bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Local factor H production by human choroidal endothelial cells mitigates complement deposition: implications for macular degeneration
Authors: Mulfaul Kelly , Mullin Nathaniel K , Giacalone Joseph C , Voigt Andrew P , R DeVore Melette , Stone Edwin M , Tucker Budd A , Mullins Robert F 
Published: January 2022

AbstractActivation of the alternative complement pathway is an initiating event in the pathology of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Unchecked complement activation leads to the formation of a pro‐lytic pore, the membrane attack complex (MAC). MAC deposition is observed on the choriocapillaris of AMD patients and likely causes lysis of choroidal endothelial cells (CECs). Complement factor H (FH, encoded by the gene CFH) is an inhibitor of complement. Both loss of function of FH and reduced choroidal levels of FH have been reported in AMD. It is plausible that reduced local FH availability promotes MAC deposition on CECs. FH is produced primarily in the liver; however, cells including the retinal pigment epithelium can produce FH locally. We hypothesized that CECs produce FH locally to protect against MAC deposition. We aimed to investigate the effect of reduced FH levels in the choroid to determine whether increasing local FH could protect CECs from MAC deposition. We demonstrated that siRNA knockdown of FH (CFH) in human immortalized CECs results in increased MAC deposition. We generated AMD iPSC‐derived CECs and found that overexpression of FH protects against MAC deposition. These results suggest that local CEC‐produced FH protects against MAC deposition, and that increasing local FH protein may be beneficial in limiting MAC deposition in AMD. © 2022 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Impact of treatment refusal and abandonment on survival outcomes in pediatric osteosarcoma in Southeast Asia: A multicenter study
Authors: Monsereenusorn Chalinee , Alcasabas Ana Patricia , Loh Amos Hong Pheng , Soh Shui Yen , Leung Kenneth Wong Pak , Kimpo Miriam , Dhamne Chetan , Blair Sally , Lam Catherine , Photia Apichat , Rujkijyanont Piya , Traivaree Chanchai , Pairojboriboon Sutipat , Rodriguez‐Galindo Carlos ,   the Asian Childhood Cancer Alliance Osteosarcoma Study Group
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundTreatment refusal and abandonment (TxRA) are major barriers to improving outcomes among children with sarcomas of the extremities as curative treatment options bearing on amputation or disfiguring surgery, particularly in countries with limited resources. A multi‐institutional retrospective study was conducted to determine the predictive factors for TxRA among patients with osteosarcoma associated with survival outcomes across Southeast Asia (SEA).MethodsPediatric patients with osteosarcoma treated between January 1998 and December 2017 in four SEA pediatric oncology centers from three countries were studied. Nelson–Aalen estimates, Kaplan–Meier method, and Cox's proportion hazard model were applied to address the cumulative incidence, survival outcomes, and to identify prognostic factors associated with TxRA.ResultsFrom a total of 208 patients with osteosarcoma enrolled; 18 (8.7%) patients refused and 41 (19.7%) patients abandoned treatment. Income classification of countries, age at diagnosis, tumor size, disease extent, chemotherapy protocols, and types of surgery were associated with TxRA. Tumor size more than 15 cm was an independent risk factor associated with TxRA. The 5‐year overall and relapse‐free survivals were 49.4% and 50.4%, respectively. However, these rates declined further to 37.9% and 35.8%, respectively, when TxRA were considered as events. Tumor size larger than 15 cm and metastatic disease were independent risk factors associated with TxRA‐sensitive outcomes.ConclusionThe prevalence of TxRA was high in SEA, particularly in lower middle‐income countries. Factors associated with TxRA related to tumor burden. Treatment outcomes could be substantially improved by lowering the refusal and abandonment rates.
Current and emerging prostheses for partial hand amputation: A narrative review
Authors: Kim Gabriel M. , Powell Jordan E. , Lacey Sean A. , Butkus Josef A. , Smith Douglas G. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPartial hand amputation can have a tremendous range of impact and functional loss on a person's life. One solution to improve function and address some of the problems that partial hand amputees face is to fit them with a prosthesis. Partial hand prosthetic devices range in a wide spectrum in both function and aesthetics. At this time, there is no one, perfect prosthetic device that can replace what is lost. Many individuals with partial hand amputation require more than one prosthetic device. In this review article, we explored and compared several prosthetic options that have been investigated and marketed by researchers and companies. Some of these options include passive, body‐powered, activity‐specific, and externally‐powered prostheses. Lastly, we described our experiences with partial hand prostheses at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
