bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The enhanced generation of motor neurons from mESCs by MgAl layered double hydroxide nanoparticles
Authors: Bai Yuxin , Wang Zhaojie , Yu Liqun , Dong Kun , Cheng Liming , Zhu Rongrong 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The committed differentiation of stem cells into neurons is a promising therapeutic strategy for neurological diseases. Predifferentiation of transplanted stem cells into neural precursors could enhance their utilization and control the direction of differentiation. Embryonic stem cells with totipotency can differentiate into specific nerve cells under appropriate external induction conditions. Layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoparticles have been proven to regulate the pluripotency of mouse ESCs (mESCs), and LDH could be used as carrier in neural stem cells for nerve regeneration. Hence, we sought to study the effects of LDH without loaded factors on mESCs neurogenesis in this work. A series of characteristics analyses indicated the successful construction of LDH nanoparticles. LDH nanoparticles that may adhere to the cell membranes had insignificant effect on cell proliferation and apoptosis. The enhanced differentiation of mESCs into motor neurons by LDH was systematically validated by immunofluorescent staining, quantitative real-time PCR analysis and western blot analysis. In addition, transcriptome sequencing analysis and mechanism verification elucidated the significant regulatory roles of focal adhesion signaling pathway in the enhanced mESCs neurogenesis by LDH. Taken together, the functional validation of inorganic LDH nanoparticles promoting motor neurons differentiation provide a novel strategy and therapeutic prospect for the clinical transition of neural regeneration.
Stranded nations? Transition risks and opportunities towards a clean economy
Authors: Andres Pia , Mealy Penny , Handler Nils , Fankhauser Samuel 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The transition away from a fossil-fuel powered economy towards a cleaner production system will create winners and losers in the global trade system. We compile a list of ‘brown’ traded products whose use is highly likely to decline if the world is to mitigate climate change, and explore which countries are most at risk of seeing their productive capabilities ‘stranded’. Using methods from economic geography and complexity, we develop novel measures of transition risk that capture the extent to which countries’ export profiles are locked-in to brown products. We show that countries exporting a high number of brown products, especially technologically sophisticated ones, could find it relatively easy to transition. Conversely, countries with exports highly concentrated in a few, low-complexity brown products have much fewer nearby diversification opportunities. Our results suggest that export complexity and diversity play a key role in determining transition risk. Path-breaking diversification strategies are needed to prevent nations from becoming stranded.
Conserved charges in the quantum simulation of integrable spin chains
Authors: Maruyoshi Kazunobu , Okuda Takuya , Pedersen Juan W , Suzuki Ryo , Yamazaki Masahito , Yoshida Yutaka 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
When simulating the time evolution of quantum many-body systems on a digital quantum computer, one faces the challenges of quantum noise and of the Trotter error due to time discretization. For certain spin chains, it is possible to discretize the time evolution preserving integrability, so that an extensive set of conserved charges are exactly conserved after discretization. In this work we implement, on real quantum computers and on classical simulators, the integrable Trotterization of the spin-

