bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effortless retaliation: the neural dynamics of interpersonal intentions in the Chicken Game using brain–computer interface
Authors: Wang Yiwen , Lin Yuxiao , Fu Chao , Huang Zhihua , Xiao Shaobei , Yu Rongjun
Published: May 2021

The desire for retaliation is a common response across a majority of human societies. However, the neural mechanisms underlying aggression and retaliation remain unclear. Previous studies on social intentions are confounded by a low-level response-related brain activity. Using an Electroencephalogram (EEG)-based brain–computer interface combined with the Chicken Game, our study examined the neural dynamics of aggression and retaliation after controlling for nonessential response-related neural signals. Our results show that aggression is associated with reduced alpha event-related desynchronization (alpha-ERD), indicating reduced mental effort. Moreover, retaliation and tit-for-tat strategy use are also linked with smaller alpha-ERD. Our study provides a novel method to minimize motor confounds and demonstrates that choosing aggression and retaliation is less effortful in social conflicts.
Black Political Worlds in Port Cities: Garveyism in 1920s Britain
Authors: Thorold Jake
Published: May 2021

The presence of Jamaican activist Marcus Garvey’s Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) in the British ports of London, Manchester, Cardiff, and Barry during the 1920s has yet to be charted by historians of either Garveyism or Black Britain. Uncovering this history provides fresh insights into both fields. Far from the localism emphasized by much of recent Garveyism historiography, followers of the movement in Britain were closely connected to their fellow Garveyites distributed around the globe. Meanwhile, although recent literature on the transnational character of Black Britain has detailed the activism of relatively elite figures and groups, the presence of Garveyism in port areas elucidates an alternative vein of diasporic Black political culture among working-class seafaring communities extending beyond the capital. Far from the parochial victims portrayed in much historiography, Black people living in Britain’s ports were deeply invested in the global project of Garveyism. Through their travels, readings of and writings to the UNIA’s Negro World newspaper, and participation in sophisticated aural and visual cultures, Garveyites in Britain connected their struggles to a mass diasporic movement which profoundly altered global Black politics.
Teacher Beliefs: Why They Matter and What They Are
Authors: Sabarwal Shwetlena , Abu-Jawdeh Malek , Kapoor Radhika
Published: May 2021

Teacher effectiveness is low in many developing countries. How can it be improved? We show that understanding teacher beliefs may be an important but overlooked part of the puzzle. Our review of recent evidence shows that teacher beliefs can impact student outcomes directly; they can also mediate policy implementation. Despite this, we find that teacher beliefs are seldom accounted for or even measured in impact evaluations of teacher-focused programs. Most of these programs ultimately fail to change teacher behavior. Next, using survey data from 20,000 teachers across nine developing countries, we discuss teacher beliefs about their role, their effort, and their students’ learning. We uncover four insights. First, teachers exhibit fixed mindsets on the learning potential of disadvantaged students. For instance, nearly 43 percent of teachers believe that “there is little they can do to help a student learn” if parents are uneducated. Second, in most countries, more teachers believe that students deserve additional attention if they are performing well than if they are lagging behind. This suggests that teachers may be reinforcing rather than compensating for baseline gaps in student levels. Third, there is some normalization of absenteeism—nearly one in four teachers believe it is acceptable to be absent if students are left with work to do. Finally, teacher support for pay-for-performance varies widely across countries.
3. EXTRACRANIAL CAROTID AND VERTEBRAL ARTERIES PROFILE IN DIZZINES
Authors: Sugiono Eko , Kurniawan Mohammad , Mesiano Taufik , Rasyid Al , Hidayat Rakhmad , Harris Salim
Published: May 2021

Background:

Dizziness is one of the most common neurologic symptoms found in clinical practice. Carotid and vertebral ultrasound can be performed to detect any factors predisposing dizziness.

Objective:

This study aimed to describe the profile of extracranial carotid and vertebral arteries using carotid and vertebral ultrasound in dizziness.

Methods:

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study using the registry of Neurology Outpatient Clinic, RSUPN Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo, Jakarta from January 2018 until September 2020. Characteristics of subjects with dizziness were evaluated using carotid and vertebral ultrasound.

Results:

Of 2,699 subjects referred to transcranial doppler/carotid doppler (TCD-CD) clinic, there were 121 (4.53%) with dizziness. Incomplete data of 48 subjects were excluded. There were 42 (57.5%) female and 31 (42.5%) male with the mean age of 53.9 ± 14.5 years. Hypertension was found in 43 (58.9%) subjects. Thickening of intima medial complex was found in 20 (27.4%) subjects. Carotid artery abnormalities were found in 23 (31.5%) subjects. Soft plaque, hard plaque, and mixed plaque were found in 9, 8, and 1 subject, respectively. Tortous arteries were found in 3 subjects. Vertebral artery abnormalities were found in 3 (4.1%) subjects, in which 2 subjects had stenosis in bilateral vertebral arteries and one subject had occlusion in right vertebral artery.

