bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety and immunogenicity of the quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine in patients with childhood systemic lupus erythematosus: a real-world interventional multi-centre study
Authors: Rotstein Grein Ingrid Herta , Pinto Natalia Ferreira , Lobo Aline , Groot Noortje , Sztajnbok Flavio , da Silva Clóvis Artur Almeida , Paim Marques Luciana B , Appenzeller Simone , Islabão Aline Garcia , Magalhães Claudia Saad , de Almeida Rozana Gasparello , Bica Blanca , Fraga Melissa , da Fraga Aline Coelho Moreira , dos Santos Maria Carolina , Robazzi Teresa , Terreri Maria Teresa RA , Bandeira Marcia , Pasmans Hella , Schepp Rutger , van der Klis Fiona , de Roock Sytze , Wulffraat Nico , Pileggi Gecilmara
Published: June 2020

Objective

This study aimed to assess the safety and immunogenicity of the quadrivalent human papillomavirus (qHPV) vaccination in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) patients.

Methods

Volunteer cSLE patients aged 9–20 years and healthy controls (HC) were enrolled to receive a two- or three-dose qHPV vaccination schedule from March 2014 to March 2016. Study visits were performed before the first dose, one month after the second and third doses and one year after the first dose. In each study visit, disease activity and adverse events following vaccination were analyzed, and a serum sample was collected for testing antibody concentrations. Participant recruitment was conducted in 15 Brazilian paediatric rheumatology units. Of the 256 cSLE patients included, 210 completed the two- or three-dose schedules; 15 had previously received one dose, and 18 had received two doses of the vaccine. The analysis was based on intention-to-treat so that participants who did not complete the entire study protocol were also included.

Results

No severe adverse events were related to the vaccination. Disease activity was generally low and remained stable or even improved. The HC presented 100% seropositivity to HPV16 and HPV18, whereas the two- and three-dose cSLE groups presented 93% and 83% versus 97% and 91%, respectively. One year after the first dose, seropositivity of the three-dose cSLE group was 91% to HPV16 and 84% to HPV18.

Conclusions

HPV vaccination in cSLE patients is safe and immunogenic. Since the seropositivity to HPV16 and HPV18 was higher for the three-dose schedule group, this regimen should be recommended for cSLE patients.
Damage-coupled ratcheting behaviors of SA508 Gr.3 steel at room and elevated temperatures: Experiments and simulations
Authors: Tian Jun , Fu Xiaolong , Shao Xuejiao , Jiang Lu , Li Jian , Kan Qianhua
Published: June 2020

A series of experiments subjected to uniaxial and non-proportionally multiaxial cyclic loadings were performed to investigate the ratcheting responses of SA508 Gr.3 steel at room and elevated temperatures. The influences of different stress levels and nonproportional loading paths on the damage-coupled ratcheting responses were discussed. From experimental results, cyclic softening characteristic and dynamic strain aging can be observed under cyclic loadings. Moreover, the steel exhibits an obvious nonproportional path-dependence of the damage evolution under multiaxial loading paths. To numerically simulate the ratcheting responses under uniaxial and multiaxial loadings with the extended cyclic plastic model, the damage-coupled variable was introduced into the classic isotropic and nonlinear kinematic hardening rules. Corresponding material parameters could be calibrated from experimental data, and comparisons between experimental and simulated results were performed to validate the proposed model.
From Adaptive Readiness to Adaptation Results: Implementation of Student Career Construction Inventory and Testing the Career Construction Model of Adaptation
Authors: Öztemel Kemal , Akyol Elvan Yıldız
Published: June 2020

This study evaluates the empirical applicability of the career construction model of adaptation (CCMA) by collecting evidence about the validity of the Student Career Construction Inventory (SCCI) from a sample of Turkish high school students and examining the relations between adaptive readiness, adaptability resources, adapting responses, and adaptation results. To test the model, we conducted two studies with samples of high school students in Ankara, Turkey ( n 1 = 251; n 2 = 694). In the first study, the SCCI was translated into Turkish and psychometric properties of the inventory were assessed. To validate the four-factor structure of the SCCI Turkish High School Form, two different levels of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were applied to 251 participants. The results of CFA demonstrated that the data for the SCCI Turkish high school sample fit the theoretical model very well. The internal consistency of the SCCI was determined as 0.72 for crystallizing, 0.75 for exploring, 0.85 for deciding, 0.73 for preparing, and 0.90 for the total. In the second study, the CCMA, consisting of four dimensions (adaptive readiness, adaptability resources, adapting responses, and adaptation results), was empirically tested by using the SCCI, which had been tested for validity in the first study. The results of serial mediation analysis supported the CCMA, indicating that adaptive readiness indirectly influenced adaptability resources, adapting responses, and adaptation results.
Evaluation of the Switch From Amiodarone to Dronedarone in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Results of the ARTEMIS AF Studies
Authors: Naccarelli Gerald V. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Camm A. John , Le Heuzey Jean-Yves , Lombardi Federico , Tamargo Juan , Martinez Jean-Marie , Naditch-Brûlé Lisa ,   for the ARTEMIS AF Investigators
Published: June 2020

Background:

Switching between antiarrhythmic drugs is timed to minimize arrhythmia recurrence and adverse reactions. Dronedarone and amiodarone have similar electrophysiological profiles; however, little is known about the optimal timing of switching, given the long half-life of amiodarone.

