bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Improvement in Surface Properties of Metallic Implant via Magnetron Sputtering: Recent Progress and Remaining Challenges
Authors: Akhtar Memoona , Uzair Syed Ahmed , Rizwan Muhammad , Ur Rehman Muhammad Atiq 
Published: January 2022

Bioceramic coatings on metallic implants provide a wear-resistant and biocompatible layer, that own ability to develop bone-like apatite in physiological environments to ensure bonding with hard tissues. These bioceramics primarily belong to Calcium Phosphates (CaPs), bioactive glasses, and glass-ceramics. Several techniques are used to deposit these coatings such as; electrophoretic deposition (EPD), plasma spray (PS), and Radio frequency magnetron sputtering (RFMS). Most of these techniques require a high-temperature operation or sintering treatment. This causes either thermal decomposition of bioceramic or results in delamination and cracking of the bioceramic coating due to differences in thermal expansion behavior of metals and bioceramics. RFMS is primarily carried out either at room temperature. However, annealing is performed or substrate is heated at various temperatures ∼400–1,200°C for 2 or 4 h under dry argon (very low temperature compared to other techniques) to ensure crystallization of bioceramics and improve coating adhesion. Chemical composition stability and excellent surface finish are the premium features of RFMS, due to less heat involvement. Moreover, RFMS has the unique ability to develop one-unit/ multilayered composite coatings and the flexibility of in-situ reactions to yield oxides and nitrides. Single or multiple targets can be employed with the insertion of Oxygen and Nitrogen to yield versatile coatings. Due to this attractive set of features RFMS has a strong potential in the field of bioceramic coatings. In recent years, several multifunctional bioceramic coatings have been deposited on metallic substrates using RFMS for biomedical applications. This review focuses on the recent efforts made in order to deposit multifunctional bioceramic RFMS coatings with surface characteristics necessary for biomedical applications and highlights future directions for the improved biological performance of RFMS bioceramic coatings.
Coronary Heart Disease and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients With Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Qin Li , Li Fang , Luo Qiang , Chen Lifang , Yang Xiaoqian , Wang Han 
Published: January 2022

Objectives:It is well-established that the association between atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) and connective tissue diseases (CTDs), but the relationship between coronary heart disease (CHD) and idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) remains controversial yet. The aim of this meta-analysis is to systematically evaluate the risk of CHD in IIMs patients. In addition, we explore differences in traditional cardiovascular risk factors between IIMs patients and controls.Methods:We searched Pubmed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases to identify relevant observational studies published in English up to August 2021. Pooled relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using the generic inverse variance method for the risk of CHD. A meta-proportion analysis was conducted to assess differences in cardiovascular risk factors between two groups.Results:A total of 15 studies met inclusion criteria: seven studies focused on CHD and nine studies focused on traditional cardiovascular risk factors. The results demonstrated that IIMs patients had a higher risk of CHD (RR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.40–3.42). Hypertension (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.28–1.61), diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.55–1.81) and dyslipidemia (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.19–1.84) were more prevalent in IIMs patients compared with controls. However, there was a significant heterogeneity among studies assessing the risk of CHD and hypertension. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that definition of CHD, country and sample size may be potential sources of heterogeneity.Conclusions:IIMs patients were at increased risk of CHD, and traditional cardiovascular risk factors appeared more prevalent in IIMs patients. This systemic review offers the proof that early appropriate interventions could reduce cardiovascular-associated morbidity and mortality in IIMs patients.
