bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface roughness of asteroid (162173) Ryugu and comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko inferred fromin situobservations
Authors: Otto K A , Matz K-D , Schröder S E , Parekh R , Krohn K , Honda R , Kameda S , Jaumann R , Schmitz N , Stephan K , Sugita S , Tatsumi E , Ho T-M , Koncz A , Trauthan F , Cho Y , Hayakawa M , Honda C , Kouyama T , Matsuoka M , Morota T , Mottola S , Ogawa K , Preusker F , Sakatani N , Sawada H , Scholten F , Suzuki H , Yamada M , Yokota Y , Yoshioka K
Published: October 2020

Alteration processes on asteroid and comet surfaces, such as thermal fracturing, (micrometeorite) impacts or volatile outgassing, are complex mechanisms that form diverse surface morphologies and roughness on various scales. These mechanisms and their interaction may differ on the surfaces of different bodies. Asteroid Ryugu and comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko, both, have been visited by landers that imaged the surfaces in high spatial resolution. We investigate the surface morphology and roughness of Ryugu and 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko based on high-resolution in situ images of 0.2 and 0.8 mm pixel resolution over an approximately 25 and 80 cm wide scene, respectively. To maintain comparability and reproducibility, we introduce a method to extract surface roughness descriptors (fractal dimension, Hurst exponent, joint roughness coefficient, root-mean-square slope, hemispherical crater density, small-scale roughness parameter, and Hapke mean slope angle) from in situ planetary images illuminated by LEDs. We validate our method and choose adequate parameters for an analysis of the roughness of the surfaces. We also derive the roughness descriptors from 3D shape models of Ryugu and orbiter camera images and show that the higher spatially resolved images result in a higher roughness. We find that 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko is up to 6 per cent rougher than Ryugu depending on the descriptor used and attribute this difference to the different intrinsic properties of the materials imaged and the erosive processes altering them. On 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko sublimation appears to be the main cause for roughness, while on Ryugu micrometeoroid bombardment as well as thermal fatigue and solar weathering may play a significant role in shaping the surface.
An environmental dependence of the physical and structural properties in the Hydra cluster galaxies
Authors: Lima-Dias Ciria , Monachesi Antonela , Torres-Flores Sergio , Cortesi Arianna , Hernández-Lang Daniel , Barbosa Carlos Eduardo , Mendes de Oliveira Claudia , Olave-Rojas Daniela , Pallero Diego , Sampedro Laura , Molino Alberto , Herpich Fabio R , Jaffé Yara L , Amorín Ricardo , Chies-Santos Ana L , Dimauro Paola , Telles Eduardo , Lopes Paulo A A , Alvarez-Candal Alvaro , Ferrari Fabricio , Kanaan Antonio , Ribeiro Tiago , Schoenell William
Published: October 2020

The nearby Hydra cluster (∼50 Mpc) is an ideal laboratory to understand, in detail, the influence of the environment on the morphology and quenching of galaxies in dense environments. We study the Hydra cluster galaxies in the inner regions (1R200) of the cluster using data from the Southern Photometric Local Universe Survey, which uses 12 narrow and broad-band filters in the visible region of the spectrum. We analyse structural (Sérsic index, effective radius) and physical (colours, stellar masses, and star formation rates) properties. Based on this analysis, we find that ∼88 per cent of the Hydra cluster galaxies are quenched. Using the Dressler–Schectman test approach, we also find that the cluster shows possible substructures. Our analysis of the phase-space diagram together with density-based spatial clustering algorithm indicates that Hydra shows an additional substructure that appears to be in front of the cluster centre, which is still falling into it. Our results, thus, suggest that the Hydra cluster might not be relaxed. We analyse the median Sérsic index as a function of wavelength and find that for red [(u − r) ≥2.3] and early-type galaxies it displays a slight increase towards redder filters (13 and 18 per cent, for red and early type, respectively), whereas for blue + green [(u − r)<2.3] galaxies it remains constant. Late-type galaxies show a small decrease of the median Sérsic index towards redder filters. Also, the Sérsic index of galaxies, and thus their structural properties, do not significantly vary as a function of clustercentric distance and density within the cluster; and this is the case regardless of the filter.
Community succession in phototrophic shell-degrading endoliths attacking intertidal mussels
Authors: Ndhlovu Aldwin , McQuaid Christopher D , Nicastro Katy R , Zardi Gerardo I
Published: October 2020

Intertidal mussels are important ecosystem engineers that increase habitat complexity and provide shelter, substratum and food to associated communities. They thus play a key role in the maintenance of local biodiversity. Intertidal mussels are frequently parasitized by endolithic cyanobacteria that erode and significantly weaken their shells. We examined succession of cyanobacterial infestation in the shells of the mussels Perna perna and Mytilus galloprovincialis on the south coast of South Africa. We examined variations in species composition of the endolithic cyanobacterial community across regions of mussel shells of different ages (variation in space) and by exposing non-infested shells in field experiments for known periods (variation in time). The results on the spatial distribution of endolith species within a shell supported those from the field experiment evaluating temporal succession. Endolithic species that were early colonists of clean shells were similar to those that were found at the distal edge, the new and growing region of the shell. These species were also found near the umbo, the oldest region of the shell, but cyanobacterial communities near the umbo also included species that appeared late in time. Thus, succession when viewed in either time or space involved the accumulation, rather than the replacement of species. Species that arrived late in the succession were similar to endolithic species found near the umbo, the oldest region of the shell. Overall, the study shows clear patterns of endolithic cyanobacterial succession within mussel shells.
GenBank
Authors: Sayers Eric W , Cavanaugh Mark , Clark Karen , Pruitt Kim D , Schoch Conrad L , Sherry Stephen T , Karsch-Mizrachi Ilene
Published: October 2020

