bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mortality trend of heart diseases in China, 2013–2020
Authors: Long Zheng , Xu Yangyang , Liu Wei , Wang Lijun , Zhou Maigeng , Yin Peng , Huo Yong
Published: October 2022

Background and purpose:

Heart diseases are the leading cause of death in China. Understanding of the secular trend of different subcategories of heart disease is important for policy making. The purpose of this study is to analyze the mortality trend of heart diseases in China from 2013 to 2020.

Methods:

A population-based longitudinal analysis was conducted using the China National Mortality Surveillance System to examine heart disease mortality change during a period from 2013 to 2020. The causes of death were coded using the International Classification of Diseases-10th Revision. The number of deaths and mortality rate were calculated based on sex, subcategories of heart disease, urban versus rural setting, and across different geographic locations. Data from the sixth census in China in 2010 was used as the standard population, and the mortality rates were adjusted based on the under-reporting rate.

Results:

Ischemic heart disease (IHD), hypertensive heart disease (HHD), and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) are the three leading causes of heart disease deaths during 2013–2020. There was a trend for increased age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of cardiac arrest, aortic aneurysm (AA), and nonrheumatic valvular heart diseases (NRVHDs) during the study period. In comparison to men, women had higher ASMR of RHD, and lower ASMR of IHD, HHD, cardiac arrest, AA, and NRVHDs. In comparison to rural areas, urban areas had lower ASMR of IHD, HHD, and RHD, and higher ASMR of cardiac arrest, AA, and NRVHDs. The spectrum of heart diseases differed significantly across age groups. In 2020, the percentages of IHD and HHD in the ≥65-year age group were higher than in other age groups. Significant differences in ASMR were noted across different geographic locations, with the highest in Xinjiang (198.14/100,000) and the lowest in Shanghai (62.19/100,000) in 2020.

Conclusions:

The mortality rate decreased for IHD, HHD, and RHD during the study period, but remained the leading causes of heart disease death in China. There was a trend for increasing mortality of cardiac arrest, AA, and NRVHDs, and significant difference across different geographic locations.
Liquid AbobotulinumtoxinA: Pooled Data From Two Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Phase III Studies of Glabellar Line Treatment
Authors: Hilton Said , Kestemont Philippe , Sattler Gerhard , Volteau Magali , Thompson Catherine , Andriopoulos Bill , Prygova Inna , Berg Anna-Karin , Ascher Benjamin
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

AbobotulinumtoxinA (aboBoNT-A) solution is a new ready-to-use formulation developed to reduce preparation time and improve reproducibility of injections.

OBJECTIVE

To further evaluate treatment of moderate-to-severe glabellar lines (GLs) using pooled data from 2 Phase III studies.

METHODS

Following double-blind treatment with 50 U aboBoNT-A solution (n = 251) or placebo (n = 123), GL severity was assessed by investigators (ILA) and subjects (SSA). Other assessments included subject-reported time to onset, subject satisfaction, FACE-Q, and adverse events.

RESULTS

One month after aboBoNT-A solution treatment, 88% had none-or-mild GLs at maximum frown and 93% had ≥1-grade improvement in ILA (similar for SSA), 24% to 27% remaining improved at Month 6. Glabellar lines responder rates remained higher than placebo throughout Month 6 (p < .001). Almost two-thirds of subjects reported onset within 3 days, nearly a quarter reporting effect by Day 1. Subject satisfaction with GL appearance, and FACE-Q satisfaction with facial appearance overall and psychological well-being were also improved over placebo throughout Month 6, p < .05. Treatment-related adverse events were nonserious and mild or moderate.

CONCLUSION

Pooled analysis confirmed a duration of effect on GLs of up to 6 months for aboBoNT-A solution, with onset starting within 24 hours, high subject satisfaction, and improved psychological well-being. The treatment was well tolerated.
Evaluation of PROMIS Scores 6 Weeks after Conservative Management of Carpometacarpal Thumb Arthritis
Authors: Phan Amy , Calderon Thais , Hammert Warren C.
Published: October 2022

Background:

Patient-reported outcome measures are being increasingly emphasized to assign value to care‚ given the current trend toward pay-for-performance healthcare. We sought to determine if the Patient-reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS), a general questionnaire, is sensitive enough to detect improvement after corticosteroid injection or splinting/hand therapy for thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study analyzing two groups with thumb CMC arthritis: 88 patients who received splinting/hand therapy and 6-week follow-up and 70 patients with steroid injection and 6-week follow-up. PROMIS Physical Function (PF), Pain Interference (PI), Depression, and Upper Extremity (UE) scores were collected at each visit. We used paired t-tests to compare 6-week follow-up scores to baseline scores within each group.

Results:

The mean age for the steroid injection group was 60.1 years old, and it was 61.8 years old for the returning splinting/hand therapy group. There were no significant differences in PROMIS PF, PI, Depression, or UE scores for patients who returned after 6 weeks of treatment with splinting/hand therapy. Moreover, at 6 weeks postinjection, PROMIS PF and UE scores marginally increased, whereas PI and Depression scores decreased with statistical significance.

