bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does COVID‐19 contribute to development of neurological disease?
Authors: Mahalakshmi Arehally M. , Ray Bipul , Tuladhar Sunanda , Bhat Abid , Paneyala Shasthara , Patteswari Duraisamy , Sakharkar Meena Kishore , Hamdan Hamdan , Ojcius David M. , Bolla Srinivasa Rao , Essa Musthafa Mohamed , Chidambaram Saravana Babu , Qoronfleh M. Walid 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundAlthough coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has been associated primarily with pneumonia, recent data show that the causative agent of COVID‐19, the coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), can infect a large number of vital organs beyond the lungs, such as the heart, kidneys, and the brain. Thus, there is evidence showing possible retrograde transmission of the virus from the olfactory epithelium to regions of the brain stem.MethodsThis is a literature review article. The research design method is an evidence‐based rapid review. The present discourse aim is first to scrutinize and assess the available literature on COVID‐19 repercussion on the central nervous system (CNS). Standard literature and database searches were implemented, gathered relevant material, and extracted information was then assessed.ResultsThe angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors being the receptor for the virus, the threat to the central nervous system is expected. Neurons and glial cells express ACE2 receptors in the CNS, and recent studies suggest that activated glial cells contribute to neuroinflammation and the devastating effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on the CNS. The SARS‐CoV‐2‐induced immune‐mediated demyelinating disease, cerebrovascular damage, neurodegeneration, and depression are some of the neurological complications discussed here.ConclusionThis review correlates present clinical manifestations of COVID‐19 patients with possible neurological consequences in the future, thus preparing healthcare providers for possible future consequences of COVID‐19.
Transposing the preventive restructuring directive 2019 into French insolvency law: Rethinking the role of the judge and rebalancing creditors' rights
Authors: Ghio Emilie 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn June 2019, the European Union adopted the Directive on Preventive Restructuring Frameworks. The objective of the Directive is to introduce a level‐playing field across all Member States in the area of pre‐insolvency restructuring. Member States have until 2021 to transpose the Directive into their domestic insolvency regimes. In April 2019, the French legislator adopted the “Pacte Law”, whose aim is, inter alia, the transposition of the European Directive on Preventive Restructuring. Although five preventive restructuring tools already exist in the French regime, the transposition of the Directive will have an impact on current restructuring practices as it will require: (i) rebalancing the involvement and role of judicial authorities in preventive restructuring proceedings; and (ii) rebalancing the involvement of, and protection granted to, creditors.
Investigating the determinants of commercial bank interest rate spreads in Lesotho: Evidence from autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL)andnon‐linear ARDLapproaches
Authors: Damane Moeti 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis article investigates the determinants of commercial bank interest rate spreads in Lesotho using monthly time series data from January 2009 to December 2018. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach is used to measure long‐run co‐integration while the non‐linear ARDL (NARDL) model is used to test validity of long‐run symmetric effects. The bounds tests revealed existence of long‐run co‐integration between the study variables. Inflation and the Treasury bill rate have a positive and statistically significant impact on interest margins while the deposit rate has a negative and significant effect. The pass‐through of inflation and the deposit rate to interest margins is less than one, respectively. This confirms that inflation affects banks' lending rates with a second round effect while deposit liabilities are not the only source of credit financing for banks. The null hypothesis of long‐run symmetry is rejected for Treasury bill rates. Authorities are advised to ensure price and general macroeconomic stability while also pursuing policies aimed at maximizing savings.
MiR‐770 promotes oral squamous cell carcinoma migration and invasion by regulating the Sirt7/Smad4 pathway
Authors: Jia Bin , Zhang Sanke , Wu Shuang , Zhu Qiuyu , Li Wenlu 
Published: December 2020

AbstractOral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common malignant cancer with unfavorable prognosis, and the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical contributor to OSCC metastasis. Recently, we have shown that sirtuin 7 (Sirt7) is associated with EMT and OSCC metastasis by acetylating small mother against decapentaplegic 4 (Smad4). Nonetheless, the mechanism of Sirt7 downregulation in OSCC cells remains unknown. This study analyzed the potential microRNAs that were predicted to regulate Sirt7 expression by online databases. We identified miR‐770 as an upstream regulator of Sirt7 that targets its 3′‐untranslated region. The expression of miR‐770 was observed to be negatively correlated with the mRNA expression of Sirt7 in metastatic OSCC tumors, and higher miR‐770 expression was correlated with poorer OSCC patient survival. Our in vitro data indicated that miR‐770 promoted OSCC cell migration and invasion, and this process was dependent on Sirt7/Smad4 signaling. Furthermore, in vivo metastasis experiments indicated that miR‐770 overexpression led to more prominent OSCC metastasis and downregulated Sirt7 expression. Collectively, our results revealed a new role of Sirt7 downregulation in metastatic OSCC and suggested that miR‐770 is a potential target in counteracting OSCC metastasis.
