bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The burden and predictors of latent tuberculosis infection among immigrants in South Korea: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Yu Sarah , Jeong Dawoon , Choi Hongjo
Published: December 2021

Background

Approximately one-fourth of the global population is latently infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. An understanding of the burden of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among immigrants compared with the general Korean population should be the first step in identifying priority groups for LTBI diagnosis and treatment. The study aimed to compute the age-standardized LTBI prevalence and predictors among immigrants with LTBI in South Korea.

Methods

In 2018, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency implemented a pilot LTBI screening project for immigrants using a chest radiography and the QuantiFERON Gold In-Tube assay. A standardized prevalence ratio (SPR) was computed to compare the LTBI burden in immigrants and the general Korean population.

Results

During the duration of the project, a total of 8108 immigrants (5134 males and 2974 females) underwent LTBI screening. The SPR of 1.547 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.468–1.629) in males and 1.261 (95% CI 1.177–1.349) in females were both higher than the Korean reference population. Furthermore, among the immigrants, those aged < 40 years and Korean diaspora visa holders had a higher SPR.

Conclusion

This study found a higher LTBI prevalence among immigrant population in South Korea compared to that in the general Korean population, and the SPR was higher among those aged < 40 years and the Korean diaspora. The findings can be used as baseline evidence for including immigrants in South Korea in the at-risk group with a priority need for LTBI screening and treatment.
Truncating mutation in TANC2 in a Chinese boy associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: a case report
Authors: Tian Yang , Shi Zhen , Hou Chi , Li Wenjuan , Wang Xiuying , Zhu Haixia , Li Xiaojing , Chen Wen-Xiong
Published: December 2021

Background

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe epileptic encephalopathy that can be caused by brain malformations or genetic mutations. Recently, genome-wide association studies have led to the identification of novel mutations associated with LGS. The TANC2 gene, encodes a synaptic scaffolding protein that interacts with other proteins at the postsynaptic density to regulate dendritic spines and excitatory synapse formation. The TANC2 gene mutations were reported in neurodevelopmental disorders and epilepsy but not in LGS ever.

Case presentation

Here we describe the case of a boy with LGS who presented with multiple seizure patterns, such as myoclonic, atonic, atypical absence, generalized tonic-clonic, focal seizures, and notable cognitive and motor regression. The seizures were refractory to many antiepileptic drugs. He got seizure-free with ketogenic diet combined with antiepileptic drugs. A de novo nonsense mutation c.4321C > T(p.Gln1441Ter) in TANC2 gene was identified by the whole-exome sequencing and confirmed by Sanger sequencing.

Conclusion

We described the first Chinese case with LGS associated to a de novo nonsense mutation c.4321C > T(p.Gln1441Ter) in TANC2 gene, which would expand the clinical spectrum related to TANC2 mutations and contribute to better understanding of genotype-phenotype relationship to guide precision medicine.
Association between impulsivity and orthorexia nervosa / healthy orthorexia: any mediating effect of depression, anxiety, and stress?
Authors: Awad Emmanuelle , Salameh Pascale , Sacre Hala , Malaeb Diana , Hallit Souheil , Obeid Sahar
Published: December 2021

Background

There is a lack of studies investigating the possible mediating role of psychological factors, such as depression, anxiety and stress on orthorexic eating behaviors. Given that personality attributes might affect the manifestation of psychological disorders, it was hypothesized that depression, anxiety and stress mediate the relationship between impulsivity-related traits and orthorexic eating, noting that previous research had evaluated the role of depression as a mediator between impulsivity and other pathological eating behaviors. The study objectives were to explore the mediating effect of depression, anxiety, and stress, on impulsivity and orthorexia nervosa, and healthy orthorexia.

Methods

This cross-sectional study conducted between July and December 2019 recruited 519 Lebanese adults from seven community pharmacies randomly selected from a list provided by the Lebanese Order of Pharmacists.

Results

Our results showed that depression and anxiety were positively correlated with ON. We also found a notable gender difference in findings: higher anxiety and female gender were significantly associated with higher TOS healthy orthorexia, while higher stress was associated with lower TOS healthy orthorexia. Finally, higher urgency was associated with lower TOS healthy orthorexia, while higher perseverance was significantly associated with higher TOS healthy orthorexia. Depression and anxiety partially mediated the association between perseverance and ON while anxiety and stress partially mediated the association between urgency and healthy orthorexia.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that depression, anxiety and stress play a mediating role between impulsivity and orthorexia nervosa/healthy orthorexia. Our findings provide a ground for future investigations of impulsive behaviors, psychopathology, and orthorexia in different populations.
Disclosure of same-sex practices and experiences of healthcare stigma among cisgender men who have sex with men in five sub-Saharan African countries
Authors: Wiginton John Mark , Murray Sarah M. , Poku Ohemaa , Augustinavicius Jura , Jackman Kevon-Mark Phillip , Kane Jeremy , Billong Serge C. , Diouf Daouda , Ba Ibrahima , Mothopeng Tampose , Njindam Iliassou Mfochive , Turpin Gnilane , Tamoufe Ubald , Sithole Bhekie , Zlotorzynska Maria , Sanchez Travis H. , Baral Stefan D.
Published: December 2021

Background

For men who have sex with men (MSM) across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), disclosure of same-sex practices to family and healthcare workers (HCWs) can facilitate access to HIV prevention services and support, but can also lead to experiences of stigma.