Conclusions:

Hand surgeons should be aware of the limitations of PROMIS when evaluating patients after conservative treatment for thumb CMC arthritis. There were no significant differences in PROMIS scores for patients with thumb CMC arthritis who returned after receiving splinting/hand therapy for 6 weeks. Meanwhile, PI scores can be used primarily to monitor for improvement after steroid injection for thumb CMC arthritis.
Quadratic relationship between systolic blood pressure and white matter lesions in individuals with hypertension
Authors: Woldstad Christopher , Rusinek Henry , Sweeney Elizabeth , Butler Tracy , Li Yi , Tanzi Emily , Mardy Christopher , Harvey Patrick , de Leon Mony J. , Glodzik Lidia
Published: October 2022

Background:

There is a well documented relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and the development of brain injury, which can lead to cognitive dysfunction. Hypertension (HTN) is a condition increasing the risk of silent and symptomatic ischemic brain lesions. Although benefits of hypertension treatment are indisputable, the target blood pressure value where the possibility of tissue damage is most reduced remains under debate.

Method:

Our group performed a cross-sectional (n = 376) and longitudinal (n = 188) study of individuals without dementia or stroke (60% women n = 228, age 68.5 ± 7.4 years; men n = 148, age 70.7 ± 6.9 years). Participants were split into hypertensive (n = 169) and normotensive (n = 207) groups. MR images were obtained on a 3T system. Linear modeling was performed in hypertensive and normotensive cohorts to investigate the relationship between systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, white matter lesion (WML), and brain volumes.

Results:

Participants in the hypertensive cohort showed a quadratic relationship between SBP and WML, with the lowest amounts of WML being measured in participants with readings at approximately 124 mmHg. Additionally, the hypertensive cohort also exhibited a quadratic relationship between DBP and mean hippocampal volume; participants with readings at approximately 77 mmHg showing the largest volumes. Longitudinally, all groups experienced WML growth, despite different BP trajectories, further suggesting that WML expansion may occur despite or because of BP reduction in individuals with compromised vascular system.

Conclusion:

Overall, our study suggests that in the hypertensive group there is a valley of mid-range blood pressures displaying less pathology in the brain.
Endothelin type A receptor blockade attenuates aorto-caval fistula-induced heart failure in rats with angiotensin II-dependent hypertension
Authors: Kala Petr , Gawrys Olga , Miklovič Matúš , Vaňourková Zdenka , Škaroupková Petra , Jíchová Šárka , Sadowski Janusz , Kompanowska-Jezierska Elzbieta , Walkowska Agnieszka , Veselka Josef , Táborský Miloš , Maxová Hana , Vaněčková Ivana , Červenka Luděk
Published: October 2022

Objective:

Evaluation of the effect of endothelin type A (ETA) receptor blockade on the course of volume-overload heart failure in rats with angiotensin II-dependent hypertension.

Methods:

Ren-2 renin transgenic rats (TGR) were used as a model of hypertension. Heart failure was induced by creating an aorto-caval fistula (ACF). Selective ETA receptor blockade was achieved by atrasentan. For comparison, other rat groups received trandolapril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi). Animals first underwent ACF creation and 2 weeks later the treatment with atrasentan or trandolapril, alone or combined, was applied; the follow-up period was 20 weeks.

Results:

Eighteen days after creating ACF, untreated TGR began to die, and none was alive by day 79. Both atrasentan and trandolapril treatment improved the survival rate, ultimately to 56% (18 of 31 animals) and 69% (22 of 32 animals), respectively. Combined ACEi and ETA receptor blockade improved the final survival rate to 52% (17 of 33 animals). The effects of the three treatment regimens on the survival rate did not significantly differ. All three treatment regimens suppressed the development of cardiac hypertrophy and lung congestion, decreased left ventricle (LV) end-diastolic volume and LV end-diastolic pressure, and improved LV systolic contractility in ACF TGR as compared with their untreated counterparts.

Conclusion:

The treatment with ETA receptor antagonist delays the onset of decompensation of volume-overload heart failure and improves the survival rate in hypertensive TGR with ACF-induced heart failure. However, the addition of ETA receptor blockade did not enhance the beneficial effects beyond those obtained with standard treatment with ACEi alone.
Artificial intelligence at the national eye institute
Authors: Sherif Noha A. , Chew Emily Y. , Chiang Michael F. , Hribar Michelle , Gao James , Goetz Kerry E.
Published: October 2022

Purpose of review

This review highlights the artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning initiatives supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Eye Institute (NEI) and calls attention to activities and goals defined in the NEI Strategic Plan as well as opportunities for future activities and breakthroughs in ophthalmology.

Recent findings

Ophthalmology is at the forefront of artificial intelligence-based innovations in biomedical research that may lead to improvement in early detection and surveillance of ocular disease, prediction of progression, and improved quality of life. Technological advances have ushered in an era where unprecedented amounts of information can be linked that enable scientific discovery. However, there remains an unmet need to collect, harmonize, and share data in a machine actionable manner. Similarly, there is a need to ensure that efforts promote health and research equity by expanding diversity in the data and workforce.

