bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Platelet biomarkers for a descending cognitive function: A proteomic approach
Authors: Yu Haitao , Liu Yanchao , He Benrong , He Ting , Chen Chongyang , He Jiahua , Yang Xifei , Wang Jian‐Zhi 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMemory loss is the most common clinical sign in Alzheimer's disease (AD); thus, searching for peripheral biomarkers to predict cognitive decline is promising for early diagnosis of AD. As platelets share similarities to neuron biology, it may serve as a peripheral matrix for biomarkers of neurological disorders. Here, we conducted a comprehensive and in‐depth platelet proteomic analysis using TMT‐LC‐MS/MS in the populations with mild cognitive impairment (MCI, MMSE = 18–23), severe cognitive impairments (AD, MMSE = 2–17), and the age‐/sex‐matched normal cognition controls (MMSE = 29–30). A total of 360 differential proteins were detected in MCI and AD patients compared with the controls. These differential proteins were involved in multiple KEGG pathways, including AD, AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, telomerase RNA localization, platelet activation, and complement activation. By correlation analysis with MMSE score, three positively correlated pathways and two negatively correlated pathways were identified to be closely related to cognitive decline in MCI and AD patients. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) showed that changes of nine proteins, including PHB, UQCRH, CD63, GP1BA, FINC, RAP1A, ITPR1/2, and ADAM10 could effectively distinguish the cognitively impaired patients from the controls. Further machine learning analysis revealed that a combination of four decreased platelet proteins, that is, PHB, UQCRH, GP1BA, and FINC, was most promising for predicting cognitive decline in MCI and AD patients. Taken together, our data provide a set of platelet biomarkers for predicting cognitive decline which may be applied for the early screening of AD.
COVID‐19 and impacts on global food systems and household welfare: Introduction to a special issue
Authors: Swinnen Johan , Vos Rob 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe food system, and those who depend on it, have been strongly but unevenly affected by COVID‐19. Overall, the impacts on food systems, poverty, and nutrition have been caused by a combination of a generalized economic recession and disruptions in agri‐food supply chains. This paper provides an overview of the contributions to this Special Issue of Agricultural Economics. The papers in this volume confirm that both income shocks and supply disruptions have affected food security and livelihoods the most where supply chains were more poorly integrated, and poverty and market informality had greater presence before COVID‐19. Yet, as the pandemic still has societies worldwide in a stranglehold, outcomes remain uncertain and reliable data are still sparsely available. This Special Issue of Agricultural Economics provides new insights of the pandemics impact on food systems, household welfare, and food security, building on both model‐based scenario analysis and new survey data. These methods have proven helpful in providing these insights amidst the unprecedented shock that the pandemic has caused to production systems and livelihoods worldwide. However, they also suffer from obvious limitations identified in this editorial overview paper and require substantial improvement in order to understand the changes in economic behavior and functioning of food supply chains induced by the pandemic.
An observational study of sleep in childhood post‐neonatal encephalopathy
Authors: Zareen Zunera , Allen John , Kelly Lynne A. , McDonald Denise , Sweetman Deirdre , Molloy Eleanor J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimNeonatal encephalopathy (NE) is associated with altered cognitive, motor, sensory abilities and behavioural outcomes. This case‐control study aimed to assess whether Quality of Life (QoL) and sleep disorders are affected in older children following NE compared to age‐matched controls.MethodsChildren at school‐age post‐NE were recruited and compared to age‐matched controls. Sleep and QoL were assessed with the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory and the Child Sleep Habit Questionnaire.ResultsOne hundred children were recruited with an age range of 4–6 years, including children post‐NE (n=45) and age‐matched controls (n = 55). Significantly higher pathological sleep scores were evident in 58% of children post‐NE compared to controls (43.8 vs 40.2; p = 0.001). Children post‐NE had increased bedtime resistance (p = 0.028) and sleep anxiety (p = 0.01) compared to controls. Children in the post‐NE group had lower total QoL scores versus controls (mean score 82.5 vs 95.8; p < 0.01). Children with mild NE also had lower total QoL scores than controls (90.0 vs 95.8, p = 0.003). There was a strong correlation between low QoL with high total sleep scores (Rho 0.339, p = 0.014).ConclusionThere were high rates of sleep issues in school‐aged children with mild and moderate‐severe NE. Consideration and management of sleep problems may improve QoL in childhood post‐NE.
