bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Growth differentiation factor 11 accelerates liver senescence through the inhibition of autophagy
Authors: Sun Jian , Li Ying , Yang Xiao , Dong Wei , Yang Jiankun , Hu Qi , Zhang Cuntai , Fang Haoshu , Liu Anding 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe “rejuvenating” effect of growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) is called into question recently, and its role, as well as plausible signaling mechanisms in liver senescence, is unclear. To overexpress or knockdown GDF11, aged male mice are injected with a single dose of adeno‐associated viruses‐GDF11 or adenovirus‐small hairpin RNA‐GDF11, respectively. GDF11 overexpression significantly accelerates liver senescence in aged mice, whereas GDF11 knockdown has opposite effects. Concomitantly, autophagic flux is impaired in livers from GDF11 overexpression mice. Conversely, GDF11 knockdown increases autophagic flux. Moreover, rapamycin successfully restores the impaired autophagic flux and alleviates liver senescence in GDF11 overexpression mice, while the GDF11 knockdown‐mediated benefits are abolished by the autophagy inhibitor bafilomycin A1. GDF11 leads to a drop in lysosomal biogenesis resulting in defective autophagic flux at autophagosome clearance step. Mechanistically, GDF11 significantly activates mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and subsequently represses transcription factor EB (TFEB), a master regulator of lysosomal biogenesis and autophagy. Inhibition of mTORC1 or TFEB overexpression rescues the GDF11‐impaired autophagic flux and cellular senescence. Hepatocyte‐specific deletion of GDF11 does not alter serum GDF11 levels and liver senescence. Collectively, suppression of autophagic activity via mTORC1/TFEB signaling may be a critical molecular mechanism by which GDF11 exacerbates liver senescence. Rather than a “rejuvenating” agent, GDF11 may have a detrimental effect on liver senescence.
COVID‐19 and geriatric medicine in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Ischia Liesl , Naganathan Vasi , Waite Louise M. , Le Couteur David G. , Thillainadesan Janani 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate geriatricians’ views about issues facing geriatric medicine, and the preparedness of the health‐care system during the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsAn online survey of heads of geriatric medicine departments in hospitals in Australia and New Zealand undertaken in May 2020.ResultsThe majority of hospitals had admitted one or more patients with suspected COVID‐19. Most geriatricians believed their hospital was ‘adequately’ or ‘well prepared’ for the pandemic. Inpatient capacity increased to manage acute, post‐acute and rehabilitative care of older patients with COVID‐19. Non‐inpatient services for older people were reduced and telehealth‐instituted widely. Increases in work hours, on‐call and staffing levels were reported. Geriatricians voiced major concerns about the preparedness of residential aged care facilities to manage the pandemic.ConclusionsThe COVID‐19 pandemic impacted on geriatricians and the provision of geriatric medicine services. Many issues that subsequently affected older people were predicted in advance.
The impact of diabetes mellitus type 1 on male fertility: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Facondo Paolo , Di Lodovico Elena , Delbarba Andrea , Anelli Valentina , Pezzaioli Letizia Chiara , Filippini Erica , Cappelli Carlo , Corona Giovanni , Ferlin Alberto 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundSome evidence suggests that diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1) could affect male fertility, gonadal axis, semen parameters, and spermatogenesis because of effects of hyperglycemia and insulin deficiency. Anyhow, the exact impact of DM1 on male fertility is unclear.ObjectivesTo review the studies evaluating paternity rate, male gonadal axis, and semen parameters in men with DM1.Materials and methodsA review of relevant literature from January 1980 to December 2020 was performed. Only studies published in English reporting data on fatherhood (rate of children by natural fertility), hormonal and seminal parameters were included. Out of 14 retrieved articles, the eight studies evaluating semen parameters were meta‐analyzed.ResultsThe rate of children (four studies) was lower than controls among men affected by DM1, especially in men with a longer duration of disease. The data of gonadal hormonal profile in DM1 men (six studies) are very heterogeneous and a neutral effect of DM1 or a condition of subclinical hypogonadism could not be concluded. Meta‐analysis showed that men with DM1 (n = 380), compared with controls (n = 434), have significantly lower normal sperm morphology [‐0.36% (‐0.66; ‐0.06), p < 0.05, six studies] and sperm progressive motility [33.62% (‐39.13; ‐28.11), p < 0.001, two studies] and a trend toward a lower seminal volume [‐0.51 (‐1.03; 0.02), p = 0.06, eight studies], without difference in total sperm count and concentration. Data on scrotal ultrasound and sperm DNA fragmentation are too few. No study evaluated other factors of male infertility, such as transrectal ultrasound, semen infections, sperm auto‐antibodies, and retrograde ejaculation.DiscussionDM1 might impair male fertility and testis functions (endocrine, spermatogenesis), but definition of its actual impact needs further studies.ConclusionMen with DM1 should be evaluated with a complete hormonal, seminal, and ultrasound workup to better define their fertility potential and need for follow up of testis functions.
