bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Who Gets to Be in the War Story? Absences and Silences in They Shall Not Grow Old
Authors: Grayzel Susan R.
Published: October 2019

This roundtable offers four diverse perspectives on Peter Jackson’s innovative and controversial World War I documentary film They Shall Not Grow Old (2018). Jackson’s film breaks the mold of the documentary genre in its manipulation and montage of the visual and audio archives held at the Imperial War Museum in London. Yet he puts his technical virtuosity and resources at the service of a very traditional interpretation of the war, focusing almost entirely on the experience of young Englishmen on the Western Front. Scholars Santanu Das, Susan R. Grayzel, Jessica Meyer, and Catherine Robson offer their reflections on both the gains and losses of Jackson’s paradoxical original use of historical documents and old-fashioned rendering of the war’s experiential elements. They consider, respectively, the experience of colonial troops, the place of women in the war, and Jackson’s creative, if controversial, interpretation of the visual and aural archive.
Pharmacologic and clinical assessment of kratom: An update
Authors: White C Michael
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This article presents updated information on kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), a natural opioid with stimulant properties that is currently sold in the United States without a prescription.

Kratom exerts opioid and alpha-2 agonistic effects, as well as anti-inflammatory and mild stimulant effects. Respiratory depression has not been commonly reported, but kratom does cause a host of adverse effects. While kratom may have a role in patients who are in chronic pain or dependent on opioid painkillers or heroin, this needs to be established in clinical trials. Kratom may have drug interactions as both a cytochrome P-450 system substrate and inhibitor. Kratom does not appear in normal drug screens and, especially when ingested with other substances of abuse, may not be recognized as an agent of harm. There are numerous cases of death in kratom users, but many involved polypharmaceutical ingestions. There are assessments where people have been unable to stop using kratom therapy and withdrawal signs/symptoms occurred in patients or their newborn babies after kratom cessation. Both banning and failure to ban kratom places people at risk; a middle-ground alternative, placing it behind the pharmacy counter, might be useful.

Conclusion

Kratom has a unique pharmacologic profile that might offer advantages over other opioids, but its high abuse liability, potential for drug interactions and adverse events, and inadequate research into the balance of benefits to harm are concerning. There is mounting information on the adverse events associated with kratom use and potential treatments that can be useful to clinicians.
Neuropsychological Performance 1 Year After Status Epilepticus in Adults
Authors: Gramstad Arne , Power Kjersti N , Engelsen Bernt A
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Status epilepticus (SE) may lead to or worsen cognitive dysfunction. Few studies have evaluated magnitude and profile of cognitive dysfunction in patients after SE. Characterization of cognitive deficits may be important for rehabilitation and follow-up. We assessed cognitive function in a consecutive, non-selected group of relatively healthy survivors with a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery.

Methods

A total of 33 patients (24 men, 9 women; mean age 54,9 years, mean education 11,8 years) were tested 1 year after SE with Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Fourth edition (WAIS-IV), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, subtests from the Wechsler Memory Scale–Revised, Phonemic and Semantic word list generation, and the Halstead-Reitan Battery. Premorbid IQ was estimated with a Norwegian version of the National Adult Reading Test (NART). Results were compared to published norms. Regression analyses and independent groups t-tests were performed to assess the influence of background variables.

Results

Mean performance generally was about one standard deviation below average. Full scale IQ (WAIS-IV) was significantly reduced compared to estimated premorbid IQ (NART). Negative influence on cognition of brain lesions visible on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging and duration of SE >30 min was shown by group comparisons.

Conclusions

SE represents a marker for possible cognitive dysfunction, and follow-up with neuropsychological assessment and cognitive rehabilitation seems warranted in most patients. Complex problem-solving abilities with high general sensitivity to brain impairment showed the most prominent reduction. Otherwise, no specific profile of domain affection was found. Structural brain lesions and duration of SE over 30 min represent risk factors for cognitive deficit.
Nonsurgical Tissue Repositioning: Analysis of Long-Term Results and Patient Satisfaction From 100 Absorbable Suture Suspension Cases
Authors: Few Julius W , Vachon Ginny , Pintas Stephanie , Smith Jesse R
Published: October 2019

Background

Absorbable suspension sutures are the only nonsurgical modality approved for tissue repositioning.

Objectives

To quantitate patient perceptions of treatment at 24 months and determine the impact of age and prior surgical procedures on perceptions of efficacy, treatment longevity, and overall satisfaction. In addition, the authors sought to describe the impact of treatment with absorbable suspension sutures on the likelihood a patient will undergo future surgical procedures.

Methods

The first 100 treated patients who underwent treatment with absorbable suspension sutures, by the senior author, were critically evaluated. Subjects completed surveys 24 months following initial treatment.

Results

Of the initial 100 patients, complete records were available for 80 patients (age 39–86). Eighteen (22.5%) received a second treatment with absorbable suspension sutures and average time to second treatment was 23.4 months (range 13–37 months). Overall satisfaction was affected by age, 100% of patients ≤ 50 vs. 60% of patients > 50 (P = 0.026). Prior surgery appeared to be a factor in patient perception of efficacy: 82.6% of patients with no prior surgery indicated that absorbable suspension sutures were effective vs. 45.5% of patients with a prior surgical procedure (P = 0.0286). Just under one third of pretreatment surgical patients underwent surgery following treatment while 25% of surgery naïve patients went on to have surgery. Importantly, satisfaction with the initial procedure does not preclude later surgery.

