bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Residual Cardiovascular Risk at Low LDL: Remnants, Lipoprotein(a), and Inflammation
Authors: Hoogeveen Ron C , Ballantyne Christie M 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Current guidelines target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk, and yet clinical trials demonstrate persistent residual ASCVD risk despite aggressive LDL-C lowering.

Content
Non–LDL-C lipid parameters, most notably triglycerides, triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TGRLs), and lipoprotein(a), and C-reactive protein as a measure of inflammation are increasingly recognized as associated with residual risk after LDL-C lowering. Eicosapentaenoic acid in statin-treated patients with high triglycerides reduced both triglycerides and ASCVD events. Reducing TGRLs is believed to have beneficial effects on inflammation and atherosclerosis. High lipoprotein(a) concentrations increase ASCVD risk even in individuals with LDL-C &lt; 70 mg/dL. Although statins do not generally lower lipoprotein(a), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors reduce lipoprotein(a) and cardiovascular outcomes, and newer approaches are in development. Persistent increases in C-reactive protein after intensive lipid therapy have been consistently associated with increased risk for ASCVD events.

Summary
We review the evidence that biochemical assays to measure TGRLs, lipoprotein(a), and C-reactive protein are associated with residual risk in patients treated to low concentrations of LDL-C. Growing evidence supports a causal role for TGRLs, lipoprotein(a), and inflammation in ASCVD; novel therapies that target TGRLs, lipoprotein(a), and inflammation are in development to reduce residual ASCVD risk.
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in the UK Biobank: a major international health research resource
Authors: Raisi-Estabragh Zahra , Harvey Nicholas C , Neubauer Stefan , Petersen Steffen E 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe UK Biobank (UKB) is a health research resource of major international importance, incorporating comprehensive characterization of &gt;500 000 men and women recruited between 2006 and 2010 from across the UK. There is prospective tracking of health outcomes for all participants through linkages with national cohorts (death registers, cancer registers, electronic hospital records, and primary care records). The dataset has been enhanced with the UKB imaging study, which aims to scan a subset of 100 000 participants. The imaging protocol includes magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, heart, and abdomen, carotid ultrasound, and whole-body dual X-ray absorptiometry. Since its launch in 2015, over 48 000 participants have completed the imaging study with scheduled completion in 2023. Repeat imaging of 10 000 participants has been approved and commenced in 2019. The cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) scan provides detailed assessment of cardiac structure and function comprising bright blood anatomic assessment (sagittal, coronal, and axial), left and right ventricular cine images (long and short axes), myocardial tagging, native T1 mapping, aortic flow, and imaging of the thoracic aorta. The UKB is an open access resource available to health researchers across all scientific disciplines from both academia and industry with no preferential access or exclusivity. In this paper, we consider how we may best utilize the UKB CMR data to advance cardiovascular research and review notable achievements to date.
Valorization of low-cost, carbon-rich substrates by edible ascomycetes and basidiomycetes grown on liquid cultures
Authors: Sarris Dimitris , Philippoussis Antonios , Mallouchos Athanasios , Diamantopoulou Panagiota 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTThree ascomycetes (Morchella vulgaris AMRL 36, M. elata AMRL 63, Tuber aestivum AMRL 364) and four basidiomycetes strains (Lentinula edodes AMRL 124 and 126, Agaricus bisporus AMRL 208 and 209) were screened for their ability to grow on liquid static flask cultures of glucose, glycerol, molasses and waste flour-rich hydrolysates with C/N ratio of 20 and produce biomass, exopolysaccharides and lipids. The profile of lipid fatty acids was also assessed. Selected strains were furthermore cultivated in C/N = 50. Results showed that substrate consumption, biomass formation and secondary metabolites production were strain, substrate and C/N ratio dependent. The maximum biomass (X), lipid (L) and exopolysaccharides (EPS) values noted were Xmax = 25.2 g/L (C/N = 20; molasses) and Lmax = 6.51 g/L (C/N = 50; rice cereal hydrolysates) by T. aestivum strain AMRL 364 and EPSmax = 2.41 g/L by M. elata strain AMRL 63 (C/N = 50; molasses), respectively. When C/N ratio of 50 was applied, biomass, lipid production and substrate consumption seem to be negatively affected in most of the trials. The adaptation and capability of the mushroom strains to be cultivated on substrates based on agro-industrial waste streams and infant food of expired shelf date offers the opportunity to set a circular oriented bioprocess.
Repurposing the anti-viral drug zidovudine (AZT) in combination with meropenem as an effective treatment for infections with multi-drug resistant, carbapenemase-producing strains ofKlebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: DeSarno Alexandra E , Parcell Benjamin J , Coote Peter J 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMulti-drug resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae represent a global threat to healthcare due to lack of effective treatments and high mortality rates. The aim of this research was to explore the potential of administering zidovudine (AZT) in combination with an existing antibiotic to treat resistant K. pneumoniae infections. Two MDR K. pneumoniae strains were employed, producing either the NDM-1 or KPC-3 carbapenemase. Efficacy of combinations of AZT with meropenem were compared with monotherapies against infections in Galleria mellonella larvae by measuring larval mortality and bacterial burden. The effect of the same combinations in vitro was determined via checkerboard and time-kill assays. In vitro, both K. pneumoniae strains were resistant to meropenem but were susceptible to AZT. In G. mellonella, treatment with either AZT or meropenem alone offered minimal therapeutic benefit against infections with either strain. In contrast, combination therapy of AZT with meropenem presented significantly enhanced efficacy compared to monotherapies. This was correlated with prevention of bacterial proliferation within the larvae but not elimination. Checkerboard assays showed that the interaction between AZT and meropenem was not synergistic but indifferent. In summary, combination therapy of AZT with meropenem represents a potential treatment for carbapenemase-producing MDR K. pneumoniae and merits further investigation.
SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR profile in 298 Indian COVID-19 patients: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Bhattacharya Bisakh , Kumar Rohit , Meena Ved Prakash , Soneja Manish , Singh Amit , Das Rojaleen , Xess Ashit , Arif Nazneen , Vig Saurabh , Rastogi Vandana , Tiwari Pavan , Bhatnagar Sushma , Mohan Anant , Wig Naveet , Dar Lalit 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACT
Background: despite being in the 5th month of pandemic, knowledge with respect to viral dynamics, infectivity and RT-PCR positivity continues to evolve.
Aim: to analyse the SARS CoV-2 nucleic acid RT-PCR profiles in COVID-19 patients.
Design: it was a retrospective, observational study conducted at COVID facilities under AIIMS, New Delhi.
Methods: patients admitted with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 were eligible for enrolment. Patients with incomplete details, or only single PCR tests were excluded. Data regarding demographic details, comorbidities, treatment received and results of SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR performed on nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs, collected at different time points, was retrieved from the hospital records.
Results: a total of 298 patients were included, majority were males (75·8%) with mean age of 39·07 years (0·6–88 years). The mean duration from symptom onset to first positive RT-PCR was 4·7 days (SD 3·67), while that of symptom onset to last positive test was 17·83 days (SD 6·22). Proportions of positive RT-PCR tests were 100%, 49%, 24%, 8·7% and 20·6% in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and &gt;4 weeks of illness. A total of 12 symptomatic patients had prolonged positive test results even after 3 weeks of symptom onset. Age &gt; = 60 years was associated with prolonged RT-PCR positivity (statistically significant).
Conclusion: this study showed that the average period of PCR positivity is more than 2 weeks in COVID-19 patients; elderly patients have prolonged duration of RT-PCR positivity and requires further follow up.
Lifestyle Behavioral Factors and Integrative Successful Aging Among Puerto Ricans Living in the Mainland United States
Authors: Lee-Bravatti Michelle A , O’Neill H June , Wurth Renee C , Sotos-Prieto Mercedes , Gao Xiang , Falcon Luis M , Tucker Katherine L , Mattei Josiemer 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Few studies have assessed multidimensional models for predicting successful aging that incorporate both physical and cognitive-psychosocial elements among minority populations. This study aimed to establish a comprehensive lifestyle behavioral factors (cLBF) score and an integrative successful aging (ISA) score and explore their associations among older Puerto Rican adults.

