bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of different ways to identify persistent positivity of lupus anticoagulant in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Petri Michelle A , Avci Mertcan , Magder Laurence S 
Published: November 2020

ObjectivePersistent positivity for lupus anticoagulant has been associated with an increased risk of thrombosis among patients with SLE. Persistent positivity is often defined as having two positive assessments separated by more than 90 days. Our objective was to determine whether frequent repeated lupus anticoagulant testing would identify more patients with persistent positivity, and whether the additional patients identified were still at increased risk of thrombosis.MethodsUsing a large longitudinal cohort with frequent lupus anticoagulant testing, we compared three different hypothetical clinical strategies for identifying persistent positivity: (1) assessment of lupus anticoagulant twice more than 90 days apart; (2) assessment of lupus anticoagulant annually, with repeat testing if an annual assessment was positive; and (3) assessment of lupus anticoagulant 16 times (approximately quarterly for 4 years). The prevalence of persistent positivity was compared between the approaches and by demographic subgroups. Subgroups based on these definitions were compared with respect to the risk of thrombosis in subsequent follow-up using discrete survival analysis.ResultsAmong the 785 patients included in our analysis, the prevalence of persistent lupus anticoagulant as defined by the first two patient assessments was 4.3%. Annual assessment resulted in a prevalence of 6.6%, and using all 16 assessments resulted in a prevalence of 10.5%. The prevalence was substantially higher in men than in women, and in Caucasians than in African-Americans (p<0.01 for all comparisons). The rate of thrombosis was significantly elevated among those with persistently positive lupus anticoagulant byanydefinition (HR ranging from 2.75 to 3.42) relative to those without persistently positive lupus anticoagulant.ConclusionWhile there are other risk factors for thrombosis (including other antiphospholipid subtypes), more frequent testing (not limited to twice over 3 months) for lupus anticoagulant would be useful for identifying more patients with SLE at elevated risk for thrombosis.
Effect of pressure on the mechanical, electronic and optical characters of CsSnBr3 and CsSnI3: ab-initio study
Authors: Alyoubi R. Y. , Raffah Bahaaudin M. , Hamioud Farida , Mubarak A. A. 
Published: November 2020

A theoretical comprehensive implementing of the structural, elastic, electronic and optical properties of CsSnX3 (X = Br and I) perovskite compounds under pressures 0 and 20 GPa is performed by ab-initio calculations included within the density functional theory (DFT). The structure of crystal perovskite compounds is found to be stable under induced pressure. The compounds have shown a decrease in the structural properties such as lattice constant and interatomic bond length when the pressure was induced. Whereas, there was an increase in the thermodynamic properties such as Debye temperature and average velocities of sound when pressure was induced. Moreover, the values of mechanical parameters, such as the elastic constant, increased under applied pressure. The electronic parameters indicate that the compounds can be classified as semiconductor materials with a direct (M-M) gap. The induced pressure is found to enhance the optical parameters in the different energy regions. Our calculation predicts that the studied compounds can be the relevant candidates in optical, thermoelectric and mechanical applications.
Au NPs Loaded Al-MOF@PPy as Excellent Catalyst for the Removal of Organic Pollutants from Water
Authors: Wu Yalu , Xu Yinyin , Feng Jingbo , Zhang Yan 
Published: November 2020

The novel Al-MOF@PPy@Au nanocomposites were synthesized by an in-situ growth method. The prepared Al-MOF@PPy@Au nanocomposites were characterized by Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The catalytic properties of the prepared Al-MOF@PPy@Au nanocomposites with different content of Au were investigated. The results illustrated that the Al-MOF@PPy@Au(G) with 27.80 wt.% (w/w) Au obtained good catalytic performance. P-nitrophenol (4-NP), methyl orange (MO), methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RhB) were used to test the catalytic degradation of Al-MOF@PPy@Au(G) nanocomposites. The degradation efficiency of the Al-MOF@PPy@Au(G) nanocomposites for 4-NP, MO, MB and RhB reached 92.12%, 93.84%, 93.19% and 92.44% within 25 min, 7 min, 16 min and 2 min, respectively. The Al-MOF@PPy@Au(G) nanocomposites still have good degradation efficiency and good stability for 4-NP within one month being in water. The Al-MOF@PPy@Au(G) nanocomposites can be applied to the real water solution without causing the change of the degradation efficiency.
Research on Human Erythrocyte’s Threshold Free Energy for Hemolysis and Damage from Coupling Effect of Shear and Impact Based on Immersed Boundary-Lattice Boltzmann Method
Authors: Yun Zhong , Xiang Chuang , Wang Liang 
Published: November 2020