Molecular Characterization of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Isolates From Central Inner Sardinia
Authors: Malune Paolo , Piras Giovanna , Monne Maria , Fiamma Maura , Asproni Rosanna , Fancello Tatiana , Manai Antonio , Carta Franco , Pira Giovanna , Fancello Patrizia , Rosu Valentina , Uras Antonella , Mereu Caterina , Mameli Giuseppe , Lo Maglio Iana , Garau Maria Cristina , Palmas Angelo Domenico 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundThe SARS-CoV-2 pandemic stimulated an outstanding global sequencing effort, which allowed to monitor viral circulation and evolution. Nuoro province (Sardinia, Italy), characterized by a relatively isolated geographical location and a low population density, was severely hit and displayed a high incidence of infection.MethodsAmplicon approach Next Generation Sequencing and subsequent variant calling in 92 respiratory samples from SARS-CoV-2 infected patients involved in infection clusters from March 2020 to May 2021.ResultsPhylogenetic analysis displayed a coherent distribution of sequences in terms of lineage and temporal evolution of pandemic. Circulating lineage/clade characterization highlighted a growing diversity over time, with an increasingly growing number of mutations and variability of spike and nucleocapsid proteins, while viral RdRp appeared to be more conserved. A total of 384 different mutations were detected, of which 196 were missense and 147 synonymous ones. Mapping mutations along the viral genome showed an irregular distribution in key genes. S gene was the most mutated gene with missense and synonymous variants frequencies of 58.8 and 23.5%, respectively. Mutation rates were similar for the S and N genes with one mutation every ∼788 nucleotides and every ∼712 nucleotides, respectively. Nsp12 gene appeared to be more conserved, with one mutation every ∼1,270 nucleotides. The frequency of variant Y144F in the spike protein deviated from global values with higher prevalence of this mutation in the island.ConclusionThe analysis of the 92 viral genome highlighted evolution over time and identified which mutations are more widespread than others. The high number of sequences also permits the identification of subclusters that are characterized by subtle differences, not only in terms of lineage, which may be used to reconstruct transmission clusters. The disclosure of viral genetic diversity and timely identification of new variants is a useful tool to guide public health intervention measures.
Automatic Radiotherapy Planning for Glioblastoma Radiotherapy With Sparing of the Hippocampus and nTMS-Defined Motor Cortex
Authors: Schuermann Michaela , Dzierma Yvonne , Nuesken Frank , Oertel Joachim , Rübe Christian , Melchior Patrick 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundNavigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) of the motor cortex has been successfully implemented into radiotherapy planning by a number of studies. Furthermore, the hippocampus has been identified as a radiation-sensitive structure meriting particular sparing in radiotherapy. This study assesses the joint protection of these two eloquent brain regions for the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM), with particular emphasis on the use of automatic planning.Patients and MethodsPatients with motor-eloquent brain glioblastoma who underwent surgical resection after nTMS mapping of the motor cortex and adjuvant radiotherapy were retrospectively evaluated. The radiotherapy treatment plans were retrieved, and the nTMS-defined motor cortex and hippocampus contours were added. Four additional treatment plans were created for each patient: two manual plans aimed to reduce the dose to the motor cortex and hippocampus by manual inverse planning. The second pair of re-optimized plans was created by the Auto-Planning algorithm. The optimized plans were compared with the “Original” plan regarding plan quality, planning target volume (PTV) coverage, and sparing of organs at risk (OAR).ResultsA total of 50 plans were analyzed. All plans were clinically acceptable with no differences in the PTV coverage and plan quality metrics. The OARs were preserved in all plans; however, overall the sparing was significantly improved by Auto-Planning. Motor cortex protection was feasible and significant, amounting to a reduction in the mean dose by &gt;6 Gy. The dose to the motor cortex outside the PTV was reduced by &gt;12 Gy (mean dose) and &gt;5 Gy (maximum dose). The hippocampi were significantly improved (reduction in mean dose: ipsilateral &gt;6 Gy, contralateral &gt;4.6 Gy; reduction in maximum dose: ipsilateral &gt;5 Gy, contralateral &gt;5 Gy). While the dose reduction using Auto-Planning was generally better than by manual optimization, the radiated total monitor units were significantly increased.ConclusionConsiderable dose sparing of the nTMS-motor cortex and hippocampus could be achieved with no disadvantages in plan quality. Auto-Planning could further contribute to better protection of OAR. Whether the improved dosimetric protection of functional areas can translate into improved quality of life and motor or cognitive performance of the patients can only be decided by future studies.