Gendering the seed: Mitochondrial replacement techniques and the erasure of the maternal
Authors: Sparrow Robert , Mills Catherine , Carroll John 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn order to avoid the implication that ‘mitochondrial replacement techniques’ (MRT) would produce ‘three parent babies’, discourses around these techniques typically dismiss the contribution of the mitochondria to genetic parenthood and personal identity. According to many participants in debates about MRT, ‘real parenthood’ is a matter of contributing nuclear DNA, which in turn implies that men and women make the same contribution to the embryo. Even when the importance of the mitochondria is acknowledged, an emphasis on mitochondrial DNA still has the effect of valorizing the role of DNA (and thus the paternal contribution to conception) at the expense of the role played by the cytoplasm of the oocyte in the development of the embryo and placenta, and that of the mother’s body in gestation. In this way, discourses around MRT falsely imply that what men and women contribute to reproduction and parenthood is the same—nuclear DNA—and thus erase the distinctive contribution that women make to conception. The potential of MRT to reconfigure relationships between the sexes in the service of patriarchal norms is perhaps one of the most significant things about it and should, we argue, be counted in the discussion of the ethical and policy implications of legitimating these procedures.
Current and emerging therapeutic approaches for T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Pocock Rachael , Farah Nadine , Richardson Simon E. , Mansour Marc R. 
Published: May 2021

SummaryT‐cell ALL (T‐ALL) is an aggressive malignancy of T‐cell progenitors. Although survival outcomes in T‐ALL have greatly improved over the past 50 years, relapsed and refractory cases remain extremely challenging to treat and those who cannot tolerate intensive treatment continue to have poor outcomes. Furthermore, T‐ALL has proven a more challenging immunotherapeutic target than B‐ALL. In this review we explore our expanding knowledge of the basic biology of T‐ALL and how this is paving the way for repurposing established treatments and the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
The influence of price and funding source disclosure on medication labels: Implications for intended adherence, perceived value and efficacy, and feelings of burden and guilt
Authors: McCabe Simon , Wollbrant Conny , Delaney Liam 
Published: May 2021

ObjectivesTo examine if informing people in free‐at‐the‐point‐of‐use medical systems of the financial value of medicines, and priming them with the fact that the medication is funded by taxation, influences people’s perceived value and efficacy of the medicines, feelings of burdensomeness and guilt, and intended adherence.DesignAn experiment was implemented to examine the impact of medication labelling featuring the presence (vs. absence) of the phrase ‘funded by UK the taxpayer’ and pricing information (absent vs. £20 vs. £200) on outcome measures.MethodsA total of 257 UK participants (age: M = 29.10 years, SD = 9.15; 89 males, 167 females, one undisclosed) who were currently taking medication were recruited from an online participant pool (prolific academic). Participants viewed an image of a medication with the manipulated price and taxation message on the label. They then completed a number of measures to gauge perceived value and efficacy of the medicines, feelings of burdensomeness and guilt, and intended adherence.ResultsFindings point to both positive and negative consequences of such labelling of medication, with the taxpayer label increasing perceptions of value but also increasing feelings of guilt. The price labels demonstrated a positive effect on perceived value and intended adherence.ConclusionsDiscussion of results is centred on potential policy implications, applied recommendations, and future directions for study.
