bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanopore sequencing identifies a higher frequency and expanded spectrum of mitochondrial DNA deletion mutations in human aging
Authors: Vandiver Amy R. , Hoang Austin N. , Herbst Allen , Lee Cathy C. , Aiken Judd M. , McKenzie Debbie , Teitell Michael A. , Timp Winston , Wanagat Jonathan 
Published: May 2023

AbstractMitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletion mutations cause many human diseases and are linked to age‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Mapping the mutation spectrum and quantifying mtDNA deletion mutation frequency is challenging with next‐generation sequencing methods. We hypothesized that long‐read sequencing of human mtDNA across the lifespan would detect a broader spectrum of mtDNA rearrangements and provide a more accurate measurement of their frequency. We employed nanopore Cas9‐targeted sequencing (nCATS) to map and quantitate mtDNA deletion mutations and develop analyses that are fit‐for‐purpose. We analyzed total DNA from vastus lateralis muscle in 15 males ranging from 20 to 81 years of age and substantia nigra from three 20‐year‐old and three 79‐year‐old men. We found that mtDNA deletion mutations detected by nCATS increased exponentially with age and mapped to a wider region of the mitochondrial genome than previously reported. Using simulated data, we observed that large deletions are often reported as chimeric alignments. To address this, we developed two algorithms for deletion identification which yield consistent deletion mapping and identify both previously reported and novel mtDNA deletion breakpoints. The identified mtDNA deletion frequency measured by nCATS correlates strongly with chronological age and predicts the deletion frequency as measured by digital PCR approaches. In substantia nigra, we observed a similar frequency of age‐related mtDNA deletions to those observed in muscle samples, but noted a distinct spectrum of deletion breakpoints. NCATS‐mtDNA sequencing allows the identification of mtDNA deletions on a single‐molecule level, characterizing the strong relationship between mtDNA deletion frequency and chronological aging.
Identification of fecal microbiome signatures associated with familial longevity and candidate metabolites for healthy aging
Authors: Gong Junli , Liu Sanxin , Wang Shisi , Ruan Hengfang , Mou Qianqian , Fan Ping , Chen Tao , Cai Wei , Lu Yongjun , Lu Zhengqi 
Published: May 2023