Researches on the principle of human red blood cell’s (RBC) injuring and judgment basis play an important role in decreasing the hemolysis in a blood pump. In the current study, the judgment of hemolysis in a blood pump study was through some experiment data and empirical formula. The paper forms a criterion of RBC’s mechanical injury in the aspect of RBC’s free energy. First, the paper introduces the nonlinear spring network model of RBC in the frame of immersed boundary-lattice Boltzmann method (IB-LBM). Then, the shape, free energy, and time needed for erythrocyte to be shorn in different shear flow and impacted in different impact flow are simulated. Combining existing research on RBC’s threshold limit for hemolysis in shear and impact flow with this paper’s, the RBC’s free energy of the threshold limit for hemolysis is found to be

3.46
×

10

−
15

J. The threshold impact velocity of RBC for hemolysis is 8.68 m/s. The threshold value of RBC can be used for judgment of RBC’s damage when the RBC is having a complicated flow of blood pumps such as coupling effect of shear and impact flow. According to the change law of RBC’s free energy in the process of being shorn and impacted, this paper proposed a judging criterion for hemolysis when the RBC is under the coupling effect of shear and impact based on the increased free energy of RBC.
A Renewed Focus on Health Disparities in the Year 2020: Reexamining Geospatial Disparities
Authors: Williams Grant R. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
To achieve the ultimate goal of health equity for all people in the United States, new methods are necessary to further understand health disparities in cancer. Geospatial approaches to examine outcomes in cancer control and population sciences in the United States is an area of growing interest, but traditional methods are hindered by the use of a single location at the time of diagnosis. Incorporating residential histories into geospatial analyses overcomes this challenge and is a step forward in improving our understanding of geospatial disparities in cancer outcomes.
See related article by Wiese et al., p. 2119
FDA Approval Summary: Atezolizumab Plus Bevacizumab for the Treatment of Patients with Advanced Unresectable or Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Casak Sandra J. , Donoghue Martha , Fashoyin-Aje Lola , Jiang Xiaoping , Rodriguez Lisa , Shen Yuan-Li , Xu Yuan , Jiang Xiling , Liu Jiang , Zhao Hong , Pierce William F. , Mehta Shubhangi , Goldberg Kirsten B. , Theoret Marc R. , Kluetz Paul G. , Pazdur Richard , Lemery Steven J. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
On May 29, 2020, the FDA approved atezolizumab for use in combination with bevacizumab, for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with no prior systemic treatment. The approval was based on data from Study IMbrave150, which randomly allocated (2:1) patients to receive either atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (atezolizumab-bevacizumab) or sorafenib. Overall survival (OS) and independently assessed progression-free survival (PFS) in the intent-to-treat population were the primary endpoints. At the time of the primary analysis, the estimated median OS could not be estimated in the atezolizumab-bevacizumab arm and was 13.2 months in the sorafenib arm [HR, 0.58; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.42–0.79]. The estimated median PFS was 6.8 months (95% CI, 5.8–8.3) and 4.3 months (95% CI, 4.0–5.6) in the atezolizumab-bevacizumab and sorafenib arms, respectively. Adverse reactions occurring in &gt;20% of patients receiving atezolizumab-bevacizumab were hypertension, fatigue/asthenia, and proteinuria. Adverse reactions occurring in &gt;20% of patients receiving sorafenib were palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, diarrhea, hypertension, and decreased appetite. Hemorrhage was reported more frequently in patients receiving atezolizumab-bevacizumab (25%) than in patients receiving sorafenib (17%). An evaluation for the presence of varices is recommended within 6 months of initiation of atezolizumab-bevacizumab in patients with HCC. Approval of atezolizumab-bevacizumab is likely to change the treatment paradigm for HCC, given that treatment with atezolizumab-bevacizumab resulted in improved OS and PFS compared with sorafenib, an accepted standard of care for first-line treatment of patients with unresectable HCC.
See related commentary by Castet et al., p. 1827