Conclusions

Treatment with absorbable suspension sutures is associated with high satisfaction through 24 months and does deter patients from surgery. The combination of lift and volumization results in 4-dimensional rejuvenation that includes rejuvenation of dynamic expression.

Level of Evidence: 4
Comprehensive evaluation of the MM-GBSA method on bromodomain-inhibitor sets
Authors: Çınaroğlu Süleyman Selim , Timuçin Emel
Published: October 2019

MM-PB/GBSA methods represent a higher-level scoring theory than docking. This study reports an extensive testing of different MM-GBSA scoring schemes on two bromodomain (BRD) datasets. The first set is composed of 24 BRPF1 complexes, and the second one is a nonredundant set constructed from the PDBbind and composed of 28 diverse BRD complexes. A variety of MM-GBSA schemes were analyzed to evaluate the performance of four protocols with different numbers of minimization and MD steps, 10 different force fields and three different water models. Results showed that neither additional MD steps nor unfixing the receptor atoms improved scoring or ranking power. On the contrary, our results underscore the advantage of fixing receptor atoms or limiting the number of MD steps not only for a reduction in the computational costs but also for boosting the prediction accuracy. Among Amber force fields tested, ff14SB and its derivatives rather than ff94 or polarized force fields provided the most accurate scoring and ranking results. The TIP3P water model yielded the highest scoring and ranking power compared to the others. Posing power was further evaluated for the BRPF1 set. A slightly better posing power for the protocol which uses both minimization and MD steps with a fixed receptor than the one which uses only minimization with a fully flexible receptor-ligand system was observed. Overall, this study provides insights into the usage of the MM-GBSA methods for screening of BRD inhibitors, substantiating the benefits of shorter protocols and latest force fields and maintaining the crystal waters for accuracy.
Chemical Profiling of Embelia ribes by Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Its Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activities In Vitro
Authors: Guo Sa , He Mingzhen , Liu Mi , Huang Wengping , Ouyang Hui , Feng Yulin , Zhong Guoyue , Yang Shilin
Published: October 2019

Embelia ribes is a traditional Chinese medicine compound used as a remedy for various diseases. Nevertheless, detailed information regarding its chemical composition is unavailable. Herein, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry was used to characterize the components of E. ribes. A total of 56 compounds, including 16 phenolics, 16 flavonoids, 4 coumarins, 5 fatty acids and 15 other compounds were identified. Furthermore, the total phenolic and total flavonoid content was also assessed; the acetic ether extract of E. ribes was an ideal source of phenolics (308.16 ± 0.00 mg gallic acid equivalents/g of extract) and flavonoids (62.00 ± 0.01 mg rutin equivalents/g of extract). Additionally, acetic ether extract exhibited a high antioxidation effect (ferric reducing activity power: 0.15 ± 0.01 mg/mL; 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl: 0.18 ± 0.01 mg/mL; 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid: 0.06 ± 0.01 mg/mL). Further, the nitric oxide concentration in lipopolysaccharide-simulated macrophage RAW 264.7 cells and the pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) were suppressed by acetic ether extract. These findings support the notion that E. ribes is an ideal antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.
The low-protein diet for chronic kidney disease: 8 years of clinical experience in a nephrology ward
Authors: Baragetti Ivano , De Simone Ilaria , Biazzi Cecilia , Buzzi Laura , Ferrario Francesca , Luise Maria Carmen , Santagostino Gaia , Furiani Silvia , Alberghini Elena , Capitanio Chiara , Terraneo Veronica , Milia Vicenzo La , Pozzi Claudio
Published: October 2019

Background

Guidelines indicate that a low-protein diet (LPD) delays dialysis in severe chronic kidney disease (CKD). We assessed the value of these guidelines by performing a retrospective analysis in our renal clinical practice.

Methods

The analysis was performed from 1 January 2010 to 31 March 2018 in 299 CKD Stage 4 patients followed for 70 months in collaboration with a skilled nutritionist. The patients included 43 patients on a controlled protein diet (CPD) of 0.8 g/kg/day [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 20–30 mL/min/1.73 m2 body surface (b.s.)], 171 patients on an LPD of 0.6 g/kg/day and 85 patients on an unrestricted protein diet (UPD) who were not followed by our nutritionist (LPD and UPD, eGFR <20 mL/min/1.73 m2 b.s.).

Results

eGFR was higher in CPD patients than in UPD and LPD patients (21.9 ± 7.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 versus 17.6 ± 8.00 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 17.1 ± 7.5 mL/min/1.73 m2; P = 0.008). The real daily protein intake was higher in UPD patients than in LPD and CDP patients (0.80 ± 0.1 g/kg/day versus 0.6 ± 0.2 and 0.63 ± 0.2 g/kg/day; P = 0.01). Body mass index (BMI) was stable in the LPD and CPD groups but decreased from 28.5 ± 4.52 to 25.4 ± 3.94 kg/m2 in the UPD group (P < 0.001). The renal survival of UPD, LPD and CPD patients was 47.1, 84.3 and 90.7%, respectively, at 30 months (P < 0.001), 42.4, 72.0 and 79.1%, respectively, at 50 months (P < 0.001) and 42.4, 64.1 and 74.4%, respectively, at 70 months (P < 0.001). The LPD patients started dialysis nearly 24 months later than the UPD patients. Diet was an independent predictor of dialysis [−67% of RR reduction (hazard ratio = 0.33; confidence interval 0.22–0.48)] together with a reduction in BMI.

