bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Great Divides: Incommensurability, the Impossibility of Mixed-Methodology, and What to Do about It
Authors: Beach Derek , Kaas Jonas Gejl
Published: March 2020

There is still significant confusion about how multimethod research can be undertaken and even if it is possible. The article makes the claims that much of the confusion is the result of a failure to distinguish between multimethod and multimethodology research. We argue that there are at least three different methodological languages: variance-based, case-based, and interpretivist. The article starts by discussing the ontological and epistemological foundations underlying the three different methodologies that result in them making very different types of claims evidenced with very different empirical material. Variance-based methodologies assesses mean causal effects across a set of cases, whereas case-based methodologies focus on how a causal process works within a case. Markedly different from the causally oriented variance- and case-bases approaches, interpretivist research ask questions about human meaning-making in specific contexts. While the claim of methodological incommensurability is not a new claim, the contribution we make in this article is to unpack more clearly the irreconcilable differences that exist across the three methodologies and how they play out in international studies scholarship, and to provide suggestions for what we can do about it.
Supplemental methionine and stocking density affect antioxidant status, fatty acid profiles, and growth performance of broiler chickens
Authors: Magnuson Andrew D , Liu Guanchen , Sun Tao , Tolba Samar A , Xi Lin , Whelan Rose , Lei Xin Gen
Published: March 2020

Broilers stocked in high densities may be prone to oxidative and inflammatory insults, resulting in impaired health status, growth performance, and meat quality. This study was to determine if 30% extra supplemental dl-methionine alleviated or prevented those adverse effects of a higher stocking density in broiler chickens. A total of 560 male Cornish Cross cockerels (day old) were divided into four groups: two stocking densities (9 and 12 birds/m2) and two supplementations of methionine (grower: 2.90 or 3.77 g/kg and finisher: 2.60 or 3.38 g/kg). Growth performance was recorded weekly. Blood and tissues were sampled at the end of each period. High stocking density decreased (P < 0.05) body weight and growth performance of growers and (or) finishers. Those differences were partially attenuated by the extra methionine supplementation. The high methionine elevated (P < 0.05) glutathione (GSH) concentration in the thigh at both ages (> 24%). The high stocking density elevated (>28%, P < 0.05) glutathione concentration in the plasma, breast, and thigh of growers, but decreased (P < 0.05) it in the liver of growers and thigh of finishers. Interaction effects (P < 0.05) between dietary methionine and stocking density were found on activities of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione S-transferase in the liver of growers and breast, thigh, and adipose tissue of finishers. The interaction effect was also found on activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in the thigh of growers. The extra methionine decreased (P < 0.05) hepatic gene expression of heat shock protein 90 (18%) and thigh and breast malondialdehyde concentrations of the finishers (35%). In conclusion, the 30% extra dl-methionine supplementation was able to partially mitigate adverse effects caused by the higher stocking density and to improve the redox status of the broilers.
Four versus six chemotherapy cycles in endometrial carcinoma with a high risk of recurrence: a retrospective study
Authors: Mayama Michinori , Asano Hiroshi , Nomura Eiji , Ihira Kei , Nozaki Ayako , Kato Tatsuya , Konno Yousuke , Mitamura Takashi , Kobayashi Noriko , Takeda Mahito , Kudo Masataka , Watari Hidemichi
Published: March 2020

Objective

This study compared the survival outcomes and the incidence of chemotherapy-related adverse events in endometrial cancer patients who received four and six cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy to examine the optimal number of adjuvant chemotherapy cycles.

Methods

A total of 112 patients with endometrial cancer with a high risk of recurrence were retrospectively enrolled; 46 patients received four cycles and 66 received six cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy. Between-group differences of overall survival, disease-free survival, hematological and non-hematological toxicities were analyzed. Baseline patient’s background differences were assessed with inverse probability of treatment weighting using propensity score.

Results

Overall and disease-free survivals between the two groups were not significantly different. Paclitaxel + carboplatin, every 3–4 weeks was the most frequently used chemotherapy regimen in both groups. Patients in the six-cycle chemotherapy group developed neutropenia G4 or febrile neutropenia more frequently than those in the four-cycle group; odds ratio (95% confidence interval) is 4.07 (1.51–10.96). Peripheral sensory neuropathy was the most frequently observed non-hematological toxicity; the incidence of peripheral sensory neuropathy was not significantly different between four- and six-cycle chemotherapy group, P = 0.832. The result was same in the subgroup analysis in patients who received TC regimen, P = 0.455.

Conclusion

This study implies a possible benefit of fewer cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy in endometrial cancer patients with a high risk of recurrence because of the lower incidence of hematological toxicities without impairing survival outcomes.
Lethal Effects of a Silica Gel + Thyme Oil (EcoVia) Dust and Aqueous Suspensions on Amblyomma americanum (Ixodida: Ixodidae) Larvae and Nymphs
Authors: Showler Allan T , Dorsey Bailee N , Caesar Ryan M
Published: March 2020

