bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility, Efficacy, and Safety of Peripheral Venous Access for Chronic Double-Filtration Plasmapheresis with Regional Citrate Anticoagulation
Authors: Cardinale Antoine , Pambrun Emilie , Prelipcean Camelia , Messikh Ziyad , Moranne Olivier
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Peripheral venous access (PVA) is recommended as a first-line vascular approach for therapeutic plasmapheresis with centrifugation methods but not filtration, which usually requires high blood flow. We evaluated the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of double-filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) with PVA, using ultrasound guidance and regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA), i.e., PVA-RCA-DFPP in patients undergoing chronic DFPP. Secondly, we assessed the number of central venous catheters (CVCs) avoided. Methods: A single-center retrospective study evaluated 22 adult patients on chronic DFPP to perform PVA-RCA-DFPP. They were classified into 3 groups: successful (i.e., completion of sessions with PVA), primary failure (i.e., no sessions completed), secondary failure (i.e., ≥1 session with PVA completed but secondary return with CVC or arteriovenous fistula). Results: Among the 22 patients included (64% men), 7 patients (32%) were classified as primary failures (2 patient refusals, 5 inadequate PVAs), 1 patient (5%) as a secondary failure (due to uncomfortable venipunctures), and 14 patients (64%) as successful. In the successful group including 12 patients treated for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and 2 patients for familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) (2 patients), 116 sessions were performed, with a median treated plasma volume of 4.3 L [IQR 3.6–4.6] (45 mL/kg) for a median duration of 134 min [IQR 122–144], and a median blood flow of 94 mL/min [IQR 87–103]. For the CIDP group, 90% of sessions achieved a plasma volume >1 TPV, and for the FH group 91% of sessions achieved an LDLc reduction >60%. Eleven sessions out of 116 (9%) were interrupted, mostly due to PVA dysfunction (5/11) and circuit clotting (4/11). Session interruptions decreased significantly between each patient’s first and following sessions (29% to 7%, p = 0.009). Conclusion: Chronic PVA-RCA-DFPP can be performed safely and efficiently, avoiding the use of CVCs.
Current Status of Diagnosis and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer in Asian Countries: A Questionnaire Survey
Authors: Tanaka Hidenori , Oka Shiro , Shiotani Akiko , Sugimoto Mitsushige , Suzuki Hidekazu , Naito Yuji , Handa Osamu , Hisamatsu Tadakazu , Fukudo Shin , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Motoya Satoshi , Yahagi Naohisa , Yamaguchi Satoru , Chan Francis K.L. , Lee Sun-young , Li Baiwen , Ang Tiing Leong , Abdullah Murdani , Tablante Maria Carla , Prachayakul Varayu , Tanaka Shinji ,   The International Gastrointestinal Consensus Symposium Study Group
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Diagnostic and therapeutic methods for colorectal cancer (CRC) have advanced; however, they may be inaccessible worldwide, and their widespread use is challenging. This questionnaire survey investigates the current status of diagnosis and treatment of early-stage CRC in Asian countries. Methods: Responses to the questionnaire were obtained from 213 doctors at different institutions in 8 countries and regions. The questionnaire consisted of 39 questions on the following four topics: noninvasive diagnosis other than endoscopy (6 questions), diagnosis by magnification and image-enhanced endoscopy (IEE) including artificial intelligence (AI) (10 questions), endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), proper use among other therapeutic methods (11 questions), and pathologic diagnosis and surveillance (12 questions). Results: Although 101 of 213 respondents were affiliated with academic hospitals, there were disparities among countries and regions in the dissemination of advanced technologies, such as IEE, AI, and ESD. The NICE classification is widely used for the diagnosis of colorectal tumors using IEE, while the JNET classification with magnification was used in countries such as Japan (65/70, 92.9%) and China (16/22, 72.7%). Of the 211 respondents, 208 (98.6%) assumed that en bloc resection should be achieved for carcinomas, and 180 of 212 (84.9%) believed that ESD was the most suitable in cases with a diameter larger than 2 cm. However, colorectal ESD is not widespread in countries such as Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Conclusion: The promotion of advanced technologies and education should be continual to enable more people to benefit from them.
Heart Rate Changes following Facemask Placement in Infants Born at ≥32+0 Weeks of Gestation
Authors: Badurdeen Shiraz , Brooijmans Elisa , Blank Douglas A. , Kuypers Kristel Leontina Anne Marie , Te Pas Arjan B. , Roberts Calum , Polglase Graeme R. , Hooper Stuart B. , Davis Peter G.
