bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stiffness reduction of the rib cage to perform a minimally invasive pectus excavatum repair: biomechanical evaluation
Authors: Vega-Artiles Ángel Gabriel , Pérez David , Martel Oscar , Cuadrado Alberto , Yánez Alejandro 
Published: July 2021

Abstract OBJECTIVESTo study the influence of sternal transection and costal chondrotomies on the stiffness and stresses in the rib cage of adult patients undergoing Nuss pectus excavatum procedure.METHODSFour pectus excavatum models with different Haller indexes were created by parameterizing a 3D model of a rib cage obtained based on a computed tomography scan of a patient with no pectus deformity. Using the finite element method, insertion of intrathoracic bars into all models was simulated in 3 conditions, namely, non-intervened, transverse sternal section and costal chondrotomies. Stiffness, stress distribution and maximum stresses for each case were obtained and compared.RESULTSTransverse sternotomy provided a reduction of 44% to 54% in the stiffness of the rib cage, depending on the Haller index analysed, while chondrotomies promoted a stiffness reduction of 70%. Stress distribution in the rib cage followed similar pattern for all the tested Haller index, but the maximum stress decreased by 36% when performing a transverse sternotomy, whereas when performing costal chondrotomies, it decreased by 47%.CONCLUSIONSComputational results report that transverse sternotomy reduces appreciably the stiffness of the rib cage, while costal chondrotomies promote even a higher stiffness reduction. Thus, these surgical procedures could improve the clinical outcomes of adult patients undergoing a pectus excavatum repair.
Dictionaries in German and Spanish primary education curricula: A comparative study
Authors: Egido Vicente María 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis paper presents the results of a comparative curriculum-based study conducted to analyse the way dictionaries and the development of lexicographical skills are addressed in primary education in Germany and Spain. To carry out the study, the curricula of two language subjects taught throughout the country were selected, namely First Language (German and Spanish, respectively) and First Foreign Language (English). Within the methodology framework for documentary analysis, several thematic categories will be identified inductively from explicit references located in the selected curricula that will serve as tertium comparationis. The main objective is to find out whether the curriculum regulations consider dictionaries and the development of specific skills for using them in this first stage of education as part of the process of training literacy in the first language and foreign language teaching-learning context.
Characterization of Boundedness on Weighted Modulation Spaces of τ-Wigner Distributions
Authors: Guo Weichao , Chen Jiecheng , Fan Dashan , Zhao Guoping 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This paper is devoted to give several characterizations on a more general level for the boundedness of $\tau $-Wigner distributions acting from weighted modulation spaces to weighted modulation and Wiener amalgam spaces. As applications, sharp exponents are obtained for the boundedness of $\tau $-Wigner distributions on modulation spaces with power weights. We also recapture the main theorems of Wigner distribution obtained by Cordero and Nicola [10] and Cordero [6]. As consequences, the characterizations of the boundedness on weighted modulation spaces of several types of pseudodifferential operators are established. In particular, we give the sharp exponents for the boundedness of pseudodifferential operators with symbols in Sjöstrand’s class and the corresponding Wiener amalgam spaces.
Real-World Clinical Outcomes of Bamlanivimab and Casirivimab-Imdevimab Among High-Risk Patients With Mild to Moderate Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Ganesh Ravindra , Philpot Lindsey M , Bierle Dennis M , Anderson Ryan J , Arndt Lori L , Arndt Richard F , Culbertson Tracy L , Destro Borgen Molly J , Hanson Sara N , Kennedy Brian D , Kottke Brian B , Larsen Jennifer J , Ramar Priya , Rosedahl Jordan K , Seville Maria Teresa , Speicher Leigh L , Tulledge-Scheitel Sidna M , Wilker Caroline G , Razonable Raymund R 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Background
Bamlanivimab and casirivimab-imdevimab are authorized for treatment of mild to moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in high-risk patients. We compared the outcomes of patients who received these therapies to identify factors associated with hospitalization and other clinical outcomes.