Methods:

The ARTEMIS atrial fibrillation (AF) Loading and Long-term studies evaluated switching patients with paroxysmal/persistent AF from amiodarone to dronedarone. Patients were randomized based on the timing of the switch: immediate, after a 2-week, or after a 4-week washout of amiodarone. Patients who did not convert to sinus rhythm after amiodarone loading underwent electrical cardioversion. The primary objectives were, for the Loading study, to evaluate recurrence of AF ≤60 days; and for the Long-term study, to profile the pharmacokinetics of dronedarone and its metabolite according to different timings of dronedarone initiation.

Results:

In ARTEMIS AF Loading, 176 were randomized (planned 768) after a 28 ± 2 days load of oral amiodarone. Atrial fibrillation recurrence trended less in the immediate switch versus 4-week washout group (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.65 [97.5% CI: 0.34-1.23]; P = .14) and in the 2-week washout versus the 4-week washout group (HR = 0.75 [97.5% CI: 0.41-1.37]; P = .32). In ARTEMIS AF Long-term, 108 patients were randomized (planned 105). Pharmacokinetic analyses (n = 97) showed no significant differences for dronedarone/SR35021 exposures in the 3 groups.

Conclusion:

The trial was terminated early due to poor recruitment and so our findings are limited by low numbers. However, immediate switching from amiodarone to dronedarone appeared to be well tolerated and safe.
Testing of the heating element integrated into the honeycomb sandwich structure for active thermography inspection
Authors: Tříska Václav , Chlebeček Tomáš , Hnidka Jakub , Maňas Karel
Published: June 2020

The honeycomb sandwich structures with carbon composite face sheets combined with aluminium or Nomex® honeycomb core are extensively used in the aircraft airframe structure. They provide some key benefits over conventional structures such as increased bending strength and stiffness combined with low weight. However, they show high sensitivity to a certain type of damage, such as object impact, mishandling, etc. Non-destructive inspection methods are needed for a structural health examination. Active infrared thermography is one of them. The quality of the inspection and defect detection depends heavily on the proper application of the external thermal excitation. This paper presents a concept of the sandwich structure with internal excitation by means of an integrated thin-film resistive heating element.
Accommodation employment growth and volatility: Welcome aboard for a rocky ride
Authors: Litvin Stephen W
Published: June 2020

This applied tourism research note considers employment growth and volatility in the hospitality industry, using hospitality, that is, lodging, as surrogate for the broader tourism economy. The research, with data collected prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, is relevant to communities concerned with balancing the economic opportunities presented by tourism development with the employment impacts of the industry. Findings suggest that employment trends in the industry are far from stable. Based on US data over a recent 5-year period, it was determined that hospitality employment was significantly more volatile than was the national economy. The industry’s growth, however, significantly outpaced the broad economy. The research considers the implication of these findings, adding to the tourism economics academic literature while providing important insight for communities as they consider tourism as part of their future development plans.
Pirate-states: Imagining the geography of media piracy
Authors: McDonald Paul
Published: June 2020

Intellectual property (IP) history has long pointed to certain nations as sources of copyright infringement, but these linkages are now systematically produced through annual Special 301 reporting by the US government and media industries. Exploring connections between infringement and nation, this article poses three concepts. Anti-piracy discourse produces a pirate repertoire, a stock of familiar transgressive figures deployed in efforts to combat piracy. These include the pirate-state, a figure used to name and shame nations as hotspots for IP infringement. Cumulatively, pirate-states form a broader geography of media piracy, mapping the world in terms of hubs for unauthorized flows of cultural content. This article views the Special 301 as a representational mechanism for creating a centre–periphery vision imagining ‘the West’ and its infringing others. Although 301 reporting can therefore be read as a statement of discursive power, the article argues this influence remains circumscribed, as is shown by the case of Ukraine.
Changes in clients’ well-being (ORS) and state hope (SHS) during inpatient substance abuse treatment
Authors: Ekqvist Eeva , Kuusisto Katja
Published: June 2020

Aims:

During inpatient substance abuse treatment, professionals seek to help clients to achieve improvement in various life domains affected by substance abuse. Progress monitoring during substance abuse treatment has been called for, and in this study we examine how clients’ levels of well-being and hope change during inpatient substance abuse treatment.

Methods:

Clients ( N = 168) entered the treatment facility between January 1, 2017 and August 31, 2018. The prospective data were gathered from one treatment unit located in central Finland on entry into treatment, during and at the end of treatment. Using the Outcome Rating Scale (ORS) as a therapeutic tool was standard procedure in the treatment unit. Demographic information on participants, information on their previous substance use and scores on the State Hope Scale (SHS) were collected through structured questionnaires. Non-parametrical tests (Mann–Whitney U test; Kruskal–Wallis χ2; Spearman’s rho) were used to study changes in indicators of well-being and hope.

