bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endothelial sensing of AHR ligands regulates intestinal homeostasis
Authors: Wiggins Benjamin G. , Wang Yi-Fang , Burke Alice , Grunberg Nil , Vlachaki Walker Julia M. , Dore Marian , Chahrour Catherine , Pennycook Betheney R. , Sanchez-Garrido Julia , Vernia Santiago , Barr Alexis R. , Frankel Gad , Birdsey Graeme M. , Randi Anna M. , Schiering Chris 
Published: August 2023

AbstractEndothelial cells line the blood and lymphatic vasculature, and act as an essential physical barrier, control nutrient transport, facilitate tissue immunosurveillance and coordinate angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis1,2. In the intestine, dietary and microbial cues are particularly important in the regulation of organ homeostasis. However, whether enteric endothelial cells actively sense and integrate such signals is currently unknown. Here we show that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) acts as a critical node for endothelial cell sensing of dietary metabolites in adult mice and human primary endothelial cells. We first established a comprehensive single-cell endothelial atlas of the mouse small intestine, uncovering the cellular complexity and functional heterogeneity of blood and lymphatic endothelial cells. Analyses of AHR-mediated responses at single-cell resolution identified tissue-protective transcriptional signatures and regulatory networks promoting cellular quiescence and vascular normalcy at steady state. Endothelial AHR deficiency in adult mice resulted in dysregulated inflammatory responses and the initiation of proliferative pathways. Furthermore, endothelial sensing of dietary AHR ligands was required for optimal protection against enteric infection. In human endothelial cells, AHR signalling promoted quiescence and restrained activation by inflammatory mediators. Together, our data provide a comprehensive dissection of the effect of environmental sensing across the spectrum of enteric endothelia, demonstrating that endothelial AHR signalling integrates dietary cues to maintain tissue homeostasis by promoting endothelial cell quiescence and vascular normalcy.
Estimating excess mortality due to female genital mutilation
Authors: Ghosh Arpita , Flowe Heather , Rockey James 
Published: August 2023

AbstractGlobally, over 200 million women and girls have been subjected to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). This practice, illegal in most countries, often happens in unsanitary conditions and without clinical supervision with consequent bleeding and infection. However, little is known about its contribution to the global epidemiology of child mortality. We matched data on the proportion of girls of a given age group subject to FGM to age-gender-year specific mortality rates during 1990–2020 in 15 countries where FGM is practised. We used fixed-effects regressions to separate the effect of FGM on mortality-rates from variation in mortality in that country in that year. Using our estimated effect, we calculated total annual excess mortality due to FGM. Our estimates imply that a 50% increase in the number of girls subject to FGM increases their 5-year mortality rate by 0.075 percentage point (95% CI $$0\cdot 065$$

