bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Results of Arthroscopic Revision Rotator Cuff Repair for Failed Open or Arthroscopic Repair: A Prospective Multicenter Study on 100 Cases
Authors: Hackl Michael , Flury Matthias , Kolling Christoph , Nebelung Wolfgang , Krauss Christine A. , Kraemer Nils A. , Heuberer Philipp R. , Laky Brenda , Wellmann Mathias , Pastor Marc-Frederic , Imhoff Andreas B. , Reuter Sven , Anderle Georg , Agneskirchner Jens D. , Buess Eduard
Published: June 2022

Background:

Retears after rotator cuff repair (RCR) have been associated with poor clinical results. Meaningful data regarding the role of arthroscopic revision RCR are sparse thus far.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

To investigate results after arthroscopic revision RCR. We hypothesized that (1) arthroscopic revision RCR would lead to improved outcomes, (2) the clinical results would be dependent on tendon integrity and (3) tear pattern, tendon involvement, and repair technique would influence clinical and structural results.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence 4.

Methods:

During a 40-month period, 100 patients who underwent arthroscopic revision RCR were prospectively enrolled in this multicenter study. Outcomes were evaluated preoperatively, at 6 months (6M), and at 24 months (24M) using the Constant score (CS), the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), and the Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV). Tendon integrity at 2 years was analyzed using magnetic resonance imaging. A total of 13 patients (13%) were lost to follow-up, and 14 patients (14%) had a symptomatic retear before the 24M follow-up.

Results:

All clinical scores improved significantly during the study period (CS: preoperative, 44 ± 16; 6M, 58 ± 22; 24M, 69 ± 19 points; OSS: preoperative, 27 ± 8; 6M, 36 ± 11; 24M, 40 ± 9 points; SSV: preoperative, 43% ± 18%; 6M, 66% ± 24%; 24M, 75% ± 22%) ( P < .01). At 2 years, a retear rate of 51.8% (43/83) and a surgical revision rate of 12.6% (11/87) were observed. Mean full-thickness tear size decreased from 5.00 ± 1.61 cm2 to 3.25 ± 1.92 cm2 ( P = .041). Although the Sugaya score improved from 4.5 ± 0.9 to 3.7 ± 1.4 ( P = .043), tendon integrity did not correlate with better outcome scores. Previous open RCR, involvement of the subscapularis, chondral lesions of Outerbridge grade ≥2, and medial cuff failure were correlated with poorer SSV scores at 2 years ( P≤ .047). Patients with traumatic retears had better CS and OSS scores at 2 years ( P≤ .039).

Conclusion:

Although arthroscopic revision RCR improved shoulder function, retears were frequent but usually smaller. Patients with retears, however, did not necessarily have poorer shoulder function. Patient satisfaction at 2 years was lower when primary open RCR was performed, when a subscapularis tear or osteoarthritis was present, and when the rotator cuff retear was located at the musculotendinous junction. Patients with traumatic retears showed better functional improvement after revision.
Practical constraint definition in safety schemes for artificial pancreas systems
Authors: Rodríguez-Sarmiento David L , León-Vargas Fabian , Garelli Fabricio
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

Artificial pancreas systems usually define an insulin-on-board constraint ([Formula: see text]) for safety schemes to limit the insulin infusion and avoid hypoglycemia during the closed-loop performance. Several methods have been proposed with impractical considerations requiring information from the prandial events or complex procedures for ambulatory use.

Methods:

This paper presents a simple method that consists of two novel rules that allow finding an [Formula: see text] based only on common clinical parameters that do not require patient intervention. The method robustness was evaluated using a control system coupled to a safety layer under demanding scenarios implemented on the FDA-approved simulator for preclinical studies.

Results:

The method maintains a safe performance, even in the face of interpatient variability, hybrid and fully automatic implementations of an artificial pancreas system, and uncertain settings. Both proposed rules work as effectively or even better and without the patient intervention than other methods that have already been clinically validated.

Conclusion:

This method can be used to define a constant [Formula: see text] that ensures performance and safety of the control system, even under scenarios with incorrect clinical data. Unlike other methods, this method only requires reliable information that is easily obtained from the patient, such as their total daily dose of insulin or body mass.
Aniline exposure activates receptor-interacting serine/threonineprotein kinase 1 and causes necroptosis of AML12 cells
Authors: Jin Shuo , Zhang Tong , Fu Xinyu , Duan Zhongliang , Sun Jianwen , Wang Yue
Published: June 2022

With the increased use of aniline, potential impacts on human health cannot be ignored. The hepatotoxicity of aniline is largely unknown and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the hepatotoxicity of aniline and elucidate the underlying mechanism. AML12 cells were exposed to different concentrations of aniline (0, 5, 10, or 20 mM) to observe changes to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the expression patterns of necroptosis-related proteins (RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL). The potential mechanism underlying aniline-induced hepatotoxicity was explored by knockout of RIPK1. The results showed that aniline induced cytotoxicity in AML12 cells in a dose-dependent manner in addition to the production of ROS and subsequent necroptosis of AML12 cells. Silencing of RIPK1 reversed upregulation of necroptosis-related proteins in AML12 cells exposed to aniline, demonstrating that aniline-induced ROS production was related to necroptosis of AML12. Moreover, aniline promoted intracellular RIPK1 activation, suggesting that the RIPK1/ROS pathway plays an important role in aniline-induced hepatotoxicity. NAC could quench ROS and inhibit necroptosis. These results provide a scientific basis for future studies of aniline-induced hepatotoxicity for the prevention and treatment of aniline-induced cytotoxicity.
Exclusive Textiles: A Journey of Struggle ‘from Weave to Wonder’
Authors: Usmani Sania , Thurasamay Ramayah
Published: June 2022

