bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal evaluation of peripheral nerve sheath tumors in neurofibromatosis type 1: growth analysis of plexiform neurofibromas and distinct nodular lesions
Authors: Akshintala Srivandana , Baldwin Andrea , Liewehr David J , Goodwin Anne , Blakeley Jaishri O , Gross Andrea M , Steinberg Seth M , Dombi Eva , Widemann Brigitte C 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
Understanding the natural history of non-malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs) in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is critical to optimal clinical care and the development of meaningful clinical trials.

Methods
We longitudinally analyzed growth of plexiform neurofibromas (PNs) and of PNSTs with distinct nodular appearance (distinct nodular lesions [DNLs]) using volumetric MRI analysis in patients enrolled on a natural history study (NCT00924196).

Results
DNLs were observed in 58/122 (45.6%) patients (median 2 DNLs/patient). In DNLs that developed during follow-up, median age of development was 17 years. A moderate negative correlation was observed between the estimated PN growth rate and patients’ age at initial MRI (Spearman’s r [95% CI]: −0.60 [−0.73, −0.43], n = 70), whereas only a weak correlation was observed for DNLs (Spearman’s r [95% CI]: −0.25 [−0.47, 0.004]; n = 61). We observed a moderate negative correlation between tumor growth rate and baseline tumor volume for PNs and DNLs (Spearman’s r [95% CI]: −0.52 [−0.67, −0.32] and −0.61 [−0.75, −0.42], respectively). Spontaneous tumor volume reduction was observed in 10 PNs and 7 DNLs (median decrease per year, 3.6% and 7.3%, respectively).

Conclusion
We corroborate previously described findings that most rapidly growing PNs are observed in young children. DNLs tend to develop later in life and their growth is minimally age related. Distinct growth characteristics of PNs and DNLs suggest that these lesions have a different biology and may require different clinical management and clinical trial design. In a subset of PNs and DNLs, slow spontaneous regression in tumor volume was seen.
Optimal inflation, monetary integration, and asymmetric sticky prices
Authors: Paczos Wojtek 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis article explores the optimal rate of trend inflation in open economies with and without a monetary union, accounting for empirically observed differences in the degree of price stickiness across countries. In a closed economy, the optimal inflation rate is negative to offset the markup caused by imperfect competition. In an open economy there is a ‘beggar-thy-neighbour’ incentive and the optimal inflation is positive. Monetary union is globally welfare improving because it removes this externality. In both setups, as price stickiness increases, the degree of price dispersion increases, and the optimal inflation rate tends towards zero. Gains from monetary integration are higher for economies with more flexible prices.
Initiation of Transdermal Fentanyl Among US Commercially Insured Patients Between 2007 and 2015
Authors: Costantino Ryan C , Gressler Laura E , Onukwugha Eberechukwu , McPherson Mary Lynn , Fudin Jeffrey , Villalonga-Olives Ester , Slejko Julia F 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Introduction
This study examined patterns of initial transdermal fentanyl (TDF) claims among US commercially insured patients and explored the risk of 30-day hospitalization among patients with and without prior opioid exposure necessary to produce tolerance.

Design
A retrospective cohort study of initial outpatient TDF prescriptions.

Setting
A 10% random sample of commercially insured enrollees within the IQVIA Health Plan Claims Database (formerly known as PharMetrics Plus).

Subjects
Individuals with a claim for TDF between 2007 and 2015.

Methods
The primary exposure was a new transdermal fentanyl claim, and the primary outcome was guideline concordance based on time and dose exposure.

Results
Among the 24,770 patients in the cohort, 4,848 (20%) patients had sufficient time exposure to opioids before TDF. Among those with sufficient time exposure, 3,971 (82%) had adequate opioid exposure based on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) package insert dosing guidance. Overall, 3,971 of the 24,770 (16%) patients received guideline-consistent TDF. An exploratory analysis of 30-day hospitalization after a TDF claim did not detect a difference in odds between guideline-consistent or -inconsistent groups when adjusted for variables known to influence the risk of opioid-induced respiratory depression.

