bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non-penetrating deep sclerectomy with the sub flap (Ahmed’s) suture: a 12-month comparative study
Authors: Abdelrahman Ahmed Mostafa , Hassan Lameece Moustafa , Habib Mina Maged 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Purpose
To assess the IOP-lowering effect of adding a mattress suture (Ahmed’s suture) to non-penetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS), in patients with open angle glaucoma over a 12-month follow-up period.

Methods
This is a randomized controlled study comparing 52 eyes with a sub-flap Ahmed’s suture modified NPDS (group A) and 51 with a conventional NPDS (group B). Success of surgery was categorized as complete success if the IOP remained between 6 and 18 mmHg without medications and as qualified if topical medications were required.

Results
The post-operative IOP at the 1st week, 3rd, 6th, 9th & 12th months follow ups in group A were significantly lower (7.3 ± 2.1, 12.0 ± 2.3, 12.6 ± 2.7, 13.6 ± 3.4 & 13.8 ± 3.8 mmHg) than in B (9.2 ± 1.9, 14.0 ± 3.1, 14.8 ± 2.9, 15.4 ± 2.6 & 15.7 ± 2.7 mmHg) (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.002, p = 0.027 & p = 0.029 respectively). The percentage of IOP reduction after 1 year was significantly higher in group A than in group B (49% vs. 36.5%). At the end of the 12-month follow-up, 81% of group A and 69% of group B were considered as complete success. Multivariate regression analysis showed lower 1st week post-operative IOP was associated with better outcome.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the Ahmed’s suture, a simple, novel and economic modification, maintains lower IOP levels and has a higher success rate over conventional DS, as it is 30% more effective in reducing the IOP.
Trophic position of Otodus megalodon and great white sharks through time revealed by zinc isotopes
Authors: McCormack Jeremy , Griffiths Michael L. , Kim Sora L. , Shimada Kenshu , Karnes Molly , Maisch Harry , Pederzani Sarah , Bourgon Nicolas , Jaouen Klervia , Becker Martin A. , Jöns Niels , Sisma-Ventura Guy , Straube Nicolas , Pollerspöck Jürgen , Hublin Jean-Jacques , Eagle Robert A. , Tütken Thomas 
Published: May 2022

AbstractDiet is a crucial trait of an animal’s lifestyle and ecology. The trophic level of an organism indicates its functional position within an ecosystem and holds significance for its ecology and evolution. Here, we demonstrate the use of zinc isotopes (δ66Zn) to geochemically assess the trophic level in diverse extant and extinct sharks, including the Neogene megatooth shark (Otodus megalodon) and the great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias). We reveal that dietary δ66Zn signatures are preserved in fossil shark tooth enameloid over deep geologic time and are robust recorders of each species’ trophic level. We observe significant δ66Zn differences among the Otodus and Carcharodon populations implying dietary shifts throughout the Neogene in both genera. Notably, Early Pliocene sympatric C. carcharias and O. megalodon appear to have occupied a similar mean trophic level, a finding that may hold clues to the extinction of the gigantic Neogene megatooth shark.
Computationally designed hyperactive Cas9 enzymes
Authors: Vos Pascal D. , Rossetti Giulia , Mantegna Jessica L. , Siira Stefan J. , Gandadireja Andrianto P. , Bruce Mitchell , Raven Samuel A. , Khersonsky Olga , Fleishman Sarel J. , Filipovska Aleksandra , Rackham Oliver 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe ability to alter the genomes of living cells is key to understanding how genes influence the functions of organisms and will be critical to modify living systems for useful purposes. However, this promise has long been limited by the technical challenges involved in genetic engineering. Recent advances in gene editing have bypassed some of these challenges but they are still far from ideal. Here we use FuncLib to computationally design Cas9 enzymes with substantially higher donor-independent editing activities. We use genetic circuits linked to cell survival in yeast to quantify Cas9 activity and discover synergistic interactions between engineered regions. These hyperactive Cas9 variants function efficiently in mammalian cells and introduce larger and more diverse pools of insertions and deletions into targeted genomic regions, providing tools to enhance and expand the possible applications of CRISPR-based gene editing.
