bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reopening Businesses and Risk of COVID-19 Transmission
Authors: O’Donoghue Ashley , Dechen Tenzin , Pavlova Whitney , Boals Michael , Moussa Garba , Madan Manvi , Thakkar Aalok , DeFalco Frank J , Stevens Jennifer P
Published: May 2020

Importance

The United States has the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the world, with over 150,000 COVID-19-related deaths as of July 31, 20201. The true risk of a COVID-19 resurgence as states prepare to reopen businesses is unknown.

Objective

To quantify the potential risk of COVID-19 transmission in business establishments by building a risk index for each business that measures transmission risk over time.

Design

This retrospective case series study uses anonymized cell phone GPS data to analyze trends in traffic patterns to businesses that may be potentially high-risk from January 2020 to June 2020.

Setting

Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, New York, and California.

Participants

1,272,260 businesses within 8 states from January 2020 – June 2020.

Exposure(s)

We monitored business traffic before the pandemic, during the pandemic and after early phases of reopening in 8 states.

Main Outcome

Our primary outcome is our business risk index. The index was built using two metrics: visitors per square foot and the average duration of visits. Visitors per square foot account for how densely visitors are packed into businesses. The average duration of visits accounts for the length of time visitors are spending in a business.

Results

Potentially risky traffic behaviors at businesses decreased by 30% by April. Since the end of April, the risk index has been increasing as states reopen. On average, it has increased between 10 to 20 percentage points since April and is moving towards pre-pandemic levels of traffic. There are some notable differences in trends across states and industries.

Conclusion

Our risk index provides a way for policymakers and hospital decision makers to monitor the potential risk of COVID-19 transmission from businesses based on the frequency and density of visits to businesses. Traffic is slowly moving towards pre-pandemic levels. This can serve as an important metric as states monitor and evaluate their reopening strategies.
MCH enables synchronized firing in the hippocamposeptal circuit to facilitate spatial memory
Authors: Liu Jing-Jing , Tsien Richard W. , Pang Zhiping P.
Published: May 2020

Neuropeptide melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) plays important roles in the brain including control of energy homeostasis, sleep, learning and memory. However, the synaptic and circuitry mechanisms underlying MCH-mediated regulations remain largely unknown. Here, we uncover that MCH modulates the hippocampo (HP) −dorsal lateral septum (dLS) −lateral hypothalamus neural circuit to facilitate spatial learning and memory. MCH achieves this function by enhancing both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission via presynaptic mechanisms. The dLS neuronal spiking activity in response to HP CA3 excitatory inputs is strongly controlled by feed-forward inhibition (FFI) mediated by both GABAAand GABABreceptors. Endogenous MCH signaling enhancesSignal/Noise (S/N)ratio of dLS neurons by increase the excitatory strengths, meanwhile decrease the overall dLS excitability by enhance inhibition which reduces dLS FFI, and consequentially enables dLS neurons to fire with high fidelity with HP synaptic inputs. Our data unravel the multifaceted synaptic mechanisms of MCH in the defined HP-dLS circuitry which may contribute to learning and memory.
Beta-tACS does not impact the dynamics of motor memory consolidation
Authors: Roshchupkina Liliia , Stee Whitney , Peigneux Philippe
Published: May 2020

The consolidation of motor memory is a non-linear temporal dynamic. There are critical time points at which post-training performance can improve (e.g., 30 min and 24 h) or merely stabilize (e.g., 4 h). Besides, neuronal plasticity is supported by synchronized oscillatory activity in and between brain areas at play during the acquisition and consolidation of motor skills. Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) can entrain cortical oscillatory activity, which may eventually modulate brain plasticity-related processes. Previous reports suggest that 20 Hz electrical stimulation over the primary motor cortex (M1) following training facilitates the consolidation of motor memories. To the best of our knowledge, the effect of tACS was not investigated when applied at critical post-training time points, nor its impact at longer time scales. In the present study, we investigated the effect of 20 Hz tACS applied over M1 within critical time periods (25min vs. 4h) on motor memory consolidation at immediate and delayed (24h) retrieval. Performance similarly evolved over time in all conditions, independently from the stimulation type (20 Hz tACS vs. Sham tACS) or the stimulation time point. As it stands, our results do not support the proposal that 20 Hz tACS exerts a positive, specific effect on the consolidation of motor memories.
Glutamate transporters contain a conserved chloride channel with two hydrophobic gates
Authors: Chen Ichia , Pant Shashank , Wu Qianyi , Cater Rosemary , Sobti Meghna , Vandenberg Robert , Stewart Alastair G. , Tajkhorshid Emad , Font Josep , Ryan Renae
Published: May 2020