Methods

We performed mixed-effects regressions on pooled data from MSM in Cameroon, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Lesotho, and eSwatini to assess associations between disclosure and sexual behavior stigma in healthcare contexts; we used logistic regressions to analyze country-specific data.

Results

Compared to participants who had not disclosed to either family or HCWs, those who had disclosed only to family were more likely to have been gossiped about by HCWs (aOR = 1.70, CI = 1.18, 2.45); the association between having disclosed to family and having felt mistreated in a health center approached, but did not achieve, statistical significance (aOR = 1.56, CI = 0.94, 2.59). Those who had disclosed only to HCWs were more likely to have feared to seek health services (aOR = 1.60, CI = 1.14, 2.25), avoided health services (aOR = 1.74, CI = 1.22, 2.50), and felt mistreated in a health center (aOR = 2.62, CI = 1.43, 4.81). Those who had disclosed to both were more likely to have feared to seek health services (aOR = 1.71, CI = 1.16, 2.52), avoided health services (aOR = 1.59, CI = 1.04, 2.42), been gossiped about by HCWs (aOR = 3.78, CI = 2.38, 5.99), and felt mistreated in a health center (aOR = 3.39, CI = 1.86, 6.20). Country-specific analyses suggested that data from Cameroon drove several of these associations.

Conclusions

Research to determine the factors driving disclosure’s differential effect on healthcare stigma across contexts is needed. Ultimately, supportive environments enabling safe disclosure is critical to understanding HIV-acquisition risks and informing differentiated HIV-prevention, treatment, and testing services for MSM across SSA.
Circumstances and toxicology of violence-related deaths among young people who have had contact with the youth justice system: a data linkage study
Authors: Willoughby Melissa , Young Jesse T. , Hail-Jares Katie , Spittal Matthew J. , Borschmann Rohan , Patton George , Sawyer Susan M. , Janca Emilia , Teplin Linda , Heffernan Ed , Kinner Stuart A.
Published: December 2021

Background

Young people who have had contact with the youth justice system have an increased risk of dying from violence. Examining the context of violence-related deaths is essential in informing prevention strategies. We examined the circumstances and toxicology of violence-related deaths among young people who have had contact with the youth justice system in Queensland, Australia.

Methods

This data linkage study linked youth justice records from Queensland, Australia (30 June 1993-1 July 2014) on 48,670 young people to national death and coroner records (1 July 2000-1 January 2017). Circumstances and toxicology of deaths were coded from coroner’s records. We calculated the incidence of violence-related deaths that were reported to a coroner. Fisher’s exact tests were used to examine crude differences in the circumstances and toxicology of violence-related death, according to sex and Indigenous status.

Results

There were 982 deaths reported to a coroner in the cohort. Of which, 36 (4%) were from violence-related causes (incidence: 6 per 100,000 person-years, 95% confidence interval: 4-8). People who died from violence were most frequently male (n = 28/36; 78%), and almost half were Indigenous (n = 16/36; 44%). The majority of violence-related deaths involved a weapon (n = 24/36; 67%), most commonly a knife (n = 17/36; 47%). Compared to men where the violent incident was most frequently preceded by an altercation (n = 12/28; 43%), for women it was frequently preceded by a relationship breakdown or argument (n < 5;p = 0.004). Substances most commonly present in toxicology reports were cannabis (n = 16/23; 70%) and alcohol (n = 15/23; 65%).

Conclusions

Therapeutic alcohol and other drug programs, both in the community and detention, are likely important for reducing violence-related deaths among young people who have had contact with the youth justice system. The majority of violence-related deaths among women were in the context of intimate partner violence, indicating the urgent need for interventions that prevent intimate partner violence in this population. Diversion programs and increased investment in health and social services may reduce the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the youth justice system and in violence-related deaths.
FeV1 and BMI influence King’s Sarcoidosis Questionnaire score in sarcoidosis patients
Authors: Frye Björn Christian , Potasso Laura , Farin-Glattacker Erik , Birring Surrinder , Müller-Quernheim Joachim , Schupp Jonas Christian
Published: December 2021

Background

Sarcoidosis is granulomatous disease of unknown origin affecting organ function and quality of life. The King’s Sarcoidosis Questionnaire (KSQ) serves as a tool to assess quality of life in sarcoidosis patients with general health and organ specific domains. A German translation has been validated in a German cohort. In this study we assessed, whether clinical parameters influence KSQ scores.

Methods

Clinical data (e.g. lung function, organ impairment, serological parameters) for the German validation cohort were extracted from clinical charts and investigated by correlation and linear regression analyses.