Results:

As hypothesised, inpatient treatment had a positive effect on both ORS and SHS and they were interrelated. Differences in gender, living situation and previous admissions were found when studying how the background information of the participants was related to the change achieved in ORS and SHS.

Conclusions:

Inpatient substance abuse treatment seemed to enhance both well-being and hope of the clients of inpatient substance abuse treatment.
Structural, wear and thermal behaviour of Cu–Al2O3–graphite hybrid metal matrix composites
Authors: Mittal Prateek , Paswan Mani Kant , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar , Gupta Pallav
Published: June 2020

The aim of the present study is to investigate the structural, wear and thermal behaviour of Cu–Al2O3–graphite hybrid metal matrix composites. Copper matrix composites with Al2O3–graphite reinforcement (0.5-0.5, 1.0-1.0, 1.5-1.5 and 2.0-2.0 wt%) were prepared by stir casting process. Phase, microstructure, density, hardness, wear, compressive strength and specific heat of prepared samples have been investigated. X-ray diffraction revealed that there is no intermediate phase formation between matrix and reinforcement phase as a result of interfacial bonding between them. Microstructure study shows the uniform distribution of Al2O3–graphite particles in the Cu-matrix. Density and hardness were found to decrease with increase in reinforcements percentage whereas the compressive strength was found to increase as the amount of reinforcements was increased. Composite containing 2.0 wt% reinforcements showed the maximum resistance to wear. Specific heat was found to increase with addition of reinforcements; however, this increase was very marginal. Structural, wear and thermal properties of these Cu matrix-based hybrid metal matrix composites were found to be dependent on the reinforcements concentration. It is expected that the present composite will be useful for heat exchanger and heat sink applications.
Demographic Moderation of Spatial Voting in Presidential Elections
Authors: Dun Lindsay , Jessee Stephen
Published: June 2020

Using multiple large national surveys, we investigate how the relationship between policy-based ideology and vote choice in presidential elections differs across demographic groups. Specifically, we consider three key demographic characteristics: race, education, and gender. We find that large differences exist in the way ideology relates to presidential vote for voters from different racial groups. By contrast, we find quite small differences in this relationship when separating voters by education level. Perhaps most surprisingly, whereas men are on average more conservative than women, the relationship between ideology and presidential vote is estimated to be almost exactly the same for the two genders. The large sample sizes we employ allow for relatively precise estimation of these relationships even among our various demographic subsamples and these findings hold similarly across several recent presidential elections.
The Covid-Shock Doctrine: Under the Tutorship of CoV-2, the Voice(s) From Poland
Authors: Szwabowski Oskar , Wiecław Marek
Published: June 2020

These are two autoethnographic voices. We speak in a strange time: democracy dies, social justice dies. A lot of people have died of the virus, many die of fear. We write to protest against new neoliberal and neoconservative “shock doctrine.” We write together to protest against destructive self-absorption, isolation, and fear. It is protest-text. But we are not sure what we can do now.
Wound Healing Activities of Gundelia tournefortii L Extract and Milk-Cream Ointment on Second-Degree Burns of Rat Skin
Authors: Javanmardi Setareh , Safari Iman , Aghaz Faranak , Khazaei Mozafar
Published: June 2020

Skin burn is a major health problem in the community and seeking new and suitable treatment is suggested. In this regard, traditional remedies were consider in many countries. Regarding clinical application of herbal medicine in the healing of burn wounds, the present study was designed to evaluate the effect of Gundelia ( Gundelia tournefortii L) extract with milk-cream on the healing of second-degree burn in a rat model. Thirty-six male Wistar rats (220 ± 30 g) were divided into 3 groups (n = 12), after establishment of second-degree burn: group1, were left without any intervention; group 2, were treated topically with silver sulfadiazine; and group 3, were treated with Gundelia tournefortii L extract composite with milk-cream once a day for 21 days. Macroscopically and histological examinations were conducted on 7, 14, and 21 days of therapy. Data analyses were done using 1-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey tests. Macroscopically, evaluation of wounds’ sizes on the 14th and 21st days indicated that the wound surface was reduced significantly ( P < .001) in group 3 compared with groups 1 and 2. Histological findings also showed that burn healing was significantly improved in group 3 compared with the other groups. Gundelia tournefortii L extract composite with milk-cream has an effective role on healing of second-degree burn in rat skin and it could a complementary and/or alternative medicine in wound healing.
Mini-Laparoscopic Gynecological Surgery Using Smaller Ports Minimizes Incisional Pain and Postoperative Scar Size: A Paired Sample Analysis
Authors: Boza Aysen , Urman Bulent , Vatansever Dogan , Ceyhan Mehmet , Mısırlıoglu Selim , Koca Sema , Çapraz Kevser , Tunga Dogan Alper , Taskıran Cagatay
Published: June 2020

