bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of mifepristone on cognition and depression in alcohol dependence
Authors: Donoghue Kim , Rose Abigail , Coulton Simon , Coleman Rachel , Milward Joanna , Philips Thomas , Drummond Colin , Little Hilary 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Alcohol dependence is a significant issue contributing to disease burden. Changes in cortisol concentrations during alcohol withdrawal are associated with cognitive deficits and symptoms of depression. Current treatments are only successful for a small proportion of people and do not target cognitive deficits and symptoms of depression experienced by those who are alcohol dependent. The aim of this research is to determine the potential efficacy of mifepristone, a type II glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, to prevent symptoms of depression and cognitive deficits following alcohol detoxification.

Methods
This was a phase 2 therapeutic use trial. It was a double-blind randomised controlled clinical trial of mifepristone versus inactive placebo treatment. The trial aimed to recruit 120 participants who met the inclusion criteria: (1) male, (2) aged 18–60 years inclusive, and (3) alcohol dependent for 5 or more years. Participants were randomised to 600 mg a day mifepristone (200 mg morning, afternoon, and evening) for 7 days and 400 mg for the subsequent 7 days (200 mg morning and evening) or the equivalent number of placebo tablets for 14 days. Primary outcome measures were cognitive function (measured using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB)) and symptoms of depression (measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)) at 4 weeks post-randomisation.

Results
Difficulties recruiting participants due to significant changes in the provision of inpatient care for alcohol dependence resulted in only 27 participants recruited to the trial, with data available for 21 participants. Fourteen participants were randomised to receive mifepristone and 13 to receive placebo.

Conclusion
Larger trials would be needed to draw conclusions about the efficacy of mifepristone.

Trial registration
ISRCTN registry ISRCTN54001953. Registered on 29 September 2011.
Lipids monitoring in Scenedesmus obliquus based on terahertz technology
Authors: Shao Yongni , Gu Weimin , Qiu Y ating , Wang Shengfeng , Peng Yan , Zhu YiMing , Zhuang Songlin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Microalgae are considered as a source of low pollution and renewable fuel due to their ability to synthesize an abundance of lipids. Conventional methods for lipid quantification are time-consuming and chemically contaminated, while spectroscopic method combined with mathematical model is much more attractive due to its ability of qualitative and quantitative analysis of material composition, in this sense, terahertz technology provides not only timely and non-destructive testing without chemical pollution, but also provides information on the functional group vibration mode and structure of the measured components. Therefore, terahertz technology is utilized in our investigation and proposed for microalgae metabolism detection.

Results
The aim of this study was to use terahertz spectroscopy to observe lipid content in Scenedesmus obliquus (S. obliquus). We collected the THz spectra of S. obliquus which were cultivated under nitrogen stress and terahertz spectroscopy was used to analyze changes in substance components (lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and β-carotene). The PLS algorithm was used to model the terahertz data to distinguish the different lipid content of S. obliquus under nitrogen stress. The correlation coefficient of the prediction results of the lipid characteristic band modeling was above 0.991, and the root mean square error was less than 0.132. It indicated that terahertz technology can be used to discriminate S. obliquus cells under different nitrogen stress effectively. The correlation between the terahertz characteristic peak (9.3 THz) and the total lipid content determined by gravimetry reaches 0.960. The final results were compared with the commonly used spectroscopic methods for lipid observation (Raman spectroscopy).

Conclusions
In this article, we demonstrated the effectiveness of terahertz spectroscopy to monitor changes in microalgae lipid content under nitrogen stress. Terahertz spectroscopy is more suitable for industrial production or ordinary laboratories which require intermediate result with low-frequency screening. When quantifying microalgae lipids, the constraint of terahertz spectroscopy is far less than that of Raman spectroscopy, and it is easier for operator to accurately quantify microalgae lipid. In addition, it is still in early stage for the study of microalgae using terahertz spectroscopy technology, there is still much potential for us to explore.
Chronic seronegative spondyloarthropathy following acute Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in a human leukocyte antigen B27-positive patient: a case report
Authors: Pilianidis Georgios , Tsinari Ariti , Pandis Dimitrios , Tsolakidou Hara , Petridis Nikolaos 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
We report a case of a 30-year-old patient who presented with acute Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection that was complicated by reactive arthritis and asymmetric proximal myopathy and progressed to chronic spondyloarthropathy. Reactive arthritis and sacroiliitis are unusual extrapulmonary manifestations of M. pneumoniae infection, which is a common condition.

