bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Porous 3D Printed Titanium Cages in Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion are Associated With Less Subsidence, Improved Maintenance of Segmental Lordotic Correction, and Similar Clinical Outcomes as Allograft
Authors: Singh Hardeep , Kukowski Nathan R. , Lunati Matthew P. , Dawes Alexander , Kim Chi Heon , Kim Sungkyu , Rhee John M. 
Published: September 2022

Study-Design Retrospective chart review. Objectives Investigate radiographic and clinical outcomes of 3D printed titanium cages (3DTC) vs allograft in patients undergoing Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Methods Consecutive series of patients undergoing ACDF with 3DTC were compared to patients using corticocancellous allograft. Cage subsidence, fusion status, sagittal alignment, and patient-reported-outcomes. Radiographic evaluation was performed on the closing intraoperative x-ray and compared to films at 6-weeks, 6-months, and 1-year. Cage subsidence was calculated based on the amount of settling into superior and inferior endplates compared to the intraoperative x-ray. Fusion was assessed based on < 1 mm of flexion/extension motion. Sagittal alignment parameters and patient-reported-outcomes were measured. Results Seventy six-patients/(120 levels) in 3DTC group and 77-patients/(115 levels) in allograft group were evaluated. No significant differences were noted in patient demographics, level fused or the number of levels fused between the groups. The most common level fused was C5-6. 3DTC had a significantly lower subsidence rate at all-time points as compared to allograft ( P < .001). 3DTC maintained segmental lordosis better than allograft at all-time points including 1-year postop ( P < .001). No significant differences were noted in fusion rate for 3DTC vs allograft at 6-months ( P > .05). There were no significant differences in patient-reported-outcomes. Conclusion 3D printed titanium cages had similar patient-reported outcomes and fusion rates as allograft, but less subsidence at all-time points. 3D printed titanium cages better maintained the segmental lordosis at the operative level at all-time points. Although longer term evaluation is needed, based on these results, 3DTC appear to be viable graft options for ACDF that better maintain disc space height and improve segmental lordotic interbody correction.
Emergency Department Visits for Ankle Fractures Through COVID-19: An Analysis of the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System
Authors: Mo Kevin , Gupta Arjun , Singh Priya , Malan Samuel , McDaniel Claire , Thompson John M. , Aiyer Amiethab 
Published: September 2022

