bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Arthroscopic Nerve Release in Patients Treated for Large or Massive Rotator Cuff Tears and Associated Suprascapular Neuropathy: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blinded Clinical Trial
Authors: Sachinis Nikolaos Platon , Papagiannopoulos Sotirios , Sarris Ioannis , Papadopoulos Pericles 
Published: June 2021

Background: Suprascapular neuropathy has been observed in the setting of rotator cuff tears (RCTs), but its association with these tears and their treatment are unclear. Hypothesis: Arthroscopic suprascapular nerve release during rotator cuff repair will not alter the outcomes of neuropathy. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: A total of 42 patients with large/massive reparable RCTs and suprascapular neuropathy were recruited and followed up at 6 and 12 months. Electrophysiological results as well as Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and Constant scores were evaluated at selected time periods. Patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups. Patients in the control group underwent arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff without combined arthroscopic release of the superior transverse scapular ligament; in the second group, the superior transverse ligament was released. The primary outcome was to examine full suprascapular nerve recovery through electrophysiological changes between groups. The secondary/tertiary outcomes were analysis of clinical outcomes and assessment of the relation between RCT size and the degree of suprascapular nerve recovery. Patients, clinical staff members, and the neurologist were blinded to the type of surgical procedure. Results: Of 42 patients, 37 completed the follow-up at 12 months (median age, 64 years [range, 50-75 years]). Overall, 17 of 19 (89.5%) patients in the control group and 15 of 18 (83.3%) patients in the nerve release group had full nerve recovery, with no significant difference between the 2 groups. Clinically, all patients in both groups showed a significant improvement ( P < .001), but no significant difference was observed between the 2 groups in terms of 12-month postoperative scores (control group: DASH: median, 5 [range, 0-21]; ASES: median, 88 [range, 83-98]; Constant: median, 86 [range, 70-98]) (nerve release group: DASH: median, 6 [range, 0-25]; ASES: median, 90 [range, 83-98]; Constant: median, 88 [range, 75-98]). Also, no significant difference was found between the 2 groups regarding other secondary and tertiary outcomes. Conclusion: Combined arthroscopic release of the superior transverse scapular ligament and rotator cuff repair in patients with large/massive RCTs and suprascapular neuropathy did not produce statistically significant improved outcomes compared with repair of the rotator cuff alone. Registration: NCT02318381 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).
Electronic Cigarettes: Their Role in the Lives of College Students
Authors: Daniel Carla , Haddad Christa , McConaha Jamie L. , Lunney Philip 
Published: June 2021

