bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of osmolytes on in-vitro aggregation properties of peptides derived from TGFBIp
Authors: Venkatraman Anandalakshmi , Murugan Elavazhagan , Lin Shu Jun , Peh Gary Swee Lim , Rajamani Lakshminarayanan , Mehta Jodhbir S. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractProtein aggregation has been one of the leading triggers of various disease conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other amyloidosis. TGFBI-associated corneal dystrophies are protein aggregation disorders in which the mutant TGFBIp aggregates and accumulates in the cornea, leading to a reduction in visual acuity and blindness in severe cases. Currently, the only therapy available is invasive and there is a known recurrence after surgery. In this study, we tested the inhibitory and amyloid dissociation properties of four osmolytes in an in-vitroTGFBI peptide aggregation model. The 23-amino acid long peptide (TGFBIp 611–633 with the mutation c.623 G>R) from the 4th FAS-1 domain of TGFBIp that rapidly forms amyloid fibrils was used in the study. Several biophysical methods like Thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence, Circular Dichroism (CD), fluorescence microscopy and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to study the inhibitory and amyloid disaggregation properties of the four osmolytes (Betaine, Raffinose, Sarcosine, and Taurine). The osmolytes were effective in both inhibiting and disaggregating the amyloid fibrils derived from TGFBIp 611–633 c.623 G>R peptide. The osmolytes did not have an adverse toxic effect on cultured human corneal fibroblast cells and could potentially be a useful therapeutic strategy for patients with TGFBIp corneal dystrophies.
Evolutionary Game Simulation of Knowledge Transfer in Industry-University-Research Cooperative Innovation Network under Different Network Scales
Authors: Cao Xia , Li Chuanyun 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis paper takes the industry-university-research cooperation innovation network constructed by the weighted evolutionary BBV model as the research object, which is based on bipartite graph and evolutionary game theory, and constructing the game model of knowledge transfer in the industry-university-research cooperation innovation network, by using the simulation analysis method and analyzing the evolution law of knowledge transfer in the industry-university-research cooperation innovation network under different network scales, three scenarios, the knowledge transfer coefficient and the knowledge reorganization coefficient. The results show that the increase of network scale reduces the speed of knowledge transfer in the network, and the greater the average cooperation intensity of the nodes, the higher the evolution depth of knowledge transfer. Compared with university-research institutes, the evolution depth of knowledge transfer in enterprises is higher, and with the increase of network scale, the gap between the evolution depth of knowledge transfer between them is gradually increasing. Only when reward, punishment and synergistic innovation benefits are higher than the cost of knowledge transfer that can promote the benign evolution of industry-university-research cooperation innovation networks. Only when the knowledge transfer coefficient and the knowledge reorganization coefficient exceed a certain threshold will knowledge transfer behavior emerge in the network. With the increase of the knowledge transfer coefficient and the knowledge reorganization coefficient, the knowledge transfer evolutionary depth of the average cooperation intensity of all kinds of nodes is gradually deepening.
Effective Schottky barrier lowering of NiGe/p-Ge(100) using Terbium interlayer structure for high performance p-type MOSFETs
Authors: Eadi Sunil Babu , Lee Jeong Chan , Song Hyeong-Sub , Oh Jungwoo , Lee Ga-Won , Lee Hi-Deok 
Published: March 2020

AbstractUltra-low contact resistance at the interface between NiGe and p-Ge, i.e., NiGe/p-Ge was achieved by introducing terbium (Tb) as an interlayer in forming NiGe using Tb/Ni/TiN structure. The contact resistance value obtained using the circular transmission line model for an 8-nm thick Tb interlayer sample was 7.21 × 10−8 Ω·cm2, which is two orders of magnitude less than that of reference sample (without the Tb interlayer) of 7.36 × 10−6 Ω·cm2. The current–voltage characteristics were studied at a temperature range of −110 ~ 25 °C to determine the effective Schottky barrier height (eSBH). An eSBH of 0.016 eV was obtained for the 8-nm thick Tb interlayer. Various Tb interlayer thicknesses were selected to study their effect on the contact resistance. The Tb interlayer surface and structural properties were characterized using FESEM, XRD, XPS, TEM, and SIMS analyses.
Therapeutic normal IgG intravenous immunoglobulin activates Wnt-β-catenin pathway in dendritic cells
Authors: Karnam Anupama , Rambabu Naresh , Das Mrinmoy , Bou-Jaoudeh Melissa , Delignat Sandrine , Käsermann Fabian , Lacroix-Desmazes Sébastien , Kaveri Srini V. , Bayry Jagadeesh 
Published: March 2020

