bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender-Dependent Crossmodal Interactions Between Olfactory and Tactile Stimulation Revealed Using the Unimodal Tactile Stimulation Device (UniTaSD)
Authors: Sijben Rik , Hensel Sonja M , Rodriguez-Raecke Rea , Freiherr Jessica
Published: November 2020

Due to the complex stimulation methods required, olfaction and touch are 2 relatively understudied senses in the field of perceptual (neuro-)science. In order to establish a consistent presentation method for the bimodal stimulation of these senses, we combined an olfactometer with the newly developed Unimodal Tactile Stimulation Device. This setup allowed us to study the influence of olfaction on tactile perception and opened up an unexplored field of research by examining the crossmodal influence of tactile stimuli on olfaction. Using a pseudorandomized design, we analyzed how positive or negative tactile and olfactory stimuli influenced the opposing modality’s perceived intensity and pleasantness. By asking participants to rate tactile stimuli, we were able to reproduce previously reported differences indicating that bimodal presentation with an olfactory stimulus increases or reduces perceived tactile pleasantness in an odor-dependent manner while highlighting that this effect appears unique to women. Furthermore, we found the first evidence for the influence of tactile stimuli on perceived odor pleasantness, an effect that is also driven primarily by women in our study. Based on these findings we believe that future neurophysiological studies, using controlled stimulus presentation can help unravel how and why olfactory and tactile perception interact in the human brain.
Clinicopathological features and current treatment outcomes of neuroendocrine thymic tumours
Authors: Fang Wentao , Filosso Pier Luigi , Roden Anja C , Gu Zhitao , Liu Yuan , Agzarian John , Shen Robert K , Ruffini Enrico
Published: November 2020

OBJECTIVES

Neuroendocrine thymic tumours (NETTs) are a distinct subgroup of rare malignancies. An international, multicentre retrospective analysis was used to study the clinicopathological features, current pattern of diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of patients with NETT.

METHODS

One hundred and forty-six NETT treated from 1989 to 2016 at 21 centres in China, Europe and North America were retrospectively collected and reclassified according to the World Health Organization histological type and International Thymic Malignancy Interest Group (ITMIG)/International Association for Studies in Lung Cancer (IASLC)/Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) staging. Clinicopathological features, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches and outcomes were investigated. Results in the earlier and latter halves of the study period were also compared.

RESULTS

The pretreatment work-up relied exclusively on computed tomography in 85.6% (125/146) of cases. Most patients had advanced disease, with 32.2% (47/146) having lymph node involvement. Higher-grade histological type was associated with more advanced disease (P < 0.05). Induction therapies and surgical procedures were used more often in the latter half of the study. However, the complete resection rate remained unchanged, being 71.5% (98/137) in the whole group. Complete resection was associated with significantly longer 5-year overall survival (77.2% vs 51.2%; P < 0.001) than incomplete or no resection. Significant survival differences were seen with the T, N and M categories of ITMIG/IASLC/UICC staging. Poorly differentiated carcinoma, ITMIG/IASLC/UICC stage IIIa or above and incomplete or no resection were independent risk factors for worse survival. No survival difference was noted between the earlier and the latter halves of the study (58.2% vs 71.9%; P = 0.299).

CONCLUSIONS

Current management similar to that for thymomas is unsatisfactory in providing disease control or long-term survival for patients with NETT. Specific diagnostic tools and novel therapeutic agents are needed to improve management outcomes of this disease.
Mammary microbial dysbiosis leads to the zoonosis of bovine mastitis: a One-Health perspective
Authors: Maity Sudipa , Ambatipudi Kiran
Published: November 2020

Bovine mastitis is a prototypic emerging and reemerging bacterial disease that results in cut-by-cut torture to animals, public health and the global economy. Pathogenic microbes causing mastitis have overcome a series of hierarchical barriers resulting in the zoonotic transmission from bovines to humans either by proximity or remotely through milk and meat. The disease control is challenging and has been attributed to faulty surveillance systems to monitor their emergence at the human–animal interface. The complex interaction between the pathogens, the hidden pathobionts and commensals of the bovine mammary gland that create a menace during mastitis remains unexplored. Here, we review the zoonotic potential of these pathogens with a primary focus on understanding the interplay between the host immunity, mammary ecology and the shift from symbiosis to dysbiosis. We also address the pros and cons of the current management strategies and the extent of the success in implementing the One-Health approach to keep these pathogens at bay.
Dissolved inorganic carbon determines the abundance of microbial primary producers and primary production in Tibetan Plateau lakes
Authors: Yue Linyan , Kong Weidong , Li Chunge , Zhu Guibing , Zhu Liping , Makhalanyane Thulani P , Cowan Don A
Published: November 2020

