bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of annealing temperature on degradation efficiency and iron oxide transformations in CeO2/Fe-oxide sorbents
Authors: Zivotsky Ondrej , Lunacek Jiri , Jiraskova Yvonna , Bursik Jiri , Ederer Jakub , Janos Pavel , Cabanova Kristina
Published: January 2021

The microstructural and physical properties of magnetically separable CeO2 (5 wt.%)/Fe-oxide sorbents, applicable for the decomposition of organophosphorus pesticides, are analyzed in dependence on calcination temperature. The sorbents are prepared using a two-step procedure: (1) synthesis of magnetite core from cheap and commercially available raw materials; and (2) the formation of cerium (III) carbonate by precipitation with the ammonium hydrogen carbonate, containing re-dispersed magnetite. The cerous carbonate/magnetite precursor is annealed in a muffle furnace at temperatures ranging from 473 to 1073 K for 2 h to obtain the CeO2/Fe-oxide reactive sorbents. Structural characterization of the samples is performed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Magnetic properties are obtained from hysteresis loops, field-cooled and zero-field-cooled curves, first-order reversal curve (FORC) diagrams, and Henkel plots. Sorbents exhibit an increase in coercivity from 0.2 kA/m to about 20 kA/m and a decrease in saturation magnetization from roughly 50 Am2/kg to 1 Am2/kg after annealing at 973 K. This deterioration of magnetic properties is caused by the transformation of magnetite and maghemite into weakly ferromagnetic hematite, with a typical peak in FORC diagram and a Morin transition at about 200 K. The degradation efficiency towards parathion and paraoxon methyl is about 30% for samples annealed from 473 K to 773 K.
Electric dipole moment in storage ring experiments
Authors: Porshnev Peter I
Published: January 2021

The measurement of electric dipole moment (EDM) in storage rings can potentially exceed the sensitivity of tests with neutral systems. The spin dynamics under such conditions is described by the Bargmann-Michel-Telegdi equation. It can be derived in the semiclassical approximation under several assumptions one of which is the zero pseudoscalar bilinear. However, many promising extensions to the standard model consider scalar-pseudoscalar couplings which assume nonzero electron pseudoscalar. We re-derive the spin precession equation under conditions that do not assume that pseudoscalar is zero. It leads to a correction term that might be required for matching the storage ring measurements with quantum field evaluations. Since the goal of storage ring experiments is to achieve unprecedently high accuracy in measuring EDM, it is important to accurately describe the spin dynamics under conditions of CP-violating extensions.
Parametric resonance orbit analysis for irregular shaped asteroids based on the perturbed particle-linkage model
Authors: Qian Ying-Jing , Si Zhen , Yang Xiao-Dong , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2021

There are plentiful asteroids moving periodically around their central primaries, such as the Sun. Due to the perturbation of the central primary, the gravitational force of the perturbed asteroid system varies periodically. In this paper, based on the idea of integrating the solar gravitational force as a part of the system instead of treating it as perturbation, the parametric resonance response is investigated. A novel type of stable parametric resonance orbits has been detected. It is found that the steady-state motion amplitude of parametric resonance orbit is determined by the frequency-response equation. The stability of the novel orbits has also been demonstrated. The new type of orbits may contribute to possible asteroid exploration missions.
Scaling domains in the nonequilibrium athermal random field Ising model of finite systems
Authors: Janićević Sanja , Knežević Dragica , Mijatović Svetislav , Spasojević Djordje
Published: January 2021

We analyze the nonequilibrium athermal random field Ising model (RFIM) at equilateral cubic lattices of finite size L and show that the entire range of disorder consists of three distinct domains in which the model manifests different scaling behaviour. The first domain contains the values of disorder R that are below the critical disorder R
c where the spanning avalanches almost surely appear when the system is driven by the external magnetic field. The spanning avalanches become unlikely for disorders above the size-dependent effective disorder

R

c

eff

(

L

)

>

R

c

, and the system response is size-independent. Between the foregoing two lies the domain of transitional disorders

R

c

<
R
<

R

c

eff

(

L

)

vanishing in the thermodynamic limit. In this domain, not recognized in the literature so far, all types of spanning avalanches exist, whereas for R < R
c only the avalanches spanning all three dimensions are present. Like for R < R
c the data collapsing is possible only for distributions having the same value of (1 − R
c/R)L
1/ν
, however with different universal scaling functions than in R < R
c case; ν is the correlation length exponent. The foregoing findings follow from the extensive simulations of L ⩽ 2048 systems enabling us to propose modified values of some of the RFIM critical exponents and nonuniversal critical parameters as well as the analytic forms of universal scaling functions and different definitions of reduced magnetization and reduced magnetic field.
The effect of κ-distributed trapped electrons on fully nonlinear electrostatic solitary waves in an electron–positron-relativistic ion plasma
Authors: Elkamash I S , El-Hanbaly A M
Published: January 2021

