bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing an International Registry for Uterus Transplantation (IRUTx): Promises and Challenges
Authors: Hammond-Browning Natasha , Williams Nicola Jane 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTUterus Transplantation (UTx) is an experimental vascular composite allograft designed to provide women with absolute uterine factor infertility with the opportunity to gestate and give birth to their future offspring. The number of UTx procedures performed worldwide now stands at ≥70 and as the number of cases performed increases so too does the volume of potential data that may be gathered to inform the development, practice and regulation of UTx. Given the value of this data, and the challenges associated with keeping track of cases and outcomes where data remains unpublished and/or scattered, scientists and academics conducting research into UTx have increasingly called for the swift creation, implementation and management of an international registry for Uterus Transplantation (IRUTx). This article explores and provides practical guidance regarding the potential benefits the IRUTx may provide to stakeholders, as well as the legal and ethical challenges that its creation may pose in terms of dataset design, consent, privacy, researcher compliance and governance.
Elevated levels of nitrous dioxide are associated with lower AMH levels: a real-world analysis
Authors: La Marca Antonio , Spaggiari Giorgia , Domenici Daniela , Grassi Roberto , Casonati Andrea , Baraldi Enrica , Trenti Tommaso , Simoni Manuela , Santi Daniele 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

STUDY QUESTION
Are there any associations between environmental pollutants and ovarian reserve, expressed by anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) serum levels?

SUMMARY ANSWER
In this first real-world approach to demonstrate the relationship between air pollutants and serum AMH levels, adverse associations were observed for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) but not with particulate matter.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
In recent years, air pollution has emerged as a potential disrupter to the homeostasis of physiological hormones, possibly affecting human reproduction. Although the influence of age and smoking on AMH levels is largely accepted, the relationship between AMH and the environment has not currently been established.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
A longitudinal, observational, retrospective, real-world study was carried out, including all AMH measurements performed in a single laboratory from January 2007 to October 2017.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
Serum AMH data were connected to patients’ age and residential address, to include air pollution data after geo-localisation. The air pollution considered daily particulate matter (PM) and NO2 values.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
A total of 1463 AMH measurements were collected (mean 1.94 ng/ml, median 0.90 ng/ml). AMH was inversely related to patients’ age in women older than 25 years (adjusted R-squared 0.120, P &lt; 0.001), but not in those younger than 25 years (adjusted R-squared 0.068, P = 0.055). AMH levels were inversely related to environmental pollutants, such as PM10 (Rho = −0.088, P = 0.001), PM2.5 (Rho = −0.062, P = 0.021) and NO2 (Rho = −0.111, P &lt; 0.001). After subdividing the dataset into quartiles for PM10 and PM2.5, the influence of age on AMH serum levels was found to be a stronger influence than that exerted by PM (P = 0.833 and P = 0.370, respectively). On the contrary, considering NO2 quartiles, higher AMH levels were observed in third quartile compared to fourth quartile, even after adjustment for age (P = 0.028), indicating a stronger influence of NO2 exposure on AMH serum levels. Considering an AMH cut-off of 0.3 ng/ml, a significant higher frequency of women with severe ovarian reserve reduction in the fourth quartile was shown only for NO2 (P = 0.010).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
Several limitations should be underlined, such as the lack of information about work and life habits of each patient and the retrospective nature of the analysis performed on real-world data.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
Although the genetic component is highly predictive for defining the ovarian reserve at birth, potentially modifiable environmental factors could influence the rate of decline in AMH and ovarian reserve during adulthood.

