bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microfluidic 3D printing polyhydroxyalkanoates-based bionic skin for wound healing
Authors: Guo Wentai , Wang Xiaocheng , Yang Chaoyu , Huang Rongkang , Wang Hui , Zhao Yuanjin 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Biomimetic scaffolds with extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimicking structure have been widely investigated in wound healing applications, while insufficient mechanical strength and limited biological activity remain major challenges. Here, we present a microfluidic 3D printing biomimetic polyhydroxyalkanoates-based scaffold with excellent mechanical properties and hierarchical porous structures for enhanced wound healing. This scaffold is composed of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-4-hydroxybutyrate) and polycaprolactone, endowing it with excellent tensile strength (2.99 MPa) and degradability (80% of weight loss within 7 d). The ECM-mimicking hierarchical porous structure allows bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to proliferate and adhere on the scaffolds. Besides, anisotropic composite scaffolds loaded with BMSCs and HUVECs can significantly promote re-epithelization, collagen deposition and capillary formation in rat wound defects, indicating their satisfactory in vivo tissue regenerative activity. These results indicate the feasibility of polyhydroxyalkanoates-based biomimetic scaffolds for skin repair and regeneration, which also provide a promising therapeutic strategy in diverse tissue engineering applications.
A Single Center’s Clinical Experience With Ergonomix Breast Implants
Authors: Botti Giovanni , Botti Chiara , Ciancio Francesco 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
This retrospective study reports on the early experience of a private surgical center with Motiva Ergonomix SilkSurface breast implants.

Objectives
The aim of this study was to examine the incidence of complications and satisfaction levels in women who received primary and revision breast augmentation or augmentation-mastopexy with Ergonomix SilkSurface breast implants.

Methods
A total of 356 consecutive patients received Ergonomix SilkSurface breast implants between April 2014 and October 2018 by 3 different surgeons and were followed-up for a minimum of 12 months. Complications were assessed by measuring the rate of rupture, capsular contracture, malposition, late seroma, double capsule, reoperation, symmastia, ptosis, extrusion, and infection. Satisfaction with aesthetic results was assessed on a Likert scale by both surgeon and patient.

Results
Only 6 major complications were observed in these 356 patients (712 implants): 1 unilateral implant ptosis (“bottoming out”) at 12 months (0.14%) and 2 capsular contractures (0.28%), 1 at 14 months and 1 at 2 years. At all time points, 98% of the patients were “extremely satisfied or very satisfied” with the aesthetic results, and the surgeons categorized the outcomes as “very important or important improvement” in 96% of the cases.

Conclusions
Motiva Ergonomix SilkSurface devices provided high patient satisfaction up to more than 5 years postoperatively with very few complications. These data are consistent with other reports in the literature. The observed favorable outcomes might be attributed, at least in part, to the bioengineered “cell-friendly” surface of these implants.

Level of Evidence: 4
Functional connectivity drives stroke recovery: shifting the paradigm from correlation to causation
Authors: Cassidy Jessica M , Mark Jasper I , Cramer Steven C 
Published: December 2021

