bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cold War, Neoliberal War, and Disappearance: Observations from Mexico
Authors: Paley Dawn Marie 
Published: December 2020

A comparison of Cold War disappearance drawing examples from conflicts in the last half of the twentieth century in the Southern Cone, Colombia, and Central America with the instances of violence during the subsequent period of consolidation of neoliberalism distinguishes the latter as neoliberal war, operating discursively through a state-promoted linkage of victims and perpetrators to delinquency and organized crime. Examination of neoliberal disappearance in the Mexican state of Coahuila leads to a proposal to consider it as connected not only to the establishment but also to the ongoing maintenance of neoliberal capitalism. Una comparación de la desaparición de la Guerra Fría (con ejemplos de conflictos en la última mitad del siglo XX en el Cono Sur, Colombia y Centroamérica) y los casos de violencia durante el período posterior de consolidación del neoliberalismo distingue a esta última etapa como una guerra neoliberal que opera discursivamente a través de una vinculación, promovida por el Estado, de víctimas y perpetradores a la delincuencia y crimen organizado. Un análisis de la desaparición neoliberal en el estado mexicano de Coahuila nos lleva a la propuesta de considerarla como relacionada no sólo al establecimiento sino también al mantenimiento continuo del capitalismo neoliberal.
The Construction of Peace in the Chiapas Highlands: Indigenous Resistance to Structural Violence
Authors: Orozco López Efrén , González Torres Leonardo Nicolás 
Published: December 2020

The indigenous community of Acteal in the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico, has been subject to both direct and structural violence in the form of the massacre that took place there in 1997 and the impunity that has persisted ever since. In response to the violence, the community has constructed political, social, and cultural alternatives through the movement known as the Las Abejas of Acteal Civil Society Organization. Its reconstruction of the social fabric has included participation in assembies, volunteer work for the collective, exchange of experiences, food production for subsistence, a solidarity economy, and the systematization and sharing of experiences. La comunidad indígena de Acteal en las tierras altas de Chiapas, México, ha sido objeto de violencia tanto directa y estructural a partir de la masacre que tuvo lugar allí en 1997, así como la impunidad que ha persistido desde entonces. En respuesta a la violencia, la comunidad ha construido alternativas políticas, sociales y culturales a través del movimiento conocido como Organización Sociedad Civil Las Abejas de Acteal. Su reconstrucción del tejido social ha incluido la participación en asambleas, el voluntariado para el colectivo, el intercambio de experiencias, la producción de alimentos para subsistencia, una economía solidaria, y la sistematización e intercambio de experiencias.
Estimating the current and future prevalence of life-limiting conditions in children in England
Authors: Fraser Lorna K , Gibson-Smith Deborah , Jarvis Stuart , Norman Paul , Parslow Roger C 
Published: December 2020

Background: Previous studies showed increasing number of children with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition who may benefit from input from pediatric palliative care services. Aim: To estimate the current prevalence of children with a life-limiting condition and to model future prevalence of this population. Design: Observational study using national inpatient hospital data. A population-based approach utilizing ethnic specific population projections was used to estimate future prevalence. Setting/participants: All children aged 0–19 years with a life-limiting condition diagnostic code recorded in Hospital Episodes Statistics data in England from 2000/01 to 2017/18. Results: Data on 4,543,386 hospital episodes for 359,634 individuals were included. The prevalence of children with a life-limiting condition rose from 26.7 per 10,000 (95%CI 26.5–27.0) in 2001/02 to 66.4 per 10,000 (95% CI: 66.0–66.8) in 2017/18. Using a more restricted definition of a life-limiting condition reduced the prevalence from 66.4 to 61.1 per 10,000 (95%CI 60.7–61.5) in 2017/18. Highest prevalence was in the under 1-year age group at 226.5 per 10,000 and children with a congenital abnormality had the highest prevalence (27.2 per 10,000 (95%CI: 26.9–27.5)). The prevalence was highest among the most deprived group and in children of Pakistani origin. Predicted future prevalence of life-limiting conditions ranged from 67.0 (95%CI 67.7–66.3) to 84.22 (95%CI 78.66–90.17) per 10,000 by 2030. Conclusions: The prevalence of children with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition in England has risen over the last 17 years and is predicted to increase. Future data collections must include the data required to assess the complex health and social care needs of these children.
Detecting lymph node metastasis of esophageal cancer on dual-energy computed tomography
Authors: Sun Xuyang , Niwa Tetsu , Ozawa Soji , Endo Jun , Hashimoto Jun 
Published: December 2020

