bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of cognitive load on static balance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients
Authors: Van Hove Olivier , Cebolla Ana Maria , Andrianopoulos Vasileios , Leduc Dimitri , Guidat Pierre Antoine , Feipel Véronique , Deboeck Gaël , Bonnechère Bruno 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIntroductionPatients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may demonstrate cognitive function and balance deterioration. These two phenomena are often realized simultaneously during daily living activities, where the risk of falling may be increased due to possible postural disturbance when focusing on a cognitive task during motion. Despite the high rate of falls in COPD, there is currently a lack of affordable clinical instruments to quantify the interaction between cognitive tasks and static balance in these patients. Therefore, this study aims to assess the balance perturbation induced by cognitive tasks using a new cost‐effective protocol which can easily be implemented in clinical settings.MethodA total of 21 COPD patients (Age: 64 ± 8 yrs, Forced Expiratory Volume in one second = 41 ± 17%, Women: 7) and 21 matched healthy controls participated in the study. They performed two cognitive tasks (counting backward by 3s and naming animals) with eyes open and with eyes closed. Each trial lasted 60 s, with balance‐related parameters recorded and quantified using a Wii Balance Board. A three‐way ANOVA (cognitive task, eyes action, and health status) for balance‐related parameters derived from the center of pressure displacement was performed.ResultsCOPD, vision, and cognitive tasks altered the balance; no interaction between conditions was observed. There was no correlation between cognitive ability, respiratory function, and the balance‐related parameters.ConclusionCompared to healthy controls, the COPD patients had impaired balance. Cognitive tasks altered postural control in both COPD and controls, where this alteration was more pronounced with eyes closed.
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and exacerbation of COPD
Authors: Lokesh Komarla Sundararaja , Chaya Sindaghatta Krishnarao , Jayaraj Biligere Siddaiah , Praveena Attahalli Shivanarayanprasad , Krishna Murali , Madhivanan Purnima , Mahesh Padukudru Anand 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIntroductionLow Vitamin D levels have been associated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and acute exacerbations.ObjectivesThere is a paucity of data on Vitamin D and COPD, its severity and exacerbations in populations that are exposed to sunlight regularly with high levels of physical activity most of their lives.MethodsSerum levels of 25‐OH‐Vitamin‐D were assessed in 100 COPD subjects and 100 age‐ and gender‐matched controls from the rural community‐based MUDHRA cohort in South India. Levels of <20 ng/mL were defined as Vitamin D deficiency. Smoking habits, occupation, Charlson co‐morbidity index, Standard of living index(SLI), body mass index(BMI), 6‐minute walking distance were examined for associations with logistic regression between controls and COPD subjects. Unconditional logistic regression was used to examine the association with exacerbation of COPD.ResultsVitamin D deficiency was observed in 64.5% (95%CI 57.7–70.8) of the subjects in spite of regular exposure to sunlight. Subjects with COPD had higher risk of Vitamin D deficiency (Adjusted OR: 5.05; 95%CI 1.4–17.8) as compared to controls. Amongst subjects with COPD, Vitamin D deficient subjects were three times more likely to have exacerbations in the previous year (Adjusted OR:3.51; 95%CI 1.27–9.67) as compared to COPD subjects without Vitamin D deficiency. Levels of Vitamin D <20.81 ng/mL and <18.45 ng/mL had the highest levels of combined sensitivity and specificity for COPD and acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) respectively.ConclusionIn a rural population exposed to sunlight many hours a day throughout their lives, low Vitamin D levels were associated with COPD and exacerbations of COPD.
