bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel “High-dose Quad” Salvage Therapy Approach for Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Case Report
Authors: Bricker-Ford Robin
Published: July 2021

Purpose: This case report outlines the successful eradication of chronic Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori) infection using a novel, “high-dose quad” salvage therapy approach. Gastroenterologists may consider using this approach for patients who have previously failed first- and second-line treatment regimens, as recommended by the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG). Summary: H. pylori infection is associated with multiple chronic gastrointestinal diseases, and patients who test positive for H. pylori should undergo treatment until eradication is achieved. Unfortunately, increasing antibiotic resistance to clarithromycin, metronidazole, and levofloxacin makes eradication of H. pylori challenging. This case describes an 84-year-old American woman with chronic H. pylori gastritis who failed two first-line treatment regimens (bismuth quadruple therapy and concomitant therapy), but responded to a novel, “high-dose quad” salvage regimen consisting of high-dose levofloxacin, amoxicillin, metronidazole, and high-dose acid suppression. Conclusion: This is the first time the “high-dose quad” regimen has been reviewed in the literature and is not FDA approved, but may be considered as an alternative salvage therapy in certain patients, based on the efficacy and safety observed in this case.
Self-Reported Behavior Change and Predictors of Engagement With a Multidomain Brain Health Intervention for Midlife and Older Adults: A Pilot Clinical Trial
Authors: Boyd Brenna , McAlister Courtney , Arrotta Kayela , Schmitter-Edgecombe Maureen
Published: July 2021

Objectives

This study evaluated the efficacy of a multidomain brain health intervention on health behavior change and sought to understand whether health literacy or brain health knowledge predicted engagement with the intervention.

Methods

One-hundred thirty midlife and older adults were assigned to one of three intervention conditions: brain fitness (B-Fit) utilizing education and goal setting, education-only, or waitlist. Questionnaires were completed at baseline and post-intervention.

Results

Both B-Fit and education-only conditions reported improvements in health behaviors over time. Although effect size for the education-only condition was moderate, only the B-Fit condition differed significantly in health behaviors from the waitlist post-intervention. Lower baseline brain health knowledge predicted improvements in health behaviors for education-only condition.

Discussion

The multidomain brain health intervention was successful in helping participants change their behaviors, but it was not more effective than the education-only condition. For those with lower brain health knowledge, an education-only intervention may be sufficient to encourage behavior change.
Agricultural adaptations to topography and climate changes in Central China during the mid- to late-Holocene
Authors: Jia Xin , Li Haiming , Lee Harry F , Liu Zhen , Lu Yong , Hu Zhujun , Sun Xueqiang , Zhao Zhijun
Published: July 2021

The development of pre-historic agriculture and its determining factors have been extensively investigated in recent years. Based on the identification of charred seeds and radiocarbon dating, we found that foxtail millet-based agriculture dominated Neixiang County in Central China during the mid-late-Holocene. There were three different farming patterns in the Nanyang Basin, including rice cultivation in the plains, foxtail millet cultivation in the pediment plains, and broomcorn millet cultivation in the valleys. In addition, during the Neolithic-Bronze Age, the distribution of human settlements with rice cultivation matched with the climate pattern at 31.0–36.5° N in China. The emergence of rice cultivation had been facilitated by a significant increase in East Asian summer monsoon and increased precipitation in Central China since 8500 BP and gradually flourished during the Peiligang (8500–7000 BP) and Yangshao (7000–4500 BP) Period, corresponding to a relatively warm and wet climate. However, the average latitude of the human settlements with rice cultivation shifted southward to 33.29° N during the Longshan Period (4500–4000 BP) due to the cold climate brought by the “4.2 ka event.” Afterward, rice cultivation was basically not constrained by climate change, probably owing to the improved farming methods in the Bronze Age.
Do countries’ geographical locations moderate the tourism-led economic growth nexus in sub-Saharan Africa?
Authors: Baidoo Francis , Agbloyor Elikplimi Komla , Fiador Vera Ogeh Lassey , Marfo Nana Amaniampong
Published: July 2021

Debates on the intricacies of tourism’s potential contribution to economic growth remain imperative and unsettled in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Employing dynamic models and multiple robust estimation techniques, this article empirically tests the tourism-led growth hypothesis (TLGH) in the case of SSA. Further investigations on how countries’ geographical locations influence the TLGH are conducted. With panel data – spanning from the year 2000 through 2016 – on 40 SSA countries, which were regrouped into coastal, landlocked and islands, the study establishes evidence in support of the TLGH for the full sample. After geographical classifications, tourism’s impact on economic growth is, however, observed to be significantly positive for only landlocked and coastal countries. Surprisingly, the impact of tourism on economic growth is significantly negative for islands within the subregion. The findings hold policy implications for the pursuit of tourism-led growth in the SSA region.
Enhancing corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of dissimilar friction stir welded 5083-6061 aluminium alloys using external cooling environment
Authors: Kumar Kethavath Kranthi , Kumar Adepu , Satyanarayana MVNV
Published: July 2021

