bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Locus-Conserved Circular RNA cZNF292 Controls Endothelial Cell Flow Responses
Authors: Heumüller Andreas W. , Jones Alisha N. , Mourão André , Klangwart Marius , Shi Chenyue , Wittig Ilka , Fischer Ariane , Muhly-Reinholz Marion , Buchmann Giulia K. , Dieterich Christoph , Potente Michael , Braun Thomas , Grote Phillip , Jaé Nicolas , Sattler Michael , Dimmeler Stefanie 
Published: November 2021

Background:
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are generated by back splicing of mostly mRNAs and are gaining increasing attention as a novel class of regulatory RNAs that control various cellular functions. However, their physiological roles and functional conservation in vivo are rarely addressed, given the inherent challenges of their genetic inactivation. Here, we aimed to identify locus conserved circRNAs in mice and humans, which can be genetically deleted due to retained intronic elements not contained in the mRNA host gene to eventually address functional conservation.

Methods and Results:
Combining published endothelial RNA-sequencing data sets with circRNAs of the circATLAS databank, we identified locus-conserved circRNA retaining intronic elements between mice and humans. CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genetic depletion of the top expressed circRNA cZfp292 resulted in an altered endothelial morphology and aberrant flow alignment in the aorta in vivo. Consistently, depletion of cZNF292 in endothelial cells in vitro abolished laminar flow-induced alterations in cell orientation, paxillin localization and focal adhesion organization. Mechanistically, we identified the protein SDOS (syndesmos) to specifically interact with cZNF292 in endothelial cells by RNA-affinity purification and subsequent mass spectrometry analysis. Silencing of SDOS or its protein binding partner Syndecan-4, or mutation of the SDOS-cZNF292 binding site, prevented laminar flow-induced cytoskeletal reorganization thereby recapitulating cZfp292 knockout phenotypes.

Conclusions:
Together, our data reveal a hitherto unknown role of cZNF292/cZfp292 in endothelial flow responses, which influences endothelial shape.
Neonatal Fournier’s gangrene; pattern and predisposing factors in a tertiary health facility in Southern Nigeria
Authors: Philemon E Okoro , Promise W Igwe , Ezioma A Alinnor , Chinwendu A Okoro , Princewill Nwiwu 
Published: November 2021

Fournier’s gangrene (FG), a necrotizing fasciitis of the genital and perineal region, is a serious and debilitating multi-infective pathological condition. More commonly seen in adults, its occurrence in neonates is uncommon. We share our experience with neonatal FG (NFG), highlighting potential factors which may predispose neonates to it. Ours is a five year retrospective review of cases of NFG in our service. Data obtained included health facility of birth, mode of delivery, symptoms and duration, investigation results, treatment and outcome. Sixteen neonates were included, comprising 13 males (M:F  =  4.3:1). Fourteen were delivered outside our centre; breech vaginal delivery, hot water massaging and application of native concoctions were common. All were treated with antibiotics and wound debridement, but five (37.5%) died.NFG is not that rare in our service. Early recognition is imperative to reduce mortality. Neonates delivered by breech vaginally may be particularly at risk.
Comparison of auricle reconstruction with expanded flaps and auricle reconstruction with non-expanded flaps in patients with microtia: A meta-analysis
Authors: Sun Pengfei , Wang Changchen , Luan Fang , Pan Bo 
Published: November 2021

Objective We conducted this meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of these two surgical methods by comparing the incidence of major evaluation indicators. Methods The databases such as PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and VIP information databases were searched. Results The satisfaction rate of patients with auricle reconstruction using expanded flaps was 86.5%, and the satisfaction rate of patients with auricle reconstruction using non-expanded flaps was 87.9%. The incidence of postoperative hematoma was 3.2% in patients with auricle reconstruction using expanded flaps and 18.9% in patients with auricle reconstruction using non-expanded flaps. The incidence of postoperative skin necrosis was 2.2% in patients with auricle reconstruction using expanded flaps and 4.1% in patients with auricle reconstruction using non-expanded flaps. The incidence of postoperative incision infection was 3.1% in patients with auricle reconstruction using expanded flaps and 0.9% in patients with auricle reconstruction using non-expanded flaps. The incidence of cartilage framework exposure was 2.2% in patients with auricle reconstruction using expanded flaps and 1.9% in patients with auricle reconstruction using non-expanded flaps. The incidence of postoperative scar hyperplasia was 3.8% in patients with auricle reconstruction using expanded flaps and 3% in patients with auricle reconstruction using non-expanded flaps. The publication bias of included literature was evaluated by Egger test. There was no publication bias in this Meta-analysis ( P > .05). Conclusion The auricle reconstruction using non-expanded flaps is dominant in four of the six evaluation indexes. Therefore, we believe that the auricle reconstruction using non-expanded flaps has better therapeutic effect in patients with microtia. Due to the limitations of this meta-analysis, the conclusions of this meta-analysis still need to be further verified.
Survival and swallowing function outcome impact factors analysis of surgery-oriented comprehensive treatment for hypopharyngeal cancer in a series of 122 patients
Authors: Li Wan-Xin , Dong Yan-Bo , Lu Cheng , Bradley Patrick J. , Liu Liang-Fa 
Published: November 2021

