bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of symptoms, comorbidities, fibrin amyloid microclots and platelet pathology in individuals with Long COVID/Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC)
Authors: Pretorius Etheresia , Venter Chantelle , Laubscher Gert Jacobus , Kotze Maritha J , Oladejo Sunday O. , Watson Liam R. , Rajaratnam Kanshu , Watson Bruce W. , Kell Douglas B. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Fibrin(ogen) amyloid microclots and platelet hyperactivation previously reported as a novel finding in South African patients with the coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) and Long COVID/Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), might form a suitable set of foci for the clinical treatment of the symptoms of Long COVID/PASC. A Long COVID/PASC Registry was subsequently established as an online platform where patients can report Long COVID/PASC symptoms and previous comorbidities.

Methods
In this study, we report on the comorbidities and persistent symptoms, using data obtained from 845 South African Long COVID/PASC patients. By using a previously published scoring system for fibrin amyloid microclots and platelet pathology, we also analysed blood samples from 80 patients, and report the presence of significant fibrin amyloid microclots and platelet pathology in all cases.

Results
Hypertension, high cholesterol levels (dyslipidaemia), cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were found to be the most important comorbidities. The gender balance (70% female) and the most commonly reported Long COVID/PASC symptoms (fatigue, brain fog, loss of concentration and forgetfulness, shortness of breath, as well as joint and muscle pains) were comparable to those reported elsewhere. These findings confirmed that our sample was not atypical. Microclot and platelet pathologies were associated with Long COVID/PASC symptoms that persisted after the recovery from acute COVID-19.

Conclusions
Fibrin amyloid microclots that block capillaries and inhibit the transport of O2 to tissues, accompanied by platelet hyperactivation, provide a ready explanation for the symptoms of Long COVID/PASC. Removal and reversal of these underlying endotheliopathies provide an important treatment option that urgently warrants controlled clinical studies to determine efficacy in patients with a diversity of comorbidities impacting on SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 severity. We suggest that our platelet and clotting grading system provides a simple and cost-effective diagnostic method for early detection of Long COVID/PASC as a major determinant of effective treatment, including those focusing on reducing clot burden and platelet hyperactivation.
Nanobodies; new molecular instruments with special specifications for targeting, diagnosis and treatment of triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Bakherad Hamid , Ghasemi Fahimeh , Hosseindokht Maryam , Zare Hamed 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBreast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer death in female. Triple-negative breast cancer has a more aggressive proliferation and a poorer clinical diagnosis than other breast cancers. The most common treatments for TNBC are chemotherapy, surgical removal, and radiation therapy, which impose many side effects and costs on patients. Nanobodies have superior advantages, which makes them attractive for use in therapeutic agents and diagnostic kits. There are numerous techniques suggested by investigators for early detection of breast cancer. Nevertheless, there are fewer molecular diagnostic methods in the case of TNBC due to the lack of expression of famous breast cancer antigens in TNBC. Although conventional antibodies have a high ability to detect tumor cell markers, their large size, instability, and costly production cause a lot of problems. Since the HER-2 do not express in TNBC diagnosis, the production of nanobodies for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer cells should be performed against other antigens expressed in TNBC. In this review, nanobodies which developed against triple negative breast cancer, were classified based on type of antigen.
Artificial neural network for cytocompatibility and antibacterial enhancement induced by femtosecond laser micro/nano structures
Authors: Lu Libin , Zhang Jiaru , Guan Kai , Zhou Jin , Yuan Fusong , Guan Yingchun 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe failure of orthopedic and dental implants is mainly caused by biomaterial-associated infections and poor osseointegration. Surface modification of biomedical materials plays a significant role in enhancing osseointegration and anti-bacterial infection. In this work, a non-linear relationship between the micro/nano surface structures and the femtosecond laser processing parameters was successfully established based on an artificial neural network. Then a controllable functional surface with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to was produced to improve the cytocompatibility and antibacterial properties of biomedical titanium alloy. The surface topography, wettability, and Ag+ release were carefully investigated. The effects of these characteristics on antibacterial activity and cytocompatibilty were also evaluated. Results show that the prepared surface is hydrophobic, which can prevent the burst release of Ag+ in the initial stage. The prepared surface also shows both good cytocompatibility toward the murine calvarial preosteoblasts MC3T3-E1 cells (derived from Mus musculus (mouse) calvaria) and good antibacterial effects against Gram-negative (E. coli) and Gram-positive (S. aureus) bacteria, which is caused by the combined effect of appropriate micro/nano-structured feature and reasonable Ag+ release rate. We do not only clarify the antibacterial mechanism but also demonstrate the possibility of balancing the antibacterial and osteointegration-promoting properties by micro/nano-structures. The reported method offers an effective strategy for the patterned surface modification of implants.
Graphical Abstract
Coronas of micro/nano plastics: a key determinant in their risk assessments
Authors: Cao Jiayu , Yang Qing , Jiang Jie , Dalu Tatenda , Kadushkin Aliaksei , Singh Joginder , Fakhrullin Rawil , Wang Fangjun , Cai Xiaoming , Li Ruibin 
Published: August 2022

