bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Idiopathic normal‐pressure hydrocephalus: the cost‐effectiveness of delivering timely and adequate treatment in Germany
Authors: Tinelli M. , Guldemond N. , Kehler U. 
Published: October 2020

Background and purposeIdiopathic normal‐pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a progressive, severe brain disorder, which mainly affects people above the age of 65 years. iNPH is characterized by the accumulation of excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain's ventricles. In most cases, iNPH patients can be effectively treated with shunt surgery, which involves placing a tube into the brain to drain the excess fluid. As part of the European Brain Council‐led Value of Treatment project, this study aimed to investigate the cost‐effectiveness of delivering timely and adequate iNPH treatment in Germany.MethodsThe study identified treatment gaps that prevent iNPH patients from receiving adequate and timely treatment. The cost‐effectiveness of delivering shunt surgery to iNPH‐prevalent patients aged ≥65 years in Germany was calculated using decision‐analytical modelling. The model compared two alternatives, current care (shunt surgery in 25% of iNPH cases) and target care (shunt surgery in 90% of iNPH cases), and looked at healthcare costs (diagnosis, shunt intervention and follow‐up care) from the public health insurance perspective, as well as effectiveness outcomes in terms of lives saved and quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) gained.ResultsDelivering timely and adequate iNPH treatment proved to be cost‐effective. Cost per life saved varied between €27 921 at 5 years and €246 726 at 15 years. Cost‐per‐QALY estimates varied between €10 202 at 5 years and €35 128 at 15 years.ConclusionsIdiopathic normal‐pressure hydrocephalus is a treatable but often not‐treated disease, resulting in unnecessary and avoidable disease burden for the healthcare system. Actions required to close this treatment gap are straightforward and their implementation has been modelled with successful outcomes.
A niche in the spotlight: Could external factors critically disturb hair follicle homeostasis and contribute to inflammatory hair follicle diseases?
Authors: Vogt Annika , Constantinou Andria , Rancan Fiorenza , Ghoreschi Kamran , Blume‐Peytavi Ulrike , Combadiere Behazine 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe anatomy of the hair follicle and the dynamics of its barrier provide a special space for interactions between macromolecules and the underlying tissue. Translocation across the hair follicle epithelium and immune recognition has been confirmed for proteins, nucleic acids, engineered particles, virus particles and others. Tissue responses can be modulated by pro‐inflammatory stimuli as demonstrated in penetration and transcutaneous immunization studies. Even under physiological conditions, hair follicle openings are filled with exogenous material ranging from macromolecules, engineered particles to natural particles including diverse communities of microbes. The exposed position of the infundibulum suggests that local inflammatory insults could disturb the finely tuned balance and may trigger downstream responses that initiate or facilitate local outbreaks of inflammatory hair diseases typically occurring in close spatial association with the infundibulum as observed in cicatricial alopecia. The question as to how microbial colonization or deposition of contaminants on the surface of the hair follicle epithelium interact with the barrier status under the influence of individual predisposition may help us understand local flare‐ups of inflammatory hair diseases. Specifically, learning more about skin barrier alterations in the different types of inflammatory hair diseases and cross‐talk with exogenous compounds could give new insights in this less explored aspect of hair follicle homeostasis. Such knowledge may not only be used to develop supportive measures to maintain a healthy scalp. It may have wider implications for our understanding on how external factors influence inflammation and immunological responses in the skin.
Subcritical crack growth in hard alloys under cyclic loading
Authors: Brackmann Lukas , Röttger Arne , Weber Sebastian , Theisen Werner 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn this work, the subcritical crack growth in Fe‐, Ni‐ and Co‐base hard alloys was investigated. Specimens were cyclically loaded in the pressure threshold range until a ring crack resulted as a failure criterion. Crack propagation along with the individual microstructural constituents and the associated resistance of the individual materials to crack propagation was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and by the methods adapted to it. For the Ni‐base alloys, the formation of a closed ring fracture occurred after the lowest load cycle number, followed by the Co‐ and Fe‐base alloys. Almost no crack deflection by the hard phases was detected in the Ni‐base alloys. The higher number of loading cycles to produce a closed crack ring in the Fe‐base alloys is attributed to the pronounced crack deflection by the hard phases and to the higher matrix strength. Besides, phase transformations were registered in front of the crack tip of the Co‐ and the partially austenitic Fe‐base alloy. This phase transformation counteracts crack formation in the case of the Fe‐base matrix but promotes crack propagation in the Co‐base alloy.