Is delirium associated with negative outcomes in older patients with hip fracture: analysis of the 4904 patients 2017–2018 from the Australian and New Zealand hip fracture registry
Authors: Oberai Tarandeep , Woodman Richard , Laver Kate , Crotty Maria , Kerkhoffs Gino , Jaarsma Ruurd 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAimTo determine associations between delirium and health outcomes using the Australia and New Zealand population‐based hip fracture patient registry (ANZHFR).MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study using data from the ANZHFR among hip‐fracture surgery patients admitted to and discharged from hospital between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2018.ResultsOf the 4904 patients with complete data and included in the analysis, 1789 (36.5%) experienced delirium during their hospital stay. Patients with delirium also had a higher rate of in‐hospital mortality (adjusted HR = 1.76; 95% CI = 1.24, 2.49; P < 0.001), a higher rate of long‐term mortality (adjusted HR = 1.30; 95% CI = 1.15, 1.48; P < 0.001) and a higher odds of discharge to an aged care facility (adjusted OR = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.04, 1.48; P = 0.019).ConclusionA high rate of postoperative delirium exists among Australian and New Zealand hip fracture patients. Rates of hospital mortality, length of hospital stay and discharge to residential aged care are considerably worse in these patients.
Anthropocenic Discards: Embodied Infrastructures and Uncanny Exposures at Dakar’s Dump
Authors: Fredericks Rosalind 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis article examines ethnographically the embodied infrastructures of waste picking labour at Dakar’s dump, Mbeubeuss, as a lens into the material politics of disposability in the Anthropocene. Through examining the lifeworlds threatened with erasure by a World Bank‐funded project to modernise the dump, it interrogates the shifting dialectics of waste and value in an era of disposability urbanism. Specifically, the article examines the material, social, and spiritual infrastructures of waste picking to trace how the pickers forge value through their craft, expertise, and toil. Living with toxins allows them to pursue the good life and stake claims to an urban commons—but with violently uneven bodily burdens. It then explores the uncanny, often violent, consequences of state efforts to “valorise” dump economies as they enclose the commons and disrupt pickers’ ritual practices. The research extends understandings of infrastructure and offers new provocations for how socio‐material relationships may be revalued in the Anthropocene.
Psychological well‐being and worries among pregnant women in the first trimester during the early phase of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Denmark compared with a historical group: A hospital‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Broberg Lotte , Rom Ane L. , de Wolff Mie G. , Høgh Stinne , Nathan Nina O. , Paarlberg Louise D. , Christensen Karl B. , Damm Peter , Hegaard Hanne Kristine 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntroductionA pandemic may negatively influence psychological well‐being in the individual. We aimed to assess the potential influence of the first national lockdown in Denmark (March to June 2020) due to the COVID‐19 pandemic on psychological well‐being and the content and degree of worries among pregnant women in early pregnancy.Material and methodsIn this hospital‐based cross‐sectional study based on self‐reported data we compared psychological well‐being and worries among women who were pregnant during the first phase of the pandemic (COVID‐19 group) (n = 685), with women who were pregnant the year before (Historical group) (n = 787). Psychological well‐being was measured by the five‐item World Health Organization Well‐being Index (WHO‐5), using a score ≤50 as indicator of reduced psychological well‐being. Differences in WHO‐5 mean scores and in the prevalence of women with score ≤50 were assessed using general linear and log‐binomial regression analyses. The Cambridge Worry Scale was used to measure the content and degree of major worries. To detect differences between groups, Pearson’s Chi‐square test was used.ResultsWe found no differences in mean WHO‐5 score between groups (mean difference) 0.1 (95% CI −1.5 to 1.6) or in the prevalence of women with WHO‐5 score ≤50 (prevalence ratio 1.04, 95% CI 0.83–1.29) in adjusted analyses. A larger proportion of women in the COVID‐19 group reported major worries about Relationship with husband/partner compared with the Historical group (3% [n = 19] vs 1% [n = 6], p = 0.04), and 9.2% in the COVID‐19 group worried about the possible negative influence of the COVID‐19 restrictions.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that national restrictions due to the COVID‐19 pandemic did not influence the psychological well‐being or the content and degree of major worries among pregnant women. However, a larger proportion of women in the COVID‐19 group reported major worries concerning Relationship with husband/partner compared with the Historical group and 9.2% in the COVID‐19 group worried about the possible negative influence of the COVID‐19 restrictions.