Climate change globally accelerates the shrinkage of inland lakes, resulting in increases in both water salinity and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). The increases of salinity and DIC generate contrasting effects on microbial primary producers and primary production, however, their combined effects remain unclear in aquatic ecosystems. We hypothesized that increased DIC mitigates the constraints of enhanced salinity on microbial primary producers and primary production. To test this, we employed isotope labeling and molecular methods to explore primary production and four dominant types of microbial primary producers (form IA, IB, IC and ID) in lakes on the Tibetan Plateau. Results showed that DIC was positively correlated with the abundance of the form IAB and ID microbial primary producers and primary production (all P < 0.001) and offset salinity constraints. Structural equation models elucidated that DIC substantially enhanced primary production by stimulating the abundance of form ID microbial primary producers. The abundance of form ID primary producers explained more variations (14.6%) of primary production than form IAB (6%) and physicochemical factors (6.8%). Diatoms (form ID) played a determinant role in primary production in the lakes by adapting to high DIC and high salinity. Our findings suggest that inland lakes may support higher primary productivity in future climate change scenarios.
Physical Performance During the Menopausal Transition and the Role of Physical Activity
Authors: Bondarev Dmitriy , Finni Taija , Kokko Katja , Kujala Urho M , Aukee Pauliina , Kovanen Vuokko , Laakkonen Eija K , Sipilä Sarianna
Published: November 2020

Background

To examine longitudinal changes in physical performance during the menopausal transition and the role of physical activity (PA) in these changes.

Methods

Based on follicle-stimulating hormone levels and bleeding diaries, women (47–55 years) were classified as early (n = 89) and late perimenopausal (n = 143) and followed prospectively until postmenopausal status, with mean duration of 17.5 and 13.8 months, respectively. Physical performance was measured by handgrip force, knee extension torque, vertical jumping height, maximal walking speed, and 6-minute walking distance. Physical activity was self-reported and categorized as inactive, low, medium, and high. Longitudinal associations of menopausal status, physical performance, and related changes with PA level were analyzed using generalized estimation equations adjusted for duration of hormonal therapy.

Results

A significant decline over the menopausal transition in handgrip force (−2.1%, 95% CI −3.8 to −0.4), knee extension torque (−2.6%, 95% CI −4.5 to −0.8), and vertical jumping height (−2.6%, 95% CI −4.2 to −1.1) and a significant increase in 6-minute walking distance (2.1%, 95% CI 1.4 to 2.7) were observed in the total sample. A significant interaction of PA by time was observed in handgrip force and in vertical jumping height. High PA women had greater increase in handgrip strength but greater decline in vertical jumping height than medium, low, and inactive women (all p ≤ .001).

Conclusions

Both early and late perimenopausal women show decline in muscle strength and power during the transition to postmenopause. Physical activity seems to influence physical performance during the menopausal transition but understanding the benefits of PA requires interventional studies.
Barriers to the enforcement of mandatory seat belt laws in Ghana: an exploratory study
Authors: Okyere Paul , Agyei-Baffour Peter , Harris Muriel Jean , Mock Charles , Yankson Isaac Kofi , Donkor Peter , Owusu-Dabo Ellis
Published: November 2020

Road traffic accidents claim millions of lives every year across the world. Fortunately, effective safety and preventive measures such as routine maintenance of vehicles and roads and the use of seat belts exist. Yet, authorities in some countries fail to enforce laws on these measures. One of the barriers to compliance with traffic laws is poor enforcement. Using a cross-sectional study design, we explored the barriers to the enforcement of mandatory seat belt laws in Ghana. We employed an open-ended key informant interview guide to interview 26 staff of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department of the Ghana Police Service, National Road Safety Authority and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority. The interviews which lasted between 30 and 45 min per session were analysed through a thematic approach facilitated by ATLAS.ti. The findings showed that the barriers to the enforcement of seat belt laws mentioned by the participants were institutional factors (inadequate resources and logistics and inability to enforce vehicle safety standards) political factors (external interference and lack of consensus on seat belt law implementation) and human factors (poor public attitudes and non- recognition of road safety as both individual and collective responsibility). The enforcement of road safety laws could be enhanced by adequately resourcing officers, addressing external interference of police duties and empowering officers to perform their duties without fear or favour. These findings are also useful in continuous public education and enhanced enforcement of the seat belt laws.
Local characteristics associated with higher prevalence of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli in community-acquired urinary tract infections: an observational, cross-sectional study
Authors: Larramendy Stéphanie , Gaultier Aurélie , Fournier Jean-Pascal , Caillon Jocelyne , Moret Leïla , Beaudeau François
Published: November 2020

Objectives

The prevalence of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-E. coli) in community-acquired urinary tract infections (UTI) has been increasing worldwide since 2000, but with large geographical variations. The aim of this study was to determine whether the ESBL-E. coli rate in urine samples from individuals with community-acquired UTI was associated with the local socio-economic, environmental, agricultural and healthcare characteristics.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study in western France using data on antibiotic susceptibility of E. coli isolated from urine samples of individuals with community-acquired UTI analysed in non-hospital laboratories from 2015 to 2017. The ESBL-E. coli rate was calculated for each laboratory. Data on socio-economic characteristics, human antibiotic consumption, hospital bed density, animal farming density and percentage of agricultural land and surface water were retrieved at the municipality level and aggregated by study area. Their association with ESBL-E. coli prevalence was quantified using multivariate linear regression models with a backward selection.

