bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skill learning in making and experiencing artworks: technologies that transform detached intellectuals into bodily engaged actors
Authors: Araújo Duarte
Published: February 2021

Rietveld discusses three skills that artistic practices have to offer to makers of technologies for embedding such technologies in society. An ecological dynamics model of skill learning empowers the embedding of Rietveld’s described skills in three social domains: technology makers, artworkers, and visitors of such artworks.
Uniendo Familias Latinas: Testing the Spillover Hypothesis With Latino Mothers and Fathers
Authors: Mendez Priscilla , Rueger Sandra Yu , Yoo Hana , Garcia Maria Cornejo
Published: February 2021

Consistent with the spillover hypothesis, previous research has found support for the benefits of a healthy marital relationship on the parent–child relationship. However, there is a paucity of research on whether and how marital functioning may be associated with parent–child relationship quality among ethnically diverse populations. In an attempt to address this research gap, the current study tested the effectiveness of a community-based program to improve couple relationship skills and the impact of this program on the parent–child relationship. The study used an extant data set of assessment data from this community-based relationship skills–building program targeting Latino individuals in low-income communities and focused on participants who endorsed being in a marital relationship and having at least one child ( N = 655). Results demonstrated that marital quality increased after participating in the program provided. More importantly, an increase in marital quality was associated with change in parenting quality for both Latino mothers and fathers, supporting the spillover hypothesis. Findings supported the overall effectiveness of the relationship skills–building program to improve marital relationship quality for participating Latino individuals but also suggested the potential benefits of improved parent–child relationship quality.
Malignant Ciliated Muconodular Papillary Tumors of the Lung: A Case Report
Authors: Wang Feng , Shen Ming-Hong , Cao Dan , Lv Jing-Huan
Published: February 2021

Ciliated muconodular papillary tumors (CMPTs) are rare peripheral lung lesions, characterized by papillary architecture and ciliated columnar cells admixed with mucous cells and basal cells. Only about 50 cases have been reported to date and is categorized as a benign neoplasm. In this article, we report an extremely rare case of 79-year-old man with a CMPT that developed in his right upper lobe. The central region of the tumor showed features of classic CMPT, while marginal area of the tumor showed the characteristics of invasive lung cancer. In central classic CMPT region, the ciliated, basal, and mucous cells were positive for thyroid transcription factor-1, cytokeratin 7 (CK7), and NapsinA. Basal cells were positive for CK5/6 and p40. Mucous cells were weakly positive for MUC2 and MUC5AC. However, CK5/6 and p40 were negative in the peripheral malignant area. Both of the benign and malignant regions had an EGFR driver mutation in exon 21. We concluded that this tumor was an extremely rare malignant case of CMPT.
Bruch’s membrane opening-minimum rim width: An alternative OCT biomarker study for multiple sclerosis
Authors: Özbilen Kemal Turgay , Gündüz Tuncay , Çukurova Kartal Selva Nur , Gedik Ali Ceyhun , Eraksoy Mefküre , Kürtüncü Murat
Published: February 2021

Purpose:

Bruch’s membrane opening-minimum rim width (BMO-MRW) and RNFL measured using anatomic positioning system (APS-RNFL) are novel OCT methods and remained unexplored in MS patients. To investigate the novel parameters of spectral-domain OCT as an alternative biomarker in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods:

Retrospective cohort study; participants consisted of relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients and healthy controls (HC). Eyes were classified according to the presence of MS and previous optic neuritis (ON). Measurements of standard peripapillary RNFL (S-RNFL), BMO-MRW, and APS-RNFL were performed.

Result:

A total of 244 eyes of 122 participants (MS-patients: 63, HC: 59) were included in the study. Fifty-one eyes had a history of previous ON. In almost all measured parameters, neuroretinal rim thicknesses were observed the thinnest in eyes with ON history between all subgroups. S-RNFL and APS-RNFL techniques showed the difference in neuroretinal rim thickness in all three subjects (ON+, ON−, and HC). However, BMO-MRW, on the other hand, could not distinguish between ON(−) patients and HC. The relationship between OCT parameters and EDSS were observed only in eyes with an ON history in all three techniques. A meaningful model with 78% accuracy was obtained by using only the OCT parameters as risk factors. In the ROC analysis, no parameters were found to have acceptable high sensitivity and specificity. BMO-MRW was statistically weaker in every aspect than other RNFL techniques.

Conclusion:

The novel APS-RNFL technique appears to be a bit more reliable alternative to S-RNFL technique to support therapeutic decision-making in MS. BMO-MRW has not been found as a successful alternative to S-RNFL.
Revision and 90-day mortality following hip arthroplasty in patients with inflammatory arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis enrolled in the National Joint Registry for England and Wales
Authors: Miller Laura L , Prieto-Alhambra Daniel , Trela-Larsen Lea , Wilkinson J Mark , Clark Emma M , Blom Ashley W , MacGregor Alexander J
Published: February 2021

Aim:

To assess revision rates and postoperative mortality in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty (HA) for inflammatory arthritis compared to hip osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods:

The analysis was conducted among cases of HA that were recorded in the National Joint Registry for England and Wales (NJR) between April 2003 and December 2012 and linked to Office for National Statistics mortality records. Procedures were identified where the indication for surgery was listed as seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), other inflammatory arthritis (otherIA), or OA. 5-year revision risk and 90-day postoperative mortality according to indication were compared using Cox regression models adjusted for age, sex, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade, year of operation, implant type, and surgical approach.

