bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A text messaging intervention and quality of life in adolescents with solid organ transplants
Authors: Rathgeber Steven L. , Hutchison Sarah M. , De Souza Astrid‐Marie , Lester Richard , Blydt‐Hansen Tom , Human Derek G. , Guttman Orlee , Oberlander Tim F. , Armstrong Kathryn R. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundFacilitating communication between adolescents and HCP outside of appointments may enhance patient experience and outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether SMS enhances the healthcare experience, QoL, and medication adherence in adolescent SOT patients.MethodsThis was a prospective observational study of an SMS platform (WelTel Inc) for SOT patients aged 12–19 years. QoL was assessed before and after using the PedsQL™ Transplant Module. Medication adherence was assessed with the frequency of therapeutic tacrolimus levels and variation based on control chart analysis. Patient experience and engagement was evaluated with surveys, response rate to messages, and number of clinical conversations (>2 messages).ResultsTwenty‐three patients were included (median age 15.7 years (IQR 13.6–17.1)). Median intervention duration was 13.5 months (range 4.0–16.7 months). There was a 68% response rate (742/1095) with 375 clinical conversations. The majority of patients reported the intervention provided a positive outlook on their health (17/23), was useful (18/23), and improved their connection to HCPs (17/23). Following the intervention, there was no significant difference in the median scaled QoL scores (pre‐intervention: 81 (IQR 76.5–93.3), post‐intervention: 78 (IQR 76–93); p = .37), mean percentage of therapeutic tacrolimus levels (pre‐intervention: 52 ± 25%, post‐intervention: 65 ± 17%; p = .07), or variation on control chart analysis of tacrolimus levels.ConclusionsThe WelTel messaging platform provided supplemental clinical care for a group of adolescent SOT patients that enhanced their healthcare experience. Patient QoL and adherence were unchanged following the intervention and remained at a high level.
Making space for indigenous law in state‐led decisions about hydropower dams: Lessons from environmental assessments in Canada and Brazil
Authors: Macias Gimenez Rebeca 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe article examines the environmental impact assessment of hydropower dams as an opportunity for applying indigenous laws. Although indigenous laws of affected communities exist and have guided the management of land and natural resources for millennia, they have not yet occupied a significant place in state‐led decision making. Consequently, decisions to approve dams, based on state laws and officials' discretionary power, affect indigenous peoples in distinct and profound ways. The analysis is based on the comparison between two decision‐making processes—Site C (Canada) and Belo Monte (Brazil) dams. The methodology includes the application of principles from the environmental justice literature, the analysis of interviews, case law and legislation. The article concludes that environmental justice for indigenous peoples in environmental decision making of projects with significant impacts, such as large dams, requires recognizing and making institutional spaces for implementing indigenous laws.
Cosimo I’s Self‐Made Spy: Information and Misinformation in Sixteenth‐Century Venice and Florence
Authors: Dall’Aglio Stefano 
Published: February 2022

AbstractDrawing on newly discovered archival documents, the article unearths the story of Antonio Beghini, a self‐made spy operating in Venice for Cosimo I de’ Medici duke of Florence in the mid‐sixteenth century. In 1542 Beghini revealed a sensational coup d’état planned by Florentine exiles and French against the Republic of Venice. This was the starting point for a series of vicissitudes that included two imprisonments and encounters with important rulers and diplomats. Beghini’s story allows us to gain a deeper understanding of the murkiest side of Cosimo’s information network and of the troubled community of the Florentine exiles in Venice. This story is also an opportunity to reflect on the problem of misinformation, unreliability, and deception in sixteenth‐century Florence and Venice, at a time when the boundary between true and false was much blurrier than it is today.
The impact of COVID‐19 on professional identity
Authors: Byram Jessica N. , Frankel Richard M. , Isaacson J. Harry , Mehta Neil 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic has had a profound impact on medical care and medical student education as clinical rotations were halted and students' clinical activities were drastically curtailed. Learning experiences in medical school are known to promote identity formation through teamwork, reflection, and values‐based community discussion. This study explored the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on medical students' professional identity formation (PIF).MethodsStudents in all cohorts of medical education were invited by email in May 2020 to submit a written reflection about their learning experiences and impact of the pandemic on their PIF. We used iterative individual and team reviews, known as the “immersion/crystallisation” method, to code and analyse the data.FindingsTwenty‐six students (20%) submitted reflections in which they discussed “changing conceptions of the role and image of a physician,” “views about medical education,” and the “role of students in a pandemic.” Students viewed physicians as altruistic, effective communicators, and pledged to be like them in the future. Their perceptions of virtual learning were mixed, along with considerations of lost interactions with patients, and wanting to be more useful as professionals‐in‐training.DiscussionCOVID‐19 has impacted students' views of themselves and reshaped their ideas, both negatively and positively, about the profession they are entering and their role(s) in it.ConclusionExploring PIF and the impact of disruptions has allowed us to address the issues raised regarding clinical learning now and into the future. Reflection enhances PIF and unexpected events, such as COVID‐19, offer opportunities for reflection and development.
Hemophagocytic syndrome associated with large granular lymphoma in an adult dog
Authors: Varvil Mara S. , Messick Joanne B. , dos Santos Andrea Pires 
Published: February 2022

AbstractHemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) is a rare disorder characterized by dysregulation of the immune response resulting in uncontrolled activation of macrophages with exacerbated phagocytosis of host cells. In dogs, the criteria for diagnosis include the presence of pancytopenia or bicytopenia in the peripheral blood and >2% hemophagocytic macrophages in bone marrow aspirates. When HPS is associated with lymphoma, it is called lymphoma‐associated hemophagocytic syndrome (LAHS). Here, we present a case of a 4 ½‐year‐old female spayed Old English Mastiff that presented with severe thrombocytopenia, mild anemia, mild to moderate leukopenia, and large granular lymphocytes (LGLs) in the peripheral blood. The patient had enlarged lymph nodes with many LGLs seen cytologically, leading to the interpretation of LGL lymphoma. Bone marrow displayed numerous LGLs that stained strongly for CD3 but did not show immunoreactivity to CD4 or CD8, and PCR for antigen receptor rearrangement analysis confirmed a clonal T‐cell receptor gamma gene rearrangement. The presence of ~3.5% hemophagocytes present on the bone marrow evaluation raised concern for HPS and, more specifically, LAHS. HPS and LAHS are challenging to diagnose and require many criteria to be fulfilled before a definitive diagnosis can be made; the low number of cases in the literature makes this even more challenging in dogs. This case represents secondary LAHS due to LGL lymphoma in a dog.
EFFECTS OF PLANT PREPARATIONS OF PURE SAPONINS AND METHOXYFLAVONOIDS ON THE EXPRESSION OF IMMUNE RESPONSE GENES
Authors: Turmagambetova A.S. , Bogoyavlenskyi A.P. , Alexyuk P.G. , Alexyuk M.S. , Omirtaeva E.S. , Sokolova N.S. , Zaitseva I.A. , Berezin V.E. 
Published: February 2022

Studies on the immunostimulating properties of saponins and methoxyflavonoids obtained from plants provides a theoretical basis for development of new immunopotentiators, thereby increasing effectiveness of immunotherapy and prophylaxis of viral infections. Expression of major genes of the immune response were significantly up-regulated upon introduction of plant-based immunostimulators into the body. These compounds were a mixture of purified saponin betulin isolated from plants of Betula sp. (Betula pendula) and purified methoxyflavonoids of plants of Polygonum sp. (Polygonum persicaria) and Cytrus sp. (Cytrus sinensis). The strength and specificity of the body's immune response can be adjusted by changing the structure of the methoxyflavonoid in the complex immunostimulator, which makes it possible to stimulate targeted immunostimulators that act on certain parts of the immune system.
ISOLATION AND STUDY OF A RECOMBINANT CARBOHYDRASE XYLANASE FROM BACILLUS LICHENIFORMIS
Authors: Kiribayeva A.K. , Mukanov B.A. , Baduanova S.D. , Silayev D.V. , Ramankulov Ye.M , Khassenov B.B. 
Published: February 2022

