bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Undescended retropharyngeal parathyroid adenoma with adjacent thymic tissue in a 13-year-old boy with primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Kordahi Anthony M , Newfield Ron S , Bickler Stephen W , Mo Jun Q , Khanna Paritosh C , Bykowski Julie , Bouvet Michael
Published: December 2019

We describe a rare presentation of a symptomatic parathyroid adenoma located in an ectopic retropharyngeal position in a 13-year-old boy. Preoperative CT scan and MRI demonstrated the ectopic location of the parathyroid adenoma. The patient underwent successful parathyroidectomy with cure of his hyperparathyroidism. On pathologic exam, the specimen was made up of a parathyroid adenoma and adjacent thymic tissue, indicating that it was likely an undescended lower parathyroid gland arising from the third pharyngeal pouch. Ectopic retropharyngeal parathyroid adenomas are very rare and to our knowledge, none have been previously described in adolescents.
A case report of a rare omental extramedullary hematopoiesis in an adult: ‘an idiopathic finding’
Authors: Haykal Tarek , Yelangi Anitha , Pandit Trailokya , Bachuwa Ghassan , Azher Qazi
Published: December 2019

This is a case of a 62-year-old female, known to have multiple medical problems, who presented to her primary care physician with an intermittent abdominal pain and discomfort for a few months. The initial work-up showed mild leucocytosis and a small mass in the omentum. Given that the most concerning differential diagnosis was malignancy, the patient was referred to oncology, where biopsy of the mass showed omentum extramedullary hematopoiesis. The differential diagnosis was wide; however, a repeat computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis did show persistence of the omental mass. After ruling out any possible causes, including myelofibrosis, with a normal bone marrow, her extramedullary hematopoiesis was deemed of unknown origin and with no clear explanation. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with a rare adult idiopathic omental extramedullary hematopoiesis that was stable over time.
Network Analysis Indicates That Avolition Is the Most Central Domain for the Successful Treatment of Negative Symptoms: Evidence From the Roluperidone Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Strauss Gregory P , Zamani Esfahlani Farnaz , Sayama Hiroki , Kirkpatrick Brian , Opler Mark G , Saoud Jay B , Davidson Michael , Luthringer Remy
Published: December 2019

A recent conceptual development in schizophrenia is to view its manifestations as interactive networks rather than individual symptoms. Negative symptoms, which are associated with poor functional outcome and reduced rates of recovery, represent a critical need in schizophrenia therapeutics. MIN101 (roluperidone), a compound in development, demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of negative symptoms in schizophrenia. However, it is unclear how the drug achieved its effect from a network perspective. The current study evaluated the efficacy of roluperidone from a network perspective. In this randomized clinical trial, participants with schizophrenia and moderate to severe negative symptoms were randomly assigned to roluperidone 32 mg (n = 78), 64 mg (n = 83), or placebo (N = 83). Macroscopic network properties were evaluated to determine whether roluperidone altered the overall density of the interconnections among symptoms. Microscopic properties were evaluated to examine which individual symptoms were most influential (ie, interconnected) on other symptoms in the network and are responsible for successful treatment effects. Participants receiving roluperidone did not differ from those randomized to placebo on macroscopic properties. However, microscopic properties (degree and closeness centrality) indicated that avolition was highly central in patients receiving placebo and that roluperidone reduced this level of centrality. These findings suggest that decoupling the influence of motivational processes from other negative symptom domains is essential for producing global improvements. The search for pathophysiological mechanisms and targeted treatment development should be focused on avolition, with the expectation of improvement in the entire constellation of negative symptoms if avolition is effectively treated.
Occupational exposures and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Walters Gareth I.
Published: December 2019

Purpose of review

A recent meta-analysis of data from international case–control studies reports a population attributable fraction of 16% for occupational factors in the cause of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Smoking, genetic factors and other prevalent diseases only partly explain IPF, and so this review aims to summarize recent progress in establishing which occupational exposures are important in cause.

Recent findings

IPF is a rare disease, although it is the commonest idiopathic interstitial pneumonia. Epidemiological study suggests that incidence of IPF is increasing, particularly in older men. There are significant associations with IPF and occupational exposures to organic dust, including livestock, birds and animal feed, metal dust, wood dust and silica/minerals. Estimates of effect vary between studies, and are influenced by the distribution of employment, study design and case definition. Inhalation of asbestos fibres is a known cause of usual interstitial pneumonia (as seen histologically in IPF), though there are significant linear relationships between asbestos consumption, and mortality from both IPF and mesothelioma, leading to the hypothesis that low-level asbestos exposure may cause IPF.

Research must focus on exposure–response relationships between asbestos and other occupational inhaled hazards, and IPF. Funding bodies and policy makers should acknowledge the significant occupational burden on IPF.
An Integrative Review of Clinical Characteristics of Infants With Diaper Dermatitis
Authors: Esser Media S. , Johnson Teresa S.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Diaper dermatitis (DD) severity is demonstrated by the degree of erythema and skin breakdown. Many studies describe diaper dermatitis, but lack a full description of clinical characteristic (CC) involvement.

