bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of sarpogrelate hydrochloride on peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Lu Yunxin , Li Jiangmiao , Xie Jiayi , Yu Qingliang , Liao Liang
Published: November 2019

Objective:

The aim of our study was to assess the efficacy and safety of sarpogrelate hydrochloride by comparing the effects of sarpogrelate with conventional treatment on the improvement of symptoms in PAD patients.

Methods:

The search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library database, CNKI, CBM for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) before January 1st, 2019. Inclusion and exclusion of studies, assessment of quality, outcome measures, data extraction and synthesis were completed by two reviewers independently. The meta-analysis was performed with RevMan 5.3.

Results:

Totally, 12 eligible RCTs were included in our analysis. Comparing the results of sarpogrelate group and control group, sarpogrelate significantly improved ankle-brachial index (ABI) levels (SMD = 0.05, [95%CI 0.20 to 0.74, P = .0005]), dorsalis pedis artery blood flow (MD = 0.16, [95%CI 0.09 to 0.23, P < .001]) and pain-free walking distance (PFWD) (MD = 201.86, [95%CI 9.34 to 394.38, P = .04]). The pooled analysis showed that a significant decrease in hsCRP (MD = -0.57, [95%CI -1.12 to -0.02, P = .04]) and IL-6 (MD = 1.48,[95%CI 0.39 to 2.56, P = .008]) was observed in the sarpogrelate treatment.

Conclusion:

Sarpogrelate was effective for improving the symptoms of PAD and showed good tolerability without significant adverse events.
Is bipolar sealer superior than standard electrocautery for blood loss control after primary total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Chen Xinxin , Yang Wenhui , Wang Xiao
Published: November 2019

Background:

Whether bipolar sealer (BS) is superior to standard electrocautery in patients with primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains controversial. Thus, we conducted this meta-analysis involving comparative studies (S) to evaluate whether administration with BS (I) was associated with less blood loss (O) than standard electrocautery (C) after primary TKA (P).

Methods:

PubMed (1950–January 2017), EMBASE (1974–January 2017), the Cochrane Library (January 2017 Issue 3), and the Google database (1950–January 2017) were systematically searched. Studies were included in accordance with Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes, and Setting including criteria. Only the patients prepared for primary TKA and administrated with BS as the intervention group and standard electrocautery as control group were included in this meta-analysis. Outcomes include need for transfusion, total blood loss, blood loss in drainage, hemoglobin at discharge, hemoglobin drop, and length of hospital stay. Continuous outcomes and discontinuous outcomes were expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) and risk ratio (RR) with corresponding confidence intervals (CIs), respectively. Stata 13.0 software was used for relevant data calculation.

Results:

A total of 7 clinical trials with 718 patients (398 patients in BS group and 320 in standard electrocautery group) were finally included in this meta-analysis. The pooled results indicated that administration with BS was associated with little reduction of total blood loss (WMD = −123.80, 95%CI −236.56 to −11.04, P = .031). There was no significant difference between the need for transfusion, blood loss in drainage, hemoglobin at discharge, hemoglobin drop, and length of hospital stay (P > .05).

Conclusion:

Based on the current meta-analysis, we found no evidence to support the routine use of bipolar sealer in the management of blood loss in primary TKA. Since the poor quality of the included studies, more randomized controlled trials are still needed to further identify the efficacy of BS after primary TKA.
Comparison between acupotomy and local steroid injection for the management of de Quervain disease
Authors: Sun Xiaojie , Shen Yifeng , Zhou Qiaoyin , Jia Yan , Qiu Zuyun , Li Shiliang
Published: November 2019

Background:

De Quervain disease (dQD) is a painful condition of the wrist that affects patients’ quality of life and work ability. Acupotomy has been widely used in the treatment of dQD. It has been reported in many articles that acupotomy can improve the clinical symptoms of dQD. However, the efficacy has not been evaluated scientifically and systematically. The aim of this systematic review protocol is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupotomy treatment compared with local steroid injection in patients with de Quervain disease.

Methods:

Relevant randomized controlled trials will be identified by searching 9 databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Chinese literature databases, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database [CBM], China National Knowledge Infrastructure [CNKI], SinoMed, Technology Journal [VIP], and the Wanfang Database). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Acupotomy for dQD patients will be identified independently by 2 reviewers by searching the databases from inception to October 2018. Clinical effects will be evaluated as the primary outcome. The VAS (visual analog scale) score will be assessed as a secondary outcome. RevMan V.5.3 will be used to perform a fixed effect meta-analysis, and the evidence level will be evaluated by using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methods. Continuous outcomes will be presented as the mean differences or standard mean differences, while dichotomous data will be expressed as relative risks.

Results:

This study will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupotomy in the treatment of de Quervain disease in RCTs with high-quality VAS and RM.

Conclusion:

This systematic review will provide evidence to judge whether acupotomy is an effective intervention for patients with de Quervain disease.

