bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors for PJK After Posterior Long-Segment Internal Fixation for Chronic Symptomatic Osteoporotic Thoracolumbar Fractures with Kyphosis
Authors: Li Qing-Da , Yang Jun-Song , He Bao-Rong , Liu Tuan-Jiang , Gao Lin , Chai Xin , Tian Xin , Hao Ding-Jun 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to analyze the risk factors for proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) for patients with chronic symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures (CSOTLF) and kyphosis who underwent long-segment internal fixation.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with CSOTLF complicated with kyphosis who underwent posterior multilevel internal fixation in our hospital between January 2013 and June 2018. The patients’ age, sex, body mass index (BMI), bone mineral density (BMD), smoking status, cause of injury, comorbidities, injury segments, and American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grading non-surgical data; posterior ligament complex (PLC) injury, upper and lower instrumented vertebral position (UIV and LIV, respectively), number of fixed segments surgical data, proximal junctional angle (PJA), sagittal vertebral axis (SVA), pelvic incidence (PI), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis mismatch (PI-LL), pelvic tilt (PT), and sacral slope (SS) surgical indicators were collected. Patients were divided into postoperative PJK and non-PJK groups. Results: This study included 90 patients; among them, 30 (31.58%) developed PJK postoperatively. All patients were followed up for >24 months (mean 32.5 months). Univariate analysis showed significant differences in age, BMI, BMD, PLC injury, UIV, and LIV fixation position, number of fixation stages, and preoperative PJA, SVA, PI-LL, and SS between the two groups (P < 0.05). Additionally, no significant differences were observed in sex, smoking, cause of injury, complications, injury segment ASIA grade, and preoperative PT between the two groups (P > 0.05). Multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that age >70 years (OR=32.279, P<0.05), BMI >28 kg/m2 (OR=7.876, P<0.05), BMD T value <-3.5 SD (OR=20.836, P<0.05), PLC injury (OR=13.981, P<0.05), and preoperative PI-LL >20° (OR=13.301, P<0.05) were risk factors for PJK after posterior long-segment internal fixation in elderly patients with CSOTLF complicated with kyphosis.Conclusions: Elderly patients with CSOTLF and kyphosis aged >70 years with BMI >28 kg/m2, BMD <3.5 SD, preoperative PI-LL >20°, and PLC injury have increased risk of PJK after posterior long-segment internal fixation. Considering these findings, weight control, osteoporosis treatment, soft tissue protection, and spinal sagittal balance restoration are important to prevent PJK.
Efficacy and safety of convalescent plasma therapy for severe COVID-19 patients：case series study and literature review
Authors: Huang Jinbao , Lan Changqing 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new acute respiratory infectious disease that can lead to multiple organ dysfunction in severe patients. However, there is still a lack of effective antiviral drugs for COVID-19. Herein, we investigated the efficacy and safety of convalescent plasma (CP) in the treatment of severe COVID-19 in an attempt to explore new therapeutic methods.Methods: Clinical data of three imported severe COVID-19 patients with CP treatment who were under quarantine and treated in a designated COVID-19 hospital from March 2020 to April 2020 were collected and analyzed.Results: The three patients were clinically classified as severe type, including one male and two females, aged 57, 59 and 65 years old, respectively. The main underlying diseases included hypertension, diabetes, sequelae of cerebral infarction and postoperative thyroid adenoma. The common symptoms included cough, fever and shortness of breath. All patients received antiviral drugs and other supportive treatments. Additionally, CP treatment was also administered. Forty-eight to seventy-two hours after CP transfusion, all the patients improved with alleviated symptoms, elevated arterial oxygen saturation, and decreased C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 markers. Total lymphocytes, T lymphocytes (CD3+) and their subsets (CD4+, CD8+) were also obviously increased. Repeated chest CT also showed obvious absorption of lesions in the bilateral lungs. Only one patient had a mild allergic reaction during CP infusion, but no severe adverse reactions were found.Conclusions: The early application of CP for severe COVID-19 patients can improve the condition rapidly, and the therapy is generally effective and safe.
