bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endotrophin, an extracellular hormone, in combination with neoepitope markers of von Willebrand factor improves prediction of mortality in the ECLIPSE COPD cohort
Authors: Rønnow Sarah R. , Langholm Lasse L. , Karsdal Morten A. , Manon-Jensen Tina , Tal-Singer Ruth , Miller Bruce E. , Vestbo Jørgen , Leeming Diana J. , Sand Jannie M. B. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Lung epithelial damage, activation of the wound healing cascade, and remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) play a major role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The pro-peptide of type VI collagen has been identified as the hormone endotrophin. Endotrophin has been shown to promote fibrosis and inflammation, whereas von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a crucial part of wound healing initiation. Here, we assessed the released and activated form of VWF and endotrophin, the pro-peptide of type VI collagen, serologically to investigate their association with mortality in COPD subjects alone or in combination.

Methods
One thousand COPD patients with 3 years of clinical follow-up from the Evaluation of COPD Longitudinally to Identify Predictive Surrogate Endpoints (ECLIPSE) cohort were included. Serum and heparin plasma were collected at 6 months and 1 year, respectively. Competitive ELISA utilizing specific monoclonal antibodies assessed endotrophin/type VI collagen formation (PRO-C6), VWF release (VWF-N), and activated VWF (VWF-A). Biomarker levels were dichotomized into high and low as defined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves based on mortality data. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine hazard ratios for all-cause mortality for biomarkers alone or in combination.

Results
High levels of PRO-C6, VWF-A, and VWF-N have previously been shown to be individually associated with a higher risk of mortality with hazard ratios of 5.6 (95% CI 2.4–13.1), 3.7 (1.8–7.6), and 4.6 (2.2–9.6), respectively. The hazard ratios increased when combining the biomarkers: PRO-C6*VWFA 8.8 (2.8–27.7) and PRO-C6*VWFN 13.3 (5.6–32.0). Notably, PRO-C6*VWF-N increased more than 2-fold.

Conclusion
We demonstrated that by combining two pathological relevant aspects of COPD, tissue remodeling, and wound healing, the predictive value of biomarkers for mortality increased notably.
Association between dietary patterns and prediabetes risk in a middle-aged Chinese population
Authors: Shen Xiao-Ming , Huang Yi-Qian , Zhang Xiao-Yan , Tong Xiao-Qing , Zheng Pei-Fen , Shu Long 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Information regarding dietary patterns associated with prediabetes in the Chinese population is lacking. The objective of the present study was to explore the association between major dietary patterns and the risk of prediabetes in a middle-aged Chinese population.

Methods
A total of 1761 participants (aged 45 to 59 years) were recruited in Hangzhou city, the capital of Zhejiang Province, China from June 2015 to December 2016. Dietary information was obtained by interview using a 138-item, validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (SQFFQ). Multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the associations between dietary patterns and the risk of prediabetes with adjustment of potential confounding variables.

Results
Three dietary patterns were ascertained by factor analysis and labeled as traditional southern Chinese, Western, and grains-vegetables patterns. After controlling of the potential confounders, participants in the top quartile of the Western pattern scores had greater odds ratio (OR) for prediabetes (OR = 1.54; 95% confidence interval (CI):1.068–2.059; P = 0.025) than did those in the bottom quartile. Compared with those in the bottom quartile, participants in the top quartile of the grains-vegetables pattern scores had a lower OR for prediabetes (OR = 0.83; 95% CI:0.747–0.965; P = 0.03). Besides, no statistically significant association was observed in the association between the traditional southern Chinese pattern and prediabetes risk (P > 0.05).

