bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intracameral Enoxaparin for Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty: A Pilot Safety Study
Authors: Mulpuri Lakshman , Ouano Dean P. , Riaz Kamran M. , Warner Evan J. , Stone Donald U. , Cheung Albert Y. , Gomez Angela , Rangu Neal , Sabater Alfonso L. , Tonk Rahul S. 
Published: August 2024

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and outcomes of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) performed with intracameral enoxaparin.

Methods:
Two arms were used: a clinical multicenter retrospective cohort arm (CA) and an ex vivo basic science arm (BSA). In CA, DMEKs were performed by 6 experienced corneal surgeons at multiple sites. Intracameral enoxaparin (40 mg/500 mL) was added to the irrigation fluid for all cases. Primary outcomes were measured at 6 and 12 months. In BSA, mated graft pairs were randomized to control or enoxaparin exposure (0.8 mg/mL × 1 hour) and assessed for endothelial cell death count at 0-, 1-, and 24-hour intervals and cellular stress by ELISA Annexin V protein quantification.

Results:
In the cohort arm, the mean age of 159 eyes of 134 patients was 69.3 years with Fuchs dystrophy as the primary diagnosis. Mean BCVA improved from 0.42 ± 0.3 logMAR preoperatively to 0.13 ± 0.1 logMAR postoperatively at 6 months (P  < 0.001) and to 0.1 ± 0.1 logMAR at 12 months (P < 0.001). At 6 months, 58.4% of patients achieved a final BCVA of 20/25 or better and 91% improved to 20/40 or better. Rebubble rate was 13% (n = 21), with 6 of these 21 eyes requiring more than 1 rebubble. One total graft detachment was noted with no reports of intraoperative or postoperative hemorrhage. PGF occurred in 0 of 159 eyes. In BSA, enoxaparin had no significant effect on endothelial cell death count or cellular apoptosis compared with control.

Conclusions:
Enoxaparin can safely be used in DMEK surgery without apparent increased risk of intraoperative hemorrhage, graft detachment/failure, or endothelial cell toxicity.
Systematic Review of Volume and Methodological Quality of Randomized Trials in Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Joseph Nejo , Liu Gordon , Varghese Chris , Lim Wei , Xu William , Wells Cameron I. , Tobias Shayne , Capurso Gabriele , de Madaria Enrique , Drewes Asbjørn , Besselink Marc G. , Windsor John , Pandanaboyana Sanjay 
Published: August 2024

Background
This systematic review assessed the volume and methodological quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in relation to management of acute pancreatitis (AP).

Materials and Methods
The PubMed, MEDLINE, and CENTRAL databases were systematically searched for RCTs published across 3 time periods: <1996 (P1), 1996–2008 (P2), and >2008 (P3). RCT quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB) 2 tool and sample size recalculation, and for spin (interpretation of nonstatistically significant results as relevant, making the study appear to be positive).

Results
Overall, 263 RCTs with 23,232 patients with AP were included. The average number of RCTs per year increased from 1.4, 6.0, to 10.6 in P1, P2, and P3, respectively. The RoB assessment showed low, some, and high concerns in overall RoB in 21%, 56%, and 24% of all RCTs. Selective reporting bias improved over time. Sample size calculation reporting significantly increased through the 3 time periods (17%, 38%, and 47%; P < 0.001). Spin was identified in 68 RCTs (26% of all RCTs).

Conclusion
The quantity and quality of published RCTs relating AP management has increased over time, however significant shortcomings of methodological quality persist. Significant improvements in the conduct and reporting of randomized trials in AP are required to improve the evidence base in this field.
Effect of Radiotherapy in Neoadjuvant Treatment of Borderline Resectable and Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Tang Peng , Zhang Junfeng , Zhou Qiang , Yi Wenmin , Wang Huaizhi 
Published: August 2024

Background
Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor with poor prognosis and bad curative effect. Previous studies did not confirm the role of radiotherapy in neoadjuvant treatment of borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) and locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). By reviewing new findings reported in recent years, we conducted this study to evaluate the survival impact by comparing chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with chemotherapy alone.

Materials and Methods
PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies reporting median overall survival (OS) in patients with BRPC or LAPC treated with neoadjuvant treatment. Secondary outcomes included progression-free survival (PFS) or disease-free survival (DFS) or recurrence-free survival (RFS) and R0 resection rate.

