julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on maternal and infant health in African populations: protocol of a multicentre prospective cohort study (MA-CoV project)
2023-05-01

Introduction Pregnant women are currently considered a vulnerable population to SARS-CoV-2 infection, with increased risk of severe COVID-19, preterm birth and maternal mortality. There is, however, a paucity of data on the burden of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection in sub-Saharan countries. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and health effects of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection in selected sites from Gabon and Mozambique. Methods and analysis MA-CoV (MAternal CoVid) is an observational, multicentre prospective cohort study where 1000 pregnant women (500 per country) will be enrolled at the antenatal clinic visits. Participants will undergo monthly follow-up at each antenatal care visit, delivery and postpartum visit. The primary study outcome is the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy. The clinical presentation of COVID-19 in pregnancy will also be characterised, and incidence of infection during pregnancy will be evaluated, as well as the risk factors of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and the risk of mother to child transmission of SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 infection screening will be performed through PCR diagnosis. Ethics and dissemination The protocol was reviewed and approved by the Comité National d’Éthique pour la Recherche au Gabon , Comité Nacional de Bioética para Saúde de Moçambique and the Ethics Committee of the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona (Spain). Project results will be presented to all stakeholders and published in open access journals. Trial registration number NCT05303168 .
Well-Being of Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic
2023-05-01

Abstract: During the COVID-19 pandemic, implemented social distancing measures led to behavioral changes and decreased well-being in adolescents. The aim of this study was to examine the relation between daily behaviors (physical and sport activity, social contacts, screen time) and adolescent well-being. For this, we conducted a 28-day ambulatory assessment study. Daily data of 125 German adolescents (11–20 years) were collected every evening through self-report and analyzed with multilevel models. Between and within individuals, physical activity was positively related to well-being and screen time was negatively related to well-being. Social contacts were positively related to well-being within individuals. Explorative analyses revealed differences between sport activity contexts (sports club, leisure time, school), and between in-person and digital social contacts. Our findings suggest that physical activity and in-person social contacts are positively related to adolescent well-being and should, thus, be enabled during the pandemic. Furthermore, the role of screen time should be considered in health promotion.
Whole-body perfusion improves intraoperative transfusions in neonatal aortic arch surgery
2023-05-01

Abstract OBJECTIVES Whole-body perfusion is the combination of lower body perfusion and antegrade cerebral perfusion. This perfusion technique is used in some centres when performing aortic arch reconstruction surgery in neonates and infants. Several studies have shown intra- and postoperative benefits of this technique. However, no studies have analysed the impact it may have on the transfusion of blood products and coagulation factors. METHODS We retrospectively analysed 65 consecutive neonates and infants who underwent aortic arch reconstruction surgery from January 2014 to July 2020. Patients operated from 2014 to 2017 underwent surgery with antegrade cerebral perfusion; in patients who underwent surgery from 2017 to 2020 a whole-body perfusion strategy was used. Demographic, intra- and postoperative parameters were compared as well as intraoperative blood product and coagulation factor transfusions, chest-tube output in the first 24 h and postoperative bleeding complications. RESULTS Both groups required intraoperative transfusion of red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and platelets, as well as substitution of coagulation factors. The amount of transfused volumes of red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma and platelets (P-values 0.01, &amp;lt;0.01 and &amp;lt;0.01) and intraoperative transfusions of fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor were significantly lower in the whole-body perfusion group (P-value 0.04 and &amp;lt;0.01). CONCLUSIONS A whole-body perfusion strategy may lead to fewer intraoperative blood product and coagulation factor transfusions when compared to antegrade cerebral perfusion alone in neonates and infants undergoing complex aortic arch reconstruction surgery.
A flux-tunable YBa2Cu3O7 quantum interference microwave circuit: data and figures
2023-05-01

This contains the data and processing scripts used for the figures of the manuscript and supplementary material of "A flux-tunable YBa2Cu3O7 quantum interference microwave circuit", published as Applied Physics Letters 122, 000000 (2023); doi: 10.1063/5.0146524.
Developing the German Human Genome-Phenome Archive
2023-05-01

