bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypoglossal Nerve Lesions: The Role of a 3D IR‐Prepped Fast SPGR High‐Resolution 3T MRI Sequence
Authors: Geng Chengjun , Lu Zehua , Xuan Lulu , Yin Huikang , Yang Xiaoliang , Yang Liyue , Xia Xiaoliang , Chu Wei 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSETo assess a 3D high‐resolution IR‐prepped fast SPGR high‐resolution MRI sequence for evaluating hypoglossal nerve lesions.METHODSThe clinical data of 8 patients with hypoglossal nerve lesions admitted from December 2011 to February 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. MRI included contrast‐enhanced conventional sequences and a 3D IR‐prepped fast SPGR high‐resolution T1‐weighted (BRAVO) MRI sequence at 3T.RESULTSEight patients had hypoglossal lesions detected by MRI. Conventional enhanced scanning could not clearly display the hypoglossal nerve and canal, while the enhanced 3D high‐resolution sequence could. In addition, multiple planar reconstruction clearly displayed the hypoglossal nerve, hypoglossal canal, and lesions in multiple planes.CONCLUSIONSCompared with conventional MRI, we show superior results from an advanced sequence to improve image quality in characterizing hypoglossal nerve lesions.
HWL-088, a new and highly effective FFA1/PPARδ dual agonist, attenuates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by regulating lipid metabolism, inflammation and fibrosis
Authors: Hu Lijun , Zhou Zongtao , Deng Liming , Ren Qiang , Cai Zongyu , Wang Bin , Li Zheng , Wang Guangji 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Objectives
Nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD), a chronic progressive liver disease, is highly correlated with pathoglycemia, dyslipidemia and oxidative stress. The free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFA1) agonists have been reported to improve liver steatosis and fibrosis, and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ (PPARδ) plays a synergistic role with FFA1 in energy metabolism and fibrosis. HWL-088, a PPARδ/FFA1 dual agonist, exerts better glucose-lowering effects than the representative FFA1 agonist TAK-875. However, the ability of HWL-088 to protect NAFLD was unknown. This study aimed to discover a new strategy for the treatment of NAFLD.

Methods
The methionine- and choline-deficient diet (MCD)-induced Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) model was constructed to evaluate the effects of HWL-088.

Key findings
Administration of HWL-088 exerted multiple benefits on glucose control, lipid metabolism and fatty liver. Further mechanism research indicated that HWL-088 promotes lipid metabolism by decreasing lipogenesis and increasing lipolysis. Moreover, HWL-088 attenuates NASH by regulating the expression levels of genes related to inflammation, fibrosis and oxidative stress.

Conclusions
These positive results indicated that PPARδ/FFA1 dual agonist HWL-088 might be a potential candidate to improve multiple pathogenesis of NASH.
Fiscal Rules Cause Lower Debt: Evidence from Switzerland’s Federal Debt Containment Rule
Authors: Salvi Michele , Schaltegger Christoph A. , Schmid Lukas 
Published: July 2020

SUMMARYThis paper studies the effect of the Swiss federal debt containment rule on public debt. Using the synthetic control method, we provide evidence that the introduction of the federal rule in 2003 has reduced public debt ratio in Switzerland by 2.5 percentage points on average until 2010. By exploiting possible mechanisms, we find no evidence that the reduction in debt ratio was driven by a debt relocation to sub‐government levels or cutbacks in investment expenditure. On one hand, we argue that the positive impact of the fiscal rule is based on its design features, namely its precise but cyclically adjusted target, the comprehensive scope to prevent budget loopholes, and the strict sanction mechanism. On the other hand, we also discuss the generalizability of our findings to other countries and contend that its direct democratic authorization has contributed to its political enforcement and viability.
