bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrospun PCL-based nanofibers Arrabidaea chica Verlot – Pterodon pubescens Benth loaded: synergic effect in fibroblast formation
Authors: Costa Salles Tais Helena , Volpe-Zanutto Fabiana , de Oliveira Sousa Ilza Maria , Machado Daisy , Zanatta Ana Caroline , Vilegas Wagner , Lancellotti Marcelo , Foglio Mary Ann , d’Ávila Marcos Akira 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The guided tissue regeneration (GTR) technique can be applied in dentistry and other medical specializations, such as orthopedics. In modern dentistry, GTR has been used in periodontics and implantology to treat periodontal defects, to reconstruct lost, damaged and atrophied bone tissue in dental implant procedures, and to preserve alveolar bases after tooth extraction. In order to create and improve new therapies and to develop new biomaterials that restore, improve and prevent aggravation of compromised tissue function, poly (ϵ-caprolactone) (PCL) polymer membranes were obtained by the electrospinning process and were associated with two plant extracts: Pterodon pubescens Benth (P. pubescens) and Arrabidaea chica Verlot (A. chica) which are characterized by their pharmacological activities of anti-inflammatory and healing actions, respectively. Fiber morphology was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), where fiber average diameter was measured from SEM images. Contact angle measurements were performed in order to evaluate the hydrophilicity of electrospun membranes containing vegetal extract. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to evaluate the ability to release active ingredients. Cytotoxicity and cell proliferation assays were performed in vitro on NIH-3T3 cells for 1, 3 and 7 d. Electrospun PCL membranes associated with plant extracts P. pubescens and/or A. chica presented a controlled release profile of the active compounds induced fibroblast formation, suggesting that they are promising and suitable for applications in GTR.
Modulation of the optical properties of transition metal doped PbSe quantum dots in silicate glasses
Authors: Tesfamariam Belay Brehane , P Janaki Ramulu 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Optical properties of lead chalcogenide quantum dots (QDs) can be controlled by tuning its bandgaps. We prepared silicate glasses using the melt-quenching method and heat-treated 510 °C–540 °C for 10 h to precipitate transition metal ions into PbSe QDs. Transition metals oxide such as TiO, MnO & NiO were used in our experiment due to relative ease of incorporation of Ti2+, Mn2+, or Ni2+ ions in PbSe crystal structure lattice compared to rare-earth ions. Emission spectra of PbSe QDs were tuned in a wide wavelength range through changing concentration of transition metals oxide in glasses. For instance, photoluminescence bands of Pb1−xTixSe QDs QDs moved from 1890 nm to 1625 nm with increasing TiO from 0.0 to 0.5 mol% at heat treatment 530 °C for 10 h. Absorption bands of QDs also shifted to shorter wavelength sides as concentration of TiO or MnO increased under constant thermal treatment conditions mainly due to the change in the bandgap of QDs. However, absorption & PL peaks moved to longer wavelength sides (red-shifted) with increasing the duration of thermal annealing while keeping the amount of transition metal oxides constant mainly due to enlargement of the QDs sizes with thermal treatment. Tunable optical properties of QDs make them a promising candidate for various photoelectric devices, for example, fiber-optics amplifiers in optical communication and fiber lasers.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Interventions for Orphans and Vulnerable Children Affected by HIV/AIDS Worldwide
Authors: Thomas Tina , Tan Mei , Ahmed Yusra , Grigorenko Elena L 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundWorldwide, there are more than 13.3 million orphans and vulnerable children affected by Human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) (HIV OVC), defined as individuals below the age of 18 who have lost one or both parents to HIV/AIDS or have been made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS; they are at risk for negative psychosocial and cognitive outcomes.PurposeThis meta-analysis aimed to examine the scientific literature on available interventions for HIV OVC, with a focus on community-based interventions (CBI).MethodsSystematic electronic searches were conducted from four databases between October 2016 and April 2017 to identify articles investigating the effectiveness of interventions for HIV OVC. Effect sizes were calculated for each article which provided enough information and data points for analyses.ResultsSeventy-four articles were reviewed, including psychosocial interventions (d = 0.30), cognitive interventions (d = 0.14), social protection interventions (d = 0.36), and community-based interventions (CBI; d = 0.36). Study-specific effect sizes varied widely, ranging from −1.09 to 2.26, that is, from a negative effect to an impressively large positive one, but the majority of studies registered small to medium effects (the overall effect size for all studies was 0.32, SE = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.26–0.37). Social protection interventions had the highest positive outcomes whereas CBI tended to have the fewest significant positive outcomes, with some outcomes worsening instead of improving.ConclusionsOverall, interventions provided to OVC have potential for improving cognitive, psychosocial, and risk-behavior outcomes. Social protection interventions and CBI had the highest effect sizes, but CBI had positive effects on fewer outcomes and demonstrated some negative effects. CBI warrant scrutiny for improvement, as they represent an important form of culturally embedded services with potentially long-term benefits to OVC, yet appear to be differentially effective. Successful components of other types of intervention were identified, including cash grants, mentorship, and family therapy. In addition, more research is needed that attends to which interventions may be more effective for specific populations, or that studies cost-effectiveness.
Prevalence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection and Outcomes Among Symptomatic Healthcare Workers in Seattle, Washington
Authors: Mani Nandita S , Budak Jehan Z , Lan Kristine F , Bryson-Cahn Chloe , Zelikoff Allison , Barker Gwendolyn E C , Grant Carolyn W , Hart Kristi , Barbee Carrie J , Sandoval Marissa D , Dostal Christine L , Corcorran Maria , Ungerleider Hal M , Gates Jeff O , Olin Svaya V , Bryan Andrew , Hoffman Noah G , Marquis Sara R , Harvey Michelle L , Nasenbeny Keri , Mertens Kathleen , Chew Lisa D , Greninger Alexander L , Jerome Keith R , Pottinger Paul S , Dellit Timothy H , Liu Catherine , Pergam Steven A , Neme Santiago , Lynch John B , Kim H Nina , Cohen Seth A 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
Healthcare workers (HCWs) who serve on the front lines of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have been at increased risk for infection due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in some settings. Healthcare-acquired infection has been reported in similar epidemics, but there are limited data on the prevalence of COVID-19 among HCWs and their associated clinical outcomes in the United States.

