bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retinal Cell Transplantation, Biomaterials, and In Vitro Models for Developing Next-generation Therapies of Age-related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Rizzolo Lawrence J , Nasonkin Igor O , Adelman Ron A 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells grown on a scaffold, an RPE patch, have potential to ameliorate visual impairment in a limited number of retinal degenerative conditions. This tissue-replacement therapy is suited for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and related diseases. RPE cells must be transplanted before the disease reaches a point of no return, represented by the loss of photoreceptors. Photoreceptors are specialized, terminally differentiated neurosensory cells that must interact with RPE’s apical processes to be functional. Human photoreceptors are not known to regenerate. On the RPE’s basal side, the RPE transplant must induce the reformation of the choriocapillaris, thereby re-establishing the outer blood-retinal barrier. Because the scaffold is positioned between the RPE and choriocapillaris, it should ideally degrade and be replaced by the natural extracellular matrix that separates these tissues. Besides biodegradable, the scaffolds need to be nontoxic, thin enough to not affect the focal length of the eye, strong enough to survive the transplant procedure, yet flexible enough to conform to the curvature of the retina. The challenge is patients with progressing AMD treasure their remaining vision and fear that a risky surgical procedure will further degrade their vision. Accordingly, clinical trials only treat eyes with severe impairment that have few photoreceptors to interact with the transplanted patch. Although safety has been demonstrated, the cell-replacement mechanism and efficacy remain difficult to validate. This review covers the structure of the retina, the pathology of AMD, the limitations of cell therapy approaches, and the recent progress in developing retinal therapies using biomaterials.
Intra- and inter-host evolution of H9N2 influenza A virus in Japanese quail
Authors: Ferreri Lucas M , Geiger Ginger , Seibert Brittany , Obadan Adebimpe , Rajao Daniela , Lowen Anice C , Perez Daniel R 
Published: January 2022

AbstractInfluenza A viruses (IAVs) are constantly evolving. Crucial steps in the infection cycle, such as sialic acid (SA) receptor binding on the host cell surface, can either promote or hamper the emergence of new variants. We previously assessed the relative fitness in Japanese quail of H9N2 variant viruses differing at a single amino acid position, residue 216 in the hemagglutinin (HA) viral surface protein. This site is known to modulate SA recognition. Our prior study generated a valuable set of longitudinal samples from quail transmission groups where the inoculum comprised different mixed populations of HA 216 variant viruses. Here, we leveraged these samples to examine the evolutionary dynamics of viral populations within and between inoculated and naïve contact quails. We found that positive selection dominated HA gene evolution, but fixation of the fittest variant depended on the competition mixture. Analysis of the whole genome revealed further evidence of positive selection acting both within and between hosts. Positive selection drove fixation of variants in non-HA segments within inoculated and contact quails. Importantly, transmission bottlenecks were modulated by the molecular signature at HA 216, revealing viral receptor usage as a determinant of transmitted diversity. Overall, we show that selection strongly shaped the evolutionary dynamics within and between quails. These findings support the notion that selective processes act effectively on IAV populations in poultry hosts, facilitating rapid viral evolution in this ecological niche.
Pre-Eclampsia
Authors: Chappell Lucy C. , Cluver Catherine A. , Kingdom John , Tong Stephen 
Published: January 2022

(Abstracted from Lancet 2021;398:341–354)
Preeclampsia affects approximately 3% to 5% of all pregnancies and is a substantial contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality. The hallmark features are hypertension and proteinuria, and significant complications of multiorgan injury include eclamptic seizures, pulmonary edema, epigastric pain and liver failure, and placental abruption.
Widespread Implementation of a Low-Cost Telehealth Service in the Delivery of Antenatal Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Interrupted Time-Series Analysis
Authors: Palmer Kirsten R. , Tanner Michael , Davies-Tuck Miranda , Rindt Andrea , Papacostas Kerrie , Giles Michelle L. , Brown Kate , Diamandis Helen , Fradkin Rebecca , Stewart Alice E. , Rolnik Daniel L. , Stripp Andrew , Wallace Euan M. , Mol Ben W. , Hodges Ryan J. 
Published: January 2022

