bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Getting Away With Murder: Homicide Clearance by Arrest in Chicago and Its Community Areas
Authors: Ferrandino Joseph
Published: August 2020

This work explores the decline in murder clearances through arrest in Chicago from 1965 through 2015, specifically focusing on the most recent time period since 2001. The findings suggest that clearance by arrest has decreased significantly, that elapsed time is a limited factor in clearing more murders through arrest and that factors associated with clearance by arrest in Chicago have changed over time. These results lead to a discussion on the missing variance that cannot explain murder clearance by arrest as well as future research areas that can explore why many murderers in Chicago are increasingly escaping the justice system.
Drug Development 101: A Primer
Authors: Buckley Lorrene A. , Bebenek Ilona , Cornwell Paul D. , Hodowanec Aimee , Jensen Eric C. , Murphy Caitlin , Ghantous Hanan N.
Published: August 2020

Drug development is a term used to define the entire process of bringing a new drug or device to market. It is an integrated, multidisciplinary endeavor that includes drug discovery, chemistry and pharmacology, nonclinical safety testing, manufacturing, clinical trials, and regulatory submissions. This report summarizes presentations of a workshop entitled “Drug Development 101,” held at the 39th Annual Meeting of the American College of Toxicology in West Palm Beach, Florida. The workshop was designed to provide an introductory overview of drug development. Experienced scientists from industry and government provided overviews of each area, with a focus on safety assessment, and described some of the challenges that can arise. The role of chemistry and manufacturing was discussed in the context of early- and late-stage product development and approaches to assess, control, and limit impurities. The toxicologic assessment was emphasized in early-phase development, from the selection of a candidate drug through the determination of a first-in-human starting dose. Clinical trial development was discussed in the context of regulatory requirements and expectations. The final topic of issues and considerations in the review processes of different types of submissions to Food and Drug Administration included advice for best practices in authoring good Investigational New Drug and New Drug Application/Biologic License Application submissions and interacting effectively with regulatory reviewers.
A Stochastic Frontier Approach to Assessing Total Factor Productivity Change in China’s Star-Rated Hotel Industry
Authors: Liu Hongwei , Tsai Henry
Published: August 2020

Using a stochastic frontier analysis approach and a ﬂexible translog production function considering neutral technological progress, this study assesses technical efficiency change, technological change, and scale change, and further measures the total factor productivity (TFP) change and its convergence of China’s star-rated hotel industry in 31 provinces, municipalities, and regions from 2001 to 2015. The results show that the TFP change of China’s star-rated hotel industry was generally favorable and boosted by both the technical efficiency change and technical change; nevertheless, the scale change hindered and largely caused fluctuations in the TFP change. From a regional economic perspective, the TFP change of the star-rated hotel industry in most of the eight comprehensive economic regions examined was rather stable. While few comprehensive economic regions existed absolute convergence, all of the regions showed significant conditional convergence except for the Eastern Coastal region.
Predicting factors of ocular hypertension following keratoplasty: Indications versus the procedure
Authors: Busool Abu Eta Yumna , Tomkins-Netzer Oren , Mimouni Micheal , Hamed Azzam Shireen , Shehadeh Mashour Raneen
Published: August 2020

Purpose:

To assess the incidence of ocular hypertension (OHTN) following penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) versus deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) corneal transplant surgeries, and to assess the impact of indication for transplantation versus surgery type on OHTN development.

Methods:

A retrospective study of 76 eyes of 76 patients who underwent PKP or DALK between 1 January 2009 and 1 September 2014. Data included: preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), indication and type of surgery, post-surgical IOP at 1 to 5, 14 to 21 days, 3, 6 months, 1 year and at the last follow up. Primary outcome was post-operative OHTN (defined as IOP >21 mm Hg).

Results:

A total of 13 patients (17.1%) developed OHTN of whom 9 (20.45%) underwent PKP and 4 (12.5%) DALK ( p = 0.33). OHTN occurred after an average of 16.46 ± 8.47 months (0.1–58 months). Twenty-one keratoconus patients (39.62%) underwent PKP and 32 (60.37%) underwent DALK. Patients with indications other than keratoconus all underwent PKP. Keratoconus patients were less likely to develop OHTN (9.43% vs 34.78%, p = 0.02). Among patients developing OHTN, mean age of the non-keratoconus group was significantly higher (63.25±16.7 vs 33 ± 10, p = 0.01). No significant difference in OHTN among keratoconus patients undergoing DALK versus PKP (12.5% vs 4.76%, respectively, p = 0.35) was found. PKP was associated with less OHTN in keratoconus eyes (4.76% vs 34.78%, p = 0.02).

Conclusion:

Patients who underwent keratoplasty due to keratoconus are at a lower risk to develop OHTN than those who underwent surgery for other indications.
Medication use, renin–angiotensin system inhibitors, and acute care utilization after hospitalization in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Neumiller Joshua J , Daratha Kenn B , Alicic Radica Z , Short Robert A , Miller Haleigh M , Gregg Liza , Gates Brian J , Corbett Cynthia F , McPherson Sterling M , Tuttle Katherine R
Published: August 2020

Objectives:

The aims of this secondary analysis were to: (a) characterize medication use following hospital discharge for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and (b) investigate relationships of medication use with the primary composite outcome of acute care utilization 90 days after hospitalization.