Impact of left ventricular inspection employing cardiopulmonary bypass on outcome after implantation of left ventricular assist device
Authors: Lewin Daniel , Nersesian Gaik , Roehrich Luise , Mueller Marcus , Mulzer Johanna , Stein Julia , Kukucka Marian , Starck Christoph , Schoenrath Felix , Falk Volkmar , Ott Sascha , Potapov Evgenij V. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundCardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) during left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation provides circulatory support and allows for safe inspection of the left ventricle (LV), whereas circulatory support by veno‐arterial extracorporeal life support (va‐ECLS) or off‐pump implantation may reduce postoperative bleeding and inflammatory response.MethodsRetrospective analysis of 616 consecutive adult patients who received an LVAD via median sternotomy between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2019. All patients undergoing concomitant intracardiac procedures other than closure of persistent foramen ovale or atrial septal defect and redo surgeries were excluded from the analysis. The remaining patients (n = 222) were divided into two groups and 1:1 propensity score‐matched regarding preoperative parameters: patients who underwent LVAD implantation with LV inspection employing CPB (CPB group, n = 62) and without LV inspection on va‐ECLS or off‐pump (non‐CPB group, n = 62).ResultsThe groups were well balanced with regard to preoperative baseline characteristics (standard difference <0.1). Patients in the CPB group required more blood transfusions (median 2 vs. 0 units, p = 0.031) during surgery and in the first 24 h afterwards. The median intensive care unit stay was longer in the CPB group (18 vs. 11 days, p = 0.021). The CPB group showed an absence of perioperative stroke and a smaller number of events per patient‐year for postoperative ischemic stroke (0.02 vs. 0.12, p = 0.003). 30‐day survival (87% vs. 87.1%) and 1‐year survival (80.3% vs. 74%) were similar in both groups (p = 0.78).ConclusionVisual LV inspection on CPB may reduce the risk of postoperative ischemic stroke. Despite the negative effects of employing CPB in lieu of other intraoperative strategies, survival was similar in both groups.
The porcine abattoir blood model—Evaluation of platelet function for in‐vitro hemocompatibility investigations
Authors: Clauser Johanna C. , Maas Judith , Mager Ilona , Halfwerk Frank R. , Arens Jutta 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe major obstacle of blood‐contacting medical devices is insufficient hemocompatibility, particularly thrombogenicity and platelet activation. Pre‐clinical in‐vitro testing allows for the evaluation of adverse thrombogenicity‐related events, but is limited, among others, by the availability and quantity of human blood donations. The use of animal blood is an accepted alternative for several tests; however, animal and particularly abattoir blood might present species‐specific differences to human blood as well as elevated blood values, and pre‐activated platelets due to stressed animals and non‐standardized blood collection.Material & MethodsTo this end, we investigated porcine abattoir blood in comparison to human donor blood with the focus on platelet pre‐activation and remaining activation potential. By means of light transmission aggregometry, aggregation kinetics of platelet rich plasma after stimulation with three different concentrations of each adenosine diphosphate (ADP) (5 µM, 10 µM, 20 µM) and collagen (2.5 µg/ml, 5 µg/ml, 10 µg/ml) were monitored.ResultsThe activation with collagen revealed no significant differences in platelet behavior of the two species. In contrast, stimulation with ADP resulted in a lower maximum aggregation and a high disaggregation for porcine abattoir blood. The latter is a species‐specific phenomenon of porcine platelets. Variations within each study cohort were comparable for human and abattoir pig.ConclusionThe similarities in platelet activation following collagen stimulation and the preservation of the porcine‐specific reaction to ADP prove a general functionality of the abattoir blood. This finding provides a first step towards the complete validation of the porcine abattoir blood model.
