bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ACE (Albumin, CRP and Endoscopy) Index in Acute Colitis: A Simple Clinical Index on Admission that Predicts Outcome in Patients With Acute Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Grant Rebecca K , Jones Gareth-Rhys , Plevris Nikolas , Lynch Ruairi W , Jenkinson Philip W , Lees Charlie W , Manship Thomas A , Jagger Fiona A M , Brindle William M , Shivakumar Mrithula , Satsangi Jack , Arnott Ian D R
Published: June 2020

Background

Intravenous (IV) steroids remain the first-line treatment for patients with acute ulcerative colitis (UC). However, 30% of patients do not respond to steroids, requiring second-line therapy and/or surgery. There are no existing indices that allow physicians to predict steroid nonresponse at admission. We aimed to determine if admission biochemical and endoscopic values could predict response to IV steroids.

Methods

All admissions for acute UC (ICD-10 K51) between November 1, 2011, and October 31, 2016 were identified. Case note review confirmed diagnosis; clinical, endoscopic, and laboratory data were collected. Steroid response was defined as discharge home with no further therapy for active UC. Nonresponse was defined as requirement for second-line therapy or surgery. Univariate and binary logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with steroid nonresponse.

Results

Two hundred and thirty-five acute UC admissions were identified, comprising both acute severe and acute nonsevere UC; 155 of the 235 patients (66.0%) responded to steroids. Admission C-reactive protein (CRP) (P = 0.009, odds ratio [OR] 1.006), albumin (P < 0.001, OR 0.894) and endoscopic severity (P < 0.001, OR 3.166) differed significantly between responders and nonresponders. A simple UC severity score (area under the curve [AUC] 0.754, P < 0.001) was derived from these variables; 78.1% (25 of 32) of patients with concurrent CRP ≥50 mg/L, albumin ≤30 g/L, and increased endoscopic severity (severe on physician’s global assessment) (maximum score = 3) did not respond to IV steroids (positive predictive value [PPV] 78.1%, negative predictive value [NPV] 87.1%).

Conclusions

More than three quarters of patients scoring 3 (albumin ≤30 g/L, CRP ≥50 mg/L, and increased endoscopic severity) did not respond to IV steroids. This combination of parameters (ACE) identifies on admission a high-risk population who may benefit from earlier second-line medical treatment or surgical intervention.
Joint effect of diabetes and opiate use on all-cause and cause-specific mortality: the Golestan cohort study
Authors: Nalini Mahdi , Khoshnia Masoud , Kamangar Farin , Sharafkhah Maryam , Poustchi Hossein , Pourshams Akram , Roshandel Gholamreza , Gharavi Samad , Zahedi Mahdi , Norouzi Alireza , Sotoudeh Masoud , Nikmanesh Arash , Brennan Paul , Boffetta Paolo , Dawsey Sanford M , Abnet Christian C , Malekzadeh Reza , Etemadi Arash
Published: June 2020

Background

Many diabetic individuals use prescription and non-prescription opioids and opiates. We aimed to investigate the joint effect of diabetes and opiate use on all-cause and cause-specific mortality.

Methods

Golestan Cohort study is a prospective population-based study in Iran. A total of 50 045 people—aged 40–75, 28 811 women, 8487 opiate users, 3548 diabetic patients—were followed during a median of 11.1 years, with over 99% success follow-up. Hazard ratio and 95% confidence intervals (HRs, 95% CIs), and preventable death attributable to each risk factor, were calculated.

Results

After 533 309 person-years, 7060 deaths occurred: 4178 (10.8%) of non-diabetic non-opiate users, 757 (25.3%) diabetic non-users, 1906 (24.0%) non-diabetic opiate users and 219 (39.8%) diabetic opiate users. Compared with non-diabetic non-users, HRs (95% CIs) for all-cause mortality were 2.17 (2.00–2.35) in diabetic non-opiate users, 1.63 (1.53–1.74) in non-diabetic opiate users and 2.76 (2.40–3.17) in diabetic opiate users. Among those who both had diabetes and used opiates, 63.8% (95% CI: 58.3%–68.5%) of all deaths were attributable to these risk factors, compared with 53.9% (95% CI: 50%–57.4%) in people who only had diabetes and 38.7% (95% CI: 34.6%–42.5%) in non-diabetic opiate users. Diabetes was more strongly associated with cardiovascular than cancer mortality. The risk of early mortality in known cases of diabetes did not depend on whether they started opiate use before or after their diagnosis.

