bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidental De Novo Cerebral Microhemorrhages are Predictive of Future Symptomatic Macrohemorrhages After Surgical Revascularization in Moyamoya Disease
Authors: Li Yiping , Esene Ignatius , Mandel Mauricio , Bigder Mark , Steinberg Gary K 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Patients with moyamoya disease who develop incidental cerebral microhemorrhages (CMHs) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have higher risk of developing subsequent symptomatic repeat macro hemorrhages.

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of surgical revascularization on development of de novo CMHs and assess its correlation with repeat hemorrhage rates and functional outcome in hemorrhagic onset moyamoya disease (HOMMD).

METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively managed departmental database of all patients presenting with HOMMD treated between 1987 and 2019. The search yielded 121 patients with adequate MRI follow-up for inclusion into the study.

RESULTS
In total, 42 preoperative CMHs were identified in 18 patients (15%). Patients presenting with preoperative CMH were more likely to develop de novo CMH after surgical revascularization. 7 de novo CHMs were identified in 6 patients (5%) on routine postoperative MRI at distinct locations from previous sites of hemorrhage or CMH. Symptomatic repeat macro hemorrhage was confirmed radiographically in 15 patients (12%). A total 5 (83%) of 6 patients with de novo CMHs later suffered symptomatic repeat macro hemorrhage with 4 of 5 (80%) hemorrhages occurring at sites of previous CMH. On univariate and multivariate analysis, de novo CMHs was the only significant variable predictive for developing repeat symptomatic hemorrhage. Development of delayed repeat symptomatic hemorrhage was prognostic for higher modified Rankin Score and therefore poorer functional status, whereas preoperative functional status was predictive of final outcome.

CONCLUSION
De novo CMHs after surgical revascularization might serve as a radiographic biomarker for refractory disease and suggest patients are at risk for future symptomatic macro hemorrhage.
Neuro-Oncology Practice Clinical Debate: Early treatment or observation for patients with newly diagnosed oligodendroglioma and small-volume residual disease
Authors: Fogh Shannon E , Boreta Lauren , Nakamura Jean L , Johnson Derek R , Chi Andrew S , Kurz Sylvia C 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Advances in treatment of oligodendroglioma represent arguably the most significant recent development in the treatment of brain tumors, with multiple clinical trials demonstrating that median survival is approximately doubled in patients with World Health Organization grade II and III 1p/19q codeleted gliomas (ie, oligodendrogliomas) treated with procarbazine, lomustine, vincristine chemotherapy and radiation vs radiation alone. However, chemoradiotherapy itself is not without morbidity, including both short-term toxicities primarily related to chemotherapy and longer-term cognitive issues likely due to radiation. Patients and physicians both desire maximally effective therapy with minimal toxicity, and it remains unclear whether some patients with macroscopic residual disease after surgery can safely delay therapy, to avoid or delay toxicity, while simultaneously preserving the full benefits of treatment. In this article, experts in the field discuss the rationale for the approaches of up-front treatment with chemoradiotherapy and initial observation, respectively.
The LRXs-RALFs-FER module controls plant growth and salt stress responses by modulating multiple plant hormones
Authors: Zhao Chunzhao , Jiang Wei , Zayed Omar , Liu Xin , Tang Kai , Nie Wenfeng , Li Yali , Xie Shaojun , Li Yuan , Long Tiandan , Liu Linlin , Zhu Yingfang , Zhao Yang , Zhu Jian-Kang 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Salt stress is a major environmental factor limiting plant growth and productivity. We recently discovered an important new salt tolerance pathway, where the cell wall leucine-rich repeat extensins LRX3/4/5, the RAPID ALKALINIZATION FACTOR (RALF) peptides RALF22/23 and receptor-like kinase FERONIA (FER) function as a module to simultaneously regulate plant growth and salt stress tolerance. However, the intracellular signaling pathways that are regulated by the extracellular LRX3/4/5-RALF22/23-FER module to coordinate growth, cell wall integrity and salt stress responses are still unknown. Here, we report that the LRX3/4/5-RALF22/23-FER module negatively regulates the levels of jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA) and abscisic acid (ABA). Blocking JA pathway rescues the dwarf phenotype of the lrx345 and fer-4 mutants, while disruption of ABA biosynthesis suppresses the salt-hypersensitivity of these mutants. Many salt stress-responsive genes display abnormal expression patterns in the lrx345 and fer-4 mutants, as well as in the wild type plants treated with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an inhibitor of pectin methylesterases, suggesting cell wall integrity as a critical factor that determines the expression pattern of stress-responsive genes. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is constitutively increased in the lrx345 and fer-4 mutants, and inhibition of ROS accumulation suppresses the salt-hypersensitivity of these mutants. Together, our work provides strong evidence that the LRX3/4/5-RALF22/23-FER module controls plant growth and salt stress responses by regulating hormonal homeostasis and ROS accumulation.
Health Care Utilization of Menthol and Non-menthol Cigarette Smokers
Authors: Wang Yingning , Watkins Shannon Lea , Sung Hai-Yen , Yao Tingting , Lightwood Jim , Max Wendy 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Introduction
To study the association between health care utilization and menthol cigarette use and whether the association differed between African American (AA) and non-AA smokers.