GenBank® (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genbank/) is a comprehensive, public database that contains 9.9 trillion base pairs from over 2.1 billion nucleotide sequences for 478 000 formally described species. Daily data exchange with the European Nucleotide Archive and the DNA Data Bank of Japan ensures worldwide coverage. Recent updates include new resources for data from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, updates to the NCBI Submission Portal and associated submission wizards for dengue and SARS-CoV-2 viruses, new taxonomy queries for viruses and prokaryotes, and simplified submission processes for EST and GSS sequences.
GPCRdb in 2021: integrating GPCR sequence, structure and function
Authors: Kooistra Albert J , Mordalski Stefan , Pándy-Szekeres Gáspár , Esguerra Mauricio , Mamyrbekov Alibek , Munk Christian , Keserű György M , Gloriam David E
Published: October 2020

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) form both the largest family of membrane proteins and drug targets, mediating the action of one-third of medicines. The GPCR database, GPCRdb serves >4 000 researchers every month and offers reference data, analysis of own or literature data, experiment design and dissemination of published datasets. Here, we describe new and updated GPCRdb resources with a particular focus on integration of sequence, structure and function. GPCRdb contains all human non-olfactory GPCRs (and >27 000 orthologs), G-proteins and arrestins. It includes over 2 000 drug and in-trial agents and nearly 200 000 ligands with activity and availability data. GPCRdb annotates all published GPCR structures (updated monthly), which are also offered in a refined version (with re-modeled missing/distorted regions and reverted mutations) and provides structure models of all human non-olfactory receptors in inactive, intermediate and active states. Mutagenesis data in the GPCRdb spans natural genetic variants, GPCR-G protein interfaces, ligand sites and thermostabilising mutations. A new sequence signature tool for identification of functional residue determinants has been added and two data driven tools to design ligand site mutations and constructs for structure determination have been updated extending their coverage of receptors and modifications. The GPCRdb is available at https://gpcrdb.org.
PhycoCosm, a comparative algal genomics resource
Authors: Grigoriev Igor V , Hayes Richard D , Calhoun Sara , Kamel Bishoy , Wang Alice , Ahrendt Steven , Dusheyko Sergey , Nikitin Roman , Mondo Stephen J , Salamov Asaf , Shabalov Igor , Kuo Alan
Published: October 2020

Algae are a diverse, polyphyletic group of photosynthetic eukaryotes spanning nearly all eukaryotic lineages of life and collectively responsible for ∼50% of photosynthesis on Earth. Sequenced algal genomes, critical to understanding their complex biology, are growing in number and require efficient tools for analysis. PhycoCosm (https://phycocosm.jgi.doe.gov) is an algal multi-omics portal, developed by the US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute to support analysis and distribution of algal genome sequences and other ‘omics’ data. PhycoCosm provides integration of genome sequence and annotation for >100 algal genomes with available multi-omics data and interactive web-based tools to enable algal research in bioenergy and the environment, encouraging community engagement and data exchange, and fostering new sequencing projects that will further these research goals.
Contemporary Analysis of Minimal Clinically Important Difference in the Neurosurgical Literature
Authors: Zervos Thomas M , Asmaro Karam , Air Ellen L
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) is determined when a patient or physician defines the minimal change that outweighs the costs and untoward effects of a treatment. These measurements are “anchored” to validated quality-of-life instruments or physician-rated, disease-activity indices. To capture the subjective clinical experience in a measurable way, there is an increasing use of MCID.

OBJECTIVE

To review the overall concept, method of calculation, strengths, and weaknesses of MCID and its application in the neurosurgical literature.

METHODS

Recent articles were reviewed based on PubMed query. To illustrate the strengths and limitations of MCID, studies regarding the measurement of pain are emphasized and their impact on subsequent publications queried.

RESULTS

MCID varies by population baseline characteristics and calculation method. In the context of pain, MCID varied based on the quality of pain, chronicity, and treatment options.

CONCLUSION

MCID evaluates outcomes relative to whether they provide a meaningful change to patients, incorporating the risks and benefits of a treatment. Using MCID in the process of evaluating outcomes helps to avoid the error of interpreting a small but statistically significant outcome difference as being clinically important.
Posterior Vertebral Column Subtraction Osteotomy for Recurrent Tethered Cord Syndrome: A Multicenter, Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Theodore Nicholas , Cottrill Ethan , Kalb Samuel , Zygourakis Corinna , Jiang Bowen , Pennington Zach , Lubelski Daniel , Westbroek Erick M , Ahmed A Karim , Ehresman Jeff , Sciubba Daniel M , Witham Timothy F , Turner Jay D , Groves Mari , Kakarla U Kumar
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Few have explored the safety and efficacy of posterior vertebral column subtraction osteotomy (PVCSO) to treat tethered cord syndrome (TCS).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate surgical outcomes after PVCSO in adults with TCS caused by lipomyelomeningocele, who had undergone a previous detethering procedure(s) that ultimately failed.

