bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Periostin Attenuates Cyclophosphamide-induced Bladder Injury by Promoting Urothelial Stem Cell Proliferation and Macrophage Polarization
Authors: Chen Zhihong , Liu Liyong , Chen Yunhua , Liu Minjie , Peng Xiang Andy , Deng Chunhua , Jiang Mei Hua 
Published: April 2022

AbstractInterstitial cystitis (IC) is a bladder syndrome of unclear etiology with no generally accepted treatment. Growing evidence suggest that periostin (POSTN) is an important homeostatic component in the tissue repair and regeneration in adulthood, but its function in urinary bladder regeneration is still unknown. Here we investigate whether POSTN is involved in bladder tissue repair in a cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced interstitial cystitis model. POSTN is primarily expressed in bladder stroma (detrusor smooth muscle and lamina propria) and upregulated in response to CYP-induced injury. POSTN deficiency resulted in more severe hematuria, aggravated edema of the bladder, and delayed umbrella cell recovery. Besides, less proliferative urothelial cells (labeled by pHH3, Ki67, and EdU) and lower expression of Krt14 (a urothelial stem cell marker) were detected in POSTN−/− mice post CYP exposure, indicating a limited urothelial regeneration. Further investigations revealed that POSTN could induce Wnt4 upregulation and activate AKT signaling, which together activates β-catenin signaling to drive urothelial stem cell proliferation. In addition, POSTN can promote resident macrophage proliferation and polarization to a pro-regenerative (M2) phenotype, which favors urothelial regeneration. Furthermore, we generated injectable P-GelMA granular hydrogel as a biomaterial carrier to deliver recombinant POSTN into the bladder, which could increase urothelial stem cells number, decrease umbrella cells exfoliation, and hence alleviate hematuria in a CYP-induced interstitial cystitis model. In summary, our findings identify a pivotal role of POSTN in bladder urothelial regeneration and suggest that intravesical biomaterials-assisted POSTN delivery may be an efficacious treatment for interstitial cystitis.
Highly efficient libraries design for saturation mutagenesis
Authors: Pines Gur , Pines Assaf , Eckert Carrie A 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Saturation mutagenesis is a semi-rational approach for protein engineering where sites are saturated either entirely or partially to include amino acids of interest. We previously reported on a codon compression algorithm, where a set of minimal degenerate codons are selected according to user-defined parameters such as the target organism, type of saturation and usage levels. Here, we communicate an addition to our web tool that considers the distance between the wild-type codon and the library, depending on its purpose. These forms of restricted collections further reduce library size, lowering downstream screening efforts or, in turn, allowing more comprehensive saturation of multiple sites. The library design tool can be accessed via http://www.dynamcc.com/dynamcc_d/.
Graphical Abstract
Correlation between morphology parameters and skid resistance of asphalt pavement
Authors: Song Weimin 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Pavement skid resistance is critical for contributing to traffic safety. In this study, two pavement specimens were fabricated using different aggregate gradations and binder contents. Compaction efforts were made to ensure the same porosity of the two specimens. Some parameters related to the surface morphology were measured using the sand patching method and a 3D laser. The parameters include mean texture depth (MTD), interface roughness (Ra), skewness (Rsk), kurtosis (Rku), fractal dimension (D) and parameters related to material ratio curve. Relationships between these parameters and skid resistance were quantitatively developed. Skid resistance increased along with the increase of MTD, Raand D. From the surface A to surface B, MTDincreased from 0.23 to 1.10 mm, Ra increased from 0.93 to 1.80 mm, Dincreased from 2.25 to 2.43 and the British Pendulum Number increased from 80 to 97 accordingly. The comprehensive analysis could assist scholars and practitioners to facilitate the understanding of tyre-pavement interaction and further assist pavement design.
Nurses' Utilization of Information Resources for Patient Care Tasks
Authors: Brown Rebecca J.L. , Michalowski Martin 
Published: April 2022