Conclusions
The findings of this study showed that the Western pattern was associated with higher risk, and the grains-vegetables pattern was associated with lower risk of prediabetes. Future prospective studies are required to validate our findings.
Need and inequality in the use of health care services in a fragmented and decentralized health system: evidence for Argentina
Authors: Palacios Alfredo , Espinola Natalia , Rojas-Roque Carlos 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe high fragmentation and decentralization in the provision of health care services that characterizes Argentina’s health system, as well as the economic and social inequalities, challenge the achievement of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The objective of this study is to measure socioeconomic-related inequality and horizontal inequity in the use of health care services in Argentina as well as identify the factors that contribute to these disparities.MethodsThe 2013 National Risk Factor Survey, developed by the Ministry of Health of Argentina, was used to measure socioeconomic-related inequality and inequity in the use of health care services through concentration curves, the Erreygers concentration index, and the index of horizontal inequity. Econometric micro-decomposition was applied to estimate the contribution of each determining factor to inequality in the use of health care services.ResultsThe Erreygers concentration index for the use of health care services was 0.1223, evidencing pro-rich inequalities. By adding variables of health care needs, the horizontal inequity index was 0.1296. Non-need factors such as education and health coverage with social security increase pro-rich inequality.ConclusionsThe Argentine health system shows pro-rich inequality in the use of health care services. It is necessary to design strategies to improve articulation between the three coverage subsectors and national, provincial, and municipal governments to keep the commitment of “not leaving anyone behind.” The results showed here could provide lessons for countries with similar contexts and challenges in public health.
A methodology for small area prevalence estimation based on survey data
Authors: Bernal Regina Tomie Ivata , de Carvalho Quéren Hapuque , Pell Jill P. , Leyland Alastair H. , Dundas Ruth , Barreto Mauricio Lima , Malta Deborah Carvalho 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Brazil conducts many health surveys to provide estimates by national level, macro-regions, states, metropolitan regions and capitals. However, estimates for smaller areas are lacking due to their high cost. The Health Vulnerability Index (in Portuguese, Índice de Vulnerabilidade em Saúde, IVS) is a measure that combines socioeconomic and environmental variables in the same indicator and allows for the analysis of the characteristics of population groups residing in census tracts, grouping them into four health risk areas (low, medium, high and very high risk) in addition to showing inequalities in the epidemiological profile of different social groups. This index was developed by the Municipal Health Secretariat of Belo Horizonte to guide health planning.

Objective
The aim of the study is to produce a methodology for obtaining reliable estimates for tobacco smoking in small areas for which the IVS was not designed.

Methods
The Vigitel dataset from 2006 to 2013 was used to obtain estimates of the prevalence of smokers based on the IVS employing small area estimation methods that use data from a larger domain to obtain estimates in smaller areas. For indirect estimates, the covariates included were sanitation, housing, education, income, and social and health factors. Post-stratification weights were used according to the IVS based on the population of the 2010 census.

Results
From 2006 to 2009, 16.2% (95% CI: 13.6–14.8%) of the adult population in Belo Horizonte were smokers, and 14.8% (95% CI: 14.0–15.6%) were smokers between 2010 and 2013. The very high-risk population maintained a high prevalence over the same period of 21.1% (95% CI: 17.1–25.0%) between 2006 and 2009 and 20.8% (95% CI: 17.0–24.6%) between 2010 and 2013, while in the low-risk group, the prevalence in the same period fell from 14.9% (95% CI: 13.7–16.2%) to 11.8% (95% CI, 10.6–13.1%).

Conclusions
The present study identified differences in the profile of smokers by the IVS in the city of Belo Horizonte. While the smoking prevalence declined in richer areas, it remained high in poor areas. This methodology can be used to produce reliable estimates for subgroups with greater vulnerability in small areas and thus subsidize the formulation, monitoring and evaluation of public health policies and programmes aimed at smoking.
Direct lineage tracing reveals Activin-a potential for improved pancreatic homing of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and efficient ß-cell regeneration in vivo
Authors: Dadheech Nidheesh , Srivastava Abhay , Vakani Mitul , Shrimali Paresh , Bhonde Ramesh , Gupta Sarita 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Despite the potential, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) show limitations for beta (ß)-cell replacement therapy due to inefficient methods to deliver BMSCs into pancreatic lineage. In this study, we report TGF-ß family member protein, Activin-a potential to stimulate efficient pancreatic migration, enhanced homing and accelerated ß-cell differentiation.

