bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil therapy in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Songwisit Sakdipat , Kosiyakul Punchika , Jitprapaikulsan Jiraporn , Prayoonwiwat Naraporn , Ungprasert Patompong , Siritho Sasitorn 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is an immunosuppressive agent (IS) which is widely prescribed in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patients. We aim to assess the efficacy and safety of MMF in controlling relapse and disease severity. Eligible studies obtained from the EMBASE and Ovid MEDLINE databases were studies of NMOSD patients treated with MMF, which reported treatment outcomes as Annualized Relapse Rate (ARR) or Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) before and after treatment. Fifteen studies included 1047 patients, of whom 915 (87.4%) were aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin seropositive. The total number of patients that received MMF was 799. A meta-analysis on ARR was conducted in 200 patients from 4 studies and on EDSS in 158 patients from 3 studies. The result showed a significant improvement with a mean reduction of 1.13 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60–1.65] in ARR, and a mean reduction of 0.85 (95% CI 0.36–1.34) in EDSS after MMF therapy. Adverse events occurred in 106 (17.8%) of 594 patients during MMF therapy. This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that using MMF as a preventive therapy in NMOSD patients can significantly reduce relapse rates and improve disease severity with acceptable tolerability.
Negative binomial mixed models for analyzing longitudinal CD4 count data
Authors: Yirga Ashenafi A. , Melesse Sileshi F. , Mwambi Henry G. , Ayele Dawit G. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIt is of great interest for a biomedical analyst or an investigator to correctly model the CD4 cell count or disease biomarkers of a patient in the presence of covariates or factors determining the disease progression over time. The Poisson mixed-effects models (PMM) can be an appropriate choice for repeated count data. However, this model is not realistic because of the restriction that the mean and variance are equal. Therefore, the PMM is replaced by the negative binomial mixed-effects model (NBMM). The later model effectively manages the over-dispersion of the longitudinal data. We evaluate and compare the proposed models and their application to the number of CD4 cells of HIV-Infected patients recruited in the CAPRISA 002 Acute Infection Study. The results display that the NBMM has appropriate properties and outperforms the PMM in terms of handling over-dispersion of the data. Multiple imputation techniques are also used to handle missing values in the dataset to get valid inferences for parameter estimates. In addition, the results imply that the effect of baseline BMI, HAART initiation, baseline viral load, and the number of sexual partners were significantly associated with the patient’s CD4 count in both fitted models. Comparison, discussion, and conclusion of the results of the fitted models complete the study.
Adrenomedullin and truncated peptide adrenomedullin(22-52) affect chondrocyte response to apoptotis in vitro: downregulation of FAS protects chondrocyte from cell death
Authors: Velard Frédéric , Chatron-Colliet Aurore , Côme Dominique , Ah-Kioon Marie-Dominique , Lin Hilène , Hafsia Narjes , Cohen-Solal Martine , Ea Hang-Korng , Lioté Frédéric 
Published: October 2020

AbstractChondrocyte apoptosis may have a pivotal role in the development of osteoarthritis. Interest has increased in the use of anti-apoptotic compounds to protect against osteoarthritis development. In this work, we investigated the effect of adrenomedullin (AM), a 52 amino-acid hormone peptide, and a 31 amino-acid truncated form, AM(22-52), on chondrocyte apoptosis. Bovine articular chondrocytes (BACs) were cultured under hypoxic conditions to mimic cartilage environment and then treated with Fas ligand (Fas-L) to induce apoptosis. The expression of AM and its calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CLR)/receptor activity-modifying protein (RAMP) (receptor/co-receptor) was assessed by immunostaining. We evaluated the effect of AM and AM(22-52) on Fas-L-induced chondrocyte apoptosis. FAS expression was appreciated by RT-qPCR and immunostainings. The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), CLR and one co-receptor (RAMP2) was evidenced. With BACs under hypoxia, cyclic adenosine monophosphate production increased dose-dependently with AM stimulation. AM significantly decreased caspase-3 activity (mean 35% decrease; p = 0.03) as a marker of Fas-L-induced apoptosis. Articular chondrocytes treated with AM showed significantly reduced cell death, along with downregulated Fas expression and production, as compared with AM(22-52). AM decreased articular chondrocyte apoptosis by downregulating a Fas receptor. These findings may pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches in osteoarthritis.