Background Using conventional computed tomography (CT), the accurate diagnosis of lymph node (LN) metastasis of esophageal cancer is difficult. Purpose To examine dual-energy CT parameters to predict LN metastasis preoperatively in patients with esophageal cancer. Material and Methods Twenty-six consecutive patients who underwent dual-energy CT before an esophageal cancer surgery (19 patients with LN metastases) were analyzed. The included LNs had a short-axis diameter of ≥4 mm and were confirmed to be resected on postoperative CT. Their short-axis diameter, CT value, iodine concentration (IC), and fat fraction were measured on early- and late-phase contrast-enhanced dual-energy CT images and compared between pathologically confirmed metastatic and non-metastatic LNs. Results In total, 51 LNs (34 metastatic and 17 non-metastatic) were included. In the early phase, IC and fat fraction were significantly lower in the metastatic than in the non-metastatic LNs (IC = 1.6 mg/mL vs. 2.2 mg/mL; fat fraction = 20.3% vs. 32.5%; both P < 0.05). Furthermore, in the late phase, IC and fat fraction were significantly lower in the metastatic than in the non-metastatic LNs (IC = 2.0 mg/mL vs. 3.0 mg/mL; fat fraction = 20.4% vs. 33.0%; both P < 0.05). Fat fraction exhibited accuracies of 82.4% and 78.4% on early- and late-phase images, respectively. Conversely, short-axis diameter and CT value on both early- and late-phase images were not significantly different between the metastatic and non-metastatic LNs ( P > 0.05). Conclusion Using dual-energy CT images, IC and fat fraction are useful for diagnosing LN metastasis in patients with esophageal cancer.
The IL-17A rs2275913 polymorphism is associated with colorectal cancer risk
Authors: Zhang Shulong , Wang Xiaoting 
Published: December 2020

Objective The association of the IL-17A rs2275913 polymorphism with the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been previously reported. However, the results are inconsistent. In this study, we comprehensively assessed the effect of the rs2275913 polymorphism on CRC risk. Methods The rs2275913 polymorphism of 208 CRC patients and 312 age- and gender-matched healthy controls was genotyped by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method, and then analyzed by logistic regression. In addition, a pooled analysis based on five single-center studies was performed using Stata 12.0 software. Results Logistic regression analysis indicated that the IL-17A rs2275913 polymorphism was associated with CRC risk (GA vs. GG: OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.02–2.28; AA vs. GG: OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.11–3.20; GA+AA vs. GG: OR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.11–2.37; A vs. G: OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.07–1.77). Further pooled analysis also indicated a statistically significant association between the rs2275913 polymorphism and CRC risk in Asians and Northern Africans. Conclusion This study suggested that the IL-17A rs2275913 polymorphism may act as a biomarker for predicting CRC risk. However, further functional research should be performed to clarify the role of the rs2275913 polymorphism in the etiology of CRC.
Impact of renin–angiotensin system inhibitors use on mortality in severe COVID-19 patients with hypertension: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Zhong Yanjun , Zhao Lishu , Wu Guobao , Hu Chunhong , Wu Chenfang , Xu Min , Dong Haiyun , Zhang Quan , Wang Guyi , Yu Bo , Lv Jianlei , Wu Chao , Zhang Siye , Cao Chenghui , Shu Long , Pan Yue , Liu Xianling , Wu Fang 
Published: December 2020

Objective Association of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) use with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains controversial. We aimed to investigate the impact of ACEI/ARB use on all-cause mortality in severe COVID-19 patients with hypertension. Methods We enrolled 650 COVID-19 patients from Changsha and Wuhan city between 17 January 2020 and 8 March 2020. Demographic, clinical characteristics, and outcomes were collected. Multivariable analysis and propensity-score matching were performed to assess the impact of ACEI/ARB therapy on mortality. Results Among the 650 patients, 126 who had severe COVID-19 concomitant with hypertension were analyzed. The average age was 66 years and 56 (44.4%) were men. There were 37 ACEI/ARB users and 21 in-hospital deaths (mortality rate, 16.7%). Male sex (odds ratio [OR], 5.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.75 to 17.8), but not ACEI/ARB use (OR, 1.09; 95%CI, 0.31 to 3.43), was an independent risk factor for mortality in severe COVID-19 patients with hypertension. After propensity-score matching, 60 severe COVID-19 patients were included and no significant correlation between use of ACEI/ARB and mortality was observed. Conclusions There was no significant association of ACEI/ARB use with mortality in severe COVID-19 patients with hypertension. These findings support the continuation of ACEI/ARB therapy for such patients.
Fluoride and endosulfan together potentiate cytogenetic effects in Swiss albino mice bone marrow cells
Authors: Sharma Anju , John Placheril , Bhatnagar Pradeep 
Published: December 2020