Based on the hydrodynamic model, the existence and propagation features of fully nonlinear electrostatic solitary waves in an unmagnetized, collisionless, homogenous three-component plasma have been investigated. The plasma containing cold relativistic ions, Boltzmann positrons, and trapped electrons modelled by κ-trapped distribution function. Employing the pseudo-potential method, the Sagdeev pseudo-potential and the first integral energy equation for the system as a function of the electrostatic potential (disturbance) have been derived. The influence of the relevant plasma configurations including the propagation pulse velocity, the superthermality index, the characteristic trapping parameter, the relativistic strength parameter, the positron density ratio, and the positron temperature ratio, on the properties of electrostatic solitary pulse profile has been determined. The results of our study may be helpful in better interpretation of the existence of localized structures in astrophysical and space plasmas as well as in laboratory plasmas, where the positron-ion plasmas with nonthermal trapped electrons can exist.
Why Black Homeowners are More Likely to be Caribbean American than African American in New York: A Theory of How Early West Indian Migrants Broke Racial Cartels in Housing
Authors: Marie Lawrence Brown Eleanor
Published: January 2021

Why are the Black brownstone owners and landlords in Harlem and Brooklyn disproportionately West Indian? For students of housing discrimination, Black West Indian Americans have long presented a quandary. West Indian Americans generally own and rent higher quality housing than African Americans. These advantages began long ago. For example, when racial covenants, that is, restrictions barring certain racial and ethnic groups from owning real property were rife in New York, many West Indians were still able to buy into tony neighborhoods despite the pervasiveness of institutionalized residential segregation. Eschewing more traditional explanations in the civil rights literature, I apply the literature in which racial segregation in real property ownership is conceived as a racialized monopoly in which racial cartels appropriate anti-competitive techniques to monopolize access to real property. Maintaining a racial cartel is dependent on White owners uniformly refusing to sell. Importantly, West Indian realtors were experts at finding defectors, namely Whites willing to break norms of racial exclusivity and sell, in exchange for their ability to extract a premium. West Indian brokers could act in confidence because they had cash-rich clients and were often buying property in trust (de facto if not de jure) for fellow West Indians. In so doing, West Indian brokers in New York were simply replicating techniques that had been utilized by their land-brokering ancestors. I discuss the history that “previews” this period in New York, albeit in a different context: in the British West Indian islands from which the migrants originated. There are repeated instances of Blacks “busting” White monopolies in landownership, throughout the West Indian colonies in contravention of racial norms in the British colonies of who was allowed to own land and where. Upon arrival in New York, West Indians encountered another racial monopoly in real property ownership, namely Northern racial segregation. They essentially transferred the same techniques that they had utilized in the West Indies to break into White neighborhoods in New York.
Acute pulmonary embolism and systemic thrombolysis in the era of COVID-19 global pandemic 2020: a case series of seven patients admitted to a regional hospital in the French epidemic cluster
Authors: Philippe John , Cordeanu Elena-Mihaela , Leimbach Marie-Béatrice , Greciano Stéphane , Younes Wael
Published: January 2021

Background

The novel Coronavirus [named severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2)] was associated with the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which required mechanical ventilation in a high percentage of critically ill patients. Recent studies have highlighted a state of hypercoagulability in patients with SARS-CoV-2, leading to an increased risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). The low proportion of PE-associated to DVT in COVID-19 patients may suggest that they have pulmonary thrombosis rather than embolism. There is no guideline recommendation on the treatment of massive PE in COVID-19 patients suffering from ARDS, without cardiogenic shock.

Case summary

We described a series of seven SARS-COV-2 patients diagnosed with PE, in our institution, who underwent the use of systemic thrombolysis (recombinant tissue plasminogen activator) according to the standard protocol of 10 mg over 15 min, then 90 mg over 120 min.

Discussion

According to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) severity scale, three patients had high-risk PE and four had intermediate high-risk PE. Systemic thrombolysis was found to be associated with a reduction of the Brescia-COVID Respiratory Severity Scale in five patients, recording a reduction from 3 to 1 in 2/5 patients, and from 3 to 2 in 3/5 patients. Furthermore, 3/5 patients had an initial improvement of their alveolar partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2)/fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) ratio ranging from a 19% (Patient 3) to a 156% improvement (Patient 6). It was also associated with a decrease of the right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and the RV/left ventricular ratio 24 h later. No major bleeding events occurred after the thrombolysis, but the overall mortality after performing systemic thrombolysis was up to 3/7 patients.

Conclusion

Despite the low level of knowledge about the underlying pathophysiology of the COVID-19 ARDS, venous thromboembolic events, and the microvascular thrombosis, our findings suggest that in the treatment of PE with RV failure in patients with COVID-19 suffering from ARDS, without cardiogenic shock, systemic thrombolysis should be considered.
The Cradle of International Law: Camilo Barcia Trelles on Francisco de Vitoria at The Hague (1927)
Authors: Lesaffer Randall
Published: January 2021

In 1926, James Brown Scott invited the Spanish international lawyer Camilo Barcia Trelles to lecture at the 1927 Hague Academy of International Law on the contribution of the Spanish internationalists of the 16th century to the development of international law. With his lecture series on Francisco de Vitoria, Barcia Trelles fulfilled the hopes Scott had of enlisting an ally in his crusade to the Spanish origins of international law. Through their respective writings, the two international lawyers from both sides of the Atlantic co-produced the myth which situates the oldest roots of the ‘science of international law’ with Vitoria and the School of Salamanca and which has to this day largely obscured the contribution of late-medieval jurisprudence. This article analyses the methodological and intellectual moves Barcia Trelles made to construe Vitoria as the original founder of international law and detach him from his medieval sources.
In vitro synergistic effects of fluoxetine and paroxetine in combination with amphotericin B against Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Pereira Thaís Cristine , de Menezes Raquel Teles , de Oliveira Haroldo Cesar , de Oliveira Luciane Dias , Scorzoni Liliana
Published: January 2021

