bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Zeatin: The 60th anniversary of its identification
Authors: Jameson Paula Elizabeth 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
While various labs had shown cell division-inducing activity in a variety of plant extracts for over a decade, the identification of zeatin (Z) in 1964, the first known naturally occurring cytokinin, belongs to Letham and co-workers. Using extracts from maize (Zea mays), they were the first to obtain crystals of pure Z and in sufficient quantity for structural determination by MS, NMR, chromatography, and mixed melting-point analysis. This group also crystallized Z-9-riboside (ZR) from coconut (Cocos nucifera) milk. However, their chemical contributions go well beyond the identification of Z and ZR and include two unambiguous syntheses of trans-Z (to establish stereochemistry), the synthesis of 3H-cytokinins that facilitated metabolic studies, and the synthesis of deuterated internal standards for accurate mass spectral quantification. Letham and associates also unequivocally identified Z nucleotide, the 7-and 9-glucoside conjugates of Z, and the O-glucosides of Z, ZR, dihydro Z (DHZ) and DHZR as endogenous compounds and as metabolites of exogenous Z. Their contributions to the role of cytokinins in plant physiology and development were also substantial, especially the role of cytokinins moving in the xylem. These biological advances are described and briefly related to the genetic/molecular biological contributions of others that established that plants have an absolute requirement for cytokinin.
OPTIMISING THE PARAMETERS OF COCHLEAR IMPLANT IMAGING WITH CONE-BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY
Authors: Söderqvist Samuel , Sivonen Ville , Aarnisalo Antti , Karppi Harri , Sinkkonen Saku T , Koivisto Juha 
Published: February 2023

AbstractWith computed tomography (CT), the delicate structures of the inner ear may be hard to visualise, which a cochlear implant (CI) electrode array can further complicate. The usefulness of a novel cone-beam CT device in CI recipient’s inner ear imaging was evaluated and the exposure parameters were optimised to attain adequate clinical image quality at the lowest effective dose (ED). Six temporal bones were implanted with a Cochlear Slim Straight electrode array and imaged with six different imaging protocols. Contrast-to-noise ratio was calculated for each imaging protocol, and three observers evaluated independently the image quality of each imaging protocol and temporal bone. The overall image quality of the inner ear structures did not differ between the imaging protocols and the most relevant inner ear structures of CI recipient’s inner ear can be visualised with a low ED. To visualise the most delicate structures in the inner ear, imaging protocols with higher radiation exposure may be required.
Integration of serum metabolomics and network pharmacology reveals the immunoenhancing mechanisms of Qishenbuqi capsules
Authors: Zhao Ziyu , Fan Yuhui , Cui Yutao , Yang Lan , Wu Yanfei , Yuan Yuan , Zhang Ping , Zhao Ruping , Ji Jianjun , Xu Sheng , Qin Xuemei , Liu Xiao-jie 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Qishenbuqi capsule (QSBQC), a listed Chinese patent prescription, comprises of 4 herbs. Clinically, it has been shown to improve immune functions.

Methods
Subjects with Qi deficiency and non-Qi deficiency were recruited, who then took QSBQC for 4 weeks. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores and the levels of white blood cells, CD3+ T cells (CD3+), CD4+ T cells (CD3+CD4+), CD8+ T cells (CD3+CD8+), and CD4+/CD8+ were determined. Serum metabolomics was used to explore the metabolic mechanisms of QSBQC on improving immunity. Meanwhile, the potential active ingredients, targets, and pathways of QSBQC on enhancing immunity were screened by network pharmacology.

Results
QSBQC significantly improved TCM syndrome scores and increased the number of CD8+ T cells of both Qi deficiency and non-Qi deficiency subjects. Serum metabolomics revealed that QSBQC regulated 18 differential metabolites and 8 metabolic pathways of Qi deficiency, and 12 differential metabolites and 7 metabolic pathways of non-Qi deficiency subjects. The “herbs-compounds-pathways” diagram showed that PQ-2, cimifugin, and divaricatol were the main active components. Pathways in cancer and arginine and proline metabolism could be the most important pathways.

