bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An integrated model of the gross tumor volume of cervical lymph nodes and pretreatment plasma Epstein–Barr virus DNA predicts survival of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in the intensity-modulated radiotherapy era: a big-data intelligence platform-based analysis
Authors: Li Jun-Yan , Huang Cheng-Long , Luo Wei-Jie , Zhang Yuan , Tang Ling-Long , Peng Hao , Sun Ying , Chen Yu-Pei , Ma Jun 
Published: September 2019

Background: Few studies have evaluated the prognostic value of the integrated model consisting of gross tumor volume of lymph nodes (GTVnd) and pretreatment plasma Epstein–Barr virus DNA (pre-EBV DNA) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. Methods: A well-established big-data intelligence platform with 10,126 NPC patients was used for a retrospective review. A total of 1500 cases with cervical nodal metastases but without distant metastases were randomly assigned to a training ( n = 503) or test condition ( n = 997) for analyses. The cut-off point for the GTVnd derived from the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was combined with the published cut-off point for pre-EBV DNA to develop an integrated model by which patients were classified into four groups. Results: Both GTVnd and pre-EBV DNA were independent prognostic factors. Regardless of whether patients received induction chemotherapy (IC), the 5-year distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) (69.5%) and overall survival (OS) (68.4%) were significantly worse in those with both a GTVnd >20 ml and pre-EBV DNA >2000 copies/ml (all p-values < 0.001). In patients with IC, all others had better 5-year DMFS and OS; in patients without IC, those with either a GTVnd >20 ml or pre-EBV DNA >2000 copies/ml had the medium 5-year DMFS and OS, while patients with neither of them had the best. Conclusions: The integrated GTVnd and pre-EBV DNA model not only predicted DMFS and OS in NPC patients effectively, but was an indicator of timely adjustment of therapeutic strategies for NPC patients, especially those completing IC.
Cannabis-based product use in a multiple sclerosis cohort
Authors: Schabas AJ , Vukojevic V , Taylor C , Thu Z , Badyal A , Chan JK , Devonshire V , Traboulsee A , Sayao AL , Carruthers R 
Published: September 2019

Objective The objective of this study was to characterize the use of cannabis-based products (CBPs) by multiple sclerosis (MS) patients who attend the University of British Columbia Hospital (UBCH) MS clinic. Methods All patients attending the UBCH MS clinic from January to March 2018 were invited to participate in an anonymous survey that included: patient demographics (sex, age and employment status), self-reported MS-specific data (subtype, disease duration, previous and current disease modifying therapies, symptomatic medications) and CBP use (formulation, frequency, perceived benefits/side-effects). A second cohort of retrospective patient data (CBP use, sex, age, disease subtype and Expanded Disability Status Scale) was extracted from the UBCH MS clinic electronic medical record (EMR). Results Of 600 surveys distributed, 188 were returned with completed CBP usage. CBP use was daily for 19% ( n = 37), weekly for 6% ( n = 11), monthly for 4% ( n = 7), rarely for 21% ( n = 39) and 50% ( n = 94) never used. Of the CBP users (daily, weekly and monthly), CBP use included: oral ( n = 43/55), smoked/vaporized ( n = 42/55), topical ( n = 14/55) and mucosal ( n = 5/55). EMR data was available for 561 MS patients where cannabis use/non-use was documented. CBP users represented 19% (107/561). Conclusions CBP use is common based on volunteer reporting, with approximately one out of four patients who attend the UBCH MS clinic using CBPs.
Comparison between the diagnostic accuracy of Xpert MTB/Rif assay and culture for pleural tuberculosis using tissue biopsy
Authors: Akhter Nousheen , Sumalani Kamran Khan , Chawla Dimple , Ahmed Rizvi Nadeem 
Published: September 2019

