bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preoperative serum interleukin-6 level in head and neck cancer reflects systemic inflammatory response and is a predictor of postoperative prognosis
Authors: Imai Takayuki , Nakamura Kazuki , Morita Sinkichi , Hasegawa Kohsei , Goto Takahiro , Katori Yukio , Asada Yukinori 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe outcome of head and neck cancer has improved in recent years but survival is not yet satisfactory. Interleukin (IL)-6 is a representative inflammatory cytokine and inducer of systemic inflammatory response. It is not known whether preoperative serum level of IL-6 is a prognostic factor in head and neck cancer surgery.MethodsWe studied 181 consecutive patients who underwent head and neck surgery with free tissue transfer reconstruction (HNS-FTTR) between September 2016 and December 2020. Whether preoperative serum IL-6 level was a prognostic risk factor was retrospectively investigated by univariate and multivariate analyses. We also investigated the association between preoperative IL-6 level and representative systemic inflammatory response markers.ResultsThe preoperative IL-6 ≥ 8 pg/mL group had a significantly worse prognosis than the preoperative IL-6 &lt; 8 pg/mL group (overall survival [OS]: hazard ratio [HR] 3.098, P = 0.0006; disease-specific survival [DSS]: HR 3.335, P = 0.0008). In multivariate analysis, IL-6 ≥ 8 pg/mL and age ≥ 70 years were independent poor prognostic factors for OS (HR 1.860, P = 0.0435 and HR 1.883, P = 0.0233, respectively). The only independent poor prognostic factor for DSS was IL-6 ≥ 8 pg/mL (HR 2.052, P = 0.0329). Serum albumin was significantly lower and serum C-reactive protein and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were significantly higher in the IL-6 ≥ 8 pg/mL group than in the IL-6 &lt; 8 pg/mL group (all P &lt; 0.0001).ConclusionsPreoperative serum IL-6 level is an independent poor prognostic factor for both OS and DSS after HNS-FTTR, reflecting the degree of preoperative systemic inflammatory response.
Divergence in interspecific and intersubspecific gene expression between two closely related horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus)
Authors: Li Jun , Sun Keping , Dai Wentao , Leng Haixia , Feng Jiang 
Published: December 2022

AbstractClosely related species have been used as representative systems to investigate the genetic mechanisms involved in the early stages of species differentiation. Previous studies have indicated that variation in gene expression might be a sensitive indicator of initial species divergence, although the role of expression divergence, and especially that associated with phenotypic variation remained relatively undefined. For three organs (cochlea, brain, and liver) from two closely related bat species (Rhinolophus siamensis and R. episcopus), the interspecific and intersubspecific gene expression profiles were compared using transcriptomics in this study. Striking organ specificity of expression was observed, and expression profiles exhibited similarities between cochlea and brain tissues. Numerous differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified for each organ in the interspecific comparison (cochlea/brain/liver: 1,069/647/692) and intersubspecific comparison (608/528/368). Functional enrichment analysis indicated vital variation in expression related to the immune system, ion activities, neuronal function, and multisensory system regulation in both comparisons. DEGs relevant to the variation in echolocation calls (RF) were found, and some of them were involved in the pivotal patterns of expression variation. The regulation of immune, ion channel, neural activity, and sophisticated sensory functions at the expression level might be key mechanisms in the early species divergence of bats, and the expression variation related to acoustical signal could have played a crucial part. This study expands our knowledge of gene expression and patterns of variation for three key organs to echolocation at both the interspecific and intersubspecific levels. Further, the framework described here provides insight into the genetic basis of phenotypic variation during the incipient stage of species differentiation.
Assessment of Truck-Mounted Area-Wide S-methoprene Applications to Manage West Nile Virus Vector Species in the Suburbs of Chicago, IL, USA
Authors: Johnson Haley E , Clifton Mark , Harbison Justin E , Erkapic Anastazia , Barrett-Wilt Gregory A , Paskewitz Susan , Bartholomay Lyric 
Published: December 2022