Glutamate is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, therefore its precise control is vital for maintaining normal brain function and preventing excitotoxicity1. Removal of extracellular glutamate is achieved by plasma membrane-bound transporters, which couple glutamate transport to sodium, potassium and pH gradients using an elevator mechanism2–5. Glutamate transporters also conduct chloride ions via a channel-like process that is thermodynamically uncoupled from transport6–8. However, the molecular mechanisms that allow these dual-function transporters to carry out two seemingly contradictory roles are unknown. Here we report the cryo-electron microscopy structure of a glutamate transporter homologue in an open-channel state, revealing an aqueous cavity that is formed during the transport cycle. Using functional studies and molecular dynamics simulations, we show that this cavity is an aqueous-accessible chloride permeation pathway gated by two hydrophobic regions, and is conserved across mammalian and archaeal glutamate transporters. Our findings provide insight into the mechanism by which glutamate transporters support their dual function and add a crucial piece of information to aid mapping of the complete transport cycle shared by the SLC1A transporter family.
Drug treatments affecting ACE2 in COVID-19 infection: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Dambha-Miller Hajira , Albasri Ali , Hodgson Sam , Wilcox Chris , Islam Nazrul , Khan Shareen , Little Paul , Griffin Simon J
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The SARS-CoV-2 virus causing COVID-19 binds human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors in human tissues. ACE2 expression may be associated with COVID-19 infection and mortality rates. Routinely prescribed drugs which up- or down-regulate ACE2 expression are therefore of critical research interest as agents which might promote or reduce risk of COVID-19 infection in a susceptible population.
Aim: To review evidence on routinely prescribed drug treatments in the UK that could up- or down-regulate ACE2 and potentially affect COVID-19 infection.
Design and setting: Systematic review of studies published in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science from inception to April 1st 2020.
Method: A systematic review will be conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria will be: i) assess effect of drug exposure on ACE2 level; ii) drug is included in British National Formulary (BNF) and therefore available to prescribe in UK; iii) a control, placebo or sham group is included as comparator. Exclusion criteria will be: i) ACE2 measurement in utero; ii) ACE2 measurement in children under 18 years; iii) drug not in BNF; iv) review article. Quality will be assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for human studies, and the SYRCLE risk of bias tool for animal studies.
Results: Data will be reported in summary tables and narrative synthesis.
Conclusion: This systematic review will identify drug therapies which may increase or decrease ACE2 expression. This might identify medications increasing risk of COVID-19 transmission, or as targets for intervention in mitigating transmission.
Seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among public community and health-care workers in Alzintan City of Libya
Authors: Kammon Abdulwahab M. , El-Arabi Ali A. , Erhouma Esadk A. , Mehemed Taha M. , Mohamed Othman A.
Published: May 2020

A study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among public community and health care workers in Alzintan City, Libya. During the period from 2/4/2020 to 18/5/2020, a total of 219 blood samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Collection of samples were divided in two categories; random samples from public community and samples from health care workers belonging to two Governmental hospitals and one private clinic. One Step Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) IgM/IgG Antibody Test was used. Out of the 219 samples tested, 6 (2.74%) samples were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2. All health-care workers were tested negative. All positive cases were females and 5 of them aged between 44 to 75 years and one aged 32 years. The prevalence in young females (≤40 years) was 1.4% in total young females tested in the study and 1.75% in young females taken from public community. The prevalence in older females aged (≤ 40 years), was 11.1% in total females tested and 13.9% in females taken from public community. In conclusion, the preliminary investigation of SARS-CoV-2 revealed considerable prevalence in Alzintan City although the disease seems to be in its mild form. Active surveillance studies with high number of samples using both virological and serological tests are in urgent need.
Efficacy of Povidone-Iodine Nasal And Oral Antiseptic Preparations Against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
Authors: Pelletier JS , Tessema B , Westover J , Frank S , Brown SM , Capriotti JA
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the pathogen responsible for the global pandemic of Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). From the first reported cases in December 2019, the virus has spread to over 4 million people worldwide. Human-to-human transmission occurs mainly through the aerosolization of respiratory droplets. Transmission also occurs through contact with contaminated surfaces and other fomites. Improved antisepsis of human and non-human surfaces has been identified as a key feature of transmission reduction. There are no previous studies of povidone-iodine (PVP-I) against SARS-CoV-2. This study evaluated nasal and oral antiseptic formulations of povidone-iodine (PVP-I) for virucidal activity against SARS-CoV-2. This is the first report on the efficacy of PVP-I against the virus that causes COVID-19.

Methods

PVP-I nasal antiseptic formulations and PVP-I oral rinse antiseptic formulations from 1-5% concentrations as well as controls were studied for virucidal efficacy against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Test compounds were evaluated for ability to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 as measured in a virucidal assay. SARS-CoV-2 was exposed directly to the test compound for 60 seconds, compounds were then neutralized and surviving virus was quantified.

Results

All concentrations of nasal antiseptics and oral rinse antiseptics evaluated completely inactivated the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Conclusions

Nasal and oral PVP-I antiseptic solutions are effective at inactivating the SARS-CoV-2 virus at a variety of concentrations after 60s exposure times. The formulations tested may help to reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 if used for nasal decontamination, oral decontamination or surface decontamination in known or suspected cases of COVID-19.
Spurious Correlation? A review of the relationship between Vitamin D and Covid-19 infection and mortality
Authors: Srivastava Arpita , Kumar Vivek
Published: May 2020

The study reviews the evidence presented in a recent study linking vitamin D levels and Covid-19 infection and mortality. It was argued that correlation alone may not be useful in establishing a relationship between vitamin D levels and Covid-19 infections and mortality. Appropriate controls need to be included for improved understanding of the relationship. We proposed life expectancy as a potential control. Including this control in a regression model, we find that vitamin D levels are not a statistically significant predictor of Covid-19 infections or mortality. Life expectancy, on the other hand, was found to be statistically significant predictor of infections and mortality at country level.
Survival in adult inpatients with COVID-19
Authors: Murillo-Zamora Efrén , Hernández-Suárez Carlos
Published: May 2020

