bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
USP53 activated by H3K27 acetylation regulates cell viability, apoptosis and metabolism in esophageal carcinoma via the AMPK signaling pathway
Authors: Cheng Wei , Tang Yong , Tong Xiaobin , Zhou Qin , Xie Jingrong , Wang Jinlong , Han Yun , Ta Na , Ye Zhou 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Esophageal carcinoma (ESCA) is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide, despite an overall decline in the incidence of new cases. However, knowledge of gene expression signatures for risk and prognosis stratification of ESCA is inadequate. Thus, identifying novel molecular biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ESCA might improve its prognosis and treatment. The current study investigated the role of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 53 (USP53), a member of the USP family that exhibits deubiquitinating activity, in ESCA and showed that USP53 is downregulated in ESCA tissues, indicating poor prognosis. USP53 suppresses the proliferation and growth of ESCA cells in vitro and in vivo, whereas its knockdown exerts opposite effects. AMP-activated protein kinase inhibitor reverses the effects of USP53 knockdown. USP53 also inhibits glycolysis, oxidative metabolism and mitochondrial dynamics. H3K27 acetylation increases USP53 expression by binding to its promoter region. Our study reveals that USP53 is activated by H3K27 acetylation and suppresses ESCA progression by regulating cell growth and metabolism. USP53 is therefore a promising target for ESCA treatment.
Task-specific employment of sensory signals underlies rapid task switching
Authors: Sasaki Ryo , Kumano Hironori , Mitani Akinori , Suda Yuki , Uka Takanori 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Much of our flexible behavior is dependent on responding efficiently to relevant information while discarding irrelevant information. Little is known, however, about how neural pathways governing sensory-motor associations can rapidly switch to accomplish such flexibility. Here, we addressed this question by electrically microstimulating middle temporal (MT) neurons selective for both motion direction and binocular disparity in monkeys switching between direction and depth discrimination tasks. Surprisingly, we frequently found that the observed psychophysical bias precipitated by delivering microstimulation to neurons whose preferred direction and depth were related to opposite choices in the two tasks was substantially shifted toward a specific movement. Furthermore, these effects correlated with behavioral switching performance. Our findings suggest that the outputs of sensory signals are task specific and that irrelevant sensory-motor pathways are gated depending on task demand so as to accomplish rapid attentional switching.
Central volume shift in acute heart failure revealed by blood volume monitoring during haemodialysis
Authors: Sumi Hirofumi , Ishii Akari , Yamada Yuki , Shibagaki Yugo , Tominaga Naoto 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACT
Central volume shift is one of the major pathophysiological mechanisms of acute pulmonary oedema in acute heart failure (AHF). Pathological vasoconstriction results in central volume shift; however, its onset and course have been rarely detected or recorded in clinical practice. We report an exceptional case of AHF developing during haemodialysis, with marked blood pressure (BP) elevation and paradoxical repeated reduction in blood volume (BV) detected by real-time BV monitoring, accompanied by worsening dyspnoea. This inverse correlation of BV and BP during haemodialysis indicates that the theoretical central volume shift was captured in real-world AHF.
Long-term outcome of hemiarch replacement in a proximal aortic aneurysm repair: analysis of over 1000 patients
Authors: Pearsall Christian , Blitzer David , Zhao Yanling , Yamabe Tsuyoshi , Rajesh Kavya , Kim Ilya , Bethancourt Casidhe , Hu Diane , Bergsohn Josh , Kurlanksy Paul , George Isaac , Smith Craig , Takayama Hiroo 
Published: December 2021

