bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of COVID-19 Pandemic in Spanish Inflammatory Bowel Disease Units: Results From a National Survey
Authors: Martin Arranz Eduardo , Suarez Ferrer Cristina , García Ramírez Laura , Rueda García Jose Luis , Sánchez-Azofra María , Poza Cordón Joaquín , Noci Jesus , Zabana Yamile , Barreiro-de Acosta Manuel , Martín-Arranz María Dolores
Published: June 2020

Background

The outbreak of COVID-19 has rapidly evolved into a pandemic that has represented a challenge to health systems worldwide. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) units have been forced to change their practices to address the disease and to ensure the quality of care.

Methods

We conducted a national survey among IBD gastroenterologist members of the Spanish Working Group on Crohn’s Disease and Colitis regarding changes of practice, IBD treatments, and diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19.

Results

We received 54 answers from Spanish hospitals. One hundred percent of the IBD units rescheduled onsite visits to telematic consultation, and elective endoscopic and surgical procedures were delayed. Protective measures were also taken in the infusion units (100% of health centers) and hospital pharmacies, with 40.7% sending subcutaneous medications to patients. No switching between intravenous and subcutaneous anti-tumor necrosis factor drugs were made. We also found that 96.1% of IBD units advised their patients to maintain treatment if they were asymptomatic for COVID-19. For patients with COVID-19 symptoms, 92.6% of IBD units referred them to primary care or the emergency department. In addition, 7.5% of IBD units made a COVID-19 diagnosis through polymerase chain reaction and/or chest x-ray.

Modifications in IBD treatment and treatment recommended for COVID-19 are also discussed.

Conclusions

We report a representative national survey of changes made in the structure, diagnosis of COVID-19, and modifications in IBD treatments within IBD units.
Phenotypic Variation in Mitochondria-Related Performance Traits Across New Zealand Snail Populations
Authors: Greimann Emma S , Ward Samuel F , Woodell James D , Hennessey Samantha , Kline Michael R , Moreno Jorge A , Peters Madeline , Cruise Jennifer L , Montooth Kristi L , Neiman Maurine , Sharbrough Joel
Published: June 2020

Synopsis

Mitochondrial function is critical for energy homeostasis and should shape how genetic variation in metabolism is transmitted through levels of biological organization to generate stability in organismal performance. Mitochondrial function is encoded by genes in two distinct and separately inherited genomes—the mitochondrial genome and the nuclear genome—and selection is expected to maintain functional mito-nuclear interactions. The documented high levels of polymorphism in genes involved in these mito-nuclear interactions and wide variation for mitochondrial function demands an explanation for how and why variability in such a fundamental trait is maintained. Potamopyrgus antipodarum is a New Zealand freshwater snail with coexisting sexual and asexual individuals and, accordingly, contrasting systems of separate vs. co-inheritance of nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. As such, this snail provides a powerful means to dissect the evolutionary and functional consequences of mito-nuclear variation. The lakes inhabited by P. antipodarum span wide environmental gradients, with substantial across-lake genetic structure and mito-nuclear discordance. This situation allows us to use comparisons across reproductive modes and lakes to partition variation in cellular respiration across genetic and environmental axes. Here, we integrated cellular, physiological, and behavioral approaches to quantify variation in mitochondrial function across a diverse set of wild P. antipodarum lineages. We found extensive across-lake variation in organismal oxygen consumption and behavioral response to heat stress and differences across sexes in mitochondrial membrane potential but few global effects of reproductive mode. Taken together, our data set the stage for applying this important model system for sexual reproduction and polyploidy to dissecting the complex relationships between mito-nuclear variation, performance, plasticity, and fitness in natural populations.
Translational Development Strategies for TAK-063, a Phosphodiesterase 10A Inhibitor
Authors: Macek Thomas A , Suzuki Kazunori , Asin Karen , Kimura Haruhide
Published: June 2020

Background

TAK-063 is an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A), an enzyme highly expressed in medium spiny neurons of the striatum. PDE10A hydrolyzes both cyclic adenosine monophosphate and cyclic guanosine monophosphate and modulates dopamine signaling downstream of receptor activation in both direct and indirect pathways of the striatum. TAK-063 exhibited antipsychotic-like effects in animal models; however, the translatability of these models to the clinical manifestations of schizophrenia and the meaningfulness for new targets such as PDE10A has not been established.

Methods

The TAK-063 phase 1 program included a comprehensive translational development strategy with the main objective of determining whether the antipsychotic-like pharmacodynamic effects seen in nonclinical models would translate to human subjects. To evaluate this objective, we conducted a single-rising dose study (84 healthy subjects), a positron emission tomography (PET) study (12 healthy subjects), a functional magnetic resonance imaging blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) study (27 healthy subjects), and a multiple-rising dose study that included people with schizophrenia (30 healthy Japanese subjects and 47 subjects with stable schizophrenia). In addition, assessments of cognition and electroencephalography (27 healthy subjects and 47 subjects with stable schizophrenia) were included.

