bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Targeting acute kidney injury in COVID-19
Authors: Kellum John A , van Till J W Olivier , Mulligan George 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
As of 15 August 2020, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been reported in &gt;21 million people world-wide and is responsible for more than 750,000 deaths. The occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 has been reported to be as high as 43%. This is comparable to AKI in other forms of pneumonia requiring hospitalization, as well as in non-infectious conditions like cardiac surgery. The impact of AKI on COVID-19 outcomes is difficult to assess at present but, similar to other forms of sepsis, AKI is strongly associated with hospital mortality. Indeed, mortality is reported to be very low in COVID-19 patients without AKI. Given that AKI contributes to fluid and acid–base imbalances, compromises immune response and may impair resolution of inflammation, it seems likely that AKI contributes to mortality in these patients. The pathophysiologic mechanisms of AKI in COVID-19 are thought to be multifactorial including systemic immune and inflammatory responses induced by viral infection, systemic tissue hypoxia, reduced renal perfusion, endothelial damage and direct epithelial infection with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2. Mitochondria play a central role in the metabolic deregulation in the adaptive response to the systemic inflammation and are also found to be vital in response to both direct viral damage and tissue reperfusion. These stress conditions are associated with increased glycolysis and reduced fatty acid oxidation. Thus, there is a strong rationale to target AKI for therapy in COVID-19. Furthermore, many approaches that have been developed for other etiologies of AKI such as sepsis, inflammation and ischemia–reperfusion, have relevance in the treatment of COVID-19 AKI and could be rapidly pivoted to this new disease.
So-called bifocal tumors with diabetes insipidus and negative tumor markers: are they all germinoma?
Authors: Kanamori Masayuki , Takami Hirokazu , Yamaguchi Shigeru , Sasayama Takashi , Yoshimoto Koji , Tominaga Teiji , Inoue Akihiro , Ikeda Naokado , Kambe Atsushi , Kumabe Toshihiro , Matsuda Masahide , Tanaka Shota , Natsumeda Manabu , Matsuda Ken-Ichiro , Nonaka Masahiro , Kurihara Jun , Yamaoka Masayoshi , Kagawa Naoki , Shinojima Naoki , Negoto Tetsuya , Nakahara Yukiko , Arakawa Yoshiki , Hatazaki Seiji , Shimizu Hiroaki , Yoshino Atsuo , Abe Hiroshi , Akimoto Jiro , Kawanishi Yu , Suzuki Tomonari , Natsume Atsushi , Nagane Motoo , Akiyama Yukinori , Keino Dai , Fukami Tadateru , Tomita Takahiro , Kanaya Kohei , Tokuyama Tsutomu , Izumoto Shuichi , Nakada Mitsutoshi , Kuga Daisuke , Yamamoto Shohei , Anei Ryogo , Uzuka Takeo , Fukai Junya , Kijima Noriyuki , Terashima Keita , Ichimura Koichi , Nishikawa Ryo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background
The Delphi consensus statements on the management of germ cell tumors (GCTs) failed to reach agreements on the statement that the cases with (i) pineal and neurohypophyseal bifocal lesion, (ii) with diabetes insipidus, and (iii) with negative tumor markers can be diagnosed as germinoma without histological verification. To answer this, multicenter retrospective analysis was performed.

Methods
A questionnaire on clinical findings, histological diagnosis, and details of surgical procedures was sent to 86 neurosurgical and 35 pediatrics departments in Japan.

Results
Fifty-one institutes reported 132 cases that fulfilled the 3 criteria. Tissue sampling was performed in 91 cases from pineal (n = 44), neurohypophyseal (n = 32), both (n = 6), and distant (n = 9) lesions. Histological diagnosis was established in 89 cases: pure germinoma or germinoma with syncytiotrophoblastic giant cells in 82 (92.1%) cases, germinoma and mature teratoma in 2 cases, and granulomatous inflammation in 2 cases. Histological diagnosis was not established in 2 cases. Although no tumors other than GCTs were identified, 3 (3.4%) patients had non-germinomatous GCTs (NGGCTs). None of the patients developed permanent complications after endoscopic or stereotactic biopsy. Thirty-nine patients underwent simultaneous procedure for acute hydrocephalus without permanent complications, and hydrocephalus was controlled in 94.9% of them.