Cryptococcus neoformans is a yeast that mainly affects immunocompromised individuals and causes meningoencephalitis depending on the immune status of the host. The present study aimed to validate the efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, fluoxetine hydrochloride (FLH) and paroxetine hydrochloride (PAH), alone and in combination with amphotericin B (AmB) against C. neoformans. Susceptibility tests were conducted using the broth microdilution method and synergistic effects of combining FLH and PAH with AmB were analyzed using the checkerboard assay. Effects of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and synergistic concentration were evaluated in biofilms by quantifying the biomass, measuring the viability by counting the colony-forming units (CFU/mL) and examining the size of the induced capsules. Cryptococcus neoformans was susceptible to FLH and PAH and the synergistic effect of FLH and PAH in combination with AmB reduced the MIC of AmB by up to 8-fold. The isolated substances and combination with AmB were able to reduce biofilm biomass and biofilm viability. In addition, FLH and PAH alone or in combination with AmB significantly decreased the size of the yeast capsules. Collectively, our results indicate the use of FLH and PAH as a promising prototype for the development of anti-cryptococcal drugs.
LINKAGE DISEQUILIBRIUM WITH THE ISLAND MODEL
Authors: Ohta Tomoko
Published: January 2021

Linkage disequilibrium between two linked loci was studied for a finite population with a subdivided population structure. Wright's island model was used; extinction and replacement of colonies were also incorporated. Two alleles (A  1 and A  2 at the first locus, and B  1 and B  2 at the second locus) with symmetric mutation rates were assumed, and equilibrium properties of linkage disequilibrium coefficients were analyzed. In terms of analogy with the subdivision of inbreeding coefficient, the variance of linkage disequilibrium is divided into several components: D  2  IS (variance of within-colony disequilibrium), D  2  ST (variance of correlation of A  1 and B  1 of different gametes of one colony relative to that of the total population), and D  2  IT (total variance of disequilibrium). Other subdivisions are D′2  IS (variance of correlation of A  1 and B  1 of one gamete of a colony relative to that of the average gamete of the population) and D′2  ST (variance of the ordinary disequilibrium of the whole population). When migration is limited, the variance becomes large if the correlation of A  1 and B  1 of one colony is taken relative to that of the whole population (D  2  ST and D′2  IS). Also, when the rate of extinction-replacement of colonies is high, the whole-population disequilibrium coefficient (D′2  ST) can become fairly large. Observed linkage disequilibria, such as those among markers in the major histocompatibility complex of man and mouse, may well be explained by limited migration, without assuming epistatic natural selection.
NON-MENDELIAN INHERITANCE OF "HEAT-SENSITIVITY" IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER
Authors: Stephanou G , Alahiotis S N
Published: January 2021

Non-Mendelian inheritance was revealed for the "heat-sensitivity" character of the poikilothermic insect Drosophila melanogaster. Genetic analyses were performed on heat-sensitive (S, S  1) strains, derived through indirect selection, and on stocks constructed through extensive chromosomal and cytoplasmic substitutions between strains obtained from two replicate cage populations. The populations were kept for about 7 years under different temperatures (14°-25°) and exhibited different survival. We conclude that the character studied is quantitative, responds to selection pressure and is transmitted through the maternal cytoplasm, while nuclear genes modify its expression.
TWO SEX-LINKED LOCI IN THE LEOPARD FROG, RANA PIPIENS
Authors: Wright David A , Richards Christina M
Published: January 2021

Crosses involving one heterozygous parent were performed to test the inheritance of enzymes in the leopard frog, Rana pipiens. After metamorphosis, offspring were sexed and tissue extracts from them were analyzed by gel electrophoresis. Enzyme genotype and sex showed independent assortment for 10 of 12 enzymes heterozygous in the male parent. However, among the offspring of males heterozygous for peptidase C (Pep-C) or superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD-1), male progeny tend to inherit one allele, whereas female progeny tend to inherit the other. Data from several different crosses yield recombination frequencies of 8.6% between sex and SOD-1, 6.9% between SOD-1 and Pep-C and 12.1% between sex and Pep-C. When the female parent is heterozygous for these enzymes no significant difference is seen, in the offspring, between male and female homozygotes and heterozygotes. These results confirm that males are the heterogametic sex in R. pipiens and suggest that sex is determined by a small number of genes on otherwise identical X and Y chromosomes.
CHROMOSOMAL SEQUENCES AND INTERISLAND COLONIZATIONS IN HAWAIIAN DROSOPHILA
Authors: Carson Hampton L
Published: January 2021

