bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
4D-flow cardiac magnetic resonance imaging after aortic root replacement with long-valved decellularized aortic homografts: comparison to valve-sparing aortic root replacement and healthy controls
Authors: Cvitkovic Tomislav , Bobylev Dmitry , Horke Alexander , Avsar Murat , Beerbaum Philipp , Martens Andreas , Böthig Dietmar , Petenà Elena , Gutberlet Marcel , Beyer Frerk Hinnerk , Wacker Frank , Cebotari Serghei , Haverich Axel , Vogel-Claussen Jens , Sarikouch Samir , Czerner Christoph 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Long-valved decellularized aortic homografts (DAH) may be used in young patients to treat aortic valve disease associated with aortic root dilatation, thereby eliminating the need for prosthetic material and anticoagulation.

METHODS
Thirty-three male subjects in 3 equally sized cohorts were compared: patients following DAH implantation with a median age of 29 years [interquartile range (IQR) 27.5–37.5], patients post-valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSARR), median 44 years (IQR 31.5–49) and healthy controls, median 33 years (IQR 28–40, P = 0.228). Time-resolved three-dimensional phase-contrast cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed to assess maximum blood flow velocity, pulse wave velocity, mechanical energy loss (EL), wall shear stress and flow patterns (vorticity, eccentricity, helicity) in 5 different planes of the aorta.

RESULTS
The mean time between surgery and cardiovascular magnetic resonance was 2.56 ± 2.0 years in DAH vs 2.67 ± 2.1 in VSARR, P = 0.500. No significant differences in maximum velocity and pulse wave velocity were found between healthy controls and DAH across all planes. Velocity in the proximal aorta was significantly higher in VSARR (182.91 ± 53.91 cm/s, P = 0.032) compared with healthy controls. EL was significantly higher in VSARR in the proximal aorta with 1.85 mW (IQR 1.39–2.95) compared with healthy controls, 1.06 mW (0.91–1.22, P = 0.016), as well as in the entire thoracic aorta. In contrast, there was no significant EL in DAH in the proximal, 1.27 m/W (0.92–1.53, P = 0.296), as well as in the thoracic aorta, 7.7 m/W (5.25–9.90, P = 0.114), compared with healthy controls. There were no significant differences in wall shear stress parameters for all 5 regions of the thoracic aorta between the 3 groups. DAH patients, however, showed more vorticity, helicity and eccentricity in the ascending aorta compared with healthy controls (P &lt; 0.019).

