bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immune-associated biomarkers for early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease based on hematological lncRNA–mRNA co-expression
Authors: Lei Kecheng , Zhang Liwen , He Yijing , Sun Hui , Tong Weifang , Xu Yichun , Jin Lingjing 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Early stage diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is challenging without significant motor symptoms. The identification of effective molecular biomarkers as a hematological indication of PD may help improve the diagnostic timelines and accuracy. In the present paper, we analyzed and compared the blood samples of PD and control (CTR) patients to identify the disease-related changes and determine the putative biomarkers for PD diagnosis. Based on the RNA sequencing analysis, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and the co-expression network of DEGs was constructed using the weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA). The analysis leads to the identification of 87 genes that were exclusively regulated in the PD group, whereas 66 genes were significantly increased and 21 genes were significantly decreased in contrast with the control group. The results indicate that the core lncRNA–mRNA co-expression network greatly changes the immune response in PD patients. Specifically, the results showed that Prader Willi Angelman Region RNA6 (PWAR6), LINC00861, AC83843.1, IRF family, IFIT family and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CaMK4) may play important roles in the immune system of PD. Based on the findings from the present study, future research aims at identifying novel therapeutic strategies for PD.
Fast flaring observed from XMMU J053108.3−690923 by eROSITA: a supergiant fast X-ray transient in the Large Magellanic Cloud
Authors: Maitra C. , Haberl F. , Vasilopoulos G. , Ducci L. , Dennerl K. , Carpano S. 
Published: November 2020

Context. Supergiant fast X-ray transients (SFXTs) are a peculiar class of supergiant high-mass X-ray binary (HMXB) systems characterised by extreme variability in the X-ray domain. In current models, this is mainly attributed to the clumpy nature of the stellar wind coupled with gating mechanisms involving the spin and magnetic field of the neutron star.
Aims. We studied the X-ray properties of the supergiant HMXB XMMU J053108.3−690923 in the Large Magellanic Cloud to understand its nature.
Methods. We performed a detailed temporal and spectral analysis of the eROSITA and XMM-Newton data of XMMU J053108.3−690923.
Results. We confirm the putative pulsations previously reported for the source with high confidence, certifying its nature as a neutron star in orbit with a supergiant companion. We identify the extremely variable nature of the source in the form of flares seen in the eROSITA light curves. The source flux exhibits a total dynamic range of more than three orders of magnitude, which confirms its nature as an SFXT, and is the first such direct evidence from a HMXB outside our Galaxy exhibiting a very high dynamic range in luminosity as well as a fast flaring behaviour. We detect changes in the hardness ratio during the flaring intervals where the hardness ratio reaches its minimum during the peak of the flare and increases steeply shortly afterwards. This is also supported by the results of the spectral analysis carried out at the peak and off-flare intervals. This scenario is consistent with the presence of dense structures in the supergiant wind of XMMU J053108.3−690923 where the clumpy medium becomes photoionised at the peak of the flare leading to a drop in the photo-electric absorption. Further, we provide an estimate of the clumpiness of the medium and the magnetic field of the neutron star assuming a spin equilibrium condition.
Biomimetic Mechanism of Action of Fluoridated Toothpaste Containing Proprietary REFIX Technology on the Remineralization and Repair of Demineralized Dental Tissues: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Vilhena Fabiano Vieira , de Oliveira Sonia Mariza Luiz , Matochek Marcelo Henrick Maia , Tomaz Pedro Luiz Santos , Oliveira Thales de Sá , D’Alpino Paulo Henrique Perlatti 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Objectives This in vitro study aimed to characterize the mineral content and surface and cross-sectional morphology of enamel and dentin tissues treated with a 1450 ppm fluoride-containing toothpaste with REFIX technology.
Materials and Methods Bovine enamel blocks (n = 5) were obtained (4 × 4 × 6 mm), demineralized (artificial caries lesion), and treated (pH cycling and brushing with the toothpaste). During the pH cycling, which lasted for 7 days (demineralization and remineralization took 6 and 18 hours, respectively), the enamel was brushed for 5 minutes using an electric toothbrush before being immersed in a remineralizing solution. The dentin blocks were acid-etched for 2 minutes (0.05 M citric acid, pH 1.8) to expose the dentinal tubules (n = 5). Morphological analysis of the dentin was performed immediately and after 7 days of brushing with the dentifrice, and compared with the control group. The specimens were then cross-sectioned. The surface and cross-sectional micromorphology were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The elemental analyses (weight%) were determined with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS).
