bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ruxolitinib for the prevention of thrombosis in polycythemia vera: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Masciulli Arianna , Ferrari Alberto , Carobbio Alessandra , Ghirardi Arianna , Barbui Tiziano
Published: January 2020

Ruxolitinib is a recommended second-line treatment for the prevention of thrombosis in patients with polycythemia vera who become resistant or intolerant to hydroxyurea; however, evidence regarding its efficacy in terms of thrombosis reduction is uncertain. We searched Medline, Embase, and archives of abstracts from the European Hematology Association and the American Society of Hematology annual congresses from 2014 onward for randomized controlled trials comparing the treatment vs best available therapy (BAT). Our search retrieved 80 records; after screening of abstracts and full text, the total was reduced to 16. Evidence came from 4 randomized controlled trials, including 663 patients (1057 patients per year). We estimated a thrombosis risk ratio of 0.56 for ruxolitinib BAT, corresponding to an incidence of 3.09% and 5.51% patients per year, respectively. The number of thrombotic events reported with ruxolitinib was consistently lower than that with BAT in our sample, but, globally, the difference did not reach significance (P = .098). Hard evidence in favor of ruxolitinib is lacking; a clinical trial on selected patients at high risk of thrombosis would be warranted, but its feasibility is questionable.
Skeletal muscle oxygenation and regional blood volume during incremental limb loading in interstitial lung disease
Authors: Wickerson Lisa , Mathur Sunita , Brooks Dina , Bonetti L.V. , Singer Lianne G. , Granton John , Reid W. Darlene
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Individuals with interstitial lung disease (ILD) exhibit reduced exercise capacity and exertional hypoxaemia. The role of peripheral (muscle) limitation to exercise tolerance in ILD is not well studied to date.

Methods

A prospective cross-sectional study examined skeletal muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) and regional blood volume of the knee extensors and elbow flexors during incremental limb loading in healthy people and people with varying severity of ILD. Isotonic concentric exercise was performed on an isokinetic dynamometer.SmO2and regional blood volume were measured by near-infrared spectroscopy over the vastus lateralis and biceps.

Results

Thirteen people who were dependent on oxygen, candidates for lung transplant and with severe ILD (forced vital capacity (FVC) 59±20% predicted), 10 people who were not oxygen dependent with mild ILD (FVC 81±17% predicted) and 13 healthy people (FVC 101±14% predicted) were included. Total haemoglobin, a marker of regional blood volume, was lower at task failure in the knee extensors in participants with severe ILD compared to healthy participants (p=0.05). At task failure for both knee-extensor loading and elbow-flexor loading,SmO2was decreased to similar levels across all groups, but occurred at lower total workloads in the ILD groups (all p<0.01).

Conclusions

Overall, people with severe ILD had lower levels of total work and experienced less increase in blood volume in the knee extensors after knee-extensor loading compared to healthy people. Peripheral muscle dysfunction in severe ILD may have contributed to muscle deoxygenation at lower workloads.
Validation of a new serum granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor autoantibody testing kit
Authors: Nakata Koh , Sugi Tatsuki , Kuroda Keiko , Yoshizawa Kazutaka , Takada Toshinori , Tazawa Ryushi , Ueda Takahiro , Aoki Ami , Abe Mitsuhiro , Tatsumi Koichiro , Eda Ryosuke , Kondoh Shotaro , Morimoto Konosuke , Tanaka Takeshi , Yamaguchi Etsuro , Takahashi Ayumu , Oda Miku , Ishii Haruyuki , Izumi Shinyu , Sugiyama Haruhito , Nakagawa Atsushi , Tomii Keisuke , Suzuki Masaru , Konno Satoshi , Ohkouchi Shinya , Hirano Taizou , Handa Tomohiro , Hirai Toyohiro , Inoue Yoshikazu , Arai Toru , Asakawa Katsuaki , Sakagami Takuro , Tanaka Takahiro , Mikami Ayako , Kitamura Nobutaka
Published: January 2020

Very recently, a modest but significant efficacy of granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) inhalation therapy for the treatment of mild to moderate autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (aPAP) has been reported.

As the ability to measure the level of GM-CSF autoantibody (GMAb) in the serum is required to decide the indication for this therapy, we developed a high-performance GMAb testing kit for clinical use.

As the kit succeeded in reducing nonspecific IgG binding to the ELISA plate, the predictive performance shown in the training study to discriminate aPAP patients from healthy subjects was perfect, providing a cut-off value of 1.65 U·mL−1in 78 patients with aPAP and 90 healthy subjects in an operator-blinded manner using logistic regression analysis. As in the validation study, serum samples from another 213 patients with aPAP were also blinded and evaluated in an operator-blinded manner against external 207 samples from patients with other types of PAP and patients exhibiting various ground-glass opacities on chest high-resolution computed tomography that require discrimination from PAP.