Conclusions

An LPD recommended by nephrologists in conjunction with skilled dietitians delays dialysis and preserves nutritional status in severe CKD.
Social status, forest disturbance, and Barred Owls shape long-term trends in breeding dispersal distance of Northern Spotted Owls
Authors: Jenkins Julianna M A , Lesmeister Damon B , Forsman Eric D , Dugger Katie M , Ackers Steven H , Andrews L Steven , McCafferty Chris E , Pruett M Shane , Reid Janice A , Sovern Stan G , Horn Rob B , Gremel Scott A , Wiens J David , Yang Zhiqiang
Published: October 2019

Dispersal among breeding sites in territorial animals (i.e. breeding dispersal) is driven by numerous selection pressures, including competition and spatiotemporal variation in habitat quality. The scale and trend of dispersal movements over time may signal changing conditions within the population or on the landscape. We examined 2,158 breeding dispersal events from 694 male and 608 female individually marked Northern Spotted Owls (Strix occidentalis caurina) monitored over 28 yr on 7 study areas to assess the relative importance of individual (sex, experience), reproductive (annual productivity, mate availability), and environmental (forest alteration, presence of competitor) sources of variation in breeding dispersal distance. Median breeding dispersal distance was 3.17 km, with 99% of all breeding dispersal events <37 km. Mean annual dispersal distances increased by 2.43 km in Oregon and 9.40 km in Washington between 1990 and 2017, which coincided with increases in annual detections of nonnative Barred Owl (S. varia). Frequency of breeding dispersal events, both among and within individuals, also increased over time. Female owls moved farther than males (median of 3.26 and 3.10 km, respectively), and birds with less experience (territory tenure) moved farther than those with more experience. Owls that were single in the year prior to dispersal moved 13–31% farther than those paired prior to dispersal. The greatest environmental change occurring over the course of our study was the expansion of Barred Owl populations. Breeding dispersal distance was positively related to Barred Owls in the study area and disturbance within the originating territory. While it appears that social factors continue to be important drivers of breeding dispersal distance in Spotted Owls, increased competition from Barred Owls and habitat alteration have a contributing effect. Increased breeding dispersal distances should be of concern for conservation efforts and considered in population monitoring because changing dispersal behavior may lead to higher rates of mortality and/or emigration from historical study areas.
Contrasting female mate preferences for red coloration in a fish
Authors: Reuland Charel , Culbert Brett M , Devigili Alessandro , Kahrl Ariel F , Fitzpatrick John L
Published: October 2019

Understanding how animals select their mates requires knowing the factors that shape mate preferences. Recent theoretical and empirical considerations suggest that female mating status can influence the degree to which a female engages in mate choice, with virgin females predicted to be less choosy than mated females. In this study, we investigated mate choice in both virgin and mated females in the pygmy halfbeak Dermogenys collettei. Halfbeaks are small, live-bearing, internally fertilizing freshwater fish that live in mixed-sex groups where females have ample opportunity to engage in mate choice. Using a dichotomous choice assay, we quantified and contrasted in virgin and mated females mate preferences for differences in male body size, beak size, and area of yellow and red coloration. We also examined how mating status influenced the amount of time a female associated with the first male encountered and the relative amount of time a female associated with each male. We demonstrate that mate preferences of female halfbeaks are driven primarily by the size of red coloration present on males. Females showed contrasting preferences based on mating status, with virgin females preferentially associating with drab males whereas mated females preferentially associate with males possessing large areas of red. Contrary to expectations, female mating status did not influence how females associate with the first males encountered or how females biased their association time among males. Although the precise drivers of these effects need further studying, our finding highlights a possible explanation for how variation in male ornamentation can be maintained.
Transanal Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis for Ulcerative Colitis has Comparable Long-Term Functional Outcomes to Transabdominal Approach: A Multicentre Comparative Study
Authors: Chandrasinghe Pramodh , Carvello Michele , Wasmann Karin , Foppa Caterina , Tanis Pieter , Perry-Woodford Zarah , Warusavitarne Janindra , Spinelli Antonino , Bemelman Willem
Published: October 2019

Background

The transanal approach to ileal pouch-anal anastomosis [Ta-IPAA] provides better access to the lower pelvis with lower short-term morbidity in ulcerative colitis [UC]. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term functional outcomes after Ta-IPAA vs transabdominal IPAA [Abd-IPAA] in UC.

Methods

A multicentre cohort analysis was performed between March 2002 and September 2017. Patient characteristics, surgical details and postoperative outcomes were compared. CGQL [Cleveland global quality of life] score at 12 months with a functioning pouch was considered the primary end point.

