bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Engineering efficient termination of bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase transcription
Authors: Calvopina-Chavez Diana G , Gardner Mikaela A , Griffitts Joel S 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe bacteriophage T7 expression system is one of the most prominent transcription systems used in biotechnology and molecular-level research. However, T7 RNA polymerase is prone to read-through transcription due to its high processivity. As a consequence, enforcing efficient transcriptional termination is difficult. The termination hairpin found natively in the T7 genome is adapted to be inefficient, exhibiting 62% termination efficiency in vivo and even lower efficiency in vitro. In this study, we engineered a series of sequences that outperform the efficiency of the native terminator hairpin. By embedding a previously discovered 8-nucleotide T7 polymerase pause sequence within a synthetic hairpin sequence, we observed in vivo termination efficiency of 91%; by joining 2 short sequences into a tandem 2-hairpin structure, termination efficiency was increased to 98% in vivo and 91% in vitro. This study also tests the ability of these engineered sequences to terminate transcription of the Escherichia coli RNA polymerase. Two out of 3 of the most successful T7 polymerase terminators also facilitated termination of the bacterial polymerase with around 99% efficiency.
Contemporary outcomes of cardiac surgery patients supported by the intra-aortic balloon pump
Authors: Lorusso Roberto , Heuts Samuel , Jiritano Federica , Scrofani Roberto , Antona Carlo , Actis Dato Guglielmo , Centofanti Paolo , Ferrarese Sandro , Matteucci Matteo , Miceli Antonio , Glauber Mattia , Vizzardi Enrico , Sponga Sandro , Vendramin Igor , Garatti Andrea , de Vincentis Carlo , De Bonis Michele , Ajello Silvia , Troise Giovanni , Dalla Tomba Margherita , Serraino Filiberto 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Although the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) has been the most widely adopted temporary mechanical support device in cardiac surgical patients, its use has declined. The current study aimed to evaluate the occurrence and predictors of early mortality and complication rates in contemporary cardiac surgery patients supported by an IABP.

METHODS
A multicentre, retrospective analysis was performed of all consecutive cardiac surgical patients receiving perioperative balloon pump support in 8 centres between January 2010 to December 2019. The primary outcome was early mortality, and secondary outcomes were balloon-associated complications. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was applied to evaluate predictors of the primary outcome.

RESULTS
The study cohort consisted of 2615 consecutive patients. The median age was 68 years [25th percentile 61, 75th percentile 75 years], with the majority being male (76.9%), and a mean calculated 30-day mortality risk of 10.0%. Early mortality was 12.7% (n = 333), due to cardiac causes (n = 266), neurological causes (=22), balloon-related causes (n = 5) and other causes (n = 40). A composite end point of all vascular complications occurred in 7.2% of patients, and leg ischaemia was observed in 1.3% of patients. The most important predictors of early mortality were peripheral vascular disease [odds ratio (OR) 1.63], postoperative dialysis requirement (OR 10.40) and vascular complications (OR 2.57).

CONCLUSIONS
The use of the perioperative IABP proved to be safe and demonstrated relatively low complication rates, particularly for leg ischaemia. As such, we believe that specialists should not be held back to use this widely available treatment in high-risk cardiac surgical patients when indicated.
Inverse Mean Curvature Flow With Singularities
Authors: Choi Beomjun , Hung Pei-Ken 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This paper concerns the inverse mean curvature flow (IMCF) running from the boundary of a convex body that has no regularity assumption. We study the evolution of singularities by looking at the blow-up tangent cone around each singular point. We prove that the cone also evolves by the IMCF and that each singularity is removed when the evolving cone becomes flat. As a result, we derive the exact waiting time for a weak solution to become a smooth solution. In particular, necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of a smooth classical solution is given.
Determination of Oxaliplatin and Curcumin in Combination via Micellar HPLC and Its Method Validation
Authors: Tiwari Ankita , Bose Devasish , Mishra Pooja , Jain Ankit , Jain Sanjay K 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
A micellar-HPLC method was developed for the determination of oxaliplatin (OHP) and curcumin (CUR) employing a C18 column [4.6 × 250 mm, particle size (dp)  = 5 µm] and diode array detector.

