bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Copyright in ‘contest-created’ works: Ugandan Court of Appeal weighs private interests and public benefit vis-à-vis Uganda’s national anthem
Authors: Okorie Chijioke
Published: October 2019

Court of Appeal of Uganda, Theresa Kokoma v Attorney General Civil, Appeal No 50 of 2011, 15 July 2019

The Ugandan Court of Appeal recently found that copyright in the song incorporated in the Ugandan nation anthem belonged to the Government of Uganda and the composer was not entitled to any royalties: the circumstance that the Government had organized the contest which resulted in the musical work meant that the musical work was made under its own direction and control.
Imaging-based definition of lower uterine segment carcinoma to improve the detection sensitivity of probable Lynch syndrome
Authors: Yamazaki Hiroyuki , Takeshita Sho , Todo Yukiharu , Matsumiya Hiroko , Shimada Chisa , Minobe Shinichiro , Tsuruta Tomohiko , Kato Hidenori
Published: October 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate a magnetic resonance imaging-based definition of lower uterine segment carcinoma.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 587 consecutive patients with endometrial cancer who underwent hysterectomy. Lower uterine segment carcinoma was determined through pathological examination and magnetic resonance imaging assessment. For imaging assessment, the location of the inner lining of the uterus was classified into four equal parts on a sagittal section image. A tumor was defined as lower uterine segment carcinoma when its thickest part was located in the second or the third part from the uterine fundus. Lower uterine segment carcinoma was further divided into lower uterine segment in a narrow sense, upon which diagnosis was exclusively based on pathological findings, and lower uterine segment in a broad sense that were the remaining lower uterine segment carcinomas except lower uterine segment carcinomas in a narrow sense. The relationship between lower uterine segment carcinoma and probable Lynch syndrome was investigated. Patients with loss of MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2 expression or those with tumors with loss of MLH1 and absence of MLH1 promoter methylation were diagnosed as probable Lynch syndrome.

Results

Lower uterine segment carcinoma was identified in 59 (10.2%) patients. Twenty-eight (47.5%) patients were categorized as lower uterine segment in a narrow sense and 31 (52.5%) as lower uterine segment in a broad sense. Among them, probable Lynch syndrome was identified in 12 (20.3%) cases. There was no difference in clinical profiles, including the prevalence of probable Lynch syndrome between the two categories.

Conclusions

A magnetic resonance imaging-based expanded definition of lower uterine segment carcinoma is likely to secure characteristics equivalent to a conventional pathology-based definition of lower uterine segment carcinoma. The novel definition of lower uterine segment carcinoma might improve the detection of probable Lynch syndrome.
Bayesian Nonparametric Estimation ofEx PostVariance
Authors: Griffin Jim , Liu Jia , Maheu John M.
Published: October 2019

Variance estimation is central to many questions in finance and economics. Until now ex post variance estimation has been based on infill asymptotic assumptions that exploit high-frequency data. This article offers a new exact finite sample approach to estimating ex post variance using Bayesian nonparametric methods. In contrast to the classical counterpart, the proposed method exploits pooling over high-frequency observations with similar variances. Bayesian nonparametric variance estimators under no noise, heteroskedastic and serially correlated microstructure noise are introduced and discussed. Monte Carlo simulation results show that the proposed approach can increase the accuracy of variance estimation. Applications to equity data and comparison with realized variance and realized kernel estimators are included.
Regimen-Specific Rates of Chemotherapy-Related Amenorrhea in Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Gast Kelly C , Cathcart-Rake Elizabeth J , Norman Aaron D , Eshraghi Leah , Obidegwu Nwamaka , Nichols Hazel B , Rosenberg Shoshana , Su H Irene , Stewart Elizabeth A , Couch Fergus J , Vachon Celine M , Ruddy Kathryn J
Published: October 2019

Young women who have not begun or completed their desired childbearing at the time of diagnosis with breast cancer often wish to understand and minimize their risk of chemotherapy-related amenorrhea (CRA). However, the incidence of CRA after regimens that do not include either an anthracycline or a cyclophosphamide is poorly studied. For patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive disease, anthracycline- and cyclophosphamide-sparing regimens (eg, carboplatin/taxane) are common (in combination with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–directed therapy). In this study, accrued in collaboration with Army of Women, menstrual data were analyzed for 151 breast cancer survivors (median age = 41 years at diagnosis, and median time between last chemotherapy and survey = 62.5 months). Last menstrual period was before the last chemotherapy dose in 51% of the 86 participants who received anthracycline/cyclophosphamide/taxane, in 42% of the 43 who received only taxane/cyclophosphamide, and in 13% of the 15 who received carboplatin/taxane. This study suggests that carboplatin/taxane causes less CRA than cyclophosphamide-based regimens.
Successful lung transplantation from a donor with lung and ovarian masses
Authors: Asif Abuzar A , Narula Tathagat , Erasmus David B , Alvarez Francisco , Nichols Todd , Jacob Samuel , Pham Si M , Cortese Cherise , Makey Ian A
Published: October 2019