AbstractAs an emerging pollutant in the life cycle of plastic products, micro/nanoplastics (M/NPs) are increasingly being released into the natural environment. Substantial concerns have been raised regarding the environmental and health impacts of M/NPs. Although diverse M/NPs have been detected in natural environment, most of them display two similar features, i.e.,high surface area and strong binding affinity, which enable extensive interactions between M/NPs and surrounding substances. This results in the formation of coronas, including eco-coronas and bio-coronas, on the plastic surface in different media. In real exposure scenarios, corona formation on M/NPs is inevitable and often displays variable and complex structures. The surface coronas have been found to impact the transportation, uptake, distribution, biotransformation and toxicity of particulates. Different from conventional toxins, packages on M/NPs rather than bare particles are more dangerous. We, therefore, recommend seriously consideration of the role of surface coronas in safety assessments. This review summarizes recent progress on the eco–coronas and bio-coronas of M/NPs, and further discusses the analytical methods to interpret corona structures, highlights the impacts of the corona on toxicity and provides future perspectives.
DeLTa-Seq: direct-lysate targeted RNA-Seq from crude tissue lysate
Authors: Kashima Makoto , Kamitani Mari , Nomura Yasuyuki , Mori-Moriyama Natsumi , Betsuyaku Shigeyuki , Hirata Hiromi , Nagano Atsushi J. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Quantification of gene expression such as RNA-Seq is a popular approach to study various biological phenomena. Despite the development of RNA-Seq library preparation methods and sequencing platforms in the last decade, RNA extraction remains the most laborious and costly step in RNA-Seq of tissue samples of various organisms. Thus, it is still difficult to examine gene expression in thousands of samples.

