bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On-chip Generation of Functional Tests with Reduced Delay and Power
Authors: Kumar Motamarri Hemanth , Kumari B. Leela 
Published: October 2020

This paper describes different methods on-chip test generation method for functional tests. The hardware was based on application of primary input sequences in order to allow the circuit to produce reachable states. Random primary input sequences were modeled to avoid repeated synchronization and thus yields varied sets of reachable states by implementing a decoder in between circuit and LFSR. The on-chip generation of functional tests require simple hardware and achieved high transition fault coverage for testable circuits. Further, power and delay can be reduced by using Bit Swapping LFSR (BS-LFSR). This technique yields less number of transitions for all pattern generation. Bit-swapping (BS) technique is less complex and more reliable to hardware miscommunications.
Endogenous THBD (Thrombomodulin) Mediates Angiogenesis in the Ischemic Brain—Brief Report
Authors: Wenzel Jan , Spyropoulos Dimitrios , Assmann Julian Christopher , Khan Mahtab Ahmad , Stölting Ines , Lembrich Beate , Kreißig Sara , Ridder Dirk Andreas , Isermann Berend , Schwaninger Markus 
Published: October 2020

Objective:
THBD (thrombomodulin) is part of the anticoagulant protein C-system that acts at the endothelium and is involved in anti-inflammatory and barrier-stabilizing processes. A recombinant soluble form of THBD was shown to have protective effects in different organs, but how the endogenous THBD is regulated during ischemia, particularly in the brain is not known to date. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of THBD, especially in brain endothelial cells, during ischemic stroke.

Approach and Results:

To induce ischemic brain damage, we occluded the middle cerebral artery of mice. We found an increased endothelial expression of
Thbd
in the peri-infarct area, whereas in the core of the ischemic tissue
Thbd
expression was decreased compared with the contralateral side. We generated a novel Cre/loxP-based mouse line that allows for the inducible deletion of
Thbd
specifically in brain endothelial cells, which worsened stroke outcome 48 hours after middle cerebral artery occlusion. Unexpectedly, we found no signs of increased coagulation, thrombosis, or inflammation in the brain but decreased vessel diameters and impaired angiogenesis in the peri-infarct area that led to a reduced overall vessel length 1 week after stroke induction.

Conclusions:
Endogenous THBD acts as a protective factor in the brain during ischemic stroke and enhances vessel diameter and proliferation. These previously unknown properties of THBD could offer new opportunities to affect vessel function after ischemia and thereby improve stroke outcome.
Cholesterol-Induced Phenotypic Modulation of Smooth Muscle Cells to Macrophage/Fibroblast–like Cells Is Driven by an Unfolded Protein Response
Authors: Chattopadhyay Abhijnan , Kwartler Callie S. , Kaw Kaveeta , Li Yanming , Kaw Anita , Chen Jiyuan , LeMaire Scott A. , Shen Ying H. , Milewicz Dianna M. 
Published: October 2020

Objective:
Vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) dedifferentiate and initiate expression of macrophage markers with cholesterol exposure. This phenotypic switching is dependent on the transcription factor Klf4 (Krüppel-like factor 4). We investigated the molecular pathway by which cholesterol induces SMC phenotypic switching.

Approach and Results:
With exposure to free cholesterol, SMCs decrease expression of contractile markers, activate Klf4, and upregulate a subset of macrophage and fibroblast markers characteristic of modulated SMCs that appear with atherosclerotic plaque formation. These phenotypic changes are associated with activation of all 3 pathways of the endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response (UPR), Perk (protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase), Ire (inositol-requiring enzyme) 1α, and Atf (activating transcription factor) 6. Blocking the movement of cholesterol from the plasma membrane to the endoplasmic reticulum prevents free cholesterol–induced UPR, Klf4 activation, and upregulation of the majority of macrophage and fibroblast markers. Cholesterol-induced phenotypic switching is also prevented by global UPR inhibition or specific inhibition of Perk signaling. Exposure to chemical UPR inducers, tunicamycin and thapsigargin, is sufficient to induce these same phenotypic transitions. Finally, analysis of published single-cell RNA sequencing data during atherosclerotic plaque formation in hyperlipidemic mice provides preliminary in vivo evidence of a role of UPR activation in modulated SMCs.