1

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2

Heisenberg XXX spin chain. We study how quantum noise affects the time evolution of several conserved charges, and observe the decay of the expectation values. We in addition study the early time behaviors of time evolution, which can potentially be used to benchmark quantum devices and algorithms in the future. We also provide an efficient method to generate the conserved charges at higher orders.
Methodological proposal for estimating polluting emissions: Case of Cuenca, Ecuador
Authors: Bermeo Naula Andrea , Molina Campoverde Paúl , Campoverde Néstor Rivera 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
This paper presents a methodology for estimating polluting emissions in the city of Cuenca, Ecuador. Currently, the polluting emissions inventory ignores several important factors in the generation of emissions produced by mobile sources. The COPERT emissions inventory model does not consider the speed profile of the vehicles and the tests carried out in the vehicle technical inspection centers are carried out empty and without any opposing load to the engine. For this reason, it is proposed that the vehicles be tested in dynamic conditions according to the EURO 6 regulations and the implementation of the real emissions cycle, allowing to obtain driving characteristics and values that are closer to reality. Subsequently, the model is adjusted using neural networks and the estimation of pollutants for the period 2008 - 2018 is carried out. According to the data found, the average percentage of error is 35.26% between the estimates made according to the EURO 6 standard and the values of the COPERT III emissions inventory.
Thermal bridges in buildings of consolidated contexts in high-altitude cities. Case study: Ambato, Ecuador
Authors: Pazmiño Lucía , Llerena Freddy , Cornejo Gabriela , de la Torre Emily 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
This research work has been centered on the study of thermal bridges in the urban area of the city of Ambato, this city is located at an altitude of 2570m with an average temperature of 15°C throughout the year, the construction systems used in the study area mostly consist of a layer of material either clay brick or concrete block and exterior and interior finishing’s. The objective is to diagnose the points where thermal leaks can be found in consolidated environments and to provide possible solutions in different construction elements. The methodology used is based on a mixed study, which analyzes the urban context, the buildings present, the construction materials used, their relationship with the current climate of the area and the quantification of latent temperatures for further simulation. The results were obtained through a calculation software where the diagnosis and the improvement plan were simulated to increase the ambient temperature of the houses from 15-17°C to the range of 20-24°C within the comfort temperature range for interior spaces. This study concluded that it is possible to significantly improve the thermal performance of buildings in consolidated contexts with specific interventions.
Testing Whether Higher Contact Among the Vaccinated Can Be a Mechanism for Observed Negative Vaccine Effectiveness
Authors: Bodner Korryn , Knight Jesse , Hamilton Mackenzie A , Mishra Sharmistha 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Evidence from early observational studies suggested negative vaccine effectiveness (${V}_{Eff}$) for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant. Since true ${V}_{Eff}$ is unlikely to be negative, we explored how differences in contact among vaccinated persons (e.g., potentially from the implementation of vaccine mandates) could lead to observed negative ${V}_{Eff}$. Using a susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered (SEIR) transmission model, we examined how vaccinated-contact heterogeneity, defined as an increase in the contact rate only between vaccinated individuals, interacted with 2 mechanisms of vaccine efficacy: vaccine efficacy against susceptibility ($V{E}_S$) and vaccine efficacy against infectiousness ($V{E}_I$), to produce underestimated and in some cases, negative measurements of ${V}_{Eff}$. We found that vaccinated-contact heterogeneity led to negative estimates when $V{E}_I$, and especially $V{E}_S$, were low. Moreover, we determined that when contact heterogeneity was very high, ${V}_{Eff}$ could still be underestimated given relatively high vaccine efficacies (0.7), although its effect on ${V}_{Eff}$ was strongly reduced. We also found that this contact heterogeneity mechanism generated a signature temporal pattern: The largest underestimates and negative measurements of ${V}_{Eff}$ occurred during epidemic growth. Overall, our research illustrates how vaccinated-contact heterogeneity could have feasibly produced negative measurements during the Omicron period and highlights its general ability to bias observational studies of ${V}_{Eff}$.
The Correlation Between the Improvement in Patient's Quality of Life and Surgeon's Satisfaction Following Primary Breast Augmentation: A Prospective Study
Authors: Marangi Giovanni Francesco , Gratteri Marco , Mirra Carlo , Cogliandro Annalisa , Savani Luca , Ciarrocchi Silvia , Pagano Federico , Cagli Barbara , Segreto Francesco , Persichetti Paolo 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background
Patient satisfaction is the primary goal in breast augmentation, but in a few cases patient satisfaction and surgeon satisfaction are in disagreement.

Objectives
The authors try to explain the reasons associated with disparity between patient and surgeon satisfaction.