Results

From 358 291 E. coli isolates from urine samples tested in 92 laboratories, the mean ESBL-E. coli prevalence for the study period was 3.30%. In an adjusted model, the ESBL-E. coli rate was significantly (P < 0.05) and positively associated with the local percentage of people >65 years old, third-generation cephalosporin use (DDD/1000 inhabitants), number of hospital beds/km2, poultry density, pig density and percentage of agricultural land. Lower deprivation was associated with a higher ESBL-E. coli rate.

Conclusions

Several anthropogenic factors (primary care, hospitals and animal farming) are associated with the local ESBL-E. coli rate in community-acquired UTI. These results could contribute to improve risk management, including identification of at-risk patient groups.
Identification of PTPRσ-interacting proteins by proximity-labelling assay
Authors: Gong Yuanhao , Abudureyimu Shaniya , Kadomatsu Kenji , Sakamoto Kazuma
Published: November 2020

Receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases (RPTPs) are type-I transmembrane proteins and involved in various biological and pathological processes. Their functions are supposed to be exerted through tyrosine dephosphorylation of their specific substrates. However, our comprehensive understanding of specific substrates or interacting proteins for RPTPs is poor. PTPRσ belongs to class 2a RPTP family, dephosphorylates cortactin, and leads to autophagy flux disruption and axonal regeneration inhibition in response to its ligand chondroitin sulphate. Here, we applied proximity-dependent biotin identification (BioID) assay, a proximity-labelling assay, to PTPRσ and reproducibly identified the 99 candidates as interactors for PTPRσ including already-known interactors such as Liprin-α and Trio. Of note, cortactin was also listed up in our assay. Our results suggest that the BioID assay is a powerful and reliable tool to identify RPTP-interacting proteins including its specific substrate.
Impact of a prior history of cancer on prognosis after myeloablative single-unit cord blood transplantation
Authors: Okabe Motohito , Konuma Takaaki , Oiwa-Monna Maki , Kato Seiko , Isobe Masamichi , Takahashi Satoshi , Tojo Arinobu
Published: November 2020

A prior history of cancer was associated with higher non-relapse mortality or overall mortality in patients undergoing allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation. Because it is unclear whether the outcomes after cord blood transplantation are influenced by a prior history of cancer, we retrospectively assessed the prevalence and prognostic impact of a prior history of cancer in adult patients undergoing myeloablative single-unit cord blood transplantation in our institute between 2004 and 2020. The univariate analysis showed that a prior history of cancer did not affect the probability of overall survival; the cumulative incidence of relapse; or non-relapse mortality. In the multivariate analysis, prior history of cancer was not associated with overall mortality, relapse or non-relapse mortality. No patients with a prior history of cancer had experienced prior cancer relapse. A prior history of cancer was not associated with non-relapse mortality or overall mortality following single-unit cord blood transplantation.
Galaxy clusters as intrinsic alignment tracers: present and future
Authors: Vedder C J G , Chisari N E
Published: November 2020

Galaxies and clusters embedded in the large-scale structure of the Universe are observed to align in preferential directions. Galaxy alignment has been established as a potential probe for cosmological information, but the application of cluster alignments for these purposes remains unexplored. Clusters are observed to have a higher alignment amplitude than galaxies, but because galaxies are much more numerous, the trade-off in detectability between the two signals remains unclear. We present forecasts comparing cluster and galaxy alignments for two extragalactic survey set-ups: a currently available low-redshift survey (Sloan Digital Sky Survey, SDSS) and an upcoming higher redshift survey (Legacy Survey of Space and Time, LSST). For SDSS, we rely on the publicly available redmapper catalogue to describe the cluster sample. For LSST, we perform estimations of the expected number counts while we extrapolate the alignment measurements from SDSS. Clusters in SDSS have typically higher alignment signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) than galaxies. For LSST, the cluster alignment signals quickly wash out with redshift due to a relatively low number count and a decreasing alignment amplitude. Nevertheless, a potential strong suit of clusters is in their interplay with weak lensing: intrinsic alignments can be more easily isolated for clusters than for galaxies. The S/N of cluster alignment can in general be improved by isolating close pairs along the line of sight.
Effects of stellar density on the photoevaporation of circumstellar discs
Authors: Concha-Ramírez Francisca , Wilhelm Martijn J C , Zwart Simon Portegies , van Terwisga Sierk E , Hacar Alvaro
Published: November 2020