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Recent reports have raised concerns of cardiorespiratory deterioration in some infants receiving respiratory support at birth. We aimed to independently determine whether respiratory support with a facemask is associated with a decrease in heart rate (HR) in some late-preterm and term infants. Methods: Secondary analysis of data from infants born at ≥32+0 weeks of gestation at 2 perinatal centres in Melbourne, Australia. Change in HR up to 120 s after facemask placement, measured using 3-lead electrocardiography, was assessed every 3 s until 60 s and every 5 s thereafter from video recordings. Results: In the 15 s after facemask placement, 10/68 (15%) infants had a decrease in mean HR by >10 beats per minute (bpm) compared with their individual baseline mean HR in the 15 s before facemask placement. In 4 (6%) infants, HR decreased to <100 bpm. Nine out of 68 (13%) infants had an increase in mean HR by >10 bpm; 7 of these infants had a baseline HR <120 bpm. In univariable comparisons, the following characteristics were found not to be risk factors for a decrease in HR by >10 bpm: prematurity; type of respiratory support; hypoxaemia; early cord clamping; mode of birth; HR <120 bpm before mask placement. Six out of 63 infants (10%) who had HR ≥120 bpm after facemask placement had a late decrease in HR to <100 bpm between 30 and 120 s after facemask placement. Conclusion: Facemask respiratory support at birth is temporally associated with a decrease in HR in a subset of late-preterm and term infants.
Prioritization of Monogenic Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract Candidate Genes with Existing Single-Cell Transcriptomics Data of the Human Fetal Kidney
Authors: Schierbaum Luca M , Schneider Sophia , Buerger Florian , Halawi Abdul Aziz , Seltzsam Steve , Wang Chunyan , Zheng Bixia , Wu Chen-Han Wilfried , Dai Rufeng , Connaughton Dervla M. , Salmanullah Daanya , Nakayama Makiko , Mann Nina , Shril Shirlee , Hildebrandt Friedhelm
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are the most common cause of chronic kidney disease in the first 3 decades of life. Over 40 genes have been identified as causative for isolated human CAKUT. However, many genes remain unknown, and the prioritization of potential CAKUT candidate genes is challenging. To develop an independent approach to prioritize CAKUT candidate genes, we hypothesized that monogenic CAKUT genes are most likely co-expressed along a temporal axis during kidney development and that genes with coinciding high expression may represent strong novel CAKUT candidate genes. Methods: We analyzed single-cell mRNA (sc-mRNA) transcriptomics data of human fetal kidney for temporal sc-mRNA co-expression of 40 known CAKUT genes. A maximum of high expression in consecutive timepoints of kidney development was found for four of the 40 genes (EYA1, SIX1, SIX2, and ITGA8) in nephron progenitor cells a, b, c, d (NPCa–d). We concluded that NPCa–d are relevant for CAKUT pathogenesis and intersected two lists of CAKUT candidate genes resulting from unbiased whole-exome sequencing (WES) with the 100 highest expressed genes in NPCa–d. Results: Intersection of the 100 highest expressed genes in NPCa–d with WES-derived CAKUT candidate genes identified an overlap with the candidate genes KIF19, TRIM36, USP35, CHTF18, in each of which a biallelic variant was detected in different families with CAKUT. Conclusion: Sc-mRNA expression data of human fetal kidney can be utilized to prioritize WES-derived CAKUT candidate genes. KIF19, TRIM36, USP35, and CHTF18 may represent strong novel candidate genes for CAKUT.
Impact of Sarcopenic Obesity on Severe Postoperative Complications in Patients with Gastric Cancer Undergoing Gastrectomy
Authors: Yamagishi Shunsuke , Okamura Yukiyasu , Kang Woodae , Shindate Masataka , Kochi Mitsugu , Mitsuka Yusuke , Watabe Megumu , Yoshida Nao , Ikarashi Masahito , Yamazaki Shintaro , Aramaki Osamu , Nakayama Hisashi , Moriguchi Masamichi , Higaki Tokio , Yamashita Hiroharu
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Several studies have indicated that sarcopenia affects the short- and long-term outcomes of cancer patients, including those with gastric cancer. In recent years, sarcopenic obesity and its effects have been reported in cancer patients. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of sarcopenic obesity on postoperative complications in patients with gastric cancer undergoing gastrectomy. Methods: This single-center, retrospective study included 155 patients who underwent curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer from January 2015 to July 2021. Sarcopenia was defined by the psoas muscle index (<6.36 cm2/m2 in men and <3.92 cm2/m2 in women), which measures the iliopsoas muscle area at the lumbar L3 level using computed tomography. Obesity was defined by body mass index (≥25). Patients with both sarcopenia and obesity were defined as the sarcopenic obesity group and others as the non-sarcopenic obesity group. Severe postoperative complications were defined as Clavien-Dindo classification grade IIIa or higher. Results: Of the 155 patients, 26 (16.8%) had sarcopenic obesity. The incidence of severe postoperative complications was significantly higher in the sarcopenic obesity group (30.8% vs. 10.9%; p = 0.014). Multivariate analysis indicated that sarcopenic obesity was an independent risk factor for severe postoperative complications (odds ratio, 3.950; 95% confidence interval, 1.390–11.200; p = 0.010). Conclusion: Sarcopenic obesity is an independent risk factor for severe postoperative complications.
Early Counseling to Improve Oral Health Behavior in Children with Major Congenital Heart Defects: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Karikoski Essi , Sarkola Taisto , Blomqvist My
Published: August 2023