Methods
Seventy-one patients who underwent primary breast augmentation with dual-plane technique, with inframammary or inferior hemi-periareolar incision, were enrolled in this prospective study. Quality of life was evaluated with BREAST-Q preoperatively and postoperatively. Preoperative and postoperative photographic analysis was performed by a heterogeneous group of experts who completed the validated Breast Aesthetic Scale (BAS). The patient satisfaction score was compared with the overall appearance as determined by the validated BAS; a difference in score of 1 or more was considered a discordant judgement. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 18.0, with values of P &lt; .01 considered statistically significant.

Results
BREAST-Q analysis showed a significative improvement in quality of life on the psychosocial well-being, sexual well-being, and physical well-being chest scale and satisfaction with the breast (P &lt; .01). Of the 71 pairs, 60 had a concordant judgment between patient and surgeon, and 11 were discordant. The score expressed by the patients (4.35 ± 0.69) was on average higher than that of the third-party observers (3.88 ± 0.58), with P &lt; .001.

Conclusions
Patient satisfaction is the main goal following the success of a surgical or medical procedure. BREAST-Q and photographs during the preoperative period are helpful to understanding the patient's real expectations.

Level of Evidence: 3
Monthly abundance and diversity of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in an Atlantic Forest area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: de Araujo-Oliveira Alexandre , Alencar Jerônimo , de Almeida Marques William , Teixeira Serdeiro Michele , dos Santos Mallet Jacenir Reis 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Several mosquito species in the Atlantic Forest are yellow fever vectors; therefore, this biome can represent a potential risk to the human population. Studies on mosquitoes from predominantly sylvatic areas produce valuable data for understanding the emergence of new epidemics. In addition, they can elucidate environmental components favoring or hindering biodiversity and species distribution. Our study aimed to evaluate the monthly distribution, composition, diversity, and influence of seasonal periods (dry and rainy) on the mosquito fauna. We used CDC light traps at different levels in a forest area bordering a Conservation Unit of Nova Iguaçu in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Specimens were collected from August 2018 to July 2019 by installing traps in sampling sites under different vegetation covers. We detected some species of epidemiological importance in terms of arbovirus transmission. A total of 4,048 specimens representing 20 different species were collected. Among them, Aedes (Stg.) albopictus Skuse, 1894 showed recurrent association with the closest level to human residences and Haemagogus (Con.) leucocelaenus Dyar and Shannon, 1924 with the most distant levels. Since these mosquitoes are possible vectors of yellow fever, monitoring the area is extremely important. Under the studied conditions, the mosquito populations were directly influenced by dry and rainy periods, posing a risk to the nearby resident population.
Epidemiology and Characteristics of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Pneumonia in Critically Ill Adults
Authors: Kim Taeeun , Huh Jin Won , Hong Sang-Bum , Jung Jiwon , Kim Min Jae , Chong Yong Pil , Sung Heungsup , Doh Kyung Hyun , Kim Sung-Han , Lee Sang-Oh , Kim Yang Soo , Lim Chae-Man , Koh Younsuck , Choi Sang-Ho 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundSevere respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)–associated pneumonia in adults has rarely been addressed. We investigated the burden and clinical characteristics of severe RSV-associated pneumonia in critically ill adult patients.MethodsWe analyzed a prospective cohort of 2865 adults with severe pneumonia who were admitted to the intensive care unit in a 2700-bed tertiary care hospital from 2010 to 2019. The epidemiology, characteristics, and outcomes of 92 cases of severe RSV-associated pneumonia and 163 cases of severe influenza virus (IFV)–associated pneumonia were compared.ResultsOf 1589 cases of severe community-acquired pneumonia, the incidence of RSV-associated pneumonia was less than half that of IFV-associated pneumonia (3.4% vs 8.1%). However, among 1276 cases of severe hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), there were slightly more cases of RSV-associated than IFV-associated pneumonia (3.8% vs 3.5%). During the 9 epidemic seasons, RSV-A (5 seasons) and RSV-B (4 seasons) predominated alternately. Structural lung disease, diabetes mellitus, and malignancy were common underlying diseases in both groups. Immunocompromise (57.6% vs 34.4%; P &lt; .001) and hospital acquisition (47.8% vs 23.9%; P &lt; .001) were significantly more common in the RSV group. Coinfection with Streptococcus pneumoniae (3.3% vs 9.8%; P = .08) and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (1.1% vs 6.8%; P = .06) tended to be less frequent in the RSV group. The 90-day mortality was high in both groups (39.1% vs 40.5%; P = .89).ConclusionsRSV infection was associated with substantial morbidity and mortality in critically ill adult patients, similar to IFV. The relatively higher incidence of RSV in severe HAP suggests that the transmissibility of RSV can exceed that of IFV in a hospital setting.
Occupational exposure register-based cohort study on mortality among asbestos-related workers in Italy after the ban
Authors: Scarselli Alberto , Corfiati Marisa , Marinaccio Alessandro 
Published: March 2023