Results

PDE10A engagement by TAK-063 was verified with a novel PET radiotracer for use in primates and humans. TAK-063 showed favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profiles in humans, and TAK-063 reduced ketamine-induced changes in electroencephalography and BOLD signaling in animal models and healthy human subjects. In addition, analogous effects on cognition were observed in animal models and human subjects.

Conclusions

Overall, the phase 1 results showed some consistent evidence of antipsychotic activity. This translational strategy may be valuable for the future development of novel therapeutic approaches, even when relevant nonclinical models are not available.
Use of Population-Based Surveys for Estimating the Population Size of Persons Who Inject Drugs in the United States
Authors: Bradley Heather , Rosenthal Elizabeth M , Barranco Meredith A , Udo Tomoko , Sullivan Patrick S , Rosenberg Eli S
Published: June 2020

Background

In the United States, injection is an increasingly common route of administration for opioids and other substances. Estimates of the number of persons who inject drugs (PWID) are needed for monitoring risk-specific infectious disease rates and health services coverage.

Methods

We reviewed design and instruments for 4 national household surveys, 2012–2016, for their ability to produce unbiased injection drug use (IDU) prevalence estimates. We explored potential analytic adjustments for reducing biases through use of external data on (1) arrest, (2) narcotic overdose mortality, and (3) biomarker-based sensitivity of self-reported illicit drug use.

Results

Estimated national past 12 months IDU prevalence ranged from 0.24% to 0.59% across surveys. All surveys excluded unstably housed and incarcerated persons, and estimates were based on <60 respondents reporting IDU behavior in 3 surveys. No surveys asked participants about nonmedical injection of prescription drugs. Analytic adjustments did not appreciably change IDU prevalence estimates due to suboptimal specificity of data points.

Conclusions

PWID population size estimates in the United States are based on small numbers and are likely biased by undercoverage of key populations and self-report. Novel methods as discussed in this article may improve our understanding of PWID population size and their health needs.
Contestation before Compliance: History, Politics, and Power in International Humanitarian Law
Authors: Kinsella Helen M , Mantilla Giovanni
Published: June 2020

Despite the common reference to international humanitarian law (IHL) in the discourse and practice of international politics, international relations (IR) scholarship has yet to consistently engage in an analysis of IHL that extends beyond the relatively narrow specifications of its regulative and strategic effects. In this theory note, we argue that this prevailing focus leaves the discipline with an impoverished understanding of IHL and its operation in international politics. We propose that the study of IHL should be expanded through a deeper engagement with the law's historical development, the politics informing its codification and interpretation, and its multiple potential effects beyond compliance. This accomplishes three things. First, it corrects for IR's predominantly ahistorical approach to evaluating both IHL and compliance, revealing the complicated, contested, and productive construction of some of IHL's core legal concepts and rules. Second, our approach illuminates how IR's privileging of civilian targeting requires analytical connection to other rules such as proportionality and military necessity, none of which can be individually assessed and each of which remain open to debate. Third, we provide new resources for analyzing and understanding IHL and its contribution to “world making and world ordering.”
Multivariate Logistic-Assisted Estimators of Totals from Clustered Survey Samples
Authors: Kennel Timothy L , Valliant Richard
Published: June 2020

Estimators based on linear models are the standard in finite population estimation. However, many items collected in surveys are better described by nonlinear models; these include variables that have binary, binomial, or multinomial distributions. We extend previous work on generalized difference, model-calibrated, and pseudo-empirical likelihood estimators to two-stage cluster sampling and derive their theoretical properties with particular emphasis on multinomial data. We present asymptotic theory for both the point estimators of totals and their variance estimators. The alternatives are tested via simulation using artificial and real populations. The two real populations are one of educational institutions and degrees awarded and one of owned and rented housing units.
Effects of Cell-Derived Microparticles on Immune Cells and Potential Implications in Clinical Medicine
Authors: Noulsri Egarit
Published: June 2020

In the past few years, interest has increased in cell-derived microparticles (MPs), which are defined by their size of from 0.1 to 1 μm, and can be derived from various cell types, including endothelial cells, leukocytes, red blood cells (RBCs), and platelets. These MPs carry negatively charged phosphatidylserine (PS) on their surfaces and proteins packaged from numerous cellular components. MPs that have been shed by the body can play important roles in the pathophysiology of diseases and can affect various biological systems. Among these systems, the immune components have been shown to be modulated by MPs. Therefore, understanding the roles of MPs in the immune system is crucial to developing alternative therapeutic treatments for diseases. This review describes the effects of MPs on various immune cells and provides plausible potential applications of the immune-modulating properties of MPs in clinical medicine.
The glories of immigration: How soccer wins shape opinion on immigration
Authors: Lago Ignacio , Lago-Peñas Carlos
Published: June 2020

