bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
GTAD: a graph-based approach for cell spatial composition inference from integrated scRNA-seq and ST-seq data
Authors: Zhang Tianjiao , Zhang Ziheng , Li Liangyu , Dong Benzhi , Wang Guohua , Zhang Dandan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
With the emergence of spatial transcriptome sequencing (ST-seq), research now heavily relies on the joint analysis of ST-seq and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data to precisely identify cell spatial composition in tissues. However, common methods for combining these datasets often merge data from multiple cells to generate pseudo-ST data, overlooking topological relationships and failing to represent spatial arrangements accurately. We introduce GTAD, a method utilizing the Graph Attention Network for deconvolution of integrated scRNA-seq and ST-seq data. GTAD effectively captures cell spatial relationships and topological structures within tissues using a graph-based approach, enhancing cell-type identification and our understanding of complex tissue cellular landscapes. By integrating scRNA-seq and ST data into a unified graph structure, GTAD outperforms traditional ‘pseudo-ST’ methods, providing robust and information-rich results. GTAD performs exceptionally well with synthesized spatial data and accurately identifies cell spatial composition in tissues like the mouse cerebral cortex, cerebellum, developing human heart and pancreatic ductal carcinoma. GTAD holds the potential to enhance our understanding of tissue microenvironments and cellular diversity in complex bio-logical systems. The source code is available at https://github.com/zzhjs/GTAD.
Sarcopenia and diabetes-induced dementia risk
Authors: Sun Mingyang , Lu Zhongyuan , Chen Wan-Ming , Wu Szu-Yuan , Zhang Jiaqiang 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study aimed to investigate whether sarcopenia independently increases the risk of diabetes-induced dementia in elderly individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study cohort consisted of a large sample of elderly individuals aged 60 years and above, who were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus between 2008 and 2018. To minimize potential bias and achieve covariate balance between the sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups, we employed propensity score matching. Various statistical analyses, including Cox regression models to assess dementia risk and associations, competing risk analysis to account for mortality and Poisson regression analysis for incidence rates, were used. Before propensity score matching, the study included 406 573 elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, with 20 674 in the sarcopenia group. Following propensity score matching, the analysis included a total of 41 294 individuals, with 20 647 in the sarcopenia group and 20 647 in the non-sarcopenia group. Prior to propensity score matching, elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with sarcopenia exhibited a significantly higher risk of dementia (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.12, 95% confidence interval: 1.07–1.17). After propensity score matching, the risk remained significant (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.14, 95% confidence interval: 1.07–1.21). Incidence rates of dementia were notably higher in the sarcopenia group both before and after propensity score matching, underscoring the importance of sarcopenia as an independent risk factor. Our study highlights sarcopenia as an independent risk factor for diabetes-induced dementia in elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Advanced age, female gender, lower income levels, rural residency, higher adapted diabetes complication severity index and Charlson Comorbidity Index scores and various comorbidities were associated with increased dementia risk. Notably, the use of statins was linked to a reduced risk of dementia. This research underscores the need to identify and address modifiable risk factors for dementia in elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, offering valuable insights for targeted interventions and healthcare policies.
First transaortic transcatheter aortic valve implantation with Acurate Neo: case report and technical recommendations
Authors: Scholtz Smita , Rudolph Tanja K , Gilis-Januszewski Tomasz , Bleiziffer Sabine 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
In more than 90%, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is performed via transfemoral access. Alternative access routes are necessary for patients with unfavourable femoral arteries.

Case summary
We report of a 68-year-old female with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis in whom surgical aortic valve replacement was prohibited due to her severe co-morbidities. Both femoral arteries and both subclavian arteries were unsuitable for TAVI access. Surgical aortic valve replacement and transapical TAVI were deferred due to extremely high operative risk and very low originating left coronary artery of 7 mm from the annulus. Hence, we decided to implant a self-expanding TAVI device with a low risk of coronary obstruction (Acurate Neo 2 prosthesis) via transaortic approach, which to our knowledge is the first case worldwide.

Conclusion
The present case demonstrates the feasibility of implanting the Acurate Neo 2 system via transaortic approach when certain key points are respected. Transaortic TAVI with the Acurate Neo 2 offers a minimally invasive treatment of high operative risk patients with low originating coronary arteries.
A novel somatostatin receptor ligand for human ACTH – and GH –secreting pituitary adenomas
Authors: Regazzo Daniela , Avallone Serena , MacSweeney Cliona P , Sergeev Eugenia , Howe David , Godwood Alex , Bennett Kirstie A , Brown Alastair J H , Barnes Matt , Occhi Gianluca , Barbot Mattia , Faggian Diego , Tropeano Maria Pia , Losa Marco , Lasio Giovanni , Scaroni Carla , Pecori Giraldi Francesca 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objective
Somatostatin receptor ligands have come to play a pivotal role in the treatment of both ACTH- and GH-secreting pituitary adenomas. Clinical efficacy averages 30-50%, thus a considerable number of patients with Cushing's disease or acromegaly remain unresponsive to this therapeutic approach. HTL0030310 is a new somatostatin receptor ligand selective for subtype 5 over subtype 2, thus with a different receptor profile compared to clinical somatostatin receptor ligands.

