bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Passive Investments
Authors: Ho Jean 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Passive investments are a phenomenon in investment treaty arbitration. Arbitral jurisprudence is divided over the eligibility of investments represented by claimants who played little or no part in their establishment or nurturing for treaty protection. This note attributes the emergence of passive investments as a category of protected investments to a jurisdictional loophole present in the vast majority of investment treaties. It then considers the extent to which this loophole can be addressed by ‘denial of benefits’ clauses in applicable treaties, by reading an ‘action of investing’ jurisdictional condition into applicable treaties, and by the award of nominal damages when a claim arising from a passive investment prevails on the merits. This note concludes that so long as investment treaties continue to hold sway as regulatory tools, passive investments, for better or for worse, are protected investments.
Genomics of Ocular Chlamydia trachomatis After 5 Years of SAFE Interventions for Trachoma in Amhara, Ethiopia
Authors: Pickering Harry , Chernet Ambahun , Sata Eshetu , Zerihun Mulat , Williams Charlotte A , Breuer Judith , Nute Andrew W , Haile Mahteme , Zeru Taye , Tadesse Zerihun , Bailey Robin L , Callahan E Kelly , Holland Martin J , Nash Scott D 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Background
To eliminate trachoma as a public health problem, the World Health Organization recommends the SAFE (surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and environmental improvement) strategy. As part of the SAFE strategy in the Amhara Region, Ethiopia, the Trachoma Control Program distributed &gt;124 million doses of antibiotics between 2007 and 2015. Despite this, trachoma remained hyperendemic in many districts and a considerable level of Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infection was evident.

Methods
We utilized residual material from Abbott m2000 Ct diagnostic tests to sequence 99 ocular Ct samples from Amhara and investigated the role of Ct genomic variation in continued transmission of Ct.

Results
Sequences were typical of ocular Ct at the whole-genome level and in tissue tropism–associated genes. There was no evidence of macrolide resistance in this population. Polymorphism around the ompA gene was associated with village-level trachomatous inflammation–follicular prevalence. Greater ompA diversity at the district level was associated with increased Ct infection prevalence.

