bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does the presence of cranial contrast spread during a sacroiliac joint injection predict short-term outcome?
Authors: Vandervennet Wout , Van Boxem Koen , Peene Laurens , Mesotten Dieter , Buyse Klaas , Devooght Pieter , Mestrum Roel , Puylaert Martine , Vanlantschoot Astrid , Vanneste Thibaut , Van Zundert Jan 
Published: December 2020

Background
The innervation of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is complex, with a dual innervation originating from the lumbosacral plexus anteriorly as well as the sacral lateral branches posteriorly. Nociceptors are found in intra-articular structures as well as periarticular structures. In patients with SIJ pain, a fluoroscopy-guided SIJ injection is usually performed posteriorly into the bottom one-third of the joint with local anesthetic and corticosteroids, but this does not always reach all intra-articular structures. The correlation between a cranial contrast spread and clinical success is undetermined in patients with SIJ pain.

Methods
In a tertiary referral pain center, electronic medical records of patients who underwent an SIJ injection were retrospectively analyzed. Only patients with at least three positive provocation maneuvers for SIJ pain were selected. Contrast images of the SIJ were classified as with or without cranial spread on fluoroscopy as a marker of intra-articular injection. Clinical success was defined as ≥50% improvement in the patient’s global perceived effect after 3–4 weeks. The primary outcome was defined as the correlation between cranial contrast spread and clinical success after an SIJ injection.

Results
128 patients in total were included. In 68 patients (53.1%) fluoroscopy showed cranial contrast spread. Clinical success was higher in patients with cranial spread of contrast (55 of 68, 81%) versus those without (35 of 60, 58%) (p=0.0067). In a multivariable analysis with age, gender, presence of rheumatoid arthritis, side, and number of positive provocation maneuvers, the cranial spread of contrast remained the only independent factor of clinical success (p=0.006; OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.4 to 7.7).

Conclusion
In patients with SIJ pain, identified by positive pain provocation maneuvers, cranial contrast spread as a marker of intra-articular injection, with subsequent injection of 3 mL of local anesthetic and methylprednisolone 40 mg, was significantly correlated with clinical success up to 4 weeks. Therefore, attempts should be made to reach this final needle position before injecting local anesthetic and corticosteroids. This result needs to be confirmed in a high-quality prospective trial.
Novel fluoroscopic landmark to significantly facilitate the visualization of foramen ovale in treating idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia
Authors: He Liangliang , Zhao WenXing , Su Po-Yi Paul , Guo Guili , Yue Jianning , Ni Jiaxiang , Yang Liqiang , Guan Zhonghui 
Published: December 2020

Background and objectivesAccess through the foramen ovale (FO) is essential in performing trigeminal ganglion injection, glycerol rhizolysis, balloon compression, and radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) to treat idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (ITN). However, identification of the FO under fluoroscopy can be difficult and time-consuming, and thus exposes patients to increased radiation and procedure risks. Here we present the ‘H-figure’ as a novel fluoroscopic landmark to quickly visualize the FO.MethodsThe H-figure landmark can be recognized as the medial border of the mandible and the lateral edge of the maxilla as the two vertical lines, and thesuperior line ofpetrous ridge oftemporal bone (S-P-T line) as the horizontal line, and the FO fluoroscopic view is then optimized at the center of the H-figure immediately above the S-P-T line. We applied this landmark in a clinical cohort of 136 patients with ITN who underwent fluoroscopy-guided RFT of the trigeminal ganglion. We also compared the H-figure method with the traditional method. The primary outcome was the total number of fluoroscopic images required to visualize the FO (as a proxy of radiation exposure). Secondary measures included the procedure time required to finalize the FO view and the sensory testing voltage for paresthesia.ResultsWith the H-figure approach we were able to view the FO with an average of 4.2 fluoroscopic shots at an average time of 6.8 min. When compared with the non-H-figure traditional technique, the H-figure method required almost half the fluoroscopic shots in nearly half the procedure duration time, and paresthesia was evoked with half of the voltage.ConclusionThe H-figure is an easy fluoroscopic landmark that can help to view the FO with less radiation and procedure time, and the needles placed with this approach can be closer to the target for the RFT treatment of patients with ITN.
Performance of human papillomavirus DNA detection in residual specimens taken forChlamydia trachomatisandNeisseria gonorrhoeaenucleic acid amplification testing in men who have sex with men
Authors: Nugent Diarmuid , Stirrup Oliver , Pett Sarah , Panwar Kavita , Checchi Marta , Mesher David , Soldan Kate , Beddows Simon , Gilson Richard 
Published: December 2020