Evolutionary computation approach to enhance protein multiple sequence alignments
Authors: Behera Narayan , M Jeevitesh 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Certain functional, structural and evolutionary relationships among the protein sequences can be inferred by protein Multiple Sequence Alignment (MSA). There are many algorithms developed over three decades but all have inherent limitations. Two important protein sequence alignment programs, ProbCons and Mcoffee stand out. Here the two best MSA algorithms are used to create more efficient computer programs through machine learning approach. The Darwinian principles of evolution are used. The evolutionary operators of a genetic algorithm such as mutation, crossover and selection are implemented to find the optimized protein sequence alignment after several iterations of the algorithm. Thus, we have developed a new MSA computational tool called Protein Alignment by Stochastic Algorithm (PASA). The efficiency of protein sequence alignments is evaluated in terms of the Total Column (TC) score. The TC score is basically the number of correctly aligned columns between the test alignments and the reference alignments divided by the total number of columns. The PASA is found to be statistically more accurate protein alignment method in comparison to other popular bioinformatics tools including ProbCons and Mcoffee.
Excessive Oral Intake of Vitamin B12 Alters Microbe-host Interactions That Stimulate Citrobacter Rodentium Growth and Virulence in Mice.
Authors: Forgie Andrew J. , Pepin Deanna M. , Ju Tingting , Tollenaar Stephanie , Sergi Consolato M. , Gruenheid Samantha , Willing Benjamin 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Vitamin B12 supplements typically contain doses that far exceed the recommended daily amount, and high exposures are generally considered safe. Competitive and syntrophic interactions for B12 exist between microbes on the gut. Yet, it has to be established to what extent excessive levels affect the gut microbiota and infection resistance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of excess B12 on microbial ecology and pathogen virulence. Mice were fed a standard chow diet and received either water or water supplemented with B12 (cyanocobalamin; ~120 mg/day) and were subsequently challenged with Citrobacter rodentium, a mouse-specific pathogen. Infection severity was determined by body weight, pathogen load, and histopathologic scoring. Host biomarkers of inflammation were assessed in the colon before and after the pathogen challenge.Results: Cyanocobalamin supplementation led to an enhanced pathogen colonization at day 1 (P < 0.05) and day 3 (P < 0.01) post-infection. The impact of B12 on gut microbial communities, although minor, was distinct and attributed to the changes in the Lachnospiraceae populations and reduced alpha diversity. Cyanocobalamin treatment disrupted the activity of the low-abundance community members of the gut microbiota. It enhanced the amount of interleukin-12 p40 subunit protein (IL12/23p40; P < 0.001) and interleukin-17a (IL-17A; P < 0.05) in the colon of naïve mice. This immune phenotype was microbe-dependent, and the response varied based on the baseline microbiota. The cecal metatranscriptome revealed that excessive cyanocobalamin decreased the expression of glucose utilizing genes by C. rodentium, a metabolic attribute previously associated with pathogen virulence. Conclusions: Cyanocobalamin supplementation enhanced the ability of C. rodentium to colonize the gut by impacting the microbe-host interactions that normally help to protect against pathogen colonization. This research provides insights into vitamin B12 supplementation and highlights potential consequences of over-supplementation.
