bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomal microRNA-124-3p attenuates neurological damage in spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury by downregulating Ern1 and promoting M2 macrophage polarization
Authors: Li Ran , Zhao Kunchi , Ruan Qing , Meng Chunyang , Yin Fei 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury (SCIRI) often leads to neurological damage and mortality. In this regard, understanding the pathology of SCIRI and preventing its development are of great clinic value.

Methods
Herein, we analyzed the role of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMMSC)-derived exosomal microRNA (miR)-124-3p in SCIRI. A SCIRI rat model was established, and the expression of Ern1 and M2 macrophage polarization markers (Arg1, Ym1, and Fizz) was determined using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence assay, RT-qPCR, and western blot analysis. Targeting relationship between miR-124-3p and Ern1 was predicted using bioinformatic analysis and verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Macrophages were co-cultured with miR-124-3p-containing BMMSC-derived exosomes. M2 macrophages were identified using flow cytometry, and the expression of Arg1, Ym1, and Fizz was determined. In addition, SCIRI rats were injected with miR-124-3p-containing exosomes, spinal cord cell apoptosis was observed using TUNEL assay, and the pathological condition was evaluated with H&E staining.

Results
In SCIRI, Ern1 was highly expressed and M2 polarization markers were poorly expressed. Silencing Ern1 led to elevated expression of M2 polarization markers. MiR-124-3p targeted and negatively regulated Ern1. Exosomal miR-124-3p enhanced M2 polarization. Highly expressed exosomal miR-124-3p impeded cell apoptosis and attenuated SCIRI-induced tissue impairment and nerve injury. miR-124-3p from BMMSC-derived exosomes ameliorated SCIRI and its associated nerve injury through inhibiting Ern1 and promoting M2 polarization.

Conclusion
In summary, exosomal miR-124-3p derived from BMMSCs attenuated nerve injury induced by SCIRI by regulating Ern1 and M2 macrophage polarization.
Soil biotic and abiotic conditions negate invasive species performance in native habitat
Authors: Soti Pushpa G. , Purcell Matthew , Jayachandran Krish 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Most studies on plant invasion consider the enemy release hypothesis when analyzing native habitats. However, the lower performance of invasive species in the native habitats can be the result of unfavorable soil conditions in the native habitats. While soil biotic and abiotic factors have a potential to restrict the growth of invasive species in their native habitats, our understanding of belowground environment of invasive species in their native habitats is very limited. In this study, we analyzed soil characteristics associated with an exotic invasive plant, Old World Climbing Fern (Lygodium microphyllum), in its native habitat in Australia and the recipient habitat in South Florida. Rhizosphere soil samples from both habitats were analyzed for soil physical, chemical and biological characteristics.

Results
Soil characteristics in the recipient habitats were significantly different compared to those in the native habitats. Soil samples from the native habitat had low soil pH, and high concentrations of elements such as aluminum and zinc which are phytotoxic in acidic soil environments. Additionally, mycorrhizal fungi spores were more diverse in the recipient habitat in Florida compared to the native habitat in Australia.