Declining a donor when there is a reasonable possibility that the abnormality on chest imaging could be benign carries the risk of losing out on potentially usable lungs in an already parched landscape of donor organ availability. Cautiously aggressive attitudes to acceptance of borderline donors can help bridge the significant discrepancy that exists between the demand and availability of donor organs. Herein, we present a case highlighting successful bilateral lung transplantation from a relatively imperfect donor.
Ischemic mitral regurgitation in a patient with dextrocardia and situs inversus totalis
Authors: Esmaeil Husain , Al-Fadhli Jamal , Dashti Abdullah , Al-Sarraf Nael
Published: October 2019

Dextrocardia with situs inversus is a rare condition. Few previously published cases have addressed the observation of isolated coronary artery disease or isolated mitral valve disease in these patients. However, the occurrence of ischemic mitral regurgitation in such cases has never been previously reported. Here, we report such a case with emphasis on both surgical and echocardiographic features.
Interpreting Evidence of Torture
Authors: Robertson Bernard W N , Berger Charles E H
Published: October 2019

The Istanbul Protocol provides a scheme for giving evidence of signs of torture. This scheme does not conform with the principles of logical inference, revolving as it does round the concept of ‘consistency’. The shortcomings of the Protocol are explained using the evidence given in the recent case of KV(Sri Lanka) and the logical approach to such evidence explained.
Reckoning with the Past: Strategies of Musical Authorship in Liszt’s Thematic Catalogue (1855/1877)
Authors: Calella Michele
Published: October 2019

The thematic catalogue of Franz Liszt’s works, published by Breitkopf & Härtel in 1855 (and in a revised and enlarged edition in 1877), sheds light on Liszt’s artistic development after 1848, when he gave up his career as a virtuoso and settled in Weimar. Drawing on a number of previously unpublished or unexamined letters and documents, the article illustrates how this project—probably started on Liszt’s own initiative—offered the composer a means to select, order, and authorize the corpus of his works in print. At the same time it provided him with the opportunity to modify his authorial image and strengthen his profile as a ‘serious’ composer. The correspondence between Liszt and the publisher as well as other manuscript sources reveal the different strategies which allowed him to reposition himself in the music world and—as best illustrated by the later edition—to expand his profile as a composer even further.
Polarization of radio relics in galaxy clusters
Authors: Wittor D , Hoeft M , Vazza F , Brüggen M , Domínguez-Fernández P
Published: October 2019

Radio emission in the form of giant radio relics is observed at the periphery of galaxy clusters. This non-thermal emission is an important tracer for cosmic ray electrons and intracluster magnetic fields. One striking observational feature of these objects is their high degree of polarization, which provides information on the magnetic fields at the relics’ positions. In this contribution, we test if state-of-the-art high resolution cosmological simulations are able to reproduce the polarization features of radio relics. Therefore, we present a new analysis of high-resolution cosmological simulations to study the polarization properties of radio relics in detail. In order to compare our results with current and future radio observations, we create mock radio observations of the diffuse polarized emission from a massive galaxy cluster using six different projections, for different observing frequencies and for different telescopes. Our simulations suggest that, due to the effect of Faraday rotation, it is extremely difficult to relate the morphology of the polarized emission for observing frequencies below 1.4 GHz to the real magnetic field structure in relics. We can reproduce the observed degree of polarization and also several small-scale structures observed in real radio relics, but further work would be needed to reproduce some large-scale spectacular features as observed in real radio relics, such as the ‘Sausage’ and ‘Toothbrush’ relics.
Using torque to understand barred galaxy models
Authors: Petersen Michael S , Weinberg Martin D , Katz Neal
Published: October 2019

We track the angular momentum transfer in N-body simulations of barred galaxies by measuring torques to understand the dynamical mechanisms responsible for the evolution of the bar–disc–dark matter halo system. We find evidence for three distinct phases of barred galaxy evolution: assembly, secular growth, and steady-state equilibrium. Using a decomposition of the disc into orbital families, we track bar mass and angular momentum through time and correlate the quantities with the phases of evolution. We follow the angular momentum transfer between particles and identify the dominant torque channels. We find that the halo model mediates the assembly and growth of the bar for a high central density halo, and the outer disc mediates the assembly and growth of the bar in a low central density halo model. Both galaxies exhibit a steady-state equilibrium phase where the bar is neither lengthening nor slowing. The steady-state equilibrium results from the balance of torque between particles that are gaining and losing angular momentum. We propose observational metrics for barred galaxies that can be used to help determine the evolutionary phase of a barred galaxy, and discuss the implications of the phases for galaxy evolution as a whole.
Silicon and iron dust in gamma-ray burst host galaxy absorbers
Authors: Zafar T , Heintz K E , Karakas A , Lattanzio J , Ahmad A
Published: October 2019