PROSPERO registration number:

CRD42018108786
Ultrasound for predicting difficult airway in obstetric anesthesia
Authors: Zheng Bi-Xin , Zheng Huan , Lin Xue-Mei
Published: November 2019

Background:

Failed intubation and ventilation during cesarean deliveries are important causes of anesthetic-related maternal mortality. Due to the physiological changes in airway anatomy, parturient had higher incidences of difficult airway than non-obstetric population. Accurate airway assessment is the first step and the most important in airway management. However, the common clinical screening tests, shown low sensitivity and specificity with a limited predictive value. Ultrasound is a quick, noninvasive, inexpensive tool, with the advancement of ultrasound technology, modern ultrasound machine is more portable with better resolution and enhanced tissue penetration, provide better imaging in tissues like epiglottis, vocal cords, ring-shaped membrane, and can be used in airway assessment. Here, the aim of the current study was to find whether preoperative ultrasound assessment of neck anatomy can predict difficult airway in parturient, and provide new ideas and a theoretical basis in the airway management of obstetric anesthesia.

Methods:

This is a prospective, observational single-blinded study in a single-center. Subjects will be recruited from patients aged from 18 to 60 years, gestational age ≥ 36 weeks, scheduled for cesarean section under general anesthesia and tracheal intubation. Ultrasound measurement will be performed to detect anterior cervical soft tissue thickness at five anatomical levels (hyoid bone, epiglottis, cricothyroid membrane, thyroid isthmus and suprasternal notch) in the upper airway. The thickness of the soft tissue in the front of the neck and clinical airway measurements will be compared between the “easy intubation” and “difficult intubation” group divided by Cormack–Lehane grade. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were used to determine the sensitivity and specificity of “difficulty prediction capability” of each sonographic and physical measurements. Clinical factors associated with difficult intubation will be determined by univariate analyses. Multiple logistic regression analysis performed to determine independent predictors of difficult intubation.

Conclusions:

The study outlined in this protocol will explore the possibility of ultrasound for predicting difficult airway in obstetric anesthesia. This may provide new insight into the practice of airway management.

Trial registration:

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800018949.
Acupuncture for the treatment of ankle sprain
Authors: Huang Fasen , Sun Kai , Pan Xuyue , Xie Kunming , Wu Junde , Tao Jingwei , Ma Yufeng , Qi Yinze , Ma Zhanhua , Li Xinyu , Liang Huan , Wang Shulong , Lei Zhen , Chen Zhaojun
Published: November 2019

Background:

Ankle sprain is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries in our daily life, which may lead to chronic ankle instability, reducing the quality of patients’ life and imposing a heavy burden on social medical security system. There are many kinds of methods treating ankle sprain, which can be divided into the conservative treatments and surgical intervention. Acupuncture is one of the conservative treatments for ankle sprain, especially in China. Therefore, we perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the evidence for acupuncture's effectiveness, safety and cost benefits for the treatment.

Methods:

For the acquisition of required data of eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs), literature search will be undertaken from the following database: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and ClinicalTrials.gov, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Database, and Wanfang database. Quality assessment of the included studies will be independently performed according to the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool by 2 investigators and the level of evidence for results will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) method. Statistical analysis will be conducted with Revman 5.3.

Results:

From the study we will assess the effectiveness, safety and cost benefit of acupuncture on pain relief and functional improvement in patients with ankle sprain.

Conclusion:

The conclusion of this study will provide evidence to ensure the effectiveness, safety and cost benefits of acupuncture on ankle sprain, which can further guide the selection of appropriate interventions.

PROSPERO registration number:

CRD42018116829.
The triglyceride glucose index can predict newly diagnosed biopsy-proven diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Shang Jin , Yu Dahai , Cai Yamei , Wang Zheng , Zhao Bin , Zhao Zhanzheng , Simmons David
Published: November 2019

Insulin resistance is usually a key factor in the development of type 2 diabetes. The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index is a marker of insulin resistance which is also implicated in the risk of nephropathy among people with type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to examine associations and potential thresholds between TyG index and the risk of newly diagnosed biopsy-proven diabetic nephropathy in people with type 2 diabetes. A nested case–control study incorporating 950 incident biopsy-proven diabetic nephropathy cases and age, gender matched 4750 patients with treated type 2 diabetes as controls selected by risk-set sampling method was implemented. The dose–response association between TyG index with subsequent risk of newly diagnosed biopsy-proven diabetic nephropathy after adjustment for age, gender, blood pressure, and other major cardiovascular risk factors were examined by conditional logistic regression model. A non-linear relationship was identified between TyG index and the risk of newly diagnosed biopsy-proven diabetic nephropathy with a potential threshold of TyG at 9.05–9.09. Similar relationships with the same threshold were also found in the analyses by fasting glucose and triglyceride levels. TyG index might be a prognostic factor in predicting newly development of biopsy-proven diabetic nephropathy among patients with treated type 2 diabetes. In people with type 2 diabetes, TyG index above 9.05–9.09 could be a prognostic threshold to identify individuals at high risk of diabetic nephropathy. Further replication studies are warranted.
Cardiac involvement in heavy and light chain amyloidosis
Authors: Otaka Yukihiro , Nakazato Yoichi , Tsutsui Takaaki , Tamura Jun’ichi
Published: November 2019

Introduction:

Heavy and light chain amyloidosis is an extremely rare condition. There are few reports referring to the clinical impact of cardiac involvement in heavy and light chain amyloidosis, and the significance of myocardial impairment has not yet been completely explained.