Insights into Tumor-Associated Tertiary Lymphoid Structures: Novel Targets for Antitumor Immunity and Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Rodriguez Anthony B. , Engelhard Victor H. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) are ectopic lymphoid aggregates that phenotypically resemble conventional secondary lymphoid organs and are commonly found at sites of chronic inflammation. They are also found in a wide variety of primary and metastatic human tumors. The presence of tumor-associated TLS (TA-TLS) is associated with prolonged patient survival, higher rates of disease-free survival, and a favorable response to current cancer therapies. However, the immune responses that occur in these structures, and how they contribute to improved clinical outcomes, remain incompletely understood. In addition, it is unknown how heterogeneity in TA-TLS cellular composition, structural organization, and anatomic location influences their functionality and prognostic significance. Understanding more about TA-TLS development, formation, and function may offer new therapeutic options to modulate antitumor immunity.
The Quest for Hemispheric Asymmetries Supporting and Predicting Executive Functioning
Authors: Vallesi Antonino 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
This narrative review addresses the neural bases of two executive functions: criterion setting, that is, the capacity to flexibly set up and select task rules and associations between stimuli, responses, and nonresponses, and monitoring, that is, the process of continuously evaluating whether task rules are being applied optimally. There is a documented tendency for criterion setting and monitoring to differentially recruit left and right lateral prefrontal regions and connected networks, respectively, above and beyond the specific task context. This model, known as the ROtman–Baycrest Battery to Investigate Attention (ROBBIA) model, initially sprung from extensive neuropsychological work led by Don Stuss. In subsequent years, multimodal lines of empirical investigation on both healthy individuals and patients with brain damage, coming from functional neuroimaging, EEG, neurostimulation, individual difference approaches, and, again, neuropsychology, so to “complete the circle,” corroborated the functional mapping across the two hemispheres as predicted by the model. More recent electrophysiological evidence has further shown that hemispheric differences in intrinsic prefrontal dynamics are able to predict cognitive performance in tasks tapping these domain-general functions. These empirical contributions will be presented together with contrasting evidence, limits, and possible future directions to better fine-tune this model and extend its scope to new fields.
Intraseasonal Soil Moisture–Atmosphere Feedbacks on the Tibetan Plateau Circulation
Authors: Talib Joshua , Taylor Christopher M. , Duan Anmin , Turner Andrew G. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSubstantial intraseasonal precipitation variability is observed across the Tibetan Plateau (TP) during boreal summer associated with the subtropical jet location and the Silk Road pattern. Weather station data and satellite observations highlight a sensitivity of soil moisture and surface fluxes to this variability. During rain-free periods of two or more days, skin temperatures are shown to rise as the surface dries, signalling decreased evaporative fraction. Surface fluxes are further enhanced by relatively clear skies. In this study we use an atmospheric reanalysis to assess how this surface flux response across the TP influences local and remote conditions. Increased surface sensible heat flux induced by decreased soil moisture during a regional dry event leads to a deepening of the planetary boundary layer and the development of a heat low. Consistent with previous studies, heat low characteristics exhibit pronounced diurnal variability driven by anomalous daytime surface warming. For example, low-level horizontal winds are weakest during the afternoon and intensify overnight when boundary layer turbulence is minimal. The heat low favors an upper-tropospheric anticyclone that induces an upper-level Rossby wave and leads to negative upper-level temperature anomalies across southern China. The Rossby wave intensifies the upper-level cyclonic circulation across central China, while upper-level negative temperature anomalies across south China extend the west Pacific subtropical high westward. These circulation anomalies influence temperature and precipitation anomalies across much of China. The association between land–atmosphere interactions across the TP, large-scale atmospheric circulation characteristics, and precipitation in East Asia highlights the importance of intraseasonal soil moisture dynamics on the TP.
Evaluating Asian Free Trade Agreements: What Does Gravity Model Tell Us?
Authors: Ramaswamy Sunder , Choutagunta Abishek , Sahu Santosh Kumar 
Published: November 2020