Determinants of entry: Evidence from new manufacturing firms in the U.S
Authors: Dong Yilin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe objective of this paper is to estimate the relationship between agglomeration economies and the birth of new firms in U.S. manufacturing sectors during 2004–2012. I examine the variations in Marshallian factors across MSAs and across counties within MSAs. My findings support the existence of Marshallian agglomeration forces: input sharing, labor market pooling, and knowledge spillovers, with input–output linkages particularly important. I then examine the variations in Marshallian factors across regions and find regional differences are not very strong. In addition, large‐sized firms appear to be more responsive to a supplier‐customer relationship. Moreover, my empirical results provide evidence that firms in highly concentrated industries react more to input linkage and labor pooling.
Fatal neck pain in a patient on maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Salaouatchi Tayeb M. , Nechita Mariana I. , Bossu Nicolas , Collart Frédéric , Mesquita Maria do Carmo F. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractInfectious spondylodiscitis (IS) is defined as the pathogenic invasion of the vertebrae and intervertebral disks. It is a serious condition that can lead to many complications such as chronic pain, permanent neurological deficits, and even death. Vertebral surgical procedures, invasive urinary tract manipulations, and central line‐associated bloodstream infection are the primary methods by which microorganisms reach the vertebrae and intervertebral disks. Hemodialysis (HD) patients are regularly exposed to bloodstream infections due to long‐term catheter utilization or repeated vascular puncturing in patients with arteriovenous fistula. Due to the high risk of blood stream infections, HD patients have a higher risk of developing IS. Despite advanced diagnostic methods, diagnosis of spondylodiscitis is often delayed due to insidious and nonspecific symptoms, allowing dissemination of the infection, which explains the high level of mortality due to spondylodiscitis in HD patients. The infectious process typically occurs in the thoracic or lumbar region, although cervical IS does occur. We herein report the case of a 67‐year‐old man on HD who developed infectious cervical spondylodiscitis. The diagnosis was established a few days after symptom onset, but the issue was unfortunately fatal despite a well‐conducted antibiotic treatment.
Association between serum lipids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and prognosis in maintenance hemodialysis patients
Authors: Tanaka Yusuke , Ohya Masaki , Yano Takuro , Minakata Tomokazu , Higashiura Masaki , Yamamoto Shuto , Mima Toru , Negi Shigeo , Nakata Hirosuke , Otani Haruhisa , Kodama Naoya , Kodama Toshihiro , Shigematsu Takashi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntroductionRisks of mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are significantly higher in hemodialysis (HD) patients than in the general population, where dyslipidemia is an established risk factor for CVD and mortality. There is no clear conclusion, however, whether dyslipidemia is a significant risk factor for CVD and mortality in HD patients. Similarly, the association between the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and the mortality is not clear in HD patients.MethodsWe retrospectively investigated mortality and CVD events in 420 HD patients. We classified patients into high‐ and low‐lipid groups depending on their lipid levels. Survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier analysis and evaluated by the log‐rank test. The risk estimates were computed using a multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis.FindingsDuring their follow‐up (June 2011 to June 2016), 151 patients died (37 of CVD), and 112 patients experienced new CVD events. On Kaplan–Meier analysis, the number of all‐cause deaths and CVD events were significantly higher in the low HDL‐cholesterol group (P < 0.01, log‐rank test). Similarly, the number of all‐cause deaths was significantly higher in the high eicosapentaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratio group (P < 0.01, log‐rank test). Multivariate Cox proportional analysis showed that HDL‐cholesterol was a significant prognostic indicator for new onset of CVD events (low: 0, high: 1, hazard ratio 0.66, 95% confidence interval 0.44–0.97; P = 0.04).DiscussionIn HD patients, LDL‐cholesterol and non‐HDL‐cholesterol levels are not associated with mortality or CVD events. The HDL‐cholesterol level, however, is an independent predictor of new CVD events even in HD patients.
Vesicular glutamate transporter‐immunopositive axons that coexpress neuropeptides in the rat and human dental pulp
Authors: Cho Y. S. , Ko H. G. , Han H. M. , Park S. K. , Moozhayil S. J. , Choi S. Y. , Bae Y. C. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimTo examine the type of vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT)‐immunopositive (+) axons that coexpress neuropeptides in the rat and human dental pulp, which may help understand peripheral mechanism of pulpal inflammatory pain in rats and humans.MethodologyThe trigeminal ganglia (TG) and the dental pulp of the maxillary molar teeth from three male Sprague–Dawley rats weighing 300–330 g and dental pulps of three healthy human (male) maxillary premolar teeth from three 16 to 28‐year‐old patients extracted for orthodontic treatment were used. The type of VGLUT + axons that coexpress substance P (SP)‐ and/or calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) and parvalbumin in the rat TG and in the axons of the rat and the human dental pulp was examined by double fluorescence immunohistochemistry and quantitative analysis. Results were analyzed using one‐way anova and the Kruskal–Wallis test.ResultsSP and CGRP were expressed in many human VGLUT1 + pulpal axons but not in the rat VGLUT1 + TG neurons and pulpal axons (P < 0.05). SP and CGRP were expressed in a considerable number of human VGLUT2 + pulpal axons and also in many rat TG neurons and pulpal axons. The fraction of VGLUT1 + axons expressing parvalbumin was about three times higher in the rat than in the human dental pulp (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the types of VGLUT + axons, which release neuropeptides, may be different between the rat and the human dental pulp, raising a possibility that peripheral mechanism of pulpal inflammatory pain may be different between rats and humans.
