bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immediate Postoperative Treatment of Keloids with Intraoperative Radiation Therapy Technology: A Pilot Study
Authors: Tresoldi Marco Mario , Ivaldi Giovanni Battista , Porcu Patrizia , Randisi Fabio , Cartocci Andrea , Malovini Alberto , Faga Angela , Nicoletti Giovanni
Published: September 2021

Background:

The combination of surgery and postoperative radiotherapy allows for the most effective results with keloids. In this trial, surgery and intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) technology were used—the hypothesis being that the earlier the application of postoperative radiotherapy, the better the wound healing evolution.

Methods:

The study included 16 patients with 21 keloids. The keloids were radically excised and repaired with direct suture or local skin flaps. Collimated electron radiotherapy was applied within 45 minutes of surgery. The outcomes were assessed according to the modified Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale; the modified Vancouver Scar Scale; and the modified Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v. 4.0 for skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Results:

Recurrences were observed in one out of 16 patients, and in two out of 21 keloids (9.5%). The modified Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in pain, itching, color, stiffness, thickness, and irregularity after the treatment. The modified Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale displayed a statistically significant improvement in the scar vascularity, pigmentation, thickness, and pliability after the treatment. The modified Vancouver Scar Scale demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in 90.48% of the scars after the treatment. The modified Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v. 4.0 for skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders demonstrated an improvement in erythema multiforme and skin pain across the whole sample, with a temporary hyperpigmentation in 19% of the scars after the treatment.

Conclusion:

The combination of surgery and collimated electron radiotherapy with IORT technology demonstrated favorable results in 90.5% of the cases.
K-wire Made Easy by Premarking Wire Trajectory on the Skin in Management of Finger Fractures
Authors: Gelidan Adnan Ghazi , Bugis Ahad , Al-Shammari Layla , Omaish Nojoud , Al-Sharif Sadem , Al-Juhayyiam Saad , Bakraa Reem , Rustom Mohammed
Published: September 2021

Background:

Hand injury in general and fractures in particular are among the most common complaints of hand trauma patients presenting to our emergency department. Depending on fracture types, geometry, locations, and stability, treatment options may vary from close reduction and splinting to close reduction and K-wire fixation, and finally, to open reduction and internal fixation. The aim of the study was to prove that premarking of K-wire trajectory helps reduce procedure and fluoroscopy time, as well as the number of wire-insertion attempts, and minimize bone and soft tissue injury in the management of phalangeal finger fractures.

Methods:

This is a prospective descriptive study aimed to describe a surgical technique. Patients who underwent close reduction and K-wire fixation of phalangeal digital fractures were enrolled. A total of 20 cases were included.

Results:

The total number of K-wires was 37, and the total number of successful attempts was 40; average fluoroscopy time was 22.75 seconds; and average total operative time was 14.25 minutes. Surgeries of all cases were supervised by a consultant physician, but some were performed by a junior resident in the team. The inaccuracy index was measured for the group.

Conclusions:

Marking of the trajectory before placing K-wires for the management of digital fractures is not described in the literature. Our study describes an innovative operative technique that, when combined with the classic K-wire fixation technique, produces beneficial outcomes in the form of reduction in operative time and number of wire introduction attempts, with overall reduction in fluoroscopy time and soft tissue and bone damage (including false passages).
Operating Room Stencil: A Novel Mobile Application for Surgical Planning
Authors: Sayadi Lohrasb R. , Chopan Mustafa , Sayadi Jamasb J. , Samai Aubtin , Arora Jagmeet S. , Anand Suraj , Evans Gregory , Widgerow Alan D. , Vyas Raj
Published: September 2021

The techniques used to make preoperative markings before soft tissue reconstruction have remained relatively unchanged since the earliest years of plastic surgery. Using skin-marking pens, many surgeons continue to draw markings freehand as “best estimates” before their first incisions. Although efficient for the experienced surgeon, this strategy may prove challenging for residents and trainees striving to learn and maintain consistency while replicating the intricate geometries of flap markings. To address this need, Operating Room Stencil was developed as a novel tool for digitally planning flap markings that may then be projected onto contoured surfaces such as the human body. As a cost-free mobile application, Operating Room Stencil is widely accessible to the medical community and offers educational captions for a majority of the flaps featured in its database. Users can plot relaxed skin tension lines onto uploaded facial images, thus enabling surgeons to orient surgical markings in a way that optimizes scar formation and reduces wound contraction. Although originally intended to appeal to trainees as a reliable way to learn about flaps and practice their technique, Operating Room Stencil may prove useful even among more experienced surgeons striving to further perfect their visualization and execution of flap markings.
Efficacy of Low-temperature Plasma for Treatment of Facial Rejuvenation in Asian Population
Authors: Kongpanichakul Laliphat , Chuangsuwanich Apirag , Kongkunnavat Natthapong , Tonaree Warangkana
Published: September 2021

Background:

Plasma, the fourth state of matter, has been widely proposed in antiaging medicine. The usage of low-temperature plasma (LTP), which converts nitrogen gas into plasma, demonstrates releasing of several growth factors and promotion of tissue regeneration. The nonchromophore-dependent property and preservation of skin architecture after treatment make LTP an interesting tool for facial rejuvenation. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of LTP for facial rejuvenation.