Purpose:

The purpose of this literature review is to explore the descriptions of CC of infants with DD provided within infant DD literature.

Search Strategy:

PubMed and Web of Science were searched using the keywords: diaper dermatitis, diaper rash, infant, and neonate. The inclusion criteria for this project are as follows: published after 1990, English language, include skin assessment or evaluation, and infant/children < two years of age. Review and opinion articles were excluded.

Results:

A total of 454 studies were retrieved, 27 remained after review for duplicates and relevance. The CC described most often were: type of feeds, stool frequency, history of DD, use of antibiotics, and delivery mode.

Synthesis of Evidence:

The studies reported inconsistent CC and a lack of correlation between these characteristics and the condition of diapered skin. Many studies focused solely on the efficacy of interventions lacking description of possible relationships between DD and CC.

Implications for Practice:

Skin condition outcome variables can be improved with the acknowledgment of the impact CC have on the development of DD. The combination of assessment measures and CC may ultimately demonstrate more merit or rigor for describing DD severity and skin condition.

Implications for Research:

Future research should expand this exploration to include environmental or contributing factors to continue to identify additional risk factors for DD.
Predictors of Parental Presence in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Head Zauche Lauren , Zauche Michael S. , Dunlop Anne L. , Williams Bryan L.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Parental presence in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) may affect preterm infants' developmental outcomes. However, few studies have described predictors of parental presence in the NICU.

Purpose:

To identify sociodemographic, clinical, environmental, and maternal psychological factors that predict parent presence in the NICU.

Methods:

Using a prospective cohort design, 66 preterm infants between 32 and 40 weeks' corrected gestational age were recruited at 2 level III NICUs in the United States. Data for length of parental presence were collected for 48 consecutive hours from daily visitation logs and medical records. A general linear model was estimated to identify significant predictors of parental presence.

Results:

Parental presence varied considerably, with a mean percentage of visitation time of 32.40%. The number of children at home (P = .003), presence of neurological comorbidity (P < .001), room type (P < .001), surgical history (P < .001), and perceived stressfulness of the NICU (P = .03) each had large main effects on parental presence, and room type and surgical history (P = .004) had a large interaction effect on parental presence. These predictors accounted for 65.8% of the variance in parental presence.

Implications for Research:

Future research aimed at understanding predictors of parent presence is essential for developing interventions and designing NICUs that support parental presence.

Implications for Practice:

Understanding factors that contribute to parental presence may help healthcare providers identify infants at risk for low parental presence and thus be able to provide greater support to these infants and their families. As a result, this may help improve outcomes and attachment.
The Phenomenon of Trombley-Brennan Terminal Tissue Injury in a Neonate
Authors: Jacob Ani , Grabher Deborah
Published: December 2019

Background:

Trombley-Brennan terminal tissue injury (TB-TTI), also known as skin failure, was first identified in 2009 among critically ill adults receiving palliative care. Identification of this skin injury can be misinterpreted as a pressure ulcer. However, this phenomenon is now accepted as an early sign of impending death among critically ill adults.

Clinical Findings:

This case study describes TB-TTI in a terminally ill infant in a neonatal intensive care unit evidenced by intact, 2-cm oval skin discoloration on the lateral side of both knees with rapid progression in size.

Primary Diagnosis:

TB-TTI was identified on the day of death in an infant with a primary diagnosis of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy born at 32 weeks' gestation.

Interventions:

The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) team mobilized the NICU advanced care team, institution's ethical council, and “Team Lavender” to provide infant comfort measures and emotional support to the family and care givers.

Outcomes:

Infant death occurred 8 hours after TB-TTI was identified.

Practice recommendations:

To our knowledge, this case study of TB-TTI in a terminally ill neonate in the NICU has not been previously described in the neonatal or pediatric population. Early recognition of the phenomenon can enable the healthcare team to provide timely emotional, spiritual, and psychosocial support to the family and allow time to “be present” with the infant at “end of life.” Future work should explore additional signs of TB-TTI and the occurrence rate.
Vicarious Posttraumatic Growth in NICU Nurses
Authors: Beck Cheryl Tatano , Casavant Sharon
Published: December 2019

Background:

When posttraumatic growth occurs in clinicians as a result of their caring for patients and families who are traumatized, it is termed vicarious posttraumatic growth.

Purpose:

(1) To determine the level of vicarious posttraumatic growth and the disruption of core beliefs in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses who have cared for critically ill infants and their families. (2) To explore those quantitative findings through nurses' qualitative descriptions of their growth.