Circumstellar discs are the precursors of planetary systems and develop shortly after their host star has formed. In their early stages, these discs are immersed in an environment rich in gas and neighbouring stars, which can be hostile for their survival. There are several environmental processes that affect the evolution of circumstellar discs, and external photoevaporation is arguably one of the most important ones. Theoretical and observational evidence point to circumstellar discs losing mass quickly when in the vicinity of massive, bright stars. In this work, we simulate circumstellar discs in clustered environments in a range of stellar densities, where the photoevaporation mass-loss process is resolved simultaneously with the stellar dynamics, stellar evolution, and the viscous evolution of the discs. Our results indicate that external photoevaporation is efficient in depleting disc masses and that the degree of its effect is related to stellar density. We find that a local stellar density lower than 100 stars pc−2 is necessary for discs massive enough to form planets to survive for 2.0 Myr. There is an order of magnitude difference in the disc masses in regions of projected density 100 versus 104 stars pc−2. We compare our results to observations of the Lupus clouds, the Orion Nebula Cluster, the Orion Molecular Cloud-2, Taurus, and NGC 2024, and find that the trends observed between region density and disc masses are similar to those in our simulations.
Systematic evaluation of the effects of genetic variants on PIWI-interacting RNA expression across 33 cancer types
Authors: Xin Junyi , Du Mulong , Jiang Xia , Wu Yanling , Ben Shuai , Zheng Rui , Chu Haiyan , Li Shuwei , Zhang Zhengdong , Wang Meilin
Published: November 2020

PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are an emerging class of non-coding RNAs involved in tumorigenesis. Expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis has been demonstrated to help reveal the genetic mechanism of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in cancer etiology. However, there are no databases that have been constructed to provide an eQTL analysis between SNPs and piRNA expression. In this study, we collected genotyping and piRNA expression data for 10 997 samples across 33 cancer types from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Using linear regression cis-eQTL analysis with adjustment of appropriate covariates, we identified millions of SNP-piRNA pairs in tumor (76 924 831) and normal (24 431 061) tissues. Further, we performed differential expression and survival analyses, and linked the eQTLs to genome-wide association study (GWAS) data to comprehensively decipher the functional roles of identified cis-piRNA eQTLs. Finally, we developed a user-friendly database, piRNA-eQTL (http://njmu-edu.cn:3838/piRNA-eQTL/), to help users query, browse and download corresponding eQTL results. In summary, piRNA-eQTL could serve as an important resource to assist the research community in understanding the roles of genetic variants and piRNAs in the development of cancers.
Communication and Culture in Multinational Organizations
Authors: Du Juana
Published: November 2020

Scholarly work and research on communication in multinational organizations continues to grow, responding to the increase of organizational complexity in a global environment where international teams, initiatives, and joint ventures have become common. Accompanying that growth were efforts to establish a clear focus and define boundaries of organizational communication research, particularly emphasizing multinational organizations. How to define communication in the context of multinational organizations? While a comprehensive review of the answers to this question could yield a handbook of communication in organizations, a clear answer can be given outlining the assumptions and political interests underlying different perspectives and theoretical conceptualizations. Therefore, instead of answering the question of what communication is in multinational organizations, this article follows the question proposed by Stanley Deetz. In The New Handbook of Organizational Communication, edited by Fredric M. Jablin and Linda L. Putnam (Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE, 2001), Deetz asks, “What do we see or what are we able to do if we think of organizational communication in one way versus another?” (p. 4). Deetz poses the question in order to better understand our choices of setting boundaries for the study of communication in organizations. Deetz reviews three different ways of conceptualizing communication in organizations. The first one emphasizes the development of organizational communication as a specialized area where departments and associations are organized around it; the second approach views communication as a phenomenon that exists in organizational context; and the third one regards communication as a distinct mode of explaining organizations. Recently there have been burgeoning studies in which communication scholars approach communication in organizations using the third approach. Those studies provide psychological or social-cultural explanations of organizations. This review summarizes several major topics on communication in multinational organizations that have been studied over the years. Rather than providing a comprehensive review of the field, the select perspectives and topics discussed here reflect major research foci and approaches associated with the study of communication in multinational organizations in the last few decades. This discussion also captures the recent shift from classic organizations to knowledge-intensive organizations in the context of 21st-century organizational life.
Children and Money
Authors: Echelbarger Margaret
Published: November 2020