Results
Here, we developed Direct-RT buffer in which homogenization of tissue samples and direct-lysate reverse transcription can be conducted without RNA purification. The DTT concentration in Direct-RT buffer prevented RNA degradation but not RT in the lysates of several plant tissues, yeast, and zebrafish larvae. Direct reverse transcription on these lysates in Direct-RT buffer produced comparable amounts of cDNA to those synthesized from purified RNA. To maximize the advantage of the Direct-RT buffer, we integrated Direct-RT and targeted RNA-Seq to develop a cost-effective, high-throughput quantification method for the expressions of hundreds of genes: DeLTa-Seq (Direct-Lysate reverse transcription and Targeted RNA-Seq). The DeLTa-Seq method could drastically improve the efficiency and accuracy of gene expression analysis. DeLTa-Seq analysis of 1056 samples revealed the temperature-dependent effects of jasmonic acid and salicylic acid in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Conclusions
The DeLTa-Seq method can realize large-scale studies using thousands of animal, plant, and microorganism samples, such as chemical screening, field experiments, and studies focusing on individual variability. In addition, Direct-RT is also beneficial for gene expression analysis in small tissues from which it is difficult to purify enough RNA for the experiments.
Characteristics and complications of fracture in older adults with chronic kidney disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Meng Yao , Fu Mingming , Guo Junfei , Wang Zhiqian , Zhang Yingze , Hou Zhiyong 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics of older fracture patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and to determine the risk factors of perioperative cardiovascular complications.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed clinical data of older fracture patients with CKD admitted to the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2016 to October 2021. The data we collected included baseline characteristics and complications. We finally determined the risk factors of perioperative cardiovascular complications by using logistic regression.ResultsWe ended up enrolling 224 patients, and there were 91 (40.6%) males and 133 (59.4%) females, with a median age of 79 years. 80–84 years old was the age group with high incidence of fracture. The majority of fracture occurred indoors (130 cases, 58.0%) and morning (98 cases, 43.8%). Hip fracture was most common (183 cases, 81.7%), of which femoral neck fracture (101 cases, 45.0%) was the most prevalent. The most common comorbid condition was hypertension (171 cases, 76.3%), and anemia was the most common complication (148 cases, 66.1%). Age ≥ 80 years (OR = 2.023, 95% CI 1.110–3.688), previously combined with cardiovascular calcification (OR = 1.901, 95% CI 1.047–3.451) and admission hemoglobin level < 100 g/L (OR = 3.191, 95% CI 1.744–5.838) were independent risk factors of perioperative cardiovascular disease (CVD).ConclusionIt was especially necessary to enhance fracture prevention for CKD. Patients whose age older than 80, hemoglobin less than 100 g/L on admission and have previous cardiovascular calcification are more likely to develop perioperative CVD. Such patients require reasonable decisions during the perioperative period to avoid the occurrence of CVD.
Selected mechanical properties of human cancellous bone subjected to different treatments: short-term immersion in physiological saline and acetone treatment with subsequent immersion in physiological saline
Authors: Wang Fangxing , Metzner Florian , Zheng Leyu , Osterhoff Georg , Schleifenbaum Stefan 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Physiological saline (0.9% NaCl) and acetone are extensively used for storage (as well as hydration) and removal of bone marrow, respectively, of cancellous bone during preparation and mechanical testing. Our study aimed to investigate the mechanical properties of cancellous bone subjected to short-term immersion in saline and acetone treatment with subsequent immersion in saline.

Methods
Cylindrical samples (Ø6 × 12 mm) were harvested from three positions (left, middle, and right) of 1 thoracic vertebral body, 19 lumbar vertebral bodies, and 5 sacral bones, as well as from 9 femoral heads. All samples were divided into two groups according to the different treatments, (i) samples from the left and middle sides were immersed in saline at 4℃ for 43 h (saline-immersed group, n = 48); (ii) samples from the respective right side were treated with a combination of acetone and ultrasonic bath (4 h), air-dried at room temperature (21℃, 15 h), and then immersed in saline at room temperature (21℃, 24 h) (acetone and saline-treated group, n = 38). All samples were subjected, both before and after treatment, to a non-destructive compression test with a strain of 0.45%, and finally destructive tests with a strain of 50%. Actual density (ρact), initial modulus (E0), maximum stress (σmax), energy absorption (W), and plateau stress (σp) were calculated as evaluation indicators.

Results
Based on visual observation, a combination of acetone and ultrasonic bath for 4 h failed to completely remove bone marrow from cancellous bone samples. The mean values of ρact, σmax, W, and σp were significantly higher in the femoral head than in the spine. There was no significant difference in E0 between non-treated and saline-immersed samples (non-treated 63.98 ± 20.23 vs. saline-immersed 66.29 ± 20.61, p = 0.132). The average E0 of acetone and saline-treated samples was significantly higher than that of non-treated ones (non-treated 62.17 ± 21.08 vs. acetone and saline-treated 74.97 ± 23.98, p = 0.043).

Conclusion
Short-term storage in physiological saline is an appropriate choice and has no effect on the E0 of cancellous bone. Treatment of cancellous bone with acetone resulted in changes in mechanical properties that could not be reversed by subsequent immersion in physiological saline.
Reducing the risk of viral contamination during the coronavirus pandemic by using a protective curtain in the operating room
Authors: Sadeghian Parastoo , Bi Yang , Cao Guangyu , Sadrizadeh Sasan 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Airborne transmission diseases can transfer long and short distances via sneezing, coughing, and breathing. These airborne repertory particles can convert to aerosol particles and travel with airflow. During the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many surgeries have been delayed, increasing the demand for establishing a clean environment for both patient and surgical team in the operating room.