ObjectivesRectal swab specimens, either alone or pooled with first-void urine (FVU) and pharyngeal swab specimens, are used to test forChlamydia trachomatis(CT) andNeisseria gonorrhoeae(NG) infection in men who have sex with men (MSM). Following introduction of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for MSM attending UK sexual health services (SHSs), HPV testing of residual CT/NG test specimens has been proposed to monitor HPV prevalence in this population. Performance of HPV detection in such specimens has not been evaluated previously.MethodsMSM attending a UK SHS provided three specimens: (1) rectal swab for CT/NG, (2) pooled rectal/pharyngeal/FVU specimen for CT/NG and (3) dedicated anal swab for HPV. Specimen 3 and residual material from specimens 1 and 2 were tested for type-specific HPV DNA. HPV detection was by an in-house multiplex PCR and luminex-based genotyping assay.ResultsA total of 129 MSM were recruited with a mean age of 38.1 years; 24% were HIV-positive. Of the 129 MSM, 92 (71%) had any type-specific HPV DNA in ≥1 specimen; 80 (62%) had high risk (HR) HPV. Of 123 participants with sufficient residual pooled and dedicated specimens, 70 (56.9%) had detectable HPV on both, and 40 (32.5%) were negative on both; overall concordance was 89% (95% CI 83% to 94%), and kappa statistic was 0.78 (95% CI 0.66 to 0.89). Pooled samples had a 4.1% (95% CI −1.9% to 10.0%) higher test positivity rate than dedicated samples.Of 125 participants with sufficient residual rectal and specimens, 74 (59.2%) had detectable HPV on both, and 36 (28.8%) were negative on both; overall concordance was 88% (95% CI 81% to 93%), and kappa statistic was 0.74 (95% CI 0.61 to 0.86). Residual rectal samples had 5.6% (95%CI −0.6% to 11.8%) higher test positivity than dedicated samples.ConclusionsWe observed high concordance between the dedicated and residual STI test specimens. Our data support the strategy of testing residual specimens for HPV prevalence monitoring in MSM to evaluate the impact of the targeted vaccination programme.
Smoking behaviours and indoor air quality: a comparative analysis of smoking-permitted versus smoke-free homes in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Ferdous Tarana , Siddiqi Kamran , Semple Sean , Fairhurst Caroline , Dobson Ruaraidh , Mdege Noreen , Marshall Anna-Marie , Abdullah S M , Huque Rumana 
Published: December 2020

IntroductionExposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) is a health risk to non-smokers. Indoor particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with SHS exposure and is used as a proxy measure. However, PM2.5 is non-specific and influenced by a number of environmental factors, which are subject to geographical variation. The nature of association between SHS exposure and indoor PM2.5—studied primarily in high-income countries (HICs) context—may not be globally applicable. We set out to explore this association in a low/middle-income country setting, Dhaka, Bangladesh.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among households with at least one resident smoker. We inquired whether smoking was permitted inside the home (smoking-permitted homes, SPH) or not (smoke-free homes, SFH), and measured indoor PM2.5 concentrations using a low-cost instrument (Dylos DC1700) for at least 22 hours. We describe and compare SPH and SFH and use multiple linear regression to evaluate which variables are associated with PM2.5 level among all households.ResultsWe surveyed 1746 households between April and August 2018; 967 (55%) were SPH and 779 (45%) were SFH. The difference between PM2.5 values for SFH (median 27 µg/m3, IQR 25) and SPH (median 32 µg/m3, IQR 31) was 5 µg/m3 (p<0.001). Lead participant’s education level, being a non-smoker, having outdoor space and smoke-free rule at home and not using kerosene oil for cooking were significantly associated with lower PM2.5.ConclusionsWe found a small but significant difference between PM2.5 concentrations in SPH compared with SFH in Dhaka, Bangladesh—a value much lower than observed in HICs.
Talking about race in CS education
Authors: Guzdial Mark 
Published: December 2020

The
Communications
Web site, http://cacm.acm.org, features more than a dozen bloggers in the BLOG@CACM community. In each issue of
Communications
, we'll publish selected posts or excerpts.

