bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fibrosis and cancer: shared features and mechanisms suggest common targeted therapeutic approaches
Authors: Landolt Lea , Spagnoli Giulio C , Hertig Alexandre , Brocheriou Isabelle , Marti Hans-Peter 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Epidemiological studies support a strong link between organ fibrosis and epithelial cancers. Moreover, clinical and experimental investigations consistently indicate that these diseases intertwine and share strikingly overlapping features. As a deregulated response to injury occurring in all body tissues, fibrosis is characterized by activation of fibroblasts and immune cells, contributing to progressive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and inflammation. Cancers are driven by genetic alterations resulting in dysregulated cell survival, proliferation and dissemination. However, non-cancerous components of tumour tissues including fibroblasts, inflammatory cells and ECM play key roles in oncogenesis and cancer progression by providing a pro-mutagenic environment where cancer cells can develop, favouring their survival, expansion and invasiveness. Additional commonalities of fibrosis and cancer are also represented by overproduction of growth factors, like transforming growth factor β, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, high oxidative stress, Hippo pathway dysfunctions and enhanced cellular senescence. Here, we review advances in the analysis of cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of both organ fibrosis and cancer, with particular reference to chronic kidney diseases and renal cell cancers. Most importantly, improved understanding of common features is contributing to the development of innovative treatment strategies targeting shared mechanisms.
Products of current operators in the exact renormalization group formalism
Authors: Sonoda H. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Given a Wilson action invariant under global chiral transformations, we can construct current composite operators in terms of the Wilson action. The short-distance singularities in the multiple products of the current operators are taken care of by the exact renormalization group. The Ward–Takahashi identity is compatible with the finite momentum cutoff of the Wilson action. The exact renormalization group and the Ward–Takahashi identity together determine the products. As a concrete example, we study the Gaussian fixed-point Wilson action of the chiral fermions to construct the products of current operators.
Screening at ports of entry for Ebola Virus Disease in England—a descriptive analysis of screening assessment data, 2014–2015
Authors: Boddington Nicki L , Steinberger Sophia , Pebody Richard G 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
In response to the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in West Africa in 2014 and evidence of spread to other countries, pre-entry screening was introduced by PHE at five major ports of entry in the England.

Methods
All passengers that entered the England via the five ports returning from Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leonne were required to complete a Health Assessment Form and have their temperature taken. The numbers, characteristics and outcomes of these passengers were analysed.

Results
Between 14 October 2014 and 13 October 2015, a total of 12 648 passengers from affected countries had been screened. The majority of passengers were assessed as having no direct contact with EVD cases or high-risk events (12 069, 95.4%), although 535 (4.2%) passengers were assessed as requiring public health follow-up. In total, 39 passengers were referred directly to secondary care, although none were diagnosed with EVD. One high-risk passenger was later referred to secondary care and diagnosed with EVD.