(Abstracted from Lancet 2021;398:41–52)
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, health care systems around the world had to quickly adapt to protect patients and staff from exposure. In Australia, a government initiative was launched to temporarily change public health funding to support the use of telehealth.
Evidence for Early Cyclosporine Treatment for Hunner Lesion Interstitial Cystitis
Authors: Vollstedt Annah , Tennyson Lauren , Turner Katherine , Hasenau Deborah , Saon Md , McCartney Teresa , Beck Dana , Gilleran Jason , Peters Kenneth 
Published: January 2022

(Abstracted from Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg 2021; doi: 10.1097/SPV.0000000000001108)
Hunner lesion interstitial cystitis (HLIC) is a form of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), occurring in 5%–57% of patients. HLIC is diagnosed by the presence of Hunner lesions on cystoscopy.
Mouse Oocyte Vitrification With and Without Dimethyl Sulfoxide: Influence on Cryo-Survival, Development, and Maternal Imprinted Gene Expression
Authors: Cantatore Clementina , George Jenny S. , Depalo Raffaella , D'Amato Giuseppe , Moravek Molly , Smith Gary D. 
Published: January 2022

(Abstracted from J Assist Reprod Genet 2021;38:2129–2138)
Oocyte preservation allows preservation of fertility in women for a multitude of reasons including those at genetic risk of diminished ovarian reserve, those undergoing cancer treatment, or those aiming to protect against future infertility due to reproductive aging. The 2 primary methods of human oocyte cryopreservation include slow rate freezing/thawing and vitrification/warming.
N-myristoyltransferase 2–based Blood Test for the Detection of Colorectal Adenomatous Polyps and Cancer
Authors: Rathinagopal Tharmini , Bhanot Shiv , Yegrov Sergey , Min Jordan , Hu Nan , Fang John , Greene Tom H. , Varma Shrivastav Shailly , Singh Harminder , Shrivastav Anuraag 
Published: January 2022

Background:
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. This study demonstrates the utility of a simple blood test with high sensitivity and specificity for colorectal adenomatous polyps and cancer. A simple blood test with high sensitivity and specificity for adenomas would help identify individuals for a follow-up colonoscopy during which any adenomatous polyps found could be removed, thus preventing colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods:
We determined the H-score by using immunohistochemical analyses of N-myristoyltransferase 2 (NMT2) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated from the blood. We determined the sensitivity and specificity of the NMT2-based blood test in identifying colorectal adenomatous polyps and cancer.

Design:
All experimental procedures were performed by research personnel blinded to the colonoscopy status of the participants.

Setting:
In this cohort study, participants were recruited from those coming for an outpatient colonoscopy at a referral center.

Participants:
PBMC were collected from 74 subjects at the Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, Canada. Samples were collected from colonoscopy patients prior to colonoscopy. All 74 subjects were included in CRC vs. non-CRC analysis, whereas only 70 subjects were analyzed for colorectal adenomatous polyps and cancer versus individuals with no evidence of disease and non-adenomatous polyps. NMT2 expression was tested in samples by immunohistochemistry.

Results:
The expression of NMT2 was significantly higher in PBMC of subjects with colorectal adenomatous polyps and cancer (n = 34) compared with individuals with non-adenomatous polyps or no evidence of disease (n = 36) (P < 0.0001). The test had an overall sensitivity of 91% (95% confidence intervals: 84.49–97.80) and specificity of 81% (95% confidence intervals: 71.28–89.83) in detecting colorectal adenomatous polyps and cancer (all stages).

Conclusions:
Our results suggest that the sensitivity of NMT2 in detecting adenomatous polyps is high (91%). A simple blood-based CRC screening test using NMT2 expression detects colorectal adenomatous polyps and cancer with high sensitivity and specificity has the potential of increasing the compliance for CRC screening as has been reported for other blood-based CRC screening tests.
Radiation Exposure Among Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeons: Deconstructing Commonly Held Myths and Misperceptions
Authors: Raffetto Michael L. , Blum Laura E. , Abbenhaus Eric J. , Hautala Gavin S. , Lemieux Bryan , Pease Tyler , Wright Raymond D. , Moghadamian Eric S. , Aneja Arun , Blair James A. , Matuszewski Paul E. 
Published: January 2022

Objectives:
To review and evaluate the validity of common perceptions and practices regarding radiation safety in orthopaedic trauma.

