bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
9. Feminism
Authors: Kinsella Helen M.
Published: January 2020

This chapter examines international feminism, focusing on how feminist international relations theories are necessary for understanding international politics, what feminist international relations theories provide for understanding international politics, and how feminist international relations theories have influenced the practice of international politics. The chapter proceeds by explaining feminism and feminist international relations theory as well as feminist conceptions of gender and power. It also discusses four feminist international relations theories: liberal feminist international relations, critical feminist international relations, postcolonial feminist international relations, and poststructural feminist international relations. Two case studies of women's organizations are presented: the Women's International League of Peace and Freedom and the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan. There is also an Opposing Opinions box that asks whether feminist foreign policy changes states' foreign policy decisions.
10. Postcolonial and decolonial approaches
Authors: Sabaratnam Meera
Published: January 2020

This chapter looks at postcolonial and decolonial approaches to studying world politics, arguing that these are multilayered and diverse. These do not constitute a single ‘theory’ of the international but rather a set of orientations to show how to think about it. The chapter starts by separating a number of different elements involved in theorizing the world, and how postcolonial and decolonial approaches look at them. These include questions of epistemology, ontology, and norms or ethics. It then examines the historical context in which postcolonial and decolonial approaches arose, showing that there was a dynamic relationship between political struggles for decolonization and the development of different intellectual arguments. It considers where postcolonial and decolonial approaches have emerged and where they depart from each other in terms of analysis and focus. Having traced these traditions through the twentieth century, the chapter describes the key concepts used in postcolonial and decolonial thought across different disciplines, before looking at their impact on the field of international relations (IR). The chapter also explores the similarities and differences between different approaches and other theories in the field of IR. Finally, it contemplates the on-going popularity of postcolonial and decolonial approaches in the present day.
11. Poststructuralism
Authors: Hansen Lene
Published: January 2020

This chapter examines the core assumptions of poststructuralism, one of the International Relations (IR) perspectives furthest away from the realist and liberal mainstream. It explores whether language matters for international relations, whether all states have the same identity, and whether the state is the most important actor in world politics today. The chapter also considers poststructuralist views about the social world, state sovereignty, and identity and foreign policy. Finally, it discusses poststructuralism as a political philosophy. Two case studies are presented, one dealing with discourses on the Ebola outbreak in 2014 and the other relating to Russian discourse on Crimea. There is also an Opposing Opinions box that asks whether poststructuralism provides a good account of the role that materiality and power play in world politics.
19. International law
Authors: Reus-Smit Christian
Published: January 2020

This chapter examines debates surrounding the nature and efficacy of modern international law. It begins by discussing the reasons why international societies construct institutions, and why different sorts of institutions have emerged in different historical contexts. It then considers the nature and origins of the modern institution of international law, its relationship with the practice of multilateralism, and the recent cosmopolitanization of the global legal order. It also explores the laws of war and concludes with an overview of different theoretical approaches to international law such as realism, neoliberal institutionalism, and constructivism. Two case studies are presented: the first is about whether international law is an expression of Western dominance and the second is about individual criminal accountability in non-Western countries. There is also an Opposing Opinions box that asks whether international law has any real effect on the nature and conduct of international relations.
20. International organizations in world politics
Authors: Park Susan
Published: January 2020

This chapter examines the role that international organizations play in world politics. It explains what international organizations are, whether we need international organizations in international relations, and what constraints and opportunities exist for international organizations to achieve their mandates. The chapter also considers the reasons why states create international organizations and how we can analyse the behaviour of such organizations. Two case studies are presented: the first is about the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and the second is about the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the G77. There is also an Opposing Opinions box that asks whether multilateralism is in crisis.
23. Regionalism in international affairs
Authors: Best Edward , Christiansen Thomas
Published: January 2020

This chapter examines the different regional arrangements that have emerged around the globe. It considers whether there has been a uniform process of regional cooperation and integration across all continents, the driving forces in the establishment of various forms of regional cooperation, and the extent to which cooperation at the regional level changes the nature of international politics. After clarifying the various concepts and definitions associated with regionalism, the chapter discusses relevant developments in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. In particular, it looks at regional arrangements in Eurasia and the post-Soviet states. It also explores the process of European integration as well as the similarities and the differences among the various regional arrangements, with particular emphasis on the unique circumstances that shaped the emergence of the European Union. There is an Opposing Opinions box that asks whether regional cooperation strengthens the state.
24. Environmental issues
Authors: Vogler John
Published: January 2020

This chapter examines how environmental issues have become increasingly prominent on the international agenda over the last five decades. It considers whether globalization and development must come at the expense of the physical environment, whether state governments can cooperate to protect the planet, and whether climate justice is possible. The chapter first provides a brief history of the development of an international environmental agenda before discussing the functions of international environmental cooperation. It then explores efforts to addres the problem of climate change through the establishment of an international climate regime and highlights the neglect of environmental issues in traditional and realist international relations theory. Two case studies are presented, one dealing with the concept of ‘common but differentiated responsibilities’ and the other with the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) and its influence on international climate politics.
32. Humanitarian intervention in world politics
Authors: Bellamy Alex J. , Wheeler Nicholas J.
Published: January 2020