Money (usually interpreted as currency) is a cultural tool that helps organize ways in which we engage with one another. Learning what it is and how to use it are important developmental milestones. The study of children and money reflects the efforts and contributions of many researchers across several disciplines including psychology, sociology, social work, marketing, and anthropology—thus understanding how children develop their ideas about money, how these ideas change over time, and how children emerge as autonomous economic agents is an interdisciplinary endeavor. The work included in this bibliography covers topics ranging from when children come to know what money is and how to use it, to when and how children come to break into the market and recognize and follow its rules, to understanding the robustness of developmental trends across different populations of children. In this way, the work referenced below reflects both basic and applied efforts. This bibliography is organized into seven sections. The first, General Overviews on Children and Money, highlights key books on this topic that serve as good starting points when first approaching this research area. The second, Foundations of Money Understanding, centers on work examining the development of children’s basic understanding of money (e.g., what money is and how to use it). The third, Using Money: Spending and Saving, presents work examining how children come to use money in the real world and play economies (i.e., small markets created for laboratory studies). The fourth, Economic Socialization and Financial Literacy, highlights work examining the influence of early experiences on later financial health outcomes and behaviors. The fifth, Understanding Market Forces, centers on children’s understanding of economic causation (i.e., the effect market forces have on each other—for example, as demand increases, supply decreases, and price increases). The sixth, Money Cues and Decision Making, presents work documenting ways in which the presence of money influences behaviors. The seventh, Money and Culture, reports on the developmental trends across different populations of children. The purpose of this bibliography is to introduce the topic of children and money and set the stage for a deeper line of inquiry; it is in no way exhaustive. Related topics, such as children’s understanding of economic inequality, are not included; these require their own bibliographies. Additionally, with few exceptions, the work included focuses on studies and experiments involving children. For that reason, exclusive examinations of parents’ ideas about children and money are largely not included. In short, use this bibliography as a starting point to a much richer exploration of this topic.
Modern Piracy
Authors: Lehr Peter
Published: November 2020

Until rather recently, piracy as a form of seaborne organized crime seemed to be a phenomenon of the past—something that was relegated to a great number of books, some comics, and, of course, the silver screen: many Hollywood blockbusters revolve around pirates as larger-than-life swashbuckling characters, played for example by Douglas Fairbanks (The Black Pirate, 1926), Errol Flynn (Captain Blood, 1935), Yul Brynner (The Buccaneer, 1958), or Johnny Depp (Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, 2003 onward). Even the Muppets had a (comedy) go at pirates with Muppets Treasure Island (1996). That “real” pirates still exist and pose a formidable danger to seafarers at least in some parts of the world was known only to a small group of people outside the mariner community such as legal experts and some scholars, mainly from history departments. This blissful ignorance was swept away by the advent of Somali piracy between 2005 and 2008: suddenly, “real” pirates made headlines again, sparking a renewed interest in all things pirate, modern or not. It also resulted in a wave of publications focusing on modern pirates, trying to make sense out of why this age-old menace had returned with a vengeance. Even for specialists, this burgeoning literature, ranging from books aimed at the wider public and offering general overviews to very specialized research articles appealing to equally specialized audiences, it is difficult to keep track. This bibliography aims at referencing the leading works, in order to offer the reader a quick access to the vast repository of knowledge which is nowadays available. It will commence with general overviews, to then move to the most dangerous regional hot-spots of current piracy, which are West Africa (Gulf of Guinea), East Africa (Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin), and Southeast Asia (Straits of Malacca and Singapore plus South China Sea). Also, some secondary hot spots such as the Persian/Arabian Gulf and the Sundarbans at the bottom of the Bay of Bengal are referenced as well, although not much has been written about these manifestations of piracy. This is followed by works on root causes (why do people become pirates in modern times?), and works on modern pirates’ modus operandi, in particular their weapons and tactics (what do modern pirates do?). Finally, the focus will shift from piracy to counter-piracy at sea, on land, and at court—the latter part also including publications dealing with legal definitions of piracy such as included in the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention (LoSC). As regards the nature of the sources referenced, it should be noted that in order to reach out to a wide range of audiences, not only academic and scholarly publications are included, but also publications with a more journalistic approach that aim at the general public. Furthermore, great care was taken to include publications which are easily accessible—also for the benefit of a wider audience.
A Multifunction Trade-Off has Contrasting Effects on the Evolution of Form and Function
Authors: Corn Katherine A , Martinez Christopher M , Burress Edward D , Wainwright Peter C
Published: November 2020

Trade-offs caused by the use of an anatomical apparatus for more than one function are thought to be an important constraint on evolution. However, whether multifunctionality suppresses diversification of biomechanical systems is challenged by recent literature showing that traits more closely tied to trade-offs evolve more rapidly. We contrast the evolutionary dynamics of feeding mechanics and morphology between fishes that exclusively capture prey with suction and multifunctional species that augment this mechanism with biting behaviors to remove attached benthic prey. Diversification of feeding kinematic traits was, on average, over 13.5 times faster in suction feeders, consistent with constraint on biters due to mechanical trade-offs between biting and suction performance. Surprisingly, we found that the evolution of morphology contrasts directly with these differences in kinematic evolution, with significantly faster rates of evolution of head shape in biters. This system provides clear support for an often postulated, but rarely confirmed prediction that multifunctionality stifles functional diversification, while also illustrating the sometimes weak relationship between form and function. [Form-function evolution; geometric morphometrics; kinematic evolution; macroevolution; Ornstein–Uhlenbeck; RevBayes; suction feeding]
The midterm outcomes of ankle Dias-Tachdjian pronation-eversion external rotation physeal fracture in children treated by open reduction internal fixation with one-stage medial-lateral combined incision
Authors: Xiang Feng , Li Bo , Xiao Sheng , Liu Hong , Wen Jie , Li Xin , Fang Ke , Zeng Ming , Tang Zhongwen , Cao Shu , Lee Bo , Li Fanling
Published: November 2020

