bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Case Report: Complete heart block as a manifestation of cardiac metastasis of oral cancer
Authors: Andrianto Andrianto , Mulia Eka Prasetya Budi , Suwanto Denny , Rachmi Dita Aulia , Yogiarto Mohammad 
Published: October 2020

Metastatic tumors of the heart presenting with complete heart block (CHB) is an extremely uncommon case. There are no available guidelines in managing CHB in terminal cancer. Permanent pacemaker implantation in such cases is a challenge in terms of clinical utility and palliative care. We report a case of a 24-year-old man suffering from tongue cancer presenting with CHB. A intracardiac mass and moderate pericardial effusion were present, presumed as the metastatic tumor of tongue cancer. We implanted a temporary pacemaker for his symptomatic heart block and cardiogenic shock, and pericardiocentesis for his massive pericardial effusion. We decided that a permanent pacemaker would not be implanted based on the low survival rate and significant comorbidities. Multiple studies report a variable number of cardiac metastasis incidence ranging from 2.3% to 18.3%. It is rare for such malignancies to present with CHB. The decision to implant a permanent pacemaker is highly specific based on the risks and benefits of each patient. It needs to be tailored to the patient’s functional status, comorbid diseases, prognosis, and response to conservative management.
A novel genotyping method to determine copy number in a mouse line commonly used for inducible transgene expression in brain and spinal cord
Authors: Hobbs Eleanor , Ryan Sarah , Rollinson Sara , Allan Stuart , Pickering-Brown Stuart 
Published: October 2020

Background: The NEFH-tTA mouse has the human neurofilament heavy polypeptide promoter directing tetracycline-controlled transactivator protein (tTa) expression to the brain and spinal cord, allowing tissue-specific and doxycycline-suppressible expression of a target gene. Current genotyping protocols can only differentiate between wild-type and transgenic animals. Being able to differentiate between hemizygous and homozygous animals would be beneficial in experiment planning and reducing animal numbers. Methods: We have identified the insertion site of the NEFH-tTA transgene via targeted locus amplification and next-generation sequencing. This was then used to design a multiplex PCR assay to distinguish between hemizygous and homozygous mice. Results: The NEFH-tTA transgene is located on chromosome 12. Our genotyping method can identify hemizygous and homozygous mice. Conclusions: The NEFH-tTA transgenic mouse line is a useful tool for studying a wide range of diseases including frontotemporal dementia and motor neuron disease, as well as other neurodevelopmental, neuromuscular or neurodegenerative disorders. We have designed and utilised a novel genotyping assay to distinguish between hemizygous and homozygous mice, involving a simple PCR assay. This is easily adaptable to a laboratory-specific protocol or machine, and will allow refinement of breeding strategies and a reduction in the number of animals that cannot be used in experiments.
Retrospective evaluation of two-year results with a filtering trabeculotomy in comparison to conventional trabeculectomy by exact matching
Authors: Strzalkowska Alicja , Strzalkowski Peter , Al Yousef Yousef , Hillenkamp Jost , Grehn Franz , Loewen Nils A. 
Published: October 2020

Background: To compare two-year results of a filtering trabeculotomy (FTO) to conventional trabeculectomy (TE) in open-angle glaucoma by exact matching. Methods: 110 patients received an FTO and 86 a TE. FTO avoided the need for an iridectomy due to a preserved trabeculo-descemet window anterior to the scleral flap. TE employed a trabecular block excision and iridectomy. Mitomycin C was used in both. FTO and TE were exact matched by baseline intraocular pressure (IOP) and the number of glaucoma medications. Complete and qualified success (IOP ≤18 mmHg and IOP reduction ≥ 30%, with or without medication) were primary endpoints. IOP, visual acuity (BCVA), complications and intervention were secondary endpoints. Results: 44 FTO were exact matched to 44 TE. The IOP baseline in both groups was 22.5±4.7 mmHg on 3±0.9 medications. At 24 months, complete success was reached by 59% in FTO and 66% in TE, and qualified success by 59% in FTO and 71% in TE. In FTO, IOP was reduced to 12.4±4.3 mmHg at 12 months and 13.1±4.1 mmHg at 24 months. In TE, IOP was 11.3±2.2 mmHg at 12 months and 12.0±3.5 mmHg at 24 months. Medications could be reduced at 24 months to 0.6±1.3 in FTO and 0.2±0.5 in TE. There were no significant differences between the two groups in IOP, medications, complications or interventions at any point. Conclusion: Modifying aqueous flow through a limited trabeculotomy in FTO yielded clinical outcomes similar to traditional TE but allowed to avoid an iridectomy.
In vitro evaluation of the anti-diabetic potential of Helichrysum petiolare Hilliard & B.L. Burtt using HepG2 (C3A) and L6 cell lines
Authors: Aladejana Adebowale Emmanuel , Bradley Graeme , Afolayan Anthony Jide 
Published: October 2020