The NIH/NEI has supported the development artificial intelligence-based innovations to advance biomedical research. The NIH/NEI has defined activities to achieve these goals in the NIH Strategic Plan for Data Science and the NEI Strategic Plan and have spearheaded initiatives to facilitate research in these areas.
Ocular leptospirosis: lack of awareness among ophthalmologists and challenges in diagnosis
Authors: Sivakumar Rathinam R.
Published: October 2022

Purpose of review

Systemic leptospirosis exists worldwide. But leptospiral uveitis, an important late complication is not identified by ophthalmologists in several countries.

Recent findings

In the last 18 months numerous publications, especially on epidemiology, surveillances, and novel rapid diagnostic kits to test at the point of care site on leptospirosis have been published from all over the world. However, publications from ophthalmologists are very scarce. Remarkably ophthalmologists should know the global burden of leptospirosis, prevalence of the disease in their country, demographic factors associated, risk factors, and systemic signs to elicit relevant history and travel history. They should be aware of recent advances in investigations to confirm their clinical diagnosis.

It is quite evident from this work that leptospirosis is prevalent worldwide. Ophthalmologists’ awareness has to improve to identify the etiological diagnosis. They should have access to simple, less expensive, and less cumbersome laboratory tests.
An update on immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery
Authors: Spekreijse Lindsay S. , Nuijts Rudy M.M.A.
Published: October 2022

Purpose of review

The aim of this study was to present an overview of recent publications and opinions in the field of same-day bilateral cataract surgery.

Recent findings

A Cochrane review was published comparing immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) and delayed sequential bilateral cataract surgery (DSBCS) with regard to safety outcomes, costs and cost-effectiveness. In addition, several large database studies provided more information on incidences of rare complications such as unilateral and bilateral endophthalmitis rates.

Recently available evidence showed that ISBCS is an effective and cost-effective alternative to DSBCS. Nonetheless, additional (randomized) registry studies, randomized controlled trials and cost-effectiveness studies are needed to evaluate bilateral endophthalmitis rates, refractive outcomes and cost-effectiveness of ISBCS compared with DSBCS.
The Physical Therapist Assistant Education Summit Report: Prioritized Recommendations for the Future
Authors: Giffin Kathrine A. , Levangie Pamela K.
Published: October 2022

Background and Purpose:

The APTA Academy of Education identified a need to assess the status of physical therapist assistant (PTA) education given changes in contemporary physical therapist practice and health care. In response, a task force was charged to plan a summit that would engage stakeholders in formulation of prioritized recommendations to advance PTA education.

Method and Results:

The Summit Planning Task Force formulated a 3-phase process: phase 1—surveys emailed to PTA education stakeholders; phase 2—four online modules that informed participants about trends in PTA education and solicited data on perceived strengths and weaknesses; and phase 3—a 2-day facilitated virtual meeting of 37 stakeholders who collaboratively developed the Summit outcomes. More than 2500 individuals contributed to data gathered from phases 1 and 2. Phase 3 participants formulated 3 comprehensive recommendations with associated goal statements, objectives, and strategies intendeds to drive future work in PTA education.

Discussion and Conclusions:

This report presents detailed methods by which the consensus-driven recommendations were achieved, supporting the Summit Task Force's “vision of the PTA as the educated extender that supports the future of physical therapist practice.” There was not consensus on any one direction that PTA education should take. Findings, however, support an array of flexible opportunities by which career goals of current and future PTAs may be achieved while enhancing patient care by the physical therapist/PTA team. Work to implement recommendations must be shared by all relevant stakeholders in order to move PTA education forward.
Goal-directed fluid therapy and combined spinal-epidural anesthesia in management of pregnant woman with severe aortic stenosis
Authors: Lu Cheng-Hsu , Chang Szu-Ling , Su Hsiu-Wei , Tsai Chih-Chung , Lai Hui-Chin
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

In parturients with heart disease, appropriate anesthetic, cardiac, and obstetric collaboration is necessary, especially in those with aortic stenosis (AS). Physiological changes during pregnancy can worsen AS symptoms, causing challenges in obstetric anesthetic management.

Patient concerns and diagnosis:

A 33-year-old woman with severe AS and progressive orthopnea, 33 weeks pregnant, required a cesarean section due to heart failure.

Interventions:

We used invasive goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) with real-time information on hemodynamic status and a more sophisticated approach to maintain intravascular volume balance. Combined spinal-epidural anesthesia was used under GDFT guidance.

Outcomes:

The patient underwent cesarean section under combined spinal-epidural with no complications, with a stable newborn status, and was discharged on postoperative day 4. Vasopressors or inotropes were not used during the operation.

Conclusion:

For cesarean section in severe AS, low-dose sequential spinal anesthesia and slowly titrated epidural anesthesia under GDFT guidance could be a safe way to manage challenging conditions.
Ultrasound findings in prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 18 associated with elevated levels of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein
Authors: Chen Yiming , Ning Wenwen , Chen Yijie , Huai Lei , Huang Anqian
Published: October 2022

Rationale:

Trisomy 18, also referred to as Edwards syndrome, is the second most common autosomal trisomy syndrome. Trisomy 18 can be identified during prenatal screening by the detection of abnormal maternal serum results and one or more structural abnormalities on ultrasound. Previous studies confirmed that levels of pregnancy-related plasma protein A, alpha-fetoprotein, and free β-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin in the serum of pregnant women carrying fetuses with trisomy 18 were lower than those in women with normal pregnancies.