Methods:

The CKD-Medication Intervention Trial (CKD-MIT) enrolled acutely ill hospitalized patients with CKD stages 3–5 not dialyzed (CKD 3–5 ND). In this post hoc analysis, data for medication use were characterized, and the relationship of medication use with the primary outcome was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results:

Participants were taking a mean of 12.6 (standard deviation=5.1) medications, including medications from a wide variety of medication classes. Nearly half of study participants were taking angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB). ACE inhibitor/ARB use was associated with decreased risk of the primary outcome (hazard ratio=0.51; 95% confidence interval 0.28–0.95; p=0.03) after adjustment for baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate, age, sex, race, blood pressure, albuminuria, and potential nephrotoxin use.

Conclusions:

A large number, variety, and complexity of medications were used by hospitalized patients with CKD 3–5 ND. ACE inhibitor or ARB use at hospital discharge was associated with a decreased risk of 90-day acute care utilization.
Communication for Awareness and Action on Inequitable Impacts of COVID-19 on Latinos
Authors: Despres Cliff , Aguilar Rosalie , McAlister Alfred , Ramirez Amelie G.
Published: August 2020

In response to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in 2020, the national Salud America! Latino health equity program at University of Texas Health San Antonio applied its digital content curation model to create and communicate culturally relevant news, stories, and data to raise immediate awareness and generate action against the pandemic’s inequitable impacts on U.S. Latinos. Digital content curation is an emerging public health communication strategy using a systematic, refined process to create tailored online and social health messages and prevent mixed messaging and information overload for an audience. Salud America! curated culturally relevant digital content to raise awareness of the pandemic’s inequitable impact on Latinos and promote solutions for health equity, with a unique combination of website blog posts exploring pandemic effects on Latinos, peer-modeled stories of people responding meaningfully to the crisis, podcast episodes and Tweetchats engaging people in COVID-19 solutions for Latinos, action tools and campaigns equipping school leaders to make grassroots changes, and supplying advocates with a local data tool on health equity identification. The digital health promotion intervention produced curated content that spiked program website traffic to record highs, revealing the model’s effectiveness in increasing exposure to culturally relevant and action-oriented information for a novel topic.
Bully Victimization, Truancy, and Violent Offending: Evidence From the ASEP Truancy Reduction Experiment
Authors: Cardwell Stephanie M. , Bennett Sarah , Mazerolle Lorraine
Published: August 2020

Research indicates truancy and being bullied (otherwise called bully victimization) are independently linked to violent offending. We examine the associations between truancy, bully victimization, and violent offending in a sample of young people who participated in the Ability School Engagement Program (ASEP) truancy reduction experiment. Pre-intervention, half of the sample reported missing school because they were being bullied. Experiment and control participants both exhibited significant reductions in bully victimization and missing school because of bully victimization. Neither groups exhibited significant reductions in violent offending. Contrasting expectations, participants in the control group had significantly larger reductions in missing school because of bully victimization. Post-intervention measures of bully victimization were significantly related to higher odds of violent offending. Bully victimization is a critical factor in understanding the nexus between truancy and violent offending which, if neglected in an intervention (like ASEP) can lead to backfire effects for young people.
Perampanel Increases Cortical EEG Fast Activity in Child and Adult Patients Affected by Epilepsy: A Quantitative EEG Study
Authors: Liguori Claudio , Spanetta Matteo , Izzi Francesca , Russo Angelo , Guerra Angelo , Mercuri Nicola Biagio , Placidi Fabio
Published: August 2020

Objective

Quantitative EEG (qEEG) is an established technique used as objective measure for evaluating the effect of antiseizure medications (ASMs) on EEG background activity and monitoring cognitive effects of ASMs. Perampanel (PER) has been associated with relatively more tolerable cognitive effects in patients with epilepsy. The primary aim of the present study was to verify the effect of PER as first add-on ASM on qEEG in child and adult patients affected by epilepsy. The secondary aim of this study was to verify the effectiveness of the drug as first add-on treatment in both child and adult patients with epilepsy.

Methods

We collected data from 17 adults and 10 children treated with PER as first add-on treatment, who underwent qEEG analysis before starting PER and at 3-month follow-up under stable treatment.

Results

PER resulted with significant effectiveness in reducing seizures in both children and adults. Considering qEEG analysis, we observed at follow-up the significant increase in beta1 and beta total bands both in children and adult patients. In particular, children showed the significant increase of beta band frequencies predominantly in the occipital regions, whereas adults showed a widespread increase of beta activity. Moreover, we documented in both child and adult patients the global reduction of delta bands activity.

