bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between physician characteristics and payments from industry in 2015–2017: observational study
Authors: Inoue Kosuke , Blumenthal Daniel M , Elashoff David , Tsugawa Yusuke
Published: September 2019

Objective

To investigate the association between physician characteristics and the value of industry payments.

Design

Observational study.

Setting and participants

Using the 2015–2017 Open Payments reports of industry payments linked to the Physician Compare database, we examined the association between physician characteristics (physician sex, years in practice, medical school attended and specialty) and the industry payment value, adjusting for other physician characteristic and institution fixed effects (effectively comparing physicians practicing at the same institution).

Main outcome measures

Our primary outcome was the value of total industry payments to physicians including (1) general payments (all forms of payments other than those classified for research purpose, eg, consulting fees, food, beverage), (2) research payments (payments for research endeavours under a written contract or protocol) and (3) ownership interests (eg, stock or stock options, bonds). We also investigated each category of payment separately.

Results

Of 544 264 physicians treating Medicare beneficiaries, a total of $5.8 billion in industry payments were made to 365 801 physicians during 2015–2017. The top 5% of physicians, by cumulative payments, accounted for 91% of industry payments. Within the same institution, male physicians, physicians with 21–30 years in practice and physicians who attended top 50 US medical schools (based on the research ranking) received higher industry payments. Across specialties, orthopaedic surgeons, neurosurgeons and endocrinologists received the highest payments. When we investigated individual types of payment, we found that orthopaedic surgeons received the highest general payments; haematologists/oncologists were the most likely to receive research payments and surgeons were the most likely to receive ownership interests compared with other types of physicians.

Conclusions

Industry payments to physicians were highly concentrated among a small number of physicians. Male sex, longer length of time in clinical practice, graduated from a top-ranked US medical school and practicing certain specialties, were independently associated with higher industry payments.
Health-related behaviours and perceptions among physicians: results from a cross-sectional study in Israel
Authors: Wilf Miron Rachel , Malatskey Lilach , Rosen Laura J
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Physicians’ demanding work conditions may reduce the time and energy required for maintaining healthy lifestyles. This study examined health-related behaviours, perceived health status and emotional stress among physicians, and analysed the effects of personal and work characteristics on these endpoints.

Design

A cross-sectional study using a digital questionnaire.

Setting and participants

All 25 590 physicians who were members of the Israeli Medical Association in 2015 were invited to participate by email. Of 14 694 who opened the e-mail, 4832 (32.9%) responded.

Outcome measures

Survey topics included physical activity (PA), nutrition and eating habits, smoking, sleep, perceived health status and emotional stress, body mass index (BMI) and contact with a regular physician, as well as personal and work characteristics. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results

Of the 4832 respondents, 21% reported poor or fair health status, 36% felt considerable emotional stress, 57% were overweight or obese (according to BMI≥25 kg/m2), 71% did not meet the recommended PA level, 79% did not meet a composite measure of healthy nutrition, 8% were current smokers, 25% slept 5 hours or less and 57% did not have a regular physician. Residents and hospital physicians reported significantly less healthy lifestyles, lower perceived health status and higher stress levels, compared with senior and community physicians. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that being female (OR=0.74, 95% CI=0.64 to 0.85), younger (0.69, 0.64 to 0.74), having poor nutrition (0.66, 0.55 to 0.78), not meeting PA targets (0.68, 0.57 to 0.82), inadequate sleep (0.54, 0.40 to 0.56) and perceived poor health status (0.48, 0.40 to 0.56) were significantly associated with high stress levels (p<0.001).

Conclusions

The unfavourable health behaviours reported among Israeli physicians may have negative effects on their health and well-being. An intervention program to help physicians to adopt a healthier lifestyle is urgently needed.
Survey on self-reported psychotropic drug prescribing practices of eating disorder psychiatrists for the treatment of young people with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Y Beykloo Maedeh , Nicholls Dasha , Simic Mima , Brauer Ruth , Mills Elizabeth , Wong Ian C K
Published: September 2019

Objectives

To survey current prescribing practices of psychotropic drugs by child and adolescent eating disorder (CAED) psychiatrists in the treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN).

Design

Cross-sectional self-administered survey.

Setting

All children and young people eating disorder services (CYP EDS) in England during a national training programme.

Participants

44 CAED psychiatrists practising in CYP EDS in England.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

CAED psychiatrists completed a questionnaire regarding the pattern of psychopharmacological care in AN that they provide and the medication treatment pattern at their CYP EDS. Secondary outcome measures included the process of continuing pharmacotherapy from secondary care to primary care.

Results

Of the 77 CYP EDS representing every team in England, 44 teams represented by a CAED psychiatrist responded, despite 13 having no psychiatrists in post at the time of the study (response rate 69%). Most (40%) respondents estimated that <10% of patients with AN were prescribed psychotropic medications. Olanzapine was reported as the most commonly prescribed medication for AN by 38% of the respondents, followed by fluoxetine (29%) and sertraline (10%). The most common minimum olanzapine initiation dose in this study was at 2.5 mg/day for a duration of 2–4 weeks, reaching a maximum dose of 5 mg/day. Most (68%) reviewed medications every week (30%) or every 2 weeks (38%). Over 50% of the respondents reported continuation of olanzapine prescribing within the CYP EDS teams.

