bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation Technique Augmented by an Ultrapurified Alginate Gel Enhances Osteochondral Repair in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Hishimura Ryosuke , Onodera Tomohiro , Hontani Kazutoshi , Baba Rikiya , Homan Kentaro , Matsubara Shinji , Joutoku Zenta , Kim WooYoung , Nonoyama Takayuki , Kurokawa Takayuki , Gong Jian Ping , Iwasaki Norimasa
Published: January 2019

Background:

One of the most important limitations of osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT) is the adverse effect on donor sites in the knee. To decrease the number and/or size of osteochondral defects, we devised a method with biomaterial implantation after OAT.

Hypothesis:

OAT augmented by ultrapurified alginate (UPAL) gel enhances cartilage repair capacity.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Seventy-five osteochondral defects in rabbits were divided into 3 groups: osteochondral defects with OAT alone, defects with OAT augmented by UPAL gel (combined group), and defects without intervention as controls. Macroscopic and histological evaluations of the reparative tissues were performed at 4 and 12 weeks postoperatively. Histological evaluation of graft cartilage degradation was also performed. To evaluate the effects of UPAL gel on graft healing, repaired bone volumes and osseointegration of the graft were evaluated. Collagen orientation and the mechanical properties of the reparative tissue and graft cartilage were also evaluated qualitatively.

Results:

The macroscopic and histological evaluations of the combined group were significantly superior to the other groups at 12 weeks postoperatively. Regarding degenerative change of the graft, the histological scores of the combined group were significantly higher than those of the OAT-alone group. The values of repaired subchondral bone volumes and osseointegration of the graft were almost identical in both groups. Collagen orientation and the mechanical properties of the reparative tissue and graft cartilage were significantly better in the combined group than in the other groups.

Conclusion:

Administration of UPAL gel in OAT enhanced cartilage repair and protected graft cartilage without inhibiting subchondral bone repair and graft survival.

Clinical Relevance:

OAT augmented by UPAL gel decreases the number and/or size of osteochondral grafts, minimizing the risk of donor site morbidity. This combination technique has the potential to improve clinical outcomes and expand the surgical indications for OAT.
Delayed ACL Reconstruction in Patients ≥40 Years of Age Is Associated With Increased Risk of Medial Meniscal Injury at 1 Year
Authors: Stone Jonathan A. , Perrone Gabriel S. , Nezwek Teron A. , Cui Qingping , Vlad Steven C. , Richmond John C. , Salzler Matthew J.
Published: January 2019

Background:

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in the pediatric and young adult ACL-deficient knee are often associated with meniscal or chondral injury with delayed time to surgery. The incidence of ACL reconstruction performed in patients aged ≥40 years is rising, and it is unclear if delayed surgery in this cohort similarly affects the health of the meniscus and cartilage.

Purpose:

To evaluate whether delayed reconstruction in a cohort of patients aged ≥40 years is associated with an increased risk of meniscal or chondral injury.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Records of patients aged ≥40 years who underwent primary arthroscopic ACL reconstruction between 2012 and 2016 at an academic hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Patient characteristic data and time to surgery were recorded. Operative reports were analyzed for meniscal and chondral injuries as well as treatment. Patients were grouped according to time to surgery, defined as early (<90 days) or delayed (≥90 days). Logistic regression modeling was used to form associations between elapsed time to surgery and patient characteristics to meniscal and chondral damage. Additionally, risks for meniscal and chondral injury were analyzed at time points of 180 days and 1 year from injury to surgery.

Results:

A total of 227 patients met the study criteria: 106 patients underwent early surgery, and 121 underwent delayed surgery. The authors identified 127 medial meniscal tears and 106 lateral meniscal tears. Medial, lateral, and patellofemoral compartment chondral injury was reported in 127, 82, and 130 patients, respectively. Delayed surgery (≥90 days) was not associated with increased risk of medial or lateral meniscal tears or any chondral injury at 90 days. Each year of increased age was associated with an increased odds ratio: 1.09 ( P = .001) for medial meniscal tears, 1.06 ( P = .014) for lateral meniscal tears, 1.10 ( P = .001) for medial compartment chondral injuries, and 1.07 ( P = .007) for patellofemoral compartment chondral injuries. Additionally, each unit of increased body mass index was associated with an increased odds ratio: 1.09 ( P = .039) for medial meniscal tears and 1.14 ( P = .003) for medial compartment cartilage injury. Analysis of 180-day and 1-year time points revealed an increased risk (odds ratio, 3.47; 95% CI, 1.55-7.77; P = .002) for medial meniscal injury when surgery was delayed for >1 year.