CONCLUSIONS
Decellularized long aortic homografts exhibit near to normal haemodynamic parameters 2.5 years postoperatively compared with healthy controls and VSARR.
Inhibition of aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling promotes the terminal differentiation of human erythroblasts
Authors: Chen Yijin , Dong Yong , Lu Xulin , Li Wanjing , Zhang Yimeng , Mao Bin , Pan Xu , Li Xiaohong , Zhou Ya , An Quanming , Xie Fangxin , Wang Shihui , Xue Yuan , Cai Xinping , Lai Mowen , Zhou Qiongxiu , Yan Yan , Fu Ruohan , Wang Hong , Nakahata Tatsutoshi , An Xiuli , Shi Lihong , Zhang Yonggang , Ma Feng 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) plays an important role during mammalian embryo development. Inhibition of AHR signaling promotes the development of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. AHR also regulates the functional maturation of blood cells, such as T cells and megakaryocytes. However, little is known about the role of AHR modulation during the development of erythroid cells. In this study, we used the AHR antagonist StemRegenin 1 (SR1) and the AHR agonist 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin during different stages of human erythropoiesis to elucidate the function of AHR. We found that antagonizing AHR signaling improved the production of human embryonic stem cell derived erythrocytes and enhanced erythroid terminal differentiation. RNA sequencing showed that SR1 treatment of proerythroblasts upregulated the expression of erythrocyte differentiation-related genes and downregulated actin organization-associated genes. We found that SR1 accelerated F-actin remodeling in terminally differentiated erythrocytes, favoring their maturation of the cytoskeleton and enucleation. We demonstrated that the effects of AHR inhibition on erythroid maturation were associated with F-actin remodeling. Our findings help uncover the mechanism for AHR-mediated human erythroid cell differentiation. We also provide a new approach toward the large-scale production of functionally mature human pluripotent stem cell-derived erythrocytes for use in translational applications.
Low abundance but high land snail diversity in montane rainforest on the western slope of the Andes in Ecuador
Authors: Ramirez Perez Maria Camila , Hausdorf Bernhard 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACTWe investigated the land snail fauna along an altitudinal transect in the Los Cedros Biological Reserve on the western slope of the Andes in Ecuador. A total of 510 individuals were collected in 40 plots between c. 1,100 and 2,000 m a.s.l. and assigned to 80 land snail species. The mean iChao1 estimate of species richness was with 109 species (with a 95% confidence interval from 97 to 130 species) much higher because many species were represented only by one or two specimens. On the basis of available data, Los Cedros is the most species-rich locality for land snails in South America. Almost half of the land snail species and 75% of the sampled individuals belong to the carnivorous Scolodontidae, most of which are likely to be new to science. In comparison with an Amazonian rainforest, the proportion of tropical groups such as the Helicinoidea or the Achatinidae is reduced, whereas the proportions of the Labyrinthidae and Charopidae are higher at higher elevations in the Andes than at the margin of the Amazonas basin. Beckianum beckianum, Hirtudiscus sp., Pupisoma mediamericanum, Guppya gundlachii, Eobania vermiculata and Thysanophora plagioptycha are new records for Ecuador. The finding of the Mediterranean Eobania vermiculata in cultivated areas adjacent to the reserve is the first record of this species in South America.
Dissection of nanoconfinement and proximity effects on the binding events in DNA origami nanocavity
Authors: Jonchhe Sagun , Pandey Shankar , Beneze Christian , Emura Tomoko , Sugiyama Hiroshi , Endo Masayuki , Mao Hanbin 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Both ligand binding and nanocavity can increase the stability of a biomolecular structure. Using mechanical unfolding in optical tweezers, here we found that a DNA origami nanobowl drastically increased the stability of a human telomeric G-quadruplex bound with a pyridostatin (PDS) ligand. Such a stability change is equivalent to &gt;4 orders of magnitude increase (upper limit) in binding affinity (Kd: 490 nM → 10 pM (lower limit)). Since confined space can assist the binding through a proximity effect between the ligand-receptor pair and a nanoconfinement effect that is mediated by water molecules, we named such a binding as mechanochemical binding. After minimizing the proximity effect by using PDS that can enter or leave the DNA nanobowl freely, we attributed the increased affinity to the nanoconfinement effect (22%) and the proximity effect (78%). This represents the first quantification to dissect the effects of proximity and nanoconfinement on binding events in nanocavities. We anticipate these DNA nanoassemblies can deliver both chemical (i.e. ligand) and mechanical (i.e. nanocavity) milieus to facilitate robust mechanochemical binding in various biological systems.
Autoantibodies against four-and-a-half-LIM domain 1 (FHL1) in inflammatory myopathies: results from an Australian single-centre cohort
Authors: Galindo-Feria Angeles S , Horuluoglu Begum , Day Jessica , Fernandes-Cerqueira Catia , Wigren Edvard , Gräslund Susanne , Proudman Susanna , Lundberg Ingrid E , Limaye Vidya 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Objectives
To determine the prevalence and associations of autoantibodies targeting a muscle-specific autoantigen, four-and-a-half-LIM-domain 1 (FHL1), in South Australian patients with histologically-confirmed idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) and in patients with SSc.

Material and methods
Sera from patients with IIM (n = 267) from the South Australian Myositis Database (SAMD), SSc (n = 174) from the Australian Scleroderma Cohort Study (ASCS) and healthy controls (HC, n = 100) were analysed for anti-FHL1 autoantibodies by Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA).