Conclusion
Our research revealed the immunoenhancing mechanisms of QSBQC and improved the combination of TCM theory and modern western medicine theory.
Femoral Deformity in Tibia Vara and Its Response to Growth Modulation
Authors: Walker Janet L. , Dueber David M. , Scott Allison C. , Stephenson Lindsay P. , Lerman Joel A. , Nossov Sarah B. , Franklin Corinna C. , Powell Kenneth P. , Westberry David E. , Ackman Jeffery D. 
Published: February 2023

Background:
While tibia vara is a disorder of the proximal tibial physis, femoral deformity frequently contributes to the overall limb malalignment. Our purpose was to determine how femoral varus deformity in tibia vara responds to growth modulation, with/without lateral tension band plating (LTBP) to the femur.

Methods:
One-hundred twenty-seven limbs undergoing LTBP for tibia vara were reviewed. All had tibial LTBP and 35 limbs also had femoral LTBP for varus. Radiographs were measured for correction of the mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA) and mechanical axis deviation (MAD). Preoperative-femoral varus was defined with an age-adjusted guide: mLDFA >95 degrees for 2 to below 4 years and mLDFA >90 degrees for 4 to 18 years. The 35 limbs having femoral LTBP were compared with 50 limbs with femoral varus and no femoral LTBP. In addition, 42 limbs that did not have preoperative-femoral varus were followed. Patients with early-onset (below 7 y) tibia vara were compared with those with late-onset (≥8 y). Outcome success was based on published age-adjusted mLDFA and MAD norms.

Results:
Following femoral LTBP, the mean mLDFA decreased from 98.0 to 87.1 degrees. All femurs had some improvement, with 28/35 femurs (80%) achieving complete correction. One limb, with late follow-up, overcorrected, requiring reverse (medial) femoral tension band plating.
For the 50 limbs with femoral varus and only tibial LTBP, 16/22 limbs (73%) with early-onset and 11/28 limbs (39%) with late-onset completely corrected their femoral deformities. If the limb had preoperative-femoral varus, femoral LTBP statistically correlated with successful mLDFA correction and improvement of MAD, only in the late-onset group.
Forty-two limbs, without preoperative-femoral varus, had no change in their mean mLDFA of 87 degrees. However, 4 femurs (10%) ended with posttreatment varus.

Conclusions:
Femoral LTBP is effective in correcting femoral varus deformity in the tibia vara. For femoral varus associated with late-onset tibia vara, femoral LTBP should be considered. Those that had femoral LTBP had statistically more successful femoral and overall limb varus correction. However, in early-onset tibia vara, with associated femoral varus, observation is warranted because 73% of femurs are corrected without femoral intervention. This study was underpowered to show additional improvement with femoral LTBP in the early-onset group. Even limbs with normal femoral alignment, should be observed closely for the development of femoral varus, during tibial LTBP treatment for tibia vara.

Level of Evidence:
Level III.
Sulfur dioxide reduction at coal-fired power plants in North Carolina and associations with preterm birth among surrounding residents
Authors: Wilkie Adrien A. , Richardson David B. , Luben Thomas J. , Serre Marc L. , Woods Courtney G. , Daniels Julie L. 
Published: February 2023

Background:
Coal-fired power plants (CFPP) are major contributors of air pollution, including the majority of anthropogenic sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions, which have been associated with preterm birth (PTB). To address a 2002 North Carolina (NC) policy, 14 of the largest NC CFPPs either installed desulfurization equipment (scrubbers) or retired coal units, resulting in substantial reductions of SO2 air emissions. We investigated whether SO2 air emission reduction strategies at CFPPs in NC were associated with changes in prevalence of PTB in nearby communities.

Methods:
We used US EPA Air Markets Program Data to track SO2 emissions and determine the implementation dates of intervention at CFPPs and geocoded 2003–2015 NC singleton live births. We conducted a difference-in-difference analysis to estimate change in PTB associated with change in SO2 reduction strategies for populations living 0–<4 and 4–<10 miles from CFPPs pre- and postintervention, with a comparison of those living 10–<15 miles from CFPPs.

Results:
With the spatial-temporal exposure restrictions applied, 42,231 and 41,218 births were within 15 miles of CFPP-scrubbers and CFPP-retired groups, respectively. For residents within 4–<10 miles from a CFPP, we estimated that the absolute prevalence of PTB decreased by −1.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): −2.6, −0.4] associated with scrubber installation and −0.5% (95% CI: −1.6, 0.6) associated with the retirement of coal units at CFPPs. Our findings were imprecise and generally null-to-positive among those living within 0–<4 miles regardless of the intervention type.

