bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retina regeneration: lessons from vertebrates
Authors: Sharma Poonam , Ramachandran Rajesh 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Unlike mammals, vertebrates such as fishes and frogs exhibit remarkable tissue regeneration including the central nervous system. Retina being part of the central nervous system has attracted the interest of several research groups to explore its regenerative ability in different vertebrate models including mice. Fishes and frogs completely restore the size, shape and tissue structure of an injured retina. Several studies have unraveled molecular mechanisms underlying retina regeneration. In teleosts, soon after injury, the Müller glial cells of the retina reprogram to form a proliferating population of Müller glia-derived progenitor cells capable of differentiating into various neural cell types and Müller glia. In amphibians, the transdifferentiation of retinal pigment epithelium and differentiation of ciliary marginal zone cells contribute to retina regeneration. In chicks and mice, supplementation with external growth factors or genetic modifications cause a partial regenerative response in the damaged retina. The initiation of retina regeneration is achieved through sequential orchestration of gene expression through controlled modulations in the genetic and epigenetic landscape of the progenitor cells. Several developmental biology pathways are turned on during the Müller glia reprogramming, retinal pigment epithelium transdifferentiation and ciliary marginal zone differentiation. Further, several tumorigenic pathways and gene expression events also contribute to the complete regeneration cascade of events. In this review, we address the various retinal injury paradigms and subsequent gene expression events governed in different vertebrate species. Further, we compared how vertebrates such as teleost fishes and amphibians can achieve excellent regenerative responses in the retina compared with their mammalian counterparts.
Laminin 332-functionalized coating to regulate the behavior of keratinocytes and gingival mesenchymal stem cells to enhance implant soft tissue sealing
Authors: Liu Lipeng , Wang Jing , Li Ying , Liu Bing , Zhang Wei , An Weikang , Wang Qing , Xu Boya , Zhao Lingzhou , Ma Chufan 
Published: August 2022

AbstractPeri-implant epithelial sealing is the first line of defense against external pathogens or stimuli; hence, an essential process to prevent peri-implantitis. Laminin 332 (LN332) is the main component of the internal basal lamina and participates in peri-implant epithelial sealing by forming hemidesmosomes (HDs) with integrin α6β4. In this work, poly (D, L-lactide) (PDLLA)-LN332 composite coating was successfully constructed by a method similar to layer-by-layer assembly, displaying staged LN332 release for as long as 28 days. The PDLLA-LN332 composite coating can activate the intracellular PI3K-Akt pathway via binding to cellular integrin α6β4, which can promote adhesion, migration and proliferation of HaCaT cells and further enhance the expression of keratinocyte HD-related molecules, including integrin α6β4, LN332 and plectin. Furthermore, the PDLLA-LN332 composite coating can promote the adhesion, spreading and proliferation of gingival mesenchymal stem cells and accelerate their epithelial differentiation. Therefore, the PDLLA-LN332 composite coating can enhance implant soft tissue sealing, warranting further in vivo study.
Economic and Social Outsiders but Political Insiders: Sweden’s Populist Radical Right
Authors: Bo’ Ernesto Dal , Finan Frederico , Folke Olle , Persson Torsten , Rickne Johanna 
Published: August 2022

