bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fiber-optic laser energy for pulmonary artery denervation: results of an experimental study
Authors: Condori Leandro H I , Vakhrushev A , Goncharova N , Korobchenko L , Koshevaya E , Mitrofanova L , Andreeva E , Moiseeva O , Lebedev D , Mikhaylov E 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background/Introduction
Pulmonary artery denervation (PADN) is an interventional procedure aiming to modulate and correct pulmonary artery (PA) pressure. New technologies and energy sources are being tested currently. However, the effects of laser energy on the PA wall are unknown.

Purpose
To assess the acute effects and impact of laser energy for PADN procedure in normotensive sheep by applying different power settings and session times.

Methods
A total of 10 normotensive Katumsky sheep were included in the experiment. Percutaneous vascular access was performed under general anesthesia. A fiberoptic open-irrigated non-steerable catheter was introduced via a femoral vein through a steerable sheath. Laser applications were applied in the PA trunk and the proximal areas of the right and left PA under fluoroscopic guidance with a 5mm distance between points in the anterior, posterior and lateral walls. Applications were delivered with power 10–30W, 10–35s in duration; irrigation flow 40ml/min. After the procedure, experimental animals were euthanized and underwent an autopsy. PA samples were obtained regardless of the absence of visible laser-related lesions for histological analysis (hematoxylin staining) and immunohistochemical labelling (S100).

Results
A total of 108 ablation sessions were performed, 33 in the right PA, 30 in the left PA and 42 in the PA trunk. During macroscopic examination, laser-related lesions described as irregular brown hemorrhage spots and rough defects observed in the PA endothelium were not homogenous in all experimental animals. Thermal injuries either in the left or right lung lobes were identified in 5 (50%) experimental animals when using 30W during 10–20sec. In 5 (50%) sheep no collateral lung injuries were identified when using 10–20W from 20–35s. A total of 64 PA fragments underwent microscopic examination, acute thermal tissue lesions were observed in all experimental animals despite the absence of laser-related lesions in the PA endothelium; dissection, edema, disruption trough tunica layers, hemorrhage and necrosis at different depth walls. The most frequent nerve damage was obtained with 20W ablation: 5/8 PAs vs, 1/6 with 10–15W and 1/14 with 25–30W (P=0.01). At the same time, there was no difference in intima necrosis between the groups (1/6, 2/8 and 4/14 for 10–15, 20 and 25–30W groups, respectively).

Conclusion(s)
Percutaneous PA laser ablation is feasible, reduction of perivascular nerve expression is seen most frequently, when 20W/20–35 s ablation is performed. PA lesions may differ in depth and characteristics, and perivascular nerve damage might be seen in cases with preserved intima.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Grant of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation
Staphylococcus aureus flavohaemoglobin contributes to early stage biofilm development under nitrosative stress
Authors: Carvalho Sandra M , Freitas Cláudia S , Oliveira Ana S , Saraiva Lígia M 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACT
Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium with capacity to form biofilms, which constitute an important resistance mechanism and virulence factor. Flavohaemoglobin (Hmp) is a major nitric oxide (NO) detoxifier of several bacteria, including S. aureus. Although Hmp has a well-known physiological role linked to response of planktonic cells to nitrosative stress, its contribution to biofilm formation remains unaddressed. Hence, in this work, we investigated the role of Hmp in biofilm development of a methicillin-resistant S. aureus strain. For this purpose, we exposed the hmp mutant to nitrosative stress and examined its behaviour along biofilm development. We observed that cells inactivated in hmp and grown under nitrosative stress conditions have significantly impaired capacity to develop early stage biofilms. Furthermore, the wild-type biofilm phenotype was fully restored by trans-complementation of hmp in the hmp mutant. Coculture studies of NO-producing macrophages with S. aureus revealed that the hmp mutant has significantly lower capacity to develop biofilm biomass when compared with the wild type. Thus, we concluded that the pathogen S. aureus relies on Hmp to establish viable biofilms in the presence of cells of the host innate immune system.
Temporal filtering and time-lapse inversion of geoelectrical data for long-term monitoring with application to a chlorinated hydrocarbon contaminated site
Authors: Nivorlis Aristeidis , Rossi Matteo , Dahlin Torleif 
Published: October 2021

