bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Diet and Exercise-Induced Weight Loss on Biomarkers of Inflammation in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Bruinsma Tyler J. , Dyer Anne-Marie , Rogers Connie J. , Schmitz Kathryn H. , Sturgeon Kathleen M.
Published: March 2021

Background:

Adiponectin, leptin, and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines are implicated in breast cancer risk and recurrence. Weight loss, via the dynamic interplay of energy balance through exercise and/or caloric restriction, decreases risk of breast cancer recurrence.

Methods:

We investigated the effects of lifestyle modifications (exercise only, or combined caloric restriction and exercise) on adipokines, IL2, IL6, IL8, IL10, C-reactive protein (CRP), and TNFα biomarkers in breast cancer survivors. Searches were completed in June and July of 2019 to identify randomized controlled trials that met inclusion criteria. Weighted mean difference was calculated using random- or fixed-effects models based on the heterogeneity of the studies.

Results:

2501 records were identified, with 30 ultimately meeting inclusion criteria of the systematic review; 21 studies provided data suitable for meta-analysis. We observed leptin levels were significantly reduced in the exercise-only group compared with sedentary control [WMD −5.66; 95% confidence interval (CI), −11.0 to −0.33; P = 0.04].

Conclusions:

Leptin may be a primary mediator of exercise–induced improvements in breast cancer recurrence.

Impact:

This is the first review and meta-analysis to examine combined exercise and caloric restriction programs in breast cancer survivors. Future studies should further examine combined programs and their efficacy for altering leptin.
Mucosal‐Associated Invariant T Cells Are Involved in Acute Ischemic Stroke by Regulating Neuroinflammation
Authors: Nakajima Sho , Tanaka Ryota , Yamashiro Kazuo , Chiba Asako , Noto Daisuke , Inaba Toshiki , Kurita Naohide , Miyamoto Nobukazu , Kuroki Takuma , Shimura Hideki , Ueno Yuji , Urabe Takao , Miyake Sachiko , Hattori Nobutaka
Published: March 2021

Background

Mucosal‐associated invariant T (MAIT) cells have been associated with inflammation in several autoimmune diseases. However, their relation to ischemic stroke remains unclear. This study attempted to elucidate the role of MAIT cells in acute ischemic stroke in mice.

Methods and Results

We used MR1 knockout C57BL/6 (MR1
−/−
) mice and wild‐type littermates (MR1
+/+
). After performing a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO), we evaluated the association with inflammation and prognosis in the acute cerebral ischemia. Furthermore, we analyzed the tMCAO C57BL/6 mice administered with the suppressive MR1 ligand and the vehicle control. We also evaluated the infiltration of MAIT cells into the ischemic brain by flow cytometry. Results showed a reduction of infarct volume and an improvement of neurological impairment in MR1
−/−
mice (n=8). There was a reduction in the number of infiltrating microglia/macrophages (n=3–5) and in their activation (n=5) in the peri‐infarct area of MR1
−/−
mice. The cytokine levels of interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐17 at 24 hours after tMCAO (n=3–5), and for interleukin‐17 at 72 hours after tMCAO (n=5), were lower in the MR1
−/−
mice. The administration of the suppressive MR1 ligand reduced the infarct volume and improved functional impairment (n=5). Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated there was a reduction of MAIT cells infiltrating into the ischemic brain at 24 hours after tMCAO (n=17).

Conclusions

Our results showed that MAIT cells play an important role in neuroinflammation after focal cerebral ischemia and the use of MAIT cell regulation has a potential role as a novel neuroprotectant for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke.
Randomized Manipulation of Early Cognitive Experience Impacts Adult Brain Structure
Authors: Farah Martha J. , Sternberg Saul , Nichols Thomas A. , Duda Jeffrey T. , Lohrenz Terry , Luo Yi , Sonnier Libbie , Ramey Sharon L. , Montague Read , Ramey Craig T.
Published: March 2021

Does early exposure to cognitive and linguistic stimulation impact brain structure? Or do genetic predispositions account for the co-occurrence of certain neuroanatomical phenotypes and a tendency to engage children in cognitively stimulating activities? Low socioeconomic status infants were randomized to either 5 years of cognitively and linguistically stimulating center-based care or a comparison condition. The intervention resulted in large and statistically significant changes in brain structure measured in midlife, particularly for male individuals. These findings are the first to extend the large literature on cognitive enrichment effects on animal brains to humans, and to demonstrate the effects of uniquely human features such as linguistic stimulation.
Occurrence of Meloidogyne hapla relative to nematode abundance and soil food web structure in soil groups of selected Michigan vegetable production fields
Authors: Lartey Isaac , Kravchenko Alexandra , Marsh Terence , Melakeberhan Haddish
Published: March 2021

