bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Judicial Review of the Legislative Process in Hong Kong: A Comparative Perspective
Authors: Wang Shucheng 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
This article examines the deferential approach to judicial review of the legislative process as adopted by the Court of Final Appeal in Leung Kwok Hung v. The President of Hong Kong Legislative Council. Through a comparative analysis, it explains that the underlying basis on which the doctrines of separation of powers and the parliamentary privilege of exclusive cognizance, and the corresponding principle of non-intervention, are significantly different in Hong Kong. Given Hong Kong’s semi-democratic system under the ‘one country, two systems’ rubric, it argues for a less traditional allocation of power between the different institutions of government and a more assertive judiciary vis-à-vis the legislature. Moreover, it suggests the necessity of developing a human-rights-based approach to the adjudication concerning the non-intervention principle in order to maintain its common law system with liberal principles under the ‘one country, two systems’ rubric.
Regression analysis to predict the impact of dietary neutral detergent fiber on carcass yield in swine1
Authors: Soto Jose A , Tokach Mike D , Dritz Steve S , Gonçalves Márcio A D , Woodworth Jason C , DeRouchey Joel M , Goodband Robert D , Menegat Mariana B , Wu Fangzhou 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Research has shown that carcass yield in swine is reduced when ingredients with high neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content. Carcass yield reduction from feeding high-fiber ingredients results from an increase in the weight of intestinal contents. NDF has been shown to result in the digestive contents to swell in the large intestine by absorbing water thus increasing the fecal volume in the large intestine. Considering the financial implications of changing carcass yield, the objective of this project was to develop a regression equation to estimate carcass yield from dietary NDF and strategies where high-NDF ingredients are taken out of the diet in the last dietary phases before slaughter (withdrawal period; WP). Data from 8 experiments (43 observations) originated from 6 journal articles and 1 technical memo were used to develop the regression equation. The WP of high NDF ingredients was either none or ranged from 5 to 63 d in the experiments. Treatment diets of each trial were reformulated to obtain dietary nutrient content using the NRC ingredient library (NRC, Nutrient requirements of swine. 11th ed, 2012). Composition of experimental diets was used to calculate dietary net energy, crude protein, crude fiber, NDF, and acid detergent fiber in the last two dietary phases. These dietary compositions along with the number of days of WP were used to develop regression equations. The model was determined using a step-wise selection procedure starting with guided forward selection through individual predictor variables, with a statistical significance at P &lt; 0.05 used to determine inclusion of terms in the final model. The regression analysis showed that WP, NDF level in the dietary phase prior to the final phase (NDF1), NDF level in the last dietary phase before marketing (NDF2), and the interaction between NDF2 and WP were the most important variables in the dataset to predict carcass yield. The resulting regression equation was as follows: carcass yield, % = 0.03492 ± 0.02633 × WP (d) – 0.05092 ± 0.02862 × NDF1 (%) – 0.06897 ± 0.02931 × NDF2 (%) – 0.00289 ± 0.00216 × (NDF2 [%] × WP [d]) + 76.0769 ± 1.33730. In conclusion, high levels of NDF up to slaughter had a negative impact on carcass yield. Increasing the length of the WP improved carcass yield; however, the effect of WP was dependent on the level of NDF2. The equation herein provides a tool to estimate of the impact of dietary NDF on carcass yield.
Drug-Drug Combinations Can Enhance Toxicity as Shown by Monocyte-Derived Hepatocyte-like Cells From Patients With Idiosyncratic Drug-Induced Liver Injury
Authors: Benesic Andreas , Jalal Kowcee , Gerbes Alexander L 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a major cause for acute liver failure and regulatory actions on novel drugs. Individual patient characteristics are the main determinant of idiosyncratic DILI, making idiosyncratic DILI (iDILI) one of the most challenging diagnoses in hepatology. Individual drug-drug interactions might play a role in iDILI. However, the current approaches to iDILI diagnosis are focused on single drugs as causative agents. For the present analysis, 48 patients with acute liver injury who took 2 drugs and who were diagnosed as iDILI were investigated. A novel in vitro test was employed using monocyte-derived hepatocyte-like cells (MH cells) generated from these patients. iDILI diagnosis and causality were evaluated using clinical causality assessment supported by Roussel-Uclaf Causality Assessment Method. In 13 of these 48 patients (27%), combinations of drugs increased toxicity in the MH test when compared with the single drugs. Interestingly, whereas in 24 cases (50%) drug-drug combinations did not enhance toxicity, in 11 cases (23%) only the combinations caused toxicity. The incidence of severe cases fulfilling Hy’s law was higher in patients with positive interactions (57% vs 43%; p = .04), with acute liver failure occurring in 40% versus 8% (p = .01). The most common drug combinations causing increased toxicity were amoxicillin/clavulanate (8 of 9 cases) and diclofenac in combination with steroid hormones (4 of 9 cases). Drug-drug interactions may influence the incidence and/or the severity of idiosyncratic DILI. MH cell testing can identify relevant drug-drug interactions. The data generated by this approach may improve patient safety.