Conclusion:

Delayed ACL reconstruction (≥90 days) among patients aged ≥40 years was not associated with an increased risk of meniscal or chondral injury. Increasing age and body mass index were associated with higher risks of meniscal and chondral injuries in this cohort. Delay in surgery for >1 year was associated with increased risk of medial meniscal tear.
Mechanical circulatory support: 60 years of evolving knowledge
Authors: Terzi Amedeo
Published: January 2019

Since the 1950s when the first devices for mechanical circulatory support were developed, there has been an impressive evolution of their technology. The first pioneering pumps were used to rescue acute complications after cardiac surgery. Advances in technology, increased knowledge of flow dynamics, and a more appropriate selection of the patients who actually need this support have contributed to significantly improve the benefits of this therapy. Today, mechanical circulatory support is an essential tool for the treatment of advanced heart failure. This strategy is used either as a bridge to heart transplantation or as a destination therapy for patients who do not meet the transplant criteria. A third indication is the bridge to recovery option for those patients in whom the improvement in cardiac function may be so important that the pump can be removed and the transplantation circumvented. In addition, mechanical circulatory support has fostered marked improvements in several clinical aspects affecting both patient health and quality of life. Despite the improvements in the technology of the devices of the last generation, severe adverse effects are still the Achilles heel of mechanical circulatory support therapy. This review summarizes the history, the technology, the clinical outcomes, and the possible future directions of this therapy.
Behavioral characteristics and their association with syphilis seroprevalence among a cohort of young Black men who have sex with men
Authors: Watson Dovie L , Liao Chuanhong , Ridgway Jessica , Schneider John A
Published: January 2019

The objective of this study was to describe the sociodemographic characteristics and behavioral factors that are associated with syphilis seroprevalence in a cohort of young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) in Chicago, USA (n = 606). The weighted syphilis seroprevalence in the study population was 29.2% (95% CI 23.9, 35.1). A bivariate probit multiple regression model was used to estimate the outcomes. Characteristics that were positively associated with syphilis seropositivity included being age 19–20, 21–24, and at least age 25 compared to the reference group (age 16–18 years old) (0.72 [95% CI 0.18, 1.25], 1.40 [95% CI 0.68, 2.13], and 1.34 [95% CI 0.75,1.94], respectively), using social media to meet sexual partners (0.33 [95% CI 0.05, 0.61]), using condoms more often (0.39 [95% CI 0.02, 0.76]), and a history of criminal justice involvement (0.25 [95% CI 0.06, 0.44]). Our study results suggest that among YBMSM in Chicago, interventions promoting condom use may be less effective for syphilis prevention compared to HIV prevention in this population. The contribution of nonpenetrative sex to syphilis prevalence requires additional research as does how best to implement routine syphilis screening and treatment for YBMSM in the context of ongoing syphilis transmission.
Speak Up! Prosocial Intervention Verbalizations Predict Successful Bystander Intervention for a Laboratory Analogue of Sexual Aggression
Authors: Parrott Dominic J. , Swartout Kevin M. , Tharp Andra Teten , Purvis Danielle M. , Topalli Volkan
Published: January 2019

This study evaluated a mechanism by which men’s self-efficacy to intervene increases their likelihood of preventing a laboratory analogue of sexual aggression (SA) via specific verbalizations and whether alcohol inhibits this mechanism. A sample of 78 male peer dyads were randomly assigned to consume an alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverage and complete a laboratory paradigm to assess bystander intervention to prevent SA toward a female who had ostensibly consumed an alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverage. Participants’ verbalizations during the task were subjected to quantitative analysis. Regardless of alcohol use, bystander self-efficacy increased the likelihood of successful bystander intervention via participants’ use of more prosocial verbalizations. Findings highlight prosocial verbalizations within the male peer context that may effectively prevent SA.
Knockdown of the ADHD Candidate Gene Diras2 in Murine Hippocampal Primary Cells
Authors: Grünewald Lena , Chiocchetti Andreas G. , Weber Heike , Scholz Claus-Jürgen , Schartner Christoph , Freudenberg Florian , Reif Andreas
Published: January 2019

Objective: The DIRAS2 gene is associated with ADHD, but its function is largely unknown. Thus, we aimed to explore the genes and molecular pathways affected by DIRAS2. Method: Using short hairpin RNAs, we downregulated Diras2 in murine hippocampal primary cells. Gene expression was analyzed by microarray and affected pathways were identified. We used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to confirm expression changes and analyzed enrichment of differentially expressed genes in an ADHD GWAS (genome-wide association studies) sample. Results: Diras2 knockdown altered expression of 1,612 genes, which were enriched for biological processes involved in neurodevelopment. Expression changes were confirmed for 33 out of 88 selected genes. These 33 genes showed significant enrichment in ADHD patients in a gene-set-based analysis. Conclusion: Our findings show that Diras2 affects numerous genes and thus molecular pathways that are relevant for neurodevelopmental processes. These findings may further support the hypothesis that DIRAS2 is linked to etiological processes underlying ADHD.
AutoAnalyze in Systems Biology
Authors: Saad Christian , Bauer Bernhard , Mansmann Ulrich R , Li Jian
Published: January 2019

