bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determining the acceptability of testing contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases to improve secondary case ascertainment
Authors: Marchant E , Ready D , Wimbury G , Smithson R , Charlett A , Oliver I 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT

Background
UK asymptomatic contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases are not routinely tested for SARS-CoV-2. Testing contacts may improve case ascertainment and reduce onward transmission. This study investigated the acceptability of SARS-CoV-2 testing among contacts of confirmed cases as an integral part of the contact-tracing process.

Methods
A cross-sectional descriptive survey of case contacts was conducted in the UK. All contacts who completed a telephone call with the NHS Test and Trace Agile Lighthouse team were eligible for inclusion and were offered a molecular test. Consenting participants were sent a self-swab kit.

Results
Of the 1523 individuals contacted, 602 (39.5%) accepted the test offer. Of the 240 (39.9%) samples returned for testing, 16.3% tested polymerase chain reaction-positive for SARS-CoV-2.
Most individuals who declined with a reason (638/905; 70.5%) reported they had already taken or booked a SARS-CoV-2 test, or were part of a testing programme. Matched laboratory records confirmed 73.1% of those who declined were tested by another route.

Conclusions
Most case contacts were tested, either through arranging a test by themselves or by accepting the study offer. Results demonstrate high acceptability, with substantial test positivity, indicating that there is public health benefit in offering tests to contacts as a routine part of the contact-tracing process.
Gene mutations of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma based on next-generation sequencing
Authors: Wang Long , Jia Yi-Meng , Zuo Jing , Wang Yu-Dong , Fan Zhi-Song , Feng Li , Zhang Xue , Han Jing , Lyu Wen-Jing , Ni Zhi-Yu 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most aggressive cancers without effective therapy. To explore potential molecular targets in ESCC, we quantified the mutation spectrum and explored the relationship between gene mutation and clinicopathological characteristics and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression.

Methods
Between 2015 and 2019, 29 surgically resected ESCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues from the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University were subjected to targeted next-generation sequencing. The expression levels of PD-L1 were detected by immunohistochemistry. Mutational signatures were extracted from the mutation count matrix by using non-negative matrix factorization. The relationship between detected genomic alterations and clinicopathological characteristics and PD-L1 expression was estimated by Spearman rank correlation analysis.

Results
The most frequently mutated gene was TP53 (96.6%, 28/29), followed by NOTCH1 (27.6%, 8/29), EP300 (17.2%, 5/29), and KMT2C (17.2%, 5/29). The most frequently copy number amplified and deleted genes were CCND1/FGF3/FGF4/FGF19 (41.4%, 12/29) and CDKN2A/2B (10.3%, 3/29). By quantifying the contribution of the mutational signatures to the mutation spectrum, we found that the contribution of signature 1, signature 2, signature 10, signature 12, signature 13, and signature 17 was relatively high. Further analysis revealed genetic variants associated with cell cycle, chromatin modification, Notch, and Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathways, which may be key pathways in the development and progression of ESCC. Evaluation of PD-L1 expression in samples showed that 13.8% (4/29) of samples had tumor proportion score ≥1%. 17.2% (5/29) of patients had tumor mutation burden (TMB) above 10 mut/Mb. All samples exhibited microsatellite stability. TMB was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (r = 0.468, P = 0.010), but not significantly associated with PD-L1 expression (r = 0.246, P = 0.198). There was no significant correlation between PD-L1 expression and detected gene mutations (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion
Our research initially constructed gene mutation profile related to surgically resected ESCC in high-incidence areas to explore the mechanism underlying ESCC development and potential therapeutic targets.
Evaluation of antihyperalgesic and analgesic effects of 35% nitrous oxide when combined with remifentanil
Authors: Wehrfritz Andreas , Bauer Marcus , Noel Nathalie , Ramirez-Gil Juan Fernando , Ihmsen Harald , Prottengeier Johannes , Schüttler Jürgen , Bessiere Baptiste 
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND
Remifentanil is an effective drug in peri-operative pain therapy, but it can also induce and aggravate hyperalgesia. Supplemental administration of N2O may help to reduce remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia.