AbstractWest Nile virus remains the leading cause of arboviral neuroinvasive disease in the United States, despite extensive efforts to control the mosquito vectors involved in transmission. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of Altosid SR-20 (active ingredient, S-methoprene 20%) larvicide applications using truck-mounted ultra-low volume (ULV) dispersal equipment to target Culex pipiens Linnaeus (Diptera: Culicidae) and Cx. restuans (Theobald)larvae. A combination of emergence bioassays, open-field measurements of deposited S-methoprene and spray distribution using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and assessments of adult Culex spp. populations in response to applications were conducted over the summer of 2020 within the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District (IL, USA). Open-field applications revealed that dispersed Altosid SR-20 using ULV equipment was effective (75% emergence inhibition in susceptible lab strain Cx. pipiens larvae) up to 53 m. In suburban neighborhood applications, we found that S-methoprene deposition and larval emergence inhibition (EI) in front yards did not differ significantly from backyards. An overall EI of 46% and 28% were observed for laboratory strain Cx. pipiens and wild Cx. restuans larvae respectively, and both had an EI significantly higher than the untreated control group. The EI of exposed wild Cx. pipiens larvae did not differ from the untreated controls, suggesting an increased tolerance to S-methoprene. No difference in abundance of gravid or host-seeking adult Culex spp. post-application was detected between treated and untreated sites. These results document the ability of area-wide application to distribute S-methoprene, but this strategy will need further modifications and evaluation for Culex spp. management.
Illustrations of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms to promote communication between patients and physicians
Authors: Kaneko Yuko , Hasegawa Mieko , Ikeda Kei , Nakano Kazuhisa , Kadono Yuho , Tanaka Yoshiya , Takeuchi Tsutomu 
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACT

Objectives
To develop an illustrative tool presenting visualized rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms using pictures to promote better understanding between patients and physicians.

Methods
A tool named ‘Okomarigoto Sheet’ was developed through an internet survey of patients with RA and certified rheumatologists by repeated in-person interviews.

Results
An internet survey on the reality of communication between patients with RA and physicians in 200 patients and 200 certified rheumatologists revealed various local and systemic symptoms of RA and difficulties in sharing those symptoms between patients and physicians during a short consultation. Interviews from patients and certified rheumatologists suggested that illustrations of symptoms would be helpful for better communication between them; therefore, an illustrative tool presenting visualized RA symptoms was drafted. The draft illustrations were refined through multiple rounds of interviews with the patients. The final version of the tool was discussed and evaluated at a joint meeting of patients and rheumatologists.

