bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel subgroups in acute respiratory failure based on the trajectories of three endotheliopathy biomarkers: A cohort study
Authors: Schønemann‐Lund Martin , Itenov Theis S. , Larsson Johan E. , Lindegaard Birgitte , Johansson Pär I. , Bestle Morten H. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBaseline levels of endotheliopathy are associated with worse respiratory outcomes and mortality in undifferentiated acute respiratory failure (ARF), but knowledge is lacking on the development of endotheliopathy over time in ARF. We, therefore, aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of trajectories of endotheliopathy during the first days of ARF. We performed a secondary, exploratory analysis of a single‐center prospective cohort including 459 patients requiring mechanical ventilation. Based on Days 1–3 Syndecan‐1, soluble Thrombomodulin (sTM), and Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule‐1 (PECAM‐1), we divided patients into subgroups using latent class mixed modeling and correlated subgroups with clinical outcomes using Cox regression. Based on Syndecan‐1 and sTM, respectively, we identified two subgroups. Based on PECAM‐1, we identified three subgroups. Subgroups based on Syndecan‐1 and sTM were identifiable from the baseline levels, but subgroups based on PECAM‐1 were not. Patients with persistently high levels of both sTM and PECAM‐1 were liberated from mechanical ventilation more slowly (Group high vs. Group low, sTM: hazard ratio [HR]: 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.50–0.88, p = .01, PECAM‐1: HR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.37–0.93, p = .02) and had higher 30‐day mortality (sTM: HR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.20–3.01, p = .01, PECAM‐1: HR: 4.25, 95% CI: 1.99–9.07, p < .01). In ARF requiring mechanical ventilation, patients in subgroups with persistently high levels of sTM and PECAM‐1 had lower rates of liberation from mechanical ventilation and higher 30‐day mortality. However, patients with persistently high levels of sTM were identifiable based on the baseline level, and only the trajectory of PECAM‐1 added information to that of the baseline level.
A critical review of effects on ethanol intake of the dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor system in the extended amygdala: From inhibition to stimulation
Authors: Pirino Breanne E. , Kelley Abigail M. , Karkhanis Anushree N. , Barson Jessica R. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe dynorphin (DYN)/kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system has increasingly been investigated as a possible pharmacotherapeutic target for alcohol use disorder, but findings on the direction of its effects have been mixed. Activation of KORs by DYN has been shown to elicit dysphoric effects, and the DYN/KOR system has canonically been considered particularly important in driving alcohol intake through negative reinforcement in dependent states. However, this review also highlights its activity in opposing the positive reinforcement that drives alcohol intake at earlier stages. Both DYN and KORs are concentrated in the extended amygdala, a set of interconnected regions that includes the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, central nucleus of the amygdala, and nucleus accumbens shell. This review focuses on the role of the DYN/KOR system in the extended amygdala in ethanol use. It begins by examining the effects of ethanol on the expression of DYN/KOR in the extended amygdala, expression of DYN/KOR in alcohol‐preferring and alcohol‐avoiding animals, and the effects of knocking out DYN/KOR genes on ethanol intake. Then, it examines the effects on ethanol use in both dependent and nondependent states from systemic pharmacological manipulations of DYN/KOR and from specific manipulation of this system in regions of the extended amygdala. We propose that greater expression and binding of DYN/KOR, by reducing the positive reinforcement that drives early stages of intake, initially acts to prevent the escalation of ethanol drinking. However, prolonged, binge‐like, or intermittent ethanol intake enhances levels of DYN/KOR in the extended amygdala such that the system ultimately facilitates the negative reinforcement that drives later stages of ethanol drinking. This review highlights the potential of the DYN/KOR system as a target that can affect different outcomes across different stages of ethanol drinking and the development of alcohol use disorder.
A trunk‐nesting form of the processionary caterpillar Ochrogaster lunifer (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) restricted to a single host species Corymbia tessellaris (Myrtaceae), with some comparisons to the ground‐nesting form
Authors: Perkins Lynda E. , Uemura Mizuki , Zalucki Myron P. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe Bag‐shelter moth Ochrogaster lunifer (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae: Thaumetopoeinae) is an endemic species of medical and veterinary importance that occurs throughout Australia. The gregarious species is variable with four phylogenetic clades recently identified. One clade comprises trunk‐nesters restricted to one host: the Moreton Bay Ash, Corymbia tessellaris (Myrtaceae). Here, we describe aspects of the biology and ecology of this distinctive nesting form dupped the ‘tree‐hugger’ due to its flattish, thick silk nests that hug the trunk and larger branches. The form is univoltine; egg masses are laid in spring and the gregarious larvae develop through seven instars until the mature larvae stop feeding in autumn and later leave the nest (in a procession). The larvae over‐winter in the ground as pre‐pupae in a loose cocoon of silk. Pupation occurs in late winter and adults emerge in spring. Forty‐six per cent of monitored egg masses succeeded in developing through the lifecycle. Tachinids were common parasites of older larvae. Tree‐hugger nests provided some insulation against summer heat during the mornings, but the physical characteristics of the nests and tree trunks and the average southern orientation of the nests likely protect larvae against extreme heat. The tree‐hugger form of O. lunifer appears morphologically similar to the more ubiquitous ground‐nesting form, but there are differences in the colour of egg masses and adults, and in the behaviour and ecology of the larvae and adults. This information adds to the body of evidence supporting the definition of separate species within what is currently known as O. lunifer.
