bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Asparagine Synthetase Marks a Distinct Dependency Threshold for Cardiomyocyte Dedifferentiation
Authors: Zhu Yike , Ackers-Johnson Matthew , Shanmugam Muthu K. , Pakkiri Leroy Sivappiragasam , Drum Chester Lee , Chen Yanpu , Kim Johnny , Paltzer Wyatt G. , Mahmoud Ahmed I. , Tan Wilson Lek Wen , Lee Mick Chang Jie , Jiang Jianming , Luu Danh Anh Tuan , Ng Shi Ling , Li Peter Yi Qing , Wang Anhui , Qi Rong , Ong Gabriel Jing Xiang , Ng Timothy Yu , Haigh Jody J. , Tiang Zenia , Richards A. Mark , Foo Roger S.Y. 
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:
Adult mammalian cardiomyocytes have limited proliferative capacity, but in specifically induced contexts they traverse through cell-cycle reentry, offering the potential for heart regeneration. Endogenous cardiomyocyte proliferation is preceded by cardiomyocyte dedifferentiation (CMDD), wherein adult cardiomyocytes revert to a less matured state that is distinct from the classical myocardial fetal stress gene response associated with heart failure. However, very little is known about CMDD as a defined cardiomyocyte cell state in transition.

METHODS:

Here, we leveraged 2 models of in vitro cultured adult mouse cardiomyocytes and in vivo adeno-associated virus serotype 9 cardiomyocyte–targeted delivery of reprogramming factors (
Oct4
,
Sox2
,
Klf4
, and
Myc
) in adult mice to study CMDD. We profiled their transcriptomes using RNA sequencing, in combination with multiple published data sets, with the aim of identifying a common denominator for tracking CMDD.

RESULTS:

RNA sequencing and integrated analysis identified
Asparagine Synthetase
(
Asns
) as a unique molecular marker gene well correlated with CMDD, required for increased asparagine and also for distinct fluxes in other amino acids. Although
Asns
overexpression in
Oct4
,
Sox2
,
Klf4
, and
Myc
cardiomyocytes augmented hallmarks of CMDD,
Asns
deficiency led to defective regeneration in the neonatal mouse myocardial infarction model, increased cell death of cultured adult cardiomyocytes, and reduced cell cycle in
Oct4
,
Sox2
,
Klf4
, and
Myc
cardiomyocytes, at least in part through disrupting the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 pathway.

CONCLUSIONS:

We discovered a novel gene
Asns
as both a molecular marker and an essential mediator, marking a distinct threshold that appears in common for at least 4 models of CMDD, and revealing an
Asns
/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 axis dependency for dedifferentiating cardiomyocytes. Further study will be needed to extrapolate and assess its relevance to other cell state transitions as well as in heart regeneration.
Trends and Disparities in Valvular Heart Disease Mortality in the United States From 1999 to 2020
Authors: Tan Min Choon , Yeo Yong Hao , San Boon Jian , Suleiman Addi , Lee Justin Z. , Chatterjee Arka , Sell‐Dottin Kristen A. , Sweeney John P. , Fortuin F. David , Lee Kwan S. 
Published: April 2024

Background
Percutaneous heart valve procedures have been increasingly performed over the past decade, yet real‐world mortality data on valvular heart disease (VHD) in the United States remain limited.

Methods and Results
We queried the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Wide‐Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database among patients ≥15 years old from 1999 to 2020. VHD and its subtypes were listed as the underlying cause of death. We calculated age‐adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) per 100 000 individuals and determined overall trends by estimating the average annual percent change using the Joinpoint regression program. Subgroup analyses were performed based on demographic and geographic factors. In the 22‐year study, there were 446 096 VHD deaths, accounting for 0.80% of all‐cause mortality (56 014 102 people) and 2.38% of the total cardiovascular mortality (18 759 451 people). Aortic stenosis recorded the highest mortality of VHD‐related death in both male (109 529, 61.74%) and female (166 930, 62.13%) populations. The AAMR of VHD has declined from 8.4 (95% CI, 8.2–8.5) to 6.6 (95% CI, 6.5–6.7) per 100 000 population. Similar decreasing AAMR trends were also seen for the VHD subtypes. Men recorded higher AAMR for aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation, whereas women had higher AAMR for mitral stenosis and mitral regurgitation. Mitral regurgitation had the highest change in average annual percent change in AAMR.

