bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An ultrasound-based technique in the management of totally implantable venous access devices with persistent withdrawal occlusion
Authors: D’Arrigo Sonia , Annetta Maria Giuseppina , Pittiruti Mauro
Published: June 2021

Persistent withdrawal occlusion is a specific catheter malfunction characterized by inability to withdraw blood through the device while infusion is maintained. The main causes are fibroblastic sleeve and tip malposition (associated or not to venous thrombosis around the tip). All current guidelines recommend infusing vesicant/antiblastic drugs through a central venous port only after assessment of blood return. In PWO, blood return is impossible. We have recently started to assess the intravascular position of the tip and the delivery of the infusion in the proximity of the cavo-atrial junction utilizing transthoracic/subxiphoid ultrasound with the ‘bubble test’. We found that this is an easy, real-time, accurate and safe method for verifying the possibility of using a port for chemotherapy even in the absence of blood return, as it occurs with persistent withdrawal occlusion.
Ultrasound guidance versus conventional technique for radial artery puncture in septic shock patients: A pilot study
Authors: Seyhan Avni Uygar , Ak Rohat
Published: June 2021

Background:

Arterial puncture, for obtaining an analysis of blood gas, is an interventional procedure often performed in emergency departments and intensive care units. This study compares the ultrasound (US) guided method with the conventional digital palpation method in radial artery puncture (RAP) for blood gas analysis in septic shock patients.

Methods:

This is a prospective, single-centre study. Septic shock patients over 18 years of age who needed a RAP sample for blood gas analysis were included. Patients with local infection or trauma at the puncture site, arteriovenous fistula, vascular graft, coagulopathy, a positive Allen test, or did not want to participate were excluded. Patients were randomized into two groups and RAP was obtained with either the US-guided method or the conventional method. The main outcomes were success at first entry, the number of attempts before success, and the time to success.

Results:

The 50 eligible patients were randomized into two groups. First entry success rate for the US-guided group and the conventional group was 80% and 42%, respectively. The number of attempts before success and time to success was significantly higher in the conventional group.

Conclusion:

The US-guided method has been found to be more successful in terms of first entry success, the number of attempts before success, and the time to success when compared to the conventional method.
Effect of materials and surfaces on frictional heating resistance of high-speed high-load rolling bearings
Authors: Morales-Espejel Guillermo E , Brizmer Victor
Published: June 2021

Many engineering applications require rolling bearings to run at very high rolling speeds and under very high loads. In ball bearings, even if the rolling/sliding ratio is very low (normally below 3%) because of the very high rolling speeds (∼40 m/s) the sliding speeds between the balls and raceways can reach locally very high values (∼1.35 m/s). The combination of these high sliding speeds and high contact pressures (up to 3 GPa) can induce lubricant film failures and increase the risk of adhesive wear between the surfaces (i.e. seizure). This process can be gradual or catastrophic, depending on the operating and lubrication conditions of the contacts. In this article, an investigation is presented where the effects of the material properties and surface topography on the adhesive wear resistance are addressed. The investigation applies a recently developed model for surface damage prediction from frictional heating, compared with a to-be-published seizure resistance experimental study. Three steels are included in the research together with different surface roughness. The results show the best material and roughness combination to maximise the seizure resistance of the surfaces.
Researching tribute bands: tools, counter-interpretations and extending research relations to Facebook in a tight network
Authors: Nikoghosyan Nuné
Published: June 2021

This article discusses methodological, ethical, and epistemological issues that arise when research is conducted in a tight-knit network of respondents: in this case, artists in search of fame and recognition, while performing in a tribute band – a relatively downgraded form of music. The study was conducted in Switzerland and used qualitative methodology, consisting mainly of observations of concerts and semi-structured interviews with musicians, cultural intermediaries and audience members. With an aim to contribute to the reflexivity of sociology as a discipline and ideally provide methodological traces for future research in similar conditions, the article first presents the general methodology used in this study. Then, the discussion turns to the uses and difficulties of certain methodological elements such as Howard Becker’s advice on ‘playing dumb’ for obtaining more subtle information, dealing with ‘counter-interpretations’ by study participants, or the extension of research relations to the online realm.
Giving up the ghost: Findings on fathers and social work from a study of pre-birth child protection
Authors: Critchley Ariane
Published: June 2021

This article reports findings from an ethnographic study of pre-birth child protection, conducted in an urban Scottish setting. The study was designed to explore the interactions between practitioners and families in the context of child protection involvement during a pregnancy. This research aimed to understand the activities that constituted pre-birth child protection assessment, and the meaning attached to those activities by social workers and expectant parents. Very different perspectives on fathers and fatherhood emerged through the study. Fathers shared their feelings of familial tenderness in the context of research interviews. Yet social workers often focused on the risks that the fathers posed. This focus on risk led professionals to ignore or exclude fathers in significant ways. Fathers were denied opportunities to take an active role in their families and care planning for their infants, whilst mothers were over-responsibilised. Children meanwhile were potentially denied the relationship, care and identity benefits of involved fatherhood. This article shows how pre-birth child protection processes and practice can function so as to limit the contribution of expectant fathers. The way that fathers and fathering are understood continues to be a wider problem for social work, requiring development through research and practice. This study was not immune to the challenge of involving men in social work research in meaningful ways. Nevertheless, the findings highlight how participation in social work research can create a forum for fathers to share their concerns, and the importance of their perspective for practice.
Madelung Deformity: Radioscapholunate Arthrodesis With a Neo-DRUJ
Authors: Piek Annelinde R. , Peymani Abbas , Dobbe Johannes G. G. , Buijze Geert A. , Chammas Michel , Streekstra Geert J. , Strackee Simon D.
Published: June 2021

