bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Hypertension Related Gene G-Protein Coupled Receptor Kinase 4 Contributes to Breast Cancer Proliferation
Authors: Yue Wei , Tran Hanh T. , Wang Ji-ping , Schiermeyer Katherine , Gildea John J. , Xu Peng , Felder Robin A. 
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Clinical studies have shown that breast cancer risk is increased in hypertensive women. The underlying molecular mechanism remains undetermined. The current study tests our hypothesis that G protein coupled receptor kinase 4 (GRK4) is a molecule that links hypertension and breast cancer. GRK4 plays an important role in regulation of renal sodium excretion. Sustained activation of GRK4 as in the circumstances of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) causes hypertension. Expression of GRK4 in the kidney is regulated by cMyc, an oncogene that is amplified in breast cancer. Methods: Western analysis was used to evaluate GRK4 protein expression in seven breast cancer cell lines. GRK4 gene single nucleotide polymorphism in breast cancer cell lines and in breast cancer cDNA arrays were determined using TaqMan Genotyping qPRC. The function of GRK4 was evaluated in MCF-7 cells with cMyc knock-down and GRK4 re-expression and in MDA-MB-468 cells expressing inducible GRK4 shRNA lentivirus constructs. Nuclei counting and 5-Bromo-2’-deoxy-uridine (BrdU) labeling were used to evaluate cell growth and proliferation. Results: Genotyping of GRK4 SNPs in breast cancer cDNA arrays (n = 94) revealed that the frequency of carrying two hypertension related SNPs A142 V or R65 L is threefold higher in breast cancer patients than in healthy people ( P = 7.53E-11). GRK4 protein is expressed in seven breast cancer cell lines but not the benign mammary epithelial cell line, MCF-10A. Three hypertension related SNPs in the GRK4 gene were identified in the breast cancer cell lines. Except for BT20, all other breast cancer lines have 1-3 GRK4 SNPs of which A142 V occurs in all 6 lines. MDA-MB-468 cells contain homozygous A142 V and R65 L SNPs. Knocking down cMyc in MCF-7 cells significantly reduced the growth rate, which was rescued by re-expression of GRK4. We then generated three stable GRK4 knock-down MDA-MB-468 lines using inducible lentiviral shRNA vectors. Doxycycline (Dox) induced GRK4 silencing significantly reduced GRK4 mRNA and protein levels, growth rates, and proliferation. As a marker of cell proliferation, the percentage of BrdU-labeled cells decreased from 45 ± 3% in the cells without Dox to 32 ± 5% in the cells treated with 0.1 µg/mL Dox. Conclusions: GRK4 acts as an independent proliferation promotor in breast cancer. Our results suggest that targeted inhibition of GRK4 could be a new therapy for both hypertension and breast cancer.
The Impact of COVID-19-Prompted Virtual/Remote Work Environments on Employees’ Career Development: Social Learning Theory, Belongingness, and Self-Empowerment
Authors: Yarberry Shana , Sims Cynthia 
Published: May 2021

The Problem The COVID-19 pandemic caused many workers to move from brick and mortar buildings to virtual/remote environments. This created situations in which workers were forced to not only work virtually, but to work alone. The lack of physical contact with others has the potential to stifle efforts to remain engaged and consequently impede career development and progress. The Solution Virtual mentoring is essential for providing emotional support, creating opportunities for dialogue, helping employees discover a balance between work and life, implementing a reward system, and enhancing an overall sense of well-being and belongingness for employees working in virtual/remote environments. Self-efficacy, a component of social learning theory, is a useful concept to study virtual/remote workers who often become self-empowered and rely on their own cognitive abilities to perform in a virtual/remote environment to ensure successful career outcomes. The Stakeholders HRD professionals, managers, supervisors, and others involved in ensuring that workers are engaged, supported, and continuously building skills while working virtually.
Development of an Endovascular Model of Pelvic Hemorrhage Using Volumetric Computed Tomography Validation
Authors: Abdou Hossam , Du Jonathan , Harfouche Melike N. , Patel Neerav , Edwards Joseph , Richmond Michael , Elansary Noha , Morrison Jonathan J. 
Published: May 2021