Conclusion
Overall, our results indicate that growth of an invasive plant in its native habitats could be restricted by the toxic effects associated with strong soil acidity. Results from this study indicate that invasive plants not only escape from their natural herbivores but also from toxic soil environment in their native habitats.
Model order reduction assisted by deep neural networks (ROM-net)
Authors: Daniel Thomas , Casenave Fabien , Akkari Nissrine , Ryckelynck David 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a general framework for projection-based model order reduction assisted by deep neural networks. The proposed methodology, calledROM-net, consists in using deep learning techniques to adapt the reduced-order model to a stochastic input tensor whose nonparametrized variabilities strongly influence the quantities of interest for a given physics problem. In particular, we introduce the concept ofdictionary-based ROM-nets, where deep neural networks recommend a suitable local reduced-order model from a dictionary. The dictionary of local reduced-order models is constructed from a clustering of simplified simulations enabling the identification of the subspaces in which the solutions evolve for different input tensors. The training examples are represented by points on a Grassmann manifold, on which distances are computed for clustering. This methodology is applied to an anisothermal elastoplastic problem in structural mechanics, where the damage field depends on a random temperature field. When using deep neural networks, the selection of the best reduced-order model for a given thermal loading is 60 times faster than when following the clustering procedure used in the training phase.
Magnetic observations from CryoSat-2: calibration and processing of satellite platform magnetometer data
Authors: Olsen Nils , Albini Giuseppe , Bouffard Jerome , Parrinello Tommaso , Tøffner-Clausen Lars 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWe describe and discuss the preprocessing and calibration steps applied to the magnetic data measured by the three “platform magnetometers” on-board the CryoSat-2 satellite. The calibration is performed by comparing the magnetometer sensor readings with magnetic field values for the time and position of the satellite as given by the CHAOS-6 geomagnetic field model. We allow for slow temporal variations of the calibration parameters by solving for scale values, offsets, and non-orthogonalities in monthly bins, and account for non-linearities as well as the magnetic disturbances caused by battery, solar panel and magnetorquer currents. Fully calibrated magnetic vector data, together with time and position, are provided as daily files in CDF data format at swarm-diss.eo.esa.int. The data show good agreement with Swarm satellite magnetic measurements during close encounters (rms difference between 1 and 5 nT for inter-satellite distances below 300 km).
Non-neoplastic indications and outcomes of the proximal and distal femur megaprosthesis: a critical review
Authors: Vaishya Raju , Thapa Sunil Singh , Vaish Abhishek 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Megaprosthesis or endoprosthetic replacement of the proximal and distal femur is a well-established modality for treatment of tumors. The indications for megaprosthesis have been expanded to the treatment of some non-neoplastic conditions of the knee and hip, with the severe bone loss associated with failed arthroplasty, communited fractures in the elderly with poor bone quality, and resistant non-union. Th aim of this study is to find out whether megaprosthesis of the knee and hip is successful in the treatment of non-neoplastic condtions. The study comprises a review of the indications, complications, and outcomes of megaprosthesis of the proximal and distal femur in non-neoplastic conditions of the knee and hip joints.

Methods
We extensively reviewed the literature on non-neoplastic indications for megaprosthesis of the proximal and distal femur after performing a detailed search of the Pubmed database using the medical subject heading (MeSH) terms ‘proximal femur replacement’ or ‘distal femur replacement’ and ‘hip or knee megaprosthesis.’ The data obtained after the structured search were entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. The frequency distribution of the demographic data, indications, complications, and outcome was calculated.

Result
We included ten studies (seven proximal femur replacement and three distal femur replacement) of 245 proximal femur and 54 distal femur mega prostheses for treatment of non-neoplastic conditions. Bone loss in failed arthroplasty, either due to periprosthetic fracture or deep infection, was the most common indication for megaprosthesis. Dislocation was the most common complication after proximal femur megaprosthesis, and infection was the leading cause of complications after distal femur megaprosthesis.

