bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the impact of a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy with tolvaptan to monitor liver safety in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Estilo Alvin , Tracy LaRee , Matthews Carol , Riggen Michele , Stemhagen Annette , Wilt Timothy , Krakovich Anatoliy , Jones-Burton Charlotte , George Vinu , McQuade Robert , Rahman Mirza
Published: March 2022

Background

On approval of JYNARQUE (tolvaptan) for use in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) at risk for rapid progression, the US Food and Drug Administration required a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) from the sponsor, which includes collection of post marketing liver safety data.

Methods

This is a retrospective interim analysis of the ongoing REMS. The period evaluated was from REMS implementation (14 May 2018) at tolvaptan commercialization to the analysis cutoff date (23 February 2021). Patients were previously tolvaptan-naïve and initiated tolvaptan in the post marketing setting. Reports of possible severe drug-induced liver injury (DILI) were evaluated for severity based on the evidence obtained (e.g. liver enzyme levels, symptoms, diagnostic tests and event outcomes). The incidence of DILI was compared between the REMS and tolvaptan clinical trials in ADPKD.

Results

Among 6711 REMS patients, 60 (0.9%) cases of possible severe DILI were reported, 4 of which were confirmed as serious and potentially fatal by the sponsor. One of these four patients met Hy's law criteria. In all four patients, liver enzymes normalized after tolvaptan discontinuation. The duration of tolvaptan exposure in the REMS is currently shorter than in completed clinical trials, but within this limitation, the incidence of possible severe DILI was lower in the REMS than in clinical trials (incidence rate ratio 0.587; P = .000411).

Conclusions

In interim data on >6000 tolvaptan REMS patients, <1% experienced possible severe DILI. Monthly monitoring, as described in the tolvaptan prescribing information, enables the prompt detection of liver enzyme abnormalities and appropriate drug discontinuation.
Snow-Covered Tires Generate Microhabitats That Enhance Overwintering Survival of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Midwest, USA
Authors: Susong Katie M , Tucker Bradley J , Bron Gebienna M , Irwin Patrick , Kirsch John Mitchell , Vimont Daniel , Stone Chris , Paskewitz Susan M , Bartholomay Lyric C
Published: March 2022

The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Skuse), is a public health threat because it can potentially transmit multiple pathogenic arboviruses, exhibits aggressive diurnal biting, and is highly invasive. As Ae. albopictus moved northward into the United States, the limits of expansion were predicted as locations with a mean January temperature warmer than −2.5°C. We postulated that the range of Ae. albopictus could exceed these temperature limits if eggs in diapause overwinter in tires that provide an insulating effect from extreme temperatures. Fifteen tires with Ae. albopictus and Aedes triseriatus (Say) eggs, a native cold hardy species, were placed outside at five locations along a latitudinal gradient in Wisconsin and Illinois during the winter of 2018–2019; notably, in January 2019, a regional arctic air event brought the lowest temperatures recorded in over 20 yr. External and internal tire temperatures were recorded at 3 hr intervals, and egg survival was recorded after six months. Aedes albopictus eggs survived only from tires at northernmost locations. The mean internal January temperature of tires that supported survival was −1.8°C, while externally the mean temperature was −5.3°C, indicating that tires provided an average of +3.5°C of insulation. Tires that supported egg survival also had over 100 mm of snow cover during January. In the absence of snow cover, tires across the study area provided an average +0.79°C [95% CI 0.34–1.11] insulation. This work provides strong argument for the inclusion of microhabitats in models of dispersal and establishment of Ae. albopictus and other vector species.
Evaluation of the 2021 European Society of Cardiology guidelines in pre-existing right bundle branch block patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation with a balloon-expandable valve
Authors: Isogai Toshiaki , Dykun Iryna , Agrawal Ankit , Shekhar Shashank , Tarakji Khaldoun G , Wazni Oussama M , Kalra Ankur , Krishnaswamy Amar , Reed Grant W , Kapadia Samir R , Puri Rishi
Published: March 2022

Aims

The 2021 European Society of Cardiology guidelines recommend early pacemaker implantation in pre-existing right bundle branch block (RBBB) patients who develop PR prolongation or QRS axis change after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We aimed to evaluate this recommendation in TAVI recipients with a balloon-expandable valve (BEV).

Methods and results

We retrospectively reviewed 188 pre-existing RBBB patients without pre-existing permanent pacemaker (PPM) who underwent TAVI with a BEV at our institution in 2015–19. Patients who developed high-degree atrioventricular block (HAVB) during TAVI or within 24 h post-TAVI were excluded. Eligible patients were divided according to the guideline-directed criteria (ΔPR interval ≥20 ms and/or QRS axis change). Patients who met the criteria (n = 102, 54.3%), compared with those who did not (n = 86), had a higher prevalence of baseline right axis deviation and were more likely to have received a larger valve with greater oversizing. The 30-day delayed HAVB rate did not differ significantly between the groups (3.9% vs. 4.7%, P = 1.00; odds ratio = 0.84, 95% confidence interval = 0.20–3.45). There was also no significant difference in terms of death (5.0% vs. 8.4% at 1 year; overall log-rank P = 0.94) or a composite of death or PPM implantation (14.8% vs. 16.6% at 1 year; overall log-rank P = 0.94) during follow-up post-TAVI. The majority of PR prolongations (79.4%) and QRS axis changes (52.0%) regressed within the following 24 h.