Critical care nurses manage complex patient care interventions under dynamic, time-sensitive and constrained conditions, yet clinical decision support systems for nurses are limited compared with advanced practice healthcare providers. In this work, we study and analyze nurses' information-seeking behaviors to inform the development of a clinical decision support system that supports nurses. Nurses from an urban midwestern hospital were recruited to complete an online survey containing eight open-ended questions about resource utilization for various nursing tasks and open space for additional insights. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for resource type, bivariate analyses using Pearson's χ
2 test were conducted for differences in resources utilization by years of experience, and content analysis of free text was completed.
Forty-five nurses (response rate, 19.6%) identified 38 unique resources, which we organized into a resource taxonomy. Institutional applications were the most common type of resource used (35.6% of all responses) but accounted for only 15.4% of respondents' “go-to resources,” suggesting potential areas for improvement. Our findings highlight that knowing where to look for information, the existence of comprehensive information, and fast and easy retrieval of information are key resource seeking attributes that must be considered when designing a clinical decision support system.
Monitoring Simvastatin Adherence in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease: A Proof-of-Concept Study Based on Pharmacokinetic Measurements in Blood Plasma
Authors: Vethe Nils Tore , Husebye Einar , Andersen Anders M. , Bergan Stein , Kristiansen Oscar , Fagerland Morten W. , Munkhaugen John 
Published: April 2022

Background:
Poor statin adherence remains a public health concern associated with adverse outcomes. We evaluated the use of pharmacokinetic measurements to monitor adherence to simvastatin in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).

Methods:
Eighteen patients with CHD taking an evening dose of simvastatin 20 mg (n = 7), 40 mg (n = 5), or 80 mg (n = 6) were examined at steady-state pharmacokinetics. Ten patients were instructed to interrupt simvastatin dosing and return for blood sampling for the subsequent 3 days. Dose-normalized plasma concentrations of simvastatin lactone and simvastatin acid and the sum of the 2 were evaluated to discriminate between adherent dosing and dose omission. Bioanalytical quantification was performed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.

Results:
A simvastatin acid cutoff of 1.0 × 10−2 nmol−1·L−1·mg−1 identified 100% of those omitting 2 doses and 60% of those omitting a single dose. Simvastatin acid showed superior ability to discriminate dose omission, as well as the best agreement between samples handled at ambient and cool temperatures (median deviation 3.5%; interquartile range −2.5% to 13%). The cutoff for a morning dose schedule, with a similar ability to discriminate, was estimated at 2.0 × 10−3 nmol−1·L−1·mg−1.

Conclusions:
The present method discriminated between adherence and reduced adherence to simvastatin therapy in patients with CHD. Sample handling is feasible for routine practice, and the assessment of adherence can be performed by direct measurement of simvastatin acid in a blood sample, according to defined cutoff values. Further studies validating the cutoff value and utility for clinical application are encouraged.
Sex Differences in Patient-Reported Outcomes in the Immediate Recovery Period After Resuscitation: Findings From the Cross-sectional DenHeart Survey
Authors: Wagner Mette Kirstine , Christensen Anne Vinggaard , Hassager Christian , Stenbæk Dea Siggaard , Ekholm Ola , Borregaard Britt , Thrysoee Lars , Rasmussen Trine Bernholdt , Thorup Charlotte Brun , Mols Rikke Elmose , Juel Knud , Berg Selina Kikkenborg 
Published: April 2022

Background
A paucity of resuscitation studies have examined sex differences in patient-reported outcomes upon hospital discharge. It remains unclear whether male and female patients differ in health outcomes in their immediate responses to trauma and treatment after resuscitation.

Objectives
The aim of this study was to examine sex differences in patient-reported outcomes in the immediate recovery period after resuscitation.

Methods
In a national cross-sectional survey, patient-reported outcomes were measured by 5 instruments: symptoms of anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), illness perception (Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire [B-IPQ]), symptom burden (Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale [ESAS]), quality of life (Heart Quality of Life Questionnaire), and perceived health status (12-Item Short Form Survey).