Depletion studies provide a way to understand the chemical composition of interstellar dust grains. We here examine 23 gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) optical afterglow spectra (spanning 0.6 ≤ z ≤ 5.0) and compare their silicon and iron dust-phase column densities with different extinction curve parameters to study the composition of the interstellar dust grains in these high-redshift GRB host galaxies. The majority of our sample (87 per cent) show featureless extinction curves and only vary in shape. We observe strong correlations (with $\gt 96{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ significance) between the total-to-selective extinction, RV, and the dust-phase column densities of Si and Fe. Since a large fraction of interstellar iron is locked in silicate grains, this indicates that high Si and Fe depletion leads to an increase in the fraction of large silicate grains and vice versa. This suggests that silicates play a vital role to induce the entire extinction at any wavelength. On the other hand, the far-ultraviolet (UV) extinction is usually attributed to the presence of small silicates. However, we find no trend between the far-UV parameter of the extinction curve, c4, and the abundance of Si and Fe in the dust phase. We, therefore, propose that the far-UV extinction could be a combined effect of small (probably nanoparticles) dust grains from various species.
ChlamDB: a comparative genomics database of the phylum Chlamydiae and other members of the Planctomycetes-Verrucomicrobiae-Chlamydiae superphylum
Authors: Pillonel Trestan , Tagini Florian , Bertelli Claire , Greub Gilbert
Published: October 2019

ChlamDB is a comparative genomics database containing 277 genomes covering the entire Chlamydiae phylum as well as their closest relatives belonging to the Planctomycetes-Verrucomicrobiae-Chlamydiae (PVC) superphylum. Genomes can be compared, analyzed and retrieved using accessions numbers of the most widely used databases including COG, KEGG ortholog, KEGG pathway, KEGG module, Pfam and InterPro. Gene annotations from multiple databases including UniProt (curated and automated protein annotations), KEGG (annotation of pathways), COG (orthology), TCDB (transporters), STRING (protein–protein interactions) and InterPro (domains and signatures) can be accessed in a comprehensive overview page. Candidate effectors of the Type III secretion system (T3SS) were identified using four in silico methods. The identification of orthologs among all PVC genomes allows users to perform large-scale comparative analyses and to identify orthologs of any protein in all genomes integrated in the database. Phylogenetic relationships of PVC proteins and their closest homologs in RefSeq, comparison of transmembrane domains and Pfam domains, conservation of gene neighborhood and taxonomic profiles can be visualized using dynamically generated graphs, available for download. As a central resource for researchers working on chlamydia, chlamydia-related bacteria, verrucomicrobia and planctomyces, ChlamDB facilitates the access to comprehensive annotations, integrates multiple tools for comparative genomic analyses and is freely available at https://chlamdb.ch/. Database URL: https://chlamdb.ch/
SpatialDB: a database for spatially resolved transcriptomes
Authors: Fan Zhen , Chen Runsheng , Chen Xiaowei
Published: October 2019

Spatially resolved transcriptomic techniques allow the characterization of spatial organization of cells in tissues, which revolutionize the studies of tissue function and disease pathology. New strategies for detecting spatial gene expression patterns are emerging, and spatially resolved transcriptomic data are accumulating rapidly. However, it is not convenient for biologists to exploit these data due to the diversity of strategies and complexity in data analysis. Here, we present SpatialDB, the first manually curated database for spatially resolved transcriptomic techniques and datasets. The current version of SpatialDB contains 24 datasets (305 sub-datasets) from 5 species generated by 8 spatially resolved transcriptomic techniques. SpatialDB provides a user-friendly web interface for visualization and comparison of spatially resolved transcriptomic data. To further explore these data, SpatialDB also provides spatially variable genes and their functional enrichment annotation. SpatialDB offers a repository for research community to investigate the spatial cellular structure of tissues, and may bring new insights into understanding the cellular microenvironment in disease. SpatialDB is freely available at https://www.spatialomics.org/SpatialDB.
A dynamic i-motif with a duplex stem-loop in the long terminal repeat promoter of the HIV-1 proviral genome modulates viral transcription
Authors: Ruggiero Emanuela , Lago Sara , Šket Primož , Nadai Matteo , Frasson Ilaria , Plavec Janez , Richter Sara N
Published: October 2019

I-motifs are non-canonical nucleic acids structures characterized by intercalated H-bonds between hemi-protonated cytosines. Evidence on the involvement of i-motif structures in the regulation of cellular processes in human cells has been consistently growing in the recent years. However, i-motifs within non-human genomes have never been investigated. Here, we report the characterization of i-motifs within the long terminal repeat (LTR) promoter of the HIV-1 proviral genome. Biophysical and biochemical analysis revealed formation of a predominant i-motif with an unprecedented loop composition. One-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance investigation demonstrated formation of three G-C H-bonds in the long loop, which likely improve the structure overall stability. Pull-down experiments combined with mass spectrometry and protein crosslinking analysis showed that the LTR i-motif is recognized by the cellular protein hnRNP K, which induced folding at physiological conditions. In addition, hnRNP K silencing resulted in an increased LTR promoter activity, confirming the ability of the protein to stabilize the i-motif-forming sequence, which in turn regulates the LTR-mediated HIV-1 transcription. These findings provide new insights into the complexity of the HIV-1 virus and lay the basis for innovative antiviral drug design, based on the possibility to selectively recognize and target the HIV-1 LTR i-motif.
A nucleotide-dependent oligomerization of the Escherichia coli replication initiator DnaA requires residue His136 for remodeling of the chromosomal origin
Authors: Saxena Rahul , Stanley Christopher B , Kumar Pankaj , Cuneo Matthew J , Patil Digvijay , Jha Jyoti , Weiss Kevin L , Chattoraj Dhruba K , Crooke Elliott
Published: October 2019

