bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Potential of Vitamin D and Curcumin in an In Vitro Model of Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Alamro Abir Abdullah , Alsulami Ebtesam Atiah , Almutlaq Moudhi , Alghamedi Amani , Alokail Majed , Haq Samina Hyder 
Published: May 2020

Background: Alzheimer disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, affecting a very high proportion of the aging population. Several studies have demonstrated that one of the main contributors to this disease is oxidative stress (OS), which causes peroxidation of protein, lipids, and DNA resulting in the formation of advanced glycosylated end products (AGE) in the brain tissues. These AGE are usually associated with the amyloid β (Aβ), which could further aggravate its toxicity and its clearance. Antioxidants counteract the deterioration caused by OS. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin D3 and curcumin on primary cortical neuronal cultures exposed to Aβ1-42 toxicity for different time periods. Methods: Primary cortical neuronal cultures were set up and exposed to Aβ1-42 for up to 72 hours. Cell viability was studied by 3[4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2,5-dipheyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. Biochemical assays for OS such as lipid peroxidation, reduced Glutathione(GSH), Glutathione S-transferase (GST), catalase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were conducted. Sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to study the neurotrophic growth factor (NGF) expression. Results: Treatments with Aβ1-42 caused an elevation in lipid peroxidation products, which were ameliorated in the presence of vitamin D3 and curcumin. Both enzymatic (GST, catalase, and SOD) and nonenzymatic antioxidants (reduced GSH) were raised significantly in the presence of vitamin D3 and curcumin, which resulted in the better recovery of neuronal cells from Aβ1-42 treatment. Treatment with vitamin D3 and curcumin also resulted in the upregulation of NGF levels. Conclusions: This study suggests that vitamin D3 and curcumin can be a promising natural therapy for the treatment of Alzheimer disease.
Clarifying the information and support needs of family caregivers of nursing home residents with advancing dementia
Authors: Thompson Genevieve , Hack Thomas , Rodger Kerstin , St. John Phil , Chochinov Harvey , McClement Susan 
Published: May 2020

Background Research has identified inadequacies in the quality and quantity of dementia-related information, particularly end-of-life information provided to those living with dementia and their family caregivers. The purpose of this study was to identify what types of information family caregivers of persons living with dementia in nursing homes would deem useful in preparing them for their relative’s end-of-life and assist them to make decisions about care along the dementia trajectory. Methods The qualitative methodology of interpretive description was used to guide the study in which semi-structured interviews were conducted with nursing home staff in clinical roles (e.g., nurses, health care aides, social workers, speech language pathologists; N = 26), palliative care clinicians ( N = 7), and bereaved family caregivers of persons with dementia ( N = 17). Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings Eight substantive categories essential to meeting family members’ needs for information and preparing them for the future were identified including: (i) dementia in general, (ii) dementia toward the end-of-life, (iii) care of persons dying with dementia, (iv) the role of family caregiver as decision maker, (v) sustaining connection, (vi) emotional impact of dementia on caregivers, (vii) relationships with staff, and (viii) general questions about life in a NH. Conclusion Our findings suggest that family caregivers of nursing home residents with dementia have unique information and support needs, some disease specific, others more related to life in a nursing home in general. Health care providers need to support and encourage dementia literacy for family caregivers. A key strategy is to proactively broach these topic areas, as too often family caregivers may not recognize or value their need for information.
Efficacy and safety of second-line nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine after progression on FOLFIRINOX for unresectable or metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: multicenter retrospective analysis
Authors: Chae Heejung , Jeong Hyehyun , Cheon Jaekyung , Chon Hong Jae , Ryu Hyewon , Kim Il-Hwan , Kang Myoung Joo , Jeong Jae Ho , Ryoo Baek-Yeol , Kim Kyu-pyo , Yoo Changhoon 
Published: May 2020

