bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA and Gut Microbiota: Tiny but Mighty—Novel Insights into Their Cross-talk in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Pathogenesis and Therapeutics
Authors: Casado-Bedmar Maite , Viennois Emilie 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
MicroRNAs [miRNAs], small non-coding RNAs, have recently been described as crucial contributors to intestinal homeostasis. They can interact with the gut microbiota in a reciprocal manner and deeply affect host health status, leading to several disorders when unbalanced. Inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] is a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract that co-occurs with alterations of the gut microbiota, and whose aetiology remains largely unclear. On one hand, host miRNA could be playing a relevant role in IBD pathophysiology by shaping the gut microbiota. The gut microbiome, on the other hand, may regulate the expression of host miRNAs, resulting in intestinal epithelial dysfunction, altered autophagy, and immune hyperactivation. Interestingly, it has been hypothesised that their reciprocal impact may be used for therapeutic goals. This review describes the latest research and suggests mechanisms through which miRNA and intestinal microbiota, as joint actors, may participate specifically in IBD pathophysiology. Furthermore, we discuss the diagnostic power and therapeutic potential resulting from their bidirectional communication after faecal transplantation, probiotics intake, or anti-miRNAs or miRNA mimics administration. The current literature is summarised in the present work in a comprehensive manner, hoping to provide a better understanding of the miRNA-microbiota cross-talk and to facilitate their application in IBD.
Adding historical high-sensitivity troponin T results to rule out acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Roos Andreas , Mohammad Moman A , Ekelund Ulf , Mokhtari Arash , Holzmann Martin J 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
The clinical usefulness of historical concentrations of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) is unknown. This study investigated the ability to rule out myocardial infarction (MI) with the use of historical hs-cTnT concentrations among patients with chest pain in the emergency department (ED).

Methods and results
The derivation cohort consisted of patients presenting with chest pain to nine different EDs (n = 60 071), where we included those with ≥1 hs-cTnT analysed at the index visit and ≥1 hs-cTnT results prior to the visit. We developed an algorithm to rule out MI within 30 days with a pre-specified target negative predictive value (NPV) of ≥99.5%. The performance was then validated in a separate cohort of ED chest pain patients (n = 10 994). A historical hs-cTnT &lt; 12 ng/L and a &lt; 3 ng/L absolute change between the historical and the index visit hs-cTnT had the best performance and ruled out 24 862 (41%) patients in the derivation cohort. In the validation cohort, these criteria identified 4764 (43%) low-risk patients in whom 18 (0.4%) MIs within 30 days occurred, and had an NPV for MI of 99.6% (99.4–99.8), a sensitivity of 96.9% (95.2–.2), and an LR− of 0.11 (0.07–0.14).

Conclusion
Combining a historical hs-cTnT with a single new hs-cTnT may safely rule out MI and thereby reduce the need for serial hs-cTnT measurements in ED patients with chest pain.
Left ventricular remodelling in bicuspid aortic valve disease
Authors: Butcher Steele C , Pio Stephan M , Kong William K F , Singh Gurpreet K , Ng Arnold C T , Perry Rebecca , Sia Ching-Hui , Poh Kian Keong , Almeida Ana G , González Ariana , Shen Mylène , Yeo Tiong Cheng , Shanks Miriam , Popescu Bogdan A , Galian Gay Laura , Fijałkowski Marcin , Liang Michael , Tay Edgar , Ajmone Marsan Nina , Selvanayagam Joseph , Pinto Fausto , Zamorano Jose L , Pibarot Philippe , Evangelista Arturo , Bax Jeroen J , Delgado Victoria 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Characterization of left ventricular (LV) geometric pattern and LV mass could provide an important insight into the pathophysiological adaptations of the LV to pressure and/or volume overload in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and significant (≥moderate) aortic valve (AV) disease. This study aimed to characterize LV remodelling and its prognostic impact in patients with BAV according to the predominant type of valvular dysfunction.

