bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using the likelihood ratio in bloodstain pattern analysis
Authors: Attinger Daniel , De Brabanter Kris , Champod Christophe 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThere is an apparent paradox that the likelihood ratio (LR) approach is an appropriate measure of the weight of evidence when forensic findings have to be evaluated in court, while it is typically not used by bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) experts. This commentary evaluates how the scope and methods of BPA relate to several types of evaluative propositions and methods to which LRs are applicable. As a result of this evaluation, we show how specificities in scope (BPA being about activities rather than source identification), gaps in the underlying science base, and the reliance on a wide range of methods render the use of LRs in BPA more complex than in some other forensic disciplines. Three directions are identified for BPA research and training, which would facilitate and widen the use of LRs: research in the underlying physics; the development of a culture of data sharing; and the development of training material on the required statistical background. An example of how recent fluid dynamics research in BPA can lead to the use of LR is provided. We conclude that an LR framework is fully applicable to BPA, provided methodic efforts and significant developments occur along the three outlined directions.
Medicolegal death investigator workplace safety hazards: A scoping review of the literature
Authors: Drake Stacy A. , Thoene Caitlyn , Foster Margaret , Porta Carolyn , Pickens Adam W. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn the United States, medicolegal death investigation practices and policies pertaining to sudden unexpected deaths are mandated by state government. Practices vary across states, which contributes to inconsistency in job prerequisites and training. In preparation for a study focused on occupational safety and health of medicolegal death investigators in their on‐scene and follow‐up activities, a scoping review was conducted to document known occupational safety risks and health‐related conditions associated with death investigation. Searches used Boolean and subject heading operators both broad and narrow in scope, and search terms included scene responder, hazard, investigator, forensic pathology, injury, and safety. Twenty‐five articles met inclusion criteria, which included seventeen survey‐mixed method designs, two systematic reviews, five quasi‐experimental designs, and one case study. Twelve articles addressed mental health and eleven focused on risks associated with infectious disease. One article addressed the risk of chemical exposure from cyanide among autopsy personnel (including forensic pathologists) and nine included a wide range of employees within the setting of medical examiner or coroner offices. One article, addressing burnout, included employees in a forensic science laboratory setting as well as medicolegal death investigators and two articles included forensic pathologists and medicolegal death investigators. Only one article addressed medicolegal death investigators specifically. Articles addressing occupational and environmental hazards of medicolegal death investigators associated with musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, radiological, nuclear, electrical, or explosive threats were not identified. There is little published about safety risks inherent in conducting death investigations. Research is needed to adequately inform health promotion and injury prevention strategies.
Bacterial epiphyte and endophyte communities of seagrass Thalassia hemprichii: the impact of feed extract solution
Authors: Cai Zefu , Zhou Lei , Liu Lihua , Wang Daoru , Ren Wei , Long Hao , Zhang Xiang , Xie Zhenyu 
Published: October 2021

SummaryThe global seagrass bed ecosystem acts as a natural ecological barrier in the littoral coastal zone. In recent years, this ecosystem has suffered from serious eutrophication and destruction caused by the continuous expansion of aquaculture. However, our understanding of the influence of aquaculture on the bacterial community remains limited. In this study, we used 16S amplicon sequencing to evaluate the impact of aquaculture feed extract solution on the composition and function of bacterial epiphytes and endophyte communities of the core seagrass from the seagrass bed ecosystem in Hainan, Thalassia hemprichii. The feed extract solution was the main factor that significantly affected the bacterial epiphyte and endophyte community structure of seagrass leaves but had no marked effect on alpha diversity was observed. Additionally, the bacterial epiphyte and endophyte community of the T. hemprichii leaves alleviated the effects of organic matter, sulfide, and nutrients caused by aquaculture wastewater. The feed extract solution promoted the proliferation of Bacteroidales, Vibrio, Desulfobulbaceae, Desulfobacteraceae, Pseudoalteromonas, Paludibacter, Marinomonas, and Pseudomonas in the leaves and root of T. hemprichii, which can effectively improve the digestibility of eutrophication. In fact, Desulfobacteraceae and Desulfobulbaceae can reduce sulfate to sulfide and oxidize sulfide to sulfur within seagrass, indicating that the increase in Desulfobulbaceae and Desulfobacteraceae facilitated the accumulation of sulfide with the treatment of feed extract solution, which may be the reason for the degradation of seagrass caused by aquaculture wastewater containing high concentrations of organic pollutants. These results suggest that although seagrass beds can withstand low concentrations of aquaculture pollutants, sulfide emissions should be minimized.