Methods:

A mixed method with a convergent parallel design was used to address the study aims. A targeted sample of neonatal nurses was recruited from the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) through the MyNANN Community message board. The sample consisted of 109 NICU nurses who completed the quantitative strand and 61 (55%) who completed the qualitative strand. Nurses completed the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, the Core Beliefs Inventory, and described their experiences of any positive changes in their beliefs or life as a result of caring for critically ill infants. IBM SPSS 25.0 and Krippendorff's content analysis were used to analyze the quantitative and qualitative data, respectively.

Results:

NICU nurses reported a moderate degree of vicarious posttraumatic growth and disruption of their assumptive world. Appreciation of Life was the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory dimension that reflected the highest growth and Spiritual Change the lowest.

Implications for Practice:

Providing posttraumatic growth interventions has the potential to help NICU nurses find meaning through their experience.

Implications for Research:

Future surveys need to include a higher response rate to generalize the findings. A video abstract is available.

Video Abstract available at:
https://journals.na.lww.com/advancesinneonatalcare/Pages/videogallery.aspx?autoPlay=false&videoId=36
The metabolic signature of T cells in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Weyand Cornelia M. , Wu Bowen , Goronzy Jörg J.
Published: December 2019

Purpose of review

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prototypic autoimmune disease manifesting as chronic inflammation of the synovium and leading to acceleration of cardiovascular disease and shortening of life expectancy. The basic defect causing autoimmunity has remained elusive, but recent insights have challenged the notion that autoantigen is the core driver.

Recent findings

Emerging data have added metabolic cues involved in the proper maintenance and activation of immune cells as pathogenic regulators. Specifically, studies have unveiled metabolic pathways that enforce T cell fate decisions promoting tissue inflammation; including T cell tissue invasiveness, T cell cytokine release, T cell-dependent macrophage activation and inflammatory T cell death. At the center of the metabolic abnormalities lies the mitochondria, which is consistently underperforming in RA T cells. The mitochondrial defect results at least partially from insufficient DNA repair and leads to lipid droplet accumulation, formation of invasive membrane ruffles, inflammasome activation and pyroptotic T cell death.

T cells in patients with RA, even naïve T cells never having been involved in inflammatory lesions, have a unique metabolic signature and the changes in intracellular metabolites drive pathogenic T cell behavior. Recognizing the role of metabolic signals in cell fate decisions opens the possibility for immunomodulation long before the end stage synovial inflammation encountered in clinical practice.
Metabolic pathways mediate pathogenesis and offer targets for treatment in rheumatic diseases
Authors: Wyman Brandon , Perl Andras
Published: December 2019

Purpose of review

The cause of autoimmune diseases remains incompletely understood. Here, we highlight recent advances in the role of proinflammatory metabolic pathways in autoimmune disease, including treatment with antioxidants and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors.

Recent findings

Recent studies show that mTOR pathway activation, glucose utilization, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, and antioxidant defenses play critical roles in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, immune thrombocytopenia, Sjögren's syndrome, large vessel vasculitis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. mTOR activity leads to Th1 and Th17 cell proliferation, Treg depletion, plasma cell differentiation, macrophage dysfunction, and increased antibody and immune complex production, ultimately resulting in tissue inflammation. mTOR also affects the function of connective tissue cells, including fibroblast-like synoviocytes, endothelial cells, and podocytes. mTOR inhibition via rapamycin and N-acetylcysteine, and blockade of glucose utilization show clinical efficacy in both mouse models and clinical trials, such as systemic lupus erythematosus.

The mTOR pathway is a central regulator of growth and survival signals, integrating environmental cues to control cell proliferation and differentiation. Activation of mTOR underlies inflammatory lineage specification, and mTOR blockade-based therapies show promising efficacy in several autoimmune diseases.
The role of the gut microbiome in opioid use
Authors: Ren Michelle , Lotfipour Shahrdad
Published: December 2019

Although the gut and brain are separate organs, they communicate with each other via trillions of intestinal bacteria that collectively make up one’s gut microbiome. Findings from both humans and animals support a critical role of gut microbes in regulating brain function, mood, and behavior. Gut bacteria influence neural circuits that are notably affected in addiction-related behaviors. These include circuits involved in stress, reward, and motivation, with substance use influencing gut microbial abnormalities, suggesting significant gut-brain interactions in drug addiction. Given the overwhelming rates of opioid overdose deaths driven by abuse and addiction, it is essential to characterize mechanisms mediating the abuse potential of opioids. We discuss in this review the role of gut microbiota in factors that influence opioid addiction, including incentive salience, reward, tolerance, withdrawal, stress, and compromised executive function. We present clinical and preclinical evidence supporting a bidirectional relationship between gut microbiota and opioid-related behaviors by highlighting the effects of opioid use on gut bacteria, and the effects of gut bacteria on behavioral responses to opioids. Further, we discuss possible mechanisms of this gut-brain communication influencing opioid use. By clarifying the relationship between the gut microbiome and opioid-related behaviors, we improve understanding on mechanisms mediating reward-, motivation-, and stress-related behaviors and disorders, which may contribute to the development of effective, targeted therapeutic interventions in opioid dependence and addiction.
N-acetyltransferase 2 acetylator genotype-dependent N-acetylation of 4-aminobiphenyl in cryopreserved human hepatocytes
Authors: Habil Mariam R. , Doll Mark A. , Hein David W.
Published: December 2019