Conclusion
Megaprosthesis for treatment of non-neoplastic conditions around the distal and proximal femur is a viable option for limb salvage, with an acceptable long-term outcome. Although the complications and survival rates of megaprosthesis in non-neoplastic conditions are inferior to a primary arthroplasty of the hip and knee but are comparable or better than the mega prosthetic replacement in the neoplastic conditions. Proximal femoral megaprosthesis has higher dislocation rates and requirement for revision compared to distal femoral megaprosthesis. However, the proximal femoral megaprosthesis has lower rates of infection, periprosthetic fractures, and soft tissue complications, as compared to distal femoral megaprosthetic replacement. Both associated with aseptic loosening but not statistically significant.
Minimal clinically important difference of commonly used patient-reported outcome measures in total knee arthroplasty: review of terminologies, methods and proposed values
Authors: Maredupaka Siddhartha , Meshram Prashant , Chatte Manish , Kim Woo Hyun , Kim Tae Kyun 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this article was to highlight various terminologies and methods of calculation of minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and summarize MCID values of frequently used patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) evaluating total knee arthroplasty (TKA).Materials and methodsPubMed and EMBASE databases were searched through May 2019. Of 71 articles identified, 18 articles matched and underwent a comprehensive analysis for terminologies used to indicate clinical significance, method of calculation, and reported MCID values.ResultsMCID was the most common terminology (67% studies) and anchor-based methods were most commonly employed (67% studies) to calculate it. The analytical methods used to calculate and the estimated values of MCID for clinical use are highly variable. MCID values reported for WOMAC scores are 20.5 to 36.0, 17.6 to 33.0 and 12.9 to 25.0 for pain, function and stiffness sub-scales, respectively, and 4.7 to 10.0 for OKS.ConclusionThere was lack of standardization in the methodology employed to calculate MCID in the available studies. MCID values reported in this review could be used for patients undergoing TKA, although caution is advised in their interpretation and application.
Clinical, Biochemical, and Radiological Profile of Normocalcemic Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Palermo Andrea , Naciu Anda Mihaela , Tabacco Gaia , Falcone Stefania , Santonati Assunta , Maggi Daria , D’Onofrio Luca , Briganti Silvia Irina , Castellitto Domenico , Casini Alessandro , Pedone Claudio , Lelli Diana , Fabbri Andrea , Bilezikian John P , Napoli Nicola , Pozzilli Paolo , Manfrini Silvia , Cesareo Roberto 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Context
The clinical and radiological aspects of normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism (NHPT) are confounded by the differing methods used to rule out secondary hyperparathyroidism and by the small sample size.

Objective
To assess the clinical, biochemical, and radiological profile of NHPT compared with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and control subjects

Design
Multicentric cross-sectional study

Setting
Outpatient clinic

Patients
47 NHPT, 41 PHPT, and 39 age- and sex-matched control subjects.

Main Outcome Measures
Calcium metabolism and bone turnover markers (BTMs). Lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck, one-third distal radius bone mineral density (BMD). Morphometric vertebral fracture (VF) assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Results
NHPT patients had significantly higher parathyroid hormone, 25(OH)-vitamin D levels and lower calcium × phosphorus product than controls (P &lt; .001). Compared with PHPT, the NHPT group had significantly higher 25(OH) vitamin D levels (P = .016). NHPT had BTM levels similar to controls and PHPT. NHPT, PHPT, and controls have similar lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD. NHPT and controls had a similar radial BMD, while patients with PHPT had a lower radial BMD than both patients with NHPT (P = .031) and controls (P &lt; .05). Using the control group as the reference, after adjustment for interacting factors, there was no increase in risk of moderate–severe VF in NHPT (odds ratio [OR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.25-4.55), while PHPT had an increased risk (OR 3.81,95% CI 1.15-15.12). Seventy-nine percent of NHPT and 59% of PHPT patients fulfilled the criteria for asymptomatic hyperparathyroidism.

Conclusions
The biochemical phenotype of NHPT is intermediate between PHPT and controls. In contrast, the bone phenotype resembles controls with normal bone turnover, no significant BMD impairment, and no increased risk of VF.
Islet Amyloid in Patients With Diabetes Due to Exocrine Pancreatic Disorders, Type 2 Diabetes, and Nondiabetic Patients
Authors: Ueberberg Sandra , Nauck Michael A , Uhl Waldemar , Montemurro Chiara , Tannapfel Andrea , Clark Anne , Meier Juris J 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
Amyloid deposits are a typical finding in pancreatic islets from patients with type 2 diabetes. Whether this is linked to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes is currently unknown. Therefore, we compared the occurrence of islet amyloid in patients with type 2 diabetes, diabetes secondary to pancreatic disorders, and nondiabetic individuals.

Patients and methods
Pancreatic tissue from 15 nondiabetic patients, 22 patients with type 2 diabetes, and 11 patients with diabetes due to exocrine pancreatic disorders (chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic carcinoma) were stained for insulin, amyloid, and apoptosis. β-cell area, amyloid deposits, and β-cell apoptosis were quantified by morphometric analysis.