Purpose Uncontrolled pelvic hemorrhage from trauma is associated with mortality rates above 30%. The ability of an intervention to reduce blood loss from pelvic trauma is paramount to its success. The objective of this study was to determine if computed tomography volumetric analysis could be used to quantify blood loss in a porcine endovascular pelvic hemorrhage model. Materials and Methods Yorkshire swine under general anesthesia underwent balloon dilation and rupture of the profunda femoris artery, which was confirmed by digital subtraction angiography. Computed tomography angiography and postprocessing segmentation were performed to quantify pelvic hemorrhage volume at 5 and 30 minutes after injury. Continuous hemodynamic and iliofemoral flow data were obtained. Baseline and postinjury hemoglobin, hematocrit and lactate were collected. Results Of 6 animals enrolled, 5 survived the 30-minute post-injury period. One animal died at 15 minutes. Median volume of pelvic hemorrhage was 141±106 cm3 at 5 minutes and 302±79 cm3 at 30 minutes with a 114% median increase in hematoma volume over 25 minutes (p=0.040). There was a significant decrease in mean arterial pressure (107 to 71 mm Hg, p=0.030) and iliofemoral flow (561 to 122 mL/min, p=0.014) at 30 minutes postinjury, but no significant changes in hemoglobin, hematocrit, or heart rate. Conclusion Computed tomography volumetric analysis can be used to quantify rate and volume of blood loss in a porcine endovascular pelvic hemorrhage model. Future studies can incorporate this approach when evaluating the effect of hemorrhage control interventions associated with pelvic fractures.
Domains of Health-Related Quality of Life Are Associated With Specific Deficits and Lesion Locations in Chronic Aphasia
Authors: Dvorak Elizabeth L. , Gadson Davetrina S. , Lacey Elizabeth H. , DeMarco Andrew T. , Turkeltaub Peter E. 
Published: May 2021

Background Health-related quality of life (HRQL) in stroke survivors is related to numerous factors, but more research is needed to delineate factors related to HRQL in people with aphasia. Objective To examine the relationship between HRQL and demographic factors, impairment-based measures, and lesion characteristics in chronic aphasia. Methods A total of 41 left-hemisphere stroke survivors with aphasia underwent cognitive testing and magnetic resonance imaging. To address relationships with demographic and impairment-based measures, test scores were entered into a principal component analysis (PCA) and multiple linear regression was performed for overall and domain (physical, communication, psychosocial) scores of the Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale (SAQOL-39g). Independent variables included factor scores from the PCA, motricity, lesion volume, depressed mood, and demographic variables. To address relationships with lesion location, multivariate support vector regression lesion-symptom mapping (SVR-LSM) was used to localize lesions associated with SAQOL-39g scores. Results The PCA yielded 3 factors, which were labeled Language Production, Nonlinguistic Cognition, and Language Comprehension. Multiple linear regression revealed that depression symptoms predicted lower SAQOL-39g average and domain scores. Lower motricity scores predicted lower SAQOL-39g average and physical scores, and lower Language Production factor scores predicted lower communication scores. SVR-LSM demonstrated that basal ganglia lesions were associated with lower physical scores, and inferior frontal lesions were associated with lower psychosocial scores. Conclusions HRQL in chronic left-hemisphere stroke survivors with aphasia relates to lesion location, depression symptoms, and impairment-based measures. This information may help identify individuals at risk for specific aspects of low HRQL and facilitate targeted interventions to improve well-being.
Trends in Brachial Plexus Surgery: Characterizing Contemporary Practices for Exploration of Supraclavicular Plexus
Authors: Hill J. Ryan , Lanier Steven T. , Rolf Liz , James Aimee S. , Brogan David M. , Dy Christopher J. 
Published: May 2021

