bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the impact of binary parameter uncertainty on stellar population properties
Authors: Stanway E R , Chrimes A A , Eldridge J J , Stevance H F 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACT
Binary stars have been shown to have a substantial impact on the integrated light of stellar populations, particularly at low metallicity and early ages – conditions prevalent in the distant Universe. But the fraction of stars in stellar multiples as a function of mass, their likely initial periods and distribution of mass ratios are all known empirically from observations only in the local Universe. Each has associated uncertainties. We explore the impact of these uncertainties in binary parameters on the properties of integrated stellar populations, considering which properties and time-scales are most susceptible to uncertainty introduced by binary fractions and whether observations of the integrated light might be sufficient to determine binary parameters. We conclude that the effects of uncertainty in the empirical binary parameter distributions are likely smaller than those introduced by metallicity and stellar population age uncertainties for observational data. We identify emission in the He ii 1640 Å emission line and continuum colour in the ultraviolet–optical as potential indicators of a high-mass binary presence, although poorly constrained metallicity, dust extinction, and degeneracies in plausible star formation history are likely to swamp any measurable signal.
Prevalence of Alternative Diagnoses and Implications for Management in Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Patients
Authors: Macki Mohamed , Mahajan Abhimanyu , Shatz Rhonna , Air Ellen L , Novikova Marina , Fakih Mohamed , Elmenini Jaafar , Kaur Manpreet , Bouchard Kenneth R , Funk Brent A , Schwalb Jason M 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Following Bayes theorem, ventriculomegaly and ataxia confer only a 30% chance of idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). When coupled with positive responses to best diagnostic testing (extended lumbar drainage), 70% of patients recommended for shunting will not actually have NPH. This is inadequate clinical care.

OBJECTIVE
To determine the proportion of alternative and treatable diagnoses in patients referred to a multidisciplinary NPH clinic.

METHODS
Patients without previously diagnosed NPH were queried from prospectively collected data. At least 1 neurosurgeon, cognitive neurologist, and neuropsychologist jointly formulated best treatment plans.

RESULTS
Of 328 total patients, 45% had an alternative diagnosis; 11% of all patients improved with treatment of an alternative diagnosis. Of 87 patients with treatable conditions, the highest frequency of pathologies included sleep disorders, and cervical stenosis, followed by Parkinson disease. Anti-cholinergic burden was a contributor for multiple patients. Of 142 patients undergoing lumbar puncture, 71% had positive responses and referred to surgery. Compared to NPH patients, mimickers were statistically significantly older with lower Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score and worse gait parameters. Overall, 26% of the original patients underwent shunting. Pre-post testing revealed a statistically significant improved MoCA score and gait parameters in those patients who underwent surgery with follow-up.