Results The toothpaste with REFIX technology remineralized and repaired the surface enamel effectively. The elemental analysis also demonstrated that treating the enamel with the toothpaste formed a silicon-enriched mineral layer on the enamel surface. Elemental analysis of the enamel cross-sections showed that the toothpaste induced a mineral change. The results were also consistent in the dentin, where the dentinal tubules were progressively occluded until there was complete occlusion after 7 days.
Conclusions We prove the biomimetic mechanism of action of fluoridated toothpaste containing proprietary REFIX technology for obtaining silicon-enriched, remineralized and repaired dental tissues.
Cervical Cordotomy in Terminal Cancer: Pain Relieving in Oncological Treatment
Authors: Seba Maria Clara Cardoso , Bernardo Henrique Nicola Santo Antonio , Sarturi Natally Marques Santiago , Rossi Thania Gonzalez , Oliveira Newton Maciel de , Aguiar Paulo Henrique Pires de 
Published: November 2020

AbstractCordotomy consists in the discontinuation of the lateral spinothalamic tract (LST) in the anterolateral quadrant of the spinal cord, which aims to reduce the transference of nociceptive information in the dorsal horn of the gray matter of the spinal cord to the somatosensory cortex. The main indication is for patients with terminal cancer that have a low life expectancy. It improves the quality of life by relieving pain. The results are promising and the pain relief rate varies between 69 and 100%. Generally speaking, the complications are mostly temporary and not remarkable.
Ophthalmology Program Directors' Perspectives on the Impact of the United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 Change to Pass-Fail Scoring
Authors: Cui David , Scott Ingrid U. , Wingert Heidi Luise 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Purpose This article investigates the perspectives of ophthalmology residency program directors (PDs) regarding the impact of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 change from graded to pass-fail scoring on ophthalmology resident selection and medical education.
Methods The PDs of all United States ophthalmology residency programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education were identified using a public, online database. An anonymous web-based survey constructed using REDCap was emailed to each PD in February 2020.
Results Surveys were completed by 64 (54.2%) PDs, with the majority (81.2%) disagreeing with the change to pass-fail scoring. The majority of PDs believe this change will negatively impact the ability to evaluate residency applicants (92.1%) and achieve a fair and meritocratic match process (76.6%), and will decrease medical students' basic science knowledge (75.0%). The factors identified most frequently by PDs as becoming more important in evaluating residency applicants as a result of the Step 1 scoring change include clerkship grades (90.6%), USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge score (84.4%), and a rotation in the PD's department (79.7%). The majority of PDs believe the Step 1 grading change to pass-fail will benefit applicants from elite medical schools (60.9%), and disadvantage applicants from nonelite allopathic schools (82.8%), international medical graduate applicants (76.6%), and osteopathic applicants (54.7%).
Conclusion The majority of ophthalmology PDs disagree with the change in USMLE Step 1 scoring from graded to pass-fail and believe this change will negatively impact the ability to evaluate residency applicants and achieve a fair and meritocratic match process, and will decrease medical students' basic science knowledge.