Despite considerable knowledge of distribution, biology and parasitic variability (PV) of Meloidogyne hapla in cropping systems, how its PV relates to soil health conditions remains unknown. This study investigated the relationship between the presence or absence of M. hapla with soil food web and the abundance of nematode community in muck (high organic matter) and mineral soils of 15 agricultural fields and adjacent natural vegetation across three vegetable production regions of Michigan, USA. Meloidogyne hapla was present in all regions and all muck soils, but only in some mineral soils. It was present in soils with degraded and disturbed soil food web conditions, but there was no pattern with nematode trophic group abundance. However, principal component analysis showed distinct relationships among M. hapla presence or absence, soils, nematode abundance parameters in agricultural and natural vegetation. The study lays down a foundation for more targeted investigations to understand any links between the PV of M. hapla and its soil environment.
Reforming Laïcité or Reforming Islam?
Authors: Arslan Berna Zengin , Açimuz Bige
Published: March 2021

This paper focuses on management of Islam by the French State since the state of emergency declared in 2015. We analyze the legal actions of the State using a law-in-context approach and theorize secularism as the State’s management of religion. We focus on the Senate Report (2016) concerning Muslim worship, the legal changes wrought by the state of emergency, and the institutions formed to govern Islam and secularism. We examine whether there has been a change in the French State’s approach to Muslim worship. Rather than remaining neutral, the French State has become even more actively involved in the field of religion by adopting a reformist attitude intended to transform not the principles of laïcité but the Muslims in France. In this period, the State has taken concrete steps and built institutions both to support the formation of a secularized French Islam and to govern the boundaries of laïcité.
Plato’s Seventh Letter: Composition and Incongruences
Authors: Butti de Lima Paulo
Published: March 2021

The discussion on the authenticity of Plato’s Seventh Letter should consider its distinct parts, some incongruences between them and the editorial process of Plato’s later works. The number of times Plato has given advice and the number of travels to Sicily are differently indicated in the letter. These incongruences could be a sign of different Platonic texts being assembled by an ‘editor,’ becoming a relevant matter for the analysis of the text and its authorship.
Being Othered, Embracing Others
Authors: Kang Hanna
Published: March 2021

This essay spotlights the experiences of otherness and marginalization of ethnic roots migrants in today’s South Korean society. It argues that their sense of liminality and rejection by both societies (diasporic and ethnic home), when examined through the concept of mestizaje, reflects their unique capacity to be bridge builders between the dominant majority and the excluded minority, including themselves. Also, using intercultural theology as a frame of theological reference to interpret the presence of roots migrants as both insiders and outsiders, the essay unmasks the overall fear of otherness and pride in homogeneity in Korean society that seldom problematizes the alienation of those labelled as the “others.” Finally, it discusses the importance of a genuine theological interpretation concerning the issue, so that it can construct spaces for an alternative understanding of identity and otherness that does not lead to exclusion but to embrace.
Biodiversity of anuran endoparasites from a transitional area between the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes in Brazil: new records and remarks
Authors: AGUIAR ALINE , MORAIS DRAUSIO HONORIO , SILVA LIDIANE A. FIRMINO , ANJOS LUCIANO ALVES DOS , FOSTER OTTILIE CAROLINA , DA SILVA REINALDO JOSÉ
Published: March 2021

The richness of metazoan endoparasites associated with 25 anuran species from a transitional area between Cerrado and Atlantic Rain Forest from Brazil is here presented. We present and discuss the type-host and localities, the current taxonomic status, remarks on morphological features, biological cycle, and new records of these parasites. Nine hundred and seventy-eight anurans of four families (Bufonidae, Hylidae, Microhylidae, and Leptodactylidae) were collected during four expeditions in a private forested area from Northwest of São Paulo state. The richness of metazoan parasites was composed of nematodes (21), acanthocephalans (2), digeneans (18), monogeneans (1), cestodes (1), and oligochaetes (1), resulting in 44 taxa that are presented with their respective prevalence and the range of abundance in host populations. Among these parasites, nine were found in immature stages which usually complete their life cycle in fishes, snakes, birds or mammals, attesting the trophic relation of amphibians and their parasites within the regional vertebrate community. We reported 23 anuran species as new hosts resulting in 79 new associations between anurans and parasites. Gorgoderina diaster and Bursotrema tetracotyloides are reported for the first time in Brazil, and our finding of Clinostomum cf. complanatum represents the first in South American anurans.
Notes on the genus Rhyncocheilus in China (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Staphylininae) with descriptions of three new species
Authors: TANG LIANG , SCHILLHAMMER HARALD , ZHAO XIN
Published: March 2021

Three new species of Rhyncocheilus from China are described: R. huanghaoi sp. n. (Xizang), R. gonggashanus sp. n. (Sichuan) and R. yangxiaodongi sp. n. (Yunnan). The characters of R. griseosericans (Fairmaire, 1894) are clarified. Rhyncocheilus rugulipennis Cameron, 1932 is new to China, and R. henanensis Schillhammer, 2012 is new to Hubei. A key to the Chinese species of the genus is provided.
Design of Optoelectronic Hybrid Switching High Performance Computing Internet
Authors: Shi Erying
Published: March 2021

