bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a novel magnetic particle-based agglutination immunoassay for anticardiolipin antibody detection in syphilis
Authors: Shukla Mayur R , Deutsch John W , Pereira Lara E , Kersh Ellen N , Fakile Yetunde F 
Published: May 2020

Objectives
Serological tests of non-treponemal and treponemal types are the most frequently used for syphilis diagnosis. Treponemal tests are available in wide variety of assay formats; however, limited advances have been made for the improvement of conventional non-treponemal tests. The objective of this work was to develop a novel non-treponemal magnetic particle-based agglutination assay (NT-MAA) and evaluate its feasibility for syphilis testing.

Methods

Cardiolipin was modified and coupled to magnetic microbeads. Serum diluted in phosphate-buffered saline was mixed with cardiolipin-coupled beads and incubated in a round bottom microplate for 90–120 min followed by visual inspection. A panel of reported syphilis (n=127) and non-reactive (n=244) specimens was prepared to evaluate the NT-MAA performance in comparison to conventional rapid plasma reagin (RPR).
Treponema pallidum
particle agglutination (TP-PA) assay and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) were included. Analytical sensitivity and reproducibility of NT-MAA were also determined.

Results
The non-treponemal NT-MAA and RPR showed sensitivity of 90.6% and 88.2% and specificity of 96.7% and 100%, respectively. The treponemal TP-PA and EIA yielded sensitivity of 100% and 99.2%, respectively, and 100% specificity by both assays. The per cent agreement between NT-MAA and RPR was 97% (kappa=0.931, 95% CI 0.891 to 0.971). Analytical sensitivity determined with IgM anticardiolipin antibody (ACA) was 2.6 µg/mL for both NT-MAA and RPR, while IgG ACA yielded 0.9 µg/mL and 1.7 µg/mL for NT-MAA and RPR, respectively. Qualitative results of intra-assay and interassay reproducibility revealed 100% consistency for NT-MAA.

Conclusion
Preliminary evaluation of the novel NT-MAA validated proof of concept using laboratory-characterised syphilis sera and demonstrated performance comparable to RPR. Further validation of NT-MAA using additional specimens with better clinical staging may broaden the scope of developed test for syphilis diagnosis.
Frailty after lung transplantation is associated with impaired health-related quality of life and mortality
Authors: Venado Aida , Kolaitis Nicholas A , Huang Chiung-Yu , Gao Ying , Glidden David V , Soong Allison , Sutter Nicole , Katz Patricia P , Greenland John R , Calabrese Daniel R , Hays Steven R , Golden Jeffrey A , Shah Rupal J , Leard Lorriana E , Kukreja Jasleen , Deuse Tobias , Wolters Paul J , Covinsky Kenneth , Blanc Paul D , Singer Jonathan P 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundLung transplantation and related medications are associated with pathobiological changes that can induce frailty, a state of decreased physiological reserve. Causes of persistent or emergent frailty after lung transplantation, and whether such transplant-related frailty is associated with key outcomes, are unknown.MethodsFrailty and health-related quality of life (HRQL) were prospectively measured repeatedly for up to 3 years after lung transplantation. Frailty, quantified by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), was tested as a time-dependent binary and continuous predictor. The association of transplant-related frailty with HRQL and mortality was evaluated using mixed effects and Cox regression models, respectively, adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, diagnosis, and for body mass index and lung function as time-dependent covariates. We tested the association between measures of body composition, malnutrition, renal dysfunction and immunosuppressants on the development of frailty using mixed effects models with time-dependent predictors and lagged frailty outcomes.ResultsAmong 259 adults (56% male; mean age 55.9±12.3 years), transplant-related frailty was associated with lower HRQL. Frailty was also associated with a 2.5-fold higher mortality risk (HR 2.51; 95% CI 1.21 to 5.23). Further, each 1-point worsening in SPPB was associated, on average, with a 13% higher mortality risk (HR 1.13; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.23). Secondarily, we found that sarcopenia, underweight and obesity, malnutrition, and renal dysfunction were associated with the development of frailty after transplant.ConclusionsTransplant-related frailty is associated with lower HRQL and higher mortality in lung recipients. Abnormal body composition, malnutrition and renal dysfunction may contribute to the development of frailty after transplant. Confirming the role of these potential contributors and developing interventions to mitigate frailty may improve lung transplant success.
Scalegenesis and fermionic dark matters in the flatland scenario
Authors: Hamada Yu , Tsumura Koji , Yamada Masatoshi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWe propose an extension of the standard model with Majorana-type fermionic dark matters based on the flatland scenario where all scalar coupling constants, including scalar mass terms, vanish at the Planck scale, i.e. the scalar potential is flat above the Planck scale. This scenario could be compatible with the asymptotic safety paradigm for quantum gravity. We search the parameter space so that the model reproduces the observed values such as the Higgs mass, the electroweak vacuum and the relic abundance of dark matter. We also investigate the spin-independent elastic cross section for the Majorana fermions and a nucleon. It is shown that the Majorana fermions as dark matter candidates could be tested by dark matter direct detection experiments such as XENON, LUX and PandaX-II. We demonstrate that within the minimal setup compatible with the flatland scenario at the Planck scale or asymptotically safe quantum gravity, the extended model could have a strong predictability.
Five-dimensional scale-dependent black holes with constant curvature and Solv horizons
Authors: Contreras Ernesto , Rincón Ángel , Bargueño Pedro 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this work, we investigate five-dimensional scale-dependent black hole solutions by modelling their event horizon with some of the eight Thurston three-dimensional geometries. Specifically, we construct constant curvature scale-dependent black holes and also the more exotic scale-dependent Solv black hole. These new solutions are obtained by promoting both the gravitational and the cosmological couplings to r-dependent functions, in light of a particular description of the effective action inspired by the high energy philosophy. Interestingly, the so-called running parameter, together with the topology of the event horizon, control the asymptotic structure of the solutions found. Finally, differences in both the entropy and the temperature between the classical and the scale-dependent Solv black hole are briefly commented.
Revisiting the $$\Omega (2012)$$ as a hadronic molecule and its strong decays
Authors: Lu Jun-Xu , Zeng Chun-Hua , Wang En , Xie Ju-Jun , Geng Li-Sheng 
Published: May 2020

