bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Open surgical replacement of the descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aorta in patients with confirmed Marfan and Loeys-Dietz syndromes: A 20-year single-centre experience
Authors: Adam Donald , Iafrancesco Mauro , Juszczak Maciej , Claridge Martin , Quinn David , Senanayake Eshan , Clift Paul , Mascaro Jorge 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
A relatively small proportion of patients with heritable thoracic aortic disease require open surgical replacement of the distal thoracic aorta. We reviewed the outcome in patients with Marfan and Loeys-Dietz syndromes treated in an aortic centre in the United Kingdom.

METHODS
We performed a single-centre retrospective study of consecutive patients treated between October 1999 and December 2019. The primary end point was 30-day mortality. Secondary end points were Kaplan–Meier estimates of medium-term survival and freedom from distal reintervention. Data are presented as median (interquartile range).

RESULTS
A total of 58 patients [33 men; 51 with Marfan syndrome; median age 41 years (35–48); median aneurysm diameter 60 mm (55–74)] underwent open descending (n = 21) or thoracoabdominal aortic replacement (n = 37). All repairs were performed using cardiopulmonary bypass with hypothermic circulatory arrest in 31 patients. The 30-day mortality was 5.2% (n = 3, including 2 patients ≥ 60 years with significant comorbidity). Major non-fatal complications included early reoperation (n = 7), tracheostomy (n = 9), temporary renal replacement therapy (n = 3), permanent spinal cord deficit (n = 2) and permanent stroke (n = 1). Median follow-up was 81 months (48–127). Estimated (±standard error) 5-year survival was 85% ±5%. Seven patients had distal aortic reintervention with no deaths or spinal cord deficit: estimated 5-year freedom from distal reintervention was 94% ±3%. There was no difference in survival or freedom from distal reintervention comparing: elective vs. non-elective; type of heritable thoracic aortic disease; DeBakey type; or extent of surgical repair.

CONCLUSIONS
Descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic replacement in patients with heritable thoracic aortic disease can be performed with low perioperative morbidity and mortality, satisfactory long-term survival and low requirement for distal reintervention.
Cerebral desaturation during neonatal congenital heart surgery is associated with perioperative brain structure alterations but not with neurodevelopmental outcome at 1 year
Authors: De Silvestro Alexandra A , Krüger Bernard , Steger Céline , Feldmann Maria , Payette Kelly , Krüger Julia , Kottke Raimund , Hagmann Cornelia , Bosshart Marco , Bürki Christoph , Dave Hitendu , Tuura Ruth , Latal Beatrice , Jakab András , Knirsch Walter 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The significance of intraoperative cerebral desaturation (CD) measured by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to predict neurological outcome after congenital heart surgery is uncertain. The goal of this study was to compare brain structure changes and neurodevelopmental outcome in patients with severe congenital heart disease with and without intraoperative CD.

METHODS
Neonates requiring congenital heart surgery were enrolled in a cohort study. NIRS data from their first cardiac operation were collected. Pre- and postoperative brain magnetic resonance imaging results and Bayley-III scores at 1 year were compared between patients with and without CD, defined by 2 NIRS thresholds: regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) of 45% (45%rSO2) and rSO2 below 20% of baseline value (20%BLrSO2).

RESULTS
Thirty-two patients (72% male) with d-transposition of the great arteries (n = 24, 75%) and other complex types of congenital heart diseases (n = 8, 25%) were analysed. Perioperative relative lateral ventricle volume change was increased in patients with versus without intraoperative CD (P = 0.003 for 45%rSO2, P = 0.008 for 20%BLrSO2). For 45%rSO2, the effect of CD remained significant after adjusting for age at postoperative scan, time between scans and cardiac diagnosis (P = 0.019). New intracranial lesions occurred predominantly in CD groups (6/6 patients for 45%rSO2, 5/6 patients for 20%BLrSO2). Neurodevelopmental outcome at 1 year was not associated with intraoperative CD.

CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates the clinical relevance of NIRS monitoring during congenital heart surgery. The occurrence of intraoperative CD is associated with perioperative lateral ventricle volume change and new intracranial lesions.
Composition and functioning of the soil microbiome in the highest altitudes of the Italian Alps and potential effects of climate change
Authors: D'Alò Federica , Baldrian Petr , Odriozola Iñaki , Morais Daniel , Větrovský Tomáš , Zucconi Laura , Ripa Caterina , Cannone Nicoletta , Malfasi Francesco , Onofri Silvano 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
As the European Alps are experiencing a strong climate warming, this study analyzed the soil microbiome at different altitudes and among different vegetation types at the Stelvio Pass (Italian Alps), aiming to (i) characterize the composition and functional potential of the microbiome of soils and their gene expression during the peak vegetative stage; (ii) explore the potential short-term (using open-top chambers) and long-term (space-for-time substitutions) effects of increasing temperature on the alpine soil microbiome. We found that the functional potential of the soil microbiome and its expression differed among vegetation types. Microbial α-diversity increased along the altitudinal gradient. At lower altitude, shrubland had the highest proportion of fungi, which was correlated with higher amounts of CAZymes, specific for degrading fungal biomass and recalcitrant plant biopolymers. Subalpine upward vegetation shift could lead a possible loss of species of alpine soils. Shrub encroachment may accelerate higher recalcitrant C decomposition and reduce total ecosystem C storage, increasing the efflux of CO2 to the atmosphere with a positive feedback to warming. A total of 5 years of warming had no effect on the composition and functioning of microbial communities, indicating that longer-term warming experiments are needed to investigate the effects of temperature increases on the soil microbiome.
Large Contribution of Oral Status for Death Among Modifiable Risk Factors in Older Adults: The Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES) Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Nakazawa Noriko , Kusama Taro , Cooray Upul , Yamamoto Takafumi , Kiuchi Sakura , Abbas Hazem , Yamamoto Tatsuo , Kondo Katsunori , Osaka Ken , Aida Jun 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundOral diseases are preventable and modifiable, but highly prevalent, and cause worse oral status. Particularly, tooth loss has increased in aging societies. However, studies on population-attributable risks of modifiable risk factors for mortality have neglected oral status. This study aimed to investigate the impact of modifiable risk factors on mortality, including oral status.MethodsThis cohort study used the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study data, including participants aged ≥65 years. The outcome was death between August 2010 and March 2017. We calculated the hazard ratios (HRs) and population attributable fraction (PAF) of modifiable risk factors (oral status, hypertension, depression, heart disease, diabetes, physical activity, smoking status, and alcohol drinking history) for mortality.ResultsAnalyses included 24 175 men and 27 888 women (mean age: 73.8 [6.0] and 74.2 [6.1], respectively). In men, after adjusting for covariates, having no teeth showed the highest hazard ratio (HR = 1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.51–1.86) among the modifiable risk factors, and the PAF for the number of teeth (18.2%) was the second largest following age. In women, having no teeth had the third largest HR (HR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.19–1.56) following current and former smoking. The PAF for the number of teeth (8.5%) was the sixth largest, which was larger than that of smoking status (4.8%).ConclusionsIn the older population, the HR and PAF of the number of teeth on mortality were sufficiently large compared with other modifiable risk factors, especially in men. Therefore, maintaining good oral status should be included more in global health policies.
Promoting Resilience and Flourishing Among Older Adult Residents in Community Living: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Traeger Lara , Styklunas Grace M , Park Ellen Y , Lee Matthew T , Fricchione Gregory , Park Elyse R 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background and Objectives
The Stress Management and Relaxation Training—Relaxation Response Resiliency Program (SMART-3RP) is a mind–body group intervention that integrates relaxation training with cognitive behavioral and positive psychology techniques. This study assessed SMART-3RP feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy for enhancing resilience and flourishing among older adults in continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs).

Research Design and Methods
We conducted a prospective single-arm study of SMART-3RP groups delivered by clinicians at 4 CCRCs (n = 80). Eligible residents lived in community apartments. Participants completed pre- and postintervention surveys. We evaluated attendance (hypothesis: ≥60% attend ≥6 of 9 sessions), enrollment, and retention. Mixed methods were used to explore acceptability. Paired samples t-tests were conducted to explore changes in resilience, flourishing, and key intervention targets.