Design
Assessment of the effect of HTL0030310 on hormone secretion in human ACTH- and GH-secreting pituitary adenomas in vitro.

Methods
Primary cultures from 3 ACTH-secreting and 5 GH-secreting pituitary adenomas were treated with 1, 10 and 100 nM HTL0030310 alone or with 10 nM CRH or GHRH, respectively. Parallel incubations with 10 nM pasireotide were also carried out. ACTH and GH secretion were assessed after 4 and 24 hour incubation; SSTR2, SSTR3, SSTR5, GH and POMC expression were evaluated after 24 hours.

Results
HTL0030310 reduced unchallenged ACTH and POMC levels up to 50% in 2 ACTH-secreting adenomas and blunted CRH-stimulated ACTH/POMC by 20-70% in all 3 specimens. A reduction in spontaneous GH secretion was observed in 4 GH-secreting adenomas and in 2 specimens during GHRH co-incubation. SSTRs expression was detected in all specimens.

Conclusions
This first study on a novel somatostatin receptor 5-preferring ligand indicates that HTL0030310 can inhibit hormonal secretion in human ACTH- and GH-secreting pituitary adenomas. These findings suggest a potential new avenue for somatostatin ligands in the treatment of Cushing's disease and acromegaly.
Scarring through the 1923 German hyperinflation
Authors: Vilà Gregori Galofré 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
I study the link between the 1923 German hyperinflation and health by linking monthly data on the cost-of-living index with monthly infant and cause-specific adult mortality rates in 280 cities. By exploring panel data with a range of fixed effects, I find that hyperinflation boosted mortality rates. The largest increases in mortality came from deaths plausibly linked to deteriorating social conditions over the short term, such as losses from influenza, meningitis, scarlet fever, tuberculosis, and whooping cough. I also rely on children’s heights and weights to show that worsening health was related to impaired nutrition. The results are robust to a range of specifications, placebo tests, and Conley standard errors.
Impact of repeat ablation of ventricular tachycardia in patients with structural heart disease
Authors: Garcia Garcia Joaquin , Arya Arash , Dinov Borislav , Bollmann Andreas , ter Bekke Rachel M A , Vernooy Kevin , Dagres Nikolaos , Hindricks Gerhard , Darma Angeliki 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Aims
Recurrences of ventricular tachycardia (VT) after initial catheter ablation is a significant clinical problem. In this study, we report the efficacy and risks of repeat VT ablation in patients with structural heart disease (SHD) in a tertiary single centre over a 7-year period.

Methods and results
Two hundred ten consecutive patients referred for repeat VT ablation after previous ablation in our institution were included in the analysis (53% ischaemic cardiomyopathy, 91% males, median age 65 years, mean left ventricular ejection fraction 35%). After performing repeat ablation, the clinical VTs were acutely eliminated in 82% of the patients, but 46% of the cohort presented with VT recurrence during the 25-month follow-up. Repeat ablation led to a 73% reduction of shock burden in the first year and 61% reduction until the end of follow-up. Similarly, VT burden was reduced 55% in the first year and 36% until the end of the study. Fifty-two patients (25%) reached the combined endpoint of ventricular assist device implantation, heart transplantation, or death. Advanced New York Heart Association functional class, anteroseptal substrate, and periprocedural complication after repeat ablation were associated with worse prognosis independently of the type of cardiomyopathy.

Conclusion
While complete freedom from VT after repeat ablation in SHD was difficult to achieve, ablation led to a significant reduction in VT and shock burden. Besides advanced heart failure characteristics, anteroseptal substrate and periprocedural complications predicted a worse outcome.
How, when, and who should ask about pregnancy intentions in primary care? A qualitative study of women’s preferences
Authors: Hall Jennifer A , Wilkinson Kira , Haddon Claire , Barrett Geraldine 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
For health services to help people plan for or prevent pregnancy, health professionals need an acceptable way to identify individuals’ preferences.

Objective
To assess women’s views on the acceptability of specific questions about pregnancy preferences when asked by health professionals in a variety of primary care contexts.

Methods
One-to-one in-depth interviews with 13 women aged 18–48 from across the UK, involving role-play scenarios and ranking exercises. Interviews covered a range of settings and health professionals, different question wording, and ways of asking (in person or digitally). We conducted a thematic Framework Analysis, focussing on themes relating to feelings and preferences.