This chapter examines the role of humanitarian intervention in world politics. It considers how we should resolve tensions when valued principles such as order, sovereignty, and self-determination come into conflict with human rights; and how international thought and practice has evolved with respect to humanitarian intervention. The chapter discusses the case for and against humanitarian intervention and looks at humanitarian activism during the 1990s. It also analyses the responsibility to protect principle and the use of force to achieve its protection goals in Libya in 2011. Two case studies are presented, one dealing with humanitarian intervention in Darfur and the other with the role of Middle Eastern governments in Operation Unified Protector in Libya in 2011. There is also an Opposing Opinions box that asks whether the West should intervene in Syria to protect people there from the Islamic State (ISIS).
Observer-based output feedback control design for a coupled system of fractional ordinary and reaction–diffusion equations
Authors: Amiri Shadi , Keyanpour Mohammad , Asaraii Asadollah
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we investigate the stabilization problem of a cascade of a fractional ordinary differential equation (FODE) and a fractional reaction–diffusion (FRD) equation where the interconnections are of Neumann type. We exploit the partial differential equation backstepping method for designing a controller, which guarantees the Mittag–Leffler stability of the FODE-FRD cascade. Moreover, we propose an observer that is Mittag–Leffler convergent. Also, we propose an output feedback boundary controller, and we prove that the closed-loop FODE-FRD system is Mittag–Leffler stable in the sense of the corresponding norm. Finally, numerical simulations are presented to verify the results.
Buryak–Okounkov Formula for the n-Point Function and a New Proof of the Witten Conjecture
Authors: Alexandrov Alexander , Hernández Iglesias Francisco , Shadrin Sergey
Published: January 2020

We identify the formulas of Buryak and Okounkov for the $n$-point functions of the intersection numbers of psi-classes on the moduli spaces of curves. This allows us to combine the earlier known results and this one into a principally new proof of the famous Witten conjecture/Kontsevich theorem, where the link between the intersection theory of the moduli spaces and integrable systems is established via the geometry of double ramification cycles.
Isoniazid and Rifampin-Resistance Mutations Associated With Resistance to Second-Line Drugs and With Sputum Culture Conversion
Authors: Click Eleanor S , Kurbatova Ekaterina V , Alexander Heather , Dalton Tracy L , Chen Michael P , Posey James E , Ershova Julia , Cegielski J Peter
Published: January 2020

Background

Mutations in the genes inhA, katG, and rpoB confer resistance to anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs isoniazid and rifampin. We questioned whether specific mutations in these genes were associated with different clinical and microbiological characteristics.

Methods

In a multicountry prospective cohort study of multidrug-resistant TB, we identified inhA, katG, and rpoB mutations in sputum isolates using the Hain MTBDRplus line probe assay. For specific mutations, we performed bivariate analysis to determine relative risk of baseline or acquired resistance to other TB drugs. We compared time to sputum culture conversion (TSCC) using Kaplan-Meier curves and stratified Cox regression.

Results

In total, 447 participants enrolled from January 2005 to December 2008 from 7 countries were included. Relative to rpoB S531L, isolates with rpoB D516V had less cross-resistance to rifabutin, increased baseline resistance to other drugs, and increased acquired fluoroquinolone resistance. Relative to mutation of katG only, mutation of inhA promoter and katG was associated with baseline extensively drug resistant (XDR) TB, increased acquired fluoroquinolone resistance, and slower TSCC (125.5 vs 89.0 days).

Conclusions

Specific mutations in inhA and katG are associated with differences in resistance to other drugs and TSCC. Molecular testing may make it possible to tailor treatment and assess additional drug resistance risk according to specific mutation profile.
Robust design optimization using surrogate models
Authors: Keane Andy J , Voutchkov Ivan I
Published: January 2020

The use of surrogate models (response surface models, curve fits) of various types (radial basis functions, Gaussian process models, neural networks, support vector machines, etc.) is now an accepted way for speeding up design search and optimization in many fields of engineering that require the use of expensive computer simulations, including problems with multiple goals and multiple domains. Surrogates are also widely used in dealing with uncertainty quantification of expensive black-box codes where there are strict limits on the number of function evaluations that can be afforded in estimating the statistical properties of derived performance quantities. Here, we tackle the problem of robust design optimization from the direction of Gaussian process models (Kriging). We contrast two previously studied models, co-Kriging and combined Kriging (sometimes called level 1 Kriging), and propose a new combined approach called combined co-Kriging that attempts to make best use of the key ideas present in these methods.
xGASS: cold gas content and quenching in galaxies below the star-forming main sequence
Authors: Janowiecki Steven , Catinella Barbara , Cortese Luca , Saintonge Amelie , Wang Jing
Published: January 2020

