bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Cradle to Grave: How Childhood and Current Environments Impact Consumers’ Subjective Life Expectancy and Decision-Making
Authors: Mittal Chiraag , Griskevicius Vladas , Haws Kelly L
Published: January 2020

The age to which people expect to live likely drives many important consumer decisions. Yet we know surprisingly little about the antecedents and consequences of consumers’ subjective life expectancies. In the present work, we propose that subjective life expectancy is influenced by the combination of people’s childhood environment and their current environment. We find that people who grew up in poorer environments expected to have a shorter lifespan compared to people who grew up in richer environments when faced with a current stressor. We document that experiencing a stressor leads people from resource-poor childhoods to believe they will die sooner because they respond to stressors in a more pessimistic way. We further show that subjective life expectancy is an important psychological mechanism that directly contributes to multiple consumer decisions, including desire for long-term care insurance, decisions about retirement savings, and preference for long-term bonds. Overall, the present work opens future research avenues by showing how, why, and when subjective life expectancy influences consumer behavior.
Findings on repaired full-thickness acetabular articular cartilage defects during revision hip arthroscopy allowing a second look
Authors: Arriaza Carlos R , Sampson Thomas G , Olivos Meza Anell , Mendez-Vides Ana Cecilia
Published: January 2020

Full-thickness acetabular articular cartilage defects (FAACD) are found on most hips with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) with a wave sign in the acetabulum. When not repaired it can produce pain and catching sensation. Multiple arthroscopic techniques for repairing this chondral lesion exist, but only few show the quality of the repair on a second look. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality of the repaired cartilage during revision hip arthroscopy (RHA) allowing a second look in patients treated of FAACD. A total of 13 hips with FAACD repaired in the past underwent RHA for ongoing pain. Signs of persistent chondral defects or the ability to elevate the articular cartilage from subchondral bone were evaluated by zones. Those with persistent defects were re-repaired. All patients had FAACD lesions in zones I, II and III diagnosed in the index hip arthroscopy. The most common finding at the RHA was the presence of bone growth or residual impingement. Before FAACD repair, 11 (85%) hips had the wave sign, while 2 (15%) hips had it in RHA. Five (38%) hips had residual delamination in the second look, these patients had residual FAI, were ≥58 years or waited >6 months to be revised. The wave sign was not observed in 85% of the revised hips, indicating the technique was successful in most cases and was not the principal cause of their ongoing pain. This technique achieved the stated goal of stabilizing the articular cartilage seen in the wave sign.
Moderate water stress in rice induces rhizosheath formation associated with abscisic acid and auxin responses
Authors: Zhang Yingjiao , Du Huan , Gui Yao , Xu Feiyun , Liu Jianping , Zhang Jianhua , Xu Weifeng
Published: January 2020

The rhizosheath is known to be beneficial for drought resistance in many plants, but the regulation of rhizosheath formation in rice plants is unclear. Here, we investigate rhizosheath formation in different rice varieties and root hair mutants. Our results showed that moderate water stress in rice induced rhizosheath formation. The soil porosity and water content were higher in the rice rhizosheath than in the rice bulk soil under moderate water stress. Additionally, rhizosheath formation in short root hair mutants was lower than in wild-type rice under moderate water stress. Moreover, transcriptomic results indicated that abscisic acid (ABA) and auxin were involved in root and root hair responses in rhizosheath formation. Further, blocking ABA and auxin pathways in wild type and in rhl1-1, the shortest root hair mutant, rhizosheath formation and root hair length were significantly decreased under moderate water stress. However, wild type plants maintained a higher root ABA content, root basipetal auxin transport, root hair length, and amount of rhizosheath than did rhl1-1. Our results suggest that moderate water stress in rice induces rhizosheath formation by modulating the ABA and auxin responses to regulate root and root hair growth, which may be used to breed rice varieties resistant to drought.
A Gemini/GMOS study of the bright elliptical galaxy NGC 3613 and its globular cluster system
Authors: De Bórtoli Bruno J , Bassino Lilia P , Caso Juan P , Ennis Ana I
Published: January 2020

We present the first photometric study of the globular cluster system (GCS) of the E galaxy NGC 3613 (MV = −21.5, d ∼ 30.1 Mpc), as well as the surface photometry of the host galaxy, based on Gemini/GMOS images. Being considered the central galaxy of a group, NGC 3613 inhabits a low-density environment although its intrinsic brightness is similar to the expected one for galaxies in the centre of clusters. The following characteristics are obtained for this GCS. The colour distribution is bimodal, with metal-poor globular clusters (GCs) getting slightly bluer with increasing radius. The radial and azimuthal projected distributions show that metal-rich GCs are more concentrated towards the host galaxy and trace its light distribution very precisely, while metal-poor GCs present a more extended and uniform distribution. The GC luminosity function helps validate the adopted distance. The estimated total GC population of Ntot = 2075 ± 130 leads to a specific frequency SN = 5.2 ± 0.7, a value within the expected range for GCSs with host galaxies of similar luminosity. The surface photometry of NGC 3613 reveals a three-component profile and a noticeable substructure. Finally, a small sample of ultracompact dwarf candidates are identified in the surroundings of the host galaxy.
The impact of wind scalings on stellar growth and the baryon cycle in cosmological simulations
Authors: Huang Shuiyao , Katz Neal , Davé Romeel , Oppenheimer Benjamin D , Weinberg David H , Fardal Mark , Kollmeier Juna A , Peeples Molly S
Published: January 2020