Conclusion
All patients who fulfilled the 3 criteria had GCTs or granulomatous inflammation, but not other types of tumors. However, no fewer than 3.4% of the patients had NGGCTs. Considering the safety and the effects of simultaneous procedures for acute hydrocephalus, biopsy was recommended in such patients.
Precision radial velocity measurements by the forward-modeling technique in the near-infrared
Authors: Hirano Teruyuki , Kuzuhara Masayuki , Kotani Takayuki , Omiya Masashi , Kudo Tomoyuki , Harakawa Hiroki , Vievard Sébastien , Kurokawa Takashi , Nishikawa Jun , Tamura Motohide , Hodapp Klaus , Ishizuka Masato , Jacobson Shane , Konishi Mihoko , Serizawa Takuma , Ueda Akitoshi , Gaidos Eric , Sato Bun’ei 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Precision radial velocity (RV) measurements in the near-infrared are a powerful tool to detect and characterize exoplanets around low-mass stars or young stars with higher magnetic activity. However, the presence of strong telluric absorption lines and emission lines in the near-infrared that significantly vary in time can prevent extraction of RV information from these spectra by classical techniques, which ignore or mask the telluric lines. We present a methodology and pipeline to derive precision RVs from near-infrared spectra using a forward-modeling technique. We applied this to spectra with a wide wavelength coverage (Y, J, and H bands, simultaneously), taken by the InfraRed Doppler (IRD) spectrograph on the Subaru 8.2 m telescope. Our pipeline extracts the instantaneous instrumental profile of the spectrograph for each spectral segment, based on a reference spectrum of the laser-frequency comb that is injected into the spectrograph simultaneously with the stellar light. These profiles are used to derive the intrinsic stellar template spectrum, which is free from instrumental broadening and telluric features, as well as model and fit individual observed spectra in the RV analysis. Implementing a series of numerical simulations using theoretical spectra that mimic IRD data, we test the pipeline and show that IRD can achieve &lt;2 m s−1 precision for slowly rotating mid-to-late M dwarfs with a signal-to-noise ratio ≳100 per pixel at 1000 nm. Dependences of RV precision on various stellar parameters (e.g., Teff, vsin i, [Fe/H]) and the impact of telluric-line blendings on the RV accuracy are discussed through the mock spectra analyses. We also apply the RV-analysis pipeline to the observed spectra of GJ 699 and TRAPPIST-1, demonstrating that the spectrograph and the pipeline are capable of an RV accuracy of &lt;3 m s−1 at least on a time-scale of a few months.
Inequality, Media Frames, and Public Support for Welfare
Authors: Epp Derek A , Jennings Jay T 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe political preferences of those with high and low incomes are highly correlated, and both groups become less supportive of redistributive spending as economic inequality increases. This article looks for a source of these interincome group correlations by examining trends in media coverage. We find that during periods of higher inequality, media coverage is more likely to focus on the personal characteristics of welfare recipients rather than the social consequences and causes of poverty. Observational and experimental data indicate that this shift in media frames can predict declining support for welfare spending, even for those with lower incomes who might benefit from redistribution. These findings help explain the reactions of the American public to rising inequality.
Political Influence and the Renegotiation of Government Contracts
Authors: Brogaard Jonathan , Denes Matthew , Duchin Ran 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
This paper provides novel evidence that corporate political influence operates through renegotiations of existing government contracts. Using detailed data on contractual terms and renegotiations around sudden deaths and resignations of local politicians, the estimates show that politically connected firms initially bid low and successfully renegotiate contract amounts, deadlines, and incentives. The effects hold across different industries and contract types, enhance firm value, and persist around the exogenous increase in contract supply due to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Overall, this paper establishes an unexplored link between political influence, ex post renegotiations, and ex ante bidding of government contracts.
Regulation of entheseal IL-23 expression by IL-4 and IL-13 as an explanation for arthropathy development under dupilumab therapy
