bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A best‐worst scaling experiment to identify patient‐centered claims‐based outcomes for evaluation of pediatric antipsychotic monitoring programs
Authors: Mackie Thomas I. , Kovacs Katherine M. , Simmel Cassandra , Crystal Stephen , Neese‐Todd Sheree , Akincigil Ayse
Published: December 2020

Objective

This article employs a best‐worst scaling (BWS) experiment to identify the claims‐based outcomes that matter most to patients and other relevant parties when evaluating pediatric antipsychotic monitoring programs in the United States.

Data Sources

Patients and relevant parties, with pediatric antipsychotic oversight and treatment experience, completed a BWS experiment, including policymakers (n = 31), foster care alumni (n = 28), caseworkers (n = 23), prescribing clinicians (n = 32), and caregivers (n = 18).

Study Design

Respondents received surveys with a scenario on antipsychotic monitoring programs and ranked 11 candidate claims‐based outcomes as most and least important for program evaluation.

Data Analysis

Stratified by respondent group, best‐worst scores were calculated to identify the relative importance of the claims‐based outcomes. A conditional logit examined whether candidate outcomes for safety, quality, and unintended consequences were preferred over reduction in antipsychotic treatment, the outcome used most often to evaluate antipsychotic monitoring programs.

Principal Findings

Safety indicators (eg, antipsychotic co‐pharmacy, cross‐class polypharmacy, higher than recommended doses) ranked among the top three candidate outcomes across respondent groups and were an important complement to antipsychotic treatment reduction. Foster care alumni prioritized “antipsychotic treatment reduction” and “increased psychosocial treatment.” Caseworkers, prescribers, and caregivers prioritized “increased follow‐up after treatment initiation.” Potential unintended consequences of an antipsychotic monitoring program ranked lowest, including increased use of other psychotropic medication classes (as a substitute), increased psychiatric hospital stays, and increased emergency room utilization. Results of the conditional logit model found only caregivers significantly preferred other indicators over antipsychotic treatment reduction, preferring improvements in follow‐up care (5.78) and psychosocial treatment (4.53) and reduction in prescriptions of higher than recommended doses (3.64).

Conclusions

The BWS experiment supported rank ordering of candidate claims‐based outcomes demonstrating the opportunity for future studies to align outcomes used in antipsychotic monitoring program evaluations with community preferences, specifically by diversifying metrics to include safety and quality indicators.
Color determination method and evaluation of methods for the detection of cannabinoids by thin‐layer chromatography (TLC)
Authors: Mano‐Sousa Brayan Jonas , Maia Grazielle Aparecida Silva , Lima Paula Lamounier , Campos Vinícius Alves , Negri Giuseppina , Chequer Farah Maria Drumond , Duarte‐Almeida Joaquim Maurício
Published: December 2020

Cannabis sativa is the drug of abuse most cultivated, trafficked, and consumed worldwide. One of several techniques used to detect cannabinoids is based on the thin‐layer chromatography (TLC). However, the designation of the colors observed can be inaccurate and not reproducible. The designation of colors goes beyond physical and physiological aspects, because what is conventionally called color is a socio‐cultural construction. Thus, the objective of this paper was to evaluate the different TLC methods to detection of cannabinoids, and apply standardization method in naming of colors. TLC analysis performed using silica gel 60 F254 as a stationary phase. Three mobile phase compositions [hexane:chloroform (8:2 v:v), hexane:ethyl ether (8:2 v:v), and chloroform:hexane (8:2 v:v)], as well as, two different solutions of Fast Blue B salt (FBBS, Azoic Diazo No. 48) and Fast Blue RR (FBRR, Azoic Diazo No. 24) were evaluated. Determination of colors names was realized through the Sci‐Chromus® software. The best resolution was obtained using hexane:ethyl ether (8:2 v:v) as a mobile phase. It was observed that although the cannabidiol (CBD), delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabigerol (CBG) were detect using both the FBBS‐ and FBRR‐acidified solutions, the best visualization was achieved using the latter reagent. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that applied and demonstrated a method for standardization and denomination of colors in the TLC analysis of cannabinoids. This method was able to reduce the subjectivity in naming the colors observed and presented several application possibilities.
Clinical practice guideline on gastrointestinal bleeding prophylaxis for critically ill patients: Endorsement by the Scandinavian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine
Authors: Sverrisson Kristinn Ö. , Chew Michelle S. , Olkkola Klaus T. , Rehn Marius , Yli‐Hankala Arvi , Møller Morten Hylander
Published: December 2020

The Scandinavian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine Clinical practice Committee endorses the BMJ Rapid Recommendation Gastrointestinal bleeding prophylaxis for critically ill patients—a clinical practice guideline. The guideline serves as a useful decision aid for clinicians caring for critically ill patients, and can be used together with clinical experience to decide whether a specific critically ill patient may benefit from gastrointestinal bleeding prophylaxis.
Risk factors for emergence agitation in adults after general anesthesia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wei Bing , Feng Yan , Chen Wenjuan , Ren Dapeng , Xiao Daishun , Chen Bing
Published: December 2020

Background

Emergence agitation (EA) is an adverse post‐operative complication that increases the risk for injury, self‐extubation, hemorrhages, and prolonged hospitalization. This meta‐analysis aims to define the risk factors for adult EA after general anesthesia and provide recommendations for clinical practice.