The Key Role of NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Mediating Cholesterol Efflux and Pyroptosis in ox-LDL-induced Macrophages-derived Foam Cells
Authors: Li Jiashan , Liu Jiaru , Yu Ying , Liu Yuee , Guan Xiuru 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Objective NF-κB plays a well-known function in the regulation of immune responses and inflammation, but growing evidences support a major role in atherosclerosis. Currently, the regulatory mechanism of NF-κB pathway involved in atherosclerosis is not clear.Methods To investigate the role of ox-LDL in NF-κB regulation, the protein expression of phosphorylated NF-κB, a marker of NF-κB pathway activation was measured. The pyroptosis of macrophage was evaluated by western blot and fluorescence microscope. Cholesterol efflux capacity was determined by fluorescence assay and oil red O staining. The inhibitor of activation of NF-κB signal was used to assess the effect of NF-κB signal on macrophage pyroptosis as well as cholesterol efflux in macrophage. Small interfering RNA of ABCA1 was used to assess the effect of ABCA1 on macrophage pyroptosis.Results In this study, we reported THP-1 derived macrophage can be stimulated to increase pyroptosis by ox-LDL in a concentration-dependent. Macrophage pyroptosis was correlated with enhanced activation of NF-κB signal. We found that using inhibitor of NF-κB phosphorylation to attenuate activation of NF-κB signal could decrease macrophage pyroptosis and ox-LDL-induced cholesterol efflux disorder. Furthermore, we found that knocking out of ABCA1 led to increased cell inflammation death. But pyroptosis was blocked, may led to cholesterol efflux dysfunction. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the mechanism of NF-κB involved in the development of atherosclerosis is depending on mediating cell pyroptosis and cholesterol efflux for the first time and provides significant light on macrophage NF-κB signal in atherosclerosis. In addition, ABCA1 may be involved in the development of atherosclerosis as a bridge between cholesterol efflux and pyroptosis in macrophages.
The Clinically Led WorforcE and Activity Redesign (CLEAR) Programme: a Novel Data-driven Healthcare Improvement Methodology
Authors: Corner Evelyn J , Camilleri Matthew , Dholakia Shruti , Gredal Charlotte , Hansen Tina , Jeans John , LeNovere Marie , Mallender Jacqueline , Monkhouse Alex , Purkiss Claire , Ting Tai Ken , Vindrola-Padros Cecilia , Welfare Stephen , Wood Danny , Wood James 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
BackgroundThe NHS is facing substantial pressures to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Optimising workforce modelling is a fundamental component of the recovery plan. The Clinically Lead workforcE and Activity Redesign (CLEAR) programme is a unique methodology that trains clinicians to redesign services, building intrinsic capacity and capability, optimising patient care and minimising the need for costly external consultancy. This paper describes the CLEAR methodology and the evaluation of previous CLEAR projects, including the return on investment. MethodsCLEAR is a work-based learning programme that combines qualitative techniques with data analytics to build innovations and new models of care. It has four unique stages:· Clinical engagement- used to gather rich insights from stakeholders and clinicians.· Data interrogation- utilising clinical and workforce data for cohort analysis. · Innovation- using structured innovation methods to develop new models of care. · Recommendations- report writing and presentation of key findings to executive boards. A mixed-methods formative evaluation was carried out on completed projects, which included semi-structured interviews and surveys with CLEAR associates and stakeholders, and a health economic logic model that was developed to link the inputs, processes, outputs and the outcome of CLEAR as well as the potential impacts of the changes identified from the projects.ResultsCLEAR provides a more cost-effective delivery of complex change programmes than the alternatives – resulting in a cost saving of £1.90 for every £1 spent independent of implementation success. Results suggest that CLEAR recommendations are more likely to be implemented compared to other complex healthcare interventions because of the levels of clinical engagement and have a potential return on investment of up to £14 over 5 years for every £1 invested. CLEAR appears to have a positive impact on staff retention and wellbeing, the cost of a CLEAR project is covered if one medical consultant remains in post for a year. ConclusionsThe unique CLEAR methodology is a clinically effective and cost-effective complex healthcare innovation that optimises workforce and activity design, as well as improving staff retention. Embedding CLEAR methodology in the NHS could have substantial impact on patient care, staff well-being and service provision.