Objective. The aim of this study was to assess postoperative incisional pain and cosmetic scores in mini-laparoscopic gynecological surgeries undertaken with different port sizes. Material and Method. In this prospective study, all women who underwent mini-laparoscopic gynecological surgery with 2.4-, 3-, and 5-mm lateral ports for benign gynecological conditions between March 2017 and April 2019 were included. The primary outcome was postoperative incisional pain at rest, walking, and after a provoked Valsalva maneuver assessed by numeric rating scale scores at 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, and 3 days and 7 days after surgery. Secondary outcome measures included cosmetic scores of each port site (evaluated by using patient-observer scar assessment scale [POSAS]), operation time, and intra- and postoperative complications. Results. A total of 330 lateral port sites in 110 patients who underwent benign gynecological surgery via mini-laparoscopy were assessed for pain and cosmetic appearance. Pain scores at each time point were significantly lower for 2.4- and 3-mm ports than those for 5-mm ports; however, no significant difference was detected between 2.4-mm and 3-mm port sites ( P = .6). The difference was more evident at 24 hours when routine analgesic drugs were stopped ( P = .004). For POSAS scores, both 2.4-mm and 3-mm ports were superior to 5-mm port sites ( P = .002); however, there was no significant difference between 2.4-mm and 3-mm port sites ( P = .2). There were 2 port-related complications: one subcutaneous emphysema and one bleeding from a 5-mm trocar site 1 hour after surgery. Conclusion. Mini-laparoscopic gynecologic surgery using smaller ports resulted in decreased postoperative incisional pain and superior cosmetic appearance.
Rectosigmoid Endometriosis Vascular Patterns at Intraoperative Indocyanine Green Angiography and their Correlation with Clinicopathological Data
Authors: Raimondo Diego , Mastronardi Manuela , Mabrouk Mohamed , Cafagna Gabriella , Salucci Paolo , Arena Alessandro , Iodice Raffaella , Borghese Giulia , Casadio Paolo , Del Forno Simona , Giaquinto Ilaria , Caprara Giacomo , Seracchioli Renato
Published: June 2020

Introduction. The objective of the study was to evaluate the presence of different rectosigmoid endometriosis (RSE) vascular patterns using intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) angiography and their correlation with clinicopathological data. Material and Methods. A prospective pilot study on 30 consecutive symptomatic women affected by RSE and scheduled for minimally invasive surgery between May 2018 and January 2019. ICG was used for the intraoperative evaluation of RSE vascularization. Perfusion grade was classified as follows: 0-1 = no or low fluorescence (hypovascular pattern); 2 = regular fluorescence, similar to healthy surrounding rectosigmoid tract (isovascular pattern); and 3-4 = diffuse or abundant fluorescence (hypervascular pattern). Results. Thirty women were intravenously injected with ICG after nodule exposure. No adverse effects related to ICG use were noted. After a 5- to 50-s latency from ICG injection, the real-time direct visualization of RSE perfusion showed diffuse or abundant fluorescence in 12/30 (40%) women, while in the remaining 18/30 (60%), fluorescence was poor or absent. No statistical differences were observed between the 2 groups regarding preoperative, intraoperative, and histological variables analyzed, except for a maximum diameter of bowel lesions and microvessel density (MVD). Hypovascular nodules had a larger maximum diameter (39.5 ± 15.6 mm vs 30.3 ± 11.4 mm, P < .05) and lower MVD (154.6+/43.6 vs 281.1+/−77.4, P < .05) than hypervascular ones. Conclusions. ICG angiography is a feasible and safe technique to intraoperatively assess RSE vascularization. The majority (60%) of endometriotic nodule presented a hypovascular pattern. The hypovascular pattern seems to be associated with a larger nodule size and lower MVD.
Building democracy by legal means? The contestation of human rights and constitutionalism in East-Central Europe
Authors: Blokker Paul
Published: June 2020

The main argument in the article is that liberal democracy, human rights, and the idea of constitutionalism have remained contested in the transformation processes in East-Central Europe since 1989. The prevalent literature in the legal and political sciences have understood the changes in East-Central Europe since 1989 as a transitional process in which legality, the rule of law, constitutionalism, and human rights became increasingly taken for granted. The liberal-constitutional project did however not find, in fact, widespread adherence. Most conspicuously so in Hungary (since 2010), and also in Poland (since 2015), the post-1989 constitutional-democratic narrative has become an explicit point of reference for conservative ‘counter-constitutional’ projects, which seek to undo some of the key premises of liberal-constitutional democracy. I hence argue that the post-1989 transformations have not ended and continue to be characterized by enduring contestation over constitutionalism, (foundational) norms, and human rights, as well as diverging interpretations of the finalité of the post-communist project of democratic society. A key finding is that the current populist resentment towards post-1989 liberal democratization builds to an important extent on culturally rearticulated legacies of non-liberal and conservative understandings of society.
Ambient Scent as a Positive Distraction in Long-Term Care Units: Theory of Supportive Design
Authors: Bae Suyeon , Asojo Abimbola O.
Published: June 2020

Aim:

This study was designed to explore the associations between an ambient scent environment and residents’ wellness in long-term care facilities.

