bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TFIIB-related factor 1 is a nucleolar protein that promotes RNA polymerase I-directed transcription and tumour cell growth
Authors: Wang Juan , Chen Qiyue , Wang Xin , Zhao Shasha , Deng Huan , Guo Baoqiang , Zhang Cheng , Song Xiaoye , Deng Wensheng , Zhang Tongcun , Ni Hongwei 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Eukaryotic RNA polymerase I (Pol I) products play fundamental roles in ribosomal assembly, protein synthesis, metabolism and cell growth. Abnormal expression of both Pol I transcription-related factors and Pol I products causes a range of diseases, including ribosomopathies and cancers. However, the factors and mechanisms governing Pol I-dependent transcription remain to be elucidated. Here, we report that transcription factor IIB-related factor 1 (BRF1), a subunit of transcription factor IIIB required for RNA polymerase III (Pol III)-mediated transcription, is a nucleolar protein and modulates Pol I-mediated transcription. We showed that BRF1 can be localized to the nucleolus in several human cell types. BRF1 expression correlates positively with Pol I product levels and tumour cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Pol III transcription inhibition assays confirmed that BRF1 modulates Pol I-directed transcription in an independent manner rather than through a Pol III product-to-45S pre-rRNA feedback mode. Mechanistically, BRF1 binds to the Pol I transcription machinery components and can be recruited to the rDNA promoter along with them. Additionally, alteration of BRF1 expression affects the recruitment of Pol I transcription machinery components to the rDNA promoter and the expression of TBP and TAF1A. These findings indicate that BRF1 modulates Pol I-directed transcription by controlling the expression of selective factor 1 subunits. In summary, we identified a novel role of BRF1 in Pol I-directed transcription, suggesting that BRF1 can independently regulate both Pol I- and Pol III-mediated transcription and act as a key coordinator of Pol I and Pol III.
Plasma proteomics identifies CRTAC1 as a biomarker for osteoarthritis severity and progression
Authors: Szilagyi Ingrid A , Vallerga Costanza L , Boer Cindy G , Schiphof Dieuwke , Ikram M Arfan , Bierma-Zeinstra Sita M A , van Meurs Joyce B J 
Published: August 2022

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to identify biomarkers for radiographic OA severity and progression acting within the inflammation and metabolic pathways.MethodsFor 3517 Rotterdam Study participants, 184 plasma protein levels were measured using Olink inflammation and cardiometabolic panels. We studied associations with severity and progression of knee, hip and hand OA and a composite overall OA burden score by multivariable regression models, adjusting for age, sex, cell counts and BMI.ResultsWe found 18 significantly associated proteins for overall OA burden, of which 5 stayed significant after multiple testing correction: circulating cartilage acidic protein 1 (CRTAC1), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), thrombospondin 4, IL-18 receptor 1 (IL-18R1) and TNF ligand superfamily member 14. These proteins were also associated with progression of knee OA, with the exception of IL-18R1. The strongest association was found for the level of CRTAC1, with 1 s.d. increase in protein level resulting in an increase of 0.09 (95% CI 0.06, 0.12) in the overall OA Kellgren–Lawrence sum score (P = 2.9 × 10−8) in the model adjusted for age, sex, BMI and cell counts. This association was also present with the severity of OA in all three joints and progression of knee OA and was independent of BMI. We observed a stronger association for CRTAC1 with OA than for the well-known OA biomarker COMP.ConclusionWe identified several compelling biomarkers reflecting the overall OA burden and the increased risk for OA progression. CRTAC1 was the most compelling and robust biomarker for OA severity and progression. Such a biomarker may be used for disease monitoring.
RESPONSE OF CURRENT AREA DOSEMETERS TO NEW OPERATIONAL QUANTITIES
Authors: Čemusová Zina , Ekendahl Daniela , Judas Libor , Kapuciánová Michaela , Kuča Petr , Vykydal Zdeněk 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
New operational quantities for external radiation exposure presented by the ICRU brought changes, which can affect the use of current dosemeters. Dosemeters calibrated in the old quantities should be tested, and the results obtained should be analyzed with respect to the new quantities. The difference between the old and new quantities depends primarily on photon energy. This work concerns instruments for area monitoring, which were exposed to reference photon and neutron spectra of mean energies from 65 to 1250 keV and from 0.02 to 10 MeV, respectively. As expected, it was revealed that the current photon dosemeters overestimate the new quantity ambient dose. For the measurements within the energy interval chosen, it seems to be acceptable to implement a correction factor to optimize the response. For the purposes of measurements of photons of lower energies, further research would be needed. To adapt the response of the neutron dosemeter tested, recalibration or redesign can be considered, but no fundamental changes seem to be necessary for the investigated spectra.
Effects of Antipsychotic Medications and Illness Duration on Brain Features That Distinguish Schizophrenia Patients
Authors: Zeng Jiaxin , Zhang Wenjing , Wu Guorong , Wang Xiaowan , Shah Chandan , Li Siyi , Xiao Yuan , Yao Li , Cao Hengyi , Li Zhenlin , Sweeney John A , Lui Su , Gong Qiyong 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Background and Hypothesis
Previous studies have reported effects of antipsychotic treatment and illness duration on brain features. This study used a machine learning approach to examine whether these factors in aggregate impacted the utility of MRI features for differentiating individual schizophrenia patients from healthy controls.

