bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sarilumab and adalimumab differential effects on bone remodelling and cardiovascular risk biomarkers, and predictions of treatment outcomes
Authors: Gabay Cem , Burmester Gerd R. , Strand Vibeke , Msihid Jérôme , Zilberstein Moshe , Kimura Toshio , van Hoogstraten Hubert , Boklage Susan H. , Sadeh Jonathan , Graham Neil M. H. , Boyapati Anita 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays a key role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Sarilumab is a human monoclonal antibody that binds membrane-bound and soluble IL-6 receptor-α to inhibit IL-6 signalling. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of sarilumab and adalimumab (a tumour necrosis factor alpha inhibitor) monotherapy on levels of circulating biomarkers associated with the acute-phase response, bone remodelling, atherothrombosis, anaemia of chronic disease and markers purported to reflect synovial lymphoid and myeloid cell infiltrates, as well as the potential of these biomarkers to differentially predict clinical and patient-reported outcomes with sarilumab vs. adalimumab.

Methods
In this post hoc analysis, serum samples were analysed at baseline and prespecified post-treatment timepoints up to week 24 in adults with moderate-to-severe active rheumatoid arthritis intolerant of or inadequate responders to methotrexate from the MONARCH trial (NCT02332590).

Results
Greater reductions in C-reactive protein (CRP; − 94.0% vs. –24.0%), serum amyloid A (SAA; − 83.2% vs. –17.4%), total receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL; − 18.3% vs. 10.5%) and lipoprotein (a) (− 41.0% vs. –2.8%) were observed at week 24 with sarilumab vs. adalimumab, respectively (adjusted p < 0.0001). Greater increases in procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) were observed with sarilumab vs. adalimumab at week 24 (22.8% vs. 6.2%, p = 0.027). Patients with high baseline SAA, CRP and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) were more likely to achieve clinical efficacy, including American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement criteria and Disease Activity Score (28 joints)-CRP < 3.2, and report improvements in patient-reported outcomes, including Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index and pain visual analogue scale, with sarilumab than adalimumab.

Conclusion
Sarilumab was associated with greater positive effects on bone remodelling and decreases in biomarkers of the acute-phase response, synovial inflammation and cardiovascular risk vs. adalimumab. High baseline concentrations of SAA, CRP and MMP-3 are predictive of clinical and patient-reported outcome responses to sarilumab treatment and prospective validation is warranted to confirm these results.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02332590. Registered on 5 January 2015
Serum interleukin-16 significantly correlates with the Vasculitis Damage Index in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis
Authors: Yoon Taejun , Pyo Jung Yoon , Ahn Sung Soo , Song Jason Jungsik , Park Yong-Beom , Lee Sang-Won 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundInterleukin (IL)-16 is a T cell chemoattractant produced by peripheral mononuclear cells. We investigated whether IL-16 plays a pro- or an anti-inflammatory role in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV). Furthermore, we investigated whether the level of IL-16 could predict the activity and extent of organ damage in AAV based on AAV-specific indices.MethodsSeventy-eight patients with AAV from a prospective observational cohort were included in this analysis. Blood sampling and clinical assessments, including the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS), Five-Factor Score (FFS), Short Form 36-item Health Survey (SF-36), and Vasculitis Damage Index (VDI), were performed, and laboratory data were collected. Serum IL-16 was measured from stored sera.ResultsThe median age was 62.0 years, and 27 patients were male. The median serum IL-16 concentration was 84.1 pg/dL, and the median BVAS, FFS, VDI, and SF-36 scores were 7.0, 1.0, 3.0, and 48.0, respectively. Among the AAV-related indices, the serum IL-16 concentration was correlated with VDI (R2 = 0.306,P = 0.006), but not with BVAS (R2 = 0.024,P = 0.834), FFS (R2 = − 0.069,P = 0.550), or SF-36 (R2 = − 0.015,P = 0.898). The serum IL-16 concentration also did not correlate with either the erythrocyte sedimentation rate or the C-reactive protein concentration. Per our analysis based on organ involvement, only patients with ear, nose, and throat manifestations had higher serum IL-16 concentrations relative to those with other conditions (P = 0.030).ConclusionsThis was the first study to elucidate the clinical implication of serum IL-16 in patients with AAV. We found that the serum IL-16 level may reflect the cross-sectional VDI scores among AAV-specific indices. Future studies with larger numbers of patients and serial measurements could provide more reliable data on the clinical implications of serum IL-16 in AAV.
Variation in base composition underlies functional and evolutionary divergence in non-LTR retrotransposons
Authors: Ruggiero Robert P. , Boissinot Stéphane 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Non-LTR retrotransposons often exhibit base composition that is markedly different from the nucleotide content of their host’s gene. For instance, the mammalian L1 element is AT-rich with a strong A bias on the positive strand, which results in a reduced transcription. It is plausible that the A-richness of mammalian L1 is a self-regulatory mechanism reflecting a trade-off between transposition efficiency and the deleterious effect of L1 on its host. We examined if the A-richness of L1 is a general feature of non-LTR retrotransposons or if different clades of elements have evolved different nucleotide content. We also investigated if elements belonging to the same clade evolved towards different base composition in different genomes or if elements from different clades evolved towards similar base composition in the same genome.