DNA‐repair status should be assessed in treatment‐emergent neuroendocrine prostate cancer before platinum‐based therapy
Authors: Zhu Shimiao , Zhang Zheng , Zhang Hui , Liu Zihao , Liu Min , Liu Qing , Zang Li , Wang Lili , Ji Junpeng , Wu Bo , Sun Libin , Zhang Zhenting , Cao Heran , Wang Yong , Wang Haitao , Shang Zhiqun , Niu Yuanjie 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectivesThis study sought to provide contemporary data from a multi‐institution with respect to DNA‐repair genes (DRGs) status and its impact on effects of platinum‐based chemotherapy in treatment‐emergent neuroendocrine prostate cancer (t‐NEPC), for which little data exist.Patients and MethodsAll patients were retrospectively collected with eligible biopsied tissues for targeted next generation sequencing (NGS). The main outcomes were radiologic progression‐free survival and overall survival according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, version 1.1.ResultsAmong the 43 NEPC patients, 13/43 (30%) harbored homozygous deletions, deleterious mutations, or both in DRGs. Eleven patients (11/13, 85%) with DRGs aberrations had effective response, including 7 patients with BRCA1/2 defects and 2 with mismatch repair‐deficient caused by MSH2 alterations. While significantly fewer responders (30%) were detected in patients without DRGs aberrations (odds ratio = 12.83, p = 0.003). Compared with patients without genomic DRGs aberrations, the hazard ratio (HR) for radiologic progression in those with DRGs defects was 0.42 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.19–0.93), and the HR for death was 0.65 (95% CI: 0.24–1.72). The most common adverse event of Grade 3 or 4 was anemia, as noted in 7 patients (16%).ConclusionThe DRGs status is therapeutically meaningful in t‐NEPC. Given the potential responses to platinum‐based chemotherapy, our findings support the clinical use of NGS in t‐NEPC patients to identify DRGs aberrations.
Chirality–helicity of cumulenes: A non‐scalar charge density derived perspective
Authors: Xing Hui , Azizi Alireza , Momen Roya , Xu Tianlv , Kirk Steven R. , Jenkins Samantha 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWe investigate the presence of helical character and chirality using a vector‐based charge density perspective instead of energetic or structural measures. The vector‐based perspective of the chemical bonding, constructed using the most preferred direction of charge density accumulation, finds the presence of induced symmetry‐breaking for α,ω‐disubstituted [4]cumulenes as the end groups are torsioned. The stress tensor trajectories Tσ(s) are used to provide the additional symmetry‐breaking required to quantify the degree and nature of the chirality and helical character. The S‐1,5‐dimethyl‐[4]cumulene contains a very low degree of chiral character but significant axiality(helicity) resulting in a weakly helical morphology of the corresponding Tσ(s). The (‐)S(‐), (+)S(‐) and (+)S(+) conformations of S‐1,5‐diamino‐[4]cumulene contain very significant degrees of both chirality and helical character resulting in helical morphology of the corresponding Tσ(s). We discuss the consequences for the Tσ(s) in locating chiral character in these molecules in future experiment investigations.
Piezoelectric Optomechanical Approaches for Efficient Quantum Microwave‐to‐Optical Signal Transduction: The Need for Co‐Design
Authors: Balram Krishna C. , Srinivasan Kartik 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPiezoelectric optomechanical platforms represent one of the most promising routes toward achieving quantum transduction of photons between the microwave and optical frequency domains. However, there are significant challenges to achieving near‐unity transduction efficiency. The authors discuss such factors in the context of the two main approaches being pursued for high efficiency transduction. The first approach uses 1D nanobeam optomechanical crystals excited by interdigitated transducers and is characterized by large single‐photon optomechanical coupling strength, limited intracavity pump photon population to avoid absorption‐induced heating (at cryogenic temperature), and low phonon injection efficiency from the transducer to the optomechanical cavity. The second approach uses (quasi) bulk acoustic wave resonators integrated into photonic Fabry–Perot cavity geometries and is characterized by low single‐photon optomechanical coupling strength, high intracavity pump photon population without significant heating, and high phonon injection efficiency. After reviewing the current status of both approaches, the need for co‐designing the electromechanical and optomechanical sub‐systems is discussed in order to achieve high transduction efficiencies, taking the GaAs piezo‐optomechanical platform as an example.
Heterostructure of RuO2‐RuP2/Ru Derived from HMT‐based Coordination Polymers as Superior pH‐Universal Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhao Ying , Zhang Xiaoyin , Gao Yuxiao , Chen Zhi , Li Zhenjiang , Ma Tianyi , Wu Zexing , Wang Lei , Feng Shouhua 
Published: January 2022