Association Between Dietary Patterns and Dyslipidemia in Korean Women
Authors: Lee Jeonghee , Hoang Tung , Lee Seohyun , Kim Jeongseon 
Published: January 2022

Background:The prevalence of dyslipidemia among Korean women differs significantly according to menopausal status. This study aimed to identify major dietary patterns among Korean women and examine their associations with the prevalence of dyslipidemia and its components.Methods:This study recruited 6,166 women from the Cancer Screenee Cohort 2007–2019 from the National Cancer Center of Korea. Dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between dietary patterns and the prevalence of dyslipidemia and its components, including hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypo-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and hyper-low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Stratification analyses were performed for the premenopausal and postmenopausal subgroups.Results:The factor analysis identified three main dietary patterns, including traditional, western, and prudent dietary patterns. Compared with those with the lowest pattern scores, those with the highest pattern scores of the traditional (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.05–1.67) and western (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.11–1.78) diets had a higher prevalence of hyper-LDL cholesterol. When accounting for menopausal status in the analysis, traditional (OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.10–1.89) and western (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.09–1.88) diets were still associated with hyper-LDL cholesterol in postmenopausal women. Additionally, consumption of a traditional diet was associated with a decreased prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.54–0.99), and consumption of a western diet was associated with an increased prevalence of hypercholesterolemia (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.11–1.79) but a reduced prevalence of hypo-HDL cholesterol (OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.36–0.99). However, the prudent dietary pattern was not significantly associated with dyslipidemia and its components in the group of all women or the subgroups according to menopausal status.Conclusion:There were significant associations between the traditional and western dietary patterns and hyper-LDL cholesterol in the entire group and postmenopausal subgroup of women. In the perspective of energy restriction, our findings recommend women not to eat either traditional or western diets excessively or too frequently. Menopause may induce the effect of both the traditional diet on triglyceride reduction and the western diet on increasing total cholesterol.
The Prognostic Value of the Prognostic Nutritional Index in Operable High-Grade Glioma Patients and the Establishment of a Nomogram
Authors: He Qian , Zhao Wei , Ren Qinglan 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundStudies confirmed the predictive value of the prognostic nutrition index (PNI) in many malignant tumors. However, it did not reach a consensus in glioma. Therefore, this study investigated the prognostic value of preoperative PNI in operable high-grade glioma and established a nomogram.MethodsClinical data of high-grade glioma patients were retrospectively analyzed. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Survival analysis was conducted by the Kaplan–Meier method, log-rank test, and Cox regression analysis. A nomogram was established. The prediction effect of the nomogram covering PNI was verified by area under the curve (AUC).ResultsA total of 91 operable high-grade glioma patients were included. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that among grade IV gliomas (n = 55), patients with higher PNI (&gt;44) showed a trend of OS benefit (p = 0.138). In grade III glioma (n = 36), patients with higher PNI (&gt;47) had longer OS (p = 0.023). However, the intersecting Kaplan–Meier curve suggested that there may be some confounding factors. Cox regression analysis showed that higher PNI was an independent prognostic factor for grade IV glioma (HR = 0.388, p = 0.040). In grade III glioma, there was no statistically relationship between PNI levels and prognosis. When evaluating the prognostic ability of PNI alone by ROC, the AUC in grade III and IV gliomas was low, indicating that PNI alone had poor predictive power for OS. Interestingly, we found that the nomogram including preoperative PNI, age, extent of resection, number of gliomas, and MGMT methylation status could predict the prognosis of patients with grade IV glioma well.ConclusionThe PNI level before surgery was an independent prognostic factor for patients with grade IV glioma. The nomogram covering PNI in patients with grade IV glioma also proved the value of PNI. However, the value of PNI in grade III glioma needs to be further evaluated. More prospective studies are needed to verify this conclusion.