Patient concerns:

A 66-year-old Japanese man was admitted to our hospital presenting with nephrotic syndrome and congestive heart failure.

Diagnosis:

Kidney and endoscopic gastric mucosal biopsy demonstrated congophilic hyalinization in most of the glomeruli and surrounding vessel walls, which were highly positive for immunoglobulin A and lambda. Finally, the patient was diagnosed as an atypical multiple myeloma with systemic heavy and light chain amyloidosis.

Interventions:

The patient was referred to hematology for further treatment and was moved to another hospital for the administration of chemotherapy using melphalan and dexamethasone.

Outcomes:

The patient was still alive after 15-month follow-up from the initial diagnosis.

Conclusion:

Initial screening and follow-up for cardiac involvement are important for heavy and light chain amyloidosis. Further investigation for the prognosis of heavy and light chain amyloidosis is required to improve the strategies of diagnosis and treatment options for patients with this disease.
Systemic lupus erythematosus in a patient with multiple system atrophy
Authors: Pilalas Dimitrios , Chatzopoulos Georgios , Kaiafa Georgia D. , Ztriva Eleftheria , Spyridonakou Soultana , Bisbinas Vasiliki , Ioannidis Panagiotis , Hatzitolios Apostolos I. , Savopoulos Christos
Published: November 2019

Rationale:

Multiple system atrophy is a late-onset rare neurodegenerative movement disorder which results in debilitating disease. Fever frequently ensues in the context of infections which can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality, but among alternative diagnostic possibilities neoplasms and autoimmune disorders should be considered.

Patient concerns:

We describe a case of a prolonged febrile syndrome in a 55-year-old female patient with onset of multiple system atrophy two years before presentation. Patient history and symptoms were not contributive to guide the diagnostic work-up.

Diagnosis:

Initial evaluation provided no specific findings. Repeat testing of auto-antibodies revealed positive antinuclear and anti-ds DNA antibodies coupled with low complement which in conjunction with renal biopsy substantiated the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus flare.

Intervention:

Pending the biopsy result, treatment with hydroxychloroquine and corticosteroids was initiated. Due to failure to achieve remission, azathioprine was added, but symptoms persisted. Following the diagnosis of lupus nephritis, azathioprine was discontinued and induction treatment with cyclophosphamide in accordance with the Euro-Lupus regimen was initiated and upon completion followed by maintenance therapy with mycophenolate mofetil.

Outcomes:

The patient achieved remission after cyclophosphamide was added to treatment with corticosteroids and has not experienced new flares during the next two years. The neurological syndrome has remained stable during this period.

Lessons:

To our knowledge, we report the first case of concurrent systemic lupus erythematosus and multiple system atrophy. Prolonged fever presents unique challenges in patients with rare diseases.
Reactivation Viremia in Pediatric Sepsis*
Authors: Han Moonjoo , Roberts Anna L. , Migliore Brooke A. , Cárdenas Ana María , Weiss Scott L.
Published: November 2019

Objectives:

Reactivation viremia is associated with adverse clinical outcomes and immune dysfunction in adults with sepsis. We determined the incidence of viremia and its association with clinical outcomes and immune paralysis phenotype in children with severe sepsis.

Design:

Prospective cohort study.

Setting:

Single academic PICU from September 2016 to March 2018.

Patients:

Fifty-nine patients 2–17 years old treated for severe sepsis.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

We performed real-time polymerase chain reaction assays on whole blood specimens to determine the incidence of cytomegalovirus. Cytomegalovirus was detected in three patients (5%). All patients with cytomegalovirus viremia were seropositive, with an incidence of 13% in this subset. We additionally performed Epstein-Barr virus and human herpesvirus-6 polymerase chain reaction assays on last available specimens and detected Epstein-Barr virus in 4% and human herpesvirus-6 in 30% of the study population. Overall, viremia was not associated with clinical outcomes or immune function in univariable analyses. However, viremia was associated with lower odds of complicated course (defined as death within 28 d or ≥ 2 organ dysfunctions at 7 d) after controlling for age, Pediatric Risk of Mortality III score, and blood transfusion (adjusted odds ratio, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.01–0.84; p = 0.04).

