bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A case of appendiceal mucinous cystadenoma which presented as painless purulent umbilical discharge
Authors: Al Buainain Latifa , Al Khaldi Turki , Tahseen Wael Mohamed
Published: August 2019

A 57-year-old obese, diabetic woman, presented with 1 day history of purulent umbilical discharge. She was vitally stable and afebrile. Abdominal examination revealed a full abdomen with purulent discharge from the umbilicus, swelling with erythema and induration surrounding the umbilicus. Lab tests were normal. Initial impression was abdominal wall abscess. Ultrasound showed subcutaneous fluid collection. Non-contrast CT showed collection and abdominal wall defect at the umbilicus. On exploration of the abscess cavity, there were two defects (umbilical and supraumbilical) with appendix protruding through the umbilical defect and a part of a small bowel and omentum adherent to the other defect. Wash was given, bowel and omentum were released and appendectomy was performed. Histopathology showed mucinous cystadenoma with periappendicitis. We would like to highlight the rare occurrence of an appendiceal mucinous cystadenoma in such a clinical presentation.
Rheumatoid meningitis can present MRI findings that mimic chronic subdural haematoma
Authors: Yagita Kaoru , Shinde Akiyo , Suenaga Toshihiko
Published: August 2019

A 65-year-old woman with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) experienced a recurrent tingling sensation in her left arm followed by aphasia and a tingling sensation in her right arm. A subsequent imaging study showed bilateral subdural fluid accumulation and we initially diagnosed her with a transient ischaemic attack and chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH). The cerebral spinal fluid study revealed an inflammatory response without any indications of infection or malignant tumours. After a meningeal biopsy, we redefined the diagnosis to rheumatoid meningitis (RM), and the patient showed remarkable improvement with prednisolone administration. RM should be considered as an alternative diagnosis when examining central nervous system diseases in patients with RA, as RM presents a highly variable clinical picture with image findings similar to those of CSDH.
Diagnosis and treatment for hyperuricemia and gout: a systematic review of clinical practice guidelines and consensus statements
Authors: Li Qianrui , Li Xiaodan , Wang Jing , Liu Hongdie , Kwong Joey Sum-Wing , Chen Hao , Li Ling , Chung Sheng-Chia , Shah Anoop , Chen Yaolong , An Zhenmei , Sun Xin , Hemingway Harry , Tian Haoming , Li Sheyu
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Despite the publication of hundreds of trials on gout and hyperuricemia, management of these conditions remains suboptimal. We aimed to assess the quality and consistency of guidance documents for gout and hyperuricemia.

Design

Systematic review and quality assessment using the appraisal of guidelines for research and evaluation (AGREE) II methodology.

Data sources

PubMed and EMBASE (27 October 2016), two Chinese academic databases, eight guideline databases, and Google and Google scholar (July 2017).

Eligibility criteria

We included the latest version of international and national/regional clinical practice guidelines and consensus statements for diagnosis and/or treatment of hyperuricemia and gout, published in English or Chinese.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers independently screened searched items and extracted data. Four reviewers independently scored documents using AGREE II. Recommendations from all documents were tabulated and visualised in a coloured grid.

Results

Twenty-four guidance documents (16 clinical practice guidelines and 8 consensus statements) published between 2003 and 2017 were included. Included documents performed well in the domains of scope and purpose (median 85.4%, range 66.7%–100.0%) and clarity of presentation (median 79.2%, range 48.6%–98.6%), but unsatisfactory in applicability (median 10.9%, range 0.0%–66.7%) and editorial independence (median 28.1%, range 0.0%–83.3%). The 2017 British Society of Rheumatology guideline received the highest scores. Recommendations were concordant on the target serum uric acid level for long-term control, on some indications for urate-lowering therapy (ULT), and on the first-line drugs for ULT and for acute attack. Substantially inconsistent recommendations were provided for many items, especially for the timing of initiation of ULT and for treatment for asymptomatic hyperuricemia.

Conclusions

Methodological quality needs improvement in guidance documents on gout and hyperuricemia. Evidence for certain clinical questions is lacking, despite numerous trials in this field. Promoting standard guidance development methods and synthesising high-quality clinical evidence are potential approaches to reduce recommendation inconsistencies.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42016046104.
Body mass index and clinical outcomes in patients after ischaemic stroke in South Korea: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Choi HeeKyoung , Nam Hyo Suk , Han Euna
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Although obesity is a risk factor for stroke, its impact on mortality in patients with stroke remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and mortality due to ischaemic stroke among adults aged 20 years and above in Korea.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

A tertiary-hospital-based stroke registry linked to the death records.

Participants

3599 patients admitted for ischaemic stroke from January 2007 to June 2013.

Outcome measures

The HRs for all-cause and stroke-related mortality were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models. Progression from stroke-related mortality was assessed using the Fine-Grey competing risk model, treating other-cause mortality as a competing risk. Adjustments were made for age, gender, smoking status, Charlson comorbidity index, cardiovascular or non-cardiovascular comorbidities, stroke severity, severity related to other medical conditions, complications and enrolment year. We repeated the analysis with stratification based on age groups (less than 65 vs 65 years and above).