Conclusions
We found no evidence for Ct genomic variation contributing to continued transmission of Ct after treatment, adding to evidence that azithromycin does not drive acquisition of macrolide resistance in Ct. Increased Ct infection in areas with more ompA variants requires longitudinal investigation to understand what impact this may have on treatment success and host immunity.
Detection of Cannabinoids by LC–MS-MS and ELISA in Breast Milk
Authors: Sempio Cristina , Wymore Erica , Palmer Claire , Bunik Maya , Henthorn Thomas K , Christians Uwe , Klawitter Jost 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Cannabis is the most commonly used drug of abuse in pregnancy and after delivery. However, little is known regarding the disposition of cannabinoids in breast milk, although delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component, is highly lipophilic. Quantification of cannabinoids in breastmilk is essential for clinical monitoring and research studies and breastmilk banks mainly rely on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in terms of screening for cannabinoids. To support clinical studies on disposition of cannabinoids in breastmilk, we validated a high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS) assay for the simultaneous quantification of 12 cannabinoids and their metabolites in human breast milk. Said assay was based upon a simple one-step protein precipitation, online column extraction and detection in the positive multiple reaction monitoring mode. After successful validation, the assay was used to analyze 30 samples from a clinical research study that had tested negative using an ELISA kit that is commonly used by breastmilk banks. In human breast milk, depending on the analyte, the lower limits of quantification of the LC–MS-MS assay ranged from 0.39 to 7.81 ng/mL. Acceptance criteria for intra- and inter-batch accuracy (85–115%) and imprecision (&lt;15%) were met for all compounds. Mean extraction efficiencies were above 60% for all analytes. Mean matrix effect ranged from −12.5% to 44.5% except of THC-glucuronide for which significant matrix effects were noted. No carry-over was detected. Although cannabinoid-negative based on the ELISA, all 30 samples tested positive for THC using LC–MS-MS (0.8–130 ng/mL) and several also for 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC), 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THCCOOH), cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG). We validated a sensitive and specific assay for the quantification of 12 cannabinoids in human breastmilk that outperformed an ELISA commonly used by breastmilk banks.
A study of the hard X-ray spectral tails in Scorpius X-1 using RXTE observations
Authors: Ding G Q , Chen T T , Qu J L 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACT
Using all the data of the High Energy X-ray Timing Experiment (HEXTE) on board the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer for Scorpius X-1 from 1996 February to 2012 January, we systematically search for hard X-ray tails in the X-ray spectra in 20–220 keV and, together with the data of the Proportional Counter Array (PCA), investigate the evolution of the detected hard X-ray tails along the Z-track on its hardness-intensity diagram (HID). The hard X-ray tails are detected in 30 observations and their presence is not confined to a specific position on the HID. Our analysis suggests that from the horizontal branch (HB), through the normal branch (NB), to the flaring branch (FB) on the HID, the hard X-ray tail becomes hard and its flux decreases. Jointly fitting the PCA+HEXTE spectra in 3–220 keV, it is found that the Bulk-Motion Comptonization (BMC) could be an alternative mechanism for producing the hard X-ray tails on the HB and the NB of this source. The temperature of the seed photons for the BMC spans in the range of ∼(2.4–2.6) keV, indicating that the seed photons might come from the surface of the neutron star (NS) or the boundary layer and, therefore, the BMC process could take place around the NS or in the boundary layer. Some possible mechanisms for producing the hard X-ray tails on the FB are given.