Results
Women were generally open to being asked about pregnancy preferences if they understood the rationale, it was asked in a relevant context, such as in women’s health-related consultations, and there was follow-up. After signposting, an open question, such as ‘How would you feel about having a baby in the next year?’ was preferred in a face-to-face context as it enabled discussion. While some women valued a face-to-face discussion with a health professional, for others the privacy and convenience of a digital option was preferred; methods should be tailored to the target population.

Conclusion
Discussion of pregnancy preferences via a range of formats is acceptable to, and valued by, women in the UK across a range of primary care settings. Acceptability to health professionals and feasibility of implementation needs further exploration and would benefit from greater public awareness of the benefits of pregnancy planning.
Gene dosage adaptations to mtDNA depletion and mitochondrial protein stress in budding yeast
Authors: McNamara Joshua T , Zhu Jin , Wang Yuhao , Li Rong 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Mitochondria contain a local genome (mtDNA) comprising a small number of genes necessary for respiration, mitochondrial transcription and translation, and other vital functions. Various stressors can destabilize mtDNA leading to mtDNA loss. While some cells can survive mtDNA loss, they exhibit various deficiencies. Here, we investigated the impact of proteotoxicity on mitochondrial function by inducing mitochondrial unfolded protein stress in budding yeast. This led to rapid mtDNA loss, but aerobic conditioning imparted transient resistance to mitochondrial protein stress. We present a quantitative model of mtDNA loss in a growing cell population and measure its parameters. To identify genetic adaptations to mtDNA depletion, we performed a genome-wide screen for gene dosage increases that affect the growth of cells lacking mtDNA. The screen revealed a set of dosage suppressors that alleviate the growth impairment in mtDNA-deficient cells. Additionally, we show that these suppressors of mtDNA stress both bolster cell proliferation and prevent mtDNA loss during mitochondrial protein stress.
Deleterious phenotypes in wild Arabidopsis arenosa populations are common and linked to runs of homozygosity
Authors: Barragan A Cristina , Collenberg Maximilian , Schwab Rebecca , Kersten Sonja , Kerstens Merijn H L , Požárová Doubravka , Bezrukov Ilja , Bemm Felix , Kolár Filip , Weigel Detlef 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In this study, we aimed to systematically assess the frequency at which potentially deleterious phenotypes appear in natural populations of the outcrossing model plant Arabidopsis arenosa, and to establish their underlying genetics. For this purpose, we collected seeds from wild A. arenosa populations and screened over 2,500 plants for unusual phenotypes in the greenhouse. We repeatedly found plants with obvious phenotypic defects, such as small stature and necrotic or chlorotic leaves, among first-generation progeny of wild A. arenosa plants. Such abnormal plants were present in about 10% of maternal sibships, with multiple plants with similar phenotypes in each of these sibships, pointing to a genetic basis of the observed defects. A combination of transcriptome profiling, linkage mapping and genome-wide runs of homozygosity patterns using a newly assembled reference genome indicated a range of underlying genetic architectures associated with phenotypic abnormalities. This included evidence for homozygosity of certain genomic regions, consistent with alleles that are identical by descent being responsible for these defects. Our observations suggest that deleterious alleles with different genetic architectures are segregating at appreciable frequencies in wild A. arenosa populations.
Drosophila models of phosphatidylinositol glycan biosynthesis class A congenital disorder of glycosylation (PIGA-CDG) mirror patient phenotypes
Authors: Thorpe Holly J , Owings Katie G , Aziz Miriam C , Haller Madelyn , Coelho Emily , Chow Clement Y 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Mutations in the phosphatidylinositol glycan biosynthesis class A (PIGA) gene cause a rare, X-linked recessive congenital disorder of glycosylation. Phosphatidylinositol glycan biosynthesis class A congenital disorder of glycosylation (PIGA-CDG) is characterized by seizures, intellectual and developmental delay, and congenital malformations. The PIGA gene encodes an enzyme involved in the first step of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor biosynthesis. There are over 100 GPI-anchored proteins that attach to the cell surface and are involved in cell signaling, immunity, and adhesion. Little is known about the pathophysiology of PIGA-CDG. Here, we describe the first Drosophila model of PIGA-CDG and demonstrate that loss of PIG-A function in Drosophila accurately models the human disease. As expected, complete loss of PIG-A function is larval lethal. Heterozygous null animals appear healthy but, when challenged, have a seizure phenotype similar to what is observed in patients. To identify the cell-type specific contributions to disease, we generated neuron- and glia-specific knockdown of PIG-A. Neuron-specific knockdown resulted in reduced lifespan and a number of neurological phenotypes but no seizure phenotype. Glia-knockdown also reduced lifespan and, notably, resulted in a very strong seizure phenotype. RNA sequencing analyses demonstrated that there are fundamentally different molecular processes that are disrupted when PIG-A function is eliminated in different cell types. In particular, loss of PIG-A in neurons resulted in upregulation of glycolysis, but loss of PIG-A in glia resulted in upregulation of protein translation machinery. Here, we demonstrate that Drosophila is a good model of PIGA-CDG and provide new data resources for future study of PIGA-CDG and other GPI anchor disorders.
In-Person Social Interactions and Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Exploring the Role of Household Size and Virtual Social Contact Among Midlife and Older Black South African Adults
Authors: Harriman Nigel Walsh , Ohene-Kwofie Daniel , Jung Sun Jae , Hermosilla Sabrina , Gómez-Olivé Francesc Xavier , Jennings Elyse A 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objectives
The current study investigates how physical distancing during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was associated with increased anxiety among a cohort of midlife older Black South African adults and the extent to which household size and virtual social contact modify this association for men and women.