In this study, the cytotoxic potential of fluoride and endosulfan in combination was investigated in Swiss albino mice bone marrow cells using the chromosomal aberration (CA) and micronucleus (MN) test systems. Fluoride (25.1 mg kg−1 body weight [bw] in water) and endosulfan (1.8 mg kg−1 bw by oral intubation) were administered orally alone and in combination (fluoride 25.1 mg kg−1 bw + endosulfan 1.8 mg kg−1 bw) to male Swiss albino mice daily for 30 days. A significant ( p < 0.01) increase in micronuclei (MNs) induction and decreased ratio ( p < 0.01) of polychromatic to normonochromatic erythrocytes (indicators of cytotoxicity) were observed compared with saline controls when animals were given the combination of fluoride and endosulfan. A significant ( p < 0.01) increase in MNs induction and no change in the polychromatic erythrocytes to erythrocyte ratio were also observed when endosulfan was given alone. CAs such as gaps, breaks, fragments, rings, exchanges, and polyploidy were recorded in the bone marrow cells. The mean percent frequency of CAs was increased ( p < 0.01) in all the treated groups compared with the control saline group. In the combination group (F + E), the percent frequencies of CAs were significantly higher (13.875%) compared with those in the individual treatment groups of fluoride (4.375%) and endosulfan (6.25%). The mitotic index was calculated as percentage of dividing cells. A significant ( p < 0.01) decrease in mitotic index was observed in all treated groups compared with controls. In the combination group (F + E), mitotic index was significantly less than ( p < 0.01; 4.1 ± 0.49) the saline control (10.8 ± 0.98). These results indicated that repeated intake of endosulfan through various sources in fluoride affected areas resulted in increased cytotoxic effects. The greater effect in the combination group indicated additive interaction of fluoride and endosulfan in inducing cytotoxicity in Swiss albino mice.
Healthcare Personnel Safety During Percutaneous Tracheostomy in Patients With COVID-19: Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Sood Rahul N. , Dudiki Natasha , Alape Daniel , Maxfiel Mark W. 
Published: December 2020

Background: Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in the development of severe and persistent respiratory failure requiring long term ventilatory support. This necessitates the need for a reliable and easy to implement tracheostomy protocol given the concern for viral transmission risk to the involved healthcare personnel due to the aerosol generating nature of the procedure. We describe a protocol with unique and novel modifications to the Ciaglia dilatational percutaneous tracheostomy, effectively implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic at our institution. Methods: We describe the baseline characteristics of our initial 11 patients who underwent the procedure. Outlined are the healthcare personnel involved and the steps which are organized into 4 phases: planning, pre-procedure, intra-procedure and post-procedure. We have tracked procedural duration, provider safety as well as the development of new complications. Results: We describe use of this protocol for 11 bedside percutaneous tracheostomies performed on patients with COVID-19. The average total procedural duration as well as incision to tracheostomy tube placement times was 32.6 minutes and 5.8 minutes respectively. All 3 providers performing the tracheostomies remained asymptomatic with negative COVID-19 RT-PCR testing at 3 weeks. Conclusions: We report an efficacious and adaptable protocol for elective bedside percutaneous tracheostomies for patients with persistent ventilatory requirements due to COVID-19 with an intent to provide standardized and safe care for the patient and the involved healthcare personnel.
A statistical analysis of temperature compensation for piezoelectric sensor bonded to AISI-1080 material
Authors: Tekkalmaz Mesut , Haydarlar Gökhan , Sofuoğlu M Alper 
Published: December 2020

