bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tubeless supra‐costal percutaneous nephrolithotomy is associated with significantly less hydrothorax: a prospective randomized clinical study
Authors: Goldberg Hanan , Nevo Amihay , Shtabholtz Yariv , Lubin Marc , Baniel Jack , Margel David , Ehrlich Yaron , Lifshitz David 
Published: November 2019

ObjectivesTo evaluate prospectively whether a tubeless (JJ stent‐only) percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) might reduce the risk of hydrothorax, compared to an approach where a nephrostomy tube is left.Materials and MethodsWe conducted a two‐arm open‐label prospective randomized study (NCT02036398) comparing tubeless supra‐costal PCNL (with a JJ stent only) to standard PCNL (with nephrostomy tube and JJ stent) using intention‐to‐treat (ITT) and per‐protocol (PP) analyses. All patients underwent a standard single‐stage prone supra‐costal procedure with single‐tract access. Complication data were collected according to the Clavien–Dindo grading system. The primary endpoint was the rate of hydrothorax, and secondary endpoints included stone‐free rate (SFR) and complication rate. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with hydrothorax formation.ResultsOut of 101 patients approached, 75 were finally analysed. No differences were observed between the two arms with regard to baseline demographic and stone characteristics. The mean largest stone size ranged between 23 and 24.2 mm. No significant difference was seen in the mean operating time and length of hospital stay. The incidence of hydrothorax was significantly higher in the nephrostomy group in comparison to the tubeless group (37.8% vs 15.8%, P = 0.031, and 38.4% vs 13.8%, P = 0.016, in the ITT and PP analyses, respectively). The SFR and complication rate were similar in both groups using the ITT and PP analyses. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that nephrostomy tube placement was the only covariate associated in a statistically significant manner to hydrothorax (odds ratio 3.628, 95% confidence interval 1.073–12.265; P = 0.038).ConclusionThe rate of hydrothorax in supra‐costal PCNL is associated with the type of postoperative drainage left. When possible, a tubeless approach should be applied as it may confer a lower risk of hydrothorax.
The novel antipsychotic cariprazine stabilizes gamma oscillations in rat hippocampal slices
Authors: Meier Maria A. , Lemercier Clement E. , Kulisch Christoph , Kiss Béla , Lendvai Balázs , Adham Nika , Gerevich Zoltan 
Published: November 2019

Background and PurposeGamma oscillations are fast rhythmic fluctuations of neuronal network activity ranging from 30 to 90 Hz that establish a precise temporal background for cognitive processes such as perception, sensory processing, learning, and memory. Alterations of gamma oscillations have been observed in schizophrenia and are suggested to play crucial roles in the generation of positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms of the disease.Experimental ApproachIn this study, we investigated the effects of the novel antipsychotic cariprazine, a D3‐preferring dopamine D3/D2 receptor partial agonist, on cholinergically induced gamma oscillations in rat hippocampal slices from treatment‐naïve and MK‐801‐treated rats, a model of acute first‐episode schizophrenia.Key ResultsThe D3 receptor‐preferring agonist pramipexole effectively decreased the power of gamma oscillations, while the D3 receptor antagonist SB‐277011 had no effect. In treatment‐naïve animals, cariprazine did not modulate strong gamma oscillations but slightly improved the periodicity of non‐saturated gamma activity. Cariprazine showed a clear partial agonistic profile at D3 receptors at the network level by potentiating the inhibitory effects when the D3 receptor tone was low and antagonizing the effects when the tone was high. In hippocampal slices of MK‐801‐treated rats, cariprazine allowed stabilization of the aberrant increase in gamma oscillation power and potentiated resynchronization of the oscillations.Conclusion and ImplicationsData from this study indicate that cariprazine stabilizes pathological hippocampal gamma oscillations, presumably by its partial agonistic profile. The results demonstrate in vitro gamma oscillations as predictive biomarkers to study the effects of antipsychotics preclinically at the network level.