Background

Madelung deformity is a rare wrist anomaly that causes considerable pain while restricting function. In this study, we describe a radioscapholunate (RSL) arthrodesis with a neo-distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) in Madelung deformity patients with an abnormal sigmoid notch and compare results to patients after a reverse wedge osteotomy.

Methods

Six wrists underwent RSL arthrodesis with a neo-DRUJ in a two-phase approach: (1) modified RSL arthrodesis with triquetrectomy; and (2) distal scaphoidectomy. Seven wrists underwent a reverse wedge osteotomy procedure.

Results

There were no differences found in postoperative pain, grip strength, or range of motion (ROM), apart from extension, which was decreased after RSL arthrodesis with a neo-DRUJ. Quality of life and Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire scores were similar.

Conclusions

Although clinical outcome parameters are not different among the two groups, the RSL arthrodesis with construction of a neo-DRUJ could prove a valid treatment option for a subset of patients with a severely affected sigmoid notch.
The United States and the border: Mexican children’s drawings of family separation
Authors: Oliveira Gabrielle , Barbieri Olivia , Alex Virginia
Published: June 2021

In the current age of border talk, border enforcement, and of draconian policies that further separate and break up families, children who remain in the country of origin are rarely asked what they understand the border and the United States to be like. Media vehicles and academic papers have reported the brutal effects of family separation at the border for children and families. In order to further understand how young children make sense of their feelings of loss and separation psychologists and members of the American Academy of Pediatrics have collected drawings done by children to understand how trauma has manifested in the minds of children during detention and separation. However, another facet of children’s perceptions of the United States, migration and family separation also exist a little farther away from the physical border that divides the U.S. and Mexico. This paper, then, addresses the questions: How do Mexican children in Mexico make sense of their family separation through their drawings? How are children’s drawings and narratives describing how they see and understand the United States? In this paper, we analyze 50 drawings from children in Puebla, Mexico who have one or more parents living in the United States. Data for this paper stems from a 3 year, multi-sited ethnography that spanned New York City and several states in Mexico.
Sleep Disturbances in Individuals Quarantined Due to SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in Poland: A Mixed Methods Design Study
Authors: Krupa Sabina , Paweł Witt , Mędrzycka-Dąbrowska Wioletta , Lintowska Agnieszka , Ozga Dorota
Published: June 2021

Objectives

The study aimed to assess sleep disturbances in patients subjected to home quarantine due to suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study used a mixed methods design study as a research methodology.

Methods

A semi-structured interview and the scale for Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were used to achieve the aim of the study. The survey was conducted from 16 to 20 April 2020 and 1 to 2 September 2020 in Poland, at the during of SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in this country. The data were coded and cross-processed. The (COREQ) checklist was followed.

Results

Interviews with patients and a thorough analysis of recordings revealed commonly used phrases in the following categories: “anxiety”, “ Am I going crazy?”, “Sleep problems”. 10 out of 11 respondents reported sleep disorders of varying severity according to the Insomnia Severity Index scale. Patients presented a fear related to the return to society and normal functioning after quarantine. Additionally, some study participants voiced concerns related to their mental health; some cases of hallucinations were reported.

Conclusions

Further global population studies should be conducted to analyse this phenomenon. Acute Stress Disorder should be understood as a threat to life and health of an isolated society in quarantine. Further research in this area should be promoted and the need for global guidelines for the entire population should be developed.
EpoR-tdTomato-Cre mice enable identification of EpoR expression in subsets of tissue macrophages and hematopoietic cells
Authors: Zhang Huan , Wang Shihui , Liu Donghao , Gao Chengjie , Han Yongshuai , Guo Xinhua , Qu Xiaoli , Li Wei , Zhang Shijie , Geng Jingyu , Zhang Linlin , Mendelson Avital , Yazdanbakhsh Karina , Chen Lixiang , An Xiuli
Published: June 2021

The erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) has traditionally been thought of as an erythroid-specific gene. Notably, accumulating evidence suggests that EpoR is expressed well beyond erythroid cells. However, the expression of EpoR in non-erythroid cells has been controversial. In this study, we generated EpoR-tdTomato-Cre mice and used them to examine the expression of EpoR in tissue macrophages and hematopoietic cells. We show that in marked contrast to the previously available EpoR-eGFPcre mice, in which a very weak eGFP signal was detected in erythroid cells, tdTomato was readily detectable in both fetal liver (FL) and bone marrow (BM) erythroid cells at all developmental stages and exhibited dynamic changes during erythropoiesis. Consistent with our recent finding that erythroblastic island (EBI) macrophages are characterized by the expression of EpoR, tdTomato was readily detected in both FL and BM EBI macrophages. Moreover, tdTomato was also detected in subsets of hematopoietic stem cells, progenitors, megakaryocytes, and B cells in BM as well as in spleen red pulp macrophages and liver Kupffer cells. The expression of EpoR was further shown by the EpoR-tdTomato-Cre–mediated excision of the floxed STOP sequence. Importantly, EPO injection selectively promoted proliferation of the EpoR-expressing cells and induced erythroid lineage bias during hematopoiesis. Our findings imply broad roles for EPO/EpoR in hematopoiesis that warrant further investigation. The EpoR-tdTomato-Cre mouse line provides a powerful tool to facilitate future studies on EpoR expression and regulation in various non-hematopoietic cells and to conditionally manipulate gene expression in EpoR-expressing cells for functional studies.
Transition of patients with interstitial lung disease from paediatric to adult care
Authors: Koucký Václav , Pohunek Petr , Vašáková Martina , Bush Andrew
Published: June 2021

The European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) is a funding organisation for the creation of research networks, called COST Actions. COST Action 16125 was dedicated to European network for translational research in children's and adult interstitial lung disease. Working Group 5 of the COST Action CA16125 focussed on the problems of transition of children with interstitial lung diseases from paediatric to adult care. Results of this survey performed among members of the Working Group and some affiliated specialists showed highly variable and inadequate current system of transitions of these patients to adult care in most centres. In most centres there is no established and consistent procedure to guarantee appropriate transfer of information and prepare the patient for transition to a new specialist and a new team. Immediate action is therefore required. The Working Group has prepared a model procedure for the transition, based on protocols from several centres with established pathways, either for childhood interstitial lung disease or other chronic respiratory diseases.
Dispersal and mating patterns determine the fate of naturally dispersed populations: evidence from Bombina orientalis
Authors: Yu Liqun , Zhao Shuai , Meng Fanbing , Shi Yanshuang , Xu Chunzhu
Published: June 2021

Background

In contrast to the explosive increase of a population following biological invasion, natural dispersal, i.e., when a population disperses from its original range into a new range, is a passive process that is affected by resources, the environment, and other factors. Natural dispersal is also negatively impacted by genetic drift and the founder effect. Although the fates of naturally dispersed populations are unknown, they can adapt evolutionarily over time to the new environment. Can naturally dispersed populations evolve beneficial adaptive strategies to offset these negative effects to maintain their population in a stable state?

Results

The current study addressed this question by focusing on the toad Bombina orientalis, the population of which underwent natural dispersal following the Last Glacial Maximum in Northeast Asia. Population genetic approaches were used to determine the genetic structure, dispersal pattern, and mating system of the population of B. orientalis in northeast China (Northern population). The results showed that this northern population of B. orientalis is a typical naturally dispersed population, in which the stable genetic structure and high level of genetic diversity of the population have been maintained through the long-distance biased dispersal behavior of males and the pattern of promiscuity within the population.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that naturally dispersed populations can evolve effective adaptive strategies to maintain a stable population. Different species may have different strategies. The relevance of these maintenance mechanisms for naturally dispersed populations provide a new perspective for further understanding the processes of speciation and evolution.
Genome-wide characterization of microsatellite DNA in fishes: survey and analysis of their abundance and frequency in genome-specific regions
Authors: Lei Yi , Zhou Yu , Price Megan , Song Zhaobin
Published: June 2021

Background

Microsatellite repeats are ubiquitous in organism genomes and play an important role in the chromatin organization, regulation of gene activity, recombination and DNA replication. Although microsatellite distribution patterns have been studied in most phylogenetic lineages, they are unclear in fish species.

Results

Here, we present the first systematic examination of microsatellite distribution in coding and non-coding regions of 14 fish genomes. Our study showed that the number and type of microsatellites displayed nonrandom distribution for both intragenic and intergenic regions, suggesting that they have potential roles in transcriptional or translational regulation and DNA replication slippage theories alone were insufficient to explain the distribution patterns. Our results showed that microsatellites are dominant in non-coding regions. The total number of microsatellites ranged from 78,378 to 1,012,084, and the relative density varied from 4925.76 bp/Mb to 25,401.97 bp/Mb. Overall, (A + T)-rich repeats were dominant. The dependence of repeat abundance on the length of the repeated unit (1–6 nt) showed a great similarity decrease, whereas more tri-nucleotide repeats were found in exonic regions than tetra-nucleotide repeats of most species. Moreover, the incidence of different repeated types appeared species- and genomic-specific. These results highlight potential mechanisms for maintaining microsatellite distribution, such as selective forces and mismatch repair systems.

Conclusions

Our data could be beneficial for the studies of genome evolution and microsatellite DNA evolutionary dynamics, and facilitate the exploration of microsatellites structural, function, composition mode and molecular markers development in these species.
Creatinine-lactate score predicts mortality in non-acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure in patients listed for liver transplantation
Authors: Figueira Estela Regina Ramos , Rocha-Filho Joel Avancini , Lanchotte Cinthia , Nacif Lucas Souto , de Paiva Haddad Luciana Bertocco , Assalin Adriana Rochetto , Shinkado Yumi Ricucci , Vintimilla Agustin Moscoso , Galvao Flavio Henrique Ferreira , D’Albuquerque Luiz Augusto Carneiro
Published: June 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to analyze prognostic indicators of in-hospital mortality among patients listed for urgent liver transplantation (LT) for non-acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver failure (ALF).