METHODS

This is a multicenter, retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected cohort. Patients were prospectively enrolled and treated with PVCSO at 2 institutions between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2018. Inclusion criteria were age ≥18 yr, TCS caused by lipomyelomeningocele, previous detethering surgery, and recurrent symptom progression of less than 2-yr duration. All patients undergoing surgery with a 1-yr minimum follow-up were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 20 patients (mean age: 36 yr; sex: 15F/5M) met inclusion criteria and were evaluated. At follow-up (mean: 23.3 ± 7.4 mo), symptomatic improvement/resolution was seen in 93% of patients with leg pain, 84% in back pain, 80% in sensory abnormalities, 80% in motor deficits, 55% in bowel incontinence, and 50% in urinary incontinence. Oswestry Disability Index improved from a preoperative mean of 57.7 to 36.6 at last follow-up (P < .01). Mean spinal column height reduction was 23.4 ± 2.7 mm. Four complications occurred: intraoperative durotomy (no reoperation), wound infection, instrumentation failure requiring revision, and new sensory abnormality.

CONCLUSION

This is the largest study to date assessing the safety and efficacy of PVCSO in adults with TCS caused by lipomyelomeningocele and prior failed detethering. We found PVCSO to be an excellent extradural approach that may afford definitive treatment in this particularly challenging population.
Tuberculosis-associated HLH in a patient with chronic kidney disease on haemodialysis
Authors: Shoureshi Pouria , Ruiz Johanna , Abdulzahir Ahmad , Bisch Alexander L , Naddaf Naja , Gisel Justin
Published: October 2020

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare immunological disorder that is accompanied by a high mortality rate when the underlying aetiology is miliary tuberculosis. We report a case of tuberculosis (TB)-associated HLH in a haemodialysis patient, from a TB-endemic region, who missed two sessions of dialysis before developing the primary symptoms of HLH. The patient presented with non-specific findings including pancytopenia, coagulopathy and transaminitis. Computer-tomography imaging and microbiology from bronchoalveolar lavage evidenced miliary tuberculosis. Further testing revealed the TB-associated-HLH characteristic pattern of thrombocytosis, leukopenia, transaminitis, hyperferritinemia and elevated fibrinogen. The patient initially demonstrated improvement after initiation of anti-TB therapy. However, soon thereafter began to paradoxically deteriorate and then expire from apparent tuberculosis-immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, and consequently of the utility of diagnostic systems such as the HScore in cases of high clinical suspicion.
Recurrent giant phyllodes tumour in a 17-year-old female: a rare case report
Authors: Yahaya James J
Published: October 2020

Phyllodes tumours (PTs) are rare fibroepithelial tumours of the breast with incidence accounting for <1% in the general population. Availability of reports on PTs with size of 31 cm or more in diameter in the literature are extremely rare. Herein, the case of a 17-year-old female patient with a giant recurrent right breast PT is reported. Histologically, the tumour showed proliferation of stromal tumour cells consisting of spindle cells with uniform nuclear chromatin, inconspicuous nucleoli, abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and proliferation labelling index for Ki67 of <10%. PTs require meticulous surgical excision due to the fact that they have a high rate of recurrence and status of surgical margins must be included in the pathology report. This is because recurrent cases of PTs tend to grow faster than the primary ones with a high chance of transforming to malignancy.
Additive manufacturing of polymer-based structures by extrusion technologies
Authors: Maguire Alianna , Pottackal Neethu , Saadi M A S R , Rahman Muhammad M , Ajayan Pulickel M
Published: October 2020

Extrusion-based additive manufacturing (AM) enables the fabrication of three-dimensional structures with intricate cellular architectures where the material is selectively dispensed through a nozzle or orifice in a layer-by-layer fashion at the macro-, meso-, and micro-scale. Polymers and their composites are one of the most widely used materials and are of great interest in the field of AM due to their vast potential for various applications, especially for the medical, military, aerospace, and automotive industries. Because architected polymer-based structures impart remarkably improved material properties such as low density and high mechanical performance compared to their bulk counterparts, this review focuses particularly on the development of such objects by extrusion-based AM intended for structural applications. This review introduces the extrusion-based AM techniques followed by a discussion on the wide variety of materials used for extrusion printing, various architected structures, and their mechanical properties. Notable advances in newly developed polymer and composite materials and their potential applications are summarized. Finally, perspectives and insights into future research of extrusion-based AM on developing high-performance ultra-light materials using polymers and their composite materials are discussed.
Vegetarian diets, circulating miRNA expression and healthspan in subjects living in the Blue Zone
Authors: Liu Tiantian , Gatto Nicole M , Chen Zhong , Qiu Hongyu , Lee Grace , Duerksen-Hughes Penelope , Fraser Gary , Wang Charles
Published: October 2020