&lt;p&gt;With recent advances in omics data collection, generating very large datasets of patient omics data for health research has become common, and several data sharing platforms have emerged to allow for researchers to more effectively access broader collections of data. Lacking an existing platform in Germany, the German Human Genome-Phenome Archive (GHGA) project seeks to contribute to the advances in research possibilities by building an archive for omics data using FAIR principles as part of the federated European Genome-Phenome Archive (fEGA), and seeks to allow for data sharing across international borders whilst strictly protecting the privacy of individuals&rsquo; sensitive data. We present here the basis for the development of GHGA, as well as specific details on the standards used, the organization of the work areas, the software development workflow for both the backend and frontend, as well as the technology used in the project. We also present some of the progress already achieved, as well as provide an overview of the upcoming stages of development and our goals for the future functionality of the GHGA platform.&lt;/p&gt;
Distributed but Integrated: Forming a Science Gateway from Multiple Parts
2023-05-01

&lt;p&gt;Science gateways represent a framework to implement, integrate, and provide service to a scientific user community. But often additional requirements have to be met and other tools have to be used to implement and link e.g. data publishing, search, and metadata annotation. Instead of integrating every necessary function or tool into a monolithic science gateway, the Science Data Center BioDATEN (https://portal.biodaten.info/) experiments with a lateral approach. A HUBzero-based science gateway is implemented in parallel to other components such as InvenioRDM for data publishing, VuFind for data search, and a homebrew tool to annotate metadata. These components are connected by a single sign-on infrastructure that offers seamless user integration. This topology in combination with the tools and services implemented helps to make research data FAIR data while reducing effort and enhancing usability. These services are implemented on de.NBI Cloud infrastructure adding extra reliability and sustainability to research data management.&lt;/p&gt;
Leaving Your Buddy in Jail: A Simplified Approach to the Jailed Buddy Wire Technique
2023-05-01

Stent delivery into highly tortuous and/or calcified coronary lesions represents a challenging problem during PCI. In this case series of 7 patients with complex coronary lesions, we had a hard time delivering larger and thus bulkier stents. We used a buddy wire and delivered a stent into the most distal lesion and jailed the buddy wire. We left the wire jailed during the whole procedure and were easily able to deliver large and long stents to the more proximal lesions. Retrieval of the buddy wire was possible without problems in all cases. The "leaving your buddy in jail" technique provides an excellent support and allows facilitated delivery and deployment of multiple stents, if necessary overlapping stents, into challenging coronary lesions.
Development of hyperacusis in chronic tinnitus patients and biomarkers to identify it.
2023-05-01

Introduction Although tinnitus represents a major global burden, no causal therapy has yet been established. Ongoing controversies about the neuronal pathophysiology of tinnitus hamper efforts in developing advanced therapies. The study hypothesis was that the unnoticed co-occurrence of hyperacusis and differences in the duration of tinnitus may possibly differentially influence the neural correlate of tinnitus.
Intracellular complement proteins are tumor-promoting effectors and poor prognosis biomarkers in renal cancer
2023-05-01

Abstract Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) tumors highly express proteins of the complement system, a major innate immune defense mechanism. Exploring the spatial transcriptome and making an atlas of staining patterns by ultra-high multiplex imaging of ccRCC tumor sections, we revealed presence of regions with co-regulated overexpression of complement components, including C3 and Factor H (FH). The strong staining for these proteins correlated with poor prognosis in a ccRCC patient cohort. These proteins interacted physically in the lysosomes of ccRCC tumor cells in situ, as evidenced by proximity ligation assay. We discovered previously unrecognized intracellular functions of complement C3 and FH in renal tumor cells. C3 knockdown resulted in formation of more compact tumorospheres than control cells and hampered energy metabolism, while FH knockdown perturbed sphere-forming capacity due to decreased viability and proliferation and enhanced the Krebs cycle. For these functions the two proteins act together intracellularly, FH being a negative regulator of C3. C3 and FH also function independently of each other, regulating gene transcription. Exploring the FH interactome by mass spectrometry, we found that FH interacted with transcription factors to regulate the cell cycle and with proteins, controlling actin cytoskeleton remodeling, explaining altered cell morphology and reduced motility of the FH-deficient cells. In conclusion, we discovered that intracellular C3 and FH are multitasking effectors, impacting multiple hallmarks of cancer - enabling replicative immortality, stimulating proliferation, resisting cell death, and deregulating cellular metabolism, bearing potential as new therapeutic targets. The main author was supported by DFF-1025-00015B Independent Research Fund Denmark (IRFD or DFF)
Association of the AAV-PRO questionnaire with established outcome measures in AAV
2023-05-02

