bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Finite element simulation of friction and adhesion attributed contact of bio-inspired gecko-mimetic PDMS micro-flaps with SiO2 spherical surface
Authors: Skondras-Giousios D , Karkalos N E , Markopoulos A P 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The remarkable tribological attributes of the gecko feet have grown much interest in the field of biomimetic tribology over the past two decades. It has been shown that the complexity of friction and adhesion phenomena made it difficult to transfer these exceptional properties into fully functional smart, dry, micro patterned adhesives. The latter, combined with the relative lack of literature on computational oriented studies on these phenomena, is the motive of the current work. Here, a 2D time-dependent finite element model of friction and adhesion attributed contact of polydimethysiloxane (PDMS) micro flaps with a smooth SiO2 spherical surface is presented. The model is tested through simulations concerning changes in the disc curvature, the flap density, as well as different disc mounting heights, representing the effect of preload. Furthermore, the effect of tribological parameters of adhesion and friction coefficient is discussed. Finally, the effect of the use of two hyperelastic material models was examined.
Generating Weyl nodes in non-centrosymmetric cubic crystal structures
Authors: Goikoetxea Joseba , Bravo-Abad Jorge , Merino Jaime 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Weyl nodes are band degeneracy points with relativistic dispersion and topological properties arising in certain three-dimensional periodic systems with broken parity-time symmetry. Despite their fundamental importance, the intrinsic accidental nature of Weyl nodes makes the general endeavor of finding them a challenging task. In this work, we show how Weyl nodes can be generated in cubic crystal structures with a single orbital per site based on a systematic approach that combines a tight-binding analysis with general principles which can be applied to both fermionic and bosonic systems. The cubic Weyl systems generated here preserve time-reversal symmetry but break inversion symmetry hosting the minimum four Weyl points allowed. Laser assisted hopping techniques on cubic optical lattices can allow the artificial generation of such Weyl semimetals. Magnetic oscillation experiments can be used to probe the Weyl orbits along the Fermi arcs on opposite sides of the sample connected through the bulk Weyl nodes.
Surgical Correction of Upper Eyelid Ectropion Presenting Dry Eye Symptoms
Authors: Cho In Chang , Kim Beom-Jun , You Hi-Jin , Tark Woo Hyun 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
Upper eyelid ectropion occurs as a post-blepharoplasty complication or involution change, and it causes dry eye symptoms that cannot be resolved with conservative management.

Objectives
The aim of this study is to describe the authors’ surgical technique of anatomical correction of upper eyelid ectropion, including tarsal scoring incision.

Methods
The technique involves the following 4 steps: (1) adhesiolysis at the preaponeurotic layer; (2) undermining and redraping of the pretarsal flap in a pretarsal plane; (3) optional, partial thickness tarsal scoring incision over the central two-thirds; and (4) downward repositioning of the pretarsal flap and lower fixation to the tarsus. Outcomes were assessed based on the position of eyelid margin and the improvement of the dry eye symptoms.

Results
A retrospective review of 54 cases of patients who underwent ectropion correction, including tarsal scoring incision, was performed. The eyelid margin was well positioned in 51 patients (94.4%). Of the 32 patients involved in the study assessed with the 7-point Patient Global Impression of Improvement, 29 (90.6%) reported the resolution of dry eye symptoms. Furthermore, in the 22 patients assessed with the Ocular Surface Disease Index, the mean score significantly decreased from 43.2 ± 24.1 before surgery to 29.8 ± 23.3 (P = 0.006) after surgery.

Conclusions
The combination of partial-thickness tarsal plate scoring and lower flap redraping surgical techniques resolved the upper eyelid ectropion, reducing the dry eye symptoms.