Conclusions

This qEEG study documented the relative increase of cortical EEG fast activity in both children and adult patients affected by epilepsy and treated by PER. This result may suggest a potential less negative impact of PER on cognition in patients affected by epilepsy, other than demonstrating effectiveness of the drug when used as first add-on treatment in both children and adult patients.
Prediction of cervical lymph node metastasis with contrast-enhanced ultrasound and association between presence of BRAFV600E and extrathyroidal extension in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Zhan Jia , Zhang Long-hui , Yu Qing , Li Chao-lun , Chen Yue , Wang Wen-Ping , Ding Hong
Published: August 2020

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM) and each of the ultrasound features, immunohistochemical factors, and B-type Raf (BRAFV600E) mutation.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was performed on 405 patients with single papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) nodules, all of whom underwent preoperative sonographic examinations, including gray-scale ultrasound, color Doppler ultrasound, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). All PTC patients were evaluated using 14 clinical and sonographic features, eight immunohistochemical factors, and BRAFV600E. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for CLNM, and an equation for CLNM was established. The diagnostic value of each modality was compared with a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results:

Among the 405 PTC nodules removed surgically, CLNM was confirmed in 138 patients, whereas extrathyroidal extension was confirmed in 185 patients. Multivariate analyses indicated significant differences between CLNM and non-CLNM groups in three conventional ultrasound features ( p < 0.05), whereas other sonographic features, eight immunohistochemical factors, and BRAFV600E did not indicate significant differences. A ROC curve of 0.757 in the equation exhibited a significant difference compared with the solo factors ( p < 0.05 for all). Hyper or isoechoic enhancement at peak time on CEUS was associated with CLNM, whereas the presence of the BRAFV600E mutation was associated with extrathyroidal extensions although BRAF appeared to be uncorrelated with CLNM in the present study.

Conclusion:

Intensity at peak time, homogeneity, and size are the three most significant features in predicting CLNM in PTC patients, and the presence of the BRAFV600E mutation was associated with extrathyroidal extensions when PTCs showed a hyper or isoechoic enhancement at peak time in CEUS.
Guest warriors: The phenomenon of post-soviet fighters in the Syrian conflict
Authors: Sakiev Azamat
Published: August 2020

A puzzling aspect of the Syrian war has been the seemingly endless infusion of foreign fighters who have fueled and sustained the conflict. Unique among these are the militants from former Soviet regions such as Northern Caucasus in Russia and republics of Central Asia. In the evolving complexity of a layered and multifaceted conflict, it is easy to overlook the incongruousness of their presence in the conflict. Unlike most other foreign fighters, including those joining from Western Europe and North America, the post-Soviet militants lack the ethno-linguistic ties to the region. Rather, they hail from areas steeped in comparatively secular traditions and largely detached from the central tenants of the Syrian war. This makes their presence among extremist groups, such as the Islamic State, somewhat intriguing and anomalous. A key question, therefore, is why would these individuals join what to them in many ways is an alien war with extremely prohibitive costs? This articles proposes, as complementary to the dominant religious-ideological accounts, an explanation rooted in the enabling effect of marginalization processes in militants’ domestic settings.
Hederagenin Modulates M1 Microglial Inflammatory Responses and Neurite Outgrowth
Authors: Wang Hua , Zhang Cai , Yang Long-en , Yang Zhiyou
Published: August 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Neurite atrophy and synaptic loss initiate the onset of neuronal death, while the activated M1 microglia-induced neuroinflammatory microenvironment inhibits neurite regeneration and exacerbates neuronal loss. Thus, optimizing the brain microenvironment using small compounds through suppressing activated M1 microglia and promoting neurite regrowth might be an effective therapeutic strategy for AD. We found that hederagenin (HED), a naturally occurring triterpene compound, inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide generation and downregulated expression of proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6. Further investigation of primary microglia confirmed that HED inhibited Iba-1 positive M1 microglia. However, no changes were seen in CD206 positive M2 microglia polarization. HED remarkably suppressed phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells subunit p65 signaling. In addition, HED ameliorated Aβ25-35-induced neuritic atrophy and neuronal death. Therefore, HED might be a therapeutic candidate for AD.
Endoscopic Study of the Distribution of Olfactory Filaments: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Soriano Roberto M. , Solares C. Arturo , Pradilla Gustavo , DelGaudio John M.
Published: August 2020

Objective

Provide a detailed anatomical description of the olfactory filaments (OF) and their distribution in the nasal cavity through endoscopic endonasal dissection.

Methods

Four cadaveric specimens (8 sides) were used in this study. Nasoseptal (NSM), middle (MTM) and superior turbinate (STM) mucosa dissection was performed to identify the OF and follow them superiorly to the cribriform plate (CP). Measurements of the OF were taken on the NSM, MTM, STM under direct endoscopic visualization. A Student’s T-Test was performed to compare means.

Results

The NSM contained a mean of 11 OF, distributed over surface area (SA) of 173 ± 31 mm2 with the highest density of OF being found at the posterior NSM. The MTM contained a mean 6 OF, covering a mean SA of 77 mm2, with the first OF found 5 mm from the anterior border of the MTM, on average. The STM had a mean 9 OF, with the OF covering a mean SA of 96 mm2. Overall mean OF length was 6 mm. The STM OF were significantly greater in number, with a greater distance from the first OF to last OF (p < 0.05) than the MTM OF.