CONCLUSION
Because the Multidisciplinary NPH Clinic selected only 26% for surgery (corroborating 30% in Bayes theorem), an overwhelming majority of patients with suspected NPH will harbor alternative diagnoses. Identification of contributing/confounding conditions will support the meticulous work-up necessary to appropriately manage patients without NPH while optimizing clinical responses to shunting in correctly diagnosed patients.
VEDA: VERA data analysis software for VLBI phase-referencing astrometry
Authors: Nagayama Takumi , Hirota Tomoya , Honma Mareki , Kurayama Tomoharu , Adachi Yuuki , Tamura Yoshiaki , Kanya Yukitoshi 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
We present the VEra Data Analyzer (VEDA) software package for Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) phase-referencing observations and parallax measurements. The Japanese VLBI project VLBI Exploration of Radio Astrometry (VERA) provides high-precision astrometric results at the 10 μas level. To achieve this precision, accurate calibration of the atmospheric phase fluctuation, the instrumental phase, and the source structural effect is required. VEDA specializes in phase-referencing data analysis, including these calibrations. In order to demonstrate its performance we analyzed H2O maser observations of W 3(OH) and Orion KL with VERA. Their parallaxes were obtained to be 0.527 ± 0.016 mas and 2.459 ± 0.029 mas, respectively. We also analyzed their data using AIPS, which is widely used for VLBI data analysis, and confirmed that the parallaxes obtained using VEDA and AIPS are coincident within 10 μas. VEDA is available for high-precision parallax and proper motion measurements of Galactic maser sources.
Symmetry Fundamentalism: A Case Study from Classical Physics
Authors: Schroeren David 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Physicists have suggested what I call symmetry fundamentalism: the view that symmetries are fundamental aspects of physical reality and that these aspects are more fundamental than what one might ordinarily think of as the fundamental building blocks of the world, such as elementary particles. The goal of this paper is to develop an ontology for classical particle mechanics that provides a precise instance of symmetry fundamentalism.
Not all world leaders use Twitter in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: impact of the way of Angela Merkel on psychological distress, behaviour and risk perception
Authors: Teufel Martin , Schweda Adam , Dörrie Nora , Musche Venja , Hetkamp Madeleine , Weismüller Benjamin , Lenzen Henrike , Stettner Mark , Kohler Hannah , Bäuerle Alexander , Skoda Eva-Maria 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
At a time of growing governmental restrictions and ‘physical distancing’ in order to decelerate the spread of COVID-19, psychological challenges are increasing. Social media plays an important role in maintaining social contact as well as exerting political influence. World leaders use it not only to keep citizens informed but also to boost morale and manage people’s fears. However, some leaders do not follow this approach; an example is the German Chancellor. In a large online survey, we aimed to determine levels of COVID-19 fear, generalized anxiety, depression, safety behaviour, trust in government and risk perception in Germany. A total of 12 244 respondents participated during the period of restraint and the public shutdown in March 2020. Concurrent with the German Chancellor’s speech, a reduction of anxiety and depression was noticeable in the German population. It appears that, in addition to using social media platforms like Twitter, different—and sometimes more conservative—channels for providing information can also be effective.
Use of rheumatoid arthritis impact of disease (RAID) in routine care; identification of DAS28 remission and unmet patient-reported outcomes
Authors: Mistry Jatin , Sharif Mohammed , Prideaux Amy , Smith Catherine , Sumbwanyambe Malama , Sibley Margaret , Carpenter Lewis , Sweeney Melissa , Kiely Patrick 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Objective
The aim was to assess how the patient-reported outcome RA impact of disease (RAID) relates to DAS28 categories in routine care, its utility in identifying patients in DAS28 remission (RDAS) or low disease activity (LDAS) and the burden of unmet patient-reported needs in those achieving RDAS/LDAS.

Methods
DAS28 and RAID scores were collected from patients with established RA attending for routine review. The relationship between RAID and DAS28 was assessed with univariate pairwise correlation and mixed-effects linear regression analyses. RAID &lt;2 was defined as a patient-acceptable state.

Results
One hundred and ninety-eight patients were assessed, with 220 observations, using DAS28-CRP categories: 47.5% RDAS, 14.1% LDAS, 31.8% moderate DAS (MDAS) and 6.6% high DAS (HDAS). Both patient visual analog scale score and tender joint count exhibited a high statistical association with RAID using linear regression (P &lt; 0.0001). The mean RAID score per DAS28-CRP category was RDAS 1.84, LDAS 4.78, MDAS 5.60 and HDAS 7.68, with a statistically significant increase in RAID per unit increase in DAS-CRP or DAS28-ESR on linear regression (P  &lt; 0.001). Of 66 patients with RAID &lt;2, 64 (97%) were in RDAS and 65 (98.5%) in RDAS/LDAS. Of 134 patients in RDAS/LDAS, RAID was ≥2 in 69 (51.5%), with fatigue and sleep being the worst-scoring domains.