Results

For stroke-related mortality, there was no significant difference among the four BMI groups. The risk of all-cause mortality was 36% higher in the underweight group than in the normal weight group (long-term HR=1.36, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.79), whereas the mortality risk of the obese group was significantly lower (HR=0.66, 95% CI: 0.54 to 0.81). Although this relationship was not estimated in the younger group, it was found that obesity had a protective effect on the all-cause mortality in the elderly (long-term HR=0.66, 95% CI: 0.52 to 0.83).

Conclusions

Obesity is more likely to reduce mortality risk than normal weight, especially in elderly patients.
Prevalence and risk factors for food allergy in older people: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Laia-Dias Inês , Lozoya-Ibáñez Carlos , Skypala Isabel , Gama Jorge M R , Nurmatov Ulugbek , Lourenço Olga , Taborda-Barata Luís
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Studies suggest that the prevalence of food allergy may be increasing worldwide. Results regarding the prevalence and features of adverse food reactions older people have, however, scarcely been analysed in the literature. Thus, the objective of the present systematic review will be to describe the prevalence of food allergy in older individuals, its risk factors, clinical features, as well as the most frequently and commonly involved foods.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the incidence, prevalence and risk factors for food allergy in older individuals. We will search international electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, AMED and ISI Web of Science for published, unpublished and ongoing studies from 1980 toJanuary 2019. There will be no restriction on the language or geography of publication. We will use the critical appraisal skills programme quality assessment tool to appraise the methodological quality of included studies. A descriptive summary with data tables will be elaborated, and if deemed clinically relevant and statistically adequate, meta-analysis using random-effects modelling will be carried out, given the expected clinical, methodological and statistical heterogeneity of studies. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist will guide reporting of the systematic review.

Ethics and dissemination

Since this systematic review will be solely based on published and retrievable literature, no ethics approval will be obtained. This study will allow us to draw up-to-date estimates of the prevalence of adverse food reactions in older individuals, worldwide, besides allowing the identification of its major risk factors, clinical manifestations and predominant foods responsible for such reactions. A multidisciplinary team has been assembled for this systematic review and will participate in relevant dissemination activities, namely reports, publications and presentations.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018102140
Motivating Structured walking Activity in people with Intermittent Claudication (MOSAIC): protocol for a randomised controlled trial of a physiotherapist-led, behavioural change intervention versus usual care in adults with intermittent claudication
Authors: Bearne Lindsay , Galea Holmes Melissa , Bieles Julie , Eddy Saskia , Fisher Graham , Modarai Bijan , Patel Sanjay , Peacock Janet L , Sackley Catherine , Volkmer Brittannia , Weinman John
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Walking exercise is a recommended but underused treatment for intermittent claudication caused by peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Addressing the factors that influence walking exercise may increase patient uptake of and adherence to recommended walking. The primary aim of this randomised controlled trial (RCT) is to evaluate the efficacy of a physiotherapist-led behavioural change intervention on walking ability in adults with intermittent claudication (MOtivating Structured walking Activity in people with Intermittent Claudication (MOSAIC)) in comparison with usual care.

Methods and analysis

The MOSAIC trial is a two-arm, parallel-group, single-blind RCT. 192 adults will be recruited from six National Health Service Hospital Trusts. Inclusion criteria are: aged ≥50 years, PAD (Ankle Brachial Pressure Index ≤0.90, radiographic evidence or clinician report) and intermittent claudication (San Diego Claudication Questionnaire), being able and willing to participate and provide informed consent. The primary outcome is walking ability (6 min walking distance) at 3 months. Outcomes will be obtained at baseline, 3 and 6 months by an assessor blind to group allocation. Participants will be individually randomised (n=96/group, stratified by centre) to receive either MOSAIC or usual care by an independent randomisation service. Estimates of treatment effects will use an intention-to-treat framework implemented using multiple regression adjusted for baseline values and centre.

Ethics and dissemination

This trial has full ethical approval (London—Bloomsbury Research Ethics Committee (17/LO/0568)). It will be disseminated via patient forums, peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN14501418
Risk factors for new ischaemic cerebral lesions after carotid artery stenting: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Feng Yao , Li Long , Bai Xuesong , Wang Tao , Chen Yanfei , Zhang Xiao , Ling Feng , Jiao Liqun
Published: August 2019

Introduction

New ischaemic cerebral lesions (NICL) detected by diffusion-weighted imaging MRI are common after carotid artery stenting (CAS), with an occurrence rate ranging from 18% to 57%. Many studies reported occurrence of NICL could increase risk of future cerebrovascular events and cognitive impairment. However, controversies about determinants for occurrence of NICL after CAS exist among studies, and one risk factor embodied in an article may not be in another. Aim of this study is to introduce a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify risk factors associated with occurrence of NICL after CAS.

Methods and analysis

All relevant literature referring to risk factors for occurrence of NICL after CAS will be searched on the major databases, such as PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library until 31 December 2018. Literature, which must be randomised controlled trials, case–control studies or cohort studies, will be included in accordance with the prespecified eligibility criteria. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration criteria and the quality of evidence will be assessed with the corresponding scale. Data will be extracted with a form prepared before and analysed using RevMan V.5.3 analyses software. Heterogeneity will be assessed using I2statistic. Our systematic review will be performed according to the guidance from the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement.

