bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A proposed method for analyzing molecular signatures to detect hermaphroditism in freshwater mussels: a case study using the eastern floater (Pyganodon cataracta)
Authors: Stewart Donald T. , Stephenson Chloe M. , Stanton Ljiljana M. , Chase Emily E. , Robicheau Brent M. , Hoeh W. Randolph , Breton Sophie 
Published: March 2021

Many freshwater mussels (order Unionida) have an unusual system of doubly uniparental inheritance (DUI) of mitochondrial (mt) DNA. In species with DUI, males possess a female-transmitted (F-type) mt genome and a male-transmitted (M-type) mt genome. These genomes contain non-canonical open reading frame (orf) genes, referred to as f-orf and m-orf, present in F and M mt genomes, respectively. These genes have been implicated in sexual development in Unionida. When gonochoric species become hermaphroditic, which has happened several times in Unionida, they lose their M-type mt genome and f-orf genes evolve dramatically. Resulting F-ORF proteins are highly divergent in terms of primary nucleotide sequence, inferred amino acids, and hydrophobic properties; these genes (and proteins) are referred to as hermaphroditic orfs or h-orfs (and H-ORFs). We investigated patterns of hydrophobicity divergence for H-ORF proteins in hermaphrodites versus F-ORF proteins in closely related gonochoric species against cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) divergences. This approach was used to assess whether cryptic hermaphrodites can be detected. Although we did not detect evidence for the recent transition of any populations of eastern floaters (Pyganodon cataracta (Say, 1817)) to hermaphroditism, our analyses demonstrate that molecular signatures in mtDNA can be used to detect hermaphroditism in freshwater mussels.
Ambulatory Function and Mortality among Cancer Survivors in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study
Authors: Salerno Elizabeth A. , Saint-Maurice Pedro F. , Willis Erik A. , Moore Steven C. , DiPietro Loretta , Matthews Charles E. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background:
There is limited evidence describing associations between cancer and function in diverse cancer types and its relationship with mortality. We investigated the relationship between cancer and poor ambulatory function and associations between ambulatory function and subsequent mortality.

Methods:
Participants included 233,135 adults (n = 30,403 cancer and n = 202,732 cancer free) in the NIH-American Association of Retired Persons Diet and Health Study (1994–1996) who self-reported ambulatory function (e.g., walking pace and mobility disability: being unable to walk or walking at the slowest pace) in 2004–2006. Participants were followed for mortality from the assessment of ambulatory function through 2011. Multinomial logistic regression quantified the association between cancer and ambulatory function. We then explored the independent effects of walking pace and mobility disability in cancer survivors, and the joint effects of both a cancer diagnosis and poor ambulatory function on mortality using Cox proportional hazards models. Models explored type-specific associations across 15 cancer types.

Results:
Survivors had 42% greater odds of walking at the slowest pace [OR, 1.42 (confidence interval (CI), 1.30–1.54)] and 24% greater odds of mobility disability [OR, 1.24 (CI, 1.17–1.31)], compared with cancer-free participants, adjusting for baseline demographics, health indicators, and cancer type. Survivors reporting the slowest pace were at increased hazards than those who walked the fastest: all-cause mortality [HR, 2.22 (CI, 2.06–2.39)] and cancer mortality [HR, 2.12 (CI, 1.83–2.45)]. Similar trends emerged for mobility disability (HRs &gt; 1.64). All-cause mortality associations were significant for more than nine cancer types.

Conclusions:
A diagnosis of cancer is associated with poorer ambulatory function, which is subsequently associated with increased mortality.

Impact:
Widespread efforts should target ambulatory function during cancer survivorship for survival benefits.
Early Changes in Rat Heart After High‐Dose Irradiation: Implications for Antiarrhythmic Effects of Cardiac Radioablation
Authors: Cha Myung‐Jin , Seo Jeong‐Wook , Kim Hak Jae , Kim Moo‐kang , Yoon Hye‐sun , Jo Seong Won , Oh Seil , Chang Ji Hyun 
Published: March 2021

Background
Noninvasive cardiac radioablation is employed to treat ventricular arrhythmia. However, myocardial changes leading to early‐period antiarrhythmic effects induced by high‐dose irradiation are unknown. This study investigated dose‐responsive histologic, ultrastructural, and functional changes within 1 month after irradiation in rat heart.