Methods
Adult patients who received monoclonal antibody from 19 November 2020 to 11 February 2021 were selected and divided into those who received bamlanivimab (n = 2747) and casirivimab-imdevimab (n = 849). The 28-day all-cause and COVID-19–related hospitalizations were compared between the groups.

Results
The population included 3596 patients; the median age was 62 years, and 50% were female. All had ≥1 medical comorbidity; 55% had multiple comorbidities. All-cause and COVID-19–related hospitalization rates at 28 days were 3.98% and 2.56%, respectively. After adjusting for medical comorbidities, there was no significant difference in all-cause and COVID-19–related hospitalization rates between bamlanivimab and casirivimab-imdevimab (adjusted hazard ratios [95% confidence interval], 1.4 [.9–2.2] and 1.6 [.8–2.7], respectively). Chronic kidney, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and immunocompromised status were associated with higher likelihood of hospitalization.

Conclusions
This observational study on the use of bamlanivimab and casirivimab-imdevimab in high-risk patients showed similarly low rates of hospitalization. The number and type of medical comorbidities are associated with hospitalizations after monoclonal antibody treatment.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Livers of Inactive Carriers of Hepatitis B Virus With Distinct Expression of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen
Authors: Rico Montanari Noe , Ramirez Ricardo , Van Buuren Nick , van den Bosch Thierry P P , Doukas Michail , Debes Jose D , Feierbach Becket , Boonstra Andre 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Inactive carrier phases in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection present minimal liver disease and HBV replication activity suggesting partial immune reconstitution, although the mechanisms responsible remain elusive. Moreover, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) production—hypothesized to modulate the immune response—is unaltered. In the current study, we assessed the intrahepatic transcriptome in inactive carriers of HBV versus healthy liver donors, including in the context of diverse HBsAg levels (serum and liver), to better understand the phenomenon of immune control. We found a deregulated liver transcriptome in inactive carriers compared with healthy controls, despite normal liver function. Moreover, diverse HBsAg levels have minimal impact on the liver transcriptome in inactive carriers, although gene correlation analysis revealed that leukocyte activation, recruitment, and innate responses genes were correlated with liver HBsAg levels. These findings provide more insight into the mechanisms underlying anti-HBV strategies currently under development, aimed at interfering with HBsAg production or inducing a state of immune control.
Mechanisms for the regulation of memory B-cell recall responses in mice
Authors: Kitamura Daisuke 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Upon infection by pathogens or vaccination, the adaptive immune system rapidly but transiently produces antibodies. Some weeks later, however, long-lasting immunity is established that protects the host against the same pathogens almost for life through continuous production of antibodies on one hand and the maintenance of cytotoxic T cells on the other, collectively called immunological memory. The antibody-mediated arm, also called serological memory, is mainly exerted by long-lived plasma cells and memory B cells (MBCs). MBCs express receptors for the specific pathogens and circulate to survey the body for almost a life-long period. Upon recognizing the pathogen, MBCs clonally expand and produce a large amount of the specific antibodies to stop the infection, the process called a (memory) recall response. Although such a function of MBCs has long been known, the mechanism of how their performance is regulated has been obscure. This is due to their paucity in the body, lack of definitive surface markers and obscure ontogeny. However, recent studies have revealed the multifold mechanisms by which the recall response of MBCs is regulated: rapid and enhanced antibody production is due to a mechanism intrinsic to MBCs, namely, up-regulated expression levels of surface molecules interacting with T cells and the property of IgG-class antigen receptors; to a property of the responsible subset of MBCs; and to co-stimulation through innate receptors and cytokines. It has also been unveiled that the recall response is negatively regulated by an inhibitory receptor on MBCs and by antigens with repetitive epitopes.
Comparison of 6 SARS-CoV-2 Molecular Methods and Correlation With the Cycle Threshold Distribution in Clinical Specimens
Authors: Raju Saravanan , Anderson Neil W , Robinson Elizabeth , Squires Crystal , Wallace Meghan A , Zhang Ray , Burnham Carey-Ann D , Parikh Bijal A 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Background
The detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in patient samples is of critical importance in the management of patients and monitoring transmission in the population. However, data on the analytical performance characteristics for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in clinical specimens between individual targets within the same platform, and among different analytical platforms, are limited.