Methods
We analyzed the three most recent 2005, 2010, and 2015 National Health Interview Survey Cancer Control Supplements. After incorporating propensity score weights adjusting for observed differences between menthol and non-menthol users, we estimated Zero-Inflated Poisson models on hospital nights, emergency department visits, doctor visits, and home visits as a function of menthol use status and other covariates separately for current cigarette smokers and recent quitters (former smokers quitting cigarette smoking ≤ 4 years).

Results
Although current menthol smokers smoked fewer cigarettes per day than current non-menthol smokers, they did not differ from current non-menthol smokers in health care utilization. Among recent quitters, those who used to smoke menthol cigarettes had higher odds of having hospital nights than those who used to smoke non-menthol cigarettes. However, we did not find any significant association between menthol use and other health care utilization—emergency department visits, doctor visits, and home visits—among recent quitters. Moreover, compared with non-AA recent quitters, AA recent quitters had higher odds of having home visits, but fewer home visits, if they used to smoke menthol cigarettes.

Conclusion
Menthol use was associated with greater hospitalization among recent quitters, and the association between home visits and menthol use differed between AA and non-AA recent quitters.

Implications
This is the first study that used econometric models to study the association between health care utilization and menthol cigarette use and examine whether the association differed between AA and non-AA smokers. Our study found health care utilization did not differ by menthol use status for current smokers, although current menthol smokers smoked fewer cigarettes per day than current non-menthol smokers. However, we found menthol use was associated with higher odds of having hospital nights for recent quitters. We also found AA recent quitters had a different association between home visits and menthol use compared with non-AA recent quitters.
Technology entry in the presence of patent thickets
Authors: Hall Bronwyn H , Graevenitz Georg von , Helmers Christian 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
We analyse how patent thickets affect entry into patenting. A model of entry into patenting that allows for variation in technological opportunity, technological complexity and the extent of patent thickets is developed and analysed. Using UK data we then show that patent thickets are associated with a reduction of first time patenting in a technology controlling for the level of technological complexity and opportunity. Technologies characterized by more technological complexity and opportunity attract more entry into patenting. Our evidence indicates that patent thickets raise entry costs, which leads to less entry into technologies regardless of a firm’s size.
A NOTE ON RATIONAL HOMOLOGICAL STABILITY OF AUTOMORPHISMS OF MANIFOLDS
Authors: Krannich Manuel 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBy work of Berglund and Madsen, the rings of rational characteristic classes of fibrations and smooth block bundles with fibre $D^{2n}\sharp (S^n\times S^n)^{\sharp g}$, relative to the boundary, are for $2n\ge 6$ independent of $g$ in degrees $*\le (g-6)/2$. In this note, we explain how this range can be improved to $*\le g-2$ using cohomological vanishing results due to Borel and the classical invariant theory. This implies that the analogous ring for smooth bundles is independent of $g$ in the same range, provided the degree is small compared to the dimension.
Savings Gluts and Financial Fragility
Authors: Bolton Patrick , Santos Tano , Scheinkman Jose A 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe propose an incentive-based theory of how a savings glut produces financial fragility. Originators must be incentivized to produce high-quality assets. Assets are distributed to informed intermediaries or uninformed investors. A savings glut reduces origination incentives by compressing spreads between the prices paid for high-quality assets by informed intermediaries and prices paid by uninformed investors for generic assets. The narrowing of spreads relaxes intermediaries’ borrowing constraints, resulting in higher leverage. This generates financial fragility: intermediaries are more likely to become insolvent if unforeseen losses arise. Our model offers a coherent narrative of the run-up to the Global Financial Crisis.