SUMMARYWe present a solution for long-term direct current resistivity and time-domain induced polarization (DCIP) monitoring, which consists of a monitoring system and the associated software that automates the data collection and processing. This paper describes the acquisition system that is used for remote data collection and then introduces the routines that have been developed for pre-processing of the monitoring data set. The collected data set is pre-processed using digital signal processing algorithms for outlier detection and removal; the resulting data set is then used for the inversion procedure. The suggested processing workflow is tested against a simulated time-lapse experiment and then applied to field data. The results from the simulation show that the suggested approach is very efficient for detecting changes in the subsurface; however, there are some limitations when no a priori information is used. Furthermore, the mean weekly data sets that are generated from the daily collected data can resolve low-frequency changes, making the approach a good option for monitoring experiments where slow changes occur (i.e. leachates in landfills, internal erosion in dams, bioremediation). The workflow is then used to process a large data set containing 20 months of daily monitoring data from a field site where a pilot test of in situ bioremediation is taking place. Based on the time-series analysis of the inverted data sets, we can detect two portions of the ground that show different geophysical properties and that coincide with the locations where the different fluids were injected. The approach that we used in this paper provides consistency in the data processing and has the possibility to be applied to further real-time geophysical monitoring in the future.
A multiethnic whole genome sequencing study to identify novel loci for bone mineral density
Authors: Greenbaum Jonathan , Su Kuan-Jui , Zhang Xiao , Liu Yong , Liu Anqi , Zhao Lan-Juan , Luo Zhe , Tian Qing , Shen Hui , Deng Hong-Wen 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
At present, there have only been a few DNA sequencing-based studies to explore the genetic determinants of bone mineral density (BMD). We carried out the largest whole genome sequencing analysis to date for femoral neck and spine BMD (n = 4981), with one of the highest average sequencing depths implemented thus far at 22×, in a multiethnic sample (58% Caucasian and 42% African American) from the Louisiana Osteoporosis Study (LOS). The LOS samples were combined with summary statistics from the GEFOS consortium and several independent samples of various ethnicities to perform GWAS meta-analysis (n = 44 506). We identified 31 and 30 genomic risk loci for femoral neck and spine BMD, respectively. The findings substantiate many previously reported susceptibility loci (e.g. WNT16 and ESR1) and reveal several others that are either novel or have not been widely replicated in GWAS for BMD, including two for femoral neck (IGF2 and ZNF423) and one for spine (SIPA1). Although we were not able to uncover ethnicity specific differences in the genetic determinants of BMD, we did identify several loci which demonstrated sex-specific associations, including two for women (PDE4D and PIGN) and three for men (TRAF3IP2, NFIB and LYSMD4). Gene-based rare variant association testing detected MAML2, a regulator of the Notch signaling pathway, which has not previously been suggested, for association with spine BMD. The findings provide novel insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of osteoporosis.
¿Límites de tratados internacionales al poder constituyente? Análisis del caso chilenoLimits of international treaties to the constituent power? Analysis of the Chilean case
Authors: Salgado Constanza , Lovera Domingo , Contreras Pablo 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Chile is undergoing a constituent process to replace its Constitution. Within the rules that regulate the process, it is established that the text of the new Constitution must respect the international treaties ratified by Chile. Some authors have pointed out that this rule entails a substantive limit to the process underway. This paper argues that the rule has another constitutional function: to ensure the exclusive dedication of the Constitutional Convention. It does not follow, however, that international treaties —especially human rights treaties— will not serve as a standard or guideline for the process. Such soft approach, which is a way to respect international law, is fully consistent with a democratic version of the constituent power.
Thoracic stent-graft herniation through the aortic wall in a case of lung cancer
Authors: Nishioka Naritomo , Kurimoto Yoshihiko , Abe Masaru , Kato Hiroaki 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
A 67-year-old man had left upper lung cancer with invasion into the descending aorta. He underwent pre-emptive thoracic endovascular aortic repair using a Valiant Navion followed by left lung upper lobectomy with resection of the aortic wall. Because of continuous bleeding, he underwent re-thoracotomy. Since the surgically resected aortic wall was largely cleaved, bleeding around the stent-graft that herniated into the left pleural cavity was observed. Re-thoracic endovascular aortic repair using a GORE TAG was immediately performed to prevent further stent-graft herniation and impending lethal haemorrhage. It may be necessary to consider reinforcement of the resected aortic wall to prevent thoracic endovascular aortic repair-related complications.
Subxiphoid-subcostal thoracoscopic thymectomy for seropositive myasthenia offers equivalent remission rates and potentially faster recovery
Authors: Cao Peng , Hu Shan , Qu Wensheng , Kong Kangle , Han Peng , Yue Jiaqi , Deng Yu , Fu Xiangning , Li Fan , Zhao Bo 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
To compare the perioperative and follow-up outcomes of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) receiving subxiphoid-subcostal or unilateral thoracoscopic thymectomy and to identify the factors affecting MG prognosis.