Conclusion:

Carotid and vertebral ultrasound can be performed in dizziness to evaluate extracranial carotid and vertebral arteries as one of the risk factors of dizziness. Some extracranial carotid and vertebral artery abnormalities including artherosclorosis, plaque, and stenosis may present in dizziness.
7. THE EFFECT OF SLEEP DURATION ON SYSTOLIC PRESSURE AND NITRIC OXIDE CONCENTRATION IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS
Authors: Rachmawati Ermin , Riskiyah  , Kholis Mukhamad Nur
Published: May 2021

Background:

Poor blood pressure control of hypertensive patients is caused partially by bad lifestyle management, which increases the risk of a cardiovascular event by stimulating the defective endothelial function.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the effect of night sleep duration on systolic blood pressure and nitric oxide concentration in hypertensive patients.

Methods:

60 hypertensive patients age >40 years based on the medical record participated in this study. The sleep duration and sleep quality were performed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire. The 40 participants thus selected randomly for the nitric oxide concentration assay using Nitric Oxide Salivary Elisa Kit ab65238.

Results:

53 participants experienced night sleep duration ≤6 hours, and 44 (73.7%) participants had poor sleep quality. Night sleep duration was associated significantly with hypertensive patients’ systolic blood pressure (p = 0.000 < 0.05; Odds ratio = 0.008).

Conclusion:

A 1 % increase in night sleep duration can reduce systolic pressure by 0.11 % in hypertensive patients. There was no correlation between night sleep duration on nitric oxide concentration (p > 0.05). These findings provide evidence that night sleep duration is associated strongly with the increased systolic blood pressure but not directly caused by the alteration of endothelial function.
10. BLOOD PRESSURE ON ADMISSION CHARACTERISTIC OF MULTIVESSEL DISEASE PATIENT IN ST-SEGMENTS ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION UNDERGOING PRIMARY PERCUTANEOUS INTERVENTION
Authors: Harlyjoy Beta Canina , Kuncoro Ario Soeryo , Soenarta Arieska Ann , Sukmawan Renan
Published: May 2021

Background:

In ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), several factors have been identified to be related with adverse outcome after PCI, including number of vessels involved, left ventricular function, and low TIMI flow. Blood pressure during admission is associated with risk of cardiovascular event. Component of blood pressure in STEMI patients may be correlated with in-hospital event.

Objective:

This study aimed to observe blood pressure characteristic of STEMI patients according to number of infarcted vessels at National Cardiovascular Center Harapan Kita (NCCHK).

Methods:

We collected medical record data of STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI in NCCHK from January to December 2020.

Results:

This study included 344 patients. Multivessel disease, defined as significant stenosis in3 2 major coronary arteries, occurred in 220 patients (64.0%). In the single vessel patients, LAD lesions occurred in 86 patients (69.4%), LCx in 9 patients (7.3%) and RCA in 29 patients (23.4%). Compared to single vessel patients, multivessel disease patients had lower blood pressure, with systolic blood pressure of 125.98 ± 25.77 vs 127.72 ± 23.11 (p = 0.522), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 74: 28–128 vs 79: 47–123 (p = 0.006) and mean arterial pressure of 91.67: 47–147 vs 95.17: 58–142 (p = 0.052). Chi-Square test showed that DBP < 70 mmHg is associated with multivessel disease, odds ratio of 1.75 with 95% CI of 1.10–2.79 (p = 0.018). In the single-vessel patients, there were statistically significant difference of DBP according to the culprit lesions. Patients with LAD lesion tend to have higher DBP (81: 51–120 vs 75.5: 47–123, p = 0.021) while RCA lesion tend to have lower DBP (74: 47–123 vs 81: 51–120, p = 0.029)

Conclusion:

Lower diastolic blood pressure is associated with multivessel disease in STEMI patients undergoing PCI.
28. USEFULNESS OF NEUTROPHIL-TO-LYMPHOCYTE RATIO (NLR) AS A PREDICTOR FOR LEFT VENTRICULAR HYPERTROPHY (LVH) IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSES
Authors: Multazam Rachmatu Bill , Nawing Aqila Ghaezany , Kamarullah William , Josephine Claudia Mary , Nurcahyani
Published: May 2021

Background:

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a common pathological change in hypertension, which is a marker for cardiovascular events and mortality. Inflammation as well as ischemia play significant roles and are the leading pathways in left ventricular remodeling. Thus, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), an inflammatory marker, was suggested to be predictive of LVH in hypertensive patients.

Objective:

Our aim was to review all studies that assessed the value of NLR in predicting LVH in hypertension.

Methods:

We performed a systematic literature search on the topic from several electronic databases (PubMed, Europe PMC, ProQuest, EBSCOhost, and Google Scholar) from inception to January 2021. The standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated and pooled to investigate the effect sizes.

Results:

Meta-analysis of two studies showed that increase in NLR was associated with higher risk of developing LVH in patients with hypertension (SMD = 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.12–1.25, Z = 2.36, P = 0.02) compared with control group. Additionally, further subgroup analyses of LVH categorization stratified by Ganau's classification showed significant higher NLR value in eccentric LVH subgroup (SMD = 1.22, 95% CI = 0.08–2.36, Z = 2.11, P = 0.04) although no significant difference was observed in other three subgroups.

Conclusion:

In this current meta-analysis, we concluded that NLR is a reliable and inexpensive biomarker to help determine risk of developing LVH in patients with hypertension.
30. SHOULD WE LOWER THE INTIMA MEDIA THICKNESS CUT OFF TO 0.9 TO START SECONDARY STROKE PREVENTION IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS?
Authors: Dewi Ahdinar Rosdiana , Mesiano Taufik , Kurniawan Mohammad , Hidayat Rakhmad , Rasyid Al , Harris Salim
Published: May 2021

Background:

Hypertension is a common risk factor of stroke. Carotid intima media thickening (IMT) is an early sign of atherosclerosis in stroke patient.