Optoelectronic hybrid network technology is mixed with pure electric packet switching network, which can improve network capacity and reduce power consumption. However, the long configuration time and complex management of optical circuit switch affect the performance of optoelectronic hybrid network. Therefore, a new optoelectronic hybrid network architecture (BET) is designed. The network architecture consists of Ethernet electric packet switching network and optical wavelength routing network. The signal receiving and dispatching of optical routing network is realized by circular arrayed waveguide grating router. Based on the characteristics of wavelength cycling routing, there is no need to adjust the routing of optical signals to the destination port, that is, there is no need to configure the optical wavelength routing network. At the same time, an intelligent node dynamic reconfiguration (RG) algorithm is designed to improve the resource utilization of optical nodes. In this method, the network link utilization, cache occupancy, and network load are taken into account to adjust the distribution of optical nodes in the optoelectronic hybrid network. In the process of the experiment, by changing the message length, it is found that the optical wavelength routing network can achieve large capacity and new-type transmission and effectively reduce the delay at the same time; on the optoelectronic hybrid network, with the help of Hadoop platform, distributed cluster is built and used to transmit an XML data encoding (ED code), solve the finite state transducers (FST) and encode them. Compared with the traditional electric packet switching network, the transmission delay of ED code is greatly reduced after the introduction of optical circuit switch, and the efficiency of FST solution and coding calculation is improved by at least 30%.
Design of Dynamic Random Access Memory Based on One Transistor One Diode Memory Cell
Authors: Yin Wan-Jun , Wen Tao , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2021

This paper presents the design analysis of Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) with one transistor one diode (1T1D). The proposed structure consists of one transistor and one voltage controlled diode capacitor. The word and bit lines are connected with two voltage sources for the write operation. The source and drain of the NMOS is tied together to form the diode structure. The off-state leakage current is the main cause for the power dissipation of DRAM. Thus the improvement of power efficiency to the overall system is a critical task. The conventional DRAM cell contains one capacitor and one transistor. But the absence of capacitor in the proposed work is advantageous by means of compatibility, scalability, fabrication complexity, and cost. Tanner EDA working platform of 7 nm technology is used for the implementation of 1T1D DRAM cell in proposed work. This work achieve the power dissipation, read and write access time in the range of 2.647 mW, 0.04 μs and 0.021 μs respectively. Also, the parameter comparison is performed by changing the technologies from 10 nm to 20 nm for 1T1D DRAM cell design.
Strive to Succeed? The Role of Persistence in the Process of Educational Attainment
Authors: Palacios-Abad Alberto
Published: March 2021

This article examines the role of effort in the process of educational attainment. First, I analyze the impact of effort on future tertiary educational attainment. Then, I test two sociological theories that argue that effort transmits educational inequality across generations. According to the first theory, parental background shapes the effort that children exert in education-related activities. The second theory argues that the drivers of effort in this context are educational expectations. I use a variable for effort that is measured directly over the course of the Programme for International Student Assessment test. Using a longitudinal data set from Australia, I estimate different hierarchical and structural equations models. I find that the measure of effort is positively and significantly associated with the probability of having obtained a tertiary degree 10 years later. Furthermore, the results show partial support for the second theory but not for the first one.
Trajectory Guarding: Managing Unwanted, Ambiguously Sexual Interactions at Work
Authors: Hart Chloe Grace
Published: March 2021

Sexual interactions often involve implicit, ambiguous behavior, yet research on unwanted sexual interactions in the workplace largely focuses on interactions that are explicitly sexual. Drawing on 84 interviews with tech industry workers, I show that unwanted, ambiguously sexual interactions are relatively commonplace in their workplaces. Ambiguously sexual interactions can take multiple interactional trajectories, but one possibility is that they will lead toward explicit sexual harassment. When interviewees worry that an ambiguously sexual interaction might veer into sexual harassment, they engage in what I term trajectory guarding, in which they carefully monitor and guide interactions in an attempt to avoid opportunities for harassment to crop up. Interviewees described trajectory guarding as labor-intensive and potentially detrimental to their careers. Because women tended to be most wary of sexual harassment, they disproportionately engaged in trajectory guarding and risked the possible costs of doing so. I focus on the case of trajectory guarding against ambiguously sexual interactions, but I suggest that trajectory guarding is a more general strategy used by marginalized people seeking to avoid potential mistreatment.
Prescribing stigma in mental disorders: A comparative study of Portuguese psychiatrists and general practitioners
Authors: Almeida Bárbara , Samouco Ana , Grilo Filipe , Pimenta Sónia , Moreira Ana Maria
Published: March 2021

Background:

Physicians, including psychiatrists and general practitioners (GPs), have been reported as essential sources of stigma towards people diagnosed with a mental disorder (PDMDs), which constitutes an important barrier to recovery and is associated with poorer clinical outcomes. Therefore, psychiatrists and GPs are key populations where it is crucial to examine stigma, improve attitudes and reduce discrimination towards psychiatric patients.