Conclusions:
Our data demonstrate that UPR is necessary and sufficient to drive phenotypic switching of SMCs to cells that resemble modulated SMCs found in atherosclerotic plaques. Preventing a UPR in hyperlipidemic mice diminishes atherosclerotic burden, and our data suggest that preventing SMC transition to dedifferentiated cells expressing macrophage and fibroblast markers contributes to this decreased plaque burden.
Microbleeds and Outcome in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke and Atrial Fibrillation Taking Anticoagulants
Authors: Choi Kang-Ho , Kim Ja-Hae , Lee Changho , Kim Jae-Myung , Kang Kyung-Wook , Kim Joon-Tae , Choi Seong-Min , Park Man-Seok , Cho Ki-Hyun 
Published: October 2020

Background and Purpose:
We investigated the impact of the presence, burden, and location of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) on the risk of major adverse cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events (MACCE) in patients with acute ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation treated with oral anticoagulants (OACs). We also examined whether the clinical effect of CMBs differs according to the type of OACs.

Methods:
A total of 1742 patients with acute ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation treated with OACs were enrolled in this cohort study. The primary composite outcome was the occurrence of MACCE (a composite of stroke, acute myocardial infarction, or vascular death) over a 2-year period according to CMB status.

Results:

CMB presence was significantly associated with the risk of future MACCE (hazard ratio, 1.89 [95% CI, 1.23–2.88];
P
=0.003) after adjustment for confounders in patients with acute ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation taking OACs. Patients with exactly 1 CMB had a similar rate of MACCE compared with those without CMBs (
P
=0.461). However, patients with multiple CMBs (≥2), particularly high burden CMBs (≥5), had a significantly higher proportion of MACCE. Both CMB-positive groups with lobar and deep CMB had more frequent MACCE than the CMB-negative group, and the rate of MACCE was not different according to CMB location. In patients treated with warfarin, CMB was significantly associated with a risk of MACCE (
P
=0.002), but not in patients treated with direct OACs (
P
=0.517).

Conclusions:
The study results indicate that the risk of future MACCE increased with increasing CMB burden in patients with AIS and atrial fibrillation taking OACs, while the anatomic location of CMBs did not influence the risk of future MACCE. This risk seemed to be more apparent in patients taking warfarin.
Effects of Peers and Rank on Cognition, Preferences, and Personality
Authors: Dasgupta Utteeyo , Mani Subha , Sharma Smriti , Singhal Saurabh 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
We exploit the variation in admission cutoffs across colleges at a leading Indian university to estimate the causal effects of enrolling in a selective college on cognitive attainment, economic preferences, and Big Five personality traits. Using a regression discontinuity design, we find that enrolling in a selective college improves university exam scores of the marginally admitted women and makes them less overconfident and less risk averse, while men in selective colleges experience a decline in extraversion and conscientiousness. We find differences in peer quality and rank concerns to be driving our findings.
Global prevalence of gaming disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Stevens Matthew WR , Dorstyn Diana , Delfabbro Paul H , King Daniel L 
Published: October 2020