Of 103 picture-winged Drosophila species endemic to the high Hawaiian islands, all but three are endemic to single islands or island complexes. They are presumed to have evolved in situ on each island. The banding pattern sequences of the five major polytene chromosomes of these species have been mapped to a single set of Standard sequences. Sequential variation among these chromosomes is due to 213 paracentric inversions. An atlas of their break points is provided. Geographical, morphological and behavioral data may be used to supplement the cytological information in tracing ancestry. Starting at the newer end of the archipelago, the 26 species of the Island of Hawaii (less than 700,000 years old) are inferred to have been derived from 19 founders, 15 from the Maui complex, three from Oahu and one from Kauai. The existence of 40 Maui complex species is explicable as resulting from 12 founders, ten from Oahu and two from Kauai. The 29 Oahu species can be explained by 12 founder events, five from Kauai and seven from Maui complex (summary in Figure 5). Although the ancestry of two Kauai species can be traced to newer islands, the ten remaining ones on this island (age about 5.6 million years) are apparently ancient elements in the fauna, relating ultimately to Palearctic continental sources.
ALTERNATE-1 AND ALTERNATE-2 ORIENTATIONS IN INTERCHANGE (RECIPROCAL TRANSLOCATION) QUADRIVALENTS
Authors: Rickards Geoffrey K
Published: January 2021

The dynamic properties of the spindle, and published numerical data, argue that the differentiation of alternate-1 and alternate-2 orientations of an interchange quadrivalent is real and meaningful, contra Boussy (1982).
MUTAGENESIS IN OOCYTES OF DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER. I. SCHEDULED SYNTHESIS OF NUCLEAR AND MITOCHONDRIAL DNA AND UNSCHEDULED DNA SYNTHESIS
Authors: Kelley Mark R , Lee William R
Published: January 2021

As a model system for studying mutagenesis, the oocyte of Drosophila melanogaster has exhibited considerable complexity. Very few experiments have been conducted on the effect of exposing oocytes to chemical mutagens, presumably due to their lower mutational response relative to sperm and spermatids. This lower response may be due either to a change in probability of mutation induction per adduct due to a change in the type of DNA repair or to a lower dose of the mutagen to the female germ line. To study molecular dosimetry and DNA repair in the oocyte, the large number of intracellular constituents (mtDNA, RNA, nucleic acid precursors and large quantities of proteins and lipids) must be separated from nuclear DNA. In this paper we present results showing reliable separation of such molecules enabling us to detect scheduled nuclear and mitochondrial DNA synthesis. We also, by understanding the precise timing of such events, can detect unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) as a measure of DNA repair. Furthermore, by comparing the UDS results in a repair competent (Ore-R) vs. a repair deficient (mei-9L1) strain, we have shown the oocyte capable of DNA repair after treatment with ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS). We conclude that the important determinant of mutation induction in oocytes after treatment with EMS is the time interval between DNA alkylation and DNA synthesis after fertilization, i.e., the interruption of continuous DNA repair.
TRANSPOSABLE ELEMENTS IN MENDELIAN POPULATIONS. II. DISTRIBUTION OF THREE COPIA-LIKE ELEMENTS IN A NATURAL POPULATION OF DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER
Authors: Montgomery Elizabeth A , Langley Charles H
Published: January 2021

Twenty X chromosomes isolated from a natural population of Drosophila melanogaster were surveyed using in situ hybridization to determine the number and cytogenetic location of three families of transposable elements: copia, 412 and 297. We found no sites of insertions in high frequency; in fact, frequencies of specific sites for all three elements were so low that each insertion could be interpreted as being unique. This suggests that rates of transposition and deletion for these elements are very high. Our data also show a higher than expected rate of the co-occurrence of different elements at the same site on the same chromosome.
HISTONE GENE MULTIPLICITY AND POSITION EFFECT VARIEGATION IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER
Authors: Moore Gerald D , Sinclair Donald A , Grigliatti Thomas A
Published: January 2021

The histone genes of wild-type Drosophila melanogaster are reiterated 100–150 times per haploid genome and are located in the segment of chromosome 2 that corresponds to polytene bands 39D2-3 to E1-2. The influence of altered histone gene multiplicity on chromatin structure has been assayed by measuring modification of the gene inactivation associated with position effect variegation in genotypes bearing deletions of the 39D-E segment. The proportion of cells in which a variegating gene is active is increased in genotypes that are heterozygous for a deficiency that removes the histone gene complex. Deletions that remove segments adjacent to the histone gene complex have no effect on the expression of variegating genes. Suppression of position effect variegation associated with reduction of histone gene multiplicity applies to both X-linked and autosomal variegating genes. Position effects exerted by both autosomal and sex-chromosome heterochromatin were suppressible by deletions of the histone gene complex. The suppression was independent of the presence of the Y chromosome. A deficiency that deletes only the distal portion of the histone gene complex also has the ability to suppress position effect variegation. Duplication of the histone gene complex did not enhance position effect variegation. Deletion or duplication of the histone gene complex in the maternal genome had no effect on the extent of variegation in progeny whose histone gene multiplicity was normal. These results are discussed with respect to current knowledge of the organization of the histone gene complex and control of its expression.
REVERTANTS OF DOMINANT MUTATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ANTENNAPEDIA GENE COMPLEX OF DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER: CYTOLOGY AND GENETICS
Authors: Hazelrigg T , Kaufman T C
Published: January 2021