Authors: Bridgewood Charlie , Sharif Kassem , Freeston Jane , Saleem Benazir , Russell Tobias , Watad Abdulla , Khan Almas , Loughenbury Peter , Rao Abhay , Wittmann Miriam , McGonagle Dennis 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectivesDupilumab blocks the IL-4 receptor (IL-4R) and thus signalling of the ‘Th2’ cytokines IL-4 and IL-13. It has a license to treat atopic eczema and was recently linked to emergent enthesitis and psoriasis. We investigated the cellular and functional basis for how IL-4/IL-13 regulates the IL-23–IL-17 axis in entheseal stromal, myeloid and lymphocyte cells.MethodsImmunohistochemistry was performed on healthy enthesis samples from patients undergoing elective spinal surgery to investigate entheseal tissue IL-4R expression and cytokine expression by intracellular flow cytometry for IL-4 and IL-13. Digested human enthesis samples were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for IL-23 induction, either alone or with IL-4 or IL-13. Enthesis fibroblasts were stimulated with TNF and IL-17 with and without IL-4 or IL-13 to assess the effect on CCL20 secretion. Synovial fluid samples from PsA patients were also analysed by ELISA for levels of IL-4 and IL-13.ResultsThe IL-4/IL-13 receptor was present in both the peri-entheseal bone and enthesis soft tissue, and entheseal-derived T cells produced basal levels of IL-4, but not IL-13. Both IL-4 and IL-13 attenuated LPS-induced entheseal IL-23 production. IL-4 also downregulated secretion of TNF/IL-17A-induced CCL20 from entheseal fibroblasts. Both IL-13 and IL-4 were also detectable in the synovial fluid of PsA patients. We also noted a seronegative inflammatory oligoarthritis whilst under dupilumab therapy.ConclusionOur findings suggest a previously unknown protective role for IL-4/IL-13 in entheseal induction of the IL-23–IL-17 axis. These findings point towards a novel explanation for IL-13 pathway single nucleotide polymorphisms in PsA and also a molecular explanation for why anti-IL-4/IL-13 therapy may induce musculoskeletal entheseal pathology as recently reported.
ADULT CT EXAMINATIONS IN ALGERIA: TOWARDS UPDATING NATIONAL DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE LEVELS
Authors: Khelassi-Toutaoui Nadia , Merad Ahmed , Tsapaki Virginia , Meddad Fouzia , Sakhri-Brahimi Zakia , Guedioura Diana , Saadi Samia 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
A pilot study has concerned the most frequent computed tomography examinations (CT). This represents the first results based on actual survey for diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) establishment in Algeria. A total number of 2540 patients underwent this survey that has included the recording of CT parameters, computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol) and dose-length product of the head, thorax, abdomen, abdomen–pelvis (AP), lumbar spine (LS) and thorax–abdomen–pelvis (TAP) performed on standard patients. The proposed DRLs are 71 mGy/1282 mGy.cm for head, 16 mGy/555 mGy.cm for thorax, 18 mGy/671 mGy.cm for abdomen, 21 mGy/950 mGy.cm for AP, 36 mGy/957 mGy.cm for LS and 18 mGy/994 mGy.cm for TAP. The rounded 75th percentile seems to be higher in some examinations compared to the literature. Our findings confirm the need to optimise our practice. These results provide a starting point for institutional evaluation of CT radiation doses.
Entrepreneurial Systems of Syrian Refugees as Stimulators of Host Economy: Case of Ouzaii (Lebanon)
Authors: Yassine Batoul , Al-Harithy Howayda 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
This article investigates the impact of the Syrian displacement on the economic and urban transformation in Ouzaii, a major informal settlement in the southern suburbs of Beirut that is characterised by a complex socio-political structure. It explores the potential of “entrepreneurial systems” that emerge when Syrian refugees become part of the host community and its economy. These systems include Syrian refugees as either part of the lower labour force, business owners, or entrepreneurs. The article locates these entrepreneurial systems within the spatial networks and investigates how Syrian refugees create opportunities for themselves and the host community given the specificity of the market that is subject to legal setups and mediated by the political party of Hezbollah. It uses the construct of “mixed embeddedness” by Kloosterman et al. and the notion of “quiet encroachment” by Asef Bayat to understand how the Syrian refugees were able to infiltrate into Ouzaii’s economy and become part of the “entrepreneurial systems” that stimulate the economic cycle and revitalise the urban space.
The effect of Fennel seed powder on estradiol levels, menopausal symptoms, and sexual desire in postmenopausal women
Authors: Ghaffari Parvin , Hosseininik Maryam , Afrasiabifar Ardashir , Sadeghi Hossein , Hosseininik Amar , Tabatabaei Seyedeh Marzieh , Hosseini Nazafarin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Objectives:
The present study was designed to determine the effect of Fennel seed powder on menopausal symptoms, sexual desire, and serum estradiol levels in postmenopausal women.