Conclusions

Using opiates is detrimental to the health of diabetic patients. Public awareness about the health effects of opiates, and improvement of diabetes care especially among individuals with or at risk of opiate use, are necessary.
Clinical Trials of Broadly Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibodies for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Prevention: A Review
Authors: Mahomed Sharana , Garrett Nigel , Baxter Cheryl , Abdool Karim Quarraisha , Abdool Karim Salim S
Published: June 2020

Passive immunization with broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) is a promising approach to reduce the 1.7 million annual human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections globally. Early studies on bnAbs showed safety in humans, but short elimination half-lives and low potency and breadth. Since 2010, several new highly potent bnAbs have been assessed in clinical trials alone or in combination for HIV prevention. Published data indicate that these bnAbs are safe and have a half-life ranging from 15 to 71 days. Only intravenous VRC01 has advanced to an efficacy trial, with results expected in late 2020. If bnAbs are shown to be effective in preventing HIV infection, they could fast-track vaccine development as correlates of protection, and contribute as passive immunization to achieving the goal of epidemic control. The purpose of the current review is to describe the current status and provide a synopsis of the available data on bnAbs in clinical trials for HIV prevention.
China’s ‘Coercive Tourism’: motives, methods and consequences
Authors: Paradise James F
Published: June 2020

This article considers 13 instances in which China has used tourist sanctions as an instrument of its foreign policy. It finds that the effectiveness of those sanctions has been limited by target state considerations including the ability to diversify source markets, constraining effects of international alliances, and national security, sovereignty and territorial considerations, matters which are also of importance to China. The article highlights the ways in which the Chinese government regulates outbound travelers through directives, travel advisories, granting or denying countries Approved Destination Status and disseminating information through the state-owned media and indicates that social actors such as consumers and netizens play a role as well. It also investigates the goals of China’s actions which usually have to do with protecting core interests broadly defined. Among the cases covered are ones involving Japan, the Philippines, Turkey, Taiwan, South Korea, the Vatican, Palau, North Korea, Australia, the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Sweden. Not covered are Belt and Road countries with whom China is practicing positive forms of tourist statecraft which may be more effective.
Electronic health records contain dispersed risk factor information that could be used to prevent breast and ovarian cancer
Authors: Payne Thomas H , Zhao Lue Ping , Le Calvin , Wilcox Peter , Yi Troy , Hinshaw Jesse , Hussey Duncan , Kostrinsky-Thomas Alex , Hale Malika , Brimm John , Hisama Fuki M
Published: June 2020

Objective

The genetic testing for hereditary breast cancer that is most helpful in high-risk women is underused. Our objective was to quantify the risk factors for heritable breast and ovarian cancer contained in the electronic health record (EHR), to determine how many women meet national guidelines for referral to a cancer genetics professional but have no record of a referral.

Methods and Materials

We reviewed EHR records of a random sample of women to determine the presence and location of risk-factor information meeting National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for a further genetic risk evaluation for breast and/or ovarian cancer, and determine whether the women were referred for such an evaluation.

Results

A thorough review of the EHR records of 299 women revealed that 24 (8%) met the NCCN criteria for referral for a further genetic risk evaluation; of these, 12 (50%) had no referral to a medical genetics clinic.

Conclusions

Half of the women whose EHR records contain risk-factor information meeting the criteria for further genetic risk evaluation for heritable forms of breast and ovarian cancer were not referred.
Feeding Habits of Vector Mosquitoes in Harris County, TX, 2018
Authors: Mann James G , Washington Megan , Guynup Taylor , Tarrand Christopher , Dewey Elizabeth M , Fredregill Chris , Duguma Dagne , Pitts R Jason
Published: June 2020

Mosquito-borne pathogens contribute significantly to the global burden of infectious diseases and are a continuing public health concern in the United States. Blood feeding by vector mosquitoes is a critical step in the transmission of human pathogens. Continuous surveillance of mosquito feeding patterns, especially in major population centers, is necessary for sustainable, effective control strategies. To better understand female feeding habits in Harris County, TX, we trapped mosquitoes from various locations, distributed among urban and semi-urban environments. Bloodmeal hosts were determined using a cytochrome C oxidase I DNA barcoding strategy. We identified a diverse array of vertebrate hosts with a high degree of avian host utilization, most surprisingly from anthropophilic species like Aedes aegypti (L.). We also detected sequences from two different vertebrate hosts in about half of specimens examined, suggesting that multiple bloodmeals had been acquired in the same feeding cycle by a sizable fraction of females in both urban and semi-urban locations. The high proportion of feeding on domestic chickens may indicate that a significant number of homeowners are rearing chickens within close proximity to study trap sites. As non-amplifying hosts, chickens may have a diluting effect on West Nile virus, as well as a zooprophylactic effect in their immediate vicinities. Ultimately, spatial and temporal host utilization patterns add insight into potential disease transmission dynamics, thereby informing vector control strategies in Harris County and other metropolitan areas.
SEM-EDX and FTIR analysis of archaeological ceramic potteries from southern Italy
Authors: Dey Tania , Carter Joseph Coleman , Swift Keith
Published: June 2020