0
·
065

–$$0\cdot 085$$

0
·
085

). This increased mortality rate translates into an estimated 44,320 excess deaths per year across countries where FGM is practised. These estimates imply that FGM is a leading cause of the death of girls and young women in those countries where it is practised accounting for more deaths than any cause other than Enteric Infections, Respiratory Infections, or Malaria.
Oxidative stress-induced by different stressors alters kidney tissue antioxidant markers and levels of creatinine and urea: the fate of renal membrane integrity
Authors: Nwogueze Bartholomew Chukwuebuka , Ofili Isioma Mary , Nnama Tochukwu Nnamdi , Aloamaka Chukwuemeka Peter 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe cellular integrity of the kidney in homeostatic regulation has constantly been compromised by oxidative stress following exposure to varying nature of stressor present within the environment. The objective of the work was to evaluate the renal effect of the different stressor stimuli applied. Twenty-four adult female rats weighing averagely 160–200 g and within the ages of 12–14 weeks were used for experiment-1, while 12 offspring were utilized for experiment-2. Three stress models namely; restraint, mirror chamber and cat intruder stressors were used. Tissues were isolated from the animal and homogenized for tissue antioxidant assay. Serum was collected for assays of urea and creatinine for the kidney function test using ELISA. Data collected were analyzed for Mean ± SEM using One Way ANOVA. The present study revealed that exposure of rats to different stressors reduced relative kidney weights but did not significantly alter serum creatinine concentration in the Wistar rats, although the concentrations were slightly increased compared to controls. Urea concentration was significantly (p < 0.05) increased in rats exposed to restraint and intruder stressors. Exposure to a mirror chamber stressor did not significantly alter urea concentration. Offspring from parents of stressed female rats exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum urea level, minimal increase in serum creatinine levels. GSH and GST levels showed no significant difference when compared to control group, whereas, GPx were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased irrespective of the stressor applied. SOD activity were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in the group exposed to restraint or cat intruder stressor. CAT activities were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in the rats exposed to restraint or cat intruder stressor. In all, the different stress model altered the antioxidant capacity of the kidney tissues. Exposure of rats to a stressful condition of the different nature of stressor has the tendency of compromising the functional integrity of the kidney, thus, with the potency of complicating female renal function.
Genome-wide association studies and fine-mapping identify genomic loci for n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in Hispanic American and African American cohorts
Authors: Yang Chaojie , Veenstra Jenna , Bartz Traci M. , Pahl Matthew C. , Hallmark Brian , Chen Yii-Der Ida , Westra Jason , Steffen Lyn M. , Brown Christopher D. , Siscovick David , Tsai Michael Y. , Wood Alexis C. , Rich Stephen S. , Smith Caren E. , O’Connor Timothy D. , Mozaffarian Dariush , Grant Struan F. A. , Chilton Floyd H. , Tintle Nathan L. , Lemaitre Rozenn N. , Manichaikul Ani 
Published: August 2023

AbstractOmega-3 (n-3) and omega-6 (n-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play critical roles in human health. Prior genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of n-3 and n-6 PUFAs in European Americans from the CHARGE Consortium have documented strong genetic signals in/near the FADS locus on chromosome 11. We performed a GWAS of four n-3 and four n-6 PUFAs in Hispanic American (n = 1454) and African American (n = 2278) participants from three CHARGE cohorts. Applying a genome-wide significance threshold of P < 5 × 10−8, we confirmed association of the FADS signal and found evidence of two additional signals (in DAGLA and BEST1) within 200 kb of the originally reported FADS signal. Outside of the FADS region, we identified novel signals for arachidonic acid (AA) in Hispanic Americans located in/near genes including TMX2, SLC29A2, ANKRD13D and POLD4, and spanning a > 9 Mb region on chromosome 11 (57.5 Mb ~ 67.1 Mb). Among these novel signals, we found associations unique to Hispanic Americans, including rs28364240, a POLD4 missense variant for AA that is common in CHARGE Hispanic Americans but absent in other race/ancestry groups. Our study sheds light on the genetics of PUFAs and the value of investigating complex trait genetics across diverse ancestry populations.
Perfusion Education in the United States at the Turn of the Century
Authors: Stammers Alfred H. 
Published: August 2023

The challenges facing institutions charged with the delivery of health care have also affected the delivery of education in the health sciences. In the 30 years since the establishment of a process for formalized perfusion education, significant changes have shaped how the fundamentals of perfusion sciences are learned. The establishment and maintenance of a profession can only be secured through the creation of standards that guide educational facilities in the delivery of formalized instruction in a discipline. Perfusion education programs continue to meet these standards but are doing so at a time where resources continue to dwindle and quantitative assessment of manpower issues are fuzzy, at best.
The peak of perfusion education programs occurred in 1994, and 5 years later only 25 programs were still accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP). In the past decade, only one new education program has sought accreditation from CAAHEP. There were 41% fewer graduates in the United States in 1998 than in 1992, which follows a 6-year trend in declining numbers of individuals entering the field of perfusion. Individual programs are challenged by the reordering of university and community hospital structures, which often results in critical reviews of resource allocation to perfusion programs.
The health of the perfusion profession remains deeply tied to the success of perfusion education programs. Likewise, the health of these programs can only be assured by means of continued solicitation of support and guidance from practitioners who serve as stewards of perfusion technology.
Investigations into the Sterility of Manually Assembled Extracorporeal Circuits with Vented Reservoirs
Authors: Searles Bruce , O’Leary Colleen E. , Pettit Dave , Alexander Scott , Picone Anthony 
Published: August 2023