Conclusions
A picture sheet presenting RA symptoms was developed. Future prospective studies should evaluate the usefulness of the sheet in clinical practice to promote better communication between patients and physicians.
PAM-independent ultra-specific activation of CRISPR-Cas12a via sticky-end dsDNA
Authors: Zhang Wei , Mu Yaoqin , Dong Kejun , Zhang Lei , Yan Bei , Hu Hao , Liao Yangwei , Zhao Rong , Shu Wan , Ye Zhengxin , Lu Yaping , Wan Chong , Sun Qiangqiang , Li Longjie , Wang Hongbo , Xiao Xianjin 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Although CRISPR-Cas12a [clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein 12a] combining pre-amplification technology has the advantage of high sensitivity in biosensing, its generality and specificity are insufficient, which greatly restrains its application range. Here, we discovered a new targeting substrate for LbaCas12a (Lachnospiraceae bacterium Cas12a), namely double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) with a sticky-end region (PAM−SE+ dsDNA). We discovered that CRISPR-Cas12a had special enzymatic properties for this substrate DNA, including the ability to recognize and cleave it without needing a protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) sequence and a high sensitivity to single-base mismatches in that substrate. Further mechanism studies revealed that guide RNA (gRNA) formed a triple-stranded flap structure with the substrate dsDNA. We also discovered the property of low-temperature activation of CRISPR-Cas12a and, by coupling with the unique DNA hybridization kinetics at low temperature, we constructed a complete workflow for low-abundance point mutation detection in real samples, which was fast, convenient and free of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) transformation. The detection limits were 0.005–0.01% for synthesized strands and 0.01–0.05% for plasmid genomic DNA, and the mutation abundances provided by our system for 28 clinical samples were in accordance with next-generation sequencing results. We believe that our work not only reveals novel information about the target recognition mechanism of the CRISPR-Cas12a system, but also greatly broadens its application scenarios.
A convergent malignant phenotype in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia involving the splicing factor SRRM1
Authors: Closa Adria , Reixachs-Solé Marina , Fuentes-Fayos Antonio C , Hayer Katharina E , Melero Juan L , Adriaanse Fabienne R S , Bos Romy S , Torres-Diz Manuel , Hunger Stephen P , Roberts Kathryn G , Mullighan Charles G , Stam Ronald W , Thomas-Tikhonenko Andrei , Castaño Justo P , Luque Raúl M , Eyras Eduardo 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
A significant proportion of infant B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) patients remains with a dismal prognosis due to yet undetermined mechanisms. We performed a comprehensive multicohort analysis of gene expression, gene fusions, and RNA splicing alterations to uncover molecular signatures potentially linked to the observed poor outcome. We identified 87 fusions with significant allele frequency across patients and shared functional impacts, suggesting common mechanisms across fusions. We further identified a gene expression signature that predicts high risk independently of the gene fusion background and includes the upregulation of the splicing factor SRRM1. Experiments in B-ALL cell lines provided further evidence for the role of SRRM1 on cell survival, proliferation, and invasion. Supplementary analysis revealed that SRRM1 potentially modulates splicing events associated with poor outcomes through protein-protein interactions with other splicing factors. Our findings reveal a potential convergent mechanism of aberrant RNA processing that sustains a malignant phenotype independently of the underlying gene fusion and that could potentially complement current clinical strategies in infant B-ALL.
Identification of RNU44 as an Endogenous Reference Gene for Normalizing Cell-Free RNA in Tuberculosis
Authors: Gu Wei , Tu Xilin , Lu Weinan , Yin Yian , Meng Qingtai , Wang Xinyang , Zhang Fengmin , Fu Yingmei 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Background
Normalization of cell-free RNA (cf-RNA) concentration can be affected by variable experimental conditions and thus impact the performance of their diagnostic potential. Our study aimed to identify appropriate endogenous reference genes for cf-RNA biomarker evaluation in the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB).

Methods
Subjects consisting of patients with TB with and without malignancy, patients with pneumonia, and healthy controls were recruited. Candidate reference genes were screened and identified by literature reviewing and RNA-Seq analysis. Expression levels of the candidate genes were determined by reverse-transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in plasma from patients with TB and healthy controls. The stability of gene expression was assessed by geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, the Comparative Delta Ct method, and RefFinder. Differential expression of 2 small RNAs (sRNAs) encoding by genome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in plasma of patients with TB were determined by both absolute quantification and relative quantification with candidate reference genes.

Results
According to the stability ranking analyzed with the 5 computational programs, the top 4 candidates—miR-93, RNU44, miR-16, and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase—were used to normalize the transcript levels of 2 mycobacterial sRNAs, MTS2823 and MTS1338, which were observed to have higher copy numbers in the plasma of patients with TB. Normalization with RNU44 displayed significantly higher levels of the 2 M tuberculosis sRNAs in the patients’ plasma than those of healthy controls.

Conclusions
RNU44 was demonstrated as a proper endogenous gene for cf-RNA normalization in TB diagnosis.
Quantifying Gram-Negative Resistance to Empiric Treatment After Repeat ExpoSure To AntimicRobial Therapy (RESTART)
Authors: Wibisono Arya , Harb Gaielle , Crotty Matthew , Rahmanzadeh Kristen , Alexander Julie , Hunter Leigh , Dominguez Edward 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Background
Antibiotic exposure is a primary predictor of subsequent antibiotic resistance; however, development of cross-resistance between antibiotic classes is also observed. The impact of changing to a different antibiotic from that of previous exposure is not established.

Methods
This was a retrospective, single-center cohort study of hospitalized adult patients previously exposed to an antipseudomonal β-lactam (APBL) for at least 48 hours in the 90 days prior to the index infection with a gram-negative bloodstream or respiratory infection. Susceptibility rates to empiric therapy were compared between patients receiving the same (repeat group) versus a different antibiotic from prior exposure (change group).