Many phenomenologically successful cosmological simulations employ kinetic winds to model galactic outflows. Yet systematic studies of how variations in kinetic wind scalings might alter observable galaxy properties are rare. Here we employ gadget-3 simulations to study how the baryon cycle, stellar mass function, and other galaxy and CGM predictions vary as a function of the assumed outflow speed and the scaling of the mass-loading factor with velocity dispersion. We design our fiducial model to reproduce the measured wind properties at 25 per cent of the virial radius from the Feedback In Realistic Environments simulations. We find that a strong dependence of η ∼ σ5 in low-mass haloes with $\sigma \lt 106\mathrm{\, km\, s^{-1}}$ is required to match the faint end of the stellar mass functions at $z$ > 1. In addition, faster winds significantly reduce wind recycling and heat more halo gas. Both effects result in less stellar mass growth in massive haloes and impact high ionization absorption in halo gas. We cannot simultaneously match the stellar content at $z$ = 2 and 0 within a single model, suggesting that an additional feedback source such as active galactic nucleus might be required in massive galaxies at lower redshifts, but the amount needed depends strongly on assumptions regarding the outflow properties. We run a 50 $\mathrm{Mpc}\, h^{-1}$, 2 × 5763 simulation with our fiducial parameters and show that it matches a range of star-forming galaxy properties at $z$ ∼ 0–2.
NCI-CONNECT: Comprehensive Oncology Network Evaluating Rare CNS Tumors—Histone Mutated Midline Glioma Workshop Proceedings*
Authors: Theeler Brett J , Dalal Yamini , Monje Michelle , Shilatifard Ali , Suvà Mario L , Aboud Orwa , Camphausen Kevin , Cordova Christine , Finch Elizabeth , Heiss John D , Packer Roger J , Romo Carlos G , Aldape Kenneth , Penas-Prado Marta , Armstrong Terri , Gilbert Mark R
Published: January 2020

Histone mutations occur in approximately 4% of different cancer types. In 2012, mutations were found in the gene encoding histone variant H3.3 (H3F3A gene) in pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas and pediatric hemispheric gliomas. Tumors with mutations in the H3F3A gene are generally characterized as histone mutated gliomas (HMGs) or diffuse midline gliomas. HMGs are a rare subtype of glial tumor that is malignant and fast growing, carrying a poor prognosis. In 2017, the Beau Biden Cancer Moonshot Program appropriated $1.7 billion toward cancer care in 10 select areas. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) was granted support to focus specifically on rare central nervous system (CNS) tumors through NCI-CONNECT. Its mission is to address the challenges and unmet needs in CNS cancer research and treatment by connecting patients, providers, researchers, and advocacy organizations to work in partnership. On September 27, 2018, NCI-CONNECT convened a workshop on histone mutated midline glioma, one of the 12 CNS cancers included in its initial portfolio. Three leaders in the field provided an overview of advances in histone mutated midline glioma research. These experts shared observations and experiences related to common scientific and clinical challenges in studying these tumors. Although the clinical focus of this workshop was on adult patients, one important objective was to start a collaborative dialogue between pediatric and adult clinicians and researchers. Meeting participants identified needs for diagnostic and treatment standards, disease biology and biological targets for this cancer, disease-specific trial designs, and developed a list of action items and future direction.
Hope on the Horizon: Novel Fungal Treatments in Development
Authors: Rauseo Adriana M , Coler-Reilly Ariella , Larson Lindsey , Spec Andrej
Published: January 2020

The treatment of invasive fungal infections remains challenging due to limitations in currently available antifungal therapies including toxicity, interactions, restricted routes of administration, and drug resistance. This review focuses on novel therapies in clinical development, including drugs and a device. These drugs have novel mechanisms of action to overcome resistance, and some offer new formulations providing distinct advantages over current therapies to improve safety profiles and reduce interactions. Among agents that target the cell wall, 2 glucan synthesis inhibitors are discussed (rezafungin and ibrexafungerp), as well as fosmanogepix and nikkomycin Z. Agents that target the cell membrane include 3 fourth-generation azoles, oral encochleated amphotericin B, and aureobasidin A. Among agents with intracellular targets, we will review olorofim, VL-2397, T-2307, AR-12, and MGCD290. In addition, we will describe neurapheresis, a device used as adjunctive therapy for cryptococcosis. With a field full of novel treatments for fungal infections, the future looks promising.
Multiple NDM-5-Expressing Escherichia Coli Isolates From an Immunocompromised Pediatric Host
Authors: Flerlage Tim , Brazelton de Cardenas Jessica N , Garner Cherilyn D , Hasan Nur A , Karathia Hiren , Qudeimat Amr , Maron Gabriela , Hayden Randall
Published: January 2020

Background

Genes conferring carbapenem resistance have disseminated worldwide among Gram-negative bacteria. Here we present longitudinal changes in clinically obtained Escherichia coli isolates from 1 immunocompromised pediatric patient. This report demonstrates potential for antibiotic resistance genes and plasmids to emerge over time in clinical isolates from patients receiving intensive anticancer chemotherapy and broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Methods

Thirty-three isolates obtained over 7 months from 1 patient were included. Clinical data were abstracted from the medical record. For each isolate, studies included phenotypic antibacterial resistance patterns, sequence typing, bacterial isolate sequencing, plasmid identification, and antibiotic resistance gene identification.