Improved accuracy of quantitative birefringence imaging by polarization sensitive OCT with simple noise correction and its application to neuroimaging
Authors: Baumann Bernhard , Harper Danielle J. , Eugui Pablo , Gesperger Johanna , Lichtenegger Antonia , Merkle Conrad W. , Augustin Marco , Woehrer Adelheid 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPolarization‐sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS‐OCT) enables three‐dimensional imaging of biological tissues based on the inherent contrast provided by scattering and polarization properties. In fibrous tissue such as the white matter of the brain, PS‐OCT allows quantitative mapping of tissue birefringence. For the popular PS‐OCT layout using a single circular input state, birefringence measurements are based on a straight‐forward evaluation of phase retardation data. However, the accuracy of these measurements strongly depends on the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and is prone to mapping artifacts when the SNR is low. Here we present a simple yet effective approach for improving the accuracy of PS‐OCT phase retardation and birefringence measurements. By performing a noise bias correction of the detected OCT signal amplitudes, the impact of the noise floor on retardation measurements can be markedly reduced. We present simulation data to illustrate the influence of the noise bias correction on phase retardation measurements and support our analysis with real‐world PS‐OCT image data.
Genome-wide Association Studies Reveal Novel Locus With Sex-/Therapy-Specific Fracture Risk Effects in Childhood Cancer Survivors
Authors: Im Cindy , Li Nan , Moon Wonjong , Liu Qi , Morton Lindsay M , Leisenring Wendy M , Howell Rebecca M , Chow Eric J , Sklar Charles A , Wilson Carmen L , Wang Zhaoming , Sapkota Yadav , Chemaitilly Wassim , Ness Kirsten K , Hudson Melissa M , Robison Leslie L , Bhatia Smita , Armstrong Gregory T , Yasui Yutaka 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT
Childhood cancer survivors treated with radiation therapy (RT) and osteotoxic chemotherapies are at increased risk for fractures. However, understanding of how genetic and clinical susceptibility factors jointly contribute to fracture risk among survivors is limited. To address this gap, we conducted genome-wide association studies of fracture risk after cancer diagnosis in 2453 participants of European ancestry from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) with 930 incident fractures using Cox regression models (ie, time-to-event analysis) and prioritized sex- and treatment-stratified genetic associations. We performed replication analyses in 1417 survivors of European ancestry with 652 incident fractures from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study (SJLIFE). In discovery, we identified a genome-wide significant (p &lt; 5 × 10−8) fracture risk locus, 16p13.3 (HAGHL), among female CCSS survivors (n = 1289) with strong evidence of sex-specific effects (psex-heterogeneity &lt; 7 × 10−6). Combining discovery and replication data, rs1406815 showed the strongest association (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.43, p = 8.2 × 10−9; n = 1935 women) at this locus. In treatment-stratified analyses in the discovery cohort, the association between rs1406815 and fracture risk among female survivors with no RT exposures was weak (HR = 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.95–1.57, p = 0.11) but increased substantially among those with greater head/neck RT doses (any RT: HR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.54–2.28, p = 2.4 × 10−10; &gt;36 Gray only: HR = 3.79, 95% CI 1.95–7.34, p = 8.2 × 10−5). These head/neck RT-specific HAGHL single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) effects were replicated in female SJLIFE survivors. In silico bioinformatics analyses suggest these fracture risk alleles regulate HAGHL gene expression and related bone resorption pathways. Genetic risk profiles integrating this locus may help identify female survivors who would benefit from targeted interventions to reduce fracture risk. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Kinetic and thermodynamic characterization of lipase from Aspergillus melleus and its biocatalytic performance for degradation of poly(ɛ‐caprolactone)