Methods
Here we evaluated the performance of 6 different sample-to-answer SARS-CoV-2 detection methods—Roche cobas 6800, Cepheid GeneXpert, Diasorin Simplexa, Luminex Aries emergency use authorization (EUA), Luminex Aries research use only (RUO), and bioMérieux BioFire—in clinical specimens with a range of viral loads.

Results
The positive percentage agreement between the Roche cobas 6800 and GeneXpert was 100%, Diasorin 95%, Aries EUA 74%, Aries RUO 83%, and BioFire 97%. Notably, in samples with cycle threshold (Ct) values below 30 for the E gene on the Roche cobas 6800 platform, we found 100% positive agreement among all platforms. Given these results, we examined the distribution of over 10 000 Ct values of all positive specimens from individuals at our institution on the Roche cobas platform. Nearly 60% of specimens from asymptomatic individuals had a PCR Ct value &gt;30 as measured using the cobas 6800 assay E gene.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate performance characteristics between different platforms by Ct value and provide data regarding the distribution of viral RNA present in positive specimens.
New Insect Host Defense Peptides (HDP) From Dung Beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Transcriptomes
Authors: Téllez Ramirez Germán Alberto , Osorio-Méndez Juan Felipe , Henao Arias Diana Carolina , Toro S. Lily Johanna , Franco Castrillón Juliana , Rojas-Montoya Maribel , Castaño Osorio Jhon Carlos 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The Coleoptera Scarabaeidae family is one of the most diverse groups of insects on the planet, which live in complex microbiological environments. Their immune systems have evolved diverse families of Host Defense Peptides (HDP) with strong antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities. However, there are several peptide sequences that await discovery in this group of organisms. This would pave the way to identify molecules with promising therapeutic potential. This work retrieved two sources of information: 1) De-novo transcriptomic data from two species of neotropical Scarabaeidae (Dichotomius satanas and Ontophagus curvicornis); 2) Sequence data deposited in available databases. A Blast-based search was conducted against the transcriptomes with a subset of sequences representative of the HDP. This work reports 155 novel HDP sequences identified in nine transcriptomes from seven species of Coleoptera: D. satanas (n = 76; 49.03%), O. curvicornis (n = 23; 14.83%), (Trypoxylus dichotomus) (n = 18; 11.61%), (Onthophagus nigriventris) (n = 10; 6.45%), (Heterochelus sp) (n = 6; 3.87%), (Oxysternon conspicillatum) (n = 18; 11.61%), and (Popillia japonica) (n = 4; 2.58%). These sequences were identified based on similarity to known HDP insect families. New members of defensins (n = 58; 37.42%), cecropins (n = 18; 11.61%), attancins (n = 41; 26.45%), and coleoptericins (n = 38; 24.52%) were described based on their physicochemical and structural characteristics, as well as their sequence relationship to other insect HDPs. Therefore, the Scarabaeidae family is a complex and rich group of insects with a great diversity of antimicrobial peptides with potential antimicrobial activity.
MicroRNA Dysregulation in Canine Meningioma: RT-qPCR Analysis of Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Samples
Authors: Foiani Greta , Guelfi Gabriella , Mandara Maria Teresa 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play key roles in tumorigenesis as modulators of cell signaling pathways. miRNA expression has been found to be dysregulated in several human and canine tumors, but data are not yet available on canine meningioma. In this study, we analyzed the expression of 12 miRNAs (i.e. miR-335, miR-200a, miR-98, miR-96, miR-190a, miR-29c, miR-219-5p, miR-155, miR-146a, miR-145, miR-136, miR-451) by RT-qPCR in a series of 41 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded canine meningiomas, and normal arachnoid samples. We identified 8 dysregulated miRNAs that might be involved in canine meningioma pathogenesis. Five miRNAs (i.e. miR-96, miR-145, miR-335, miR-200a, miR-29c), were downregulated in tumor samples and 3 (i.e. miR-136, miR-155, miR-146a) were upregulated. Moreover, miR-200a was overexpressed in grade III compared to grade I and grade II meningiomas, suggesting that it might have a dual role in tumor initiation and progression. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses suggest that dysregulated miRNAs might influence cellular processes and pathways mainly involved in tumor cell migration, extracellular matrix interactions, cell proliferation, and inflammatory responses. The characterization of miRNA functions in canine meningiomas is needed to assess their potential clinical utility, also in view of the relevance of the dog as a potential spontaneous animal model of human disease.