Results

Sites of isolation included blood, wound culture, and culture for surveillance purposes from the perianal area. Isolates were of 5 sequence types (STs). All were resistant to multiple classes of antibiotics; 23 (69.6%) were phenotypically resistant to all carbapenems. The blaNDM-5 gene was identified in 22 (67%) isolates, all of ST-167 and ST-940, and appeared to coincide with the presence of the IncFII and IncX3 plasmid.

Conclusions

We present unique microbiologic data from 33 multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates obtained over the course of 7 months from an individual patient in the United States. Two E. coli sequence types causing invasive infection in the same patient and harboring the blaNDM-5 gene, encoded on the IncX3 plasmid and the IncFII plasmid, were identified. This study highlights the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria on antibiotic therapy and the necessity of adequate neutrophil number and function in the clearance of bacteremia.
Burr Hole-Assisted Direct Transsylvian Venous Catheterization for Carotid-Cavernous Fistula Embolization: A Case Report
Authors: Ghosh Ritam , Al Saiegh Fadi , Mahtabfar Aria , Mouchtouris Nikolaos , Khanna Omaditya , Sweid Ahmad , Chalouhi Nohra , Lebovitz Jonathon , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula , Gooch M Reid , Rosenwasser Robert H , Jabbour Pascal M
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE

Carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCF) are pathological connections between carotid artery branches and the cavernous sinus. They can lead to a variety of symptoms, such as chemosis and double vision, or more insidious events, such as vision loss and intracranial hemorrhage. Although these patients are often treated by endovascular means, we describe a case in which the patient's CCF was not able to be accessed by usual methods and required an open surgical approach.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

The patient had progressive chemosis, double vision, and periorbital pain. Angiogram showed an indirect type D CCF with cortical venous drainage with a large sylvian vein that was directly draining the fistula. The patient did not have a dilated superior ophthalmic vein, and the petrosal sinuses could not be catheterized. Therefore, because of the patient's increased risk for intracranial hemorrhage, she was taken to the operating room for an image guided burr hole for direct catheterization of the sylvian vein. From this point, the fistulous point could be catheterized, and the CCF was embolized using onyx. Follow-up angiogram showed complete occlusion.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report in literature of an indirect CCF being treated through a transsylvian approach with onyx. This combined open-surgical-and-endovascular approach was necessary to get full resolution of the lesion, and patient had rapid improvement of symptoms.
Transcriptomic Analysis of the Grapevine LEA Gene Family in Response to Osmotic and Cold Stress Reveals a Key Role for VamDHN3
Authors: Xu Meilong , Tong Qian , Wang Yi , Wang Zemin , Xu Guangzhao , Elias Gathunga Kirabi , Li Shaohua , Liang Zhenchang
Published: January 2020

Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins comprise a large family that plays important roles in the regulation of abiotic stress, however, no in-depth analysis of LEA genes has been performed in grapevine to date. In this study, we analyzed a total of 52 putative LEA genes in grapevine at the genomic and transcriptomic level, compiled expression profiles of four selected (V. amurensis) VamLEA genes under cold and osmotic stresses, and studied the potential function of the V. amurensis DEHYDRIN3 (VamDHN3) gene in grapevine callus. The 52 LEA proteins were classified into seven phylogenetic groups. RNA-seq and quantitative real-time PCR results demonstrated that a total of 16 and 23 VamLEA genes were upregulated under cold and osmotic stresses, respectively. In addition, overexpression of VamDHN3 enhanced the stability of the cell membrane in grapevine callus, suggesting that VamDHN3 is involved in osmotic regulation. These results provide fundamental knowledge for the further analysis of the biological roles of grapevine LEA genes in adaption to abiotic stress.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Modulates the Effect of Sex on the Descending Pain Modulatory System in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Gasparin Assunta , Zortea Maxciel , dos Santos Vinicius Souza , Carvalho Fabiana , Torres Iraci L S , de Souza Andressa , Fregni Felipe , Caumo Wolnei
Published: January 2020

Objectives

We investigated sex differences and the influence of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the descending pain modulatory system (DPMS), as measured by change on the numerical pain scale (NPS; 0–10) during conditioned pain modulation (CPM task; primary outcome) and by function of the corticospinal motor pathway and heat pain thresholds (HPTs; secondary outcomes).