Objective:

This study aimed to found IMT cut off difference in hypertension and non-hypertension stroke patient.

Methods:

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study using stroke registry in Neurology Outpatient Clinic, RSUPN Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo, Jakarta, in January–December 2020. Hypertension was measured clinically, whereas IMT was measured using carotid duplex. Subjects were categorized into hypertension and non-hypertension. Patients with diabetes mellitus were excluded. Univariate analysis and Mann-Whitney test were performed to evaluate the differences.

Result:

Of 108 subjects with the mean age of 56.13 + 10.98 years, 73 (67,6%) subjects were male. The proportion of hypertension was 53.7%. The median of left CIMT in hypertension and non-hypertension group were 0.955 (0.5–1.55) and 0.8 (0.4–1.1) (p < 0.001). The median of right IMT in hypertension and non-hypertension group were 0.9 (0.4–1.6) and 0.8 (0.4–1) (p = 0.038).

Discussion:

Hypertension may cause sheer stress and inflammation at bilateral endothelium common carotid artery (CCA), which predisposed to atherosclerosis and manifested into IMT. The current guideline recommended IMT threshold value of 1 mm to be associated with greater risk to develop a new vascular event. In this study, we found that median of IMT was 0.9 mm in stroke with hypertension patients, which was lower than currently recommended cut off.

Conclusion:

IMT 0.9 mm should be considered as a new value to start secondary stroke prevention in hypertension patients.
38. HYPERTENSION HAS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE INCIDENCE OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE, STUDY ON CARDIAC CATHETHERIZATION LABORATORY BANJAR REGIONAL HOSPITAL WEST JAVA
Authors: Egi D.S. , Asep S.A.S.
Published: May 2021

Background:

RISKESDAS in 2018 found the result prevalence hypertension in Indonesian people at the age above 18 years is 34.11%. West Java has a prevalence of hypertension above the national rate around 39.60% which is the second national rank. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is common cardiovascular disease which is a result of various cardiovascular risk factors. Hypertension is a risk factor of coronary artery disease. This study tries to describe the various risk factors that affect to coronary artery disease diagnosed by coronary angiography at Banjar Regional Hospital, West Java in January until December 2020 focused on hypertension.

Method:

This is a retrospective descriptive study involving 211 patients who diagnosed CAD by coronary angiography in cardiac cathetherization laboratory Banjar Regional Hospital from January 2020 until December 2020. Data obtained from tracing the patients medical record. Data includes demographic characteristics, risk factors, and medical measures performed. Statistical analysis was then performed using IBM SPSS Software.

Demographic Characteristics
 

Risk Factors distribution
 

Results:

From the total of 211 patients who diagnosed CAD by coronary angiographic, 161 (76.30%) underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. The cardiovascular risk factors are divided into four major groups, including hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. Of the four cardiovascular risk factors that affect CAD, hypertension has the highest number of cases, around 161 (76.30%) patients. From 161 CAD patients who had these risk factors for hypertension 118 (55.92%) of them underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Conclusion:

Hypertension is a cardiovascular risk factor with a high prevalence case, in line with the 2018 RISKESDAS research. In this study, the incidence of hypertension is quite high, this is related to the increase in the incidence of hypertension which affects the increased incidence of coronary artery disease.
43. CORRELATION BETWEEN SERUM CREATININE AND HEMOGLOBIN LEVEL IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENT WITH HYPERTENSION: STUDY ON PRE-HEMODIALYSIS PATIENT AT RSUD ULIN BANJARMASIN
Authors: Emeralda Pradissa Avia , Adiputro Dwi Laksono
Published: May 2021

Background:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a failure of kidney function due to structural abnormality that occurs for at least 3 months with or without the decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. Hypertension is the leading cause of CKD and commonly found with prevalence ranges from 60%–90% depends on the stage of CKD. People with CKD often experience anemia as the kidney function worsens. Meanwhile, it has been known that the increase of hemoglobin level will affect to the increase of systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to analyze the correlation between serum creatinine and hemoglobin levels in CKD patients with hypertension at RSUD Ulin Banjarmasin.

Methods:

This study is analytical observational with cross sectional approach. The samples of this study consist of 40 pre-hemodialysis patients who meet the inclusion criteria at RSUD Ulin Banjarmasin between July–September 2019. The serum creatinine level and hemoglobin level were compared.

Results:

The result of this study showed the mean level of serum creatinine was 10.31 mg/dL and the mean level of hemoglobin was 7.85 g/dL. The correlation between serum creatinine and hemoglobin level was tested using Spearman correlation test and showed p value = 0.023 and r value = −0.318.

Conclusions:

There is a significant and weak negative correlation between serum creatinine and hemoglobin level in CKD patients with hypertension at RSUD Ulin Banjarmasin.
56. DECAFFEINATED LIGHT ROASTED GREEN COFFEE OR GREEN TEA, WHICH ONE AMELIORATE THE RENIN ANGOTENSIN SYSTEM IN 3T3-L1 ADIPOCYTES?
Authors: Lukitasari Mifetika , Nugroho Dwi Adi , Marlita  , Rohman Mohammad Saifur
Published: May 2021

Background:

Adipose tissue plays a central role in metabolic syndrome. Adipocyte renin angiotensin system (RAS) is overactivated in metabolic syndrome. Coffee consumption is still debatable in amelioration of metabolic syndrome condition.