Prediction of Microvascular Invasion and Its M2 Classification in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Nomogram Analyses
Authors: Chen Shengsen , Wang Chao , Gu Yuwei , Ruan Rongwei , Yu Jiangping , Wang Shi 
Published: January 2022

Background and AimsAs a key pathological factor, microvascular invasion (MVI), especially its M2 grade, greatly affects the prognosis of liver cancer patients. Accurate preoperative prediction of MVI and its M2 classification can help clinicians to make the best treatment decision. Therefore, we aimed to establish effective nomograms to predict MVI and its M2 grade.MethodsA total of 111 patients who underwent radical resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from January 2017 to December 2019 were retrospectively collected. We utilized logistic regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression to identify the independent predictive factors of MVI and its M2 classification. Integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) and net reclassification improvement (NRI) were calculated to select the potential predictive factors from the results of LASSO and logistic regression. Nomograms for predicting MVI and its M2 grade were then developed by incorporating these factors. Area under the curve (AUC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were respectively used to evaluate the efficacy, accuracy, and clinical utility of the nomograms.ResultsCombined with the results of LASSO regression, logistic regression, and IDI and NRI analyses, we founded that clinical tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, tumor size, Edmondson–Steiner classification, α-fetoprotein (AFP), tumor capsule, tumor margin, and tumor number were independent risk factors for MVI. Among the MVI-positive patients, only clinical TNM stage, tumor capsule, tumor margin, and tumor number were highly correlated with M2 grade. The nomograms established by incorporating the above variables had a good performance in predicting MVI (AUCMVI = 0.926) and its M2 classification (AUCM2 = 0.803). The calibration curve confirmed that predictions and actual observations were in good agreement. Significant clinical utility of our nomograms was demonstrated by DCA.ConclusionsThe nomograms of this study make it possible to do individualized predictions of MVI and its M2 classification, which may help us select an appropriate treatment plan.
Decrease of IL-1β and TNF in the Spinal Cord Mediates Analgesia Produced by Ankle Joint Mobilization in Complete Freund Adjuvant-Induced Inflammation Mice Model
Authors: Omura Carlos Minoru , Lüdtke Daniela Dero , Horewicz Verônica Vargas , Fernandes Paula Franson , Galassi Taynah de Oliveira , Salgado Afonso Shiguemi Inoue , Palandi Juliete , Baldança Heloiza dos Santos , Bittencourt Edsel B. , Mack Josiel Mileno , Seim Lynsey A. , Martins Daniel Fernandes , Bobinski Franciane 
Published: January 2022

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the effects of ankle joint mobilization (AJM) on mechanical hyperalgesia and peripheral and central inflammatory biomarkers after intraplantar (i.pl.) Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammation.MethodsMale Swiss mice were randomly assigned to 3 groups (n = 7): Saline/Sham, CFA/Sham, and CFA/AJM. Five AJM sessions were carried out at 6, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after CFA injection. von Frey test was used to assess mechanical hyperalgesia. Tissues from paw skin, paw muscle and spinal cord were collected to measure pro-inflammatory (TNF, IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β1) by ELISA. The macrophage phenotype at the inflammation site was evaluated by Western blotting assay using the Nitric Oxide Synthase 2 (NOS 2) and Arginase-1 immunocontent to identify M1 and M2 macrophages, respectively.ResultsOur results confirm a consistent analgesic effect of AJM following the second treatment session. AJM did not change cytokines levels at the inflammatory site, although it promoted a reduction in M2 macrophages. Also, there was a reduction in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF in the spinal cord.ConclusionTaken together, the results confirm the anti-hyperalgesic effect of AJM and suggest a central neuroimmunomodulatory effect in a model of persistent inflammation targeting the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF.