The logistic regression analysis of these validation data sets revealed values of 97.6% and 100% for specificity and sensitivity, respectively. Thus, this new GMAb testing kit is reliable for the diagnosis of aPAP and differential diagnosis of other lung diseases.
Validation of online Asthma Control Questionnaire and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire
Authors: Khusial Rishi J. , Honkoop Persijn J. , van der Meer Victor , Snoeck-Stroband Jiska B. , Sont Jacob K.
Published: January 2020

Objective

Several newly developed eHealth applications use online questionnaires to monitor asthma control. The Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) are two such commonly used questionnaires. These questionnaires are validated for use on paper. This study aims to validate them by assessing the agreement between online and paper versions of the ACQ and AQLQ.

Methods

Patients (aged 18 years and older) from the Self-Management in Asthma Supported by Hospitals, ICT, Nurses and General Practitioners (SMASHING)-trial and Davos@home study were included in this study. Patients completed both the paper and online Dutch versions of the ACQ and AQLQ in a random order within a 2-week interval. Agreement between the different versions was assessed with paired t-tests, intraclass correlation coefficients and Bland–Altman plots.

Results

In total 44 patients were eligible for analysis. The mean difference between the paper and online versions of the ACQ was 0.04 (p=0.40) and for the AQLQ it was 0.08 (p=0.06). The intraclass correlation coefficient scores were 0.94 for the ACQ and 0.95 for the AQLQ.

Conclusion

The online versions of the ACQ and AQLQ show high levels of agreement with the paper versions and can therefore be safely used in eHealth applications to respectively monitor asthma control and quality of life.
Necrotic scleral melt and fungal keratitis—a complication of subtenon triamcinolone acetonide injection
Authors: Agarwal Manisha , Ranjan Richa , Mathur Umang
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Subtenon triamcinolone acetonide injection (STAI) is a safe drug delivery method for various ocular conditions. We report two cases of necrotic scleral melt, a rare complication of STAI.

Methods

The first patient received STAI for post-operative inflammation control and developed necrotic scleral melt at the site of STAI with superadded fungal keratitis.

The second patient received three STAI for non-necrotizing, non-infectious anterior scleritis and developed scleral necrosis at the site of her last STAI. Noncompliance with medications resulted in the progression of scleral necrosis to a new area.

Results

In the first patient, surgical removal of triamcinolone deposit resulted in healing of the scleral melt while the second patient was managed conservatively with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.

Conclusion

Scleral melt is a rare complication of STAI; however, an early diagnosis and management of any predisposing factor along with surgical debridement should be considered as a potential critical treatment option to salvage the eye.
Anticancer therapy within the last 30 days of life: results of an audit and re-audit cycle from an Australian regional cancer centre
Authors: Nguyen Mike , Ng Ying Kin Sean , Shum Evonne , Wann Alysson , Tamjid Babak , Sahu Arvind , Torres Javier
Published: January 2020

Background

The therapeutic landscape in medical oncology continues to expand significantly. Newer therapies, especially immunotherapy, offer the hope of profound and durable responses with more tolerable side effect profiles. Integrating this information into the decision making process is challenging for patients and oncologists. Systemic anticancer treatment within the last thirty days of life is a key quality of care indicator and is one parameter used in the assessment of aggressiveness of care.

Methods

A retrospective review of medical records of all patients previously treated at Goulburn Valley Health oncology department who died between 1 January 2015 and 30 June 2018 was conducted. Information collected related to patient demographics, diagnosis, treatment, and hospital care within the last 30 days of life. These results were presented to the cancer services meeting and a quality improvement intervention program was instituted. A second retrospective review of medical records of all patients who died between 1 July 2018 and 31 December 2018 was conducted in order to measure the effect of this intervention.

Results

The initial audit period comprised 440 patients. 120 patients (27%) received treatment within the last 30 days of life. The re-audit period comprised 75 patients. 19 patients (25%) received treatment within the last 30 days of life. Treatment rates of chemotherapy reduced after the intervention in contrast to treatment rates of immunotherapy which increased. A separate analysis calculated the rate of mortality within 30 days of chemotherapy from the total number of patients who received chemotherapy was initially 8% and 2% in the re-audit period. Treatment within the last 30 days of life was associated with higher use of aggressive care such as emergency department presentation, hospitalisation, ICU admission and late hospice referral. Palliative care referral rates improved after the intervention.

Conclusion

This audit demonstrated that a quality improvement intervention can impact quality of care indicators with reductions in the use of chemotherapy within the last 30 days of life. However, immunotherapy use increased which may be explained by increased access and a better risk benefit balance.
Correction to: An online international comparison of thresholds for triggering a negative response to the “Surprise Question”: a study protocol
Authors: White Nicola , Oostendorp Linda , Vickerstaff Victoria , Gerlach Christina , Engels Yvonne , Maessen Maud , Tomlinson Christopher , Wens Johan , Leysen Bert , Biasco Guido , Zambrano Sofia , Eychmüller Steffen , Avgerinou Christina , Chattat Rabih , Ottoboni Giovanni , Veldhoven Carel , Stone Patrick
Published: January 2020

Following publication of the original article [1], an error in reference 18 was reported.
The mitochondrial HSP90 paralog TRAP1 forms an OXPHOS-regulated tetramer and is involved in mitochondrial metabolic homeostasis
Authors: Joshi Abhinav , Dai Li , Liu Yanxin , Lee Jungsoon , Ghahhari Nastaran Mohammadi , Segala Gregory , Beebe Kristin , Jenkins Lisa M. , Lyons Gaelyn C. , Bernasconi Lilia , Tsai Francis T. F. , Agard David A. , Neckers Len , Picard Didier
Published: January 2020

Background

The molecular chaperone TRAP1, the mitochondrial isoform of cytosolic HSP90, remains poorly understood with respect to its pivotal role in the regulation of mitochondrial metabolism. Most studies have found it to be an inhibitor of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and an inducer of the Warburg phenotype of cancer cells. However, others have reported the opposite, and there is no consensus on the relevant TRAP1 interactors. This calls for a more comprehensive analysis of the TRAP1 interactome and of how TRAP1 and mitochondrial metabolism mutually affect each other.