The STM and MTM combined were found to have a greater density of OF than the NSM. The STM contains a significantly greater number of OF covering a greater area than the MTM OF. Preservation of the STM and MTM in skull base defect repair, and in routine sinus surgery, can be as beneficial for olfactory function as preservation of the NSM; particularly in CP defect repair. Moreover, our findings indicate that nasoseptal flap harvest performed at least 6 mm from the skull base preserves OF in the NSM. To our knowledge, this is the first anatomical study of the OF through direct endoscopic observation and measurements.
Multiple Site Cryoablation Treatment of the Posterior Nasal Nerve for Treatment of Chronic Rhinitis: An Observational Feasibility Study
Authors: M. Yen David , B. Conley David , O’Malley Ellen M. , Byerly Tracy A. , Johnson Jacob
Published: August 2020

Background

Cryoablation of the posterior nasal nerve at the middle meatus has been shown to successfully treat nasal obstruction and symptoms of chronic rhinitis. Cryoablation of both the middle and inferior meatus has not yet been studied.

Objectives

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of cryoablation of the posterior nasal nerve at both the middle and inferior meatus locations to treat chronic rhinitis.

Methods

Participants underwent bilateral cryoablation of the posterior nasal nerve at both the middle meatus and inferior meatus and were assessed through 3 months post treatment. The primary endpoint is the change from baseline to 3-month follow-up in the reflective Total Nasal Symptom Score (rTNSS). Other assessments include additional patient-reported outcomes, physician assessment, and independent review and scoring of imaging.

Results

Thirty participants were enrolled at 3 US centers. There was a significant improvement from baseline in the median rTNSS (–4.0, P < .001) at 3 months. Statistically significant improvements from baseline ( P < .001) were also observed with the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Score (NOSE), nasal symptom visual analog scale (VAS), Sino-Nasal Outcomes Score (SNOT-22), and mini Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (mini RQLQ). Clinical Global Impression – Improvement (CGI-I) indicated that 89.7% (26/29) of participants experienced improvement at 3 months. No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

Cryoablation at both the middle meatus and inferior meatus appears to be a safe and feasible option for treatment of chronic rhinitis. In this feasibility study, there is significant improvement in symptoms post treatment. Adverse events are minor and transient.
Community Courts & Race: An Examination of Community Court Judges, Staff, and Racial Dynamics
Authors: Connor Tyrell A.
Published: August 2020

Current research has found racial disparities in outcomes of problem-solving courts throughout the country. However, most of the research has not explored the causes of these racial disparities. This research qualitatively explores two prominent community courts in the northeast. Themes emerge about courtroom racial dynamics through courtroom observations and semi-structured interviews. The findings indicate that the racial makeup of the staff and judges play a role in maintaining a therapeutic rapport with non-white participants. Suggestions on how problem-solving courts can potentially improve racial dynamics are discussed.
Reward Processing Modulates the Association Between Trauma Exposure and Externalizing Psychopathology
Authors: Kasparek Steven W. , Jenness Jessica L. , McLaughlin Katie A.
Published: August 2020

Childhood adversity is common and strongly associated with risk for psychopathology. Identifying factors that buffer children from experiencing psychopathology following adversity is critical for developing more effective intervention approaches. In the present study, we examined several behavioral metrics of reward processing reflecting global approach motivation for reward and the degree to which reward responses scaled with reward value (i.e., behavioral sensitivity to reward value) as potential moderators of the association of multiple dimensions of adversity—including trauma, caregiver neglect, and food insecurity—with depression and externalizing psychopathology in a sample of youths ages 8 to 16 ( n = 132). Trauma exposure and externalizing problems were positively associated at low and moderate levels of reward reactivity, but this association became nonsignificant at high levels of reward reactivity. Our findings extend prior work by demonstrating that high behavioral sensitivity to reward value may buffer against externalizing problems following exposure to trauma.
Medical Malpractice Claims and Mitigation Strategies Following Spine Surgery
Authors: Jackson Keith L. , Rumley Jacob , Griffith Matthew , Linkous Timothy R. , Agochukwu Uzondu , DeVine John
Published: August 2020

Study Design:

Narrative review.

Objective:

The aim of this narrative review is to examine trends in malpractice litigation arising from spine surgery. We also hope to detail mitigation strategies that surgeons can employ to decrease their risk of a claim.

Methods:

A review of the relevant literature examining the prevalence, risks, and outcomes of malpractice litigation following spine surgery was conducted using the MEDLINE and Embase databases.

Results:

Combined queries identified 1140 potentially relevant articles. After eliminating duplicate articles and screening by title and abstract, 38 articles underwent full-text review. Of these, 22 were deemed relevant to the research questions posed. Evaluation of references identified 1 additional relevant article. Spine surgery represents one of the most litigious specialties in the United States health care system. The available literature points to a consistent pattern of common allegations leading to litigation following spine surgery. While a majority of filed lawsuits end in the surgeon’s favor, these cases carry high monetary and time expenditures regardless of outcome. Furthermore, the threat of a malpractice lawsuit motivates many surgeons to practice defensive medicine by utilizing unnecessary or unindicated tests and studies.

