bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Loss of miR‐34 in Drosophila dysregulates protein translation and protein turnover in the aging brain
Authors: Srinivasan Ananth R. , Tran Tracy T. , Bonini Nancy M. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAging is a risk factor for neurodegenerative disease, but precise mechanisms that influence this relationship are still under investigation. Work in Drosophila melanogaster identified the microRNA miR‐34 as a modifier of aging and neurodegeneration in the brain. MiR‐34 mutants present aspects of early aging, including reduced lifespan, neurodegeneration, and a buildup of the repressive histone mark H3K27me3. To better understand how miR‐34 regulated pathways contribute to age‐associated phenotypes in the brain, here we transcriptionally profiled the miR‐34 mutant brain. This identified that genes associated with translation are dysregulated in the miR‐34 mutant. The brains of these animals show increased translation activity, accumulation of protein aggregation markers, and altered autophagy activity. To determine if altered H3K27me3 was responsible for this proteostasis dysregulation, we studied the effects of increased H3K27me3 by mutating the histone demethylase Utx. Reduced Utx activity enhanced neurodegeneration and mimicked the protein accumulation seen in miR‐34 mutant brains. However, unlike the miR‐34 mutant, Utx mutant brains did not show similar altered autophagy or translation activity, suggesting that additional miR‐34‐targeted pathways are involved. Transcriptional analysis of predicted miR‐34 targets identified Lst8, a subunit of Tor Complex 1 (TORC1), as a potential target. We confirmed that miR‐34 regulates the 3’ UTR of Lst8 and identified several additional predicted miR‐34 targets that may be critical for maintaining proteostasis and brain health. Together, these results present novel understanding of the brain and the role of the conserved miRNA miR‐34 in impacting proteostasis in the brain with age.
The effect of capital and labour distortion on innovation
Authors: Liang Yidan 
Published: February 2022

AbstractFactor misallocation has significant effects on productivity and innovation. Innovation is widely regarded as the most important element for economic growth. This article aims to study how capital and labour distortions influence innovation activities in China. We apply system generalised methods of moments using a natural experiment with an exogenous shock. The results indicate that the measurements for factor misallocation are significantly negatively correlated to innovation. The findings have important implications for emerging countries to improve their innovation productivity.
Does infection predispose to thrombosis during long‐term ventricular assist device support?
Authors: Bouzas‐Cruz Noelia , Castrodeza Javier , Gonzalez‐Fernandez Oscar , Ferrera Carlos , Woods Andrew , Tovey Sian , Robinson‐Smith Nicola , McDiarmid Adam K. , Parry Gareth , Samuel Julie , Schueler Stephan , MacGowan Guy A. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundInfections and thrombotic events remain life‐threatening complications in patients with ventricular assist devices (VAD).MethodsWe describe the relationship between both events in our cohort of patients (n = 220) supported with the HeartWare VAD (HVAD). This is a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing HVAD implantation between July 2009 and March 2019 at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.ResultsInfection was the most common adverse event in HVAD patients, with 125 patients (56.8%) experiencing ≥ one infection (n = 168, 0.33 event per person year (EPPY)), followed by pump thrombosis (PT) in 61 patients (27.7%, 0.16 EPPY). VAD‐specific infections were the largest group of infections. Of the 125 patients who had an infection, 66 (53%) had a thrombotic event. Both thrombotic events and infections were related to the duration of support, though there was only limited evidence that infections predispose to thrombosis. Those with higher than median levels of C‐reactive protein during the infection were more likely to have an ischaemic stroke (IS) (34.5% vs 16.7%,p = .03), though not PT or a combined thrombotic event (CTE: first PT or IS). However, in multivariate analysis, there was no significant effect of infection predisposing to CTE.ConclusionsInfection and thrombotic events are significant adverse events related to the duration of support in patients receiving HVADs. Infections do not clearly predispose to thrombotic events.