Background: Electronic cigarettes have increased in popularity amongst college-aged adults. Although often advertised as smoking cessation tools, students have taken to them as their primary exposure to nicotine. For many reasons, e-cigarettes are extremely convenient and have become the most common tobacco products among this generation. Objective: To assess perceptions and reasons for e-cigarette use in college students Methods: A 20 question online Qualtrics® survey was distributed to college students aged 18 and above across the United States. All responses were anonymous and data were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative inferential and descriptive statistics. Results: Of those who used e-cigarettes, 67.7% are not likely to smoke when they are upset or sad, 56.8% disagree that stress is a factor, and 83.5% cited that alcohol was involved when smoking. Most respondents, 74% (n = 467), associated smoking with emotions of happiness, joy or peace. 43.7% who associated e-cigarettes with happiness or peace were more likely to agree that stress was an influence versus 26.5% for those who did not (p = 0.004). Conclusion: Results show a high prevalence of e-cigarette usage among college-aged students. Emotional pleasurable connections with e-cigarettes, similar to traditional cigarettes, play a role in their use. This information will allow healthcare professionals to tailor educational messages surrounding cessation.
Vitamin A retinopathy secondary to Billroth II anastomosis triggered after the beginning of dialysis
Authors: Remolí Sargues Lidia , Montero Hernández Javier , Ortiz Salvador Miguel , Moratal Peiro Baltasar , Monferrer Adsuara Clara , Castro Navarro Verónica , Navarro Palop Catalina , Cervera Taulet Enrique 
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To report a case of vitamin A retinopathy secondary to Billroth II anastomosis triggered after the beginning of dialysis in a patient with a chronic renal failure. Case report: A 73-year-old male complained of nyctalopia that had started 9 months ago, coinciding with the beginning of dialysis. His medical history is remarkable for hepatic cirrhosis and Billroth II anastomosis 20 years ago. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 60 letters in both eyes. Dilated fundus examination showed faint white-yellowish dots. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) illustrated hyperreflective dots and small hyporreflective cavities between the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the ellipsoid zone (EZ). En face OCT showed multiple hyperreflective dots that coincide with white-yellowish dots of the fundus, and multiple hyporreflective defects which correspond to hyporreflective cavities seen in the OCT. Visual field examination showed concentric narrowing of the visual field. A diagnosis of vitamin A deficiency was confirmed and oral vitamin A supplementation was initiated. One month after treatment, the patient reported a subjective improvement of nyctalopia, and BCVA ameliorated up to 80 and 85 letters. Fundus examination, OCT, and en face OCT showed a diminution of the observed lesions. Moreover, visual field improved. Conclusion: Early diagnosis of vitamin A deficiency can prevent irreversible visual sequelae. This highlights the crucial role of ophthalmologists in the prompt detection of this condition. A lifelong monitoring should be needed in patients undergoing biliopancreatic diversion surgery. Furthermore, OCT and en face OCT becomes a main tool in the diagnosis and monitor response to treatment.
Endoluminal flow diverters in the treatment of sidewall and bifurcation aneurysm: A systematic review and meta-analysis of complications and angiographic outcomes
Authors: Abbasi Mehdi , Savasatano Luis E , Brinjikji Waleed , Kallmes Kevin M , Mikoff Nick , Reierson Natalie , Abdelmegeed Mohamed , Pederson John , Warren Beth , Touchette Jillienne C , Khan Sarah , Kamrowski Shelby , Barrett Averi , Kallmes David F , Kadirvel Ramanathan 
Published: June 2021

Background and aim The use of endoluminal flow diversion in bifurcation aneurysms has been questioned due to the potential for complications and lower occlusion rates. In this study we assessed outcomes of endovascular treatment of intracranial sidewall and bifurcation aneurysms with flow diverters Methods In July 2020, a literature search for all studies utilizing endoluminal flow diverter treatment for sidewall or bifurcation aneurysms was performed. Data were collected from studies that met our inclusion/exclusion criteria by two independent reviewers and confirmed by a third reviewer. Using random-effects meta-analysis the target outcomes including overall complications (hematoma, ischemic events, minor ischemic stroke, aneurysm rupture, side vessel occlusion, stenosis, thrombosis, transient ischemic stroke, and other complications), perioperative complications, and follow-up (long-term) aneurysm occlusion were intestigated. Results Overall, we included 35 studies with 1084 patients with 1208 aneurysms. Of these aneurysms, 654 (54.14%) and 554 (45.86%) were classified as sidewall and bifurcation aneurysm, respectively, based on aneurysm location. Sidewall aneurysms had a similar total complication rate (R) of 27.12% (95% CI, 16.56%–41.09%), compared with bifurcation aneurysms (R, 20.40%, 95% CI, 13.24%–30.08%) (p = 0.3527). Follow-up angiographic outcome showed comparable complete occlusion rates for sidewall aneurysms (R 69.49%; 95%CI, 62.41%–75.75%) and bifurcation aneurysms (R 73.99%; 95% CI, 65.05%–81.31%; p = 0.4328). Conclusions This meta-analysis of sidewall and bifurcation aneurysms treated with endoluminal flow diverters demonstrated no significant differences in complications or occlusion rates. These data provide new information that can be used as a benchmark for comparison with emerging devices for the treatment of bifurcation aneurysms.
The influence of delayed treatment due to COVID-19 on patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy
Authors: Zhao Xinyu , Meng Lihui , Luo Mingyue , Yu Weihong , Min Hanyi , Dai Rongping , Koh Adrian , Chen Youxin 
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To explore the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the prognosis of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), and share the experience in managing them during pandemics. Method: This is a retrospective study of nAMD and PCV patients treated at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 31 December 2019 to 1 August 2020. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), optical coherence tomography (OCT) features, duration of delayed treatment and number of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections were analyzed. Results: A total of 130 nAMD patients (155 eyes) and 76 PCV patients (89 eyes) were identified. Compared to the conditions before COVID-19, the BCVA of delayed cases decreased significantly, and the proportion of patients presenting with sub-macular scar was significantly greater in the delayed treatment group ( p < 0.05). The BCVA of non-delayed cases remained stable, with the percentage of patients with disease activity sub-retinal fluid and hemorrhage at the fovea decreasing significantly ( p < 0.05). The stable cases who did not require anti-VEGF treatment had significantly worse baseline and final BCVA, these patients were likely to be chronic and ‘burnt out’ cases with significantly worse anatomical structures ( p < 0.05). Conclusions: The delayed cases due to the pandemic suffered compromised visual function and a higher rate of sub-macular scar formation, while the visual function of non-delayed cases remained stable with favorable anatomical outcomes, suggesting the importance of regular follow-up for nAMD and PCV patients. Besides, effective measures of hospitals during pandemics are crucial to provide timely treatment for chronic disease.
Impact of COVID-19 on Pharmaceutical Care Services and the Role of Community Pharmacists: A Multi-Center Cross-Sectional Study in Ethiopia
Authors: Yimenu Dawit Kumilachew , Demeke Chilot Abiyu , Kasahun Asmamaw Emagn , Siraj Ebrahim Abdela , Wendalem Adane Yehualaw , Bazezew Zegaye Agmassie , Mekuria Abebe Basazn 
Published: June 2021

