bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new non-aggregative splicing isoform of human Tau is decreased in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: García-Escudero Vega , Ruiz-Gabarre Daniel , Gargini Ricardo , Pérez Mar , García Esther , Cuadros Raquel , Hernández Ivó H. , Cabrera Jorge R. , García-Escudero Ramón , Lucas José J. , Hernández Félix , Ávila Jesús 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTauopathies, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration with Tau pathology (FTLD-tau), are a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by Tau hyperphosphorylation. Post-translational modifications of Tau such as phosphorylation and truncation have been demonstrated to be an essential step in the molecular pathogenesis of these tauopathies. In this work, we demonstrate the existence of a new, human-specific truncated form of Tau generated by intron 12 retention in human neuroblastoma cells and, to a higher extent, in human RNA brain samples, using qPCR and further confirming the results on a larger database of human RNA-seq samples. Diminished protein levels of this new Tau isoform are found by Westernblotting in Alzheimer’s patients’ brains (Braak I n = 3; Braak II n = 6, Braak III n = 3, Braak IV n = 1, and Braak V n = 10, Braak VI n = 8) with respect to non-demented control subjects (n = 9), suggesting that the lack of this truncated isoform may play an important role in the pathology. This new Tau isoform exhibits similar post-transcriptional modifications by phosphorylation and affinity for microtubule binding, but more interestingly, is less prone to aggregate than other Tau isoforms. Finally, we present evidence suggesting this new Tau isoform could be linked to the inhibition of GSK3β, which would mediate intron 12 retention by modulating the serine/arginine rich splicing factor 2 (SRSF2). Our results show the existence of an important new isoform of Tau and suggest that further research on this less aggregation-prone Tau may help to develop future therapies for Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies.
Incidence of and risk factors for vaginal cuff dehiscence following total laparoscopic hysterectomy: a monocentric hospital analysis
Authors: Radosa Julia Caroline , Radosa Marc Philipp , Zimmermann Julia Sarah Maria , Braun Eva-Marie , Findeklee Sebastian , Wieczorek Annette , Stotz Lisa , Hamza Amr , Takacs Ferenc Zoltan , Risius Uda Mareke , Gerlinger Christoph , Radosa Christoph Georg , Wagenpfeil Stefan , Solomayer Erich-Franz 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Vaginal cuff dehiscence (VCD) is one of the major surgical complications following hysterectomy with data on incidence rates varying largely and studies assessing risk factors being sparse with contradictive results. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence rate of and risk factors for VCD in a homogenous cohort of women treated for benign uterine pathologies via total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) with standardized follow-up.

Methods
All patients undergoing TLH at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Saarland University Hospital between November 2010 and February 2019 were retrospectively identified from a prospectively maintained service database.

Results
VCD occurred in 18 (2.9%) of 617 patients included. In univariate and multivariate analyses, a lower level of surgeon laparoscopic expertise (odds ratio 3.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0–9.38; p = 0.03) and lower weight of removed uterus (odds ratio 0.99, 95% CI 0.98–0.99; p = 0.02) were associated positively with the risk of VCD.

Conclusion
In this homogenous cohort undergoing TLH, laparoscopic expertise and uterine weight influenced the risk of postoperative VCD. These findings might help to further reduce the rate of this complication.
The Role of Galectins in Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction
Authors: d’Alessandro Miriana , Bergantini Laura , Fossi Antonella , De Vita Elda , Perillo Felice , Luzzi Luca , Paladini Piero , Sestini Piersante , Rottoli Paola , Bargagli Elena , Bennett David 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Galectins are proteins that bind β-galactosides such as N-acetyllactosamine present in N-linked and O-linked glycoproteins and that seem to be implicated in inflammatory and immune responses as well as fibrotic mechanisms. This preliminary study investigated serum galectins as clinical biomarkers in lung transplant patients with chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD), phenotype bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS).

Materials and Methods
Nineteen lung transplant patients [median age (IQR), 55 (45–62) years; 53% males] were enrolled in the study. Peripheral blood concentrations of galectins-1, 3 and 9 were determined with commercial ELISA kits.