STUDY FUNDINGCOMPETING INTEREST(S)
Authors have neither funding nor competing interests to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
N/A.
Tracking the spatiotemporal variability of the oxic–anoxic interface in the Baltic Sea with broadband acoustics
Authors: Weidner Elizabeth , Stranne Christian , Sundberg Jonas Hentati , Weber Thomas C , Mayer Larry , Jakobsson Martin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAnoxic zones, regions of the water column completely devoid of dissolved oxygen, occur in open oceans and coastal zones worldwide. The Baltic Sea is characterized by strong salinity-driven stratification, maintained by occasional water inflows from the Danish Straights and freshwater input from rivers. Between inflow events, the stratification interface between surface and deep waters hinders mixing and ventilation of deep water; consequently, the bottom waters of large regions of the Baltic are anoxic. The onset of the anoxic zone is closely coincident with the depth of the halocline and, as a result, the interface between oxic and anoxic waters corresponds to a strong impedance contrast. Here, we track acoustic scattering from the impedance contrast utilizing a broadband split-beam echosounder in the Western Gotland Basin and link it to a dissolved oxygen level of 2 ml/l using ground truth stations. The broadband acoustic dataset provides the means to remotely observe the spatiotemporal variations in the oxic–anoxic interface, map out the extent of the anoxic zone with high resolution, and identify several mechanisms influencing the vertical distribution of oxygen in the water column. The method described here can be used to study other systems with applications in ongoing oceanographic monitoring programs.
Sympathetic innervation of canine pulmonary artery and morphometric and functional analysis in dehydromonocrotaline-induced models after pulmonary artery denervation
Authors: Jiang Xiaomin , Zhang Juan , Zhou Ling , Luo Jie , Wang Jinsong , Li Li , Chen Shaoliang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
We aimed to describe the anatomic distribution of periarterial pulmonary sympathetic nerves and to observe the long-term morphometric and functional changes after pulmonary artery denervation (PADN), a novel therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

METHODS
A total of 45 beagles were divided into a sympathetic innervation group (n = 3, 33.3% were females), a PAH group (n = 35, 34.3% were females) and a control group (n = 7, 28.5% were females). The PAH group was randomly divided into no-PADN (n = 7), instant-PADN (n = 7), 1M-PADN (n = 7), 2M-PADN (n = 7) and 3M-PADN (n = 7) subgroups. The sympathetic innervation group was sacrificed to reveal the sympathetic innervation of pulmonary arteries. PAH was induced by injecting dehydromonocrotaline (DHMCT) through the right atrium. The pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, right ventricular systolic pressure, right ventricular mean pressure, pulmonary artery systolic pressure and pulmonary artery mean pressure of each group were continuously measured. The cardiac output was detected to calculate the pulmonary vascular resistance. PAH and control groups were subjected to immunofluorescence assay, sympathetic nerve conduction velocity measurement and transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTS
The no-PADN group had significantly higher PVSP, PVMP, pulmonary artery systolic pressure, pulmonary artery mean pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance but lower cardiac output than those of the control group (P &lt; 0.05). Instant-PADN, 1M-PADN, 2M-PADN and 3M-PADN groups had significantly lower PVSP, PVMP, pulmonary artery systolic pressure, pulmonary artery mean pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance but higher cardiac output than those of the no-PADN group (P &lt; 0.05). Most sympathetic nerves were located within 2.5 mm of the intimae of the bifurcation and proximal trunk, mainly in the left trunk. The diameter and cross-sectional area of myelinated fibres in the PAH group were significantly larger than those of the control group. Sympathetic nerve conduction velocity of the PAH group gradually decreased, and nerve fibres were almost demyelinated 3 months after PADN.

CONCLUSIONS
PADN effectively relieved dehydromonocrotaline-induced canine PAH and decreased sympathetic nerve conduction velocity.
Immunoserologic Detection and Diagnostic Relevance of Cross-Reactive Autoantibodies in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients
Authors: Schiaffino María Teresa , Di Natale Marisa , García-Martínez Elena , Navarro Joaquín , Muñoz-Blanco José Luis , Demelo-Rodríguez Pablo , Sánchez-Mateos Paloma 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background
During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, we detected a new immunofluorescence (IF) pattern in serum autoantibody (autoAb) screening of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients.

Methods
The IF pattern was composed of liver and gastric mucosa staining on rat kidney/liver/stomach sections.

Results
We describe 12 patients positive for the cross-reactive antibody, compared with a negative group of 43 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, finding association with either neurologic or thrombotic complications. In sequential pre- and post-COVID-19 serum samples, we confirmed autoAb seroconversion.