We conducted a nationwide and retrospective cohort study to assess the survival experience and determining factors in adult inpatients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. Data from 5,393 individuals were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and a multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model was fitted. The 7-day survival was 0.822 and went to 0.482, 0.280, and 0.145 on days 15, 21, and 30 of hospital stay, respectively. In the multiple analysis, factors associated with an increased risk of dying were: male gender, age, longer disease evolution before hospital entry, exposure to mechanical ventilator support, and personal history of chronic noncommunicable diseases (namely obesity, type-2 diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study analyzing the survival probability in a large subset of Latin-American adults with COVID-19 and our results contribute to achieving a better understanding of disease evolution.
Psychological impact of Covid-19 lockdown in India: Different strokes for different folks
Authors: Sharma Anupam Joya , Subramanyam Malavika A.
Published: May 2020

The psychological impact of the lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic are widely documented. In India, a family-centric society with a high population density and extreme social stratification, the impact of the lockdown might vary across diverse social groups. However, the patterning in the psychological impact of the lockdown among sexual minorities and persons known to be at higher risk of contracting Covid-19 is not known in the Indian context. We used mixed methods (online survey, n=282 and in-depth interviews, n=14) to investigate whether the psychological impact of the lockdown was different across these groups of Indian adults. We fitted linear and logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic covariates. Thematic analysis helped us identify emergent themes in our qualitative narratives. Anxiety was found to be higher among sexual minorities (β=2.44, CI: 0.58, 4.31), high-risk group (β=2.20, CI:0.36, 4.05), and those with history of depression/loneliness (β=3.89, CI:2.34, 5.44). Addiction to pornography was also found to be higher among sexual minorities (β=2.72, CI: 0.09, 5.36). Qualitative findings suggested that sexual minorities likely used pornography and masturbation to cope with the lockdown, given the limited physical access to sexual partners in a society that stigmatizes homosexuality. Moreover, both qualitative and quantitative study findings suggested that greater frequency of calling family members during lockdown could strengthen social relationships and increase social empathy. The study thereby urgently calls for the attention of policymakers to take sensitive and inclusive health decisions for the marginalized and the vulnerable, both during and after the crisis.
Prevalence and risk factors for mortality related to COVID-19 in a severely affected area of Madrid, Spain
Authors: Pérez-Tanoira Ramón , Pérez-García Felipe , Romanyk Juan , Gómez-Herruz Peña , Arroyo Teresa , González Rosa , García Lourdes Lledó , Expósito Cristina Verdú , Moreno José Sanz , Gutiérrez Isabel , Mathews Abel Uribe , Ramos Esther López , Garcia Lara Maceda , Troncoso Daniel , Cuadros-González Juan
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

The coronavius disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reached Spain by 31 January 2020, in April 2020, the Comunidad de Madrid suffered one of the world’s highest crude mortality rate ratios. This study aimed to detect risk factors for mortality in patients with COVID-19.

METHODS

Our cohort were all consecutive adult patients (≥18 years) with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 at a secondary hospital in Madrid, March 3-16, 2020. Clinical and laboratory data came from electronic clinical records and were compared between survivors and non-survivors, with outcomes followed up until April 4. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression methods allowed us to explore risk factors associated with in-hospital death.

FINDINGS

The cohort comprised 562 patients with COVID-19. Clinical records were available for evaluation for 392 patients attended at the emergency department of our hospital, of whom 199 were discharged, 85 remained hospitalized and 108 died during hospitalization. Among 311 of the hospitalized patients, 34.7% died. Of the 392 patients with records, the median age was 71.5 years (50.6-80.7); 52.6% were men. 252 (64.3%) patients had a comorbidity, hypertension being the most common: 175 (44.6%), followed by other cardiovascular disease: 102 (26.0%) and diabetes: 97 (24.7%). Multivariable regression showed increasing odds of in-hospital death associated with age over 65 (odds ratio 8.32, 95% CI 3.01–22.96; p<0.001), coronary heart disease (2.76, 1.44-5.30; 0.002), and both lower lymphocyte count (0.34, 0.17–0.68; 0.002) and higher LDH (1.25, 1.05-1.50; 0.012) per 1-unit increase and per 100 units respectively.

INTERPRETATION

COVID-19 was associated in our hospital at the peak of the pandemic with a crude mortality ratio of 19.2% and a mortality ratio of 34.7% in admitted patients, considerably above most of the ratios described in the Chinese series. These results leave open the question as to which factors, epidemiological or intrinsically viral, apart from age and comorbidities, can explain this difference in excess mortality.