Conclusion

The present data did not demonstrate an association of significant changes in PR interval or QRS axis with heightened delayed HAVB risk in BEV recipients with pre-existing RBBB. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Measurement of stress amongst working adults with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Dickson Victoria Vaughan , Zhanay Jessie , Leon Alejandra , Scott Lela , Arabadjian Milla
Published: March 2022

Aims

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of increased disability from work worldwide. Chronic stress including work-related stressors influences cardiovascular health. The purpose of this study was to assess stress levels amongst workers with CVD. The specific aims were to: (i) evaluate associations of the biological marker—hair cortisol concentration (HCC) with perceived stress and (ii) examine associations of HCC and perceived stress with sociodemographic factors and work-related factors.

Methods and results

This cross-sectional descriptive study (n = 75) of employed adults (≥ 21 age) with CVD assessed perceived stress, work-related factors including workplace support, job control, job strain, and work-life balance using valid and reliable instruments. Hair cortisol concentration was measured using collected hair samples. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, correlational, and ANOVA analysis. The sample was 64% female; 80% are White, 8% African American, 4% Asian, and 8% Hispanic; mean 12 years with CVD diagnosis. Hair cortisol concentration was significantly correlated with workplace support by co-workers (r = −0.328, P = 0.012), supervisors (r = −0.260, P = 0.05), and skill discretion (−0.297, r = 0.047) but not perceived stress. Those with better work-life balance had lower HCC (F = 3.077, P = 0.054) and lower perceived stress (F = 10.320, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Although this sample of working adults with CVD reported high levels of perceived stress; only work-related factors were significantly associated with HCC. These results suggest that there are work-related stressors that cut across jobs and workplaces that may contribute to chronic stress in working adults. Healthcare providers across clinical and occupational settings have an important role in addressing work-related stress in working adults with CVD.
“A fly appeared”: sable, a classic Drosophila mutation, maps to Yippee, a gene affecting body color, wings, and bristles
Authors: Dean Derek M , Deitcher David L , Paster Caleigh O , Xu Manting , Loehlin David W
Published: March 2022

Insect body color is an easily assessed and visually engaging trait that is informative on a broad range of topics including speciation, biomaterial science, and ecdysis. Mutants of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster have been an integral part of body color research for more than a century. As a result of this long tenure, backlogs of body color mutations have remained unmapped to their genes, all while their strains have been dutifully maintained, used for recombination mapping, and part of genetics education. Stemming from a lesson plan in our undergraduate genetics class, we have mapped sable1, a dark body mutation originally described by Morgan and Bridges, to Yippee, a gene encoding a predicted member of the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. Deficiency/duplication mapping, genetic rescue, DNA and cDNA sequencing, RT-qPCR, and 2 new CRISPR alleles indicated that sable1 is a hypomorphic Yippee mutation due to an mdg4 element insertion in the Yippee 5′-UTR. Further analysis revealed additional Yippee mutant phenotypes including curved wings, ectopic/missing bristles, delayed development, and failed adult emergence. RNAi of Yippee in the ectoderm phenocopied sable body color and most other Yippee phenotypes. Although Yippee remains functionally uncharacterized, the results presented here suggest possible connections between melanin biosynthesis, copper homeostasis, and Notch/Delta signaling; in addition, they provide insight into past studies of sable cell nonautonomy and of the genetic modifier suppressor of sable.
Keel bone damage affects behavioral and physiological responses related to stress and fear in two strains of laying hens
Authors: Wei Haidong , Feng Yanru , Ding Susu , Nian Haoyang , Yu Hanlin , Zhao Qian , Bao Jun , Zhang Runxiang
Published: March 2022

Keel bone damage (KBD) is more prevalent in alternative laying hen housing systems than in conventional cages, and its incidence differs from strain to strain. However, the information of KBD in Lindian chickens, a native Chinese strain, is limited. To investigate the effect of KBD on fearfulness and physiological indicators of stress in Lindian chickens and commercial laying hens, a total of two hundred 25-wk-old chickens (100 Hy-line Brown and 100 Lindian chickens) were studied for 7 wk. The birds were housed in furnished cages with 10 birds per cage for each strain. At 32-wk of age, the birds in each strain were divided into normal (NK), deviated (DK), and fractured (FK) hens according to the keel bone status. Ten birds in each keel bone status per strain were subsequently selected to collect blood for the determination of stress and fear-related indicators, including corticosterone, serotonin, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6, and measure fear responses, including novel object test (NOT), human approach test (HAT), and tonic immobility (TI) test. The results showed that egg production was lower and the incidence of keel bone fractures was higher in Lindian chickens than in Hy-line Brown hens (P < 0.05). Lindian chickens showed a significantly increased whole blood serotonin content, NOT-latency, HAT-score, and TI induction times (P < 0.05) and decreased serum interleukin-6 content and TI-duration (P < 0.05) compared with Hy-line Brown hens. Additionally, FK hens had significantly elevated whole blood corticosterone, serum interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 levels, TI-duration, and NOT-latency (P < 0.05), and a reduced whole blood serotonin content (P < 0.05) compared with NK and DK hens. Our results indicated that KBD affected stress and fear responses, and this impact was mainly reflected by FK hens compared with NK and DK hens. We suggest that keel bone fractures are the main factor impairing hen welfare. Besides, the incidence of keel bone fractures and stress and fear responses of Lindian chickens are more severe than Hy-line Brown laying hens, indicating that the strain type can affect the health and welfare of laying hens.
Regulation of the urea cycle by CPS1O-GlcNAcylation in response to dietary restriction and aging
Authors: Wu Jing , Liu Jiayu , Lapenta Kalina , Desrouleaux Reina , Li Min-Dian , Yang Xiaoyong
Published: March 2022

