bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The importance of timely treatment for quality of life and survival in patients with symptomatic spinal metastases
Authors: van Tol Floris R. , Suijkerbuijk Karijn P. M. , Choi David , Verkooijen Helena M. , Oner F. Cumhur , Verlaan Jorrit-Jan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Purpose
A major challenge in metastatic spinal disease is timely identification of patients. Left untreated, spinal metastases may lead to gross mechanical instability and/or neurological deficits, often requiring extensive invasive surgical treatment. The aim of this cohort study was to assess the correlation between delayed treatment of patients with spinal metastases and functional performance, quality of life and survival.

Methods
All patients surgically treated for metastatic spinal disease at a tertiary care facility were included for analysis. Patients who underwent elective surgery were considered as timely treated, whereas patients requiring emergency surgery were considered to be treated in a delayed fashion. EQ-5D scores, KPS scores and mortality rates were compared between the two groups.

Results
A total of 317 patients (215 timely treated, 102 delayed) had survivorship data available and 202 patients (147 timely treated, 55 delayed) had clinical data available. Multivariate analyses showed delayed treatment was associated with lower EQ-5D and KPS scores and higher mortality rates, independent of confounders such as baseline EQ-5D/KPS scores, neurological status, tumor prognosis and patient age.

Conclusions
The results from the present study show delayed treatment of patients with symptomatic spinal metastases has both direct and indirect adverse consequences for functional performance status, quality of life and survival. Optimization of referral pattern may accelerate the time to surgical treatment, potentially leading to better quality of life and survival.
Surgery for diaphragma sellae meningioma: how I do it
Authors: Belouaer Amani , Starnoni Daniele , Daniel Roy Thomas 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Surgery for diaphragma sellae meningiomas (DSM) remains challenging due to the intimate neurovascular relationships of the tumor. Excision of DSM along with a decompression of the optic apparatus requires a good knowledge of the skull base anatomy and a precise preoperative evaluation of the tumor extensions.

Method
We describe the key steps of transcranial approach for DSM with a video illustration. The surgical anatomy is described along with the advantages and limitations of this approach.

Conclusions
The transcranial approach allows a safe tumor excision with an early and adequate control of the neurovascular structures, while minimizing postoperative CSF rhinorrhea.
Intra-brand competition in a differentiated oligopoly
Authors: Breton Michèle , Sbragia Lucia 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this paper we consider a differentiated oligopoly with two product varieties that are supplied by two groups of firms. After computing the Cournot solution of the game, we study its sensitivity to different sources of competition, namely the degree of product substitutability and market composition. Market composition can change either via new firms entering one industry or via firms switching production techniques, thus modifying the intensity of intra-brand competition. After studying the welfare consequences of an intensification of competition, we identify the equilibrium market composition when firms are driven by profit considerations. All the results are expressed in terms of the degree of product substitutability and of what we define “weighted relative efficiency” (WRE), which is a parameter combining both firm characteristics and market conditions.
Impact of non-proteinogenic amino acids in the discovery and development of peptide therapeutics
Authors: Ding Yun , Ting Joey Paolo , Liu Jinsha , Al-Azzam Shams , Pandya Priyanka , Afshar Sepideh 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWith the development of modern chemistry and biology, non-proteinogenic amino acids (NPAAs) have become a powerful tool for developing peptide-based drug candidates. Drug-like properties of peptidic medicines, due to the smaller size and simpler structure compared to large proteins, can be changed fundamentally by introducing NPAAs in its sequence. While peptides composed of natural amino acids can be used as drug candidates, the majority have shown to be less stable in biological conditions. The impact of NPAA incorporation can be extremely beneficial in improving the stability, potency, permeability, and bioavailability of peptide-based therapies. Conversely, undesired effects such as toxicity or immunogenicity should also be considered. The impact of NPAAs in the development of peptide-based therapeutics is reviewed in this article. Further, numerous examples of peptides containing NPAAs are presented to highlight the ongoing development in peptide-based therapeutics.
