bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on stroke teleconsultations in Germany in the first half of 2020
Authors: Vollmuth Christoph , Miljukov Olga , Abu‐Mugheisib Mazen , Angermaier Anselm , Barlinn Jessica , Busetto Loraine , Grau Armin J. , Guenther Albrecht , Gumbinger Christoph , Hubert Nikolai , Hüttemann Katrin , Klingner Carsten , Naumann Markus , Palm Frederick , Remi Jan , Rücker Viktoria , Schessl Joachim , Schlachetzki Felix , Schuppner Ramona , Schwab Stefan , Schwartz Andreas , Trommer Adrian , Urbanek Christian , Volbers Bastian , Weber Joachim , Wojciechowski Claudia , Worthmann Hans , Zickler Philipp , Heuschmann Peter U. , Haeusler Karl Georg , Hubert Gordian Jan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeThe effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic on telemedical care have not been described on a national level. Thus, we investigated the medical stroke treatment situation before, during, and after the first lockdown in Germany.MethodsIn this nationwide, multicenter study, data from 14 telemedical networks including 31 network centers and 155 spoke hospitals covering large parts of Germany were analyzed regarding patients' characteristics, stroke type/severity, and acute stroke treatment. A survey focusing on potential shortcomings of in‐hospital and (telemedical) stroke care during the pandemic was conducted.ResultsBetween January 2018 and June 2020, 67,033 telemedical consultations and 38,895 telemedical stroke consultations were conducted. A significant decline of telemedical (p < 0.001) and telemedical stroke consultations (p < 0.001) during the lockdown in March/April 2020 and a reciprocal increase after relaxation of COVID‐19 measures in May/June 2020 were observed. Compared to 2018–2019, neither stroke patients' age (p = 0.38), gender (p = 0.44), nor severity of ischemic stroke (p = 0.32) differed in March/April 2020. Whereas the proportion of ischemic stroke patients for whom endovascular treatment (14.3% vs. 14.6%; p = 0.85) was recommended remained stable, there was a nonsignificant trend toward a lower proportion of recommendation of intravenous thrombolysis during the lockdown (19.0% vs. 22.1%; p = 0.052). Despite the majority of participating network centers treating patients with COVID‐19, there were no relevant shortcomings reported regarding in‐hospital stroke treatment or telemedical stroke care.ConclusionsTelemedical stroke care in Germany was able to provide full service despite the COVID‐19 pandemic, but telemedical consultations declined abruptly during the lockdown period and normalized after relaxation of COVID‐19 measures in Germany.
The use of aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease is associated with a lower likelihood of COVID‐19 infection
Authors: Merzon Eugene , Green Ilan , Vinker Shlomo , Golan‐Cohen Avivit , Gorohovski Alessandro , Avramovich Eva , Frenkel‐Morgenstern Milana , Magen Eli 
Published: February 2021

Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is commonly used for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Aspirin use is associated with better outcomes among COVID‐19 positive patients. We hypothesized that the aspirin use for primary cardiovascular disease prevention might have a protective effect on COVID‐19 susceptibility and disease duration. We conducted a retrospective population‐based cross‐sectional study, utilizing data from the Leumit Health Services database. The proportion of patients treated with aspirin was significantly lower among the COVID‐19‐positive group, as compared to the COVID‐19‐negative group [73 (11.03%) vs. 1548 (15.77%); P = 0.001]. Aspirin use was associated with lower likelihood of COVID‐19 infection, as compared to nonusers (adjusted OR 0.71 (95% CI, 0.52 to 0.99; P = 0.041). Aspirin users were older (68.06 ± 12.79 vs. 56.63 ± 12.28 years of age; P < 0.001), presented a lower BMI (28.77 ± 5.4 vs. 30.37 ± 4.55; P < 0.0189), and showed higher prevalence of hypertension (56, 76.71%), diabetes (47, 64.38%), and COPD (11, 15.07%) than the aspirin nonusers (151, 25.64%, P < 0.001; 130, 22.07%, P < 0.001; and 43, 7.3%, P = 0.023, respectively). Moreover, COVID‐19 disease duration (considered as the time between the first positive and second negative COVID‐19 RT–PCR test results) among aspirin users was significantly shorter, as compared to aspirin nonusers (19.8 ± 7.8 vs. 21.9 ± 7.9 P = 0.045). Among hospitalized COVID‐positive patients, a higher proportion of surviving subjects were treated with aspirin (20, 19.05%), as opposed to 1 dead subject (14.29%), although this difference was not significant (P = 0.449). In conclusion, we observed an inverse association between the likelihood of COVID‐19 infection, disease duration and mortality, and aspirin use for primary prevention.