Results
We found that non-LTR retrotransposons differ in base composition among clades within the same host but also that elements belonging to the same clade differ in base composition among hosts. We showed that nucleotide content remains constant within the same host over extended period of evolutionary time, despite mutational patterns that should drive nucleotide content away from the observed base composition.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that base composition is evolving under selection and may be reflective of the long-term co-evolution between non-LTR retrotransposons and their host. Finally, the coexistence of elements with drastically different base composition suggests that these elements may be using different strategies to persist and multiply in the genome of their host.
Empagliflozin reduces vascular damage and cognitive impairment in a mixed murine model of Alzheimer’s disease and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Hierro-Bujalance Carmen , Infante-Garcia Carmen , del Marco Angel , Herrera Marta , Carranza-Naval Maria Jose , Suarez Javier , Alves-Martinez Pilar , Lubian-Lopez Simon , Garcia-Alloza Monica 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Both Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) share common pathological features including inflammation, insulin signaling alterations, or vascular damage. AD has no successful treatment, and the close relationship between both diseases supports the study of antidiabetic drugs to limit or slow down brain pathology in AD. Empagliflozin (EMP) is a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor, the newest class of antidiabetic agents. EMP controls hyperglycemia and reduces cardiovascular comorbidities and deaths associated to T2D. Therefore, we have analyzed the role of EMP at the central level in a complex mouse model of AD-T2D.

Methods
We have treated AD-T2D mice (APP/PS1xdb/db mice) with EMP 10 mg/kg for 22 weeks. Glucose, insulin, and body weight were monthly assessed. We analyzed learning and memory in the Morris water maze and the new object discrimination test. Postmortem brain assessment was conducted to measure brain atrophy, senile plaques, and amyloid-β levels. Tau phosphorylation, hemorrhage burden, and microglia were also measured in the brain after EMP treatment.

Results
EMP treatment helped to maintain insulin levels in diabetic mice. At the central level, EMP limited cortical thinning and reduced neuronal loss in treated mice. Hemorrhage and microglia burdens were also reduced in EMP-treated mice. Senile plaque burden was lower, and these effects were accompanied by an amelioration of cognitive deficits in APP/PS1xdb/db mice.