Patient concerns:

A 29-year-old pregnant woman with a high risk of trisomy 18 underwent maternal serum screening at 16 weeks of gestation. The patient exhibited an elevated level of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (125 U/mL; 3.5225-fold higher than the multiple of the median). Ultrasonography revealed multiple abnormalities.

Diagnoses:

Culture of amniotic fluid cells revealed a karyotype of 47, XY, +18.

Interventions and outcomes:

The pregnancy was terminated.

Lessons:

Trisomy 18 can be identified prenatally by detection of abnormal levels of key proteins in the maternal serum, and detection of one or more structural abnormalities by ultrasound screening. Prenatal serological screening combined with ultrasound can effectively diagnose fetuses with trisomy 18 in the second trimester.
Assessing the Pathophysiology of Hyperglycemia in the Diabetes RElated to Acute Pancreatitis and Its Mechanisms Study
Authors: Dungan Kathleen M. , Hart Phil A. , Andersen Dana K. , Basina Marina , Chinchilli Vernon M. , Danielson Kirstie K. , Evans-Molina Carmella , Goodarzi Mark O. , Greenbaum Carla J. , Kalyani Rita R. , Laughlin Maren R. , Pichardo-Lowden Ariana , Pratley Richard E. , Serrano Jose , Sims Emily K. , Speake Cate , Yadav Dhiraj , Bellin Melena D. , Toledo Frederico G. S. ,   on behalf of the Type 1 Diabetes in Acute Pancreatitis Consortium (T1DAPC)
Published: October 2022

Objectives

The metabolic abnormalities that lead to diabetes mellitus (DM) after an episode of acute pancreatitis (AP) have not been extensively studied. This article describes the objectives, hypotheses, and methods of mechanistic studies of glucose metabolism that comprise secondary outcomes of the DREAM (Diabetes RElated to Acute pancreatitis and its Mechanisms) Study.

Methods

Three months after an index episode of AP, participants without preexisting DM will undergo baseline testing with an oral glucose tolerance test. Participants will be followed longitudinally in three subcohorts with distinct metabolic tests. In the first and largest subcohort, oral glucose tolerance tests will be repeated 12 months after AP and annually to assess changes in β-cell function, insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity. In the second, mixed meal tolerance tests will be performed at 3 and 12 months, then annually, and following incident DM to assess incretin and pancreatic polypeptide responses. In the third, frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance tests will be performed at 3 months and 12 months to assess the first-phase insulin response and more precisely measure β-cell function and insulin sensitivity.

Conclusions

The DREAM study will comprehensively assess the metabolic and endocrine changes that precede and lead to the development of DM after AP.
Evaluating the Immunopathogenesis of Diabetes After Acute Pancreatitis in the Diabetes RElated to Acute Pancreatitis and Its Mechanisms Study
Authors: Casu Anna , Grippo Paul J. , Wasserfall Clive , Sun Zhaoli , Linsley Peter S. , Hamerman Jessica A. , Fife Brian T. , Lacy-Hulbert Adam , Toledo Frederico G.S. , Hart Phil A. , Papachristou Georgios I. , Bellin Melena D. , Yadav Dhiraj , Laughlin Maren R. , Goodarzi Mark O. , Speake Cate ,   on behalf of the Type 1 Diabetes in Acute Pancreatitis Consortium (T1DAPC)
Published: October 2022

The association between acute pancreatitis (AP) and diabetes mellitus (DM) has long been established, with the initial descriptions of AP patients presenting with DM after a bout of AP published in the 1940s and 50s. However, the potential mechanisms involved, particularly those components related to the immune system, have not been well defined. The Diabetes RElated to Acute pancreatitis and its Mechanisms (DREAM) study is a multicenter clinical study designed to understand the frequency and phenotype of DM developing after AP. This article describes one objective of the DREAM study: to determine the immunologic mechanisms of DM after AP, including the contribution of β-cell autoimmunity. This component of the study will assess the presence of islet autoimmunity, as well as the magnitude and kinetics of the innate and adaptive immune response at enrollment and during longitudinal follow-up after 1 or more episodes of AP. Finally, DREAM will evaluate the relationship between immune features, DM development, and pancreatitis etiology and severity.
The Quick Sepsis-Related Organ Failure Assessment Score Is Prognostic of Pancreatitis Severity in Patients With Alcohol-Induced Pancreatitis
Authors: Wagner Jason , Hernández Blanco Yllen Y. , Yu Abraham , Garcia-Rodriguez Victor , Mohajir Wasay , Goodman Colin , DuPont Andrew W. , Cash Brooks D. , Farooq Ahmad
Published: October 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine if the quick Sepsis-Related Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) score assessed at and 48 hours after admission is prognostic for alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis (AAP) severity.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort review study of 161 patients admitted to a single academic hospital in Houston, TX, with the diagnosis of AAP. Receiver operator characteristics analysis and logistic regression were used to assess the diagnostic accuracy and prognostic ability of the qSOFA score.