Prognostic value of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, transient elastography and blood‐based fibrosis markers in patients with chronic liver disease
Authors: Jayaswal Arjun N. A. , Levick Christina , Selvaraj Emmanuel A. , Dennis Andrea , Booth Jonathan C. , Collier Jane , Cobbold Jeremy , Tunnicliffe Elizabeth M. , Kelly Matthew , Barnes Eleanor , Neubauer Stefan , Banerjee Rajarshi , Pavlides Michael 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackground & AimsLiver cT1, liver T1, transient elastography (TE) and blood‐based biomarkers have independently been shown to predict clinical outcomes but have not been directly compared in a single cohort of patients. Our aim was to compare these tests’ prognostic value in a cohort of patients with compensated chronic liver disease.MethodsPatients with unselected compensated liver disease aetiologies had baseline assessments and were followed up for development of clinical outcomes, blinded to the imaging results. The prognostic value of non‐invasive liver tests at prespecified thresholds was assessed for a combined clinical endpoint comprising ascites, variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplantation and mortality.ResultsOne hundred and ninety‐seven patients (61% male) with median age of 54 years were followed up for 693 patient‐years (median (IQR) 43 (26‐58) months). The main diagnoses were NAFLD (41%), viral hepatitis (VH, 25%) and alcohol‐related liver disease (ArLD; 14%). During follow‐up 14 new clinical events, and 11 deaths occurred. Clinical outcomes were predicted by liver cT1 > 825ms with HR 9.9 (95% CI: 1.29‐76.4, P = .007), TE > 8kPa with HR 7.8 (95% CI: 0.97‐62.3, P = .02) and FIB‐4 > 1.45 with HR 4.09 (95% CI: 0.90‐18.4, P = .05). In analysis taking into account technical failure and unreliability, liver cT1 > 825 ms could predict clinical outcomes (P = .03), but TE > 8kPa could not (P = .4).ConclusionsWe provide further evidence that liver cT1, TE and serum‐based biomarkers can predict clinical outcomes, but when taking into account technical failure/unreliability, TE cut‐offs perform worse than those of cT1 and blood biomarkers.
Adaptive and maladaptive genetic diversity in small populations: Insights from the Brook Charr (Salvelinus fontinalis) case study
Authors: Ferchaud Anne‐Laure , Leitwein Maeva , Laporte Martin , Boivin‐Delisle Damien , Bougas Bérénice , Hernandez Cécilia , Normandeau Éric , Thibault Isabel , Bernatchez Louis 
Published: July 2020

AbstractInvestigating the relative importance of neutral versus selective processes governing the accumulation of genetic variants is a key goal in both evolutionary and conservation biology. This is particularly true in the context of small populations, where genetic drift can counteract the effect of selection. Using Brook Charr (Salvelinus fontinalis) from Québec, Canada, as a case study, we investigated the importance of demographic versus selective processes governing the accumulation of both adaptive and maladaptive mutations in closed versus open and connected populations to assess gene flow effect. This was achieved by using 14,779 high‐quality filtered SNPs genotyped among 1,416 fish representing 50 populations from three life history types: lacustrine (closed populations), riverine and anadromous (connected populations). Using the PROVEAN algorithm, we observed a considerable accumulation of putative deleterious mutations across populations. The absence of correlation between the occurrence of putatively beneficial or deleterious mutations and local recombination rate supports the hypothesis that genetic drift might be the main driver of the accumulation of such variants. However, despite a lower genetic diversity observed in lacustrine than in riverine or anadromous populations, lacustrine populations do not exhibit more deleterious mutations than the two other history types, suggesting that the negative effect of genetic drift in lacustrine populations may be mitigated by that of relaxed purifying selection. Moreover, we also identified genomic regions associated with anadromy, as well as an overrepresentation of transposable elements associated with variation in environmental variables, thus supporting the importance of transposable elements in adaptation.
Regulatory network of fruit ripening: current understanding and future challenges
Authors: Chen Tong , Qin Guozheng , Tian Shiping 
Published: July 2020

SummaryFruit ripening is a developmental process that is spatio‐temporally tuned at multiple levels. Molecular dissections of the mechanisms underlying the ripening process have revealed a network encompassed by hormones, transcriptional regulators, epigenomic modifications and other regulatory elements that directly determine fruit quality and the postharvest commodity of fresh produce. Many studies have addressed the important roles of ethylene, abscisic acid (ABA) and other hormones in regulating fruit ripening. Recent studies have shown that some spontaneous mutants for tomato transcription factors (TFs) have resulted from loss‐of‐function or dominant‐negative mutations. Unlike in DNA methylation variation, the histone mark H3K27me3 may be conserved and prevents the transcriptional feedback circuit from generating autocatalytic ethylene. These observations of a network of partially redundant component indicate the need to improve our current understanding. Here, we focussed on the recent advances and future challenges in investigations of the molecular mechanisms of fruit ripening. We also identified several issues that still need to be addressed in future studies.
