bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Voclosporin: a novel calcineurin inhibitor with no impact on mycophenolic acid levels in patients with SLE
Authors: van Gelder Teun , Huizinga Robert B , Lisk Laura , Solomons Neil 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background
An open-label phase 1 study was conducted to evaluate the effect of voclosporin following dosing with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) on blood levels of mycophenolic acid (MPA, the active moiety of MMF) and MPA glucuronide (MPAG, the pharmacologically inactive metabolite of MMF) in subjects with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to assess the safety and tolerability of the combination.

Methods
MMF was orally administered at a dose of 1 g twice a day for at least 28 days prior to the study and continued at the same dose throughout the study. Voclosporin was orally administered at a dose of 23.7 mg twice a day for 7 consecutive days (Days 1–7), starting on the evening of Day 1 and ending with the morning dose on Day 7. Dense pharmacokinetic blood samples were collected pre-dose in the morning and from 0.25 to 12 h after the morning doses. Analyses were derived by non-compartmental methods.

Results
In 24 patients, MPA exposure [maximum serum concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration curve from time 0 to 12 h (AUC0–12)] was similar in the presence and absence of voclosporin, with treatment ratios of 0.94 and 1.09, respectively [Cmax 16.5 μg/mL (Day 1) versus 15.8 (Day 7), AUC0–12 39.1 μg/h/mL (Day 1) versus 40.8 (Day 7)]. MPAG exposure showed a small increase in the presence of voclosporin (12% for Cmax and 27% for AUC0–12). Combination therapy was well tolerated.

Conclusions
There is no clinically meaningful interaction between voclosporin and MMF. As changes in exposure to MPA may affect efficacy and safety, these data confirm that voclosporin and MMF can be administered concomitantly without the need for dose adjustment.
[18F]-FDHT PET/CT as a tool for imaging androgen receptor expression in high-grade glioma
Authors: Orevi Marina , Shamni Ofer , Zalcman Nomi , Chicheportiche Alexandre , Mordechai Anat , Moscovici Samuel , Shoshan Yigal , Shahar Tal , Charbit Hanna , Gutreiman Mijal , Paldor Iddo , Mishani Eyal , Lossos Alexander , Lavon Iris 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background
G lioblastoma (GBM) is associated with poor overall survival. Recently, we showed that androgen receptor (AR) protein is overexpressed in 56% of GBM specimens and AR antagonists induced dose-dependent death in several GBM cell lines and significantly reduced tumor growth and prolonged the lifespan of mice implanted with human GBM. 16β-18F-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone ([18F]-FDHT) is a positron emission tomography (PET) tracer used to detect AR expression in prostate and breast cancers. This study was aimed at exploring the ability of [18F]-FDHT-PET to detect AR expression in high-grade gliomas.

Methods
Twelve patients with suspected high-grade glioma underwent a regular workup and additional dynamic and static [18F]-FDHT-PET/CT. Visual and quantitative analyses of [18 F]-FDHT kinetics in the tumor and normal brain were performed. Mean and maximum (max) standardized uptake values (SUVs) were determined in selected volumes of interest. The patients had surgery or biopsy after PET/CT. AR protein was analyzed in the tumor samples by western blot. Fold change in AR expression was calculated by densitometry analysis. Correlation between imaging and AR protein samples was determined.

Results
In six of the 12 patients, [18 F]-FDHT uptake was significantly higher in the tumor than in the normal brain. These patients also had increased AR protein expression within the tumor. Pearson correlation coefficient analysis for the tumor-to-control normal brain uptake ratio in terms of SUVmean versus AR protein expression was positive and significant (R = 0.84; P = .002).