Dissimilar friction stir welding of AA5083-AA6061 alloys in different cooling environments (air, liquid nitrogen, and water) was successfully employed as an alternative method to enhance corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. The evolution of microstructure, corrosion behavior, and mechanical properties of friction stir welded joints were studied using optical microscopy (OM), electron backscattered diffraction, scanning electron microscope, electrochemical workstation, and universal testing machine. The results indicated that the width of the stir zone and grain size of heat-affected zones were reduced by the use of external cooling media. Electron backscattered diffraction results showed that the grain size in air-cooled friction stir welding, nitrogen-cooled friction stir welding and water-cooled friction stir welding were 7.6 µm, 4.5 µm, and 3.2 µm, respectively, and water-cooled friction stir welding joint developed a larger fraction of high-angle grain boundaries at stir zone. The intermetallics formed in the joints using cooling media were finer compared to that of the air-cooled samples. The corrosion behavior of the stir zone was impacted by the cooling environment while potentiodynamic polarization results revealed that the water-cooled friction stir welding joint showed excellent corrosion resistance due to the finer size of intermetallics. The minimum hardness values shifted to the stir zone in the case of nitrogen-cooled friction stir welding and water-cooled friction stir welding from the heat-affected zone location as in the air-cooled friction stir welding joint. For the joint made with water-cooled friction stir welding, maximum yield strength was obtained with a joint efficiency of 96% relative to AA5083 base material.
Where news could not inspire change: TRT World as a party broadcaster
Authors: Elswah Mona , Howard Philip N.
Published: July 2021

Turkey has vastly increased the scale of its investment in public diplomacy tools. Although Turkey is considered one of the world’s worst jailers of journalists, its media market is one of the fastest-growing in the world. In 2015, the Istanbul-based English-language TRT World was launched with the slogan ‘where news inspires change’, The channel promised to provide impartial coverage of global news, with its experienced journalists addressing global audiences. In this study, we investigate the interplay between public diplomacy and editorial policies at TRT World. After conducting in-depth interviews with TRT World journalists, we argue that the channel has shifted its style from being Turkey’s public diplomacy tool into becoming the AKP’s voice to the world. By examining TRT World, this study provides a framework to understand how international broadcasters operate in countries where media freedom is restricted.
Vote Centers and the Voter Experience
Authors: Chen Cynthia , Sadeghpour Arisa , Lamb Matt
Published: July 2021

The scholarship regarding vote centers primarily focuses on their impact on voter turnout. Though previous literature suggests modest and conditional increases in voter participation, the mechanism by which vote centers increase participation is less understood. One suggested mechanism is that they provide voters a better experience at the polling place. In this article, we investigate whether voters who cast their ballot at vote centers have a better experience than those who vote at traditional precinct polling places. Utilizing a unique dataset collected from exit polls of Election Day voters before and after the implementation of vote centers in Harris County, Texas, we examine if vote centers improved the voters’ experience. Contrary to theoretical expectations, we find that those who voted at a vote center reported having a more negative experience. This negative experience is driven primarily by longer lines and less helpful poll workers.
Design of Automatic Isolated Medical Waste Bin Cover for Drying Waste
Authors: Lee Juhui , Kwon Soyoon , Park JeongYun , Kim Kwang Gi
Published: July 2021

Background. The recent outbreak of COVID-19 has led to an increase in isolated medical waste, making the disposal of isolated medical waste a significant problem. There is the dedicated waste bin with four-sided locking-type at the top, causing contact during waste disposal. And it has infection possibility with high humidity. Purpose. In this article, we suggest automatic isolated medical waste bin cover for drying waste.
Health-promoting university: the implementation of an integrated guidance post for non-communicable diseases (Posbindu PTM) among university employees
Authors: Siswati Tri , Margono  , Husmarini Novi , Purnamaningrum Yuliasti Eka , Paramashanti Bunga Astria
Published: July 2021

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain a challenge globally and in Indonesia. Workplace environments may place employees at risk for NCD behavioral factors. This study aimed to develop an integrated guidance post for NCD (in Indonesian, ‘pos pembinaan terpadu penyakit tidak menular’ [Posbindu PTM] early detection among employees in one of the Indonesian universities. Posbindu PTM is a community-based program oriented towards promotive and preventive efforts to control NCDs where the community acted as change agents. We conducted a process evaluation based on a quantitative approach through a survey ( n = 313) and a qualitative method using in-depth interviews ( n = 12) to support our findings that Posbindu PTM was acceptable and feasible to implement in a university context. High participation in Posbindu PTM showed that the program could encourage the university employees to join NCD prevention strategies from early detection to counseling and referral. All participants positively accepted Posbindu PTM for its benefits to health, the flexibility of the program, and the quality service provided by cadres. A need-based program planning, commitment from university leaders, adequate human resources and facilitation, and cooperation between departments, the clinic, and local primary health center and health department determined the success of Posbindu PTM implementation. In contrast, external activities negatively affected participants to join Posbindu PTM. There is a need for more routine scheduling and online-based application to enhance the program’s performance. Posbindu PTM is essential for engaging employees with their health and may serve as a model for NCD prevention and control in similar settings. With Posbindu PTM implementation’s success, a further stage is required to empower and sustain the Posbindu PTM program towards health-promoting universities.
Progressive increases in creatine kinase activity in an anorexic cat with necrotising myopathy
Authors: Chow Joyce LY , Lam Amy , Shelton G Diane
Published: July 2021

