bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DRIVERS OF ILLIQUIDITY IN THE ASEAN SOVEREIGN BOND MARKET
Authors: Kinateder Harald , Bauer Robert , Wagner Niklas 
Published: February 2021

We study illiquidity in ASEAN-5 sovereign bond markets from 2008 to 2019 by using an illiquidity measure, which is based on a proxy of the amount of arbitrage capital available in sovereign bond markets. Our analysis identifies three drivers of illiquidity in Singapore, namely economic policy uncertainty, the default spread and the GDP growth rate. In contrast, liquidity of all other markets is mostly not characterized by economic drivers. It appears that overall liquidity is lower in the markets outside Singapore and therefore deviations in these yield curves are higher on average and arbitrage eliminates larger deviations not immediately but in a delayed manner.
Structural brain network characteristics in patients with episodic and chronic migraine
Authors: Michels Lars , Koirala Nabin , Groppa Sergiu , Luechinger Roger , Gantenbein Andreas R , Sandor Peter S , Kollias Spyros , Riederer Franz , Muthuraman Muthuraman 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Migraine is a primary headache disorder that can be classified into an episodic (EM) and a chronic form (CM). Network analysis within the graph-theoretical framework based on connectivity patterns provides an approach to observe large-scale structural integrity. We test the hypothesis that migraineurs are characterized by a segregated network. Methods: 19 healthy controls (HC), 17 EM patients and 12 CM patients were included. Cortical thickness and subcortical volumes were computed, and topology was analyzed using a graph theory analytical framework and network-based statistics. We further used support vector machines regression (SVR) to identify whether these network measures were able to predict clinical parameters. Results: Network based statistics revealed significantly lower interregional connectivity strength between anatomical compartments including the fronto-temporal, parietal and visual areas in EM and CM when compared to HC. Higher assortativity was seen in both patients’ group, with higher modularity for CM and higher transitivity for EM compared to HC. For subcortical networks, higher assortativity and transitivity were observed for both patients’ group with higher modularity for CM. SVR revealed that network measures could robustly predict clinical parameters for migraineurs. Conclusion: We found global network disruption for EM and CM indicated by highly segregated network in migraine patients compared to HC. Higher modularity but lower clustering coefficient in CM is suggestive of more segregation in this group compared to EM. The presence of a segregated network could be a sign of maladaptive reorganization of headache related brain circuits, leading to migraine attacks or secondary alterations to pain.
A novel clinical model for predicting malignancy of solitary pulmonary nodules: A multicenter study in Chinese population
Authors: He Xia , Xue Ning , Liu Xiaohua , Tang Xuemiao , Peng Songguo , Qu Yuanye , Jiang Lina , Xu Qingxia , Liu Wanli , Chen Shulin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to establish and validate a novel clinical model to differentiate between benign and malignant solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs). Methods: Records from 295 patients with SPNs in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center were retrospectively reviewed. The novel prediction model was established using LASSO logistic regression analysis by integrating clinical features, radiologic characteristics and laboratory test data, the calibration of model was analyzed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test (HL test). Subsequently, the model was compared with PKUPH, Shanghai and Mayo models using receiver-operating characteristics curve (ROC), decision curve analysis (DCA), net reclassification improvement index (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement index (IDI) with the same data. Other 101 SPNs patients in Henan Tumor Hospital were used for external validation cohort.Results: A total of 11 variables were screened out and then aggregated to generate new prediction model. The model showed good calibration with the HL test (P = 0.964). The AUC for our model was 0.768, which was higher than other three reported models. DCA also showed our model was superior to the other three reported models. In our model, sensitivity = 78.84%, specificity = 61.32%. Compared with the PKUPH, Shanghai and Mayo models, the NRI of our model increased by 0.177, 0.127, and 0.396 respectively, and the IDI changed -0.019, -0.076, and 0.112, respectively. Furthermore, the model was significant positive correlation with PKUPH, Shanghai and Mayo models.Conclusions: The novel model in our study had a high clinical value in diagnose of MSPNs.