Biocompatibility of an apical ring plug for left ventricular assist device explantation: Results of a feasibility pre‐clinical study
Authors: Mariani Silvia , Li Tong , Hegermann Jan , Bounader Karl , Hanke Jasmin , Meyer Tanja , Jannsen‐Peters Heike , Haverich Axel , Schmitto Jan D. , Dogan Günes 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundPatients receiving left ventricle assist devices (LVADs) as bridge to recovery remain a minority with 1%–5% of LVADs explanted after improvement of myocardial function. Nevertheless, considering the growing population of patients supported with LVADs, an increasing demand of new explantation strategies is expected in the near future. A novel plug for LVAD explantation has been developed and its biocompatibility profile needs to be proved. This study tested the biocompatibility of this novel plug in an in vivo ovine model.MethodsSix adult Blackhead Persian female sheep received plug implantation on the cardiac apex via minimally invasive approach and were clinically observed up to 90 days. Echocardiography was performed to detect thrombus formation or further plug‐related complications. After the observation period, euthanasia was performed and samples including the plug and the surrounding tissues were obtained to be analyzed with correlative light and electron microscopy. Organ necrosis, ischemia and peripheral embolism were investigated.ResultsThree animals survived surgery and completed the follow‐up time without experiencing clinical complications. Echocardiographic controls excluded the presence of an intracavitary thrombus in the left ventricle (LV). Autopsy confirmed no signs of local infection, LV thrombus or peripheral embolism. Light and electron microscopy revealed an intact epithelium covering a layer of connective tissue on the plug surface facing the heart lumen.ConclusionsThis novel apical plug for LVAD explantation allows for endothelial and connective tissue growth on its ventricular side within 90 days from surgery. Further studies are required to fully demonstrate the biocompatibility of this apical plug and investigate the optimal anticoagulation regimen to be applied after implantation.
Incidence, outcomes, and impact of COVID‐19 on inflammatory bowel disease: propensity matched research network analysis
Authors: Hadi Yousaf , Dulai Parambir S. , Kupec Justin , Mohy‐Ud‐Din Nabeeha , Jairath Vipul , Farraye Francis A. , Kochhar Gursimran S. 
Published: December 2021

SummaryBackgroundAccurate estimates for the risk of COVID‐19 in IBD, and an understanding of the impact of COVID‐19 on IBD course and the risk of incident post‐infectious IBD are needed.AimsTo estimate the risk of COVID‐19 in IBD and study its impact on IBD course and the risk of incident post‐infectious IBD.MethodsA retrospective propensity score matched cohort study utilising multi‐institutional research network TriNetX. COVID‐19 patients with and without IBD were identified to quantify the risk of COVID‐19 in patients with IBD, COVID‐19 outcomes in patients with IBD and the impact of COVID‐19 on IBD disease course. The risk of incident post‐infectious IBD in COVID‐19 patients was compared to the population not infected with COVID‐19 during a similar time period.ResultsIncidence rate ratio for COVID‐19 was lower in IBD patients compared to the non‐IBD population (0.79, 95% CI: 0.72‐0.86). COVID‐19‐infected patients with IBD were at increased risk for requiring hospitalisation compared to non‐IBD population (RR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.02‐1.34) with no differences in need for mechanical ventilation or mortality. Patients with IBD on steroids were at an increased risk for critical care need (RR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.29‐3.82). Up to 7% of patients with IBD infected with COVID‐19 suffered an IBD flare 3‐months post‐infection. Risk for incident IBD post‐COVID was lower than that seen in the non‐COVID population (RR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.54‐0.65).ConclusionWe observed no increase in risk for COVID‐19 amongst patients with IBD or risk for de novo IBD after COVID‐19 infection. We confirmed prior observations regarding the impact of steroid use on COVID‐19 severity in patients with IBD.