AbstractTherapeutic normal IgG intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a well-established first-line immunotherapy for many autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Though several mechanisms have been proposed for the anti-inflammatory actions of IVIG, associated signaling pathways are not well studied. As β-catenin, the central component of the canonical Wnt pathway, plays an important role in imparting tolerogenic properties to dendritic cells (DCs) and in reducing inflammation, we explored whether IVIG induces the β-catenin pathway to exert anti-inflammatory effects. We show that IVIG in an IgG-sialylation independent manner activates β-catenin in human DCs along with upregulation of Wnt5a secretion. Mechanistically, β-catenin activation by IVIG requires intact IgG and LRP5/6 co-receptors, but FcγRIIA and Syk are not implicated. Despite induction of β-catenin, this pathway is dispensable for anti-inflammatory actions of IVIG in vitro and for mediating the protection against experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in vivo in mice, and reciprocal regulation of effector Th17/Th1 and regulatory T cells.
Yangambin and Epi-yangambin Isomers: New Purification Method from Ocotea fasciculata and First Cytotoxic Aspects Focusing on In Vivo Safety
Authors: Martins Júlia , Coelho Joana , Tadini Maraine Catarina , de Souza Rebeca Oliveira , Figueiredo Sonia Aparecida , Fonseca Maria José Vieira , de Albuquerque Nayara Cristina Perez , Lopes Norberto Peporine , Berretta Andresa , Marquele-Oliveira Franciane , de Oliveira Anderson Rodrigo Moraes 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Ocotea fasciculata presents yangambin (YAN) and its isomer epi-yangambin (EPI-YAN) as major lignans, which are employed as the plant markers for quality control purposes and as potential pharmacological compounds. However, a gap between the pure isomers and safety and efficacy protocols is faced by the scientific community. In this context, this work aimed to report (i) a new and advantageous purifying process in a semi-preparative scale for YAN and EPI-YAN isolation from Ocotea fasciculata, and (ii) an in vitro cytotoxicity study to estimate, for the first time, the LD50 values of the isolated epimers, as well as the influence of albumin concentration in cell culture medium. The best condition for epimers isolation was achieved in normal-phase liquid chromatography. The lignan fraction (LF), previously obtained from the plant ethanolic extract, was purified yielding 17% and 29% of YAN and EPI-YAN, respectively. The in vitro study demonstrated that YAN and EPI-YAN were safe, and only at the highest concentration studied, a decrease on cell viability was observed. The estimated LD50 value was higher than 1612 mg/kg for both epimers. The LF, on the other hand, demonstrated an estimated LD50 of 422 mg/kg. Lignan cytotoxicity studies also evidenced that the higher cell viability was related to the higher concentration of fetal bovine serum as a source of albumin in medium. This is the first time the LD50 and safety of the isolated epimers were estimated, opening up great perspectives of success in in vivo studies.
Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among Rural South Indian Women—Prevalence and Correlates: A Community-Based Study
Authors: Srinivasan Manikandan , Reddy Mahendra M. , Sarkar Sonali , Menon Vikas 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background The burden of common mental disorders (CMDs) which includes depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders are on the rise in India. Women in rural areas form one of the high-risk groups with respect to CMDs due to their compromised status of living.

Objective The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress, and the predictors to depression among women in rural Puducherry.

Methods A community-based, cross-sectional study was performed in 2016, among women aged 18 to 59 years, residing in the rural area of Puducherry. Prevalence of CMDs was determined using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS)-21. Using a systematic random sampling method, women were interviewed in their houses. The socio-demographic characteristics along with risk factors for depression were captured using a semi-structured proforma. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine the predictors of depression.

Results A total of 301 women were surveyed and their mean age (SD) was 34.9 (10.2) years. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was found to be 15% (95% CI: 11.3–19.3), 10.6% (95% CI: 7.5–14.5), and 5% (95% CI: 3–8), respectively. Multivariable analysis identified that lesser education and living separately/divorced to be significant predictors for depression in these women.

Conclusion About one in six adult women living in a rural area was found to be depressed, which is considerably high. This emphasizes the need for screening among women for common mental disorders in primary care settings, especially in rural areas so that early diagnoses happen and thus reduce the impact due to mental disability.
Stroke Happens Suddenly so It Cannot Be Prevented: A Qualitative Study to Understand Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices about Stroke in Rural Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Kalkonde Yogeshwar , Deshmukh Sona , Gokhale Charuta , Jacob Mini , Bang Abhay 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background Strokes have emerged as one of the leading causes of deaths in rural India but people often remain uninformed about it. This study sought to understand knowledge, attitudes, and healthcare-seeking practices about strokes in rural Gadchiroli, India.

Methods A total of 12 focus group discussions were conducted with 34 female and 43 male participants from six villages. Responses were audio recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using inductive method of qualitative data analysis.