We use H i and H2 global gas measurements of galaxies from xGASS and xCOLD GASS to investigate quenching paths of galaxies below the Star forming main sequence (SFMS). We show that the population of galaxies below the SFMS is not a 1:1 match with the population of galaxies below the H i and H2 gas fraction scaling relations. Some galaxies in the transition zone (TZ) 1σ below the SFMS can be as H i-rich as those in the SFMS, and have on average longer gas depletion time-scales. We find evidence for environmental quenching of satellites, but central galaxies in the TZ defy simple quenching pathways. Some of these so-called ‘quenched’ galaxies may still have significant gas reservoirs and be unlikely to deplete them any time soon. As such, a correct model of galaxy quenching cannot be inferred with star formation rate (or other optical observables) alone, but must include observations of the cold gas. We also find that internal structure (particularly, the spatial distribution of old and young stellar populations) plays a significant role in regulating the star formation of gas-rich isolated TZ galaxies, suggesting the importance of bulges in their evolution.
RedDots: a temperate 1.5 Earth-mass planet candidate in a compact multiterrestrial planet system around GJ 1061
Authors: Dreizler S , Jeffers S V , Rodríguez E , Zechmeister M , Barnes J R , Haswell C A , Coleman G A L , Lalitha S , Hidalgo Soto D , Strachan J B P , Hambsch F-J , López-González M J , Morales N , Rodríguez López C , Berdiñas Z M , Ribas I , Pallé E , Reiners A , Anglada-Escudé G
Published: January 2020

Small low-mass stars are favourable targets for the detection of rocky habitable planets. In particular, planetary systems in the solar neighbourhood are interesting and suitable for precise characterization. The RedDots campaigns seek to discover rocky planets orbiting nearby low-mass stars. The 2018 campaign targeted GJ 1061, which is the 20th nearest star to the Sun. For three consecutive months we obtained nightly, high-precision radial velocity measurements with the HARPS spectrograph. We analysed these data together with archival HARPS data. We report the detection of three planet candidates with periods of 3.204 ± 0.001, 6.689 ± 0.005, and 13.03 ± 0.03 d, which are close to 1:2:4 period commensurability. After several considerations related to the properties of the noise and sampling, we conclude that a fourth signal is most likely explained by stellar rotation, although it may be due to a planet. The proposed three-planet system (and the potential four-planet solution) is long-term dynamically stable. Planet–planet gravitational interactions are below our current detection threshold. The minimum masses of the three planets range from 1.4 ± 0.2 to 1.8 ± 0.3 M⊕. Planet d, with msin i = 1.64 ± 0.24 M⊕, receives a similar amount of energy as Earth receives from the Sun. Consequently it lies within the liquid-water habitable zone of the star and has a similar equilibrium temperature to Earth. GJ 1061 has very similar properties to Proxima Centauri but activity indices point to lower levels of stellar activity.
What drives the redshift evolution of strong emission line ratios?
Authors: Bian Fuyan , Kewley Lisa J , Groves Brent , Dopita Michael A
Published: January 2020

We study the physical mechanisms that cause the offset between low-redshift and high-redshift galaxies on the [O iii] λ5007/H β versus [N ii] λ6584/H α ‘Baldwin, Phillips & Terlevich’ (BPT) diagram using a sample of local analogues of high-redshift galaxies. These high-redshift analogue galaxies are selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. Located in the same region on the BPT diagram as the ultraviolet selected galaxies at z ∼ 2, these high-redshift analogue galaxies provide an ideal local benchmark to study the offset between the local and high-redshift galaxies on the BPT diagram. We compare the nitrogen-to-oxygen ratio (N/O), the shape of the ionizing radiation field, and ionization parameters between the high-redshift analogues and a sample of local reference galaxies. The higher ionization parameter in the high-redshift analogues is the dominant physical mechanism driving the BPT offset from low- to high-redshift, particularly at high [N ii] λ6584/H α. Furthermore, the N/O ratio enhancement also plays a minor role to cause the BPT offset. However, the shape of the ionizing radiation field is unlikely to cause the BPT offset because the high-redshift analogues have a similar hard ionizing radiation field as local reference galaxies. This hard radiation field cannot be produced by the current standard stellar synthesis models. The stellar rotation and binarity may help solve the discrepancy.
Population synthesis of exocometary gas around A stars
Authors: Marino S , Flock M , Henning Th , Kral Q , Matrà L , Wyatt M C
Published: January 2020

The presence of CO gas around 10–50 Myr old A stars with debris discs has sparked debate on whether the gas is primordial or secondary. Since secondary gas released from planetesimals is poor in H2, it was thought that CO would quickly photodissociate never reaching the high levels observed around the majority of A stars with bright debris discs. Kral et al. showed that neutral carbon produced by CO photodissociation can effectively shield CO and potentially explain the high CO masses around 9 A stars with bright debris discs. Here, we present a new model that simulates the gas viscous evolution, accounting for carbon shielding and how the gas release rate decreases with time as the planetesimal disc loses mass. We find that the present gas mass in a system is highly dependant on its evolutionary path. Since gas is lost on long time-scales, it can retain a memory of the initial disc mass. Moreover, we find that gas levels can be out of equilibrium and quickly evolving from a shielded on to an unshielded state. With this model, we build the first population synthesis of gas around A stars, which we use to constrain the disc viscosity. We find a good match with a high viscosity (α ∼ 0.1), indicating that gas is lost on time-scales ∼1–10 Myr. Moreover, our model also shows that high CO masses are not expected around FGK stars since their planetesimal discs are born with lower masses, explaining why shielded discs are only found around A stars. Finally, we hypothesize that the observed carbon cavities could be due to radiation pressure or accreting planets.
Rhizotaxis Modulation in Arabidopsis Is Induced by Diffusible Compounds Produced during the Cocultivation of Arabidopsis and the Endophytic Fungus Serendipita indica
Authors: Inaji Aoi , Okazawa Atsushi , Taguchi Taiki , Nakamoto Masatoshi , Katsuyama Nao , Yoshikawa Ryoka , Ohnishi Toshiyuki , Waller Frank , Ohta Daisaku
Published: January 2020