Arylamine N-acetyltransferases are xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes responsible for detoxification of many drugs and carcinogens. Two N-acetyltransferase proteins (NAT1 and NAT2) are expressed in humans and they both N-acetylate aromatic amine carcinogens such as 4-aminobiphenyl. Arylamines such as 4-aminobiphenyl represent a large class of chemical carcinogens. Exposure to 4-aminobiphenyl occurs in the chemical, dye and rubber industries as well as in hair dyes, paints, and cigarette smoke. NAT2 is subject to a genetic polymorphism resulting in rapid, intermediate and slow acetylator phenotypes. We investigated the role of the NAT2 genetic polymorphisms on the N-acetylation of 4-aminobiphenyl in cryopreserved human hepatocytes in which NAT2 genotype and deduced phenotype were determined. Differences in sulfamethazine (selectively N-acetylated via NAT2) and 4-aminobiphenyl (N-acetylated by both NAT1 and NAT2) N-acetylation rates among rapid, intermediate, and slow NAT2 acetylator genotypes were tested for significance by one-way analysis of variance. In vitro 4-aminobiphenyl N-acetyltransferase activities differed significantly between rapid, intermediate and slow acetylators at 10 µM (P = 0.0102) or 100 µM (P = 0.0028). N-acetylation of 4-aminobiphenyl in situ also differed significantly between human hepatocytes from rapid, intermediate, and slow acetylators at 10 µM (P = 0.0015) and 100 µM (P = 0.0216). A gene dose-response relationship was exhibited as intermediate acetylators catalyzed 4-aminobiphenyl N-acetylation both in vitro and in situ at rates arithmetically between rapid and slow acetylators. In conclusion, N-acetylation of 4-aminobiphenyl is NAT2 genotype-dependent in human hepatocytes. These results suggest refinement of the exposure limit and safety for arylamine carcinogens according to NAT2 genotype.
Breast Reconstruction Utilizing Buried Dermato-cutaneous Skin Flaps and Immediate Adipocyte Transfer: A Minimally Invasive Autologous Breast Reconstruction Technique
Authors: Goldman Boris E. , Capasse Jeanne S. , McGregor Andrew , H. M. Cheng Zandra
Published: December 2019

Background:

Autologous breast reconstruction historically required flaps that were invasive, required prolonged operative times and recoveries, and resulted in varying degrees of donor site morbidity. We present our early results with a minimally invasive completely autologous breast reconstruction technique utilizing buried dermato-cutaneous (DMC) flaps and immediate fat grafting. A 25-patient, 43-breast consecutive case series is presented.

Methods:

Select patients desiring autologous breast reconstruction who had sufficient breast ptosis and fat donor tissue were offered breast reconstruction with buried folded over DMC flaps with adipocyte transfer (DCAT). A Wise pattern mastectomy was performed, and fat was transferred into an inferiorly based, buried and folded DMC flap. Fat was also immediately grafted into the pectoralis, subpectoral space, and below pectoralis and serratus fascia. Most patients underwent additional fat grafting at 3-month intervals to complete the reconstruction.

Results:

Twenty-five consecutive patients (43 breasts) underwent the DCAT procedure with 18 (42%) free nipple grafts. Eight patients (8 breasts) had prior breast radiation, and 2 patients (2 breasts) required postmastectomy radiation. Average fat grafted at initial mastectomy was 70 mL per breast (range 50–103 mL). Nineteen patients (76%) underwent additional outpatient fat grafting. Two additional outpatient fat graft sessions (range 0–3) at 3-month intervals completed the reconstruction. Average fat grafted at the second stage was 217 mL (range 50–320 mL). Average follow-up was 20 months from DCAT and 12 months from last fat graft.

Conclusion:

The DCAT procedure appears to provide a minimally invasive, autologous breast reconstruction alternative in select patients.
Interpositional Arthroplasty Using Mammary Capsule for Finger Joints: A Novel Technique
Authors: Mesa Felipe , López Federico , Mesa Sara
Published: December 2019