AbstractWe study the politicians and voters of the Sweden Democrats, a major populist radical-right party. Based on detailed administrative data, we present the first comprehensive account of which politicians are selected into such a party. Surveys show that politicians and voters of the Sweden Democrats share strong anti-establishment and anti-immigration attitudes that drastically set them apart from Sweden’s other parties. Searching for individual traits that link naturally to these attitudes, we classify the universe of Swedish politicians and voters by social and economic marginalization and exposure to immigration. Politicians from the Sweden Democrats over-represent marginalized groups without strong attachments to the labour market or to traditional nuclear families, which instead are under-represented among politicians in all other parties. Among voters, the Sweden Democrats have higher electoral support in precincts with higher shares of the same marginalized groups. We see the mobilization of the marginalized as an important driver of the party’s success. Finally, we uncover that Sweden-Democrat politicians score lower on a number of valence traits than other-party politicians. In sum, the rise of the Sweden Democrats raised political representation for marginalized groups, but this came at a valence cost.
Variability in cell-free expression reactions can impact qualitative genetic circuit characterization
Authors: Rhea Katherine A , McDonald Nathan D , Cole Stephanie D , Noireaux Vincent , Lux Matthew W , Buckley Patricia E 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Cell-free expression systems provide a suite of tools that are used in applications from sensing to biomanufacturing. One of these applications is genetic circuit prototyping, where the lack of cloning is required and a high degree of control over reaction components and conditions enables rapid testing of design candidates. Many studies have shown utility in the approach for characterizing genetic regulation elements, simple genetic circuit motifs, protein variants or metabolic pathways. However, variability in cell-free expression systems is a known challenge, whether between individuals, laboratories, instruments, or batches of materials. While the issue of variability has begun to be quantified and explored, little effort has been put into understanding the implications of this variability. For genetic circuit prototyping, it is unclear when and how significantly variability in reaction activity will impact qualitative assessments of genetic components, e.g. relative activity between promoters. Here, we explore this question by assessing DNA titrations of seven genetic circuits of increasing complexity using reaction conditions that ostensibly follow the same protocol but vary by person, instrument and material batch. Although the raw activities vary widely between the conditions, by normalizing within each circuit across conditions, reasonably consistent qualitative performance emerges for the simpler circuits. For the most complex case involving expression of three proteins, we observe a departure from this qualitative consistency, offering a provisional cautionary line where normal variability may disrupt reliable reuse of prototyping results. Our results also suggest that a previously described closed loop controller circuit may help to mitigate such variability, encouraging further work to design systems that are robust to variability.
Graphical Abstract
Neuropathic pain and itch: mechanisms in allergic conjunctivitis
Authors: Kalangara Jerry P. , Vanijcharoenkarn Kristine , Chisolm Sarah , Kuruvilla Merin E. 
Published: August 2022

Purpose of review
Allergic conjunctivitis is highly prevalent and affects up to one third of the general population. The current understanding of the pathophysiology and therapeutic strategies center around the type 2 inflammatory pathway. However, there is an increasing body of evidence that suggests neurogenic mechanisms also play a role in allergic inflammation, with a substantial proportion of allergic conjunctivitis patients experiencing both ocular itch and pain.

Recent findings
Unmyelinated C fibres on the ocular surface transmit histaminergic itch and can be directly activated by mast cell mediators. The conjunctival mucosa also contains TRPV1+ (histamine-dependent) and TRPA1+ (histamine-independent) neurons that enhance ocular pain and itch in allergic conjunctivitis. Allergen-complexed IgE also binds directly to FcεRI expressed on peripheral neurons. Environmental aeroallergens can also directly stimulate neuronal nociceptors to release inflammatory substances. Allergic inflammation thus stimulates nerve terminals to release vasoactive and inflammatory neuropeptides, leading to a cyclical neuronal dysregulation that augments mast cell activity. These repetitive cycles lead to both peripheral and central sensitization and neuronal plasticity, resulting in decreased itch/pain thresholds and a heightened itch/pain response.

Summary
Neurogenic mechanisms including peripheral and central sensitization may drive chronic ocular itch and pain secondary to allergic inflammation. Research into these pathways may help to identify therapeutic targets in allergic conjunctivitis patients with refractory symptoms.
Multilevel Decompression Surgery for Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis Is Similarly Effective With Single-level Decompression Surgery
Authors: Yamamoto Tatsuya , Yagi Mitsuru , Suzuki Satoshi , Takahashi Yohei , Nori Satoshi , Tsuji Osahiko , Nagoshi Narihito , Ogawa Jun , Matsumoto Morio , Nakamura Masaya , Watanabe Kota 
Published: August 2022

Study Design.
Retrospective case series.