Genome‐wide association study reveals candidate genes for pollution excreta traits in pigs
Authors: Wang Junjian , Yang Huawei , Chen Shaokang , Li Weining , Yu Jian , Hu Zhengzheng , Zhuo Yue , Huang Qianqian , Liu Zhen , Zhou Lei , Wu Jianliang , Wang Zhaojun , Guo Feng , Yun Peng , Wang Xiaofeng , Liu Jian‐Feng 
Published: April 2023

AbstractExcreta traits comprise a very important characteristic in breeding that have been neglected for a long time. With the growth of intensive pig farming, plenty of environment problems have been raised, and people have begun to pay attention to pig excreta behaviors from genetics and breeding perspectives. However, the genetic architecture of excreta traits remains unclear. To investigate the genetic architecture of excreta traits in pigs, eight excreta traits and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were analyzed in this study. We performed genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) on 213 Yorkshire pigs and estimated genetic parameters for a total number of 290 pigs, comprising 213 Yorkshire, 52 Landrace and 25 Duroc. After analysis, eight and 22 genome‐wide significant SNPs were detected for FCR and the eight excreta traits in single‐trait GWASs separately, and 18 were detected in a multi‐trait meta‐analysis for excreta traits, six of which were detected in both the single‐trait and the multi‐trait GWAS. Eighty, 182 and 133 genes were detected within 1 Mb of the genome‐wide significant SNPs for FCR, excreta traits and multi‐trait meta‐analysis, respectively. Five candidate genes (BCKDC, DBT, ANKRD7, SHPRH and HCRT) with biochemical and physiological effects relevant to feed efficiency and excreta traits might be interesting markers for future breeding. Meanwhile, functional enrichment analysis indicates that most of the significant pathways are associated with the glutathione catabolic process, DNA topological change and replication fork protection complex. This study reveals the architecture of excreta traits in commercial pigs and offers an opportunity for decreasing the pollution from excreta using genomic selection in pigs.
Role of mechanotransduction mediated by YAP/TAZ in the treatment of neurogenic erectile dysfunction with low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound
Authors: Liu Yang , Pan Xiao‐ying , Zhang Xiang‐xiang , Sun Ji‐lei , Mao Yin‐hui , Yang Yong , Wei Zhi‐tao 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundErectile dysfunction (ED) and weakness of the penis are processes related to hemodynamic alteration. Low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), as a new mechanical modality for the treatment of ED, deserves to be explored in depth for the biomechanical mechanisms it exerts.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore the role of YAP/TAZ‐mediated mechanotransduction in mechanical therapy for the treatment of neurogenic erectile dysfunction (NED).Materials and methodsForty‐two male SD rats (12 w old) were randomly divided into sham‐operated (n = 14), bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI, n = 14), and LIPUS‐treated (n = 14) groups. Intracavernosal pressure/mean arterial pressure (ICP/MAP) was measured 14 and 28 days after treatment. Penile tissue specimens were collected for pathological examination, and the changes in YAP, TAZ, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), CYR61, LATS1, and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase expression levels were assessed by Western blot, real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT–qPCR) and immunological staining.ResultsCompared with BCNI, LIPUS significantly improved ICP/MAP levels and enhanced histopathological changes. The penile expression levels of YAP, TAZ, CTGF, and CYR61 were significantly downregulated in the BCNI group (p < 0.01), and LIPUS upregulated the expression levels of these proteins (p < 0.05). The expression levels of p‐LATS1 and LATS1 were not significantly different among the groups (p > 0.05). Interestingly, the expression level of p‐p38/p38 significantly increased in BCNI rats (p < 0.05), which was reversed by LIPUS treatment (p < 0.05). However, the p38 inhibitor SB203580 did not change the expression of YAP/TAZ in rat primary smooth muscle cells or mouse MOVAS cells (p > 0.05).Discussion and conclusionLIPUS can effectively improve penile erectile function in NED rats. The underlying mechanism may be related to the regulation of YAP/TAZ‐mediated mechanotransduction. However, the upstream regulatory signal may differ from the classical Hippo pathway.