Ixodids suck blood from host animals and transmit pathogens that cause important medical and veterinary diseases. As synthetic conventional acaricide resistance becomes increasingly common, alternative tactics are likely to enhance control efforts. Laboratory bioassays assessed the lethality of CimeXa, a commercial silica gel desiccant dust, and EcoVia, a commercial product containing silica gel + thyme oil, against lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum (L.), larvae and nymphs. Both life stages were completely killed by CimeXa by 24 h, and EcoVia achieved total larval mortality within 1 h when they were initially immersed in the dusts and when they crawled across treated substrate. Larvae were killed faster than nymphs. Temporary immersion of A. americanum larvae and nymphs in aqueous suspensions of the dusts were less effective than exposure to the dusts applied dry. Larval and nymphal mortality associated with crawling on dried aqueous suspensions of the products was also not as strong as when the immature life stages crawled across substrate treated with dry dusts, and EcoVia was not more efficient than CimeXa. CimeXa and EcoVia can likely be used to protect cattle in a prophylactic context because silica gel does not degrade, and EcoVia might be effective at eliminating ticks that are feeding on cattle as well. We suggest that the two dust products be assessed for efficacy against other ixodid species, such as the southern cattle fever tick, Rhipicephalus microplus (Canestrini), which transmits the causal agents of babesiosis to cattle.
Contribution of Germline Predisposition Gene Mutations to Breast Cancer Risk in African American Women
Authors: Palmer Julie R , Polley Eric C , Hu Chunling , John Esther M , Haiman Christopher , Hart Steven N , Gaudet Mia , Pal Tuya , Anton-Culver Hoda , Trentham-Dietz Amy , Bernstein Leslie , Ambrosone Christine B , Bandera Elisa V , Bertrand Kimberly A , Bethea Traci N , Gao Chi , Gnanaolivu Rohan D , Huang Hongyan , Lee Kun Y , LeMarchand Loic , Na Jie , Sandler Dale P , Shah Payal D , Yadav Siddhartha , Yang William , Weitzel Jeffrey N , Domchek Susan M , Goldgar David E , Nathanson Katherine L , Kraft Peter , Yao Song , Couch Fergus J
Published: March 2020

Background

The risks of breast cancer in African American (AA) women associated with inherited mutations in breast cancer predisposition genes are not well defined. Thus, whether multigene germline hereditary cancer testing panels are applicable to this population is unknown. We assessed associations between mutations in panel-based genes and breast cancer risk in 5054 AA women with breast cancer and 4993 unaffected AA women drawn from 10 epidemiologic studies.

Methods

Germline DNA samples were sequenced for mutations in 23 cancer predisposition genes using a QIAseq multiplex amplicon panel. Prevalence of mutations and odds ratios (ORs) for associations with breast cancer risk were estimated with adjustment for study design, age, and family history of breast cancer.

Results

Pathogenic mutations were identified in 10.3% of women with estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer, 5.2% of women with ER-positive breast cancer, and 2.3% of unaffected women. Mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2 were associated with high risks of breast cancer (OR = 47.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 10.43 to >100; OR = 7.25, 95% CI = 4.07 to 14.12; OR = 8.54, 95% CI = 3.67 to 24.95, respectively). RAD51D mutations were associated with high risk of ER-negative disease (OR = 7.82, 95% CI = 1.61 to 57.42). Moderate risks were observed for CHEK2, ATM, ERCC3, and FANCC mutations with ER-positive cancer, and RECQL mutations with all breast cancer.

Conclusions

The study identifies genes that predispose to breast cancer in the AA population, demonstrates the validity of current breast cancer testing panels for use in AA women, and provides a basis for increased referral of AA patients for cancer genetic testing.
The impact of light and temperature on chromatin organization and plant adaptation
Authors: Perrella Giorgio , Zioutopoulou Anna , Headland Lauren R , Kaiserli Eirini
Published: March 2020

Light and temperature shape the developmental trajectory and morphology of plants. Changes in chromatin organization and nuclear architecture can modulate gene expression and lead to short- and long-term plant adaptation to the environment. Here, we review recent reports investigating how changes in chromatin composition, structure, and topology modulate gene expression in response to fluctuating light and temperature conditions resulting in developmental and physiological responses. Furthermore, the potential application of novel revolutionary techniques, such Hi-C, RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and padlock-FISH, to study the impact of environmental stimuli such as light and temperature on nuclear compartmentalization in plants is discussed.
A Rapid and Accurate Detection Approach for Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Based on PCR-ELISA Microplate Hybridization Assay
Authors: Zhou Ye-Cheng , He Shu-Mei , Wen Zi-Lu , Zhao Jun-Wei , Song Yan-Zheng , Zhang Ying , Zhang Shu-Lin
Published: March 2020

Rapid and accurate diagnosis of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is important for timely and appropriate therapy. In this study, a rapid and easy-to-perform molecular test that integrated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and a specific 96-well microplate hybridization assay, called PCR-ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), were developed for detection of mutations in rpoB, katG, and inhA genes responsible for rifampin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH) resistance and prediction of drug susceptibility in Mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical isolates. We evaluated the utility of this method by using 32 multidrug-resistent (MDR) isolates and 22 susceptible isolates; subsequently, we compared the results with data obtained by conventional drug susceptibility testing and DNA sequencing. The sensitivity and specificity of the PCR-ELISA test were 93.7% and 100% for detecting RIF resistance, and 87.5% and 100% for detecting INH resistance, respectively. These results were comparable to those yielded by commercially available molecular tests such as the GenoType MTBDRplus assay. Based on the aforementioned results, we conclude that the PCR-ELISA microplate hybridization assay is a rapid, inexpensive, convenient, and reliable test that will be useful for rapid diagnosis of MDR-TB, for improved clinical care.
Measuring line-of-sight sodium density structure using laser guide stars
Authors: Hellemeier Joschua A , Bonaccini Calia Domenico , Hickson Paul , Otarola Angel , Pfrommer Thomas
Published: March 2020