Background: FOLFIRINOX (fluorouracil, folinic acid, irinotecan plus oxaliplatin) is an effective standard first-line treatment option for advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). There is no clear consensus on the second-line treatment following progression on FOLFIRINOX. In this multicenter retrospective analysis, we evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of second-line nab-P/Gem (nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine) after progression on FOLFIRNOX in PDAC. Methods: Patients with unresectable or metastatic PDAC who received nab-P/Gem after progression on FOLFIRINOX between February 2016 and February 2019 were identified from five referral cancer centers in South Korea. Baseline characteristics, treatment history, survival outcomes, and toxicity profile were obtained retrospectively from medical records. Results: A total of 102 patients treated with second-line nab-P/Gem for advanced PDAC after progression on FOLFIRINOX were included. At the time of nab-P/Gem, the median age was 60 years, with males comprising 49.0%, and most (75.5%) had metastatic disease. Patients received a median of three cycles (range 1–12) of nab-P/Gem. The median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) from the start of second-line nab-P/Gem therapy were 9.8 (95% CI, 8.9–10.6) and 4.6 months (3.7–5.5), respectively. A partial response was achieved in 8.5%, and the disease control rate was 73.6%. From the start of first-line FOLFIRIOX, the OS1+2 and PFS1+2 were 20.9 (15.7–26.1) and 13.9 (10.8–17.0) months, respectively, with a 2-year survival rate of 45.1%. There was no treatment-related mortality and grade ⩾3 toxicity was observed in 60.2%. Conclusion: Our results showed that nab-P/Gem was an effective and tolerable second-line treatment option in medically fit patients with advanced PDAC who progressed on first-line FOLFIRNOX. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04133155
Spine Surgery Supported by Augmented Reality
Authors: Carl Barbara , Bopp Miriam , Saß Benjamin , Pojskic Mirza , Voellger Benjamin , Nimsky Christopher 
Published: May 2020

Study Design: A prospective, case-based, observational study. Objectives: To investigate how microscope-based augmented reality (AR) support can be utilized in various types of spine surgery. Methods: In 42 spinal procedures (12 intra- and 8 extradural tumors, 7 other intradural lesions, 11 degenerative cases, 2 infections, and 2 deformities) AR was implemented using operating microscope head-up displays (HUDs). Intraoperative low-dose computed tomography was used for automatic registration. Nonlinear image registration was applied to integrate multimodality preoperative images. Target and risk structures displayed by AR were defined in preoperative images by automatic anatomical mapping and additional manual segmentation. Results: AR could be successfully applied in all 42 cases. Low-dose protocols ensured a low radiation exposure for registration scanning (effective dose cervical 0.29 ± 0.17 mSv, thoracic 3.40 ± 2.38 mSv, lumbar 3.05 ± 0.89 mSv). A low registration error (0.87 ± 0.28 mm) resulted in a reliable AR representation with a close matching of visualized objects and reality, distinctly supporting anatomical orientation in the surgical field. Flexible AR visualization applying either the microscope HUD or video superimposition, including the ability to selectively activate objects of interest, as well as different display modes allowed a smooth integration in the surgical workflow, without disturbing the actual procedure. On average, 7.1 ± 4.6 objects were displayed visualizing target and risk structures reliably. Conclusions: Microscope-based AR can be applied successfully to various kinds of spinal procedures. AR improves anatomical orientation in the surgical field supporting the surgeon, as well as it offers a potential tool for education.
Comparison of Minimally Invasive Versus Open Transforaminal Interbody Lumbar Fusion
Authors: Kim Chi Heon , Easley Kirk , Lee Jun-Seok , Hong Jae-Young , Virk Michael , Hsieh Patrick C. , Yoon Sangwook T. 
Published: May 2020