Results Respondents correctly recognized many symptoms of stroke and were aware of the sudden onset of symptoms. They were unaware of transient ischemic attacks. After stroke, healthcare was sought from private physicians, and physicians in the government run district hospital, or traditional herbal providers depending upon the accessibility, affordability, and perceived effectiveness of the therapy. Most of the respondents thought that stroke is a serious disease associated with disability as well as death and its occurrence in the community is increasing. However, only a few participants could correctly state how stroke occurs and its risk factors. Furthermore, many participants thought that stroke cannot be prevented as it occurs suddenly without any warning.

Conclusion Rural people in Gadchiroli were aware of symptoms of stroke but awareness about the etiology and the risk factors was low. Suddenness of symptoms was perceived as a key barrier to taking any preventive action. Understanding such perceptions and addressing them can help improve counseling of patients by physicians and effectiveness of behavioral change communication to prevent stroke in rural areas.
Verbal Fluency Test in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Vaucheret Paz Esteban , Puga Celeste , Ekonen Christy , Pintos Paula , Lascombes Isabel , De Vita Soledad , Leist Mariana , Corleto Mariela , Basalo María José García 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background The verbal fluency task is a widely used psychometric test to account for cognitive functions, particularly, verbal and executive functions. Being an easy and fast test to administer, it is a good neuropsychological tool in low technology environments. Our objective was to analyze the performance in verbal fluency of Spanish-speaking children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Methods We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study to analyze the performance of children who had undergone a verbal fluency test in a neuropsychological assessment.

Results We included 115 participants. There were 41 (35.65%) participants with low intellectual performance (LIP), 63 (54.78%) with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), and 11(9.57%) participants with dyslexia. Participants with LIP showed lower phonological and semantic fluency scores than participants with ADHD, and a lower performance in semantic fluency than the dyslexia group. The probability of having LIP was 6.12 times greater when somebody had a scale score lower than 7 in the phonological task and it was 7.9 times greater when the scale score was lower than 7 in the semantic task.

Conclusion There was a direct relationship between Full Scale Intelligence Quotient and verbal fluency test performance, the latter being a brief and effective neuropsychological test that can reveal deficit not only in executive functions and verbal abilities but also detect LIP.
Support for a Three-Item Questionnaire Prior to Spinal Surgery: A Health-Related Quality of Life Outcome Study
Authors: Thomas Kelly Anne , Sedney Cara , Gross Richard 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Objective Elective lumbar and cervical operations are becoming more common in the United States. Additionally, there is a movement in the literature and clinical practice to discover short versions of longer measures as a way to anticipate an outcome. This study aims to provide neurosurgeons in practice with a three-item questionnaire that can guide referrals to psychological services presurgery. Ultimately, results could lead to an improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) postspinal surgery.

Methods This quantitative-descriptive, survey-based design with a retrospective chart review component followed 47 patients at baseline (N = 47), 3 months (N = 20), 6 months (N = 31), and 1 year (N = 19). A single item from the Coping Strategies Questionnaire, the Survey of Pain Attitudes, and the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia were utilized in the three-item questionnaire as a baseline measure. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global Health measured HRQoL outcome at all time points. A linear regression model was conducted to predict mental health QoL postspinal surgery.

Results This measure can predict mental health QoL outcomes up to 3-month postsurgery. Six-month and 1-year follow-ups are statistically inconclusive.