O-linked N-acetyl-glucosamine glycosylation (O-GlcNAcylation) of intracellular proteins is a dynamic process broadly implicated in age-related disease, yet it remains uncharacterized whether and how O-GlcNAcylation contributes to the natural aging process. O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) and the opposing enzyme O-GlcNAcase (OGA) control this nutrient-sensing protein modification in cells. Here, we show that global O-GlcNAc levels are increased in multiple tissues of aged mice. In aged liver, carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) is among the most heavily O-GlcNAcylated proteins. CPS1 O-GlcNAcylation is reversed by calorie restriction and is sensitive to genetic and pharmacological manipulations of the O-GlcNAc pathway. High glucose stimulates CPS1 O-GlcNAcylation and inhibits CPS1 activity. Liver-specific deletion of OGT potentiates CPS1 activity and renders CPS1 irresponsive to further stimulation by a prolonged fasting. Our results identify CPS1 O-GlcNAcylation as a key nutrient-sensing regulatory step in the urea cycle during aging and dietary restriction, implying a role for mitochondrial O-GlcNAcylation in nutritional regulation of longevity.
Additive effects of warming and grazing on fine-root decomposition and loss of nutrients in an alpine meadow
Authors: Zhou Yang , Lv Wang-Wang , Wang Shi-Ping , Zhang Li-Rong , Sun Jian-Ping , Jiang Li-Li , Liu Pei-Pei , Wang Qi , Li Bo-Wen , Wang A , Hong Huan , Zhang Su-Ren , Xia Lu , Ji Nan , Xie Zheng-Xin , Luo Cai-Yun , Zhang Zhen-Hua , Wang Chang-Hui , Wang Jin-Zhi , Yang Ci , Dorji Tsechoe
Published: March 2022

Fine-root decomposition is a critical process regulating ecosystem carbon cycles and affecting nutrient cycling and soil fertility. However, whether interaction between warming and grazing affects fine-root decomposition is still under-researched in natural grasslands. A two-factorial experiment with asymmetric warming (i.e. daytime vs. nighttime and growing season vs. nongrowing season) and moderate grazing (i.e. about average 50% forage utilization rate) was conducted to explore whether warming and grazing affect fine-root decomposition and loss of nutrients during a 2-year decomposition period in an alpine meadow on the Tibetan Plateau. Both warming and grazing facilitated carbon cycling through increase in fine-root decomposition, and influenced element cycling which varies among elements. The effects of warming and grazing on fine-root decomposition and loss of nutrients were additive. Both warming and grazing significantly increased cumulative percentage mass loss and total organic carbon loss of fine roots during the 2-year experiment. Only warming with grazing treatment reduced percentage nitrogen loss, whereas warming, regardless of grazing, decreased percentage phosphorus loss. Warming and grazing alone increased percentage loss of potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium compared with control. There were no interactions between warming and grazing on fine-root decomposition and loss of nutrients. There was greater temperature sensitivity of decreased phosphorus loss than that of decreased nitrogen loss. Different temperature sensitivities of percentage loss of nutrients from fine-root decomposition would alter ratios of the available nutrients in soils, and may further affect ecosystem structure and functions in future warming.
Food, Care, and Carceral Power: The Politics of Commensality in Australian Immigration Detention
Authors: Peterie Michelle
Published: March 2022

Carceral institutions are not only places of oppression and domination but also sites of negotiation, compromise, and resistance. Everyday practices like eating are part of this picture. Institutional power extends to and manifests in the food that prisoners eat. Equally, meals can be a locus of everyday resistance, where prisoners assert autonomy and symbolically circumvent the institution’s control over their bodies. Drawing on more than 70 interviews with visitors to Australian immigration detention facilities, this article adds to this discussion of prison fare by exploring how visitor–detainee commensality shapes institutional dynamics of power and resistance. It shows that visitor–detainee meals have the potential to disrupt the carceral machine by affording detainees access to psychological nourishment and escape. Equally, it argues that the realization of this potential depends on detainees and their visitors building relationships that challenge, rather than reproduce, orthodox hierarchies between ‘hosts’ and ‘guests’, caregivers and care receivers.
Leishmania infantum reactivation with secondary IgA nephropathy
Authors: Grewe Ilka , Brehm Thomas Theo , Kreuels Benno , Steinmetz Oliver M , Dumoulin Bernhard , Asemissen Anne Marie , Tappe Dennis , Ramharter Michael , Schmiedel Stefan
Published: March 2022

We report a Leishmania infantum reactivation in an immunocompetent patient manifesting as visceral leishmaniasis with secondary IgA nephropathy nine years after an initial episode of mucosal leishmaniasis, which had been treated with liposomal amphotericin B.
John Day’s Production of Woodcut Prints from John Foxe’s Acts and Monuments
Authors: Rankin Mark
Published: March 2022

