bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome Assembly and Evolutionary Analysis of the Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata Reveal Strong Genome Conservation among Ducks
Authors: Ng Chen Siang , Lai Cheng-Kuo , Ke Huei-Mien , Lee Hsin-Han , Chen Chih-Feng , Tang Pin-Chi , Cheng Hsu-Chen , Lu Meiyeh J. , Li Wen-Hsiung , Tsai Isheng Jason 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The mandarin duck, Aix galericulata, is popular in East Asian cultures and displays exaggerated sexual dimorphism, especially in feather traits during breeding seasons. We generated and annotated the first mandarin duck de novo assembly, which was 1.08 Gb in size and encoded 16,615 proteins. Using a phylogenomic approach calibrated with fossils and molecular divergences, we inferred that the last common ancestor of ducks occurred 13.3–26.7 Ma. The majority of the mandarin duck genome repetitive sequences belonged to the chicken repeat 1 (CR1) retroposon CR1-J2_Pass, which underwent a duck lineage-specific burst. Synteny analyses among ducks revealed infrequent chromosomal rearrangements in which breaks were enriched in LINE retrotransposons and DNA transposons. The calculation of the dN/dS ratio revealed that the majority of duck genes were under strong purifying selection. The expanded gene families in the mandarin duck are primarily involved in olfactory perception as well as the development and morphogenesis of feather and branching structures. This new reference genome will improve our understanding of the morphological and physiological characteristics of ducks and provide a valuable resource for functional genomics studies to investigate the feather traits of the mandarin duck.
Bidirectional Associations Between Adiposity and Cognitive Function: A Prospective Analysis of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA)
Authors: Nazmus Sakib Mohammad , Best John R , Ramezan Reza , Thompson Mary E , Hall Peter A 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundTheoretical perspectives suggest that adiposity and cognitive function may be bidirectionally associated, but this has not been examined in a large-scale data set. The current investigation aims to fill this gap using a large, representative sample of middle-aged and older adults.MethodsUsing data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (N = 25 854), the bidirectional hypothesis was examined with 3 indicators of cognitive function (ie, executive function, processing speed, and verbal fluency) and adiposity (ie, waist circumference [WC], body mass index [BMI], and total fat mass). We used multivariate multivariable regression and structural equation modeling to assess the prospective associations between adiposity and cognitive indicators.ResultsAnalyses revealed that higher baseline WC was associated with higher Stroop interference at follow-up for both middle-aged (standardized estimate, β = 0.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06, 0.10) and older adults (β = 0.07, 95% CI 0.04, 0.09). Similarly, higher baseline Stroop interference was also associated with higher follow-up WC in middle-aged (β = 0.08, 95% CI 0.06, 0.10) and older adults (β = 0.03, 95% CI 0.01, 0.06). Effects involving semantic fluency and processing speed were less consistent. The earlier effects were similar to those observed using other adiposity indicators (eg, BMI and total fat mass) and were robust to adjustment for demographics and other cofounders, and when using latent variable modeling of the adiposity variable.ConclusionEvidence for a bidirectional relationship between adiposity and cognitive function exists, though the associations are most reliable for executive function and primarily evident at midlife.
Anti-inflammatory and Chondroprotective Effects of Platelet-derived Growth Factor-BB on Osteoarthritis Rat Models
Authors: Cai Yu , Wang Zhengchao , Liao Bokai , Sun Zhenxing , Zhu Pengfei 
Published: May 2022