Cross Validation of the Prodromal Questionnaire 16-Item Version in an Adolescent Help-Seeking Population
Authors: de Jong Yvonne , Mulder Cornelis L , Boon Albert , Coenders Elias , van der Gaag Mark 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The Prodromal Questionnaire 16-item version (PQ-16) is used as a screener in the early detection of psychosis. We wished to cross-validate it in a help-seeking population of adolescents aged 12–17 who had been referred for assessment and treatment to an outpatient Center for Child and Adolescence Psychiatry (CCAP). To examine the psychometric properties of the PQ-16 for adolescents, we used reliability analysis and receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curves. The internal consistency of the 16-item version was good, with Chronbach’s α = 0.84. A cutoff of 7 or more items marked as true, showed good sensitivity (.85) and acceptable specificity (.42). Half (51.3%) of the above cutoff sample were classified by the Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental States (CAARMS) assessment as having Ultra-High Risk (UHR) status or as having reached the psychosis threshold. Choosing a higher cutoff of 8 produces less false positives, but also loses 8% false negatives. Differentiation between boys and girls showed that the use of distress scores improved sensitivity and specificity values for girls but worsened them for boys. When a cutoff score of 7 or more items marked as true is used, the PQ-16 is a feasible instrument with acceptable screening properties for UHR and psychosis in boys and girls aged 12–17 attending a CCAP.
Research on emergency rescue technology and equipment for train operation accidents on a heavy-haul railway network
Authors: Zhou Xianping , Wei Xiang , Ma Lin , Bai Fuwei , Huang Hongwei 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Bridges, tunnels, cuttings and high subgrade account for a relatively large proportion in China's heavy-haul railway system, where 10 000 t of unit trains and 20 000 t of combined trains are in operation. When a train operation accident occurs, it can easily cause vehicle intrusions, slant-span lines, tipping and stacking. Based on the viewpoint of system engineering, rescue methods such as hoisting, lifting, pulling and overturning are integrated, according to the characteristics of heavy-haul transport and the construction practice of train accident rescue system. A scheme of technical research and equipment configuration relating to heavy-haul railway rescue in China is put forward based on the situation—embankment, bridge, tunnel (including cuttings), ramp and curve rescue, and so on—and three-dimensional finite-element modelling and calculation checks on the key components are carried out.
Fiber-Specific Changes in White Matter Microstructure in Individuals With X-Linked Auditory Neuropathy
Authors: Zanin Julien , Dhollander Thijs , Rance Gary , Yu Lan , Lan Lan , Wang Hongyang , Lou Xin , Connelly Alan , Nayagam Bryony , Wang Qiuju 
Published: June 2020

Objectives:
Auditory neuropathy (AN) is the term used to describe a group of hearing disorders, in which the hearing impairment occurs as a result of abnormal auditory nerve function. While our understanding of this condition has advanced significantly over recent years, the ability to determine the site of lesion and the extent of dysfunction in affected individuals remains a challenge. To this end, we investigated potential axonal degeneration in the white matter tracts of the brainstem in individuals with X-linked AN. We hypothesized that individuals with X-linked AN would show focal degeneration within the VIII nerve and/or auditory brainstem tracts, and the degree of degeneration would correlate with the extent of auditory perceptual impairment.

