bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synergistic effect of aminoguanidine andl-carnosine against thioacetamide-induced hepatic encephalopathy in rats: behavioral, biochemical, and ultrastructural evidence
Authors: Afifi Nehal A. , Ramadan A. , Erian Emad Y. , Sedik Ahmed A. , Amin Mohamed M. , Hassan Azza , Saleh Dalia O. 
Published: July 2020

Hepatic encephalopathy depicts the cluster of neurological alterations that occur during acute or chronic hepatic injury. Hyperammonemia, inflammatory injury, and oxidative stress are the main predisposing factors for the direct and indirect changes in cerebral metabolism causing encephalopathy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible synergistic effect between aminoguanidine (AG; 100 mg/kg, p.o.) and l-carnosine (CAR; 200 mg/kg, p.o.) on hepatic encephalopathy that was induced by thioacetamide (TAAÍ¾ 100 mg/kg, i.p.) administered three times weekly for six weeks. Behavioral changes, biochemical parameters, histopathological analysis, and immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies were conducted 24 h after the last treatment. Combining AG with CAR improved TAA-induced locomotor impairment and motor incoordination evidenced by reduced locomotor activity and decline in motor skill performance, as well as ameliorated cognitive deficits. Moreover, both drugs restored the levels of serum hepatic enzymes and serum and brain levels of ammonia. In addition, the combination significantly modulated hepatic and brain oxidative stress biomarkers, inflammatory cytokines, and cleaved caspase-3 expression. Furthermore, they succeeded in activating nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) activity and ameliorating markers of hepatic encephalopathy, including hepatic necrosis and brain astrocyte swelling. This study shows that combining AG with CAR exerted a new intervention for hepatic and brain damage in hepatic encephalopathy due to their complementary antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects and hypoammonemic effects via Nrf2/HO-1 activation and NO inhibition.
Production of $$^4\mathrm{Li}$$ and $$p\!-\!^3\mathrm{He}$$ correlation function in relativistic heavy-ion collisions
Authors: Bazak Sylwia , Mrówczyński Stanisław 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe thermal and coalescence models both describe well yields of light nuclei produced in relativistic heavy-ion collisions at LHC. We propose to measure the yield of $$^4\mathrm{Li}$$

4

Li

and compare it to that of $$^4\mathrm{He}$$

4

He

to falsify one of the models. Since the masses of $$^4\mathrm{He}$$

4

He

and $$^4\mathrm{Li}$$

4

Li

are almost equal, the yield of $$^4\mathrm{Li}$$

4

Li

is about 5 times bigger than that of $$^4\mathrm{He}$$

4

He

in the thermal model because of different numbers of spin states of the two nuclides. Their internal structures are, however, very different: the alpha particle is well bound and compact while $$^4\mathrm{Li}$$

4

Li

is weakly bound and loose. Consequently, the ratio of yields of $$^4\mathrm{Li}$$

4

Li

to $$^4\mathrm{He}$$

4

He

is significantly smaller in the coalescence model and it strongly depends on the collision centrality. Since the nuclide $$^4\mathrm{Li}$$

4

Li

is unstable and it decays into $$^3\mathrm{He}$$

3

He

and p, the yield of $$^4\mathrm{Li}$$

4

Li

can be experimentally obtained through a measurement of the $$p\!-\!^3\mathrm{He}$$

p

-

3

He

correlation function. The function carries information not only about the yield of $$^4\mathrm{Li}$$

4

Li

but also about the source of $$^3\mathrm{He}$$

3

He

and allows one to determine through a source-size measurement whether of $$^3\mathrm{He}$$

3

He

is directly emitted from the fireball or it is formed afterwards. We compute the correlation function taking into account the s-wave scattering and Coulomb repulsion together with the resonance interaction responsible for the $$^4\mathrm{Li}$$

4

Li

nuclide. We discuss how to infer information about an origin of $$^3\mathrm{He}$$

3

He

from the correlation function, and finally a method to obtain the yield of $$^4\mathrm{Li}$$