Results

We show that the disruption of the gene for TRAP1 in a panel of cell lines dysregulates OXPHOS by a metabolic rewiring that induces the anaplerotic utilization of glutamine metabolism to replenish TCA cycle intermediates. Restoration of wild-type levels of OXPHOS requires full-length TRAP1. Whereas the TRAP1 ATPase activity is dispensable for this function, it modulates the interactions of TRAP1 with various mitochondrial proteins. Quantitatively by far, the major interactors of TRAP1 are the mitochondrial chaperones mtHSP70 and HSP60. However, we find that the most stable stoichiometric TRAP1 complex is a TRAP1 tetramer, whose levels change in response to both a decline and an increase in OXPHOS.

Conclusions

Our work provides a roadmap for further investigations of how TRAP1 and its interactors such as the ATP synthase regulate cellular energy metabolism. Our results highlight that TRAP1 function in metabolism and cancer cannot be understood without a focus on TRAP1 tetramers as potentially the most relevant functional entity.
Mental, behavioral and neurodevelopmental disorders in the ICD-11: an international perspective on key changes and controversies
Authors: Stein Dan J. , Szatmari Peter , Gaebel Wolfgang , Berk Michael , Vieta Eduard , Maj Mario , de Vries Ymkje Anna , Roest Annelieke M. , de Jonge Peter , Maercker Andreas , Brewin Chris R. , Pike Kathleen M. , Grilo Carlos M. , Fineberg Naomi A. , Briken Peer , Cohen-Kettenis Peggy T. , Reed Geoffrey M.
Published: January 2020

An update of the chapter on Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental Disorders in the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) is of great interest around the world. The recent approval of the 11th Revision of the ICD (ICD-11) by the World Health Organization (WHO) raises broad questions about the status of nosology of mental disorders as a whole as well as more focused questions regarding changes to the diagnostic guidelines for specific conditions and the implications of these changes for practice and research. This Forum brings together a broad range of experts to reflect on key changes and controversies in the ICD-11 classification of mental disorders. Taken together, there is consensus that the WHO’s focus on global applicability and clinical utility in developing the diagnostic guidelines for this chapter will maximize the likelihood that it will be adopted by mental health professionals and administrators. This focus is also expected to enhance the application of the guidelines in non-specialist settings and their usefulness for scaling up evidence-based interventions. The new mental disorders classification in ICD-11 and its accompanying diagnostic guidelines therefore represent an important, albeit iterative, advance for the field.
Correction to: Vascular endothelial growth factor is an autocrine growth factor, signaling through neuropilin-1 in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Barr Martin P. , Gray Steven G. , Gately Kathy , Hams Emily , Fallon Padraic G. , Davies Anthony Mitchell , Richard Derek J. , Pidgeon Graham P. , O’Byrne Kenneth J.
Published: January 2020

Since the publication of this work [1] and in response to a recent query that was brought to our attention in relation to the Western Blot in Figure 1(C) for NP2, protein lysates prepared around the same time as those presented in the manuscript in question, were run by SDS-PAGE under similar experimental conditions and probed using the same primary antibodies to NP1 and NP2 that were used originally.
FGFR3 signaling and function in triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Chew Nicole J. , Nguyen Elizabeth V. , Su Shih-Ping , Novy Karel , Chan Howard C. , Nguyen Lan K. , Luu Jennii , Simpson Kaylene J. , Lee Rachel S. , Daly Roger J.
Published: January 2020

Background

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for 16% of breast cancers and represents an aggressive subtype that lacks targeted therapeutic options. In this study, mass spectrometry (MS)-based tyrosine phosphorylation profiling identified aberrant FGFR3 activation in a subset of TNBC cell lines. This kinase was therefore evaluated as a potential therapeutic target.

Methods

MS-based tyrosine phosphorylation profiling was undertaken across a panel of 24 TNBC cell lines. Immunoprecipitation and Western blot were used to further characterize FGFR3 phosphorylation. Indirect immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy were used to determine FGFR3 localization. The selective FGFR1–3 inhibitor, PD173074 and siRNA knockdowns were used to characterize the functional role of FGFR3 in vitro. The TCGA and Metabric breast cancer datasets were interrogated to identify FGFR3 alterations and how they relate to breast cancer subtype and overall patient survival.

