bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient reported experiences and treatment outcomes of orthodontic patients treated within secondary care settings in the South West of England during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Jopson Jenifer L , Ellis Pamela E , Jerreat Amelia S , Kneafsey Louise C , Moore Matthew B , Day Christian , Scott Julia K , Griffiths Helen , Lee Tara VN , Oliver Graham R , Fowler Peter V , Sherriff Martyn , Ireland Anthony J
Published: July 2021

Objective:

To assess the impact of the temporary cessation of orthodontic services on patients undergoing treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design:

Two-phase multicentre service evaluation.

Setting:

Secondary care orthodontic departments in the South West of England.

Materials and Methods:

Phase 1 – Patient-Reported Experience Measure questionnaire (PREM). The questionnaire was distributed to patients who had undergone orthodontic treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic once services had resumed. Phase 2 – assessment of treatment outcomes, specifically with the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) Index. A total of 280 PAR scores were obtained from a cohort of patients treated before and during the pandemic.

Results:

A total of 711 PREM questionnaires were completed. Participants generally felt relaxed when visiting secondary care settings, orthodontic departments and whilst wearing orthodontic appliances during the pandemic. Nearly 40% of participants were concerned that the pandemic would impact on their treatment, particularly treatment length. Treatment outcomes revealed that patients treated before and during the pandemic experienced percentage PAR score reductions of 83.9% and 80.6%, respectively. Patients receiving treatment during the pandemic experienced longer treatment durations of 126 days.

Conclusion:

During the pandemic, low levels of anxiety were reported with respect to receiving orthodontic treatment in secondary care settings. Irrespective of the pandemic, a high standard of orthodontic treatment was provided. However, patient concerns regarding treatment length were justified.
Images of transformation in the Lower Amazon and the performativity of Santarém and Konduri pottery
Authors: Gomes Denise Maria Cavalcante
Published: July 2021

This article analyses Amazonian objects of the Santarém and Konduri styles (1100–1600 AD), many of them with images of beings in transformation, adopting a framework that goes beyond an emphasis on the visual to recuperate pragmatic aspects of the rituals in which the objects were involved, apprehended through the formal properties and affordances of the artifacts themselves. Different rules are identified in the construction of these artifacts, some displaying anthropomorphic beings that transmute into zoomorphic beings, others that are revealed through the manipulation of artifacts or through a change in perspective enabled by a change in viewing angle. Composite bodies also constitute an important focus of attention. While the Santarém objects are distinguished by the standardization and reproduction of their design, suggesting a social intensification of a set of practices, the chimerical Konduri figurations point to a relationship closer to the paradoxical dynamic of ritual art, which works to reveal and conceal simultaneously.
‘Young People Just Resolve It in Their Own Group’: Young People’s Perspectives on Responses to Non-Consensual Intimate Image Distribution
Authors: Dodge Alexa , Lockhart Emily
Published: July 2021

While responses to non-consensual intimate image distribution (NCIID) often highlight criminal law remedies, little is known about how young people are choosing to respond to this act and whether they perceive legal intervention as a useful tool. Drawing from interviews with 10 teenagers and survey responses from 81 adult supporters, we provide insight into how young people perceive the supports available to them for responding to NCIID. We find young people may avoid seeking support from both the criminal justice system and adults in general due to fears of adult overreaction, victim blaming and shaming, and self/peer criminalization.
Sibling Sexual Abuse: A Review of Empirical Studies in the Field
Authors: Bertele Nina , Talmon Anat
Published: July 2021

Although sibling sexual abuse (SSA) is one of the most common forms of sexual abuse, it has been particularly neglected in previous research. Hence, characteristics of this form of abuse and its longer term implications are not well understood. The aims of the current review were to precisely characterize the phenomenon of SSA and to condense the implications known to date of SSA on survivors. We included 15 studies with a total sample size of 14,680 individuals. Our results indicate that SSA has some unequivocal features such as an early onset, an extended duration and frequency, and a particularly high intensity (i.e., involvement of coercion, force, superiority, and manipulation). Our findings also revealed that SSA is linked to later depression, anxiety, impaired self-esteem, and sexual functioning. The findings of the current review suggest that (1) SSA is common, (2) SSA has various negative effects on survivors’ mental health, and that (3) SSA and its implications have been and to date are marginalized in research and practice. Results are discussed with a special focus on clinical implications.
NT157 Inhibits HCC Migration via Downregulating the STAT3/Jab1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yu SiZhe , Wang Yu , Lv KeJia , Hou Jia , Li WenYuan , Wang Xiao , Guo Hui , Wang WenJuan
Published: July 2021

Purpose:

The high fatality-to-case ratio of hepatocellular carcinoma is directly related to metastasis. The signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 is a key mediator of the cytokine and growth factor signaling pathways and drives the transcription of genes responsible for cancer-associated phenotypes. However, so far, no specific inhibitor for signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 has been used in clinical practice. Therefore, targeting the signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 for cancer therapy is highly desired to improve outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Experimental Design:

Using the small-molecule inhibitor NT157, the effect of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 inhibition on cell migration was tested in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines and a lung metastasis model of the disease.