Anti-inflammatory activities of puerarin in high-fat diet-fed rats with streptozotocin-induced gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Xu Wenting , Tang Mengyu , Wang Jiahui , Wang Lihong 
Published: September 2020

AbstractTo investigate the effect of puerarin on insulin resistance and inflammation in rats with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Gestational diabetic model rats were established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (25 mg/kg) combined with high-fat feeding and were randomly assigned to three groups: the control group, the GDM group, and the puerarin-treated group. Puerarin was intragastrically administered to rats daily until the offspring were born. The rats in both the GDM group and control group were administered the same volume of normal saline. Serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in all groups of rats were measured. Haematoxylin and eosin staining was used to evaluate morphological changes in the liver, pancreas, and adipose tissues around the reproductive organs. Western blotting was carried out to measure the protein expression of IRS-1 and inflammatory factors, including TNF-α, TLR4, MyD88 and phosphorylated NF-κB, in the adipose tissues around the reproductive organs. Puerarin had preventive effects on GDM-induced pathological changes and ameliorated glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in GDM rats. Puerarin upregulated IRS-1 expression and decreased the protein expression of TNF-α, TLR4, and MyD88 as well as the levels of phosphorylated NF-κB in adipose tissues around the reproductive organs in GDM rats. This study indicated that puerarin exerts anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating the important TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB inflammatory signalling pathway. Therefore, puerarin can decrease the expression of TNF-α and ameliorate insulin resistance in GDM rats, suggesting the potential efficacy of puerarin in GDM treatment.
Experimental and Theoretical Studies of Cu-Sn Intermetallic Phase Growth During High-Temperature Storage of Eutectic SnAg Interconnects
Authors: Morozov A. , Freidin A. B. , Klinkov V. A. , Semencha A. V. , Müller W. H. , Hauck T. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this paper, the growth of intermetallic compound (IMC) layers is considered. After soldering, an IMC layer appears and establishes a mechanical contact between eutectic tin-silver solder bumps and Cu interconnects in microelectronic components. Intermetallics are relatively brittle in comparison with copper and tin. In addition, IMC formation is typically based on multi-component diffusion, which may include vacancy migration leading to Kirkendall voiding. Consequently, the rate of IMC growth has a strong implication on solder joint reliability. Experiments show that the intermetallic layers grow considerably when the structure is exposed to heat. Mechanical stresses may also affect intermetallic growth behavior. These stresses arise not only from external loadings but also from thermal mismatch of the materials constituting the joint, and from the mismatch produced by the change in shape and volume due to the chemical reactions of IMC formation. This explains why in this paper special attention is being paid to the influence of stresses on the kinetics of the IMC growth. We develop an approach that couples mechanics with the chemical reactions leading to the formation of IMC, based on the thermodynamically sound concept of the chemical affinity tensor, which was recently used in general statements and solutions of mechanochemistry problems. We start with a report of experimental findings regarding the IMC growth at the interface between copper pads and tin based solder alloys in different microchips during a high temperature storage test. Then we analyze the growth kinetics by means of a continuum model. By combining experiment, theory, and a comparison of experimental data and theoretical predictions we finally find the values of the diffusion coefficient and an estimate for the chemical reaction constant. A comparison with literature data is also performed.