Background: Societal changes that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic may have altered the epidemiology of ankle fractures. The aim of this study was to assess trends in emergency department visits for ankle fractures from 2019 to 2020 in the United States. Methods: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database is a sample of hospitals in the United States stratified and weighted based on emergency department (ED) size, which was used to generate national estimates (NEs). The NEISS database was queried for patients who sustained an ankle fracture. Patients before COVID-19 (BC) (July 2019–December 2019) were compared to those during COVID-19 (DC) (July 2020–December 2020). Results: This study assessed 3350 (NE: 131,672) patients. Of these, 1683 (NE: 67,292) patients presented BC and 1667 (NE: 64,380) DC, representing a 4% decrease. The rate of alcohol-related ankle fractures increased (1.9% BC vs 2.6% DC; P < .001). The fraction of ankle fractures at school (3% BC vs 0.7% DC; P < .001) and during sports (19% BC vs 14% DC; P < .001) decreased. ED visits for ankle fracture leading to hospitalization marginally increased (23% BC vs 24% DC). The top 3 ankle fracture causes during COVID-19 were stairs (NE: 18,026, 28%), floors (ie, falling on floor) (NE: 4635, 7.2%), and skateboards (NE: 2832, 4.40%). The 3 largest increases in ankle fracture causes during COVID-19 were skateboards (+2.80%), floors (+1.10%), and powered scooters (+0.80%). Conclusion: There was a decrease in ankle fractures during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the year before. Alcohol-related fractures increased as did fractures resulting in hospitalization. Ankle fractures caused by skateboards, powered scooters, and mopeds increased during COVID-19, whereas fewer occurred in school or during sports, consistent with restrictions to group activities. These findings may aid in proper health care budgeting in times of national and global crises. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Genomic patterns of divergence in the early and late steps of speciation of the deep-sea vent thermophilic worms of the genus Alvinella
Authors: Thomas-Bulle Camille , Bertrand Denis , Nagarajan Niranjan , Copley Richard R. , Corre Erwan , Hourdez Stéphane , Bonnivard Éric , Claridge-Chang Adam , Jollivet Didier 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe transient and fragmented nature of the deep-sea hydrothermal environment made of ridge subduction, plate collision and the emergence of new rifts is currently acting to separate of vent populations, promoting local adaptation and contributing to bursts of speciation and species specialization. The tube-dwelling wormsAlvinella pompejanacalled the Pompeii worm and its sister speciesA. caudatalive syntopically on the hottest part of deep-sea hydrothermal chimneys along the East Pacific Rise. They are exposed to extreme thermal and chemical gradients, which vary greatly in space and time, and thus represent ideal candidates for understanding the evolutionary mechanisms at play in the vent fauna evolution.ResultsWe explored genomic patterns of divergence in the early and late stages of speciation of these emblematic worms using transcriptome assemblies and the first draft genome to better understand the relative role of geographic isolation and habitat preference in their genome evolution. Analyses were conducted on allopatric populations ofAlvinella pompejana(early stage of separation) and betweenA. pompejanaand its syntopic speciesAlvinella caudata(late stage of speciation). We first identified divergent genomic regions and targets of selection as well as their position in the genome over collections of orthologous genes and, then, described the speciation dynamics by documenting the annotation of the most divergent and/or positively selected genes involved in the isolation process. Gene mapping clearly indicated that divergent genes associated with the early stage of speciation, although accounting for nearly 30% of genes, are highly scattered in the genome without any island of divergence and not involved in gamete recognition or mito-nuclear incompatibilities. By contrast, genomes ofA. pompejanaandA. caudataare clearly separated with nearly all genes (96%) exhibiting high divergence. This congealing effect however seems to be linked to habitat specialization and still allows positive selection on genes involved in gamete recognition, as a possible long-duration process of species reinforcement.ConclusionOur analyses highlight the non-negligible role of natural selection on both the early and late stages of speciation in the iconic thermophilic worms living on the walls of deep-sea hydrothermal chimneys. They shed light on the evolution of gene divergence during the process of speciation and species specialization over a very long period of time.
Structural variants and tandem repeats in the founder individuals of four F2 pig crosses and implications to F2 GWAS results
Authors: Blaj Iulia , Tetens Jens , Bennewitz Jörn , Thaller Georg , Falker-Gieske Clemens 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundStructural variants and tandem repeats are relevant sources of genomic variation that are not routinely analyzed in genome wide association studies mainly due to challenging identification and genotyping. Here, we profiled these variants via state-of-the-art strategies in the founder animals of four F2pig crosses using whole-genome sequence data (20x coverage). The variants were compared at a founder level with the commonly screened SNPs and small indels. At the F2level, we carried out an association study using imputed structural variants and tandem repeats with four growth and carcass traits followed by a comparison with a previously conducted SNPs and small indels based association study.ResultsA total of 13,201 high confidence structural variants and 103,730 polymorphic tandem repeats (with a repeat length of 2-20 bp) were profiled in the founders. We observed a moderate to high (rfrom 0.48 to 0.57) level of co-localization between SNPs or small indels and structural variants or tandem repeats. In the association step 56.56% of the significant variants were not in high LD with significantly associated SNPs and small indels identified for the same traits in the earlier study and thus presumably not tagged in case of a standard association study. For the four growth and carcass traits investigated, many of the already proposed candidate genes in our previous studies were confirmed and additional ones were identified. Interestingly, a common pattern on how structural variants or tandem repeats regulate the phenotypic traits emerged. Many of the significant variants were embedded or nearby long non-coding RNAs drawing attention to their functional importance. Through which specific mechanisms the identified long non-coding RNAs and their associated structural variants or tandem repeats contribute to quantitative trait variation will need further investigation.ConclusionsThe current study provides insights into the characteristics of structural variants and tandem repeats and their role in association studies. A systematic incorporation of these variants into genome wide association studies is advised. While not of immediate interest for genomic prediction purposes, this will be particularly beneficial for elucidating biological mechanisms driving the complex trait variation.
Integrated analysis of the expression profiles of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network in granulosa and cumulus cells from yak ovaries
Authors: Zhao Ling , Pan Yangyang , Wang Meng , Wang Junqian , Wang Yaying , Han Xiaohong , Wang Jinglei , Zhang Tongxiang , Zhao Tian , He Honghong , Cui Yan , Yu Sijiu 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Growing oocytes acquire the ability to mature through two-way communication between gametes and surrounding somatic cumulus cells (CCs). Granulosa cells (GCs) support oocyte growth, regulate meiosis progression, and modulate global oocyte transcription activity. However, the proliferation and differentiation of the yak ovary in GCs and CCs remain unclear. To characterize the important roles of long non-coding RNA, (lncRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and messenger RNA (mRNA), whole-transcriptome analysis was performed. Real-time quantitative fluorescence PCR was performed to verify the selected RNA sequences.