Conclusions:

Children with severe sepsis had low rates of detectable viremia, which limited analyses of its association with clinical outcomes or immune paralysis phenotype. Given the rare occurrence of cytomegalovirus viremia, in particular, our study does not support a role for viremia as a biomarker of illness severity or as a modifiable risk factor of clinical outcomes for most patients. Future studies on the role of viremia in pediatric sepsis will need to consider the challenges posed by low rates of viremia in this population.
Uncovering patterns of atomic interactions in static and dynamic structures of proteins
Authors: Venkatakrishnan A. J. , Fonseca Rasmus , Ma Anthony K. , Hollingsworth Scott A. , Chemparathy Augustine , Hilger Daniel , Kooistra Albert J. , Ahmari Ramin , Babu M. Madan , Kobilka Brian K. , Dror Ron O.
Published: November 2019

The number of structures and molecular dynamics simulations of proteins is exploding owing to dramatic advances in cryo-electron microscopy, crystallography, and computing. One of the most powerful ways to analyze structural information involves comparisons of interatomic interactions across different structures or simulations of the same protein or related proteins from the same family (e.g.different GPCRs). Such comparative analyses are of interest to a wide range of researchers but currently prove challenging for all but a few. To facilitate comparative structural analyses, we have developed tools for (i) rapidly computing and comparing interatomic interactions and (ii) interactively visualizing interactions to enable structure-based interpretations. Using these tools, we have developed the Contact Comparison Atlas, a web-based resource for the comparative analysis of interactions in structures and simulations of proteins. Using the Contact Comparison Atlas and our tools, we have identified patterns of interactions with functional implications in structures of G-protein-coupled receptors, G proteins and kinases and in the dynamics of muscarinic receptors. The Contact Comparison Atlas can be used to enable structure modeling, drug discovery, protein engineering, and the prediction of disease-associated mutations.

Contact Comparison Atlas website:https://getcontacts.github.io/atlas/
Human NORs, comprising rDNA arrays and functionally conserved distal elements, are located within dynamic chromosomal regions
Authors: van Sluis Marjolein , Gailín Michael Ó , McCarter Joseph G.W. , Mangan Hazel , Grob Alice , McStay Brian
Published: November 2019

Human nucleolar organizer regions (NORs), containing ribosomal gene (rDNA) arrays, are located on the p-arms of acrocentric chromosomes (HSA13–15, 21, and 22). Absence of these p-arms from genome references has hampered research on nucleolar formation. Previously, we assembled a distal junction (DJ) DNA sequence contig that abuts rDNA arrays on their telomeric side, revealing that it is shared among the acrocentrics and impacts nucleolar organization. To facilitate inclusion into genome references, we describe sequencing the DJ from all acrocentrics, including three versions of HSA21, ∼3 Mb of novel sequence. This was achieved by exploiting monochromosomal somatic cell hybrids containing single human acrocentric chromosomes with NORs that retain functional potential. Analyses revealed remarkable DJ sequence and functional conservation among human acrocentrics. Exploring chimpanzee acrocentrics, we show that “DJ-like” sequences and abutting rDNA arrays are inverted as a unit in comparison to humans. Thus, rDNA arrays and linked DJs represent a conserved functional locus. We provide direct evidence for exchanges between heterologous human acrocentric p-arms, and uncover extensive structural variation between chromosomes and among individuals. These findings lead us to revaluate the molecular definition of NORs, identify novel genomic structural variation, and provide a rationale for the distinctive chromosomal organization of NORs.
Teacher agency in a multiyear professional development collaborative
Authors: Wagner Christopher J. , Ossa Parra Marcela , Proctor C. Patrick
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to report on the decisions two teachers made about how to engage with a five-year school–university collaboration that used professional development (PD) to foster changes in language instruction for teachers of multilingual learners.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal case study was used to examine the experiences of two teachers to provide insights into classroom-level decisions and changes in instructional practices.

Findings

Changes in instructional practices occurred when teachers made active, engaged choices about their own learning and teaching in the classroom. Teacher learning did not follow a consistent trajectory of improvement and contained contradictions, and early decisions about how to engage with PD affected the pace and nature of teacher learning. Through personal decisions about how to engage with PD, teachers adopted new instructional practices to support multilingual learners. Positive changes required extended time for teachers to implement new practices successfully.

Practical implications

This collaboration points to a need for long-term PD partnerships that value teacher agency to produce instructional changes that support multilingual learners.

Originality/value

PD can play a key role in transforming literacy instruction for multilingual learners. Teacher agency, including the decisions teachers make about how to engage with professional learning opportunities and how to enact new instructional practices in the classroom, mediates the efficacy of PD initiatives. This longitudinal case study contributes to the understanding of effective PD by presenting two contrasting case studies of teacher agency and learning during long-term school–university collaboration.
Collaboration in an entrepreneurial cluster: a study of an urban coop
Authors: Keane Crionna , Costin Yvonne
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Entrepreneurial clusters are viewed by academics, practitioners and policy makers as effective economic tools, associated with new business opportunities and innovation potential. Currently, the advancing cluster discussion is concerned with exploring the interplay and interdependence between cluster members, with collaboration increasingly taking centre stage. Despite this, however, the actual nature of collaboration is not fully understood. This study aims to explore collaboration, examining the underlying aspects of cooperative exchange, relationship-building and trust, and networking and knowledge sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological design is qualitative, utilising a series of semi-structured interviews with a cohort of cluster members, operating in an urban cooperative.