Secondary school students’ perception of the online teaching experience during COVID‐19: The impact on mental wellbeing and specific learning difficulties
Authors: Walters Thomas , Simkiss Nicola J. , Snowden Robert J. , Gray Nicola S. 
Published: December 2021

BackgroundStudent engagement and concentration is critical for successful learning. Due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, there has been a dramatic increase in the use of online learning which may affect engagement and concentration, particularly for those students with specific learning difficulties.Aims

Students would show lower scores on all the measures of student experience when judging these during online learning versus learning within the classroom.

This negative impact of online learning on concentration, engagement, perceived learning, and self‐worth compared to classroom education would be more significant for those with specific learning difficulties.

The drop in student experience scores due to online learning would be associated with poorer mental well‐being.

SampleFour hundred seven pupils aged 11–18 years at a secondary education school in Wales.MethodsA retrospective online survey comparing pupils’ normal classroom experience to learning online during the first national lockdown in the United Kingdom (March–July 2020).ResultsPupils’ learning experiences (concentration, engagement, ability to learn, and self‐worth from learning) were significantly lower for online learning compared to the classroom learning. These differences were more marked in students with specific learning difficulties. Perceived ability to learn and engage during classroom and online learning were also associated with mental well‐being.ConclusionsThe move to online learning appears to have affected students’ ability to concentrate and engage in their schoolwork and appears to have reduced their ability to learn and get self‐worth from their work. These decreases are associated with a decrease in mental well‐being. The effects appear to be exacerbated in some students with specific learning difficulties.
Gender stereotypes in UK children and adolescents: Changing patterns of knowledge and endorsement
Authors: Wood Lara A. , Hutchison Jacqui , Aitken Mhairi , Cunningham Sheila J. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAcross two studies, we investigated gender stereotype knowledge and endorsement in UK schoolchildren, and their impact on academic subject choice. In Study 1, children aged 9–11 (N = 68) and 13–15 (N = 61) completed a newly developed Gender Attribute scale assessing their knowledge and endorsement of gender stereotypes relating to academic subjects and occupations. Participants demonstrated gender stereotype knowledge and endorsement, although significantly higher knowledge than endorsement scores indicated a level of stereotype rejection. Stereotype knowledge was greater in the older age group, and older girls showed significantly higher levels of stereotype rejection than all other groups. In Study 2, children aged 13–15 (N = 165) completed the Gender Attribute scale and provided information on their school subject choices. Patterns of stereotype knowledge and endorsement followed those of Study 1. Subject choice information showed that boys selected significantly more masculine than feminine subjects, while girls chose a similar proportion of each. Further, boys’ level of gender stereotype endorsement predicted their subject choices, while girls’ did not. We suggest that in contemporary UK some progress is being made in relation to girls challenging stereotypes that work against them but that more work is needed to encourage boys into female‐dominated disciplines.
TCOF1 coordinates oncogenic activation and rRNA production and promotes tumorigenesis in HCC
Authors: Wu Chaoshen , Xia Dian , Wang Dian , Wang Shu , Sun Zhaoran , Xu Bihuai , Zhang Daoyong 
Published: December 2021

AbstractTreacle ribosome biogenesis factor 1 (TCOF1) is a nucleolar factor that regulates ribosomal DNA (rDNA) transcription in the nucleolus. TCOF1 has been previously reported to be implicated in Treacher Collins–Franceschetti syndrome (TCS), a congenital disorder of craniofacial development. Except TCS, TCOF1 has not been reported to be involved in other diseases so far. Here, we show that TCOF1 expression is aberrantly elevated in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and correlates with HCC progression and poor outcome. In vitro and in vivo studies reveal oncogenic roles of TCOF1 in HCC. Mechanistically, TCOF1 regulates KRAS‐activated genes and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) genes in HCC and is required for the increased ribosomal RNA (rRNA) production, a hallmark of cancer. Interestingly, our analysis reveals an inverse correlation between TCOF1 expression and tumor infiltration of antitumor immune cells, suggesting that TCOF1 may also have an important impact on antitumor immune responses in HCC. Together, our findings support a model in which TCOF1 coordinates oncogenic activation and rRNA production to promote HCC tumorigenesis. The inverse correlation between TCOF1 expression and the infiltration of antitumor immune cells opens a new avenue to understanding the promoting role of TCOF in HCC tumorigenesis.