A long-term vegetarian diet plays a role in the longevity and maintenance of the healthspan, but the underlying mechanisms for these observations are largely unknown. Particularly, it is not known whether a long-term vegetarian dietary pattern may affect the circulating miRNA expression in such a way as to modulate the healthspan. The Adventist Health Study-2 (AHS-2) cohort includes a large number of older adults who primarily follow vegetarian dietary patterns and reside in Loma Linda, California, one of five “Blue Zones” in the world in which a higher proportion of the population enjoys a longer than average lifespan. We performed miRNA-seq in 96 subjects selected from the AHS-2 cohort with different dietary patterns. We identified several differentially expressed miRNAs between vegetarians and non-vegetarians, which are involved in immune response and cytokine signaling, cell growth and proliferation as well as age-related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative diseases. Overall, our study showed that a vegetarian diet modulates aging-associated circulating miRNAs in a sex-dependent manner of differential expression for certain miRNAs, which may be related in a beneficial manner to the healthspan. Further investigation is needed to validate these miRNAs as potential biomarkers for diet-modulated longevity in humans.
The Headless Fourth Branch: Rethinking the Assumptions of Administrative Jurisprudence
Authors: Selin Jennifer L
Published: October 2020

A mismatch exists between the fundamental principles underlying modern administrative jurisprudence and the practical realities of administrative governance as illuminated by social science. This mismatch is most evident in the judicial conceptions of congressional intent, delegation, administrative procedures, and political accountability. As a result, federal agencies have the opportunity to shape the parameters under which courts analyze administrative authority and to capitalize on overlapping delegations of power. Agencies respond by shifting resources toward unorthodox policymaking and legalized personnel, raising questions about what it means legally for federal agencies to be accountable to the judicial and political branches of government. In sum, the mismatch between doctrine and practice presents many avenues for future research and has important consequences for the operation of our separation of powers system.
Property Rights, Land Misallocation, and Agricultural Efficiency in China
Authors: Chari Amalavoyal , Liu Elaine M , Wang Shing-Yi , Wang Yongxiang
Published: October 2020

This article examines the impact of a property rights reform in rural China that allowed farmers to lease out their land. We find the reform led to increases in land rental activity in rural households. Our results indicate that the formalization of leasing rights resulted in a redistribution of land toward more-productive farmers. Consequently, output and aggregate productivity increased by 8$\%$ and 10$\%$, respectively. We also find that the reform increased the responsiveness of land allocation across crops to changes in crop prices.
OCCUPATIONAL EYE LENS DOSE OVER SIX YEARS IN THE STAFF OF A US HIGH-VOLUME CANCER CENTER
Authors: Bellamy M B , Miodownik D , Quinn B , Dauer L
Published: October 2020

This paper summarizes the dose to the eye lens of workers of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, a high-volume US oncologic and associated diseases facility. The doses presented in this report were collected from personal dosemeter readings using optically stimulated luminescence badges to estimate Hp(3). Doses were collected for 5950 clinical and research workers between January 2012 and December 2017. The median eye lens dose for all monitored workers was 0.23 mSv y−1. Workers performing, or supporting, fluoroscopy procedures received the highest unprotected eye lens dose of all workers with a median eye dose of 10 mSv. The use of leaded glasses by this group reduced the actual doses to the lens. Nurses and technicians involved in positron emission tomography injections received median eye lens dose of 1.2 mSv.
Expecting social punishment facilitates control over a decision under uncertainty by recruiting medial prefrontal cortex
Authors: Kim Jaejoong , Jeong Bumseok
Published: October 2020

In many decision-making situations, sub-optimal choices are increased by uncertainty. However, when wrong choices could lead to social punishment, such as blame, people might try to improve their performance by minimizing sub-optimal choices, which could be achieved by increasing the subjective cost of errors, thereby globally reducing decision noise or reducing an uncertainty-induced component of decision noise. In this functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study, 46 participants performed a choice task in which the probability of a correct choice with a given cue and the conditional probability of blame feedback (by making an incorrect choice) changed continuously. By comparing computational models of behaviour, we found that participants optimized their performance by preferentially reducing a component of decision noise associated with uncertainty. Simultaneously, expecting blame significantly deteriorated participants’ mood. Model-based fMRI analyses and dynamic causal modelling indicate that the optimization mechanism based on the expectation of being blamed would be controlled by a neural circuit centred on the right medial prefrontal cortex. These results show novel behavioural and neural mechanisms regarding how humans optimize uncertain decisions under the expectation of being blamed.
Patients with anxiety disorders rely on bilateral dlPFC activation during verbal working memory
Authors: Balderston Nicholas L , Flook Elizabeth , Hsiung Abigail , Liu Jeffrey , Thongarong Amanda , Stahl Sara , Makhoul Walid , Sheline Yvette , Ernst Monique , Grillon Christian
Published: October 2020