Results
Important gene ontology terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways related to differentiation and oocyte development were identified for the target genes of differentially expressed lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs. In total,6223 mRNAs (2197 upregulated, 4026 downregulated), 643 lncRNAs (204 upregulated, 479 downregulated), and 559 miRNAs (311 upregulated, 248 downregulated) were significantly altered between the two groups. Target genes involved in cell adhesion, cell differentiation, regulation of developmental processes, cell proliferation, embryo development, signal transduction, apoptosis, and aromatic compound biosynthetic processes were significantly enriched. These RNAs were involved in ECM-receptor interaction, MAPK signaling, Hippo signaling, PI3K-Akt signaling, cell cycle, cell adhesion, leukocyte trans-endothelial migration, and actin cytoskeleton regulation.

Conclusions
A comprehensive analysis of the co-expression network of competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) will facilitate the understanding of the process of granulosa cell proliferation and differentiation and offer a theoretical basis for the development of oocytes.
QTL associated with Gummy Stem Blight (GSB) resistance in watermelon
Authors: Hong Jeong-Eui , Hossain Mohammad Rashed , Jung Hee-Jeong , Nou Ill-Sup 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Gummy stem blight (GSB), caused by Didymella bryoniae (syn. Stagonosporopsis cucurbitacearum), produces devastating symptoms on whole plants of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and other cucurbits, significantly reducing yield and quality. Identification of genetic determinants and sources of resistance to this devastating GSB disease in watermelon is essential for developing resistant varieties.

Results
In this study, we aimed at identifying quantitative trait loci (QTLs) linked to GSB resistance in melon. We identified the genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) by genotyping by sequencing (GBS) of an F2 population developed from C. lanatus lines, ‘PI 279461’ (resistant) ✕ ‘PI 223764’ (susceptible). Inheritance analysis indicated that resistance to GSB is a multi-genic trait in this population. Three QTLs namely, ClGSB1.1, ClGSB10.1, and ClGSB11.1 associated with GSB resistance, explaining approximately 10% of the phenotypic variation, were identified. Among these, the QTL ClGSB1.1 on chromosome 1 is identified as a major QTL harboring five candidate genes associated with GSB resistance including two RLKs (ClC01G014900 and ClC01G015010), two WRKY transcription factors (ClC01G014910 and ClC01G014990), and one AvrRpt-cleavage domain protein (ClC01G015130).