Case summary

A 5-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat with weight loss and reduced appetite was evaluated for increased and progressively rising creatine kinase (CK) activity. The cat had recently been diagnosed with hepatic lipidosis. Muscle biopsy and histopathology revealed mild myonecrosis and phagocytosis without obvious inflammatory cell infiltrates. Resolution of necrotising myopathy was observed after a short course of anti-inflammatory prednisolone and nutritional supplementation.

Relevance and novel information

This is the first report of a necrotising myopathy in a cat associated with progressively increasing CK activity and decreased appetite. Anorexia in cats has been associated with increased CK activity, but an underlying cause of this CK elevation has only been postulated. Here we document muscle necrosis and muscle stiffness in a cat with anorexia.
The road to conception for women with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sadovnick Dessa , Criscuoli Maria , Yee Irene , Carruthers Robert , Schabas Alice , Smyth Penelope
Published: July 2021

Objective

The objective of this prospective “real world” study is to gain insight into the different “roads to conception” that women with MS take as part of the prospective Canadian Multiple Sclerosis Pregnancy Study (CANPREG-MS).

Methods

Participants are women with MS who are planning a pregnancy. Data cut-off for analyses was April 30, 2020.

Results

We believe this is the first prospective National study of women with MS planning pregnancies. The data are for the first 44 women enrolled of whom 26 achieved pregnancy by cut-off date. Seven women used assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs); 6 stopped disease modifying therapy (DMT) against their neurologists’ recommendations; 6 had an interruption(s) in trying to conceive due to MS relapses, MRI-detected inflammation, or limited “windows of opportunity” between DMT courses.

Conclusion

The study illustrates the roads that women take to conception, even if they are on the same therapy and have similar clinical expression of MS. Advice given by treating neurologists on washout periods show discrepancies. This paper highlights the real problem that there is no definitive, international consensus on managing these women due to the lack of “real world” data and thus the goal of CANPREG-MS is to provide such real world data.
Wicked Problems in Africa: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Niskanen Ville-Pekka , Rask Mikko , Raisio Harri
Published: July 2021

The theory of wicked problems, originating from Western academic discussion, has evolved since the 2000s toward a universal diagnostic of societal challenges. In this article, we employ a systematic literature review to investigate the application of the concept of wicked problems in studies focusing on the African context. Our aim is to understand the additional value and limitations of using the concept in a non-Western frame of reference. We conclude that the concept remains underutilized in studies concentrating on Africa; moreover, when it is used, it is mainly by academics of Western or Anglophone origin. Overall, the concept of wicked problems is mainly applied descriptively rather than theoretically. Based on the analysis of the themes and issues characterized as wicked, we elaborate toward a typology that takes account of the concrete “manifestations” (e.g., health issues such as AIDS/HIV and its treatment history) and “mechanisms” (e.g., historical path dependency) that condition the presence of wicked problems in the African context. The article contributes to the theory of wicked problems by developing a typology that distinguishes between interlinked and contextual problems (often characterized through the concept of “dual wickedness”), and proposes that problems can become exacerbated when the two dimensions are simultaneously present.
An Uncommon Incidence of Pulmonary Hypertension Associated With Neurofibromatosis Type 1: A Case Report
Authors: Rao Suman , Khan Alisha , Sampat Parth , Sandhu Michael , Weinberg Andrew M.
Published: July 2021

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is often a difficult condition to diagnose, since it occurs insidiously and is a diagnosis of exclusion. Patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NFT1) have been associated with severe exacerbations of PH. To our knowledge, less than 20 cases of PH in NFT1 patients have been reported. However, the severity of presenting symptoms requires physicians to be aware of this association and pursue the appropriate diagnostic workup. In our report, we present a 54-year-old NFT1 patient who presented with worsening dyspnea secondary to PH, which was being treated with trepostanil and macitetan. She required a right heart catheterization to assess her pulmonary artery pressures (which remained elevated). She was placed on tadalafil in addition to trepostanil and macitetan and noted significant resolution of her symptoms. Further studies are required to explore the association between PH and NFT1 and examine the efficacy of triple therapy with endothelin receptor antagonists, phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors, and parenteral prostanoids in the initial treatment of PH in the aforementioned patient population.
Secularism and Fertility Worldwide
Authors: Schnabel Landon
Published: July 2021