Objective
A rapid, cost-effective, environmentally friendly, time-efficient, easy-to-handle, and safe method was developed.

Methods
The conditions were optimized for the estimation of OHP and CUR: 0.15 M sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in 6% (v/v) pentanol buffered to pH 5.0 with a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, injection volume of 20 µL, and detection at 325 nm. Different analytical parameters, including linearity, accuracy, precision, robustness, specificity, LOD, and LOQ, were determined in compliance with the International Council on Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines.

Results
The LOD (S/N = 3) of OHP was 0.004 µg/mL and for CUR it was 0.005 µg/mL. The calibration curves for OHP and CUR were linear over the range 0.015–10 µg/mL (determination coefficient r2 = 0.9999) and 0.015–10 µg/mL (r2 = 0.9994), respectively.

Conclusion
The drugs were eluted in &lt;12 min and the developed method was applicable for analyzing multiple samples per day. Moreover, it was determined to be robust and was used to quantify OHP and CUR in mice serum/blood. The method could pave the way for quantitative analysis of these drugs during the development of a pharmaceutical preparation for the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Highlights
A simple, cost-effective, eco-friendly HPLC method was developed to simultaneously estimate oxaliplatin and curcumin. The developed method was validated as per the ICH guidelines.
Sleep Quality Among Burn Survivors and the Importance of Intervention: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hutchinson Kelly Ann , Karmali Sarah Amirali , Abi-Jaoude Joanne , Edwards Thomas , Homsy Christopher 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Burn survivors undergo a plethora of physiologic disturbances that can greatly affect the quality of life (QOL) and healing processes. This review aimed to systematically examine sleep quality among individuals with burns and to explore the effectiveness of interventions using a meta-analytic approach. A systematic review of the literature was conducted by searching for articles using various databases. Titles and abstracts were screened and full texts of retained articles were assessed based on eligibility criteria. Methodological quality was ascertained in all articles using various scales. Overall, 5323 articles were screened according to titles and abstracts and 25 articles were retained following full-text screening. Of the 25 articles, 17 were assessed qualitatively, while 8 were included in the meta-analysis. Based on the qualitative analysis, sleep was found to be negatively affected in patients with burn injuries. The subsample of eight articles included in the meta-analysis showed an overall weighted mean effect size (Hedges’s g) of 1.04 (SE = 0.4, 95% CI, z = 3.0; P &lt; 0.01), indicating a large, positive effect of the intervention on sleep quality for patients with burn injuries. This review was able to demonstrate the detrimental effects of burn injury on sleep quality. Several interventions have been examined throughout the literature and have shown to be beneficial for sleep quality. However, there is great heterogeneity between existing interventions. The results from this review suggest that further research is needed before recommendations can be made as to which intervention is most effective at improving sleep in patients suffering from burn injuries.
Does Information About AI Regulation Change Manager Evaluation of Ethical Concerns and Intent to Adopt AI?
Authors: Cuéllar Mariano-Florentino , Larsen Benjamin , Lee Yong Suk , Webb Michael 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
We examine the impacts of potential artificial intelligence (AI) regulations on managers’ perceptions on ethical issues related to AI and their intentions to adopt AI technologies. We conduct a randomized online survey experiment on more than a thousand managers in the United States. We randomly present managers with different proposed AI regulations, and ask about ethical issues related to AI and their intentions related to AI adoption. We find that information about AI regulation increases manager perception of the importance of safety, privacy, bias/discrimination, and transparency issues related to AI. However, there is a tradeoff; regulation information reduces manager intent to adopt AI technologies. Moreover, information about regulation increases manager intent to spend on developing AI strategy including ethical issues at the cost of investing in AI adoption, such as providing AI training to current employees or purchasing AI software packages. (JEL: K24, L21, L51, O33, O38)
Pulmonary vein thrombosis following a right upper lobectomy preceding acute arterial occlusion: a case report
Authors: Ohashi Takuya , Kawago Mitsumasa , Hirai Yoshimitsu , Kiyoi Megumi , Miyasaka Miwako , Yata Yumi , Kawaji Mari , Fusamoto Aya , Iguchi Hideto , Nakanishi Hitomi , Nishimura Yoshiharu 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Our medical team observed a right upper lobe nodule in a 78-year-old man who was treated with warfarin for chronic atrial fibrillation. The nodule was diagnosed as adenocarcinoma via intraoperative frozen sectioning. We performed video-assisted right upper lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection. Warfarin was discontinued in the perioperative period. However, unfractionated heparin was administered. Nonetheless, the patient developed acute arterial occlusion of the lower extremities on post-operative day 7. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed thrombosis in the right upper lobe pulmonary vein stump, which was considered to be the cause of the acute arterial occlusion. The patient underwent emergency thrombectomy following which his symptoms immediately improved. Herein, we report a rare case of pulmonary vein thrombosis occurring after a right upper lobectomy. Our findings may facilitate effective clinical decision-making.
Differentially Private Synthesis and Sharing of Network Data Via Bayesian Exponential Random Graph Models
Authors: Liu Fang , Eugenio Evercita C , Jin Ick Hoon , Bowen Claire Mckay 
Published: March 2022