Abstract Objectives The ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) patient-reported outcome (AAV-PRO) questionnaire was developed to capture the impact of AAV and its treatment. We investigated the association of specific AAV-PRO domains with disease activity and extent, damage, depression, health-related quality of life, and treatment. Methods In a prospective longitudinal study, AAV-PRO, Beck’s depression inventory (BDI), Short Form 36 (SF-36), BVAS and Vasculitis Damage Index (VDI) were completed at baseline (t1) and after 3–6 months (t2). In addition, patient data (including diagnosis, therapies, relapses, and organ manifestations) were recorded. Data were analysed by t-tests and correlation-based regression analyses. Results A total of 156 patients with AAV participated. The mean BVAS at the time of enrolment was 1.4 ± 3.74. The median AAV-PRO domain scores were higher in patients reporting ‘active disease‘ compared with those reporting ‘in remission’ (P &amp;lt; 0.001). In the correlation analyses, all AAV-PRO domain scores correlated strongly with the BDI (all r ≥ 0.319, all P ≤ 0.001) as well as with all eight SF-36 subdomains (all |r|≥0.267, all P ≤ 0.001). The regression analyses showed that AAV-PRO domains were strongly predicted by the BDI and SF-36 domains (|β| ≥ 0.240 for the strongest predictor of each domain). In the longitudinal comparison (t1/t2), there were no significant changes in the overall results. Conclusion Our data show convergent validity for all AAV-PRO subdomains, using the established questionnaires BDI and SF-36. The AAV-PRO domains scores were not correlated with clinician-derived instruments (including the BVAS and the VDI). Thus, we regard the AAV-PRO questionnaire as a valuable measure of outcomes that might complement traditional end-points in clinical trials.
Language and face in interactions: emotion perception, social meanings, and communicative intentions
2023-05-02

Introduction Human emotions can be complex to interpret as they have multiple sources and are often times ambiguous, for example, when the signals sent by different channels of communication are inconsistent. Our study investigates the interaction of linguistic and facial expressions of emotions. Methods In two experiments, participants read short scenarios in German containing a direct utterance with positive or negative emotive markers, in combination with different facial expressions as still images of the speaker (i.e., the protagonist in the story). They answered questions about their perception regarding the intensity of the emotions (e.g., happiness, sadness), the properties of the expresser (e.g., honesty, warmth, likeability) and their relation to the addressee (e.g., closeness), as well as the expresser intention (e.g., irony, joke). Results The findings suggest that facial expressions have a more dominant role in the emotion perception in comparison to emotive markers. Furthermore, consistent and inconsistent combinations of emotive markers and facial expressions convey distinct social meanings and communicative intentions. Conclusion This research points to the importance to consider emotive markers in the emotional context that they occur in.
Deletion of SERF2 in mice delays embryonic development and alters amyloid deposit structure in the brain
2023-05-02