Results
Galectin-1 concentrations were higher in BOS than in stable LTX patients (p = 0.0394). In logistic regression analysis, testing BOS group as dependent variable with Gal-1 and 3 as independent variables, area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) curve was 98.9% (NPV 90% and PPV 88.9%, p = 0.0003). With the stable LTX group as dependent variable and Gal-1, 3 and 9 as independent variables, AUROC was 92.6% (NPV 100% and PPV 90%, p = 0.0023). In stable patients were observed an inverse correlation of Gal-3 with DLCO% and KCO%, and between Gal-9 and KCO%.

Conclusion
Galectins-1, 3 and 9 are possible clinical biomarkers in lung transplant patients with diagnostic and prognostic meaning. These molecules may be directly implicated in the pathological mechanisms of BOS. The hypothesis that they could be new therapeutic targets in BOS patients is intriguing and also worth exploring.
Targeted residual stress generation in single and two point incremental sheet forming (ISF)
Authors: Maqbool Fawad , Maaß Fabian , Buhl Johannes , Hahn Marlon , Hajavifard Ramin , Walther Frank , Tekkaya A. Erman , Bambach Markus 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe mechanical properties and the operating life of a formed component are highly dependent on the residual stress state. There is always a high magnitude of residual stresses in the components formed by incremental sheet forming (ISF) due to the localized deformation mechanism. Hence, a thorough understanding of the generation of the residual stresses by ISF is necessary. This study investigates the residual stress generation mechanism for two process variants of ISF, i.e., Single Point Incremental Forming (SPIF) and Two Point Incremental Forming (TPIF). This understanding is used to control and targetedly generate the residual stresses to improve the part performance. In this regard, the residual stress state in a truncated cone geometry manufactured using SPIF and disc springs manufactured using TPIF was experimentally analyzed. Validated numerical models for both process variants were developed to study the residual stresses in detail. The residual stress state in SPIF is such that the tool contact side develops tensile residual stresses and the non-contact side undergoes compressive residual stresses. The tool step-down variation was used to control residual stresses and improve the fatigue strength of truncated cones manufactured using SPIF. For TPIF, two different forming strategies were used to analyze the residual stress generation mechanism and the role of major process parameters. The residual stresses for TPIF are pre-dominantly compressive in both directions of forming tool motion. For both process variants of the ISF process, it is shown that the residual stresses can be beneficially utilized to improve mechanical properties of the components.
A detailed characterization of the hyperpolarization-activated “funny” current (If) in human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)–derived cardiomyocytes with pacemaker activity
Authors: Giannetti Federica , Benzoni Patrizia , Campostrini Giulia , Milanesi Raffaella , Bucchi Annalisa , Baruscotti Mirko , Dell’Era Patrizia , Rossini Alessandra , Barbuti Andrea 
Published: May 2021

AbstractProperties of the funny current (If) have been studied in several animal and cellular models, but so far little is known concerning its properties in human pacemaker cells. This work provides a detailed characterization of If in human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)–derived pacemaker cardiomyocytes (pCMs), at different time points. Patch-clamp analysis showed that If density did not change during differentiation; however, after day 30, it activates at more negative potential and with slower time constants. These changes are accompanied by a slowing in beating rate. If displayed the voltage-dependent block by caesium and reversed (Erev) at − 22 mV, compatibly with the 3:1 K+/Na+ permeability ratio. Lowering [Na+]o (30 mM) shifted the Erev to − 39 mV without affecting conductance. Increasing [K+]o (30 mM) shifted the Erev to − 15 mV with a fourfold increase in conductance. pCMs express mainly HCN4 and HCN1 together with the accessory subunits CAV3, KCR1, MiRP1, and SAP97 that contribute to the context-dependence of If. Autonomic agonists modulated the diastolic depolarization, and thus rate, of pCMs. The adrenergic agonist isoproterenol induced rate acceleration and a positive shift of If voltage-dependence (EC50 73.4 nM). The muscarinic agonists had opposite effects (Carbachol EC50, 11,6 nM). Carbachol effect was however small but it could be increased by pre-stimulation with isoproterenol, indicating low cAMP levels in pCMs. In conclusion, we demonstrated that pCMs display an If with the physiological properties expected by pacemaker cells and may thus represent a suitable model for studying human If-related sinus arrhythmias.
Quantitative fluorescence angiography aids novice and experienced surgeons in performing intestinal resection in well-perfused tissue
Authors: Nerup Nikolaj , Svendsen Morten Bo Søndergaard , Rønn Jonas Hedelund , Konge Lars , Svendsen Lars Bo , Achiam Michael Patrick 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Anastomotic leakage (AL) after gastrointestinal resection is a devastating complication with huge consequences for the patient. As AL is associated with poor blood supply, tools for objective assessment of perfusion are in high demand. Indocyanine green angiography (ICG-FA) and quantitative analysis of ICG-FA (q-ICG) seem promising. This study aimed to investigate whether ICG-FA and q-ICG could improve perfusion assessment performed by surgeons of different experience levels.