This study was designed to investigate the ability of an extracorporeal circuit (ECC) with a vented hard shell reservoir to remain sterile for a period of 72 h under dry conditions. The study was conducted in three phases. In Phase One: Two previously published methods for detecting contamination of the ECC were compared. A group of positive controls was collected by contaminating identical circuits with a known level of Enterobacter cloacae (ATTC: 13047) before initiating a regimen of “sample–dilute–sample” culturing. Negative controls for this phase were conducted by randomly sampling 1 L per manufacturer’s lot of lactated ringers with each detection method. Culture results suggest that large volume filtration, but not small aliquot sampling, is sensitive to extremely low levels of contamination. No growth was detected in any negative control samples.
In Phase Two: 19 ECC consisting of a membrane oxygenator, vented hardshell reservoir, arterial filter, and PVC tubing were removed from their sterile packages, assembled, and left unprotected in the moderate traffic environment of a research laboratory. The circuits were then primed with Lactated Ringer’s solution. The prime solution was sampled for aerobic contamination by large volume filtration. None of the 19 samples detected contamination.
In Phase Three: 43 ECC identical to the Phase Two circuits were assembled and left unprotected in the substerile pump room. The circuits were then primed, circulated, and cultured as in Phase Two. One of the 43 samples was discarded because of a recognized break in aseptic technique during sample collection. None of the remaining samples detected contamination. Mathematical calculations of binomial probabilities suggest that the chance of an open ECC developing a detectable level of contamination within 72 h of its dry assembly is insignificant.
In Vitro Evaluation of the Medtronic™ Cardioplegia Safety System®
Authors: Trowbridge Cody C. , Woods Kimberly R. , Muhle Michelle L. , Niimi Kevin S. , Tremain Kimberly D. , Jiang Jun , Stammers Alfred H. 
Published: August 2023

Myocardial preservation demands the precise and accurate delivery of cardioplegic solutions to provide nutritive delivery and metabolic waste removal. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance characteristics of the Medtronic® CSS™ Cardioplegia Safety System in an in vitro setting.
The CSS™ was evaluated under the following conditions: blood to crystalloid ratios of 1:0, 1:1, 4:1, 8:1, 0:1; potassium concentrations of 10, 20, and 40 mEq L−1; volumetric delivery collection at 100, 250, 500, 750, and 990 mL/min; pressure accuracy at 100 and 300 mmHg; and system safety mechanisms. Measured and predicted values from the CSS were compared using one way ANOVA, with statistical significance accepted at p ≤ 0.05.
The measured values for the tested ratios and volume collections were all within the manufacturer’s technical parameters. Potassium concentration results were all within expected values except at 100 mL/min, where the measured value of 17.1 ± 2.1 mmol was lower than the expected 20.0 ± 0.2 mmol (p < .034). As flow rates changed, the CSS line pressure error was constant (0.5 to 3.7%), and the only significant difference was observed at 100 mmHg, 500 mL/min (102.3 ± 1.7 vs. 100.0 ± 0.0 mmHg, P < .003). The device performed accurately and reliably under all simulated safety conditions, including bubble detection, over pressurization and battery backup. In conclusion, the performance of the CSS was within the manufacturer’s specifications for the majority of the tested conditions and operated safely when challenged under varying conditions.
Heparin Use in Pediatric Bypass—Empirical Regimen (ACT) vs. Heparin Concentration: A Multicenter Trial
Authors: Olshove Vincent , Tallman Richard 
Published: August 2023

There are two common approaches to heparin administration for pediatric bypass: one involves the empirical dosing of heparin based on the activated clotting time (ACT), and the other on heparin concentration. It has been observed that heparin requirements are substantially greater when maintaining a concentration as opposed to an ACT. This study gathered heparin administration data from five pediatric centers, two using an empirical regimen and ACT technique and three using heparin concentration as measured by the Heparin Management System (HMS).
All patients less than or equal to 20 kg were evaluated and grouped by technique. There were 49 patients in the HMS group and 46 in the ACT group.
There was no significant difference between groups for patient weight, bypass time, postheparin ACT, bypass ACT, protamine dose, or 24-h blood loss (mL/kg/24). There was a significant difference (p < .01) for prime heparin (4.7 ± 1.3 units/cc HMS vs. 1.9 ± 0.4 units/cc ACT), heparin loading dose (476.5 ± 175.3 units/kg HMS vs. 384.6 ± 54.3 units/kg ACT), and total heparin (16.6 ± 6.7 units/kg/min HMS vs. 9.5 ± 5.9 units/kg/min ACT). The use of the HMS for heparin management in pediatric bypass required more heparin but no difference in protamine use or 24-h blood loss.
In-Vitro Evaluation of the Hemolytic Effects of Augmented Venous Drainage
Authors: Mathews Randall K. , Sistino Joseph J. 
Published: August 2023

