bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DNA repair in cardiomyocytes is critical for maintaining cardiac function in mice
Authors: de Boer Martine , te Lintel Hekkert Maaike , Chang Jiang , van Thiel Bibi S. , Martens Leonie , Bos Maxime M. , de Kleijnen Marion G. J. , Ridwan Yanto , Octavia Yanti , van Deel Elza D. , Blonden Lau A. , Brandt Renata M. C. , Barnhoorn Sander , Bautista‐Niño Paula K. , Krabbendam‐Peters Ilona , Wolswinkel Rianne , Arshi Banafsheh , Ghanbari Mohsen , Kupatt Christian , de Windt Leon J. , Danser A. H. Jan , van der Pluijm Ingrid , Remme Carol Ann , Stoll Monika , Pothof Joris , Roks Anton J. M. , Kavousi Maryam , Essers Jeroen , van der Velden Jolanda , Hoeijmakers Jan H. J. , Duncker Dirk J. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractHeart failure has reached epidemic proportions in a progressively ageing population. The molecular mechanisms underlying heart failure remain elusive, but evidence indicates that DNA damage is enhanced in failing hearts. Here, we tested the hypothesis that endogenous DNA repair in cardiomyocytes is critical for maintaining normal cardiac function, so that perturbed repair of spontaneous DNA damage drives early onset of heart failure. To increase the burden of spontaneous DNA damage, we knocked out the DNA repair endonucleases xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group G (XPG) and excision repair cross‐complementation group 1 (ERCC1), either systemically or cardiomyocyte‐restricted, and studied the effects on cardiac function and structure. Loss of DNA repair permitted normal heart development but subsequently caused progressive deterioration of cardiac function, resulting in overt congestive heart failure and premature death within 6 months. Cardiac biopsies revealed increased oxidative stress associated with increased fibrosis and apoptosis. Moreover, gene set enrichment analysis showed enrichment of pathways associated with impaired DNA repair and apoptosis, and identified TP53 as one of the top active upstream transcription regulators. In support of the observed cardiac phenotype in mutant mice, several genetic variants in the ERCC1 and XPG gene in human GWAS data were found to be associated with cardiac remodelling and dysfunction. In conclusion, unrepaired spontaneous DNA damage in differentiated cardiomyocytes drives early onset of cardiac failure. These observations implicate DNA damage as a potential novel therapeutic target and highlight systemic and cardiomyocyte‐restricted DNA repair‐deficient mouse mutants as bona fide models of heart failure.
Standard nurse phone triage versus tele–emergency care pilot on Veteran use of in‐person acute care: An instrumental variable analysis
Authors: Li Kathleen Y. , Kim Paul S. , Thariath Joshua , Wong Edwin S. , Barkham Jonathan , Kocher Keith E. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractObjectivesUse of acute care telemedicine is growing, but data on quality, utilization, and cost are limited. We evaluated a Veterans Affairs (VA) tele–emergency care (tele‐EC) pilot aimed at reducing reliance on out‐of‐network (OON) emergency department (ED) care, a growing portion of VA spending. With this service, an emergency physician virtually evaluated selected Veterans calling a nurse triage line.MethodsCalls to the triage line occurring January–December 2021 and advised to seek care acutely within 24 h were included. We described tele‐EC user characteristics, common triage complaints, and patterns in referral to and management by tele‐EC. The primary outcome was acute care visits (ED, urgent care, and hospitalizations at VA and OON sites) within 7 days of the index call. Secondary outcomes included mortality, OON acute care spending, and the effect of tele‐EC visit modality (phone vs. video). We used both standard regression and instrumental variable (IV) analysis, using the tele‐EC physician schedule as the instrument.ResultsOf 7845 eligible calls, 15.5% had a tele‐EC visit, with case resolution documented in 57%. Compared to standard nurse triage, tele‐EC users were less likely to be Black, had more prior ED visits, and were triaged as higher acuity. Calls concerning dizziness/syncope, blood in stool, and chest pain were most likely to have a tele‐EC visit. Tele‐EC was associated with fewer ED visits than standard nurse triage in both regression (average marginal effect [AME] −16.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI] −19.2 to −14.4) and IV analyses (AME −17.5%, 95% CI −25.1 to −9.8), lower hospitalization rate (AME −3.1%, 95% CI −6.2 to −0.0), and lower OON spending (AME –$248, 95% CI −$458 to −$38).ConclusionsAmong Veterans initially advised to seek care within 24 h, use of tele‐EC compared to standard phone triage led to decreased ED visits, hospitalizations, and OON spending within 7 days.