Case presentation
A 30-year-old Greek previously healthy man presented to our emergency department with fever, progressively worsening bilateral lower limb weakness, and asymmetric oligoarthritis. Our diagnosis was based on a positive polymerase chain reaction test for M. pneumoniae using blood and cerebrospinal fluid and magnetic resonance imaging findings that suggested sacroiliitis. Our patient was also found to be human leukocyte antigen B27 positive. His infection was successfully treated with a 14-day course of doxycycline; the arthritis was treated with naproxen and corticosteroids. His arthritis, which restricted his mobility, improved progressively, and he was discharged without any neurological symptoms.

Conclusions
In our case, an acute M. pneumoniae infection eventually progressed to chronic spondyloarthropathy. In our patient, M. pneumoniae infection may represent a random event, or it might be a necessary factor for the development of reactive arthritis, asymmetric proximal myopathy, and sacroiliitis, always in combination with the appropriate genetic background. Extrapulmonary manifestations of M. pneumoniae may occur even in the complete absence of respiratory symptoms, and the diagnosis of unusual complications, such as reactive arthritis, requires high clinical suspicion and extensive investigation.
The effect of control measures on COVID-19 transmission in Italy: Comparison with Guangdong province in China
Authors: Liu Pei-Yu , He Sha , Rong Li-Bin , Tang San-Yi 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
COVID-19 has spread all around the world. Italy is one of the worst affected countries in Europe. Although there is a trend of relief, the epidemic situation hasn’t stabilized yet. This study aims to investigate the dynamics of the disease spread in Italy and provide some suggestions on containing the epidemic.

Methods
We compared Italy’s status at the outbreak stage and control measures with Guangdong Province in China by data observation and analysis. A modified autonomous SEIR model was used to study the COVID-19 epidemic and transmission potential during the early stage of the outbreak in Italy. We also utilized a time-dependent dynamic model to study the future disease dynamics in Italy. The impact of various non-pharmaceutical control measures on epidemic was investigated through uncertainty and sensitivity analyses.

Results
The comparison of specific measures implemented in the two places and the time when the measures were initiated shows that the initial prevention and control actions in Italy were not sufficiently timely and effective. We estimated parameter values based on available cumulative data and calculated the basic reproduction number to be 4.32 before the national lockdown in Italy. Based on the estimated parameter values, we performed numerical simulations to predict the epidemic trend and evaluate the impact of contact limitation, detection and diagnosis, and individual behavior change due to media coverage on the epidemic.

Conclusions
Italy was in a severe epidemic status and the control measures were not sufficiently timely and effective in the beginning. Non-pharmaceutical interventions, including contact restrictions and improvement of case recognition, play an important role in containing the COVID-19 epidemic. The effect of individual behavior changes due to media update of the outbreak cannot be ignored. For policy-makers, early and strict blockade measures, fast detection and improving media publicity are key to containing the epidemic.
Deep bradycardia after sugammadex: is it due to anaphylaxis or by any other unknown mechanism(s) of sugammadex?
Authors: Yilmaz Fulya , Bas Koray 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Sugammadex is a ɣ-cyclodextrin containing 8-thiopropionate side chains, which selectively binds to nondepolarizing aminosteroid neuromuscular blocking agents. Here, we report a case who developed deep bradycardia after administration of sugammadex.

Case presentation
A 38-year-old-man was scheduled for laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. Besides history of light smoking, he had no other medical/surgical history that included any allergic reactions. At the end of the operation, 200 mg sugammadex was administered to antagonize residual neuromuscular blockade. One minute after the administration of sugammadex, the patient had deep bradycardia (25 beat min−1) and his systolic blood pressure fell below a measurable level. The patient’s blood pressure was restored to 95/55 mmHg and heart rate 110 beats min−1 with the administration of a total dose of ephedrine 10 mg, atropine sulfate 0.5 mg, 0.9% saline 1 L, and 6% hydroxyethylated starch 500 mL over 15 min. Then, he was extubated uneventfully and transferred to the intensive care unit for closer monitoring.