Degenerative osteoarthritis frequently affects the hands, altering the movements; surgical therapy includes arthrodesis and arthroplasty. We report the case of a female patient who presented arthrosis in the hands, severe on the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints, initially in her right index finger, and subsequently in the index and middle left fingers. At first, she received treatment in the PIP joint of the right index finger with a silicone implant; later on, she presented fracture of it and required replacement 8 years later. In the PIP joints of index and middle left fingers, treatment was made with interposition arthroplasty by mammary implant capsule. We present the postoperative progression of the silicone versus mammary capsule interposition arthroplasty. It is remarkable that, over time, articular function of the intervened joints with capsular arthroplasty remained stable with good motion, while range of motion in other fingers was reduced as a consequence of osteoarthritis. The frequency of patients presenting simultaneously with mammary capsule contracture and osteoarthritis is low, but this novel technique is nonetheless worthwhile to take into consideration.
RISK OF AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION IN PATIENTS WITH PERIODONTITIS
Authors: Sun Kuo-Ting , Hsia Ning-Yi , Chen Shih-Chueh , Lin Cheng-Li , Chen I-An , Wu I-Ting , Palanisamy Kalaiselvi , Shen Te-Chun , Li Chi-Yuan
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that results in loss of connective tissue and bone support. Evidence shows a possible relationship between periodontitis and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods:

This population-based cohort study was conducted using data from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan, with a 13-year follow-up, to investigate the risk of AMD in patients with periodontitis. The periodontitis cohort included patients with newly diagnosed periodontitis between 2000 and 2012. The nonperiodontitis cohort was frequency-matched with the periodontitis cohort by age and sex, with a sample size of 41,661 in each cohort.

Results:

Patients with periodontitis had an increased risk of developing AMD compared with individuals without periodontitis (5.95 vs. 3.41 per 1,000 person-years, adjusted hazard ratio = 1.58 [95% confidence interval, 1.46–1.70]). The risk of developing AMD remained significant after stratification by age (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.48 [1.34–1.64] for age <65 years and 1.76 [1.57–1.97] for age ≥65 years), sex (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.40 [1.26–1.55] for women and 1.82 [1.63–2.04] for men), and presence of comorbidity (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.52 [1.40–1.66] for with comorbidity and 1.92 [1.63–2.26] for without comorbidity). In addition, patients with periodontitis showed an increased incidence for both nonexudative type AMD (5.43 vs. 3.13 per 1,000 person-years) and exudative type AMD (0.52 vs. 0.28 per 1,000 person-years).

Conclusion:

People with periodontitis could be at a greater risk of developing AMD than those without periodontitis. However, we need more evidence to support this association.
Predictors of elderly mortality after trauma: A novel outcome score
Authors: Morris Rachel S. , Milia David , Glover James , Napolitano Lena M. , Chen Benjamin , Lindemann Elizabeth , Hemmila Mark R. , Stein Deborah , Kummerfeld Erich , Chipman Jeffrey , Tignanelli Christopher J.
Published: December 2019

INTRODUCTION

Elderly trauma patients are at high risk for mortality, even when presenting with minor injuries. Previous prognostic models are poorly used because of their reliance on elements unavailable during the index hospitalization. The purpose of this study was to develop a predictive algorithm to accurately estimate in-hospital mortality using easily available metrics.

METHODS

The National Trauma Databank was used to identify patients 65 years and older. Data were split into derivation (2007–2013) and validation (2014–2015) data sets. There was no overlap between data sets. Factors included age, comorbidities, physiologic parameters, and injury types. A two-tiered scoring system to predict in-hospital mortality was developed: a quick elderly mortality after trauma (qEMAT) score for use at initial patient presentation and a full EMAT (fEMAT) score for use after radiologic evaluation. The final model (stepwise forward selection,p< 0.05) was chosen based on calibration and discrimination analysis. Calibration (Brier score) and discrimination (area under the receiving operating characteristic curve [AuROC]) were evaluated. Because National Trauma Databank did not include blood product transfusion, an element of the Geriatric Trauma Outcome Score (GTOS), a regional trauma registry was used to compare qEMAT versus GTOS. A mobile-based application is currently available for cost-free utilization.

RESULTS

A total of 840,294 patients were included in the derivation data set and 427,358 patients in the validation data set. The fEMAT score (median, 91; S.D., 82–102) included 26 factors, and the qEMAT score included eight factors. The AuROC was 0.86 for fEMAT (Brier, 0.04) and 0.84 for qEMAT. The fEMAT outperformed other trauma mortality prediction models (e.g., Trauma and Injury Severity Score—Penetrating and Trauma and Injury Severity Score—Blunt, age + Injury Severity Score). The qEMAT outperformed the GTOS (AuROC, 0.87 vs. 0.83).

CONCLUSION

The qEMAT and fEMAT accurately estimate the probability of in-hospital mortality and can be easily calculated on admission. This information could aid in deciding transfer to tertiary referral center, patient/family counseling, and palliative care utilization.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Epidemiological Study, level IV.
Does a Useful Test Exist to Properly Evaluate the Pathogenicity of Donor-specific Antibodies? Lessons From a Comprehensive Analysis in a Well-studied Single-center Kidney Transplant Cohort
Authors: Gautier Vargas Gabriela , Olagne Jérome , Parissiadis Anne , Joly Mélanie , Cognard Noelle , Perrin Peggy , Froelich Nadine , Guntz Philippe , Gachet Christian , Moulin Bruno , Caillard Sophie
Published: December 2019

Background.