Methods and results
In this international, multicentre BAV registry, 1345 patients [51.0 (37.0–63.0) years, 71% male] with significant AV disease were identified. Patients were classified as having isolated aortic stenosis (AS) (n = 669), isolated aortic regurgitation (AR) (n = 499) or mixed aortic valve disease (MAVD) (n = 177). LV hypertrophy was defined as a LV mass index &gt;115 g/m2 in males and &gt;95 g/m2 in females. LV geometric pattern was classified as (i) normal geometry: no LV hypertrophy, relative wall thickness (RWT) ≤0.42, (ii) concentric remodelling: no LV hypertrophy, RWT &gt;0.42, (iii) concentric hypertrophy: LV hypertrophy, RWT &gt;0.42, and (iv) eccentric hypertrophy: LV hypertrophy, RWT ≤0.42. Patients were followed-up for the endpoints of event-free survival (defined as a composite of AV repair/replacement and all-cause mortality) and all-cause mortality. Type of AV dysfunction was related to significant variations in LV remodelling. Higher LV mass index, i.e. LV hypertrophy, was independently associated with the composite endpoint for patients with isolated AS [hazard ratio (HR) 1.08 per 25 g/m2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00–1.17, P = 0.046] and AR (HR 1.19 per 25 g/m2, 95% CI 1.11–1.29, P &lt; 0.001), but not for those with MAVD. The presence of concentric remodelling, concentric hypertrophy and eccentric hypertrophy were independently related to the composite endpoint in patients with isolated AS (HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.06–2.23, P = 0.024; HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.17–2.42, P = 0.005; HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.03–2.45, P = 0.038, respectively), while concentric hypertrophy and eccentric hypertrophy were independently associated with the combined endpoint for those with isolated AR (HR 2.49, 95% CI 1.35–4.60, P = 0.004 and HR 3.05, 95% CI 1.71–5.45, P &lt; 0.001, respectively). There was no independent association observed between LV remodelling and the combined endpoint for patients with MAVD.

Conclusions
LV hypertrophy or remodelling were independently associated with the composite endpoint of AV repair/replacement and all-cause mortality for patients with isolated AS and isolated AR, although not for patients with MAVD.
Determinants of altered left ventricular suction in pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Chiba Yasuyuki , Iwano Hiroyuki , Tsuneta Satonori , Tsujinaga Shingo , Meyers Brett , Vlachos Pavlos , Ishizaka Suguru , Motoi Ko , Aoyagi Hiroyuki , Tamaki Yoji , Tanemura Asuka , Murayama Michito , Yokoyama Shinobu , Nakabachi Masahiro , Nishino Hisao , Kaga Sanae , Kamiya Kiwamu , Ohira Hiroshi , Tsujino Ichizo , Anzai Toshihisa 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Although the left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) has been recently recognized, the mechanism of LV dysfunction in this entity is not completely understood. We thus aimed to elucidate the determinants of intraventricular pressure difference (IVPD), a measure of LV suction, in pre-capillary PH.

Methods and results
Right heart catheterization and echocardiography were performed in 86 consecutive patients with pre-capillary PH (57 ± 18 years, 85% female). IVPD was determined using colour M-mode Doppler to integrate the Euler equation. In overall, IVPD was reduced compared to previously reported value in normal subjects. In univariable analyses, QRS duration (P = 0.028), LV ejection fraction (P = 0.006), right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic area (P &lt; 0.001), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (P = 0.004), and LV early-diastolic eccentricity index (P = 0.009) were associated with IVPD. In the multivariable analyses, RV end-diastolic area and LV eccentricity index independently determined the IVPD.

Conclusion
Aberrant ventricular interdependence caused by RV enlargement could impair the LV suction. This study first applied echocardiographic IVPD, a reliable marker of LV diastolic suction, to investigate the mechanism of LV diastolic dysfunction in pre-capillary PH.
Major adverse cardiovascular events in homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kramer Adam I , Akioyamen Leo E , Lee Seohyuk , Bélanger Alexandre , Ruel Isabelle , Hales Lindsay , Genest Jacques , Brunham Liam R 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HoFH) is a genetic condition characterized by extremely elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and death. Due to its rarity, accurate assessment of cardiovascular outcomes associated with HoFH and how they have changed over time has been challenging. The goal of this study was to assess the prevalence and age-of-onset of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) among patients with HoFH.