Augmentation of venous drainage with either kineticassisted drainage (KAVD) or vacuum-assisted (VAVD) has been used clinically in order to overcome added venous resistance due to smaller venous cannulae or tubing. This in-vitro study evaluates the extent of hemolysis and sub-lethal red blood cell membrane damage than occurs with augmented (kinetic or vacuum) when compared to conventional gravity drainage. Four trials were conducted using each test circuit. The circuits were primed with 6 liters of fresh heparinized bovine blood, which was diluted to a hematocrit of 32% and was recirculated at 5 L/min for 8 hours. Hemolysis was determined by the change in plasma free-hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit, and potassium at two hour intervals. The red cell osmotic fragility index was used to quantify the sub-lethal red blood cell membrane damage and was also measured every two hours. After 8 hours, the mean +/− SD of the plasma free-Hb were: 96.27 +/− 69.45 mg/dl for gravity, 83.87 +/− 48.14 mg/dl for vacuum-assist, and 134.45 +/−83.78 mg/dl for kinetic-assist. Two-hour increases in the plasma free-Hb revealed the following median values (mg/dL/2h): 16.90 for gravity, 13.75 for vacuum–assist, and 19.40 for kinetic-assist.
Analysis of the two-hour increases in plasma free-Hb with Kruskal-Wallis One-Way ANOVA did not reveal a significant difference among the groups. After 8 hours, the red cell osmotic fragility test results at the 0.55% sodium chloride concentration were compared. The medians of the percent hemolysis were 52.67% for gravity, 49.8% for vacuum-assist, and 57.2% for kinetic- assist. Analysis with the Kruskal-Wallis Wallis One-Way ANOVA did not reveal a significant difference among the groups. Therefore, there is no significant increase in hemolysis or sub-lethal red blood cell membrane damage associated with the use of augmented venous drainage.
Assessment of the Resonance Thromboelastograph CS-3 for Differentiation of Coagulation Disorders: A Pilot in vitro Investigation of Simulated Post-Cardiopulmonary Bypass Coagulopathies
Authors: Koster Andreas , Hansen Roland , Schulz Jürgen , Kukucka Marian , Fischer Thomas , Kuppe Hermann 
Published: August 2023