Results
A total of 197 patients were included (n = 94 [repeat group] and n = 103 [change group]). Pathogen susceptibility to empiric therapy was higher in the repeat group compared to the change group (76.6% vs 60.2%; P = .014). After multivariable logistic regression, repeat APBL was associated with an increased likelihood of pathogen susceptibility (adjusted odds ratio, 2.513; P = .012). In contrast, there was no difference in susceptibility rates between the repeat group and the subgroup of change patients who received an empiric APBL (76.6% vs 78.5%; P = .900). Longer APBL exposure duration (P = .012) and chronic kidney disease (P = .002) were associated with higher nonsusceptibility to the exposure APBL. In-hospital mortality was not significantly different between the repeat and change groups (18.1% vs 23.3%; P = .368).

Conclusions
The common practice of changing to a different APBL from that of recent exposure may not be warranted.
SEC14-GOLD protein PATELLIN2 binds IRON-REGULATED TRANSPORTER1 linking root iron uptake to vitamin E
Authors: Hornbergs Jannik , Montag Karolin , Loschwitz Jennifer , Mohr Inga , Poschmann Gereon , Schnake Anika , Gratz Regina , Brumbarova Tzvetina , Eutebach Monique , Angrand Kalina , Fink-Straube Claudia , Stühler Kai , Zeier Jürgen , Hartmann Laura , Strodel Birgit , Ivanov Rumen , Bauer Petra 
Published: December 2022

AbstractOrganisms require micronutrients, and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) IRON-REGULATED TRANSPORTER1 (IRT1) is essential for iron (Fe2+) acquisition into root cells. Uptake of reactive Fe2+ exposes cells to the risk of membrane lipid peroxidation. Surprisingly little is known about how this is avoided. IRT1 activity is controlled by an intracellular variable region (IRT1vr) that acts as a regulatory protein interaction platform. Here, we describe that IRT1vr interacted with peripheral plasma membrane SEC14-Golgi dynamics (SEC14-GOLD) protein PATELLIN2 (PATL2). SEC14 proteins bind lipophilic substrates and transport or present them at the membrane. To date, no direct roles have been attributed to SEC14 proteins in Fe import. PATL2 affected root Fe acquisition responses, interacted with ROS response proteins in roots, and alleviated root lipid peroxidation. PATL2 had high affinity in vitro for the major lipophilic antioxidant vitamin E compound α-tocopherol. Molecular dynamics simulations provided insight into energetic constraints and the orientation and stability of the PATL2-ligand interaction in atomic detail. Hence, this work highlights a compelling mechanism connecting vitamin E with root metal ion transport at the plasma membrane with the participation of an IRT1-interacting and α-tocopherol-binding SEC14 protein.
Development of a Tool to Assess Medical Oral Language Proficiency
Authors: Diamond Lisa C. , Gregorich Steven E. , Karliner Leah , González Javier , Pérez-Cordón Cristina , Iniguez Reniell , Alberto Figueroa José , Izquierdo Karen , Ortega Pilar 
Published: December 2022

Purpose
To communicate with linguistically diverse patients, medical students and physicians often use their non-English-language skills. However, there is no standard protocol to determine whether those skills are adequate before patient care. This causes many physicians, institutions, educators, and learners to forgo non-English-language proficiency assessment altogether. The purpose of this study is to report on the development, refinement, and interrater reliability of the Physician Oral Language Observation Matrix (POLOM), a rater-based tool assessing 6 language skill categories observed during clinical interactions: comprehension, fluency/fluidity, vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and communication. This study focused on the use of the POLOM in Spanish interactions.

Method
The authors adapted an existing language observation tool for use in clinical settings, creating the preliminary POLOM. Next, they iteratively refined the tool from April to July 2021 using videorecorded medical student-standardized patient encounters from a U.S.-based medical Spanish program. In each refinement iteration, 4 bilingual raters (2 physicians and 2 linguists) independently rated 3 to 6 encounters and convened to discuss ratings with the goals of improving instrument instructions, descriptors, and subsequent rater agreement. Using the final POLOM, raters independently rated 50 videos in rotating interdisciplinary pairs. Generalizability theory was applied to estimate reliability via interrater agreement (dependability) coefficients (range 0–1) for each POLOM category and the total score.

Results
POLOM total score dependability equaled 0.927 (single rater) and 0.962 (averaged across 2 raters). The highest mean score was observed for the comprehension category (4.15; range 1–5) while the lowest was for communication (3.01; range 1–5).

