bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Twelve-Month Cognitive and Functional Outcomes Following Cardiac Surgery: The DEXACET Trial of Intravenous Acetaminophen Versus Placebo
Authors: Khera Tanvi , Helfand Jordan , Kelly Lauren , Mueller Ariel , Shankar Puja , Marcantonio Edward R. , Subramaniam Balachundhar 
Published: March 2022

Background: Delirium, an acute decline in attention and global cognitive dysfunction, occurs frequently following cardiac surgery and has been demonstrated to be significantly associated with cognitive dysfunction and reduced functional ability. In the DEXACET trial, we demonstrated a significant reduction in postoperative in-hospital delirium with intravenous (IV) acetaminophen when compared with placebo. In this analysis we examined whether this protective association also extended to 12 month cognitive and functional outcomes.Methods: This study was a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, triple-blinded, factorial design trial conducted at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, approved by the IRB. In this trial, 120 older cardiac surgical patients were randomly assigned to receive either intravenous (IV) acetaminophen or placebo in addition to propofol or dexmedetomidine. Those receiving IV acetaminophen displayed a significant reduction in in-hospital delirium. We collected cognitive, mood and functional outcome data using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, telephone version (T-MoCA), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Basic and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (ADLs, IADLs) at 1 month and 12 months after surgery.Results: Of the 120 enrolled patients in the primary trial, 93 (77.5%) and 83 (69.2%) patients responded to assessments at 1 month and 12 months, respectively. No statistically significant differences in median T-MoCA scores were observed between acetaminophen and placebo groups at 1 month (18.0 vs.18.0, p = 0.52) or 12 months (19.0 vs.18.0, p = 0.62) following surgery. There were similarly no differences in GDS, ADLs or IADLs between treatment groups. Losses to follow-up limited the sample sizes and 10 of the 23 (45%) original study participants who had postoperative delirium were lost to follow up.Conclusion: Administration of intravenous acetaminophen was not associated with a difference in long term cognitive or functional status following cardiac surgery. Additional research on long-term outcomes following postoperative delirium with a larger sample size and improved cohort retention strategies will be needed to address this important area.
FSCN1 Promotes Esophageal Carcinoma Progression Through Downregulating PTK6 via its RNA-Binding Protein Effect
Authors: Cai Hongfei , Wang Rui , Tang Ze , Lu Tianyu , Cui Youbin 
Published: March 2022

Objective: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) causes many deaths worldwide every year. Fascin actin-bundling protein 1(FSCN1) has been reported to be a promoter of ESCC via its actin-binding function, however, its new role as an RNA-binding protein (RBP) has not been investigated. Here, we explored the RBP role of FSCN1 in the development of ESCC.Methods: Whole-genome expression sequencing was performed to screen for altered genes after FSCN1 knockdown. RNA immunoprecipitation was performed to determine the target mRNA of FSCN1 as an RBP. In vitro experiments with ECA-109 and KYSE-150 and ex vivo experiments in tumor-bearing mice were performed to investigate the effects of FSCN1 and Protein Tyrosine Kinase 6 (PTK6) on ESCC progression.Results: FSCN1 could downregulate mRNA and the protein level of PTK6. The binding position of PTK6 (PTK6-T2) pre-mRNA to FSCN1 was determined. PTK6-T2 blocked the binding between FSCN1 and the pre-mRNA of PTK6, and thus reversed the promotion effect of FSCN1 on ESCC tumor progression via the AKT/GSK3β signaling pathway.Conclusion: A novel effect of FSCN1, RBP-binding with the pre-mRNA of PTK6, was confirmed to play an important role in ESCC progression. PTK6-T2, which is a specific inhibitor of FSCN1 binding to the pre-mRNA of PTK6, could impede the development of ESCC.
Competing in Hot Conditions at the Tokyo Olympic Games: Preparation Strategies Used by Australian Race Walkers
Authors: Carr Amelia J. , Vallance Brent S. , Rothwell Jessica , Rea Anna E. , Burke Louise M. , Guy Joshua H. 
Published: March 2022