Maternal obesity is associated with a higher number of regulatory‐T‐cells in newborns without affecting suppression
Authors: Arroyo‐Jousse Viviana , Borzutzky Arturo , Bono María Rosa , Casanello Paola 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundMaternal obesity (MO) is associated with a higher risk of immune‐mediated diseases in the offspring and higher leptin levels in cord blood (CB). This study evaluates the number and function of lymphocyte subtypes in CB related to MO and its relationship with leptin concentration and leptin receptor expression.MethodsPregnant women with (n= 32) or without obesity (n= 41) were enrolled at delivery. Cord blood mononuclear cells were separated with Ficoll‐Hypaque. B and CD4+, regulatory and effector T cells were quantified by Flow Cytometry. Cord blood leptin concentration was measured by ELISA, and the leptin receptor (sLepR) on Treg cells was determined by Flow Cytometry.ResultsMO was associated with higher numbers of CD4+, Treg and effector T cells in the CB of their offspring, without differences in the suppressive function of Tregs. Female offspring had a higher number of these cells and a higher cord leptin concentration. Tregs expressed higher levels of sLepR than effector T cells, without differences between groups.ConclusionsMO is associated with changes in the newborn's immune profile, more evident in female newborns with higher leptin concentrations. More studies are needed to identify the mechanisms by which the high levels of cord leptin in the newborn of women with obesity could affect the offspring's immune system.
Institutions and Political Restraint
Authors: Invernizzi Giovanna M. , Ting Michael M. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractRecent political developments worldwide have focused attention on the fraying of political norms, often understood as informal restraints on opportunistic behavior. We present a model to study how norms of restraint interact with institutional checks and balances. In the model, an election determines which party holds office in each period over an infinite horizon. Each period presents the majority party with an opportunity to modify a status quo policy. However, informal norms and formal institutional barriers limit its ability to do so by providing soft and hard constraints to policymaking, respectively. We show that political cooperation can be easier to sustain in political systems with fewer checks and balances, when political norms are sufficiently stringent. Under optimal norms, increasing polarization makes norms easier to uphold, while also reducing welfare. Finally, norms maintained by minority parties are less sustainable, and voter optimal norms require minority concessions to achieve greater electoral competitiveness.
Victoria's surgical response to the COVID‐19 pandemic: the first two years
Authors: Drysdale Henry Richard Edward , Watters David Allan , Leang Yit , N J Thomson Benjamin , Brown Wendy Ann , Wilson Andrew ,   Victorian Surgical Directors Group
Published: February 2023

AbstractVictoria suffered three major waves during the first two years of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Melbourne became the longest locked down city in the world at 267 days. This narrative review documents the chronological waves of COVID‐19 in Victoria and key themes influencing the State‐wide surgical response. In 2020, Victoria needed to secure supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) and later, recognizing the importance of aerosol transmission, introduced a respiratory protection program to protect health care workers (HCWs) with fit‐tested N‐95 masks. It established routine preoperative PCR testing for periods when community prevalence was high and developed strategies to restrict elective surgery when hospital capacity was limited. In 2021, three short‐term outbreaks were contained and eliminated whilst vaccination of HCWs and the vulnerable was taking place. A third major wave (Delta) occurred July to November 2021, succeeded by another involving the Omicron variant from December 2021. Planned surgery waiting list numbers, and waiting times for surgery, doubled between March 2020 and March 2022. In early 2022, almost 300 patients underwent surgery when infected with Omicron, with a low mortality (2.6%), though mortality was significantly higher in the unvaccinated (7.3% versus 1.4%). In conclusion, the Victorian response to COVID‐19 involved tight state‐wide social restrictions, contact tracing, furlough, escalating PPE guidance and respiratory protection. HCW infections were greatly reduced in 2021 compared with 2020. Pre‐operative PCR testing gave confidence for emergency and urgent elective surgery to proceed during pandemic waves. Other elective cases were performed as health system capacity allowed, without compromising outcomes.