Conclusion
RAID functions well as a patient-reported outcome in routine care. Patients with RAID &lt;2 have a high likelihood of being in RDAS/LDAS and, if pre-screened, could avoid a clinic visit. Analysis of RAID domains provides individualized targets for holistic care in RA management, with fatigue and sleep problems dominating unmet needs in those in RDAS/LDAS.
D-Penicillamine prolongs survival and lessens copper-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Abolaji Amos Olalekan , Fasae Kehinde Damilare , Iwezor Chizim Elizabeth , Farombi Ebenezer Olatunde 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTD-penicillamine (DPA) is an amino-thiol that has been established as a copper chelating agent for the treatment of Wilson’s disease. DPA reacts with metals to form complexes and/or chelates. Here, we investigated the survival rate extension capacity and modulatory role of DPA on Cu2+-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. Adult Wild type (Harwich strain) flies were exposed to Cu2+ (1 mM) and/or DPA (50 μM) in the diet for 7 days. Additionally, flies were exposed to acute Cu2+ (10 mM) for 24 h, followed by DPA (50 μM) treatment for 4 days. Thereafter, the antioxidant status [total thiol (T-SH) and glutathione (GSH) levels and glutathione S-transferase and catalase activities] as well as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) level and acetylcholinesterase activity were evaluated. The results showed that DPA treatment prolongs the survival rate of D. melanogaster by protecting against Cu2+-induced lethality. Further, DPA restored Cu2+-induced depletion of T-SH level compared to the control (P &lt; 0.05). DPA also protected against Cu2+ (1 mM)-induced inhibition of catalase activity. In addition, DPA ameliorated Cu2+-induced elevation of acetylcholinesterase activity in the flies. The study may therefore have health implications in neurodegenerative diseases involving oxidative stress such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Effects of Q-Switched Laser Treatments on Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-Like Macules: A Retrospective Comparative Study
Authors: Zeng Rong , Liu Yu-Zhen , Lin Tong , Guo Li-Fang , Ge Yi-Ping , Zhang Meng-Li , Yang Yin , Wu Qiu-Ju , Wu Yu-Le , Li Min 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Objective:
Q-switched lasers, including 1064-nm Nd:YAG nanosecond laser (QSNYL), 755-nm alexandrite nanosecond laser (QSAL), and 694-nm nanosecond ruby laser (QSRL), are clinically available for the treatment of acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules (ABNOM). However, no reliable evidence from large-scale comparative studies identifies which type of laser works best. This study aims to determine the differences in the effectiveness, complications, and risk factors of QSNYL, QSAL, and QSRL in the treatment of ABNOM, further to provide evidence for clinician to make optimal choice according to the condition of patients.

Methods:
We collected the data from 685 ABNOM patients, including clinical features, medical treatments, and follow-up, since 1999 to 2014. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare therapeutic differences between the three groups. The risk factors were analyzed using univariate analysis (χ
2 test) and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results:
The overall treatment efficiency of the QSNYL group (52.5%) and QSAL group (51.9%) was higher than that of the QSRL group (39.5%) (χ
2 = 17.468, P < 0.001). The onset time of the QSRL and QSAL groups was shorter than that of the QSNYL group. The factors influencing efficacy in the QSNYL group were age at first treatment, number of treatments, coexistence with melasma, and the presence of hyperpigmentation; in the QSAL group was the number of treatments; and in the QSRL group was the number of treatments and hyperpigmentation. The prevalence of hyperpigmentation in the QSNYL group (30.5%) and the QSAL group (27.5%) was lower than that of the QSRL group (47.3%) (χ
2 = 6.576, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:
The QSNYL, QSAL, and QSRL are all effective and safe treatments for ABNOM. Considering the overall efficacy, duration of treatment, side effects, and risk factors, the QSAL is an optimal choice for ABNOM treatment.
Characteristics of Cutaneous and Subcutaneous Infectious Granuloma at a Signal Center in China: A Five-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Yan Zhen-Zhen , Mei You-Ming , Jiang Hai-Qing , Shen Yong-Nian , Cui Pan-Gen , Liu Wei-Da , Fu Mei-Hua , Wang Hong-Sheng , Sun Jian-Fang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Objective:
Cutaneous and subcutaneous infectious granuloma (CSIG) is a broad group of inflammatory conditions that share important similarities in granulomatous reaction pattern and nonspecific clinical presentation. Here, we conducted the retrospective study to identify the clinical, pathological, and epidemiological correlations of CSIG cases at a signal center in China.