Case Series: Cariprazine for treatment of methamphetamine use disorder
Authors: Truong Thanh Thuy , Li Benjamin 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesMethamphetamine use is a major source of morbidity and mortality but has no reliably effective interventions. We identified cariprazine as an option for treatment of methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) and present two cases.MethodsTwo patients with MUD and psychotic disorders were treated with cariprazine. Abstinence and cravings were assessed using urine drug screens and the Brief Substance Craving Scale, respectively.ResultsBoth patients reported global functional improvement, reduction in methamphetamine cravings and use with cariprazine, confirmed with negative urine drug screens.Conclusions and Scientific SignificanceCariprazine's unique pharmacodynamic profile conveys potential efficacy for MUD. It would be a novel treatment that targets multiple psychiatric symptoms seen in MUD.
Preparation of decellularized optic nerve grafts
Authors: Topuz Bengisu , Aydin Halil Murat 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundDecellularized tissues based on well‐conserved extracellular matrices (ECMs) are a common area of research in tissue engineering. Although several decellularization protocols have been suggested for several types of tissues, studies on the optic nerve have been limited.MethodsWe report decellularization protocol with different detergent for the preparation of acellular optic nerve and tissues were examined. DNA, glycosaminoglycan (GAG), and collagen content of the groups were evaluated with biochemical analyses and examined with histological staining. Mechanical properties, chemical components as well as cytotoxic properties of tissues were compared.ResultsAccording to the results, it was determined that TX‐100 (Triton X‐100) was insufficient in decellularization when used alone. In addition, it was noticed that 85% of GAG content was preserved by using TX‐100 and TX‐100‐SD (sodium deoxycholate), while this ratio was calculated as 30% for SDS. In contrast, the effect of the decellularization protocols on ECM structure of the tissues was evaluated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) and determined their mechanical properties. Cytotoxicity analyses were exhibited minimum 95% cell viability for all groups, suggesting that there are no cytotoxic properties of the methods on L929 mouse fibroblast cells.ConclusionsThe combination of TX‐100‐SD and TX‐100‐SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate) were was determined as the most effective methods to the literature for optic nerve decellularization.
Myocarditis caused byListeria monocytogenesin a dog
Authors: Wong SA , Hugo TB 
Published: October 2021

BackgroundCanine myocarditis can result from infection with bacteriaListeria monocytogenes.Case reportA 14‐week‐old female entire Staffordshire Bull Terrier was assessed for lethargy, inappetence and dyspnoea. Radiographs and echocardiography revealed fluid within the pericardial space, a plaque of marked hyperechogenicity within the right ventricular free wall, marked right atrial dilation and myocardial systolic dysfunction. Histopathology of the myocardium was consistent with severe pyogranulomatous myocarditis, with gram stain revealing gram‐positive bacilli, consistent with a Listerial infection. Bacterial culture of the myocardium yielded a light growth ofListeria monocytogenes.ConclusionTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first case of canine myocarditis caused byListeria monocytogenesto be described and should be included as a differential diagnosis of myocarditis. Further, it prompts the consideration of potential zoonotic risks for veterinarians treating dogs with pericardial effusions.