Methods

Embase, PubMed, Medline, and the Cochrane Library databases were comprehensive retrieved. Observational studies that reported the risk factors for adult EA were enrolled. Review Manager 5.4 was used to analyze the extracted data.

Results

Eighteen observational studies involving 16, 678 adult patients were enrolled in this study. Eighteen pre‐operative and nineteen intraoperative factors with unadjusted data, and five pre‐operative and five intraoperative factors with adjusted data were meta‐analyzed separately. Among them, seven factors (age, male, smoking, history of substance misuse, inhalational anesthesia, urinary catheter, complain of pain, or need analgesic drug use in post‐anesthetic care unit) were the risk factors no matter meta‐analyzed by unadjusted data or adjusted data. Intraoperative use of benzodiazepines was the risk factor when meta‐analyzed by adjusted data, but not unadjusted data. Moreover, age and inhalational anesthesia were not the risk factors when omitted one study for sensitivity analysis, and history of substance misuse could not do sensitivity analysis.

Conclusion

Based on this meta‐analysis, male, smoking, urinary catheter, and post‐operative pain are the risk factors, while age, inhalational anesthesia, history of substance misuse, and intraoperative use of benzodiazepines are the possible risk factors for adult EA.

Editorial Comment

This systematic review and meta‐analysis identify risk factors associated with the occurrence of agitation during emergence from general anesthesia. As might be expected, the strongest factors are generally things which are irritating or painful for patients, but cannot necessarily be avoided.
Diagnostic and therapeutic considerations in biopsy‐proven type 2 autoimmune pancreatitis: comparative analysis with biopsy‐proven type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis
Authors: Pattabathula Krishna , Waters Peadar S. , Hwang Jason , Bettington Mark , Singh Mahendra , Bryant Richard D. , Cavallucci David J. , O'Rourke Nicholas
Published: December 2020

Background

Autoimmune processes are now an increasingly recognized cause of acute and chronic pancreatitis. Autoimmune pancreatitis is a rare, benign pathology with two distinct clinicopathologic subtypes. The aim of this study was to compare the presentation, diagnostic considerations and outcomes of patients with biopsy‐proven type 1 and 2 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP).

Methods

A retrospective review of the Queensland Health pathology database of histologically proven AIP was conducted. Parameters compared included demographics, diagnostic criterion and post‐treatment outcomes.

Results

Twenty‐three patients had a confirmed histological diagnosis of AIP (type 1 = 13, type 2 = 10). Patients with type 2 AIP were younger (median age 49 versus 59 years, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in gender distribution of disease at presentation. Type 2 AIP presented with significant increased focal pancreatic changes on cross‐sectional imaging (80% versus 54%, P < 0.05). Serum IgG4 levels were raised (>1.40 g/L) in 69% of patients with type 1 AIP and not detected in type 2 (P < 0.01). Concurrent underlying inflammatory bowel disease was present in a higher proportion of type 2 AIP (40% versus 15%, P < 0.05). A significantly increased proportion of patients with type 2 AIP underwent surgical resection (70% versus 30%, P < 0.05). Conservative management was utilized in more patients with type 1 disease (54% versus 30%). On follow‐up, two patients have experienced symptomatic relapse at 6–18 months.

Conclusions

Diagnostic challenges do exist and clinicians must suspect 2 type AIP in young, serum IgG4‐negative inflammatory bowel disease patients with recurrent pancreatitis.
Pilonidal sinus: is histological examination necessary?
Authors: 'Otutaha Bacil , Park Brittany , Xia Weisi , Hill Andrew G.
Published: December 2020

Background

Pilonidal sinus is a common pathology occurring in a number of sites including the gluteal cleft between the buttocks. Surgery is the principal mode of treatment with a variety of techniques proposed to cure the disease and prevent recurrence. The rate of malignant degeneration is estimated at 0.1% in patients with chronic pilonidal disease. A case series study of pilonidal sinus found that most patients with malignancy were over the age of 50 years and had had chronic pilonidal disease for several years. This study aimed to review the value of histological analysis of pilonidal sinus specimens.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted of all patients who have undergone pilonidal sinus excision by the Department of General Surgery at Counties Manukau District Health Board in the past 10 years.

Results

This study reviewed 1324 admissions with a pilonidal disease requiring surgical management. There were 325 pilonidal resections with 320 histological specimens analysed. Pilonidal sinus was detected in 312 specimens, eight others were benign and there were no specimens with malignancy.

