bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SCF + G-CSF treatment in the chronic phase of severe TBI enhances axonal sprouting in the spinal cord and synaptic pruning in the hippocampus
Authors: Qiu Xuecheng , Ping Suning , Kyle Michele , Chin Lawrence , Zhao Li-Ru 
Published: April 2021

AbstractTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of long-term disability in young adults. An evidence-based treatment for TBI recovery, especially in the chronic phase, is not yet available. Using a severe TBI mouse model, we demonstrate that the neurorestorative efficacy of repeated treatments with stem cell factor (SCF) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) (SCF + G-CSF) in the chronic phase is superior to SCF + G-CSF single treatment. SCF + G-CSF treatment initiated at 3 months post-TBI enhances contralesional corticospinal tract sprouting into the denervated side of the cervical spinal cord and re-balances the TBI-induced overgrown synapses in the hippocampus by enhancing microglial function of synaptic pruning. These neurorestorative changes are associated with SCF + G-CSF-improved somatosensory-motor function and spatial learning. In the chronic phase of TBI, severe TBI-caused microglial degeneration in the cortex and hippocampus is ameliorated by SCF + G-CSF treatment. These findings reveal the therapeutic potential and possible mechanism of SCF + G-CSF treatment in brain repair during the chronic phase of severe TBI.
Mixed pathologies in pancreatic β cells from subjects with neurodegenerative diseases and their interaction with prion protein
Authors: Martinez-Valbuena Ivan , Valenti-Azcarate Rafael , Amat-Villegas Irene , Marcilla Irene , Marti-Andres Gloria , Caballero Maria-Cristina , Riverol Mario , Tuñon María-Teresa , Fraser Paul E. , Luquin María-Rosario 
Published: April 2021

AbstractProtein misfolding diseases refer to a variety of disorders that develop as a consequence of the misfolding of proteins in various organs. The etiologies of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease remain unclear, but it seems that type two diabetes and other prediabetic states could contribute to the appearance of the sporadic forms of these diseases. In addition to amylin deposition, other amyloidogenic proteins implicated in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases could have important roles in the pathogenesis of this disease. As we have previously demonstrated the presence of α-synuclein deposits in the pancreas of patients with synucleinopathies, as well as tau and Aβ deposits in the pancreatic tissue of Alzheimer’s disease patients, we studied the immunoreactivity of amylin, tau and α-synuclein in the pancreas of 138 subjects with neurodegenerative diseases or type two diabetes and assessed whether the pancreatic β-cells of these subjects present cooccurrence of misfolded proteins. Furthermore, we also assessed the pancreatic expression of prion protein (PrP) in these subjects and its interaction, both in the pancreas and brain, with α-synuclein, tau, Aβ and amylin. Our study shows, for the first time, that along with amylin, pancreatic α-synuclein, Aβ, PrP and tau may contribute together to the complex pathophysiology of type two diabetes and in the appearance of insulin resistance in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, we show that the same mixed pathologies that are observed in the brains of patients with neurodegenerative diseases are also present outside the nervous system. Finally, we provide the first histological evidence of an interaction between PrP and Aβ, α-synuclein, amylin or tau in the pancreas and locus coeruleus. These findings will shed more light on the common pathological pathways shared by neurodegenerative diseases and type two diabetes, benefiting the exploration of common therapeutic strategies to prevent or treat these devastating amyloid diseases.
Portal vein thrombosis in COVID-19 infection
Authors: Sinz Stefanie , Glaser-Gallion Florian , Steffen Thomas 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly spread worldwide. As it is a novel disease, we have less experience in its possible appearances. Predominantly affecting the respiratory tract, about 20–43% patients also present with extrapulmonary manifestations such as coagulation disorders with thrombotic angiopathy.

Case presentation
In our institution, a patient presented to the emergency department with acute abdominal pain which was caused by portal vein thrombosis. As a COVID-19 nasopharyngeal antigen swab few days earlier was negative, we performed several tests to find out its etiology. After all tests were inconclusive and the patient suffered flu-like symptoms 2 weeks before, we repeated COVID-19 molecular testing and received a positive test result. The patient was treated symptomatically and received therapeutic anticoagulation.