This case study is about an entrepreneur and his journey from a zero-revenue company to a PKR 250 million (US$1.5 million) turnover company. This case study stipulates how he managed to create a distinctive position in the Pakistani textile market. It focuses on the transition from a small-scale business to a large-scale manufacturing business. It highlights the dilemma in decision-making for an entrepreneur to be adaptable to new technology and forward vertical integration. He was standing at the crossroads of what to do next with his 40-year-old company, Exclusive Textiles. This real-life case exemplifies the basic requirements for starting a business and understanding how businesses evolve with time.
Evaluation of the Addition of Angiotensin II in Patients With Shock After Cardiac Surgery at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Authors: Bird Stephanie , Chand Mastian , Tran Trung Ly , Ali Shahid , Awad Samir S. , Cornwell Lorraine D. , Schutz Alexander , Jimenez Ernesto
Published: June 2022

Background:

Vasoplegic shock occurs in up to 37% of cardiac surgery patients. We investigated the use of angiotensin II for treating vasoplegic shock in these patients.

Objectives:

We assessed clinical outcomes and mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery at our center between March 1, 2018 and October 31, 2020 who developed vasoplegic shock, comparing those who received angiotensin II with those who did not.

Methods:

This was a retrospective chart review. Response to angiotensin II was defined as increase in or maintenance of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and decrease in background vasopressor dosage.

Results:

Angiotensin II was administered to 7 patients (postoperatively in 4 patients [57.1%]) with vasoplegic shock and baseline norepinephrine equivalent (NEE) of 0.49 ± 0.08 μg/kg/min; 12 patients with vasoplegic shock did not receive angiotensin II. Within 3 hours of angiotensin II administration, NEE decreased by 38.0 ± 33.1%. Angiotensin patients were more likely to newly require renal replacement therapy (66.7% vs 9.1%, P = 0.03) and had a longer, although not statistically significant, postoperative stay (23.1 vs 14.0 days, P = 0.16). Despite higher NEE requirements at baseline (0.49 vs 0.30, P = 0.03) and over the next 48 hours in the angiotensin group, no between-group differences in 7-day mortality (14.3% vs 0.0%, P = 0.37) or 30-day mortality (28.6% vs 8.3%, P = 0.52) were noted.

Conclusion and Relevance:

In patients who developed vasoplegic shock after cardiac surgery, angiotensin II administration allowed immediate dosage reductions of other vasopressors while maintaining MAP. Despite its small sample size, this study adds to the paucity of data in these patients and highlights future research needs.
The Possible Effects of National Culture Dimensions on Sustainable Child Development Index: A Cross-Country Analysis of Countries
Authors: Fayganoğlu Pınar , Gokmen Yunus , Can Yalcin Rukiye , Beğenirbaş Memduh , Işikçi Erol
Published: June 2022

Household income, which is one of the most important measures of a country’s economic state, does not indicate that children live in better circumstances. In the related literature, children are placed at the center of a country’s sustainability assessments and created the Sustainable Child Development Index (SCDI), which displays a country’s sustainable child development scores in terms of health, education, safety, economic conditions, and environmental factors. Taking into consideration the issues about children and SCDI, this study is to reveal the effects of Hofstede’s cultural structures/dimensions on SCDI scores by analyzing a cross-sectional data set of 81 countries with logarithmic multiple regression as an explanatory model. As a result of the analysis, it was seen that power distance and masculinity had a significant and negative effect on SCDI, and long-term orientation had a significant and positive effect on SCDI. For future studies, this study can be beneficial to see the longitudinal differences for the countries covered in this study.
Linking Online Vaccine Information Seeking to Vaccination Intention in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Zheng Han , Jiang Shaohai , Rosenthal Sonny
Published: June 2022

This study examines how online vaccine information seeking is related to vaccination intention in the United States and China during the initial stage of their coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination programs. Analysis of the pooled sample showed a positive relationship between online vaccine information seeking and vaccination intention. There was also a negative indirect effect via perceived information overload, vaccine risk perception, and negative affective response. Multigroup analysis revealed differences between the United States and China. This study highlights the bright and dark sides of online health information during a global pandemic and has practical implications for communication campaigns to promote health-related behaviors.
Statins and Risk of Thrombosis in Critically ill Patients with COVID-19: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Al Harbi Shmeylan , Kensara Raed , Aljuhani Ohoud , Korayem Ghazwa B. , Altebainawi Ali F. , Al Harthi Abdullah , Vishwakarma Ramesh , Alenazi Alaa M. , Almutairi Abdulmajed , Alshaya Omar , Alraddadi Sultan , Al Sulaiman Tareq , Aldakkan Latifah , Mahboob Reem , Alaamer Kholoud , Alissa Abdulrahman , Hafiz Awatif , Aldhayyan Nada , Althewaibi Sara , Alenezi Farhan , Alkhotani Nadeen Y. , Alghamdi Sara A. , Alenazi Abeer A. , Al Sulaiman Khalid
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Coagulation abnormalities are one of the most important complications of severe COVID-19, which might lead to venous thromboembolism (VTE). Hypercoagulability with hyperfibrinogenemia causes large vessel thrombosis and major thromboembolic sequelae. Statins are potentially a potent adjuvant therapy in COVID-19 infection due to their pleiotropic effect. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of statins in reducing the risk of thrombosis among hospitalized critically ill patients with COVID-19.