Maintaining optimal oral health behavior in children with a congenital heart defect (CHD) is important in managing the risk for caries development and infective endocarditis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of an early and repeat oral health promotion intervention (OHPI) among children with major CHD. Randomized controlled trial including 72 out of 91 children born in Finland April 1, 2017–October 31, 2020 with (a) major CHD potentially included in the criteria of endocarditis prophylaxis or (b) any CHD with surgical repair combined with a chromosomal syndrome. A parallel passive control (C) group of 87 healthy children were recruited at birth. CHD children were randomized 1:1 to intervention (CHD-I) and control (CHD-C) groups. The OHPI included counseling by motivational interviewing, home delivered toothpaste and toothbrushes, and written information, and was provided at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months of age to CHD-I group. The primary outcome measure at 24 months was child’s oral health behavior (toothbrushing, sugar intake, and dental care contact). The secondary outcome measures were parents’ awareness of the importance of oral health behavior, and oral health behavior as a predictor for child behavior. At 24 months, toothbrushing was performed twice a day in 20/27 (74%) among CHD-I, in 13/30 (43%) among CHD-C (CHD-I vs. CHD-C p = 0.03), and in 37/50 (74%) among healthy comparisons (CHD-C vs. C p = 0.01). Electric toothbrush use was 12/27 (44%) in CHD-I, 5/30 (17%) in CHD-C (CHD-I vs. CHD-C p = 0.04), and 7/50 (14%) in healthy comparison (CHD-C vs. C p = 0.76) children. Among CHD-I, toothbrushing and use of electric toothbrush improved between 12 months and 24 months. Sugar drink intake was more common among CHD-C (CHD-C vs. C p = 0.02), but comparable to CHD-I children. Parental toothbrushing predicted child toothbrushing twice a day. There were no statistical group differences in dental care contact. Children with CHD are at risk for poor oral health behavior. This could be improved with early and repeat oral health promotion parental counseling.
Clinical Outcomes of COVID-19 in Mycosis Fungoides and Sezary Syndrome
Authors: Levy Yurkovski Ilana , Rokach Lior , Melamed Guy , Alapi Hillel , Gazit Sivan , Patalon Tal , Tadmor Tamar
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Haemato-oncologic patients are more susceptible to severe infections with SARS-CoV-2. We aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection among patients with Mycosis Fungoides and Sezary Syndrome (MF/SS). Methods: The data were retrieved from anonymized electronic medical records of Maccabi Healthcare Services (MHS), the second-largest healthcare organization in Israel. Patients diagnosed with MF/SS were included in the study. COVID-19 PCR test results together with sociodemographic and clinical data were extracted and analyzed to evaluate the association of COVID-19 with clinical outcomes. Results: In the period of 2020–2022, 1,472 MF/SS patients were included in the study. Among them, 768 (52%) had SARS-CoV-2 infection. The hospitalization rate was 2.9% and infection by the Delta variant was associated with the highest hospitalization rate (7.7%). The hospitalization rate was lower among fully vaccinated patients (p = 0.032) but higher for patients older than 65 (p < 0.001) and patients with SS (vs. MF) (p < 0.001) or COPD (p = 0.024) diagnosis. There was a tendency for decreased hospitalization among patients treated with nirmatrelvir + ritonavir within 5 days of infection, with a 79% risk reduction, although it was not statistically significant (p = 0.164). Conclusion: Patients with MF/SS do not necessarily have worse COVID-19 outcomes compared to the general population.
Knowledge Review of Spinal Deformity and the Need for Fusion and Fixation following Treatment for Spinal Tumors among the Pediatric Age Group
Authors: Kumar Jay I. , Jallo George I. , Shimony Nir
Published: August 2023