Aims:

This study is the first to explore mental health-related stigma among Portuguese psychiatrists and GPs, examining the differences between these two specialities and assessing whether sociodemographic and professional variables are associated with stigma.

Method:

A cross-sectional study was performed between June 2018 and August 2019. A consecutive sample of 55 Psychiatrists and 67 GPs working in Porto (Portugal) filled a 25-item self-report questionnaire to assess their attitudes towards PDMDs in clinical practice. The instrument was designed by the authors, based on previous mental health-related stigma studies and validated scales. The questionnaire includes 12 stigma dimensions ( Autonomy, Coercion, Incompetence, Dangerousness, Permanence, Pity, Responsibility, Segregation, Labelling, Diagnostic Overshadowing, Shame and Parental Incompetence), and its total score was used to measure Overall Stigma (OS). Sample characteristics were examined using descriptive statistics, and the factors affecting stigma were assessed through regression analysis.

Results:

GPs exhibit significantly higher OS levels than psychiatrists, and present higher scores in the dimensions of dangerousness, parental incompetence, diagnostic overshadowing and responsibility. Besides medical speciality, several other sociodemographic variables were associated with sigma, including age, gender, having a friend with a mental disorder, professional category, agreement that Psychiatry diverges from core medicine and physician’s interest in mental health topics.

Conclusions:

Our data suggest that both psychiatrists and GPs hold some degree of stigmatizing attitudes towards PDMDs. Overall, these results bring new light to stigma research, and provide information to tailor anti-stigma interventions to Portuguese psychiatrists and GPs.
The Military Post-Mugabe
Authors: Maringira Godfrey
Published: March 2021

This article argues that, through the coup, the military has become more visible in national politics in post-Mugabe Zimbabwe. The current situation under President Mnangagwa marks a qualitative difference with the military under Mugabe’s rule. Currently, in now being more prominent, the military is politics and is the determinant of any political transition that may be forthcoming in Zimbabwe. However, if it deems it necessary, the military accommodates civilian politicians into politics in order to ‘sanitize’ the political landscape in its own interests. Simultaneously, despite their involvement in the coup, ordinary soldiers feel increasingly marginalized under Mnangagwa’s government.
Oral Microbiota Transplant in Dogs with Naturally Occurring Periodontitis
Authors: Beikler T. , Bunte K. , Chan Y. , Weiher B. , Selbach S. , Peters U. , Klocke A. , Watt R.M. , Flemmig T.F.
Published: March 2021

In periodontitis patients, dysbiosis of the oral microbiota is not only found at clinically diseased periodontal sites but also at clinically healthy periodontal sites, buccal mucosae, tongue, and saliva. The present study evaluated the safety and efficacy of an oral microbiota transplant (OMT) for the treatment of periodontitis in dogs. Eighteen systemically healthy beagle dogs with naturally occurring periodontitis were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to a test or control group. A 4-y-old, periodontally healthy female beagle dog served as a universal OMT donor. To reduce periodontal inflammation, all dogs received full-mouth mechanical debridement of teeth and mucosae 2 wk before baseline. At baseline, full-mouth mechanical debridement was repeated and followed by adjunctive subgingival and oral irrigation with 0.1% NaOCl. Subsequently, test dogs were inoculated with an OMT from the healthy donor. No daily oral hygiene was performed after OMT transplantation. Adverse events were assessed throughout the observation period. Clinical examinations were performed and whole-mouth oral microbiota samples were collected at week 2, baseline, week 2, and week 12. The composition of oral microbiota samples was analyzed using high-throughput 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing followed by taxonomic assignment and downstream bioinformatic and statistical analyses. Results demonstrated that the intergroup difference in the primary outcome measure, probing pocket depth at week 12, was statistically insignificant. However, the single adjunctive OMT had an additional effect on the oral microbiota composition compared to the full-mouth mechanical and antimicrobial debridement alone. The OMT resulted in an “ecological shift” toward the composition of the donor microbiota, but this was transient in nature and was not observed at week 12. No local or systemic adverse events were observed throughout the study period. The results indicate that OMT may modulate the microbiota composition in dogs with naturally occurring periodontitis and can be applied safely.
Effects of physical therapy on hyaluronan clearance and volume regulating hormones in lower limb lymphedema patients: A pilot study
Authors: Brix Bianca , Apich Gert , Rössler Andreas , Walbrodt Sebastian , Goswami Nandu
Published: March 2021