This paper evaluates the performance of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) by analysing the determinants of trade flows of Asian economies for a panel of 31 countries during 2007–2014 using a Gravity model. The estimated results suggest that certain FTAs negatively contribute to trade flows across the region and, that GDP and population, among other factors, can explain total trade flows. This study also finds that trade costs using distance as a proxy has a significant and negative effect on trade. Our results are in-line with the expectations which can be drawn by looking at trends of trade flows in Asia. Thus, a case is attempted for smoothening trade-flows across the region by reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers, pumping in investments on transport infrastructure and improving productivity of the partners as a whole which has positive effects on GDP and thus trade. JEL Codes: F13, F14, C23
Five thousand years of minimal access surgery: 1850 to 1990: Technological developments
Authors: Hargest Rachel 
Published: November 2020

Summary This is the second of a three-part series that charts the history of minimal access surgery from antiquity to current times. Although rapid developments in laparoscopic and robotic surgery have transformed surgical care over the last 30 years, our predecessors made significant advances in their time which set the principles for modern practice. Part I of this series described how ancient medical practitioners developed simple instruments, from metal or wood, for viewing body cavities. Improvements in the use of metal, glass and lighting allowed for inspection of deeper parts of the body. This second part of the series will show how advances in electrical technology allowed the development of improved lighting for endoscopy and laparoscopy along with the use of electrocautery for a wide range of therapeutic procedures.
Stroke impairment categories: A new way to classify the effects of stroke based on stroke-related impairments
Authors: Gittins Matthew , Lugo-Palacios David , Vail Andy , Bowen Audrey , Paley Lizz , Bray Benjamin , Tyson Sarah 
Published: November 2020

Objective: To create a classification system based on stroke-related impairments. Data source: All adults with stroke admitted for at least 72 hours in England, Wales and Northern Ireland from July 2013 to July 2015 extracted from the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme Analysis: Impairments were defined using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scores at admission. Common combinations of impairments were identified based on geometric coding and expert knowledge. Validity of the classification was assessed using standard descriptive statistics to report and compare patients’ characteristics, therapy received and outcomes in each group. Results: Data from 94,905 patients were extracted. The items of the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (on admission) were initially grouped into four body systems: Cognitive, Motor, Sensory and Consciousness. Seven common combinations of these impairments were identified (in order of stroke severity); Patients with Loss of Consciousness ( n = 6034, 6.4%); those with Motor + Cognitive + Sensory impairments ( n = 28,226, 29.7%); Motor + Cognitive impairments ( n = 16,967, 17.9%); Motor + Sensory impairments ( n = 9882, 10.4%); Motor Only impairments ( n = 20,471, 21.6%); Any Non-Motor impairments ( n = 7498, 7.9%); and No Impairments ( n = 5827, 6.1%). There was a gradation of age, premorbid disability, mortality and disability on discharge. People with the most and least severe categories were least likely to receive therapy, and received least therapy (−20 minutes/day of stay) compared to −35 minutes/day of stay for the moderately severe categories. Conclusions: A classification system of seven Stroke Impairment Categories has been presented.
Application of Autogenous Urine-Derived Stem Cell Sheet Enhances Rotator Cuff Healing in a Canine Model
Authors: Chen Yang , Xu Yan , Li Muzhi , Shi Qiang , Chen Can 
Published: November 2020