AutoAnalyze is a highly customizable framework for the visualization and analysis of large-scale model graphs. Originally developed for use in the automotive domain, it also supports efficient computation within molecular networks represented by reaction equations. A static analysis approach is used for efficient treatment-condition-specific simulation. The chosen method relies on the computation of a global network data-flow resulting from the evaluation of individual genetic data. The approach facilitates complex analyses of biological components from a molecular network under specific therapeutic perturbations, as demonstrated in a case study. In addition to simulating the complex networks in a stable and reproducible way, kinetic constants can also be fine-tuned using a genetic algorithm and built-in statistical tools.
Anabel: An Online Tool for the Real-Time Kinetic Analysis of Binding Events
Authors: Krämer Stefan D , Wöhrle Johannes , Rath Christin , Roth Günter
Published: January 2019

Anabel ( Analysis of binding events +  l) is an open source online software tool ( www.skscience.org/anabel ) for the convenient analysis of molecular binding interactions. Currently, exported datasets from Biacore (surface plasmon resonance [SPR]), FortéBio (biolayer interference [BLI]), and Biametrics (single color reflectometry [SCORE]) can be uploaded and evaluated in Anabel using 2 different evaluation methods. Moreover, a universal data template format is provided to upload any other binding dataset to Anabel. This enables an easier comparison of different analysis methods for all users. Furthermore, a guide was established in Anabel to help inexperienced users to obtain optimal results. In addition, expert features can be used to optimize and control the fit of the binding model to the measured data. We tried to make the process of fitting and evaluating as easy as possible through the use of an intuitive user interface. At the end of every analysis, a single excel file, containing all results and graphs of the performed analysis, can be downloaded.
Dynamic analysis of coupling misalignment and unbalance coupled faults
Authors: Wang Haifei , Gong Junjie
Published: January 2019

Misalignment is a common fault occurring in the rotor system. However, the response characteristics have not been understood comprehensively, especially the relation between forces or torques and displacements, accelerations, or moments. First, misalignment modeling is investigated in this paper. Two coupled rotor system is modeled by six degrees of freedom. Misalignment effects are considered at coupling location using nodal force vectors and moment vectors. Second, Newmark- β method is used to solve the nonlinear equations. Acceleration, displacement, and force or moment response characteristics are discussed. Some results are obtained as follows: (1) 2× will appear in the parallel misalignment forces spectrum, and 0× will appear in the vertical force spectrum; 2×, 4×, 6× will appear in the angular misalignment moment spectrum. (2) In parallel misalignment simulation, it is found that multifrequency components are more obvious, static components are showed in vertical forces and displacements, 1× is dominated and 2× is weak in the displacement spectrum, and 2× is obvious in the force spectrum; acceleration is periodic impulse signal and 1× and 2× are dominated in its spectrum; vertical displacement is truncated and its values are positive, the orbit looks like an inverted triangle. (3) In angular misalignment simulation, it is found that multifrequency components of response are more obvious, 2× is obvious in the vertical displacement spectrum, and 2× is dominated in the moment spectrum; acceleration is periodic impulse signal, horizontal and vertical displacements are periodic, the orbit looks like a moon or an eight shape, and 2× is obvious in the moment spectrum.
Explaining governmental preferences on Economic and Monetary Union Reform
Authors: Târlea Silvana , Bailer Stefanie , Degner Hanno , Dellmuth Lisa M , Leuffen Dirk , Lundgren Magnus , Tallberg Jonas , Wasserfallen Fabio
Published: January 2019

This article examines the extent to which economic or political factors shaped government preferences in the reform of the Economic Monetary Union. A multilevel analysis of European Union member governments’ preferences on 40 EMU reform issues negotiated between 2010 and 2015 suggests that countries’ financial sector exposure has significant explanatory power. Seeking to minimize the risk of costly bailouts, countries with highly exposed financial sectors were more likely to support solutions involving high degrees of European integration. In contrast, political factors had no systematic impact. These findings help to enhance our understanding of preference formation in the European Union and the viability of future EMU reform.
Towards prompt electrocardiogram acquisition in triage: Preliminary testing of a symptom-based clinical prediction rule for the Android tablet
Authors: O’Donnell Sharon , Monahan Peter , McKee Gabrielle , McMahon Geraldine , Curtin Elizabeth , Farrell Sean , Moser Debra
Published: January 2019

Background:

For patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome, international guidelines indicate that an Electrocardiogram (ECG) should be performed within 10 min of first medical contact, however success at achieving these guidelines is limited.

Aims:

The purpose of this study was to develop and perform initial testing of a clinical prediction rule embedded in a tablet application, and to expedite the identification of patients who require an electrocardiogram within 10 min.

Methods:

This derivation of the Acute Coronary Syndrome Application (AcSAP) comprised of three local studies, an unpublished audit and literature critique. The AcSAP was prospectively tested over four months in patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) of a Dublin teaching hospital. An audit form retrieved data pertaining to times of: registration to the emergency department, triage, first electrocardiogram and diagnosis. The AcSAP was subsequently evaluated by experienced triage nurses ( n=18) who had utilised it.

