bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Loss of circRNAs from the crh‐1 gene extends the mean lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Knupp David , Jorgensen Brian G. , Alshareef Hussam Z. , Bhat Jaffar M. , Grubbs Jeremy J. , Miura Pedro , van der Linden Alexander M. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAccumulation of circular RNAs (circRNAs) during aging occurs on a genome‐wide level for multiple organisms, but its significance is unknown. Generating circRNA loss‐of‐function mutants is difficult because the vast majority of these RNAs are comprised of exons shared with protein‐coding mRNAs. In Caenorhabditis elegans, most circRNAs were previously found to accumulate during aging. Two of the most abundant, age‐accumulating circRNAs are generated from exon 4 of the crh‐1 gene (circ‐crh‐1). Here, we found that the biogenesis of circ‐crh‐1 was regulated by the double‐stranded RNA‐binding protein ADR‐1. We identified Reverse Complementary Match (RCM) sequences in introns flanking circ‐crh‐1. Using CRISPR‐Cas9, we deleted the downstream RCM and found that this completely eliminated expression of the circRNA without affecting linear mRNA expression from the crh‐1 gene. Remarkably, worms lacking circ‐crh‐1 exhibited a significantly longer mean lifespan. Lifespan was partially restored to wild type by expression of circ‐crh‐1 in neural tissues. Widespread transcriptome alterations in circ‐crh‐1 mutants were identified using RNA‐Seq. Moving forward, intronic RCM deletion using CRISPR should be a widely applicable method to identify lifespan‐regulating circRNAs in C. elegans.
Trajectory and course of problematic alcohol use after the Great East Japan Earthquake: Eight‐year follow‐up of the Higashi‐Matsushima cohort study
Authors: Morishima Ryo , Usami Satoshi , Ando Shuntaro , Kiyono Tomoki , Morita Masaya , Fujikawa Shinya , Araki Tsuyoshi , Kasai Kiyoto 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundProblematic alcohol use (PAU) after natural disasters is an unignorable public health issue. However, the long‐term trajectory and course of PAU after an earthquake disaster remain unknown.MethodsThe Higashi‐Matsushima cohort study was conducted between 2012 (time 1) and 2019 (time 8) in areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. In the annual health checks, participants responded to self‐report questionnaires on PAU, traumatic experiences (e.g., house damage), resources (e.g., social support), and other covariates (e.g., gender, psychological distress). The trajectory and course of PAU were estimated by latent growth model and latent class analyses. Risk factors for the long‐term course of PAU were calculated by multinomial logistic regression analysis with multiple imputation. The analytical sample comprised 8929 residents who participated in at least one survey across the eight time points.ResultsThe trajectory of PAU showed a sustained trend (slope <0.001). Three potential courses of PAU (No PAU course: 84.3%, Subthreshold PAU course: 12.4%, and Persistent PAU course: 3.4%) were estimated. The long‐term course of PAU, especially the persistent PAU course, was predicted by house damage (OR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.92), less social support (OR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.96), gender (male) (OR = 16.86, 95% CI 9.42 to 30.20), and psychological distress (OR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.20).ConclusionsLong‐term support is needed after an earthquake disaster, especially for residents who in early phases of the disaster suffer from PAU, males, and those in vulnerable situations resulting from conditions such as severe house damage, low social support, or high psychological distress.