Association between cognitive quotient test score and hippocampal volume: a novel, rapid application-based screening tool
Authors: Kasai Wataru , Goto Tadahiro , Aoyama Yuki , Sato Kenji 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe aimed to develop a brief, preclinical test to screen the reduced hippocampal volume that is a marker of early dementia [Cognitive Quotient (CQ) test]. We performed an observational study of adult subjects who underwent brain MRI in seven institutions from February 2018 to May 2019. The CQ test consists of five components: (1) digits forward, (2) digits backward, (3) Stroop test, (4) simple calculation, and (5) mental rotation. The primary outcome measure was hippocampal volume. We separated the data into derivation (n = 322) and validation cohorts (n = 96). In the derivation cohort, we built two scoring systems using the results of CQ test (model 1 and 2). In the validation cohort, we validated the correlation of the scoring systems with hippocampal volume. In the derivation cohort, there was a moderate correlation between the scoring systems and hippocampal volume [e.g., correlation coefficient = 0.62 in model 1 (95% CI 0.44–0.75)]. Likewise, in the validation cohort, there was a moderate correlation between the scoring systems and hippocampal volume [e.g., correlation coefficient = 0.54 in model 2 (95% CI 0.38–0.67)]. In this analysis of 418 participants, the score of newly developed CQ test was correlated with hippocampal volume.
A novel RGB-trichrome staining method for routine histological analysis of musculoskeletal tissues
Authors: Gaytan Francisco , Morales Concepción , Reymundo Carlos , Tena-Sempere Manuel 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMorphometry and histology are essential approaches for investigation and diagnosis of musculo-skeletal disorders. Despite the advent of revolutionary methods of image analysis and high resolution three-dimensional imaging technology, basic conventional light microscopy still provides an incisive overview of the structure and tissue dynamics of the musculoskeletal system. This is crucial to both preclinical and clinical research, since several clinically relevant processes, such as bone repair, osteoarthritis, and metabolic bone diseases, display distinct, if not pathognomonic, histological features. Due to the particular characteristics of the skeletal tissues (i.e., the existence of mineralized extracellular matrices), a large number of staining methods applicable to either decalcified or undecalcified tissues are available. However, it is usually the case that several staining methods need to be sequentially applied in order to achieve the different endpoints required to fully assess skeletal tissue structure and dynamics, and to allow morphometric quantification. We describe herein a novel staining method, the RGB trichrome, amenable for application to decalcified, paraffin embedded human musculoskeletal tissues. The acronym RGB corresponds to the three primary dyes used: picrosirius Red, fast Green, and alcian Blue. Although these individual pigments are commonly used either isolated, in binary combinations, or as part of more complex polychrome staining methods, when merged in the RGB trichrome staining produce high-quality/high-contrast images, permitting not only clear identification of different tissues (i.e., the different types of cartilage, bone and fibrous connective tissue), but also discrimination between calcified and uncalcified bone and cartilage, as well as an unexpected diversity of shades of color, while displaying singular properties among polychrome staining methods, such as the unveiling of the bone osteocyte dendritic/canalicular network. Hence, we propose the RGB trichrome as simple but highly-reliable tool for the preclinical and clinical study of the musculoskeletal system.
Robust ferromagnetism in wafer-scale monolayer and multilayer Fe3GeTe2
Authors: Roemer Ryan , Liu Chong , Zou Ke 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMonolayer iron germanium telluride Fe3GeTe2, one of the typical two-dimensional ferromagnetic materials, hitherto, has only been studied by exfoliated micron-sized samples. We achieve high-quality wafer-scale growth of thin Fe3GeTe2 films by molecular beam epitaxy, greatly expanding the types of characterization tools employable and providing the possibility for its integration in devices like consumer electronics. Thickness-dependent transport measurements are used to characterize and probe for magnetic order. Ferromagnetic states exist in 1–10 layer thick Fe3GeTe2, with Curie temperatures ranging from ~75 K in one layer samples to above 175 K in ten layer samples. A single ferromagnetic phase with significant magnetic anisotropy is revealed for all layer numbers. We submit the capability of synthesizing, wafer-scale Fe3GeTe2 as an essential step towards its fulfillment in any applications involving magnetism, such as spintronics.
