bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparing physical therapist clinical specialists to experienced nonspecialists on physical activity education for patients with heart failure: A modified retrospective cohort study
Authors: Prince Tamira , Cahalin Lawrence P. , Cohen Meryl , Hartley Gregory W. , Kirk‐Sanchez Neva , Roach Kathryn E. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsThe purpose of this study was to compare the knowledge and practices of specialist and experienced nonspecialist physical therapists in performing patient education about physical activity with patients with heart failure (HF).MethodsResponses on a nationwide anonymous online survey were used to compare specialist and experienced nonspecialist physical therapists on knowledge and frequency of providing physical activity related education to patients hospitalized with acutely decompensated HF. Responses to survey items were scored on 5‐point scales ranging from “Strongly agree” to “Strongly disagree” or “Always” to “Never.” Mann−Whitney U statistics were used to compare specialist and experienced nonspecialist responses and Wilcoxon signed‐ranks tests were used to examine the gap between knowledge and practice.ResultsTwenty‐seven specialists and 43 experienced nonspecialists completed the survey. Both groups were similar in age, and experience treating patients hospitalized with acutely decompensated HF. Both groups “strongly agree” that they had the required knowledge and skills to educate patients with HF on the physical activity topics. However, specialists more often than experienced nonspecialists provided education on topics such as how to monitor vital signs during physical activity (“most of the time” vs. “about half of the time”) that promoted patient confidence and safety during exercise. Specialists demonstrated a smaller gap between knowledge and frequency of providing patient education than experienced nonspecialists on three of the four patient education topics.ConclusionSpecialist physical therapists treating patients with HF in the inpatient hospital setting provided patient education on physical activity at a level more closely matching their skills and the clinical practice guideline than did experienced nonspecialists. Physical therapy clinical specialists practicing in the inpatient hospital setting may improve patient outcomes and lower costs to the health care system by improving physical activity adherence and thereby may reduce avoidable hospital readmissions.
Extracellular adenosine oppositely regulates the purinome machinery in glioblastoma and mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Pietrobono Deborah , Russo Lara , Bertilacchi Maria Sofia , Marchetti Laura , Martini Claudia , Giacomelli Chiara , Trincavelli Maria Letizia 
Published: August 2024

AbstractGlioblastoma (GB) is a lethal brain tumor that rapidly adapts to the dynamic changes of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are one of the stromal components of the TME playing multiple roles in tumor progression. GB progression is prompted by the immunosuppressive microenvironment characterized by high concentrations of the nucleoside adenosine (ADO). ADO acts as a signaling molecule through adenosine receptors (ARs) but also as a genetic and metabolic regulator. Herein, the effects of high extracellular ADO concentrations were investigated in a human glioblastoma cellular model (U343MG) and MSCs. The modulation of the purinome machinery, i.e., the ADO production (CD39, CD73, and adenosine kinase [ADK]), transport (equilibrative nucleoside transporters 1 (ENT1) and 2 (ENT2)), and degradation (adenosine deaminase [ADA]) were investigated in both cell lines to evaluate if ADO could affect its cell management in a positive or negative feed‐back loop. Results evidenced a different behavior of GB and MSC cells upon exposure to high extracellular ADO levels: U343MG were less sensitive to the ADO concentration and only a slight increase in ADK and ENT1 was evidenced. Conversely, in MSCs, the high extracellular ADO levels reduced the ADK, ENT1, and ENT2 expression, which further sustained the increase of extracellular ADO. Of note, MSCs primed with the GB‐conditioned medium or co‐cultured with U343MG cells were not affected by the increase of extracellular ADO. These results evidenced how long exposure to ADO could produce different effects on cancer cells with respect to MSCs, revealing a negative feedback loop that can support the GB immunosuppressive microenvironment. These results improve the knowledge of the ADO role in the maintenance of TME, which should be considered in the development of therapeutic strategies targeting adenosine pathways as well as cell‐based strategies using MSCs.