AbstractOBJECTIVESThe aim of this study was to investigate the impact of hemiarch replacement in patients undergoing an open repair of proximal thoracic aortic aneurysm without arch aneurysm.METHODSA retrospective review was performed on 1132 patients undergoing proximal aortic aneurysm repair at our Aortic Center between 2005 and 2019. Inclusion criteria were all patients undergoing root or ascending aortic aneurysm repair with or without hemiarch replacement. Exclusion criteria were age &lt;18 years, aortic arch diameter ≥4.5 cm, type A aortic dissection, previous ascending aortic replacement, ruptured aneurysm and endocarditis. Propensity score matching in a 2:1 ratio (573 non-hemiarch: 288 hemiarch) on 19 baseline characteristics was performed. The median follow-up time was 46.8 months (range 0.1–170.4 months).RESULTSHemiarch patients had significantly lower 10-year survival in the matched cohort (hemiarch 73.8%; 66.9–81.4%; vs non-hemiarch 86.5%; 81.1–92.3%; P &lt; 0.001), driven by higher in-hospital mortality rate (4% vs 1%; P &lt; 0.001). Cumulative incidence of aortic arch reintervention rates at 10 years was similarly low (hemiarch 1.0%; 0–2.5% vs non-hemiarch 1.3%; 0–2.6%, P = 0.615). Multivariate analysis with hazard ratios of the overall cohort showed hemiarch as an independent factor associated with long-term mortality (2.16; 1.42–3.27; P &lt; 0.001) but not with aortic arch reintervention (0.76; 0.14–4.07, P = 0.750).CONCLUSIONSHemiarch repair may be associated with higher short-term mortality compared to non-hemiarch. Arch reintervention was rare after a repair of proximal thoracic aortic aneurysm without arch aneurysm. Our data call for larger and prospective studies to further delineate the utility of hemiarch repair in proximal aortic surgery.
Impact of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer registration and cancer care: a European survey
Authors: Neamţiu Luciana , Martos Carmen , Giusti Francesco , Negrão Carvalho Raquel , Randi Giorgia , Dimitrova Nadya , Flego Manuela , Dyba Tadeusz , Bettio Manola , Gavin Anna , Visser Otto ,   the ENCR Steering Committee, Gavin Anna , Visser Otto , Sánchez María José , Eden Michael , Stracci Fabrizio , Šekerija Mario , Trojanowski Maciej , Bray Freddie , van Eycken Elizabeth , Miranda Ana , Storm Hans 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
The coronavirus disease COVID-19 pandemic posed a number of challenges to the oncology community, particularly the diagnosis and care of cancer patients while ensuring safety from the virus for both patients and professionals: minimization of visits to the hospital, cancellation of the screening programmes and the difficulties in the management and operation of cancer registries (CRs) while working remotely. This article describes the effects in the medium term of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer registration in Europe, focusing on changes in cancer detection and treatment, possible reduction of CR resources and difficulties in the access to data sources.

Methods
A questionnaire was distributed in June 2020 to the directors of 108 CRs from 34 countries affiliated to the European Network of Cancer Registries, providing a 37% response rate.

Results
The results of the survey showed that cancer-screening programmes were mostly stopped or slowed down in the majority of regions covered by the respondent CRs. Cancer diagnostics and treatments were severely disrupted. The cancer registration process was also disrupted, due to changes in the work modalities for the personnel, as well as to the difficulties in accessing sources and/or receiving the notifications. In some CRs, staff was allocated to different activities related to controlling the pandemic. Several CRs reported that they were investigating the impact of COVID-19 on cancer care via dedicated studies.

Conclusions
A careful analysis will be necessary for proper interpretation of temporal and geographical variations of the 2020 cancer burden indicators.
New ways of working releasing general practitioner capacity with pharmacy prescribing support: a cost-consequence analysis
Authors: Johnson Chris F , Maskrey Margaret , MacBride-Stewart Sean , Lees Ann , Macdonald Hector , Thompson Audrey 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
General practice in the United Kingdom is experiencing a workforce crisis. Greater multidisciplinary working, including more general practice pharmacists, is seen as part of the solution. However, it is unknown what impact and cost-consequences that pharmacists may have in freeing general practitioner (GP) capacity.

Objective
To evaluate the cost-consequences of additional pharmacists in releasing GP capacity.

Methods
This cost-consequences evaluation of a prospective observational cohort study in 15 urban practices involving 69 GPs in 1 locality serving a population of 82,000 people. GPs recorded the time they spent addressing key targeted prescribing activities during 5 distinct 2-week audit periods. Pharmacists performed these key prescribing activities to release GP capacity. An additional 225 h of pharmacists’ time per week was committed to the locality. Standardized staff costings were used to estimate the financial impact. Prescribing indicator performance was assessed against the other 7 localities within the health board.