Methods

A multicenter, retrospective cohort study of all critically ill adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) between March 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021. Eligible patients were categorized based on their usage of statins throughout their ICU stay and were matched with a propensity score. The primary endpoint was the odds of all cases of thrombosis; other outcomes were considered secondary.

Results

A total of 1039 patients were eligible; following propensity score matching, 396 patients were included (1:1 ratio). The odds of all thrombosis cases and VTE events did not differ significantly between the two groups (OR 0.84 (95% CI 0.43, 1.66), P = 0.62 and OR 1.13 (95% CI 0.43, 2.98), P = 0.81, respectively. On multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, patients who received statin therapy had lower 30-day (HR 0.72 (95 % CI 0.54, 0.97), P = 0.03) and in-hospital mortality (HR 0.67 (95 % CI 0.51, 0.89), P = 0.007). Other secondary outcomes were not statistically significant between the two groups except for D-dimer levels (peak) during ICU stay.

Conclusion

The use of statin therapy during ICU stay was not associated with thrombosis reduction in critically ill patients with COVID-19; however, it has been associated with survival benefits.
Poetic Portraiture as Critical Arts-Based Pedagogy and Methodology: Older Women’s Relationships Through the Life Course
Authors: Faulkner Sandra L. , Watson Wendy K. , Pollino Madison A. , Reese Jesse
Published: June 2022

We conducted life history interviews with 18 older women about their lives and used poetic portraiture as a form of a poetic inquiry to present women’s stories. Poetic portraits are a representation of an interviewee in verse that focus on embodied aspects of their life story. Graduate students in a relational communication seminar created poetic transcriptions of the interviews as a form of qualitative thematic analysis and used the transcripts to create a visual and poetic portrait of each woman. We discuss the benefits of using poetic portraiture as research representation and reflective research practice.
Religion, secularity, culture? Investigating Christian privilege in Western Europe
Authors: Lauwers A Sophie
Published: June 2022

Scholarship on religious inequality in Europe has focused mainly on the position of religious minorities, primarily Jews and Muslims. Investigations into Islamophobia, antisemitism, and other forms of discrimination and oppression, however, are merely one side of the coin. This article draws attention to Christian privilege as a different, but related phenomenon. It understands ‘privilege’ to be part of the study of hegemony, as the asymmetrical counterpart of structural oppression. The article situates Christian privilege within secular Christian hegemony in Western Europe and explores its relation to racial and religious exclusion. It identifies three different types of Christian privilege and outlines a framework for normatively evaluating them.
Mechanics of drag reduction of an axisymmetric body of revolution with shallow dimples
Authors: Panda J P , Handique J , Warrior H V
Published: June 2022

In this article, the mechanics of drag reduction on an axisymmetric body of revolution by shallow dimples is presented by using the high-fidelity Reynolds Stress Modeling based simulations. Experimental results of drag evolution from published literature at different Reynolds numbers are used to validate the model predictions. The numerical predictions show good agreement with the experimental results. It is observed that the drag of the body is reduced by a maximum of [Formula: see text] with such shape modification (for the depth to diameter ratio of [Formula: see text] and coverage ratio of [Formula: see text]). This arises due to the reduced level of turbulence, flow stabilization and suppression of flow separation in the boundary layer of the body. From the analysis of turbulence states in the anisotopic invariant map (AIM) for the case of the dimpled body, we show that the turbulence reaches an axisymmetric limit in the layers close to the surface of the body. There is also a reduced misalignment between the mean flow direction and principal axis of the Reynolds stress tensor, which results in such drag reduction. The dimple depth to diameter(s/d) and coverage ratio (a/A) are also varied to evaluate its effect on drag evolution. An empirical correlation for the drag coefficient is also developed by using polynomial regression in terms of the different shape and flow parameters, for example, s/d ratio, a/A ratio, and Reynolds shear stress.
Social Disparities in the Management of Trigger Finger: An Analysis of 31 411 Cases
Authors: Brodeur Peter G. , Raducha Jeremy E. , Kim Kang Woo , Johnson Cameron , Rebello Elliott , Cruz Aristides I. , Gil Joseph A.
Published: June 2022

Background:

Cost and compliance are 2 factors that can significantly affect the outcomes of non-operative and operative treatment of trigger finger (TF) and both may be influenced by social factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate socioeconomic disparities in the surgical treatment for TF.