Findings

A shared purpose, underpinned by commonly supported value systems, is crucial in the formation of trust-based relationships. Competitive rivalry did not negatively influence motivation for collaboration. Instead, it is superseded by trust-based relationships, which facilitate information flow, acting as an enabler for collaboration. Collaboration, in pursuit of mutually beneficial goals, without fear of opportunism, is enacted through the formation of a number of, and different relationships, dependent on individual goals and/or stage of business development. Informal, rather than formal, relationships are built on respect and unspoken agreements, rather than on written formal contracts. Many “untraded” interdependencies lead to a stable networked cluster environment.

Originality/value

This empirical study contributes to and advances entrepreneurial cluster literature providing a deeper understanding for academics and policy makers of the interplay between cooperative exchange, relationship-building and trust and networking and knowledge sharing.
Strengthening and sustaining a community through reciprocal support between local businesses and the community
Authors: Siemens Lynne
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Community economic development (CED) focuses on the creation of sustainable communities. To that end, a reciprocal relationship that sustains the community and business alike can be created. However, little is known about the nature of informal interactions between residents and businesses that achieves that end. This study aims to explore the nature of these interactions and their contribution to CED within a rural context.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach was used with interviews with five rural entrepreneurs. Questions explored the nature of the support that they receive from their home community and their contributions back to it.

Findings

The results show that communities and businesses do not operate independently of each other, but rather are mutually supportive and contribute directly to the other’s objectives. These relationships are reinforced over time by a business owner’s direct involvement in the community, though this process takes time and effort.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on a limited geographical area in British Columbia with a small group of rural entrepreneurs. The results may not be generalizable to other contexts.

Practical implications

The results suggest concrete actions that both the rural entrepreneurs and their associated communities can take to be mutually supportive of each other to the benefit of each party alike.

Originality/value

This paper enlarges the understanding of the types of interactions, especially informal ones, that can support both businesses and the larger community in their efforts to sustain themselves and contribute to CED efforts.
Suing the banks for financing terror: a case study of Linde v. Arab Bank
Authors: Rivera Joseph Wilfrido
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to attempt to tie in specific events into the case of Linde v. Arab Bank to provide a greater context. This case is the first where a US court held a bank civilly liable for providing financial support to a terrorist organization, but to do so, the court had to decide on several factors, involving as follows: the application of the anti-terrorism act; the sufficiency of evidence; and the causation of the plaintiffs’ damages.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a case study of Linde v. Arab Bank. It also takes an in-depth view of one particular terrorist attack that was alleged to have been financed by Arab Bank PLC. This paper reviewed similar legal cases, law review articles on the subject, congressional and government reports, congressional testimony and open source news involving the case and the terrorist incidents involved.

Findings

The court, in this case, ruled in favor of holding Arab Bank liable for money laundering and terrorist financing, which allowed American families to sue the bank for the loss of their loved ones.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on a unique issue involved in money laundering and terrorist financing. It is not fully a legal paper or a traditional academic paper. It is also unique in that case studies are rare in criminal justice and criminology journals.
Constructing classification boundaries in the memory clinic: negotiating risk and uncertainty in constituting mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Swallow Julia
Published: November 2019

Determining the boundaries around processes of ‘normal’ ageing and pathological cognitive deterioration associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a difficult process, complicated further by the expansion of the disease category to include mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI is a label used to identify individuals with the symptoms of cognitive deterioration not attributable to ‘normal ageing’ but deemed to be ‘at risk’ of developing AD despite clinical uncertainty around whether individuals will go on to develop the condition in the future. Drawing on qualitative data gathered across an out‐patient memory service, this article examines practitioners’ accounts of the complexity associated with constructing the boundaries around MCI, AD and age in the clinic. Practitioners utilise uncertainty by classifying patients with MCI to keep them on for review to account for the possibility that patients may go on to develop AD but they also recognise the difficulty in predicting future progression to AD. Negotiating classification boundaries in the clinic is, however, not only about managing uncertainty regarding potential future risk but also about navigating the wider social and political context in which ageing and cognitive deterioration intersect, and are constructed and managed.
Domains rated as important by patients with hand osteoarthritis
Authors: Leung Ying Ying , Li Justin Chung‐Hin , Thumboo Julian
Published: November 2019

Background

No data exist on patient participation in the selection of core domains for clinical trials of hand osteoarthritis (HOA). We aim to explore HOA patients' perspectives in the relative importance of domains.

Methods

Seven domains affecting patients’ lives were derived from a prior qualitative study. We recruited consecutive patients with symptomatic HOA to rate on 11‐point numeric rating scales for each domain, from 0 representing “not important at all” to 10 representing “most important”, with consideration in two scenarios: (a) how important the domains are in affecting their current lives; and (b) how important the domains are when there are treatments for HOA (eg exercise or drugs).

