bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A method for lipoprotein (a) Isolation from a small volume of plasma with applications for clinical research
Authors: Mueller Paul A. , Yerkes Elisabeth , Bergstrom Paige , Rosario Sara , Hay Joshua , Pamir Nathalie 
Published: June 2022

AbstractHigh levels of circulating Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] are an independent risk factor for CVD. One of the major limitations to investigating Lp(a) biology is the need for large volumes of plasma (4–10 mL) for its isolation. We developed an isolation technique requiring only 0.4 mL of plasma yielding an enriched Lp(a) fraction suitable for compositional and functional studies. We collected plasma from patients (n = 9) in EDTA presenting to our Center for Preventive Cardiology for CVD risk management and with circulating Lp(a) > 66 mg/dL. 0.4 mL of plasma was added to 90 µL of potassium bromide (1.33 g/mL) and subjected to our two-step density-gradient ultracentrifugation method. The first step separates VLDL and LDL from the Lp(a) and HDL fractions and the second step further separates VLDL from LDL and Lp(a) from HDL. Lp(a) is then dialyzed for up to 24 h in potassium phosphate buffer. We performed cholesterol gel electrophoresis, immunoblotting and LC-MS/MS proteomics on isolated lipoprotein fractions to confirm fraction enrichment. Functional studies including Lp(a)-dependent induction of macrophage gene expression and cholesterol efflux inhibition were performed on isolated Lp(a) to confirm its preserved bioactivity. Lp(a) yields (264 ± 82.3 µg/mL on average) correlated with Lp(a) plasma concentrations (r2 = 0.75; p < 0.01) and represented the relative distribution of circulating apo(a) isoforms. Proteomic analyses confirm lipoprotein fraction separation. Functional integrity was confirmed by the findings that isolated Lp(a) inhibited plasminogen-dependent cholesterol efflux in HEK293T cells expressing ABCA1 and increased expressions of Il1b, Nos2 and Ccl2. We developed a small-volume isolation technique for Lp(a) suited for a range of applications used in biomedical research. The use of this technique circumvents volume-dependent limitations and expands our ability to investigate the mysteries of this deleterious lipoprotein.
Structural changes in the collagen network of joint tissues in late stages of murine OA
Authors: Yoshioka Natalie K. , Young Gregory M. , Khajuria Deepak Kumar , Karuppagounder Vengadeshprabhu , Pinamont William J. , Fanburg-Smith Julie C. , Abraham Thomas , Elbarbary Reyad A. , Kamal Fadia 
Published: June 2022

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent degenerative joint disease, resulting in joint pain, impaired movement, and structural changes. As the ability of joint tissue to resist stress is mainly imparted by fibrillar collagens in the extracellular matrix, changes in the composition and structure of collagen fibers contribute to the pathological remodeling observed in OA joints that includes cartilage degeneration, subchondral bone (SCB) sclerosis, and meniscal damage. Using the established OA model of destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) in C57BL/6J mice, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the content and structure of collagen fibers in the articular cartilage, subchondral bone, and menisci using complementary techniques, which included second harmonic generation microscopy and immunofluorescence staining. We found that regions exposed to increased mechanical stress in OA mice, typically closest to the site of injury, had increased collagen fiber thickness, dysregulated fiber formation, and tissue specific changes in collagen I and II (Col I and Col II) expression. In cartilage, OA was associated with decreased Col II expression in all regions, and increased Col I expression in the anterior and posterior regions. Col I fiber thickness was increased in all regions with disorganization in the center region. In the superficial SCB, all regions exhibited increased Col I expression and fiber thickness in OA mice; no changes were detected in the deeper regions of the subchondral bone except for increased Col I fiber thickness. In the menisci, OA led to increased Col I and Col II expression in the vascular and avascular regions of the anterior meniscus with increased Col I fiber thickness in these regions. Similar changes were observed only in the vascular region of the posterior meniscus. Our findings provide, for the first time, comprehensive insights into the microarchitectural changes of extracellular matrix in OA and serve as guidelines for studies investigating therapies that target collagenous changes as means to impede the progression of osteoarthritis.