Methods:

A prospective cohort study involving 40 women who received full face LTP treatment once a week for 5 consecutive sessions. The melanin index, erythema index, and elasticity index were measured by Mexameter and Cutometer, respectively. The Fitzpatrick wrinkle scale and quartile grading scale were assessed by two plastic surgeons.

Results:

All patients were between 26 and 55 years old and had mild-to-moderate Fitzpatrick wrinkle scale scores. The Fitzpatrick wrinkle scale scores showed a mean improvement of 0.47 and 0.89 at 4 and 12 weeks posttreatment (P < 0.001). Statistically significant improvements in melanin index, erythema index, and elasticity index at periorbital and perioral areas were found at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment (P < 0.001). Most subjects had quartile grading scale improvement of 51%–75% at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment. Patients reported a greater than 75% improvement in dyspigmentation, wrinkles, and elasticity in 60%, 50%, and 57.5% of subjects, respectively.

Conclusion:

LTP is another choice for facial rejuvenation, wrinkles reduction, and dyspigmentation with significantly improved results.
Head and Neck Reconstruction with Venous Flap: A Case Report
Authors: Abtahi Ali R. , Coyne Catherine , Odobescu Andrei
Published: September 2021

Venous flaps are nonphysiologic flaps in which the venous system replaces the vascular circuit found in conventional flaps, serving as inflow as well as outflow. Although a main concern with venous flaps has been their reliability, this can be improved by manipulating their physiology using shunt restriction. The soft, pliable tissue provided by venous flaps coupled with the low donor site morbidity and ease of flap harvest make them ideal for coverage of moderate-sized facial defects, which may be too large for local options yet too small for conventional free flaps. We report the use of a large, 70 cm2 arterialized venous free flap to reconstruct a complex forehead deficit after basal cell carcinoma resection. Furthermore, we present the first report of the successful use of valvulotomes in the case of a large, reverse flow arterialized venous flap where several in-series valves were found to prevent adequate perfusion of the flap. Upon removal of the valves, complete perfusion of the flap was achieved.
Facial Thread Lifting Complications in China: Analysis and Treatment
Authors: Li Yi-Lin , Li Ze-Hui , Chen Xue-Ying , Xing Wen-Shan , Hu Jin-Tian
Published: September 2021

Background:

Facial thread lifting technology has been applied for more than 30 years, with relatively few complications. In 2014, China approved polydioxanone thread (an absorbable barbed thread) for large-scale nonsurgical facial lifting. However, due to surgeons’ lack of overall experience, the complications of polydioxanone thread facelift have been relatively high.

Methods:

From April 2014 to January 2020, a total of 190 patients with postoperative complications of facelifts were treated after they underwent thread lifting in other hospitals. Of these, 189 patients were women and one was a man; the age of patients ranged from 28 to 62 years, with an average age of 37.4 years.

Results:

Patients were mainly treated in our outpatient clinic for the following complications: skin dimpling (77 cases, 40.5%); contour irregularity (32 cases, 16.8%); visible threads (31 cases, 16.3%); thread extrusion (10 cases, 5.3%); infection (17 cases, 8.9%); swelling (nine cases, 4.7%); incomplete facial paralysis (five cases, 2.6%); hyperpigmentation (four cases, 2.1%); hematoma (four cases, 2.1%); allergy (one case, 0.05%). Follow-up was scheduled 1–24 weeks after treatment.

Conclusions:

The most common complications of facial thread lifting are, in the following order, skin dimpling, contour irregularity, visible threads, and thread extrusion. The reasons for complications are mainly unfamiliarity with facial anatomy, unskilled surgical operation, and misunderstanding of the facial aesthetics of Asian women.
Discrepancies between Conference Abstracts and Published Manuscripts in Plastic Surgery Studies: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Dagi Alexander F. , Parry Gareth J. , Labow Brian I. , Taghinia Amir H.
Published: September 2021

Background:

Inconsistency in results and outcomes between presented abstracts and corresponding published articles can negatively affect clinical education and care. The objective of this study was to describe the frequency of clinically meaningful change in results and outcomes between abstracts presented at the American Association of Plastic Surgeons annual conference and the corresponding published articles, and to determine risk factors associated with discrepancies.

Methods:

All abstracts delivered as oral presentations at the American Association of Plastic Surgeons conference (2006–2016) were reviewed. Results and outcomes were compared with those in corresponding articles. We defined clinically meaningful discrepancy as any change in the directionality of an outcome, or a quantitative change in results exceeding 10%.