In age-related neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, disease-specific proteins become aggregation-prone and form amyloid-like deposits. Depletion of SERF proteins ameliorates this toxic process in worm and human cell models for diseases. Whether SERF modifies amyloid pathology in mammalian brain, however, has remained unknown. Here, we generated conditional Serf2 knockout mice and found that full-body deletion of Serf2 delayed embryonic development, causing premature birth and perinatal lethality. Brain-specific Serf2 knockout mice, on the other hand, were viable, and showed no major behavioral or cognitive abnormalities. In a mouse model for amyloid-β aggregation, brain depletion of Serf2 altered the binding of structure-specific amyloid dyes, previously used to distinguish amyloid polymorphisms in the human brain. These results suggest that Serf2 depletion changed the structure of amyloid deposits, which was further supported by scanning transmission electron microscopy, but further study will be required to confirm this observation. Altogether, our data reveal the pleiotropic functions of SERF2 in embryonic development and in the brain and support the existence of modifying factors of amyloid deposition in mammalian brain, which offer possibilities for polymorphism-based interventions.
Changes in femoral rollback and rotation with increasing coupling in knee arthroplasty—a biomechanical in-vitro study
2023-05-02

Abstract Background After total knee arthroplasty, 10–30% of patients still complain about knee pain, even after exact positioning of the components. Altered knee kinematics are crucial in this regard. The aim of our study was to experimentally determine the influence of different degrees of component coupling of knee prostheses on joint kinematics during muscle-loaded knee flexion in-vitro. Methods Femoral rollback and femoral rotation of a standard cruciate retaining (GCR), a posterior stabilized (GPS), a rotational hinge (RSL) and a total hinge (SSL) design of the same series of knee replacement implants (SL-series) of one single manufacturer (Waldemar Link GmbH, Hamburg, Germany) were analyzed and set in relation to the motion of the corresponding native knee in a paired study design. All different coupling degrees were analyzed in the same human knees. To simulate muscle loaded knee flexion, a knee simulator was used. Kinematics were measured with an ultrasonic motion capture system and integrated in a calculated coordinate system via CT-imaging. Results The largest posterior motion on the lateral side was found for the native knee (8.7 ± 7.0 mm), followed by the GPS (3.2 ± 5.1 mm) and GCR (2.8 ± 7.3 mm) implants, while no motion was found for the RSL (0.1 ± 3.0 mm) and the SSL (-0.6 ± 2.7 mm) implants. In contrast, on the medial side, only the native knee showed a posterior motion (2.1 ± 3.2 mm). Regarding femoral external rotation, the only implant where the observed difference did not reach statistical significance when compared to the native knee was the GCR ( p = 0.007). Conclusion The GCR and GPS kinematics closely imitate those of the native joint. Medial femoral rollback is reduced, however, with the joint pivoting around a rotational center located in the medial plateau. Without additional rotational forces, the coupled RSL and SSL prostheses closely resemble each other with no femoral rollback or relevant rotational component. The femoral axis, however, shifts ventrally in both models when compared with their primary counterparts. The positioning of the coupling mechanism in the femoral and tibial component thus can already lead to altered joint kinematics even in prostheses with an identical surface geometry.
The influence of action on perception spans different effectors
2023-05-02

Perception and action are fundamental processes that characterize our life and our possibility to modify the world around us. Several pieces of evidence have shown an intimate and reciprocal interaction between perception and action, leading us to believe that these processes rely on a common set of representations. The present review focuses on one particular aspect of this interaction: the influence of action on perception from a motor effector perspective during two phases, action planning and the phase following execution of the action. The movements performed by eyes, hands, and legs have a different impact on object and space perception; studies that use different approaches and paradigms have formed an interesting general picture that demonstrates the existence of an action effect on perception, before as well as after its execution. Although the mechanisms of this effect are still being debated, different studies have demonstrated that most of the time this effect pragmatically shapes and primes perception of relevant features of the object or environment which calls for action; at other times it improves our perception through motor experience and learning. Finally, a future perspective is provided, in which we suggest that these mechanisms can be exploited to increase trust in artificial intelligence systems that are able to interact with humans.
Hemispheric Differences of 1 Hz rTMS over Motor and Premotor Cortex in Modulation of Neural Processing and Hand Function
2023-05-02

