bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiosensitizing Pancreatic Cancer via Effective Autophagy Inhibition
Authors: Yazal Taha , Bailleul Justine , Ruan Yangjingyi , Sung David , Chu Fang-I , Palomera Daisy , Dao Amy , Sehgal Anahita , Gurunathan Vibha , Aryan Laila , Eghbali Mansoureh , Vlashi Erina
Published: November 2021

Despite aggressive treatments, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains an intractable disease, largely because it is refractory to therapeutic interventions. To overcome its nutrient-poor microenvironment, PDAC heavily relies on autophagy for metabolic needs to promote tumor growth and survival. Here, we explore autophagy inhibition as a method to enhance the effects of radiotherapy on PDAC tumors. Hydroxychloroquine is an autophagy inhibitor at the focus of many PDAC clinical trials, including in combination with radiotherapy. However, its acid-labile properties likely reduce its intratumoral efficacy. Here, we demonstrate that EAD1, a synthesized analogue of HCQ, is a more effective therapeutic for sensitizing PDAC tumors of various KRAS mutations to radiotherapy. Specifically, in vitro models show that EAD1 is an effective inhibitor of autophagic flux in PDAC cells, accompanied by a potent inhibition of proliferation. When combined with radiotherapy, EAD1 is consistently superior to HCQ not only as a single agent, but also in radiosensitizing PDAC cells, and perhaps most importantly, in decreasing the self-renewal capacity of PDAC cancer stem cells (PCSC). The more pronounced sensitizing effects of autophagy inhibitors on pancreatic stem over differentiated cells points to a new understanding that PCSCs may be more dependent on autophagy to counter the effects of radiation toxicity, a potential mechanism explaining the resistance of PCSCs to radiotherapy. Finally, in vivo subcutaneous tumor models demonstrate that combination of radiotherapy and EAD1 is the most successful at controlling tumor growth. The models also confirmed a similar toxicity profile between EAD1 and Hydroxychloroquine.
The Novel Dual Topoisomerase Inhibitor P8-D6 Shows Anti-myeloma Activity In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Klausz Katja , Kellner Christian , Gehlert Carina Lynn , Krohn Steffen , Wilcken Hauke , Floerkemeier Inken , Günther Andreas , Bauerschlag Dirk O. , Clement Bernd , Gramatzki Martin , Peipp Matthias
Published: November 2021

P8-D6 is a novel dual inhibitor of human topoisomerase I (TOP1) and II (TOP2) with broad pro-apoptotic antitumor activity. NCI-60 screening revealed markedly improved cytotoxicity of P8-D6 against solid and leukemia cell lines compared with other single and dual topoisomerase inhibitors, for example, irinotecan, doxorubicin, or pyrazoloacridine. In this study, we investigated the capacity of P8-D6 to inhibit myeloma cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Growth inhibition assays demonstrated significant anti-myeloma effects against different myeloma cell lines with IC50 values in the low nanomolar range. Freshly isolated plasma cells of patients with multiple myeloma were killed by P8-D6 with similar doses. P8-D6 activated caspase 3/7 and induced significant apoptosis of myeloma cells. Supportive effects of bone marrow stromal cells on IL6-dependent INA-6 myeloma cells were abrogated by P8-D6 and apoptosis occurred in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Of note, healthy donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells were not affected at concentrations toxic for malignant plasma cells. Treatment of myeloma xenografts in immunodeficient SCID/beige mice by intravenous and, notably, also oral application of P8-D6 markedly inhibited tumor growths, and significantly prolonged survival of tumor-bearing mice.
Comparison of Cardiac Output Measurement by Electrical Velocimetry with Echocardiography in Extremely Low Birth Weight Neonates
Authors: Hassan Mohammad Ahmad , Bryant Manuel B. , Hummler Helmut D.
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Electrical velocimetry (EV) offers a noninvasive tool for continuous cardiac output (CO) measurements which might facilitate hemodynamic monitoring and targeted therapy in low birth neonates, in whom other methods of CO measurement are not practicably feasible. Methods: This prospective observational study compared simultaneous cardiac output measurements by electrical velocimetry (COEV) with transthoracic echocardiography (COTTE) in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Echocardiography was performed by 1 single examiner. Data were analyzed by Bland-Altman analysis and independent-samples analysis of variance. A mean percentage error (MPE) of <30% and limits of agreement (LOA) up to ±30% were considered clinically acceptable. Results: Thirty-eight ELBW neonates were studied and yielded 85 pairs of COEV and COTTE measurements. Bland-Altman analysis showed an overall bias (the mean difference) and LOA of −126 and −305 to +52 mL min−1, respectively, and an MPE of 66%. Patients with patent ductus arteriosus had a higher bias with LOA and MPE of −166.8, −370.7 to +37 mL min−1, and 69%, respectively. The overall true precision was 58%. Conclusion: This study showed high bias and lack of agreement between EV and TTE for measurement of CO in ELBW infants in NICU, limiting applicability of EV to monitor absolute values.
Perception of a New Prolonged-Release Buprenorphine Formulation in Patients with Opioid Use Disorder: The PREDEPO Study
Authors: Pascual Francisco Salvador , Muñoz Alvaro , Oraa Rodrigo , Flórez Gerardo , Notario Pilar , Seijo Pedro , Gonzalvo Begoña , Assaf Carla , Gómez Manuel , Casado Miguel Ángel
Published: November 2021