Methods
We established 2 high-throughput employee testing centers in Seattle, Washington, with drive-through and walk-through options for symptomatic employees in the University of Washington Medicine system and its affiliated organizations. Using data from these testing centers, we report the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among symptomatic employees and describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes among employees with COVID-19.

Results
Between 12 March 2020 and 23 April 2020, 3477 symptomatic employees were tested for COVID-19 at 2 employee testing centers; 185 (5.3%) employees tested positive for COVID-19. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was similar when comparing frontline HCWs (5.2%) with nonfrontline staff (5.5%). Among 174 positive employees reached for follow-up at least 14 days after diagnosis, 6 reported COVID-related hospitalization; all recovered.

Conclusions
During the study period, we observed that the prevalence of positive SARS-CoV-2 tests among symptomatic HCWs was comparable to that of symptomatic nonfrontline staff. Reliable and rapid access to testing for employees is essential to preserve the health, safety, and availability of the healthcare workforce during this pandemic and to facilitate the rapid return of SARS-CoV-2–negative employees to work.
Development of an Ordinal Scale Treatment Endpoint for Adults Hospitalized With Influenza
Authors: Lee Nelson , Smith Stephanie W , Hui David S C , Ye Ming , Zelyas Nathan , Chan Paul K S , Drews Steven J , Zapernick Lori , Wong Rity , Labib Mary , Shokoples Sandy , Eurich Dean T 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
An obstacle in influenza therapeutics development is the lack of clinical endpoints, especially in hospitalized patients. A single time-point binary outcome measure is limited by patients’ diverse clinical trajectories and low event rates.