Background: Spinal tumors are rare pathology in the pediatric population. The tumors can be classified as extradural, intradural extramedullary, or intramedullary. Any of the spinal tumors can eventually lead to spinal deformity. The progressive spinal deformity can be part of the initial presentation or evolve on long follow-up, even years after the initial intervention and treatment. Summary: Management of spinal deformity associated with spinal tumors in children is not well defined. Patients with progressive symptoms and even neurological deficits need correction for their deformity when diagnosed. Patients that do not have pain or related neurological deficits should be evaluated for the severity of their deformity and followed long-term. Special consideration is needed for young patients who need multilevel surgery or have deformity at presentation. Key Messages: When considering the need for instrumentation and fusion, the surgeon should consider the age of the patient, expected future growth of the spine, neurologic status, extent of initial deformity, and the number of vertebral levels involved by tumor. Providers should also consider how surgery may fix or prevent deformity, especially when instrumentation can affect imaging at follow-up.
Obesity Paradox in the Intrahospital and Follow-Up Phases of the Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Mornar Jelavic Marko , Babic Zdravko , Pintaric Hrvoje
Published: August 2023

Background: Obesity is an important risk factor for the development of dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease, ventricular dysfunction, congestive heart failure (HF), stroke, and cardiac arrhythmias. Objectives: This meta-analysis brings comprehensive evaluation about still controversial association between the body mass index (BMI) and the outcomes of acute coronary syndrome. Method: PubMed/ScienceDirect databases were systematically searched for studies with baseline parameters, primary (HF, cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrest, reinfarction, stroke, death, total in-hospital complications) and secondary outcomes (reinfarction, stroke, death, total major adverse cardiovascular events [MACE]) in relation to BMI strictly classified into four groups (underweight [<18.5 kg/m2], normal weight [18.5–24.9 kg/m2], overweight [25.0–29.9 kg/m2], and obese [≥30.0 kg/m2], grouped into mildly obese [30.0–34.9 kg/m2] and severely obese [≥35.0 kg/m2]). Results: We included 24 studies, with 585,919 participants (55.5% males), aged 66.8 years. Underweight was negatively associated with hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes, and positively with primary outcomes {HF (odds ratio [OR] = 1.37, confidence interval [CI] [1.15–1.63]), cardiogenic shock (OR = 1.43, CI [1.04–1.98]), stroke (OR = 1.21, CI [1.05–1.40]), overall death (OR = 1.64, CI [1.20–2.26]), total in-hospital complications (OR = 1.39, CI [1.24–1.56])} and secondary outcomes during 34-month follow-up {cardiovascular/overall death (OR = 3.78, CI [1.69–8.49]/OR = 2.82, CI [2.29–3.49]), respectively, total MACE (OR = 2.77, CI [2.30–3.34])} (for all p < 0.05). Obesity had positive association with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes and smoking, and negative with primary outcomes {reinfarction (OR = 0.83, CI [0.76–0.91]), stroke (OR = 0.67, CI [0.54–0.85]), overall death (OR = 0.55, CI [0.49–0.63]), total in-hospital complications (OR = 0.81, CI [0.70–0.93])} and secondary outcomes {cardiovascular/overall death (OR = 0.77, CI [0.66–0.88]/OR = 0.62, CI [0.53–0.72]), respectively, total MACE (OR = 0.63, CI [0.60–0.77])} (for all p < 0.05). This negative association with several primary outcomes (cardiogenic shock, overall death, total in-hospital complications) and secondary outcomes (cardiovascular/overall death, total MACE) was more pronounced in mild obesity (p < 0.05). These results give an “obesity paradox” with a bimodal pattern (slightly U-shaped). Conclusions: Obesity is positively associated with traditional cardiovascular risk factors and negatively with primary and secondary outcomes, which confirms the persistence of overall “obesity paradox.”
Plasma Neurofilament Light Chain Is Elevated after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Sjölin Karl , Christersson Christina , James Stefan , Lindbäck Johan , Åsberg Signild , Burman Joachim
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is associated with a high incidence of new silent brain infarcts (SBIs) on postprocedural neuroimaging. A venous blood sample reflecting neuronal damage following TAVI could help identify patients with potential SBIs. We aimed to investigate if a biochemical marker of neuronal injury, neurofilament light chain (NFL), is elevated after TAVI. Methods: In this observational study, NFL was measured in plasma from 31 patients before and after TAVI. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to investigate any effect of clinical- and procedure-related factors on differences in NFL levels before and after TAVI. Results: Samples were collected 41 (14–81) days before and 44 (35–59) days after TAVI, median (interquartile range). Median age was 81 (77–84) years, and 35% were female. No patient had any overt procedure-related neurological complications. The geometric mean (95% confidence interval) of the NFL concentration was 30 (25–36) pg/mL before TAVI and 48 (39–61) pg/mL, after TAVI, p <0.001. None of the included variables in the multiple linear regression model were statistically significantly associated with the difference in levels before and after TAVI. Conclusions: NFL levels in plasma were higher after TAVI as compared with levels before, with a mean increase of 60% (18 pg/mL). Further studies including neuroimaging and cognitive outcomes are needed to understand the potential value of measuring NFL in relation to TAVI.
The Therapeutic Value of Adjuvant Chemotherapy after Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer
Authors: Wang Ya-Nan , Zhong Mei-Ling , Liang Mei-Rong , Yang Jian-Tong , Zeng Si-Yuan
Published: August 2023

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic value and treatment-related complications of adjuvant chemotherapy after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). Design: The medical records of LACC patients who underwent CCRT were reviewed retrospectively. Methods: A total of 1,138 patients with LACC who had been treated at our hospital between January 2013 and December 2017 were included in the study and classified into two groups: the CCRT group, comprising 726 patients who had received only CCRT, and the CCRT + adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) group, comprising 412 patients who had received three cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy after CCRT. 39 patients in the CCRT group and 50 patients in the CCRT + ACT group had undergone lymphadenectomy, which revealed pathology-positive lymph nodes in 22 patients and 35 patients, respectively. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events were compared. Results: The median follow-up time was 61 months (range: 2–96 months). No significant differences in PFS and OS were found between the two groups (p > 0.05), but more grade 3–4 acute hematologic toxicities were observed in the CCRT + ACT group than in the CCRT group (24.8% vs. 31.8%, p = 0.01). A subgroup analysis of patients with pathology-positive lymph nodes showed that the 5-year PFS and OS rates were 76.5% and 74.9%, respectively, for the CCRT + ACT group and 45.0% and 49.2%, respectively, for the CCRT group; the differences were statistically significant (p = 0.015 and 0.042, respectively). Limitations: First, the sample size of the subgroup of patients with pathology-positive lymph nodes was too small for a confirmative conclusion. The heterogeneous population and the selection bias resulting from the retrospective design were the other flaws of our study. Conclusion: The application of adjuvant chemotherapy after CCRT may be worth investigating further for women with LACC and pathology-positive lymph nodes, but this approach is associated with an increase in acute hematology toxicities.
Disrupted Small-World Networks in Children with Drug-Naïve Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A DTI-Based Network Analysis
Authors: Wu Liuhui , Su Shu , Dai Yan , Qiu Huaqiong , Lin Liping , Zou Mengsha , Qian Long , Liu Meina , Zhang Hongyu , Chen Yingqian , Yang Zhiyun
Published: August 2023