Conclusions
Collection of these screening data enabled timely monitoring of the numbers and characteristics of passengers screened for EVD, facilitated resourcing decisions and acted as a mechanism to inform passengers of the necessary public health actions.
Strategy by latitude? Higher photosynthetic capacity and root mass fraction in northern than southern silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) in uniform growing conditions
Authors: Tenkanen Antti , Suprun Sergei , Oksanen Elina , Keinänen Markku , Keski-Saari Sarita , Kontunen-Soppela Sari 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Growth of northern trees is limited by short growing seasons. In multi-year trials, northern trees usually grow less than southern ones but can have higher gas exchange, whereas differences in biomass allocation and its relation to photosynthesis are less known. We characterized silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) provenances from southern (latitude 61°) and northern (latitude 67°) Finland in uniform chamber conditions. In a time-series experiment, we measured traits related to growth, biomass allocation and photosynthesis, and determined gas exchange responses to temperature and light. We found provenance differences in photosynthetic capacity and growth. The northern provenance allocated relatively more to roots, having a higher root mass fraction and lower shoot:root ratio than the southern provenance. On the other hand, the northern provenance had fewer leaves and lower total leaf dry weight (DW) than the southern provenance. The northern provenance attained higher rates of net photosynthesis (Anet) and higher stomatal conductance (gs) in all measured temperatures and higher photosynthesis at the optimum temperature (Aopt) than the southern provenance, but there was no difference in the optimum temperature of photosynthesis (Topt, 18.3 °C for the southern provenance vs 18.9 °C for the northern one). Photosynthetic light response curves showed no between-provenance differences. In a time-series, the northern provenance had higher Anet than the southern provenance, but gs was similar. The northern provenance had higher maximum quantum yield of photosystem II photochemistry (Fv/Fm) than the southern provenance. There were no differences between provenances in height, total plant DW, shoot DW, root DW or shoot mass fraction. Our results suggest that the provenances occupy a common thermal niche, or can at least relatively quickly acclimate to a common growth temperature. Thus, carbon assimilation of these northern trees may not be significantly affected by rising temperatures alone. In an equal photoperiod and optimal conditions, we found different one-season biomass accumulation strategies: southern trees grow with more leaves, while northern trees reach similar total assimilation (total DW, height) with more efficient photosynthetic capacity per leaf area (higher gas exchange, higher Fv/Fm) and relatively more investment in the below-ground fraction of the plant.
The benefits and costs of social distancing in high- and low-income countries
Authors: Barnett-Howell Zachary , Watson Oliver John , Mobarak Ahmed Mushfiq 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Widespread social distancing and lockdowns of everyday activity have been the primary policy prescription across many countries throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Despite their uniformity, these measures may be differentially valuable for different countries.

Methods
We use a compartmental epidemiological model to project the spread of COVID-19 across policy scenarios in high- and low-income countries. We embed estimates of the welfare value of disease avoidance into the epidemiological projections to estimate the return to more stringent lockdown policies.

Results
Social distancing measures that ‘flatten the curve’ of the disease provide immense welfare value in upper-income countries. However, social distancing policies deliver significantly less value in lower-income countries that have younger populations, which are less vulnerable to COVID-19. Equally important, social distancing mandates a trade-off between disease risk and economic activity. Poorer people are less able to make those economic sacrifices.

Conclusions
The epidemiological and welfare value of social distancing is smaller in lower-income countries and such policies may exact a heavy toll on the poorest and most vulnerable. Workers in the informal sector often lack the resources and social protections that enable them to isolate themselves until the virus passes. By limiting these households’ ability to earn a living, social distancing can lead to an increase in hunger, deprivation, and related mortality and morbidity.
The Source of Hemisensory Disturbances in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Authors: Drummond Peter D. , Vo Lechi , Finch Philip M. 
Published: November 2020

Objectives:
In complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), sensory deficits and/or hyperalgesia often extend beyond the affected limb to encompass other sites on the ipsilateral side of the body. The aim of this study was to determine whether hyperalgesia in the ipsilateral forehead reflects disinhibition and/or sensitization of trigeminal afferent or second-order neurons on the CRPS-affected side.

Participants and Methods:
To investigate this, blink reflexes to supraorbital electrical stimuli (a 2 mA triple pulse delivered using a concentric electrode) were recorded bilaterally in 30 CRPS patients and 20 controls of similar age and sex distribution. In addition, the effect of acoustic startle stimuli on pain and blink reflexes to supraorbital electrical stimuli was explored.

Results:
Supraorbital electrical stimulation was more painful on the affected than unaffected side in patients (P<0.05), and was more painful on both sides in patients than controls (P<0.001). In addition, electrical stimulation of the ipsilateral forehead increased loudness and auditory discomfort to acoustic startle stimuli (P<0.05). However, blink reflexes were similar on both sides in patients, and smaller in amplitude and of longer latency in patients than controls (P<0.05).

