bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential tertiary effects on the LISA verification binary HM Cancri
Authors: Seto Naoki 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT
Two groups recently analysed the long-term orbital evolution of HM Cancri, which is one of the most important verification binaries for the space gravitational wave detector LISA. By using the reported first and second derivatives of its orbital frequency f, we discuss potential tertiary effects on this binary. We found that, in contrast to the first derivative $\dot{f}$, the second derivative $\ddot{f}$ might be strongly affected by a dark tertiary component such as an old white dwarf with an outer orbital period of ∼250 yr.
Prevalence of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) and early-phase DISH across the lifespan of an American population
Authors: Fournier Dale E , Leung Andrew E , Battié Michele C , Séguin Cheryle A 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Objectives
DISH is a common musculoskeletal disorder; however, the imaging features and disease continuum from early to advanced stages is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of DISH and early-phase DISH in an American population and to assess the extent and pattern of ectopic mineralization across the thoracic spine.

Methods
Data were retrieved in collaboration with the Rochester Epidemiology Project. We conducted a retrospective image evaluation of a sample of individuals over 19 years of age with CT of the thoracic spine from a Northern US catchment area. Stratified random sampling by age and sex was used to populate the study. We examined the prevalence and extent of ectopic mineralization along the thoracic spine using previously established criteria.

Results
A total of 1536 unique images (766 female and 770 male individuals) including 16 710 motion segments were evaluated for imaging features of the continuum of DISH. Collectively, 40.5% of all motion segments evaluated displayed evidence of ectopic mineralization in the thoracic spine. The prevalence of early-phase DISH was 13.2% (10.4% of female and 15.8% of male individuals). The prevalence of established DISH was 14.2% (7.4% of female and 20.9% of male individuals). Remarkable heterogeneity was detected in individuals within each disease classification, based on the extent of the thoracic spine affected and degree of mineralization.

Conclusions
The continuum of imaging features associated with DISH is detected in more than one in four adults and both sexes in an American population.
The Qatari Flap for Fingertip Reconstruction: Versatility, Reliability, Clinical Applications, and Review of Literature
Authors: Al Lahham Salim , Aljassem Ghanem , Alyazji Zaki , Sada Ruba , Albasti Habib , Al-Khayarin Alreem , Mogahed Heba , Al Harami Sara , Al Sherawi Abeer 
Published: July 2023

Background:
Fingertip injuries are common; when the bone is exposed, it requires more than skin to cover the defect. After the introduction of the concept of perforator flaps, trials have been made to reconstruct finger defects with perforator flaps. Here, we describe a series of fingertip injuries that were treated with reverse flow island finger perforator flap.

Methods:
We had 36 patients from January 2019 to June 2021, most of them male workers. We reported on the sizes of the defects and donor sites, the need to cover the pedicle with a skin graft, and complications. Patients were followed up for a period of 6 months, and the detailed elevation technique was mentioned.

Results:
Thirty-four flaps survived completely. In 50% of the cases, patients had congestion and epidermolysis with preserved underlying flap, which had normal healing course. Two patients with diabetes had infections; one of them had 40% necrosis of the flap, and one additional case had superficial eschar with preserved underlying flap tissues.

Conclusions:
Fingertip reconstruction rather than bone shortening is preferred to maintain the finger length. Multiple choices were suggested, but this flap had the disadvantage of limited coverage. After introducing the concept of perforator flaps into finger reconstruction, still more choices were added. The retrograde island digital artery perforator flap is a reliable choice, which is done in one stage and does not require loss of the digital artery.
A New Ultrasound-assisted Protocol to Avoid Seroma-related Complications in Prepectoral Breast Reconstruction with Acellular Dermal Matrix
Authors: Cazzato Vito , Bottosso Stefano , Marchi Grace , Renzi Nadia , Papa Giovanni 
Published: July 2023

