bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased glutaminyl cyclase activity in brains of Alzheimer’s disease individuals
Authors: Gunn Adam P. , Wong Bruce X. , McLean Catriona , Fowler Chris , Barnard Peter J. , Duce James A. , Roberts Blaine R. ,   The AIBL Research Group
Published: July 2020

AbstractGlutaminyl cyclases (QC) catalyze the formation of neurotoxic pGlu‐modified amyloid‐β peptides found in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Reports of several‐fold increases in soluble QC (sQC) expression in the brain and peripheral circulation of AD individuals has prompted the development of QC inhibitors as potential AD therapeutics. There is, however, a lack of standardized quantitative data on QC expression in human tissues, precluding inter‐laboratory comparison and validation. We tested the hypothesis that QC is elevated in AD tissues by quantifying levels of sQC protein and activity in post‐mortem brain tissues from AD and age‐matched control individuals. We found a modest but statistically significant increase in sQC protein, which paralleled a similar increase in enzyme activity. In plasma samples sourced from the Australian Imaging, Biomarker and Lifestyle study we determined that QC activity was not different between the AD and control group, though a modest increase was observed in female AD individuals compared to controls. Plasma QC activity was further correlated with levels of circulating monocytes in AD individuals. These data provide quantitative evidence that alterations in QC expression are associated with AD pathology.
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Quantitative proteomic analysis of the frontal cortex in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Sathe Gajanan , Albert Marilyn , Darrow Jacqueline , Saito Atsushi , Troncoso Juan , Pandey Akhilesh , Moghekar Abhay 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by intracellular formation of neurofibrillary tangles and extracellular deposition of β‐amyloid protein (Aβ) in the extracellular matrix. The pathogenesis of AD has not yet been fully elucidated and little is known about global alterations in the brain proteome that are related to AD. To identify and quantify such AD‐related changes in the brain, we employed a tandem mass tags approach coupled to high‐resolution mass spectrometry. We compared the proteomes of frontal cortex from AD patients with corresponding age‐matched brain samples. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry/MS analysis carried out on an Orbitrap Fusion Lumos Tribrid mass spectrometer led to identification of 8,066 proteins. Of these, 432 proteins were observed to be significantly altered (>1.5 fold) in their expression in AD brains. Proteins whose abundance was previously known to be altered in AD were identified including secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1), somatostatin (SST), SPARC‐related modular calcium binding 1 (SMOC1), dual specificity phosphatase 26 (DUSP26), and neuronal pentraxin 2 (NPTX2). In addition, we identified several novel candidates whose association with AD has not been previously described. Of the novel molecules, we validated chromogranin A (CHGA), inner membrane mitochondrial protein (IMMT) and RAS like proto‐oncogene A (RALA) in an additional set of 20 independent brain samples using targeted parallel reaction monitoring mass spectrometry assays. The differentially expressed proteins discovered in our study, once validated in larger cohorts, should help discern the pathogenesis of AD.
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Effect of defensins‐containing eye cream on periocular rhytids and skin quality
Authors: Berens Angelique M. , Ghazizadeh Shabnam 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundDefensins are peptides shown to activate LGR6 stem cells to stimulate the production of new basal stem cells in the epidermis. Use of topical definsin‐containing products has been shown to address signs of global skin aging including decrease of wrinkles and increase of epidermal thickness.AimsTo investigate the ability of a topical defensin‐containing skincare product in improving the structure and function of aging periocular skin using objective and subjective outcome measures.Patients/MethodsA prospective pilot trial of a defensin‐containing eye cream was performed in patients with periocular rhytids over 6 weeks. Subjective changes in skin quality and aging characteristics were compared using a patient survey tool. Objective changes in periocular skin quality were analyzed using the QuantifiCare imaging system and the DermLab ultrasound scanner by blinded reviewers.ResultsA total of eight patients completed treatment; two were male, and six were female. The average age was 51 years (range 37‐63). Compliance with product application as reported on the participant application log was over 90%. Overall, there was an average 2.1 point improvement in subjective measures of skin quality on the consumer questionnaire (P = .002). QuantifiCare imaging of pores, wrinkles, and oiliness showed 370% improvement, 55% improvement, and 12% improvement, respectively. DermaLab noninvasive measurements of elasticity, skin thickness, and hydration showed improvement of 120%, 28%, and 6%, respectively.ConclusionThe use of topical formulations of definsin‐containing eye cream statically improves patient‐reported outcomes of skin quality, especially redness, sensitivity to weather, age spots, and crow's feet.