Conclusion
[18 F]-FDHT-PET/CT could identify increased AR expression in high-grade glioma.
Yi-Gang Xu: the Earth's deep interior holds the key to habitability
Authors: Liu By Jin , Mao Ho-Kwang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The deep Earth is the engine of whole Earth systems and plays a key role in surface evolution and geological hazards. Scientists have been deciphering the internal processes that shape our habitable planet, especially since the formulation of plate tectonics theory. To date, how the deep Earth works remains mysterious. At the end of 2020, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) started to set up the Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, headquartered in the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry (GIG), with long-term support for these emerging and interdisciplinary research areas. NSR recently talked to Professor Yi-Gang Xu, GIG’s Director, about why the study of the Earth's interior is essential, the current progress of deep Earth science in China, and what makes our planet habitable.
Cost-effectiveness of Remdesivir and Dexamethasone for COVID-19 Treatment in South Africa
Authors: Jo Youngji , Jamieson Lise , Edoka Ijeoma , Long Lawrence , Silal Sheetal , Pulliam Juliet R C , Moultrie Harry , Sanne Ian , Meyer-Rath Gesine , Nichols Brooke E 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundDexamethasone and remdesivir have the potential to reduce coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID)–related mortality or recovery time, but their cost-effectiveness in countries with limited intensive care resources is unknown.MethodsWe projected intensive care unit (ICU) needs and capacity from August 2020 to January 2021 using the South African National COVID-19 Epi Model. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of (1) administration of dexamethasone to ventilated patients and remdesivir to nonventilated patients, (2) dexamethasone alone to both nonventilated and ventilated patients, (3) remdesivir to nonventilated patients only, and (4) dexamethasone to ventilated patients only, all relative to a scenario of standard care. We estimated costs from the health care system perspective in 2020 US dollars, deaths averted, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of each scenario.ResultsRemdesivir for nonventilated patients and dexamethasone for ventilated patients was estimated to result in 408 (uncertainty range, 229–1891) deaths averted (assuming no efficacy [uncertainty range, 0%–70%] of remdesivir) compared with standard care and to save $15 million. This result was driven by the efficacy of dexamethasone and the reduction of ICU-time required for patients treated with remdesivir. The scenario of dexamethasone alone for nonventilated and ventilated patients requires an additional $159 000 and averts 689 [uncertainty range, 330–1118] deaths, resulting in $231 per death averted, relative to standard care.ConclusionsThe use of remdesivir for nonventilated patients and dexamethasone for ventilated patients is likely to be cost-saving compared with standard care by reducing ICU days. Further efforts to improve recovery time with remdesivir and dexamethasone in ICUs could save lives and costs in South Africa.
Infrarenal inferior vena cava agenesis and recurrent deep vein thrombosis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Prado Victor E , Rey-Mendoza Juan Pablo , Wakefield Connor J , Aqeel Sheeba Ba , Kumssa Admasu 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Inferior vena cava agenesis is a rare congenital vascular defect often diagnosed as an incidental finding in asymptomatic patients. When symptoms arise, it can present with chronic venous stasis or unprovoked deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
A 42-year-old man with history of unprovoked right lower extremity (RLE) DVTs was admitted for swelling, pain and erythema to the RLE, concerning for new DVT. Venous Doppler ultrasound showed a chronic DVT of the right proximal femoral vein in addition to an acute DVT of the distal femoral vein. Extensive thrombophilia workup was negative and additional imaging with abdominal computed tomography scan revealed the absence of the infrarenal inferior vena cava. Patient was treated with oral anticoagulation and compression stockings and discharged with clinical improvement. At 3-month follow-up, patient was completely asymptomatic.
Recurrent unprovoked DVTs in young patients require exhaustive work up including imaging studies to rule out vascular anomalies.
Wide complex tachycardia in a patient with COVID-19 treated with chloroquine/azithromycin
Authors: Gracia-Ramos Abraham Edgar , Cortes-Ortiz Antonio 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT
Azithromycin and chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine are being used internationally off-label to treat patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) based on in vitro and weak studies involving humans. However, the evidence about the benefit of these drugs is very uncertain and on the other hand, information regarding possible harms is on the rise. There are increasing reports associating chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine with/without azithromycin with prolonged QT and ventricular arrhythmias (monomorphic or polymorphic ventricular tachycardia) in COVID-19 patients. We present the case of a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-infected kidney transplant patient for which he received treatment with chloroquine plus azithromycin and on Day 4 of therapy, the patient suddenly developed a wide complex tachycardia. Because of the increasing reports of adverse effects related to these drugs, their use should be avoided until further evidence of clinical benefit is available.
An unusual case of seizures in a 5-year-old Syrian female with abdominal tuberculosis: an isoniazid therapeutic dose side effect
Authors: Mohammad Lava , Doya Leen , Omran Razan , Ibrahim Alexander , Alshehabi Zuheir , Ibrahim Ali 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT
Isoniazid (INH) is highly bactericidal against replicating tubercule bacilli and is involved in all antituberculous chemotherapeutic regimens. Several neurological adverse effects, following both therapeutic and overdose use of INH, have been reported in adults in the literature. Here, we present a case of a 5-year-old girl with intestinal Tuberculosis, who developed hemiclonic seizure as a side effect of INH therapeutic dose after 2 weeks of tuberculosis therapy.