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of 35 and 50% N2O on hyperalgesia and pain after remifentanil infusion.

DESIGN
Single site, phase 1, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised crossover study.

SETTING
University Hospital, Germany from January 2012 to April 2012.

PARTICIPANTS
Twenty-one healthy male volunteers.

INTERVENTIONS
Transcutaneous electrical stimulation induced spontaneous acute pain and stable areas of hyperalgesia. Each volunteer underwent the following four sessions in a randomised order: 50 to 50% N2-O2 and intravenous (i.v.) 0.9% saline infusion (placebo); 50 to 50% N2-O2 and i.v. remifentanil infusion at 0.1 μg kg−1 min−1 (remifentanil); 35 to 15 to 50% N2O-N2-O2 and i.v. remifentanil infusion at 0.1 μg kg−1 min−1 (tested drug) and 50 to 50% N2O-O2 and i.v. remifentanil infusion at 0.1 μg kg−1 min−1 (gas active control). Gas mixtures were inhaled for 60 min; i.v. drugs were administered for 30 min.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Areas of pin-prick hyperalgesia, areas of touch-evoked allodynia and pain intensity on a visual analogue scale were assessed repeatedly for 160 min.

RESULTS
Data from 20 volunteers were analysed. There were significant treatment and treatment-by-time effects regarding areas of hyperalgesia (P < 0.001). After the treatment period, the area of hyperalgesia was significantly reduced (P < 0.001) in the tested drug and in the gas active control (30.6 ± 9.25 and 24.4 ± 7.3 cm2, respectively) compared with remifentanil (51.0 ± 17.0 cm2). There was also a significant difference between the gas active control and the tested drug sessions (P < 0.001). For the area of allodynia and pain rating, results were consistent with the results for hyperalgesia.

CONCLUSIONS
Administration of 35% N2O significantly reduced hyperalgesia, allodynia and pain intensity induced after remifentanil. It might therefore be suitable in peri-operative pain relief characterised by hyperalgesia and allodynia, such as postoperative pain, and may help to reduce opioid demand.

TRIAL REGISTRATION
EudraCT-No.: 2011-000966-37.
Effect of potassium on DNA methylation of aldosterone synthase gene
Authors: Takeda Yoshimichi , Demura Masashi , Wang Fen , Karashima Shigehiro , Yoneda Takashi , Kometani Mitsuhiro , Aomo Daisuke , Hashimoto Atsushi , Horike Shin-ichi , Meguro-Horike Makiko , Takeda Yoshiyu 
Published: March 2021

Background:
Aldosterone synthase gene, CYP11B2 is regulated by potassium and angiotensin II (Ang II). We have reported that Ang II could change the DNA methylation status around transcription factor-binding sites and a transcription start site (TSS) and activate expression of CYP11B2. Similar to Ang II, small increases in extracellular potassium levels also increase CYP11B2 mRNA levels.

Methods and results:
Adrenocortical H295R cells were treated with different doses of potassium. Methylation analysis of CYP11B2 promoter region was done by bisulfite sequencing. CYP11B2 mRNA and protein levels, chromatin accessibility, methylation and demethylation activity were estimated. The transcriptional ability of CYP11B2 promoter with or without methylation was assessed. Potassium stimulation caused DNA demethylation around cyclic AMP responsive element binding protein 1 (CREB1) and nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A (NR4A) family-binding sites and a TSS; demethylation was accompanied by recruitment of CREB1 and NR4A1 and increased chromatin accessibility of the CYP11B2 promoter. DNA methylation activity decreased in the nucleus. DNA demethylation at CpG1 (Ad1), CpG2 (Ad5) and CpG3 were detected within 2 to 4 days after potassium (16 mmol/l) stimulation. The changes reached a maximum level by day 7. DNA at CpG2 (Ad5) and CpG3 was re-methylated to levels that were similar to those of nontreated cells at day 9. Potassium treatment significantly reduced DNA methylation activity at days 7 and 9. DNA demethylation activity was not changed by potassium.

