bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intragenomic rearrangements involving 5′-untranslated region segments in SARS-CoV-2, other betacoronaviruses, and alphacoronaviruses
Authors: Patarca Roberto , Haseltine William A. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Variation of the betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has been the bane of COVID-19 control. Documented variation includes point mutations, deletions, insertions, and recombination among closely or distantly related coronaviruses. Here, we describe yet another aspect of genome variation by beta- and alphacoronaviruses that was first documented in an infectious isolate of the betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2, obtained from 3 patients in Hong Kong that had a 5′-untranslated region segment at the end of the ORF6 gene that in its new location translated into an ORF6 protein with a predicted modified carboxyl terminus. While comparing the amino acid sequences of translated ORF8 genes in the GenBank database, we found a subsegment of the same 5′-UTR-derived amino acid sequence modifying the distal end of ORF8 of an isolate from the United States and decided to carry out a systematic search.

Methods
Using the nucleotide and in the case of SARS-CoV-2 also the translated amino acid sequence in three reading frames of the genomic termini of coronaviruses as query sequences, we searched for 5′-UTR sequences in regions other than the 5′-UTR in SARS-CoV-2 and reference strains of alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-coronaviruses.

Results
We here report numerous genomic insertions of 5′-untranslated region sequences into coding regions of SARS-CoV-2, other betacoronaviruses, and alphacoronaviruses, but not delta- or gammacoronaviruses. To our knowledge this is the first systematic description of such insertions. In many cases, these insertions would change viral protein sequences and further foster genomic flexibility and viral adaptability through insertion of transcription regulatory sequences in novel positions within the genome. Among human Embecorivus betacoronaviruses, for instance, from 65% to all of the surveyed sequences in publicly available databases contain inserted 5′-UTR sequences.

Conclusion
The intragenomic rearrangements involving 5′-untranslated region sequences described here, which in several cases affect highly conserved genes with a low propensity for recombination, may underlie the generation of variants homotypic with those of concern or interest and with potentially differing pathogenic profiles. Intragenomic rearrangements thus add to our appreciation of how variants of SARS-CoV-2 and other beta- and alphacoronaviruses may arise.
Can artificial intelligence help for scientific writing?
Authors: Salvagno Michele , Taccone Fabio Silvio , Gerli Alberto Giovanni 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThis paper discusses the use of Artificial Intelligence Chatbot in scientific writing. ChatGPT is a type of chatbot, developed by OpenAI, that uses the Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) language model to understand and respond to natural language inputs. AI chatbot and ChatGPT in particular appear to be useful tools in scientific writing, assisting researchers and scientists in organizing material, generating an initial draft and/or in proofreading. There is no publication in the field of critical care medicine prepared using this approach; however, this will be a possibility in the next future. ChatGPT work should not be used as a replacement for human judgment and the output should always be reviewed by experts before being used in any critical decision-making or application. Moreover, several ethical issues arise about using these tools, such as the risk of plagiarism and inaccuracies, as well as a potential imbalance in its accessibility between high- and low-income countries, if the software becomes paying. For this reason, a consensus on how to regulate the use of chatbots in scientific writing will soon be required.
Priming locomotor training with transspinal stimulation in people with spinal cord injury: study protocol of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Skiadopoulos Andreas , Famodimu Grace O. , Solomon Shammah K. , Agarwal Parul , Harel Noam Y. , Knikou Maria 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Background

The seemingly simple tasks of standing and walking require continuous integration of complex spinal reflex circuits between descending motor commands and ascending sensory inputs. Spinal cord injury greatly impairs standing and walking ability, but both improve with locomotor training. However, even after multiple locomotor training sessions, abnormal muscle activity and coordination persist. Thus, locomotor training alone cannot fully optimize the neuronal plasticity required to strengthen the synapses connecting the brain, spinal cord, and local circuits and potentiate neuronal activity based on need. Transcutaneous spinal cord (transspinal) stimulation alters motoneuron excitability over multiple segments by bringing motoneurons closer to threshold, a prerequisite for effectively promoting spinal locomotor network neuromodulation and strengthening neural connectivity of the injured human spinal cord. Importantly, whether concurrent treatment with transspinal stimulation and locomotor training maximizes motor recovery after spinal cord injury is unknown.