Scholars have long suspected the existence of John Day’s independent commercial trade in woodcut prints from the illustrations of Foxe’s Acts and Monuments. This essay supplies bibliographical evidence in support of this hypothesis. The evidence consists of changes in typesetting found within the textblocks and captions used to identify the images, as well as deterioration patterns discernable within Foxe woodcuts used from the first (1563) to seventh (1631–32) editions of Acts and Monuments. By examining surviving examples of prints which Day included within successive editions, the analysis reveals that some prints are almost certainly not original to Day’s manufacture of the books which now preserve them, or to any other known early edition. Instead, some copies of these prints appear to have been inserted within books at the time of manufacture, most likely by Day, who drew upon a pre-existing stock of prints which he had independently manufactured.
Two Tales of Piracy
Authors: Blayney Peter W M
Published: March 2022

While book-piracy is often thought of as an Elizabethan problem, the organized infringement of lucrative copyrights in fact began a few decades earlier, in the reign of Mary Tudor. In this paper the known details are presented of what are probably the two best documented cases from that reign. The first was the repeated commissioning and importation of editions of Lily’s Grammar from Geneva (some of them falsely dated). The second was the reprinting of a collection of sermons whose authorized printer had secured a patent to protect it. In the first case the patentee’s attempts to obtain satisfaction in Chancery were unsuccessful; in the second the author’s interests fared rather better in Star Chamber, and may thus have established a precedent for the prosecution of Elizabethan pirates.
The Milne problem with chaotic magnetic field
Authors: Silant’ev N A , Alekseeva G A , Ananjevskaja Yu K
Published: March 2022

We consider the semi-infinite plane-parallel electron atmosphere with chaotic magnetic field B′ ≤ 1010 G, when the parameter $x^{\prime 2}=(\omega _{B^{\prime }}/\omega)^2 \simeq 0.87 \times 10^{-16}\lambda ^2(\mu \mathrm{ m}) B^{\prime 2}(G)$ can be both ≪1 and ≫1. Regular magnetic field $\boldsymbol{B}_0$ is absent. All magnetic fluctuations are assumed as Gaussian type and isotropic. The isotropic magnetic fluctuations $\boldsymbol{B}^{\prime }$ give rise to the same extinction for all Stokes parameters and the additional extinction factor h for parameters Q and U, which arises due to chaotic Faraday rotations. We consider the Milne problem, which is described by the system of transfer equations for intensity I and parameter Q. It is shown that the phase matrix depends on parameter G(B′), which is equal to 3 for x′2 ≪ 1 and to 27 for x′2 ≫ 1. The calculations demonstrate that the polarization of outgoing radiation strongly depends on parameter h and degree of absorption ε.
A NEW METHOD FOR ESTIMATING INCREASE IN RADIATION DOSE ASSOCIATED WITH IODINATED CONTRAST USE
Authors: Wang Qiang , Fu Qiang , Pang Cong
Published: March 2022

This work investigates the impact of iodinated contrast medium (ICM) on radiation dose in computed tomography (CT) scans using linear models established through a phantom study. Thermoluminescence dosemeters (TLDs) were calibrated using semi-conductor X-ray dosemeters. An electron density phantom, with a vial containing TLDs and different concentrations of iodinated blood, were scanned at different tube voltages. Irradiated TLD outputs were measured and absorbed dose to iodinated blood calculated. CT numbers (tissue attenuation as measured by Hounsfield units) were plotted against absorbed doses to obtain linear models. Data from 49 real patient scans were used to validate the linear models. At each X-ray energy, CT numbers were linearly correlated with the absorbed doses, that is with the increase of blood iodine concentration, the CT number increased and the absorbed dose increased accordingly. ICM can cause an increase of organ dose; the average dose increases were 31.8 ± 8.9% for thyroid, 37.1 ± 9.2% for cardiac muscle, 77.7 ± 14.0% for cardiac chamber, 7.1 ± 2.3% for breast, 26.1 ± 7.3% for liver, 39.8 ± 11.8% for spleen, 96.3 ± 12.2% for renal cortex and 82.4 ± 11.6% for medulla nephrica. ICM used in enhanced CT scan resulted in increased organ doses. Our models for estimating organ dose based on CT number were established by experiment and verified in clinical use.
Estimating circadian phase in elementary school children: leveraging advances in physiologically informed models of circadian entrainment and wearable devices
Authors: Moreno Jennette P , Hannay Kevin M , Walch Olivia , Dadabhoy Hafza , Christian Jessica , Puyau Maurice , El-Mubasher Abeer , Bacha Fida , Grant Sarah R , Park Rebekah Julie , Cheng Philip
Published: March 2022

Study Objectives

Examine the ability of a physiologically based mathematical model of human circadian rhythms to predict circadian phase, as measured by salivary dim light melatonin onset (DLMO), in children compared to other proxy measurements of circadian phase (bedtime, sleep midpoint, and wake time).

Methods

As part of an ongoing clinical trial, a sample of 29 elementary school children (mean age: 7.4 ± .97 years) completed 7 days of wrist actigraphy before a lab visit to assess DLMO. Hourly salivary melatonin samples were collected under dim light conditions (<5 lx). Data from actigraphy were used to generate predictions of circadian phase using both a physiologically based circadian limit cycle oscillator mathematical model (Hannay model), and published regression equations that utilize average sleep onset, midpoint, and offset to predict DLMO. Agreement of proxy predictions with measured DLMO were assessed and compared.