Rhizotaxis is established under changing environmental conditions via periodic priming of lateral root (LR) initiation at the root tips and adaptive LR formation along the primary root (PR). In contrast to the adaptable LR formation in response to nutrient availability, there is little information on root development during interactions with beneficial microbes. The Arabidopsis root system is characteristically modified upon colonization by the root endophytic fungus Serendipita indica, accompanied by a marked stimulation of LR formation and the inhibition of PR growth. This root system modification has been attributed to endophyte-derived indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). However, it has yet to be clearly explained how fungal IAA affects the intrinsic LR formation process. In this study, we show that diffusible compounds (chemical signals) other than IAA are present in the coculture medium of Arabidopsis and S. indica and induce auxin-responsive DR5::GUS expression in specific sections within the pericycle layer. The DR5::GUS expression was independent of polar auxin transport and the major IAA biosynthetic pathways, implicating unidentified mechanisms responsible for the auxin response and LR formation. Detailed metabolite analysis revealed the presence of multiple compounds that induce local auxin responses and LR formation. We found that benzoic acid (BA) cooperatively acted with exogenous IAA to generate a local auxin response in the pericycle layer, suggesting that BA is one of the chemical signals involved in adaptable LR formation. Identification and characterization of the chemical signals will contribute to a greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying adaptable root development and to unconventional technologies for sustainable agriculture.
Association of mucosal-associated invariant T cells with different disease phases of polymyalgia rheumatica
Authors: Nakajima Shihoko , Chiba Asako , Makiyama Ayako , Hayashi Eri , Murayama Goh , Yamaji Ken , Kobayashi Shigeto , Tamura Naoto , Takasaki Yoshinari , Miyake Sachiko
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Although T cells are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of PMR, whether innate-like T cells are involved in the process remains unknown.

Methods

The serum levels of 27 cytokines/chemokines in patients with PMR were measured by a multiplex immunoassay (Bio-Plex Assay). The cytokine-producing capacity of T and innate-like T cells was assessed by intracellular cytokine staining and flow cytometry. The frequency and activated status of T and innate-like T cells were investigated by flow cytometry and their associations with clinical parameters were assessed.

Results

The levels of inflammatory cytokines were associated with disease activity in PMR. The cytokine-producing capacity by CD8+ T and innate-like T cells was associated with disease activity. The frequency of HLA-DR+ CD38+ cells among CD8+ T cells was increased in patients with active disease. The frequencies of HLA-DR+ CD38+ cells among CD4+ T, mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) and γδ T cells were higher in patients with inactive disease. The frequency of HLA-DR+ CD38+ MAIT cells was associated with the PMR activity score and CRP levels in patients in remission.

Conclusion

The inflammatory cytokine-producing capacity and expression of activation markers of CD8+ T and innate-like T cells were associated with the disease activity of PMR. MAIT cell activation in patients in remission may contribute to the subclinical activity of the disease.
Risk factors for severe cranial ischaemic complications in giant cell arteritis
Authors: Hočevar Alojzija , Ješe Rok , Tomšič Matija , Rotar Žiga
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Vision complications and a stroke represent severe cranial ischaemic complications (sCIC) associated with increased morbidity and mortality in GCA. We aimed to determine the risk factors for sCIC in GCA.

Methods

We analysed the medical records of prospectively enrolled GCA patients diagnosed between September 2011 and August 2019, and compared the clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with and without sCIC defined as either severe vision complications (diplopia, transient vision loss, permanent partial vision field/acuity defect and permanent visual loss) or stroke.

Results

During the 96-month observation period, we identified 295 new GCA patients [65.4% female, median (interquartile range) age 74.7 (67.3–80.0) years]. Sixty-one (20.7%) patients developed sCIC (52 isolated severe vision complications, 5 isolated ischaemic strokes and 4 patients with both complications). In a multivariable logistic regression model jaw claudication [odds ratio (OR) 3.43 (95% CI: 1.84, 6.42), P < 0.001], smoking [OR 1.92 (95% CI: 1.01, 3.65), P = 0.046] and increasing age [OR 1.08 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.13), P < 0.001] were significantly associated with sCIC. Higher CRP [OR 0.99 (0.99–1.00), P = 0.011] decreased the risk of sCIC. When considered separately, the odds for severe vision complications increased with age and jaw claudication, and decreased with polymyalgia rheumatica, constitutional symptoms and higher CRP. Atrial fibrillation emerged as the sole independent predictor of ischaemic stroke.