Konstruktion und Validierung eines multidimensionalen Beobachtungsinstruments zur Erfassung der klassenführungsbezogenen Performanzen von sportunterrichtenden Lehrkräften (KlaPe-Sport)
Authors: Baumgartner Matthias , Oesterhelt Verena , Reuker Sabine 
Published: September 2020

ZusammenfassungObschon die Klassenführung von sportunterrichtenden Lehrkräften ein bedeutsamer Faktor eines guten Sportunterrichts darstellt, liegen keine Beobachtungsinstrumente vor, um die Qualität der klassenführungsbezogenen Performanzen bei sportunterrichtenden Lehrkräften valide, reliabel und objektiv erheben zu können. Derartige Instrumente erscheinen jedoch als wünschenswert, weil damit die Qualität der Klassenführung von sportunterrichtenden Lehrkräften ökologisch valide, situiert und verhaltensnah erfasst werden kann. In vorliegender Studie wurde dementsprechend die Fragestellung bearbeitet, durch welche Qualitätskriterien sich die klassenführungsbezogenen Performanzen bei sportunterrichtenden Lehrkräften erfassen lassen. In einem ersten Schritt wurde dazu eine Literaturanalyse realisiert und ein provisorisches Beobachtungsinstrument entwickelt. In einem zweiten Schritt wurde das Instrument im Rahmen einer Delphi-Runde und im Sinne einer inhaltlichen Validierung Sportdidaktikerinnen und Sportdidaktikern (n = 8) vorgelegt. Latente und manifeste Variablen wurden dabei verändert, ausgeschlossen und neue Variablen generiert. Zur empirischen Validierung wurde in einem dritten Schritt ein Beurteilungsverfahren durchgeführt. Raterinnen und Rater (n = 6) absolvierten dazu ein Training. Im Anschluss wurde die Qualität der klassenführungsbezogenen Performanzen anhand von 166 Unterrichtsstunden bei angehenden und tätigen sportunterrichtenden Lehrkräften beurteilt. Zur Überprüfung der Güte des Instruments wurden Faktorenanalysen durchgeführt und die Interraterreliabilität berechnet. Aus der empirischen Überprüfung geht ein 9‑faktorielles Modell hervor, welches aus 27 manifesten Variablen besteht. Die empirische Lösung weist auf einen ausreichenden bis guten Modell-Fit, die Interraterreliabilität zeigt gute bis exzellente Kennwerte. Mit der Studie wurde ein multidimensionales Beobachtungsinstrument entwickelt, mit dem die klassenführungsbezogenen Performanzen von sportunterrichtenden Lehrkräften valide, reliabel und objektiv erfasst werden können.
Botrops derived hemocoagulase formulation a probable agent for diabetic wound healing
Authors: Keni Raghuvir , Gourishetti Karthik , Kinra Manas , Nayak Pawan G. , Shenoy Rekha , Nandakumar Krishnadas , Jagdale Rajesh N. , Raghavendra K. V. , Ahmed Syed Mushtaq 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBotroclot is a marketed preparation containing hemocoagulase, which is an enzyme having coagulant activity, isolated from the snake Botrops atrox. This formulation is used in dental surgeries and other minor surgical wounds. However, the formulation remains untested in diabetic wounds. Hence, we proposed a study for the topical application of Botroclot in high-fat diet (HFD) + Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. HFD was fed initially to rats which facilitates the development of insulin resistance. Thereafter, an injection of STZ (40 mg/kg, i.p.) was given. This resulted in the development of diabetes with elevated fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance. After stabilization of blood glucose values, wounds were created by punch biopsy on the dorsal side of the palm of the rat to mimic the diabetic wounds frequently seen in the case of humans. Later, the application of Botroclot on these wounds was carried out for 15 days. Topical application of hemocoagulase improved the wound closure and there was a gradual decrease in inflammatory markers and a substantial increase in collagen deposition occurred. Histopathological findings indicated the same, with an increase in granulation tissue suggesting that the topical application moderately improves the wound healing in diabetic rats. We conclude that Botroclot can have a mild to moderate effect in improving collagen deposition and thus wound contraction, improving wound closure in diabetic wounds in rats. This study also establishes the basis for exploration of agents from venom-based sources in diabetic wound healing.
Reasonable accommodation in Irish equality law: an incomplete transformation
Authors: Buckley Lucy-Ann , Quinlivan Shivaun 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is the first international human rights convention to state expressly that discrimination includes the failure to provide reasonable accommodation. The duty has been described as transformative but has also been critiqued for its lack of structural impact. This paper evaluates the transformative potential of the reasonable accommodation duty encompassed by the Convention, and considers how its potential can be realised. It argues that the duty is transformative because of the substantive equality it provides for individuals, and because it requires both active engagement with persons with disabilities and proactive consideration of barriers to inclusion, in multiple contexts. However, it contends that full realisation of the duty's transformative potential depends on appropriate legislative formulation. This may be a problem in dualist states where application of the Convention is not automatic and pre-existing legislation may be perceived as satisfying the obligation. The paper supports this contention with an analysis of Irish law, arguing that the full transformative potential of the reasonable accommodation duty has not yet been achieved in Ireland, and identifying the reasons for this. The paper examines the practical consequences of inadequate implementation and highlights pitfalls and best practice.