Methods:
The present study was conducted on 80 eligible women (45-60 y) who were referred to the Mofatteh Gynecology Clinic in Yasuj, Iran. Participants were randomized into equal intervention and control (control) groups. The intervention and control groups received four capsules of Fennel seed powder (2 gr) and starch-containing capsules (2 gr) daily over 8 weeks, respectively. Menopausal symptoms and sexual desire of the participants were evaluated using both the menopausal Kupperman index and Hurlbert index of sexual desire. The questionnaires were completed at baseline, week 4 and week 8 of the study by the participants. The serum estradiol levels were measured at baseline and also at the end of the study. The Chi-square test, independent t test, and repeated-measures analysis of variance were used to analyze the data.

Results:
Menopausal symptoms score significantly decreased from 30.8 ± 6 to 19 ± 5.5 in the intervention group and also from 31.2 ± 6.5 to 26.4 ± 6.2 in the control group (P < 0.05). Treatment with Fennel seed did not significantly enhance the participants sexual desire (P > 0.05). The estradiol levels declined in the intervention (from 60.4 ± 43.4 to 52.6 ± 25.7) and control groups (from 55.1 ± 22.4 to 39.9 ± 26.9). However, this decrease was lower in the intervention group than in the control group. The intergroup differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:
The results of the present study indicated that daily use of Fennel seed significantly improved menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women over 8 weeks, though its effect on estradiol levels and sexual desire was not significant. Further studies with a larger sample size and longer duration are needed to verify these findings.
Prevalence and risk factors of morphometric vertebral fracture in apparently healthy osteopenic postmenopausal Thai women
Authors: Wattanachanya Lalita , Pongchaiyakul Chatlert 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Objective:
To determine the prevalence of and risk factors for morphometric vertebral fracture (VF) in apparently healthy postmenopausal women with osteopenia.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study included 490 postmenopausal Thai women with osteopenia. All had no known history of low-trauma fracture, no underlying diseases, or history of taking medications that affect bone metabolism. Morphometric VFs were assessed by thoracolumbar spine x-rays, using the Genant semiquantitative method, and interpreted independently by three radiologists.

Results:
Mean age of participants was 59.9 ± 7.8 years and mean body mass index was 24.3 ± 3.4 kg/m2. Morphometric VFs were present in 29% (142/490) of women (grade 1: 62.0%, grade 2: 19.3%, and grade 3: 18.7%). Of these, 4.9% were aged 50 years or less, 40.1% were aged 50-59 years, 38% were aged 60-69 years, and 16.9% were aged over 70 years. Age and the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) scores for hip and major osteoporotic fracture, with or without bone mineral density, were positively correlated with VF. No differences in fracture prevalence among those with various degrees of osteopenia. Applying the current guidelines for VF screening results in discoveries of less than a half of osteopenic women who have had morphometric VF.

Conclusions:
Almost one third of apparently healthy postmenopausal women with osteopenia had morphometric VF. Advancing age and greater FRAX scores were associated with higher prevalence of morphometric VF.
Systemic AL Amyloidosis: Current Approaches to Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Fotiou Despina , Dimopoulos Meletios Athanasios , Kastritis Efstathios 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAL amyloidosis is characterized by a low‐level expansion of an indolent, small plasma cell clone that produces amyloidogenic light chains. Amyloid aggregates or preceding intermediaries cause direct cell damage through their proteotoxicity, and amyloid deposits distort tissue architecture, and, eventually, lead to organ impairment. It is a rare, underdiagnosed disease with a diverse clinical presentation depending on the organ tropism of the amyloid fibrils; cardiac and renal involvement is most common, but any organ can be affected, excluding the central nervous system. A high level of awareness and a systematic approach using newly emerging screening biomarkers is required to achieve early diagnosis. Management should be multidisciplinary as supportive management tailored to management of organ dysfunction is paramount to survival and minimization of treatment‐associated toxicity. The initial therapeutic aim is to rapidly eliminate the clonal plasma cell that produces the circulating amyloid precursor and achieve a complete hematologic response, and if possible with undetectable minimal residual disease as assessed by next‐generation methods (flow and sequencing), with minimal toxicity. Treatment is tailored to the initial risk assessment of the patients. Treatments are based on regimens adapted from the expanding options that are available for multiple myeloma patients and hematological response rates have improved. Organ response rates are strongly associated with deeper hematologic response but usually lag behind hematological response and are also dependent on the initial organ function reserve. Agents directed against the amyloid deposits have been explored to aid amyloid clearance and improve organ function, but data are still negative.
Femtosecond laser–assisted cataract surgery compared with phacoemulsification cataract surgery: randomized noninferiority trial with 1-year outcomes
Authors: Day Alexander C. , Burr Jennifer M. , Bennett Kate , Doré Caroline J. , Bunce Catey , Hunter Rachael , Nanavaty Mayank A. , Balaggan Kamaljit S. , Wilkins Mark R. ,   on behalf of the FACT trial group
Published: August 2020