Methods

This cross-sectional study included healthy volunteers ranging in age from 18 to 45 years (32 male and 24 female). Assessment included serum BDNF, HPT, change on the NPS (0–10) during the CPM task, and motor-evoked potential (MEP) using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Results

The MEP (Mv) amplitude was larger in male participants compared with female participants (mean [SE] = 1.55 [0.34] vs mean [SE] = 1.27 [0.27], respectively, P = 0.001). The mean NPS (0–10) during CPM task changed more substantially for female compared with male participants (mean [SE] = −3.25 [2.01] vs mean [SE] = −2.29 [1.34], respectively, P = 0.040). In addition, a higher serum BDNF (adjusted index for age) was associated with a larger decrease of the NPS during CPM task (P = 0.003), although further regression analyses by sex showed that this was only significant for females (P = 0.010).

Conclusions

Significant sex differences were identified in DPMS function and corticospinal motor pathway integrity. Nevertheless, BDNF was associated with the function of the DPMS in female but not male participants, indicating that sex and neuroplasticity state are crucial factors for pain perception in healthy subjects.
Measuring the effectiveness of catch-up MMR delivered by school nurses compared to signposting to general practice on improving MMR coverage
Authors: Altinoluk-Davis F , Gray S , Bray I
Published: January 2020

Background

This study assesses whether increased coverage of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination differs between areas where school nurses deliver catch-up MMR doses to adolescents in school settings, compared to signposting to general practice.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using Child Health Information Services records within the NHS England South (South Central) commissioning boundary. The sample population included children born 1 September 2000–31 August 2001, in school year 9 during the 2014–15 academic year.

Results

The primary outcome findings show an increase in coverage of at least one dose of MMR by 1.6% (n = 334) in the cohort receiving catch-up MMR, compared to 0.2% (n = 12) in the cohort signposted to general practice. Over time, the difference in increase between the two cohorts was 1.4%, analysed using the chi-squared comparison of proportions test, providing strong evidence (P < 0.0001) that school nurse delivery of catch-up MMR is effective at increasing coverage. The findings also suggest that school nurse delivery of catch-up MMR may benefit Black, Asian and minority ethnic children and those from more deprived backgrounds.

Conclusions

It is recommended that commissioners of school-aged immunization services incorporate the delivery of catch-up MMR doses in their contracts with school nurses.
Poly(methyl methacrylate) bone cement composited with mineralized collagen for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures in extremely old patients
Authors: Luo Kefeng , Jiang Guoqiang , Zhu Jinjin , Lu Bin , Lu Jiye , Zhang Kai , Wang Xiumei , Cui Fu-Zhai
Published: January 2020

To examine the clinical effects of a new bone cement composed of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and mineralized collagen (MC) compared with pure PMMA bone cement in treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) in patients aged over 80. In all, 32 cases using pure PMMA bone cement and 31 cases using MC-modified PMMA (MC-PMMA) bone cement for OVCFs between June 2014 and March 2016 were screened as PMMA group and MC-PMMA group, respectively, with an average age of over 80. The operation duration, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, oswestry disability index (ODI), visual analogue scale (VAS), anterior vertebral height (AVH), intermediate vertebral height (IVH) and posterior vertebral height (PVH) of injured vertebrae, vertebral computed tomography value, re-fracture rate of adjacent vertebrae, correction rate of spinal kyphotic angle and wedge-shaped vertebra angle and surgical complications were compared between the two groups. In the early post-operative period, the VAS, ODI, AVH and IVH in MC-PMMA group were comparable to those in the traditional PMMA group. Moreover, the MC-PMMA group showed better effects compared with the PMMA group 12 months after surgery. Thus, this new bone cement has superior clinic effects in the long term.
Stella Chess and the History of American Child Psychiatry
Authors: Hirshbein Laura D.
Published: January 2020

Throughout its history, American child psychiatry has been a hospitable specialty for women physicians. In its early years when practitioners were often steeped in psychoanalysis and influenced by theorists such as Anna Freud, many leaders within the field were women. By the 1960s and 1970s, child psychiatry was moving away from analysis and towards more research-based practice. The biography of an important leader in this area, New York University’s Stella Chess, illustrates the mechanism of that transformation and the role of ideas about mothers and working women. Chess, along with her husband and collaborator Alexander Thomas, gathered data to disprove the popular notion that mothers were to blame for children’s behaviour problems and demonstrated instead that issues resulted from a poor fit between a child’s temperament and his/her environment. Chess not only demanded that facts support theory, but also used her own parenting experiences and common sense to guide her work.
“This Lady, She’s A-List!”: The Empowerment Impact of Womxn Political Elites for Womxn in South African Higher Education
Authors: Michalko Ján
Published: January 2020

This article analyzes the norms that are expected of womxn political elites as role models, to further advance the research on the contributions of womxn in politics to womxn’s empowerment. Based on interviews and group discussions with womxn at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, it is argued that womxn in politics contribute to the students’ normative construction of their ideal self and hence to their empowerment. Consequently, it is suggested that development interventions focus on womxn in politics as fully embedded in wider normative structures while also exposing womxn to a diverse group of womxn in power.
Treatment Trajectories During and After a Medication Trial for Opioid Use Disorder: Moving from Research as Usual to Treatment as Usual
Authors: Fishman Marc , Vo Hoa T. , Burgower Rachael , Ruggiero Michael , Rotrosen John , Lee Josh , Nunes Edward
Published: January 2020

Objectives:

The effectiveness of treatment incorporating relapse prevention medications for opioid use disorder (OUD) is typically examined in research using rigidly predefined endpoints of success versus failure, usually over a single episode of care. But this perspective may not adequately portray the nonlinear trajectories typical of real-world treatment courses in this chronic, remitting, and relapsing disorder.