Rapid‐rate nonsustained ventricular tachycardias in high‐risk dilated cardiomyopathy patients
Authors: Lee Wei‐Chieh , Watanabe Masaya , Yokoshiki Hisashi , Temma Taro , Kamada Rui , Takahashi Masayuki , Hagiwara Hikaru , Takahashi Yumi , Anzai Toshihisa 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAimsNonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) occurs frequently in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), especially in high‐risk patients. The role of rapid‐rate NSVT (RR‐NSVT) documented by an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) in DCM patients has not been fully explored. This study aimed to determine the relationship between RR‐NSVT and the occurrence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTAs) in DCM patients with ICD.MethodsFrom December 2000 to December 2017, 136 DCM patients received ICD or cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT‐D) implantation for primary or secondary prevention of VTAs. Based on the occurrence of documented RR‐NSVT, patients were classified into RR‐NSVT (−) or RR‐NSVT (+) groups.ResultDuring the median follow‐up of 4.5 years, 50.0% (68/136) patients experienced ≥1 episode, and 25.0% (34/136) patients experienced ≥3 episodes of RR‐NSVT. Event‐free survival for VTAs was significantly higher in the RR‐NSVT (−) group, whereas those for heart failure admission and cardiovascular mortality were comparable between groups. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, any RR‐NSVT showed a positive association with the occurrence of VTAs (hazard ratio: 5.087; 95% confidence interval: 2.374‐10.900; P < .001). In RR‐NSVT (+) patients, a cluster (≥3 times/6 months) and frequent pattern (≥3 runs/day) of RR‐NSVT were observed in 42.6% (29/68) and 30.9% (21/68) patients, respectively, who showed further increased incidence of VTAs.ConclusionIn DCM patients with ICD/CRT‐D, 50.0% patients experienced at least one episode of RR‐NSVT. RR‐NSVT documentation showed a positive association with subsequent occurrence of VTAs, suggesting the importance of constructive arrhythmia management for patients with RR‐NSVT.
Multibody dynamics analysis (MDA) as a numerical modelling tool to reconstruct the function and palaeobiology of extinct organisms
Authors: Lautenschlager Stephan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractRecent advances in computer technology have substantially changed the field of palaeontology in the last two decades. Palaeontologists now have a whole new arsenal of powerful digital techniques available to study fossil organisms in unprecedented detail and to test hypotheses regarding function and behaviour. Multibody dynamics analysis (MDA) is one of these techniques and although it originated as a tool used in the engineering and automotive industry, it holds great potential to address palaeontological questions as well. MDA allows the simulation of dynamic movements in complex objects consisting of multiple linked components. As such, this technique is ideally suited to model biological structures and to obtain quantifiable results that can be used to test the function of musculoskeletal systems rigorously. However, despite these advantages, MDA has seen a slow uptake by the palaeontological community. The most likely reason for this lies in the steep learning curve and complexity of the method. This paper provides an overview of the underlying principles of MDA and outlines the main steps involved in conducting analyses. A number of recent studies using MDA to reconstruct the palaeobiology of fossil organisms are presented and the potential for future studies is discussed. Similar to other computational techniques, including finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics, the non‐invasive and exploratory power of MDA makes it ideally suited to study the form and function in vertebrates for which no modern analogues exist.