Conclusions
A majority of patients met FDA opioid dose thresholds for TDF but had insufficient time exposure based on package insert recommendations for tolerance. Exploratory analysis did not detect a difference in odds for all-cause hospitalization or respiratory-related 30-day hospitalization between guideline-consistent or -inconsistent TDF claims. Prescribers should continue to adhere to FDA TDF labeling, although certain aspects of the labeling should be reevaluated or clarified.
Reinforcement Effects between Digital Media Use and Political Participation: A Meta-Analysis of Repeated-Wave Panel Data
Authors: Oser Jennifer , Boulianne Shelley 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
As digital media use has rapidly increased in prevalence and diversified in form, scholars across the globe have focused extensive attention on how the use of digital media relates to political participation. To assess the results of this emerging body of research, we conduct the first meta-analysis of repeated-wave panel data studies on the relationship between digital media use and political participation. The findings, based on 38 survey-based, repeated-wave panel studies (279 coefficients) bring new evidence to bear on two questions central to this literature. First, the findings provide new insight into the classic mobilization versus reinforcement debate: contrary to common assumption, the findings support a reinforcement effect, whereby those who are already politically active are motivated to use digital media. Second, the results indicate that the relationship between digital media use and political participation is durable, as studies with a longer time lag were more likely to yield positive and significant effects. Taken together, this evidence in support of a durable reinforcement effect implies the potential for digital media use to contribute to increased inequality in political participation over time. In the concluding discussion, we outline directions for further theoretical inquiry and empirical research that leverage the value of repeated-wave panel studies to make causal inferences.
In Search of the Expressive Citizen
Authors: Lane Daniel S 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Scholars have often used generational changes in citizenship norms to theorize new forms of youth political expression on social media. Public opinion data has been employed to demonstrate that young people’s perceptions of what it means to be a “good citizen” (i.e., injunctive citizenship norms) have shifted toward models of citizenship that value self-expression. Yet several fundamental assumptions of this dominant image of the young “expressive citizen” remain untested. Using data from a national survey of young Americans (ages 18–24) collected during the 2018 US midterm election, the present study examines: a) if youth indeed view expression as a relatively important part of being a good citizen; and b) if injunctive norms concerning political expression are positively associated with engagement in political expression on social media. Findings indicate that injunctive expressive norms are distinct, but rated as the least important of all injunctive norms. Further, injunctive expressive norms were only modestly associated with social media political expression and difficult to empirically distinguish from what respondents viewed as personally important (i.e., personal expressive norms). While these findings challenge the way past research has theorized and measured the normative role of political expression among young people, they also reveal promising future directions. Specifically, the finding that traditionally marginalized youth place more normative value on political self-expression suggests an important next step for studying the expressive citizen in the age of social media.
Crime is Terribly Revealing: Information Technology and Police Productivity
Authors: Mastrobuoni Giovanni 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAn increasing number of police departments use information technology (IT) to optimize patrolling strategies, yet little is known about its effectiveness in preventing crime. Based on quasi-random access to “predictive policing,” this study shows that IT improves police productivity as measured by crime clearance rates. Thanks to detailed information on individual incidents and offender-level identifiers it also shows that criminals strategies are predictable. Moreover, the introduction of predictive policing coincides with a large negative trend-discontinuity in crime rates. The benefit–cost ratio of this IT innovation appears to be large.
The Patient Experienced Symptom State (PESS): a patient-reported global outcome measure that may better reflect disease remission status
Authors: Duarte Cátia , Santos Eduardo , da Silva José A P , Kristianslund Eirik Klami , Kvien Tore K , Dougados Maxime , de Wit Maarten , Gossec Laure , Heiberg Turid 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Objectives
In RA, Patient Acceptable Symptom State assesses disease from the patient’s perspective, which does not correspond either to disease remission or to full control of disease impact. This study aims to explore the properties of a novel multilevel Patient Experienced Symptom State (PESS).

