bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incoherence in Regime Complexes: A Sentiment Analysis of EU‐IMF Surveillance
Authors: Breen Michael , Hodson Dermot , Moschella Manuela
Published: July 2019

The proliferation of international institutions means that states can be subject to multiple, overlapping and potentially incoherent international obligations. The regime complexity literature draws attention to this problem but says little about its character and causes. This article investigates whether and why two key components of the international economic surveillance regime – the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the European Union (EU) – impose conflicting obligations on the same states. Based on a comparative sentiment analysis of more than 400 surveillance documents and using differences in tone as a proxy for incoherence, our results show that the IMF was more pessimistic about member states' economic policies before the global financial crisis but less so thereafter. Our results suggest that differences in discretionary authority rather than the distribution of power drove such incoherence, with the EU's fiscal rules encouraging less pessimism before the global financial crisis and more pessimism thereafter.
Ungual warts: comparison of treatment with intralesional bleomycin and electroporation in terms of efficacy and safety
Authors: Di Chiacchio N.G. , Di Chiacchio N. , Criado P.R. , Brunner C.H.M. , Suaréz M.V.R. , Belda Junior W.
Published: July 2019

Background

Ungual warts are considered the most common benign nail tumour, and they are caused by the human papillomavirus. Despite the numerous treatments reported in the medical literature, ungual warts are considered frustrating, with high relapse rates and a potential risk of nail dystrophy. Bleomycin is a therapeutic option showing a good safety profile and high cure rates.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of electrochemotherapy using intralesional bleomycin for the treatment of ungual warts in comparison with intralesional bleomycin alone and describe the side‐effects related to the use of both techniques.

Methods

This was a prospective, randomized, double‐blind, controlled clinical trial. Forty‐four 18‐ to 60‐year‐old female and male patients with ungual warts of only one finger were included. The patients were divided into two treatment groups: GA – intralesional bleomycin; and GB – electroporation and intralesional bleomycin. Following a single application, the patients were followed up for 180 days.

Results

The patients’ mean age was 36 years for GA and 37 years for GB. Most patients were female (68%). Of 22 patients in GA completing the study, 11 (50%) achieved the cure, while 18 (85.7%) of 21 patients completing the study in GB showed cure. A significant association of patients with or without cure after the GA and GB treatments (P = 0.022) was observed. None of the patients in either group had systemic side‐effects. Independent of the technique used, all the participants considered the adverse effects tolerable.

Conclusion

The intralesional use of bleomycin associated with electroporation for the treatment of ungual warts (both periungual and subungual) showed a statistically superior cure when compared with intralesional bleomycin alone. Side‐effects were more frequently observed in the electrochemotherapy with bleomycin group than in the bleomycin monotherapy group.
From bench to bedside: evolving therapeutic targets in autoimmune blistering disease
Authors: Kridin K. , Kowalski E.H. , Kneiber D. , Laufer‐Britva R. , Amber K.T.
Published: July 2019

Autoimmune blistering diseases comprise a group of heterogenous conditions characterized by the loss of tolerance and subsequent development of autoantibodies targeting epidermal and subepidermal adhesion proteins. Blisters and erosions form on the skin and mucous membranes leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Traditional therapies rely on systemic immunosuppression. Advancements in our understanding of the pathophysiology of pemphigus and pemphigoid have led to the development of molecules which target specific pathways involved in induction and perpetuation of disease. In this review, we outline the novel therapeutic strategies including B‐cell depletion, T‐regulatory cell repletion, cell signalling inhibitors and small molecular inhibitors, inhibitory monoclonal antibodies, as well as complement inhibition. We additionally review their current level of clinical evidence. We lastly review therapeutics targets gleaned from the experimental epidermolysis bullosa acquisita mouse model. These emerging treatments offer an exciting progression from basic science discoveries that have the potential to transform the treatment paradigm in autoimmune blistering diseases.
Interactive effects of social environment, age and sex on immune responses in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Leech Thomas , Evison Sophie E. F. , Armitage Sophie A. O. , Sait Steven M. , Bretman Amanda
Published: July 2019

Social environments have been shown to have multiple effects on individual immune responses. For example, increased social contact might signal greater infection risk and prompt a prophylactic upregulation of immunity. This differential investment of resources may in part explain why social environments affect ageing and lifespan. Our previous work using Drosophila melanogaster showed that single‐sex social contact reduced lifespan for both sexes. Here, we assess how social interactions (isolation or contact) affect susceptibility to infection, phagocytotic activity and expression of a subset of immune‐ and stress‐related genes in young and old flies of both sexes. Social contact had a neutral, or even improved, effect on post‐infection lifespan in older flies and reduced the expression of stress response genes in females; however, it reduced phagocytotic activity. Overall, the effects of social environment were complex and largely subtle and do not indicate a consistent effect. Together, these findings indicate that social contact in D. melanogaster does not have a predictable impact on immune responses and does not simply trade‐off immune investment with lifespan.
Nonparametric Evidence of Validity, Reliability, and Fairness for Rater‐Mediated Assessments: An Illustration Using Mokken Scale Analysis
Authors: Wind Stefanie A.
Published: July 2019