While there is a great deal of anecdotal evidence on the impact of soccer wins on attitudes toward immigrants and immigration, there is relatively little hard empirical evidence. It is expected that soccer stimulates more positive attitudes towards immigrants when it highlights immigration benefits rather than costs and increases exposure to famous members of an out-group. Individual-level data from the eight rounds of the European Social Survey (2002–16) in Spain and aggregate data from the Spanish professional soccer league, La Liga, were used to test the hypothesis that the more foreign players in the team of the club winning the corresponding season of Spain’s La Liga, the more favourable the views of immigrants in the club’s region in that year. The empirical evidence from linear and ordinal regression using different measures of opinions on immigration shows that soccer can affect attitudes toward immigrants and immigration.
Uniqueness and Modesty: How Permissivists Can Live on the Edge
Authors: Bradley Darren
Published: June 2020

There is a divide in epistemology between those who think that, for any hypothesis and set of total evidence, there is a unique rational credence in that hypothesis (Uniqueness), and those who think that there can be many rational credences (Permissivism). Schultheis (2018) offers a novel and potentially devastating objection to Permissivism, on the grounds that Permissivism permits dominated credences. I will argue that Permissivists can plausibly block Schultheis argument. The issue turns on getting clear about whether we should be certain whether our credences are rational.
Study of the effects of magnetic braking on the lithium abundances of the Sun and solar-type stars
Authors: Caballero Navarro R , García Hernández A , Ayala A , Suárez J C
Published: June 2020

The study of lithium (Li) surface abundance in the Sun and young stellar globular clusters which are seemingly anomalous in present-day scenarios, as well as the influence of rotation and magnetic braking (MB) on its depletion during pre-main sequence (PMS) and main sequence (MS). In this work, the effects of rotational mixing and of the rotational hydrostatic effects on Li abundances are studied by simulating several grids of PMS and MS rotating and non-rotating models. Those effects are combined with the additional impact of the MB (with magnetic field intensities ranging between 3.0 and 5.0 G). The data obtained from simulations are confronted by comparing different stellar parameters. The results show that the surface Li abundance for the Sun-like models at the end of the PMS and throughout the MS decreases when rotational effects are included, that is the Li depletion rate for rotating models is higher than for non-rotating ones. This effect is attenuated when the MB produced by a magnetic field is present. This physical phenomena impacts also the star effective temperature (Teff) and its location in the HR diagram. The impact of MB in Li depletion is sensitive to the magnetic field intensity: the higher it is, the lower the Li destruction. A direct link between the magnetic fields and the convective zone (CZ) size is observed: stronger magnetic fields produce shallower CZ’s. This result suggests that MB effect must be taken into consideration during PMS if we aim to reproduce Li abundances in young clusters.
EDGES signal in the presence of magnetic fields
Authors: Natwariya Pravin Kumar , Bhatt Jitesh R
Published: June 2020

We study the 21-cm differential brightness temperature in the presence of primordial helical magnetic fields for redshift z = 10–30. We argue that the α-effect that sets in at earlier time can be helpful in lowering the gas temperature to 3.2 K at z = 17. This effect can arise in the early Universe due to some parity-violating high-energy processes. Using the EDGES (Experiment to Detect the Global Epoch of Reionization Signature) results, we find the upper and lower limits on the primordial magnetic field to be 6 × 10−3 and 5 × 10−4 nG, respectively. We also discuss the effect of Ly α background on the bounds. Our results do not require any new physics in terms of dark matter.
Micro-RNA Clusters Integrate Evolutionary Constraints on Expression and Target Affinities: The miR-6/5/4/286/3/309 Cluster in Drosophila
Authors: Zhe Qu , Yiu Wing Chung , Yip Ho Yin , Nong Wenyan , Yu Clare W C , Lee Ivy H T , Wong Annette Y P , Wong Nicola W Y , Cheung Fiona K M , Chan Ting Fung , Lau Kwok Fai , Zhong Silin , Chu Ka Hou , Tobe Stephen S , Ferrier David E K , Bendena William G , Hui Jerome H L
Published: June 2020

A striking feature of micro-RNAs is that they are often clustered in the genomes of animals. The functional and evolutionary consequences of this clustering remain obscure. Here, we investigated a micro-RNA cluster miR-6/5/4/286/3/309 that is conserved across drosophilid lineages. Small RNA sequencing revealed expression of this micro-RNA cluster in Drosophila melanogaster leg discs, and conditional overexpression of the whole cluster resulted in leg appendage shortening. Transgenic overexpression lines expressing different combinations of micro-RNA cluster members were also constructed. Expression of individual micro-RNAs from the cluster resulted in a normal wild-type phenotype, but either the expression of several ancient micro-RNAs together (miR-5/4/286/3/309) or more recently evolved clustered micro-RNAs (miR-6-1/2/3) can recapitulate the phenotypes generated by the whole-cluster overexpression. Screening of transgenic fly lines revealed downregulation of leg-patterning gene cassettes in generation of the leg-shortening phenotype. Furthermore, cell transfection with different combinations of micro-RNA cluster members revealed a suite of downstream genes targeted by all cluster members, as well as complements of targets that are unique for distinct micro-RNAs. Considered together, the micro-RNA targets and the evolutionary ages of each micro-RNA in the cluster demonstrate the importance of micro-RNA clustering, where new members can reinforce and modify the selection forces on both the cluster regulation and the gene regulatory network of existing micro-RNAs.