Results:

NT157 significantly inhibited the migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines in vitro and lung metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma in vivo. Mechanistically, it inhibited the phospho-signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, NT157 treatment suppressed the c-Jun activation domain-binding protein-1 levels in the nucleus but no significant decrease was observed in its expression in the cytoplasm. Finally, high mRNA expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 and c-Jun activation domain-binding protein-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma were associated with significantly low survival rates.

Conclusion:

NT157 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma migration and metastasis by downregulating the signal transducer and activator of transcription-3/c-Jun activation domain-binding protein-1 signaling pathway and targeting it may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for the clinical management of hepatocellular carcinoma in the future.
Group consensus coordination control in networked nonholonomic multirobot systems
Authors: Zhang Tiehui , Liu Jun , Li Hengyu , Xie Shaorong , Jun Luo
Published: July 2021

In this article, the coordination control problem of group tracking consensus is considered for networked nonholonomic mobile multirobot systems (NNMMRSs). This problem framework generalizes the findings of complete consensus in NNMMRSs and group consensus in networked Lagrangian systems (NLSs), enjoying capacious application backgrounds. By leveraging a kinematic controller embedded in the adaptive torque control protocols, a new convergence criterion of group consensus is established. In contrast to the formulation under strict algebraic assumptions, it is found that group tracking consensus for NNMMRSs can be realized under a simple geometrical condition. The system stability analysis is dictated by the property of network topology with acyclic partition. Finally, the theoretical achievements are verified by illustrative numerical examples. The results show an interesting phenomenon that, for NNMMRSs, the state responses exhibit negative correlation with the algebraic connectivity and coupling strength.
Beyond Statistical Ritual: Theory in Psychological Science
Authors: Proulx Travis , Morey Richard D.
Published: July 2021

More than 40 years ago, Paul Meehl (1978) published a seminal critique of the state of theorizing in psychological science. According to Meehl, the quality of theories had diminished in the preceding decades, resulting in statistical methods standing in for theoretical rigor. In this introduction to the special issue Theory in Psychological Science, we apply Meehl’s account to contemporary psychological science. We suggest that by the time of Meehl’s writing, psychology found itself in the midst of a crisis that is typical of maturing sciences, in which the theories that had been guiding research were gradually cast into doubt. Psychologists were faced with the same general choice when worldviews fail: Face reality and pursue knowledge in the absence of certainty, or shift emphasis toward sources of synthetic certainty. We suggest that psychologists have too often chosen the latter option, substituting synthetic certainties for theory-guided research, in much the same manner as Scholastic scholars did centuries ago. Drawing from our contributors, we go on to make recommendations for how psychological science may fully reengage with theory-based science.
Attention in post-lexical processes of utterance production: Dual-task cost in younger and older adults
Authors: Fournet Maryll , Pernon Michaela , Catalano Chiuvé Sabina , Lopez Ursula , Laganaro Marina
Published: July 2021

There is a general agreement that speaking requires attention at least for conceptual and lexical processes of utterance production. However, conflicting results have been obtained with dual-task paradigms using either repetition tasks or more generally tasks involving limited loading of lexical selection. This study aimed to investigate whether post-lexical processes recruit attentional resources. We used a new dual-task paradigm in a set of experiments where a continuous verbal production task involved either high or low demand on lexical selection processes. Experiment 1 evaluates lexical and post-lexical processes with a semantic verbal fluency task, whereas Experiments 2 and 3 focus on post-lexical processes with a non-propositional speech task. In each experiment, two types of non-verbal secondary tasks were used: processing speed (simple manual reaction times) or inhibition (Go/No-go). In Experiment 1, a dual-task cost was observed on the semantic verbal fluency task and each non-verbal task. In Experiment 2, a dual-task cost appeared on the non-verbal tasks but not on the speech task. The same paradigm was used with older adults (Experiment 3), as increased effort in post-lexical processes has been associated with ageing. For older adults, a dual-task cost was also observed on the non-propositional verbal task when speech was produced with the inhibition non-verbal task. The results suggest an attentional cost on post-lexical processes and strategic effects in the resolution of the dual-task.
Residual life-based importance measures for predictive maintenance decision-making
Authors: Do Phuc , Bérenguer Christophe
Published: July 2021

Importance measures have been widely used as meaningful decision-aiding indicators in reliability engineering, risk management and maintenance optimization. However, few importance measures integrates the actual condition (working states or degradation levels) of components that dynamically evolves with time. This work develops a novel time-dependent importance measure defined as the capacity of a component (or group of components) to improve, when it is replaced, the system residual life. The proposed [Formula: see text] measure can help to better prioritize a component or group of components regarding to its improvement ability in the system life time while considering the actual conditions of all components of the system. The originality and complementarity of the proposed measure when compared to existing importance measures is also investigated. The proposed importance measure is then extended to integrate the economic dimension of the maintenance decision, through the maintenance costs, the benefit gained by the maintenance operations and as well as the economic dependence between components. It is finally shown how the proposed [Formula: see text] measure and its extension can “optimally” suggest a component or a group of several components for preventive maintenance decision-making, based on both the technical criterion (residual life of the system) and the economic aspects (benefit and costs). The use and the advantages of the proposed importance measure and its extension are illustrated on a four-component system.
Level of agreement between sPRO and Kubios software in the analysis of R-R intervals obtained by a chest strap
Authors: Pino-Ortega José , Rico-González Markel , Gantois Petrus , Nakamura Fabio Y
Published: July 2021