Human cerebral spheroids undergo 4-aminopyridine-induced, activity associated changes in cellular composition and microrna expression
Authors: Parmentier Thomas , James Fiona M. K. , Hewitson Elizabeth , Bailey Craig , Werry Nicholas , Sheridan Steven D. , Perlis Roy H. , Perreault Melissa L. , Gaitero Luis , Lalonde Jasmin , LaMarre Jonathan 
Published: June 2022

AbstractActivity-induced neurogenesis has been extensively studied in rodents but the lack of ante mortem accessibility to human brain at the cellular and molecular levels limits studies of the process in humans. Using cerebral spheroids derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), we investigated the effects of 4-aminopyridine (4AP) on neuronal activity and associated neurogenesis. Our studies demonstrate that 4AP increases neuronal activity in 3-month-old cerebral spheroids while increasing numbers of new neurons and decreasing the population of new glial cells. We also observed a significant decrease in the expression of miR-135a, which has previously been shown to be decreased in exercise-induced neurogenesis. Predicted targets of miR-135a include key participants in the SMAD2/3 and BDNF pathways. Together, our results suggest that iPSC-derived cerebral spheroids are an attractive model to study several aspects of activity-induced neurogenesis.
Cell radiolabeling with acoustophoresis cell washing
Authors: Adler Stephen S. , Nyong Emmanuel C. , Glabman Raisa A. , Choyke Peter L. , Sato Noriko 
Published: June 2022

AbstractLabeling immune cells with zirconium-89 (89Zr)-oxine has become a viable method to track cells in vivo by PET in various pre-clinical animal models and in clinical applications. Currently, 89Zr-oxine cell labeling is performed manually, which requires a highly trained specialist and is prone to human error. As the first phase in developing a fully automated radiolabeling system to address this problem, we assess the use of acoustophoresis cell washing to replace the centrifugal cell washing used in the current 89Zr-oxine cell radiolabeling procedure. To accomplish this, a cell radiolabeling procedure was developed in which two steps requiring a centrifuge to wash cells were replaced using acoustophoresis cell washing methods. The process was tested using murine EL4 lymphoma and T cells. The centrifuge cell labeling procedure was used as a control to compare the acoustophoresis cell washing procedure. The acoustophoresis method produced radiolabeled cells with similar properties to the centrifugal method when comparing labeling efficiency, labeled specific activity, efficacy of removing unbound 89Zr-oxine from the suspension, cell viability measured using annexin V/propidium iodide staining and activation function. This suggests that acoustophoresis cell washing can be used in the design of an automated benchtop, good manufacture practice-qualified acoustophoresis cell radiolabeling device.
Processing of fMRI-related anxiety and information flow between brain and body revealed a preponderance of oscillations at 0.15/0.16 Hz
Authors: Pfurtscheller Gert , Blinowska Katarzyna J. , Kaminski Maciej , Rassler Beate , Klimesch Wolfgang 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSlow oscillations of different center frequencies and their coupling play an important role in brain-body interactions. The crucial question analyzed by us is, whether the low frequency (LF) band (0.05–0.15 Hz) or the intermediate frequency (IMF) band (0.1–0.2 Hz) is more eminent in respect of the information flow between body (heart rate and respiration) and BOLD signals in cortex and brainstem. A recently published study with the LF band in fMRI-naïve subjects revealed an intensive information flow from the cortex to the brainstem and a weaker flow from the brainstem to the cortex. The comparison of both bands revealed a significant information flow from the middle frontal gyrus (MFG) to the precentral gyrus (PCG) and from brainstem to PCG only in the IMF band. This pattern of directed coupling between slow oscillations in the cortex and brainstem not only supports the existence of a pacemaker-like structure in brainstem, but provides first evidence that oscillations centered at 0.15/0.16 Hz can also emerge in brain networks. BOLD oscillations in resting states are dominating at ~ 0.08 Hz and respiratory rates at ~ 0.32 Hz. Therefore, the frequency component at ~ 0.16 Hz (doubling-halving 0.08 Hz or 0.32 Hz) is of special interest, because phase coupled oscillations can reduce the energy demand.