Results

A total of 374 patients [100 Ta-IPAA vs 274 Abd-IPAA] were included. Ta-IPAA demonstrated a comparable overall quality of life [CGQL score] to Abd-IPAA [0.75 ± 0.11 vs 0.71 ± 0.14; respectively, p = 0.1]. Quality of life [7.71 ± 1.17 vs 7.30 ± 1.46; p = 0.04] and energy-level items [7.16 ± 1.52 vs 6.66 ± 1.68; p = 0.03] were significantly better after Ta-IPAA, while the quality of health item was comparable [7.68 ± 1.26 vs 7.64 ± 1.44; p = 0.96]. Analysis excluding anastomotic leaks did not change the overall CGQL scores. Stool frequencies [>10/24 h: 22% vs 21%; p = 1.0] and the rate of a single episode of major incontinence during the following 12-month period [27% vs 26%; p = 0.89] were similar. The differences in 30-day morbidity rates [33% vs 41%; p = 0.2] and anastomotic leak rates were not significant [6% vs 13%; p = 0.09].

Conclusions

This study provides evidence of comparable long-term functional outcome and quality of life after Ta-IPAA and Abd-IPAA for UC.
Vascular age derived from coronary artery calcium score on the risk stratification of individuals with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia
Authors: Miname Marcio H , Bittencourt Marcio Sommers , Pereira Alexandre C , Jannes Cinthia E , Krieger Jose E , Nasir Khurram , Santos Raul D
Published: October 2019

Aims

The objective of this study was to evaluate if vascular age derived from coronary artery calcium (CAC) score improves atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk discrimination in primary prevention asymptomatic heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) patients undergoing standard lipid-lowering therapy.

Methods and results

Two hundred and six molecularly confirmed FH individuals (age 45 ± 14 years, 36% males, baseline LDL-cholesterol 6.2 ± 2.2 mmol/L; 239 ± 85mg/dL) were followed by 4.4 ± 2.9 years (median: 3.7 years, interquartile ranges 2.7–6.8). CAC measurement was performed, and lipid-lowering therapy was optimized according to FH guidelines. Vascular age was derived from CAC and calculated according to the Multi Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis algorithm. Risk estimation based on the Framingham equations was calculated for both biological (bFRS) and vascular (vaFRS) age. During follow-up, 15 ASCVD events (7.2%) were documented. The annualized rate of events for bFRS <10%, 10–20%, and >20% was respectively: 8.45 [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.17–22.52], 23.28 (95% CI 9.69–55.94), and 28.13 (95% CI 12.63–62.61) per 1000 patients. The annualized rate of events for vaFRS <10%, 10–20%, and >20% was respectively: 0, 0, and 50.37 (95% CI 30.37–83.56) per 1000 patients. vaFRS presented a better discrimination for ASCVD events compared to bFRS 0.7058 (95% CI 0.5866–0.8250) vs. vaFRS 0.8820 (95% CI 0.8286–0.9355), P = 0.0005.

Conclusion

CAC derived vascular age can improve ASCVD risk discrimination in primary prevention FH subjects. This tool may help further stratify risk in FH patients already receiving lipid-lowering medication who might be candidates for further treatment with newer therapies.
Information Aggregation with Costly Reporting
Authors: Osborne Martin J , Rosenthal Jeffrey S , Stewart Colin
Published: October 2019

A group of privately informed individuals with common interests chooses a binary option. Each individual chooses whether to reveal her signal, at a cost. If the group is large and cannot commit to a decision rule then it takes the correct decision with high probability in one state but with probability bounded away from one in the other. It cannot do better by committing to an anonymous decision rule without transfers, but can achieve the first best if transfers between individuals are possible, and can approximately achieve the first best with a non-anonymous decision rule.
Supporting Family Caregivers With Technology for Dementia Home Care: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Williams Kristine N , Perkhounkova Yelena , Shaw Clarissa A , Hein Maria , Vidoni Eric D , Coleman Carissa K
Published: October 2019

Background and Objectives

The number of persons living with dementia (PLWD) in the United States will reach 16 million by 2050. Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia challenge family caregivers and contribute to negative caregiver outcomes such as burden and depression. Available technology can support the delivery of effective interventions to families providing dementia care at home. The Supporting Family Caregivers with Technology for Dementia Home Care (FamTechCare) randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of a telehealth intervention on caregiver outcomes.

Research Design and Methods

The FamTechCare intervention provides tailored dementia-care strategies to in-home caregivers based on video recordings caregivers submit of challenging care situations. An expert team reviews the videos and provides individualized interventions weekly for the experimental group. In the telephone-support attention control group, caregivers receive feedback from an interventionist via the telephone based on caregiver retrospective recall of care challenges. Effects of the intervention on caregiver outcomes, including burden, depression, sleep disturbance, competence, desire to institutionalize the PLWD, and caregiver reaction to behavioral symptoms were evaluated by fitting linear mixed regression models to changes in the outcomes measured at 1 and 3 months.

Results

FamTechCare caregivers (n = 42) had greater reductions in depression (p = .012) and gains in competence (p = .033) after 3 months compared to the attention control group (n = 41). Living in rural areas was associated with a reduction in depression for FamTechCare caregivers (p = .002). Higher level of education was associated with greater improvements or lesser declines in burden, competence, and reaction to behavioral symptoms for both the FamTechCare and attention control caregivers.