METHODS
From January 2013 to December 2019, a total of 137 consecutive MG patients received subxiphoid-subcostal thoracoscopic thymectomy (STT, n = 65) or conventional unilateral thoracoscopic thymectomy (UTT, n = 72). The primary outcomes of this study were perioperative complications, duration and expenses of hospitalization, VAS score and complete stable remission (CSR).

RESULTS
The patients receiving STT had significantly shorter drainage duration and postoperative hospital stay and lower hospitalization expenses (P &lt; 0.01). Pain scores on postoperative Days 1, 3, 7 and 14 were significantly lower in patients undergoing STT (P &lt; 0.01). The average follow-up was 54.3 ± 24.18 months, with a CSR rate of 30.6% and an overall effective rate of 87.3%. Through uni- and multivariable analyses, shorter symptom duration and Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) class I were independent predictors for CSR in MG patients receiving thymectomy.

CONCLUSIONS
The present study not only showed that STT was a safe and feasible technique for MG, with a potentially faster postoperative recovery, lower hospitalization expenses, less postoperative pain and equivalent remission rate, but also revealed that shorter symptom duration and MGFA class I were favourable prognostic factors for CSR.
Graft flow assessment and early coronary artery bypass graft failure: a computed tomography analysis
Authors: D’Alessio Andrea , Akoumianakis Ioannis , Kelion Andrew , Terentes-Printzios Dimitrios , Lucking Andrew , Thomas Sheena , Verdichizzo Danilo , Keiralla Amar , Antoniades Charalambos , Krasopoulos George 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
We evaluated graft patency by computed tomography and explored the determinants of intraoperative mean graft flow (MGF) and its contribution to predict early graft occlusion.

METHODS
One hundred and forty-eight patients under a single surgeon were prospectively enrolled. Arterial and endoscopically harvested venous conduits were used. Intraoperative graft characteristics and flows were collected. Graft patency was blindly evaluated by a follow-up computed tomography at 11.4 weeks (median).

RESULTS
Graft occlusion rate was 5.2% (n = 22 of 422; 8% venous and 3% arterial). Thirteen were performed on non-significant proximal stenosis while 9 on occluded or &gt;70% stenosed arteries. Arterial and venous graft MGF were lower in females (Parterial = 0.010, Pvenous = 0.009), with median differences of 10 and 13.5 ml/min, respectively. Arterial and venous MGF were associated positively with target vessel diameter ≥1.75 mm (Parterial = 0.025; Pvenous = 0.002) and negatively with pulsatility index (Parterial &lt; 0.001; Pvenous &lt; 0.001). MGF was an independent predictor of graft occlusion, adjusting for EuroSCORE-II, pulsatility index, graft size and graft type (arterial/venous). An MGF cut-off of 26.5 ml/min for arterial (sensitivity 83.3%, specificity 80%) and 36.5 ml/min for venous grafts (sensitivity 75%, specificity 62%) performed well in predicting early graft occlusion.