IntroductionThe Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games was anticipated to expose athletes to the most challenging climatic conditions experienced in the history of the modern Olympic Games. This study documents strategies executed by Australian endurance athletes during the team holding camp and Olympic Games experiences, including (1) baseline physiological data, training data, and heat acclimation/acclimatization practices; (2) pre- and in-race cooling and nutritional strategies, and (3) Olympic Games race performance data.MethodsSix athletes (three males, three females; age 24 ± 4 years; VO2max 63.2 ± 8.7 mL⋅kg–1⋅min–1; sum of 7 skinfolds 53.1 ± 23.4 mm) were observed prior to and during the team holding camp held in Cairns, QLD, Australia. Athletes completed 6–7 weeks of intermittent heat acclimation training, utilizing a combination of 2–4 passive and active acclimation sessions per week. Active acclimation was systematically increased via exposure time, exercise intensity, temperature, and humidity. In the team holding camp, athletes undertook a further 23 heat acclimatization training sessions over 18 days in a continuous fashion. Hyperhydration (using sodium and glycerol osmolytes), and internal and external pre-and in-race cooling methods were also utilized. A low energy availability intervention was implemented with two athletes, as a strategy to periodize ideal race body composition. Race performance data and environmental conditions from the 2021 Olympic Games were also documented.ResultsThe highest values for aerobic capacity were 63.6 mL⋅kg–1⋅min–1 for female race walkers and 73.7 mL⋅kg–1⋅min–1 for males. Training volume for the six athletes was the highest in the second week of the team holding camp, and training intensity was lowest in the first week of the team holding camp. Performance outcomes included 6th place in the women’s 20 km event (1:30:39), which was within 2% of her 20 km personal best time, and 8th place in the men’s 50 km event (3:52:01), which was a personal best performance time.ConclusionPeriodized training, heat acclimation/acclimatization, cooling and nutritional strategies study may have contributed to the race outcomes in Olympic Games held hot, humid conditions, for the race walkers within this observational study.
Psychological Variables Explaining the Students’ Self-Perceived Well-Being in University, During the Pandemic
Authors: Bochiş Laura Nicoleta , Barth Karla Melinda , Florescu Maria Cristina 
Published: March 2022

IntroductionIn the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Romanian universities switched to emergency relocation and online education, with students experiencing a sense of isolation, which affected their well-being, pace and normal learning style, relationships with other colleagues, and Professors. Beyond the technological obstacles that have arisen in learning, the aim of this study is to highlight the psychological variables that are associated and that explain the self-perceived well-being of students, in university, in the pandemic. The psychological variables studied were the following: the level of openness and personal autonomy, as personality traits of students but also the mechanisms for regulating their academic motivation.MethodWe used a questionnaire-based survey, wherein all four research instruments had been validated and adapted to the investigated population. The subjects were BA and MA students at the University of Oradea, Romania (N = 150), the majority being females (95.5%) with the age range of 27 years old. Pearson Correlation and Multiple Linear Regression were used to test the two hypotheses.ResultsResearch data obtained in the correlation analysis, point out association relationships with moderate and high effects size, between positive attitude toward self, others and student life and: openness to learning, openness to aesthetics, behavioral autonomy, cognitive autonomy, intrinsic motivation, and identification motivation. Furthermore, in regression analysis, it was revealed that regarding the variance of results concerning students’ self-perceived well-being in university (positive attitude toward oneself, others, and student life), it contributes both of students’ personality traits (such as openness and personal autonomy) and their intrinsic motivation and identification motivation.ConclusionThe fundamental conclusion of the research is that, although the personality traits of students explain in a higher percentage the variability of results in students’ self-perceived well-being (in terms of positive attitude toward self, others, and student life), motivation regulation mechanisms play an important role, especially in the conditions of online activities. The results have direct implications for the work carried out in universities. The educational policies developed by specialists and government will have to emphasize the ways of forming resilient student communities in periods of sudden transition and adaptation to change which take place in education and society.
Resilience and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in the Swiss Alpine Rescue Association
Authors: Mikutta Christian , Schmid Julia J. , Ehlert Ulrike 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to assess the frequency of trauma exposure, the prevalence of possible post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the extent of resilience, and sense of coherence among personnel of the Swiss alpine rescue association (ARS).MethodsUsing a trilingual online survey approach, 465 mountain rescuers of the ARS were surveyed using the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS), the PTSD Checklist 5 (PCL-5), the Resilience Scale 13 and 14 (RS-13/-14), the Perceived Stress Scale 10 (PSS-10), the General Health Questionnaire 12 (GHQ-12), the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Sense of Coherence Scale 13 (SOC-13), and the Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS).ResultsAlthough the rate of mountain rescuers having witnessed or experienced a traumatic event was high (71%), the prevalence of possible PTSD was low (0.9%). The sample showed high resilience and high sense of coherence. Resilience was positively correlated with work experience. Low perceived stress and high sense of coherence predicted resilience. The severity of PTSD symptoms was mainly predicted by low sense of coherence. Sense of coherence mediated the interaction between resilience and severity of PTSD symptoms.ConclusionThe findings suggest that resilience and sense of coherence are indicative for the low prevalence of possible PTSD among mountain rescuers, and may therefore represent valuable screening and training parameters for mountain rescue personnel.
MiR-124 Regulates IQGAP1 and Participates in the Relationship Between Morphine Dependence Susceptibility and Cognition
Authors: Shi Jingjing , Chi Yong , Wang Xiaohong , Zhang Yingjie , Tian Lu , Chen Yao , Chen Chunwu , Dong Yong , Sang Hong , Chen Ming , Liu Lei , Zhao Na , Kang Chuanyi , Hu Xiaorui , Wang Xueying , Liu Qingxia , Li Xuemin , Zhu Shuang , Nie Mingxuan , Wang Honghui , Yang Liying , Liu Jiacheng , Wang Huaizhi , Lu Jia , Hu Jian 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundLong-term excessive use of morphine leads to addictive diseases and affects cognitive function. Cognitive performance is associated with genetic characteristics.MiR-124 plays a critical regulatory role in neurogenesis, synaptic development, brain plasticity, and the use of addictive substances. As a scaffold protein, IQGAP1 affects learning and memory dose-dependent. However, the role of miR-124 and its target protein as potential addiction biomarkers and the impact on cognitive function have not been fully explored.MethodA total of 40 patients with morphine dependence and 40 cases of healthy people were recruited. We collected basic and clinical information about the two groups. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9(PHQ-9), Montreal Cognition Assessment Scale (MoCA), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to assess the severity of depression, anxiety, depressive symptoms, cognitive dysfunction, and sleep quality.ResultsCompared to the control group, the morphine-dependent group had higher GAD-7, PHQ-9, PSQI scores, and more elevated miR-124 levels but lower MOCA scores and IQGAP1 levels. MiR-124, IQGAP1, the average intake last year were related to OASI scores.MiR-124, IQGAP1, PHQ-9 were associated with MOCA scores. In the multiple regression model, the levels of miR-124 and IQGAP1 were independent factors influencing the severity of morphine dependence. The level of miR-124 was an independent factor influencing the severity of cognitive impairment in patients with morphine dependence. In addition, the luciferase report confirmed that IQGAP1 mRNA is the direct target of miR-124.ConclusionMiR-124 and its target protein IQGAP1 are involved in the regulation of addiction and cognitive function in patients with morphine dependence.
Urban-Rural Disparity in Cognitive Performance Among Older Chinese Adults: Explaining the Changes From 2008 to 2018
Authors: Zhang Tao , Lu Beiyin , Wang Xiaohe 
Published: March 2022