This study proposes and explores a new fertility determinant: societal secularism. Using country-level data from multiple sources ( n = 181) and multilevel data from 58 countries in the World Values Survey ( n = 83,301), the author documents a strong negative relationship between societal secularism and both country-level fertility rates and individual-level fertility behavior. Secularism, even in small amounts, is associated with population stagnation or even decline absent substantial immigration, whereas highly religious countries have higher fertility rates that promote population growth. This country-level pattern is driven by more than aggregate lower fertility of secular individuals. In fact, societal secularism is a better predictor of highly religious individuals’ fertility behavior than that of secular individuals, and this pattern is largely a function of cultural values related to gender, reproduction, and autonomy in secular societies. Beyond their importance for the religious composition of the world population, the patterns presented in this study are relevant to key fertility theories and could help account for below-replacement fertility.
Genetic variants associated with cytomegalovirus infection after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Casto Amanda M. , Seo Sachiko , Levine David M. , Storer Barry E. , Dong Xinyuan , Hansen John A. , Boeckh Michael , Martin Paul J.
Published: July 2021

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation is a frequent complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Despite routine screening for CMV reactivation and early antiviral treatment, the rates of CMV-related complications after HCT remain high. Genetic variants in both the donor and recipient have been associated with the risk of CMV reactivation and disease after HCT, but these associations have not been validated, and their clinical importance remains unclear. In this study, we assessed 117 candidate variants previously associated with CMV-related phenotypes for association with CMV reactivation and disease in a cohort of 2169 CMV-seropositive HCT recipients. We also carried out a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for CMV reactivation and disease in the same cohort. Both analyses used a prespecified discovery and replication approach to control the risk of false-positive results. Among the 117 candidate variants, our analysis implicates only the donor ABCB1 rs1045642 genotype as a risk factor for CMV reactivation. This synonymous variant in P-glycoprotein may influence the risk of CMV reactivation by altering the efflux of cyclosporine and tacrolimus from donor lymphocytes. In the GWAS analysis, the donor CDC42EP3 rs11686168 genotype approached the significance threshold for association with CMV reactivation, although we could not identify a mechanism to explain this association. The results of this study suggest that most genomic variants previously associated with CMV phenotypes do not significantly alter the risk for CMV reactivation or disease after HCT.
Assessing the perspective of well-being of older patients with multiple morbidities by using the LAVA tool - a person-centered approach
Authors: Wild B. , Wurmbach V. S. , Böhlen F. , Kusch M. K.-P. , Seidling H. M. , Reich P. , Hartmann M. , Haefeli W. E. , Friederich H. C. , Slaets J.
Published: July 2021

Background

Older patients with multiple morbidities are a particularly vulnerable population that is likely to face complex medical decisions at some time in their lives. A patient-centered medical care fosters the inclusion of the patients’ perspectives, priorities, and complaints into clinical decision making.

Methods

This article presents a short and non-normative assessment tool to capture the priorities and problems of older patients. The so-called LAVA (“Life and Vitality Assessment”) tool was developed for practical use in seniors in the general population and for residents in nursing homes in order to gain more knowledge about the patients themselves as well as to facilitate access to the patients. The LAVA tool conceptualizes well-being from the perspectives of older individuals themselves rather than from the perspectives of outside individuals.

Results

The LAVA tool is graphically presented and the assessment is explained in detail. Exemplarily, the outcomes of the assessments with the LAVA of three multimorbid older patients are presented and discussed. In each case, the assessment pointed out resources as well as at least one problem area, rated as very important by the patients themselves.

Conclusions

The LAVA tool is a short, non-normative, and useful approach that encapsulates the perspectives of well-being of multimorbid patients and gives insights into their resources and problem areas.
Can remote ischemic preconditioning counteract the renal functional deterioration attributable to partial nephrectomy under warm ischemia? Results of an animal study
Authors: Mut Tuna Till , Acar Ömer , Armutlu Ayse , Incir Said , Uhlig Annemarie , Ertuglu Lale A. , Özel Melis , Taskin Ali Cihan , Baydar Dilek Ertoy , Kanbay Mehmet , Esen Tarık
Published: July 2021

Background

To investigate if remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) can offer any renoprotective value by counteracting the deleterious effect of partial nephrectomy (PN) under warm ischemia on renal function.

Methods

Four groups, each with 5 Wistar albino rats, were constructed; RIPC + PN, PN, RIPC and sham. Right nephrectomy was performed to constitute a solitary kidney model. RIPC denoted sequential clamping/declamping of the femoral artery/vein complex. PN was performed under warm-ischemia following RIPC. Blood samples were collected on multiple occasions until euthanasia on day 7.

Immunoassays were conducted to measure the serum and tissues levels of kidney injury markers. Kidneys were examined histologically and morphometric analyzes were performed using digital scanning.

Results

IL-33 levels did not differ significantly between the groups. Serum levels of KIM-1, NGAL, and aldose reductase in RIPC + PN, PN and RIPC groups were significantly lower than that of sham group. Tissue biomarker levels were similar across groups.