Clinical Performance of Bulk-Fill Resin Composite Restorations Using the United States Public Health Service and Federation Dentaire Internationale Criteria: A 12-Month Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Durão Márcia de Almeida , Andrade Ana Karina Maciel de , Santos Maria do Carmo Moreira da Silva , Montes Marcos Antônio Japiassú Resende , Monteiro Gabriela Queiroz de Melo 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjective This study was aimed to compare the 12-month clinical performance of two full-body bulk-fill resin composites Filtek bulk fill/3M ESPE (FBF) and Tetric EvoCeram bulk fill/Ivoclar Vivadent (TBF) and a conventional microhybrid resin composite Filtek Z250/3M ESPE (Z250) using the modified the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) and Federation Dentaire Internationale (FDI) criteria. Also, the agreement between the two evaluation criteria was evaluated at baseline and after 12 months of follow-up.Materials and Methods A total of 138 class I and II restorations were placed in posterior teeth (split-mouth design) of 46 volunteers following manufacturer’s instructions and bonded with a self-etching bonding agent (Clear fill SE Bond/Kuraray). The restorations were evaluated at baseline and after 12 months of follow-up by three previously calibrated dentists (Cohen’s K = 0.84).Statistical Analysis Fisher’s exact test and Pearson’s Chi-squared test were used to evaluating the homogeneity of distribution of the clinical characteristics. Friedman’s test was applied to evaluate differences among the resin composites. The results obtained for the USPHS and FDI criteria at the different observation times were compared using the Wilcoxon test. A level of significance of 0.05 was adopted for all tests.Results After 12 months (recall rate, 78.3%, n = 36 patients), the overall success rate was 99.07% for both criteria. Only one failed restoration (0.93%) was detected for each system during follow-up in the TBF group.Conclusion The bulk-fill resin composites showed satisfactory clinical performance compared with conventional resin composite after 12 months. The percentage of the acceptable scores was significantly higher for the USPHS criteria, due to discrepancies in the score description for each criterion.
Epidemiological Profile of Surgically-Treated Peripheral-Nerve Diseases
Authors: Fuzari Helen Kerlen Bastos , Andrade Armèle Dornelas de , Souza Renata Janaina Pereira de , Bernardino Silvya Nery , Souza Fernando Henrique Moraes de , Sarmento Antonio , Oliveira Daniella Araújo de 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Objective To outline the epidemiological profile of surgical patients treated at the peripheral-nerve outpatient clinic of a public hospital in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, from 2008 (the year this service was implemented in the hospital ) to 2016.
Material and Methods A cross-sectional study with data collection from the medical records. A descriptive analysis was performed with the qualitative variables presented as relative and absolute frequencies, and the quantitative variables, as means and standard deviations. The studied variables were gender, age, diagnosis, and surgical techniques.
Results In total, 506 medical records were analyzed. Of these, 269 were of male patients (53%), and 238 were of female patients (46%). The age of the sample ranged from 5 to 84 years (41 ± 14 years). The most prevalent diagnoses were: carpal tunnel syndrome (38.9%) followed by traumatic brachial plexus injury (33.2%). The first diagnosis was more frequent among women, while the second, among men. This collaborates with the predominant findings of upper-limb lesions (91%), in which men accounted for 52,75% (244) and women, for 47,25% (217).
Conclusion The present study provided relevant information regarding the reality of peripheral-nerve surgeries performed at a public hospital in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Public health issues increasingly require the continuity of public policies and government incentive.
Jugular Foramen's Paraganglioma in a Patient with Von Hippel-Lindau Disease: Case Report
Authors: Pereira Barbara Casalecchi , Aznar Julia Dallana , Zambon Amélia Limongi , Melo Diogo Fabricio Coelho de , Silva Marcelo Nery 
Published: November 2020

AbstractGlomus jugular tumors, also known as paragangliomas (PGLs), are rare and related to several clinical syndromes described. These are located in the carotid body, the jugular glomus, the tympanic glomus and the vagal glomus. The symptoms are directly related to the site of involvement and infiltration. These lesions have slow growth, are generally benign and hypervascularized, have a peak incidence between the age of 30 to 50 years old; however, when associated with hereditary syndromes, they tend to occur a decade earlier. Several familial hereditary syndromes are associated with PGLs, including Von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) in < 10% of the cases. The diagnosis and staging of PGLs are based on imaging and functional exams (bone window computed tomography [CT] with a “ground moth” pattern and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a “salt and pepper” pattern). The cerebral angiography is a prerequisite in patients with extremely vascularized lesions, whose preoperative embolization is necessary. The histopathological finding of cell clusters called “Zellballen” is a characteristic of PGLs. Regarding the jugular foramen, the combination of two or three surgical approaches may be necessary: (1) lateral group, approaches through the mastoid; (2) posterior group, through the retrosigmoid access and its variants; and (3) anterior group, centered on the tympanic and petrous bone. In the present paper, we report a case of PGL of the jugular foramen operated on a young female patient who underwent a surgery with a diagnosis of Von Hippel-Lindau Disease (VHL) at the Neurosurgery Service of the Hospital Heliópolis, São Paulo, state of São Paulo, Brazil in 2018, by the lateral and posterior combined route.