Background:

The number of older adults living in an institutional setting has been steadily but slowly increasing. Because of a higher chance of having psychological disorders among people living in institutional settings than people living in noninstitutional settings, providing a supportive institutional setting is critical to enhance their wellness. The theory of supportive design suggests healthcare facilities can lower people’s stress levels via three conditions (i.e., perceived control, social support, and positive distractions).

Method:

A single-blind and placebo-randomized controlled study investigated the impacts of ambient scent environment, as a positive distraction, on residents’ depression levels. The recruited residents ( N = 58) were randomly assigned into either the intervention group, which received a 1% dilution of lavender scent for 2 weeks nearby their bedside or the placebo group, which received a nonscent for 2 weeks.

Results:

Their depression levels were measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale. Based on the t tests, both intervention and placebo groups had improvement in depression, indicating a placebo effect of lavender scent. Further regression analyses explored the interaction effects of built environments (e.g., building, distance to a ventilation system, and square footage). However, no statistically significant impact of the built environment was found.

Conclusion:

Despite a placebo effect of ambient scent environment and nonsignificant built environment on depression, this study has valuable implications of being a positive distraction during the healing process as developed by the Theory of Supportive design.
NKX3.1 Identifies Prostatic Origin of Dural Metastasis in the Setting of Negative Prostate-Specific Antigen Stain
Authors: Shen Jeffrey Z. , Memon Adeel A. , Hackney James R. , Sotoudeh Houman , Fathallah-Shaykh Hassan
Published: June 2020

No clear guidelines exist for the appropriate diagnostic workup of an intracranial mass suspected to be a metastasis from unknown primary origin. Dural metastasis from prostatic origin is very rare. Patients with a known history of metastatic prostate cancer who present with a newly discovered lesion on brain imaging require neurosurgical biopsy to confirm diagnosis prior to initiating treatment. Intracranial metastasis from prostate cancer is rare, and dural metastasis is rarer than intraparenchymal metastasis. Current consensus guidelines support immunohistochemical staining with classic markers such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) to identify prostatic origin. However, PSA detection of prostate metastases declines with higher Gleason scores and in patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy. NKX3.1 is another stain that is highly sensitive and specific for prostate. Our patient was a 54-year-old man with a history of metastatic prostate cancer who presented with new-onset seizures. Brain imaging revealed a dural-based lesion with surrounding vasogenic edema and midline shift. The patient underwent resection of the lesion, which was stained with multiple cancer markers. Prostate-specific antigen was negative, but NKX3.1 was positive indicating a prostatic origin for the mass. He underwent a craniectomy to remove the lesion and was given steroids. However, he succumbed to his illness several months later. Here, we document the first report to our knowledge of a patient with prostate metastasis to the dura that is PSA negative, but NKX3.1 positive.
A contribution to building unified movements for the environment: aligning interests, forming alliances
Authors: O’Byrne David
Published: June 2020

The aim of this paper is to outline a way in which research can contribute to the advance of environmental social movements. Current struggles under capitalism are fragmented and localized, which means that creating unity out of fragmented struggles is essential for movements to become more successful. The Right to the City (RTC) as a concept, in its most radical formulation, has this ambition at its core. I examine various attempts from the RTC literature to promote unity, paying particular attention to the use of ideas of justice. In general these attempts are too abstract to be of practical use to existing movements. They do provide useful insight to researchers, by showing the necessity of paying attention to the context that particular movements operate in, but means of formulating advice for movement activists remain vague. I argue that to be more useful to movements, research should and can have something to say about the practical issues movements face, such as, how demands are framed and how to engage with other organizations. I argue that this can be done by bringing together analysis at a number of levels. In the case of movements of labor for the environment, Marxist geographic structural analysis can be combined with political and cultural analysis based on Gramsci’s theory of hegemony and analysis of the dynamics of movement emergence and advance using social movement theory. I argue that such a framework can connect a vision for radical change with the more immediate problems of organizing social movements.
Childhood Obesity: An Evidence-Based Approach to Family-Centered Advice and Support
Authors: Kaufman Tara K. , Lynch Brian A. , Wilkinson John M.
Published: June 2020