Conclusions
Our data indicate that autoAb screening in COVID-19 patients may be easily performed by IF and alert for autoreactive-mediated complications such as thrombotic or neurologic events.
Prospective Study Comparing Deep Throat Saliva With Other Respiratory Tract Specimens in the Diagnosis of Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Lai Christopher K C , Chen Zigui , Lui Grace , Ling Lowell , Li Timothy , Wong Martin C S , Ng Rita W Y , Tso Eugene Y K , Ho Tracy , Fung Kitty S C , Ng Siu T , Wong Barry K C , Boon Siaw S , Hui David S C , Chan Paul K S 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background
Self-collected specimens have been advocated to avoid infectious exposure to healthcare workers. Self-induced sputum in those with a productive cough and saliva in those without a productive cough have been proposed, but sensitivity remains uncertain.

Methods
We performed a prospective study in 2 regional hospitals in Hong Kong.

Results
We prospectively examined 563 serial samples collected during the virus shedding periods of 50 patients: 150 deep throat saliva (DTS), 309 pooled-nasopharyngeal (NP) and throat swabs, and 104 sputum. Deep throat saliva had the lowest overall reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-positive rate (68.7% vs 89.4% [sputum] and 80.9% [pooled NP and throat swabs]) and the lowest viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) concentration (mean log copy/mL 3.54 vs 5.03 [sputum] and 4.63 [pooled NP and throat swabs]). Analyses with respect to time from symptom onset and severity also revealed similar results. Virus yields of DTS correlated with that of sputum (Pearson correlation index 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.62–0.86). We estimated that the overall false-negative rate of DTS could be as high as 31.3% and increased 2.7 times among patients without sputum.

Conclusions
Deep throat saliva produced the lowest viral RNA concentration and RT-PCR-positive rate compared with conventional respiratory specimens in all phases of illness. Self-collected sputum should be the choice for patients with sputum.
Establishing Novel Molecular Algorithms to Predict Decreased Susceptibility to Ceftriaxone in Neisseria gonorrhoeae Strains
Authors: Lin Eric Y , Adamson Paul C , Deng Xiaomeng , Klausner Jeffrey D 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background
Globally, decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone in Neisseria gonorrhoeae is rising. We aimed to compile a global collection of N. gonorrhoeae strains and assess the genetic characteristics associated with decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone.

Methods
We performed a literature review of all published reports of N. gonorrhoeae strains with decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone (&gt;0.064 mg/L minimum inhibitory concentration) through October 2019. Genetic mutations in N. gonorrhoeae genes (penA, penB, mtrR, and ponA), including determination of penA mosaicism, were compiled and evaluated for predicting decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone.

Results
There were 3821 N. gonorrhoeae strains identified from 23 countries and 684 (18%) had decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone. High sensitivities or specificities (&gt;95%) were found for specific genetic mutations in penA, penB, mtrR, and ponA, both with and without determination of penA mosaicism. Four algorithms to predict ceftriaxone susceptibility were proposed based on penA mosaicism determination and penA or non-penA genetic mutations, with sensitivity and specificity combinations up to 95% and 62%, respectively.

Conclusion
Molecular algorithms based on genetic mutations were proposed to predict decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone in N. gonorrhoeae. Those algorithms can serve as a foundation for the development of future assays predicting ceftriaxone decreased susceptibility within N. gonorrhoeae globally.
Outcome of community-onset ESBL-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteraemia and urinary tract infection: a population-based cohort study in Denmark
Authors: Richelsen Rasmus , Smit Jesper , Schønheyder Henrik Carl , Laxsen Anru Pavithra , Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez Belen , Rodríguez-Bãno Jesús , Nielsen Henrik 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Objectives
To assess the impact of ESBL production on mortality and length of hospital stay (LOS) of community-onset infections due to Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Methods
A population-based cohort study including all adult patients hospitalized with a first-time community-onset E. coli or K. pneumoniae bacteraemia or urinary tract infection in the North Denmark Region between 2007 and 2017. For each bacterial agent, we computed 1 year Kaplan–Meier survival curves and cumulative incidence functions of LOS, and by use of Cox proportional hazard regression we computed HRs as estimates of 30 day and 1 year mortality rate ratios (MRRs) and LOS among patients with and without ESBL-producing infections.