Methods and Results
Whole hearts of wild‐type Lewis rats (N=95) were irradiated with single fraction 20, 25, 30, 40, or 50 Gy and explanted at 1 day or 1, 2, 3, or 4 weeks’ postirradiation. Microscopic pathologic changes of cardiac structures by light microscope with immunohistopathologic staining, ultrastructure by electron microscopy, and functional evaluation by ECG and echocardiography were studied. Despite high‐dose irradiation, no myocardial necrosis and apoptosis were observed. Intercalated discs were widened and disrupted, forming uneven and twisted junctions between adjacent myocytes. Diffuse vacuolization peaked at 3 weeks, suggesting irradiation dose‐responsiveness, which was correlated with interstitial and intracellular edema. CD68 immunostaining accompanying vacuolization suggested mononuclear cell infiltration. These changes were prominent in working myocardium but not cardiac conduction tissue. Intracardiac conduction represented by PR and QTc intervals on ECG was delayed compared with baseline measurements. ST segment was initially depressed and gradually elevated. Ventricular chamber dimensions and function remained intact without pericardial effusion.

Conclusions
Mononuclear cell–related intracellular and extracellular edema with diffuse vacuolization and intercalated disc widening were observed within 1 month after high‐dose irradiation. ECG indicated intracardiac conduction delay with prominent ST‐segment changes. These observations suggest that early antiarrhythmic effects after cardiac radioablation result from conduction disturbances and membrane potential alterations without necrosis.
Stroke Risk Factor Status and Use of Stroke Prevention Medications Among Hispanic/Latino Adults in HCHS/SOL
Authors: Bai Fang , Chen Jingsong , Pandey Dilip , Durazo-Arvizu Ramon , Talavera Gregory A. , Allison Matthew A. , Perreira Krista M. , Schneiderman Neil , Sutherland Melanie W. , Cai Jianwen , Daviglus Martha L. , Testai Fernando D. 
Published: March 2021

Background and Purpose:
We investigated the prevalence, awareness, and control of vascular risk factors (VRFs) and the use of antithrombotic and statin agents in HCHS (Hispanic Community Health Study)/SOL (Study of Latinos) participants with self-reported history of stroke or transient ischemic attack.

Methods:
Sociodemographic characteristics, medications, and prevalence of different VRFs were recorded. VRF diagnoses and goals were based on the recommendations of professional organizations. Factors associated with optimal VRF control and use of antithrombotic and statin agents were investigated using multivariate logistic regression.

Results:
The analysis included 404 participants (39% men). The prevalences of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes were 59%, 65%, and 39%, respectively. Among those who met the diagnostic criteria for these diagnoses, the frequencies of awareness were 90%, 75%, and 83%, respectively. In participants who were aware of their VRFs, the prevalences of controlled hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes were 46%, 32%, and 54%. Approximately 46% of the participants were on antithrombotics, 39% on statins, and 26% on both. Only 38% of those with atrial fibrillation received anticoagulation. In multivariate analyses adjusted for baseline sociodemographic characteristics, older age was associated with uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes. Residing in the United States for ≥10 years and born in the United States were associated with uncontrolled diabetes, female sex with uncontrolled dyslipidemia, and lack of health insurance with decreased use of statins and hyperlipidemia.

Conclusions:
Hispanic/Latino adults in the United States have high prevalence and awareness of VRFs but low adherence to secondary stroke prevention strategies. Older adults, women, and uninsured people are vulnerable groups that may benefit from targeted interventions.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02060344.
Intraluminal Thrombus and Outcomes of Patients With Acute Large Vessel Occlusive Stroke Undergoing Endovascular Treatment
Authors: Ding Yarong , Leng Xinyi , Nie Ximing , Pan Yuesong , Li JieJie , Liu Dacheng , Yan Hongyi , Pu Yuehua , Wei Yufei , Cai Yuan , Lu Qixuan , Zhang Zhe , Duan Wanying , Gu Weibin , Hou Xinyi , Yang Zhonghua , Wen Miao , Ma Ning , Miao Zhongrong , Wang Yongjun , Liu Liping ,   on behalf of the RESCUE-RE Study Group
Published: March 2021

Background and Purpose:
Intraluminal thrombus (ILT) is an emerging imaging marker in acute ischemic stroke. We aimed to investigate the association of ILT with outcomes of acute large vessel occlusion (LVO) patients receiving endovascular treatment.