A systematic review of outcomes reported in pediatric perioperative research: A report from the Pediatric Perioperative Outcomes Group
Authors: Muhly Wallis T. , Taylor Elsa , Razavi Cyrus , Walker Suellen M. , Yang Lei , de Graaff Jurgen C. , Vutskits Laszlo , Davidson Andrew , Zuo Yunxia , Pérez‐Pradilla Carolina , Echeverry Piedad , Torborg Alexandra M. , Xu Ting , Rawlinson Ellen , Subramanyam Rajeev , Whyte Simon , Seal Robert , Meyer Heidi M. , Yaddanapudi Sandhya , Goobie Susan M. , Cravero Joseph P. , Keaney Aideen , Graham M. Ruth , Ramos Tania , Stricker Paul A. ,   The Pediatric Perioperative Outcomes Group
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe Pediatric Perioperative Outcomes Group (PPOG) is an international collaborative of clinical investigators and clinicians within the subspecialty of pediatric anesthesiology and perioperative care which aims to use COMET (Core Outcomes Measures in Effectiveness Trials) methodology to develop core outcome sets for infants, children, and young people that are tailored to the priorities of the pediatric surgical population. Focusing on four age‐dependent patient subpopulations determined a priori for core outcome set development: (a) neonates and former preterm infants (up to 60 weeks postmenstrual age); (b) infants (>60 weeks postmenstrual age—<1 year); (c) toddlers and school age children (>1‐<13 years); and (d) adolescents (>13‐<18 years), we conducted a systematic review of outcomes reported in perioperative studies that include participants within age‐dependent pediatric subpopulations. Our review of pediatric perioperative controlled trials published from 2008 to 2018 identified 724 articles reporting 3192 outcome measures. The proportion of published trials and the most frequently reported outcomes varied across predetermined age‐groups. Outcomes related to patient comfort, particularly pain and analgesic requirement, were the most frequent domain for infants, children, and adolescents. Clinical indicators, particularly cardiorespiratory or medication‐related adverse events, were the most common outcomes for neonates and infants <60 weeks and were the second most frequent domain at all other ages. Neonates and infants <60 weeks of age were significantly under‐represented in perioperative trials. Patient‐centered outcomes, healthcare utilization, and bleeding/transfusion‐related outcomes were less often reported. In most studies, outcomes were measured in the immediate perioperative period, with the duration often restricted to the postanesthesia care unit or the first 24 postoperative hours. The outcomes identified with this systematic review will be combined with patient‐centered outcomes identified through a subsequent stakeholder engagement study to arrive at a core outcome set for each age‐specific group.
Femoral nerve catheters and limb strength asymmetry at 6 months after primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in pediatric patients
Authors: Parikh Harin B. , Gagliardi Alexia G. , Howell David R. , Albright Jay C. , Mandler Tessa N. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe postoperative implications of single‐injection femoral nerve blockade and femoral nerve catheter placement for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction are not well defined among pediatric patients. Femoral nerve blockade may be associated with deficits in quadriceps symmetry at 6 months postoperative.AimsWe compared outcomes after primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery in pediatric patients who received either a single‐injection femoral nerve block or femoral nerve catheter and a single‐injection popliteal nerve block.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review of patients 10‐19 years of age who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with quadriceps tendon‐patellar bone autograft by a single orthopedic surgeon at two of our locations. Of 88 patients analyzed, 31 received single‐injection femoral nerve blockade (52% female, mean age = 15.6 ± 1.8 years) and 57 received femoral nerve catheter (53% female, mean age = 15.6 ± 1.7 years). Time from surgery to return‐to‐sport clearance and movement symmetry were compared between groups at approximately 6 months postoperatively.ResultsThe single‐injection femoral nerve blockade group exhibited significantly greater single‐leg squat symmetry than did the femoral nerve catheter group (95.5 ± 6.7% vs 88.3 ± 9.3%; P = 0.02; mean difference = 7.2%, 95% CI = −1.1, 13.3) 6 months postoperatively. There was no difference in time from surgery to return‐to‐sport clearance between groups (median = 247 [interquartile range = 218‐295] days vs 268 [241‐331] days; P = 0.22; mean difference = 40 days; 95% CI = −23, 102).ConclusionThough time to return to sport did not differ, patients in the femoral nerve catheter group exhibited greater single‐leg squat asymmetry than did those in the femoral nerve blockade group approximately 6 months postoperatively. Persistent functional deficits may be important to consider when treating pediatric patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Resuscitation of a Phantom? On Robert Alexy’s Latest Attempt to Save His Concept of Principle
Authors: Poscher Ralf 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis paper is my contribution to round three of a longstanding debate between Robert Alexy and me about the principles theory’s concept of principle. In the first round, Alexy—bucking tradition—proposed a nongradualist distinction between rules and principles that divided the ontology of norms into two categorically distinct norm‐types. He connected this norm‐theoretical analysis with a theory of fundamental rights according to which such rights had to be understood as principles and thus interpreted as optimization requirements. In the first round I objected to the norm‐theoretical assumptions and questioned the doctrinal merit of the principles theory approach. Unlike Alexy, I saw no merit in his notion of principle over and above optimization requirements, which by that time Alexy, too, regarded as rules. In round two, Alexy defended his concept of principle by taking refuge in the notion of an ideal ought, which he defined as a command to be optimized. In this second round, I criticized the new attempt to save his view of principles on the ground that the norms Alexy had in mind optimized not commands but states of affairs and thus were ordinary norms or rules according to the misguided taxonomy of the principles theory. Alexy opened round three of our exchange by admitting that my critique of round two was justified and that he had erred in identifying principles as ideal commands to be optimized. He now proposes an index theory of principles. In the paper, I recapitulate the motive and the main points of our debate and scrutinize Alexy’s latest innovation.