Conclusion

Increasing age, jaw claudication and smoking predicted sCIC, while higher CRP decreased the risk of sCIC in our GCA cohort.
Diagnosis of fibromyalgia: comparison of the 2011/2016 ACR and AAPT criteria and validation of the modified Fibromyalgia Assessment Status
Authors: Salaffi Fausto , Di Carlo Marco , Farah Sonia , Atzeni Fabiola , Buskila Dan , Ablin Jacob N , Häuser Winfried , Sarzi-Puttini Piercarlo
Published: January 2020

Objective

To compare the concordance of the three diagnostic criteria, respectively the 2011 ACR criteria (ACR 2011 Cr), the ACR 2016 criteria (ACR 2016 Cr) and the Analgesic, Anesthetic, and Addiction Clinical Trial Translations Innovations Opportunities and Networks (ACTTION)-APS Pain Taxonomy criteria (AAPT Cr), and to explore the performance of an additional set of criteria, the modified Fibromyalgia Assessment Status (FAS 2019 modCr), in the diagnosis of FM syndrome.

Methods

Consecutive patients with chronic widespread pain, referred by the primary care setting, underwent rheumatologic assessment that established the presence or not of FM and were investigated through the four sets of proposed criteria. For the FAS 2019 modCr, discriminant validity to distinguish patients with FM and non-FM was assessed with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results

A total of 732 (405 with FM and 327 with other common chronic pain problems) patients were evaluated. Against the clinical diagnosis of FM, the sensitivity, specificity and correct classification were, respectively: 79.8, 91.7 and 85.1% for ACR 2011 Cr; 78, 90.5 and 83.6% for the ACR 2016 Cr; and 73.8, 91.7 and 81.8% for the AAPT Cr. The alternative set, proposed on the FAS 2019 modCr, provided a maximal diagnostic accuracy with a score ≥20 (Youden’s index), with a sensitivity of 84.2%, specificity 89.0% and positive likelihood ratio 7.65.

Conclusion

There is a considerable agreement between criteria-based diagnoses of FM, although the AAPT Cr perform least well in terms of percentage of correct classification. The FAS 2019 modCr had comparable characteristics.
An Evaluation of the Human Relevance of the Liver Tumors Observed in Female Mice Treated With Permethrin Based on Mode of Action
Authors: Kondo Miwa , Kikumoto Hiroko , Osimitz Thomas G , Cohen Samuel M , Lake Brian G , Yamada Tomoya
Published: January 2020

In 2-year studies, the nongenotoxic pyrethroid insecticide permethrin produced hepatocellular tumors in CD-1 mice but not in Wistar rats. Recently, we demonstrated that the mode of action (MOA) for mouse liver tumor formation by permethrin involves activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), resulting in a mitogenic effect. In the present study, the effects of permethrin and 2 major permethrin metabolites, namely 3-phenoxybenzoic acid and trans-dichlorochrysanthemic acid, on cytochrome P450 mRNA levels and cell proliferation (determined as replicative DNA synthesis) were evaluated in cultured CD-1 mouse, Wistar rat, and human hepatocytes. Permethrin and 3-phenoxybenzoic acid induced CYP4A mRNA levels in both mouse and human hepatocytes, with trans-dichlorochrysanthemic acid also increasing CYP4A mRNA levels in mouse hepatocytes. 3-Phenoxybenzoic acid induced CYP4A mRNA levels in rat hepatocytes, with trans-dichlorochrysanthemic acid increasing both CYP4A mRNA levels and replicative DNA synthesis. Permethrin, 3-phenoxybenzoic acid, and trans-dichlorochrysanthemic acid stimulated replicative DNA synthesis in mouse hepatocytes but not in human hepatocytes, demonstrating that human hepatocytes are refractory to the mitogenic effects of permethrin and these 2 metabolites. Thus, although some of the key (eg, PPARα activation) and associative (eg, CYP4A induction) events in the established MOA for permethrin-induced mouse liver tumor formation could occur in human hepatocytes at high doses of permethrin, 3-phenoxybenzoic acid, and/or trans-dichlorochrysanthemic acid, increased cell proliferation (an essential step in carcinogenesis by nongenotoxic PPARα activators) was not observed. These results provide additional evidence that the established MOA for permethrin-induced mouse liver tumor formation is not plausible for humans.
Development of a Real-Time TaqMan PCR Method for Absolute Quantification of the Biocontrol Agent Esteya vermicola
Authors: Wang Hai-Hua , Yin Can , Gao Jie , Tao Ran , Wang Chun-Yan , Li Yong-Xia , Guo Lan-Ping , Wang Zhen , Sung Chang-Keun
Published: January 2020