A Robust LG‐SIMS Method for Sr Isotope Determination in Apatite Across a Wide Sr Concentration Range
Authors: Jeon Heejin , Whitehouse Martin J. 
Published: February 2021

Apatite provides a powerful means to determine the Sr isotopic composition (87Sr/86Sr) of ancient crust as it contains enough Sr to be measured accurately and precisely while typically having little post‐crystallisation radiogenic ingrowth due to its low Rb. Although utilising LG‐SIMS is beneficial for small‐volume targets, for example, inclusions, it is technically challenging to measure Sr isotopes in apatite with good accuracy and precision by SIMS, mainly due to molecular isobars interfering on Sr isotopes that have not previously been thoroughly assessed. This study evaluates all theoretically possible interferences affecting Sr isotope analysis of apatite by SIMS and develops a principle protocol for analysis and data processing that can be applied across a wide range of Sr concentration, even lower than 100 µg g−1. With careful control of the peak shape and applying precise mass centring at an intermediate mass resolution (ca. 4500), only interferences from the apatite matrix‐produced Ca dimers and 40Ca31P16O (present as a low mass tail) were found to be significant for the low trace element reference apatite used in this study, both of which can be precisely measured and corrected for. Despite this comprehensive approach, the Ca2 correction remained inadequate, possibly due to as yet unidentified doubly charged molecules interfering at the reference mass 82 peak (40Ca42Ca). While this can be reduced by employing an energy offset of at least −25 eV, precision significantly worsens in low Sr apatite (ca. 0.0024 in 1SE compared with ca. 0.0010 without offset for < 100 Sr µg g−1 apatite). Use of an empirical correction for the residual mass 82 interference is therefore preferred to an energy offset analytical approach, especially for low Sr apatite. Lastly, a slightly positive offset (ca. +0.0007) of unknown origin in 87Sr/86Sr was consistently observed across sessions with different analytical conditions, which may also be empirically corrected. The final corrected 87Sr/86Sr of the reference materials show good accuracy and precision with repeatability from ca. 0.0010 to 0.0002 in 1SE obtained for Sr contents from < 100 to 1500 µg g−1.
How to implement medical and patient associations in low‐income countries: A proposition from the African French Alliance for the Treatment of Haemophilia (AFATH)
Authors: Sannié Thomas , de Moerloose Philippe ,   AFATH
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionThere is a lack of joint recommendations by healthcare professionals (HCP) and patient organizations when a partnership between high and low‐income countries in the field of haemophilia is planned.AimTo draft recommendations to clarify the methodology when a partnership between low‐ and high‐income countries is planned with the objective of a long‐term implication. This methodology is to be implemented for fulfilling both medical and associative aims.MethodsBased on the available literature, a first document was written, then diffused to AFATH (Alliance Franco‐Africaine pour le Traitement de l’Hémophilie) members, and after a one‐day meeting and further amendments, a second draft was approved by all members before submission for publication.ResultsBased on 6 years experience, several recommendations regarding the joint and separate roles of patient association and HCP for a first mission in French‐speaking sub‐Saharan African countries have been established. The proposed methodology for establishing preliminary contacts, the first visit and the key points for diagnostic action, medical follow‐up, patient education and advocacy strategy outlines a model of partnership between patients and HCP.ConclusionThis paper written jointly by patients and physicians underlines the importance of reciprocal expert guidance and a partnership based on complementary inputs.