Background: Gaming disorder was included in the latest revision of the International Classification of Diseases (11th ed.). Worldwide, prevalence estimates of gaming disorder are considerably heterogeneous and often appear to be exceedingly high. However, few studies have examined the methodological, cultural and/or demographic factors that might explain this phenomenon. This review employed meta-analytic techniques to compute the worldwide-pooled prevalence of gaming disorder and evaluate the potential contributing factors for varied prevalence estimates. Method: Prevalence estimates were extracted from 53 studies conducted between 2009 and 2019, which included 226,247 participants across 17 different countries. Study findings were meta-analyzed using a random-effects model. Subgroup and moderator analyses examined potential sources of heterogeneity, including assessment tool and cut-off, participant age and gender, sample size and type, study region, and year of data collection. Results: The worldwide prevalence of gaming disorder was 3.05% (confidence interval: [2.38, 3.91]); this figure was adjusted to 1.96% [0.19, 17.12] when considering only studies that met more stringent sampling criteria (e.g. stratified random sampling). However, these estimates were associated with significant variability. The choice of screening tool accounted for 77% of the variance, with the Lemmens Internet gaming disorder-9, Gaming Addiction Identification Test and Problematic Videogame Playing scales associated with the highest estimates. Adolescent samples, lower cut-off scores and smaller sample size were significant predictors of higher prevalence. Gaming disorder rates were approximately 2.5:1 in favor of males compared to females. Conclusion: The worldwide prevalence of gaming disorder appears to be comparable to obsessive-compulsive disorder and some substance-related addictions, but lower than compulsive buying and higher than problem gambling. Gaming disorder prevalence rates appear to be inflated by methodological characteristics, particularly measurement and sampling issues.
Is there any link between celebrity suicide and further suicidal behaviour in India?
Authors: Menon Vikas , Kar Sujita Kumar , Marthoenis Marthoenis , Arafat SM Yasir , Sharma Ginni , Kaliamoorthy Charanya , Ransing Ramdas , Mukherjee Srijeeta , Pattnaik Jigyansa Ipsita , Shirahatti Nikhilesh B , Varadharajan Natarajan , Padhy Susanta Kumar 
Published: October 2020

Background: Little is known about the factors that determine vulnerability to subsequent suicide in the community following a celebrity suicide. Our objective was to investigate the link between an alleged celebrity suicide and further suicidal behaviour in the community in India. Methods: Relevant news articles that reported suicidal behaviour in the population were retrieved from online news portals of regional and English language newspapers in the immediate month following the actor’s death. A deductive analysis of the retrieved suicide news articles was carried out using a pre-designed data extraction form. Results: A total of 1160 relevant news articles were identified from the local language ( n = 985) and English ( n = 175) newspapers. For a sizeable percentage of these reports ( n = 65, 5.6%), the media reported links with celebrity suicide. Odds of subsequent suicide among young (Odds Ratios [OR] – 9.24), female (OR – 1.94), unemployed (OR – 7.26), those without precipitating life events (OR – 2.94) or mental illness (OR – 1.69) were higher among those with link to celebrity suicide; likewise, odds of death by hanging (OR – 49.84) and leaving a suicide note (OR – 2.03) were higher among those linked to celebrity suicide. English newspapers (OR – 4.23) were more likely to report events linked to celebrity suicide than local language newspapers Conclusion: Persons who died by suicide by hanging after a celebrity suicide are more likely to be young, female, unemployed, have a mental disorder or precipitating life events. Suicide prevention efforts must focus on this group and prevent the same method of suicide like that of the celebrity.
Biodiversity Protection in Mexico in the Age of Globalization
Authors: Rea Sergio A. , Plaza Rafael M. 
Published: October 2020

The protection of Mexico’s biodiversity is hampered by regulatory uncertainty and unclear distribution of competences across different levels of government. A comprehensive set of measures at both the government and the community level, including exchange of information, coordination, awareness, and active involvement of local communities, is needed. La protección de la biodiversidad de México se ha visto obstaculizada por la incertidumbre regulatoria y la distribución poco clara de competencias entre los diferentes niveles de gobierno. Se necesita un conjunto integral de medidas tanto a nivel gubernamental como comunitario, incluyendo el intercambio de información, la coordinación, la concientización y la participación activa de las comunidades locales.
Efficacy and safety of glucose, glucose and polidocanol combination, liquid polidocanol and polidocanol foam in the treatment of reticular veins: A randomized study in rabbits
Authors: Lucio Filho Carlos Eduardo Pinheiro , Bertanha Matheus , Prata Marcela Polachini , Carvalho Lídia Raquel de , Jaldin Rodrigo Gibin , Sobreira Marcone Lima , Janzen Jan , Yoshida Winston Bonetti 
Published: October 2020

Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of sclerosing agents injected in dorsal veins of rabbit ears. Methods Sixty ears of 30 rabbits were randomly allocated in: 1% liquid polidocanol, 1% polidocanol foam, 0.2% polidocanol-glucose 70% solution, glucose 75% or 0.9% saline. Outcomes included efficacy (luminal occlusion), complications (phlebitis, neovascularization, ulceration at the puncture site, necrosis and local inflammation) and histology (sclerosis, recanalization vein and surrounding tissues inflammation, blood extravasation, recanalization, lymphangiogenesis, destruction of cartilage and neoangiogenesis). Results Sclerosis was superior in Foam Group (76.9%), but also with 30.7% necrosis ( p = 0.003), 46.15% ulceration ( p = 0.003), and 69.2% local inflammation ( p < 0.0001). Neovascularization were similar. Histology showed 38.5% phlebitis (p = 0.004) and necrosis ( p = 0.03) in the foam group. Conclusions Sclerosis with foam and liquid polidocanol were superior to the other groups, but specially polidocanol foam at the expense of greater frequency of adverse events.
Occupational therapy and allied health use for older people in acute care: A description of services, time, and readmission in an Australian setting
Authors: Barclay Linda , Lalor Aislinn , Furmston Bianca , Fossey Ellie , Farnworth Louise , Smith Alison , Bourke-Taylor Helen 
Published: October 2020

Introduction Acute care readmissions of older people are an ongoing concern in many countries. Occupational therapists are well positioned to play a significant role in contributing to improved outcomes and fewer readmissions following discharge from acute hospitals, yet there is a lack of empirical evidence to support this claim. Methods This study used a retrospective clinical audit of secondary hospital data to investigate and describe the time spent on occupational therapy, and the range of occupational therapy and other allied health services provided to older people admitted to acute care, in one Australian health care service. Results Occupational therapists conducted numerous assessments and interventions to support patients and to prepare them for safe discharge home. Occupational therapy was significantly associated with length of stay. Readmission was not related directly or significantly to time spent in occupational therapy or any other factor included in this study. However, of the people who received occupational therapy, there was a higher percentage readmitted when they had more services already in place on admission and when they lived alone. Conclusions This study provides preliminary evidence regarding the contact time and range of occupational therapy assessments and interventions provided to older people in the acute hospital setting.
Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebrae Predict Inferior Patient-Reported Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy
Authors: Heaps Braiden M. , Feingold Jacob D. , Swartwout Erica , Turcan Sava , Greditzer Harry G. , Kelly Bryan T. , Ranawat Anil S. 
Published: October 2020

Background: While the association between spinal disease and hip arthroplasty outcomes has been well studied, there is less known about the effect of spinal pathology in hip arthroscopy (HA) outcomes. Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) are anatomic variations where caudal vertebrae articulate or fuse with the sacrum or ilium. Hypothesis: LSTV can lead to inferior outcomes after HA for treatment of femoroacetabular impingement. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the prospectively collected Hip Arthroscopy Database at our institution for patients with LSTV who underwent HA between 2010 and 2017. A total of 62 patients with LSTV were identified and then matched to controls. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected, including the modified Harris Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score–Activities of Daily Living, Hip Outcome Score–Sports, and the 33-item International Hip Outcome Tool. They were collected at 4 time points: preoperatively and 5 to 11 months, 12 to 23 months, and 24 to 35 months postoperatively. Longitudinal analysis of the PROMs was done using generalized estimating equation modeling. Additionally, alpha angles were measured from preoperative radiographic data. Results: Preoperatively, there was no significant difference between patients with and without LSTV on 3 of the 4 PROMs; however, patients with LSTV did have significantly lower preoperative scores than controls for the Hip Outcome Score–Activities of Daily Living ( P = .029). Patients with LSTV reported significantly lower scores on all 4 PROMs at each postoperative time point. Radiographic data showed no significant difference in alpha angles across cohorts. When LSTV were compared by Castellvi type, types 3 and 4 tended to have lower scores than types 1 and 2; however, these comparisons were not significant. Conclusion: The data support our hypothesis that HA has less benefit in patients with LSTV as compared with patients without LSTV. In patients with LSTV, careful evaluation of the anomaly is recommended to help guide surgical counseling and manage expectations.
Supine versus prone PCNL in lower calyceal stone: Comparative study in a tertiary care center
Authors: Choudhury Sunirmal , Talukdar Paragmani , Mandal Tapan Kumar , Majhi Tapas Kumar 
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Renal calculus disease is an age old disease of human being. PCNL (Percutaneous nephrolithotomy) stands as a gold standard treatment for large renal calculus which is traditionally being done in prone position. Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of supine PCNL versus prone PCNL comparing intraoperative time, requirement of relook PCNL, post op hemoglobin drop, post operative hospital stay, post operative complication, SFR ( stone free rate). Methods and materials: It is a prospective study done in Urology department in a tertiary care center in Eastern India between October 2017 and October 2018. A total of 84 patients with lower calyceal renal stones underwent PCNL, 42 of them in supine and 42 in prone position. Lower calyceal stone, size measuring 1 to 2 cm were included in the study. Results: The mean intra operative time was 91.76 min in supine group and 85.43 min in prone group with a p value of 0.115. The mean hemoglobin drop was 1.11 g/dl and 1.18 g/dl in supine and prone position, respectively ( p value 0.75). The mean post operative hospital stay was 4.1 and 3.86 days in supine and prone group ( p value 0.58), respectively. Two patients in each group require relook PCNL. Stone free rate at 1 month was 95.23% and 90.47% ( p value 0.9), respectively in case of supine and prone group. Conclusion: Supine PCNL is feasible, comparable to prone PCNL in respect to operative parameters with relatively higher stone free rate though statistically insignificant.
Self-Assessment of Competence in Palliative Care of Medical Doctors Working in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Malibari Nuha Mohammed , Connolly Michael , Aljohani Abdulaziz S. 
Published: October 2020

