bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cost and cost‐effectiveness of a simplified treatment model with direct‐acting antivirals for chronic hepatitis C in Cambodia
Authors: Walker Josephine G. , Mafirakureva Nyashadzaishe , Iwamoto Momoko , Campbell Linda , Kim Chamroeun San , Hastings Reuben A. , Doussett Jean‐Philippe , Le Paih Mickael , Balkan Suna , Marquardt Tonia , Maman David , Loarec Anne , Coast Joanna , Vickerman Peter 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackground & AimsIn 2016, Médecins Sans Frontières established the first general population Hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening and treatment site in Cambodia, offering free direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) treatment. This study analysed the cost‐effectiveness of this intervention.MethodsCosts, quality adjusted life years (QALYs) and cost‐effectiveness of the intervention were projected with a Markov model over a lifetime horizon, discounted at 3%/year. Patient‐level resource‐use and outcome data, treatment costs, costs of HCV‐related healthcare and EQ‐5D‐5L health states were collected from an observational cohort study evaluating the effectiveness of DAA treatment under full and simplified models of care compared to no treatment; other model parameters were derived from literature. Incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (cost/QALY gained) were compared to an opportunity cost‐based willingness‐to‐pay threshold for Cambodia ($248/QALY).ResultsThe total cost of testing and treatment per patient for the full model of care was $925(IQR $668‐1631), reducing to $376(IQR $344‐422) for the simplified model of care. EQ‐5D‐5L values varied by fibrosis stage: decompensated cirrhosis had the lowest value, values increased during and following treatment. The simplified model of care was cost saving compared to no treatment, while the full model of care, although cost‐effective compared to no treatment ($187/QALY), cost an additional $14 485/QALY compared to the simplified model, above the willingness‐to‐pay threshold for Cambodia. This result is robust to variation in parameters.ConclusionsThe simplified model of care was cost saving compared to no treatment, emphasizing the importance of simplifying pathways of care for improving access to HCV treatment in low‐resource settings.
Phenotypic/genotypic sex mismatches and temperature‐dependent sex determination in a wild population of an Old World atherinid, the cobaltcap silverside Hypoatherina tsurugae
Authors: Miyoshi Kaho , Hattori Ricardo S. , Strüssmann Carlos A. , Yokota Masashi , Yamamoto Yoji 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSeveral New World atheriniforms have been recognized as temperature‐dependent sex determined (TSD) and yet possess a genotypic sex determinant (amhy) which is primarily functional at mid‐range temperatures. In contrast, little is known about the sex determination in Old World atheriniforms, even though such knowledge is crucial to understand the evolution of sex determination mechanisms in fishes and to model the effects of global warming and climate change on their populations. This study examined the effects of water temperature on sex determination of an Old World atheriniform, the cobaltcap silverside Hypoatherina tsurugae, in which we recently described an amhy homologue. We first assessed the occurrence of phenotypic/genotypic sex mismatches in wild specimens from Tokyo Bay for three years (2014–2016) and used otolith analysis to estimate their birth dates and approximate thermal history during the presumptive period of sex determination. Phenotypic sex ratios became progressively biased towards males (47.3%–78.2%) during the period and were associated with year‐to‐year increases in the frequency of XX‐males (7.3%–52.0%) and decreases in XY/YY‐females (14.5%–0%). The breeding season had similar length but was delayed by about 1 month per year between 2014 and 2016, causing larvae to experience higher temperatures during the period of sex determination from year to year. Larval rearing experiments confirmed increased likelihood of feminization and masculinization at low and high temperatures, respectively. The results suggest that cobaltcap silverside has TSD, or more specifically the coexistence of genotypic and environmental sex determinants, and that it affects sex ratios in wild populations.