AbstractRecently, the Belle collaboration measured the ratios of the branching fractions of the newly observed $$\Omega (2012)$$Ω(2012) excited state. They did not observe significant signals for the $$\Omega (2012) \rightarrow {\bar{K}} \Xi ^*(1530) \rightarrow {\bar{K}} \pi \Xi $$Ω(2012)→K¯Ξ∗(1530)→K¯πΞ decay, and reported an upper limit for the ratio of the three body decay to the two body decay mode of $$\Omega (2012) \rightarrow {\bar{K}} \Xi $$Ω(2012)→K¯Ξ. In this work, we revisit the newly observed $$\Omega (2012)$$Ω(2012) from the molecular perspective where this resonance appears to be a dynamically generated state with spin-parity $$3/2^-$$3/2- from the coupled channels interactions of the $${\bar{K}} \Xi ^*(1530)$$K¯Ξ∗(1530) and $$\eta \Omega $$ηΩ in s-wave and $${\bar{K}} \Xi $$K¯Ξ in d-wave. With the model parameters for the d-wave interaction, we show that the ratio of these decay fractions reported recently by the Belle collaboration can be easily accommodated.
Relativistic anisotropic fluid spheres satisfying a non-linear equation of state
Authors: Tello-Ortiz Francisco , Malaver M. , Rincón Ángel , Gomez-Leyton Y. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this work, a spherically symmetric and static relativistic anisotropic fluid sphere solution of the Einstein field equations is provided. To build this particular model, we have imposed metric potential $$e^{2\lambda (r)}$$e2λ(r) and an equation of state. Specifically, the so-called modified generalized Chaplygin equation of state with $$\omega =1$$ω=1 and depending on two parameters, namely, A and B. These ingredients close the problem, at least mathematically. However, to check the feasibility of the model, a complete physical analysis has been performed. Thus, we analyze the obtained geometry and the main physical observables, such as the density $$\rho $$ρ, the radial $$p_{r}$$pr, and tangential $$p_{t}$$pt pressures as well as the anisotropy factor $$\Delta $$Δ. Besides, the stability of the system has been checked by means of the velocities of the pressure waves and the relativistic adiabatic index. It is found that the configuration is stable in considering the adiabatic index criteria and is under hydrostatic balance. Finally, to mimic a realistic compact object, we have imposed the radius to be $$R=9.5\ [km]$$R=9.5[km]. With this information and taking different values of the parameter A the total mass of the object has been determined. The resulting numerical values for the principal variables of the model established that the structure could represent a quark (strange) star mixed with dark energy.
Connecting the exterior gravitational field with the energy–momentum tensor of axially symmetric compact objects
Authors: Hernández-Pastora J. L. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractA method to construct interior axially symmetric metrics that appropriately match with any vacuum solution of the Weyl family is developed in Hernández-Pastora et al. (Class Quantum Gravity 33:235005, 2016). It was shown, for the case of some vacuum solutions, that the simplest solution for the interior metric leads to sources with well-behaved energy conditions. Now, we integrate the field equations to obtain the interior metric functions in terms of the anisotropies and pressures of the source. As well, the compatible equations of state for these global models are calculated. The interior metric and the suitable energy–momentum tensor describing the source are constructed in terms of the exterior metric functions. At the boundary of the compact object, the behaviour of a pressure $$T_m$$Tm, defined from the energy–momentum tensor, is shown to be related with the exterior gravitational field. This fact allows us to explore the differences arising at the matter distribution when the spherical symmetry of the global metric is dropped. Finally, an equation derived from the matching conditions is obtained which allows us to calculate the Weyl coefficients of the exterior metric as source integrals. Hence the Relativistic Multipole Moments of the global model can be expressed in terms of the matter distribution of the source.
Canonical quantization of constants of motion
Authors: Belmonte Fabián 
Published: May 2020