Results

KSQ subdomain scores were generally lower in patients with respective organ manifestation or on current therapy. LUNG subdomain was significantly predicted by lung functional parameters, however for general health status, only FeV1 exerted significant influence. GHS was not influenced by serological parameters, but was significantly negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI). KSQ provides additional information beyond lung function, clinical or serological parameters in sarcoidosis patients. Notably, high BMI is significantly negatively associated with patients’ well-being as measured by KSQ-GHS.

Conclusion

This observation may direct further studies investigating the effect of obesity on sarcoidosis-related quality of life and strategies to intervene with steroid-sparing therapies and measures of life style modifications.

Trial registration This study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (reference number DRKS00010072). Registered January 2016.
Ethics experts and fetal patients: a proposal for modesty
Authors: Schmitz Dagmar , Clarke Angus
Published: December 2021

Background

Ethics consultation is recognized as an opportunity to share responsibility for difficult decisions in prenatal medicine, where moral intuitions are often unable to lead to a settled decision. It remains unclear, however, if the general standards of ethics consultation are applicable to the very particular setting of pregnancy.

Main text

We sought to analyze the special nature of disagreements, conflicts and value uncertainties in prenatal medicine as well as the ways in which an ethics consultation service (ECS) could possibly respond to them and illustrated our results with a case example. Ethics facilitation and conflict mediation, currently, have no broadly consented normative framework encompassing prenatal diagnosis and therapy as well as reproductive choice to draw on. Even so, they can still be helpful instruments for ethically challenging decision-making in prenatal medicine provided two additional rules are respected: For the time being, ECSs should (a) refrain from issuing content-heavy recommendations in prenatal medicine and (b) should not initiate conflict mediations that would involve the pregnant woman or couple as a conflict party.

Conclusion

It seems to be vital that ethics consultants as well as health care professionals acknowledge the current limitations and pitfalls of ethics consultation in prenatal medicine and together engage in the advancement of standards for this particularly complex setting.
Regular use of proton-pump inhibitors and risk of stroke: a population-based cohort study and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials
Authors: Yang Man , He Qiangsheng , Gao Fang , Nirantharakumar Krish , Veenith Tonny , Qin Xiwen , Page Amy T. , Wong Martin C. S. , Huang Junjie , Kuo Zi Chong , Xia Bin , Zhang Changhua , He Yulong , Meng Wenbo , Yuan Jinqiu , Pan Yihang
Published: December 2021

Background

Although randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have suggested a non-significant increased risk of stroke among proton pump inhibitor (PPI) users, the association has not been confirmed. We evaluated the association between regular use of PPIs and incident stroke and identified population groups at high net risk.

Methods

This is a prospective analysis of 492,479 participants free of stroke from the UK biobank. Incident stroke was identified through linkage to hospital admission and death registries using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 codes (I60, I61, I63, and I64). We evaluated hazard ratios (HRs) adjusting for demographic factors, lifestyle habits, prevalent comorbidities, concomitant use of medications, and indications of PPIs. We assessed the risk differences (RDs) according to the baseline Framingham Stroke Risk Score. In the meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (from 1988 to 1 June 2020) for randomized trials comparing PPIs with other interventions, placebo, or no treatment on stroke risk. Results were combined using a fix-effect meta-analysis (Mantel-Haenszel method).

Results

We documented 5182 incident strokes over 3,935,030 person-years of follow-up. Regular PPI users had a 16% higher risk of stroke than non-users (HR 1.16, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.27). The estimated effect was similar to our meta-analysis of nine RCTs (case/participants 371/26,642; RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.50; quality of evidence: moderate). The absolute effect of PPI use on stroke increased with the baseline Framingham Stroke Risk Score, with an RD of 1.34‰, 3.32‰, 4.83‰, and 6.28‰ over 5 years for the lowest, quartile 2, quartile 3, and the highest quartile, respectively.

Conclusions

Regular use of PPIs was associated with an increased risk of stroke, with a higher absolute risk observed in individuals with high baseline stroke risk. Physicians should therefore exercise caution when prescribing PPIs. An assessment of the underlying stoke risk is recommended for individualized use of PPIs.
Reconstruction of medium-size defects of the oral cavity: Radial forearm free flap vs facial artery musculo-mucosal flap
Authors: Ibrahim Badr , Rahal Akram , Bissada Eric , Christopoulos Apostolos , Guertin Louis , Ayad Tareck
Published: December 2021

Background

The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) is the most commonly used flap for defects of the oral cavity. The facial artery musculomucosal (FAMM) is a safe and effective method to reconstruct medium sized defects of the oral cavity. No comparison exists between the FAMM flap and RFFF.

Methods

1) Retrospective chart review from 2007 to 2016. 2) Cost difference analysis.

Results

Thirteen FAMM flap cases and 18 RFFF met inclusion criteria. The FAMM flap showed a tendency to lower rates of return to the operating room ( p = 0.065) as well as lower rates of complications not requiring return to the OR with 1 complication in 1 patient as opposed to 10 patients with 15 complications ( p = 0.008). Also, FAMM flap had shorter operative times compared to the RFFF group (7.2HR and 8.9 HR respectively, p = 0.002). The average operative room related costs for a FAMM flap were 6510 CAD vs 10,703 CAD for RFFF ( p < 0.0005). Speech and swallowing outcomes were similar ( p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The FAMM flap can be used for reconstruction of medium-size defects of the oral cavity with functional outcomes similar to the RFFF while decreasing the associated costs and morbidity.