Design:
Retrospective study.

Setting:
Level 1 trauma center.

Subjects:
N/A.

Intervention:
The intervention involved personal protective equipment.

Main Outcome Measurements:
The main outcome measurements included radiation dose estimates.

Results:
Surgeon radiation exposure estimates performed at the level of the thyroid, chest, and pelvis demonstrate an estimated total annual exposure of 1521 mR, 2452 mR, and 1129 mR, respectively. In all cases, wearing lead provides a significant reduction (90% or better) in the amount of radiation exposure (in both radiation risk and levels of radiation reaching the body) received by the surgeon. Surgeons are inadequately protected from radiation exposure with noncircumferential lead. The commonly accepted notion that there is negligible exposure when standing greater than 6 feet from the radiation source is misleading, particularly when cumulative exposure is considered. Finally, we demonstrated that trauma surgeons specializing in pelvis and acetabular fracture care are at an increased risk of exposure to potentially dangerous levels of radiation, given the amount of radiation required for their caseload.

Conclusion:
Common myths and misperceptions regarding radiation in orthopaedic trauma are unfounded. Proper use of circumferential personal protective equipment is critical in preventing excess radiation exposure.
Evaluation of a Novel Multidisciplinary Preoperative Workup Strategy for Geriatric Hip Fractures
Authors: Steffensmeier Andrew , Hoge Connor , Shah Nihar , Matar Robert , Rice Morgan , Grawe Erin , Held Justin , Budde Bradley , Laughlin Richard , Sagi H. Claude 
Published: January 2022

Objective:
To determine the financial and clinical impact of a standardized, multidisciplinary team for surgical clearance and optimization in geriatric hip fracture patients.

Design:
Retrospective case series.

Setting:
Level-1 trauma center.

Patients:
One hundred twenty-four geriatric patients (age >65 years old) in the preprotocol group (cohort 1; January 2017–December 2018) and 98 geriatric patients in the postprotocol group (cohort 2; October 2019–January 2021) with operative hip fractures.

Intervention:
Implementation of a multidisciplinary team protocol consisting of Anesthesiology, Internal Medicine and Orthopedic Surgery departments for the assessment of medical readiness and optimization for surgical intervention in geriatric hip fractures.

Main Outcome Measures:
Rate of cardiology consultation, need for cardiac workup (echocardiography stress testing, heath catheterization), time to medical readiness (TTMR), time to surgery, case-cancellation rate, length of stay (LOS), and total hospitalization charges.

Results:
Following implementation of the new protocol, there were significant (P < 0.001) decreases in TTMR (19 vs. 11 hours), LOS (149 vs. 120 hours), case cancellation rate, and total hospital charges ($84,000 vs. $62,000). There were no significant differences with respect to in-hospital complications or readmission rates/mortality rates at 1 year.

Conclusions:
Following implementation of a protocolized, multidisciplinary approach to optimizing geriatric fracture patients, we were able to demonstrate a reduction in unnecessary preoperative testing, TTMR for surgery, case cancellation rate, LOS, and total hospitalization charge—without a concomitant increase in complications or mortality. This study highlights that standardization of the perioperative care for geriatric hip fracture patients can provide effective patient care while also lowering financial and logistical burden in care for these injuries.

Level of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Histopathological and Clinical Analysis of Skin Rashes in Children With Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Associated With COVID-19
Authors: Yuksel Selcuk , Demirkan Nese Calli , Comut Erdem , Yilmaz Munevver , Gurses Dolunay 
Published: January 2022

Introduction:
A new entity, which occurs a few weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection and resembling incomplete Kawasaki disease or toxic shock syndrome, has been defined and named multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19 in children. The aim of our study was to describe histopathological characteristics of skin lesions of MIS-C patients to reveal whether there is a relationship between histopathological features and clinical manifestations.