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) is a common and challenging joint disease that mainly affects the diarthrodial joints. Traditionally, except for surgery for severe cases, treatments for OA mainly focus on relieving pain and improving joint function. However, these treatments are not effective for cartilage repair and induce only symptomatic relief. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB, a member of the PDGF cytokine family, has been proved to have effects on protecting the chondrocytes via multiple mechanisms. In this study, we further focused on the effects of PDGF-BB on OA and found that PDGF-BB could attenuate OA development by inhibiting inflammation and enhancing cell proliferation via JAK2/STAT3, PI3K/AKT, and p38 signaling pathways and PKA-mediated regulation of SOX-9/RunX-2. This article demonstrates the feasibility of PDGF-BB application as a treatment for OA. This is the first article that reports that PDGF-BB attenuates OA development via PKA-mediated regulation of SOX-9 and RunX-2.
The WALLET Study: Examining Early Memory Loss and Personal Finance
Authors: Lichtenberg Peter A , Tarraf Wassim , Rorai Vanessa O , Roling Matthew , Moray Juno , Gross Evan Z , Boyle Patricia A 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Background and Objectives
This feasibility study tests a new approach for assessing personal finance in older persons with early memory loss. The project examines 2 primary outcomes that gauge the financial viability and well-being of older adults: wealth loss and financial exploitation. The overall objective is to determine the association of financial literacy and management, financial decision-making, and cognition with wealth loss and financial exploitation.

Research Design and Methods
This cross-sectional study recruited 46 participants who were 60 years of age or older. Participants were classified as having mild cognitive impairment, perceived cognitive impairment, or no cognitive impairment. The study coordinator arranged with each participant to obtain copies of their main checking account statements for 12 consecutive months within the previous 2 years and, if appropriate, credit card statements. All statements were de-identified and assigned a random ID number. Participants then completed 2 telephone interviews.

Results
The average participant age was 72 years (standard deviation [SD] = 7.7); 84% were female, 39% White, and 35% currently married. Average education was 16.2 years (SD = 2.4); mean yearly household income was almost $42,000 (SD = 25,752); and monthly social security payments averaged $1,446 (SD = 1,244). Our results indicate that the methods used to analyze checking account statements, followed by telephone interviews to verify identified trends, were useful in developing a financial behavior index to measure wealth loss.

Discussion and Implications
We demonstrate an alternative method for assessing personal finance using person-centered principles, which we believe are critical in the presence of diminished or impaired cognition. Our findings offer an innovative method for assessing the risk for wealth loss and financial exploitation.
Do Latino Older Adults and Service Providers Agree on Positive Aging? Using Concept Mapping to Compare Perspectives
Authors: Piedra Lissette M , Howe Melissa J K , Ridings John , Gutwein Melissa 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Background and Objectives
In the United States, Latino adults are a growing segment of the aging population who will need research-informed interventions to help them age successfully. Arguably, how Latino older adults and service providers understand “positive aging” serves as an important precursor for the cultivation of such interventions. This investigation explored whether Latino older adults’ conceptualizations of positive aging aligned with those of service providers.

Research Design and Methods
We compared how Latino older adults (n = 93) and service providers (n = 45) rated 85 positive aging statements produced by Latino older adults. These 85 items were used to generate a concept map, which displays those items thematically by clusters and overarching regions of meaning.

Results
We found divergences at each level of the map—statements, clusters, and regions—which illuminate differences between how service providers and Latino older adults think about Latino positive aging. For example, whereas Latino older adults prioritized the cluster containing items related to internal well-being, service providers rated it seventh of 11 clusters. The region comprising clusters related to relationships garnered the highest agreement between groups, but also a notable departure; compared to Latino older adults, service providers rated community and social involvement as less important.