Conclusion
: Potassium induced reversibly DNA demethylation, which switches the phenotype of CYP11B2 expression from an inactive to an active state.
Skin Cancer in Skin of Color
Authors: Thomley Meredith E. , Roland Damien L. , Noble C. Alexis , Sharma Manoj , Shipley Sonya R. , Nahar Vinayak K. 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
Skin cancer represents the most common type of cancer diagnosed in the United States. Unfortunately, skin cancer is often considered a disease that spares the skin of color. Although skin cancer is less common in Black patients overall, it is typically diagnosed at later stages in this population, which portends a poorer prognosis. Several well-established risk factors for skin cancer do not necessarily apply to Black patients; however, sun exposure is a modifiable behavior that, through public education, can lead to successful prevention. In addition, barriers to adequate resources, including sunscreen and access to care, contribute to the issue of delayed diagnosis. We propose that such barriers should be evaluated further to address the healthcare discrepancy in this patient population. This article explores the importance of both public and provider education regarding the prevention and timely diagnosis of skin cancer in skin of color.
Transition From Pediatric and Adolescent HIV Care to Adult HIV Care and the Patient–Provider Relationship: A Qualitative Metasynthesis
Authors: Barr Emily A. , Raybin Jennifer L. , Dunlevy Hillary , Abuogi Lisa , Jones Jacqueline 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Approximately 5 million adolescents (ages 15–24 years) living with HIV will transition to adult care in the next decade. Only half are engaged in care 12 months post-transition. This qualitative metasynthesis aimed to answer: What effect did the patient–provider relationship (PPR) have on adolescent living with HIV transition? What strategies were suggested to develop trusting relationships to promote engagement and retention in care? Primary qualitative studies from PubMed, CINAHL, and EBSCO (January 2008 to December 2019) were identified. Data were analyzed using team-based thematic synthesis techniques and international standards. Fourteen articles with 478 participants from eight countries were included. Four themes emerged: the familial nature of the PPR, stigma as a bond and barrier, the provider knowing the patient and getting to know new providers, and recommendations supporting transition. The PPR is integral. Collaborative strategies used to build new relationships will support autonomy, decrease stigma, and facilitate trust.
Elbow arthroplasty complicated by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection
Authors: Guan Yun , Zeng Zhimin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Introduction:
Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is an orthopedic procedure that is relatively infrequently performed, but its use has been increasing over time. Infection remains one of the most concerning complications after TEA, although Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) as a microbial etiology, is extremely rare. Here, we present a case of M. tuberculosis infection after TEA.

Patient concerns:
A 45-year-old woman underwent TEA for severe traumatic arthritis of the elbow following failure of conservative treatment. Four months after TEA, the patient experienced progressive elbow pain and swelling, without other external signs of infection such as a sensation of local heating and erythematous alterations.

Diagnosis:
Pulmonary computed tomography showed stable pulmonary TB in the right upper lobe. The T-SPOT, TB, and purified protein derivative test results were positive, and M. tuberculosis exhibited growth on cultures. The final diagnosis was periprosthetic infection of M. tuberculosis.

Interventions:
The patient was treated with debridement with submission of deep tissue cultures. According to these cultures and suggestions of a bacteriologist, anti-TB treatment was administered for 12 months.

Outcomes:
The symptoms of the infection were controlled, and the prosthesis was retained. At the time of writing this case report, the elbow prosthesis had survived for more than 2 years, and no recurrent infection had been observed.

Conclusion:
The diagnosis of TB infection after TEA is difficult to confirm due to its nonspecific signs and symptoms. Despite the extremely low incidence, failure to consider this possibility for diagnosis can lead to delayed treatment. Proper diagnosis allows for antitubercular therapy with retention of a prosthesis.
Excising the neovagina due to introital atresia and closed neovaginal loop after sigmoid vaginoplasty
Authors: Wang Rui , Su Qi , Yan Zhaopeng 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Introduction:
Vaginal agenesis is a congenital disorder, which can be managed by nonsurgical dilation or surgical reconstruction of the vagina. The sigmoid vaginoplasty procedure is a popular approach, which pulls down part of the sigmoid colon to form a neovagina. One complication of this procedure is introital stenosis.