Results
Autoantibodies to FHL1 were more frequent in patients with IIM (37/267, 13.8%) compared with SSc (12/174, 7%) (P &lt; 0.02) and HC (2/100, 2%) (P &lt; 0.001). The most common IIM subtypes among FHL1+ IIM patients were (32%) and IBM (2/37, 32%). No statistically significant differences in muscular or extra-muscular manifestations of IIM were found when comparing patients who were anti-FHL1+ with their anti-FHL1– counterparts. In 29/37 (78%) anti-FHL1+ patients, no myositis-specific autoantibodies (MSA) were present. In FHL1+ muscle biopsies, there was less frequent infiltration by CD45+ cells (P = 0.04). There was a trend for HLA alleles DRB1*07 and DRB1*15 to be more frequent in anti-FHL1+ compared with anti-FHL1– patients (9/25 vs 19/113, P = 0.09 and 8/25 vs 15/114, P = 0.09, respectively).

Conclusions
We report a substantial prevalence (13.8%) of anti-FHL1 autoantibodies in a large cohort of patients with histologically confirmed IIM; 75% of these cases did not have a detectable myositis-specific autoantibody. Anti-FHL1 autoantibodies were also detected in a subgroup of patients with SSc (7%), indicating that anti-FHL1 autoantibodies may not be myositis-specific. The trend towards an HLA-DR association might indicate a specific immune response to the FHL1 protein.
Drug levels, anti-drug antibodies and B-cell counts were not predictive of response in rheumatoid arthritis patients on (ultra-)low-dose rituximab
Authors: Wientjes Maike H M , Gijzen Titia M G , den Broeder Nathan , Bloem Karien , de Vries Annick  , van den Bemt Bart J F , den Broeder Alfons A , Verhoef Lise M 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Objectives
The REDO trial (REtreatment with Rituximab in RhEumatoid arthritis: Disease Outcome after Dose Optimisation) showed that ultra-low-dose rituximab (500 mg or 200 mg) was similarly effective to a 1000 mg dosage in the majority of RA patients. This pre-planned secondary analysis investigated (1) associations between rituximab dosage, drug levels, anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) and B-cell counts and (2) the predictive value of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters, and of patient, disease and treatment characteristics in relation to response to ultra-low-dose rituximab.

Methods
For 140 RA patients from the REDO trial, differences in drug levels, ADAs and B-cell counts were examined at baseline, and at 3 and 6 months after dosing. Treatment response was defined as absence of flare and no extra rituximab or &gt;1 glucocorticoid injection received during follow-up. The association between potential predictors and response was investigated using logistic regression analyses.

Results
Lower doses of rituximab resulted in lower drug levels but did not significantly affect ADA levels or B-cell counts, and 3 (10.7%), 12 (20.7%) and 7 (13.0%) patients failed to meet the response criteria in, respectively, the 1000 mg, 500 mg and 200 mg dosage groups. Drug levels, ADAs, B-cell counts, and patient, disease and treatment characteristics were not predictive for response to ultra-low-dose rituximab.

Conclusion
The results of this study further support the hypothesis that continued treatment with 500 or 200 mg rituximab is similarly effective to a 1000 mg dosage in RA patients doing well on rituximab. These results, combined with lack of finding a clinical dose–response relationship in the original REDO study, suggest that 200 mg rituximab is not yet the lowest effective rituximab retreatment dose in RA.
Unidroit Principles and the COVID-19 Economy
Authors: Garcia Sanjur Augusto 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The international economy was drastically changed by COVID-19. As the pandemic is causing similar problems in different jurisdictions, uniformized solutions are required to have more certainty in a global economy. This is an opportunity for the uniform regulation of international contracts such as the Unidroit Principles. The provisions of the Unidroit Principles, such as force majeure and hardship, may provide parties, adjudicators, and legislators with uniform solutions to common problems caused by the pandemic.
From the Blood-Brain Barrier to Childhood Development: A Case of Acute-Onset Psychosis and Cognitive Impairment Attributed to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in an Adolescent Female
Authors: Johnson Matthew C. , Sathappan Aakash , Hanly John G. , Ross Gail S. , Hauptman Aaron J. , Stone William S. , Simon Kevin M. 
Published: January 2022

Learning objectives
After participating in this CME activity, the clinician will be better able to:
• Interpret classifications of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE).
• Identify determining factors of neuropsychiatric events.
• Analyze current evidence regarding disease pathways for NPSLE.
Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Abdominal Aortic Calcification
Authors: Koskela Antti , Ducatman Alan , Schousboe John T. , Nahhas Ramzi W. , Khalil Naila 
Published: January 2022

Objective:
To evaluate if serum perfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) were associated with abdominal aortic calcification (AAC).

