bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Auditory electrophysiological assessments of Alzheimer’s disease and preclinical stages: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tarawneh Hadeel Y , Mulders Wilhelmina H A M , Sohrabi Hamid R , Martins Ralph N , Jayakody Dona M P 
Published: July 2020

IntroductionInvestigating auditory functions in populations at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using auditory neurophysiological measurements can potentially identify a crucial and sensitive diagnostic window of opportunity in preclinical AD. Auditory electrophysiological assessments have gained interest as possible tools for early diagnosis of AD. This paper outlines the protocol that will be used to systematically review the published literature currently available on auditory electrophysiological assessments that have been used to assess the auditory functions of adults over the age of 60 years diagnosed with AD or its preclinical stages.Methods and analysisAll full-length peer-reviewed publications of original data that use auditory electrophysiological assessments in AD and its preclinical stages (subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI)) will be considered in this review. The search will be performed on major electronic databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus and CINAHL Plus) using keywords alone or in combination with Medical Subject Headings divided into two domains; (i) auditory tests and (ii) AD. The database search will be conducted on the 7th of May 2019. Data analysis will be completed and reported in the full review. A random effects meta-analysis will also be conducted using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software, V.3. This review will describe which auditory electrophysiological tests have been found to be useful in assessing the auditory function in cognitively impaired adults (MCI and AD) or adults with serious complaints about their cognition (SCD). This review will also identify and describe which auditory electrophysiological test demonstrates the most sensitivity in differentiating people at different stages of cognitive decline.Ethics and disseminationThis systematic review focusses on analysing already available literature. Therefore, there will be no requirement for ethical approval. The systematic review findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication as well as relevant media platforms, for example, conferences.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42019133553.
Prospective, multicentre, single-arm phase II trial of pembrolizumab combined with carboplatin and pemetrexed in elderly patients with advanced, non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Ozawa Yuichi , Sugimoto Takeya , Azuma Yuichiro , Harutani Yuhei , Yoshikawa Takanori , Yamamoto Nobuyuki , Kanai Kuninobu 
Published: July 2020

IntroductionTriplet regimen of carboplatin or cisplatin with pemetrexed and pembrolizumab is a standard treatment for patients with advanced, chemo-naïve, non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer. However, subgroup analysis for patients aged ≥75 years indicated that elderly patients who received the triplet regimen may have had shorter survival times than if they had chemotherapy alone (HR of 2.09). Treatments in the elderly are not always as effective or safe as for non-elderly patients, so there remains concern over whether the triplet regimen can be widely used in the elderly.Methods and analysisThis is a single-arm, prospective, multicentre phase II study. The primary endpoint is set as the overall response rate according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors V.1.1. Secondary endpoints are progression-free survival, disease control rate and safety. This trial will enrol 22 patients.Ethics and disseminationThis study was approved by the Wakayama Medical University Central Review Board on 2 December 2019 (approval number: W-32). Patients have been enrolled since February 2020. As the study will complete accrual in January 2022, results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed medical journals within 2023 and international scientific meetings. This study will provide significant information on whether the triplet regimens are clinically beneficial to elderly patients.Trial registration numberJapan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs051190095).
Potential adverse effects of ciprofloxacin and tetracycline on ARPE-19 cell lines
Authors: Salimiaghdam Nasim , Singh Lata , Schneider Kevin , Nalbandian Angele , Chwa Marilyn , Atilano Shari R , Bao Andrea , Kenney M Cristina 
Published: July 2020

BackgroundWe aim to determine the possible adverse effects of ciprofloxacin (CPFX) and tetracycline (TETRA), as examples of bactericidal and bacteriostatic agents, respectively, on cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19).MethodsCells were treated with 30, 60 and 120 µg/mL of CPFX and TETRA. Cell metabolism was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. JC-1 dye (5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethylbenzimidazolylcarbocyanine iodide) assay was conducted to measure the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured using the -2’,7’-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate assay (H2DCFDA). Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to analyse the gene expression levels associated with apoptosis (BAX, BCL2-L13, BCL2, Caspase 3, Caspase 7andCaspase 9), inflammatory (interleukin-1β(IL-1β), IL-6, IL-33,transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α), TGF-β1andTGF-β2) and antioxidant pathways (SOD2, SOD3, GPX3andNOX4), along with the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy numbers.ResultsResults illustrated that while all three concentrations of CPFX decreased cellular viability of ARPE-19 during all incubation periods, the 120 µg/mL TETRA resulted in increased cellular viability. At 48 and 72 hours, levels of MMP and ROS decreased significantly with each antibiotic.BAX, BCL2-L13, CASP-7, CASP-9, SOD2andGPX3genes overexpressed by either antibiotics. There was higher expression ofIL-6andIL-1Bwith TETRA treatment. The level of mtDNA decreased using both treatments.ConclusionsClinically relevant concentrations of CPFX and TETRA have detrimental impacts on ARPE-19 cell lines in vitro, including upregulation of genes related to apoptosis, inflammation and antioxidant pathways. Additional studies are warranted to investigate if these harmful effects might be seen in retinal degeneration models in vivo.
Cognitive outcomes after unruptured intracranial aneurysm treatment with endovascular coiling
Authors: Srivatsan Aditya , Mohanty Alina , Saleem Yasir , Srinivasan Visish M , Wagner Kathryn , Seeley Jill , Burkhardt Jan-Karl , Chen Stephen R , Johnnson Jeremiah N , Kan Peter 
Published: July 2020