Design:
This was achieved using a higher-order diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI)–based quantitative measure called apparent fiber density as obtained from a technique called single-shell 3-tissue constrained spherical deconvolution and analyzed with the fixel-based analysis framework. Eleven subjects with genetically confirmed X-linked AN and 11 controls with normal hearing were assessed using behavioral and objective auditory measures. dMRI data were also collected for each participant.

Results:
Fixel-based analysis of the brainstem region showed that subjects with X-linked AN had significantly lower apparent fiber density in the VIII nerve compared with controls, consistent with axonal degeneration in this region. Subsequent analysis of the auditory brainstem tracts specifically showed that degeneration was also significant in these structures overall. The apparent fiber density findings were supported by objective measures of auditory function, such as auditory brainstem responses, electrocochleography, and otoacoustic emissions, which showed VIII nerve activity was severely disrupted in X-linked AN subjects while cochlear sensory hair cell function was relatively unaffected. Moreover, apparent fiber density results were significantly correlated with temporal processing ability (gap detection task) in affected subjects, suggesting that the degree of VIII nerve degeneration may impact the ability to resolve temporal aspects of an acoustic signal. Auditory assessments of sound detection, speech perception, and the processing of binaural cues were also significantly poorer in the X-linked AN group compared with the controls with normal hearing.

Conclusions:
The results of this study suggest that the dMRI–based measure of apparent fiber density may provide a useful adjunct to existing auditory assessments in the characterization of the site of lesion and extent of dysfunction in individuals with AN. Additionally, the ability to determine the degree of degeneration has the potential to guide rehabilitation strategies in the future.
Nonverbal Intelligence Predicts Performance of Preschool Children With Hearing Loss on Norm-Referenced Language Measures But Not Language Sample Analysis
Authors: Werfel Krystal L. , Bassard Sydney D. , Squires Courtney 
Published: June 2020

Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of nonverbal intelligence on spoken language performance in children with hearing loss who use amplification and spoken language. Specifically, we compared language performance measured by norm-referenced measures compared with spontaneous language sample measures.

Design:
Nonverbal intelligence and spoken language skills were analyzed using norm-referenced nonverbal intelligence and language assessments and language sample analyses in 92 children ages 3 to 6 who varied by hearing and nonverbal intelligence status. All children had nonverbal intelligence within the average or above-average range.

Results:
Regression analyses revealed that, after controlling for maternal education and hearing status, nonverbal intelligence contributed unique variance to norm-referenced language measures but not spontaneous language measures.

Conclusions:
Performance on norm-referenced language measures is influenced by nonverbal intelligence, whereas functional language use measured by spontaneous language samples is not. These findings suggest that spontaneous language measures may contribute additional value to language assessment batteries that are independent of nonverbal intelligence.
Toll-Like Receptors Contribute to Sex Differences in Blood Pressure Regulation
Authors: Dela Justina Vanessa , Giachini Fernanda R. , Sullivan Jennifer C. , Webb R. Clinton 
Published: June 2020

Abstract:
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play an important role in the innate immune system, and recently, they have been shown to be involved in the regulation of blood pressure. The incidence of hypertension is higher in men, and it increases in postmenopausal women. In fact, premenopausal women are protected from cardiovascular disease compared with age-matched men, and it is well established that this protective effect is lost with menopause. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this protection in women are unknown. Whether or not it could be related to differential activation of the innate immune system remains to be elucidated. This review focuses on (1) the differences between men and women in TLR activation and (2) whether TLR activation may influence the regulation of blood pressure in a sex-dependent manner.
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Direct Oral Anticoagulants May Increase Their Benefit-Risk Ratio
Authors: Bernier Marjorie , Lancrerot Sarah Line , Parassol Nadège , Lavrut Thibaud , Viotti Julien , Rocher Fanny , Drici Milou-Daniel 
Published: June 2020