Gut microbiome profiles and associated metabolic pathways in patients of adult-onset immunodeficiency with anti-interferon-gamma autoantibodies
Authors: Hsieh Hui-Shan , Gong Yu-Nong , Chi Chih-Yu , Hsieh Sen-Yung , Chen Wei-Ting , Ku Cheng-Lung , Cheng Hao-Tsai , Lin Lyndsey , Sung Chang Mu 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAutoantibodies against interferon-gamma (AutoAbs-IFN-γ) can cause the immunodeficiency condition following various opportunistic infections. Gut microbiota can affect the human immune system in many ways. Many studies have shown that gut dysbiosis was associated with some immune diseases, such as autoimmune diseases and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, while its relationship at anti-IFN-γ AAbs remains unknown. We aimed to identify the anti-IFN-γ AAbs specific microbiome and the possible association with immunodeficiency. We profiled fecal microbiome for two cohorts of forty subjects, including seven patients with anti-IFN-γ AAbs and 33 individuals with competent immune. The study shows that patients with anti-IFN-γ AAbs have characterized the gut microbiome and have lower alpha diversity indexes than healthy controls (HC). There are significant differences in the microbiome structure at both the family and genera level between the two cohorts. The anti-IFN-γ AAbs cohort featured some microbiome such as Clostridium, including the possible opportunistic pathogen and fewer genera including Bacteroides, Ruminococcus, and Faecalibacterium, some of them with possible immune-related genera. The PICRUSt2 pathway demonstrated the decreased abundance of some immune-related pathways and one potential pathway related to the immune alternations in the anti- IFN-γ AAbs cohort. This was the first study to examine the gut microbiome characteristics in patients with anti-IFN-γ AAbs. It could be involved in the pathogenesis of anti-IFN-γ AAbs and contribute to the derived immune condition in this disease. This could lead to new strategies for treating and preventing patients suffering from this disease.
Fossorial adaptations in African mole-rats (Bathyergidae) and the unique appendicular phenotype of naked mole-rats
Authors: Montoya-Sanhueza Germán , Šaffa Gabriel , Šumbera Radim , Chinsamy Anusuya , Jarvis Jennifer U. M. , Bennett Nigel C. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractLife underground has constrained the evolution of subterranean mammals to maximize digging performance. However, the mechanisms modulating morphological change and development of fossorial adaptations in such taxa are still poorly known. We assessed the morpho-functional diversity and early postnatal development of fossorial adaptations (bone superstructures) in the appendicular system of the African mole-rats (Bathyergidae), a highly specialized subterranean rodent family. Although bathyergids can use claws or incisors for digging, all genera presented highly specialized bone superstructures associated with scratch-digging behavior. Surprisingly, Heterocephalus glaber differed substantially from other bathyergids, and from fossorial mammals by possessing a less specialized humerus, tibia and fibula. Our data suggest strong functional and developmental constraints driving the selection of limb specializations in most bathyergids, but more relaxed pressures acting on the limbs of H. glaber. A combination of historical, developmental and ecological factors in Heterocephalus are hypothesized to have played important roles in shaping its appendicular phenotype.
Softball Pitching Propulsion and Performance Differences According to
Body Fat Percentage
Authors: Friesen Kenzie B , Oliver Gretchen D 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSoftball pitchers with a high body-fat percentage (bf%) can often be
successful, despite the heightened risk of injury associated with high
bf%. Given the importance of propulsion during pitching, those with high
bf% may have an advantage performance-wise. Therefore, the purpose of
this study was to examine the differences in ground reaction force (GRF)
development between two groups of pitchers: those with a high-fat percentage
(≥32 bf%) and a healthy-fat percentage (<32
bf%). Thirty-two female high-school softball pitchers
(1.70±.06 m, 76.09±17.50 kg,
15±1 yrs) completed dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)
scans. GRF data were collected during pitch propulsion via a force plate, pitch
speed was captured using a radar gun, BMI was calculated from pitcher height and
mass, and fat free mass index (FFMI) and fat mass index (FMI) were calculated
using DEXA data and pitcher height. Multivariate analysis of variance revealed
pitcher group GRFs differed significantly (F3,30=3.45,
p=.030). Univariate follow-up analyses showed healthy bf%
pitchers presented greater weight-normalized peak medial GRF
(F1,30=7.17, p=.012). BMI and FFMI were positively
associated with pitch speed while bf% and FMI were negatively associated
with pitch speed. While pitchers can be successful and carry excess bf%,
results indicate potential performance disadvantages associated with having an
increased bf%.