Hemodynamic investigation and in vitro evaluation of a novel mixed‐flow blood pump
Authors: Qu Yifei , Guo Ziyu , Zhang Jing , Li Guiling , Zhang Song , Li Donghai 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIntroductionVentricular assist devices (VADs) are considered an effective treatment for patients with advanced heart failure, while complications associated with blood damage remain a burden. Structure design innovation has the potential to reduce hemolysis and improve hemocompatibility.MethodsIn this research, a novel mixed‐flow blood pump that integrates structural features of the axial and centrifugal VADs was proposed. The pump consists of an inducer, a mixed impeller supported by two ceramic pivot bearings, and a volute. The flow field and laminar viscous shear stress were analyzed by the in silico simulation. The hydraulic and hemolytic performance were evaluated in vitro by using a 3D printed pump.ResultsThe flow field distribution showed that streamlines in the connection area were smoothly transitioned through structural integration and no irregular flow occurred in the entire flow channel. The axial blades work as a fluid accelerator (generating 18.56% of the energy), and the centrifugal blades provide the main pressure head. The proportion of fluid inside the pump exposed to low laminar viscous shear stress (<50 Pa) and high laminar viscous shear stress (>150 Pa) was 99.02% and 0.03%, respectively. The in vitro hemolysis test results showed that the NIH (Normalized Index of Hemolysis) value of the mixed pump is 0.0079 ± 0.0039 g/100 L (n = 6).ConclusionIt can be concluded that the mixed flow structure is effective at improving hydraulic performance, eliminating flow disturbance, and minimizing shear stresses. This novel pump design is expected to provide a new direction for the development of next‐generation VADs.
Systematic review: development of a consensus code set to identify cirrhosis in electronic health records
Authors: Shearer Jessica E. , Gonzalez Juan J. , Min Thazin , Parker Richard , Jones Rebecca , Su Grace L. , Tapper Elliot B. , Rowe Ian A. 
Published: February 2022

SummaryBackgroundElectronic health records (EHRs) collate longitudinal data that can be used to facilitate large‐scale research in patients with cirrhosis. However, there is no consensus code set to define the presence of cirrhosis in EHR. This systematic review aims to evaluate the validity of diagnostic coding in cirrhosis and to synthesise a comprehensive set of ICD‐10 codes for future EHR research.MethodMEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for studies that used EHR to identify cirrhosis and cirrhosis‐related complications. Validated code sets were summarised, and the performance characteristics were extracted. Citation analysis was done to inform development of a consensus code set. This was then validated in a cohort of patients.ResultsOne thousand six hundred twenty‐six records were screened, and 18 studies were identified. The positive predictive value (PPV) was the most frequently reported statistical estimate and was ≥80% in 17/18 studies. Citation analyses showed continued variation in those used in contemporary research practice. Nine codes were identified as those most frequently used in the literature and these formed the consensus code set. This was validated in diverse patient populations from Europe and North America and showed high PPV (83%–89%) and greater sensitivity for the identification of cirrhosis than the most often used code set in the recent literature.ConclusionThere is variation in code sets used to identify cirrhosis in contemporary research practice. A consensus set has been developed and validated, showing improved performance, and is proposed to align EHR study designs in cirrhosis to facilitate international collaboration and comparisons.
Classification of European bog vegetation of the Oxycocco‐Sphagnetea class