Numerous researchers have proposed methods for evaluating the quality of rater‐mediated assessments using nonparametric methods (e.g., kappa coefficients) and parametric methods (e.g., the many‐facet Rasch model). Generally speaking, popular nonparametric methods for evaluating rating quality are not based on a particular measurement theory. On the other hand, popular parametric methods for evaluating rating quality are often based on measurement theories such as invariant measurement. However, these methods are based on assumptions and transformations that may not be appropriate for ordinal ratings. In this study, I show how researchers can use Mokken scale analysis (MSA), which is a nonparametric approach to item response theory, to evaluate rating quality within the framework of invariant measurement without the use of potentially inappropriate parametric techniques. I use an illustrative analysis of data from a rater‐mediated writing assessment to demonstrate how one can use numeric and graphical indicators from MSA to gather evidence of validity, reliability, and fairness. The results from the analyses suggest that MSA provides a useful framework within which to evaluate rater‐mediated assessments for evidence of validity, reliability, and fairness that can supplement existing popular methods for evaluating ratings.
The effects of high pressure on the myofibrillar structure and meat quality of marinating Tan mutton
Authors: Xu Hao , Zhang Xi‐Kang , Wang Xu , Liu Dun‐Hua
Published: July 2019

Lamb leg meat (LLM) was marinated using solution of sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations (0.04 g/g) for 15 min under high pressure (HP) treatment (100–400 MPa, 25°C) to investigate meat characteristics, volatile components and microstructure. HP treatment increased process yields during marinating, especially at 200 MPa, the shearing force and hardness reached their minimum value, which indicated that HP treatment (200 MPa) can effectively improve the tenderness of LLM. The electron microscopy revealed that HP modified the myofibrillar structure in the leg muscles. With the rise of pressure, the lightness (L*) value increased significantly. The red/green hue (a*) reached the maximum value at 200 MPa. HP influenced the formation of some key volatile compounds in LLM. LLM pressurized at 200–400 MPa had lower levels of furfural than control group, LLM pressurized at 200 MPa had higher levels of N‐nonanal and N‐octanal, lower levels of palmitic acid, but oleic acid and stearic acid was not detected. Only at 200–400 MPa, 2,3‐octanedione and 2‐octanone were detected in HP‐treated LLM.

Practical applications

High‐pressure (HP) is an effective technology as a pretreatment to postslaughter meat. Advantages include opportunities to improve tenderness and other characteristics of processed meat products by appropriate use of this technique. This study showed that application of high‐pressure premarinated treatment (200 MPa, 15 min, 25°C and 0.04 g/g salt content) could effectively improve the muscle fiber structure of lamb leg, several major volatile substances and tenderness. This work verifies the potential of HP for improving LLM characteristics and volatile components. These results can be beneficial for the applications of pressurized mutton in the mutton industry.
Enhanced stability of emulsions made with super‐critical carbon dioxide extruded whey protein concentrate
Authors: Javad Sumera , Gopirajah Rajamanickam , Rizvi Syed S. H.
Published: July 2019

Supercritical fluid extrusion (SCFX) with carbon dioxide was used to enhance the functionality of whey protein concentrate containing 80% protein by weight (WPC80) at two (3.0 and 5.4) pH values. Different levels of oil (20, 40, 60, and 80% by weight) and functionalized whey protein (f‐WPC80; 1, 2, and 4% by weight) were used to make emulsions and quantify their characteristics such as emulsion activity index, creaming index, droplet size, and viscosity. Unextruded whey protein (c‐WPC80) and commercial sodium caseinate (NaCas) were used as controls. Results showed that gel‐like emulsions with uniform droplet size distributions were formed by f‐WPC80 (4% by weight) with 80% (by weight) oil which was stable over 3 months of storage at room temperature. Compared to emulsions formed by control c‐WPC80, the f‐WPC80 emulsions exhibited higher viscosity and shear thinning behavior. The minimum protein required for stable emulsion formation (with 80% oil) was found to be 2% by weight for f‐WPC80 and NaCas and 4% by weight in the case of c‐WPC80. The functionalized whey protein provided a better emulsion at low concentrations with good stability at room temperature and may be used as a replacement of sodium caseinate to make nutritionally superior products.

Practical applications

Present study showed that functionalized Whey protein concentrate (80% protein) f‐WPC80 was produced by the process of Supercritical carbon dioxide assisted extrusion which changed the structure of native protein. Two functionalized products (with pH 3.0 and 5.4) were obtained in this way. These functionalized proteins formed better oil‐in‐water emulsions which were stable against creaming and sedimentation as compared to emulsions stabilized by native WPC80 and sodium caseinate at very small concentration of protein used. Therefore it is concluded that f‐WPC80 can cover a range of food emulsions where different pH values are required. Lesser amount of stabilizer will be used commercially for emulsions. These functionalized WPC80 products may be used as a replacement of sodium caseinate to make nutritionally superior products with pH 3.0 and 5.4.
Oral candidal carriage correlates with CD4+ cell count but not with HIV and highly active antiretroviral therapy status
Authors: Sah Parul , Patel Pratik , Chandrashekar Chetana , Martena Suganthi , Ballal Mamatha , Hegde Manjayya , Guddattu Vasudeva , Murdoch Craig , Sharma Mohit , Radhakrishnan Raghu
Published: July 2019

Aim

The occurrence of oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) may be influenced by oral candidal carriage (OCC). Although OPC is strongly associated with low CD4+ cell count (400‐700 cells/mm3) and a lack of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the effect of these two parameters on OCC is debatable. We investigated the oral candidal carriage, species diversity, antifungal susceptibility and the association of OCC with CD4+ cell count and HAART.