Results
A total of 18 studies were included in the meta-analysis. OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.64–0.91, I2 = 61.7%) and PFS/DFS/RFS (HR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.58–0.91, I2 = 52.3%) are both favored CRT. Although R0 resection rate was increased in CRT group, significant survival benefit of radiotherapy was found in LAPC and low resection rate subgroup in stratification analysis. Regression analysis showed that only tumor resectability was associated with OS.

Conclusions
For patients with LAPC and who are unlikely to receive resection, neoadjuvant radiotherapy seems to improve OS and PFS/DFS/RFS.
Efficacy of Neuroendoscopy Surgery Combined With Postoperative Lokomat Rehabilitation Training in Patients With Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Zhang Lizhuang , Xu Lifeng , Jing Shanquan , Liang Liping 
Published: August 2024

Objective:
To explore the effects of neuroendoscopy surgery combined with postoperative Lokomat rehabilitation training on patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage.

Methods:
A total of 88 patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage who underwent surgical treatment in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into a study group and a conventional group with 44 patients in each group. The patients in the 2 groups were compared regarding operation-related conditions, hospital stay, preoperative and postoperative functional status scores, and postoperative complications.

Results:
The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stays, and hematoma clearance rate of the study group were significantly better than those of the conventional group (P<0.001). Regarding scores of related functional status, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups before operation (P>0.05). The different scores of the study group were significantly better than those of the conventional group 1 month after the operation (P<0.05). Regarding complications, the study group also has significant advantages, with only one case of rebleeding.

Conclusion:
Compared to the traditional approach of small bone window craniotomy followed by postoperative Lokomat rehabilitation training, the combination of neuroendoscopy surgery and Lokomat training proves to be more efficient. This approach can effectively reduce the operating time and hospital stay of patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage, minimize intraoperative blood loss, improve the hematoma clearance rate, and lower the incidence of postoperative complications.
Wave propagation in tailored metastructures consisting of elastic beams and rigid bodies
Authors: Rosić N. , Karličić D. , Cajić M. , Adhikari S. , Lazarević M. 
Published: August 2024