Conclusion

No cases of malignancy were found in all pilonidal specimens that were sent for histological review. Routine histological examination of pilonidal sinus specimens appears to be unnecessary; however, it should be considered in patients over the age of 50 years.
Mortality of patients with COVID‐19 who undergo an elective or emergency surgical procedure: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Brown Wendy A. , Moore Eileen M. , Watters David A.
Published: December 2020

Background

There have been several reports that co‐infection with the novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 at the time of surgery increases mortality. The aim of this study was to estimate the effect size of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) on post‐operative mortality by performing a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the literature.

Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the literature was performed. A search was undertaken using electronic bibliographic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed and Cochrane Library to identify eligible studies published from 1 November 2019 until 21 August 2020. Eligible papers for meta‐analysis were those that provided mortality rates following elective and emergency surgery in both COVID‐19 positive and negative patients. Forest plots and estimates of odds of death related to having COVID‐19 were formed using MedCalc version 9.6 software. Funnel plots to assess for publication bias and heterogeneity were formed in Meta‐Essentials.

Results

There were 140 records screened for inclusion. Full texts of 39 articles were reviewed, and 36 articles were included in the qualitative synthesis. There were eight studies eligible for meta‐analysis. There was a total of 193 operations performed on patients with a concurrent COVID‐19 infection and 910 performed on patients who were COVID‐19 negative. The odds ratio for mortality in patients who underwent a surgical procedure while COVID‐19 positive was 7.9 (95% confidence interval: 3.2–19.4).

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis confirms that concurrent COVID‐19 infection increases the risk of surgical mortality. The magnitude of this risk mandates that strategies are developed to mitigate the risk at both an individual and system level.
Splenic abscess in a tertiary care centre in India: clinical characteristics and prognostic factors
Authors: Singh Anupam K. , Karmani Saurabh , Samanta Jayanta , Gupta Pankaj , Gupta Vikas , Yadav Thakur D. , Kumari Savita , Dutta Usha , Sinha Saroj K. , Kochhar Rakesh
Published: December 2020

Background

Splenic abscess has been an uncommon entity which is now being encountered more frequently due to increased prevalence of immunodeficiency disorders and chronic illnesses. This study was aimed to audit our experience with splenic abscesses at a tertiary care centre in India highlighting usefulness of an algorithmic approach.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of data of patients (January 2014 to December 2019) with splenic abscess was done. Data were retrieved for clinical characteristics, radiological findings, organism spectra, abscess characteristics, therapeutic measures and clinical outcome.

Results

The mean age of the study population (n = 36) was 41.3 ± 19.0 years with 50% males. Comorbidities were identified in 17 (47.2%) patients, with diabetes mellitus being the commonest. Fever and abdominal pain were the most common presenting features. Multiple splenic abscesses were present in 21 (58.3%) patients. Extra‐splenic abscesses in liver were seen in five (13.9%) patients while nine (25%) patients had ruptured splenic abscess. Microorganisms were identified in 24 (66.7%) patients, with Salmonella typhi being the commonest (n = 9, 25%) followed by Escherichia coli (n = 7, 19.4%) and Staphylococcus aureus (n = 4, 11.1%). Six patients received only antimicrobials, 24 were managed with percutaneous aspiration or catheter drainage and six required surgery. Five (13.9%) patients died, with highest mortality being seen in those who received only antimicrobial (50%), compared to percutaneous aspiration or catheter drainage (8.3%) and surgery (0%), P = 0.017.

Conclusion

Using percutaneous aspiration or drainage in conjunction with antibiotics, followed by surgery in non‐responder, patients with splenic abscesses can be managed successfully with acceptable mortality.
Does age affect oesophagectomy survival: a cohort study
Authors: Park Jin‐soo , Van der Wall Hans , Kennedy Catherine W. , Falk Gregory L.
Published: December 2020

Background

Curative oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer is associated with considerable potential mortality. Surgeons are increasingly treating older patients presenting with oesophageal cancer as the population ages. The question remains as to the survival in an older population group, many of whom are not fit for combined multimodal therapy. This study aimed to assess the effect of age on overall survival and disease‐free survival in patients undergoing curative oesophagectomy for cancer.

Methods

Patient data were analysed from a prospectively maintained database. Demographic, surgical and survival outcomes were compared between groups according to age less than 75 years or 75 and older.

Results

Oesophagectomy was performed in 351 patients between 1990 and 2019 (283 patients <75 years, 68 patients ≥75 years). There was a higher rate of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the younger group (37.7% versus 7.4%; P < 0.001). The 30‐day mortality between younger and older groups was similar (2.5% and 2.9%; P = 0.827). There was no statistical difference in 5‐year survival rates (50.3% versus 38.6%; P = 0.082) or median survival (22.6 versus 19.3 months; P = 0.053) between groups. There was no statistical difference in 5‐year disease‐free survival (45.1% and 35.7%; P = 0.180).