Lymphedema is manifested as a chronic swelling arising due to stasis in the lymphatic flow. No cure is currently available. A non-invasive treatment is a 3 week complete decongestive therapy (CDT), including manual lymphatic drainage and compression bandaging to control swelling. As CDT leads to mobilization of several liters of fluid, effects of CDT on hyaluronan clearance (maker for lymphatic outflow), volume regulating hormones, total plasma protein as well as plasma density, osmolality and selected electrolytes were investigated. In this pilot study, we assessed hyaluronan and volume regulating hormone responses from plasma samples of nine patients (three males, six females, aged 55 ± 13 years) with lower limb lymphedema stage II-III, before - and after - CDT. A paired non-parametric test (Wilcoxon) was used to assess hormonal and plasma volume changes. Correlation was tested using Spearman’s correlation. The main findings of this novel study are that lymphedema patients lost volume and weight after therapy. Hyaluronic acid did not significantly change pre- compared to post-CDT. Aldosterone increased significantly after therapy, while plasma renin activity increased, but not significantly. Plasma total protein, density, osmolality and sodium and chloride did not show differences after CDT. To our knowledge, no study has previously investigated the effects of CDT on volume regulating hormones or electrolytes. To identify the time-course of volume regulating hormones and lymphatic flow changes induced by CDT, future studies should assess these parameters serially over 3 weeks of therapy.
Thai transgender women in Europe: Migration, gender and binational relationships
Authors: Pravattiyagul Jutathorn
Published: March 2021

The article identifies subtle structural and socio-political issues behind kathoeys’ (Thai male-to-female transgender) migration decisions and categorizes the structural aspirations of their migrations to Europe and their goals to be in binational relationships in their search for a “better life.” The research was conducted in Thailand, Belgium, the Netherlands, the UK and Denmark. The article also reveals kathoeys’ irregular migration and outlines relevant literature in the light of gender, sexuality and migration, as well as their sentimental dynamic and feminine identity formation validated by their binational relationships under crypto-colonized cultural ideologies.
‘Hell You Talmbout’: Janelle Monáe’s Black Cyberfeminist Sonic Aesthetics
Authors: Yates-Richard Meina
Published: March 2021

This article explores the ways in which Janelle Monáe’s audiovisual performances leverage black female flesh to trouble historically constituted imaginings of ‘the human’. Tracking Monáe’s audiovisual aesthetics across ‘Many moons’ and Dirty Computer, I interrogate acoustic and imagistic resonances that recall the repeating horrors of bondage, and which also constitute performative ‘fabulations’ whereby freedoms that are engendered specifically by and within black female flesh might be imagined. Monáe ‘enfleshes’ the cyborg to critique cyberfeminist and posthumanist theories that advocate for material dissolution as a framework for liberation, as well as to trouble black women’s historical relationships to the category ‘human’. Rather than understand Dirty Computer as a (re)turn to the human Monáe, I contend that the project extends the artist’s longstanding critical engagement with the black female cyborg and black sonic cyberfeminist liberatory potentialities.
Hyoid Suspension With UPPP for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Van Tassel Jason , Chio Eugene , Silverman Dustin , Nord Ryan Scott , Platter Dustin , Abidin Michael R.
Published: March 2021

This retrospective evaluation of surgical outcomes for hyomandibular suspension when performed with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Thirty-nine patients with moderate-to-severe OSA were treated with hyoid myotomy and suspension and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. Patients underwent hyoid advancement and suspension to the mandible (Encore System) with either staged or concurrent UPPP. The primary outcome was a successful surgical result, defined as an apnea hypopnea index (AHI) lower than 20, and a 50% or greater decline in AHI on postoperative polysomnography. Successful surgical results were achieved in 30 (76.9%) out of 39 patients. The mean preoperative AHI improved 69.2% from 49.9 ± 25.6 to 15.4 ± 14.9 ( P < .001) postoperatively. All patients reported clinical improvement of symptoms. There were 4 wound complications and one infection requiring removal of hardware. For patients with multilevel obstructive sleep apnea, hyoid advancement and suspension to the mandible appears efficacious when performed in conjunction with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.
Percutaneous Tracheostomy With a Demistifier Canopy in the COVID-19 Era: A Safe Technique in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Turkdogan Sena , Kay-Rivest Emily , Giroux Melanie , Piché Chantal , Khwaja Kosar , Mascarella Marco , Khalife Sarah , Alohali Sama , Kost Karen
Published: March 2021

Background:

Endoscopic percutaneous tracheostomy (PT) is a safe technique that is performed frequently by otolaryngologists and intensivists. New challenges have been identified in order to maintain the safety of this procedure during the COVID-19 pandemic. A novel approach, using a modified demistifier canopy, was developed during the first wave of the pandemic and implemented for 17 consecutive percutaneous tracheostomies in order to enhance procedural safety.

Methods:

A protocol was developed after performing a literature review of tracheostomy in COVID-19 patients. A multidisciplinary tracheostomy team was established, including the departments of otolaryngology, critical care, and respiratory therapy. Simulation was performed prior to each PT, and postoperative debriefings were done.

Results:

A protocol and technical description of PT using a modified demistifier canopy covering was written and video documented. Data were collected on 17 patients who underwent this procedure safely in our tertiary care hospital. There were no procedure-related complications, and no evidence of COVID-19 transmission to any member of the health care team during the study period.