Results

High FGFR3 expression and phosphorylation were detected in SUM185PE cells, which harbor a FGFR3-TACC3 gene fusion. Low FGFR3 phosphorylation was detected in CAL51, MFM-223 and MDA-MB-231 cells. In SUM185PE cells, the FGFR3-TACC3 fusion protein contributed the majority of phosphorylated FGFR3, and largely localized to the cytoplasm and plasma membrane, with staining at the mitotic spindle in a small subset of cells. Knockdown of the FGFR3-TACC3 fusion and wildtype FGFR3 in SUM185PE cells decreased FRS2, AKT and ERK phosphorylation, and induced cell death. Knockdown of wildtype FGFR3 resulted in only a trend for decreased proliferation. PD173074 significantly decreased FRS2, AKT and ERK activation, and reduced SUM185PE cell proliferation. Cyclin A and pRb were also decreased in the presence of PD173074, while cleaved PARP was increased, indicating cell cycle arrest in G1 phase and apoptosis. Knockdown of FGFR3 in CAL51, MFM-223 and MDA-MB-231 cells had no significant effect on cell proliferation. Interrogation of public datasets revealed that increased FGFR3 expression in breast cancer was significantly associated with reduced overall survival, and that potentially oncogenic FGFR3 alterations (eg mutation and amplification) occur in the TNBC/basal, luminal A and luminal B subtypes, but are rare.

Conclusions

These results indicate that targeting FGFR3 may represent a therapeutic option for TNBC, but only for patients with oncogenic FGFR3 alterations, such as the FGFR3-TACC3 fusion.
Cell death induced by the ER stressor thapsigargin involves death receptor 5, a non-autophagic function of MAP1LC3B, and distinct contributions from unfolded protein response components
Authors: Lindner Paula , Christensen Søren Brøgger , Nissen Poul , Møller Jesper Vuust , Engedal Nikolai
Published: January 2020

Background

Cell death triggered by unmitigated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays an important role in physiology and disease, but the death-inducing signaling mechanisms are incompletely understood. To gain more insight into these mechanisms, the ER stressor thapsigargin (Tg) is an instrumental experimental tool. Additionally, Tg forms the basis for analog prodrugs designed for cell killing in targeted cancer therapy. Tg induces apoptosis via the unfolded protein response (UPR), but how apoptosis is initiated, and how individual effects of the various UPR components are integrated, is unclear. Furthermore, the role of autophagy and autophagy-related (ATG) proteins remains elusive.

Methods

To systematically address these key questions, we analyzed the effects of Tg and therapeutically relevant Tg analogs in two human cancer cell lines of different origin (LNCaP prostate- and HCT116 colon cancer cells), using RNAi and inhibitory drugs to target death receptors, UPR components and ATG proteins, in combination with measurements of cell death by fluorescence imaging and propidium iodide staining, as well as real-time RT-PCR and western blotting to monitor caspase activity, expression of ATG proteins, UPR components, and downstream ER stress signaling.

Results

In both cell lines, Tg-induced cell death depended on death receptor 5 and caspase-8. Optimal cytotoxicity involved a non-autophagic function of MAP1LC3B upstream of procaspase-8 cleavage. PERK, ATF4 and CHOP were required for Tg-induced cell death, but surprisingly acted in parallel rather than as a linear pathway; ATF4 and CHOP were independently required for Tg-mediated upregulation of death receptor 5 and MAP1LC3B proteins, whereas PERK acted via other pathways. Interestingly, IRE1 contributed to Tg-induced cell death in a cell type-specific manner. This was linked to an XBP1-dependent activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase, which was pro-apoptotic in LNCaP but not HCT116 cells. Molecular requirements for cell death induction by therapy-relevant Tg analogs were identical to those observed with Tg.

Conclusions

Together, our results provide a new, integrated understanding of UPR signaling mechanisms and downstream mediators that induce cell death upon Tg-triggered, unmitigated ER stress.

Graphical abstract
Measurement error and reliability of three available 3D superimposition methods in growing patients
Authors: Ponce-Garcia Cecilia , Ruellas Antonio Carlos de Oliveira , Cevidanes Lucia Helena Soares , Flores-Mir Carlos , Carey Jason P. , Lagravere-Vich Manuel
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images can be superimposed, allowing three-dimensional (3D) evaluation of craniofacial growth/treatment effects. Limitations of 3D superimposition techniques are related to imaging quality, software/hardware performance, reference areas chosen, and landmark points/volumes identification errors. The aims of this research are to determine/compare the intra-rater reliability generated by three 3D superimposition methods using CBCT images, and compare the changes observed in treated cases by these methods.

Methods

Thirty-six growing individuals (11–14 years old) were selected from patients that received orthodontic treatment. Before and after treatment (average 24 months apart) CBCTs were analyzed using three superimposition methods. The superimposed scans with the two voxel-based methods were used to construct surface models and quantify differences using SlicerCMF software, while distances in the landmark-derived method were calculated using Excel. 3D linear measurements of the models superimposed with each method were then compared.

Results

Repeated measurements with each method separately presented good to excellent intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC ≥ 0.825). ICC values were the lowest when comparing the landmark-based method and both voxel-based methods. Moderate to excellent agreement was observed when comparing the voxel-based methods against each other. The landmark-based method generated the highest measurement error.