Methods and results
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Pubmed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, Africa-Wide, Google Scholar, Open Grey, and various clinical trial registries from inception to February 2020 to identify studies reporting on MACE in HoFH patients. We determined the pooled prevalence and mean age-of-onset of MACE outcomes individually using a random effects inverse variance model. We identified 94 studies that met our eligibility criteria. Myocardial infarction and coronary revascularization were common with a prevalence of 15.1% [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 10.7–20.0] and 28.3% (95% CI 22.5–34.3), respectively. The mean age-of-onset was 24.5 (95% CI 19.2–29.8) years for myocardial infarction and 32.2 (95% CI 26.6–37.8) years for revascularization. Sub-group analyses based on the year of publication revealed significant delays in the onset of MACE outcomes post-1990 compared to pre-1990. Egger’s regression suggested possible bias, likely due to small study effects.

Conclusions
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is common among HoFH patients and occurs at a young age. Age-of-onset of myocardial infarction was delayed by more than a decade from pre-1990 to post-1990, likely attributable to widespread use of statins and other therapies, reflecting substantial progress in the management of this rare but severe disorder.
A term-based and citation network-based search system for COVID-19
Authors: Zerva Chrysoula , Taylor Samuel , Soto Axel J , Nguyen Nhung T H , Ananiadou Sophia 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an unprecedented production of scientific literature spanning several fields. To facilitate navigation of the scientific literature related to various aspects of the pandemic, we developed an exploratory search system. The system is based on automatically identified technical terms, document citations, and their visualization, accelerating identification of relevant documents. It offers a multi-view interactive search and navigation interface, bringing together unsupervised approaches of term extraction and citation analysis. We conducted a user evaluation with domain experts, including epidemiologists, biochemists, medicinal chemists, and medicine students. In general, most users were satisfied with the relevance and speed of the search results. More interestingly, participants mostly agreed on the capacity of the system to enable exploration and discovery of the search space using the graph visualization and filters. The system is updated on a weekly basis and it is publicly available at http://www.nactem.ac.uk/cord/.
LRRK2 regulates actin assembly for spindle migration and mitochondrial function in mouse oocyte meiosis
Authors: Pan Zhen-Nan , Liu Jing-Cai , Ju Jia-Qian , Wang Yue , Sun Shao-Chen 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Leucine-rich-repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) belongs to the Roco GTPase family and is a large multidomain protein harboring both GTPase and kinase activities. LRRK2 plays indispensable roles in many processes, such as autophagy and vesicle trafficking in mitosis. In this study, we showed the critical roles of LRRK2 in mammalian oocyte meiosis. LRRK2 is mainly accumulated at the meiotic spindle periphery during oocyte maturation. Depleting LRRK2 led to the polar body extrusion defects and also induced large polar bodies in mouse oocytes. Mass spectrometry analysis and co-immunoprecipitation results showed that LRRK2 was associated with several actin-regulating factors, such as Fascin and Rho-kinase (ROCK), and depletion of LRRK2 affected the expression of ROCK, phosphorylated cofilin, and Fascin. Further analysis showed that LRRK2 depletion did not affect spindle organization but caused the failure of spindle migration, which was largely due to the decrease of cytoplasmic actin filaments. Moreover, LRRK2 showed a similar localization pattern to mitochondria, and LRRK2 was associated with several mitochondria-related proteins. Indeed, mitochondrial distribution and function were both disrupted in LRRK2-depleted oocytes. In summary, our results indicated the critical roles of LRRK2 in actin assembly for spindle migration and mitochondrial function in mouse oocyte meiosis.
Electron microscopy for polymer structures
Authors: Jinnai Hiroshi 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This paper reviews recent advances and perspectives of electron microscopy and its application to polymer hierarchical structures. Of the various kinds of hierarchical polymer structures, we placed particular emphasis on polymer nanocomposites and polymer crystals based mainly on our recent results. In those nanocomposites, the chemical bonding between the nanometer-size fillers and rubber matrix, a key contributor to the mechanical properties of the material, has been investigated by combining scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) with electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS). The position-dependent EELS spectrum with high spatial resolution of STEM successfully provided revealed the presence/absence of the chemical bonds across the interface. The mechanical properties and fracture mechanism of nanocomposites have been studied by combining structural observations made using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with simulations. They have been further investigated using in situ TEM with a newly designed stretching holder, in which morphological changes, including cavity formation, were visualized and analyzed in terms of local strain distribution. The fracture processes of nanocomposite have been observed at nanometer resolution. The fundamental reinforcement mechanisms have been elucidated from morphological studies of nanocomposites under tensile deformation and during the fracture process. Moreover, nano-diffraction imaging, a position-resolved electron diffraction imaging with STEM, has been applied to a polymer crystal to evaluate the orientation of lamellar crystals at nanometer resolution. All these recent successes with radiation-sensitive polymer materials stemmed from developments made in electron optics and super-sensitive cameras used for advanced electron microscopy.
Holding All the Cards: Nuclear Suppliers and Nuclear Reversal
Authors: Koch Lisa Langdon 
Published: December 2021