Hyponatremia caused by water intoxication: successful treatment of psychiatric disturbances with olanzapine and fluoxetine
Authors: Taube Maris 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTHyponatremia is a frequent, yet often unrecognized result of water intoxication caused by psychogenic polydipsia in patients with psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and anorexia nervosa. The consequences of hyponatremia may include cerebral edema with tonic–clonic seizures and, in extreme cases, death. In cases of hyponatremia seen in psychiatric practices, the use of psychotropic drugs is often necessary to address both the underlying psychiatric problem and reduce the hyponatremia. Therefore, a patient’s clinical condition, the risk of side effects, the possible effect of the medication on hyponatremia and a history of prior medication use should be considered when selecting appropriate psychotropics. The present clinical case details the beneficial effects of olanzapine and fluoxetine in treating a patient with anorexia nervosa and body dysmorphic disorder experiencing acute hyponatremia, and the stable effect the medications achieved over a period of 2.5 years of maintenance therapy.
Pheochromocytoma induced cardiomyopathy in a young man: a case report
Authors: Zörner Christopher Ryan , Dixen Ulrik , Toft Birgitte Grønkær , Ynddal Mie Skjøttgaard , Sommer Peter , Hove Jens Dahlgaard , Frydland Martin Steen 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT
Pheochromocytoma is a tumor arising from the adrenal medulla, most frequent benign and, due to the excretion of catecholamines, a rare cause of hypertension. The diagnosis of pheochromocytoma can be challenging because of its episodic nature, unspecific symptoms and rarity. Consequently, treatment can be delayed with serious consequences for the patient. We present a case report regarding a young man with episodes of severe hypertension over a period of at least 9 years. Ultimately, with a possible trigger effect from the intake of multiple energy drinks, the patient presented with severe hypertension, symptoms mimicking acute coronary syndrome, abnormal laboratory parameters and echocardiography suggestive of severe cardiomyopathy. The patient’s pheochromocytoma was incidentally identified in a computed tomography scan during the initial workup. Although a rare condition, pheochromocytoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis, especially in young patients presenting with unexplained hypertension, chest pain and cardiac dysfunction.
A case of hypereosinophilic syndrome with STAT5b N642H mutation
Authors: Ding Feihong , Wu Chaoping , Li Yun , Mukherjee Sudipto , Ghosh Subha , Arrossi A Valeria , Krishnan Sudhir 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT
Hypereosinophilia is defined as persistent eosinophilia (&gt;1.5 × 109/L). Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is a term used to describe a group of disorders characterized by sustained hypereosinophilia associated with end-organ damage. Based on underlying molecular mechanism of eosinophilia, there are different subtypes of HES. Diagnosis of HES subtype can be challenging, especially in the absence of overt lymphoid/myeloid neoplasms or discernable secondary causes. Long-term outpatient follow-up with periodic complete blood count and repeated bone marrow biopsy may be needed to monitor disease activity. Somatic signal transducer and activation transcription 5b (STAT5b) N642H mutation was recently found to be associated with myeloid neoplasms with eosinophilia. We report a case of HES who presented with pulmonary embolism and acute eosinophilic pneumonia, found to have recurrent STAT5b N642H mutation by next-generation sequencing, suggesting possible underlying myeloid neoplasm.
Elevated temperature results in higher compositional variability of pioneer phytoplankton communities in a mesocosm system
Authors: Pálffy Károly , Kovács Attila W , Kardos Vivien , Hausz Imola , Boros Gergely 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA crucial point in current research on plankton ecology is how global warming will change community functioning, which has led to numerous studies addressing the question with a variety of conclusions. We previously observed a long-term increase in the compositional variability of phytoplankton in a large shallow lake with a concurrent rise in mean temperature, and we conducted an experimental test of this hypothetical link in a mesocosm system. Following predictions of water temperature for the end of the century, 12 mesocosms were filled with prefiltered and sterilized lake water with six of the tanks kept 3°C above ambient levels. Phytoplankton colonization and subsequent changes in its composition were monitored using microscopic analysis and flow cytometry. Chlorophytes were the most successful colonizers, with no treatment-specific effect on dominant taxa. However, heated mesocosms showed higher variation in community structure (distance-based beta diversity), due to higher variability in subdominant species, a considerable portion of which were flagellated taxa. Our hypothesis of temperature-driven compositional variation was supported by both cytometric and taxonomic data, implying that higher spring temperatures can enhance variability in phytoplankton, which might increase the chance of alternate pathways during succession and reduce the predictability of its annual cycle.
Temporal Association of Pain Catastrophizing and Pain Severity Across the Perioperative Period: A Cross-Lagged Panel Analysis After Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Speed Traci J , Jung Mun Chung , Smith Michael T , Khanuja Harpal S , Sterling Robert S , Letzen Janelle E , Haythornthwaite Jennifer A , Edwards Robert R , Campbell Claudia M 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Objective
Although numerous studies show that preoperative pain catastrophizing is a risk factor for pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), little is known about the temporal course of the association between perioperative pain catastrophizing and pain severity. The present study investigated temporal changes and their dynamic associations between pain catastrophizing and pain severity before and after TKA.