Xylanases are hydrolytic enzymes involved in the degradation of xylan, the main component of plant biomass. In the present study xylanase, XynA, from Kazakh strain Bacillus licheniformis was obtained in recombinant form in Escherichia coli cells. The xynA gene was amplified from the genomic DNA of the B. licheniformis and cloned in pET-28c (+) vector under the control of the promoter of bacteriophage T7. Recombinant XynA was produced in ArcticExpressRP(DE3) cells by plasmid gene expression, protein purification was carried out by metal affinity chromatography. During the study, the dependence of the enzymatic activity of recombinant xylanase on temperature and pH was observed, it was established that xylanase has the highest activity at +50°C and pH of 6.9. The activity units at these values of temperature and pH were1859 per ml of purified protein. The working temperature and pH ranges in which xylanase conserves more than 70% activity from maximum is 40-60°C and 5-8, respectively.
The data obtained are essential for the use of carbohydrase xylanase from B.licheniformis in biotechnological processes in the processing of vegetable raw materials.
Where Are Today’s Engineering Jobs?
Authors: Kosowatz John 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Demand for engineers across all disciplines, especially mechanical engineering, is very high as U.S. industries look to ramp up what they hope is a post-pandemic economy. They also may enjoy more relaxed working conditions as employers adapt to over a year of remote operations. They might not have to go to the office or the jobsite, at least exclusively, because many employers are continuing remote work.
Diagnostic accuracy of teleretinal screening for detection of diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mehraban Far Parsa , Tai Felicia , Ogunbameru Adeteju , Pechlivanoglou Petros , Sander Beate , Wong David T , Brent Michael H , Felfeli Tina 
Published: February 2022

ObjectiveTo evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of teleretinal screening compared with face-to-face examination for detection of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).Methods and analysisThis study adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies (PRISMA-DTA). A comprehensive search of OVID MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane CENTRAL was performed from January 2010 to July 2021. QUADAS-2 tool was used to assess methodological quality and applicability of the studies. A bivariate random effects model was used to perform the meta-analysis. Referrable DR was defined as any disease severity equal to or worse than moderate non-proliferative DR or diabetic macular oedema (DMO).Results28 articles were included. Teleretinal screening achieved a sensitivity of 0.91 (95% CI: 0.82 to 0.96) and specificity of 0.88 (0.74 to 0.95) for any DR (13 studies, n=7207, Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) low). Accuracy for referrable DR (10 studies, n=6373, GRADE moderate) was lower with a sensitivity of 0.88 (0.81 to 0.93) and specificity of 0.86 (0.79 to 0.90). After exclusion of ungradable images, the specificity for referrable DR increased to 0.95 (0.90 to 0.98), while the sensitivity remained nearly unchanged at 0.85 (0.76 to 0.91). Teleretinal screening achieved a sensitivity of 0.71 (0.49 to 0.86) and specificity of 0.88 (0.85 to 0.90) for detection of AMD (three studies, n=697, GRADE low).ConclusionTeleretinal screening is highly accurate for detecting any DR and DR warranting referral. Data for AMD screening is promising but warrants further investigation.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020191994.
Levels of Alpha-Fetoprotein and Association with Mortality in Hepatocellular Carcinoma of HIV-1-Infected Patients
Authors: Morsica Giulia , Galli Laura , Messina Emanuela , Cibarelli Alessandro , Bagaglio Sabrina , Poli Andrea , Ranzenigo Martina , Castagna Antonella , Hasson Hamid , Uberti-Foppa Caterina 
Published: February 2022

Background and Aim. The clinical course of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is determined by cancer-related and nonrelated factors. We evaluated the effect of a cancer-related factor, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, on mortality in HIV-1-infected patients with HCC. Methods. This is a retrospective cohort study on patients living with HIV-1 infection (PLWH) followed at the Division of Infectious Diseases of the San Raffaele Hospital, with cirrhosis and HCC diagnosed between 1999 and 2018 and with an available AFP value at HCC diagnosis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to estimate the accuracy of baseline AFP in predicting death. Factors associated with the risk of death were identified using multivariable Cox proportional-hazards regression models. Results. Overall, 53 PLWH were evaluated: 18 patients received a curative treatment (9 liver transplantation, 5 liver resections and 4 radiofrequency ablation) and 35 a noncurative treatment (17 chemo or radio embolization, 10 sorafenib and 8 best supportive care). Baseline AFP was predictive of death [AUC 0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54–0.83], and the optimal cut-off was 28.8 ng/mL. At multivariable analysis, BL AFP ≥28.8 ng/mL was associated with death [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 7.05, 95% CI 1.94–25.71