Results of meniscal injuries repair using different arthroscopic techniques
Authors: Abdel Tawab Abdallah Mohamed , Said Hatem G. , Ramadan Eslam Karam Allah , Abd El-Radi Mohamed , El-Assal Maher A. 
Published: October 2020

Aim: Evaluation of clinical and radiological outcomes following meniscal repair using different arthroscopic techniques for all meniscal tears amenable for repair.Methods: Sixty-one patients were involved in a prospective study; all cases presented with meniscal tears underwent arthroscopic meniscal repair from December 2016 to December 2017. Outcomes involved the site of tear, the repair technique, and associated injuries. The International Knee Documentation Committee Score (IKDC) and Tegner Lysholm Knee Score were used to analyze the clinical and functional outcomes postoperatively.Results: Of the 61 patients, 50 patients (81.9%) had meniscal tear associated with isolated ligamentous ACL injury, 6 cases had corrective osteotomy with ACL reconstruction to correct concomitant genu varus, 2 cases (3.3%) had meniscal tear associated with isolated ligamentous PCL injury, and 9 patients (14.8%) presented with isolated meniscal tear; IKDC was preoperatively (44.52 ± 8.79), postoperatively at 6 months (90.97 ± 6.75) and at 12 months (92.27 ± 2.68) withP-value (0.001). Tegner Lysholm score was preoperatively (52.16 ± 12.22), postoperatively at 6 months (88.03 ± 6.84) and at 12 months (93.26 ± 2.95) withP-value (0.001). Fifty eight patients (95.1%) had no postoperative symptoms at 6 and 12 months’ follow-up. The remaining 3 cases (4.9%) underwent partial meniscectomy due to persistent postoperative clinical symptoms with no signs of healing in MRI.Conclusions: Our study concluded that arthroscopic meniscal repair is an effective way in the management of meniscal tears regarding clinical and functional outcomes.
Spezialisierte ambulante Palliativversorgung (SAPV) – Querschnittsanalyse von Symptomlast, Diagnosen und Sterbeort über 7 Jahre an einem Standort in NRW
Authors: Weckbecker Klaus , Puth Marie-Therese , Just JohannesMaximilian , Horn Kirsten , Grabenhorst Ulrich , Porz Johannes 
Published: October 2020

Zusammenfassung
Ziel Spezialisierte ambulante Palliativversorgung (SAPV) ist ein wichtiger Baustein in der Versorgung Sterbender in Deutschland. Die Analyse einer repräsentativen Kohorte erlaubt wichtige Rückschlüsse für die Verbesserung der Situation Sterbender in Deutschland.
Methode Wir analysieren die bei der Versorgung eines SAPV Teams erhobenen Routinedaten von 2691 palliativen Patienten. Statistische Analysen wurden mittels SPSS, Version 24, durchgeführt.
Ergebnisse In der durch die SAPV betreuten Patientenkohorte verstarben ca. 3/4 der Patienten gesichert am Wohnort, der Rest der Patienten wechselte in eine andere Versorgungsform. Von den insgesamt 2691 Patienten waren 1972 Tumorpatienten, bei 719 Patienten war eine Nichttumordiagnose ursächlich für den Einschluss in die palliative Versorgung. Das Alter bei Erstkontakt zur SAPV liegt bei Nichttumorpatienten signifikant höher. Tumor- und Nichttumorpatienten unterscheiden sich weder bezüglich der Lebensqualität (Karnofskys Score) noch bezüglich Symptomhäufigkeit voneinander. Lediglich das Symptom Desorientiertheit wurde bei Nichttumorpatienten signifikant häufiger dokumentiert und war auch stärker ausgeprägt.
Schlussfolgerung SAPV ermöglicht einem Großteil der behandelten Patienten am Wohnort zu versterben und erfüllt damit den mutmaßlichen Willen der Sterbenden.
Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Management of Spinal Disorders – Results of a National Survey
Authors: Winking Michael , Conzen Michael , Flechtenmacher Johannes , Pumberger Matthias 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Introduction Far-reaching political steps to contain the COVID-19 pandemic have been undertaken in recent weeks. These also impact on surgical specialties not directly involved in the management of patients infected with the coronavirus. The Spine Section, the interdisciplinary professional political arm of the German Spine Society (DWG), the Professional Association for Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery (BVOU), and the Federal Association of German Neurosurgeons (BDNC) conducted a survey on the collateral effects of the pandemic on spine surgery in Germany.
Method This cross-sectional study included outpatient, day-patient and inpatient facilities caring for patients with spinal disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey was designed to analyse the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the management of inpatients and outpatients with spinal disorders and to assess the economic ramifications in the various settings.
Results All members of the Spine Section (n = 134) were invited to participate in the questionnaire consented by BVOU and BDNC. The questions were answered anonymously, and the personal data entered did not permit any de-anonymisation. All in all, 68% (n = 91) of the respondents completed the survey in full. Based on the type of employment (practice 30%, practice/staff: 45% and staff: 25%) and range of activities (conservative: 5%, conservative/operative: 75%, operative: 20%) the survey by the Spine Section can be regarded as representative. 95% of the practices/outpatient clinics reported a decline in their number of patients. In addition, the number of operations performed fell by 36% (SD 17%). The percentage of elective procedures declined from approximately 78% to 6%. As a result, more than half of the physicians anticipated moderate (20 – 40%) economic challenges and 25% major (> 50%) financial problems.
Conclusion In order to cushion collateral damage in the wake of future pandemic management, any implications in the interdisciplinary management of patients with spinal disorders should be based on these results.
Rückkehr in das Erwerbsleben nach kurativer Therapie von Kopf-Hals-Karzinomen
Authors: Zebralla Veit , Kaminski Karin , Wichmann Gunnar , Dietz Andreas , Wiegand Susanne 
Published: October 2020

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Die Reintegration von Tumorpatienten in die Erwerbsfähigkeit ist ein bedeutender sozialer und ökonomischer Faktor. Für maligne Kopf-Hals-Tumoren (KHT) sind hierzu, verglichen mit anderen Tumorentitäten, bislang wenige Daten zusammengetragen und veröffentlicht worden.
Material und Methoden In einer selektiven Literaturrecherche wurden Originalarbeiten zwischen 1997 und 2018 zum Thema „Rückkehr in das Erwerbsleben nach Therapie von Kopf-Hals-Karzinomen“ eingeschlossen und analysiert.
Ergebnisse Es konnten 18 Originalarbeiten zum Thema berufliche Reintegration nach KHT identifiziert werden. Posttherapeutisch scheiden 10–52 % der vormals berufstätigen Patienten aus dem Berufsleben aus. Hinsichtlich der Tumorlokalisation, der Therapiemodalität und des Geschlechts als Prädiktoren der Rückkehr ins Erwerbsleben zeigte sich in den Studien ein inhomogenes Bild. Es scheinen Alter, sozioökonomischer Status, therapiebedingte Einschränkungen (z. B. Fatigue, Depression) und Nebenerkrankungen einen signifikanten Einfluss auf die berufliche Wiedereingliederung zu haben. Rehabilitationsmaßnahmen bewirken positive Effekte.
Schlussfolgerungen Patienten mit KHT haben ein hohes Risiko aus dem Berufsleben auszuscheiden. Die wenigen bisher zum Thema publizierten Studien sind wegen heterogener Methodik, den uneinheitlichen Messzeitpunkten und inhomogener Verteilung untersuchter Tumorlokalisationen nur schwer miteinander vergleichbar. Es zeigt sich weiterhin ein unzureichend adressierter Forschungsbedarf, um evidenzbasierte Konzepte zur Förderung der beruflichen Rehabilitation von KHT-Patienten entwickeln zu können
A Diastereoselective Synthetic Approach towards the Synthesis of Berkeleylactone F and Its 4-epi-Derivative
Authors: Saha Sumit , Subba Srijana , Mandal Susanta 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA diastereoselective approach to the synthesis of berkeleylactone F is presented. The synthetic strategy is initiated with commercially available (R)-glycidol, 1,6-heptadiyne, and (R)-(+)-methyl lactate. The key feature of the approach is directional functionalization at both terminals of 1,6-heptadiyne.