Acceleration of the ageing process in mei (Prunus mume Siebold) liqueur by high hydrostatic pressure treatment
Authors: Lin Jia‐Ying , Wu Yi‐Jing , Hsiao Yun‐Ting , Wang Chung‐Yi 
Published: October 2020

SummaryThis study evaluated the effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment on the physicochemical composition, level of aromatic compounds and antioxidant properties of mei liqueur, as well as the microstructure of mei fruits during a 180‐day ageing process. The titratable acidity, pH, and browning index of mei liqueur and HHP‐treated mei liqueur did not exhibit significant differences. The HHP‐treated mei liqueur displayed significantly higher ∆E, sugar and alcohol concentration during the 180‐day maceration period (P ≤ 0.05). Electron microscopy revealed that HHP treatment damaged the cellular structure of mei fruits, promoting the penetration of rice wine into the fruits as well as the dissolution of aromatic and antioxidant components into rice wine, leading to the completion of the maturation of the mei liqueur. Thus, HHP technology could be used to accelerate mei liqueur maturation, shorten the time required for its ageing, exhibiting tremendous potential for applications in the liqueur industry.
Factors affecting the occurrence of viable but non‐culturable state in Salmonella, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus during thermosonication and prevent it with sodium pyruvate
Authors: Zhang Lingna , Jiang Lifen , Nie Xinyin , Liao Hongmei 
Published: October 2020

AbstractConcerning potential food safety and/or public health risks raised by viable but non‐culturable (VBNC) state bacteria, factors affecting its occurrence during thermosonication were summarised. The relative ratios of Salmonella and Escherichia coli in the VBNC state were higher than that of Staphylococcus aureus, suggesting that the tested gram‐negative bacteria would be more likely to survive in this state than S. aureus (gram‐positive). The culturability of bacteria was easier to be retained in neutral pH environment, resulting in a reduced likelihood of entering into a VBNC state. Non‐occurrence of a VBNC state by moderate heat of 32–57 °C was observed, facilitated in combination with sonication and being correlated with thermosonication conditions. Adding sodium pyruvate before thermosonication treatments could prevent the occurrence of a VBNC state, though the molecular mechanism of it is not clearly known and needs further elucidation.
Enhancement of ultrabroadband Bi NIR emission via fluorination for all wavelength amplification of optical communication
Authors: Chen Weiwei , Cao Jiangkun , Peng Mingying , Wang Yafei , Xiong Puxian 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBismuth (Bi)‐doped photonic glasses and fibers with broadband near‐infrared (NIR) photoemission have potential applications in tunable lasers and broadband amplifiers. Yet, when it comes to all wavelength amplification of optical communication, it remains challenging to achieve efficient Bi NIR emission in the technically relevant C‐ and L‐ bands (1530‐1625 nm). Here, we propose a scheme by fluorination triggered enhancement of ultra‐broadband Bi NIR emission in nitrided germanate glasses. Besides, compared to previous research, a unique and efficient Bi‐activated ultra‐wideband NIR emission with new emission bands peaked at ~924 and ~1520 nm under excitation of 450 nm are obtained in nitrided germanate glasses after fluorination. Moreover, the fluorination can modulate the local chemical environment by forcing the conversion of aluminum species from AlO4 to AlO5 and AlO6 and consequently increase the flexibility of the glass network structure, which finally induces the conversion of Bi species and then manipulates the relative emission intensity of different Bi NIR centers. Thus, a flat and tunable emission spectrum covering the entire optical communication band is obtained by optimizing the fluoride amount. We believe this work is helpful to design the Bi‐doped tunable fiber lasers and ultra‐broadband amplifiers for all wavelength amplification of optical communication.