Results
We included 24 518 cases (among 22350 unique patients), of whom 1018 (4.2%) were infected by an ESBL-producing bacterium. The 30 day cumulative mortality and adjusted MRR (aMRR) in patients with and without ESBL-producing isolates was as follows: E. coli bacteraemia (n = 3831), 15.8% versus 14.0%, aMRR = 1.01 (95% CI = 0.70–1.45); E. coli urinary tract infection (n = 17151), 9.5% versus 8.7%, aMRR = 0.97 (95% CI = 0.75–1.26); K. pneumoniae bacteraemia (n = 734), 0% versus 17.2%, aMRR = not applicable; and K. pneumoniae urinary tract infection (n = 2802), 13.8% versus 10.7%, aMRR = 1.13 (95% CI = 0.73–1.75). The 1 year aMRR remained roughly unchanged. ESBL-producing E. coli bacteraemia was associated with an increased LOS compared with non-ESBL production.

Conclusions
ESBL production was not associated with an increased short- or long-term mortality in community-onset infections due to E. coli or K. pneumoniae, yet ESBL-producing E. coli bacteraemia was associated with an increased LOS.
Information needs and priority use cases of population health researchers to improve preparedness for future hurricanes and floods
Authors: Phuong Jimmy , Bandaragoda Christina J , Haldar Shefali , Stephens Kari A , Ordonez Patricia , Mooney Sean D , Hartzler Andrea L 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Objective
Information gaps that accompany hurricanes and floods limit researchers’ ability to determine the impact of disasters on population health. Defining key use cases for sharing complex disaster data with research communities and facilitators, and barriers to doing so are key to promoting population health research for disaster recovery.

Materials and Methods
We conducted a mixed-methods needs assessment with 15 population health researchers using interviews and card sorting. Interviews examined researchers’ information needs by soliciting barriers and facilitators in the context of their expertise and research practices. Card sorting ranked priority use cases for disaster preparedness.

Results
Seven barriers and 6 facilitators emerged from interviews. Barriers to collaborative research included process limitations, collaboration dynamics, and perception of research importance. Barriers to data and technology adoption included data gaps, limitations in information quality, transparency issues, and difficulty to learn. Facilitators to collaborative research included collaborative engagement and human resource processes. Facilitators to data and technology adoption included situation awareness, data quality considerations, adopting community standards, and attractive to learn. Card sorting prioritized 15 use cases and identified 30 additional information needs for population health research in disaster preparedness.