Study identifier
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT 02353455.
The earliest mustelid in North America
Authors: Paterson Ryan , Samuels Joshua X , Rybczynski Natalia , Ryan Michael J , Maddin Hillary C 
Published: August 2019

AbstractUntil now, the pre-Miocene fossil record of mustelids in North America has been restricted to specimens attributable to oligobunine taxa and isolated remains tentatively allocated to the genus Plesictis. In the present study, we report on a nearly complete cranium and a referred dentary of a new genus and species of mustelid. The specimens were recovered from the Turtle Cove and Kimberly Members of the John Day Formation, Oregon, USA.These excellently preserved specimens more confidently confirm the presence of mustelids in the Early and Late Oligocene (Early and Late Arikareean) of North America. Like the holotype specimen of ‘Plesictis’ julieni, the new species lacks an alisphenoid canal and a postprotocrista on the M1 (synapomorphies of Mustelidae), but retains a dorsally deep suprameatal fossa (a feature occasionally suggested to be unique to Procyonidae). Phylogenetic analyses, applying parsimony and Bayesian inference to combined molecular (five genes totalling 5490 bp) and morphological data, recover this new species of mustelid as sister-species to ‘Plesictis’ julieni. The results of these analyses reveal that the new genus is a close relative of other species of Plesictis and several taxa traditionally allied with Oligobuninae, thereby rendering Oligobuninae paraphyletic. We further discuss the significance of the relatively small size of this new mustelid as it relates to predictions based on increased aridification of the palaeoclimate and the expansion of open habitats in the Oligocene.
Systematics and natural history of mountain reed snakes (genus Macrocalamus; Calamariinae)
Authors: Quah Evan S H , Anuar Shahrul , Grismer Lee L , Wood Perry L , Mohd Nor Siti Azizah 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe first molecular phylogeny for mountain reed snakes (genus Macrocalamus) based on the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b is not entirely consistent with the previous taxonomy based on morphology and colour pattern. Macrocalamus chanardi is shown to be a species complex composed of three different allopatric lineages distributed across different upland areas in Peninsular Malaysia that are morphologically conserved but genetically distinct. A new and morphologically different species, Macrocalamus emas sp. nov., is described from the Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia. It occurs in sympatry with four other ecologically equivalent species of Macrocalamus and one other species of Collorhabdium. The phylogeographical pattern of sympatric genetically distinct species of Macrocalamus endemic to upland areas is attributed to the fossorial nature of these snakes and the montane forest expansion and retraction resulting from cyclical, glacioeustatically driven climatic processes that have reconstructed the geography of Sundaland continuously over the last 25 Myr.
Association Between the Severity of Dysphagia and Various Parameters of the Cervical Spine; Videofluoroscopic Analysis in Neutral and Retraction Position of the Normal Volunteers
Authors: Hong Jae Taek , Oh Joo Seon , Lee Dong Hoon , Lim Seong Hoon , Kim Joon-Sung 
Published: August 2019

Study Design.
Videoflurographic swallowing study in asymptomatic volunteers.

Objective.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the severity of dysphagia and various parameters of the subjects.

Summary of Background Data.
Occipitocervical fixation is associated with several potential complications. Malalignment of craniovertebral junction and associated dysphagia have been well described in the literature. However, there has been little attention given to investigate the association between the degree of swallowing dysfunction and various patient's parameters.