Electromechanical impedance (EMI) method has been widely used to evaluate structural health in recent years. In this method inexpensive, small, easy to apply, lightweight piezoelectric sensors are used to observe the changes in the structures. Different environmental conditions affect the piezoelectric sensor and the structure significantly. If the environmental impact is neglected, it causes misinterpretations as if it were present, although there is no construction defect. Therefore, it is necessary to compensate for the environmental effect. In this study, the EMI method was performed for AISI 1080 specimen at different environmental conditions. Impedance measurements were carried out between –45°C and –10°C. It has been observed that as the temperature decreases, the frequency shifts to the right and the amplitude increases. Temperature compensation was carried out to prevent these shifts. RMSD, MAPD, and CCDM were used as damage metrics. The effective frequency shift (EFS) algorithm was applied, and temperature compensation was performed according to the CCDM. As a result, damage metric values decrease after temperature compensation. Considering the change of damage metric values as a result of the compensation process, CCDM is a useful metric to detect changes. In the final stage, statistical tests (Pearson/Spearman and paired t-tests) were performed to compare non-compensated/compensated test results. Generally, damage metrics produce successful results in terms of statistical tests.
Atypical unilateral exudative retinal detachment in a child affected by tuberous sclerosis
Authors: Coppola Michele , Cavallotti Barbara , Suzani Martina , Marchese Alessandro , Bandello Francesco 
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare hereditary phakomatosis. The clinical features can include benign growths in the central nervous system, tumors of various visceral organs, and retinal or optic disc astrocytic hamartomas in the nerve fiber layer. Here we present the case of a child with known TSC developing Coats-like manifestations. Case description: A 22-month-old girl with known TSC and retinal hamartoma followed since birth presented for the development of exotropia and leukocoria in the left eye. Fundus examination of the left eye showed blurred optic disc, macular star, and yellow retinal exudation in the temporal area. In addition, the left eye showed marked retinal vascular tortuosity and telangiectasias. The patient underwent brain and orbit magnetic resonance imaging, revealing heterotopic gray matter nodulations along ependyma of both lateral ventricles, with partial calcification, and a posterior flattening of the left eye. Conclusion: This report shows a rare case of Coats-like disease in a child with tuberous sclerosis. In case of presence of Coats’ manifestations associated with atypical retinal or systemic findings, genetic diseases should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
Multimodal imaging of a vascularized idiopathic epiretinal membrane
Authors: Anguita Rodrigo , Khalid Hagar , Arpa Cristina , Roth Janice , Pal Bishwanath , Keane Pearse A 
Published: December 2020

Purpose: To report a case of vascularized idiopathic epiretinal membrane including the multimodal imaging. Methods: Findings on clinical examination, color fundus photography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, optical coherence tomography angiography, and fluorescein angiography. Results: Sixty-three-year-old woman with a previous rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) who presented with an asymptomatic idiopathic neovascular complex below an epiretinal membrane. It was assessed with fluorescein angiography, OCT and OCT-A. The vascularized ERM was already present previously to the retinal detachment. Conclusion: Our case report describes an example of idiopathic epiretinal membrane complicated by neovascularization; we hypothesized hypertension could be one of the factors in this case, as it may lead to decreased retinal perfusion and upregulation in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Multimodal imaging can help in detecting neovascularized ERM.
Guidelines for the orthodontic management of the traumatised tooth
Authors: Sandler Cara , Al-Musfir Tumadher , Barry Siobhan , Duggal Mandeep Singh , Kindelan Susan , Kindelan Jay , Littlewood Simon , Nazzal Hani 
Published: December 2020

Dental trauma is common in the UK, with more than one in ten children having experienced some form of dental trauma. In addition, one in ten patients have been reported to have experienced dental trauma before orthodontic treatment. A recent survey of orthodontists’ knowledge and experience of orthodontic management of traumatised teeth has highlighted large inconsistencies in management of traumatised teeth among UK orthodontists, highlighting the need for further information or training on orthodontic management of traumatised teeth. Therefore, the following guidelines have been developed in order to provide an evidence-based approach to treat this cohort of patients. The following guidance is based on the available literature, expert opinion and UK orthodontists’ consensus drawn from a recent survey.
The variation of FiO2 with circuit type and peak inspiratory flow rate during non-invasive respiratory support using domiciliary ventilators and its significance during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Messer Ben , Tedd Hilary , Doris Tom , Mountain Andrew , Gatilogo Cris , Sovani Milind 
Published: December 2020