Conclusions
Altogether, our data support a feasible role for EMP to reduce brain complications associated to AD and T2D, including classical pathological features and vascular disease, and supporting further assessment of EMP at the central level.
A simple and rapid protein purification method based on cell-surface display of SUMO-fused recombinant protein and Ulp1 protease
Authors: Zhou Xiao-Feng , Zhang Chen-Lu , Gao Xue-Ping , Wang Wei-Long , He Zheng-Fen , Jiang Feng-Ying , Pang Yi-Lin , Li Jiang-Hui , Ren Xiao-Jun , Zhou Huai-Bin , Tan Guo-Qiang , Lyu Jian-Xin , Wang Wu 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe development of novel methods for highly efficient protein purification remains a research focus in the biotechnology field because conventional purification approaches, including affinity purification, gel filtration, and ion-exchange chromatography, require complex manipulation steps and are costly. Here, we describe a simple and rapid protein purification strategy in which the SUMO tag and Ulp1 protease are surface-displayed separately on Escherichia coli cells. After protein induction, the cells are harvested, resuspended in cleavage buffer, and incubated together for cleavage. In this approach, the surface-displayed Ulp1 cleaves the membrane-anchored SUMO fusion protein, resulting in the release of the target protein from the C-terminal of SUMO into the solution. The bacterial cells harboring SUMO and Ulp1 on their surfaces can be easily removed by centrifugation. To evaluate the purification method, we used red fluorescent protein (mCherry). Purified mCherry protein (7.72 ± 1.05 mg from 1 L of bacterial culture) was obtained after only 30 min of incubation. The protein purity was higher than 80%, and could be further improved (> 90%) by simple ultrafiltration. This study offers a promising and simple strategy for the purification of recombinant protein in its native form that requires only cleavage and centrifugation steps.
Finite-approximate controllability of fractional stochastic evolution equations with nonlocal conditions
Authors: Ding Yonghong , Li Yongxiang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis paper deals with the finite-approximate controllability for a class of fractional stochastic evolution equations with nonlocal initial conditions in a Hilbert space. We establish sufficient conditions for the finite-approximate controllability of the control system when the compactness conditions or Lipschitz conditions for the nonlocal term and uniform boundedness conditions for the nonlinear term are not required. The discussion is based on the fixed point theorem, approximation techniques and diagonal argument. In the end, an example is presented to illustrate the abstract theory. Our result improves and extends some relevant results in this area.
A filter method for inverse nonlinear sideways heat equation
Authors: Anh Triet Nguyen , O’Regan Donal , Baleanu Dumitru , Hoang Luc Nguyen , Can Nguyen 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we study a sideways heat equation with a nonlinear source in a bounded domain, in which the Cauchy data at $x = \mathcal {X}$x=X are given and the solution in $0 \le x < \mathcal {X}$0≤x<X is sought. The problem is severely ill-posed in the sense of Hadamard. Based on the fundamental solution to the sideways heat equation, we propose to solve this problem by the filter method of degree α, which generates a well-posed integral equation. Moreover, we show that its solution converges to the exact solution uniformly and strongly in $\mathscr {L}^{p}(\omega,\mathcal {X};\mathscr {L}^{2}(\mathbb {R}))$Lp(ω,X;L2(R)), $\omega\in [0,\mathcal {X})$ω∈[0,X) under a priori assumptions on the exact solution. The proposed regularized method is illustrated by numerical results in the final section.
Porosity–permeability relationship derived from Upper Jurassic carbonate rock cores to assess the regional hydraulic matrix properties of the Malm reservoir in the South German Molasse Basin
Authors: Bohnsack D. , Potten M. , Pfrang D. , Wolpert P. , Zosseder K. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractFor the successful realization and productivity prediction of new hydrothermal projects in the South German Molasse Basin, the hydraulic matrix properties of the Upper Jurassic Malm reservoir have to be determined as accurately as possible. To obtain specific information on the distribution of the petrophysical parameters (e.g., rock density, porosity, and permeability) 363 samples of rare drilling cores from the reservoir northeast of Munich (wells Moosburg SC4 and Dingolfing FB) were investigated using different experimental methods. Additionally, porosity was calculated by a downhole resistivity log of a nearby borehole close to Munich for comparison and the attempt of transferability of the data set to other locations within the Central Molasse Basin. Core data were divided into groups of different stratigraphic and petrographic units to cover the heterogeneity of the carbonate aquifer and provide data ranges to improve reservoir and prediction models. Data for effective porosity show a high variance from 0.3 to 19.2% throughout this heterogeneous aquifer. Permeability measured on core samples is scattered over several orders of magnitude (10−4–102 mD). Permeability models based on the porosity–permeability relationship were used to estimate permeability for the whole aquifer section and identify possible flow zones. A newly developed empirical model based on distinct lithofacies types allows a permeability estimation with a deviation < 10 mD. However, fractured, karstified, and vuggy zones occurring in this typically karstified, fractured, and porous reservoir cannot yet be taken into account by the model and result in an underestimation of permeability on reservoir scale. Overall, the dominant permeability trends can be mapped well using this model. For the regional transfer and the correlation of the results, a core-related porosity/permeability log for the reservoir was compiled for a well close to Munich showing similarities to the core investigations. The validation of the regional transferability of the parameter set to other locations in the Molasse Basin was carried out by correlation with the interpreted log data of a well near Munich.
Japan ECMOnet for COVID-19: telephone consultations for cases with severe respiratory failure caused by COVID-19
Authors:   Japan ECMOnet for COVID-19
Published: April 2020