Donor-specific antibodies (DSA) play a major role in antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) and graft dysfunction. However, the clinical relevance of complement-binding anti-HLA antibodies remains unclear.

Methods.

Here, we analyzed DSA detected in the serum (sDSA) using single antigen bead, C1q, and C3d assays combined with the study of intragraft DSA (gDSA) in 86 patients who had DSA and underwent a kidney biopsy for cause (n = 58) or without evidence of kidney dysfunction (n = 28). DSA characteristics were collected and related to the presence of AMR, graft histological features, and allograft survival.

Results.

Forty-five patients (52%) had C1q+ DSA, and 42 (51%) had C3d+ DSA. Allograft biopsies revealed AMR in 63 cases (73%), regardless of kidney function. gDSA were identified in 74% of biopsies. We observed a strong correlation among single antigen bead mean fluorescence intensity and complement assays positivity, presence of gDSA, and AMR occurrence.

Conclusions.

Complement-binding DSA per se were not significantly associated with allograft survival in the entire study sample. Finally, gDSA predicted subsequent graft loss in patients who showed a stable renal function at the day of biopsy. Our data suggest that DSA mean fluorescence intensity and presence of gDSA might provide prognostic information during posttransplant monitoring.
Recommended Treatment for Antibody-mediated Rejection After Kidney Transplantation: The 2019 Expert Consensus From the Transplantion Society Working Group
Authors: Schinstock Carrie A. , Mannon Roslyn B. , Budde Klemens , Chong Anita S. , Haas Mark , Knechtle Stuart , Lefaucheur Carmen , Montgomery Robert A. , Nickerson Peter , Tullius Stefan G. , Ahn Curie , Askar Medhat , Crespo Marta , Chadban Steven J. , Feng Sandy , Jordan Stanley C. , Man Kwan , Mengel Michael , Morris Randall E. , O’Doherty Inish , Ozdemir Binnaz H. , Seron Daniel , Tambur Anat R. , Tanabe Kazunari , Taupin Jean-Luc , O’Connell Philip J.
Published: December 2019

With the development of modern solid-phase assays to detect anti-HLA antibodies and a more precise histological classification, the diagnosis of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) has become more common and is a major cause of kidney graft loss. Currently, there are no approved therapies and treatment guidelines are based on low-level evidence. The number of prospective randomized trials for the treatment of AMR is small, and the lack of an accepted common standard for care has been an impediment to the development of new therapies. To help alleviate this, The Transplantation Society convened a meeting of international experts to develop a consensus as to what is appropriate treatment for active and chronic active AMR. The aim was to reach a consensus for standard of care treatment against which new therapies could be evaluated. At the meeting, the underlying biology of AMR, the criteria for diagnosis, the clinical phenotypes, and outcomes were discussed. The evidence for different treatments was reviewed, and a consensus for what is acceptable standard of care for the treatment of active and chronic active AMR was presented. While it was agreed that the aims of treatment are to preserve renal function, reduce histological injury, and reduce the titer of donor-specific antibody, there was no conclusive evidence to support any specific therapy. As a result, the treatment recommendations are largely based on expert opinion. It is acknowledged that properly conducted and powered clinical trials of biologically plausible agents are urgently needed to improve patient outcomes.
Why worker-supported collective bargaining may still fail
Authors: Luo Siqi , Yang Tao
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate that some enterprise unions in South China, as strategic labor actors, made local progress in collective bargaining, but further elaborates on why gainful bargaining would require a more systematic understanding of the prevailing industrial structure.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is mainly drawn from intensive site visits and 51 in-depth interviews in 2013 and 2014, and several follow-ups up to 2018. Three cases of collective bargaining, featuring different union strategies of assertive negotiation, informal cooperation and direct confrontation, are discussed in detail.

Findings

The study illustrates that viable collective bargaining with worker-supported unions is possible in China. However, the effectiveness of bargaining does not count on this alone; the supply chain structure also imposes significant constraints, mainly by narrowing the bargaining scope of each supplier and differentiating the structural power of their unions. In these cases, institutionalized union coordination beyond individual suppliers is proposed.

Research limitations/implications

These cases began as post-strike bargaining in Japanese auto supply chains and became the frontier of industrial relations in China. The impact of the supply chain in different sectors or regions requires further study.

Originality/value

This paper draws attention to the effect of an “invisible” but increasingly significant factor, industrial structure, on enterprise-level collective bargaining in China, unlike many previous criticisms of unwillingness or incompetence among labor actors.
Supporting teachers who witness student bullying
Authors: Ghosh Rajashi , Callahan Jamie , Hammrich Penny
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how peer coaching in action learning meetings stimulates teachers to experience transformational learning through critically reflecting on the perceptions that shape their beliefs about student bullying.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used interpretative phenomenological analysis to understand how participating teachers were using peer coaching in the action learning meetings to make sense of their subjective experiences with student bullying.