Methods
This study aims to investigate the hypothesis of implementing a protective curtain to reduce the transmission of infectious contamination in the surgical microenvironment of an operating room. In this regard, the spread of an airborne transmission disease from the patient was evaluated, consequently, the exposure level of the surgical team. In the first part of this study, a mock surgical experiment was established in the operating room of an academic medical center in Norway. In the second part, the computational fluid dynamic technique was performed to investigate the spread of airborne infectious diseases. Furthermore, the field measurement was used to validate the numerical model and guarantee the accuracy of the applied numerical models.

Results
The results showed that the airborne infectious agents reached the breathing zone of the surgeons. However, using a protective curtain to separate the microenvironment between the head and lower body of the patient resulted in a 75% reduction in the spread of the virus to the breathing zone of the surgeons. The experimental results showed a surface temperature of 40 ˚C, which was about a 20 ˚C increase in temperature, at the wound area using a high intensity of the LED surgical lamps. Consequently, this temperature increase can raise the patient's thermal injury risk.

Conclusion
The novel method of using a protective curtain can increase the safety of the surgical team during the surgery with a COVID-19 patient in the operating room.
A qualitative study of barriers to care‐seeking for diabetic foot ulceration across multiple levels of the healthcare system
Authors: Tan Tze‐Woei , Crocker Rebecca M. , Palmer Kelly N. B. , Gomez Chris , Armstrong David G. , Marrero David G. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIntroductionThe mechanisms for the observed disparities in diabetes‐related amputation are poorly understood and could be related to access for diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) care. This qualitative study aimed to understand patients' personal experiences navigating the healthcare system and the barriers they faced.MethodsFifteen semi‐structured interviews were conducted over the phone between June 2020 to February 2021. Participants with DFUs were recruited from a tertiary referral center in Southern Arizona. The interviews were audio‐recorded and analyzed according to the NIMHD Research Framework, focusing on the health care system domain.ResultsAmong the 15 participants included in the study, the mean age was 52.4 years (66.7% male), 66.7% was from minority racial groups, and 73.3% was Medicaid or Indian Health Service beneficiaries. Participants frequently reported barriers at various levels of the healthcare system.On the individual level, themes that arose included health literacy and inadequate insurance coverage resulting in financial strain. On the interpersonal level, participants complained of fragmented relationships with providers and experienced challenges in making follow‐up appointments. On the community level, participants reported struggles with medical equipment.On the societal level, participants also noted insufficient preventative foot care and education before DFU onset, and many respondents experienced initial misdiagnoses and delays in receiving care.ConclusionsPatients with DFUs face significant barriers in accessing medical care at many levels in the healthcare system and beyond. These data highlight opportunities to address the effects of diabetic foot complications and the inequitable burden of inadequately managed diabetic foot care.
Core outcome measures for clinical effectiveness trials of nutritional and metabolic interventions in critical illness: an international modified Delphi consensus study evaluation (CONCISE)
Authors: Davies T. W. , van Gassel R. J. J. , van de Poll M. , Gunst J. , Casaer M. P. , Christopher K. B. , Preiser J. C. , Hill A. , Gundogan K. , Reintam-Blaser A. , Rousseau A. F. , Hodgson C. , Needham D. M. , Castro M. , Schaller S. , McClelland T. , Pilkington J. J. , Sevin C. M. , Wischmeyer P. E. , Lee Z. Y. , Govil D. , Li A. , Chapple L. , Denehy L. , Montejo-González J. C. , Taylor B. , Bear D. E. , Pearse R. , McNelly A. , Prowle J. , Puthucheary Z. A. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Clinical research on nutritional and metabolic interventions in critically ill patients is heterogenous regarding time points, outcomes and measurement instruments used, impeding intervention development and data syntheses, and ultimately worsening clinical outcomes. We aimed to identify and develop a set of core outcome domains and associated measurement instruments to include in all research in critically ill patients.

