bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pepper ubiquitin‐specific protease, CaUBP12, positively modulates dehydration resistance by enhancing CaSnRK2.6 stability
Authors: Lim Chae Woo , Baek Woonhee , Lim Junsub , Hong Eunji , Lee Sung Chul 
Published: June 2021

SUMMARYAbscisic acid (ABA) is a plant hormone that activates adaptive mechanisms to environmental stress conditions. Plant adaptive mechanisms are complex and highly modulated processes induced by stress‐responsive proteins; however, the precise mechanisms by which these processes function under adverse conditions remain unclear. Here, we isolated CaUBP12 (Capsicum annuum ubiquitin‐specific protease 12) from pepper (C. annuum) leaves. We show that CaUBP12 expression is significantly induced after exposure to abiotic stress treatments. We conducted loss‐of‐function and gain‐of‐function genetic studies to elucidate the biological functions of CaUBP12 in response to ABA and dehydration stress. CaUBP12‐silenced pepper plants and CaUBP12‐overexpressing Arabidopsis plants displayed dehydration‐sensitive and dehydration‐tolerant phenotypes, respectively; these phenotypes were characterized by regulation of transpirational water loss and stomatal aperture. Under dehydration stress conditions, CaUBP12‐silenced pepper plants and CaUBP12‐overexpressing Arabidopsis plants exhibited lower and higher expression levels of stress‐related genes, respectively, than the control plants. We isolated a CaUBP12 interaction protein, CaSnRK2.6, which is a homolog of Arabidopsis OST1; degradation of this protein was partially inhibited by CaUBP12. Similar to CaUBP12‐silenced pepper plants and CaUBP12‐overexpressing Arabidopsis plants, CaSnRK2.6‐silenced pepper plants and CaSnRK2.6‐overexpressing Arabidopsis displayed dehydration‐sensitive and dehydration‐tolerant phenotypes, respectively. Our findings suggest that CaUBP12 positively modulates the dehydration stress response by suppressing CaSnRK2.6 protein degradation.
The new cold war and the rise of the 21st‐century infrastructure state
Authors: Schindler Seth , DiCarlo Jessica , Paudel Dinesh 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe unipolar international order led by the USA has given way to a multipolar order with the emergence of China as a great power competitor. According to many commentators, the deterioration of Sino–US relations in recent years heralds a “new Cold War.” The new Cold War differs from its namesake in many respects, and in this paper we focus on its novel territorial logic. Containing the USSR was the overriding objective of American foreign policy for nearly four decades, but in contrast, the USA and China are engaged in geopolitical‐economic competition to integrate territory into value chains anchored by their domestic lead firms through the financing and construction of transnational infrastructure (e.g., transportation networks and regional energy grids). We show this competition poses risks as well as opportunities for small states to articulate and realise spatial objectives. We present cases from Nepal and Laos that demonstrate that by hedging between China and the USA and its partners, their governments are able to pursue spatial objectives. In order to achieve them, however, they must implement significant reforms or state restructuring. The result is the emergence of what we term the 21st‐century infrastructure state, which seeks to mobilise foreign capital for infrastructure projects designed to enhance transnational connectivity.
Osmotic hemolysis is a donor‐specific feature of red blood cells under various storage conditions and genetic backgrounds
Authors: Tzounakas Vassilis L. , Anastasiadi Alkmini T. , Valsami Serena I. , Stamoulis Konstantinos E. , Papageorgiou Effie G. , Politou Marianna , Papassideri Issidora S. , Kriebardis Anastasios G. , Antonelou Marianna H. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundTransfusion research has recently focused on the discovery of red blood cell (RBC) storage capacity biomarkers and the elucidation of donor variation effects. This shift of focus can further strengthen personalization of transfusion therapy, by revealing probable links between donor biology, RBC storage lesion profile, and posttransfusion performance.Study design and methodsWe performed a paired correlation analysis of osmotic fragility in freshly drawn RBCs and during cold storage in different preservative solutions at weekly intervals until unit's expiration date (n = 231), or following 24 h reconstitution in allogeneic plasma (n = 32) from healthy controls or transfusion‐dependent beta‐thalassemia patients.ResultsWe observed exceptional correlation profiles (r > 0.700, p < 10−5 in most cases) of RBC osmotic fragility in the ensemble of samples, as well as in subgroups characterized by distinct genetic backgrounds (sex, beta‐thalassemia traits, glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency) and storage strategies (additive solutions, whole blood, RBC concentrates). The mean corpuscular fragility (MCF) of fresh and stored RBCs at each storage time significantly correlated with the MCF of stored RBCs measured at all subsequent time points of the storage period (e.g., MCF values of storage day 21 correlated with those of storage days 28, 35 and 42). A similar correlation profile was also observed between the osmotic hemolysis of fresh/stored RBCs before and following in vitro reconstitution in plasma from healthy controls or beta‐thalassemia patients.ConclusionOur findings highlighted the potential of osmotic fragility to serve as a donor‐signature on RBCs at every step of any individual transfusion chain (donor, blood product, and probably, recipient).