Methods

ALF patients listed for LT according to the King’s College Criteria were retrospectively reviewed. Variables were recorded from medical records and electronic databases (HCMED and RedCap).

Results

The study included 100 patients, of which 69 were subject to LT and 31 died while waiting for LT. Patients were 35.5 ± 14.73 years old, and 78% were females. The main etiologies were virus (17%), drug-induced (32%), autoimmune (15%), and indeterminate hepatitis (31%). The prioritization-to-LT time interval was 1.5 days (0–9). The non-LT patients showed higher lactate (8.71 ± 5.36 vs. 4.48 ± 3.33 mmol/L), creatinine (229 ± 207 vs. 137 ± 136 µm/L), MELD (44 ± 8 vs. 38 ± 8), and BiLE scores (15.8 ± 5.5 vs. 10.3 ± 4.1) compared to LT patients (p < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified creatinine and lactate as independent prognostic factors, and a creatinine-lactate (CL) score was developed. ROC analysis showed that creatinine, lactate, MELD, BiLE, and CL scores had considerable specificity (71–88%), but only BiLE, lactate, and CL presented high sensitivities (70%, 80%, and 87% respectively). AUCs were 0.696 for creatinine, 0.763 for lactate, 0.697 for MELD, 0.814 for BiLE, and 0.835 for CL.

Conclusions

CL and BiLE scores predict mortality with more accuracy than MELD in patients with ALF during prioritization time. Creatinine and lactate are independent prognostic factors for mortality.
Fear of falling is as important as multiple previous falls in terms of limiting daily activities: a longitudinal study
Authors: Liu Minhui , Hou Tianxue , Li Yuxiao , Sun Xiaocao , Szanton Sarah L. , Clemson Lindy , Davidson Patricia M.
Published: June 2021

Background

Fear of falling and previous falls are both risk factors that affect daily activities of older adults. However, it remains unclear whether they independently limit daily activities accounting for each other.

Methods

We used the data from Round 1 (Year 1) to Round 5 (Year 5) of the National Health and Aging Trends Study. We included a total of 864 community-dwelling participants who provided data on previous falls, fear of falling and limited activities from Year 1 to Year 5 and had no limited daily activities at Year 1 in this study. Previous falls and fear of falling were ascertained by asking participants how many falls they had in the past year and whether they had worried about falling in the last month. Limited daily activities included any difficulties with mobility (e.g., going outside), self-care (e.g., eating), and household activities (e.g., laundering). Generalized estimation equation models were used to examine whether previous falls and fear of falling independently predicted development of limited daily activities adjusting covariates.

Results

Participants were mainly between 65 and 79 years old (83 %), male (57 %), and non-Hispanic White (79 %). Among participants who had multiple falls in Year 1, 19.1-31 %, 21.4-52.4 %, and 11.9-35.7 % developed limitations in mobility, self-care, and household activities during Year 2 to Year 5, respectively. Among those who had fear of falling in Year 1, 22.5-41.3 %, 30.0-55.0 %, and 18.8-36.3 % developed limitations in mobility, self-care, and household activities during Year 2 to Year 4, respectively. Fear of falling independently predicted limitations in mobility (Incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 1.79, 95 % CI: 1.44, 2.24), self-care (IRR: 1.25, 95 % CI: 1.08, 1.44) and household activities (IRR: 1.39, 95 % CI: 1.08, 1.78) after adjusting for previous falls and covariates. Multiple previous falls independently predicted limitations in mobility (IRR: 1.72, 1.30, 2.27), self-care (IRR: 1.40, 95 % CI: 1.19, 1.66) and household activities (IRR: 1.36, 95 % CI: 1.01, 1.83) after adjusting fear of falling and covariates.

Conclusions

Fear of falling seems to be as important as multiple previous falls in terms of limiting older adults’ daily activities.
Pathogenesis-based preexposure prophylaxis associated with a low risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers at a designated COVID-19 hospital: a pilot study
Authors: Dubina Michael V. , Gomonova Veronika V. , Taraskina Anastasia E. , Vasilyeva Natalia V. , Sayganov Sergey A.
Published: June 2021

Background

At present, no agents are known to be effective at preventing COVID-19. Based on current knowledge of the pathogenesis of this disease, we suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection might be attenuated by directly maintaining innate pulmonary redox, metabolic and dilation functions using well-tolerated medications that are known to serve these functions, specifically, a low-dose aerosolized combination of glutathione, inosine and potassium.