Variables associated with methamphetamine use within the past year and sex differences among patients with methamphetamine use disorder: A cross‐sectional study in Japan
Authors: Yamamoto Taisuke , Kimura Takashi , Tamakoshi Akiko , Matsumoto Toshihiko 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesMethamphetamine use disorder is the most common reason for psychiatrist visits among illicit drug users in Japan. Although variables associated with methamphetamine use and sex differences have been reported in the United States, Australia, and Asian countries, such studies are rare in Japan. We examined methamphetamine use within the past year among patients receiving treatment by sex and proposed important treatment targets.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study analyzed the Nationwide Mental Hospital Survey on Drug‐related Psychiatric Disorders. We divided 1086 men and 376 women into two groups according to methamphetamine use within the past year and conducted log‐binomial regression analyses by sex to examine the variables associated with methamphetamine use. For methamphetamine users, the source was identified.ResultsWomen were more likely to obtain methamphetamine from their friends, acquaintances, family members, or partners than men. Multivariable regression analysis showed that younger age in both sexes and higher educational attainment (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06–1.57) and employment (PR = 1.26; 95% CI = 1.05–1.51) were associated with methamphetamine use in men. Age‐adjusted regression analysis showed that the variables associated with methamphetamine use were comorbid alcohol abuse and cannabis abuse in women and benzodiazepine abuse in both sexes.Conclusion and Scientific SignificanceIn women, in particular, the surrounding relationships related to methamphetamine might be considered treatment targets. Young and working patients might need more accessible outpatient clinics and treatment programs. Comorbid substance abuse should be assessed and treated.
Telemedicine in urogynaecology during COVID‐19 in Hong Kong: An assessment of Chinese patients’ acceptability using a validated questionnaire
Authors: Chung Carmen Diana , Wong Daniel 
Published: February 2022

AimsThere is no urogynaecology teleconsultation services available in Hong Kong’s public health system. This cross‐sectional study aimed to assess Chinese womens’ acceptance of teleconsultations during the COVID‐19 pandemic using the validated Telemedicine Perception Questionnaire (TMPQ).Materials and MethodsOne hundred and fifty‐one patients attending our urogynaecology clinic between February and March 2021 were recruited for an in‐person interview. Patients who could not comprehend the questionnaire due to neurological or psychiatric conditions were excluded. TMPQ is a 17‐item, five‐point Likert scale questionnaire developed to assess the acceptability of telemedicine. Scores range from 17 to 85; a higher score reflects a more positive overall perception of telemedicine. Additional questions on demographics, medical history, Internet access and transport arrangements were included.ResultsMean age was 67.5 ± 11.3 years. Mean TMPQ score was 53.93 ± 8.49. Younger age, higher education, employment, prior telecommunication platform usage, lower travelling costs and interest in telemedicine were associated with a higher TMPQ score (P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis found age (β = −0.132, 95% CI (confidence interval): −0.225 to −0.04), interest in telemedicine (β = 10.169, 95% CI: 8.073–12.266) and post‐operative status (β = 4.743, 95% CI: 1.172–8.314) significantly predicted TMPQ score (adjusted R2 = 0.427).ConclusionsOur study found that the acceptability of telemedicine in Hong Kong was weak and identified patient groups that showed favourable attitudes. Future research directions would be to perform pilot studies to assess any change in perception after using telemedicine so that this service can be provided to patient groups who would benefit most, ensuring effective use of public resources.
On the role of domestic trade flows for estimating the gravity model of trade
Authors: Yotov Yoto V. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe gravity equation is the workhorse model of trade. Despite solid theoretical foundations and clear gains from theory‐consistent policy analysis, there are still gaps between gravity theory and empirics. This paper focuses on domestic trade flows, and I argue that there are significant benefits from adhering to theory by estimating gravity equations with domestic (in addition to international) trade flows. I review the related literature and synthesize 15 arguments for using domestic trade flows in gravity estimations. The analysis reveals the need for further theory contributions and new data developments, and points to opportunities for more policy applications.