Methods:
Acute LVO stroke patients who underwent endovascular treatment within 24 hours, in a prospective, nationwide registry were enrolled. Pretreatment digital subtraction angiography was reviewed for the presence of ILT. The primary outcome was 90-day functional dependence (modified Rankin Scale scores, 3–6). Secondary outcomes included 24-hour LVO, 90-day death, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.

Results:

Among 711 patients enrolled, 75 (10.5%) with ILT were less likely to have 90-day functional dependence compared with those without ILT (adjusted odds ratio, 0.53 [95% CI, 0.31–0.90];
P
=0.021). The same trend was found among those with successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2b–3;
P
=0.008) but not in those without successful reperfusion (
P
=0.107). Presence of ILT was also independently associated with a lower rate of 24-hour LVO (adjusted odds ratio 0.34 [95% CI, 0.13–0.89];
P
=0.028). However, those with or without ILT had similar risks of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and 90-day death.

Conclusions:
Among acute LVO patients receiving endovascular treatment, pretreatment ILT-positive patients may have a better 90-day functional outcome (versus ILT-negative) but similar risk of death and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. The possibly favorable effect of ILT patients remained in those with successful reperfusion.

Registration:

URL:
http://www.chictr.org.cn
; Unique identifier: ChiCTR1900022154.
Revision and phylogenetic analysis of the genus Acanthischium Amyot & Serville, 1843 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Harpactorinae)
Authors: Castro-Huertas Valentina , Forero Dimitri 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The Neotropical harpactorine assassin bug genus Acanthischium Amyot & Serville, 1843 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Harpactorini) includes four valid species: Acanthischium maculatum Amyot & Serville, 1843 (with ten color varieties proposed by Stål [1872]), Acanthischium haglundi Stål, 1866, Acanthischium superbum Haviland, 1931, and Acanthischium invium Elkins, 1961. A taxonomic revision and a morphological phylogenetic analysis were carried out to test species limits and to propose a hypothesis of evolutionary relationships. As a result of the phylogenetic analysis, Acanthischium is characterized on its external morphology by the elongate postocular region, posterior margin of the pronotum with spines, ventral surface of protrochanter with apical and basal protuberances, profemur wider than mesofemur, and protibia strongly curved. After the taxonomic revision we propose nine valid species, taking into consideration characters of external morphology, male and female genitalia, and color patterns: Acanthischium dimidiatum Stål, 1859 stat. rev.; Acanthischium flaviceps Stål, 1872 stat. rev.; Acanthischium haglundi Stål, 1866; Acanthischium kuna sp. nov. from Panama and Colombia; Acanthischium maculatum Amyot & Serville, 1843; Acanthischium meloae sp. nov. from Suriname; Acanthischium nigrum Stål, 1872 stat. rev.; Acanthischium semiflavum Stål,1872 stat. rev.; and Acanthischium superbum Haviland, 1931. We further synonymize A. invium Elkins, 1961 with A. superbum. All but one of the species ‒ A. flaviceps ‒ were included in the phylogenetic analysis, in which Acanthischium was found to be monophyletic, with the following set of relationships: (A. haglundi + (A. nigrum +(A. dimidiatum (A. maculatum, A. semiflavum, A. kuna, A. meloae, A. superbum)))). The resulting phylogenetic pattern indicate a body color transition from drab to more vivid ones, such as orange or red. The species exhibiting red and orange colorations are found in a clade, suggesting an underlying biological phenomenon, such as wasp mimetism.
A Comparison of Government Communication of Climate Change in Hong Kong and United Kingdom
Authors: Ferranti Emma J. S. , Yan Wong Joanna Ho , Dhesi Surindar 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAs leaders of civil society, governments have a prime responsibility to communicate climate change information in order to motivate their citizens to mitigate and adapt. This study compares the approaches of the U.K. and Hong Kong governments. Although different in size and population, the United Kingdom and Hong Kong have similar climate change agendas to communicate to similarly educated and prosperous populations. The study finds that while both governments use similar means: policy, education, campaigns, internet, and social media, these have different characteristics, with different emphases in their climate change message. The United Kingdom’s top-down approach is more prominent in its legally binding policy and well-defined programs for adaptation and risk assessment. Hong Kong has more effectively embedded climate change education across the school curricula and has a more centralized and consistently branded campaign, with widespread use of visual language to connect the public to the problem. Hong Kong frames climate change as a science–society problem and has a greater focus on self-responsibility and bottom-up behavioral change. Thus, the U.K. and Hong Kong governments have polarized approaches to motivating their citizens into climate action. Moving forward, both governments should consider best practice elements of the other to develop their communication of climate change.
Current Challenges When Using Numbers in Patient Decision Aids: Advanced Concepts
Authors: Trevena Lyndal J. , Bonner Carissa , Okan Yasmina , Peters Ellen , Gaissmaier Wolfgang , Han Paul K. J. , Ozanne Elissa , Timmermans Danielle , Zikmund-Fisher Brian J. 
Published: March 2021