Results
Of 491 eligible survivors of cardiac arrest, 176 (80% male) participated. Compared with male, resuscitated female reported worse symptoms of anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale–Anxiety score ≥8) (43% vs 23%; P = .04), emotional responses (B-IPQ) (mean [SD], 4.9 [3.12] vs 3.7 [2.99]; P = .05), identity (B-IPQ) (mean [SD], 4.3 [3.10] vs 4.0 [2.85]; P = .04), fatigue (ESAS) (mean [SD], 5.26 [2.48] vs 3.92 [2.93]; P = .01), and depressive symptoms (ESAS) (mean [SD], 2.60 [2.68] vs 1.67 [2.19]; P = .05).

Conclusions
Between sexes, female survivors of cardiac arrest reported worse psychological distress and illness perception and higher symptom burden in the immediate recovery period after resuscitation. Attention should focus on early symptom screening at hospital discharge to identify those in need of targeted psychological support and rehabilitation.
Value of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging and Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Prediction of Treatment Outcomes in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Paprad Tunchanok , Lertbutsayanukul Chawalit , Jittapiromsak Nutchawan 
Published: April 2022

Objective
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters that reflect the tumor microenvironment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) may predict treatment response and facilitate treatment planning. This study aimed to evaluate the diffusion-weighted imaging and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) values for predicting the treatment outcomes in NPC patients.

Methods
Eighty-three patients with NPC underwent pretreatment MRI simulation with diffusion-weighted imaging and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. Average values of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), Ktrans, Kep, Ve, Vp, and tumor volume of the primary tumors were measured. Other potential clinical characteristics (age, sex, staging, pathology, pretreatment Epstein-Barr virus level, and treatment type) were analyzed. Patients underwent follow-up imaging 6 months after treatment initiation. Treatment responses were assigned according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors guideline (version 1.1).

Results
Fifty-one patients showed complete response (CR), whereas 32 patients did not (non-CR). Univariable logistic regression with variables dichotomized by optimal cutoff values showed that ADC ≥1.45 × 10−3 mm2/s, Vp ≥0.14, tumor volume of ≥14.05 mL, high stage (stages III and IV), and Epstein-Barr virus level of ≥2300 copies/mL were predictors of non-CR (P = 0.008, 0.05, 0.01, 0.009, and 0.04, respectively). The final multivariable model, consisting of a combination of ADC ≥1.45 × 10−3 mm2/s, Vp ≥0.14, and high stage, could predict non-CR with a good discrimination ability (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.76 [95% confidence interval, 0.66–0.87]; sensitivity, 62.50%; specificity, 80.39%; and accuracy 73.49%).

Conclusions
A multivariable prediction model using a combination of ADC ≥1.45 × 10−3 mm2/s, Vp ≥0.14, and high stage can be effective for treatment response prediction in NPC patients.
The Advantages of Applying a 5-mm Endoscope in the Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach
Authors: Chen Hang , Deng Lijuan , Gong Zhixian , Zhu Xiaoping 
Published: April 2022

Objective:
We sought to compare the effect of applying a 5-mm endoscope and a 10-mm endoscope in the transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) and to clarify the advantages of using a 5-mm endoscope.

Materials and Methods:
A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 135 patients who were diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma and who had undergone TOETVA in the thyroid disease center of The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University between January 2019 and May 2020 was performed. Among the included patients, a 10-mm endoscope was used in 50 cases (the 10-mm endoscope group) and a 5-mm endoscope was used in 85 cases (the 5-mm endoscope group), respectively. Operative trauma, operative parameters, postoperative complications, and postoperative mandibular sensation score were compared and analyzed.

Results:
Compared with the 10-mm endoscope group, the 5-mm endoscope group had less surgical trauma, less injury to the mandibular muscles (orbicularis oris, depressor labii inferioris, and mentalis muscle), shorter operative times (107.7±8.1 vs. 121.3±11.6 min, P<0.01), less intraoperative bleeding (14.3±4.8 vs. 17.9±5.3 mL, P<0.01), no obvious postoperative complications, lower mandibular sensation score values (5.7±0.6 vs. 6.0±0.4 points, P<0.01), and shorter mandibular recovery times (9.4±2.5 vs. 12.3±3.6 d, P<0.01).