Conclusions

Findings indicate good to excellent intra-examiner reliability of the three 3D superimposition methods when assessed individually. However, when assessing reliability among the three methods, ICC demonstrated less powerful agreement. The measurements with two of the three methods (CMFreg/Slicer and Dolphin) showed similar mean differences; however, the accuracy of the results could not be determined.
Coupled cycling and regulation of metazoan morphogenesis
Authors: Rezaei-Lotfi Saba , Farahani Ramin M.
Published: January 2020

Metazoan animals are characterized by restricted phenotypic heterogeneity (i.e. morphological disparity) of organisms within various species, a feature that contrasts sharply with intra-species morphological diversity observed in the plant kingdom. Robust emergence of morphogenic blueprint in metazoan animals reflects restricted autonomy of individual cells in adoption of fate outcomes such as differentiation. Fates of individual cells are linked to and influenced by fates of neighboring cells at the population level. Such coupling is a common property of all self-organising systems and propels emergence of order from simple interactions between individual cells without supervision by external directing forces. As a consequence of coupling, expected functional relationship between the constituent cells of an organ system is robustly established concurrent with multiple rounds of cell division during morphogenesis. Notably, the molecular regulation of multicellular coupling during morphogenic self-organisation remains largely unexplored. Here, we review the existing literature on multicellular self-organisation with particular emphasis on recent discovery that β-catenin is the key coupling factor that programs emergence of multi-cellular self-organisation by regulating synchronised cycling of individual cells.
Correction to: Evolutionarily novel genes are expressed in transgenic fish tumors and their orthologs are involved in development of progressive traits in humans
Authors: Matyunina E. A. , Emelyanov A. V. , Kurbatova T. V. , Makashov A. A. , Mizgirev I. V. , Kozlov A. P.
Published: January 2020

The original publication of this article [1] contained 4 errors in column 1 of Table 4. In this correction article the errors and updated table are published.
Colistin-resistant Escherichia coli carrying mcr-1 in food, water, hand rinse, and healthy human gut in Bangladesh
Authors: Johura Fatema-Tuz , Tasnim Jarin , Barman Indrajeet , Biswas Sahitya Ranjan , Jubyda Fatema Tuz , Sultana Marzia , George Christine Marie , Camilli Andrew , Seed Kimberley D. , Ahmed Niyaz , Alam Munirul
Published: January 2020

Background

One of the most significant public health concerns in today’s world is the persistent upsurge of infections caused by multidrug resistant bacteria. As a result, clinicians are being forced to intervene with either less effective backup drugs or ones with substantial side-effects. Colistin is a last resort antimicrobial agent for the treatment of infections caused by multi-drug resistant gram-negative bacteria.

Methods

Escherichia coli (n = 65) isolated from street food (n = 20), hand rinse (n = 15), surface water (n = 10), and healthy human stool (n = 20) were tested for colistin resistance gene mcr-1 and response to antimicrobial agents. Antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence genes were detected by employing polymerase chain reaction. DNA fingerprinting of the strains were determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.

Results

Screening of E. coli allowed us to confirm colistin resistance marker gene mcr-1 in 13 strains (street food, n = 4; hand rinse, n = 2; surface water, n = 4; and stool, n = 3); and two of these E. coli strains carrying mcr-1 harbored blaTEM gene encoding extended spectrum beta lactamase. Antibiotic assay results revealed all 13 E. coli strains carrying mcr-1 to be multi-drug resistant (MDR), including to colistin. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for colistin ranged from 2 to 6 μg/ml. DNA sequencing confirmed homogeneity of the nucleotide sequence for mcr-1, but the E. coli strains were heterogenous, as confirmed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis suggesting horizontal transmission of colistin resistance in Bangladesh.

Conclusion

Widespread dissemination of E. coli strains carrying mcr-1 encoding resistance to colistin in the present study is alarming as this is the last resort drug for the treatment of infections caused by MDR gram-negative bacteria resistant to almost all drugs used commonly.
A patient with left-sided inferior vena cava who received oblique lumbar interbody fusion surgery: a case report
Authors: Liu Chen , Zhai Jian , Yuan Quan , Zhang Yu , Xu Hongguang
Published: January 2020

Background

Oblique lateral interbody fusion surgery has become increasingly popular for lumbar degenerative diseases. The oblique corridor is between the psoas muscle and the retroperitoneal vessels, and its use could result in decreased tissue trauma, minimal blood loss, and short operation times. Patients who undergo oblique lateral interbody fusion surgery are always placed in the right lateral position to avoid damage to the inferior vena cava, which is typically a right-sided vessel. There is a substantial risk of vascular injury during the operation if there are anatomical variations in the vessels.

Case presentation

A 77-year-old man, of the Han nationality, with lumbar spinal stenosis underwent stand-alone oblique lateral interbody fusion surgery. Transverse magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine indicated that his inferior vena cava was left-sided. A three-dimensional reconstructed image of abdominal computed tomography angiography showed that the inferior vena cava was located on the left side. Finally, the surgeon decided to change the position of our patient from a right lateral position to a left lateral position before the surgery.