Using X-ray mutagenesis we have induced and recovered phenotypic revertants of four dominant mutations thought to be associated with the Antennapedia complex of Drosophila melanogaster. These include seven revertants of Antennapedia-73b (Antp73b), six of Extra Sex Combs of Wakimoto (Scxw), three of Deformed (Dfd) and one of Humeral (Hu). Fifteen of the 17 revertants are associated with chromosomal aberrations and localize Antp73b, Scxw and Hu to polytene chromosome bands 84B1,2. The Dfd lesion is apparently located in or adjacent to bands 84A4,5. Since all of the dominants are reverted by events that delete their respective chromosomal loci, we conclude that all four are the result of a gain-of-function lesions. Complementation analysis of the various revertant chromosomes has shown that Scxw and Hu are dominant allelic variants of the Antp locus. The Dfd lesion represents a dominant mutation at a locus just proximal to Antp and previously only occupied by recessive lethal mutations. Characterization of the revertants of Scxw and a comparison with the properties of the original mutation has revealed that the original lesion has effects on both the Antp and Sex Combs Reduced (Scr) loci and that these defects are in some cases separable by the reverting event.
ENZYME VARIATION, METABOLIC FLUX AND FITNESS: ALCOHOL DEHYDROGENASE IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER
Authors: Middleton Richard J , Kacser Henrik
Published: January 2021

Although there are many in vitro studies of enzyme activity of genetic variants at the Adh locus in D. melanogaster, little is known about the corresponding metabolic activity in living flies. We report here such measurements of the metabolic flux in the conversion of ethanol to the two products, CO2 and lipids, for six different active genotypes, containing the predominant naturally recurring alleles and covering a threefold range of in vitro activity. In adult flies we have found nonsignificant differences between genotypes in metabolic flux when estimates for individual genotypes had standard errors of approximately 10% of the mean value. In vitro activities are, therefore, poor predictors of the physiological consequences of enzyme variation since such determinations ignore the interactions inherent in multienzyme systems. We have no evidence that heterozygote show overdominance either at the enzyme or the flux level. Since fitness differences between genotypes must be generated by physiological differences, investigations of polymorphisms should be based on in vivo studies.
POPULATION STRUCTURE AND QUANTITATIVE CHARACTERS
Authors: Rogers Alan R , Harpending Henry C
Published: January 2021

A migration matrix model is used to investigate the behavior of neutral polygenic characters in subdivided populations. It is shown that gametic disequilibrium has a large effect on the variance among groups but none at all on its expectation. The variance of among-group variance is substantial and does not depend on the number of loci contributing to variance in the character. It is just as large for polygenic characters as for single loci with the same additive variance. This implies that one polygenic character contains exactly as much information about population relationships as one single-locus marker. The theory is compared with observed differentiation of dermatoglyphic and anthropometric characters among Bougainville islanders.
Machine learning–based outcome prediction and novel hypotheses generation for substance use disorder treatment
Authors: Nasir Murtaza , Summerfield Nichalin S , Oztekin Asil , Knight Margaret , Ackerson Leland K , Carreiro Stephanie
Published: January 2021

Objective

Substance use disorder is a critical public health issue. Discovering the synergies among factors impacting treatment program success can help governments and treatment facilities develop effective policies. In this work, we propose a novel data analytics approach using machine learning models to discover interaction effects that might be neglected by traditional hypothesis-generating approaches.

Materials and Methods

A patient-episode-level substance use treatment discharge dataset and a Federal Bureau of Investigation crime dataset were joined using core-based statistical area codes. Random forests, artificial neural networks, and extreme gradient boosting were applied with a nested cross-validation methodology. Interaction effects were identified based on the machine learning model with the best performance. These interaction effects were analyzed and tested using traditional logistic regression models on unseen data.

Results

In predicting patient completion of a treatment program, extreme gradient boosting performed the best with an area under the curve of 89.31%. Based on our procedure, 73 interaction effects were identified. Among these, 14 were tested using traditional logistic regression models where 12 were statistically significant (P<.05).

Conclusions

We identified new interaction effects among the length of stay, frequency of substance use, changes in self-help group attendance frequency, and other factors. This work provides insights into the interactions between factors impacting treatment completion. Further traditional statistical analysis can be employed by practitioners and policy makers to test the effects discovered by our novel machine learning approach.
Policy Statement: Antibiotic Stewardship in Pediatrics
Authors: Gerber Jeffrey S , Jackson Mary Anne , Tamma Pranita D , Zaoutis Theoklis E ,   AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, Maldonado Yvonne A , O’Leary Sean T , Banerjee Ritu , Barnett Elizabeth D , Campbell James D , Caserta Mary T , Gerber Jeffrey S , Kourtis Athena P , Lynfield Ruth , Munoz Flor M , Nolt Dawn , Nyquist Ann-Christine , O’Leary Sean T , Steinbach William J , Zangwill Ken , Zaoutis Theoklis E , Kimberlin David W , Sawyer Mark H , Bernstein Henry H , Meissner H Cody , Cohn Amanda C , Farizo Karen M , Fischer Marc , Halasa Natasha B , Le Saux Nicole , Lopez Eduardo , Moore Scot B , Silverman Neil S , Steinberg Judith , Starke Jeffrey R , Stevermer James J , Tomashek Kay M , Frantz Jennifer M , Newland Jason , Hamdy Rana , Abuali Mayssa , Adams Daniel , Banerjee Ritu , Bula-Rudas Fernando , Dharmapalan Dhanya , Dulek Daniel , Flannery Dustin , Freij Bishara , Gainey Andrew , Gerber Jeffrey , Glaser Carol , Handy Lori , Hanisch Benjamin , Healy Sara , Hersh Adam , Hyun David , Johnson Candace , Katz Sophie , Kronman Matthew , Manaloor John , Maples Holly , Morris Lee , Onankpa Ben , Oram Ronda , Palazzi Debra , Schwenk Hayden , Shapiro Craig , Singh Prachi , Spicer Kevin , Tamma Pranita , TeKippe Michael , Thorell Emily , Tribble Alison , Willis Zachary , Woods Jon , Zembles Tracy , Phillips Terri Christene
Published: January 2021