CONCLUSIONS
We demonstrate that MGF absolute values are influenced by coronary size, gender and graft type. Intraoperative MGF of &gt;26.5 ml/min for arterial and &gt;36.5 ml/min for venous grafts is the most reliable independent predictor of early graft patency. Modern-era coronary artery bypass graft is associated with low early graft failure rates when transit time flow measurement is used to provide effective intraoperative quality assurance.
True thymic hyperplasia causing pure red cell aplasia: a case report
Authors: Mohammad Adam , Dawson Alan G , Bajaj Amrita , Rathinam Sridhar 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Pure red cell aplasia caused by true thymic hyperplasia is extremely rare. We report the case of a 25-year-old female diagnosed with pure red cell aplasia. Following a thymectomy confirming true thymic hyperplasia and corticosteroid therapy, complete response was achieved. Patients diagnosed with pure red cell aplasia should be investigated with a computerized tomographic scan to assess for thymic pathology and if present, this should be resected. Follow-up is essential to monitor for recurrence.
Paediatric Takayasu’s arteritis complicated by thrombotic occlusion of the distal thoracic aorta
Authors: Nakata Tomohiro , Tachi Maiko , Suehiro Shoichi , Oda Teiji 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
We present the case of a 1-year-old girl with mid-aortic syndrome due to untreated Takayasu’s arteritis who developed cardiogenic shock. Enhanced computed tomography revealed long-segment occlusion of the distal thoracic aorta. We successfully performed graft interpose (10 mm in diameter) under cardiopulmonary bypass through both median sternotomy and left posterolateral thoracotomy. The thrombus was relatively small and the distal thoracic aorta was narrow over a long segment due to severely thickened intima. Follow-up computed tomography showed widely patent graft without a stenotic region in the abdominal aorta or its branches. The patient discharged ambulatory without major complications.
Cell-Associated Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Ribonucleic Acid Has a Circadian Cycle in Males With HIV on Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Stern Jared , Solomon Ajantha , Dantanarayana Ashanti , Pascoe Rachel , Reynaldi Arnold , Davenport Miles P , Milush Jeffrey , Deeks Steven G , Hartogensis Wendy , Hecht Frederick M , Cockerham Leslie , Roche Michael , Lewin Sharon R 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Circadian transcription factors that regulate cell-autonomous circadian clocks can also increase human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transcription in vitro. We aimed to determine whether circadian variation in HIV transcription exists in people with HIV (PWH) on antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Methods
We performed a prospective observational study of male PWH on ART, sampling blood every 4 hours for 24 hours. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we quantified expression of circadian-associated genes, HIV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and cell-associated unspliced (CA-US) ribonucleic acid (RNA) in peripheral blood CD4+ T cells. Plasma sex hormones were quantified alongside plasma and salivary cortisol. The primary outcome was to identify temporal variations in CA-US HIV RNA using a linear mixed-effect regression framework and maximum likelihood estimation.

Results
Salivary and plasma cortisol, and circadian genes including Clock, Bmal1, and Per3, varied with a circadian rhythm. Cell-associated unspliced HIV RNA and the ratio of CA-US HIV RNA/DNA in CD4+ T cells also demonstrated circadian variations, with no variation in HIV DNA. Circulating estradiol was highly predictive of CA-US HIV RNA variation in vivo.