Fathers who use domestic violence: Organisational capacity building and practice development
Authors: Humphreys Cathy , Healey Lucy , Heward‐Belle Susan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIt is well established in the literature that fathers who use violence harm women and children. Statutory child protection workers and other human service professionals now face strong injunctions to work with these men. However, insufficient attention has been given to considering the processes for intervening with fathers who use violence and the organisational context to support workers in refocusing their practice. Workers lack clear guidance, and organisations lack specific understandings of how to support workers in this complex area of practice. Australian research used co‐design with professionals in Communities of Practice supported by the Safe & Together Institute to explore the organisational context required to work with fathers who use violence. This paper presents findings of qualitative data gathered from surveys, focus groups, and ethnographic notes of 30 Community of Practice sessions. Working together, practitioners and researchers identified four essential elements to support organisational development and improve practice: leadership by senior managers; recognition that domestic violence work needs to strengthen collaborative working; extensive training, supervising, and coaching; and enhanced worker safety. Worker perspectives are critical in developing practice principles and identifying organisational mechanisms that support practitioners to work safely and effectively with fathers who use violence.
Functional characterization of novel MFSD8 pathogenic variants anticipates neurological involvement in juvenile isolated maculopathy
Authors: Bauwens Miriam , Storch Stephan , Weisschuh Nicole , Ceuterick‐de Groote Chantal , De Rycke Riet , Guillemyn Brecht , De Jaegere Sarah , Coppieters Frauke , Van Coster Rudy , Leroy Bart P. , De Baere Elfride 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBiallelic MFSD8 variants are an established cause of severe late‐infantile subtype of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (v‐LINCL), a severe lysosomal storage disorder, but have also been associated with nonsyndromic adult‐onset maculopathy. Here, we functionally characterized two novel MFSD8 variants found in a child with juvenile isolated maculopathy, in order to establish a refined prognosis. ABCA4 locus resequencing was followed by the analysis of other inherited retinal disease genes by whole exome sequencing (WES). Minigene assays and cDNA sequencing were used to assess the effect of a novel MFSD8 splice variant. MFSD8 expression was quantified with qPCR and overexpression studies were analyzed by immunoblotting. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed on a skin biopsy and ophthalmological and neurological re‐examinations were conducted. WES revealed two novel MFSD8 variants: c.[590del];[439+3A>C] p.[Gly197Valfs*2];[Ile67Glufs*3]. Characterization of the c.439+3A>C variant via splice assays showed exon‐skipping (p.Ile67Glufs*3), while overexpression studies of the corresponding protein indicated expression of a truncated polypeptide. In addition, a significantly reduced MFSD8 RNA expression was noted in patient's lymphocytes. TEM of a skin biopsy revealed typical v‐LINCL lipopigment inclusions while neurological imaging of the proband displayed subtle cerebellar atrophy. Functional characterization demonstrated the pathogenicity of two novel MFSD8 variants, found in a child with an initial diagnosis of juvenile isolated maculopathy but likely evolving to v‐LINCL with a protracted disease course. Our study allowed a refined neurological prognosis in the proband and expands the natural history of MFSD8‐associated disease.
Chromatinopathies: A focus on Cornelia de Lange syndrome
Authors: Avagliano Laura , Parenti Ilaria , Grazioli Paolo , Di Fede Elisabetta , Parodi Chiara , Mariani Milena , Kaiser Frank J. , Selicorni Angelo , Gervasini Cristina , Massa Valentina 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn recent years, many genes have been associated with chromatinopathies classified as “Cornelia de Lange Syndrome‐like.” It is known that the phenotype of these patients becomes less recognizable, overlapping to features characteristic of other syndromes caused by genetic variants affecting different regulators of chromatin structure and function. Therefore, Cornelia de Lange syndrome diagnosis might be arduous due to the seldom discordance between unexpected molecular diagnosis and clinical evaluation. Here, we review the molecular features of Cornelia de Lange syndrome, supporting the hypothesis that “CdLS‐like syndromes” are part of a larger “rare disease family” sharing multiple clinical features and common disrupted molecular pathways.