Background: Helichrysum petiolare Hilliard & B.L. Burtt has been listed in a survey of plants used in traditional medicine for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. In this study, the antidiabetic potentials of ethanol, cold aqueous (CAQ) and boiled aqueous (BAQ) extracts of H. petiolare were investigated. Methods: The cytotoxic and glucose utilization effects of the extracts were evaluated using L6 myocytes and HepG2 (C3A) hepatocytes. α-amylase, α-glucosidase and lipase inhibition assays were also carried out. Results: The ethanol extract showed significant cytotoxic effects in the treated cells. Both BAQ and CAQ extracts significantly increased glucose uptake in L6 and C3A cell lines. The CAQ extract enhanced glucose uptake more in the L6 myocytes than in the C3A cell-lines hepatocytes. The BAQ extract showed higher levels of inhibition on α–amylase and α-glucosidase than CAQ. The activities were not significantly different from acarbose. However, BAQ showed lower lipase inhibition than acarbose (p<0.05). Conclusions: The BAQ and CAQ extracts of H. petiolare may, therefore, contain pharmacologically active and relatively non-toxic hypoglycaemic chemicals, which may be effective substitutes in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
The discounted value of human lives lost due to COVID-19 in France
Authors: Kirigia Joses Muthuri , Muthuri Rose Nabi Deborah Karimi , Nkanata Lenity Honesty Kainyu , Muthuri Newton Gitonga 
Published: October 2020

Background:This study estimates the total discounted value of human lives lost (TDVHL) due to COVID-19 in France as of 14 September 2020.Methods:The human capital approach (HCA) model was used to estimate the TDVHL of the 30,916 human lives lost due to COVID-19 in France; i.e., assuming a discount rate of 3% and the national average life expectancy at birth of 83.13 years. To test the robustness of the estimated TDVHL, the model was rerun (a) using 5% and 10% discount rates, while holding the French average life expectancy constant; and (b) consecutively substituting national life expectancy with the world average life expectancy of 73.2 years and the world highest life expectancy of 88.17 years. Results:The human lives lost had a TDVHL of Int$10,492,290,194, and an average value of Int$339,381 per human life lost. Rerun of the HCA model with 5% and 10% discount rates decreased TDVHL by Int$1,304,764,602 (12.4%) and Int$3,506,938,312 (33%), respectively. Re-calculation of the model with the world average life expectancy decreased the TDVHL by Int$7,750,187,267 (73.87%). Contrastingly, re-estimation of the model with the world’s highest life expectancy augmented TDVHL by Int$3,744,263,463 (35.7%).Conclusions:The average discounted economic value per human life lost due to COVID-19 of Int$339,381 is 8-fold the France gross domestic product per person. Such evidence constitutes an additional argument for health policy makers when making a case for increased investment to optimise France’s International Health Regulation capacities and coverage of essential health services, and safely managed water and sanitation services.
Shifting dynamics: Changes in the relationship between total fertility rate and contraceptive prevalence rate in Jordan between 2012 and 2017
Authors: Bietsch Kristin , Arbaji Ali , Mason Jennifer , Rosenberg Rebecca , Al Ouri Malak 
Published: October 2020