Objectives The current study aimed at assessing the impact of COVID-19 on pharmaceutical care services and the role of community pharmacists. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1st to June 7, 2020, on community pharmacies in Bahir Dar and Gondar cities, Ethiopia. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were conducted. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered to declare statistical significance at a 95% Confidence interval (CI). Results A total of 101 community pharmacies were approached (one pharmacist per pharmacy), and 80 of them had completed the survey. From the total pharmacies, 78.8% of them had encountered a shortage of pharmaceutical products. Chi-square test revealed that there was a significant difference ( P = 0.036) in the shortage of personal protection equipment between Gondar and Bahir Dar cities. Face mask 55 (77.4%) followed by hand glove 15 (21.1%) were the most commonly reported personal protective equipment’s in short supply. Conclusion Strategies should be in place to improve the availability and affordability of various essential pharmaceuticals to mitigate the spread of the disease and prevent other complications.
Splicing factor mutations in hematologic malignancies
Authors: Chen Sisi , Benbarche Salima , Abdel-Wahab Omar 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Mutations in genes encoding RNA splicing factors were discovered nearly 10 years ago and are now understood to be among the most recurrent genetic abnormalities in patients with all forms of myeloid neoplasms and several types of lymphoproliferative disorders, as well as subjects with clonal hematopoiesis. These discoveries implicate aberrant RNA splicing, the process by which precursor RNA is converted into mature messenger RNA, in the development of clonal hematopoietic conditions. Both the protein and the RNA components of the splicing machinery are affected by mutations at highly specific residues, and a number of these mutations alter splicing in a manner distinct from loss of function. Importantly, cells bearing these mutations have now been shown to generate mRNA species with novel aberrant sequences, some of which may be critical to disease pathogenesis and/or novel targets for therapy. These findings have opened new avenues of research to understand biological pathways disrupted by altered splicing. In parallel, multiple studies have revealed that cells bearing change-of-function mutation in splicing factors are preferentially sensitized to any further genetic or chemical perturbations of the splicing machinery. These discoveries are now being pursued in several early-phase clinical trials using molecules with diverse mechanisms of action. Here, we review the molecular effects of splicing factor mutations on splicing, the mechanisms by which these mutations drive clonal transformation of hematopoietic cells, and the development of new therapeutics targeting these genetic subsets of hematopoietic malignancies.
CASTELO: clustered atom subtypes aided lead optimization—a combined machine learning and molecular modeling method
Authors: Zhang Leili , Domeniconi Giacomo , Yang Chih-Chieh , Kang Seung-gu , Zhou Ruhong , Cong Guojing 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundDrug discovery is a multi-stage process that comprises two costly major steps: pre-clinical research and clinical trials. Among its stages, lead optimization easily consumes more than half of the pre-clinical budget. We propose a combined machine learning and molecular modeling approach that partially automates lead optimization workflow in silico, providing suggestions for modification hot spots.ResultsThe initial data collection is achieved with physics-based molecular dynamics simulation. Contact matrices are calculated as the preliminary features extracted from the simulations. To take advantage of the temporal information from the simulations, we enhanced contact matrices data with temporal dynamism representation, which are then modeled with unsupervised convolutional variational autoencoder (CVAE). Finally, conventional and CVAE-based clustering methods are compared with metrics to rank the submolecular structures and propose potential candidates for lead optimization.ConclusionWith no need for extensive structure-activity data, our method provides new hints for drug modification hotspots which can be used to improve drug potency and reduce the lead optimization time. It can potentially become a valuable tool for medicinal chemists.
Conversion between 100-million-year-old duplicated genes contributes to rice subspecies divergence
Authors: Wei Chendan , Wang Zhenyi , Wang Jianyu , Teng Jia , Shen Shaoqi , Xiao Qimeng , Bao Shoutong , Feng Yishan , Zhang Yan , Li Yuxian , Sun Sangrong , Yue Yuanshuai , Wu Chunyang , Wang Yanli , Zhou Tianning , Xu Wenbo , Yu Jigao , Wang Li , Wang Jinpeng 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Duplicated gene pairs produced by ancient polyploidy maintain high sequence similarity over a long period of time and may result from illegitimate recombination between homeologous chromosomes. The genomes of Asian cultivated rice Oryza sativa ssp. indica (XI) and Oryza sativa ssp. japonica (GJ) have recently been updated, providing new opportunities for investigating ongoing gene conversion events and their impact on genome evolution.