Sherds of ancient ceramics potteries, dating back to the seventh century BC and excavated from southern Italy, were analyzed in terms of microstructure and porosity (SEM), elemental composition (EDX), chemical bonding and mineralogical components (FTIR) in order to establish correlation with firing temperature, firing condition and provenance. Si/Al ratio from EDX analysis showed three major categories of raw materials (illite/montmorillonite, kaolinite and mullite), suggesting difference in provenance. Uniformly sized silica nanoparticle (0.7 μm diameter) and trace amount of silver are being reported for the first time in one sample. Anorthite mineral and quartz inclusion was detected by FTIR in certain samples. All samples showed a prominent band for Si-O stretching, which shifted from 1062 cm−1, broadened and appeared as doublet, relative to processing temperature. FTIR results proved incomplete dihydroxylation and undissociated carbonate in three samples, indicating a firing temperature of 700–800°C, whereas other samples were fired above 900°C. Only one sample among these three showed bloating pores in between interconnecting glassy matrix in SEM image, indicating a firing temperature of 1100–1200°C. The absence of magnetite along with significant Fe and Mn content indicated the formation of jacobsite, an iron manganese spinel complex, MnFe2O4, which is responsible for the black gloss effect in two particular samples and can be further confirmed by XRD. The presence of numerous small pores in SEM image of one of these two samples (1.2 μm diameter) was indicative of extended vitrification at higher temperature than the other one. However, magnetite was responsible for black gloss effect in two other samples, proving difference in provenance. Therefore, SEM-EDX and FTIR results can offer valuable insight into the firing conditions, gloss decoration and provenance of ancient ceramic potteries.
Using Contextual and Visual Cues to Improve Sung Word Recognition in Hearing Aid Users
Authors: Wilhelm Lindsey A
Published: June 2020

Older adults commonly experience hearing loss that negatively affects the quality of life and creates barriers to effective therapeutic interactions as well as music listening. Music therapists have the potential to address some needs of older adults, but the effectiveness of music interventions is dependent on the perception of spoken and musical stimuli. Nonauditory information, such as contextual (e.g., keywords, picture related to song) and visual cues (e.g., clear view of singer’s face), can improve speech perception. The purpose of this study was to examine the benefit of contextual and visual cues on sung word recognition in the presence of guitar accompaniment. The researcher tested 24 community-dwelling older adult hearing aid (HA) users recruited through a university HA clinic and laboratory under 3 study conditions: (a) auditory stimuli only, (b) auditory stimuli with contextual cues, and (c) auditory stimuli with visual cues. Both visual and contextual nonauditory cues benefited participants on sung word recognition. Participants’ music background and training were predictive of success without nonauditory cues, and visual cues provided greater benefit than contextual cues. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that music therapists increase the accessibility of music interventions reliant upon lyric recognition through the incorporation of clear visual and contextual cues.
Germination strategies under climate change scenarios along an aridity gradient
Authors: Zogas Alexander , Kosman Evsey , Sternberg Marcelo
Published: June 2020

Aims

Climate change in the eastern Mediterranean region will have a strong impact on ecosystem functioning and plant community dynamics due to a reduction in annual rainfall and increased variability. We aim to understand the role of seed banks as potential buffers against climatic uncertainty determined by climate change.

Methods

We examined germination strategies of 18 common species present along an aridity gradient. Data were obtained from soil seed banks germinated during nine consecutive years from arid, semi-arid, Mediterranean and mesic Mediterranean ecosystems. At the semi-arid and Mediterranean sites, rainfall manipulations simulating 30% drought and 30% rainfall increase were applied. Germination strategies were tested under optimal irrigation conditions during three consecutive germination seasons to determine overall seed germinability in each soil sample. Changes in germination strategy were examined using a novel statistical approach that considers the climatic and biotic factors that may affect seed germinability.

Important Findings

The results showed that dominant species controlled their germination fractions by producing seeds with a different yearly germination fraction probability. The amount of rainfall under which the seeds were produced led to two major seed types with respect to germinability: high germinability, seeds leading to transient seed banks, and low germinability, seeds leading to persistent seed banks. We conclude that differential seed production among wet and dry years of both seed types creates a stable balance along the aridity gradient, enabling the soil seed bank to serve as a stabilizing mechanism buffering against rainfall unpredictability. Additionally, we present a general model of germination strategies of dominant annual species in Mediterranean and arid ecosystems that strengthens the notion of soil seed banks as buffers against climatic uncertainty induced by climate change in the region.
Linking plant spatial aggregation with reproductive traits and near-source seed dispersal: ecological adaptation to heavy grazing
Authors: Liu Wenting , Sun Shixian , Zhang Chunping , Lv Shijie , Dong Quanmin
Published: June 2020

Aims

Ecological strategies related to the adaptation of plants to environmental stress have long been studied by ecologists, but few studies have systematically revealed the ecological process of plant adaptation to herbivores as a whole.

Methods

In this study, Stipa breviflora, the dominant species in the desert steppe of Inner Mongolia, was used to analyse its reproductive individual characteristics and seed traits as well as the soil seed bank and spatial patterns under heavy-grazing and no-grazing treatments.

Important Findings

The results showed that the number of reproductive branches positively affected the number of vegetative branches. The analysis of the soil seed bank showed that the density of S. breviflora seeds beneath reproductive S. breviflora individuals was significantly higher than that in bare land. The seed density was also significantly negatively correlated with the seed characteristics and the soil seed bank in bare land. The spatial distribution of S. breviflora was aggregated under heavy grazing. Our results suggest that under heavy grazing, reproductive activity plays a key role in resource allocation. Stipa breviflora evolved the ecological strategy of nearby diffusion by regulating the morphological characteristics of the seeds, which promotes a positive spatial correlation between the juvenile and adult populations at a small scale, thus leading to the formation of ‘safe islands’.
Risk of Repeated Admissions for Respiratory Syncytial Virus in a Cohort of >10 000 Hospitalized Children
Authors: Wong Kerry , Robinson Joan L , Hawkes Michael T
Published: June 2020

Background

The objective was to describe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalizations in Alberta, Canada over a 13-year period with an emphasis on the incidence and risk factors for repeat hospitalizations attributable to new RSV infections.