Key words: micro-RNA, cluster, evolution.
Efficacy and safety of PT20, an iron-based phosphate binder, for the treatment of hyperphosphataemia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging, Phase IIb study in patients with haemodialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease
Authors: Sampson Mark , Faria Nuno , Powell Jonathan J ,   the PEACH study investigators
Published: June 2020

Background

Hyperphosphataemia is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). PT20 (ferric iron oxide adipate) is an investigational molecule engineered to offer enhanced phosphate-binding properties relative to other phosphate binders.

Methods

In this double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02151643), the efficacy and safety of 28 days of oral PT20 treatment were evaluated in patients with dialysis-dependent CKD. Participants were randomly assigned in an 8:8:8:13:13 ratio to receive PT20 (400, 800, 1600 or 3200 mg) or placebo three times daily.

Results

Among 153 participants, 129 completed treatment [7 discontinued because of adverse events (AEs), 2 because of hyperphosphataemia and 15 for other reasons]. PT20 treatment for 28 days resulted in a statistically significant and dose-dependent reduction in serum phosphate concentration. There were no statistically significant effects of PT20 treatment on changes in haemoglobin or ferritin concentrations or transferrin saturation between Days 1 and 29. The incidence of treatment-emergent AEs was broadly similar across the PT20 and placebo groups (42–59% versus 44%). The most common PT20 treatment-related AEs were gastrointestinal, primarily diarrhoea (13–18%) and discoloured faeces (3–23%). No serious AEs were considered to be related to study treatment. There were no clinically significant changes in laboratory results reflecting acid/base status or increases in ferritin that could indicate the absorption of components of PT20.

Conclusions

In this first study investigating the efficacy and safety of PT20 in patients with hyperphosphataemia and dialysis-dependent CKD, PT20 significantly lowered serum phosphate concentrations and was generally well tolerated.
Clinical outcomes in a large pediatric cohort of patients with ependymoma treated with proton radiotherapy
Authors: Patteson Brooke E , Baliga Sujith , Bajaj Benjamin V M , MacDonald Shannon M , Yeap Beow Y , Gallotto Sara L , Giblin Megan J , Weyman Elizabeth A , Ebb David H , Huang Mary S , Jones Robin M , Tarbell Nancy J , Yock Torunn I
Published: June 2020

Background

Treatment for pediatric ependymoma includes surgical resection followed by local radiotherapy (RT). Proton RT (PRT) enables superior sparing of critical structures compared with photons, with potential to reduce late effects. We report mature outcomes, patterns of failure, and predictors of outcomes in patients treated with PRT.

Methods

One hundred fifty patients (<22 y) with World Health Organization grades II/III ependymoma were treated with PRT between January 2001 and January 2019 at Massachusetts General Hospital. Demographic, tumor, and treatment-related characteristics were analyzed. Event-free survival (EFS), overall survival (OS), and local control (LC) were assessed.

Results

Median follow-up was 6.5 years. EFS, OS, and LC for the intracranial cohort (n = 145) at 7 years were 63.4%, 82.6%, and 76.1%. Fifty-one patients recurred: 26 (51.0%) local failures, 19 (37.3%) distant failures, and 6 (11.8%) synchronous failures. One hundred sixteen patients (77.3%) underwent gross total resection (GTR), 5 (3.3%) underwent near total resection (NTR), and 29 (19.3%) underwent subtotal resection (STR). EFS for the intracranial cohort at 7 years for GTR/NTR and STR was 70.3% and 35.2%. With multivariate analysis, the effect of tumor excision persisted after controlling for tumor location. There was no adverse effect on disease control if surgery to RT interval was within 9 weeks of GTR/NTR.

Conclusion

PRT is effective and safe in pediatric ependymoma. Similar to previous studies, GTR/NTR was the most important prognostic factor. Intervals up to 9 weeks from surgery to PRT did not compromise disease outcomes. There was no LC benefit between patients treated with >54 Gray relative biological effectiveness (GyRBE) versus ≤54 GyRBE.
Treatment and surgical factors associated with longer-term glioblastoma survival: a National Cancer Database study
Authors: Malay Sindhoosha , Somasundaram Eashwar , Patil Nirav , Buerki Robin , Sloan Andrew , Barnholtz-Sloan Jill S
Published: June 2020

Background

Insufficient data exist to characterize factors associated with longer-term survival of glioblastoma (GBM). A population-based analysis of GBM longer-term survivors (LTS) in the United States was conducted to investigate the association between treatment, demographic, surgical factors, and longer-term survival.