Graphical Abstract
A phenomenographic study on language assessment literacy: hearing from Iranian university teachers
Authors: Rezai Afsheen , Alibakhshi Gudarz , Farokhipour Sajjad , Miri Mowla
Published: December 2021

This study aims to disclose the Iranian university teachers’ perceptions of the fundamentals of language assessment literacy (LAL). To this aim, using purposive sampling, eighteen university teachers from two Iranian universities were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews. Their viewpoints were audio-recorded, transcribed, and subjected to a phenomenographic analysis. Findings yielded two overarching LAL domains: knowledge (e.g., having an acceptable level of digital LAL, satisfying ethical requirements, benefiting more from performance assessment, considering students’ individual differences, making assessment valid, assuring that tests are reliable, and having an acceptable level of pedagogical content knowledge) and skills (e.g., involving students in assessment, using alternative assessment methods, employing logically traditional assessment methods, informing students about test results, administering tests in standardized ways, using valid grading procedures, and bringing positive wash-back effects). After discussing the results, the study concludes with proposing a range of implications for different testing stakeholders and highlighting some avenues for further research.
Vitamin D supplementation in systemic lupus erythematosus: relationship to disease activity, fatigue and the interferon signature gene expression
Authors: Magro Rosalie , Saliba Christian , Camilleri Liberato , Scerri Christian , Borg Andrew A.
Published: December 2021

Background

In addition to the well-known role of vitamin D in calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism, vitamin D is important in the modulation of the immune system and inflammatory processes. Vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), possibly as a result of sun avoidance. The aim of this prospective open-label study was to assess the effect of the treatment of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in SLE patients, particularly with regards to disease activity, fatigue and interferon signature gene expression.

Methods

31 SLE patients, 13 with vitamin D deficiency and 18 with vitamin D insufficiency were treated with vitamin D3. They were supplemented with vitamin D3 8000 IU daily for 8 weeks if they were vitamin D deficient, or 8000 IU daily for 4 weeks if they were insufficient. This was followed by 2000 IU daily maintenance. They were assessed at baseline, after 6 and 12 months by means of an interview, filling in questionnaires and blood tests. The expression of 12 interferon signature genes in RNA extracted from whole blood was measured by using QuantiGene Plex technology.

Results

An improvement in disease activity measured by systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index-2K (SLEDAI-2K; p = 0.028) and fatigue measured by fatigue severity scale (FSS; p = 0.071) at 12 months were noted. A significant decrease in anti-double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (dsDNA) titre (p = 0.045) was also noted. The mean interferon signature gene expression score decreased from baseline to 6 months, however statistical significance was not achieved (p = 0.165).

Conclusions

Improved disease activity and fatigue have been noted when Vitamin D has been supplemented in vitamin D deficient/insufficient SLE patients. One possible mechanism could be the suppression of the interferon signature gene expression.

Trial registration: The study was registered with the ISRCTN registry on 12/04/2021 (Trial ID: ISRCTN59058825).
The epidemiology of common mental disorders in Libya: a systematic review
Authors: Abdulshafea Mansour , Rhouma Abdul Hakim , Gire Nadeem , AlMadhoob Ali , Arshad Usman , Husain Nusrat
Published: December 2021

Introduction

There has been a global increase in the prevalence of common mental disorders (CMD), particularly in conflict hotspots. The limited amount of resources is one of the key barriers to effective treatment within Low- and Middle-income countries (LAMICs). The lack of service provision for mental health disorders in LAMICs has resulted in limited opportunities to conduct mental health research. Libya is a North African country that has suffered from ongoing conflict with the current political unrest in Libya further impacting the mental health of the population.

Main text

The aim of this review is to conduct a synthesis of evidence regarding the estimated prevalence and associated risk factors of CMD in Libya. A search was completed in the academic databases; PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, PsychINFO, CINHAL, and the Institute for Development, Research, Advocacy and Applied Care (IDRAAC) from inception to March 2020. Only studies that investigated prevalence and associated risk factors of CMD in Libya were included. A total of 219 studies were identified of which 15 met the inclusion criteria for the review. There were (n = 3) papers investigated the prevalence of depression, (n = 4) studies were focused on stress-related disorders and the remaining papers looked at both anxiety and depression. Statistically, sample sizes of the included studies ranged from (n = 41–13,031) for the prevalence studies (mean = 1188.6, median = 233).