The observed trend in mean necrosis area of PN group was higher than that of RIPC + PN group (p > 0.05). The transitional zone between necrosis and healthy tissue showed a trend towards increasing width in the rats subjected to RIPC before PN vs. those who underwent PN without RIPC (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

RIPC failed to counteract the renal functional consequences of PN under warm ischemia in a solitary kidney animal model. The supportive but marginal histological findings in favor of RIPC’s renoprotective potential were not supplemented with the changes in serum and tissue biomarker levels.
Trends in survival from myeloma, 1990–2015: a competing risks analysis
Authors: Sneyd Mary Jane , Gray Andrew R. , Morison Ian M.
Published: July 2021

Background

Myeloma survival has greatly increased over past decades. We investigated trends in survival over time in New Zealand by age, ethnicity, and geography and thus examined potential inequalities among these population subgroups.

Methods

From data supplied by the New Zealand Ministry of Health, all new diagnoses of multiple myeloma (ICD-10 code C90) between 1990 and 2016 were extracted, as well as their matched mortality data. Cox’s proportional hazards regression and competing risks regression were used to estimate multivariable survival functions.

Results

Between 1 January 1990 and 1 December 2015, 6642 myeloma cases were registered by the New Zealand Cancer Registry. Although survival from myeloma increased substantially from 1990–1994 to 2010–2015, 5-year survival was still only about 60% in 2010–2015. The greatest improvement in survival was for people aged 60–69 years at diagnosis. Using Cox’s proportional hazards regression, Māori showed an increased risk of myeloma death but this was predominantly due to differences in competing risks among ethnic groups. Competing risks analysis found the greatest improvement in myeloma survival in Pacific Islanders, and in 2010–2015 Māori had better survival than other ethnicities. Myeloma survival improved significantly over time in all regional health authorities but in all time periods the Central and Southern regions had significantly poorer survival than the Midland region.

Conclusions

Improvements in myeloma survival have been unequal across subgroups and regions in New Zealand. Detailed information about utilization of chemotherapeutic agents and transplantation in New Zealand is not available. This information, as well as more detailed hematological data, is essential to further explore the relationships and reasons for differing myeloma survival in population subgroups of New Zealand.
Oncogenic role of ALX3 in cervical cancer cells through KDM2B-mediated histone demethylation of CDC25A
Authors: Qi Jinhong , Zhou Li , Li Dongqing , Yang Jingyuan , Wang He , Cao Huifang , Huang Yunlan , Zhang Zhiming , Chang Linlin , Zhu Chenhao , Zhan Juntong , Yuan Yong
Published: July 2021

Background

Cell division cycle 25A (CDC25A) is a well-recognized regulator of cell cycle progression and is involved in cancer development. This work focused on the function of CDC25A in cervical cancer cell growth and the molecules involved.

Methods

A GEO dataset GSE63514 comprising data of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) tissues was used to screen the aberrantly expressed genes in cervical cancer. The CDC25A expression in cancer and normal tissues was predicted in the GEPIA database and that in CSCC and normal cells was determined by RT-qPCR and western blot assays. Downregulation of CDC25A was introduced in CSCC cells to explore its function in cell growth and the cell cycle progression. The potential regulators of CDC25A activity and the possible involved signaling were explored.

Results

CDC25A was predicted to be overexpressed in CSCC, and high expression of CDC25A was observed in CSCC cells. Downregulation of CDC25A in ME180 and C33A cells reduced cell proliferation and blocked cell cycle progression, and it increased cell apoptosis. ALX3 was a positive regulator of CDC25A through transcription promotion. It recruited a histone demethylase, lysine demethylase 2B (KDM2B), to the CDC25A promoter, which enhanced CDC25A expression through demethylation of H3k4me3. Overexpression of ALX3 in cells blocked the inhibitory effects of CDC25A silencing. CDC25A was found as a positive regulator of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Conclusion

This study suggested that the ALX3 increased CDC25A expression through KDM2B-mediated demethylation of H3K4me3, which induced proliferation and cell cycle progression of cervical cancer cells.
An integrative review to identify how nurses practicing in inpatient specialist palliative care units uphold the values of nursing
Authors: Moran Sue , Bailey Maria , Doody Owen
Published: July 2021

Background

Caring for individuals and their families with a life-limiting, symptomatic illness and those who are dying has long been an integral role of palliative care nurses. Yet, over the last two decades, the specialty of palliative care has undergone significant changes in technology and medical treatments which have altered both the disease trajectory and the delivery of palliative care. To date, there is little evidence as to the impact of these medical and nursing advancements on the role of nurses working in palliative care and how in clinical practice these nurses continue to uphold their nursing values and the philosophy of palliative care.

Methods

An integrative review was conducted searching seven academic databases from the time period of January 2010 – December 2019 for studies identifying research relating to the role of the palliative care nurse working in specialist palliative care units and hospices. Research articles identified were screened against the inclusion criteria. Data extraction was completed on all included studies and the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool was utilized to appraise the methodological quality and thematic analysis was performed guided by Braun and Clarke’s framework. The review was conducted and reported in lines with PRISMA guidelines.