Results:

The cohort included 1457 HA procedures conducted for RA, 615 for AS, 1000 for otherIA, and 183,108 for OA. When compared with OA, there was no increased revision risk for any form of inflammatory arthritis (adjusted HRs: RA: 0.93 (0.64–1.35); AS: 1.14 (0.73–1.79); otherIA: 1.08 (0.73–1.59)). Postoperative 90-day mortality was increased for RA when compared with OA (adjusted HR: 2.86 (1.68–4.88)), but not for AS (adjusted HR: 1.56 (0.59–4.18)) or otherIA (adjusted HR: 0.64 (0.16–2.55)).

Conclusions:

The revision risk in HA performed for all types of inflammatory arthritis is similar to that for HA performed for OA. The 3-fold increased risk of 90-day mortality in patients with RA compared with OA highlights the need for active management of associated comorbidities in RA patients during the perioperative period.
Exploitation and effective altruism
Authors: Muñoz Daniel
Published: February 2021

How could it be wrong to exploit – say, by paying sweatshop wages – if the exploited party benefits? How could it be wrong to do something gratuitously bad – like giving to a wasteful charity – if that is better than permissibly doing nothing? Joe Horton argues that these puzzles, known as the Exploitation Problem and All or Nothing Problem, have no unified answer. I propose one and pose a challenge for Horton’s take on the Exploitation Problem.
“My dog and I, we need the park”: more-than-human agency and the emergence of dog parks in Poland, 2015–2020
Authors: Włodarczyk Justyna
Published: February 2021

The article analyzes the emergence of dog parks in Polandi, on the basis of stories from local media, with emphasis on how dog park proponents justify the need for establishing dog runs. Even though official arguments present dog parks as an amenity that offers training opportunities for dogs, the guardians’ activism is motivated by the recognition of their dogs’ needs for off-leash play and social interaction with others dogs. The guardians often phrase the arguments using language that presents the interests of the human and the canine as inseparable, sometimes even merging the human and the dog through the use of second person plural. The article identifies this type of argumentation as an expression of more-than-human agency: the humans not only see themselves as speaking on behalf of their dogs, but see themselves as speaking with their dogs. However, the article also identifies social and cultural factors that have made dog parks a desirable amenity in Poland. These include the parks’ associations with progress, modernity and broadly understood “Western” culture. The drive to build parks is thus also tied with the desire for a spatial emblem of the recognition of the human-canine bond. These social and cultural factors also shape the hybrid agency at work in the Polish dog park debates.
Cooling Interventions Among Agricultural Workers: Qualitative Field-Based Study
Authors: Chicas Roxana , Xiuhtecutli Nezahualcoyotl , Dickman Nathan Eric , Flocks Joan , Scammell Madeleine K. , Steenland Kyle , Hertzberg Vicki , McCauley Linda
Published: February 2021

Introduction:

Agricultural workers perform intense labor outside in direct sunlight and in humid environmental conditions exposing them to a high risk of heat-related illness (HRI). To implement effective cooling interventions in occupational settings, it is important to consider workers’ perceptions. To date, an analysis of agricultural workers’ experience and perception of cooling devices used in the field while working has not been published.

Methods:

Qualitatively data from 61 agricultural workers provided details of their perceptions and experiences with cooling interventions.

Results:

The participants in the bandana group reported the bandana was practical to use at work and did not interfere with their work routine. Cooling vest group participants agreed that the vest was effective at cooling them, but the practicality of using the vest at work was met with mixed reviews.

Conclusion:

The findings of this qualitative study support and extend existing research regarding personal cooling and heat prevention research interventions with vulnerable occupational groups. Personal cooling gear was well received and utilized by the agricultural workers. Sustainable heat prevention studies and governmental protection strategies for occupational heat stress are urgently needed to reduce the risk of heat-related morbidity, mortality, and projected climate change health impacts on outdoor workers.
Quantitative EEG Analysis in Clinical Practice: Concussion Injury
Authors: Kerasidis Harry , Simmons Jerald
Published: February 2021