Conclusions
According to the current literature as well as the case we presented here, we suggest that physicians who use sugammadex especially in endoscopic/laparoscopic procedures using CO2 should be aware of the possibility of sudden bradycardia and/or cardiac arrest.
Mid-term outcome of transarterial embolization of renal artery pseudoaneurysm and arteriovenous fistula after partial nephrectomy screened by early postoperative contrast-enhanced CT
Authors: Morita Satoru , Matsuzaki Yuka , Yamamoto Takahiro , Kamoshida Kumi , Yamazaki Hiroshi , Tajima Tsuyoshi , Kondo Tsunenori , Takagi Toshio , Yoshida Kazuhiko , Tanabe Kazunari , Sakai Shuji 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Purpose
To retrospectively evaluate the mid-term outcome of transarterial embolization (TAE) of renal artery pseudoaneurysm (RAP) including arteriovenous fistula (AVF) after partial nephrectomy screened by early postoperative contrast-enhanced CT (CE-CT).

Materials and methods
Eighty-two patients (7.0%) who underwent TAE after partial nephrectomy were reviewed, from 1166 partial nephrectomies performed over 6 years. In 18 patients (22.0%), TAE was performed emergently on the median postoperative day (POD) seven. In the remaining patients, elective TAE was performed on the median POD six for RAP detected by early postoperative CE-CT or that emerged on follow-up CE-CT.

Results
In one patient (1.2%), TAE was performed twice because one of two RAPs could not be embolized during the first TAE, being successfully embolized at the second TAE after readmission with hematuria. Otherwise, no bleeding recurrence or RAPs were observed during the median 1354 follow-up days. Thus, the primary and secondary success rates of TAE were 98.8% (81 of 82 patients) and 100% (82 of 82 patients), respectively. On angiography, the average number of lesions was 1.7 ± 0.9 and the average RAP size was 12.8 ± 6.0 mm. The shapes of the lesions varied: oval-round 60, oval-round + AVF 36, irregular + AVF 14, AVF 12, irregular 10, disruption 4, and extravasation 3. No major complications were observed. The median inpatient days after TAE were two. No estimated glomerular filtration rate deterioration was observed (64.6 ± 18.6 vs. 64.2 ± 18.4 mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.902).

Conclusion
TAE is largely effective and safe for treating bleedings or RAPs, including AVFs, after partial nephrectomy, as screened by early postoperative CE-CT.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of augmented reality in medicine, retail, and games
Authors: Parekh Pranav , Patel Shireen , Patel Nivedita , Shah Manan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis paper presents a detailed review of the applications of augmented reality (AR) in three important fields where AR use is currently increasing. The objective of this study is to highlight how AR improves and enhances the user experience in entertainment, medicine, and retail. The authors briefly introduce the topic of AR and discuss its differences from virtual reality. They also explain the software and hardware technologies required for implementing an AR system and the different types of displays required for enhancing the user experience. The growth of AR in markets is also briefly discussed. In the three sections of the paper, the applications of AR are discussed. The use of AR in multiplayer gaming, computer games, broadcasting, and multimedia videos, as an aspect of entertainment and gaming is highlighted. AR in medicine involves the use of AR in medical healing, medical training, medical teaching, surgery, and post-medical treatment. AR in retail was discussed in terms of its uses in advertisement, marketing, fashion retail, and online shopping. The authors concluded the paper by detailing the future use of AR and its advantages and disadvantages in the current scenario.
Post-traumatic stress disorder as a risk factor for dementia: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Günak Mia Maria , Billings Jo , Carratu Emily , Marchant Natalie L. , Favarato Graziella , Orgeta Vasiliki 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been identified as a potential risk factor for developing dementia. There are currently, however, no meta-analyses quantifying this risk.AimsTo systematically review and quantify the risk of future dementia associated with PTSD across populations. PROSPERO registration number CRD42019130392.MethodWe searched nine electronic databases up to 25 October 2019 for longitudinal studies assessing PTSD and risk of dementia. We used random- and fixed-effects meta-analyses to pool estimates across studies.ResultsPTSD was associated with a significant risk for all-cause dementia: pooled hazard ratio HR = 1.61 (95% CI 1.43–1.81,I2=85.8%,P< 0.001;n= 1 693 678; 8 studies). Pooled HR was 1.61 (95% CI 1.46–1.78;I2=80.9%,P< 0.001;n= 905 896; 5 studies) in veterans, and 2.11 (95% CI 1.03–4.33,I2=91.2%,P< 0.001;n= 787 782; 3 studies) in the general population. The association between PTSD and dementia remained significant after excluding studies with high risk of bias (HR = 1.55, 95% CI 1.39–1.73,I2=83.9%,P< 0.001;n= 1 684 928; 7 studies). Most studies included were retrospective and there was evidence of high heterogeneity.ConclusionsThis is the first meta-analysis quantifying the association of PTSD and risk of dementia showing that PTSD is a strong and potentially modifiable risk factor for all-cause dementia. Future studies investigating potential causal mechanisms, and the protective value of treating PTSD are needed.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Trastuzumab With or Without Chemotherapy for HER2-Positive Early Breast Cancer in Older Patients
Authors: Sawaki Masataka , Taira Naruto , Uemura Yukari , Saito Tsuyoshi , Baba Shinichi , Kobayashi Kokoro , Kawashima Hiroaki , Tsuneizumi Michiko , Sagawa Noriko , Bando Hiroko , Takahashi Masato , Yamaguchi Miki , Takashima Tsutomu , Nakayama Takahiro , Kashiwaba Masahiro , Mizuno Toshiro , Yamamoto Yutaka , Iwata Hiroji , Kawahara Takuya , Ohashi Yasuo , Mukai Hirofumi ,   for the RESPECT study group
Published: September 2020