Results
The proportion of islets containing amyloid deposits was significantly higher in both type 2 diabetes and diabetes due to exocrine pancreatic disorders than in healthy subjects. Islets with both amyloid and apoptosis were observed more frequently in type 2 diabetes and significantly more so in diabetes due to exocrine pancreatic disorders. In both diabetic groups, apoptotic ß-cells were found significantly more frequently in islets with more prominent amyloid deposits.

Conclusions
The occurrence of amyloid deposits in both type 2 diabetes and diabetes secondary to exocrine pancreatic disorders suggests that islet amyloid formation is a common feature of diabetes mellitus of different etiologies and may be associated with a loss of pancreatic ß-cells.
Effects of Basal Insulin on Lipid Profile Compared to Other Classes of Antihyperglycemic Agents in Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Rigato Mauro , Avogaro Angelo , Vigili de Kreutzenberg Saula , Fadini Gian Paolo 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Objective
The lipid profile represents a driver of cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes. The effect of chronic insulin therapy on cholesterol levels is unclear. We aim to evaluate the effect of basal insulin on lipid profile compared to other classes of antihyperglycemic agents in type 2 diabetic patients.

Design
We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials reporting changes of lipid parameters in type 2 diabetic patients randomly assigned to basal insulin or other classes of anti-hyperglycemic agents.

Results
The levels of total (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) appeared to be significantly reduced by therapies with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) in comparison to basal insulin (mean difference [MD] –3.80; 95% CI [–6.30 to –1.30] mg/dL, P &lt; .001 and –4.17; 95% CI [–6.04 to –2.30] mg/dL, P &lt; .0001), whereas no difference was detected between basal insulin and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4-I) or standard therapy (sulfonylurea ± metformin). Thiazolidinediones (TZD) produced a significant improvement in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (MD 3.55; 95% CI: 0.55 to 6.56 mg/dL, P = .02) but were associated with an increase in TC and LDL-C (MD 16.20; 95% CI: 9.09 to 23.31 mg/dL, P &lt; .001 and 5.19: 95% CI: –3.00 to 13.39 mg/dL, P = .21). Basal insulin was superior to standard therapy in triglyceride reduction (MD 3.8; 95% CI: 0.99 to 6.63 mg/dL, P = .008).

Conclusions
GLP-1RA were superior to basal insulin in the control of TC and LDL-C. Basal insulin effectively reduced serum triglycerides. TZD led to improvement in HDL-C. DPP4-I and standard therapy did not have any significant effect on lipid levels.
Long-Term Outcomes of Pulmonary Metastasectomy for Uterine Malignancies: A Multi-institutional Study in the Current Era
Authors:   for the Thoracic Surgery Study Group of Osaka University (TSSGO), Kanzaki Ryu , Susaki Yoshiyuki , Takami Koji , Funakoshi Yasunobu , Sakamaki Yasushi , Kodama Ken , Yokouchi Hideoki , Ikeda Naoki , Kadota Yoshihisa , Iwasaki Teruo , Ose Naoko , Shintani Yasushi 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Information on pulmonary metastasectomy (PM) for uterine malignancies in the current era is limited. In the present study, we analyzed the clinical course and results of PM for uterine malignancies in the era of modern imaging diagnostics to clarify the role of PM in the current era in a multi-institutional setting.

Methods
Fifty-seven patients who underwent PM for uterine malignancies between 2006 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The short- and long-term outcomes, along with factors associated with the prognosis, were analyzed. Details of the clinical course after PM were described.

Results
The mean age of patients was 59.4 years. The primary tumor was located in the uterus corpus in 34 cases (60%) and in the uterus cervix in 23 cases (40%). The median disease-free interval (DFI) was 32 months. Forty patients (70%) received fluorine-18-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography before PM, and complete resection was achieved in 52 patients (91%). Postoperative complications occurred in 4 patients (7%). Of the 52 patients who underwent complete resection of pulmonary metastases, 28 experienced recurrence, and among these, 17 (60%) underwent local therapy, including six repeat PMs. Among the 52 patients who underwent complete resection, the 5-year relapse-free survival rate was 40.7% and the 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 68.8%. The univariate analysis revealed that a DFI of ≤ 24 months was associated with significantly poorer OS.