Minimally Invasive Mini-orbitozygomatic Approach for Clipping an Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm: Virtual Reality Surgical Planning
Authors: González Romo Nicolás , Ravera Zunino Franco 
Published: November 2020

AbstractVirtual reality (VR) has increasingly been implemented in neurosurgical practice. A patient with an unruptured anterior communicating artery (AcoA) aneurysm was referred to our institution. Imaging data from computed tomography angiography (CTA) was used to create a patient specific 3D model of vascular and skull base anatomy, and then processed to a VR compatible environment. Minimally invasive approaches (mini-pterional, supraorbital and mini-orbitozygomatic) were simulated and assessed for adequate vascular exposure in VR. Using an eyebrow approach, a mini-orbitozygomatic approach was performed, with clip exclusion of the aneurysm from the circulation. The step-by-step process of VR planning is outlined, and the advantages and disadvantages for the neurosurgeon of this technology are reviewed.
Multifocal Pseudotumorous Form of Neuroparacoccidioidomycosis in an Immunocompetent Patient: A Clinicopathological Review Based on a Case Report
Authors: Cambruzzi Eduardo , Pêgas Karla Lais , Nascimento Gabriella Bezerra Cortês , Silva José Nathan Andrade Muller da , Zandoná Natália Brandelli , Kus William Pegoraro , Schiavo Felipe Lourezon , Santos Samir Cezimbra dos 
Published: November 2020

AbstractNeuroparacoccidiodimycosis (NPDM) is an uncommon granulomatous disease, which more frequently affects immunocompromised male patients over 30 years of age in the course of chronic lung disease. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (PB) is an endemic fungus in Brazil, and grows as thick-walled yeast (with round to oval bodies) measuring 10 µm to 60 µm in diameter. Neuroparacoccidiodimycosi may develop many years after transmission and/or primary lung involvement. The authors describe a case of NPDM affecting a male patient, 52 years of age, farmer, heavy smoker, with clinical complaint of headache, asthenia, seizures, and prostration in the previous nine months. Upon physical examination, the patient presented regular general condition, without other relevant physical alterations. Computed tomography (CT) showed multiple bilateral pulmonary nodules associated to enlargement of the mediastinal lymph node. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CT scans of the central nervous system showed six heterogeneous nodular lesions compromising the frontal and parietal lobes, the largest one measuring 3.8 × 3.2 × 3.2 cm. The hypothesis of a neoplastic process compromising the lung and brain was considered. A biopsy of the mediastinal lymph node showed epithelioid granulomas, which exhibited round, thin-walled fungal structures in Grocott silver stain. The stereotactic biopsy of the frontal lesion was constituted by necrotic tissue admixed with some round to oval, thin-walled fungi measuring 10 µm to 60 µm, compatible with PB (identified on Grocott silver stain/confirmed in culture). The diagnosis of NPDM was then established. The employed therapeutic regimen was intravenous amphotericin B, itraconazole, and sulfamethoxazole-trimetropin. After ninety days of clinical follow-up, no episodes of seizures/neurological deficits were identified, and a marked decrease in the number and size of the lung and brain lesions were found.
An Unusual Dermoid Cyst of the Pineal Region: Case report in a Child
Authors: Jamali Mohammad , Ahrari Iman , Saffarrian Arash , Eghbal Keyvan , Rakhsha Abbas , Ghahramani Sulmaz 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Introduction The pineal gland is a common location for intracranial germ cells, but dermoids are not commonly observed in this area. In the present paper, we discuss the clinical and radiological features as well as the treatment and outcome of this cyst in a 6-year- old child with a pineal dermoid cyst.
Case Presentation The patient presented with chronic headache 6 months before admission in 2018. On the first admission, an enhanced lesion with a small cyst was detected in brain imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain at follow-up (2 months after the first presentation) showed enlargement of the cyst size with compression on the adjacent structures. Radical excision of the tumor was performed after the endoscopic biopsy due to pressure exerted on the adjacent structures.