One of the hallmarks of anxiety disorders is impaired cognitive control, affecting working memory (WM). The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) is critical for WM; however, it is still unclear how dlPFC activity relates to WM impairments in patients. Forty-one healthy volunteers and 32 anxiety (general and/or social anxiety disorder) patients completed the Sternberg WM paradigm during safety and unpredictable shock threat. On each trial, a series of letters was presented, followed by brief retention and response intervals. On low- and high-load trials, subjects retained the series (five and eight letters, respectively) in the original order, while on sort trials, subjects rearranged the series (five letters) in alphabetical order. We sampled the blood oxygenation level–dependent activity during retention using a bilateral anatomical dlPFC mask. Compared to controls, patients showed increased reaction time during high-load trials, greater right dlPFC activity and reduced dlPFC activity during threat. These results suggest that WM performance for patients and controls may rely on distinct patterns of dlPFC activity with patients requiring bilateral dlPFC activity. These results are consistent with reduced efficiency of WM in anxiety patients. This reduced efficiency may be due to an inefficient allocation of dlPFC resources across hemispheres or a decreased overall dlPFC capacity.
Fear or Loathing in the United States? Public Opinion and the Rise of Racial Disparity in Mass Incarceration, 1978–2015
Authors: Duxbury Scott W
Published: October 2020

Adefining characteristic of mass incarceration is the overwhelming racial disparity in US prison populations. Yet, little research has examined the role of public attitudes in the growth of racial disparity in incarceration rates during the prison boom. This article considers the influence of explicit and modern forms of prejudice and traces a portion of the rise in racial disparity in incarceration rates to historically high levels of fear of crime. It analyzes roughly forty years of annual data on incarceration at the state level, leveraging recent methodological developments for polling data to construct longitudinal measures of state public opinion from 386,751 individual survey responses to a pooled sample of 102 national surveys. Results from panel models show that public fear of crime played a larger role in explaining rising racial disparity in incarceration rates than explicit prejudice or laissez-faire racial attitudes. Further analyses demonstrate that fear of crime mediates a sizable portion of the effect of race-specific offending. These findings reveal that it is fear of crime and its radicalized overtones, rather than explicit or laissez-faire racial attitudes, that contributes to much of the observed racial inequality in the criminal justice system.
Constructive trusts and email frauds
Authors: Lam Jeremy
Published: October 2020

Discusses, with reference to the conflicting decisions in Hong Kong including TOKIĆ D.O.O. v Hongkong Shui Fat Trading Ltd and Wismettac Asian Foods Inc v United Top Properties Ltd, the nature of constructive trust in email fraud cases.
Age of Speech Onset in Autism Relates to Structural Connectivity in the Language Network
Authors: Barbeau Elise B , Klein Denise , Soulières Isabelle , Petrides Michael , Bernhardt Boris , Mottron Laurent
Published: October 2020

Speech onset delays (SOD) and language atypicalities are central aspects of the autism spectrum (AS), despite not being included in the categorical diagnosis of AS. Previous studies separating participants according to speech onset history have shown distinct patterns of brain organization and activation in perceptual tasks. One major white matter tract, the arcuate fasciculus (AF), connects the posterior temporal and left frontal language regions. Here, we used anatomical brain imaging to investigate the properties of the AF in adolescent and adult autistic individuals with typical levels of intelligence who differed by age of speech onset. The left AF of the AS group showed a significantly smaller volume than that of the nonautistic group. Such a reduction in volume was only present in the younger group. This result was driven by the autistic group without SOD (SOD−), despite their typical age of speech onset. The autistic group with SOD (SOD+) showed a more typical AF as adults relative to matched controls. This suggests that, along with multiple studies in AS-SOD+ individuals, atypical brain reorganization is observable in the 2 major AS subgroups and that such reorganization applies mostly to the language regions in SOD− and perceptual regions in SOD+ individuals.
Lessons from the Field: Integrated survey methodologies for neglected tropical diseases
Authors: Harding-Esch Emma M , Brady Molly A , Angeles Cristiam A Carey , Fleming Fiona M , Martin Diana L , McPherson Scott , Hurtado Hollman Miller , Nesemann John M , Nwobi Benjamin C , Scholte Ronaldo G C , Taleo Fasihah , Talero Sandra Liliana , Solomon Anthony W , Saboyá-Díaz Martha Idalí
Published: October 2020

The 2021–2030 Neglected Tropical Diseases road map calls for intensified cross-cutting approaches. By moving away from vertical programming, the integration of platforms and intervention delivery aims to improve efficiency, cost-effectiveness and programme coverage. Drawing on the direct experiences of the authors, this article outlines key elements for successful integrated surveys, the challenges encountered, as well as future opportunities and threats to such surveys. There are multiple advantages. Careful planning should ensure that integration does not result in a process that is less efficient, more expensive or that generates data driving less reliable decisions than conducting multiple disease-specific surveys.
Finding Ways to Be Thankful
Authors: Kennedy Maureen Shawn
Published: October 2020

We need to celebrate the wins wherever we find them.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Global Nursing Workforce
Authors: Roush Karen
Published: October 2020

Skilled nurses are critically important to an effective pandemic response.
Myomectomy for Uterine Fibroids Improves Quality of Life vs. Embolization
Authors: Rosenberg Karen
Published: October 2020

According to this study:

Women with symptomatic uterine fibroids report better health-related quality of life after myomectomy compared with those who had uterine-artery embolization.
Characteristics of Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome Associated with COVID-19
Authors: Rosenberg Karen
Published: October 2020

According to this study:

The pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has a wide range of presenting signs and symptoms and disease severity.