Conclusion:

Through the examination of trends in malpractice claims and case outcomes, surgeons may be able to adapt practices to minimize their risk of litigation. These changes can include, but are not limited to, identification of those procedures that are most litigious and a more thorough discussion of the informed consent process to include operative and nonoperative treatments prior to all procedures. More important, however, spine surgeons can potentially serve as advocates for change.
Dural Injury in Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Spinal Surgery
Authors: Lee Han Gyu , Kang Moo Sung , Kim So Yeon , Cho Kwang Chun , Na Young Cheol , Cho Jin Mo , Jin Byung Ho
Published: August 2020

Study Design:

Retrospective study.

Objectives:

Unilateral biportal endoscopic surgery (UBES) is a popular surgical method used to treat degenerative spinal diseases because of its merits, such as reduced tissue damage and outstanding visual capacity. However, dural injury is the most common complication of UBES with an incidence rate of 1.9% to 5.8%. The purpose of this study was to analyze the pattern of dural injury during UBES and to report the clinical course.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the medical and radiographic records of surgically treated patients who underwent UBES at a single institute between January 2018 and December 2019.

Results:

Fifty-three patients, representing 67 segments, underwent UBES. Seven dural injuries occurred, and the incidence rate was 13.2%. Among 16 far lateral approaches, 2 dural injuries of the exiting roots occurred and were treated with fibrin sealant reinforcement. Among 51 median approaches, dural injury occurred at the thecal sac (n = 3) and traversing root (n = 2). A dural injury of the shoulder of the traversing root was treated with a fibrin sealant; however, a defect in the thecal sac required a revision for reconstruction. The other 2 thecal sac injuries were directly repaired via microscopic surgery.

Conclusions:

Dural injury during UBES can occur because of the various anatomical features of the meningo-vertebral ligaments. Direct repair of the central dural defect should be considered under microscopic vision. A linear tear in the lateral dura or root can be controlled with a simple patchy reinforcement under endoscopic vision.
Prediction of Final Body Height for Female Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Cheung Prudence Wing Hang , Mannem Abhishek , Cheung Jason Pui Yin
Published: August 2020

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives:

To explore the possibility of predicting final body height at maturity based on associating parameters at the time of diagnosing adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), while examining the effect of curve magnitude and deterioration.

Methods:

A total of 284 female patients with AIS (mean age 12.2 ± 1.1 years, 52.5% premenarchal) were followed till skeletal maturity, indicated by ≥Risser stage 4, static body height and arm span over the past 6 months, and postmenarche 2 years. Standing body height, arm span, menarchal status, Risser staging, distal radius and ulna (DRU) classification, Sanders staging (SS), Cobb angles (major and minor curves), and Lenke curve types at initial presentation were examined. Patients with/without curve deterioration were compared. Multiple linear regression was used for predicting final body height (cm), and remaining height increase (%).

Results:

Baseline body height was 152.1 ± 7.1 cm and major curve Cobb angle was 27.1° ± 7.4°, whereas at maturity they were 159.5 ± 5.4 cm and 32.5° ± 9.3°, respectively. For patients presented at Risser stage 0 or 1, radius grade (R) 6, ulnar grade (U) 5, or SS3, those with curve deterioration exhibited greater height increase potential at initial presentation ( P < .05) than those without deterioration. No intergroup difference was found for patients presented at ≥Risser 2, R7, U6, SS4. Predictive baseline parameters were age, body height, Cobb angle (major curve), curve type, and DRU grades. Prediction models of final body height ( R 2 = 0.735, P < .001) and remaining height increase ( R 2 = 0.742, P < .001) were established.

Conclusions:

Final body height prediction model was derived for female patients with AIS, with baseline body height and ulnar grading having larger impacts than other parameters.
Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis as the Presenting Symptom of Crohn’s Disease in an Adolescent
Authors: Ford Vanessa , Mooney Cassandra , Shah Meera , Jenkins Elan
Published: August 2020

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) is a rare vascular inflammatory condition that affects post-capillary venules. Its incidence in the pediatric population is unknown. However, its incidence has been shown to increase with age. The causes of LCV can be varied, ranging from drugs to infections to systemic disease. LCV as a presenting symptom of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is rare, especially in the pediatric population. A 15-year-old female with a family history of systemic lupus erythematosus was transferred to our hospital with a month-long history of rash, joint swelling and tenderness, periorbital edema, weight loss, and diarrhea. She presented with the objective findings of a biopsy showing LCV and a computed tomography scan read that was concerning for IBD versus infectious colitis. She had a thorough workup, involving both the rheumatology and gastroenterology services, and was ultimately found to have Crohn’s disease. This case reveals the importance of recognition of a constellation of symptoms in IBD even when they are not classical in nature at initial presentation.
A Novel Reparability Assessment Scoring System for Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears
Authors: Park In , Kang Jun-Seok , Lee Hye-Ah , Jo Yoon-Geol , Shin Sang-Jin
Published: August 2020

Background:

It is difficult to predict the arthroscopic reparability of rotator cuff tears preoperatively when the repair is challenging. This can result in unsatisfactory outcomes and a high retear rate.

