bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bursting and quenching in satellite galaxies
Authors: Koutsouridou I , Cattaneo A 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACT
The difference in stellar metallicity between red and blue galaxies with the same mass constrains the time-scale over which red galaxies ceased to form stars. Here we investigate this constraint with the galics 2.0 semi-analytic model of galaxy formation. The advantage of this approach is that the time of pericentric passages for satellite galaxies and the mass-loading factor for galactic winds are not free parameters of the chemical evolution model. The former is determined by the N-body simulation used to construct the merger trees, the latter by the requirement that galics 2.0 should reproduce the stellar mass function of galaxies. When we compare our theoretical predictions with observations, we find that galics 2.0 can reproduce the observed metallicity difference only if quenching is preceded by a burst of star formation, which contributes to the chemical enrichment of the stellar population. Physically, this burst can be explained as tidally induced star formation or as an effect of ram pressure, which not only strips gas from galaxies but also compresses it, accelerating its conversion into stars.
Testing bound dark energy with cosmological parameter and fundamental constant evolution
Authors: Thompson Rodger I 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACT
A new bound dark energy (BDE) cosmology has been proposed where the dark energy is the binding energy between light meson fields that condense a few tens of years after the big bang. It is reported that the correct dark energy density emerges using particle physics without fine-tuning. This alone makes the BDE cosmology worthy of further investigation. This work looks at the late-time BDE predictions of the evolution of cosmological parameters and the values of fundamental constants to determine whether the cosmology’s predictions are consistent with observation. The work considers the time period between a scale factor of 0.1 and 1.0. A model BDE cosmology is considered with current-day values of the cosmological parameters well within the observational limits. The calculations use three different values of the current-day dark energy equation of state close to −1. All three cases produce evolutions of the cosmological parameters and fundamental constants consistent with the observational constraints. Analytic relations between the BDE and cosmological parameters are developed to insure a consistent set of parameters.
Implications of dark matter cascade decay from DAMPE, HESS, Fermi-LAT and AMS02 data
Authors: Gao Yu , Ma Yin-Zhe 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Recent high-energy cosmic e± measurement from the DArk Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE) satellite confirms the deviation of total cosmic ray electron spectrum above 700-900 GeV from a simple power law. In this paper we demonstrate that the cascade decay of dark matter can account for DAMPE’s TeV e+e− spectrum. We select the least constraint DM decay channel into four muons as the benchmark scenario, and perform an analysis with propagation variance in both DM signal and the Milky Way’s electron background. The best-fit of the model is obtained for joint DAMPE, Fermi-LAT, H.E.S.S. high energy electron data sets, and with an $\mathcal {O}(10^{26})$ second decay lifetime, which is consistent with existing gamma ray and cosmic microwave background limits. We compare the spectral difference between the cascade decay of typical final-state channels. The least constrained 4μ channels give good fits to the electron spectrum’s TeV scale down-turn, yet their low energy spectrum has tension with sub-TeV positron data from AMS02. We also consider a three-step cascade decay into eight muons, and also a gamma-ray constrained 4μ, 4b mixed channel, to demonstrate that a further softened cascade decay signal would be required for the agreement with all the data sets.
P14.47 Tissue immune markers for central nervous system germinoma
Authors: CHAN A K , Shi Z F , Lo K W , Ng H K , Lau C C 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Germinoma is the commonest CNS germ cell tumor. An important histological feature is prominent immune cell infiltrates. The composition of such immune cell infiltrates remains under-investigated in the literature.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
We collected a cohort of 40 cases of intra-cranial germinomas and examined the clinical and histopathological features. The tumor infiltrating immune cells were characterized by immunohistochemistry and image analysis.

RESULTS
Across the cohort, the mean positivity ± SE of CD3-positive T cell and CD20-positive B cells was 31.2% ± 3.1% and 15.2% ± 2.2%, respectively (p<0.001). The mean positivity of CD4-positive T helper cell and CD8-positive cytotoxic T cell was 19% ± 2.3% and 14.3% ± 1.7%, respectively (p<0.001). PD-L1 expression was detected in 50% of the cases and was observed exclusively in immune cells but not in neoplastic cells. Germinomas with positive PD-L1 expression had significantly more abundant CD3-positive T cells (p=0.001), CD4-positive T helper cells (p<0.001) and CD8-positive cytotoxic T cells (p=0.004) as compared with those lacking PD-L1 expression. Immunostain for HLA-A and HLA-B revealed loss of HLA class I expression occurring in 92.5% of the germinomas. Loss of HLA class I expression was associated with less abundant CD3-positive T cells (p=0.04).