Spawning periodicity and synchrony of bluehead chub (Nocomis leptocephalus) and a nest associate, yellowfin shiner (Notropis lutipinnis), across local streams
Authors: Kim Seoghyun , Kanno Yoichiro 
Published: November 2019

AbstractWe studied daily spawning periodicity of a nest‐building species, bluehead chub (Nocomis leptocephalus), and a nest associate, yellowfin shiner (Notropis lutipinnis), in three streams in the upper Piedmont region of South Carolina, USA. Field observations were conducted for 89 consecutive days in 2016 by recording the number of active nests and environmental variables. A total of 71 nests were located across study streams; bluhead chub and yellowfin shiner spawned between April and June. Spawning was observed periodically at intervals of 4–6 days within the same stream and across different streams, indicating broad‐scale influences of the same environmental factors leading to synchrony. A generalized linear auto‐regressive and moving average model showed that the periodic spawning pattern was likely caused by changes in water temperature, with effects of water level varying by stream. Specifically, spawning was triggered by a short‐term (2‐day) increase in water temperature and was observed under stable flow conditions (i.e. a lack of precipitation). This study showed that spawning periodicity of bluehead chub and yellowfin shiner tracked daily variation in in‐stream conditions, indicating that their reproduction might be affected by anthropogenic disturbances that affect the rate of change in thermal and flow regimes at the fine temporal scale (e.g. hydroelectric dams and impervious cover).
Against the Moral Powers Test of basic liberty
Authors: Brennan Jason 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn Rawlsian political philosophy, “basic liberties” are rights subject to a high degree of protection, such that they cannot easily be overridden for concerns of stability, efficiency, or social justice. For Rawls, something qualifies as a basic liberty if and only if bears the right relationship to our “two moral powers”: a capacity to form a sense of the good life and a capacity for a sense of justice. However, which rights are basic liberties is subject to frequent ideological debate, which Rawlsian libertarians and Rawlsian socialists arguing that Rawls's own view is mistaken or incomplete. I argue that problem is that Moral Powers Test does not quite work. Only a small amount of liberty—not enough to qualify a society as liberal—can clearly be shown to pass the Moral Powers Test. One might attempt to rescue the Moral Powers Test by relaxing or modifying its requirements, but, I will argue, there appears to be no unproblematic and nonquestion‐begging way to do so. The Moral Powers Test must be abandoned or, at least, requires some unknown but radical revision or require supplements from outside Rawls's own theory.
Pediatric status epilepticus: Identification of prognostic factors using the new ILAE classification after 5 years of follow‐up
Authors: Specchio Nicola , Pietrafusa Nicola , Bellusci Marcello , Trivisano Marina , Benvenga Antonella , de Palma Luca , Ferretti Alessandro , Carfi’ Pavia Giusy , Calabrese Costanza , Tondo Ilaria , Cappelletti Simona , De Liso Paola , Pepi Chiara , Fusco Lucia , Vigevano Federico 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectiveStatus epilepticus (SE) is the most common neurologic emergency in childhood. This study aimed to report on a large cohort of pediatric patients with SE, applying the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Classification for SE to identify prognostic factors.MethodsWe included 173 children treated at “Bambino Gesù” Children's Hospital in Rome for SE exceeding 30 minutes (mean age 4.43 ± 4.93 years old, median 2.28, interquartile range [IQR] 0.41‐7.32; follow‐up for a mean of 4.9 ± 3.4 years, median 8.75, IQR 4,58‐12.63). A multivariate model was constructed to predict neurocognitive outcome, recurrence of SE, development of epilepsy, and mortality. Adjusted odds ratios [ORs] were calculated with 95% confidence interval (OR, 95% CIs).ResultsWe observed a different prevalence of etiologies for the different semiologies (P < .05) and for each age group (P < .05), overlapping only in part with the recent ILAE classification. After SE, patients showed 69.9% epilepsy (drug‐resistant in half of them), 23.1% worsening of neurologic findings on examination, 28.9% cognitive deficit, and 28.3% recurrent SE. At multivariate analysis: superrefractory SE was correlated to an increased risk of developing cognitive (OR 6.00, 95% CI 2.09, 17.31) or neurologic sequelae (OR 4.9, 95% CI 1.75, 19.77). A similar finding was observed for patients with onset in the neonatal period for cognitive (OR 4.84, 95% CI 1.13, 17.3) and neurologic sequelae (OR 9.03, 95% CI 2.40, 34.04). Recurrence of SE was associated with unknown etiology (OR 6.15, 95% CI 1.43, 26.76), and myoclonic semiology (OR 6.1, 95% CI 1.23, 29.3). Patients with acute symptomatic etiology (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.04, 0.40) had a lower risk for developing epilepsy.SignificanceAge at onset and duration of SE were critical independent variables associated with worse neurocognitive outcome. The risk of developing epilepsy was lower after acute symptomatic and febrile SE. Semiology and age at onset correlate with etiology of SE. For this reason, ILAE classification with respect to four axes seems an appropriate advancement.