Immunoexpression of cytokine tumour necrosis factor‐α suggesting its role in formation and regression of corpus luteum in Indian buffalo
Authors: Kapoor Kritima , Singh Opinder , Pathak Devendra 
Published: July 2020

AbstractTumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) is a cytokine that plays multiple important roles in corpus luteum (CL). Immunolocalization of expression of TNF‐α in CL of buffalo was studied in different stages of its development and regression. Corpus luteum of healthy buffaloes (24) was collected from local slaughterhouses and categorized into early (stage I, 1–5 days, n = 6), mid (stage II, 6–11 days, n = 6), late luteal (stage III, 12–16 days, n = 6) and regressing phase (stage IV, 17–20 days, n = 6). In earliest phase of cyclic CL, per cent immunoexpression of TNF‐α was significantly (p < .05) lower as compared to all phases with its expression being restricted to few developing luteal cells, usually in neutrophils. A significantly (p < .05) higher number of neutrophils with TNF‐α immunoexpression were observed as compared to mid‐luteal phase that indicated its role in initiation of angiogenesis at this stage. TNF‐α immunoexpression almost doubled in mid‐luteal phase, but the number of neutrophils exhibiting TNF‐α was significantly (p < .05) lower with respect to all phases of CL. Immunoexpression percentage in late luteal phase increased sharply being significantly (p < .05) higher than earlier two phases of CL. In regressing phase, per cent immunostaining was maximum with highly significant (p < .05) difference as compared to all other stages, observed in all degrading luteal cells, abundant immune cells, that is neutrophils and macrophages which finally led to apoptosis and phagocytosis. Immunoexpression of TNF‐α in early luteal phases served its role in initiation of angiogenesis, and its intense expression in regressing phase of CL suggested a shift in its role to apoptosis and structural luteal regression signifying both luteotropic and luteolytic roles in buffalo. This is probably the first study of its kind in buffaloes.
Public income transfers and wealth accumulation at the bottom: Within and between country differences in Canada and the United States
Authors: Rothwell David W. , Giordono Leanne S. , Robson Jennifer 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBoth Canada and the United States are considered liberal welfare states, yet exhibit notable differences in income poverty attributed to social policy. While a more generous welfare system lifts many above income poverty, models of household financial behaviour suggest that more income from the state should displace private savings via a substitution effect. Using nationally representative wealth surveys from Canada and the US from 1998/1999 to 2016 we extend knowledge on the relationship between the welfare state and private wealth accumulation. Specifically, we study household asset poverty defined as financial asset levels that fall below three‐month adjusted income poverty threshold. Asset poverty rates varied over time in the two countries and were higher in the less generous US welfare state. Further, income transfer share was positively related to asset poverty in Canada but not in the US. Counterfactual estimates offered evidence of the substitution effect in Canada, where higher levels of transfers may crowd out private asset accumulation. Results invite further consideration of the concept of asset poverty and its relationship to welfare state characteristics.