Conclusion
Two high resolution melting (HRM) markers, WmGSB1.1–2 and WmGSB1.1–7 having a high positive correlation with the phenotypic variations, were developed. Five potential candidate genes were predicted to be associated with GSB resistance. These findings will help breeders to develop watermelon cultivars resistant to GSB.
Circulating plasma galectin-3 predicts new-onset atrial fibrillation in patients after acute myocardial infarction during hospitalization
Authors: Wang Qianhui , Huai Wei , Ye Xiaoguang , Pan Yuxia , Yang Xinchun , Chen Mulei , Ma Qing-Bian , Gao Yuanfeng , Zhang Yuan 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
New-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is a common complication in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) during hospitalization. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a novel inflammation marker that is significantly associated with AF. The association between post-AMI NOAF and Gal-3 during hospitalization is yet unclear.

Objective
The present study aimed to investigate the predictive value of plasma Gal-3 for post-AMI NOAF.

Methods
A total of 217 consecutive patients admitted with AMI were included in this retrospective study. Peripheral venous blood samples were obtained within 24 h after admission and plasma Gal-3 concentrations were measured.

Results
Post-AMI NOAF occurred in 18 patients in this study. Patients with NOAF were older (p < 0.001) than those without. A higher level of the peak brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) (p < 0.001) and Gal-3 (p < 0.001) and a lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (LDL-C) (p = 0.030), and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR) (p = 0.030) were recorded in patients with post-AMI NOAF. Echocardiographic information revealed that patients with NOAF had a significantly decreased left ventricular eject fraction (LVEF) (p < 0.001) and an increased left atrial diameter (LAD) (p = 0.004) than those without NOAF. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed a significantly higher value of plasma Gal-3 in the diagnosis of NOAF for patients with AMI during hospitalization (area under the curve (p < 0.001), with a sensitivity of 72.22% and a specificity of 72.22%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression model analysis indicated that age (p = 0.045), plasma Gal-3 (p = 0.018), and LAD (p = 0.014) were independent predictors of post-MI NOAF.

Conclusions
Plasma Gal-3 concentration is an independent predictor of post-MI NOAF.
Circulating biomarker correlates of left atrial size and myocardial extracellular volume fraction among persons living with and without HIV
Authors: Peterson Tess E. , Landon Christian , Haberlen Sabina A. , Bhondoekhan Fiona , Plankey Michael W. , Palella Frank J. , Piggott Damani A. , Margolick Joseph B. , Brown Todd T. , Post Wendy S. , Wu Katherine C. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with higher risk for myocardial disease despite modern combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Factors contributing to this excess risk, however, remain poorly characterized. We aimed to assess cross-sectional relationships between elevations of left atrial volume index (LAVI) and myocardial extracellular volume (ECV) fraction that have been reported in persons living with HIV and levels of circulating biomarkers of inflammation, fibrosis, and myocyte stretch among persons living with and without HIV (PLWH, PLWOH).

Methods
Participants from three cohorts of PLWH and PLWOH underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging for measurement of LAVI and ECV. Levels of circulating proteins (IL-6, sCD14, galectin-3, NT-proBNP, GDF-15, TIMP-2, MMP-2, and hsTnI) were measured using immunoassays. Associations were assessed using logistic and linear regression, adjusting for demographics, substance use, and clinical characteristics.