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, while the potential neurological mechanisms are poorly understood. To explore the alterations in the white matter (WM) structural connectome in children with drug-naïve ADHD, forty-nine ADHD and 51 age- and gender-matched typically developing (TD) children aged 6–14 years were enrolled. WM structural connectivity based on deterministic diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was constructed in 90 cortical and subcortical regions, and topological parameters of the resulting graphs were calculated. Network metrics were compared between two groups. The concentration index and the total cancellation test scores of digit cancellation test were used to evaluate clinical symptom severity in ADHD. Then, a partial correlation analysis was performed to explore the relationship between significant topologic metrics and clinical symptom severity. Compared to TD group, ADHD showed an increase in the characteristic path length (Lp), normalized clustering coefficient (γ), small worldness (σ), and a decrease in the global efficiency (Eglob) (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, ADHD showed reduced nodal centralities mainly in the regions of default mode network (DMN), central executive network (CEN), basal ganglia, and bilateral thalamus (all p < 0.05). After performing Benjamini-Hochberg’s procedure, only the left orbital part of superior frontal gyrus and the left caudate were statistically significant (p < 0.05, FDR-corrected). In addition, the concentration index of ADHD was negatively correlated with the nodal betweenness of the left orbital part of the middle frontal gyrus (r = −0.302, p = 0.042). Our findings revealed an ADHD-related shift of WM network topology toward “regularization” pattern, characterized by decreased global network integration, which is also reflected by changed nodal centralities involving DMN, CEN, basal ganglia, and bilateral thalamus. ADHD could be understood by examining the dysfunction of large-scale spatially distributed neural networks.
Usefulness of SPISE Index for Screening and Detection of Early Stages of Insulin Resistance among Chilean Young Adults
Authors: Pereyra González Isabel , Lopez-Arana Sandra
Published: August 2023

Background: As the gold standard test to quantify insulin resistance (IR) involves intravenous insulin loading and repeated blood glucose monitoring, many indexes have been developed for IR assessment for convenience. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the agreement of the Single-Point Insulin Sensitivity Estimator (SPISE) by comparing it with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in identifying IR. Method: Data came from the ongoing LIMACHE BIRTH COHORT. 1,948 individuals (aged 22–28 years) were studied. We performed an agreement plot called a Bangdiwala’s Observer Agreement to evaluate patterns in departures from agreement in ordinal categorical variables. Results: According to the Bangdiwala-Weighted statistics, we found that the agreement between both indexes was 0.14; this value would be considered a slight agreement. Thus, we found bias in the marginal distributions, and we noticed that the SPISE has a bias toward the central quintiles of the index. Conclusions: The identification of IR in young adult individuals by the SPISE index has slight agreement with HOMA-IR. Therefore, caution would be taken when considering SPISE index among young Chilean adults.
Complete Remission of a Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in a Young Patient, with Severe Tuberous Sclerosis, Treated with Metronomic Chemotherapy and Ibrutinib: A Case Report
Authors: Banchi Marta , Lanzolla Tiziana , Di Napoli Arianna , Bandini Arianna , Bocci Guido , Cox Maria Christina
Published: August 2023

Tuberous sclerosis (TS) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic multisystem disease caused by mutations in either the TSC1 or TSC2 gene and results in the growth of non-cancerous masses in several organs. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the predominant non-Hodgkin lymphoma in adolescents and young adults. Metronomic chemotherapy (mCHEMO) can be defined as the frequent, regular administration of drug doses able to maintain a low, but active, range of concentrations of chemotherapeutic drugs during prolonged periods of time. We present the case of a young woman with severe TS who developed DLBCL. She was treated consecutively with the mCHEMO schedule R-DEVEC (prednisone, vinorelbine, etoposide, cyclophosphamide, plus rituximab) and then ibrutinib, achieving an impressive long-lasting complete remission. In conclusion, alternative treatments could be necessary when comorbidities are present in patients, and mCHEMO can be a potential successful therapeutic approach in frail subjects.
Associations of Fruit and Vegetable Intake with Metabolic Health Status in Overweight and Obese Youth
Authors: Tirani Shahnaz Amani , Mirzaei Saeideh , Asadi Ali , Asjodi Foad , Iravani Orod , Akhlaghi Masoumeh , Saneei Parvane
Published: August 2023

Introduction: The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between fruit and vegetable intake with metabolic health status among overweight and obese Iranian youth. Methods: In total, 203 obese and overweight youth including 101 boys and 102 girls, 12–18 years, were randomly recruited through a multistage cluster sampling approach in this study. A validated Persian format of food frequency questionnaire was used to estimate participants’ usual food intake. Adolescents were categorized in accordance with the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria as well as IDF plus insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) definition into metabolically healthy obese and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO). Results: Based on IDF criteria, youth in the third tertile of vegetable and the combination of fruit and vegetable intake had 66% (odds ratio = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.12–0.95) and 73% (odds ratio = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.09–0.81) lower odds of MUO compared to those in the first tertile, in the fully-adjusted model. According to IDF plus HOMA-IR definition, inverse associations were also found between vegetable (odds ratio = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.12–1.02) and the combination of fruit and vegetable (odds ratio = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.08–0.79) intake with MUO phenotype. Stratified analysis indicated inverse associations between intake of vegetables and the combination of fruits and vegetables with MUO phenotype (based on IDF definition) in overweight, but not obese subjects. Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that greater consumption of vegetables as well as the combination of fruits and vegetables was related to a lower risk of MUO phenotype, particularly in overweight youth.
“Telemachising” the Poor Old Woman: Cathleen ni Houlihan “Restaged” at the Martello Tower
Authors: Greer Mick
Published: August 2023