Genetically determined blood pressure, antihypertensive medications, and risk of Alzheimer’s disease: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Ou Ya-Nan , Yang Yu-Xiang , Shen Xue-Ning , Ma Ya-Hui , Chen Shi-Dong , Dong Qiang , Tan Lan , Yu Jin-Tai 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Observational studies suggest that the use of antihypertensive medications (AHMs) is associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, these findings may be biased by confounding and reverse causality. We aimed to explore the effects of blood pressure (BP) and lowering systolic BP (SBP) via the protein targets of different AHMs on AD through a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. Methods: Genetic proxies from genome-wide association studies of BP traits and BP-lowering variants in genes encoding AHM targets were extracted. Estimates were calculated by inverse-variance weighted method as the main model. MR Egger regression and leave-one-out analysis were performed to identify potential violations. Results: There was limited evidence that genetically predicted SBP/diastolic BP level affected AD risk based on 400/398 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), respectively (all P>0.05). Suitable genetic variants for β-blockers (1 SNP), angiotensin receptor blockers (1 SNP), calcium channel blockers (CCBs, 45 SNPs) and thiazide diuretics (5 SNPs) were identified. Genetic proxies for CCB [odds ratio (OR)=0.959, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.941-0.977, P=3.92×10-6], and overall use of AHMs (OR=0.961, 95% CI=0.944-0.978, P=5.74×10-6, SNPs=52) were associated with a lower risk of AD. No notable heterogeneity and directional pleiotropy were identified (all P>0.05). Additional analyses partly support these results. No single SNP was driving the observed effects. Conclusions: This MR analysis found evidence that genetically determined lowering BP was associated with a lower risk of AD and CCB was identified as a promising strategy for AD prevention.
Combination of dirty mass volume and APACHE II score predicts mortality in patients with colorectal perforation
Authors: Ishikawa Daichi , Takehara Yukako , Takata Atsushi , Takamura Kazuhito , Sato Hirohiko 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: “Dirty mass” is a specific computed tomography (CT) finding that is seen frequently in colorectal perforation. The prognostic significance of this finding for mortality is unclear.Methods: Fifty-eight consecutive patients with colorectal perforation who underwent emergency surgery were retrospectively reviewed in the study. Dirty mass identified on multi-detector row CT (MDCT) was 3D-reconstructed and its volume was calculated using Ziostation software. Dirty mass volume and other clinical characteristics were compared between survivor (n = 45) and mortality groups (n = 13) to identify predictive factors for mortality. Mann–Whitney U test and Χ2 test were used in univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis was used in multivariate analysis.Results: Dirty mass was identified in 36/58 patients (62.1%) and located next to perforated colorectum in all cases. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis identified the highest peak at 96.3 cm3, with sensitivity of 0.643 and specificity of 0.864. Univariate analysis revealed dirty mass volume, acute disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) score, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score, and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score as prognostic markers for mortality (p<0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed dirty mass volume and APACHE II score as independent prognostic indicators for mortality. Mortality was stratified by dividing patients into four groups according to dirty mass volume and APACHE II score. Conclusions: The combination of dirty mass volume and APACHE II score could stratify the postoperative mortality risk in patients with colorectal perforation. According to the risk stratification, surgeons might be able to decide the surgical procedures and intensity of postoperative management.
Individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Qiao Yu-chen , Chang Hong , Wang Rui , Wang Jia-Mei , Wang Xiao-ying , Yu Yan , Yang Xin , Liu Jia 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Individual cognitive stimulation therapy (ICST) can benefit cognition and quality of life for people with dementia, but the evidence for nurses-led individual cognitive stimulation interventions is limited.Objectives: The current study aimed to develop the process of planning and implementing ICST, and evaluate the effect of ICST on cognitive function and therapeutic effect in patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: It was a randomized controlled trial lasting for a half year. 38 patients with mild AD were recruited. The control group was given the “Individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Manual for AD” to deliver the sessions at home. The intervention group was given 90 minutes ‘cognitive stimulation sessions, completed up to three times weekly over 24 weeks. The outcomes were measured at baseline and 24weeks by the scales widely used in AD evaluation (MMSE, MoCA and ADL).Results: There were statistical signiﬁcance between the two groups, especially the scores of memory, delayed memory in MMSE and scores of memory, delayed memory, immediate memory, attention in MoCA were significantly improved in the intervention group compared with control group. ICST show positive effects that may help preserve memory in mild AD.Conclusions: The ICST can improve the memory and attention cognitive domains in patients with mild AD. And the feedback from patient and caregiver in ICST was favorable.
Influenza and Anosmia: Important Prediction Factors for Severity and Death of COVID-19&nbsp;
Authors: Kim Doo Hwan , Lee Eun Jung , Kim Min Gul , Yang Seong J. , Yeom Sang Woo , Lee Min Hee , Noh Sang Jae , Yoo Yeon Seok , Kim Jong Seung 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Many people are being hospitalized and are dying from COVID-19 as the right treatment has not yet been identified. We investigate the factors related to the severity and mortality of COVID-19 using big data-machine learning techniques. This retrospective study included 8070 SARS-CoV-2 confirmed patients of the 129,120 SARS-CoV-2 RNA tested patients in South Korea between January and July 2020, and whose data were available from the National Health Insurance Service. Primary endpoint was comorbidity, severity and mortality rate in COVID-19. Machine learning algorithms were performed to evaluate the effects of comorbidities on severity and mortality rate of COVID-19. The most common comorbidities of COVID-19 were pulmonary inflammation followed by anosmia. The model that best predicted severity was a neural network (AUC: 85.06%). The most important variable for predicting severity in the neural network model was a history of influenza (relative importance: 0.129). The model that best predicted mortality was the logistic regression elastic net (EN) model (AUC: 93.86%). The most important variables for mortality in the EN model were age (coefficient: 2.136) and anosmia (coefficient: –1.438). Through the state-of-the-art machine learning algorithm and 8070 patients of COVID-19 patients in South Korea, influenza was found to be a major adverse factor in addition to old age and male sex. In addition, anosmia was found to be a major factor associated with lower severity and mortality rates. The patient’s history of influenza and anosmia will be an important indicator for predicting the severity and mortality of COVID-19 patients.