Methods

This was a retrospective database analysis. The Alberta Health Services Discharge Abstract Database was searched for patients <5 years of age admitted to any hospital with a primary diagnosis of RSV from July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2017. Clinical characteristics were compared for children with repeat RSV admission during the same RSV season (but >30 days apart so presumably due to separate infections) compared with all other children with RSV admissions.

Results

During the study period, 10 212 children had 10 967 RSV admissions. The RSV hospitalization rate was 1.6%. A total of 666 children (6.5%) were readmitted for RSV at least once during the study period, of whom 433 (4.2%) were readmitted within 30 days of the initial hospital discharge. There were 36 children (0.35%) with 2 RSV admissions >30 days apart during the same RSV season. When compared to all other children with RSV admissions, they were more likely to have congenital heart disease or to have been diagnosed with RSV pneumonia (vs bronchiolitis or upper respiratory tract infection) during their initial hospitalization.

Conclusions

The RSV hospitalization rate in children <5 years of age was 1.6%. Repeat RSV infections requiring readmission during the same RSV season occurred following only 0.35% of RSV hospitalizations.
Pararenal aortic aneurysm in situs inversus totalis: open repair with right retroperitoneal approach
Authors: Gatta Emanuele , Schiavon Sara , Pagliariccio Gabriele , Persechini Perla , Carbonari Luciano
Published: June 2020

Situs inversus totalis (SIT) refers to a mirror-image reversal of the internal organ position. The coexistence of abdominal aortic aneurysm and SIT is extremely rare; very short series have been reported; therefore its prevalence has never been estimated. The presence of anatomical anomalies could increase operative risk. The authors describe a case of successfully repaired pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysm with a right retroperitoneal approach in situs inversus totalis.
Biomass composition explains fruit relative growth rate and discriminates climacteric from non-climacteric species
Authors: Roch Léa , Prigent Sylvain , Klose Holger , Cakpo Coffi-Belmys , Beauvoit Bertrand , Deborde Catherine , Fouillen Laetitia , van Delft Pierre , Jacob Daniel , Usadel Björn , Dai Zhanwu , Génard Michel , Vercambre Gilles , Colombié Sophie , Moing Annick , Gibon Yves
Published: June 2020

Fleshy fruits are very varied, whether in terms of their composition, physiology, or rate and duration of growth. To understand the mechanisms that link metabolism to phenotypes, which would help the targeting of breeding strategies, we compared eight fleshy fruit species during development and ripening. Three herbaceous (eggplant, pepper, and cucumber), three tree (apple, peach, and clementine) and two vine (kiwifruit and grape) species were selected for their diversity. Fruit fresh weight and biomass composition, including the major soluble and insoluble components, were determined throughout fruit development and ripening. Best-fitting models of fruit weight were used to estimate relative growth rate (RGR), which was significantly correlated with several biomass components, especially protein content (R=84), stearate (R=0.72), palmitate (R=0.72), and lignocerate (R=0.68). The strong link between biomass composition and RGR was further evidenced by generalized linear models that predicted RGR with R-values exceeding 0.9. Comparison of the fruit also showed that climacteric fruit (apple, peach, kiwifruit) contained more non-cellulosic cell-wall glucose and fucose, and more starch, than non-climacteric fruit. The rate of starch net accumulation was also higher in climacteric fruit. These results suggest that the way biomass is constructed has a major influence on performance, especially growth rate.
Influence of the Sun-like magnetic cycle on exoplanetary atmospheric escape
Authors: Hazra Gopal , Vidotto Aline A , D’Angelo Carolina Villarreal
Published: June 2020

Stellar high-energy radiation (X-ray and extreme ultraviolet, XUV) drives atmospheric escape in close-in exoplanets. Given that stellar irradiation depends on the stellar magnetism and that stars have magnetic cycles, we investigate how cycles affect the evolution of exoplanetary atmospheric escape. First, we consider a hypothetical HD209458b-like planet orbiting the Sun. For that, we implement the observed solar XUV radiation available over one and a half solar cycles in a 1D hydrodynamic escape model of HD209458b. We find that atmospheric escape rates show a cyclic variation (from 7.6 to 18.5 × 1010 g s−1), almost proportional to the incident stellar radiation. To compare this with observations, we compute spectroscopic transits in two hydrogen lines. We find non-detectable cyclic variations in Ly α transits. Given the temperature sensitiveness of the H α line, its equivalent width has an amplitude of 1.9 mÅ variation over the cycle, which could be detectable in exoplanets such as HD209458b. We demonstrate that the XUV flux is linearly proportional to the magnetic flux during the solar cycle. Secondly, we apply this relation to derive the cyclic evolution of the XUV flux of HD189733 using the star’s available magnetic flux observations from Zeeman Doppler Imaging over nearly a decade. The XUV fluxes are then used to model escape in HD189733b, which shows escape rate varying from 2.8 to 6.5 × 1010 g s−1. Like in the HD209458b case, this introduces variations in Ly α and H α transits, with H α variations more likely to be observable. Finally, we show that a strong stellar flare would enhance significantly Ly α and H α transit depths.
Cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy is associated with neuronal senescence-like response
Authors: Calls Aina , Torres-Espin Abel , Navarro Xavier , Yuste Victor J , Udina Esther , Bruna Jordi
Published: June 2020