Methods.
Thirty-nine healthy asymptomatic volunteers, 18 males and 21 females, were enrolled in this study. Based on videofluorographic swallowing study (VFSS), two scoring systems of swallowing dysfunction (dysphagia rating scale [DRS], dysphagia outcome and severity scale [DOSS]) were measured in neutral and retraction position. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between the degree of swallowing dysfunction and various factors of the subjects such as radiological and clinical parameters.

Results.
There was statistically significant correlation between DRS and DOSS (r = −0.354, P
< 0.05). Multiple regression analysis showed that there was a significant association of the dysphagia severity (DRS and DOSS) with the percentile change of the narrowest oropharyngeal diameter (OD) (%dn OD) (r = 0.121, P < 0.01 and r = 0.020, P < 0.01, respectively). Percentile change of OD (neutral and retraction position) was positively associated with the difference of C0–2 angle (r = 1.676, P < 0.01). None of the other variables such as age, sex, C0–1 angle, C1–2 angle, and C2–7 angle were significantly associated with the degree of dysphagia or %dn OD.

Conclusion.
This study demonstrated that the severity of dysphagia is significantly associated with the percentile change of OD and the C0–2 angle has considerable effect on the OD after O-C fusion. Therefore, C0–2 angle could be the most critical radiological parameter not only for predicting the stricture of oropharyngeal space but also for preventing postoperative dysphagia.

Level of Evidence: 4
The Effect of Tobacco Smoking on Adverse Events Following Adult Complex Deformity Surgery
Authors: Wilson Jamie R.F. , Jiang Fan , Badhiwala Jetan H. , Shaffrey Christopher I. , Carreon Leah Y. , Cheung Kenneth M.C. , Dahl Benny T. , Ames Christopher P. , Boachie-Adjei Oheneba , Dekutoski Mark B. , Lewis Stephen J. , Matsuyama Yukihiro , Mehdian Hossein , Pellisé Ferran , Qiu Yong , Schwab Frank J. , Lenke Lawrence G. , Fehlings Michael G. 
Published: August 2019

Study Design.Post-hocanalysis of a prospective, multicenter cohort study.Objective.To analyze the impact of smoking on rates of postoperative adverse events (AEs) in patients undergoing high-risk adult spine deformity surgery.Summary of Background Data.Smoking is a known predictor of medical complications after adult deformity surgery, but the effect on complications, implant failure and other AEs has not been adequately described in prospective studies.Methods.Twenty-six patients with a history of current smoking were identified out of the 272 patients enrolled in the SCOLI-RISK-1 study who underwent complex adult spinal deformity surgery at 15 centers, with 2-year follow-up. The outcomes and incidence of AEs in these patients were compared to the nonsmoking cohort (n = 244) using univariate analysis, with additional multivariate regression to adjust for the effect of patient demographics, complexity of surgery, and other confounders.Results.The number of levels and complexity of surgery in both cohorts were comparable. In the univariate analysis, the rates of implant failure were almost double (odds ratio 2.28 [0.75–6.18]) in smoking group (n = 7; 26.9%)) that observed in the nonsmoking group (n = 34; 13.9%), but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.088). Surgery-related excessive bleeding (>4 L) was significantly higher in the smoking group (n = 5vs. n = 9; 19.2%vs. 3.7%; OR 6.22[1.48 – 22.75];P = 0.006). Wound infection rates and respiratory complications were similar in both groups. In the multivariate analysis, the smoking group demonstrated a higher incidence of any surgery-related AEs over 2 years (n = 13vs. n = 95; 50.0%vs. 38.9%; OR 2.12 [0.88–5.09]) (P = 0.094).Conclusion.In this secondary analysis of patients from the SCOLI-RISK-1 study, a history of smoking significantly increased the risk of excessive intraoperative bleeding and nonsignificantly increased the rate of implant failure or surgery-related AEs over 2 years. The authors therefore advocate a smoking cessation program in patients undergoing complex adult spine deformity surgery.Level of Evidence:2
Five-year Reoperation Rates and Causes for Reoperations Following Lumbar Microendoscopic Discectomy and Decompression
Authors: Aihara Takato , Endo Kenji , Sawaji Yasunobu , Suzuki Hidekazu , Urushibara Makoto , Kojima Atsushi , Matsuoka Yuji , Takamatsu Taichiro , Murata Kazuma , Kusakabe Takuya , Maekawa Asato , Yamamoto Kengo 
Published: August 2019

Study Design.
Retrospective study of prospectively collected outcome data.