Results:

Four hundred eighty-six abstracts were identified. Of these, 63% (N = 305) advanced to publication. Of the published studies, 19% (N = 59) contained a discrepancy. In 85% of these (N = 50), discrepancies could not be explained by random variation. Changes in sample size were associated with heightened risk for a discrepancy (OR 10.38, 95% CI 5.16–20.86, P < 0.001). A decrease in sample size greater than 10% increased the likelihood of a discrepancy by 25-fold (OR 24.92, 95% CI 8.66–71.68, P < 0.001), whereas an increase in sample size greater than 10% increased the likelihood of a discrepancy by eight-fold (OR 8.36, CI 3.69–19.00, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Most discrepancies between abstract and published article were not due to random statistical variation. To mitigate the possible impact of unreliable abstracts, we recommend abstracts be marked as preliminary, that authors indicate whether sample size is final at time of presentation, and that changes to previously reported results be indicated in final publications.
Perceived Role Responsibilities Among Physical Therapists and Orthotists
Authors: Kenworthy Sally , Reno Ariel , Reid Andrew
Published: September 2021

Introduction

The provision of orthoses is a specialized practice within healthcare that requires collaboration among professionals for successful treatment outcomes. Although orthotists are an integral part of the process, the role of the orthotists may not be commonly understood or appreciated. Among the rehabilitative health care team, physical therapists (PTs) and orthotists are especially aligned, with overlapping roles in each profession's scope of practice.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional survey was distributed to members of the health care team, including certified prosthetist orthotists and PTs. Chi-squared tests were calculated to compare PT and orthotist responses to a question regarding role responsibilities of each team member. We hypothesized that there would be disagreement among the professions as to which tasks orthotists are responsible for performing.

Results

The results of this study suggest that PTs and orthotists agree that orthotists are responsible for recommending a patient-specific orthosis. Interestingly, PTs did not identify orthotists as a team member responsible for performing patient assessment and evaluation tasks, despite these tasks being a key driver of patient-specific orthosis recommendations.

Conclusions

Interprofessional education to increase knowledge of orthotic management principles among PTs may improve collaboration and communication within the health care team.

Clinical Relevance

The present study identified a potential gap in PT awareness of the scope of practice and training of certified orthotists. Provision of optimal patient management requires clear understanding of respective roles and responsibilities of the health care team.
Exploring Factors Related to Job Satisfaction Among Junior Faculty in US Physical Therapist Education Programs
Authors: Varnado Kimberly E. , Bierwas Debra A. , Alexander Jeffrey L.
Published: September 2021

Introduction.

Physical therapists (PTs) from various educational and clinical backgrounds are being hired to address the faculty shortage issue. Little is known about how junior PT faculty feel about their experiences in academia. The purpose of this study was to 1) explore current demographic and self-perceived experiences of junior faculty in PT education programs across the United States, 2) compare beliefs and experiences based on the highest academic degree held and the type of faculty line held, and 3) explore the relationships between job satisfaction and experiences in academia with the likelihood to remain in academia. Full-time junior faculty employed 5 years or less at accredited PT education programs.

Methods:

Descriptive correlational study using a 63-item, self-report, electronic, job satisfaction survey was sent to faculty employed at 223 accredited PT education programs in the United States.

Results:

Two hundred twenty-four full-time junior faculty completed the survey. Respondents with clinical degrees were more satisfied in their position and more likely to stay in academia than those with terminal academic degrees. Similarly, respondents in nontenure-track positions were more satisfied and more likely to stay in academia than those in tenure-track positions. Social support, teaching, and scholarly activity mentorship were found to contribute to job satisfaction. Also, an association was found between job satisfaction and intention to remain in academia for all cohorts (r

s
≥ 0.72; P = .001).

Discussion and Conclusions:

Junior PT faculty who received support and mentorship were more satisfied with their jobs and more likely to remain in academia. PT education programs should consider new or expanded mentorship programs for junior faculty, regardless of academic background, to promote professional progress, positive role-modeling, and faculty retention.
Xuesaitong injection treating acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Hua Yingying , Shao Mingjing , Wang Yan , Du Jinhang , Tian Jiaxing , Wei Kangkang , Chang Jiangmeng , Zhang Xiaoqiong , Chen Ming , Liao Jiangquan
Published: September 2021

Background:

Although the incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is decreasing, the mortality in AMI patients remains substantial. Traditional Chinese medicine has shown its role in the prevention and management of AMI. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Xuesaitong injection (XST) for the treatment of AMI by a meta-analysis.

Methods:

A literature search was performed in 5 medical databases up to June 1, 2020. Randomized controlled trials involving XST combined with conventional treatment versus conventional treatment were included. A meta-analysis of clinical efficacy, left ventricular function and other objective parameters was performed to evaluate the effects of XST on AMI.

Results:

Five randomized controlled trials involving 539 participants were eventually included. Meta-analysis showed that the combination of XST and conventional treatment could achieve significantly better effect on improving clinical efficacy (risk ratio: 1.09 [1.01, 1.17]; P = .04), left ventricular ejection fraction (mean difference [MD]: 3.18 [1.69, 4.67]; P < .0001), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (MD: −2.58 [−5.04, −0.12]; P = .04), interleukin 6 (MD: −26.00 [−38.85, −13.16]; P < .0001), cardiac troponin T (MD: −15.85 [−18.09, −13.61]; P < .00001) and creatine kinase myocardial isoenzyme (MD: −73.06 [−79.74, −66.37]; P < .00001).