This paper presents a study of wave propagation through an infinite periodic structure that consists of elastic Timoshenko beams interconnected with rigid bodies. This is a generalized approach in which the beams are not coaxial and the centre of mass of each rigid body is placed away from the intersection of their neutral axes. An analytical approach is used by applying the transfer matrix method (TMM), along with the Floquet–Bloch theorem for elastic wave propagation. Subsequent parametric analysis is performed with visualization of resulting band diagrams of a representative structure. These results are verified through comparison with solutions obtained using the finite-element method (FEM). In this manner, a comprehensive dynamical analysis of tailored metastructures is provided.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘Current developments in elastic and acoustic metamaterials science (Part 2)’.
HCM-associated mutations in MYH6/7 drive pathologic expression of TGF-β1 in cardiomyocytes within weeks of developmental specification
Authors: Hsieh Jeanne , Hall Megan A. L. , Shameem Mohammad , Ernst Patrick J. , Kamdar Forum , Singh Bhairab N. , Meisel Robert L. , Ogle Brenda M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractHypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterized by myocyte hypertrophy, sarcomere disarray, and myocardial fibrosis, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. As the most common inherited cardiomyopathy, HCM largely results from mutations in sarcomeric protein genes. Current treatments for HCM primarily focus on alleviating late-stage symptoms, with a critical gap in the detailed understanding of early-stage deficiencies that drive disease progression. We recently showed, in monolayers of cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) withMYH7R723C andMYH6R725C mutations, altered expression of several extracellular matrix (ECM)-related genes with associated defects in cardiomyocyte-ECM adhesion. To better evaluate the cardiomyocyte-ECM interface and pathological ECM dynamics in early-stage HCM, here we adopted a 3D engineered heart tissue (EHT) model containing both cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts, the primary contributor to ECM remodeling. Mutant EHTs showed aberrant cardiomyocyte distribution, augmented calcium handling, and force generation compared to controls. Altered proteoglycan deposition and increased phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (pFAK) further indicated changes in ECM composition and connectivity. Elevated transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) secretion and a higher proportion of activated fibroblasts were identified in mutant EHTs, along with sustained TGF-β1 transcription specifically in mutant cardiomyocytes. Remarkably, blocking TGF-β1 receptor signaling reduced fibroblast activation and contraction force to control levels. This study underscores the early interplay of mutant hiPSC-CMs with fibroblasts, wherein mutant cardiomyocytes initiate fibroblast activation via TGF-β1 overexpression, independent of the immune system. These findings provide a promising foundation for developing and implementing novel strategies to treat HCM well before the manifestation of clinically detectable fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction.
MAJOR AETIOLOGIES OF MALE INFERTILITY AMONG COUPLES ATTENDING FERTILITY CLINICS IN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA: FINDINGS FROM A MIXED METHOD STUDY
Authors: Awodele Kehinde , Adeyemo Sunday Charles , Olabode Eniola Dorcas , Fasanu Adeniyi Olaonipekun , Akindele Akintunde Rasaq , Afolabi Olusegun Adegboyega , Olagunju Olufunso Abidemi , Oyerinde Olusegun , Olaitan Lanre 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMale infertility accounts for nearly half of the infertility cases globally. Seminal fluid analysis (SFA) is a critical diagnostic tool in the evaluation of male infertility. This study aimed to assess the implications of seminal fluid analysis on male infertility among patients attending fertility clinics in Osogbo, Nigeria.The study employed mixed-method approach of both qualitative (Key informant interview) among 10 participants and quantitative method (cross-sectional survey) using pre-tested structured questionnaire among 305 respondents. The respondents in the cross-sectional survey were also made to undergo seminal fluid analysis. The data from the qualitative study was analysed using Atlas ti while data from the quantitative study were analysed using IBM Statistical Product for Service Solution (SPSS) version 27. 0. Descriptive statistics was carried out for all variables. The univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis were done using p<0.05 as level of significance.The seminal fluid analysis of the respondents revealed that 241 (79.0%) had Normal sperm count (>32 million per ejaculation) while 64 (21.0%) had abnormal sperm count. Only 101 (33.1%) had normal progressive motility (>32 percent) while 204 (66.9%) had abnormal (Athenospermia) progressive motility. 195 (63.9%) were found to have abnormal morphology (Teratospermia i.e., <4%). The qualitative analysis further analysed the implications of SFA parameters on infertile males and these were substantial, extending beyond physical health to encompass psychological, emotional, and social well-being.The study concluded that lifestyle modifications and early diagnosis as well as prompt treatment of medical conditions can curb high prevalence abnormality of SFA, hence reduce male infertility in our environment. The study recommends that advocacy program, early screening and public health education will further reduce the burden of infertility among the female folks.
Genome-wide association study of COVID-19 Breakthrough Infections and genetic overlap with other diseases: A study of the UK Biobank
Authors: Feng Yaning , Wong Kenneth Chi-Yin , Tsui Wai Kai , Zhang Ruoyu , Xiang Yong , So Hon-Cheong 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to substantial health and financial burden worldwide, and vaccines provide hope to reduce the burden of this pandemic. However, vaccinated people remain at risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) may allow for the identification of potential genetic factors involved in the development of COVID-19 breakthrough infections (BI), however very few or no GWAS have been conducted for COVID-19 BI so far.MethodsWe conducted a GWAS and detailed bioinformatics analysis on COVID-19 BI in a European population based on the UK-Biobank (UKBB). We conducted a series of analyses at different levels, including SNP-based, gene-based, pathway, and transcriptome-wide association analyses, to investigate genetic factors associated with COVID-19 BI and hospitalized infection. Polygenic risk score (PRS) and Hoeffding’s test were performed to reveal genetic relationships between BI and other medical conditions.ResultsTwo independent loci (LD-clumped at r2=0.01) reached genome-wide significance (p<5e-08), including rs36170929 mapped toLOC102725191/VWDE,and rs28645263 mapped toRETREG1. Pathway enrichment analysis highlighted pathways such as viral myocarditis, Rho-selective guanine exchange factor AKAP13 signaling, and lipid metabolism. PRS analyses showed significant genetic overlap between COVID-19 BI and heart failure, HbA1c and type 1 diabetes. Genetic dependence was also observed between COVID-19 BI and asthma, lung abnormalities, schizophrenia, and type 1 diabetes, based on the Hoeffding’s test.ConclusionsThis GWAS study revealed two significant loci that may be associated with COVID-19 BI, and a number of genes and pathways that may be involved in BI. Genetic overlap with other diseases was identified. Further studies are warranted to replicate the findings and elucidate the mechanisms involved.
Mechanism of Co-Transcriptional Cap-Snatching by Influenza Polymerase
Authors: Rotsch Alexander Helmut , Li Delong , Dupont Maud , Krischuns Tim , Oberthuer Christiane , Stelfox Alice , Lukarska Maria , Fianu Isaac , Lidschreiber Michael , Naffakh Nadia , Dienemann Christian , Cusack Stephen , Cramer Patrick 
Published: August 2024