Conclusions

This nationally representative survey showed that despite a lack of evidence, psychotropic medications are commonly prescribed to a minority of patients, most frequently, olanzapine. Further evidence is needed on which patients may potentially benefit from pharmacotherapy as an adjunct to psychological interventions.
How far is too far? A nationwide cross-sectional study for establishing optimal hospital access time for Korean pregnant women
Authors: Kwak Mi Young , Lee Seung Mi , Kim Hyun Joo , Eun Sang Jun , Jang Won Mo , Jung Hyemin , Kim Yoon , Lee Jin Yong
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Access to a delivery unit is a major factor in determining maternal morbidity and mortality. However, there is little information about the optimal access time to a delivery unit. This study aimed to establish the optimal hospital access time (OHAT) for pregnant women in South Korea.

Design

Nationwide cross-sectional study.

Setting

We used the National Health Insurance System database of South Korea.

Participants

We analysed the data of 371 341 women who had experienced pregnancy in 2013.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Access time to hospital was defined as the time required to travel from the patient’s home to the delivery unit. The incidence of obstetric complications was plotted against the access time to hospital. Change-point analysis was performed to identify the OHAT by determining a point wherein the incidence of obstetric complications changed significantly. As a final step, the risk of obstetric complications was compared by type among pregnant women who lived within the OHAT against those who lived outside the OHAT.

Results

The OHAT associated with each adverse pregnancy outcomes were as follows: inadequate prenatal care, 41–50 min; preeclampsia, 51–60 min; placental abruption, 51–60 min; preterm delivery, 31–40 min; postpartum transfusion, 31–40 min; uterine artery embolisation, 31–40 min; admission to intensive care unit, 31–40 min; and caesarean hysterectomy, 31–40 min. Pregnant women who lived outside the OHAT had significantly higher risk for obstetric complications than those who lived within the OHAT.

Conclusions

Our results showed that the OHAT for each obstetric complication ranged between 31 and 60 min. The Korean government should take the OHAT under consideration when establishing interventions for pregnant women who live outside OHAT to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.
Self-aligning prosthetic device for older patients with vascular-related amputations: protocol for a randomised feasibility study (the STEPFORWARD study)
Authors: Mitchell Natasha , Coleman Elizabeth , Watson Judith , Bell Kerry , McDaid Catriona , Barnett Cleveland , Twiste Martin , Jepson Fergus , Salawu Abayomi , Harrison Dennis , Vanicek Natalie
Published: September 2019

Introduction

The majority of older patients with a transtibial amputation are prescribed a standard (more rigid, not self-aligning) prosthesis. These are mostly suitable for level walking, and cannot adjust to different sloped surfaces. This makes walking more difficult and less energy efficient, possibly leading to longer term disuse. A Cochrane Review concluded that there was insufficient evidence to recommend any individual type of prosthetic ankle-foot mechanism. This trial will establish the feasibility of conducting a large-scale trial to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a self-aligning prosthesis for older patients with vascular-related amputations and other health issues compared with a standard prosthesis.

Methods and analysis

This feasibility trial is a pragmatic, parallel group, randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing standard treatment with a more rigid prosthesis versus a self-aligning prosthesis. The target sample size is 90 patients, who are aged 50 years and over, and have a transtibial amputation, where amputation aetiology is mostly vascular-related or non-traumatic. Feasibility will be measured by consent and retention rates, a plausible future sample size over a 24-month recruitment period and completeness of outcome measures. Qualitative interviews will be carried out with trial participants to explore issues around study processes and acceptability of the intervention. Focus groups with staff at prosthetics centres will explore barriers to successful delivery of the trial. Findings from the qualitative work will be integrated with the feasibility trial outcomes in order to inform the design of a full-scale RCT.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was granted by Yorkshire and the Humber—Leeds West Research Ethics Committee on 4 May 2018. The findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed research publications, articles in relevant newsletters, presentations at relevant conferences and the patient advisory group.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN15043643.
Geographical and ethnic differences of osteoarthritis-associated hip and knee replacement surgeries in New Zealand: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Lao Chunhuan , Lees David , Patel Sandeep , White Douglas , Lawrenson Ross
Published: September 2019

Objectives

To (1) explore the regional and ethnic differences in rates of publicly funded osteoarthritis-associated hip and knee replacement surgeries and (2) investigate the mortality after surgery.

Design

Population-based, retrospective, cross-sectional study.

Setting

General population in New Zealand.

Participants

Patients with osteoarthritis who underwent publicly funded primary hip and knee replacement surgeries in 2005–2017. Patients aged 14–99 years were included.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Age-standardised rate, standardised mortality ratio (SMR) and 30 days, 90 days and 1 year mortality.