Results

The search yielded 22,828 articles of which 7 were included for appraisal and review. Four themes were identified: (1) enhancing patient-centred care (2) being there (3) exposure to suffering and death (4) nursing values seen but not heard. The findings highlight that while palliative care nurses do not articulate their nurse values, their actions and behaviors evident within the literature demonstrate care, compassion, and commitment.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that there is a need for nurses working in specialist palliative care units to articulate, document, and audit how they incorporate the values of nursing into their practice. This is pivotal not only for the future of palliative nursing within hospice and specialist palliative care units but also to the future of palliative care itself. To make visible the values of nursing further practice-based education and research is required.
Risk factors for radiation-induced lung injury in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer: implication for treatment strategies
Authors: Sha Sha , Dong Jigang , Wang Maoyu , Chen Ziyu , Gao Peng
Published: July 2021

Background

The radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLS) is very common in clinical settings; we aimed to evaluate the risk factors of RILI in NSCLS patients, to provide insights into the treatment of NSCLS.

Methods

NSCLC patients undergoing three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) in our hospital from June 1, 2018, to June 30, 2020, were included. The characteristics and treatments of RILI and non-RILI patients were analyzed. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the risk factors of RILI in patients with NSCLC.

Results

A total of 126 NSCLC patients were included; the incidence of RILI in NSCLC patients was 35.71%. There were significant differences in diabetes, smoke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), concurrent chemotherapy, radiotherapy dose, and planning target volume (PTV) between the RILI group and the non-RILI group (all P < 0.05). Logistic regression analyses indicated that diabetes (OR 3.076, 95%CI 1.442~5.304), smoke (OR 2.745, 95%CI 1.288~4.613), COPD (OR 3.949, 95%CI 1.067~5.733), concurrent chemotherapy (OR 2.072, 95%CI 1.121~3.498), radiotherapy dose ≥ 60 Gy (OR 3.841, 95%CI 1.932~5.362), and PTV ≥ 396 (OR 1.247, 95%CI 1.107~1.746) were the independent risk factors of RILI in patients with NSCLC (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

RILI is commonly seen in NSCLS patients; early targeted measures are warranted for patients with those risk factors; future studies with larger sample sizes and different areas are needed to further elucidate the influencing factors of RILI in the treatment of NSCLS.
Molecular characteristics and clinical outcomes of complex ALK rearrangements identified by next-generation sequencing in non-small cell lung cancers
Authors: Xia Peiyi , Zhang Lan , Li Pan , Liu Enjie , Li Wencai , Zhang Jianying , Li Hui , Su Xiaoxing , Jiang Guozhong
Published: July 2021

Background

Complex kinase rearrangement, a mutational process involving one or two chromosomes with clustered rearrangement breakpoints, interferes with the accurate detection of kinase fusions by DNA-based next-generation sequencing (NGS). We investigated the characteristics of complex ALK rearrangements in non-small cell lung cancers using multiple molecular tests.

Methods

Samples of non-small cell lung cancer patients were analyzed by targeted-capture DNA-based NGS with probes tilling the selected intronic regions of fusion partner genes, RNA-based NGS, RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).

Results

In a large cohort of 6576 non-small cell lung cancer patients, 343 (5.2%) cases harboring ALK rearrangements were identified. Fourteen cases with complex ALK rearrangements were identified by DNA-based NGS and classified into three types by integrating various genomic features, including intergenic (n = 3), intragenic (n = 5) and “bridge joint” rearrangements (n = 6). All thirteen cases with sufficient samples actually expressed canonical EML4-ALK fusion transcripts confirmed by RNA-based NGS. Besides, positive ALK IHC was detected in 13 of 13 cases, and 9 of 11 cases were positive in FISH testing. Patients with complex ALK rearrangements who received ALK inhibitors treatment (n = 6), showed no difference in progression-free survival (PFS) compared with patients with canonical ALK fusions n = 36, P = 0.9291).

Conclusions

This study firstly reveals the molecular characteristics and clinical outcomes of complex ALK rearrangements in NSCLC, sensitive to ALK inhibitors treatment, and highlights the importance of utilizing probes tilling the selected intronic regions of fusion partner genes in DNA-based NGS for accurate fusion detection. RNA and protein level assay may be critical in validating the function of complex ALK rearrangements in clinical practice for optimal treatment decision.
Identification of hub genes in rheumatoid arthritis through an integrated bioinformatics approach
Authors: Wu Rui , Long Li , Zhou Qiao , Su Jiang , Su Wei , Zhu Jing
Published: July 2021

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the synovial membrane. However, the etiology and underlying molecular events of RA are unclear. Here, we applied bioinformatics analysis to identify the key genes involved in RA.

Methods

GSE77298 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We used the R software screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene ontology enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway were analyzed by using the DAVID online tool. The STRING database was used to analyze the interaction of differentially encoded proteins. PPI interaction network was divided into subnetworks using MCODE algorithm and was analyzed using Cytoscape. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to identify relevant biological functions. qRT-PCR analysis was also performed to verify the expression of identified hub DEGs.