The performance of adaptive optics systems employing sodium laser guide stars can be improved by continuously monitoring the vertical density structure of mesospheric sodium along the line of sight. We demonstrate that sodium density profiles can be retrieved by amplitude modulation of continuous wave (CW) lasers. In an experiment conducted at the Large Zenith Telescope (LZT), ESO’s Wendelstein Raman-fibre laser was amplitude-modulated with a pseudo-random binary sequence and profiles were obtained by cross-correlation of the modulation pattern with the observed return signal from the laser guide star. For comparison, high-resolution profiles were obtained simultaneously using the lidar system of the LZT. The profiles obtained by the two techniques show noise contamination, but were found to agree to within the measurement error. As a further check, a comparison was also made between several lidar profiles and those obtained by simultaneous observations using a remote telescope to image the laser plume from the side. The modulated CW lidar technique could be implemented by diverting a small fraction of the returned laser light to a photon counting detector. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations indicate that, for 50 per cent modulation strength, the sodium centroid altitude could be retrieved every 5 s from a single laser guide star, with an accuracy which would induce a corresponding wavefront error of 50 nm for the Extremely Large Telescope and less than 30 nm for the Thirty Meter Telescope and Giant Magellan Telescope. If multiple laser guide stars are employed, the required modulation amplitude will be smaller.
Instability of supersonic cold streams feeding galaxies – IV. Survival of radiatively cooling streams
Authors: Mandelker Nir , Nagai Daisuke , Aung Han , Dekel Avishai , Birnboim Yuval , van den Bosch Frank C
Published: March 2020

We study the effects of Kelvin–Helmholtz Instability (KHI) on the cold streams that feed massive haloes at high redshift, generalizing our earlier results to include the effects of radiative cooling and heating from a UV background, using analytic models and high resolution idealized simulations. We currently do not consider self-shielding, thermal conduction, or gravity. A key parameter in determining the fate of the streams is the ratio of the cooling time in the turbulent mixing layer which forms between the stream and the background following the onset of the instability, $t_{\rm cool,\, mix}$, to the time in which the mixing layer expands to the width of the stream in the non-radiative case, tshear. This can be converted into a critical stream radius, Rs, crit, such that $R_{\rm s}/R_{\rm s,crit}=t_{\rm shear}/t_{\rm cool,\, mix}$. If Rs < Rs, crit, the non-linear evolution proceeds similarly to the non-radiative case studied by Mandelker et al. If Rs > Rs,crit, which we find to almost always be the case for astrophysical cold streams, the stream is not disrupted by KHI. Rather, background mass cools and condenses on to the stream, and can increase the mass of cold gas by a factor of ∼3 within 10 stream sound crossing times. The mass entrainment induces thermal energy losses from the background and kinetic energy losses from the stream, which we model analytically. Roughly half of the dissipated energy is radiated away from gas with $T \lt 5\times 10^4\, {\rm K}$, suggesting much of it will be emitted in Ly α.
Genetic interactions and transcriptomics implicate fission yeast CTD prolyl isomerase Pin1 as an agent of RNA 3′ processing and transcription termination that functions via its effects on CTD phosphatase Ssu72
Authors: Sanchez Ana M , Garg Angad , Shuman Stewart , Schwer Beate
Published: March 2020

The phosphorylation pattern of Pol2 CTD Y1S2P3T4S5P6S7 repeats comprises an informational code coordinating transcription and RNA processing. cis–trans isomerization of CTD prolines expands the scope of the code in ways that are not well understood. Here we address this issue via analysis of fission yeast peptidyl-prolyl isomerase Pin1. A pin1Δ allele that does not affect growth per se is lethal in the absence of cleavage-polyadenylation factor (CPF) subunits Ppn1 and Swd22 and elicits growth defects absent CPF subunits Ctf1 and Dis2 and termination factor Rhn1. Whereas CTD S2A, T4A, and S7A mutants thrive in combination with pin1Δ, a Y1F mutant does not, nor do CTD mutants in which half the Pro3 or Pro6 residues are replaced by alanine. Phosphate-acquisition genes pho1, pho84 and tgp1 are repressed by upstream lncRNAs and are sensitive to changes in lncRNA 3′ processing/termination. pin1Δ hyper-represses PHO gene expression and erases the de-repressive effect of CTD-S7A. Transcriptional profiling delineated sets of 56 and 22 protein-coding genes that are down-regulated and up-regulated in pin1Δ cells, respectively, 77% and 100% of which are downregulated/upregulated when the cis-proline-dependent Ssu72 CTD phosphatase is inactivated. Our results implicate Pin1 as a positive effector of 3′ processing/termination that acts via Ssu72.
Prediction of synonymous corrections by the BE-FF computational tool expands the targeting scope of base editing
Authors: Rabinowitz Roy , Abadi Shiran , Almog Shiri , Offen Daniel
Published: March 2020