Objective:
Asbestos is a human carcinogen and can cause some types of cancer, including mesothelioma. A relevant number of workers are still engaged in asbestos removal and disposal activities, whose actual risk of asbestos-related diseases is still scarcely recognized. The main objective of this study is to assess the cause-specific mortality among workers involved in asbestos removal and disposal after the ban in Italy.

Methods
Data from the Information System on Occupational Exposure to carcinogens (SIREP) in the period 1996–2018 were selected. Proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) by cause of death were calculated by linking exposure occupational information to national mortality statistics (2005–2018), assuming a Poisson distribution of the data.

Results
A total of 142 deaths (all men) were identified among 13 715 asbestos removal and disposal workers. A significant excess (P < 0.05) of mesothelioma deaths was found among male workers, about five-fold the expected. A significant increase in the mortality ratio was also found for malignant melanoma of skin.

Conclusions
A risk of mesothelioma has been found among workers involved in asbestos removal and disposal. Epidemiological surveillance and promotion of prevention action plans are highly recommended for workers engaged in asbestos removal and disposal activities, to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and reduce the still relevant risk of contracting the related tumor pathology.
Modern methods in managing urachal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Taktak Samih , El-Taji Omar , Hanchanale Vishwanath 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Objectives
We sought to evaluate modern diagnostic and treatment options for urachal adenocarcinoma (UAC) and to provide clarity regarding the available options and their outcomes for this poorly understood yet damaging disease.

Material and methods
We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed and Medline focusing on updated management of UAC.

Results
Surgical intervention continues to be the mainstay of treatment for localized UAC. However, with the increased availability of molecular and genetic profiling, chemotherapy has consistently demonstrated promising response rates and survival outcomes, especially for a disease that commonly presents in a metastatic stage. The role of checkpoint inhibitors remains under investigation. Cross-sectional imaging is vital during postoperative surveillance. However, there may also be a role for the adoption of cystoscopy to detect bladder recurrence.

Conclusions
Although the importance of surgical resection remains unchanged, improved survival outcomes with chemotherapy have been found in small retrospective studies. Randomized trial data are required to further assess the influence of systemic treatment as a primary or adjuvant therapy. Moreover, a stringent follow-up regimen incorporating evaluation for distant and local recurrence of UAC must be evaluated and adopted.
Creation and validation of a novel low-cost dry lab for early resident training and assessment of robotic prostatectomy technical proficiency
Authors: Kunitsky Kevin , Venkataramana Abhishek , Fero Katherine E. , Ballon Jorge , Komberg Jacob , Reiter Robert , Brisbane Wayne 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate the preliminary validity and acceptability of a low-cost low-fidelity robotic surgery dry lab for training and assessing residents’ technical proficiency with key robotic radical prostatectomy steps.

Materials and methods
Three standardized inanimate tasks were created to simulate the radical prostatectomy steps of posterior dissection, neurovascular bundle release, and urethrovesical anastomosis. Urology trainees and faculty at a single institution completed and evaluated each dry lab task. Construct validity was evaluated by comparing task completion times and Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills scores across four participant cohorts: medical students (n = 5), junior residents (n = 5), senior residents (n = 5), and attending surgeons (n = 7). Content validity, face validity, and acceptability were evaluated through a posttask survey using a 5-point Likert scale.