Results

We identified 53 439 primary hip replacements and 50 072 primary knee replacements with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis. The number and age-standardised rates of hip and knee replacements increased over time. Māori had the highest age-standardised rate of hip replacements, followed by European/others and Pacific, and Asian had the lowest rate. Pacific had the highest age-standardised rate of knee replacements, followed by Māori and European/others, and Asian had the lowest rate. The Northern Health Network had the lowest rate of hip surgeries, and the Southern Health Network had the lowest rate of knee surgeries. The SMRs of patients undergoing hip and knee replacements were lower than the general population: 0.92 (95% CI 0.89 to 0.95) for hip and 0.79 (95% CI 0.76 to 0.82) for knee. The SMRs were decreasing over time. The patterns of 30 days, 90 days and 1 year mortality were similar to the SMR.

Conclusions

The numbers of publicly funded osteoarthritis-associated primary hip and knee replacements are steadily increasing. Māori people had the highest age-standardised rate of hip replacements and Pacific people had the highest rate of knee replacements. The Northern Health Network had the lowest rate of hip surgeries, and the Southern Health Network had the lowest rate of knee surgeries. Compared with the general population, patients who had hip and knee replacements have a better life expectancy.
Trends in malaria prevalence and health related socioeconomic inequality in rural western Kenya: results from repeated household malaria cross-sectional surveys from 2006 to 2013
Authors: Were Vincent , Buff Ann M , Desai Meghna , Kariuki Simon , Samuels A M , Phillips-Howard Penelope , ter Kuile Feiko O , Kachur S P , Niessen Louis Wilhelmus
Published: September 2019

Objective

The objective of this analysis was to examine trends in malaria parasite prevalence and related socioeconomic inequalities in malaria indicators from 2006 to 2013 during a period of intensification of malaria control interventions in Siaya County, western Kenya.

Methods

Data were analysed from eight independent annual cross-sectional surveys from a combined sample of 19 315 individuals selected from 7253 households. Study setting was a health and demographic surveillance area of western Kenya. Data collected included demographic factors, household assets, fever and medication use, malaria parasitaemia by microscopy, insecticide-treated bed net (ITN) use and care-seeking behaviour. Households were classified into five socioeconomic status and dichotomised into poorest households (poorest 60%) and less poor households (richest 40%). Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) were calculated using a multivariate generalised linear model accounting for clustering and cox proportional hazard for pooled data assuming constant follow-up time.

Results

Overall, malaria infection prevalence was 36.5% and was significantly higher among poorest individuals compared with the less poor (39.9% vs 33.5%, aPR=1.17; 95% CI 1.11 to 1.23) but no change in prevalence over time (trend p value <0.256). Care-seeking (61.1% vs 62.5%, aPR=0.99; 95% CI 0.95 to 1.03) and use of any medication were similar among the poorest and less poor. Poorest individuals were less likely to use Artemether-Lumefantrine or quinine for malaria treatment (18.8% vs 22.1%, aPR=0.81, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.91) while use of ITNs was lower among the poorest individuals compared with less poor (54.8% vs 57.9%; aPR=0.95; 95% CI 0.91 to 0.99), but the difference was negligible.

Conclusions

Despite attainment of equity in ITN use over time, socioeconomic inequalities still existed in the distribution of malaria. This might be due to a lower likelihood of treatment with an effective antimalarial and lower use of ITNs by poorest individuals. Additional strategies are necessary to reduce socioeconomic inequities in prevention and control of malaria in endemic areas in order to achieve universal health coverage and sustainable development goals.
Isometric versus isotonic exercise for greater trochanteric pain syndrome: a randomised controlled pilot study
Authors: Clifford Christopher , Paul Lorna , Syme Grant , Millar Neal L
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a common cause of lateral hip pain. Limited evidence exists for the effectiveness of exercise for GTPS. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of isometric and isotonic exercise for individuals with GTPS.

Methods

This randomised controlled pilot trial recruited 30 participants with GTPS. Both programmes consisted of daily, progressive home exercise for 12 weeks with 8 individual physiotherapy sessions over the trial period. The primary outcome measure was the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Gluteal (VISA-G) and secondary outcome measures included the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (0–10) and an 11-point Global Rating of Change Scale. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline, 4 and 12 weeks.

Results

Twenty-three participants completed the trial. After 12 weeks, mean VISA-G scores improved in both groups; 55–65 in the isometric group and 62–72 in the isotonic group. 55% of the isometric group and 58% of the isotonic group achieved a reduction in pain of at least 2 points (minimally clinically important difference (MCID)) on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale. 64% of the isometric group and 75% of the isotonic group had improved by at least 2 points (MCID) on the Global Rating of Change Scale.

Conclusion

Isometric and isotonic exercise programmes appear to be effective for individuals with GTPS and should be considered in the loading management of patients with this condition.
Integrated paired-end enhancer profiling and whole-genome sequencing reveals recurrentCCNE1andIGF2enhancer hijacking in primary gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ooi Wen Fong , Nargund Amrita M , Lim Kevin Junliang , Zhang Shenli , Xing Manjie , Mandoli Amit , Lim Jing Quan , Ho Shamaine Wei Ting , Guo Yu , Yao Xiaosai , Lin Suling Joyce , Nandi Tannistha , Xu Chang , Ong Xuewen , Lee Minghui , Tan Angie Lay-Keng , Lam Yue Ning , Teo Jing Xian , Kaneda Atsushi , White Kevin P , Lim Weng Khong , Rozen Steven G , Teh Bin Tean , Li Shang , Skanderup Anders J , Tan Patrick
Published: September 2019

Objective

Genomic structural variations (SVs) causing rewiring ofcis-regulatory elements remain largely unexplored in gastric cancer (GC). To identify SVs affecting enhancer elements in GC (enhancer-based SVs), we integrated epigenomic enhancer profiles revealed by paired-end H3K27ac ChIP-sequencing from primary GCs with tumour whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data (PeNChIP-seq/WGS).