Background

Cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a frequent serious dose-dependent adverse event that can determine dosage limitations for cancer treatment. CIPN severity correlates with the amount of platinum detected in sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). However, the exact pathophysiology of CIPN is poorly understood, so the chance of developing neuroprotective treatment is reduced. The aim of this study was to determine the exact mechanisms involved in CIPN development.

Methods

By single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNAseq), we have studied the transcriptomic profile of DRG sensory neurons from a well-characterized neurophysiological mouse model of CIPN.

Results

Gene Ontology analysis of the scRNAseq data indicated that cisplatin treatment induces the upregulation of biological pathways related to DNA damage response (DDR) in the DRG neuronal population. Moreover, DRG neurons also upregulated the Cdkn1a gene, confirmed later by the measurement of its protein product p21. While apoptosis activation pathways were not observed in DRG sensory neurons of cisplatin-treated mice, these neurons did express several senescence hallmarks, including senescence-associated β-galactosidase, phospho-H2AX, and nuclear factor kappa B (Nfkb)–p65 proteins.

Conclusions

In this study, we determined that after cisplatin-induced DNA damage, p21 appears as the most relevant downstream factor of the DDR in DRG sensory neurons in vivo, which survive in a nonfunctional senescence-like state.
Direct transformation of dinitrogen: synthesis of N-containing organic compounds via N−C bond formation
Authors: Lv Ze-Jie , Wei Junnian , Zhang Wen-Xiong , Chen Ping , Deng Dehui , Shi Zhang-Jie , Xi Zhenfeng
Published: June 2020

N-containing organic compounds are of vital importance to lives. Practical synthesis of valuable N-containing organic compounds directly from dinitrogen (N2), not through ammonia (NH3), is a holy-grail in chemistry and chemical industry. An essential step for this transformation is the functionalization of the activated N2 units/ligands to generate N−C bonds. Pioneering works of transition metal-mediated direct conversion of N2 into organic compounds via N−C bond formation at metal-dinitrogen [N2-M] complexes have generated diversified coordination modes and laid the foundation of understanding for the N−C bond formation mechanism. This review summarizes those major achievements and is organized by the coordination modes of the [N2-M] complexes (end-on, side-on, end-on-side-on, etc.) that are involved in the N−C bond formation steps, and each part is arranged in terms of reaction types (N-alkylation, N-acylation, cycloaddition, insertion, etc.) between [N2-M] complexes and carbon-based substrates. Additionally, earlier works on one-pot synthesis of organic compounds from N2 via ill-defined intermediates are also briefed. Although almost all of the syntheses of N-containing organic compounds via direct transformation of N2 so far in the literature are realized in homogeneous stoichiometric thermochemical reaction systems and are discussed here in detail, the sporadically reported syntheses involving photochemical, electrochemical, heterogeneous thermo-catalytic reactions, if any, are also mentioned. This review aims to provide readers with an in-depth understanding of the state-of-the-art and perspectives of future research particularly in direct catalytic and efficient conversion of N2 into N-containing organic compounds under mild conditions, and to stimulate more research efforts to tackle this long-standing and grand scientific challenge.
In Every Artery of Society? How Dutch Community Police Officers Perceive Their Role in Early Detection of Violent Extremism among Youth
Authors: van de Weert Annemarie , Eijkman Quirine A M
Published: June 2020

Early detection of radicalization processes that may lead to violent extremism takes place in a grey area. Primarily because no one can truly predict when someone poses a risk before there are any indications of criminal acts. The local police have been given an important role in countering violent extremism (CVE) policy; namely proactive information gathering at a stage in which people are still law-abiding citizens. However, little is known about how they perceive their role in CVE. Therefore, this article examines how community police officers deal with their mandate to engage in early detection, and discusses the side effects that accompany this practice. Based on open interviews with 22 constables in the Netherlands, we focus on the risk assessments made by these local professionals. In this article, we aim to contribute to a more thorough, inclusive, and well-informed debate about community policing with regard to suspicions of extremist behaviour among youth.
Lower socioeconomic status and co-morbid conditions are associated with reduced continuous positive airway pressure adherence among older adult medicare beneficiaries with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Wickwire Emerson M , Jobe Sophia L , Oldstone Liesl M , Scharf Steven M , Johnson Abree M , Albrecht Jennifer S
Published: June 2020

Study Objectives

To examine rates of adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy among a representative sample of older adult Medicare beneficiaries with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and to identify demographic and health-related factors associated with CPAP adherence.