Characterization of α‐synuclein N‐terminal domain as a novel cellular phosphatidic acid sensor
Authors: Yamada Haruka , Mizuno Satoru , Honda Shotaro , Takahashi Daisuke , Sakane Fumio 
Published: November 2019

Tracking the localization and dynamics of the intracellular bioactive lipid phosphatidic acid (PA) is important for understanding diverse biological phenomena. Although several PA sensors have been developed, better ones are still needed for comprehensive PA detection in cells. We recently found that α‐synuclein (α‐Syn) selectively and strongly bound to PA in vitro. Here, we revealed that the N‐terminal region of α‐Syn (α‐Syn‐N) specifically bound to PA, with a dissociation constant of 6.6 μm. α‐Syn‐N colocalized with PA‐producing enzymes, diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) β at the plasma membrane (PM), myristoylated DGKζ at the Golgi apparatus, phorbol ester‐stimulated DGKγ at the PM, and phospholipase D2 at the PM and Golgi but not with the phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate‐producing enzyme in COS‐7 cells. However, α‐Syn‐N failed to colocalize with them in the presence of their inhibitors and/or their inactive mutants. These results indicate that α‐Syn‐N specifically binds to cellular PA and can be applied as an excellent PA sensor.
Working social assemblages: Towards a new geography of social work
Authors: Andrews Gavin J. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis paper explores possibilities for extending the geographical imagination in academic studies of social work. It notes how current “geographical” research is extensive and diverse—including interests in social and natural environments, practice settings, and global issues—but argues for a change whereby it is more explicitly informed by, and cast as, human geography. Part of this change would involve a transition in basic enterprise, whereby researching social work geographically shifts from being a one‐way effort on the part of academic social workers, to being a two‐way project also involving geographers. Another part would be an important theoretical transition whereby a broadly posthumanist geographical imagination is developed. Moving beyond humanistic privileging of a sovereign subject, this might emphasise distributed agency and a range of more‐than‐human actors, processes, and forces. Specifically, with this theoretical transition in mind, adopting a recently developed posthumanist theoretical typology, attention is paid to how research might be framed around three spatial processes always at play in the emergence and expression of social work. For each of these processes, resonance is acknowledged in existing social work literature, and final consideration is given to quite specific questions that could be asked and expertise that could be tapped.
The transnationalist US foreign‐policy elite in exile? A comparative network analysis of the Trump administration
Authors: DE GRAAFF NANA , VAN APELDOORN BASTIAAN 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe presidency of Donald Trump – often framed as a result of a populist revolt against the elites of Washington and Wall Street – and his apparent break with the postwar liberal internationalist foreign‐policy elite consensus, has raised fundamental questions about the future of elite power in the USA and the implications for its global role. As established by previous research, America's foreign‐policy elite has in the past decades been closely connected to transnationally oriented corporate elite networks, the theme of this special issue. In this article, we address to what extent the Trump presidency represents a real rupture with these extant power structures in the American political system and its foreign‐policy establishment. We present the first systematic mapping and social network analysis of Trump, his cabinet and his White House advisers, which, based on a novel biographical data set, compares earlier findings on the elite networks of the Clinton, Bush and Obama administrations. While finding some strong continuities, the Trumpian foreign‐policy elite is shown to display some very distinctive characteristics, particularly with respect to a lack of previous political affiliations, ties with a different kind of corporate elite, and a disconnect with the policy‐planning networks that have been so central to the previous administrations.