Spindle cell variant of epithelioid cell histiocytoma (spindle cell histiocytoma) with ALK gene fusions: Cases series and review of the literature
Authors: Kazlouskaya Viktoryia , Ho Jonhan , Jedrych Jaroslaw , Karunamurthy Arivarasan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundEpithelioid fibrous histiocytoma (EFH) is an uncommon dermal neoplasm expressing anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) protein. Rarely a histopathological variant of this entity exhibits exclusively spindle cells. We report three cases of EFH that do not completely fulfill phenotypic criteria featuring spindle cell morphology and expressing ALK protein. We also analyze the fusion partner genes rearranged with ALK in these cases.MethodsALK expression and rearrangement status were evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and next generation sequencing based gene fusion analysis.ResultsThree cases, all from females between 25 and 55 years old, have been biopsied from back, left arm, and thumb. All three cases showed tumor with exclusively spindle cell morphology without any epithelioid cells. The tumor cells exhibited strong ALK expression by IHC and FISH study confirmed ALK gene rearrangement in all three cases. DCTN1‐ALK fusion was identified in two cases.ConclusionEFH is not always purely epithelioid and its spindled cell variant, spindle cell histiocytoma, should be included in the differential diagnosis of superficial dermal spindled cell neoplasms. ALK immunostain is a useful diagnostic marker for this entity and further studies may be useful to investigate whether DCTN1‐ALK fusion mutations are specific to EFH with spindled cell features.
Glycaemic control with add‐on thiazolidinedione or a sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor in patients with type 2 diabetes after the failure of an oral triple antidiabetic regimen: A 24‐week, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bae Jaehyun , Huh Ji Hye , Lee Minyoung , Lee Yong‐Ho , Lee Byung‐Wan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effectiveness and safety of adding either a sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) or thiazolidinedione (TZD) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) inadequately controlled with triple therapy.Materials and MethodsIn this prospective, open‐label, multicentre, 24‐week clinical trial, we randomly assigned 119 patients with T2D who failed to achieve glycaemic control (7% < HbA1c ≤ 10%) with conventional triple oral antidiabetic agents (OADs; metformin, sulphonylurea and dipeptidyl peptide‐4 [DPP‐4] inhibitor) into two groups who received either an SGLT2i or TZD. The primary endpoint was mean change in HbA1c level between the two groups at 24 weeks.ResultsIn total, 119 patients were enrolled in the SGLT2i (n = 60) and TZD (n = 59) groups. Mean age of the study subjects was 61.86 years, and the mean duration of T2D was 13.89 years. After 24 weeks, both groups showed significant reductions in HbA1c (from 7.94% ± 0.74% to 6.97% ± 0.84% in the SGLT2i group and from 8.00% ± 0.78% to 7.18% ± 0.98% in the TZD group), without a significant between‐group difference (P = .235). A significant body mass index (BMI) reduction was noted in the SGLT2i group, whereas an increase in BMI was noted in the TZD group (−0.79 ± 1.37 vs. 0.92 ± 0.86 kg/m2, P < .001). Other safety profiles were favourable in both groups.ConclusionsThe current study shows that an SGLT2i or TZD could be a valid option as a fourth OAD for treatment of patients with T2D inadequately controlled with a triple combination of OADs.
Two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiographic finding of left atrial compression resulting from blunt trauma to the thoracic spine
Authors: Gupta Rakesh , Nanda Navin C. , Sozzi Fabiola , Chakraborti Nandita , Mangla Sidharth , Gupta Tanya , Elmarzouky Zeyad M. , Dulal Subash 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe present an adult female in whom two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated encroachment of the thoracic spine on the left atrium (LA) resulting in a very small, compressed LA cavity by a prominent thoracic spine shadow. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest showed compression of the LA produced by localized anterior deformation of the thoracic spine which had resulted from blunt injury to her spine following a fall from a swing several years previously.
Stock markets in turmoil: political institutions and the impact of elections
Authors: Lausegger Martin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis paper explores how elections impact stock markets across diverse political institutions. I argue that electoral and party systems impact the fragmentation, credibility, and predictability of electoral information, influencing levels of uncertainty resolved by elections and leading to distinct stock market reactions. First, elections in majoritarian electoral systems produce larger cumulative abnormal returns (CARs) than elections in proportional representation systems. Second, the weaker institutionalized a party systems is, the larger are the CARs around elections. Third, these two institutional variables interact. Elections in majoritarian (proportional representation) systems with weak (strong) party system institutionalizations will have particularly large (small) CARs. I formally derive these propositions, conduct event studies of the impact of 87 elections on SMs in 21 countries from 1999 to 2016, and analyze four case studies.