Methods

Oral candidal isolates from 120 HIV+ patients (60 receiving and 60 not receiving HAART) and 60 healthy controls were quantified, and their species determined using standard culture and biochemical methods, followed by antifungal susceptibility testing using the agar dilution method.

Results

The OCC was significantly higher in HIV+ patients; Candida albicans was the most frequently isolated species in both groups, followed by Candida tropicalis. Candidal density carriage correlated significantly with CD4+ cell count, but not with HIV and HAART status. Among the isolates from HIV+ patients, 35.4% showed reduced susceptibility to fluconazole.

Conclusion

HIV status results in significantly elevated rates of OCC C albicans remains the predominant pathogen, although other species are emerging rapidly. Resistance to fluconazole is on the rise, and more efficient treatment strategies need to be implemented.
Dissemination of PhD Dissertation Research by Dissertation Format: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Smaldone Arlene , Heitkemper Elizabeth , Jackman Kasey , Joanne Woo Kyungmi , Kelson Judith
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The study purpose was to compare dissemination of PhD dissertation research by dissertation format: traditional (five‐chapter document providing a complete and systematic account of the PhD research) versus an alternate (substudy [document containing three smaller studies but not written as stand‐alone manuscripts] or publication [document containing three or more related manuscripts intended for submission or published in a peer‐reviewed journal]) format.

Design

A retrospective study of all PhD dissertations (1999–2019) from one research intensive school of nursing.

Methods

Following identification of graduates via the school's PhD database, we searched ProQuest and PubMed databases for the dissertation and first authored peer‐reviewed publications of each graduate to determine dissertation format, study design, timing and number of dissertation research publications, and inclusion of dissertation sponsor in authorship. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon rank sum tests.

Findings

Of 113 graduates, 80 (70.8%) employed a traditional format, with the remaining graduates structuring dissertations using an alternate (substudy [n = 12], publication [n = 21]) format. Of those using the traditional format, 33 graduates (41.3%) never published dissertation research findings in a peer‐reviewed journal. For those who published their dissertation research in a peer‐reviewed journal, time to first publication was 1.4 ± 2.1 years (median 1.6 years) following degree conferral. In contrast, all graduates who utilized alternate formats published one or more components of their dissertation research with shorter time to first published manuscript (‐0.6 ± 1.1 years; median ‐0.5 years; p < .001). Number of peer‐reviewed publications was higher for those who utilized an alternate format compared to the traditional format (2.9 ± 1.5 [median 3.0] vs. 1.8 ± 1.1 [median 1.0], p = .001). Acknowledgment of the sponsor's contribution via publication authorship was higher for those using an alternate format compared to the traditional format (100% vs. 70.2%).

Conclusions

Number and timeliness of peer‐reviewed publications stemming from dissertation research was higher for PhD graduates who utilized an alternate dissertation format. Alternate dissertation formats should be encouraged by PhD programs as one means to improve dissemination of PhD nursing research.

Clinical Relevance

Dissemination of PhD research through peer‐reviewed publications promotes the continued development of nursing science to inform nursing practice and advances the career trajectory of PhD graduates.
Lymphatic clearance is the main drainage route of lamotrigine-loaded micelles following delivery to the brain
Authors: Yan Jiaqi , Ren Jialin , Zhu Yu , Lin Yanzhen , Chen Gang , Hou Dongzhi , Lv Zhufen , Zhou Jiaxin , Chen Yanzhong , Yang Fan
Published: July 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the clearance pathways of lamotrigine (LTG)-loaded micelles by intranasal administration and intracerebral injection in the brain and whether nanoparticles can induce the inflammation promoted by interleukin-6 (IL-6), accelerating the phagocytosis of drug particles in the brain and drainage through lymphatics.

Methods

The drug concentrations in the deep cervical lymph node, superficial cervical lymph node, brain tissues and jugular vein, the pharmacokinetic parameters, and the concentrations of IL-6 in deep cervical lymph node and brain tissues were investigated following UPLC/MS, DAS3.0, ELISA statistically analysed.