Methods

From the National Cancer Database, GBM patients were identified using ICD-O-3 histology codes 9440-9442/3, 2005–2015 and were divided into routine (≤3 years) and longer-term (>3 years) overall survival (OS) groups. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with longer-term survival. A subset analysis was performed to further investigate the association of extent of resection and treatment combinations on OS outcomes.

Results

A total of 93 036 patients with GBM met study criteria. Among these patients, 8484 were LTS and 84 552 were routine survivors (RS). When comparing LTS (OS of >3 years) with RS (OS of ≤3 years), younger age, insured status, metro/urban residence, treatment at academic facility, and fewer comorbidities were associated with longer-term survival. In addition, trimodality therapy (chemotherapy + radiation + surgery) was associated with having best odds of longer-term survival (odds ratio = 4.89, 95% confidence interval [3.58, 6.68]); 74% of LTS received such therapy compared with 51% of RS. Subset analysis revealed that total resection is only associated with longer-term survival status for those receiving trimodality therapy or surgery only.

Conclusions

In a population-based analysis, standard of care surgery and chemo radiation connote a survival advantage in GBM. Among those receiving standard of care, having a total resection is most beneficial for longer-term survival status.
Nutritional perspectives for the prevention and mitigation of COVID-19
Authors: Akhtar Saeed , Das Jai K , Ismail Tariq , Wahid Muqeet , Saeed Wisha , Bhutta Zulfiqar A
Published: June 2020

Worldwide, there is an array of clinical trials under way to evaluate treatment options against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Concurrently, several nutritional therapies and alternative supportive treatments are also being used and tested to reduce the mortality associated with acute respiratory distress in patients with COVID-19. In the context of COVID-19, improved nutrition that includes micronutrient supplementation to augment the immune system has been recognized as a viable approach to both prevent and alleviate the severity of the infection. The potential role of micronutrients as immune-boosting agents is particularly relevant for low- and middle-income countries, which already have an existing high burden of undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. A systematic literature review was performed to identify nutritional interventions that might prevent or aid in the recovery from COVID-19. The PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched electronically from February to April 2020. All abstracts and full-text articles were examined for their relevance to this review. The information gathered was collated under various categories. Deficiencies of micronutrients, especially vitamins A, B complex, C, and D, zinc, iron, and selenium, are common among vulnerable populations in general and among COVID-19 patients in particular and could plausibly increase the risk of mortality. Judicious use of need-based micronutrient supplementation, alongside existing micronutrient fortification programs, is warranted in the current global pandemic, especially in low- and middle-income economies.
Brain iron concentrations in the pathophysiology of children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review
Authors: Degremont Alexia , Jain Rishika , Philippou Elena , Latunde-Dada Gladys Oluyemisi
Published: June 2020

Context

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder associated with iron dysregulation in children. Although previous focus was on examining systemic iron status, brain iron content may be a more reliable biomarker of the disorder.

Objective

This systematic review examines whether children with ADHD have lower serum as well as brain iron concentrations, compared with healthy control subjects (HCS).

Data sources

A systematic literature search was conducted in Medline via PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase. and Ovid for papers published between 2000 and June 7, 2019.

Data extraction

Studies were included if the mean difference of iron concentration, measured as serum iron, serum ferritin, or brain iron, between children with ADHD and HCS was an outcome measure.

Data analysis

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. Risks of bias within and between studies were assessed using the quality assessment tools of the National Institutes of Health. Of 599 records screened, 20 case-control studies met the inclusion criteria. In 10 of 18 studies in which serum ferritin concentration was assessed, and 2 of 10 studies that assessed serum iron, a significant difference between children with ADHD and HCS was observed. Results of systemic iron levels were inconsistent. In 3 studies in which brain iron concentration was assessed, a statistically significant, lower thalamic iron concentration was found in children with ADHD than in HCS.

Conclusion

The evidence, though limited, reveals that brain iron rather than systemic iron levels may be more associated with the pathophysiology of ADHD in children. Larger, longitudinal, magnetic resonance imaging studies are needed to examine any correlations of iron deficiency in specific brain regions and symptoms of ADHD.
A New Frame? Transforming Policing through Guarantees of Non-Repetition
Authors: McGonigle Leyh Brianne
Published: June 2020

Using qualitative legal scholarship, combined with literature analysis from post-conflict peacebuilding and police studies, this article provides a normative and theoretical lens through which police and other actors can view and carry out reform efforts. It explores whether and how the concept of guarantees of non-repetition could contribute to or reframe discussions in order to prevent future violence and facilitate lasting institutional changes. The article examines the development of a broader approach to security sector reform and explores guarantees of non-repetition and the conceptual confusion it has encountered. It teases out the main aspects of guarantees of non-repetition, including its human rights elements, such as due diligence obligations. Finally, it addresses how guarantees of non-repetition provide a normative institutional policy framework that offers the possibility to shift the rhetoric to focus on State obligations that are context-driven. As a result, guarantees of non-repetition could prove useful when addressing police reform.
Changes in Police Calls for Service During the Early Months of the 2020 Coronavirus Pandemic
Authors: Ashby Matthew P J
Published: June 2020