Genomic dissection of Klebsiella pneumoniae infections in hospital patients reveals insights into an opportunistic pathogen
Authors: Gorrie Claire L. , Mirčeta Mirjana , Wick Ryan R. , Judd Louise M. , Lam Margaret M. C. , Gomi Ryota , Abbott Iain J. , Thomson Nicholas R. , Strugnell Richard A. , Pratt Nigel F. , Garlick Jill S. , Watson Kerrie M. , Hunter Peter C. , Pilcher David V. , McGloughlin Steve A. , Spelman Denis W. , Wyres Kelly L. , Jenney Adam W. J. , Holt Kathryn E. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractKlebsiella pneumoniaeis a major cause of opportunistic healthcare-associated infections, which are increasingly complicated by the presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and carbapenem resistance. We conducted a year-long prospective surveillance study ofK. pneumoniaeclinical isolates in hospital patients. Whole-genome sequence (WGS) data reveals a diverse pathogen population, including other species within theK. pneumoniaespecies complex (18%). Several infections were caused byK. variicola/K. pneumoniaehybrids, one of which shows evidence of nosocomial transmission. A wide range of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenotypes are observed, and diverse genetic mechanisms identified (mainly plasmid-borne genes). ESBLs are correlated with presence of other acquired AMR genes (mediann = 10). Bacterial genomic features associated with nosocomial onset are ESBLs (OR 2.34,p = 0.015) and rhamnose-positive capsules (OR 3.12,p < 0.001). Virulence plasmid-encoded features (aerobactin, hypermucoidy) are observed at low-prevalence (<3%), mostly in community-onset cases. WGS-confirmed nosocomial transmission is implicated in just 10% of cases, but strongly associated with ESBLs (OR 21,p < 1 × 10−11). We estimate 28% risk of onward nosocomial transmission for ESBL-positive strains vs 1.7% for ESBL-negative strains. These data indicate thatK. pneumoniaeinfections in hospitalised patients are due largely to opportunistic infections with diverse strains, with an additional burden from nosocomially-transmitted AMR strains and community-acquired hypervirulent strains.
Development and validation of a multivariable mortality risk prediction model for COPD in primary care
Authors: Shah Syed A. , Nwaru Bright I. , Sheikh Aziz , Simpson Colin R. , Kotz Daniel 
Published: May 2022

AbstractRisk stratification of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients is important to enable targeted management. Existing disease severity classification systems, such as GOLD staging, do not take co-morbidities into account despite their high prevalence in COPD patients. We sought to develop and validate a prognostic model to predict 10-year mortality in patients with diagnosed COPD. We constructed a longitudinal cohort of 37,485 COPD patients (149,196 person-years) from a UK-wide primary care database. The risk factors included in the model pertained to demographic and behavioural characteristics, co-morbidities, and COPD severity. The outcome of interest was all-cause mortality. We fitted an extended Cox-regression model to estimate hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), used machine learning-based data modelling approaches including k-fold cross-validation to validate the prognostic model, and assessed model fitting and discrimination. The inter-quartile ranges of the three metrics on the validation set suggested good performance: 0.90–1.06 for model fit, 0.80–0.83 for Harrel’s c-index, and 0.40–0.46 for Royston and Saurebrei’s $$R_D^2$$

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with a strong overlap of these metrics on the training dataset. According to the validated prognostic model, the two most important risk factors of mortality were heart failure (HR 1.92; 95% CI 1.87–1.96) and current smoking (HR 1.68; 95% CI 1.66–1.71). We have developed and validated a national, population-based prognostic model to predict 10-year mortality of patients diagnosed with COPD. This model could be used to detect high-risk patients and modify risk factors such as optimising heart failure management and offering effective smoking cessation interventions.