Key findings

The AUC0–t of deep cervical lymph node after intranasal and intracerebral injection was 1.93, 2.77, 1.34 times and 3.06, 16.4, 3.34 times higher compared with the superficial cervical lymph node, jugular vein and brain tissue, respectively. After intranasal administration of lamotrigine-loaded micelles for 30 min, the IL-6 concentrations in deep cervical lymph node and brain tissue were significantly increased (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

These results suggested that lamotrigine micelles were primarily cleared from the brain by lymphatics rather than blood clearance. Also, the nanoparticle induced the increase in IL-6 level after entering the brain suggested that nanoparticles might induce the inflammation promoted by IL-6 in the brain, accelerating the clearance of drug particles in the brain and drainage through lymphatics.
Prospective pilot study for evaluation of high‐flow oxygen therapy in dyspnoeic dogs: the HOT‐DOG study
Authors: Pouzot‐Nevoret C. , Hocine L. , Nègre J. , Goy‐Thollot I. , Barthélemy A. , Boselli E. , Bonnet J. M. , Allaouchiche B.
Published: July 2019

Objectives

To describe the use, effectiveness and tolerance of high‐flow oxygen therapy in dyspnoeic dogs.

Materials and Methods

Prospectively, dogs in acute respiratory distress admitted to an intensive care unit between January and May 2018 that failed to respond to nasal oxygen therapy and medical stabilisation after 30 minutes were transitioned to high‐flow oxygen therapy. High‐flow oxygen therapy, delivered an inspired oxygen fraction of 100% using an air/oxygen blender, active humidifier, single warmed tube and specific nasal cannula. Respiratory rate, pulse oximetry (SpO2), heart rate and a tolerance score were assessed every 15 minutes from T0 (under nasal oxygen) to 1 hour (T60), and PaO2 and PaCO2 at T0 and T60. Complications were recorded for each dog.

Results

Eleven dogs were included. At T60, PaO2, flow rate and SpO2 were significantly greater than at T0 (171 ± 123 versus 73 ± 24 mmHg; P=0.015; 18 ±12 L/minute versus 3.2 ± 2.0 L/minute, P<0.01; 97.7 ±2.3% versus 91.6 ±7.2%, P=0.03, respectively). There was no significant difference in PaCO2, respiratory rate or heart rate between T0 and T60. Tolerance was excellent, and there were no complications.

Clinical Significance

High‐flow oxygen therapy improves markers of oxygenation in dyspnoeic dogs and is an effective means to deliver oxygen with comfort and minimal complications.
Assessment of real‐time and quantitative changes in renal hemodynamics in healthy overweight males: Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography vs para‐aminohippuric acid clearance
Authors: Muskiet Marcel H. A. , Emanuel Anna L. , Smits Mark M. , Tonneijck Lennart , Meijer Rick I. , Joles Jaap A. , Serné Erik H. , van Raalte Daniël H.
Published: July 2019

Objective

To determine the ability of renal contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) to detect acute drug‐induced changes in renal perfusion (using the glucagon‐like peptide (GLP)‐1 receptor agonist exenatide and nitric oxide [NO]‐synthase inhibitor L‐NG‐monomethyl arginine [l‐NMMA]), and assess its correlation with gold standard‐measured effective renal plasma flow in humans.

Methods

In this prespecified exploratory analysis of a placebo‐controlled cross‐over study, renal hemodynamics was assessed in 10 healthy overweight males (aged 20‐27 years; BMI 26‐31 kg/m2) over two separate testing days; during placebo (isotonic saline) and subsequent exenatide infusion (Day‐A), and during l‐NMMA, and subsequent exenatide plus l‐NMMA infusion (Day‐B). Renal cortical microvascular blood flow was estimated following microbubble infusion and CEUS destruction‐refilling‐sequences. Renal cortical microvascular blood flow was compared with simultaneously measured effective renal plasma flow in humans, derived from para‐aminohippuric acid‐clearance methodology.

Results

On Day‐A, effective renal plasma flow increased by 68 [26‐197] mL/min/1.73 m2 during exenatide vs placebo infusion (+17%; P = .015). In parallel, exenatide increased renal cortical microvascular blood flow, from 2.42 × 10−4 [6.54 × 10−5‐4.66 × 10−4] AU to 4.65 × 10−4 [2.96 × 10−4‐7.74 × 10−4] AU (+92%; P = .027). On Day‐B, effective renal plasma flow and renal cortical microvascular blood flow were reduced by l‐NMMA, with no significant effect of concomitant exenatide on renal hemodynamic‐indices assessed by either technique. Effective renal plasma flow correlated with renal cortical microvascular blood flow on Day‐A (r = .533; P = .027); no correlation was found on Day‐B.

Conclusions

Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography can detect acute drug‐induced changes human renal hemodynamics. CEUS‐assessed renal cortical microvascular blood flow moderately associates with effective renal plasma flow, particularly when perfusion is in normal‐to‐high range. Renal CEUS cannot replace effective renal plasma flow measurements, but may be a complementary tool to characterize regional kidney perfusion.
Redescription of Macurdablastus and redefinition of Eublastoidea as a clade of Blastoidea (Echinodermata)
Authors: Bauer Jennifer E. , Waters Johnny A. , Sumrall Colin D.
Published: July 2019