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the acceptance of patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) to switching their opioid dependence treatment (ODT) for a prolonged-release buprenorphine (PRB) injection according to their prior ODT (buprenorphine/naloxone [B/N] or methadone). Methods: This was an observational, retrospective/cross-sectional, multicentre study of adult patients diagnosed with OUD on ODT. Data collected from diaries were analysed to know their interest and opinion on PRB. Questions with fixed response options were included, and several Likert scales were used. Results: A total of 98 patients were enrolled (B/N: 50.0%, methadone: 50.0%). The mean age was 46.9 ± 8.43 years and 79.6% were males. PRB was similarly perceived by both groups in most variables analysed, receiving a mean score of 7.2/10 (B/N: 7.4, methadone: 7.0; p = 0.520), and approximately 65% of patients said they were willing to switch to PRB (B/N: 63.3%, methadone: 65.3%; p = 0.833). Of these, a higher percentage in the B/N group considered that switching would be easy/very easy (B/N: 90.3%, methadone: 46.9%; p < 0.001) and that they would start PRB when available (B/N: 64.5%, methadone: 34.3%; p = 0.005). More than 90% would prefer the monthly injection (B/N: 93.6%, methadone: 100%; p = 0.514). One-third of patients in both groups were unsure/would not switch their ODT to PRB (B/N: 36.7%, methadone: 34.7%; p = 0.833). The main reason was administration by injection. Conclusion: Two-thirds of patients would switch their treatment for PRB, and most patients on B/N considered that switching would be easy. PRB could be a suitable alternative for OUD management.
A Systematic Review on Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome and Its Management Options
Authors: Senderovich Helen , Patel Preet , Jimenez Lopez Briam , Waicus Sarah
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Several forms of cannabinoids are currently being used to manage nausea and vomiting (N/V). Emerging cases of refractory N/V associated with chronic cannabis use among adults and older patients have been reported named cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). CHS is a condition that leads to repeated and severe N/V in long-term users of cannabinoids. Objective: The aim of this study was to outline current treatments for the management of CHS. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. Databases were used to search for articles on CHS published from January 2009 to June 2021, yielding 225 results of which 17 were deemed relevant and underwent review by 2 separate reviewers. Results: The duration of cannabis administration ranged between 6 months to 11 years may precipitate symptoms of CHS. The Rome IV diagnostic criteria of CHS require cannabinoid use and persistence of N/V symptoms for at least the past 6 months. Cannabis cessation is noted to be the most successful management, but other treatments also demonstrated symptom relief; these include hot water hydrotherapy, topical capsaicin cream, haloperidol, droperidol, benzodiazepines, propranolol, and aprepitant administration. Conclusion: More research on CHS is needed to enhance knowledge translation, education, and create awareness in the medical community on the side effects of cannabinoids and to propose the best treatment options.
Colour Preferences in Relation to Diet in Chimpanzees(Pan troglodytes), Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla) and Mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx)
Authors: Hernández M. Carmen , González-Campos Sandra , Barja Isabel
Published: November 2021

Although trichromatic colour vision has been extensively studied as it grants significant advantages for Old World primates, it is unknown which selective pressures were behind the trait’s evolution. The leading hypothesis would be that colour vision arose as a foraging adaptation because it allowed individuals to spot food more efficiently. To test this, we exposed 3 chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), 5 gorillas (Gorilla gorilla) and 3 mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) to colour cardboard plates to assess whether colours related to diet were the most preferred. The experimental setting was divided into two phases. During the first, animals were provided with colour cardboard plates of only 1 colour per data collection session. The order of colour presentation was randomly determined: white, black, yellow, green and red. In phase 2, primates were simultaneously provided with cardboard plates of all colours. Behavioural interactions with plates were measured using a one-zero group focal sampling (10-s sampling intervals and 20-min observation periods). Results showed that when animals were exposed to only 1 colour at a time, they exhibited different colour preferences depending on the species considered. Chimpanzees preferred red and yellow, the colours linked to fruits, while gorillas selected red and white. Mandrills exhibited fewer differences between colour preferences, with red being the most selected. Furthermore, when all colours were simultaneously provided, individuals chose colours related to diet over black and white. Although there were clear individual differences, our results support that trichromatic colour vision is an advantage in detecting and selecting red items. In the wild, it could be important in the detection of reddish fruits and leaves.
Вікові особливості реакції ендокринної системи у постраждалих із травматичними переломами нижньої щелепи
Authors: Нагірний Я. П. , Денефіль О. В. , Твердохліб Н. О. , Беденюк О. С. , Стефанів І. В.
Published: November 2021

Вивчено особливості вікових змін концентрації кортизолу, паратиреоїдного гормону, тироксину в динаміці у постраждалих із травматичними переломами нижньої щелепи. Встановлено, що впродовж усього терміну спостереження концентрація усіх гормонів відрізнялася від норми і мала свої вікові особливості. Найбільше підвищення рівня кортизолу і паратиреоїдного гормону встановлено у постраждалих вікової групи 20–29 років, а тироксину – в пацієнтів вікової групи 40–49 років.