Background: Between the two most recent Population and Family Health Surveys, Jordan saw a dramatic decline in the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) from 3.5 to 2.7 in 5.5 years. Over the same period, modern contraceptive use also declined, from 61.2% to 51.8% among married women. This decrease in both TFR and the contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) diverges from the typical relationship seen between these two factors whereby historically as CPR increases, TFR decreases. This paper explores this unique pattern using multiple methodologies. Methods: First, we validate the survey data using nationally collected data on fertility and contraceptive distribution. Second, we look to changes that have historically influenced changes in CPR and TFR, including changes in ideal family size and wanted fertility rates. Third, we explore proximate determinants and other influences on fertility and changes in contraception, examining the changes in the method mix and unmet need; marriage patterns, including the demographics of the married population, spousal separation, and time since last sex; postpartum insusceptibility; infecundity, both primary and secondary; and abortion, to see if any have shifted significantly enough to allow for fertility to decline with less contraceptive use. Results: We find that the decline in fertility in Jordan was driven by a reduction in mistimed or unwanted pregnancies and there was a significant increase in the share of reproductive aged women who are infecund. We also concluded that the changes in fertility and contraceptive use are driven by changes in Jordanian nationals, not by the growing Syrian refugee population. Conclusions: Jordan is not the only country to be experiencing a shift in the typical relationship between CPR and TFR. Results can inform both future approaches for family planning programs and our expectations regarding what kind of change our family planning investments might buy.
Overcoming barriers in hallux valgus surgery: an assessment of variation in clinical commissioning in England
Authors: Coffey Duncan , Ahluwalia Raju , Hudson-Phillips Sarah , Clark Calum , Dusu Kent Keli , Gaukroger Andrew , Vig Stella 
Published: October 2020

Background/Aims In 2014, the Royal College of Surgeons expressed concern that a postcode lottery was determining the commissioning of procedures of limited clinical value. The research was carried out to assess whether there is variation in the clinical commissioning of hallux valgus surgery in England. Methods The commissioning policies for clinical commissioning groups were identified. Data were analysed to assess both adherence to the British Orthopaedic Association guidelines for surgery and the minimum criteria that a patient must fulfil for surgery. Results Variation was recorded in commissioning policies and in the number of criteria a patient must fulfil to be offered surgery. Conclusions There is currently no standardised national commissioning policy for hallux valgus surgery. Referral guidelines have been produced by leading national bodies but their implementation is varied. This can lead to variation in referral patterns in England for patients requiring hallux valgus surgery.
Revisión narrativa: ¿Laceraciones pretibiales, avulsiones o desgarros cutáneos?
Authors: Henao Carmen E. Ruiz , Gómez Santiago Roviralta 
Published: October 2020

Sinopsis: Las definiciones actuales para los términos “desgarro cutáneo” (skin tear), “laceración” (laceration) y “avulsión cutánea” (skin avulsion) no permiten diferenciar estas heridas de manera clara y evidente, ya que su descripción semiológica adquiere variabilidad de nomenclatura dependiendo de cada autor, como se comprobó a través de la revisión de la literatura médica consultada. En la mayoría de los textos, los tres términos son usados indistintamente para referirse a laceraciones pero, en la práctica clínica, se suelen referir también a avulsiones cutáneas, heridas pretibiales, heridas en colgajo, y desgarros cutáneos, lo cual suele generar confusión. El objetivo de esta revisión narrativa es proveer una opinión de expertos para llegar a una descripción precisa de dichos términos y evitar, así, confusión en la práctica clínica.
Spectrally resolved polarizing interferometer for single-shot line profiling
Authors: Park Hyo Mi , Kwon Ui Hyeok , Ghim Young-Sik , Joo Ki-Nam 
Published: October 2020

In this investigation, we describe a spectrally resolved polarizing interferometer to modify the typical spectrally resolved interferometer based on the Fourier method, which has a dead zone caused by the minimum measurable range. By use of a polarization pixelated CMOS camera, which enables us to obtain spatially phase-shifted spectral interferograms, the spectral phase can be extracted with a single image, and the proposed interferometer can obtain a line profile of a specimen at once. By the nature of phase-shifting technique, moreover, the directions of the measured distances can be identified, and the measuring range is extended to twice that of the typical spectrally resolved interferometer. In the experimental results, the measuring range was 104 µm, and the capability to obtain a line profile of a specimen with a single image was confirmed. For 3D surface profiling, lateral scanning was adopted, and the measurement results were compared with the result of the Fourier method.
The History of Science in Latin America in its own terms
Authors: Barros da Silva Marcia Regina 
Published: October 2020