Eublastoids are a large clade of blastoids; stemmed blastozoan echinoderms diagnosed by their conservative body plan (three basals, four deltoid plates and five radial plates), lancet plate supporting the ambulacra, and hydrospire respiratory structures. Although Eublastoidea was a highly successful clade in the middle and late Palaeozoic it is absent from early echinoderm radiations seen in the Cambrian and Ordovician record. Here we provide a re‐evaluation of Macurdablastus uniplicatus Broadhead from the Ordovician, using detailed morphological assessment based on advanced synchrotron tomography and phylogenetic analysis. Macurdablastus uniplicatus falls outside Eublastoidea because of the morphological differences in lancet plate and respiratory structures. The oldest recorded eublastoid is thus middle Silurian in age. The re‐evaluation of the morphology of Macurdablastus provides a basis for revising blastoid phylogeny and classification.
A social rank approach to disordered eating: Exploring relationships between shame, fears of compassion, striving, and body shame
Authors: Mendes Catarina Borralho , Ferreira Cláudia
Published: July 2019

Objectives

The impact of a social rank mentality on eating‐related difficulties has been previously recognized, although mediating processes involved remain to be clarified. The current study aimed to explore the roles of insecure striving and body image shame on the relationships between external shame and fears of receiving compassion from others with eating difficulties, while controlling forBMIeffects.

Methods

A total of 335 women from the general population participated in this study, aged between 18 and 62 years, who completed an investigation protocol, with self‐report measures.

Results

Path analysis results showed that, when controlling forBMI, external shame and fears of compassion from others presented an indirect effect on eating difficulties, mediated by insecure striving and body image shame. The model explained 63% of the variance of eating‐related difficulties.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that, in Western societies, women who highly feel that others negatively evaluate the self and present higher levels of fears of receiving compassion from others may endorse maladaptive strategies (as insecure striving) which in turn may lead to experiencing greater levels of body image shame and eating‐related difficulties.

Practitioner points

This study suggests that therapists may observe that individuals who are vulnerable to developing body image and eating‐related difficulties present high levels of shame and fears of compassion from others, as well as a need to compete to avoid inferiority.

Therapeutic targets for people with eating‐related difficulties may focus on shame, insecure striving, and fears of receiving compassionate and affiliative emotions.

Addressing fears of receiving compassion and reducing shame may decrease the need to compete to avoid undesired inferiority and facilitate adaptive eating attitudes and behaviours.
Root cortical anatomy is associated with differential pathogenic and symbiotic fungal colonization in maize
Authors: Galindo‐Castañeda Tania , Brown Kathleen M. , Kuldau Gretchen A. , Roth Gregory W. , Wenner Nancy G. , Ray Swayamjit , Schneider Hannah , Lynch Jonathan P.
Published: July 2019

Root anatomical phenotypes vary among maize (Zea mays) cultivars and may have adaptive value by modifying the metabolic cost of soil exploration. However, the microbial trade‐offs of these phenotypes are unknown. We hypothesized that nodal roots of maize with contrasting cortical anatomy have different patterns of mutualistic and pathogenic fungal colonization. Arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization in the field and mesocosms, root rots in the field, and Fusarium verticillioides colonization in mesocosms were evaluated in maize genotypes with contrasting root cortical anatomy. Increased aerenchyma and decreased living cortical area were associated with decreased mycorrhizal colonization in mesocosm and field experiments with inbred genotypes. In contrast, mycorrhizal colonization of hybrids increased with larger aerenchyma lacunae; this increase coincided with larger root diameters of hybrid roots. F. verticillioides colonization was inversely correlated with living cortical area in mesocosm‐grown inbreds, and no relation was found between root rots and living cortical area or aerenchyma in field‐grown hybrids. Root rots were positively correlated with cortical cell file number and inversely correlated with cortical cell size. Mycorrhizae and root rots were inversely correlated in field‐grown hybrids. We conclude that root anatomy is associated with differential effects on pathogens and mycorrhizal colonization of nodal roots in maize.
Pediatric generalized lichen nitidus treated with natural sunlight therapy
Authors: Berman Hannah , Truong Allison , Cheng Carol E.
Published: July 2019

Lichen nitidus is a benign inflammatory dermatosis that typically presents in a localized distribution. We present the rare case of a 6‐year‐old boy with a 1‐year history of generalized lichen nitidus with limited access to narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy. Over the course of a summer, he had complete and lasting resolution of generalized lichen nitidus after daily natural sunlight exposure. This case demonstrates a rare variant of lichen nitidus and a practical treatment alternative to in‐office phototherapy.
Highly sensitive chimerism detection in blood is associated with increased risk of relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in childhood leukemia
Authors: Haugaard Anna Karen , Madsen Hans Ole , Marquart Hanne Vibeke , Rosthøj Susanne , Masmas Tania Nicole , Heilmann Carsten , Müller Klaus Gottlob , Ifversen Marianne
Published: July 2019