Introducing robotic oesophagectomy into an Australian practice: an assessment of the early procedural outcomes and learning curve
Authors: Narendra Aaditya , Barbour Andrew 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundRobotic oesophagectomy (RAMIO) is a novel procedure in Australia and New Zealand. We aimed to report the early operative and clinical outcomes achieved during the introduction of RAMIO into the practice of a single Australian surgeon and benchmark these against outcomes of patients receiving conventional minimally invasive oesophagectomy (MIO) by the same surgeon.MethodsData on all patients undergoing RAMIO, performed by a single high‐volume Australian surgeon, were collected from a prospectively maintained database. Operative, clinical and surgical quality outcomes were benchmarked on a univariable basis against those of patients receiving MIO. Learning curves were computed using quadratic and linear regression of operating times on case‐numbers and compared using Cox regression modelling.Results290 patients (237 MIO, 53 RAMIO (47% Ivor‐Lewis, 53% McKeon oesophagectomy)) were included. Compared with MIO, the median thoracic operating time was 20 min longer for RAMIO (P = 0.03). Following RAMIO, there was less blood loss (P < 0.01) and a shorter length of stay (P < 0.01).There were no differences in morbidity and quality of surgery following RAMIO compared with MIO. There were no deaths following RAMIO. Having progressed from MIO, the operating times for RAMIO improved after 22 cases compared with MIO (110 cases) (HR 0.70 (0.51–0.93), P = 0.01).ConclusionWith careful implementation, RAMIO may be safely performed within the Australian setting and is associated with a modest increase in procedure duration, but less blood loss and shorter length of stay compared with conventional MIO.
Investigating the hemodynamics of Berlin Heart EXCOR support in Norwood patients across diverse clinical scenarios with computational modeling
Authors: Yuan Victoria , De Gaetano Francesco , Osouli Kasra , Marsden Alison L. , Costantino Maria Laura 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundInfants with single‐ventricle (SV) physiology undergo the 3‐stage Fontan surgery. Norwood patients, who have completed the first stage, face the highest interstage mortality. The Berlin Heart EXCOR (BH), a pediatric pulsatile ventricular assist device, has shown promise in supporting these patients. However, clinical questions regarding device configurations prevent optimal support.MethodsWe developed a combined idealized mechanics‐lumped parameter model of a Norwood patient and simulated two additional patient‐specific cases: pulmonary hypertension (PH) and post‐operative treatment with milrinone. We quantified the effects of BH support across different device volumes, rates, and inflow connections on patient hemodynamics and BH performance.ResultsIncreasing device volume and rate increased cardiac output, but with unsubstantial changes in specific arterial oxygen content. We identified distinct SV–BH interactions that may impact patient myocardial health and contribute to poor clinical outcomes. Our results suggested BH settings for patients with PH and for patients treated post‐operatively with milrinone.ConclusionsWe present a computational model to characterize and quantify patient hemodynamics and BH support for infants with Norwood physiology. Our results emphasized that oxygen delivery does not increase with BH rate or volume, which may not meet patient needs and contribute to suboptimal clinical outcomes. Our findings demonstrated that an atrial BH may provide optimal cardiac loading for patients with diastolic dysfunction. Meanwhile, a ventricular BH decreased active stress in the myocardium and countered the effects of milrinone. Patients with PH showed greater sensitivity to device volume. In this work, we demonstrate the adaptability of our model to analyze BH support across varied clinical situations.
Introducing the Philippine Electoral Violence (PEV) data set: Uncovering trends, targets, and perpetrators of election‐related violence during the 2013–2019 elections
Authors: Deinla Imelda , Ballar Kier Jesse , Refani Renner Paul , Yap Jurel 
Published: April 2023

AbstractElection‐related violence (ERV) is a recurring concern in the Philippines—considered to be one of the most violent countries in Asia. National and midterm elections which happen every 3 years are the most violent. As such, a thorough analysis on the nature of ERVs in the country is necessary to address the causes facilitating electoral violence. While there have been several ERV studies in the Philippines after the post‐1986 democratization period, this article is the first that looks at electoral violence data at both the individual and aggregate levels. This study examines incidences of ERV in the Philippines from 2013 to 2019 by creating a novel incident‐level data set, the Philippine Electoral Violence data set, constructed from online media reports. A total of 394 incidents were found over the three election periods covered in the data set, which includes at least one incident in 65 out of the 81 provinces in the country.