This syndrome appears to differ from other inflammatory disorders seen in children.
The fog of war in the battle against COVID-19
Authors: Chen Leon L.
Published: October 2020

The fog of war is a major obstacle for a fighting force trying to accomplish a goal, and it has been a significant barrier in the fight against COVID-19. This article discusses the factors that compounded a sense of confusion and created chaos in an already stressed healthcare system during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Military nursing
Authors: Cox Catherine Wilson , Wiersma Gretchen M. , McNelis Angela M.
Published: October 2020

This article offers an overview of military nursing and provides three examples that illustrate how nurses can advance their careers within each service.
Frameworks for Change in Hearing Research: Valuing Qualitative Methods in the Real World
Authors: Rapport Frances , Hughes Sarah E.
Published: October 2020

In this article, we examine ecological validity in hearing science from a qualitative methodological perspective. We present an overview of qualitative methods, presenting their key characteristics and contrasting these techniques with quantitative approaches to enquiry. We argue that ecological validity sits at the heart of the qualitative paradigm and seek to clearly emphasize the methodological gap that could be effectively filled by qualitative or mixed methods. In doing so, we discuss qualitative methods that may work particularly well in enhancing ecological validity in hearing science and explore their range of applications in this field. These approaches can be applied to a wide range of hearing health research questions to present a unique understanding of people’s experiences of disease and disability, indicating gradations of personal health and illness in nuanced ways. We acknowledge and commend the current expansion of qualitative methods within hearing science and present recommendations for increasing ecological validity, both in the design of future studies and in the context of the wider research cycle. We call on qualitative researchers to strive for transparency, rigor, and trustworthiness and highlight challenges to be overcome if qualitative methods are to contribute to effective, efficient research strategies. To facilitate the transference of high-quality research findings into practice, we stress the need for joined-up working to create a research culture that promotes coproduction of ecologically valid research designs, involving not only hearing researchers but also implementation scientists, hearing healthcare professionals and, most importantly, people with hearing loss for whom these efforts could make a difference.
The Incidence of Posterior and Combined AP Shoulder Instability Treatment with Surgical Stabilization Is Higher in an Active Military Population than in the General Population: Findings from the US Naval Academy
Authors: Yow Bobby G. , Wade Sean M. , Bedrin Michael D. , Rue John-Paul H. , LeClere Lance E.
Published: October 2020

Background

Anterior instability has consistently been shown to be the most common type of glenohumeral instability. Recent studies have demonstrated a higher percentage of posterior and combined (anterior and posterior) instability than had previously been reported; however, this work has not been replicated recently in a particularly young military population, which may be representative of an especially athletic or high-demand group.

Question/purpose

What proportion of arthroscopic shoulder stabilization procedures are performed to address isolated anterior instability, isolated posterior instability, and combined instability in a young, military population?

Methods

Between August 2009 and January 2020, two sports medicine fellowship–trained surgeons performed arthroscopic shoulder surgery on 543 patients at a single institution. During that time, the indication to be treated with arthroscopic stabilization surgery was symptomatic glenohumeral instability, as diagnosed by the operative surgeon, that restricted patients from carrying out their military duties. Of those, 82% (443 of 543) could be evaluated in this retrospective study, while 18% (100 of 543) were excluded due to either incomplete data or because the procedure performed was not to address instability. No patient underwent an open stabilization procedure during this period. Of the 443 patients investigated, the mean age was 22 ± 4 years, and 88% (392 of 443 patients) were men. Instability type was characterized as isolated anterior, isolated posterior, or combined (anterior and posterior) according to the physician’s diagnosis as listed in the patient’s clinical records and operative reports after the particular capsulolabral pathology was identified and addressed.

Results

Isolated anterior instability occurred in 47% of patients (210 of 443). Isolated posterior instability happened in 18% of patients (80 of 443), while combined anteroposterior instability occurred in 35% of patients (153 of 443).

Conclusion

Shoulder instability is common in the military population. Although anterior instability occurred most frequently, these findings demonstrate higher proportions of posterior and combined instability than have been previously reported. Surgeons should have a heightened suspicion for posterior and combined anteroposterior labral pathology when performing arthroscopic stabilization procedures to ensure that these instability patterns are recognized and treated appropriately. The current investigation examines a unique cohort of young and active individuals who are at particularly high risk for instability and whose findings may represent a good surrogate for other active populations that a surgeon may encounter.

Level of Evidence Level III; therapeutic study.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients’ satisfaction with pharmacy services in Wollega University Referral Hospital, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Fekadu Ginenus , Dereje Saktu , Dugassa Dinka , Bekele Firomsa , Simegnew Dawit , Turi Ebisa , Tolossa Tadesse , Fetensa Getahun , Alemu Tamirat , Gamachu Busha
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

Ensuring the quality of pharmaceutical services in hospitals is an integral aspect of providing quality of health care. In this regard, it has long been proven that the adoption of the concept of pharmaceutical care is essential to improve the quality of pharmaceutical services. Hence, this study aimed to assess type 2 diabetes mellitus patients’ satisfaction with pharmacy services in Wollega University Referral Hospital, West Ethiopia.