Left ventricular systolic dyssynchrony index and endothelial dysfunction parameters as subclinical predictors of cardiovascular involvement in patients with beta‐thalassemia major
Authors: Solmaz Hatice , Cabuk Ali Kemal , Altin Zeynep , Albudak Ozcan Esin , Ozdogan Oner 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveCardiovascular iron load is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in beta‐thalassemia major (β‐TM). However, many patients remain asymptomatic until the late stage. In this cross‐sectional study, we investigated the role of three‐dimensional (3D) echocardiography and endothelial dysfunction parameters in asymptomatic β‐TM patients, and the relationship between these parameters and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2* value.MethodsA total of 51 asymptomatic β‐TM patients receiving regular blood transfusions were divided into two groups based on cardiac MRI‐T2* values (MRI‐T2*<20 ms and ≥20 ms), which MRI‐T2*<20 ms determines myocardial iron load and evaluated by two‐dimensional (2D) and 3D‐echocardiography including endothelial dysfunction parameters. The relationships between ferritin levels, 2D and 3D‐echocardiography measurements, endothelial dysfunction parameters, and cardiac MRI‐T2* values were investigated.ResultsAll left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) obtained by 2D‐echocardiography were normal (≥50%). LVEF‐3D (53.25 ± 2.33 vs. 58.81 + 1.02), SDI12 (6.53 ± 0.56 vs. 2.85 + 0.48), and SDI16 (7.65 ± 0.75 vs. 3.26 + 0.49) were significantly different and negatively correlated between groups with MRI‐T2*<20 ms and ≥20 ms, respectively. Flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) (6.08% ± 0.34% vs. 14.46% ± 1.12), aortic strain (7.79% ± 2.19% vs. 12.76% ± 4.19), ferritin levels were significantly different and negatively correlated between groups with MRI‐T2*<20 ms and ≥20 ms, respectively. Higher ferritin, SDI12/16 were significant independent predictors of MR‐T2* < 20 ms. SDI16 > 5.5, SDI12 > 4.3 predicted MRI‐T2*<20ms with a sensitivity of 92%, specificity of 81% (AUC 0.85, P < .001), and sensitivity of 92%, specificity of 78% (AUC 0.83, P < .001), respectively.ConclusionSDI12/16 calculated by 3D‐echocardiography may be a promising predictors of cardiovascular iron load and, decreased LVEF‐3D, FMD, and aortic strain might be good indicators of subclinical cardiovascular involvement of β‐TM.
Supervised Machine Learning Techniques: An Overview with Applications to Banking
Authors: Hu Linwei , Chen Jie , Vaughan Joel , Aramideh Soroush , Yang Hanyu , Wang Kelly , Sudjianto Agus , Nair Vijayan N. 
Published: May 2021

SummaryThis article provides an overview of supervised machine learning (ML) with a focus on applications in banking. The supervised ML techniques covered include bagging (random forest), boosting (gradient boosting machine) and neural networks. We begin with an introduction to ML tasks and techniques. This is followed by a description of tree‐based ensemble algorithms, including bagging with random forest and boosting with gradient boosting machines, as well as feedforward neural networks. We then provide an extensive discussion of hyper‐parameter optimisation techniques. Interpretability of ML results is an important topic in banking and other regulated industries, and it is also covered in some depth. The paper concludes with a comparison of the features of different ML algorithms and a discussion of their use in practice. An application from credit risk modelling in banking is used throughout the paper to illustrate the techniques and interpret the results of the algorithms.
Factors associated with COVID‐19 related hospitalisation, critical care admission and mortality using linked primary and secondary care data
Authors: Cummins Lisa , Ebyarimpa Irene , Cheetham Nathan , Tzortziou Brown Victoria , Brennan Katie , Panovska‐Griffiths Jasmina 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundIt is important that population cohorts at increased risk of hospitalisation and death following a COVID‐19 infection are identified and protected.ObjectivesWe identified risk factors associated with increased risk of hospitalisation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality in inner North East London (NEL) during the first UK COVID‐19 wave.MethodsMultivariate logistic regression analysis on linked primary and secondary care data from people aged 16 or older with confirmed COVID‐19 infection between 01/02/2020 and 30/06/2020 determined odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI) and P‐values for the association between demographic, deprivation and clinical factors with COVID‐19 hospitalisation, ICU admission and mortality.ResultsOver the study period, 1781 people were diagnosed with COVID‐19, of whom 1195 (67%) were hospitalised, 152 (9%) admitted to ICU and 400 (23%) died. Results confirm previously identified risk factors: being male, or of Black or Asian ethnicity, or aged over 50. Obesity, type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) increased the risk of hospitalisation. Obesity increased the risk of being admitted to ICU. Underlying CKD, stroke and dementia increased the risk of death. Having learning disabilities was strongly associated with increased risk of death (OR = 4.75, 95% CI = [1.91, 11.84], P = .001). Having three or four co‐morbidities increased the risk of hospitalisation (OR = 2.34, 95% CI = [1.55, 3.54], P < .001; OR = 2.40, 95% CI = [1.55, 3.73], P < .001 respectively) and death (OR = 2.61, 95% CI = [1.59, 4.28], P < .001; OR = 4.07, 95% CI = [2.48, 6.69], P < .001 respectively).ConclusionsWe confirm that age, sex, ethnicity, obesity, CKD and diabetes are important determinants of risk of COVID‐19 hospitalisation or death. For the first time, we also identify people with learning disabilities and multi‐morbidity as additional patient cohorts that need to be actively protected during COVID‐19 waves.