Esteya vermicola has been used as an effective biocontrol agent for the management of the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Tools for monitoring the colonization and parasitism patterns of E. vermicola are required for the development of highly effective biocontrol strategies. Because the TaqMan PCR technique is effective for quantification of species in environmental samples, a real-time PCR-based methodology was developed for absolute quantification of E. vermicola via internal standard addition and extrapolation of DNA quantity to hyphal length. Primers and a probe for the 28S ribosomal RNA gene of E. vermicola were designed, and nested TaqMan real-time PCR-based quantification was performed. In addition, internal standard-based yield measurement was correlated to the absolute quantity of target genomic DNA. Moreover, an extrapolation curve obtained by optical microscopy and image analysis of the mycelia was constructed for the measurement of fungal hyphal length. The absolute quantification method developed in the present study provides a sensitive and accurate technique to quantify fungal density in either wood or other substrate samples and can be used as an effective tool for future studies of biocontrol agents.
Empiric use of oxygen for acute atraumatic, unilateral, retro-orbital headaches
Authors: Perez Daniel J.
Published: January 2020

This article describes a man who presented with a 2-week history of atraumatic, unilateral, retro-orbital cranio-facial pain, ipsilateral diaphoresis, and facial flushing. He was diagnosed with cluster headaches after a positive response to oxygen therapy. Early consideration for oxygen therapy in the acute setting should be considered in all patients with an acute, unilateral, retro-orbital headache.
Addressing religious objections to vaccination
Authors: Clemens Jonathan
Published: January 2020

Religious objections to vaccines are in the news, but clinician engagement with patients' underlying religious objections has been minimal, presumably because clinicians lack tools to respectfully address these objections while honoring patient autonomy. This article introduces a four-step framework for exploring and responding to a patient's stated religious objections to vaccination, culminating in suggested approaches for respectful and collaborative discussions to encourage optimum patient protection consistent with informed consent and patient belief systems. Three hypothetical situations are presented and evaluated.
Drug-induced proarrhythmia
Authors: Klotzbaugh Ralph J. , Martin Alejandra , Turner J. Rick
Published: January 2020

Clinical practice includes contributions from physicians, pharmacists, NPs, and physician assistants. Drug safety considerations are of considerable importance. This article discusses drug-induced proarrhythmia, with a specific focus on torsades de pointes, a polymorphic ventricular tachycardia that typically occurs in self-limiting bursts that can lead to dizziness, palpitations, syncope, and seizures, but on rare occasions can progress to ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death. A dedicated clinical pharmacology study conducted during a drug's clinical development program has assessed its propensity to induce torsades using prolongation of the QT interval as seen on the ECG as a biomarker.

Identification of QT-interval prolongation does not necessarily prevent a drug from receiving marketing approval if its overall benefit-risk balance is favorable, but, if approved, a warning is placed in its prescribing information. This article explains why drugs can have a proarrhythmic propensity.
Efficacy and Safety of Tapentadol Immediate Release for Acute Pain
Authors: Wang Xinyi , Narayan Sujita W. , Penm Jonathan , Patanwala Asad E.
Published: January 2020

Objective:

Tapentadol (TAP) immediate release (IR) is a newer opioid option for acute pain. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the efficacy and safety of TAP IR compared with other opioids for acute pain.

Methods:

A systematic literature search as conducted using the Cochrane Library, Embase, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science. The search included all randomized controlled trials and observational studies examining TAP IR versus other orally administered IR opioids for acute pain. The protocol for this study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42018110267).

Results:

Thirteen studies and 1 abstract were included in the systematic review (n=12,814 patients). Of these, 5 studies and 1 abstract were included in the qualitative review (n=9108 patients). Eight randomized controlled trials (n=3706 patients) comparing 50 to 100 mg TAP IR versus 5 to 15 mg oxycodone IR were included in the meta-analysis. The lowest dose of TAP IR (ie, 50 mg) was associated with less pain control compared with oxycodone IR (standardized mean difference=0.25, 95% confidence interval: 0.06-0.44, P<0.01). However, there were no significant differences at higher doses (ie, 75, 100 mg, or when a titration strategy was used). In the qualitative analysis, pain control with TAP IR was also similar to morphine IR and tramadol IR. TAP IR was less likely to have gastrointestinal adverse effects such as nausea and constipation compared with other opioids.

Discussion:

TAP IR is as effective as other opioids at higher doses for acute pain and is associated with fewer gastrointestinal adverse effects. On the basis of these findings, TAP IR can be considered as a first-line opioid for acute pain.
Influence of NICU Nurse Education on Intention to Support Lactation Using Tailored Techniques
Authors: Blatz Mary Ann , Huston Amy J. , Anthony Mary K.
Published: January 2020

Background:

Preterm infants' outcomes improve when fed their mothers' milk. Low percentages of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses support mothers facing barriers to establishing and sustaining adequate milk supplies. Nurses' motivations and attitudes are instrumental, but understudied, factors in their intention to promote maternal lactation.

Purpose:

Using the Theory of Reasoned Action, this study explored (1) NICU nurses' attitudes, social pressures, feelings of preparedness, perceptions of comfort, and intention to support lactation; and (2) magnitude of relationships among these concepts before and after undertaking an educational module.

Methods:

A descriptive pre-/postintervention design included a sample of 24 NICU nurses who completed a module, including general lactation and hands-on expressing information. The Nursing Support for Breastfeeding Questionnaire was administered before and after completing the module.