BackgroundWe aimed to determine the effects of endovascular coiling of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) on cognition to inform treatment decisions. We present the first study using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to determine neurocognitive changes after endovascular coiling.MethodsWe prospectively collected data on all patients with UIAs undergoing endovascular coiling, primary or assisted. Patients completed the MoCA prior to intervention and 1 month and 6 months' post-procedure. A repeated measures linear mixed effects model was used to compare pre-procedure and post-procedure cognition.ResultsThirty-three patients with 33 aneurysms who underwent coiling from April 2017 to May 2020 were included (mean age 55.5, 81.8% female). All procedures used general anesthesia. There was no difference between baseline and post-procedure MoCA scores at any time interval (P>0.05). Mean MoCA scores at baseline, 1 month post-procedure, and 6 months' post-procedure were 25.4, 26.8, and 26.3 respectively. There was also no difference between pre- and post-procedure scores on any individual MoCA domain (visuospatial, naming, memory, attention, language, abstraction, delayed recall, and orientation) at any time interval (P>0.05). Seventeen patients had follow-up MRI or CT imaging, of which 11.8% showed radiographic changes or ischemia. 77.8% of patients with 6-month angiographic follow-up achieved class I, and 22.2% achieved class II Raymond–Roy Occlusion. Thirty-two out of 33 patients had follow-up mRS ≤2.ConclusionOur study suggests that endovascular coiling does not diminish neurocognitive function. Patients with UIAs in our cohort also had baseline MoCA scores below the cut-off for mild cognitive impairment despite pre-procedure mRS and NIHSS of 0.
Management of lupus nephritis: a systematic literature review informing the 2019 update of the joint EULAR and European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (EULAR/ERA-EDTA) recommendations
Authors: Kostopoulou Myrto , Fanouriakis Antonis , Cheema Kim , Boletis John , Bertsias George , Jayne David , Boumpas Dimitrios T 
Published: July 2020

ObjectivesTo analyse the current evidence for the management of lupus nephritis (LN) informing the 2019 update of the EULAR/European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association recommendations.MethodsAccording to the EULAR standardised operating procedures, a PubMed systematic literature review was performed, from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2018. Since this was an update of the 2012 recommendations, the final level of evidence (LoE) and grading of recommendations considered the total body of evidence, including literature prior to 2012.ResultsWe identified 387 relevant articles. High-quality randomised evidence supports the use of immunosuppressive treatment for class III and class IV LN (LoE 1a), and moderate-level evidence supports the use of immunosuppressive treatment for pure class V LN with nephrotic-range proteinuria (LoE 2b). Treatment should aim for at least 25% reduction in proteinuria at 3 months, 50% at 6 months and complete renal response (<500–700 mg/day) at 12 months (LoE 2a-2b). High-quality evidence supports the use of mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolic acid (MMF/MPA) or low-dose intravenous cyclophosphamide (CY) as initial treatment of active class III/IV LN (LoE 1a). Combination of tacrolimus with MMF/MPA and high-dose CY are alternatives in specific circumstances (LoE 1a). There is low-quality level evidence to guide optimal duration of immunosuppression in LN (LoE 3). In end-stage kidney disease, all methods of kidney replacement treatment can be used, with transplantation having the most favourable outcomes (LoE 2b).ConclusionsThere is high-quality evidence to guide the initial and subsequent phases of class III/IV LN treatment, but low-to-moderate quality evidence to guide treatment of class V LN, monitoring and optimal duration of immunosuppression.
Spinal stabilisation using a polyvinilidine (Lubra) plate in a pot‐bellied pig
Authors: Castel Aude , Doré Vincent , Fazio Connie 
Published: July 2020