Patient concerns:
A 55-year-old woman presented to the outpatient general surgery department with severe, persistent abdominal pain. The patient was diagnosed with congenital absence of uterus and vagina, and a sigmoid vaginoplasty was performed 34 years ago.

Diagnosis:
A pelvic MRI and an abdominal enhanced CT scan were performed, finding that the uterus was absent, and the os of the vagina was closed, forming a closed loop full of fluid. Introital atresia and closed loop of neovaginal colon conduit were diagnosed.

Interventions:
Based on our conclusions and the patient's consent we surgically removed the neovagina.

Outcomes:
After surgery, the abdominal pain was relieved, and the patient reported full recovery during a 6-month follow-up appointment.

Conclusion:
Introital stenosis is one of the long-term complications of sigmoid vaginoplasty procedure. Introital stenosis, leading to introital atresia, is rare but may occur. Surgical removal of neovagina can relieve the pain in patients who do not have the demand of sexual intercourse.
Prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease in young Greek Army male recruits from 2006 to 2018: a 13-year retrospective study from a tertiary center
Authors: Kyriakos Nikolaos , Papaefthymiou Apostolis , Giakoumis Marios , Galanopoulos Michail , Galanis Petros , Mylonas Iordanis , Karatzas Pantelis , Mantzaris Gerasimos , Liatsos Christos 
Published: March 2021

Background
The prevalence and incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) vary among countries. Data regarding prevalence of IBD in Greece are limited or outdated.

Methods
We reviewed the medical records of IBD patients from a population of 551,808 Greek Army recruits in a 13-year period (2006–2018). Study population consisted of males 18–37 of age from Northwest, Central Greece (including Attica), Peloponnese, and Aegean Sea Islands. Age, disease distribution, pharmaceutical treatment and IBD-related surgery at the time of patients’ admission were recorded.

Results
The prevalence of IBD among male recruits during the studied period was 0.15% (839/551 808, 95% confidence interval 0.14–0.16%). Of these, 448 (53.4%) had Crohn’s disease (CD) and 391 (46.6%) ulcerative colitis (UC). Although 32.1% of CD patients had been treated with biologics, most often infliximab (60% of them), azathioprine was the most common as monotherapy (27% of patients). Among UC patients, mesalamine was the most often prescribed treatment (64.2%), whereas treatment with biologics as monotherapy or in combination with azathioprine was used in a ratio 1:2 compared to CD patients. A gradual reduction in steroid use was noted from 2006 to 2018, coinciding with the advent and increasing use of biologics. IBD-related surgery had been performed in 8% and 2.8% of CD and UC patients, respectively.

Conclusion
The prevalence of IBD in Greek male recruits was 0.15% with a slight CD predominance. Remarkable changes in therapeutic trends were noted with an increasing use of biologics and reduced prescription of steroids, especially for CD.
Statins for treatment of chronic liver disease
Authors: Marrache Mohamad Kareem , Rockey Don C. 
Published: March 2021

Purpose of review
Statins are a class of lipid lower medications used primarily in patients with high-risk cardiovascular disease. Since their development, statins have been considered to be harmful in patients with liver disease, and many of the prescribing information labels consider them to be contraindicated in patients with active liver disease. However, recent studies have shown the contrary, warranting further investigation and discussion. This review aims to describe the latest literature on the mechanism, safety profile and potential benefits of statins use on the natural history of chronic liver disease (CLD) progression and its complications.

Recent findings
A number of recently published studies have added to the existing body of literature supporting the concept that statins are safe and likely to be beneficial for treating patients with CLD. Patients with CLD including hepatitis B virus infection, hepatitis C virus infection, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and alcohol on statins have been shown to have a lower rate of decompensating events, lower incidence of hepatocellular cancer, a lower rate of infections, and increased survival. However, the majority of the available literature supporting statin use in patients with liver disease comes from retrospective observational studies with high potential for bias.