Conclusions:
Results suggest a reduction of PTB among residents 4–<10 miles of the CFPPs that installed scrubbers.
The impact of genetics on the long QT syndrome: myth or reality?
Authors: Schwartz Peter J. , Sala Luca 
Published: February 2023

Purpose of review
To summarize and critically assess the contribution of genetics to the Long QT Syndrome (LQTS), with specific reference to the unraveling of its underlying mechanisms and to its impact on clinical practice.

Recent findings
The evolution towards our current approach to therapy for LQTS patients is examined in terms of risk stratification, gene-specific management, and assessment of the clinical impact that genetic modifiers may have in modulating the natural history of the patients. Glimpses are provided on the newest multidisciplinary approaches to study disease mechanisms, test new candidate drugs and identify precision treatments.

Summary
It is undeniable that genetics has revolutionized our mechanistic understanding of cardiac channelopathies. Its impact has been enormous but, curiously, the way LQTS patients are being treated today is largely the same that was used in the pregenetic era, even though management has been refined and gene-specific differences allow a more individually tailored antiarrhythmic protection. The synergy of genetic findings with modern in vitro and in silico tools may expand precision treatments; however, they will need to prove more effective than the current therapeutic approaches and equally safe.
Cervical Collars and Dysphagia Among Geriatric TBIs and Cervical Spine Injuries: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Jarvis Stephanie , Sater Alexandre , Gordon Jeffrey , Nguyen Allan , Banton Kaysie , Bar-Or David 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Dysphagia, a complication of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), can lead to death. Cervical collar (c-collar) restriction may increase the risk for dysphagia. The objective was to determine how c-collars affect dysphagia rates.

Methods:
This retrospective cohort study included geriatric TBIs or cervical spine injuries (January 2016 to December 2018) at a Level 1 trauma center. Outcomes (dysphagia, aspiration, and respiratory failure) were compared by c-collar placement.

Results:
There were 684 patients: 21.5% had a c-collar and 78.5% did not. Demographics, injury severity score, and Glasgow Coma Scale were comparable. Dysphagia (53.7% vs. 39.3%, p = .002) and respiratory failure (17.0% vs. 6.9%, p = .0002) were more common among patients with c-collars. Aspiration rates (p = .11) were similar. After adjustment, patients with a c-collar had a significantly higher odds of dysphagia and respiratory failure. Among patients who did not receive swallow therapy, aspiration (p = .02) and respiratory failure (p < .0001) were more common for those with c-collars.

Conclusions:
C-collar placement increased the risk for dysphagia and respiratory failure. There was evidence that swallow therapy may modify the effect of c-collar placement. For patients who did not receive swallow therapy, aspiration was more common among those with a c-collar. Dysphagia screening among patients with a c-collar may improve patient quality.
Patient Acceptance of Novel Therapeutic Options for Sensorineural Hearing Loss—A Pilot Study
Authors: Lembacher Matthias J. , Arnoldner Christoph , Landegger Lukas D. 
Published: February 2023

Objectives
Numerous preclinical experiments over the past years have shown the potential of novel therapeutic approaches for sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) that are now awaiting clinical translation. In this pilot study, we aimed to evaluate the patient acceptance of these future innovative therapies in individuals with SNHL.

Study Design
Cross-sectional exploratory pilot study.

Setting
Tertiary care academic hospital.

Patients
In total, 72 individuals (43 female and 29 male, 59 affected subjects and 13 parents) with different types of SNHL were surveyed between May 2020 and November 2020.

Intervention
The interest/willingness to consider new therapeutic options (viral vectors, stem cells, CRISPR/Cas) for themselves or their children was assessed with the help of a questionnaire, and the answers were matched with a quality-of-life score and sociodemographic as well as clinical characteristics.

Main Outcome Measure
Acceptance of new therapeutic strategies for SNHL in a representative population.

Results
Even with the currently associated treatment uncertainties, 48 patients (66.7%) suffering from SNHL stated that new therapies could be a potential future option for them. Half of these (24 individuals; 33.3%) expressed high acceptance toward the novel strategies. Subjects with a positive attitude toward new therapies in general and viral vectors specifically were significantly older.