Results:

Attitudes, social norms, perception of preparedness, and intention were moderate to high before and after completion of the module. Perception of comfort was moderate. When comparing pre- and postintervention, effect sizes for intention and perception of comfort were moderate. Magnitude of the relationship between attitudes and intention was strong before intervention and moderate after intervention. Subjective norms demonstrated stronger relationships with attitudes and intention after intervention. Preparedness and comfort had stronger relationships with attitudes than with intention both before and after intervention.

Implications for Practice:

Nurses' attitudes, perception of preparedness, and comfort are modifiable considerations in developing strategies to support evidence-based lactation techniques.

Implications for Research:

Additional studies are needed with fully powered and stronger designs to validate findings to guide interventions for nurse support for NICU mothers to optimize lactation.
Hinged Motion Distraction Surgery for Ankle Osteoarthritis
Authors: Herrera-Pérez Mario , García-Paños Juan P. , González-Martín David , Ramírez-De Paz Ricardo , Herrera-Navarro Luis
Published: January 2020

The most frequent etiology of ankle osteoarthrosis is posttraumatic, affecting a population younger than that affecting the hip or knee. These patients usually wish to maintain their mobility and refuse an ankle fusion or even a total ankle replacement, which is why this pathology poses a challenge for the orthopedic surgeon. Within the concept of joint-preserving surgery, arthrodiastasis or ankle joint distraction arthroplasty has been shown to be beneficial in reducing pain and delaying definitive treatments on the joint (such as fusion or replacement). We describe, in this article, the hinged joint distraction technique. A total of 50 patients with posttraumatic ankle osteoarthritis with a mean age of 40.0±8.5 years were included in a prospective randomized study: 25 patients in ankle debridement alone group and 25 patients in debridement and hinged ankle distraction group. The mean follow-up was 46±12 months (range: 36 to 78 mo). The clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated at the 6-month and 3-year follow-up using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score, SF-36 quality of life score, and Takakura ankle osteoarthritis classification. Ankle arthrodiastasis is effective in reducing pain in posttraumatic ankle arthropathy and is superior to isolated synovectomy. This technique proved to be a safe (low complication rate) and effective (adequate clinical results) procedure for the treatment of ankle osteoarthritis, especially in patients younger than 45 years of age.

Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level I—randomized controlled study. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The accuracy of central blood pressure obtained by oscillometric noninvasive method using Mobil-O-Graph in children and adolescents
Authors: Shiraishi Masahiro , Murakami Tomoaki , Higashi Kouji
Published: January 2020

Objectives:

Central blood pressure (CBP) can now be reliably measured noninvasively with a number of devices in adult; however, noninvasive assessment of CBP has not been validated in children and adolescents. The purpose of this study was to clarify the accuracy of noninvasive oscillometric CBP measurements in children and adolescents.

Methods:

This study included 60 patients with an average age of 7.9 ± 4.4 years (range 1–18 years) who underwent a cardiac catheterization. We compared CBP, estimated with a noninvasive oscillometric method using a Mobil-O-Graph, with simultaneous invasive recordings using a catheter in children and adolescents.

Results:

Comparison of the SBP values measured by the two methods, showing a linear correlation (r = 0.85; P < 0.0001) with the mean difference aortic SBP minus estimated central SBP of 2.0 ± 5.6 mmHg (95% limits of agreement = −9.0–13.1). In DBP values, there was a correlation (r = 0.72; P < 0.0001) with the mean difference aortic DBP minus estimated central DBP of −0.1 ± 6.4 mmHg (95% limits of agreement = −12.6–12.4). Sex and cardiac function did not affect central SBP estimation; however, the correlation between aortic and estimated central SBP in adolescents was better than that in children (r = 0.93, P < 0.0001 vs. r = 0.77, P < 0.0001), though the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.483).

Conclusion:

Estimated CBP using Mobil-O-Graph in children and adolescents shows a certain degree of accuracy, which will be helpful in future for evaluating CBP in children and adolescents.
INTERMEDIATE UVEITIS WITH RETINAL DETACHMENT IN A PATIENT WITH POMPE DISEASE
Authors: Thomas Akshay S. , Grewal Dilraj S. , Toth Cynthia A.
Published: January 2020

Purpose:

To describe the ocular findings in a patient with glycogen storage disease II (Pompe disease).

Methods:

Case report.

Results:

A 14-year-old boy with Pompe disease was referred for evaluation of a retinal detachment in the left eye. Indirect ophthalmoscopy revealed bilateral fibrotic snowbanks and an inferior rhegmatogenous retinal detachment extending into the macula. Fluorescein angiography revealed mild diffuse perivascular leakage in both eyes. The retinal detachment was repaired with scleral buckling and cryotherapy. Workup for the etiology of the intermediate uveitis was unrevealing.

Conclusion:

Enzyme replacement therapy has improved the survival of individuals with Pompe disease. With greater patient longevity, new ocular associations may continue to emerge. Whether intermediate uveitis is an ocular association of Pompe disease remains to be determined.
Combined Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant and Glaucoma Drainage Device Placement for Uveitic Glaucoma
Authors: Nguyen Tran , Kim Han , Mielke Christy , Momont Anna C. , Brandt James D. , Liu Yao
Published: January 2020

Precis:

At 1-year postoperative follow-up, concurrent placement of a dexamethasone intravitreal implant and glaucoma drainage device effectively controlled intraocular pressure (IOP) and inflammation in eyes with uveitic glaucoma with no changes in systemic immunomodulatory therapy.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to assess 1-year postoperative outcomes in eyes with uncontrolled uveitic glaucoma following concurrent placement of a dexamethasone intravitreal implant and glaucoma drainage device.