HOW SHOULD CAPITAL BE TAXED?
Authors: Bastani Spencer , Waldenström Daniel 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis survey discusses how capital should be taxed in advanced economies. We review the theoretical optimal tax literature, survey empirical studies on the distribution of capital and the distortionary costs of capital taxation, and analyze the desirability of specific taxes on capital income, wealth, property, inheritances, and corporate profits. Our overall conclusion is that capital taxation plays an important role in an optimal tax system, but only certain ways of taxing capital are able to strike a balance between optimality and administrative feasibility.
Hypertensive nephrosclerosis: wider kidney biopsy indications may be needed to improve diagnostics
Authors: Hallan S. I. , Øvrehus M. A. , Bjørneklett R. , Aasarød K. I. , Fogo A. B. , Ix J. H. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundHypertensive nephrosclerosis is the presumed underlying cause in many end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients, but the diagnosis is disputed and based on clinical criteria with low diagnostic accuracy.ObjectiveTo evaluate and improve the diagnostic process for nephrosclerosis patients.MethodsWe included adults from the population‐based HUNT study (n = 50 552), Norwegian CKD patients referred for kidney biopsy 1988–2012 (n = 7261), and unselected nephrology clinic patients (n = 193) used for matching. Decision tree analysis and ROC curve‐based methods of optimal cut‐offs were used to improve clinical nephrosclerosis criteria.ResultsNephrosclerosis prevalence was 2.7% in the general population, and eGFR decline and risk for kidney‐related hospital admissions and ESKD were comparable to patients with diabetic kidney disease. In the biopsy cohort, current clinical criteria had very low sensitivity (0.13) but high specificity (0.94) for biopsy‐verified arterionephrosclerosis. A new optimized diagnostic algorithm based on proteinuria (<0.75 g d−1), systolic blood pressure (>155 mm Hg) and age (>75 years) only marginally improved diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity 0.19, specificity 0.96). Likewise, there were still false‐positive cases with treatable diagnoses like glomerulonephritis, interstitial nephritis and others (40% of all test positive). Decision curve analysis showed that the new criteria can lead to higher clinical utility, especially for patients considering the potential harms to be close to the potential benefits, while the more risk‐tolerant ones (harm:benefit ratio < 1:4) should consider kidney biopsy.ConclusionFurther improvements of the current clinical criteria seem difficult, so risks and benefits of kidney biopsy could be more actively discussed with selected patients to reduce misclassification and direct treatment.
Mastication in maxillectomy patients: A comparison between reconstructed maxillae and implant supported obturators: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Buurman Doke J. M. , Speksnijder Caroline M. , de Groot Reilly J. , Kessler Peter , Rieger Jana M. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare masticatory performance and patient reported eating ability of maxillectomy patients with implant‐supported obturators and patients with surgically reconstructed maxillae.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study was conducted at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada and at Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands. Eleven surgically reconstructed maxillectomy patients have been included at University of Alberta and nine implant‐supported obturator patients at MUMC+. The mixing ability test (MAT) was used to measure masticatory performance. In addition, the oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) was measured with shortened versions of the oral health impact profile (OHIP) questionnaire. Values of the implant‐supported obturator group versus the surgical reconstruction group were compared with independent t‐tests in case of normal distribution, otherwise the Mann‐Whitney U test was applied.ResultsPatients with reconstructed maxillae and patients with implant‐supported obturator prostheses had similar mean mixing ability indices (18.20 ± 2.38 resp. 18.66 ± 1.37; P = .614). The seven OHRQoL questions also showed no differences in masticatory ability between the two groups.ConclusionWith caution, the results of this study seem to confirm earlier results that implant‐supported obturation is a good alternative to surgical reconstruction for all Class II maxillary defects. With both techniques, the masticatory performance is sufficiently restored, with careful planning being highly desirable.
