bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patient reported outcomes and performance metrics at diagnosis of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Conway Devon S , Thompson Nicolas R , Meng Xiangyi , Johnson Kristen , Fox Robert J 
Published: July 2020

Background: Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) usually evolves into secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). Recognition of SPMS is important because of prognostic and treatment implications. Objective: The objective of this study is to determine distributions of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and the Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW) at SPMS diagnosis and describe the evolution of these metrics in patients with SPMS. Methods: A tertiary MS center clinical database was queried to identify patients with RRMS and SPMS. PRO data including performance scales (PS), Patient Health Questionnaire–9 (PHQ-9), European Quality of Life–5-Dimensions (EQ-5D), and the T25FW were extracted. Descriptive statistics were calculated at SPMS diagnosis, and score trajectories were modeled. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to estimate hazard ratios for time to SPMS diagnosis. Results: Among 5,558 patients identified, 164 were diagnosed with SPMS between January 2008 and June 2016. At SPMS diagnosis, the mean outcome values were T25FW = 12.5 seconds (standard deviation, SD = 10.7), PS = 15.6 (SD = 6.5), PHQ-9 = 6.8 (SD = 4.2), and EQ-5D = 0.63 (SD = 0.20). Distinct patterns were observed in the measures leading up to SPMS diagnosis. Higher age, male gender, longer disease duration, and greater disability were associated with an increased hazard of SPMS diagnosis. Conclusion: Longitudinal monitoring of PROs and performance metrics may help identify those at higher risk of near-term SPMS.
Measuring Constituency Ideology Using Bayesian Universal Kriging
Authors: Gill Jeff 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn this article, we develop and make available measures of public ideology in 2010 for the 50 American states, 435 congressional districts, and state legislative districts. We do this using the geospatial statistical technique of Bayesian universal kriging, which uses the locations of survey respondents, as well as population covariate values, to predict ideology for simulated citizens in districts across the country. In doing this, we improve on past research that uses the kriging technique for forecasting public opinion by incorporating Alaska and Hawaii, making the important distinction between ZIP codes and ZIP Code Tabulation Areas, and introducing more precise data from the 2010 Census. We show that our estimates of ideology at the state, congressional district, and state legislative district levels appropriately predict the ideology of legislators elected from these districts, serving as an external validity check.
Update Onyx embolization for plexiform arteriovenous malformation: Ante-grade drifting technique
Authors: Lv Xianli , Liang Shikai 
Published: July 2020