Results

DLMO predictions using the Hannay model outperformed DLMO predictions based on children’s sleep/wake parameters with a Lin’s Concordance Correlation Coefficient (LinCCC) of 0.79 compared to 0.41–0.59 for sleep/wake parameters. The mean absolute error was 31 min for the Hannay model compared to 35–38 min for the sleep/wake variables.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that sleep/wake behaviors were weak proxies of DLMO phase in children, but mathematical models using data collected from wearable data can be used to improve the accuracy of those predictions. Additional research is needed to better adapt these adult models for use in children.

Clinical Trial

The i Heart Rhythm Project: Healthy Sleep and Behavioral Rhythms for Obesity Prevention https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04445740.
Intradiscal Injection of Autologous Discogenic Cells in Patients with Discectomy: A Prospective Clinical Study of Its Safety and Feasibility
Authors: Xuan Anwu , Ruan Dike , Wang Chaofeng , He Qing , Wang Deli , Hou Lisheng , Zhang Chao , Li Chao , Ji Wei , Wen Tianyong , Xu Cheng , Zhu Zhenbiao
Published: March 2022

The treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is still a huge challenge for clinical updated surgical techniques and basic strategies of intervertebral disc regeneration. Few studies have ever tried to combine surgery and cell therapy to bridge the gap between clinical and basic research. A prospective clinical study with a 72-month follow-up was conducted to assess the safety and feasibility of autologous discogenic cells transplantation combined with discectomy in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and to evaluate the regenerative ability of discogenic cells in IVDD. Forty patients with LDH who were scheduled to have discectomy enrolled in our study and were divided into the observed group (transplantation of autologous discogenic cells after discectomy) and control group (only-discectomy). Serial MRI and X-ray were used to evaluate the degenerative extent of index discs, and clinical scores were used to determine the symptomatic improvement. No adverse events were observed in the observed group, and seven patients in the control group underwent revisions. Both groups had significant improvement of all functional scores post-operatively, with the observed group improving more considerably at 36-month and 72-month follow-up. The height and water content of discs in both groups decreased significantly since 36 months post-op with the control group decreased more obviously. Discectomy combined with autologous discogenic cells transplantation is safe and feasible in the treatment of LDH. Radiological analysis demonstrated that discogenic cells transplantation could slow down the further degeneration of index discs and decrease the complications of discectomy.
Rethinking an Icon of Sixties Britain: The Mini and Its Place in the Post-War Motor Revolution
Authors: Harris Jacob
Published: March 2022

The Mini was launched in 1959 during Britain’s motor revolution. This iconic car has long been analogized with the popular iconography of the Sixties, but I argue here that this association only scratches the surface of its more complex meanings. Rather, the Mini embodied the tension arising from a motor revolution that was transformative yet limited. By looking at how the Mini was marketed, perceived, and used (and by whom), I suggest that it was a conduit through which Englishness and national decline were mediated against the backdrop of mass motorization. It also reflected the motor-car’s growing importance as a public and private space. I draw on a number of historical sources to make this argument, including automotive advertising, a source that is currently underutilized by historians. In doing so, I seek to overcome the normative tendency in academic history to overlook the car’s cultural significance.
Crown-Rump Length Measurement Error: Impact on Assessment of Growth
Authors: Gadsbøll K. , Wright A. , Kristensen S. E. , Verfaille V. , Nicolaides K. H. , Wright D. , Petersen O. B.
Published: March 2022

(Abstracted from Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2021;58:354–359)

Calculating gestational age is important in all aspects of obstetric care. Gestational age is usually calculated from the fetal crown-rump length (CRL) measurement, which is assessed during the first-trimester ultrasound scan.
Should Vanishing Twin Pregnancies Be Systematically Excluded From Cell-Free Fetal DNA Testing?
Authors: Balaguer Nuria , Mateu-Brull Emilia , Serra Vicente , Simón Carlos , Milán Miguel
Published: March 2022

(Abstracted from Prenat Diagn 2021;41:1241–1248)

The goal of this study was to gain a better understanding of the impact of vanishing twins (VTs) on the incidence of discrepant cfDNA testing results. To do so, the researchers analyzed a series of cases of patients with VT to determine the extent to which this compromised cfDNA testing results.
Feasibility and Acceptability of a Toolkit-Based Process to Implement Patient-Centered, Immediate Postpartum Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Services
Authors: Moniz Michelle H. , Dalton Vanessa K. , Smith Roger D. , Owens Lauren E. , Landis-Lewis Zach , Peahl Alex F. , Van Kainen Barbara , Punch Margaret R. , Wetmore Marisa K. , Bonawitz Kirsten , Kolenic Giselle E. , Dehlendorf Christine , Heisler Michele
Published: March 2022

(Abstracted from Am J Obstet Gynecol 2021; doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.10.009)

It has been recommended in national guidelines that maternity systems provide patient-centered access to immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). Significant barriers exist for hospitals offering these services.
HIV Exposure Prophylaxis Delivery in a Low-barrier Substance Use Disorder Bridge Clinic during a Local HIV Outbreak at the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Braun Hannan M. , Walter Chelsea , Farrell Natalija , Biello Katie B. , Taylor Jessica L.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

People who inject drugs (PWID) may experience high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk and inadequate access to biomedical HIV prevention. Emerging data support integrating HIV post-exposure and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PEP, PrEP) into services already accessed by PWID. We describe PEP/PrEP eligibility and receipt in a low-barrier substance use disorder bridge clinic located in an area experiencing an HIV outbreak among PWID at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of new patients at a substance use disorder bridge clinic in Boston, MA (January 15, 2020–May 15, 2020) to determine rates of PEP/PrEP eligibility and prescribing.