Authors: Amin Misbah , Bhatti Haq N , Bilal Muhammad 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDLipases are an interesting class of enzymes that can be used as biocatalysts for poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) degradation. This work reports on the biochemical characterization of a lipase produced through solid‐state fermentation by Aspergillus melleus and its application to degrade poly(ɛ‐caprolactone).RESULTSLipase demonstrated the best activity and remained stable even after 24 h at an optimal pH of 7.5 and 40 °C. The Km and Vmax values for p‐nitrophenyl palmitate hydrolysis derived from Lineweaver–Burk plot were 0.286 mmol L−1 and 142.86 μmol mL−1 min−1, respectively. Thermal inactivation studies revealed a half‐life of 1732.5 min (28.88 h) at 40 °C, and dramatically reduced at elevated temperatures. The activation energy for substrate hydrolysis was 28.81 kJ mol−1, whereas the entropy, enthalpy (ΔH°) and free energy (ΔG°) of thermal inactivation of lipase were determined to be 168.73 J mol−1 K−1, 160.60 and 107.79 kJ mol−1, respectively, at 40 °C. Increase in temperature showed a decline in ΔG°, but ∆H* remained constant. Incubation with organic solvents did not influence the enzyme stability; however, urea and guanidine hydrochloride reduced the lipase activity. Under optimal operating conditions, the enzyme presented excellent biocatalytic ability to poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) film degradation, leading to 53% weight loss. Characterization techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared, differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy, corroborated the effective biodegradation of poly(ɛ‐caprolactone).CONCLUSIONIn conclusion, broad working pH, marked stability in the presence of organic solvents, and poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) degradation constitutes a lipase from A. melleus as a promising candidate for large‐scale bioremediation of solid waste.
Evaluation of a pipeline program at strengthening applications, increasing diversity, and increasing access to care
Authors: Greenway Ryan A. , Scott JoAnna M. , Loveless Ellyce C. , Bigham Richard R. , Simmer‐Beck Melanie L. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the outcomes of a dental pipeline program at strengthening dental school applications, growing the diversity of dental students, and increasing access to careMethodsThis program evaluation used a descriptive and quasi‐experimental retrospective study design. Researchers analyzed secondary data, from a dental pipeline program, for the years 2011–2018. Descriptive statistics were used to describe short‐term and intermediate outcomes and impact. Associations were tested using paired t‐test, 2‐sample t‐test, analysis of variance, and chi‐squared testResultsNinety‐eight scholars completed the 10‐week program. The majority of scholars were female (70%), non‐Hispanic or Latino (76%), non‐White (72%), and pursuing baccalaureate degrees (94%). After completing the program, the mean Dental Admission Test (DAT) Academic Average Score (AAS) increased (16.0 vs. 17.5, P < 0.01). Significant associations were revealed between post‐program DAT AAS and being accepted into dental school (P = 0.02). Associations remained when stratified by gender (male P = 0.01) and ethnicity (P = 0.03). The majority of scholars (71%) applied to the host school. Over half of the scholars matriculated to dental school (55%). Twenty‐nine scholars (30%) graduated from the host school. Graduates report choosing careers in private practice (38%), public health (24%), corporate dentistry (17%), and the military (3%)ConclusionDental pipeline programs are effective at strengthening dental school applications, increasing DAT AAS, growing the diversity of dental students, and increasing access to care. Dental education needs to examine barriers dental pipeline programs do not typically address, such as the high cost of applying to dental school, and identify additional ways to support underrepresented minority students entering into dentistry.
An efficient method for 3,4‐dihydroisoquinolinium ion formation, leading to a facile introduction of nucleophiles
Authors: Shimizu Makoto , Kawamura Takato , Fukumoto Shinya , Mizota Isao , Zhu Yusong 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe ketene silyl acetal derived from ethyl 2‐benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline‐1‐carboxylate undergoes a rapid oxidation reaction with N‐bromosuccinimide to form 3,4‐dihydroisoquinolinium ion, which reacts with Grignard reagents to give 1,1‐disubstituted tetrahydroisoquinolines in good yields.