P

= 0.003]. Other factors were HBV infection (aHR 8.57, 95% CI 1.47–50.08,

P

= 0.017) and treatment allocation (curative vs. noncurative, aHR 0.08, 95% CI 0.02–0.40,

P

= 0.0004). Conclusions. Our findings suggest that in PLWH AFP serum levels ≥28.8 ng/mL, HBV coinfection and treatment allocation represent predictive markers for death at the time of HCC diagnosis.
Coronary Artery Disease Risk of Familial Hypercholesterolemia Genetic Variants Independent of Clinically Observed Longitudinal Cholesterol Exposure
Authors: Clarke Shoa L. , Tcheandjieu Catherine , Hilliard Austin T. , Lee Kyung Min , Lynch Julie , Chang Kyong-Mi , Miller Donald , Knowles Joshua W. , O’Donnell Christopher , Tsao Philip S. , Rader Daniel J. , Wilson Peter W. , Sun Yan V. , Gaziano J. Michael , Assimes Themistocles L. ,   VA Million Veteran Program
Published: February 2022

Background:
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) genetic variants confer risk for coronary artery disease independent of LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) when considering a single measurement. In real clinical settings, longitudinal LDL-C data are often available through the electronic health record. It is unknown whether genetic testing for FH variants provides additional risk-stratifying information once longitudinal LDL-C is considered.

Methods:

We used the extensive electronic health record data available through the Million Veteran Program to conduct a nested case-control study. The primary outcome was coronary artery disease, derived from electronic health record codes for acute myocardial infarction and coronary revascularization. Incidence density sampling was used to match case/control exposure windows, defined by the date of the first LDL-C measurement to the date of the first coronary artery disease code of the index case. Adjustments for the first, maximum, or mean LDL-C were analyzed. FH variants in
LDLR
,
APOB
, and
PCSK9
(Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) were assessed by custom genotype array.

Results:
In a cohort of 23 091 predominantly prevalent cases at enrollment and 230 910 matched controls, FH variant carriers had an increased risk for coronary artery disease (odds ratio [OR], 1.53 [95% CI, 1.24–1.89]). Adjusting for mean LDL-C led to the greatest attenuation of the risk estimate, but significant risk remained (odds ratio, 1.33 [95% CI, 1.08–1.64]). The degree of attenuation was not affected by the number and the spread of LDL-C measures available.

Conclusions:
The risk associated with carrying an FH variant cannot be fully captured by the LDL-C data available in the electronic health record, even when considering multiple LDL-C measurements spanning more than a decade.
Fetal Brain Volume Predicts Neurodevelopment in Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Sadhwani Anjali , Wypij David , Rofeberg Valerie , Gholipour Ali , Mittleman Maggie , Rohde Julia , Velasco-Annis Clemente , Calderon Johanna , Friedman Kevin G. , Tworetzky Wayne , Grant P. Ellen , Soul Janet S. , Warfield Simon K. , Newburger Jane W. , Ortinau Cynthia M. , Rollins Caitlin K. 
Published: February 2022

Background:
Neurodevelopmental impairment is common in children with congenital heart disease (CHD), but postnatal variables explain only 30% of the variance in outcomes. To explore whether the antecedents for neurodevelopmental disabilities might begin in utero, we analyzed whether fetal brain volume predicted subsequent neurodevelopmental outcome in children with CHD.

Methods:
Fetuses with isolated CHD and sociodemographically comparable healthy control fetuses underwent fetal brain magnetic resonance imaging and 2-year neurodevelopmental evaluation with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III) and the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, Third Edition (ABAS-3). Hierarchical regression evaluated potential predictors of Bayley-III and ABAS-3 outcomes in the CHD group, including fetal total brain volume adjusted for gestational age and sex, sociodemographic characteristics, birth measures, and medical history.