Results

Among 204 unique HIV-negative patients, 85.7% were assessed for injection-related and 23.0% for sexual HIV risk behaviors. Overall, 55/204 (27.0%) met CDC criteria for HIV exposure prophylaxis, including 7/204 (3.4%) for PEP and 48/204 (23.5%) for PrEP. Four of 7 PEP-eligible patients were offered PEP and all 4 were prescribed PEP. Thirty-two of 48 PrEP eligible patients were offered PrEP, and 7/48 (14.6%) were prescribed PrEP. Additionally, 6 PWID were offered PrEP who lacked formal CDC criteria.

Conclusions

Bridge clinics patients have high rates of PEP/PrEP eligibility. The majority of patients with identified eligibility were offered PEP/PrEP, suggesting that upstream interventions that increase HIV risk assessment may support programs in initiating PEP/PrEP care. Additional work is needed to understand why patients declined PEP/PrEP. PrEP offers to PWID who did not meet CDC criteria also suggested provider concern regarding the sensitivity of CDC criteria among PWID. Overall, bridge clinics offer a potential opportunity to increase biomedical HIV prevention service delivery.
Low-Dose Aspirin for Preventing Birth of a Small-For-Gestational Age Neonate in a Subsequent Pregnancy
Authors: Hastie Roxanne , Tong Stephen , Wikström Anna-Karin , Walker Susan P. , Lindquist Anthea , Cluver Catherine A. , Kupka Ellen , Bergman Lina , Hesselman Susanne
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVE:

To estimate whether low-dose aspirin use is associated with an altered risk of delivering a small-for-gestational age (SGA) neonate among women with a history of having an SGA neonate in a prior pregnancy.

METHODS:

We performed a Swedish register-based cohort study including women in their second pregnancy who had a history of having an SGA neonate (birth weight less than the 10th percentile). The association between use of low-dose aspirin in subsequent pregnancy and birth of an SGA neonate or a severely SGA neonate (birth weight less than the third percentile) were estimated using inverse propensity-weighted estimation, accounting for potential confounders.

RESULTS:

Among 8,416 women who gave birth to an SGA neonate in their first pregnancy, 801 (9.5%) used low-dose aspirin during their second pregnancy. The incidence of SGA neonates was similar among women using low-dose aspirin (21.7%) and those who did not use aspirin (20.7%). Low-dose aspirin use in pregnancy was not associated with an altered risk of having an SGA neonate (adjusted relative risk [aRR] 0.86, 95% CI 0.67–1.10) or a severely SGA neonate (aRR 0.98, 95% CI 0.71–1.34). Given the strong association between preeclampsia and SGA, we performed subgroup analyses based on preeclampsia status. Among women who had an SGA neonate and co-existing preeclampsia in their first pregnancy, low-dose aspirin was not associated with an altered risk of having an SGA (aRR 0.83, 95% CI 0.63–1.10) or severely SGA (aRR 1.02, 95% CI 0.73–1.44) neonate. Additionally, no association was seen among women who developed preeclampsia in their second pregnancy.

CONCLUSION:

Among women with a history of having an SGA neonate, low-dose aspirin was not associated with a decreased risk of having an SGA or severely SGA neonate in subsequent pregnancy. These findings suggest that low-dose aspirin should not be used to prevent recurrent SGA.
Effect of Topiramate on Serum Etonogestrel Concentrations Among Contraceptive Implant Users
Authors: Lazorwitz Aaron , Pena Morgan , Sheeder Jeanelle , Teal Stephanie
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate topiramate and etonogestrel pharmacokinetic interactions in contraceptive implant users.

METHODS:

We conducted a prospective, noninferiority study with healthy women using etonogestrel implants continuously for 12–36 months. We measured baseline serum etonogestrel concentrations and then began a 6-week titrated topiramate regimen to standard migraine (100 mg/day) and epilepsy (400 mg/day) dosages. We repeated serum etonogestrel concentrations at 3 weeks (100 mg/day), 4 weeks (200 mg/day), and 6 weeks (400 mg/day) of topiramate therapy. We measured etonogestrel using a validated liquid chromatography-tandem, mass-spectrometry assay and tested for noninferiority (less than 30% decrease) in serum etonogestrel concentrations from baseline.

RESULTS:

We enrolled 48 total participants; 32 completed 3 weeks, 31 completed 4 weeks, and 27 completed all follow-up visits. Participants' median age was 25.3 years (range 18.3–37.2), median body mass index (BMI) was 25.5 kg/m2 (range 18.7–42.2), and median duration of implant use was 24 months (range 12–36). Median etonogestrel concentrations were 142 pg/mL (range 76.2–771) at baseline, 126 pg/mL (range 72.4–585) at 3 weeks, 119 pg/mL (range 65.6–542) at 4 weeks, and 105 pg/mL (46.2–859) at 6 weeks. The 95% CIs for mean percent change in serum etonogestrel concentrations from baseline were [−37.3%+16.9%], [−45.4%+5.2%], and [−66.8%+24.8%] at 3 weeks, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks, respectively. Excluding one participant who had a serum etonogestrel concentration less than 90 pg/mL at baseline, 30.8% of participants (8/26, 95% CI 14.3–51.8%) had a serum etonogestrel concentration less than 90 pg/mL at 6 weeks.