Methods:
We used weighted logistic regression to investigate the gender-specific association between PFAS serum levels and AAC more than or equal to 6 from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans of the thoraco-lumbar spine from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013–2014 survey participants aged more than or equal to 40 years.

Results:
After adjusting for confounding, none of log-transformed perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), or perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) were significantly associated with AAC for either men or women (adjusted odds ratios [ORs] ranged from 0.80 to 1.33, P
> 0.05 each). For PFOA and PFOS, the association was positive only in women (although the difference was not statistically significant in either case).

Conclusion:
These findings do not provide general support for a relationship of PFAS exposure to AAC, although the results show a need for gender-specific consideration in a larger dataset.
Intraspinal extradural gout tophus in the lumbar vertebral canal
Authors: Wu Zhiqiang , Liu Chunhua , Dai Kehui , Zheng Chunfeng 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Rationale:
Intraspinal gout tophus in the lumbar vertebral canal associated with gouty arthritis is rare. We present 2 cases with the first manifestations of a sequestrated intervertebral disc and an extradural tumor, and histopathologically proven to be gouty deposits in the lumbar vertebral canal.

Patient concerns:
The 2 patients presented with typical radiculopathy symptoms and a positive straight leg raise. In 1 case, there was weakness of the left toe extensors, with a positive left femoral nerve traction test. Additionally, the left patellar tendon reflex was weak. In the other patient who was unable to walk, there was a sensory deficit in the saddle distribution.

Diagnosis:
Histopathological examination of the specimens taken from the operation confirmed the presence of gouty deposits.

Interventions:
Posterior decompression was performed in these 2 cases, and chalky-white materials were identified in the lumbar vertebral canal.

Outcomes:
No evidence of neoplasm, infection, or synovial cyst was found.

Lessons:
Definitive diagnosis of intraspinal extradural gout tophus, mimicking a sequestrated intervertebral disc or an extradural tumor, may be difficult. The initial suspicion of intraspinal gouty deposits, based on the diagnostic/management algorithm, may effectively avoid incorrect diagnosis via a less invasive procedure than explorative laminectomy.
Ulcer-like projections into the dilated false lumen after stent-graft placement for aortic dissection
Authors: He Xi , Sueyoshi Eijun , Nakaji Shun , Uetani Masataka 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Rationale:
Acute type A aortic dissection and chronic type B aortic dissection (TBAD) occurs simultaneously in rare cases. Although the development of ulcer-like projection (ULP) is associated with an increase in adverse aorta-related events, the false-lumen enlargement caused by the ULP progression is uncommon.

Patient concerns:
A 72-year-old female with chronic TBAD was admitted to our unit with back and chest pain. Computed tomography revealed acute type A aortic dissection and a hematoma caused by rupturing of the descending aorta due to chronic TBAD. After endovascular intervention, the false lumen thrombosed and shrunk.

Diagnosis:
After 9 months, a developing ULP, which projected into a dilating false lumen, was found. An impending ruptured descending aortic aneurysm was confirmed.

Interventions:
Emergency Total arch replacement and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) was performed.

Outcomes:
The procedure was successful. One year later, regular follow-up showed that the false lumen had completely shrunk.