Evaluating a Speech-Specific and a Computerized Step-Training-Specific Rhythmic Intervention in Parkinson's Disease: A Cross-Over, Multi-Arms Parallel Study
Authors: Rösch Anne Dorothée , Taub Ethan , Gschwandtner Ute , Fuhr Peter 
Published: January 2022

Background:Recent studies suggest movements of speech and gait in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD) are impaired by a common underlying rhythmic dysfunction. If this being the case, motor deficits in speech and gait should equally benefit from rhythmic interventions regardless of whether it is a speech-specific or step-training-specific approach.Objective:In this intervention trial, we studied the effects of two rhythmic interventions on speech and gait. These rhythmic intervention programs are similar in terms of intensity and frequency (i.e., 3x per week, 45 min-long sessions for 4 weeks in total), but differ regarding therapeutic approach (rhythmic speech vs. rhythmic balance-mobility training).Methods:This study is a cross-over, parallel multi-arms, single blind intervention trial, in which PD patients treated with rhythmic speech-language therapy (rSLT; N = 16), rhythmic balance-mobility training (rBMT; N = 10), or no therapy (NT; N = 18) were compared to healthy controls (HC; N = 17; matched by age, sex, and education: p &gt; 0.82). Velocity and cadence in speech and gait were evaluated at baseline (BL), 4 weeks (4W-T1), and 6 months (6M-T2) and correlated.Results:Parameters in speech and gait (i.e., speaking and walking velocity, as well as speech rhythm with gait cadence) were positively correlated across groups (p &lt; 0.01). Statistical analyses involved repeated measures ANOVA across groups and time, as well as independent and one-samples t-tests for within groups analyses. Statistical analyses were amplified using Reliable Change (RC) and Reliable Change Indexes (RCI) to calculate true clinically significant changes due to the treatment on a patient individual level. Rhythmic intervention groups improved across variables and time (total Mean Difference: 3.07 [SD 1.8]; 95% CI 0.2–11.36]) compared to the NT group, whose performance declined significantly at 6 months (p &lt; 0.01). HC outperformed rBMT and NT groups across variables and time (p &lt; 0.001); the rSLT performed similarly to HC at 4 weeks and 6 months in speech rhythm and respiration.Conclusions:Speech and gait deficits in PD may share a common mechanism in the underlying cortical circuits. Further, rSLT was more beneficial to dysrhythmic PD patients than rBMT, likely because of the nature of the rhythmic cue.
Mobiluncus curtisii Bacteremia: Case Study and Literature Review
Authors: Arries Cade , Ferrieri Patricia 
Published: January 2022

Background: There are few reports of bacteremia caused by Mobiluncus curtisii in the literature. We present a review of the literature in addition to a case study. Method: We describe the case of an 82-year-old patient who underwent gastrointestinal surgery and subsequently presented with dehydration, nausea, and hyperkalemia secondary to diarrhea. Further clinical work included blood cultures, and the patient was started empirically on piperacillin/tazobactam. Results: After five days, the blood culture bottle showed growth of a gram-variable, curved rod-shaped organism. After culture under anaerobic conditions on sheep blood agar, the organism was identified as Mobiluncus curtisii by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and enzymatic technology. A review of the literature reveals five additional cases of Mobiluncus curtisii bacteremia. Conclusions: This is the sixth case in the literature describing Mobiluncus species bacteremia. This organism is rarely identified in blood culture and is most often thought of in the context of bacterial vaginosis. However, the reported cases of bacteremia show gastrointestinal symptoms and presumed gastrointestinal source of infection. The pathogenesis of infection of this organism requires further investigation.
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 4-Regulated Metabolic Networks
Authors: Lin Chuwei , Lott Aneirin Alan , Zhu Wei , Dufresne Craig P. , Chen Sixue 
Published: January 2022

Mitogen-activated protein kinase 4 (MPK4) was first identified as a negative regulator of systemic acquired resistance. It is also an important kinase involved in many other biological processes in plants, including cytokinesis, reproduction, and photosynthesis. Arabidopsis thaliana mpk4 mutant is dwarf and sterile. Previous omics studies including genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics have revealed new functions of MPK4 in different biological processes. However, due to challenges in metabolomics, no study has touched upon the metabolomic profiles of the mpk4 mutant. What metabolites and metabolic pathways are potentially regulated by MPK4 are not known. Metabolites are crucial components of plants, and they play important roles in plant growth and development, signaling, and defense. Here we used targeted and untargeted metabolomics to profile metabolites in the wild type and the mpk4 mutant. We found that in addition to the jasmonic acid and salicylic acid pathways, MPK4 is involved in polyamine synthesis and photosynthesis. In addition, we also conducted label-free proteomics of the two genotypes. The integration of metabolomics and proteomics data allows for an insight into the metabolomic networks that are potentially regulated by MPK4.