CONCLUSION:

Though only a mild enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drug, concomitant topiramate use led to inferior serum etonogestrel concentrations among implant users, with a significant proportion reaching etonogestrel concentrations below the threshold for ovulatory suppression when taking antiepileptic dosages of topiramate.

FUNDING SOURCE:

This study was primarily funded through an Investigator-Initiated Study grant from Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp [MISP#57073]. This work was also supported by NIH/NCATS CTSA Grant Number UL1 TR001082 and NICHD K12 Women's Reproductive Health Research Scholar Program (grant number 5K12HD001271-18).

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03335163.
Talocalcaneal Tarsal Coalition Size: Evaluation and Reproducibility of MRI Measurements
Authors: Ellsworth Bridget K. , Kehoe Clare , DeFrancesco Christopher J. , Bogner Eric , Mintz Douglas N. , Scher David M.
Published: March 2022

Background:

The size of talocalcaneal tarsal coalitions (TCCs) is one of the main factors that is thought to influence patient outcomes after resection. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly being used to diagnose and characterize TCCs. However, there is no reproducible MRI-based measurement of TCC size reported in the literature. The purpose of this study was to create a method to reproducibly measure TCC size using MRI.

Methods:

Twenty-seven patients with TCCs diagnosed by a hindfoot coronal proton density (PD) MRI between 2017 and 2020 were included. Five independent raters measured coalition width, healthy posterior facet width, and healthy middle facet width on individual slices of coronal PD hindfoot MRIs using discrete MRI measurement guidelines. Individual slice measurements were summed to determine total size of the coalition and the remaining healthy cartilage of the posterior and middle facets. Inter-rater reliability of MRI measurements between the 5 independent examiners was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). ICC was calculated for total coalition width, total healthy posterior facet width, total coalition width/total healthy posterior facet width, total coalition width/total healthy middle facet width, total coalition width/total healthy subtalar facet width (posterior facet+middle facet), and total coalition width/total subtalar facet width (coalition+posterior facet+middle facet).

Results:

The ICC scores for all but one of the MRI measurements indicated good to excellent inter-rater reliability among the 5 examiners. The ICC was 0.932 (95% confidence interval: 0.881-0.966) for measurement of total coalition width/total healthy posterior facet width and 0.948 (95% confidence interval: 0.908-0.973) for measurement of total coalition width/total subtalar facet width (middle+posterior+coalition).

Conclusions:

Measurements of coalition size using novel MRI guidelines were reproducible with good to excellent inter-rater reliability. These guidelines allow for determination of TCC size using coronal PD MRI.

Level of Evidence:

Level II—diagnostic reproducibility study.
Outcomes of Definitive Spine Fusion Using All-pedicle-Screw Constructs in Skeletally Immature Patients Aged 8 to 10 Years With Severe Idiopathic Early-Onset Scoliosis
Authors: Soliman Hany A.G. , Elsherief Faisal A. , Abdelaziz Ashraf , Wahd Yasser , Ismail Mahmoud , Saleh Ayman
Published: March 2022

Background:

The choice between growth-sparing techniques or definitive spine fusion for severe idiopathic early-onset scoliosis (IEOS) in skeletally immature patients aged 8 to 10 years represents a challenging dilemma. Although growth-sparing techniques show high complication rates in severe IEOS, the outcomes of definitive fusion in borderline skeletally immature patients with severe IEOS have not been investigated. We aimed to investigate the outcomes of early definitive fusion using all-pedicle-screw constructs in skeletally immature patients aged 8 to 10 years with severe IEOS.

Methods:

The inclusion criteria were as follows: IEOS, age 8 years or above, major coronal curve ≥90 degrees, thoracic height >18 cm, no history of previous spine surgery, no intraspinal anomalies and at least 3 years of postoperative follow-up. Patients underwent instrumented spinal fusion with all-pedicle-screw constructs and multiple Ponte osteotomies. All patients completed the Scoliosis Research Society 22 revision (Arabic version) questionnaire and Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire-Scoliosis version (BIDQ-S) preoperatively and at the last follow-up.

Results:

Fifty-five patients (24 males, 31 females; mean age: 8.96 y; range: 8 to 10 y) with severe IEOS met the inclusion criteria (mean follow-up period: 4.1±0.6 y; range: 3 to 5 y). The mean major coronal Cobb angle improved significantly (P<0.001) from 107±12.5 degrees to 26.8±6.8 degrees. Mean thoracic kyphosis improved significantly (P<0.001) from 57.2±15.8 degrees to 31.2±4.4 degrees. The loss of correction at the latest follow-up was nonsignificant. The total Scoliosis Research Society 22 revision (SRS-22r) score improved significantly from 2.5±1 to 4.3±0.7. The mean BIDQ-S score improved significantly from 4.1±0.3 to 1.6±0.3. The immediate postoperative gains in the mean thoracic height (T1-T12) and spinal height (T1-S1) were 14.9% and 19.6%, respectively, and the overall height increase at the latest follow-up was 17.8% and 23.8%, respectively. One patient underwent revision for implant failure (rod breakage).