Conclusions
PM for uterine malignancies is safe and provides favorable long-term outcomes in selected patients. Patients with a DFI of > 24 months have better OS and are good candidates for PM.
Evaluation of the rapid, multi-country, parallel process, multi-tasking approach to startup of short-term technical assistance to improve service delivery in newborn and child health in the context of USAID’s Zika response in four Eastern and Southern Caribbean countries
Authors: Aumakhan Bulbul , Coly Astou , Hager Salwan , Chitashvili Tamar , Massoud M. Rashad 
Published: April 2020

Background: In 2018, the USAID Applying Science to Strengthen and Improve Systems (ASSIST) Project started a new partnership with four Eastern and Southern Caribbean countries impacted by the Zika virus: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The goal of the project was to provide short-term technical assistance (STTA) to strengthen the health systems’ capacity to detect newborns and young children potentially affected by Zika and to address their health needs. To meet these objectives, ASSIST developed an innovative approach based on its existing model for service delivery improvement. This novel approach is known as Rapid, Multi-country, Parallel Process, Multi-tasking Approach for a Project Startup (RMPP-MAPS). An evaluation was conducted to document the STTA startup activities, to identify enabling and constraining factors, and to capture lessons learned. Methods: An external consultant conducted remote in-depth interviews with individuals involved in the startup using semi-structured interview guides and retrieved data from the review of project documents. Results: Using RMPP-MAPS, the ASSIST Project successfully implemented the startup for complex STTA in four countries within less than four months, spanning mid-May to early September 2018. Project milestones included achieving buy-in from stakeholders, co-developing the technical scope and materials, and rapidly executing critical operational functions. Dedicated project teams, country leaderships, and local champions were essential to overcoming the main challenges, which included a condensed timeframe, lack of in-country offices, and country-level factors such as a shortage of health care workers and a weak health infrastructure. Conclusions: The RMPP-MAPS is a feasible and resource-efficient mechanism of interest to implementers, donors, and low and middle-income countries facing temporal and financial limitations to rapidly addressing public health priorities.
Pollution Regulation of Competitive Markets
Authors: Anand Krishnan S. , Giraud-Carrier François C. 
Published: April 2020

We develop a model of oligopolistic firms that produce partially differentiated products and generate pollution as a byproduct. We analyze and compare two types of pollution regulation: Cap-and-Trade and Taxes. Firms can respond to regulation by any combination of pollution abatement, output reduction, emissions trading (under Cap-and-Trade), or payment of pollution taxes (under Taxes). We prove that well-chosen regulation can, besides reducing pollution, actually improve firms’ profits relative to laissez-faire (unregulated markets), and simultaneously improve consumer surplus and welfare. Thus, regulation Pareto-dominates laissez-faire under a wide range of plausible conditions. These results are driven by an unintended consequence of pollution regulation: Competing firms can use the regulation to tacitly (and credibly) collude to reduce production and improve their profits. We show that the degree of competition plays a critical role in determining the economic consequences of pollution regulation. Our results suggest that the regulator’s primary consideration should be the impact of regulation on consumers rather than producers.This paper was accepted by Vishal Gaur, operations management.
Contracting with Word-of-Mouth Management
Authors: Kamada Yuichiro , Öry Aniko 
Published: April 2020

We propose a model for word-of-mouth (WoM) management where a firm has two tools at hand: offering referral rewards and offering a free contract. Current customers’ incentives to engage in WoM can affect the contracting problem of a firm in the presence of positive externalities of users. Formally, we consider a classic Maskin–Riley contracting problem for the receiver of WoM where the firm can pay the senders referral rewards and a sender experiences positive externalities if the receiver adopts. A free contract can incentivize WoM because the higher adoption probability increases the expected externalities that the sender receives. We characterize the optimal incentive scheme and show when the two tools serve as substitutes and complements to each other depending on whether the market is niche and whether the product is social. We show that offering a free contract is optimal only if the fraction of premium users in the population is small, which is consistent with the observation that companies that successfully offer “freemium” contracts oftentimes have a high percentage of free users. This paper was accepted by Juanjuan Zhang, marketing.