Study Design
This case-control study used patients with never-treated first-episode schizophrenia (FES, n = 179) and long-term ill schizophrenia (LTSZ, n = 30), with follow-up of the FES group after treatment (n = 71), a group of patients who had received long-term antipsychotic treatment (n = 93) and age and sex-matched healthy controls (n = 373) for each patient group. A multiple kernel learning classifier combining both structural and functional brain features was used to discriminate individual patients from controls.

Study Results
MRI features differentiated untreated FES (0.73) and LTSZ (0.83) patients from healthy controls with moderate accuracy, but accuracy was significantly higher in antipsychotic-treated FES (0.94) and LTSZ (0.98) patients. Treatment was associated with significantly increased accuracy of case identification in both early course and long-term ill patients (both p &lt; .001). Effects of illness duration, examined separately in treated and untreated patients, were less robust.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that initiation of antipsychotic treatment alters brain features in ways that further distinguish individual schizophrenia patients from healthy individuals, and have a modest effect of illness duration. Intrinsic illness-related brain alterations in untreated patients, regardless of illness duration, are not sufficiently robust for accurate identification of schizophrenia patients.
Factors Associated with Infant Deaths in Indonesia: An Analysis of the 2012 and 2017 Indonesia Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Wardani Yuniar , Huang Ya-Li , Chuang Ying-Chih 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Background
This exploratory study aimed to investigate factors related to infant deaths using a conceptual framework that explains the risk factors of infant deaths in developing countries.

Methods
The study adopted a cross-sectional study design and used data from the 2012 and 2017 Indonesia Demographic and Health Surveys, with a sample of 3694 singleton live births in 2012 and 3413 in 2017.

Results
Female infants had a lower chance of mortality compared to male infants [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.51; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.34–0.77]. Infants with a smaller birth size had a higher risk of infant death compared to those with an average size (aOR = 5.66; 95% CI = 3.66–8.77). The risk of infant death with a preceding birth interval of ≥24 months was lower than that with a preceding birth interval of &lt;24 months (aOR = 0.48; 95% CI = 0.26–0.90). An older maternal age was a risk factor for infant death compared to younger mothers (aOR = 3.61; 95% CI = 1.42–9.23). Infants who were born in Sumatra (aOR = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.16–0.89) and Java and Bali (aOR = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.14–0.78) were less likely to die than infants who were born in Papua and Maluku.

Conclusions
A higher infant death risk was associated with male babies and a shorter birth interval (&lt;24 months). Mothers who perceived their babies to be small and mothers who were older (35–49 years old) were high-risk factors for infant mortality. Mothers who lived in Java and Bali as well as Sumatera were less likely to experience infant mortality compared to those who lived in Papua and Maluku.
Treatment Strategies for Obstetric Puerperal Genital Hematomas
Authors: Gutierrez Allison J. , Dawodu Konyinsola , Mayer Kaitlyn Huegel , McGill April L. 
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:
Puerperal genital hematoma is an infrequent but potentially life-threatening complication of childbirth. There are three approaches to care: expectant management, surgical evacuation, or uterine artery embolization.