Results
From March to June 2021, we screened 89 residents with 87 (98%) consenting to participate and 80 (90%) enrolling in the study. Among 80 participants (85% female; 98% non-Hispanic White; M age = 80 years [SD = 6]), 88% attended ≥6 sessions, and 89% completed the postintervention survey. Participants found meaning in participation and practiced skills in the context of challenges such as caregiving burden or bereavement. Survey results, showing increases in resilience, flourishing, and several intervention targets, aligned with participants’ perceived intervention value.

Discussion and Implications
SMART-3RP was feasible and acceptable for CCRC residents; participants perceived value in practicing mind–body strategies in a group-based setting. Preliminary evidence suggested a pattern of improvements in resilience, flourishing, and intervention targets. Findings provide insights for mind–body interventions and recommendations for adaptations to late-in-life concerns and community settings.

Clinical Trials Registration Number
NCT04720014
The Impact of Changing Social Support on Older Persons’ Onset of Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United Kingdom
Authors: Vlachantoni Athina , Evandrou Maria , Falkingham Jane , Qin Min 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Social distancing measures aimed at controlling the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are likely to have increased social isolation among those older than 70 instructed to shield at home. This study examines the incidence of loneliness by gender over the first 10 months of the COVID-19 pandemic among persons aged 70 and older in the United Kingdom, and the impact of changing social networks and perceived social support on the new occurrence of loneliness.

Research Design and Methods
Participants (N = 1,235) aged 70 and older with no reports of loneliness before the pandemic who participated in 7 rounds of the Understanding Society: COVID-19 Study (April 2020–January 2021) and the main Understanding Society Study conducted during 2019. Cox regression analyzed the time to a new occurrence of loneliness.

Results
Among older people who hardly ever/never felt lonely before the pandemic, 33.7% reported some degree of loneliness between April 2020 and January 2021. Living in a single-person household, having received more social support before the pandemic, changes in support receipt during the pandemic, and a deteriorating relationship with one’s partner during the pandemic increased the risk of experiencing loneliness. Older women were more likely than older men to report loneliness, even when living with a partner.

Discussion and Implications
During the 3 COVID-19-related lockdowns in the United Kingdom, changes in older people’s social networks and support resulted in a significant onset of loneliness. Findings highlight the risks of shielding older persons from COVID-19 in terms of their mental well-being and the importance of strengthening intergenerational support.
FastLink: a machine learning and GPU-based fast phase association method and its application to Yangbi Ms 6.4 aftershock sequences
Authors: Yu Ziye , Wang Weitao 
Published: February 2022

SUMMARY
The development of sensitive automatic phase picking method can produce P/S phase picks for lots of seismic stations quickly. This raises the requirement for fast phase association method to group phase picks into candidate events. Here we present FastLink, a machine learning and GPU based phase associator, to group phase picks efficiently. FastLink is designed to utilize parallel computing power of GPU, it uses a 3-layer neural network to determine valid picks and the non-maximum suppression (NMS) algorithm to distinguish the events simultaneously occurred in different places. With the aid of GPU, FastLink can perform faster grid search than traditional methods. We apply FastLink to aftershock sequences identification of the Yangbi Ms 6.4 earthquake occurred on 21 May 2021, in Yunnan Province, China. Over 17 000 events are successfully associated using about 2 million picks from 1-week records of 79 stations surrounding the main shock. Over 93.5 per cent of the ML ≥ 0 events in the manual verified bulletin ML are successfully associated by FastLink. Compared with the widely used REAL method, FastLink produces comparable results and is over 12 times faster with GPU acceleration. This shows its potential for processing a large number of phase picks quickly.
A new broad-band ocean bottom seismograph and characteristics of the seismic ambient noise on the South China Sea seafloor based on its recordings
Authors: Wang Yizhi , Yang Ting , Wu Yuechu , Liu Dan , Huang Xinfeng , Wang Jun , Zhong Weixing , Shou Haitao , Zhou Yong , Chen Yongshun 
Published: March 2022