Discussion and Implications
Understanding such differences can help providers tailor services consistent with the interests of Latino older adults. Future studies should examine the extent to which stakeholders believe various aspects of positive aging are modifiable.
Genotype–phenotype correlation of T-cell subtypes reveals senescent and cytotoxic genes in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Dressman Dallin , Buttrick Thomas , Cimpean Maria , Bennett David , Menon Vilas , Bradshaw Elizabeth M , Vardarajan Badri , Elyaman Wassim 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Recent studies identifying expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) in immune cells have uncovered important links between disease risk alleles and gene expression trends in monocytes, T cells and other cell types. However, these studies are generally done with young, healthy subjects, limiting the utility of their findings for age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We have performed RNA sequencing on four T-cell subsets in genome-wide genotyped and well-characterized AD subjects and age- and sex-matched controls from the Religious Orders Study/Memory and Aging Project. We correlated gene expression data with AD neuropathological traits and with single-nucleotide polymorphisms to detect eQTLs. We identified several significant genes involved in T-cell senescence and cytotoxicity, consistent with T-cell RNA sequencing studies in aged/AD cohorts. We identified unexpected eQTLs previously associated with neuropsychiatric disease traits. Finally, we discovered that pathways related to axon guidance and synaptic function were enriched among trans-eQTLs in coding regions of the genome. Our data strengthen the potential link between T-cell senescence and age-related neurodegenerative disease. In addition, our eQTL data suggest that T-cell phenotypes may influence neuropsychiatric disorders and can be influenced by genes involved in neurodevelopmental processes.
Fertilization signatures as biomarkers of embryo quality
Authors: Coticchio Giovanni , Borini Andrea , Zacà Carlotta , Makrakis Evangelos , Sfontouris Ioannis 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Fertilization underpins the vital transition from gametic meiosis to embryonic mitosis. For decades, in human IVF, microscopic observation at a single time point has limited our appreciation of the morphokinetic complexity of this process. More recently, the introduction of time lapse technology—also enhanced by combination with artificial intelligence—has revealed the finest morphokinetic details of the beginning of human development. Overall, a picture has finally emerged in which the precise timing, morphology and geometry of several fertilization events offer clues to predict the fate of the embryo—a key aspect of assisted reproduction. In this scenario, correct unfolding of intra- and interpronuclear rearrangements emerge as a crucial factor to create a platform able to preserve genetic and cellular integrity at the first mitotic cleavage.
Na+/K+ ATPase α1 and β3 subunits are localized to the basolateral membrane of trophectoderm cells in human blastocysts
Authors: Hirakawa T , Goto M , Takahashi K , Iwasawa T , Fujishima A , Makino K , Shirasawa H , Sato W , Sato T , Kumazawa Y , Terada Y 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

STUDY QUESTION
Is there a relation between specific Na+/K+ ATPase isoform expression and localization in human blastocysts and the developmental behavior of the embryo?

SUMMARY ANSWER
Na+/K+ ATPase α1, β1 and β3 are the main isoforms expressed in human blastocysts and no association was found between the expression level of their respective mRNAs and the rate of blastocyst expansion.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
In mouse embryos, Na+/K+ ATPase α1 and β1 are expressed in the basolateral membrane of trophectoderm (TE) cells and are believed to be involved in blastocoel formation (cavitation).

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
A total of 20 surplus embryos from 11 patients who underwent IVF and embryo transfer at a university hospital between 2009 and 2018 were analyzed.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
After freezing and thawing Day 5 human blastocysts, their developmental behavior was observed for 24 h using time-lapse imaging, and the expression of Na+/K+ ATPase isoforms was examined using quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR). The expressed isoforms were then localized in blastocysts using fluorescent immunostaining.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
RT-qPCR results demonstrated the expression of Na+/K+ ATPase α1, β1 and β3 isoforms in human blastocysts. Isoforms α1 and β3 were localized to the basolateral membrane of TE cells, and β1 was localized between TE cells. A high level of β3 mRNA expression correlated with easier hatching (P = 0.0261).