Methods
Forty-five individuals with chronic spinal cord injury are receiving 40 sessions of robotic gait training primed with 30 Hz transspinal stimulation at the Thoracic 10 vertebral level. Participants are randomized to receive 30 min of active or sham transspinal stimulation during standing or active transspinal stimulation while supine followed by 30 min of robotic gait training. Over the course of locomotor training, the body weight support, treadmill speed, and leg guidance force are adjusted as needed for each participant based on absence of knee buckling during the stance phase and toe dragging during the swing phase. At baseline and after completion of all therapeutic sessions, neurophysiological recordings registering corticospinal and spinal neural excitability changes along with clinical assessment measures of standing and walking, and autonomic function via questionnaires regarding bowel, bladder, and sexual function are taken.

Discussion
The results of this mechanistic randomized clinical trial will demonstrate that tonic transspinal stimulation strengthens corticomotoneuronal connectivity and dynamic neuromodulation through posture-dependent corticospinal and spinal neuroplasticity. We anticipate that this mechanistic clinical trial will greatly impact clinical practice because, in real-world clinical settings, noninvasive transspinal stimulation can be more easily and widely implemented than invasive epidural stimulation. Additionally, by applying multiple interventions to accelerate motor recovery, we are employing a treatment regimen that reflects a true clinical approach.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04807764. Registered on March 19, 2021.
Cloning and expression of an anti-cancerous cytokine: human IL-29 gene in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Akram Maham , Khan Mohsin Ahmad , Ahmed Nadeem , Bhatti Rashid , Pervaiz Rabbia , Malik Kausar , Tahir Saad , Abbas Rabia , Ashraf Fareeha , Ali Qurban 
Published: February 2023

AbstractGreen algae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, with low cultivation cost, absence of endotoxins and insusceptibility to human pathogens is emerging as a potential system for the future production of recombinant proteins. The recent development of molecular tools enabling recombinant protein expression in algae chloroplast has provided new research and advance opportunities for developing low-cost therapeutic proteins. In the present study, algae chloroplast expression system was evaluated for the recombinant production of an anti-cancerous therapeutic protein, Interleukin 29 (IL29). The IL29 gene was cloned into algae chloroplast expression vector (pSRSapI). After the transformation, the positive clones were screened for homoplasmy and the presence of the IL29 gene by spot test and PCR analysis, respectively. The expressed SDS-PAGE and western blotting assay characterized IL-29. The algae expressed IL-29 was biologically active in an anti-proliferating bioassay using HepG2 cells. The results suggest that the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii expression system is convenient, low-cost, eco-friendly, and safe to express IL29.
Pharmacists’ involvements and barriers in the provision of health promotion services towards noncommunicable diseases: Community-based cross-sectional study in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Sendekie Ashenafi Kibret , Dagnaw Abera Dessie , Dagnew Ephrem Mebratu 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Community drug retail outlets (CDROs) are among the initial healthcare facilities where pharmacists play a crucial role in preventing and managing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Therefore, this study assessed pharmacists’ level of involvement and barriers in the provision of health promotion for noncommunicable diseases at CDROs in Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods
A community-based multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted among community pharmacists in Northwest Ethiopia from April to June 2022. Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire, and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26. The level of involvement mean score difference among pharmacists was investigated using an independent samples t-test and a one-way ANOVA. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between pharmacists’ level of involvement and other variables. A p-value < 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval (CI) was considered statistically significant.

Results
A total of 285 (94.4%) participants participated in the study out of 302 approached samples. Overall, more than half (58.9%) of the participants showed a high level of involvement in health promotion. Pharmacists who had a degree and/or above (AOR = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.01–0.63; p < 0.001) and served a lower number of clients per day (AOR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.04–94; p = 0.042) were less likely to have low involvement in health promotion services. Pharmacists who worked fewer hours per day (AOR = 3.65, 95% CI: 1.79–7.48; p = 0.005) were more likely to have low involvement. Lack of an appropriate area in the CDROs (52.1%) and lack of coordination with other healthcare providers (43.6%) were the most reported barriers to the provision of health promotion.