Cerebrospinal fluid oxidative stress markers in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Sakakibara Ryuji , Kawai Takayuki 
Published: May 2020

AbstractOxidative stress has a significant impact on neurodegenerative diseases. The present paper reviewed the role of oxidative stress in disease progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and measurement of the oxidative stress markers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in AD in vivo. Oxidative stress measurement in CSF in AD provides knowledge of underlying pathophysiology, to be a counterpart of oxidative stress neuroimaging, and to help differentiating AD from other neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, these findings warrant future studies to see whether antioxidant intervention might help preventing progression of neurodegenerative diseases including AD.
Coronaviridae—Old friends, new enemy!
Authors: Leao Jair Carneiro , Gusmao Teresa Paula de Lima , Zarzar Adriana Machado , Leao Filho Jair Carneiro , Barkokebas Santos de Faria Andreza , Morais Silva Igor Henrique , Gueiros Luiz Alcino Monteiro , Robinson Narendran Andrew , Porter Stephen , Carvalho Alessandra de Albuquerque Tavares 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCoronaviridae is a family of single‐stranded positive enveloped RNA viruses. This article aimed to review the history of these viruses in the last 60 years since their discovery to understand what lessons can be learned from the past. A review of the PubMed database was carried out, describing taxonomy, classification, virology, genetic recombination, host adaptation, and main symptoms related to each type of virus. SARS‐CoV‐2 is responsible for the ongoing global pandemic, and SARS‐CoV and MERS‐CoV were responsible for causing severe respiratory illness and regional epidemics in the past while the four other strains of CoVs (229‐E OC43, NL63, and HKU1) circulate worldwide and normally only cause mild upper respiratory tract infections. Given the enormous diversity of coronavirus viruses in wildlife and their continuous evolution and adaptation to humans, future outbreaks would undoubtedly occur. Restricting or banning all trade in wild animals in wet markets would be a necessary measure to reduce future zoonotic infections.
Prolonged Analgesia by Spinal Cord Stimulation Following a Spinal Injury Associated With Activation of Adult Neural Progenitors
Authors: Sun Liting , Fleetwood‐Walker Sue , Mitchell Rory , Joosten Elbert A. , Cheung Chi Wai 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectivesResponses of spinal progenitors to spinal cord stimulation (SCS) following spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats were assessed to reveal their potential contribution to SCS‐induced analgesia.MethodsSpinal epidural electrodes were implanted in rats at T12 rostral to a quadrant dorsal horn injury at T13. Further groups additionally received either a microlesion to the dorsolateral funiculus (DLF) or gabapentin (10 mg/kg). SCS was performed at 25 Hz for 10 minutes on day 4 (early SCS) and at 10 Hz for 10 minutes on day 8 (late SCS) after injury. Paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) was measured before injury, 30 minutes before or after SCS, and before cull on day 14, followed by immunostaining assessment.ResultsPaw withdrawal thresholds in uninjured animals (51.0 ± 4.0 g) were markedly reduced after SCI (17.3 ± 2.2 g). This was significantly increased by early SCS (38.5 ± 5.2 g, P < 0.01) and further enhanced by late SCS (50.9 ± 1.9 g, P < 0.01) over 6 days. Numbers of neural progenitors expressing nestin, Sox2, and doublecortin (DCX) in the spinal dorsal horn were increased 6 days after SCS by 6‐fold, 2‐fold, and 2.5‐fold, respectively (P < 0.05 to 0.01). The elevated PWT evoked by SCS was abolished by DLF microlesions (48.9 ± 2.6 g vs. 19.0 ± 3.9 g, P < 0.01) and the number of nestin‐positive cells was reduced to the level without SCS (P < 0.05). Gabapentin enhanced late SCS‐induced analgesia from 37.0 ± 3.9 g to 54.0 ± 0.8 g (P < 0.01) and increased gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐ergic neuronal marker vesicular GABA transporter–positive newborn cells 2‐fold (P < 0.01).ConclusionsSpinal progenitor cells appear to be activated by SCS via descending pathways, which may be enhanced by gabapentin and potentially contributes to relief of SCI‐induced neuropathic pain.