Conclusion
A COVID-19 infection can also be present without typical pulmonary symptoms. In patients with severe abdominal pain and new diagnosed portal vein thrombosis, it is important to think of a COVID-19 infection. Also, the reliability of antigen nasopharyngeal swab should be considered critically, especially if performed wrongly. We recommended to perform molecular tests when in doubt. After the diagnosis of portal vein thrombosis, immediate anticoagulation is recommended to reduce the risk of further complications like intestinal infarction.
Survey and identification of entomopathogenic nematodes in the province of Cotabato, Philippines, for biocontrol potential against the tobacco cutworm, Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Dichusa Cynthia Ann , Ramos Rolando , Aryal Sitaram , Sumaya Neil Pep Dave , Sumaya Nanette Hope 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
The tobacco cutworm, Spodoptera litura [Fab.] (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a devastating insect pest of several crops. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) of the families Heterorhabditidae and Steinernematidae are used as an alternative control measure in lieu of the hazardous synthetic chemical applications.

Results
A survey of naturally occurring EPNs was conducted across the province of Cotabato, Philippines, covering a total of 5 municipalities with 25 villages. Galleria-baiting technique was employed to recover nematodes from peanut and grassland soils. Out of 50 soil samples collected, only 5 samples harbored nematodes, indicating a recovery of 10%. Preliminary morphological data identified only one EPN under the genera Heterorhabditis (1 isolate), whereas 4 were facultative necromenic nematodes from the genera Metarhabditis (2 isolates) and Oscheius (2 isolates). Analysis of D2D3 segments of the 28S rDNA confirmed high sequence similarity to Heterorhabditis indica, Metarhabditis rainai, Oscheius insectivora, and Oscheius sp. This is the first record of H. indica and M. rainai in the entire region, whereas the first record for Oscheius spp. in the Philippines. Furthermore, the biocontrol potential of the local H. indica infective juvenile (IJ) populations (PIGCD1) isolated from peanut was assessed against the tobacco cutworm, S. litura, under laboratory conditions. The mean percentage mortality caused by H. indica on S. litura at 7 different concentrations ranged from 0-100% at 24 h post inoculation. The lethal concentration (LC50) required to kill 50% of the S. litura larvae population with H. indica was 7.13±1 (IJs/larva).

Conclusions
The use of Galleria-baiting method is a convenient approach to detect EPNs including other facultative necromenic nematodes from the soils. Obtained data indicated that the local H. indica isolate can be a promising alternative measure to suppress the economically important insect pest, S. litura, and this may provide significant outlook to establish the biocontrol program in the country.
Effect of BIS monitoring on sevoflurane consumption in patients undergoing breast cancer surgeries under general anesthesia—a prospective observational study
Authors: Nair Archana , Padmam Sudha , Ravindran Subha , Koshy Rachel Cherian , Jagathnath Krishna K. M. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
The bispectoral index (BIS), a parameter derived from electroencephalogram, has been used to assess the depth of anesthesia. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of BIS monitoring on sevoflurane consumption and recovery profile at the end of anesthesia. After obtaining Institutional Review Board approval and written informed consent, 25 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification 1 and 2 patients undergoing breast cancer surgeries who had BIS monitoring in addition to standard ASA monitoring (BIS GROUP) were compared against 25 controls (control group). In the control group, adequate depth of anesthesia was maintained using routine clinical parameters like heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of sevoflurane, while in the BIS group, it was maintained by keeping the BIS score between 40 and 60 (mean 50). Data including demographics, sevoflurane consumption, hemodynamic variables, and recovery profile at the end of anesthesia was assessed in terms of time for eye opening (TEO), time for motor response (TMR), time for extubation (TE), and modified Aldrete scoring (MAS).

Results
The mean sevoflurane consumption was lower (P = 0.019) in the BIS group. TEO (P = 0.001), TMR (P = 0.0001), and TE (0.003) were shorter in the BIS group. Difference in MAS between the 2 groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.085).