Maternal antioxidant intake during pregnancy and the development of cows’ milk allergy in the offspring
Authors: Tuokkola Jetta , Lamminsalo Anni , Metsälä Johanna , Takkinen Hanna-Mari , Tapanainen Heli , Åkerlund Mari , Niinistö Sari , Toppari Jorma , Ilonen Jorma , Veijola Riitta , Knip Mikael , Kaila Minna , Virtanen Suvi M. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCows’ milk allergy (CMA) is the most common food allergy in young children, and it is often the first manifestation of atopic diseases. Accordingly, very early environmental factors, such as maternal diet during pregnancy, may play a role in the development of CMA, but the evidence is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between maternal intake of antioxidant nutrients during pregnancy and the subsequent development of CMA in the offspring in a prospective, population-based birth cohort within the Finnish Type 1 Diabetes Prediction and Prevention Study. Maternal dietary information during pregnancy was collected with a detailed, validated FFQ. The maternal dietary information and the information on putative confounding factors were available for 4403 children. Information on diagnosed CMA (n 448) was obtained from a medical registry and queried from the parents up to child’s age of 3 years. The Finnish food composition database was used to calculate the average daily intake of nutrients. Logistic regression was applied for statistical analyses, and the nutrient intakes were adjusted for energy intake. OR are presented per 1 sd increment of the particular nutrient intake. Maternal total and dietary intake of β-carotene was associated with an increased risk of CMA in the offspring when adjusted for the putative confounding factors (total OR 1·10, 95 % CI 1·02, 1·20; dietary OR 1·10; 95 % CI 1·01, 1·19). Using dietary supplements containing antioxidants in addition to a balanced diet may not confer any additional benefits.
Increasing dietary fibre intake in healthy adults using personalised dietary advice compared with general advice: a single-blind randomised controlled trial
Authors: Rijnaarts Iris , de Roos Nicole M , Wang Taojun , Zoetendal Erwin G , Top Jan , Timmer Marielle , Bouwman Emily P , Hogenelst Koen , Witteman Ben , de Wit Nicole 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjective:A high-fibre diet is associated with a lower risk for diseases. However, few adults meet the dietary fibre recommendation. Therefore, the effects and acceptance of an algorithm-generated personalised dietary advice (PDA) compared with general advice (GA) on fibre intake were investigated.Design:A 6-week, single-blind randomised controlled trial with a 3-month follow-up.Setting:PDA was based on habitual intake and provided fibre-rich alternatives using a website; GA contained brochures. Dietary intake was assessed at baseline, week 1, week 6 and 3-month follow-up. Both groups evaluated their advice at week 6. All participants had access to PDA from week 7 until 3-month follow-up.Participants:Two groups of healthy adults: PDA (n 34) and GA (n 47). For 3-month follow-up analysis, participants were re-divided into visitors (n 52) and non-visitors (n 26) of the PDA.Results:At week 6, energy intake remained stable in both groups, but fibre intake per 1000 kcal increased non-significantly in both groups (PDA = Δ0·5 ± 2·8; GA = Δ0·8 ± 3·1, P = 0·128). Importantly, a significantly higher percentage of PDA participants adhered to the recommendation compared with week 1 (PDA = 21 % increase; GA = 4 % increase, P ≤ 0·001). PDA participants evaluated the advice significantly better compared with GA participants. At 3-month follow-up, fibre intake increased compared with baseline (visitors = Δ2·2 ± 2·6, P < 0·001; non-visitors = Δ1·5 ± 1·9, P = 0·001), but was insignificantly different between groups. Visitors had a decrease and non-visitors had an increase in energy intake (visitors =Δ − 132 ± 525; non-visitors = Δ109 ± 507, P = 0·055).Conclusions:The algorithm-generated PDA was well accepted and stimulated adherence to the recommendations more than GA, indicating to be a suitable and cost-efficient method for improving dietary fibre intake in healthy adults.