Methods
Thirteen small bowel segments with a varying degree of devascularization, including two healthy sham segments, were constructed in a porcine model. We recruited students, residents, and surgeons to perform perfusion assessment of the segments in white light (WL), with ICG-FA, and after q-ICG, all blinded to the degree of devascularization.

Results
Forty-five participants fulfilled the study (18 novices, 12 intermediates, and 15 experienced). ICG and q-ICG helped the novices correctly detect the healthy bowel segments to experienced surgeons’ level. ICG and q-ICG also helped novice surgeons to perform safer resections in healthy tissue compared with normal WL. The relative risk (RR) of leaving ischemic tissue in WL and ICG compared with q-ICG, even for experienced surgeons was substantial, intermediates (RR = 8.9, CI95% [4.0;20] and RR = 6.2, CI95% [2.7;14.1]), and experienced (RR = 4.7, CI95% [2.6;8.7] and RR = 4.0, CI95% [2.1;7.5]).

Conclusion
Q-ICG seems to guide surgeons, regardless of experience level, to safely perform resection in healthy tissue, compared with standard WL. Future research should focus on this novel tool’s clinical impact.
Interventions and symptom relief in hospital palliative cancer care: results from a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Thronæs Morten , Løhre Erik Torbjørn , Kvikstad Anne , Brenne Elisabeth , Norvaag Robin , Aalberg Kathrine Otelie , Moen Martine Kjølberg , Jakobsen Gunnhild , Klepstad Pål , Solberg Arne , Solheim Tora Skeidsvoll 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose
To study the use of interventions and symptom relief for adult patients with incurable cancer admitted to an acute palliative care unit providing integrated oncology and palliative care services.

Methods
All admissions during 1 year were assessed. The use of interventions was evaluated for all hospitalizations. Patients with assessments for worst and average pain intensity, tiredness, drowsiness, nausea, appetite, dyspnea, depression, anxiety, well-being, constipation, and sleep were evaluated for symptom development during hospitalization. Descriptive statistics was applied for the use of interventions and the paired sample t-test to compare symptom intensities (SIs).

Results
For 451 admissions, mean hospital length of stay was 7.0 days and mean patient age 69 years. More than one-third received systemic cancer therapy. Diagnostic imaging was performed in 66% of the hospitalizations, intravenous rehydration in 45%, 37% received antibiotics, and 39% were attended by the multidisciplinary team. At admission and at discharge, respectively, 55% and 44% received oral opioids and 27% and 45% subcutaneous opioids. For the majority, opioid dose was adjusted during hospitalization. Symptom registrations were available for 180 patients. Tiredness yielded the highest mean SI score (5.6, NRS 0–10) at admission and nausea the lowest (2.2). Significant reductions during hospitalization were reported for all assessed SIs (p ≤ 0.01). Patients receiving systemic cancer therapy reported symptom relief similar to those not on systemic cancer therapy.