FUNDING

None.
One of the Boys? Gender Similarities and Differences in Human Capital among Senior Civil Servants in Denmark
Authors: Gram Hjalte , Grøn Caroline Howard
Published: May 2020

Studies have shown how women are underrepresented in senior executive positions in public and private organizations. Equal representation matters both for reasons of performance and legitimacy, and, to understand the mechanisms behind the glass ceiling, we explore if the women making it to the top of the Danish civil service differ from the men who do so. We want to understand if senior executive positions require something different of women than men. Using a dataset consisting of the entire career trajectory of all senior civil servants in Denmark, we find that, on numerous human capital dimensions, the women and men making it to the top are quite similar, for example, in terms of tenure and educational level. However, we find on the one hand that men are more often employed in the most prestigious departments and, at the same time, it seems that men with a profile deviating from the norm are more likely to make it to the top than women. This may indicate that the most prestigious positions – also in terms of early‐career positions – are less accessible to women, and that women are less willing to apply for jobs outside their usual domain, or that those responsible for recruitment are less willing to take a chance on a woman with a slightly unorthodox profile. Hence, our study indicates that greater interest should be paid to the dynamics keeping women at lower levels of the hierarchy and possibly to encourage them to apply for top positions.
Abdominal‐B regulates structure and development of the Harmonia axyridis cremaster
Authors: Zhang Yi , Wang Xing‐Xing , Shen Ling‐Feng , Feng Zhu‐Jun , Zhang Song‐Qi , Tian Hong‐Gang , Feng Yi , Liu Tong‐Xian
Published: May 2020

The ladybird Harmonia axyridis is an insect that exhibits pupal attachment to plants, which facilitates development and environmental adaptation. The cremaster is highly specialized for this behavior. However, the underlying molecular regulation of the cremaster remains unclear; therefore, we performed experiments to investigate the transcriptional regulation of cremaster development. First, we examined the morphological structure of the cremaster to reveal its function in pupal attachment of H. axyridis. Next, we analyzed the Hox gene Ha‐Abd‐B using RNA interference (RNAi) to determine its function in regulating cremaster formation; Ha‐Abd‐B up‐regulation promoted effective pupal attachment, whereas successful RNAi caused severe down‐regulation of this gene, and pupae were unable to attach. Furthermore, successful RNAi and subsequent Ha‐Abd‐B down‐regulation caused phenotypic changes in cremaster structure, including its complete disappearance from some individuals. Finally, we observed unique development of the cremaster and dynamic expression of Ha‐Abd‐B during pre‐pupal development; consequently, we hypothesized that there was specific pre‐pupal development of the cremaster. Overall, based on these results, the specialized cremasteric structure located on the posterior side of H. axyridis was determined to be a key organ for pupal attachment. Cremaster identification in H. axyridis is regulated by Ha‐Abd‐B and exhibits preferential development. Pupal attachment of H. axyridis reveals an environmental adaptation of this species; thus, this study and future molecular studies will help determine the role of Hox genes in regulation of insect attachment and further our understanding of the multiple functions of Hox genes.
Does Economic Inequality Drive Voters' Disagreement about Party Placement?
Authors: Muraoka Taishi , Rosas Guillermo
Published: May 2020

Does economic inequality warp voters' views about party platforms? If so, are voters' perceptual biases systemically shaped by their economic status? Drawing from a psychological theory of class conflict, we argue that income inequality heightens disagreement about party positions among people with different economic status. Analyzing survey responses on perceived ideological positions of 700 + parties in over 110 elections, we reveal that poorer and richer voters systematically misperceive the positions of parties in opposite directions, and that the extent to which they do so is larger in more unequal societies. We also show that class‐based perceptual disagreement is particularly salient among left‐ and right‐leaning parties, but not among centrist parties. Our findings question a fundamental principle of representative democracy, suggesting that even a basic consensus on the ideological placements of parties cannot be taken for granted in highly unequal societies.
Plasminogen deficiency does not prevent sodium retention in a genetic mouse model of experimental nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Xiao Mengyun , Bohnert Bernhard N. , Aypek Hande , Kretz Oliver , Grahammer Florian , Aukschun Ute , Wörn Matthias , Janessa Andrea , Essigke Daniel , Daniel Christoph , Amann Kerstin , Huber Tobias B. , Plow Edward F. , Birkenfeld Andreas L. , Artunc Ferruh
Published: May 2020

Aim

Sodium retention is the hallmark of nephrotic syndrome (NS) and mediated by the proteolytic activation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) by aberrantly filtered serine proteases. Plasmin is highly abundant in nephrotic urine and has been proposed to be the principal serine protease responsible for ENaC activation in NS. However, a proof of the essential role of plasmin in experimental NS is lacking.

Methods

We used a genetic mouse model of NS based on an inducible podocin knockout (Bl6‐Nphs2tm3.1Antc*Tg(Nphs1‐rtTA*3G)8Jhm*Tg(tetO‐cre)1Jaw or nphs2Δipod). These mice were crossed with plasminogen deficient mice (Bl6‐Plgtm1Jld or plg−/−) to generate double knockout mice (nphs2Δipod*plg−/−). NS was induced after oral doxycycline treatment for 14 days and mice were followed for subsequent 14 days.

Results

Uninduced nphs2Δipod*plg−/− mice had normal kidney function and sodium handling. After induction, proteinuria increased similarly in both nphs2Δipod*plg+/+ and nphs2Δipod*plg−/− mice. Western blot revealed the urinary excretion of plasminogen and plasmin in nphs2Δipod*plg+/+ mice which were absent in nphs2Δipod*plg−/− mice. After the onset of proteinuria, amiloride‐sensitive natriuresis was increased compared to the uninduced state in both genotypes. Subsequently, urinary sodium excretion dropped in both genotypes leading to an increase in body weight and development of ascites. Treatment with the serine protease inhibitor aprotinin prevented sodium retention in both genotypes.