The difference of PMMA‐brush‐modification on the oxygen permeable perovskite‐type oxides by consisting elements
Authors: Kaneko Tomoya , Nishibori Maiko 
Published: February 2021

AbstractOxygen permeation of perovskite‐type ceramics consists of three elementary processes: oxygen absorption, bulk oxygen diffusion, and oxygen desorption. In most cases, the rate‐determining step is the oxygen diffusion step, and the use of thin films improves the oxygen permeation rate of perovskite‐type ceramics. Polymer‐brush‐modification is a useful technique to produce thin films. Grafted PMMA‐brushes exhibit a screening effect for attractive interactions between core ceramic particles, thereby inducing repulsive forces on them. This results in the formation of a densely packed ordered array. Modification of the polymerization‐initiator and polymer‐brushes should affect the oxygen permeation properties of the ceramic particles, especially surface oxygen adsorption and desorption. In this paper, it is demonstrated that these modifications change the cation chemical states and lower the oxygen desorption rate, while increasing the desorption peak temperature. The surface of La–Sr–Co–Fe perovskite‐type oxides was modified only with the polymerization initiator, (2‐bromo‐2‐methyl)propionyloxyhexyltriethoxysilane (BHE) because there is no direct interaction between the polymer‐brush and the substrate, while the initiator is directly modified to the substrate. The oxygen desorption behavior of BHE‐modified oxides indicates that its oxygen desorption property is impeded without modification with PMMA. The investigation of BHE‐modified oxide cation chemical states and oxygen desorption behaviors imply that the BHE‐modifying site and change in chemical states have selectivity depending on cation species. Although sintering causes the formation of silicate and ceramic decomposition, this step can eliminate the harmful effects of BHE‐modification in total. When conventional La–Sr–Co–Fe perovskite‐type ceramics are used, sintering is preferable for the recovery of thin‐film surface reactions. However, if we utilize site selectivity of BHE‐modification, the harmful effects of those modifications can be avoided by modifying BHE onto sites that hardly participate in surface reactions.
Examining the links between regular leisure‐time physical activity, sitting time and prefrailty in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Chang Shu‐Hung , Chien Nai‐Hui , Pui‐Man Wai Jackson , Chiang Ching‐Cheng , Yu Ching‐Yi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimsTo examine the relationship between leisure‐time physical activity, sitting time and prefrailty in community‐dwelling older adults.DesignCross‐sectional study.MethodsBetween February and July 2019, 539 individuals over age 60 were recruited in northern Taiwan. Demographic, medical history, physical activity and frailty data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi‐square tests and logistic regression.ResultsThe prevalence of prefrailty was 24.4%; 33.2% had regular leisure‐time physical activity, and 14.7% reported >6 hrs daily sitting time. Compared with individuals having regular leisure‐time physical activity and shorter sitting times (daily average ≤6 hrs), those having no regular leisure‐time physical activity and also shorter sitting times (adjusted OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.12, 2.92), or those also having regular leisure‐time physical activity but longer sitting times (adjusted OR, 4.42; 95% CI, 2.22, 8.79) had an increased prefrailty risk.ConclusionsHaving no regular leisure‐time physical activity or longer sitting times is associated with a higher risk of prefrailty. For sedentary older adults to prevent prefrailty, they can become more active, sit less or better yet, commit to both.
Integrative analysis of genome‐wide DNA methylation and gene expression profiles reveals important epigenetic genes related to milk production traits in dairy cattle
Authors: Dong Wanting , Yang Jie , Zhang Yu , Liu Shuli , Ning Chao , Ding Xiangdong , Wang Wenwen , Zhang Yi , Zhang Qin , Jiang Li 
Published: February 2021

AbstractEpigenetic modification plays a critical role in establishing and maintaining cell differentiation, embryo development, tumorigenesis and many complex diseases. However, little is known about the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms for milk production in dairy cattle. Here, we conducted an epigenome‐wide study, together with gene expression profiles to identify important epigenetic candidate genes related to the milk production traits in dairy cattle. Whole‐genome bisulphite sequencing and RNA sequencing were employed to detect differentially methylated genes (DMG) and differentially expressed genes (DEG) in blood samples in dry period and lactation period between two groups of cows with extremely high and low milk production performance. A total of 10,877 and 6,617 differentially methylated regions were identified between the two groups in the two periods, which corresponded to 3,601 and 2,802 DMGs, respectively. Furthermore, 156 DEGs overlap with DMGs in comparison of the two groups, and 131 DEGs overlap with DMGs in comparison of the two periods. By integrating methylome, transcriptome and GWAS data, some potential candidate genes for milk production traits in dairy cattle were suggested, such asDOCK1,PTK2andPIK3R1. Our studies may contribute to a better understanding of epigenetic modification on milk production traits of dairy cattle.