ObjectivesThis study aims to identify the dynamic changes in cognitive performance differentials between urban and rural older adults in China from 2008 to 2018 and decomposes determinants affecting such changes.MethodsTwo waves (2008 and 2018) of data were extracted from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. The cognitive function was tested using the Chinese Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The effects of the explanatory variables (demographic, economic, neighborhood, environmental events and social and cultural domains) on the changes in the urban-rural inequality of cognitive performance were divided into two components using the Juhn–Murphy–Pierce (JMP) decomposition: quantity effect and price effect.ResultsA total of 14,628 (urban respondents: 5,675, rural respondents: 8,953) and 10,311 older adults (urban respondents: 5,879, rural respondents: 4,432) for 2008 and 2018, respectively, were included in our study. A narrowing of 0.071 in the urban-rural disparity in cognitive function score of the older adults from 2008 to 2018 was identified. Quantity and price effects of explanatory variables contributed 65.21 and 46.84%, respectively, to the observed components in explaining the narrowed disparity. Quantity effects of age (35.71%), exercise (56.72%), self-rated economic status (33.19%) and price effect of homeownership (54.97%) contributed significantly to the reduced urban-rural gap. Contrastingly, inequality in pension (−27.31%) and social security (−23.11%) between urban and rural widened cognitive performance differentials. Furthermore, effects of hunger in childhood (−10.53%) and less years of schooling (−77.20%) on the increase in urban-rural inequality seemed to be stronger over time.ConclusionEconomic development and reform of the rural health system are responsible for the decline in the urban-rural disparity in the cognitive performance of older adults. Equalizing the distribution of social security and welfare between urban and rural must be highlighted for eliminating cognitive ability disparity. Additionally, rural older adults who endured hunger and poor education in childhood also deserve further policy interventions.
Label-Free Detection of Ochratoxin A Using Aptamer as Recognition Probe at Liquid Crystal-Aqueous Interface
Authors: Devi Manisha , A Kavyasree , Pani Ipsita , Sil Soma , Pal Santanu Kumar 
Published: March 2022