Evaluating the usability and safety of the semaglutide single‐dose pen‐injectors through summative (human factors) usability testing
Authors: Klonoff David C , Bassock Stephanie , Dwyer Andrea , Engels Ella , Qvist Marianne , Sparre Thomas , Snitker Soren 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAims/IntroductionA single‐dose, shield‐activated pen‐injector for each of the three approved dose variants (0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg) of once‐weekly subcutaneous semaglutide has been developed to improve usability. This analysis presents findings from the summative usability testing process for the single‐dose semaglutide pen‐injectors, including the pen‐injector four‐pack cartons and instructions for use.Materials and MethodsA total of 60 adults representing four user groups were included: patients with/without pen‐injector experience, non‐pharmacist healthcare professionals and pharmacists (each n = 15). Participants carried out four tasks: (i) pen‐injector carton retrieval; (ii) first simulated injection; (iii) pen‐injector retrieval; and (iv) second simulated injection. All participants carried out task 1, and patients and non‐pharmacist healthcare professionals took part in tasks 2–4 (n = 45). The number and types of use errors, close calls and operational difficulties were evaluated, and participants subjectively rated the ease of each task on a scale of 1 (difficult) to 7 (easy).ResultsNo potentially serious use errors and only one non‐serious use error were reported. Eight participants committed use errors with no potential for harm, one participant committed an unclassified use error, one participant encountered a close call with no potential for harm and one participant experienced an operational difficulty. Mean ease‐of‐use ratings were 6.7 (task 1), 5.9 (task 2), 6.6 (task 3) and 6.9 (task 4).ConclusionsAll three dose variants of the semaglutide single‐dose pen‐injector were considered easy to use (subjective feedback scores near 7) and not associated with any serious use errors, even when participants received no training before study participation.
Continuous glucose monitoring systems give contact dermatitis in children and adults despite efforts of providing less ‘allergy‐ prone’ devices: investigation and advice hampered by insufficient material for optimized patch test investigations
Authors: Svedman C. , Bruze M. , Antelmi A. , Hamnerius N. , Hauksson I. , Ulriksdotter J. , Mowitz M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundMedical devices are increasingly being reported to cause contact allergic dermatitis reactions.ObjectiveReview of patients with diabetes type I referred for suspected allergic contact dermatitis to insulin pump or glucose sensor systems. Method: We have reviewed 11 referred diabetes mellitus patients investigated for allergic contact dermatitis reactions to medical devices and specifically Dexcom G6®. Extracts from the medical devices were analysed.ResultsThe majority of patients was children, the majority had relevant allergies and particularly allergy to isobornyl acrylate which was also found in the glucose sensor system Dexcom G6®.ConclusionsThe following case reports bring in focus the fact that patients sensitized through use of one medical device and being advised the use of another, or find another product for a while useful, are not by necessity free from future episodes of allergic contact dermatitis. The case reports emphasize the need for collaboration since it is impossible for even well‐equipped laboratories to properly investigate the medical devices when information on the substances used in production is not uniform and complete and material to investigate are scarce. The importance of adequate patch test series and testing with own material and furthermore the importance to re‐analyse medical devices and re‐analyse test data are emphasized.
Quantifying intracortical bone microstructure: A critical appraisal of 2D and 3D approaches for assessing vascular canals and osteocyte lacunae
Authors: Williams Katherine A. , Gostling Neil J. , Steer Joshua W. , Oreffo Richard O. C. , Schneider Philipp 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDescribing and quantifying vascular canal orientation and volume of osteocyte lacunae in bone is important in studies of bone growth, mechanics, health and disease. It is also an important element in analysing fossil bone in palaeohistology, key to understanding the growth, life and death of extinct animals. Often, bone microstructure is studied using two‐dimensional (2D) sections, and three‐dimensional (3D) shape and orientation of structures are estimated by modelling the structures using idealised geometries based on information from their cross sections. However, these methods rely on structures meeting strict geometric assumptions. Recently, 3D methods have been proposed which could provide a more accurate and robust approach to bone histology, but these have not been tested in direct comparison with their 2D counterparts in terms of accuracy and sensitivity to deviations from model assumptions. We compared 2D and 3D methodologies for estimating key microstructural traits using a combination of experimental and idealised test data sets. We generated populations of cylinders (canals) and ellipsoids (osteocyte lacunae), varying the cross‐sectional aspect ratios of cylinders and orientation of ellipsoids to test sensitivity to deviations from cylindricality and longitudinal orientation, respectively. Using published methods, based on 2D sections and 3D data sets, we estimated cylinder orientation and ellipsoid volume. We applied the same methods to six CT data sets of duck cortical bone, using the full volumes for 3D measurements and single CT slices to represent 2D sections. Using in silico test data sets that did deviate from ideal cylinders and ellipsoids resulted in inaccurate estimates of cylinder or canal orientation, and reduced accuracy in estimates of ellipsoid and lacunar volume. These results highlight the importance of using appropriate 3D imaging and quantitative methods for quantifying volume and orientation of 3D structures and offer approaches to significantly enhance our understanding of bone physiology based on accurate measures for bone microstructures.