Conclusions

To date, this is the first reported case where a patient underwent oblique lateral interbody fusion surgery in a left lateral decubitus position due to a left-sided inferior vena cava. This case demonstrates that carefully reading radiological results is important for operation planning and avoiding anatomical complications.
European perspectives on efforts to reduce antimicrobial usage in food animal production
Authors: More Simon J.
Published: January 2020

New regulations on veterinary medicines and medicated feed will substantially influence antimicrobial prescribing and usage throughout Europe into the future. These regulations have been informed by a very large body of work, including the substantial progress towards reduced antimicrobial usage in food animal production in a number of member states of the European Union (EU). This paper seeks to summarise European perspectives on efforts to reduce antimicrobial usage in food animal production. Work within the EU is informed by the global action plan of the World Health Organization, which includes a strategic objective to optimise the use of antimicrobial medicines in human and animal health. There is ongoing measurement of trends in antimicrobial usage and resistance throughout the EU, and detailed information on strategies to reduce the need to use antimicrobials in food animal production. Substantial scientific progress has been made on the measurement of antimicrobial usage, including at herd-level, and on the objective assessment of farm biosecurity. In a number of EU member states, monitoring systems for usage are well-established, allowing benchmarking for veterinarians and farms, and monitoring of national and industry-level trends. Several countries have introduced restrictions on antimicrobial prescribing and usage, including strategies to limit conflicts of interest around antimicrobial prescribing and usage. Further, a broad range of measures are being used across member states to reduce the need for antimicrobial usage in food animal production, focusing both at farm level and nationally. Veterinarians play a central role in the reduction of antimicrobial usage in farm animals. Ireland’s National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2017–20 (iNAP) provides an overview of Ireland’s commitment to the development and implementation of a holistic, cross-sectoral ‘One Health’ approach to the problem of antimicrobial resistance. The new regulations offer an important springboard for further progress, in order to preserve the efficacy of existing antimicrobials, which are a critical international resource.
“Distinguished” women entrepreneurs in the digital economy and the multitasking whirlpool
Authors: Kamberidou Irene
Published: January 2020

How are women entrepreneurs transforming and challenging traditional understandings of professional success in the 21st century, despite the multitasking whirlpool? What type of knowledge and skills are required in today’s digital world to develop professionally and succeed as an entrepreneur? What are the major barriers to successful entrepreneurship preventing women from realizing their full potential or stopping them from even beginning an entrepreneurial career? A current literature review (2011–2019) on women’s entrepreneurial initiatives, skills, characteristics, attributes, motives and leadership styles, documenting strategies for success and barriers confronted, indicates that not much has changed. Women entrepreneurs continue to face the multitasking whirlpool, along with the lack of financial resources, marketing skills and support services, including poor access to business networks, technology and digital markets. Despite the mass entry of women in exclusively male domains, glass ceilings have not been shattered. Then again, developed and developing nations have come to understand that women’s entrepreneurial activities contribute to socioeconomic growth and utilizing the full potential of all human resources is essential for sustainable development. Studies of the 21st century—as those of the late 20th century —continue to spotlight gender gaps in entrepreneurship as well as the so-valued career–family balance, while still arguing that further research is needed. They also agree that successful entrepreneurship requires digital skills along with the drive for innovation. The successful entrepreneur, or to use a term and concept coined by Elias G. Carayannis and McDonald R. Stewart (2013), the “distinguished entrepreneur” regardless of gender, is an innovator; a visionary; a person who predicts and shapes the future; takes initiatives; accepts change, risk and failure; learns from it; and sees what others do not see, among other things. Accordingly, this study presents snapshots of lives changed and empowered. It includes the work and narratives of “distinguished” (Carayannis & Stewart  2013) women entrepreneurs who have made a difference. Is it not time to shed some light on inspirational role models, especially those who are excelling in the startup world, the Blue Economy and the Silver Economy?
Effects of environmental modification on the diversity and positivity of anopheline mosquito aquatic habitats at Arjo-Dedessa irrigation development site, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Hawaria Dawit , Demissew Assalif , Kibret Solomon , Lee Ming-Chieh , Yewhalaw Delenasaw , Yan Guiyun
Published: January 2020

Background

Irrigated agriculture is key to increase agricultural productivity and ensure food security in Africa. However, unintended negative public health impacts (e.g. malaria) of such environmental modification have been a challenge. This study assessed the diversity and distribution of breeding habitats of malaria vector mosquitoes around Arjo-Dedessa irrigation development site in Southwest Ethiopia.

Methods

Anopheline mosquito larvae were surveyed from two agroecosystems, ‘irrigated’ and ‘non-irrigated’ areas during the dry (December 2017–February 2018) and wet (June 2018–August 2018) seasons. Mosquito habitat diversity and larval abundance were compared between the irrigated and non-irrigated areas. The association between anopheline mosquito larvae occurrence and environmental parameters was analysed using Pearson chi-square. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine primary parameters that influence the occurrence of anopheline larvae.

Results

Overall, 319 aquatic habitats were surveyed during the study period. Around 60% (n = 152) of the habitats were positive for anopheline mosquito larvae, of which 63.8% (n = 97) and 36.2% (n = 55) were from irrigated and non-irrigated areas, respectively. The number of anopheline positive habitats was two-fold higher in irrigated than non-irrigated areas. Anopheline larval abundance in the irrigated area was 16.6% higher than the non-irrigated area. Pearson’s chi-square analysis showed that season (χ2 = 63.122, df = 1, P < 0.001), agroecosystem (being irrigated or non-irrigated) (χ2 = 6.448, df = 1, P = 0.011), and turbidity (χ2 = 7.296, df = 2, P = 0.025) had a significant association with larval anopheline occurrence.