Objective Under current standards of treating highly aggressive hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC), oncological control and functional outcome are still unsatisfactory worldwide. This study explored the surgery-oriented comprehensive treatment approach based on 15 years of practice. Methods A retrospective cohort of HPC patients treated by the senior author at Chinese PLA General Hospital between Nov 2005 and Aug 2012 and Capital Medical University Beijing Friendship Hospital between May 2014 and Nov 2019 was studied. Oncological control, swallowing function, and quality of life (QoL) were assessed. Results In total, 122 patients were included in this study, with 11 (9.0%) cases in the early stage and 111 (91.0%) cases in the advanced stage. Five-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were 40.0% and 36.1%, respectively. The swallowing outcome was satisfactory in 90 (73.8%) patients. Tracheostomy-free survival was achieved in 55 (45.1%) patients. Multivariate cox regression analysis showed that the size of the surgical defect, local-regional recurrence, and distant metastasis were independent impact factors for OS and DFS ( P < .05). Multivariate analysis showed that the logistic regression coefficients (standard error) of pharyngo-cutaneous fistula and local-regional recurrence on swallowing function were 1.274 (.532) and 1.283 (.496), respectively ( P < .05). In addition, the logistic regression coefficients (standard error) of the clinical stage, local-regional recurrence, decannulation, and feeding tube on QoL were −7.803 (3.593), −7.699 (3.151), 13.853 (3.494), and −20.243 (3.696), respectively ( P < .05). Conclusions Surgery-oriented comprehensive treatment can give rise to good swallowing function without jeopardizing oncological control. The size of the surgical defect, local-regional recurrence, and distant metastasis were independent factors impacting OS and DFS. Pharyngo-cutaneous fistula and local-regional recurrence were independent factors impacting swallowing function. Clinical stage, local-regional recurrence, decannulation, and feeding tube were independent factors impacting QoL.
The German version of the Stroke Upper Limb Capacity Scale: Translation, cross-cultural adaption and evaluation of its psychometric properties
Authors: Egger Marion , Steinböck Martina , Müller Friedemann , Bergmann Jeannine 
Published: November 2021

Objective: To investigate the psychometric properties of a newly developed German version of the Stroke Upper Limb Capacity Scale (SULCS). Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Neurorehabilitation clinic. Subjects: Patients after stroke ( n = 50) with moderate to severe upper limb hemiparesis undergoing inpatient rehabilitation. Intervention: Not applicable. Main measures: The SULCS was administered twice by two different raters on the first day of assessments and another time the day after. Additionally the Fugl-Meyer-Assessment, Action Research Arm Test and the Box and Block Test were conducted. Three and six weeks later, the SULCS, Fugl-Meyer-Assessment and Box and Block Test were repeated. Floor and ceiling effects were analyzed. Results: Reliability was demonstrated to be excellent as displayed by weighted kappa of 0.960 (95%-confidence interval: CIκw = 0.808–1.112) for the intra-rater reliability and 0.936 (CIκw = 0.749–1.123) for the inter-rater reliability. High correlations of the SULCS with the Fugl-Meyer-Assessment (ρ = 0.889), Action Research Arm Test (ρ = 0.872), and Box and Block Test (ρ = 0.845; all P < 0.001) confirmed a high convergent validity. The longitudinal validity was determined by a moderate to high correlation of the SULCS and Box and Block Test changes (ρ ⩾ 0.695, P ⩽ 0.001). Although floor effects were observed for the SULCS (16%), they were more substantial for the Action Research Arm Test and the Box and Block Test (>38%). Conclusion: Due to the good to excellent psychometric properties and the low level of floor effects of the German version of the SULCS, the usage for clinical and scientific purposes can be recommended.
The effect of giving verbal feedback during neck stabilisation exercise as an addition to physical therapy in patients with chronic neck pain: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lin Yi-Jia , Hsu Wei-Chun , Hsieh Lin-Fen , Chang Kae-Chwen , Kuo Ying-Chen , Hsieh Tien-Lee 
Published: November 2021