We develop a quantization method, that we name decomposable Weyl quantization, which ensures that the constants of motion of a prescribed finite set of Hamiltonians are preserved by the quantization.Our method is based on a structural analogy between the notions of reduction of the classical phase space and diagonalization of selfadjoint operators. We obtain the spectral decomposition of the emerging quantum constants of motion directly from the quantization process.If a specific quantization is given, we expect that it preserves constants of motion exactly when it coincides with decomposable Weyl quantization on the algebra of constants of motion. We obtain a characterization of when such property holds in terms of the Wigner transforms involved. We also explain how our construction can be applied to spectral theory.Moreover, we discuss how our method opens up new perspectives in formal deformation quantization and geometric quantization.
Convex Quadrangulations of Bichromatic Point Sets
Authors: Pilz Alexander , Seara Carlos 
Published: May 2020

We consider quadrangulations of red and blue points in the plane where each face is convex and no edge connects two points of the same color. In particular, we show that the following problem is NP-hard: Given a finite set [Formula: see text] of points with each point either red or blue, does there exist a convex quadrangulation of [Formula: see text] in such a way that the predefined colors give a valid vertex 2-coloring of the quadrangulation? We consider this as a step towards solving the corresponding long-standing open problem on monochromatic point sets.
Somatic Tissue Engineering in Mouse Models Reveals an Actionable Role for WNT Pathway Alterations in Prostate Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Leibold Josef , Ruscetti Marcus , Cao Zhen , Ho Yu-Jui , Baslan Timour , Zou Min , Abida Wassim , Feucht Judith , Han Teng , Barriga Francisco M. , Tsanov Kaloyan M. , Zamechek Leah , Kulick Amanda , Amor Corina , Tian Sha , Rybczyk Katarzyna , Salgado Nelson R. , Sánchez-Rivera Francisco J. , Watson Philip A. , de Stanchina Elisa , Wilkinson John E. , Dow Lukas E. , Abate-Shen Cory , Sawyers Charles L. , Lowe Scott W. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

To study genetic factors influencing the progression and therapeutic responses of advanced prostate cancer, we developed a fast and flexible system that introduces genetic alterations relevant to human disease directly into the prostate glands of mice using tissue electroporation. These electroporation-based genetically engineered mouse models (EPO-GEMM) recapitulate features of traditional germline models and, by modeling genetic factors linked to late-stage human disease, can produce tumors that are metastatic and castration-resistant. A subset of tumors with Trp53 alterations acquired spontaneous WNT pathway alterations, which are also associated with metastatic prostate cancer in humans. Using the EPO-GEMM approach and an orthogonal organoid-based model, we show that WNT pathway activation drives metastatic disease that is sensitive to pharmacologic WNT pathway inhibition. Thus, by leveraging EPO-GEMMs, we reveal a functional role for WNT signaling in driving prostate cancer metastasis and validate the WNT pathway as therapeutic target in metastatic prostate cancer.