Analysis of chimerism in blood post‐HCT using STR‐PCR is routinely applied in parallel with quantification of MRD to predict relapse of leukemia. RQ‐PCR chimerism is 10‐ to 100‐fold more sensitive, but clinical studies in children are sparse. We analyzed IMC in blood samples following transplantation for acute lymphoblastic or myeloid leukemia in 56 children. IMC was defined as a minimum increase of (a) 0.1% or (b) 0.05% recipient DNA between two samples. The risk of relapse was higher in children with IMC of both 0.1% and 0.05% compared to children without IMC (HR 12.8 [95% CI: 3.9‐41.4;P < .0001] and 7.6 [95% CI: 2.2‐26.9;P < .01], respectively). The first IMC was detected at a median of 208 days prior to relapse. The 5‐year cumulative incidence of relapse for children with a single IMC was 45.5% (CI 12.3‐74.4) and 41.0% (14.2‐66.6) for IMC above 0.1% and 0.05%, respectively. However, in 47 and 38 children never attaining IMC > 0.1% and >0.05%, 10 and 8 children relapsed, respectively. In a landmark analysis, no association was found between IMC prior to 90 days post‐HCT and subsequent relapse by either classification of IMC and AUC for RQ‐PCR chimerism was 54.2% (95 CI 27.7‐ 84.8). Although limited by a retrospective design, these results indicate that monitoring of RQ‐PCR chimerism in peripheral blood may have a role in early detection of relapse in acute childhood leukemia.
UK Regional Nowcasting Using a Mixed Frequency Vector Auto-Regressive Model with Entropic Tilting
Authors: Koop Gary , McIntyre Stuart , Mitchell James
Published: July 2019

Output growth data for the UK regions are available at only annual frequency and are released with significant delay. Regional policy makers would benefit from more frequent and timely data. We develop a stacked, mixed frequency vector auto-regression to provide, each quarter, nowcasts of annual output growth for the UK regions. The information that we use to update our regional nowcasts includes output growth data for the UK as a whole, as these aggregate data are released in a more timely and frequent (quarterly) fashion than the regional disaggregates which they comprise. We show how entropic tilting methods can be adapted to exploit the restriction that UK output growth is a weighted average of regional growth. In our realtime nowcasting application we find that the stacked mixed frequency vector-autoregressive model, with entropic tilting, provides an effective means of nowcasting the regional disaggregates exploiting known information on the aggregate.
Understanding informal caregivers' motivation from the perspective of self‐determination theory: an integrative review
Authors: Dombestein Heidi , Norheim Anne , Lunde Husebø Anne Marie
Published: July 2019

Background

A long‐term illness is stressful both for the person with the diagnosis and for his or her informal caregivers. Many people willingly assume the caregiving role, so it is important to understand why they stay in this role and how their motivation affects their health. Self‐determination theory (SDT) is a theory of human motivation that has been successfully applied in human research domains. To our knowledge, there is no literature review on the application of SDT in a caregiver context. A systematic review of the literature could improve the understanding of motivation in caregiver work and contribute to the utility of SDT.

Aim

To describe and explore empirical studies of caregivers' motivation from the perspective of self‐determination theory.

Methods

An integrative literature review according to Whittemore and Knafl was conducted with systematic repetitive searches in the MEDLINE, Scopus, PsychInfo, PsycNET, Chinal, Cochrane Library and EMBASE databases. The searches were performed from May through December 2018. The PRISMA diagram was used for study selection, and papers were assessed for quality based on the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Data analysis consisted of a four‐stage narrative analysis method.

Result

Of 159 articles, 10 were eligible for inclusion. All studies considered satisfaction of the three basic psychological needs for competence, autonomy and relatedness as essential in predicting the quality of caregivers' motivation and thereby their well‐being. In this review, autonomous motivation was the most important determinant of caregivers' well‐being.

Conclusions

Findings showed that SDT can be applied to identify, categorise, explain, predict, promote and support motivation among caregivers. This lends interesting support for SDT and promotes further study and application of the theory as a psychological approach to caregivers' health and health promotion.
Long‐term outcomes and management considerations after parathyroidectomy in the dialysis patient
Authors: Kakani Elijah , Sloan David , Sawaya B. Peter , El‐Husseini Amr , Malluche Hartmut H. , Rao Madhumathi
Published: July 2019

Parathyroidectomy (PTX) remains an important intervention for dialysis patients with poorly controlled secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), though there are only retrospective and observational data that show a mortality benefit to this procedure. Potential consequences that we seek to avoid after PTX include persistent or recurrent hyperparathyroidism, and parathyroid insufficiency. There is considerable subjectivity in defining and diagnosing these conditions, given that we poorly understand the optimal PTH targets (particularly post PTX) needed to maintain bone and vascular health. While lowering PTH after PTX decreases bone turnover, long‐term changes in bone activity have been poorly explored. High turnover bone disease, usually present at the time a PTX is considered, often swings to a state of low turnover in the setting of sufficiently low PTH levels. It remains unclear if all low bone turnover equate with disease. However, such changes in bone turnover appear to predispose to vascular calcification, with positive calcium balance after PTX being a potential contributor. We know little of how the post‐PTX state resets calcium balance, how calcium and VDRA requirements change or what kind of adjustments are needed to avoid calcium loading. The current consensus cautions against excessive reduction of PTH although there is insufficient evidence‐based guidance regarding the management of chronic kidney disease ‐ mineral bone disease (CKD‐MBD) parameters in the post‐PTX state. This article aims to compile existing research, provide an overview of current practice with regard to PTX and post‐PTX chronic management. It highlights gaps and controversies and aims to re‐orient the focus to clinically relevant contemporary priorities in CKD‐MBD management after PTX.
What Drives Progressive Policy? Institutional Politics, Political Mediation, Policy Feedbacks, and Early U.S. Old‐Age Policy
Authors: Amenta Edwin , Elliott Thomas Alan
Published: July 2019