Methods:

This descriptive study examined 12-month treatment trajectories of n = 60 patients enrolled at a single site of a larger multisite randomized controlled trial examining the comparative effectiveness of buprenorphine versus extended-release naltrexone. While the parent study provided medication treatment through the research protocol for 6 months, this study documents treatment up to 12 months, including medications, provided through standard community resources (treatment as usual) outside of the protocol.

Results:

Some patients continued medications past the end of the study intervention, whereas others did not. Some patients initiated medications other than the one assigned by the study. Some patients switched from 1 medication to the other. Many patients returned to treatment after 1 or more periods of dropout and/or relapse. Patients utilized multiple episodes of bed-based care, including short-term acute residential and long-term residential treatment, and also recovery housing supports. Described trajectories are also depicted graphically. At 12 months, while rates of continuous treatment retention were low (8%), rates of cross-sectional treatment engagement including return to treatment after drop out were higher (35%).

Conclusions:

This description of nonlinear treatment trajectories highlights the potential benefits of flexibility and optimism in the promotion of re-engagement, despite interim outcomes that might traditionally be considered “failure” endpoints.
Multispecialty Intraoperative Approach for Treatment of Intra-Articular Knee Venous Malformations
Authors: Kini Sameer , Desai Sudhen B. , Chau Alex , Kukreja Kamlesh U. , Kan J. Herman , McKay Scott D.
Published: January 2020

Intra-articular venous malformations (IAVMs) pose a treatment dilemma for a variety of specialties. Here, we discuss a multispecialty approach between orthopedic surgery and interventional radiology to treat pediatric knee IAVMs in a 4 patient case series. The technique involved the use of arthroscopy along with ultrasonography for direct visualization of the lesions for the purpose of sclerotherapy. The combined approach with both radiologic imaging and arthroscopic techniques provided the opportunity for diagnosis and therapeutic intervention in a single procedure. In our patient series, we noted significant qualitative improvement in symptoms and patient function with minimal complications. This multispecialty approach provides an efficient management strategy for pediatric knee IAVMs.
Novel Phenethylamines and Their Potential Interactions With Prescription Drugs: A Systematic Critical Review
Authors: Inan Funda , Brunt Tibor M. , Contrucci Ramon R. , Hondebrink Laura , Franssen Eric J. F.
Published: January 2020

Background:

The novel phenethylamines 4-fluoroamphetamine (4-FA) and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromophenethylamine (2C-B) fall in the top 10 most used new psychoactive substances (NPSs) among high-risk substance users. Various phenethylamines and NPS are also highly used in populations with mental disorders, depression, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Moreover, NPS use is highly prevalent among men and women with risky sexual behavior. Considering these specific populations and their frequent concurrent use of drugs, such as antidepressants, ADHD medication, and antiretrovirals, reports on potential interactions between these drugs, and phenethylamines 4-FA and 2C-B, were reviewed.

Methods:

The authors performed a systematic literature review on 4-FA and 2C-B interactions with antidepressants (citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, duloxetine, bupropion, venlafaxine, phenelzine, moclobemide, and tranylcypromine), ADHD medications (atomoxetine, dexamphetamine, methylphenidate, and modafinil), and antiretrovirals.

Results:

Limited literature exists on the pharmacokinetics and drug–drug interactions of 2C-B and 4-FA. Only one case report indicated a possible interaction between 4-FA and ADHD medication. Although pharmacokinetic interactions between 4-FA and prescription drugs remain speculative, their pharmacodynamic points toward interactions between 4-FA and ADHD medication and antidepressants. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of 2C-B also points toward such interactions, between 2C-B and prescription drugs such as antidepressants and ADHD medication.

Conclusions:

A drug–drug (phenethylamine-prescription drug) interaction potential is anticipated, mainly involving monoamine oxidases for 2C-B and 4-FA, with monoamine transporters being more specific to 4-FA.
RETINAL DYSTROPHY IN JEUNE SYNDROME: A MULTIMODAL IMAGING CHARACTERIZATION
Authors: Pilotto Elisabetta , Midena Edoardo , Longhin Evelyn , Frizziero Luisa
Published: January 2020

Purpose:

To report multimodal imaging findings in a patient affected by Jeune syndrome-associated retinal dystrophy.

Methods:

Observational case report.

Results:

An 18-year-old girl affected by Jeune syndrome was referred to our low vision unit. She presented with bilateral high myopia, reduced visual acuity, exotropia, and nystagmus. Fundus examination detected posterior myopic staphyloma and diffuse retinal dystrophy confirmed using a full-field electroretinogram as a cone-rod dystrophy. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography detected a thick anomalous hyperreflective band located beneath an irregular and disrupted external limiting membrane, showing the primary involvement of the photoreceptors outer segment with relative sparing of the retinal pigment epithelium, as confirmed by fundus autofluorescence.