Objective:

This study aimed to compare the effect of decaffeinated light roasted green coffee (GCE) and green tea extract (GTE) on RAS amelioration in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Methods:

3T3-L1 cells were maintained in DMEM high glucose containing 10% fetal bovine serum and 1% penicillin streptomycin. The cells were seeded into 12 well plate with 2 × 105 cells/well density. At day-3, the over confluent cells were subjected to differentiation by 0.5 mM IBMX, 1 mg/mL insulin, 0.25 mM dexamethasone, and 2 mM rosiglitazone and treated with either GCE or GTE at the dose of 125, 250, 500 mg/mL for 48 hours. Then, the cells were maintained in medium containing 1 mg/ml insulin for 9 days. The cells were harvested and the gene expression of angiotensinogen, AT1 receptor, apelin, and PPARɣ were analysed by RT-PCR. The angiotensin 2 level in culture supernatant was analysed by ELISA.

Results:

The angiotensin 2 level, angiotensinogen, AT1 receptor, apelin and PPARɣ were significantly (p < 0.001) lower in all treatment group compared to that of differentiated 3T3-L1 cells group. In GCE group, the lowest angiotensinogen, AT1 receptor, apelin and PPARɣ gene expression were observed in 250 μg/mL group. Moreover, In GTE group the lowest angiotensinogen, AT1 receptor, apelin and PPARɣ gene expression were observed in 125 μg/mL group. The administration of 250 μg/mL GCE or 125 μg/mL GTE resulted in similar RAS component profile (p < 0.716).

Conclusion:

This study suggested that the administration of 250 μg/mL GCE or 125 μg/mL GTE resulted in amelioration of RAS in 3T3-L1 adipocyte
64. THE USE OF CANDESARTAN PRE-STROKE AND THE STROKE OUTCOME
Authors: Pinzon Rizaldy Taslim , Gulo Lise Insanni
Published: May 2021

Background:

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability, where the main risk factor is hypertension. Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB) is the most common drug for stroke prevention in high-risk hypertensive patients.

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to see whether the candesartan pre-stroke use can improve the functional outcomes of post ischemic stroke patients.

Method:

The data were obtained from 191 retrospective observational studies. Data were collected from Stroke Registry and medical record at Bethesda Hospital Yogyakarta in 2014–2016, then analysed univariate, followed by bivariate analysis using chi-square test, independent t-test and fisher exact test for the variable which has actual count (F0), and logistic regression for multivariate analysis.

Result:

One hundred and ninety one samples were systematically reviewed to evaluate the effect of candesartan pre-stroke use on functional outcomes of post ischemic stroke patients in Bethesda hospital Yogyakarta whose range of ages was mostly between 61 and 70 years (30.9%) and were mostly male patients (56.5%). Patients with good functional outcomes (<2) were 79.6% and poor functional outcomes (?2) were 20.4%. The results of bivariate analysis showed that candesartan did not affect the improvement of clinical outcome (OR: 1.806, 95% CI: 0.591–5.519, p: 0.294), and also not better than other angiotensin receptor blocker (p = 0.505, OR = 1.472, 95% CI: 0.470–4.611). The multivariate analysis showed that sex (OR: 0.366, 95% CI: 0.156–0.858, p: 0.021), loss of consciousness (OR: 0.107, 95% CI: 0.021–0.549, p: 0.007), limb weakness (OR: 0.236, 95% CI: 0.067–0.834, p: 0.025), dyslipidemia comorbidity (OR: 2.750, 95% CI: 1.177–6.427, p: 0.019) and aphasia (OR: 0.342, 95% CI: 0.107–1.100, p: 0.072) affected the functional outcome.

Conclusion:

The candesartan pre-stroke use did not improve the functional outcome of post ischemic stroke patient.
65. PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF HYPERTENSION IN ELDERLY: SECONDARY ANALYSIS INDONESIAN FAMILY LIFE SURVEY (IFLS)
Authors: Turana Yuda , Suswanti Ika , Barus Jimmy F , Suryakusuma Linda
Published: May 2021

Introduction:

Hypertension is a risk factor of cardiovascular diseases; the prevalence was increasing in line with the older age. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension in elderly based on secondary data analysis from Indonesian Family Life Survey 2014.

Methods:

A cross sectional study design with 5145 elderly aged more than 60 years old included in this study after weighted using secondary data analysis Indonesian family life survey in 2014. Sex, education, diabetes, total cholesterol, depression and smoking were independent variables. Hypertension was defined as having mean of systole and diastole more than 140/90 mmHg based on 3 times measurement of blood pressure. Chi-Square and logistic regression test was used for analysis.

Result:

Our study found the majority of subjects were female 2734 (53.1%), and education <9 years 4021 (79.6%). The prevalence of hypertension in elderly was 62.5%. Three hundred subjects (5.8%) having diabetes, high total cholesterol 320 (6.2%), and depression 493 (12%), and current smokers 1647 (32%). Bivariate analysis showed that education <9 years, diabetes, and smoking have a significant association with hypertension (p < 0.05). A multivariate analysis found that diabetes as a dominant factor associated with hypertension in elderly after controlling sex, education, and smoking (p < 0.05; OR: 1.348).