Background There is variability in treatment strategies for patients with brachial plexus injury (BPI). We used qualitative research methods to better understand surgeons’ rationale for treatment approaches. We hypothesized that distal nerve transfers would be preferred over exploration and nerve grafting of the brachial plexus. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with BPI surgeons to discuss 3 case vignettes: pan-plexus injury, upper trunk injury, and lower trunk injury. The interview guide included questions regarding overall treatment strategy, indications and utility of brachial plexus exploration, and the role of nerve grafting and/or nerve transfers. Interview transcripts were coded by 2 researchers. We performed inductive thematic analysis to collate these codes into themes, focusing on the role of brachial plexus exploration in the treatment of BPI. Results Most surgeons routinely explore the supraclavicular brachial plexus in situations of pan-plexus and upper trunk injuries. Reasons to explore included the importance of obtaining a definitive root level diagnosis, perceived availability of donor nerve roots, timing of anticipated recovery, plans for distal reconstruction, and the potential for neurolysis. Very few explore lower trunk injuries, citing concern with technical difficulty and unfavorable risk-benefit profile. Conclusions Our analysis suggests that supraclavicular exploration remains a foundational component of surgical management of BPI, despite increasing utilization of distal nerve transfers. Availability of abundant donor axons and establishing an accurate diagnosis were cited as primary reasons in support of exploration. This analysis of surgeon interviews characterizes contemporary practices regarding the role of brachial plexus exploration in the treatment of BPI.
Clinical outcomes of the oblique V-Y advancement pulp flap for repair of lateral fingertip injuries
Authors: Arik Atilla , Cevik Kadir , Özcanyüz Burç 
Published: May 2021

We report the use of obliquely oriented V-Y advancement pulp flaps to reconstruct 17 consecutive, lateral oblique fingertip traumatic defects over a 2-year period. All flaps survived completely with no bone protuberance, prominent scar or neuroma evident at an average follow-up of 11 months (range 7 to 19). Although there was no incidence of severe hook nail deformities, there were two patients who had residual mild hook nails, two with pulp/nail asymmetries and one with an ingrown nail. The mean static two-point discrimination was 3.9 mm (range 2 to 8) and the mean Semmes–Weinstein monofilament test score 3.6 g (range 2.44 to 4.56). No correlation was found between the flap obliquity angle and sensory test results. We recommend the obliquely oriented V-Y pulp flap as a reliable reconstructive option for the cover of lateral oblique fingertip defects. Level of evidence: IV
Physician Monitoring of FitBit Use for Patient Health
Authors: Shannahan Anna , Shah Aditya , Wright Katherine , Clements Deborah S 
Published: May 2021

Background Physical activity is a critical component of health. Objective We implemented a pilot project to determine feasibility of embedding activity tracker data within routine primary care visits among family medicine residency patients. This study also examined whether physician monitoring of and feedback concerning tracker improves exercise compliance and overall health. Methods Twenty-six participants received the FitBit Charge HR and were randomized into the self-monitoring (control) or intervention group for 12 weeks. The intervention group received weekly electronic health record (EHR) messages from their physician with feedback. The control group self-monitored activity. Results Data demonstrates patient interest in sharing exercise data with primary providers, patient-generated exercise data can be embedded within visits to personalize recommendations, and patient-physician data sharing is logistically feasible via the EHR. Conclusion Physicians can utilize activity trackers to potentially positively influence patients’ exercise. This research supports the shift toward personalized medicine by facilitating conversations and additional studies about fitness data.
Adoption of Enhanced Surgical Recovery (ESR) Protocol for Lumbar Fusion Decreases In-Hospital Postoperative Opioid Consumption
Authors: Jazini Ehsan , Thomson Alexandra E. , Sabet Andre D. , Carreon Leah Y. , Roy Rita , Haines Colin M. , Schuler Thomas C. , Good Christopher R. 
Published: May 2021