Results

A qSOFA score of 2 or higher at and 48 hours after admission had a specificity of 94% or greater and sensitivity of 33% or higher for pancreatitis severity and need for intensive care admission, intubation, or vasopressors. The qSOFA score at and 48 hours after admission was prognostic of intensive care unit admission by an adjusted odds ratio of 48.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.4–1013.3; P < 0.001) and 18.8 (95% CI, 2.2–467.3; P < 0.05), respectively. The qSOFA score at admission was prognostic of severe pancreatitis by an adjusted odds ratio of 35.3 (95% CI, 7.2–224.3; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

A qSOFA score of 2 or higher is highly specific and prognostic of multiple clinical outcomes both at and 48 hours after admission in patients with AAP.
Addressing Social Determinants of Health
Authors: Campagna Vivian , Mitchell Ellen , Krsnak Jean
Published: October 2022

Purpose:

Social determinants of health (SDOH) continue to gain attention as the factors that weigh heavily on physical and mental health. In response, professional case managers need to develop a deeper understanding of the entrenched nature of SDOH, particularly the spiraling and compounding effects of economic, environmental, and social factors on the health and well-being of individuals and populations. Professional case managers are essential to helping identify both the barriers experienced by individuals in accessing and receiving the care they need and the resources to eliminate or mitigate those barriers. These responsibilities should be most keenly felt by case managers who are board-certified and therefore held accountable by codes of ethics to ensure justice and fairness. By embedding greater awareness of SDOH into the case management process—from intake and assessment through implementation, evaluation, and across care transitions—case managers can establish rapport with clients (known as “patients” in some care settings) and support improved outcomes through best practices in care coordination, thus contributing to the Triple Aim of improving the health of people and populations and reducing the per capita cost of care.

Primary Practice Settings:

SDOH impact individuals across the health and human services, including acute care, subacute care, primary care, community-based care, and workers' compensation.

Implications for Case Management Practice:

Case management plays a vital role in providing people with episodic care and ensuring adequate follow-up. The latter includes if and how people are able to access the ongoing care they need, including medications (access and affordability), doctors' visits, therapies and other services, healthy nutrition, and more. However, a lack of affordability undermines an individual's ability to receive preventive care and treatment of chronic illnesses and potentially more serious and life-threatening conditions such as cancer. Compounding the impact of affordability can be a lack of transportation that inhibits access to health care professionals, which can affect individuals in both rural and inner-city environments. Although poverty and homelessness play a direct role in SDOH, case managers cannot assume which clients are impacted by these factors and which are not. Higher costs of living, loss of job or reduced income, unexpected expenses, and death of, or divorce from, a partner/spouse can negatively impact a client's ability to access and afford care. With this understanding, case managers can meet individuals where they are to explore how SDOH affects their lives, without judgment, bias, or assumption.
“Fluidic device system for mechanical processing and filtering of human lipoaspirate ex vivo enhances recovery of mesenchymal stem cells in comparison to standard nanofat processing.”
Authors: Lombardo Jeremy A , Banyard Derek A , Widgerow Alan D. , Haun Jered B.
Published: October 2022

Background:

Adipose tissue is an easily accessible source of stem and progenitor cells that offers exciting promise as an injectable autologous therapeutic for regenerative applications. Mechanical processing is preferred over enzymatic digestion, and the most common method involves shuffling lipoaspirate (LA) between syringes and filtering to produce nanofat (NF). While NF has shown exciting clinical results, we hypothesized that new device designs could enhance recovery of stem/progenitor cells through optimization of fluid dynamics principles, integration, and automation.

Methods:

We designed and fabricated the Emulsification and Micronization Device (EMD) and the Filtration Device (FD) to replace the manual NF procedures. Using human LA samples, the EMD and FD were optimized and compared to traditional NF using ex vivo measurements of cell number, viability, and percentage of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs).

Results:

The EMD produced statistically similar results to NF, and these findings were confirmed for a cohort of diabetic patients. Combining the FD with the EMD was superior to manually filtered NF both in terms of recovered cell percentages (>1.5-fold) and numbers (2 to 3-fold). Differences were statistically significant for total MSCs and a DPP4+/CD55+ sub-population linked to improved wound healing in diabetes.

Conclusions:

The new EMD and FD devices improved mechanical processing of human LA in terms of MSC enrichment and number compared to traditional NF. Future work will seek to investigate the wound healing response both in vitro and in vivo, as well as refine the technology for automated operation within clinical settings.
Relationship of Exercise Capacity, Physical Function, and Frailty Measures With Clinical Outcomes and Healthcare Utilization in Lung Transplantation: A Scoping Review
Authors: Bourgeois Nicholas , Shallwani Shirin M. , Al-Huda Fahad S. , Mathur Sunita , Poirier Charles , Janaudis-Ferreira Tania
Published: October 2022

Background.

Measures of exercise capacity, frailty, and physical function are commonly used in lung transplant candidates and recipients to evaluate their physical limitations and the effects of exercise training and to select candidates for transplantation. It is unclear how these measures are related to clinical outcomes and healthcare utilization before and after lung transplantation. The purpose of this scoping review was to describe how measures of exercise capacity, physical function, and frailty are related to pre- and posttransplant outcomes.