AbstractStroke is a leading cause of disability, with deficits encompassing multiple functional domains. The heterogeneity underlying stroke poses significant challenges in the prediction of post-stroke recovery, prompting the development of neuroimaging-based biomarkers. Structural neuroimaging measurements, particularly those reflecting corticospinal tract injury, are well-documented in the literature as potential biomarker candidates of post-stroke motor recovery. Consistent with the view of stroke as a ‘circuitopathy’, functional neuroimaging measures probing functional connectivity may also prove informative in post-stroke recovery. An important step in the development of biomarkers based on functional neural network connectivity is the establishment of causality between connectivity and post-stroke recovery. Current evidence predominantly involves statistical correlations between connectivity measures and post-stroke behavioural status, either cross-sectionally or serially over time. However, the advancement of functional connectivity application in stroke depends on devising experiments that infer causality. In 1965, Sir Austin Bradford Hill introduced nine viewpoints to consider when determining the causality of an association: (i) strength; (ii) consistency; (iii) specificity; (iv) temporality; (v) biological gradient; (vi) plausibility; (vii) coherence; (viii) experiment; and (ix) analogy. Collectively referred to as the Bradford Hill Criteria, these points have been widely adopted in epidemiology. In this review, we assert the value of implementing Bradford Hill’s framework to stroke rehabilitation and neuroimaging. We focus on the role of neural network connectivity measurements acquired from task-oriented and resting-state functional MRI, EEG, magnetoencephalography and functional near-infrared spectroscopy in describing and predicting post-stroke behavioural status and recovery. We also identify research opportunities within each Bradford Hill tenet to shift the experimental paradigm from correlation to causation.
Surgical management of long-segment congenital tracheal stenosis with tracheobronchial malacia
Authors: Wen Wanyu , Du Xinwei , Zhu Limin , Wang Shunmin , Xu Zhiwei , Lu Zhaohui 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Slide tracheoplasty has become the mainstream treatment for long-segment congenital tracheal stenosis (LSCTS). However, technical improvements are still needed to improve the clinical outcomes of patients exhibiting LSCTS with tracheobronchial malacia.

METHODS
LSCTS patients who underwent tracheoplasty from January 2010 to December 2020 were reviewed. According to the time of surgical technique modifications for reconstructing a supportive carina, the patients were divided into 2 groups: group A (2010–2018) and group B (2019–2020). We identified a well-balanced cohort matched by propensity score to evaluate the differences in surgical outcomes between the 2 groups.

RESULTS
There were no significant differences between group A and group B in any of the 8 characteristics before and after propensity score matching. In the propensity score-matched cohort, the number of patients who accepted anterior carina tracheopexy (75/77 vs 4/77, P &lt; 0.001) and in situ pericardium insertion (75/77 vs 14/77, P &lt; 0.001) in group B was significantly greater than that in group A. The mechanical ventilation time [48.3 (interquartile range: 29.6, 116.3) h vs 73.3 (interquartile range: 47.9, 111.6) h, P = 0.009] and cumulative mortality (P = 0.023) were significantly lower in Group B than Group A.