Aqueous interfaces of stimuli-responsive, thermotropic nematic liquid crystals (LC) have been utilized in the design of biosensing platforms for a range of analytes. Owing to the orientational changes in LC, these interfaces can easily report aptamer-target binding events at the LC-aqueous interface. We demonstrate a label-free, simple and robust technique for the detection of Ochratoxin A (OTA) using aptamer as the recognition probe. The self-assembly of CTAB (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide; cationic surfactant) at aqueous-LC interface gives a homeotropic orientation of LC. In presence of negatively charged OTA specific aptamer, aptamer forms a complex with CTAB. Formation of aptamer-CTAB complex results in ordering transition of LCs to planar/tilted. In presence of OTA, OTA forms a strong and stable G-quadruplex structure of aptamer that results in the redistribution of CTAB at LC-aqueous interface and leads to homeotropic orientation of LC. The designed LC aptasensor exhibits a detection limit of 0.1 nM. We observed that the sensitivity of LC aptasensor was affected by the pH and ionic strength. In addition, we demonstrated the applicability of the designed LC aptasensor for the detection of OTA in tap water and apple juice. This approach offers advantages over the conventional detection methods in terms of fabrication, ease of operation, and analysis.
A Multicentric European Clinical Study on Custom-Made Porous Hydroxyapatite Cranioplasty in a Pediatric Population
Authors: Zaed Ismail , Safa Adrian , Spennato Piero , Mottolese Carmine , Chibbaro Salvatore , Cannizzaro Delia , Faggin Roberto , Frassanito Paolo , Maduri Rodolfo , Messerer Mahmoud , Servadei Franco 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundCranioplasty (CP) is a surgical intervention aiming to re-establish the integrity of skull defects. Autologous bone and different heterologous materials are used for this purpose, with various reported related complications, especially in children.This study aims to evaluate the rate of complication in a multicentric cohort of pediatric patients treated by porous hydroxyapatite (PHA) CP implantation and to assess the reliability of post-marketing clinical data collected by a manufacturing company.MethodsThe authors proactively collected clinical data from 20 institutions in different European countries for patients under the age of 16 treated with a PHA implant. The data were obtained by conducting an on-site interview with physicians in charge of the patients (Post-Marketing Surveillance, PMS group). The endpoints were the incidence of adverse events and related implant removal. The clinical data were compared to the company-based register including all patients under the age of 16 who received the same implant from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2020, and the collecting complications voluntarily reported by surgeons (Database, DB group).ResultsThe two groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics and rate of complications. In the PMS group, a total of 11 (16.9%) complications were reported in the group of 65 patients that were proactively collected. Both fractures and infections were the most common complications with 4 cases each (6.2%). In the case of both infections and fractures, revision surgery was required for only one patient (1.5%). Three (4.5%) cases of displacements were reported, and in one (1.5%) case, a surgical revision was required, for a total of 3 (4.5%) cases requiring surgical revision. The average follow-up was 26.7 months.ConclusionsDifferent from a previous study on adult age, pediatric neurosurgeons are more prone to report even to the manufacturing company complications related to skull reconstruction in children. Therefore, these data can be compared with those of other clinical studies. The PHA CP in this series of 65 patients presents a complication rate collected on-site that is similar to other heterologous materials.
Immediate results of using both internal thoracic arteries for coronary artery bypass surgery in patients with ischemic artery disease
Authors: Muradov A. G. , Efendiev V. U. , Andin A. V. , Demidov D. P. , Drobot D. B. , Sakovich V. A. 
Published: March 2022

Objective: To compare direct results of «in situ» and Y-graft bimammary autoarterial bypass in patients having coronary artery disease.Methods: From January 2018 to November 2020, 107 patients having ischemic artery disease undergone coronary artery bypass surgery in the Cardiac Surgery Department No.1 of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Federal Center for Cardiovascular Surgery" of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Krasnoyarsk). The distribution of the groups was carried out in a 3:1 ratio: in the first group (24 patients) both internal thoracic arteries were used for myocardial revascularization according to the «in situ» technique, in the second group (composite bypass surgery) (83 patients) the right internal thoracic artery was anastomosed with a free graft with the left internal thoracic artery (Y- graft).Results: There were no cases of hospital mortality. The duration of operations in the composite bypass group was significantly higher than in the «in situ» group (126.4 minutes ± 20.1 minutes versus 172.3 minutes ± 27.1 minutes, p = 0.038). The reason for extra time is the necessity to put a large number of distal anastomoses. Bleeding in the early postoperative period was observed only in one case (1.2%) in the composite bypass group. Perioperative myocardial infarctions, neurological complications, and deep wound infection of the sternum weren't observed in any group. One patient from the «in situ» group (4.2%) and one patient from the composite bypass grafting group (1.2%), experienced the postoperative period complicated by a superficial wound infection in the area of the sternotomy access (p = 0.649). In the «in situ» group, average blood flow velocity according to flowmetry data was 32 ml / min ± 8.1 ml / min, and in the composite shunting group it counted 51.8 ml / min ± 12.3 ml / min, p = 0.001.Conclusions. Using both internal thoracic arteries for coronary artery bypass surgery provides a favorable effect of surgical treatment in the postoperative period. This operation technique can be safely performed with low mortality rate and less complications. It may be associated with improved long-term patient survival; but this requires further analysis of the study results in a longer period.