Conclusion
Most pharmacists were found to have a high level of involvement in health promotion activities. A lack of an appropriate area in the CDROs and a lack of coordination with other healthcare providers were among the most reported barriers. Pharmacists might benefit from training to increase their educational backgrounds, and barriers could be addressed to enhance the pharmacist involvement.
Can radiologic parameters used to detect cervical spinal instability be used in patients with ankylosing spondylitis?
Authors: Teuber Henrik , Halvachizadeh Sascha , Muthirakalayil Melvin , Yin Luxu , Eisenkrein Harry , Hildebrand Frank , Kobbe Philipp , Sprengel Kai , Mica Ladislav , Alkadhi Hatem , Pape Hans-Christoph , Pfeifer Roman 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Cervical spinal instability can be difficult to detect in the shock room setting even with the utilization of computed tomography (CT) scans. This may be especially true in patients with cervical degenerative disease, such as ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence AS has on various radiologic parameters used to detect traumatic and degenerative instability of the cervical spine, to assess if CT imaging in the shock room is diagnostically appropriate in this patient population.

Methods
A matched, case–control retrospective analysis of patients with AS and controls without AS admitted at two level-1 trauma centers was performed. All patients were admitted via shock room and received a polytrauma CT. Twenty-four CT parameters of atlanto-occipital dislocation/instability, traumatic and degenerative spondylolisthesis, basilar invagination, and prevertebral soft tissue swelling were assessed. Since the study was assessing normal values, study patients were included if they had no injury to the cervical spine. Study patients were matched by age and sex.

Results
A total of 78 patients were included (AS group, n = 39; control group, n = 39). The evaluated cervical radiologic parameters were largely within normal limits and showed no significant clinical or morphologic differences between the two groups.

Conclusion
In this analysis, CT measurements pertaining to various cervical pathologies were not different between patients with and without AS. Parameters to assess for atlanto-occipital dislocation/instability, spondylolisthesis, or basilar invagination in the trauma setting may reliably be used in patients with AS.
Is there a causal nexus between COVID-19 infection, COVID-19 vaccination, and Guillain-Barré syndrome?
Authors: Zheng Xiaoxiao , Fang Yong , Song Yanna , Liu Shan , Liu Kangding , Zhu Jie , Wu Xiujuan 
Published: February 2023

AbstractGuillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an immune-mediated inflammatory polyradiculoneuropathy, which commonly leads to a very high level of neurological disability. Especially, after the global outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, the causation between GBS and SARS-CoV-2 infection and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination have aroused widespread concern. In the review, we analyzed the impacts of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination on GBS globally, aiming to further understand the characteristics of GBS associated with COVID-19. Based on the electrophysiological data, patients suffering from GBS related to COVID-19 manifested as an acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP). Moreover, we summarized the current findings, which may evidence GBS linking to SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination, and discussed the underlying mechanisms whether and how the SARS-CoV-2 virus and COVID-19 vaccination can induce GBS and its variants.
Role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in PDGF-BB-mediated astrogliosis in traumatic brain injury rats associated with ERK1/2 signaling pathway inhibition
Authors: Xiu Guanghui , Li Xiuling , Li Qiang , Yin Yunyu , Tang Qiqi , Li Jintao , Ling Jiaying , Ling Bin , Yang Ying 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) plays positive roles in the therapy of traumatic brain injury (TBI); however, the mechanism underlying its effects on TBI is largely unknown. The study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanism implicated with the interaction between platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathway, which may play critical roles during HBO treatment both in the astrocyte scratching model in vitro and rat TBI model in vivo.

Methods
Changes in neurological function and wound healing were evaluated using the neurological severity scores (NSS) scale, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and qRT-PCR, respectively.

Results
The results showed that PDGF-BBi (PDGB interfered with small RNA) dramatically improves neuronal viability in vitro when transfected into the scratched astrocytes derived from the cerebral cortex of neonatal rats. Moreover, in vivo experiments revealed that HBO therapy substantially elevated the NSS scores and simultaneously reduced the mortality in TBI rats, as indicated by the NSS scales. Notably, HBO therapy was found to possess the ability to inhibit glial cell proliferation, promote the regeneration of neurons and synapses, and ultimately facilitate the wound healing, as revealed by immunohistochemistry and glial scar formation found in TBI rats. Importantly, HBO markedly decreased the expression levels of PDGF-BB and ERK1/2. It can clearly be seen that downregulated PDGF-BB and ERK1/2 levels were corresponding with the status of significant amelioration of the therapeutic effect of HBO. Conversely, the upregulation of PDGF-BB and ERK1/2 levels was in line with the opposite effect.