LARGE SCALE DATA
N/A.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
The expression of mRNA and the localization of proteins of interest were verified, but we have not been able to perform functional analysis.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
Of the various Na+/K+ ATPase isoforms, expression levels of the α1, β1 and β3 mRNAs were clearly higher than other isoforms in human blastocysts. Since α1 and β3 were localized to the basolateral membrane via fluorescent immunostaining, we believe that these subunits contribute to the dilation of the blastocoel. The β1 isoform is localized between TE cells and may be involved in tight junction formation, as previously reported in mouse embryos.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
This work was supported by the JSPS KAKENHI (https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/index.html), grant number 17K11215. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. The authors have no conflicts of interest.
A single-centre, retrospective study of mid-term outcomes of aortic arch repair using a standardized resection and patch augmentation technique
Authors: Patukale Aditya , Shikata Fumiaki , Marathe Shilpa S , Patel Pervez , Marathe Supreet P , Colen Timothy , Venugopal Prem ,   QPCR Group, Suna Jessica , Betts Kim , Karl Tom R , Johnson Janelle , Versluis Kathryn , Alphonso Nelson 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to evaluate the mid-term outcomes after the repair of aortic arch using a standard patch augmentation technique.

METHODS
The study included all patients who underwent repair of a hypoplastic/interrupted aortic arch (IAA) in a single institute from June 2012 to December 2019 by a standardized patch augmentation (irrespective of concomitant intra-cardiac lesions). End points evaluated were reintervention for arch obstruction and persistent/new-onset hypertension.

RESULTS
The study included 149 patients [hypoplastic aortic arch, n = 92 (62%), IAA, n = 9 (6%), Norwood procedure, n = 48 (32%)]. The patch material used for augmentation of the aortic arch included pulmonary homograft (n = 120, 81%), homograft pericardium (n = 18, 12%), CardioCel® (n = 9, 6%) and glutaraldehyde-treated autologous pericardium (n = 2, 1%). The median age and weight at surgery were 7 days [interquartile range (IQR) 5–17 days] and 3.5 kg (IQR 3–3.9 kg), respectively. The median follow-up was 3.27 years (IQR 1.28, 5.08), range (0.02, 8.76). Freedom from reintervention at 1, 3 and 5 years was 95% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 89%, 98%], 93% (95% CI = 86%, 96%) and 93% (95% CI = 86%, 96%) respectively. One patient (0.6%) had persistent hypertension 8 years after correction for interrupted arch with truncus arteriosus.

CONCLUSIONS
Repair of hypoplastic/IAA by transection and excision of all ductal tissue and standardized patch augmentation provide good mid-term durability. The freedom from reintervention at 5 years is &gt;90%. The incidence of persistent systemic hypertension following arch reconstruction is low. The technique is reproducible and applicable irrespective of underlying arch anatomy.
Early and late results of mitral valve repair with anterior leaflet patch augmentation
Authors: Kehara Hiromu , Minakata Kenji , McCarthy James , Sunagawa Gengo , Mangukia Chirantan , Brann Stacey , Zhao Huaqing , Boova Robert , Toyoda Yoshiya 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to determine the long-term results of mitral valve (MV) repair with anterior leaflet patch augmentation.

METHODS
Between 2012 and 2015, 45 patients underwent MV repair using the anterior leaflet patch augmentation technique at our institution. The mean age of the patients was 65.9 ± 13.0 years (16 males). We reviewed the MV pathology and the surgical techniques used and assessed the early and late results.

RESULTS
In terms of MV pathology, 43 patients (95.6%) had pure mitral regurgitation (MR) and 2 patients (4.4%) had mixed mitral stenosis and MR. Rheumatic changes were seen in 18 patients (40.0%). Postoperative echocardiography showed that 95.6% of patients had none to mild MR. During a median follow-up period of 5.5 years (range 0.1–8.3 years), there were 8 late deaths. Nine patients (20%) required reoperation. The mean interval between the initial operation and redo operation was 3.7 ± 3.1 years (range: 0.4–7.8 years). The causes of reoperation included patch dehiscence (n = 4), progression of mitral stenosis (n = 2), band dehiscence (n = 1), patch enlargement (n = 1) and unknown (n = 1). Eight patients underwent MV replacement and 1 underwent repeat MV repair. The freedom from reoperation at 3 and 5 years was 85.7 ± 6.7% and 81.2 ± 7.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
Anterior leaflet patch augmentation can provide excellent early results in the majority of the patients even in the presence of rheumatic pathology; however, we observed late reoperation in 20% of patients. Thus, this technique should be used with caution and careful follow-up with serial echocardiography is essential.
Normothermic blood polarizing versus depolarizing cardioplegia in a porcine model of cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Kramer Anne-Margarethe , Kiss Attila , Heber Stefan , Chambers David J , Hallström Seth , Pilz Patrick M , Podesser Bruno K , Santer David 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
We have previously demonstrated beneficial cardiac protection with hypothermic polarizing cardioplegia compared to a hyperkalemic depolarizing cardioplegia. In this study, a porcine model of cardiopulmonary bypass was used to compare the protective effects of normothermic blood-based polarizing and depolarizing cardioplegia during cardiac arrest.