Objectives To study the addition of feedback-guided neck strength home exercise to physical therapy as an enhanced rehabilitation programme in the treatment of patients with chronic neck pain. Design A prospective randomised controlled trial. Setting Rehabilitation department of an academic hospital. Subjects Patients with chronic neck pain. Interventions The patients in both groups received supervised physical therapy sessions 3 times a week for 12 weeks. Patients in Group A ( N = 38) used the neck strengthening exerciser device for 20 min daily at home for 6 weeks and patients in Group B ( N = 20) performed 20 min of daily regular neck exercise at home for 6 weeks. Outcome measures Neck disability index, pain visual analogue scale, active range of motion of the neck, Patient Global Assessment and patient evaluation of treatment effect. All subjects were assessed at baseline as well as at 6- and 12-week follow-ups. Results At the 6-week follow-up, Group A exhibited significantly greater improvements ( P < 0.05) in pain Visual Analogue Scale (Group A: 2.97 ± 1.57; Group B: 4.20 ± 1.82), neck disability index (Group A: 13.95 ± 8.07; Group B: 20.07 ± 9.14) and active cervical extension (Group A: 65.26 ± 12.76; Group B: 51.45 ± 11.78). At 12-week follow-up, Group A also exhibited significantly greater active cervical extension (Group A: 67.74 ± 11.94; Group B: 53.85 ± 14.09; P < 0.05). Conclusion Adding neck strengthening exerciser home training to physical therapy was demonstrated to be more effective than physical therapy alone for patients with chronic neck pain.
Rurality as a Risk Factor for Attempted Suicide and Death by Suicide in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Barry Rebecca , Rehm Jürgen , de Oliveira Claire , Gozdyra Peter , Chen Simon , Kurdyak Paul 
Published: November 2021

Objective This study aims to examine rural and urban differences in attempted suicide and death by suicide in Ontario, Canada. Method This is a population-based nested case-control study. Data were obtained from administrative databases held at ICES, which capture all hospital and emergency department visits across Ontario between 2007 and 2017. All adults living in Ontario who attempted suicide or died by suicide are included in the study, and controls were matched by sex and age. Suicides were captured using vital statistics. Suicide attempts were determined using emergency department service codes. Results Rurality is a risk factor for attempted suicide and death by suicide. Rural males are more likely to die by suicide compared with urban males (adjusted odds ratio(AOR) = 1.70, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.49 to 1.95), and the odds of death by suicide increase with increasing levels of rurality. Rural males and females have an increased risk of attempted suicide compared with their urban counterparts (males: AOR = 1.37, 95% CI, 1.24 to 1.50) (females: AOR = 1.26, 95% CI,  1.14 to 1.39), with a pattern of increasing risk of suicide attempts with increasing rurality. Rural females are not at increased risk of suicide compared with urban females (AOR = 1.08, 95% CI, 0.80 to 1.45). Sensitivity analyses corroborated the results. Conclusions Rural males are almost two times more likely to die by suicide compared with urban males, and both rural males and females have an elevated risk of suicide attempts compared with urban residents. Future research should examine potential mediators of the relationship between rurality and suicide.
Diagnosed Incidence of Non-Affective Psychotic Disorders Amongst Adolescents in British Columbia and Sociodemographic Risk Factors: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Magee Carly , Guhn Martin , Puyat Joseph H. , Gadermann Anne , Oberle Eva 
Published: November 2021