Methods
Lineage tracing of permanent green fluorescent protein (GFP)- tagged donor murine BMSCs transplanted either alone or in combination with Activin-a in diabetic mice displayed potential ß-cell regeneration and reversed diabetes.

Results
Pancreatic histology of Activin-a treated recipient mice reflected high GFP+BMSC infiltration into damaged pancreas with normalized fasting blood glucose and elevated serum insulin. Whole pancreas FACS profiling of GFP+ cells displayed significant homing of GFP+BMSC with Activin-a treatment (6%) compared to BMSCs alone transplanted controls (0.5%). Within islets, approximately 5% GFP+ cells attain ß-cell signature (GFP+ Ins+) with Activin-a treatment versus controls. Further, double immunostaining for mesenchymal stem cell markers CD44+/GFP+ in infiltrated GFP+BMSC deciphers substantial endocrine reprogramming and ß-cell differentiation (6.4% Ins+/GFP+) within 15 days.

Conclusion
Our investigation thus presents a novel pharmacological approach for stimulating direct migration and homing of therapeutic BMSCs that re-validates BMSC potential for autologous stem cell transplantation therapy in diabetes.
Implementation and experiments for interactive lyrics transcreation system
Authors: Nishimura Ayano , Itoh Takayuki 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe evolution of the Internet has enabled us to enjoy the music created in various countries. But still, it is often difficult to understand the lyrics written in foreign languages. Professional translators have published many international songs with lyrics that fit the melody so that the ordinary people can enjoy the lyrics of such international songs. This paper discusses lyrics transcreation into the Japanese language. Also, the paper presents an interactive visual lyrics transcreation system and describes the details of its implementation. This system allows users to select temporary lyrics from a set of tentative translations and then freely modify the lyrics with a real-time visualization mechanism. We also propose a lyrics translation algorithm that solves an essential problem of lyrics translation into Japanese. In this study, we interviewed two experts regarding problems with lyrics translation and received reviews of our presented system. We also conducted preliminary experiments with 19 participants to determine the best combination of user interface components for our system. We performed additional user experiments inviting 12 participants to compare lyrics transcreation using the presented system to manual lyrics transcreation. Lyrics transcreation by the presented system brought better results against those of manual transcreation.
Hybrid grid generation for viscous flow simulations in complex geometries
Authors: Ye Hongfei , Liu Yang , Chen Bo , Liu Zhiwei , Zheng Jianjing , Pang Yufei , Chen Jianjun 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we present a hybrid grid generation approach for viscous flow simulations by marching a surface triangulation on viscous walls along certain directions. Focuses are on the computing strategies used to determine the marching directions and distances since these strategies determine the quality of the resulting elements and the reliability of the meshing procedure to a large extent. With respect to marching directions, three strategies featured with different levels of efficiencies and robustness performance are combined to compute the initial normals at front nodes to balance the trade-off between efficiency and robustness. A novel weighted strategy is used in the normal smoothing scheme, which evidently reduces the possibility of early stop of front generation at complex corners. With respect to marching distances, the distance settings at concave and/or convex corners are locally adjusted to smooth the front shape at first; a further adjustment is then conducted for front nodes in the neighbourhood of gaps between opposite viscous boundaries. These efforts, plus other special treatments such as multi-normal generation and fast detection of local/global intersection, as a whole enable the setup of a hybrid mesher that could generate qualitied viscous grids for geometries with industry-level complexities.
Stem Cell Transplantation and Vinblastine Monotherapy for Relapsed Pediatric Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: Results of the International, Prospective ALCL-Relapse Trial
Authors: Knörr Fabian , Brugières Laurence , Pillon Marta , Zimmermann Martin , Ruf Stephanie , Attarbaschi Andishe , Mellgren Karin , Burke G. Amos A. , Uyttebroeck Anne , Wróbel Grażyna , Beishuizen Auke , Aladjidi Nathalie , Reiter Alfred , Woessmann Wilhelm ,   on behalf of the European Inter-Group for Childhood Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Published: July 2020