Red blood cell transfusion and associated outcomes in patients referred for palliative care: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chin‐Yee Nicolas , Scott Mary , Perelman Iris , Pugliese Michael , Tuna Meltem , Fitzgibbon Edward , Downar James , Tinmouth Alan , Fergusson Dean , Tanuseputro Peter , Saidenberg Elianna 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundWe aim to describe the occurrence of red blood cell transfusion and associated predictive factors and outcomes among patients referred for palliative care.Study Design and MethodsThis retrospective cohort study used linked health administrative data of adults referred for palliative care at an academic hospital from 2014 to 2018. Multivariable regression models were employed to evaluate patient characteristics associated with transfusion and the relationship between transfusion status and location of death. Survival analyses were performed using log‐rank tests and Cox proportional hazards modeling.ResultsOf 6980 evaluated patients, 885 (12.7%) were transfused following palliative care consultation. Covariate factors associated with transfusion included younger age, higher performance status, lower baseline hemoglobin, and a diagnosis of hematologic malignancy (OR = 2.97, 95% CI 2.20–4.01) or solid organ tumor (OR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.10–1.71) vs. noncancer diagnosis. Median survival from palliative care consultation was 19 (IQR 5–75) days; 83 (32–305) days in those transfused and 15 (4–57) days in the nontransfused group (p < .0001). Median survival following transfusion was 56 (19–200) days. Solid organ tumor diagnosis was independently associated with poor survival (HR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.39–2.09 vs. non‐cancer diagnosis). Among individuals who survived ≥30 days, transfusion was associated with a higher likelihood of death in hospital (OR = 2.15, 95% CI 1.71–2.70 vs. home/subacute setting).DiscussionTransfusions commonly occurred in patients receiving palliative care, associated with cancer diagnoses and favorable baseline prognostic factors. Poor survival following transfusion, particularly in solid organ tumor patients, and the twofold likelihood of death in hospital associated with this intervention have important implications in prescribing transfusion for this population.
Hematologic variables of the Arrau turtle (Podocnemis expansa) under the effects of different anticoagulants and cytologic stains
Authors: Garcia Guilherme C. , Alves‐Júnior José R. F. , Santana Áureo E. , Stas Catherine Marie F. , da Silva Camila C. , Kanayama Cláudio Y. , Bittar Eustáquio R. , Bittar Joely F. F. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe hematology of turtles of the Amazon, such as the Arrau turtle (Podocnemis expansa), has not been well described in the literature. Referencing how to collect and analyze blood samples is fundamental for the medical practice of these exotic animals.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the hematologic parameters of Arrau turtles of the Amazon to determine the best anticoagulant (EDTA, citrate, or sodium heparin) and cytologic stain (Giemsa, Quick Panoptic, or Rosenfeld) for use with this species.MethodsBlood samples from eight turtles were collected. Three blood smears were made using blood without anticoagulant, and the rest of the sample was distributed in three tubes, containing EDTA, citrate, and sodium heparin, for erythrogram and leukogram analyses.ResultsAll blood samples anticoagulated with EDTA showed marked hemolysis. Blood collected with citrate showed minimal hemolysis, and blood collected with sodium heparin did not have any hemolysis. Some analyses were not performed on blood containing EDTA because of the intense hemolysis. The erythrocyte variables were obtained and showed better results for blood samples in heparin. Blood smears without anticoagulant were appropriate for differential leukocyte counts with the three stain types, while blood with any of the anticoagulants made it difficult to differentiate leukocytes.ConclusionsSodium heparin showed the best results and should be the anticoagulant of choice for hematologic studies inP expansa. All cytologic stains were efficient, allowing adequate identification of distinct cell groups. Leukocyte differentiation was assured and had better contrast using blood smears made from blood without an anticoagulant.
Time-dependent quantum correlations in two-dimensional expanding spacetime
Authors: Park Chanyong 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn expanding universes, the entanglement entropy must be time-dependent because the background geometry changes with time. For understanding time evolution of quantum correlations, we take into account two distinct holographic models, the dS boundary model and the braneworld model. In this work, we focus on two-dimensional expanding universes for analytic calculation and comparison. Although two holographic models realize expanding universes in totally different ways, we show that they result in the qualitatively same time-dependence for eternal inflation. We further investigate the time-dependent correlations in the radiation-dominated era of the braneworld model. Intriguingly, the holographic result reveals that a thermal system in the expanding universe is dethermalized after a critical time characterized by the subsystem size.
Searching for axionlike particles with low masses in pPb and PbPb collisions
Authors: Gonçalves V. P. , Martins D. E. , Rangel M. S. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe production of axionlike particles (ALPs) with small masses in ultraperipheral Pb–p and Pb–Pb collisions at the LHC is investigated. The cross section and kinematical distributions associated to the diphoton final state produced in the $$\gamma \gamma \rightarrow a \rightarrow \gamma \gamma $$