Concussion is a common brain injury. The American Academy of Neurology provides a definition of concussion: “Concussion is a traumatically, or biomechanically, induced alteration of brain function. Emphasis is placed on a pathophysiological process, or functional disruption, as opposed to anatomic, structural, or tissue injury.”. The incidence of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is estimated at 200 per 100 000. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 3.8 million sport and recreational mTBIs occurring in the United States each year. A more recent CDC assessment estimates 2.5 million concussion injuries in high school sports alone. The controlled environment and opportunity for direct surveillance and observation has made the sports arena the scientific “wet lab” for the study of mTBI natural history, short- and long-term consequences and opportunities to intervene. Quantitative EEG methods have been utilized in the assessment and management of mTBI and lends to provide a cost-effective procedure that has the sensitivities needed to identify pathology where routine visual inspection of the EEG has failed.
How Constraints to Campus Recreation Participation Differ Based on Activity Type, Gender, and Citizenship
Authors: Selvaratnam Vinu , Snelgrove Ryan , Wood Laura , Potwarka Luke R.
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study was to explore the differential effects of constraints on participation in three different types of campus recreation (i.e., intramural sports, drop-in sports, fitness center), and how constraints differ based on gender and citizenship. Data were collected from undergraduate students ( n = 344) using a questionnaire at a large university in Ontario, Canada and analyzed using logistic regression and Mann–Whitney U. Non-participation in intramurals was associated with not knowing how to get involved, drop-in sports with not knowing enough people to participate, and fitness center with feeling uncomfortable exercising in public. Women and men did not differ in the ten constraints measured in the study. International students were more constrained than domestic students by feeling as though the recreation facilities were inaccessible. Implications for practice are discussed.
Oral Health: Opportunities for Lifestyle Medicine Highlighted by the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic
Authors: Burton Wayne N. , Gossett Paull C. , Schultz Alyssa
Published: February 2021

A significant amount of illness has origins in oral microorganisms. The current SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) pandemic has reduced the general population’s access to and use of routine and nonemergency dental care. This creates a dangerous situation in which oral bacteria, fungi, and viruses may remain unchecked and allowed to flourish, which in turn increases risks for several systemic diseases as well as negative outcomes for pregnancies and surgical patients. This situation presents opportunities for health maintenance and disease prevention by individuals as well as for dental health professionals to use anti-infective treatments and procedures. Lifestyle medicine professionals have a chance to encourage behaviors that individuals can undertake to promote good oral health outside of the dentist’s office as well as shaping public perceptions about and reinforcing the importance of resuming dental visits as governmental restrictions allow.
The Lunch Conference Diet: Fostering Resident Engagement in Culinary Medicine Through a Curriculum Centered on Changes to Provided Conference Food
Authors: Doxey Richmond S. , Krug Michael F. , Tivis Rick
Published: February 2021

Background. Despite the burden of chronic disease attributable to lifestyle, most internal medicine residents do not receive adequate training in nutrition and nutrition counseling. Methods. We held a culinary medicine workshop in September 2018, followed by didactic sessions throughout the academic year. Changes were made to lunch conference food to more closely follow the Mediterranean diet and to encourage healthy eating. With a modified NUTCOMP (Nutrition Competence Questionnaire) instrument, we assesses residents’ perceived competence with nutrition counseling before and after the curriculum. Results. Twenty-six of 30 residents completed the pre-curriculum and post-curriculum surveys (not the same 26). The mean NUTCOMP score increased from 3.5 to 4.0 ( P < .0001), indicating an increased perceived competence with nutritional counseling. Residents felt that nutritional counseling was important before and after the curriculum (4.2 to 4.3, P = .48). Conference food was more nutritious at the end of the intervention (Mediterranean diet score range 1-4 to 4-7) and residents enjoyed the food more. Conclusions. An innovative, multimodal nutrition curriculum centered on changes to catered lunch conference food improved resident’s confidence with nutritional counseling. This could feasibly be integrated into other residency programs with supportive leadership and adequate training.
Ethical Autoethnography: Is it Possible?
Authors: Edwards Jane
Published: February 2021

Autoethnography is a widely applied qualitative research method to examine self-experience in relation to life events, and also situated experiences in cultural and institutional contexts. In this paper the ethical challenges arising in conducting and presenting autoethnographic research are presented and explored, first through reflection on personal experience of being described and identified in an autoethnographic presentation without my permission, then through the challenges of my own experiences undertaking autoethnographic work. Following Ellis’ relational ethic as a third dimension along with procedural and situation ethics, a fourth dimension of the ethic of the self is presented. Ways we can enhance the ethic of respect in autoethnography is further elaborated.
Concise synthesis of the major metabolite M8 from ticagrelor and simultaneous determination of ticagrelor and M8 by a novel LC/MS method
Authors: Suzuki Momoko , Ogawa Ryuichi , Echizen Hirotoshi , Kogen Hiroshi , Kobayashi Kenichi
Published: February 2021

Ticagrelor is an oral antiplatelet agent that has been approved for preventing de novo and recurrent acute coronary syndrome. To date, only a few studies have attempted to clarify population differences in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ticagrelor between Caucasians and Asians. Our aim was to develop a simple quantification method for ticagrelor and its pharmacologically active metabolite M8 (AR-C124910XX) in human plasma and urine. First, we concisely synthesized M8 from ticagrelor via a five-step sequence: the hydroxyethyl group of ticagrelor was removed by bromination and subsequent zinc-mediated chemoselective reduction. Then, we developed a simple liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry method using ticlopidine as an internal standard. Ticagrelor, M8, and internal standard were separated with a reverse-phase C18 column, and ticagrelor and M8 were detected at m/ z [+] of 523.25 and 479.25, respectively, with good sensitivity and precision in the concentration ranges of 10 to 100 µM and 5 to 50 µM, respectively. This novel liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry system may be attractive to investigators in private laboratories because it is less costly than liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry systems. Our method is expected to accelerate further clinical studies on the disposition and pharmacodynamics of ticagrelor.
Nickel-catalyzed C–P cross-coupling of (het)aryl tosylates with secondary phosphine oxides
Authors: He Xiao-Yun
Published: February 2021