Prior appendectomy and cerebral infarction as potential risk factors for recurrent ischemic colitis: a case control study
Authors: Higurashi Takuma , Takatsu Tomohiro , Misawa Noboru , Yoshihara Tsutomu , Ashikari Keiichi , Kessoku Takaomi , Ohkubo Hidenori , Hosono Kunihiro , Yoneda Masato , Saito Satoru , Nakajima Atsushi 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Ischemic colitis (IC) is a benign disease associated with acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding and frequent recurrence. While several studies have investigated risk factors for IC onset, few have assessed the risk factors for recurrent IC. This study aimed to identify risk factors for recurrent IC.Methods: Potential risk factors for recurrence were assessed by examining medical records and laboratory findings in this single-center retrospective study. We extracted the following data from the patients’ medical records: patient characteristics, clinical signs and symptoms, laboratory findings, method of treatment, length of hospital stay, disease course, and the frequency of IC morbidities. Patients with IC were selected from a total of 439,312 patients over an 11-year period. Patients were divided into recurrent and non-recurrent IC groups. Results: In total, 225 patients met the diagnostic criteria for IC during the specified study period; of these, 204 (90.7%) and 21 (9.3%) were included in the non-recurrent and recurrent IC groups, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed a significant association between IC recurrence and both cerebral infarction (p = 0.01, odds ratio=5.41) and history of appendectomy (p = 0.0009, odds ratio = 5.19). The median (interquartile range [IQR]) follow-up time for all patients was 1556 (353–2768) days; this was much longer than the median (IQR) time to recurrence of 291 (64–907) days in the recurrent IC group.Conclusions: Prior cerebral infarction and appendectomy are potential risk factors for IC recurrence. However, the pathogenic mechanism of IC remains to be determined.Trial registration: B200400003 (Yokohama City University Certified Institutional Review Board, March 27th, 2020), UMIN ID 000044303 (retrospectively registered, May 24th, 2021)
CRISPR Cas9 Mediated Generation of Bex2 KO Mouse Model and Transcriptome Analysis of the Brain
Authors: Bahadar Noor , Sah Rajiv Kumar , Adlat Salah , Ullah Hanif , Oo Zinmar , Bah Fatoumata Binta , Hayel Farooq , Umar Muhammad , Feng Xuechao , Zheng Yaowu , Zong Minru , Myint May Zun Zaw 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background. BEX family genes are expressed in many tissues and play significant roles in neuronal development. Methods. In this study, a mouse model of Bex2 gene knockout was generated, using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. A fragment of the coding exon was successfully deleted. ﻿RT-qPCR confirmed loss of gene expression at the mRNA level. A transcriptomic study of the brain was performed to identify genes and pathways under Bex2 regulation. Essential biological functions under the control of Bex2 related to brain development were identified. Results. A total of 93 genes were found as differentially expressed. Among up-regulated genes, Zfp967 and Zfp984, are zf protein-related genes. Tmsb15l is related to neuronal physiology. Among KEGG pathways, cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and neuroactive ligand-receptor integration were most enriched. GO analysis identified cellular process, biological regulation, the metabolic process for Biological Processes. Cell, cell membrane, extracellular region and synapsis were found for Cellular Component. While binding, catalytic activity, molecular function were found for Molecular Function. A total of 53 KEGG disease terms were identified, included TNDM, Non-syndromic X-linked mental retardation, Neurodegeneration due to cerebral folate transport deficiency, Schizencephaly. Besides, HMGA, TF-Otx, RXR-like, SAND, zf-C2H2 and Homeobox transcription factors were enriched. A further study is required to confirm and explain each aspect identified.
Towards Viable Eco-friendly Matrices for Controlled Pesticide Delivery: Adsorptive Behaviour of Cow Dung Ash and Starch Towards Organophosphorus Pesticides
Authors:   1,2 - Chinyere Emmanuella Okafor,   2 - Ikenna Onyido
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The work reported herein explores the viability of cow dung as a matrix for controlled pesticide delivery, by comparing its adsorptive characteristics towards two organophosphorus pesticides with those of starch, conventionally utilized in designing controlled pesticide delivery systems. Characterization of cow dung ash (CDA) was by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). Pesticide adsorption data on the surfaces correlate well with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, with the former isotherm giving a slightly better fit (R2 \(\ge\) 0.90) than the latter (R2 \(\ge\) 0.81). Values of the adsorption parameters KL and RL indicate favourable pesticide adsorption on both surfaces. Desorption is the microscopic reverse of adsorption; both processes obey pseudo-second-order kinetics, implicating a mechanism in which adsorbate diffusion to the polymer surface and its transport into the polymer interior are important events. The isothermal and kinetic ratios \(\frac{{K}_{L}^{CDA}}{{K}_{L}^{Starch}}\)= 3.8 and 4.0, \(\frac{{k}_{2}^{CDA}}{{k}_{2}^{Starch} }\) = 1.3 and 0.6, and \(\frac{{k}_{-2}^{CDA}}{{k}_{-2}^{Starch}}\) = 5.2 and 1.0 at pH 7 and 27oC, compare the adsorptive behaviour of diazinon and dichlorvos, respectively, on CDA and starch. These parameters are of the same order of magnitude, signalling that CDA is as potentially viable as starch for use as a matrix for pesticide-controlled delivery.