Tek Down Nelson! The Struggle for Repair in Barbados
Authors: Simone Zaira 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIn this article I explore how the decommissioning of the statue of Lord Horatio Nelson captures some of the ways justice is envisioned within Barbados. I ask: How does the decommissioning generate more attention to the reparations question? How is repair and sovereignty conceptualised through the performances that animated and structured the event? What do these performances suggest about the Barbadian geographic‐historical foundation? I engage theorists of Black geographies and Black studies to work through the above questions. I do close readings of the performances featured in the ceremony, to illuminate how the decommissioning gestured to a range of histories and struggles that are punctuated by political transformation. My reading draws attention to how the statue's removal builds on regional demands for reparations and Barbadian struggles for sovereignty, which I argue are complementary aims.
Coexisting mangrove‐coral habitat use by reef fishes in the Caribbean
Authors: Wright Jennifer L. , Stewart Heather A. , Candanedo Ivette , D'Alessandro Evan , Estevanez Maria , Araújo Rafael J. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractWe conducted visual fish surveys in coexisting mangrove‐coral (CMC) habitats in Panama to analyze the effect of coral presence in mangrove habitats on the fish assemblage. Our study revealed that CMC habitats harbor distinct fish assemblages compared to mangrove habitats without coral, with greater species richness and increased herbivore abundance.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
The CaMKII‐dependent phosphorylation of GABAB receptors in the nucleus accumbens was involved in cocaine‐induced behavioral sensitization in rats
Authors: Lu Ming F. , Fu Qiang , Qiu Tian Y. , Yang Jian H. , Peng Qing H. , Hu Zhen Z. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have established that the regulation of prolonged, distal neuronal inhibition by the GABAB heteroreceptor (GABABR) is determined by its stability, and hence residence time, on the plasma membrane.AimsHere, we show that GABABR in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of rats affects the development of cocaine‐induced behavioral sensitization by mediating its perinucleus internalization and membrane expression.Materials & MethodsBy immunofluorescent labeling, flow cytometry analysis, Co‐immunoprecipitation and open field test, we measured the role of Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) to the control of GABABR membrane anchoring and cocaine induced‐behavioral sensitization.ResultsRepeated cocaine treatment in rats (15 mg/kg) significantly decreases membrane levels of GABAB1R and GABAB2R in the NAc after day 3, 5 and 7. The membrane fluorescence and protein levels of GABABR was also decreased in NAc GAD67+ neurons post cocaine (1 μM) treatment after 5 min. Moreover, the majority of internalized GABAB1Rs exhibited perinuclear localization, a decrease in GABAB1R‐pHluroin signals was observed in cocaine‐treated NAc neurons. By contrast, membrane expression of phosphorylated CaMKII (pCaMKII) post cocaine treatment was significantly increased after day 1, 3, 5 and 7. Baclofen blocked the cocaine induced behavioral sensitization via inhibition of cocaine enhanced‐pCaMKII‐GABAB1R interaction.ConclusionThese findings reveal a new mechanism by which pCaMKII‐GABABR signaling can promote psychostimulant‐induced behavioral sensitization.
Navigation between initial and desired community states using shortcuts
Authors: Blonder Benjamin W. , Lim Michael H. , Sunberg Zachary , Tomlin Claire 
Published: February 2023

AbstractEcological management problems often involve navigating from an initial to a desired community state. We ask whether navigation without brute‐force additions and deletions of species is possible via: adding/deleting a small number of individuals of a species, changing the environment, and waiting. Navigation can yield direct paths (single sequence of actions) or shortcut paths (multiple sequences of actions with lower cost than a direct path). We ask (1) when is non‐brute‐force navigation possible?; (2) do shortcuts exist and what are their properties?; and (3) what heuristics predict shortcut existence? Using a state diagram framework applied to several empirical datasets, we show that (1) non‐brute‐force navigation is only possible between some state pairs, (2) shortcuts exist between many state pairs; and (3) changes in abundance and richness are the strongest predictors of shortcut existence, independent of dataset and algorithm choices. State diagrams thus unveil hidden strategies for manipulating species coexistence and efficiently navigating between states.