Methods:
Data of patients diagnosed with CSIG between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2015 were retrospectively collected, including socio-demographic information, pathogen diagnosis, clinical features, pathological results, treatment, and prognosis.

Results:
This study included 256 patients (137 males and 119 females) with a mean age of 52 years. Infections were more common in those aged over 40 years old (76.17%). The most common pathogens were Mycobacterium leprae (26.56%), Sporothrix schenckii (23.83%), and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (15.63%). Mycobacterium marinum (8.98%) accounted for 51.11% of nontuberculous mycobacterial contagion. Lesions were most common in the distal extremities (32.03%). The predominant clinical forms were plaques (61/142, 42.96%) and nodules (41/142, 28.87%).

Conclusions:
Various pathogens were responsible for the CSIG cases in this study, with M. leprae being the most common. CSIG should be considered as a likely diagnosis for patients with lesions on exposed parts of the body that present as plaques or nodules and has a history of trauma.
Screening and Prevention of Preeclampsia
Authors: Poon Liona C. , Sahota Daljit 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPreeclampsia (PE) is a multisystem disorder of pregnancy classically characterized by hypertension with significant proteinuria after 20 weeks’ gestation. This disorder is one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. PE can be subdivided into preterm PE (with delivery at <37 weeks’ gestation) and term PE (with delivery at ≥37 weeks’ gestation). Preterm PE is associated with a higher risk of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes than term PE. Traditional method of screening as recommended by professional guidelines has limited predictive performance and therefore should be updated to reflect recent scientific evidence that the target of screening should be preterm PE, the best way to identify the high-risk group is the Bayes-based method that combines maternal risk factors and biomarkers, the threshold should be set at screen positive rate of 10%, aspirin should be started before 16 weeks’ gestation, and the daily dose should be higher than 100 mg.
Cervical Assessment by Transvaginal Ultrasound for Predicting Preterm Birth in Asymptomatic Women
Authors: Li Jie 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) is defined as delivery before completing 37 weeks of gestation. It is the main cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality in the most countries. The inherent cervical length and strength are two main features of the cervix that determine whether or not a pregnant woman is at risk for PTB. Routine transvaginal cervical length screening was recommended for women with singleton pregnancy and history of prior spontaneous PTB, while the issue of universal cervical length screening and the screening in multiple gestations remain an object of debate. Strain sonoelastography and shear-wave sonoelastography have been used to evaluate the cervical stiffness in pregnant women, but the predictive value for PTB still requires further investigations. In this review, we will discuss the measurement methods of cervical length and cervical stiffness, and compare the value of cervical assessment by transvaginal ultrasound for predicting PTB in asymptomatic women.
Protection Against Lethal Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Infections Using Macrophage Cell Therapy
Authors: Tacke Robert , Sun Josh , Uchiyama Satoshi , Polovina Anya , Nguyen Deborah G. , Nizet Victor 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections exert a tremendous burden on the public health system throughout the developing and developed world. Slowing development of novel antibiotic scaffolds, over-prescription of antibiotics, extensive agricultural antibiotic use, and the increasingly complex hospitalized patient populations undergoing treatment, all fuel the rise of highly MDR “superbugs.” Unfortunately, host-directed therapies to boost immune resistance to infection are not currently available for treatment of MDR pathogens. Hematopoietic cells are endowed with a variety of mechanisms to control microbial invasion. Macrophages in particular have long been appreciated as potent antimicrobial immune cells equipped with several receptors that allow for rapid recognition, phagocytosis, and killing of pathogenic microbes, coupled to secretion of immunostimulatory cytokines to further orchestrate a robust multifaceted antibacterial immune response. To investigate the utility of macrophages as a cell therapy for MDR bacterial infections, we developed a therapeutically translatable process to generate, harvest, and cryopreserve monocyte-derived macrophages (ICONIMAC™). These cells effectively killed both Gram-positive and Gram-negative MDR pathogens in vitro, and conferred protection in vivo against experimental lethal peritonitis and lung infection. Our discoveries provide a proof-of-concept for a novel immuno-therapeutic approach against MDR bacterial infections, urgently needed to supplement the diminishing antibiotic pipeline.