Ontogenetic development of the crinoidPoliometra prolixain the Arctic deep sea
Authors: Meyer‐Kaiser Kirstin , Smith Amelia , Soltwedel Thomas 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPoliometra prolixais a common species of comatulid crinoid in the Arctic deep sea. In this study, we characterize the ontogenetic development through the cystidean and pentacrinoid stages, using specimens from the LTER (Long‐Term Ecological Research) observatory HAUSGARTEN in the Fram Strait, Arctic Ocean. While embryos and early larval stages (e.g., the doliolaria) were not observed, both post‐settlement stages and adults ofP. prolixawere observed on the same moored experimental platform at 2,500 m water depth, suggesting that larvae ofP. prolixado not disperse far from their mothers. This indicates that doliolariae may have an abbreviated pelagic duration period or may be brooded in this species. The cystidean has a short, translucent stalk with a star‐shaped attachment disc and a diamond‐shaped translucent head. Metamorphosis from the cystidean to the pentacrinoid is characterized by the formation of brachial ossicles from oral ossicles and by fusion of the basal and radial ossicles to form the calyx. The pentacrinoid stalk is opaque and first develops synarthrial joints at the distal end. Late pentacrinoids have a xenomorphic stalk, bifurcated arms with pinnules, and cirri. We discuss the reproductive and ecological niche ofP. prolixaand also consider the question of whether cystidean and pentacrinoid stages undergo metamorphosis.
Transcultural adaptation and validation of Italian Selfcare diabetic foot questionnaire
Authors: Navarro‐Flores Emmanuel , Romero‐Morales Carlos , Villafañe Jorge Hugo , Becerro‐de‐Bengoa‐Vallejo Ricardo , López‐López Daniel , Losa‐Iglesias Marta Elena , Calvo‐Lobo César , Palomo‐López Patricia 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe Italian Selfcare diabetic foot questionnaire, (SDFQ‐IT) is considered a diabetic foot self‐care evaluation tool with 16 questions for assessing diabetic foot health disorders. To date, SDFQ has been validated in different languages, but an Italian version was lacking. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to translate and validate the Italian version of the SDFQ‐IT (SDFQ‐IT). A suitable method was developed for the translation protocol and cross‐cultural validation from Spanish to Italian. Regarding the total marks from each sub‐scale, agreement degrees, and confidence were analysed using the Cronbach's α and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. In addition, the mean ± SD differences between pre and post‐tests were calculated and completed using the Bland and Altman distribution plots. Excellent agreement between the two versions based on Cronbach's α was demonstrated. Three sub‐scales consisting of knowledge of foot hygiene, the appropriate use of footwear and socks, and podiatric self‐care were added together to obtain the total score. Excellent retest reliability was shown for the total score. Test/retest reliability was excellent for the self‐care domain, and shock and shoe sub‐scales. There were no significant differences among any domain (P > .05). There were no statistically significant differences (P = .000) for the mean ± SDs differences between pre‐and post‐tests (92.9200 ± 12.914) [89.25‐96.59] and 92.9200 ± 13.012 [89.22‐96.62] points, respectively). Bland and Altman plots or clinically pertinent variations were not statistically significantly different. The SDFQ‐IT is considered a strong and valid questionnaire with adequate repeatability in the Italian community.