Conclusion

The status of Libya as a conflict hotspot has led to a reduced level of epidemiological data on mental health, with a vital need to conduct research in CMD. Libya requires better clinical governance which can allow for more scientific research into CMD and enabling the Libyan government to develop evidence-based policy initiatives for CMD.
Undernutrition and associated factors among children aged 5–10 years in West Bengal, India: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Pal Amitava , Manna Sourav , Dalui Rishna , Mukhopadhyay Rupanjan , Dhara Prakash C.
Published: December 2021

Background

In the previous few decades, India has made significant progress in reducing child mortality and fertility rates; yet, undernutrition remains one of the country’s primary public health issues. The goal of this study was to determine the extent of child malnutrition in West Bengal, India, as well as the risk factors linked with it. In diverse districts of West Bengal, a community-based cross-sectional study was undertaken utilizing multi-stage stratified cluster sampling followed by systematic random sampling. Anthropometric, individual, and household characteristics were collected from 2070 children in this study. Height-for-age, weight-for-age, and BMI-for-age z-scores were calculated. The levels and factors related with child undernutrition were studied using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Stunting, underweight, and thinness were shown to be prevalent in 25.48%, 33%, and 26.88% of children, respectively. With age, the likelihood of a child becoming malnourished increased. In comparison with girls, boys had a greater chance of being malnourished. Separately, parental educational and occupational statuses were linked to child malnutrition. Undernourished children were more likely to have a mother who was uneducated or undereducated (stunting: OR = 1.46; underweight: OR = 1.49; thinness: OR = 1.49). Children from economically disadvantaged families were more likely to be malnourished. Children from households with untreated drinking water and poor sanitation were more likely to be malnourished.

Conclusions

The current study showed that there are several risk variables linked to child malnutrition. Undernutrition was caused by illiteracy, filthy drinking water, and poor sanitation, all of which were independent risk factors.
Analysis of the impact of antidepressants and other medications on COVID-19 infection risk in a chronic psychiatric in-patient cohort
Authors: Clelland Catherine L. , Ramiah Krista , Steinberg Louisa , Clelland James D.
Published: December 2021

Background

During the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, patients with confirmed cases in New York State accounted for roughly 25% of total US cases, with psychiatric hospital in-patients at particularly high risk for COVID-19 infection.

Aims

The beneficial effects of mental health medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), on the severity of COVID-19 disease outcomes have been documented. Protective effects against infection have also been suggested for these medications. We therefore tested the hypothesis that medication use modifies the risk of COVID-19 infection in a long-stay, chronic in-patient psychiatry setting, where the potential for exposure was likely uniform across the facility, and where these medications were routinely prescribed.

Method

This was a retrospective cohort study of an adult psychiatric facility operated by the New York State Office of Mental Health. Current medication information and COVID-19 status was collected from electronic medical records for 165 people who were in-patients during the period January to July 2020, and logistic regression was employed to model the main effects of medication use on COVID-19 infection.

Results

A significant protective association was observed between antidepressant use and COVID-19 infection (odds ratio (OR) = 0.33, 95% CI 0.15–0.70, adjusted P < 0.05). Analysis of individual antidepressant classes showed that SSRI, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and the serotonin-2 antagonist reuptake inhibitor classes of antidepressants, drove this protective effect. Exploratory analyses of individual antidepressants demonstrated an association between lower risk of infection and fluoxetine use (P = 0.023), as well as trazodone use (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

The novel finding of reduced COVID-19 infection risk for psychiatric in-patients taking antidepressants, suggests that antidepressants may be an important weapon in the continued fight against COVID-19 disease. This finding may become particularly salient for in-patient settings if vaccine-resistant strains of the virus appear.
All You Need to Know About UGT1A1 Genetic Testing for Patients Treated With Irinotecan: A Practitioner-Friendly Guide
Authors: Karas Spinel , Innocenti Federico
Published: December 2021

Irinotecan is an anticancer agent widely used for the treatment of solid tumors, including colorectal and pancreatic cancers. Severe neutropenia and diarrhea are common dose-limiting toxicities of irinotecan-based therapy, and UGT1A1 polymorphisms are one of the major risk factors of these toxicities. In 2005, the US Food and Drug Administration revised the drug label to indicate that patients with UGT1A1*28 homozygous genotype should receive a decreased dose of irinotecan. However, UGT1A1*28 testing is not routinely used in the clinic, and specific reasons include lack of access to concise information on this wide issue as well as mixed recommendations by regulatory and professional entities. To assist oncologists in assessing whether and when to use UGT1A1 genetic testing in patients receiving irinotecan-based therapies, this article provided (1) essential knowledge of UGT1A1 polymorphisms; (2) an update on the impact of UGT1A1 polymorphisms on efficacy and toxicity of contemporary irinotecan-based regimens; (3) dosing adjustments based upon the UGT1A1 genotypes, and (4) recommendations from currently available guidelines from the US and international scientific consortia and major oncology societies.
From heterogeneous morphogenetic fields to homogeneous regions as a step towards understanding complex tissue dynamics
Authors: Yamashita Satoshi , Guirao Boris , Graner François
Published: December 2021