Lessons:
ULP can arise and cause progressive dilation of false lumen after TEVAR. Careful and regular computed tomography examinations are required for early diagnosis of false lumen becoming thrombosed after TEVAR. Close follow-up and timely intervention, including TEVAR, should be considered in cases of aortic enlargement due to a newly developed ULP.
Relationship between marital status and survival in patients with lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wu Ying , Zhu Pei-Zhen , Chen Yin-Qiao , Chen Jie , Xu Lu , Zhang Huayi 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Numerous studies have focused on whether the marital status has an impact on the prognosis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer, but none have focused on lung adenocarcinoma.
We selected 61,928 eligible cases with lung adenocarcinoma from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database from 2004 to 2016 and analyzed the impact of marital status on cancer-specific survival (CSS) using Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses.
We confirmed that sex, age, race, cancer TNM stage and grade, therapeutic schedule, household income, and marital status were independent prognostic factors for lung adenocarcinoma CSS. Multivariate Cox regression showed that widowed patients had worse CSS (hazard ratio 1.26, 95% confidence interval 1.20–1.31, P < .001) compared with married patients. Subgroup analysis showed consistent results regardless of sex, age, cancer grade, and TNM stage. However, the trend was not significant for patients with grade IV cancer.
These results suggest that marital status is first identified as an independent prognostic factor for CSS in patients with lung adenocarcinoma, with a clear association between widowhood and a high risk of cancer-specific mortality. Psychological and social support are thus important for patients with lung adenocarcinoma, especially unmarried patients.
Obesity or increased body mass index and the risk of severe outcomes in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Yang Yaxian , Wang Liting , Liu Jingfang , Fu Songbo , Zhou Liyuan , Wang Yan 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Background:
To assess the effect of obesity or a high body mass index (BMI) on the risk of severe outcomes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods:
Studies on the relationship between BMI or obesity and COVID-19 since December 2019. The odds ratio (OR) and weighted mean difference (WMD) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the effect size.

Results:
BMI was significantly increased in COVID-19 patients with severe illness (WMD: 1.18; 95% CI: 0.42–1.93), who were admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) (WMD: 1.46; 95% CI: 0.96–1.97), who required invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) (WMD: 2.70, 95% CI: 1.05–4.35) and who died (WMD: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.02–1.80). In Western countries, obesity (BMI of ≥30 kg/m2) increased the risk of hospitalization (OR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.22–3.54), admission to an ICU (OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.29–1.84), need for IMV (OR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.38–2.17), and mortality (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.17–1.74) of patients with COVID-19. In the Asian population, obesity (BMI of ≥28 kg/m2) increased the risk of severe illness (OR: 3.14; 95% CI: 1.83–5.38). Compared with patients with COVID-19 and a BMI of <25 kg/m2, those with a BMI of 25–30 kg/m2 and ≥30 kg/m2 had a higher risk of need for IMV (OR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.30–3.69 and OR: 3.04; 95% CI: 1.76–5.28, respectively). The risk of ICU admission in patients with COVID-19 and a BMI of ≥30 kg/m2 was significantly higher than in those with a BMI of 25–30 kg/m2 (OR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.00–2.21).

Conclusion:
As BMI increased, the risks of hospitalization, ICU admission, and need for IMV increased, especially in COVID-19 patients with obesity.

Ethics and dissemination:
This systematic review and meta-analysis does not require an ethics approval as it does not collect any primary data from patients.
Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction
Authors: Zhang Yong-qiang , Zhang Zhao , Wu Meng , Zhou Ya-dong , Tao Sheng-lin , Yang Ya-long , Li Yang , Liu Jun-liang , Li Peng , Teng Yun-sheng , Guo Yong-ming 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Introduction:
Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is an effective surgical method for the treatment of lateral patellar instability. At present, there is not much controversies regarding the femoral attachment, however, the controversies regarding patellar attachment versus attachment, number of graft strands, tension, isometry and so on. The following electronic databases will be searched: PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, Medline. We will consider articles published between database initiation and March 2021. MPFL in the subject heading will be included in the study. Language is limited to English. Research selection, data extraction, and research quality assessment were independently completed by 2 researchers.

Conclusions:
MPFL reconstruction is a reliable technique for the treatment of patellofemoral instability. The Schöttle point is still the mainstream method for locating the femoral attachment, the patellar attachment for single-bundle is located at the junction of the proximal one third and the distal two third of the longitudinal axis of the patella. For double-bundles, one is located in the proximal one third of the medial patellar edge and another is in the center of the patellar edge. Meanwhile, the adjustment of graft tension during operation is very important.