Ethics and dissemination

There is no need for ethical approval because primary data will not be attained. The systematic review will be presented at international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019121129
New Caledonian ultramafic conditions structure the features ofCurtobacterium citreumstrains that play a role in plant adaptation
Authors: Bourles Alexandre , Guentas Linda , Chalkiadakis Eleftherios , Majorel Clarisse , Juillot Farid , Cavaloc Yvon , Burtet-Sarramegna Valérie , Medevielle Valérie , Jourand Philippe , Amir Hamid
Published: August 2019

The present study focused on the characterization of 10 Curtobacterium citreum strains isolated from the rhizosphere of pioneer plants growing on ultramafic soils from New Caledonia. Taxonomic status was investigated using a polyphasic approach. Three strains (BE, BB, and AM) were selected in terms of multiple-metal resistance and plant-growth-promoting traits. They were tested on sorghum growing on ultramafic soil and compared with the reference strain C. citreum DSM20528T. To better understand the bacterial mechanisms involved, biosorption, bioaccumulation, and biofilm formation were investigated for the representative strain of the ultramafic cluster (strain BE) versus C. citreum DSM20528T. The polyphasic approach confirmed that all native isolates belong to the same cluster and are C. citreum. The inoculation of sorghum with strains BE and BB significantly reduced Ni content in shoots compared with inoculation with C. citreum DSM20528Tand control values. This result was related to the higher Ni tolerance of the ultramafic strains compared with C. citreum DSM20528T. Ni biosorption and bioaccumulation showed that BE exhibited a lower Ni content, which is explained by the ability of this strain to produce exopolysaccharides involved in Ni chelation. We suggested that ultramafic C. citreum strains are more adapted to this substrate than is C. citreum DSM20528T, and their features allow them to enhance plant metal tolerance.
Evolvement laws and stability analyses of traffic network constituted by changing ramps and main road
Authors: Wang Yu-Qing , Zhou Chao-Fan , Wang Jia-Wei , Ni Xin-Peng
Published: August 2019

Proposing realistic hybrid traffic flow model is a promising and hot topic in the area of fluid mechanics and nonlinear dynamics, since they can take advantages of combining dynamical properties of each individual vehicle and macroscopic characteristics of the global system. In this paper, different from the previous work, we propose a hybrid traffic flow model considering the dynamical competition between ramps and main roads. Afterwards, the dynamical control equations of the proposed system are established. Then, by means of performing finite difference analyses, nonlinear dynamical characteristics and specific properties of the proposed system are investigated. Evolvement laws of characteristic order parameters of the proposed traffic flow system are obtained by analyzing the change of density, velocity and current in various circumstances. Moreover, matrices of partition coefficient are employed into the proposed traffic network composed of a main road and varied ramps. Additionally, linear and nonlinear stability analyses are considered in different phase spaces. Therefore, the robustness of the proposed system is tested by both linear and nonlinear dynamics. Our work will be helpful to understand mesoscopic dynamical behaviors of each individual vehicle and inner interactions between them.
Stochastic dynamics in nonequilibrium phase transitions of multiple totally asymmetric simple exclusion processes coupled with strong and weak interacting effects
Authors: Wang Yu-Qing , Wang Jia-Wei , Zhu Zi-Ang , Wang Bing-Hong
Published: August 2019

Totally asymmetric simple exclusion process (TASEP) is an important stochastic dynamic process in the area of statistical physics, which can be used to model microscopic transport in nonequilibrium processes. Due to its rich stochastic dynamics and nonequilibrium phase transition mechanisms, the importance of TASEP in statistical physics is similar with that of Ising model, which has attracted many attentions. In this paper, multiple TASEPs are introduced and coupled with various strong and weak interacting effects of self-driven particles. Both strong and weak couplings are calculated by means of mean-field analyses and Monte Carlo simulations. Tremendous cluster dynamics, evolution law of topological structures of phase diagrams and mechanisms of shock evolution are found in thermodynamic limit of proposed particle system. Monte Carlo simulation results like phase boundaries are found to be a good match with mean-field analyses, which reflect the validity of the research. The research work will be conducive to exploring the mechanisms of stochastic dynamics in the process of nonequilibrium phase transitions of multi-body interacting particle systems.
Percutaneous A1 Pulley Release Combined with Finger Splint for Trigger Finger with Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Flexion Contracture
Authors: Yang Tzu-Cheng , Fufa Duretti , Huang Hui-Kuang , Huang Yi-Chao , Chang Ming-Chau , Wang Jung-Pan
Published: August 2019

Background: Long-standing trigger finger can lead to proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint flexion contracture. In the present study, we present the clinical outcome of percutaneous release with finger splinting for trigger finger with PIP joint flexion contracture prospectively.

Methods: We compared outcomes in patients with trigger fingers combined with proximal interphalangeal joint flexion contracture treated by percutaneous release therapy regimen alone (group I) or percutaneous trigger finger release combined with finger splint (group II) during January 2011 and May 2016 with 6 months follow up.