Escherichia coli replication initiator protein DnaA binds ATP with high affinity but the amount of ATP required to initiate replication greatly exceeds the amount required for binding. Previously, we showed that ATP-DnaA, not ADP-DnaA, undergoes a conformational change at the higher nucleotide concentration, which allows DnaA oligomerization at the replication origin but the association state remains unclear. Here, we used Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) to investigate oligomerization of DnaA in solution. Whereas ADP-DnaA was predominantly monomeric, AMP–PNP–DnaA (a non-hydrolysable ATP-analog bound-DnaA) was oligomeric, primarily dimeric. Functional studies using DnaA mutants revealed that DnaA(H136Q) is defective in initiating replication in vivo. The mutant retains high-affinity ATP binding, but was defective in producing replication-competent initiation complexes. Docking of ATP on a structure of E. coli DnaA, modeled upon the crystallographic structure of Aquifex aeolicus DnaA, predicts a hydrogen bond between ATP and imidazole ring of His136, which is disrupted when Gln is present at position 136. SAXS performed on AMP–PNP–DnaA (H136Q) indicates that the protein has lost its ability to form oligomers. These results show the importance of high ATP in DnaA oligomerization and its dependence on the His136 residue.
Final Results of the Prospective Multicenter Excimer Laser-Assisted High-Flow Bypass Study on the Treatment of Giant Anterior Circulation Aneurysms
Authors: van der Zwan Albert , Vajkoczy Peter , Amin-Hanjani Sepideh , Charbel Fady T , Welch Babu , Tymianski Michael , Kivipelto Leena , van Thoor Sander , Chakraborty Shamik , O’Donnell Devon , Langer David J
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Both conventional bypass utilizing temporary recipient vessel occlusion and the excimer laser-assisted nonocclusive anastomosis (ELANA) bypass technique are possible strategies in the treatment of giant aneurysms. These treatments have only been studied in single institutional retrospective studies. The potential advantage of the ELANA technique is the absence of temporary occlusion of major arteries, decreasing the risk of intraoperative ischemia.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the risks and potential benefits of high-flow bypass surgery for giant and complex aneurysms of the anterior cerebral circulation. In addition, the effectiveness of the ELANA bypass procedure in the treatment of these aneurysms is determined.

METHODS

A total of 37 patients were included in 8 vascular neurosurgical centers in the United States, Canada, and Europe. A 30-d postoperative bypass follow-up was studied by using digital subtraction angiography and/or magnetic resonance angiography and computed tomography angiography to assess patency as well as by clinical monitoring in all patients.

RESULTS

In 35 patients, an ELANA high-flow bypass was performed and the aneurysm treated. Four patients had remaining neurological deficits after 30 d caused by stroke (11.4%). These strokes were not related to the ELANA anastomosis device.

CONCLUSION

This study does not prove that the ELANA technique has an advantage over conventional bypass techniques, but it appears to be an acceptable alternative to conventional transplanted high-flow bypass in this very-difficult-to-treat patient group, especially in select patients whom cannot be bypassed using conventional means in which temporary occlusion is considered to be not recommended.
Influence of fatty acid desaturase (FADS) genotype on maternal and child polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) status and child health outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: Conway Marie C , McSorley Emeir M , Mulhern Maria S , Strain J J , van Wijngaarden Edwin , Yeates Alison J
Published: October 2019

Context

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are important during pregnancy for fetal development and child health outcomes. The fatty acid desaturase (FADS) genes also influence PUFA status, with the FADS genes controlling how much product (eg, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid) is metabolized from the precursor molecules linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid.

Objective

The current review discusses the influence of FADS genotype on PUFA status of pregnant women, breast milk, and children, and also how FADS may influence child health outcomes.

Data sources

The Ovid Medline, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL Plus, PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched from their inception to September 2018.

Data extraction

Eligible studies reported FADS genotype and blood concentrations of PUFA during pregnancy, in childhood, breast milk concentrations of PUFA or child health outcomes.

Data analysis

In pregnant and lactating women, minor allele carriers have higher concentrations of linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid, and lower concentrations of arachidonic acid, in blood and breast milk, respectively. In children, FADS genotype influences PUFA status in the same manner and may impact child outcomes such as cognition and allergies; however, the direction of effects for the evidence to date is not consistent.