Discussion and Implications

This research demonstrated benefits of using available technology to link families to dementia care experts using video-recording technology. It provides a foundation for future research testing telehealth interventions, tailored based on rich contextual data to support families, including those in rural or remote locations.
Estimating elastic properties and attenuation factor from different frequency components of observed seismic data
Authors: Chen Huaizhen
Published: October 2019

Based on an attenuation model, we first express frequency-dependent P- and S-wave attenuation factors as a function of P-wave maximum attenuation factor, and then we re-express P- and S-wave velocities in anelastic media and derive frequency-dependent stiffness parameters in terms of P-wave maximum attenuation factor. Using the derived stiffness parameters, we propose frequency-dependent reflection coefficient in terms of P- and S-wave moduli at critical frequency and P-wave maximum attenuation factor for the case of an interface separating two attenuating media. Based on the derived reflection coefficient, we establish an approach to utilize different frequency components of observed seismic data to estimate elastic properties (P- and S-wave moduli and density) and attenuation factor, and following a Bayesian framework, we construct the objective function and an iterative method is employed to solve the inversion problem. Tests on synthetic data confirm that the proposed approach makes a stable and robust estimation of unknown parameters in the case of seismic data containing a moderate noise/error. Applying the proposed approach to a real data set illustrates that a reliable attenuation factor is obtained from observed seismic data, and the ability of distinguishing oil-bearing reservoirs is improved combining the estimated elastic properties and P-wave attenuation factor.
Model system identification of novel congenital heart disease gene candidates: focus on RPL13
Authors: Schroeder Analyne M , Allahyari Massoud , Vogler Georg , Missinato Maria A , Nielsen Tanja , Yu Michael S , Theis Jeanne L , Larsen Lars A , Goyal Preeya , Rosenfeld Jill A , Nelson Timothy J , Olson Timothy M , Colas Alexandre R , Grossfeld Paul , Bodmer Rolf
Published: October 2019

Genetics is a significant factor contributing to congenital heart disease (CHD), but our understanding of the genetic players and networks involved in CHD pathogenesis is limited. Here, we searched for de novo copy number variations (CNVs) in a cohort of 167 CHD patients to identify DNA segments containing potential pathogenic genes. Our search focused on new candidate disease genes within 19 deleted de novo CNVs, which did not cover known CHD genes. For this study, we developed an integrated high-throughput phenotypical platform to probe for defects in cardiogenesis and cardiac output in human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived multipotent cardiac progenitor (MCPs) cells and, in parallel, in the Drosophila in vivo heart model. Notably, knockdown (KD) in MCPs of RPL13, a ribosomal gene and SON, an RNA splicing cofactor, reduced proliferation and differentiation of cardiomyocytes, while increasing fibroblasts. In the fly, heart-specific RpL13 KD, predominantly at embryonic stages, resulted in a striking ‘no heart’ phenotype. KD of Son and Pdss2, among others, caused structural and functional defects, including reduced or abolished contractility, respectively. In summary, using a combination of human genetics and cardiac model systems, we identified new genes as candidates for causing human CHD, with particular emphasis on ribosomal genes, such as RPL13. This powerful, novel approach of combining cardiac phenotyping in human MCPs and in the in vivo Drosophila heart at high throughput will allow for testing large numbers of CHD candidates, based on patient genomic data, and for building upon existing genetic networks involved in heart development and disease.
Human Rights on the March: Repression, Oppression, and Protest in Latin America
Authors: Franklin James C
Published: October 2019

This research examines the impact of human rights protests on human rights abuses in seven Latin American countries—Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. I find that protests focused broadly on human rights are associated with significant declines in human rights abuses, controlling for important factors from previous studies. Furthermore, I argue that it is important to distinguish political repression (abuses that target political activists) from coercive state oppression, which has nonpolitical targets. These two types of abuses respond to different factors, but broadly focused human rights protests are found to decrease both types of abuses. I argue further that a strong human rights movement, indicated by frequent human rights protests, discourages the police abuses associated with oppression by raising the likelihood of accountability for such abuses, including by improving the likelihood of reforms to the criminal justice system.
Common Current Procedural Terminology Codes in Breast Imaging
Authors: Smetherman Dana H
Published: October 2019

This article reviews the common Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for frequently performed breast imaging procedures. The CPT codes for breast radiology services, including the revised codes for mammography, computer-assisted detection (CAD), breast ultrasound, breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and imaging-guided breast interventional procedures and the new codes for digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and marker placement in axillary lymph nodes are outlined. The application of basic CPT coding principles, such as the use of modifiers and the different structure of code families in breast radiology services, is also discussed. CPT codes are updated on an ongoing basis to reflect the evolution of medical practice, and the CPT codes for breast imaging procedures have changed significantly in the past 5 years. These modifications can affect the distribution of work and utilization of resources in radiology departments. A working knowledge of coding practices will facilitate compliance with billing regulations and help ensure breast radiologists are appropriately paid for their work.
Job Displacement, Unemployment, and Crime: Evidence from Danish Microdata and Reforms
Authors: Bennett Patrick , Ouazad Amine
Published: October 2019

