bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vertebral body and splenic irradiation are associated with lymphopenia in localized pancreatic cancer treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy
Authors: Reddy Abhinav V. , Deek Matthew P. , Jackson Juan F. , Hill Colin S. , Sehgal Shuchi , He Jin , Zheng Lei , Herman Joseph M. , Meyer Jeffrey , Narang Amol K. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Objectives
The purpose of this study was to determine if vertebral body and splenic dosimetry was associated with the development of lymphopenia in patients with borderline resectable (BRPC) and locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).

Methods
Patients with BRPC/LAPC who were treated with SBRT and who had lymphocyte counts and radiation treatment plans available for review were included in the study. Vertebral body levels T11-L3 and the spleen were retrospectively contoured for each patient. Univariate (UVA) and multivariable analyses (MVA) were performed to identify associations between vertebral body and splenic dosimetric parameters with absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) and grade ≥ 2 lymphopenia. Receiver operator characteristic curves were generated to identify dose-volume thresholds in predicting grade ≥ 2 lymphopenia.

Results
A total of 132 patients were included in the study. On UVA and MVA, vertebral V15 (regression coefficient [β]: − 0.026, 95% CI − 0.044 to − 0.009, p = 0.003), vertebral V2.5 (β: − 0.011, 95% CI − 0.020 to − 0.002, p = 0.015), and log10PTV (β: − 0.15, 95% CI − 0.30 to − 0.005, p = 0.042) were associated with post-SBRT ALC. On UVA and MVA, vertebral V15 (odds ratio [OR]: 3.98, 95% CI 1.09–14.51, p = 0.027), vertebral V2.5 (OR: 1.04, 95% CI 1.00–1.09, p = 0.032), and spleen V10 (OR: 1.05, 95% CI 1.09–1.95, p = 0.004) were associated with development of grade ≥ 2 lymphopenia. Development of grade ≥ 2 lymphopenia was more likely in patients with vertebral V15 ≥ 5.84% (65.5% vs 34.0%, p = 0.002), vertebral V2.5 ≥ 48.36% (48.9% vs 23.8%, p = 0.005), and spleen V10 ≥ 4.17% (56.2% vs 26.9%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Increasing radiation dose to vertebral bodies and spleen were associated with the development of lymphopenia in BRPC/LAPC treated with SBRT. Optimization of vertebral body and splenic dosimetry may reduce the risk of developing lymphopenia and improve clinical outcomes in this population.
Staples versus sutures for skin closure in hip arthroplasty: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Liu Zirui , Liu Binfeng , Yang Hao , Zhao Liang 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Objective
The purpose of the present study was to estimate complications and other outcomes associated with staple and suture closure after hip arthroplasty through meta-analysis techniques and a systematic review.

Methods
We searched for articles in EMBASE, PubMed, Medline, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library. To determine the eligibility of the searched trials, Cochrane Collaboration's Review Manager software was used to perform the meta-analysis.

Results
Five randomized controlled trials and one retrospective cohort trial were included in our study. Our study indicated that for skin closure after hip arthroplasty, the risks of superficial infection and prolonged discharge were higher with staples than with sutures. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of allergic reaction, dehiscence, inflammation, abscess formation, the Hollander Wound Evaluation Scale or patient's satisfaction with skin closure methods. However, suturing required a longer operating time.