A controlled forearm washing ex vivo method for assessing the impact of personal cleansing products on skin's acid mantle properties and antimicrobial defence against transient bacteria
Authors: Yue Feng , Yu Betty , Zhang Lesheng , Yu Amy , Wang Caroline , Xu Zigang , Wei Karl 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundAn important trend in the personal care industry involves the development of advanced personal cleaning products that not only provide skin mildness but support skin's acid mantle properties and skin's natural antimicrobial defence function.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to develop a controlled forearm washing ex vivo method for assessing the impact of personal cleansing products on skin's acid mantle properties and antimicrobial defence against transient bacteria.MethodsWe developed a controlled forearm washing ex vivo method (ex vivo NET method) to compare the impact of two representative personal cleansing products on skin's acid mantle properties and antimicrobial defence against transient bacteria: one was a low‐pH skin cleanser, and the other was high‐pH soap cleanser. Skin pH was measured at baseline and 4 h after the product application. Concurrently, D‐squame tape stripping procedure was followed to sample the stratum corneum surface layers. Then, two selected transient bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, were inoculated onto the D‐squame tapes and incubated under controlled conditions, respectively. The residual bacteria counts can provide an objective measure of skin's acid mantle properties against transient bacteria. Results from the ex vivo NET method were compared with the traditional in vivo cup‐scrub RET method.ResultsThe skin pH was significantly lower 4 h after washing the forearm with the low‐pH cleanser versus the high‐pH soap, consistent with literatures. Interestingly, the skin surface washed by the low‐pH cleanser showed significantly higher hostility against representative transient bacteria as demonstrated by the lower counts of S. aureus by 1.09 log and E. coli by 0.6 log versus the high‐pH soap based on the ex vivo NET method. Results from the ex vivo NET method were further supported by the traditional in vivo RET method which also showed the skin washed by the low‐pH cleanser had significantly lower counts of S. aureus and E. coli versus the high‐pH soap.ConclusionsThe skin's acid mantle properties and antimicrobial defence can be directly impacted by the personal cleansing products. The low‐pH skin cleanser works better than the high‐pH soap for supporting skin's acid mantle properties and antimicrobial defence against transient bacteria. Results from the ex vivo NET method are consistent with the in vivo RET method. It is important that the ex vivo NET method offers many advantages since it is quicker to run with higher throughput and has better safety without the constraint of inoculating harmful microorganisms onto the human subjects.
Achieving nursing students' clinical practice hours during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Effects of alternative and nonstandard practicum methods
Authors: Song Min Kyung , Kim Ji‐Soo 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAimThe aim of this study is to examine nursing students' experiences of alternative and nonstandard practicum methods used during the Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID‐19) pandemic and the associations between these experiences and nursing students' anxiety with clinical decision‐making.BackgroundNursing students experiencing alternative clinical practice methods during the COVID19 pandemic have expressed regrets about being unable to experience direct nursing care and doubts about their clinical decision‐making in actual clinical settings as a nurse in the future.MethodsOnline surveys were distributed to 239 third‐year nursing students through a link in an email. Data were collected from December 2020 to January 2021.ResultsApproximately 80% of participants in the Fall 2020 semester experienced an alternative clinical practice method. The extent of time spent experiencing alternative clinical practice methods and satisfaction with the clinical practicum were associated with anxiety about clinical decision‐making.ConclusionsAlthough the pandemic continues, nursing students' clinical practice is needed in a clinical setting as much as possible to reduce the anxiety about clinical decision‐making. During the pandemic, clinical nurse educators and clinical managers should work and communicate more closely to facilitate the students' clinical practice.
Are childhood oral health behaviours and experiences associated with dental anxiety in adolescence?