Results: Sixty-five patients were randomly allocated to group I (35 patients) or group II (30 patients). Symptoms of locking sensation and pain over the A1 pulley were improved in all patients. The patients in group II showed significantly greater improvements in the flexion contracture angles of proximal interphalangeal joint at post-operative 3 months later (group I, 9.4° ± 4.1°; group II, 27.8° ± 4.6°) and at 6 months later (group I, 15.1° ± 5.2°; group II, 35.7° ± 5.3°) relative to group I. In group II, 25 fingers achieved near full extension (< 10° contracture) after 6 months.

Conclusions: Percutaneous release combined with finger splint is regarded as a useful therapy to speed recovery of trigger finger with proximal interphalangeal joint flexion contracture.
Outcomes of the Hemi-Hamatum Arthroplasty
Authors: Verdins Karlis , Nefjodovs Vadims
Published: August 2019

Background: Multi-fragmental intra-articular middle phalanx base fractures mostly occur in young adults during sports or work-related activities. If left untreated properly proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) instability and pain persists, thus impairing the hand’s function and the patient’s quality of life. Joint surface reconstruction with hamate osteochondral graft can be used for multi-fragmental middle phalanx base reconstruction.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted. The technique was used for 17 patients. Follow-up was performed at least 6 months after the surgery. Patients were asked to fulfil multiple surveys: Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) and Modern Activity Subjective Survey 2007 (MASS07). Objective measurements included strength of the power and pinch grip, range of motions (ROM) in both proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal (DIPJ) joints. All measurements were taken on both hands, on operated and contralateral fingers.

Results: Out of 17 patients 5 were females and 12 males, mean age 40 (ranged 22-65 years) Eleven patients agreed to participate in the follow-up. All patients were right-handed, 8 patients had injured their right hand. The injuries’ aetiologies were sports (n = 3), fighting (n = 2) and work-related (n = 4). Six patients were treated with immobilisation before the surgery, which was performed on average 45 days after the injury (ranged 1–184 days). Two patients developed arthrosis post-operatively and received synthetic joints. Mean DASH score was 6.9, PRWE score was 5.2 and mean MASS07 score was 6.8. Patients achieved on average 90% of power grip and 100% of pinch grip with their injured hand compared to their healthy hand. Average ROM in PIPJ was 82.2° and in DIPJ 68.9°. No patients experienced joint instability or chronic pain.

Conclusions: Hemi-hamate arthroplasty provides satisfactory results in patients with both acute and chronic dislocated intra-articular middle phalanx base fractures.
Surviving software dependencies
Authors: Cox Russ
Published: August 2019

Software reuse is finally here but comes with risks.
Bitwise
Authors: Auerbach David
Published: August 2019

Data science as a paradox.
Students tackle the routing problem for in-traffic emissions tests
Authors: Tichy Walter
Published: August 2019

Vehicle emissions tests used to be done entirely in the laboratory. However, certain car manufacturers cheated on those tests. In response, the European Union introduced emissions tests in real traffic. To make such tests meaningful, they must be performed on routes that meet certain criteria, such as the difference in elevation between start and end points and the proportion of urban and country roads. Finding suitable routes is a complex search problem. Undergraduate students from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany, developed the first fully automatic solution for finding such routes. In this interview, they share how they did it.
c-Kit suppresses atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic mice
Authors: Song Lei , Zigmond Zachary M. , Martinez Laisel , Lassance-Soares Roberta M. , Macias Alejandro E. , Velazquez Omaida C. , Liu Zhao-Jun , Salama Alghidak , Webster Keith A. , Vazquez-Padron Roberto I.
Published: August 2019

Atherosclerosis is the most common underlying cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. c-Kit (CD117) is a member of the receptor tyrosine kinase family, which regulates differentiation, proliferation, and survival of multiple cell types. Recent studies have shown that c-Kit and its ligand stem cell factor (SCF) are present in arterial endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). The role of c-Kit in cardiovascular disease remains unclear. The aim of the current study is to determine the role of c-Kit in atherogenesis. For this purpose, atherosclerotic plaques were quantified in c-Kit-deficient mice (KitMut) after they were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 16 wk. KitMutmice demonstrated substantially greater atherosclerosis compared with control (KitWT) littermates ( P < 0.01). Transplantation of c-Kit-positive bone marrow cells into KitMutmice failed to rescue the atherogenic phenotype, an indication that increased atherosclerosis was associated with reduced arterial c-Kit. To investigate the mechanism, SMC organization and morphology were analyzed in the aorta by histopathology and electron microscopy. SMCs were more abundant, disorganized, and vacuolated in aortas of c-Kit mutant mice compared with controls ( P < 0.05). Markers of the “contractile” SMC phenotype (calponin, SM22α) were downregulated with pharmacological and genetic c-Kit inhibition ( P < 0.05). The absence of c-Kit increased lipid accumulation and significantly reduced the expression of the ATP-binding cassette transporter G1 (ABCG1) necessary for lipid efflux in SMCs. Reconstitution of c-Kit in cultured KitMutSMCs resulted in increased spindle-shaped morphology, reduced proliferation, and elevated levels of contractile markers, all indicators of their restored contractile phenotype ( P < 0.05).