Background Decision aid developers have to convey complex task-specific numeric information in a way that minimizes bias and promotes understanding of the options available within a particular decision. Whereas our companion paper summarizes fundamental issues, this article focuses on more complex, task-specific aspects of presenting numeric information in patient decision aids. Methods As part of the International Patient Decision Aids Standards third evidence update, we gathered an expert panel of 9 international experts who revised and expanded the topics covered in the 2013 review working in groups of 2 to 3 to update the evidence, based on their expertise and targeted searches of the literature. The full panel then reviewed and provided additional revisions, reaching consensus on the final version. Results Five of the 10 topics addressed more complex task-specific issues. We found strong evidence for using independent event rates and/or incremental absolute risk differences for the effect size of test and screening outcomes. Simple visual formats can help to reduce common judgment biases and enhance comprehension but can be misleading if not well designed. Graph literacy can moderate the effectiveness of visual formats and hence should be considered in tool design. There is less evidence supporting the inclusion of personalized and interactive risk estimates. Discussion More complex numeric information. such as the size of the benefits and harms for decision options, can be better understood by using incremental absolute risk differences alongside well-designed visual formats that consider the graph literacy of the intended audience. More research is needed into when and how to use personalized and/or interactive risk estimates because their complexity and accessibility may affect their feasibility in clinical practice.
Exploring COVID-19 Related Factors Influencing Antenatal Care Services Uptake: A Qualitative Study among Women in a Rural Community in Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Hailemariam Shewangizaw , Agegnehu Wubetu , Derese Misganaw 
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Evidences suggest a significant decline in maternal health service uptake following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Ethiopia. However, COVID-19 related factors impacting the service uptake are not sufficiently addressed. Hence, the current study was intended to explore COVID-19 related factors influencing antenatal care service uptake in rural Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based qualitative study was conducted from September 25/2020 to November 25/2020 among selected pregnant women residing in rural districts of Bench-Sheko Zone, and healthcare providers working in the local health care facilities. Six focus group discussions and 9 in-depth interviews were made between pregnant women, and health care providers, respectively. Data was collected by health education and behavioral science professionals who also have experience in qualitative data collection procedure. Data were transcribed, translated, and analyzed thematically using Open Code 4.0 software. Result: The study revealed several COVID-19 related factors influencing the uptake of antenatal care service during the pandemic. Health facility related barriers, perceived poor quality of care during the pandemic, government measures against COVID-19, anxiety related to the pandemic, and risk minimization were the identified factors possibly influencing the current antenatal care service uptake among women in rural Bench-Sheko Zone. Conclusion: COVID-19 preventive measures, and health facility related factors and individual factors were responsible for the current decline in antenatal care service uptake. Preserving essential health care service is critical to prevent avoidable losses of maternal and child lives during the pandemic period. Hence, programs and strategies designed to maintain maternal health services particularly, antenatal care service have better take the above determinants into consideration.
Clinical manifestations of, diagnostic approach to, and treatment of neurolymphomatosis in the rituximab era