Methods
A 6-point ordinal scale with ascending clinical status severity (scoring: discharged; subacute care; acute care without/with respiratory failure; intensive care unit [ICU]; death) was proposed to study outcomes of adults hospitalized with influenza. Individual patient data from 2 active surveillance cohorts’ datasets (2015/2016−2017/2018; Edmonton, Hong Kong) was used for evaluation. The impact of neuraminidase inhibitor (NAI) treatment on longitudinal ordinal outcome changes over 30 days was analyzed using mixed-effects ordinal logistic regression and group-based trajectory models.

Results
Patient (n = 1226) baseline characteristics included age (mean 68.0 years), virus-type (A 78.1%, B 21.9%), respiratory failure (57.2%), ICU admittance (14.4%), and NAI treatment within 5 days of illness (69.2%). Outcomes at 30 days included discharged (75.2%), subacute care (13.7%), acute care (4.5%), and death (6.6%). Two main clinical trajectories were identified, predictive by baseline scoring (mean ± SD, 4.3 ± 0.6 vs 3.5 ± 0.6, P &lt; .001). Improved outcomes with NAI treatment within 5 days were indicated by significantly lower clinical status scores over time (unadjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], .41−.69; P &lt; .001; adjusted OR, 0.62; 95% CI, .50−.77; P &lt; .001, for baseline score, age, and within-patient correlations). In subanalysis, influenza vaccination was also associated with lower scores (adjusted OR, 0.67; 95% CI, .50−.90; P = .007). Analyses of binary endpoints showed insignificant results.

Conclusions
The ordinal outcome scale is a potentially useful clinical endpoint for influenza therapeutic trials, which could account for the diverse clinical trajectories of hospitalized patients, warranting further development.
Compassionate Use of Hydroxychloroquine in Clinical Practice for Patients With Mild to Severe COVID-19 in a French University Hospital
Authors: Paccoud Olivier , Tubach Florence , Baptiste Amandine , Bleibtreu Alexandre , Hajage David , Monsel Gentiane , Tebano Gianpiero , Boutolleau David , Klement Elise , Godefroy Nagisa , Palich Romain , Itani Oula , Faiçal Antoine , Valantin Marc-Antoine , Tubiana Roland , Burrel Sonia , Calvez Vincent , Caumes Eric , Marcelin Anne-Geneviève , Pourcher Valérie 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
Data from nonrandomized studies have suggested that hydroxychloroquine could be an effective therapeutic agent against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods
We conducted an observational, retrospective cohort study involving hospitalized adult patients with confirmed, mild to severe COVID-19 in a French university hospital. Patients who received hydroxychloroquine (200 mg 3 times daily dosage for 10 days) on a compassionate basis in addition to standard of care (SOC) were compared with patients without contraindications to hydroxychloroquine who received SOC alone. A propensity score-weighted analysis was performed to control for confounders: age, sex, time between symptom onset and admission ≤ 7 days, Charlson comorbidity index, medical history of arterial hypertension, obesity, National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) score at admission, and pneumonia severity. The primary endpoint was time to unfavorable outcome, defined as: death, admission to an intensive care unit, or decision to withdraw or withhold life-sustaining treatments, whichever came first.

Results
Data from 89 patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 were analyzed, 84 of whom were considered in the primary analysis; 38 patients treated with hydroxychloroquine and 46 patients treated with SOC alone. At admission, the mean age of patients was 66 years, the median Charlson comorbidity index was 3, and the median NEWS2 severity score was 3. After propensity score weighting, treatment with hydroxychloroquine was not associated with a significantly reduced risk of unfavorable outcome (hazard ratio, 0.90 [95% confidence interval, .38–2.1], P = .81). Overall survival was not significantly different between the 2 groups (hazard ratio, 0.89 [0.23; 3.47], P = 1).