Conclusion:

This is a case of Jeune syndrome with retinal abnormalities studied with fundus autofluorescence and optical coherence tomography. Retinal noninvasive multimodal imaging could provide significant insight in the retinal involvement of patients affected by Jeune syndrome and should have an essential role in the multidisciplinary diagnostic approach and follow-up.
ANATOMIC AND FUNCTIONAL IMPROVEMENT OF A DRUSENOID PIGMENT EPITHELIAL DETACHMENT: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Csaky Karl G. , Christie Abigail H.
Published: January 2020

Background/Purpose:

Age-related macular degeneration is the most prevalent cause of permanent vision loss in the developed world. Drusenoid pigment epithelial detachments are a biomarker of age-related macular degeneration disease progression and typically result in poor visual prognosis. Low luminance visual acuity (LLVA) has been previously been shown to correlate with the severity of age-related macular degeneration. However, the degree of spontaneous improvement of this functional outcome is still under investigation.

Methods:

Observational clinical case report.

Results:

A drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment that increased in size with the development of hyperreflective foci spontaneously improved with restoration of normal foveal contour over the span of 41 months without progression to geographic atrophy or choroidal neovascularization. Although best-corrected visual acuity remained stable both before and after the pigment epithelial detachment resolution, low luminance visual acuity decreased from a baseline of 59 (20/63 −1) to 39 (20/160 −1) letters over 17 months. However, over the subsequent 24 months, low luminance visual acuity improved by 35 letters to 74 letters (20/32 −2).

Conclusion:

Drusenoid pigment epithelial detachments can resolve without treatment. Low luminance visual acuity seems to correlate with the anatomic improvement and can improve spontaneously by more than six lines of vision.
Evaluation of 2 ultrasonic indicators as predictors of difficult laryngoscopy in pregnant women
Authors: Xu Lili , Dai Shaobing , Sun Lihong , Shen Jianjun , Lv Changcheng , Chen Xinzhong
Published: January 2020

Background:

Ultrasonic measurements of tongue thickness and condylar translation were recently introduced to predict difficult laryngoscopy in non-obstetric patients. We designed the present study to evaluate the performance of these two ultrasonic indicators in predicting difficult laryngoscopy in healthy parturients.

Methods:

The 119 parturients undergoing elective cesarean delivery were enrolled. Tongue thickness and condylar translation measured by ultrasonography, and Modified Mallampati test (MMT) score, inter-incisor distance (IID) and modified Cormack-Lehane grading system (MCLS) were measured and recorded before anesthesia. The primary outcome was difficult laryngoscopy defined as MCLS 3 or 4. The association between these variables and difficult laryngoscopy were analyzed by using multivariable logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results:

Compared to the Easy Laryngoscopy Group, the tongue thickness was significantly higher and the condylar translation and IID were significantly lower in the Difficult Laryngoscopy Group. Tongue thickness and condylar translation but not MMT score and IID were proved to be two independent predictors for difficult laryngoscopy by multivariate logistic regression, with the odds ratios of 2.554 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.715 to 3.802) and 0.457 (95% CI, 0.304 to 0.686). The area under the ROC curve to predict difficult laryngoscopy for tongue thickness was 0.93 (95% CI, 0.88–0.98) and for condylar translation was 0.77 (95% CI, 0.67–0.86), which were significantly higher than those for MMT score (0.67, 95% CI, 0.56–0.77) and IID (0.65, 95% CI, 0.55–0.76).

Conclusions:

Compared with MMT and IID, tongue thickness and condylar translation measured by ultrasonography appear to be better indicators for predicting difficult laryngoscopy in parturients.

The trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR)(www.chictr.org), registration number ChiCTR-ICR-1800019991.
Better outcomes are associated with cementless fixation in primary total knee arthroplasty in young patients
Authors: Wang Kun , Sun Han , Zhang Kaifeng , Li Shuxiang , Wu Guofeng , Zhou Jian , Sun Xiaoliang
Published: January 2020

Background:

The use of cemented and cementless fixations in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in young patients is controversial. Previous reviews predominantly relied on data from retrospective studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluated the optimal fixation mode in TKA for young patients.

Methods:

The PubMed, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, and full Cochrane Library electronic databases were searched from inception to July 2018. The outcome measurements consisted of functional outcomes (Knee Society Score [KSS], range of motion [ROM]), radiolucent lines, aseptic loosening, total complications, and reoperation rate. Study data were pooled using a random-effects model.

Results:

Six RCTs were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The mean follow-up period was 12 years (range, 2–16.6 years). Cementless TKA was associated with higher KSS-function (P < .0001), higher KSS-pain (P = .005), better ROM recovery (P = .01), and fewer radiolucent lines (<1 mm) (P = .04) compared with cemented TKA. No significant intergroup differences were observed for KSS-knee, total complications, aseptic loosening, or reoperation rate. These results based on a random-effects model were unchanged by sensitivity analysis assumptions.