CASES:
This retrospective case series compares the clinical courses of three patients who developed puerperal genital hematoma and were managed differently. We report the length of time to complete resolution of the hematomas and the associated morbidities for each patient.

CONCLUSION:
All three management approaches of puerperal genital hematoma can be effective. Among our three patients, surgical intervention of the puerperal genital hematoma provided the most prompt and definitive management with resolution of all symptoms in 9 days, compared with 3 weeks for expectant management and 20 weeks for treatment with uterine artery embolization. Intervention should be individualized based on the patient's symptoms, stability, and desires with consideration of the hematoma size and location as well as available institutional resources.
Trial of Labor Compared With Elective Cesarean Delivery for Low-Lying Placenta
Authors: Froeliger Alizée , Madar Hugo , Jeanneteau Pauline , Ruiz Vanessa , Le Lous Maela , Perrotin Franck , Winer Norbert , Dreyfus Michel , Merviel Philippe , Mattuizzi Aurélien , Jauniaux Eric , Sentilhes Loïc 
Published: August 2022

OBJECTIVE:
To compare outcomes of women with low-lying placenta by planned mode of delivery and distance from the internal os distance.

METHODS:
Six tertiary maternity hospitals in France participated in this retrospective multicenter study of births from 2007–2012. Women with low-lying placenta, defined as an internal os distance of 20 mm or less, who gave birth after 35 weeks of gestation were included and classified in the planned trial-of-labor or elective cesarean delivery groups. The primary endpoint was severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) defined as blood loss exceeding 1,000 mL. Secondary outcomes were composite variables of severe maternal and neonatal morbidity. We used multivariable logistic regression and propensity scores to compare outcomes by planned mode of delivery.

RESULTS:
Among 128,233 births during the study period, 171 (0.13%) women had low-lying placenta: 70 (40.9%) in the trial-of-labor group and 101 (59.1%) who underwent elective cesarean delivery. The rate of severe PPH was 22.9% (16/70, 95% CI 13.7–34.4) for the trial-of-labor group and 23.0% (23/101, 95% CI 15.2–32.5) for the cesarean delivery group (P=.9); severe maternal and neonatal morbidity rates were likewise similar (2.9% vs 2.0% [P=.7] and 12.9% vs 9.9% [P=.5], respectively). Trial-of-labor was not significantly associated with a higher rate of severe PPH after multivariable logistic regression and propensity score-weighted analysis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.42, 95% CI 0.62–3.24 [P=.4]; and aOR 1.34, 95% CI 0.53–3.38 [P=.5], respectively). The vaginal delivery rate in the trial-of-labor group was 50.0% (19/38) in those with an internal os distance of 11–20 mm and 18.5% (5/27) in those with a distance of 1–10 mm.

CONCLUSION:
Our results support a policy of offering a trial of labor to women with low-lying placenta after 35 weeks of gestation and an internal os distance of 11–20 mm. An internal os distance of 1–10 mm reduces the likelihood of vaginal birth considerably, compared with 11–20 mm, but without increasing the incidence of severe PPH or severe maternal morbidity.
Acute Pelvic Pain Due to Spontaneous Hemorrhage of a Gartner Duct Cyst
Authors: Quinto Lauren , Huff Cristina Wallace , Page-Ramsey Sarah M. 
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:
Gartner duct cysts develop from mesonephric duct remnants. They are usually small and asymptomatic, but complications can arise and are uncommonly reported.

CASE:
A 44-year-old patient presented with acute pelvic pain and pressure, a new vaginal mass, and urinary retention. Examination and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large, expanding, complex paravaginal mass with extension into the paracervical and ischiorectal spaces, causing cephalad displacement of the uterus. A vaginal approach to cyst incision, hemorrhage control, and marsupialization resulted in complete resolution of symptoms. Pathology demonstrated a Gartner duct cyst without evidence of malignancy.