Risk Factors Associated with Malignant Transformation of Astrocytoma: Competing Risk Regression Analysis
Authors: Tunthanathip Thara , Sangkhathat Surasak , Kanjanapradit Kanet 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackground Malignant transformation (MT) of low-grade astrocytoma (LGA) triggers a poor prognosis in benign tumors. Currently, factors associated with MT of LGA have been inconclusive. The present study aims to explore the risk factors predicting LGA progressively differentiated to malignant astrocytoma.Methods The study design was a retrospective cohort study of medical record reviews of patients with LGA. Using the Fire and Gray method, the competing risk regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with MT, using both univariate and multivariable analyses. Hence, the survival curves of the cumulative incidence of MT of each covariate were constructed following the final model.Results Ninety patients with LGA were included in the analysis, and MT was observed in 14.4% of cases in the present study. For MT, 53.8% of patients with MT transformed to glioblastoma, while 46.2% differentiated to anaplastic astrocytoma. Factors associated with MT included supratentorial tumor (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR] 4.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–19.10), midline shift > 1 cm (SHR 8.25, 95% CI 2.18–31.21), and nontotal resection as follows: subtotal resection (SHR 5.35, 95% CI 1.07–26.82), partial resection (SHR 10.90, 95% CI 3.13–37.90), and biopsy (SHR 11.10, 95% CI 2.88–42.52).Conclusion MT in patients with LGA significantly changed the natural history of the disease to an unfavorable prognosis. Analysis of patients' clinical characteristics from the present study identified supratentorial LGA, a midline shift more than 1 cm, and extent of resection as risk factors associated with MT. The more extent of resection would significantly help to decrease tumor burden and MT. In addition, future molecular research efforts are warranted to explain the pathogenesis of MT.
Treatment Dilemma of Latrogenic Pseudoaneurysm of the Intracavernous Internal Carotid Artery in Young Girl Following Transnasal Transsphenoidal Surgery: A Case Report
Authors: Sharma Amit K. , Jagetia Anita , Singhal Ghanshyam D , Bodeliwala Shaam , Srivastava Arvind K. , Singh Daljit 
Published: June 2022

AbstractEpistaxis following transnasal transsphenoidal (TNTS) removal of pituitary adenoma can be massive and life-threatening. The intracranial source of bleeding is usually the intracavernous segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA) or adjacent branches. Injury to the cavernous ICA can lead to pseudoaneurysm (PA) or fistula formation. Management of PA is different from saccular aneurysms. A timely diagnosis and adequate management can restore vessel integrity and prevent associated morbidity. A young patient of growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma, who underwent microscopic TNTS excision of the tumour, presented with massive epistaxis. Pseudoaneurysm of the cavernous ICA was initially not seen on computed tomography angiography and was later diagnosed on digital subtraction angiography. The attempted management of PA with coils without stent could not stop aneurysm recurrence. The management of such complicated PAs is discussed, and a literature review is done regarding epistaxis in growth hormone secreting adenoma.
Patient Prosthesis Mismatch
Authors: Singh Rashmi , Kapoor Poonam Malhotra , Prakash Mohit 
Published: June 2022

AbstractConcept of patient prosthesis mismatch came into existence from 1978 onward when Rahimtoola first defined it as “mismatch can be considered to be present when the effective prosthetic valve area, after insertion into the patient, is less than that of a normal human valve.” Patient prosthesis mismatch produces higher than expected pressure gradient through normally functioning valve. Since insertion of first ball caged mechanical valve in descending aorta by Dr. Charles Hufnagel in 1952, prosthetic valve had undergone tremendous improvement in terms of valve design, hemodynamics, durability, and thrombogenicity. Despite these marked changes in valve design, prosthetic valves are still subjected to inherent complications.