Purpose:
To report the 1-year outcomes of a randomized trial comparing femtosecond laser–assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and phacoemulsification cataract surgery (PCS).

Setting:
Moorfields Eye Hospital, New Cross Hospital, and Sussex Eye Hospital, United Kingdom.

Design:
Multicenter, randomized controlled noninferiority trial.

Methods:
Patients undergoing cataract surgery were randomized to FLACS or PCS. Postoperative assessments were masked. Outcomes included uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), complications, corneal endothelial cell count, and patient-reported outcomes measures.

Results:
The study enrolled 785 participants. A total of 311 of 392 (79%) participants were allocated to FLACS and 292 of 393 (74%) participants were allocated to PCS attended follow-up at 1 year. Mean UDVA was 0.14 (SD = 0.22) for FLACS and 0.17 (0.25) for PCS with difference of −0.03 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) (95%, −0.06 to 0.01, P = .17). Mean CDVA was 0.003 (0.18) for FLACS and 0.03 (0.23) for PCS with difference of −0.03 logMAR (95% CI, −0.06 to 0.01, P = .11); 75% of both FLACS (230/307) and PCS (218/290) cases were within ±0.5 diopters (D) refractive target, and 292 (95%) of 307 eyes of FLACS and 279 (96%) of 290 eyes of PCS groups were within ±1.0 D. There were no significant differences between arms for all other outcomes with the exception of binocular CDVA mean difference −0.02 (−0.05 to 0.002) logMAR (P = .036) favoring FLACS. Mean cost difference was £167.62 per patient greater for FLACS (95% iterations between −£14.12 and £341.67).

Conclusions:
PCS is not inferior to FLACS regarding vision, patient-reported health, and safety outcomes after 1-year follow-up. A difference was found for binocular CDVA, which, although statistically significant, was not clinically important. FLACS was not cost-effective.
Ten-year safety follow-up and post-explant analysis of an anterior chamber phakic IOL
Authors: Kohnen Thomas , Maxwell Andrew , Holland Simon , Lane Stephen , Von Tress Mark , Salem Craig , LaFontaine Laura 
Published: August 2020

Purpose:
To assess endothelial cell loss (ECL) rate and collect safety data in patients with AcrySof L-series Cachet phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) up to 10 years post-implantation.

Setting:
Clinical settings in the United States, European Union, and Canada.

Design:
Nonrandomized, observational, open-label safety study.

Methods:
Central and peripheral endothelial cell density was evaluated and compared with 6-month post-implantation baseline. Nonlinear analysis was performed to identify factors affecting post-explantation ECL. Additional evaluations included uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), adverse device effects (ADEs), and serious adverse events (SAEs).

Results:
The study included 1123 implanted eyes (mean age, 37.5 years). At 10 years, mean central and peripheral ECL was 16% (1.7% annualized). Explantations were performed in 10% of eyes (n = 136/1323). For eyes with pIOL explantation because of ECL (7%), annualized ECL rate post-explantation was numerically lower compared with the overall rate in eyes that underwent explantation for any reason (annualized rate, −1.65% vs −2.03%, respectively; n = 96) and compared with pre-explantation ECL. Mean ± SD CDVA and UCVA were −0.12 ± 0.11 and 0.03 ± 0.22 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, respectively. Common ocular ADEs included ECL (10%), pIOL extraction (9%), iris adhesion (7%), and pupillary deformity (2%). Common SAEs included pIOL extraction (11%), ECL (9%), and iris adhesions (8%).

Conclusions:
Cachet pIOLs were associated with long-term ECL in some cases. Overall, only 10% of all implanted eyes underwent explantation during 10-year follow-up. In patients requiring explantation because of ECL, the annualized ECL rates decreased post-explantation in some eyes. Continued monitoring of patients regardless of explantation is recommended.