Abstract:
The attractiveness of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) over vitamin K antagonists, in addition to a better benefit-risk ratio, stems from the fact that no therapeutic drug monitoring is deemed necessary. This has been recently mitigated by the fact that increased dabigatran (D) plasma levels have been associated with hemorrhages, and is currently under scrutiny of the European Medicines Agency. We aimed to evaluate, in real conditions of use, whether patients with out-of-range DOAC blood concentrations (too high or too low) were associated with bleeding or thrombosis. Patients treated with D or rivaroxaban (R) were prospectively included in a hospital cohort. D and R plasma levels were measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography—tandem mass spectrometry—at the physician's demand. We defined concentration range as “expected” within the 95% confidence interval of the mean concentration obtained from pivotal trials, and “out of range” when concentrations were outside of that interval. A blind assessment of concentrations versus occurrence of bleeding or thrombosis was performed by means of univariate and multivariate analysis. Three hundred and twenty-two patients (mean age 78.5 years ± 13.1), treated with D or R were included consecutively. They had a mean CHA2DS2-VASc at 4.4 ± 1.7 and a mean HAS-BLED score at 1.7 ± 0.9. Irrespective of the DOAC prescribed, patients presenting with out-of-range concentrations had significantly more bleeding or thrombosis than patients with expected concentrations (P < 0.001). Patients with bleeding were more prone to have concentrations beyond the 95th percentile (N = 62, P < 0.001), whereas patients with thrombosis were more likely to have concentrations below the fifth percentile (N = 26, P < 0.05). The main risks associated with hemorrhages were abnormal concentrations, a high HAS–BLED score, the patient's age, and the creatinine blood level. For thrombosis, a concentration below the fifth percentile was the only risk factor that was significant in our cohort. While D and R under current recommendation have a better benefit-risk ratio than warfarin, their safe usage could be further optimized by some degree of therapeutic monitoring.
Protective Effects of Spermidine Against Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy in Bile Duct-Ligated Rats
Authors: Sheibani Mohammad , Nezamoleslami Sadaf , Mousavi Seyyedeh E. , Faghir-Ghanesefat Hedyeh , Yousefi-Manesh Hasan , Rezayat Seyed M. , Dehpour Ahmadreza 
Published: June 2020

Abstract:
Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is a critical factor that causes morbidity and mortality in crucial conditions such as liver transplantation. In animal model, the common pathophysiologic mechanisms of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy are similar to those associated with bile duct ligation (BDL). Overproduction of inflammatory and oxidant markers plays a crucial role in cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. Spermidine, a multifunctional polyamine, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of spermidine on development of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy in BDL rats. Rats were randomly housed in 6 groups. Except the normal and sham groups, BDL was performed for all the control and spermidine groups. Seven days after operation, 3 different doses of spermidine (5, 10 and 50 mg/kg) were administrated until day 28, in spermidine groups. At the end of the fourth week, the electrocardiography (ECG) and papillary muscle isolation were performed. The serum level of tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-10 and cardiac level of superoxide dismutase, glutathione (GSH). and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed. Furthermore, the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) expression was assessed by western blot. Cardiac histopathological changes were monitored. The serum levels of magnesium (Mg2+) and potassium (K+) were investigated. Control group, exhibited exaggerated signs of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy in comparison with the sham group. Co-administration of spermidine at the dose of 10 mg/kg in BDL rats significantly improved the cardiac condition, reduced the inflammatory mediators, and increased antioxidant enzymes. In addition, the histopathologic findings were in accordance with the other results of the study. Besides, there was no significant alteration in serum levels of Mg2+ and K+. This study demonstrates that spermidine at the dose of 10 mg/kg significantly improved the cirrhotic cardiomyopathy in BDL model in rats.