Efficacy and safety of tocilizumab versus standard care/placebo in patients with COVID‐19; a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Vela Driton , Vela‐Gaxha Zana , Rexhepi Mjellma , Olloni Rozafa , Hyseni Violeta , Nallbani Rajmonda 
Published: October 2021

AimsTocilizumab has emerged as an important therapy in treating patients with coronavirus disease (COVID‐19). Our purpose was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab versus standard care/placebo in patients with COVID‐19.MethodsWe searched a variety of sources from 1 January 2020 to 5 May 2021. All randomized controlled trials that reported tocilizumab efficacy as a primary agent in COVID‐19 patients were considered. RCTs had to include mortality events, incidence of mechanical ventilation and serious adverse events. Two reviewers were independently responsible for data extraction. Assessment of bias and certainty of evidence was carried out using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and GRADE methodology. RR for mortality events was evaluated using a fixed‐effects model.ResultsA total of 6837 patients were included from 10 RCTs, of which nine were peer‐reviewed. Pooled risk ratio (RR) for all‐cause mortality in patients with tocilizumab administration was RR = 0.88 (95% CI: 0.81–0.95, P = .0009). RR for incidence of mechanical ventilation at 28–30 days was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.71–0.88). Serious adverse events (SAE) with tocilizumab use were associated with lower RR (RR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.76–1.09) but the certainty of evidence was downgraded to moderate due to serious risk of bias.ConclusionIn COVID‐19 patients with moderate to critical COVID‐19, use of tocilizumab reduces all‐cause mortality and progression to mechanical ventilation. This efficacy was not associated with higher number of serious adverse events.
Distinct Aβ pathology in the olfactory bulb and olfactory deficits in a mouse model of Aβ and α‐syn co‐pathology
Authors: Friesen Marina , Ziegler‐Waldkirch Stephanie , Egenolf Milena , d'Errico Paolo , Helm Christina , Mezö Charlotte , Dokalis Nikolaos , Erny Daniel , Katzmarski Natalie , Coelho Romina , Loreth Desirée , Prinz Marco , Meyer‐Luehmann Melanie 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSeveral degenerative brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are characterized by the simultaneous appearance of amyloid‐β (Aβ) and α‐synuclein (α‐syn) pathologies and symptoms that are similar, making it difficult to differentiate between these diseases. Until now, an accurate diagnosis can only be made by postmortem analysis. Furthermore, the role of α‐syn in Aβ aggregation and the arising characteristic olfactory impairments observed during the progression of these diseases is still not well understood. Therefore, we assessed Aβ load in olfactory bulbs of APP‐transgenic mice expressing APP695KM670/671NL and PSEN1L166P under the control of the neuron‐specific Thy‐1 promoter (referred to here as APPPS1) and APPPS1 mice co‐expressing SNCAA30P (referred to here as APPPS1 × [A30P]aSYN). Furthermore, the olfactory capacity of these mice was evaluated in the buried food and olfactory avoidance test. Our results demonstrate an age‐dependent increase in Aβ load in the olfactory bulb of APP‐transgenic mice that go along with exacerbated olfactory performance. Our study provides clear evidence that the presence of α‐syn significantly diminished the endogenous and seed‐induced Aβ deposits and significantly ameliorated olfactory dysfunction in APPPS1 × [A30P]aSYN mice.
Specific delivering of RNAi using Spike's aptamer‐functionalized lipid nanoparticles for targeting SARS‐CoV‐2: A strong anti‐Covid drug in a clinical case study
Authors: Saify Nabiabad Haidar , Amini Massoume , Demirdas Serwet 
Published: October 2021

AbstractCoronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) as a global pandemic has attracted the attention of many scientific centers to find the right treatment. We expressed and purified the recombinant receptor‐binding domain (RBD) of the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike (S) protein, and specific RBD aptamers were designed using SELEX method. RNAi targeting nucleocapsid phosphoprotein was synthesized and human lung cells were inoculated with aptamer‐functionalized lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) containing RNAi. The results demonstrated that RBD aptamer having KD values of 0.290 nm possessed good affinity. Based on molecular docking and efficacy prediction analysis, siRNA molecule was showed the best action. LNPs were appropriately functionalized by aptamer and contained RNAi molecules. Antiviral assay using q‐PCR and ELISA demonstrated that LNP functionalized with 35 µm Apt and containing 30 nm RNAi/ml of cell culture had the best antiviral activity compared to other concentrations. Applied aptamer in the nanocarrier has two important functions. First, it can deliver the drug (RNAi) to the surface of epithelial cells. Second, by binding to the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein, it inhibits the virus entrance into cells. Our data reveal an interaction between the aptamer and the virus, and RNAi targeted the virus RNA. CT scan and the clinical laboratory tests in a clinical case study, a 36‐year old man who presented with severe SARS‐CoV‐2, demonstrated that inhalation of 10 mg Apt‐LNPs‐RNAi nebulized/day for six days resulted in an improvement in consolidation and ground‐glass opacity in lungs on the sixth day of treatment. Our findings suggest the treatment of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection through inhalation of Aptamer‐LNPs‐RNAi.