AbstractRecently, the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) started spreading in Japan. Therefore, the number of patients with severe COVID-19 requiring extracorporeal membranous oxygenation (ECMO) is expected to increase. A working group has been formed to provide telephone consultation services for cases with severe respiratory failure caused by COVID-19 in Japan. During the first 13 days of the service, there were 12 consultations. For each consultation, we advised the patient on the initiation of ECMO and arranged transportation for patients with ECMO. Based on experience from the H1N1 influenza pandemic, transporting patients to experienced facilities is essential to obtain better outcomes.
A framework for estimating spherical vector fields using localized basis functions and its application to SuperDARN data processing
Authors: Nakano S. , Hori T. , Seki K. , Nishitani N. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA technique for estimating a plasma drift velocity distribution in the ionosphere is presented. This technique is based on a framework for representing a global vector field on a sphere by using a set of localized basis functions which is newly derived as a variant of the spherical elementary current system (SECS). A vector field on a sphere can be divided into its divergence-free (DF) component and curl-free (CF) component. The DF and CF components can then be represented by weighted sums of the DF and CF vector-valued basis functions, respectively. While the SECS basis functions have a singular point, the new basis functions do not diverge over a sphere. This property of the new basis function allows us to achieve robust prediction of the drift velocity at any point in the ionosphere. Assuming that the ionospheric plasma drift velocity has no divergence, its distribution can be represented by a weighted sum of the DF basis functions. The proposed technique estimates the ionospheric plasma drift velocity distribution from the SuperDARN data by using the DF basis functions. Since there are some wide gaps in the spatial coverage of the SuperDARN, an empirical convection model is combined with the framework based on the new basis functions. It is demonstrated that the proposed technique is useful for the estimation and modeling of the ionospheric plasma velocity distribution.
A novel ophthalmic viscosurgical device-free phakic intraocular lens implantation makes myopic surgery safer
Authors: Pan An-Peng , Wen Li-Jin , Shao Xu , Zhou Kai-Jing , Wang Qin-Mei , Qu Jia , Yu A-Yong 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Purpose
To assess the efficacy and safety of a novel ophthalmic viscosurgical device-free (OVD-free) method for posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) implantation in myopic eyes.

Methods
In this retrospective cohort study, the medical records of myopic eyes that underwent PIOL (Implantable Collamer Lens, ICL) implantation for myopia correction at the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University between May 2015 and March 2017 were reviewed. A total of 49 eyes with complete data that met follow up requirements (2 h, 1 day, 1 week, 3 months postoperatively) were recruited. Based on the surgical techniques used, the eyes were divided into the OVD-free method group and the standard method group. The clinical data, including intraocular pressure (IOP), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and spherical equivalent (SE), at each follow-up were collected for comparison. Endothelial cell loss and complications were also investigated.