Materials and Methods:

This is a retrospective, observational case series of patients with chronic, noninfectious uveitis and uveitic glaucoma uncontrolled on maximal tolerated medical therapy with at least 1-year postoperative follow-up. The main outcomes were visual acuity, IOP, number of glaucoma medications, recurrent inflammation, frequency of topical steroids, systemic immunomodulatory therapy, and adverse events. Success was defined as IOP <21 mm Hg and IOP reduced by >20% from baseline on at least 2 consecutive visits after 3 months either with or without glaucoma medications (ie, partial or complete success, respectively).

Results:

Eight eyes in 6 patients met the inclusion criteria. The average age was 44.1±19.7 years (range: 10 to 68 y) and 50% were female. At 1-year, there was no significant change in visual acuity. No eyes lost ≥3 lines of vision. The majority of eyes (87.5%) achieved complete (n=2) or partial success (n=5) with a decrease in average IOP from 36.5 to 11.8 mm Hg (P=0.002). Glaucoma medication use decreased from 3.0 to 1.3 medications (P=0.04). There was a significant decrease in the number of episodes of recurrent inflammation in the 6 months following surgery compared with the 6 months before surgery (P=0.004).

Conclusion:

In this small case series, dexamethasone intravitreal implant combined with Ahmed glaucoma drainage device appears to be an effective approach for the management of uncontrolled uveitic glaucoma.
Enterococcal Bacteremia in Children With Malignancies and Following Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Friedman Gal , Stepensky Polina , Abu Ahmad Wiessam , Masarwa Reem , Temper Violetta , Oster Yonatan , Amit Sharon , Averbuch Diana
Published: January 2020

Background:

Data on enterococcal bacteremia (EB) in immunocompromised children are scarce. We aimed to describe EB in children with hematologic malignancies (HM), solid tumors and/or following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and analyze their ampicillin and vancomycin resistance.

Methods:

We conducted an observational retrospective study in the tertiary-care Hadassah University Medical Center (2001-2015). We collected demographic, clinical and laboratory data on EB and compared ampicillin and vancomycin sensitive with resistant episodes.

Results:

Fifty-six of 1123 children developed 74 episodes of EB; 62.1% Enterococcus faecium, 36.5% Enterococcus faecalis; and 1.4% Enterococcus gallinarum. EB developed in 12.1% of HSCT patients, 5.1% of HM, 6.3% of neuroblastoma and 1.0% of other solid tumors patients. Of these episodes, 85.1% were nosocomial, and 71.6% developed while on antibiotic therapy. Resistance rates were: to ampicillin, 57.6%; to vancomycin (vancomycin-resistant enterococci), 21.6%; and higher rates among E. faecium. Among vancomycin-resistant enterococci, 1 of 16 was linezolid and 2 of 10 daptomycin resistant. Overall 7- and 30-day mortality rates were 2.7% and 5.4%, respectively. Thirty-day mortality was 18.2% in recurrent episodes and 0% in the first-time EB episodes (P = 0.006). In multivariate analysis, high treatment intensity was associated with ampicillin resistance [odds ratio (OR) = 3.18, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.31–9.12], prior penicillin exposure (OR = 7.50, 95% CI: 1.41–39.81) and breakthrough on vancomycin (OR = 18.83, 95% CI: 3.31–101.14) with vancomycin resistance.

Conclusions:

EB occurs mainly as a nosocomial infection in children receiving high-intensity chemotherapy, especially in those with neuroblastoma, HM and following HSCT. Antibiotic resistance is common. Vancomycin resistance can occur regardless of previous vancomycin use. Prognosis in immunocompromised children with EB is better than previously reported. Recurrent EB is associated with increased mortality.
Morbihan Syndrome, a UK Case Series
Authors: Yvon Camille , Mudhar Hardeep Singh , Fayers Tessa , Siah We Fong , Malhotra Raman , Currie Zanna , Tan Jennifer , Rajak Saul
Published: January 2020

Purpose:

To describe 10 patients with Morbihan syndrome, a rare condition characterized by the slow appearance of erythema and solid edema on the upper portion of the face, and review the literature.

Methods:

Retrospective case series and review.

Results:

The majority of patients were male (80%), and the mean age at presentation was 67 years (range, 48–88 years); 60% had asymmetrical disease (affecting mainly the right side). All subjects underwent a lid biopsy to support the diagnosis of Morbihan syndrome, which showed features of inflammation and vascular dysfunction, highly suggestive of a rosacea histological picture complicated by chronic lymphoedema. A range of medical and surgical treatment were used with variable success. The most effective ones included oral isotretinoin, intralesional triamcinolone injections, and debulking surgery.

Conclusions:

Morbihan syndrome is a rare and chronic condition. It can be difficult to treat and may require a range of interventions.