AbstractSearching for Pt‐like activity, stable and economic electrocatalysts that can function at various pH values for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is under increasing interest for the scientific community as H2 is a very promising energy carrier with great potential development value for renewable energy conversion. Herein, a unique self‐supported heterostructure of RuO2‐RuP2/Ru on the N, P co‐doped carbon matrix (Ru‐HMT‐MP‐7) is demonstrated, which is derived from HMT‐based coordination polymers as superior pH‐universal electrocatalysts. In the strategy, pyrolysis and phosphating processes are simultaneously proceeded that can produce the unique heterostructure containing three phases of RuO2, RuP2, and Ru, at the same time the generated RuO2‐RuP2/Ru can be highly dispersed on the self‐assembly N, P co‐doped carbon substrates. The resulting heterostructure Ru‐HMT‐MP‐7 exhibits excellent activity superior to that of benchmark Pt/C with low overpotentials at 10 mA cm−2 (33 mV for 1.0 M KOH, 29 mV for 0.5 M H2SO4 and 86 mV for 1.0 M PBS) and long‐term electrocatalysis durability toward HER at various pH values. The rational construction strategy paves a novel avenue for obtaining superior pH‐universal catalysts for electrochemical energy storage and conversion.
On the economics of storage for electricity: Current state and future market design prospects
Authors: Haas Reinhard , Kemfert Claudia , Auer Hans , Ajanovic Amela , Sayer Marlene , Hiesl Albert 
Published: January 2022

AbstractSince the early beginnings of the electricity system, storage has been of high relevance for balancing supply and demand. Through expanded electricity production by variable renewable technologies such as wind and photovoltaics, the discussion about new options for storage technologies is emerging. In addition, the electricity markets were subject to remarkable alterations. Some developments which describe these changes are increasing electricity generation from variable renewables and the continuing decentralization. These developments have led, among other required transformations, to demands for additional capacities of storage technologies. However, their economics will play a crucial role in their effective market penetration in the following years. The core objective of this work is to conduct a review on the relevance of storage options for electricity and its costs, economics, welfare effects, and on issues of electricity market design. In addition, based on expected Technological Learning prospects for future economics are derived. The major result is that the perspectives of electricity storage systems from an economic viewpoint are highly dependent on the storage's operation time, the nature of the overall system, availability of other flexibility options, and sector coupling. All market‐based storage technologies have to prove their performance in the large electricity markets or if applied decentralized, the (battery) systems compete with the electricity prices at the final customers level when the battery costs are also taken into consideration. Yet, new storage capacities should only be added when it is clear that electricity generation from variable renewables will also be expanded in a way that excess generation is expected.This article is categorized under:
Policy and Economics > Green Economics and Financing
Energy and Power Systems > Energy Infrastructure
Emerging Technologies > Energy Storage
Increasing animal cognition research in zoos
Authors: Garcia‐Pelegrin Elias , Clark Fay , Miller Rachael 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAnimal cognition covers various mental processes including perception, learning, decision‐making and memory, and animal behavior is often used as a proxy for measuring cognition. Animal cognition/behavior research has multiple benefits; it provides fundamental knowledge of animal biology and evolution but can also have applied conservation and welfare applications. Zoos provide an excellent yet relatively untapped resource for animal cognition research, because they house a wide variety of species—many of which are under threat—and allow close observation and relatively high experimental control compared to the wild. Multi‐zoo collaboration leads to increased sample size and species representation, which in turn leads to more robust science. However, there are salient challenges associated with zoo‐based cognitive research, which are animal‐based (e.g., small sample sizes at single zoos, untrained/unhabituated subjects, side effects) and human‐based (e.g., time restrictions, safety concerns, and perceptions of animals interacting with unnatural technology or apparatus). We aim to increase the understanding and subsequent uptake of animal cognition research in zoos, by transparently outlining the main benefits and challenges. Importantly, we use our own research (1) a study on novelty responses in hornbills, and (2) a multi‐site collaboration called the “ManyBirds” Project to demonstrate how challenges may be overcome. These potential options include using “drop and go” apparatuses that require no training, close human contact or animal separation. This study is aimed at zoo animal care and research staff, as well as external researchers interested in zoo‐based studies.
The Unequal Impacts of COVID-19 on Student Learning
Authors: Azevedo João Pedro , Gutierrez Marcela , de Hoyos Rafael , Saavedra Jaime 
Published: January 2022