A novel and convenient approach to the synthesis of various tertiary phosphine oxides via nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling of (het)aromatic tosylates with secondary phosphine oxides is developed. The reaction employs cheap nickel as the catalyst, 1-(2-(di-tert-butylphosphanyl)phenyl)-4-methoxypiperidine (L3) as the ligand, and pyridine as the base. This reaction produces the corresponding (het)aromatic phosphorus compounds in good to high yields. Moreover, four new tertiary phosphine oxides are reported in this process.
An evaluation of PlayStreets in the South Side neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio
Authors: Adhikhari D , Henderson T , Dolce M , Banks AR , Zaim H , Onwuka A , Jones N
Published: February 2021

Aims:

Outdoor play, physical activity, and social cohesion are crucial indicators of community health. PlayStreets, a street play initiative to engage local children and families in outdoor play, physical activity, and social interactions, were implemented in a low-income neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio throughout the summer of 2019. This article aims to describe the implementation of a hospital-sponsored PlayStreets model executed through support from a community health initiative and to assess neighborhood impact through parent and child surveys.

Methods:

Approximately 350 children attended the events and 69 surveys were collected. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze survey data.

Results:

The mean age of children was 7 years, and the majority of children who attended were male. If not for PlayStreets, 55% of caregivers reported that their children would be inside. Event satisfaction levels were high, and 54% of caregivers said that they had more contact with their neighbors because of the events.

Conclusions:

Hospital buy-in and community support were crucial to the success of the event. We found that this model can successfully engage the local community while increasing opportunity for childhood outdoor play, physical activity, and neighborhood social interaction.
Substantial HbA1c Reduction Following Intermittent-Scanning Continuous Glucose Monitoring Was Not Associated With Early Worsening of Retinopathy in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Linton Kathryn , Stimson Roland H. , Dover Anna R. , Forbes Shareen , Madill Karen , Annoh Roxanne , Strachan Mark W. J. , McKnight J. A. , Wright Rohana J. , Gibb Fraser W.
Published: February 2021

Background:

Early worsening of diabetic retinopathy (EWDR) was observed in the intensively treated arm of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) before long-term benefits accrued. We sought to assess whether there may be an increased risk of EWDR in high-risk individuals following intermittent-scanning continuous glucose monitoring (iscCGM) commencement.

Methods:

An observational study of 139 individuals with type 1 diabetes ≥5 years duration and with baseline HbA1c >75 mmol/mol (9.0%). This cohort was stratified by subsequent HbA1c response to iscCGM (best responders and non-responders). Pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP), worsening retinopathy status and new development of retinopathy were compared between groups.

Results:

HbA1c change was -23 mmol/mol (IQR -32 to -19) (-2.1% [-2.9 to -1.8]) in responders and +6 mmol/mol (2-12) (+0.6 [0.2-1.1]) in non-responders ( P < .001). There was no difference in subsequent PRP between responders (14.1%) and non-responders (10.3%, P = .340). Baseline HbA1c (HR 1.052 per mmol/mol, P = .002) but not response category (HR 1.244, P = .664) was independently associated with the risk of requiring PRP. Worsening of retinopathy was not different between responders (16.9%) and non-responders (20.6%, P = .577), and the same was true with respect to new development of retinopathy (33.3% vs 31.8%, P = .919).

Conclusions:

In a cohort enriched for risk of diabetic retinopathy, reduction in HbA1c did not result in an increased risk of PRP, worsening retinopathy, or new development of retinopathy. These findings offer reassurance that substantial reduction in HbA1c is not independently associated with early worsening of diabetic eye disease in iscCGM users.
How to Define Pediatric Flatfoot: Comparison of 2 Methods: Foot Posture in Static and Dynamic Conditions in Children 5 to 9 Years Old
Authors: Boryczka-Trefler Anna , Kalinowska Małgorzata , Szczerbik Ewa , Stępowska Jolanta , Łukaszewska Anna , Syczewska Małgorzata
Published: February 2021

Flexible flatfoot is the most common posture deformity among children. There are many diagnostic techniques to identify it, from clinical observation to measurements and imaging techniques, both in static and in dynamic conditions, but their reliability, validity, and accuracy are still unproven. The static and dynamic conditions differ; thus, the aim was to compare the results of the evaluation of flatfeet in 50 children (5-9 years of age) in both conditions: standing versus gait. Static evaluation. Comparison of the footprints (Harris and Beath pedograph) with the Clarke’s footprinting graphics. Dynamic evaluation. On the same day, all children underwent pedobarography during gait. Geometric measures of the feet (midfoot width, instep width, instep, foot width) were calculated together with the Arch Index. In the static condition, 87 of 100 were classified as a flatfoot, whereas during walking, there were just 56 feet classified as flat. So 35 feet classified on the basis of the clinical examination and Clarke’s footprint chart as flatfeet, according to the Arch Index calculated during walking were not flat, and 4 feet classified on the basis of Clarke’s footprint chart as normal according to the Arch Index were flat.