Conclusions
Closure with sutures is associated with lower risks of superficial infection and prolonged discharge than closure with staples following hip arthroplasty, but it may take more time.
Effects of cervical rotatory manipulation on the cervical spinal cord: a finite element study
Authors: Xue Fan , Chen Zujiang , Yang Han , Chen Taijun , Li Yikai 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundLittle information is available concerning the biomechanism involved in the spinal cord injury after cervical rotatory manipulation (CRM). The primary purpose of this study was to explore the biomechanical and kinematic effects of CRM on a healthy spinal cord.MethodsA finite element (FE) model of the basilaris cranii, C1–C7 vertebral bodies, nerve root complex and vertebral canal contents was constructed and validated against in vivo and in vitro published data. The FE model simulated CRM in the flexion, extension and neutral positions. The stress distribution, forma and relative position of the spinal cord were observed.ResultsLower von Mises stress was observed on the spinal cord after CRM in the flexion position. The spinal cord in CRM in the flexion and neutral positions had a lower sagittal diameter and cross-sectional area. In addition, the spinal cord was anteriorly positioned after CRM in the flexion position, while the spinal cord was posteriorly positioned after CRM in the extension and neutral positions.ConclusionCRM in the flexion position is less likely to injure the spinal cord, but caution is warranted when posterior vertebral osteophytes or disc herniations exist.
Effect of mineral excipients on processing traditional Chinese medicines: an insight into the components, pharmacodynamics and mechanism
Authors: Liu Yan , Li Xiaojie , Chen Cai , Leng Aijing , Qu Jialin 
Published: December 2021

AbstractTraditional Chinese medicines are an important class of natural products mainly derives from animals, plants and minerals, most of which need to be improved and processed before clinical use due to their own hard texture, impurities or toxicity. As an important part of solid excipients, mineral excipients that contain some metal elements play indispensable and unique roles in the pretreatment process of traditional Chinese medicine. However, deficiency of holistic understanding of the effect of mineral excipients hinders their application and development. This article reviews several mineral excipients including alumen, talci pulvis, soil, soda lime, halloysitum rubrum and cinnabaris systemically. Their processing significance on traditional Chinese medicines were revealed from components, pharmacodynamics and mechanism aspects. Furthermore, prospect and problems including processing technologies, quality standards of mineral excipients and processing mechanism were put forward. This review supply comprehensive information for better and scientific usage of mineral excipients in processing traditional Chinese medicines.
Childhood rare diseases and the UN convention on the rights of the child
Authors: Matthews Lisa , Chin Vaughan , Taliangis Marisa , Samanek Amanda , Baynam Gareth 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis letter discusses an initiative that considered the rights of a child living with a rare disease in the context of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The aim was to inform laypeople on the intersection between the UNCRC and rare and undiagnosed diseases. The Project was initiated in Western Australia for a national audience, with a view that it might also provide a framework that is translatable to other jurisdictions internationally. This letter discusses some of the key themes raised by the Project and the potential for further work.
Integrated genomic and DNA methylation analysis of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer with brain metastases
Authors: Xu Yanjun , Huang Zhiyu , Yu Xiaoqing , Chen Kaiyan , Fan Yun 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Brain metastasis is a common and lethal complication of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is mostly diagnosed only after symptoms develop, at which point very few treatment options are available. Therefore, patients who have an increased risk of developing brain metastasis need to be identified early. Our study aimed to identify genomic and epigenomic biomarkers for predicting brain metastasis risk in NSCLC patients.

Methods
Paired primary lung tumor tissues and either brain metastatic tissues or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected from 29 patients with treatment-naïve advanced NSCLC with central nervous system (CNS) metastases. A control group comprising 31 patients with advanced NSCLC who died without ever developing CNS metastasis was also included. Somatic mutations and DNA methylation levels were examined through capture-based targeted sequencing with a 520-gene panel and targeted bisulfite sequencing with an 80,672 CpG panel.

Results
Compared to primary lung lesions, brain metastatic tissues harbored numerous unique copy number variations. The tumor mutational burden was comparable between brain metastatic tissue (P = 0.168)/CSF (P = 0.445) and their paired primary lung tumor samples. Kelch-like ECH-associated protein (KEAP1) mutations were detected in primary lung tumor and brain metastatic tissue samples of patients with brain metastasis. KEAP1 mutation rate was significantly higher in patients with brain metastasis than those without (P = 0.031). DNA methylation analysis revealed 15 differentially methylated blocks between primary lung tumors of patients with and without CNS metastasis. A brain metastasis risk prediction model based on these 15 differentially methylated blocks had an area under the curve of 0.94, with 87.1% sensitivity and 82.8% specificity.