4

Li

is proposed.
Far-flung female (and fossil bone hunting) Fellows: an autoethnographical approach
Authors: Turner Susan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Geologists roam worldwide; no less for women who took up fellowship of the ‘Geol. Soc.’. Since 1919, women Fellows of the Geological Society have lived and worked across the globe conducting fieldwork and research. Based on the author's interests and in part considering her 50 years an FGS, a selection of women Fellows is considered, many of whom affected her geological life, such as Phoebe Walder and Peigi Wallace. This autoethnographical approach encompasses women from the colonies who joined as soon as they were able; the legendary Dorothy Hill of Queensland was one of the first, with other notable Australians being Nell Ludbrook and June Phillips Ross. Others worked across the former Gondwana, such as Pamela Robinson, who pioneered much research in vertebrate palaeontology on the Indian subcontinent. Important British geologists and vertebrate palaeontologists include Dorothea Bate, Sonia Cole, Elinor Gardner and Eileen Hendriks, who wrote key geological texts in the earlier twentieth century. More contemporary women did work for UNESCO, the International Union of Geological Sciences and in the oil industry. During the later twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, female Fellows have worked across the world in greater numbers in all aspects of geoscience, from the Arctic to the Antarctic.
Flutter Wave Morphology of Peri-Mitral Atrial Flutters Is Mainly Determined by Right Atrial Activation
Authors: Hu Wei , Zhou Dongchen , Hua Baotong , Yang Gang , Chen Hongwu , Ju Weizu , Li Mingfang , Zhang Fengxiang , Zheng Liangrong , Chen Minglong 
Published: July 2020

Background:
Peri-mitral atrial flutters frequently develop post-atrial fibrillation ablation or postcardiac surgery. The determinants of the flutter wave morphology on surface ECG have been less studied.

Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed 24 patients with peri-mitral atrial flutters who underwent biatrial high-resolution mapping at 3 institutions with LUMIPOINT software. We analyzed the overlap between the right atrial (RA) activation time and flutter wave duration and compared the proportion of the endocardial area that was activated in both atria during the flutter wave duration. Biatrial activation patterns and interatrial conductions were also identified.

Results:

The mean tachycardia cycle length was 264±60 ms, with RA activation time 155±45 ms (60.8±20.6% of the tachycardia cycle length), and the flutter wave duration 107±31 ms (41.6±11.7% of the tachycardia cycle length). The overlap between the RA activation time and the flutter wave duration was 102±29 ms, which takes 68.5±17.2% of the RA activation time and 95.7±9.1% of the flutter wave duration, respectively. Quantitative analysis also showed that during the flutter wave duration, more percentage of the endocardial area was activated in the RA than in the left atrium (73.0±12.7% versus 45.2±13.0%,
P
<0.001). We consistently observed that the RA anterior wall rightward activation corresponded to the positive component in V1 in both flutter patterns, and the RA downward activation corresponded to the positive component in the counterclockwise group or the upward activation corresponded to the negative component in the clockwise group in the inferior leads. The passive RA activation patterns were varied with spontaneous atrial scarring or previous linear ablation.

Conclusions:
ECG flutter wave morphology of peri-mitral atrial flutters is mainly dependent on RA activation patterns.
Electrical Posterior Box Isolation in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Changed to Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Pak Hui-Nam , Park Junbeom , Park Je-Wook , Yang Song-Yi , Yu Hee Tae , Kim Tae-Hoon , Uhm Jae-Sun , Choi Jong-Il , Joung Boyoung , Lee Moon-Hyoung , Kim Young-Hoon , Shim Jaemin 
Published: July 2020

Background:
Persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) can change to paroxysmal AF after antiarrhythmic drug medication and cardioversion. We investigated whether electrical posterior box isolation (POBI) may improve rhythm outcome of catheter ablation in those patient groups.

Methods:
We prospectively randomized 114 patients with persistent AF to paroxysmal AF (men, 75%; 59.8±9.9 years old) to circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI) alone group (n=57) and additional POBI group (n=57). Primary end point was AF recurrence after a single procedure, and secondary end points were recurrence pattern, cardioversion rate, and response to antiarrhythmic drugs.