Conclusions
BIS monitoring during anesthesia resulted in significant reduction in the sevoflurane consumption. Patients who had BIS monitoring awoke earlier and had better recovery profile at the end of anesthesia.
Radiological findings of COVID-19-related thromboembolic complications
Authors: Omar Suzan Fouad , Habib Rehab Mohammed , Motawea Abdelghany Mohammed 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may cause, in addition to lung disease, a wide spectrum of non-respiratory complications. Among these are thromboembolic complications. The theories that explain the mechanism of thromboembolic complications of COVID-19 are accumulating rapidly, and in addition to the role of imaging for assessment of COVID-19 pneumonia, CT may be useful for identification of these complications, such as pulmonary embolism, ischaemic stroke, mesenteric ischaemia, and acro-ischaemia.ResultsThromboembolic manifestations were diagnosed in 10% of our patients (124 patients out of the total 1245 COVID-19 patients); 56 patients (45.2%) presented with pulmonary embolism, 32 patients (25.8%) presented with cerebrovascular manifestations, 17 patients (13.7%) presented with limb affection, and 19 patients (15.3%) presented with gastrointestinal thromboembolic complications.Most of our patients had significant comorbidities; diabetes was found in 72 patients (58%), dyslipidemia in 72 patients (58%), smoking in 71 patients (57.3%), hypertension in 63 patients (50.8%), and morbid obesity in 40 patients (32.2%).Thromboembolic events were diagnosed on admission in 41 patients (33.1%), during the first week in 61 patients (49.2%), and after the first week in 22 patients (17.7%).ConclusionsThe incidence of thromboembolic complications in COVID-19 patients is relatively high resulting in a multisystem thrombotic disease. In addition to the crucial role of imaging for assessment of COVID-19 pneumonia, CT is important for assessment of the thromboembolic complications, such as pulmonary embolism, ischaemic stroke, mesenteric ischaemia, and peripheral ischaemia, especially in patients with elevatedd-dimer levels and those with sudden clinical deterioration.
Effects of Coulomb- and Cornell-types potential on a spin-0 scalar particle under a magnetic field and quantum flux in topological defects space-time
Authors: Ahmed Faizuddin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
We investigate quantum motion of spin-0 scalar particles in the presence of a uniform magnetic field including quantum flux under the effects of Cornell- and Coulomb-type potentials in cosmic string space-time. We evaluate the energy eigenvalues and eigenfunctions and analyze a relativistic analogue of the Aharonov-Bohm effect. We show that the potentials allow the formation of bound states solution, and the dependence of the magnetic field on quantum numbers of the system gives a quantum effect.
Safety of Esophageal Cancer Surgery During the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Europe: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Borgstein Alexander B. J. , Brunner Stefanie , Hayami Masaru , Moons Johnny , Fuchs Hans , Eshuis Wietse J. , Gisbertz Suzanne S. , Bruns Christiane J. , Nafteux Philippe , Nilsson Magnus , Schröder Wolfgang , van Berge Henegouwen Mark I. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Many hospitals postponed elective surgical care during the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Some centers continued elective surgery, including esophageal cancer surgery, with the use of preoperative screening methods; however, there is no evidence supporting the safety of this strategy as postoperative outcomes after esophageal cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic have not yet been investigated.

Methods
This multicenter study in four European tertiary esophageal cancer referral centers included consecutive adult patients undergoing elective esophageal cancer surgery from a prospectively maintained database in a COVID-19 pandemic cohort (1 March 2020–31 May 2020) and a control cohort (1 October 2019–29 February 2020). The primary outcome was the rate of respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation.

Results
The COVID-19 cohort consisted of 139 patients, versus 168 patients in the control cohort. There was no difference in the rate of respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation (13.7% vs. 8.3%, p = 0.127) and number of pulmonary complications (32.4% vs. 29.9%, p = 0.646) between the COVID-19 cohort and the control cohort. Overall, postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were comparable between both cohorts. History taking and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used as preoperative screening methods to detect a possible severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in all centers. No patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 pre- or postoperatively.