SUMMARY
The ocean is the primary source of seismic ambient noise. Therefore, seismic recordings at seafloor stations should reveal noise characteristics more directly than land stations. However, due to a lack of broad-band seismic instrumentation, seafloor noise studies using seafloor stations have been inadequate compared to land-based instrumentation. In this study, we use seismic data collected at the South China Sea (SCS) seafloor by newly developed ocean bottom seismographs (OBSs) to analyze the ambient noise features in this marginal sea. The broad-band OBS, dubbed ‘Pankun’, has unique shielding to isolate its sensor from the influences of bottom currents. A side-by-side land test between the OBS sensor unit and a standalone seismometer showed that the self-noise caused by the gimbal and the pressure case is insignificant. The recordings on the SCS seafloor have distinct noise spectra. The double frequency microseisms (DFMs) have a single instead of double peak like that seen for Pacific stations. The peak appears in a lower period range (1–5 s) than in the global noise model, indicating that the primary source region for the DFM is the SCS itself. The high-frequency content of the DFM is attenuated more as it propagates from its source region (seafloor) to land stations. The single frequency microseism (SFM) peak on the spectrum is weak, reflecting that SFMs, generated in shallow water along the coast, have difficulties propagating back into the deep ocean due to the substantial increase in seafloor depth. A long-period Earth's hum signal is also identifiable on the vertical component at periods greater than 50 s, probably due to the anti-current design of the OBS. Although the seasonal sea state mainly affects the noise level, extreme events such as typhoons can produce short-term abnormally high DFMs in the basin. However, the DFM highs caused by such events exhibit complex patterns, depending on the wind speed, duration, and area covered by the events.
De novo variants in EMC1 lead to neurodevelopmental delay and cerebellar degeneration and affect glial function in Drosophila
Authors: Chung Hyung-Lok , Rump Patrick , Lu Di , Glassford Megan R , Mok Jung-Wan , Fatih Jawid , Basal Adily , Marcogliese Paul C , Kanca Oguz , Rapp Michele , Fock Johanna M , Kamsteeg Erik-Jan , Lupski James R , Larson Austin , Haninbal Mark C , Bellen Hugo , Harel Tamar 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-membrane protein complex (EMC) is a multi-protein transmembrane complex composed of 10 subunits that functions as a membrane-protein chaperone. Variants in EMC1 lead to neurodevelopmental delay and cerebellar degeneration. Multiple families with biallelic variants have been published, yet to date, only a single report of a monoallelic variant has been described, and functional evidence is sparse.

Methods
Exome sequencing was used to investigate the genetic cause underlying severe developmental delay in three unrelated children. EMC1 variants were modeled in Drosophila, using loss-of-function (LoF) and overexpression studies. Glial-specific and neuronal-specific assays were used to determine whether the dysfunction was specific to one cell type.

Results
Exome sequencing identified de novo variants in EMC1 in three individuals affected by global developmental delay, hypotonia, seizures, visual impairment and cerebellar atrophy. All variants were located at Pro582 or Pro584. Drosophila studies indicated that imbalance of EMC1—either overexpression or knockdown—results in pupal lethality and suggest that the tested homologous variants are LoF alleles. In addition, glia-specific gene dosage, overexpression or knockdown, of EMC1 led to lethality, whereas neuron-specific alterations were tolerated.