Antibiotic overuse contributes to antibiotic resistance, which is a threat to public health. Antibiotic stewardship is a practice dedicated to prescribing antibiotics only when necessary and, when antibiotics are considered necessary, promoting the use of the appropriate agent(s), dose, duration, and route of therapy to optimize clinical outcomes while minimizing the unintended consequences of antibiotic use. Because there are differences in common infectious conditions, drug-specific considerations, and the evidence surrounding treatment recommendations (eg, first-line therapy and duration of therapy) between children and adults, this statement provides specific guidance for the pediatric population. This policy statement discusses the rationale for inpatient and outpatient antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs); essential personnel, infrastructure, and activities required; approaches to evaluating their effectiveness; and gaps in knowledge that require further investigation. Key guidance for both inpatient and outpatient ASPs are provided.
Analysis of Multiple Bands on Serum Protein Immunofixation Electrophoresis: Challenge in Interpretation of Clonality in a Patient with Light Chain–Predominant Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Nwogbo Okechukwu V , Jin Yulan , Sliker Taylor , Wilhite Dorian , Singh Gurmukh
Published: January 2021

Sera from patients with multiple myeloma usually display a single monoclonal immunoglobulin band on serum protein immunofixation electrophoresis. Multiple bands may be seen if the myeloma is bi- or triclonal or if the monoclonal immunoglobulin has rheumatoid factor activity. We describe a patient with light chain–predominant IgA lambda myeloma; the patient’s serum displayed 2 spatially distinct bands reacting for alpha heavy and lambda light chains. The methods used to establish monoclonality are addressed.
Coccidioidomycosis in patients with various inflammatory disorders treated with tumor necrosis factor α inhibitors
Authors: Delafield Nathan L , Mesbah Zhubene , Lacy Curtis R , Panicker Renni R , Pasha Shabana F , Mertz Lester E , Yiannias James A , Blair Janis E
Published: January 2021

Coccidioides fungi are found primarily in the southwestern United States and are the cause of coccidioidomycosis. Tumor necrosis factor α inhibitors (TNFIs) are therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions; their association with coccidioidomycosis is not well characterized. We aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of coccidioidomycosis among TNFI recipients with different inflammatory disorders at a tertiary care center. We retrospectively reviewed the electronic health records of patients at our institution from April 4, 2010 to December 17, 2017, who received TNFIs (infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, or golimumab) and had positive culture, pathologic, and/or serologic results for coccidioidomycosis. Among 1770 patients identified who received TNFIs, 49 (2.8%) had proven or probable coccidioidomycosis. Of these 49, 28 (57%) were men, 47 (96%) were White, and 42 (86%) had pulmonary coccidioidomycosis. The most common TNFIs used were adalimumab, infliximab, and etanercept. Coccidioidomycosis was identified in 25 of 794 patients with rheumatologic disorders (3.1%), 18 of 783 patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (2.3%), and six of 193 patients with dermatologic disorders (3.1%) (P = .34). There was no difference in coccidioidal infections among recipients of any particular TNFI agents. A minority of patients (7/49, 14%) had an extrapulmonary infection, and the majority of these (6/7) had IBD. Our study shows a low prevalence of coccidioidomycosis in TNFI recipients, even within the Coccidioides-endemic area. Persons with IBD were disproportionately represented among those with extrapulmonary coccidioidomycosis. Treatment with azoles was effective.

Lay Summary

Among 1770 patients who received tumor necrosis factor α inhibitors, 49 (2.8%) had newly acquired coccidioidomycosis over a 7-year period. Dissemination occurred in 14.3%, but disproportionately among those with underlying inflammatory bowel disease. All patients recovered with medical management.
Dietary approaches to managing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: El Khoury Dalia , Pauley Rosemary J. , Berseth Carol Lynn
Published: January 2021

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a multisystem, prevalent liver disease, can be managed with lifestyle interventions, including diet, given the lack of well-established pharmacologic therapies. This review explores the different dietary approaches that have been found effective in the management of NAFLD, offering a unique resource to healthcare professionals.
Quantitative Evaluation of Intraspinal Lumbar Disc Herniation-related Lumbosacral Radiculopathy Before and After Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Authors: Shi Yin , Zhao Feng , Dou Weiqiang , Ding Hongyuan , Zou Yuefen , Feng Yang , Wang Chuanbing , Shi Haibin , Ren Yongxin
Published: January 2021

Study Design

A prospective study.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) derived parameters of compressed nerve roots at subregions and the corresponding clinical symptoms to evaluate the patients with intraspinal lumbar disc herniation (LDH)-related lumbosacral radiculopathy pre- and postoperatively.