Levels of Evidence:

Prospective cohort study
What Does it Take to Flow? Investigating Links Between Grit, Growth Mindset, and Flow in Musicians
Authors: Tan Jasmine , Yap Kelly , Bhattacharya Joydeep
Published: February 2021

While it may seem effortless for great musicians to deliver beautiful works of art, little is known about the hard work behind these performances. Musicians require grit to sustain effort over many years of training but flow can sweeten this experience. Growth mindset, referring to the belief that ability is malleable, is often related to grit and has been theorized to be conducive to flow. Self-identified musicians, between 18 and 57 years of age ( N = 162), participated in an online survey investigating the potential links between grit, growth mindset, and dispositional flow. Correlational analyses revealed that grit was a significant predictor of flow but no correlations between growth mindset and grit or flow were found. Furthermore, a hierarchical regression analysis taking into account participants’ musical training, personality traits, and performance anxiety found that grit did not predict dispositional flow over and above what can be predicted by practice hours and music performance anxiety. Altogether, these findings offer a closer look at the effects of the non-cognitive factors of growth mindset and grit on the experience of flow in music performance.
The Brighton Spondylodiscitis Score Does Not Accurately Predict the Need for Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study in New Zealand
Authors: Hunter Sarah , Fernando Hasanga , Baker Joseph F.
Published: February 2021

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives:

Despite pyogenic spondylodiscitis potentially conferring significant morbidity, there is no consensus on optimal treatment. The Brighton Spondylodiscitis Score (BSDS) was developed to identify patients who would likely fail conservative management and therefore benefit from earlier surgical intervention. In this study, we attempt external validation of the BSDS.

Methods:

We carried out a retrospective review of all patients treated at our institution, 2010-2016, for pyogenic spondylodiscitis. 91 met inclusion criteria and 40 progressed to require surgical intervention. The BSDS was calculated for each patient allowing stratification into low-, moderate- and high-risk groups. Calibration and discrimination was assessed with ROC curve analysis and calibration plot.

Results:

Area under the curve (AUC) was 0.469 (0.22-0.71) in our external validation, compared with AUC 0.83 and 0.71 (CI 0.50-0.88) in the original study and test populations respectively. Only 60% of patients in the high-risk group required surgery, 50% in the moderate, and 38% of the low indicating poor calibration and predictive accuracy. Operative intervention was not higher overall in our cohort (44% vs. 32%, p = 0.14). We found greater rates of bacteraemia, more distal infection, and more advanced MRI findings in our cohort. The incidence of spondylodiscitis in our region is higher (4/100 000/year).

Conclusion:

We failed to externally validate the BSDS in our population which is likely a result of unique population characteristics and the inherently variable pathology associated with spondylodiscitis. Clinicians must be cautious in adopting treatment algorithms developed in other health care systems that may comprise significantly different patient and pathogen characteristics.
Effect of shared decision making on mode of delivery and decisional conflict and regret in pregnant women with previous cesarean section: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Hadizadeh-Talasaz Fatemeh , Ghoreyshi Faezeh , Mohammadzadeh Fatemeh , Rahmani Roghaieh
Published: February 2021

Background

The promotion of vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC) is the best method for the reduction of repeated cesarean sections. Nonetheless, the decisional conflict which often results from inadequate patient involvement in decision making, may lead to delayed decision making and regret about the choices that were made. The present study aimed to determine the effect of shared decision making on the mode of delivery and decisional conflict and regret in pregnant women with previous cesarean section.

Methods

This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 78 pregnant women with a previous cesarean section referring to community health centers in Torbat-e Jam, Iran, in 2019. They were randomly assigned to two groups of intervention and control. During weeks 24-30 of pregnancy, the Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS) was completed by pregnant mothers. Apart from the routine care, the experimental group received a counseling session which was held based on the three-talk model of shared decision making. This session was moderated by a midwife; moreover, a complementary counseling session was administered by a gynecologist. During weeks 35–37 of pregnancy, DCS was completed, and the Decision Regret Scale (DRS) was filled out for both groups at the 8th weeks postpartum and they were asked about the mode of delivery. Data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 19) using the Mann-Whitney, Chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests. p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

After the intervention, the decisional conflict score was significantly lower in the shared decision making (SDM) group, compared to that in the control group (14.90 ± 9.65 vs. 25.41 ± 13.38; P < 0.001). Moreover, in the SDM group, the rate of vaginal birth was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.001). Two month after the delivery, the mean score of decision regret was lower in the SDM group, in comparison to that in the control group (15.67 ± 23.37 vs. 27. 30± 26.75; P = 0.007).

Conclusions

Based on the results of the study, shared counseling can be effective in the reduction of decisional conflict and regret, as well as rate enhancement of VBAC. Therefore, it can be concluded that this counseling method can be used in prenatal care to reduce the rate of repeated cesarean section.

Trial registration

IRCT20190506043499N1; Name of the registry: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials; Registered 10.

August 2019. URL of registry: https://en.irct.ir/trial/39538. Date of enrolment of the first participant to the trial: August 2019.
Effect of prior cancer on survival outcomes for patients with advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Wu Yechen , Chen Xi , Qian Duocheng , Wang Wei , Zhang Yiping , Hu Jinxin , Zhu Jun , Wu Qiang , Cao Tinghu
Published: February 2021

Background

A history of prior cancer commonly results in exclusion from cancer clinical trials. However, whether a prior cancer history has an adversely impact on clinical outcomes for patients with advanced prostate cancer (APC) remains largely unknown. We therefore aimed to investigate the impact of prior cancer history on these patients.