PURPOSE Adjuvant trastuzumab monotherapy has not been compared with trastuzumab + chemotherapy. We investigated the relative value of trastuzumab monotherapy for older patients with breast cancer. METHODS This study was an open-label, randomized controlled study with a treatment selection design in which a noninferiority criterion was predefined. Patients aged 70-80 years with surgically treated human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive invasive breast cancer received trastuzumab monotherapy or trastuzumab + chemotherapy. The primary end point was disease-free survival (DFS) with assessment of prespecified hazard ratio (HR), relapse-free survival (RFS), adverse events (AEs), health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and restricted mean survival time (RMST). RESULTS The study involved 275 patients (mean age, 73.5 years) who were followed up for a mean of 4.1 years (range, 0.3-8.0 years). The percentages of patients by cancer stage were as follows: I (pT > 0.5 cm), 43.6%; IIA, 41.7%; IIB, 13.5%; and IIIA, 1.1%. Three-year DFS was 89.5% with trastuzumab monotherapy versus 93.8% with trastuzumab + chemotherapy (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.72 to 2.58; P = .51). At 3 years, RMST differed by −0.39 months between arms (95% CI, −1.71 to 0.93; P = .56). Three-year RFS was 92.4% with trastuzumab monotherapy versus 95.3% with trastuzumab + chemotherapy (HR, 1.33; 95% CI, 0.63 to 2.79; P = .53). Common AEs were anorexia (7.4% v 44.3%; P < .0001) and alopecia (2.2% v 71.7%; P < .0001), and grade 3/4 nonhematologic AEs occurred in 11.9% versus 29.8% ( P = .0003) for trastuzumab monotherapy versus trastuzumab + chemotherapy, respectively. Clinically meaningful HRQoL deterioration rate showed significant differences at 2 months (31% for trastuzumab monotherapy v 48% for trastuzumab + chemotherapy; P = .016) and at 1 year (19% v 38%; P = .009). CONCLUSION The primary objective of noninferiority for trastuzumab monotherapy was not met. However, the observed loss of survival without chemotherapy was < 1 month at 3 years. Therefore, and in light of the lower toxicity and more favorable HRQoL profile, trastuzumab monotherapy can be considered an adjuvant therapy option for selected older patients.
Genome-Wide Association for HbA1c in Malay Identified Deletion on SLC4A1 that Influences HbA1c Independent of Glycemia
Authors: Chai Jin-Fang , Kao Shih-Ling , Wang Chaolong , Lim Victor Jun-Yu , Khor Ing Wei , Dou Jinzhuang , Podgornaia Anna I , Chothani Sonia , Cheng Ching-Yu , Sabanayagam Charumathi , Wong Tien-Yin , van Dam Rob M , Liu Jianjun , Reilly Dermot F , Paterson Andrew D , Sim Xueling 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Context
Glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level is used to screen and diagnose diabetes. Genetic determinants of HbA1c can vary across populations and many of the genetic variants influencing HbA1c level were specific to populations.