Results
Among 381 participants with and without HIV, median age (IQR) was 55.1 (51.2, 58.4) years, 28% were female, 69% were Black, and 46% were current smokers. Sixty-two percent were PLWH (n = 235), of whom 88% were receiving cART and 72% were virally suppressed. PLWH had higher levels of sCD14 (p = < 0.001), GDF-15 (p = < 0.001), and NT-proBNP (p = 0.03) compared to PLWOH, while levels of other biomarkers did not differ by HIV serostatus, including IL-6 (p = 0.84). Among PLWH, higher sCD14, GDF-15, and NT-proBNP were also associated with lower CD4 + cell count, and higher NT-proBNP was associated with detectable HIV viral load. NT-proBNP was associated with elevated LAVI (OR: 1.79 [95% CI: 1.31, 2.44]; p < 0.001) with no evidence of effect measure modification by HIV serostatus. Other associations between HIV-associated biomarkers and LAVI or ECV were small or imprecise.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that elevated levels of sCD14, GDF-15, and NT-proBNP among PLWH compared to PLWOH observed in the current cART era may only minimally reflect HIV-associated elevations in LAVI and ECV. Future studies of excess risk of myocardial disease among contemporary cohorts of PLWH should investigate mechanisms other than those connoted by the studied biomarkers.
Evaluation of DNA damage induced by ionizing radiation from myocardial perfusion imaging: a pilot study
Authors: Arpini Anna Paula , De Lorenzo Andrea , Moritz Aniele , Pereira Julia Passarelli , Dias Glauber Monteiro 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
As patient exposure to ionizing radiation raises concern about malignancy risks, this study evaluated the effect of ionizing radiation on patients undergoing myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) using the comet assay, a method for detection of DNA damage.

Methods
Patients without cancer, acute or autoimmune diseases, recent surgery or trauma, were studied. Gated single-photon myocardial perfusion imaging was performed with Tc-99m sestamibi. Peripheral blood was collected before radiotracer injection at rest and 60–90 min after injection. Single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay) was performed with blood lymphocytes to detect strand breaks, which determine a “comet tail” of variable size, visually scored by 3 observers in a fluorescence microscope after staining (0: no damage, no tail; 1: small damage; 2: large damage; 3: full damage). A damage index was calculated as a weighted average of the cell scores.

Results
Among the 29 individuals included in the analysis, age was 65.3 ± 9.9 years and 18 (62.1%) were male. The injected radiotracer dose was 880.6 ± 229.4 MBq. Most cells (approximately 70%) remained without DNA fragmentation (class 0) after tracer injection. There were nonsignificant increases of classes 1 and 2 of damage. Class 3 was the least frequent both before and after radiotracer injection, but displayed a significant, 44% increase after injection.

Conclusion
While lymphocytes mostly remained in class 0, an increase in class 3 DNA damage was detected. This may suggest that, despite a probable lack of biologically relevant DNA damage, there is still a need for tracer dose reductions in MPI.
Design and validation of a preparedness evaluation tool of pre-hospital emergency medical services for terrorist attacks: a mixed method study
Authors: Miraki Sadegh , Molavi-Taleghani Yasamin , Amiresmaeili Mohammadreza , Nekoei-Moghadam Mahmood , Sheikhbardsiri Hojjat 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIntroductionTerrorist attacks are one of the human problems that affect many countries, leaving behind a huge toll of disabilities and deaths. The aim of this study was to use a mixed-method analysis to design and validate an evaluation tool for pre-hospital emergency medical services for terrorist attacks.MethodsThe present study is a mixed-method (qualitative and quantitative) study that was conducted in two phases. In the qualitative phase (item generation), semi-structured interviews were conducted with 34 Iranian emergency medical technicians who were selected through a purposive sampling method and a scoping literature review was conducted to generate an item pool for the preparedness evaluation of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in terrorist attacks. In the quantitative phase (item reduction), for validity of tool face, content and construct validity, were performed; for tool reliability, the test and retest and intra-class correlation coefficient were evaluated.ResultsAt the first stage, 7 main categories and 16 subcategories were extracted from the data, the main categories including “Policy and Planning”, “Education and Exercise “,“ Surge Capacity”, “Safety and Security”, “Command, Control and Coordination”, “Information and Communication Management “and “Response Operations Management”. The initial item pool included 160 items that were reduced to 110 after assessment of validity (face, content and construct). intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC = 0.71) examination and Pearson correlation test (r = 0.81) indicated that the tool was also reliable.ConclusionThe research findings provide a new perspective to understand the preparedness of pre-hospital emergency medical services for terrorist attacks. The existing 110-item tool can evaluate preparedness of pre-hospital emergency medical services for terrorist attacks through collecting data with appropriate validity and reliability.