METHODS
Thirteen pigs were randomized to receive either normothermic polarizing (n = 8) or depolarizing (n = 5) blood-based cardioplegia. After initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass, normothermic arrest (34°C, 60 min) was followed by 60 min of on-pump and 90 min of off-pump reperfusion. Primary outcome was myocardial injury measured as arterial myocardial creatine kinase concentration. Secondary outcome was haemodynamic function and the energy state of the hearts.

RESULTS
During reperfusion, release of myocardial creatine kinase was comparable between groups (P = 0.36). In addition, most haemodynamic parameters showed comparable results between groups, but stroke volume (P = 0.03) was significantly lower in the polarizing group. Adenosine triphosphate levels were significantly (18.41 ± 3.86 vs 22.97 ± 2.73 nmol/mg; P = 0.03) lower in polarizing hearts, and the requirement for noradrenaline administration (P = 0.002) and temporary pacing (6 vs 0; P = 0.02) during reperfusion were significantly higher in polarizing hearts.

CONCLUSIONS
Under normothermic conditions, polarizing blood cardioplegia was associated with similar myocardial injury to depolarizing blood cardioplegia. Reduced haemodynamic and metabolic outcome and a higher need for temporary pacing with polarized arrest may be associated with the blood-based dilution of this solution.
Functional Antibody Responses to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Variants in Children With Coronavirus Disease 2019, Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, and After Two Doses of BNT162b2 Vaccination
Authors: Rostad Christina A , Chen Xuemin , Sun He ying , Hussaini Laila , Lu Austin , Perez Maria A , Hsiao Hui Mien , Anderson Larry J , Anderson Evan J 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Background
Although neutralizing antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) correlate with protection against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), little is known about the neutralizing and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) responses to COVID-19, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), and COVID-19 vaccination in children.

Methods
We enrolled children 0–21 years of age with a history of COVID-19 (n = 13), MIS-C (n = 13), or 2 doses of BNT162b2 vaccination (n = 14) into a phlebotomy protocol. We measured pseudovirus neutralizing and functional ADCC antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron (B.1.1.529).

Results
The primary BNT162b2 vaccination series elicited higher neutralizing and ADCC responses with greater breadth to SARS-CoV-2 variants than COVID-19 or MIS-C, although these were diminished against Omicron.

Conclusions
Serologic responses were significantly reduced against variants, particularly Omicron.
Heterogeneity in Staphylococcus aureus Bacteraemia Clinical Trials Complicates Interpretation of Findings
Authors: Dolby Heather W , Clifford Sarah A , Laurenson Ian F , Fowler Vance G , Russell Clark D 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
We systematically evaluated randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) for Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB). There was intertrial heterogeneity in cohort characteristics, including bacteremia source, complicated SAB, and comorbidities. Reporting of cohort characteristics was itself variable, including bacteremia source and illness severity. Selection bias was introduced by exclusion criteria relating to comorbidities, illness severity, infection types, and source control. Mortality was lower in RCT control arms compared with observational cohorts. Differences in outcome definitions impedes meta-analysis. These issues complicate the interpretation and application of SAB RCT results. The value of these trials should be maximized by a standardized approach to recruitment, definitions, and reporting.