In 1904, Joyce launched his satirical broadside, “The Holy Office”, attacking the members of the Abbey Theatre. For the young Joyce, it appeared “that mumming company”, run by Yeats and Lady Gregory, had “surrendered to the popular will”. He craved to show how he had broken away from what he considered the folksy, pseudo Irishness of “gold-embroidered Celtic fringes” and those who in their “foolishness .  .  . sigh back for the good old times” (Occasional, Critical, and Political Writings 28) – times encapsulated, for him, in Cathleen ni Houlihan. Despite telling us that “Cathleen was received with rapturous applause”, Stanislaus Joyce stresses the fact that his brother “was scornful and indignant that Yeats should write such political and dramatic claptrap” (My Brother’s Keeper 187). In “Telemachus”, the more mature Joyce took the opportunity to put his art at the service of his taste for personal and literary revenge through incorporating a brief, parodic take on Yeats and Gregory’ play through the scene with the milk woman. By setting “Cathleen” before his “cracked lookingglass” (Ulysses 6), he was able not only to explore an ironic echo of various tensions between the colonised Irish and the colonising Englishman, but also to ridicule the romanticised view of Ireland presented by much Celtic Revival writing – including drama – at the time Ulysses was set, and that would extend well beyond the time in which it was written and published.
The First Chapter of Gabriel Conroy, by Bret Harte
Authors: Freitas Luísa , Amaral Vitor Alevato do
Published: August 2023

Readers of Joyce know the character Gabriel Conroy from Dubliners’ final, longest, and most famous short story, “The Dead”. But the question whether they have read a novel called Gabriel Conroy will certainly make most of those readers frown. Yet before the protagonist of “The Dead” was created by Joyce, another character in literature had been called by this name, Captain Gabriel Conroy, from Bret Harte’s 1876 homonymous novel. By choosing that name for the protagonist of his short story, Joyce established a dialogue, although a possibly superficial one, between his work and that of Harte.
Explantation Site Management: A Decision Algorithm for Re-Implantation
Authors: Ardakani Mohammadreza Talebi , Amid Reza , Moscowchi Anahita
Published: August 2023

Dental implants are currently the preferred choice to restore function and esthetics. Nonetheless, explantation is sometimes inevitable in cases with advanced bone loss, implant fracture, or improper implant position. This study aimed to propose an algorithm for reimplantation at sites of previous failure. There is limited evidence on the replacement of failed implants, most of which are case reports or clinical trials with a small number of patients. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study proposing a clinical-decision algorithm to help clinicians manage implant failures with new implants. There are a variety of reasons contributing to implant failure: The etiologic factor of failure and the morphology of the residual defect have paramount importance on implant removal techniques and subsequent treatment modalities. There is no consensus on a distinct protocol to replace failed implants. However, the clinicians and patients should know that placing a new implant in an area with a history of failure, regardless of early or late implant failure, may have a lower survival rate.
Effect of salt stress on morpho-physiological and anatomical attributes of Salix clones
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Thakur Sapna , Choudhary O.P. , Kaur Ravneet , Kaila Vineeta , Sharma Jai Pal , Bharti
Published: August 2023

The aim of the study was to assess and quantify the impact of salt stress on key morpho-physiological traits that influence biomass production in Salix clones. In February 2021, a pot experiment was conducted using stem cuttings of five selected Salix clones. The experiment followed a Factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications. The clones were subjected to different levels of NaCl treatments (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 mM) during the active growth period. The observations on growth and physiological characteristics of clones were recorded at an interval of two months after initiation of salinity treatments i.e., May, July and October. However, the biomass parameters were recorded at the end of experiment. All the growth and biomass traits showed significant reduction with increase in salinity treatments. Among physiological traits significant reduction were observed in total chlorophyll, carotenoids and relative water content, while salinity stress raised the content of proline, total soluble sugar, total soluble protein and Na+/K+ ratio in all the clones. The enzymatic activities of POD and SOD increased in all the clones when subjected to higher levels of salinity stress. On the basis of overall mean performance, clone UHF-03 showed optimum growth and biomass accumulation at 80 mM and was found to be the most tolerant to salinity stress. SEM and EDS mapping confirmed anatomical changes and Na accumulations in the roots and leaves of Salix in response to salinity stress.
Further studies on the species diversity of the marine planktonic diatom genus Skeletonema (Bacillariophyta) in the Mexican Pacific
Authors: HERNÁNDEZ-BECERRIL DAVID U.
Published: August 2023