Background: The provision of palliative care (PC) for individuals with a life-threatening condition is fundamental to the role of the physician, in order to improve quality of life; however, little research has assessed the competence of the physicians in PC in Saudi Arabia. Aim: To conduct a baseline assessment of self-assessed palliative care competences among medical physicians in Saudi Arabia. Design: A survey-based cross-sectional study was employed using a specifically designed questionnaire. Setting: The participants in the study were selected from 6 specialist medical departments (Family medicine, cardiology, internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, neurology and oncology) in 4 Saudi Arabian Hospitals, based on inclusion criteria. Results: The study was conducted using a validated questionnaire used in Ireland to evaluate the competence skills of physicians for the provision of palliative care. All categories showed internal reliability and normal distribution of the data. However, the score of the knowledge, attitude and practice among the physicians was higher than the expected. The clinical specialty of the physicians demonstrated greater influence on knowledge, attitude and practice related to the palliative care compared to medical education. This highlighted the importance of training in palliative care to the medical doctors working in a range of specialist area. Conclusion: The study provides baseline data on the level of competence of palliative care of physicians in Saudi Arabia. This study can be used as an assessment tool to further evaluate the effectiveness of palliative care in other areas as primary and secondary care settings
Downregulation of circRNA_100876 Inhibited Progression of NSCLC In Vitro via Targeting miR-636
Authors: Song Jianxiang , Shi Woda , Gao Zhengya , Liu Xingchen , Wang Wencai 
Published: October 2020

Background: Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is a common malignant tumor with poor prognosis. CircRNA-100876 has been considered to be involved in NSCLC. However, the mechanism by which circRNA_100876 mediated the progression of NSCLC remains unclear. Methods: CCK8 assay and immunofluorescence were used to detect cell proliferation. Flow cytometry and transwell assay were performed to analyze cell apoptosis, migration and invasion, respectively. Verification of possible target for circRNA_100876 and related miR-636 were done using luciferase assay. In addition, western blot was performed to detect the protein expressions in NSCLC cells. Results: Silencing of circRNA_100876 notably inhibited the proliferation of NSCLC cells. Moreover, downregulation of circRNA_100876 significantly induce the apoptosis of NSCLC cells via mediation of apoptosis-related proteins. In addition, silencing of circRNA_100876 significantly inhibited migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. MiR-636 was the downstream target of circRNA_100876. Meanwhile, RET was the direct target of miR-636. Finally, circRNA_100876 shRNA2 notably suppressed the progression of NSCLC through PI3K/Akt signaling. Conclusion: CircRNA_100876 knockdown notably suppressed the progression of NSCLC through regulation of miR-636/RET axis, which may serve as a potential target for treatment of NSCLC.