AbstractDo international nonproliferation institutions affect the decisions states make about their nuclear weapons programs? Most studies of nuclear reversal analyze outcomes, rather than decisions. However, states do not uniformly pursue nuclear weaponization but proceed along different paths lined by decisions affecting state resources, research and development, and materials and production. These decisions, which may delay or undermine a program, are critically important to understanding nuclear proliferation processes and outcomes. Using a new data set of non-termination nuclear reversal decisions across three key aspects of program development, I capture more of the process of nuclear reversal. I investigate whether two major nonproliferation institutions, the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT), influence state decisions about whether to continue investing in ongoing programs. I argue that NSG members have strengthened cooperation across three distinct policy eras and find that the NGS's market controls have generated material constraints that raise the likelihood that states will make nuclear reversal decisions. I do not find evidence that the NPT contributes to reversal decisions within the context of ongoing programs. These findings have implications for the impact of international institutions on state behavior and for counterproliferation policy effectiveness.
Potentially Pathogenic Organisms in Stools and Their Association With Acute Diarrheal Illness in Children Aged &lt;2 Years
Authors: Mihala Gabor , Ware Robert S , Lambert Stephen B , Bialasiewicz Seweryn , Whiley David M , Sarna Mohinder , Sloots Theo P , Nissen Michael D , Grimwood Keith 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Acute diarrheal illness (ADI) causes a substantial disease burden in high-income countries. We investigated associations between potentially pathogenic organisms in stools and ADI by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in Australian children aged &lt;2 years.

Methods
Children in a community-based birth cohort had gastrointestinal symptoms recorded daily and stool samples collected weekly until their second birthday. Diarrhea was defined as ≥3 liquid or looser than normal stools within a 24-hour period. PCR assays tested for 11 viruses, 5 bacteria, and 4 protozoa. Detections of a new organism or of the same following at least 2 negative tests were linked to ADIs, and incidence rates and estimates of association with ADI were calculated.

Results
One hundred fifty-four children provided 11 111 stool samples during 240 child-years of observation, and 228 ADIs were linked to samples. Overall, 6105 (55%) samples tested positive for a target organism. The incidence rate of 2967 new detections was 11.9 (95% confidence interval 11.4-12.3) per child-year, with 2561 (92%) new detections unrelated to an ADI. The relative risk of an ADI was 1.5-6.4 times greater for new detections of adenovirus, enterovirus, norovirus GII, parechovirus A, wild-type rotavirus, sapovirus GI/II/IV/V, Salmonella, Blastocystis, and Cryptosporidium, compared to when these were absent.