Methods
An updated systematic review informed a two-stage modified Delphi consensus process (domains followed by instruments). Measurement instruments for domains considered ‘essential’ were taken through the second stage of the Delphi and a subsequent consensus meeting.

Results
In total, 213 participants (41 patients/caregivers, 50 clinical researchers and 122 healthcare professionals) from 24 countries contributed. Consensus was reached on time points (30 and 90 days post-randomisation). Three domains were considered ‘essential’ at 30 days (survival, physical function and Infection) and five at 90 days (survival, physical function, activities of daily living, nutritional status and muscle/nerve function). Core ‘essential’ measurement instruments reached consensus for survival and activities of daily living, and ‘recommended’ measurement instruments for physical function, nutritional status and muscle/nerve function. No consensus was reached for a measurement instrument for Infection. Four further domains met criteria for ‘recommended,’ but not ‘essential,’ to measure at 30 days post-randomisation (organ dysfunction, muscle/nerve function, nutritional status and wound healing) and three at 90 days (frailty, body composition and organ dysfunction).

Conclusion
The CONCISE core outcome set is an internationally agreed minimum set of outcomes for use at 30 and 90 days post-randomisation, in nutritional and metabolic clinical research in critically ill adults.
Epidemiological characteristics of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome and its relationship with meteorological factors in Liaoning Province, China
Authors: Wang Zijiang , Yang Shiting , Luo Li , Guo Xiaohao , Deng Bin , Zhao Zeyu , Rui Jia , Yu Shanshan , Zhao Bin , Wang Yifang , Chen Jingyi , Sun Yingwei , Chen Tianmu , Feng Xinyu 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), one kind of tick-borne acute infectious disease, is caused by a novel bunyavirus. The relationship between meteorological factors and infectious diseases is a hot topic of current research. Liaoning Province has reported a high incidence of SFTS in recent years. However, the epidemiological characteristics of SFTS and its relationship with meteorological factors in the province remain largely unexplored.

Methods
Data on reported SFTS cases were collected from 2011 to 2019. Epidemiological characteristics of SFTS were analyzed. Spearman’s correlation test and generalized linear models (GLM) were used to identify the relationship between meteorological factors and the number of SFTS cases.

Results
From 2011 to 2019, the incidence showed an overall upward trend in Liaoning Province, with the highest incidence in 2019 (0.35/100,000). The incidence was slightly higher in males (55.9%, 438/783), and there were more SFTS patients in the 60–69 age group (31.29%, 245/783). Dalian City and Dandong City had the largest number of cases of SFTS (87.99%, 689/783). The median duration from the date of illness onset to the date of diagnosis was 8 days [interquartile range (IQR): 4–13 days]. Spearman correlation analysis and GLM showed that the number of SFTS cases was positively correlated with monthly average rainfall (rs = 0.750, P < 0.001; β = 0.285, P < 0.001), monthly average relative humidity (rs = 0.683, P < 0.001; β = 0.096, P < 0.001), monthly average temperature (rs = 0.822, P < 0.001; β = 0.154, P < 0.001), and monthly average ground temperature (rs = 0.810, P < 0.001; β = 0.134, P < 0.001), while negatively correlated with monthly average air pressure (rs = −0.728, P < 0.001; β = −0.145, P < 0.001), and monthly average wind speed (rs = −0.272, P < 0.05; β = −1.048, P < 0.001). By comparing both correlation coefficients and regression coefficients between the number of SFTS cases (dependent variable) and meteorological factors (independent variables), no significant differences were observed when considering immediate cases and cases with lags of 1 to 5 weeks for dependent variables. Based on the forward and backward stepwise GLM regression, the monthly average air pressure, monthly average temperature, monthly average wind speed, and time sequence were selected as relevant influences on the number of SFTS cases.

Conclusion
The annual incidence of SFTS increased year on year in Liaoning Province. Incidence of SFTS was affected by several meteorological factors, including monthly average air pressure, monthly average temperature, and monthly average wind speed.

Graphical Abstract