Methods:

Adult patients (≥18 years old) were identified using International Classification of Diseases 9 and 10 Clinical Modification diagnostic codes for TF and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) procedural codes (CPT: 26055) in the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database. Each diagnosis was linked to procedure data to determine which patients went on to have TF release. A multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the likelihood of receiving surgery. The variables included in the analysis were age, sex, race, social deprivation index (SDI), Charlson Comorbidity Index, and primary insurance type. A P-value < .05 was considered significant.

Results:

Of the 31 411 TF patients analyzed, 8941 (28.5%) underwent surgery. Logistic regression analysis showed higher odds of receiving surgery in females (odds ratio [OR]: 1.108) and those with workers compensation (OR: 1.7). Hispanic (OR: 0.541), Asian (OR: 0.419), African American (OR: 0.455), and Other race (OR: 0.45) had decreased odds of surgery. Medicaid (OR: 0.773), Medicare (OR: 0.841), and self-pay (OR: 0.515) reimbursement methods had reduced odds of receiving surgery. Higher social deprivation was associated with decreased odds of surgery (OR: 0.988).

Conclusions:

There are disparities in demographic characteristics among those who receive TF release for trigger finger related to race, primary insurance, and social deprivation.
In-wheel motor control system used by four-wheel drive electric vehicle based on whale optimization algorithm-proportional–integral–derivative control
Authors: Zhai Rongjie , Xiao Ping , Zhang Rongyun , Ju Jinyong
Published: June 2022

Aiming to more accurately control the wheel speed of an electric vehicle (EV) driven by four in-wheel motors, a developed whale optimization algorithm-proportional–integral–derivative (KW-WOA-PID) control algorithm is proposed herein. In this study, mathematical and simulation models are built for EVs by analyzing the mechanical structures of EVs driven by four in-wheel motors. Simulations are conducted, and the driving and control requirements for the in-wheel motors are obtained. Then, mathematical and simulation models are built for a specific in-wheel motor. The whale optimization algorithm (WOA) is optimized by kent mapping and the adaptive weight coefficient to improve the ability of the algorithm to jump out of the local optimum and the convergence speed and convergence accuracy of WOA. Then the further simulations are conducted. The simulation results display that the maximum overshoot and adjustment time of the motor under KW-WOA-PID control are significantly optimized. Then, a speed-control bench test system is built for the in-wheel motor, and real-life experiments were conducted. The experimental results verify that KW-WOA-PID has higher control accuracy and a better response performance; accordingly, the developed control algorithm can meet driving requirements. The handling stability of EVs is effectively improved by controlling the motor speed.
Synthesis and Antitumor Activity of Staurosporine Derivatives
Authors: Li Gang , Wu Dan , Xu Yanchao , He Wenwen , Wang Dongyang , Zhu Weiming , Wang Liping
Published: June 2022

Twenty-four derivatives of staurosporine were synthesized by modification at the 3′- N, 3- and 7-positions. Of these compounds, 16 were synthesized for the first time and their structures were determined by NMR spectroscopy, ECD, and HRESIMS. Their inhibitory activities against seven tumor cell lines, MV4-11 (leukemia), MCF-7 (breast carcinoma), HCT-116 (colon cancer), TE-1 (esophageal carcinoma), PATU8988 T (pancreatic cancer), HOS (osteosarcoma) and GBC-SD (gallbladder cancer), and human normal liver cell L-02 were evaluated using a Cell Counting Kit-8. The IC50 values for 7-oxo-3′- N-benzoylstaurosporin (4) on MV4-11 and PATU8988 T cells were 0.078 and 0.666 μmol/L, and the selection indexes were 1254 and 147, respectively. The IC50 values of 7-oxo-3-chloro-3′- N-benzoylstaurosporine (5) and (7 R)-7-hydroxy-3-bromo-3′- N-acetylstaurosporine (24) on MCF-7 cells were 0.029 and 0.021 μmol/L, and the selection indexes were 102 and 221, respectively. The above compounds have the potential to be developed further into antitumor drugs due to the advantages of high efficiency and low toxicity.
New 1,4-Dihydropyrazolo[4,3-b]indoles Induce Antiproliferation of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells and Inhibition of Selective Inflammatory Cytokines
Authors: Ngoc Binh Vo , Adorisio Sabrina , Delfino Domenico V. , Ngo Quoc Anh
Published: June 2022

Research on multitargeting drugs is emerging, focusing on the discovery of agents that simultaneously act on more than one biological target. Here, a novel synthetic route to access the fused-heterocycles 1,4-dihydropyrazolo[4,3- b]indoles (4) from pyrazolo[4,3- c][2,1]benzothiazine 4,4-dioxide (3) via [H2O–SO2] elimination and an intramolecular ring-closing reaction is reported. Two lead compounds 3b and 4b were found to show significant inhibition of cell growth by suppressing cell cycle progression at the G0/G1 phases and inducing apoptosis of the acute myeloid leukemia OCI-AML3 cell line. Both compounds also significantly decreased tumor necrosis factor-α and transforming growth factor-β (at all tested concentrations), whereas no effect was seen on other cytokines (interleukin-4, interferon-γ, interleukin-9, interleukin-12). Thus, these compounds are promising leads in the discovery of novel anticancer agents.
Empirical Legal Studies in China: Current Status, Emerging Trends and Indications for Legal Education
Authors: Du Li , Wang Meng
Published: June 2022