Heart rate variability (HRV) is becoming one of the most commonly used tools for tracking the time course of training adaptation/maladaptation of athletes and setting optimal training loads, leading to improved performance. The aim of this study was to compare Realtrack Systems manufacturer software (sPRO) with the Kubios HRV Standard. R-R intervals were recorded from 48 athletes using a chest strap synchronized to WIMU PRO™ device for 10 min to analyze time-domain HRV indices, located between the scapulae. Time-domain HRV indices analyzed included the square root of the mean squared differences of successive R-R intervals (RMSSD), standard deviation of normal R-R intervals (SDNN), and percentage of adjacent R-R intervals that differ from each other by more than 50 ms (pNN50). The intraclass correlation test and Bland-Altman plot were used to verify the agreement between the sPRO and the Kubios HRV Standard software for examining time-domain HRV indices. The intraclass correlation coefficient showed high values of agreement of R-R intervals and time-domain HRV indices between the two software options (RMSSD, SDNN, and pNN50; ICC > 0.951). The Bland-Altman plot showed low bias for all the HRV indices analyzed (bias = −0.11 to −1.08). In addition, no systematic bias was found between the residual of the mean difference and the average values of the two software packages ( p > 0.05). Therefore, both software options can be used interchangeably for analyzing time-domain HRV records.
Insights into the management of anorectal disease in the coronavirus 2019 disease era
Authors: Amjad Waseem , Haider Rabbia , Malik Adnan , Qureshi Waqas
Published: July 2021

Coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) has created major impacts on public health. The virus has plagued a large population requiring hospitalization and resource utilization. Knowledge about the COVID-19 virus continues to grow. It can commonly present with gastrointestinal symptoms; initially, this was considered an atypical presentation, which led to delays in care. The pandemic has posed serious threats to the care of anorectal diseases. Urgent surgeries have been delayed, and the care of cancer patients and cancer screenings disrupted. This had added to patient discomfort and the adverse outcomes on healthcare will continue into the future. The better availability of personal protective equipment to providers and standard checklist protocols in operating rooms can help minimize healthcare-related spread of the virus. Telehealth, outpatient procedures, and biochemical tumor marker tests can help with mitigation of anorectal-disease-related problems. There is limited literature about the clinical management of anorectal diseases during the pandemic. We performed a detailed literature review to guide clinicians around management options for anorectal disease patients. We also highlighted the health challenges seen during the pandemic.
Prognostic factors for 1-year functional outcome, quality of life, care demands, and mortality after surgery in Taiwanese geriatric patients with a hip fracture: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Yu-Pin , Kuo Yi-Jie , Liu Chieh-hsiu , Chien Pei-Chun , Chang Wei-Chun , Lin Chung-Ying , Pakpour Amir H.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Hip fractures are a major public health concern among elderly individuals. This study aimed to investigate potential perioperative factors that predict 1-year functional outcome, quality of life (QoL), care demands, and mortality in geriatric patients with a hip fracture.

Methods:

We prospectively enrolled geriatric patients who had undergone hip fracture surgery in one medical center from December 2017 to December 2019. Basic demographic data, handgrip strength, and responses to questionnaires for QoL and activities of daily living (ADL) before the injury were collected at baseline. QoL, ADL, additional care demands other than family support, and mortality events were monitored at 1 year after the operation.

Results:

Among 281 patients with a hip fracture, 39 (13.9%) died within 1 year of the index operation. The mean follow-up interval for the survivors was 403.3 (range: 358–480) days. Among the 242 survivors, ADL and QoL considerably decreased at approximately 1 year following hip surgery. Up to 33.9% of the participants became severely dependent and needed additional care at 1-year follow up. Prefracture ADL status was the crucial predictor for functional outcome, QoL, and additional care demand at 1-year follow up. Cox regression models indicated that male sex, low preoperative serum creatinine, handgrip strength, long surgical delay after a falling accident, and high Charlson Comorbidity Index were considerably associated with a high 1-year mortality risk in the geriatric hip fracture population.