The coronavirus pandemic poses multiple challenges for policing, including the need to continue responding to calls from the public. Several contingency plans warned police to expect a large and potentially overwhelming increase in demand from the public during a pandemic, but (to the author’s knowledge) there is no empirical work on police demand during a major public health emergency. This study used calls-for-service data from 10 large cities in the USA to analyse how calls for service changed during the early months of the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak, compared to forecasts of call volume based on data from previous years. Contrary to previous warnings, overall the number of calls went down during the early weeks of the pandemic. There were substantial reductions in specific call types, such as traffic collisions, and significant increases in others, such as calls to dead bodies. Other types of calls, particularly those relating to crime and order maintenance, continued largely as before. Changes in the frequency of different call types present challenges to law enforcement agencies, particularly since many will themselves be suffering from reduced staffing due to the pandemic. Understanding changes to calls in detail will allow police leaders to put in place evidence-based plans to ensure they can continue to serve the public.
How Robust Is Evidence of Partisan Perceptual Bias in Survey Responses?
Authors: Yair Omer , Huber Gregory A.
Published: June 2020

Partisans often offer divergent responses to survey items ostensibly unrelated to politics. These gaps could reveal that partisanship colors perception or, alternatively, that in answering survey questions, individuals communicate partisan proclivities by providing insincere, or “expressive” responses, to send a partisan message. This study tests two techniques for reducing expressive responding that (1) avoid criticisms about using monetary incentives for accuracy, which have reduced measured partisan differences for objective facts; and (2) can be used in contexts where incentives are infeasible, such as when objective benchmarks for correct responses are unavailable. This study experimentally tests these techniques in replicating a study that found that partisanship affected attractiveness evaluations. These interventions, which allow partisans to express their partisan sentiments through other survey items, substantially reduce apparent partisan differences in beauty evaluations and show that standard survey items likely confound sincere partisan differences with elements of expressive responding.
Rethinking the Use of Credit Ratings in Capital Regulations: Evidence From the Insurance Industry
Authors: Hanley Kathleen Weiss , Nikolova Stanislava
Published: June 2020

We analyze an initiative by insurance regulators to reform capital regulations for mortgage-backed securities (MBS) by replacing credit ratings with third-party estimates of expected credit losses and by considering an insurer’s exposure to future losses when determining regulatory capital. After implementation, insurers are less likely to sell distressed MBS, gains trade corporate bonds, and/or raise external financing. However, the new regime allows insurers to purchase more low-rated MBS at significant capital savings and insurers with greater capital savings are more likely to do so. Our analysis highlights the potential costs and benefits of an alternative methodology for determining regulatory capital. JEL (G11, G18, G22, G28, G32, G38).

Received May 6, 2019; editorial decision April 4, 2020 by Editor Andrew Ellul.
Cognitive dysfunction and serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in primary anti-phospholipid syndrome (PAPS)
Authors: Rosa Renata F , Ugolini-Lopes Michelle Remião , Gandara Ana Paula Rossi , Vendramini Margarete B G , Campanholo Kenia Repiso , Dutra Livia , de Andrade Danieli Castro Oliveira
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Cognitive dysfunction (CD) is a poorly understood non-stroke central neurological manifestation in anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin that plays an important role in neural plasticity and could potentially be a biomarker of CD in primary APS (PAPS). The aim of the study is to assess CD in PAPS patients and to evaluate its association with clinical data, anti-phospholipid antibodies and serum BDNF levels.

Methods

This cross-sectional study compared 44 PAPS patients and 20 healthy controls matched for age, gender and education. PAPS patients and controls underwent a standardized cognitive examination. The demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients were recorded. Serum BDNF was measured by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent.

Results

Fourteen (31.8%) of the 44 patients with PAPS had CD compared with only one (5%) healthy control (P =0.019). PAPS patients presented lower serum BDNF levels when compared with controls (P =0.007). Lower levels of BDNF were associated with CD in PAPS patients (P =0.032). In the univariate analysis, a positive association was found between CD and livedo reticularis, deep vein thrombosis, stroke, seizure, smoking as well as a negative association with Mini Mental State Examination and serum BDNF. According to multivariate analysis, the only independent predictor of CD in PAPS was stroke (OR 137.06; 95% CI: 4.73, 3974.32; P =0.004).