Summary:
Seroma, with its secondary complications, represents one of the major unsolved problems in direct to implant breast reconstruction with acellular dermal matrix. The seroma formation not only represents a complication, but causes other secondary complications such as major infections, surgical dehiscence, and implant loss. These lead to the failure of the reconstruction. The authors have developed a new ultrasound protocol for early diagnosis and management of seroma, with the aim of detecting and treating early seroma through a series of ultrasound-guided suctions. In this way, we want to avoid the onset of seroma-related complications. After 12.5 months of mean follow-up time, we performed 22 fluid aspirations, and no seroma recurrence was reported, as well as no secondary complications. The authors believe that the introduction of this novel ultrasound protocol allows the plastic surgeon to actively and promptly manage seroma.
The mitral valve in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Malcolmson James , Shipolini Alex , Mohiddin Saidi , Savvatis Konstantinos 
Published: July 2023

Purpose of reviewWhilst abnormally increased left ventricular wall thickness is the hallmark feature of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), anomalies of the mitral valve and supporting apparatus are well documented. This review addresses the clinical importance of mitral valve abnormalities in HCM, their mechanistic associations with symptoms, and therapeutic strategies targeting mitral valve and apparatus abnormalities.Recent findingsThe normal mitral valve possesses anatomical features facilitating unrestricted blood flow during LV filling, preventing regurgitation during LV systole, and avoiding obstruction of LV ejection. In HCM, a variety of structural and functional abnormalities can conspire to cause deranged mitral valve function, with implications for management strategy. Identification and characterization of these abnormalities is facilitated by multimodality imaging. Alcohol septal ablation (ASA) cannot address primary mitral valve abnormalities, and so is not preferred to surgical intervention if mitral valve abnormalities are present and are judged to make dominant contributions to LV outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO). Two broadly opposing surgical intervention strategies exist, one advocating isolated septal myectomy and the other including adjuvant mitral apparatus modification. Newer, less invasive surgical and transcatheter techniques will expand interventional options.SummaryMitral valve abnormalities are a central pathological feature of HCM. Multimodality imaging is crucial for their identification and characterization prior to therapeutic intervention.
Intrinsic/extrinsic apoptosis and pyroptosis contribute to the selective depletion of B cell subsets in septic shock patients
Authors: Dong Xijie , Tu Hao , Bai Xiangjun , Qin Shuang , Li Zhanfei 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The depletion of peripheral blood B cells is associated with immunosuppression and poor prognosis during sepsis, and selective depletion occurs when B cell subsets are specifically targeted. In this study, we examined the mechanisms underlying the selective depletion of B cell subsets in the immunosuppressive phase of septic shock patients. Thirty-two septic shock patients were recruited as a septic shock group and 10 healthy volunteers as a control group. The expression of Bcl-2, CD95, cleaved caspase-9/8, and activated caspase-3/1 in the B cell subsets were measured by flow cytometry. Another 23 septic shock patients were recruited to test the remission of caspase-3 (Z-DEVD-FMK) and -1 (VX-765) inhibitors on B cell subset depletion in vitro. In septic shock patients, the Bcl-2 levels in immature/transitional (IM) B cells decreased and the levels of cleaved caspase-9 in IM B cells increased; The levels of CD95 in IM, naive, resting memory (RM), and activated memory (AM) B cells and the levels of cleaved caspase-8 in IM, RM, and AM B cells increased; The levels of activated caspase-3 and caspase-1 in IM, RM, and AM B cells increased. Activated caspase-1 levels in IM B cells were higher compared with activated caspase-3 in septic shock patients, whereas the levels of activated caspase-1 in AM B cells were lower compared with activated caspase-3. Moreover, in vitro experiments showed that Z-DEVD-FMK and VX-765 could alleviate the depletion of IM, AM, and RM B cells. The selective reduction of circulating B cell subsets in septic shock patients could be attributed to intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis as well as pyroptosis.
Surgery for Primary Aldosteronism in France from 2010 to 2020, Results from the French-Speaking Association of Endocrine Surgery (AFCE) - Eurocrine® Study Group
Authors: Vignaud Timothee , Baud Gregory , Nominé-Criqui Claire , Donatini Gianluca , Santucci Nicolas , Hamy Antoine , Lifante Jean-Christophe , Maillard Laure , Mathonnet Muriel , Chereau Nathalie , Pattou François , Caiazzo Robert , Tresallet Christophe , Kuczma Paulina , Ménégaux Fabrice , Drui Delphine , Gaujoux Sébastien , Brunaud Laurent , Mirallié Eric ,   Eurocrine Study Group
Published: July 2023