CONCLUSION:
Spontaneous hemorrhage of a Gartner duct cyst, although rare, may cause acute symptoms and a new vaginal mass. This diagnosis should be considered in the evaluation of acute-onset pelvic pressure and pain.
Association of Progestogens and Venous Thromboembolism Among Women of Reproductive Age
Authors: Cockrum Richard H. , Soo Jackie , Ham Sandra A. , Cohen Kenneth S. , Snow Shari G. 
Published: August 2022

OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate associations between use of seven progestogens and incident acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) among women of reproductive age.

METHODS:
This nested matched case–control study identified women aged 15–49 years from January 1, 2010, through October 8, 2018, in the IBM MarketScan databases, a nationwide sample of private insurance claims in the United States. After exclusions, 21,405 women with incident acute VTE (case group), identified by diagnosis codes, were matched 1:5 by year of birth and index date through risk set sampling to 107,025 women without prior VTE (control group). From lowest to highest systemic dose based on a modified hierarchy, progestogens studied were levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD), oral norethindrone, etonogestrel implant, oral progesterone, oral medroxyprogesterone acetate, oral norethindrone acetate, and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). Conditional logistic regression models adjusted for 16 VTE risk factors were used to estimate odds ratios and 99% CIs for incident acute VTE associated with current progestogen use compared with nonuse. The primary analysis treated each progestogen as a binary exposure. Dose, which varied for oral formulations, and chronicity were explored separately. Significance was set at P<.01 to allow for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS:
Current use of higher-dose progestogens was significantly associated with increased odds of VTE compared with nonuse (oral norethindrone acetate: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.00, 99% CI 1.96–4.59; DMPA: aOR 2.37, 99% CI 1.95–2.88; and oral medroxyprogesterone acetate: aOR 1.98, 99% CI 1.41–2.80). Current use of other progestogens was not significantly different from nonuse (LNG-IUD, etonogestrel implant, and oral progesterone) or had reduced odds of VTE (oral norethindrone). Sensitivity analyses that assessed misclassification bias supported the primary findings.

CONCLUSION:
Among reproductive-aged women using one of seven progestogens, only use of norethindrone acetate and medroxyprogesterone acetate—considered higher-dose progestogens—was significantly associated with increased odds of incident acute VTE. The roles of progestogen type, dose, and indication for use warrant further study.
Rate of Mesh Erosion After Sacrocolpopexy With Concurrent Supracervical Compared With Total Hysterectomy
Authors: Nassif Joseph , Yadav Ghanshyam S. , Orejuela Francisco J. , Turrentine Mark A. 
Published: August 2022

OBJECTIVE:
To estimate the effect of concomitant supracervical hysterectomy compared with total hysterectomy during abdominal sacrocolpopexy on the rate of mesh erosion by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of the existing literature.

DATA SOURCES:
From database inception through January 2022, we explored MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Studies comparing the rate of mesh erosion in women undergoing abdominal sacrocolpopexy who had concomitant supracervical hysterectomy compared with total hysterectomy were included.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS:
Two reviewers separately ascertained studies, obtained data, and gauged study quality. The rate of mesh erosion was compared, and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were estimated.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS:
Nineteen studies with 10,572 women who underwent abdominal sacrocolpopexy were identified, including 4,285 women in the supracervical group and 6,287 women in the total hysterectomy group. The overall mean postprocedure follow-up time was 30.7±15.1 months (median 12.4, range 1.5–44.2). The median (95% CI) point prevalence of mesh erosion was 0.36% (0–1.9%) in women who had supracervical hysterectomy compared with 3.8% (1.8–8.7%) in women who had total hysterectomy. The overall rate of mesh erosion in women who had supracervical hysterectomy was lower compared with women who had total hysterectomy (pooled OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.18–0.38, I2 0%).

CONCLUSION:
In women with symptomatic apical pelvic organ prolapse who undergo abdominal sacrocolpopexy with concomitant hysterectomy, supracervical hysterectomy is associated with a lower risk of mesh erosion compared with total hysterectomy.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION:
PROSPERO, CRD42022301862.
Screening for High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Using Passive, Self-Collected Menstrual Blood
Authors: Naseri Sara , Young Stephen , Cruz Giovanna , Blumenthal Paul D. 
Published: August 2022

OBJECTIVE:
To assess concordance and acceptability of a modified menstrual pad compared with a clinician-collected high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) sample.