Conclusion
Clinical practice and symptom relief during hospitalization were described. Symptom improvements were similar for oncological and palliative care patients.
Composite detection rate as an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy quality measure correlating with detection of neoplasia
Authors: Romańczyk Marcin , Ostrowski Bartosz , Marek Tomasz , Romańczyk Tomasz , Błaszczyńska Małgorzata , Budzyń Krzysztof , Bugajski Maciej , Koziej Mateusz , Kajor Maciej , Januszewski Krzysztof , Zajęcki Wojciech , Waluga Marek , Hartleb Marek 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is commonly used diagnostic method with no widely accepted quality measure. We assessed quality indicator—composite detection rate (CDR)—consisting of detection of at least one of the following: cervical inlet patch, gastric polyp and post-ulcer duodenal bulb deformation. The aim of the study was to validate CDR according to detection rate of upper gastrointestinal neoplasms (UGN).

Methods
It was a multicenter, prospective, observational study conducted from January 2019 to October 2019. The endoscopic reports from 2896 symptomatic patients who underwent diagnostic EGD were analyzed. The EGDs were performed in three endoscopy units located in tertiary university hospital, private outpatient clinic and local hospital.

Results
64 UGNs were detected. The mean CDR was 21.9%. The CDR correlated with UGN detection rate (R = 0.49, p = 0.045). Based on CDR quartiles, operators were divided into group 1 with CDR < 10%, group 2 with CDR 10–17%, group 3 with CDR 17.1–26%, and group 4 with CDR > 26%. Detection rate of UGN was significantly higher in the group 4 in comparison to group 1 (OR 4.4; 95% CI 2.2 − 9.0). In the multivariate regression model, patient age, male gender and operator’s CDR > 26% were independent risk factors of UGN detection (OR 1.03; 95% CI 1.01 − 1.05, OR 2; 95% CI 1.2 − 3.5, and OR 5.7 95% CI 1.5 − 22.3, respectively).

Conclusions
The CDR is associated with the detection of upper gastrointestinal neoplasms. This parameter may be a useful quality measure of EGD to be applied in general setting.
Patient-specific statistical shape modeling for optimal spinal sagittal alignment in lumbar spinal fusion
Authors: Furrer Pascal R. , Caprara Sebastiano , Wanivenhaus Florian , Burkhard Marco D. , Senteler Marco , Farshad Mazda 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose
The present study compared patients developing ASD after L4/5 spinal fusion with a control group using a patient-specific statistical shape model (SSM) to find alignment-differences between the groups.

Methods
This study included patients who had undergone spinal fusion at L4/5 and either remained asymptomatic (control group; n = 25, follow-up of > 4 years) or required revision surgery for epifusional ASD (n = 22). Landmarks on preoperative and postoperative lateral radiographs were annotated, and the optimal spinal sagittal alignment was calculated for each patient. The two-dimensional distance from the SSM-calculated optimum to the actual positions before and after fusion surgery was compared.

Results
Postoperatively, the additive mean distance from the SSM-calculated optimum was 86.8 mm in the ASD group and 67.7 mm in the control group (p = 0.119). Greater differences were observed between the groups with a larger distance to the ideal in patients with ASD at more cranial levels. Significant difference between the groups was seen postoperatively in the vertical distance of the operated segment L4. The patients with ASD (5.69 ± 3.0 mm) had a significant greater distance from the SSM as the control group (3.58 ± 3.5 mm, p = 0.034).

Conclusion
Patients with ASD requiring revision after lumbar spinal fusion have greater differences from the optimal spinal sagittal alignment as an asymptomatic control group calculated by patient-specific statistical shape modeling. Further research might help to understand the value of SSM, in conjunction with already established indexes, for preoperative planning with the aim of reducing the risk of ASD.

Level of evidence I
Diagnostic: individual cross-sectional studies with consistently applied reference standard and blinding
Shared decision-making in neurosurgery: a scoping review
Authors: Corell Alba , Guo Annie , Vecchio Tomás Gómez , Ozanne Anneli , Jakola Asgeir S. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
In modern neurosurgery, there are often several treatment alternatives, with different risks and benefits. Shared decision-making (SDM) has gained interest during the last decade, although SDM in the neurosurgical field is not widely studied. Therefore, the aim of this scoping review was to present the current landscape of SDM in neurosurgery.