BackgroundEarly diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis is difficult as it is a paucibacillary disease and a combination of tests is required to diagnose it, which have varied diagnostic accuracy and increase the cost. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the Xpert MTB/Rif assay on thoracoscopic pleural biopsy specimens.MethodsA total of 201 patients with exudative pleural effusion and normal lung parenchyma were included in the study. All patients underwent thoracoscopic pleural biopsy under local anaesthesia. Biopsy samples were sent for Xpert MTB/Rif assay and culture, along with histopathology. Chronic granulomatous inflammation on histopathology and response to antituberculous treatment was taken as the reference standard for diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy.ResultsOf the 198 patients included in the final analysis, 134 had pleural tuberculosis. The sensitivity of the Xpert assay was 52.2% and specificity was 100%, and that of pleural biopsy cultures were 41% and 100% respectively.ConclusionThe sensitivity and specificity of Xpert MTB/Rif assay scores were high, hence escalating the speed of diagnosis and imparting marked impact on patient outcomes. The Xpert MTB/Rif assay is a potential game changer in diagnosing pleural tuberculosis.
Divergent neuronal DNA methylation patterns across human cortical development reveal critical periods and a unique role of CpH methylation
Authors: Price Amanda J. , Collado-Torres Leonardo , Ivanov Nikolay A. , Xia Wei , Burke Emily E. , Shin Joo Heon , Tao Ran , Ma Liang , Jia Yankai , Hyde Thomas M. , Kleinman Joel E. , Weinberger Daniel R. , Jaffe Andrew E. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
DNA methylation (DNAm) is a critical regulator of both development and cellular identity and shows unique patterns in neurons. To better characterize maturational changes in DNAm patterns in these cells, we profile the DNAm landscape at single-base resolution across the first two decades of human neocortical development in NeuN+ neurons using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and compare them to non-neurons (primarily glia) and prenatal homogenate cortex.

Results
We show that DNAm changes more dramatically during the first 5 years of postnatal life than during the entire remaining period. We further refine global patterns of increasingly divergent neuronal CpG and CpH methylation (mCpG and mCpH) into six developmental trajectories and find that in contrast to genome-wide patterns, neighboring mCpG and mCpH levels within these regions are highly correlated. We integrate paired RNA-seq data and identify putative regulation of hundreds of transcripts and their splicing events exclusively by mCpH levels, independently from mCpG levels, across this period. We finally explore the relationship between DNAm patterns and development of brain-related phenotypes and find enriched heritability for many phenotypes within identified DNAm features.

Conclusions
By profiling DNAm changes in NeuN-sorted neurons over the span of human cortical development, we identify novel, dynamic regions of DNAm that would be masked in homogenate DNAm data; expand on the relationship between CpG methylation, CpH methylation, and gene expression; and find enrichment particularly for neuropsychiatric diseases in genomic regions with cell type-specific, developmentally dynamic DNAm patterns.
Epigenetic control of transcriptional regulation in pluripotency and early differentiation
Authors: Gökbuget Deniz , Blelloch Robert 
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACT
Pluripotent stem cells give rise to all cells of the adult organism, making them an invaluable tool in regenerative medicine. In response to differentiation cues, they can activate markedly distinct lineage-specific gene networks while turning off or rewiring pluripotency networks. Recent innovations in chromatin and nuclear structure analyses combined with classical genetics have led to novel insights into the transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms underlying these networks. Here, we review these findings in relation to their impact on the maintenance of and exit from pluripotency and highlight the many factors that drive these processes, including histone modifying enzymes, DNA methylation and demethylation, nucleosome remodeling complexes and transcription factor-mediated enhancer switching.
The effect of triple antibiotic paste as an intracanal medication with an anti-inflammatory drug on post-operative pain of asymptomatic uniradicular necrotic teeth: a double blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Omaia Mohamed , Negm Maged , Nashaat Yousra , Nabil Nehal , Othman Amal 
Published: September 2019