The prevalence of childhood obesity continues to rise despite decades of clinical and public health efforts. Early identification of children at risk of developing obesity is essential using newer electronic health systems, which move beyond traditional growth charts to provide a wealth of information about body mass index and other relevant parameters such as social determinants of health and comorbid conditions. For children who already have obesity, there are several evidence-based strategies health care providers can use as they work with patients and families to mitigate the effects. First and foremost, providers should address the issue; unfortunately, weight is often not discussed in clinical practice. In addressing the issue, providers should support families through effective, positive relationships. Providers must be aware of their biases; their language should be appropriate and nonstigmatizing. Helpful interventions should focus on behavior, not weight, health, or appearance. Motivational interviewing may be used to promote healthful behaviors: supportive parenting, regular exercise, healthful food choices, minimal screen time, and optimal sleep. There is limited evidence for the efficacy of specific weight loss diets. Both medication and bariatric surgery are indicated for select adolescents who have severe disease unresponsive to behavioral management.
Expression of tripartite motif-containing 44 and its prognostic and clinicopathological value in human malignancies:a meta-analysis
Authors: Xiao Guoliang , Yang Qiuxi , Bao Ziwei , Mao Haixia , Zhang Yi , Lin Shibu
Published: June 2020

Background

Previous researches have reported that tripartite motif-containing 44 (TRIM44) is related to the prognosis of multiple human tumors. This study was designed to systematically assess the prognostic value of TRIM44 in human malignancies and summarize its possible tumor-related mechanisms.

Methods

The available databases were searched for eligible studies that evaluated the clinicopathological and prognostic roles of TRIM44 in patients with malignancies. The hazard ratios (HR) and odds ratios (OR) were combined to assess the predictive role of TRIM44 using Stata/SE 14.1 software.

Results

A total of 1740 patients from thirteen original studies were finally included in this study. The results of the combined analysis showed that over-expression of TRIM44 protein was significantly correlated with shorter overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.60–2.35) and worse disease-free survival (DFS) (HR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.24–3.65) in cancer patients. Additionally, the combined ORs indicated that elevated expression level of TRIM44 protein was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (OR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.71–4.24), distant metastasis (OR = 10.35, 95% CI: 1.01–106.24), poor tumor differentiation (OR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.03–3.09), increased depth of tumor invasion (OR = 2.72, 95% CI: 1.73–4.30), advanced clinical stage (OR = 2.75, 95% CI: 2.04–3.71), and recurrence (OR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.34–3.95). Furthermore, analysis results using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) showed that the expression level of TRIM44 mRNA was higher in most tumor tissues than in the corresponding normal tissues, and the relationship between TRIM44 mRNA level and prognosis in various malignant tumors also explored in GEPIA and OS analysis webservers.

Conclusions

TRIM44 may serve as a valuable prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for patients with malignancies.
Liver abscess caused by fish bone perforation of Meckel’s diverticulum: a case report
Authors: Natsuki Seiji , Iseki Yasuhito , Nagahara Hishashi , Fukuoka Tatsunari , Shibutani Masatsune , Ohira Masaichi
Published: June 2020

Background

Liver abscess due to gastrointestinal perforation by foreign bodies is rare. Furthermore, there are few case reports of liver abscess via the portal vein caused by perforation of the lower gastrointestinal tract by a foreign body.

Case presentation

A 54-year-old man visited our hospital because of a fever that had lasted for 1 month. There were no physical findings except for the fever. Laboratory tests showed only elevated inflammatory markers. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed an abscess in the right lobe of the liver and a high-density object in the small intestine. We diagnosed him with liver abscess secondary to intestinal perforation by a foreign body. The patient underwent drainage of the liver abscess and laparoscopic surgery for perforation of the small intestine. A fish bone had perforated the top of Meckel’s diverticulum, which had been covered by the ileal mesentery. We successfully performed diverticulectomy and removed the fish bone. The patient was discharged without complications on the 13th postoperative day.

Conclusions

Liver abscess caused by foreign bodies requires multidisciplinary treatment, so we must detect and remove the cause of the abscess earlier. Liver abscess can form via the portal vein secondary to lower gastrointestinal perforation, as in this case. When exploring the cause of liver abscess, we should investigate the whole body, including the lower gastrointestinal tract.
Reduction of ureteral stent encrustation by modulating the urine pH and inhibiting the crystal film with a new oral composition: a multicenter, placebo controlled, double blind, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Torrecilla Carlos , Fernández-Concha Jaime , Cansino José R. , Mainez Juan A. , Amón José H. , Costas Simbad , Angerri Oriol , Emiliani Esteban , Arrabal Martín Miguel A. , Arrabal Polo Miguel A. , García Ana , Reina Manuel C. , Sánchez Juan F. , Budía Alberto , Pérez-Fentes Daniel , Grases Félix , Costa-Bauzá Antonia , Cuñé Jordi
Published: June 2020

Background

Encrustation of ureteral double J stents is a common complication that may affect its removal. The aim of the proposed study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new oral composition to prevent double J stent encrustation in indwelling times up to 8 weeks.

Methods

A double-blinded, multicenter, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 105 patients with indwelling double J stents enrolled across 9 public hospitals in Spain. The patients were randomly assigned (1:1) into intervention (53 patients) or placebo (52 patients) groups for 3 to 8 weeks and both groups self-monitored daily their morning urine pH levels. The primary outcome of analysis was the degree of stent ends encrustation, defined by a 4-point score (0 – none; 3 – global encrustation) using macroscopic and electron microscopy analysis of crystals, after 3 to 8-w indwelling period. Score was exponentially transformed according to calcium levels. Secondary endpoints included urine pH decrease, stent removal, and incidence of adverse events.