Results

A total of 4062 differentially expressed genes were selected, including 1847 upregulated genes and 2215 downregulated genes. In the biological process, DEGs were mainly concentrated in the fields of muscle filament sliding, muscle contraction, intracellular signal transduction, cardiac muscle contraction, signal transduction, and skeletal muscle tissue development. In the cellular components, DEGs were mainly concentrated in the parts of cytosol, Z disk, membrane, extracellular exosome, mitochondrion, and M band. In molecular functions, DEGs were mainly concentrated in protein binding, structural constituent of muscle, actin binding, and actin filament binding. KEGG pathway analysis shows that DEGs mainly focuses on pathways about lysosome, Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and NF-κB signaling pathway. CXCR3, GNB4, and CXCL16 were identified as the core genes that involved in the progression of RA. By qRT-PCR analysis, we found that CXCR3, GNB4, and CXCL16 were significantly upregulated in RA tissue as compared to healthy controls.

Conclusion

In conclusion, DEGs and hub genes identified in the present study help us understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the progression of RA, and provide candidate targets for diagnosis and treatment of RA.
In vivo and in vitro mutagenicity of perillaldehyde and cinnamaldehyde
Authors: Honma Masamitsu , Yamada Masami , Yasui Manabu , Horibata Katsuyoshi , Sugiyama Kei-ichi , Masumura Kenichi
Published: July 2021

Background

Perillaldehyde and cinnamaldehyde are natural substances found in plants that are used as flavoring ingredients. Due to the α,β-unsaturated aldehydes in their structures, these compounds are expected to be DNA reactive. Indeed, several reports have indicated that perillaldehyde and cinnamaldehyde show positive in in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity tests. However, their genotoxic potentials are currently disputed. To clarify the mutagenicity of perillaldehyde and cinnamaldehyde, we conducted in silico quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) analysis, in vitro Ames tests, and in vivo transgenic rodent gene mutation (TGR) assays.

Results

In Ames tests, perillaldehyde was negative and cinnamaldehyde was positive; these respective results were supported by QSAR analysis. In TGR assays, we treated Muta™ Mice with perillaldehyde and gpt-delta mice with cinnamaldehyde up to the maximum tested doses (1000 mg/kg/day). There was no increase in gene mutations in the liver, glandular stomach, or small intestine following all treatments except the positive control (N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea at 100 mg/kg/day).

Conclusions

These data clearly show no evidence of in vivo mutagenic potentials of perillaldehyde and cinnamaldehyde (administered up to 1000 mg/kg/day) in mice; however, cinnamaldehyde is mutagenic in vitro.
Impact of lung-RADS classification system on the accurate diagnosis of pulmonary nodular lesions in oncology patients
Authors: Ahmed Hoda Abdel Kareem , FarghalyAmin Mohamed
Published: July 2021

Background

Lung assessment is highly recommended in the management of oncology patients as it is the commonest affected site in metastatic dissemination. The low-dose CT with nodule reporting system based on Lung Reporting and Data System (lung-RADS) is a promising non-invasive tool for the characterization of incidentally detected pulmonary nodules. The authors aimed to assess the accuracy of the “lung-RADS” classification system as a non-invasive tool for the characterization of any newly developed pulmonary nodules among oncology patients. Ethics committee approval and informed written consent were obtained from the studied patients. A non-contrast LDCT study was performed on all patients with a nodule reporting system based on the lung-RADS classification system applied for evaluation of each detected pulmonary nodule. Diagnoses were established using the help of either histopathology or follow-up clinical results as a gold standard.

Results

In this prospective study, we enrolled 187 known malignancy patients with 200 suspicious newly developed pulmonary nodules. Their mean patient age was 48.4 ± 9.7 years. The studied 200 pulmonary nodular lesions were categorized using a nodule reporting system based on the lung-RADS into 6 sub-groups with 122 lesions found to be malignant and 78 lesions were of benign etiology, which showed a high sensitivity of 92.08%, specificity of 78.79%, and accuracy of 85.50% with 81.58% positive predictive value and 90.70% negative predictive value in the diagnosis of pulmonary nodules in cancer patients.

Conclusion

Low-density CT with a nodule reporting system based on the lung-RADS classification system was found to be an accurate non-invasive tool to characterize and to risk stratify pulmonary nodules in oncology patients.
Maritime Histories, Indian Ocean and Port-Towns
Authors: Malekandathil Pius
Published: July 2021

Maritime histories is a very important tool in the study of the development of Port towns in Pre-modern India - as it enables researchers to come closer to the crucial dynamics of the urban historical process, embracing aspects such as international politics, navigation, oceanic currents, oceanic society, maritime transportation, sea-borne trade and commerce, port-hinterland relations and heritage aligned with it. The changing social character of these port towns are also indicative of the changing roles that were ascribed to them and the type of meanings that the new power wielders inscribed onto their urban spaces. In the transition phase of eighteenth century, the English towns of Bombay, Madras and Calcutta, which had a large number of Indo-Portuguese population and were relatively lying on the commercial periphery in the second half of seventeenth century, emerged as principal maritime exchange centres and towns in maritime India attracting traders, artisans, and financiers from other economic enclaves of India. This paper is an attempt to explore the dynamics of change and evolution of these port towns, not only as a conduit for providing trade and commerce, but also as a space for communication and the development of tangible and intangible heritage.
The Survival of Travel and Tourism Industry amidst the Covid 19 Pandemic
Authors: H Sandhya
Published: July 2021