Methods

From June 1 to July 10, 2020, we conducted a pilot, prospective, open-label, single-arm, single-center study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with aerosolized combination medication (ACM) on the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 positivity in 99 healthcare workers (HCWs) at a hospital designated for treating COVID-19 patients. We compared SARS-CoV-2 positivity in ACM users to retrospective data collected from 268 untreated HCWs at the same hospital. Eligible participants received an aerosolized combination of 21.3 mg/ml glutathione and 8.7 mg/ml inosine in 107 mM potassium solution for 14 days. The main outcome was the frequency of laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases, defined as individuals with positive genetic or immunological tests within 28 days of the study period.

Results

SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 2 ACM users (2, 95% CI: 0.3 to 7.1%), which was significantly less than the incidence in nonusers, at 24 (9, 95% CI: 5.8 to 13.0%; P = 0.02). During the PrEP period, solicited adverse events occurred in five participants; all were mild and transient reactions.

Conclusions

Our findings might be used either to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection or to support ongoing and new research into more effective treatments for COVID-19.

Trial registration

ISRCTN, ISRCTN34160010. Registered 14 September 2020 - Retrospectively registered.
Assessment of safety margin after microwave ablation of stage I NSCLC with three-dimensional reconstruction technique using CT imaging
Authors: Yan Peng , Tong An-na , Nie Xiu-li , Ma Min-ge
Published: June 2021

Objective

To assess the ablative margin of microwave ablation (MWA) for stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction technique.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analyzed 36 patients with stage I NSCLC lesions undergoing MWA and analyzed the relationship between minimal ablative margin and the local tumor progression (LTP) interval, the distant metastasis interval and disease-free survival (DFS). The minimal ablative margin was measured using the fusion of 3D computed tomography reconstruction technique.

Results

Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that tumor size (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.91, P < 0.01; HR = 2.41, P = 0.01) and minimal ablative margin (HR = 0.13, P < 0.01; HR = 0.11, P < 0.01) were independent prognostic factors for the LTP interval. Tumor size (HR = 1.96, P < 0.01; HR = 2.35, P < 0.01) and minimal ablative margin (HR = 0.17, P < 0.01; HR = 0.13, P < 0.01) were independent prognostic factors for DFS by univariate and multivariate analyses. In the group with a minimal ablative margin < 5 mm, the 1-year and 2-year local progression-free rates were 35.7% and 15.9%, respectively. The 1-year and 2-year distant metastasis-free rates were 75.6% and 75.6%, respectively; the 1-year and 2-year disease-free survival rates were 16.7% and 11.1%, respectively. In the group with a minimal ablative margin ≥ 5 mm, the 1-year and 2-year local progression-free rates were 88.9% and 69.4%, respectively. The 1-year and 2-year distant metastasis-free rates were 94.4% and 86.6%, respectively; the 1-year and 2-year disease-free survival rates were 88.9% and 63.7%, respectively. The feasibility of 3D quantitative analysis of the ablative margins after MWA for NSCLC has been validated.

Conclusions

The minimal ablative margin is an independent factor of NSCLC relapse after MWA, and the fusion of 3D reconstruction technique can feasibly assess the minimal ablative margin.
Prevalence and correlates of malnutrition among hemodialysis patients at hebron governmental hospital, Palestine: cross-sectional study
Authors: Badrasawi Manal , Zidan Souzan , Sharif Israa , Qaisiyha Juliana , Ewaida Sanabel , Jaradat Tala , Samamra Yasmeen
Published: June 2021

Background

Malnutrition is a usually observed condition among patients on hemodialysis and is considered one of sturdiest indicators of mortality and morbidity.

Objectives

The current study was performed to assess the prevalence of malnutrition, to verify whether functional status is associated with malnutrition, and to explore the probable factors related to malnutrition among a sample of hemodialysis patients at Hebron Governmental Hospital in West Bank, Palestine.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on hemodialysis patients in Hebron Governmental Hospital at Hebron city/Palestine. An interview-based questionnaire was used to obtain information related to socio-demographics, dialysis, medical history, lifestyle, anthropometric measurements, dietary data, and functional status. Renal inpatient screening tool (renal iNUT) was also utilized to screen hemodialysis patients for malnutrition. Furthermore, biochemical tests were obtained during the study period from medical files of the studied patients.

Results

A total of 153 patients, having a mean age of 50.1 ± 16.6 years, were involved in the final analysis. The results indicated that the prevalence of high risk of malnutrition (45.4 %). Moreover, high risk of malnutrition was significantly associated with occupation, and walking. It was further found that patients with high risk of malnutrition are more likely to had osteoporosis, unable to ambulate, didn’t feel that the amount of food they eat is enough. Our findings also figured out that some complications during hemodialysis session (e.g., headache, nausea, hypotension) and some hemodialysis side effects (e.g., itching, access site complication) were significantly correlated to malnutrition.

Conclusions

A high prevalence of malnutrition was revealed among hemodialysis using renal iNUT screening tool. Improving nutritional assessment methods for patients on hemodialysis is highly needed. Findings reveals that risk of malnutrition is associated with multiple factors such as osteoporosis, occupation, walking, ability to ambulate, certain complication during hemodialysis session, and some hemodialysis side effects. Further studies are highly recommended.
A phase I study of the safety and activity of K-001 in patients with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Cui Jiujie , Yang Haiyan , Liu Jue , Chen Donghui , Hu Jiong , Zhang Haiyan , Wang Yu , Han Ting , Mao Tiebo , Jiao Feng , Biskup Ewelina , Pan Yaotian , Liu Min , Wang Liwei
Published: June 2021

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a deadly disease that lack of effective therapeutic drugs. K-001 is an oral antitumor drug made from active ingredients of marine microorganisms. The current study aimed to evaluate safety and antitumor activity of K-001 in patients with advanced PDAC.