This study aims to fill the knowledge gap about the emerging Chinese empirical legal scholarship and its potential for the improvement of legal education. We analysed empirical legal studies (ELS) published in 24 major Chinese legal journals between 2013 and 2020. The content analysis of 456 articles established the overall attitude towards ELS, fields of law that deploy empirical methods, commonly used methods and tools for statistical analysis, and why scholars use ELS. This study indicates that although ELS has become a trend in legal scholarship, ELS has not received enough attention in Chinese legal academy. While new interdisciplinary programmes that combine both law and data science are underway in a few leading law schools, the use of ELS by Chinese legal scholars remain low. Law schools in China can address the issue by developing training programmes to introduce the legal community to this growing field.
The Business Ownership Patterns of Undocumented Immigrants in the United States: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Somashekhar Mahesh
Published: June 2022

When debating the effect of undocumented immigrants on the economy, scholars often presume that undocumented immigrants are wage laborers rather than business owners. This study imputes the legal status of Mexican and Central American immigrants (MCAs) in the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) between 1996 and 2008 to evaluate how legal status affects business ownership patterns. From 1996 to 2008, the SIPP asked a series of questions about business ownership and migration history that make it uniquely suited to an investigation of undocumented MCA business owners. Instrumental variables regressions reveal that undocumented immigrants had a lower likelihood of owning a business than documented immigrants, but undocumented and documented business owners derived similar incomes from their businesses. A lack of legal status may hold back potential entrepreneurs. MCA business owners of both legal statuses clustered into similar low-paying, low-growth industries, however, so regardless of legal status, there are likely limits to how much business ownership can promote economic mobility among MCAs. All told, scholars should do more to acknowledge the existence of undocumented immigrant business owners, measure their impact on the economy, and examine their influence on immigrant incorporation patterns.
Wastewater Wars: Using Persuasion Tactics to Overcome Cognitive Distortions
Authors: Breer Kelsey K. , Perry Sophia T. , Morgan Jeffrey P. , Bolinger Alexander R.
Published: June 2022

We describe a short, interactive case-based activity for illustrating cognitive distortions of communication underlying resistance to change. Based on a real-life story, the case describes a failed effort by the mayor of Toowoomba, Australia to fund a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant. After reading the case, students work individually and in small groups to identify examples of cognitive distortions in the communication between the mayor’s office and the citizens of Toowoomba and then suggest better approaches based on evidence-based principles of persuasion. The Wastewater case is both engaging and versatile and has proven popular for students in undergraduate, graduate, and executive education courses. We discuss learning objectives, provide step-by-step instructions for running the activity, describe variations and adaptations for online courses, and include suggestions for debriefing the activity.
The Origins and Early Evolution of the ASMS and Craniomaxillofacial Surgery: A Surgical Discipline in Its Infancy
Authors: Jarrahy Reza , Kawamoto Henry K.
Published: June 2022

As surgeons, in order to appreciate the possibilities of the future we must look back at our past. In honor of the 75th anniversary of the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons (ASMS), this historical article—the first in a series of 3 papers looking at the history of the ASMS and the evolution of craniomaxillofacial surgery as a distinct surgical subspecialty—reviews key figures and events that are germane to the development of our field from 1947, when the ASMS was founded, to 1971.
How I treat immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura after hospital discharge
Authors: Akwaa Frank , Antun Ana , Cataland Spero R.
Published: June 2022

Immune-mediated thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) is a thrombotic microangiopathy characterized by an acquired ADAMTS13 deficiency as a result of the presence of an antibody inhibitor of ADAMTS13 leading to the formation of ultralarge von Willebrand multimers. Treatment of iTTP includes plasma exchange, high-dose glucocorticoids, rituximab, and, more recently, caplacizumab, to prevent the development of exacerbations. There is the risk of both relapse and long-term complications that include neurocognitive deficits and cardiovascular events that occur in patients in remission after recovery from an acute iTTP episode. Data on the risk factors for the development of these complications, the appropriate screening, and treatment are limited due to the paucity of research. This article is a review of the current understanding on the risk factors for exacerbation, relapse, and long-term complications of iTTP and discusses an approach to observing patients with iTTP after hospital discharge and during the long-term follow-up in the outpatient setting.
Synonymous ADAMTS13 variants impact molecular characteristics and contribute to variability in active protein abundance
Authors: Jankowska Katarzyna Izabela , Meyer Douglas , Holcomb David Dillon Fisher , Kames Jacob , Hamasaki-Katagiri Nobuko , Katneni Upendra K. , Hunt Ryan C. , Ibla Juan C. , Kimchi-Sarfaty Chava
Published: June 2022