Study Design: Retrospective observational cohort. Objectives: We sought to evaluate the impact of ESR on in-hospital and 90-day postoperative opioid consumption, length of stay, urinary catheter removal and postoperative ambulation after lumbar fusion for degenerative conditions. Methods: We evaluated patients undergoing lumbar fusion surgery at a single, multi-surgeon center in the transition period prior to (N = 174) and after (N = 116) adoption of ESR, comparing in-hospital and 90-day postoperative opioid consumption. Regression analysis was used to control for confounders. Secondary analysis was preformed to evaluate the association between ESR and length of stay, urinary catheter removal and ambulation after surgery. Results: Mean age study participants was 52.6 years with 62 (47%) females. Demographic characteristics were similar between the Pre-ESR and ESR groups. ESR patients had better 3-month pain scores, ambulated earlier, had urinary catheters removed earlier and decreased in-hospital opioid consumption compared to Pre-ESR patients. There was no difference in 90-day opioid consumption between the 2 groups. Regression analysis showed that ESR was strongly associated with in-hospital opioid consumption, accounting for 30% of the variability in Morphine Milligram Equivalents (MME). In-hospital opioid consumption was also associated with preoperative pain scores, number of surgical levels, and insurance type (private vs government). Pre-op pain sores were associated with 90-day opioid consumption. Secondary analysis showed that ESR was associated with a shorter length of stay and earlier ambulation. Conclusions: This study showed ESR has the potential to improve recovery after lumbar fusion for degenerative conditions with reduced in-hospital opioid consumption and improved postoperative pain scores.
A Relationship Between the Factor Indivisibility and the Output Elasticity of the Indivisible Factor
Authors: Das Dipankar 
Published: May 2021

The paper puts forth a notion and derives a special type of production function where labour is an indivisible factor and is in the integer space. Thus, Newtonian calculus is not an appropriate method of deriving the marginal value because limit point does not exist. This shows that indivisibility determines the output elasticity. In the first part, the paper propounds a notion regarding how indivisibility determines curvature of the production function. In the second part, the paper incorporates the findings within a production function and derives a new type accordingly. Moreover, it formally derives the standard wage equation considering all the entitlements of labour, namely (a) normal wages, (b) interest and (c) rent of ability. So far, no such mathematical proof is there to support this wage composition. This paper, for the first time, derives this wage equation considering indivisibility of labour. JEL Classifications: J23, J24, J31, D24, C61, E24, L8
In Vivo Kinematic Analysis of Lateral Meniscal Allograft Transplantation With Soft Tissue Fixation
Authors: Macchiarola Luca , Di Paolo Stefano , Grassi Alberto , Dal Fabbro Giacomo , Lucidi Gian Andrea , Cucurnia Ilaria , Zaffagnini Stefano 
Published: May 2021

Background: Lateral meniscal deficiency increases the pivot shift in the knee, and although meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) is a well-established procedure with satisfactory clinical results, biomechanical studies have failed to show whether this procedure is able to restore knee kinematics. Purpose: To assess, in vivo, the kinematic effect of lateral MAT in anterior cruciate ligament–intact knees, with a particular focus on the pivot-shift maneuver. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Enrolled in this study were 10 consecutive patients undergoing lateral MAT. A surgical navigation system was used to acquire and quantify the following variables: anterior-posterior displacement at 30° of flexion (AP30) and 90° of flexion (AP90), varus-valgus rotation at 0° of flexion (VV0) and 30° of flexion, and dynamic laxity on the pivot-shift test, which was determined through anterior displacement of the lateral tibial compartment (APlat) and posterior acceleration of the lateral tibial compartment during tibial reduction (ACC). Data from before and after MAT were compared. Results: From pre- to postoperatively, there was a significant decrease in tibial translation of 2.8 mm (43%; P = .005) for AP30 and 1.9 mm (38%; P = .018) for AP90 as well as a significant difference of 3.6° (64%; P = .001) for VV0. There was also a significant pre- to postoperative reduction in the pivot shift of 7.4 mm (39%; P = .021) for APlat and 302.9 mm/s2 (75%; P = .005) for ACC. Conclusion: Lateral MAT improved knee kinematic parameters at time zero after surgery; the biomechanical effect of MAT was particularly evident during the pivot-shift maneuver.
The Mediating Role of Shared Decision-Making in the Effect of the Patient–Physician Relationship on Compliance With Treatment
Authors: Deniz Serkan , Akbolat Mahmut , Çimen Mesut , Ünal Özgün 
Published: May 2021