SUMMARYA three‐month‐old pot‐bellied pig presented for acute paraplegia following a presumptive fall. CT examination identified a vertebral subluxation of L1–L2 with a comminuted fracture of the L1 vertebra. Spinal stabilisation was performed with polyvinilidine (Lubra) plates. The pig improved neurologically and regained the ability to walk. Spinal radiographs six weeks following surgery revealed partial failure of the plates in the caudal aspect of the vertebral column and suspected pressure atrophy of spinous processes. Eighteen months later, the plates were piercing through the skin, so they were removed surgically and the pig did well from then on. This case report describes the feasibility of spinal stabilisation in a pot‐bellied pig associated with a good outcome, but also reveals potential complications and spinal changes that can be observed after use of polyvinilidine plates in this species.
Comparison of Hysterosalpingography and Laparoscopy as Diagnostic Tool for Tubal Infertility in Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury T. S. , Shume M. M. , Chowdhury T. A. 
Published: July 2020

Background: Tubal evaluation is an integral part of the evaluation of female infertility. Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is the radiographic evaluation of the uterus and fallopian tubes, which has been used as a first-line test for tubal assessment since 1920s. Laparoscopy is considered to be the gold standard for the diagnosis and management of tubo-peritoneal pathology. The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the diagnostic value of both HSG and laparoscopy for assessment of tubal occlusion. Methods: This is a prospective cross-sectional study. Laparoscopic chromopertubation was conducted on 125 consecutive infertile women who attended the “Infertility Management Center” from October 2018 to September 2019. All patients had HSG performed in the radiology department of different hospitals. Laparoscopic findings were used as a reference standard to analyze the findings of HSG for tubal occlusion. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 16). Results: Normal HSG findings were seen in 53 patients (42.4%). Unilateral tubal occlusion was present in 38 (30.7%), and bilateral occlusion in 34 (27.2%) patients. Laparoscopy showed normal findings in 85 (68.0%) patients. Unilateral tubal occlusion was demonstrated in laparoscopy in 27 (21.6%) and bilateral tubal occlusion in 13 (10.4%) patients. HSG findings for diagnosis of tubal occlusion was true positive in 30 (24%) cases, false positive in 42 (33.6%) cases, false negative in 10 (8%) cases, and true negative in 43 (34.4%) cases in comparison to laparoscopy findings. Sensitivity of HSG was found to be 75.0%, specificity 50.6%, and accuracy 58.4%. Positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 41.7% and 81.1%, respectively. Conclusion: HSG is widely used for tubal assessment in Bangladesh as it is a relatively inexpensive, low-risk office procedure. But it has a low specificity and positive predictive value with a relatively high negative predictive value. Laparoscopy, on the other hand, is preferable when there is high suspicion of tubal pathology.
How WWII was won, and why CS students feel unappreciated
Authors: Arquilla John , Roschelle Jeremy 
Published: July 2020

The
Communications
Web site, http://cacm.acm.org, features more than a dozen bloggers in the BLOG@CACM community. In each issue of
Communications
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John Arquilla considers how code-breaking helped end a war, while Jeremy Roschelle ponders the use of music in data science education.
Scalable linear algebra on a relational database system
Authors: Luo Shangyu , Gao Zekai J. , Gubanov Michael , Perez Luis L. , Jankov Dimitrije , Jermaine Christopher 
Published: July 2020

As data analytics has become an important application for modern data management systems, a new category of data management system has appeared recently: the scalable linear algebra system. We argue that a parallel or distributed database system is actually an excellent platform upon which to build such functionality. Most relational systems already have support for cost-based optimization---which is vital to scaling linear algebra computations---and it is well known how to make relational systems scalable.
We show that by making just a few changes to a parallel/distributed relational database system, such a system can become a competitive platform for scalable linear algebra. Taken together, our results should at least raise the possibility that brand new systems designed from the ground up to support scalable linear algebra are not absolutely necessary, and that such systems could instead be built on top of existing relational technology.
Temas Macros Financieros Críticos
Authors: García Carlos 
Published: July 2020

La complejidad de la pandemia se está traspasando no solo en el mercado de bienes y del trabajo sino también al financiero. Hasta ahora el Banco Central estaba seriamente limitado para hacer una política monetaria moderna porque su Ley Orgánica Constitucional (artículo 27) señalaba que “el Banco podrá otorgar financiamiento o refinanciamiento sólo a las empresas bancarias y sociedades financieras. De manera alguna podrá otorgar a ellas su garantía, ni adquirir documentos emitidos por el Estado, sus organismos o empresas". Continuar leyendo...
Abnormal and Euthyroid Ranges of Thyroid Hormones in Serum and Liver Cancer Mortality: A Cohort Study
Authors: Sohn Won , Chang Yoosoo , Cho Yong Kyun , Kim Yejin , Shin Hocheol , Ryu Seungho 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background:
This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of serum thyrotropin (TSH) and thyroid hormone concentration with liver cancer mortality.

Methods:
A cohort of 517,996 Korean adults, who did not have liver cancer at baseline and attended a health screening including free thyroxine (FT4) and TSH, were followed for up to 16 years. High and low TSH and FT4 were defined as those above the upper bound of reference interval and those below the lower bound of reference interval of their corresponding reference intervals, respectively. Mortality information was ascertained through National Death Records. The adjusted HR (aHR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using a Cox proportional hazard model.