Objective The conventional arteriovenous malformation (AVM) Onyx embolization technique is the extrusion Onyx injection technique, with blood-flow control after a certain distance casting through the head end of the microcatheter. This method has elevated periprocedural AVM bleeding complications. In this study, the authors reported safety and efficacy of an updated ante-grade drifting Onyx injection for plexiform AVM embolization. Methods Between January 2016 and December 2018, 101 consecutive patients with plexiform AVMs were treated with ante-grade drifting Onyx injection. The patients’ clinical status was classified using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). To measure associations, logistic univariate or multivariate regression analyses were used. Results Complete AVM obliteration was achieved in 51.2% (52/101) of patients. Two (2/101, 2.0%) arterial perforations occurred without causing neurological deficits. In univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, younger patient age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.12, p = 0.014), haemorrhagic presentation at admission (OR = 7.14, 95% CI 1.52–33.33, p = 0.013) and low Spetzler–Martin grade (OR = 10.00, 95% CI 3.45–25.00, p < 0.001) were significantly correlated with complete obliteration. Pretreatment mRS was correlated with perforation complication (OR = 3.44, 95% CI 1.05–11.29, p = 0.041) in univariate logistic regression analysis but not in multivariate logistic regression analysis (OR = 2.956, 95%CI 0.745, 11.731, p = 0.123). Patients’ clinical status was significantly improved after endovascular AVM embolization. Conclusions With ante-grade drifting Onyx injection, it was possible to prevent serious bleeding complications and elevated complete embolization rate in plexiform AVMs. Younger patient age, haemorrhagic presentation at admission and low AVM Spetzler–Martin grade were significantly correlated with complete obliteration. Although there is not enough statistical power to show that the pretreatment mRS and the arterial perforation complication have a significant correlation, but its OR value is large, and there may be more data in the future to obtain further conclusion.
Dominant role of αIIbβ3 in platelet interactions with cross-linked fibrin fragment D-dimer
Authors: Buitrago Lorena , Zafar Hina , Zhang Yixiao , Li Jihong , Walz Thomas , Coller Barry S. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAlthough much is known about the interaction of fibrinogen with αIIbβ3, much less is known about the interaction of platelets with cross-linked fibrin. Fibrinogen residue Lys406 plays a vital role in the interaction of fibrinogen with αIIbβ3, but because it participates in fibrin cross-linking, it is not available for interacting with αIIbβ3. We studied the adhesion of platelets and HEK cells expressing normal and constitutively active αIIbβ3 to both immobilized fibrinogen and D-dimer, a proteolytic fragment of cross-linked fibrin, as well as platelet-mediated clot retraction. Nonactivated platelets and HEK cells expressing normal αIIbβ3 adhered to fibrinogen but not D-dimer, whereas activated platelets as well as HEK cells expressing activated αIIbβ3 both bound to D-dimer. Small-molecule antagonists of the αIIbβ3 RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) binding pocket inhibited adhesion to D-dimer, and an Asp119Ala mutation that disrupts the β3 metal ion–dependent adhesion site inhibited αIIbβ3-mediated adhesion to D-dimer. D-dimer and a polyclonal antibody against D-dimer inhibited clot retraction. The monoclonal antibody (mAb) 10E5, directed at αIIb and a potent inhibitor of platelet interactions with fibrinogen, did not inhibit the interaction of activated platelets with D-dimer or clot retraction, whereas the mAb 7E3, directed at β3, inhibited both phenomena. We conclude that activated, but not nonactivated, αIIbβ3 mediates interactions between platelets and D-dimer, and by extrapolation, to cross-linked fibrin. Although the interaction of αIIbβ3 with D-dimer differs from that with fibrinogen, it probably involves contributions from regions on β3 that are close to, or that are affected by, changes in the RGD binding pocket.
Risk factors and appropriate therapeutic strategies for thrombotic microangiopathy after allogeneic HSCT
Authors: Matsui Hiroyuki , Arai Yasuyuki , Imoto Hiroharu , Mitsuyoshi Takaya , Tamura Naoki , Kondo Tadakazu , Kanda Junya , Ishikawa Takayuki , Imada Kazunori , Ueda Yasunori , Toda Yusuke , Anzai Naoyuki , Yago Kazuhiro , Nohgawa Masaharu , Yonezawa Akihito , Tsunemine Hiroko , Itoh Mitsuru , Yamamoto Kazuyo , Tsuji Masaaki , Moriguchi Toshinori , Takaori-Kondo Akifumi ,   Kyoto Stem Cell Transplantation Group (KSCTG)
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) is a fatal complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). However, so far, no large cohort study determined the risk factors and the most effective therapeutic strategies for TA-TMA. Thus, the present study aimed to clarify these clinical aspects based on a large multicenter cohort. This retrospective cohort study was performed by the Kyoto Stem Cell Transplantation Group (KSCTG). A total of 2425 patients were enrolled from 14 institutions. All patients were aged ≥16 years, presented with hematological diseases, and received allo-HSCT after the year 2000. TA-TMA was observed in 121 patients (5.0%) on day 35 (median) and was clearly correlated with inferior overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR], 4.93). Pre- and post-HSCT statistically significant risk factors identified by multivariate analyses included poorer performance status (HR, 1.69), HLA mismatch (HR, 2.17), acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD; grades 3-4) (HR, 4.02), Aspergillus infection (HR, 2.29), and veno-occlusive disease/sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (VOD/SOS; HR, 4.47). The response rate and OS significantly better with the continuation or careful reduction of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) than the conventional treatment strategy of switching from CNI to corticosteroids (response rate, 64.7% vs 20.0%). In summary, we identified the risk factors and the most appropriate therapeutic strategies for TA-TMA. The described treatment strategy could improve the outcomes of patients with TA-TMA in the future.