AbstractInfluenza virus mRNA is stable and competent for nuclear export and translation because it receives a 5′ cap(1) structure in a process called cap-snatching1. During cap-snatching, the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (FluPol) binds to host RNA polymerase II (Pol II) and the emerging transcript2,3. The FluPol endonuclease then cleaves a capped RNA fragment that sub-sequently acts as a primer for the transcription of viral genes4,5. Here, we present the cryo-EM structure of FluPol bound to a transcribing Pol II in complex with the elongation factor DSIF in the pre-cleavage state. The structure shows that FluPol directly interacts with both Pol II and DSIF, which position the FluPol endonuclease domain near the RNA exit channel of Pol II. These interactions are important for the endonuclease activity of FluPol and FluPol activity in cells. A second structure trapped after cap-snatching shows that cleavage rearranges the capped RNA primer within the FluPol, directing the capped RNA 3′-end towards the FluPol polymerase active site for viral transcription initiation. Altogether, our results provide the molecular mechanisms of co-transcriptional cap-snatching by FluPol.
Methods for detection of cardiac glycogen-autophagy
Authors: Koutsifeli Parisa , Daniels Lorna J. , Neale Joshua , Fong Sarah , Varma Upasna , Annandale Marco , Li Xun , Nursalim Yohanes , Bell James R. , Weeks Kate L. , Stotland Aleksandr , Taylor David J. , Gottlieb Roberta A. , Delbridge Lea M.D. , Mellor Kimberley M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractGlycogen-autophagy (‘glycophagy’) is a selective autophagy process involved in delivering glycogen to the lysosome for bulk degradation. Glycophagy protein intermediaries include STBD1 as a glycogen tagging receptor, delivering the glycogen cargo into the forming phagosome by partnering with the Atg8 homolog, GABARAPL1. Glycophagy is emerging as a key process of energy metabolism and development of reliable tools for assessment of glycophagy activity is an important priority. Here we show that antibodies raised against the N-terminus of the GABARAPL1 protein (but not the full-length protein) detected a specific endogenous GABARAPL1 immunoblot band at 18kDa. A stable GFP-GABARAPL1 cardiac cell line was used to quantify GABARAPL1 lysosomal flux via measurement of GFP puncta in response to lysosomal inhibition with bafilomycin. Endogenous glycophagy flux was quantified in primary rat ventricular myocytes by the extent of glycogen accumulation with bafilomycin combined with chloroquine treatment (no effect observed with bafilomycin or chloroquine alone). In wild-type isolated mouse hearts, bafilomycin alone and bafilomycin combined with chloroquine (but not chloroquine alone) elicited a significant increase in glycogen content signifying basal glycophagy flux. Collectively, these methodologies provide a comprehensive toolbox for tracking cardiac glycophagy activity to advance research into the role of glycophagy in health and disease.
Nasal colonizing vancomycin-resistant and intermediateStaphylococcus aureusamong admitted patients
Authors: Mengistu Biniyam Kijineh , Alemayehu Tsegaye , Mengesha Techilo Habtemariam , Ali Musa Mohammed 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundStaphylococcus aureuscolonizing the nasal cavity is a potential source of infections. Vancomycin is a mainstay for treating invasive infections caused by penicillin and methicillin-resistantS. aureus(MRSA). Some reports indicate the emergence of vancomycin-resistantS. aureus(VRSA) making it a high-priority pathogen that needs attention. There is a limited report on the epidemiology of VRSA and vancomycin-intermediateS. aureus(VISA) from the Sidama regional state.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine VRSA and VISA amongS. aureuscolonizing patients admitted at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (HUCSH), associated factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility profile.MethodsA hospital-based prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2023. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Nasal swabs were collected from 378 admitted patients. Identification ofS. aureuswas made using standard bacteriological methods. VRSA was determined by the Epsilometer test (E-test). The antimicrobial susceptibility profile was determined according to the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22. Ap<0.05 was taken as a cut point to determine a statistically significant association.ResultsOut of the total 92S. aureusisolated 12 (13.04%), 27(29.3%), 15(16.3%) were VRSA, VISA, and MRSA respectively. The carriage rate of VRSA and VISA among admitted patients were 12(3.2%) with 95% CI: 1.7%−5.5% and 27(7.14%) with 95% CI: 4.8%−10.2% respectively. The overall nasal carriage rate ofS. aureusand MRSA was 92(24.3%) with 95% CI: 20.1%−29% and 15(3.97%) with 95% CI: 2.2%−6.5% respectively. Of the VRSA isolates, 11(91.7%) were susceptible to tigecycline. Forty (43.5%) ofS. aureuswere positive for inducible clindamycin resistance. Participants with a history of hospitalization at the intensive care unit were 37 times more likely to be colonized with VRSA (p=0.001). Participants who have domestic animals were 22 times more likely to be colonized with VRSA (p=0.021).ConclusionsThis study indicated a high proportion of VRSA and VISA amongS. aureusisolated from hospitalized patients in the study area. More than 80% of VRSA were susceptible to tigecycline. History of hospitalization at the intensive care unit and having domestic animals at home could increase the odds of VRSA colonization.
Measurement of the fluorescence decay rate of
2 PJ3
positronium
Authors: Daly R. J. , Sheldon R. E. , Cassidy D. B. 
Published: August 2024