Base editing is a genome-editing approach that employs the CRISPR/Cas system to precisely install point mutations within the genome. A deaminase enzyme is fused to a deactivated Cas and enables transition conversions. The diversified repertoire of base editors provides a wide range of base editing possibilities. However, existing base editors cannot induce transversion substitutions and activate only within a specified region relative to the binding site, thus, they cannot precisely correct every point mutation. Here, we present BE-FF (Base Editors Functional Finder), a novel computational tool that identifies suitable base editors to correct the translated sequence erred by a point mutation. When a precise correction is impossible, BE-FF aims to mutate bystander nucleotides in order to induce synonymous corrections that will correct the coding sequence. To measure BE-FF practicality, we analysed a database of human pathogenic point mutations. Out of the transition mutations, 60.9% coding sequences could be corrected. Notably, 19.4% of the feasible corrections were not achieved by precise corrections but only by synonymous corrections. Moreover, 298 cases of transversion-derived pathogenic mutations were detected to be potentially repairable by base editing via synonymous corrections, although base editing is considered impractical for such mutations.
Evaluation of RAPNO criteria in medulloblastoma and other leptomeningeal seeding tumors using MRI and clinical data
Authors: Peng Jian , Zhou Hao , Tang Oliver , Chang Ken , Wang Panpan , Zeng Xiaowei , Shen Qin , Wu Jing , Xiao Yanhe , Patel Sohil H , Hu Chongyu , Jin Ke , Xiao Bo , Boxerman Jerrold , Gao Xiaoping , Wen Patrick Y , Bai Harrison X , Huang Raymond Y , Yang Li
Published: March 2020

Background

Although the Response Assessment in Pediatric Neuro-Oncology (RAPNO) working group has made recommendations for response assessment in patients with medulloblastoma (MBL) and leptomeningeal seeding tumors, these criteria have yet to be evaluated.

Methods

We examined MR imaging and clinical data in a multicenter retrospective cohort of 269 patients with MBL diagnoses, high grade glioma, embryonal tumor, germ cell tumor, or choroid plexus papilloma. Interobserver agreement, objective response (OR) rates, and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated. Landmark analyses were performed for OR and progression status at 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 years after treatment initiation. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the associations between OR and progression with overall survival (OS). Subgroup analyses based on tumor subgroup and treatment modality were performed.

Results

The median follow-up time was 4.0 years. In all patients, the OR rate was .0.565 (95% CI: 0.505–0.625) by RAPNO. The interobserver agreement of OR determination between 2 raters (a neuroradiologist and a neuro-oncologist) for the RAPNO criteria in all patients was 83.8% (k statistic = 0.815; P < 0.001). At 0.5-, 1.0-, and 1.5-year landmarks, both OR status and PFS determined by RAPNO were predictive of OS (hazard ratios [HRs] for 1-year landmark: OR HR = 0.079, P < 0.001; PFS HR = 10.192, P < 0.001). In subgroup analysis, OR status and PFS were predictive of OS for all tumor subtypes and treatment modalities.

Conclusion

RAPNO criteria showed excellent consistency in the treatment response evaluation of MBL and other leptomeningeal seeding tumors. OR and PFS determined by RAPNO criteria correlated with OS.
On theory and methods for advanced detonation-driven hypervelocity shock tunnels
Authors: Jiang Zonglin , Li Jinping , Hu Zongmin , Liu Yunfeng , Yu Hongru
Published: March 2020

This study describes theory and methods for developing detonation-driven shock tunnels in hypervelocity test facilities. The primary concept and equations for high-enthalpy shock tunnels are presented first to demonstrate the unique advantage of shock tubes for aerodynamic ground-based testing. Then, the difficulties in simulating flight conditions in hypervelocity shock tunnels are identified, and discussed in detail to address critical issues underlying these difficulties. Theory and methods for developing detonation drivers are proposed, and relevant progress that has advanced the state of the art in large-scale hypersonic test facilities is presented with experimental verifications. Finally, tailored conditions for detonation-driven shock tunnels are described, laying a solid foundation to achieve long test duration. This interface-matching key issue encountered in developing shock tunnels has been investigated for decades, but not solved for detonation drivers in engineering applications.
Towards a Theory of Legal Animal Rights: Simple and Fundamental Rights
Authors: Stucki Saskia
Published: March 2020

With legal animal rights on the horizon, there is a need for a more systematic theorisation of animal rights as legal rights. This article addresses conceptual, doctrinal and normative issues relating to the nature and foundations of legal animal rights by examining three key questions: can, do and should animals have legal rights? It will show that animals are conceptually possible candidates for rights ascriptions. Moreover, certain ‘animal welfare rights’ could arguably be extracted from existing animal welfare laws, even though these are currently imperfect and weak legal rights at best. Finally, this article introduces the new conceptual vocabulary of simple and fundamental animal rights, in order to distinguish the weak legal rights that animals may be said to have as a matter of positive law from the kind of strong legal rights that animals ought to have as a matter of future law.
Trigonometric parallax of O-rich Mira variable star OZ Gem (IRAS 07308+3037): A confirmation of the difference between the P–L relations of the Large Magellanic Cloud and the Milky Way
Authors: Urago Riku , Yamaguchi Ryohei , Omodaka Toshihiro , Nagayama Takumi , Chibueze James O , Fujimoto Masayuki Y , Nagayama Takahiro , Nakagawa Akiharu , Ueno Yuji , Kawabata Miho , Nakaoka Tatsuya , Takagi Kengo , Yamanaka Masayuki , Kawabata Koji
Published: March 2020