Malaysian dental students’ knowledge of managing dental trauma in children
Authors: Mahmood Izatul Arifah , Morshidi Dayang Nurhidayah Abg , Hamzah Siti Hajar , Baharuddin Izyan Hazwani , Ahmad Mas Suryalis 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveThis study sought to assess dental students’ training and experiences in addressing traumatic dental injury (TDI), and, more specifically, their knowledge of TDI management in children.MethodsAll Year 1 to Year 5 dental students (n = 413; response rate = 72.9%) were invited to participate in an online, self‐administered survey, which was based on a validated questionnaire. Quantitative data were analysed via chi‐squared test (p < .05) using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software program.ResultsOnly a few students were found to have undergone first‐aid training in TDI (19.3%) and to have encountered TDI incidents (10.6%) before. Almost all preclinical and clinical students agreed that TDI constitutes an emergency (97.8% vs. 99.4%, respectively) and that tooth avulsion requires immediate care (97.1% vs. 99.0%, respectively). However, almost half of the students (48.8%) did not know the management protocols for a fractured tooth. Compared with clinical students, a significantly lower percentage of those in preclinical study knew the following: (1) the main cause of TDI, (2) the teeth that most commonly experience avulsion, (3) the management protocols for an avulsed tooth (e.g., handling, transportation and urgency of professional intervention) and (4) the management protocols for a fractured tooth (e.g., appropriate storage medium and need for immediate treatment). Amongst the clinical students, a significantly lower percentage of those in Year 3 knew how to transport and store avulsed and fractured teeth, and which teeth are most likely to experience avulsion.ConclusionThis study identified areas of TDI education in need of further refinement. Revision of the dental curriculum in terms of design, content, teaching method and delivery time may thus be warranted.
The influences of conceptions of mathematics and self‐directed learning skills on university students' achievement in mathematics
Authors: Alotaibi Khaled , Alanazi Sultan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis study tested the mediating role of self‐directed learning skills (SDL) between students’ conceptions of mathematics and their achievement in mathematics using a structural equation model. Data were collected using the “Conceptions of Mathematics Questionnaire” and the “Self‐Rating Scale of Self‐Directed Learning”, together with students’ achievement in mathematics. A sample of 440 first year university students at King Saud University participated in the study. The findings confirm the moderating role of students’ self‐directed learning skills between their conceptions of mathematics and their achievement in mathematics. Students who have a highly fragmented conception of mathematics tended to have low SDL skills, and in turn low mathematics achievement (partial mediation), whereas students who have a highly cohesive conception of mathematics tended to have high self‐directed learning skills, and in turn high mathematics achievement (full mediation). Mathematics educators should be aware that students’ conceptions of mathematics may be influential, but not sufficient to predict achievement in mathematics. Equipping students with appropriate conceptions of mathematics and self‐directed learning skills is key to enhancing their performance in mathematics.
Modified adeno‐associated virus targets the bacterial enzyme chondroitinase ABC to select mouse neuronal populations in vivo using the Cre‐LoxP system
Authors: Carstens Kelly E. , Gloss Bernd R. , Alexander Georgia M. , Dudek Serena M. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractCurrent methods of experimentally degrading the specialized extracellular matrix (ECM), perineuronal nets (PNNs) have several limitations. Genetic knockout of ECM components typically has only partial effects on PNNs, and knockout of the major ECM component aggrecan is lethal in mice. Direct injection of the chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) enzyme into the mammalian brain is effective at degrading PNNs in vivo but this method typically lacks consistent, localized spatial targeting of PNN degradation. PNNs also regenerate within weeks after a ChABC injection, thus limiting the ability to perform long‐term studies. Previous work has demonstrated that viral delivery of ChABC in mammalian neurons can successfully degrade PNNs for much longer periods, but the effects are similarly diffuse beyond the injection site. In an effort to gain cell‐specific targeting of ChABC, we designed an adeno‐associated virus encoding ChABC under the control of the Cre‐LoxP system. We show that this virus is effective at targeting the synthesis of ChABC to Cre‐expressing mouse neurons in vivo. Although ChABC expression is localized to the Cre‐expressing neurons, we also note that ChABC is apparently trafficked and secreted at projection sites, as was previously reported for the non‐Cre dependent construct. Overall, this method allows for cell‐specific targeting of ChABC and long‐term degradation of PNNs, which will ultimately serve as an effective tool to study the function of cell‐autonomous regulation of PNNs in vivo. This novel approach may also aid in determining whether specific, long‐term PNN loss is an appropriate strategy for treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders associated with PNN pathology.