Conclusions
Our analyses revealed 15 differentially methylated blocks in primary lung tumor tissues, which can differentiate patients with and without CNS metastasis. These differentially methylated blocks may serve as predictive biomarkers for the risk of developing CNS metastasis in NSCLC. Additional larger studies are needed to validate the predictive value of these markers.
The relationship of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio with cognitive decline in T2DM
Authors: Du Licheng , Hu Xueting , Zhang Beibei , Miao Xiaqi , Wang Jianing , Shen Jiamin , Ding Keke , Zeng Tian , Sun Fangyue , Yang Hong , Lin Hai 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Purpose
We aimed to investigate the role of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in cognitive decline in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods
A total number of 261 T2DM patients were enrolled in this study. The T2DM patients were divided into two groups according to the median of PLR (PLR < 96.5, n = 130; PLR ≥ 96.5, n = 131). Cognitive impairment was defined as Mini-mental State Examination score ≤ 26. Student’s t test and Chi-square test were used to test the difference between the groups, and logistics regression analysis were performed to verify whether high PLR was an independent factor for cognitive impairment.

Results
T2DM patients with cognitive impairment had significantly higher PLR level when compared with the simple diabetes group (p = 0.003). Incidence of cognitive impairment was higher in the high PLR group, compared to low PLR group (p = 0.040). Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that PLR was a risk biomarker of cognitive decline in T2DM patients (odds ratio [OR] = 1.010, 95% CI: 1.001–1.018, p = 0.013).

Conclusions
We demonstrated that a higher PLR was associated with cognitive decline in T2DM patients. The PLR may help to identify high-risk patients in time and provide clues for further prevention of cognitive dysfunction in T2DM patients.
Muscle synergies for the control of single-limb stance with and without visual information in young individuals
Authors: Labanca L. , Ghislieri M. , Knaflitz M. , Barone G. , Bragonzoni L. , Agostini V. , Benedetti M. G. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Single-limb stance is a demanding postural task featuring a high number of daily living and sporting activities. Thus, it is widely used for training and rehabilitation, as well as for balance assessment. Muscle activations around single joints have been previously described, however, it is not known which are the muscle synergies used to control posture and how they change between conditions of normal and lack of visual information.

Methods
Twenty-two healthy young participants were asked to perform a 30 s single-limb stance task in open-eyes and closed-eyes condition while standing on a force platform with the dominant limb. Muscle synergies were extracted from the electromyographical recordings of 13 muscles of the lower limb, hip, and back. The optimal number of synergies, together with the average recruitment level and balance control strategies were analyzed and compared between the open- and the closed-eyes condition.

Results
Four major muscle synergies, two ankle-dominant synergies, one knee-dominant synergy, and one hip/back-dominant synergy were found. No differences between open- and closed-eyes conditions were found for the recruitment level, except for the hip/back synergy, which significantly decreased (p = 0.02) in the closed-eyes compared to the open-eyes condition. A significant increase (p = 0.03) of the ankle balance strategy was found in the closed-eyes compared to the open-eyes condition.

Conclusion
In healthy young individuals, single-limb stance is featured by four major synergies, both in open- and closed-eyes condition. Future studies should investigate muscle synergies in participants with other age groups, as well as pathological conditions.
Preliminary demonstration of benchtop NMR metabolic profiling of feline urine: chronic kidney disease as a case study
Authors: Finch Natalie , Percival Benita , Hunter Elena , Blagg Robin J. , Blackwell Emily , Sagar James , Ahmad Zeeshan , Chang Ming-Wei , Hunt John A. , Mather Melissa L. , Tasker Séverine , De Risio Luisa , Wilson Philippe B. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Objective
The use of benchtop metabolic profiling technology based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was evaluated in a small cohort of cats with a view to applying this as a viable and rapid metabolic tool to support clinical decision making.