Conclusion

Overall survival, disease‐free survival and 30‐day mortality rates in patients aged 75 years and older were not statistically different to their younger counterparts. On the basis of these results, older patients should not be precluded from consideration of potentially curative oesophagectomy on age alone, providing surgery may be performed at reasonable risk.
Narrative review of the epidemiology/biology of basal cell carcinoma: a need for public health consensus
Authors: Castrisos George , Lewandowski Richard
Published: December 2020

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin malignancy afflicting modern Australian society. The most influential response to rising BCC incidence rates has been through public health primary prevention campaigns (PPC) which have persevered since the 1980s. These campaigns are widely heralded a success but clinical data quantifying these benefits are limited due to an absence of legislation around BCC reporting. A non‐systematic search of the literature was conducted identifying articles investigating the incidence and clinical characteristics of BCC over the past 40 years, as well as the economic viability of the PPC. There is robust evidence supporting stabilizing rates of BCC incidence in Australia. Similarly, multiple studies have shown the economic benefits of PPC through cost analysis. Anatomical and histological data are reported inconsistently, consequently limiting analysis of changes in BCC clinical characteristics. The consensus throughout the literature is that BCC is a significant public health issue that requires legislative reform. This narrative literature review serves to highlight the need for statutory changes around non‐melanocytic skin cancer data collection to enable appropriate analysis and evaluation of current management strategies.
Day‐only elective cholecystectomy: early experience and barriers to implementation in Australia
Authors: Pham Helen , Chiong Corinna , Sinclair Jane‐Louise , Pang Tony C. Y. , Yuen Lawrence , Lam Vincent W. T. , Pleass Henry C. , Johnston Emma , Richardson Arthur J. , Hollands Michael J.
Published: December 2020

Background

Day‐only laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DOLC) has been shown to be safe and feasible yet has not been widely implemented in Australia. This study explores the introduction of routine DOLC to Westmead Hospital, and highlights the barriers to its implementation.

Methods

Routine day‐only cholecystectomy protocol was introduced at Westmead Hospital in 2014. A retrospective review of patients who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy during a 12‐month period in 2014 was compared to a 12‐month period in 2018, to examine the changes in practice after implementation of a unit protocol. Data were collected on patient demographics, admission category, outcomes and re‐presentations.

Results

A total of 282 patients were included in the study, of these 169 were booked as day procedures, with 124 (73%) successfully discharged on the same day. There was a significant increase in the proportion of patients booked as day‐only from 2014 to 2018 (48% versus 73%, P < 0.001). Day‐only failure rates (unplanned overnight admissions), readmissions and complication rates were comparable between the two periods. The most common reason for unplanned overnight admissions were due to intraoperative findings (n = 28/45).

Conclusion

Routine DOLC can be adopted in Australian hospitals without compromise to patient safety. Unplanned overnight admission is predominantly due to unexpected surgical pathology and can be reduced by protocols for the use of drains and planned outpatient endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Unplanned outpatient review can be minimized by optimizing both intra‐ and post‐operative pain management. Individual surgeon and anaesthetist preferences remain an obstacle to a standardized protocol in the Australian setting.
A tool for assessing the comprehensiveness of outcome reporting within clinical trials in pregnancy
Authors: Lim Justin W. J. , Lor Kar Y. , D'Souza Rohan
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Clinical trials provide fundamental evidence used to inform healthcare decisions at patient‐ and population levels and it is thus important that trials consider outcomes relevant to both patients and stakeholders. Although validated tools assessing other aspects of trial integrity exist, there is no tool for assessing the breadth and completeness of outcomes measured. Our objective was to develop a comprehensiveness of outcome reporting (COR) tool to assess this within trials in pregnancy.

Material and methods

We developed a tool that aids in visualizing outcome reporting through the automatic generation of a heatmap, enabling assessment of the range of maternal and fetal/neonatal outcomes included in clinical trials. Outcome reporting and measurement of each study is compared to a context‐specific, user‐determined, ideal standard set of outcomes, created by initially considering all domains within five core outcome areas. These include mortality, morbidity, functioning/life‐impact, resource‐use, and adverse events, as identified by the most recent taxonomy for outcomes in medical research. We tested the tool’s functionality using trials previously identified as studies on obesity in pregnant patients, and further compared the utility of the COR Tool against Cochrane’s Risk of Bias 2.0 Tool using correlational analysis.