The effects of synonymous single nucleotide variants (sSNVs) are often neglected since they do not alter protein primary structure. Nevertheless, there is growing evidence that synonymous variations may impact mRNA expression, protein conformation and activity which may lead to protein deficiency and disease manifestations. As there are more than 21 million possible sSNVs affecting human genome, it is not feasible to experimentally validate the effect of each sSNV. Here, we report a comprehensive series of in-silico analyses assessing sSNV impact on a specific gene. A Disintegrin-like and Metalloprotease with Thrombospondin type-1 repeats, member-13 (ADAMTS13) was chosen as a model for its large size, many previously reported sSNVs and associated coagulopathy thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Using various prediction tools of biomolecular characteristics, we evaluated all ADAMTS13 sSNVs registered in the NCBI dbSNP, including 357 neutral sSNVs and 19 sSNVs identified in TTP patients. We showed that some sSNVs change mRNA folding energy/stability, disrupt mRNA splicing, disturb micro RNAs (miRNAs) binding sites, and alter synonymous codon or codon pair usage. Our findings highlight the importance of considering sSNVs when assessing the complex effects of ADAMTS13 alleles and our approach provides a generalizable framework to characterize sSNV impact in other genes and diseases.
Facile synthesis of degradable DOX/ICG co-loaded metal–organic frameworks for targeted drug release and thermoablation
Authors: Liu Bei , Liu Xiaoning , Zhang Xiangyu , Wu Xi , Li Chuanbo , Sun Zhaogang , Chu Hongqian
Published: June 2022

Background

Despite the increasing interest in combination therapy for the treatment of cancer, controlled delivery of different therapeutics with high body-clearance efficacy and cancer cell specificity remained a great challenge. In this study, a novel codelivery system was synthesized through one-pot coordination-driven self-assembly of 2-methylimidazole, zinc ion and chemotherapeutic drug (doxorubicin, DOX), followed by a surface decoration of photothermal agent (indocyanine green, ICG). To improve the targeting specificity performance, folic acid-conjugated polyethylene glycol (FA-PEG) antennas was connected on the surface of nanoparticles.

Results

The hybrid nanoparticles keep stable under neutral physiological condition but decompose when exposed to acidic environment, resulting in the on-demand release of DOX and ICG for chemo-photothermal combined therapy. Moreover, by switching the initial large size (~ 94 nm) to an ultrasmall size (∼10 nm) in cancer cells, the nanoparticles hold great potential to avoid nanotoxicity for clinical applications.

Conclusions

This work provides a new strategy for co-delivery of different therapeutics for combined cancer therapy with high cancer cell specificity and low nanotoxicity.
GridScore: a tool for accurate, cross-platform phenotypic data collection and visualization
Authors: Raubach Sebastian , Schreiber Miriam , Shaw Paul D.
Published: June 2022

Background

Plant breeding and crop research rely on experimental phenotyping trials. These trials generate data for large numbers of traits and plant varieties that needs to be captured efficiently and accurately to support further research and downstream analysis. Traditionally scored by hand, phenotypic data is nowadays collected using spreadsheets or specialized apps. While many solutions exist, which increase efficiency and reduce errors, none offer the same familiarity as printed field plans which have been used for decades and offer an intuitive overview over the trial setup, previously recorded data and plots still requiring scoring.

Results

We introduce GridScore which utilizes cutting-edge web technologies to reproduce the familiarity of printed field plans while enhancing the phenotypic data collection process by adding advanced features like georeferencing, image tagging and speech recognition. GridScore is a cross-platform open-source plant phenotyping app that combines barcode-based systems with a guided data collection approach while offering a top-down view onto the data collected in a field layout. GridScore is compared to existing tools across a wide spectrum of criteria including support for barcodes, multiple platforms, and visualizations.

Conclusion

Compared to its competition, GridScore shows strong performance across the board offering a complete manual phenotyping experience.
Developing a bioinformatics pipeline for comparative protein classification analysis
Authors: Pelosi Benedetta
Published: June 2022

Background

Protein classification is a task of paramount importance in various fields of biology. Despite the great momentum of modern implementation of protein classification, machine learning techniques such as Random Forest and Neural Network could not always be used for several reasons: data collection, unbalanced classification or labelling of the data.As an alternative, I propose the use of a bioinformatics pipeline to search for and classify information from protein databases. Hence, to evaluate the efficiency and accuracy of the pipeline, I focused on the carotenoid biosynthetic genes and developed a filtering approach to retrieve orthologs clusters in two well-studied plants that belong to the Brassicaceae family: Arabidopsis thaliana and Brassica rapa Pekinensis group. The result obtained has been compared with previous studies on carotenoid biosynthetic genes in B. rapa where phylogenetic analysis was conducted.

Results

The developed bioinformatics pipeline relies on commercial software and multiple databeses including the use of phylogeny, Gene Ontology terms (GOs) and Protein Families (Pfams) at a protein level. Furthermore, the phylogeny is coupled with “population analysis” to evaluate the potential orthologs. All the steps taken together give a final table of potential orthologs. The phylogenetic tree gives a result of 43 putative orthologs conserved in B. rapa Pekinensis group. Different A. thaliana proteins have more than one syntenic ortholog as also shown in a previous finding (Li et al., BMC Genomics 16(1):1–11, 2015).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that, when the biological features of proteins of interest are not specific, I can rely on a computational approach in filtering steps for classification purposes. The comparison of the results obtained here for the carotenoid biosynthetic genes with previous research confirmed the accuracy of the developed pipeline which can therefore be applied for filtering different types of datasets.
Sirt1 protects against hippocampal atrophy and its induced cognitive impairment in middle-aged mice
Authors: Sun Zuhao , Zhao Shuang , Suo Xinjun , Dou Yan
Published: June 2022

Background

Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) is a recognized longevity gene and has been shown to be associated with aging and its related diseases. Hippocampal volume is considered to be the most sensitive brain imaging phenotype for cognition, but the effect of Sirt1 on hippocampal morphology during aging has not been reported.