Following recommendations on species level identification in the diatom genus Skeletonema, some papers have been published describing new species. A combination of different observation techniques (LM, SEM and TEM) and/or the use of molecular tools for an accurate identification is now required, because semicryptic species have been found. In this study, cultures were established from one water sample collected from a location in the Mexican Pacific to provide a morphological characterization of four species: Skeletonema ardens, S. grevillei, S. pseudocostatum and S. tropicum. The selected morphological features for analysis were chains, cells, chloroplasts, valves, terminal or intercalary fultoportulae and rimoportulae, and cingular bands. Two of the described species, Skeletonema ardens and S. grevillei, are new records for the Mexican Pacific. Skeletonema costatum, that has traditionally been considered as abundant, frequent, and widely spread all over the region, was not recognized in this study. Together with the four species discussed here, there are six Skeletonema species represented in the Mexican Pacific, counting with Skeletonema japonicum and S. marinoi, previously reported for the region. The coexistence of four Skeletonema species in a same water sample is remarkable, considering that only Skeletonema costatum had historically been the typical species recorded, which was additionally producing blooms in coastal waters.
Oreocharis chenzhouensis, a new species of Gesneriaceae from southern Hunan, China
Authors: ZHOU GUO-HUI , TU RONG-HUI , LIU ANG , YU XUN-LIN
Published: August 2023

Oreocharis chenzhouensis, a new species, is described and illustrated from southern Hunan, China. The new species resembles O. burtii and O. sinohenryi in leaf blade shape and indumentum of the plants, but readily differs from the latter two in its leaf blade with a cuneate and usually asymmetric base, abaxially glabrous corolla tube, narrowly triangular calyx lobes, and one or no staminode. Following the IUCN Red List Criteria, O. chenzhouensis is assessed as “Vulnerable”.
Lectotypification of the name Sagina japonica (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: ATHIRA SUBRAMANIAN , MAYA CHANDRASEKHARAN NAIR
Published: August 2023

N/A
A New Approach for Diagnosis and Surveillance of Infantile Subglottic Hemangioma in the Era of Propranolol Use: A Case Series
Authors: Ezeh Uche C. , Ben-Dov Tom , Taufique Zahrah M. , Gaffey Megan M. , Blei Francine , April Max M.
Published: August 2023

Objective:

To report our institutional experience in diagnosing and surveilling patients with infantile subglottic hemangioma (SGH) using in-office flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy (FFL) with video technology, without requiring operative endoscopy in the era of propranolol use.

Methods:

A retrospective case series was conducted on 4 children diagnosed with SGH between 2016 and 2022 at our institution.

Results:

Awake FFL with video technology provided adequate visualization of SGH lesions for diagnosis, without any complications. Serial examinations of the airway were performed in the outpatient setting and each SGH gradually regressed, with marked improvement in respiratory symptoms within 48 hours of oral propranolol initiation.

Conclusion:

Our findings showed that in select patients, FFL with video technology can successfully identify SGH lesions without general anesthesia exposure. FFL may be used as a low-risk screening tool for propranolol therapy initiation in some patients, but operative endoscopy should remain the gold standard procedure for others. By utilizing FFL in this manner, it is possible to diagnose SGH lesions and start propranolol therapy without exposing all patients to the risks of operative endoscopy.
Regional Security Formations as a Panacea to the Myriads of Insecurity in Nigeria, Enugu State in Perspective
Authors: Onah Celestine Chijioke , Aduma Aloysius , Eze Fred O.
Published: August 2023

Security decentralization is a hallmark of true federalism across the globe. Yet, the Federal Government of Nigeria refused to decentralize security despite the prevailing high rate of insecurity—terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, killings, robbery, and banditry going on in Nigeria. Hence, a clear attestation to the failure of the centralized security architecture, leading to the formation of regional security outfits across the country. The method used is a cross-sectional survey leveraging quantitative and qualitative data. Findings revealed that regional security formations are the antidote to the insecurity in Nigeria. Recommendations made anchored on the liberal perspective of security in a secular state.
Conceptual Contributions in Marketing Scholarship: Patterns, Mechanisms, and Rebalancing Options
Authors: Kindermann Bastian , Wentzel Daniel , Antons David , Salge Torsten-Oliver
Published: August 2023

This article analyzes the nature and temporal change of conceptual contributions in marketing scholarship with two complementary studies. First, based on a computer-aided text analysis of 5,922 articles published in the four major marketing journals between 1990 and 2021, the authors analyze how conceptual contributions have changed over time using the MacInnis (2011) framework. Results indicate that over the past three decades, theorizing efforts have strongly favored “envisioning” and “explicating” at the expense of “relating” and “debating,” with this imbalance increasing over time. Second, the authors draw on 48 in-depth interviews with editors, department heads, and authors to validate these patterns and uncover the underlying mechanisms. The findings indicate that a prevalent thought style has developed in the field—defined by the research ideals of novelty, clarity, and quantification—that shapes the collective view of how marketing scholars, in their roles as authors, reviewers, and mentors, can make a valuable contribution to marketing scholarship. This thought style favors envisioning and explicating contributions and disfavors relating and debating contributions. Jointly, the two studies point to several rebalancing options that can reinvigorate relating and debating contributions while preserving the current strengths of the marketing field.
The effects of fusion-based feature extraction for fabric defect classification
Authors: Yaşar Çiklaçandir Fatma Günseli , Utku Semih , Özdemir Hakan
Published: August 2023