Deep Water Cycling and the Multi‐Stage Cooling of the Earth
Authors: Seales J. , Lenardic A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPaleo‐temperature data indicates that the Earth's mantle has not cooled at a constant rate. The data show slow cooling from 3.8 to 2.5 Ga followed by more rapid cooling until the present. This has been argued to indicate a transition from a single plate mode to a plate tectonics. However, a tectonic change may not be necessary. Multistage cooling can result from deep water cycling coupled to mantle convection. Melting and volcanism removes water from the mantle (degassing). Dehydration tends to stiffen the mantle, which slows convective vigor and plate velocities causing mantle heating. Higher mantle temperature tends to lower mantle viscosity and increase plate velocities. If these two tendencies are in balance, then mantle cooling can be weak. Breaking this balance, via a switch to net mantle rehydration, can cool the mantle more rapidly. We use coupled water cycling and mantle convection models to test the viability of this hypothesis. Within model and data uncertainty, the hypothesis that deep water cycling can lead to a multi‐stage Earth cooling is consistent with data constraints. Probability distributions, for successful models, indicate that plate and plate margin strength play a minor role for resisting plate motions relative to the resistance from interior mantle viscosity.
A Jovian Magnetodisc Model for the Juno Era
Authors: Connerney J. E. P. , Timmins S. , Herceg M. , Joergensen J. L. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe Jovian magnetosphere assumes a disc‐like geometrical configuration (“magnetodisc”) owing to the persistent presence of a system of azimuthal currents circulating in a washer‐shaped volume aligned with, or near, the magnetic equatorial plane. A Voyager era empirical model of the magnetodisc is fitted to vector magnetic field measurements obtained during the Juno spacecraft's first 24 orbits. The best fitting (within 30 Jovian radii) magnetodisc model is characterized by an inner and outer radius of 7.8 and 51.4 Jovian radii, a half‐thickness of 3.6 Jovian radii, with a surface normal at 9.3° from the Jovigraphic pole and 204.2° System 3 west longitude. We supplement the magnetodisc model with a second current system, also confined to the magnetic equatorial plane, consisting of outward radial currents that presumably effect the transfer of angular momentum to outward flowing plasma. Allowing for variation of the magnetodisc's azimuthal and radial current systems from one 53‐day orbit to the next, we develop an index of magnetospheric activity that may be useful in interpretation of variations in auroral observations.
Converting lateral scanning into axial focusing to speed up three-dimensional microscopy
Authors: Chakraborty Tonmoy , Chen Bingying , Daetwyler Stephan , Chang Bo-Jui , Vanderpoorten Oliver , Sapoznik Etai , Kaminski Clemens F. , Knowles Tuomas P. J. , Dean Kevin M. , Fiolka Reto 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn optical microscopy, the slow axial scanning rate of the objective or the sample has traditionally limited the speed of volumetric imaging. Recently, by conjugating either a movable mirror to the image plane in a remote-focusing geometry or an electrically tuneable lens (ETL) to the back focal plane, rapid axial scanning has been achieved. However, mechanical actuation of a mirror limits the axial scanning rate (usually only 10–100 Hz for piezoelectric or voice coil-based actuators), while ETLs introduce spherical and higher-order aberrations that prevent high-resolution imaging. In an effort to overcome these limitations, we introduce a novel optical design that transforms a lateral-scan motion into a spherical aberration-free axial scan that can be used for high-resolution imaging. Using a galvanometric mirror, we scan a laser beam laterally in a remote-focusing arm, which is then back-reflected from different heights of a mirror in the image space. We characterize the optical performance of this remote-focusing technique and use it to accelerate axially swept light-sheet microscopy by an order of magnitude, allowing the quantification of rapid vesicular dynamics in three dimensions. We also demonstrate resonant remote focusing at 12 kHz with a two-photon raster-scanning microscope, which allows rapid imaging of brain tissues and zebrafish cardiac dynamics with diffraction-limited resolution.