Results

The pilot heatmap using clinical trials studying obesity in pregnancy (n = 15), illustrated a lack of comprehensiveness of reported outcomes in the majority of studies. Included trials were found to readily report physiological/clinical outcome but consistently neglected outcome areas related to functioning, delivery of care, resource‐use, and adverse events. Outcome areas reported and measured were done so with largely varying degrees of quality. When the COR Tool was compared with Cochrane’s RoB 2.0 Tool on a scatter plot, only a weak correlation was found (R = 0.2936, R2 = 0.0862)

Conclusions

The COR Tool will promote transparency in clarifying what outcomes a trial’s conclusions are based on, encourage trialists to consider outcomes related to all aspects of maternal and fetal/neonatal health, and support reviewers in appraising outcome reporting and measurement in the assessment of trial integrity. Used in tandem with RoB tools and core outcome sets, we hope the COR Tool will meaningfully contribute to improving maternal‐infant health.
Clinical correlates and outcomes associated with pregabalin use among people prescribed opioids for chronic non‐cancer pain: A five‐year prospective cohort study
Authors: Nielsen Suzanne , Gisev Natasa , Leung Janni , Clare Philip , Bruno Raimondo , Lintzeris Nicholas , Larance Briony , Blyth Fiona , Hall Wayne , Cohen Milton , Degenhardt Louisa , Farrell Michael , Campbell Gabrielle
Published: December 2020

Aims

Pregabalin has become widely used as an alternative to opioids in treating certain types of chronic non‐cancer pain, but few studies have examined its clinical efficacy outside trials. We address this gap by examining the utilization, correlates and clinical outcomes of pregabalin use among an Australian community‐based cohort of people prescribed opioids for chronic non‐cancer pain.

Methods

Through a five‐year prospective cohort study (n = 1514) we examined associations between pregabalin use and pain severity and interference, mental health, opioid dose and past month use of ambulance and emergency department services. We used fixed‐effects regression models to examine within‐participant differences, and random‐effects regression models to examine within‐ and between‐participant differences in clinical outcomes.

Results

In an analysis of cases with complete data over five‐years (n = 896), the prevalence of pregabalin use ranged from 16% at cohort entry to 29% at 36‐ and 48‐months, and 46% reported pregabalin use at any time during the five years. Pregabalin use was associated with greater pain severity and interference and greater use of high‐risk opioid doses (>90 oral morphine equivalents/day). Pregabalin use was not associated with changes in mental health symptoms, ambulance or emergency department attendance in the fixed or random effects models.

Conclusions

Pregabalin use was common, but for most people use was not associated with clinically meaningful improvements in pain or functioning.
Implicit theories of self‐regulated learning: Interplay with students’ achievement goals, learning strategies, and metacognition
Authors: Hertel Silke , Karlen Yves
Published: December 2020

Background

Implicit theories are important belief systems that influence an individual’s motivation and behaviour. In academic contexts, domain‐general implicit theories of ability (e.g., intelligence) and their relation to self‐regulated learning (SRL) have been examined.

Aims

In this study, we followed a domain‐specific approach and first introduced scales to assess students’ implicit theories of the malleability and of the relevance of SRL. Second, we investigated how implicit theories of SRL are related to students’ SRL. Third, we examined the relationship of implicit theories of SRL with students’ demographics and personality traits.

Sample

Participants were students from a medium‐sized university in Germany (N = 254) aged M = 23.85 years.

Methods

Data on students’ demographics and personality traits, implicit theories of intelligence (INT), achievement goals, and learning strategies were collected with well‐established measures. In addition, students’ implicit theories of SRL and their declarative metacognitive knowledge about SRL were assessed with measures developed within this study. Confirmatory factor analyses and regression analyses were performed.

Results

The two postulated dimensions of implicit theories of SRL were supported. As expected, implicit theories of SRL were more strongly related to students’ achievement goals, learning strategies, and metacognitive knowledge than implicit theories of INT. Moreover, implicit theories of SRL were mostly unrelated to students’ demographics and personality traits.

Conclusion

The results emphasize that domain‐specific implicit theories of SRL contribute substantially to the explanation of students’ SRL. Thus, further research on SRL should consider domain‐specific implicit theories of SRL in addition to implicit theories of INT.
Organised Crime Governance in Times of Pandemic: The Impact of COVID‐19 on Gangs and Drug Cartels in Colombia and Mexico
Authors: Gomez Camilo Tamayo
Published: December 2020

The COVID‐19 crisis provides a window of opportunity for organised crime organisations in Colombia and Mexico to exert social control in local communities through actions of solidarity and care rather than traditional violent coercion. This new dynamic is increasing the legitimacy, power and social capital of gangs and drug cartels, helping them to co‐opt civil society and the state to support their criminal operations. The pandemic also shows how poverty and inequality remain fundamental in shaping the building of the nation‐state in both countries, where criminals act as a de facto state even without the virus and, in many areas, effectively replace the state. The coronavirus is making visible the ways in which organised crime groups cultivate civil society's support in delivering the provision of governance, order and public health in a time of lockdown and quarantine, making local ‘narco‐gang’ governance profitable economically and politically.
Narrating a Global Crisis from Guayaquil in Real Time: Early Literary Responses to the COVID‐19 Outbreak in Latin America
Authors: Medina Cordova Luis A
Published: December 2020