Conclusion:

Early definitive fusion for skeletally immature patients with severe IEOS yielded excellent correction with major improvements in patient quality of life. Severe IEOS poses a significant risk, but definitive fusion can potentially mitigate that risk in patients aged 8 to 10 years.
Modified Bilhaut-Cloquet Procedure for the Reconstruction of Wassel Type III Radial Polydactyly
Authors: Du Zijing , Qiu Xunhan , Han Dong , Jiang Hao
Published: March 2022

Background:

The purpose of this research is to study the modified surgical effect of Wassel type III radial polydactyly thumbs of equal or nearly equal size treated.

Methods:

The study sample consisted of 12 reconstructed cases of Wassel type III radial polydactyly. The proximal phalanx was unequally combined by the curvature osteotomy and aligned the articular surface, and the distal phalanx was symmetrically combined. A fragment bone was filled in the depression of the distal phalanx to correct nail curvature and prevent seagull deformities. Twelve cases were available for assessment using an evaluation form on the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Hand.

Results:

An average functional point was 13.75 points (maximum 14 points). The interphalangeal joint motion was reduced, but this joint was stable in all cases. The cosmetic score was averaged 3.6 (maximum 4 points), and most parents were satisfied with the postoperative appearance and functional results.

Conclusion:

Our modification of Bihaut-Cloquet procedure is an effective way to provide a well-functioning thumb for Wassel type III radial polydactyly thumbs.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV.
Multicenter Series of Deformity Correction Using Guided Growth in the Setting of Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Franzone Jeanne M. , Wallace Maegen J. , Rogers Kenneth J. , Strudthoff Elizabeth K. , Bober Michael B. , Kruse Richard W. , Anticevic Darko
Published: March 2022

Background:

The mainstay of deformity correction and fracture prevention for patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) includes osteotomies and intramedullary rodding. Guided growth, described in the setting of skeletal dysplasias, offers a less invasive means of deformity correction. We report a multicenter case series of guided growth procedures in the setting of OI.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed patients with OI at three institutions from April 2012 to April 2019: 18 patients underwent guided growth for angular deformity correction with minimum 1-year follow-up or full deformity correction and removal of guided growth hardware. Clinical characteristics, deformity measurements, and complications were collected. Distal femoral and proximal tibial hemiepiphysiodesis was performed using figure-of-eight plates and screws, and distal tibial medial hemiepiphysiodesis with cannulated screws. Preoperative and postoperative lateral distal femoral angle, medial proximal tibial angle, and lateral distal tibial angle were measured. Frequency and descriptive statistics were completed.

Results:

Eighteen patients with OI (five-I, four-III, six-IV, three-V) underwent 33 guided growth procedures with mean follow-up of 3.09 years; all received routine bisphosphonate treatment. Preoperative and postoperative mean joint angles were measured. The location for hemiepiphysiodesis included 8 distal femoral medial, 2 distal femoral lateral, 8 proximal tibial medial, 3 proximal tibial lateral, and 12 distal tibial medial. Twelve of the 33 procedures were in patients who had an intramedullary rod; 1 demonstrated backout of the epiphyseal and metaphyseal screws of a distal femoral medial figure-of-eight plate. It was revised to a larger plate with longer screws and removed upon completion of deformity correction.

Conclusion:

Guided growth may be used as an effective means of angular deformity correction with dysplastic OI bone. Having an intramedullary rod did not preclude the use of a guided growth technique. One procedure demonstrated screw backout. Given the short stature associated with OI, performing a guided growth procedure at an early enough age to allow time for correction should be considered.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV—case series.
Building Community Resilience in Support of Public Health Emergency Preparedness with Big Data and AI
Authors: Fant Catherine , Adelman Deborah S.
Published: March 2022

Disasters, whether man-made or natural, are increasing in frequency and causing damage to the environment and injuring and killing significant numbers of people resulting in billions of dollars in economic losses. Physical, behavioral, social, and environmental well-being is the cornerstone of a community's resilience, because the ultimate outcome to any threat lies with the health and well-being of its citizens. The ability to utilize those assets, as it strengthens, enables the community to withstand, adapt, and recover from disasters. Big Data can be a significant resource upon which decisions and preparations can be made to facilitate communities preparing for disasters. Big Data and artificial intelligence can be used to analyze previous disasters, examine lessons learned, and evaluate other data resources, such as remote sensors, to provide a foundation for predicting future events, resulting in more effective planning and cost-effective disaster response. This article examines the role of Big Data and artificial intelligence in building community resilience, so communities have the ability/capacity to adapt and recover effectively from disasters.
Iatrogenic Glossopharyngeal Neuropathy in Aesthetic Practice: A Case Report
Authors: Mingazova Leniza R. , Karpova Elena I. , Murakov Stanislav V. , Danishuk Olga I. , Bychenko Vladimir G. , Orlova Olga R. , Soykher Marina I. , Nikolenko Vladimir N. , Sinelnikov Mikhail Y.
Published: March 2022

Iatrogenic glossopharyngeal nerve injuries are commonly associated with procedures such as a tonsillectomy, carotid endarterectomy, and endotracheal intubation. We present a previously unreported complication of a thread lift procedure in the jowl region, causing damage to the glossopharyngeal nerve through compression. The glossopharyngeal nerve belongs to the bulbar group of the cranial nerves. It is connected with the vagus and, therefore, is closely associated with the latter functionally and anatomically. Damage to the former may present with cardiovascular complications associated with the vagus nerve. The presented case demonstrates the diagnostic and treatment aspects of iatrogenic injury to the glossopharyngeal nerve.