Conclusions
Raters achieved a high level of agreement on POLOM assessments of students’ medical oral Spanish proficiency. The POLOM is the first assessment tool that provides examinees and instructors with both a holistic and detailed review of clinician non-English oral language skills as contextualized for patient care.
Clinical and prognostic features of E-cadherin in adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction patients
Authors: Hu Kang , Zheng Qi-Ming , Wang Ye-Peng , Zhao Meng-Meng , Sun Zhi-Gang 
Published: December 2022

Objective
The expression, activity, and functional role of E-cadherin in adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) are unclear. In this research, we evaluated the expression of E-cadherin in AEG, as well as its clinicopathological significance and prognostic value.

Methods
A total of 65 AEG samples and 10 normal paracancerous tissues undergoing AEG resection in thoracic surgery were collected. The samples were immunohistochemically examined for expression levels of E-cadherin. The Chi-square test was used to determine if E-cadherin expression correlated with the clinicopathological features of AEG patients. The link between clinicopathological features and 5-year survival rates was investigated using Kaplan–Meier survival curves and multifactorial Cox regression analysis.

Results
In AEG tissues, E-cadherin expression was considerably reduced. Differentiation grade (P = 0.013), infiltration depth (P = 0.033), and clinicopathological stage (P = 0.045) were substantially linked to the level of E-cadherin expression. Five-year survival rates of AEG patients were affected by E-cadherin expression (P = 0.037), tumor differentiation (P = 0.010), lymph node metastasis (P < 0.001), and clinicopathological stage (P = 0.037). Tumor differentiation (P = 0.033) and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.001) were independent risk factors for shorter overall survival.

Conclusion
E-cadherin expression in AEG was significantly decreased, which was strongly related to tumor differentiation, infiltration, and clinicopathological stage. An E-cadherin deficiency would lead to poor prognosis in AEG patients. E-cadherin may play a crucial role in AEG invasion and metastasis. Low expression of E-cadherin may be a potential early biomarker and overall survival predictor for AEG patients.
Prognostic implications of elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure on 6-month mortality in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Wang Shengji , Lian Yonggang , Wang Hongfei , Fan Xiaoting , Zhao Haiying 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Background
Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) has often been evaluated as an indicator of heart failure, but the relationship between PASP and the prognosis of elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is not well understood.

Methods
The medical data of 3460 hospitalized elderly patients diagnosed with AMI between January 2013 and June 2018 were reviewed. PASP was calculated using transthoracic color Doppler ultrasonography. Patients were grouped according to their admission PASP results as follows: Group A, PASP ≤30 mmHg; Group B, 30 mmHg <PASP ≤50 mmHg; and Group C, PASP ≥51 mmHg. The primary endpoint was all-cause death 6 months following AMI. Multiple Cox regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for 6-month mortality in elderly patients with AMI.

Results
PASP was associated with age, Killip classification, AMI site, and decreased ejection fraction in elderly patients. After adjusting for clinical and echocardiographic parameters in the Cox model, PASP was found to be significantly related to all-cause mortality. In receiver operating characteristic analysis, a PASP of >34 mmHg had a sensitivity of 62.3% and specificity of 65.7% for predicting 6-month all-cause death after AMI.

Conclusion
PASP at admission is a useful marker for predicting short-term mortality in elderly patients with AMI. This finding could be used to help identify high-risk patients and make appropriate clinical decisions.
The evidence of implanting a different intraocular lens in each eye
Authors: Melvani Rakhi , Farid Marjan 
Published: December 2022

Purpose of review
To evaluate the growing body of evidence investigating implanting a different intraocular lens (IOL) in each eye.

Recent findings
Many surgeons have turned to the mix-and-match approach of implanting two different types of IOLs with the goal of achieving an improved range of distances. A number of studies have compared different types of mix-and-match IOL approaches, with promising results that seem to show maintenance of excellent vision at all distances, and high levels of spectacle independence.

Summary
The mix-and-match IOL approach appears to be a promising option for patients, maintaining good vision at all distances, especially near and intermediate, which is highly desired by patients. Few studies also showed intriguing secondary endpoints such as decreased unwanted visual phenomena using this method.