Study Design: Narrative review. Objectives: In this review, we address the question of whether the literature supports the notion that minimally invasive transforaminal interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) improves outcome as compared with open TLIF (open-TLIF). Short and long-term outcomes, fusion rate, and cost-effectiveness were reviewed. Methods: This is a narrative review using various databases. Open-TLIF and MIS-TLIF studies were included and posterior lumbar interbody fusion studies were excluded. A description of paramedian incision in surgical technique was essential to the definition of MIS-TLIF. The present review included 14 prospective observational studies and 6 randomized controlled trials. Results: With short-term outcomes, some studies indicate a better outcome with MIS-TLIF regarding intraoperative bleeding, hospital stay, time to ambulation, postoperative narcotic use, and time to resume work. Both MIS-TLIF and open-TLIF surgeries improved Oswestry Disability Index, back pain, and leg pain. Some studies show that MIS-TLIF resulted in lower back pain than open-TLIF. Radiation exposure was higher with MIS-TLIF. In the longer term, clinical outcomes were improved in both MIS and open TLIF groups. Fusion rates were more than 90% in both MIS-TLIF and open-TLIF. Cost-effectiveness and length of surgery had mixed results. Conclusions: The potential benefits of MIS-TLIF might be present in the early recovery period after surgery. Long-term outcomes were similar with both MIS-TLIF and open-TLIF.
Metrics Development for Minimal Invasive Unilateral Laminotomy for Bilateral Decompression of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis With and Without Spondylolisthesis by an International Expert Panel
Authors: Melcher Carolin , Korge Andreas , Cunningham Michael , Foley Kevin T. , Härtl Roger 
Published: May 2020

Study Design: Prospective study. Objectives: To develop, operationally define, and seek consensus from procedure experts on the metrics that best characterize a reference approach to the performance of a minimally invasive unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression (ULBD) for lumbar spinal stenosis. Methods: A Metrics Group consisting of 3 experienced spine surgeons (2 neurosurgeons, 1 orthopedic surgeon), each with over 25 years of clinical practice, and an educational expert formed the Metrics Group that characterized a lumbar decompression surgery for spinal stenosis as a “reference” procedure. In a modified Delphi panel, 26 spine surgeons from 14 countries critiqued these metrics and their operational definitions before reaching consensus. Results: Performance metrics consisting of 6 phases with 42 steps, 21 errors, and 17 sentinel errors were identified that characterize the procedure. During the peer review, these were evaluated, modified, and agreed. Conclusions: Surgical procedures can be broken down into elemental tasks necessary for the safe and effective completion of a reference approach to a specified surgical procedure. Spinal experts from 16 countries reached consensus on performance metrics for the procedure. This metric-based characterization can be used in a training curriculum and also for assessment of training and performance in clinical practice.
Composite Vernacular Constructions
Authors: Lewis Miles 
Published: May 2020