Conclusion:

Cementless TKA was substantially superior to cemented TKA in young patients. Although the complication and survival rates were similar between groups, better clinical outcomes were obtained with cementless fixation. Further well-designed studies with long follow-up durations are necessary to confirm our findings.
Efficacy and safety of erlotinib combined with bevacizumab in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhou Kenan , Zhao Shishun , Guo Wenlai , Ding Lei
Published: January 2020

Background:

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has a poor prognosis despite conventional treatments of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors acting on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have shown high efficacy and low toxicity for NSCLC. In particular, combining erlotinib with the VEGF antibody bevacizumab has therapeutic value in NSCLC, but the drugs’ separate effects as monotherapy and any adverse outcomes of combination therapy remain unclear.

Objectives:

To determine the efficacy and safety of erlotinib and bevacizumab for NSCLC, we conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Data sources:

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched using keywords and manual review.

Study eligibility criteria, participants, and interventions:

We reviewed randomized controlled trials on the use of erlotinib combined with bevacizumab in adult patients with NSCLC, including data on outcome measures of overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and adverse events.

Study appraisal and synthesis methods:

After quality assessment, datasets were evaluated for heterogeneity. In the event of significant heterogeneity, a random-effects model was used to assess the overall outcome measures as a result of treatments. Subgroup analysis was conducted to evaluate the source of heterogeneity on PFS.

Results:

Compared with erlotinib or bevacizumab alone, the combined treatment did not significantly prolong OS (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.84–1.11; P = .62) or increase the ORR (95% CI = 0.91–1.20; P = .52), but significantly improved PFS (95% CI = 0.58–0.73; P < .001). This improvement was especially notable in patients with the following characteristics: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status score of 0 or 1, female, no smoking history, adenocarcinoma, and EGFR Exon19 deletion or Exon21 Leu858Arg mutation. Combination therapy significantly increased incidence of grade 1–2 hypertension (20.3% vs 6.3%, 95% CI 1.73–5.88; P < .01) and severe diarrhea (10% vs 3.2%, 95% CI 1.36–6.60; P = .01).

Limitations:

The low number of available randomized controlled trials could influence interpretation.

Conclusions:

Compared with erlotinib or bevacizumab monotherapy, their combination effectively prolongs PFS but increases incidence of adverse events in NSCLC patients.
Quality of postoperative recovery after upper-arm vascular surgery for hemodialysis in patients with end-stage renal disease: A prospective comparison of cervical epidural anesthesia vs general anesthesia
Authors: Cho Hobum , Kwon Hyerim , Song Sanghoon , Yoo Jaehwa , Kim Mungyu , Park Sunyoung , Chung Jiwon , Kim Sangho , Park Suyeon , Ok Siyoung
Published: January 2020

Cervical epidural anesthesia (CEA) is generally not used during upper-arm vascular surgery for hemodialysis in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, despite its advantages. The Quality of Recovery-40 questionnaire (QOR-40) has been validated as a tool for assessing the degree of recovery after surgery. We hypothesized that CEA could provide a better outcome on the QOR-40 than general anesthesia after upper-arm vascular surgery for hemodialysis in ESRD patients.

We divided anesthetic methods into general anesthesia and CEA. The QOR-40 was administered to 70 patients on the night before surgery and at 24 hours after surgery. Additional data, including consumption of opioid analgesics, occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and scores on a numeric rating scale (NRS) were collected.

The total QOR-40 scores of the two groups differed significantly (P = .024) on postoperative day 1. Opioid consumption (P = .005) and occurrence of postoperative nausea (P = .019) in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) were significantly lower in the CEA group, whose NRS scores were significantly lower in the PACU (P < .001) and at postoperative day 1 (P = .016).

Assessment of postoperative quality of recovery after upper-arm vascular surgery in ESRD patients showed that the CEA group had significantly better total QOR-40 and NRS scores. CEA could be used as an alternative anesthetic technique for upper-arm vascular surgery for hemodialysis in ESRD patients to improve the quality of recovery.
Gastric and adrenal metastasis from breast cancer
Authors: Tang Tiantian , Zhang Lina , Li Chunxiao , Zhou Tao
Published: January 2020

Rationale:

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancies in females. The most common sites of metastasis are bone, lung, liver, and brain. Gastrointestinal and adrenal gland metastasis from breast cancer are rare. Simultaneous metastases are extremely rare. Therefore, it is critically important to choose proper examination and treatment since the rapid diagnosis and primary treatment can significantly affect the survival of patients. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first case of initial dual metastasis.

Patient concerns:

The patient had a history of left breast cancer, and she underwent left breast-conserving surgery with sentinel lymph node biopsy 2 years ago. She was hospitalized in our center with the complaints of a stomach and lower back pain, which started suddenly and was progressively increased for half a month.

Diagnosis:

Computed tomography, gastroscopy, and immunohistochemical staining, especially GATA3 and mammaglobin, confirmed that there was simultaneous gastric and adrenal metastases.

Interventions:

She was eligible for the IMpassion131 clinical trials, a Phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial under treatment with atezolizumab/palcebo plus paclitaxel as adjuvant-therapy.