Design
A secondary data analysis of a larger observational parent study featuring prospective repeated measurement over 12 months.

Setting
Dual-site academic hospital.

Subjects
A total of 245 individuals who underwent TKA.

Methods
Participants completed pain catastrophizing and pain severity questionnaires at baseline, 6 weeks, and 3, 6, and 12 months after TKA. Cross-lagged panel analysis was conducted with structural equation modeling including age, sex, race, baseline anxiety, and depressive symptoms as covariates.

Results
Reduction in pain catastrophizing from baseline to 6 weeks after TKA was associated with lower pain severity at 3 months after TKA (standardized β = 0.14; SE = 0.07, P = 0.046), while reduction in pain severity at 6 weeks after TKA was not associated with pain catastrophizing at 3 months after TKA (P = 0.905). In the chronic postsurgical period (&gt;3 months), pain catastrophizing at 6 months after TKA predicted pain severity at 12 months after TKA (β = 0.23, P = 0.009) with controlling for auto-correlation and covariates, but not vice versa.

Conclusions
We provide evidence that changes in pain catastrophizing from baseline to 6 weeks after TKA are associated with subsequent pain severity. Future studies are warranted to determine whether targeting pain catastrophizing during the perioperative period may improve clinical outcomes for individuals undergoing TKA.
Coping strategies and physical health in police units dealing with serious crime: Does work experience count?
Authors: Pavšič Mrevlje Tinkara , Erčulj Vanja I 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Police work is stressful and can lead to absenteeism, withdrawal, and impaired physical health. However, the stress brought by work can be reduced by effective coping strategies. The aim of our study is to explore the relationship between health and coping strategies of officers in three different units dealing with serious crime (homicide and sexual offences, juvenile crime, and crime scene investigation). The moderating role of work experience in this relationship is also explored. We used the Coping Responses Inventory questionnaire to assess coping strategies and the Pennebaker Inventory of Limbic Languidness to measure physical symptoms. Overall, the sample included 104 respondents. The approach coping strategies prevail among all three units. However, avoidance-coping strategy use is associated with more frequent somatic symptoms (P= 0.005). These are particularly linked to the emotional discharge (P &lt; 0.001), especially in the group of officers with longer years of service (P = 0.01). Still, when this strategy is used rarely or not at all, more experienced officers report fewer symptoms than their younger colleagues. Preventive programmes promoting adaptive coping strategies would benefit police officers since avoidance-coping strategies are linked to more frequent physical symptomatology. More experienced police officers with somatic complaints should be focused on in particular.
Solidarity as a companion virtue in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Galang Joseph Renus F , Gopez Jose Ma W , Capulong Harvey Gain M , Gozum Ivan Efreaim A 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
This paper establishes that there is a need to turn to virtue ethics in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. It argues that the virtue of solidarity can be a companion virtue to compassion for medical frontline workers and other individuals involved. Like compassion, the virtue of solidarity is a reminder that everyone is in this crisis together and that each is responsible for all.
Common good and public service as vital components for government officials in promoting COVID-19 vaccination
Authors: Gozum Ivan Efreaim A 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Recent reports show that there is resistance in certain countries in regard with receiving COVID-19 vaccination. Different factors contribute to this resistance. With this, if we are to promote COVID-19 vaccination, government officials must build public trust so that the hesitancy among the citizens will be lessened. Thus, this paper proposes that in building public trust, the true essence of common good and public service must be seen from the officials so that their constituents will trust them with their decisions.