Linear censored quantile regression: A novel minimum‐distance approach
Authors: De Backer Mickaël , El Ghouch Anouar , Van Keilegom Ingrid 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this article, we investigate a new procedure for the estimation of a linear quantile regression with possibly right‐censored responses. Contrary to the main literature on the subject, we propose in this context to circumvent the formulation of conditional quantiles through the so‐called “check” loss function that stems from the influential work of Koenker and Bassett (1978). Instead, our suggestion is here to estimate the quantile coefficients by minimizing an alternative measure of distance. In fact, our approach could be qualified as a generalization in a parametric regression framework of the technique consisting in inverting the conditional distribution of the response given the covariates. This is motivated by the knowledge that the main literature for censored data already relies on some nonparametric conditional distribution estimation as well. The ideas of effective dimension reduction are then exploited in order to accommodate for higher dimensional settings as well in this context. Extensive numerical results then suggest that such an approach provides a strongly competitive procedure to the classical approaches based on the check function, in fact both for complete and censored observations. From a theoretical prospect, both consistency and asymptotic normality of the proposed estimator for linear regression are obtained under classical regularity conditions. As a by‐product, several asymptotic results on some “double‐kernel” version of the conditional Kaplan–Meier distribution estimator based on effective dimension reduction, and its corresponding density estimator, are also obtained and may be of interest on their own. A brief application of our procedure to quasar data then serves to further highlight the relevance of the latter for quantile regression estimation with censored data.
Comparison of balance performance between masters Olympic weightlifters and runners
Authors: Riemann Bryan L. , Mercado Mara , Erickson Kayleigh , Grosicki Gregory J. 
Published: May 2020

Balance disorders are a common problem among older adults that greatly increase susceptibility for falls and fractures. Aerobically trained older (masters) athletes tend to exhibit superior balance abilities compared to that of healthy age‐matched counterparts. Olympic weightlifting involves tremendous power production and motor skill coordination throughout the body which may prompt unique sensory information acquisition and integration adaptations. The purpose of this investigation was to compare a modified clinical test of sensory interaction and balance performance between middle‐aged (~40‐60 years) masters Olympic weightlifters (OWL, n = 48) and runners (RUN, n = 42). Average mediolateral center of pressure velocity (MLCPV) was computed during completion of 2 double leg trials (30‐s) completed on firm (FI) and foam (FO) surfaces with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC). While there were no significant differences between the groups for either the EO‐FI (P = .143, d = 0.34) or EO‐FO (P = .209, d = 0.26), the OWL demonstrated significantly better balance (lower MLCPV) than the RUN for both the EC‐FI (P = .009, d = 0.59) and EC‐FO (P = .001, d = 0.70). The most salient result of this investigation was the identification of better balance performance by the OWL, particularly when visual inputs were unavailable (ie, EC), compared to the RUN. These results suggest that Olympic weightlifting may provide a superior training stimulus for somatosensory and vestibular function compared to running in middle‐aged adults, a benefit that may help to offset archetypal age‐related balance deficits.
Trichodysplasia spinulosa: Case reports and review of literature
Authors: Jose Aju , Dad Taimur , Strand Andrew , Tse Julie Y. , Plotnikova Natalia , Boucher Helen W. , Sarnak Mark J. , Gilbert Scott J. , Goyal Nitender 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTrichodysplasia spinulosa (TS) is a rare skin condition caused by trichodysplasia spinulosa‐associated polyomavirus (TSPyV). It affects immunosuppressed patients, and <50 cases have been reported. The majority of these cases are seen in solid organ transplant recipients. TS often poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge because of its rarity and resemblance with other skin conditions. Several forms of treatment are usually tried prior to establishing a definitive diagnosis. Oral valganciclovir and topical cidofovir have been found to give the best results and hence are the most commonly used agents once the diagnosis is established. Here, we present two cases with a review of literature of TS in solid organ transplant recipients, focusing on time to develop the condition post‐transplant, immunosuppression regimen used, and treatment initiated both before and after a definitive diagnosis.
Occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water and sediment samples from KwaZulu Natal Province, South Africa
Authors: Ngubo Ayanda , Mahlambi Precious N. , Ojwach Stephen O. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSolid‐phase extraction (SPE) and ultrasonic extraction (UE) techniques followed by Gas Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry (GC‐MS) have been modified for qualitative and quantitative analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water and sediment samples. Percentage recoveries of PAHs ranged from 85 to 121% in water and 82 to 117% in sediment samples. The limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.02 to 0.2 and 0.05 to 0.5 µg/L for SPE while for UE, they were between 0.008–0.09 and 0.02–0.30 µg/kg, respectively. The concentration levels of PAHs (naphthalene, acenaphthene, acenaphthylene, fluorine, anthracene, phenanthrene and pyrene) detected in water samples were 0.071–2.7, 2.0–10.4 and 2.5–3.5 µg/L in wastewater, river water, and dam water, respectively. In sediment samples, concentration levels of PAHs were between 2.8–42.0 and 2.8–3.9 µg/kg, in river and dam sediment, respectively.
Experimental analysis of saline diffusion during saltwater freezing for desalination purposes
Authors: Castillo‐Téllez Beatriz , Pilatowsky Figueroa Isaac , Allaf Karim , Marzoug Rachid , Castillo Téllez Margarita 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe Freezing Melting (F/M) is considered one of the most sustainable desalination techniques in terms of energy consumption compared with commercial desalination. However, it presents some problems, especially salt trapping in the ice. In this paper, an experimental analysis is carried out to achieve a better understanding of saline ions displacement observed during the freezing of saline water. Different sizes, freezing temperatures and, geometries are tested using the F/M progressive desalination. It is found that salt diffusion improves with increasing the container length. Moreover, for all container geometries, the saline ion diffusion direction is from the bottom to the top of the formed ice. Furthermore, at low freezing temperature (−8°C), it is possible to purify 78.8 % of the frozen water, obtaining an easy‐to‐separate brine.
Choroidal luminal and stromal areas and choriocapillaris perfusion are
characterised by a non-linear quadratic relation in healthy eyes
Authors: Borrelli Enrico , Gabela Maria Cristina , Sacconi Riccardo , Querques Lea , Vella Giovanna , Zuccaro Biancamaria , Gelormini Francesco , Bandello Francesco , Querques Giuseppe 
Published: June 2020

Purpose
To assess the associations among different optical coherence tomography
(OCT) structural and angiography quantitative metrics used to characterise the
choroid in healthy subjects.

Methods
In this cross-sectional study, macular structural OCT and OCT angiography
(OCTA) images were acquired from healthy subjects. The main outcome measures
were: (i) choriocapillaris (CC) flow deficits percentage (FD%), (ii) choroidal
luminal (LA) and stromal (SA) areas and (iii) choroidal vascularity index
(CVI), which was calculated as the LA divided by the total choroidal area.
These measurements were generated using previously published algorithms and
were separately computed in the foveal and extrafoveal regions.

Results
Eighty-five eyes from 85 subjects (44 males, 41 females) were included in
the analysis. Mean±SD age was 47.9±22.4 years (range: 19.0 to 85.0 years).
Linear regression analysis displayed no significant associations between CC FD%
and other parameters (LA, SA and CVI). Importantly, non-linear regression
analysis showed that the relations of LA and SA to CC FD% were all best fitted
by a quadratic function. Compared with the linear models, the use of the
quadratic function allowed a relative increase in the R2
coefficients. No significant non-linear associations were found between CC FD%
and CVI.

Conclusion
Based on our models, changes in the luminal and stromal areas in the
choroid lead to an initial increase in CC perfusion. Subsequently, further
increases in LA and SA amounts are accompanied by a progressive increment in CC
FD%.