AbstractVernacular building is the building for ordinary people, constrained by the practicalities of environmental conditions and physical materials, and influenced by traditional culture, but not mediated by professional architects and engineers. Combinations of earth and timber, such as wattle and daub, are found in the vernacular in almost every part of the world, but are a source of great confusion to archaeologists and scholars. Archaeologists are misled by the remains, in which the earth may have survived but the timber usually does not. Techniques such as Lehmwickel are never recognised in archaeological work. There is no common system of naming or classification, and English speakers regularly describe any combination of earth and timber in walling as ‘wattle and daub’. Many of these techniques have been changed by the impact of modern technology, notably pole and pug construction (which is often confused with wattle and daub, though it is quite different in principle); this is essentially a 19th century development because it relies upon plentiful and cheap nails. The purpose of this paper is to establish a common terminology in English, and where possible in other relevant languages, so that misinterpretations are avoided and scholarship can proceed on an orderly basis.
Spatio-temporal distribution of negative emotions on Twitter during floods in Chennai, India, in 2015: a post hoc analysis
Authors: Karmegam Dhivya , Mappillairaju Bagavandas 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundNatural disasters are known to take their psychological toll immediately, and over the long term, on those living through them. Messages posted on Twitter provide an insight into the state of mind of citizens affected by such disasters and provide useful data on the emotional impact on groups of people. In 2015, Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu state in southern India, experienced unprecedented flooding, which subsequently triggered economic losses and had considerable psychological impact on citizens. The objectives of this study are to (i) mine posts to Twitter to extract negative emotions of those posting tweets before, during and after the floods; (ii) examine the spatial and temporal variations of negative emotions across Chennai city via tweets; and (iii) analyse associations in the posts between the emotions observed before, during and after the disaster.MethodsUsing Twitter’s application programming interface, tweets posted at the time of floods were aggregated for detailed categorisation and analysis. The different emotions were extracted and classified by using the National Research Council emotion lexicon. Both an analysis of variance (ANOVA) and mixed-effect analysis were performed to assess the temporal variations in negative emotion rates. Global and local Moran’s I statistic were used to understand the spatial distribution and clusters of negative emotions across the Chennai region. Spatial regression was used to analyse over time the association in negative emotion rates from the tweets.ResultsIn the 5696 tweets analysed around the time of the floods, negative emotions were in evidence 17.02% before, 29.45% during and 11.39% after the floods. The rates of negative emotions showed significant variation between tweets sent before, during and after the disaster. Negative emotions were highest at the time of disaster’s peak and reduced considerably post disaster in all wards of Chennai. Spatial clusters of wards with high negative emotion rates were identified.ConclusionsSpatial analysis of emotions expressed on Twitter during disasters helps to identify geographic areas with high negative emotions and areas needing immediate emotional support. Analysing emotions temporally provides insight into early identification of mental health issues, and their consequences, for those affected by disasters.
The effects of combined magnesium and zinc supplementation on metabolic status in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease
Authors: Hamedifard Zahra , Farrokhian Alireza , Reiner Željko , Bahmani Fereshteh , Asemi Zatollah , Ghotbi Maryam , Taghizadeh Mohsen 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
The present research aimed to analyze the impacts of magnesium and zinc supplements on glycemic control, serum lipids, and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in patients suffering from coronary heart disease (CHD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods
According to the research design, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial has been implemented on 60 subjects suffering from CHD and T2DM. Therefore, participants have been randomly divided into 2 groups for taking placebo (n = 30) or 250 mg magnesium oxide plus 150 mg zinc sulfate (n = 30) for 12 weeks.

Results
Magnesium and zinc significantly decreased fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (β − 9.44 mg/dL, 95% CI, − 18.30, − 0.57; P = 0.03) and insulin levels (β − 1.37 μIU/mL, 95% CI, − 2.57, − 0.18; P = 0.02). Moreover, HDL-cholesterol levels significantly enhanced (β 2.09 mg/dL, 95% CI, 0.05, 4.13; P = 0.04) in comparison to the placebo. There was an association between magnesium and zinc intake, and a significant decrease of C-reactive protein (CRP) (β − 0.85 mg/L, 95% CI, − 1.26, − 0.45; P < 0.001), a significant increase in total nitrite (β 5.13 μmol/L, 95% CI, 1.85, 8.41; P = 0.003) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (β 43.44 mmol/L, 95% CI, 3.39, 83.50; P = 0.03) when compared with placebo. Furthermore, magnesium and zinc significantly reduced the Beck Depression Inventory index (BDI) (β − 1.66; 95% CI, − 3.32, − 0.009; P = 0.04) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) (β − 1.30; 95% CI, − 2.43, − 0.16; P = 0.02) when compared with the placebo.

Conclusions
In patients with T2DM and CHD, the 12-week intake of magnesium plus zinc had beneficial effects on FPG, HDL-cholesterol, CRP, insulin, total nitrite, TAC levels, and BDI and BAI score. This suggests that magnesium and zinc co-supplementation may be beneficial for patients with T2DM and CHD. Further studies on more patients and lasting longer are needed to determine the safety of magnesium and zinc co-supplementation.

Trial registration
Current Controlled Trials http://www.irct.ir: IRCT20130211012438N31 at 11 May 2019 of registration. This study retrospectively registered.
TREM2 activation attenuates neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis via PI3K/Akt pathway after intracerebral hemorrhage in mice
Authors: Chen Shengpan , Peng Jianhua , Sherchan Prativa , Ma Yongjie , Xiang Sishi , Yan Feng , Zhao Hao , Jiang Yong , Wang Ning , Zhang John H. , Zhang Hongqi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Neuroinflammation is an important host defense response to secondary brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) confers strong neuroprotective effects by attenuating neuroinflammation in experimental ischemic stroke. Recent studies suggest that apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a novel, high-affinity ligand of TREM2. This study aimed to investigate the effects of TREM2 activation on neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis in a mouse model of ICH.