Conclusion:

Hip fracture has long-lasting effects (e.g. functional loss, decline in QoL, increased care demands, and high postoperative mortality rate) on the geriatric population. A robust screening method must be developed for identifying potential prognostic factors, and a stratified care approach must be used that accounts for personalized risks to improve functional outcomes and reduce mortality after hip fracture in geriatric patients, especially in Taiwan.
Case-based Instruction for Leadership Learning in the Norwegian National School Leadership Program
Authors: Vennebo Kirsten Foshaug , Aas Marit
Published: July 2021

This article focuses on the use of case-based instruction in the National School Leadership Program offered by universities in Norway. The research addresses the following research question: How can case-based instruction promote leadership learning when used in school leadership programs? The study demonstrates case-based instruction’s ability to create promising learning possibilities for leadership learning. Hence, to effectively use case-based instruction in formal school leadership programs, there is a need for more empirical research on case-based instruction in practice, especially related to case content, case organization and facilitation, case analysis, case application, and linking case-based instruction to authentic learning in schools.
Psychosomatic interactions in kidney transplantation: role of personality dimensions in mental health-related quality of life
Authors: Guerra Federica , Ranieri Jessica , Passafiume Domenico , Lupi Diana , Maccarone Daniela , Pisani Francesco , Ferri Claudio , Di Giacomo Dina
Published: July 2021

Background and aims:

The increase in innovative and personalized medicine solutions in kidney surgery can improve patients’ chances of survival; however, during the transplantation process, patients are exposed to many psychological challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the role and impact of personality dimensions on the behaviour of waiting-list patients towards the post-surgery adaptation process.

Method:

The participants were 113 out-patients aged 18–70 years (mean age 54.7 years, SD ± 9.9) who had received a kidney transplant at least 3 years prior to the study.

Results:

The results of the study revealed that personality dimensions can predict mental health-related quality of life after kidney transplantation; in particular, the dimensions play an important role in patients’ behavioural ability to manage their quality of life both during end-stage renal disease and after kidney transplantation. Psychological distress and anxiety were associated with a low level of the conscientiousness dimension, while a high level of the openness dimension was associated with a high level of psychological distress and stress. In addition, body self-perception was associated with personality dimensions.

Conclusion:

Personality dimensions were found to predict behavioural reactions when emotional traits and body self-perception for each patient were combined; clinical psychologists could apply personalized intervention by modeling the treatments step by step and mitigating the negative effects of the whole kidney transplantation disease, thus helping the individual to adapt to a new life.
Bufei huoxue capsules in the management of convalescent COVID‐19 infection: study protocol for a multicenter, double‐blind, and randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chen Yuqin , He Wenjun , Lu Wenju , Xing Yue , Bai Jianling , Yu Hao , Zhou Jiawei , Liang Jingyi , Chen Jiyuan , Hou Chi , Zhong Bihua , Wang Ting , Feng Huazhuo , Chen Xu , Wang Tao , Yang Kai , Zhang Nuofu , Zhong Nanshan , Liu Chunli , Wang Jian
Published: July 2021

Up to 30 May 2021, the cumulative number of patients diagnosed with corona virus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) globally has exceeded 170 million, with more than 152 million patients recovered from COVID‐19. However, the long‐term effect of the virus infection on the human body’s function is unknown for convalescent patients. It was reported that about 63% of COVID‐19 patients had observable lung damage on CT scans after being released from the hospital. Bufei Huoxue (BFHX) capsules, including three active ingredients of traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has been used clinically to prevent and treat pulmonary heart diseases with Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. Some small‐scale clinical trials have found that BFHX can improve lung ventilation function, reduce blood viscosity, and improve cardiopulmonary function. However, the efficacy and safety of BFHX in the treatment of the recovery phase of COVID‐19 are unknown. This study is a multicenter, double‐blinded, randomized, controlled trial. Subjects with convalescent COVID‐19 were randomized (1:1) into either a BFHX or control group and observed for three months concomitant with receiving routine treatment. The primary efficacy indicators are the evaluation results and changes of the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire score, Fatigue Assessment Inventory, and 6‐min walk distance. Based on the intention‐to‐treat principle, all randomly assigned participants will be included in the statistical analysis. The last visit’s outcomes will be used as the final outcomes for participants who prematurely withdraw from the trial. Per protocol set will pick up from the full analysis set for analysis. Efficacy analysis will be performed on the intention‐to‐treat datasets and per‐protocol datasets. This study and its protocol were approved by the Ethics Committee of our University. Prior to participation, all subjects provided written informed consent. Results will be disseminated at medical conferences and in journal publications. We aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of BFHX for the treatment of the convalescent COVID‐19 patients.

Trial registration number: ChiCTR2000032573
Right aortic arch with mirror image branching found incidentally during coronary surgery
Authors: Rao Girish N , Sainudeen Sabin S , Mohamed Samah , Alkuwari Maryam E , Alkhulaifi Abdulaziz M , Carr Cornelia S
Published: July 2021

Right aortic arch with a left innominate (brachiocephalic) artery with mirror image branching (RAMI) is a rare congenital anomaly, and it is unusual to diagnose it in adulthood. There are very few cases of cardiac surgery being performed for acquired cardiac disease on a congenital RAMI patient. We present a patient who had an incidental finding of a RAMI anomaly found during coronary artery bypass surgery. Post-operatively computerised tomography showed both his congenital lesions and his bypass grafts.
The use of the Sanuki airway™ in three patients with suspected difficult airway
Authors: Kuwana Keisuke , Obara Shinju , Tanaka Shiori , Sato Yuki , Yoshida Keisuke , Hanayama Chie , Hakozaki Takahiro
Published: July 2021