AbstractCOVID-19 is not only leading to lower student learning levels, but likely resulting in a learning inequality catastrophe. In this chapter, we document the high-levels of learning inequality (within and between countries) that existed before the pandemic and disentangle the different mechanisms through which changes in inequality in learning may happen because of a shock like COVID-19, examining the role of school and family inputs. We show that historically, similar shocks in average learning levels disproportionally affect the most vulnerable students, and that emerging evidence from developed countries, as well as simulations, support the expected significant shifts in the learning distribution. Finally, we present a set of compensatory education policies that countries must urgently implement to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on learning inequality and promote equality of opportunities during and after the pandemic.
Competing endogenous RNA network mediated by circ_3205 in SARS-CoV-2 infected cells
Authors: Barbagallo Davide , Palermo Concetta Ilenia , Barbagallo Cristina , Battaglia Rosalia , Caponnetto Angela , Spina Vittoria , Ragusa Marco , Di Pietro Cinzia , Scalia Guido , Purrello Michele 
Published: January 2022

AbstractSevere Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a new member of the Betacoronaviridae family, responsible for the recent pandemic outbreak of COVID-19. To start exploring the molecular events that follow host cell infection, we queried VirusCircBase and identified a circular RNA (circRNA) predicted to be synthesized by SARS-CoV-2, circ_3205, which we used to probe: (i) a training cohort comprised of two pools of cells from three nasopharyngeal swabs of SARS-CoV-2 infected (positive) or uninfected (negative, UCs) individuals; (ii) a validation cohort made up of 12 positive and 3 negative samples. The expression of circRNAs, miRNAs and miRNA targets was assayed through real-time PCR. CircRNA–miRNA interactions were predicted by TarpMiR, Analysis of Common Targets for circular RNAs (ACT), and STarMir tools. Enrichment of the biological processes and the list of predicted miRNA targets were retrieved from DIANA miRPath v3.0. Our results showed that the predicted SARS-CoV-2 circ_3205 was expressed only in positive samples and its amount positively correlated with that of SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) mRNA and the viral load (r values = 0.80952 and 0.84867, Spearman’s correlation test, respectively). Human (hsa) miR-298 was predicted to interact with circ_3205 by all three predictive tools. KCNMB4 and PRKCE were predicted as hsa-miR-298 targets. Interestingly, the function of both is correlated with blood coagulation and immune response. KCNMB4 and PRKCE mRNAs were upregulated in positive samples as compared to UCs (6 and 8.1-fold, p values = 0.049 and 0.02, Student’s t test, respectively) and their expression positively correlated with that of circ_3205 (r values = 0.6 and 0.25, Spearman’s correlation test, respectively). We propose that our results convincingly suggest that circ_3205 is a circRNA synthesized by SARS-CoV-2 upon host cell infection and that it may behave as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA), sponging hsa-miR-298 and contributing to the upregulation of KCNMB4 and PRKCE mRNAs.
Wahlfach Robotische Chirurgie – Faszination Lehre(n)?
Authors: Zeuschner Philip , Becker Philippe , Heinzelbecker Julia , Linxweiler Johannes , Siemer Stefan , Stöckle Michael , Saar Matthias 
Published: January 2022

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Auch wenn sich roboterassistiertes Operieren zu einem verbreiteten Standardverfahren in einigen chirurgischen Fächern entwickelt hat, ist es im Lehrplan heutiger Medizinstudierender unterrepräsentiert.

Fragestellung
Wir berichten vom deutschlandweit ersten Wahlfach „Robotische Chirurgie“ für Studierende an einer urologischen Universitätsklinik.