CONCLUSIONS
Reconstructing a supportive, stable carina of the neotrachea and tracheobronchopexy are helpful to improve the outcomes of slide tracheoplasty.
Transmission studies and the composition of prokaryotic communities associated with healthy and diseasedAplysina cauliformissponges suggest thatAplysinaRed Band Syndrome is a prokaryotic polymicrobial disease
Authors: Monti Matteo , Giorgi Aurora , Easson Cole G , Gochfeld Deborah J , Olson Julie B 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACTAplysina cauliformis, the Caribbean purple rope sponge, is commonly affected by Aplysina Red Band Syndrome (ARBS). This transmissible disease manifests as circular lesions with red margins and results in bare spongin fibers. Leptolyngbya spp. appear to be responsible for the characteristic red coloration but transmission studies with a sponge-derived isolate failed to establish disease, leaving the etiology of ARBS unknown. To investigate the cause of ARBS, contact transmission experiments were performed between healthy and diseased sponges separated by filters with varying pore sizes. Transmission occurred when sponges were separated by filters with pore sizes ≥ 2.5 μm, suggesting a prokaryotic pathogen(s) but not completely eliminating eukaryotic pathogen(s). Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing methods, 38 prokaryotic taxa were significantly enriched in diseased sponges, including Leptolyngbya, whereas seven taxa were only found in some, but not all, of the ARBS-affected sponges. These results do not implicate a single taxon, but rather a suite of taxa that changed in relative abundance with disease, suggesting a polymicrobial etiology as well as dysbiosis. As a better understanding of dysbiosis is gained, changes in the composition of associated prokaryotic communities may have increasing importance for evaluating and maintaining the health of individuals and imperiled coral reef ecosystems.
Protocols for marker-free gene knock-out and knock-down inKluyveromyces marxianususing CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Rajkumar Arun S , Morrissey John P 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACTThere is increased interest in strain engineering in the food and industrial yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus and a number of CRISPR/Cas9 systems have been described and used by different groups. The methods that we developed allow for very rapid and efficient inactivation of target genes using the endogenous DNA repair mechanisms of the cell. The strains and plasmids that we use are freely available, and here we provide a set of integrated protocols to easily inactivate genes and to precisely integrate DNA fragments into the genome, for example for promoter replacement, allelic swaps or introduction of point mutations. The protocols use the Cas9/gRNA expression plasmid pUCC001 and Golden Gate assembly for molecular cloning of targeting sequences. A genome-wide set of target sequences is provided. Using these plasmids in wild-type strains or in strains lacking non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) DNA repair, the first set of protocols explain how to introduce indels (NHEJ-mediated) or precise deletions (homology-dependent repair (HDR)-mediated) at precise targets. The second set of protocols describe how to swap a promoter or coding sequence to yield a reprogrammed gene. The methods do not require the use of dominant or auxotrophic marker genes and thus the strains generated are marker-free. The protocols have been tested in multiple K. marxianus strains, are straightforward and can be carried out in any molecular biology laboratory without specialized equipment.
Effects of abolishing Whi2 on the proteome and nitrogen catabolite repression-sensitive protein production
Authors: Tate Jennifer J , Marsikova Jana , Vachova Libuse , Palkova Zdena , Cooper Terrance G 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
In yeast physiology, a commonly used reference condition for many experiments, including those involving nitrogen catabolite repression (NCR), is growth in synthetic complete (SC) medium. Four SC formulations, SCCSH,1990, SCCSH,1994, SCCSH,2005, and SCME, have been used interchangeably as the nitrogen-rich medium of choice [Cold Spring Harbor Yeast Course Manuals (SCCSH) and a formulation in the methods in enzymology (SCME)]. It has been tacitly presumed that all of these formulations support equivalent responses. However, a recent report concluded that (i) TorC1 activity is downregulated by the lower concentration of primarily leucine in SCME relative to SCCSH. (ii) The Whi2–Psr1/2 complex is responsible for this downregulation. TorC1 is a primary nitrogen-responsive regulator in yeast. Among its downstream targets is control of NCR-sensitive transcription activators Gln3 and Gat1. They in turn control production of catabolic transporters and enzymes needed to scavenge poor nitrogen sources (e.g., Proline) and activate autophagy (ATG14). One of the reporters used in Chen et al. was an NCR-sensitive DAL80-GFP promoter fusion. This intrigued us because we expected minimal if any DAL80 expression in SC medium. Therefore, we investigated the source of the Dal80-GFP production and the proteomes of wild-type and whi2Δ cells cultured in SCCSH and SCME. We found a massive and equivalent reorientation of amino acid biosynthetic proteins in both wild-type and whi2Δ cells even though both media contained high overall concentrations of amino acids. Gcn2 appears to play a significant regulatory role in this reorientation. NCR-sensitive DAL80 expression and overall NCR-sensitive protein production were only marginally affected by the whi2Δ. In contrast, the levels of 58 proteins changed by an absolute value of log2 between 3 and 8 when Whi2 was abolished relative to wild type. Surprisingly, with only two exceptions could those proteins be related in GO analyses, i.e., GO terms associated with carbohydrate metabolism and oxidative stress after shifting a whi2Δ from SCCSH to SCME for 6 h. What was conspicuously missing were proteins related by TorC1- and NCR-associated GO terms.
Identification of Dementia in Recent Medicare Claims Data, Compared With Rigorous Clinical Assessments
Authors: Grodstein Francine , Chang Chiang-Hua , Capuano Ana W , Power Melinda C , Marquez David X , Barnes Lisa L , Bennett David A , James Bryan D , Bynum Julie P W 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) claims data are increasingly leveraged for dementia research. Few studies address the validity of recent claim data to identify dementia, or carefully evaluate characteristics of those assigned the wrong diagnosis in claims.