Design

We applied PeNChIP-seq to 11 primary GCs and matched normal tissues combined with WGS profiles of >200 GCs. Epigenome profiles were analysed alongside matched RNA-seq data to identify tumour-associated enhancer-based SVs with altered cancer transcription. Functional validation of candidate enhancer-based SVs was performed using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, chromosome conformation capture assays (4C-seq, Capture-C) and Hi-C analysis of primary GCs.

Results

PeNChIP-seq/WGS revealed ~150 enhancer-based SVs in GC. The majority (63%) of SVs linked to target gene deregulation were associated with increased tumour expression. Enhancer-based SVs targetingCCNE1, a key driver of therapy resistance, occurred in 8% of patients frequently juxtaposing diverse distal enhancers toCCNE1proximal regions.CCNE1-rearranged GCs were associated with highCCNE1expression, disruptedCCNE1topologically associating domain (TAD) boundaries, and novel TAD interactions inCCNE1-rearranged primary tumours. We also observedIGF2enhancer-based SVs, previously noted in colorectal cancer, highlighting a common non-coding genetic driver alteration in gastric and colorectal malignancies.

Conclusion

Integrated paired-end NanoChIP-seq and WGS of gastric tumours reveals tumour-associated regulatory SV in regions associated with both simple and complex genomic rearrangements. Genomic rearrangements may thus exploit enhancer-hijacking as a common mechanism to drive oncogene expression in GC.
Differing reflections of paediatric classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma on local and distant immunological microenvironments: a flow cytometric study
Authors: Savaşan Süreyya , AlQanber Batool , Henry Meret , Buck Steven , Gadgeel Manisha
Published: September 2019

Aims

To compare immunological microenvironments in local and distant lymphoid tissues in Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) in children.

Methods

We have analysed diagnostic bone marrow (BM) samples in 22 and corresponding involved lymph node (LN) in eight and peripheral blood (PB) in eight cases of HL by flow cytometry and sought correlations with clinical features retrospectively.

Results

While there were significant differences in lymphocyte compositions of BM and LN tissues, the distribution of lymphocyte subsets mimicked each other in BM and PB. CD8-positive cytotoxic T cells predominate the bone marrow in contrast to CD4-positive helper T cells in LN tissue with corresponding CD4/CD8 ratios (0.85 and 5.3, respectively; p=0.002). Additionally, T-large granular lymphocytes population was much higher in BM in comparison to LN tissue (10.5% vs 4.5%; p=0.036).

Conclusions

Local immunological microenvironment appears to be highly influenced by HL tumour cells and distant site lymphocyte composition reflects immune response to control the neoplastic process.
The prognostic roles of and correlation betweenALKandMYCNprotein expression in neuroblastoma
Authors: Chang Hsiu-Hao , Lu Meng-Yao , Yang Yung-Li , Chou Shu-Wei , Lin Dong-Tsamn , Lin Kai-Hsin , Hsu Wen-Ming , Jeng Yung-Ming , Jou Shiann-Tarng
Published: September 2019

Aims

To investigate the relations between anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and v-myc myelocytomatosis viral related oncogene neuroblastoma derived homolog (MYCN) protein expression and their prognostic roles in neuroblastoma tumours.

Methods

Sixty-one neuroblastoma tumours obtained at diagnosis were stained with anti-MYCNand anti-ALKantibodies by immunohistochemical staining. The correlations between protein expression ofMYCN,ALKand clinicopathological and biological variables of neuroblastoma tumours were analysed.

Results

High expression ofALKprotein could be detected in 25 (41%) and high expression ofMYCNprotein could be detected in 24 (39.3%) of the 61 neuroblastoma tumours, respectively. The majority of neuroblastoma tumours with evident ofALKorMYCNprotein high expression exhibited undifferentiated or poorly differentiated histology (30/35, 85.7%).ALKorMYCNprotein high expression in neuroblastoma tumours was associated with adverse clinical prognostic factors andALKprotein high expression was significantly associated withMYCNprotein high expression. In addition, eitherALKorMYCNprotein high expression in neuroblastoma tumours was the independent adverse prognostic factor and also predicted worse survival outcomes for neuroblastoma patients withMYCNnon-amplified status or non-high-risk Children’s Oncology Group grouping.

Conclusions

Our study showed a novel coordinately prognostic role ofALKandMYCNprotein expression in neuroblastoma and is the first report to demonstrate the correlation betweenALKandMYCNprotein expression in primary neuroblastoma tumours.
Early clinical experience with Cascade: a novel temporary neck bridging device for embolization of intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Sirakov Stanimir , Sirakov Alexander , Minkin Krasimir , Karakostov Vasil , Raychev Radoslav
Published: September 2019

Background

Temporary placement of a retrievable neck bridging device, allowing parent vessel flow, is an attractive alternative to balloon remodeling for treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Objective

To present, in a single-center study, our initial experience with Cascade (Perflow, Israel) in the treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Methods

During a period of 1.5 months, 12 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage underwent coil embolization in conjunction with Cascade in our center. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected angiographic and clinical data was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of the device.