Deconvolution microscopy: A platform for rapid on‐site evaluation of fine needle aspiration specimens that enables recovery of the sample
Authors: Liao Haihui , Sheridan Todd , Cosar Ediz , Owens Christopher , Zuo Tao , Wang Xiaofei , Akalin Ali , Kandil Dina , Dresser Karen , Fogarty Kevin , Bellve Karl , Baer Christina , Fischer Andrew 
Published: February 2022

AbstractContextRapid on‐site evaluation (ROSE) optimises the performance of cytology, but requires skilled handling, and smearing can make the material unavailable for some ancillary tests. There is a need to facilitate ROSE without sacrificing part of the sample.ObjectiveWe evaluated the image quality of inexpensive deconvolution fluorescence microscopy for optically sectioning non‐smeared fine needle aspiration (FNA) tissue fragments.DesignA portion of residual material from 14 FNA samples was stained for 3 min in Hoechst 33342 and Sypro™ Red to label DNA and protein respectively, transferred to an imaging chamber, and imaged at 200× or 400× magnification at 1 micron intervals using a GE DeltaVision inverted fluorescence microscope. A deconvolution algorithm was applied to remove out‐of‐plane signal, and the resulting images were inverted and pseudocoloured to resemble H&E sections. Five cytopathologists blindly diagnosed 2 to 4 representative image stacks per case (total 70 evaluations), and later compared them to conventional epifluorescent images.ResultsAccurate definitive diagnoses were rendered in 45 (64%) of 70 total evaluations; equivocal diagnoses (atypical or suspicious) were made in 21 (30%) of the 70. There were two false positive and two false negative “definite” diagnoses in three cases (4/70; 6%). Cytopathologists preferred deconvolved images compared to raw images (P < 0.01). The imaged fragments were recovered and prepared into a ThinPrep or cell block without discernible alteration.ConclusionsDeconvolution improves image quality of FNA fragments compared to epifluorescence, often allowing definitive diagnosis while enabling the ROSE material to be subsequently triaged.
Spinal cord gray matter atrophy is associated with functional decline in post‐polio syndrome
Authors: Wendebourg Maria Janina , Weigel Matthias , Richter Laura , Gocheva Vanya , Hafner Patricia , Orsini Anna‐Lena , Crepulja Valentina , Schmidt Simone , Huck Antal , Oechtering Johanna , Blatow Maria , Haas Tanja , Granziera Cristina , Kappos Ludwig , Cattin Philippe , Bieri Oliver , Fischer Dirk , Schlaeger Regina 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo determine if patients with post‐polio syndrome (PPS) show spinal cord gray matter (SCGM) atrophy and to assess associations between SCGM atrophy, muscle strength and patient‐reported functional decline.MethodsTwenty patients diagnosed with PPS (March of Dimes criteria) and 20 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (HC) underwent 3T axial 2D‐rAMIRA magnetic resonance imaging at the intervertebral disc levels C2/C3–C6/C7, T9/T10 and the lumbar enlargement level (Tmax) (0.5 × 0.5 mm2in‐plane resolution). SCGM areas were segmented manually by two independent raters. Muscle strength, self‐reported fatigue, depression and pain measures were assessed.ResultsPost‐polio syndrome patients showed significantly and preferentially reduced SCGM areas at C2/C3 (p = 0.048), C3/C4 (p = 0.001), C4/C5 (p < 0.001), C5/C6 (p = 0.004) andTmax(p = 0.041) compared to HC. SCGM areas were significantly associated with muscle strength in corresponding myotomes even after adjustment for fatigue, pain and depression. SCGM areaTmaxtogether with age and sex explained 68% of ankle dorsiflexion strength variance. No associations were found with age at or time since infection. Patients reporting PPS‐related decline in arm function showed significant cervical SCGM atrophy compared to stable patients adjusted for initial disease severity.ConclusionsPatients with PPS show significant SCGM atrophy that correlates with muscle strength and is associated with PPS‐related functional decline. Our findings suggest a secondary neurodegenerative process underlying SCGM atrophy in PPS that is not explained by aging or residua of the initial infection alone. Confirmation by longitudinal studies is needed. The described imaging methodology is promising for developing novel imaging surrogates for SCGM diseases.