Development of the cranial lateral line system of Brook Trout, Salvelinus fontinalis (Teleostei: Salmonidae): Evolutionary and ecological implications
Authors: Jones Aubree E. , Rizzato Pedro P. , Webb Jacqueline F. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe mechanosensory lateral line (LL) system of salmonid fishes has been the focus of comparative morphological studies and behavioral and physiological analyses of flow sensing capabilities, but its morphology and development have not been studied in detail in any one species. Here, we describe the post‐embryonic development of the cranial LL system in Brook Trout, Salvelinus fontinalis, using vital fluorescent staining (4‐Di‐2‐ASP), scanning electron microscopy, µCT, and clearing and staining to visualize neuromasts and the process of cranial LL canal morphogenesis. We examined the relationship between the timing of LL development, the prolonged life history of salmonids, and potential ecological implications. The LL system is composed of seven canals containing canal neuromasts (CNs) and four lines of superficial neuromasts (SNs) on the skin. CNs and SNs increase in number and size during the alevin (larval) stage. CN number stabilizes as canal morphogenesis commences, but SN number increases well into the parr (juvenile) stage. CNs become larger and more elongated than SNs, but the relative area occupied by sensory hair cells decreases during ontogeny in both types of neuromasts. Neuromast‐centered canal morphogenesis starts in alevins (yolk sac larvae), as they swim up into the water column from their gravel nests (~4 months post‐fertilization), after which yolk sac absorption is completed and exogenous feeding begins. Canal morphogenesis proceeds asynchronously within and among canal series and is not complete until ~8 months post‐fertilization (the parr stage). Three characters in the LL system and associated dermal bones were used to identify their homologs in other actinopterygians and to consider the evolution of LL canal reduction, thus demonstrating the value of salmonids for the study of LL evolution. The prolonged life history of Brook Trout and the onset of canal morphogenesis at swim‐up are predicted to have implications for neuromast function at these critical behavioral and ecological transitions.
Exploring the interplay between Kaposi's sarcoma and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: A case series and systematic review
Authors: Pietroluongo Erica , Luciano Angelo , Peddio Annarita , Buonaiuto Roberto , Caltavituro Aldo , Servetto Alberto , De Angelis Carmine , Arpino Grazia , Palmieri Giovannella , Veneziani Bianca Maria , De Placido Sabino , Bianco Roberto , De Placido Pietro , Giuliano Mario 
Published: August 2024

AbstractKaposi's sarcoma (KS) is an angio‐proliferative disease with a viral etiology and a multifactorial pathogenesis that results from immune dysfunction. In patients affected by latent viral infections such as herpesviruses, SARS‐CoV‐2 infection may result in lytic cycle reactivation in host cells. A robust immune system response is crucial for eliminating pathogens and resolving both latent and non‐latent viral infections. We report a case series of KS characterized by tumor progression after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. We performed a systematic literature review of the PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. The keyword terms included “SARS‐CoV‐2,” “HHV‐8,” “Kaposi's sarcoma,” “IL‐6,” and “COVID‐19.” English language restriction was applied. Items not covered by our study were excluded. KS is a complex disease linked to an impaired immune system. Conditions that result in temporary or permanent immunodeficiency can trigger viral reactivation or exacerbate an existing disease. It is feasible that the increase in cytokine levels in COVID‐19 patients, coupled with lymphocyte downregulation and treatment that induces herpesvirus lytic reactivation, may contribute to the progression of KS after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. These observations suggest that patients with KS should be clinically monitored both during and after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Nevertheless, prospective data should be collected to validate this hypothesis and enhance our understanding of the mechanisms implicated in the onset or progression of KS.