This article identifies and provides initial insight into the early literary responses to the COVID‐19 outbreak in Latin America. It focuses on the case of Guayaquil, the epicentre of the pandemic in Ecuador, to examine how writers responded to the health emergency in real time by using online platforms. I argue that, while the virus was spreading, the death toll was rising, and the lockdown was at its most severe, a body of writing deeply engaged with the crisis was taking shape in digital outlets. Its study enables a uniquely contextual understanding of the global crisis from a Latin American perspective.
The Legacies of ‘Race’ Science, Anti‐Chinese Racism, and COVID‐19 in Mexico
Authors: Sanchez‐Rivera Rachell
Published: December 2020

In Mexico, links have been made between the COVID‐19 pandemic and China that point to the continuing deprecation of the Chinese and the perpetuation of anti‐Chinese logics reflecting the legacies of ‘race’ science. This short article argues that these dynamics reflect a systemic and collective anti‐Chinese sentiment that stems from Mexican eugenics and the modern conceptions of mestizaje. The purpose of this piece is to observe how discourses of ‘race’ link with the COVID‐19 pandemic in order to explore how these ostensibly natural occurrences exacerbate pre‐existing social inequalities.
The Causes of Disease Impact Denialism in Nicaragua's Response to COVID‐19
Authors: Buben Radek , Kouba Karel
Published: December 2020

The response of the Nicaraguan government to the COVID‐19 emergency is an extreme case of disease denialism. Such denialism is a major threat to public health, so understanding the sources of this attitude is paramount. Three explanations are offered: (a) the autonomous logic of a polarised political conflict; (b) an explanation based on an economic rationale; and (c) the regime's mystical and religiously‐inspired discourse. The denialist response of the government is inexplicable without referring to the characteristics of the political regime, its political discourse and its recent developmental trajectories since the massive 2018 protests and the ensuing political conflict.
COVID‐19 and Historical Global Rupture in Latin America
Authors: Buchanan Jordan
Published: December 2020

This article contrasts two significant ruptures in globalisation. World War I in 1914 was a significant break from the Latin American export‐oriented development that was firmly connected to economic globalisation. This article uses the Argentine case study to reveal the ramifications of the post‐1914 global breakdown for the republic's internationally dependent development. It draws comparisons with the current COVID‐19 crisis as a significant departure from rapid globalisation. Both events altered the trajectory of international activity. Analysis of the 1914 rupture exposes the parallels with COVID‐19 and its potential severity for Latin America's internationally connected development.
Structural and Contingent Inequalities: The Impact of COVID‐19 on Migrant and Refugee Populations in South America
Authors: Zapata Gisela P. , Prieto Rosas Victoria
Published: December 2020

In a comparative assessment of the pre‐pandemic living conditions of migrants and refugees in six South American countries, we analyse the structural and contingent challenges imposed by the COVID‐19 pandemic on these populations. We argue that they are particularly exposed to the harmful effects of the pandemic, given their segmented incorporation into labour markets and their limited and fragmented access to and exercise of health, housing, and other social rights. The evidence points to a significant deterioration in their livelihoods and social inclusion, and potential profound changes in (im)mobility regimes caused by pandemic‐induced restrictive measures.
Inhibition of heat shock protein 90 destabilizes receptor tyrosine kinase ROR1 in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Khaledian Behnoush , Taguchi Ayumu , Shin‐ya Kazuo , Kondo‐Ida Lisa , Kagaya Noritaka , Suzuki Motoshi , Kajino Taisuke , Yamaguchi Tomoya , Shimada Yukako , Takahashi Takashi
Published: December 2020

We have previously identified receptor tyrosine kinase‐like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1) as a direct transcriptional target of TTF‐1/NKX2‐1, a lineage‐survival oncogene in lung adenocarcinoma. ROR1 sustains prosurvival signaling from multiple receptor tyrosine kinases including epidermal growth factor receptor, MET, and insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor in part by maintaining the caveolae structure as a scaffold protein of cavin‐1 and caveolin‐1. In this study, a high throughput screening of the natural product library containing 2560 compounds was undertaken using a cell‐based FluoPPI assay detecting ROR1‐cavin‐1 interaction. As a result, geldanamycin (GA), a known inhibitor of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), was identified as a potential inhibitor of ROR1. Geldanamycin, as well as two GA derivatives tested in the clinic, 17‐allylamino‐17‐demethoxygeldanamycin (17‐AAG) and 17‐dimethylaminoethylamino‐17‐demethoxygeldanamycin (17‐DMAG), decreased ROR1 protein expression. We found that ROR1 physically interacted with HSP90α, but not with other HSP90 paralogs, HSP90β or GRP94. Geldanamycin in turn destabilized and degraded ROR1 protein in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner through the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway, resulting in a significant suppression of cell proliferation in lung adenocarcinoma cell lines, for which the kinase domain of ROR1, but not its kinase activity or N‐glycosylation, was required. Our findings indicate that HSP90 is required to sustain expression of ROR1 crucial for lung adenosarcoma survival, suggesting that inhibition of HSP90 could be a promising therapeutic strategy in ROR1‐positive lung adenocarcinoma.
Socioeconomic status and oral health‐related quality of life: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Knorst Jessica K. , Sfreddo Camila S. , de F. Meira Gabriela , Zanatta Fabrício B. , Vettore Mario V. , Ardenghi Thiago M.
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To systematically review observational studies assessing the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children, adolescents and adults.