Clostridiumdifficile‐associated disease and Helicobacter pylori seroprevalence: A case‐control study
Authors: Muhsen Khitam , Na'amnih Wasef , Adler Amos , Carmeli Yehuda , Cohen Dani 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori inhabits the stomach and causes persistent inflammation, with changes in gastric acidity. However, it is unclear whether the presence of H pylori plays a role in Clostridium difficile‐associated disease (CDAD). The study's aim was to examine relationships of H pylori seroprevalence and serum pepsinogens (PGs), as markers of gastric inflammation, with CDAD.Materials and MethodsA case‐control study was conducted among 49 CDAD cases and 54 controls (median age 82 years). Using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays, sera were tested for H pylori IgG antibody, and PGI and PGII levels. Helicobacter pylori‐positive samples were tested for IgG antibody to recombinant cytotoxin‐associated gene A (CagA) virulent protein. Logistic regression models were fitted.ResultsCases and controls were comparable in age (P = .5) and sex distribution (females 62% vs 57%, P = .6). Helicobacter pylori IgG seroprevalence was 47%, of whom 23% were CagA seropositives. Among cases compared to controls, 43% vs 28% were H pylori seropositive but lacking CagA IgG antibody: adjusted odd ratio (OR) 3.43 (95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.29‐9.10); 18% vs 4% were positive for CagA phenotype: adjusted OR 9.32 (95% CI 1.61‐53.76). This association was not affected by PG levels.ConclusionsHelicobacter pylori infection, especially with CagA virulent phenotype, might predispose to C difficile infection in elderly patients.
Novel antibacterial Cu/Mg‐substituted 58S‐bioglass: Synthesis, characterization and investigation of in vitro bioactivity
Authors: Moghanian Amirhossein , Ghorbanoghli Alireza , Kazem‐Rostami Masoud , Pazhouheshgar Arang , Salari Emad , Saghafi Yazdi Morteza , Alimardani Tannaz , Jahani Hossein , Sharifian Jazi Fariborz , Tahriri Mohammadreza 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn this study, six sol‐gel copper/magnesium substituted derivatives of 58S‐BG, that is, a mol% series of 60SiO2–4P2O5–5CuO–(31–x) CaO/xMgO (where x = 0, 1, 3, 5, 8, and 10), were synthesized as new multifunctional bioactive glasses (BGs). Afterwards, the effect of MgO/CaO substitution on the in vitro formation of nanohydroxyapatite (HA), osteoblast‐like cell responses, and bioactive glasses antibacterial performance were studied. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results revealed that Cu‐substituted 58S‐BG consisting of 5 mol% MgO (BG‐5/5) had capability of the formation of HA on its surface while, Cu‐substituted 58S‐BGs consisting 8 mol% and 10 mol% MgO (BG‐5/8 and BG‐5/10) displayed lower bioactivity.The In vitro investigations proved that the highest values of both differentiation and proliferation of MC3T3‐E1 cells can be obtained from a 5 mol% MgO substituted BG. Furthermore, these novel Cu/Mg‐substituted 58S‐BGs displayed antibacterial effect against methicillin‐resistant staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Taken together, the results suggest the equally substituted BG‐5/5 (ie.,the one consists of 5 mol% of both CuO and MgO) as a promising candidate for bone tissue engineering, among all newly designed BGs in this work, owing to its desirable cell proliferation, ALP activity, and antibacterial properties.
A Contemporary (Catholic) Appropriation of Augustine's massa damnata Theory of Predestination
Authors: Brotherton Joshua 
Published: November 2019

AbstractOver the centuries, especially since the Jansenist controversy, much ink has been spilled defending and criticizing Augustine’s contentious interpretation of the revealed doctrines of predestination and reprobation. Instead of attempting to trace the entire debate or adjudicate the exegetical questions, I attempt the more modest task of analyzing how Augustine’s massa damnata theory of election has been re‐received in modern Catholic scholarship. Thus, leaving aside the historical and exegetical complexity of the issue, I argue for a particular conceptual appropriation of Augustine’s theory in line with a contemporary Catholic theology of grace and predestination.