OZ Geminorum (OZ Gem) is a galactic Mira variable in the Milky Way (MW). We measured its annual parallax with VLBI Exploration of Radio Astrometry to be π = 0.806 ± 0.039 mas, corresponding to a distance of D = 1.24 ± 0.06 kpc. Based on multi-epoch infrared observations with the Kagoshima University 1 m telescope, we also derived the mean J-, H-, and K′-band magnitudes of OZ Gem to be 5.75 ± 0.47 mag, 4.00 ± 0.16 mag, and 2.65 ± 0.16 mag, respectively. We derived a pulsation period of OZ Gem as 592 ± 1 d from the K′-band lightcurve. From the period–luminosity (P–L) relation and two-color diagram of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), the property of OZ Gem suggests that OZ Gem is assigned among the carbon-rich Mira variables. However, our optical spectroscopic observational results (with the 1.5 m Kanata telescope) confirmed OZ Gem to be an oxygen-rich Mira star with the detection of multiple titanium oxide transition absorption lines. We suggest that OZ Gem is a low-mass star evolving to an OH/IR star with large mass loss and dust formation. It is predicted that the lower limit to the initial mass of AGB stars for developing the C-rich surface chemistry is larger in the MW than in the LMC because of larger metallicity, and OZ Gem is likely to be the first example to prove this. Our results highlight the necessity of deriving the PL relation of the Milky Way with high accuracy.
Zooplankton abundance trends and patterns in Shelikof Strait, western Gulf of Alaska, USA, 1990–2017
Authors: Kimmel David G , Duffy-Anderson Janet T
Published: March 2020

A multivariate approach was used to analyze spring zooplankton abundance in Shelikof Strait, western Gulf of Alaska. abundance of individual zooplankton taxa was related to environmental variables using generalized additive models. The most important variables that correlated with zooplankton abundance were water temperature, salinity and ordinal day (day of year when sample was collected). A long-term increase in abundance was found for the calanoid copepod Calanus pacificus, copepodite stage 5 (C5). A dynamic factor analysis (DFA) indicated one underlying trend in the multivariate environmental data that related to phases of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. DFA of zooplankton time series also indicated one underlying trend where the positive phase was characterized by increases in the abundance of C. marshallae C5, C. pacificus C5, Eucalanus bungii C4, Pseudocalanus spp. C5 and Limacina helicina and declines in the abundance of Neocalanus cristatus C4 and Neocalanus spp. C4. The environmental and zooplankton DFA trends were not correlated over the length of the entire time period; however, the two time series were correlated post-2004. The strong relationship between environmental conditions, zooplankton abundance and time of sampling suggests that continued warming in the region may lead to changes in zooplankton community composition and timing of life history events during spring.
The impact of smoking on prevalence of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Gazel Ummugulsum , Ayan Gizem , Solmaz Dilek , Akar Servet , Aydin Sibel Z
Published: March 2020

Objectives

In this systematic literature review and meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate the impact of cigarette smoking on the prevalence and incidence of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Method

We performed a systematic literature review using the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register databases. The literature included publications from January 1980 to July 2019. The studies that provided clear information on the number of patients with ever smoking data were included in the meta-analysis.

Results

The systematic literature review identified 52 and 24 articles for the prevalence of smoking in psoriasis and PsA, respectively. Of these, 16 articles on psoriasis and three and four (general population and psoriasis, respectively) articles on PsA met the criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of ever smoking was increased in psoriasis compared with the general population (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.4, 2.3). For PsA the prevalence of ever smoking was reduced in psoriasis patients (OR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.81), but not changed compared with the general population (OR: 1.10; 95% CI: 0.92, 1.32).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis showed that ever smoking increases the risk of psoriasis in the general population, but may reduce the risk of PsA in psoriasis patients. The latter may be also due to the collider effect. Whether smoking cessation neutralizes the risk of developing psoriasis requires a well-defined smoking data collection for the past history and this is currently unavailable in the literature.
Socio-demographic and Household-Level Risk Factors for Severe Acute Malnutrition in Pre-school Children in North-Western Nigeria
Authors: Imam Abdulazeez , Hassan-Hanga Fatimah , Sallahdeen Azeezat , Farouk Zubaida L
Published: March 2020

Background

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and is disproportionately distributed mainly in developing countries. In Nigeria, the prevalence of SAM in the North-Western region of the country is significantly higher than the national average. In this study, we identified risk factors for SAM in North-Western Nigeria. Identifying such risk factors would be helpful in developing local preventive strategies and providing insights for broader SAM control programs in other high-burden country settings.

Methods

We performed post hoc data analysis, comparing baseline socio-demographic and household-level risk factors in a cohort of 1011 children aged between 6 and 59 months who either had SAM or were well-nourished children. We defined nutritional status using the World Health Organization (WHO) reference standards and investigated the association between SAM and our identified risk factors using multivariable logistic regression model.

Results

Children aged between 12 and 23 months [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.99–4.38], household who reared domestic animals (AOR 1.94, 95% CI 1.40–2.69) and those from polygamous households (AOR 1.91, 95% CI 1.33–2.74) had significantly increased odds of developing SAM. Parental education and being on the household diet reduced the odds of having SAM.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest the need to develop optimal complementary feeding nutrition programs and promote adult and general education in our community. Cultural and feeding practices in local polygamous households also need further investigation to understand the association between polygamy with SAM.
Comparison of Thresholds Obtained With the Radioear B-71 and B-81 Bone-Conduction Transducers
Authors: Rao Aparna , Altus Bryce , Schroeder Roselynn , Margolis Robert H.
Published: March 2020

Objectives:

A new bone conduction transducer, the Radioear B-81, has been designed to be an improvement over the commonly used transducer, the Radioear B-71. Reference Equivalent Threshold Force Levels (RETFLs) were obtained with the new Radioear B-81.