Conclusion:

XST combined with conventional treatment can achieve better efficacy on clinical performance and some of the AMI related parameters. However the interpretation of the results should be cautious, due to the relatively low quality of included trials. More rigorously designed, large-scaled, randomized controlled trials are warranted to support its clinical use in the future.
New insights into the microbiome in kidney transplantation
Authors: Kim Joshua S. , Sze Christina , Barbar Tarek , Lee John R.
Published: September 2021

Purpose of review

Research in the past decade has revealed important implications for the microbiome in human health. Studies have defined a distinct gut microbiota in kidney transplant recipients and have recently linked the microbiota to infectious complications, similar to the allogeneic stem cell transplant population.

Recent findings

In this review, we focus on the metabolism of immunosuppressive medications by the gut microbiota and on the urinary microbiome in the setting of infectious and immunological complications. We highlight seminal studies showing the role of specific gut microbiota in the direct metabolism of tacrolimus into a lesser effective immunosuppressant as well as the role of the gut microbiota in the metabolism of mycophenolic acid (MPA) glucuronide. We describe distinct urinary microbiota patterns in kidney transplant recipients with interstitial fibrosis tubular atrophy, chronic allograft nephropathy, tolerance, and bacterial and viral complications.

The microbiota has important implications for immunosuppressive medications and immunological outcomes in kidney transplant recipients. Further research is needed to better delineate the impact of the metabolism of tacrolimus and MPA by gut bacteria and the role of the urine microbiota in the development of immunological and infectious complications.
Post–Intensive Care Syndrome in Covid-19 Patients Discharged From the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Gardashkhani Sevda , Ajri-Khameslou Mehdi , Heidarzadeh Mehdi , Rajaei Sedigh SeyedMohammad
Published: September 2021

Patients with Covid-19, after discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU), experience some psychological, physical, and cognitive disorders, which is known as the post–intensive care syndrome and has adverse effects on patients and their families. The aim of this study was to evaluate the post–intensive care syndrome and its predictors in Covid-19 patients discharged from the ICU. In this study, 84 Covid-19 patients discharged from the ICU were selected by census method based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. After completing the demographic information, the Healthy Aging Brain Care Monitor Self Report Tool was used to assess post–intensive care syndrome. Sixty-nine percent of participants experienced different degrees of post–intensive care syndrome, and its mean score was 8.86 ± 12.50; the most common disorder was related to the physical dimension. Among individual social variables, age and duration after discharge were able to predict 12.3% and 8.4% of the variance of post–intensive care syndrome, respectively. Covid-19 patients who are admitted to the ICU, after discharge from the hospital, face cognitive, psychological, and functional disorders, and there is a need for planning to prevent, follow up, and care for them by health care providers in the hospice and palliative care centers.
The Spice of Death
Authors: Steele Ryan W. , Moran Jeffery H. , Patton Amy L. , Kokes Charles P. , James Laura P. , Storm Elizabeth A. , Schexnayder Stephen M.
Published: September 2021

Novel psychoactive substances (NPSs), commonly referred to as “K2” or “spice,” are a relatively new toxicology challenge for pediatricians. Adolescents often incorrectly believe that these drugs are safe and can be used without major adverse effects. Although recent legislation attempts to ensure that these drugs are not commercially available, many are able to be purchased online as “not fit for human consumption” or under various misnomers such “incense.” In addition, there is a wide chemical variation among these substances, making regulation challenging. Standard urine drug screens test for tetrahydrocannabinol, which may not cross-react with synthetic substances, making NPS poisonings difficult to diagnose. We report a case of fatal cardiac arrest in a 16-year-old adolescent boy temporally associated with use of the NPS, 5F-ADB. The case illustrates the dangerous consequences that these unregulated substances pose to users, as well as the need for the consideration of comprehensive toxicological testing in patients with a history of substance use and sudden cardiac arrest, despite a negative drug screen.
Robotic-assisted Resection of a Diaphragmatic Metastasis of a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
Authors: Andryk Logan M. , McNamara Michael A. , Linsky Paul L. , Higgins Rana M.
Published: September 2021

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are relatively rare mesenchymal tumors. The treatment of these tumors has drastically changed based on molecular treatment methods, namely tyrosine kinase inhibitors, which have led to impressive survival benefits. While medical management has enhanced patient outcomes, surgery is still the standard of care for stable, completely resectable primary tumors or metastases that are >2 cm. This case presents the resection of a diaphragmatic metastasis of a tyrosine kinase inhibitor–controlled GIST in a 51-year-old male. The surgery was collaboratively approached from both the thoracic and abdominal cavities, utilizing the da Vinci robotic system. Prior data is limited regarding patient outcomes after robotic-assisted resection of GISTs. However, small case series have shown it to be a safe and effective surgical option. Our patient’s quick recovery and return to normal function demonstrate the successful use of robotic-assisted surgery for GIST resection.
Laparoscopic Versus Open Simultaneous Resection of Primary Colorectal Cancer and Associated Liver Metastases: A Comparative Retrospective Study
Authors: Sawaied Muneer , Berger Yael , Mahamid Ahmad , Abu-Zaydeh Omar , Verter Eden , Khoury Wissam , Goldberg Natalia , Sadot Eran , Haddad Riad
Published: September 2021

Purpose:

The aim was to compare the short-term and long-term outcomes of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) undergoing laparoscopic versus open colorectal resection with simultaneous resection for liver metastases. Currently there is a lack of studies that have investigated the oncosurgical aspects and the short and long-term outcomes from these procedures.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective study of patients who underwent simultaneous resections for CRC and synchronous liver metastases between 2008 and 2019 in 2 university affiliated medical centers.