Results:

The AcSAP was activated 379 times. Patients with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) and non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) were significantly more likely to return a categorisation of ‘immediate ECG’ or ‘ECG within 10 min’ ( p<0.001). There was a significant difference in ‘triage to ECG’ times across categories, the ‘immediate ECG’ categorisation resulting in the shortest time ( p=0.002). Evaluations suggest that staff found the tool quick and easy to use and results seemed accurate.

Conclusion:

Testing of the AcSAP suggests that it accurately identifies patients who require an ECG within 10 min. As such, it has the potential to support the meeting of clinical guidelines for ECG acquisition.
Dual metal oxide loaded cotton/polyester fabric with photo, bio and magnetic properties
Authors: Rastgoo Madine , Montazer Majid , Harifi Tina , Mahmoudi Rad Mahnaz
Published: January 2019

This research aimed at sonochemical synthesis and deposition of Fe3O4/ZnO nanocomposites on cotton/polyester fabric using the ultrasonic bath at 80℃. For this purpose, in situ sonosynthesis of magnetite nanoparticles on the fabric surface was carried out and followed by the generation of crystalline ZnO nanoparticles through the sonochemical approach, eliminating the need for high temperature after-treatment of the fabrics. This effect was achieved thanks to the shock waves formed by the cavitation bubbles also called microcalcination, resulting in the formation and adsorption of crystalline nanomaterials on the fabric surface. Magnetic properties with saturation magnetization of 1.5 emu/g, self-cleaning activities toward methylene blue discoloration, and excellent antibacterial and antifungal properties along with low cell toxicity were among the obtained properties. The current study is the first research indicating the potential of the sonochemical method to produce non-toxic cotton/polyester fabric with various properties including magnetic, photocatalytic, and antibacterial activities.
A Suite of Commands for Fitting the Skew-normal and Skew-t models
Authors: Marchenko Yulia V. , Genton Marc G.
Published: January 2019

Nonnormal data arise often in practice, prompting the development of flexible distributions for modeling such situations. In this article, we describe two multivariate distributions, the skew-normal and the skew- t, which can be used to model skewed and heavy-tailed continuous data. We then discuss some inferential issues that can arise when fitting these distributions to real data. We also consider the use of these distributions in a regression setting for more flexible parametric modeling of the conditional distribution given other predictors. We present commands for fitting univariate and multivariate skew-normal and skew- t regressions in Stata (skewnreg, skewtreg, mskewnreg, and mskewtreg) as well as some postestimation features (predict and skewrplot). We also demonstrate the use of the commands for the analysis of the famous Australian Institute of Sport data and U.S. precipitation data.
Making Spatial Analysis Operational: Commands for Generating Spatial-effect Variables in Monadic and Dyadic Data
Authors: Neumayer Eric , Plümper Thomas
Published: January 2019

Spatial dependence exists whenever the expected utility of one unit of analysis is affected by the decisions or behavior made by other units of analysis. Spatial dependence is ubiquitous in social relations and interactions. Yet, there are surprisingly few social science studies accounting for spatial dependence. This holds true for settings in which researchers use monadic data, where the unit of analysis is the individual unit, agent, or actor, and even more true for dyadic data settings, where the unit of analysis is the pair or dyad representing an interaction or a relation between two individual units, agents, or actors. Dyadic data offer more complex ways of modeling spatial-effect variables than do monadic data. The commands described in this article facilitate spatial analysis by providing an easy tool for generating, with one command line, spatial-effect variables for monadic contagion as well as for all possible forms of contagion in dyadic data.
A Simple Feasible Procedure to fit Models with High-dimensional Fixed Effects
Authors: Guimarães Paulo , Portugal Pedro
Published: January 2019

In this article, we describe an iterative approach for the estimation of linear regression models with high-dimensional fixed effects. This approach is computationally intensive but imposes minimum memory requirements. We also show that the approach can be extended to nonlinear models and to more than two high-dimensional fixed effects.
Bayesian Model Averaging and Weighted-Average Least Squares: Equivariance, Stability, and Numerical Issues
Authors: De Luca Giuseppe , Magnus Jan R.
Published: January 2019

In this article, we describe the estimation of linear regression models with uncertainty about the choice of the explanatory variables. We introduce the Stata commands bma and wals, which implement, respectively, the exact Bayesian model-averaging estimator and the weighted-average least-squares estimator developed by Magnus, Powell, and Prüfer (2010, Journal of Econometrics 154: 139–153). Unlike standard pretest estimators that are based on some preliminary diagnostic test, these model-averaging estimators provide a coherent way of making inference on the regression parameters of interest by taking into account the uncertainty due to both the estimation and the model selection steps. Special emphasis is given to several practical issues that users are likely to face in applied work: equivariance to certain transformations of the explanatory variables, stability, accuracy, computing speed, and out-of-memory problems. Performances of our bma and wals commands are illustrated using simulated data and empirical applications from the literature on model-averaging estimation.
Managing the U.S. Census 2000 and World Development Indicators Databases for Statistical Analysis in Stata
Authors: Jeanty P. Wilner
Published: January 2019