Digital vs Conventional Implant Impressions: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Papaspyridakos Panos , Vazouras Konstantinos , Chen Yo‐wei , Kotina Elli , Natto Zuhair , Kang Kiho , Chochlidakis Konstantinos 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPurposeTo systematically review in vitro and clinical studies comparing quantitatively the 3D accuracy (global implant deviations) of digital vs conventional implant impressions for partially and completely edentulous patients.Materials and MethodsElectronic and manual searches were conducted to identify in vitro and clinical studies, reporting on the 3D accuracy between digital and conventional implant impressions. Secondary outcomes were the effect of implant angulation, type of conventional impression technique, and type of intraoral scanner on the accuracy of implant impressions.ResultsThe inclusion criteria were met by 9 in vitro studies and 1 clinical study reporting on completely edentulous impressions, while 6 in vitro and 2 clinical studies reported on partially edentulous impressions. Quantitative meta‐analysis was performed for 5 completely edentulous and 6 partially edentulous studies. The studies exhibited high values for heterogeneity. A random effects model was conducted to estimate the effect size. Based on 5 in vitro studies on completely edentulous impressions, the mean 3D implant deviation between conventional and digital impressions was 8.20 µm (95% CI: −53.56, 37.15) and the digital impressions had nominally less deviation (p = 0.72). Based on 1 clinical and 5 in vitro studies on partially edentulous impressions, the mean 3D implant deviation between conventional and digital impressions was 52.31 µm (95% CI: 6.30, 98.33) and the conventional impressions had nominally less deviation (p = 0.03). Five in vitro and 2 clinical studies were not included in the quantitative analysis due to heterogeneity in the methodology. Implant angulation affected the accuracy in favor of the partially edentulous conventional impressions whereas the effect of different scanners was not statistically significant on the completely edentulous impressions (p = 0.82).ConclusionsDigital scans appear to have comparable 3D accuracy with conventional implant impressions based mainly on in vitro studies. However, clinical trials are recommended to investigate the clinical accuracy of digital scans and digitally fabricated interim or prototype prostheses, before digital implant scans can be recommended for routine clinical use.
A theory of reverse retirement
Authors: Ponthiere Gregory 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe retirement system is usually regarded as giving a fair reward for a long working career. However, only workers who have a sufficiently long life benefit from that reward, but not workers who die prematurely. To re‐examine the fairness of retirement systems under unequal lifetime, this paper compares standard retirement (i.e., individuals work before being retired) with—hypothetical—reverse retirement (i.e., individuals are retired before working). We show that, under standard assumptions, an economy with reverse retirement, once in place, converges towards a unique stationary equilibrium. At the normative level, we show that, when labor productivity declines with age, reverse retirement cannot be optimal under the utilitarian criterion (unlike standard retirement), whereas reverse retirement can be optimal under the ex post egalitarian criterion (giving priority to the worst‐off in realized terms). Finally, we show that there exists a set of policy instruments that allow a government to organize a successful transition from standard to reverse retirement.
Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Perceived Need for Treatment, and Barriers to Treatment Among Parenting Women With Substance Use Disorder in US Rural Counties
Authors: Ali Mir M. , Nye Emma , West Kristina 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveHigher rates of substance use in rural counties compared to urban counties have been well documented. Low perceived need for treatment among those with substance use disorder (SUD) has also been documented in the literature. However, not much is known about SUD treatment among parenting women in rural counties and the impact of perceived need for treatment in seeking care. Little research has also examined barriers to SUD treatment among parenting women in rural communities.MethodsUsing a large nationally representative dataset, the study utilizes multivariable logistic regression models to estimate the differences in utilizing SUD treatment among parenting women with SUD in rural and urban counties in the United States. Role of perceived need for SUD treatment and barriers related to finance, access, and stigma are also examined.ResultsParenting women in rural counties with SUD who perceive a need for treatment have more than 90% lower odds of receiving treatment compared to those in urban counties. In addition, parenting women with SUD in rural counties have more than 50% higher odds of identifying access‐related issues such as lack of openings in programs, unavailability of treatment facilities, and lack of transportation as barriers to care compared to parenting women in urban counties.ConclusionDiagnosis of SUD among parenting women is steadily increasing in rural communities. While many resources in combatting maternal SUD are being utilized, policy and programmatic responses tailored for mothers with SUD in rural communities might help increase utilization of treatment and reduce barriers to treatment.