Significance:
Our understanding of the factors driving metastatic prostate cancer is limited by the paucity of models of late-stage disease. Here, we develop EPO-GEMMs of prostate cancer and use them to identify and validate the WNT pathway as an actionable driver of aggressive metastatic disease.
This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 890
Avanços no tratamento da esclerose múltipla através do anticorpo monoclonal Ocrelizumabe
Authors: Silva Jonatas Gonçalves da , Pezzini Marina Ferri , Poeta Julia 
Published: May 2020

Objetivos: Avaliar a efetividade e os riscos associados ao tratamento da esclerose múltipla com o anticorpo monoclonal Ocrelizumabe.
Métodos: O estudo consiste em uma revisão da literatura objetivando a busca de artigos que evidenciassem de forma quantitativa os efeitos do fármaco Ocrelizumabe para as formas remitente-recorrente e primariamente progressiva da esclerose múltipla. A busca ocorreu nas bases de dados PubMed, BVS, Cochrane Library e ScienceDirect a partir de 2011. Os artigos foram pré-selecionados através do título e resumo para leitura integral e de acordo com os critérios de inclusão e exclusão.
Resultados: No total, foram recuperados 743 artigos, sendo considerados elegíveis 23 estudos para análise integral e destes, 20 foram excluídos por não se enquadrarem nos desfechos propostos, sendo incluídos três estudos. Todos os estudos comprovaram uma alta eficácia de Ocrelizumabe livre de infecções oportunistas.
Conclusão: apesar da natureza degenerativa da esclerose múltipla, os avanços tecnológicos na terapêutica através de fármacos como o Ocrelizumabe têm trazido resultados promissores, como a diminuição da taxa anual de surtos, do número de lesões por RM e da progressão da incapacidade. No entanto, devido a sua recente aprovação, não é possível avaliar os efeitos da utilização do anticorpo monoclonal a longo prazo.
Polineuropatia desmielinizante como manifestação inicial isolada de hanseníase
Authors: Pires Karina Lebeis , Hammerle Mariana Beiral , Lima Ricardo Barbosa , Hammerle Márcia Beiral , Caetano Marcelo Ribeiro , Araújo Luciana Ferreira , Bongiolo Manuela Romagna , Almenara Camila Bastos , Silva José Antônio Bonifácio da , Nogueira Carlos Bruno , Alvarenga Regina Papais 
Published: May 2020

Modelo do Estudo: Relato de caso
Importância do problema: No mundo, mais de três milhões de pessoas estão vivendo com deficiência física devido à hanseníase. O Brasil é o segundo país com o maior número de casos novos registrados. A magnitude e o alto risco de incapacidade mantêm a doença como problema de saúde pública. O diagnóstico de hanseníase em geral é simples. Porém, quadros com ausência de lesões cutâneas características, somente com alterações neurais, representam um desafio para o diagnóstico diferencial com outras doenças neurológicas.
Comentários: Relatamos o caso de um paciente encaminhado ao serviço de neurologia com história clínica e eletroneuromiografia compatíveis com polineuropatia desmielinizante, sem qualquer lesão cutânea ao exame de admissão. O raciocínio clínico inicial foi direcionado para o diagnóstico das polineuropatias desmielinizantes inflamatórias adquiridas como Polineuropatia Desmielinizante Inflamatória Crônica (CIDP) e suas variantes. No entanto, após anamnese e exame físico detalhados, chamou a atenção a ausência do componente atáxico e a presença predominante de alterações sensitivas de fibra fina, espessamento de nervo e importante fator epidemiológico para hanseníase, motivando a suspeita e a investigação desta enfermidade por meio da biópsia de nervo que foi sugestiva de hanseníase. Após três meses, em novo exame do paciente para biopsiar áreas de anestesia para reforçar o diagnóstico, observou-se o surgimento de extensas lesões levemente hipocrômicas no tronco e membros inferiores, cuja biópsia definiu o diagnóstico de hanseníase.
Pulsed Field Ablation Using a Lattice Electrode for Focal Energy Delivery
Authors: Yavin Hagai , Shapira-Daniels Ayelet , Barkagan Michael , Sroubek Jakub , Shim David , Melidone Raffaele , Anter Elad 
Published: May 2020

Background:
Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a nonthermal energy that may provide safety advantages over radiofrequency ablation (RFA). One-shot PFA catheters have been developed for pulmonary vein isolation, but they do not permit flexible lesion sets. This study investigated a novel lattice-tip catheter designed for focal RFA or PFA ablation.