AbstractGut microbiota associated with longevity plays an important role in the adaptation to damaging stimuli accumulated during the aging process. The mechanism by which the longevity‐associated microbiota protects the senescent host remains unclear, while the metabolites of the gut bacteria are of particular interest. Here, an integrated analysis of untargeted metabolomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to characterize the metabolite and microbiota profiles of long‐lived individuals (aged ≥90 years) in comparison to old‐elderly (aged 75–89 years), young‐elderly (aged 60–74 years), and young to middle‐aged (aged ≤59 years) individuals. This novel study constructed both metabolite and microbiota trajectories across aging in populations from Jiaoling county (the seventh longevity town of the world) in China. We found that the long‐lived group exhibited remarkably differential metabolomic signatures, highlighting the existence of metabolic heterogeneity with aging. Importantly, we also discovered that long‐lived individuals from the familial longevity cohort harbored a microbiome distinguished from that of the general population. Specifically, we identified that the levels of a candidate metabolite, pinane thromboxane A2 (PTA2), which is positively associated with aging, were consistently higher in individuals with familial longevity and their younger descendants than in those of the general population. Furtherly, functional analysis revealed that PTA2 potentiated the efficiency of microglial phagocytosis of β‐amyloid 40 and enhanced an anti‐inflammatory phenotype, indicating a protective role of PTA2 toward host health. Collectively, our results improve the understanding of the role of the gut microbiome in longevity and may facilitate the development of strategies for healthy aging.
Delayed cortical thinning in children and adolescents with prenatal alcohol exposure
Authors: Gimbel Blake A. , Roediger Donovan J. , Ernst Abigail M. , Anthony Mary E. , de Water Erik , Mueller Bryon A. , Rockhold Madeline N. , Schumacher Moss J. , Mattson Sarah N. , Jones Kenneth L. , Lim Kelvin O. , Wozniak Jeffrey R. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundPrenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is associated with abnormalities in cortical structure and maturation, including cortical thickness (CT), cortical volume, and surface area. This study provides a longitudinal context for the developmental trajectory and timing of abnormal cortical maturation in PAE.MethodsWe studied 35 children with PAE and 30 nonexposed typically developing children (Comparisons), aged 8–17 at enrollment, who were recruited from the University of Minnesota FASD Program. Participants were matched on age and sex. They underwent a formal evaluation of growth and dysmorphic facial features associated with PAE and completed cognitive testing. MRI data were collected on a Siemens Prisma 3T scanner. Two sessions, each including MRI scans and cognitive testing, were spaced approximately 15 months apart on average. Change in CT and performance on tests of executive function (EF) were examined.ResultsSignificant age‐by‐group (PAE vs. Comparison) linear interaction effects in CT were observed in the parietal, temporal, occipital, and insular cortices suggesting altered developmental trajectories in the PAE vs. Comparison groups. Results suggest a pattern of delayed cortical thinning in PAE, with the Comparison group showing more rapid thinning at younger ages and those with PAE showing accelerated thinning at older ages. Overall, children in the PAE group showed reduced cortical thinning across time relative to the Comparison participants. Symmetrized percent change (SPC) in CT in several regions was significantly correlated with EF performance at 15‐month follow‐up for the Comparison group but not the group with PAE.ConclusionsRegional differences were seen longitudinally in the trajectory and timing of CT change in children with PAE, suggesting delayed cortical maturation and an atypical pattern of development compared with typically developing individuals. In addition, exploratory correlation analyses of SPC and EF performance suggest the presence of atypical brain–behavior relationships in PAE. The findings highlight the potential role of altered developmental timing of cortical maturation in contributing to long‐term functional impairment in PAE.
Estimating the true effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions under variable comparator conditions: A systematic review and meta‐regression
Authors: Kraiss Jannis , Viechtbauer Wolfgang , Black Nicola , Johnston Marie , Hartmann‐Boyce Jamie , Eisma Maarten , Javornik Neza , Bricca Alessio , Michie Susan , West Robert , de Bruin Marijn 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackground and aimsBehavioural smoking cessation trials have used comparators that vary considerably between trials. Although some previous meta‐analyses made attempts to account for variability in comparators, these relied on subsets of trials and incomplete data on comparators. This study aimed to estimate the relative effectiveness of (individual) smoking cessation interventions while accounting for variability in comparators using comprehensive data on experimental and comparator interventions.MethodsA systematic review and meta‐regression was conducted including 172 randomised controlled trials with at least 6 months follow‐up and biochemically verified smoking