Conclusion
In hospitalized adults with COVID-19, no significant reduction of the risk of unfavorable outcomes was observed with hydroxychloroquine in comparison to SOC. Unmeasured confounders may have persisted however, despite careful propensity-weighted analysis and the study might be underpowered. Ongoing controlled trials in patients with varying degrees of initial severity on a larger scale will help determine whether there is a place for hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of COVID-19. In hospitalized adults with COVID-19, no significant reduction of the risk of unfavorable outcomes was observed with hydroxychloroquine in comparison to SOC.
James Buchanan on the nature of choice: ontology, artifactual man and the constitutional moment in political economy
Authors: Lewis Paul , Dold Malte 
Published: June 2020

AbstractHistorians of economic thought are paying greater attention to issues of social ontology (i.e. to the assumptions that economists make about the nature of social reality). We contribute to this burgeoning literature by exploring the hitherto neglected way in which James Buchanan invoked ontological considerations, concerning in particular the nature of human choice, both in criticising neoclassical economics and also in setting out his own contributions to constitutional political economy. We focus on Buchanan’s account of man as an artifactual being who has the capacity to choose the kind of person he wishes to become, in particular by selecting the kind of preferences he wishes to have and the kinds of rules under which he wishes to live. We discuss how Buchanan’s thinking on this issue was shaped by Frank Knight and G. L. S. Shackle and explain why Buchanan explicitly described his argument as ontological in nature. Finally, we contend that Buchanan’s approach would have benefited from further ontological elaboration, in two ways: first, because his arguments would have been stronger had he said more about the attributes of the human agent that help to secure their engagement in thinking creatively about themselves and the rules of society (‘the constitutional moment’), and second because his account would benefit from a deeper discussion of the interplay between human agency and social structure, especially with regard to the question of which structures might constrain or facilitate creative choices of the kind by which he set such great store.
Efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants vs. low molecular weight heparin for cancer-related venous thromboembolism: a meta-analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Elbadawi Ayman , Shnoda Mina , Mahmoud Karim , Elgendy Islam Y 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Aims
To examine the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) vs. low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in patients with cancer-related venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Methods and results
An electronic search of the MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Cochrane databases without language restrictions was performed through April 2020 for randomized controlled trials that compared the outcomes with DOACs vs. LMWH among patients with cancer-related VTE. Summary estimates were reported using random effects model. The main efficacy outcome was VTE recurrence, while the main safety outcome was major bleeding . The final analysis included four randomized trials with a total of 2907 patients. The weighted mean follow-up was 6.1 months. Compared with LMWH, DOACs were associated with lower incidence of VTE recurrence [5.7% vs. 9.1%, risk ratio (RR) 0.62; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.44–0.87; P = 0.01], driven by lower incidence of deep venous thrombosis (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.39–0.93; P = 0.02). There was no difference in the incidence of major bleeding between DOACs and LMWH (4.8% vs. 3.6%, RR 1.33; 95% CI 0.84–2.11; P = 0.23). The incidence of all-cause mortality was similar (RR 0.99; 95% CI 0.84–1.16; P = 0.91). Subgroup analysis suggested no differences according to the type of DOAC regarding recurrent VTE or major bleeding (Pinteraction = 0.53 and Pinteraction = 0.11, respectively).