Resonance thromboelastography (RTG), a further development of the thromboelastogram (TEG), has been designed for improved differentiation of the effect of the plasmatic coagulation factors (increasing F-leg) and platelets (decreasing P-leg) on clot formation. It is based on the effect of clot elasticity on the resonance of a swinging wire. We assessed the RTG for its ability to differentiate coagulation disorders that frequently occur after cardiac surgery.
The RTG was performed with a CS-3 Analyzer. Samples from 10 healthy volunteers were investigated after the following preparations: (1) baseline values, (2) dilution to a hematocrit of 30% and 20% with either hydroxyl ethyl starch (HES) 10% or plasma; (3) addition of 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 IU/mL porcine heparin with and without heparinase; and (4) addition of 1.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 µg/mL of the antiplatelet agent abciximab (ReoPro™). Increasing concentrations of abciximab led to a slower decrease or in the case of higher concentrations, to a persistent elevation of the platelet leg of the RTG. Dilution of the hematocrit with plasma had no effect on the fibrin and platelet leg; whereas, dilution with HES 10% led to an inhibition of the fibrin and platelet leg. Dilution of the plasmatic coagulation factors resulted in an inhibition of both the fibrin and the platelet leg. The addition of 0.25 and 0.5 IU/mL of heparin led to an increased coagulation time and inhibition of the fibrin and platelet legs. These effects were eliminated by the addition of heparinase. The RTG enables the evaluation of platelet function under the condition of a nonimpaired plasma coagulation system. Depletion of plasma coagulation factors and the administration of small amounts of heparin do not enable the distinction between residual effects of an anticoagulant, coagulation factor deficiency, or impaired platelet function. However, the heparin effects can be eliminated by the addition of heparinase. Further improvement may be achieved using a modified RTG by adding plasma coagulation factors in one channel for an improved evaluation of platelet function, even under the condition of a loss of procoagulants.
How we achieve satisfaction in training – A German-wide survey on preferred training conditions among trainers and trainees for board certification in gastroenterology
Authors: Schlosser Sophie , Garbe Jakob , Hamesch Karim , Dimitriadis Stavros , Staudacher Jonas Jaromir 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background a majority of resident physicians in Germany are not satisfied with their training conditions. However, training satisfaction is important for physician retention and patient care. Although federal and state laws define the general training regulations and conditions, considerable variability still exists concerning their implementation in the healthcare units. Little is known about the expectations concerning training for gastroenterology board certification by trainers and trainees in Germany. This lack of data hinders discussion on and improvement of training in gastroenterology in Germany.
Aim assessment of preferred training conditions among trainers and trainees for board certification in gastroenterology in Germany.
Methods an anonymous, voluntary survey consisting of single- and multiple-choice questions utilizing the Likert scale and fill-in responses was circulated to all members of the German Society for Digestive and Metabolic Diseases (DGVS – Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gastroenterologie, Verdauungs und Stoffwechselerkrankungen), as well as through the student council mailing lists of all German medical schools. The survey aimed to assess the consent regarding the ideal implementation of training regulations for gastroenterology board certification. Department heads, senior physicians, board-certified physicians, and outpatient-care physicians were classified as trainers and residents and students as trainees. Subgroups defined by place of work, age, gender, professional position, employment status, and parental status were investigated.
Results 958 responses were included in the final analysis. We found a broad consensus among trainers and trainees on most aspects of our survey. Considerable differences were seen in items on part-time work, overtime, protected time for research, and advanced endoscopy training.
Conclusion the broad consensus seen in this survey is indicative of a shared vision for training conditions among trainers and trainees. However, the areas of dissent identified in this survey may assist trainers to better understand the expectations of trainees. Furthermore, this survey creates a sound basis upon which training conditions for board certification in gastroenterology in Germany can be discussed and improved.
Organelle-dependent polyprotein designs enable stoichiometric expression of nitrogen fixation components targeted to mitochondria
Authors: Yang Jianguo , Xiang Nan , Liu Yiheng , Guo Chenyue , Li Chenyu , Li Hui , Cai Shuyi , Dixon Ray , Wang Yi-Ping 
Published: August 2023

Introducing nitrogen fixation (
nif
) genes into eukaryotic genomes and targeting Nif components to mitochondria or chloroplasts is a promising strategy for engineering nitrogen-fixing plants. A prerequisite for achieving nitrogen fixation in crops is stable and stoichiometric expression of each component in organelles. Previously, we designed a polyprotein-based nitrogenase system depending on Tobacco Etch Virus protease (TEVp) to release functional Nif components from five polyproteins. Although this system satisfies the demand for specific expression ratios of Nif components in
Escherichia coli
, we encountered issues with TEVp cleavage of polyproteins targeted to yeast mitochondria. To overcome this obstacle, a version of the Nif polyprotein system was constructed by replacing TEVp cleavage sites with minimal peptide sequences, identified by knowledge-based engineering, that are susceptible to cleavage by the endogenous mitochondrial-processing peptidase. This replacement not only further reduces the number of genes required, but also prevents potential precleavage of polyproteins outside the target organelle. This version of the polyprotein-based nitrogenase system achieved levels of nitrogenase activity in
E. coli
, comparable to those observed with the TEVp-based polyprotein nitrogenase system. When applied to yeast mitochondria, stable and balanced expression of Nif components was realized. This strategy has potential advantages, not only for transferring nitrogen fixation to eukaryotic cells, but also for the engineering of other metabolic pathways that require mitochondrial compartmentalization.