γ
γ
→
a
→
γ
γ

subprocesses are estimated considering a realistic set of kinematical cuts. A detailed analysis of the backgrounds is performed and the expected sensitivity to the ALP production is derived. Our results demonstrate that a future experimental analysis of the exclusive diphoton production for the forward rapidities probed by the LHCb detector can improve the existing exclusion limits on the ALP–photon coupling in the mass range 2 GeV $$\le m_a \le $$

≤

m
a

≤

5 GeV.
Infection Rates for Open Distal Phalangeal Fractures Treated with Kirschner Wire: A UK Regional Hand Centre Experience
Authors: Shaharan Shazrinizam , Bage Timothy , Wright Jennifer , Smock Elliott , Pearl Robert 
Published: June 2021

Background: Phalangeal fractures are common in hand injuries which: comprising of 23% of all hand and forearm fractures. The current consensus is that focus of treatment should be on prompt irrigation and debridement to reduce infection risk. These infections are significant as they can lead to serious sequelae including osteomyelitis. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of infection amongst patients with open fracture of distal phalanx who had been treated with K-wire fixation and the timing of their operative management compared to the UK national guideline. Methods: We performed a retrospective case-note analysis of the patients treated for open distal phalangeal fractures at a regional hands centre over the period of 12 months, and compared with the national guidelines. Data collected included patient demographics, mechanism of injury, length of time taken from injury to first washout, length of time K-wire remains in situ, and infection rate. Results: Half of the patients (n = 19) met the guideline and were treated with washout within the first 24 hours. Infection rates in this group was 11%. This compared with 26% in those patients that did not receive washout within 24 hours. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the difficulty in always meeting national guidelines and suggests key reasons for this. The authors propose a set of local, easily-achieved interventions to raise awareness and compliance with the national guidelines and reduce infection. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of carefully selecting cases that required percutaneous K-wire fixation.
PROMIS Measures in Patients with Ganglion Cysts: Who Chooses Surgical Excision Over Non-Operative Management?
Authors: Hansen Trevor , Patrick Nathan C. , Bernstein David , Fear Kathleen , Hammert Warren C. 
Published: June 2021