Results
Using comparative genomics and phylogenetic analyses, we evaluated gene conversion rates between duplicated genes produced by polyploidization 100 million years ago (mya) in GJ and XI. At least 5.19–5.77% of genes duplicated across the three rice genomes were affected by whole-gene conversion after the divergence of GJ and XI at ~ 0.4 mya, with more (7.77–9.53%) showing conversion of only portions of genes. Independently converted duplicates surviving in the genomes of different subspecies often use the same donor genes. The ongoing gene conversion frequency was higher near chromosome termini, with a single pair of homoeologous chromosomes, 11 and 12, in each rice genome being most affected. Notably, ongoing gene conversion has maintained similarity between very ancient duplicates, provided opportunities for further gene conversion, and accelerated rice divergence. Chromosome rearrangements after polyploidization are associated with ongoing gene conversion events, and they directly restrict recombination and inhibit duplicated gene conversion between homeologous regions. Furthermore, we found that the converted genes tended to have more similar expression patterns than nonconverted duplicates. Gene conversion affects biological functions associated with multiple genes, such as catalytic activity, implying opportunities for interaction among members of large gene families, such as NBS-LRR disease-resistance genes, contributing to the occurrence of the gene conversion.

Conclusion
Duplicated genes in rice subspecies generated by grass polyploidization ~ 100 mya remain affected by gene conversion at high frequency, with important implications for the divergence of rice subspecies.
Insights into the mechanism of the effects of rhizosphere microorganisms on the quality of authentic Angelica sinensis under different soil microenvironments
Authors: Zhu Lei , Yan Hui , Zhou Gui-sheng , Jiang Chun-hao , Liu Pei , Yu Guang , Guo Sheng , Wu Qi-Nan , Duan Jin-ao 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (A. sinensis) is a Chinese herb grown in different geographical locations. It contains numerous active components with therapeutic value. Rhizosphere microbiomes affect various aspects of plant performance, such as nutrient acquisition, growth and development and plant diseases resistance. So far, few studies have investigated how the microbiome effects level of active components of A. sinensis. This study investigated whether changes in rhizosphere microbial communities and metabolites of A. sinensis vary with the soil microenvironment. Soils from the two main A. sinensis-producing areas, Gansu and Yunnan Province, were used to conduct pot experiments. The soil samples were divided into two parts, one part was sterilized and the other was unsterilized planting with the seedling variety of Gansu danggui 90–01. All seedlings were allowed to grow for 180 days. At the end of the experiment, radix A. sinensis were collected and used to characterize growth targets and chemical compositions. Rhizosphere soils were subjected to microbial analyses.