The Covid 19 pandemic has impacted the world and almost brought the entire world to a complete standstill. Most of the industries have been affected adversely as countries across the world went on lockdowns and imposed restrictions on travel, trade, and businesses. The tourism, Aviation, and Hospitality industry are among the few that have been most affected due to the pandemic, as pleasure travel had almost ceased to zero and many countries worldwide had closed their borders restricting international tourists. In order to survive this, the travel industry players had to cut down their employees and their pay. Many tourism professionals have lost their jobs or have their jobs at stake. This paper focuses on analyzing the overall impacts of the pandemic on the travel and tourism industry of India. The study aims at understanding the challenges faced by the different players in the tourism industry to survive the pandemic. The study also sheds light on the opportunities that await in the future on a post-Covid scenario and some of the methods adopted by the industry players to manage the future demand in the most sustainable and safe manner. The paper is conceptual and purely based on literature reviews of various research papers focusing on the Covid pandemic on a global scale.
Policy Response to the Tourism Crisis during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Pradeep N Chaitanya , Khan Sumyrah Afreen
Published: July 2021

The Pandemic cracked the fragile mold of what was decided as the norm and pushed countries to resort to survival. Tourism, a mechanism proven to bridge gaps between cultures was worst affected on a global level and the only flotation device utilized were policies. Yet, States with different political ideologies, how have they responded in reality? Which ideology has become a tool to design the policy to address tourism crisis caused by the pandemic? remained an unexplored field of research. To address these questions there is a need to look at the policies initiated by selected countries representing varied political spectrum to analyse the pragmatically working ideology during/after the pandemic. Therefore, this study aims to observe the complexities of crisis management and the shift of ideology between the usual state of government to the adoption of a foreign even opposing ideology to rebuild after an unprecedented catastrophe. To enunciate its shift, the methodology divides its countries into ideologies based on liberal, socialist, and conservative categories and selects two countries each of which are contributing a major portion of GDP share to the tourism industry. The study had adopted the ideological approach to examine the select policies formulated by the respective countries to revive their tourism industry such as what are the bail-out programmes, financial aids, etc. The present study relied on a meta-analysis approach to identify, summarize, and analyze how the selected countries adopted different models to identify and define policy problems. Based on the findings of the meta-analysis, the study establishes that countries adopted ideologies that pragmatically worked and rejected ideologies that are inherently adopted as the state’s governing principle.
Der "Deutsche Gruß" in Briefen. Zur historischen Soziolinguistik und Pragmatik eines verordneten Sprachgebrauchs
Authors: Ehlers Klaas-Hinrich
Published: July 2021

The official decree, in 1933, to use "Heil Hitler" and "Mit deutschem Gruß [With German greetings]" as greetings, constituted a massive intervention in the everyday use of language in the German population. The study examines in what time frame and in what domains of written communication the new forms of greeting were established. Sources include guidelines and sample letters from Nazi era style guides as well as a body of authentic business letters from the 1920s to 1940s. The development described in the study is characterized as a phase of forcibly accelerated modernization in the long-term history of European communication routines. The introduction of the Hitler salute is identified as a premature and passing episode in the multidimensional transition from feudal courtesy of the vertical distance towards a bourgeois/contemporary courtesy of the horizontal distance.
Die Paronomasie als werbestilistisches Element – Zur gefühlten Inflation einer rhetorischen Figur
Authors: Hartung Thomas
Published: July 2021

Paronomasias are as rhetorical figures of repetition intentional combinations of at least similar, at best, equal, semantically and/or etymology but different words, the similarity in sound and/or writing is justified. Given the inflation of "Wau, ist das günstig", "MyTaxi holt dich app", "Hörvorragende Angebote"… questioned the contribution the spoken power of this particular figure of advertisement speech. Basis is the theory that advertising language is as comprehensive "semiosis of linguistic, paralinguistic and extra-linguistic" (Fix 1996) interpreted. Differentiated by primary (homonymous, homophonic, homographic) and secondary (paronymous) Paronomasias, he then examines the primary as a semiotic unintended inventory based on a reductionist body, which leads to the extraction of structural usage patterns and checks the validity of two general schemes.
People, power, Pollokshields
Authors: Jarvis Zoe J. , Anderson Rory
Published: July 2021

A social work perspective of dawn raids of refugees and asylum seekers within the Pollokshields area of Glasgow, which were stopped by community action. The hostile environment whipped up by politicians and the ongoing oppression of refugees and asylum seekers is considered within the context of counter terrorism legislation and the need for grassroots community social work working.