Breeding for adaptation to climate change: genomic selection for drought response in a white spruce multi‐site polycross test
Authors: Laverdière Jean‐Philippe , Lenz Patrick , Nadeau Simon , Depardieu Claire , Isabel Nathalie , Perron Martin , Beaulieu Jean , Bousquet Jean 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWith climate change, increasingly intense and frequent drought episodes will be affecting water availability for boreal tree species, prompting tree breeders and forest managers to consider adaptation to drought stress as a priority in their reforestation efforts. We used a 19‐year‐old polycross progeny test of the model conifer white spruce (Picea glauca) replicated on two sites affected by distinct drought episodes at different ages to estimate the genetic control and the potential for improvement of drought response in addition to conventional cumulative growth and wood quality traits. Drought response components were measured from dendrochronological signatures matching drought episodes in wood ring increment cores. We found that trees with more vigorous growth during their lifespan resisted better during the current year of a drought episode when the drought had more severe effects. Phenotypic data were also analyzed using genomic prediction (GBLUP) relying on the genomic relationship matrix of multi‐locus gene SNP marker information, and conventional analysis (ABLUP) based on validated pedigree information. The accuracy of predicted breeding values for drought response components was marginally lower than that for conventional traits and comparable between GBLUP and ABLUP. Genetic correlations were generally low and nonsignificant between drought response components and conventional traits, except for resistance which was positively correlated to tree height. Heritability estimates for the components of drought response were slightly lower than for conventional traits, but similar single‐trait genetic gains could be obtained. Multi‐trait genomic selection simulations indicated that it was possible to improve simultaneously for all traits on both sites while sacrificing little on gain in tree height. In a context of rapid climate change, our results suggest that with careful phenotypic assessment, drought response may be considered in multi‐trait improvement of white spruce, with accelerated screening of large numbers of candidates and selection at young age with genomic selection.
International development in Africa: Historiographical themes and new perspectives
Authors: Moskowitz Kara 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis article explores scholarship on the history of international development in Africa and highlights promising new perspectives. The literature review reveals common themes in writing on the history of development—neocolonialism, knowledge production, and statecraft—but also shows that scholars have given too much power to development paradigms and policies. While the scholarship has demonstrated the rhetorical significance of development and the importance of developmentalist states, historians have paid less attention to institutional cleavages, material outcomes, and the complexity of development intervention on the ground. New work draws on oral histories to center local communities, while also examining national and transnational actors and contexts. Examining how development was executed on the ground, and how local communities experienced and reconfigured development, has the potential to help scholars completely rethink these histories. Recent scholarship demonstrates the long‐term continuities of development; the disjunctures between economic theory and development practice; the particular forms of power and modalities of governance that have emerged in different settings; and the social, political, and material implications for local communities targeted by the international development apparatus.
Synthesis of highly purified and crystallized h‐BN using calcium‐assisted carbothermal reduction nitridation
Authors: Daiki Shota , Ishikawa Toshihiro 
Published: February 2022

AbstractHighly purified and crystallized hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) powder is suitable as thermally conductive filler in resins. To obtain h‐BN powder with large particle size, as well as high purity and crystallinity, high‐temperature heat treatment over 1800°C in a N2 gas atmosphere is effective. The carbothermal reduction nitridation (CRN) involves the carbothermic reduction of boric oxide in a N2 gas atmosphere. In CRN using a CaO promoter, h‐BN particles with high crystallinity can be obtained by a simple heat treatment process. CaO prevents the evaporation of boron oxide and aids in h‐BN particle growth at high temperatures. However, CaB6 is formed as byproduct or impurity when CRN using the CaO promoter is performed at temperatures higher than 1800°C. In this study, the relationship between the products and the reaction temperature was clarified via thermodynamic considerations and experimentation. The results clarified the ideal reaction process of CRN using a CaO promoter to obtain highly purified and crystallized h‐BN powder.
Combination of nonlinear optical properties in thermally poled germanotellurite glass‐ceramics
Authors: Lo Nhat Truong , Nguyen Hoai Nam , Dao Ngoc Lam , Hoang Minh Son 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe existence of optical nonlinear properties in silver‐oxide‐doped and ‐undoped germanotellurite glasses by using thermal poling treatment was demonstrated and compared. The variation of second‐order nonlinear optical characteristics with poling voltage and their stability with time were observed via the macroscopic second harmonic generation measurement. The study also includes the investigation of enhancement of the nonlinear property by thermally poling K[Nb1/3Te2/3]2O4.8 volume‐distributed glass‐ceramic composite in which the role of silver in ceramic component and the modified surface structure layer of the glass component would be further discussed.