Conclusion:

The prevalence of hypertension in elderly was high. Diabetes was found as a dominant factor associated with hypertension.
74. THE EFFECT OF CAFFEINATED COFFEE ON BLOOD PRESSURE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Tuasikal Muhammad Isra , Felani Muhammad Rizky , Fathoni Muhammad Yusuf , Sabara Saga Malela Aria
Published: May 2021

Background

: Coffee is undoubtly one of the most popular drink in the world, and Caffeine is an important component of coffee. Recent analysis of 14 different specialty coffees in the US stated that the amount of caffeine contained about 72–130 mg per 8 oz (240 ml) of brewed coffee. Caffeine exerts a variety of stimulatory effects upon the central nervous system. It has been suggested that caffeine also may be potentially hypertensive. It is important to define possible risks associated with caffeine intake.

Objective:

To review the published data related to intake of caffeinated coffee on Blood Pressure (BP) and to refer the possible mechanism of its bad effect on BP

Methods:

We performed a comprehensive search on topics that assesses effect of caffeinated coffee on blood pressure from inception up until December 2020.

Results:

We got seven specific studies that assessed the potential effects of caffeine and coffee on blood pressure. Three studies summarized that caffeinated coffee can raise both systolic and diastolic BP, with one of them stated that 250 mg of caffeine (2–3 cups of coffee) as the potential cause. One study showed SBP and DPB was greater after intake of caffeinated than decaffeinated coffee, and it stated that significant increase in brachial DBP over 90 minutes of ingestion of caffeinated coffee. One randomized control trial showed Caffeine raised both SBP and DBP (P < 0.0001) in hypertensive and normotensive baselined population.

Conclusion:

Caffeine has the effect to elevate SBP and DBP. Caffeine may cause persistent BP effects in persons who are regular caffeinated coffee drinkers. Person at risk for hypertension may be the most vulnerable to the BP effects of caffeine, therefore we conclude that hypertension risk status related to caffeinated coffee should take priority in future research specifically in Indonesia.
Impact of Vaginal Estrogen on the Urobiome in Postmenopausal Women With Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Jung Carrie E. , Estaki Mehrbod , Chopyk Jessica , Taylor Bryn C. , Gonzalez Antonio , McDonald Daniel , Shin Jenny , Ferrante Kimberly , Wasenda Erika , Lippmann Quinn , Knight Rob , Pride David , Lukacz Emily S.
Published: May 2021

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe effects of vaginal estrogen (VE) on the urogenital microbiome in postmenopausal women with recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs).

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of 17 participants enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of VE versus placebo on urinary tract infection recurrence in postmenopausal women with rUTIs. Paired clean-catch urine samples were collected at baseline and after 6 months of VE and sequenced using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Sequence reads were analyzed using Quantitative Insights Into Microbial Ecology 2. Changes in α diversity, β diversity, and differentially abundant genera were measured between paired baseline and 6-month samples and between those with a urinary tract infection at 6 months (failures) and those without (successes).

Results

Of the 17 women, 11 were successes and 6 were failures after 6 months of VE treatment. There was a significant change in α diversity from baseline to month 6 in samples overall (Kruskal-Wallis χ
2 = 3.47, P = 0.037) and in the treatment success group (Yuen T = −2.53, P = 0.035). The increase in relative abundance of Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Lactobacillus iners AB-1 was correlated with month 6. A relative bloom of L. crispatus compared with L. gasseri was associated with treatment success (Kruskal-Wallis χ
2 = 4.9, P = 0.0014).

Conclusions

Lactobacillus increases in the urogenital microbiome of postmenopausal women with rUTI after 6 months of VE. However, only the relative increase in L. crispatus specifically may be associated with treatment success.
Flow increases tolerance of heat and hypoxia of an aquatic insect
Authors: Frakes James I. , Birrell Jackson H. , Shah Alisha A. , Woods H. Arthur
Published: May 2021

Recent experiments support the idea that upper thermal limits of aquatic insects arise, at least in part, from a lack of sufficient oxygen: rising temperatures typically stimulate metabolic demand for oxygen more than they increase rates of oxygen supply from the environment. Consequently, factors influencing oxygen supply, like water flow, should also affect thermal and hypoxia tolerance. We tested this hypothesis by measuring the effects of experimentally manipulated flows on the heat and hypoxia tolerance of aquatic nymphs of the giant salmonfly (Plecoptera:Pteronarcys californica), a common stonefly in western North America. As predicted, stoneflies in flowing water (10 cm s−1) tolerated water that was approximately 4°C warmer and that contained approximately 15% less oxygen than did those in standing water. Our results imply that the impacts of climate change on streamflow, such as changes in patterns of precipitation and decreased snowpack, will magnify the threats to aquatic insects from warmer water temperatures and lower oxygen levels.
Parthenogenesis is self-destructive for scaled reptiles
Authors: Moreira Matthew Owen , Fonseca Carlos , Rojas Danny
Published: May 2021