Results

Forty‐five patients (91% female; mean age ± standard deviation 64.3 ± 7.5 years) with mild HOA symptoms were included. Of these, 31%‐42% rated current impact of HOA in various domains as highly important. Seven domains with rated scores of ≥7/10 in importance were endorsed for clinical trials in the following order: pain and HOA symptoms (endorsed by 77.8% of patients), physical function (66.7%), ability to participate in social roles (64.4%), ability to participate in social activities (62.2%), work productivity (62.2%), emotional health (60%), and appearance of fingers (55.6%).

Conclusion

The preliminary important domains as endorsed by patients with HOA for inclusion into clinical trials were explored. Apart from pain and physical function, further research is needed to refine other domains of impact, such as participation, emotional health and aesthetic concerns, as core domain sets for HOA.
Irreversible electroporation (IRE): a narrative review of the development of IRE from the laboratory to a prostate cancer treatment
Authors: Blazevski Alexandar , Scheltema Matthijs J. , Amin Amer , Thompson James E. , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Stricker Phillip D.
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Whilst whole‐gland radical treatment is highly effective for prostate cancer control, it has significant impact on quality of life and is unnecessary ‘over‐treatment’ in many men with screening‐detected prostate cancer. Improvements in prostate biopsy and imaging have led to increased interest in partial gland ablation to reduce treatment‐related morbidity. Several energies for focal ablation have been trialled. Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a novel technology that ablates tissue by delivering direct current between electrodes. This narrative review documents the history of electroporation including its scientific basis, early data from pre‐clinical animal studies, and contemporary clinical outcomes from the use of IRE in prostate cancer.

Methods

A literature search using the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), the Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), PubMed and Google Scholar was undertaken to identify historical perspectives and current clinical data relating to IRE for prostate cancer.

Results

The history of electroporation and its implementation as a prostate cancer treatment was following the basic scientific principles, in vitro data, then animal studies, and now short‐ to medium‐term clinical cohorts in humans. The results of IRE on >283 patients have been published in several papers, with preserved rates of (pad‐free) continence in 91–100% of men and preserved erectile function in 79–100% of men. In‐field recurrence rates range from 0% to 33%. The current state of evidence for IRE for the treatment of primary and salvage prostate cancer is considered as Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment, Long‐term follow‐up (IDEAL) stage 2B.

Conclusions

IRE is a new focal ablative technology for the treatment of localised prostate cancer in carefully selected men. Published cohorts report encouraging short‐term oncological and functional outcomes; however, longer‐term data are needed to validate this treatment before it can be recommended for widespread clinical use.
Dream a Different Dream of Cultural Exchange
Authors: Conforti Michael
Published: November 2019

Public art museums have survived as a sector over their 250 plus years by adapting their founding ideals to changing public attitudes and policies, civic and national priorities, economic realities and aesthetic philosophies. This paper focuses on how ownership is being challenged by tribal descendants and nation states, and suggests that future museum programs should embrace models of collection sharing with institutional partnerships developed around that ideal.
Comparison of calcaneal quantitative ultrasound and bone densitometry parameters as fracture risk predictors in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lasschuit J. W .J. , Center J. R. , Greenfield J. R. , Tonks K. T. T.
Published: November 2019

Aim

To investigate the utility of calcaneal quantitative ultrasound compared with bone densitometry (DXA) in predicting incident low‐trauma fracture in type 2 diabetes.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included a subset of participants in the Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study who had concurrent calcaneal quantitative ultrasound and DXA measurement, comprising 809 people without type 2 diabetes and 96 with type 2 diabetes. Fracture data had been collected prospectively. Cox proportional hazard models and receiver operating curves (ROC) were used to compare calcaneal quantitative ultrasound and DXA parameters as predictors for any low‐trauma fracture.

Results

The median age of participants was 71 years (IQR 68–76, 50% men) for those without type 2 diabetes and 70 years (IQR 68–76, 55% men) for those with type 2 diabetes. There was no difference in low‐trauma fracture incidence between groups when stratified by sex. In those without type 2 diabetes, the hazard ratio for fracture per 1 sd decrease in broadband ultrasound attenuation and femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) was 1.47 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26–1.71] and 1.39 (95% CI 1.17–1.64), respectively. The corresponding figures in type 2 diabetes were 1.81 (95% CI 1.03–3.19) for broadband ultrasound attenuation and 2.55 (95% CI 1.28–5.08) for femoral neck BMD.