Methods

We identified patients with advanced prostate cancer diagnosed from 2004 to 2010 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance baseline characteristics. Kaplan–Meier method and the Cox proportional hazard model were utilized for survival analysis.

Results

A total of 19,772 eligible APC patients were included, of whom 887 (4.5 %) had a history of prior cancer. Urinary bladder (19 %), colon and cecum (16 %), melanoma of the skin (9 %) malignancies, and non-hodgkin lymphoma (9 %) were the most common types of prior cancer. Patients with a history of prior cancer had slightly inferior overall survival (OS) (AHR = 1.13; 95 % CI [1.02–1.26]; P = 0.017) as compared with that of patients without a prior cancer diagnosis. Subgroup analysis further indicated that a history of prior cancer didn’t adversely impact patients’ clinical outcomes, except in patients with a prior cancer diagnosed within 2 years, at advanced stage, or originating from specific sites, including bladder, colon and cecum, or lung and bronchus, or prior chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Conclusions

A large proportion of APC patients with a prior cancer history had non-inferior survival to that of patients without a prior cancer diagnosis. These patients may be candidates for relevant cancer trials.
Belgian rare diseases plan in clinical pathology: identification of key biochemical diagnostic tests and establishment of reference laboratories and financing conditions
Authors:   Advisory Board of the Action 1 of the Belgian National Plan for Rare Diseases, Vandevelde Nathalie M. , Vermeersch Pieter , Devreese Katrien M. J. , Vincent Marie-Françoise , Gulbis Béatrice , Eyskens François , Boemer François , Gothot André , Van Hoof Viviane O. , Bonroy Carolien , Stepman Hedwig , Martens Geert A. , Bossuyt Xavier , Roosens Laurence , Smet Julie , Laeremans Hilde , Weets Ilse , Minon Jean-Marc , Vernelen Kris , Coucke Wim
Published: February 2021

Background

One objective of the Belgian Rare Diseases plan is to improve patients’ management using phenotypic tests and, more specifically, the access to those tests by identifying the biochemical analyses used for rare diseases, developing new financing conditions and establishing reference laboratories.

Methods

A feasibility study was performed from May 2015 until August 2016 in order to select the financeable biochemical analyses, and, among them, those that should be performed by reference laboratories. This selection was based on an inventory of analyses used for rare diseases and a survey addressed to the Belgian laboratories of clinical pathology (investigating the annual analytical costs, volumes, turnaround times and the tests unavailable in Belgium and outsourced abroad). A proposal of financeable analyses, financing modalities, reference laboratories’ scope and budget estimation was developed and submitted to the Belgian healthcare authorities. After its approval in December 2016, the implementation phase took place from January 2017 until December 2019.

Results

In 2019, new reimbursement conditions have been published for 46 analyses and eighteen reference laboratories have been recognized. Collaborations have also been developed with 5 foreign laboratories in order to organize the outsourcing and financing of 9 analyses unavailable in Belgium.

Conclusions

In the context of clinical pathology and rare diseases, this initiative enabled to identify unreimbursed analyses and to meet the most crucial financial needs. It also contributed to improve patients’ management by establishing Belgian reference laboratories and foreign referral laboratories for highly-specific analyses and a permanent surveillance, quality and financing framework for those tests.
Down-regulation of the tumor suppressor miR-34a contributes to head and neck cancer by up-regulating the MET oncogene and modulating tumor immune evasion
Authors: Wu Xun , Cheng Yi-Shing Lisa , Matthen Mathew , Yoon Angela , Schwartz Gary K. , Bala Shashi , Taylor Alison M. , Momen-Heravi Fatemeh
Published: February 2021

Background

MicroRNAs (miRs) have been shown to play an important role in tumorigenesis, including in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The miR-34 family is thought to play a role in tumor suppression, but the exact mechanism of their action in HNSCC is not well understood. Moreover, the impact of chromosomal changes and mutation status on miR-34a expression remains unknown.

Methods

Differential expression of miR-34a, MET, and genomic alterations were assessed in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets as well as in primary HNSCC and adjacent normal tissue. The biological functions of miR-34a in HNSCC were investigated in samples derived from primary human tumors and HNSCC cell lines. The expression of MET was evaluated using immunohistochemistry, and the molecular interaction of miR-34a and MET were demonstrated by RNA pulldown, RNA immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter assay, and rescue experiments. Lastly, locked nucleic acid (LNA) miRs in mouse xenograft models were used to evaluate the clinical relevance of miR-34a in HNSCC tumor growth and modulation of the tumor microenvironment in vivo.