Conclusion
Esophageal cancer surgery during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was not associated with an increase in pulmonary complications as no patients were diagnosed with COVID-19. Esophageal cancer surgery can be performed safely with the use of adequate preoperative SARS-CoV-2 screening methods.
The UK Foot and Ankle COVID-19 National (FAlCoN) audit
Authors: Mangwani Jitendra , Malhotra Karan , Houchen-Wolloff Linzy , Mason Lyndon ,   UK FAICoN Audit Collaborative
Published: April 2021

Aims The primary objective was to determine the incidence of COVID-19 infection and 30-day mortality in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery during the global pandemic. Secondary objectives were to determine if there was a change in infection and complication profile with changes introduced in practice. Methods This UK-based multicentre retrospective national audit studied foot and ankle patients who underwent surgery between 13 January and 31 July 2020, examining time periods pre-UK national lockdown, during lockdown (23 March to 11 May 2020), and post-lockdown. All adult patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery in an operating theatre during the study period were included. A total of 43 centres in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland participated. Variables recorded included demographic data, surgical data, comorbidity data, COVID-19 and mortality rates, complications, and infection rates. Results A total of 6,644 patients were included. Of the operated patients, 0.52% (n = 35) contracted COVID-19. The overall all-cause 30-day mortality rate was 0.41%, however in patients who contracted COVID-19, the mortality rate was 25.71% (n = 9); this was significantly higher for patients undergoing diabetic foot surgery (75%, n = 3 deaths). Matching for age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, and comorbidities, the odds ratio of mortality with COVID-19 infection was 11.71 (95% confidence interval 1.55 to 88.74; p = 0.017). There were no differences in surgical complications or infection rates prior to or after lockdown, and among patients with and without COVID-19 infection. After lockdown the COVID-19 infection rate was 0.15% and no patient died of COVID-19. Conclusion COVID-19 infection was rare in foot and ankle patients even at the peak of lockdown. However, there was a significant mortality rate in those who contracted COVID-19. Overall surgical complications and postoperative infection rates remained unchanged during the period of this audit. Patients and treating medical personnel should be aware of the risks to enable informed decisions. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2021;2(4):216–226.
Terahertz sensor based on a three-dimensional double I-type metamaterial integrated microfluidic channel
Authors: Yang Jieping , Deng Hu , Xiong Zhonggang , Shang Liping 
Published: April 2021

Terahertz metamaterial sensors have received extensive attention in biosensing applications. However, sensitivity toward terahertz frequencies emitted by liquid samples remains challenging because of the strong absorption of terahertz waves by water. Here, we present a highly sensitive terahertz sensor based on a three-dimensional double I-type metamaterial integrated microfluidic channel. The designed sensor produces an inductive-capacitive (LC) resonance with a high quality factor of approximately 72, while demonstrating a maximum sensitivity of 832 GHz/RIU. Furthermore, we analyzed the relationship between the resonance frequency and ethanol concentration. These findings would promote the application of terahertz technology in label-free and rapid biomedical sensing as well as substance detection.
Tunable broadband cross polarization converter based on a graphene sheet with a T-shaped carved-hollow array
Authors: Qiao Qi , Liu Yongqi , Yang Xiaojie , Fu Yu , Zhou Xinwei , Li Runjia , Lu Mengjia , Wang Yueke 
Published: April 2021

We propose a tunable broadband reflective cross polarization converter (CPC) composed of a graphene sheet with a T-shaped carved-hollow array. In the mid-infrared region, cross polarization conversion with 5.17 THz bandwidth is achieved due to the superimposition of the two reflection components with a phase difference of nearly 180°. The polarization conversion ratio is larger than 80% in this broadband range, and the fractional bandwidth is 40%. The physical mechanism of CPC is attributed to the excitation of symmetric and antisymmetric graphene surface plasmons. The CPC broadband can always be retained when the incident angle increases from 0° to 20°, and the polarization angle increases from 40° to 50°. Also, the tunable responses of the reflective polarizer with Fermi energy and electron scattering time are discussed. Our design can be widely applied to adjustable broadband polarization conversion.
CMOS-compatible integrated 4-f system for mode-transparent spatial manipulation
Authors: Qi Wei , Chen Chao , Yu Yu , Zhang Xinliang 
Published: April 2021