Methods:
The effects of PFA (biphasic, 24 amperes) were investigated in 25 swine using a lattice-tip catheter and system (Affera Inc). Step 1 (n=14) examined the feasibility to create atrial line of block and described its acute effects on the phrenic nerve and esophagus. Step 2 (n=7) examined the subacute effects of PFA on block durability, phrenic nerve, and esophagus ≥2 weeks. Step 3 compared the effects of PFA and RFA on the esophagus using a mechanical deviation model approximating the esophagus to the right atrium (n=4) and by direct ablation within its lumen (n=4). The effects of endocardial PFA and RFA on the phrenic nerve were also compared (n=10). Histological analysis was performed.

Results:
PFA produced acute block in 100% of lines, achieved with 2.1 (1.3–3.2) applications/cm line. Histological analysis following (35 [18–37]) days showed 100% transmurality (thickness range 0.4–3.4 mm) with a lesion width of 19.4 (10.9–27.4 mm). PFA selectively affected cardiomyocytes but spared blood vessels and nervous tissue. PFA applied from the posterior atria (23 [21–25] applications) to the approximated esophagus (6 [4.5–14] mm) produced transmural lesions without esophageal injury. PFA (16.5 [15–18] applications) applied inside the esophageal lumen produced mild edema compared with RFA (13 [12–14] applications) which produced epithelial ulcerations. PFA resulted in no or transient stunning of the phrenic nerve (<5 minutes) without histological changes while RFA produced paralysis.

Conclusions:
PFA using a lattice-tip ablation catheter for focal ablation produced durable atrial lesions and showed lower vulnerability to esophageal or phrenic nerve damage compared with RFA.
Mortality and Paclitaxel-Coated Devices
Authors: Rocha-Singh Krishna J. , Duval Sue , Jaff Michael R. , Schneider Peter A. , Ansel Gary M. , Lyden Sean P. , Mullin Christopher M. , Ioannidis John P.A. , Misra Sanjay , Tzafriri Abraham R. , Edelman Elazer R. , Granada Juan F. , White Christopher J. , Beckman Joshua A. ,   On behalf of VIVA Physicians, Inc
Published: May 2020

Background:
Paclitaxel-containing devices (PTXDs) significantly reduce reintervention in patients with symptomatic femoropopliteal peripheral artery disease. A recent aggregate-data meta-analysis reported increased late mortality in patients with peripheral artery disease treated with PTXDs. We performed an individual patient data meta-analysis to evaluate mortality.

Methods:
Manufacturers of US Food and Drug Administration–approved and commercially available devices in the United States provided deidentified individual patient data for independent analysis. Cox proportional hazards 1-stage meta-analysis models using intention-to-treat methods were used for the primary analysis. A secondary analysis of recovered missing vital status data was performed. The impact of control crossover to PTXDs, cause-specific mortality, and drug dose mortality were assessed.

Results:
A total of 2185 subjects and 386 deaths from 8 PTXD trials with 4-year median follow-up were identified. The primary analysis indicated a 38% (95% CI, 6% to 80%) increased relative mortality risk, corresponding to 4.6% absolute increase, at 5 years associated with PTXD use. Control and treatment arm loss to follow-up and withdrawal were 24% and 23%, respectively. With inclusion of recovered vital status data, the excess relative mortality risk was 27% (95% CI, 3%–58%). This observation was consistent across various scenarios, including as-treated analyses, with no evidence of increased risk over time with PTXDs. Mortality risk tended to be increased for all major causes of death. There were no subgroup differences. No drug dose–mortality association was identified.

Conclusions:
This individual patient data meta-analysis, based on the most complete available data set of mortality events from PTXD randomized controlled trials, identified an absolute 4.6% increased mortality risk associated with PTXD use.
Contact versus Exposure: Refugee Presence and Voting for the Far Right
Authors: Steinmayr Andreas 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis paper investigates how different forms of exposure to refugees affect voting for Far Right parties. I study the state of Upper Austria where many municipalities hosted asylum seekers and also experienced a massive flow of refugees crossing into Germany in 2015. Exposure to refugees passing through border municipalities increased Far Right votes by about 1.5 percentage points, which suggests that mere exposure can increase Far Right support. Conversely, contact and sustained interactions between natives and asylum seekers in hosting municipalities decreased Far Right votes by about 4 percentage points, which is in line with the intergroup contact theory.