Results

Among all treated patients, 41.7% (5/12) were female, the median age was 55 (47–77) years, the median aneurysm dome size was 5.75 mm (3–9.1), and the median neck size was 3.55 mm (2.3–7.9). Complete obliteration (Raymond 1) was achieved in 75% (9/12) of cases, and intentional residual neck (Raymond 2) was left in three cases (25%). None of the patients received any oral or intravenous antiplatelet therapy perioperatively. No thromboembolic complications, device-related spasm, vessel perforation, or coil entanglement were detected in any of the treated patients.

Conclusions

In our initial experience, treatment of wide-neck ruptured intracranial aneurysms with Cascade is safe and effective, without the need for adjuvant antiplatelet therapy. Long-term follow-up data in larger cohorts are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
Updates in arteriovenous malformation management: the post-ARUBA era
Authors: Feghali James , Huang Judy
Published: September 2019

Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are complex and heterogeneous lesions that can rupture, causing significant morbidity and mortality. While ruptured lesions are usually treated, the management of unruptured AVMs remains unclear. A Randomized trial of Unruptured Brain Arteriovenous Malformations (ARUBA) was the first trial conducted to compare the effects of medical and interventional therapy. Although it concluded that medical therapy was superior in preventing stroke and death over a follow-up period of 33 months, the findings were met with intense criticism regarding several aspects of study design, progression, and analysis/conclusion. Namely, the increased use of stand-alone embolisation relative to microsurgery in a cohort with predominantly low-grade lesions combined with a short follow-up period amplified treatment risk. Subsequently, several observational studies were conducted on ARUBA-eligible patients to investigate the safety and efficacy of microsurgery, radiosurgery, and endovascular embolisation over longer follow-up periods. These reports showed that favourable safety profiles and cure rates can be achieved with appropriate patient selection and judicious use of different treatment modalities in multidisciplinary centres. Since large prospective randomised trials on AVMs may not be feasible, it is important to make use of practice-based data beyond the flawed ARUBA study to optimise patients’ lifetime outcomes.
Effect of electric heating and ice added to the bowl on mainstream waterpipe semivolatile furan and other toxicant yields
Authors: Brinkman Marielle C , Teferra Andreas A , Kassem Noura O , Kassem Nada OF
Published: September 2019

Objectives

We examined mainstream total particulate matter, nicotine, cotinine, menthol, pyrene, carbon monoxide (CO) and semivolatile furan yields from a commercial waterpipe with two methods for heating the tobacco, quick-light charcoal (charcoal) and electric head (electric) and two water bowl preparations: with (ice) and without ice (water).

Methods

Emissions from a single brand of popular waterpipe tobacco (10 g) were generated using machine smoking according to a two-stage puffing regimen developed from human puffing topography. Tobacco and charcoal consumption were calculated for each machine smoking session as mass lost, expressed as a fraction of presmoking mass.

Results

The heating method had the greatest effect on toxicant yields. Electric heating resulted in increases in the fraction of tobacco consumed (2.4 times more, p<0.0001), mainstream nicotine (1.4 times higher, p=0.002) and semivolatile furan yields (1.4 times higher, p<0.03), and a decrease in mainstream CO and pyrene yields (8.2 and 2.1 times lower, respectively, p<0.001) as compared with charcoal. Adding ice to the bowl resulted in higher furan yields for electric heating. Menthol yields were not different across the four conditions and averaged 0.16±0.03 mg/session. 2-Furaldehyde and 5-(hydroxymethyl)−2-furaldehyde yields were up to 230 and 3900 times higher, respectively, than those reported for cigarettes.

Conclusion

Waterpipe components used to heat the tobacco and water bowl preparation can significantly affect mainstream toxicant yields. Mainstream waterpipe tobacco smoke is a significant source of inhalation exposure to semivolatile furans with human carcinogenic and mutagenic potential. These data highlight the need for acute and chronic inhalation toxicity data for semivolatile furans and provide support for the establishment of limits governing sugar additives in waterpipe tobacco and educational campaigns linking waterpipe tobacco smoking behaviours with their associated harm.
An argument for phasing out sales of cigarettes
Authors: Smith Elizabeth A , Malone Ruth E
Published: September 2019

The successes of tobacco control in some countries and locales have led to discussions of ending the tobacco epidemic, often called the ‘endgame’. In this paper, we recommend articulating the endgame goal as phasing out sales of cigarettes, a goal once called ‘unthinkable’. We develop a logic and argumentation for ending cigarette sales intended to move the discussion beyond the shadow of ‘prohibition’, proposing an approach that appeals to consumer protection standards and suggesting that the effort be led by low-prevalence communities. While phasing out cigarettes will not happen everywhere all at once, and may unfold differently along several lines, we argue that the gradual phase-out approach we propose will reduce the likelihood of the negative consequences often predicted to come with such a policy. To continue permitting widespread sales of the single most deadly consumer product in history is a public health failure that must be addressed.
Population prevalence and predictors of self-reported exposure to court-ordered, tobacco-related corrective statements
Authors: Blake Kelly D , Willis Gordon , Kaufman Annette
Published: September 2019

Objective

To describe the population prevalence and predictors of self-reported exposure to court-ordered tobacco-related corrective statements in 2017–2018, when they were first implemented in newspapers and on television.