Authors: Jiroušek Martin , Peterka Tomáš , Chytrý Milan , Jiménez‐Alfaro Borja , Kuznetsov Oleg L. , Pérez‐Haase Aaron , Aunina Liene , Biurrun Idoia , Dítě Daniel , Goncharova Nadezhda , Hájková Petra , Jansen Florian , Koroleva Natalia E. , Lapshina Elena D. , Lavrinenko Igor A. , Lavrinenko Olga V. , Napreenko Maxim G. , Pawlikowski Pawel , Rašomavičius Valerijus , Rodwell John S. , Romero Pedreira David , Sahuquillo Balbuena Elvira , Smagin Viktor A. , Tahvanainen Teemu , Biţă‐Nicolae Claudia , Felbaba‐Klushyna Lyubov , Graf Ulrich , Ivchenko Tatiana G. , Jandt Ute , Jiroušková Jana , Košuthová Alica , Lenoir Jonathan , Onyshchenko Viktor , Plášek Vítězslav , Plesková Zuzana , Shirokikh Pavel S. , Šímová Anna , Šmerdová Eva , Tokarev Pavel N. , Hájek Michal 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAimsClassification of European bog vegetation (Oxycocco‐Sphagnetea class); identification of diagnostic species for the class and vegetation subgroups (orders and alliances); development of an expert system for automatic classification of vegetation plots; and production of distribution maps of the Oxycocco‐Sphagnetea class and its alliances.LocationEurope.MethodsA data set of vegetation‐plot records was compiled to include various bog types over most of the European continent. An unsupervised classification (beta‐flexible linkage method, Sørensen distance measure) and detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) ordination were applied. Formal definitions of syntaxa based on species presence and covers, and respecting the results of the unsupervised classification, were developed and included in a classification expert system.ResultsThe Oxycocco‐Sphagnetea class, its two orders (Sphagno‐Ericetalia tetralicis and Sphagnetalia medii) and seven compositionally distinct alliances were formally defined. In addition to the syntaxa included in EuroVegChecklist, three new alliances were distinguished: Rubo chamaemori‐Dicranion elongati (subarctic polygon and palsa mires); Erico mackaianae‐Sphagnion papillosi (blanket bogs of the northwestern Iberian Peninsula); and Sphagno baltici‐Trichophorion cespitosi (boreal bog lawns). The latter alliance is newly described in this article.ConclusionsThis first pan‐European formalized classification of European bog vegetation partially followed the system presented in EuroVegChecklist, but suggested three additional alliances. One covers palsa and polygon mires, one covers Iberian bogs with endemics and one fills the syntaxonomical gap for lawn microhabitats in boreal bogs. A classification expert system has been developed, which allows assignment of vegetation plots to the types described.
Standardised uptake values as determined on prostate‐specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computed tomography is associated with oncological outcomes in patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Bodar Yves J.L. , Veerman Hans , Meijer Dennie , de Bie Katelijne , van Leeuwen Pim J. , Donswijk Maarten L. , van Moorselaar R. Jeroen A. , Hendrikse N. Harry , Boellaard Ronald , Oprea‐Lager Daniela E. , Vis André N. 
Published: February 2022

ObjectivesTo investigate the association between intraprostatic, intratumoral maximum standardised uptake values (SUVmax) on prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) prior to robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and pathology outcomes, including pathological International Society of Urological Pathology score (pISUP) and lymph node (LN) status (pN0/pN1).Patients and MethodsA bi‐centric, secondary analysis of two previous, prospective cohort studies was performed in 318 patients with biopsy confirmed PCa and who were scheduled for RARP. Before surgery, patients received a PSMA PET/CT with either 68Ga‐PSMA‐11 (59% of the patients) or 18F‐PSMA (DCFPyL; 41%) as radiotracer. PET/CT images were analysed both visually and semi‐quantitatively by measuring the SUVmax of the most intense suspect lesion in the prostate. The association between the SUVmax of the primary tumour and pre‐ and postoperative variables was analysed.ResultsThe SUVmax was associated with clinical and biopsy preoperative variables, as well as with pISUP score and pathological tumour stage. Patients with a pISUP of ≤2 showed significantly lower SUVmax compared to patients with a pISUP of >2 for both tracers (SUVmax 18F‐PSMA: median 5.1 vs 9.6, P = 0.002; SUVmax 68Ga‐PSMA‐11: 6.6 vs 8.6, P = 0.003). Moreover, patients with pN1 had significantly higher median SUVmax than those with pN0/pNx for both tracers (SUVmax 18F‐PSMA: 7.9 vs 12.3, P = 0.04; SUVmax 68Ga‐PSMA‐11: 7.6 vs 12.0, P < 0.001). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, the intraprostatic SUVmax was an independent predictor of pN1 for both 68Ga‐PSMA‐11 (per doubling: odds ratio [OR] 1.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27–3.01)) and 18F‐PSMA (per doubling: OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.06–3.03).ConclusionIntraprostatic, intratumoral PSMA intensity on PET/CT, as semi‐quantitatively expressed by SUVmax, may be a valuable innovative biomarker in patients with localised PCa, as it is highly associated with known conventional prognostic factors, such as pISUP and LN status.