Objectives To estimate the diagnosed incidence of non-affective psychotic disorder between the ages of 13 and 19 years in South-Western British Columbia (BC) and to examine variation in risk by sex, family and neighbourhood income, family migration background, parent mental health contact and birth year. Methods Linked individual-level administrative data were used to construct a cohort of individuals born in 1990–1998 and residing in South-Western BC ( n = 193,400). Cases were identified by either one hospitalization or two outpatient physician visits within 2 years with a primary diagnosis of a non-affective psychotic disorder (ICD-10: F20–29, ICD-9: 295, 297, 298). We estimated cumulative incidence, annual cumulative incidence and incidence rate between the ages of 13 and 19 years, and conducted Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate associations between sociodemographic factors and risk over the study period. Results We found that 0.64% of females and 0.88% of males were diagnosed with a non-affective psychotic disorder between the ages of 13 and 19 years, with increasing risk observed over the age range, especially amongst males. Incidence rate over the entire study period was 106 per 100,000 person-years for females and 145 per 100,000 person-years for males. Risk of diagnosis was elevated amongst those in low-income families and neighbourhoods, those with a parent who had a health service contact for a mental disorder, and more recent birth cohorts. Risk was reduced amongst children of immigrants compared to children of non-migrants. Conclusions Findings from this study provide important information for health service planning in South-Western BC. Future work should examine whether variations in diagnosed incidence is driven by differences in health service engagement or reflect genuine differences in risk.
On polyvinyl chloride-polypropylene composite matrix for 4D applications: Flowability, mechanical, thermal and morphological characterizations
Authors: Ranjan Nishant , Kumar Ranvijay , Singh Rupinder , Kumar Vinay 
Published: November 2021

Thermoplastics such as; polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polypropylene (PP) have applications in different sectors such as; automobile, aerospace, biomedical, textile, etc. due to cost-effectiveness, biodegradability, high mouldability, easy availability and good mechanical properties. The shape memory performances of these thermoplastics are crucial for extending the four-dimensional (4D) printing applications. But hitherto little has been reported on flowability, mechanical, thermal, morphological and shape memory properties of PVC-PP composite. In this study, twin-screw compounding has been employed on PVC and PP thermoplastics (in single and blended form) to prepare feedstock filaments for fused filament fabrication (FFF). The investigations have been made for flowability (melt flow index (MFI), mechanical (tensile strength and elongation), thermal (melting point) morphological, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis and shape memory effect on different feedstock filaments (prepared with neat PVC, 75%PVC-25%PP, 50%PVC-50%PP, 25%PVC-75%PP and neat PP). The results have been supported by fracture analysis of photomicrographs obtained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results of the study suggested that tensile strength was maximum for 50%PVC-50%PP (23.57 MPa) and minimum for neat PP (8.89 MPa). Further percentage shape recovery was observed maximum for neat PVC and minimum for neat PP.
Effects of larazotide acetate, a tight junction regulator, on the liver and intestinal damage in acute liver failure in rats
Authors: Caliskan Ali Riza , Gul Mehmet , Yılmaz Ismet , Otlu Baris , Uremis Nuray , Uremis Muhammed Mehdi , Kilicaslan Ilkay , Gul Semir , Tikici Deniz , Saglam Osman , Yalcin Muhammed , Demirel Ulvi , Harputluoglu Murat 
Published: November 2021

Background and Aim The epithelial cells are the strongest determinants of the physical intestinal barrier. Tight junctions (TJs) hold the epithelial cells together and allow for selective paracellular permeability. Larazotide acetate (LA) is a synthetic octapeptide that reduces TJ permeability by blocking zonulin receptors. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of LA, a TJ regulator, on the liver and intestinal histology in the model of acute liver failure (ALF) in rats. Materials and Methods The thioacetamide (TAA) group received intraperitoneal (ip) injections of 300 mg/kg TAA for 3 days. The TAA+LA(dw) (drinking water) group received prophylactic 0.01 mg/mL LA orally for 7 days before the first dose of TAA. The LA(dw) group received 0.01 mg/mL LA orally. The TAA + LA(g) (gavage) group received prophylactic 0.01 mg/mL LA via oral gavage for 7 days before the first dose of TAA. The LA(g) group received 0.01 mg/mL LA via oral gavage. While liver tissue was evaluated only with light microscopy, intestinal samples were examined with light and electron microscopy. Results Serum ammonia, AST, and ALT levels in the TAA group were significantly higher than in control groups (all p < 0.01). Serum ALT levels in the TAA + LA(dw) group were significantly lower than in the TAA group ( p < 0.05). However, serum ammonia and ALT levels did not differ between the TAA and other groups. Serious liver damage in the TAA group was accompanied by marked intestinal damage. There was no significant difference between the TAA and TAA + LA(dw) groups and TAA and TAA + LA(g) groups for liver damage scores. However, intestinal damage scores significantly decreased in the TAA + LA(dw) group compared to the TAA group. In the TAA + LA(dw) group, fusion occurred between the surface epithelial cells of neighboring villi and connecting regions formed as epithelial bridges between the villi. Conclusion Our findings suggest that LA reduced intestinal damage by acting on TJs in the TAA-induced ALF model in rats.
Clinicopathological Variables and Outcome in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Associated With BCR-ABL1 Transcript Type and Body Weight: An Outcome of European LeukemiaNet Project
Authors: Abdulla Mohammad A. J. , Chandra Prem , Akiki Susanna El , Aldapt Mahmood B. , Sardar Sundus , Chapra Ammar , Nashwan Abdulqadir J. , Sorio Claudio , Tomasello Luisa , Boni Christian , Yassin Mohamed A. 
Published: November 2021