Мета дослідження – вивчити динаміку концентрації гормонів крові, які впливають на синтез і мінералізацію кісткової мозолі в ділянці перелому при лікуванні постраждалих із травматичними відкритими переломами нижньої щелепи різного віку.

Матеріали і методи. Проведено дослідження гормонального статусу 38 постраждалих із травматичними переломами нижньої щелепи 20–49 років на 1-й, 10-й, 20-й дні спостереження. Для цього у сироватці крові визначали рівень кортизолу за допомогою тест-системи FK 210R (версія 03.2002), паратиреоїдного гормону – за допомогою набору DSL ACTIVE I-PTH, тироксину – за допомогою тест-системи FK 212 R (версія 12.2001). Лікування перелому проводили із застосуванням назубних шин і стандартного медикаментозного забезпечення.

Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Підсумовуючи отримані результати, можна стверджувати, що гормони щитоподібної залози мають моделюючий вплив на кістковий метаболізм. Метаболічні ефекти пояснюються синтезом та підвищенням активності багатьох клітинних ферментів, впливом їх на проникність клітинних і мітохондріальних мембран, а також стимуляцією метаболізму в мітохондріях. Вони контролюють синтез РНК в ядрах клітин, регулюють синтез білка в рибосомах, проявляють пермісивний ефект на генетично детерміновані процеси і дію інших гормонів.

Висновки. У хворих із травматичними переломами нижньої щелепи в усі вікові періоди встановлено дисбаланс гормонів, що впливають на синтез і мінералізацію кісткової мозолі.
Locomotor Muscle Microvascular Dysfunction in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Francisco Michael A. , Lee Joshua F. , Barrett-O’Keefe Zachary , Groot H. Jonathan , Ratchford Stephen M. , Bunsawat Kanokwan , Alpenglow Jeremy K. , Ryan John J. , Nativi Jose N. , Richardson Russell S. , Wray D. Walter
Published: November 2021

While there is emerging evidence of peripheral microvascular dysfunction in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) that may be related to systemic inflammation and redox imbalance, disease-related changes in locomotor muscle microvascular responsiveness have not been determined. This study combined passive leg movement and biomarker assessments of inflammation and oxidative damage to determine the magnitude and mechanisms of lower limb microvascular function in patients with HFpEF (71±1 years; n=44) compared with healthy, similarly aged controls (68±2 years; n=39). Leg blood flow, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and stroke volume were assessed, and plasma biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative damage were also determined. A significantly attenuated passive leg movement–induced peak change in leg blood flow (263±25 versus 371±31 mL/min, HFpEF versus control) and leg vascular conductance (2.99±0.32 versus 3.88±0.34 mL/min per mm Hg, HFpEF versus control) was observed in patients compared with controls. Similarly, the total hyperemic response to passive leg movement, expressed as leg blood flow
AUC
and leg vascular conductance
AUC
, was ≈40% less in patients with HFpEF versus control. Significantly greater C-reactive protein, IL-6 (interleukin-6), and malondialdehyde were observed in patients with HFpEF but were not correlated with passive leg movement responses. These data provide new evidence of a decline in lower limb microvascular function within a milieu of vascular inflammation that may contribute to locomotor muscle dysfunction in patients with HFpEF.
Acute Aerobic Exercise Induces Short-Term Reductions in Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Patients With Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Saco-Ledo Gonzalo , Valenzuela Pedro L. , Ramírez-Jiménez Miguel , Morales Javier S. , Castillo-García Adrián , Blumenthal James A. , Ruilope Luis M. , Lucia Alejandro
Published: November 2021

Chronic exercise reduces clinic and ambulatory blood pressure (BP), but the short-term effects of an acute exercise bout on ambulatory BP have not been studied widely. We reviewed the literature regarding the short-term effects of acute exercise on ambulatory BP in patients with hypertension and considered moderating factors (medication status and exercise modality/intensity) on ambulatory BP outcomes. A systematic search was conducted (PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus; since inception to January 1, 2021) for crossover randomized controlled trials assessing the short-term effects of acute exercise on ambulatory BP in hypertensive individuals versus nonexercise control conditions. A meta-analysis was conducted for 24-hour, daytime, and nighttime systolic and diastolic BP. Subanalyses also were performed attending to medication status and exercise modality/intensity. Thirty-seven studies (N=822) met the inclusion criteria. A single acute exercise bout reduces 24-hour (systolic BP, −1.6 mm Hg [95% CI, −2.4 to −0.8] for all exercise modalities combined; diastolic BP, −1.0 mm Hg [95% CI, −1.5 to −0.5]), daytime (−3.1 mm Hg [95% CI, −4.1 to −2.2]; -2.0 mm Hg [95% CI, −2.8 to −1.2]), and nighttime ambulatory BP (−1.8 mm Hg [95% CI, −3.0 to −0.6]; −1.5 mm Hg [95% CI, −2.3 to −0.6]), respectively. The magnitude of the effect appears similar in medicated and nonmedicated patients. In separate analyses for exercise modalities, aerobic exercises reduce all ambulatory BP measures (
P
<0.001) yet with no significant effects for resistance or combined (aerobic and resistance) exercise for any ambulatory BP measure. Vigorous aerobic exercise tends to produce the largest effects. A single bout of acute aerobic exercise, reduces ambulatory BP over 24 hours in medicated and nonmedicated hypertensive adults.
Risk-Based Intensive Blood Pressure Lowering and Prevention of Heart Failure: A SPRINT Post Hoc Analysis
Authors: Molsberry Rebecca J. , Rethy Leah , Wang Michael C. , Mehta Rupal C. , Lloyd-Jones Donald M. , Ning Hongyan , Lewis Cora E. , Yancy Clyde W. , Shah Sanjiv J. , Khan Sadiya S.
Published: November 2021

The SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial) demonstrated that intensive blood pressure (BP) lowering (target<120 mm Hg) was more effective in preventing heart failure (HF) compared with standard BP goals (target<140 mm Hg). However, intensive BP lowering also led to an increase in serious adverse events. We aimed to identify a subset of the clinical trial population who might derive the greatest benefit from intensive BP lowering for prevention of HF using a previously validated HF risk prediction model. SPRINT participants without prevalent cardiovascular disease were stratified into HF risk tertiles based on predicted HF risk. We performed Kaplan-Meier Survival analysis and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to test the effect of intensive versus standard BP lowering on incident HF in each tertile of predicted HF risk. A total of 6911 individuals were included and 77 incident HF events occurred over a median follow-up time of 3.3 (interquartile range, 2.9–3.8) years. A reduction in risk of HF was observed among those randomized to intensive BP lowering in each risk tertile but was significant only in the highest HF risk category (risk tertile 1: hazard ratio, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.29–2.56]; risk tertile 2: 0.54 [0.23–1.30]; risk tertile 3: 0.46 [0.24–0.88]). Serious adverse events were frequent in all groups. While the short follow-up may lead to an underestimation of benefit in the lower predicted risk groups, prioritizing intensive BP lowering in those at highest predicted HF risk may help to reduce the high burden of HF in the United States.
A checklist of the scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) of Kenya, with some new combinations
Authors: WATSON GILLIAN W.
Published: November 2021

The checklist of scale insect species recorded from Kenya comprises 14 families, 128 genera and 304 species, of which 207 (68.0%) are probably of African origin, 91 (29.9%) have been introduced from outside Africa and six (2.0%) are of unknown origin. Out of the 207 African species, only 11 (5.3%) have been recorded damaging plants, whereas out of the 91 introduced species, 45 (49.5%) have caused or are highly likely to cause plant damage in Kenya. The most economically important scale insect families in Kenya are (in order of importance) the Pseudococcidae, Coccidae and Diaspididae. Four new combinations are made: Eurycoccus glomerulus De Lotto is transferred to Trionymus, as Trionymus glomerulus (De Lotto) comb. n.; Trionymus sativus James is transferred to Paracoccus, as Paracoccus sativus (James) comb. n.; Pseudococcus masakensis James is transferred to Nipaecoccus as Nipaecoccus masakensis (James) comb. n., and Spilococcus commiphorae De Lotto is transferred to Paracoccus, as Paracoccus commiphorae (De Lotto) comb. n.
Description of the male, nest architecture and biology notes of Zethus plaumanni Bohart & Stange, 1965 (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) in southern Brazil
Authors: LOPES ROGÉRIO B. , BROZOSKI FRANCIELE , BUSCHINI MARIA LUISA T.
Published: November 2021

Although diverse and widespread, there is much to improve on the knowledge of Zethus Fabricius, 1804 wasps. This includes aspects of many areas, such as data on taxonomy, behavior and biology. In the present study, we investigated Zethus plaumanni Bohart & Stange, 1965, a species hitherto known only from the female type in the literature, and worked to fill gaps on the knowledge of this species by describing the male and its genitalia, the nest structure and giving notes on the biology of individuals collected in trap-nests in southern Brazil. The male is diagnosable by characters also used for female identification. The nest follows the pattern of typical pre-existing cavity users, with a remarkable multi-layered nest plug. Sex ratio follows the 1:1 rule and sampling indicates diapause in the adult phase.
New taxa in the genus Neolarnaca Gorochov, 2004 (Orthoptera: Gryllacrididae) based on specimens from Yunnan and Guangxi, China
Authors: YANG DONGDONG , PENG XIAOYU , BIAN XUN
Published: November 2021

This study provides descriptions of one new subspecies, Neolarnaca vera guoi ssp. nov., and the tegminal veins of Neolarnaca longipenna Bian & Shi, 2016. A key to the species of Neolarnaca is provided.
Does Schooling Decrease Socioeconomic Inequality in Early Achievement? A Differential Exposure Approach
Authors: Passaretta Giampiero , Skopek Jan
Published: November 2021

Does schooling affect socioeconomic inequality in educational achievement? Earlier studies based on seasonal comparisons suggest schooling can equalize social gaps in learning. Yet recent replication studies have given rise to skepticism about the validity of older findings. We shed new light on the debate by estimating the causal effect of 1st-grade schooling on achievement inequality by socioeconomic family background in Germany. We elaborate a differential exposure approach that estimates the effect of exposure to 1st-grade schooling by exploiting (conditionally) random variation in test dates and birth dates for children who entered school on the same calendar day. We use recent data from the German NEPS to test school-exposure effects for a series of learning domains. Findings clearly indicate that 1st-grade schooling increases children’s learning in all domains. However, we do not find any evidence that these schooling effects differ by children’s socioeconomic background. We conclude that, although all children gain from schooling, schooling has no consequences for social inequality in learning. We discuss the relevance of our findings for sociological knowledge on the role of schooling in the process of stratification and highlight how our approach complements seasonal comparison studies.
The New Merger Guidelines—A Blueprint for Microeconomic Analysis
Authors: Fox Eleanor M.
Published: November 2021