Results:

After a mean follow-up of 23.8±10.2 months, the clinical recurrence rate did not significantly differ between the CPVI alone and additional POBI group (31.6% versus 28.1%;
P
=0.682; log-rank
P
=0.729). The recurrences as atrial tachycardias (5.3% versus 12.3%;
P
=0.134) and cardioversion rates (5.3% versus 10.5%;
P
=0.250) were not significantly different between the CPVI and POBI groups. At the final follow-up, sinus rhythm was maintained without antiarrhythmic drug in 52.6% of CPVI group and 59.6% of POBI group (
P
=0.450). No significant difference was found in major complication rates between the two groups (5.3% versus 1.8%;
P
=0.618), but the total ablation time was significantly longer in the POBI group (4187±952 versus 5337±1517 s;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions:
In patients with persistent AF converted to paroxysmal AF by antiarrhythmic drug, the addition of POBI to CPVI did not improve the rhythm outcome of catheter ablation or influence overall safety, while leading to longer ablation time.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02176616.
A Multisession Evaluation of a Collaborative Virtual Environment for Arm Rehabilitation
Authors: Goršič Maja , Cikajlo Imre , Goljar Nika , Novak Domen 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
In recent years, several multi-user virtual environments (VEs) have been developed to promote motivation and exercise intensity in motor rehabilitation. While competitive VEs have been extensively evaluated, collaborative and competitive rehabilitation VEs have seen relatively little study. Therefore, this article presents an evaluation of a VE for post-stroke arm rehabilitation that mimics everyday kitchen tasks and can be used either solo or collaboratively. Twenty subacute stroke survivors exercised with the VE for four sessions, with the first and third sessions involving solo exercise and the other two involving collaborative exercise. Exercise intensity was measured using inertial sensors while motivation was measured with questionnaires. Results showed high motivation and exercise intensity over all four sessions, and 11 of 20 participants preferred collaborative over solo exercise while only 4 preferred solo exercise. However, there were no differences in motivation, exercise duration, or exercise intensity between solo and collaborative sessions. Thus, we cannot currently claim that collaborative exercises are beneficial for upper limb rehabilitation. Future studies should evaluate other collaborative VE designs in different settings (e.g., at home) and with different participant pairs (e.g., patient-unimpaired) to find effective ways to utilize collaborative exercises in motor rehabilitation.
The Role of Multiscale Interaction in Tropical Cyclogenesis and Its Predictability in Near-Global Aquaplanet Cloud-Resolving Simulations
Authors: Narenpitak Pornampai , Bretherton Christopher S. , Khairoutdinov Marat F. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Tropical cyclogenesis (TCG) is a multiscale process that involves interactions between large-scale circulation and small-scale convection. A near-global aquaplanet cloud-resolving model (NGAqua) with 4-km horizontal grid spacing that produces tropical cyclones (TCs) is used to investigate TCG and its predictability. This study analyzes an ensemble of three 20-day NGAqua simulations, with initial white-noise perturbations of low-level humidity. TCs develop spontaneously from the northern edge of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), where large-scale flows and tropical convection provide necessary conditions for barotropic instability. Zonal bands of positive low-level absolute vorticity organize into cyclonic vortices, some of which develop into TCs. A new algorithm is developed to track the cyclonic vortices. A vortex-following framework analysis of the low-level vorticity budget shows that vertical stretching of absolute vorticity due to convective heating contributes positively to the vorticity spinup of the TCs. A case study and composite analyses suggest that sufficient humidity is key for convective development. TCG in these three NGAqua simulations undergoes the same series of interactions. The locations of cyclonic vortices are broadly predetermined by planetary-scale circulation and humidity patterns associated with ITCZ breakdown, which are predictable up to 10 days. Whether and when the cyclonic vortices become TCs depend on the somewhat more random feedback between convection and vorticity.
Assessing the Practice Characteristics of Otolaryngology Same‐Day Appointments in an Academic Center
Authors: Geelan‐Hansen Katie , Were Vega , Granger Kleve , Jones Dwight 
Published: July 2020