Objective.
The aim of this study was to investigate reoperation cases and determine whether or not the experience period of a single surgeon was associated with the causes of reoperations following lumbar microendoscopic discectomy for disc herniation (MEDH) and microendoscopic decompression for spinal stenosis (MEDS).

Summary of Background Data.
There have been few studies that investigated reoperation cases following MEDH and MEDS.

Methods.
Between June 2005 (first experience of MEDH) and September 2013, the same surgeon had been using MEDH and/or MEDS on 441 consecutive patients. The follow-up rate was 89.3%. The causes and rates of reoperations (RORs) were determined at 5 years after the initial operations. We also investigated the experience period of a single surgeon (EPS, interval between June 2005 and initial operation: median, 37 months).

Results.
The 5-year reoperation rate for all patients combined was 12.4% (49/394). The main causes for reoperations were recurrence of disc herniation (ROR, 7.01%) and increase of postoperative spondylolisthesis and/or instability (ROR, 9/394 = 2.28%); two of the nine cases were caused by excessive decompression, and the EPSs were 11 and 16 months. The other causes for reoperations were postoperative epidural hematoma (ROR, 0.76%; median EPS, 20 months), insufficient decompression (ROR, 0.25%; EPS, 17 months), and residual segmental scoliosis (ROR, 7.69%); two segmental scoliosis cases did not provide relief from sciatica, and therefore L4/5 transforaminal interbody fusions were performed.

Conclusion.
Postoperative epidural hematoma and excessive or insufficient decompression were often observed in the initial series of patients as the causes for reoperations. We think that it is important to be aware of and prevent such potential problems in any initial series of patients, as there are limitations to any surgical indications for the use of microendoscopic decompression for degenerative segmental scoliosis because of original traction and/or kinking of nerve roots.

Level of Evidence: 4
The effects of blood pressure components on cardiovascular events in a Korean hypertensive population according to age and sex
Authors: Kang Eungyu , Lee Seulbi , Ha Eunhee , Oh Hyung Jung , Ryu Dong-Ryeol 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
There is no known study regarding the usefulness of each blood pressure (BP) component based on stratification by age and sex for predicting cardiovascular (CV) events among hypertensive populations without chronic kidney disease (CKD) or diabetes mellitus (DM). This study was performed to investigate the association of BP components and CV events in a Korean hypertensive population according to age and sex. A total of 22,853 Korean hypertensive participants without CKD and DM were stratified into six groups according to age [40–49, 50–59, and 60 years or older] and sex. In each group, multivariate Cox proportional regression analysis was performed to reveal the associations of BP components [systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and pulse pressure (PP)] with CV events. The increase in PP and decrease in DBP were significantly associated with increase of CV events in males, but neither BP component was significantly associated with risk of CV events in females. When subjects were stratified by age and sex, an increase of SBP or PP was significantly related to the increased risk of CV events in 40's male group, and only the elevation of PP was significantly associated with increase in incidence of CV events in 50's male group, while a decrease in DBP was significantly associated with increased risk of CV events in older male group. In addition, there were no the significant associations with the incidence of CV events in MAP, after stratification according to age and sex. In conclusion, this study suggests that, in hypertensive populations, BP management may need to be performed after full consideration of age and sex.
Hospitalization costs of treating colorectal cancer in China
Authors: Yuan Gao-Le , Liang Li-Zhong , Zhang Zhong-Fang , Liang Qi-Lian , Huang Zhen-Yi , Zhang Hui-Jie , Cheng Shao-Ang , Peng Xiao-Xia 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Background:
The objective of this study was to explore the influence factors of hospitalization costs of treating colorectal cancer in China. And the study provides new estimates on hospitalization costs and length of hospital stay for patients with colorectal cancer in China.

Methods:
Data for inpatient hospitalization associated with colorectal cancer were obtained from a 3-tier hospital in Guangdong Province and were analyzed post hoc. We conducted descriptive statistical methods, Wilcoxon rank–sum tests (for 2 groups) and the Kruskal–Wallis test (for more than 2 groups) to analyze the hospitalization costs of treating colorectal cancer.