Conclusion:

As patients continue to recover from COVID-19, their need for tracheostomy will increase. The technique described provides a safe, multidisciplinary method of performing PT in COVID-19 patients.
A Rare Case of Hodgkin Lymphoma of the Maxillary Sinus
Authors: Fadda Gian Luca , Manca Andrea , Testi Francesca , Itri Federico , Nicoli Paolo , Moratti Giuseppe , Cavallo Giovanni , Guerrasio Angelo
Published: March 2021

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is an uncommon B-cell malignant disease. It usually presents with mediastinal and/or laterocervical lymph node localization, while primary extranodal HL is a rare entity giving rise to diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. It rarely presents as just extranodal localization, so its presence within the maxillary sinus without any lymphadenopathy is exceptional. Given the rarity of this localization, there is no standard treatment for maxillary sinus HL. We present a case of a patient with extranodal HL of the right maxillary sinus treated with primary surgery followed by adjuvant sequential chemoradiation therapy.
Emotional Problems in Children of Mothers who had Depression: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kallapiran Kannan , Jayanthini V.
Published: March 2021

Background:

Depression is a highly prevalent mental disorder. Maternal depression can adversely impact perinatal outcomes and child development, and can increase mental disorders for children and adolescents. Understanding the impact could lead to opportunities for early intervention and prevention.

Methods:

We selected 29 mothers attending a tertiary care setting for mental health, who had remitted following a depressive episode, and 35 control mothers. They rated their children’s behavior on the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) and temperament measurement schedule (TMS). Using a cross-sectional design, we compared the scores on behavior and temperamental characteristics between the two groups. We also studied if the severity of depression correlated with increased behavioral difficulties and evaluated if there were any differences based on gender or age.

Results:

Our results suggest no significant difference in behavior and temperament between the two groups. There was a trend for the children of mothers who had depression to have poor emotionality, higher rhythmicity on TMS, and higher peer relatedness based on SDQ scores. There was no correlation between the severity of depression in the mother and the severity of behavior problems.

Conclusion:

The lack of significant differences between the two groups could be related to less severe forms of depression, the remission of depression in the mother, the presence of other supportive family members, or elevated problems in the control arm. Further research in this area with a longitudinal design, including mothers with ongoing symptoms and longer-term follow-up, studying the bidirectional influence, is warranted.
The role of libraries in distance learning during COVID-19
Authors: Zhou Jing
Published: March 2021

As a form of education, distance learning currently shows great promise and the role of online libraries in delivering off-campus information services increases. This paper presents a comparative analysis of measures undertaken by traditional academic libraries in China and Italy in response to pandemic restrictions on educational operations during the lockdown period. The study utilized a specially developed questionnaire, carried out through an online survey, as a means of collecting data from library users (students and teachers). The study population includes 102 random library patrons, including 64 students and 38 teachers who were using services of academic libraries in China at the time. Through comparison with other studies, the quarantine responses of Chinese libraries were identified. The results of the study show that COVID-19 responses of libraries in China went in a direction similar to those in Italy, but the final decisions varied because of different levels of technological development. This knowledge may be used by libraries to identify areas for improvement. The results show that Chinese libraries were more effective in overcoming quarantine restrictions than those in Italy. The overwhelming majority of respondents reported that they had positive experience learning remotely and would not mind if distance learning programs continue to function after the pandemic is over.
Valuing EQ-5D-Y-3L Health States Using a Discrete Choice Experiment: Do Adult and Adolescent Preferences Differ?
Authors: Mott David J. , Shah Koonal K. , Ramos-Goñi Juan Manuel , Devlin Nancy J. , Rivero-Arias Oliver
Published: March 2021

Background

An important question in the valuation of children’s health is whether the preferences of younger individuals should be captured within value sets for measures that are aimed at them. This depends on whether younger individuals can complete valuation exercises and whether their preferences differ from those of adults. This study compared the preferences of adults and adolescents for EQ-5D-Y-3L health states using latent scale values elicited from a discrete choice experiment (DCE).

Methods

An online DCE survey, comprising 15 pairwise choices, was provided to samples of UK adults and adolescents (aged 11–17 y). Adults considered the health of a 10-year-old child, whereas adolescents considered their own health. Mixed logit models were estimated, and comparisons were made using relative attribute importance (RAI) scores and a pooled model.

Results

In total, 1000 adults and 1005 adolescents completed the survey. For both samples, level 3 in pain/discomfort was most important, and level 2 in self-care the least important, based on the relative magnitudes of coefficients. The RAI scores (normalized on self-care) indicated that adolescents gave less weight relative to adults to usual activities (1.18 v. 1.51; P < 0.05), pain/discomfort (1.77 v. 3.12; P < 0.01), and anxiety/depression (1.64 vs. 2.65; P < 0.01). The pooled model indicated evidence of differences between the two samples in both levels in pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression.

Limitations

The perspective of the DCE task differed between the 2 samples, and no data were collected to anchor the DCE data to generate value sets.

