arch position. The digital subtraction angiography showed inversion of the aortic arch, and bilateral internal carotid arteries are occluded from the ophthalmic segment. The clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings made the diagnosis of Kartagener syndrome and moyamoya syndrome. The whole genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis showed a homozygotic nonsense mutation in DNAH5 gene, and heterozygotic missense mutation in the DNAH11 gene.

Conclusion

The combined mutation of DNAH5 and DNAH11 may lead to the overlapping dysfunction of motile and nonmotile cilia, which contribute to the co-occurrence of Kartagener syndrome and moyamoya syndrome. Our report deserves further confirm by more case reports.
Is opium use associated with an increased risk of lung cancer? A case-control study
Authors: Naghibzadeh-Tahami Ahmad , Marzban Maryam , Yazdi-Feyzabadi Vahid , Dabiri Shahryar , Mohseni Shokrollah , Abbasi Rayeni Reza , Samareh Fekri Mitra , Larizadeh Mohammad Hasan , Karimpour Behnaz , Khanjani Narges
Published: August 2020

Background

In recent years, lung cancer (LC) incidence has increased in Iran. The use of opium and its derivatives (O&D) has increased as well. This study aimed to investigate the association between the use of O&D and LC incidence.

Methods

In this case-control study conducted in Kerman, Iran; 140 patients with lung cancer and 280 healthy controls matched by age, sex, and place of residence were included. Data, including O&D use, cigarette smoking, alcohol use, and diet, were collected using a structured questionnaire. The relation between the use of O&D and LC was evaluated using conditional logistic regression adjusted for tobacco smoking, education, daily intake of fruit, vegetables, red meat, and hydrogenated fats.

Results

Opium ever-use was associated with an increased risk of LC (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) =5.95, 95% CI: 1.87–18.92). Participants were divided into low and high use groups based on the median of opium use in the control group. A significant dose-response relation was observed between the amount of daily O&D use and LC; and the relation was stronger in high users (AORlow users = 3.81% CI: 1.13–12.77 and ORhigh users = 9.36, 95% CI: 2.05–42.72). Also, LC was higher among participants starting the use of O&D at younger ages (≤ 41 years old vs never users AOR = 8.64, 95% CI: 1.90–39.18) compared to those who started at an older age (> 41 years old vs never users, AOR = 4.71, 95% CI: 1.38–16.08). The association between opium, and lung cancer among non-smokers was OR: 6.50 (95% CI: 2.89 to 14.64).

Conclusion

The results of this study show that opium use is probably a dose related risk factor for lung cancer.
Epidemiological features and survival outcomes in patients with malignant pulmonary blastoma: a US population-based analysis
Authors: Bu Xiang , Liu Jing , Wei Linyan , Wang Xiqiang , Chen Mingwei
Published: August 2020

Background

Pulmonary blastoma (PB) is a rare lung primary malignancy with poorly understood risk factors and prognosis. We sought to investigate the epidemiologic features and long-term outcomes of PB.

Methods

A population-based cohort study was conducted to quantify the death risk of PB patients. All subjects diagnosed with malignant PB from 1988 to 2016 were screened from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database. Cox regression model of all-cause death and competing risk analysis of cause-specific death were performed.

Results

We identified 177 PB patients with a median survival of 108 months. The 5 and 10-year survival rate in all PB patients were 58.2 and 48.5%, as well as the 5 and 10-year disease-specific mortality were 33.5 and 38.6%. No sex or race disparities in incidence and prognosis was observed. The death risk of PB was significantly associated with age at diagnosis, clinical stage, histologic subtype and surgery treatment (p<0.01). On multivariable regression analyses, older age, regional stage and no surgery predicted higher risk of both all-cause and disease-specific death in PB patients.

Conclusion

We described the epidemiological characteristics of PB and identified its prognostic factors that were independently associated with worse clinical outcome.
Effect of microwave ablation treatment of hepatic malignancies on serum cytokine levels
Authors: Zhao Jing , Li Qiang , Muktiali Merlin , Ren Bingjie , Hu Yingxi , Li Dapeng , Li Zhi , Li Daoming , Xie Yufeng , Tao Min , Liang Rongrui
Published: August 2020

Background

Microwave ablation (MWA) is widely used to treat unresectable primary and secondary malignancies of the liver, and a limited number of studies indicate that ablation can cause not only necrosis at the in situ site but also an immunoreaction of the whole body. This study aimed to investigate the effects of MWA on cytokines in patients who underwent MWA for a hepatic malignancy.