Introduction: Non-invasive brain stimulation can modulate both neural processing and behavioral performance. Its effects may be influenced by the stimulated area and hemisphere. In this study (EC no. 09083), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) was applied to the primary motor cortex (M1) or dorsal premotor cortex (dPMC) of either the right or left hemisphere, while evaluating cortical neurophysiology and hand function. Methods: Fifteen healthy subjects participated in this placebo-controlled crossover study. Four sessions of real 1 Hz rTMS (110% of rMT, 900 pulses) over (i) left M1, (ii) right M1, (iii) left dPMC, (iv) right dPMC, and one session of (v) placebo 1 Hz rTMS (0% of rMT, 900 pulses) over the left M1 were applied in randomized order. Motor function of both hands (Jebsen–Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT)) and neural processing within both hemispheres (motor evoked potentials (MEPs), cortical silent period (CSP), and ipsilateral silent period (ISP)) were evaluated prior and after each intervention session. Results: A lengthening of CSP and ISP durations within the right hemisphere was induced by 1 Hz rTMS over both areas and hemispheres. No such intervention-induced neurophysiological changes were detected within the left hemisphere. Regarding JTHFT and MEP, no intervention-induced changes ensued. Changes of hand function correlated with neurophysiological changes within both hemispheres, more often for the left than the right hand. Conclusions: Effects of 1 Hz rTMS can be better captured by neurophysiological than behavioral measures. Hemispheric differences need to be considered for this intervention.
Bare Stent Fracture After TEVAR With the Modified Restrictive Bare Stent (RBS) Technique in Type B Aortic Dissections
2023-05-02

Purpose: The aim was to assess the mid-term aortic remodeling and bare-metal stent (BMS) integrity of the restricted bare stent (RBS) technique reconstruction in aortic dissections. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included prospectively collected patients treated with the modified RBS technique between 2017 and 2020. The preoperative, postoperative, and last follow-up computed tomographic (CT) scans were analyzed in the centerline at the mid-descending, celiac trunk (CeT), and the mid-abdominal levels for false lumen (FL) patency, aortic diameter, and true lumen (TL) diameter changes. Bare-metal stent integrity was assessed in the 3-dimensional multiplanar reformats. Results: The median follow-up of the cohort (n=17) was 26 (11, 45) months. The procedure was mainly performed with the Relay NBS endograft (15/17; 88%) + E-XL BMS (17/17; 100%). Postoperative mortality, paraplegia, stroke, renovisceral vessel loss, and type I and III endoleaks were not observed. BMS fractured in 6 patients (6/17; 36%), damaged the dissection flap in 4/17 (24%), and led to the reperfusion of the FL and re-interventions with TEVAR (4/17; 24%). Two patients without FL reperfusion showed stable CT follow-ups 13 and 17 months after the fracture diagnosis. The TL expansion was seen at all landmarks and peaked in the thoracic aorta (+10; 6, 15; p&lt;0.001). The FL thrombosis after modified RBS was only relevant in the thoracic aorta (p&lt;0.001) and at CeT (p=0.003). The aortic diameter was stable in the thoracic aorta and increased at distal landmarks (CeT [+5; 1, 10; p=0.001]; mid-abdominal [+3; 1, 5; p=0.004]). Conclusion: The modified RBS technique could not stop aortic growth below the diaphragm and prevent new membrane rupture due to the fractures of the BMS and consecutive flap damage with the reperfusion of the FL. Clinical Impact The treatment of complicated type B aortic dissections with TEVAR has become a standard. Particularly, patients with true lumen collapse and malperfusion may benefit from a more aggressive treatment strategy including proximal TEVAR and distal bare-metal stent implantation to re-open the true lumen and to prevent distal stent-induced new entry. However, this study reports the challenges of this approach with a high rate of bare-metal stent fractures during the follow-up. The fractures that occurred at the site of vertical nitinol bridges led to the dissection membrane ruptures and the reperfusion of the false lumen with consecutive dilatation. A close follow-up is mandatory to detect this complication and to treat the patients with TEVAR extension.