Background: For a successful treatment outcome, the components of the treatment process are very important. The patient–physician relationship plays a key role in the successful therapeutic process and effective health service delivery. The patient’s compliance with the treatment directly affects the success of the treatment. Objective: This study aims to determine the effect of the patient–physician relationship on compliance with the treatment and to determine whether shared decision-making has an mediating role in this effect. Patient Involvement: Most of the study participants (55%) were younger than 35 and their average age was 30. The majority of the participants have an associate degree or higher education. Method: The study used a 4-part survey form as the data collection tool. The sample in this study consisted of 399 participants. To analyze the obtained data, Structural Equation Modeling was used by employing the Smart PLS3 software. Results: The results of the study show that the patient–physician relationship positively affects the patient’s compliance with the treatment and shared decision-making. In addition, shared decision-making positively affects the patient’s compliance with the treatment. The effect of the patient–physician relationship on compliance with treatment was strengthened through shared decision-making. Discussion: The results of the study revealed that patient–physician relationship and shared decision-making are two important factors in patients’ compliance with the treatment. Accordingly, the stronger the patient–physician relationship and the more patients participate in their treatment decisions, the higher their compliance with the treatment.
Unilateral Retinal Vasculitis as the Presenting Manifestation of Parry-Romberg Syndrome (Progressive Hemifacial Atrophy)
Authors: Atchison Elizabeth A. , Szewka Aimee J. , Merrill Pauline T. 
Published: May 2021

Purpose: This work aims to present a case of retinal vasculitis associated with Parry-Romberg syndrome. Method: A case report is presented. Results: A 17-year-old man with new floaters was found to have 20/40 vision with 1+ vitreous cell and retinal vasculitis in the right eye only. Workup for infectious etiologies did not reveal an explanation for the retinal vasculitis. However, magnetic resonance imaging of the head showed areas of linear band-like atrophy and scarring of the scalp and soft tissues as well as areas of gliosis and encephalomalacia in the subcortical white matter, all of which were consistent with Parry-Romberg syndrome. The patient was prescribed oral steroids and methotrexate, and the retinal vasculitis improved. Conclusions: Parry-Romberg syndrome is a rarely reported cause of retinal vasculitis and should be kept in the differential for retinal vasculitis.
P16 and P53 Expression in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Brief Report From The Experience of South of Iran, and Review of the Literature
Authors: Geramizadeh Bita , Mohammadian Alireza , Shojazadeh Alireza , Mohammadzadeh Sahand 
Published: May 2021

Background: Iran is one of the high-risk countries for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been reported as one of the etiologic, pathogenetic, and prognostic factors in this tumor, especially in high-risk geographic areas. Previous reports from our geographic area, that is, the South of Iran failed to show any evidence of HPV in the cases of ESCC by molecular methods. Objectives: In this study, we evaluated P16 and P53 immunohistochemistry (IHC) expression in the cases of esophageal ESCC from Fars province in the South of Iran to find the presence of any correlation between clinicopathologic findings with P16 and P53 expression by IHC as etiologic and prognostic biomarkers. We also tried to compare the results from other geographic areas of Iran and the world. Results: P16 and P53 expression were found in 42.9% and 66.12% of ESCCs, respectively. No statistically significant correlation was found between clinicopathologic findings and P16 pr P53 expression. Conclusion: Although P16 and P53 expression in ESCC in the South of Iran is significant, there is no statistically significant correlation between clinicopathologic findings and outcome in ESCC and expression of these 2 proteins to be considered as biomarkers. Results from other geographic areas of Iran and the world are also very controversial and inconsistent.