Within developing tissues, cell proliferation, cell motility and other cell behaviors vary spatially, and this variability gives a complexity to the morphogenesis. Recently, novel formalisms have been developed to quantify tissue deformation and underlying cellular processes. A major challenge for the study of morphogenesis now is to objectively define tissue sub-regions exhibiting different dynamics. Here, we propose a method to automatically divide a tissue into regions where the local deformation rate is homogeneous. This was achieved by several steps including image segmentation, clustering and region boundary smoothing. We illustrate the use of the pipeline using a large dataset obtained during the metamorphosis of the Drosophila pupal notum. We also adapt it to determine regions in which the time evolution of the local deformation rate is homogeneous. Finally, we generalize its use to find homogeneous regions for cellular processes such as cell division, cell rearrangement, or cell size and shape changes. We also illustrate it on wing blade morphogenesis. This pipeline will contribute substantially to the analysis of complex tissue shaping, and the biochemical and biomechanical regulations driving tissue morphogenesis.
Creation of Highly Reducible CuO Species by High-Temperature Calcination of a Cu-Al Layered Double Hydroxide: Selective Hydrogenation of Furfural into Furfuryl Alcohol with Formic Acid
Authors: Kurniawan Enggah , Hara Takayoshi , Permana Yessi , Kojima Takashi , Ichikuni Nobuyuki , Shimazu Shogo
Published: December 2021

Highly reducible CuO species were created by the calcination of a Cu-Al layered double hydroxide (CuAl LDH) at 1073 K under air. After this heat treatment, the original layered double hydroxide structure was completely transformed into CuO and CuAl2O4 phases. The synthesized calcined CuAl LDH (calc-CuAl LDH) promoted the catalytic hydrogenation of furfural (FALD) into furfuryl alcohol (FOL) with formic acid (FA) as a hydrogen donor. In the initial stage of the above catalytic reaction, the CuO species in the calc-CuAl LDH matrix transformed into active Cu0 species via the formation of a Cu(HCOO)2-1,4-dioxane complex in the liquid phase. The spent catalyst was also reusable without loss of its high catalytic performance.
Ultrasound-guided core biopsy in the diagnosis of parotid neoplasia: an overview and update with a review of the literature
Authors: Hurry Katharine Julia , Karunaratne Dilhara , Westley Suzanne , Booth Alessandra , Ramesar Keith C R B , Zhang Ting Ting , Williams Michael , Howlett David C
Published: December 2021

Objective:

Accurate diagnosis of parotid neoplasia is a key to determine the most appropriate patient management choice, including the need for surgery. This review provides an update of the literature on current practice and outcomes of parotid tissue sampling techniques, with an emphasis on ultrasound-guided core biopsy (USCB) and comparison with fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC).

Methods:

A literature review of EMBASE, Medline, PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted.

Results:

USCB has higher sensitivity, specificity and lower non-diagnostic rates than optimized FNAC. It also has a significantly higher sensitivity for the detection of malignancy. Significant complications post-USCB are uncommon, with only one reported case of tumour seeding and no cases of permanent facial nerve dysfunction. The technique is less operator-dependent than FNAC, with less reported variation in results between institutions.

Conclusions:

USCB can be considered as the optimum tool of choice for the diagnosis of parotid neoplasia. This would particularly be the case in centres utilizing FNAC with high non-diagnostic rates or reduced diagnostic accuracy when compared to USCB published data, or in centres establishing a new service.

Advances in knowledge:

An update of the role and outcomes of USCB in the diagnosis of parotid gland pathologies.

Research shows that USCB preforms better than FNAC, in terms of sensitivity and specificity, particularly in the case of malignant neoplasia.

Complications following USCB were found to be higher than that of FNAC; however, no long-term major complications following either method have been reported in the literature.
Antioxidant effect of ethanolic extract of Pleurotus Ostreatus on 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) and glutathione (GSH) level in lung rats exposed to cigarette smoke
Authors: Bhekti Rahimah Santun , Yuwono Soeroto Arto , Dhianawaty Djunaedi Diah , Bisri Tatang
Published: December 2021

Background: Cigarette smoke can trigger oxidative stress. An alternative to overcome the harmful effects of cigarette smoke is through antioxidants. White oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus Ostreatus) are a source of exogenous antioxidants because many contain active compounds for potential antioxidants such as phenol and flavonoid compounds. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of ethanolic extract of Pleurotus ostreatus on 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) and glutathione (GSH), as well as to analyze their correlation in the lung of Wistar male rats exposed to cigarette smoke.

Methods: The study was a preclinical experiment conducted on 24 rats divided into four groups. The treatment was carried out for 42 days and antioxidant effects were assessed through levels of HNE and GSH in rat lungs. Groups were divided as follows: I- normal control, II- negative control, III and IV exposed to cigarette smoke for 60 minutes/day. Group III (treatment group) was treated with ethanolic extract of Pleurotus ostreatus at 250 mg/kg BW rat/day, and group IV (comparison group) was treated with N-acetyl cysteine 600 mg /day. Data analysis used was one-way ANOVA and Kruskal Wallis test, and Spearmen rank correlation coefficient test.

Results: The results showed that the group receiving ethanolic extract of Pleurotus ostreatus had HNE levels of (44,18 ± 2,09 pg/mL) and GSH (0,04 ± 0,00 pg/mL) protein. This extract significantly increased GSH levels and inhibited the increase of HNE levels. Results of GSH (p≤0.01) showed significant results using one-way ANOVA.