PURPOSE To analyze the efficacy of a risk-stratified treatment of children with relapsed anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). The ALCL-Relapse trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00317408 ) stratified patients according to the time of relapse and CD3 expression to prospectively test reinduction approaches combined with consolidation by allogeneic or autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) and vinblastine monotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with progression during frontline therapy (very high risk) or a CD3-positive relapse (high risk) were scheduled for allogeneic SCT after reinduction chemotherapy. Patients with a CD3-negative relapse within 1 year after initial diagnosis or prior exposure to vinblastine (intermediate risk) received autologous SCT after carmustine-etoposide-cytarabine-melphalan. This arm was terminated prematurely, and subsequent patients received vinblastine monotherapy instead. Patients with a CD3-negative relapse > 1 year after initial diagnosis (low risk) received vinblastine monotherapy. RESULTS One hundred sixteen patients met the inclusion criteria; 105 evaluable patients with CNS-negative disease had a 5-year event-free survival (EFS) of 53% ± 5% and a 5-year overall survival (OS) of 78% ± 4%. Before termination of autologous SCT, EFS rates of patients in the very-high- (n = 17), high- (n = 26), intermediate- (n = 32), and low- (n = 21) risk groups were 41% ± 12%, 62% ± 10%, 44% ± 9%, and 81% ± 9%; the respective OS rates were 59% ± 12%, 73% ± 9%, 78% ± 7%, and 90% ± 6%. Analyzing only the patients in the intermediate-risk group consolidated per protocol by autologous SCT, EFS and OS of 23 patients were 30% ± 10% and 78% ± 9%, respectively. All 5 patients with intermediate risk receiving vinblastine monotherapy after the amendment experienced relapse again. CONCLUSION Shorter time to relapse was the strongest predictor of subsequent relapse. Allogeneic SCT offers a chance for cure in patients with high-risk ALCL relapse. For early relapsed ALCL autologous SCT was not effective. Vinblastine monotherapy achieved cure in patients with late relapse; however, it was not effective for early relapses.
Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder and Other Rapid Eye Movement Parasomnias
Authors: Howell Michael J. 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW
The discovery of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and, in particular, REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) have brought elusive nightmarish experiences to scientific scrutiny. This article summarizes a century of sleep research to examine the maladies of dreaming, their pathophysiologic significance, and management.

RECENT FINDINGS
Under healthy physiologic conditions, REM sleep is characterized by vivid mentation combined with skeletal muscle paralysis. The loss of REM sleep atonia in RBD results in vivid, potentially injurious dream enactment to patients and bed partners. RBD is common, affecting at least 1% of the population and is primarily caused by α-synuclein pathology of REM sleep–related brainstem neurons. The majority of patients with RBD ultimately develop a neurodegenerative syndrome such as Parkinson disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, or multiple system atrophy. Among patients with Parkinson disease, RBD predicts an aggressive disease course with rapid cognitive, motor, and autonomic decline. RBD is diagnosed by the presence of dream enactment episodes (either recorded or clinically recalled) and physiologic evidence of REM sleep without atonia demonstrated on polysomnography. Bedroom safety is of paramount importance in the management of RBD while pharmacokinetic options include melatonin or clonazepam.

SUMMARY
The injurious dream enactment of RBD is common and treatable. It is a syndrome of α-synuclein pathology with most patients ultimately developing Parkinson disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, or a related disorder.
Synthesis of Carbazole-Fused Azaborines via a Pd-Catalyzed C-H Activation-Cyclization Reaction
Authors: Nagata Masakazu , Oshiro Taku , Mizuhata Yoshiyuki , Tokitoh Norihiro , Hosoya Takaaki , Yamada Shigeyuki , Konno Tsutomu , Fukumoto Hiroki , Kubota Toshio , Agou Tomohiro 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Carbazole-fused azaborines were synthesized via a Buchwald-Hartwig amination followed by a Pd-catalyzed C-H activation-cyclization reaction. These azaborines exhibited red-shifted absorptions and photoluminescence emissions compared to those of dibenzoazaborines, suggesting the efficient HOMO-LUMO energy gap decrease by the carbazole-annulation. The carbazole-fused azaborines showed improved electrochemical stability compared with the previously reported dibenzoazaborine derivatives.
Nanotechnology in Amyloid Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) - review
Authors: Rocka Agata , Psiuk Dominika , Piędel Faustyna , Żak Klaudia , Brzezińska Agnieszka 
Published: July 2020