The spectrum and severity of bleeding in adolescents with low von Willebrand factor–associated heavy menstrual bleeding
Authors: Srivaths Lakshmi , Minard Charles G. , O’Brien Sarah H. , Wheeler Allison P. , Mullins Eric , Sharma Mukta , Sidonio Robert , Jain Shilpa , Zia Ayesha , Ragni Margaret V. , Kulkarni Roshni , Dietrich Jennifer E. , Kouides Peter A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractLow von Willebrand factor (VWF) in adults is associated with significant bleeding, most notably heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and postpartum hemorrhage, although this has not been characterized in adolescents. The objectives of this analysis of a multicenter single arm observational cohort study in adolescents with low VWF–associated HMB were to describe the bleeding phenotype, HMB severity, and related complications. Eligibility criteria included postmenarchal females &lt;21 years of age with HMB (Pictorial Blood Assessment Chart [PBAC] score &gt;100) and low VWF (2 values of VWF activity ≥30 and ≤50 IU/dL). Patients diagnosed with other bleeding disorders were ineligible. Clinical phenotype data, including PBAC and Bleeding Assessment Tool (BAT) scores, laboratory data, and HMB management/outcome details, were extracted. Patient demographics and clinical characteristics were summarized as medians with minimum/maximum values or frequencies with percentages. Groups were compared using a Wilcoxon rank-sum test or Fisher’s exact test. A total of 113 patients met inclusion criteria, and 2 were excluded. Ninety four percent had a significant bleeding phenotype (BAT score &gt;2), with predominantly mucocutaneous bleeding (32%-44%), postprocedural/surgical bleeding (15%), and severe HMB (BAT HMB domain score ≥2; 90%). Bleeding complications included iron deficiency (60%), anemia (21%), transfusion (12%), and hospitalization (10%). Desmopressin challenge response in subjects tested was good and sustained. Several (48%) required combined therapy for HMB (hormonal/hemostatic), and one third did not show improvement despite therapy. Our results suggest that adolescent females with low VWF have a significant bleeding phenotype and resultant complications warranting a focus on prompt diagnosis, appropriate therapy, and prevention of complications.
Acetylation of tropical hardwood species from forest plantations in Costa Rica: an FTIR spectroscopic analysis
Authors: Gaitán-Alvarez Johanna , Berrocal Alexander , Mantanis George I. , Moya Róger , Araya Fabio 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAcetylation of softwoods has been largely investigated to increase the dimensional stability and biological resistance of wood. However, the knowledge of this technology has not been applied to tropical hardwood species up to date. The objective of this work was to study the effect of acetylation on nine tropical hardwood species, from forest plantations in Costa Rica, by applying acetic anhydride in three different treatment times (1 h, 2.5 h, 4 h), as well as to evaluate this by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Results showed that weight percentage gain (WPG) of wood varied from 2.2 to 16.8%, withVochysia ferrugineaspecies showing the highest WPG, andGmelina arboreaandTectona grandisspecies exhibiting the lowest WPGs. Tropical woods such asEnterolobium cyclocarpum,Hieronyma alchorneoidesandSamanea samanexhibited statistical differences among treatment times, whereas the rest of the species studied showed no significant differences. In general, the most effective acetylation time was 2.5 h for all the species. The ratio of intensity (RI) from the FTIR spectra was greater at the 1732 cm−1, 1372 cm−1and 1228 cm−1peaks for all tropical species, associated with lignin. A good correlation between the RI of those peaks and WPG was found; the same was also found between all RIs and each other. Meanwhile, RI associated to the hemicelluloses and lignin (1592 cm−1and 1034 cm−1peaks, respectively) showed no correlation with WPG, nor between each other or with the other RIs. Furthermore, it was suggested that RI at 1732 cm−1(associated to acetyl groups C=O) can be considered as a reliable indicator of the degree of acetylation for tropical hardwood species. Finally, it was observed that tropical hardwoods having more suitable anatomical features, like larger vessel diameter, higher ray width and frequency, and lesser deposits such as gums and tyloses in the vessels, resulted in significantly higher WPGs.
Theoretical and Experimental Study on AlGaN/GaN Schottky Barrier Diode on Si Substrate with Double-Heterojunction
Authors: Sun Tao , Luo Xiaorong , Wei Jie , Yang Chao , Zhang Bo 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAn AlGaN/GaN Schottky barrier diode (SBD) with double-heterojunction is theoretically and experimentally investigated on the GaN/AlGaN/GaN/Si-sub. The two-dimensional hole gas (2DHG) and electron gas (2DEG) are formed at the GaN-top/AlGaN and AlGaN/GaN interface, respectively. At the off-state, the 2DEH and 2DHG are partially depleted and then completely disappear. There remain the fixed positive and negative polarization charges, forming the polarization junction. Therefore, a flat electric field in the drift region and a high breakdown voltage (BV) are obtained. Moreover, the anode is recessed to reduce turn-on voltage (VON). The low-damage ICP etching process results in the improved Schottky contacts, and a low leakgae current and a low VON is obtained. The fabricated SBD exhibits a BV of 1109 V with anode-to-cathode distance (LAC) of 11 μm. The fabricated SBDs achieve a low VON of 0.68 V with good uniformity, a high on/off current ratio ∼ 1010 at room temperature, a low specific on-resistance (RON,SP) of 1.17 mΩ cm2, and a high Baliga’s figure-of-merit (FOM) of 1051 MW/cm2.
Comparison of outcomes of pedicled jejunal and colonic conduit for esophageal reconstruction
Authors: Jiang Sicong , Guo Changying , Zou Bin , Xie Jianguo , Xiong Zhihui , Kuang Yukang , Tang Jianjun 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
At present, the gastric tube is the first choice for esophageal reconstruction after esophagectomy for various benign and malignant diseases. However, when the stomach is not available, a pedicled jejunum or colon is used to reconstruct the esophagus. The present study aimed to compare the postoperative outcomes and quality of life of patients receiving jejunal and colonic conduits.