Ultrasound‐Guided Polypectomy
Authors: Sarkar Papri , Vest Adriana , Baker Marisa , Hochberg Lauri Silver 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveTo present a novel technique for office resection of pedunculated endometrial polyps under ultrasound guidance.MethodsA prospective trial was conducted at an academic center where women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) who were diagnosed an endometrial polyp following saline infusion sonogram (SIS), were offered polyp removal under ultrasound guidance using a universal grasping forceps (2.5 mm × 25 cm). The primary outcome was to evaluate the feasibility of this technique for complete removal of the polyp. The secondary outcomes were to evaluate the patients' pain score, satisfaction score using visual analogue score (VAS), and efficacy of the technique in alleviating symptoms in patients with AUB due to polyps.ResultsThirty patients participated, with a mean age of 54.8 ± 11 years. Average polyp volume was 1.87 cm3 and mean duration for polypectomy was 11 minutes 31 seconds. The median pain score immediately post‐procedure was 5 (0–9). We were unable to complete the procedure in two patients due to patient discomfort and poor visualization. Complete removal of polyp was ensured by checking for a thin endometrial echo at the end of the procedure and by performing SIS at 3‐months post‐procedure. Of the 22 patients who returned for follow‐up, 19 (86.36%) showed no evidence of polyp on SIS and all reported resolution of AUB symptoms. The median satisfaction score at the follow‐up was 10/10. Adequate pathology samples were obtained from all cases, diagnosing malignancy in one and endometrial hyperplasia in one patient.ConclusionThis technique offers safe and effective removal of pedunculated endometrial polyps in an office setting, avoiding the need for general anesthesia. It can be offered as a therapeutic option at the initial point of contact, providing symptom relief and tissue diagnosis while reducing costs and patient visits.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava Using High‐Definition Flow Render Mode and Spatiotemporal Image Correlation
Authors: Li Tian‐gang , Wu Wen‐rui , Ma Bin , Yan Zhi‐heng , Niu Ke‐xiong 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the use of two‐dimensional (2D) ultrasound combined with high‐definition flow (HD‐flow) render mode and spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) in diagnosing and classifying fetal persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC).MethodsOverall, 114 cases of fetal PLSVC were diagnosed using 2D ultrasound combined with STIC, and 114 normal fetuses of the same gestational week were selected. These cases were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of the diagnostic approach.ResultsAll 114 PLSVC cases were diagnosed using 2D ultrasound combined with STIC. Although the diagnostic coincidence rate of PLSVC in the HD‐flow combined with STIC was similar to that in the 2D ultrasound combined with HD‐flow (96.8 vs 96.2%), 2D ultrasound with STIC enabled dynamic visualization of the PLSVC, furthering prenatal diagnosis. These cases were classified as type I PLSVC: 80 cases of type Ia, 29 cases of type Ib, and 5 cases of type Ic. Seventy isolated PLSVC cases (61.4%) were noted, whereas 44 cases (35.6%) were associated with concomitant structural abnormalities. Intracardiac structural malformations accounted for the highest proportion (n = 53, 58.89%), followed by single umbilical artery and facial/bodily abnormalities (n = 10, 11.11%).ConclusionCombining HD‐flow and STIC complements 2D ultrasound in diagnosing and classifying fetal PLSVC, demonstrating significant clinical relevance.
Transoral Robotic Surgery Versus Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation for OSA: A Cost Analysis Study
Authors: Mandloi Shreya , Garg Neha , Naimi Bita , Shah Riya , Kaki Praneet , Alnemri Angela , Duffy Alexander , Zhan Tingting , Kaffenberger Thomas M. , Boon Maurits S. , Huntley Colin T. 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundTransoral robotic surgery (TORS) lingual tonsillectomy and hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) are effective surgical interventions for well‐selected patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) intolerant to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Previous publications have demonstrated that HGNS patients have a lower postoperative apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) and length of hospital stay than TORS patients. No prior study has investigated the differences in costs between HGNS and TORS.ObjectivesThis study aims to compare surgery‐related costs in patients undergoing HGNS versus TORS lingual tonsillectomy for OSA intolerant to CPAP.MethodsA retrospective study on OSA patients intolerant to CPAP that underwent HGNS or TORS from 2015 to 2022 at a tertiary care center. Cost was defined as the