Result of Intravitreal Aflibercept Injection for Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization
Authors: Chen Shih-Lin , Wu Tsung-Tien , Tang Pei-Ling 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: The current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal aflibercept injections as the primary treatment for subfoveal/juxtafoveal myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to detect the changes in shape, size, and flow area pertaining to CNV, with a minimum duration of follow-up of one year. Methods: In the present study, 21 treatment-naive eyes of 21 patients with subfoveal/juxtafoveal myopic CNV received primary intravitreal aflibercept injections and were under follow-up for a minimum duration of 12 months. Among the 21 patients, 12 underwent OCTA to evaluate the changes in central foveal thickness, selected CNV area, and flow area. Results: The mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) pertaining to all the patients significantly improved from the baseline value of 0.7 to 0.3 logMAR after treatment for 12 months (P = 0.001). However, the improvements in the median BCVA after treatment for three and twelve months were not statistically significant in the younger group (< 50 years), compared to the older group (≥ 50 years). A single aflibercept injection resolved the CNV in 47.6% (10/21) of the patients. The younger group displayed greater improvement in the median central foveal thickness, compared to the older group. OCTA revealed interlacing or disorganized patterns at the level of the outer retinal layer in 12 among the 21 subjects with myopic CNV. After three months of treatment, both the groups displayed a decrease in the size of the selected CNV area and flow area. The interlacing group displayed a trend towards better anatomical improvements. Conclusion: Intravitreal aflibercept injection provides long-term improvement in visual acuity in patients with myopic CNV. A single aflibercept injection was observed to resolve myopic CNV in approximately half of the patients. The interlacing group displayed greater resolution of the selected CNV area and flow area after aflibercept injection. Trial registration: Before data collection, written informed consent was obtained from each participant, whose identity information was protected by encryption and conversion to a non-identifiable format and removing data links. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital (KSVGH21-CT1-17).
A human antibody against pathologic IAPP aggregates protects beta cells in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Heitz Fabrice , Wirth Fabian , Seeger Christine , Combaluzier Ioana , Breu Karin , Denroche Heather , Thevenet Julien , Osto Melania , Arosio Paolo , Kerr-Conte Julie , Verchere C. , Pattou François , Lutz Thomas , Donath Marc , Hock Christoph , Nitsch Roger , Grimm Jan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In patients with type 2 diabetes, pancreatic beta cells progressively degenerate and gradually lose their ability to produce insulin and regulate blood glucose. Beta cell dysfunction and loss is associated with an accumulation of aggregated forms of islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) consisting of soluble prefibrillar IAPP oligomers as well as insoluble IAPP fibrils in pancreatic islets. Here, we describe a novel human monoclonal antibody selectively targeting IAPP oligomers and neutralizing IAPP aggregate toxicity by preventing membrane disruption and apoptosis in vitro. Antibody treatment in rats and mice transgenic for human IAPP, and human islet-engrafted mouse models of type 2 diabetes triggered clearance of IAPP oligomers resulting in beta cell protection and improved glucose control. These results provide new evidence for the pathological role of IAPP oligomers and suggest that antibody-mediated removal of IAPP oligomers could be a pharmaceutical strategy to support beta cell function in type 2 diabetes.