Level of Evidence: 4
A Sensitive Rapid and Environmentally Friendly UHPLC Assay Method for the Determination of Thymoquinone in Plasma Samples and Its Analytical Application
Authors: Alkharfy Khalid M , Jan Basit L , Raish Mohammad , Haq Nazrul , Ahmad Ajaz 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
A precise, swift and environmental-friendly reverse phase ultra-high performance liquid chromatographic assay for the determination of thymoquinone (TQ) in plasma samples using thymol (TM) as an internal standard was developed and validated. The method used a high strength silica C18 1.7 μm column (100 × 2.1 mm) with an isocratic mobile phase consisting of a blend of methanol and 20 mM potassium dihydrogen ortho-phosphate (90:10 v/v; pH of 4.2). The selected eluent provided a short run time (≤2 min), better peak symmetry, lower limit of quantification of 10 ng/mL and satisfactory values of other chromatographic parameters including resolution (Rs = 1), capacity factor (k = 21.5 and 14.5 for TQ and TM, respectively), selectivity (α = 1.482) and number of theoretical plates (N = 1653 and 784 for TQ and TM, respectively). The method was efficiently applied to a pharmacokinetic study of TQ following an intraperitoneal administration of 2 mg/kg in mice. The concentrations of TQ in plasma were measurable up to 12 h with Cmax of 404.08 ± 28.91 ng/mL, T1/2 of 2.31 ± 0.10 h and area under plasma concentration-time curve of 1527.00 ± 46.61 ng/mL × h.
Transcatheter closure of complex iatrogenic ventricular septal defect: a case report
Authors: Barioli Alberto , Cardaioli Francesco , Pavei Andrea , Tarantini Giuseppe 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
Iatrogenic membranous ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are rare complications of cardiothoracic surgery, such as septal myectomy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). Transcatheter closure is considered an appealing alternative to surgery, given the increased mortality associated with repeated surgical procedures, but reports are extremely limited.

Case summary
We herein report the case of a 63-year-old woman with HOCM who underwent successful percutaneous closure of an iatrogenic VSD after septal myectomy. Two percutaneous techniques are discussed, namely the ‘muscular anchoring’ and the ‘buddy wire delivery’, aimed at increasing support and providing stability to the system during percutaneous intervention.

Discussion
Transcatheter closure represents an attractive minimally invasive approach for the management of symptomatic iatrogenic VSDs. The new techniques described could help operators to cross tortuous and tunnelled defects and to deploy closure devices in case of complex VSD anatomy.
Minimally invasive versus sternotomy mitral valve surgery when initiating a minimally invasive programme
Authors: Kastengren Mikael , Svenarud Peter , Källner Göran , Franco-Cereceda Anders , Liska Jan , Gran Isak , Dalén Magnus 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES

An increasing number of mitral valve operations are performed using minimally invasive procedures. The initiation of a minimally invasive mitral valve surgery programme constitutes a unique opportunity to study outcome differences in patients with similar characteristics operated on through a sternotomy versus a minimally invasive procedure. The goal of this study was to compare short-term outcomes of patients undergoing mitral valve surgery before versus those having surgery after the introduction of a minimally invasive programme.

METHODS
The single-centre study included mitral valve procedures performed through a sternotomy or with a minimally invasive approach between January 2012 and May 2019. Propensity score matching was performed to reduce selection bias.

RESULTS
A total of 605 patients (294 sternotomy, 311 minimally invasive) who underwent mitral valve surgery were included in the analysis. Propensity score matching resulted in 251 matched pairs. In the propensity score-matched analysis, minimally invasive procedures had longer extracorporeal circulation duration (149 ± 52 vs 133 ± 57 min; P = 0.001) but shorter aortic occlusion duration (97 ± 36 vs 105 ± 40 min, P = 0.03). Minimally invasive procedures were associated with a lower incidence of reoperation for bleeding (2.4% vs 7.2%; P = 0.012), lower need for transfusion (19.1% vs 30.7%; P = 0.003) and shorter in-hospital stay (5.0 ± 2.7 vs 7.2 ± 4.6 days; P &lt; 0.001). The 30-day mortality was low in both groups (0.4% vs 0.8%; P = 0.56).