Conclusion:
The application of a 5-mm endoscope not only improves the cosmetic effect of TOETVA but also reduces the degree of surgical trauma, saves the surgical space, improves the surgical efficiency, and reduces postoperative discomfort, with a promising application prospect.
Pendular Seesaw Nystagmus: Disappearance With Monocular Occlusion
Authors: Liu Xuefei , Wu Yunqing , Jiang Hanqiu , Wang Jiawei , Cui Shilei 
Published: April 2022

Abstract:
We report a case of pendular seesaw nystagmus caused by bitemporal hemianopia; the nystagmus disappeared while in darkness as previously described, but it also disappeared with monocular occlusion, which indicates the pivotal role of binocular vision in the pathogenesis.
An Exploratory Study to Investigate the Utility of Clinical Screening for Neurodegenerative Disease in Age-Related Eye Disease Research
Authors: Pelak Victoria S. , Paez Yosbelkys Martin , Patnaik Jennifer L. , Holden Samantha K. , Subramanian Prem S. , Mathias Marc T. , Mandava Naresh , Lynch Anne M. 
Published: April 2022

Background:
Unrecognized neurodegenerative diseases (NDD) in age-related eye disease research studies have the potential to confound vision-specific quality of life and retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT) outcome measures. The aim of this exploratory study was to investigate relationships between NDD screening tools and visual outcome measures in a small cohort of controls from the Colorado Age-Related Macular Degeneration Registry (CO-AMD), to consider the utility of future studies.

Methods:
Twenty-nine controls from the CO-AMD were screened using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a Colorado Parkinsonian Checklist, and the Lewy Body Composite Risk Score. Univariate and multivariable linear regression modeling was used to assess associations between screening tools and the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (VFQ-25) and macular OCT outcome measures, and t tests were used to evaluate outcome measure differences between those with normal vs abnormal MoCA scores.

Results:
One patient withdrew. The average age was 72.8 years, and 68% were female patients. Ten participants (36%) had abnormal MoCA scores, and their VFQ-25 scores were only 1 point less and not statistically different than those with normal MoCA scores. Macular OCT volumes and thicknesses for retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and retinal ganglion cell layer were consistently and moderately lower for those with abnormal MoCA scores, and a positive association between MoCA and macular RNFL volume was observed, although differences and regression were not significant. Parkinson screening tests were abnormal for only 4 participants and were not associated with OCT or VFQ-25 measures by regression modeling.

Conclusions:
Given the degree and direction of observed differences, further investigation is warranted regarding the relationship between cognitive screening tools and macular OCT measures in age-related eye disease research, but future investigations regarding the relationship between NDD screening tools and VFQ-25 seem unwarranted.
Early Retinal Microcirculation in Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenomas Without Visual Field Defects Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Chou Yuyu , Wang Xuqian , Wang Ye , Gan Linyang , Xing Bing , You Hui , Ma Jin , Zhong Yong 
Published: April 2022

Background:
For patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) without manifesting visual acuity impairment or visual field defect (VFD), more sensitive and objective assessment methods will allow earlier detection before irreversible damage to the visual system. This study aimed to evaluate retinal vessel densities (VDs) alterations in these patients using optical coherence tomography angiography and to determine its diagnostic abilities.

Methods:
Between patients with NFPA without VFDs and age-matched, sex-matched healthy control individuals, comparisons of visual field metrics, retinal structural thickness, and microcirculation were conducted after adjusting for axial length (AL) and signal index of scans. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were further depicted to assess the diagnostic performance of significant parameters. To explore the impact of symptom duration, tumor size, and axial length on the significant parameters, multivariate regression analysis was conducted.