AbstractNetwork data often contain sensitive relational information. One approach to protecting sensitive information while offering flexibility for network analysis is to share synthesized networks based on the information in originally observed networks. We employ differential privacy (DP) and exponential random graph models (ERGMs) and propose the DP-ERGM method to synthesize network data. We apply DP-ERGM to two real-world networks. We then compare the utility of synthesized networks generated by DP-ERGM, the DyadWise Randomized Response (DWRR) approach, and the Synthesis through Conditional distribution of Edge given nodal Attribute (SCEA) approach. In general, the results suggest that DP-ERGM preserves the original information significantly better than two other approaches in network structural statistics and inference for ERGMs and latent space models. Furthermore, DP-ERGM satisfies node DP through modeling the global network structure with ERGM, a stronger notion of privacy than the edge DP under which DWRR and SCEA operate.
A Review of GnRH Antagonists as Treatment for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding-Leiomyoma (AUB-L) and Their Influence on the Readiness of Service Members
Authors: Wright Danielle , Kim Ji Won , Lindsay Halle , Catherino William H 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Not too long ago, Lupron Depot® (leuprolide acetate), an injectable gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, was the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved GnRH analog used to clinically treat abnormal uterine bleeding associated with uterine leiomyoma (AUB-L) when second-line medical management was warranted; however, the FDA has now approved elagolix and relugolix, GnRH antagonists, to be treatment options as well. This is a review of GnRH antagonists for the management of uterine fibroids reviewing their treatment efficacy, side effect profile, and current use in military medicine.

Methods
This is a review of studies from multiple electronic databases (Pubmed, ACOG, FDA, U.S. Military Guidelines) published between 1990 and 2021. Keywords used for the search include GnRH antagonist, elagolix, relugolix, uterine leiomyoma, and abnormal uterine bleeding. Our inclusion criteria for articles reviewed were: systematic reviews with the listed keywords, multicenter randomized trials, and meta-analyses. The DODI on Medical Standards for Medical Service, Air Force Aerospace Medicine Waiver Guide, Navy Guidance Aeromedical Reference and Waiver Guide, and the Army Regulation 40-501 Standards of Medical Fitness were used to review the military standards and current restrictions placed on service members.

Results
Thirty-three articles were reviewed and summarized.