Conclusion

Further studies are needed to further investigate associations between FADS and outcomes, as well as the diet-gene interaction.
The Spark That Still Shines: John Calvin on Conscience and Natural Law
Authors: Lee Constance Y
Published: October 2019

John Calvin (1509–64), a central figure in Reformed theology, is perhaps best known for his bleak doctrine of total human depravity. This dismal view of human reason has commonly overshadowed his statement that ‘some sparks still shine’. This article proposes that Calvin’s account of conscience, by conserving an illuminated space in human nature, makes possible a formal doctrine of natural law. Calvin enlists the interconnectedness between the knowledge of God and human reason to frame his anthropology. According to this, human reason was originally created to perfectly access knowledge of God but after the Fall, can only attain imperfect access. Within this broader framework, by adopting a dialectic of dual perspectives, Calvin maintains that, however fallen, human nature still partially reflects the Imago Dei as first intended. As through a glass darkly, this divine image is reflected in human conscience endowing it with sufficient knowledge for moral discernment. Calvin’s emphasis on ‘common grace’ in the preservation of this knowledge allows him to simultaneously maintain human ignorance and their universal accountability to objective norms. In this way, Calvin’s account of conscience enables him to hold both apparent extremes in tension: the immanent fallibility of human beings with the external normative standards they ought to pursue.
Analgesic Effects of Directed Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Acute Neuropathic Pain After Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Zhao Chen-Guang , Sun Wei , Ju Fen , Wang Hong , Sun Xiao-Long , Mou Xiang , Yuan Hua
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Central neuropathic pain (CNP) often appears following spinal cord injury (SCI), but current treatments are not always successful. In this study, we evaluated the analgesic effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied over the hand area of the motor cortex in patients with acute CNP after SCI.

Methods

A total of 48 patients with complete or incomplete SCI and acute CNP participated in this study and were randomized to receive either rTMS (10 Hz, 1,500 stimuli; N = 24) or a sham intervention (N = 24) for three weeks. The numeric rating scale (NRS) and Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (Chinese Edition; SF-MPQ-2-CN) were analyzed to assess the degree of pain. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) were collected to explore expression influenced by rTMS. Motor-evoked potential (MEP) latency and maximal amplitude were measured to determine neurophysiological changes. The assessments were carried out at baseline (T0), three days (T1), one week (T2), two weeks (T3), and three weeks (T4) after onset of treatment.

Results

The analysis showed significant treatment–time interactions for the quality and intensity of pain, as measured by NRS (P < 0.001, η2 = 0.441) and SF-MPQ-2 (P < 0.001, η2 = 0.590). Compared with the sham group, the NRS and SF-MPQ2-CN scores were significantly lower on the third day (P < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.135; P = 0.006, Cohen’s d = 0.616) and after one week (P < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.846; P = 0.012, Cohen’s d = 0.557) of treatment. In addition, the serum levels of BDNF and NGF were significantly higher in the treated group after three weeks (P = 0.015, Cohen’s d = 0.539; P = 0.009, Cohen’s d = 0.580), and the MEP amplitude increased by 109.59% (P = 0.033, Cohen’s d = 0.464).

Conclusions

These findings indicate that 10 Hz rTMS over the hand area of the motor cortex could alleviate acute CNP in the early phase of SCI and could enhance MEP parameters and modulate BDNF and NGF secretion.
Prevalence of severe childhood obesity in Wales UK
Authors: Beynon Claire , Bailey Linda
Published: October 2019

Background

In Wales, approximately one in eight children is obese (aged 4–5 years). The aim of this prevalence study was to examine the trends in severe childhood obesity and investigate any relationship with socioeconomic deprivation.

Methods

Data for all children included as part of the Wales Childhood Measurement Programme (2013/14–2017/18) were utilized. Data on the number who had a body mass index above the 99.6th centile indicating severe obesity were calculated over time by sex and in relation to deprivation.

Results

Of the 162 208 children measured between 2013/14 and 2017/18 (mean age 5.06 years, standard deviation 0.35 years), the overall prevalence of severe obesity was 3.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.0–3.2%). This varies from 1.9% (95% CI 1.7–2.1%) in the least deprived areas to 3.9% (95% CI 3.7–4.0%) in the most deprived areas. Boys have higher prevalence of severe obesity than girls: 3.6% (95% CI 3.4–3.9%) of boys (n = 598) and 3.0% (95% CI 2.7–3.2%) of girls (n = 467) were categorized as severely obese in reception year in Wales in 2017/18. Prevalence has increased over time but this is not statistically significant.

Conclusion

This study found significantly higher levels of severe obesity in areas of socioeconomic deprivation. Levels of severe obesity were significantly higher in boys than in girls.
Do Corporate Governance Ratings Change Investor Expectations? Evidence from Announcements by Institutional Shareholder Services*
Authors: Guest Paul M , Nerino Marco
Published: October 2019

This paper examines empirically the announcement effect of commercial corporate governance ratings on share returns. Rating downgrades by Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) are associated with negative returns of –1.14% over a 3-day announcement window. The returns are highly correlated with the proprietary analysis of ISS and are decreasing in agency costs, consistent with ratings providing independent information on underlying corporate governance quality. We thus show that the influence and impact of ISS extends beyond proxy recommendations and subsequent voting outcomes. Our findings contrast with the insignificant price impact of Daines, Gow, and Larcker (2010), whose analysis we replicate and successfully reconcile to ours by pooling upgrades and downgrades together.
“The coupons and stuff just made it possible”: economic constraints and patient experiences of a produce prescription program
Authors: Schlosser Allison V , Joshi Kakul , Smith Samantha , Thornton Anna , Bolen Shari D , Trapl Erika S
Published: October 2019