High Blood Pressure in a Urea Cycle Disorder: Case Report
Authors: Solé Carolina , Arriaga María , Cañedo Elvira 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Introduction Urea cycle disorders (UCDs) form a group of metabolic pathological conditions that might develop serious neurological consequences. Early diagnosis, before irreversible damage is established, is the most important prognostic and morbidity factor.
Case Report We present the case of a 5-day newborn with high blood pressure and respiratory distress. Diagnosis was type I citrullinemia. With appropriate citrullinemia guided-treatment blood pressure returned to normal.
Conclusion High blood pressure has been rarely described as a lead symptom for the debut of a UCD. We must take this into consideration as an early recognition and treatment of these disorders are of the utmost importance.
“Beauty” premium for social scientists but “unattractiveness” premium for natural scientists in the public speaking market
Authors: Bi Weilong , Chan Ho Fai , Torgler Benno 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn the face of scientists’ increasing engagement in public discourse, we examine whether facial attractiveness affects their market value (i.e., audience willingness to pay). For a sample of scientists who participate in public speaking, we find that facial attractiveness is uncorrelated with internal academic achievements (as measured by publications and citations) and is only weakly but positively linked to attention outside of academia. Notably, we find that the effect of facial attractiveness on external influence is only robust to measures where speakers’ physical appearance is likely to be most apparent to the public, such as invitations to give TED talks or Google web page counts while the effect on the number of book publications or book awards is not significant. Our results also suggest that these relationships do not differ across scientists’ fields of research. However, we find that in terms of speaking fees, social scientists benefit substantially from being more attractive, whereas unattractiveness is a comparative advantage for natural scientists. A similar divergence in the direction of the relationship between speaking fee and facial attractiveness is also evident for nonacademic speakers from different fields: whereas those from a natural science (job) background gain from unattractiveness, those with a social science history benefit from a beauty premium. This market premium for unattractiveness conforms not only to the common stereotype of the natural scientist but also to a belief that the more unattractive of these researchers engage in higher quality work. Overall, the findings indicate that facial appearance is important in the public perception of academics and, to some extent, their dissemination of knowledge.
Switchable operation of multiple solitons and dissipative soliton resonance in a C- and L-band mode-locked fiber laser
Authors: Wang Xude , Liang Qinmei , Sun Mengqiu , Yang Simin , Ning Qiuyi , Li Suwen 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
We report on the wavelength-switchable operation of multiple solitons and dissipative soliton resonance (DSR) in C- and L-band fiber lasers. Mode-locking operations can be alternatively switched between 1565 nm and 1604 nm with adjustments to the polarization controller. Through controlling the intracavity filtering effect, tunable operations have been observed from 1563.7 nm to 1574.6 nm and from 1600.3 nm to 1605.7 nm. More importantly, the fiber laser operated at the 1565 nm waveband tended to generate multiple solitons, whereas one operated at the 1604 nm waveband tended to generate a rectangular DSR. Our investigations may contribute to understanding complex soliton dynamics in fiber lasers.
Synthesis and characterization of thiol modified beta cyclodextrin, its biocompatible analysis and application as a modified release carrier of ticagrelor
Authors: Zaman Muhammad , Bajwa Rabia Imtiaz , Saeed Sadaf , Hussain Muhammad Ajaz , Hanif Muhammad 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Thiol modification of beta cyclodextrin (β-CD) was carried out using thiourea, which served as a thiol donor. The chemical reaction was mediated using HCl. Polymer prepared via thiolation was further subjected to physicochemical and biocompatible analysis. Acute oral toxicity and compatibility was determined in albino rats. Furthermore, compressed tablets of ticagrelor (TCG) were prepared using modified and unmodified polymers and evaluated via various quality control tests. Thiolation was successfully achieved and confirmed by the FTIR scan, as a significant corresponding peak was observed at 2692 cm−1 wavenumber, demonstrating the attachment of –SH group. In vivo analysis has confirmed the safe use of β-CD, as none of the vital organs showed any kind of toxic effects. Dissolution studies revealed that Tβ-CD was able to release 96.62% of the drug within 1 h of the study, hence providing an immediate release. Conclusively, a thiol moiety was successfully attached to the polymeric backbone and was found safe to be used as a pharmaceutical excipient.