Postoperative Mortality in Surgically Treated Infective Endocarditis Patients and Its Correlation with EuroSCORE I
Authors: Anand Amit , Singh Sarvesh Pal , Sahu Manoj , Hote Milind Padmakar , Singh Ummed , Reddy Pradeep Ramakrishnan 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Introduction Even after advances in medical and surgical treatment, infective endocarditis is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate postoperative mortality in surgically treated infective endocarditis patients and its correlation with the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) I.
Methods This retrospective observational study included 43 patients treated surgically for infective endocarditis, between 2014 and 2019, at a tertiary care center. Mortality in surgically treated infective endocarditis patients was determined in terms of frequency (%). Patients were divided into two groups—survivors and nonsurvivors (died within 30 days of surgery). Mean EuroSCORE I of survivors and nonsurvivors was compared using the unpaired t-test with equal variance. A correlation was sought between mortality and EuroSCORE I as well. The prediction ability of EuroSCORE I for mortality was determined by the area under receiver operating characteristic curve.
Results Out of 43 patients who underwent surgery for infective endocarditis,11 patients (25.58%) died. Mean EuroSCORE I was 15.90 ± 2.02 in nonsurvivors and 7.84 ± 3.19 in survivors. EuroSCORE I was significantly higher in nonsurvivors (p < 0.05). The area under curve value was 0.9744 (p < 0.001), thus showing that EuroSCORE I predicts mortality in surgically treated infective endocarditis patients.
Conclusion The 30-day mortality in patients who underwent surgery for infective endocarditis was 25.58%. There is a significant correlation between EuroSCORE I and mortality. A EuroSCORE I value >14 predicts mortality in surgically treated infective endocarditis patients with sensitivity and specificity of 90.91 and 90.63%, respectively.
Outcome of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Children Post Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Singh Dharmraj , Sahu Manoj Kumar , Singh Sarvesh Pal , Singh Ummed , Choudhary Shiv , Pandey Shivam 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a serious complication in post congenital cardiac repair in children leading to high morbidity and mortality. We conducted this study with an aim to determine incidence, risk factors, and mortality of VAP in pediatric cardiac surgical patients.
Methodology This prospective observational study included 371 children aged less than 12 years who underwent elective cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease from March 2020 to September 2021. Patients were categorized into two groups: those with VAP and without VAP.
Results Out of 371 patients, 67 patients (18%) developed VAP. The VAP incidence density was 36.3 episodes per 1,000 mechanical ventilation days. Age less than 1 year (p <0.001), prolonged preoperative hospital stay (odds ratio: 2.25; 95% CI:1.11–4.52; p = 0.007), and higher RACHS1 (risk adjustment in congenital heart surgery) category, prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation (p <0.001), delayed sternal closure, tracheostomy, reintubation, use of uncuffed ET tube, and peritoneal dialysis were associated with higher incidence of VAP. Total 86 tracheal samples were taken. Most frequently isolated microorganisms were Acinetobacter baumannii (43%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (23%). Antibiotic resistance was alarming as Acinetobacter and Klebsiella species were highly resistant to commonly used broad spectrum antibiotics like cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, and carbapenems.
Conclusion VAP incidence in our study was 18% and VAP incidence density was 36.3 per 1,000 mechanical ventilation days. Patients with VAP had higher mortality (32%) as compared with patients without VAP (12%).
Legitimacy and procedural justice: how might stratospheric aerosol injection function in the public interest?
Authors: Grasso Marco 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe success of stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) in limiting global heating requires the inclusion and maintenance of the political ideals of legitimacy and procedural justice. Without them, the prospects are slim that this institution can be developed and operated in the public interest in such a way that it will protect and promote social well-being by minimising climate-related harm. Long-term legitimacy and procedural justice are crucial to several sensitive features of SAI. They relate to openness, inclusivity, and independence in dealing both with external issues of concern to stakeholders representing the general public and with internal issues concerning agents directly involved in SAI. This article begins by outlining notions of legitimacy and procedural justice and the criteria appropriate for SAI. Then it investigates how the indications provided by the related standards and the consequent morally sound governance options advanced might warrant that SAI is not distorted in such ways that it serves the vested interests of private parties. Finally, the article outlines two recommendations for ensuring that legitimacy and procedural justice in SAI are achieved and maintained over time, so that it can work continuously in the public interest.