The Sanuki airway is a single-use intubation oral airway designed for fiberoptic bronchoscope intubation. Sanuki airway has a bite block function and a wide lumen for the tracheal tube to pass through. Here, three cases are reported in which Sanuki airway was used for oral fiberoptic bronchoscope intubation. Case 1 is a patient who presented with reduced mouth opening and intraoral edema due to facial bone fracture. Case 2 is a patient who suffered from severe neck stiffness and had reduced mouth opening due to systemic psoriatic arthritis. Case 3 is a patient who suffered from multiple facial traumas and was in a full-stomach state. In all patients, advancing the tip of the bronchofiber into the larynx using Sanuki airway was possible under dexmedetomidine sedation, which contributed to the successful tracheal intubation. Using Sanuki airway may be considered an option for oral fiberoptic bronchoscope intubation in patients anticipated with difficult airways.
Effectiveness of corticosteroids on immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced interstitial pneumonia among patients with a history of interstitial pneumonia: A case series
Authors: Ichimura Takenori , Hinata Miwa , Ichikura Daisuke , Suzuki Shinya
Published: July 2021

There are few reports on the effectiveness of corticosteroids for immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced interstitial pneumonia in patients with a history of interstitial pneumonia. We report on 10 non-small cell lung cancer patients with a history of interstitial pneumonia who experienced immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced interstitial pneumonia. The immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced interstitial pneumonia lasted for a median duration of 41.5 days (range = 22–127 days). Eight of the ten patients responded to corticosteroid monotherapy; one patient responded to corticosteroids and the immunosuppressant, tacrolimus; and one patient did not improve after corticosteroid treatment. In non-small cell lung cancer patients with a history of interstitial pneumonia, immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced interstitial pneumonia was generally responds to corticosteroids.
Hip Fractures in the Elderly During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Latin-American Perspective With a Minimum 90-Day Follow-Up
Authors: Zamora Tomas , Sandoval Felipe , Demandes Hugo , Serrano Javier , Gonzalez Javiera , Lira Maria Jesus , Klaber Ianiv , Carmona Maximiliano , Botello Eduardo , Schweitzer Daniel
Published: July 2021

Introduction:

Hip fracture patients have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic; however, the sub acute effects of a concomitant SARS-CoV-2 infection and the outcomes in highly exposed developing countries are still unknown. Our objective is to describe the morbidity and mortality of elderly patients admitted for a hip fracture during the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile, with a minimum 90-day follow-up. Also, to elucidate predictors for mortality and to compare mortality results with the pre-pandemic era.

Material and Methods:

Multicentric retrospective review of patients admitted for a fragility hip fracture in 3 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, and during the same time in 2019. All clinical information and images were recorded, and patients were followed for a minimum of 90-days. Morbidity and mortality were the primary outcomes. Uni/multivariable models were performed to elucidate predictors for mortality utilizing the Weibull’s regression.

Results:

Three hundred ninety-one cases were included. From the 2020 cohort (162 patients), 24 (15%) had a concomitant SARS-CoV-2 infection. Fourteen patients (58%) tested positive after admission. The COVID-19(+) group had a higher risk of in-hospital, 30-day, and 90-day mortality (p < 0.001). They also had a prolonged hospital stay and presented with more complications and readmissions (p < 0.05). Only COVID-19(+) status and older age were independent predictors for mortality with a HR = 6.5 (p = < 0.001) and 1.09 (p = 0.001), respectively. The 2020 cohort had twice the risk of mortality with a HR = 2.04 (p = 0.002) compared to the 2019 cohort. However, comparing only the COVID-19 (-) patients, there was no difference in mortality risk, with a HR = 1.30 (p = 0.343).

Discussion:

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected healthcare systems and elderly patients.

Conclusions:

Hip fracture patients with a concomitant SARS-CoV-2 virus infection were associated with increased morbidity and mortality throughout the first 3 months. COVID-19 status and older age were significant predictors for mortality. Efforts should be directed into nosocomial infection reduction and prompt surgical management.

Level of evidence:

Level III
Can We Really Think of ‘Friendship’ as a Way of Life? A Reflection
Authors: Singha Dhiraj
Published: July 2021