Conclusions

CD is commonly reported in PAPS patients; however, its assessment lacks in standards and objective screening tests. The association between CD and low serum BDNF suggests that this neurotrophin can be a promising biomarker for PAPS cognitive impairment.
DOSE ASSESSMENT FOR ATMOSPHERIC DISCHARGE OF LONG-LIVED RADIONUCLIDES IN NUCLEAR POWER PLANT DECOMMISSIONING
Authors: S Chitra , Anand S , Bhargava Pradeep , Krishan Jayant , Singh Kapil Deo S , Kulkarni M S , Sharma D N
Published: June 2020

Decommissioning of nuclear power plants is a multistage process involving complex operations like radiological characterization, decontamination and dismantling of plant equipment, demolition of structures, and processing and disposal of waste. Radioactive effluents released into the environment may result in exposure of population through various exposure pathways. The present study estimates the public dose due to atmospheric discharge of important radionuclides during proposed decommissioning activities of Indian Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors. This study shows that major dose contributing radionuclides are 60Co followed by 94Nb, 134Cs, 154Eu, 152Eu, 133Ba, 99Tc, 93Mo and 41Ca. It is found that infant dose is higher than adult dose and major fraction of total dose (~98%) is through ground shine and ingestion; other pathways such as inhalation and plume shine contribute only a small fraction. This study will be helpful in carrying out radiological impact assessment for decommissioning operations which is an important regulatory requirement.
Neural Correlates of True and False Recognition Memory for Socially Relevant Information in Schizophrenia
Authors: Jimenez Amy M , Lee Junghee , Reavis Eric A , Wynn Jonathan K , Green Michael F
Published: June 2020

Individuals with schizophrenia (SZ) demonstrate poor recognition memory, even when information is socially relevant. The neural alterations associated with responses to old information that is accurately recognized (true recognition) vs new information inaccurately identified as old (false recognition) are not known. Twenty SZ patients and 16 healthy controls performed a recognition paradigm during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) using 78 learned target and 78 new distractor words (all socially relevant trait adjectives). Participants were asked to indicate whether they had seen the word before or not. Words were classified according to the subjects’ responses, as hits (true recognition), false alarms (false recognition), correct rejections, or misses and compared for blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) activation. During hits, patients with SZ and controls showed similar BOLD activation in expected areas of lateral prefrontal cortex, parietal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex. During false alarms, controls activated many of the same regions as were activated during hits. In contrast, patients had reduced activation in lateral prefrontal cortex (Brodmann Area, BA, 9, 46), anterior cingulate/paracingulate (BA 24/32, 6), and posterior cingulate cortex (BA 23/31). These results indicate that, compared to controls, patients with SZ exhibit a lack of correspondence between behavior (ie, falsely identifying new items as old) and neural activation patterns (ie, overlap in activation of regions associated with true and false recognition). These findings shed light on the neural mechanisms associated with false recognition memory in SZ.
Interventions to reduce short-wavelength (“blue”) light exposure at night and their effects on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shechter Ari , Quispe Kristal A , Mizhquiri Barbecho Jennifer S , Slater Cody , Falzon Louise
Published: June 2020

The sleep-wake and circadian cycles are influenced by light, particularly in the short-wavelength portion of the visible spectrum. Most personal light-emitting electronic devices are enriched in this so-called “blue” light. Exposure to these devices in the evening can disturb sleep. Interventions to reduce short-wavelength light exposure before bedtime may reduce adverse effects on sleep. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the effect of wearing color-tinted lenses (e.g. orange or amber) in frames to filter short-wavelength light exposure to the eye before nocturnal sleep. Outcomes were self-reported or objective measures of nocturnal sleep. Relatively few (k = 12) studies have been done. Study findings were inconsistent, with some showing benefit and others showing no effect of intervention. Meta-analyses yielded a small-to-medium magnitude combined effect size for sleep efficiency (Hedge’s g = 0.31; 95% CI: −0.05, 0.66; I2 = 38.16%; k = 7), and a small-to-medium combined effect size for total sleep time (Hedge’s g = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.63; I2 = 12.07%; k = 6). For self-report measures, meta-analysis yielded a large magnitude combined effects size for Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index ratings (Hedge’s g = −1.25; 95% CI: −2.39, −0.11; I2 = 36.35%; k = 3) and a medium combined effect size for total sleep time (Hedge’s g = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.84; I2 = 0%; k = 3), Overall, there is some, albeit mixed, evidence that this approach can improve sleep, particularly in individuals with insomnia, bipolar disorder, delayed sleep phase syndrome, or attention-deficit hyperactive disorder. Considering the ubiquitousness of short-wavelength-enriched light sources, future controlled studies to examine the efficacy of this approach to improve sleep are warranted.

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018105854.
Skin failure in patients with a terminal illness
Authors: Julian Marcia K.
Published: June 2020

Skin changes related to the dying process are different from other types of pressure injuries.
Factors Associated With Family Medicine and Internal Medicine First-Year Residents’ Ambulatory Care Training Time
Authors: Kim Jung G. , Rodriguez Hector P. , Shortell Stephen M. , Fuller Bruce , Holmboe Eric S. , Rittenhouse Diane R.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Despite the importance of training in ambulatory care settings for residents to acquire important competencies, little is known about the organizational and environmental factors influencing the relative amount of time primary care residents train in ambulatory care during residency. The authors examined factors associated with postgraduate year 1 (PGY-1) residents’ ambulatory care training time in Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited primary care programs.