This article introduces a new Stata command, labcenswdi,1 to automatically manage databases that provide variable descriptions on the second row in a dataset. While renaming all variables and converting them from string to numeric, labcenswdi automatically manages the variable descriptions including removing them from the second row to place them into Stata variable labels and saving them to a text file. The process yields a dataset ready for statistical analysis. I illustrate how this command can be used to efficiently manage datasets obtained from the U.S. Census 2000 and the World Development Indicators databases.
Causal Mediation Analysis
Authors: Hicks Raymond , Tingley Dustin
Published: January 2019

Estimating the mechanisms that connect explanatory variables with the explained variable, also known as “mediation analysis,” is central to a variety of social-science fields, especially psychology, and increasingly to fields like epidemiology. Recent work on the statistical methodology behind mediation analysis points to limitations in earlier methods. We implement in Stata computational approaches based on recent developments in the statistical methodology of mediation analysis. In particular, we provide functions for the correct calculation of causal mediation effects using several different types of parametric models, as well as the calculation of sensitivity analyses for violations to the key identifying assumption required for interpreting mediation results causally.
Identification and Estimation of Treatment Effects in the Presence of (Correlated) Neighborhood Interactions: Model and Stata Implementation via Ntreatreg
Authors: Cerulli Giovanni
Published: January 2019

In this article, I present a counterfactual model identifying average treatment effects by conditional mean independence when considering peer- or neighborhood-correlated effects, and I provide a new command, ntreatreg, that implements such models in practical applications. The model and its accompanying command provide an estimation of average treatment effects when the stable unit treatment-value assumption is relaxed under specific conditions. I present two instructional applications: the first is a simulation exercise that shows both model implementation and ntreatreg correctness; the second is an application to real data, aimed at measuring the effect of housing location on crime in the presence of social interactions. In the second application, results are compared with a no-interaction setting.
Causal Effect Estimation and Inference Using Stata
Authors: Terza Joseph V.
Published: January 2019

Terza (2016b, Health Services Research 51: 1109–1113) gives the correct generic expression for the asymptotic standard errors of statistics formed as sample means of nonlinear data transformations. In this article, I assess the performance of the Stata margins command as a relatively simple alternative for calculating such standard errors. I note that margins is not available for all packaged nonlinear regression commands in Stata and cannot be implemented in conjunction with user-defined-and-coded nonlinear estimation protocols that do not make a predict command available. When margins is available, however, I establish (using a real-data example) that it produces standard errors that are asymptotically equivalent to those obtained from the formulations in Terza (2016b) and the appendix available with this article. This result favors using margins (with its relative coding simplicity) when available. In all other cases, use Mata to code the standard-error formulations in Terza (2016b). I discuss examples, and I give corresponding Stata do-files in appendices.
Testing for Granger Causality in Panel Data
Authors: Lopez Luciano , Weber Sylvain
Published: January 2019

With the development of large and long panel databases, the theory surrounding panel causality evolves quickly, and empirical researchers might find it difficult to run the most recent techniques developed in the literature. In this article, we present the community-contributed command xtgcause, which implements a procedure proposed by Dumitrescu and Hurlin (2012, Economic Modelling 29: 1450–1460) for detecting Granger causality in panel datasets. Thus, it constitutes an effort to help practitioners understand and apply the test. xtgcause offers the possibility of selecting the number of lags to include in the model by minimizing the Akaike information criterion, Bayesian information criterion, or Hannan–Quinn information criterion, and it offers the possibility to implement a bootstrap procedure to compute p-values and critical values.
Flying Off the Handle: Affective Influences on Decision Making and Action Tendencies in Real-World Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Scenarios
Authors: Naweed Anjum , Kingshott Kate
Published: January 2019

While not as glamorous as flying, aircraft maintenance is a fundamental of aviation safety, and improper or inadequate maintenance can have far reaching consequences. With this in mind, and considering the paucity of substantive research in aircraft maintenance engineering, this study investigated how affect influenced decision making and action tendency in real-world challenging maintenance engineering scenarios in general aviation (GA). A study was undertaken combining a naturalistic decision making (NDM) technique with the Appraisal Tendency Framework (ATF) to analyze 10 different scenarios collected from aircraft maintenance engineers. A total of 11 contextual factors were elicited from which seven specific emotions emerged: anger, frustration, pride, hope, guilt, fear, and contempt. In most instances, the emotion was found to be incidental, meaning that the feelings at the time of the decision were not normatively relevant for deciding. Anger and contempt created action tendencies for risk taking, while feelings of pride were found to have a protective effect. The findings suggest that affect regulation is an inherent part of the system, such that affect dysregulation may represent a potential contributing factor for negative outcomes arising from action tendencies associated with other complex system influences. Future research directions are given.
Mixing Methods in the Age of Migration Politics: A Commentary on Validity and Reflexivity in Current Migration Research
Authors: Horvath Kenneth , Latcheva Rossalina
Published: January 2019