Parthenogenesis is rare in nature. With 39 described true parthenogens, scaled reptiles (Squamata) are the only vertebrates that evolved this reproductive strategy. Parthenogenesis is ecologically advantageous in the short term, but the young age and rarity of parthenogenetic species indicate it is less advantageous in the long term. This suggests parthenogenesis is self-destructive: it arises often but is lost due to increased extinction rates, high rates of reversal or both. However, this role of parthenogenesis as a self-destructive trait remains unknown. We used a phylogeny of Squamata (5388 species), tree metrics, null simulations and macroevolutionary scenarios of trait diversification to address the factors that best explain the rarity of parthenogenetic species. We show that parthenogenesis can be considered as self-destructive, with high extinction rates mainly responsible for its rarity in nature. Since these parthenogenetic species occur, this trait should be ecologically relevant in the short term.
Impact of increased ventilation on indoor temperature and malaria mosquito density: an experimental study in The Gambia
Authors: Jatta Ebrima , Carrasco-Tenezaca Majo , Jawara Musa , Bradley John , Ceesay Sainey , D'Alessandro Umberto , Jeffries David , Kandeh Balla , Lee Daniel Sang-Hoon , Pinder Margaret , Wilson Anne L. , Knudsen Jakob , Lindsay Steve W.
Published: May 2021

In sub-Saharan Africa, cooler houses would increase the coverage of insecticide-treated bednets, the primary malaria control tool. We examined whether improved ventilation, using windows screened with netting, cools houses at night and reduces malaria mosquito house entry in The Gambia. Identical houses were constructed, with badly fitting doors the only mosquito entry points. Two men slept in each house and mosquitoes captured using light traps. First, temperature and mosquito density were compared in four houses with 0, 1, 2 and 3 screened windows. Second, carbon dioxide (CO2), a major mosquito attractant, was measured in houses with (i) no windows, (ii) screened windows and (iii) screened windows and screened doors. Computational fluid dynamic modelling captured the spatial movement of CO2. Increasing ventilation made houses cooler, more comfortable and reduced malaria mosquito house entry; with three windows reducing mosquito densities by 95% (95%CI = 90–98%). Screened windows and doors reduced the indoor temperature by 0.6°C (95%CI = 0.5–0.7°C), indoor CO2concentrations by 31% between 21.00 and 00.00 h and malaria mosquito entry by 76% (95%CI = 69–82%). Modelling shows screening reduces CO2plumes from houses. Under our experimental conditions, cross-ventilation not only reduced indoor temperature, but reduced the density of house-entering malaria mosquitoes, by weakening CO2plumes emanating from houses.
Antibody Response to COVID-19 vaccination in Patients Receiving Dialysis
Authors: Anand Shuchi , Montez-Rath Maria E. , Han Jialin , Garcia Pablo , Cadden LinaCel , Hunsader Patti , Kerschmann Russell , Beyer Paul , Dittrich Mary , Block Geoffrey A , Boyd Scott D , Parsonnet Julie , Chertow Glenn M
Published: May 2021

Background

Patients receiving dialysis may mount impaired responses to COVID19 vaccination.

Methods

We report antibody response to vaccination from 1140 patients without, and 493 patients with pre-vaccination SARS-CoV-2 RBD antibody. We used commercially available assays (Siemens) to test remainder plasma monthly in association with vaccination date and type, and assess prevalence of absent total receptor binding antibody, and absent or attenuated (index value < 10) semiquantitative receptor binding domain IgG index values. We used Poisson regression to evaluate risk factors for absent or attenuated response to vaccination.

Results

Among patients who were seronegative versus seropositive before vaccination, 62% and 56% were ≥65 years old, 20% and 24% were Hispanic, and 22% and 23% were Black. Median IgG index values rose steadily over time, and were higher among the seropositive than in the seronegative patients after completing vaccination (150 [25th, 75thpercentile 23.2, 150.0] versus 41.6 [11.3, 150.0]). Among 610 patients who completed vaccination (assessed ≥14 days later, median 29 days later), the prevalence of absent total RBD response, and absent and attenuated semiquantitative IgG response was 4.4% (95% CI 3.1, 6.4%), 3.4% (2.4, 5.2%), and 14.3% (11.7, 17.3%) respectively. Risk factors for absent or attenuated response included longer vintage of end-stage kidney disease, and lower pre-vaccination serum albumin.

Conclusions

More than one in five patients receiving dialysis had evidence of an attenuated immune response to COVID19 vaccination.

Significance statement

Patients receiving dialysis face high likelihood of severe COVID19; at the same time, vaccination may be less efficacious, as prior data indicate impaired immune responses to influenza and Hepatitis B vaccination. We found that 22% of patients receiving dialysis had suboptimal responses to vaccination, irrespective of whether or not they had evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Poorer health status and longer duration of end-stage kidney disease increased likelihood of suboptimal response. Ongoing vigilance for COVID19 in dialysis facilities and studies of modified vaccination dosing schedules will be critical to protecting patients receiving dialysis.
Genome-wide trans-ethnic meta-analysis identifies novel susceptibility loci for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Jeon Soyoung , de Smith Adam J. , Li Shaobo , Chen Minhui , Chan Tsz Fung , Muskens Ivo S. , Morimoto Libby M. , DeWan Andrew T. , Mancuso Nicholas , Metayer Catherine , Ma Xiaomei , Wiemels Joseph L. , Chiang Charleston W.K.
Published: May 2021

The risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) differs across ethnic groups and there exist gaps in our understanding of the genetic risk of ALL as most studies took place in populations of predominantly European ancestries. In an effort to address these limitations, we performed a genetic meta-analysis of ALL in 76,317 participants across four ethnic groups, including 17,814 non-European individuals and 3,482 total cases. We replicated 15 out of 16 previously identified loci associated with ALL in our trans-ethnic analysis. We further identified five novel associations at genome-wide significance, including three novel loci and two secondary associations at previously known loci (17q12 and near CEBPE). The three putatively novel loci (rs9376090 near MYB/HBS1L, rs10998283 near TET1, and rs9415680 near JMJD1C/NRBF2) were previously shown to be associated with multiple blood cell traits and other hematopoietic cancers. Polygenic risk scores constructed from our trans-ethnic meta-analysis showed similar efficacy in independent Latino (LAT) and non-Latino white (NLW) ALL cohorts (AUC ∼ 0.67-0.68) and could partly explain the increased risk of ALL in LAT compared to NLW. Cross-population analysis also showed high but significantly less than 100% genetic correlation between LAT and NLW, suggesting potential differences in the underlying genetic architecture between ethnic groups. In summary, our findings enhance the understanding of genetic contribution to ALL risk across diverse populations and highlight the importance to include multiple ethnic groups in GWAS.

Key Points

We identified three novel loci on childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia near genes previously associated with multiple blood cell traits

Polygenic risk scores using known and novel risk variants showed similar efficacy in Latino and non-Latino white Americans
Hybridization underlies localized trait evolution in cavefish
Authors: Moran Rachel L. , Jaggard James B. , Roback Emma Y. , Rohner Nicolas , Kowalko Johanna E. , Ornelas-García C. Patricia , McGaugh Suzanne E. , Keene Alex C.
Published: May 2021

Compared to selection on new mutations and standing genetic variation, the role of gene flow in generating adaptive genetic variation has been subject to much debate. Theory predicts that gene flow constrains adaptive evolution via natural selection by homogenizing allele frequencies among populations and introducing migrant alleles that may be locally maladaptive1. However, recent work has revealed that populations can diverge even when high levels of gene flow are present2–4 and that gene flow may play an underappreciated role in facilitating local adaptation by increasing the amount of genetic variation present for selection to act upon5–8. Here, we investigate how genetic variation introduced by gene flow contributes to adaptive evolution of complex traits using an emerging eco-evolutionary model system, the Mexican tetra (Astyanax mexicanus). The ancestral surface form of the Mexican tetra has repeatedly invaded and adapted to cave environments. The Chica cave is unique in that it contains several pool microenvironments inhabited by putative hybrids between surface and cave populations9, providing an opportunity to investigate the dynamics of complex trait evolution and gene flow on a local scale. Here we conduct high-resolution genomic mapping and analysis of eye morphology and pigmentation in fish from multiple pools within Chica cave. We demonstrate that hybridization between cave and surface populations contributes to highly localized variation in behavioral and morphological traits. Analysis of sleep and locomotor behaviors between individual pools within this cave revealed reduced sleep associated with an increase in ancestry derived from cave populations, suggesting pool-specific ecological differences may drive the highly-localized evolution of sleep and locomotor behaviors. Lastly, our analyses uncovered a compelling example of convergent evolution in a core circadian clock gene in multiple independent cavefish lineages and burrowing mammals, indicating a shared genetic mechanism underlying circadian disruption in subterranean vertebrates. Together, our results provide insight into the evolutionary mechanisms that promote adaptive genetic variation and the genetic basis of complex behavioral phenotypes involved in local adaptation.
Acquired drug resistance enhances imidazoquinoline efflux by P-glycoprotein
Authors: Pulukuri Anunay J. , Burt Anthony J. , Opp Larissa K. , McDowell Colin M. , Nielsen Amy E. , Mancini Rock J.
Published: May 2021

Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) cancers mitigate the action of chemotherapeutics through drug efflux that occurs via ABC (ATP-Binding Cassette) transporters, including P-glycoprotein 1 (P-gp or ABCB1/MDR1). Because Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) agonist immunotherapies elicit abscopal anti-tumoral effects by modulating the activity of bystander tumor infiltrating immune cells, they not only circumvent the neutralizing effects of drug efflux, but could also work in synergy with this process. However, the effect of drug resistance on TLR agonist efflux is largely unknown. We begin to address this by investigating P-gp mediated efflux of model TLR agonists in cancer cell lines before and after acquired drug resistance. First, we used functionalized liposomes to determine that imidazoquinoline TLR agonists Imiquimod, Resiquimod, and Gardiquimod are substrates for P-gp. Next, we created Doxorubicin-resistant cancer cell lines from B16 melanoma, TRAMP prostate, and 4T1 breast cancer and observed that each cell line increased P-gp expression in response to Doxorubicin. Comparing imidazoquinoline efflux in Doxorubicin-resistant cell lines, relative to parent cancer cell lines, we used P-gp competitive substrates and inhibitors to demonstrate that imidazoquinoline efflux occurs through P-gp and is enhanced as a consequence of acquired drug resistance. We found that the most hydrophobic, yet least potent imidazoquinoline (Imiquimod), was the best substrate for efflux. This suggests a new parameter, susceptibility to drug efflux, could be an important consideration in the rationale design of the next generation of TLR agonist immunotherapies that are targeted to cancer cells, yet effect their mechanisms of action by modulating the activity of tumor infiltrating immune cells.
Cell strain-derived induced pluripotent stem cell as a genetically controlled approach to investigating aging mechanisms and viral pathogenesis
Authors: Bifani Amanda Makha , Tan Hwee Cheng , Choy Milly M , Ooi Eng Eong
Published: May 2021