Conclusion

Broadband ultrasound attenuation is comparable with femoral neck BMD as a predictor for low trauma incident fracture in type 2 diabetes. Calcaneal quantitative ultrasound offers several advantages over DXA and should be considered in further studies of bone health screening or in clinical practice where DXA is unavailable.
Measuring Textbook Content Coverage: Efficient Content Analysis with Lesson Sampling
Authors: Zhang Jiahui , Cogan Leland S. , Schmidt William H.
Published: November 2019

This study addresses measurement issues around a standards‐based content analysis of mathematics textbooks’ coverage of standards for use in large‐scale monitoring of standards implementation as proposed in a 2013 report by the National Research Council. An earlier study produced an exhaustive content analysis of textbooks using the 2012 Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. This yielded an accurate and reliable portrait of a textbook's coverage of standards. However, such an in‐depth analysis is not feasible for large‐scale standards‐implementation monitoring in which a large number of textbooks may need to be analyzed. To provide such a portrait with sufficient accuracy while also substantially reducing the associated resources needed to produce such a portrait, a simulation study was conducted with the exhaustively coded database to compare different sampling schemes. Results indicated that sampling 1 day from each week and coding the corresponding lessons led to sufficiently accurate representations of the overall content of the textbook. The results provide empirical evidence for large‐scale standards‐based content analyses of mathematics textbooks for monitoring standards implementation which could be adapted for other subject areas.
The non‐consumptive effects of predators and personality on prey growth and mortality
Authors: Davenport Jon M. , King Alexis B. , Riley Alex W. , Hampson Maria E. , Constantinides Peter
Published: November 2019

Individual organisms vary in personality, and the ecological consequences of that variation can affect the strength of predator–prey interactions. Prey with bolder tendencies can mitigate the strength of species interactions by altering growth and initiating ontogenetic niche shifts (ONS). While the link between personality and growth has been established, recent research has highlighted the important interplay between ONS and predator cues in community ecology. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of prey personality and predator cues on prey growth and ONS. We predicted growth–mortality trade‐offs among personalities with higher survival, larger size, and accelerated ONS for bold individuals in comparison with shy individuals. To evaluate this objective, we conducted behavioral assays and a mesocosm experiment to test how southern leopard frog (Rana sphenocephala) tadpole personality and predatory fish (bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus) cues affects tadpole growth and metamorphosis. On average, bold tadpoles had higher mortality across all treatments in comparison with shy tadpoles. The effects of fish cues were dependent on tadpole personality with shy tadpoles metamorphosing significantly later than bold tadpoles. Bold tadpoles were larger than shy tadpoles at metamorphosis; however, that pattern reversed with fish cues as shy individuals metamorphosed larger than bold individuals. Our results suggest personality may be useful for predicting growth and life history for some prey species with predators. Specifically, the threat of predation can interact with personality to incur a benefit (earlier ONS) while also incurring a cost (size at metamorphosis). Hence by incorporating predator cues with personality, ecologists will be able to elucidate growth–mortality trade‐offs mediated by personality.
Headache and Methemoglobinemia
Authors: Khan Fawad Ahmed , McIntyre Caley , Khan Abdul Mukhtadir , Maslov Alexander
Published: November 2019

Aim

This basic review is intended to summarize the current knowledge of methemoglobinemia as an important cause of secondary headache with the hope of generating a growing interest in studying this phenomenon.

Background

We describe the pathological underpinnings of headaches generated by hypoxia. Possible mechanisms include cerebral vasodilation‐associated stretching of the vessel nociceptors, sensitization of perivascular nociceptors mediated by nitric oxide, cerebral calcitonin gene‐related peptide, activation of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate pathway, cortical spreading depression, disruption of the blood‐brain barrier, and neurogenic inflammation.

We review the clinical features, pathophysiology, and management of methemoglobinemia. We conducted a literature review of reports of symptomatic methemoglobinemia with headache. In addition, we describe a case report of a patient who presented with an acute onset of severe holocranial headache associated with rapidly progressive perioral paresthesia, cyanosis in lips and hands, nausea, and mild dyspnea on exertion. These features can be misinterpreted as an acute attack of migraine with pain‐related hyperventilation syndrome and anxiety leading to clinically detrimental delay in the management of the progressive hypoxia. Her symptoms resolved following treatment with methylene blue.

The complex relationship of migraine and hypoxia‐related headaches is also reviewed. We propose that methemoglobinemia‐associated headaches are possibly generated by stretching of the nociceptor nerve endings during cerebral vasodilation and hypoxia‐mediated oxidative stress.

Conclusions

The case highlights the need to broaden the formulated differential diagnosis of an acute onset severe holocranial headache and pay careful attention to other signs and symptoms that may provide hints on potential mechanism(s) for secondary headaches.