This paper estimates the individual impact of a worker’s job loss on his/her criminal activity. Using a matched employer–employee longitudinal data set on unemployment, crime, and taxes for all residents in Denmark, the paper builds each worker’s timeline of job separation, unemployment, and crime. The paper focuses on displaced workers: high-tenure workers who lose employment during a mass-layoff event at any point between 1990 and 1994 (inclusive). Controlling for municipality- and time-specific confounders identifies the individual impact separately from the aggregate impact of the unemployment rate on crime. Placebo tests display no evidence of trends in crime prior to worker separation. Using Denmark’s introduction of the Act on an Active Labor Market at the end of 1993, we estimate the impacts of activation and of a reduction in benefit duration on crime: crime is lower during active benefits than during passive benefits and spikes at the end of benefit eligibility. We use policy-induced shifts in the kink formula relating prior earnings to unemployment benefits to estimate the separate impacts of labor income and unemployment benefits on crime: the results suggest that unemployment benefits do not significantly offset the impact of labor income losses on crime.
Effect of Honey (Apis dorsata [Hymenoptera: Apidae]) on Larval Growth and Silk Cocoon Yield of Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae)
Authors: Bhatti Muhammad Farooq , Azizullah  , Shahzadi Naila , Tahir Hafiz Muhammad , Ali Shaukat , Zahid Muhammad Tariq , Khurshid Rizwan
Published: October 2019

The present study was carried out to determine the influence of 2% aqueous honey (Apis dorsata Fabricius, 1793 [Hymenoptera: Apidae]) on larval growth and silk cocoon yield of fifth-instar larvae of the silkworm, Bombyx mori (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae). The larvae of silkworms (Chinese HUAKAND2) were divided into a control and an experimental groups (n = 20 in each group). Control group was fed with plain mulberry leaves throughout the fifth instar, whereas the experimental group was offered mulberry leaves dipped in 2% aqueous solution of honey every other day for 4 d (days 1, 3, 5, and 7). On the other days (days 2, 4, 6, and 8), plain mulberry leaves were offered to larvae. Results showed that the average weight gain in larvae of the experimental group was 348.23 and 204.54% in case of the control group. Uneaten mulberry leaves were weighed; the control group left 34.05% of their leaves and the treated group 28.54%. The cocoon formation in the honey-treated larvae was more uniform in shape than the control group. Furthermore, honey-treated larvae began to form cocoons 7.8 ± 0.23 h earlier than the control group. We also recorded an increase of 15.34% in average weight of cocoons of the experimental group when compared with the control. Average shell percentage of fresh silk cocoons of the control and experimental groups was 20.5 and 23.5%, respectively. It is concluded from the study that 2% aqueous honey has positive impact on the larval growth and cocoon yield of B. mori.
Suppression of Progranulin Expression Leads to Formation of Intranuclear TDP-43 Inclusions In Vitro: A Cell Model of Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration
Authors: Zhu Jiuling , Wang Ning , Li Xianan , Zheng Xiaojing , Zhao Junli , Xia Haibin , Mao Qinwen
Published: October 2019

Mutations in the GRN gene coding for progranulin (PGRN) are responsible for many cases of familial frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) with TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43)-positive inclusions (FTLD-TDP). GRN mutations create null alleles resulting in decreased progranulin protein or haploinsufficiency. FTLD-TDP with GRN mutations is characterized by lentiform neuronal intranuclear inclusions that are positive for TDP-43 in affected brain regions. In this study, by stably expressed short hairpin RNA, we established a neuroblastoma cell line with decreased PGRN level. This cell line reveals TDP-43-positive intranuclear inclusions. In addition, replacement with purified PGRN protein restores normal TDP-43 nuclear distribution. This cell model can be valuable for the study of the role of PGRN in the pathogenesis in FTLD-TDP.
Treatment of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Maternal Outcomes
Authors: Lau Rachel , Chris Robert B , Phuong Melissa S , Khatib Aisha , Kopalakrishan Swana , Bhasker Shveta , Raheel Hira , Lecce Celine , Yegorov Sergey , Mishra Sharmistha , Boggild Andrea K
Published: October 2019

Background

Gestational helminth infections are correlated to adverse outcomes including maternal anemia; as such, treatment is recommended. However, little published high-quality data exist around the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of anti-helminthics in pregnancy. We therefore conducted a systematic review and synthesized the available data on maternal outcomes following gestational treatment of intestinal nematodes to help guide clinical decision-making.

Methods

Five electronic databases were searched for studies reporting the efficacy, safety, or tolerability of anti-helminthic drugs for gestational treatment of intestinal nematodes. Studies were systematically screened, followed by data extraction. Trial quality was assessed using the GRADE approach. We conducted a narrative synthesis followed by meta-analyses using random-effects models as appropriate. Data were summarized using qualitative and quantitative measures for specific parasitic infections as well as efficacy and safety of anti-parasitic agents. Outcomes of interest included: maternal anemia, minor adverse outcomes, pregnancy loss, pre-mature delivery, prevalence of infection, and cure rate.