Post-transcriptional gene silencing of CYP76AD controls betalain biosynthesis in bracts of bougainvillea
Authors: Ohno Sho , Makishima Rikako , Doi Motoaki 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Betalain is one of four major plant pigments and shares some features with anthocyanin; however, no plant has been found to biosynthesize both pigments. Previous studies have reported that anthocyanin biosynthesis in some plants is regulated by post-transcriptional gene-silencing (PTGS), but the importance of PTGS in betalain biosynthesis remains unclear. In this study, we report the occurrence of PTGS in betalain biosynthesis in bougainvillea (Bougainvillea peruviana) ‘Thimma’, which produces bracts of three different color on the same plant, namely pink, white, and pink-white. This resembles the unstable anthocyanin pigmentation phenotype that is associated with PTGS, and hence we anticipated the presence of PTGS in the betalain biosynthetic pathway. To test this, we analysed pigments, gene expression, small RNAs, and transient overexpression. Our results demonstrated that PTGS of BpCYP76AD1, a gene encoding one of the betalain biosynthesis enzymes, is responsible for the loss of betalain biosynthesis in ‘Thimma’. Neither the genetic background nor DNA methylation in the BpCYP76AD1 sequence could explain the induction of PTGS, implying that another locus controls the unstable pigmentation. Our results indicate that naturally occurring PTGS contributes to the diversification of color patterns not only in anthocyanin biosynthesis but also in betalain biosynthesis.
Mitigating the Impact of Reemergence From a Pandemic on Healthcare
Authors: Hall Patricia L 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACT
Healthcare workers have never faced a medical crisis that compares to the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic. This modern-day pandemic fight draws parallels to a war. Because of these similarities, it would make sense that the experiences frontline providers have when transitioning to a normal healthcare routine would emulate experiences service members voice when reintegrating home from a battlefield. These common experiences include a unified mission, an exhausting, adrenaline-packed responsibility, and a celebrity-like status to the public. The pandemic response consumed healthcare with one united mission, but as we reemerge from the pandemic and restore other aspects of our healthcare system, multiple missions develop and compete. Returning to a common routine and regular status can manifest feelings of disappointment in healthcare workers’ everyday lives and career choices and lead to a reexamination of priorities and professions. As an organization with a focus on high reliability, mitigating the harm to staff and delivery system may be our new priority. The risk of not facing this situation head on is a potential exodus of seasoned professionals contemplating their future and selecting other career paths, thus draining the current institutional knowledge and potentially deterring future generations from healthcare. Leaders in the healthcare industry need to take a proactive stance in addressing this reemergence. Integrated, proactive programming is needed utilizing evidence-based resiliency training from professional organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, as well as the existing Department of Defense programs. The Veterans Affairs has the backbone to develop and offer these programs and make a positive difference with Employee Whole Health efforts. Organized, evidence-based programming such as second victim education, mindfulness, and other personal skill building could be key to improving the lifelong well-being of our caregivers.
Method for Teaching Life-Saving Combat First-Aid Skills With live–actor Patients Using a Wearable Training Apparatus