CONCLUSION
Taken together, the predominant T cells infiltrate and PD-L1 expression suggest anti-PD-L1 therapeutic agents as potential novel treatment option for germinoma patients. The loss of HLA class I may represent one of the mechanisms for tumor immune escape in germinoma.
Effectiveness of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery in the Treatment of Refractory Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Case Series
Authors: Tavakol Sherwin , Jackanich Anna , Strickland Ben A , Marietta Michael , Ravina Kristine , Yu Cheng , Chang Eric L , Giannotta Steven , Zada Gabriel 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Medical management is the first line of treatment for trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Patients with medically refractory TN may undergo a variety of invasive surgical interventions with varying success rates. Management of TN refractory to both medical and surgical intervention remains somewhat controversial.

OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness of Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS; Elekta Instruments AB) for medically refractory TN.

METHODS
A retrospective review was conducted for 57 cases (47 patients) who underwent GKRS for refractory TN at our institution between 2005 and 2018. TN pain outcomes were evaluated using the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) Pain Scale. A good outcome was defined by post-GKRS BNI score of I-III, whereas treatment failure was defined BNI score IV-V.

RESULTS
Of the total 57 GKRS procedures, 47 (82.5%) had good outcomes. A total of 22 patients (46.8%) experienced complete pain relief off medications (BNI I). The average time to pain relief was 30 d (range 1-120 d). Prior invasive surgical treatment for TN was not found to have a significant impact on GKRS outcomes (P = .32). Target and treatment volumes were not found to correlate significantly with GKRS outcomes (.47 and .47, respectively). Complications included 2 cases (4.2%) of facial numbness. A total of 37 patients (78.7%) did not have any additional invasive surgical interventions following GKRS treatment.

CONCLUSION
GKRS is a safe and effective treatment modality for both medically and surgically refractory TN. Complete symptom relief was possible in patients with prior surgical or GKRS treatments. Recurrent symptoms following surgery or GKRS should not exclude a patient from future GKRS consideration.
The poplar R2R3 MYB transcription factor PtrMYB94 coordinates with abscisic acid signaling to improve drought tolerance in plants
Authors: Fang Qing , Wang Xianqiang , Wang Haiyang , Tang Xiaowen , Liu Chi , Yin Heng , Ye Shenglong , Jiang Yuanzhong , Duan Yanjiao , Luo Keming 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn plants, R2R3 MYB transcription factors (TFs) consist of one large gene family and are involved in the regulation of many developmental processes and various stresses. However, the functions of most of MYB TFs in woody plants remain unknown. Here, PtrMYB94, an R2R3 MYB TF from Populus trichocarpa, is characterized to be involved in the regulation of drought responses and abscisic acid (ABA) signaling. PtrMYB94 encodes a nuclear-localized R2R3 MYB TF. RT-PCR results showed that the PtrMYB94 transcripts were relatively abundant in leaves and stems, and were induced rapidly in response to dehydration stress. Overexpression of PtrMYB94 improved plant drought responses, suggesting that this MYB TF may functionally regulate poplar adaptability to drought stress. Furthermore, the analysis of transcriptional expression and PtrMYB94 promoter: GUS activity showed that PtrMYB94 responded to ABA induction. PtrMYB94-overexpressing plants exhibited the inhibition of seed germination compared with the wild-type (WT) control under ABA exposure condition. The ABA content was evidently increased in the PtrMYB94-overexpressing plants relative to the WT plants. In addition, transcript levels of several ABA- and drought-responsive genes, such as ABA1 and DREB2B, were up-regulated. Taken together, our results suggest that PtrMYB94 is involved in an ABA-dependent drought stress regulation in Populus.
Are backyard characteristics relevant factors for the occurrence of human visceral leishmaniasis in Central-Western Brazil?
Authors: Luz João Gabriel Guimarães , Carvalho Amanda Gabriela , Naves Danilo Bueno , Dias João Victor Leite , Fontes Cor Jesus Fernandes 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACTBackgroundThis retrospective case-control study aimed to investigate the factors associated with the occurrence of human visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the municipality of Rondonópolis, which is a highly endemic area for VL in Central-Western Brazil.MethodsAll VL cases reported in Rondonópolis from 2011 to 2016 were included. For each case, two neighborhood- and age-matched controls with the absence of past and present history of VL and negative rk39-based immunochromatographic test, were recruited. Data were retrospectively collected through interviews that assessed socioeconomic aspects, housing features, backyard characteristics, presence of animals and daily habits. A multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with human VL.ResultsDuring the study period, 81 VL cases were reported in Rondonópolis, of which 37 (45.7%) were included in this study. Seventy controls were also included. The variables associated with VL occurrence were the outdoor location of a bathroom and/or kitchen separated from the rest of the house (OR 7.8; 95% CI 2.1 to 29.5), the presence of a vegetable garden (OR 5.3; 95% CI 1.3 to 21.2) and the presence of decaying fruits (OR 10.7; 95% CI 2.0 to 52.1) in the backyard.ConclusionsOur findings suggest an association between backyard characteristics and VL. This may be useful in guiding preventive and control measures against zoonotic VL worldwide.
It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint: Rapid Evaluation of Competency-Based Medical Education Program Implementation
Authors: Hall Andrew K. , Rich Jessica , Dagnone J. Damon , Weersink Kristen , Caudle Jaelyn , Sherbino Jonathan , Frank Jason R. , Bandiera Glen , Van Melle Elaine 
Published: October 2019