dollar amount associated with providing a specific service prior to the application of insurance.ResultsThis study included 395 patients (375 UAS and 20 TORS). Average total cost was significantly higher in the UAS group than the TORS group (UAS: $25,582.60; TORS: $5832.60; p < 0.001). Operating room costs were also significantly higher in the UAS group (UAS: $1978.20; TORS: $1490.90; p = 0.001). The TORS cohort averaged higher costs for pharmacy (UAS: $201.30; TORS: $416.60; p < 0.001) and anesthesia (UAS: $139.00; TORS: $307.60; p < 0.001).DiscussionThe total cost was significantly higher in the UAS group compared to the TORS group. When making management decisions, it is important to consider the cost of care provided as well as patient‐centered outcomes to optimize the value of care.Level of EvidenceN/A Laryngoscope, 2024
Optimization of Genotyping‐by‐Sequencing (GBS) for Germplasm Fingerprinting and Trait Mapping in Faba Bean
Authors: Zhang Hailin , Fechete Lavinia I. , Himmelbach Axel , Poehlein Anja , Lohwasser Ulrike , Börner Andreas , Maalouf Fouad , Kumar Shiv , Khazaei Hamid , Stein Nils , Jayakodi Murukarthick 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTFaba bean (Vicia faba L.) is an important pulse crop with a wide range of agroecological adaptations. The development of genomic tools and a comprehensive catalog of extant genetic diversity are crucial for developing improved faba bean cultivars. The lack of a cost‐effective genotyping platform limits the characterization of large germplasm collections, understanding of genetic diversity across populations, and implementing breeder's tools like genomic selection. Genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) offers high‐resolution genotyping for both model and crop plant species, even without a reference genome sequence. The genome fragments targeted by GBS depend substantially on the restriction enzyme (RE) used for the complexity reduction step. Species with complex genomic architecture require optimization of GBS with proper RE to realize the full potential of GBS. Here, we evaluated various REs in the GBS method and identified that the combination of ApeKI/MseI proved to be the most appropriate for faba bean based on the best library quality, a high number of genomic loci spread across chromosomes, and high enrichment loci associated with the gene space. With the new optimized protocol, we constructed a genetic map using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population and identified a QTL for seed hilum color on Chromosome 1. In addition, we also genotyped a diversity panel and performed a genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) for important agronomic traits, including plant height (PH), flowering time (FT), and number of pods per plant (PPP). We identified six SNP markers significantly associated with these traits and listed potential candidate genes. The optimized faba bean‐specific GBS procedure will facilitate access to the untapped genetic diversity for genetic research and breeding and may facilitate functional genomics.
Efficient oxidation attenuates porewater‐derived methane fluxes in mangrove waters
Authors: Yau Yvonne Y. Y. , Cabral Alex , Reithmaier Gloria , Cotovicz Luiz C. , Barreira João , Abril Gwenaël , Morana Cedric , Borges Alberto V. , Machado Wilson , Godoy José M. , Bonaglia Stefano , Santos Isaac R. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMangroves store significant amounts of carbon in both sediment and water. Methane (CH4) is often produced in anoxic, organic‐rich sediments during carbon degradation and released to overlying waters via porewater exchange. Yet, a portion of CH4 can be oxidized to CO2 before emission. Here, we investigate whether CH4 oxidation impacts its emissions using high‐temporal resolution CH4 concentration and stable isotope (δ13C‐CH4) observations collected over 14 tidal cycles in 2 Brazilian mangrove creeks with no river inputs. We found higher CH4 concentrations (~ 150 nM) more depleted in 13C (−75‰) during low tide than high tide at both creeks. Similar δ13C‐CH4 values between low tide surface waters and porewaters further suggest tidally driven porewater exchange as the main source of CH4. More 13C‐enriched CH4 in surface waters and surface sediments than deep sediments indicate partial CH4 oxidation prior to exchange with the atmosphere. A stable isotope mass balance revealed that 17–58% of CH4 was oxidized at rates of 3–25 μmol m−2 d−1 in the water column of tidal creeks. A larger portion of deep porewater CH4 (45–61%) was oxidized in sediments prior to porewater exchange with surface creek waters. The two mangrove creeks had average water–air CH4 fluxes of 51–109 μmol m−2 d−1 over spring‐neap tidal cycles. These aquatic CH4 emissions offset only < 3% of the mangroves' soil carbon sequestration. Overall, CH4 oxidation in both surface water and sediment attenuated CH4 emissions to the atmosphere.