The expansion of the geographic footprint of dengue viruses (DENVs) and their mosquito vectors have affected more than half of the global population, including older adults who appear to show elevated risk of severe dengue. Despite this epidemiological trend, how age and senescence impact virus-host interactions involved in dengue pathogenesis to increase the risk of severe dengue is poorly understood. Herein, we show that conversion of diploid cells with finite lifespan into iPSCs followed by differentiation back into cell strain can be an approach to derive genetically identical cells at different stages of senescence to study virus and aging host interactions. Our findings show that cellular senescence impact the host response to infection and the ensuing outcome. We suggest iPSC-derive cell strains as a potentially useful technical approach to genetically controlled host-virus interaction studies to understand how aging impact viral pathogenesis.
LNetReduce: tool for reducing linear dynamic networks with separated time scales
Authors: Buffard Marion , Desoeuvres Aurélien , Naldi Aurélien , Requilé Clément , Zinovyev Andrei , Radulescu Ovidiu
Published: May 2021

We introduce LNetReduce, a tool that simplifies linear dynamic networks. Dynamic networks are represented as digraphs labeled by integer timescale orders. Such models describe deterministic or stochastic monomolecular chemical reaction networks, but also random walks on weighted protein-protein interaction networks, spreading of infectious diseases and opinion in social networks, communication in computer networks. The reduced network is obtained by graph and label rewriting rules and reproduces the full network dynamics with good approximation at all time scales. The tool is implemented in Python with a graphical user interface. We discuss applications of LNetReduce to network design and to the study of the fundamental relation between time scales and topology in complex dynamic networks.

Availability

the code and application examples are available at https://github.com/oradules/LNetReduce.
Segregation and integration of the functional connectome in neurodevelopmentally ‘at risk’ children
Authors: Jones J. S. ,   the CALM Team, Astle D. E.
Published: May 2021

Functional connectivity within and between Intrinsic Connectivity Networks (ICNs) transforms over development and supports high order cognitive functions. But how variable is this process, and does it diverge with altered cognitive developmental trajectories? We investigated age-related changes in integration and segregation within and between ICNs in neurodevelopmentally ‘at-risk’ children, identified by practitioners as experiencing cognitive difficulties in attention, learning, language, or memory. In our analysis we used performance on a battery of 10 cognitive tasks, alongside resting-state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in 175 at-risk children and 62 comparison children aged 5-16. We observed significant age-by-group interactions in functional connectivity between two network pairs. Integration between the ventral attention and visual networks and segregation of the limbic and fronto-parietal networks increased with age in our comparison sample, relative to at-risk children. Furthermore, functional connectivity between the ventral attention and visual networks in comparison children significantly mediated age-related improvements in executive function, compared to at-risk children. We conclude that integration between ICNs show divergent neurodevelopmental trends in the broad population of children experiencing cognitive difficulties, and that these differences in functional brain organisation may partly explain the pervasive cognitive difficulties within this group over childhood and adolescence.

Research Highlights

We investigated functional brain organisation and its development in 175 children who experience neurodevelopmental difficulties in cognition and behaviour, relative to a comparison sample (n=62)

We replicated common neurodevelopmental trends across the samples: functional connectivity increased within Intrinsic Connectivity Networks and the default-mode network increasingly segregated with age

Neurodevelopmentally at-risk children also showed different age-related changes in functional connectivity between the ventral attention and visual networks and between the fronto-parietal and limbic networks

Furthermore, the integration between the ventral attention and visual networks in comparison children mediated age-related changes in cognition, relative to at-risk children
A novel dual enrichment strategy provides soil- and digestate-competent N2O-respiring bacteria for mitigating climate forcing in agriculture
Authors: Jonassen Kjell Rune , Ormaasen Ida , Duffner Clara , Hvidsten Torgeir R , Frostegård Åsa , Bakken Lars R , Vick Silas HW
Published: May 2021

Manipulating soil metabolism by heavy inoculation with microbes is deemed realistic if waste from anaerobic digestion (digestate) is utilized as substrate and vector, but requires organisms that can grow both in digestate and soil (=generalist). We designed a strategy to enrich and isolate such generalist N2O-respiring bacteria (NRB) in soil and digestate, to provide inoculum for reducing N2O-emissions from agricultural soil. Sequential anaerobic enrichment cultures were provided with a small dose of O2 and unlimited N2O, alternating between sterilized digestate and soil as substrates. The cultures were monitored for gas kinetics and community composition (16SrDNA), and cluster-analysis identified generalist-OTUs which became dominant, digestate/soil-specialists which did not, and a majority that were diluted out. Several NRBs circumscribed by generalist-OTU’s were isolated, genome sequenced to screen for catabolic capacity, and phenotyped, to assess their capacity as N2O-sinks in soil. The two isolates Cloacibacterium sp., carrying only N2O-reductase (Clade-II) and Pseudomonas sp., with full-fledged denitrification-pathway, were both very effective N2O-sinks in soil, with Pseudomonas sp., showing a long-lasting sink effect, suggesting better survival in soil. This avenue for utilizing waste to bioengineer the soil microbiota holds promise to effectively combat N2O-emissions but could also be utilized for enhancing other metabolic functions in soil.

Graphical abstract