Methods:

Descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed from May to June 2019. Data were collected using both close and open-ended questionnaires from the sample of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 20 and Descriptive data were explained by frequency and percentage.

Results:

From a total of 195 study participants, 124 (64%) were satisfied with pharmacy service. Patients who were satisfied with pharmacy services reported possible reasons like availability of the prescribed drugs, affordability, and notice of information on the drug package that is not taken with foods. However, patients were dissatisfied with other pharmacy related factors like the reflection of negative attitude from the pharmacists and withholding information on what to do during the occurrences of adverse effects. About two thirds (67.8%) patients agreed with the availability of prescribed medicines. None of the patients had negative attitude toward the pharmacists. About 43.1% of the patients strongly disagreed with unclear instruction of taking medicines.

Conclusion:

The patients’ satisfaction level with pharmacy service was affected by different pharmacy service-related factors. The management of Wollega University Referral Hospital has to establish and activate information centers to sufficiently provide drug information for the patients and motivate pharmacists morally and financially.
Association of occupational noise exposure, bilateral hearing loss with hypertension among Chinese workers
Authors: Li Wenzhen , Yi Guilin , Chen Zhenlong , Wu Jie , Lu Zuxun , Liang Jiaojun , Mao Geshi , Yao Yong , Wang Dongming
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To evaluate the relationship of occupational noise, bilateral hearing loss with blood pressure and hypertension among a Chinese population.

Methods:

We included 15 422 individuals from a cross-sectional survey of the key occupational diseases in 2017 in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Occupational noise exposure was evaluated through workplace noise level and/or the job titles. Hearing loss was defined as a pure-tone average of 25 dB or higher at speech frequency (0.5, 1, 2 kHz) or high frequency (3, 4, 6 kHz) in both ears. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure at least 140/90 mmHg or self-reported current use of antihypertensive medication.

Results:

Compared with participants without occupational noise exposure, the prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher for noise exposure duration of 5 to less than 10 years [odds ratio (OR) = 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04–1.27] and at least 10 years (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.09–1.30). In the sex-specific analysis, the association was significantly pronounced in male (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.06–1.32 for duration of 5 to <10 years; OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.12–1.38 for duration ≥10 years), but not in female (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.80–1.11 for duration of 5 to <10 years; OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.90–1.20 for duration ≥10 years). In the subsample analyses, bilateral hearing loss was associated with a higher prevalence of hypertension, no matter for speech frequency hearing loss (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.02–1.30 for mild; OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.20–1.50 for severe) or for high-frequency hearing loss (OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.03–1.50 for mild; OR = 2.40, 95% CI = 1.80–3.17 for severe). The sex-subgroup analysis of hearing loss with hypertension was similar as occupational noise and hypertension.

Conclusion:

Our study has suggested occupational noise exposure is a potential risk factor for hypertension.
Clinical and Epidemiologic Analysis of COVID-19 Children Cases in Colombia PEDIACOVID
Authors: Bolaños-Almeida Carlos Ernesto , Espitia Segura Oscar Mauricio
Published: October 2020

Objective:

The COVID pandemic has affected Colombia with a high number of cases and deceases; however, no studies have been published regarding pediatric population. An epidemiologic analysis of the nationwide COVID register, therefore, is necessary to outline and describe the impact in such population.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was made of the characteristics of a cohort of 5062 patients <18 years of age, until June 16, 2020, reported at the National Institute of Health—INS (https://www.ins.gov.co/News./Pages/Coronavirus.aspx), through the national public access database, with all subjects confirmed with COVID-19 or severe acute respiratory syndrome-CoV-2.

Results:

Reviewed on June 16, 2020, a total of 54,971 confirmed cases were reported nationwide for COVID-19, of which 5062 (9.2%) are cases in patients under 18 years of age. There was a statistically significant difference between groups; age was statistically significantly higher in the asymptomatic, compared with: deceased, severe and moderate cases; moreover, age was statistically significantly higher in the mild, compared with: deceased, severe and moderate. Statistically significant difference determined with one-way ANOVA was found between groups (F = 16.08, P < 0.001). Post hoc analysis reveals significant differences between groups, the age of patients at home (9.39 years) and those recovered (9.3 years) being significantly higher than those in intensive care unit (4.9 years), in hospital (6.1 years), or than the deceased (2.9 years).

Conclusion:

The results of this study show that, at the nationwide level, patients in more severe states (deceased, severe and moderate), are significantly younger than those in the milder state (asymptomatic and mild).
Serratia Chorioamnionitis and Culture Proven Sepsis in a Preterm Neonate
Authors: Ottolini Katherine M. , Litke-Wager Carrie A. , Johnson Rebecca L. , Schulz Elizabeth V.
Published: October 2020

Background:

Serratia marcescens is a well-known cause of nosocomial infectious outbreaks in the neonatal intensive care unit, with a high mortality rate in the vulnerable preterm population. However, it is not typically associated with neonatal sepsis secondary to intrapartum vertical transmission. We present the case of a preterm male born at 25 weeks and 4 days of gestation in Okinawa, Japan with culture-proven S. marcescens chorioamnionitis and sepsis, as well as a review of the previously published literature.