Pharmacological and Immunological Aspects of Phage Therapy
Authors: Manohar Prasanth , Tamhankar Ashok. J. , Leptihn Sebastian , Ramesh Nachimuthu 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Bacteriophages, or viruses of microbes, when used as a medical strategy, might be able to solve the current crisis mankind faces with the increasing number of pathogens being antibiotic-resistant, where chemical drugs seized to show any therapeutic effect. The so-called phage therapy may be one of the most promising alternatives to treat infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which are killed after infection by a phage. While phages that destroy the host by lysis are chosen for therapy, many pharmacological and immunological aspects of phages as medicines have not been established so far. The immune system plays an important role in a process called phage acceptance where both, innate and adaptive immune responses of the host are involved. However, not only medical aspects but also social ones such as lacking public awareness or acceptance, and lack of structured regulatory guidelines are challenges that have to be addressed in the near future to establish phage therapy as a reliable and safe alternative for the treatment of infections. This review focuses on the unique pharmacological and immunological aspects of phages used in therapy.
Faropenem Susceptibility of Multidrug-resistant Contemporary Clinical Isolates from Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Feng Xue-Wen , Shao Jun-Dan , Ji Zhong-Kang , Fang Hong , Ding Cheng , Wang Shu-Ting , Shang-Guan Yan-Wan , Shi Pei , Li Lan-Juan , Xu Kai-Jin 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Alternative antimicrobial therapies are urgently needed for a variety of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. Faropenem is an orally available β-lactam in the class of carbapenem antibiotics. Thus far, little information is available on faropenem susceptibility of multidrug-resistant clinical isolates from China. Therefore, in the current study 141 contemporary clinical isolates, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA: n = 18), coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS: n = 16), Enterococcus faecalis (n = 14), Enterococcus faecium (n = 7), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 25), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 21), Escherichia coli (n = 20), and Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 20), were collected between March 2018 and March 2019 and tested for susceptibility to faropenem and other antimicrobials using the broth microdilution method. All E. faecium, P. aeruginosa, and A. baumannii isolates were fully resistant to faropenem. However, most of the MRSA, CNS, E. faecalis, K. pneumonia, and E. coli isolates appeared to be susceptible to faropenem, with minimal inhibitory concentration90 values of 4 mg/L, 2 mg/L, 2 mg/L, 4 mg/L, and 2 mg/L, respectively. Therefore, faropenem could be considered as alternative therapy for future treatment of multidrug-resistant MRSA, CNS, E. faecalis, K. pneumonia, and E. coli infections in China.
Allicin and Glycyrrhizic Acid Display Antiviral Activity Against Latent and Lytic Kaposi Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus
Authors: Xie Yirui , Chen Ying , Guo Yongzheng , Huang Ying , Zhu Biao 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) triggers the development of Kaposi sarcoma, a skin malignancy that is one of the most widespread defining symptoms in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients. KSHV manifests in two distinct cycles, a chronic latent cycle and an acute lytic cycle. Current clinical anti-herpesvirus therapeutic agents are predominantly composed of nucleoside analogues that target viral replication in the lytic cycle only, while KSHV latent genes are at the basis tumorigenesis. Currently, there are no effective therapies targeting latent KSHV infections. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify putative therapeutic compounds with inhibitory activity against latent KSHV. The KSHV-infected primary effusion lymphoma cell line BC-3 was used to study antiviral activity of glycyrrhizic acid (GA), Allicin, and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) against latent and lytic KSHV. Activity of GA, Allicin, EGCG, and the established anti-lytic cycle control compound ganciclovir was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction of nuclear and virion KSHV DNA yields after treatment compared with the untreated control. GA and Allicin showed antiviral activity against both latent and lytic KSHV, while EGCG displayed activity against lytic KSHV only. Therefore, GA and Allicin are interesting compounds for further development of anti-KSHV therapy against latent cycle infections.