LncSEA: a platform for long non-coding RNA related sets and enrichment analysis
Authors: Chen Jiaxin , Zhang Jian , Gao Yu , Li Yanyu , Feng Chenchen , Song Chao , Ning Ziyu , Zhou Xinyuan , Zhao Jianmei , Feng Minghong , Zhang Yuexin , Wei Ling , Pan Qi , Jiang Yong , Qian Fengcui , Han Junwei , Yang Yongsan , Wang Qiuyu , Li Chunquan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractLong non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been proven to play important roles in transcriptional processes and various biological functions. Establishing a comprehensive collection of human lncRNA sets is urgent work at present. Using reference lncRNA sets, enrichment analyses will be useful for analyzing lncRNA lists of interest submitted by users. Therefore, we developed a human lncRNA sets database, called LncSEA, which aimed to document a large number of available resources for human lncRNA sets and provide annotation and enrichment analyses for lncRNAs. LncSEA supports &gt;40 000 lncRNA reference sets across 18 categories and 66 sub-categories, and covers over 50 000 lncRNAs. We not only collected lncRNA sets based on downstream regulatory data sources, but also identified a large number of lncRNA sets regulated by upstream transcription factors (TFs) and DNA regulatory elements by integrating TF ChIP-seq, DNase-seq, ATAC-seq and H3K27ac ChIP-seq data. Importantly, LncSEA provides annotation and enrichment analyses of lncRNA sets associated with upstream regulators and downstream targets. In summary, LncSEA is a powerful platform that provides a variety of types of lncRNA sets for users, and supports lncRNA annotations and enrichment analyses. The LncSEA database is freely accessible at http://bio.liclab.net/LncSEA/index.php.
CRISP-view: a database of functional genetic screens spanning multiple phenotypes
Authors: Cui Yingbo , Cheng Xiaolong , Chen Qing , Song Bicna , Chiu Anthony , Gao Yuan , Dawson Tyson , Chao Lumen , Zhang Wubing , Li Dian , Zeng Zexiang , Yu Jijun , Li Zexu , Fei Teng , Peng Shaoliang , Li Wei 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
High-throughput genetic screening based on CRISPR/Cas9 or RNA-interference (RNAi) enables the exploration of genes associated with the phenotype of interest on a large scale. The rapid accumulation of public available genetic screening data provides a wealth of knowledge about genotype-to-phenotype relationships and a valuable resource for the systematic analysis of gene functions. Here we present CRISP-view, a comprehensive database of CRISPR/Cas9 and RNAi screening datasets that span multiple phenotypes, including in vitro and in vivo cell proliferation and viability, response to cancer immunotherapy, virus response, protein expression, etc. By 22 September 2020, CRISP-view has collected 10 321 human samples and 825 mouse samples from 167 papers. All the datasets have been curated, annotated, and processed by a standard MAGeCK-VISPR analysis pipeline with quality control (QC) metrics. We also developed a user-friendly webserver to visualize, explore, and search these datasets. The webserver is freely available at http://crispview.weililab.org.
Predicting Treatment Success with Facet Syndrome: An Algorithm to Predict Lumbar Radiofrequency Ablation Responders in a Military Population
Authors: Hughey Scott , Cole Jacob , Booth Gregory , Moore Jeffrey , McDowell Benjamin , DeYoung Henry , Hosig Anna , Moran Thomas , Stedje-Larsen Eric 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Objective
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the medial branch nerve is a commonly performed procedure for patients with facet syndrome. RFA has previously been demonstrated to provide long-term functional improvement in approximately 50% of patients, including those who had significant pain relief after diagnostic medial branch block. We sought to identify factors associated with success of RFA for facet pain.