Purpose:

To develop an assessment score reflecting factors in rotator cuff tears that can predict reparability before surgery.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

We retrospectively enrolled 170 patients with rotator cuff tears larger than 2 cm who underwent arthroscopic repair. Patients were categorized into “complete repair” and “partial repair” groups based on the area of the exposed footprint after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. In each group, preoperative magnetic resonance imaging factors (tear size, fatty infiltration, remnant tendon length, atrophy), clinical factors (range of motion, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Constant score), and patient demographics were evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to choose the optimal cutoff value. A reparability assessment score was formulated through stepwise selection using variables that showed significant between-group differences on univariate analysis. We selected 4 variables and assigned a relative score for each variable based on estimated coefficient values. The sum of the scores for each factor ranged from 0 to 5.

Results:

The average rotator cuff tear size was 28 × 26 mm. The torn rotator cuff was repaired completely in 74 patients (43.5%) and partially in 96 patients (56.5%). The following factors were chosen for the reparability assessment score: positive tangent sign (odds ratio [OR], 5.969; P = .001), fatty infiltration of the infraspinatus of grade ≤2 (OR, 3.537; P = .001), coronal tear size ≥26 mm (OR, 3.315; P = .002), and remnant tendon length <15 mm (OR, 2.584; P = .017). Complete repair was possible if the sum of the scores was <3 (area under curve, 0.803; 95% CI, 0.739-0.867; sensitivity, 51.0%; specificity, 95.9%).

Conclusion:

In patients with a score of <3 on the novel reparability assessment score, complete repair was obtainable, whereas in patients with a score of ≥3, complete repair was difficult and other methods such as biologic grafts or arthroplasty had to be considered for a favorable prognosis.
Addressing the Gendered Interests of Victims/Survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence and Their Children Through National Action Plans on Women, Peace and Security
Authors: Swaine Aisling
Published: August 2020

There is growing acknowledgement of the need to address the impacts of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), with less recognition of conflict-related reproductive and maternal harms and children born of war (CBW). An intricate set of common as well as distinctive interests arise for both victims/survivors and their children that remain unfulfilled. National Action Plans on Women, Peace and Security (NAPs-WPS) present an opportunity to redress these gaps. This article examines to what extent are NAPs-WPS responsive to the specific rights and gendered interests of victims/survivors of CRSV and their children? It advances thinking on gender planning for peace and security and makes three significant analytical contributions: a ‘Typology of Impacts and Losses’ advancing understanding of CRSV; a ‘Gender Interests Analysis’ framework, identifying the practical and strategic gender interests of victims/survivors and their children; and application of these frameworks to produce a critical analysis of the NAPs-WPS of Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines and Timor-Leste. It finds that planning under WPS is failing to ensure that multi-sectoral services are available, while reproductive and maternity issues and CBW are completely neglected in the selected NAPs-WPS. The article discusses the implications of these findings for gender planning through NAPs-WPS going forward.
A Case of Penetrating Foreign Body Causing Mild Symptoms of Acute Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: AlHasan Rashed N. , Louri Nayef A.
Published: August 2020

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a neuropathy brought about by the entrapment and compression of the median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel. The hallmark of classic CTS is pain or paraesthesia (numbness, burning, or tingling) in the palmar aspect of the first 3 digits, as well as the radial aspect of the fourth digit. Although idiopathic in nature, many risk factors have been attributed to the development of CTS. These factors include diabetes mellitus, acromegaly, thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, pregnancy, the use of steroids, and the repetitive use of hand and wrist. The prevalence also seems to be higher in obese women. In literature, trauma, foreign body, tumors, or anatomical variations are considered to be infrequent causes of CTS.

A rare form of CTS is the acute carpal tunnel syndrome (ACTS) that presents mainly after injuries to the upper extremities. The patient typically acknowledges trauma to the wrist secondary to a foreign body at the time of injury. In some cases, small fragments may penetrate the wrist and remain unnoticed causing acute neurological symptoms. In literature, there were limited studies that reported the development of ACTS secondary to missed foreign bodies following trauma. This report presents a case of ACTS sustained following a penetrating foreign body (pellet) to the right wrist. Removal of the foreign body resulted in complete recovery with no neurological sequelae.
Impact of Oil Price Tumble in 2020 and US Retrenchment on the Stability of the Gulf Region
Authors: Banerjee Somen
Published: August 2020