Conclusions
Wild-type rotavirus, norovirus GII, sapovirus GI/II/IV/V, adenovirus 40/41, and Salmonella were associated with ADI in this age group and setting. However, high levels of asymptomatic shedding of potential pathogens in stools from children may contribute to diagnostic confusion when children present with an episode of ADI.
Dedifferentiated liposarcoma of small bowel mesentery: a rare case report
Authors: Dhakal Sunil , Prajapati Ijendra 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Liposarcoma is a common occurrence over retroperitoneum. However, dedifferentiated liposarcoma is an uncommon variety affecting the small bowel mesentery, making it a rarity. We report a case of 56-year-old male presented with the lump in the abdomen. Computed tomography abdomen revealed well-defined space-occupying lesion. Laparotomy was done and mass was excised along with segment of ileum to achieve negative margin. Histopathology and immunohistochemical study helped in determining mass to be dedifferentiated liposarcoma of mesentery. Therefore, liposarcoma should be considered in differential diagnosis of abdominal mesenchymal tumors. Surgical resection to achieve negative margin is the mainstay of treatment for mesenteric liposarcomas.
Determinants of health
Authors: Fisher Matthew , Townsend Belinda , Harris Patrick , Schram Ashley , Baum Fran 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The determinants of health are the biological, psychological, behavioural, social, economic, and environmental factors that determine the health of individuals and populations. Socially or politically conditioned inequalities in the distribution of determinants lead to inequities in health within or between countries. The ways that determinants act on health are complex, involving interactions between factors and effects occurring over differing timespans. These complexities present challenges for research and public policy, to understand and take action on determinants, to improve population health, and/or to reduce health inequities. In this chapter we review the four main categories of biological, behavioural, social, and environmental determinants. We then discuss the topic of social determinants of health in more detail and review a number of the main factors identified in contemporary public health literature; from education, employment, and gender to determinants of Indigenous health, and commercial determinants of health. In a later section of the chapter (‘The complexity of determinants and their interactions’) we look at some of the challenges raised by the complex, multifactorial nature of determinants of health for research, health practice, and policy action. In the final section, we discuss two particular political challenges facing governments and international bodies seeking to take action on determinants of health and health equity.
Politics of public health
Authors: McBride Kaitlyn B. , Rosenstock Linda 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The aim of public health is to improve and protect individuals and their communities, as well as promote evidence-based policy to drive decision-making across the larger health system. Researchers in academic institutions, government agencies, and the private sector provide the science to help policymakers make evidence-based health policy decisions, such as interventions to increase smoking cessation, or policies to improve access to preventive care services. In an ideal world, science (or evidence) drives policy, with politics playing a minimal or enabling role. However, this formula recognizes that public health policy is not only decided based on science (or evidence), but science itself is increasingly vulnerable to the political process, and to attacks by a wide array of players (e.g. politicians, industry leaders, and interest groups) that have vested interests to undermine scientific evidence in order to thwart the actions that would credibly follow that knowledge. Put differently, politics are key—and can be systematically analysed—in advancing or thwarting evidence-based policy.
Water and sanitation
Authors: Clasen Thomas 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The lack of safe drinking water and basic sanitation impose a heavy health burden, especially on young children and the poor; it also aggravates malnutrition, physical, and cognitive development, school absenteeism, poverty, and economic development. Unlike many of the other challenges in public health, water, and sanitation solutions are well known. However, despite strong evidence of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of improved water and sanitation against diarrhoea and other diseases and support for the intervention at the highest levels, coverage still lags behind international targets, especially for sanitation. This chapter describes the aetiological agents of the leading water- and sanitation-related diseases, presents the evidence concerning the effectiveness of water and sanitation interventions to prevent such diseases, and summarizes the economic implications of such interventions and some of the other non-health benefits associated therewith. The chapter closes with a discussion of some of the continuing challenges in water and sanitation, including efforts to scale up interventions among the most vulnerable populations in an effort to secure the benefits of water and sanitation for all.