Methods

Nationally representative data from the 2018 Health Information National Trends Survey were used (n=3504). Frequencies and weighted proportions were calculated for seeing any corrective statement and for each of the five court-ordered corrective statements. Weighted, multivariable logistic regression was used to examine sociodemographic and smoking status predictors of reported exposure to any corrective statement.

Results

In 2018, an estimated 40.6% of US adults had seen messages in newspapers or on television in the past 6 months stating that a federal court has ordered tobacco companies to make statements about the dangers of smoking cigarettes. Reported exposure to topic-specific statements ranged from 11.4% (manipulation of cigarette design) to 34.7% (health effects). Those with a high school education were significantly less likely than those with a college degree to report seeing the statements (OR=0.69, CI 0.50 to 0.95) and current smokers were significantly more likely than never smokers to report seeing them (OR=1.68, CI 1.12 to 2.53).

Conclusions

In the first 6 months of corrective statement implementation, an estimated 40.6% of US adults reported at least one exposure to any corrective statement, and current smokers were more likely than never smokers to report exposure. Traditional media channels can be effective for tobacco-related message dissemination; however, they may fail to reach more than half of the adult population without additional targeted communication efforts.
Survival analysis of 219 dogs with hyperadrenocorticism attending primary care practice in England
Authors: Schofield Imogen , Brodbelt David C , Wilson Anna R L , Niessen Stijn , Church David , O'Neill Dan
Published: September 2019

Background

Hyperadrenocorticism is an endocrine disease routinely encountered within primary care practice; however, few studies evaluating survival beyond diagnosis have studied this population.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study analysed the electronic patient records of 219 cases of hyperadrenocorticism from a sample of dogs attending primary care practices in England. Kaplan‐Meier plots examined the cumulative survival and Cox proportional hazard regression modelling identified factors associated with the hazard of all‐cause mortality.

Results

In the analysis, 179/219 (81.7 per cent) hyperadrenocorticism cases died during the study period with a median survival time from first diagnosis of 510 days (95% CI 412 to 618 days). Trilostane was used in 94.1 per cent of cases and differentiation between pituitary‐dependent and adrenal‐dependent disease was made in 20.1 per cent of cases. In the multivariable analysis, dogs weighing greater than or equal to 15 kg (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.15, P=0.023) and those diagnosed greater than or equal to 13 years of age (HR 3.74, 95% CI 2.29 to 6.09, P<0.001) had increased hazards of all‐cause mortality. Dogs that had their initial trilostane dose increased had a favourable prognosis (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.76, P=0.015).

Conclusion

This study shows that survival from diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism appears fair for many dogs and provides primary care practitioners with relatable benchmark prognostic figures.
Ultrasonographic visualisation of the mesenteric vasculature in horses with large colon colic
Authors: Manso‐Díaz Gabriel , Bolt David M , López‐Sanromán Javier
Published: September 2019

Background

Ultrasonographic visualisation of the mesenteric vasculature of the large colon (LC) from the right side of the abdomen in cases of displacement and volvulus has been described. However, the LC can move freely within the abdomen and its mesentery can potentially contact both sides of the abdominal wall.

Methods

Thirty‐four horses presented with LC‐related colic that had visible LC mesenteric vasculature visible on abdominal ultrasound were included. A control group was made including horses with confirmed small intestinal‐related colic. The objective of this study was to evaluate the visibility of LC mesenteric vasculature with transabdominal ultrasonography in horses with LC‐related colic and to determine its diagnostic value.

Results

The LC mesenteric vasculature was identified on the right side of the abdomen in 16/34 horses with right dorsal displacement of the LC (RDDLC), 180° LC volvulus (LCV), 540° LCV or LC impaction. On the left side of the abdomen, LC mesenteric vessels were identified in 17/34 horses with left dorsal displacement of the LC (LDDLC), 180° LCV or RDDLC. Vessels were visualised on both sides in one horse with a 180° LCV. Presence of LC mesenteric vasculature in the dorsal aspect on the left side of the abdomen was significantly associated with LDDLC.