Methods
Adult male CD1 mice (n = 216) were subjected to intrastriatal injection of bacterial collagenase. The TREM2 ligand, apoE-mimetic peptide COG1410 was administered intranasally at 1 h after ICH induction. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, TREM2 small interfering RNA (siRNA) and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 were administered intracerebroventricularly prior to COG1410 treatment. Neurobehavioral tests, brain water content, immunofluorescence, western blotting, and Fluoro-Jade C- and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining were performed.

Results
Endogenous TREM2 expression was increased and peaked at 24 h after ICH. TREM2 was expressed on microglia, astrocytes, and neurons. COG1410 improved both short-term and long-term neurological functions, reduced brain edema, inhibited microglia/macrophage activation and neutrophil infiltration, and suppressed neuronal apoptotic cell death in perihematomal areas after ICH. Knockdown of endogenous TREM2 by TREM2 siRNA aggravated neurological deficits and decreased the expression of TREM2 in naïve and ICH mice. COG1410 was associated with upregulation of TREM2, PI3K, phosphorylated-Akt, and Bcl-2 and downregulation of TNF-α, IL-1β, and Bax after ICH. The neuroprotective effects of COG1410 were abolished by both TREM2 siRNA and PI3K inhibitor LY294002.

Conclusions
Our finding demonstrated that TREM2 activation improved neurological functions and attenuated neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis after ICH, which was, at least in part, mediated by activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Therefore, activation of TREM2 may be a potential therapeutic strategy for the management of ICH patients.
Naturalisation in context: how nationality laws and procedures shape immigrants’ interest and ability to acquire nationality in six European countries
Authors: Huddleston Thomas 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis article focuses on the interest and ability to acquire destination country nationality among non-EU-born adults in six European countries. While a sizeable literature has emerged on nationality policies and acquisition rates among immigrants, the ways that policies affect the acquisition process are less well understood. A key question is how laws and procedures affect the interest of immigrants to acquire nationality and their ability to do so in practice. This article argues that both immigrants’ interest and ability to acquire nationality are largely driven by their context, but in very different ways, depending on their individual, origin and destination country characteristics. The analysis finds that interest to acquire nationality is particularly affected by origin country dual nationality laws and destination country nationality procedures, while destination country nationality laws and procedures are the major determinant of immigrants’ ability to acquire nationality. These findings give citizenship policymakers reason to reflect on the potential impact of their laws and procedures on ability and interest, particularly given the fact that promotional measures and targeted integration support are generally weak across Europe.
Survey of Pasteuria, the parasitic bacterial group to plant parasitic nematodes in Turkey
Authors: Öztürk Lerzan , Behmand Tohid , Avcı Gürkan Güvenç , Bozbuğa Refik , Mirik Mustafa , Elekcioğlu İbrahim Halil 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe present study was carried out in the agricultural areas of Northwestern Turkey with the purpose to assess the occurrence ofPasteuriaspp. bacteria on plant-parasitic nematodes. The soil samples were collected from olive, cherry, peach, pear, almond, walnut, apple orchards, vineyards, vegetable, and sunflower fields, analyzed and the bacterium was detected on 30 nematode species belonging to 31 families. Nematode individuals fromRotylenchus, Helicotylenchus, Pratylenchus, Tylenchorrhynchus, andGeocenamusspp. were most frequently infected while the average height and width of the spore core and endospore ranged between 3.70-4.90 and 1.40-2.37 μm, respectively. The results indicated thatHelicotylenchus digonicus,Pratylenchus thornei,P. neglectus,Geocenamus brevidens, Tylenchhorhynchus cylindricus,Rotylenchus cypriensis,Meloidogyne javanica, andM.incognitaindividuals were the most parasitized by the bacterium.