Design:

Thresholds were obtained in accordance with ANSI-S3.6-2018 (Annex D) and participants were selected as prescribed in ISO 389.9-2009. Thresholds were obtained with automatic audiometry using circumaural earphones (Radioear DD450) and forehead placement of the bone vibrators.

Results:

Mean bone conduction thresholds obtained using the B-81 and B-71 bone oscillators for frequencies from 250 to 4000 Hz were not statistically different. RETFLs for the B-81 are identical to the values in ANSI S3.6-2018 for the B-71 bone vibrator. Air-bone gaps were observed for both transducers at low frequencies (250 and 500 Hz) due to occlusion effects produced by the circumaural earphone and at high frequencies (3000 and 4000 Hz), previously reported in several studies that used standard RETFLs. Test-retest differences for air conduction thresholds were analyzed and the results are presented in the Appendix A (Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/EANDH/A639).

Conclusions:

RETFLs in ANSI S3.6-2018 and ISO 389.3-2016 are appropriate for use with the B-81 bone vibrator.
Preclinical rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis prevention
Authors: Greenblatt H. Karl , Kim Hyoun-Ah , Bettner Leah F. , Deane Kevin D.
Published: March 2020

Purpose of review

This review is to provide an update on the current understanding of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) development related to disease development prior to the onset clinically apparent synovitis (i.e. Pre-RA), and opportunities for disease prevention.

Recent findings

A growing number of studies have demonstrated that serum elevations of autoantibodies rheumatoid factor, antibodies to citrullinated protein/peptide antigens (ACPAs) and antibodies to other posttranslationally modified proteins (e.g. carbamylated proteins) are highly predictive of future development of inflammatory arthritis/RA during a period that can be termed Pre-RA. Other factors including genetic, environmental, symptoms and imaging findings can also enhance prediction. Moreover, several novel biomarkers and changes in autoantibodies (e.g. glycosylation of variable domains) have been identified in Pre-RA. There has also been growing evidence that initiation and propagation of RA-related autoimmunity during the Pre-RA phase may be related to mucosal processes. The discovery of Pre-RA has also underpinned the development of several clinical prevention trials in RA; specifically, the PRAIRI study demonstrated that a single dose of rituximab can delay the onset of clinically apparent IA in at-risk individuals. Additional studies are evaluating the ability of drugs including abatacept, hydroxychloroquine and methotrexate to prevent or delay future RA.

The results from ongoing natural history and prevention trials in RA should further inform several critical issues in RA prevention including identification and enrolment of individuals at high-risk of imminent RA, the efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of prevention, and potentially the identification of new targets for prevention.
Counseling Guidelines for Anticipated Postsurgical Improvements in Pain, Function, Mental Health, and Self-image for Different Types of Adult Spinal Deformity
Authors: Line Breton , Bess Shay , Lafage Virginie , Ames Christopher , Burton Douglas , Kim Han Jo , Gupta Munish , Hart Robert , Klineberg Eric , Kelly Michael , Kebaish Khaled , Hostin Richard , Mundis Gregory , Schwab Frank , Shaffrey Christopher , Smith Justin S.
Published: March 2020

Study Design.

Retrospective analysis of a multicenter prospective adult spinal deformity (ASD) database.

Objective.

Quantify postoperative improvements in pain, function, mental health, and self-image for different ASD types.

Summary of Background Data.

Medical providers are commonly requested to counsel patients on anticipated improvements in specific health domains including pain, function, and self-image following surgery. ASD is a heterogeneous condition; therefore, health domain improvements may vary according to deformity type. Few studies have quantified outcomes for specific ASD types.

Methods.

Surgically treated ASD patients (≥4 levels fused) prospectively enrolled into a multicenter database, minimum 2-year follow-up, were categorized into ASD types according to Scoliosis Research Society-Schwab ASD classification (THORACIC, LUMBAR, DOUBLE, SAGITTAL, MIXED). Demographic, radiographic, operative, and patient reported outcome measures (NRS back and leg pain, SRS-22r, SF-36) data were evaluated. Preoperative and last postoperative values for pain, physical and social function, mental health, and self-image were evaluated, improvements in each domain were quantified, and domain scores compared to generational normative values. Postoperative improvements were also calculated for three age cohorts (<45 yr, 45–65 yr, and >65 yr) within each deformity type.

Results.

359 of 564 patients eligible for study (mean age 57.9 yr, mean scoliosis 43.4°, mean SVA 63.3 mm, mean 11.7 levels fused) had ≥2 yr follow-up. Domain improvements for the entire ASD population were 45.1% for back pain, 41.3% for leg pain, 27.1% for physical function, 35.9% for social function, 62.0% for self-image, and 22.6% for mental health (P < 0.05). LUMBAR, SAGITTAL, and MIXED had greatest improvements in pain and function, while THORACIC and DOUBLE had greatest improvements in self-image. Self-image was the most impacted preoperative domain and demonstrated the greatest postoperative improvement for all ASD types.

Conclusion.

ASD patients demonstrated quantifiable postoperative improvements in pain, self-image, physical and social function, and mental health; however, improvements differed between ASD types. Further research is needed to understand specific patient expectations for ASD treatment.