Blood markers in remote ischaemic conditioning for acute ischaemic stroke: data from the REmote ischaemic Conditioning After Stroke Trial
Authors: Appleton Jason P. , O’Sullivan Saoirse E. , Hedstrom Amanda , May Jane A. , Donnelly Richard , Sprigg Nikola , Bath Philip M. , England Timothy J. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackground and purposeRemote ischaemic per‐conditioning (RIC) is neuroprotective in experimental ischaemic stroke. Several neurohumoral, vascular and inflammatory mediators are implicated. The effect of RIC on plasma biomarkers was assessed using clinical data from the REmote ischaemic Conditioning After Stroke Trial (RECAST‐1).MethodsRECAST‐1 was a pilot sham‐controlled blinded trial in 26 patients with ischaemic stroke, randomized to receive four 5‐min cycles of RIC within 24 h of ictus. Plasma taken pre‐intervention, immediately post‐intervention and on day 4 was analysed for nitric oxide (nitrate/nitrite) using chemiluminescence and all other biomarkers by multiplex analysis. Biomarkers were correlated with clinical outcome (day 90 National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, modified Rankin Scale, Barthel index).ResultsRemote ischaemic per‐conditioning reduced serum amyloid protein (SAP) and tissue necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) levels from pre‐ to post‐intervention (n = 13, two‐way ANOVA, p < 0.05). Overall (n = 26), increases in SAP pre‐ to post‐intervention and pre‐intervention to day 4 were moderately correlated with worse day 90 clinical outcomes. No consistent significant changes over time, or by treatment, or correlations with outcome were seen for other biomarkers.ConclusionsRemote ischaemic per‐conditioning reduced SAP and TNF‐α levels from pre‐ to post‐intervention. Increases in plasma levels of SAP were associated with worse clinical outcomes after ischaemic stroke. Larger studies assessing biomarkers and the safety and efficacy of RIC in acute ischaemic stroke are warranted to further understand these relationships.
Calmodulin level is significantly increased in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease
Authors: Chen Cao , Hu Chao , Zhou Wei , Chen Jia , Shi Qi , Xiao Kang , Wang Yuan , Dong Xiao‐Ping 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackground and purposeHuman prion diseases (PrDs) are a group of fatal and transmissible neurodegenerative disorders that are diagnosed definitively in post mortem brains. Calmodulin (CaM) is a ubiquitous calcium‐binding protein. Increased brain CaM level has been reported in prion‐infected rodent models and some scrapie‐infected cells. However, the putative alteration of CaM in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of human PrDs is uncertain. Here, we try to figure out the profiles of CSF CaM in sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jacob disease.MethodsCerebrospinal fluid samples of 40 Chinese patients with probable sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jacob disease (sCJD) and 40 cases without sCJD (non‐PrDs) were recruited in this study. The presence of CaM in the CSF was assessed by Western blot, while total tau levels were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit. In addition, the presence of CaM in another CSF panel consisting of 30 definite sCJD cases and 30 non‐PrD cases was evaluated using CaM‐specific Western blot analysis.ResultsCerebrospinal fluid CaM positivity was observed in 28/40 cases of probable sCJD and in 9/40 non‐PrD cases. The CSF tau levels in the probable sCJD cases were markedly higher than those in the non‐PrD cases. Logistic regression established a significant correlation between CSF CaM signal and total CSF tau level. Similar results were observed in the panel of cases with definite sCJD: the rates of CSF CaM positivity in the definite sCJD cases and the non‐PrD cases were 22/30 and 6/30, respectively.ConclusionsAlthough CSF CaM positivity might not be a sCJD‐specific phenomenon, a significantly high rate of CaM‐positive CSF in sCJD cases, especially in those with high CSF tau levels, rendered it a valuable diagnostic biomarker for sCJD.