Circular RNA circ_0002137 regulated the progression of osteosarcoma through regulating miR‐433‐3p/ IGF1R axis
Authors: Zhang Meng , Yu Guang‐Yang , Liu Gang , Liu Wei‐Dong 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCurrent clinical treatment targeting osteosarcoma (OS) are limited for OS patients with pulmonary metastasis or relapse, which led to high mortality (70%‐85%) for advanced osteosarcoma patients. Although ongoing efforts have been made to illustrate the mechanisms of tumorigenesis and progression in OS; however, it was far for us to learn a comprehensive molecular mechanism implies in OS development. In our study, we implicated a circRNA hsa_circ_0002137, which was higher expressed in osteosarcoma tumours compared with paracancerous tissue. The dysregulated expression pattern was also found in osteosarcoma cell lines. The role of circ_0002137 was explored via down‐ or up‐regulated experiments. It was proved that down‐regulation of circ_0002137 suppressed the progress of OS, including cell invasion, cell cycle and cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the correlation between circ_0002137 and miR‐433‐3p was predicted using bioinformatic tools and verified utilizing RNA pull‐down assay and luciferase reporter assay. Interestingly, we found that the inhibitory effect of circ_0002137 on OS was dependent of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 receptor (IGF1R). In conclusion, it was demonstrated that circ_0002137 could restrain the progression of OS through regulating miR‐433‐3p/IGF1R axis, providing a comprehensive landscape of circ_0002137 in the generation and development of OS.
Efficacy and safety of fixed‐dose combination calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate foam for the treatment of psoriasis
Authors: Stein Gold L. , Paul C. , Romiti R. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe fixed‐dose combination calcipotriol (Cal; 50 µg/g) plus betamethasone dipropionate (BD; 0.5 mg/g) ointment and gel formulations have well‐established efficacy profiles in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris (chronic plaque psoriasis); this combination has been shown to produce favourable outcomes versus either monotherapy. To improve upon the efficacy and cosmetic acceptability of these treatments Cal/BD foam was developed, demonstrating superior efficacy in Phase II/III studies compared with either of its monocomponents, Cal/BD ointment, Cal/BD gel and various other therapies for the treatment of psoriasis. Multiple outcome measures were evaluated in the clinical studies, including physician's global assessment of disease severity and modified psoriasis area and severity index. Of note, 38–55% of patients across studies achieved a physician's global assessment of ‘clear’ or ‘almost clear’ after 4 weeks of Cal/BD treatment. This superior efficacy was not associated with an increased frequency or severity of adverse events, and there was no evidence for dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis or calcium homeostasis. Overall, Cal/BD foam was efficacious, with a good tolerability profile consistent with established Cal/BD formulations.