Integrated usage of historical geospatial data and modern satellite images reveal long-term land use/cover changes in Bursa/Turkey, 1858–2020
Authors: Ettehadi Osgouei Paria , Sertel Elif , Kabadayı M. Erdem 
Published: May 2022

AbstractLand surface of the Earth has been changing as a result of human induced activities and natural processes. Accurate representation of landscape characteristics and precise determination of spatio-temporal changes provide valuable inputs for environmental models, landscape and urban planning, and historical land cover change analysis. This study aims to determine historical land use and land cover (LULC) changes using multi-modal geospatial data, which are the cadastral maps produced in 1858, monochrome aerial photographs obtained in 1955, and multi-spectral WorldView-3 satellite images of 2020. We investigated two pilot regions, Aksu and Kestel towns in Bursa/Turkey, to analyze the long-term LULC changes quantitatively and to understand the driving forces that caused the changes. We propose methods to facilitate the preparation of historical datasets for the LULC change detection and present an object-oriented joint classification scheme for multi-source datasets to accurately map the spatio-temporal changes. Our approach minimized the amount of manual digitizing required for the boundary delineation of LULC classes from historical geospatial data. Also, our quantitative analysis of LULC maps indicates diverging developments for the selected locations in the long period of 162 years. We observed rural depopulation and gradual afforestation in Aksu; whereas, agricultural land abandonment and deforestation in Kestel.
Past 200 kyr hydroclimate variability in the western Mediterranean and its connection to the African Humid Periods
Authors: Camuera Jon , Ramos-Román María J. , Jiménez-Moreno Gonzalo , García-Alix Antonio , Ilvonen Liisa , Ruha Leena , Gil-Romera Graciela , González-Sampériz Penélope , Seppä Heikki 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe Iberian Peninsula is located at the intersection between the subtropical and temperate climate zones and the paleoclimate records from this region are key to elucidate the varying humidity and changing dominance of atmospheric circulation patterns in the Mediterranean-North African region in the past. Here we present a quantitative hydroclimate reconstruction for the last ca. 200 kyr from southern Iberian Peninsula based on pollen data from the Padul lake sediment record. We use the newly developed Scale-normalized Significant Zero crossing (SnSiZer) method to detect not only the statistically significant precipitation changes but also to estimate the relative magnitude of these oscillations in our reconstruction. We identify six statistically significant main humid phases, termed West Mediterranean Humid Periods (WMHP 1–6). These humid periods correlate with other West/Central Mediterranean paleohydrological records, suggesting that similar climatic factors affected different areas of the Mediterranean. In addition, the WMPHs are roughly coeval with the African Humid Periods (AHPs) during high seasonality, suggesting the same North Atlantic ocean-atmospheric dynamics and orbital forcing as main drivers of both areas. In contrast, during low seasonality periods, the West Mediterranean still appears to be affected by the westerlies and the local Mediterranean rainfall systems with moderate-to-high precipitation, whereas West Africa was characterized by droughts.
The new preparation method for paraffin-embedded samples applying scanning electron microscopy revealed characteristic features in asthma-induced mice
Authors: Wakai Ken , Azuma Kazuhiko , Iwamura Chiaki , Maimaiti Maihulan , Mikami Kosuke , Yoneda Kei , Sakamoto Shinichi , Ikehara Sanae , Yamaguchi Takashi , Hirahara Kiyoshi , Ichikawa Tomohiko , Nakayama Toshinori , Ikehara Yuzuru 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIn bronchial asthma patients, mucous cell metaplasia (MCM) and fibrosis occur in the bronchial epithelium and interstitium, respectively. The mucus and collagen fibers are identified by Periodic acid-Schiff stain (PAS) or Sirius red stain on optical microscopy. On a scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation, formalin-fixed-paraffin-embedded specimens have high insulation, thereby attenuating the scattered electron signals leading to insufficient contrast. Moreover, there were no staining methods for SEM observation, which characterizes the changes in epithelium and interstitium by enhancing the scattered electrons. In this study, we established a method of coating osmium thin film on pathological tissue specimens using plasma chemical vapor deposition technology. This method ensured the intensity of scattered electron signals and enabled SEM observation. Furthermore, we found that morphological changes in MCM and interstitial fibrosis could be characterized by Grocott stain, which we optimized to evaluate pathological remodeling in bronchial asthma. Using these techniques, we compared asthma-induced mice with Amphiregulin (Areg) knockout mice, and found that Areg induce MCM, but the production of Grocott-stain-positive substrate in the interstitium is Areg-independent. The method developed in this study provides an understanding of the pathological spatial information linked to the ultrastructural changes in cells and interstitium due to disease-related signaling abnormalities.