Design
Active-duty military patients who underwent lumbar RFA (L3, L4, and L5 levels) over a 3-year period were analyzed. Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were assessed the day of procedure and at the 2-month and 6-month follow-up. These data were analyzed to identify associations between patient demographics, pain, and functional status and patients’ improvement after RFA, with a primary outcome of ODI improvement and a secondary outcome of pain reduction.

Results
Higher levels of starting functional impairment (starting ODI scores of 42.9 vs. 37.5; P = 0.0304) were associated with a greater likelihood of improvement in functional status 6 months after RFA, and higher starting pain scores (DVPRS pain scores of 6.1 vs. 5.1; P &lt; 0.0001) were associated with a higher likelihood that pain scores would improve 6 months after RFA. A multivariate logistic regression was then used to develop a scoring system to predict improvement after RFA. The scoring system generated a C-statistic of 0.764, with starting ODI, pain scores, and both gender and smoking history as independent variables.

Conclusions
This algorithm compares favorably to that of diagnostic medial branch block in terms of prediction accuracy (C-statistic of 0.764 vs. 0.57), suggesting that its use may improve patient selection in patients who undergo RFA for facet syndrome.
Changes in Brain Glutamate on Switching to Clozapine in Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia
Authors: McQueen Grant , Sendt Kyra-Verena , Gillespie Amy , Avila Alessia , Lally John , Vallianatou Kalliopi , Chang Nynn , Ferreira Diogo , Borgan Faith , Howes Oliver D , Barker Gareth J , Lythgoe David J , Stone James M , McGuire Philip , MacCabe James H , Egerton Alice 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
It has been suggested that the antipsychotic clozapine may modulate brain glutamate, and that this effect could contribute to its efficacy in treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS). The aim of this study was to examine the effects of clozapine on brain glutamate in TRS longitudinally. This study examined individuals with TRS before and 12 weeks after switching from a non-clozapine antipsychotic to treatment with clozapine as part of their normal clinical care. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) measured concentrations, corrected for voxel tissue content, of glutamate (Glucorr), and glutamate plus glutamine (Glxcorr) in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and right caudate nucleus. Symptoms were monitored using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Of 37 recruited patients (27 men, 39.30 years old, 84% clozapine naïve), 25 completed 1H-MRS at both timepoints. 12 weeks of clozapine was associated with a longitudinal reduction in Glucorr in the caudate (n = 23, F = 7.61 P = .01) but not in the ACC (n = 24, F = 0.02, P = .59). Percentage reduction in caudate Glucorr was positively correlated with percentage improvement in symptoms (total PANSS score, n = 23, r = .42, P = .04). These findings indicate that reductions in glutamate in the caudate nucleus may contribute to symptomatic improvement during the first months of clozapine treatment.
Controlling Brain State Prior to Stimulation of Parietal Cortex Prevents Deterioration of Sustained Attention
Authors: Edwards Grace , Contò Federica , Bucci Loryn K , Battelli Lorella 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Sustained attention is a limited resource which declines during daily tasks. Such decay is exacerbated in clinical and aging populations. Inhibition of the intraparietal sulcus (IPS), using low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (LF-rTMS), can lead to an upregulation of functional communication within the attention network. Attributed to functional compensation for the inhibited node, this boost lasts for tens of minutes poststimulation. Despite the neural change, no behavioral correlate has been found in healthy subjects, a necessary direct evidence of functional compensation. To understand the functional significance of neuromodulatory induced fluctuations on attention, we sought to boost the impact of LF-rTMS to impact behavior. We controlled brain state prior to LF-rTMS using high-frequency transcranial random noise stimulation (HF-tRNS), shown to increase and stabilize neuronal excitability. Using fMRI-guided stimulation protocols combining HF-tRNS and LF-rTMS, we tested the poststimulation impact on sustained attention with multiple object tracking (MOT). While attention deteriorated across time in control conditions, HF-tRNS followed by LF-rTMS doubled sustained attention capacity to 94 min. Multimethod stimulation was more effective when targeting right IPS, supporting specialized attention processing in the right hemisphere. Used in cognitive domains dependent on network-wide neural activity, this tool may cause lasting neural compensation useful for clinical rehabilitation.
Manganese exposure induces permeability in renal glomerular endothelial cells via the Smad2/3-Snail–VE-cadherin axis
Authors: Gao Peng , Tian Yutian , Xie Qi , Zhang Liang , Yan Yongjian , Xu Dongmei 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Manganese (Mn) is an essential micronutrient. However, it is well established that Mn overexposure causes nervous system diseases. In contrast, there are few reports on the effects of Mn exposure on glomerular endothelium. In the present study, the potential effects of Mn exposure on glomerular endothelium were evaluated. Sprague Dawley rats were used as a model of Mn overexposure by intraperitoneal injection of MnCl2·H2O at 25 mg/kg body weight. Mn exposure decreased expression of vascular endothelial-cadherin, a key component of adherens junctions, and increased exudate from glomeruli in Sprague Dawley rats. Human renal glomerular endothelial cells were cultured with different concentration of Mn. Exposure to 0.2 mM Mn increased permeability of human renal glomerular endothelial cell monolayers and decreased vascular endothelial-cadherin expression without inducing cytotoxicity. In addition, Mn exposure increased phosphorylation of mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2/3 and upregulated expression of zinc finger protein SNAI1, a negative transcriptional regulator of vascular endothelial-cadherin. Our data suggest Mn exposure may contribute to development of glomerular diseases by inducing permeability of glomerular endothelium.
High-risk surgical procedures and semi-emergent surgical procedures for ambulatory surgery
Authors: Skues Mark A. 
Published: September 2020

Purpose of review
This review evaluates more complex surgical procedures to see whether they might be suitable for ambulatory surgery. Operations that have shown an increasing daycase rate in England include thyroidectomy, joint arthroplasty, spinal surgery and hysterectomy, and these procedures are evaluated. Similarly, there have been recent developments in the management of nonelective ambulatory surgery with more timely throughput and home discharge for suitable patients.

Recent findings
Caveats on patient selection with the development of focussed educational programmes about the proposed operation have assisted with the development of shorter discharge times. Strict antiemetic guidelines, multimodal analgesic protocols and postoperative multidisciplinary follow-up are core components of the pathway for effective ambulatory management. Communication after discharge should include phone calls from the Ambulatory Unit and easy access to the medical staff who conducted their operation.

Summary
There should be no reason why more complex surgical operations could not be included in a day surgery armamentarium. Similarly, the evidence for more effective use of timely emergency care with shortened length of stay is increasing.
Enhanced recovery pathways for ambulatory surgery
Authors: Joshi Girish P. 
Published: September 2020

Purpose of review
Implementation of enhanced recovery pathways have allowed migration of complex surgical procedures from inpatient setting to the outpatient setting. These programs improve patient safety and patient-reported outcomes. The present article discusses the principles of enhanced recovery pathways in adults undergoing ambulatory surgery with an aim of improving patient safety and postoperative outcomes.