Methods

Electronic searches were performed in the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, LILACS and Scopus databases for articles published up to September 2020. Two independent reviewers performed the search and critical appraisal of the studies. The inclusion criteria were observational studies that evaluated the effect of SES on the OHRQoL in all age groups using validated methods. Quality assessment was conducted using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. Data were extracted for meta‐analysis followed by a meta‐regression analysis. A random‐effects model was used to estimate the pooled calculate prevalence ratio (PR) and respective 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each study.

Results

The search strategy retrieved 6114 publications. Some 139 articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review. Of those, 75 were included in the general meta‐analysis they represented a total sample of 109 269 individuals. People of lower SES had worse OHRQoL (PR 1.30; 95% CI 1.26‐1.35). In the meta‐analyses of different subgroups, an association was found between low SES and worse OHRQoL in countries of all economic classifications, in all age groups and irrespective of the socioeconomic indicator used. A socioeconomic gradient in OHRQoL was also observed, in which the lower the individuals' socioeconomic position, the poorer their OHRQoL.

Conclusions

Individuals of low SES had poorer OHRQoL, regardless of the country's economic classification, SES indicator and age group. Public policies aiming to reduce social inequalities are necessary for better OHRQoL throughout life.
A rare disease and education: Neurofibromatosis type 1 decreases educational attainment
Authors: Johansson Edvard , Kallionpää Roope A. , Böckerman Petri , Peltonen Juha , Peltonen Sirkku
Published: December 2020

Rare heritable syndromes may affect educational attainment. Here, we study education in neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) that is associated with multifaceted medical, social and cognitive consequences. Educational attainment in the Finnish population‐based cohort of 1408 individuals with verified NF1 was compared with matched controls using Cox proportional hazards model with delayed entry and competing risk for death. Moreover, models accounting for the effects of cancer at age 15–30 years, parental NF1 and developmental disorders were constructed. Overall, the attainment of secondary education was reduced in individuals with NF1 compared to controls (hazard ratio 0.83, 95%CI 0.74–0.92). History of cancer and developmental disorders were major predictors of lack of secondary education. Individuals with NF1 obtained vocational secondary education more often than general upper secondary education. Consequently, NF1 decreased the attainment of Bachelor's and Master's degrees by 46%–49% and 64%–74%, respectively. Surprisingly, the non‐NF1 siblings of individuals with NF1 also had lower educational attainment than controls, irrespective of parental NF1. In conclusion, NF1 is associated with reduced educational attainment and tendency for affected individuals to obtain vocational instead of academic education. Individuals living with NF1, especially those with cancer, developmental disorders or familial NF1, need effective student counseling and learning assistance.
Colorimetric sensing of acidic vapour through protonation of a Meisenheimer complex
Authors: Das Tanmay , Mohar Mrittika
Published: December 2020

In the current work, we investigate the mechanism of protonation of a Meisenheimer complex derived from picric acid and N,N′‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide to provide the correct structure of the protonated Meisenheimer complex with the proper mechanism. A substituted picramide derivative has also been synthesised and characterised using various spectroscopic techniques to rule out the previously suggested protonated Meisenheimer complexes and support our proposed protonated structure. Various other investigations, including the interactions of the Meisenheimer complex with bulky electrophile Lawesson's reagent and bulky Lewis acid Eu(fod)3, were also carried out to support the mechanism of protonation. Various bulky bases as well as bases of different strengths were treated with the protonated Meisenheimer complex to support our proposed structure. Based on the protonation of the Meisenheimer complex, a general colorimetric volatile acid sensor has been designed, where a distinct colour change from orange to colourless was found to take place after protonation. The sensor can detect volatile acids both in the solid and in the solution state. The sensor was also applied to detect hydrogen chloride vapour in an automated manner using a smartphone, where information regarding the leakage position can be obtained through wireless communication. The detection limit of hydrogen chloride vapour was found to be 43.5 ppm.
Comparison of two strategies based on mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors in secondary prevention of non‐melanoma skin cancer after kidney transplantation, a pilot study
Authors: Préterre Julie , Visentin Jonathan , Saint Cricq Morgane , Kaminski Hannah , Del Bello Arnaud , Prezelin‐Reydit Mathilde , Merville Pierre , Kamar Nassim , Couzi Lionel
Published: December 2020