Clinical, biochemical, and molecular characterization of mild (nonclassic) rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata
Authors: Fallatah Wedad , Schouten Monica , Yergeau Christine , Di Pietro Erminia , Engelen Marc , Waterham Hans R. , Poll‐The Bwee Tien , Braverman Nancy 
Published: December 2020

AbstractRhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata (RCDP) is a heterogenous group of disorders due to defects in genes encoding peroxisomal proteins required for plasmalogen (PL) biosynthesis, specifically PEX7 and PEX5 receptors, or GNPAT, AGPS and FAR1 enzymes. Most patients have congenital cataract and skeletal dysplasia. In the classic form, there is profound growth restriction and psychomotor delays, with most patients not advancing past infantile developmental milestones. Disease severity correlates to erythrocyte PL levels, which are almost undetectable in severe (classic) RCDP. In milder (nonclassic) forms, residual PL levels are associated with improved growth and development. However, the clinical course of this milder group remains largely unknown as only a few cases were reported. Using as inclusion criteria the ability to communicate and walk, we identified 16 individuals from five countries, ages 5‐37 years, and describe their clinical, biochemical and molecular profiles. The average age at diagnosis was 2.6 years and most had cataract, growth deficiency, joint contractures, and developmental delays. Other major symptoms were learning disability (87%), behavioral issues (56%), seizures (43%), and cardiac defects (31%). All patients had decreased C16:0 PL levels that were higher than in classic RCDP, and up to 43% of average controls. Plasma phytanic acid levels were elevated in most patients. There were several common, and four novel, PEX7, and GNPAT hypomorphic alleles in this cohort. These results can be used to support earlier diagnosis and improve management in patients with mild RCDP.
Chemical comparison of the raw and processed Farfarae Flos by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry based metabolomic approach
Authors: Cao Jianhua , Lu Zijuan , Qin Xuemei , Li Zhenyu 
Published: December 2020

AbstractFarfarae Flos (FF) has been used in China for a long time as an anti‐tussive and expectorant herbal drugs, and it was usually honey‐fried FF (HFF). To clarify the mechanism of honey processing, it is important to know the chemical difference between FF and HFF firstly. In this study, UHPLC‐Orbitrap‐MS was used to characterize the chemical compounds in FF, honey and HFF. Then the metabolomic approach based on UHPLC‐Orbitrap‐MS revealed 68 differential compounds between the FF and HFF, and chemical reactions occurring during processing were also proposed to elucidate the honey processing mechanisms of FF. In order to investigate the chemical difference between FF and HFF comprehensively and accurately, the components derived from the honey and the moisture content in FF and HFF were considered for the first time. In summary, this study investigated the chemical differences between FF and HFF in a holistic way, which laid the basis for the quality control of HFF and further explaining the honey processing mechanisms of FF. In addition, eight native compounds derived from the honey could be used as the index to authenticate the HFF prepared by the genuine honey.
Association between routine biomarkers and atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing implantation of a dual‐chamber pacemaker
Authors: Kyrlas Konstantinos , Liu Tong , Bazoukis George , Plakoutsi Sofia , Liberopoulos Evangelos , Milionis Haralampos , Korantzopoulos Panagiotis 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundElderly patients having a permanent pacemaker frequently have atrial remodeling. We examined the association between routine biomarkers and atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients receiving a dual‐chamber pacemaker for sinus node disease (SND) or second‐/third‐degree atrioventricular block.MethodsWe recorded clinical, laboratory, and electrocardiographic parameters as well as pacemaker lead parameters at implantation. The final analysis included 217 patients with SND and 393 patients with atrioventricular block. Notably, 102/217 (47%) of the SND patients (median age: 77 years, 54% men) and 54/393 (14%) of the atrioventricular block patients (median age: 79 years, 54% men) had AF history (paroxysmal or persistent).ResultsMultivariable analysis showed that red blood cell distribution width (RDW) (OR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.05‐1.36; P = .05) and serum γ‐glutamyl transferase (γGT) levels (OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.03‐1.28; P = .04) were independently associated with AF history in patients with SND. In ROC curve analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.648; P < .01 for RDW, and 0.753; P < .01 for γGT. A RDW cut‐off point of 14 was associated with AF with a sensitivity of 67% and a specificity of 68%, while a γGT cut‐off point of 21 was associated with AF with a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 65%. In patients with second‐/third‐degree atrioventricular block, there were no significant independent correlations between AF and the parameters studied.ConclusionsIn elderly patients with SND, RDW and γGT have an independent association with AF history. Our study failed to show any corresponding associations in patients with advanced disorders of atrioventricular conduction.