Findings

The authors report three themes (power, categories/labels and diversity/differences) explaining the perceptions that guided participants’ understanding of student bullying, and for each theme, describe how peer coaching enabled the participants to re-shape their interpretation of experiences with student bullying.

Research limitations/implications

This study showed how peer coaching has the potential to empower teachers to devise meaningful action plans to address bullying. Future research using longitudinal quantitative research design could shed more light on the sustainability of those action plans.

Practical implications

Knowledge of teacher perceptions identified in the study can enrich anti-bullying interventions in schools. Furthermore, building a peer coaching action learning community can provide a form of systemic support to help teachers gain resilience in acting against student bullying in schools.

Originality/value

The study reveals the potential of peer coaching as a transformational learning tool to support teachers when dealing with student bullying.
How peers’ updates on social media influence job search
Authors: Sender Anna , Korzynski Pawel
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the ways in which social media content via social contagion may affect the job behaviors of employed individuals. Specifically, by integrating the unfolding model of voluntary turnover and social comparison theory, this paper explores whether receiving an update about a peer’s career advancement on professional social networking sites (SNSs) increases an individual’s propensity to engage in job search.

Design/methodology/approach

In this analysis, the authors matched individuals’ survey data (n=125) with information received from a recruiting agency on employees’ subsequent job search behavior (i.e., sending a resume to the agency).

Findings

The results indicate that the relationship between career advancement updates on SNSs and job search behavior was stronger for employees with higher perceived employability and, contrary to our hypothesis, for those more embedded within the organization.

Practical implications

More employable and more embedded individuals perceive social cues from social media, and these cues positively relate to their job search behaviors. To address this trend, organizations could develop a social media strategy and implement retention measures to prevent the job search (and thus potential turnover) of employable and embedded individuals.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the job search literature by examining the role of professional SNSs in driving job search behavior among employed individuals.
Tell me who you are and I will tell you which SNS you use: SNSs participation
Authors: Gazit Tali , Aharony Noa , Amichai-Hamburger Yair
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Social networking sites (SNSs) have become an essential part of our lives. The purpose of this paper is to explore how demographic variables, SNS importance, social and informational usage, and personality traits (extroversion/introversion, openness, neuroticism, internal and external locus of control) can explain participation frequency of the four biggest SNSs in Israel: Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and Twitter.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted in Israel during the Fall semester of the 2017–2018 academic year and encompassed 244 students. Researchers used six questionnaires to gather data: a demographic questionnaire, a participation frequency questionnaire on four different SNSs, four SNSs importance questionnaire, social and informational usage on four different SNSs questionnaire, personality questionnaire (extroversion, openness and neuroticism) and the locus of control questionnaire.

Findings

The findings revealed that different social network sites play distinct roles for various individuals. WhatsApp, the most frequently used platform, is used more by women and people with internal locus of control. Facebook is more frequently used by open people and Instagram is more frequently used by women, younger adults and neurotic people. Twitter is more frequently used by men. In addition, for all SNSs, the higher the social and informational usage is, the more important the SNSs are to the users, which significantly explains participation frequency.

Originality/value

The differences between social networks can be evidence that each social network serves a different group and does not compete with other SNSs. This may well explain why many people make use of several social networks and have a tendency to move from one to another.
Evaluation of institutional repositories of South Asia
Authors: Gul Sumeer , Bashir Shazia , Ganaie Shabir Ahmad
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the status of institutional repositories (IRs) in the South Asian region. The various characteristic features of IRs are studied.

Design/methodology/approach

Open directory of open access repositories (DOAR) as a data-gathering tool was consulted for extracting the desired data.

Findings

India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh lead other South Asian nations in terms of IRs count. Majority of the IRs are operational in nature with higher number of operational IRs from India. In terms of record count, India leads the list. “Journal articles” outscore other content type and majority of the IRs have OAI-PMH as their base URL. DSpace stays a prioritized software for content management in IRs. Majority of the IRs have not defined their content management policies. English stays a prioritized language of the content dotting the South Asian IRs and majority of the IRs not providing usage statistics. A good score of IRs has incorporated Web 2.0 tools in them with RSS as the preferred Web 2.0 tool. A good count of the IRs has not customized their interface. Majority of the IRs have interface in two languages.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of the study is that the findings of the research are based on the data collected through the repositories indexed by Open DOAR.

Originality/value

The study tries to explore the characteristic features of IRs from the South Asian region.
Application of 3D printed polymer composite as capacitive sensor
Authors: Thangavel Sathies , Ponnusamy Senthil
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the usage of three-dimensionally (3D) printed polylactic acid (PLA)-carbon black (CB) conductive polymer composite in the measurement of the void fraction and liquid level.