Authors: Lv Mingrui , Jia Yijun , Zong Zhaowen , Jiang Renqing , Du Wenqiong , Zhang Lin , Ye Zhao , Zhong Xin 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTIntroductionTraining combat personnel in combat first-aid skills has faced many challenges over time, such as the need to combine tactics with medicine and to overcome combat personnel’s lack of medical background knowledge. Therefore, many simulation methods are currently being developed, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages. In this study, a combined simulation method involving live–actor patients using a wearable training apparatus was developed, and the effects of this method were observed.Materials and MethodsFocusing on the major causes of preventable deaths among victims killed in action, wearable training apparatuses simulating massive hemorrhage, airway obstruction, and tension pneumothorax were designed and produced. Methods of simulating these three injury types using live–actor patients with these training apparatuses were developed, and medical teachers evaluated the simulation effects. The live–actor patients were incorporated into a tactical scenario to train and test nonmedical and medical students in year 3, respectively. High-fidelity simulator-based training and traditional training without simulation served as the control. A post-training survey using a 7-point Likert scale evaluated the trainees’ feelings toward these training approaches.ResultsThree types of training apparatuses were developed to simulate three life-threatening injuries, and the simulation effects of the live–actor patients using these apparatuses were highly recognized by medical teachers. Both live–actor patients and high-fidelity simulator-based training improved performance significantly more than traditional training. However, the improvement due to training with live–actor patients was greater than that due to high-fidelity simulator-based training for nonmedical students, whereas there was no difference between these two simulation methods for medical students. A post-training survey revealed that all the trainees were confident in practicing first-aid skills after training, and they all agreed that live–actor patients could combine tactical situations with first aid better than high-fidelity simulators. The nonmedical students strongly agreed that live–actor patients were more helpful in the training of injury evaluation than high-fidelity simulators.ConclusionsThe method using wearable training apparatus-based live–actor patients was satisfying and effective for teaching life-saving combat first-aid skills, especially for nonmedical students.
Leadership Training in Medicine—12 Years of Experience From the Feagin Leadership Program
Authors: Nosé Brent , Sankey Eric , Moris Dimitrios , Doty Joe , Taylor Dean 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Increasingly, physicians find themselves in demanding leadership positions. However, leadership education for medical trainees remains lacking with most physicians reporting that they are ill-equipped to tackle the challenges of leadership. Here, we set out to describe the Feagin Leadership Program (FLP) and assess its reception and impact on trainees over the past 12 years.

Materials and Methods
During the 1-year FLP, selected scholars from Duke University, Wake Forest University, and the University of North Carolina participate in five leadership sessions, individual coaching, a leadership forum, and a multidisciplinary team–based capstone project. A 28-question survey with six optional free-response questions was distributed to the Feagin Alumni Network, and descriptive statistics were assessed.

Results
Since its founding, 212 scholars have graduated from the FLP and 117 (55%) alumni have gone on to surgical specialties. A survey was distributed among all Feagin alumni. A total of 56 (26%) surveys were completed. Forty-three percent (n = 24) had held at least one leadership position since completing the FLP. When asked about the impact of their experience, 96% (n = 54) said that the program encouraged them to pursue a position of leadership within their field, 95% (n = 53) stated that it prepared them for such a position, and 93% (n = 52) stated that the program positively influenced their decision to be involved with current or future positions of leadership.

Conclusions
Over the last 12 years, the FLP has demonstrated a high perceived impact on personal growth, leadership proficiency, and the decision to pursue leadership positions in medicine. The current dearth of leadership education for surgical trainees can best be addressed with models such as the FLP, with adoption benefiting medical trainees, the medical community, and patients they serve.