Heating Rate Sensitive Polyethylene Terephthalate
Authors: Jerusalem Robert David Ludwig , Maricanov Michail , Raidt Thomas , Katzenberg Frank , Tiller Joerg Christian 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSmart materials react to external triggers by changing size, color, mechanical properties, or permeability. The next generation of smart materials will be able to not only recognize and react to external triggers but also to their dynamics. The only existing example of such a material is heating rate‐sensitive polymorphous cross‐linked syndiotactic polypropylene. This study presents a new principle of a heating rate‐sensitive material on the example of cross‐linked and fully amorphous quenchable semi‐crystalline polyethylene terephthalate (x‐PET). The x‐PET is stretched to high elongation above its melting temperature and constrained quenched to a fully amorphous state. Then the polymer is heated to 120–170 °C with different heating rates. Due to its heating‐rate sensitivity, x‐PET shrinks to different stabilized lengths dependent on the heating rate. The new length can be used to read out the heating rate and to specifically answer to this by mechanically switching a process. Detailed analytics of this process reveal that amorphous stretched x‐PET is starting the retraction above Tg and simultaneously stopping it by crystallization. The different rates of these processes result in the heating rate sensitivity of x‐PET.
Controllable Self‐Assembly of Carbon Nanotubes on Ammonium Polyphosphate as a Game‐Changer for Flame Retardancy and Thermal Conductivity in Epoxy Resin
Authors: Xia Yan , Hong Yutong , Zhang Li , Chai Juan , Wang Bingtao , Guo Zhenghong , Li Juan , Huo Siqi , Fang Zhengping 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe optimization of flame retardancy and thermal conductivity in epoxy resin (EP), utilized in critical applications such as mechanical components and electronics packaging, is a significant challenge. This study introduces a novel, ultrasound‐assisted self‐assembly technique to create a dual‐functional filler consisting of carbon nanotubes and ammonium polyphosphate (CNTs@APP). This method, leveraging dynamic ligand interactions and strategic solvent selection, allows for precise control over the assembly and distribution of CNTs on APP surfaces, distinguishing it from conventional blending approaches. The integration of 7.5 wt.% CNTs@APP10 into EP nanocomposites results in substantial improvements in flame retardancy, as evidenced by a limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 31.8% and achievement of the UL‐94 V‐0 rating. Additionally, critical fire hazard indicators, including total heat release (THR), total smoke release (TSR), and the peak intensity of CO yield (PCOY), are significantly reduced by 45.9% to 77.5%. This method also leads to a remarkable 3.6‐fold increase in char yield, demonstrating its game‐changing potential over traditional blending techniques. Moreover, despite minimal CNTs addition, thermal conductivity is notably enhanced, showing a 53% increase. This study introduces a novel approach in the development of multifunctional EP nanocomposites, offering potential for wide range of applications.
Pyroptosis‐related gene GSDMC indicates poor prognosis and promotes tumor progression by activating the AKT/mTOR pathway in lung squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yi , Wang Yuzhi , Weng Jiamiao , Chen Jianlin , Zheng Yue , Xia Yu , Huang Zhixin , Zhao Lilan , Chen Xiongfeng , Tang Haijun , Huang Yi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractLung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the respiratory. Pyroptosis plays an essential role in cancer, but there is limited research investigating pyroptosis in LUSC. In this study, pyroptosis‐related genes were observed to have extensive multiomics alterations in LUSC through analysis of the TCGA database. Utilizing machine learning for selection and verifying expression levels, GSDMC was chosen as the critical gene for further experiments. Our research found that GSDMC is overexpressed in LUSC tissues and cells, and is associated with poor prognosis. Knockdown of GSDMC in LUSC inhibits cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, chemotherapeutic sensitivity, and reduced tumor formation in nude mice, accompanied by downregulation of proliferative and EMT‐related protein expression. However, these effects were counteracted in cells where GSDMC is overexpressed. Mechanistically, the oncogenic role of GSDMC is primarily achieved through the activation of the AKT/mTOR pathway, and this effect can be significantly reversed by rapamycin. Finally, SMAD4's interaction with the promoter region of GSDMC results in the suppression of GSDMC expression. In summary, our study through bioinformatics and experimental approaches not only proves that SMAD4 regulates the protumorigenic role of GSDMC through transcriptional targeting, but also indicates the possibility of developing the SMAD4/GSDMC/AKT/mTOR signaling axis as a potential biomarker and treatment target for LUSC.