Emerging functions of piwi‐interacting RNAs in diseases
Authors: Wang Kai , Wang Tao , Gao Xiang‐Qian , Chen Xin‐Zhe , Wang Fei , Zhou Lu‐Yu 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPIWI‐interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are recently discovered small non‐coding RNAs consisting of 24‐35 nucleotides, usually including a characteristic 5‐terminal uridine and an adenosine at position 10. PIWI proteins can specifically bind to the unique structure of the 3′ end of piRNAs. In the past, it was thought that piRNAs existed only in the reproductive system, but recently, it was reported that piRNAs are also expressed in several other human tissues with tissue specificity. Growing evidence shows that piRNAs and PIWI proteins are abnormally expressed in various diseases, including cancers, neurodegenerative diseases and ageing, and may be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This review aims to discuss the current research status regarding piRNA biogenetic processes, functions, mechanisms and emerging roles in various diseases.
RETRACTED: Celastrol inhibit the proliferation, invasion and migration of human cervical HeLa cancer cells through down‐regulation of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9
Authors: Zhang Jing , Wang Ranran , Cheng Li , Xu Haisheng 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe present study evaluated the anticancer potential of celastrol through down‐regulation of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) and MMP‐9. HeLa cells were incubated with different concentrations of celastrol (1, 10 and 100 µM) for 48h. Doxorubicin was used as a reference drug. Cancer cell migration, apoptosis, cell viability and mitochondrial fragmentation were evaluated following celastrol treatment. In addition, the expression level of MMP‐2, MMP‐9 and caspase‐3 was evaluated following celastrol treatment. HeLa cell viability was 94.1 ± 7, 53.4 ± 4 and 36.3 ± 2% at 1‐100 µM of celastrol, respectively. Apoptotic cell numbers were increased, and inhibition of larger wounds in cancer cells was observed following celastrol treatment. Celastrol‐treated cells showed condensed nuclei and clumped mitochondria. Reduced expression of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 and increased expression of caspase‐3 were observed following celastrol treatment. Based on the experimental results, we are concluding that the celastrol was effective against HeLa cervical cancer cells.
Reduction in hypoxia‐reoxygenation‐induced myocardial mitochondrial damage with exogenous methane
Authors: Jász Dávid Kurszán , Szilágyi Ágnes Lilla , Tuboly Eszter , Baráth Bálint , Márton Anett Roxána , Varga Petra , Varga Gabriella , Érces Dániel , Mohácsi Árpád , Szabó Anna , Bozó Renáta , Gömöri Kamilla , Görbe Anikó , Boros Mihály , Hartmann Petra 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAlbeit previous experiments suggest potential anti‐inflammatory effect of exogenous methane (CH4) in various organs, the mechanism of its bioactivity is not entirely understood. We aimed to investigate the potential mitochondrial effects and the underlying mechanisms of CH4 in rat cardiomyocytes and mitochondria under simulated ischaemia/reperfusion (sI/R) conditions. Three‐day‐old cultured cardiomyocytes were treated with 2.2% CH4‐artificial air mixture during 2‐hour‐long reoxygenation following 4‐hour‐long anoxia (sI/R and sI/R + CH4, n = 6‐6), with normoxic groups serving as controls (SH and SH + CH4; n = 6‐6). Mitochondrial functions were investigated with high‐resolution respirometry, and mitochondrial membrane injury was detected by cytochrome c release and apoptotic characteristics by using TUNEL staining. CH4 admixture had no effect on complex II (CII)‐linked respiration under normoxia but significantly decreased the complex I (CI)‐linked oxygen consumption. Nevertheless, addition of CH4 in the sI/R + CH4 group significantly reduced the respiratory activity of CII in contrast to CI and the CH4 treatment diminished mitochondrial H2O2 production. Substrate‐induced changes to membrane potential were partially preserved by CH4, and additionally, cytochrome c release and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes were reduced in the CH4‐treated group. In conclusion, the addition of CH4 decreases mitochondrial ROS generation via blockade of electron transport at CI and reduces anoxia‐reoxygenation‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiomyocyte injury in vitro.