Results:

Sixty-three patients were identified of whom 21 had successful laparoscopic simultaneous resections. In 43% of patients, the primary tumor was located in the right colon. The 3-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates were 87% and 48%, respectively. When compared with a separate control group of 42 patients who underwent conventional open resections, the laparoscopic approach was associated with an increased operative time (286 vs. 225 min, P=0.05), but a shorter hospital stay (6 vs. 8 d, P=0.008).

Conclusions:

Simultaneous laparoscopic colorectal and parenchymal sparing liver resection for metastatic CRC is safe, feasible, and it is a preferable approach because of better short-term outcome compared with open surgery while not compromising survival and disease recurrence.
Improving Patient Recall of Planned Intervention After Surgical Counseling: The IRIS Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chernyak Sofiya , Caraballo Ricardo , Chiu Stephanie , Salamon Charbel
Published: September 2021

Objective

The aim of the study was to determine whether an easy-to-read patient education card given at the preoperative visit can increase patient recall of the planned surgery.

Methods

This was a randomized controlled trial. Patients scheduled to undergo pelvic reconstructive surgery were recruited during their preoperative visits. All participants received standard surgical counseling, whereas the intervention group also received a 4 × 6 inch card highlighting the anticipated procedure. The primary outcome was correct recall of the planned surgery as measured by a preoperative questionnaire. Secondary outcomes were correct recall of the surgery postoperatively and patient satisfaction with the information provided.

Results

One hundred twenty-eight patients were enrolled with 64 participants in each arm. One hundred twenty-seven participants were analyzed because 1 patient was lost to follow-up. No difference was found between patient demographics, including types of surgical procedures performed. There was a statistically significant improvement in preoperative recall: 30 of 63 participants (47.6%) in the intervention group answered all questions correctly versus 18 of 64 patients (28.6%) patients in the standard counseling group (P = 0.021). There was no difference in the postoperative scores between the 2 groups: 48.3% (28 of 58) and 52.5% (32 of 61) of the participants answered all questions correctly in the intervention and standard counseling only groups, respectively (P = 0.648). There was no difference in satisfaction scores, with a median score of 20 out of 20 for either group (interquartile range = 19–20).

Conclusions

A concise and easy-to-use education card enhanced patient preoperative recall of the proposed surgery. This difference was not sustained postoperatively. High satisfaction with the information provided was reported regardless of counseling method.
Thrombomodulin-mediated Inhibition of Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation Alleviates Hepatic Ischemia-reperfusion Injury by Blocking TLR4 in Rats Subjected to Liver Transplantation
Authors: Liu Yanyao , Lei Zilun , Chai Hao , Xiang Song , Wang Yihua , Yan Ping , Cao Zhenrui , Pu Xingyu , Wu Zhongjun
Published: September 2021

Background.

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is an unavoidable outcome of liver transplantation, during which neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) may play a critical role in the IRI-induced immune response to inflammation. The purpose of this study was to identify the function of recombinant human thrombomodulin (rTM) in the remission of hepatic IRI after liver transplantation and elucidate the specific mechanism.

Methods.

NET formation (NETosis) was detected in the serum of liver transplantation patients and rats following liver transplantation. Hematoxylin–eosin staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase 2´-deoxyuridine, 5´-triphosphate nick-end labeling staining, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence were used to assess the effect of rTM on NETosis in vitro and in vivo.

Results.

We found that rTM markedly inhibited neutrophil formation in NETs, reduced apoptosis in hepatocytes, alleviated rat hepatic IRI, and improved liver function. In vitro, rTM inhibited neutrophil formation in NETs, and lipopolysaccharide (a Toll-like receptor 4 agonist) reversed the inhibitory effect of rTM on NETosisN. rTM blocked a Toll-like receptor 4 and the downstream extracellular signal-regulated kinase/c-Jun NH2 terminal kinase and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)/reactive oxygen species/peptidylarginine deiminase 4 signaling pathways to protect against hepatic IRI and inhibit NETosis. In addition, we demonstrated that combined treatment with rTM and an NADPH oxidative inhibitor had a better effect than either treatment alone.

Conclusions.