Conclusion
It has been concluded that HBO therapy may play its active role in TBI treatment dependent on astrogliosis inhibition, which may be achieved by downregulating the ERK1/2 signaling pathway mediated by PDGF-BB.
A novel tapered guide extension catheter facilitated successful completion of complex percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Liao Jianquan , Wu Runda , Ma Yuanji , Zhang Meng , Chen Yaolin , Yao Kang , Ge Junbo 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Guide extension catheters (GEC) are widely applied to cope with insufficient backup support in complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In the study, we aim to evaluate the feasibility and safety with a novel 5-4F tapered GEC used in complex lesion.

Methods
The single-center retrospective study enrolled a total of 615 patients, in whom the 5F or 5-4F Expressman GEC was used to facilitate PCI procedure. Demographic and procedural data were collected.

Results
5F GEC was used in 295 patients and 5-4F tapered GEC in 320 patients. The average age was 63.6 ± 11.0 years and 81.6% of the patients were male. Severe calcification and chronic total occlusion (CTO) were the commonest indication for the GEC use. The 5-4F tapered GEC was frequently used in active greeting technique (AGT) during CTO intervention procedure than 5F GEC (6.1% vs. 13.1%, p < 0.001). The average depth of intubation was 41.5 ± 19.6 mm for the 5-4F tapered GEC and 24.4 ± 15.1 mm for 5F GEC (p < 0.001). The rate of successful device delivery with 5-4F GEC was higher than 5F GEC (95.6% vs. 98.4%, p = 0.037). Pressure damping with 5F GEC occurred frequently than 5-4F GEC (7.4% vs. 2.5%, p < 0.05). Similarly, the incidence of intraoperative hypotension was higher in 5F GEC than 5-4F GEC (4.7% vs.1.9%, p < 0.05).

Conclusions
The novel 5-4F tapered GEC was superior to the 5F GEC in facilitating successful completion of PCI in the majority of patients with complex lesions via transradial approach.
Anakinra for the treatment of COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dahms Karolina , Mikolajewska Agata , Ansems Kelly , Metzendorf Maria-Inti , Benstoem Carina , Stegemann Miriam 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
At the end of 2021, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) expanded its approval for the recombinant human interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist Anakinra for the treatment of COVID-19 patients with elevated soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR). However, the role of Anakinra in COVID-19 remains unanswered, especially in patients receiving different forms of respiratory support. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review is to assess the safety and effects of Anakinra compared to placebo or standard care alone on clinical outcomes in adult hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods
We searched the Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register (comprising MEDLINE, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, medRxiv, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CCSR)) and the WHO COVID-19 Global literature on coronavirus disease database to identify completed and ongoing studies from inception of each database to December 13, 2021. Since then, we monitored new published studies weekly up to June 30, 2022 using the CCSR. We included RCTs comparing treatment with Anakinra to placebo or standard care alone in adult hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Results
We included five RCTs with 1,627 patients (nAnakinra = 888, ncontrol = 739, mean age 59.63 years, 64% male). Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool data. We found that Anakinra makes little or no difference to all-cause mortality at up to day 28 compared to placebo or standard care alone (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.64–1.45; RD 9 fewer per 1000, 95% CI 84 fewer to 104 more; 4 studies, 1593 participants; I2 = 49%; low certainty of evidence).

Conclusions
Anakinra has no effect on adult hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection regarding mortality, clinical improvement and worsening as well as on safety outcomes compared to placebo or standard care alone.
Trial Registration: PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42021257552.
Research on Chinese traditional opera costume recognition based on improved YOLOv5
Authors: Liu Kaixuan , Lin Kai , Zhu Chun 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
In order to protect the cultural heritage of opera costumes, establish visual labels for opera costumes, accelerate the establishment of a database for opera costumes, and increase the dissemination of opera culture, we propose an improved You Only Look Once (YOLO) v5-based opera costume recognition model for opera costumes with a wide range of styles, rich colors, and complex stage environments. By adding Coordinate Attention (CA) mechanism to the backbone of YOLOv5, the network can focus on more interesting information when extracting features; replacing the original feature pyramid module with a weighted bidirectional feature pyramid module in the Neck part to achieve efficient fusion of features; replacing the original loss function GIOU with DIOU to improve the detection accuracy and convergence speed. The average detection accuracy of the improved YOLOv5 model reaches 86.3% and its inference speed reaches 28 ms per frame through experiments on the homemade Chinese costume dataset, which improves the average detection accuracy by 3.1% compared with the original model, and has good robustness in detecting complex scenes such as covered targets, light-colored costumes, cross targets, dense targets and different angles. The model meets the requirements for accuracy and real-time costume recognition in complex theatrical environments.