Patients with hypertension who also experience food insecurity experience economic barriers to participating in a produce prescription program even after vouchers for produce were provided.
Population Genomic Analyses Reveal Connectivity via Human-Mediated Transport across Populus Plantations in North America and an Undescribed Subpopulation of Sphaerulina musiva
Authors: Tabima J. F. , Søndreli K. L. , Keriö S. , Feau N. , Sakalidis M. L. , Hamelin R. C. , LeBoldus J. M.
Published: October 2019

Domestication of plant species has affected the evolutionary dynamics of plant pathogens in agriculture and forestry. A model system for studying the consequences of plant domestication on the evolution of an emergent plant disease is the fungal pathogen Sphaerulina musiva. This ascomycete causes leaf spot and stem canker disease of Populus spp. and their hybrids. A population genomics approach was used to determine the degree of population structure and evidence for selection on the North American population of S. musiva. In total, 122 samples of the fungus were genotyped identifying 120,016 single-nucleotide polymorphisms after quality filtering. In North America, S. musiva has low to moderate degrees of differentiation among locations. Three main genetic clusters were detected: southeastern United States, midwestern United States and Canada, and a new British Columbia cluster (BC2). Population genomics suggest that BC2 is a novel genetic cluster from central British Columbia, clearly differentiated from previously reported S. musiva from coastal British Columbia, and the product of a single migration event. Phenotypic measurements from greenhouse experiments indicate lower aggressiveness of BC2 on Populus trichocarpa. In summary, S. musiva has geographic structure across broad regions indicative of gene flow among clusters. The interconnectedness of the North American S. musiva populations across large geographic distances further supports the hypothesis of anthropogenic-facilitated transport of the pathogen.
Lumbar hernia after iliac crest bone harvest
Authors: Pastore Anthony , Sobel Jonathan E.
Published: October 2019

A lumbar hernia is a rare occurrence, with about 300 cases reported in the literature since the first publication by Garengeot in 1731. Incisional lumbar hernias are defined as secondary acquired hernias that can develop after surgeries such as nephrectomies or aortic aneurysm repairs. Harvesting bone from the iliac crest also has been identified as a cause of incisional lumbar hernias, occurring after about 0.5% of these procedures. This article discusses a patient presenting with flank pain years after an iliac crest bone harvest as well as a brief review of the pathogenesis and history of lumbar hernias.
Can pimavanserin help patients with Parkinson disease psychosis?
Authors: de la Cruz Jennifer , Canal Clinton
Published: October 2019

Pimavanserin is a first-in-class selective serotonin 5-HT2A receptor inverse agonist approved for the treatment of Parkinson disease psychosis. This article discusses pimavanserin's mechanism of action, which patients are appropriate candidates for therapy, adverse reactions, and appropriate dosing.
Clinical utility of next-generation sequencing in precision oncology
Authors: Hux Anna , Lewis Amanda , Sachwitz Drew , Gregory Tanya
Published: October 2019

The Precision Medicine Initiative (PMI) aims to change the way diseases are diagnosed and treated by taking into account a patient's genome, lifestyle, and environment. This type of research also uncovers potential biomarkers that can lead to the development of novel targeted therapies. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a new technology that facilitates collection of this genetic information by processing large amounts of DNA in an efficient and cost-effective way. NGS is particularly useful in oncology and has already begun to transform cancer management.
Recognizing, diagnosing, and treating pediatric generalized anxiety disorder
Authors: Panganiban Marinela , Yeow Michelle , Zugibe Kaitlyn , Geisler Sheryl L.
Published: October 2019

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), characterized by excessive worry or apprehension, can lead to significant distress or impairment in patients' social or occupational function but commonly is overlooked by primary care providers. GAD and other anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health disorders affecting children. Without treatment, children with GAD are at higher risk for academic underperformance, substance abuse, other mental health disorders, and poor outcomes in adulthood. This article reviews screening and assessment for GAD in children and pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic recommendations for management.
Paroxysmal laryngospasm
Authors: Holley David , Mendez Anthony , Donald Carrlene
Published: October 2019

Paroxysmal laryngospasm is an episodic event, resulting in complete closure of the larynx caused by hypersensitization of laryngeal tissue and protective laryngeal reflexes. This condition most often occurs secondary to laryngopharyngeal reflux. Prognosis generally is good after treatment is initiated; however, often because of a misunderstanding of the clinical course and potential causes, patients with paroxysmal laryngospasm can go untreated. This article describes paroxysmal laryngospasm, similarly presenting diseases, and treatment strategies.
Updated guidelines for diagnosing and managing Clostridium difficile
Authors: Rancich Margaret , Roman Christopher
Published: October 2019

The updated Infectious Disease Society of America guidelines for managing Clostridium difficile infections remove metronidazole as first-line therapy and add fecal microbiota transplants to the treatment options. This article reviews the new guidelines and strategies for diagnosis and infection control.
An unusual case of bilateral anterior opercular syndrome from a neuro-rehabilitation perspective
Authors: Eventide Chad , Nair Ajoy , Tai Yen F. , Timms Katie , Lichtblau Nicole
Published: October 2019