Methods
This was a cross-sectional analysis of two datasets of patients with RA. PESS was assessed through the question: ‘Consider how your RA has affected you. If you remain in the coming months as you have been the last week, how would you rate your condition?’, with five levels (from ‘very bad’ to ‘very good’). Construct validity of PESS was assessed against validated disease activity [DAS28, Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI)] and impact measures [RA Impact of Disease (RAID) and modified HAQ]. Multiple pairwise comparisons between groups and receiver-operating characteristic curves with Youden Index were performed.

Results
A total of 1407 patients [74% female, mean (S.d.) age 53.5 (13.4) years, mean disease duration 14.3 (12.0) years and mean DAS28 3.0 (1.5)] were analysed. Overall, 16.3% considered themselves as being in ‘very good’, 21.6% in ‘good’ and 31.9% in ‘acceptable’ state. Disease activity and impact measures differed significantly across the five levels (P &lt; 0.01). Cut-off values corresponding to ‘good’ and ‘very good’ PESS states were in the range of low disease activity/remission (for ‘good’ and ‘very good’: DAS28-ESR-4v ≤2.6/≤2.3; CDAI ≤5.0/≤3.1; SDAI ≤5.1/≤3.8, respectively) and very low disease impact (RAID domains all ≤1).

Conclusion
PESS ‘very good’ status corresponds to currently recommended targets for RA management and reflects full control of disease impact. PESS appears to be an easy-to-use and relevant measure in the evaluation of patients with RA.
VARIATION OF INDOOR RADON CONCENTRATION WITHIN A RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX
Authors: Sferle Teofana , Dobrei Gabriel , Dicu Tiberius , Burghele Bety-Denissa , Brişan Nicoleta , Cucoş (Dinu) Alexandra , Catalina Tiberiu , Istrate Andrei , Lupulescu Alexandru , Moldovan Mircea , Niţă Dan , Papp Botond , Pap Istvan , Szacsvai Kinga , Florică Ştefan , Ţenter Ancuţa , Sainz Carlos 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
A recent challenge in research dedicated to residential exposure to radon comes from the growing number of houses retrofitted to reduce energy consumption. Efficiently insulated buildings and modern architectural solutions can lead to the accumulation of high levels of indoor pollutants. A systematic analysis was conducted in a residential complex (consisting of six houses) in order to assess the annual radon concentration and to evaluate the intensity of the relationships with various factors, such as the indoor-outdoor temperature differences, wind speed and wind direction. Three types of occupational behaviour, influencing the ventilation rate of the dwellings and, implicitly, the indoor radon activity concentration were observed. By calculating the partial correlation coefficient between the radon concentration and the wind direction, with the wind speed as the control variable, for all six houses the correlation coefficient presents negative values.
EMERGENCY EVACUATION SIMULATION FOR A RADIATION DISASTER: A CASE STUDY OF A RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL NEAR NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS IN KOREA
Authors: Kim Juyoul , Rukundo Faith , Musauddin Ashraf , Tseren Batbuyan , Uddin Gazi Muhammad Borhan , Kiplabat Tarus 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Ensuring evacuation of people from a building in a fast and secure manner is of great significance in the event of emergency situations. This study aimed at evaluating the level of evacuation preparedness and movement of residents at the KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School (KINGS) in the event of a nuclear emergency. Evacuation times from KINGS after a nuclear disaster at Shin Kori nuclear power plant (NPP) were estimated using Pathfinder. Four scenarios of night and day time by assuming the normal and worst scenarios were simulated. With regard to worst scenarios, the times estimated for residents to gather and leave the assembly point for the night time scenario were estimated to 22~23 min, whereas 38~39 min were calculated for the crowd to leave the assembly point. The results of this study can be used by emergency planners when planning for evacuation from a residential building nearby NPP.
Neural reward related-reactions to monetar gains for self and charity are associated with donating behavior in adolescence
Authors: Spaans Jochem P , Peters Sabine , Crone Eveline A 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The aim of the current study was to examine neural signatures of gaining money for self and charity in adolescence. Participants (N = 160, aged 11–21) underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging-scanning while performing a zero-sum vicarious reward task in which they could either earn money for themselves at the expense of charity, for a self-chosen charity at the expense of themselves, or for both parties. Afterwards, they could donate money to charity, which we used as a behavioral index of giving. Gaining for self and for both parties resulted in activity in the ventral striatum (specifically in the NAcc), but not gaining for charity. Interestingly, striatal activity when gaining for charity was positively related to individual differences in donation behavior and perspective taking. Dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, insula and precentral gyrus were active when gaining only for self, and temporal-parietal junction when gaining only for charity, relative to gaining for both parties (i.e. under equity deviation). Taken together, these findings show that striatal activity during vicarious gaining for charity depends on levels of perspective taking and predicts future acts of giving to charity. These findings provide insight in the individual differences in the subjective value of prosocial outcomes.
Stuck between a rock and a hard place: firewall and forum clauses—what protection is available when foreign courts seek to intervene‡
Authors: Reynolds Rachael , Barker Roye Deborah 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Trustees can all too easily find themselves caught up in litigation in another jurisdiction given the increasingly international nature of offshore trusts. The firewall regime and forum for administration clauses within deeds, when robustly applied and upheld by the Courts, are the key to ensuring questions concerning a trust are dealt with by the courts of its home jurisdiction. Being joined to foreign proceedings can result in trustees being caught up in a clash of laws and processes and potentially facing conflicting orders and obligations, but in a recent Cayman Islands decision, where a trustee had found itself in such an invidious position, the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands confirmed that all questions concerning a Cayman trust are to be determined in accordance with Cayman law and further held, importantly, that the forum for administration clause in question, together with the firewall, bestowed upon the Cayman Court exclusive jurisdiction to determine questions concerning the administration of a Cayman trust. The Cayman Court was also prepared, by way of a novel and practical approach in comity, to facilitate a mechanism whereby questions concerning a Cayman trust arising in the foreign proceedings be dealt with by the Cayman Court: by offering to act as an auxiliary court.
Case Study: Naltrexone for the Treatment of Nitrous Oxide Use
Authors: Ickowicz Sarah , Brar Rupinder , Nolan Seonaid 
Published: March 2020