Conclusion

LC mesenteric vasculature can be visualised on transabdominal ultrasound from either side of the abdomen in horses with different forms of LC‐related colic.
Dawda Kairaba Jawara
Authors: Abdul Rahman S.
Published: September 2019

The first vet to be elected head of state, he was democratically elected as the first leader of the Gambia and dedicated his life to serving his country and championing human rights.
Background assessment for the TREX dark matter experiment
Authors: Castel J. , Cebrián S. , Coarasa I. , Dafni T. , Galán J. , Iguaz F. J. , Irastorza I. G. , Luzón G. , Mirallas H. , Ortiz de Solórzano A. , Ruiz-Chóliz E.
Published: September 2019

TREX-DM is conceived to look for low-mass Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) using a gas Time Projection Chamber equipped with Micromegas readout planes at the Canfranc Underground Laboratory. The detector can hold in the active volume$$\sim 20~l$$∼20lof pressurized gas up to 10 bar, corresponding to 0.30 kg of Ar or 0.16 kg of Ne. The Micromegas are read with a self-triggered acquisition, being thresholds below 0.4 keV (electron equivalent) at reach. A low background level in the lowest energy region is another essential requirement. To assess the expected background, all the relevant sources have been considered, including the measured fluxes of gamma radiation, muons and neutrons at the Canfranc Laboratory, together with the activity of most of the components used in the detector and ancillary systems, obtained in a complete assay program. The background contributions have been simulated by means of a dedicated application based on Geant4 and a custom-made code for the detector response. The background model developed for the detector presently installed in Canfranc points to levels from 1 to 10 counts$$\hbox {keV}^{-1}\ \hbox {kg}^{-1}\ \hbox {day}^{-1}$$keV-1kg-1day-1in the region of interest, making TREX-DM competitive in the search for low-mass WIMPs. A roadmap to further decrease it down to 0.1 counts$$\hbox {keV}^{-1}\ \hbox {kg}^{-1}\ \hbox {day}^{-1}$$keV-1kg-1day-1is underway.
On missing Bianchi identities in cohomology formulation
Authors: Gao Xin , Shukla Pramod , Sun Rui
Published: September 2019

In this article, we perform a deep analysis of the Bianchi identities in the two known formulations developed for the four-dimensional effective type IIA supergravity theory with (non-)geometric fluxes. In what we call the ‘first formulation’, fluxes are expressed in the real six-dimensional indices while in the ‘second formulation’, fluxes are written in the cohomology form. We find that the set of flux constraints arising from these two known formulations are not equivalent, and there are missing identities in the cohomology version which need to be supplemented to match with the first formulation. By analyzing two explicit examples, we conjecture a model independent form for (the most of) the missing identities. These identities have been mostly overlooked in the previous attempts of studying moduli stabilization, particularly for the models developed in the beyond toroidal frameworks, where they could play some important role.
The role of male forearm crust odour in fringe-lipped bats (Trachops cirrhosus)
Authors: Flores Victoria , Mateo Jill M. , Page Rachel A.
Published: September 2019

Chemical signals can play important roles in communication, and this is especially true for social mammals such as bats. Male fringe-lipped bats (Trachops cirrhosus) produce an odorous substance on their forearm, called forearm crust. Only adult males with descended testes produce forearm crust. This is thus a sexually dimorphic odour, which suggests that it is a sexually selected trait. Since males lack a specific gland on their forearm we sought to identify the source of the forearm crust. Our second aim was to test female and male preference for this trait. Based on gas chromatography and mass spectrometry analyses we tentatively identified several compounds that were exclusive to the forearm crust. We found that the chemical composition of the forearm crust was not mainly composed of chest gland secretions or urine. We conducted a y-maze odour preference experiment to test whether adult females and reproductive males preferred the odour of a male with forearm crust compared to the odour of a male without forearm crust. Contrary to our prediction we found that females did not approach the scent of a male with forearm crust more frequently than the scent of male without forearm crust. We found that males with forearm crust, however, preferred the odour of males without forearm crust. Overall our results suggest that in this Neotropical bat species, reproductive males could use odorous signals in the forearm crust to mediate interactions between reproductive males and potentially avoid costly competition for mates or aggression. In sum, our results shed light on the role that chemical mediated signals can play in mammalian social behaviour.
Destruction of a conspecific nest by a female Superb Lyrebird: evidence for reproductive suppression in a bird with female-only parental care
Authors: Austin Victoria I. , Welbergen Justin A. , Maisey Alex C. , Lindsay Meghan G. , Dalziell Anastasia H.
Published: September 2019

Reproductive suppression, whereby individuals decrease the reproductive output of conspecific rivals, is well-studied in mammals, but while it is suspected to be widespread in birds, evidence of this phenomenon remains rare in this class. Here we provide compelling evidence of reproductive suppression in the Superb Lyrebird (Menura novaehollandie), with the first audio-visual documentation of the destruction of one female’s nest by another. We propose that nest destruction may be a strategy that females use in protracted territorial negotiations spanning multiple breeding seasons, and discuss how reproductive suppression could explain puzzling nesting behaviours in this species, such as the construction of multiple unfinished nests in each breeding season. More broadly, these results reveal high intra-sexual competition among female lyrebirds, and thus may provide an explanation for their elaborate vocal displays.
The Central Office of Factory Councils in 1919–20
Authors: Weipert Axel
Published: September 2019

This article is a shortened version of a chapter from Axel Weipert’s 2015 book, Die zweite Revolution.
Self-Knowledge and Self-Determination at the Limits of Capitalism
Authors: Thomson Sinclair
Published: September 2019

This text is an introduction to the new English translation of critical theorist René Zavaleta Mercado’s Towards a History of the National-Popular in Bolivia: 1879–1980. It surveys principal themes in the book and discusses why Zavaleta (1935–84) is a pertinent thinker for the global South and capitalist periphery today.
From Individual to Collective Consent: The Case of Indigenous Peoples and undrip
Authors: Healey Richard
Published: September 2019