Methods
We used claims data from 2014 to 2018, linked to participants administered rigorous, annual dementia evaluations in 5 cohorts at the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center. We compared prevalent dementia diagnosed through the 2016 cohort evaluation versus claims identification of dementia, applying the Bynum-standard algorithm.

Results
Of 1 054 participants with Medicare Parts A and B FFS in a 3-year window surrounding their 2016 index date, 136 had prevalent dementia diagnosed during cohort evaluations; the claims algorithm yielded 217. Sensitivity of claims diagnosis was 79%, specificity 88%, positive predictive value 50%, negative predictive value 97%, and overall accuracy 87%. White participants were disproportionately represented among detected dementia cases (true positive) versus cases missed (false negative) by claims (90% vs 75%, respectively, p = .04). Dementia appeared more severe in detected than missed cases in claims (mean Mini-Mental State Exam = 15.4 vs 22.0, respectively, p &lt; .001; 28% with no limitations in activities of daily living versus 45%, p = .046). By contrast, those with “over-diagnosis” of dementia in claims (false positive) had several worse health indicators than true negatives (eg, self-reported memory concerns = 51% vs 29%, respectively, p &lt; .001; mild cognitive impairment in cohort evaluation = 72% vs 44%, p &lt; .001; mean comorbidities = 7 vs 4, p &lt; .001).