Results:
The analysis included 8021 patients (female: 40.54%; mean age; 61.80 ± 13.28 years; male: 59.46%; mean age: 61.80 ± 13.28 years). The overall mean length of hospital stay was 11.35 days. Over the 5 years, the mean length of hospital stay showed a small decrease from 12.22 days in 2012 to 10.69 days in 2016, while per-day costs showed a trend of increase between 2012 and 2015 (increase from < 1190.94 to < 1382.50). The mean length of hospital stay was statistically significant difference was found for sexes (P = .039) and insurance status (P < .001). The mean hospitalization costs were < 16,279.58. Mean hospitalization costs were different among the UEBMI, the URBMI and the Unspecified (< 17,114.58, < 15,555.05, and < 17,735.30, respectively; P < .001).

Conclusion:
The study showed that hospitalization costs increase were associated with a small decreasing length of hospital stay and increasing per-day hospitalization costs. Moreover, the proportion of the hospitalization costs reimbursed by insurances increased. For inpatients with UEBMI, it possibly lead to over treatment and the medical expense rise which result in medical resources waste and significant society costs. The rising hospitalization costs may lead to a remarkably increased financial burden in the future in China.
Tubercular hemoptysis in a young liver transplanted patient
Authors: Di Dato Fabiola , Nunziata Francesco , Rosa Margherita , Iorio Raffaele , Spagnuolo Maria Immacolata 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
Liver transplanted patients have excellent survival rates, but infectious complications are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) in liver recipients are very challenging. Specific recommendations for anti-TB treatment in liver transplanted patients are lacking.

Patient concerns and diagnosis:
A 22-year-old male liver transplanted patient because of biliary atresia showed unexpected acute hemoptysis while he was on immunosuppressive therapy with tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil. Computed tomography (CT) identified a pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) successfully treated with endovascular embolization. A post-embolization thoracic CT revealed pulmonary cavitation and miliary pattern suggesting pulmonary TB causing PAVM. TB diagnosis was confirmed by microbiological assays and genetic amplification techniques.

Intervention:
Anti-TB 4-drug regimen was started. Following the beginning of treatment, liver enzymes increased. In order to clarify if liver cytolysis was due to hepatotoxicity or hepatic rejection linked to the reduction of immunosuppression or a worsening of pre-existing graft hepatitis, a liver biopsy was performed. A mild graft rejection was found so that tacrolimus doses were increased despite the risk of tubercular dissemination.

Outcome:
The patient completed anti-TB therapy in 8 months with resolution of TB disease and stable liver disease.

Lessons:
TB management in liver transplanted patients is challenging and needs to be individualized especially if chronic graft hepatitis is present.
Nutrition management of congenital glucose–galactose malabsorption
Authors: Ma Ming , Long Qi , Chen Fei , Zhang Ting , Lu Mengshan , Wang Weiyan , Chen Lihua 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
Congenital glucose–galactose malabsorption (CGGM) is a rare, autosomal recessive, hereditary disease that usuallypresents in newborns. CGGM manifests as severe diarrhea, hyperosmolar dehydration, and malnutrition. It does not respond to routine treatment and often is life-threatening.

Patient concerns:
We described a Chinese infant girl with refractory diarrhea, who suffered from severe dehydration and malnutrition even if with fluid replacement therapy and fed with several special formulas.

Diagnoses:
The genetic analysis identified CGGM with SLC5A1 mutations. c.1436G > C (p.R479T) was a novel mutation.

Interventions:
The patient was managed by free-glucose and galactose formula, and then special low-carbohydrate dietary therapy.

Outcomes:
The patient improved immediately after starting a free-glucose and galactose formula, and kept healthy with special low-carbohydrate diet. She had been followed up with nutritional management for 20 months.

Lessons:
This report highlights the importance of differential diagnosis of congenital diarrhea and enteropathies. For CGGM, free-glucose and galactose milk powder was the most effective treatment. Low-carbohydrate diet gradually introduced was still a great challenge that requires continuing guidance from child nutritionists and dietitians. Long-term nutrition management was extremely important to ensure the normal growth and development of children.