Transcriptional flexibility during thermal challenge corresponds with expanded thermal tolerance in an invasive compared to native fish
Authors: Komoroske Lisa M. , Jeffries Ken M. , Whitehead Andrew , Roach Jennifer L. , Britton Monica , Connon Richard E. , Verhille Christine , Brander Susanne M. , Fangue Nann A. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractCapacity to cope with warming temperatures is a key determining factor of species' persistence under global climate change. Many successful invasive species have heightened thermal tolerance relative to their native counterparts, which may provide competitive advantages for habitat utilization and resource acquisition under warming scenarios, ultimately contributing to radically altered community composition. Enhanced transcriptional plasticity may be an important factor conferring superior abilities to cope with environmental stress, but the molecular mechanisms driving key differences of organismal traits in invasive versus native species are not well known. Although it is predicted that established invaders will evolve canalized phenotypes well‐adapted to new environments, it is not clear whether the same expectations are true for invaders of variable thermal environments or under climate warming scenarios where abilities to cope with fluctuating and increasing temperatures may provide fitness advantages. Here, we compare a highly successful invasive fish and a sympatric endangered native fish living in a dynamic estuarine environment that is projected to warm under climate change. We linked organismal physiological limits with global transcriptional responses at multiple common relative and absolute temperature thresholds and determined that heightened thermal tolerance of invasive Inland Silversides (Menidia beryllina) is associated with transcriptional changes that are greater both in the number of genes and the magnitude of response relative to native Delta Smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus). Modulated genes contributed to the enrichment of biological processes that differed between species and generally increased with temperature. These results are in concordance with the hypothesis that transcriptional plasticity may play a key role in determining population persistence, species interactions, and shaping community assemblages under climate change. Future studies encompassing a wider range of species and taxa are needed to determine whether this is a general pattern found between native and invasive species more broadly.
Multicenter prospective study of stereotactic body radiotherapy for previously untreated solitary primary hepatocellular carcinoma: The STRSPH study
Authors: Kimura Tomoki , Takeda Atsuya , Sanuki Naoko , Ariyoshi Keisuke , Yamaguchi Takuhiro , Imagumbai Toshiyuki , Katoh Norio , Eriguchi Takahisa , Oku Yohei , Ozawa Shuichi , Tsurugai Yuichiro , Kokubo Masaki , Shimizu Shinichi , Ishikura Satoshi 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimTo prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for patients with previously untreated solitary primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsThe main eligibility criteria included the following: (1) primary solitary HCC; (2) no prior treatment for HCC; (3) Child–Turcotte–Pugh score of seven or less; and (4) unsuitability for or refusal of surgery and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The prescribed dose of SBRT was 40 Gy in five fractions. The primary endpoint was 3‐year overall survival (OS); the secondary endpoints included local progression‐free survival (LPFS), local control (LC), and adverse events. The accrual target was 60 patients, expecting a 3‐year OS of 70% with a 50% threshold.ResultsBetween 2014 and 2018, 36 patients were enrolled; enrollment was closed early because of slow accrual. The median tumor size was 2.3 cm. The median follow‐up at the time of evaluation was 20.8 months. The 3‐year OS was 78% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 53%–90%). The 3‐year LPFS and LC proportion were 73% (95% CI: 48%–87%) and 90% (95% CI: 65%–97%), respectively. Grade 3 or higher SBRT‐related toxicities were observed in four patients (11%), and grade five toxicities were not observed.ConclusionsThis study showed acceptably low incidence of SBRT‐related toxicities. LC and OS after SBRT were comparable for previously untreated solitary HCC for patients unfit for resection and RFA. Although a definitive conclusion cannot be drawn by this study, the promising results indicate that SBRT may be an alternative option in the management of early HCC.