Discussion:
These findings suggest that trigeminal sensory nerve input activates sensitized and/or disinhibited nociceptive circuits in the thalamus or higher cortical centers in CRPS. This not only evokes ipsilateral supraorbital hyperalgesia but also compromises auditory perception. Hence, crosstalk between auditory and nociceptive signals at sites of convergence within the central nervous system may generate hyperacusis in CRPS.
Learning With Patients, Students, and Peers
Authors: Ryan Anna , Hatala Rose , Brydges Ryan , Molloy Elizabeth 
Published: November 2020

Abstract:
Conceptualizations of workplace learning have moved from knowledge acquisition to learning as participation in the practices and cultures of the workplace environment. Along with this has come an appreciation of applicability of sociocultural learning theories, which frame learning as occurring within “communities of practice” or learning being “situated” within a workplace environment where collaboration and social interaction are fundamental to the learning process. These conceptualizations of workplace learning are ideally suited to health professions where learners are supervised in clinical work environments and then continue to work in team-based environments as graduates. However, what happens to workplace learning for novice practitioners who have limited periods of clinical supervision and then graduate into solo or small group practices (which may also be in rural or remote locations) and embark on long working careers without supervision? This paper argues workplace learning needs to be scaffolded and supported to reach its full potential in these environments. Drawing on workplace-based learning theory, we highlight the ubiquitous nature of learning in the workplace, the importance of active engagement, reflection, and individual meaning making. Through this reframing of traditional notions of continuing professional development, we emphasize the importance of patients, students, and other practitioners as partners in workplace learning for solo practitioners. We also focus on the role of educators, professional associations, and regulators in helping solo practitioners recognize, access, and maximize the learning opportunities inherent in relatively isolated practice environments.
Experiences and Needs of Parents Caring for Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Elangkovan Ian Thiruchelvam , Shorey Shefaly 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT:

Objective:
Caregiver burden of parents of children with disabilities is negatively associated with parental quality of life and psychosocial well-being and has been identified as a public health concern. Reviews have consolidated the experiences of these parents, but little is understood about the unique challenges faced by parents of children with cerebral palsy (CP). We aim to conduct an in-depth synthesis of the experiences and needs of parents of children with CP to better support them.

Methods:
Six electronic databases were searched systematically for qualitative research, and a thematic synthesis was performed.

Results:
Seventeen studies from 1988 to 2019 encapsulating the experiences of 226 parents were included in this review. Four themes and 11 subthemes were identified: (1) self: the caregiver-parent trajectory (coming to terms with the fact, physical and emotional demands, and a nice outlet), (2) family: maintaining the family unit (juggling multiple children and parenting as a co-occupation), (3) society: social repercussions (facing public discrimination, rejection by extended family, and loss of freedom), and (4) parents' wish list (open communication and caring attitudes, funding and health care accessibility, social integration, and inclusivity). Apart from emotional adaptation and physical childcare difficulty, parents indicated a need for more information on health care services, funding, better attitudes and empathy from health care providers, properly trained educators, disability-friendly fixtures, and more public awareness.

Conclusion:
The findings in this review provide insight into the true experiences and needs of parents caring for children with CP and will aid clinicians in the development of family-centered care pathways for these patients.
Investigational Anti–Atrial Fibrillation Pharmacology and Mechanisms by Which Antiarrhythmics Terminate the Arrhythmia: Where Are We in 2020?
Authors: Burashnikov Alexander 
Published: November 2020