Results:

The CHD group (n=52) had lower Bayley-III cognitive, language, and motor scores than the control group (n=26), but fetal brain volumes were similar. Within the CHD group, larger fetal total brain volume correlated with higher Bayley-III cognitive, language, and motor scores and ABAS-3 adaptive functioning scores (
r
=0.32–0.47; all
P
<0.05), but this was not noted in the control group. Fetal brain volume predicted 10% to 21% of the variance in neurodevelopmental outcome measures in univariate analyses. Multivariable models that also included social class and postnatal factors explained 18% to 45% of the variance in outcome, depending on developmental domain. Moreover, in final multivariable models, fetal brain volume was the most consistent predictor of neurodevelopmental outcome across domains.

Conclusions:
Small fetal brain volume is a strong independent predictor of 2-year neurodevelopmental outcomes and may be an important imaging biomarker of future neurodevelopmental risk in CHD. Future studies are needed to support this hypothesis. Our findings support inclusion of fetal brain volume in risk stratification models and as a possible outcome in fetal neuroprotective intervention studies.
Second Heart Field–Derived Cells Contribute to Angiotensin II–Mediated Ascending Aortopathies
Authors: Sawada Hisashi , Katsumata Yuriko , Higashi Hideyuki , Zhang Chen , Li Yanming , Morgan Stephanie , Lee Lang H. , Singh Sasha A. , Chen Jeff Z. , Franklin Michael K. , Moorleghen Jessica J. , Howatt Deborah A. , Rateri Debra L. , Shen Ying H. , LeMaire Scott A. , Aikawa Masanori , Majesky Mark W. , Lu Hong S. , Daugherty Alan 
Published: February 2022

Background:
The ascending aorta is a common location for aneurysm and dissection. This aortic region is populated by a mosaic of medial and adventitial cells that are embryonically derived from either the second heart field (SHF) or the cardiac neural crest. SHF-derived cells populate areas that coincide with the spatial specificity of thoracic aortopathies. The purpose of this study was to determine whether and how SHF-derived cells contribute to ascending aortopathies.

Methods:

Ascending aortic pathologies were examined in patients with sporadic thoracic aortopathies and angiotensin II (AngII)–infused mice. Ascending aortas without overt pathology from AngII-infused mice were subjected to mass spectrometry–assisted proteomics and molecular features of SHF-derived cells were determined by single-cell transcriptomic analyses. Genetic deletion of either
Lrp1
(low-density lipoprotein receptor–related protein 1) or
Tgfbr2
(transforming growth factor–β receptor type 2) in SHF-derived cells was conducted to examine the effect of SHF-derived cells on vascular integrity.

Results:

Pathologies in human ascending aortic aneurysmal tissues were predominant in outer medial layers and adventitia. This gradient was mimicked in mouse aortas after AngII infusion that was coincident with the distribution of SHF-derived cells. Proteomics indicated that brief AngII infusion before overt pathology occurred evoked downregulation of smooth muscle cell proteins and differential expression of extracellular matrix proteins, including several LRP1 ligands. LRP1 deletion in SHF-derived cells augmented AngII-induced ascending aortic aneurysm and rupture. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis revealed that brief AngII infusion decreased
Lrp1
and
Tgfbr2
mRNA abundance in SHF-derived cells and induced a unique fibroblast population with low abundance of
Tgfbr2
mRNA. SHF-specific
Tgfbr2
deletion led to embryonic lethality at E12.5 with dilatation of the outflow tract and retroperitoneal hemorrhage. Integration of proteomic and single-cell transcriptomics results identified PAI1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor 1) as the most increased protein in SHF-derived smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts during AngII infusion. Immunostaining revealed a transmural gradient of PAI1 in both ascending aortas of AngII-infused mice and human ascending aneurysmal aortas that mimicked the gradient of medial and adventitial pathologies.

Conclusions:
SHF-derived cells exert a critical role in maintaining vascular integrity through LRP1 and transforming growth factor–β signaling associated with increases of aortic PAI1.