Methods

In this phase I, open-label trial, patients with advanced PDAC were recruited to a dose-escalation study in a standard 3 + 3 design. K-001 was administered twice daily in four-week cycles, and dose escalation from 1350 mg to 2160 mg was evaluated twice daily. Physical examination and laboratory tests were done at screening and then weekly. The safety, dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of K-001 were assessed while tumor response was estimated by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor (RECIST).

Results

Eighteen patients with advanced PDAC were screened, and twelve eligible patients were analyzed in the study. No DLT was observed. Totally, 47 adverse events (AEs) presented, and 14 drug-related AEs were reported in 7 patients, including 8 grade 1 events (57.1%) and 6 grade 2 events (42.9%). There was no grade 3 or 4 drug-related AE. In these 14 drug-related AEs, the most frequent ones were dyspepsia (21.4%), followed by flatulence, constipation, and hemorrhoid bleeding (above 10% of each). Among all 12 patients, 10 patients (83.3%) maintained stable disease (SD), and 2 patients (16.7%) had progressive disease (PD). The objective response rate (ORR) was 0% and the disease control rate (DCR) was 83.3%.

Conclusions

K-001 manifests satisfactory safety and tolerability, as well as meaningful antitumor activity in advanced PDAC patients. Further evaluation of K-001 in phase II/III appears warranted.

Trial registration

NCT02720666. Registered 28 Match 2016 - Retrospectively registered.
REMARRY and PURSUIT trials: liquid biopsy-guided rechallenge with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapy with panitumumab plus irinotecan for patients with plasma RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Nakajima Hiromichi , Kotani Daisuke , Bando Hideaki , Kato Takeshi , Oki Eiji , Shinozaki Eiji , Sunakawa Yu , Yamazaki Kentaro , Yuki Satoshi , Nakamura Yoshiaki , Yamanaka Takeharu , Yoshino Takayuki , Ohta Takashi , Taniguchi Hiroya , Kagawa Yoshinori
Published: June 2021

Background

Previous clinical trials have demonstrated the potential efficacy of rechallenge with anti- epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for patients with RAS/BRAF V600E wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Moreover, post hoc biomarker analyses of clinical trials has suggested that RAS status in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has a high probability to select patients who could benefit from anti-EGFR mAb rechallenge.

Methods

This trial is composed of 2 phases: a monitoring phase (REMARRY) and a trial phase (PURSUIT). A monitoring phase, the REMARRY study, aims to evaluate the dynamics of plasma RAS status during the subsequent treatments after refractory to anti-EGFR therapy in patients with mCRC with RAS/BRAF V600E wild-type tumors who have progressed after a response to previous anti-EGFR therapy, using a highly sensitive digital polymerase chain reaction OncoBEAM RAS CRC kit in a central laboratory (Sysmex, Japan). A trial phase, the PURSUIT trial, is a multicenter, single-arm phase II trial to assess the efficacy and safety of rechallenge therapy with panitumumab plus irinotecan in patients without RAS mutations in ctDNA (plasma RAS negative) in the REMARRY study. Key eligibility criteria of the PURSUIT trial include RAS/BRAF V600E wild-type mCRC in tumor tissue refractory or intolerant to fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan; progression after complete or partial response to previous anti-EGFR therapy; plasma RAS negative (defined as plasma mutant allele frequencies [MAF] of all RAS ≤ 0.1%) within 28 days prior to enrollment; 4 months or more between the last administration of previous anti-EGFR mAb and the start of protocol treatment; and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status (PS) ≤ 1. The primary endpoint is the confirmed objective response rate (ORR). The target sample size of the PURSUIT trial is 50 patients. Biomarker analyses will be performed in parallel using the OncoBEAM RAS CRC kit and a next-generation sequencing-based ctDNA analysis (Guardant360).

Discussion

Our trial aims to confirm the clinical benefit of anti-EGFR mAb rechallenge therapy in patients with plasma RAS negative. Moreover, through biomarker analyses, our trial will shed light on which patients would benefit from rechallenge in addition to being plasma RAS negative.

Trial registration

The REMARRY study: UMIN, UMIN000036424. Registered date: April 5, 2019. The PURSUIT trial: jRCT, jRCTs031190096. Registered date: October 1, 2019.
Cancer-specific survival by stage of bladder cancer and factors collected by Mallorca Cancer Registry associated to survival
Authors: Ripoll J. , Ramos M. , Montaño J. , Pons J. , Ameijide A. , Franch P.
Published: June 2021

Background

Information about survival by stage in bladder cancer is scarce, as well as about survival of non-invasive bladder cancer. The aims of this study are: 1) to find out the distribution of bladder cancer by stage; 2) to determine cancer-specific survival by stage of bladder cancer; 3) to identify factors that explain and predict the likelihood of survival and the risk of dying from these cancers.