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Mark Guzdial suggests computer science education needs to change, to better serve the needs of students and society.
TSP-1 (Thrombospondin-1) Deficiency Protects ApoE
−/−
Mice Against Leptin-Induced Atherosclerosis
Authors: Ganguly Rituparna , Khanal Saugat , Mathias Amy , Gupta Shreya , Lallo Jason , Sahu Soumyadip , Ohanyan Vahagn , Patel Aakaash , Storm Kyle , Datta Sujay , Raman Priya 
Published: December 2020

Objective:
Hyperleptinemia, hallmark of obesity, is a putative pathophysiologic trigger for atherosclerosis. We previously reported a stimulatory effect of leptin on TSP-1 (thrombospondin-1) expression, a proatherogenic matricellular protein implicated in atherogenesis. However, a causal role of TSP-1 in leptin-driven atherosclerosis remains unknown.

Approach and Results:

Seventeen-weeks-old ApoE
−/−
and TSP-1
−/−
/ApoE
−/−
double knockout mice, on normocholesterolemic diet, were treated with or without murine recombinant leptin (5 µg/g bwt, IP) once daily for 3 weeks. Using aortic root morphometry and en face lesion assay, we found that TSP-1 deletion abrogated leptin-stimulated lipid-filled lesion burden, plaque area, and collagen accumulation in aortic roots of ApoE
−/−
mice, shown via Oil red O, hematoxylin and eosin, and Masson trichrome staining, respectively. Immunofluorescence microscopy of aortic roots showed that TSP-1 deficiency blocked leptin-induced inflammatory and smooth muscle cell abundance as well as cellular proliferation in ApoE
−/−
mice. Moreover, these effects were concomitant to changes in VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein)-triglyceride and HDL (high-density lipoprotein)-cholesterol levels. Immunoblotting further revealed reduced vimentin and pCREB (phospho-cyclic AMP response element-binding protein) accompanied with augmented smooth muscle-myosin heavy chain expression in aortic vessels of leptin-treated double knockout versus leptin-treated ApoE
−/−
; also confirmed in aortic smooth muscle cells from the mice genotypes, incubated ± leptin in vitro. Finally, TSP-1 deletion impeded plaque burden in leptin-treated ApoE
−/−
on western diet, independent of plasma lipid alterations.

Conclusions:
The present study provides evidence for a protective effect of TSP-1 deletion on leptin-stimulated atherogenesis. Our findings suggest a regulatory role of TSP-1 on leptin-induced vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic transition and inflammatory lesion invasion. Collectively, these results underscore TSP-1 as a potential target of leptin-induced vasculopathy.
CXCR4-Binding Positron Emission Tomography Tracers Link Monocyte Recruitment and Endothelial Injury in Murine Atherosclerosis
Authors: Baba Osamu , Huang Li-Hao , Elvington Andrew , Szpakowska Martyna , Sultan Deborah , Heo Gyu Seong , Zhang Xiaohui , Luehmann Hannah , Detering Lisa , Chevigne Andy , Liu Yongjian , Randolph Gwendalyn J. 
Published: December 2020

Objective:

vMIP-II (viral macrophage inflammatory protein 2)/vCCL2 (viral chemotactic cytokine ligand 2) binds to multiple chemokine receptors, and vMIP-II-based positron emission tomography tracer (
64
Cu-DOTA-vMIP-II: vMIP-II tracer) accumulates at atherosclerotic lesions in mice. Given that it would be expected to react with multiple chemokine receptors on monocytes and macrophages, we wondered if its accumulation in atherosclerosis lesion-bearing mice might correlate with overall macrophage burden or, alternatively, the pace of monocyte recruitment.

Approach and Results:

We employed a mouse model of atherosclerosis regression involving adenoassociated virus 8 vector encoding murine Apoe (AAV-mApoE) treatment of
Apoe
−/−
mice where the pace of monocyte recruitment slows before macrophage burden subsequently declines. Accumulation of
64
Cu-DOTA-vMIP-II at
Apoe
−/−
plaque sites was strong but declined with AAV-
mApoE
-induced decline in monocyte recruitment, before macrophage burden reduced. Monocyte depletion indicated that monocytes and macrophages themselves were not the only target of the
64
Cu-DOTA-vMIP-II tracer. Using fluorescence-tagged vMIP-II tracer, competitive receptor blocking with CXCR4 antagonists, endothelial-specific Cre-mediated deletion of CXCR4, CXCR4-specific tracer
64
Cu-DOTA-FC131, and CXCR4 staining during disease progression and regression, we show endothelial cell expression of CXCR4 is a key target of
64
Cu-DOTA-vMIP-II imaging. Expression of CXCR4 was low in nonplaque areas but strongly detected on endothelium of progressing plaques, especially on proliferating endothelium, where vascular permeability was increased and monocyte recruitment was the strongest.