The following article on the new merger guidelines describes the guidelines for merger analysis issued this summer by the Department of Justice and demonstrates how they work. It compares the Justice Department guidelines with the contemporaneous statement by the Federal Trade Commission on horizontal mergers, with the superseded 1968 Guidelines of the Department of Justice, and with the Supreme Court case law. The author concludes that the new guidelines provide an excellent methodology for analyzing when a merger will give the merging parties a significant increment in the power to raise price above the current market price. She observes that such increased power over current price is one reason but not the only reason why the effect of a merger “may be substantially to lessen competition” within the meaning of the Celler-Kefauver Amendment to section 7 of the Clayton Act.

In appendices, the author provides a historical note on the derivation of the concentration index used in the guidelines, and a table applying the new guideline standards to each Supreme Court case decided under amended section 7 of the Clayton Act.
Antitrust Control over “Pure” Export Cartels: The New German Approach
Authors: Hölzler Heinrich , Braun W. David
Published: November 2021

The 1980 amendments to the German Law Against Restraints of Competition imposed new governmental antitrust controls over the activities of “pure” export cartels, which restrain competition only with respect to export markets. The amendments were a reaction to the decision in the Oil Field Pipes case, which had held that cartels not affecting the German market were beyond the jurisdictional reach of the cartel law. The amendments require reporting of “pure” export cartels and subject them to tighter regulation by the federal minister of economics in the hope of controlling abuse in the free world economic system and of encouraging multilateral reductions of anticompetitive export cartel practices. The Webb-Pomerene Act and proposed amendments to that act do not go as far in attempting to control these activities.
A survey of practice in the management of haemolysis, icterus and lipaemia in blood specimens in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland
Authors: Costelloe Seán J. , Rico Rios Natividad , Goulding Nicola , Mistry Hema , Stretton Adam , De la Salle Barbara , Hepburn Sophie , Thomas Annette , Atherton Jennifer , Cornes Michael
Published: November 2021

Background

Haemolysis, icterus and lipaemia (HIL) are common interferants in laboratory medicine, potentially impacting patient care. This survey investigates HIL management in medical laboratories across the UK and Republic of Ireland (ROI).

Methods

A survey was sent to members of key professional organisations for laboratory medicine in the UK and ROI. Questions related to the detection, monitoring, quality control, and management of HIL.

Results

In total, responses from 124 laboratories were analysed, predominantly from England (52%) and ROI (36%). Most responses were from public hospitals with biochemistry services (90%), serving primary care (91%), inpatients (91%), and outpatients (89%). Most laboratories monitored H (98%), I (88%), and L (96%) using automated indices (93%), alone or in combination with visual inspection. Manufacturer-stated cut-offs were used by 83% and were applied to general chemistries in 79%, and immunoassays in 50%. Where HIL cut-offs are breached, 64% withheld results, while 96% reported interference to users. HIL were defined using numeric scales (70%) and ordinal scales (26%). HIL targets exist in 35% of laboratories, and 54% have attempted to reduce HIL. Internal Quality Control for HIL was lacking in 62% of laboratories, and just 18% of respondents have participated in External Quality Assurance. Laboratories agree manufacturers should: standardise HIL reporting (94%), ensure comparability between platforms (94%), and provide information on HIL cross-reactivity (99%). Respondents (99%) showed interest in evidence-based, standardised HIL cut-offs.

Conclusions

Most respondents monitor HIL, although the wide variation in practice may differentially affect clinical care. Laboratories seem receptive to education and advice on HIL management.
Foreign Direct Investment and Output Volatility Nexus: A Global Analysis
Authors: Tauqir Aisha , Majeed Muhammad Tariq , Kashif Sadaf
Published: November 2021

Volatility in output growth remains a genuine concern around the globe because of its detrimental effects on growth, poverty and welfare. In the realm of output volatility, the role of FDI and its consistency is particularly important and worth considering. This article examines the role of FDI inflows and specifically the instability in it on output growth volatility using a panel dataset of 141 world economies for the period 1971–2017. The study employs a variety of estimation techniques like pooled ordinary least squares (POLS), LS fixed effects (FE), LS random effects (RE), two stage least squares (2SLS) and generalised methods of moments (GMM). Findings of the study suggest that FDI acts as the volatility reducing factor, whereas uncertainty in it increases output volatility. On the policy front, this study recommends policies that not only encourage FDI inflows but also ensure the inflows to be more consistent and stable. Our results are robust corresponding to various above-mentioned estimation techniques and sensitivity analysis.