Background: A repaired rotator cuff (RC) often heals with interposed scar tissue, making repairs prone to failure. Urine-derived stem cells (USCs), with robust proliferation ability and multilineage differentiation, can be isolated from urine, avoiding invasive and painful surgical procedures for harvesting the cells. These advantages make it a novel cell source for autologous transplantation to enhance RC healing. Hypothesis: Implantation of an autogenous USC sheet to the injury site will enhance RC healing. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: USCs isolated from urine were cultured using ascorbic acid and transforming growth factor β3 to form a cell sheet. Sixteen male mature beagles underwent bilateral shoulder surgery. The right shoulder underwent infraspinatus tendon (IT) insertion detachment and repair only, and the other was subjected to IT insertion detachment and repair, followed by autogenous USC sheet implantation. Among the animals, 3 received a Dil (1,1′-dioctadecyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate)- labeled USC sheet implant in the right shoulder and were sacrificed at postoperative 6 weeks for cell tracking. The other animals were sacrificed at postoperative 12 weeks, and the IT-humerus complexes were harvested for gross observation, micro–computed tomography evaluation and histological analysis (n = 5), and mechanical testing (n = 8). Additionally, 13 unpaired canine cadaveric shoulders were included as native controls. Results: Micro–computed tomography analysis showed that the USC sheet group had a significant increase in bone volume/total volume and trabecular thickness at the RC healing site when compared with the control group ( P < .05 for all). Histologically, the Dil-labeled USC sheet was still visible at the RC healing site, which suggested that the implanted USCs remained viable at postoperative 6 weeks. Meanwhile, the healing interface in the USC sheet group regenerated significantly more enthesis-like tissue than did that of the control group ( P < .05). Additionally, the healing interface in the USC sheet group presented a larger fibrocartilage area, more proteoglycan deposition, and higher collagen birefringence than did that of the control group ( P < .05 for all). Biomechanically, the USC sheet group showed significantly higher failure load and stiffness versus the control group ( P < .05 for all). Conclusion: A USC sheet was able to enhance RC healing in a canine model. Clinical Relevance: The findings of the study showed that USC sheet implantation could serve as a practical application for RC healing.
Slope-Correction Osteotomy with Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis and Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Is Highly Effective in Treating High-Grade Anterior Knee Laxity
Authors: Akoto Ralph , Alm Lena , Drenck Tobias Claus , Frings Jannik , Krause Matthias , Frosch Karl-Heinz 
Published: November 2020

Background: Both an elevated posterior tibial slope (PTS) and high-grade anterior knee laxity are often present in patients who undergo revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery, and these conditions are independent risk factors for ACL graft failure. Clinical data on slope-correction osteotomy combined with lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) do not yet exist. Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of patients undergoing revision ACL reconstruction (ACLR) and slope-correction osteotomy combined with LET. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Between 2016 and 2018, we performed a 2-stage procedure: slope-correction osteotomy was performed first, and then revision ACLR in combination with LET was performed in 22 patients with ACLR failure and high-grade anterior knee laxity. Twenty patients (6 women and 14 men; mean age, 27.8 ± 8.6 years; range, 18-49 years) were evaluated, with a mean follow-up of 30.5 ± 9.3 months (range, 24-56 months), in this retrospective case series. Postoperative failure was defined as a side-to-side difference of ≥5 mm in the Rolimeter test and a pivot-shift grade of 2 or 3. Results: The PTS decreased from 15.3° to 8.9°, the side-to-side difference decreased from 7.2 to 1.1 mm, and the pivot shift was no longer evident in any of the patients. No patients exhibited revision ACLR failure and all patients showed good to excellent postoperative functional scores (mean ± SD: visual analog scale, 0.5 ± 0.6; Tegner, 6.1 ± 0.9; Lysholm, 90.9 ± 6.4; Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS] Symptoms, 95.2 ± 8.4; KOOS Pain, 94.7 ± 5.2; KOOS Activities of Daily Living, 98.5 ± 3.2; KOOS Function in Sport and Recreation, 86.8 ± 12.4; and KOOS Quality of Life, 65.4 ± 14.9). Conclusion: Slope-correction osteotomy in combination with LET is a safe and reliable procedure in patients with high-grade anterior knee laxity and a PTS of ≥12°. Normal knee joint stability was restored and good to excellent functional scores were achieved after a follow-up of at least 2 years.