Objective.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the outcome of multilevel posterior decompression surgery for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis compared with single-level surgery.

Summary of Background Data.
The clinical outcomes of multilevel decompression surgery are still controversial because previous studies have not been designed to randomize or adjust the patient background.

Materials and Methods.
A retrospective review of prospectively collected data from 659 surgically treated lumbar spinal stenosis patients with a minimum 2-year follow-up was performed. Among them, we compared baseline and 2-year postoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROs) including the Visual Analog Scale and Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire scores of 122 patients who underwent three or more levels of surgery (M group) and 304 patients who underwent single-level surgery (S group). Further analyses were performed of 116 paired patients from both groups who were propensity score matched by age and baseline PROs.

Results.
The number of perioperative complications including extradural hematoma, surgical site infection, and spinal fluid leakage [M vs. S: 10 (8%) vs. 19 (6%), P=0.47], and frequency of revision surgery [5 (4%) vs. 23 (8%), P=0.10] were similar between the two groups. In the analysis of propensity score–matched patients, there were comparable improvements in the Visual Analog Scale score for lower back pain (2.6 vs. 2.4, P=0.55), buttock-leg pain (3.1 vs. 3.4, P=0.48), and buttock-leg numbness (2.9 vs. 2.9, P=0.77) in both groups. There were also similar improvements in the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire scores including lower back pain, lumbar function, walking ability, and mental health domains, except for the social life function domain (20.7±26.5 vs. 28.0±27.5, P=0.04).

Conclusions.
Despite the longer surgical time and a larger volume of estimated blood loss, multilevel decompression surgery showed similar improvement to that of single-level surgery in terms of recovery of PROs and frequency of revision surgery. Multilevel decompression surgery provides good clinical outcomes with acceptable complication and revision rates when selecting appropriate patient and spinal levels.
Treatment of Self-Harm Scars: A Scoping Review
Authors: Edriss Manar , Monconduit Rachel , St Claire Kayla , Akers Katherine G. , Mehregan Darius 
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND
Self-harm scars are a consequence of deliberate self-injury, serving as a visual reminder for involved individuals. Patients often reach out to their providers seeking treatment for their scars. However, there is currently no standard for treating self-harm scars, because multiple options are being explored.

OBJECTIVE
A scoping review was conducted to identify and characterize the body of literature on different treatments for self-harm scars, including surgical, laser, and vitamin A management.

METHODS
Thorough literature searches were conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL Complete. The search strategy was designed and implemented by a medical librarian.

RESULTS
Of 510 retrieved articles, 4 described laser treatments, 8 described surgical treatments, and 2 described vitamin A treatments.

CONCLUSION
A multidisciplinary approach is critical for the selection and outcome of the treatment of self-harm scars.
Ocular Impression-Based Scleral Lens With Wavefront-Guided Optics for Visual Improvement in Keratoconus
Authors: Gelles John D. , Cheung Brian , Akilov Sarah , Krisa Sydney , Trieu Gina , Greenstein Steven A. , Chung Daniel , Hersh Peter S. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract:
This case reports on the use of wavefront-guided (wfg) optics on custom ocular impression-based scleral lenses (IBSLs) for visual improvement in a patient with keratoconus (KC). A 28-year-old man with KC, who had previously failed a traditional, diagnostically fit scleral lens (tSL), was fit with IBSLs with traditional optics. Using a system that included a dot matrix on the IBSL and a wavefront aberrometer with pupil and dot registration software, a wfgIBSL was created. When compared with the IBSL, the wfgIBSL reduced the total higher-order root mean square (HORMS) 67% and 64% in the right and left eye, respectively, resulting in a 2-line improvement in best-contact lens visual acuity (BCLVA) for both eyes. This case demonstrates the successful creation and application of a wfgIBSL resulting in a stable lens, a reduction in HORMS, and an improvement in BCLVA, after failure with a diagnostically fit tSL.
Private equity in ophthalmology: lessons from other specialties
Authors: Brill Daniel , Luo Shiming , Sridhar Jayanth , Williams Basil K. 
Published: August 2022

Purpose of review
In the absence of long-term data of the effects of private equity in ophthalmology, this article reviews the role of private equity in other medical specialties as a guide to the future for ophthalmology.