Objective:
Describe the diagnostic work-up and postoperative results for patients treated by adrenalectomy for primary aldosteronism in France from 2010 to 2020

Summary Background Data:
Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the underlying cause of hypertension in 6-18% patients. French and international guidelines recommend CT-scan and adrenal vein sampling as part of diagnostic work-up to distinguish unilateral PA amenable to surgical treatment, from bilateral PA that will require lifelong antialdosterone treatment.
Adrenalectomy for unilateral primary aldosteronism has been associated with complete resolution of hypertension (no antihypertensive drugs and normal ambulatory pressure) in about 1/3 of patients, and complete biological success in 94% of patients.
These results are mainly based on retrospective studies with short follow-up and aggregated patients from various international high volume centres.

Methods:
Here we report results from French-Speaking Association of Endocrine Surgery (AFCE) using the Eurocrine® Database.

Results:
Over 11 years, 385 patients from 10 medical centres were eligible for analysis, accounting for >40% of adrenalectomies performed in France for primary aldosteronism over the period.
Preoperative work-up was consistent with guidelines for 40% patients. Complete clinical success (CCS) at last follow-up was achieved in 32% patients and complete biological success was not sufficiently assessed.
For patients with two follow-up visits, clinical results were not persistent at one year for 1/5 patients.
Factors associated with CCS on multivariate analysis were body mass index, duration of hypertension and number of antihypertensive drugs.

Conclusions:
These results call for an improvement in thorough preoperative work-up and long-term follow-up of patients (clinical and biological) to early manage hypertension and/or PA relapse.
Vascular access complications associated with resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta in adult trauma patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shum-Tim Lukas , Bichara-Allard Simon , Hopkins Brent , AlShahwan Nawaf , Hanley Stephen , Manzano-Nunez Ramiro , Garcia Alberto F. , Deckelbaum Dan , Grushka Jeremy , Razek Tarek , Fata Paola , Khwaja Kosar , McKendy Katherine , Jastaniah Atif , Wong Evan G. 
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND
Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is gaining popularity worldwide for managing hypotensive trauma patients. Vascular access complications related to REBOA placement have been reported, with some cases resulting in permanent morbidity. We aim to capitalize on the increase in literature to further describe and estimate the incidence of REBOA-associated vascular access complications in adult trauma patients.

METHODS
We searched Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, and CINAHL for studies reporting vascular access complications of REBOA in adult trauma patients from inception to October 14, 2021. Studies reporting data from adult trauma patients who underwent REBOA insertion were eligible. Exclusion criteria included patients 15 years and younger, nontrauma patients, non-REBOA use, non-vascular access complications and patient duplication. Study data was abstracted using the PRISMA checklist and verified independently by three reviewers. Meta-analysis of proportions was performed using a random effects model with Freeman-Turkey double-arcsine transformation. Post hoc meta-regression by year of publication, sheath-size, and geographic region was also performed. The incidence of vascular access complications from REBOA insertion was the primary outcome of interest. Subgroup analysis was performed by degree of bias, sheath size, technique of vascular access, provider specialty, geographical region, and publication year.

RESULTS
Twenty-four articles were included in the systematic review and the meta-analysis, for a total of 675 trauma patients who underwent REBOA insertion. The incidence of vascular access complications was 8% (95% confidence interval, 5%–13%). In post hoc meta-regression adjusting for year of publication and geographic region, the use of a smaller (7-Fr) sheath was associated with a decreased incidence of vascular access complications (odds ratio, 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.75–0.99; p = 0.046; R2 = 35%; I2 = 48%).