JEL Codes: C23, E32, F21
A Low-cost model of breast biopsy for the training of surgical residents during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Jana Sinjan , Yadav Sanjay Kumar , Sharma Dhananjaya , Agarwal Pawan
Published: November 2021

We describe a low-cost simulation model for teaching core needle biopsy to surgical trainees in Low- and Middle-income countries (LMICs). Pre-session and post-session surveys showed that correct core sampling (ability to hit the beetroot) after training was 91.4% compared to 75.7% before demonstration and improved adequacy (68.5% before v. 85.7% after). This low-cost model using locally available products is designed to simulate a palpable breast lump and can easily be incorporated into surgical training in LMICs, where a palpable breast lump is the commonest presentation of breast cancer.
Age and Gender Differences in Perceived Parenting Styles and Emotional Outcomes in Early Adolescents
Authors: Ortega Beatriz , Mateo Alonso , Jimeno María V. , Ricarte Jorge J.
Published: November 2021

Early adolescents’ perception of parenting styles is crucial to their present and future physical and mental well-being. The main aim of the present study was to analyze differences in parenting styles between mothers and fathers and differences on emotional state scales (anxiety, depression, and purpose in life) depending on gender, age, and family structure in 744 girls (54%) and boys (45.7%) aged between 10 and 12 years. The results showed that the early adolescents perceived greater levels of affect than criticism, with mothers being considered more affectionate than fathers. The greater the perceived affect and communication, the greater was the perception of purpose in life and the lower the levels of anxiety and depression in early adolescents. Boys showed higher levels of perceived criticism and rejection. Family affect and communication play a key role in purpose in life and emotional well-being of children, with parenting styles being a determining factor.
The Customs of Conquest: Legal Primitivism and British Paramountcy in Northeast India
Authors: Misra Sanghamitra
Published: November 2021

The discourse around indigeneity, customary rights of possession and claims to political autonomy in Northeast India conventionally traces the postcolonial protectionist legislation for ‘tribes’ to various acts passed under the late colonial state, the most significant precursor being seen as the Government of India Act, 1935. This article will argue that one can in fact trace the ‘original moment’ in the idea of customary law for ‘tribes’ much further back in history, to the early decades of the nineteenth century. This historical moment was anchored in the beginnings of the East India Company’s conquest of the Garo hills in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, in the appropriation of the land and revenue of the Garos and in the ethnogenesis of the ‘hill Garo’. The article will explore the ways in which the beginning of the invention of customary law and traditional authority in Northeast India under East India Company rule was impelled by the Company’s demands for revenue and was shielded and secured by the deployment of military power across the hills. Over the course of the nineteenth century, the strategies of imperial control first introduced in the region were reproduced across the rest of Northeast India, underscoring the significance of the Garo hills as the first ‘laboratory’ of colonial rule in the region as well as sharpening our understanding of the character of the early colonial state. The article thus takes as its task the historicization of the categories of ‘customary law’, ‘traditional/indigenous authority’ and the ‘hill tribe’, all of which form the basis of late colonial and postcolonial legislation on the ‘tribe’.
A preliminary evaluation of a manualised intervention to improve early literacy skills in children with Developmental Language Disorder
Authors: Taylor Anna Louise , Calder Samuel David , Pogorzelski Simmone , Koch Lauren
Published: November 2021

Children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) commonly present with oral language weaknesses which disrupt the development of literacy and impede related academic progress. While there is evidence to support the delivery of manualised Tier 2 interventions with this population, little is known about the effects of Tier 1 interventions. A retrospective cohort comparison was used to evaluate whether there was an observable effect of a manualised Tier 1 intervention compared to ‘business-as-usual’ on early literacy skills for children with DLD. Participants were 140 children attending a specialised education program with equivalent oral language skills and alphabetic knowledge at baseline. After 18 months formal literacy intervention, both groups were assessed on measures of early literacy skills. The differences between group means on all measures favoured the manualised intervention group, and they performed significantly better on a measure of nonword reading fluency. The findings indicate that a manualised Tier 1 intervention may be advantageous for children with DLD in developing proficiency in phonological recoding. This research contributes to the sparse evidence-base supporting the implementation of Tier 1 interventions for at risk populations, and findings warrant future research using experimental designs with tighter controls.
Impact of dual-energy 50-keV virtual monoenergetic images on radiologist confidence in detection of key imaging findings of small hepatocellular carcinomas using multiphase liver CT
Authors: Voss Benjamin A , Khandelwal Ashish , Wells Michael L , Inoue Akitoshi , Venkatesh Sudhakar K , Lee Yong S , Johnson Matthew P , Fletcher Joel G
Published: November 2021

Background

Dual-energy virtual monoenergetic images can increase iodine signal, potentially increasing the conspicuity of hepatic masses.

Purpose

To determine if dual-energy 50-keV virtual monoenergetic images improve visualization of key imaging findings or diagnostic confidence for small (≤2 cm) hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) at multiphase, contrast-enhanced liver computed tomography (CT).

Material and Methods

Patients with chronic liver disease underwent multiphase dual-energy CT imaging for HCC, with late arterial and delayed phase dual-energy 50-keV images reconstructed. Two non-reader subspecialized gastrointestinal (GI) radiologists established the reference standard, determining the location and diagnosis of all hepatic lesions using predetermined criteria. Three GI radiologists interpreted mixed kV CT images without or with dual-energy 50-keV images. Radiologists identified potential HCCs and rated their confidence (0–100 scales) in imaging findings of arterial enhancement, enhancing capsule, tumor washout, and LI-RADS 5 (2018) category.