Method

U.S.-accredited family medicine (FM) and internal medicine (IM) programs’ 2016–2017 National Graduate Medical Education (GME) Census data from 895 programs within 550 sponsoring institutions (representing 13,077 PGY-1s) were linked to the 2016 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Cost Reports and 2015–2016 Area Health Resource File. Multilevel regression models examined the association of GME program characteristics, sponsoring institution characteristics, geography, and environmental factors with PGY-1 residents’ percentage of time spent in ambulatory care.

Results

PGY-1 mean (standard deviation, SD) percent time spent in ambulatory care was 25.4% (SD, 0.4) for both FM and IM programs. In adjusted analyses (% increase [standard error, SE]), larger faculty size (0.03% [SE, 0.01], P < .001), sponsoring institution’s receipt of Teaching Health Center (THC) funding (6.6% (SE, 2.7), P < .01), and accreditation warnings (4.8% [SE, 2.5], P < .05) were associated with a greater proportion of PGY-1 time spent in ambulatory care. Programs caring for higher proportions of Medicare beneficiaries spent relatively less time in ambulatory care (< 0.5% [SE, 0.2], P < .01).

Conclusions

Ambulatory care time for PGY-1s varies among ACGME-accredited primary care residency programs due to the complex context and factors primary care GME programs operate under. Larger ACGME-accredited FM and IM programs and those receiving federal THC GME funding had relatively more PGY-1 time spent in ambulatory care settings. These findings inform policies to increase resident exposure in ambulatory care, potentially improving learning, competency achievement, and primary care access.
Proposal of a novel predictive radiological method to assess the possibility of closed reduction in late presenting developmental dysplasia of the hip: the femoro-acetabular zones
Authors: Elghobashy Osama Hassan , Kutty Satish , Dawood Ashraf A. , Hadrawi Ahmed Taha , Alharbi Hatem H. , Barakat Ahmed S. , Zohdy Karim K. , Gaine William J.
Published: June 2020

Late presentation of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) remains a major orthopedic problem. However, existing management is not standardized and is highly surgeon dependent.

The theory behind femoro-acetabular zones (FAZ) system is to find a relationship between acetabular maturity and severity of dislocation in one hand, and the outcome of closed reduction, on the other hand in late presenting cases. A retrospective study was performed on children with untreated DDH that underwent closed treatment. Our series consisted of 65 hips; mean patient age was 24 months (range: 9–30 months) with a minimum follow-up of 3 years. FAZ classification was applied to the pre-reduction pelvic radiograph, while the results were evaluated according to Severin’s scoring system. Overall, 37 of 65 hips (57%) achieved a satisfactory outcome (Severin I and II), while 22 hips (33%) were found to be unsatisfactory (Severin III). Six hips (10%) needed an open reduction. FAZ expressed a simple and reliable classification in predicting the success of closed reduction. This novel X-ray-based classification system can easily predict patients with DDH in whom a closed reduction is likely to succeed and defer patients with higher grades to surgical intervention. Yet, its validity has to be verified in larger cohort studies and directly compared to the established International Hip Dysplasia Institute classification.
Growth modulation for fixed flexion contracture of the knee: a comparison of two techniques
Authors: McClure Philip K. , Alrabai Hamza M. , Herzenberg John E.
Published: June 2020

Growth modulation has become a mainstream treatment for frontal plane angular lower extremity deformities in children. Few articles address the effect of growth modulation on sagittal deformity. Our aim is to compare two anterior distal femoral growth modulation techniques for fixed knee flexion contracture. Electronic medical records were reviewed for patients who underwent anterior femoral growth modulation for fixed flexion contracture. Patients were excluded if adequate preoperative/postoperative radiographs were unavailable. A cohort was subdivided based on surgical technique: screws alone versus dual tension-band plates. Complications were recorded; radiographs were evaluated preoperatively and at hardware removal. Posterior distal femoral angle (PDFA), posterior proximal tibial angle (PPTA), and anterior cortical line (ACL) angle were evaluated. Of 35 patients identified, 20 patients (29 knees) were included. Thirteen knees were treated with dual anterior tension-band plates; 16 knees had transphyseal screws. Sagittal alignment improved in both groups. Statistically significant PDFA changes were observed in the tension-band plate group (P = 0.0095); a trend was noted toward improvement in ACL angle (P = 0.08). PPTA did not change. No changes reached significance in the transphyseal screw group (PDFA: P = 0.181, ACL: P = 0.64). Tension-band plate migration was noted in one (7.7%) of 13 knees, and transphyseal screw migration in nine (56.3%) of 16 knees (P < 0.01). Anterior distal femoral growth modulation improves sagittal alignment without significant remodeling at the proximal tibia. Hardware migration occurred more often with transphyseal screws (P < 0.01). We recommend dual anterior tension-band plating over placement of paired screws for sagittal growth modulation to treat knee flexion contracture.