Prolonged postoperative ileus following right‐ versus left‐sided colectomy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Seo Sean Ho Beom , Carson Daniel A. , Bhat Sameer , Varghese Chris , Wells Cameron I. , Bissett Ian P. , O'Grady Greg 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimProlonged postoperative ileus (PPOI) is a common complication following colonic surgery, and is associated with longer hospital stay, greater risk of complications and substantial cost for patients and hospitals. Some reports have recently suggested that gastrointestinal (GI) recovery varies based on the side of resection (i.e., right‐sided vs. left‐sided colectomy). This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to compare GI recovery by resection side.MethodsThe MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and CENTRAL databases were systematically searched for articles reporting GI recovery outcomes in adults undergoing elective right‐ versus left‐sided colectomy (excluding with ileostomy) of any surgical approach. The primary outcome was PPOI, and secondary outcomes included time to first passage of flatus, stool and tolerance of solid diet, and postoperative complications. Subgroup analyses of laparoscopic procedures and cohorts without inflammatory bowel disease and sensitivity analysis of adjusted multivariate results were also performed.ResultsNine studies were identified, of which seven were included in the meta‐analysis, comprising 29 068 colectomies (14 581 right‐sided; 14 487 left‐sided). PPOI was heterogeneously defined and was significantly more likely following right‐sided compared to left‐sided colectomy regardless of the surgical approach (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.32–2.39; P < 0.01; I2 = 51%), as well as on subgroup analyses and adjusted multivariate meta‐analysis. Secondary outcomes were reported in only a few small studies; hence meta‐analysis did not produce reliable results.ConclusionBased on heterogeneous definitions, consistently higher rates of PPOI were observed following right‐ versus left‐sided colectomy. These differences are currently unexplained and highlight the need for further research into the pathophysiology of ileus.
A rare case of acute myocardial infarction related to mobile papillary fibroelastoma of the aortic valve
Authors: Tang Zhuoqin , Liu Mei , Huang He 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWe present the case of a 75‐year‐old woman with typical myocardial infarction but a negative coronary angiogram. Echocardiography identified the rare cause of her chest pain: a mobile mass on the aortic valve that obstructed the coronary ostium. The histopathology revealed a papillary fibroelastoma (PFE), and her chest pain was relieved after surgical resection of the mass.
Top‐down effects of foraging decisions on local, landscape and regional biodiversity of resources (DivGUD)
Authors: Eccard Jana A. , Mendes Ferreira Clara , Peredo Arce Andres , Dammhahn Melanie 
Published: October 2021

AbstractForaging by consumers acts as a biotic filtering mechanism for biodiversity at the trophic level of resources. Variation in foraging behaviour has cascading effects on abundance, diversity, and functional trait composition of the community of resource species. Here we propose diversity at giving‐up density (DivGUD), i.e. when foragers quit exploiting a patch, as a novel concept and simple measure quantifying cascading effects at multiple spatial scales. In experimental landscapes with an assemblage of plant seeds, patch residency of wild rodents decreased local α‐DivGUD (via elevated mortality of species with large seeds) and regional γ‐DivGUD, while dissimilarity among patches in a landscape (ß‐DivGUD) increased. By linking theories of adaptive foraging behaviour with community ecology, DivGUD allows to investigate cascading indirect predation effects, e.g. the ecology‐of‐fear framework, feedbacks between functional trait composition of resource species and consumer communities, and effects of inter‐individual differences among foragers on the biodiversity of resource communities.