Materials and Methods:
Seventeen who had skin involvement of 57 patients who were diagnosed with MIS-C between December 2020 and February 2021 were included in this prospective study. Demographic information, laboratory findings, and patients' managements were recorded. Skin biopsies were taken simultaneously of each patient. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded skin samples were examined microscopically.

Results:
The rate of skin rash was 30% in patients with MIS-C and was predominantly the maculopapular type. The anatomical distribution of the rash was evaluated as localized in 10 and generalized in 7 patients. In patients with myocarditis, C-reactive protein and fibrinogen were found to be significantly higher, and lymphocyte and albumin values were found to be low. Herpes-like inclusions were found in the microscopic examination of 2 patients with a history of zona zoster in themselves or in their mother. There was a significant difference between keratinocyte necrosis and some clinical parameters.

Discussion:
Localized skin lesions appear to be associated with a more severe inflammatory.
Adsorption of Plutonium onto Several Natural Sediments
Authors: Yu Jing , Zhang Qingyu 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The adsorption of plutonium (Pu) onto several natural sediments was studied using batch experiments to determine the different factors influencing Pu adsorption. These factors include the possible effect of different methods for adding Pu solution, the initial oxidation state of Pu, the particle size of the sediments, the pH, and the ionic strength of solution. The method used for adding Pu solution greatly influenced the species of Pu in sediment-groundwater systems and the adsorption behavior of Pu onto the sediments. Initial oxidation state of Pu, clay mineral content, particle size of sediment, pH, and ionic strength all appear to impact adsorption. The sediments preferred to adsorb Pu(IV) rather than Pu(V). The adsorption of Pu depended on the particle size and clay mineral content of the sediments; the higher the clay mineral content and the smaller the particle size, the more adsorption for Pu. The insoluble species of Pu formed in sediment-groundwater systems at pH 9.3 resulted in the decrease of adsorption capacity. The adsorption capacity increased with pH increasing at pH < 9. Ion exchange was the dominant mechanism for Pu adsorption onto the sediments at pH < 7.5. It appeared that the ionic strength had a stronger influence on adsorption capacity than pH.
Testing the NASA BioSentinel Pixel Dosimeter Using Gamma-ray and Neutron Sources at the LLNL Calibration Lab
Authors: Homan J. , Lusby T. C. , Ricco A. J. , Mintz J. L. , Braby L. A. , Straume T. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The objective of this paper is to evaluate the accuracy of the NASA BioSentinel Pixel Dosimeter (BPD) using gamma-ray and neutron sources in a standard calibration lab. The dosimeter tested here is the ground-based version of the BPD that will be onboard the BioSentinel mission. The BPD was exposed to radiation from 60Co, 137Cs, and 252Cf at selected distances (dose rates) at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) Radiation Calibration Laboratory (RCL), and the results were compared with NIST traceable benchmark values. It is recognized that these sources are not analogs for the space environment but do provide direct comparisons between BPD response and well characterized calibration lab values. For gamma rays, the BPD measured absorbed dose agrees to ≤ 3.8% compared with RCL benchmark values. For neutrons, the results show that the BPD is insensitive, i.e., the BPD detected only the gamma-ray dose component from 252Cf. The LET spectra obtained for gamma rays from 60Co and 252Cf are consistent with expectations for these gamma-ray energies, but the LET spectrum from the 137Cs gamma rays differs substantially. The potential causes for this difference are the high dose rate from 137Cs and the lower secondary electron energy produced by 137Cs gamma rays. However, neither of these results in errors in the absorbed dose. Based on comparisons with NIST-traceable standards, it is evident that the BPD can measure absorbed dose accurately from low LET charged particles. The sensor’s insensitivity to neutrons is unlikely to be a limitation for the BioSentinel mission due to the expected low secondary neutron fluence.
Neuroinflammation, Early-Life Adversity, and Brain Development
Authors: Andersen Susan L. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The overarching objective is to review how early exposure to adversity interacts with inflammation to alter brain maturation. Both adversity and inflammation are significant risk factors for psychopathology. Literature relevant to the effects of adversity in children and adolescents on brain development is reviewed. These studies are supported by research in animals exposed to species-relevant stressors during development. While it is known that exposure to adversity at any age increases inflammation, the effects of inflammation are exacerbated at developmental stages when the immature brain is uniquely sensitive to experiences. Microglia play a vital role in this process, as they scavenge cellular debris and prune synapses to optimize performance. In essence, microglia modify the synapse to match environmental demands, which is necessary for someone with a history of adversity. Overall, by piecing together clinical and preclinical research areas, what emerges is a picture of how adversity uniquely sculpts the brain. Microglia interactions with the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA (specifically, the subtype expressing parvalbumin) are discussed within contexts of development and adversity. A review of inflammation markers in individuals with a history of abuse is combined with preclinical studies to describe their effects on maturation. Inconsistencies within the literature are discussed, with a call for standardizing methodologies relating to the age of assessing adversity effects, measures to quantify stress and inflammation, and more brain-based measures of biochemistry. Preclinical studies pave the way for interventions using anti-inflammation-based agents (COX-2 inhibitors, CB2 agonists, meditation/yoga) by identifying where, when, and how the developmental trajectory goes awry.
Prolonged Viral Shedding in Three Young Adult Cases of COVID-19
Authors: Dong Wen-Yi , Zhou Ming-Ju , Huang Lei , Zhang Chao , Wang Fu-Sheng , Xie Zhou-Hua 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection is usually self-limited, with a short duration for viral shedding within several weeks. However, prolonged viral shedding has been observed in severe or immune-compromised coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. Here, we reported that three young adult cases of COVID-19 patients, who were either immunosuppressed nor severe, showed prolonged viral RNA shedding from the upper respiratory tract for 58, 81, and 137 days since initial diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the longest duration of viral shedding reported to date in young adult patients. Further studies on factors relevant to prolonged viral positivity, as well as the correlation between viral positivity and transmission risk are needed for the optimal management of COVID-19 patients with prolonged nucleic acid positive.
A Resident-driven Quality Improvement Project to Increase Primary Care Follow-up after Congestive Heart Failure Exacerbation: Use of a Quality and Safety Award
Authors: Monday Lea M. , Sebastian Joseph , Nguyen Paul , Yazdanpanah Omid , Solokowski Caleb , Chi Jane , Bazzy Kareem 
Published: January 2022