Development and structure of the skin in the Australian lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri) in relation to epidermal adaptation of tetrapods
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAnalysis of skin development in the Australian lungfish, Neoceratodus forsteri, indicates that keratinocytes form 2 to 3 irregular layers in tadpoles of 2–5 cm in length and are fully stratified (7–12 layers) in juveniles of 16.5–26 cm in length. The epidermis produces mucus and mainly contains intermediate filament keratins of acidic nature but also a minute amount of neutral‐basic keratins (pI 7.0–7.3), which is unique among fish. The latter keratins of 60–62 kDa, are generally present in tetrapods but the specific gene structure and amino sequence of acidic, neutral and basic keratins in N. forsteri are presently unknown. No other epidermal proteins are detected although biochemical data suggest the presence of non‐keratin proteins, including a basic type (pI 8.0–8.2) of around 32 kDa of molecular weight. The spinulated bony layer of elasmoid scales contains glycoproteins involved in mineralization, such as osteonectin and osteopontin. Also, alkaline phosphatase, involved in calcium precipitation onto the collagen matrix, has been detected in scales of juveniles up to 26 cm in length. The present review concludes that the knowledge of the data derived from epidermal and dermal protein annotation from the recently sequenced genome of this fish species will contribute to address the study on the evolution of tetrapod skin.
Asynchronous and Error-Prone Longitudinal Data Analysis via Functional Calibration
Authors: Chang Xinyue , Li Yehua , Li Yi 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
In many longitudinal settings, time-varying covariates may not be measured at the same time as responses and are often prone to measurement error. Naive last-observation-carried-forward methods incur estimation biases, and existing kernel-based methods suffer from slow convergence rates and large variations. To address these challenges, we propose a new functional calibration approach to efficiently learn longitudinal covariate processes based on sparse functional data with measurement error. Our approach, stemming from functional principal component analysis, calibrates the unobserved synchronized covariate values from the observed asynchronous and error-prone covariate values, and is broadly applicable to asynchronous longitudinal regression with time-invariant or time-varying coefficients. For regression with time-invariant coefficients, our estimator is asymptotically unbiased, root-n consistent, and asymptotically normal; for time-varying coefficient models, our estimator has the optimal varying coefficient model convergence rate with inflated asymptotic variance from the calibration. In both cases, our estimators present asymptotic properties superior to the existing methods. The feasibility and usability of the proposed methods are verified by simulations and an application to the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation, a large-scale multisite longitudinal study on women's health during midlife.
The importance of domain‐specific number abilities and domain‐general cognitive abilities for early arithmetic achievement and development
Authors: Träff Ulf , Skagerlund Kenny , Östergren Rickard , Skagenholt Mikael 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundChildren's numerical and arithmetic skills differ greatly already at an early age. Although research focusing on accounting for these large individual differences clearly demonstrates that mathematical performance draws upon several cognitive abilities, our knowledge concerning key abilities underlying mathematical skill development is still limited.AimsFirst, to identify key cognitive abilities contributing to children's development of early arithmetic skills. Second, to examine the extent to which early arithmetic performance and early arithmetic development rely on different or similar constellations of domain‐specific number abilities and domain‐general cognitive abilities.SampleIn all, 134 Swedish children (Mage = 6 years and 4 months, SD = 3 months, 74 boys) participated in this study.MethodVerbal and non‐verbal logical reasoning, non‐symbolic number comparison, counting knowledge, spatial processing, verbal working memory and arithmetic were assessed. Twelve months later, arithmetic skills were reassessed. A latent change score model was computed to determine whether any of the abilities accounted for variations in arithmetic development.ResultsArithmetic performance was supported by counting knowledge, verbal and non‐verbal logical reasoning and spatial processing. Arithmetic skill development was only supported by spatial processing.ConclusionsResults show that young children's early arithmetic performance and arithmetic development are supported by different cognitive processes. The findings regarding performance supported Fuchs et al.'s model (Dev Psychol, 46, 2010b, 1731) but the developmental findings did not. The developmental findings align partially to Geary et al.'s (J Educ Psychol, 109, 2017, 680) hypothesis stating that young children's early arithmetic development is more dependent on general cognitive abilities than number abilities.
Improved outcomes in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia infected during the omicron BA.5 subvariant surge
Authors: Bronstein Yotam , Levi Shai , Herishanu Yair 
Published: April 2023

SummaryPatients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 are at increased risk of severe COVID‐19 and death. The outcomes of CLL patients with COVID‐19 during the omicron subvariants and in particular with BA.5 are not fully elucidated. Here, we report the outcomes of 128 CLL patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 from December 2021 through November 2022. The hospitalization and 30‐day mortality rates were 26.6% (n = 34) and 4.7% (n = 6), respectively. Both hospitalizations and mortality were lower during the outbreaks of the BA.2 and BA.5 subvariants (17.2%, 0% vs. 15.2%, 0%, respectively) compared with the period dominated by the BA.1 subvariant (41.5%, 11.3%).