Conclusions
Cell-associated unspliced HIV RNA in PWH on ART varies temporally with a circadian rhythm. These findings have implications for the design of clinical trials and biomarkers to assess HIV cure interventions.
Antimicrobial stewardship in Australia: the role of qualitative research in programme development
Authors: Thursky Karin A , Hardefeldt Laura Y , Rajkhowa Arjun , Ierano Courtney , Bishop Jaclyn , Hawes Lesley , Biezen Ruby , Saha Sajal K , Dowson Leslie , Bailey Kirsten E , Scarborough Ri , Little Stephen B , Gotterson Fiona , Hur Brian , Khanina Anna , Urbancic Karen , Crabb Helen K , Richards Suzanna , Sri Anna , James Rodney , Kong David C M , Marshall Caroline , Mazza Danielle , Peel Trisha , Stuart Rhonda L , Manski-Nankervis Jo-Anne , Friedman N Deborah , Bennett Noleen , Schulz Thomas , Billman-Jacobe Helen , Buono Evette , Worth Leon , Bull Ann , Richards Michael , Ayton Darshini , Gilkerson James R , Browning Glenn F , Buising Kirsty L ,   National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Manias Elizabeth , Trubiano Jason , McMullan Brendan , Douglas Abby , Slavin Monica , Davis Mark , Chen Caroline , Ingram Robyn , Cheah Ron , Fang Xin , Sakthivel Jegadeesh , Koning Sonia 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAntimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in Australia is supported by a number of factors, including enabling national policies, sectoral clinical governance frameworks and surveillance programmes, clinician-led educational initiatives and health services research. A One Health research programme undertaken by the National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS) in Australia has combined antimicrobial prescribing surveillance with qualitative research focused on developing antimicrobial use-related situational analyses and scoping AMS implementation options across healthcare settings, including metropolitan hospitals, regional and rural hospitals, aged care homes, general practice clinics and companion animal and agricultural veterinary practices. Qualitative research involving clinicians across these diverse settings in Australia has contributed to improved understanding of contextual factors that influence antimicrobial prescribing, and barriers and facilitators of AMS implementation. This body of research has been underpinned by a commitment to supplementing ‘big data’ on antimicrobial prescribing practices, where available, with knowledge of the sociocultural, technical, environmental and other factors that shape prescribing behaviours. NCAS provided a unique opportunity for exchange and cross-pollination across the human and animal health programme domains. It has facilitated synergistic approaches to AMS research and education, and implementation of resources and stewardship activities. The NCAS programme aimed to synergistically combine quantitative and qualitative approaches to AMS research. In this article, we describe the qualitative findings of the first 5 years.
PSVIII-22 Maternal vitamin and mineral supplementation affect fetal hepatic expression of genes underlying mineral homeostasis and lipid metabolism in early pregnancy
Authors: da Silva Diniz Wellison Jarles , Ward Alison K K , Reynolds Lawrence P P , Borowicz Pawel P P , Sedivec Kevin K K , McCarthy Kacie L L , Kassetas Cierrah J J , Baumgaertner Friederike , Kirsch James D , Dorsam Sheri T T , Neville Tammi L L , Forcherio J Chris , Scott Ronald , Caton Joel , Dahlen Carl R 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Vitamins and minerals play critical roles in functions such as hormone production, DNA synthesis, regulation of gene expression, and lipid metabolism. However, the impact of vitamin and mineral supplementation on fetal programming and the interplay with gene expression of fetal organs remains unclear. We used a differential gene expression analysis to determine effects of maternal vitamin and mineral supplementation (from pre-breeding to d 83 post-breeding) on fetal hepatic gene expression and the pathways underlying liver function and metabolism at 83 d of gestation. Crossbred Angus beef heifers were supplemented (VTM, n = 7) or not (CON, n = 8) with 113 g•heifer-1•d-1 of mineral premix (Purina® Wind & Rain Storm All-Season 7.5 Complete) from a minimum d 71 before breeding through d 83 of gestation. After breeding, heifers were fed to gain 0.79 kg/d. All heifers were surgically ovariohysterectomized on d 83 and fetal liver collected. Total RNA was isolated from the fetal liver (n = 15) and gene expression measured with RNA-Seq. After library quality control and read mapping, differential expression was performed using edgeR. We identified 53 genes upregulated and 37 downregulated in the VTM group (adj.Pval &lt; 0.1). Genes involved with mineral homeostasis, such as MT1A, MT1E, and MT2A, were among those differentially expressed underlying the mineral absorption pathway. ABCA1 and ABCA6, which are involved in cholesterol and metal ion transport across the plasma membrane, and PPARG and SDR16C5, that act on lipoprotein transport and metabolism, were upregulated in the VTM group. Also upregulated in the VTM group, the CUBN gene plays a role in vitamin and iron metabolism. In summary, maternal vitamin and mineral supplementation from pre-breeding to d 83 of gestation leads to upregulation of fetal hepatic genes acting on mineral homeostasis, lipid transport, and metabolism.