Authors: Clow Jennifer , Northstone Kate , Hardwick Constance , Dermont Mark , Dudding Tom 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundDental anxiety is associated with untreated dental caries. Understanding which childhood behaviours or experiences have the strongest association with later dental anxiety may help focus preventive strategies, subsequently limiting the burden of dental caries and anxiety.AimThe aim of this study was to explore whether behaviours and experiences during childhood were associated with adolescent dental anxiety.DesignData were obtained from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore associations between adolescent dental anxiety and childhood behaviours and experiences. 1791 participants answered questions about oral health behaviours and experiences at 8 years of age and dental anxiety questions aged 17 years.ResultsChildren with experience of invasive dental treatment were more likely to have dental anxiety at 17 years of age than those who had not experienced dental treatment (OR 1.63; 95% CI: 1.12, 2.37; p = .011). Irregular dental attenders in childhood had over three times the odds of dental anxiety by adolescence, compared with regular attenders (OR 3.67 95% CI: 1.52, 8.88; p = .004).ConclusionsAdolescent dental anxiety is associated with invasive treatment and irregular dental attendance in childhood. A history of irregular attendance or invasive treatment may serve as a useful predictor when considering dental anxiety in young adult patients. Early preventive care supports good attendance and oral health. These actions may have secondary effects of reducing future dental anxiety.
Extracellular PPM1A promotes mineralization of osteoblasts differentiation in ankylosing spondylitis via the FOXO1A‐RUNX2 pathway
Authors: Weon Subin , Jo Sungsin , Nam Bora , Choi Sung Hoon , Park Ye‐Soo , Kim Yong‐Gil , Kim Tae‐Hwan 
Published: February 2023

AbstractProtein phosphatase magnesium‐dependent 1A (PPM1A), serine/threonine protein phosphatase, in sera level was increased in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Preosteoblasts were differentiated actively to matured osteoblasts by intracellular PPM1A overexpression. However, it was unclear whether extracellular PPM1A contributes to the excessive bone‐forming activity in AS. Here, we confirmed that PPM1A and runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) were increased in facet joints of AS. During osteoblasts differentiation, exogenous PPM1A treatment showed increased matrix mineralization in AS‐osteoprogenitor cells accompanied by induction of RUNX2 and factor forkhead box O1A (FOXO1A) protein expressions. Moreover, upon growth condition, exogenous PPM1A treatment showed an increase in RUNX2 and FOXO1A protein expression and a decrease in phosphorylation at ser256 of FOXO1A protein in AS‐osteoprogenitor cells, and positively regulated promoter activity of RUNX2 protein‐binding motif. Mechanically, exogenous PPM1A treatment induced the dephosphorylation of transcription factor FOXO1A protein and translocation of FOXO1A protein into the nucleus for RUNX2 upregulation. Taken together, our results suggest that high PPM1A concentration promotes matrix mineralization in AS via the FOXO1A‐RUNX2 pathway.
The efficacy and safety of the high‐intensity parallel beam ultrasound device at the depth of 1.5 mm for skin tightening
Authors: Hongcharu Wichai , Boonchoo Kanjana , Gold Michael H. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundHigh‐intensity parallel beam ultrasound (US) is a novel device equipped with Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam (SUPERB) technology applied in anti‐aging treatment. The system is aimed at pathways stimulating neocollagenesis and neoelastinogenesis in the dermis leading to skin tightening and rejuvenation.AimsEvaluate the efficacy and safety of the high‐intensity parallel beam US device at the depth of 1.5 mm for skin tightening treatment.MethodsThirty‐six participants were enrolled in the study. Digital photographs and Antera 3D photographs were taken at baseline, 1 and 3 months post‐treatment. The depression volume of nasolabial folds (NLFs) and marionette lines (MLs) in each visit was evaluated using Antera 3D imaging program. Pain was evaluated by pain measurement scales immediately after treatment. Any procedure related side effects were documented and examined.ResultsPost‐treatment results were compared to the baseline; statistically significant mean depression volume (MDV) change of NLFs and MLs were found at 1 and 3 months post‐treatment. No significant MDV change from 1 to 3 months post‐treatment could be demonstrated. The mean pain score was 6.64 on a 0–10 scale. No adverse events were reported.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that the novel high‐intensity parallel beam US device is clinically safe and effective for skin tightening in the lower face area. We noticed a reduction in NLFs and MLs in more than 60% of our participants already as early as 1 month post‐treatment.