NETs are a potential therapeutic target in hepatic IRI, and rTM could be used to prevent IR-induced hepatic injury. In addition, cotargeting NETosis-related signaling pathways might be a novel therapeutic strategy for hepatic IRI treatment.
Geographic and Phylodynamic Distribution of SARS-CoV-2 from Environmental Origin
Authors: Oladipo Elijah Kolawole , Dairo Emmanuel Oluwatobi , Ayeni Ayodele Eugene , Irewolede Boluwatife Ayobami , Oyewole Moyosoluwa Precious , Adetunji Charles Oluwaseun , Oloke Julius Kola
Published: September 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread globally. Understanding the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 contamination in the environment is essential for infection control policies. This study aims to provide a phylodynamic analysis and distribution pattern of SARS-CoV-2 from the environment in terms of Source, clades, lineages, and their location. Ninety (90) retrieved whole-genome sequences of environmental sources from GISAID were investigated to determine the evolutionary process of SARS-CoV-2 and mutation in the isolated nucleotide sequences. The analysis was carried out using R, MAFFT, and MEGA X software. Out of the five countries studied, Austria has the highest distribution with sixty-five samples (72.2%), and the highest isolates of 68 (75.6%) were from raw sewage. The highest clade in circulation as obtained from the study is G with lineages B. The phylogeny of SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome sequences from Austria, the United States, China, Brazil, and Liechtenstein indicated that the SARS-CoV-2 viruses were all clustered together, irrespective of sequence geographic location. The study concluded by demonstrating a clear interconnection between the phylogeny of SARS-CoV-2 isolates from various geographic locations, all of which were locked in the same cluster regardless of their environment specimen. Thus, depicting the possibility of their origination from a common ancestor.

Highlight

Environmental sources of specimen isolated from raw sewage have the highest occurring specimen sequence, while those from breathing air, door handle, and wastewater have the lowest sequence.

Environmental surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 is of great importance to control the spread of the virus. Untreated raw sewage should be of more priority for the environmental surveillance of the virus.

Eighteen (18) nucleotide sequences from this study’s multiple sequence alignment shared a 90% similarity with the Wuhan-Hu-1 reference genome, indicating a common evolutionary origin.
Disparate Impacts on Online Information Access during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Suh Jina , Horvitz Eric , White Ryen W. , Althoff Tim
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has stimulated a staggering increase in online information access (1, 2), but the extent to which different communities of internet users enlist digital resources to meet everyday needs varies (2-4). We analyze 55 billion everyday web search interactions across 25,150 US ZIP codes and demonstrate that there were disparate impacts of the pandemic on online information access across several information domains, including health and pandemic-relevant online resources (e.g., online learning, online food delivery). Among many findings, we show that ZIP codes associated with higher proportions of Black residents intensified their access to unemployment resources, and ZIP codes associated with lower income reduced their access to health information resources relative to their counterpart ZIP codes. Because these disparate impacts on the access to online information may result in downstream offline gaps in health, education, employment, and well-being (3), public health interventions should target potential barriers to accessing the necessary digital resources and provide adequate support to meet the intensified digital resource needs.

One Sentence Summary

Large-scale web search logs reveal disparate impacts on online health, education, unemployment, and food information access.
Stabilization of spine Synaptopodin by mGluR1 is required for mGluR-LTD
Authors: Speranza Luisa , Inglebert Yanis , De Sanctis Claudia , Wu Pei You , Kalinowska Magdalena , McKinney R. Anne , Francesconi Anna
Published: September 2021

Dendritic spines, actin-rich protrusions forming the postsynaptic sites of excitatory synapses, undergo activity-dependent molecular and structural remodeling. Activation of group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptors - mGluR1 and mGluR5 - by synaptic or pharmacological stimulation, induces LTD but whether this is accompanied with spine elimination remains unresolved. A subset of telencephalic mushroom spines contains the spine apparatus (SA), an enigmatic organelle composed of stacks of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, whose formation depends on the expression of the actin-bundling protein Synaptopodin. Allocation of Synaptopodin to spines appears governed by cell-intrinsic mechanisms as the relative frequency of spines harboring Synaptopodin is conserved in vivo and in vitro. Here we show that expression of Synaptopodin/SA in spines is required for induction of mGluR-LTD at Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses. Post-mGluR-LTD, mushroom spines lacking Synaptopodin/SA are selectively lost whereas spines harboring it are preserved, a process dependent on activation of mGluR1 but not mGluR5. Mechanistically, we find that mGluR1 supports physical retention of Synaptopodin within excitatory spine synapses during LTD while triggering lysosome-dependent degradation of the protein residing in dendritic shafts. Together, these results reveal a cellular mechanism, dependent on mGluR1, which enables selective preservation of stronger spines containing Synaptopodin/SA while eliminating weaker ones and potentially countering spurious strengthening by de novo recruitment of Synaptopodin. Overall our results identify spines with Synaptopodin/SA as the locus of mGluR-LTD and underscore the importance of the molecular microanatomy of spines in synaptic plasticity.
ICOS costimulation is indispensable for the differentiation of T follicular regulatory cells
Authors: Panneton Vincent , Mindt Barbara C. , Bouklouch Yasser , Bouchard Antoine , Mohammaei Saba , Chang Jinsam , Witalis Mariko , Li Joanna , Stancescu Albert , Bradley John E. , Randall Troy D. , Fritz Jörg H. , Suh Woong-Kyung
Published: September 2021