Results

Herein, we investigated the effect of conditional Sirt1 knockdown on hippocampal volume in middle-aged mice, as well as its cognitive function and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Brain structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed that adeno-associated virus (AAV) mediated hippocampal Sirt1 knockdown caused hippocampal atrophy in 8-month-old mice. Open field test (OFT) and Morris Water Maze (MWM) test revealed that hippocampal Sirt1 knockdown significantly weakened spatial learning and memory of mice without effect on anxiety and exploratory behavior. Western blotting analysis showed that P-tau levels at serine 396 epitope were significantly increased with slightly decreased T-tau levels, while PSD95 and NMDAR2B levels were obviously reduced, indicating that hippocampal Sirt1 knockdown could activate tau hyperphosphorylation and synaptic damage.

Conclusions

This work revealed that Sirt1 is an important protective gene against hippocampal atrophy and its induced cognitive impairment during aging, providing potential therapeutic targets for the prevention and intervention of aging-related neuropsychic diseases.
Dynamic QTL-based ecophysiological models to predict phenotype from genotype and environment data
Authors: Vallejos C. Eduardo , Jones James W. , Bhakta Mehul S. , Gezan Salvador A. , Correll Melanie J.
Published: June 2022

Background

Predicting the phenotype from the genotype is one of the major contemporary challenges in biology. This challenge is greater in plants because their development occurs mostly post-embryonically under diurnal and seasonal environmental fluctuations. Most current crop simulation models are physiology-based models capable of capturing environmental fluctuations but cannot adequately capture genotypic effects because they were not constructed within a genetics framework.

Results

We describe the construction of a mixed-effects dynamic model to predict time-to-flowering in the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). This prediction model applies the developmental approach used by traditional crop simulation models, uses direct observational data, and captures the Genotype, Environment, and Genotype-by-Environment effects to predict progress towards time-to-flowering in real time. Comparisons to a traditional crop simulation model and to a previously developed static model shows the advantages of the new dynamic model.

Conclusions

The dynamic model can be applied to other species and to different plant processes. These types of models can, in modular form, gradually replace plant processes in existing crop models as has been implemented in BeanGro, a crop simulation model within the DSSAT Cropping Systems Model. Gene-based dynamic models can accelerate precision breeding of diverse crop species, particularly with the prospects of climate change. Finally, a gene-based simulation model can assist policy decision makers in matters pertaining to prediction of food supplies.
Safety and efficacy comparison between OACs plus single antiplatelet and dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with cerebral venous sinus stenosis poststenting
Authors: Bai Chaobo , Chen Zhiying , Wu Xiaoqin , Ilagan Roxanne , Ding Yuchuan , Ji Xunming , Meng Ran
Published: June 2022

Background and purpose

The present strategies regarding poststent management for cerebral venous sinus stenosis (CVSS) are inconsistent. Herein, we compared the safety and efficacy of oral anticoagulants (OACs) plus single antiplatelet therapy and dual antiplatelet therapy for CVSS poststenting.

Methods

A real-world observational study conducted from January 2009 through October 2019 enrolled patients who were diagnosed with CVSS and received stenting. Patients were divided into two groups according to the management they received poststenting. Group 1: OACs plus a single antiplatelet agent (clopidogrel 75 mg or aspirin 100 mg) and Group 2: dual antiplatelet therapy (clopidogrel 75 mg plus aspirin 100 mg). The safety (such as major or minor bleeding or venous thrombosis) and efficacy (the incidences of cerebral venous sinus restenosis, intrastent thrombosis, or stent displacement) of the two groups were compared.

Results

There were a total of 110 eligible patients in the final analysis, including 79 females and 31 males with a mean age of 43.42 ± 13.23 years. No major bleeding or venous thrombosis occurred in either of the two groups. Two minor bleeding events occurred in group 2 (one with subcutaneous bleeding points in both lower limbs, another with submucosal bleeding in the mouth), whereas no bleeding events occurred in Group 1. In addition, at the 1-year follow-up, one case of intraluminal restenosis and two cases of in-stent thrombi occurred in Group 2, while none occurred in Group 1. Neither stenosis at stent-adjacent segments nor stent migration was detected in either group during the 1-year following stent placement.

Conclusion

OACs plus single antiplatelet therapy and dual antiplatelet therapy alone are both safe and efficacious management strategies after CVSS stent placement. The former may have more advantages than the latter for inhibiting intrastent thrombosis. However, further research by larger, multicenter clinical trials is needed.
Has the cesarean epidemic in Czechia been reversed despite fertility postponement?
Authors: Fait Tomáš , Šťastná Anna , Kocourková Jiřina , Waldaufová Eva , Šídlo Luděk , Kníže Michal
Published: June 2022

Background

Although the percentage of cesarean sections (CS) in Czechia is below the average of that of other developed countries (23.6%), it still exceeds WHO recommendations (15%). The first aim of the study is to examine the association between a CS birth and the main health factors and sociodemographic characteristics involved, while the second aim is to examine recent trends in the CS rate in Czechia. 