Results
When compared with employing extra nonsalaried GPs this required an estimated additional investment of £16.73 (range £5.97–20.87) per h to free GP capacity. This achieved a sustainable 47% (73 h per week, F(4,56) = 16.05, P &lt; 0.001) reduction in GP time spent on key prescribing activities; equating to 4.9 h (95% confidence interval 3.1–6.7) per practice per week. No significant step changes in locality safety and quality prescribing measures, and no negative effects on locality-level prescribing cost-efficiency work were observed.

Conclusion
Appropriately resourced general practice pharmacy teams delivered prescribing cost-efficiencies as well as sustainably freeing GP capacity by performing key prescribing activities.
Higher Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Levels and Activity in the Postmortem Brains of Older Persons with Alzheimer’s Dementia
Authors: Cosarderelioglu Caglar , Nidadavolu Lolita S , George Claudene J , Marx-Rattner Ruth , Powell Laura , Xue Qian-Li , Tian Jing , Salib Joy , Oh Esther S , Ferrucci Luigi , Dincer Pervin , Bennett David A , Walston Jeremy D , Abadir Peter M 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Aging is a key risk factor in Alzheimer’s dementia (AD) development and progression. The primary dementia-protective benefits of angiotensin II subtype 1 receptor (AT1R) blockers are believed to arise from systemic effects on blood pressure. However, a brain-specific renin-angiotensin system (b-RAS) exists, which can be altered by AT1R blockers. Brain RAS acts mainly through 3 angiotensin receptors: AT1R, AT2R, and AT4R. Changes in these brain angiotensin receptors may accelerate the progression of AD. Using postmortem frontal cortex brain samples of age- and sex-matched cognitively normal individuals (n = 30) and AD patients (n = 30), we sought to dissect the b-RAS changes associated with AD and assess how these changes correlate with brain markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction as well as amyloid-β and paired helical filament tau pathologies. Our results show higher protein levels of the pro-inflammatory AT1R and phospho-ERK (pERK) in the brains of AD participants. Brain AT1R levels and pERK correlated with higher oxidative stress, lower cognitive performance, and higher tangle and amyloid-β scores. This study identifies molecular changes in b-RAS and offers insight into the role of b-RAS in AD-related brain pathology.
Evaluation of long-lasting insecticidal net distribution through schools in Southern Tanzania
Authors: Stuck Logan , Chacky Frank , Festo Charles , Lutambi Angelina , Abdul Ramadhani , Greer George , Mandike Renata , Nathan Rose , Elisaria Ester , Yukich Joshua 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Universal coverage with effective vector control remains the mainstay of malaria vector control in sub-Saharan Africa. Tanzania has utilized a number of mechanisms for the maintenance of long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) coverage over time. Schools have been identified as one potential channel for continuous distribution of LLIN. This research aims to evaluate an annual school-based LLIN distribution programme in Tanzania that began in 2013, called the School Net Programme (SNP). Following each of the first four rounds of SNP distribution, a household survey was conducted in intervention and comparison districts in Southern and Lake zones of Tanzania (N = 5083 households). Measures of ownership, access and use were compared between intervention and comparison districts. Determinants of reach were assessed in intervention districts. Population access to an LLIN increased from 63.1% (95% CI: 58.8, 67.5) to 76.5% (95% CI: 72.9, 80.0) in the intervention districts between the first and last surveys. Access also rose in the comparison districts from 51.4% (95% CI: 46.9, 55.9) to 79.8% (95% CI: 77.3, 82.0) following mass distribution and implementation of school-based distribution during the study period. LLIN use increased in intervention districts from 44.9% (95% CI: 40.5, 49.3) to 65.6% (95% CI: 59.4, 71.8) and from 57.2% (95% CI: 49.7, 64.7) to 77.4% (95% CI: 69.3, 85.5) specifically amongst primary school-aged children. Households reached by the SNP were wealthier households with children enrolled in school. The SNP in Tanzania was able to maintain population level LLIN ownership, use and access in the absence of mass distribution. The SNP successfully reached households that housed school-aged children. Alternative delivery strategies may need to be considered to reach households without children enrolled in schools that experienced fewer benefits from the programme.
Post-medistinoscopy chylopericardium
Authors: Abbas Sherif , Purohit Manoj , Cassidy Christopher 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Isolated Chylopericardium (without chylothorax) is a rare clinical disorder that may happen idiopathically or secondary to trauma, radiotherapy, lymphatic anomalies, infections or mediastinal neoplasm. We present a case of middle-aged male with no past medical history of note prior to developing heavy sweating, loss of weight and cough. A series of investigations were done including chest computed tomography which showed enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes leading to uncomplicated mediastinoscopy and lymph node biopsy. Six days after being discharged, he developed dyspnoea and chest pain. Echocardiography revealed massive pericardial effusion. Pericardiocentesis was done and surprisingly revealed milky white chylous fluid. The patient was then successfully managed without the need for further intervention.
Improving results management processes in an acute hospital using a multi-faceted approach
Authors: Koh Darrel , Wee Tracy , Fong Michelle , Tan Xiaohui , Tan Rudyanna , Menon Shalini , Goh Joey , Teo Stephanie , Chia Joanna , Kristanto William , Lim Ghee Hian 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Radiological examinations and laboratory tests are routinely ordered by hospital physicians as part of the care plan to diagnose and treat patients. However, the failure to actively review and follow-up on these results pose a significant problem to patient safety. A study team was formed to mitigate the clinical risks of poor results management, which was identified as a top clinical risk in our organization, in order to make improvements to the results management process and to ensure the timely review, acknowledgement and follow-up of test results.