Results

The intervention group benefits from a lower global encrustation rate of stent ends than placebo group (1% vs 8.2%;p < 0.018). Mean encrustation score was 85.12 (274.5) in the placebo group and 18.91 (102.27) in the intervention group (p < 0.025). Considering the secondary end points, treated patients reported greater urine pH decreases (p = 0.002). No differences in the incidence of adverse events were identified between the groups.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the use of this new oral composition is beneficial in the context of ureteral double J indwelling by decreasing mean, as well as global encrustation.

Trial registration

This trial was registered atwww.clinicaltrials.govunder the name “Combined Use of a Medical Device and a Dietary Complement in Patient Urinary pH Control in Patients With an Implanted Double J Stent” with date 2nd November 2017, codeNCT03343275, and URL.
Hepatoprotective effects and mechanisms of Ixeris denticulate water extract on liver cirrhosis in experimental rat
Authors: Zhu Yinhong , Liu Changling , Chen Xiaobei , Lu Shengjia , Chen Jie
Published: June 2020

Background

To explore the protective effect and mechanisms of Ixeris denticulate water extract (IDWE) in the development of liver cirrhosis in experimental rat.

Methods

Sixty rats were randomly divided into five groups: control group, model group and IDWE (2, 4 and 8 g/kg) treatment groups. Alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), albumin (ALB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 in serum and superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver tissue were evaluated, respectively. The liver index, liver morphology and liver histopathological analysis were detected as a supportive data. The liver protein expression of Bcl-2 and Bax were assessed by western blot, and NF-κB p65 protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry analysis.

Results

The result showed that a significantly decrease in the levels of serum AST, ALT and serum inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 in IDWE-treated rats. The levels of serum ALB and SOD in liver tissue were markedly increased after IDWE treated, compared with model rats. Furthermore, IDWE-treated group also exhibited a down-regulated protein expression of NF-κB p65 and Bax, up-regulated Bcl-2 protein expression.

Conclusions

IDWE could effectively alleviate the course of liver cirrhosis in rat model, which may be a potent hepatoprotective agent in clinical therapy in the future.
Risk factors of infective endocarditis in persons who inject drugs
Authors: Shah Meera , Wong Ryan , Ball Laura , Puka Klajdi , Tan Charlie , Shojaei Esfandiar , Koivu Sharon , Silverman Michael
Published: June 2020

Background

The rising incidence of infective endocarditis (IE) among people who inject drugs (PWID) has been a major concern across North America. The coincident rise in IE and change of drug preference to hydromorphone controlled-release (CR) among our PWID population in London, Ontario intrigued us to study the details of injection practices leading to IE, which have not been well characterized in literature.

Methods

A case–control study, using one-on-one interviews to understand risk factors and injection practices associated with IE among PWID was conducted. Eligible participants included those who had injected drugs within the last 3 months, were > 18  years old and either never had or were currently admitted for an IE episode. Cases were recruited from the tertiary care centers and controls without IE were recruited from outpatient clinics and addiction clinics in London, Ontario.

Results

Thirty three cases (PWID IE+) and 102 controls (PWID but IE-) were interviewed. Multivariable logistic regressions showed that the odds of having IE were 4.65 times higher among females (95% CI 1.85, 12.28; p = 0.001) and 5.76 times higher among PWID who did not use clean injection equipment from the provincial distribution networks (95% CI 2.37, 14.91; p < 0.001). Injecting into multiple sites and heating hydromorphone-CR prior to injection were not found to be significantly associated with IE. Hydromorphone-CR was the most commonly injected drug in both groups (90.9% cases; 81.4% controls; p = 0.197).

Discussion

Our study highlights the importance of distributing clean injection materials for IE prevention. Furthermore, our study showcases that females are at higher risk of IE, which is contrary to the reported literature. Gender differences in injection techniques, which may place women at higher risk of IE, require further study. We suspect that the very high prevalence of hydromorphone-CR use made our sample size too small to identify a significant association between its use and IE, which has been established in the literature.
Combinations of physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep duration and their associations with depressive symptoms and other mental health problems in children and adolescents: a systematic review
Authors: Sampasa-Kanyinga Hugues , Colman Ian , Goldfield Gary S. , Janssen Ian , Wang JianLi , Podinic Irina , Tremblay Mark S. , Saunders Travis J. , Sampson Margaret , Chaput Jean-Philippe
Published: June 2020

Background

For optimal health benefits, the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth (aged 5–17 years) recommend an achievement of high levels of physical activity (≥60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity), low levels of sedentary behaviour (≤2 h of recreational screen time), and sufficient sleep (9–11 h for children or 8–10 h for adolescents) each day. The objective of this systematic review was to examine how combinations of physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep duration relate to depressive symptoms and other mental health indicators among children and adolescents.