Results

Chromosome arm 1p loss and P53 mutations are both associated with lower levels of miR-34a. In HNSCC, miR-34a acts as a tumor suppressor and physically interacts with and functionally targets the proto-oncogene MET. Our studies found that miR-34a suppresses HNSCC carcinogenesis, at least in part, by downregulating MET, consequently inhibiting HNSCC proliferation. Consistent with these findings, administration of LNA-miR-34a in an in vivo model of HNSCC leads to diminished HNSCC cell proliferation and tumor burden in vitro and in vivo, represses expression of genes involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and negates the oncogenic effect of MET in mouse tumors. Consistently, LNA-miR-34a induced a decreased number of immunosuppressive PDL1-expressing tumor-associated macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. In HNSCC patient samples, higher levels of miR-34a are significantly associated with a higher frequency of Th1 cells and CD8 naïve T cells.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that miR-34a directly targets MET and maintains anti-tumor immune activity. We propose miR-34a as a potential new therapeutic approach for HNSCC.
Incidence of urinary tract infection in neonates with significant indirect Hyperbilirubinemia of unknown etiology: case-control study
Authors: Baz Ahmed Mahrous Kamal , El-Agamy Osama Abd El-Fattah , Ibrahim Ashraf Mohamed
Published: February 2021

Background

Indirect hyperbilirubinemia is frequently encountered during neonatal period. Although it has different causes, in some cases it can’t be explained. Previous studies have illustrated that jaundice could be a major sign of urinary tract infection (UTI) in neonates.

Aim of the work

We aimed to determine the association between UTI and significant unexplained neonatal indirect hyperbilirubinemia.

Methods

This prospective controlled study was performed on 150 neonates divided in two groups (100 as cases and 50 as controls) to investigate the incidence of UTI in neonates with significant unexplained hyperbilirubinemia. Urine sample was obtained using urine catheterization technique from neonates and full urine analysis was done and cases with pyuria had urine culture to confirm UTI. Immediate renal ultrasonography (USG) was performed for neonates with UTI.

Results

UTI incidence was 11% in cases while none of neonates in control group had UTI with statistical significance between cases and controls (P value < 0.05). The most common (36.4%) pathogen was Escherichia coli. Posterior urethral valve with mild hydronephrosis was diagnosed in 18.2% of UTI positive patients by renal ultrasonography.

Conclusion

In neonates with unexplained indirect hyperbilirubinemia, UTI should be considered as a pathological cause.
Shear wave and strain sonoelastography for the evaluation of the Achilles tendon during isometric contractions
Authors: Schneebeli Alessandro , Fiorina Ilaria , Bortolotto Chandra , Barbero Marco , Falla Deborah , Cescon Corrado , Raciti Maria Vittoria , Tarantino Francesco , Preda Lorenzo
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Changes in mechanical loading as well as pathology can modify the Achilles tendon mechanical properties and therefore detection of these changes is relevant for the diagnosis and management of Achilles tendinopathy. The aim of this study was to evaluate strain and shear wave sonoelastography for their ability to detect changes in the Achilles tendon mechanical properties during a series of isometric contractions.

Methods

Longitudinal sonoelastography images of the Achilles tendon were acquired from 20 healthy participants using four different ultrasound devices; two implementing strain sonoelastography technology (SE1, SE2) and two, shear wave elastography technology (SWE1, SWE2).

Results

SE1 measured a decreasing strain ratio (tendon become harder) during the different contraction levels from 1.51 (0.92) to 0.33 (0.16) whereas SE2 mesaured a decreasing strain ratio from 1.08 (0.76) to 0.50 (0.32). SWE1 measured decreasing tendon stiffness during contractions of increasing intensity from 33.40 (19.61) to 16.19 (2.68) whereas SWE2 revealed increasing tendon stiffness between the first two contraction levels from 428.65 (131.5) kPa to 487.9 (121.5) kPa followed by decreasing stiffness for the higher contraction levels from 459.35 (113.48) kPa to 293.5 (91.18) kPa.

Conclusions

Strain elastography used with a reference material was able to detect elasticity changes between the different contraction levels whereas shear wave elastography was less able to detect changes in Achilles tendon stiffness when under load. Inconsistent results between the two technologies should be further investigated.
On statistical $\mathfrak{A}$-Cauchy and statistical $\mathfrak{A}$-summability via ideal
Authors: Edely Osama H. H. , Mursaleen M.
Published: February 2021

The notion of statistical convergence was extended to $\mathfrak{I}$
I
-convergence by (Kostyrko et al. in Real Anal. Exch. 26(2):669–686, 2000). In this paper we use such technique and introduce the notion of statistically $\mathfrak{A}^{\mathfrak{I}}$

A
I

-Cauchy and statistically $\mathfrak{A}^{\mathfrak{I}^{\ast }}$

A

I
∗

-Cauchy summability via the notion of ideal. We obtain some relations between them and prove that under certain conditions statistical $\mathfrak{A}^{\mathfrak{I}}$

A
I

-Cauchy and statistical $\mathfrak{A}^{\mathfrak{I}^{\ast }}$

A

I
∗

-Cauchy summability are equivalent. Moreover, we give some Tauberian theorems for statistical $\mathfrak{A}^{\mathfrak{I}}$

A
I

-summability.
Existence and global asymptotic stability criteria for nonlinear neutral-type neural networks involving multiple time delays using a quadratic-integral Lyapunov functional
Authors: Gholami Yousef
Published: February 2021