Design/methodology/approach

PLA-CB conductive polymer composite is 3D printed through fused deposition modelling (FDM) technique and used as a capacitive sensor for void fraction measurement and liquid level sensing. The sensitivity of 3D printed ring and concave type capacitive sensors are compared for void fraction measurement. The effect of electrode length, thickness and pipe dimension on the capacitance achievable for the particular void fraction is studied. Concept of fringing capacitance is used for the sensing of liquid level.

Findings

Compared to the concave design comprising four electrodes, the ring-type capacitive sensor produced better results in void fraction measurement. Increase in pipe diameter and electrode length results in the enhancement of capacitance arising from specific void fraction. For a 100 mm diameter pipe, the capacitance of the 150 mm-long concave electrode (0.4 mm thick) increased from 9.98 to 67.77 pF as the void fraction decreased from 100% to 0%. Development of the fringing capacitance in 3D printed PLA-CB composite helps in the measurement of liquid level. Both parallel finger topology and interdigital electrode configuration are able to sense the liquid level.

Originality/value

Ability of the 3D printed conductive PLA-CB composite to act as a capacitive sensor is experimentally analysed. Performance of different electrode configuration is tested for both void fraction measurement and liquid level sensing. Results of experimentation prove that FDM printed PLA-CB composite is suitable for the void fraction and liquid level measurement.
Unpleasant Monetarist Arithmetic: Macroprudential Edition
Authors: Libich Jan
Published: December 2019

This paper shows that the recent trend of separating macroprudential and monetary policies (M&Ms) into two autonomous institutions is undesirable. A strategic (game of chicken type) conflict is likely to occur, whereby each M&M ignores exuberant credit booms, trying to induce the other institution to tighten conditions. This has been observed, for example, in Sweden and Norway after 2010. We postulate a generalised concept of stochastic leadership and argue that greater rigidities give the prudential authority the upper hand strategically on the central bank. We show how this leads to a second type of unpleasant monetarist arithmetic and costly economic fluctuations.
The Racial Vernaculars of Development: A View from West Africa
Authors: Pierre Jemima
Published: December 2019

This article argues that the vernacular of development, as deployed in and about African communities, is a racial vernacular. It is a racial vernacular of development because it is deployed within, in this case, the resource extraction industry (as well as within the broader development enterprise) in ways that sustain racial thought, index particular racial meanings, and prescribe social practices. How do we understand the processes through which racial codes are embedded and naturalized in practices ranging from the management and bureaucracy of resource extractions to the power structure of the world system that places African sovereignty below Western nongovernmental organizations and corporations? The development complex incorporates the unequal material relationships and processes that structure engagement between the Global South and the Global North, and its racial vernacular is the primary discursive scaffolding for these relationships. [development, race, resource extraction, Ghana]
The Making of Richard Zuley: The Ignored Linkages between the US Criminal In/Justice System and the International Security State
Authors: Ralph Laurence
Published: December 2019

This article examines the life and career of Richard Zuley, a Chicago police detective turned military interrogator who tortured criminal suspects in both the United States and Guantánamo Bay. Among the police officers and military personnel who have commented publicly on Zuley's career, there exists a consensus that his actions have undermined the integrity of the US criminal justice system and the international security state. The problem is that while acknowledging that Zuley's actions were unconscionable, they also implicitly characterize torturers like Zuley as exceptional. This poses the question: How do we understand the figure of Richard Zuley in a way that does not see the torture he enacted as an anomaly? The literature on white supremacy gives us a way forward. Building on this work, I argue that the ideology of white supremacy is a major component of the schema of racism that informs state‐sanctioned violence. By now, the schema of racism is so ingrained that it is subconsciously enacted in rationales for fighting terrorism and cannot be simply “unthought.” The irony is because schemas of racism cannot be unthought, they are naturalized and go unexamined in prevailing scholarship on governance and security. [policing, race, security, terrorism]
The Jungle Academy: Molding White Supremacy in American Police Recruits
Authors: Beliso‐De Jesús Aisha M.
Published: December 2019

This article examines how white supremacy is embedded and also made invisible in the molding, crafting, and training of police‐recruit bodies. I use the termmoldingto describe the process of manufactured sculpting through the manipulable material of police recruits. Through ethnography of a composite police academy made up of academies from several US cities, this article demonstrates how white supremacy is ordered, maintained, infused, and embodied. I argue that thejungle academyproduces a form of active reshaping of everyday young citizens into police through the recruit process: a physical, emotional, and mental re‐forming. This work is situated in scholarship on embodiment, race, and the state, and demonstrates how to methodologically examine the corporeal and ontological aspects of racialized state violence. It also demonstrates how an anthropology of white supremacy provides insight into how white governance is intimately tied to the embodiment of the state through the institution of the police. [white supremacy, police, race, gender, United States]