We provide justification for the need to incorporate “Headache attributed to Methemoglobinemia” as a subtype under the section “Headache attributed to hypoxia and/or hypercapnia” of the International Classification of Headache Disorders to support clinical decision making.
Encapsulating plant ingredients for dermocosmetic application: an updated review of delivery systems and characterization techniques
Authors: Yang S. , Liu L. , Han J. , Tang Y.
Published: November 2019

Today, there is a rising demand and ongoing search for novel plant‐derived phytochemicals in the cosmetic market owing to the growing consumer expectations worldwide for green and natural health products. Various plant ingredients, including polyphenols, oils, volatile oils, vitamins and other herbal extracts, have been extensively used in herbal cosmetics. Recent advances in encapsulation technologies have greatly improved their chemical stability, biocompatibility, skin permeability and dermocosmetic efficiency when applied topically. This comprehensive review summarizes the up‐to‐date information on encapsulated plant ingredients tailored for dermocosmetic application with a focus on the development of novel delivery systems. An overview of the commonly used techniques for carrier characterization, performance‐related properties and toxicological evaluation is also included, which might provide guidance for researchers to select or develop appropriate assay systems.
Monetary trilemma, dilemma, or something in between?
Authors: Cheng Ruijie , Rajan Ramkishen S.
Published: November 2019

This paper revisits the monetary “trilemma” versus “dilemma” debate by examining empirically interest‐rate policy independence for a large sample of both advanced and developing countries over the period 1973–2014. We broadly concur with the growing body of literature that suggests that the trilemma still holds, emphasizing the important insulating effects afforded by exchange‐rate flexibility. However, as with Han and Wei (2018), we also document the existence of an asymmetric pattern or 2.5‐lemma between the trilemma and dilemma; though, in contrast to them, we find there seems to be evidence of a “fear of capital reversal” rather than a “fear of appreciation.” We further find that holding higher levels of foreign reserves may help countries regain a degree of monetary‐policy autonomy.
Physical and thermal properties of various ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi L.) seed varieties as a function of moisture content
Authors: Singh Himani , Meghwal Murlidhar
Published: November 2019

Ajwain seeds are used as spice and have high medicinal values. The ajwain seed varieties selected were set at 8, 12, 16, and 20% moisture content on dry basis (db) for this study. The geometrical dimensions showed linear increment with the increase in moisture content of ajwain seeds. The true density and porosity increased from 1,069 to 1,697 kg m−3 and 15.84–42.88%, respectively, across the three varieties of ajwain seeds with the increasing moisture content. The bulk density showed a decreasing trend of 1049.81–857.14 kg m−3 with the increasing moisture content. The coefficient of friction was also found to increase for all the varieties, but the maximum friction was found for the cardboard surface and the minimum friction was observed in case of aluminium sheet. The thermal diffusivity of seeds decreased from 4.09 to 2.46 m2 s−1 with the increasing moisture content. Thermal conductivity and specific heat showed a marked increase with increasing moisture content. Varietal differences among the ajwain seeds of variety AA‐1, AA‐2, and AA‐93 were also studied at 5% significance level. Significant differences were observed between the three ajwain varieties, namely AA‐1, AA‐2, and AA‐93 in context to their physical and thermal properties.

Practical applications

The physical and thermal properties of ajwain seeds will be useful in designing of processes and equipment required for its processing. These properties give detailed information about the quality of the seeds, its acceptability to consumers and the behavior of the ajwain post production, during storage and consumption and post consumption. The knowledge on physical properties such as seed size, shape, volume, surface area, mass, density, porosity helps in designing the separating, storing, handling, and drying systems. The grading and sizing machineries will be based on the size and shape of the ajwian seeds. The density and porosity of the ajwain seeds will help in sizing the hoppers and storage containers. The density of seeds will also play role in separation based on density or specific gravities. The frictional properties like coefficient of friction and angle of repose will help in designing the storage bins, chutes, hoppers, screw conveyers, threshers, and forage harvesters. Thermal properties of ajwain seeds will be useful in analyzing and designing of equipment involving heat transfer, such as in case of cooking, sterilizing and drying.
Adenosine STEPs on synaptic function
Authors: Yasuda Robert P.
Published: November 2019

This is an Editorial Highlight of a manuscript by Mallozzi et al. (2019) in the current issue of the Journal of Neurochemistry, in which the authors detail the biochemical pathway that leads to synaptic depression by cocaine. This pathway requires the adenosine A2A receptor and STEP phosphatases. Activation of the adenosine A2A receptor leads to an increase in intracellular calcium, activation of STEP by dephosphorylation, inhibition of excitatory ionotropic glutamate receptors by dephosphorylation of phospho‐tyrosine residues and subsequent internalization of the ionotropic glutamate receptors. This adenosine A2A receptor pathway could lead to potential drug targets for neurologic and neuropsychiatric disorders.

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UNDERSTANDING PREFERENCE IMPRECISION
Authors: Bayrak Oben K. , Hey John D.
Published: November 2019

The term ‘preference imprecision’ seems to have different meanings to different people. In the literature, one can find references to a number of expressions. For example: vagueness, incompleteness, randomness, unsureness, indecisiveness and thick indifference curves. Some of these are theoretical constructs, some are empirical. The purpose of this paper is to survey the various different approaches and to try to link them together: to see if they are all addressed to the same issue, and to come to some conclusions. In the course of this survey, we report on evidence concerning the existence of preference imprecision, and its impact on theoretical and empirical work.