Effects of smartphone addiction on children’s lung function
Authors: Alonazi Asma , Almutairi Waleed , Bains Gurinder , Daher Noha , Alismail Abdullah 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundWith an increase in smartphone usage, constant neck flexion can lead to improper posture, which may impact on lung function. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine and compare the craniovertebral angle (CVA) and lung function between addicted and non‐addicted boys and girls aged between 8–13 years who use smartphones for long periods of time.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted on 24 boys and 26 girls (mean age 10.5 ± 1.6 years and body mass index 18.6 ± 3.0 kg/m2). Participants were assigned to two groups based on their scores on the Smartphone Addiction Scale‐Short Version (SAS‐SV) for Adolescents: addicted group (score > 32, n = 32) and non‐addicted group (score ≤ 32, n = 18). The outcome variables were CVA, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV), maximum inspiratory pressures (PImax), and maximum expiratory pressures (PEmax).ResultsThere was a significant difference in mean CVA between addicted and non‐addicted boys (49.4 ± 6.7 vs 55.5 ± 7.6, η2 = 0.9, P = 0.03) and girls (47.3 ± 6.3 vs 52.9 ± 6.1, η2 = 0.9, P = 0.02). Mean FVC, FEV1, and FEV6 were significantly lower in addicted versus non‐addicted boys (P = 0.04, P = 0.05, and P = 0.02, respectively). PImax was significantly less in addicted compared to non‐addicted girls (55.2 ± 16.4 vs 65.3 ± 13.8, η2 = 0.7, P = 0.05).ConclusionOur findings showed that children addicted to smartphones (when using the SAS‐SV as an indicator for addiction) revealed lower CVA and lung function results. Therefore, education on proper posture while holding smartphones is essential to the children’s postural and lung function status.
Connection formulae for asymptotics of the fifth Painlevé transcendent on the imaginary axis: I
Authors: Andreev Fedor V. , Kitaev Alexander V. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractLeading terms of asymptotic expansions for the general complex solutions of the fifth Painlevé equation as are found. These asymptotics are parameterized by monodromy data of the associated linear ODE,
urn:x-wiley:00222526:media:sapm12323:sapm12323-math-0002The parameterization allows one to derive connection formulae for the asymptotics. We provide numerical verification of the results. Important special cases of the connection formulae are also considered.