Conclusions

This study shows that mice lacking urinary plasminogen are not protected from ENaC‐mediated sodium retention in experimental NS. This points to an essential role of other urinary serine proteases in the absence of plasminogen.
Influence of sea turtle nesting on hunting behavior and movements of jaguars in the dry forest of northwest Costa Rica
Authors: Montalvo Víctor H. , Fuller Todd K. , Saénz‐Bolaños Carolina , Cruz-Díaz Juan Carlos , Hagnauer Isabel , Herrera Hansell , Carrillo Eduardo
Published: May 2020

Jaguars (Panthera onca) are opportunistic predators that prey on large profitable prey items, such as sea turtles at nesting beaches. Here, we use jaguar and sea turtle track‐count surveys, combined with satellite telemetry of one jaguar, to evaluate whether jaguar hunting behavior and movements are influenced by seasonal sea turtle nesting in the Sector Santa Rosa of Área de Conservación Guanacaste in northwest Costa Rica. We used generalized linear models to evaluate the effect of moon phase and sea surface temperature on olive ridley (Lepidochelis olivacea) and green turtle (Chelonia mydas) nesting abundance, as well as the combination of these predictors on the frequency of jaguar predation activity (proximity to nesting beaches) and movements. For home‐range size and location analyses, we calculated kernel density estimates for each season at three different temporal scales. Sea turtle nesting season influenced jaguar activity patterns, as well as sea turtle abundance was related to jaguar locations and predation events, but jaguar home‐range size (88.8 km2 overall) did not differ between nesting seasons or among temporal scales. Environmental conditions influenced sea turtle nesting and, as a consequence, also influenced jaguar movements and foraging activity. Our study defined the home range of a female jaguar in the tropical dry forest and its relationship to seasonally abundant turtles. Additional information related to the effect of tourism on jaguar–sea turtle interactions would improve conservation of these species at unique nesting beaches in the area.
Alveolar ridge preservation and early implant placement at maxillary central incisor sites: A prospective case series study
Authors: Chen Stephen T. , Darby Ivan
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To assess whether alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) with 90% deproteinized bovine bone mineral in a 10% collagen matrix (DBBMC) and resorbable type I/III porcine collagen matrix (CM) maintains sufficient bone volume for early implant placement 8–10 weeks after extraction of maxillary central incisors.

Materials and Methods

In this case series study of 10 consecutively enrolled patients, sockets of maxillary single central incisors requiring extraction and early implant placement were grafted with DBBMC/CM. Ridge dimensions were measured pre‐extraction and just prior to implant placement.

Results

Alveolar ridge preservation maintained sufficient bone volume for implants to be placed in all sites. Compared to pre‐extraction, there was a significant reduction in the orofacial dimensions of the ridge (1.4 ± 1.07 mm; 13.2% reduction) and bone (0.7 ± 0.67 mm; 9.3%) at the coronal midfacial region. A significant reduction in apicocoronal height of the crestal bone at midfacial (1.2 ± 0.78 mm) and palatal aspects was observed. On CBCT, a statistically significant reduction in alveolar ridge area occurred (10.9 ± 13.42 mm2; 12.2% reduction). To optimize aesthetic outcomes, 9/10 sites required additional low volume grafting at the coronal region, whereas one site required more extensive grafting due to a facial bone dehiscence. At 1‐year, the implant survival rate was 100% and median Pink Esthetic Score (PES) was 10 (range 9–13).

Conclusions

ARP using DBBMC/CM maintains sufficient bone volume for early implant placement 8.9 ± 0.97 weeks later, with a 100% survival rate 1 year after restoration.
Risk factors for portal vein stenosis in pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Yin Chao , Zhu Zhi‐Jun , Wei Lin , Sun Li‐Ying , Zhang Hai‐Ming , Wu Hai‐Rui
Published: May 2020

Objective

To analyze the incidence and risk factors of portal vein stenosis (PVS) in pediatric liver transplantation (LT).

Methods

This retrospective analysis of 396 cases of pediatric LT (patients aged ≤ 14 years old) was conducted at the Liver Transplantation Center of Beijing Friendship Hospital (China) from June 2013 to December 2017. We collected relevant data and calculated the incidence. We analyzed a total of 23 risk factors for PVS children during the perioperative period.

Results

The incidence of PVS in pediatric LT was 6.6%. The following were identified as risk factors for PVS in pediatric LT: Preoperative portal hypertension was complicated, weight (≤7 kg), recipients of portal vein diameter ≤4 mm, GRWR (≥3.5%), the use of cold preservation vein grafts, anastomosis in the region of superior mesenteric vein and splenic vein and reverse blood flow in the portal vein shown in preoperative ultrasound examination. Recipients of portal vein diameter ≤4 mm and the use cold preservation grafts were independent risks factors for PVS in pediatric LT.