Conclusions: The ethanolic extract of P. ostreatus can prevent lipid peroxidation and decrease endogenous antioxidant levels in lung cells exposed to cigarette smoke. Ethanolic extract of Pleurotus ostreatus has good antioxidant potential.
Enabling transdisciplinary research: Suggestions for avoiding `road-blocks' based on a case study
Authors: Coath Martin , Mettiäinen Ilona , Contreras Roxana , Toivonen Jusu , Moore John
Published: December 2021

In this brief plain language report we introduce a novel diagrammatic way of thinking about interactions in transdisciplinary teams. This representation is designed to provoke debate about how teams which do not share a common world view can make progress, but not necessarily direct progress, towards common goals. We further identify a range of possible problems -- which we refer to as road-blocks -- which can limit progress and reduce the effectiveness of such projects. Finally we make short suggestions about how road-blocks might be lifted.

The diagrammatic representation was developed as part of the plain language notes which were kept to document the progress of a work package -- part of the Blue-Action project -- dealing with Arctic Tourism. But the report draws on wider experience of transdisciplinary working in the team and attempts an easily readable summary of some aspects of how such projects do, and do not, work.

We propose that interactions between members of a team that have little in common, with respect to experience and expertise, will rarely lead to outputs that meet the goals of the project unless supplementary activities first 'recast' their views towards a common frame of reference.
Case Report: severe paediatric COVID-19 pneumonitis treated with remdesivir and nitazoxanide
Authors: Sanchez Clemente Nuria , Pang Juanita , Rodrigues Charlene , Aurora Paul , Breuer Judith
Published: December 2021

Paediatric severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection rarely results in a critical respiratory presentation. It is not yet known which children are at particular risk of adverse outcomes. We describe a paediatric case of critical SARS-CoV-2 infection requiring Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), who made a full recovery after receiving a dual antiviral therapy of remdesivir and nitazoxanide.
Supply Chain Performance with Target-Oriented Firms
Authors: Chen Lucy Gongtao , Tang Qinshen
Published: December 2021

Problem definition: We study a supply chain in which a supplier sets the wholesale price and a retailer responds with an order quantity. Both of the two firms can be either risk-neutral—maximizing the expected profit—or target-oriented, which is to maximize her or his ability to reach a target profit. Academic/practical relevance: Our work not only sheds light on the benefit/loss of trading with target-oriented decision makers but also, adds new knowledge to the supply chain coordination literature. Methodology: We provide strong support for firms’ target-based preference and the linear target formation model through a survey as well as analyzing company data. With the firms’ target-oriented behavior evaluated by a CVaR-satisficing measure, we apply a game theoretical framework to investigate how the target-based preference affects supply chain performance. Results: A firm, be it a supplier or a retailer, is always hurt by its target-based preference but can benefit from its trading partner’s target-based preference. A risk-neutral supplier, for example, can sometimes reap the whole supply chain’s profit if the retailer is target-oriented, and a target-oriented supplier always performs better with a target-oriented retailer than a risk-neutral one. Furthermore, a target-oriented retailer and/or supplier can help alleviate the double-marginalization effect and with a specific target, can help the supply chain achieve the same efficiency level as in a risk-neutral centralized system, with just a wholesale price contract. Another important finding is that if both firms are target-oriented, then the supply chain can have a higher expected profit under a decentralized system than a centralized one. This contrasts with the case when both firms are risk-neutral. We also investigate the role of outside option and retailer-type misidentification and find that both can alleviate the retailer’s disadvantage of being target-oriented. Managerial implications: (i) The target-based preference can be exploited by the trading partner, and hence, a firm should adopt the target-oriented decision criterion with caution. (ii) A target-oriented retailer can explore strategies such as revealing his outside option or hiding his target-based preference in order to be less manipulated. (iii) Whether a firm (and the supply chain) can benefit from its trading partner’s target-based preference often depends on how ambitious the trading partner (and the firm itself if it is target-oriented) sets the target. (iv) Target-based preference of one or both firms can help the supply chain reach the first-best efficiency. (v) When both firms are target-oriented, decentralization can be preferred to centralization.
Algorithm-Augmented Work and Domain Experience: The Countervailing Forces of Ability and Aversion
Authors: Allen Ryan , Choudhury Prithwiraj (Raj)
Published: December 2021