Results
Changes in metabolic profiles and rhizosphere microbial communities of A. sinensis grown under different soil microenvironments were similar. The GN (Gansu non-sterilized), YN (Yunnan non-sterilized), GS (Gansu sterilized), and YS (Yunnan sterilized) groups were significantly separated. Notably, antagonistic bacteria such as Sphingomonas, Pseudomonas, Lysobacter, Pseudoxanthomonas, etc. were significantly (p < 0.05) enriched in Gansu soil compared with Yunnan soil. Moreover, senkyunolide I and ligustilide dimers which were enriched in GS group were strongly positively correlated with Pseudomonas parafulva; organic acids (including chlorogenic acid, dicaffeoylquinic acid and 5-feruloylquinic acid) and their ester coniferyl ferulate which were enriched in YS Group were positively associated with Gemmatimonadetes bacterium WY71 and Mucilaginibater sp., respectively.

Conclusions
The soil microenvironment influences growth and level/type of active components in A. sinensis. Further studies should explore the functional features of quality-related bacteria, identify the key response genes and clarify the interactions between genes and soil environments. This will reveal the mechanisms that determine the quality formation of genuine A. sinensis.
Deep learning-based framework for the distinction of membranous nephropathy: a new approach through hyperspectral imagery
Authors: Tu Tianqi , Wei Xueling , Yang Yue , Zhang Nianrong , Li Wei , Tu Xiaowen , Li Wenge 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Common subtypes seen in Chinese patients with membranous nephropathy (MN) include idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) and hepatitis B virus-related membranous nephropathy (HBV-MN). However, the morphologic differences are not visible under the light microscope in certain renal biopsy tissues.

Methods
We propose here a deep learning-based framework for processing hyperspectral images of renal biopsy tissue to define the difference between IMN and HBV-MN based on the component of their immune complex deposition.

Results
The proposed framework can achieve an overall accuracy of 95.04% in classification, which also leads to better performance than support vector machine (SVM)-based algorithms.

Conclusion
IMN and HBV-MN can be correctly separated via the deep learning framework using hyperspectral imagery. Our results suggest the potential of the deep learning algorithm as a new method to aid in the diagnosis of MN.
Transvaginal two-dimensional ultrasound measurement of cervical volume to predict the outcome of the induction of labour: a prospective observational study
Authors: Athulathmudali S. R. , Patabendige M. , Chandrasinghe S. K. , De Silva P. H. P. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Assessing the likelihood of success of induction of labour using ultrasonically measured cervical volume is an important research question.

Method
A prospective observational study was carried out at North Colombo Teaching Hospital, Ragama, Sri Lanka. Pre-induction digital cervical assessment, transvaginal cervical length, and cervical volume measurements were performed. Inductions with singleton pregnancies at term were included. Basic demographic and clinical details, independent variables (Bishop score, cervical length and cervical volume), and dependent variables (frequency of delivery within 24 h and induction to delivery interval) were recorded. Vaginal delivery within 24 h was the primary outcome.

Results
We studied 100 pregnant women who had induction of labour. Median (IQR) Bishop score was 5 (3–6), mean (SD) cervical length was 3.6 (0.7) cm, and mean (SD) cervical volume was 27.5 (10.4) cm3. Cervical length was the best predictor for predicting the likelihood of vaginal delivery within 24 h [aOR – 12.12 (3.44, 42.71); < 0.001], and cervical volume also appeared to be a significant potential predictor [aOR-1.10 (1.01, 1.17); 0.01]. Cervical length was found to have the highest AUC (0.83) followed by the cervical volume (0.74). The best cut-off value for cervical volume in predicting the likelihood of vaginal delivery within 24 h was less than 28.5 cm3 with a sensitivity of 72% and specificity of 74%.

Conclusions
Transvaginal sonographic measurement of cervical volume appears to be a potential novel predictor for the likelihood of vaginal delivery within 24 h of induction of labour. Cervical length is still more superior to cervical volume in predicting the likelihood of vaginal delivery. Bishop score was not a significant predictor in this context.