Image processing has been employed in a variety of fields since the advent of image processing techniques. One of these fields is textiles. The existence of any defect in a fabric is one of the most important factors affecting the quality of the fabric. There are many types of fabric defects that can occur for various reasons. It is critical to figure out what caused the defect and fix it so that it does not occur again. Automation of fabric defect detection has recently attracted a great deal of interest in view of the development in artificial intelligence technology to be able to discover defects with a high degree of success and to limit the harm to the manufacturer. This study focuses on analyzing different feature extraction methods and different classifiers and discussing the advantages/disadvantages of the combinations and, unlike other studies, using feature fusion for feature extraction. Different cases have been created that handle fabric datasets from different angles and apply different methods of feature extraction (convolution neural network, minimum relevance and maximum redundancy) and classification (ensemble learning (EL), k-nearest neighbor, support vector machine (SVM)) for separating defected and un-defected patterned and un-patterned fabrics. ResNet18 is the convolution neural network-based model with the highest performance in feature extraction, while EL and the SVM allow us to achieve close and highly successful results in classification. When feature fusion is used, ResNet18 & GoogLeNet & SVM is the most successful combination compared to the others (94.66%).
Stigma and Supportive Communication in the Context of Mental or Emotional Distress: An Extension of the Paradox of Support Seeking in Close Relationships
Authors: Bishop Rachael E. , High Andrew C.
Published: August 2023

Supportive communication can benefit people coping with the stigma that often accompanies mental or emotional distress; however, people might be reluctant to seek support effectively, if at all, for these types of stressors. Guided by the paradox of support seeking, this study expands understanding of how and why people seek support by examining multiple dimensions of stigma, exploring factors that hinder or facilitate people’s decision to seek support, and investigating nuanced support seeking behaviors in the context of mental or emotional distress. Results ( N = 406) revealed that internalization and visibility of stigma differentially impacted strategies people chose to seek support. Whereas visibility corresponded with direct seeking and more emotional content, internalized stigma was associated with avoidance. Perceived costs served as barriers to seeking support, and efficacy buffered against the negative consequences of stigma by encouraging direct seeking and allowing for greater depth and emotional content when seeking support.
The promise and practice of teaching social communication skills: A commentary on Abbot-Smith et al., 2023
Authors: Bryant Judith Becker
Published: August 2023

In this commentary, I endorse Abbot-Smith and colleagues’ call for social conversation skills training and raise challenges to designing such efforts. One challenge is to identify a set of conversational skills that are essentially universally important insofar as what is appropriate and effective conversational behavior varies situationally and culturally. A second challenge is to identify meaningful outcomes for training and how they should be assessed. In considering these challenges, I discuss Social Problem-solving Skills Training, cultural variability in children’s conversational behavior, and governmental agencies’ standards for students’ conversational competence.
Bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss Related to a Skull Base Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Gaini Lorenzo Maria , Battilocchi Ludovica , Conte Giorgio , Gaffuri Michele , Zanetti Diego , Pignataro Lorenzo , Torretta Sara
Published: August 2023

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a rare condition characterized by orthostatic headache, pulsatile tinnitus, vertigo, nausea, and fluctuating hearing loss; this latter seems to be due to the development of cochlear endolymphatic hydrops following negative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure transmitted to the perilymphatic space through a patent cochlear aqueduct. We here describe a case of bilateral progressive sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) due to intracranial hypotension caused by an undiagnosed spontaneous CSF leak from a skull base defect in a middle-aged woman. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing a SNHL in a patient affected by SIH secondary to sphenoidal CSF leak.
Who reduces political trust after experiencing corruption? Introducing the role of personality traits
Authors: Robertson Felicia
Published: August 2023

This article examines the interplay between corruption, personality traits and political trust. It argues that individuals’ personality traits may condition the effect of corruption experience on trust and that these traits also affect how individuals are exposed to corrupt experiences. Using data from the AmericasBarometer 2010, the study finds that openness, conscientiousness, agreeableness and emotional stability amplify the negative effect of corruption on trust in the police. However, only extraversion amplifies the negative effect of corrupt experiences on trust in government. The study also finds that openness, extraversion, agreeableness and emotional stability are linked to exposure to corruption. The study contributes to the literature by showing that personality affects exposure to corruption and constrains the effect of corruption on political trust.
Tired, angry, and unhappy with us: Poor sleep quality predicts increased anger and worsened perceptions of relationship quality
Authors: Audigier Alexis , Glass Sara , Slotter Erica B. , Pantesco Elizabeth
Published: August 2023

Existing research demonstrates that poor sleep is associated with lower perceptions of relationship quality. Poor sleep also predicts more intense experiences of negative affect, anger in particular. Greater anger is also tied to worse relationship outcomes. The current research explored the interplay among these factors across three studies: one correlational, one longitudinal, and one quasi-experiment (Total N = 695). We hypothesized that poorer sleep quality would predict worsened perceived relationship quality and increased anger. We also hypothesized that increased anger would account for the association between poorer sleep and reduced perceived relationship quality. Our hypotheses were supported.