Objective
To discover genetic variants associated with HbA1c level in nondiabetic Malay individuals.

Design and Participants
We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis for HbA1c using 2 Malay studies, the Singapore Malay Eye Study (SiMES, N = 1721 on GWAS array) and the Living Biobank study (N = 983 on GWAS array and whole-exome sequenced). We built a Malay-specific reference panel to impute ethnic-specific variants and validate the associations with HbA1c at ethnic-specific variants.

Results
Meta-analysis of the 1000 Genomes imputed array data identified 4 loci at genome-wide significance (P &lt; 5 × 10-8). Of the 4 loci, 3 (ADAM15, LINC02226, JUP) were novel for HbA1c associations. At the previously reported HbA1c locus ATXN7L3-G6PC3, association analysis using the exome data fine-mapped the HbA1c associations to a 27-bp deletion (rs769664228) at SLC4A1 that reduced HbA1c by 0.38 ± 0.06% (P = 3.5 × 10-10). Further imputation of this variant in SiMES confirmed the association with HbA1c at SLC4A1. We also showed that these genetic variants influence HbA1c level independent of glucose level.

Conclusion
We identified a deletion at SLC4A1 associated with HbA1c in Malay. The nonglycemic lowering of HbA1c at rs769664228 might cause individuals carrying this variant to be underdiagnosed for diabetes or prediabetes when HbA1c is used as the only diagnostic test for diabetes.
Maternal Obesity Influences Placental Nutrient Transport, Inflammatory Status, and Morphology in Human Term Placenta
Authors: Nogues Perrine , Dos Santos Esther , Couturier-Tarrade Anne , Berveiller Paul , Arnould Lucie , Lamy Elodie , Grassin-Delyle Stanislas , Vialard François , Dieudonne Marie-Noëlle 
Published: September 2020

AbstractContextMaternal obesity has a significant impact on placental development. However, this impact on the placenta’s structure and function (ie, nutrient transport and hormone and cytokine production) is a controversial subject.ObjectiveWe hypothesized that maternal obesity is associated with morphologic, secretory, and nutrient-related changes and elevated levels of inflammation in the placenta.DesignWe collected samples of placental tissue from 2 well-defined groups of pregnant women from 2017 to 2019. We compared the 2 groups regarding placental cytokine and hormone secretion, immune cell content, morphology, and placental nutrient transporter expressions.SettingPlacenta were collected after caesarean section performed by experienced clinicians at Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal (CHI) of Poissy-Saint-Germain-en-Laye.PatientsThe main inclusion criteria were an age between 27 and 37 years old, no complications of pregnancy, and a first-trimester body mass index of 18–25 kg/m2 for the nonobese (control) group and 30–40 kg/m2 for the obese group.ResultsIn contrast to our starting hypothesis, we observed that maternal obesity was associated with (1) lower placental IL-6 expression and macrophage/leukocyte infiltration, (2) lower placental expression of GLUT1 and SNAT1-2, (3) a lower placental vessel density, and (4) lower levels of placental leptin and human chorionic gonadotropin production.ConclusionThese results suggest that the placenta is a plastic organ and could optimize fetal growth. A better understanding of placental adaptation is required because these changes may partly determine the fetal outcome in cases of maternal obesity.
The basement membrane as a structured surface – role in vascular health and disease
Authors: Leclech Claire , Natale Carlo F. , Barakat Abdul I. 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACT
The basement membrane (BM) is a thin specialized extracellular matrix that functions as a cellular anchorage site, a physical barrier and a signaling hub. While the literature on the biochemical composition and biological activity of the BM is extensive, the central importance of the physical properties of the BM, most notably its mechanical stiffness and topographical features, in regulating cellular function has only recently been recognized. In this Review, we focus on the biophysical attributes of the BM and their influence on cellular behavior. After a brief overview of the biochemical composition, assembly and function of the BM, we describe the mechanical properties and topographical structure of various BMs. We then focus specifically on the vascular BM as a nano- and micro-scale structured surface and review how its architecture can modulate endothelial cell structure and function. Finally, we discuss the pathological ramifications of the biophysical properties of the vascular BM and highlight the potential of mimicking BM topography to improve the design of implantable endovascular devices and advance the burgeoning field of vascular tissue engineering.