CONCLUSIONS
Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery was associated with short-term outcomes comparable to those with procedures performed through a sternotomy. Initiating a minimally invasive mitral valve programme with a limited number of surgeons and a well-executed institutional selection strategy did not confer an increased risk for adverse events.
Comparative pharmacokinetics of the three echinocandins in ICU patients
Authors: Mainas Efstratios , Apostolopoulou Olympia , Siopi Maria , Apostolidi Styliani , Neroutsos Efthymios , Mirfendereski Helene , Marchand Sandrine , Couet William , Dokoumetzidis Aris , Valsami Georgia , Sambatakou Helen , Dimopoulos George , Meletiadis Joseph 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundWe conducted a prospective study in ICU patients of two tertiary hospitals in order to determine basic pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters, associated variation and target attainment rates for anidulafungin, micafungin and caspofungin.MethodsSerum samples from patients treated for 7 days with the standard doses of anidulafungin (N = 13), micafungin (N = 14) or caspofungin (N = 7) were analysed by validated chromatographic methods. PK parameters determined with non-compartmental analysis were correlated with demographic, laboratory and disease severity characteristics. The percentages of patients attaining drug exposures described in the summary of product characteristics (SmPC) documents and preclinical PK/PD targets for stasis were estimated.ResultsThe median (range) AUC24 was 101.46 (54.95–274.15) mg·h/L for anidulafungin, 79.35 (28.00–149.30) mg·h/L for micafungin and 48.46 (19.44–103.69) mg·h/L for caspofungin. The interindividual variability of anidulafungin, micafungin and caspofungin AUC24 was 46%–58%, attributed mainly to variability in volume of distribution (V), clearance (CL) and in both V and CL, respectively. Significant correlations were found between anidulafungin AUC24 and BMI (rs = −0.670, P = 0.012) and liver enzymes (rs = 0.572–0.665, P = 0.013–0.041) and between caspofungin Cmin and transaminase levels (rs = −0.775 to −0.786, P = 0.036–0.041). Less than 50% of our patients attained the corresponding SmPC median AUC24s and none of the patients attained the PK/PD targets for Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis.ConclusionsAnidulafungin exposure in ICU patients was comparable with that reported in non-ICU patients and in healthy volunteers. Micafungin exposure was comparable to that of other patients but ∼30% lower than that in healthy volunteers, whereas caspofungin exposure was rather low (∼50% lower than in healthy volunteers). Larger interindividual variability (50%–60%) was recorded in ICU patients compared with other groups for all three echinocandins.
Large-scale evidence generation and evaluation across a network of databases (LEGEND): assessing validity using hypertension as a case study
Authors: Schuemie Martijn J , Ryan Patrick B , Pratt Nicole , Chen RuiJun , You Seng Chan , Krumholz Harlan M , Madigan David , Hripcsak George , Suchard Marc A 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Objectives
To demonstrate the application of the Large-scale Evidence Generation and Evaluation across a Network of Databases (LEGEND) principles described in our companion article to hypertension treatments and assess internal and external validity of the generated evidence.

Materials and Methods
LEGEND defines a process for high-quality observational research based on 10 guiding principles. We demonstrate how this process, here implemented through large-scale propensity score modeling, negative and positive control questions, empirical calibration, and full transparency, can be applied to compare antihypertensive drug therapies. We assess internal validity through covariate balance, confidence-interval coverage, between-database heterogeneity, and transitivity of results. We assess external validity through comparison to direct meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Results
From 21.6 million unique antihypertensive new users, we generate 6 076 775 effect size estimates for 699 872 research questions on 12 946 treatment comparisons. Through propensity score matching, we achieve balance on all baseline patient characteristics for 75% of estimates, observe 95.7% coverage in our effect-estimate 95% confidence intervals, find high between-database consistency, and achieve transitivity in 84.8% of triplet hypotheses. Compared with meta-analyses of RCTs, our results are consistent with 28 of 30 comparisons while providing narrower confidence intervals.