In this paper we consider a standard class of the neural networks and propose an investigation of the global asymptotic stability of these neural systems. The main aim of this investigation is to define a novel Lyapunov functional having quadratic-integral form and use it to reach a stability criterion for the under study neural networks. Since some fundamental characteristics, such as nonlinearity, including time-delays and neutrality, help us design a more realistic and applicable model of neural systems, we will use all of these factors in our neural dynamical systems. At the end, some numerical simulations are presented to illustrate the obtained stability criterion and show the essential role of the time-delays in appearance of the oscillations and stability in the neural networks.
High-dose vitamin B1 therapy prevents the development of experimental fatty liver driven by overnutrition
Authors: Kalyesubula Mugagga , Mopuri Ramgopal , Asiku Jimmy , Rosov Alexander , Yosefi Sara , Edery Nir , Bocobza Samuel , Moallem Uzi , Dvir Hay
Published: February 2021

Fatty liver is an abnormal metabolic condition of excess intrahepatic fat. This condition, referred to as hepatic steatosis, is tightly associated with chronic liver disease and systemic metabolic morbidity. The most prevalent form in humans, i.e. non-alcoholic fatty liver, generally develops due to overnutrition and sedentary lifestyle, and has as yet no approved drug therapy. Previously, we have developed a relevant large-animal model in which overnourished sheep raised on a high-calorie carbohydrate-rich diet develop hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis. Here, we tested the hypothesis that treatment with thiamine (vitamin B1) can counter the development of hepatic steatosis driven by overnutrition. Remarkably, the thiamine-treated animals presented with completely normal levels of intrahepatic fat, despite consuming the same amount of liver-fattening diet. Thiamine treatment also decreased hyperglycemia and increased the glycogen content of the liver, but it did not improve insulin sensitivity, suggesting that steatosis can be addressed independently of targeting insulin resistance. Thiamine increased the catalytic capacity for hepatic oxidation of carbohydrates and fatty acids. However, at gene-expression levels, more-pronounced effects were observed on lipid-droplet formation and lipidation of very-low-density lipoprotein, suggesting that thiamine affects lipid metabolism not only through its known classic coenzyme roles. This discovery of the potent anti-steatotic effect of thiamine may prove clinically useful in managing fatty liver-related disorders.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the joint first authors of the paper.
Synthesis of Thermoplastic Elastomers by Yttrium-Catalyzed IsospecificTrans-1,4-Polymerization of (E)-1,3-Pentadiene
Authors: Nishii Kei , Zhou Guangli , Saito Yusuke , Yamamoto Atsushi , Nishiura Masayoshi , Luo Yi , Hou Zhaomin
Published: February 2021

Regio- and stereoselectivity control in the polymerization of 1,3-conjugated dienes is of much interest and importance. We report herein for the first time the isospecific trans-1,4-selective living polymerization of (E)-1,3-pentadiene (EPD) by a C5H5-ligated yttrium catalyst (C5H5)Y(CH2C6H4-NMe2-o)2/[Ph3C][B(C6F5)4], which afforded crystalline isotactic-trans-1,4-polypentadiene showing good elastic properties without vulcanization (tensile strength up to 7.1 MPa with elongation at break of 2600%). The DFT calculations revealed that the stereoselectivity was mainly due to steric repulsion between the C5H5 ligand in the catalyst and the methyl group in EPD.
Case Report: Bilateral mandibular buccal bifurcation cysts
Authors: Aloyouny Ashwag , Albagieh Hamad , Mansour Soad , Mobarak Fahmy
Published: February 2021

Buccal bifurcation cyst (BBC) is a rare inflammatory odontogenic cyst, which commonly affects children in the first decade of life. We report a case of a seven-year-old healthy boy with bilateral BBC, which involved unerupted incomplete permanent mandibular first molars. A review of the literature in English language revealed few similar cases. We reviewed 16 manuscripts of bilateral mandibular BBC, reporting a total of 20 cases since 1970. The clinical features of bilateral mandibular BBC summarized here could assist specialists with an accurate diagnosis and provide patients with optimal management.
Development of the Wits Face Database: an African database of high-resolution facial photographs and multimodal closed-circuit television (CCTV) recordings
Authors: Bacci Nicholas , Davimes Joshua , Steyn Maryna , Briers Nanette
Published: February 2021

Forensic facial comparison is a commonly used, yet under-evaluated method employed in medicolegal contexts across the world. Testing the accuracy and reliability of facial comparisons requires large scale controlled and matching facial image databases. Databases that contain images of individuals on closed-circuit television (CCTV), with matching formal and informal photographs are needed for this type of research. Although many databases are available, the majority if not all are developed in order to improve facial recognition and face detection algorithms through machine learning, with very limited if any measure of standardisation. This paper aims to review the available databases and describe the development of a high resolution, standardised facial photograph and CCTV recording database of male Africans. The database is composed of a total of 6220 standardised and uncontrolled suboptimal facial photographs of 622 matching individuals in five different views, as well as corresponding CCTV footage of 334 individuals recorded under different realistic conditions. A detailed description of the composition and acquisition process of the database as well as its subdivisions and possible uses are provided. The challenges and limitations of developing this database are also highlighted, particularly with regard to obtaining CCTV video recordings and ethics for a database of faces. The application process to access the database is also briefly described.