Level of Evidence: 3
Reliability and Validity of the Turkish Version of the Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire-Scoliosis
Authors: Kuzu Duygu , Berk Hanife Özlem Sertel , Şimşek Ömer Faruk
Published: March 2020

Study Design.

It is cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Body Image Disturbances Questionnaire.

Objective.

The purpose of the study was to adopt the English version of the Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire-Scoliosis (BIDQ-S) into Turkish language.

Summary of Background Data.

BIDQ-S is originally adopted from BIDQ scale which is designed to be used for healthy subjects in order to assess concerns and distress about physical appearance, and impairment on daily functioning. However, there is no culturally adopted and validated BIDQ-S for the Turkish population.

Method.

Translation and back translation method was used to guide the translation process of the BIDQ-S from English to Turkish. In order to determine and confirm the factor structure of the Turkish BIDQ-S exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were performed. Convergent validity of the Turkish BIDQ-S- was determined by calculating the correlations of BIDQ-S, and the factors emerged, with the indicators of subjective well-being which consists of three components: positive affect (PA), negative affect (NA), and satisfaction with life (SWL) and of health related quality of life measured by Scoliosis Research Society Questionnaire (SRS-22).

Results.

The data from the present study demonstrated that different from the original, German and Chinese versions two factor solutions were found. The Turkish BIDQ-S also showed satisfactory internal consistency value with Cronbach α equals to 0.88 construct validity.

Conclusion.

In conclusion, current study shows that Turkish BIDQ-S is a valid and reliable questionnaire for assessing the body image concerns in patients with scoliosis in Turkish population.

Level of Evidence: 4
Variability in Hospital Costs of Adult Spinal Deformity Care
Authors: Jacobs Karel , Dewilde Thibault , Vandoren Cindy , Cardoen Brecht , Vansteenkiste Nancy , Scheys Lennart , Roodhooft Filip , Moke Lieven , Kesteloot Katrien
Published: March 2020

Study Design.

Retrospective, single-center analysis.

Objective.

To calculate the total clinical hospital cost of the Adult Spinal Deformity (ASD) care trajectory, to explain cost variability by patient and surgery characteristics, and to identify areas of process improvement opportunities.

Summary of Background Data.

ASD is associated with a high financial and clinical burden on society. ASD care thus requires improved insights in costs and its drivers as a critical step toward the improvement of value, i.e., the ratio between delivered health outcome and associated costs.

Methods.

Patient characteristics and surgical variables were collected following ethical approval in a cohort of 139 ASD patients, treated between December, 2014 and January, 2018. Clinical hospital costs were calculated, including all care activities, from initial consultation to 1 year after initial surgery (excl. overhead) in a university hospital setting. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to analyze the impact of patient and surgical characteristics on clinical costs.

Results.

75.5% of the total clinical hospital cost (€27,865) was incurred during initial surgery with costs related to the operating theatre (80.3%), nursing units (11.9%), and intensive care (2.9%) being the largest contributors. 57.5% of the variation in total cost could be explained in order of importance by surgical invasiveness, age, coronary disease, single or multiple-staged surgery, and mobility status. Revision surgery, unplanned surgery due to complications, was found to increase average costs by 87.6% compared with elective surgeries (€ 44,907 (± € 23,429) vs. € 23,944 (± € 7302)).

Conclusion.

This study identified opportunities for process improvement by calculating the total clinical hospital costs. In addition, it identified patient and treatment characteristics that predict 57.5% of cost variation, which could be taken into account when developing a payment system. Future research should include outcome data to assess variation in value.

Level of Evidence: 4
Evaluating the Minimal Clinically Important Difference of EQ-5D-3L in Patients With Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Authors: Burgstaller Jakob M. , Wertli Maria M. , Ulrich Nils H. , Pichierri Giuseppe , Brunner Florian , Farshad Mazda , Porchet François , Steurer Johann , Gravestock Isaac
Published: March 2020

Study Design.

Analysis of a prospective, multicenter cohort study.

Objective.

The aim of our study was to compare thresholds of published minimal clinically important differences (MCID) for the three-level EuroQol-5D health survey (EQ-5D-3L) summary index (range −0.53 to 1.00) with our anchor-based estimate and evaluate how useful these thresholds are in determining treatment success in patients undergoing surgery for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS).

Summary of Background Data.

MCID values for EQ-5D-3L are specific to the underlying disease and only three studies have been published for DLSS patients reporting different values.

Methods.

Patients of the multicenter Lumbar Stenosis Outcome Study with confirmed DLSS undergoing first-time decompression or fusion surgery with 12-month follow-up were enrolled in this study. To calculate MCID we used the Spinal Stenosis Measure satisfaction subscale as anchor.

Results.

For this study, 364 patients met the inclusion criteria; of these, 196 were very satisfied, 72 moderately satisfied, 43 somewhat satisfied, and 53 unsatisfied 12 months after surgery. The MCID calculation estimated for EQ-5D-3L a value of 0.19. Compared with published MCID values (ranging from 0.30 to 0.52), our estimation is less restrictive.

Conclusions.

In patients with LSS undergoing surgery, we estimated an MCID value for EQ-5D-3L summary index of 0.19 with the help of the average change anchor-based method, which we find to be the most suitable method for assessing patient change scores.