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study describes the novel vasculoprotective role of c-Kit against atherosclerosis and its function in the preservation of the SMC contractile phenotype.
Clinical Efficacy and Tumor Microenvironment Influence in a Dose-Escalation Study of Anti-CD19 Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells in Refractory B-Cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Authors: Yan Zi-Xun , Li Li , Wang Wen , OuYang Bin-Shen , Cheng Shu , Wang Li , Wu Wen , Xu Peng-Peng , Muftuoglu Muharrem , Hao Ming , Yang Su , Zhang Mu-Chen , Zheng Zhong , Li James , Zhao Wei-Li
Published: August 2019

Purpose:

Anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells represent a novel immunotherapy and are highly effective in treating relapsed/refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-NHL). How tumor microenvironment influences clinical response to CAR T therapy remains of great interest.

Patients and Methods:

A phase I, first-in-human, dose-escalation study of anti-CD19 JWCAR029 was conducted in refractory B-NHL (NCT03355859) and 10 patients received CAR T cells at an escalating dose of 2.5 × 107(n = 3), 5 × 107(n = 4), and 1 × 108(n = 3) cells. Core needle biopsy was performed on tumor samples collected from diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients on Day −6 (1 day before lymphodepletion) and on Day 11 after CAR T-cell infusion when adequate CAR T-cell expansion was detected.

Results:

The overall response rate was 100%, with 6 of 9 (66.7%) evaluable patients achieving complete remission. The most common adverse events of grade 3 or higher were neutropenia (10/10, 100%), anemia (3/10, 30%), thrombocytopenia (3/10, 30%), and hypofibrinogenemia (2/10, 20%). Grade 1 cytokine release syndrome occurred in all patients and grade 3 neurotoxicity in 1 patient. The average peak levels of peripheral blood CAR T cells and cytokines were similar in 3 different dose levels, but CAR T cells were significantly higher in patients achieved complete remission on Day 29. Meanwhile, RNA sequencing identified gene expression signatures differentially enriched in complete and partial remission patients. Increased tumor-associated macrophage infiltration was negatively associated with remission status.

Conclusions:

JWCAR029 was effective and safe in treating refractory B-NHL. The composition of the tumor microenvironment has a potential impact in CAR T therapy response.
FDA Approval Summary: Calaspargase Pegol-mknl For Treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Children and Young Adults
Authors: Li Ruo-Jing , Jin Runyan , Liu Chao , Cao Xianhua , Manning Michael L. , Di Xu Michael , Przepiorka Donna , Namuswe Frances , Deisseroth Albert , Goldberg Kirsten B. , Blumenthal Gideon M. , Pazdur Richard
Published: August 2019

On December 20, 2018, the Food and Drug Administration approved calaspargase pegol-mknl (CALASP), an asparagine-specific enzyme, as a component of a multi-agent chemotherapeutic regimen for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in pediatric and young adult patients age 1 month to 21 years. Efficacy was determined on the basis of achievement and maintenance of steady-state nadir serum asparaginase activity (NSAA) above 0.1 U/mL when using CALASP, 2,500 U/m2 intravenously, every 3 weeks. In a randomized comparison to pegaspargase (PEGASP) every 2 weeks, treatment with CALASP every 3 weeks had a similar safety profile and no substantial impairment in event-free survival. The pharmacokinetics of CALASP were studied when administered in combination with multiagent chemotherapy in 124 patients with B-cell ALL in Study AALL07P4 and Study DFCI 11-001. The results showed that 123 [99%, 95% confidence interval (CI), 96%–100%] of the 124 patients maintained NSAA >0.1 U/mL at weeks 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 of post-induction phase. Maintaining adequate NSAA levels is critical to successful treatment of ALL. Herein, we describe the FDA review and approval of CALASP.

See related commentary by Lew, p. 325
Low-Level Inhibition of Hsp90 Forces Cells to Tip Their (Antigenic) Hand
Authors: Srivastava Pramod K. , Callahan Margaret K.
Published: August 2019

Low-level inhibition of hsp90 enhances the antigenicity of cells whereas high-level inhibition diminishes antigenicity. The mechanism(s) by which hsp90 determines antigenicity are only partially clear. Regardless, these observations have profound implications in protein trafficking and antigen presentation and suggest a novel way to enhance the potency of existing anticancer agents.

See related article by Jaeger et al., p. 6392
Quelle culture pour le français en Algérie?
Authors: Benmessaoud Redha
Published: August 2019

Nous abordons, à travers cet article, qui s’inscrit dans une perspective ethnolinguistique, le rapport langue/culture. Nous l’abordons en nous intéressant à la culture qu’une langue étrangère pourrait véhiculer dans notre pays. Pour ce faire, nous nous sommes efforcé de rendre compte de la culture véhiculée par le français en Algérie en analysant un corpus journalistique, celui de la chronique « Lettre de Province » qui paraît dans le journal « Le Soir d’Algérie ».
Resenha do livro "Poesia e polícia: redes de comunicação na Paris do Século XVIII", de Robert Darnton
Authors: Gomes Mariana Albuquerque
Published: August 2019

Resenha do livro "Poesia e polícia: redes de comunicação na Paris do século XVIII", do historiador Robert Darnton. No livro, publicado no Brasil em 2014, o autor articula dois temas que se entrecruzam ao longo da história: literatura e justiça. Ao desenhar as relações estabelecidas entre ambas através de uma narrativa investigativa que parte do arquivo policial sobre uma rigorosa operação, em meados dos anos de 1749, para localizar e apreender uma série de poemas que faziam injuria ao rei de França, Luís XV, Darnton ilumina as redes de comunicação existentes na Paris setecentista.
Roman policier et erreur judiciaire en France de 1866 à 1939: continuité et rupture de l’évolution d’un genre
Authors: Crackower Marion Degos
Published: August 2019