What drives progressive public policy? Because progressive policy challenges the interests of powerful people and interests that dominate policy making, it is puzzling that progressive policy ever happens. This article addresses this question by modeling and appraising institutional political, political mediation, and policy feedback theories and models of progressive policy making. Institutional political theory focuses on political institutional conditions, bureaucratic development, election results, and public opinion. Political mediation theory holds that social movements can have influence over progressive policy under favorable political conditions. Policy feedback theory holds that programs will be self‐reinforcing under certain conditions. The article goes beyond previous research by including and analyzing public opinion in institutional political and political mediation models and addressing positive policy feedbacks. We appraise five models derived from these three theories through fuzzy set qualitative comparative analyses of the generosity of early old‐age policy across U.S. states at two key moments. We find some support for each theory, and the results suggest that they are complementary. Left regimes or social movements can initiate progressive policy, which can be reinforced for the long term through positive policy feedback mechanisms. We discuss the implications for current U.S. politics and for progressive policy elsewhere.
Effective desensitization for a strong donor‐specific HLA antibody in a case of HLA‐mismatched allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Misra Maneesh K. , Xin John J. , Brown Nicholas K. , Weidner Jerome G. , Upchurch Rebecca L. , Bishop Michael R. , Wool Geoffrey D. , Artz Andrew S. , Marino Susana R.
Published: July 2019

We describe a unique ABO compatible and 9/10 HLA‐matched case of successful allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) after effective desensitization of a strong anti‐HLA‐A24 donor‐specific antibody (DSA) with mean fluorescence intensity of approximately 18 000. Due to absence of a suitable matched unrelated donor the patient sibling was considered the best available donor, and it was decided to desensitize patient prior to transplant. The strength of HLA‐A24 DSA slowly decreased over the course of treatment, necessitating a total of 23 sessions of therapeutic plasma exchange in order to bring the DSA strength to undetectable levels, followed by a successful transplant. In summary, the outcome of this case shows effective application of desensitization treatment to remove strong DSA in HCT patients.
Ultrasonographic characterization of cervical lymph nodes in healthy dogs
Authors: Ruppel Marissa J. , Pollard Rachel E. , Willcox Jennifer L.
Published: July 2019

Ultrasonography provides
a minimally invasive method to evaluate the cervical lymph nodes in dogs as part of staging head and neck cancer; however, standardized cohesive reports of the normal lymph node size and appearance are lacking. The purpose of this prospective, descriptive, reference interval study was to characterize the ultrasonographic appearance of cervical lymph nodes in 27 clinically healthy dogs. The size, shape, echogenicity, and margination of the mandibular, medial retropharyngeal, and superficial cervical lymph nodes were evaluated and correlated with age, breed, sex, body weight, and stage of dental disease. The appearance of the lymph nodes was variable among the population. The majority were cigar or ovoid in shape with smooth margins. The echogenicity of the mandibular lymph nodes was predominantly hypoechoic whereas the medial retropharyngeal lymph nodes were predominantly isoechoic compared to the salivary glands. The superficial cervical lymph nodes were predominantly hyperechoic to the surrounding muscle bellies. Higher body weight and younger age were associated with increased size in the medial retropharyngeal and superficial cervical lymph nodes (P‐values < .05). Sex and breed were not found to correlate with lymph node characteristics, and there was no trend noted in lymph node appearance associated with dental disease. These data establish normal parameters for the ultrasonographic size and appearance of cervical lymph nodes in dogs and can provide a reference of comparison for future canine cervical ultrasounds, which can be considered for routine staging procedures for head and neck cancer.
La cláusula resolutoria como manifestación de la facultad de resolver el contrato. Problemas en torno a su eficacia en el Código Civil chileno
Authors: Vidal Olivares Alvaro
Published: July 2019

El artículo 1489 del Código Civil chileno prevé una resolución judicial por incumplimiento de contrato bilateral; sin embargo, este remedio no ofrece al acreedor una protección suficiente, al imponerle la carga de iniciar un juicio declarativo, cuyo resultado —la declaración de resolución del contrato— depende, en último término, de la calificación que hará el juez del incumplimiento en que se fundó la demanda. Por este orden de consideraciones, resulta conveniente la inclusión de cláusulas resolutorias que, junto con definir los incumplimientos esenciales, reconozcan al acreedor la facultad de resolver el contrato por comunicación y con efecto extrajudicial. Sin embargo, como el Código Civil chileno no dispone sobre el particular, en la práctica contractual los pactos de esta especie producen una serie de problemas en torno a su validez y eficacia. El presente trabajo, además de mostrar estos problemas, ofrece soluciones, apoyándose principalmente en las sentencias de los Tribunales superiores de justicia de Chile.
The Expulsion of Resident Colombian Nationals during the Colombia-Venezuela Border Dispute: An “Under the Radar” Case for Diplomatic Protection of Human Rights?
Authors: MacLean Robert Joseph-Blaise , Arévalo Ramírez Walter
Published: July 2019