Comparison of the clinical frailty score (CFS) to the National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA) risk calculator in all patients undergoing emergency laparotomy
Authors: Palaniappan Subbra , Soiza Roy L. , Duffy Siobhan , Moug Susan J. , Myint Phyo Kyaw ,   the Older People’s Surgical Outcomes Collaborative (OPSOC), The Emergency Laparoscopic, Laparotomy Scottish Audit (ELLSA)
Published: February 2022

AbstractAimThere is evolving evidence that preoperative frailty predicts outcomes of older adults undergoing emergency laparotomy (EmLap). We assessed frailty scoring in an emergency surgical population that included patients of all ages and then compared this to an established perioperative prognostic score.MethodData from the prospective Emergency Laparoscopic and Laparotomy Scottish Audit (ELLSA; November 2017–October 2018) was used. All adults over 18 were included. Frailty was measured using 7‐point clinical frailty score (CFS). Outcome measures: 30‐day mortality, hospital length of stay (LOS), 30‐day readmission. Areas under the receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated for CFS (1–7) and compared to the National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA) score with Forest plots used to compare 30‐day mortality across CFS and NELA categories.ResultsA total of 2246 patients (median age 65 years [IQR 51–75]; female 51%) underwent EmLap (60% for colorectal pathology). A total of 10.6% were frail preoperatively (≥CFS 5). As CFS increased so did 30‐day mortality (2.1% CFS1 to 25.3% CFS6 and 7; ꭓ278.2, p < 0.001) and median LOS (10 days CFS1 to 20 days CFS6 and 7; p < 0.001). Readmission rates did not differ significantly across CFS. ROC (95% CI) for mortality was 0.71 (0.65–0.77) for CFS and 0.84 (0.78–0.89) for NELA. Addition of CFS to NELA did not increase ROC value.ConclusionThis study supports the prognostic role of frailty in the emergency surgical setting, finding increasing frailty to be associated with increased mortality and longer LOS in adults of all ages. Although NELA performed better, CFS remained predictive and has the advantage of being calculated preoperatively to aid decision‐making and treatment planning.
Retinal organoids derived from rhesus macaque iPSCs undergo accelerated differentiation compared to human stem cells
Authors: Jacobo Lopez Antonio , Kim Sangbae , Qian Xinye , Rogers Jeffrey , Stout J. Timothy , Thomasy Sara M. , La Torre Anna , Chen Rui , Moshiri Ala 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPurposeTo compare the timing and efficiency of the development of Macaca mulatta, a nonhuman primate (NHP), induced pluripotent stem cell (rhiPSC) derived retinal organoids to those derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs).ResultsGeneration of retinal organoids was achieved from both human and several NHP pluripotent stem cell lines. All rhiPSC lines resulted in retinal differentiation with the formation of optic vesicle‐like structures similar to what has been observed in hESC retinal organoids. NHP retinal organoids had laminated structure and were composed of mature retinal cell types including cone and rod photoreceptors. Single‐cell RNA sequencing was conducted at two time points; this allowed identification of cell types and developmental trajectory characterization of the developing organoids. Important differences between rhesus and human cells were measured regarding the timing and efficiency of retinal organoid differentiation. While the culture of NHP‐derived iPSCs is relatively difficult compared to that of human stem cells, the generation of retinal organoids from NHP iPSCs is feasible and may be less time‐consuming due to an intrinsically faster timing of retinal differentiation.ConclusionsRetinal organoids produced from rhesus monkey iPSCs using established protocols differentiate through the stages of organoid development faster than those derived from human stem cells. The production of NHP retinal organoids may be advantageous to reduce experimental time for basic biology studies in retinogenesis as well as for preclinical trials in NHPs studying retinal allograft transplantation.