A retrospective cohort study of clinical factors, visit patterns, and demographic factors associated with use of remote communications in patients with headache
Authors: Mueller Bridget , Sweetnam Chloe , Klenofsky Britany , Pace Anna , Grant Jihan , Natbony Lauren , Robinson‐Papp Jessica , Kummer Benjamin 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo identify the characteristics associated with high utilization of remote communications (RCs) in patients with headache.BackgroundPatients with headache frequently communicate with their providers using secure portal messaging and telephone calls. However, clinical and demographic factors as well as visit patterns associated with RC utilization remain poorly characterized.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data from patients with headache who were evaluated in the ambulatory neurology faculty practice at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York between January 1 and June 30, 2019. We extracted clinical and demographic characteristics, total office visits, secure MyChart portal messages, and telephone encounters from our institutional data warehouse. We defined high RC and MyChart utilization as the top tertile of RC and MyChart message volume, respectively, and assessed the relationship between patient characteristics and high RC (primary outcome), as well as high MyChart utilization (secondary outcome). We characterized the relationship between clinicodemographic characteristics and the ratio of MyChart messages to total RCs (secondary outcome).ResultsWe identified 1390 patients, of whom 477 (34.3%) were high RC utilizers and 321 (23.1%) were high MyChart utilizers. High RC utilizers generated 3306/3921 (84.3%) RCs. The presence of chronic headache (aOR 2.31, 95% CI 1.75–3.03, p < 0.0001), cluster headache (aOR 18.3, 95% CI 5.0–71.7, p = 0.001), and migraine (aOR 3.82, 95% CI 1.93–9.3, p = 0.011) was associated with high RC utilization. Patients ≥65 years of age were less likely to engage in MyChart messaging as a proportion of RC (191/680, 28.1%) compared with patients 18–30 years of age (243/620, 39.2%, p = 0.049) and 30–64 years of age (1172/2721, 43.1%, p < 0.0001).ConclusionsA minority of patients with headache (477/1390; 34.3%) generated the majority (3306/3921; 84.3%) of RCs. Our findings should be validated in external patient cohorts with the objective of developing strategies to optimize RC utilization.
Investigating the influence of excipient batch variation on the structure, consistency and physical stability of polysorbate 60–based topical vehicles
Authors: Vu Dang Hoang , Tran Huu Hung , Nguyen Hue Minh Thi 
Published: October 2021

AbstractFatty alcohol‐polysorbate 60‐water ternary systems were used as models to represent the continuous phases of the respective semisolid oil‐in‐water emulsions for topical delivery of cosmetic and medicinal agents. The influence of batch variation of polysorbate 60 and fatty alcohol on structure and consistency of these systems was investigated using microscopy, rheology, differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray scattering techniques. The polysorbate 60 : cetostearyl alcohol mixed emulsifying wax showed swelling in water, that is, the lamellar repeat distance continually augmented from 93 to 125 Å with water percentage 20–90%. Cetostearyl alcohol ternary systems were thicker than cetyl alcohol ones independently of polysorbate 60 batches used. All the ternary systems showed an initial increase in consistency over the first 2 weeks of storage, which was followed by slight changes in consistency (cetostearyl alcohol systems) due to the re‐allocation of polysorbate 60 molecules in the gel network or significant breakdown of structure (cetyl alcohol systems) due to the transformation of swollen α‐lamellar gel phase into β, γ crystals on 25°C storage. With all fatty alcohols, the consistency of polysorbate 60 ternary system was directly dependent upon interlamellar water thickness as governed by the length and distribution of polyoxyethylene groups within polysorbate 60 molecules. In relation with the composition of polysorbate 60 batches used, the consistency of ternary systems was higher when prepared with the polysorbate 60 batch containing a greater amount of sorbitan polyoxyethylene monoesters. It was proposed that the swollen α‐crystalline gel phase could be better formed by sorbitan polyoxyethylene monoesters rather than sorbitan polyoxyethylene diesters.