Conclusion
We find that these LEGEND results show high internal validity and are congruent with meta-analyses of RCTs. For these reasons we believe that evidence generated by LEGEND is of high quality and can inform medical decision-making where evidence is currently lacking. Subsequent publications will explore the clinical interpretations of this evidence.
Detection of l-Methamphetamine and l-Amphetamine as Selegiline Metabolites
Authors: Shin Ilchung , Choi Hyeyoung , Kang Seojin , Kim Jihyun , Park Yuran , Yang Wonkyung 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Selegiline (SE) is a selective, irreversible monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor, used for reducing symptoms in early-stage Parkinson’s disease. The metabolites of SE include l-methamphetamine, l-amphetamine and desmethylselegiline (DSE). The stereoisomers of SE metabolites, d-methamphetamine and d-amphetamine are highly addictive psychostimulants and some of the most abused drugs in South Korea. In order to differentiate medical SE users form illicit methamphetamine abusers, it is important to distinguish between the l-isomers and d-isomers in urine samples. A 52-year-old male, seemingly under the influence of intoxication and demonstrating abnormal behavior, was reported to the police. The initial urine test using a methamphetamine detection kit demonstrated a positive result. Given the initial results, the police officer requested a further analysis of the urine sample. The urine sample was screened using headspace-solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC–MS). Both methamphetamine and amphetamine were detected, in addition to SE and DSE. To quantitate methamphetamine and amphetamine by HS-SPME-GC–MS, we performed a standard addition method due to the matrix effect of the case sample. Consistent with previous studies, our results indicated that the ratio of amphetamine to methamphetamine was 0.27, which was in the range of SE ingestion. Furthermore, we confirmed l-methamphetamine and l-amphetamine by chiral derivatization using (R)-(−)-α-methoxy-α-(trifluoromethyl) phenylacetyl chloride.
Spontaneous intraneural hematoma of the common fibular nerve due to oral anticoagulation
Authors: Schwab Stephanie , Kabbasch Christoph , Grau Stefan J 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Compression syndromes affecting the common fibular nerve are common and frequently caused by direct pressure upon the fibular tip region. Here, we describe a case of a 50-year-old male presenting with sudden foot drop, which had developed spontaneously. He was on oral anticoagulants due to hereditary thrombophilia (factor-V-Leiden). Neurophysiology examination revealed a common peroneal nerve lesion at the fibular tip. T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a not further classifiable hyperintensity within the common peroneal nerve. Surgical exploration revealed a diffuse intraneural hematoma, which was not evacuated. During follow-up, the nerve function recovered almost completely. In retrospect, MRI findings indicated a hematoma supported by the history of anticoagulant medication.
Structural basis of prostate-specific membrane antigen recognition by the A9g RNA aptamer
Authors: Ptacek Jakub , Zhang Dong , Qiu Liming , Kruspe Sven , Motlova Lucia , Kolenko Petr , Novakova Zora , Shubham Shambhavi , Havlinova Barbora , Baranova Petra , Chen Shi-Jie , Zou Xiaoqin , Giangrande Paloma , Barinka Cyril 
Published: June 2020

AbstractProstate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a well-characterized tumor marker associated with prostate cancer and neovasculature of most solid tumors. PSMA-specific ligands are thus being developed to deliver imaging or therapeutic agents to cancer cells. Here, we report on a crystal structure of human PSMA in complex with A9g, a 43-bp PSMA-specific RNA aptamer, that was determined to the 2.2 Å resolution limit. The analysis of the PSMA/aptamer interface allows for identification of key interactions critical for nanomolar binding affinity and high selectivity of A9g for human PSMA. Combined with in silico modeling, site-directed mutagenesis, inhibition experiments and cell-based assays, the structure also provides an insight into structural changes of the aptamer and PSMA upon complex formation, mechanistic explanation for inhibition of the PSMA enzymatic activity by A9g as well as its ligand-selective competition with small molecules targeting the internal pocket of the enzyme. Additionally, comparison with published protein–RNA aptamer structures pointed toward more general features governing protein-aptamer interactions. Finally, our findings can be exploited for the structure-assisted design of future A9g-based derivatives with improved binding and stability characteristics.
Immunogenicity of Inactivated Varicella Zoster Vaccine in Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients and Patients With Solid or Hematologic Cancer
Authors: Boeckh Michael J , Arvin Ann M , Mullane Kathleen M , Camacho Luis H , Winston Drew J , Morrison Vicki A , Hurtado Kimberly , Durrand Hall Jessie , Pang Lei , Su Shu-Chih , Kaplan Susan S , Annunziato Paula W , Popmihajlov Zoran ,   V212 Protocol 001 Trial Group and V212 Protocol 011 Trial Group
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
In phase 3 trials, inactivated varicella zoster virus (VZV) vaccine (ZVIN) was well tolerated and efficacious against herpes zoster (HZ) in autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (auto-HSCT) recipients and patients with solid tumor malignancies receiving chemotherapy (STMc) but did not reduce HZ incidence in patients with hematologic malignancies (HMs). Here, we describe ZVIN immunogenicity from these studies.