Migration is one of the crucial “wicked problems” of our times, calling for novel research strategies. We point to methodological challenges linked to current migration contexts that are often underappreciated. These challenges follow not so much from the complexity of cross-border mobility itself but rather from the political dynamics that have affected migration practices as well as migration research over the past decades. We identify three basic implications of these developments for mixed methods research in migration contexts: the need (a) to empirically assess nationally framed data infrastructures and research procedures, (b) to justify categories that organize our research and analysis, and (c) to consider the intricate entanglements between (migration) research and (migration) politics.
Anatomic robotic prostatectomy: current best practice
Authors: Martini Alberto , Tewari Ashutosh Kumar
Published: January 2019

Urologic prostate surgery has changed dramatically over the past decades. Following the introduction of the robot, the surgical approach has been modified and thanks to the magnification allowed by the robot a further level of precision can be achieved. Moreover, advances in the anatomical studies have provided new evidence regarding the periprostatic anatomy.

The aim of this review is to describe our approach to robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Our holistic perspective towards patient selection, pre- and postoperative care is provided. In our center, robot-assisted radical prostatectomy is performed by means of an anterograde approach. A nonbladder-sparing dissection with a graded approach towards nerve preservation is carried out. The procedure is concluded with what we call ‘total anatomical reconstruction’.
Contemporary best practice in the management of urothelial carcinomas of the renal pelvis and ureter
Authors: Bianconi Maristella , Cimadamore Alessia , Faloppi Luca , Scartozzi Mario , Santoni Matteo , Lopez-Beltran Antonio , Cheng Liang , Scarpelli Marina , Montironi Rodolfo
Published: January 2019

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) accounts for 5% of urothelial carcinomas (UCs), the estimated annual incidence being 1–2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Similarly to bladder UC, divergent differentiations and histologic variants confer an adverse risk factor in comparison with pure UTUC. Molecular and genomic characterization studies on UTUC have shown changes occurring at differing frequencies from bladder cancer, with unique molecular and clinical subtypes, potentially with different responses to treatment. Systemic chemotherapy is the standard approach for patients with inoperable locally advanced or metastatic UCs. Although initial response rates are high, the median survival with combination chemotherapy is about 15 months. In first-line chemotherapy several cisplatin-based regimens have been proposed. For patients with advanced UC who progress to first-line treatment, the only product licensed in Europe is vinflunine, a third-generation, semisynthetic, vinca alkaloid. Better response rates (15–60%), with higher toxicity rates and no overall survival (OS) benefit, are generally achieved in multidrug combinations, which often include taxanes and gemcitabine. The US FDA has recently approved five agents targeting the programmed death-1 and programmed death ligand-1 pathway as a second-line therapy in patients with locally advanced or metastatic UC with disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy. Potential therapeutic targets are present in 69% of tumours analyzed. Specific molecular alterations include those involved in the RTK/Ras/PI(3)K, cell-cycle regulation and chromatin-remodeling pathways, many of them have either targeted therapies approved or under investigation. Angiogenic agents, anti-epidermal growth factor receptor therapy, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway inhibitors and immunotherapeutic drugs are being successfully investigated.
Optimization of renal function preservation during robotic partial nephrectomy
Authors: Swavely Natalie R. , Anele Uzoma A. , Porpiglia Francesco , Mir Maria C. , Hampton Lance J. , Autorino Riccardo
Published: January 2019

Over the past few years, the role of robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RPN) has exponentially grown. Multiple recognized factors contribute to postoperative renal function in patients undergoing RPN. The aim of this review is to identify these potential factors, and to evaluate strategies that may help optimize the goal of renal function preservation. A nonsystematic literature review was performed to retrieve the most recent evidence on factors contributing to renal function post-RPN. Analyzed elements include baseline factors (tumor complexity and patient characteristics), intraoperative (surgical) factors (control of the renal hilum and type of ischemia, resection technique, renorrhaphy technique), and pharmacotherapeutics. In conclusion, the advantages of robotic surgery in the setting of partial nephrectomy (PN) are becoming well established. Maximal preservation of renal function remains a priority goal of the procedure, and it is influenced by a plethora of factors. Adequate patient selection using radiomics, control of comorbidities, utilization of evidence-based intraoperative techniques/strategies, and postoperative care are key components of postoperative preservation of renal function. Further investigations regarding these factors and their effects on long-term renal function are necessary and will continue to aid in guiding appropriate patient care.
Role of NLRP3 inflammasome in the development of bladder pain syndrome interstitial cystitis
Authors: Tudrej Karol Borys , Piecha Tomasz , Kozłowska-Wojciechowska Małgorzata
Published: January 2019