Methods

Using a 5% sample of Medicare claims data, we utilized Medicare policy and CPAP machine charges as a proxy for CPAP adherence. A cumulative logit model was used to identify demographic, medical, and psychiatric predictors of CPAP adherence status.

Results

Of beneficiaries who initiated CPAP (n = 3,229), 74.9% (n = 2,417) met the so-called “90-day Medicare adherence criteria,” but only 58.8% of these individuals (n = 1,420) continued to use CPAP throughout the entire 13-month rent-to-own period. Anxiety, anemia, fibromyalgia, traumatic brain injury, and lower socioeconomic status (SES) were all associated with reduced CPAP adherence.

Conclusions

These results provide the first national estimates of CPAP adherence among older adult Medicare beneficiaries in the United States. In addition, findings highlight the salience of medical and psychiatric comorbidity, as well as SES, as important markers of CPAP adherence among older adults in the United States. Future studies should seek to evaluate interventions to improve CPAP adherence among older adults of lower SES.
Why Property Matters? New Varieties of Domestic Patriarchy in Turkey
Authors: Kocabicak Ece
Published: June 2020

This article extends theories on varieties of gender regimes by arguing for the significance of property. Drawing on the case study of Turkey, it proposes that gendered property ownership diversifies patriarchal relations of labor. This historical-sociology-based case study method is used to differentiate two forms of domestic patriarchy: premodern and modern. In premodern domestic patriarchy, women’s exclusion from agricultural landownership, in conjunction with the dominance of small landownership, sustains the patriarchal exploitation of labor in agriculture. In modern domestic patriarchy, women’s exclusion from paid employment, along with dispossession and increasing wage dependency, maintains the patriarchal exploitation of labor within the home.
Assessing Genetic Resistance in Wheat to Black Point Caused by Six Fungal Species in the Yellow and Huai Wheat Area of China
Authors: Li Qiaoyun , Li Mengyu , Jiang Yumei , Wang Siyu , Xu Kaige , Liang Xiaolong , Niu Jishan , Wang Chenyang
Published: June 2020

The most effective and environmentally sustainable method for controlling black point disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is to plant resistant cultivars. To identify sources of resistance to black point, 165 selected cultivars/lines were inoculated with isolates of six fungal species (Bipolaris sorokiniana, Alternaria alternata, Fusarium equiseti, Exserohilum rostratum, Epicoccum sorghinum, and Curvularia spicifera) known to cause black point in wheat using spore suspensions under controlled field conditions in 2016 and 2017. Inoculation of the isolates significantly increased the incidence of black point in the cultivars/lines compared with those grown under natural field conditions (NFC). The disease incidence of plants inoculated with B. sorokiniana and E. rostratum was 15.5% and 18.8% in 2016, and 20.4% and 23.0% in 2017, whereas those under NFC were 5.7% (2016) and 1.5% (2017), respectively. Furthermore, disease symptoms varied with pathogen. Among the 165 cultivars/lines tested, 3.6%, 50.9%, 60.0%, 1.8%, 47.3%, and 58.8% were resistant to B. sorokiniana, A. alternata, F. equiseti, E. rostratum, E. sorghinum, and C. spicifera, respectively. In addition, we identified one line (‘SN530070’) resistant to black point caused by all six pathogens. This is the first study to assess resistance to wheat black point caused by six fungal species under controlled conditions. The black point-resistant cultivars/lines could be useful in breeding and also in research on the mechanisms of resistance to black point.
Pharmacotherapy in allergy medicine: from ‘ipse dixit’ to the evidence-based medicine
Authors: Mennini Maurizio , Arasi Stefania , Dahdah Lamia , Pecora Valentina , Fiocchi Alessandro
Published: June 2020

Purpose of review

The aim of the article is to examine the contributions made in recent years by evidence-based medicine to the understanding, positioning, and use of drugs for the treatment of the main allergic conditions.

Recent findings

Several antiasthmatic drugs have been reappraised for their efficacy characteristics and drug interactions in Cochrane reviews. The Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines have been reformulated in evidence-based medicine (EBM) terms in 2017; over these years, new point of care instruments contributed to the approximation of the guidelines to real life by drawing from the patients themselves information that allows to finely modeling the pharmacological suggestions. Last, at the time of the emergence of new drugs for the treatment of peanut allergy, new systematic reviews have helped to focus on the most suitable reference outcomes with the aim to respond promptly and adherently to patients’ needs.