ICOS is a T cell costimulatory receptor critical for Tfh cell generation and function. However, the role of ICOS in Tfr cell differentiation remains unclear. Using Foxp3-Cre-mediated ICOS knockout (ICOS FC) mice, we show that ICOS deficiency in Treg-lineage cells drastically reduces the number of Tfr cells during GC reactions but has a minimal impact on conventional Treg cells. Single-cell transcriptome analysis of Foxp3+ cells at an early stage of the GC reaction suggests that ICOS normally inhibits Klf2 expression to promote follicular features including Bcl6 upregulation. Further, ICOS costimulation promotes nuclear localization of NFAT2, a known driver of CXCR5 expression. Notably, ICOS FC mice had an unaltered overall GC B cell output but showed signs of expanded autoreactive B cells along with elevated autoantibody titers. Thus, our study demonstrates that ICOS costimulation is critical for Tfr cell differentiation and highlights the importance of Tfr cells in maintaining humoral immune tolerance during GC reactions.
Updating The Accuracy of Administrative Claims for Identifying Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Among Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Sandhu Alexander T , Zheng Jimmy , Heidenreich Paul A
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) is an important factor for treatment decisions for heart failure. The EF is unavailable in administrative claims. We sought to evaluate the predictive accuracy of claims diagnoses for classifying heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) versus heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) with International Classification of Disease-Tenth Revision codes.

Methods

We identified HF diagnoses for VA patients between 2017-2019 and extracted the EF from clinical notes and imaging reports using a VA natural language processing algorithm. We classified sets of codes as HFrEF-related, HFpEF-related, or non-specific based on the closest EF within 180 days. We selected a random heart failure diagnosis for each patient and tested the predictive accuracy of various algorithms for identifying HFrEF using the last 1 year of heart failure diagnoses. We performed sensitivity analyses on the EF thresholds, the cohort, and the diagnoses used.

Results

Between 2017-2019, we identified 358,172 patients and 1,671,084 diagnoses with an EF recording within 180 days. After dividing diagnoses into HFrEF-related, HFpEF-related, or non-specific, we found using the proportion of specific diagnoses classified as HFrEF-related had an AUC of 0.76 for predicting EF≤40% and 0.80 for predicting EF<50%. However, 23.3% of patients could not be classified due to only having non-specific codes. Predictive accuracy increased among patients with ≥4 HF diagnoses over the preceding year.

Discussion

In a VA cohort, administrative claims with ICD-10 codes had moderate accuracy for identifying reduced ejection fraction. This level of specificity is likely inadequate for performance measures. Administrative claims need to better align terminology with relevant clinical definitions.
The secretome of M1 and M2 microglia differently regulate proliferation, differentiation and survival of adult neural stem/progenitor cell
Authors: Jiang Xue , Yi Saini , Liu Qin , Zhang Jinqiang
Published: September 2021

Microglia has been reported to be able to regulate the proliferation, differentiation and survival of adult Neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) by modulating the microenvironment, which results in different consequences of adult neurogenesis. However, whether the microglial activation is beneficial or harmful to NSPCs is still controversial because of the complexity and variability of microglial activation phenotypes. In this study, we detected the expression levels of M1 marker and M2 marker in IFN-γ- and IL-4-induced microglia at different time, respectively. The phenotypic markers of M1 and M2 microglia were stable for 24 h after removal of IFN-γ and IL-4 intervention, but exhibited different change patterns during the next 24 h. Then, the adult NSPCs were treated by the conditioned medium from IFN-γ- and IL-4-activated microglia. The conditioned medium from IFN-γ-activated microglia promoted apoptosis and astroglial differentiation of NSPCs, while suppressed proliferation and neuronal differentiation of NSPCs. However, the conditioned medium from IL-4-activated microglia exhibited opposite effects on these physiological processes. In addition, the direct treatment of IFN-γ or IL-4 alone did not significantly affect the proliferation, differentiation and survival of NSPCs. These results suggest that the secretome of pro-inflammatory (M1) and anti-inflammatory (M2) microglia differently regulated the proliferation, differentiation and survival of adult NSPCs. These findings will help further study the biological mechanism of microglia regulating neurogenesis, and provide a therapeutic strategy for neurological diseases by regulating microglial phenotypes to affect neurogenesis.
Nurr1 modulation mediates neuroprotective effects of statins
Authors: Willems Sabine , Kilu Whitney , Faudone Giuseppe , Heering Jan , Merk Daniel
Published: September 2021

The ligand-sensing transcription factor Nurr1 emerges as a promising therapeutic target for neurodegenerative pathologies but Nurr1 ligands for functional studies and therapeutic validation are lacking. Here we report pronounced Nurr1 modulation by statins for which clinically relevant neuroprotective effects have been demonstrated. Several statins directly affected Nurr1 activity in cellular and cell-free settings with low micromolar to sub-micromolar potencies. Simvastatin exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in astrocytes which were abrogated by Nurr1 knockdown. Differential gene expression analysis in native and Nurr1 silenced cells revealed strong proinflammatory effects of Nurr1 knockdown while simvastatin treatment induced several neuroprotective mechanisms via Nurr1, for example, in energy utilization and reduced apoptosis. These findings suggest Nurr1 involvement in the well-documented but mechanistically elusive neuroprotection by statins.
EXPLICIT-Kinase: a gene expression predictor for dissecting the functions of the Arabidopsis kinome
Authors: Peng Yuming , Zuo Wanzhu , Qin Yue , Ma Shisong
Published: September 2021