Semiconducting hematite facilitates microbial and abiotic reduction of chromium
Authors: Chen Michael A. , Mehta Neha , Kocar Benjamin D. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractSemi-conducting Fe oxide minerals, such as hematite, are well known to influence the fate of contaminants and nutrients in many environmental settings through sorption and release of Fe(II) resulting from microbial or abiotic reduction. Studies of Fe oxide reduction by adsorbed Fe(II) have demonstrated that reduction of Fe(III) at one mineral surface can result in the release of Fe(II) on a different one. This process is termed “Fe(II) catalyzed recrystallization” and is believed to be the result of electron transfer through semi-conducting Fe (hydr)oxides. While it is well understood that Fe(II) plays a central role in redox cycling of elements, the environmental implications of Fe(II) catalyzed recrystallization require further exploration. Here, we demonstrate that hematite links physically separated redox reactions by conducting the electrons involved in those reactions. This is shown using an electrochemical setup where Cr reduction is coupled with a potentiostat or Shewanella putrefaciens, a metal reducing microbe, where electrons donated to hematite produce Fe(II) that ultimately reduces Cr. This work demonstrates that mineral semi-conductivity may provide an additional avenue for redox chemistry to occur in natural soils and sediments, because these minerals can link redox active reactants that could not otherwise react due to physical separation.
Determinants of blood sugar level among type I diabetic patients in Debre Tabor General Hospital, Ethiopia: a longitudinal study
Authors: Gobena Molalign Gualu , Kassie Maru Zewdu 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIn 2019 among all populous countries in Africa, Ethiopia has the fourth-highest number of people with diabetes (1.7 million). This aggravated prevalence figure implies that diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem in Ethiopia. Due to urbanization, this problem is very critical in the Amhara region, Ethiopia. The study aimed to identify factors that affect the longitudinal fasting blood sugar among T1DM (Type I diabetes mellitus) patients in Debre Tabor General Hospital (DTGH); North-west Ethiopia. A retrospective study design was conducted from 210 randomly selected T1DM patients in the clinic (Outpatient Department) at Debre Tabor General Hospital under the follow-up period from September 2019 to August 2021. To fit these retrospective data records, we used Random intercept and slope models. In this study, the unstructured variance–covariance structure was the appropriate structure for the random intercept and slope model. At a 5% level of significance, family history of diabetes mellitus, age, comorbidity, hemoglobin, and visit time in months were significant factors. Also, all the random effect parameters were statistically significant. It implies that the variability within and between T1DM patients in FBS over time was statistically significant. The mean fasting blood sugar level at baseline was 5.4944 mg/dl and decreased to 5.0679 mg/dl at the final follow-up time. Major contributors for the increment of fasting blood sugar level were increasing age, decreasing haemoglobin, having comorbidity, and belonging from a family with diabetes history. The overall within and between variability in fasting blood sugar level among T1DM patients in DTGH were high. Intervention measures at DTGH level should be undertaken using health education and other measures by providing an emphasis on the prevention, early detection, and treatment of diabetes mellitus.
The CeCORD-J study on collagenase injection versus aponeurectomy for Dupuytren's contracture compared by hand function and cost effectiveness
Authors: Yamamoto Michiro , Yasunaga Hideo , Kakinoki Ryosuke , Tsubokawa Naoto , Morita Akimasa , Tanaka Katsumi , Sakai Akinori , Kurahashi Toshikazu , Hirata Hitoshi ,   CeCORD J study Group, Hirata Hitoshi , Tatebe Masahiro , Yamamoto Michiro , Onishi Tetsuro , Iwatsuki Katsuyuki , Tokutake Katsuhiro , Yasunaga Hideo , Kakinoki Ryosuke , Otani Kazuhiro , Tsubokawa Naoto , Morita Akimasa , Tanaka Katsumi , Sakai Akinori , Menuki Kunitaka , Yamanaka Yoshiaki , Urata Shiro , Oguchi Takeshi , Kurahashi Toshikazu , Iwasaki Norimasa , Matsui Yuichiro , Ikegami Hiroyasu , Sakano Hiroaki , Katsumura Tetsu , Nishiwaki Masao , Tanaka Toshikazu , Hirase Yuichi , Kanno Yuri , Kato Hiroyuki , Hayashi Masanori , Omokawa Shohei , Hasegawa Hideo , Gotani Hiroyuki , Tanaka Yoshitaka , Sunagawa Toru , Shinomiya Rikuo , Kajiwara Rhoji , Nakao Etsuhiro , Nishizuka Takanobu , Hattori Yasunori , Shinohara Takaaki , Watanabe Kentaro , Okui Nobuyuki , Koshima Hiroshi , Tajika Tsuyoshi , Ohi Hiroyuki , Kaji Yoshio , Nagayoshi Eiichi , Igarashi Ataru 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis study compared hand function and the cost-effectiveness of treatment between collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) injection and limited fasciectomy for patients with Dupuytren’s contracture (DC). The CeCORD-J study is a prospective, multicenter, non-randomized controlled, observational study of two parallel groups. Participants were DC patients with multiple affected fingers, including flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. The primary outcome was the Hand10 score, as a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM). We set secondary outcomes of EQ-5D-5L (QOL) score, degree of extension deficit, and direct cost. Propensity score adjustment was used to balance differences in patient characteristics between groups. Participants comprised 52 patients in the Collagenase group and 26 patients in the Surgery group. There were no significant differences in the Hand10 and QOL scores between the two groups at 26 weeks. Mean direct cost was 248,000 yen higher in the Surgery group than in the Collagenase group. Extension deficit angle of the PIP joint was significantly larger in the Collagenase group at 26 weeks. Although the Collagenase group showed dominance in cost-effectiveness, there was no significant difference between the two groups in hand function at 26 weeks.