Conclusions

The study showed a higher anopheline mosquito breeding habitat diversity, larval occurrence and abundance in the irrigated than non-irrigated areas in both dry and wet seasons. This indicates that irrigation development activities contribute to proliferation of suitable mosquito breeding habitats that could increase the risk of malaria transmission. Incorporating larval source management into routine malaria vector control strategies could help reduce mosquito population density and malaria transmission around irrigation schemes.
Geothermal resource assessment of remote sedimentary basins with sparse data: lessons learned from Anticosti Island, Canada
Authors: Gascuel Violaine , Bédard Karine , Comeau Félix-Antoine , Raymond Jasmin , Malo Michel
Published: January 2020

Anticosti Island is located in the Anticosti sedimentary basin, an Ordovician/Silurian carbonate platform. This platform is mainly composed of limestone and shale with some dolomite and sandstone and reaches up to 5 km depth in the southwest. It overlies a Precambrian basement of the Grenville Province made of magmatic and metamorphic rocks. Like most remote and off-grid regions in Canada, it relies heavily on fossil fuels for energy supplies. An assessment of deep geothermal resources was achieved in this area with the objective of diversifying energy resources to help develop renewable energy for villages deserved by micro-grid systems. Despite sparse and low-quality bottom-hole data (15 wells of 1111 m to 2762 m depth), a 3D temperature model was developed for this sedimentary basin and its underlying Precambrian basement up to 40 km (mantle depth). Quantifying confidence intervals for thermal parameters, namely bottom-hole temperature, thermal conductivity, heat generation rate and mantle heat flux, was paramount to obtain a reliable range of temperature predictions. A high variability of modeled temperature, up to 41% at the base of the sedimentary basin and 70% at mantle depth, remains when trying to constrain input parameters. The lack of equilibrium temperature measurements at depth affects the temperature predictions, both in the sedimentary basin and the Precambrian basement. It is an important issue to solve in further studies. Furthermore, knowledge of the thermal properties of the Precambrian basement of the Grenville Province and its geometry is poor. In addition, there is a wide confidence interval on thermal conductivity of specific lithologies in the Anticosti sedimentary basin. It has a significant impact on temperature predictions at depth and should be improved for studies focusing on electricity production. Despite a wide confidence interval on temperature predictions, geothermal electricity generation from reservoirs at 120 °C or more appears difficult in the current technical and economic context. Electricity generation at a low temperature with an inlet of 70 °C could be achieved at a reservoir depth of 2–4 km, but with a net efficiency of 10–11% (considering a flow rate of 40 l s−1 and a cooling temperature of 5 °C). Direct use of geothermal heat from the deepest part of the sedimentary basin seems to be the most realistic option, provided that sufficiently permeable horizons can be found.
High density lipoprotein mimicking nanoparticles for atherosclerosis
Authors: Chen Jun , Zhang Xixi , Millican Reid , Creutzmann Jacob Emil , Martin Sean , Jun Ho-Wook
Published: January 2020

Atherosclerosis is a major contributor to many cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and peripheral arterial disease, making it the leading cause of death worldwide. High-density lipoproteins (HDL), also known as “good cholesterol”, have been shown to demonstrate anti-atherosclerotic efficacy through the removal of cholesterol from foam cells in atherosclerotic plaques. Because of the excellent anti-atherosclerotic properties of HDL, in the past several years, there has been tremendous attention in designing HDL mimicking nanoparticles (NPs) of varying functions to image, target, and treat atherosclerosis. In this review, we are summarizing the recent progress in the development of HDL mimicking NPs and their applications for atherosclerosis.
18F-fluorothymidine (FLT)-PET and diffusion-weighted MRI for early response evaluation in patients with small cell lung cancer: a pilot study
Authors: Christensen Tine Nøhr , Langer Seppo W. , Villumsen Katrine Engholm , Johannesen Helle Hjorth , Löfgren Johan , Keller Sune Høgild , Hansen Adam Espe , Kjaer Andreas , Fischer Barbara Malene
Published: January 2020

Background

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive cancer often presenting in an advanced stage and prognosis is poor. Early response evaluation may have impact on the treatment strategy.

Aim

We evaluated 18F-fluorothymidine-(FLT)-PET/diffusion-weighted-(DW)-MRI early after treatment start to describe biological changes during therapy, the potential of early response evaluation, and the added value of FLT-PET/DW-MRI.

Methods

Patients with SCLC referred for standard chemotherapy were eligible. FLT-PET/DW-MRI of the chest and brain was acquired within 14 days after treatment start. FLT-PET/DW-MRI was compared with pretreatment FDG-PET/CT. Standardized uptake value (SUV), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and functional tumor volumes were measured. FDG-SUVpeak, FLT-SUVpeak, and ADCmedian; spatial distribution of aggressive areas; and voxel-by-voxel analyses were evaluated to compare the biological information derived from the three functional imaging modalities. FDG-SUVpeak, FLT-SUVpeak, and ADCmedian were also analyzed for ability to predict final treatment response.