Cet article se propose d’analyser l’évolution du roman policier français, de sa création en 1866 jusqu’en 1939 ; cela à travers la palette des éléments de sa composition, tout spécialement l’erreur judiciaire. Parce que la société est en constante évolution, la littérature connaît de profonds changements dans son appréciation et sa création. Ces transformations du genre ont été analysées au scope d’un corpus composé de 166 romans français, majeurs et mineurs.
“Like Phalaris in Every Way”: 3 Maccabees and Its Portrait of Tyranny
Authors: Dyer Bryan R.
Published: August 2019

This article examines 3 Maccabees’ use of the sixth-century BCE tyrant Phalaris in its portrayal of its antagonist, King Ptolemy IV Philopator. Twice in the narrative (3 Macc 5:20, 42) the author explicitly compares Philopator to Phalaris. The author does not describe the earlier figure but assumes that the audience shares knowledge of his reputation and legendary deeds. After tracing the ancient literary evidence of Phalaris’ legacy, the article then argues that 3 Maccabees incorporates that legacy in more implicit ways in the narrative. This contributes to the author’s overall portrait of Philopator’s tyranny. It also helps explain some of the features of the text—specifically, the choice of Philopator’s execution device and the peril of newborn infants found in the narrative.
Reproductive biology of the four dominant species of catfish from the Persian Gulf
Authors: Mohseni Farideh , Valinassab Tooraj , Ramezani-Fard Ehsan , Fatemi S.M. Reza , Mortazavi Mohammad Seddiq
Published: August 2019

Catfish are an important component of demersal fisheries in the Persian Gulf. This study describes reproductive aspects in the four common species of catfish, namely Netuma thalassina (Rüppell, 1837), Netuma bilineata (Valenciennes, 1840), Plicofollis dussumieri (Valenciennes, 1840), and Plicofollis layardi (Günther, 1866) collected from coastal areas of the Persian Gulf during spring and winter 2017. A total of 495 fishes were collected, including 151 N. thalassina, 12 N. bilineata, 212 P. dussumieri, and 120 P. layardi. The four species showed significant differences in total length as a measure of body size. Total length of these four species also differed significantly between the four seasons and between the sexes. Three species, i.e., N. thalassina, P. dussumieri, and P. layardi showed an overall female-biased sex ratio, while the sex ratio of N. bilineata did not differ from the expected equal proportions. The patterns of gonad development, gonadosomatic index, and hepatosomatic index of the four species showed that the breeding season of N. thalassina, P. dussumieri, and P. layardi was probably during winter. N. bilineata showed a different pattern; its breeding season is therefore expected to be spring. The size at first maturity of N. thalassina, P. dussumieri, N. bilineata, and P. layardi, was 44.99, 30.55, 29.60, and 27.01 cm, respectively. This study provides essential information for correct management during the reproductive cycle to maintain a healthy stock of these fishes.
Switch in Livelihood Strategies and Social Capital Have a Role to Play in Deciding Rural Poverty Dynamics: Evidence from Panel Data Analysis from Eastern India
Authors: Khosla Sunil , Jena Pradyot Ranjan
Published: August 2019

Rural households continuously move into and out of poverty due to various factors; and in response to this phenomenon, these rural households adopt several strategies. The purpose of the present paper was to examine the role of livelihood diversification and social capital in the movement of these households into and out of poverty in Eastern rural India. The present study classified households into four poverty groups (called poverty dynamics) based on the panel data gathered from 1353 rural households between 2004–2005 and 2011–2012. The study used the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA) and the multinomial logit model (MLM) to examine the poverty outcome between 2004–2005 and 2011–2012. As per the data collected, at the state level, 25.26% of households were chronic poor and 37.04% of households ascended out of poverty, while 8.20% of households descended into poverty between 2004–2005 and 2011–2012. Further, it was found out from the SLA that there is a positive relationship between the phenomena of non-farm activities and escaping poverty. The result from the MLM shows that social capital in the form of group membership in different saving schemes and social groups helps to ascend out of poverty.
Prioritizing Health Care Solutions for Pressure Ulcers Using the Quality Function Deployment Process
Authors: Mathews Simon C. , Stoll Robert A. , Sternberger Wayne I. , Cox Patrick W. , Tober Tammy L. , Di Mattina Jennifer , Dwyer Cindy , Barasch Noah , Carolan Howard , Romig Mark , Pronovost Peter J. , Barnes John F. , Ravitz Alan D. , Sapirstein Adam
Published: August 2019

Reducing the incidence and morbidity of pressure ulcers remains a leading national priority in patient safety. However, the optimal strategy for a hospital or health system to address this safety goal is not straightforward given the number and complexity of available solutions. Leveraging techniques from systems engineering, such as the quality function deployment process, may provide a transparent and objective way to address this challenge. A detailed and practical application of quality function deployment is presented that demonstrates the value of applying engineering practices for prioritizing solutions for pressures ulcers specifically and can easily be adapted to other conditions.
Relief of Neuropathic Pain After Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation in a Patient With Idiopathic Thoracic Transverse Myelitis: A Case Report
Authors: Reddy Rajiv , Prasad Rupa , Rejai Sepehr , Halter Kenneth , Chen Jeffrey
Published: August 2019