Conclusion
Uterine leiomyoma can impact service members’ eligibility and fitness for duty. The oral administration of elagolix and relugolix adds convenience to this drug class through its oral administration while lengthening the duration of treatment up to 24 months. All military medical facilities should advocate for the well-being of their service members by stocking all options available. Health care providers should collaborate with patients in making the best therapy choice that is suited for their lifestyle and military occupation.
En Route Critical Care Evacuations From Rarely Utilized Partner Medical Treatment Facilities: A Case Series With Lessons Learned
Authors: Davis William T , Cheney Mark , Trueblood Wesley , Runyon Shane , Cruz Inez , Clemons Melissa , Strilka Richard 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT
Retaining lessons learned from Critical Care Air Transport (CCAT) missions is essential given the recent decrease in operational currency among CCAT personnel. The objective of this case series was to identify and analyze logistical lessons learned from recent critical care transports involving foreign medical treatment facilities with sufficient detail for the CCAT community to incorporate these lessons into future readiness and sustainment training. The provider from each mission submitted a mission narrative with lessons learned. A qualitative analysis of lessons learned described themes from the lessons, as well as similarities and differences from included missions. Three missions were reviewed and four distinct mission stages were identified: (1) pre-mission, (2) at U.S. aircraft, (3) away from U.S. aircraft, and (4) post-mission. Pre-mission lessons learned included the need for professional civilian attire for deployed CCAT teams and the limited availability of pre-mission clinical information. Lessons learned at the aircraft included the following: the need for flexible mission timelines, coordinate and pre-plan transitions with foreign medical teams when possible, and plan for difficult environmental conditions if flight line transfer is required. Lessons learned away from the aircraft included communication challenges between CCAT and the aircraft, contingency planning for narcotic transports, and equipment interoperability issues. Post-mission lessons learned included the need for written communication to disseminate information to the CCAT community. This case series described logistical challenges that present during transport missions involving foreign hospitals. This published series will enable dissemination to the en route care community for possible incorporation into future training.
Outcome of rituximab treatment in Japanese patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis in daily clinical practice: A two-centre study in Fukushima, Japan
Authors: Yashiro-Furuya Makiko , Sato Shuzo , Akanuma Momo , Sato Kairi , Suzuki Eiji , Kanno Takashi , Matsumoto Haruki , Temmoku Jumpei , Fujita Yuya , Matsuoka Naoki , Asano Tomoyuki , Kobayashi Hiroko , Watanabe Hiroshi , Migita Kiyoshi 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACTObjectivesRituximab (RTX) efficacy for anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) has been reported in large randomized studies; however, the efficacy of RTX in Japanese AAV patients, especially the elderly, is not well known. We aimed to determine the clinical efficacy of RTX in Japanese AAV patients including elderly patients.MethodsThis study included 78 AAV patients newly diagnosed with AAV and treated in Fukushima Medical University Hospital or Ohta-Nishinouchi Hospital from April 2004 to September 2019. Clinical records were retrospectively reviewed, and clinical efficacy and outcome (1-year survival) between the RTX treatment group (23 cases) and the conventional therapy group (immunosuppressive therapy other than RTX, 55 cases) were compared. We also analysed the clinical efficacy and outcome in elderly-onset (&gt;75 years) AAV patients.ResultsThe RTX group showed similar efficacy and 1-year survival compared to the conventional therapy group. Conversely, after 6 months of treatment, prednisolone doses significantly decreased in the RTX group compared to the conventional therapy group (p &lt; 0.01). In the elderly-onset AAV patients, clinical efficacy and outcome were not significantly different.ConclusionsRTX was effective in Japanese AAV patients and may be useful for prompt tapering of prednisolone doses, even in elderly-onset AAV patients.
Management review of scleroderma renal crisis: An update with practical pointers
Authors: Foocharoen Chingching , Tonsawan Pantipa , Pongkulkiat Patnarin , Anutrakulchai Sirirat , Mahakkanukrauh Ajanee , Suwannaroj Siraphop 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT
Scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) represents severe, fatal internal organ involvement brought on by systemic sclerosis. A high rate of renal replacement therapy and mortality persists despite various treatments. Depending on the stage of SRC, a vasodilator called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor is the treatment of choice. The efficacy of various other vasodilators (i.e. endothelin-1 receptor antagonist) and complement cascade blocker for SRC have been investigated; however, no randomized control trial has been conducted. A new approach has been proposed for the management of SRC, categorized by specific clinical features of narrowly defined SRC and systemic sclerosis-thrombotic microangiopathy. SRC prophylaxis using angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor might be harmful, leading to a poor renal outcome, so the pathogenesis of SRC needs to be clarified in order to identify other possible preventions or therapies.