Conclusion Individuals who are undergoing spinal surgery show lower mental health QoL outcome at baseline and 3-month postsurgery when responses on a three-item questionnaire are elevated. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
Interventional Radiology in Pelvic Trauma
Authors: Franco Derek F. , Zangan Steven M. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractTraumatic pelvic injuries are associated with high injury severity scores and significant morbidity and mortality. As fractures and ligamentous disruption result in increased pelvic volume, retroperitoneal hemorrhage can spiral and progress to hemorrhagic shock. Due to the extensive collateral supply and limitations of surgery for pelvic hematomas, angiographic treatment is at the forefront of pelvic trauma management. This article will discuss typical injuries seen in pelvic trauma, treatment modalities available to the interventional radiologist, and common angiographic treatment strategies and techniques.
Clinical Approach to and Work-up of Bleeding Patients
Authors: Warhadapande Shantanu , Dariushnia Sean R. , Kokabi Nima , O'Connell William G. , Newsome Janice M. , Findeiss Laura K. , Majdalany Bill S. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractA bleeding patient is a common consult for interventional radiologists. Prompt triage, preprocedural evaluation specific to the site of hemorrhage, and knowledge of resuscitative strategies allow for a potentially life-saving procedure to be appropriately and safely performed. Having a firm understanding of the clinical work-up and management of a bleeding patient has never been more important. In this article, a discussion of the clinical approach and work-up of a bleeding patient for whom interventional radiology is consulted is followed by a discussion of etiology-specific preprocedural work-up.
Pulmonary Tuberculosis with Longitudinally Extensive Transverse Myelitis
Authors: Ramineni Kiran Kumar , Jakkani Ravi Kanth , Swamy B. V. G. , M. Sravan Kumar 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) is described in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. Simultaneous active pulmonary tuberculosis in these disorders is a relatively rare phenomenon. We report a 16 year-old boy diagnosed as LETM with clinicoradiological correlation. Further evaluation revealed active pulmonary tuberculosis. He had good recovery following the combination of antituberculosis regimen with corticosteroids.
Cerebral Lupus and Cryptococcal Meningitis in a Pregnant Woman
Authors: Khoo Ching Soong , Marzukie Marsilla Mariaty , Yap Soo Shu , Wan Yahya Wan Nur Nafisah , Tan Hui Jan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune and multisystem disorder, which frequently affects young women. During pregnancy, SLE flares could occur up to 65%, with renal and hematological manifestations being the most common. However, reports on neuropsychiatric lupus in pregnant women are scarce. We herein report a 26-year-old lupus pregnant woman, who had cerebral lupus with concurrent cryptococcal meningitis. This case highlights the complexity in diagnosing and managing our patient to achieve the best outcome for both the mother and infant.
Treatment of Cervical Spine Fractures and Subluxations without the Use of Intraoperative Fluoroscopy in Resource-Limited Settings
Authors: Eyenga Victor-Claude , Esene Ignatius N. , Bikono Ernestine A. , Eloundou Ngah J. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background Surgical management of subaxial cervical spine injuries remains challenging. Although intraoperative fluoroscopy is usually used for intraoperative spinal level localization (SLL), it is unavailable in most developing countries. The surgeon therefore has to rely on anatomic landmarks. In our setting, in the absence of intraoperative fluoroscopy, we used the carotid tubercle for SLL. Herein we evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the carotid tubercle as a landmark during surgery for traumatic cervical spine injury.

Methods This was a retrospective cohort study on 34 patients undergoing anterior cervical surgery for subaxial cervical spine fractures and/or subluxation between January 2005 and February 2011. From their medical records, the patients’ sociodemographic, clinical, radiological, and operative data were retrieved and analyzed.

Results Thirty-four patients were included in the study. The mean age was 36.2 years. Thirty patients were males. The mean duration between the trauma and surgical intervention was 9.6 days. Six patients were completely tetraplegic. Fourteen patients had fractures and 20 patients had subluxation. The carotid tubercle was palpable in all the 34 cases. Twenty-two (68.8%) patients had partial or complete neurologic recovery. Complete anatomic reduction was achieved in 30 cases. One case of slight malalignment of the plate was observed. No case of significant deviation nor penetration of the screw into the vertebral canal was found. One patient died.

Conclusions Carotid tubercle, a palpable intrinsic marker, is an attractive anatomic landmark for SLL during surgeries for traumatic spine injuries in resource-limited settings.
Symptom Recognition to Diagnosis: Pathway to Care for Autism in a Tertiary Care Medical Centre
Authors: Patra Suravi , Patro Binod Kumar , Padhy Susanta Kumar 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Objective There is no systematic report on pathway to care in autism from tertiary care medical centers of India. The present study was aimed to evaluate the pathways to care among parents of children with autism-seeking treatment at a tertiary care medical center.

Methods Cross-sectional, observational study involving parents of 38 children with autism spectrum disorder diagnosed with INCLEN diagnostic tool. Pathway to care was assessed using World Health Organization Encounter Form.

Statistical Analysis  IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 20.0 was used for analysis; categorical variables were assessed using Chi-square test keeping statistical significance at 0.05%.

Results A total of 74% parents reported going to a general practitioner and 13% reported going to a child psychiatrist as point of first contact. Among them, 71% parents reported seeking care with a child psychiatrist in a tertiary medical center at the fourth point of contact. Also, 84% parents believed in biomedical explanation of autism. Majority of parents sought for speech therapy and medicines for their child with autism which is in tune with their biomedical explanation. Parents were the first to identify developmental concerns, average age of symptom recognition being 2.2 years. Average age of intervention initiation was 40 months, 8 months prior to diagnosis of autism.

Conclusions Early symptom recognition and initiation of interventions is encouraging. Despite having a biomedical explanation of autism and ability to recognize developmental concerns, there is a lag of 4 years in diagnosis and reaching a specialized child psychiatry setup. This lag is a cause of concern owing to the impact on access to evidence-based interventions.