EBM has contributed to changes in the GINA guidelines in the last two years. It has been instrumental in translating the ARIA guidelines in real life. It has also contributed to profiling the potential and limitations of oral peanut immunotherapy. In allergy medicine, EBM is a formidable aid for the advancement of knowledge.
Histopathological Study of a Broad Spectrum of Skin Dermatoses in Patients Affected or Highly Suspected of Infection by COVID-19 in the Northern Part of Italy: Analysis of the Many Faces of the Viral-Induced Skin Diseases in Previous and New Reported Cases
Authors: Gianotti Raffaele , Recalcati Sebastiano , Fantini Fabrizio , Riva Cristina , Milani Mario , Dainese Emanuele , Boggio Francesca
Published: June 2020

Skin manifestations of COVID-19 infections are diverse and are new to the dermatology community. We had the opportunity to examine the clinical and histopathological features of several patients who were divided into 3 groups. The first group included 8 COVID-19–positive patients who were hospitalized and quarantined at home. The second group included children and young adults who presented with chilblain erythema, erythema multiforme, and urticaria-like lesions. This group of patients was negative for the COVID-19 gene sequences by polymerase chain reaction but had a high risk of COVID-19 infection. The third group included clinically heterogeneous and challenging lesions. These patients were not subject to either polymerase chain reaction tests or serological analyses because they sought dermatological attention only for a dermatosis. The histopathological analysis of these cases showed a wide spectrum of histopathological patterns. What appears to be constant in all skin biopsies was the presence of prominent dilated blood vessels with a swollen endothelial layer, vessels engulfed with red blood cells, and perivascular infiltrates, consisting mainly of cytotoxic CD8+ lymphocytes and eosinophils. In 2 cases, there was diffuse coagulopathy in the cutaneous vascular plexus. In the early phases of the disease, there were numerous collections of Langerhans cells in the epidermis after being activated by the virus. The presence of urticarial lesions, chilblains, targetoid lesions (erythema multiforme–like lesions), exanthema, maculohemorrhagic rash, or chickenpox-like lesions associated with the histopathological features mentioned previously should cause clinical dermatologists to suspect the possibility of COVID-19 infection, especially in patients with fever and cough.
Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Mothers and Fathers of Very Preterm Infants Over the First 2 Years
Authors: Pace Carmen C. , Anderson Peter J. , Lee Katherine J. , Spittle Alicia J. , Treyvaud Karli
Published: June 2020

Objective:

Mothers and fathers of infants born very preterm (VPT) are at increased risk for posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSSs), such as reexperiencing the event, persistent avoidance, or increased reactivity within the early months, compared with parents of term-born infants. This study aimed to assess PTSSs in mothers and fathers of VPT infants over the first 2 years of life, including changes over time and relationship with medical and social risk.

Method:

A longitudinal, prospective, cohort study of PTSSs in parents of VPT infants. PTSS was assessed at term equivalent age (TEA) and 12 and 24 months using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist Specific Version. Participants were 105 parents of 131 infants born at <30 weeks' gestational age with PTSS data at least once (92 mothers and/or 75 fathers).

Results:

At TEA and 12 and 24 months, elevated PTSSs were reported by 36%, 22%, and 18% of mothers and 35%, 25%, and 19% of fathers, respectively. The mean symptom scores and rates of elevated PTSSs declined over time: mean (95% confidence interval) change in PTSS score per year = −1.52 (−2.33 to −0.72, p < 0.001). There was little evidence for difference in these patterns for mothers or fathers (interaction p = 0.46 [total score] and 0.71 [elevated category]) or that medical and social risk were associated with PTSSs over time.

Conclusion:

Although the rates of parents experiencing clinically elevated symptoms declined over time, it is concerning that one-fifth of mothers and fathers reported elevated PTSSs at 24 months. Further research is needed to identify factors associated with increased risk and resilience for PTSSs after VPT birth in mothers and fathers to provide effective and appropriate support.
Prevalence of ocular surface disease symptoms in peri- and postmenopausal women
Authors: Garcia-Alfaro Pascual , Bergamaschi Luciana , Marcos Celia , Garcia Sandra , Rodríguez Ignacio
Published: June 2020

Objective:

The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of ocular surface disease (OSD) symptoms and the possible existence of differences between peri- and postmenopausal women, based on the result of the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI).

Methods:

A transversal observational study based on the results of an e-mail survey between October 2018 and January 2019 involving 1,947 women. The study was performed on a group of peri- and postmenopausal women aged between 45 and 79 years. The personal data in the survey included age, menopause status, age at menopause, prediagnosis of dry eye, undergoing dry eye treatment, and the OSDI questionnaire. Student's t test and Chi squared test were used to compare means or percentages between results on the survey and peri- and postmenopausal women. Finally, a univariate logistic regression was carried out to estimate the prevalence of OSD. The OSDI score is assessed on a scale of 0 to 100.

Results:

The mean age of the entire sample was 54.2 ± 6.8 years, with a mean age at menopause of 49.45 ± 4.02 years. The mean OSDI score was 29.2 ± 19.4, considered as moderate dry eye. The global prevalence of OSD symptoms was 64% (1,247/1,947), which increased significantly in postmenopausal women, being 66.8% (820/1,228) (P = 0.001). The probability of OSD symptoms prevalence increases with age (odds ratio: 1.02; 95% CI [1.01-1.03]). The greater the age at menopause, the lower the probability of OSD symptoms prevalence (odds ratio: 0.96 95% CI [0.93-0.99]).

Conclusions:

Sixty-four percent of the pre- and postmenopausal women studied had OSD symptoms. There was a correlation between OSD symptoms and age, postmenopause, and earlier age at menopause, which was associated with an increased prevalence.