While International Humanitarian, Refugee and Human Rights Law are frequently resorted to in the search for remedies for human rights violations, the Public International Law remedy of Diplomatic Protection is often forgotten, perhaps because there are few cases fitting the legal requirements for that remedy. The Venezuelan expulsions and property confiscations in 2015 and 2017 of Colombian residents without due process and, frequently, with violence may provide a useful example of an appropriate case for Diplomatic Protection arising within the context of a forced expulsion of an identifiable nationality. The following article, result of a research project regarding international law enforceability, reviews the current law on Diplomatic Protection and, within the context of a factual survey of the treatment of Colombian nationals by Venezuela, undertakes an analysis as to whether the facts of the case in fact give rise to a remedy of Diplomatic Protection. Effectively, the article argues in favour of the availability of this remedy as an option for the Colombian government.
Reclutamiento forzado de niños y niñas (abduction) en el conflicto armado colombiano: los menores de 18 años como víctimas con protección especial reforzada en el DIH y DIDH
Authors: Alarcón Palacio Yadira Elena
Published: July 2019

Se trabaja el problema de los niños y niñas soldados, víctimas del reclutamiento forzado. Con revisión del tratamiento de los niños y niñas en la guerra en el Derecho Internacional Humanitario (DIH) y en el Derecho Internacional de los Derechos Humanos (DIDH) con énfasis en la edad de protección en los instrumentos internacionales. Se analiza el reclutamiento forzado en las normas internas como causa del Estado de cosas inconstitucional por desplazamiento forzado, para llegar al problema de los niños y niñas soldado de las FARC-EP y su tratamiento en la implementación del Acuerdo de Paz. Se concluye que en la discusión de la edad, la Corte Constitucional asume una solución ambigua al dar prevalencia a normas internacionales posteriores a garantías constitucionales que ya se tenían en el derecho interno. Colombia tiene una deuda pendiente con su infancia perdida.
The Effect of Pitching Frequency on the Hydrodynamics of Oscillating Foils
Authors: Hemmati Arman , Smits Alexander J.
Published: July 2019

The effects of two different pitching frequencies (that is, Strouhal number, St) on the wake structure generated by two foils of aspect ratio 1.0 are examined numerically at a Reynolds number of 10,000. Strouhal numbers of 0.5 and 0.2 were studied, the first corresponding approximately to the peak in efficiency and the second corresponding to the point where the thrust is equal to the drag (the free-swimming condition). The two foils have either a square trailing edge or a convex trailing edge that mimics the shape of the caudal fin exhibited by certain species of fish. In previous works, the convex trailing edge panel was found to have higher thrust and efficiency compared with the square panel trailing edge. Here, these differences are related to their characteristic vortex formation and detachment processes leading to differences in wake coherence and extension. The wake of the square panel at St = 0.2 transitions slowly from a reverse von Kármán street (2S) pattern to a paired (2P) system as the wake develops downstream, whereas at St = 0.5, the wake almost immediately takes on a 2P form with an attendant split in the wake structure. For the convex panel, the transition from a 2S to a 2P structure at St = 0.2 is slower than that seen for the square panel, and for St = 0.5, the wake undergoes an abrupt transition leading to two distinct vortex streets that evolve at a considerably slower rate than seen for the square panel.
Biomechanical In Vitro Test of a Novel Dynamic Spinal Stabilization System Incorporating Polycarbonate Urethane Material Under Physiological Conditions
Authors: Beckmann Agnes , Nicolini Luis Fernando , Grevenstein David , Backes Hermann , Oikonomidis Stavros , Sobottke Rolf , Kobbe Philipp , Hildebrand Frank , Stoffel Marcus , Markert Bernd , Siewe Jan , Herren Christian
Published: July 2019

Posterior dynamic stabilization systems (PDSS) were developed to provide stabilization to pathologic or hypermobile spinal segments while maintaining the healthy biomechanics of the spine. Numerous novel dynamic devices incorporate the temperature and moisture dependent material polycarbonate urethane (PCU) due to its mechanical properties and biocompatibility. In this study, standardized pure moment in vitro tests were carried out on human lumbar spines to evaluate the performance of a device containing PCU. An environmental chamber with controlled moisture and temperature was included in the setup to meet the requirements of testing under physiological conditions. Three test conditions were compared: (1) native spine, (2) dynamic instrumentation, and (3) dynamic instrumentation with decompression. The ranges of motion, centers of rotation, and relative pedicle screw motions were evaluated. The device displayed significant stiffening in flexion–extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation load directions. A reduction of the native range of motion diminished the stiffening effect along the spinal column and has the potential to reduce the risk of the onset of degeneration of an adjacent segment. In combination with decompression, the implant decreased the native range of motion for flexion–extension and skew bending, but not for lateral bending and axial rotation. Curve fittings using the sigmoid function were performed to parameterize all load-deflection curves in order to enhance accurate numerical model calibrations and comparisons. The device caused a shift of the center of rotation (COR) in the posterior and caudal direction during flexion–extension loading.