Conclusion

For recipients with the risk factors identified in this study, we strongly recommend a strict follow‐up and the provision of suitable interventions when indicated.
Effect of alcohol prohibition on liver cirrhosis mortality rates in Canada from 1901 to 1956: A time‐series analysis
Authors: Chrystoja Bethany R. , Rehm Jürgen , Crépault Jean‐François , Shield Kevin
Published: May 2020

Introduction and Aims

The extent to which alcohol consumption in Canada was affected by alcohol prohibition in the early 20th century remains unclear. Since there is a dearth of data on consumption during this time, we estimated the effect of alcohol prohibition on alcohol consumption, as measured by changes in liver cirrhosis mortality rates in Canada.

Design and Methods

Annual liver cirrhosis mortality data were obtained for 1901 to 1956 for the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Saskatchewan. Changes in death rates were assessed, by province, using autoregressive integrated moving average models. Results were pooled across provinces using a fixed effects meta‐analysis. A secondary fixed effects meta‐analysis was performed which only included provinces with data for before, during and after prohibition, and excluded provinces with data only beginning during prohibition.

Results

Prohibition was associated with a statistically significant decrease in liver cirrhosis death rates only in Nova Scotia (P = 0.01). Pooling of provincial results indicated that prohibition resulted in 0.39 (95% confidence interval 0.06, 0.72; P = 0.02) fewer liver cirrhosis deaths per 100 000 people. In the restricted meta‐analysis, prohibition resulted in 0.65 (95% confidence interval 0.18, 1.12; P < 0.01) fewer liver cirrhosis deaths per 100 000 people.

Discussion and Conclusions

Although alcohol prohibition in Canada did not eliminate alcohol consumption, our findings suggest that prohibition was associated with reduced consumption, as evidenced by a reduction in liver cirrhosis mortality rates. Further, it's important to reflect on alcohol's history in Canada and use those policy lessons to guide the construction of effective cannabis legislation.
Examining service‐user perspectives for the development of a good outcome checklist for individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis
Authors: Petros Natalia , Cullen Alexis E. , Vieira Sandra , Rowland Emma , King Georgina , Leung Wing See , Fusar‐Poli Paolo , Mechelli Andrea , McGuire Philip
Published: May 2020

Aims

Around 15% of patients at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR‐P) experience symptomatic remission and functional recovery at follow‐up, yet the definition of a good outcome (GO) in this population requires further development. Outcomes are typically designed and rated by clinicians rather than patients, to measure adverse as opposed to GOs. Here we investigate how CHR‐P subjects define a GO, with the aim of developing a checklist that could be used to measure GO in this clinical group.

Methods

A set of GO‐focused questions were designed in collaboration with a service‐user. CHR‐P patients (n = 48) were asked to rate the importance of items that could indicate short‐term (1 year) and long‐term (5 years) GO. These items were then ranked using the relative importance index (RII).

Results

Patients rated improvement in subjective wellbeing (RII = 0.829) and non‐specific presenting symptoms (RII = 0.817) amongst the factors most important for indicating GO in the short‐term, and improved resilience (RII = 0.879) and negative symptoms (RII = 0.858) as key items for indicating long‐term GO. Patients regarded building resilience (RII = 0.842) and having support from mental health services (RII = 0.833) as being protective for their mental health. These measures were included in a preliminary 12‐item GO checklist (GO‐12) for assessing GO in CHR‐P subjects.

Conclusions

Patient‐defined measures of GO included items that are not incorporated into conventional measures of outcomes in CHR‐P subjects, such as subjective wellbeing and resilience. Integrating patient‐defined metrics of GO may improve the assessment of outcomes in the CHR‐P population.
Coaction Interrupted: Logic Contestations in the Implementation of Inter‐organisational Collaboration around Talent Management in the Public Sector in Scotland
Authors: Grant Kirsteen , Garavan Thomas , Mackie Robert
Published: May 2020

Our study explores how human resources (HR) actors from 24 public sector organisations in Scotland interpret and address multiple and competing institutional logics in the context of the implementation of an inter‐organisational collaboration within the public sector to develop and implement talent management (TM). Our findings reveal that HR actors encountered day‐to‐day difficulties in blending different versions of TM, the need to have professional autonomy versus the requirement to develop some shared TM practices, and the fit of TM practices with public sector organisations. We therefore found that institutional logics impacted in different ways on efforts to collaborate and the types of TM practices developed and implemented. Theoretically, our study findings reveal that HR actors have agency at the practice level and that powerful actors can advocate particular logics to protect their professional and organisational interests.
Use of ketogenic diet therapy in infants with epilepsy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lyons Laura , Schoeler Natasha E. , Langan Dean , Cross J. Helen
Published: May 2020

Objective

Ketogenic diet therapy (KDT) is a group of high‐fat, low‐carbohydrate diets used as an effective treatment option for children and adults with drug‐resistant epilepsy. There is limited research on the efficacy of KDT in infants, where there is the highest incidence of onset of the epilepsy. We aimed to systematically review studies that have reported on response to KDT in infants with epilepsy.

Methods

An online comprehensive literature search was performed, including studies that provided seizure frequency data for at least one infant younger than 2 years of age who was treated with KDT for ≥1 month. The proportions of infants achieving ≥50% seizure reduction, seizure‐freedom rates, retention rates, and reported side effects were extracted from studies. Meta‐analyses were performed using a random‐effects model, and subgroup analyses were performed to investigate possible between‐study heterogeneity.