Background:Flare-ups may occur after root canal treatment which consist of acute exacerbation of asymptomatic pulpal and/or periradicular pathologic condition. The causative factors of interappointment pain include mechanical, chemical or microbial irritation to the pulp or periradicular tissues. The potential role of microorganisms in interappointment pain is why the success of endodontic treatment depends on complete eradication of microorganisms capable of causing an intraradicular or extraradicular infection. This can be achieved by mechanical cleaning and shaping, in conjunction with irrigation and antibacterial agents. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of triple antibiotic paste with the anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac potassium versus calcium hydroxide used as an intra-canal medication in reducing post-operative pain.Methods:84 patients with asymptomatic uniradicular necrotic teeth were randomly assigned into two groups according to the intra-canal medication used: calcium hydroxide group (CH) and triple antibiotic paste with diclofenac potassium group (TAPC). In the first treatment session, intracoronal cavity preparation was performed after rubber dam isolation followed by chemo-mechanical preparation using rotary Protaper Universal files with saline irrigation followed by intra-canal medication placement then postoperative pain was assessed at 24, 48 and 72 hours postoperatively using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). In the second treatment session, intracanal medications were removed by irrigation using saline followed by obturation.Results:Both intracanal medicaments resulted in a statistically significant decrease in mean pain value from 24 to 48 and 72 hours postoperatively. While when comparing both groups, TAPC intracanal medication showed less post-operative pain compared to that of the CH group at 24, 48 and 72 hours with a statistically significant difference at 48 hours only.Conclusion:Both intracanal medicaments were efficient in reducing post-operative pain in asymptomatic uniradicular necrotic teeth.Trial registration:Clinicaltrial.govNCT02907489, 20/09/2016.
Myopia Outcome Study of Atropine in Children (MOSAIC): an investigator-led, double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial protocol
Authors: McCrann Saoirse , Flitcroft Ian , Strang Niall C. , Saunders Kathryn J. , Logan Nicola S. , Lee Samantha Szeyee , Mackey David A. , Butler John S. , Loughman James 
Published: September 2019

Background: The Myopia Outcome Study of Atropine in Children (MOSAIC) aims to explore the efficacy, safety, acceptability and mechanisms of action of 0.01% unpreserved atropine for myopia control in a European population. Methods: MOSAIC is an investigator-led, double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial (RCT) investigating the efficacy, safety and mechanisms of action of 0.01% atropine for managing progression of myopia. During Phase 1 of the trial, 250 children aged 6-16 years with progressive myopia instil eye drops once nightly in both eyes from randomisation to month 24. From month 24 to 36 participants are re-randomised in Phase 2 of the trial, into continued 0.01% atropine, and washout, at 1:1 ratio for those participants initially randomised to the intervention arm (n=167), during which any potential rebound effects on cessation of treatment will be monitored. All participants initially assigned to the placebo (n=83) crossover to the intervention arm of the study for Phase 2, and from month 24 to 36, instil 0.01% atropine eye drops in both eyes once nightly. Further treatment and monitoring beyond 36 months is planned (Phase 3) and will be designed dependent on the outcomes of Phase 1. Results: The primary outcome measure is cycloplegic spherical equivalent refractive error progression at 24 months. Secondary outcome measures include axial length change as well as the rebound, safety and acceptability profile of 0.01% atropine. Additional analyses will include the mechanisms of action of 0.01% atropine for myopia control. Conclusions: The generalisability of results from previous clinical trials investigating atropine for myopia control is limited by the predominantly Asian ethnicity of previous study populations. MOSAIC is the first RCT to explore the efficacy, safety and mechanisms of action of unpreserved 0.01% atropine in a predominantly White population.
Cytotoxic responses of human chondrocytes to bupivacaine, levobupivacaine, and ropivacaine
Authors: Kaewpichit Pudkrong , Charuluxananan Somrat , Srisa-Art Monpichar , Sisawat Sarocha , Aksornkitti Vitavat , Chayudsatid Chalermsri , Sereemaspun Amornpun 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Intra-articular injections of local anesthetics are used commonly in articular surgery. However, chondrocyte viability and metabolism may be adversely affected by various anesthetics.

Objectives
To assess the chondrotoxic effects of bupivacaine, levobupivacaine, and ropivacaine on human chondrocytes and elucidate possible mechanisms of chondrocyte death.

Methods
Cultured human chondrocytes (CHON-001) were exposed to 0.25% or 0.5% of bupivacaine, levobupivacaine, and ropivacaine in vitro. Cell viability was determined by flow cytometry after 15, 30, 60, and 120 min of exposure. Chondrocyte reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured every 10 min for up to 1 h using 2ʹ,7ʹ-dichlorodihydrofluorescein staining. Chondrocyte production of glycosaminoglycan was measured by capillary electrophoresis. NO production was measured using a colorimetric assay kit.