cessation. Authors were contacted to obtain unpublished information. This information was coded in terms of active content and attributes of the study population and methods. Meta‐regression was used to create a model predicting smoking cessation outcomes. This model was used to re‐estimate intervention effects, as if all interventions have been evaluated against the same comparators. Outcome measures included log odds of smoking cessation for the meta‐regression models and smoking cessation differences and ratios to compare relative effectiveness.ResultsThe meta‐regression model predicted smoking cessation rates well (pseudo R2 = 0.44). Standardising the comparator had substantial impact on conclusions regarding the (relative) effectiveness of trials and types of intervention. Compared with a ‘no support comparator’, self‐help was 1.33 times (95% CI = 1.16–1.49), brief physician advice 1.61 times (95% CI = 1.31–1.90), nurse individual counselling 1.76 times (95% CI = 1.62–1.90), psychologist individual counselling 2.04 times (95% CI = 1.95–2.15) and group psychologist interventions 2.06 times (95% CI = 1.92–2.20) more effective. Notably, more elaborate experimental interventions (e.g. psychologist counselling) were typically compared with more elaborate comparators, masking their effectiveness.ConclusionsComparator variability and underreporting of comparators obscures the interpretation, comparison and generalisability of behavioural smoking cessation trials. Comparator variability should, therefore, be taken into account when interpreting and synthesising evidence from trials. Otherwise, policymakers, practitioners and researchers may draw incorrect conclusions about the (cost) effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions and their constituent components.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of human papillomavirus vaccines for the prevention of cervical cancer in India
Authors: Arora Shiksha , Tuffaha Haitham 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines represent an important strategic opportunity to prevent cervical cancer in low‐middle income countries, such as India. The economic evaluation of HPV vaccines is crucial to inform public‐health decisions; however, the scarce economic evaluations from India have focused on the value for money of bivalent vaccines and took a healthcare perspective. The aim of this study is to conduct a cost‐effectiveness analysis of all available HPV vaccines in India.Material and methodsThe Papillomavirus Rapid Interface for Modelling and Economics (PRIME) model was used to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of HPV vaccination of 12‐year‐old girls in India, from both healthcare and societal perspectives. Cervical cancer cases, deaths averted and the incremental cost per Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALY) averted were reported as primary outcomes. Sensitivity analysis was undertaken to handle any uncertainty or variability in the results.ResultsCompared with no vaccination, the incremental cost per DALY averted was USD 362.78 for nonavalent vaccine, USD 393.16 for quadrivalent vaccine and USD 432.24 for bivalent vaccine from a healthcare perspective. From a societal perspective, the incremental cost per DALY averted was USD 334.28 for nonavalent vaccine, USD 364.67 for quadrivalent vaccine and USD 403.75 for bivalent vaccine. Assuming constant prices per dose for all vaccines, the nonavalent vaccine dominated both quadrivalent and bivalent vaccines, indicating that it is the more cost‐effective strategy.ConclusionVaccinating girls against HPV is a cost‐effective strategy to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer and mortality due to cervical cancer in India.
Five‐ and 10‐year survival in extramammary Paget's disease: A focus on wide local excision
Authors: Ha Dae‐Lyong , Ha Gi Ung , Kim Jun Young , Han Man‐Hoon , Lee Hyun Jung , Hong Dae Gy , Lee Jeong Eun , Chung Ho Yun , Lee Seok‐Jong 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAimThis study aimed to analyze extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD)‐specific survival, overall survival, and recurrence rate (RR) in patients with EMPD in South Korea, with a focus on wide local excision.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with EMPD from 1993 to 2020 at Kyungpook National University Hospital. We determined the survival and RRs after wide local excision.ResultsA total of 95 patients (66 males and 29 females; mean age 67.4 years) were included. The 5‐year disease‐specific survival and overall survival were 91.8% and 79.3%, respectively, whereas the 10‐year rates were 81.6% and 64.7%, respectively. No significant sex differences were observed. Seventy‐five patients (78.9%) underwent wide local excision. Mucosal involvement and lymphadenopathy were identified as the significant prognostic factors of disease‐specific survival in multivariate analysis. The RR was 14.7% in patients who underwent wide local excision: seven local, two regional, and two distant metastases, with a mean recurrence‐free interval of 42.3 months.ConclusionBased on the survival and RRs obtained, surgical treatment of EMPD with wide local excision provides fair curative resection.Practitioner pointsWide local excision can be a feasible treatment option for extramammary Paget's disease.
Diet composition and diurnal activity patterns of gelada baboon (Theropithecus gelada)
Authors: Gosheme Berhanu , Yihune Mesele 
Published: May 2023