Conclusion Dermoid cyst should be considered as a differential diagnosis for enhanced lesions of the pineal region.
Reliability of the Mangled Extremity Severity Score in the Management of Peripheral Vascular Injuries in Children: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Mousa Ahmed , Zakaria Ossama M. , Elkalla Mai A. , Abdelsattar Lotfy A. , Al-Game'a Hamad 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis study was aimed to evaluate different management modalities for peripheral vascular trauma in children, with the aid of the Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS). A single-center retrospective analysis took place between 2010 and 2017 at University Hospitals, having emergencies and critical care centers. Different types of vascular repair were adopted by skillful vascular experts and highly trained pediatric surgeons. Patients were divided into three different age groups. Group I included those children between 5 and 10 years; group II involved pediatrics between 11 and 15 years; while children between 16 and 21 years participated in group III. We recruited 183 children with peripheral vascular injuries. They were 87% males and 13% females, with the mean age of 14.72 ± 04. Arteriorrhaphy was performed in 32%; end-to-end anastomosis and natural vein graft were adopted in 18% and 29% respectively. On the other hand, 20% underwent bypass surgery. The age groups I and II are highly susceptible to penetrating trauma (p = 0.001), while patients with an extreme age (i.e., group III) are more susceptible to blunt injury (p = 0.001). The MESS has a significant correlation to both age groups I and II (p = 0.001). Vein patch angioplasty and end-to-end primary repair should be adopted as the main treatment options for the repair of extremity vascular injuries in children. Moreover, other treatment modalities, such as repair with autologous vein graft/bypass surgery, may be adopted whenever possible. They are cost-effective, reliable, and simple techniques with fewer postoperative complication, especially in poor/limited resources.
The Early Impact of COVID-19 on Ophthalmology Resident Training and Wellness
Authors: Woodfin Michael , Bojikian Karine D. , Taravati Parisa , Ding Leona , Lee Michele D. , Feng Shu 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Objective The aim of this article is to assess the initial impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on ophthalmology resident training and wellness.
Design Online national survey of ophthalmology residents distributed by residency program directors and education coordinators of participating programs.
Setting US ophthalmology residency programs during the COVID-19 pandemic (May 20th, 2020 to June 10th, 2020).
Participants Ophthalmology residents enrolled in the US residency programs currently in postgraduate years two through four of training.
Results Two-hundred thirty-six of 785 (30.1%) residents responded to the survey. One-hundred eighteen of 234 (50.4%) residents reported exposure to known COVID-19 positive patients, and of those exposed, 44 of 118 (37.2%) felt that they did not have adequate personal protective equipment. One-hundred ninety-five of 233 (83.7%) residents reported a decrease in primary surgical cases during the pandemic, with 68 (29.2%) reporting a loss of more than 50 primary cases. One-hundred sixty-four of 234 (70.1%) residents were concerned that the pandemic would negatively impact their surgical skills beyond residency, and 15% reported that they were more likely to pursue fellowship due to the pandemic. 31.0% of residents met criteria of burnout, 9.1% were depressed, and 13.4% had generalized anxiety. Concerns about COVID-19 infection were correlated with increased anxiety and burnout during the pandemic.
Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic has decreased resident surgical and clinical volumes and has negatively impacted ophthalmology residency training. Residents with increased concern for contracting COVID-19 and those actively engaged in a job search had significantly higher odds of increased anxiety.
Value chain approaches to reducing policy spillovers on international business
Authors: Findlay Christopher , Hoekman Bernard 
Published: November 2020

AbstractGovernment policy can add to the costs of doing international business. It can distort the construction of and raise the costs of operation of global value chains (GVCs), to the detriment of the participating economies. Given rising technological and market-driven headwinds confronting GVCs, countries seeking to attract GVC activities have greater incentives to identify and address policies that negatively affect international business investment. Cooperation of businesses with regulators, analysts, and researchers has the scope to develop better policy. This paper suggests principles for the design and operation of such cooperation, drawing on the experience with multi-stakeholder value chain partnerships and the policy responses to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.