Recent findings
Across an array of medical specialties, including anesthesiology, dermatology, emergency medicine, ophthalmology/optometry, radiology, and urology, medical practices are being consolidated into a few larger platform groups. Although there has been a short-term financial success for both private equity firms and senior medical practice partners, there exists broad skepticism from peer-reviewed publications and the national media.

Summary
Although the impact of private equity on ophthalmology is largely speculative, ophthalmology may follow some of the trends observed in other medical specialties. These trends include increased volume of services, increased profits, improved payer mix, increased payment per patient visit, increased use of midlevel practitioners, decreased physician autonomy, and decreased physician salaries.
Artificial intelligence in retinal imaging for cardiovascular disease prediction: current trends and future directions
Authors: Wong Dragon Y.L. , Lam Mary C. , Ran Anran , Cheung Carol Y. 
Published: August 2022

Purpose of review
Retinal microvasculature assessment has shown promise to enhance cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk stratification. Integrating artificial intelligence into retinal microvasculature analysis may increase the screening capacity of CVD risks compared with risk score calculation through blood-taking. This review summarizes recent advancements in artificial intelligence based retinal photograph analysis for CVD prediction, and suggests challenges and future prospects for translation into a clinical setting.

Recent findings
Artificial intelligence based retinal microvasculature analyses potentially predict CVD risk factors (e.g. blood pressure, diabetes), direct CVD events (e.g. CVD mortality), retinal features (e.g. retinal vessel calibre) and CVD biomarkers (e.g. coronary artery calcium score). However, challenges such as handling photographs with concurrent retinal diseases, limited diverse data from other populations or clinical settings, insufficient interpretability and generalizability, concerns on cost-effectiveness and social acceptance may impede the dissemination of these artificial intelligence algorithms into clinical practice.

Summary
Artificial intelligence based retinal microvasculature analysis may supplement existing CVD risk stratification approach. Although technical and socioeconomic challenges remain, we envision artificial intelligence based microvasculature analysis to have major clinical and research impacts in the future, through screening for high-risk individuals especially in less-developed areas and identifying new retinal biomarkers for CVD research.
Multisite chronic pain as a causal risk factor for coronary artery disease: findings from Mendelian randomization
Authors: Zhu Jiahao , Wang Nini , Liu Houpu , Jiang Han , Cai Bingyue , Chen Dingwan , Li Yingjun 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The potential consequences of the number of chronic pain sites (referred to multisite chronic pain) on the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain unclear. We attempted to investigate the causality of multisite chronic pain with CVDs and its possible causal mediators. Using summary genome-wide association statistics, two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were performed to assess whether multisite chronic pain has a causal effect on the 3 CVDs including coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, and stroke. We then conducted MR mediation analyses to establish whether body mass index (BMI), smoking, and depression causally mediate any association. Genetic liability to multisite chronic pain was associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease (odds ratio [OR] 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-1.95 per one increase in the number of pain locations) but not with atrial fibrillation or stroke. We also found positive causal effects of multisite chronic pain on BMI, smoking, and depression and causal effects of BMI, smoking, and depression on coronary artery disease. In multivariable MR analyses, the excess risk of coronary artery disease was attenuated after adjusting for BMI (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.05-1.93), smoking (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.11-2.00), depression (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.03-2.01), and 3 risk factors combined (OR 1.34, 95% CI 0.88-2.05). Our findings demonstrated that multisite chronic pain led to higher risk of coronary artery disease, which is partly mediated through BMI, smoking, and depression.
Implementing a standardized protocol to improve cervical cancer screening rates in primary care
Authors: Luckett Kathryn Lea 
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:
Routine cervical cancer screening for women aged 21–65 is a recommended standard practice. Early identification and treatment of cervical cancer improves patient outcomes.