Conclusions
The mortality rate of VHD among the US population has declined over the past 2 decades. This highlights the likely efficacy of increasing surveillance and advancement in the management of VHD, resulting in improved outcomes.
British Values, Hong Kong Voices: Tracing Hong Kong’s Britishness and Its Influences on British Immigration Policies
Authors: Yu Andrew 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This article examines the rationale behind the United Kingdom’s decision to offer Hongkongers new immigration routes and assess whether Britishness constitutes part of Hong Kong’s identity, influencing this policy choice. It explores the concept of Britishness and how Hong Kong developed a distinct identity through its colonial history and experiences under British rule. Perspectives from the British administration, Hongkongers, and Chinese government on Hong Kong’s Britishness are considered. The article argues the United Kingdom action stems from two factors – perceiving a shared Britishness between Hongkongers and Britons mitigating public backlash, and viewing Hongkongers’ Britishness as crucial to their integration. Ultimately, Britishness remains integral to Hong Kong due to shared social and political values with Britain from over 150 years of colonial rule.
Three species of the family Aoridae Stebbing, 1899 (Crustacea: Amphipoda) collected from remote islands in southern Japan, with a key to all Japanese species of the family
Authors: ARIYAMA HIROYUKI , KODAMA MASAFUMI 
Published: April 2024

Three species of the aorid amphipod were collected from remote islands in southern Japan. Protolembos ryukyuensis sp. nov. was collected from Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture and Tanegashima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture, and characterized by the dense plumose setae on the male gnathopods 1 and 2. Tethylembos cavatus sp. nov. and T. japonicus Ariyama, 2004 were collected from Miyake Island and the Ogasawara Islands in Tokyo Prefecture, respectively. Both species share the male gnathopod 1 propodus heavily setose medially; however, Tethylembos cavatus can be distinguished from T. japonicus in the excavated basis of the male pereopod 5. Keys to species of Protolembos Myers, 1988 and Tethylembos Myers, 1988 in the world and a key to all Japanese species of the family Aoridae are provided. Number of aorid species in Japan stands at 34.
Prophylactic Cholecystectomy is Safe in Patients Undergoing Cytoreductive Surgery With Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy
Authors: Hanna David N. , Khajoueinejad Nazanin , Ghani Muhammad O. , Hermina Andrew , Mina Alexander , Bailey Christina E. , Cohen Noah , Labow Daniel , Golas Benjamin , Sarpel Umut , Idrees Kamran , Magge Deepa 
Published: April 2024

Background While cholecystectomy is one of the most common operations performed in the United States, there is a continued debate regarding its prophylactic role in elective surgery. Particularly among patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis who undergo cytoreduction surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC), further abdominal operations may pose increasing morbidity due to intraabdominal adhesions and potential recurrence. This bi-institutional retrospective study aims to assess postoperative morbidity associated with prophylactic cholecystectomy at the time of CRS-HIPEC. Methods We performed a bi-institutional retrospective analysis of 578 patients who underwent CRS-HIPEC from 2011 to 2021. Postoperative outcomes among patients who underwent prophylactic cholecystectomy at the time of CRS-HIPEC were compared to patients who did not, particularly rate of bile leak, hospital length of stay, rate of Clavien-Dindo classification morbidity grade III or greater, and number of hospital re-admissions within 30 days. Results Of the 535 patients available for analysis, 206 patients (38.3%) underwent a prophylactic cholecystectomy. Of the 3 bile leaks (1.5%) that occurred among patients who underwent prophylactic cholecystectomy, all 3 occurred in patients who underwent a concomitant liver resection. There were no significant differences in hospital length of stay, postoperative morbidity, and number of hospital re-admissions among patients who underwent prophylactic cholecystectomy compared to those who did not. Conclusion Prophylactic cholecystectomy in patients undergoing CRS-HIPEC is not associated with increased morbidity or increased bile leak risk compared to historical data. While the benefits of prophylactic cholecystectomy are not yet elucidated, it may be considered to avoid potential future morbid operations for biliary disease.
Is Minimally Invasive Resection of Large Thymoma Appropriate?
Authors: Manyak Grigory A. , Bassiri Aria , Alvarado Christine E. , Sarnaik Kunaal S. , Sinopoli Jilian , Tapias Leonidas , Linden Philip A. , Towe Christopher W. 
Published: April 2024