Arthritis remission with partial cartilage restoration in a 9-year-old female with hip chondrolysis following treatment with adalimumab
Authors: Fotis Lampros , Kanellopoulos Anastasios , Papakonstantinou Olympia 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACTHip chondrolysis is observed primarily or secondary to other diseases and is a rare but yet debilitating disease, characterised by loss of cartilage of the femoral epiphysis and significant restriction of motion. We present the case of a 9-year-old female diagnosed with hip chondrolysis associated with probable juvenile psoriatic arthritis. Avoidance of weight-bearing activities and treatment with corticosteroids, methotrexate, and adalimumab followed by aquatic therapy resulted in clinical and radiographic improvement as well as partial cartilage regeneration.
Difficulties of diagnosing idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis in children: Case report and literature review
Authors: Nicho Naoki , Nozawa Tomo , Murase Ayako , Hayashibe Ren , Tanoshima Reo , Okubo Risa , Hattori Seira , Nishimura Kenichi , Ohya Takashi , Ito Shuichi 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT
Hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP) is a rare inflammatory disorder characterised by local or diffuse thickening of the cranial and spinal dura mater. HP occurs owing to idiopathic or secondary causes, including autoimmune disease, infection, and trauma. HP has mainly been reported in adults, with few reported cases in children. We encountered an 11-year-old boy with idiopathic HP who presented with chronic inflammation and daily occipital headache. Gadolinium (Gd)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) helped us to diagnose him with HP. He was successfully treated with corticosteroids and azathioprine with no recurrence. We also conducted a literature review of childhood-onset HP and found only 16 cases, including our patient. Seven patients had idiopathic HP, and the remaining nine had secondary HP, including two with rheumatic disease. The most common clinical symptoms were headache (68.8%) and cranial nerve-related symptoms (68.8%). Inflammatory laboratory markers were elevated in 60% of patients with available data. Fifteen cases were diagnosed using Gd-enhanced MRI. The main initial treatment was steroids and/or immunosuppressants, to which 87.5% of patients responded. However, two patients with HP associated with trauma and neuroblastoma (12.5%) died, and seven patients (43.8%) had left cranial nerve-related sequelae. As the prognosis for childhood HP is poor, early diagnosis and treatment are essential. Children with headache, cranial nerve symptoms, and elevated inflammatory marker levels should be suspected of having HP and Gd-enhanced MRI should be considered.
Down-regulated Th17 cells in a patient with familial Mediterranean fever associated with amyloid A amyloidosis in the treatment of canakinumab
Authors: Goto Takeshi , Miyazaki Yusuke , Nakayamada Shingo , Shiraishi Naoki , Yoshinaga Takeshi , Tanaka Yoshiya , Nakamura Tadashi 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT
Autoinflammatory diseases are innate immune-mediated inflammatory disorders, unlike autoimmune diseases, which are characterised by abnormalities in adoptive immunity, although autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases have certain similar clinical features. Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), the most common monogenic autoinflammatory disease, is associated with mutations in the MEFV gene that encodes pyrin, which results in inflammasome activation and uncontrolled production of interleukin (IL)-1β. Regular use of colchicine, the primary drug for FMF treatment, prevents febrile attacks and reduces the long-term risk of subsequent complications of amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis. However, a minority of FMF patients develop colchicine resistance, and anti-IL-1β treatment with canakinumab, which is a genetically modified human IgG subclass type 1 (IgG1) monoclonal antibody specific for human IL-1β, was beneficial in inhibiting inflammation in such patients. Here, we present a patient with FMF associated with AA amyloidosis, who was treated with canakinumab and demonstrated down-regulated Th17 cells and activated Th17 cells (from 21.4% to 12.8%, and from 1.45% to 0.83%, respectively) in peripheral blood, as shown by immunophenotyping via multicolour flow cytometry and by disease activity and improved laboratory inflammatory surrogate markers—C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum AA protein (SAA). CRP had values within normal limits, but SAA did not (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient; ρ = 0.133). We report that SAA and IL-1β may differentiate Th17 cells from CD4+-naïve T cells, and we discuss interactions between autoinflammation and autoimmunity as a model based on this case, through modes of action with IL-1β and SAA. This report is the first demonstrating that an IL-1β antagonist may reduce Th17 cells in FMF as a therapeutic option.