Brain grey matter perfusion in primary progressive multiple sclerosis: Mild decrease over years and regional associations with cognition and hand function
Authors: Testud Benoit , Delacour Clara , El Ahmadi Ahmed Ali , Brun Gilles , Girard Nadine , Duhamel Guillaume , Heesen Christoph , Häußler Vivien , Thaler Christian , Has Silemek Arzu Ceylan , Stellmann Jan‐Patrick 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackground and purposeExtent and dynamic of neurodegeneration in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) might be reflected by global and regional brain perfusion, an outcome at the intercept between structure and function. Here, we provide a first insight into the evolution of brain perfusion and its association with disability in primary progressive MS (PPMS) over several years.MethodsSeventy‐seven persons with PPMS were followed over up to 5 years. Visits included a 3‐T magnetic resonance imaging with pulsed arterial spin labelling perfusion, the Timed 25‐Foot Walk, 9‐Hole Peg Test (NHPT), Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). We extracted regional cerebral blood flow surrogates and compared them to 11 controls. Analyses focused on cortical and deep grey matter, the change over time, and associations with disability on the regional and global levels.ResultsBaseline brain perfusion of patients and controls was comparable for the cortex (p = 0.716) and deep grey matter (p = 0.095). EDSS disability increased mildly (p = 0.023), whereas brain perfusion decreased during follow‐up (p < 0.001) and with disease duration (p = 0.009). Lower global perfusion correlated with higher disability as indicated by EDSS, NHPT, and Timed 25‐Foot Walk (p < 0.001). The motor task NHPT showed associations with 20 grey matter regions. In contrast, better SDMT performance correlated with lower perfusion (p < 0.001) in seven predominantly frontal regions, indicating a functional maladaptation.ConclusionsDecreasing perfusion indicates a putative association with MS disease mechanisms such as neurodegeneration, reduced metabolism, and loss of resilience. A low alteration rate limits its use in clinical practice, but regional association patterns might provide a snapshot of adaptive and maladaptive functional reorganization.
Population genomics of the basket cockle Clinocardium nuttallii in the southern Salish Sea: Assessing genetic risks of stock enhancement for a culturally important marine bivalve
Authors: Dimond James L. , Crim Ryan N. , Unsell Elizabeth , Barry Viviane , Toft Jodie E. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractCoastal Indigenous communities that rely on subsistence harvests are uniquely vulnerable to declines in nearshore species. The basket cockle Clinocardium nuttallii is among the favored foods of Indigenous people along the northwest Pacific coast of North America, yet localized declines in their abundance have led to interest in stock enhancement efforts. We used a population genomics approach to examine potential risks associated with stock enhancement of C. nuttallii in the southern Salish Sea, a large inland estuary that includes Puget Sound. More than 8000 single nucleotide polymorphisms across 349 individuals at 12 locations were assembled de novo using restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing. Results indicated that C. nuttallii within the southern Salish Sea were distinct from those along the outer Pacific coast (FST = 0.021–0.025). Within the southern Salish Sea, C. nuttallii populations appear to be well‐connected despite numerous potential impediments to gene flow; Hood Canal, which experiences the lowest flushing rates of all Puget Sound sub‐basins, was a minor exception to this strong connectivity. We found evidence of isolation by distance within the southern Salish Sea, but the slope of this relationship was shallow, and FST values were low (FST = 0.001–0.004). Meanwhile, outlier analyses did not support the hypothesis that southern Salish Sea sub‐populations are locally adapted. Estimates of effective population size had no upper bound, suggesting potentially very high adaptive capacity in C. nuttallii, but also making it difficult to assess potential reductions in effective population size resulting from stock enhancement. We present several strategies to augment cockle populations for subsistence harvest that would limit risk to the genetic diversity of wild cockle populations.
The social relations of gold: How a gendered asset serves social reproduction and finance in Pakistan
Authors: Zulfiqar Ghazal Mir 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWomen's gold jewelry, particularly in the context of the Indian subcontinent, has been referred to as a barbaric relic, an uncivilized obsession, and a leakage from the economy. Yet women in the region continue to save almost exclusively in gold. In dismissing these savings as a leakage and a waste, we miss a critical opportunity to understand the social relations of gold, where both gold and land are gendered assets. Using the lens of transnational feminism, I draw upon two empirical studies from Pakistan to show that gold is for the most part the only investment women own and control. In the era of liberalization and fiscal discipline, as economic vulnerabilities deepen and Southern states are forced to cut back on welfare, impoverished women's meager gold stocks play a critical role in supporting social reproduction. Attracted by the nonfiat nature of gold, commercial and microfinance banks exploit these sociocultural and economic realities in the pawn market for women's gold. This has critical implications for women's agency, which is relational and fluid in the present context, resulting in its subversion by the gendered regimes of finance capitalism.