This article conducts a comparative analysis of two journals: Quipu, created in 1984 by the Latin American Society for the History of Sciences and Technology in Mexico, published until 1994 and shortly relived between 1999 and 2000, and the Brazilian History of Science Journal, published since 1985 by the Brazilian Society for the History of Science and Technology.
Both journals initiated in a period of major historiographical change. They gave shape to a set of historical arguments about the qualities and specificities of Latin American techniques and technologies and both contributed to the structuring of an epistemic community in the field.
Korzenie i źródło. Hannah Arendt i Roger Scruton o genezie totalitaryzmu (w Conradowskim kontekście)
Authors: Ratajczak Wiesław 
Published: October 2020

The three authors’ community of thought can be noticed in the analysis of their attitude towards the Nietzschean concept of ressentiment. Arendt observed the ressentiment and contempt of educated people towards society that grew since the mid-eighteenth century. In Conrad’s prose, a specific culmination of such emotions can be found in the character of the Professor in The Secret Agent novel. Scruton understood a totalitarian state as an institutionalised form of executing ressentiment. Another crucial common point of reference for the three authors was the issue of authority.Scruton reminded us that society exists thanks to authority. The opposite of ressentiment seems to be affirmation, while revolutionary aims of radicalrevaluation can be contrasted with conservatism as a philosophy of attachment to what is valuable. One can understand Conrad’s concept of loyalty as such.
Controlling Horizontal Cell-Mediated Lateral Inhibition in Transgenic Zebrafish Retina with Chemogenetic Tools
Authors: Beckwith-Cohen Billie , Holzhausen Lars C. , Nawy Scott , Kramer Richard H. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHorizontal cells (HCs) form reciprocal synapses with rod and cone photoreceptors, an arrangement that underlies lateral inhibition in the retina. HCs send negative and positive feedback signals to photoreceptors, but how HCs initiate these signals remains unclear. Unfortunately, because HCs have no unique neurotransmitter receptors, there are no pharmacological treatments for perturbing membrane potential specifically in HCs. Here we use transgenic zebrafish whose HCs express alien receptors, enabling cell-type-specific control by cognate alien agonists. To depolarize HCs, we used the Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-amide (FMRFamide)-gated Na+channel (FaNaC) activated by the invertebrate neuropeptide FMRFamide. To hyperpolarize HCs we used a pharmacologically selective actuator module (PSAM)-glycine receptor (GlyR), an engineered Cl–selective channel activated by a synthetic agonist. Expression of FaNaC or PSAM-GlyR was restricted to HCs with the cell-type selective promoter for connexin-55.5. We assessed HC-feedback control of photoreceptor synapses in three ways. First, we measured presynaptic exocytosis from photoreceptor terminals using the fluorescent dye FM1-43. Second, we measured the electroretinogram (ERG) b-wave, a signal generated by postsynaptic responses. Third, we used Ca2+imaging in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) expressing the Ca2+indicator GCaMP6. Addition of FMRFamide significantly decreased FM1-43 destaining in darkness, whereas the addition of PSAM-GlyR significantly increased it. However, both agonists decreased the light-elicited ERG b-wave and eliminated surround inhibition of the Ca2+response of RGCs. Taken together, our findings show that chemogenetic tools can selectively manipulate negative feedback from HCs, providing a platform for understanding its mechanism and helping to elucidate its functional roles in visual information processing at a succession of downstream stages.
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers Rescue Memory Defects inDrosophila-Expressing Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Transgenes Independently of the Canonical Renin Angiotensin System
Authors: Lee Shin-Hann , Gomes Sarah M. , Ghalayini Judy , Iliadi Konstantin G. , Boulianne Gabrielle L. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a degenerative disorder that causes progressive memory and cognitive decline. Recently, studies have reported that inhibitors of the mammalian renin angiotensin system (RAS) result in a significant reduction in the incidence and progression of AD by unknown mechanisms. Here, we used a genetic and pharmacological approach to evaluate the beneficial effects of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) inDrosophilaexpressing AD-related transgenes. Importantly, while ACE orthologs have been identified inDrosophila, other RAS components are not conserved. We show that captopril, an ACE-I, and losartan, an ARB, can suppress a rough eye phenotype and brain cell death in flies expressing a mutant humanC99transgene. Captopril also significantly rescues memory defects in these flies. Similarly, both drugs reduce cell death inDrosophilaexpressing humanAβ42and losartan significantly rescues memory deficits. However, neither drug affects production, accumulation or clearance ofAβ42. Importantly, neither drug rescued brain cell death inDrosophilaexpressing human Tau, suggesting that RAS inhibitors specifically target the amyloid pathway. Of note, we also observed reduced cell death and a complete rescue of memory deficits when we crossed a null mutation inDrosophila Acerinto each transgenic line demonstrating that the target of captopril inDrosophilais Acer. Together, these studies demonstrate that captopril and losartan are able to modulate AD related phenotypes in the absence of the canonical RAS pathway and suggest that both drugs have additional targets that can be identified inDrosophila.
Factors affecting reproductive traits in male snow leopards (Unciauncia)
Authors: Herrick Jason R , Iske Cayla J , Santymire Rachel M , Lynch Colleen , Alonge Mattina , Krisher Rebecca L , Morris Cheryl L 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The population of snow leopards (Unciauncia) maintained in US zoos is no longer sustainable due to poor reproductive success. Our objective was to assess reproductive traits in male snow leopards and identify factors (markers of oxidative stress in seminal fluid, surveys of husbandry practices, gonadal and adrenocortical activity, dietary intake of various nutrients, and genetics) that may affect ejaculate traits and subsequent fertility. Ejaculates (2.9 ± 0.2 mL) from 32 male snow leopards (9.8 ± 0.7 years; 38.6 ± 0.8 kg) housed at 27 institutions contained 119.2 + 26.0 x 106 spermatozoa, of which 75.1 ± 2.3% were motile and 28.6 ± 2.6% exhibited normal morphology. Overall, 34% of males produced <5 million spermatozoa and 27% of males produced spermatozoa with <20% normal morphology. Activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the seminal fluid was negatively correlated (P < 0.05, r2 = 0.90) with normal sperm morphology. Husbandry practices, mean concentrations of fecal androgen metabolites (fAM), and baseline concentrations of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (fGM), inbreeding coefficients, and generations each male was removed from the founders in their lineages were not correlated (P > 0.05) with the total number of spermatozoa or the proportion of spermatozoa with normal morphology. Total sperm count was positively correlated (P < 0.05, R2 = 0.86) with the weekly intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and the proportion of spermatozoa with normal morphology tended (P < 0.10, R2 = 0.31) to be positively correlated with copper intake. Altering the nutrient composition of snow leopard diets could provide managers with a possible method of improving reproductive traits in this endangered species.