The objective of this study was to report the midterm outcomes and complications of ankle Dias-Tachdjian pronation-eversion external rotation (PEER) physeal fracture in children treated by ORIF with combined medial and lateral incision. A total of 21 children with ankle Dias-Tachdjian PEER physeal fracture underwent open reduction internal fixation treatment with combined medial and lateral incision between January 2015 and October 2017. The lateral distal tibia angle (LDTA) was measured to evaluate angular deformity and the X-rays were taken to evaluate the premature physeal arrest. All patients were followed up for an average time of 20.1 months (ranging from 17 to 25 months). Bone healing was achieved in all cases. American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society-Ankle and Hindfoot (AOFAS-AH) score of the patients improved from median 31 (11, 38) preoperation to median 68 (63, 73) postoperation to median score 91 (87, 96) at last follow-up. LDTA of the patients improved from 70.5 ± 4.9 preoperation to 90.0 ± 1.2 postoperation, to measure 90.6 ± 3.7 at last follow-up. The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). There is no premature physeal closure, ankle deformity in 19 cases. They could normally exercise and take part in normal sport activities. The remaining two cases had physeal bone bridge and premature physeal closure but could still carry on daily activities and thus were categorized as good. ORIF with one-stage medial-lateral combined incision for ankle Dias-Tachdjian PEER physeal fracture can decrease the rate of premature physeal closure and should be a treatment choice.
Reproducibility of Radiographic Measurements Made in the Active Stages of Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease: Evaluation of a Prognostic Indicator and an Interim Outcome Measure
Authors: Tis John E. , Laine Jennifer C. , Sankar Wudbhav N. , Jo Chan-Hee , Kim Harry K.W.
Published: November 2020

Background:

Deformity index (DI) and extrusion index (EI) are 2 radiographic methods currently used to quantify femoral head deformity in the active stages of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. This study aimed to quantify the interobserver reproducibility of the 2 methods using a large, international group of pediatric orthopaedic surgeons with diverse clinical experience.

Methods:

Radiographs of patients (age 6 to 11 y at time of diagnosis) prospectively enrolled in an international multicenter-cohort study, were measured by members of our study group. For each radiograph, the raters independently assessed EI (n=33 cases) and DI (n=32 cases), along with the rater’s subjective assessment of the extent of hip deformity (ie, none, mild, moderate, or severe). Reliability analysis was conducted using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and κ techniques.

Results:

The ICC for EI on the affected side was 0.68 (95% confidence interval: 0.57-0.79). The calculated DI ICC was 0.53 (95% confidence interval: 0.41-0.68). Subjectively, an average of 68±3.5% of surgeons agreed on the subjective description of each patient’s femoral head deformity.

Conclusions:

EI is measured with a reasonably high rate of correlation among surgeons from disparate backgrounds. Agreement is lower among the same group of surgeons when the more complex DI is used. DI is most useful when utilized by a small number of experienced observers in a research setting, whereas EI may have better clinical applicability.

Level of Evidence:

Level III—reliability study.
The Impact of Perinatal Life Stress on Infant Temperament and Child Development: A 2-Year Follow-Up Cohort Study
Authors: Thiel Freya , Eberhard-Gran Malin , Garthus-Niegel Susan
Published: November 2020

Background:

Accumulating evidence suggests a persistent impact of perinatal exposure to maternal stress on the infant. In utero, the fetus is particularly vulnerable to maternal stress and mental health complications with various long-term consequences. This study examines the prospective relationship of subclinical maternal perinatal life stress based on individual responses to stressful life events and infant temperament and child development.

Methods:

Data were derived from the Akershus Birth Cohort, a longitudinal cohort study including 3,752 women scheduled to give birth at Akershus University Hospital, Norway. Psychometric measures pertained to perinatal life stress, maternal perinatal depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), difficult infant temperament at 8 weeks (Infant Characteristics Questionnaire), and child development 2 years after birth (Ages & Stages Questionnaire).

Results:

Perinatal life stress predicted difficult infant temperament at 8 weeks and challenges in social-emotional development at 2 years above and beyond demographics, pregnancy, and childbirth-related and postpartum factors.