Skilled Labor Mobility and Firm Value: Evidence from Green Card Allocations
Authors: Shen Mo 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
This paper studies how the labor market frictions of skilled workers affect corporate valuation. The analysis features immigrant workers’ mobility constraints imposed by the U.S. green card application process and exploits exogenous variations caused by imperfections in the current immigration system. The study finds that relaxing mobility constraints negatively influences firm value. This effect is stronger for firms with higher labor adjustment costs. Reductions in investments and increases in labor costs are channels through which labor mobility adversely affects firm value. The findings suggest that monopoly rent over skilled workers is an important economic determinant of corporate valuation.
Reconsidering Returns
Authors: Hartzmark Samuel M , Solomon David H 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Investors’ perception of performance is biased because the relevant measure, returns, is rarely displayed. Major indices ignore dividends, thereby underreporting market performance. Newspapers are more pessimistic on ex-dividend days, consistent with mistaking the index for returns. Market betas should track returns, but track prices more than dividends, creating predictable returns. Mutual funds receive inflows for “beating the S&P 500” price index based on net asset value (also not a return). Investors extrapolate market indices, not returns, when forming annual performance expectations. Displaying returns by default would ameliorate these issues, which arise despite high attention and agreement on the appropriate measure.
Capital Flows, Real Estate, and Local Cycles: Evidence from German Cities, Banks, and Firms
Authors: Bednarek Peter , Kaat Daniel Marcel te , Ma Chang , Rebucci Alessandro 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe study how capital flows affects German cities’ GDP growth depending on the state of their real estate markets. Identification exploits a policy framework assigning refugees to cities on a quasi-random basis and variation in nondevelopable area for the construction of an exposure measure to real estate market tightness. We estimate that the most exposed cities to real estate market tightness grew at least 1.9 percentage points more than the least exposed ones, cumulatively, from 2009 to 2014. Capital inflows shift credit to firms with more collateral, which leads firms to hire and invest more in response to these shocks.
In search of the most reproducible neural vulnerability factors that predict future weight gain: analyses of data from six prospective studies
Authors: Yokum Sonja , Gearhardt Ashley N , Stice Eric 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe tested if we could replicate the main effect relations of elevated striatum and lateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) response to high-calorie food stimuli to weight gain reported in past papers in six prospective datasets that used similar functional MRI (fMRI) paradigms. Participants in Study 1 (N = 37; M (mean) age = 15.5), Study 2 (N = 160; M age = 15.3), Study 3 (N = 130; M age = 15.0), Study 4 (N = 175; M age = 14.3), Study 5 (N = 45; M age = 20.8) and Study 6 (N = 49; M age = 31.1) completed fMRI scans at the baseline and had their body mass index (BMI) and body fat (Studies 4 and 6 only) measured at the baseline and over follow-ups. Elevated striatal response to palatable food images predicted BMI gain in Studies 1 and 6 and body fat gain in Study 6. Lateral OFC activation did not predict weight gain in any of the six studies. The result provide limited support for the hypothesis that elevated reward region responsivity to palatable food images predicts weight gain. Factors that make replication difficult are discussed and potential solutions considered.