Methods
In the present retrospective study, the clinical data of 71 patients with esophageal carcinoma, who received jejunal reconstruction (jejunum group, n = 34) and colonic reconstruction (colon group, n = 37) from 2005 to 2015, were compared.

Results
Compared with the colon group, the jejunum group had a lower incidence of postoperative anastomotic leakage, lesser duration of postoperative drainage, and faster recovery. Furthermore, the scores were better in the jejunum group than in the colon group, in terms of short-term overall quality of life, physical function and social relationships. Moreover, the jejunal group had a significantly lower frequency of pH < 4 simultaneous reflux time > 5 min (N45) and the longest reflux time (LT) at 24 weeks after surgery.

Conclusion
In esophageal cancer, when gastric tube construction is not feasible, a pedicled jejunum may be preferred over a colonic conduit due to lower incidence of acid reflux, anastomotic leakage and higher postoperative short-term quality of life, and rapid postoperative recovery.
Towards gender-affirming nutrition assessment: a case series of adult transgender men with distinct nutrition considerations
Authors: Linsenmeyer Whitney , Drallmeier Theresa , Thomure Michael 
Published: July 2020

AbstractNo guidelines exist regarding nutrition assessment for transgender or gender non-conforming patients. Multiple nutrition assessment methods utilize gender-specific values that provide distinct recommendations for males and females. This clinical case series depicts the food and nutrition considerations of ten adult transgender men using anthropometric, survey, and dietary recall data. Male reference values were used to analyze patient data, though multiple approaches to nutrition assessment in the transgender population are discussed. Major nutrition-related concerns were obesity, low fruit and vegetable intake and high sodium intake; disordered eating was not a prominent concern. Further research is needed to inform nutrition care for the transgender and gender non-conforming populations.
MicroRNA-136-3p inhibits glioma tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo by targeting KLF7
Authors: Xu Yanwu 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Malignant brain tumors have been a serious threat to human health worldwide. This study aims to investigate the role of miR-136-3p in glioma development.

Methods
Hematoxylin-eosin staining (H&E) staining was used to determine the pathologic alterations of glioma tissues. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis and GEO2R analysis was performed to examine the expression of miRNAs and genes. Western blot was applied to detect the protein expression. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation were used to analyze the glioma cell growth. Trans-well assay was used to determine the cell migration. Annexin V-FITC/PI staining was conducted to determine the cell apoptosis of transfected glioma cells. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was carried out to confirm the binding sites of miR-136-3p on 3′ untranslated regions (3′ UTR) of Kruppel-like factor 7 (KLF7). Tumor-bearing experiment in nude mice was performed to comprehensively investigate the role of miR-136-3p/KLF7 axis in gliomas.