AbstractGelada baboons (Theropithecus gelada) are the only surviving species of the genus Theropithecus and endemic to the highlands of Ethiopia. The present study deals with feeding ecology and diurnal activity patterns of gelada (T. gelada) in Wof‐Washa Forest, central Ethiopia. It was conducted from September 2016 to August 2017. Focal sampling technique for 10 min observation was employed to study the feeding ecology. Type of plant species consumed and parts eaten by gelada were recorded using binoculars during dry and wet seasons. On the other hand, data on diurnal activity patterns were collected using scan sampling technique. The activity patterns of bands under study were quantified by scanning at every 15‐min interval from 06:00 to 18:00 h. A total of 11 plant species that belong to 10 families were foraged by gelada during the wet and dry seasons. Grass was the main food source for geladas that contributed about 81% and 68% of their diet during the wet and dry seasons, respectively, while Thymus schimperi was the least consumed plant species during both wet (0.5%) and dry (1%) seasons. Grass blades were the most preferable food items by almost all age and sex categories. Daily activities of gelada were mainly dominated by feeding during both seasons. Geladas spent 58% of their time on foraging activity during the wet season and 67.2% of their time spent during the dry season. Geladas mainly depend on grasses for their diet in the study area. Therefore, to implement successful management and conservation of the species, the area needs to be properly protected.
Prevalence of vitreoschisis‐induced vitreous cortex remnants over the peripheral retinal surface in eyes undergoing vitrectomy for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Authors: van Overdam Koen A. , van Etten Peter G. , Accou Geraldine P.B.M. , Wubbels René J. , van Meurs Jan C. , Verhoekx Jennifer S.N. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPurposeUnremoved vitreoschisis‐induced vitreous cortex remnants over the peripheral retinal surface posterior to the vitreous base (pVCR) may increase the risk of surgical failure after primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair. The purpose of this study was to validate our previous findings on pVCR prevalence during vitrectomy for RRD and to examine their association with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and surgical failure.MethodsProspective observational multisurgeon study of 100 eyes of 100 consecutive patients who underwent vitrectomy for RRD by one of four vitreoretinal surgeons. Collected data included detected pVCR and known PVR risk factors. Pooled analysis with our previous retrospective study (251 eyes of 251 patients) was also performed.ResultsInitial PVR (≥C) was present and removed in 6/100 (6%) patients, pVCR were detected in 36/100 (36%) patients, pVCR were removed in 30/36 (83%) patients with pVCR, and 4/36 (11%) patients with pVCR were high myopes (≤−6D). Six per cent (6/100) developed a retinal redetachment, of which 3/6 (50%) had initial PVR (≥C). Surgical failure rates in eyes with and without pVCR were 17% (6/36) and 0% (0/64), respectively. In eyes with pVCR and surgical failure, pVCR were not or not completely removed during the first surgery. Overall analysis showed that pVCR were statistically significantly associated with PVR.ConclusionsThis study confirms our previous findings: a pVCR prevalence of around 35% and an association between pVCR, PVR formation and surgical failure in patients undergoing vitrectomy for RRD. More research is needed to determine which patients would benefit most from pVCR removal.
Ten‐year trends of immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) as reflected in the Swedish National Cataract Register
Authors: Lundström Mats , Kugelberg Maria , Zetterberg Madeleine , Nilsson Ingela , Viberg Andreas , Bro Tomas , Behndig Anders 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPurposeTo analyse trends of ISBCS reported to the Swedish National Cataract Register (NCR) over a 10‐year period.MethodsSince 2010 the NCR contains social security number of all individuals in the list of parameters reported to NCR after each cataract procedure. Bilateral surgeries were mapped out using social security numbers. When dates of both‐eye surgeries are identical for an individual it is classified as an immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS). This study includes all data reported during the period 1st of January 2010 to 31st of December 2019. During the study period 113 cataract surgery clinics affiliated to the NCR reported their data on consecutive cataract cases.ResultsFor the whole period 54 194 ISBCS were reported. The total number of bilateral cataract extractions was 422 300. There was a significant trend of increasing ISBCS over time with linear regression (Beta = 1.75, p < 0.001). In ISBCS the occurrence of an ocular comorbidity decreased over time. The use of a capsular tension ring was significantly more common in ISBCS than in delayed sequential bilateral cataract surgery (DSBCS). All other measures taken during surgery were more common in DSBCS. The use of multifocal IOL was significantly more frequent in ISBCS compared to DSBCS (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe use of ISBCS has increased over the study period. The operated eyes have less risk factors than eyes going through a DSBCS, but both ocular comorbidities and surgical complications occur in ISBCS eyes.
The boundary problem: Defining and delineating the community in field trials with gene drive organisms
Authors: de Graeff Nienke , Pirson Isabelle , van der Graaf Rieke , Bredenoord Annelien L. , Jongsma Karin R. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractDespite widespread and worldwide efforts to eradicate vector‐borne diseases such as malaria, these diseases continue to have an enormous negative impact on public health. For this reason, scientists are working on novel control strategies, such as gene drive technologies (GDTs). As GDT research advances, researchers are contemplating the potential next step of conducting field trials. An important point of discussion regarding these field trials relates to who should be informed, consulted, and involved in decision‐making about their design and launch. It is generally argued that community members have a particularly strong claim to be engaged, and yet, disagreement and lack of clarity exist about how this “community” should be defined and delineated. In this paper, we shed light on this “boundary problem”: the problem of determining how boundaries of inclusion and exclusion in (GDT) community engagement should be drawn. As our analysis demonstrates, the process of defining and delineating a community is itself normative. First, we explicate why it is important to define and delineate the community. Second, we demonstrate that different definitions of community are used and intermingled in the debate on GDTs, and argue in favor of distinguishing geographical, affected, cultural, and political communities. Finally, we propose initial guidance for deciding who should (not) be engaged in decision‐making about GDT field trials, by arguing that the definition and delineation of the community should depend on the rationale for engagement and that the characteristics of the community itself can guide the effective design of community engagement strategies.
Do AI chatbots improve students learning outcomes? Evidence from a meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Rong , Yu Zhonggen 
Published: May 2023

AbstractArtificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are gaining increasing popularity in education. Due to their increasing popularity, many empirical studies have been devoted to exploring the effects of AI chatbots on students' learning outcomes. The proliferation of experimental studies has highlighted the need to summarize and synthesize the inconsistent findings about the effects of AI chatbots on students' learning outcomes. However, few reviews focused on the meta‐analysis of the effects of AI chatbots on students' learning outcomes. The present study performed a meta‐analysis of 24 randomized studies utilizing Stata software (version 14). The main goal of the current study was to meta‐analytically examine the effects of AI chatbots on students' learning outcomes and the moderating effects of educational levels and intervention duration. The results indicated that AI chatbots had a large effect on students' learning outcomes. Moreover, AI chatbots had a greater effect on students in higher education, compared to those in primary education and secondary education. In addition, short interventions were found to have a stronger effect on students' learning outcomes than long interventions. It could be explained by the argument that the novelty effects of AI chatbots could improve learning outcomes in short interventions, but it has worn off in the long interventions. Future designers and educators should make attempt to increase students' learning outcomes by equipping AI chatbots with human‐like avatars, gamification elements and emotional intelligence.
Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots have been gaining increasing popularity in education.

Studies undertaken so far have provided conflicting evidence concerning the effects of AI chatbots on students' learning outcomes.

There has remained a paucity of meta‐analyses synthesizing the contradictory findings about the effects of AI chatbots on students' learning outcomes.

What this paper adds

This study, through meta‐analysis, synthesized these recent findings about the effects of AI chatbots on students' learning outcomes.

This study found that AI chatbots could have a large effect on students' learning outcomes.

This study found that the effects of AI chatbots were moderated by educational levels and intervention duration.

Implications for practice and/or policy

AI chatbot designers could make AI chatbots better by equipping AI chatbots with human‐like avatars, gamification elements and emotional intelligence

Practitioners and/or teachers should draw attention to the positive and negative effects of AI chatbots on students.

Considering the importance of ChatGPT, more research is required to develop a better understanding of the effects of ChatGPT in education.

More research is needed to examine the mechanisms underlying the effects of AI chatbots on students' learning outcomes.