Conclusions

Adolescents could complete the DCE, and their preferences differed from those of adults taking a child perspective. It is important to consider whether their preferences should be incorporated into value sets.
A case of primary hepatic extranodal marginal zone B-cell mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma treated by radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and a literature review
Authors: Xu Zhe , Pang Chong , Sui Jidong , Gao Zhenming
Published: March 2021

Primary hepatic mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is an extremely rare liver malignancy that usually lacks characteristic imaging findings and which is often misdiagnosed. We report a 63-year-old woman diagnosed with primary hepatic extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma, MALT type. The patient underwent needle biopsy and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and showed no signs of relapse during the 12-month postoperative follow-up. This case stresses the rarity of primary hepatic MALT-type lymphoma and the unique and effective treatment for this patient. Our patient received RFA, which showed good efficacy and which provides a new option for the treatment of hepatic MALT lymphoma. We also present our findings from a systematic review to improve the current understanding of this disease.
Lesions that mimic malignant tumors in nasopharyngeal biopsies: case series of 10 years
Authors: Ozsen Mine , Saraydaroglu Ozlem , Yirmibes Selin , Coskun H. Hakan
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

Lesions mimicking malignancies in the nasopharynx are frequently seen in adult patients. These include inflammatory, metaplastic, and cystic lesions. We aimed to draw attention to rare tumor-like lesions that can be confused with malignancies and cause diagnostic difficulties clinically and radiologically.

Methods:

A total of 538 patients who underwent nasopharyngeal biopsy in our center between January 2010 and June 2020 were evaluated. Patient information was obtained from patient files and evaluated retrospectively.

Results:

A total of 19 of the 538 patients had tumor-like lesions that were included in the study. Granulomatous inflammation was present in seven cases, oncocytic metaplasia in four cases, benign cyst in five cases, fungal infection in two cases, and immunoglobulin G4–related disease in one case.

Conclusions:

The nasopharynx is a region where various lesions can be seen. Some lesions form tumor-mimicking mass effect, cause increased thickness, and lead to increased metabolic activity in positron emission tomography–computed tomography that create the illusion of a malignant tumor and histopathologic verification is crucial. We aimed to present these rare tumor-like lesions that should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis.
Examining Correlation and Trends in Seatbelt Use among Occupants of the Same Vehicle using a Bivariate Probit Model
Authors: Chakraborty Meghna , Singh Harprinderjot , Savolainen Peter T. , Gates Timothy J.
Published: March 2021

Research has consistently demonstrated that seatbelt use is critically important in reducing the likelihood of fatal and serious injuries resulting from traffic crashes. However, after years of nationwide increases in seatbelt use, these rates have largely plateaued, motivating the need for research to better understand those circumstances under which seatbelt use remains relatively low. At an aggregate level, research has shown that occupants in the same vehicle tend to exhibit correlation in seatbelt use or non-use. This suggests that social dynamics may play a role in occupants’ decisions as to whether or not to wear a seatbelt. To that end, this study examines trends in seatbelt use among pairs of drivers and front-seat passengers using data from direct observation roadside surveys. Bivariate probit models are estimated to examine the relationship between seatbelt use and various demographic, vehicle, and site-specific factors. The bivariate framework is also able to account for correlation among important unobserved factors associated with seatbelt use. The results show significantly better fit as compared with independent univariate probit models. The results also suggest both direct and indirect relationships between seatbelt use and various demographic, vehicle, and site characteristics. Seatbelt use rates are found to vary based on occupants’ age, gender, and race. Furthermore, seatbelt use by both the driver and front-seat passenger is also shown to vary based on the other occupant’s age. Heterogeneity is also shown across various geographic regions and roadway functional classes.
Analyzing Traffic Impacts of Planned Major Events
Authors: Giuliano Genevieve , Lu Yougeng
Published: March 2021

Major events are a significant source of traffic congestion, especially in large metropolitan areas. This paper presents a case study of football games played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a venue near downtown Los Angeles, California, with a capacity of about 80,000. Two teams play home games at the Coliseum: the Los Angeles Rams and the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans. These events take place in an area that has a high level of recurrent congestion. The traffic impacts of game days are analyzed by comparing game day traffic with traffic on control days on both the highway and arterial systems. The data include speed records from in-road detectors. Two sets of models are estimated to test relationships between game attributes and traffic performance. The first set is traditional regression models controlling for spatial and temporal correlation. The second set is random forest (RF), a type of machine learning estimation. RF is found to perform better, as it allows for complex non-linearities in variables. The results show that Rams and USC impacts are different. Rams fans arrive in a more concentrated time interval closer to the start time of games and, therefore, have a greater impact on the major approach routes than USC fans. The greatest impacts on highways are around nearby freeway-to-freeway interchanges. Arterial traffic is more consistently affected by distance from the venue. This case study provides the basis for better management of major planned events.
Did COVID-19 area change our urology practice: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Cakiroglu Basri , Kaya Cevdet , KILIC Hasan Huseyin , Aksoy Suleyman Hilmi , Gözüküçük Ramazan
Published: March 2021

Objective:

This research aimed at evaluating the changing conditions and experiences of urological practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

The data of all patients who were admitted to outpatient clinics at Hisar Intercontinental Hospital or the hospital’s online patient portal system between March 11th and May 30th, 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Of all patients, 545 in outpatient clinics and 25 in online portal system, (17%) were hospitalized for medical treatment, and 53 underwent surgery. There were 1032 patients admitted to Urology Clinics and 104 patients who underwent surgery in the same period of 2019. The pre-operative assessment of patients who were candidates of urological surgery included certain criteria for COVID-19.