Summary of Background Data

It is crucial to explore whether magnetic resonanve imaging (MRI) can quantitatively evaluate intraspinal LDH-related lumbosacral radiculopathy before and after surgery.

Methods

In all, 66 patients underwent MRI scans and Clinical assessment before and after percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED). Pre- and postoperative findings of the related lumbar disk and nerve tractography were compared with two-way contingency table analysis. The embedded paired t test toolbox was applied to respectively compare the fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of nerves at the symptomatic and asymptomatic sides in three subregions pre- and postoperatively. The correlation of clinical Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores and FA/ADC values of nerves at three sub-regions was analyzed by stepwise multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

The postoperative FA values were significantly higher than the corresponding preoperative values (P < 0.001), while comparable ADC values were found. Using tractography, a notable improvement of compressed nerve was revealed after surgery (61 cases, 92.4%). Additionally, multiple linear regression analysis identified significant associations between JOA scores and FA values of the compressed nerves with the greatest effect at the proximal region.

Conclusion

The FA values at subarticular zone can reflect the microstructural changes of the corresponding compressed nerves and well associate with clinical symptoms. Therefore, the DTI parameter FA can be considered an effective tool in clinic to quantitatively evaluate intraspinal LDH-related lumbosacral radiculopathy before and after PTED surgery.

Level of Evidence: 3
Characterization of Patients with Poor Risk for Clinical Outcomes in Adult Symptomatic Lumbar Deformity Surgery
Authors: Yagi Mitsuru , Michikawa Takehiro , Suzuki Satoshi , Okada Eijiro , Nori Satoshi , Tsuji Osahiko , Nagoshi Narihito , Asazuma Takashi , Hosogane Naobumi , Fujita Nobuyuki , Nakamura Masaya , Matsumoto Morio , Watanabe Kota
Published: January 2021

Study Design.

Retrospective review of 159 surgically treated consecutive adult symptomatic lumbar deformity (ASLD) (65 ± 9 years, female: 94%) from a multicenter database.

Objective.

The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive analysis of the risk of a poor clinical outcome in ASLD surgery.

Summary of Background Data.

Poor-risk patients with ASLD remain poorly characterized.

Methods.

ASLD was defined as age >40 years with a lumbar curve ≥30° or C7SVA ≥5 cm and Scoliosis Research Society 22 (SRS22) pain or function <4. Poor outcome was defined as 2y SRS22 total <4 or pain, function or satisfaction ≤3. The outcomes of interest included age, sex, body mass index, bone mineral density, Schwab-SRS type, frailty, history of arthroplasty, upper-instrumented vertebral, lower-instrumented vertebral, levels involved, pedicle subtraction osteotomy, lumbar interbody fusion, sagittal alignment, global alignment and proportion (GAP) score, baseline SRS22r score, estimated blood loss, time of surgery, and severe adverse event (SAE). Poisson regression analyses were performed to identify the independent risks for poor clinical outcome. A patient was considered at poor risk if the number of risks was >4.

Results.

All SRS22 domains were significantly improved after surgery. In total, 21% (n = 34) reported satisfaction ≤3 and 29% (n = 46) reported pain or function ≤3. Poisson regression analysis revealed that frailty (odds ratio [OR]: 0.2 [0.1–0.8], P = .03), baseline mental-health (OR: 0.6 [0.4–0.9], P = .01) and function (OR: 1.9 [1.0–3.6], P < .01), GAP score (OR: 4.6 [1.1–18.7], P = .03), and SAE (OR: 3.0 [1.7–5.2], P < .01) were identified as independent risk for poor clinical outcome. Only 17% (n = 6) of the poor-risk patients reached SRS22 total score >4.0 at 2 years.

Conclusion.

The overall clinical outcome was favorable for ASLD surgery. Poor-risk patients continue to have inferior outcomes, and alternative treatment strategies are needed to help improve outcomes in this patient population. Recognition and optimization of modifiable risk factors, such as physical function and mental health, and reduced SAEs may improve overall clinical outcomes of ASLD surgery.

Level of Evidence: 3
Triplet combination of BRAF, MEK and PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in melanoma: the more the better?
Authors: Trojaniello Claudia , Vitale Maria G. , Ascierto Paolo A.
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review

Patients with advanced or metastatic v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF)-mutated melanoma can be treated with a BRAF inhibitor in combination with a MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK) inhibitor, achieving high but short-lived response rates. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), in contrast, give lower response rates but more durable responses. Preclinical and translational data indicate that combining BRAF and MEK inhibitors with ICI could exceed the limitations of each class and potentially lead to longer lasting responses.

Recent findings

Vemurafenib, dabrafenib and encorafenib are designed to block mutated forms of BRAF, which cause abnormal signalling inside cancer cells leading to tumour growth. Trametinib, binimetinib and cobimetinib are designed to target and inhibit MEK1/2, proteins in a cell signalling pathway that help cell growth and survival. Pembrolizumab, nivolumab, durvalumab and atezolizumab are ICIs which can inhibit the pathway of programmed death-1/ programmed death-ligand-1 proteins, allowing tumours to avoid detection by the immune system.