Interventions to improve calcium intake through foods in populations with low intake
Authors: Bourassa Megan W. , Abrams Steven A. , Belizán José M. , Boy Erick , Cormick Gabriela , Quijano Carolina Diaz , Gibson Sarah , Gomes Filomena , Hofmeyr G. Justus , Humphrey Jean , Kraemer Klaus , Lividini Keith , Neufeld Lynnette M. , Palacios Cristina , Shlisky Julie , Thankachan Prashanth , Villalpando Salvador , Weaver Connie M. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractCalcium intake remains inadequate in many low‐ and middle‐income countries, especially in Africa and South Asia, where average intakes can be below 400 mg/day. Given the vital role of calcium in bone health, metabolism, and cell signaling, countries with low calcium intake may want to consider food‐based approaches to improve calcium consumption and bioavailability within their population. This is especially true for those with low calcium intake who would benefit the most, including pregnant women (by reducing the risk of preeclampsia) and children (by reducing calcium‐deficiency rickets). Specifically, some animal‐source foods that are naturally high in bioavailable calcium and plant foods that can contribute to calcium intake could be promoted either through policies or educational materials. Some food processing techniques can improve the calcium content in food or increase calcium bioavailability. Staple‐food fortification with calcium can also be a cost‐effective method to increase intake with minimal behavior change required. Lastly, biofortification is currently being investigated to improve calcium content, either through genetic screening and breeding of high‐calcium varieties or through the application of calcium‐rich fertilizers. These mechanisms can be used alone or in combination based on the local context to improve calcium intake within a population.
Functional analysis of the miR‐145/Fascin1 cascade in canine oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Noguchi Shunsuke , Tanimoto Nanami , Nishida Ruisa , Matsui Asuka 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectivesCanine oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) often develops in the gingiva and tonsils. The biological behavior of canine oral SCC is similar to that of human head and neck SCC (HNSCC). Inhibiting invasion and metastasis is major importance for the treatment of canine and human HNSCC. In this study, the significance of microRNA (miR)‐145 and Fascin1 (FSCN1) in the invasion of canine oral SCC was explored.Materials and methodsCanine oral SCC tissues and cell lines were used for miR‐145 and FSCN1 expression analysis via real‐time PCR and immunohistochemistry. Canine oral SCC cell lines were used for in vitro assays.ResultsmiR‐145 was downregulated while FSCN1 mRNA was upregulated in canine oral SCC. Immunohistochemistry revealed that FSCN1 was upregulated in SCC when compared to normal mucosa. Transfection of canine SCC cells with miR‐145 or FSCN1 siRNA suppressed cell growth and attenuated cell migration as well as invasion by inhibiting the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition. Furthermore, the promoter region of miR‐145 was highly methylated in SCC cell lines and tissues.ConclusionThe expression profile and functions of miR‐145 in canine oral SCC are similar to those in human HNSCC. Thus, canine oral SCC may represent a valuable preclinical model for human HNSCC.
Do energy consumption and carbon emissions impact economic growth? New insights from India using ARDL approach
Authors: Singh Kamaljit , Kaur Jasvinder 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis paper investigates the association among energy consumption, carbon‐dioxide emission, and India's economic growth along with supplemental variables including foreign direct investment, population density, inflation, and agricultural land. An autoregressive distributive lag model is applied over annual time‐series data from 1985 to 2019. Further, the robustness and novelty of the model are confirmed by applying fully modified ordinary‐least‐square, dynamic ordinary‐least‐square, canonical co‐integrating regression, variance decomposition, and impulse response function. The analysis results indicate that a cointegration association exists among variables. In the short run, the profound determinants of economic development are energy consumption, carbon‐dioxide emission, inflation, and agricultural land. In the long run, both inflation and agricultural land significantly negatively influence economic growth while carbon emission drives a positive impact. Interestingly, a one‐way Granger causality runs from economic growth towards energy consumption, carbon emission, and agricultural land. The new research presents a comprehensive understanding of economic growth indicators, aiding policymakers, and advancing existing literature. Consequently, as a recommendation, the policymakers should constitute explicit goals for renewable energy consumption to stimulate sustainable economic growth with carbon emission reduction.