Methods

Patients admitted to the Oncology Department in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between June 2015 and February 2019 were selected. Peripheral blood was collected from patients with a hepatic malignancy treated with MWA. The levels of cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-12 p40, IL-12 p70, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)) were detected with a Milliplex® MAP Kit. The comparison times were as follows: before ablation, 24 h after ablation, 15 days after ablation, and 30 days after ablation. Data were analyzed using a paired sample t-tests and Spearman’s correlation analysis.

Results

A total of 43 patients with hepatic malignancies were assessed. There were significant differences in IL-2, IL-12 p40, IL-12 p70, IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α at 24 h after MWA. Significant increases (> 2-fold vs. before ablation) were observed in IL-2, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α after MWA. Elevated IL-2 and IL-6 levels after ablation were positively correlated with energy output during the MWA procedure.

Conclusions

WA treatment for hepatic malignancies can alter the serum levels of several cytokines such as IL-2 and IL-6.
Author response to “lack of benefit from low dose computed tomography in screening for lung cancer”
Authors: Huang Kai-Lin , Wang Shih-Yuan , Lu Wan-Chen , Chang Ya-Hui , Su Jian , Lu Yen-Ta
Published: August 2020

We explain to Dr. Benjamin (corresponding author) about why low-dose computed tomography reduce lung cancer mortality without significantly reducing all-cause mortality. We also conduct an up-to-date meta-analysis to evaluate low-dose computed tomography clinical effectiveness compared with usual care of lung cancer screening.
A translation and preliminary validation of the Dutch Wound-QoL questionnaire
Authors: Amesz Stella F. , Klein Toni M. , Meulendijks Audrey M. , Nguyen Tuong-Vi , Blome Christine , Roodbol Petrie F. , van Montfrans Catherine
Published: August 2020

Background

Chronic wounds have a major impact on patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Therefore, measuring HRQoL is an indispensable part of the treatment of patients with chronic wounds. The aim of this study was to translate and validate the Wound-QoL, a wound-specific HRQoL questionnaire, in a Dutch population.

Methods

The Wound-QoL was translated into Dutch according to the international standards. Patients with chronic wounds were asked to complete questionnaires at baseline (T0) and after six weeks (T1), including Wound-QoL, EQ-5D-3L (a generic questionnaire to measure HRQoL) and a visual analogue scale (VAS) measuring wound pain. If patients were not able to complete the questionnaire by themselves, it was read out to them by a nurse. Further data were obtained from medical records.

Results

Of the 120 patients included, 64 (53.3%) completed the questionnaire by themselves. To 55 patients (45.8%), the questionnaire was read out. The internal consistency of the Wound-QoL global score was high at both time points (T0: Cronbach’s α = 0.89, T1: Cronbach’s α = 0.92). The item selectivity for global score ranged from r = 0.25 to r = 0.77 at T0 and from r = 0.40 to r = 0.79 at T1. Overall, the self-completion and read-out subgroups showed similar internal consistency and item selectivity scores. With regard to convergent validity, significant correlations were found between Wound-QoL and EQ-5D-3L (T0: r = − 0.45, p < 0.001, T1: r = − 0.50, p < 0.001) as well as between Wound-QoL and pain VAS (T0: r = 0.23, p = 0.012, T1: r = 0.37, p = 0.001) at both time points. Responsiveness analyses showed significant correlations between changes in Wound-QoL and changes in EQ-5D-3L (r = − 0.37, p < 0.001), pain VAS (r = 0.24, p = 0.044) and wound size (r = 0.24, p = 0.013). The self-completion and read-out subgroups showed differences in convergent validity and responsiveness.

Conclusions

The results indicate that the Dutch version of the Wound-QoL has positive psychometric properties. However, more research is needed to further explore the differences between self-completed and read-out questionnaires.
Patterns, trends, and factors associated with contraceptive use among adolescent girls in Zambia (1996 to 2014): a multilevel analysis
Authors: Chola Mumbi , Hlongwana Khumbulani , Ginindza Themba G.
Published: August 2020

Background

Despite high levels of pregnancy and childbearing among adolescents in Africa, contraceptive use remains low. Examining variations in contraceptive use among adolescent girls is vital for informing programs to improve contraceptive utilisation among this segment of the population. This study aimed to examine the patterns, trends, and factors associated with contraceptive use among adolescents in Zambia over the period 1996–2014.