Methods.

We considered studies of any design that included performance-based tests of exercise capacity, physical function, and frailty in adult lung transplant candidates or recipients. Outcomes of interest were clinical outcomes (eg, mortality, quality of life) and healthcare utilization.

Results.

Seventy-two articles met the inclusion criteria. The 6-min walk test (6MWT) was shown to be related to mortality on the waiting list with different distance values as cutoffs points. There were inconsistent results regarding the relationship of the 6MWT with other clinical outcomes. Few studies have examined the relationship between the cardiopulmonary exercise test or the short physical performance battery and clinical outcomes, although some studies have shown relationship with survival posttransplant and quality of life. Few studies examined the relationship between the tests of interest and healthcare utilization‚ and the results were inconsistent.

Conclusions.

Except for the relationship between the 6MWT and mortality on the waiting list, there is limited evidence regarding the relationship of performance-based measures of exercise capacity, frailty, and physical function with clinical outcomes or healthcare utilization.
Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses After a 3-dose Course of mRNA-1273 COVID-19 Vaccine in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Cucchiari David , Egri Natalia , Rodriguez-Espinosa Diana , Montagud-Marrahi Enrique , Casals-Urquiza Joaquim , Del Risco-Zevallos Jimena , Bodro Marta , Ventura-Aguiar Pedro , Cofan Frederic , Cacho Judit , Molina-Andujar Alicia , Rovira Jordi , Banon-Maneus Elisenda , José Ramirez-Bajo Maria , Pérez-Olmos Anna , Garcia-Pascual Marta , Pascal Mariona , Vilella Anna , Trilla Antoni , Palou Eduard , Revuelta Ignacio , Juan Manel , Campistol Josep M. , Oppenheimer Frederic , Moreno Asunción , Miró Josep M. , Bayés Beatriu , Diekmann Fritz
Published: October 2022

Background.

In kidney transplant recipients, there is discordance between the development of cellular and humoral response after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. We sought to determine the interplay between the 2 arms of adaptive immunity in a 3-dose course of mRNA-1273 100 μg vaccine.

Methods.

Humoral (IgG/IgM) and cellular (N- and S-ELISpot) responses were studied in 117 kidney and 12 kidney-pancreas transplant recipients at the following time points: before the first dose, 14 d after the second dose‚ and before and after the third dose, with a median of 203 and 232 d after the start of the vaccination cycle, respectively.

Results.

After the second dose, 26.7% of naive cases experienced seroconversion. Before the third dose and in the absence of COVID-19, this percentage increased to 61.9%. After the third dose, seroconversion occurred in 80.0% of patients. Naive patients who had at any time point a detectable positivity for S-ELISpot were 75.2% of the population, whereas patients who maintained S-ELISpot positivity throughout the study were 34.3%. S-ELISpot positivity at 42 d was associated with final seroconversion (odds ratio‚ 3.14; 95% confidence interval‚ 1.10-8.96; P = 0.032). Final IgG titer was significantly higher in patients with constant S-ELISpot positivity (P < 0.001).

Conclusions.

A substantial proportion of kidney transplant recipients developed late seroconversion after 2 doses. Cellular immunity was associated with the development of a stronger humoral response.
Predicting the outcomes of Kasai portoenterostomy for biliary atresia: a cohort study
Authors: Qi Qiao , Wang Yanfu , Wu Qijun , Su Pengjun , Wang Dajia , Li Tianyu , Zhang Zhibo
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To identify factors associated with outcomes of Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE), and predictors of 2- and 5- year native liver survival (NLS) for infants achieved jaundice clearance (JC) within 6 months of KPE.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted on 151 patients with type III biliary atresia (BA) who underwent KPE at our center. Univariate analysis and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with NLS in infants achieved JC. Kaplan–Meier curves and log-rank tests were used to estimate the NLS, and the Cox proportional hazards regression model identified variables most associated with 2- and 5-year NLS at 6 months post-KPE. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of these factors.

Results

The 2- and 5-year NLS of infants achieved JC at 3 months post-KPE were not different from those achieved JC earlier. Operation age and total bile acid (TBA) were factors associated with JC. For infants who have achieved JC, DB was the only factor associated with 2-year NLS, the AUC was 0.872, the cutoff value was 14 μmol/L; ALB and DB were factors associated with 5-year NLS, the AUCs were 0.894 and 0.95, and the cutoff values were 39 g/L and 14 μmol/L, respectively.

Conclusions

NLS should be estimated at 6 months post-KPE. Preoperative factors are not predictive of NLS. For infants cleared jaundice, DB and ALB can predict NLS with good performance.

What’s Known on This Subject

Age, liver stiffness, and CMV infections are factors associated with outcomes of Kasai portoenterostomy. Jaundice clearance is directly associated with native liver survival; however, even with successful surgery, liver pathology in most cases will progress to end-stage cirrhosis.

What This Study Adds

No preoperative factors are predictive of native liver survival (NLS). Infants cleared jaundice after 3 months of KPE can achieve the same NLS as those cleared jaundice earlier. For infants cleared jaundice, 6-month postoperative DB and Albumin are predictive of NLS.