Background: Ganglion cysts are common soft tissue masses of the hand and wrist. It is unclear why some patients pursue surgical excision and others do not. The objective of this study is to compare Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information Systems (PROMIS) scores between patients with ganglion cysts undergoing surgical versus non-surgical treatment. Methods: Patients presenting to a tertiary, academic hand clinic diagnosed with a wrist ganglion cyst, based on clinical exam, were identified. PROMIS Physical Function (PF), Pain Interference (PI), and Depression scores at the time of diagnosis were reviewed. Data were then stratified according to surgical or non-surgical intervention, with subgroup analysis of dorsal versus volar ganglions and patients that chose to trial cyst aspiration. All results were compared utilizing the appropriate statistical methods. Results: Of 757 ganglion cyst patients, 264 underwent surgical excision and 493 were treated non-surgically. No difference was noted in PROMIS PF or Depression scores. However, the surgical cohort reported significantly increased preoperative PI scores (Table 2). A higher percentage of patients treated non-surgically received an aspiration attempt compared to those who ultimately received surgery (Table 3). Finally, patients with volar ganglion cysts had significantly increased PI and depression scores, as well as lower PF scores (Table 4). Conclusions: Presenting PROMIS PI may indicate an increased tendency to pursue surgical treatments and aid in the identification of ganglion cyst patients who are more likely to pursue surgical excision. Further research should focus on correlating absolute differences in PROMIS values with clinical significance.
Arthroscopic Bone Grafting for Scaphoid Nonunion: A Retrospective Study of 42 Cases
Authors: Lamon Bérangère , Ardouin Ludovic , Bellemère Philippe , Dautel Gilles , Athlani Lionel 
Published: June 2021

Background: The purpose of this retrospective study was to report outcomes of arthroscopic bone grafting and K-wire fixation to treat scaphoid non-union. Methods: We included in at two healthcare facilities, 42 consecutive patients (34 men, 8 women) with a mean age of 25 years (range 15–56 years) with scaphoid non-union of the proximal and middle third without intracarpal deformity or SNAC osteoarthritis. All patients were evaluated (pain, range of motion, strength, function, X-rays) by an independent examiner. Results: At the mean follow-up of 18 months (range 12–56), pain was significantly reduced from 7 to 1 on a visual analogue scale (out of 10). The scores on the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire and Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation were improved significantly. At the last review, grip strength was 83% of the contralateral side, the average wrist flexion-extension was 125° and the radioulnar deviation was 58°. Bone union was achieved in 37 cases (88%). The mean time of checking the bone union was 3 months (range, 2–8). Four patients required revision surgery because of failed union. Conclusions: Based on our findings, we found that this procedure can be used as a surgical treatment for scaphoid non-union of the proximal and middle third without intracarpal deformity or osteoarthritis. The arthroscopic bone grafting is a reliable, effective, and minimally invasive procedure.
Simple Osteotomy Site Repair Method for the Trans-Olecranon Approach: Tension Band Wiring with Ring Pins
Authors: Lee Seung Hoo , Kim Min Bom , Lee Young Ho 
Published: June 2021

Background: The trans-olecranon approach is commonly used to treat intra-articular distal humeral fractures (DHFs). We describe an osteotomy site repair technique that is both simple and safe. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 30 patients with intra-articular DHFs who were treated via olecranon osteotomies repaired by tension band wiring (TBW) with ring pins. Medical records and radiographs were retrospectively assessed in terms of injuries, operative characteristics, clinical outcomes, and complications, as well as any need for hardware removal. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by deriving the range-of-motion and the Mayo elbow performance score. Results: Thirty patients (nine men, 21 women; mean age, 49.7 years) with Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) type 13-B and 13-C DHFs were included; the mean follow-up time was 49.9 months (range, 12–145 months). Anatomical reduction and bony union were achieved at all osteotomy sites. The mean elbow flexion was 121.7° (range, 100–135°) and the mean elbow extension was 11.3° (range, 0–30°). The mean Mayo elbow performance score was 90 points (range, 55–100 points); outcomes were excellent in 15 patients, good in 12 patients, fair in two patients, and poor in one patient. Olecranon implant removal was performed for 10 patients (33.3%; total removal in nine and isolated olecranon implant removal in one). Four of these patients (13.3%) complained of olecranon implant discomfort. Implants were removed during other surgical procedures from the remaining six patients (20%). No implant migration/breakage or wound complications were encountered. Conclusions: TBW with ring pins is a simple and safe method for olecranon osteotomy site repair.
Biomechanical Study of Asymmetric Flexor Tendon Repair Using 3 Different Suture Materials
Authors: Teo Shuo Ling , Sarvananthan Rajragavan , Lim Rebecca Qian Ru , Wong Yoke Rung 
Published: June 2021