After kidney transplantation, withdrawal of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) and conversion to sirolimus (SRL) may reduce the occurrence of new non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Conversely, a reduced CNI exposure with everolimus (EVR) is an alternative strategy that has not been thoroughly evaluated. We retrospectively compared the occurrence of newly diagnosed NMSCs in two cohorts of kidney transplant recipients (KTR) with at least one NMSC: 35 patients were converted to EVR with reduced CNI exposure (CNI/EVR group), whereas 46 patients were converted to SRL in association with mycophenolic acid (MPA) (SRL/MPA group). Two years after conversion, survival free of new NMSC was similar between the two cohorts (p = .37), with 19 KTR (54.3%) in the CNI/EVR group and 22 (47.8%) in the SRL/MPA group being diagnosed of at least one new NMSC. Half of the KTR from both groups showed adverse events, leading to mTORi discontinuation for 37.1% of KTR in the CNI/EVR group and 21.7% in the SRL/MPA group (p = .09). The incidence of rejections was similar between the two groups. In a retrospective cohort of KTR with at least one post‐transplant NMSC, the outcome of the patients converted to a CNI/EVR regimen was not different from those converted to a SRL/MPA regimen.
The COVID‐19 pandemic and dental residency training in Nigeria
Authors: Isiekwe Ikenna Gerald , Umeizudike Kehinde Adesola , Daramola Opeyemi O. , Akeredolu Mosopefoluwa O. , Leo‐Olagbaye Afesobi Afunbiokin
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The COVID‐19 pandemic has had wide‐ranging effects on dental practice across the world. In particular, if has also affected the training of dental residents, who are specialists in training. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, perception and attitude of dental residents in Nigeria to the pandemic and its perceived impact on the dental residency training programme across the country.

Materials and Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study of dental residents in teaching hospitals across Nigeria. Self‐administered questionnaires were distributed to consenting participants through an online data collection platform (Google forms), between April and June 2020. Data were collected on sociodemographics, knowledge and awareness of coronavirus as well as impact of the pandemic. Data analysis was carried out with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Level of significance was set at p‐value < .05.

Results

A total of 104 dental residents participated in the study from ten residency training institutions in the country with a mean age of 35.65 ± 4.8 years. Almost all 98 (94.2%) of the residents showed a good knowledge of COVID 19. About two‐thirds, 72 (69.2%) of the participants were mostly worried about COVID‐19 affecting their residency training program 72 (69.2%), with their greatest source of worry being the risk of contracting the virus in the dental clinic.

Conclusion

The dental residents had a very good knowledge of the epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of COVID‐19 and majority of them felt that it would affect their training residency programme.
Infeasibility as a normative argument‐stopper: The case of open borders
Authors: Southwood Nicholas , Goodin Robert E.
Published: December 2020

The open borders view is frequently dismissed for making infeasible demands. This is a potent strategy. Unlike normative arguments regarding open borders, which tend to be relatively intractable, the charge of infeasibility is supposed to operate as what we call a “normative argument‐stopper.” Nonetheless, we argue that the strategy fails. Bringing about open borders is perfectly feasible on the most plausible account of feasibility. We consider and reject what we take to be the only three credible ways to save the charge of infeasibility: by proposing an alternative account of feasibility; by proposing an alternative, more circumscribed interpretation of the subject‐matter of feasibility claims; and by proposing a more expansive account of the addressees of the demand for open borders. The first fails to vindicate the claim that infeasibility is a normative argument‐stopper. The second does not provide an argument against open borders at all. The third underestimates the power of at least some non‐state actors. We conclude by drawing some lessons for the open borders view and the use of feasibility in politics more generally.
Signs of spatial neglect in unilateral peripheral vestibulopathy
Authors: Saj Arnaud , Bachelard‐Serra Mathilde , Lavieille Jean‐Pierre , Honoré Jacques , Borel Liliane
Published: December 2020

Background and purpose

In this study, the question of whether egocentric representation of space is impaired in chronic unilateral vestibulopathies was examined. The objective was to test current theories attributing a predominant role to vestibular afferents in spatial cognition and to assess whether representational neglect signs are common in peripheral vestibular loss.

Methods

The subjective straight‐ahead (SSA) direction was investigated using a horizontal rod allowing the translation and rotation components of the body midline representation to be dissociated in 21 patients with unilateral vestibular loss (right, 13; left, eight) and in 12 healthy controls.

Results

Compared to the controls, the patients with unilateral vestibulopathy showed a translation bias of their SSA, without rotation bias. The translation bias was not lateralized towards the lesioned side as typically found for biases reported after unilateral vestibular loss. Rather, the SSA bias was rightward whatever the side of the vestibular loss. The translation bias correlated with the vestibular loss, as measured by caloric response and vestibulo‐ocular reflex gain, but not with the subjective visual vertical or the residual spontaneous nystagmus.

Conclusion

The present data suggest that the dysfunctions of neural networks involved in egocentred and allocentred representations of space are differentially compensated for in unilateral vestibular defective patients. In particular, they suggest that asymmetrical vestibular inputs to cortical regions lead to representational spatial disturbances as does defective cortical processing of vestibular inputs in spatial neglect after right hemisphere stroke. They also highlight the predominant role of symmetrical and unaltered vestibular inputs in spatial cognition.