Bilateral anterior opercular syndrome, also known as Foix-Chavany-Marie syndrome, is relatively rare and is characterized by inability of voluntary activation of facial, lingual, pharyngeal, and masticatory muscles with preserved automatic and reflex movements such as smiling and yawning. The syndrome is caused by bilateral lesions of the anterior opercula and results in severe impairments with speech and swallowing. This article describes a patient with bilateral anterior opercular syndrome secondary to embolic strokes and how neuro-rehabilitation improved symptoms.
Progression of a Buschke-Lowenstein tumor into invasive squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Fai Emmanuel K. , Bhutta Habib A. , Ali Kashif
Published: October 2019

Buschke-Lowenstein tumors primarily are slow-growing giant condylomata accuminata of the anogenital region. They are locally destructive with a low rate of metastasis. Sexually transmitted oncogenic human papillomavirus type 6 and 11 are the greatest risk factors for Buschke-Lowenstein tumors or verrucous carcinomas, a type of squamous cell cancer. Grossly, the tumor appears as a large fungating, erythematous, cauliflower-like mass. Radical surgical excision of the tumor is the treatment of choice and close follow-up for recurrence is essential. The use of radiation or chemotherapy as adjunct treatments is controversial. This case report describes a patient with this rare condition.
Does rivaroxaban have a role in treating patients with PAD?
Authors: Thomas Rebekah
Published: October 2019

Peripheral arterial disease can cause devastating health outcomes, and few therapies are available to treat this condition. Results of a secondary analysis of the COMPASS trial suggest benefit with the use of rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice daily plus aspirin 100 mg daily. This treatment regimen could change the standard pharmacotherapeutic management practice for many patients with peripheral arterial disease.
Mechanisms of Failure Following Simulated Repetitive Lifting
Authors: Amin Dhara B. , Tavakoli Javad , Freeman Brian J.C. , Costi John J.
Published: October 2019

Study Design.

A biomechanical analysis correlating internal disc strains and tissue damage during simulated repetitive lifting.

Objective.

To understand the failure modes during simulated safe and unsafe repetitive lifting.

Summary of Background Data.

Repetitive lifting has been shown to lead to lumbar disc herniation (LDH). In vitro studies have developed a qualitative understanding of the effect of repetitive loading on LDH. However, no studies have measured internal disc strains and subsequently correlated these with disc damage.

Methods.

Thirty human cadaver lumbar functional spinal units were subjected to an equivalent of 1 year of simulated repetitive lifting under safe and unsafe levels of compression, in combination with flexion (13–15°), and right axial rotation (2°) for 20,000 cycles or until failure. Safe or unsafe lifting were applied as a compressive load to mimic holding a 20 kg weight either close to, or at arm's length, from the body, respectively. Maximum shear strains (MSS) were measured, and disc damage scores were determined in nine regions from axial post-test magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and macroscopic images.

Results.

Twenty percent of specimens in the safe lifting group failed before 20,000 cycles due to endplate failure, compared with 67% in the unsafe group. Over half of the specimens in the safe lifting group failed via either disc protrusion or LDH, compared with only 20% via protrusion in the unsafe group. Significant positive correlations were found between MRI and macroscopic damage scores in all regions (r
s > 0.385, P < 0.049). A significant positive correlation was observed in the left lateral region for MSS versus macroscopic damage score (r
s = 0.486, P < 0.037) and MSS versus failure mode (r
s = 0.724, P = 0.018, only specimens with disc failure). Pfirrmann Grade 3 discs were strongly associated with subsequent LDH (P = 0.003).

Conclusion.

Increased shear strains were observed in the contralateral side to the applied rotation as disc injury progressed from protrusion to LDH. Larger compressive loads applied to simulate unsafe lifting led to frequent early failure of the endplate, however, smaller compressive loads at similar flexion angles applied under safe lifting led to more loading cycles before failure, where the site of failure was more likely to be the disc. Our study demonstrated that unsafe lifting leads to greater risk of injury compared with safe lifting, and LDH and disc protrusion were more common in the posterior/posterolateral regions.

Level of Evidence: N/A
MRI Bone Marrow Edema Signal Intensity
Authors: Sims Kevin , Kountouris Alex , Stegeman James R. , Rotstein Andrew H. , Beakley David , Saw Anna E. , Cook Jill L.
Published: October 2019

Study Design.

Comparative reliability and prospective validity.

Objective.

First, to evaluate the reliability of four methods of assessing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) bone marrow edema (BMO) of the posterior vertebral arch of the lumbar vertebrae of elite junior fast bowlers. Second, to evaluate the validity of the most reliable method for the early detection of lumbar bone stress injury.

Summary of Background Data.

MRI has demonstrated utility in identifying BMO in lumbar vertebrae. Methods to grade the severity of BMO may provide valuable insight to inform clinical management, particularly in elite athletes where detection of early-stage bone stress may prevent progression to more severe and costly bone stress injury.

Methods.