This essay presents a critical thought on the much ‘celebrated’ social association called ‘friendship’, especially from the contexts of Hinduized (village) societies in India. The usage of the term ‘friendship’ has a wide range; everyone describes ‘friendship’ as per their own convenience. ‘Friendship’ has been considered to be fundamentally different in terms of its non-biological basis; a relationship based on mutual acknowledgement; voluntary in nature that can go beyond any social barriers, without any legal sanction. Various scholars consider ‘friendship’ as enduring ‘way of life’ or as ‘model’ for how we as a society might expand our conceptions of intimacy and care. But, can we really think of ‘friendship’ as ‘way of life’? What are the difficulties in considering ‘friendship’ as ‘way of life’ in the context of the social lifeworld dominated by hegemonic Brahmanism? This essay, on the one hand, recognizes the importance of ‘friendship’ that can provide a space of solidarity at a ‘personal level’ in neoliberal modern societies (consisted with autological rational individuals), but on the other hand, it focuses on the role of ’commonness’ in the processes of ‘becoming friend’ to highlight some difficulties in considering ‘friendship’ as ‘way of life’ or as a radical category to be endured and to redefine ‘intimacy and care’.
The association of circulating miR-191 and miR-375 expression levels with markers of insulin resistance in overweight children: an exploratory analysis of the I.Family Study
Authors: Iacomino Giuseppe , Lauria Fabio , Russo Paola , Venezia Antonella , Iannaccone Nunzia , Marena Pasquale , Ahrens Wolfgang , De Henauw Stefaan , Molnár Dénes , Eiben Gabriele , Foraita Ronja , Hebestreit Antje , Kourides Giannis , Moreno Luis A. , Veidebaum Toomas , Siani Alfonso ,   on behalf of the I.Family Consortium
Published: July 2021

Background

In recent years, the exciting emergence of circulating miRNAs as stable, reproducible, and consistent among individuals has opened a promising research opportunity for the detection of non-invasive biomarkers. A firm connection has been established between circulating miRNAs and glycaemic as well as metabolic homeostasis, showing that levels of specific miRNAs vary under different physio-pathological conditions.

Objective

In this pilot study, we investigated the expression of candidate miRNAs, hsa-miR-191-3p and hsa-miR-375, in relation to biomarkers associated with insulin sensitivity in a subgroup (n=58) of subjects participating to the European I.Family Study, a project aimed to assess the determinants of eating behaviour in children and adolescents and related health outcomes. The sample included overweight/obese children/adolescents since overweight/obesity is a known risk factor for impaired glucose homeostasis and metabolic disorders. Biological targets of candidate miRNAs were also explored in silico.

Results

We observed a significant association of the two miRNAs and early changes in glycaemic homeostasis, independent of covariates including country of origin, age, BMI z-score, puberty status, highest educational level of parents, total energy intake, energy from fats, energy from carbohydrates, and energy from proteins.

Conclusion

Identification of circulating miRNAs associated with insulin impairment may offer novel approaches of assessing early variations in insulin sensitivity and provide evidence about the molecular mechanisms connected to early changes in glycaemic homeostasis.

Trial registration

ISRCTN, ISRCTN62310987. Retrospectively registered, http://isrctn.com/ISRCTN62310987
Trehalose in pine wood nematode participates in DJ3 formation and confers resistance to low-temperature stress
Authors: Chen Qiaoli , Zhang Ruizhi , Li Danlei , Wang Feng , Jiang Shengwei , Wang Jianan
Published: July 2021

Background

Recently, pine wood nematode (PWN, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) has been found in the extreme cold area of northeast China. The third-stage dispersal juvenile (DJ3) of PWN, which is a long-lived stress-resistant stage, plays an important role in the process of PWN spreading to low-temperature areas, as this stage can survive under unfavorable conditions.

Results

Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was used to analyze the expression patterns of 15,889 genes included in 21 RNA-Seq results of PWN at DJ3 and the other 6 different stages, and a total of 12 coexpression modules were obtained. Among them, the magenta module has the highest correlation with DJ3, which included a total of 652 genes. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that most of the genes in the magenta module were involved in metabolic processes, which were related to autophagy and longevity regulation. These pathways included starch and sucrose metabolism, which contains trehalose metabolism. To explore the function of trehalose in DJ3 formation and survival under − 20 °C, a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase encoding gene (Bx-tps), a trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase encoding gene (Bx-tpp) and 7 trehalase encoding genes (Bx-tres) were identified and investigated. The expression of these 9 genes was related to the formation of DJ3. A treatment under − 20 °C induced the accumulation of trehalose. The survival rate of DJ3 at -20 °C reduced after silencing of any of these trehalose metabolism genes. Further analysis suggested that two trehalose synthesis genes were highly correlated with DJ3 and might be involved in autophagy by regulating with energy conversion related genes.

Conclusions

The above results indicated that trehalose metabolism promotes DJ3 formation and helps DJ3 survive at -20 °C. Although trehalose accumulation is favorable for DJ3 to cope with low-temperature stress, multiple trehalose metabolism genes need to work together. There may be a multi-path regulated physiological process involving trehalose synthesis genes under low-temperature stress resistance. This physiological process may regulate the formation and maintenance of DJ3 through autophagy and energy conversion.
Whole transcriptome analysis resulted in the identification of Chinese sprangletop (Leptochloa chinensis) genes involved in cyhalofop-butyl tolerance
Authors: Chen Ke , Peng Yajun , Zhang Liang , Wang Long , Mao Donghai , Zhao Zhenghong , Bai Lianyang , Wang Lifeng
Published: July 2021

Background

Chinese sprangletop [Leptochloa chinensis (L.) Nees] is an annual malignant weed, which can often be found in paddy fields. Cyhalofop-butyl is a specialized herbicide which is utilized to control L. chinensis. However, in many areas, L. chinensis has become tolerant to this key herbicide due to its continuous long-term use.