Outcomes:

She was still undergoing the therapy and waiting for the further evaluation.

Lessons:

In order to better understand metastatic pathways of breast carcinoma, publications of individual patient cases diagnosed with rare metastatic sites should be encouraged, especially for the simultaneous rare metastatic sites. This might improve our understanding of metastatic behavior of breast cancer and promote further clinical research.
Clinical and histopathological characterization of root resorption in replanted teeth
Authors: Liu Huimin , Peng Xiaoxing , Sun Hongchen , Li Xiangwei
Published: January 2020

Rationale:

The frequency of tooth avulsion is on the rise due to increasing rates of maxillofacial trauma. Avulsed teeth present with varying degrees of root resorption, and are generally asymptomatic; therefore, they often go undiagnosed. The etiopathogenesis of root resorption in replanted teeth following avulsion remains unclear.

Patient concerns:

In case 1, the left upper lateral incisor became loose after 10 years of replantation. In case 2, the patient underwent tooth replantation after external root canal treatment due to tooth dislocation caused by trauma 8 years ago.

Diagnosis:

According to the medical history, clinical manifestations and imaging studies of the 2 patients, root resorption after replantation was diagnosed.

Interventions:

The teeth extraction was given to one patient. Besides the histological examination of extracted teeth was performed.

Outcomes:

Teeth that underwent pulp treatment presented with external resorption. On the other hand, the tooth that had received no pulp treatment showed both external and internal resorption; residual vital pulp tissue was detected within the pulp cavity.

Lessons:

The dental pulp tissues may be involved in the initiation or development of internal resorption. Trauma to the periodontal ligament might play a major role in external resorption, whereas internal tooth resorption may be caused as a result of injury to the residual pulp tissue. Thus, the effective management of these tissues during the treatment of replanted teeth is essential.
PRISM 4-C: An Adapted PRISM IV Algorithm for Children With Cancer
Authors: Leal Priscila de B. , de Araujo Orlei R. , Petrilli Antonio S. , da Silva Dafne C.B.
Published: January 2020

We evaluated the performance of PRISM IV for pediatric cancer patients, and adapted and calibrated the algorithm to calculate mortality probabilities for these patients. An ambidirectional cohort was used, and data were collected from March 2017 prospectively to April 2019, and retrospectively to November 2014. The derivation set for model building contained 500 patients, and a validation set of 503 patients. Risk variables for hospital death were tested in logistic regression models encompassing PRISM IV components. There were 128 deaths (12.7%), being 65 deaths in the validation set. In the validation set, the PRISM IV algorithm had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.89, with P=0.13 by Hosmer-Lemeshow test, and predicted 33 of the 65 deaths for a standardized mortality rate of 1.8 (95% confidence interval, 1.4-2.9; P<0.001 by Mid-P test). Our modified algorithm had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.93, with P=0.3 by Hosmer-Lemeshow test and an standardized mortality rate of 1.02 (95% confidence interval, 0.79-1.19). The modified algorithm predicted 63.7 of 65 deaths. The PRISM IV algorithm was a poor predictor of mortality in children with cancer. The modified algorithm improved the predictive performance.
Sleep Quality Associated With Motor Function Among Older Adult Survivors of Critical Illness
Authors: Elías Maya N. , Munro Cindy L. , Liang Zhan
Published: January 2020

Background

Poor sleep is associated with worse motor function in older adults. Sleep may affect motor function specifically among older adults recovering from critical illness after transfer out of an intensive care unit (ICU).

Objectives

Describe motor function (grip strength) of older ICU survivors and explore relationships between sleep and ICU-acquired weakness in the early post-ICU transition period.

Methods

We enrolled 30 older adults who were functionally independent prior to hospitalization, mechanically ventilated while in ICU, and within 24–48 hours post-ICU discharge. Handgrip dynamometry assessed post-ICU motor function (fully corrected T score on the National Institutes of Health Motor Battery Grip Strength Test). Actigraphy estimated post-ICU sleep duration (total sleep time [TST]) and fragmentation (wake after sleep onset) over two consecutive nights from 22:00 p.m. to 06:00 a.m.. We identified differences in grip strength by history of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using independent-samples t tests. We examined associations between sleep duration and grip strength using exploratory multivariate regression analyses, after adjustment for clinically relevant covariates.

Results

Grip strength among this cohort of older ICU survivors was almost 2 SDs below the norm for healthy older adults, indicating considerable ICU-acquired weakness. Grip strength was lower among subjects with history of OSA than those without OSA. Greater TST was associated with worse grip strength, after adjusting for history of OSA and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index global score. Moreover, among the subset of male subjects (n = 19), greater TST was significantly and negatively associated with grip strength, after adjusting for Acute Physiology, Age, and Chronic Health Evaluation III score, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index global score.

Discussion

Sleep promotion may be a potentially modifiable risk factor to mitigate ICU-acquired weakness in older ICU survivors. We propose that improving sleep throughout recovery from critical illness may indirectly promote better outcomes, as poor grip strength is linked to longer length of hospital stay, higher acuity of discharge disposition, and worsened functional decline in older adults.