Recent findings
Procedure and patient selection is one of the key elements that influences perioperative outcomes after ambulatory surgery. Other elements include optimization of comorbid conditions, patient and family education, minimal preoperative fasting and adequate hydration during the fasting period, use of fast-track anesthesia technique, lung-protective mechanical ventilation, maintenance of fluid balance, and multimodal pain, nausea, and vomiting prophylaxis.

Summary
Implementation of enhanced recovery pathways requires a multidisciplinary approach in which the anesthesiologist should take a lead in collaborating with surgeons and perioperative nurses. Measuring compliance with enhanced recovery pathways through an audit program is essential to evaluate success and need for protocol modification. The metrics to assess the impact of enhanced recovery pathways include complication rates, patient reported outcomes, duration of postoperative stay in the surgical facility, unplanned hospital admission rate, and 7-day and 30-day readmission rates.
Measuring and monitoring perioperative patient safety: a basic approach for clinicians
Authors: Wacker Johannes 
Published: September 2020

Purpose of review
Recent research points to considerable rates of preventable perioperative patient harm and anaesthesiologists’ concerns about eroding patient safety. Anaesthesia has always been at the forefront of patient safety improvement initiatives. However, factual local safety improvement requires local measurement, which may be afflicted by barriers to data collection and improvement activities. Because many of these barriers are related to mandatory reporting, the focus of this review is on measurement methods that can be used by practicing anaesthesiologists as self-improvement tools, even independently from mandatory reporting, and using basic techniques widely available in most institutions.

Recent findings
Four mutually complementary measurement approaches may be suited for local patient safety learning: incident and rate-based measurements, staff surveys and patient surveys. Reportedly, individual methods have helped to tailor problem solutions and to reduce patient harm, morbidity, and mortality.

Summary
Considering the potential for perioperative patient safety measurements to improve patient outcomes, the absence of a generally accepted measurement standard and manifold barriers to reporting, a pragmatic approach to locally measuring patient safety appears advisable.
Thyroid Doses to French Polynesians Resulting from Atmospheric Nuclear Weapons Tests: Estimates Based on Radiation Measurements and Population Lifestyle Data
Authors: Drozdovitch Vladimir , Bouville André , Taquet Marc , Gardon Jacques , Xhaard Constance , Ren Yan , Doyon Françoise , de Vathaire Florent 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Thyroid doses were estimated for the subjects of a population-based case-control study of thyroid cancer in a population exposed to fallout after atmospheric nuclear weapons tests conducted in French Polynesia between 1966 and 1974. Thyroid doses due to (1) intake of 131I and of short-lived radioiodine isotopes (132I, 133I, 135I) and 132Te, (2) external irradiation from gamma-emitting radionuclides deposited on the ground, and (3) ingestion of long-lived 137Cs with foodstuffs were reconstructed for each study subject. The dosimetry model that had been used in 2008 in Phase I of the study was substantially improved with (1) results of radiation monitoring of the environment and foodstuffs, which became available in 2013 for public access, and (2) historical data on population lifestyle related to the period of the tests, which were collected in 2016–2017 using focus-group discussions and key informant interviews. The mean thyroid dose among the study subjects was found to be around 5 mGy while the highest dose was estimated to be around 36 mGy. Doses from 131I intake ranged up to 27 mGy, while those from intake of short-lived iodine isotopes (132I, 133I, 135I) and 132Te ranged up to 14 mGy. Thyroid doses from external exposure ranged up to 6 mGy, and those from internal exposure due to 137Cs ingestion did not exceed 1 mGy. Intake of 131I was found to be the main pathway for thyroid exposure accounting for 72% of the total dose. Results of this study are being used to evaluate the risk of thyroid cancer among the subjects of the epidemiologic study of thyroid cancer among French Polynesians.