The Indo-Pacific blends a multitude of regions and melds a panoply of security architectures. Some regions are peaceful, with occasional spurts in environmental disasters and non-traditional security challenges, while others are typified by instability and security-dilemma. The Gulf region is a unique arena of the Indo-Pacific, that has stirred a virulent concoction of the oil economy, regional rivalry and US hegemony. Over a century ago, oil discovery has not just made the region wealthy but has also transformed it into a veritable Western Lake. But lately, two significant developments have begun to unravel this homeostatic condition—a tumble in oil prices and US retrenchment from the region. This is likely to have a profound influence on the regional security order. This article examines the role of oil in defining the security architecture of the region. It establishes the effect of demand-supply imbalance and the oil-price-futures on the economy of Gulf countries. Finally, it evaluates the impact of US retrenchment, and the 2020 oil price tumble, on the long-term stability of the region.
Exploitable metabolic dependencies in MLL-ENL–induced leukemia
Authors: Garcia-Cuellar Maria-Paz , Lawlor Jennifer , Böttcher Martin , Mougiakakos Dimitrios , Metzler Markus , Slany Robert K.
Published: August 2020

Mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) fusions are transcriptional activators that induce leukemia, with a dismal prognosis that mandates further elucidation of their transformation mechanism. In this study, knockdown of the direct MLL-ENL target gene polypyrimidine tract binding protein-1 (PTBP1) was rate limiting for cell proliferation and caused a metabolic phenotype associated with reduced glucose consumption and lactate production. This effect was accompanied by a reduction of splice isoform-2 of pyruvate kinase M (PKM2). Because PKM2 restricts glycolytic outflow to provide anabolic intermediates, we tested the consequences of glucose, energy, and Ser/Gly starvation for cell physiology. Administration of deoxyglucose, energetic decoupling with rotenone, and inhibition of Ser biosynthesis by CBR5884 had a significantly stronger influence on self-renewal and survival of transformed cells than on normal controls. In particular, inhibition of Ser synthesis, which branches off glycolysis caused accumulation of reactive oxygen species, DNA damage, and apoptosis, predominantly in leukemic cells. Depletion of exogenous Ser/Gly affected proliferation and self-renewal of murine and human leukemia samples, even though they are classified as nonessential amino acids. Response to Ser/Gly starvation correlated with glucose transport, but did not involve activation of the AMPK energy homeostasis system. Finally, survival times in transplantation experiments were significantly extended by feeding recipients a Ser/Gly-free diet. These results suggest selective starvation as an option for supportive leukemia treatment.
Improving the antitumor activity of R-CHOP with NGR-hTNF in primary CNS lymphoma: final results of a phase 2 trial
Authors: Ferreri Andrés J. M. , Calimeri Teresa , Ponzoni Maurilio , Curnis Flavio , Conte Gian Marco , Scarano Eloise , Rrapaj Eltjona , De Lorenzo Daniela , Cattaneo Dario , Fallanca Federico , Nonis Alessandro , Foppoli Marco , Lopedote Paolo , Citterio Giovanni , Politi Letterio S. , Sassone Marianna , Angelillo Piera , Guggiari Elena , Steffanoni Sara , Tarantino Vittoria , Ciceri Fabio , Bordignon Claudio , Anzalone Nicoletta , Corti Angelo
Published: August 2020

Rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) is the standard treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Primary DLBCL of the central nervous system (CNS) (primary central nervous system lymphoma [PCNSL]) is an exception because of the low CNS bioavailability of related drugs. NGR–human tumor necrosis factor (NGR-hTNF) targets CD13+ vessels, enhances vascular permeability and CNS access of anticancer drugs, and provides the rationale for the treatment of PCNSL with R-CHOP. Herein, we report activity and safety of R-CHOP preceded by NGR-hTNF in patients with PCNSL relapsed/refractory to high-dose methotrexate-based chemotherapy enrolled in a phase 2 trial. Overall response rate (ORR) was the primary endpoint. A sample size of 28 patients was considered necessary to demonstrate improvement from 30% to 50% ORR. NGR-hTNF/R-CHOP would be declared active if ≥12 responses were recorded. Treatment was well tolerated; there were no cases of unexpected toxicities, dose reductions or interruptions. NGR-hTNF/R-CHOP was active, with confirmed tumor response in 21 patients (75%; 95% confidence interval, 59%-91%), which was complete in 11. Seventeen of the 21 patients with response to treatment received consolidation (ASCT, WBRT, and/or lenalidomide maintenance). At a median follow-up of 21 (range, 14-31) months, 5 patients remained relapse-free and 6 were alive. The activity of NGR-hTNF/R-CHOP is in line with the expression of CD13 in both pericytes and endothelial cells of tumor vessels. High plasma levels of chromogranin A, an NGR-hTNF inhibitor, were associated with proton pump inhibitor use and a lower remission rate, suggesting that these drugs should be avoided during TNF-based therapy. Further research on this innovative approach to CNS lymphomas is warranted. The trial was registered as EudraCT: 2014-001532-11.
Estimating the potential for dementia prevention through modifiable risk factors elimination in the real-world setting: a population-based study
Authors: Rolandi Elena , Zaccaria Daniele , Vaccaro Roberta , Abbondanza Simona , Pettinato Laura , Davin Annalisa , Guaita Antonio
Published: August 2020

Background

Preventing dementia onset is one of the global public health priorities: around 35% of dementia cases could be attributable to modifiable risk factors. These estimates relied on secondary data and did not consider the concurrent effect of non-modifiable factors and death.