Results

In this study, we utilized a tolerant (LC18002) and a sensitive (LC17041) L. chinensis populations previously identified in our laboratory, which were divided into four different groups. We then employed whole transcriptome analysis to identify candidate genes which may be involved in cyhalofop-butyl tolerance. This analysis resulted in the identification of six possible candidate genes, including three cytochrome P450 genes and three ATP-binding cassette transporter genes. We then carried out a phylogenetic analysis to identify homologs of the differentially expressed cytochrome P450 genes. This phylogenetic analysis indicated that all genes have close homologs in other species, some of which have been implicated in non-target site resistance (NTSR).

Conclusions

This study is the first to use whole transcriptome analysis to identify herbicide non-target resistance genes in L. chinensis. The differentially expressed genes represent promising targets for better understanding herbicide tolerance in L. chinensis. The six genes belonging to classes already associated in herbicide tolerance may play important roles in the metabolic resistance of L. chinensis to cyhalofop-butyl, although the exact mechanisms require further study.
Endovascular embolization of spontaneous rupture of isolated splenic artery dissection associated with hemosuccus pancreaticus: a case report
Authors: Jiang Jianjun , Liu Yang , Ding Xiangjiu
Published: July 2021

Background

Isolated splenic artery dissection (SAD) is extremely rare, life-threatening, and particularly difficult to diagnose. Moreover, SAD presenting as digestive hemorrhage has not been reported.

Case presentation

A 44-year-old man presented with recurrent life-threatening hematochezia. Magnetic resonance and computed tomographic angiography showed isolated SAD with an intrapancreatic hematoma. Selective angiography confirmed the diagnosis of rupture of SAD. Hemosuccus pancreaticus was considered the potential mechanism of digestive hemorrhage. It was successfully managed by endovascular coil embolization.

Conclusions

Isolated SAD is especially rare but fatal. Rupture of SAD should be considered in the differential diagnosis as a rare cause of digestive hemorrhage. Endovascular coil embolization is effective in treating ruptured SAD.
The impact of infectious diseases consultation on the management and outcomes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteraemia in adults: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chiong Fabian , Wasef Mohammed S. , Liew Kwee Chin , Cowan Raquel , Tsai Danny , Lee Yin Peng , Croft Larry , Harris Owen , Gwini Stella May , Athan Eugene
Published: July 2021

Background

Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteraemia (PAB) is associated with high mortality. The benefits of infectious diseases consultation (IDC) has been demonstrated in Staphylococcal aureus bacteraemia and other complex infections. Impact of IDC in PAB is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of IDC on the management and outcomes in patients with PAB.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort single-centre study from 1 November 2006 to 29 May 2019, in all adult patients admitted with first episode of PAB. Data collected included demographics, clinical management and outcomes for PAB and whether IDC occurred. In addition, 29 Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) stored isolates were available for Illumina whole genome sequencing to investigate if pathogen factors contributed to the mortality.

Results

A total of 128 cases of PAB were identified, 71% received IDC. Patients who received IDC were less likely to receive inappropriate duration of antibiotic therapy (4.4%; vs 67.6%; p < 0.01), more likely to be de-escalated to oral antibiotic in a timely manner (87.9% vs 40.5%; p < 0.01), undergo removal of infected catheter (27.5% vs 13.5%; p = 0.049) and undergo surgical intervention (20.9% vs 5.4%, p = 0.023) for source control. The overall 30-day all-cause mortality rate was 24.2% and was significantly higher in the no IDC group in both unadjusted (56.8% vs 11.0%, odds ratio [OR] = 10.63, p < 0.001) and adjusted analysis (adjusted OR = 7.84; 95% confidence interval, 2.95–20.86). The genotypic analysis did not reveal any PA genetic features associated with increased mortality between IDC versus no IDC groups.

Conclusion

Patients who received IDC for PAB had lower 30-day mortality, better source control and management was more compliant with guidelines. Further prospective studies are necessary to determine if these results can be validated in other settings.
Low mechano-afferent fibers reduce thermal pain but not pain intensity in CRPS
Authors: Habig Kathrin , Lautenschläger Gothje , Maxeiner Hagen , Birklein Frank , Krämer Heidrun H. , Seddigh Susann
Published: July 2021

Background

Human hairy (not glabrous skin) is equipped with a subgroup of C-fibers, the C-tactile (CT) fibers. Those do not mediate pain but affective aspects of touch. CT-fiber-activation reduces experimental pain if they are intact. In this pilot study we investigated pain modulating capacities of CT-afferents in CRPS.