Conclusions
Recent Medicare claims perform reasonably well in identifying dementia; however, there are consistent differences in cases of dementia identified through claims than in rigorous cohort evaluations.
Adaptation of Geriatric Interprofessional Education from In-Person to Virtual Simulation
Authors: Hovland Cynthia 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
We modified an in-person simulation-enhanced interprofessional education model as necessitated by COVID-19 restrictions to a fully virtual education experience. Online prework remained unchanged but adjustments were made related to previously in-person activities. Diverging from the in-person training we held live virtual poster sessions with learner-presenter interaction. In preparation for their role in the team meeting simulation, learners were moved into preassigned profession-specific breakout rooms for a live virtual huddle with facilitators. Next, learners were moved to preassigned interprofessional breakout rooms where they began the simulated team meeting. After initial discussion, a standardized patient joined the breakout room to present the patient/caregiver perspective. The event ends with a virtual reflective debrief focused on interprofessional collaborative competencies.
User Interface and User Experience Testing of an Online Translation of the REACH II Intervention: GamePlan4Care
Authors: Stevens Alan , Birchfield Thomas , Swensen Kira , Banda Joseph , Cho Jinmyoung 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
GamePlan4Care (GP4C) is a web-based adaptation of the Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregiver Health II (REACH II) caregiver intervention, redesigned and reformatted for online delivery. The goal of GP4C is to create an online family caregiver support platform that facilitates self-directed exposure to evidence-based skills-training and support for dementia caregivers. This approach of utilizing technology enhanced with live support has the potential for scalability and sustainability. In preparation for an ongoing randomized clinical trial, the GP4C platform underwent industry standard user interface/user experience (UI/UX) testing with dementia caregivers as part of an iterative design process. Testing of caregiver’s reaction to technical and content-related aspects of the system was conducted with 31 caregivers. The thematic analysis revealed three themes for technical aspects (logical flow, suggestions on features, innovative resource) and two themes for content aspects (satisfaction and engagement). We will discuss technical and content modifications resulting from UI/UX.
A Peer Intervention Facilitates Trust and Improves Psychosocial Well-Being in Diverse, Low-Income Older Adults
Authors: Kotwal Ashwin , Fuller Shannon , Myers Janet , Hill Daniel , Tha Soe Han , Smith Alexander , Perissinotto Carla 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
We evaluate a peer outreach intervention to improve the psychosocial well-being of diverse, low-income older adults. Participants (N=74, Age 58-96 years) were recruited from an urban senior center and matched with peers who were &gt;55 years old, received mental health training, and connected participants with health or social activities. We conducted surveys at baseline and 6-month follow-up for 2 years with validated measures of loneliness, social interaction, barriers to socializing, and depression, and thematically analyzed qualitative, semi-structured interviews conducted among a subset of participants (n=15) and peers (n=6). Participants were 58% male, 18% African-American, 19% Latinx, and 8% Asian. Over 2 years, participants experienced sustained reductions in loneliness (p=0.015), depression (p&lt;0.001), and barriers to socializing (p&lt;0.001). Qualitative interviews detailed the role of longitudinal relationships, program flexibility, and the matching process in facilitating trust, motivation, and improved mood. Results can inform larger efficacy studies and implementation of peer-driven community programs.
Analysis of Best Practice Caregiving: A New Online Database of Evidence-Based Dementia Caregiving Programs
Authors: Powers Sara , Markwood Sandy 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Best Practice Caregiving (BPC) is a free online database providing comprehensive information on research and implementation characteristics for 44 evidence-based dementia caregiving programs. Programs eligible for BPC have research-tested positive outcomes for family/friend caregivers and demonstrated feasibility in community implementations. This symposium presents results from analyses of the BPC database that includes surveys of 44 program developers and 324 healthcare or community delivery-organizations, and content analysis of 231 published studies. Findings show the most common of 19 types of assistance provided by programs were: Supporting Caregiver/Individual-with-Dementia (IWD) Communication, Encouraging Positive Caregiver-IWD Activities, and Strengthening Coping (93.2%). Least common were: Getting a Dementia Diagnosis (29.5%) and Monitoring Service Benefits (20.5%). Methods of delivering the types of assistance were: information/referral (M=11.1), skills training (M=7.5), and direct provision of care (M=3.8). The most common types of organizations that delivered programs were healthcare organizations (23.8%) and Area Agencies on Aging (23.8%). The greatest delivery-challenges were program marketing (69.8%) and caregiver engagement (66.3%). Most organizations ‘strongly agreed’ that programs had positive impacts on caregivers (59.5%) but were less certain about IWD benefits (25.1% ‘strongly agreed’). Published research studies found the most improved caregiver outcomes were: 1) Strain and/or burden (84.1%), 2) Depressive symptomology (79.5%), and 3) Caregiving efficacy (63.6%). Least common improved outcomes were 1) Access to support information/Community service use (9.1%); 2) Unmet needs (6.8%); and 3) Respite/break from care (2.3%). Overall, results highlight strengths of evidence-based dementia caregiving programs, along with gaps and challenges to be addressed by existing and new developing programs.
Understanding the Complexities of Community-Dwelling Older Adults’ Lived Experiences During COVID-19
Authors: Xie Bo , Shiroma Kristina , De Main Atami , Davis Nathan , Fingerman Karen , Danesh Valerie 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Since December 2019, COVID-19 has spurred rapid and extensive research, but this research has focused on some perspectives with others understudied. In particular, studies have not yet explored the complexities of community-dwelling older adults’ lived experiences during the pandemic. This study aimed to address this gap. Community-dwelling older adults living in Central Texas (N = 200; age, 65–92 years, M = 73.6± 6.33) responded to open- and closed-ended questions over the telephone during June–August 2020. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. We identified three key themes. (1) Positive experiences, with 4 subthemes: perception that the pandemic has not changed one’s lifestyle; adjusting well—particularly with the aid of technology; being positive in perspective; and a “loner advantage” (being a “loner” pre-pandemic was advantageous during the pandemic). (2) Mixed experiences, with 4 subthemes: doing okay but unhappy about changing lifestyle routines; doing okay but unhappy about loss of in-person interactions with family and friends; doing okay but frustrated by witnessing absence of social distancing or facemask use by others; and maintaining physical health with fluctuating symptoms of depression or anxiety. (3) Negative experiences, with 3 subthemes: bitter about others/society/government not caring for older adults; feeling isolated, bored, and powerless; and worsening as time goes by. A thematic map was subsequently developed. These findings reveal the complexities of community-dwelling older adults’ lived experiences, illustrating effective coping and resilience during the pandemic and dissatisfaction owing to the pandemic’s effects on their lives and to their observations of others’ behaviors.