Methods

Incident bladder cancer cases diagnosed between 2006 and 2011 were identified through the Mallorca Cancer Registry. Inclusion criteria: cases with code C67 according to the ICD-O 3rd edition with any behaviour and any histology, except lymphomas and small cell carcinomas. Cases identified exclusively through the death certificate were excluded. We collected the following data: sex; age; date and method of diagnosis; histology according to the ICD-O 3rd edition; T, N, M and stage at the time of diagnosis; and date of follow-up or death. End point of follow-up was 31 December 2015. Multiple imputation (MI) was performed to estimate cases with unknown stage. Cases with benign or indeterminate behaviour were excluded for the survival analysis. Actuarial and Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox regression models were used for survival analysis.

Results

One thousand nine hundred fourteen cases were identified. 14% were women and 65.4% were 65 years or older. 3.9% had no stage (benign or undetermined behaviour) and 11.5% had unknown stage. After MI, 37.5% were in stage Ta (non-invasive papillary carcinoma), 3.2% in stage Tis (carcinoma in situ), 34.3% in stage I, 11.7% in Stage II, 4.3% in stage III, and 9.0% in stage IV. Survival was 76% at 5 years. Survival by stage: 98% at stage Ta, 90% at stage Tis, 85% at stage I, 45% at stage II, 35% at stage III, and 7% at stage IV. The Cox model showed that age, histology, and stage, but not sex, were associated with survival.

Conclusion

Bladder cancer survival vary greatly with stage, among both non-invasive and invasive cases. The percentage of non-invasive cancers is high. Stage, age, and histology are associated to survival.
Prevalence and influencing factors of chronic post-traumatic stress disorder in patients with myocardial infarction, transient ischemic attack (TIA) and stroke – an exploratory, descriptive study
Authors: Dollenberg Aurora , Moeller Sebastian , Lücke Caroline , Wang Ruihao , Lam Alexandra P. , Philipsen Alexandra , Gschossmann Jürgen M. , Hoffmann Falk , Müller Helge H. O.
Published: June 2021

Background

Cardio- and cerebrovascular events such as myocardial infarction (MI), stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) are leading causes of death and disability and have also been associated with poor mental outcomes. In addition, cardio- and cerebrovascular events may pose the risk of experiencing a sudden traumatic occurrence of symptoms during ictus and thus contribute to high rates of PTSD as well as high rates of subsequent depression and anxiety. Moreover, MI, TIA and stroke survivors with PTSD, depressive and anxiety symptoms may have poorer health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and poorer disease prognosis than patients who do not develop psychiatric symptoms after ictus. However, data on the prevalence of PTSD, anxiety and depression, as well as the HRQoL, coping strategies and potential risk factors for development of PTSD in these patients, are rare.

Methods

In an exploratory, descriptive study we interviewed 112 patients (54 MI, 18 TIA, 40 stroke; mean age: 69.5 years, 55.4% males) from three general physician practices and used psychometric self-assessment tools to determine the occurrence of PTSD and psychosomatic comorbidity, anxiety and depression and to assess HRQoL and coping strategies. We evaluated disease severity and compared the patient groups to each other. Moreover, we assessed psychological outcome differences between patients with or without PTSD after ictus.

Results

The prevalence of PTSD after MI, TIA and stroke was 23.2%. The patients who developed PTSD had higher rates of depression, anxiety and maladaptive coping as well as reduced HRQoL. Adaptive coping was positively related to better mental HRQoL and negatively related to anxiety and depression. Disease severity of MI, TIA and stroke was not related to PTSD, depression, anxiety or physical HRQoL.

Conclusions

Experiencing MI, TIA or stroke means confronting a life-threatening event for those affected and, therefore, these can be regarded as traumatic events. Cerebral and cardiovascular events increase the risk of developing chronic PTSD with subsequent increased depression and anxiety and reduced HRQoL. These findings emphasize the need for early screening and diagnosis of PTSD in somatically ill patients, which should be followed by specialized treatment, as PTSD hampers overall (somatic) disease prognosis.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00021730, https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00021730, registered 05/19/2020 - Retrospectively registered.
Stroke and cardiovascular risk factors among working-aged Finnish migraineurs
Authors: Sumelahti Marja-Liisa , Sumanen Merika S. , Mattila Kari J. , Sillanmäki Lauri , Sumanen Markku
Published: June 2021

Background

The aim of our study was to evaluate the risk for comorbid cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases in the working-aged migraine population of Finland.

Methods

A total of 1505 cases who reported diagnosed migraine and 3010 controls from a cohort of 11,596 cases in the Finnish Health and Social Support Study were included. The study material was linked with two registers. ICD diagnoses I63 for ischemic stroke (IS), I21 − I22 for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and G43 for transient ischemic attack (TIA) among study participants were drawn from the national Finnish Care Register for Health Care at the follow-up in 2012. Reimbursed triptan prescriptions were drawn from the national Social Security Institution (SII) data. The self-reported vascular risk factors were hypertension, high cholesterol values, any diabetes, myocardial infarction, stroke, and TIA. Odds Ratios (OR) with 95% confidence (95% CI) intervals were assessed for diagnosed stroke, myocardial infarction, and TIA.