Methods

Literature was obtained through searching Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and SportDiscus up to September 30, 2019. Peer-reviewed studies published in English or French were included if they met the following criteria: population (apparently healthy children and adolescents with a mean age of 5–17 years), intervention/exposure (combinations of physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep duration), and outcomes (depressive symptoms and other mental health indicators). A risk of bias assessment was completed for all included studies using the methods described in the Cochrane Handbook. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework was used to assess the quality of evidence for each health indicator. Narrative syntheses were employed to describe the results due to high levels of heterogeneity across studies.

Results

A total of 13 cross-sectional studies comprised in 10 papers met inclusion criteria. Data across studies involved 115,540 children and adolescents from 12 countries. Overall, the findings indicated favourable associations between meeting all 3 recommendations and better mental health indicators among children and adolescents when compared with meeting none of the recommendations. There was evidence of a dose-response gradient between an increasing number of recommendations met and better mental health indicators. Meeting the screen time and sleep duration recommendations appeared to be associated with more mental health benefits than meeting the physical activity recommendation. The quality of evidence reviewed was “very low” according to GRADE.

Conclusions

The findings indicate favourable associations between meeting all 3 movement behaviour recommendations in the 24-h guidelines and better mental health indicators among children and adolescents. There is a clear need for high-quality studies that use robust measures of all movement behaviours and validated measures of mental health to increase our understanding in this topic area.
Attenuated relationship between salivary oxytocin levels and attention to social information in adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder: a comparative study
Authors: Fujioka T. , Fujisawa T. X. , Inohara K. , Okamoto Y. , Matsumura Y. , Tsuchiya K. J. , Katayama T. , Munesue T. , Tomoda A. , Wada Y. , Kosaka H.
Published: June 2020

Background

Previous research studies have assessed the relationship between attention to social information and peripheral (e.g., plasma and salivary) oxytocin (OT) levels in typically developing (TD) children and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A relationship between them was observed in TD children, but not in children with ASD. However, this relationship remains unexamined in other age groups. To clarify whether this lack of association is maintained throughout development in individuals with ASD, we aimed to assess the relationship between salivary OT levels and attention to social information in adolescents and adults with and without ASD.

Methods

We recruited male adolescents and adults with ASD (n = 17) and TD participants (n = 24). Using the all-in-one eye-tracking system Gazefinder, we measured the percentage fixation time allocated to social information. We also measured the salivary OT levels and Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) of participants. Subsequently, we confirmed group differences and conducted a correlation analysis to investigate the relationships between these three measures.

Results

Salivary OT levels did not show any significant difference between the ASD and TD groups and were negatively correlated with the AQ in the whole-group analysis, but not in within-group analysis. Individuals with ASD had significantly lower percentage fixation times than did TD individuals for eye regions in human faces with/without mouth motion, for upright biological motion, and for people regions in the people and geometry movies. The percentage of fixation for geometric shapes in the people and geometry movies was significantly higher in the ASD than in the TD group. In the TD group, salivary OT levels were positively correlated with percentage fixation times for upright biological motion and people and negatively correlated with inverted biological motion and geometry. However, no significant correlations were found in the ASD group.

Conclusions

Our exploratory results suggest that salivary OT levels in adolescents and adults with ASD are less indicative of attention to social stimuli than they are in TD adolescents and adults. It is suggested that their association is slightly weaker in adolescents and adults with ASD and that this attenuated relationship appears to be maintained throughout development.
Dosimetric parameters predict radiation-induced choanal stenosis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Chang Hui , Chen Kai , Tao Ya-lan , Han Fei , Ye Wei-jun , Gao Yuan-hong
Published: June 2020

Background

Radiation-induced choanal stenosis (RICS) severely decreases life quality of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and originates from nasal mucositis, which depends on radiation dose. This self-controlled study aimed to find the correlations between dosimetric parameters and RICS.

Methods

Totally 49 NPC patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy from May 2010 to Aug. 2013 and diagnosed with RICS during follow-up were enrolled into this study. Minimum point dose, maximum point dose, mean dose (Dmean), dose covering ≥33% volume (D33), dose covering ≥66% volume (D66), and volume receiving ≥60 Gy (V60) were compared between the nasal cavities with and without RICS, through paired t-test. The parameters with difference would enter receiver operating characteristic analysis to determine their cutoff values. Then predicting abilities of the cutoff values were tested by Chi-square test.

Result

The nasal cavities with RICS appeared to have higher Dmean, D33, D66 and V60, compared with those without RICS (P values were 0.014, 0.003, 0.006 and 0.010). Dmean ≥54.22 Gy, D33 ≥ 61.96 Gy, D66 ≥ 46.50 Gy and V60 ≥ 48.13% were demonstrated to be related with a higher risk of RICS.

Conclusion

Dmean, D33, D66 and V60 of nasal cavity might be used as predictors of RICS. Their values needed to be controlled whenever possible, for ameliorating life quality of NPC patients.