Background:Using a clinical case example, we describe and discuss the use of oral naltrexone as a novel treatment strategy for nitrous oxide use. Nitrous oxide is an inhalant drug that is readily available and legally obtained. Though frequency of reported cases of substance use disorder for nitrous oxide is low, previous case reports have described severe neurological and psychiatric harms associated with chronic use. Despite this, evidence for pharmacotherapy is currently lacking. Clinical studies have shown variable efficacy for naltrexone across a number of substances including alcohol, nicotine, and stimulants.Case:We present here a case of a 41-year-old man with a substance use disorder for nitrous oxide who was reportedly using of up to four hundred 8 g canisters of nitrous oxide per day. Oral naltrexone was initiated at 50 mg daily in an attempt to decrease cravings. The dose was subsequently titrated to 100 mg daily, resulting in a decrease in nitrous oxide use to less than sixty 8 g canisters per week over a 1-month timeframe.Discussion:Previous literature surrounding naltrexone provides both a plausible mechanism of action for craving reduction as well as a precedent for its use across a number of substances. To our knowledge, use of naltrexone for nitrous oxide use has not been previously described. While clinical studies are currently lacking, this case highlights naltrexone as a possible treatment strategy for nitrous oxide use, with potential to reduce significant harms associated with chronic use.
An Acute Care Contingency Management Program for the Treatment of Stimulant Use Disorder: A Case Report
Authors: Bach Paxton , Garrod Emma , Robinson Kaye , Fairbairn Nadia 
Published: March 2020

Background:
Illicit stimulants such as crystal methamphetamine and cocaine are a rising cause of morbidity and mortality in North America. Unfortunately, there are few evidence-based approaches for the management of stimulant use disorder. Contingency management programs are currently the best evidenced treatment strategy, designed to reward behavior change and offer competing reinforcers toward the goal of reducing substance use, but these programs are often difficult to access. Given that it is well understood that hospitalization presents a valuable opportunity for the initiation of treatment for a variety of substance use disorders, the adaptation of contingency management programs to an acute medicine inpatient setting is a potentially viable option to improve care, and to increase access to effective treatment for stimulant use disorders.