Conclusion
With two-thirds of patients affected by SNHL expressing acceptance toward novel therapies, this pilot study highlights the importance of investigating such attitudes and motivates further translational research to offer additional treatment strategies to this patient population.
Differential Expression of Na/K-ATPase in the Human Saccule of Patients With and Without Otologic Disease
Authors: Avillion Michael P. , Lopez Ivan A. , Matsui Hirooki , Ishiyama Gail , Ishiyama Akira 
Published: February 2023

Hypothesis
Na+, K+-ATPase (Na/K-ATPase) α1 subunit expression in the saccule of patients diagnosed with otologic disease is different compared with normal controls.

Background
We have recently characterized changes in the expression of Na/K-ATPase α1 subunit in the normal and pathological cochlea; however, no studies have determined the distribution Na/K-ATPase α1 subunit in the human saccule. The present study uses archival temporal bones to study the expression Na/K-ATPase α1 subunit in the human saccule.

Methods
Archival celloidin formalin fixed 20-micron thick sections of the vestibule from patients diagnosed with Menière's disease (n = 5), otosclerosis (n = 5), sensorineural hearing loss, and normal hearing and balance (n = 5) were analyzed. Sections containing the saccular macula were immunoreacted with mouse monoclonal antibodies against Na/K-ATPase α1 subunit. Micrographs were acquired using a high-resolution digital camera coupled to a light inverted microscope.

Results
In the normal human saccule vestibular sensory epithelium, Na/K-ATPase α1 immunoreactivity (IR) was present in nerve fibers and calyces that surround type I vestibular hair cells and nerve terminals. The transition epithelium cells were also Na/K-ATPase α1 immunoreactive. Comparison between normal and pathological specimens showed that there was a significant reduction of Na/K-ATPase α1 IR in the saccule vestibular sensory epithelium from patients with Menière’s disease, otosclerosis, and sensorineural hearing loss.

Conclusions
The decrease of Na/K-ATPase-IR α1 in the saccule vestibular sensory epithelium from patients with otopathologies suggests its critical role in inner ear homeostasis and pathology.
Inflammatory and Nested Testicular Sex Cord Tumor
Authors: Acosta Andres M. , Bridge Julia A. , Dal Cin Paola S. , Sholl Lynette M. , Cornejo Kristine M. , Fletcher Christopher D.M. , Ulbright Thomas M. 
Published: February 2023

A subset of malignant testicular sex cord tumors (TSCTs), heretofore interpreted as Sertoli cell tumors, not otherwise specified, exhibits distinctive morphologic features that partially overlap with those of seminoma. In this study, we evaluated the clinicopathologic and molecular characteristics of 13 such tumors. The patients were 20 to 73 years old (median, 36 y), and all with available data presented with testicular masses (median size, 3 cm), with 2 having synchronous retroperitoneal metastases. All 11 patients with available follow-up developed metastases to retroperitoneal lymph nodes, nonretroperitoneal lymph nodes, bone, contralateral testis, and/or lung. Microscopically, the tumors showed solid nests and sheets of epithelioid cells with granular, eosinophilic to clear/vacuolated cytoplasm, admixed in most (12/13) cases with variable proportions of lymphocytes, plasma cells, eosinophils, and neutrophils. Additional features included intracytoplasmic hyaline inclusions and a prominent collagenous, sometimes hyalinized stroma. Mitotic activity was relatively low (median, 1 mitosis/10 HPF), but tumor necrosis was frequent (11/13). Local invasion of adjacent structures and lymphovascular invasion were noted in some tumors (4/9 cases with available data for each feature). All were α-inhibin-positive and lacked nuclear reactivity for β-catenin. In addition, all tested cases were positive for epithelial membrane antigen (9/9) and steroidogenic factor-1 (8/8), and 8/10 expressed CD30. Two “index” cases were initially analyzed using a DNA sequencing panel, which identified EWSR1::ATF1 fusions in both. Subsequently, EWSR1::ATF1 fusions were demonstrated in 8 of the remaining 11 cases using fluorescence in situ hybridization or DNA sequencing. One of the 3 cases that were negative for EWSR1::ATF1 harbored ATF1 amplification. This study, therefore, shows that a group of malignant TSCTs resembling seminoma is characterized by α-inhibin and steroidogenic factor-1 positivity, no expression of nuclear β-catenin, frequent CD30 positivity and recurrent EWSR1::ATF1 fusions. We have descriptively termed these neoplasms “inflammatory and nested TSCT.” Importantly, inflammatory and nested TSCTs show significant differences in morphology, immunoprofile, molecular biology, and, likely, clinical behavior from Sertoli cell tumors, not otherwise specified and should be classified separately.
Implementation of a Risk-Stratified Anticoagulation Protocol Increases Success of Lower Extremity Free Tissue Transfer in the Setting of Thrombophilia
Authors: Deldar Romina , Gupta Nisha , Bovill John D. , Zolper Elizabeth G. , Kim Kevin G. , Fan Kenneth L. , Evans Karen K. 
Published: February 2023