Results:
This cross-sectional study reviewed 107 patients with NFPA. Twenty-seven eyes of patients with NFPA without VFDs and 27 eyes of healthy controls were enrolled. Compared with healthy controls, patients with NFPA without VFDs had similar foveal avascular zone areas and perimeters, macular ganglion cell complex (mGCC) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thicknesses, and macular VDs. Only the VD in the radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) segment of the inferior temporal (IT) sector was much lower in the patient group. The 2 largest area under the ROC curves were the focal loss volume (FLV) of the mGCC and the VD in the RPC of the IT sector, both of which were significantly related to symptom duration and tumor size.

Conclusions:
At the early stage of NFPA before VFD and retinal thickness thinning, fundus microcirculation impairments may occur initially in the microvascular density of the RPC segment of the IT sector. The FLV and the VD of RPC at the IT sector may provide a basis for the early diagnosis of NFPA without VFD in clinical practice.
Exploring U.S. food system workers’ intentions to work while ill during the early COVID-19 pandemic: a national survey
Authors: Ceryes Caitlin A. , Agnew Jacqueline , Wirtz Andrea L. , Barnett Daniel J. , Neff Roni A. 
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACTBackgroundWhile “stay at home” orders were in effect during early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, many U.S. food workers attended in-person work, charged with maintaining operation of the national food supply chain. Anecdotal evidence suggests that many U.S. food system workers encountered barriers to staying home despite symptomatic COVID-19 illness.MethodsWe conducted a national, cross-sectional, online survey between July 31 to October 2, 2020, among 2,535 respondents. We used multivariable regression and free-text analyses to explore factors associated with U.S. food system workers’ intentions to attend work while ill (i.e., presenteeism intentions) during the first four to six months of the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsOverall, 8.8% of workers surveyed reported intentions to attend work while symptomatic with COVID-19 disease. Almost half of respondents (41.1%) reported low or very low household food security. Workers reporting a high workplace safety climate score were half as likely to report presenteeism intentions (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37, 0.75) relative to those reporting low scores. Workers reporting low (aOR 2.06, 95% CI 1.35, 3.13) or very low (aOR 2.31, 95% CI 1.50, 3.13) levels of household food security had twice the odds of reporting presenteeism intentions relative to those reporting high/marginal food security.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that workplace culture and safety climate could enable employees to feel like they can take leave when sick during a pandemic, which is critical to individual health and prevention of workplace disease transmission. However, the pressure experienced by food workers to work when ill, especially by those experiencing food insecurity, themselves, underscores the need for strategies which address these vulnerabilities and empower food workers to make health-protective decisions.
Comprehensive assessment of Age-Specific Mortality Rate and its incremental changes using a composite measure: A sub-national analysis of rural Indian women
Authors: Sharma Divya , Kiran Tanvi , Junaid KP , Rajagopal Vineeth , Sharma Saraswati 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundDiverse socio-economic and cultural issues contribute to adverse health outcomes and increased mortality rates among rural Indian women across different age categories. The present study aims to comprehensively assess age-specific mortality rates and their temporal trends using a composite measure at the sub-national level for rural Indian females to capture cross-state differences.MethodsA total of 19 states were included in the study to construct a composite age-specific mortality index for 2011 (base year) and 2018 (reference year) and examine the incremental changes in the index values across these years at the sub-national level in India. Sub-index values were calculated for each component age group and were subsequently used to compute the composite ASMR index using the geometric mean method. Based on the incremental changes, the performance of states was categorized into four different typologies.ResultsImprovement in mortality index scores in the 0-4 years age group was documented for all states. The mortality rates for the 60+ age group were recorded to be high for all states. Kerela emerged as the overall top performer in terms of mortality index scores, while Bihar and Jharkhand were at the bottom of the mortality index table. The overall mortality composite score has shown minor improvement from base year to reference year at all India level.ConclusionsAn overall reduction in the mortality rates of rural Indian women has been observed over the years in India. The success of public health interventions to reduce the under-five mortality rate is evident as the female rural mortality rates have reduced sizably for all states. Nevertheless, there is still sizable scope for reducing mortality rates for other component age groups. Additionally, there is a need to divert attention toward the female geriatric (60+ years) population as the mortality rates are still high.