Lay summary
The population of snow leopards (Uncia uncia) maintained in US zoos has been declining since 1993 due to poor breeding success. Our objective was to assess the reproductive traits of male snow leopards and identify factors (e.g. hormones, diet, genetics) that may be affecting the quality of semen produced and therefore subsequent fertility. Within a cohort of 32 male snow leopards maintained at 27 US zoos, we found that 34% produced less than 5 million sperm and 27% of males produced sperm where less than 20% looked normal. The quantity and quality of the recovered sperm was not correlated with husbandry practices, concentrations of hormones (androgens and glucocorticoids) in feces, or genetics. However, the number of sperm was positively correlated with polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet. Altering the nutrient composition of snow leopard diets could provide managers with a possible method of improving reproductive traits in this endangered species.
Neural network models for phonology and phonetics
Authors: Boersma Paul , Benders Titia , Seinhorst Klaas 
Published: October 2020

This paper argues that if phonological and phonetic phenomena found in language data and in experimental data all have to be accounted for within a single framework, then that framework will have to be based on neural networks. We introduce an artificial neural network model that can handle stochastic processing in production and comprehension. With the “inoutstar” learning algorithm, the model is able to handle two seemingly disparate phenomena at the same time: gradual category creation and auditory dispersion. As a result, two aspects of the transmission of language from one generation to the next are integrated in a single model. The model therefore addresses the hitherto unsolved problem of how symbolic-looking discrete language behaviour can emerge in the child from gradient input data from her language environment. We conclude that neural network models, besides being more biologically plausible than other frameworks, hold a promise for fruitful theorizing in an area of linguistics that traditionally assumes both continuous and discrete levels of representation.