Case Summary:
We present a case outlining the clinical care of a complex medical patient admitted with osteomyelitis, whose course in hospital changed significantly upon enrollment in a pilot contingency management program in an urban hospital in Canada.

Discussion:
This case illustrates how effective treatment programs can be adapted as needed for use in novel settings, especially where current options are inaccessible, inadequate, or ineffective.
Treatment of cutaneous lupus erythematosus: current approaches and future strategies
Authors: Shi Hong , Gudjonsson Johann E. , Kahlenberg J. Michelle 
Published: March 2020

Purpose of review
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is a highly heterogeneous autoimmune disease. No specific Federal Drug Administration-approved therapies for CLE-alone are available, and resistance to conventional treatments is common. This review will summarize current treatment approaches and pending treatment strategies.

Recent findings
Research into the pathogenesis of CLE is accelerating. A skewed type I interferon production and response contribute to CLE lesions. The pathophysiology of lesions may be similar among the lesional subtypes, and patients with a more TLR9-driven disease mechanism may have more benefit from hydroxychloroquine. Case reports continue to support the use of dapsone for CLE, especially bullous lupus erythematosus. Rituximab and Belimumab have efficacy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and severe active CLE. The significant role for type I interferons in CLE and encouraging clinical data suggest anifrolumab as a very promising agent for CLE. Dapirolizumab, BIIB059, Ustekinumab and Janus kinase inhibitors also have supportive early data as promising new strategies for CLE treatment.

Summary
Continued research to understand the mechanisms driving CLE will facilitate the development and approval of new targets. The pipeline for new treatments is rich.
Screening for Opioid and Stimulant Exposure In Utero Through Targeted and Untargeted Metabolomics Analysis of Umbilical Cords
Authors: Mamillapalli Srivalli Swathi , Smith-Joyner Annalisa , Forbes Lauren , McIntyre Kadesha , Poppenfuse Samantha , Rushing Blake , Strom Cody , Danell Allison S. , May Linda , Kuehn Devon , Kew Kimberly , Ravisankar Srikanth 
Published: March 2020

Background:
Neonatal abstinence syndrome is an array of signs and symptoms experienced by a newborn due to abrupt discontinuation of intrauterine exposure to certain drugs, primarily opioids. In the United States, the incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome has tripled over the past decade. The current standard of care for drug testing includes the analysis of infant urine and meconium. Sample collection is associated with several limitations, including diaper media interferences, limited sample amount, sample heterogeneity, and the need for professional staff for collection. Umbilical cord tissue has emerged as a convenient sample matrix for testing owing to its universal availability. The purpose of this study was to examine umbilical cords using an untargeted metabolomics approach to determine the detected drugs and validate an analytical method to confirm and quantify the identified drugs.

Methods:
A metabolomics analysis was performed with 21 umbilical cords to screen for drugs and drug metabolites by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Drugs were identified using the National Institute of Standards and Technology database, and an analytical method was developed and validated using secondary liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry instrument for positive confirmation and quantitative analysis.

Results:
Twenty-one random umbilical cords from women were tested: 4 were positive for cocaine and the primary and secondary metabolites; one was positive for methadone, the primary metabolite; 3 were positive for cotinine, the metabolite of nicotine; and 5 were positive for acetyl norfentanyl.

Conclusions:
Our research is a prospective method development study using untargeted and targeted approaches to characterize steady-state drug metabolite levels in the umbilical cord matrix at the time of delivery. By characterizing drug type and concentration, this methodology can be used to develop a reliable complementary testing method for meconium toxicology screens.