Conclusion:

Life events perceived as severely distressing in the peripartum period pose a burden on mothers and may have potentially detrimental long-term effects on neurobiological and social-emotional child development. Our findings highlight the need for person-centered perinatal care and support of mothers facing difficult life events. Clinical awareness of in utero development and its relationship to maternal psychological health is warranted to intervene effectively. Future research should consider the timing of in utero exposure and neurobiological and environmental mechanisms pertaining to the relationship between maternal perinatal life stress and child development.
Parental Misattribution of Environmental Stress Reaction Symptoms to Autism
Authors: Phelps Randall , Van Scoyoc Amanda , Marquardt Melissa
Published: November 2020

Objective:

This research aims to characterize parental misattribution to autism of challenging child behaviors related to environmental stress.

Methods:

To identify differences between parental concern about behavioral challenges and child diagnoses, researchers reviewed records of children assessed at a child development clinic (N = 50, mean age = 4.38), genetics clinic (N = 26, mean age = 4.59), and therapeutic preschool (N = 30, mean age = 3.75), comparing referral information with child diagnoses postassessment. Surveys of parental and teacher concerns regarding children at therapeutic preschool who were not referred for consultation (N = 49) were reviewed and compared with the referral population to assess for referral bias.

Results:

A high rate of parental concern about autism/neurodevelopmental disabilities was found in therapeutic preschool referrals (63%) and the child development clinic (74%), with fewer concerns in the genetics clinic (19%), in contrast with substantially lower numbers ultimately diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (13%, 32%, and 8%, respectively). Across clinics, parents demonstrated greater concern about autism than environmental stress. In all clinics, more children had symptoms related to environmental stress than referrals suggested. Seventy-seven percent of children in the therapeutic preschool, 30% in the child development clinic, and 47% in the genetics clinic were diagnosed with trauma and stressor-related disorders. The results from children not referred for consultation suggest that referral bias plays a role in this phenomenon because parents of these children express similar levels of concern about their child's development (32%) and challenges related to environmental stressors (29%).

Conclusion:

The results suggest a tendency for parents seeking consultation to attribute to autism behavioral symptoms related to environmental stress.
Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties Following Syringe-to-Syringe Mixing of Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers
Authors: Goldman Mitchel P. , Few Julius , Binauld Sandra , Nuñez Illyce , Hee Christopher K. , Bernardin Aude
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Historically, soft-tissue hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers have been mixed with agents to reduce pain or alter physicochemical properties.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the impact of dilution and mixing on HA filler physicochemical properties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Crosslinked HA filler (VYC-20L, 20 mg/mL) was diluted to 15 mg/mL using saline through 5 or 10 passes between 2 syringes connected using a luer connector. Extrusion force, rheological properties, and microscopic appearance were assessed. Undiluted VYC-15L (15 mg/mL) served as the control.

RESULTS

Average extrusion force was higher for diluted VYC-20L versus the control, with an increase in slope for gel diluted using 5 passes (0.65) and 10 passes (0.52) versus the control (<0.1). For diluted samples mixed with 5 or 10 passes, the rheological profile was different between the 2 halves of the syringe, with the second half more elastic than the first half, compared with the consistent profile of undiluted samples. Microscopically, diluted VYC-20L samples seemed more liquid near the luer and more particulate near the piston compared with the control, which was smooth throughout.

CONCLUSION

In addition to potentially introducing contamination, diluting or mixing soft-tissue HA fillers yields a heterogeneous product with physicochemical characteristics that vary substantially throughout the syringe.
Supraglottic jet oxygenation and ventilation reduces desaturation during bronchoscopy under moderate to deep sedation with propofol and remifentanil
Authors: Zha Benjun , Wu Zhiyun , Xie Ping , Xiong Huaping , Xu Li , Wei Huafeng
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Hypoxaemia is frequently seen during flexible bronchoscopies that are done with a nasal approach under the traditional sedation with propofol. This study investigated the potential benefits of supraglottic jet oxygenation and ventilation (SJOV) using the Wei nasal jet tube (WNJ) in reducing hypoxaemia in patients undergoing bronchoscopy under moderate to deep intravenous sedation using a propofol, lidocaine and remifentanil cocktail.

OBJECTIVES

Our primary objective was to evaluate the efficacy and complications of SJOV via the WNJ during flexible bronchoscopy under moderate to heavy sedation with propofol and remifentanil.

DESIGN

A randomised controlled clinical trial.

SETTING

The 180th Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Quanzhou, China, from 1 June to 1 November 2019.

PATIENTS

A total of 280 patients aged ≥18 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists’ physical status 1 to 3 undergoing flexible bronchoscopy were studied.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were assigned randomly into one of two groups, a nasal cannula oxygenation (NCO) group (n = 140) using a nasal cannula to deliver oxygen (4 l min−1) or the SJOV group (n = 140) using a WNJ connected to a manual jet ventilator to provide SJOV at a driving pressure of 103 kPa, respiratory rate 20 min−1, F
iO2 1.0 and inspiratory:expiratory (I:E) ratio 1:2.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was an incidence of desaturation (defined as SpO2 < 90%) during the procedure. Other adverse events related to the sedation or SJOV were also recorded.