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased admissions with respiratory failure and there have been reports of oxygen failure and shortages of machines to deliver ventilation and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). Domiciliary ventilators which entrain room air have been widely used during the pandemic. Poor outcomes reported with non-invasive respiratory support using ventilators which lack an oxygen blender could be related to an unreliable Fraction of inspired O2 (FiO2). Additionally, with concerns about oxygen failure, the variety of ventilator circuits used as well as differing peak inspiratory flow rates (PIFR) could impact on the FiO2 delivered during therapy with domiciliary ventilators. Methods In a series of bench tests, we tested the effect of choice of circuit and different PIFR on the FiO2 achieved during simulation of ventilation and CPAP therapy using domiciliary ventilators. Results FiO2 was highly dependent upon the type of circuit used with circuits with an active exhalation valve achieving similar FiO2 at lower oxygen flow rates than circuits using an exhalation port. During CPAP therapy, high PIFR resulted in significantly lower FiO2 than low PIFR. Conclusions This study has implications for oxygen usage as well as delivery of non-invasive respiratory support during therapy with domiciliary ventilators when these are used during the second wave of COVID-19.
Reliability of clinical tests for prediction of occult scaphoid fractures and cost benefit analysis of a dedicated scaphoid pathway
Authors: Kodumuri Preetham , McDonough Andrew , Lyle Victoria , Naqui Zaf , Muir Lindsay 
Published: December 2020

We reviewed the outcomes of our dedicated clinic for suspected scaphoid fractures. The primary outcome measure was to test the reliability of accurately diagnosing an occult scaphoid fracture with a combination of anatomical snuff box, scaphoid tubercle, longitudinal compression tenderness, ulnar deviation and the pinch test. Cost savings of the new patient pathway was our secondary outcome measure. Between December 2016 and March 2020, 922 patients were recruited at a mean of 12 days post-injury. Sixty-five per cent ( n = 602) with a low clinical suspicion were discharged and 35% ( n = 320) with a high clinical suspicion had same day MRI scan. Fifty-eight scaphoid fractures were diagnosed and treated with no nonunions reported. Anatomical snuff box tenderness was the most sensitive test (90%). A combination of five tests better excluded an occult fracture (80% accuracy). The dedicated scaphoid clinic pathway resulted in 350 fewer follow-up visits and an overall saving of £59,666. Level of evidence: III
Continuous Glucose Monitoring for the Detection of Hypoglycemia in Patients With Diabetes of the Exocrine Pancreas
Authors: Shivaprasad Channabasappa , Gautham Kolla , Shah Kejal , Gupta Soumya , Palani Preethika , Anupam Biswas 
Published: December 2020

Background: Detailed evaluations of hypoglycemia and associated indices based on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) are limited in patients with diabetes of the exocrine pancreas. Our study sought to evaluate the frequency and pattern of hypoglycemic events and to investigate hypoglycemia-specific indices in this population. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study comprising 83 participants with diabetes of the exocrine pancreas. CGM and self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) were performed on all participants for a minimum period of 72 hours. The frequency and pattern of hypoglycemic events, as well as hypoglycemia-related indices, were evaluated. Results: Hypoglycemia was detected in 90.4% of patients using CGM and 38.5% of patients using SMBG. Nocturnal hypoglycemic events were more frequent (1.9 episodes/patient) and prolonged (142 minutes) compared with day-time events (1.1 episodes/patient; 82.8 minutes, P < 0.05). The mean low blood glucose index was 2.1, and glycemic risk assessment diabetes equation hypoglycemia was 9.1%. The mean time spent below (TSB) <70 mg/dL was 9.2%, and TSB <54 mg/dL was 3.7%. The mean area under curve (AUC) <70 mg/dL was 1.7 ± 2.5 mg/dL/hour and AUC <54 mg/dL was 0.6 ± 1.3 mg/dL/hour. All of the CGM-derived hypoglycemic indices were significantly more deranged at night compared with during the day ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with diabetes of the exocrine pancreas have a high frequency of hypoglycemic episodes that are predominantly nocturnal. CGM is superior to SMBG in the detection of nocturnal and asymptomatic hypoglycemic episodes. CGM-derived hypoglycemic indices are beneficial in estimating the risk of hypoglycemia.