Effect of the Swirl Intensity of Pilot Inner Swirler on the Combustion Stability of a Lean Staged Injector With a Prefilm Atomizer
Authors: Yang Jinhu , Liu Cunxi , Liu Fuqiang , Mu Yong , Xu Gang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Lean staged combustion can reduce the NOx emissions by prevaporizing and premixing fuel with air, which is considered the state-of-the-art solution strategy in achieving low emission in aeronautical combustors. However, lean premixed combustion is subjected to combustion stability problems, which restrict the ground and altitude operation limits of the commercial engine. In this work, the effect of the swirl intensity of pilot inner swirler on combustion stability of a lean staged injector is experimentally and numerically studied. The lean staged injector is piloted by a dual swirler prefilm atomizer. The swirl intensity of the pilot inner swirler is varied by parameterizing the vane angle as +20 deg, −20 deg, and −35 deg, with −20 deg selected as the baseline with a counterswirling design. A single sector model combustor is designed, and the nonreacting flow field and fuel concentration distributions are measured by particle image velocimetry (PIV) and kerosene planar laser induced fluorescence (kerosene-PLIF) techniques. The alteration of swirl direction from counterswirling to coswirling induces a negligible effect on flow structures, but the spray distribution changes from a solid pattern to a hollow pattern. The increase in the pilot inner swirl intensity causes a shrunk cyclone recirculation zone (CRZ) and a reduction of kerosene concentration in the central region. The influences of the pilot inner swirler angle on combustion stability are evaluated. The ignition and lean blow-out (LBO) results show that the baseline injector exhibits excellent combustion stability, while the coswirling design holds the highest ignition and LBO fuel–air ratio (FAR). In order to find out the physical mechanisms dominating the ignition and LBO processes, nonreacting numerical simulations are conducted to provide information regarding the flow structures and kerosene concentrations at ignition limits. Moreover, the ignition sequences are redefined as the radial flame propagation phase, the axial flame propagation phase, and the flame stabilization phase. The comparison of kerosene concentration along the radial and axial propagation routes concludes that the fuel enrichment in the two processes improves the ignition performance. On the other hand, the Karlovitz number of flame anchoring points in the flame rooting region is calculated to evaluate the flame stabilization characteristics. The results indicate that promoting the number of flame anchoring points and their radial range benefits the LBO performance.
Utility of Stool PCR for the Diagnosis of COVID-19: Comparison of Two Commercial Platforms
Authors: Szymczak Wendy A. , Goldstein D. Yitzchak , Orner Erika P. , Fecher Roger A. , Yokoda Raquel T. , Skalina Karin A. , Narlieva Momka , Gendlina Inessa , Fox Amy S. 
Published: July 2020

The ability to detect SARS-CoV-2 in the upper respiratory tract ceases after 2 to 3 weeks post-symptom-onset in most patients. In contrast, SARS-CoV-2 can be detected in the stool of some patients for greater than 4 weeks, suggesting that stool may hold utility as an additional source for diagnosis. We validated the Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 and Hologic Panther Fusion real-time RT-PCR assays for detection of viral RNA in stool specimens and compared performance. We utilized remnant stool specimens (
n
= 79) from 77 patients with gastrointestinal symptoms.
Outcomes of haemoglobin Bart’s hydrops fetalis following intrauterine transfusion in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Zhang Hui Jue , Amid Ali , Janzen Laura A , Segbefia Catherine I , Chen Shiyi , Athale Uma , Charpentier Karen , Merelles-Pulcini Manuela , Seaward Gareth , Kelly Edmond N , Odame Isaac , Waye John S , Ryan Greg , Kirby-Allen Melanie 
Published: July 2020

ObjectivesWith improved access to intrauterine transfusion (IUT), more fetuses with haemoglobin Bart’s hydrops fetalis (HBHF; homozygous α0-thalassaemia) will survive.DesignTo evaluate the long-term outcome of affected fetuses with and without IUT in Ontario, Canada, we retrospectively collected data on IUTs and pregnancy outcomes in all cases of HBHF, from 1989 to 2014. Clinical outcome and neurocognitive profiles of long-term survivors were also collected and compared with data from 24 patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia (TDT-β).ResultsOf the 99 affected pregnancies (93 prenatally diagnosed), 68 resulted in miscarriage or elective termination of pregnancy. Twelve mothers (12%) continued their pregnancies without IUT, and none of those newborns survived the first week of life. All 13 fetuses that received IUT(s) were live-born, but 3 died due to severe hydrops at birth and 1 died due to infection. The remaining nine survivors, in comparison with TDT-β patients, had earlier iron overload requiring iron chelation therapy. Endocrinopathies and short stature were more frequent in these patients. Neurocognitive outcome was not significantly affected in five patients who were assessed, and none were diagnosed with intellectual impairment. In three patients, MRI studies demonstrated brain white matter changes in keeping with ‘silent’ ischaemic infarcts.ConclusionsIn patients with HBHF, IUT is associated with improved survival. While acceptable neurocognitive outcome can be expected, these patients have more clinical complications compared with their TDT-β counterparts. The clinical and neurocognitive outcomes of HBHF should be discussed in detail when counselling and offering IUT for patients.