Here, we aimed to estimate the potential reduction of dementia incidence due to modifiable risk factors elimination, controlling for non-modifiable risk factors and for the competing risk of death.

Methods

Participants from the InveCe.Ab population-based prospective cohort (Abbiategrasso, Italy) without a baseline dementia diagnosis and attending at least one follow-up visit were included (N = 1100). Participants underwent multidimensional assessment at baseline and after 2, 4, and 8 years, from November 2009 to January 2019.

Modifiable risk factors were low education, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, depression, smoking, physical inactivity, hearing loss, loneliness, heart disease, stroke, head injury, and delirium. Non-modifiable risk factors were age, sex, and APOE ε4 genotype. The primary endpoint was dementia diagnosis within the follow-up period (DSM-IV criteria). We performed competing risk regression models to obtain sub-hazard ratio (SHR) for each exposure, with death as competing risk. The exposures associated with dementia were included in a multivariable model to estimate their independent influence on dementia and the corresponding population attributable fraction (PAF).

Results

Within the study period (mean follow-up, 82.3 months), 111 participants developed dementia (10.1%). In the multivariable model, APOE ε4 (SHR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.22–2.92, p = 0.005), diabetes (SHR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.00–2.39, p = 0.043), heart disease (SHR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.03–2.36, p = 0.037), stroke (SHR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.35–3.95, p = 0.002), and delirium (SHR = 8.70, 95% CI 3.26–23.24, p <  0.001) were independently associated with increased dementia risk. In the present cohort, around 40% of dementia cases could be attributable to preventable comorbid diseases.

Conclusions

APOE ε4, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and delirium independently increased the risk of late-life dementia, controlling for the competing risk of death. Preventive intervention addressed to these clinical populations could be an effective approach to reduce dementia incidence. Further studies on different population-based cohort are needed to obtain more generalizable findings of the potential of dementia prevention in the real-world setting.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01345110.
Tracking strategic developments for conferring xylose utilization/fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Sharma Shalley , Arora Anju
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Efficient ethanol production through lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysates could solve energy crisis as it is economically sustainable and ecofriendly. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the work horse for lignocellulosic bioethanol production at industrial level. But its inability to ferment and utilize xylose limits the overall efficacy of the process.

Method

Data for the review was selected using different sources, such as Biofuels digest, Statista, International energy agency (IEA). Google scholar was used as a search engine to search literature for yeast metabolic engineering approaches. Keywords used were metabolic engineering of yeast for bioethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass.

Result

Through these approaches, interconnected pathways can be targeted randomly. Moreover, the improved strains genetic makeup can help us understand the mechanisms involved for this purpose.

Conclusion

This review discusses all possible approaches for metabolic engineering of yeast. These approaches may reveal unknown hidden mechanisms and construct ways for the researchers to produce novel and modified strains.
Full reciprocity-gap waveform inversion enabling sparse-source acquisition
Authors: Faucher Florian , Alessandrini Giovanni , Barucq Hélène , de Hoop Maarten V. , Gaburro Romina , Sincich Eva
Published: August 2020

The quantitative reconstruction of subsurface earth properties from the propagation of waves follows an iterative minimization of a misfit functional. In marine seismic exploration, the observed data usually consist of measurements of the pressure field, but dual-sensor devices also provide the normal velocity. Consequently, a reciprocity-based misfit functional is specifically designed, and it defines the full reciprocity-gap waveform inversion (FRgWI) method. This misfit functional provides additional features compared to the more traditional least-squares approaches, in particular, in that the observational and computational acquisitions can be different. Therefore, the positions and wavelets of the sources from which the measurements are acquired are not needed in the reconstruction procedure and, in fact, the numerical acquisition (for the simulations) can be chosen arbitrarily. Based on 3D experiments, FRgWI is shown to behave better than full-waveform inversion in the same context. It allows for arbitrary numerical acquisitions in two ways: when few measurements are given, a dense numerical acquisition (compared to the observational one) can be used to compensate. However, with a dense observational acquisition, a sparse computational one is shown to be sufficient, for instance, with multiple-point sources, hence reducing the numerical cost. FRgWI displays accurate reconstructions in both situations and appears more robust with respect to crosstalk than least-squares shot stacking.
Real-Space Studies of Plasmon-Induced Dissociation Reactions with an STM
Authors: Kazuma Emiko
Published: August 2020

Molecular bond dissociation and formation reactions induced by localized surface plasmons of metal nanostructures are promising reactions in terms of the effective utilization of sunlight. The plasmon has a potential not only to enhance photochemical reactions but also to enable efficient novel reaction pathways. However, the reaction mechanism is still veiled because it is difficult to directly observe the reactions caused at the localized field of the plasmon near the metal surfaces. For the visualization of the reactions induced by the plasmon at a single-molecule level, we have applied a scanning tunneling microscope (STM). Bond dissociation reactions were induced by the plasmon excited at a nanogap between the STM tip and a metal substrate under light irradiation. The STM analyses combined with density functional theory calculations provided mechanistic insights into the plasmon-induced dissociation reactions.