Conclusions
Population health researchers experience barriers to collaboration and adoption of data and technology that contribute to information gaps and limit disaster preparedness. The priority use cases we identified can help address information gaps by informing the design of supportive research tools and practices for disaster preparedness. Supportive tools should include information on data collection practices, quality assurance, and education resources usable during failures in electric or telecommunications systems.
Beef trait genetic parameters based on old and recent data and its implications for genomic predictions in Italian Simmental cattle
Authors: Cesarani Alberto , Hidalgo Jorge , Garcia Andre , Degano Lorenzo , Vicario Daniele , Masuda Yutaka , Misztal Ignacy , Lourenco Daniela 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the changes in variance components over time to identify a subset of data from the Italian Simmental (IS) population that would yield the most appropriate estimates of genetic parameters and breeding values for beef traits to select young bulls. Data from bulls raised between 1986 and 2017 were used to estimate genetic parameters and breeding values for four beef traits (average daily gain [ADG], body size [BS], muscularity [MUS], and feet and legs [FL]). The phenotypic mean increased during the years of the study for ADG, but it decreased for BS, MUS, and FL. The complete dataset (ALL) was divided into four generational subsets (Gen1, Gen2, Gen3, and Gen4). Additionally, ALL was divided into two larger subsets: the first one (OLD) combined data from Gen1 and Gen2 to represent the starting population, and the second one (CUR) combined data from Gen3 and Gen4 to represent a subpopulation with stronger ties to the current population. Genetic parameters were estimated with a four-trait genomic animal model using a single-step genomic average information restricted maximum likelihood algorithm. Heritability estimates from ALL were 0.26 ± 0.03 for ADG, 0.33 ± 0.04 for BS, 0.55 ± 0.03 for MUS, and 0.23 ± 0.03 for FL. Higher heritability estimates were obtained with OLD and ALL than with CUR. Considerable changes in heritability existed between Gen1 and Gen4 due to fluctuations in both additive genetic and residual variances. Genetic correlations also changed over time, with some values moving from positive to negative or even to zero. Genetic correlations from OLD were stronger than those from CUR. Changes in genetic parameters over time indicated that they should be updated regularly to avoid biases in genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV) and low selection accuracies. GEBV estimated using CUR variance components were less biased and more consistent than those estimated with OLD and ALL variance components. Validation results indicated that data from recent generations produced genetic parameters that more appropriately represent the structure of the current population, yielding accurate GEBV to select young animals and increasing the likelihood of higher genetic gains.
Death from Poppy Tea Consumption
Authors: Bishop-Freeman Sandra C , Fox Lauren , Winecker Ruth E , Hudson Jason S 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The historical practice of brewing poppy tea for its opioid-like effects is reoccurring with modern-day substance users. We present four postmortem cases with toxicology results that serve as case studies for the potential hazards of poppy tea ingestion. There is limited information regarding the risks of this practice due to the variability of the morphine content of the opium exuded from the plant. While internet tea recipes offer guidance, differences in poppy cultivation, washing, and infusing time are some of the reasons why the beverage may contain inconsistent and clinically significant alkaloid concentrations for each preparation. Variability in opioid tolerance along with additional drugs taken will impact the overall degree of toxicity experienced from the opiates in the tea. Advancements in the genetic modification of the poppy plant could greatly alter the ratio of alkaloids seen in biological fluids and will be highly dependent on the source of the poppy product. The blood concentrations of free morphine and free codeine in cases 1–3 where the toxicity from the tea was considered the primary cause of death were 0.94 and 0.11 mg/L, 0.62 and 0.034 mg/L, and 0.16 and 0.010 mg/L, respectively. The urine concentrations of morphine and codeine were 13 and 0.94 mg/L in case 1 and 16 and 1.6 mg/L in case 2, respectively. The opium alkaloids thebaine and laudanosine were identified qualitatively by our routine organic base/neutral drug detection procedure.
Methyl-4-Hydroxybutyrate and Ethyl-4-Hydroxybutyrate as Potential Markers for Simultaneous Consumption of GHB/GBL and Alcohol: Preliminary Investigations
Authors: Küting Theresa , Beier Niklas , Krämer Michael , Madea Burkhard 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
γ-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and its corresponding lactone γ-butyrolactone (GBL) are misused as knock out (k.o.) drugs. The short detection window and the major inter- and intra-individual variations of endogenous GHB concentrations in commonly used matrices such as blood and urine complicate the analytical proof of an exogenous GHB/GBL administration. We searched for an alternative way to prove an exogenous GHB/GBL administration via detection of methyl- and ethyl-4-hydroxybutyrate, which could arise in alcoholic solutions after spiking with GHB/GBL. A liquid chromatographic–triple quadrupole mass spectrometric method was developed and validated to quantitatively determine methyl- and ethyl-4-hydroxybutyrate in alcoholic beverages (limit of detection [LoD]: 5.8 and 3.4 ng/mL, respectively). A sample collective of alcoholic beverages (n = 47) revealed natural occurring amounts of ethyl-4-hydroxybutyrate (&lt;LoD—approx. 3980 ng/mL) with higher concentrations particularly found in wine samples. Nearly no ethyl-4-hydroxybutyrate was observable in spirits/liqueurs and no methyl-4-hydroxybutyrate was detectable at all. A moderate correlation was shown between the ethyl-4-hydroxybutyrate concentration and the pH-value in wine samples (pH 2.9–3.7, n = 29) as well as between the ethyl-4-hydroxybutyrate concentration and the GHB concentration in all measured beverages (GHB:  &lt;  limit of quantification [LoQ]—11.4 µg/mL, n = 47). A dependency on alcohol content could not be observed. A voluntary intake (n = 1) of 750-mL wine naturally containing high amounts of ethyl-4-hydroxybutyrate (approx. 2010 ng/mL) revealed no observable GHB-ester concentrations in blood and urine. Furthermore, an experiment simulating a beverage that could potentially be used in a drug-facilitated crime (DFC) case showed ethyl-4-hydroxybutyrate concentrations exceeding the concentrations naturally observed in beverage samples. However, in order to evaluate whether ethyl-4-hydroxybutyrate could be useful as marker for the co-consumption of GHB/GBL and alcohol and to prolong the detection window of unintended GHB/GBL intake, further experiments have to be performed.