Much of the debate around requirements for the free, prior, and informed consent of indigenous peoples has focused on enabling indigenous communities to participate in various forms of democratic decision-making alongside the state and other actors. Against this backdrop, this article sets out to defend three claims. The first two of these claims are conceptual in nature: (i) Giving (collective) consent and participating in the making of (collective) decisions are distinct activities; (ii) Despite some scepticism, there is a coherent conception of collective consent available to us, continuous with the notion of individual consent familiar from discussions in medical and sexual ethics. The third claim is normative: (iii) Participants in debates about free, prior, and informed consent must keep this distinction in view. That is because a group’s ability to give or withhold consent, and not only participate in making decisions, will play an important role in realising that collectives’ right to self-determination.
A Competitive Race among Friends: The Campaign of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for a Seat on the UN Security Council
Authors: Tahzib-Lie Bahia , Rosing Jan Reinder
Published: September 2019

On 31 December 2018, the Kingdom of the Netherlands — the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and St Maarten — concluded its one-year membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), prompting many to reflect on its meaningful contribution to international peace and security during this time. The UNSC has exclusive and far-reaching powers with regard to maintaining international peace and security. For this reason, non-permanent seats on the UNSC are highly coveted. They confer prestige, influence and respectability on the seat-holders. Given the popularity of these seats, the Kingdom’s ability to influence decision-making within the UNSC became possible only after an intensive election campaign. In this practitioners’ perspective, we provide our insights and observations on the Kingdom of the Netherlands’ campaign strategy for the UNSC elections in 2016.
The Mediatisation of MFAS: Diplomacy in the New Media Ecology
Authors: Manor Ilan , Crilley Rhys
Published: September 2019

The proliferation of social media has had a profound impact on the practice of diplomacy; diplomats can bypass the press and communicate their messages directly to online audiences. Subsequently, ministries of foreign affairs (MFAS) are now mediatised; they produce media content, circulate content through social media and adopt media logics in their daily operations. Through a case study of the Israeli MFA during the 2014 Gaza War, this article explores the mediatisation of MFAS. It does so by analysing how the Israeli MFA crafted frames through which online audiences could understand the war and demonstrates that these frames evolved as the conflict unfolded. It then draws attention to the important way in which MFAS are now media actors through a statistical analysis, which demonstrates that the use of images in tweets increased engagement with the Israeli MFA’s frames. Finally, the article illustrates how these frames were used to legitimize Israel’s actions, and delegitimise those of Hamas.
From Delhi to Dili: Facebook Diplomacy by Ministries of Foreign Affairs in the Asia-Pacific
Authors: Spry Damien
Published: September 2019

This article uses digital research methods to explore the use of Facebook by ministries of foreign affairs (MFAs) in several Asian locations. It contextualises this analysis by considering four factors that contribute to the growing complexity confronting public diplomacy: environmental factors (digitalised, networked media); institutional factors (diplomatic norms and traditions, and MFAs’ policies and practices); algorithmic factors (the programming that organises social media content); audience factors (social media users). The analysis shows most Facebook content posted by MFAs is driven by institutional factors. Yet this content is not the most appealing to digital publics, who are more likely to engage with content they find relevant and useful, or emotionally resonant. The article concludes that Facebook, and digital media generally, can provide multiple small opportunities for outreach, if due consideration is given to audiences’ needs and motivations. These audience factors may be the most important, but least considered, by MFAs.
Insights from Barclay, Paul and the Gift, Applied to the Shorter Pauline Letters
Authors: Streete Gail P. , Hutson Christopher R.
Published: September 2019

This orientation essay provides an overview of the four other articles in this special section on J. M. G. Barclay’s, Paul and the Gift (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2015). After introducing key ideas from Barclay’s work, which focuses on Paul’s letters to the Galatians and Romans, we summarize three studies in which scholars employ Barclay’s method to examine some of the shorter Pauline letters. Wendell L. Willis discusses Philippians; Jerry L. Sumney discusses 2 Thessalonians; and Margaret Y. MacDonald discusses Ephesians. This special section also includes Barclay’s responses to all three. In addition, we explain how this collection of essays originated in the work of the Disputed Paulines Section of the Annual Meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature.
“We Are Obliged to Give Thanks”: Aspects of Grace in 2 Thessalonians
Authors: Sumney Jerry L.
Published: September 2019

Drawing on the aspects of grace that John M. G. Barclay identifies, this essay examines the understandings of grace found in 2 Thessalonians. We find that 2 Thessalonians “perfects” (pushes to the extreme) the superabundance and emphasizes the priority of God’s gift of grace. Unlike what Barclay finds in Romans and Galatians, 2 Thessalonians does not perfect the incongruity of grace. It allows that there is a sense in which God has chosen the appropriate people to give grace. Because it does not perfect the incongruity between the worthiness of the recipient and the offer of grace, its view of grace is similar to that of the Wisdom of Solomon. Seeing that 2 Thessalonians does not perfect incongruity as Paul does in Romans and Galatians may offer a new perspective from which to think about its authorship.