Material und Methoden
In einer Kleingruppe mit zehn Studierenden wurden in sechs Treffen à 2 h theoretische Grundlagen und praktische Fertigkeiten in der robotischen Chirurgie vermittelt, inklusive einer Hospitation während einer urologischen roboterassistierten Operation. Der Zuwachs an Wissen (10 MCQ-Fragen) und Fähigkeiten (Übungen Camera 0, Clutch, Sea Spikes 1) an einem robotischen Simulationssystem wurde quantifiziert und die studentische Einschätzung evaluiert.

Ergebnisse
Bei den 10 Teilnehmenden war ein signifikanter Wissenszuwachs messbar, am Ende wurden in derselben theoretischen Prüfung im Median 3,5 mehr korrekte Antworten gegeben (p = 0,011). In zwei von drei praktischen Übungen stieg die Gesamtpunktzahl signifikant an (Camera 0 und Sea Spikes 1, für beide p < 0,05), in der Übung „Clutch“ verbesserte sich nur die Bewegungsökonomie (p = 0,028). Das Modul wurde (sehr) gut bewertet und die Teilnehmenden konnten sich am Ende deutlich stärker vorstellen, später Urologe/in zu werden (p = 0,007).

Schlussfolgerungen
Bei einem Bedarf von studentischer Seite, mehr über roboterassistierte Operationen zu lernen, erscheint ein Wahlfach als geeignetes Format, um theoretische Grundlagen und praktische Fertigkeiten in der robotischen (urologischen) Chirurgie zu vermitteln. Zusätzlich hat es das Potenzial, auf das Fachgebiet Urologie aufmerksam zu machen und könnte potenziell neue Kolleginnen und Kollegen gewinnen.
Parameters associated with unsuccessful pessary fitting for pelvic organ prolapse up to three months follow-up: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Manzini Claudia , Morsinkhof Lisan M. , van der Vaart C. Huub , Withagen Mariëlla I. J. , Grob Anique T. M. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Objectives
To clarify which parameters are associated with unsuccessful pessary fitting for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) at up to 3 months follow-up.

Methods
Embase, PubMed and Cochrane CENTRAL library were searched in May 2020. Inclusion criteria were: (1) pessary fitting attempted in women with symptomatic POP; (2) pessary fitting success among the study outcomes with a maximal follow-up of 3 months; (3) baseline parameters compared between successful and unsuccessful group. A meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model.

Main results
Twenty-four studies were included in the meta-analysis. Parameters associated with unsuccessful pessary fitting were: age (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.56–0.86); BMI (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.08–1.70); menopause (OR 0.65 95% CI 0.47–0.88); de novo stress urinary incontinence (OR 5.59, 95% CI 2.24–13.99); prior surgery, i.e. hysterectomy (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.48–2.40), POP surgery (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.34–3.38), pelvic surgery (OR 1.81, 05% CI 1.01–3.26) and incontinence surgery (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.08–3.25); Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory-8 scores (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.22–3.02); solitary predominant posterior compartment POP (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.08–2.35); total vaginal length (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.32–0.97); wide introitus (OR 4.85, 95% CI 1.60–14.68); levator ani avulsion (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.35–4.53) and hiatal area on maximum Valsalva (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.27–2.80).

Conclusion
During counselling for pessary treatment a higher risk of failure due to the aforementioned parameters should be discussed and modifiable parameters should be addressed. More research is needed on the association between anatomical parameters and specific reasons for unsuccessful pessary fitting.
A Recipe for Success: Three Key Strategies Used by Aphids and Pseudomonas syringae to Colonize the Phyllosphere
Authors: Silva-Sanzana Christian , Gangas Maria Victoria , Zavala Diego , Blanco-Herrera Francisca 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAphids andPseudomonas syringaeare a permanent challenge for agriculture, causing severe losses to the crop industry worldwide. Despite the obvious phylogenetic distance between them, both have become predominant colonizers of the plant kingdom. In this study, we reviewed three key steps of spread and colonization that aphids andP. syringaehave mastered to successfully colonize the phyllosphere. These steps involve (i) plant-to-plant movement for locating new nutritional sources, (ii) disruption and modification of the apoplast to facilitate nutrient acquisition, and (iii) suppression of host defenses through effector proteins. In addition, we will provide insights about the direct interaction between aphids andP. syringaeand how this yet underrated phenomenon could bring new ecological implications for both organisms beyond their pathogenicity.