Past research offers mixed perspectives on whether domain experience helps or hurts algorithm-augmented worker performance. Reconciling these perspectives, we theorize that intermediate levels of domain experience are optimal for algorithm-augmented performance, due to the interplay between two countervailing forces—ability and aversion. Although domain experience can increase performance via increased ability to complement algorithmic advice (e.g., identifying inaccurate predictions), it can also decrease performance via increased aversion to accurate algorithmic advice. Because ability developed through learning by doing increases at a decreasing rate, and algorithmic aversion is more prevalent among experts, we theorize that algorithm-augmented performance will first rise with increasing domain experience, then fall. We test this by exploiting a within-subjects experiment in which corporate information technology support workers were assigned to resolve problems both manually and using an algorithmic tool. We confirm that the difference between performance with the algorithmic tool versus without the tool was characterized by an inverted U-shape over the range of domain experience. Only workers with moderate domain experience did significantly better using the algorithm than resolving tickets manually. These findings highlight that, even if greater domain experience increases workers’ ability to complement algorithms, domain experience can also trigger other mechanisms that overcome the positive ability effect and inhibit performance. Additional analyses and participant interviews suggest that, even though the highest experience workers had the greatest ability to complement the algorithmic tool, they rejected its advice because they felt greater accountability for possible unintended consequences of accepting algorithmic advice.
Artery of Percheron Ischaemic Stroke: A Classic Presentation of a Rare Case
Authors: Santos Miguel , Rodrigues Ana Rita , Albuquerque Ana , Santos Flávia , Bandeira Adriana , Magalhães Miriam , Banza Maria Jesus
Published: December 2021

The artery of Percheron (AoP) is a rare anatomic variant, where the paramedian thalami and the rostral midbrain are supplied by an artery emerging from the P1 segment of the posterior cerebral artery. Ischaemic infarction of the artery of Percheron occurs rarely, accounting for 0.1 to 2% of all ischaemic strokes. AoP occlusion can lead to an infarction of the paramedian thalami and mesencephalon, resulting in a triad of clinical features; namely, altered mental status, vertical gaze palsy and memory impairment. A larger mesencephalon infarction can also feature oculomotor disturbances. We describe here the case of an 88-year-old patient, presenting with this triad of features.
Placing modular facilities in a resource-limited healthcare system
Authors: Clough Isobel
Published: December 2021

Land should be one of the greatest assets of the UK healthcare system, as a result of its large estates portfolio. However, the current state of many of the NHS's buildings means that physical spaces are often more of a burden, with maintenance backlogs costing billions. However, as a resource-limited public institution, it is crucial that all investments into NHS infrastructure are as effective and future-proof as possible. The previous two articles in this series have focused on the potential benefits of modular facilities to healthcare staff, services and patients, drawing on case studies of NHS trusts that have implemented modular facilities on their sites. This article, the third and final instalment of this series, discusses the health economic impact of current NHS infrastructure, and explores the ways in which modular facilities could provide a flexible and cost-effective means of expanding capacity and improving services in a resource-limited environment.
Surgical treatment is not cost-effective compared to nonoperative treatment for displaced distal radius fractures in patients 65 years and over
Authors: Hassellund Sondre , Zolic-Karlsson Zinajda , Williksen John Håkon , Husby Torstein , Madsen Jan Erik , Frihagen Frede
Published: December 2021

Aims

The purpose was to compare operative treatment with a volar plate and nonoperative treatment of displaced distal radius fractures in patients aged 65 years and over in a cost-effectiveness analysis.

Methods

A cost-utility analysis was performed alongside a randomized controlled trial. A total of 50 patients were randomized to each group. We prospectively collected data on resource use during the first year post-fracture, and estimated costs of initial treatment, further operations, physiotherapy, home nursing, and production loss. Health-related quality of life was based on the Euro-QoL five-dimension, five-level (EQ-5D-5L) utility index, and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were calculated.

Results

The mean QALYs were 0.05 higher in the operative group during the first 12 months (p = 0.260). The healthcare provider costs were €1,533 higher per patient in the operative group: €3,589 in the operative group and 2,056 in the nonoperative group. With a suggested willingness to pay of €27,500 per QALY there was a 45% chance for operative treatment to be cost-effective. For both groups, the main costs were related to the primary treatment. The primary surgery was the main driver of the difference between the groups. The costs related to loss of production were high in both groups, despite high rates of retirement. Retirement rate was unevenly distributed between the groups and was not included in the analysis.

Conclusion

Surgical treatment was not cost-effective in patients aged 65 years and older compared to nonoperative treatment of displaced distal radius fractures in a healthcare perspective. Costs related to loss of production might change this in the future if the retirement age increases. Level of evidence: II Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(12):1027–1034.
Pemodelan Determinan Pernikahan Dini di Daerah Pedesaan dengan Pendekatan Regresi Logistik Biner
Authors: Boro Aloysius Bela , Oktora Siskarossa Ika
Published: December 2021

Abstract. The behavior of early marriage in Indonesia is still high and most prevalent in rural areas. In addition to violating the law, a marriage performed before reaching 19 years also has many negative effects. One of them is the death of the mother and the baby. Using data from the Demographic and Health Survey 2017, this study aims to analyze the determinants of early marriages in rural areas in Indonesia. The response variable used is binary categorical data, namely the status of early marriage and not early marriage, so we use a binary logistic regression. The steps performed on this model include estimates of parameters, parameter testing either simultaneously or partially, and a test of the goodness of fit. The results show that the variables of education level, internet access, and wealth index significantly affected early marriage status in rural areas in Indonesia in 2017. Based on the goodness of fit result, this model is proper for modeling early marriage behavior in Indonesia. The study results can be used as a reference for the government in formulating policies to overcome the problem of early marriage in rural areas in Indonesia.

 Keywords: early marriage, rural area, categorical response variable, binary logistic regression