Abstract:
Antiarrhythmic drugs remain the mainstay therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). A major disadvantage of the currently available anti-AF agents is the risk of induction of ventricular proarrhythmias. Aiming to reduce this risk, several atrial-specific or -selective ion channel block approaches have been introduced for AF suppression, but only the atrial-selective inhibition of the sodium channel has been demonstrated to be valid in both experimental and clinical studies. Among the other pharmacological anti-AF approaches, “upstream therapy” has been prominent but largely disappointing, and pulmonary delivery of anti-AF drugs seems to be promising. Major contradictions exist in the literature about the electrophysiological mechanisms of AF (ie, reentry or focal?) and the mechanisms by which anti-AF drugs terminate AF, making the search for novel anti-AF approaches largely empirical. Drug-induced termination of AF may or may not be associated with prolongation of the atrial effective refractory period. Anti-AF drug research has been largely based on the “suppress reentry” ideology; however, results of the AF mapping studies increasingly indicate that nonreentrant mechanism(s) plays an important role in the maintenance of AF. Also, the analysis of anti-AF drug-induced electrophysiological alterations during AF, conducted in the current study, leans toward the focal source as the prime mechanism of AF maintenance. More effort should be placed on the investigation of pharmacological suppression of the focal mechanisms.
Comparative Efficacy of Glucagon-like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists and Sodium Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors for Prevention of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Type 2 Diabetes: A Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Qiu Mei , Ding Liang-Liang , Wei Xu-Bin , Liu Shu-Yan , Zhou Hai-Rong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract:
The comparative efficacy of different glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists and sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors for prevention of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in type 2 diabetes with or without cardiorenal disease is undefined. PubMed and Embase were searched for relevant randomized trials. We conducted network meta-analysis within the Bayesian framework. Effect sizes were measured using hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). We calculated surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values to rank drug interventions for different type 2 diabetic subgroups. Albiglutide (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.63–0.93) and subcutaneous semaglutide (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.52–0.95), with the maximum SUCRA values, significantly reduced MACE versus lixisenatide in people with diabetes with cardiovascular disease; albiglutide (HRs: 0.69 and 0.72), with the maximum SUCRA value, significantly reduced MACE versus dapagliflozin and exenatide in people with diabetes with heart failure; and canagliflozin (HRs: 0.72 and 0.72) and liraglutide (HRs: 0.68 and 0.68), with the maximum SUCRA values, significantly reduced MACE versus exenatide and lixisenatide in people with diabetes with chronic kidney disease. In preventing MACE in type 2 diabetes, subcutaneous semaglutide and albiglutide are most effective for diabetes with cardiovascular disease, albiglutide is most effective for diabetes with heart failure, and canagliflozin and liraglutide are most effective for diabetes with chronic kidney disease.
CHOROIDAL INFLAMMATION AND CHORIOCAPILLARIS ISCHEMIA IN FOCAL CHOROIDAL EXCAVATION IN COMPARISON TO PACHYCHOROID NEOVASCULOPATHY
Authors: Seo Eoi Jong , Moon Tae Hwan , Kim Dong Yoon , Chae Ju Byung 
Published: November 2020

Purpose:
To investigate the choriocapillaris and choroidal characteristics of focal choroidal excavation (FCE) to establish pathomechanisms of the disease.

Methods:
Thirty eyes with FCE, 26 eyes with pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV), and 25 participants without any conditions (control group) were analyzed retrospectively. The thickness of both choriocapillaris equivalent and whole choroid was measured at three different points: under the lesion (excavation or neovascularization), in the normal retina, and in the fovea of fellow eye. Indocyanine green angiographic images were collected to confirm choriocapillaris ischemia and the presence of choroidal inflammation.

Results:
In both FCE and PNV, choriocapillaris-equivalent attenuation was observed under the lesion compared with other region of the retina (28.1 ± 11.3 μm vs. 69.4 ± 20.0 μm in FCE; 23.5 ± 9.7 μm vs. 62.3 ± 14.7 μm in PNV; both P < 0.001). We also observed focal thinning of the whole choroid under the lesion (149.7 ± 88.7 μm vs. 296.6 ± 83.2 μm; P < 0.001) in FCE but not in PNV. Pachyvessels distribution on optical coherence tomography and numerous dark areas on indocyanine green angiography implied that choroidal inflammation was related to the FCE occurrence.