Background Current practice patterns suggest open rather than minimally invasive (MIS) approaches for thymomas >4 cm. We hypothesized there would be similar perioperative outcomes and overall survival between open and MIS approaches for large (>4 cm) thymoma resection. Methods The National Cancer Database was queried for patients who underwent thymectomy from 2010 to 2020. Surgical approach was characterized as either open or MIS. The primary outcome was overall survival and secondary outcomes were margin status, and length of stay (LOS). Differences between approach cohorts were compared after a 1:1 propensity match. Results Among 4121 thymectomies, 2474 (60%) were open and 1647 (40%) were MIS. Patients undergoing MIS were older, had fewer comorbidities, and had smaller tumors (median; 4.6 vs 6 cm, P < .001). In the unmatched cohort, MIS and open had similar 90-day mortality (1.1% vs 1.8%, P = .158) and rate of positive margin (25.1% vs 27.9%, P = .109). MIS thymectomy was associated with shorter LOS (2 (1-4) vs 4 (3-6) days, P < .001). Propensity matching reduced the bias between the groups. In this cohort, overall survival was similar between the groups by log-rank test ( P = .462) and multivariate cox hazard analysis (HR .882, P = .472). Multivariable regression showed shorter LOS with MIS approach (Coef −1.139, P < .001), and similar odds of positive margin (OR 1.130, P = .150). Discussion MIS has equivalent oncologic benefit to open resection for large thymomas, but is associated with shorter LOS. When clinically appropriate, MIS thymectomy may be considered a safe alternative to open resection for large thymomas.
The Cropland Expansionary Dynamics of Agricultural Production in Latin America: A Panel Study of Fourteen Countries, 1970-2016
Authors: Smolski Andrew R. , Clark Timothy P. 
Published: April 2024

In this study, we employ a critical political economy framework for an empirical analysis of environmental withdrawals from agricultural production in Latin America. Namely, we focus on the role of export-orientation and trade direction of food as drivers of cropland footprint expansion in (semi-)periphery countries. Following the literature on the treadmill of production, ecological unequal exchange, and extractivism, we reason that (semi-)peripheries are structured to produce agricultural primary goods that rely on expansionary cropland dynamics. To test this claim, we utilize a panel study of fourteen countries in Latin America from 1970 to 2016. We collected data from the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the Global Footprints Network. Results from the study show that export-orientation and trade direction have a positive relationship with the dependent variable, cropland footprint. The results confirm the basic model presented by critical political economy, that (semi-)peripheries are structured toward increasing environmental withdrawals as a part of their agricultural production. Este estudio emplea un marco crítico de economía política para realizar un análisis empírico de las formas de extracción de recursos naturales en la producción agrícola de América Latina. Nos centramos en el papel propulsor que juegan la orientación hacia la exportación y la dirección comercial de los alimentos en la expansión y huella ecológica de las tierras de cultivo en países (semi)periféricos. Basándonos en la literatura que analiza el espiral de la producción, el intercambio ecológico desigual y el extractivismo, sugerimos que las (semi)periferias han sido estructuradas para producir bienes agrícolas primarios que dependen de la dinámica expansiva de las tierras de cultivo. Para probar esta afirmación, utilizamos un estudio de panel de catorce países de América Latina desde 1970 hasta 2016. Recopilamos datos del Banco Mundial, el Fondo Monetario Internacional y la Red Global de la Huella Ecológica. Los resultados del estudio muestran que la orientación hacia la exportación y la dirección del comercio tienen una relación positiva con la variable dependiente, la huella ecológica que dejan las tierras de cultivo. Los resultados también confirman la existencia del modelo básico sugerido por la economía política crítica, según el cual la estructura de las (semi)periferias se encuentra dirigida hacia el aumento de la extracción ambiental como parte de su producción agrícola.
Effectiveness of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for patients with left ventricular assist device: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Yujin , Wu Yawen , Wei Shilin , Lu Sijie , Zhao Jianting , Zhang Yanchun , Wu Xiangyang , Zhang Xiaowei , Li Yongnan 
Published: April 2024