METHODS:
This was a prospective observational study. Women presenting for either cervical cancer screening or with a history of high-risk HPV positivity were eligible. Three samples were requested from participants: 1) clinician-collected cervical specimens; 2) self-collected vaginal swabs; and 3) a modified menstrual pad, which was taken home for use during the next menstruation. All samples were processed using the Cobas HPV test. Menstrual pad dried blood spots were eluted, then similarly processed.

RESULTS:
Of 153 women enrolled in the study, 106 provided menstrual pad samples and clinician-collected cervical specimens for high-risk HPV analysis. For samples in which the interval between the clinician-collected specimen and the menstrual pad sample was less than 2 months, the concordance was 94% (95% CI 83–98). For women who tested positive for high-risk HPV who presented for general screening and those with more than cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2, menstrual pad and clinician-collected specimen agreement was 100% (95% CI 32.5–100). Among participants, 22.9% expressed discomfort with the self-collected vaginal swabs and opted out of collection. Overall, 94.0% of participants preferred the menstrual pad over clinician-collected sampling. Twelve patients were found to be positive for HPV on the menstrual pad sample but negative on the clinician-collected specimen.

CONCLUSION:
Among women who tested positive for HPV, the menstrual pad showed highly concordant results compared with clinician-collected sampling. This collection approach shows promise for integration into cervical cancer prevention programs.
Ageing impairs the neuro-vascular interface in the heart
Authors: Wagner Julian U. G. , Tombor Lukas , Malacarne Pedro Felipe , Kettenhausen Lisa-Maria , Panthel Josefine , Cipca Maria , Stilz Kathrin A. , Fischer Ariane , Muhly-Reinholz Marion , Abplanalp Wesley T. , John David , Buchmann Giulia K. , Angendohr Stephan , Amin Ehsan , Scherschel Katharina , Klöcker Nikolaj , Kelm Malte , Schüttler Dominik , Clauss Sebastian , Guenther Stefan , Boettger Thomas , Braun Thomas , Bär Christian , Nardini Eleonora , Osmanagic-Myers Selma , Meyer Christian , Zeiher Andreas M. , Brandes Ralf P. , Luxán Guillermo , Dimmeler Stefanie 
Published: August 2022

AbstractAging is a major risk factor for impaired cardiovascular health. The aging myocardium is characterized by electrophysiological dysfunctions such as a reduced heart rate variability. These alterations can be intrinsic within cardiomyocytes, but might be modulated by the cardiac autonomic nervous system, as well1. It is known that nerves align with vessels during development2, but the impact of aging on the cardiac neuro-vascular interface is unknown. Here, we report that aging reduces nerve density specifically in the left ventricle and dysregulates vascular-derived neuro-regulatory genes. Aging leads further to a down-regulation of miR-145 and de-repression of the neuro-repulsive factor Semaphorin-3A. miR-145 deletion increased Sema3a expression and reduced axon density, thus mimicking the observed aged heart phenotype. Removal of senescent cells, which accumulated with chronological age while nerve density declined, rescued from age-induced dennervation, reduced Sema3a expression and preserved heart rate variability. These data suggest that senescence-associated regulation of neuro-regulatory genes contributes to a declined nerve density of the aging heart and thereby to a reduced heart rate variability.
How researchers experience the impact of consortia and ERC funding schemes on their science
Authors: Meirmans Stephanie , Paul Herman J. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractPolicy makers push for consortia science geared towards addressing important issues. Such consortia are expected to target societal problems, be international, to engage in trans- or interdisciplinary research, to involve stakeholders and have specific plans for implementation. For example, Horizon Europe focuses on five missions that are being targeted by such type of consortia. This, however, does not seem to be the type of funding that active researchers appreciate the most: a recent letter signed by over 24.000 researchers clearly shows their preference for ERC grants. What are the underlying reasons for this difference? Here, we share insights on how natural science and medical researchers experience the impact of these funding schemes using interviews. Our findings highlight that the two different types of funding schemes have a different performative effect on research, and that ERC-type funding aligns most with how scientists think research should best be conducted.