Treating patients with targeted therapy would allow the release of antigens from tumour cells, which could be more easily acknowledged by the immune system. Efficacy can also be increased by combining ICIs with the aim of maintaining a longer response. The possibility to administer three drugs in combination, would allow to induce tumour regression and produce an immune response with a synergistic effect.
Brain views that benefit from three-dimensional ultrasound
Authors: Youssef Aly , Pilu Gianluigi
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review

Fetal central nervous system malformations are among the most common congenital anomalies. Whereas simple axial views are sufficient for basic fetal brain examination, other important views are essential for a more detailed examination, which are sometimes challenging to obtain. Three-dimensional ultrasound can be helpful in obtaining standardized and reproducible images of many difficult fetal brain views. The aim of the present review is to explore the most recent evidence on the utility and technique of three-dimensional ultrasound in the examination of the fetal brain, with particular emphasis on the brain views that benefit from three-dimensional ultrasound.

Recent findings

The article describes the various techniques of acquisition and analyses of three-dimensional ultrasound volumes of the fetal brain and their usefulness in the assessment of normal and abnormal fetal brain anatomy. Three-dimensional ultrasound has also permitted the application of many new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and deep machine learning. Recently, thanks to high-quality three-dimensional ultrasound, fetal cortical development can be assessed quantitatively and reliably.

Three dimensional ultrasound can help as a complementary tool to two-dimensional ultrasound in the assessment of the fetal brain development and malformations. In addition, it paves the way for the application of promising technologies in the evaluation of fetal brain.

Video abstract

A video summarizing the findings of the article. The video illustrates the various approaches and techniques applied for the examination of the fetal brain using three-dimensional ultrasound. Furthermore, the advantages and future perspectives of the application of three-dimensional ultrasound in the examination of the fetal brain are discussed, http://links.lww.com/COOG/A74.
Di-μ-benzoato-di-μ-ethanolato-tetrakis[μ3-5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methyl-4-(oxidomethyl)pyridin-1-ium-3-olato]tetrakis[μ3-5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methyl-4-(oxidomethyl)pyridin-3-olato]di-μ3-oxido-heptamanganese(II,III) ethanol octasolvate
Authors: Saha Arpita , Padgett Clifford W. , LeMagueres Pierre , Moncur Kiana , Onajobi Glory
Published: January 2021

Our work in the area of synthesis of polynuclear manganese complexes and their magnetic properties led to the synthesis and crystallization of the title compound, [Mn7(C8H9NO3)4(C8H10NO3)4(C2H5O)2(C7H5O2)2O2]·8C2H5OH. Herein, we report the molecular and crystal structure of the title compound, which was synthesized by the reaction of Mn(C6H5COO)2 with pyridoxine (PNH2, C8H11NO3) followed by the addition of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAOH). The core of this centrosymmetric complex is a cage-like structure consisting of six MnIII ions and one MnII ion bound together through Mn—O bonds. The compound crystallizes in hydrogen-bonded layers formed by O—H...N hydrogen bonds involving the aromatic amine group of the ligand PN2− with the neighboring O atoms from the PNH− ligand. The crystal structure has large voids present in which highly disordered solvent molecules (ethanol) sit. A solvent mask was calculated and 181 electrons were found in a volume of 843 Å3 in one void per triclinic unit cell. This is consistent with the presence of seven ethanol molecules per formula unit, which accounts for 182 electrons per unit cell. Additionally, one ethanol molecule was found to be ordered in the crystal.
Information management in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kosack Emmanuel , Stone Merlin , Sanders Karen , Aravopoulou Eleni , Biron Davide , Brodsky Sergio , Al Dhaen Esra Saleh , Mahmoud Mohammed , Usacheva Anastasia
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to review the information management aspects of the early months of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) coronavirus 19 outbreak. It shows that the transition from epidemic to the pandemic was caused partly by poor management of information that was publicly available in January 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach combines public domain epidemic data with economic, demographic, health, social and political data and investigates how information was managed by governments. It includes case studies of early-stage information management, from countries with high and low coronavirus disease 2019 impacts (as measured by deaths per million).

Findings

The reasons why the information was not acted upon appropriately include “dark side” information behaviours (Stone et al., 2019). Many errors and misjudgements could have been avoided by using learnings from previous epidemics, particularly the 1918-1919 flu epidemic when international travel (mainly of troops in First World War) was a prime mode of spreading. It concludes that if similar outbreaks are not to turn into pandemics, much earlier action is needed, mainly closing borders and locking-down.

Research limitations/implications

The research is based on what was known at the time of writing, when the pandemic’s exact origin was uncertain, when some statistics about actions and results were unavailable and when final results were unknown.

Practical implications

Governments faced with early warning signs or pandemics must act much faster.

Social implications

If the next virus is as infectious as SARS-CoV-2 but much more fatal, the world faces disastrous consequences if most governments act as slowly as this time.

Originality/value

This is one of the first analyses of information management practices relating to the pandemic’s early stages.