Discussion
We establish de novo monoallelic EMC1 variants as causative of a neurological disease trait by providing functional evidence in a Drosophila model. The identified variants failed to rescue the lethality of a null allele. Variations in dosage of the wild-type EMC1, specifically in glia, lead to pupal lethality, which we hypothesize results from the altered stoichiometry of the multi-subunit protein complex EMC.
The need to see a bigger picture to understand the ups and downs of Pacific salmon abundances
Authors: Beamish Richard 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
There are more Pacific salmon in the ocean recently than in recorded history. Increases are believed to be related to shifts in climate but specific, biologically based mechanisms linking climate to increases are not known. At the same time, Pacific salmon abundances in Japan and on Canada's west coast are at historic low levels with attempts to stop the decline unsuccessful. Most juvenile salmon that enter the ocean die, resulting in large abundance increases and decreases from small changes in the already very low ocean survival. Because of this sensitivity to changes in ocean ecosystems and because of the recent basin-scale fluctuations in trends in abundance, I propose that it is time to see a bigger picture and improve the understanding of the biological mechanisms that most influence ocean survival. I leave it to readers to decide if my example of Pacific salmon is part of a more general need in fisheries science to better understand the biological mechanisms linking survival to climate.
A phenome-wide bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Wang Qin , Richardson Tom G , Sanderson Eleanor , Tudball Matthew J , Ala-Korpela Mika , Davey Smith George , Holmes Michael V 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is increasing with an aging worldwide population, yet a comprehensive understanding of its causes and consequences remains limited. We aim to assess the causes and consequences of AF via a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Methods
We used publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data, centralized and harmonized by an open GWAS database. We assessed the genetically predicted effects of 5048 exposures on risk of AF, and the genetically predicted effects of genetic liability to AF, on 10 308 outcomes via two-sample MR analysis. Multivariable MR analysis was further conducted to explore the comparative roles of identified risk factors.

Results
MR analysis suggested that 55 out of 5048 exposure traits, including four proteins, play a causal role in AF (P &lt;1e-5 allowing for multiple comparisons). Multivariable analysis suggested that higher body mass index, height and systolic blood pressure as well as genetic liability to coronary artery diseases independently cause AF. Three out of the four proteins (DUSP13, TNFSF12 and IL6R) had a drug prioritizing score for atrial fibrillation of 0.26, 0.38 and 0.88, respectively (values closer to 1 indicating stronger evidence of the protein as a potential drug target). Genetic liability to AF was linked to a higher risk of cardio-embolic ischaemic stroke.

Conclusions
Our results suggest body mass index, height, systolic blood pressure and genetic liability to coronary artery disease are independent causal risk factors for AF. Several proteins, including DUSP13, IL-6R and TNFSF12, may have therapeutic potential for AF.
Association between indoor residual spraying and pregnancy outcomes: a quasi-experimental study from Uganda
Authors: Roh Michelle E , Mpimbaza Arthur , Oundo Brenda , Irish Amanda , Murphy Maxwell , Wu Sean L , White Justin S , Shiboski Stephen , Glymour M Maria , Gosling Roly , Dorsey Grant , Sturrock Hugh 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
Malaria is a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Indoor residual spraying with insecticide (IRS) reduces malaria infections, yet the effects of IRS on pregnancy outcomes are not well established. We evaluated the impact of a large-scale IRS campaign on pregnancy outcomes in Eastern Uganda.

Methods
Birth records (n = 59 992) were obtained from routine surveillance data at 25 health facilities from five districts that were part of the IRS campaign and six neighbouring control districts ∼27 months before and ∼24 months after the start of the campaign (January 2013-May 2017). Campaign effects on low birthweight (LBW) and stillbirth incidence were estimated using the matrix completion method (MC-NNM), a machine-learning approach to estimating potential outcomes, and compared with the difference-in-differences (DiD) estimator. Subgroup analyses were conducted by HIV and gravidity.

Results
MC-NNM estimates indicated that the campaign was associated with a 33% reduction in LBW incidence: incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 0.67 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.49–0.93)]. DiD estimates were similar to MC-NNM [IRR = 0.69 (0.47–1.01)], despite a parallel trends violation during the pre-IRS period. The campaign was not associated with substantial reductions in stillbirth incidence [IRRMC-NNM = 0.94 (0.50–1.77)]. HIV status modified the effects of the IRS campaign on LBW [βIRSxHIV = 0.42 (0.05–0.78)], whereby HIV-negative women appeared to benefit from the campaign [IRR = 0.70 (0.61–0.81)], but not HIV-positive women [IRR = 1.12 (0.59–2.12)].

Conclusions
Our results support the effectiveness of the campaign in Eastern Uganda based on its benefit to LBW prevention, though HIV-positive women may require additional interventions. The IRS campaign was not associated with a substantively lower stillbirth incidence, warranting further research.