RESULTS

Compared with the NCO group, the incidence of desaturation in the SJOV group was lower (NCO 37.0% vs. SJOV 13.1%) (P < 0.001). Patients in the SJOV group had a higher incidence of a dry mouth at 1 min (13.1% vs. 1.5%, P < 0.001) than at 30 min (1.5% vs. 0%, P = 0.159) or at 24 h (0% vs. 0%). There was no significant difference between the groups in respect of sore throat, subcutaneous emphysema or nasal bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

SJOV via a WNJ during flexible bronchoscopy under moderate to deep sedation with propofol and remifentanil significantly reduces the incidence of desaturation when compared with regular oxygen supplementation via a nasal cannula. Patients in the SJOV group had an increased incidence of transient dry mouth.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registered at www.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR1900023514).
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, exendin-4, reduces reinstatement of heroin-seeking behavior in rats
Authors: Douton Joaquin E. , Augusto Corinne , Stoltzfus Brooke , Carkaci-Salli Nurgul , Vrana Kent E. , Grigson Patricia S.
Published: November 2020

Opioid use disorder (OUD) causes the death of nearly 130 Americans daily. It is evident that new avenues for treatment are needed. To this end, studies have reported that ‘satiety’ agents such as the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist, exendin-4 (Ex-4), decreases responding for addictive drugs such as cocaine, nicotine, alcohol, and oxycodone, but no work has been done with heroin. In this study, we used a reward devaluation model in which rats avoid ingesting a saccharin solution that predicts drug availability to test the effects of 2.4 μg/kg Ex-4 on responding for a natural reward cue (i.e., saccharin) and on cue- and drug-induced heroin seeking. The results showed that treatment with Ex-4 during the 16-day abstinence period and on the test day decreased cue-induced heroin seeking. Drug-induced heroin seeking also was reduced by Ex-4, but only when using a 1 h, but not a 6 h, pretreatment time. Treatment with Ex-4 did not alter intake of the saccharin cue when the drug was on board, but a history of treatment with Ex-4 increased acceptance of the saccharin cue in later extinction trials. Finally, treatment with Ex-4 did not alter body weight, but was associated with increased Orexin 1 receptor (OX1) mRNA expression in the nucleus accumbens shell. Taken together, these findings are the first to show that treatment with a GLP-1R agonist can reduce both cue-induced seeking and drug-induced reinstatement of heroin seeking. As such, a GLP-1R agonist may serve as an effective treatment for OUD in humans.
Animal Models in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Authors: DUNN ARIEL J.
Published: November 2020

The pathogenesis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in women is poorly understood. With its varied endocrine and metabolic effects, it is unlikely a single genetic mutation or biological insult is the cause of the disease. Animals have been the proposed model for further studying the pathogenesis of PCOS and many modalities can be used to induce PCOS-like phenotypes in animals, most often with rodents. While there is not yet an animal model that perfectly recapitulates the classic PCOS phenotype in human women, many models allow for a better understanding of the complex disease process as well as possible treatments.
ANALYSIS OF FLUID VOLUME AND ITS IMPACT ON VISUAL ACUITY IN THE FLUID STUDY AS QUANTIFIED WITH DEEP LEARNING
Authors: Reiter Gregor S. , Grechenig Christoph , Vogl Wolf-Dieter , Guymer Robyn H. , Arnold Jennifer J. , Bogunovic Hrvoje , Schmidt-Erfurth Ursula
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

To investigate quantitative differences in fluid volumes between subretinal fluid (SRF)–tolerant and SRF-intolerant treat-and-extend regimens for neovascular age-related macular degeneration and analyze the association with best-corrected visual acuity.

Methods:

Macular fluid (SRF and intraretinal fluid) was quantified on optical coherence tomography volumetric scans using a trained and validated deep learning algorithm. Fluid volumes and complete resolution was automatically assessed throughout the study. The impact of fluid location and volumes on best-corrected visual acuity was computed using mixed-effects regression models.

Results:

Baseline fluid quantifications for 348 eyes from 348 patients were balanced (all P > 0.05). No quantitative differences in SRF/intraretinal fluid between the treatment arms was found at any study-specific time point (all P > 0.05). Compared with qualitative assessment, the proportion of eyes without SRF/intraretinal fluid did not differ between the groups at any time point (all P > 0.05). Intraretinal fluid in the central 1 mm and SRF in the 1-mm to 6-mm macular area were negatively associated with best-corrected visual acuity (−2.8 letters/100 nL intraretinal fluid, P = 0.007 and −0.20 letters/100 nL SRF, P = 0.005, respectively).

Conclusion:

Automated fluid quantification using artificial intelligence allows objective and precise assessment of macular fluid volume and location. Precise determination of fluid parameters will help improve therapeutic efficacy of treatment in neovascular age-related macular degeneration.