Results:
During a median follow-up of 8.1 years, 376 deaths from liver cancer were identified. Subjects with low FT4 levels were associated with an elevated risk of liver cancer mortality with a corresponding multivariable aHR 2.25 (95% CI: 1.62–3.12) compared with those with normal FT4 levels. Within the euthyroid range, there was also a dose-dependent inverse relationship between FT4 level and liver cancer mortality (P &lt; 0.001). Levels of TSH and free T3 had no significant association with liver cancer mortality.

Conclusions:
The risk of liver cancer mortality increased as FT4 level decreased, both within the normal and abnormal ranges of thyroid function.

Impact:
Thyroid function within the abnormal and normal ranges might affect liver cancer mortality. Further study is warranted to elucidate the role of thyroid hormone in development of liver cancer including the underlying biological mechanism.
Chastening and Disciplining Comparison: Bruce Lincoln and Oliver Freiberger on the Comparative Method in the Study of Religion
Authors: Yelle Robert A. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The article reviews two recent books on comparison in the study of religion authored by prominent scholars. Long out of vogue, comparison now must be defended as a or even the central methodology for religious studies. Both philology and critical theory have collaborated to undermine the universalist assumptions on which earlier grand comparisons in the study of religion based themselves. The question is whether the two books considered here manage to rescue comparison from its critics. My reading here suggests that a more robust defense may be needed.
<p><strong><em>Selaginella coriaceifolia </em></strong><strong>(sect. <em>Heterostachys</em>; Selaginellaceae), a new lycophyte species from central Vietnam</strong></p>
Authors: YE ZI-YU , LU NGAN THI , ZHANG LIANG , ZHOU XIN-MAO , ZHANG LI-BING 
Published: July 2020

A new species, Selaginella coriaceifolia, is described and illustrated from central Vietnam. The new species can be distinguished from other species in Asia by its habit epilithic, main stem nearly isotomously branched, leaves strongly leathery, ventral leaves imbricate on stem and branch, dorsal leaves with reflexed arista at apex, and sporophylls nearly monomorphic. Molecular and morphological studies of the new species and its allies in S. subg. Heterostachys Baker sect. Heterostachys (Baker) Li Bing Zhang & X.M.Zhou are conducted.
A Qualitative Study of Stroke Survivors’ Experience of Sensory Changes
Authors: Alwawi Dua’a Akram , Dean Evan , Heldstab Ashleigh , Lawson Lisa Mische , Peltzer Jill , Dunn Winnie 
Published: July 2020

Background. Previous literature examined tactile and proprioceptive changes after stroke; however, the lived experience of changes in all sensory systems is still a gap in the literature. Purpose. To gain understanding of stroke survivors’ experience of sensory changes and how sensory changes impact participation in daily life activities. Method. This study utilized a qualitative description method. Researchers used semi-structured interviews with probing questions. Inductive content analysis approach was used to analyze the data. Researchers recruited 13 stroke survivors ≤75 years old who participated in a community-based stroke program. Findings. Emerging themes included daily life impact of sensory function changes, and experience and timing of sensory changes. Participants experienced changes in various sensory systems including touch and proprioception, visual, auditory, and taste. Survivors also reported sensitivity to environmental stimuli. Sensory changes affect survivors’ participation in different aspects of daily life activities. Most participants experienced sensory changes right after their stroke. Implications. Results from this study inform health care providers about stroke survivors’ sensory needs to help them design interventions that match their needs.
Attachment style in adulthood: Attachment style moderates the impact of social support on depressive symptoms
Authors: Dark-Freudeman Alissa , Pond Richard S. , Paschall Ruthie E. , Greskovich Leanne 
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Research on adult attachment has flourished over the last two decades. Despite this, only one theoretical model has been proposed to outline how the attachment system works in adulthood: the model of attachment system activation and functioning in adulthood proposed by Mikulincer and Shaver. The current study tested one prediction drawn from this model, namely that attachment style would moderate the association between social support and depressive symptoms. Method: The study included a nonclinical sample of 419 adults between the ages of 18 and 84 ( Mage = 39.64 years, SD = 19.61). Participants completed a survey containing measures of attachment, perceived social support, depressive symptoms, and demographic information. Results: A model in which attachment was predicted to moderate the relationship between perceived social support and depressive symptoms was tested. Although both avoidant and anxious attachment were significantly associated with depressive symptoms, the interaction between social support and insecure attachment style differed. Higher levels of social support were significantly associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms among anxiously attached individuals, but not among avoidant individuals. Discussion: The study supports the model proposed by Mikulincer and Shaver. Attachment style acts as a moderator of the association between perceived social support and depressive symptoms. The results further underscore differences between anxiously and avoidantly attached individuals.