Transverse myelitis (TM) is a rare neurologic disorder of acute inflammation resulting in spinal cord injury. Chronic pain in TM is a significant detriment to quality of life. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an emerging treatment that has shown significant efficacy in neuropathic pain. We present a 37-year-old man with a history of idiopathic thoracic TM and refractory chronic neuropathic pain who underwent an SCS trial. He reported 70% improvement during the trial and was subsequently implanted with an SCS. He continues to experience significant pain relief and functional improvement (>80%) with conventional paresthesia programming at the 9-month follow-up.
Trends and predictors of new HIV diagnosis and time since last test at testing encounters among adults in Kilifi, Kenya, 2006-2017
Authors: Mugo Peter M. , Agutu Clara A. , Wahome Elizabeth , Juma Margaret , Nzioka Joseph , Mohamed Khamisi , Mumba Teresia , Shally Mahmoud , Fauz Ibrahim , Omar Anisa , Rinke de Wit Tobias F. , van der Elst Elise M. , Graham Susan M. , Sanders Eduard J.
Published: August 2019

Background: Little is known about HIV retesting uptake among key populations (KP) and general populations (GP) in Kenya. We assessed trends and predictors of new HIV diagnosis, first-time testing (FTT), and late retesting (previous test more than one year ago for GP or three months for KP).

Methods: Data was collected routinely at three voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) centres in Kilifi County between 2006 and 2017. We analysed test encounters among adults 18-39 years, categorized as GP men, GP women, men who have sex with men (MSM), and female sex workers (FSW).    

Results: Based on 25,670 test encounters (32% FTT), we observed significant declines in HIV positivity (proportion of encounters with a new HIV diagnosis) among GP men, GP women, and first-time testers, but not among MSM and FSW. FTT and late retesting decreased for both GP and KP, but remained much higher in KP than GP. In 2017, less than 20% of KP were testing quarterly as recommended. HIV positivity was higher at FTT and late retesting encounters (relative to on-time retesting); at FSW and MSM encounters; and at encounters with clients reporting lower educational attainment, sexually transmitted infection (STI) symptoms, or no religious affiliation. HIV positivity was lower in GP men and younger clients. FTT was associated with town, risk group, age 18-24 years, never-married status, low educational attainment, and STI symptoms. Late retesting was less common among encounters with GP individuals who were never married, had Muslim or no religious affiliation, had lower educational attainment, or reported STI symptoms.

Conclusions: New HIV diagnoses were most common among first-time testers and late re-testers. While late retesting decreased steadily over the period reviewed, achievement of the county’s 90% HIV diagnosis target will require redoubled efforts to increase retesting among the most at risk populations.
From Predictive to Prescriptive Analytics
Authors: Bertsimas Dimitris , Kallus Nathan
Published: August 2019

We combine ideas from machine learning (ML) and operations research and management science (OR/MS) in developing a framework, along with specific methods, for using data to prescribe optimal decisions in OR/MS problems. In a departure from other work on data-driven optimization, we consider data consisting, not only of observations of quantities with direct effect on costs/revenues, such as demand or returns, but also predominantly of observations of associated auxiliary quantities. The main problem of interest is a conditional stochastic optimization problem, given imperfect observations, where the joint probability distributions that specify the problem are unknown. We demonstrate how our proposed methods are generally applicable to a wide range of decision problems and prove that they are computationally tractable and asymptotically optimal under mild conditions, even when data are not independent and identically distributed and for censored observations. We extend these to the case in which some decision variables, such as price, may affect uncertainty and their causal effects are unknown. We develop the coefficient of prescriptiveness P to measure the prescriptive content of data and the efficacy of a policy from an operations perspective. We demonstrate our approach in an inventory management problem faced by the distribution arm of a large media company, shipping 1 billion units yearly. We leverage both internal data and public data harvested from IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Google to prescribe operational decisions that outperform baseline measures. Specifically, the data we collect, leveraged by our methods, account for an 88% improvement as measured by our coefficient of prescriptiveness.

This paper was accepted by Noah Gans, optimization.
N-Acetylcysteine in the Management of Acute Liver Failure From Sickle Cell Hepatic Crisis
Authors: Zhang Xiaojie , Burroughs Sarah , Farooq Ahmad , Bashir Mustafa R. , Muir Andrew J. , Patel Yuval A.
Published: August 2019

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been well studied in the treatment of acetaminophen-induced and select non-acetaminophen-induced liver failure. However, its role in the management of sickle cell hepatic crisis resulting in acute liver failure (ALF) is unknown. We describe and discuss the novel and beneficial use of NAC in a 25-year-old man with ALF due to sickle cell hepatic crisis. We further review ALF in sickle cell disease and NAC in the treatment of non-acetaminophen-induced liver failure. Our case highlights the promising role of NAC in sickle cell-related liver injury.
Two Cases of Gastrointestinal Delusional Parasitosis Presenting as Folie á Deux
Authors: Tabbalat Rinad Ramzi , Cal Nicolas Vital , Mayigegowda Kavya Kelagere , Desilets David John
Published: August 2019