Objectivesto Examine the practice characteristics of same‐day clinic appointments and the use of same‐day appointment scheduling to provide access to care in an otolaryngology–head and neck surgery clinic.MethodsRetrospective chart review of same‐day clinic appointments from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2018, in patients aged >19 years at a single academic center. Demographic data, diagnoses, procedures completed, and operations completed were analyzed.ResultsThere were 2696 visits by 2324 patients during the 3‐year study period. More men than women (57% vs 43%) made same‐day appointments. The mean age was 50.7 years (range, 19‐99 years). Sinonasal and otologic diagnoses were the most frequently coded. A total of 1452 procedures were completed on the day of the visit, and 239 operations were completed as a result of the visit. Overall, a broad spectrum of otolaryngology care was delivered within the organizational new patient access goals.DiscussionAccess to otolaryngology–head and neck surgery care can be challenging. Many patients will seek care when they feel they need it, and patient conditions can change unexpectedly. Offering same‐day scheduling can allow patients timely health care and appropriate care.Implications for PracticeSame‐day appointment scheduling can provide access to care and urgent care for patients. The department of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery has been able to maintain a high rate of providing new patient appointments within 10 days with this method. Further considerations for the impact of same‐day scheduling on no‐show rates and patient satisfaction can be evaluated.
Meta-analysis of the association between MALAT1 rs619586 A>G polymorphism and cancer risk
Authors: Ni Wenwen , Wang Xinyu , Sun Yuqi , Gao Xueren 
Published: July 2020

Objective This study aimed to systematically assess the effect of the metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 ( MALAT1) long noncoding RNA rs619586 polymorphism on cancer risk. Methods We conducted a literature search of the PubMed, Embase, and China National Knowledge Internet databases to identify relevant studies, and calculated the pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the retrieved studies using RevMan software. Results Nine eligible studies including 5968 cases and 7439 controls were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled results showed that MALAT1 rs619586 polymorphism was significantly associated with cancer risk [(AG + GG) vs. AA: OR = 0.88; GG vs. (AG + AA): OR = 0.64; GG vs. AA: OR = 0.63; AG vs. AA: OR = 0.91; G vs. A: OR = 0.87]. However, subgroup analyses based on ethnicity and cancer type showed significant associations between MALAT1 rs619586 polymorphism and cancer risk in Asians and for cancers other than hepatocellular carcinoma, but not for Caucasians and hepatocellular carcinoma. Conclusions MALAT1 rs619586 polymorphism may play a role in cancer risk. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Lack of associations between lactoferrin (LTF) and mannose-binding lectin 2 (MBL2) gene polymorphism and dental caries susceptibility
Authors: Hu Xiao-Pan , Zhou Hai-jing , Li Zhi-Qiang , Song Tian-Zhu , Zhu Yan-Yan 
Published: July 2020

Objective With the development of human genomics, the genetic factors associated with dental caries have receiving increasing attention. This study was performed to evaluate the relationship between lactoferrin ( LTF) and mannose-binding lectin 2 ( MBL2) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and dental caries susceptibility in Chinese children. Methods This prospective case–control study included 360 unrelated children (aged 12–15 years) who received oral health examinations and questionnaire surveys. The children were divided into two groups by counting the numbers of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT/dmft): case group (n = 162, DMFT/dmft ≥ 1) and control group (n = 198, DMFT/dmft = 0); non-invasive saliva samples were collected to extract genomic DNA. Six SNPs ( rs2073495C/G, rs1042073C/T, rs10865941C/T, and rs1126477A/G in LTF; rs7096206C/G and rs7095891G/A in MBL2) were tested by mass spectrometry. Results The study included 360 individuals with (85 boys and 77 girls) and without a history of caries (96 boys and 102 girls). There were no statistically significant differences in alleles and genotypes among the six SNPs between the two groups. Conclusion There is no evidence that polymorphisms of LTF and MBL2 genes are associated with dental caries susceptibility in populations from northwest China; further confirmation is needed with larger sample sizes.
COVID-19 Pandemic Response: Development of Outpatient Palliative Care Toolkit Based on Narrative Communication
Authors: Roberts Benjamin , Wright Scott M. , Christmas Colleen , Robertson Mariah , Wu David Shih 
Published: July 2020