Electrostatics and self-force in asymptotically flat cylindrical wormholes
Authors: Rubín de Celis E. , Simeone C. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe problem of the electrostatics in conical wormholes is revisited, now improving the background geometries with asymptotical flatness. The electric self-force on a point charge placed at different regions in the spacetime of a conical thin-shell wormhole connecting flat outer submanifolds is obtained and compared with the results of previous works. The study is also carried out in terms of a previously introduced analogy in which the effect of the matter shells on the electric field is reproduced by non-gravitating layers of charge located on the boundary surfaces. Besides, a better insight on the physical effects of a non trivial geometry is obtained by means of a further analysis of the electric fluxes across the wormhole throat and at both spatial infinities. It is found that the throat is traversed by a non-arbitrary and finite electric flux determined by the global topology, which is proportional to the charge of the source, and is characteristic of the asymptotically flat cylindrical wormholes regardless of the details of the throat geometry.
A New Adaptive Weighted Deep Forest and Its Modifications
Authors: Utkin Lev V. , Konstantinov Andrei V. , Chukanov Viacheslav S. , Meldo Anna A. 
Published: May 2020

A new adaptive weighted deep forest algorithm which can be viewed as a modification of the confidence screening mechanism is proposed. The main idea underlying the algorithm is based on adaptive weigting of every training instance at each cascade level of the deep forest. The confidence screening mechanism for the deep forest proposed by Pang et al., strictly removes instances from training and testing processes to simplify the whole algorithm in accordance with the obtained random forest class probability distributions. This strict removal may lead to a very small number of training instances at the next levels of the deep forest cascade. The presented modification is more flexible and assigns weights to instances in order to differentiate their use in building decision trees at every level of the deep forest cascade. It overcomes the main disadvantage of the confidence screening mechanism. The proposed modification is similar to the AdaBoost algorithm to some extent. Numerical experiments illustrate the outperformance of the proposed modification in comparison with the original deep forest. It is also illustrated how the proposed algorithm can be extended for solving the transfer learning and distance metric learning problems.
A Data-driven Approach for Architectural History Knowledge. Capturing Buildings’ Construction Events for Historical Research Collaboration
Authors: Ferreira-Lopes Prof. Patricia 
Published: May 2020

The increase of multidisciplinary research in the field of architectural history has led to the need to set up new experiences and solutions for the handling and integration of the information extracted from historical documents. These solutions seek to support diverse users of the research community with the aim of solving challenges directly related with the digitalisation, structuring, standardisation, and management of historical information. These challenges include, for example, the creation of a digital support that enables a collaborative growth and management of information, the normalisation of terms and vocabularies to make its analysis efficient, the elaborating of a conceptual model, and the development of a metadata support that allows its more expanded dissemination and reuse.This article describes a case study project in which the documents of archives, of research, and of projects previously carried out by the Late Gothic Network (Red Tardogótica) are the raw material for the proposal of an event-oriented historical database (e-database). This e-database means to record and systematise the information about the artistic transfers related with the architectural production in the transition of the Modern Age, a period also known as the Late Gothic. The e-database's design has considered the possibility of its use for the analysis of social networks (abstract-relational model, a Graph model) and the spatiotemporal analysis of the events (geo-temporal model, GIS). The main section of this article describes the architecture of the database, with a view to addressing the questions of the relations between the datasets and the matter of implementing thethesauriandcontrolled vocabulariesthat must be respected for the standardisation, recording, and later analysis of the data. Next, we contribute quantitative and qualitative analyses to evaluate the database's important gaps of information. This proposal initially covers the geographical framework of the western Andalusian territory, but it can be expanded to other areas and adapted to other case studies. Finally, the article summarises the learning achieved in this first phase of the case study project and describes the perspectives to broaden its use in the community of architectural history researchers.