Level of Evidence: 3
The Treatment of Perioperative Spinal Cord Injury With Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Authors: Wilson Jamie R. F. , Schiavo Simone , Middleton William J. , Massicotte Eric M. , De Moraes Marcus V. , Katznelson Rita
Published: March 2020

Study Design.

Case report (level IV evidence).

Objective.

To describe a potential novel application of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in the successful treatment of a postoperative spinal cord injury.

Summary of Background Data.

A 68-year-old man presented with an acute spinal cord injury (ASIA impairment scale D), on the background of degenerative lower thoracic and lumbar canal stenosis. He underwent emergent decompression and instrumented fusion (T9–L5), with an uncomplicated intraoperative course and no electrophysiological changes. Immediate postoperative assessment demonstrated profound bilateral limb weakness (1/5 on the Medical Research Council [MRC] grading scale, ASIA impairment scale B), without radiological abnormality.

Methods.

Conventional medical management (hypertension, level 2 care) was instigated with the addition of Riluzole, with no effect after 30 hours. At 36 hours 100% oxygen at 2.8 atmospheres was applied for 90 minutes, and repeated after 8 hours, with a further three treatments over 48 hours.

Results.

The patient demonstrated near-immediate improvement in lower limb function to anti-gravity (MRC grading 3/5) after one treatment. Motor improvement continued over the following treatments, and after 2 weeks the patient was ambulatory. At 4 months, the patient demonstrated normal motor function with no sphincteric disturbance.

Conclusion.

The application of HBOT contributed to the immediate and sustained improvement (ASIA B to ASIA E) in motor recovery after postoperative spinal cord injury. HBOT may represent a new avenue of therapy for spinal cord injury, and requires further prospective investigation.

Level of Evidence: 4
miR-29a-5p Targets SATB2 and Regulates the SIRT1/Smad3 Deacetylation Pathway to Inhibit Thoracic Ligamentum Flavum Cell Osteogenesis
Authors: Feng Fabo , Qiu Haiyan , Zhu Danjie , Xiaolin Li , Ning Huiquan , Yang Di
Published: March 2020

Study Design.

Experimental analysis of the thoracic ligamentum flavum cell osteogenic differentiation process.

Objective.

This study aimed to explore the role of miR-29a-5p and special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 2 (SATB2) in a pathological osteogenic process.

Summary of Background Data.

Thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (TOLF) is an uncommon disease wherein ligaments within the spine undergo progressive ossification, resulting in stenosis of the spinal canal and myelopathy. MiR-29a-5p was found to be downregulated in ligament cells from ossified ligament tissue in a previous study. However, whether miR-29a-5p is involved in the process of TOLF has not been investigated.

Methods.

The expression of miR-29a-5p in ligament tissues or in the context of TOLF osteogenic cell differentiation was measured via qRT-PCR. Alkaline phosphatase activity assay and Alizarin red staining were used to analyze cellular osteogenesis. The protein-level expression of SATB2, SIRT1, and Smad3 were measured via immunohistochemistry or western blotting. Dual luciferase reporter assays and western blotting were used to confirm that miR-29a targets SATB2.

Results.

SATB2 was found to be upregulated and miR-29a-5p was downregulated in TOLF tissue. We additionally observed decreased miR-29a-5p expression during the process of TOLF osteogenic cell differentiation, and there was a marked reduction in the expression of key mediators of osteogenesis when miR-29a-5p was overexpressed. Consistent with this, when miR-29a-5p was inhibited this led to enhanced osteogenic cell differentiation of these cells. We further found miR-29a-5p to directly target and suppress the expression of SATB2. Knock-down of SATB2 was sufficient to reduce the ability of miR-29a-5p to inhibit osteogenesis, and this also led to decreased SIRT1 expression and Smad3 acetylation.

Conclusion.

Together our findings indicate that miR-29a-5p is able to prevent thoracic ligamentum flavum cell osteogenesis at least in part via targeting SATB2 and thereby suppressing the SIRT1/Smad3 deacetylation pathway.

Level of Evidence: N/A
A Simple and Robust Liquid Chromatography With Tandem Mass Spectrometry Analytical Method for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Plasma and Cerebrospinal Fluid Polymyxin B1 and B2
Authors: Wang Peile , Zhang Qiwen , Qin Zifei , Xing Han , Xu Min , Pei Hui , Yang Jing , Zhang Xiaojian
Published: March 2020

Background:

Polymyxin B is used as the last treatment resort for multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacterial infections. This study aimed to develop and validate a simple and robust liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry analytical method for therapeutic drug monitoring of plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) polymyxin B1 and B2.

Methods:

Plasma and CSF polymyxin B1 and B2 were chromatographically separated on a Thermo Hypersil GOLD aQ C18 column and detected using electrospray ionization+ mode coupled with multiple reaction monitoring. Blood and CSF samples for pharmacokinetic analysis were collected from 15 polymyxin B-treated patients.

Results:

The calibration curve showed acceptable linearity over 0.2–10 mcg/mL for polymyxin B1 and 0.05–2.5 mcg/mL for B2 in the plasma and CSF, respectively. After validation, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) method validation guideline, this method was applied for polymyxin B1 and B2 quantification in over 100 samples in a clinical study.

Conclusions:

A simple and robust method to measure polymyxin B1 and B2 in human CSF was first exploited and validated with good sensitivity and specificity, and successfully applied in polymyxin B pharmacokinetic analysis and therapeutic monitoring in Chinese patients.