Results
Urinary metabolites were analysed from four subjects consisting of two healthy controls and two chronic kidney disease (CKD) IRIS stage 2 cases. The study identified 15 metabolites in cats with CKD that were different from the controls. Among them were acetate, creatinine, citrate, taurine, glycine, serine and threonine. Benchtop NMR technology is capable of distinguishing between chronic kidney disease case and control samples in a pilot feline cohort based on metabolic profile. We offer perspectives on the further development of this pilot work and the potential of the technology, when combined with sample databases and computational intelligence techniques to offer a clinical decision support tool not only for cases of renal disease but other metabolic conditions in the future.
An Experimental Study of Shear Resistance for Multisize Polypropylene Fiber Concrete Beams
Authors: Yang Xin , Liang Ninghui , Hu Yang , Feng Rui 
Published: December 2021

AbstractTo study the influence of polypropylene fibers with different thicknesses on concrete beams, inclined section shear tests of polypropylene fiber concrete beams were carried out. The cracking load, ultimate load, midspan deflection, reinforcement, and strain of polypropylene fiber concrete beams and conventional reinforced-concrete beams under shear were compared and analyzed. The load-bearing capacity of the rectangular beams was improved significantly by polypropylene fiber addition. Compared with conventional reinforced-concrete beams, the limit shear load of concrete beams with polypropylene fibers and multisize polypropylene concrete beams that were reinforced with three types of fibers increased by 8.67% and 17.07%, respectively. By mixing polypropylene fibers into concrete beams, the initial crack shear force of the beam was improved, the number of cracks was increased and the crack width was reduced, which can increase the beam ductility, inhibit crack formation and increase the strength. The computational formula of the shear ultimate bearing capacity of polypropylene fiber–concrete beams was revised according to composite material theory, and the calculated results were consistent with the test values.
Current efforts towards safe and effective live attenuated vaccines against African swine fever: challenges and prospects
Authors: Wang Tao , Luo Rui , Sun Yuan , Qiu Hua-Ji 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
African swine fever (ASF) is a fatal hemorrhagic disease in domestic pigs and wild boar caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV). Since ASF has been introduced into Europe and Asia, the major pig-raising areas, posing a huge threat to the pork industry worldwide. Currently, prevention and control of ASF are basically dependent on strict biosecurity measures and stamping-out policy once ASF occurs.

Main text
The major risks of ASF spread are insufficient biosecurity measures and human behaviors. Therefore, a safe and effective vaccine seems to be a reasonable demand for the prevention and control of ASF. Due to the efficacy advantage over other types of vaccines, live attenuated vaccines (LAVs), especially virulence-associated genes deleted vaccines, are likely to be put into emergency and conditional use in restricted areas if ASF is out of control in a country with a huge pig population and pork consumption, like China. However, the safety, efficacy, and genetic stability of current candidate ASF LAVs require comprehensive clinical evaluations prior to country-wide field application. Several critical issues need to be addressed to commercialize an ideal ASF LAV, including a stable cell line for manufacturing vaccines, differentiation of infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA), and cross-protection from different genotypes.

Conclusion
A safe and effective DIVA vaccine and an accompanying diagnostic assay will facilitate the prevention, control, and eradication of ASF, which is quite challenging in the near future.

Graphical Abstract
Understanding the relationship between parenting style and chronic pain in adolescents: a structural equation modelling approach
Authors: Shaygan Maryam , Bostanian Pardis , Zarmehr Mina , Hassanipour Hamidreza , Mollaie Maryam 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Although the context of parenting has been incorporated into psychosocial pain research, very little attention has been paid to how parenting styles influence chronic pain in adolescents. The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of self-esteem, emotional intelligence, and psychological distress in the association between parenting styles and chronic pain.