Although it has been proposed that NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation may have an important contribution to the onset of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC), as of today there is still insufficient evidence to accept or to reject this hypothesis. However, taking into consideration that inflammasomes have been already shown as important mediators of cyclophosphamide-induced bladder inflammation and that some studies have also revealed human bladder epithelium expresses high levels of NLRP3, such a hypothesis seems to be reasonable. The purpose of this review is to discuss a scenario that NLRP3 inflammasome is a crucial player in the development of this disease. Identification of a novel mediator of bladder inflammation and pain could lead to emerging new therapeutic strategy and the first causative therapy.
An update on the best approaches to prevent complications in penile prosthesis recipients
Authors: Krzastek Sarah C. , Smith Ryan
Published: January 2019

Placement of inflatable penile prosthesis is a procedure frequently performed for medication-refractory erectile dysfunction. Device implantation is not without risks, and as the frequency of device implantation increases, so do associated complications. The aim of this work is to review the most frequent operative complications associated with implantation of inflatable penile prostheses, and to review the best approaches to prevent these most common complications. Complications can broadly be categorized as infectious, noninfectious tissue-related, device-related, or related to patient and partner satisfaction. With understanding of these complications and ways to avoid them, as well as with appropriate patient selection and counseling, the inflatable penile prosthesis is an excellent option for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Abiraterone acetate in combination with prednisone in the treatment of metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer: clinical evidence and experience
Authors: Purshouse Karin , Protheroe Andrew S.
Published: January 2019

More than a million men worldwide are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year. After androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), chemotherapy has been the only subsequent intervention to improve survival in the metastatic setting but has limitations for patients who may not tolerate its toxicity profile or are not candidates on the basis of comorbidities. Novel anti-androgens such as abiraterone acetate have shown promise for such patients. This review draws on clinical evidence and experience to identify abiraterone as a well-tolerated, effective alternative to docetaxel. In the castration-resistant setting, studies demonstrated a survival benefit over placebo, prompting further trials in the hormone-naïve population. More recently the STAMPEDE and LATITUDE studies suggest abiraterone has comparable survival outcomes to docetaxel in the castration-sensitive setting, with evidence in favour of its quality of life profile. Available comparisons with docetaxel are limited, but those available suggest they have comparable efficacy. However, the significant cost compared with docetaxel is a major barrier in resource-rationed healthcare settings. Overall, abiraterone is an effective alternative to chemotherapy for men with castration-sensitive prostate cancer, but this should be balanced with the significantly greater cost.
Necrotizing fasciitis with mediastinitis following snakebite envenomation
Authors: Banda Chihena Hansini , N’gambi Chandwa
Published: January 2019

Snakebite envenomation is a life-threatening injury and a neglected public health issue in Africa. We report the case of a child that presented 6 days following a forearm snakebite with compartment syndrome and necrotizing fasciitis of the upper limb extending to the neck and chest who developed mediastinitis. She underwent multiple surgical debridements and the mediastinitis was managed non-surgically with antibiotics and postural drainage leading to recovery. The wounds were later grafted and the child discharged. Extension of necrotizing fasciitis from the limbs to the chest wall with development of mediastinitis is extremely rare with one previous case reported in a woman with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus on immunosuppressive therapy. We report this case due to its unusual presentation with no previous reports found on the development of mediastinitis following snakebite. In conclusion, physicians should have a high index of suspicion for mediastinitis in patients with necrotizing fasciitis extending to the neck and chest following snakebite.
A revisit at 16 years for individuals from peri-urban New Delhi for tobacco use and associated oral lesions
Authors: Mehrotra Ravi , Nethan Suzanne Tanya , Ravi Priyanka , Grover Shekhar , Sharma Shashi , Rath GK , Kaur Jatinder , Ralhan Ranju , Srivastava Anurag
Published: January 2019

Objectives:

India has a high incidence of oral cancer due to multifarious tobacco use. The objective of this study was to assess the status of tobacco-related oral lesions over 16 years, in a screen-detected population.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study involved home visits of 2000 Delhi residents, previously screened for oral potentially malignant disorders/oral cancer and counseled for tobacco cessation. Their basic demographics and tobacco/alcohol history were noted followed by oral visual examination for any related mucosal abnormalities. The data thus obtained were statistically analyzed.

Results:

Two hundred and sixty-five individuals (13.2%) could be traced after 16 years. The status of oral lesions varied across the participants, mainly in terms of their location, type, number, and/or presence/absence; no oral malignancies were noted. Most individuals had either a decreased use (34%, p < 0.001) or had quit tobacco (25.7%, p < 0.001); 8.3% individuals from the former and 5.7% from the latter group showed complete lesion(s) regression. The overall change in the tobacco use and oral lesions showed a highly significant positive association ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

A direct relationship exists between tobacco use and oral lesions. Repeated, tobacco cessation counseling provided by health-care professionals is effective. Oral screening of high-risk individuals, along with tobacco cessation, is thus essential.
Blocking of checkpoint receptor PD-L1 aggravates osteoarthritis in macrophage-dependent manner in the mice model
Authors: Liu Shenghou , Mi Jiqiang , Liu Wenguang , Xiao Shipeng , Gao Chunzheng
Published: January 2019