Methods
Patients were randomized to ZVIN or placebo (4 doses). Immunogenicity was assessed by glycoprotein enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (gpELISA) and VZV interferon (IFN)-γ enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay in patients receiving all 4 doses without developing HZ at the time of blood sampling.

Results
Estimated geometric mean fold rise ratios (ZVIN/placebo) by gpELISA and IFN-y ELISPOT ~28 days post–dose 4 were 2.02 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.53–2.67) and 5.41 (95% CI, 3.60–8.12) in auto-HSCT recipients; 1.88 (95% CI, 1.79–1.98) and 2.10 (95% CI, 1.69–2.62) in patients with STMc; and not assessed and 2.35 (95% CI, 1.81–3.05) in patients with HM.

Conclusions
ZVIN immunogenicity was directionally consistent with clinical efficacy in auto-HSCT recipients and patients with STMc even though HZ protection and VZV immunity were not statistically correlated. Despite a lack of clinical efficacy in patients with HM, ZVIN immunogenicity was observed in this population. Immunological results did not predict vaccine efficacy in these 3 populations.

Clinical trial registration
NCT01229267, NCT01254630.
Authenticity:The Ultimate Challenge in the Quest for Lasting Constitutional Legitimacy†
Authors: Kuo Ming-Sung 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The recent upsurge of populism has prompted a wave of theoretical reflections on constitutional democracy. Echoing Max Weber’s sociology of legitimate authority, Bruce Ackerman’s Revolutionary Constitutions: Charismatic Leadership and the Rule of Law stands out from the crowd by providing an ambitious trichotomy of constitutional legitimacy—revolutionary, establishmentarian and elitist—with a focus on the revolutionary pathway. Engaging with Ackerman’s theoretical modelling of the relationship between constitutionalism and legitimate authority, I argue that the resurgence of popular sovereignty, as embodied in We the People in populist rhetoric indicates the centrality of authenticity in constitutional democracy as constitutional authenticity is underpinned by the ethics of being true to the people’s originality. Yet, with the ethics of authenticity assuming its pathological form, the focus has been shifting from making sense of the constitution to the people’s self-identification with individual politicians. The latest wave of populism crystallises the anti-ethics of authenticity in our quest for lasting constitutional legitimacy.
Prospective Multicenter Evaluation of an Advanced Extracellular Matrix for Wound Management
Authors: Raizman Rose , Hill Rosemary , Woo Kevin 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate an advanced extracellular matrix made of ovine forestomach matrix (OFM) for healing a variety of wound types.

METHODS
Participants were enrolled from inpatient, outpatient, and home healthcare settings. The OFM was used to treat all wounds and applied to the wound bed every 3 to 7 days until closure.

RESULTS
Researchers enrolled 29 participants with 33 wounds. Average time to wound closure was 8.2 weeks, the percentage of wounds that reduced in size by 50% or more at 4 weeks was 64%, the average wound area reduction at 4 weeks was 66%, and 73% of wounds had closed at 12 weeks. No adverse effects were observed.

CONCLUSIONS
This represents the first Canadian evaluation of OFM for the treatment of wounds, and the positive healing outcomes observed could support more widespread adoption of this matrix.