Sixty-five male elite junior fast bowlers had repeat MRI scans during a cricket season. A subset of 19 bowlers’ images were reassessed by experienced musculoskeletal radiologists to determine intra- and inter-rater reliability. All images were aligned with independent medical records of lower back symptoms and diagnosed bone stress injuries to establish the relationship of BMO and lumbar bone stress injury.

Results.

Clinical detection of abnormal BMO, whether the pars region of the vertebra was considered in its entirety or subdivided into regions, had fair-to-moderate inter-rater reliability, and fair-to-almost perfect intra-rater reliability. Measurement of BMO signal intensity using an imaging software tool had excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.848, 0.837). BMO signal intensity was positively associated with subsequent LBSI (P < 0.001), and differentiated between asymptomatic and symptomatic bowlers (P < 0.001).

Conclusion.

Measurement of BMO signal intensity using an imaging software tool proved a reliable and valid measure of the severity of lumbar bone stress injury in elite junior fast bowlers.

Level of Evidence: 2
The Use of a Novel Antimicrobial Implant Coating In Vivo to Prevent Spinal Implant Infection
Authors: Hegde Vishal , Park Howard Y. , Dworsky Erik , Zoller Stephen D. , Xi Weixian , Johansen Daniel O. , Loftin Amanda H. , Hamad Christopher D. , Segura Tatiana , Bernthal Nicholas M.
Published: October 2019

Study Design.

A controlled, interventional animal study.

Objective.

Spinal implant infection (SII) is a devastating complication. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a novel implant coating that has both a passive antibiotic elution and an active-release mechanism triggered in the presence of bacteria, using an in vivo mouse model of SII.

Summary of Background Data.

Current methods to minimize the frequency of SII include local antibiotic therapy (vancomycin powder), betadine irrigation, silver nanoparticles, and passive release from antibiotic-loaded poly(methyl methacrylate) cement beads, all of which have notable weaknesses. A novel implant coating has been developed to address some of these limitations but has not been tested in the environment of a SII.

Methods.

A biodegradable coating using branched poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(propylene sulfide) (PEG-PPS) polymer was designed to deliver antibiotics. The in vivo performance of this coating was tested in the delivery of either vancomycin or tigecycline in a previously established mouse model of SII. Noninvasive bioluminescence imaging was used to quantify the bacterial burden, and implant sonication was used to determine bacterial colony-forming units (CFUs) from the implant and surrounding bone and soft tissue.

Results.

The PEG-PPS-vancomycin coating significantly lowered the infection burden from postoperative day 3 onwards (P < 0.05), whereas PEG-PPS-tigecycline only decreased the infection on postoperative day 5 to 10 (P < 0.05). CFUs were lower on PEG-PPS-vancomycin pins than PEG-PPS-tigecycline and PEG-PPS pins alone on both the implants (2.4 × 101, 8.5 × 101, and 1.0 × 102 CFUs, respectively) and surrounding bone and soft tissue (1.3 × 103, 4.8 × 103, and 5.4 × 103 CFUs, respectively) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion.

The biodegradable PEG-PPS coating demonstrates promise in decreasing bacterial burden and preventing SII. The vancomycin coating outperformed the tigecycline coating in this model compared to prior work in arthroplasty models, highlighting the uniqueness of the paraspinal infection microenvironment.

Level of Evidence: N/A
Toilet Training in Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Berry-Kravis Elizabeth , Kidd Sharon A. , Lachiewicz Ave M. , Choo Tse Hwei , Tartaglia Nicole , Talapatra Devadrita , Aguirre-Kolb Christina , Andrews Howard , Riley Karen
Published: October 2019

Objective:

To characterize bladder and bowel toileting skill acquisition in children with fragile X syndrome and to identify associated demographic, behavioral, and clinical factors.

Methods:

Using baseline data from the Fragile X Online Registry With Accessible Research Database (FORWARD), bivariate analyses and logistic regression models were used to identify differences between subjects who were and were not bowel and/or bladder trained by the age of 10 years. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the rate of completion of toilet training (TT) as a function of sex and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis.

Results:

In bivariate analyses, male sex, lower language level, inability to write one's name, more impaired intellectual level, ASD, and more severe behavioral deficits all predicted lack of bladder training (n = 313, p < 0.001) and bowel training (n = 300, p = 0.0004–0.0001) by the age of 10 years. In logistic regression models, lower level of language acquisition (p < 0.001) and higher Aberrant Behavior Checklist Irritability scores (p < 0.04) were associated with lower odds of bladder training by the age of 10 years. Lower level of language acquisition (p < 0.001) and ASD (p < 0.025) were associated with lower odds of bowel training by the age of 10 years. For both bladder and bowel training, Cox proportional hazard models indicated that delayed training was associated with male sex, lower levels of language acquisition, and ASD for both bladder training (n = 486; p < 0.001) and bowel training (n = 472; p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

These findings emphasize the importance of both slower language development and ASD diagnosis in predicting bowel and bladder training delays and can be used to develop and evaluate targeted approaches to TT based on sex, ASD diagnosis, and other clinical features identified in this study.