Conclusion:
Choriocapillaris ischemia was related to both FCE and PNV. The choroidal thinning under the excavation and adjacent pachyvessels observed in FCE suggested that focal inflammation and scarring may contribute to choriocapillaris ischemia and eventual retinal pigment epithelium retraction with dysfunction in the pathomechanism.
SERUM LEVELS OF ANTIBODIES AGAINST OXIDATION-SPECIFIC EPITOPES ARE DECREASED IN PATIENTS WITH RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION
Authors: Posch-Pertl Laura , Weger Martin , Pinter-Hausberger Silke , List Wolfgang , Posch Florian , Wedrich Andreas , Michelitsch Katharina , Kozma Maria O. , Woltsche Nora , Binder Christoph J. 
Published: November 2020

Purpose:
Oxidative stress and inflammation have been implicated in the development of retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Oxidation-specific epitopes (OSEs) represent products of oxidative stress that can trigger vascular inflammation and thrombosis. Natural occurring antibodies have been shown to bind oxidation-specific epitopes thereby inhibiting their inflammatory potential and promoting their removal.

Methods:
This prospective cross-sectional study included 270 patients with RVO and 81 in-hospital control patients. We measured three types of serum levels of oxidation-specific epitope-specific immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G antibodies (anti–copper-oxidized LDL [CuOx-LDL], antiphosphocholine [PC], anti–malondialdehyde-modified LDL [MDA-LDL]). History of arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia, myocardial infarction, diabetes mellitus, stroke, smoking status, and several laboratory parameters were determined to control for potential confounders.

Results:
Compared with controls, patients with RVO had significantly lower levels of immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G antibodies against CuOx-LDL and PC, and significantly lower levels of immunoglobulin G but not immunoglobulin M antibodies against MDA-LDL. The association between RVO patients and lower levels of these antibodies prevailed upon multivariable adjustment.

Conclusion:
These prospective data show that antibodies against oxidation-specific epitope are lower in patients with RVO compared with control patients and support the concept that oxidative stress and inflammation play key roles in the development and subsequent complications in RVO.
LONG-TERM CHANGES IN CHOROIDAL THICKNESS IN EYES WITH TYPE 3 MACULAR NEOVASCULARIZATION
Authors: Kim Jae Hui , Kim Jong Woo , Kim Chul Gu , Lee Dong Won 
Published: November 2020

Purpose:
To evaluate the long-term changes in subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT) in eyes with Type 3 macular neovascularization that underwent anti–vascular endothelial growth factor therapy.

Methods:
This retrospective study was performed with 47 patients diagnosed with Type 3 macular neovascularization and treated with anti–vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. All the patients initially received three loading injections. The SCT was compared at diagnosis, 3 months, 12 months, and at the final follow-up visit. The velocity of changes in SCT was also compared between each period.

Results:
The mean follow-up period was 52.1 ± 11.0 months. The mean SCT was 143.3 ± 51.2 µm at diagnosis, and it had significantly decreased to 128.6 ± 47.4 µm at 3 months (P < 0.001), 123.2 ± 45.7 µm at 12 months (P < 0.001), and 110.0 ± 43.0 µm at the final follow-up (P < 0.001). The mean velocity of the decrease in SCT was 4.9 ± 3.9 µm per month during the first 3 months, 0.6 ± 1.2 µm per month between the 3rd and the 12th months, and 0.3 ± 0.3 µm per month between the 12th month and the final follow-up. The velocity of the decrease was significantly greater during the first 3 months than during the 3rd to 12th month (P < 0.001) and 12th month to final follow-up (P < 0.001) periods. The difference was not significant between the 3rd to 12th month and 12th months to final follow-up (P = 0.836) periods.

Conclusion:
Subfoveal choroidal thickness continuously decreased over time, with a significant decrease of 23% noted in eyes with Type 3 macular neovascularization. The thickness rapidly decreased during the initial loading phase. Subsequently, a continuous but gradual decrease in the thickness was noted.