Context: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic laid bare the immediate need for primary palliative care education for many clinicians. Primary care clinicians in our health system reported an urgent need for support in advance care planning and end-of-life symptom management for their vulnerable patients. This article describes the design and dissemination of palliative care education for primary care clinicians using an established curriculum development method. Objectives: To develop a succinct and practical palliative care toolkit for use by primary care clinicians during the COVID-19 pandemic, focused on 2 key elements: (i) advance care planning communication skills based on the narrative 3-Act Model and (ii) comfort care symptom management at the end of life. Results: The toolkit was finalized through an iterative process involving a team of end-users and experts in palliative care and primary care, including social work, pharmacy, nursing, and medicine. The modules were formatted into an easily navigable, smartphone-friendly document to be used at point of care. The toolkit was disseminated to our institution’s primary care network with practices spanning our state. Early feedback has been positive. Conclusion: While we had been focused primarily on the inpatient setting, our palliative care team at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center pivoted existing infrastructure and curriculum development expertise to meet the expressed needs of our primary care colleagues during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through collaboration with an interprofessional team including end-users, we designed and disseminated a concise palliative care toolkit within 6 weeks.
Peanut Allergen Powder-dnfp: A Novel Oral Immunotherapy to Mitigate Peanut Allergy
Authors: Dougherty John A. , Wagner Justin D. , Stanton Megan C. 
Published: July 2020

Objective To review data on efficacy and safety of peanut allergen powder-dnfp (PAP; Palforzia), a novel oral immunotherapy for peanut allergy, a common food allergy. Data Sources A PubMed/CINAHL search in English was performed from inception to June 30, 2020, using the search words peanut allergy, desensitization, ARA101, and peanut oral immunotherapy. Study Selection and Data Extraction Quantification Published phase 2 and 3 clinical trials, documents presented to the Food and Drug Administration, and supplemental study documentation were reviewed. Articles evaluated PAP’s pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety. Data Synthesis PAP was efficacious and safe for treatment of peanut allergy in mostly Caucasian children, 4 to 17 years old. A key phase III clinical trial showed a statistically significant difference (primary end point) between PAP 600 mg and placebo groups (67.2% vs 4%; P < 0.001). During initial dose escalation and updosing phases, gastrointestinal and respiratory tract allergic reactions (ARs) were more common in the PAP group. More epinephrine rescue was used in the PAP group. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice Oral immunotherapy for desensitization of peanut allergy was shown to reduce the severity of reactions if accidental allergen exposure occurs. Risk evaluation and mitigation strategy certification is required for pharmacies, health care providers, and clinics. More data in real-world populations will enhance its effectiveness. Conclusions In patients 4 to 17 years old, PAP mitigated ARs, including anaphylaxis, that may occur with accidental peanut exposure. Although there are risks, it was efficacious in more than two-thirds of participants in phase 2 and phase 3 efficacy trials.
Cross-linguistic lexical effects in different-script bilingual reading are modulated by task
Authors: Allen David , Conklin Kathy , Miwa Koji 
Published: July 2020

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions: Bilingual lexical processing is non-selective, which allows for activation of the non-target language, even when reading in a different script. However, while the influence of cross-script L1 lexical knowledge has been demonstrated in isolated word reading, it is unknown whether it survives in more natural reading tasks. We investigated whether crosslinguistic facilitation due to phonological similarity, semantic similarity, and L1 cognate frequency, is observed when different-script bilinguals read cognate words in their L2 in sentence context and in isolation. Design/methodology/approach: Two tasks were conducted with the same Japanese-English bilinguals and target items: A self-paced English reading task with non-highlighted target items embedded in sentence context; and an English lexical decision task. A monolingual control group also completed both tasks. Data and analysis: 108 cognate items were embedded in sentence context and read by 23 Japanese-English bilinguals and 23 English monolinguals for meaning comprehension. The same items were then responded to by the same participants in lexical decision. Linear mixed-effects models were used to investigate the impact of continuous measures of L1–L2 phonological and semantic similarity, L1 cognate frequency, and L2 proficiency, while controlling for L2 lexical characteristics. Findings/conclusions: Cross-linguistic phonological and semantic similarity, as well as cognate frequency, partially determined reading times of words in both tasks but only in bilingual, not monolingual, reading. These effects were modulated by task, revealing reduced cross-linguistic facilitation in sentence reading relative to lexical decision. Originality: This is the first study to investigate different-script cognate processing in sentence context and compare it with isolated word reading. Significance/implications: Although bilinguals do not switch off their L1 during L2 reading, the type of task partially determines how cross-linguistic effects impact reading times. The degree of overlap of Japanese-English cognates is less influential in natural reading tasks compared with isolated word reading tasks.