CONCLUSION
This study provides a benchmark for quality of care in terms of vascular access complications related to REBOA insertion in adult trauma patients. Smaller sheath size may be associated with a decrease in vascular access complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis; Level III.
A new universal system of tree shape indices
Authors: Noble Robert , Verity Kimberley 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe comparison and categorization of tree diagrams is fundamental to large parts of biology, linguistics, computer science, and other fields, yet the indices currently applied to describing tree shape have important flaws that complicate their interpretation and limit their scope. Here we introduce a new system of indices with no such shortcomings. Our indices account for node sizes and branch lengths and are robust to small changes in either attribute. Unlike currently popular phylogenetic diversity, phylogenetic entropy, and tree balance indices, our definitions assign interpretable values to all rooted trees and enable meaningful comparison of any pair of trees. Our self-consistent definitions further unite measures of diversity, richness, balance, symmetry, effective height, effective outdegree, and effective branch count in a coherent system, and we derive numerous simple relationships between these indices. The main practical advantages of our indices are in 1) quantifying diversity in non-ultrametric trees; 2) assessing the balance of trees that have non-uniform branch lengths or node sizes; 3) comparing the balance of trees with different leaf counts or outdegrees; 4) obtaining a coherent, generic, multidimensional quantification of tree shape that is robust to sampling error and inferential error. We illustrate these features by comparing the shapes of trees representing the evolution of HIV and of Uralic languages, and trees generated by computational models of tumour evolution. Given the ubiquity of tree structures, we identify a wide range of applications across diverse domains. tree indices, tree shape, tree balance, phylogenetic diversity, phylogenetic entropy, rooted trees
A novel method for quantitation of AAV genome integrity and residual DNAs using duplex digital PCR
Authors: Tereshko Lauren , Zhao Xiaohui , Gagnon Jake , Lin Tinchi , Ewald Trevor , Feschenko Marina , Mason Cullen 
Published: July 2023

AbstractRecombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors have become a reliable strategy for delivering gene therapies. As rAAV capsid content is known to be heterogeneous, assays for rAAV characterization are critical for assessing the efficacy and safety of drug products. Multiplex droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) has emerged as a popular molecular approach for characterizing capsid content due to its high level of throughput, accuracy, and replicability. Despite growing popularity, tools to accurately analyze multiplexed data are scarce. Here, we introduce a novel model to estimate genome integrity from duplex ddPCR assays. This work demonstrates that use of a Poisson-multinomial mixture distribution significantly improves the accuracy and quantifiable range of duplex ddPCR assays over currently available models.
Mathematical Model Predicts Tumor Control Patterns Induced by Fast and Slow CTL Killing Mechanisms
Authors: Wang Yixuan , Bergman Daniel , Trujillo Erica , Pearson Alexander T. , Sweis Randy F. , Jackson Trachette L. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractImmunotherapy has dramatically transformed the cancer treatment landscape largely due to the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Although ICIs have shown promising results for many patients, the low response rates in many cancers highlight the ongoing challenges in cancer treatment. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) execute their cell-killing function via two distinct mechanisms: a fast-acting, perforin-mediated process and a slower, Fas ligand (FasL)-driven path-way. Evidence also suggests that the preferred killing mechanism of CTLs depends on the anti-genicity of tumor cells. To determine the critical factors affecting responses to ICIs, we construct an ordinary differential equation model describingin vivotumor-immune dynamics in the presence of active or blocked PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint. Specifically, we identify important aspects of the tumor-immune landscape that affect tumor size and composition in the short and long term. By generating a virtual cohort with differential tumor and immune attributes, we also simulate the therapeutic outcomes of immune checkpoint blockade in a heterogenous population. In this way, we identify key tumor and immune characteristics that are associated with tumor elimination, dor-mancy, and escape. Our analysis sheds light on which fraction of a population potentially responds well to ICIs and ways to enhance therapeutic outcomes with combination therapy.
Design of SARS-CoV-2 protease inhibitors with improved affinity and reduced sensitivity to mutations
Authors: Westberg Michael , Su Yichi , Zou Xinzhi , Huang Pinghan , Rustagi Arjun , Garhyan Jaishree , Patel Puja Bhavesh , Fernandez Daniel , Wu Yan , Ning Lin , Beck Aimee , Karim Marwah , Hao Chenzhou , Saenkham-Huntsinger Panatda , Tat Vivian , Drelich Aleksandra , Peng Bi-Hung , Einav Shirit , Tseng Chien-Te K. , Blish Catherine , Lin Michael Z. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractInhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) such as nirmatrelvir (NTV) and ensitrelvir (ETV) have proven effective in reducing the severity of COVID-19, but the presence of resistance-conferring mutations in sequenced viral genomes raises concerns about future drug resistance. Second-generation oral drugs that retain function on these mutants are thus urgently needed. We hypothesized that the covalent HCV protease inhibitor boceprevir (BPV) could serve as the basis for orally bioavailable drugs that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Mpromore tightly than existing drugs. Performing structure-guided modifications of BPV, we developed a picomolar-affinity inhibitor, ML2006a4, with antiviral activity, oral pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic efficacy similar or superior to NTV. A crucial feature of ML2006a4 is a novel derivatization of the ketoamide reactive group that improves cell permeability and oral bioavailability. Finally, ML2006a4 is less sensitive to several mutations that cause resistance to NTV or ETV and occur in the natural SARS-CoV-2 population. Thus, anticipatory drug design can preemptively address potential resistance mechanisms.
BL-Hi-C reveals the 3D genome structure ofBrassicacrops with high efficiency and sensitivity
Authors: Zhang Lupeng , Zhao Ranze , Liang Jianli , Cai Xu , Zhang Lei , Guo Huiling , Zhang Zhicheng , Wu Jian , Wang Xiaowu 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACTHigh-throughput chromatin conformation capture (Hi-C) technologies can be used to investigate the three-dimensional genomic structure of plants. However, complex protocol and high background noise in Hi-C hinder its practical application in plant 3D genomics. Here, we took the approach of modified Bridge Linker Hi-C technology (BL-Hi-C) to explore plant 3D landscape. We modified the BL-Hi-C method by simplifing nuclei extraction step. By usingBrassica rapaandBrassica oleracea, BL-Hi-C showed higher signal value and lower background noise than Hi-C. The high sensitivity of BL-Hi-C was further demonstrated by its capacity to identify gene loops involvingBrFLC1,BrFLC2andBrFLC3which were undetectable in Hi-C. BL-Hi-C also showed promising performance with input as low as 100 mg leaf tissue. By analyzing of the generated data from BL-Hi-C, we found that the simulated 3D genome structure ofB. rapaleaf cells was Bouquet configuration. Our results showed that the modified BL-Hi-C is a powerful tool for the investigation of plants’ genomic organization, gene regulation, and genome assembly.IN A NUTSHELLBackground3D genome structure play a critical role in regulating spatiotemporal gene expression. However, there is a lack of simple, efficient and sensitive Hi-C technique in plants.QuestionHow to study plant 3D genomics more simple and efficientHow to detect plant chromatin loops more sensitive?FindingsWe showed that BL-Hi-C is more simple, efficient and sensitive than coventional Hi-C by usingBrassica rapaandBrassica oleracea. Furthermore, BL-Hi-C demonstrated its high sensitivity by detecting gene loops involvingBrFLC1,BrFLC2, andBrFLC3which could not be detected by Hi-C. In addition, BL-Hi-C demonstrated promising performance with inputs as low as 100 mg leaf tissue. By analyzing BL-Hi-C data, we found that the simulated 3D genome structure ofB. rapaleaf cells was Bouquet configuration.Next stepsHow chromatin loops are formed and regulated gene expression are key questions to be answered in plants. Our dataset of BL-Hi-C will enable future investigations to improve our understanding of chromatin loops.
Logical gates in ensembles of proteinoid microspheres
Authors: Mougkogiannis Panagiotis , Adamatzky Andrew 
Published: July 2023

AbstractProteinoid are thermal proteins which swell into microspheres in aqueous solution. Ensembles of proteinoids produce electrical spiking activity similar to that of neurons. We introduce a novel method for implementing logical gates in the ensembles of proteinoid microspheres using chronoamperometry. Chronoamperometry is a technique that involves applying a voltage pulse to proteinoid microspheres and measuring their current response. We have observed that proteinoids exhibit distinct current patterns that align with various logical outputs. We identify four types of logical gates: AND, OR, XOR, and NAND. These gates are determined by the current response of proteinoid microspheres. Additionally, we demonstrate that proteinoid microspheres have the ability to modify their current response over time, which is influenced by their previous exposure to voltage. This indicates that they possess a capacity for learning and are capable of adapting to their environment. Our research showcases the ability of proteinoid microspheres to perform logical operations and computations through their inherent electrical properties.