Introduction and purpose: Amyloid Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is progressive, cachectic neurodegenerative disease. The lack of effective therapy, which could prevent disease progression and minimize degeneration of motor neurons, contributes to unceasing exploration for novel therapeutic methods. Nanotechnology remains one of the most promising areas among novel agents in neurodegenerative diseases treatment. Recent studies have shown that application of nanoparticles for drug delivery might develop greater effects in ALS treatment.The aim of the study is to analyze literature (database PubMed) for potential nanotechnology usage in ALS therapy.A brief description of the state of knowledge: Nanotechnology is one of the most promising agent in many aspects of medicine, for example drug delivery, cancer therapy and wound healing. There are different kinds of nanoparticles for example gold, silver, metal-oxide, silica, lipid-based. There was one randomized clinical trial that used nanoparticles to improve bioavailability of turmeric, potential anti-inflammatory agent, in patients with ALS. This study showed that using nanoparticles is safe. Most of the recent analysis were carried out using animal models. Promising results were demonstrated in many studies. Conclusions: The available research confirms the usefulness of nanotechnology in increasing the effectiveness of ALS treatment. Animal studies have produced surprising results. Nanoparticles can improve the absorption of drugs and bioavailability, affecting the clinical improvement of patients, which gives new possibilities and therapeutic perspectives for patients with ALS. Personalized therapy based on using molecules and profund control of such therapy can greatly improve the effectiveness of treating people with ALS.
An evaluation of heart failure clinicians' knowledge, attitudes and clinical practice in the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Bernhardt Lizelle , Brady Emer M , Robertson Noelle , Squire Iain B 
Published: July 2020

Background/aims Obstructive sleep apnoea is a public health problem that remains under recognised. Despite obstructive sleep apnoea being associated with the incidence and progression of heart failure, clinician awareness is lacking within and across clinical specialities. This study aimed to evaluate heart failure clinicians' knowledge, attitudes and clinical practice in the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea. Methods This study used a web-based, cross-sectional survey, using the modified Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Knowledge and Attitudes questionnaire among heart failure clinicians in the UK. Results The survey was completed by 102 heart failure clinicians. Out of a possible score of 37, the median knowledge scores were 29 (78%; interquartile range 26–31), 26 (70%; interquartile range 22–28) and 18 (49%; interquartile range 16.5–23.5) for doctors, nurses and pharmacists, respectively. The majority of doctors and nurses felt that obstructive sleep apnoea was important; however, confidence in the identification and management of obstructive sleep apnoea was low across all three groups of clinicians. Conclusions There is a knowledge deficit regarding the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea among heart failure clinicians.
Surgical Masks and Filtering Facepiece (FFP) Respirators – a Guide
Authors: Rafelt John 
Published: July 2020

As the dental profession return to practice following the recent lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) will be essential to comply with Government guidelines and help prevent further spread of the coronavirus. At the time of writing, it is understood that a person may carry COVID-19 and be asymptomatic for a period of time, therefore proper protection for both the patient and the dental professional is critical if dental practices are to continue practising safely. CPD/Clinical Relevance: A good understanding of PPE will be essential when dental staff return to work. The way we do dentistry will be different for some time, requiring changes to our equipment, materials and procedures.
The Tooth About Nightingale: a Reflection on Redeployment to Nightingale Hospital London
Authors: Johnson Ellen Louise , Smith Joanna , Arwel Ceindeg Fflur , Pancholi Ravi 
Published: July 2020

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare professionals were redeployed to an environment outside of their normal day-to-day practice. Being immersed in a different environment from dentistry, in this case the Nightingale Hospital London, allowed us to reflect upon which skills we could bring and take away from an alternative workplace to enhance our profession and patient care. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This paper identifies the importance of mental health, clinical governance and teamwork strategies implemented by Nightingale's leadership team during the COVID-19 pandemic, that can be applied within dentistry to create a positive learning environment.