Results:

Of patients included in this study, the median age was 41 years (18–90). The mean hospital stay was 1 day (1–12), and the mean duration of operation was 25 min (3–250). Thirty-seven patients (69.8%) underwent general anesthesia, while only 11(20.8%) underwent combined spinal epidural anesthesia. Four patients (7.5%) required local and only one patient (1.9%) underwent sedo-analgesia. Complications were encountered in six patients (11.4%), urosepsis in two, pneumonia in one, and urinary tract infection in three patients. Compared to last year’s numbers, the number of patients admitted to the hospital’s outpatient clinic and that of hospitalized patients decreased by 47.2% and 49.1%, respectively.

Conclusion:

Emergent surgeries in urological practices can be performed safely under routine preoperative testing for COVID-19 and with the use of adequate protective equipment for both the surgical team and the patient.
Engagement in Favorite Activity and Implications for Cognition, Mental Health, and Function in Persons Living With and Without Dementia
Authors: Regier Natalie G. , Parisi Jeanine M. , Perrin Nancy , Gitlin Laura N.
Published: March 2021

Little is known about the impact of engagement in personally meaningful activities for older adults. Thus, this study examines the impact of engagement in one’s favorite activity on cognitive, emotional, functional, and health-related outcomes in older adults with and without cognitive impairment. Data were obtained from 1,397 persons living with dementia (PLWD) and 4,719 cognitively healthy persons (CHP) who participated in wave 2 of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). Sociodemographic characteristics were examined by cognitive status. A multivariate analysis of variance indicated that, for PLWD, engagement in favorite activity was associated with greater functional independence and decreased depression. For CHP, engagement in favorite activity was associated with greater functional independence, decreased depression and anxiety, and better performance on memory measures. Findings suggest that engagement in valued activities that are considered personally meaningful may have significant and distinct benefits for persons with and without dementia.
The Soviet Union's global ports and flexible web-like naval strategy: Case studies of Antsiranana and Tivat
Authors: Kullaa Rinna
Published: March 2021

This article contributes to the history of the Soviet Union and global naval history by comparing two examples of naval ports across the European and African continents: Tivat in Yugoslavia and Antsiranana in Madagascar. Comparison of the utilization and construction of these ports reveals how the Soviet network of naval ports did not display a singular rationale, but rather featured a global spider’s-web-like quality. The most marked quality of the Soviet Union's approach to naval construction was the use of nuclear carriers as a flexible tool of geographic and political aims. The goals of Soviet naval strategy were not static but mutated over the decades from the 1960s to the 1980s. In short, the policy was flexible, heavily armed and global. At each port, the Soviet Union and its navy developed a somewhat different relationship to the country and the two examples are in many ways unique; outliers but not peripheral. Their different constructions show the Soviet Union's approach to the Mediterranean as one seaway and the Indian Ocean as another, demonstrating flexibility in each theatre. Yugoslavia, its leadership and populace remained outside of the Soviet bloc for the entirety of the Soviet Union’s existence. Moscow’s attempt to include Yugoslavia in its naval network via Tivat represents a centuries-old geopolitical orientation towards the Balkan peninsula, but not successful socialist politics per se if we understand its goal to be domination over the socialist world. Madagascar on the other hand has a geographically vital position close to Africa and overlooks naval traffic both to the Red Sea as well as to the Gulf while standing at a safe distance to both continents. Moscow’s naval politics can give us an alternative view of the history of different socialisms practised in world politics in Europe and in Africa via maritime networks.
Economic necessity and political reality in the GDR: Establishing an overseas port at Rostock
Authors: Stollenwerk Joseph A.
Published: March 2021

Opened in April 1960, the overseas port at Rostock resulted from a convergence of factors related to geopolitics, geography, economics and the unique needs and challenges of building a socialist port. Local, national and global pressures played on each other in establishing the port, making Rostock a singular product of the Cold War in the German Democratic Republic. The history of decision-making that went into the building of the port demonstrates the importance of politics in the Cold War, as well as its limits. Although informed by geopolitics, economic decisions in Europe’s socialist economies reflected a broad array of factors. This article argues that national and local decision-makers managed competing regional and national interests in order to develop their own economic strategies that functioned on several different levels. Rostock’s history highlights the common problematic of operating within and outside of the boundaries that the Cold War produced.