The Inflammatory Prognostic Index; A Potential Predictor In Stage-4 Gastric Cancer
Authors: Ozveren Ahmet , Erdogan Atike , Ekinci Ferhat 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Clinical researches regarding the determination of effective and simple prognostic markers for gastric cancer are still being carried out effectively. Inflammatory prognostic index (IPI) has been accepted as a promising prognostic marker in patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Aims: To evaluate the usability of the inflammatory prognostic index in stage 4 gastric cancer, which has been shown to be effective in lung cancer. Methods: A total of 152 patients with stage 4 gastric cancer, whose laboratory progression-free survival and overall survival data could be accessed, were evaluated.Kaplan Meier analysis was used to show survival curves. Hazard ratios (HRS) were expressed as 95% CIs in the analyses. All methods were performed in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulationsResults: Median age at diagnosis is 63 (range: 32 to 88 years). The number of patients who received first-line chemotherapy was 129 (84.9%). Progression-free survival in first line treatment was median 5.3 months, Progression-free survival in second line treatment was 3.3 months, and median overall survival (os) was 9.4 months. Median IPI score was 22.2. We evaluated overall survival in the roc analysis and set the threshold value for the IPI score as 14.6. Low IPI score was significantly associated with longer PFS and OS compared with high IPI (PFS in high vs low IPI, 3.6 vs 7 months; p<0.001) (OS in high vs low IPI, 6.6 vs 14.2 months; p<0.001)Conclusions: IPI score can be an independent prognostic index that is inexpensive, easy to access and evaluate for metastatic gastric cancer patients, and may be useful in predicting survival in daily practice.
Preoperative Clinical Application of Human Fibrinogen in Patients With Acute Stanford Type A Aortic Dissection: a Single-center Retrospective Study
Authors: Li Jiahui , Wu Qingsong , Tang Mirong , Shen Yue , Qiu Zhihuang , Chen Xiaodong , Chen Xingfeng , Chen Liangwan 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the perioperative clinical efficacy of preoperative human fibrinogen treatment in patients with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection (ATAAD).Methods: Data of 159 patients with ATAAD who underwent emergency surgical treatment in our hospital from January 2019 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether human fibrinogen was administered before surgery. The preoperative clinical data, surgical data, postoperative data, complications related to the coagulation function, and mortality of the two groups were compared and analyzed.Results: The in-hospital mortality was similar in the two groups (2.9% versus 9.3%, P = 0.122). However, group A had a significantly shorter operation time (279.24±39.03 versus 298.24±45.90, P=0.008), lower intraoperative blood loss (240.48±96.75 versus 353.70±189.80, P＜0.001), and reduced intraoperative transfusion requirement of red blood cells (2.61±1.18 versus 6.05±1.86, P＜0.001). The postoperative suction drainage within 24 hours in group A was significantly decreased (243.24±201.52 versus 504.22±341.08，P=0.002). The incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in group A was lower than that in group B (3.8% versus 14.8%, P =0.023). Similarly, the incidence of postoperative hepatic insufficiency in group A was lower than that in group B (1.9% versus 9.3%, P =0.045). In group A, the mechanical ventilation time was shorter (47.68±28.61 versus 118.21±173.16, P=0.004) along with reduced ICU stay time (4.06±1.18 versus 8.09±9.42, P=0.003), and postoperative hospitalization days (19.20±14.60 versus 23.50±7.56, P=0.004).Conclusion: Preoperative administration of human fibrinogen in patients undergoing ATAAD surgery can effectively reduce the intraoperative blood loss, blood transfusion amount, shorten the operation time, reduce postoperative complications, and improve the early prognosis of patients, in addition to being highly safe.