The fluorescence decay rate of 2 PJ3 positronium (Ps) atoms [Γfl] has been experimentally determined using a Stark-mixing technique. Ground-state Ps atoms were optically excited in an electric field to states containing both 2 PJ3 and 23S1 components. The relative state populations were controlled via an applied mixing electric field, and a larger, pulsed, electric field was used to induce rapid quenching of the system after a fixed time delay. The dependence of the quenching signal on the mixing field strength was used to determine the relative and populations of the mixed states, whose decay rates are determined by the intrinsic self-annihilation and fluorescence decay rates. The measurements were compared to a trajectory simulation and Stark-mixing model, using the fluorescence decay rate as a free parameter. By finding the best agreement between the data and simulations we obtain Γfl=299±25µs−1, which is consistent with the mean theoretical value of 313.343±0.003µs−1.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Bottom quark dynamics from nonprompt
D0
and
J/ψ
production in
Pb+Pb
collisions at
sNN=5.02
TeV
Authors: Xing Wen-Jing , Li Shu-Qing , Cao Shanshan , Qin Guang-You 
Published: August 2024

We study bottom quark energy loss via the nuclear modification factor (RAA) and elliptic flow (v2) of nonprompt D0 and J/ψ in relativistic heavy-ion collisions at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The space-time profile of quark-gluon plasma is obtained from the hydrodynamics simulation, the dynamical evolution of heavy quarks inside the color deconfined QCD medium is simulated using a linear Boltzmann transport model that combines Yukawa and string potentials of heavy-quark-medium interactions, the hadronization of heavy quarks is performed using a hybrid coalescence-fragmentation model, and the decay of B mesons is simulated via . Using this numerical framework, we calculate the transverse momentum (pT) dependent RAA and v2 of direct D mesons, B mesons, and nonprompt D0 and J/ψ from B meson decay in Pb+Pb collisions at sNN=5.02 TeV. We find the mass hierarchy of the nuclear modification of prompt D and B mesons depends on their pT. Both RAA and v2 of heavy flavor particles show strong pT and centrality dependences due to the interplay between parton energy loss, medium geometry and flow, and hadronization of heavy quarks. Nonprompt D0 and J/ψ share similar patterns of RAA and v2 to B mesons except for a pT shift during the decay processes. Therefore, future more precise measurements on nonprompt D0 and J/ψ can help further pin down the bottom quark dynamics inside the quark-gluon plasma.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024