Results
We found a significant increase in chondrotoxicity dependent on exposure time and concentration of the anesthetic. At 60 min, chondrocyte viability was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased when exposed to 0.5% levobupivacaine (32.5%), or 0.25% or 0.5% bupivacaine (34.3% or 46.5%, respectively) compared with exposure to phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) vehicle as a control. Cell death at 120 min was mainly necrosis. There was no difference in viability after treatment with either concentration (0.25% or 0.5%) of ropivacaine at any time compared with exposure to PBS. We found increased production of NO, while ROS decreased after exposure to any of the anesthetics tested.

Conclusions
Ropivacaine may be safer than bupivacaine or levobupivacaine as an intra-articular analgesic. Chondrotoxicity of anesthetics in vitro may be mediated via a reactive nitrogen species-dependent pathway.
Determination of the content of Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn in dairy products from various regions of Poland
Authors: Sujka Monika , Pankiewicz Urszula , Kowalski Radosław , Mazurek Artur , Ślepecka Katarzyna , Góral Magorzata 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe toxicity of heavy metals and their capacity for accumulation in the human organism make it necessary to conduct monitoring of their concentration in food. The objective of the study was to determine the content of lead, cadmium, copper and zinc in milk and dairy products from various regions of Poland: the Lublin Region, Podlasie, Podkarpacie, and Silesia. The study showed the presence of the analysed heavy metals in most of the products. The content of lead was related to the level of industrialisation of a region. Higher levels of Pb were found in products from Silesia than in those from the other regions. The study revealed the presence of cadmium in 50% of the samples. Its content varied in range from 0.0067 to 0.0058 mg/kg. The levels of Cu and Zn concentration in the analysed products were within broad ranges, from 0.0015 to 4.94 mg/kg and from 0.01 to 56.44 mg/kg, respectively. In the case of all analysed elements an increase in their concentration was noted in cheese spreads and cottage cheeses. No relationship was found between the content of heavy metals in the analysed products, and the region of their origin.
New tent architecture roost byDermanura phaeotis(Miller, 1902) (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in southeastern Mexico
Authors: García-Méndez Antonio , Santos-Moreno Antonio 
Published: September 2019