Results

In total, 45 patients (14 women; mean age = 59.5 ± 10.9 years) with chronic liver disease were included. Of them, 19 patients had 25 HCCs ≤2 cm (mean size = 1.5 ± 0.4 cm). There were 17 LI-RADS 3 and 4 lesions and 19 benign lesions. Reader confidence in imaging findings of arterial enhancement, enhancing capsule, and non-peripheral washout significantly increased with dual-energy images ( P ≤ 0.022). Overall confidence in HCC diagnosis increased significantly with dual-energy 50-keV images (52.4 vs. 68.8; P = 0.001). Dual-energy images demonstrated a slight but significant decrease in overall image quality.

Conclusion

Radiologist confidence in key imaging features of small HCCs and confidence in imaging diagnosis increases with use of dual-energy 50-keV images at multiphase, contrast-enhanced liver CT.
Minimum 10-Year Clinical Outcomes After Arthroscopic 270° Labral Repair in Traumatic Shoulder Instability Involving Anterior, Inferior, and Posterior Labral Injury
Authors: Berthold Daniel P. , LeVasseur Matthew R. , Muench Lukas N. , Mancini Michael R. , Uyeki Colin L. , Lee Julianna , Beitzel Knut , Imhoff Andreas B. , Arciero Robert A. , Scheiderer Bastian , Siebenlist Sebastian , Mazzocca Augustus D.
Published: November 2021

Background:

Current literature reports highly satisfactory short- and midterm clinical outcomes in patients with arthroscopic 270° labral tear repairs. However, data remain limited on long-term clinical outcomes and complication and redislocation rates in patients with traumatic shoulder instability involving anterior, inferior, and posterior labral injury.

Purpose:

To investigate, at a minimum follow-up of 10 years, the clinical outcomes, complications, and recurrent instability in patients with 270° labral tears involving the anterior, inferior, and posterior labrum treated with arthroscopic stabilization using suture anchors.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A retrospective outcomes study was completed for all patients with a minimum 10-year follow-up who underwent arthroscopic 270° labral tear repairs with suture anchors by a single surgeon. Outcome measures included pre- and postoperative Rowe score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Simple Shoulder Test, visual analog scale for pain, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE). Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) scores were collected postoperatively. Complication data were collected, including continued instability, subluxation or dislocation events, and revision surgery. Failure was defined as any cause of revision surgery.

Results:

In total, 21 patients (mean ± SD age, 27.1 ± 9.6 years) with 270° labral repairs were contacted at a minimum 10-year follow-up. All outcome measures showed statistically significant improvements as compared with those preoperatively: Rowe (53.9 ± 11.4 to 88.7 ± 8.9; P = .005), ASES (72.9 ± 18.4 to 91.8 ± 10.8; P = .004), Simple Shoulder Test (8.7 ± 2.4 to 11.2 ± 1.0; P = .013), visual analog scale (2.5 ± 2.6 to 0.5 ± 1.1; P = .037), and SANE (24.0 ± 15.2 to 91.5 ± 8.3; P = .043). The mean postoperative WOSI score at minimum follow-up was 256.3 ± 220.6. Three patients had postoperative complications, including a traumatic subluxation, continued instability, and a traumatic dislocation, 2 of which required revision surgery (14.2% failure rate).

Conclusion:

Arthroscopic repairs of 270° labral tears involving the anterior, inferior, and posterior labrum have highly satisfactory clinical outcomes at 10 years, with complication and redislocation rates similar to those reported at 2 years. This suggests that repairs of extensile labral tears are effective in restoring and maintaining mechanical stability of the glenohumeral joint in the long term.
Comparison of household income in in-hospital outcomes after implantation of left ventricular assist device
Authors: Ebner Bertrand , Karetnick Morgan , Grant Jelani , Vincent Louis , Maning Jennifer , Olarte Neal , Olorunfemi Odunayo , Rosario Colombo , Chaparro Sandra
Published: November 2021

Introduction:

Due to the inability to keep up with the demand for heart transplantation, there is an increased utilization of left ventricular assist devices (LVAD). However, paucity of data exists regarding the association of household income with in-hospital outcomes after LVAD implantation.

Methods:

Retrospective cohort study using the NIS to identify all patients ⩾18 years who underwent LVAD implantation from 2011 to 2017. Statistical analysis was performed comparing low household income (⩽50th percentile) and high income (>50th percentile).

Results:

A total of 25,503 patients underwent LVAD implantation. The low-income group represented 53% and the high-income group corresponded to 47% of the entire cohort. The low-income group was found to be younger (mean age 55 ± 14 vs 58 ± 14 years), higher proportion of females (24% vs 22%), and higher proportion of blacks (32% vs 16%, p < 0.001 for all). The low-income group was found to have higher prevalence of hypertension, chronic pulmonary disease, smoking, dyslipidemia, obesity, and pulmonary hypertension ( p < 0.001 for all). However, the high-income cohort had higher rate of atrial tachyarrhythmias and end-stage renal disease ( p < 0.001). During hospitalization, patients in the high-income group had increased rates of ischemic stroke, acute kidney injury, acute coronary syndrome, bleeding, and need of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation ( p < 0.001 for all). We found that the unadjusted mortality had an OR 1.30 (CI 1.21–1.41, p < 0.001) and adjusted mortality of OR 1.14 (CI 1.05–1.23, p = 0.002).