Methylprednisolone or Dexamethasone, Which One Is the Superior Corticosteroid in the Treatment of Hospitalized&nbsp;COVID-19 Patients: A Triple-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ranjbar Keivan , Shahriarirad Reza , Erfani Amirhossein , Khodamoradi Zohre , Saadi Mohammad Hasan Gholampoor , Mirahmadizadeh Alireza , Fallahi Mohammad Javad , Khaloo Vahid , Moghadami Mohsen 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAlthough almost a year has passed since the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak and promising reports of vaccines have been presented, we still have a long way until these measures are available for all. Furthermore, unsolved issues remained to choose appropriate corticosteroids treatment for COVID-19. We conducted a study to assess the effectiveness of methylprednisolone treatment versus dexamethasone for hospitalized COVID-19 patients.MethodIn this prospective triple-blinded randomized controlled trial, we enrolled 86 hospitalized COVID-19 patients from August to November 2020, in Shiraz, Iran. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups to receive either methylprednisolone (2mg/kg/day) or dexamethasone (6mg/kg/day). Data was assessed based on a 9-point WHO ordinal scale extending from uninfected (point 0) to death (point 8).ResultsThere was no significant variation among the groups on the admission. However, the intervention group demonstrated significantly better clinical status compared to the control group at day 5 (4.02 vs. 5.21, P = 0.002) and day 10 (2.90 vs. 4.71, P = 0.001) of admission. There was also a significant difference in the overall mean score between the intervention group, and the control group, (3.909 vs. 4.873 respectively, P = 0.004). The mean length of hospital stay was 7.43 ± 3.64 and 10.52 ± 5.47 days in the intervention and control groups, respectively (P = 0.015). The need for a ventilator was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (18.2% vs 38.1% P = 0.040).ConclusionIn the context of treating hospitalized hypoxic COVID-19 patients, methylprednisolone demonstrated better results compared to dexamethasone.Trial Registration:The trial was registered with IRCT.IR (08/04/2020-No. IRCT20200204046369N1).
Challenges and limits of Mechanical Stability in 3D Direct Laser Writing
Authors: Sedghamiz Elaheh , Liu Modan , Wenzel Wolfgang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Direct laser writing is an effective technique for fabrication of complex polymeric 3D polymer networks using ultrashort laser pulses. Practically, it remains a challenge to design and fabricate high performance materials with different functions that possess a combination of high strength, substantial ductility, and tailored functionality, in particular for small feature sizes. To date, it is difficult to obtain a time-resolved microscopic picture of the printing process in operando. To close this gap, we herewith present a molecular dynamics simulation approach to model direct laser writing and investigate the effect of writing condition and aspect ratio on the mechanical properties of the printed polymer network. We show that writing condition provides a possibility to tune the mechanical properties and an optimum writing condition can be applied to fabricate structures with improved mechanical properties. We reveal that beyond the writing parameters, aspect ratio plays an important role to tune the stiffness of the printed structures.
Stochastic Expression of Invasion Genes in Plasmodium falciparum Schizonts
Authors: Tripathi Jaishree , Zhu Lei , Nayak Sourav , Stoklasa Michal , Bozdech Zbynek 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Genetically identical cells are known to exhibit differential phenotypes in the same environmental conditions. These phenotypic variants are linked to transcriptional stochasticity and have been shown to contribute towards adaptive flexibility of a wide range of unicellular organisms. Here, we investigated transcriptional heterogeneity and stochastic gene expression in P. falciparum by performing single cell RNA sequencing on blood stage schizonts. Our data reveals significant transcriptional variations in the schizonts stage with a distinct group of highly variable invasion gene transcripts being identified. Moreover, our data reflected several diversification processes including putative developmental “checkpoint”; transcriptomically distinct parasite sub-populations and transcriptional switches in variable gene families (var, rifin, phist). Most of these features of transcriptional variability were preserved in isogenic parasite cell populations (albeit with a lesser amplitude) suggesting a role of epigenetic factors in cell-to-cell transcriptional variations in human malaria parasites. Lastly, we applied quantitative RT-PCR and RNA-FISH approach and confirmed stochastic expression of merozoites surface proteins encoding msp1, msp3, msp7, rhoptry protein encoding rhopH2 and erythrocyte binding antigen encoding eba181, some of which represent key candidates for invasion blocking vaccines.
Revolutionary High-entropy Zr-Y-Yb-Ta-Nb-O Oxides for Next Generation Thermal Barrier Coating Applications
Authors: Yao Yao , Yang Fan , Zhao Xiaofeng , Xiao Ping 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
We report a revolutionary ceramic material with exceptional high temperature stability and superior thermo-mechanical properties for next generation thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) for aeroengines. The multicomponent oxides (Zr1 − 4xYxYbxTaxNbxO2) designed via a high entropy concept could exhibit a double tetragonal phase. The optimized composition breaks the limitation of intrinsic brittleness in previously reported TBC candidate materials and shows a superior toughness up to ~ 4.59 MPa m1/2 due to ferroelastic and phase transformation toughening mechanisms. It also shows a remarkable high temperature stability at 1600 ºC, which is almost 400 ºC higher than the state-of-the-art yttria stabilized zirconia TBC material. In addition, it also exhibits a significantly lower thermal conductivity (~ 1.37 W∙m− 1∙K− 1 at 900 ºC) and a higher coefficient of thermal expansion (~ 11.3 × 10− 6 K− 1 at 1000 ºC), as well as excellent corrosion resistance to molten silicate (~ 2.9 µm/h at 1300 ºC). This work provides a new approach to design ceramics by extending the high-entropy concept to both medium-entropy and high-entropy compositions searching for multifunctional properties.