Method
Seven hundred and thirty nine adolescents and their parents participated in this study. To identify adolescents with chronic pain, screening questions based on the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases were used. Baumrind parenting style questionnaire was used to assess the parenting style (permissive, authoritarian, and authoritative parenting styles). The structural equation modelling (SEM) was carried out in M-Plus version 6 to evaluate the direct, indirect, and total effects of different parenting styles on chronic pain.

Results
The results in the SEM models revealed that only the indirect paths from authoritative and authoritarian parenting styles to pain through emotional intelligence (βauthoritative = − 0.003, 95% CI = − 0.008 to − 0.003; βauthoritarian = 0.001, 95% CI = 0.001 to 0.003) and psychological distress (βauthoritative = − 0.010, 95% CI = − 0.021 to − 0.004; βauthoritarian = 0.008, 95% CI = 0.004 to 0.016) were significant. Indirect paths from permissive style to pain and the mediating role of self-esteem were not significant.

Discussion
Emotional intelligence and psychological distress significantly mediated the effects of authoritative and authoritarian parenting styles on chronic pain. The current results support the notion that interventions targeting effective parent–adolescent communication may be an important part of chronic pain management in adolescents. Moreover, the results provide rationale for targeting emotional intelligence and psychological distress in adolescents by explicitly teaching effective communication skills, expressing opinions and minds, and emotion regulation strategies.
DC-SIGN targets amphotericin B-loaded liposomes to diverse pathogenic fungi
Authors: Ambati Suresh , Pham Tuyetnhu , Lewis Zachary A. , Lin Xiaorong , Meagher Richard B. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Life-threatening invasive fungal infections are treated with antifungal drugs such as Amphotericin B (AmB) loaded liposomes. Our goal herein was to show that targeting liposomal AmB to fungal cells with the C-type lectin pathogen recognition receptor DC-SIGN improves antifungal activity. DC-SIGN binds variously crosslinked mannose-rich and fucosylated glycans and lipomannans that are expressed by helminth, protist, fungal, bacterial and viral pathogens including three of the most life-threatening fungi, Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. Ligand recognition by human DC-SIGN is provided by a carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) linked to the membrane transit and signaling sequences. Different combinations of the eight neck repeats (NR1 to NR8) expressed in different protein isoforms may alter the orientation of the CRD to enhance its binding to different glycans.

Results
We prepared two recombinant isoforms combining the CRD with NR1 and NR2 in isoform DCS12 and with NR7 and NR8 in isoform DCS78 and coupled them to a lipid carrier. These constructs were inserted into the membrane of pegylated AmB loaded liposomes AmB-LLs to produce DCS12-AmB-LLs and DCS78-AmB-LLs. Relative to AmB-LLs and Bovine Serum Albumin coated BSA-AmB-LLs, DCS12-AmB-LLs and DCS78-AmB-LLs bound more efficiently to the exopolysaccharide matrices produced by A. fumigatus, C. albicans and C. neoformans in vitro, with DCS12-AmB-LLs performing better than DCS78-AmB-LLs. DCS12-AmB-LLs inhibited and/or killed all three species in vitro significantly better than AmB-LLs or BSA-AmB-LLs. In mouse models of invasive candidiasis and pulmonary aspergillosis, one low dose of DCS12-AmB-LLs significantly reduced the fungal burden in the kidneys and lungs, respectively, several-fold relative to AmB-LLs.

Conclusions
DC-SIGN’s CRD specifically targeted antifungal liposomes to three highly evolutionarily diverse pathogenic fungi and enhanced the antifungal efficacy of liposomal AmB both in vitro and in vivo. Targeting significantly reduced the effective dose of antifungal drug, which may reduce drug toxicity, be effective in overcoming dose dependent drug resistance, and more effectively kill persister cells. In addition to fungi, DC-SIGN targeting of liposomal packaged anti-infectives have the potential to alter treatment paradigms for a wide variety of pathogens from different kingdoms including protozoans, helminths, bacteria, and viruses which express its cognate ligands.