Methods
We analyze data from a phone survey conducted from July 2021 to March 2022 as part of Health and Aging in Africa: A Longitudinal Study of an INDEPTH Community in South Africa (n = 2,080). We employ logistic regression to estimate the association between changes in in-person social interactions and anxiety symptoms and examine whether the association is modified by household size and changes in virtual social contact. We perform analyses separately for women and men.

Results
Declines in in-person social interactions were associated with increased anxiety for women and men (odds ratios [OR] = 2.52, p &lt; .001). For women only, declines were greater for those living in larger households (OR = 1.11, p = .032). Declines were buffered by increased virtual social contact for both women (OR = 0.55, p = .025) and men (OR = 0.45, p = .019).

Discussion
Although the anxiety symptoms of women and men were similarly affected by declines in in-person social interaction, the modifying influence of household size is unique to women, likely due to gender-specific social roles. For women, living in larger households may mean greater caregiving burden, exacerbating the detrimental association between physical distancing and anxiety. On the other hand, both women and men may have used virtual means to connect with friends and family living outside their homes, buffering against increased anxiety.
Step-Gap in Upward Support: The Role of Biological Relatedness and Childhood Co-residence Duration
Authors: Hämäläinen Hans , Tanskanen Antti O , Pettay Jenni , Danielsbacka Mirkka 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Although prior research has detected a step-gap in intergenerational relationships in various aspects, there is a lack of studies examining adult children’s support toward their biological parents and stepparents. We investigated (i) whether adult children provide more support to their biological parents than stepparents and (ii) whether the childhood co-residence duration is associated with the support given to stepparents.

Methods
The data were drawn from the German Family Panel (pairfam). Upward support was indicated by using 3 different measures, namely, financial, practical, and emotional support provided by adult children to their biological parents and stepparents. A path analysis was conducted to detect the potential differences regarding upward support.

Results
More support was channeled toward the biological parents than the stepparents. Moreover, the length of co-residence during childhood and adolescence was positively associated with the frequency of support provided toward the stepparents. Consequently, an increased childhood co-residence duration decreased the step-gap in upward support, although it did not fully eliminate it.

Discussion
The findings showed that stepparents are in a more disadvantaged position than the biological parents regarding receiving support from their adult children. In the context of a high old-age dependency ratio, it is important to recognize that stepparents may not have the opportunity to receive adequate support from their families as compared to individuals with biological children.
COULD WE CARE LESS? FICTIONAL REPRESENTATIONS OF TIME-RESTRICTED IN-HOME-CAREGIVING IN “DIE PFLEGIONÄRIN”
Authors: Trinkaus Eva-Maria 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In this narrative film analysis, I look at the representations of care work and its time restrictions in the German TV series “Die Pflegionärin.” In this TV series the lack of adequate time and, thereby, struggle for adequate care in domestic care work becomes visible through ten-minute episodes. Through this representation, both, the perspective of the old patients and their care-needs, as well as the caregiver’s perspective and the pressure they have to perform under becomes visible. In this contribution, I will specifically focus on the representation of the relationship between caregiver and patient, and the possibilities of interaction in a restricted period of time that is captured through the way the fictional representation of care is put on screen. Adding to the pressure that the aspect of time creates, the TV series’ title “Die Pflegionärin“ (transl. “The Carionnaire”) is a linguistic blend of carer and legionnaire, and a war metaphor that highlights the struggle of domestic care even further. By allowing the viewers to follow an in-home-caregiver on her everyday tasks ‘on the front line’ of everyday life, not only the caregiver’s perspective, but also the patients’ needs become visible. Despite the short air time, rather than providing a quick glimpse into the patient’s life, the series provides the viewer with insights into the profession’s tasks and duties through the personal, though fictional, stories of patients and nurse and blends the generic conventions of TV series with real-time in-home caregiving.