Results

Twelve patients with SCLC completed FLT-PET/MRI 1–9 days after treatment start. In nine patients, pretreatment FDG-PET/CT was available for comparison. A total of 16 T-sites and 12 N-sites were identified. No brain metastases were detected. FDG-SUVpeak was 2.0–22.7 in T-sites and 5.5–17.3 in N-sites. FLT-SUVpeak was 0.6–11.5 in T-sites and 1.2–2.4 in N-sites. ADCmedian was 0.76–1.74 × 10− 3 mm2/s in T-sites and 0.88–2.09 × 10−3 mm2/s in N-sites. FLT-SUVpeak correlated with FDG-SUVpeak, and voxel-by-voxel correlation was positive, though the hottest regions were dissimilarly distributed in FLT-PET compared to FDG-PET. FLT-SUVpeak was not correlated with ADCmedian, and voxel-by-voxel analyses and spatial distribution of aggressive areas varied with no systematic relation. LT-SUVpeak was significantly lower in responding lesions than non-responding lesions (mean FLT-SUVpeak in T-sites: 1.5 vs. 5.7; p = 0.007, mean FLT-SUVpeak in N-sites: 1.6 vs. 2.2; p = 0.013).

Conclusions

FLT-PET and DW-MRI performed early after treatment start may add biological information in patients with SCLC. Proliferation early after treatment start measured by FLT-PET is a promising predictor for final treatment response that warrants further investigation.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02995902. Registered 11 December 2014 - Retrospectively registered.
2018 Presidential Address: The Trouble with “America”
Authors: Restall Matthew
Published: January 2020

This address reflects upon the ethical responsibility of ethnohistorians to consider the ongoing impact of historical depictions of indigenous peoples, in text and image, and our handling of those depictions. The essay draws in particular upon the historical mistreatment and misrepresentation of indigenous women, using Pocahontas and Malinche as examples of distorted icons, referencing the hidden history of the sixteenth-century trade in indigenous sex slaves in the Caribbean and Mesoamerica, and arguing that the Armed Freedom statue atop the US Capitol Building is an allegorical icon of the highly problematic, deeply rooted, gendered, and ethnoracialized construction of “America.”
Ghosts of the Haciendas: Memory, Architecture, and the Architecture of Memory in the Post–Hacienda Era of Southern Coastal Peru
Authors: Weaver Brendan J. M.
Published: January 2020

The implementation of the Velasco administration’s agrarian reforms in the 1970s transformed Peru’s rural landscape and the ways in which communities relate to the physical reminders of the time of the haciendas. Community engagement during recent archaeological research at colonial Jesuit wine haciendas in Nasca’s Ingenio Valley has revealed narratives that link historical memory on the former estates to fantastical imagery of ghosts, treasure, and mysterious tunnels, which simultaneously reference multiple attitudes related to a difficult past. This article ethnographically explores local engagement with hacienda architecture and memories of the hacienda period, which formulate a set of coexisting complex historical narratives indexing the modern communities’ diversely experienced relationship to multiple historical events stretching into the deep colonial past, simultaneously expressing associated trauma, loss, and hope.
Making Maya Men
Authors: Sigal Pete
Published: January 2020

The Franciscan friar Diego de Landa, in the mid-sixteenth century, and the Holly-wood film producer and director Mel Gibson, in the early twenty-first century, created Maya men as beings with perverted and penetrated bodies. In 1566 Landa wrote his Relación de las cosas de Yucatán, an extensive text about the Maya people. In 2006 Gibson released Apocalypto, a Hollywood film in which all dialogue was in Yucatec Maya. Landa and Gibson both argued that they showed the true Maya world, but each expressed a visceral reaction to Maya sacrifice and, in so doing, infested their own fantasies with nightmares of savage Maya men. This essay argues that by analyzing the voyeurism and fantasies of Landa and Gibson, we can come to terms with the position of Maya masculinity in modern Western imaginations. Moreover, by working to understand Landa’s and Gibson’s investments in perverse Maya men, we can think about why Western people formulate fantasies of colonized subjects. Finally, these fantasies of non-Western subjectivities can speak to the stakes involved in queer theory’s understanding of the social sphere, the heterosexual family, and the child as a sign of the future.
Apprehending the “Angry Ethnic Fag”
Authors: Eng Chris A.
Published: January 2020

This article postulates the “angry ethnic fag” as a figure of silenced queer of color dissent. Building on the work of artist Justin Chin, it explores how shame elucidates value economies that apprehend specific acts of indignity as having the currency to forward LGBTQ politics while rendering queer of color demands nonsensical. Efforts to recuperate shame often replicate consumption practices that feed on the racial other to nourish an unmarked queer body (politic). Wallowing in the rim of abjection, Chin’s oeuvre centers the queer Asian/American to consider that which circulates around but is not necessarily in the bottom. His essay “Currency” and poem “Lick My Butt” theorize the (peri-)bottom as an ambivalent positioning that taints celebratory claims about the subversive potentiality of bottomhood. Reanimating shame and the erotic through a poetics of sweet pain, Chin’s works show how “eating ass” opens up radical alternative relationalities for queer politics.