Results

Thirty‐three studies met inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis, with a total of 534 infants with efficacy data. Two studies were randomized‐controlled trials, and the remainder were uncontrolled cohort studies. All studies were categorized as low quality. Meta‐analyses of uncontrolled studies estimate 59% (95% confidence interval [CI] 53‐65) of infants achieved ≥50% seizure reduction and 33% (95% CI 26‐43) of infants achieved seizure freedom. Retention rates ranged from 84% at 3 months to 27% at 24 months. The most commonly reported side effects were dyslipidemia (20/171, 12%), vomiting (11/171, 6%), constipation (7/171, 4%), gastroesophageal reflux (6/171, 4%), and diarrhea (6/171, 4%).

Significance

This review indicates that KDT is safe and tolerable and that it can be an effective treatment option for infants with drug‐resistant epilepsy. However, there are few studies focusing on infants treated with KDT, and high‐quality evidence is lacking. High‐quality randomized‐controlled trials are needed to confirm the effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of dietary treatment in this vulnerable age group.
The use of the hand‐held infrared thermometer as an early detection tool for exertional heat illness in Thoroughbred racehorses: A study at racetracks in eastern Australia
Authors: Brownlow M. , Smith T.
Published: May 2020

Thoroughbred racehorses perform exercise at maximal intensities and typically display a hyperthermic exercise response, which can drive core body temperature to critical levels. Despite extremely efficient thermoregulatory mechanisms, certain weather conditions may affect the horse’s ability to cool and result in a syndrome referred to as exertional heat illness (EHI). This is characterised by central nervous system dysfunction, as well as cytotoxic effects of heat on cells, which can produce deleterious consequences. Early detection of exertional heat illness (EHI) in Thoroughbred racehorses can be difficult because signs are often vague and the measurement of rectal temperature as an indicator of hyperthermia is not practical. Best practice in the treatment of EHI in horses, as in human subjects, centres on early detection, rapid assessment and aggressive cooling. Research in human subjects has shown that EHI is manageable when recognised early and appropriate treatment provided. The aim of this study was to investigate the measurement of skin surface temperature (SST) by an infrared thermometer as an aid in the early detection of EHI. A skin surface temperature ≥39°C in the immediate postrace period is considered to be hot. It reflects the interaction of exercise‐related metabolic heat production, physiological adjustments to the skin surface such as vasodilation and sweating, together with the effect of high ambient temperature. Most importantly, high SST is associated with a reduced core‐to‐skin temperature difference, which retards heat transfer from the deep body tissues to the skin and can hinder heat dissipation. Identification of horses with high SSTs can prioritise them for rapid cooling and curtail possible progression to EHI.
P‐glycoprotein and multidrug resistance‐associated protein‐1 expression in acute myeloid leukemia: Biological and prognosis implications
Authors: da Silveira Júnior Lenilton Silva , Soares Victor de Lima , Jardim da Silva Alessandra Suelen , Gil Erica Aires , Pereira de Araújo Maria das Graças , Merces Gonçalves Ciro Alexandre , Paiva Aldair de Souza , Moura de Oliveira Taissa Maria , Oliveira Gustavo Henrique de Medeiros , Kramer Cavacanti e Silva Dany Geraldo , de Araújo Moura Lemos Telma Maria , Moretti Rebecchi Ivanise Marina , de Farias Sales Valeria Soraya , Luchessi André Ducati , Cavalcanti Júnior Geraldo Barroso
Published: May 2020

Background

Despite the advances in the cure rate for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a considerable number of patients die from the disease due to the occurrence of multidrug resistance (MDR). Overexpression of the transporter proteins, such as P‐glycoprotein (Pgp) and multidrug resistance‐associated protein (MRP), confers resistance to the treatment of these leukemias.

Methods

To analyze the expression of the Pgp and MRP1 in patients with AML and determine their correlation between expression and demographic, clinical, and laboratorial variables, bone marrow and peripheral blood samples from 346 patients with a diagnosis of AML were assessed for the expression of Pgp and MRP1 by flow cytometry.

Results

The expression of Pgp and MRP1 was found in 111 (32.1%) and 133 (38.4%) patients, respectively, with greater prevalence in older patients and lower in children, while also observing a high incidence in patients with refractory, recurrence, and secondary disease in comparison with the cases of de novo AML. Regarding the laboratory findings, we observed an association between the expression of Pgp and MRP1 and CD34, CD7, and also M7, M5a, and M2‐AML of French‐American‐British classification.