Authors: Khurana Arushi , Novo Mattia , Nowakowski Grzegorz S. , Ristow Kay M. , Spinner Robert J. , Hunt Christopher H. , King Rebecca L. , Lachance Daniel H. , Habermann Thomas M. , Micallef Ivana N. , Johnston Patrick B. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNeurolymphomatosis (NL) is a rare manifestation of lymphoma, with limited evidence for optimal management. The largest patient series, 50 cases of lymphoma and leukemia, was published in 2010 with limited rituximab exposure. This study aims to evaluate the clinical presentation, diagnostic testing, and outcomes of NL in the rituximab era. Forty biopsy-proven cases of NL, in association with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), at the Mayo Clinic were retrospectively evaluated. B-cell NHL was associated with 97% of NL cases, of which diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was the most common (68%). Primary NL, defined as neural involvement present at the time of diagnosis of lymphoma, was noted in 52% cases. Seventy percent of patients presented with sensorimotor weakness and neuropathic pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was positive in 100% patients. Overall survival (OS) was significantly better for primary NL and NL associated with indolent lymphomas. Relapses were seen in 60% (24/40) of patients; 75% involved the peripheral or central nervous system at relapse. The use of rituximab in the frontline setting significantly impacted progression-free survival (PFS). Transplant consolidation was noted to be associated with improved OS. This study adds to the available literature on NL in the rituximab era. The overall outcomes have improved in recent years. In our experience, MRI and positron emission tomography/computed tomography may be required for accurate assessment of the extent of disease involvement and identification of an optimal biopsy site. The use of rituximab was associated with improvement in PFS, and autologous stem cell transplant was associated with OS.
MetAP2 inhibition modifies hemoglobin S to delay polymerization and improves blood flow in sickle cell disease
Authors: Demers Melanie , Sturtevant Sarah , Guertin Kevin R. , Gupta Dipti , Desai Kunal , Vieira Benjamin F. , Li Wenjing , Hicks Alexandra , Ismail Ayman , Gonçalves Bronner P. , Di Caprio Giuseppe , Schonbrun Ethan , Hansen Scott , Musayev Faik N. , Safo Martin K. , Wood David K. , Higgins John M. , Light David R. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with hemolysis, vascular inflammation, and organ damage. Affected patients experience chronic painful vaso-occlusive events requiring hospitalization. Hypoxia-induced polymerization of sickle hemoglobin S (HbS) contributes to sickling of red blood cells (RBCs) and disease pathophysiology. Dilution of HbS with nonsickling hemoglobin or hemoglobin with increased oxygen affinity, such as fetal hemoglobin or HbS bound to aromatic aldehydes, is clinically beneficial in decreasing polymerization. We investigated a novel alternate approach to modify HbS and decrease polymerization by inhibiting methionine aminopeptidase 2 (MetAP2), which cleaves the initiator methionine (iMet) from Val1 of α-globin and βS-globin. Kinetic studies with MetAP2 show that βS-globin is a fivefold better substrate than α-globin. Knockdown of MetAP2 in human umbilical cord blood–derived erythroid progenitor 2 cells shows more extensive modification of α-globin than β-globin, consistent with kinetic data. Treatment of human erythroid cells in vitro or Townes SCD mice in vivo with selective MetAP2 inhibitors extensively modifies both globins with N-terminal iMet and acetylated iMet. HbS modification by MetAP2 inhibition increases oxygen affinity, as measured by decreased oxygen tension at which hemoglobin is 50% saturated. Acetyl-iMet modification on βS-globin delays HbS polymerization under hypoxia. MetAP2 inhibitor–treated Townes mice reach 50% total HbS modification, significantly increasing the affinity of RBCs for oxygen, increasing whole blood single-cell RBC oxygen saturation, and decreasing fractional flow velocity losses in blood rheology under decreased oxygen pressures. Crystal structures of modified HbS variants show stabilization of the nonpolymerizing high O2–affinity R2 state, explaining modified HbS antisickling activity. Further study of MetAP2 inhibition as a potential therapeutic target for SCD is warranted.