Conclusions:
Endothelial injury status of plaques is marked by CXCR4 expression and this injury correlates with the tendency of such plaques to recruit monocytes. Furthermore, our findings suggest positron emission tomography tracers that mark CXCR4 can be used translationally to monitor the state of plaque injury and monocyte recruitment.
Emulating Randomized Clinical Trials With Nonrandomized Real-World Evidence Studies
Authors: Franklin Jessica M. , Patorno Elisabetta , Desai Rishi J. , Glynn Robert J. , Martin David , Quinto Kenneth , Pawar Ajinkya , Bessette Lily G. , Lee Hemin , Garry Elizabeth M. , Gautam Nileesa , Schneeweiss Sebastian 
Published: December 2020

Background:
Regulators are evaluating the use of noninterventional real-world evidence (RWE) studies to assess the effectiveness of medical products. The RCT DUPLICATE initiative (Randomized, Controlled Trials Duplicated Using Prospective Longitudinal Insurance Claims: Applying Techniques of Epidemiology) uses a structured process to design RWE studies emulating randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) and compare results. We report findings of the first 10 trial emulations, evaluating cardiovascular outcomes of antidiabetic or antiplatelet medications.

Methods:
We selected 3 active-controlled and 7 placebo-controlled RCTs for replication. Using patient-level claims data from US commercial and Medicare payers, we implemented inclusion and exclusion criteria, selected primary end points, and comparator populations to emulate those of each corresponding RCT. Within the trial-mimicking populations, we conducted propensity score matching to control for >120 preexposure confounders. All study measures were prospectively defined and protocols registered before hazard ratios and 95% CIs were computed. Success criteria for the primary analysis were prespecified for each replication.

Results:
Despite attempts to emulate RCT design as closely as possible, differences between the RCT and corresponding RWE study populations remained. The regulatory conclusions were equivalent in 6 of 10. The RWE emulations achieved a hazard ratio estimate that was within the 95% CI from the corresponding RCT in 8 of 10 studies. In 9 of 10, either the regulatory or estimate agreement success criteria were fulfilled. The largest differences in effect estimates were found for RCTs where second-generation sulfonylureas were used as a proxy for placebo regarding cardiovascular effects. Nine of 10 replications had a standardized difference between effect estimates of <2, which suggests differences within expected random variation.