Storage method of multi-channel lidar data based on tree structure
Authors: Chen Hao , Gao Fei , Zhu Qingsong , Yan Qing , Hua Dengxin , Stanič Samo 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe multi-channel lidar has fast acquisition speed, large data volume, high dimension, and vital real-time storage, which makes it challenging to be met using the traditional lidar data storage methods. This paper presents a novel approach to storing the multi-channel lidar data based on the principle of the tree structure, the adjacency linked list, the binary data storage. In the proposed system, a tree structure is constructed by the four-dimensional structure of the multi-channel lidar data, and a data retrieval method of the multi-channel lidar data file is given. The results show that the proposed tree structure approach can save the storage capacity and improve the retrieval speed, which can meet the needs for efficient storage and retrieval of multi-channel lidar data, and improve the data storage utilization and the practicality of multi-channel lidar system.
Adipose and serum zinc alpha-2-glycoprotein (ZAG) expressions predict longitudinal change of adiposity, wasting and predict survival in dialysis patients
Authors: Chan Gordon Chun-Kau , Than Win Hlaing , Kwan Bonnie Ching-Ha , Lai Ka-Bik , Chan Ronald Cheong-Kin , Teoh Jeremy Yuen-Chun , Ng Jack Kit-Chung , Chow Kai-Ming , Fung Winston Wing-Shing , Cheng Phyllis Mei-Shan , Law Man-Ching , Leung Chi-Bon , Li Philip Kam-Tao , Szeto Cheuk-Chun 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThere were limited data on adipose and serum zinc alpha-2-glycoprotein (ZAG) expression and its association with body composition in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to quantify adipose and serum ZAG expression and evaluate their association with body composition and its longitudinal change, together with mortality in incident dialysis patients. We performed a single-center prospective cohort study. Patients who were planned for peritoneal dialysis were recruited. ZAG levels were measured from serum sample, subcutaneous and pre-peritoneal fat tissue obtained during peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion. Body composition and functional state were evaluated by bioimpedance spectroscopy and Clinical Frailty Scale respectively at baseline and were repeated 1 year later. Primary outcome was 2-year survival. Secondary outcomes were longitudinal changes of body composition. At baseline, the average adipose and serum ZAG expression was 13.4 ± 130.0-fold and 74.7 ± 20.9 µg/ml respectively. Both adipose and serum ZAG expressions independently predicted adipose tissue mass (ATM) (p = 0.001, p = 0.008, respectively). At 1 year, ATM increased by 3.3 ± 7.4 kg (p < 0.001) while lean tissue mass (LTM) remained similar (p = 0.5). Adipose but not serum ZAG level predicted change in ATM (p = 0.007) and LTM (p = 0.01). Serum ZAG level predicted overall survival (p = 0.005) and risk of infection-related death (p = 0.045) after adjusting for confounders. In conclusion, adipose and serum ZAG levels negatively correlated with adiposity and predicted its longitudinal change of fat and lean tissue mass, whilst serum ZAG predicted survival independent of body mass in advanced CKD patient.