Purpose Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR) improves functional capacity in heart failure (HF). However, data on the effect of EBCR in patients with advanced HF and left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are limited. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of EBCR on the functional ability of LVAD patients by comparing the corresponding outcome indicators between the EBCR and ST groups. Methods PubMed, Embase, Clinical Trials, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies assessing and comparing the effects of EBCR and standard therapy (ST) in patients following LVAD implantation. Using pre-defined criteria, appropriate studies were identified and selected. Data from selected studies were extracted in a standardized fashion, and a meta-analysis was performed using a fixed-effects model. The protocol was registered on INPLASY (202340073). Results In total, 12 trials involving 477 patients were identified. The mean age of the participants was 52.9 years, and 78.6% were male. The initiation of EBCR varied from LVAD implantation during the index hospitalization to 11 months post-LVAD implantation. The median rehabilitation period ranged from 2 weeks to 18 months. EBCR was associated with improved peak oxygen uptake (VO2) in all trials. Quantitative analysis was performed in six randomized studies involving 214 patients (EBCR: n = 130, ST: n = 84). EBCR was associated with a significantly high peak VO2 (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 1.64 mL/kg/min; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20-3.08; p = .03). Similarly, 6-min walk distance (6MWD) showed significantly greater improvement in the EBCR group than in the ST group (WMD = 34.54 m; 95% CI, 12.47-56.42; p = .002) in 266 patients (EBCR, n = 140; ST, n = 126). Heterogeneity was low among the included trials. None of the included studies reported serious adverse events related to EBCR, indicating the safety of EBCR after LVAD implantation. Conclusion This study demonstrated that EBCR following LVAD implantation is associated with greater improvement in functional capacity compared with ST as reflected by the improved peak VO2 and 6MWD values. Considering the small number of patients in this analysis, further research on the clinical impact of EBCR in LVAD patients is warranted.
Clinical outcomes and future fertility after uterine artery embolization for postpartum and post-abortion hemorrhage
Authors: Chatani Shohei , Inoue Akitoshi , Lee Tokuko , Uemura Ryo , Imai Yugo , Takaki Kai , Tomozawa Yuki , Murakami Yoko , Sonoda Akinaga , Tsuji Shunichiro , Watanabe Yoshiyuki 
Published: April 2024

Background Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and post-abortion hemorrhage (PAH) are life-threatening conditions. Purpose To evaluate the efficacy and safety of uterine arterial embolization (UAE) for PPH and PAH and to investigate future fertility after UAE. Material and Methods This study included 57 consecutive patients (mean age = 34 years) who underwent UAE for PPH (n = 46) and PAH (n = 11) at our institution between January 2011 and December 2022. Technical success, non-visualization of the peripheral portion of bilateral uterine arteries on angiography, and clinical success, complete hemostasis after UAE, were assessed. UAE-associated complications and factors related to clinical success were analyzed. Pregnancy outcomes after UAE and complications during subsequent pregnancy were investigated in 16 patients who desired fertility and were followed up for >1 year. Results The technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 84.2%, respectively. Sepsis (n = 1) and uterine empyema (n = 1) were observed as severe complications. Placental disorder, bleeding within 24 h after delivery or abortion, ≥1.5 shock index, ≥6 units of transfusion erythrocytes, and ≥8 obstetrical disseminated intravascular coagulation score were significantly associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes. In total, 16 pregnancies were observed in 12 patients after UAE, three of which were miscarriages and 13 were successful live births. During pregnancy, uterine rupture (n = 1) and accreta (n = 1) were observed. Conclusion UAE is an effective treatment for PPH and PAH. Although UAE could preserve future fertility, careful attention should be paid to perinatal management for unusual complications.
Childhood Violence, High School Academic Environment, and Adult Alcohol Use Among Latinas and Black Women: A Structural Equation Modeling Study
Authors: Capasso Ariadna , Tozan Yesim , DiClemente Ralph J. , Pahl Kerstin 
Published: April 2024