Results
Twenty-one eyes received the standard method, and 28 eyes received the OVD-free method. A rise in IOP > 22 mmHg at 2 h was noted in 14 eyes (66.7%) in the standard group and none (0%) in the OVD-free group (p < 0.001). The rise in IOP from baseline was significantly higher at 2 h in the standard group (10.5 ± 5.2 mmHg vs. 2.2 ± 3.3 mmHg, difference: 8.3, 95% CI 5.8 to 10.8; p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the time course of LogMAR CDVA changes between the two groups (p = 0.047). The LogMAR CDVA was significantly better in the OVD-free method group compared to the standard group at 1 day (− 0.076, 95% CI − 0.134 to − 0.018; p = 0.012), 1 week (− 0.071, 95% CI − 0.135 to − 0.007; p = 0.03), but not at 3 months (− 0.046, 95% CI − 0.107 to 0.015; p = 0.134). There was no significant difference in the time course of SE changes between the two groups (p = 0.471; p = 0.705). In the OVD-free group, mean endothelial cell loss was 4.6% at 3 months (2522 ± 281 vs. 2407 ± 226 cells/mm2, difference: -115, 95% CI − 295 to 65; p = 0.187). No complications were reported in both groups except for the early IOP elevation in the standard group during the observation period.

Conclusions
The OVD-free method is safe and efficient for ICL implantation. It can be a safer method of ICL implantation compared to the standard method in that it completely eliminates ophthalmic viscoelastic devices-related complications without causing additional complications.
Benefits of past inventory data as prior information for the current inventory
Authors: Kangas Annika , Gobakken Terje , Næsset Erik 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
When auxiliary information in the form of airborne laser scanning (ALS) is used to assist in estimating the population parameters of interest, the benefits of prior information from previous inventories are not self-evident. In a simulation study, we compared three different approaches: 1) using only current data, 2) using non-updated old data and current data in a composite estimator and 3) using updated old data and current data with a Kalman filter. We also tested three different estimators, namely i) Horwitz-Thompson for a case of no auxiliary information, ii) model-assisted estimation and iii) model-based estimation. We compared these methods in terms of bias, precision and accuracy, as estimators utilizing prior information are not guaranteed to be unbiased.

Results
The largest standard errors were obtained when neither prior information nor auxiliary information were used. If a growth model was not applied to update the old data, the resulting composite estimators were biased. Largest RMSEs were obtained using non-updated prior information in a composite estimator. Using the ALS data as auxiliary information produced smaller RMSE than using prior information from the old inventory. The smallest RMSEs were obtained when both the auxiliary data and updated old data were used. With growth updating the bias can be substantially reduced, although design-unbiasedness of the estimator cannot be guaranteed.

Conclusions
Prior information from old inventory data can be useful also when combined with highly accurate auxiliary information, when both data sources are efficiently used. The benefits obtained from using the old data will increase if the past harvests can be detected without errors from changes in the auxiliary data instead of being predicted with models.
Growing a circular economy with fungal biotechnology: a white paper
Authors: Meyer Vera , Basenko Evelina Y. , Benz J. Philipp , Braus Gerhard H. , Caddick Mark X. , Csukai Michael , de Vries Ronald P. , Endy Drew , Frisvad Jens C. , Gunde-Cimerman Nina , Haarmann Thomas , Hadar Yitzhak , Hansen Kim , Johnson Robert I. , Keller Nancy P. , Kraševec Nada , Mortensen Uffe H. , Perez Rolando , Ram Arthur F. J. , Record Eric , Ross Phil , Shapaval Volha , Steiniger Charlotte , van den Brink Hans , van Munster Jolanda , Yarden Oded , Wösten Han A. B. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractFungi have the ability to transform organic materials into a rich and diverse set of useful products and provide distinct opportunities for tackling the urgent challenges before all humans. Fungal biotechnology can advance the transition from our petroleum-based economy into a bio-based circular economy and has the ability to sustainably produce resilient sources of food, feed, chemicals, fuels, textiles, and materials for construction, automotive and transportation industries, for furniture and beyond. Fungal biotechnology offers solutions for securing, stabilizing and enhancing the food supply for a growing human population, while simultaneously lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Fungal biotechnology has, thus, the potential to make a significant contribution to climate change mitigation and meeting the United Nation’s sustainable development goals through the rational improvement of new and established fungal cell factories. The White Paper presented here is the result of the 2nd Think Tank meeting held by the EUROFUNG consortium in Berlin in October 2019. This paper highlights discussions on current opportunities and research challenges in fungal biotechnology and aims to inform scientists, educators, the general public, industrial stakeholders and policymakers about the current fungal biotech revolution.