Introduction:
Optimal perioperative thromboprophylaxis is crucial to avoid flap thrombosis and to achieve high rates of microsurgical success. At our institution, implementation of a risk-stratified anticoagulation (AC) protocol preliminarily showed a reduction in postoperative thrombotic events and flap loss. We present an updated analysis of surgical outcomes using risk-stratified AC in thrombophilic patients who underwent free tissue transfer (FTT) reconstruction for non-traumatic lower extremity (LE) wounds.

Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent FTT to the LE from 2012 to 2021. Our risk-stratification AC protocol was implemented in July 2015. Low-risk and moderate-risk patients received subcutaneous heparin (SQH). High-risk patients received heparin infusion titrated to a goal PTT of 50-70 seconds. Prior to July 2015, non-stratified patients were treated with either SQH or low-dose heparin infusion (500 U/hour). Patients were divided into two cohorts (non-stratified and risk-stratified) based on date of FTT reconstruction. Primary outcomes included rates of postoperative complications, flap salvage, and flap success.

Results:
Two-hundred nineteen hypercoagulable patients who underwent FTT to LE were treated with non-stratified (n=26) or risk-stratified (n=193) thromboprophylaxis. Overall flap success rate was 96.8% (n=212). Flap loss was lower among risk-stratified patients (1.6% vs. 15.4%, p=0.004), which paralleled a significant reduction in postoperative thrombotic events (2.6% vs. 15.4%, p=0.013). Flap salvage was accomplished more often in the risk-stratified cohort (80% vs. 0%, p=0.048). Intraoperative anastomotic revision (OR: 6.10; p=0.035) and non-risk stratification (OR: 9.50; p=0.006) were independently associated with flap failure.

Conclusion:
Hypercoagulability can significantly impact microsurgical outcomes. Implementation of a risk-stratified AC protocol can significantly improve flap outcomes.
Investigation of Hospital Pricing Information for Plastic Surgery Procedures Reveals Widespread Violation of CMS’s Price Transparency Act
Authors: Askinas Carly , Shih Sabrina , Puyana Salomon , Chaffin Abigail E. , Jansen David A. 
Published: February 2023

Background:
Price transparency allows patients to estimate surgical procedure costs, which can affect where they elect to receive care and should theoretically force hospitals to set lower and more uniform prices. To elucidate the traditionally opaque nature of healthcare pricing, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has mandated that hospitals publicly release their pricing information. We sought to investigate the utility of price transparency for plastic surgery patients, who are uniquely situated to benefit due to the dominance of elective procedures.

Methods:
This study included 54 randomly chosen public and private hospitals. Pricing information for 15 common plastic surgery-related procedures was compiled from their websites.
Results: One year after this ruling went into effect, only 13% of hospitals were fully compliant with CMS requirements for reporting standard charges. The most commonly reported plastic surgery procedures were adjacent tissue transfers (CPT 14000, 14001, 14301, 14302), with an average of 32.4% of hospitals listing pricing data. The 25.9% of hospitals reporting the immediate insertion of breast implants (CPT 19340) pricing presented a wide range of gross prices from $2,346.09 to $29,969.35. Free and pedicled flaps (CPT 19364, 19361, 19367, 19368, 19369) were less commonly reported than autologous tissue transfer or non-flap breast procedures (p=0.00).

Conclusions:
A comparative analysis of published prices provides a starting point for surgeons to recommend facilities to patients based on price. However, significant variability was observed in data presentation, reported procedures, and listed prices. These inconsistencies in reporting and unrealistic ranges in price render the comparison of plastic surgery prices between hospitals impractical.