Objective: Young Latinas and Black women drink less than women of other racial/ethnic groups but experience more alcohol-related problems in midlife. This study aims to identify modifiable factors to prevent adult onset of alcohol use disorder (AUD) in this population. Methods: Data were collected at six time points as part of the Harlem Longitudinal Development Study from 365 Latinas (47%) and Black (53%) women (mean age at time 1 = 14, standard deviation 1.3). Structural equation modeling was used to test hypothesized pathways from childhood physical and sexual abuse to AUD via depressive mood, anxiety disorders, and somatic complaints in the 20s. We also tested the moderation effect of the high school academic environment by including in the structural equation model two latent variable interaction terms between the school environment and each of the abuse variables. Results: Childhood physical and sexual abuse was positively associated with depressive mood, anxiety disorders, and somatic complaints when participants were in the 20s. Depressive mood mediated childhood abuse and AUD when women were in the 30s. The high school academic environment attenuated the effect of physical, but not sexual abuse, on depressive mood (β = −0.59, B = −9.38, 95% CI [−14.00, −4.76]), anxiety symptoms (β = −0.61, B = −14.19, 95% CI [−21.76, −6.61]), appetite loss (β = −0.41, B = −10.52, 95% CI [−15.61, −5.42]), and sleeplessness (β = −0.50, B = −9.56, 95% CI [−13.95, −5.17]) in the early 20s. Conclusions: Our findings underscore the need to invest in early violence prevention interventions and in education to ensure equitable access to quality, academically oriented, and safe schools.
Experimental study on combustion stability of a gas turbine model combustor under oxygen-lean conditions
Authors: Qin Shunchuang , Zhao Minwei , Zhang Zhihao , Tang Hui , Zhao Ningbo , Liu Xiao , Zheng Hongtao , Deng Fuquan 
Published: April 2024

Flue gas recirculation has emerged as a promising low-NOx emission technology in advanced gas turbines, while the slower oxidation rate induced by the low oxygen content could potentially cause combustion instability. We conducted an experimental investigation in a single-nozzle swirl combustor to examine the impact of oxygen content, inlet flow rate as well as temperature on combustion instability under oxygen-lean conditions. The results show that reducing oxygen content from 23.3% to 21% leads to reduced amplitudes of pressure pulsation and exothermic pulsation, indicating improved combustion stability. However, further reduction in oxygen content to 18.6% causes a decrease in the combustion reaction rate, resulting in an increase in the amplitude of pressure pulsation. As the oxygen content drops to below 18.6%, the exothermic intensity decreases, which results in a decrease in the amplitude of pressure pulsation. Besides, under oxygen-lean conditions, increasing the inlet temperature is conducive to reducing the amplitude of pressure pulsation and enhancing combustion stability. Additionally, as the incoming flow rate increases from 7.4 to 9.9 m/s, the refined fuel atomization and improved uniformity of oil-gas mixing contributed to decreased pressure pulsation amplitude. Nonetheless, when the incoming flow rate further increases to 12 m/s, the amplitude of exothermic and pressure pulsation increases.
A Conceptual Thematic Framework of Psychological Adjustment in Caregivers of Children with Craniofacial Microsomia
Authors: Stock Nicola M. , Costa Bruna , Parnell Jade , Johns Alexis L. , Crerand Canice E. , Billaud Feragen Kristin , Stueckle Laura P. , Mills Angela , Magee Leanne , Hotton Matthew , Tumblin Melissa , Schefer Amy , Drake Amelia F. , Heike Carrie L. 
Published: April 2024

Objective Children with craniofacial microsomia (CFM) have complex healthcare needs, resulting in evaluations and interventions from infancy onward. Yet, little is understood about families’ treatment experiences or the impact of CFM on caregivers’ well-being. To address this gap, the NIH-funded ‘Craniofacial microsomia: Accelerating Research and Education (CARE)’ program sought to develop a conceptual thematic framework of caregiver adjustment to CFM. Design Caregivers reported on their child's medical and surgical history. Narrative interviews were conducted with US caregivers ( n = 62) of children aged 3-17 years with CFM. Transcripts were inductively coded and final themes and subthemes were identified. Results Components of the framework included: 1) Diagnostic Experiences, including pregnancy and birth, initial emotional responses, communication about the diagnosis by healthcare providers, and information-seeking behaviors; 2) Child Health and Healthcare Experiences, including feeding, the child's physical health, burden of care, medical decision-making, surgical experiences, and the perceived quality of care; 3) Child Development, including cognition and behavior, educational provision, social experiences, and emotional well-being; and 4) Family Functioning, including parental well-being, relationships, coping strategies, and personal growth. Participants also identified a series of “high” and “low” points throughout their journey and shared their priorities for future research. Conclusions Narrative interviews provided rich insight into caregivers’ experiences of having a child with CFM and enabled the development of a conceptual thematic framework to guide clinical care and future research. Information gathered from this study demonstrates the need to incorporate evidence-based psychological support for families into the CFM pathway from birth onward.