Summary
Statins appear to be safe in patients with compensated cirrhosis, and evidence suggests that they may reduce fibrosis, even in patients with advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. Further high-quality research on this topic is needed to fully delineate the effect of statins in patients with liver disease.
Methods to quantify endothelial cell front-rear polarity in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Pena Andreia , Ouarné Marie , Franco Cláudio Areias 
Published: March 2021

Purpose of review
Endothelial cell (EC) front-rear (axial) polarization in response to chemokines and shear stress is fundamental for angiogenesis. This review provides an overview of the in vitro and in vivo methods that are currently available to quantify EC axial polarity.

Recent findings
Innovative methodologies and new animal models have been developed to evaluate EC axial polarity. Micropatterning, wound healing and microfluidic assays allow interrogation of signalling mechanisms in vitro. Mouse and zebrafish transgenic lines, in combination with advances in imaging techniques and computational tools, enable interrogation of physiological functions of EC axial polarity in vascular biology during development and in pathology in vivo.

Summary
We present a literature-based review of the methods available to study EC polarity. Further refinement of quantitative methods to analyse EC axial polarity using deep learning-based computational tools will generate new understanding on the aetiology of vascular malformations.
Effect of a Vein Imaging Device and of Fist Clenching on Determination of an Appropriate Vein and on Catheter Placement Time in Patients Receiving Chemotherapy
Authors: Eren Handan , Caliskan Nurcan 
Published: March 2021

Background
As the vein structure gets damaged in patients receiving chemotherapy treatment, placement of peripheral intravenous catheter becomes difficult. To increase the success of peripheral intravenous catheter placement, a vein imaging device and fist clenching can be used.

Objective
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of using a vein imaging device or fist clenching on the determination of an appropriate vein and successful catheter placement time in adult patients receiving chemotherapy.

Methods
One hundred thirty-five patients receiving chemotherapy were randomly assigned to either the vascular imaging device group (n = 45), the fist clenching group (n = 45), or the control group (n = 45). In the vascular imaging group, a vascular imaging device was used to determine the appropriate vein; in the fist clenching group, the patients were asked to open and close their palms to determine the appropriate vein; and in the control group, no interventions except for the process steps were applied and the same nurse carried out the catheter insertion.

Results
The durations of determining the appropriate vein and successful peripheral intravenous catheter insertion were shorter in the device group at a significant level (P < .05) compared with the control group. The satisfaction levels of the patients and the nurse were higher in the device group at a significant level (P < .05) compared with the control group.

Conclusion
The vascular imaging device was effective in determining the proper vein and in successful intravenous catheter insertion time in patients who were receiving chemotherapy.

Implications for Practice
The use of vein imaging device will have positive results for patients and nurses.
Self-care Experiences of Advanced Prostate Cancer Survivors Who Underwent Androgen Deprivation Therapy
Authors: Chien Ching-Hui , Huang Xuan-Yi 
Published: March 2021

Background
Androgen deprivation therapy is the primary treatment for advanced cases of prostate cancer, but its adverse effects may decrease prostate cancer survivors’ quality of life.

Objective
The aim of this study was to understand the self-care experiences of prostate cancer survivors before and while receiving androgen deprivation therapy.

Methods
A qualitative study design with inductive content analysis was used. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 13 prostate cancer survivors in Taiwan treated with androgen deprivation therapy. Data collection and analysis proceeded simultaneously until data saturation was reached.

Results
The survivors’ self-care experiences were categorized into generic categories: physical impacts, psychosocial impacts, lack of supporting information, changing lifestyle habits, coping with physical symptoms, relieving stress, and acquiring disease-related knowledge. These generic categories were then organized into 2 main categories: impacts and adjustments.

Conclusions
This article describes the experiences of prostate cancer survivors in terms of the impacts of disease and its treatment and adjustments in self-care before and while receiving treatment. It was found that the information acquired by survivors and the adjustment strategies they used were not entirely appropriate or adequate.

Implications for Practice
Healthcare providers should continually assess the self-care experiences of prostate cancer survivors receiving androgen deprivation therapy, provide them with appropriate information, and clarify their understanding. This will improve survivors’ disease care–related knowledge, increase the success of their experience of self-care, alleviate their emotional distress, and strengthen their ability to adjust their self-care to cope with the impacts of the disease and its treatment.