Results

23 studies were included. Gestational treatment with albendazole had cure rates up to 90% for hookworm and Ascaris, but only 50% for Trichuris. Mebendazole had an overall cure rate of ≤70% for Ascaris, hookworm, and Trichuris. Pooled relative risk reduction of hookworm prevalence at delivery with albendazole compared to placebo was 90% (95%CI 0.09-0.15, n=2, I2=0%). Rate of pregnancy loss and hemoglobin concentration did not differ between albendazole or mebendazole versus placebo, and rates of pre-term delivery were similar in albendazole-treated pregnant women versus controls. Ivermectin demonstrated a cure rate of 29% for hookworm and 56% for Trichuris in pregnant women. No serious adverse events were attributable to any drug studied.

Conclusions

With increased international travel and migration of vulnerable populations, practitioners will encounter nematode infections in pregnant patients. Our analysis supports that albendazole in pregnancy has high cure rates for STHs and is safe for the mother.
Prevalence, distribution, and risk factors for canine blastomycosis in Michigan, USA
Authors: Shelnutt Leslie M , Kaneene John B , Carneiro Paulo A M , Langlois Daniel K
Published: October 2019

Blastomycosis is a systemic fungal infection that most commonly affects dogs and humans. The disease is thought to be endemic in southern regions of Michigan, USA, but epidemiologic investigations have not been reported in detail for this state. The primary aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence and distribution of canine blastomycosis cases in Michigan and to identify risk factors for infection. Over 200 primary care veterinary clinics throughout the state were surveyed regarding blastomycosis prevalence, and demographic information was obtained from medical records of affected dogs that were evaluated at these clinics. A retrospective case control study was conducted for an additional 49 dogs with blastomycosis that were evaluated at specialty referral centers located in the southern mid-Michigan region. Prevalence rates were calculated for each county, and cases were mapped using geocoding software. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to identify risk factors for infection. Prevalence rates were ≥100 cases per 100,000 dogs in five counties. Most blastomycosis cases originated from the Upper Peninsula or from a high-density area in the northern Lower Peninsula. Multivariable regression analysis identified travel or residence north of the 45th parallel as a strong risk factor for infection (P < .001). Blastomycosis was uncommon in southern counties. These results refute previous speculations and should be of value to both human and animal health. Given that many heightened risk areas are popular tourist destinations, practitioners across the USA should be mindful of the spatial distribution of blastomycosis in Michigan.
Star formation at the edge of the Local Group: a rising star formation history in the isolated galaxy WLM
Authors: Albers Saundra M , Weisz Daniel R , Cole Andrew A , Dolphin Andrew E , Skillman Evan D , Williams Benjamin F , Boylan-Kolchin Michael , Bullock James S , Dalcanton Julianne J , Hopkins Philip F , Leaman Ryan , McConnachie Alan W , Vogelsberger Mark , Wetzel Andrew
Published: October 2019

We present the star formation history (SFH) of the isolated (D ∼ 970 kpc) Local Group dwarf galaxy Wolf–Lundmark–Melotte (WLM) measured from colour–magnitude diagrams (CMDs) constructed from deep Hubble Space Telescope imaging. Our observations include a central ($0.5 \, r_h$) and outer field ($0.7 \, r_h$) that reach below the oldest main-sequence turn-off. WLM has no early dominant episode of star formation: 20 per cent of its stellar mass formed by ∼12.5 Gyr ago ($z$ ∼ 5). It also has an SFR that rises to the present with 50 per cent of the stellar mass within the most recent 5 Gyr ($z$ < 0.7). There is evidence of a strong age gradient: the mean age of the outer field is 5 Gyr older than the inner field despite being only 0.4 kpc apart. Some models suggest such steep gradients are associated with strong stellar feedback and dark-matter core creation. The SFHs of real isolated dwarf galaxies and those from the Feedback in Realistic Environment suite are in good agreement for M⋆($z$ = 0) ∼ 107–109M⊙, but in worse agreement at lower masses ($M_{\star }(z=0) \sim 10^5\!-\!10^7 \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$). These differences may be explainable by systematics in the models (e.g. reionization model) and/or observations (HST field placement). We suggest that a coordinated effort to get deep CMDs between HST/JWST (crowded central fields) and WFIRST (wide-area halo coverage) is the optimal path for measuring global SFHs of isolated dwarf galaxies.
Deep-CEE I: fishing for galaxy clusters with deep neural nets
Authors: Chan Matthew C , Stott John P
Published: October 2019

We introduce Deep-CEE (Deep Learning for Galaxy Cluster Extraction and Evaluation), a proof of concept for a novel deep learning technique, applied directly to wide-field colour imaging to search for galaxy clusters, without the need for photometric catalogues. This technique is complementary to traditional methods and could also be used in combination with them to confirm existing galaxy cluster candidates. We use a state-of-the-art probabilistic algorithm, adapted to localize and classify galaxy clusters from other astronomical objects in Sloan Digital Sky Survey imaging. As there is an abundance of labelled data for galaxy clusters from previous classifications in publicly available catalogues, we do not need to rely on simulated data. This means we keep our training data as realistic as possible, which is advantageous when training a deep learning algorithm. Ultimately, we will apply our model to surveys such as Large Synoptic Survey Telescope and Euclid to probe wider and deeper into unexplored regions of the Universe. This will produce large samples of both high-redshift and low-mass clusters, which can be utilized to constrain both environment-driven galaxy evolution and cosmology.
Genetic polymorphisms in inflammatory genes and pancreatic cancer risk: a two-phase study on more than 14 000 individuals
Authors: Gentiluomo Manuel , Peduzzi Giulia , Lu Ye , Campa Daniele , Canzian Federico
Published: October 2019