To exploit spatial dimension, on-chip optical modes with various spatial profiles have been utilized in optical interconnects and spatial analog computing. An integrated Fourier optical system is able to perform spatial operations. However, the reported schemes based on a subwavelength structure pose difficulty in fabrication, and the fabrication-friendly structure has been investigated only with a fundamental mode. With the complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor process, we propose an integrated 4-f system with simple geometry and a moderate minimum feature size to manipulate the mode’s spatial size and position in a mode-transparent way. A size magnification of 2.5 and center-to-center position offset of 7 µm are experimentally demonstrated. Reasonable insertion loss and low inter-mode crosstalk are measured over a 30 nm bandwidth. The work in this Letter paves the way for an on-chip Fourier optical system with convenient fabrication and broadband operation.
Performance of a U-Net-based neural network for predictive adaptive optics
Authors: Chen Justin G. , Shah Vinay , Liu Lulu 
Published: April 2021

We apply a U-Net-based convolutional neural network (NN) architecture to the problem of predictive adaptive optics (AO) for tracking and imaging fast-moving targets, such as satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). We show that the fine-tuned NN is able to achieve an approximately 50% reduction in mean-squared wavefront error over non-predictive approaches while predicting up to eight frames into the future. These results were obtained when the NN, trained mostly on simulated data, tested its performance on 1 kHz Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensor data collected in open-loop at the Advanced Electro-Optical System facility at Haleakala Observatory while the telescope tracked a naturally illuminated piece of LEO space debris. We report, to our knowledge, the first successful test of a NN for the predictive AO application using on-sky data, as well as the first time such a network has been developed for the more stressing space tracking application.
Long term outcome of immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy: A single center experience
Authors: Mohd Rozita , Mohammad Kazmin Nur Ezzaty , Abdul Cader Rizna , Abd Shukor Nordashima , Wong Yin Ping , Shah Shamsul Azhar , Alfian Nurwardah 
Published: April 2021

IntroductionIgA nephropathy (IgAN) has a heterogeneous presentation and the progression to end stage renal disease (ESRD) is often influenced by demographics, ethnicity, as well as choice of treatment regimen. In this study, we investigated the long term survival of IgAN patients in our center and the factors affecting it.MethodsThis study included all biopsy-proven IgAN patients with ≥ 1year follow-up. Patients with diabetes mellitus at diagnosis and secondary IgAN were excluded. Medical records were reviewed for demographics, clinical presentation, blood pressure, 24-hour urine protein, serum creatinine, renal biopsy and treatment received. The primary outcome was defined as combined event of 50% estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) reduction or ESRD.ResultsWe included 130 (74 females; 56 males) patients of mean age 38.0 ± 14.0 years and median eGFR of 75.2 (interquartile range (IQR) 49.3–101.4) ml/min/1.73m2. Eighty-four (64.6%) were hypertensive at presentation, 35 (26.9%) had nephrotic syndrome and 57 (43.8%) had nephrotic range proteinuria (NRP). Median follow-up duration was 7.5 (IQR 4.0–13.0) years. It was noted that 18 (13.8%) developed ESRD and 34 (26.2%) reached the primary outcome. Annual eGFR decline was -2.1 (IQR -5.3 to -0.1) ml/min/1.73m2/year, with median survival of 20 years. Survival rates from the combined event (50% decrease in eGFR or ESRD) at 10, 20 and 30 years were 80%, 53% and 25%, while survival from ESRD were 87%, 73% and 65%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, time-average proteinuria (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.41, 95% CI 1.77–3.30), eGFR <45ml/min/1.73m2 at biopsy (HR = 2.35, 95% CI 1.03–5.32), hypertension (HR = 2.81, 95% CI 1.16–6.80), mean arterial pressure (HR = 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.04), tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis score (HR = 3.77, 95% CI 1.84–7.73), and cellular/fibrocellular crescent score (HR = 2.44, 95% CI 1.19–5.00) were found to be significant. Whereas only time-average proteinuria (TA-proteinuria) remained as a significant predictor in the multivariate analysis (HR = 2.23, 95% CI 1.57–3.16).ConclusionIn our cohort, TA-proteinuria was the most important predictor in the progression of IgAN, irrespective of degree of proteinuria at presentation.