Conclusion:

In patients undergoing LVAD implantation nationwide, low-income was associated with increased comorbidity burden, younger age, and fewer in-hospital complications and all-cause mortality.
Relationship Between Life-Space Mobility and Health Characteristics in Older Adults Using Global Positioning System Watches
Authors: Chung Jane , Boyle Joseph , Wheeler David C.
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to examine the feasibility of using global positioning system (GPS) watches to examine relationships between GPS-based life-space mobility (LSM) metrics and self-report LSM and health measures (physical, psychological, and cognitive function) among older adults. Thirty participants wore a Fitbit Surge for 3 days. Eight spatial and temporal LSM measures were derived from GPS data. About 90% of in-home movement speeds were zero, indicating the sedentary lifestyle, but they made some active out-of-home trips as the total distance traveled and size of movement area indicated. There was a significant difference in total distance traveled and 95th percentile of movement speed between mild cognitive and intact cognition groups. GPS-based higher proportion of out-of-home time was significantly associated with greater functional fitness. Greater GPS use hours were significantly associated with higher cognition. These findings suggest the potential of GPS watches to continuously monitor changes in functional health to inform prevention efforts.
Noise calculation method of deep groove ball bearing caused by vibration of rolling elements considering raceway waviness
Authors: Sun Minjie , Xu Haojie , An Qi
Published: November 2021

Raceway waviness error is the main reason to cause rolling elements to vibrate along axial direction and emit noise. In this paper, the mechanical analysis on deep groove ball bearing is carried out. With auto-correlation function, random surface waviness of both inner and outer raceways is simulated. A contact model of rolling elements and raceways considering surface waviness is established. Combining with the theory of acoustic equation, a calculation model is established for the noise caused by vibration of rolling elements and inner ring. The results show that with the decrease of machining accuracy, the noise of rolling elements increases due to axial vibration; with the increase of rotation speed, the noise also increases. Besides, the spectrum of radiation noise of inner raceway with different waviness amplitudes is given. The results indicate that the 3-D waviness on raceway surface has an influence on the vibration and the noise emitted by both rolling elements and inner ring, and provide guidance for sound control in deep groove rolling bearing.
Low disease activity state in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Ozturk Kubra , Caglayan Senğul , Tanatar Ayse , Baglan Esra , Yener Otar Gulcin , Kavrul Kayaalp Gulsah , Karadag Serife Gul , Demir Ferhat , Sonmez Hafize Emine , Ozdel Semanur , Cakan Mustafa , Aktay Ayaz Nuray , Sozeri Betul ,   PeRA-Research Group
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To determine the rate of achieving The Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) in children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) for tracing pertinent treatment modalities.

Methods

A total of 122 juvenile-onset SLE (jSLE) patients from six pediatric rheumatology centers in Turkey were enrolled in the study. LLDAS-50 was defined as encountering LLDAS for at least 50% of the observation time. According to the achievement of LLDAS-50, clinical features, immunological profiles, and treatments of patients with jSLE have been revealed.

Results

LLDAS of any duration was achieved by 82% of the cohort. Although only 10.8% of the patients achieved remission, 68.9% reached LLDAS-50. A significant difference was found between patients who reached LLDAS-50 and those who did not, in terms of the time to reach low-dose corticosteroid treatment ( p = 0.002), the presence of subacute cutaneous findings ( p = 0.007), and the presence of proteinuria ( p = 0.002). Both of the groups were under similar treatment approaches. However, the number of patients being treated with corticosteroids at the last visit was found to be significantly higher in patients who achieved LLDAS-50 ( p<0.001).

Conclusion

Targeting LLDAS in jSLE, even with long-term, low-dose corticosteroid use, seems to be an achievable goal in clinical practice.
Structural Equation Modelling to Understand the Impact of Various Components of CSR and the Benefits to Stakeholders
Authors: Jain Rinku , Bhatia Asha Deepak , Arekar Kirti
Published: November 2021

In the last many years academicians and business practitioners have shown their interest in the study of the activities of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). This study describes a deeper understanding of the CSR parameters on the benefits to the stakeholders. It explains the direct effect of the various independent variables like ‘Encourage Employee Volunteer - kinds of incentives’, ‘Improve Employee Welfare and Labour Relations’, ‘Companies/Organizations communicate the Policy to the stakeholders’ and ‘Adoption of CSR practices by Companies/Organizations’ on the dependent variable benefits of CSR to the stakeholders. We had also studied the impact of the variables, that is, ‘Encourage “Employee Volunteers”, kinds of incentives’, ‘Companies/Organizations communicate the Policy to the stakeholders’ and ‘Adoption of CSR practices by Companies/Organizations’ on Employee Welfare and Labour Relations. The outcomes of the research model depend on the data collected from 349 employees across local and international organizations in India. The respondents are employees of various organizations working at different levels of management. This study focuses on middle-level managers. The major findings suggest the positive impact of all the activities of CSR on benefits to the stakeholders. Out of the four CSR activities, Adoption of CSR practices by Companies/Organizations is the strongest predictor followed by Employee Welfare and Labour Relations, whereas the CSR activity Encourage ‘Employee Volunteers’, kinds of incentives has no significant impact on benefits to the stakeholders.