Objectives:
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is the most common cause of 30-day inpatient readmission. Studies have found that early follow-up with primary care physicians (PCP) within 7 days of discharge may improve 30-day readmission rates; however, many have used a multidisciplinary discharge coordination team, which is not a resource at all centers. Here, the authors present a resident-driven quality improvement initiative using a monthly quality and safety award to increase early PCP follow-up for veterans discharged following admissions due to a CHF exacerbation. Primary outcomes were percentage of PCP follow-up within 7 days and median time to PCP follow-up. Secondary outcomes included percentage of patients attending a PCP visit within 7 days, 30-day readmission, and 30-day mortality.

Methods:
This prepost quasi-experimental cohort study evaluated 3 concurrent quality improvement interventions to increase PCP follow-up after CHF exacerbation. Process maps and Ishikawa diagrams examined the discharge process. Interventions included a standardized discharge scheduling order, monthly education on the process, and monthly aggregated performance feedback for each medical resident. A patient safety and quality award was given to the team with the highest rate of PCP appointments scheduled within 7 days. Patient characteristics and outcomes were gathered for a 6-month historic period and 6-month intervention period. Test of proportions and Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test were used to compare groups.

Results:
A total of 294 patients were discharged (161 in historic group and 133 in intervention group). Appointments scheduled within 7 days of discharge increased from 43% to 79% (P < 0.001). Median time to PCP follow-up decreased from 8 to 6 days (P < 0.001). Patients who completed (showed up to) a PCP appointment within 7 days increased from 16% to 41% (P < 0.001). There was no impact on 30-day readmission or mortality; however, the number of study subjects was too small to rule out an effect.

Conclusions:
A standardized discharge scheduling order, more robust resident education, and a monthly patient safety and quality award resulted in a significant increase in the rate of primary care follow-up within 7 days of CHF exacerbation.