Skin effect of facial cleansing combined with an electric sonic device
Authors: Aiello Laura Moretti , Vergilio Mariane Massufero , Monteiro e Silva Silas Arandas , Anselmo Tamiris , Leonardi Gislaine Ricci 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundNew technologies, such as sonic devices, have been developed to optimize the skin cleansing process and improve its efficiency. To evaluate the effectiveness of these cosmetic procedures, skin bioengineering is an objective method to assess the biophysical parameters of the skin.AimsThis study aimed to assess the effect of facial cleansing on the physiological properties of the skin by comparing a cleansing process with cosmetic product applied manually to cleansing with cosmetic product associated with the use of an electric sonic device.Patients/MethodsA gentle skin cleanser was applied to the entire face of 12 subjects; the sonic device was used on one half of the face and the manual process was performed on the other half. Instrumental skin analyses included sebummetry, corneometry, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), infrared thermography, and high‐frequency ultrasound and were measured before and up to 90 min after cleansing. Results were compared using two‐way ANOVA and Friedman tests.ResultsData obtained from the statistical analysis of sebummetry, TEWL, thermography, and ultrasound parameters did not show any significant difference. When assessing the corneometry parameters, a significant reduction in hydration values (17.19%) was observed in the manual cleansing area, while the values remained similar to baseline values in the area where the sonic device was used.ConclusionThe cleansing process with a sonic device did not cause a significant hydration reduction, suggesting better preservation of skin homeostasis when compared to manual cleansing.
With a little help from my friends? Perceived friendship quality and narrative identity in adolescence
Authors: de Moor Elisabeth L. , Van der Graaff Jolien , van Doeselaar Lotte , Klimstra Theo A. , Branje Susan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractStressful events are associated with various outcomes, but there is variability in these associations suggesting that the interpretation of these events is important. This interpretation is reflected in the narratives adolescents tell of events, which are largely constructed in social interactions. We examined the associations of perceived friendship quality with self‐event connections and redemption in turning point narratives, in a sample of Dutch adolescents. Findings from regression analyses in a cross‐sectional subsample (N = 1087, Mage = 14.8) and a three‐wave cross‐lagged panel model in a longitudinal subsample (N = 186, Mage at Wave 1 = 14.7) showed that perceived friendship quality was associated with the presence of redemption sequences and self‐event connections within time points, but not longitudinally.
Modes of intergroup contact: If and how to interact with the outgroup
Authors: Harwood Jake 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe modes of intergroup contact, both direct and indirect, have become a focal point for the contact literature over the past decade or more. As part of our developing understanding of when and why certain types of contact improve intergroup relations, this paper examines some theoretical concepts useful for organizing modes of contact, building on previous schemes in the literature. It explores the idea that experiences in one type of contact generalize to other modes of contact. It then considers the degree to which individuals have choice about which mode of contact to use, and indeed whether they have choice about having contact at all, as well as whether such choices are associated with the valence of the contact. These ideas are developed into a model of flexibility in if and how to engage in contact, including the positive and negative consequences thereof. The model contributes to the literature's ability to consider both whether contact occurs and how it happens in a single framework. The paper considers whether societal inequality is reflected in the kinds of contact choices available to those with privilege and those without.
Soil burial induced dormancy in weedy rice seeds through hormone level changes: Implications in adaptive evolution and weed control
Authors: Jiang Xiao‐Qi , Zhu Xin‐Yu , Lu Bao‐Rong 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSeed dormancy plays a key role in preventing seeds of higher plants from random germination under adverse environmental conditions. Previous studies suggested that a critical temperature could regulate germination of weedy rice seeds without primary dormancy at seed dispersion. However, what will happen to the non‐dormant seeds after shattering in the soil seed banks when temperature fluctuates to exceed the critical temperature remains an interesting question to be investigated. To determine whether or not soil burial can change the status of dormancy in weedy rice seeds, we examined germination ratios of weedy rice seeds after soil‐burial treatments. In addition, we compared hormone levels in the untreated seeds and viable but ungerminated seeds after soil burial. Results showed that soil burial induced a proportion of 41%–72% dormant seeds in the initially non‐dormant weedy rice seeds. Also, the induction of seed dormancy is associated with the change of hormone levels in the seeds treated by soil burial, suggesting that soil burial can significantly activate the control of hormone production in seeds. Together, the previously reported mechanism of critical temperature‐inhibited seed germination and the newly found phenomenon of soil burial‐induced seed dormancy provide a “double‐security” strategy to ensure germination of weedy rice seeds under a favorable condition in agricultural ecosystems. The findings not only reveal the important role of rapid evolution of adaptive functions in weeds, such as weedy rice, in adapting to changing agricultural environments, but also facilitate the design of strategies for effective weedy rice control practices.