Methods:

We conducted a literature search utilizing MeSH indexing with the headings [chorioamnionitis], [Serratia], and [infant, newborn] limited to “humans” with a publication date range between 1950 and 2020.

Results:

All reported cases of preterm S. marcescens chorioamnionitis occurred in coastal locations. The majority of cases resulted in spontaneous abortion, and we found no published reports of confirmed S. marcescens chorioamnionitis in conjunction with viable preterm delivery and positive neonatal cultures. In the case presented herein, S. marcescens chorioamnionitis with associated neonatal sepsis was confirmed by positive placental and blood cultures. Bacterial clearance was achieved following an antibiotic course consisting of 5 days of gentamicin and 14 days of meropenem therapy.

Conclusions:

S. marcescens is an uncommon cause of chorioamnionitis that can have devastating neonatal consequences, especially in the at-risk preterm population.
Diagnosis, Clinical Characteristics, and Treatment Modalities of Adolescent May-Thurner Syndrome–associated Deep Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Cohen Clay T. , Kirk Susan , Desai Sudhen B. , Kukreja Kamlesh U. , Srivaths Lakshmi
Published: October 2020

May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) predisposes individuals to develop lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) because of compression of the left common iliac vein. Diagnosis of the anatomic obstruction is critical for effective therapy, as treatment by interventional radiology is often required in addition to anticoagulation to prevent thrombus progression and recurrence. The authors performed a retrospective review of adolescent patients who presented with MTS-associated DVT at a pediatric tertiary care center from 2009 to 2018 to assess for delays in MTS diagnosis after the presentation. Fourteen patients (median age 16.5 y, range, 13.8 to 17.9 y) were included, no DVTs were provoked by a central venous catheter. The median time from DVT to MTS diagnosis was 0.65 months (range, 0 to 21.5 mo). The initial imaging modalities used for DVT diagnosis were not able to diagnosis MTS. All patients were treated with anticoagulation and 13 underwent interventional therapy. Four patients had thrombus progression or recurrence, whereas 6 had complete thrombus resolution on follow-up imaging. Three patients who had a delayed MTS diagnosis had clinical worsening despite therapeutic anticoagulation requiring rehospitalization. Adolescent patients with “unprovoked” left lower extremity DVT should undergo appropriate imaging to diagnose MTS to allow for adequate medical and interventional therapy.
Adjuvant Maintenance Larotrectinib Therapy in 2 Children With NTRK Fusion-positive High-grade Cancers
Authors: Carter-Febres Maria , Schneller Netta , Fair Douglas , Solomon David , Perry Arie , Roy Angshumoy , Linscott Luke , Alashari Mouied , Kestle John R. , Bruggers Carol S.
Published: October 2020

Treatment-related morbidity drives research to identify targetable lesions in children with cancer. Neurotrophic tropomyosin receptor kinase (NTRK) alterations occur in ~1% of pediatric solid tumors. Early phase pediatric trials involving the NTRK inhibitor treatment for progressive NTRK-mutated cancers show promising results. The authors describe the adjuvant maintenance larotrectinib treatment after definitive surgical resection in 2 toddlers with NTRK fusion-positive malignancies (ETV6-NTRK3 fusion-positive undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the kidney and NACC2-NTRK2 fusion-positive anaplastic astrocytoma). Both are alive, in remission, developing normally and tolerating larotrectinib 15 months later, thus extending the NTRK inhibitor therapeutic spectrum by describing the adjuvant maintenance larotrectinib treatment in children with NTRK fusion-positive cancers associated with high recurrences.
Sexual History Taking in Clinical Settings: A Narrative Review
Authors: Brookmeyer Kathryn A. , Coor Alexandra , Kachur Rachel E. , Beltran Oscar , Reno Hilary E. , Dittus Patricia J.
Published: October 2020

Background

This study aimed to explore gaps between Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's clinical guidelines for obtaining a sexual history and regular clinical practice. We examine how patient, provider, and setting characteristics may influence the likelihood of obtaining comprehensive sexual histories and examine patient outcomes linked to sexual history taking.

Methods

We performed a narrative review to identify studies that examined clinical practice and sexual history taking via 8 databases. A 2-level inclusion protocol was followed, wherein the abstract and full text of the article were reviewed, respectively. Data were abstracted using a standardized tool developed for this study.

Results

The search yielded 2700 unique studies, of which 2193 were excluded in level 1, and 497 were excluded in level 2, leaving 10 studies for data abstraction. None of the studies reported comprehensive sexual history taking, and 8 studies reported differences in how providers obtain a sexual history when patient and provider demographics are considered. Three studies found a positive link between providers who discuss sexual history and provider sexually transmitted disease testing.

Conclusions

When sexual histories are obtained, they are not comprehensive, and providers may discuss sexual history differentially based on patients' demographic characteristics. Providers who discuss patients' sexual history may be more likely to also provide sexual health preventive care.