Objective It is debatable whether BCR-ABL1 transcript type has an impact on outcome of treatment of patients with CML, and it is not widely studied whether body weight influences response to treatment. In this study, we tried to find out if any of these factors has an impact on response to treatment and outcome. Methodology We conducted a retrospective analysis of the files of 79 patients being treated in our center for CML with known BCR-ABL1 breakpoints, and patients’ management and response assessment was done based on ELN 2013 guidelines. The analysis was performed based on two main groups, obese vs. normal BMI, and then based on BCR-ABL1 transcripts: e13a2 vs. e14a2. Cumulative incidence of MMR, CCyR, and DMR were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier survival curve method, and comparisons between groups were performed by the Log-rank/Gray test methods. Results/conclusion In the patient-cohort studied, there was no statistically significant difference in molecular response between patients with CML based on body weight or transcript type although patients in the obesity group achieved higher and faster MMR with no statistical significance.
Brachio-azygos transthoracic arteriovenous grafts for hemodialysis patients with bilateral central venous obstruction: A small case series
Authors: Song Dan , Park Young Woo 
Published: November 2021

Background: It is difficult to find a reliable outflow vein for vascular access in hemodialysis patients with bilateral central venous obstruction. The lower extremity veins are currently used as the most common alternative veins to make a new vascular access. However, in patients not amenable to make lower extremity access, intrathoracic vein should be considered as an outflow vein, but there are limitations in its use due to postoperative complications. Methods: We introduce a series of cases that underwent arteriovenous graft operation using an intrathoracic vein, the azygos arch, as an outflow vein. Brachio-azygos transthoracic arteriovenous graft is a surgical procedure that anastomoses the azygos arch and the brachial artery with 7 mm ringed polytetrafluoroethylene graft via lateral thoracotomy without median sternotomy. Results: The chest tubes of the patients were removed on the third postoperative day and they discharged within a week. About 1 month later, hemodialysis was initiated through the BATAVG, and it has been used without access dysfunction. Conclusion: Brachio-azygos transthoracic arteriovenous grafts were performed using the azygos arches without major complications. The azygos arch can be a good alternative outflow vein to make a new vascular access for hemodialysis patients with bilateral central venous obstruction.
Fundamental investigation using active plasma control to reduce blade–vortex interaction noise
Authors: Patel Trushant K , Lilley Alexander J , Shen Weiqi , Porrello Christian , Schindler-Tyka Alexander , Roy Subrata , Lear William E , Miller Steven AE 
Published: November 2021

Blade vortex interaction noise is a problematic and dominant component of rotor noise. Plasma actuators strategically placed at the tip of the rotor blades can reduce the strength of the tip vortices. This reduction has the potential to significantly reduce blade vortex interaction noise. A combined experimental, numerical, and theoretical program shows supporting evidence that low power plasma actuators can effectively lower coherence of the blade tip vortex and reduce blade vortex interaction noise over-pressure by up to 80%. For a nominal small five-bladed unmanned aerial vehicle, we predict an approximate 8.88 maximum ΔdB reduction for a 150 m/s tip speed. Experimental, computational, and acoustic modeling support these predictions. This study represents a fundamental investigation in the fixed-frame, which provides evidence for higher level research and testing in a rotating framework.