Conclusions:
Agreement between RCT and RWE findings varies depending on which agreement metric is used. Interim findings indicate that selection of active comparator therapies with similar indications and use patterns enhances the validity of RWE. Even in the context of active comparators, concordance between RCT and RWE findings is not guaranteed, partially because trials are not emulated exactly. More trial emulations are needed to understand how often and in what contexts RWE findings match RCTs.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifiers: NCT03936049, NCT04215523, NCT04215536, NCT03936010, NCT03936036, NCT03936062, NCT03936023, NCT03648424, NCT04237935, NCT04237922.
Towards a Standard Model of the Cognitive Science of Nationalism – the Calendar
Authors: Fux Michal , Barreto Amílcar Antonio 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The Cognitive Science of Nationalistic Behavior (CSNB), presented in this paper, integrates the political sciences of nationalities as invented communities with an evolutionary cognitive analysis of social forms as products of the human mind. The framework is modeled after the Cognitive Science of Religion, where decades of cross-disciplinary work has generated standards, predictions, and data about the role of individual cognitive tendencies in shaping societies. We study the nationalistic calendar as a cultural attractor and draw on cue-based behavioral motivation and differential autobiographical memory systems to explain its appeal to the human mind. Calendrical elements are analyzed in the context of essentialist thought patterns and action representation systems. We conclude with the implications of calendrical thinking on the control of elites who aim to forge and reinforce national identities. This paper lays the groundwork for applying a similar approach to the study of other nationalistic elements.
Futuwwa as the Noblest Character Traits (Makārim al-Akhlāq) in Anṣārī’s Manāzil al-Sāʾirīn with al-Kāshānī’s Commentary
Authors: Ali Mukhtar H. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This paper investigates the Sufi concept of futuwwa (spiritual chivalry) in ʿAbdallāh Anṣārī al-Harawī’s (d. 481/1089) classic manual of spiritual wayfaring, Manāzil al-Sāʾirīn (“Stations of the Wayfarers”). After briefly taking stock of the earliest statements on futuwwa cited in al-Qushayrī’s (d. 465/1073) Risāla, we take a closer look at the Manāzil’s commentarial tradition, offering a complete translation of both Anṣārī’s chapter on the subject and ʿAbd al-Razzāq al-Kāshānī’s (d. 731/1330) commentary. In Anṣārī’s view, there are three aspects to futuwwa. The first aspect is in relation to oneself, the second is in relation to others, and the third is in relation to God. Futuwwa in relation to oneself is to accept trials and tribulations in stride. With respect to others, it is to hold oneself but not others accountable, seeing outward injuries as inward blessings. With respect to one’s relation to God, it is to abandon means and ends, relying on God alone through the heart’s reception, not the intellect’s endeavour. The discussion section offers an ontological-ethical investigation through a close reading of the text and its commentary, then offers a broader perspective on futuwwa, which is tantamount to the noblest character traits (makārim al-akhlāq). In the final analysis, futuwwa symbolises the quality of the spiritual warrior who conquers his lower self to attain the makārim al-akhlāq.
Embodying Asceticism: Masculinity, Manliness, and the Male Body in Muḥammad al-ʿArabī al-Darqāwī’s Majmūʿ Rasā⁠ʾil
Authors: Landorf Brittany 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This study examines the logics of masculinity, manliness, and the corporeal male body in shaykh Muḥammad al-ʿArabī ibn Aḥmad al-Darqāwī al-Ḥasanī’s (d. 1239/1823) Majmūʿ Rasā⁠ʾil (“Collection of Epistles”). It argues that al-Darqāwī’s Rasā⁠ʾil constructed a prescriptive pious masculinity defined by mastery of the body and self, practical acts of ascetic devotion and humility, the hierarchical relationship between a Sufi master and his disciples, and the denigration of normative masculine virtues and behaviours. While al-Darqāwī instructed his followers to practice tajrīd, or divestment from the material world, and to eschew the habits of the men of murūʾa, this act did not seek to completely transcend the masculine body. Rather, his understanding of prescriptive pious masculinity was centred in embodied ascetic acts which created an analogous relationship between the physical act of purifying the corporeal body with the disciplining of the self (nafs). Mastering the body and the self, al-Darqāwī wrote, would lead to both growing near to God as well as, importantly, his Sufi followers’ mastery over other men, their wives and children, and even the natural environment. Al-Darqāwī’s Rasā⁠ʾil highlight the tension between Sufism as a spiritual and mystical path that seems to transcend gender hierarchies with its imbrication in epistemologies, ontologies, and cosmologies shaped by a masculine way of being in the world.
Infrared Spectroscopy of Blood
Authors: Kochan Kamila , Bedolla Diana E. , Perez-Guaita David , Adegoke John A. , Chakkumpulakkal Puthan Veettil Thulya , Martin Miguela , Roy Supti , Pebotuwa Savithri , Heraud Philip , Wood Bayden R. 
Published: December 2020

The magnitude of infectious diseases in the twenty-first century created an urgent need for point-of-care diagnostics. Critical shortages in reagents and testing kits have had a large impact on the ability to test patients with a suspected parasitic, bacteria, fungal, and viral infections. New point-of-care tests need to be highly sensitive, specific, and easy to use and provide results in rapid time. Infrared spectroscopy, coupled to multivariate and machine learning algorithms, has the potential to meet this unmet demand requiring minimal sample preparation to detect both pathogenic infectious agents and chronic disease markers in blood. This focal point article will highlight the application of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to detect disease markers in blood focusing principally on parasites, bacteria, viruses, cancer markers, and important analytes indicative of disease. Methodologies and state-of-the-art approaches will be reported and potential confounding variables in blood analysis identified. The article provides an up to date review of the literature on blood diagnosis using infrared spectroscopy highlighting the recent advances in this burgeoning field.