Methods

Anonymized data on all mothers in Czechia for 2018 taken from the National Register of Expectant Mothers was employed. The risk of cesarean delivery for the observed factors was tested via the construction of a binary logistic regression model that allowed for adjustments for all the other covariates in the model.

Results

Despite all the covariates being found to be statistically significant, it was determined that health factors represented a higher risk of a CS than sociodemographic characteristics. A previous CS was found to increase the risk of its recurrence by 33 times (OR = 32.96, 95% CI 30.95–35.11, p<0.001). The breech position increased the risk of CS by 31 times (OR = 31.03, 95% CI 28.14–34.29, p<0.001). A multiple pregnancy increased the odds of CS six-fold and the use of ART 1.8-fold. Mothers who suffered from diabetes before pregnancy were found to be twice as likely to give birth via CS (OR = 2.14, 95% CI 1.76–2.60, p<0.001), while mothers with gestational diabetes had just 23% higher odds of a CS birth (OR = 1.23, 95% CI 1.16–1.31, p<0.001). Mothers who suffered from hypertension gave birth via CS twice as often as did mothers without such complications (OR = 2.01, 95% CI 1.86–2.21, p<0.001).

Conclusions

The increasing age of mothers, a significant risk factor for a CS, was found to be independent of other health factors. Accordingly, delayed childbearing is thought to be associated with the increase in the CS rate in Czechia. However, since other factors come into play, further research is needed to assess whether the recent slight decline in the CS rate is not merely a temporal trend.
Screening for retinopathy of prematurity in North China
Authors: Li Li , Gao Yanlin , Chen Wei , Han Mei
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To analyze the incidence and severity of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in north China, and to evaluate the effectiveness of different ROP screening criteria.

Patients and methods

The screening data of premature infants were collected from 2016 to 2021. The severity of ROP was graded according to the International Classification of Retinopathy of Prematurity (2005). And the treatment for ROP followed the Early Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity Cooperative Group. The effects of gestational age (GA) and birth weight (BW) on the incidence and severity of ROP were evaluated. The screening data were also analyzed using different ROP screening guidelines.

Results

A total of 4069 infants underwent ROP screening, and 728 infants (17.9%) were diagnosed with ROP. Of those, 78 infants (1.9%) received treatments. Gestational age and BW showed significant differences between infants with and without ROP (29.1 ± 2.1w vs. 32.9 ± 2.6w, p < 0.001; 1362.7 ± 427.3 g vs. 1751.9 ± 509.4 g, p < 0.001; respectively). Fifty-six infants (7.69%), 188 infants (25.82%), and 104 infants (14.29%) in all infants with ROP would have been missed according to the China, USA, and UK screening guidelines respectively. If GA ≤ 33 weeks and/or BW ≤ 2100 g were considered as screening criteria, only one infant (0.14%) with critical systemic illness was missed diagnosed with severe ROP.

Conclusion

Gestational age and BW are major risk factors for the incidence and severity of ROP. And the incidence and treatment rate of ROP in Tianjin is similar to that reported in the other regions of China. Modified ROP screening criteria were considered to be more effective in Tianjin.
Oblique-ilioischial plate technique: a novel method for acetabular fractures involving low posterior column
Authors: Chen Zhong , Wu Zhao-xiang , Chen Ge , Ou Yi , Wen Hong-jie
Published: June 2022

Background

Complex acetabular fractures involving the anterior and posterior columns are an intractable clinical challenge. The study investigated the safety and efficacy of oblique-ilioischial plate technique for acetabular fractures involving low posterior column.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 18 patients operated with the oblique-ilioischial plate technique by the modified Stoppa approach (or combined with iliac fossa approach) between August 2016 and July 2021 for low posterior column acetabular fractures was conducted. The anterior column was fixed with a reconstructed plate from the iliac wing along the iliopectineal line to the pubis. The low posterior column was fixed with the novel oblique-ilioischial plate running from the ilium to the ischial ramus. Operative time, intraoperative blood loss, reduction quality, and postoperative hip function were recorded.

Results

Out of the 18 patients, 10 were male and 8 were female. The mean age was 48.6±10.2 years (range: 45–62 years); The mean interval from injury to operation was 7.2±1.4 days (range: 5–19 days); The mean operative time was 2.1±0.3 h (range: 1.0–3.2 hours); The mean intraoperative blood loss was 300±58.4 mL (range: 200–500 mL). Postoperative reduction (Matta’s criteria) was deemed as excellent (n = 9), good (n = 4), and fair (n = 5). At the final follow-up, the hip function (modified Merle d’Aubigne-Postel scale) was deemed as excellent (n = 11), good (n = 3), and fair (n = 4). The mean union time was 4.5±1.8 months (range: 3–6 months). No implant failure, infection, heterotopic ossification, or neurovascular injury were reported.

Conclusion

The oblique-ilioischial plate technique via anterior approach for acetabular fractures involving low posterior column offers reliable fixation, limited invasion, little intraoperative bleeding, and fewer complications. However, larger multicenter control studies are warranted.