Methods

The study involved an analysis of data from 1996, 2001/2, 2007 and 2013/14 Zambia Demographic and Health Surveys focusing on adolescent girls aged 15–19 years. Analysis entailed descriptive statistics and estimation of multilevel logistic regression models examining variations in contraceptive use among adolescent girls over time. Estimates withp-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

Results showed that contraceptive use remains low and ranged from 7.6% in 1996 to 10.9% in 2013/14, reflecting a change of 3.3 percentage points over 18 years. Over the 18 years, contraceptive use was significantly associated with age, level of education, and marital status. Older adolescent girls and those with higher levels of education were significantly more likely to use contraception compared to younger ones and those with lower levels of education. Although initially significant (AOR 0.556, 95% CI 0.317, 0.974 in 1996), rural-urban differences disappeared between 2001/2 and 2007 but re-emerged in 2013/14 (AOR 0.654, 95% CI 0.499, 0.859). Across all survey years, adolescents who were married or living with a partner were significantly more likely to use contraceptives compared to those who were not married.

Conclusions

The findings suggest the need for targeted interventions to improve contraceptive use among sexually active adolescent girls in the country in general, and those who are disadvantaged in particular.
Cell metabolomics to study the function mechanism of Cyperus rotundus L. on triple-negative breast cancer cells
Authors: Ma Shuangshuang , Wang Fukai , Zhang Caijuan , Wang Xinzhao , Wang Xueyong , Yu Zhiyong
Published: August 2020

Background

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a kind of malignant tumor with higher recurrence and metastasis rate. According to historical records, the dry rhizomes Cyperus rotundus L. could be ground into powder and mixed with ginger juice and wine for external application for breast cancer. We studied the effect of the ethanol extract of Cyperus rotundus L. (EECR) on TNBC cells and found its’ apoptosis-inducing effect with a dose-relationship. But the function mechanism of EECR on TNBC is still mysterious. Hence, the present research aimed to detect its function mechanism at the small molecule level through ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) metabolomics.

Methods

The CCK-8 assay and the Annexin V-FITC/PI assay were applied to test the effect of EECR on MDA-MB-231 cells and MDA-MB 468 cells at various concentrations of 0, 200, 400, and 600 μg/ml. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS based metabolomics was used between the control group and the EECR treatment groups. Multivariate statistical analysis was used to visualize the apoptosis-inducing action of EECR and filtrate significantly changed metabolites.

Results

The apoptosis-inducing action was confirmed and forty-nine significantly changed metabolites (VIP > 1, p < 0.05, and FC > 1.2 or FC < 0.8) were identified after the interference of EECR. The level of significant differential metabolites between control group, middle dose group, and high dose group were compared and found that which supported the apoptosis-inducing action with dose-dependence.

Conclusion

By means of metabolism, we have detected the mechanism of EECR inducing apoptosis of TNBC cells at the level of small molecule metabolites and found that EECR impacted the energy metabolism of TNBC cells. In addition, we concluded that EECR induced apoptosis by breaking the balance between ATP-production and ATP-consumption: arresting the pathways of Carbohydrate metabolism such as Central carbon metabolism in cancer, aerobic glycolysis, and Amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, whereas accelerating the pathways of ATP-consumption including Amino Acids metabolism, Fatty acid metabolism, Riboflavin metabolism and Purine metabolism. Although further study is still needed, EECR has great potential in the clinical treatment of TNBC with fewer toxic and side effects.
Spontaneous tricuspid valve chordal rupture in a dog with severe, irreversible pulmonary hypertension caused by Angiostrongylus vasorum infection
Authors: Szatmári Viktor
Published: August 2020

Background

The adult worms ofAngiostrongylus vasorumreside in the pulmonary artery of dogs and can lead to cardiac, respiratory, and central neurologic signs. Due to luminal obstruction and perivascular inflammation of the pulmonary artery branches, pulmonary hypertension can arise. Pulmonary hypertension, in turn, can lead to severe damage of the right-sided cardiac structures, leading to right ventricular remodeling and tricuspid valve regurgitation.

Case presentation

An 8-year-old neutered female English Cocker Spaniel was presented to the author’s institution because of abdominal distention and exercise intolerance. Ascites caused by congestive right-sided heart failure was found to be responsible for these problems. The underlying etiology of the right-sided heart failure was a severe pulmonary hypertension caused byAngiostrongylus vasoruminfection. Echocardiography revealed, in addition to a severe concentric and eccentric right ventricular hypertrophy, right atrial and pulmonary trunk dilation, severe tricuspid valve regurgitation, and a systolic flail of the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve, resulting from ruptured chordae tendineae. As a coincidental finding, a congenital mitral stenosis was found. Oral therapy was initiated with daily administration of fenbendazole for 2 weeks along with daily administration of oral sildenafil until the re-check examination. At the 6-week re-check the dog showed full clinical and partial echocardiographic recovery, and both the blood antigen test forAngiostrongylus vasorumand the fecal Baermann larva isolation test were negative. When the sildenafil therapy was ceased after tapering the daily dosage, the owner reported recurrence of abdominal distension. Re-starting the sildenafil therapy resulted in resolution of this problem. The dog was reported to be clinically healthy with daily sildenafil administration 7 months after the initial presentation.