Methods
A literature review was carried out in PubMed and Scopus. We used a search strategy based on keywords used in existing literature on SDM in neurosurgery. Full-text, peer-reviewed articles published from 2000 up to the search date February 16, 2021, with patients 18 years and older were included if articles evaluated SDM in neurosurgery from the patient’s perspective.

Results
We identified 22 articles whereof 7 covered vestibular schwannomas, 7 covered spinal surgery, and 4 covered gliomas. The other topics were brain metastases, benign brain lesions, Parkinson’s disease and evaluation of neurosurgical care. Different methods were used, with majority using forms, questionnaires, or interviews. Effects of SDM interventions were studied in 6 articles; the remaining articles explored factors influencing patients’ decisions or discussed SDM aids.

Conclusion
SDM is a tool to involve patients in the decision-making process and considers patients’ preferences and what the patients find important. This scoping review illustrates the relative lack of SDM in the neurosurgical literature. Even though results indicate potential benefit of SDM, the extent of influence on treatment, outcome, and patient’s satisfaction is still unknown. Finally, the use of decision aids may be a meaningful contribution to the SDM process.
Modelling mobile-based technology adoption among people with dementia
Authors: Chaurasia Priyanka , McClean Sally , Nugent Chris D. , Cleland Ian , Zhang Shuai , Donnelly Mark P. , Scotney Bryan W. , Sanders Chelsea , Smith Ken , Norton Maria C. , Tschanz JoAnn 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe work described in this paper builds upon our previous research on adoption modelling and aims to identify the best subset of features that could offer a better understanding of technology adoption. The current work is based on the analysis and fusion of two datasets that provide detailed information on background, psychosocial, and medical history of the subjects. In the process of modelling adoption, feature selection is carried out followed by empirical analysis to identify the best classification models. With a more detailed set of features including psychosocial and medical history information, the developed adoption model, using kNN algorithm, achieved a prediction accuracy of 99.41% when tested on 173 participants. The second-best algorithm built, using NN, achieved 94.08% accuracy. Both these results have improved accuracy in comparison to the best accuracy achieved (92.48%) in our previous work, based on psychosocial and self-reported health data for the same cohort. It has been found that psychosocial data is better than medical data for predicting technology adoption. However, for the best results, we should use a combination of psychosocial and medical data where it is preferable that the latter is provided from reliable medical sources, rather than self-reported.
In vivo parameter identification in arteries considering multiple levels of smooth muscle activity
Authors: Gade Jan-Lucas , Thore Carl-Johan , Sonesson Björn , Stålhand Jonas 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this paper an existing in vivo parameter identification method for arteries is extended to account for smooth muscle activity. Within this method a continuum-mechanical model, whose parameters relate to the mechanical properties of the artery, is fit to clinical data by solving a minimization problem. Including smooth muscle activity in the model increases the number of parameters. This may lead to overparameterization, implying that several parameter combinations solve the minimization problem equally well and it is therefore not possible to determine which set of parameters represents the mechanical properties of the artery best. To prevent overparameterization the model is fit to clinical data measured at different levels of smooth muscle activity. Three conditions are considered for the human abdominal aorta: basal during rest; constricted, induced by lower-body negative pressure; and dilated, induced by physical exercise. By fitting the model to these three arterial conditions simultaneously a unique set of model parameters is identified and the model prediction agrees well with the clinical data.
Reconstruction of low-rank aggregation kernels in univariate population balance equations
Authors: Ahrens Robin , Le Borne Sabine 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe dynamics of particle processes can be described by population balance equations which are governed by phenomena including growth, nucleation, breakage and aggregation. Estimating the kinetics of the aggregation phenomena from measured density data constitutes an ill-conditioned inverse problem. In this work, we focus on the aggregation problem and present an approach to estimate the aggregation kernel in discrete, low rank form from given (measured or simulated) data. The low-rank assumption for the kernel allows the application of fast techniques for the evaluation of the aggregation integral ($\mathcal {O}(n\log n)$
O
(
n
log
n
)
instead of $\mathcal {O}(n^{2})$
O
(

n

2

)
where n denotes the number of unknowns in the discretization) and reduces the dimension of the optimization problem, allowing for efficient and accurate kernel reconstructions. We provide and compare two approaches which we will illustrate in numerical tests.