How this study might affect research, practice or policy

In this study, we argued that 6 months post-KPE was the appropriate timing for predicting NLS; direct bilirubin (DB) and albumin (ALB) at 6 months post-KPE can be used to predict 2- and 5-year NLS with good performance.

Article Summary

Retrospective analysis revealed it’s difficult to predict outcomes of Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) preoperatively; jaundice clearance should be evaluated at 6 months after KPE, for infants cleared jaundice, 6-month postoperative DB and Albumin are predictive of NLS.
Z-REX: Shepherding Reactive Electrophiles to Specific Proteins Expressed either Tissue-Specifically or Ubiquitously, and Recording the Resultant Functional Electrophile-Induced Redox Responses in Larval Fish
Authors: Huang Kuan-Ting , Poganik Jesse R. , Parvez Saba , Raja Sruthi , Miller Brian , Long Marcus J. C. , Fetcho Joseph R. , Aye Yimon
Published: October 2022

Summary of the Protocol Extension

This Protocol Extension describes the adaptation of an existing Nature Protocol detailing the use of T-REX (targetable reactive electrophiles and oxidants)—an on-demand redox targeting toolset in cultured cells. The adaptation described here is for use of REX technologies in live zebrafish embryos (Z-REX). Zebrafish embryos expressing a Halo-tagged protein of interest (POI)—either ubiquitously or tissue-specifically—are treated with a HaloTag-specific small-molecule probe housing a photocaged reactive electrophile (either natural electrophiles or synthetic electrophilic drug-like fragments). The reactive electrophile is then photouncaged at a user-defined time, enabling proximity-assisted electrophile-modification of a POI. Functional and phenotypic ramifications of POI-specific modification can then be monitored, by coupling to standard downstream assays, such as, Click chemistry-based POI-labeling and target-occupancy quantification; immunofluorescence or live imaging; RNA-Seq and qRT-PCR analyses of downstream-transcript modulations. Transient expression of requisite Halo-POI in zebrafish embryos is achieved by mRNA injection. Procedures associated with generation of transgenic zebrafish expressing a tissue-specific Halo-POI are also described. The Z-REX experiments can be completed in <1-week using standard techniques. To successfully execute Z-REX, researchers should have basic skills in fish husbandry, imaging, and pathway analysis. Experience with protein or proteome manipulation is useful. This protocol extension is aimed at helping chemical biologists study precision redox events in a model organism and fish biologists perform redox chemical biology.
Neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.4/BA.5 subvariant by a booster dose of bivalent adjuvanted subunit vaccine containing Omicron BA.4/BA.5 and BA.1 subvariants
Authors: Kuo Tsun-Yung , Lien Chia En , Lin Yi-Jiun , Lin Meei-Yun , Liu Luke Tzu-Chi , Wu Chung-Chin , Tang Wei-Hsuan , Chen Charles
Published: October 2022

The dominance of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VoC), such as the Omicron subvariants, is a threat to the current vaccination scheme due to increased resistance to immune neutralization and greater transmissibility. To develop the next generation of prefusion SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S-2P) subunit vaccine adjuvanted with CpG1018 and aluminum hydroxide, mice immunized with two doses of the adjuvanted ancestral Wuhan strain (W) followed by the third dose of the W or Omicron variants (BA.1 or BA.4/BA.5) S-2P, or a combination of the above bivalent S-2Ps. Antisera from mice were tested against pseudovirus neutralization assay of ancestral SARS-CoV-2 (WT) and Omicron BA.4/BA.5 subvariant. Boosting with bivalent mixture of Omicron BA.4/BA.5 and W S-2P achieved the highest neutralizing antibody titers against BA.4/BA.5 subvariant pseudovirus compared to other types of S-2P as boosters.
Mitofusin-2 in nucleus accumbens D2-MSNs regulates social dominance and neuronal function
Authors: Ghosal Sriparna , Gebara Elias , Ramos-Fernández Eva , Chioino Alessandro , Grosse Jocelyn , Schneider Bernard , Zorzano Antonio , Astori Simone , Sandi Carmen
Published: October 2022

The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is a brain hub regulating motivated behaviors, including social competitiveness. Mitochondrial function in the NAc is critically implicated in the association between anxiety and social competitiveness, and the mitochondrial fusion protein mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) in NAc neurons has been shown to regulate anxiety-related behaviors. However, it remains unexplored whether accumbal Mfn2 levels also affect social behavior and whether Mfn2 actions in the emotional and social domain are driven by distinct cell types. Here, we found that subordinate-prone highly anxious rats show reduced accumbal Mfn2 levels and that Mfn2 overexpression promotes dominant behavior. In mice, selective Mfn2 downregulation in NAc dopamine D2 receptor-expressing medium spiny neurons (D2-MSNs) induced social subordination, accompanied by reduced mitochondrial function and decreased neuronal excitability. Instead, D1-MSN-targeted Mfn2 downregulation affected competitive ability only transiently mainly by increases in anxiety-like behaviors. Our results assign dissociable cell-type specific roles to Mfn2 in the NAc in modulating social dominance and anxiety.
Adaptive sliding mode controller based consensus protocol for swarm of UAVs
Authors: Dixit Abhishek , Agrawal Pooja , Misra Ajay
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The requirement of robust cooperative control is essential to achieve consensus between unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) operating in swarm formation. Often the performance of these swarm formations is affected by wind gust disturbances. This study proposes an effective robust consensus protocol, which will ensure the UAVs in swam formation to collectively meet the desired objective in real-time scenario.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, the swarm of UAVs are modeled as multiagent systems by using the concepts of algebraic graph theory. To address the challenges of a complex and dynamic environment, an adaptive sliding mode control (SMC)-based consensus protocol is proposed. The closed loop stability analysis is established through Lyapunov theory.