Delusional parasitosis is a psychiatric illness in which patients believe that they are infested by parasites without any evidence to support this belief. Cases typically involve cutaneous manifestations. We present 2 cases of gastrointestinal delusional parasitosis, with one unfortunate fatal outcome. Our main goal is to highlight the importance of early recognition of this disease to facilitate appropriate management. Delusional infestation is considered a somatic delusional disorder, and first-line treatment involves the use of atypical antipsychotics, as recommended by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th edition.
Fulminant Clostridium difficile Infection Cured by Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in a Bone Marrow Transplant Recipient With Critical Neutropenia
Authors: Krajicek Edward , Bohm Matt , Sagi Sashi , Fischer Monika
Published: August 2019

Clostridium difficile infection is the most prevalent health care-associated infection. Treatment relies on antimicrobial therapy with mounting evidence supporting fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) in refractory cases. Cohort studies have documented the safety of FMT in immunocompromised patients. However, the safety of FMT in patients with critically low (<500/μL) absolute neutrophil count is unknown. Currently, in severely immunocompromised bone marrow or solid organ transplant recipients, FMT is delayed until normalization of absolute neutrophil count. We present a patient with absolute neutropenia in whom sequential FMTs were safely and successfully administered, resulting in cure of fulminant C. difficile infection.
Biosorpsi Logam Berat Cu(II) Menggunakan Limbah Saccharomyces Cereviseae
Authors: Setiawan Adhi , Basyiruddin Fariz , Dermawan Denny
Published: August 2019

Biosorpsi merupakan salah satu jenis bentuk pengolahan limbah logam berat dengan menggunakan mikroorganisme, seperti bakteri, alga dan ragi (yeast). Penelitian ini  menggunakan ragi (yeast) dari industri bir. Proses preparasi biosorben meliputi pengendapkan, pengeringan, dan pengayakan untuk memperoleh ukuran homogen. Biosorben yang terbentuk kemudian dikontakkan dengan larutan Cu (II) dengan konsentrasi 25 mg/L dan diteliti pengaruh pH (3, 4, 5), waktu kontak (1, 2, 3 jam) dan berat biosorben (0,25, 0,5, 0,75 gr) terhadap kemampuan biosorben dalam menurunkan konsentrasi logam Cu. Selanjutnya pada persen removal tertinggi dilakukan regenerasi menggunakan HNO3. Konsentrasi Cu yang setelah biosorpsi diuji menggunakan spektrofotometer Uv-Vis. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pada pH 5, waktu kontak 1 jam dan berat biosorben 0,75 gr memiliki persen removal yang tertinggi yaitu sebesar 55,36%. Biosorben yang telah diregenerasi mengalami penurunan persen removal logam Cu (II) dari 55,36% menjadi 48,2%.
Goldilocks and journal publication: Finding a fit that’s “just right”
Authors: Harris Judi , Foulger Teresa S. , Huijser Henk , Phillips Michael
Published: August 2019

Getting your work published in journals in ways that will help to advance your scholarly record is a complex and multifaceted process. This article is written for early career researchers and graduate and postgraduate students, providing practical advice about what to consider when developing a research and publication profile and establishing yourself within a research community. It explains a range of criteria that are useful to consider when choosing the best journal “fit” for each publication and for your academic trajectory. We hope that considering the elements identified and explained in this article will help you to find a fit that is “just right” for each of your future publications.
Novel combined insulin-like 3 variations of a single nucleotide in cryptorchidism
Authors: Sinopidis Xenophon , Mourelatou Roza , Kostopoulou Eirini , Karvela Alexia , Rojas-Gil Andrea-Paola , Tsekoura Efstathia , Georgiou George , Spiliotis Bessie E.
Published: August 2019

Background

Insulin-like 3 hormone (INSL3) is involved in the process of testicular descent, and has been thoroughly studied in cryptorchidism. However, INSL3 allelic variations found in the human genome were heterozygous and only a few of them were found exclusively in patients with cryptorchidism. Under this perspective, we aimed to study the presence of INSL3 allelic variations in a cohort of patients with cryptorchidism and to estimate their potential consequences.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 46 male patients with non-syndromic cryptorchidism and from 43 age-matched controls. DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed for exons 1 and 2 of theINSL3gene in all subjects. Sequencing analysis was carried out on the PCR products. All data were grouped according to testicular location.

Results

Seven variations of a single nucleotide (SNVs) were identified both in patients with cryptorchidism and in controls: rs2286663 (c.27G > A), rs1047233 (c.126A > G) and rs6523 (c.178A > G) at exon 1, rs74531687 (c.191-30C > T) at the intron, rs121912556 (c.305G > A) at exon 2 and rs17750642 (c.*101C > A) and rs1003887 (c.*263G > A) at the untranslated region (UTR). The allelic variants rs74531687 and rs121912556 were found for the first time in the Greek population. The novel homozygotic combination of the three allelic variants rs1047233-rs6523-rs1003887 seemed to present a stronger correlation with more severe forms of cryptorchidism.

Conclusions

The combination of specific INSL3 SNVs rather than the existence of each one of them alone may offer a new insight into the involvement of allelic variants in phenotypic variability and severity.