Protein kinases regulate virtually all cellular processes, but it remains challenging to determine the functions of all protein kinases, collectively called the kinome, in any species. We developed an approach called EXPLICIT-Kinase to predict the functions of the Arabidopsis kinome. Because the activities of many kinases can be regulated transcriptionally, their gene expression patterns provide clues to their functions. A universal gene expression predictor for Arabidopsis was constructed to predict the expression of 30,172 non-kinase genes based on the expression of 994 protein kinase genes. The model reconstituted highly accurate transcriptomes for diverse Arabidopsis samples. It identified the significant kinases as predictor kinases for predicting the expression of Arabidopsis genes and pathways. Strikingly, these predictor kinases were often known regulators of the related pathways, as exemplified by those involved in cytokinesis, tissue development, and stress responses. Comparative analyses have revealed that portions of these predictor kinases, including the novel ones, are shared and conserved between Arabidopsis and maize. The conservation between species provide additional evidence to support the novel predictor kinases as bona fide regulators of the pathways involved. Thus our approach enables the systematic dissection of the functions of the Arabidopsis kinome.
Feeding ecology of broadbill swordfish (Xiphias gladius) in the California Current
Authors: Preti Antonella , Stohs Stephen M. , DiNardo Gerard T. , Saavedra Camilo , MacKenzie Ken , Noble Leslie R. , Jones Catherine S. , Pierce Graham J.
Published: September 2021

The feeding ecology of broadbill swordfish (Xiphias gladius) in the California Current was described based on analysis of stomach contents collected by federal fishery observers aboard commercial drift gillnet boats from 2007 to 2014. Prey were identified to the lowest taxonomic level and diet composition was analyzed using univariate and multivariate methods. Of 299 swordfish sampled (74 to 245 cm eye-to-fork length), 292 non-empty stomachs contained remains from 60 prey taxa. Diet consisted mainly of cephalopods but also included epipelagic and mesopelagic teleosts. Jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) and Gonatopsis borealis were the most important prey based on the geometric index of importance. Swordfish diet varied with body size, location and year. Jumbo squid, Gonatus spp. and Pacific hake (Merluccius productus) were more important for larger swordfish, reflecting the ability of larger specimens to catch large prey. Jumbo squid, Gonatus spp. and market squid (Doryteuthis opalescens) were more important in swordfish diet in inshore waters, while G. borealis and Pacific hake predominated offshore. Jumbo squid was more important from 2007-2010 than in 2011-2014, with Pacific hake the most important prey item in the latter period. Diet variation by area and year probably reflects differences in swordfish preference, prey availability, prey distribution, and prey abundance. The range expansion of jumbo squid that occurred during the first decade of this century may particularly explain their prominence in swordfish diet from 2007-2010. Some factors that may influence dietary variation in swordfish were identified. Standardization could make future studies more comparable for conservation monitoring purposes.
A novel hamster model of SARS-CoV-2 respiratory infection using a pseudotyped virus
Authors: Yamada Hiroshi , Sasaki Soichiro , Tani Hideki , Somekawa Mayu , Kawasuji Hitoshi , Saga Yumiko , Yoshida Yoshihiro , Yamamoto Yoshihiro , Hayakawa Yoshihiro , Morinaga Yoshitomo
Published: September 2021

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a biosafety level (BSL)-3 pathogen; therefore, its research environment is strictly limited. Pseudotyped viruses that mimic SARS-CoV-2 have been widely used for in vitro evaluation because they are available in BSL-2 containment laboratories; however, in vivo application is inadequate. Therefore, animal models that can be instigated with animal BSL-2 will increase opportunities for in vivo evaluations.

Methods

Hamsters (6-to 10-week-old males) were intratracheally inoculated with luciferase-expressing vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-based SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyped virus. The lungs were harvested 24 h after inoculation, and luminescence was measured using an in vivo imaging system.

Results

Lung luminescence after inoculation with the SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyped virus increased in a dose-dependent manner. VSV-G (envelope [G]) pseudotyped virus also induced luminescence; however, a 100-fold concentration was required to reach a level similar to that of the SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyped virus.

Conclusions

The SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyped virus is applicable to SARS-CoV-2 respiratory infections in a hamster model. Because of the single-round infectious virus, the model can be used to study the steps from viral binding to entry, which will be useful for future research regarding SARS-CoV-2 entry without using live SARS-CoV-2 or transgenic animals.
Crystal structure of 9,9-diethyl-9H-fluorene-2,4,7-tricarbaldehyde
Authors: Seidel Pierre , Schwarzer Anke , Mazik Monika
Published: September 2021

The title compound, C20H18O3, crystallizes in the space group P21/c with one molecule in the asymmetric unit of the cell. The fluorene skeleton is nearly planar and the crystal structure is composed of molecular layers extending parallel to the (302) plane. Within a layer, one formyl oxygen atom participates in the formation of a Carene—H...O bond, which is responsible for the formation of an inversion symmetric supramolecular motif of graph set R
2
2(10). A second oxygen atom is involved in an intramolecular Carene—H...O hydrogen bond and is further connected with a formyl hydrogen atom of an adjacent molecule. A Hirshfeld surface analysis indicated that the most important contributions to the overall surface are from H...H (46.9%), O...H (27.9%) and C...H (17.8%) interactions.