Conclusion
Among patients with cancer-related VTE, DOACs were associated with lower incidence of VTE recurrence and no difference in the incidence of major bleeding compared with LMWH. Future studies examining the subset of cancer patients who drive the most benefit are encouraged.
Simultaneous Search for Differentiated Products: The Impact of Search Costs and Firm Prominence
Authors: Moraga-González José L , Sándor Zsolt , Wildenbeest Matthijs R 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
We extend the literature on simultaneous search by allowing for differentiated products and search cost heterogeneity. We show conditions under which a symmetric price equilibrium exists. We provide a necessary and sufficient condition under which an increase in search costs may result in a lower, equal or higher equilibrium price. We extend this analysis to the case with more than two firms. The effects of prominence on equilibrium prices are also studied. The prominent firm charges a higher price than the non-prominent firm and both their prices are below the symmetric equilibrium price. Consequently, market prominence increases the consumers’ surplus.
ELF awareness in the task-based classroom: a way forward
Authors: Kordia Stefania 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe article discusses ELF-aware pedagogy as a possible way to integrate English as a lingua franca (ELF) in English language classrooms and explores the extent to which task-based language teaching (TBLT) could contribute to this end. ELF-aware pedagogy involves enriching teaching practices with appropriate metalinguistic and reflective activities that help learners develop as competent ELF users. The article makes the case that, when viewed from an ELF-aware perspective, TBLT may provide a coherent methodological framework for creating an authentic communicative environment in the classroom, within which the learners may develop as ELF communicators. To provide an example of how this could be achieved in practice, the author presents an ELF-aware task she has designed and taught in her own classroom. The task integrates metalinguistic and reflective elements and focuses on promoting the learners’ pragmatic competence and sense of themselves as true owners of English.
Effect of dapagliflozin according to baseline systolic blood pressure in the Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Heart Failure trial (DAPA-HF)
Authors: Serenelli Matteo , Böhm Michael , Inzucchi Silvio E , Køber Lars , Kosiborod Mikhail N , Martinez Felipe A , Ponikowski Piotr , Sabatine Marc S , Solomon Scott D , DeMets David L , Bengtsson Olof , Sjöstrand Mikaela , Langkilde Anna Maria , Anand Inder S , Chiang Chern-En , Chopra Vijay K , de Boer Rudolf A , Diez Mirta , Dukát Andrej , Ge Junbo , Howlett Jonathan G , Katova Tzvetana , Kitakaze Masafumi , Ljungman Charlotta E A , Verma Subodh , Docherty Kieran F , Jhund Pardeep S , McMurray John J V 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Aims
Concern about hypotension often leads to withholding of beneficial therapy in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). We evaluated the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin, which lowers systolic blood pressure (SBP),according to baseline SBP in Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Heart Failure trial (DAPA-HF).

Methods and results
Key inclusion criteria were: New York Heart Association Class II−IV, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 40%, elevated N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide level, and SBP ≥95 mmHg. The primary outcome was a composite of worsening heart failure or cardiovascular death. The efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin were examined using SBP as both a categorical and continuous variable. A total of 1205 patients had a baseline SBP &lt;110 mmHg; 981 ≥ 110 &lt; 120; 1149 ≥ 120 &lt; 130; and 1409 ≥ 130 mmHg. The placebo-corrected reduction in SBP from baseline to 2 weeks with dapagliflozin was −2.54 (−3.33 to −1.76) mmHg (P &lt; 0.001), with a smaller between-treatment difference in patients in the lowest compared to highest SBP category. Patients in the lowest SBP category had a much higher rate (per 100 person-years) of the primary outcome [20.6, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 17.6–24.2] than those in the highest SBP category (13.8, 11.7–16.4). The benefit and safety of dapagliflozin was consistent across the range of SBP; hazard ratio (95% CI) in each SBP group, lowest to highest: 0.76 (0.60–0.97), 0.76 (0.57–1.02), 0.81 (0.61–1.08), and 0.67 (0.51–0.87), P interaction = 0.78. Study drug discontinuation did not differ between dapagliflozin and placebo across the SBP categories examined.

Conclusion
Dapagliflozin had a small effect on SBP in patients with HFrEF and was superior to placebo in improving outcomes, and well tolerated, across the range of SBP included in DAPA-HF.

Clinical Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03036124.
Promoters for lipogenesis-specific downregulation in Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Kamineni Annapurna , Chen Shuyan , Chifamba Gamuchirai , Tsakraklides Vasiliki 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Yarrowia lipolytica is a non-conventional yeast with potential applications in the biofuel and biochemical industries. It is an oleaginous yeast that accumulates lipids when it encounters nutrient limitation in the presence of excess carbon. Its molecular toolbox includes promoters for robust constitutive expression, regulated expression through the addition of media components and inducible expression during lipid accumulation. To date, no promoters have been identified that lead to downregulation at the transition from growth to lipid accumulation. We identified four native Y. lipolytica promoters that downregulate the expression of genes at this natural transition. Using the fatty acid desaturase genes FAD2 and OLE1 as reporter genes for these promoters, we correlated repression of desaturase transcript levels with a reduction of desaturated fatty acids at the transition to lipid accumulation. These promoters can restrict to the growth phase an essential or favorable activity that is undesirable during lipid accumulation under traditional fermentation conditions without media additions. This expression pattern results in lipogenesis phase-specific changes that could be useful in applications relating to optimizing lipid yield and composition.