Purpose
Despite the broad endorsement of competency-based medical education (CBME), myriad difficulties have arisen in program implementation. The authors sought to evaluate the fidelity of implementation and identify early outcomes of CBME implementation using Rapid Evaluation to facilitate transformative change.

Method
Case-study methodology was used to explore the lived experience of implementing CBME in the emergency medicine postgraduate program at Queen’s University, Canada, using iterative cycles of Rapid Evaluation in 2017–2018. After the intended implementation was explicitly described, stakeholder focus groups and interviews were conducted at 3 and 9 months post-implementation to evaluate the fidelity of implementation and early outcomes. Analyses were abductive, using the CBME core components framework and data-driven approaches to understand stakeholders’ experiences.

Results
In comparing planned with enacted implementation, important themes emerged with resultant opportunities for adaption. For example, lack of a shared mental model resulted in frontline difficulty with assessment and feedback and a concern that the granularity of competency-focused assessment may result in “missing the forest for the trees,” prompting the return of global assessment. Resident engagement in personal learning plans was not uniformly adopted, and learning experiences tailored to residents’ needs were slow to follow.

Conclusions
Rapid Evaluation provided critical insights into the successes and challenges of operationalizing CBME. Implementing the practical components of CBME was perceived as a sprint, while realizing the principles of CBME and changing culture in postgraduate training was a marathon requiring sustained effort in the form of frequent evaluation and continuous faculty and resident development.
Current and Future Pharmacological Therapies for the Management of Dry Eye
Authors: Gupta Preeya K. , Asbell Penny , Sheppard John 
Published: October 2019

Abstract:
Dry eye disease (DED) is among the most common reasons for visiting eye care practitioners and represents a substantial health and cost burden. Disease prevalence ranges from 5% to 33% and is increasing in the younger population. The core mechanism of DED involves a vicious cycle where hyperosmolarity leads to an inflammatory cascade resulting in ocular surface damage. No cure is available for DED, and patients require ongoing disease management. Over-the-counter medications can provide temporary symptom relief but do not tackle the inflammatory pathophysiology of DED. A number of medications with anti-inflammatory activity are available, but there is a need for development of pharmacotherapies with novel delivery methods and targets to widen the variety of treatment options. This review discusses current anti-inflammatory pharmacotherapies approved in the United States and Europe for DED and highlights novel drugs that have been recently approved or are in development.
Predictive Model for Discrimination of Tuberculous Pleural Effusion From Severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonic Effusion in Children
Authors: Xu Hui , Feng Guoshuang , Cai Siyu , Liu Jinrong , Tang Xiaolei , Liu Hui , Yang Haiming , Li Huiming , Zhao Shunying 
Published: October 2019

Background:
Tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE) is often misdiagnosed as severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonic effusion (SMPPE) in children at early stage. The aim of this study was to develop a predictive model based on clinical and laboratory indices to make accurate differential diagnosis.

Methods:
Patients included in this study were 167 children (83 patients with TPE and 84 with SMPPE), containing 117 patients for predictive model development and 50 patients for external validation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to select potentially useful characteristics for discrimination of TPEs. External validation was performed for model evaluation.

Results:
Multivariate analysis revealed that blood neutrophils and serum lactate dehydrogenase were significant independent factors to discriminate between TPEs and SMPPEs. The results indicated that blood neutrophils ≤69.6% and concentration of serum lactate dehydrogenase ≤297 U/L were the extremely important discrimination factors of TPEs. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the model was 0.9839. The accuracy rate, sensitivity and specificity of the model were 94.02%, 98.28% and 89.83%, respectively. Meanwhile, the accuracy rate of the external validation from the 50 patients was 94.0%.