Video Summary:
http://links.lww.com/MENO/A603.
Active gingival inflammation is linked to hypertension
Authors: Pietropaoli Davide , Monaco Annalisa , D’Aiuto Francesco , Muñoz Aguilera Eva , Ortu Eleonora , Giannoni Mario , Czesnikiewicz-Guzik Marta , Guzik Tomasz J. , Ferri Claudio , Del Pinto Rita
Published: June 2020

Background:

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) including hypertension, are characterized by underlying systemic inflammation. Periodontitis, which can impact the systemic inflammatory burden has recently been linked to high blood pressure (BP). However, the relationship of gingival bleeding, as an easily accessible marker of periodontal disorder, with hypertension, remains unclear.

Methods:

Survey-based propensity score matching (PSM) incorporating major confounders shared between hypertension and periodontal diseases was applied to cross-sectional NHANES III data from 5396 adults at least 30 years old who underwent BP measurement and periodontal examination, identifying two matched groups with and without gingival bleeding. The association of bleeding gums with SBP (mmHg) and high/uncontrolled BP was then assessed with generalized additive models incorporating inflammatory markers. Stratification by periodontal status (healthy; gingivitis; stable periodontitis; unstable periodontitis) was performed. Variables importance was estimated using machine learning.

Results:

Gingival bleeding (gingivitis; unstable periodontitis) was independently associated with +2.6 mmHg (P < 0.001) SBP compared with no bleeding (healthy periodontium; stable periodontitis), and with greater odds (OR = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.19–1.68; P < 0.001) of high/uncontrolled BP. Participants with unstable periodontitis had higher SBP than those with stable periodontitis (+2.1 mmHg; P < 0.001) or gingivitis (+5.3 mmHg; P < 0.001). Unstable periodontitis and gingivitis were consistently associated with increased risk of high/uncontrolled BP (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 2.14–1.82; OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.22–1.82, respectively). Inflammatory markers allowed a maximum of 12% gain in the models’ predictive power.

Conclusion:

Gingival bleeding contributes to shaping the relationship between periodontal diseases and BP, but the burden represented by periodontitis is also crucial. Periodontal evaluation might be of importance in difficult to control hypertension.
Role of Image-Guided Biopsy in the Diagnosis and Antimicrobial Management of Vertebral Osteomyelitis
Authors: Keshishian Edward , Ajrawat Himanshu , Declue Christopher , Fisher William , Kumar Ambuj , Zwiebel Bruce , Davis Clifford , Massis Kamal , Hoots Glenn , Meader Shawn
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of fluoroscopy-guided vertebral biopsy in vertebral osteomyelitis and determine if it results in a change in antimicrobial management based on bone culture yield.

Materials and Methods

This study is a retrospective chart review of 83 patients (49 men, 34 women; age range, 28–92 years; mean age, 56.9 years) with a diagnosis of vertebral osteomyelitis on imaging (computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging) who underwent a fluoroscopy-guided biopsy from January 2010 to May 2015. Data collection included patient demographic information; etiology/risk factors for vertebral osteomyelitis; antibiotic exposure within 30 days before biopsy; blood, urine, and bone culture results; and any postprocedural change in antibiotic therapy. The primary outcome is culture yield from biopsy, whereas the secondary outcome is to determine if a change in antimicrobial therapy occurred based on biopsy results. A change in antimicrobial management is defined as transitioning from empiric antibiotic coverage to narrow-spectrum antibiotics based on positive bone culture yield or discontinuation of empiric antibiotic coverage based on negative culture yield. Biopsy culture yield was tested against a change in antimicrobial management with statistical analysis including the Fisher exact test.

Results

Positive bone culture yields were obtained in 22 (27%) of the 83 cases. Of the 22 that were positive, only 11 resulted in a change in antimicrobial management where broad empiric coverage was switched to narrow-spectrum organism-specific coverage. Of the remaining 61 negative cultures, only 2 (3%) had a change in management where the empiric antibiotic treatment was discontinued. Whether the culture results were positive or negative, 70 patients (84%) did not have any change in antimicrobial management after biopsy with the results being statistically significant (odds ratio, 27.3; 95% confidence interval, 5.25–141.82; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Vertebral biopsies do not cause a significant change in antimicrobial management in the majority of cases.
Vitamin A for the Management of Measles in the United States
Authors: Stinchfield Patricia A. , Orenstein Walter A.
Published: June 2020

Measles is an acute, highly contagious disease that results from infection with the measles virus and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Vitamin A has been recommended for decades by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization to manage measles in hospitalized children. However, recent studies show that vitamin A has not been used appropriately to treat US children with measles—either by not using vitamin A at all or by using insufficiently low doses. In November 2019, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases convened a summit that included multidisciplinary subject matter experts from across the United States to discuss the use of vitamin A in US measles management. The resulting Summit recommendations include that all children in the United States presenting with measles should receive an age-appropriate dose of vitamin A as part of a comprehensive measles management protocol. Multiple studies in populations in which vitamin A deficiency is prevalent have shown that this simple, quick means of improving vitamin A status can dramatically reduce the risk of serious complications and death from measles, with minimal detectable incidence of adverse effects.