Background: The asymmetric technique for flexor tendon repairs has various advantages but further improvement is possible by using a suitable suture material. In this study, we compare the biomechanical performance of asymmetric repairs using 3 suture materials: Supramid Extra II 4-0, Tendo-Loop 4-0, and FiberLoop 4-0. Methods: We divided 30 porcine flexor tendons into 3 arms. Each arm of tendons were repaired by using 1 of the 3 proposed suture materials. Each repaired tendon was tested by using a mechanical tester. Ultimate tensile strength (UTS), load to 2 mm gap force, failure mechanism and stiffness of the tendons were investigated. Results: FiberLoop® achieved the highest UTS (90.4 ± 17.9 N), followed by Tendo-Loop (85.3 ± 10.3 N). The difference was no statistically significant. The UTS of repairs using Supramid® was significantly lower (64.0 ± 8.4 N). For load to 2 mm gap force, FiberLoop® achieved 20.7 ± 4.8 N while Tendo-Loop® had 20.5 ± 4.2 N. The difference was also no statistically significant. The repairs using Supramid® had a significantly lower load to 2 mm gap force of 14.2 ± 2.7 N. The stiffness of asymmetric repairs using FiberLoop® and Tendo-Loop® was 5.64 ± 1.7 N/mm and 5.63 ± 0.7 N/mm. The difference was also no statistically significant. The repairs using Supramid® had a significantly lower stiffness of 4.15 ± 1.0 N/mm. Failure mechanisms for the repaired specimens were reported as such: Supramid had 100% suture rupture; Tendo-Loop had 90% suture rupture and 10% suture pullout; FiberLoop had 20% suture rupture and 80% suture pullout. Conclusions: The asymmetric repair configuration is able to produce superior biomechanical performance by using Tendo-Loop® or FiberLoop®. Improvement of the asymmetric technique by using Tendo-Loop® or FiberLoop® could potentially contribute to better surgical outcomes of flexor tendon repair.
Tension Reducing Muscle Stretch Protocol to Obtain Full Distal Tendon Excursion: A New Rehabilitation Protocol after Flexor Tendon Repair
Authors: Sakamoto Sotetsu , Doi Kazuteru , Hattori Yasunori , Chia Dawn Sinn Yii , Hayashi Kota 
Published: June 2021

Background: Flexor tendon rehabilitation protocols minimize repair tension by limiting range of movement to prevent tendon rupture. The resultant muscle contracture inhibits finger extension, increases resistance in tendon gliding distally, and progress to proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint flexion contracture. This study describes our new rehabilitation protocol, the Tension Reducing Muscle Stretch (TRMS), designed to prevent flexor muscle contracture and obtain full distal tendon excursion. Methods: We reviewed retrospectively 14 fingers in 13 consecutive patients with primary repair of complete zone I or II flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon rupture were treated with our protocol between 2007 and 2019. Our rehabilitation following FDP 4-strand repairs consisted of three steps. The first step comprised of exercises from traditional protocols such as Duran, Kleinert, Synergistic-wrist-motion, and Place-and-hold. The second step comprised the TRMS exercise to prevent the onset of muscle contracture. Anatomically, FDP tendons arise from the same FDP muscle belly. TRMS involved placing the affected finger in full passive flexion while unaffected fingers were passively extended to full extension. This made the affected FDP muscle stretched. The final step incorporated the early active flexion motion exercise, in which simple fisting was performed, from a fully extended position. Results: The mean total active motion at the final follow up was 235° (range 170–265). Using the Strickland criteria, eight achieved excellent, four had good, two had fair results. The mean angle of passive extension deficit at the PIP joint at four weeks after surgery was −7° (−30–0), and at the final follow up was −3° (−20–0). No tendon repair was ruptured. Conclusions: This protocol reduced tension in the affected tendon muscle and encouraged tendon excursion distal to the repair site without complications. It allows full tendon excursion and prevents PIP joint contractures.