Results
Firstly, the results showed that miR-136-3p was decreased in glioma tissues compared with adjacent tissues. Overexpression of miR-136-3p significantly inhibited cell growth of LN-229 and U251 by decreasing expression of Cyclin A1 and PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen), and it suppressed glioma cell migration by downregulating N-cadherin and elevating E-cadherin levels, and it also promotes glioma cell apoptosis by promoting Bcl2-associated X (Bax) expression but suppressing Bcl-2 expression. Furthermore, we observed that KLF7 was a direct target of miR-136-3p, and KLF7 was negatively regulated by miR-136-3p in glioma cells. Finally, overexpression of KLF7 partly blocked miR-136-3p-induced inhibition of tumor growth in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions
Targeting miR-136-3p/KLF7 axis might be a novel manner to counter against gliomas.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: microRNA-128 mediates CB1
expression and regulates NF-KB/p-JNK axis to influence the occurrence of diabetic bladder
disease
Authors: Gou Xin , Wu Jing , Huang Mingqing , Weng Yuting , Yang Tongxin , Chen Tao , Li Guiqing , Fang Kewei 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Diabetic bladder disease is common complications of diabetes, its
symptoms are diverse, can be due to different stages. In this study we investigate
the mechanism of miR-128 targeting CB1 expression to mediate the occurrence of
diabetic bladder disease.

Methods
Bioinformatics analysis predicts related regulatory factors of miR-128
in diabetic bladder disease. Models of diabetic bladder lesions were constructed in
male SD rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin at 65 mg/kg body weight.
The expression of miR-128 and CB1 mRNA in bladder tissues of each group was detected
by RT-qPCR, and CB1, NF-KB, p-JNK and Bcl2 protein expression was detected by Western
Blotting. We tested the function of the bladder by urodynamics, detected the
pathological characteristics of the bladder tissue by HE staining, and verified the
targeting relationship between miR-128 and CB1 through the prediction of the
biological website, dual luciferase reporter gene assay and RIP.

Results
miR-128 was highly expressed in the bladder tissue of diabetic rats.
Inhibition of miR-128 could improve the occurrence of diabetic bladder lesions in
rats. miR-128 could target the inhibition of CB1 expression, and high expression of
CB1 could antagonize miR-128 against diabetic bladder. In the diabetic bladder,
miR-128 can regulate the expression of NF-KB and p-JNK through CB1 and affect the
level of apoptosis. miR-128 regulates NF-KB/p-JNK through CB1, thus affecting the
occurrence of diabetic bladder disease.

Conclusion
The high expression of miR-128 can down-regulate the expression of CB1,
promote the activation of NF-KB and p-JNK, increase the level of apoptosis and
promote the occurrence of diabetic bladder disease.
Influenza A virus NS1 optimises virus infectivity by enhancing genome packaging in a dsRNA-binding dependent manner
Authors: Sha Tim Wai , Weber Michaela , Kasumba Dacquin M. , Noda Takeshi , Nakano Masahiro , Kato Hiroki , Fujita Takashi 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The non-structural protein 1 (NS1) of influenza A virus (IAV) is a key player in inhibiting antiviral response in host cells, thereby facilitating its replication. However, other roles of NS1, which are independent of antagonising host cells’ antiviral response, are less characterised.

Methods
To investigate these unidentified roles, we used a recombinant virus, which lacks NS1 expression, and observed its phenotypes during the infection of antiviral defective cells (RIG-I KO cells) in the presence or absence of exogeneous NS1. Moreover, we used virus-like particle (VLP) production system to further support our findings.

Results
Our experiments demonstrated that IAV deficient in NS1 replicates less efficiently than wild-type IAV in RIG-I KO cells and this replication defect was complemented by ectopic expression of NS1. As suggested previously, NS1 is incorporated in the virion and participates in the regulation of viral transcription and translation. Using the VLP production system, in which minigenome transcription or viral protein production was unaffected by NS1, we demonstrated that NS1 facilitates viral genome packaging into VLP, leading to efficient minigenome transfer by VLP. Furthermore, the incorporation of NS1 and the minigenome into VLP were impaired by introducing a point mutation (R38A) in the double stranded RNA-binding domain of NS1.

Conclusion
These results suggest a novel function of NS1 in improving genome packaging in a dsRNA binding-dependent manner. Taken together, NS1 acts as an essential pro-viral regulator, not only by antagonizing host immunity but also by facilitating viral replication and genome packaging.