Biomechanical analysis of arthroscopically assisted latissimus dorsi transfer fixation for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears—Knotless versus knotted anchors
Authors: Ernstbrunner Lukas , Borbas Paul , Rohner Marco , Brun Sascha , Bachmann Elias , Bouaicha Samy , Wieser Karl 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe compared the construct stability of traditional knotted techniques with modern knotless anchor systems used in arthroscopically assisted latissimus dorsi transfers (aLDTs) for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. Eighteen cadaveric shoulders were age‐ and gender‐matched to the following three groups: knotted group (two knotted anchors); knotless group (two knotless anchors); and triple anchor group (two knotless anchors; one all‐suture anchor at the apex of the humeral head). All tendons were cyclically loaded in line of the aLDT over 400 cycles followed by a load to failure test. Outcome measures were the ultimate load to failure, elongation, construct stiffness, and failure modes. The triple anchor group revealed the highest ultimate load to failure (431 ± 78 N) compared with the knotted (326 ± 52 N; p = .022) and knotless (353 ± 105 N; p = .129) groups. Total elongation and construct stiffness were not significantly different comparing all three groups. The failure modes were: anchor pull‐out in all specimen of the knotted group; three (50%) anchor pull‐out and three suture pull‐out in the knotless group (p = .046); four (67%) anchor pull‐out, one (17%) suture pull‐out and one tendon pull‐out in the triple anchor group. Biomechanical analyses of knotless fixation techniques for aLDTs show similar construct stability and elongation compared with the traditional, knotted techniques. Bone fixation seems to be improved with the knotless anchor systems. In our practice, we continue to use the knotless fixation technique for aLDT and in the situation of weak, osteoporotic bone, we add a third (all‐suture) anchor to improve construct stability.
Locally delivered adjuvant biofilm‐penetrating antibiotics rescue impaired endochondral fracture healing caused by MRSA infection
Authors: Cahill Sean V. , Kwon Hyuk‐Kwon , Back Jungho , Lee Inkyu , Lee Saelim , Alder Kareme D. , Hao Zichen , Yu Kristin E. , Dussik Christopher M. , Kyriakides Themis R. , Lee Francis Y. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractInfection is a devastating complication following an open fracture. We investigated whether local rifampin‐loaded hydrogel can combat infection and improve healing in a murine model of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) osteomyelitis. A transverse fracture was made at the tibia midshaft of C57BL/6J mice aged 10–12 weeks and stabilized with an intramedullary pin. A total of 1 × 106 colony‐forming units (CFU) of MRSA was inoculated. A collagen‐based hydrogel containing low‐dose (60 μg) and high‐dose (300 μg) rifampin was applied before closure. Postoperative treatment response was assessed through bacterial CFU counts from tissue and hardware, tibial radiographs and microcomputed tomography (μCT), immunohistochemistry, and histological analyses. All untreated MRSA‐infected fractures progressed to nonunion by 28 days with profuse MRSA colonization. Infected fractures demonstrated decreased soft callus formation on safranin O stain compared to controls. Areas of dense interleukin‐1β stain were associated with poor callus formation. High‐dose rifampin hydrogels reduced the average MRSA load in tissue (p < 0.0001) and implants (p = 0.041). Low‐dose rifampin hydrogels reduced tissue bacterial load by 50% (p = 0.021). Among sterile models, 88% achieved union compared to 0% of those infected. Mean radiographic union scale in tibia scores improved from 6 to 8.7 with high‐dose rifampin hydrogel (p = 0.024) and to 10 with combination local/systemic rifampin therapy (p < 0.0001). μCT demonstrated reactive bone formation in MRSA infection. Histology demonstrated restored fracture healing with bacterial elimination. Rifampin‐loaded hydrogels suppressed osteomyelitis, prevented implant colonization, and improved healing. Systemic rifampin was more effective at eliminating infection and improving fracture healing. Further investigation into rifampin‐loaded hydrogels is required to correlate these findings with clinical efficacy.