Conclusions:
Applying a predictive model with clinical and laboratory indices can facilitate the differential diagnosis of TPE from SMPPE in children, which seems helpful when a microbiologic or histologic diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis could not be established.
Effect of a Passive Intervention on Carers of Stroke Survivors During the Early Poststroke Period
Authors: Gaio Marina , Buoite Stella Alex , Furlanis Giovanni , Naccarato Marcello , Stefi Diego , Manganotti Paolo 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND
Care partners of stroke survivors are often characterized by high burden levels and depression. Passive and active interventions have been proposed to help reduce burden and depression. The aim of this quality improvement report was to evaluate the effects of a single passive intervention on reported burden and depression in carers of stroke survivors.

METHODS
A quality improvement report was conducted on carers who participated in a short passive intervention (n = 56) and a control group (n = 44). The Family Strain Questionnaire–Short Form (FSQ-SF) and the Beck Depression Inventory II were administered in both groups at patients' admission and before discharge, with the intervention taking place between the 2 data collection periods.

RESULTS
No significant difference between groups was observed in FSQ-SF score and prevalence of depression at admission and in FSQ-SF at discharge. However, compared with admission, FSQ-SF at discharge was significantly reduced only in the intervention group (pre: 14, and interquartile range, 12–15; post: 9, and interquartile range, 9–13; P < .01). Moreover, a smaller proportion of carers classified as “depression” was found at discharge in the intervention group compared with controls (4% vs 28%, respectively; P < .01).

CONCLUSION
Results encourage the development and use of short passive intervention to reduce burden and depression in care partners of stroke survivors.
Does splitting a tablet obtain the accurate dose?
Authors: Chaudhri Kanika , Kearney Madeleine , Di Tanna Gian Luca , Day Richard O. , Rodgers Anthony , Atkins Emily R. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background:
Physical manipulation of the manufactured dose form is a common practice, with almost a quarter of all drugs administered in primary care having their dose altered. Splitting a tablet can be advantageous as it facilitates swallowing, allows for dose flexibility and provides cost reductions. However, there are concerns these physical changes can lead to inaccurate portions resulting in significant variations from the prescribed dose. Thus, the review described in this protocol aims to summarise the literature assessing the effect of tablet splitting on dose accuracy.

Methods:
Relevant studies will be identified through electronic searches in databases including EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library, from the beginning of databases until January 2020. Studies investigating any drug, where the tablet was split, will be potentially eligible. Two reviewers will independently screen studies and extract data using standardised forms. Data extracted will include general study information, characteristics of the study, intervention characteristics and outcomes. Primary outcome is to assess dose accuracy of a split tablet measured by drug content or weight variability. Assessment of risk of bias will be dependent upon study design. If deemed feasible, meta-analysis will be performed.

Results:
The study described within this protocol will provide a synthesis of current evidence assessing the effect of tablet splitting on dose accuracy.

Conclusion:
The conclusion of our study will provide evidence to judge whether splitting a tablet results in an accurate half dose.

Ethics and dissemination:
Ethics approval was not required for this study. The results of the systematic review described will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Registration details:
PROSPERO CRD42018106252
Effect of local anesthesia with lidocaine on perioperative proinflammatory cytokine levels in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid in cerebral aneurysm patients
Authors: Matas Marijana , Sotošek Vlatka , Kozmar Ana , Likić Robert , Sekulić Ante 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background:
Cerebral aneurysm surgery has significant mortality and morbidity rate. Inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysms, their rupture, subarachnoid hemorrhage and neurologic complications. Proinflammatory cytokine level in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is an indicator of inflammatory response. Cytokines contribute to secondary brain injury and can worsen the outcome of the treatment. Lidocaine is local anesthetic that can be applied in neurosurgery as regional anesthesia of the scalp and as topical anesthesia of the throat before direct laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. Besides analgesic, lidocaine has systemic anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effect.
Primary aim of this trial is to determine the influence of local anesthesia with lidocaine on the perioperative levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α in plasma and CSF in cerebral aneurysm patients.

Methods:
We will conduct prospective randomized clinical trial among patients undergoing craniotomy and cerebral aneurysm clipping surgery in general anesthesia. Patients included in the trial will be randomly assigned to the lidocaine group (Group L) or to the control group (Group C). Patients in Group L, following general anesthesia induction, will receive topical anesthesia of the throat before endotracheal intubation and also regional anesthesia of the scalp before Mayfield frame placement, both done with lidocaine. Patients in Group C will have general anesthesia only without any lidocaine administration. The primary outcomes are concentrations of cytokines interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α in plasma and CSF, measured at specific timepoints perioperatively. Secondary outcome is incidence of major neurological and infectious complications, as well as treatment outcome in both groups.

Discussion:
Results of the trial could provide insight into influence of lidocaine on local and systemic inflammatory response in cerebrovascular surgery, and might improve future anesthesia practice and treatment outcome.

Trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov:
NCT03823482.