Conclusions

The present case report describes a dog where angiostrongylosis led to congestive right-sided heart failure resulting from severe pulmonary hypertension. The secondary right ventricular eccentric hypertrophy together with suspected papillary muscular ischemia were the suspected cause of the ruptured major tricuspid chordae tendineae, which led to a severe tricuspid valve regurgitation. Despite eradication of the worms, the severe pulmonary hypertension persisted. Treatment with daily oral sildenafil, a pulmonary arterial vasodilator, was enough to keep the dog free of clinically apparent ascites.
Flagellin shifts 3D bronchospheres towards mucus hyperproduction
Authors: Sprott Richard F. , Ritzmann Felix , Langer Frank , Yao Yiwen , Herr Christian , Kohl Yvonne , Tschernig Thomas , Bals Robert , Beisswenger Christoph
Published: August 2020

Cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are associated with acute and chronic bacterial infections of the lung. Excessive differentiation of basal cells to mucus-producing goblet cells can result in mucus hyperproduction and loss of mucociliary clearance in the airways of CF and COPD patients. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) on the differentiation of human 3D bronchospheres. Primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) were differentiated to bronchospheres in the presence of bacterial flagellin and LPS and the synthetic Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands Pam3CSK4 (TLR-2) and polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (pIC, TLR-3). Electron and fluorescence microscopy showed that the differentiation of bronchospheres associated with the formation of lumina and appearance of cilia within 30 days after seeding. Incubation with flagellin resulted in a decreased formation of lumina and loss of cilia formation. Incubation with Pam3CSK, pIC, and LPS did not significantly affect formation of lumina and ciliation. Mucus production was strongly increased in response to flagellin and, to a lesser degree, in response to Pam3CSK4. Our results indicate that bacterial factors, such as flagellin, drive the differentiation of the respiratory epithelium towards mucus hyperproduction.
Correction to: Gamma synuclein is a novel nicotine responsive protein in oral cancer malignancy
Authors: Hsu Chia-Chen , Su Yu-Fu , Tsai Kuo-Yang , Kuo Feng-Chih , Chiang Chi-Fu , Chien Chu-Yen , Chen Ying-Chen , Lee Chien-Hsing , Wu Yu-Chiao , Wang Kun , Liu Shyun-Yeu , Shieh Yi-Shing
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Vector control for malaria elimination in Botswana: progress, gaps and opportunities
Authors: Kgoroebutswe Tefo Kesaobaka , Makate Ntebaleng , Fillinger Ulrike , Mpho Mandla , Segoea Godira , Sangoro Peter Onyango , Mutero Clifford Maina , Chanda Emmanuel , Ntebela Davies , Mogopa Mpho , Mosweunyane Tjantilili , Nkya Theresia Estomih
Published: August 2020

Botswana has in the recent past 10 years made tremendous progress in the control of malaria and this informed re-orientation from malaria control to malaria elimination by the year 2020. This progress is attributed to improved case management, and scale-up of key vector control interventions; indoor residual spraying (IRS) and long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs). However, insecticide resistance, outdoor biting and resting, and predisposing human behaviour, such as staying outdoors or sleeping outdoors without the use of protective measures, pose a challenge to the realization of the full impact of LLINs and IRS. This, together with the paucity of entomological data, inadequate resources and weak community participation for vector control programme implementation delayed attainment of Botswana’s goal of malaria elimination. Also, the Botswana National Malaria Programme (NMP) experiences the lack of intersectoral collaborations and operational research for evidence-based decision making. This case study focuses on the vector control aspect of malaria elimination by identifying challenges and explores opportunities that could be taken advantage of to benefit the NMP to optimize and augment the current vector control interventions to achieve malaria elimination by the year 2030 as per the Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016–2030 targets. The authors emphasize the need for timely and quality entomological surveillance, operational research and integrated vector management.
Correction to: Effectiveness of gender-targeted versus gender-neutral interventions aimed at improving dietary intake, physical activity and/or overweight/obesity in young adults (aged 17–35 years): a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sharkey Thomas , Whatnall Megan C. , Hutchesson Melinda J. , Haslam Rebecca L. , Bezzina Aaron , Collins Clare E. , Ashton Lee M.
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.