Conclusions

The results showed that the detection of MDR phenotype by flow cytometry can be a molecular marker for prognosis of patients with AML.
Gastrointestinal involvement of primary skin diseases
Authors: Lu C.‐Y. , Hsieh M.‐S. , Wei K.‐C. , Ezmerli M. , Kuo C.‐H. , Chen W.
Published: May 2020

Less is known about gastrointestinal (GI) involvement of primary skin diseases due to the difference in embryology, histology, microbiology and physiology between integument and alimentary tract. Oesophagus, following the oropharyngeal mucosa, is the most common GI segment affected by primary skin diseases, especially by eosinophilic oesophagitis, lichen planus and autoimmune bullous dermatoses like pemphigus vulgaris, mucosal membrane pemphigoid and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. Eosinophilic oesophagitis is an emerging chronic atopic disease with oesophageal dysfunction as the typical presentation, and oesophageal narrowing, rings and stricture as late complications. Oesophageal lichen planus mainly involves the proximal to mid‐oesophagus in elderly aged women with long‐term oral mucosal lesions. In acute attack of pemphigus vulgaris, oesophageal involvement is not uncommon but often neglected and may cause sloughing oesophagitis (oesophagitis dissecans superficialis) with acute GI bleeding in rare cases. GI manifestation of hereditary bradykininergic angio‐oedema with colicky acute abdomen mostly affects small intestine, usually in the absence of pruritus or urticaria, and is more severe and long‐lasting than the acquired histaminergic form. Strong evidence supports association between inflammatory bowel disease, especially Crohn disease, and hidradenitis suppurativa/acne inversa. Patients with vitiligo need surveillance of autoimmune liver disease, autoimmune atrophic gastritis or coeliac disease when corresponding symptoms become suspect. Melanoma is the most common primary tumour metastatic to the GI tract, with small intestine predominantly targeted. Gastrointestinal involvement is not uncommon in disseminated mycosis fungoides. Extramammary Paget’s disease is an intraepidermal adenocarcinoma of controversial origin, and a high association between the anogenital occurrence and colorectal adenocarcinoma has been reported. As GI tract is the largest organ system with multidimensional functions, dermatologists in daily practice should be aware of the gastrointestinal morbidities related to primary skin diseases for an early diagnosis and treatment.
Prevalence and correlates of sun protections with sunburn and vitamin D deficiency in sun‐sensitive individuals
Authors: Kim S. , Carson K.A. , Chien A.L.
Published: May 2020

Background

Sun sensitivity is an inherent risk factor for skin cancer. Sun protection is important in sun‐sensitive individuals to reduce sunburns for skin cancer prevention. However, concerns have arose regarding the possible impact of sun protection on vitamin D deficiency.

Objective

To examine the prevalence and correlates of sun‐protective behaviours (staying in the shade, using sunscreen and wearing long sleeves) with sunburn and vitamin D deficiency in sun‐sensitive individuals.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study of 2390 US non‐Hispanic white adults aged 20–59 years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2014. Sun sensitivity was defined as self‐reported tendency to severe sunburn when exposed to the sun for half an hour after months of non‐sun exposure, and single serum 25(OH)D levels less than 50 nmol/L was determined as vitamin D deficiency. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) using multivariable logistic regression taking into account the complex survey design.

Results

Sun‐sensitive individuals had higher odds of frequently staying in the shade (aOR = 3.08; 95% CI 2.19–4.33) and using sunscreen (aOR = 1.93; 1.44–2.59) but not associated with sun exposure time (aOR = 0.91; 0.62–1.32). Yet, sun‐sensitive individuals had significantly higher likelihood of sunburns (aOR = 1.93; 1.45–2.55), and no increased likelihood of vitamin D deficiency (aOR = 1.15; 0.84–1.58). Among sun‐sensitive individuals, being younger, male and spending more time outdoors were associated with increased odds of sunburns and the risk of sunburn was reduced with frequently staying in the shade and engaging in multimodal sun protections.

Conclusion

Sun‐sensitive individuals more frequently used sun protection methods yet they still were significantly more likely to experience sunburns and the risk of vitamin D deficiency was not increased. Education on proper application of sunscreen combined with other sun‐protective techniques is important to reduce sunburn in sun‐sensitive populations.
The association between simple renal cyst and aortic diseases: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Chewcharat Api , Hamaya Rikuta , Thongprayoon Charat , Cato Liam D. , Mao Michael A. , Cheungpasitporn Wisit
Published: May 2020

Objective

The objective of this meta‐analysis of observational studies was to evaluate the association between simple renal cysts (SRC) and presence of aortic pathology such as aortic aneurysms and dissection.

Methods

We conducted searches in Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from January 1960 to August 2019 to identify observational studies that examined the association between SRCs and any aortic diseases, including aortic aneurysms and dissection. Two reviewers independently extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias. The meta‐analysis was performed by STATA 14.1.

Results

In total, 11 observational studies with 19 719 participants were included in this meta‐analysis. Compared to individuals without SRCs, patients with SRCs had higher odds of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) (adjusted OR = 2.61, 95% CI 2.34‐2.91, P < 0.001, I2 = 0%), ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) (adjusted OR = 1.98, 95% CI 1.09‐3.63, P = 0.03, I2 = 90.1%), descending TAA (adjusted OR = 3.44, 95% CI, 2.67‐4.43, P < 0.001, I2 = 0%), type A aortic dissection (AD) (adjusted OR = 1.98, 95% CI 1.32‐2.96, P = 0.001, I2 = 12.9%), and type B AD (adjusted OR = 2.55, 95% CI, 1.31‐4.96, P = 0.006, I2 = 76.2%). There was a higher average in the sum of diameter of SRCs among AAA compared to patients without AAA (WMD = 19.80 mm, 95% CI 13.92‐25.67, P < 0.001, I2 = 63.8%).

Conclusion

SRC is associated with higher odds of aortic diseases including AAA, ascending and descending TAA, type A and type B dissection even after adjusting for confounders.