Objective
This study was carried out to improve results management processes and ensure the timely review, acknowledgment, and follow-up of test results, in order to mitigate the clinical risks posed to patient safety.

Methods
The institutional expectations of results management were set and published as a hospital policy, which was communicated to all clinical departments for compliance. Improvements to the electronic medical records system were made to facilitate the results acknowledgement process, and physicians were engaged to educate them on the importance of results management.

Results
The study team observed a decrease in unacknowledged results from approximately 16 000 in March 2017 to 2673 in December 2020. The compliance rate for acknowledgement results increased from a monthly average of 83.7% (from March to December 2017) to a monthly average of 99.3% (in 2020). The risk score for results management decreased from 16 to 6.5 and was excluded from the organization’s top clinical risks.

Conclusion
This study showed the importance of both system improvements and culture changes that are required to improve the process of results management and provides a step forward for the hospital to safeguard patient safety and mitigate clinical risk.
Haemin deprivation renders Bacteroides fragilis hypersusceptible to metronidazole and cancels high-level metronidazole resistance
Authors: Paunkov Ana , Gutenbrunner Katrin , Sóki József , Leitsch David 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Infections with Bacteroides fragilis are routinely treated with metronidazole, a 5-nitroimidazole antibiotic that is active against most anaerobic microorganisms. Metronidazole has remained a reliable treatment option, but resistance does occur, including in B. fragilis.

Objectives
In this study we tested whether haemin, a growth supplement for B. fragilis in vivo and in vitro, had an influence on the susceptibility of resistant B. fragilis strains to metronidazole. We further tested whether haemin-deprived B. fragilis would be more susceptible to oxygen and oxidative stress. Metronidazole has been described to cause oxidative stress, which we argued would be exacerbated in haemin-deprived B. fragilis because the bacteria harness haemin, and the iron released from it, in antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and superoxide dismutase.

Methods
Haemin was omitted from growth media and the effect on metronidazole susceptibility was monitored in susceptible and resistant B. fragilis strains. Further, haemin-deprived B. fragilis were tested for resistance to aeration and hydrogen peroxide and the capacity for the removal of oxygen.

Results
Omission of haemin from the growth medium rendered metronidazole-resistant B. fragilis strains, including an MDR isolate from the UK, highly susceptible to metronidazole. Haemin deprivation further rendered B. fragilis highly susceptible to oxygen, which was further exacerbated in resistant strains. B. fragilis was incapable of scavenging oxygen when haemin was omitted.