Methods

10 CRPS-patients (mean age 33 years, SEM 3.3) and 11 healthy controls (mean age 43.2 years, SEM 3.9) participated.

CT-targeted-touch (brush stroking, velocity: 3 cm/s) was applied on hairy and glabrous skin on the affected and contralateral limb. Patients rated pleasantness of CT-targeted-touch (anchors: 1 “not pleasant”—4 “very pleasant”) twice daily on 10 days. Pain intensity (NRS: 0 “no pain” – 10 “worst pain imaginable”) was assessed before, 0, 30, 60 and 120 min after each CT-stimulation. To assess sensory changes, quantitative-sensory-testing was performed at the beginning and the end of the trial period.

Results

CT-targeted-touch was felt more pleasant on the healthy compared to the affected limb on hairy (p < 0.001) and glabrous skin (p 0.002), independent of allodynia. In contrast to healthy controls patients felt no difference between stimulating glabrous and hairy skin on the affected limb. Thermal pain thresholds increased after CT-stimulation on the affected limb (cold-pain-threshold: p 0.016; heat-pain-threshold: p 0.033).

Conclusions

CT-stimulation normalizes thermal pain thresholds but has no effect on the overall pain in CRPS. Therefore, pain modulating properties of CT-fibers might be too weak to alter chronic pain in CRPS. Moreover, CT-fibers appear to lose their ability to mediate pleasant aspects of touch in CRPS.
Safe threshold of capillary blood glucose for predicting early future neonatal hypoglycaemia in babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus, an observational, retrospective cohort study
Authors: Park Esther H. G. , O’Brien Frances , Seabrook Fiona , Hirst Jane Elizabeth
Published: July 2021

Background

There is increasing pressure to get women and babies home rapidly after birth. Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) currently get 24-h inpatient monitoring. We investigated whether a low-risk group of babies born to mothers with GDM could be defined for shorter inpatient hypoglycaemia monitoring.

Methods

Observational, retrospective cohort study conducted in a tertiary maternity hospital in 2018. Singleton, term babies born to women with GDM and no other risk factors for hypoglycaemia, were included. Capillary blood glucose (BG) testing and clinical observations for signs of hypoglycaemia during the first 24-h after birth. BG was checked in all babies before the second feed. Subsequent testing occurred if the first result was < 2.0 mmol/L, or clinical suspicion developed for hypoglycaemia. Neonatal hypoglycaemia, defined as either capillary or venous glucose ≤ 2.0 mmol/L and/or clinical signs of neonatal hypoglycaemia requiring oral or intravenous dextrose (lethargy, abnormal feeding behaviour or seizures).

Results

Fifteen of 106 babies developed hypoglycaemia within the first 24-h. Maternal and neonatal characteristics were not predictive. All babies with hypoglycaemia had an initial capillary BG ≤ 2.6 mmol/L (Area under the ROC curve (AUC) 0.96, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.91–1.0). This result was validated on a further 65 babies, of whom 10 developed hypoglycaemia, in the first 24-h of life.

Conclusion

Using the 2.6 mmol/L threshold, extended monitoring as an inpatient could have been avoided for 60% of babies in this study. Whilst prospective validation is needed, this approach could help tailor postnatal care plans for babies born to mothers with GDM.
Risk factors for and protective factors against breastfeeding interruption before 2 years: a birth cohort study
Authors: Vieira Graciete Oliveira , de Oliveira Vieira Tatiana , da Cruz Martins Camilla , de Santana Xavier Ramos Michelle , Giugliani Elsa Regina Justo
Published: July 2021

Background

Little is known about the factors associated with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of breastfeeding for at least 2 years. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for and protective factors against breastfeeding interruption before 2 years of age.

Methods

In this live birth cohort, mother and infant dyads were followed for 2 years. Data collection was performed at the maternity ward and subsequently at the children’s homes, monthly during the first 6 months of life and then at 9, 12, 18, and 24 months. The outcome of interest was breastfeeding interruption before 2 years of age. Median duration of breastfeeding was estimated using Kaplan-Meier’s survival analysis, and the associations were tested using Cox’s hierarchical multivariate model. Significance was set at 5%.

Results

Data from a total of 1344 dyads were assessed. Median breastfeeding duration was 385 days. The following risk factors for breastfeeding interruption were identified: white skin color (adjusted hazard ratio [HRa]: 1.31; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.10–1.56), primiparity (HRa: 1.21; 95%CI: 1.05–1.40), working outside the home (HRa: 1.52; 95%CI: 1.30–1.77), child sex male (HRa: 1.18; 95%CI: 1.03–1.35) and use of a pacifier (HRa: 3.46; 95%CI: 2.98–4.01). Conversely, the following protective factors were identified: lower family income (HRa: 0.81; 95%CI: 0.71–0.94), mother-infant bed-sharing (HRa:0.61, 95%CI: 0.52–0.73), on-demand breastfeeding in the first month (HRa: 0.64; 95%CI: 0.47–0.89) and exclusive breastfeeding at 4 months (HRa: 0.58, 95%CI: 0.48–0.70).

Conclusions

The findings allowed to identify both risk factors for and protective factors against breastfeeding interruption before 2 years of age. Knowledge of these factors may help prevent this event and aid in the development of programs that help women maintain breastfeeding for at least 2 years, as recommended by the WHO.