Findings

The efficacy of the discussed robust consensus controller is analyzed through numerical simulations. Further, the quantitative analysis using Monte-Carlo simulations validates performance of the proposed robust consensus protocol. The presented consensus protocol can be easily implementable as robust flight controller for swarm of UAVs. Also, as the consensus theory is based on the algebraic graph theory, the proposed design is scalable for a large number of UAVs in swarm formation.

Originality/value

The proposed adaptive SMC achieves robust consensus of longitudinal dynamics states between all the UAVs by mitigating the effects of wind gust disturbances. Also, the adaptive SMC offers chattering-free control efforts.
Drug checking in New Zealand: the 2020 and 2021 drug and substance checking legislation acts
Authors: Hutton Fiona
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the context and implications of the New Zealand Drug and Substance Drug Checking Acts 2020 and 2021.

Design/methodology/approach

This discussion provides a description of legislative changes about drug checking in the New Zealand context, alongside a critical analysis of the interlinked factors surrounding these important pieces of legislation.

Findings

The legalisation of drug checking is an important harm reduction development in the New Zealand context, although overregulation of licensing requirements should be avoided, as well as overly punitive responses to peer service providers who may have criminal convictions. The new regulations should also ensure that innovation around new technology or products tested is not stifled.

Originality/value

New Zealand is the only country to introduce permanent national legislation to legalise drug checking, and as such analysis of the legislation is of interest to the international community.
Potential non-disasters of 2021
Authors: Podloski Brady , Kelman Ilan
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This short paper compiles some potential disasters that might not have happened in 2021 even though a major hazard occurred. No definitive statements are made of what did or did not transpire in each instance. Instead, the material offers a pedagogical and communications approach, especially to encourage deeper investigation and critique into what are and are not labelled as disasters and non-disasters—and the consequences of this labelling.

Design/methodology/approach

This short paper adopts a subjective approach to describing situations in 2021 in which a hazard was evident, but a disaster might not have resulted. Brief explanations are provided with some evidence and reasoning, to be used in teaching and science communication for deeper examination, verification and critique.

Findings

Examples exist in which hazards could have become disasters, but disasters might not have manifested, ostensibly due to disaster risk reduction. Reaching firm conclusions about so-called “non-disasters” is less straightforward.

Originality/value

Many reports rank the seemingly worst disasters while research often compares a disaster investigated with the apparently worst disasters previously experienced. This short paper instead provides possible ways of teaching and communicating potential non-disasters. It offers an approach for applying lessons to encourage action on disaster risk reduction, while recognising challenges with the labels “non-disaster”, “success” and “positive news”.
Toward a theory of corporate apology: mechanisms, contingencies, and strategies
Authors: Shao Wei , Moffett Jordan W. , Quach Sara , Surachartkumtonkun Jiraporn , Thaichon Park , Weaven Scott K. , Palmatier Robert W.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Corporate apologies, relative to other responses to well-publicized past transgressions, have distinct implications, sparking a rich tradition of apology research. But in addition, each apology is unique, such that it becomes critical to address individual content (what), spokesperson (who), timing (when) and delivery (how) elements. This paper aims to clarify how people evaluate key apology elements (individually and collectively) and the associated trade-off between short-term risks (e.g. business costs) and long-term benefits (e.g. relational assets), in light of key contingency factors that represent the level of the transgression-related threat to the firm.

Design/methodology/approach

An in-depth conceptual review, analysis and synthesis of corporate apology theories, research, business practices and case examples underlie the development of a conceptual framework that features 6 key tenets and 16 formal, testable propositions.

Findings

The holistic apology framework details how and why different corporate apology elements individually and collectively influence firm performance, in the presence of key transgression-related factors. The outlined tenets and propositions, in turn, provide clear guidelines for how to design and implement effective corporate apology strategies in response to publicized transgressions, as well as a platform for academics to advance research in this domain.

Research limitations/implications

This paper contributes to apology theories by proposing 6 key tenets and 16 formal, testable propositions, incorporating apology mechanisms, contingencies and strategies (i.e. corporate apology typology), thus providing a more comprehensive view of corporate apologies in the marketing discipline.

Practical implications

This paper introduces 6 official tenets and 16 associated propositions that collectively (and interactively) serve as strategic guidelines for managers and opportunities for academics to advance research in this domain.

Originality/value

The proposed conceptual framework offers a novel, holistic understanding of the fundamental components of a corporate apology.