Results

Migraineurs were mostly female (82%) and ≥ 54 years old (62%). Triptans were reimbursed among 34.7% of migraineurs. A self-reported hypertension (21%), high serum cholesterol (38%), and any diabetes (7%) were more common among migraineurs vs controls (p < 0.05). There was no risk for AMI. The risk for TIA (OR 3.20, 95% CI 1.45–7.05) and IS (2.57, 95% CI 1.28–5.17) among migraineurs vs controls remained high after adjustment for self-reported hypertension, obesity, and smoking. The risk was higher among women in two groups ≥54 years (3.25, 95% CI 1.35–7.84 and 5.0, 95% CI 1.94–12.89, respectively). The average age for IS in migraine was 57.5 years and for TIA 58.2 years among women, and 52.8 years and 50.3 years among men, respectively.

Conclusion

Cardiovascular risk should be screened in the aging migraine population, and hormonal and other migraine-related risk factors should be considered, especially among women. Efficacious attack treatment with triptans should be offered to migraine patients who do not show contraindications.
Estimating exposure to neighborhood crime by race and ethnicity for public health research
Authors: Lodge Evans K. , Hoyo Cathrine , Gutierrez Carmen M. , Rappazzo Kristen M. , Emch Michael E. , Martin Chantel L.
Published: June 2021

Background

Police-reported crime data (hereafter “crime”) is routinely used as a psychosocial stressor in public health research, yet few studies have jointly examined (a) differences in crime exposure based on participant race and ethnicity, (b) differences in measures of crime exposure, and (c) considerations for how exposure to police is captured in police-recorded crime data. We estimate neighborhood exposure to crime and discuss the implications of structural differences in exposure to crime and police based on race and ethnicity.

Methods

Using GPS coordinates from 1188 participants in the Newborn Epigenetics Study, we estimated gestational exposure to crime provided by the Durham, North Carolina, Police Department within (a) 800 m and (b) the Census block group of residence. We controlled for non-overlapping spatial boundaries in crime, Census, residential, and police data to report crime spatial (crime per km2) and population (crime per 1000 people per km2) density.

Results

We demonstrate dramatic disparities in exposure to crime based on participant race and ethnicity and highlight variability in these disparities based on the type of crime and crime measurement method chosen.

Conclusions

Public health researchers should give thoughtful consideration when using police-reported crime data to measure and model exposure to crime in the United States, as police-reported data encompasses joint exposure to police and crime in the neighborhood setting.
Sexual health norms and communication patterns within the close social networks of men who have sex with men and transgender women in Lima, Peru: a 2017 cross-sectional study
Authors: Ayer Amrita , Segura Eddy R. , Perez-Brumer Amaya , Chavez-Gomez Susan , Fernandez Rosario , Gutierrez Jessica , Suárez Karla , Lake Jordan E. , Clark Jesse L. , Cabello Robinson
Published: June 2021

Background

Social networks, norms, and discussions about sexual health may inform sexual practices, influencing risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or sexually transmitted infection (STI) acquisition. To better understand social networks of Peruvian men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (trans women), we examined key social network members (SNMs), participant perceptions of these network members’ opinions toward sexual health behaviors, and associations between network member characteristics and condomless anal intercourse (CAI).

Methods

In a 2017 cross-sectional study, a convenience sample of 565 MSM and trans women with HIV-negative or unknown serostatus was asked to identify three close SNMs; describe discussions about HIV and STI prevention with each; and report perceived opinions of condom use, HIV/STI testing, and partner notification of STIs. Generalized estimating equations evaluated relationships between SNM characteristics, opinions, and discussions and participant-reported CAI.

Results

Among participants who identified as MSM, 42.3% of key SNMs were perceived to identify as gay. MSM “never” discussed HIV and STI prevention concerns with 42.4% of heterosexual SNMs, but discussed them “at least once weekly” with 16.9 and 16.6% of gay- and bisexual- identifying SNMs, respectively. Among participants who identified as trans women, 28.2% of key SNMs were perceived as heterosexual; 25.9%, as bisexual; 24.7%, as transgender; and 21.2%, as gay. Trans women discussed HIV/STI prevention least with cis-gender heterosexual network members (40.2% “never”) and most with transgender network members (27.1% “at least once weekly”). Participants perceived most of their close social network to be completely in favor of condom use (71.2% MSM SNMs, 61.5% trans women SNMs) and HIV/STI testing (73.1% MSM SNMs, 75.6% trans women SNMs), but described less support for partner STI notification (33.4% MSM SNMs, 37.4% trans women SNMs). Most participants reported CAI with at least one of their past three sexual partners (77.5% MSM, 62.8% trans women). SNM characteristics were not significantly associated with participant-reported frequency of CAI.

Conclusions

Findings compare social support, perceived social norms, and discussion patterns of Peruvian MSM and trans women, offering insight into social contexts and sexual behaviors.

Trial registration

The parent study from which this analysis was derived was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT03010020) on January 4, 2017.