Results
There was a significant difference in the individual and composite task completion times and Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills scores across all participant cohorts (all p < 0.01). The model was rated favorably in terms of its content validity and acceptability for use in residency training. However, model realism, compared with human tissue, was poorly rated. The dry lab production cost was less than US $25.

Conclusions
This low-cost procedure-specific dry lab demonstrated evidence of content validity, construct validity, and acceptability for simulating key robotic prostatectomy technical steps and can be used to augment robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy surgical training.
Early Simultaneous Cross Facial Nerve Graft and Masseteric Nerve Transfer for Facial Paralysis after Tumor Resection
Authors: Sergesketter Amanda R. , Shammas Ronnie L. , Massa Lisa A. , Phillips Brett T. , Marcus Jeffrey R. 
Published: March 2023

Background:
We describe a new approach for facial reanimation after skull base tumor resection with known facial nerve sacrifice, involving simultaneous masseter nerve transfer with selective cross facial nerve grafting (CFNG) within days after tumor surgery. This preliminary study compared outcomes of this approach versus a staged procedure involving a masseter nerve “babysitter” performed in a delayed timeline.

Methods:
Patients undergoing masseter nerve transfer and CFNG for facial paralysis after skull base tumor resection were consented to participate in video interviews. Facial Clinimetric Evaluation (FaCE) Scale (0–100) patient-reported outcome, eFACE, and Facial Grading Scale scores were compared.

Results:
Nine patients had unilateral facial paralysis from resection of a schwannoma (56%), acoustic neuroma (33%), or vascular malformation (11%). Five underwent early simultaneous CFNG and masseter nerve transfer (mean 3.6 days after resection), whereas four underwent two-stage reanimation including a babysitter procedure (mean 218 days after resection). Postoperative FaCE scale and Facial Grading Scale scores were similar in both groups (P > 0.05). Postoperative mean eFACE scores were similar for both groups for smile (early: 71.5 versus delayed: 75.5; P = 0.08), static (76.3 versus 82.1; P = 0.32), and dynamic scores (59.7 versus 64.9; P = 0.19); however, synkinesis scores were inferior in the early group (76.4 versus 91.1; P = 0.04).

Conclusions:
Early simultaneous masseter nerve transfer and CFNG provides reanimated movement sooner and in fewer stages than a staged approach in a delayed timeline. The early technique appears to result in similar clinician- and patient-reported outcomes compared with delayed procedures; however, in this preliminary study, the early approach was associated with greater synkinesis, meriting further investigation.
Peripheral transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4 hypersensitivity contributes to chronic sickle cell disease pain
Authors: Ehlers Vanessa L. , Sadler Katelyn E. , Stucky Cheryl L. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Debilitating pain affects the lives of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Current pain treatment for patients with SCD fail to completely resolve acute or chronic SCD pain. Previous research indicates that the cation channel transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4 (TRPV4) mediates peripheral hypersensitivity in various inflammatory and neuropathic pain conditions that may share similar pathophysiology with SCD, but this channel's role in chronic SCD pain remains unknown. Thus, the current experiments examined whether TRPV4 regulates hyperalgesia in transgenic mouse models of SCD. Acute blockade of TRPV4 alleviated evoked behavioral hypersensitivity to punctate, but not dynamic, mechanical stimuli in mice with SCD. TRPV4 blockade also reduced the mechanical sensitivity of small, but not large, dorsal root ganglia neurons from mice with SCD. Furthermore, keratinocytes from mice with SCD showed sensitized TRPV4-dependent calcium responses. These results shed new light on the role of TRPV4 in SCD chronic pain and are the first to suggest a role for epidermal keratinocytes in the heightened sensitivity observed in SCD.