As a chronic degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis is among the most common diseases all over the world. In osteoarthritis, inflammation plays an important role in the generation of joint symptoms and the development of disease. When the programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) immune checkpoint is blocked, the antitumor immunity will be enhanced. We aim to illustrate the function of PD-L1 in osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis in mice was induced by the injection of collagenase or anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). Anti-PD-L1 was employed to block the signal of PD-L1. Knee joints histological sections were stained by Safranin-O. The level of cytokine was checked by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and mRNA level was shown by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The blockade of PD-L1 signal up-regulated inflammatory response and promoted the development of osteoarthritis in mice. The inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α expression were promoted by PD-L1 blocking in macrophages. Osteoarthritis was aggravated when the expression of inflammatory cytokine is elevated in macrophages. Our results indicated that the blockade of PD-L1 signal in macrophages elevates the expression of inflammatory cytokine and promotes the development of osteoarthritis in mice, which could be utilized as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for osteoarthritis patients.
The Arterial Switch Operation in 2019: How to Do It and How to Teach It
Authors: Jonas Richard A.
Published: January 2019

This article presents technical aspects of the arterial switch procedure. The arterial switch procedure is a technically reproducible operation that involves less three-dimensional judgment and fewer difficult sequencing decisions than many other complex cardiac procedures. Hemostasis is the most important principal that must be adhered to mainly through meticulous surgical technique. Meticulous technique will also lead to successful transfer of the coronary arteries. Teaching a surgical trainee how to manage a child who requires an arterial switch procedure requires instruction in the technical aspects of the procedure. However, this is just one component of the overall management of babies requiring this procedure. Attention and training should be directed at all areas of competence that have been emphasized by bodies such as the American College of Surgeons. Simulation is playing an increasingly important role in the instruction of surgical trainees within the domain of congenital heart disease.
For a Greater Good: Bias Analysis in Writing Assessment
Authors: Ahmadi Shirazi Masoumeh
Published: January 2019

Threats to construct validity should be reduced to a minimum. If true, sources of bias, namely raters, items, tests as well as gender, age, race, language background, culture, and socio-economic status need to be spotted and removed. This study investigates raters’ experience, language background, and the choice of essay prompt as potential sources of biases. Eight raters, four native English speakers and four Persian L1 speakers of English as a Foreign Language (EFL), scored 40 essays on one general and one field-specific topic. The raters assessed these essays based on Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) holistic and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) analytic band scores. Multifaceted Rasch Measurement (MFRM) was run to find extant biases. In spite of not finding statistically significant biases, several interesting results emerged illustrating the influence of construct-irrelevant factors such as raters’ experience, L1, and educational background. Further research is warranted to investigate these factors as potential sources of rater bias.
Domestic Ban Versus Border Rejections: A Case of Oman’s Fish Exports to the EU
Authors: Bose Shekar , Al Naabi Amina Marhoon Rashid , Boughanmi Houcine , Yousuf Jaynab Begum
Published: January 2019

The decline of Oman’s fish exports to the European Union (EU) since mid-2000s has caused legitimate concerns among policy makers and exporters. However, the potential reasons for the decline have not been fully elucidated. To ascertain the underlying causes of such decline, this article empirically examines the relative significance of potential economic and policy-related factors such as border rejections influenced by health and safety measures, supply and demand capacities, domestic ban, domestic structural changes, and exchange rate fluctuations on Oman’s fish exports to the EU. The results obtained from the dynamic unbalanced panel data model for the period 2000-2013 indicate that fish exports to the EU markets have been influenced by the domestic ban on export, domestic structural changes, and exchange rate fluctuations rather than by border rejections. These findings provide important signal to policy makers of the respective countries in designing adaptive policy approach to address such influences.
Determinants of Aggregate Credit Flows to U.S. Corporate and Noncorporate Sector
Authors: Lakshmi P. , Thenmozhi M. , Varaiya Nikhil
Published: January 2019

This article explores the financial accounts of the United States to analyze the synchronicity in bank and nonbank credit flows with the fund flow patterns of U.S. nonfinancial corporate and noncorporate sector. We differ from prior studies and examine the long-term behavior from 1952 to 2015 in relation to peaks and troughs in business cycle, sector-specific factors, and macroeconomic variations. We find that the nonbank credit flows have evolved as a significant source of credit for corporate and noncorporate sector and exhibit higher levels of synchronicity during the period after 1980. The high synchronicity of nonbank credit flows necessitates sufficient resilience in the business cycle upsurge through countercyclical actions, specifically in the noncorporate sector. Multivariate regression results reveal that noncorporate sector relies more on nonbank credit for short-term cash and working capital requirements, whereas corporate sector opts nonbank credit for long-term investments. We also find evidence of relatively higher inter-sectoral impact of business cycle shocks between corporate and noncorporate sector from 1980 to 2015.