There is overwhelming evidence that inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of cancer and its progression. Inflammation is regulated through a complex network of genes and polymorphic variants in these genes have been found to be associated to risk of various human cancers, alone or in combination with environmental variables. Despite this, not much is known on the genetic variability of genes that regulate inflammation and risk of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We performed a two-phase association study considering the genetic variability of 76 genes that are key players in inflammatory response. We analysed tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and regulatory SNPs on 7207 PDAC cases and 7063 controls and observed several associations with PDAC risk. The most significant association was between the carriers of the A allele of the CCL4-rs1719217 polymorphism, which was reported to be also associated with the expression level of the CCL4 gene, and increased risk of developing PDAC (odds ratio = 1.12, 95% confidence interval = 1.06–1.18, P = 3.34 × 10−5). This association was significant also after correction for multiple testing, highlighting the importance of using potentially functional SNPs in order to discover more genetic variants associated with PDAC risk.
proGenomes2: an improved database for accurate and consistent habitat, taxonomic and functional annotations of prokaryotic genomes
Authors: Mende Daniel R , Letunic Ivica , Maistrenko Oleksandr M , Schmidt Thomas S B , Milanese Alessio , Paoli Lucas , Hernández-Plaza Ana , Orakov Askarbek N , Forslund Sofia K , Sunagawa Shinichi , Zeller Georg , Huerta-Cepas Jaime , Coelho Luis Pedro , Bork Peer
Published: October 2019

Microbiology depends on the availability of annotated microbial genomes for many applications. Comparative genomics approaches have been a major advance, but consistent and accurate annotations of genomes can be hard to obtain. In addition, newer concepts such as the pan-genome concept are still being implemented to help answer biological questions. Hence, we present proGenomes2, which provides 87 920 high-quality genomes in a user-friendly and interactive manner. Genome sequences and annotations can be retrieved individually or by taxonomic clade. Every genome in the database has been assigned to a species cluster and most genomes could be accurately assigned to one or multiple habitats. In addition, general functional annotations and specific annotations of antibiotic resistance genes and single nucleotide variants are provided. In short, proGenomes2 provides threefold more genomes, enhanced habitat annotations, updated taxonomic and functional annotation and improved linkage to the NCBI BioSample database. The database is available at http://progenomes.embl.de/.
Circulating angiopoietin-like protein 2 levels and mortality risk in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Morinaga Jun , Kakuma Tatsuyuki , Fukami Hirotaka , Hayata Manabu , Uchimura Kohei , Mizumoto Teruhiko , Kakizoe Yutaka , Miyoshi Taku , Shiraishi Naoki , Adachi Masataka , Izumi Yuichiro , Kuwabara Takashige , Okadome Yusuke , Sato Michio , Horiguchi Haruki , Sugizaki Taichi , Kadomatsu Tsuyoshi , Miyata Keishi , Tajiri Saeko , Tajiri Tetsuya , Tomita Kimio , Kitamura Kenichiro , Oike Yuichi , Mukoyama Masashi
Published: October 2019

Background

Patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment have a poor prognosis, as many develop premature aging. Systemic inflammatory conditions often underlie premature aging phenotypes in uremic patients. We investigated whether angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL 2), a factor that accelerates the progression of aging-related and noninfectious inflammatory diseases, was associated with increased mortality risk in hemodialysis patients.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter prospective cohort study of 412 patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis and evaluated the relationship between circulating ANGPTL2 levels and the risk for all-cause mortality. Circulating ANGPTL2 levels were log-transformed to correct for skewed distribution and analyzed as a continuous variable.

Results

Of 412 patients, 395 were included for statistical analysis. Time-to-event data analysis showed high circulating ANGPTL2 levels were associated with an increased risk for all-cause mortality after adjustment for age, sex, hemodialysis vintage, nutritional status, metabolic parameters and circulating high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels {hazard ratio [HR] 2.04 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10–3.77]}. High circulating ANGPTL2 levels were also strongly associated with an increased mortality risk, particularly in patients with a relatively benign prognostic profile [HR 3.06 (95% CI 1.86–5.03)]. Furthermore, the relationship between circulating ANGPTL2 levels and mortality risk was particularly strong in patients showing few aging-related phenotypes, such as younger patients [HR 7.99 (95% CI 3.55–18.01)], patients with a short hemodialysis vintage [HR 3.99 (95% CI 2.85–5.58)] and nondiabetic patients [HR 5.15 (95% CI 3.19–8.32)].

Conclusion

We conclude that circulating ANGPTL2 levels are positively associated with mortality risk in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis and that ANGPTL2 could be a unique marker for the progression of premature aging and subsequent mortality risk in uremic patients, except those with significant aging-related phenotypes.