Conclusions
We propose that haemin deprivation overrules resistance mechanisms by rendering B. fragilis hypersusceptible to metronidazole due to a compromised antioxidant defence. Monitoring of haemin concentrations is imperative when conducting metronidazole susceptibility testing in B. fragilis.
More Brutal than Alton West? Elevation Design and the Gordon Wilson Memorial Flats, Wellington, New Zealand
Authors: McCarthy Christine , Dudding Michael 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This paper addresses a gap in research regarding the design of the main elevations of the Gordon Wilson Memorial Flats (GWF). The GWF is the only surviving post-war example of high-rise multi-unit state housing in New Zealand. Its identification as a heritage building has been controversial, but this status was recently confirmed in New Zealand’s Environment Court. This paper examines the GWF elevations in the context of the building’s precedent, the London County Council-designed Alton West housing blocks. It concludes that the GWF façade designs are compellingly New Brutalist because they directly express conditions of living, including the structure, construction, and maisonette planning of the building, while negotiating the aesthetic dilemmas of mid-twentieth century flat block design, positioning the building as an important development in modernist residential high-rise blocks.
Tracking causal relations in the news: data, tools, and models for the analysis of argumentative statements in online media
Authors: Willaert Tom , Banisch Sven , Van Eecke Paul , Beuls Katrien 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Online debates and debate spheres challenge our assumptions about democracy, politics, journalism, trust, and truth in ways that make them a necessary object of study. In the present article, we argue that the study of online arguments can benefit from an interdisciplinary approach that combines computational methods for text analysis with conceptual models of opinion dynamics. The article thereby seeks to make a conceptual and methodological contribution to the field by highlighting the role of domain-crossing causal statements in debates of societal interest, and by providing a method for automatically mining such statements from textual corpora on the web. The article illustrates the relevance of this approach for the study of online debates by means of a case study in which we analyse cross-cutting statements on climate change and energy technologies from the comment section of the online newspaper The Guardian. In support of this case study, we use data and methods that are made openly available through the Penelope ecosystem of tools and techniques for computational social science.
Selection and identification of an RNA aptamer that specifically binds the HIV-1 capsid lattice and inhibits viral replication
Authors: Gruenke Paige R , Aneja Rachna , Welbourn Sarah , Ukah Obiaara B , Sarafianos Stefan G , Burke Donald H , Lange Margaret J 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The HIV-1 capsid core participates in several replication processes. The mature capsid core is a lattice composed of capsid (CA) monomers thought to assemble first into CA dimers, then into ∼250 CA hexamers and 12 CA pentamers. CA assembly requires conformational flexibility of each unit, resulting in the presence of unique, solvent-accessible surfaces. Significant advances have improved our understanding of the roles of the capsid core in replication; however, the contributions of individual CA assembly forms remain unclear and there are limited tools available to evaluate these forms in vivo. Here, we have selected aptamers that bind CA lattice tubes. We describe aptamer CA15-2, which selectively binds CA lattice, but not CA monomer or CA hexamer, suggesting that it targets an interface present and accessible only on CA lattice. CA15-2 does not compete with PF74 for binding, indicating that it likely binds a non-overlapping site. Furthermore, CA15-2 inhibits HIV-1 replication when expressed in virus producer cells, but not target cells, suggesting that it binds a biologically-relevant site during virus production that is either not accessible during post-entry replication steps or is accessible but unaltered by aptamer binding. Importantly, CA15-2 represents the first aptamer that specifically recognizes the HIV-1 CA lattice.
What Do Police Interview Eyewitnesses for? A Review
Authors: Launay Céline , Brunel Maïté , Bull Ray 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The objective of witness investigative interviews is to collect reliable and relevant information. This review aims to document what constitutes relevant information, as well as the techniques that researchers have built or still need to build to reliably collect this information. Researchers and practitioners agree on the ‘investigation-relevant information’ to be collected, which represents around 80% of the content of the investigative interviews (i.e. actions, persons, objects, contextual details, sounds/conversations, and gist information). Many techniques have been developed by researchers to reliably collect most of them. Another content of the interview has largely been neglected in research studies: information pertaining to the interviewee, which represents around 20% of the content of the interviews. We identified six sub-categories: witness characteristics, meta-cognition, viewing conditions, witness’ role, witness’ state, and general knowledge. Several existing techniques could be useful to reliably collect this information but more research is needed. Implications for improving interviewing guidance will be discussed.