AbstractSome phyllostomid bats modify leaves of certain plant species in order to build tents as daytime roosts. Most tent-roosting members of theArtibeusandDermanuragenus have a widespread geographic distribution; nevertheless, there are few reports regarding roost architecture. This is the first report in Mexico of boat/apical tents built by the pygmy fruit-eating batDermanura phaeotis.
Role of nanophotonics in the birth of seismic megastructures
Authors: Brûlé Stéphane , Enoch Stefan , Guenneau Sébastien 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe discovery of photonic crystals 30 years ago in conjunction with research advances in plasmonics and metamaterials, has inspired the concept of decameter scale metasurfaces, coined seismic metamaterials for an enhanced control of surface (Love and Rayleigh) and bulk (shear and pressure) elastodynamic waves. These powerful mathematical tools of coordinate transforms, effective medium and Floquet-Bloch theories which have revolutionized nanophotonics, can be translated in the language of civil engineering and geophysics. Experiments on seismic metamaterials made of buried elements in the soil demonstrate that the fore mentioned tools make a possible novel description of complex phenomena of soil-structure interaction during a seismic disturbance. But the concepts are already moving to more futuristic concepts and the same notions developed for structured soils are now used to examine the effects of buildings viewed as above surface resonators in megastructures such as metacities. But this perspective of future should not make us forget the heritage of the ancient peoples. Indeed, we finally point out the striking similarity between an invisible cloak design and the architecture of some ancient megastructures as the antique Gallo-Roman theaters and amphitheatres.
Rigorous coupled-wave analysis of absorption enhancement in vertically illuminated silicon photodiodes with photon-trapping hole arrays
Authors: Gou Jun , Cansizoglu Hilal , Bartolo-Perez Cesar , Ghandiparsi Soroush , Mayet Ahmed S. , Rabiee-Golgir Hossein , Gao Yang , Wang Jun , Yamada Toshishige , Devine Ekaterina Ponizovskaya , Elrefaie Aly F. , Wang Shih-Yuan , Islam M. Saif 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
In this paper, we present a rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA) of absorption enhancement in all-silicon (Si) photodiodes with integrated hole arrays of different shapes and dimensions. The RCWA method is used to analyze the light propagation and trapping in the photodiodes on both Si-on-insulator (SOI) and bulk Si substrates for the datacom wavelength at about 850 nm. Our calculation and measurement results show that funnel-shaped holes with tapered sidewalls lead to low back-reflection. A beam of light undergoes a deflection subsequent to the diffraction in the hole array and generates laterally propagating waves. SOI substrates with oxide layers play an important role in reducing the transmission loss, especially for deflected light with higher-order diffraction from the hole array. Owing to laterally propagating modes and back-reflection on the SiO2 film, light is more confined in the thin Si layer on the SOI substrates compared to that on the bulk Si substrates. Experimental results based on fabricated devices support the predictions of the RCWA. Devices are designed with a 2-μm-thick intrinsic layer, which ensures ultrafast impulse response (full-width at half-maximum) of 30 ps. Measurements for integrated photodiodes with funnel-shaped holes indicate an enhanced external quantum efficiency of more than 55% on the SOI substrates. This represents more than 500% improvement compared to photodiodes without integrated phototrapping nanoholes.
SUBCONSCIOUS MIND: A PERSPECTIVE FROM AQIDAH, SHARICA, AND TASAWWUF
Authors: Ismail Mahyuddin , Yusof Nurkarimah , Rani Anita Abdul 
Published: September 2019

Purpose of the study: Subconscious mind training course has become a phenomenon nowadays. The technique is claimed to be effective and it is made a testimonial to attract more individuals to learn this method. This study aims to examine whether the concept of the subconscious mind and its practices comply with Islamic teachings or otherwise.
Methodology: The methodology applied is purely qualitative as it involves crossover studies such as Sharica, caqidah, tasawwuf, Islamic medicine practice, and psychology. The data gained were analysed by using induction and deductive approaches. The comparison method was also used to test the similarities and differences between the subconscious mind and Islamic approaches.
Main Findings: Results from this study showed that the subconscious mind concept is not a really accurate approach to personality changes. It can be seen from four points: (1) the turning point of the changes; (2) the mechanism of changes; (3) the factor of changes; and (4) the conditions of changes.
Applications of this study: The results of this study will help the authorities to assess and determine the rules relating to the use of the subconscious mind concept and its techniques. This study also will enhance the quality of the service of religious authorities in addressing contemporary issues that require deep research.
Novelty/Originality of this study: The findings of the study show that the concept of the subconscious mind is not totally complied to the Islamic teachings. Hence, a Muslim should choose a better approach as shown in Islam.
A CASE STUDY OF ISLAMIC DACWAH ACTIVITIES IN CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION, PHILIPPINES AMONG MUSLIM MINORITY
Authors: Guleng Marlon Pontino , Muhamat@Kawangit Razaleigh , Usman Abur Hamdi 
Published: September 2019

Purpose of the Study: The curves of Islamic dacwah activities in the Philippines have faced ebbs and flows due to various internal and external constraints. In Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), lots of responses had been received by the Islamic organization from the local Muslim societies on the dacwah activities which require further reform in a way of diversifying the dacwah efforts in the whole region. This research aims of identifying the response of Muslim society towards the Islamic dacwah activities in the Philippines.
Methodology: In this study, quantitative methodology research was applied and the data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows version 21 with a total number of 272 respondents.
Main Findings: The results showed the responses towards the Islamic dacwah activities in a Muslim society (mean=3.71); Muslim family and friends (mean=3.51) were at high level. However, findings regarding the responses from the government (mean=3.13) and non-Muslim society (mean=3.15) were at moderate level.
Implications: The findings are essential for Islamic da’wah organizations to redesign and formulate various dacwah programs in order to ensure better implication on the societies.