Local Problem:
Cervical cancer screening rates at the primary care project site were 51%, well below the national benchmark of 87%. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to increase cervical cancer screening rates by implementing a standardized eligibility assessment protocol.

Methods:
This initiative took place at an outpatient family practice site over 7.5 months and included 2,018 eligible patients.

Interventions:
Evidence-based interventions included a standardized process change that shifted eligibility assessment from an opportunistic screening by providers to a proactive screening by clinical staff. Using a system reminder prompt, clinical staff began assessing all eligible patients during rooming and proactively scheduling future Pap appointments in office or placing OBGYN referrals, per patient preference.

Results:
A statistically significant increase in cervical cancer screening rates occurred, 33% (p < .001). The rate of scheduled Pap appointments increased by 124% (p < .001), the rate of OBGYN referrals increased by 300% (p < .001), and the rate of completed Pap tests in office increased by 280% (p < .001).

Conclusion:
The results suggest that implementing a proactive, standardized screening process can increase cervical cancer screening rates in primary care.
Optimizing nutrition in chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Talukdar Rupjyoti , Unnisa Misbah 
Published: August 2022

Purpose of review
This review aims to discuss recent developments in the nutritional management in chronic pancreatitis.

Recent findings
Nutritional assessment should be comprehensive and include dietary history, anthropometry, and biochemical nutritional parameters. Micronutrients should be evaluated at least yearly and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) at every 2-yearly intervals. Studies on pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) have primarily evaluated coefficient of fat excretion (CFA), coefficient of nitrogen excretion (CNA), and stool weight. Two RCTs, in which patients were treated with PERT for 7 days in a blinded manner and subsequently extended for 6–12 months in an open-label manner, showed improvement in nutritional parameters. However, two subsequent RCTs failed to show any benefit, and the most recent observational study demonstrated persistence of malnutrition even after PERT. The reason for the latter findings were nonadherence to PERT and poor oral intake of calories. Therefore, it is essential to educate the patients on adherence, counsel on taking high-protein, high-calorie diet, and supplement nutrients in those with inadequate oral intake. Other associated manifestations, such as diabetes and related complications, and anxiety/depression could also contribute to malnutrition directly or indirectly, and should, therefore, be adequately managed.

Summary
Nutritional assessment should be performed meticulously. Nutritional therapy should not be restricted to only PERT and nutritional supplementation, but should also include dietary counselling and disease related education.
RNA-based urinary assays for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Pijpers Olga M. , de Jong Joep J. , Zuiverloon Tahlita C.M. , Boormans Joost L. 
Published: August 2022

Purpose of review
To provide an overview of the recent literature on RNA-based molecular urine assays for the diagnosis and surveillance of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

Recent findings
Articles were eligible for inclusion if performance metrics sensitivity, specificity, and negative-predictive value (NPV) were reported or could be calculated. Only prospective studies published between 2020–2022 were included. Five out of fourteen studies addressed the primary diagnostic setting; the proportion of gross hematuria patients in all study populations was >50%. Only one study reported performance metrics within a microscopic hematuria subgroup. This study evaluated Xpert Bladder and reported a sensitivity: 73%, specificity: 84%, NPV: 99%, and PPV: 12%. Ten studies assessed test performance during surveillance for NMIBC. For the detection of high-grade (HG) and high-risk (HR) NMIBC, sensitivity, specificity, NPV, and PPV varied between 78–100%, 64–89%, 97.0–99.7%, and 9.2–39%.

Summary
Multiple RNA-based urine assays have been investigated for the detection of urothelial cancer in the primary or surveillance setting. However, studies included within this review have important limitations, hampering the interpretation of study results. As such, performance metrics should be interpreted with caution and further research is required to evaluate the clinical impact of RNA-based urine assays in daily practice.