Methods
Data were assessed from 889 adults (45–75 years) participating in the longitudinal (baseline and 2-year follow-up) Boston Puerto Rican Health Study. Higher cLBF score (range 0–10) indicates healthier behaviors (nonsmoking, lack of sedentarism, physical activity, high diet quality, and adequate sleep). The physical domain score of ISA included 8 components (functional impairment, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, arthritis, osteoporosis) and ranged 0–11. The cognitive-psychosocial domain of ISA included 5 components (cognitive impairment, depressive symptoms, social support, perceived stress, and self-rated health) and ranged 0–10. The sum of both domains comprised the ISA score, ranging 0–21. Higher scores of ISA and its domains indicate more successful aging.

Results
At 2 years, the mean ± SD of cLBF score was 4.9 ± 1.8, and ISA was 10.1 ± 3.3. In multivariable-adjusted models, cLBF score was significantly and positively associated with 2-year change in overall ISA (β [95% CI]: 0.15 [0.07, 0.24] points), in physical domain (0.09 [0.04, 0.13] points), and in cognitive-psychosocial domain (0.08 [0.02, 0.14] points).

Conclusions
Maintaining healthier lifestyle behaviors may contribute to successful aging through both physical and cognitive-psychosocial domains. The results support using a multidimensional definition of successful aging in Puerto Ricans and evaluating it in other populations.
Midlife Leukocyte Telomere Length as an Indicator for Handgrip Strength in Late Life
Authors: Chang Xuling , Chua Kevin Yiqiang , Wang Ling , Liu Jianjun , Yuan Jian-Min , Khor Chiea-Chuen , Heng Chew-Kiat , Koh Woon-Puay , Dorajoo Rajkumar 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Telomere attrition has been proposed as a hallmark of aging. We previously reported on the association between blood leukocyte telomere length (LTL) at midlife and risk of chronic diseases and mortality.

Methods
In this study, we investigated the effect of midlife LTL and genetic proxies on 5 markers of aging outcomes, namely handgrip strength, timed up-and-go (TUG), Singapore-modified Mini-Mental State Examination (SM-MMSE) scores, anxiety, and depression indices, measured after a median 20-year follow-up in the Singapore Chinese Health Study (N = 9581).

Results
We observed a significant association between midlife LTL and handgrip strength later in life (p = .004, padjust = .020), as well as a nominal significant association between midlife LTL and TUG later in life (p = .036, padjust = .180). The weighted Genetic Risk Score (wGRS) comprising 15 previously reported LTL reducing loci in East Asians was not significantly associated with handgrip strength. However, results from Structural Equation Modeling showed that the effect of this wGRS on handgrip strength was mediated through LTL (proportion of wGRS effect on handgrip strength mediated through LTL = 33.3%, p = .010).

Conclusions
Longer midlife LTL was associated with increased handgrip strength later in life.
In search of ‘community’: a critical review of community mental health services for women in African settings
Authors: Elias Lauren , Singh Aneeha , Burgess Rochelle A 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Community is deemed a central resource for the improvement of health, across disciplines, contexts and conditions. However, what is meant by this term is rarely critically explored. In Global Mental Health, considerable efforts in recent years have been directed towards scaling up ‘community’ approaches, with variable success, creating the need to better understand approaches to its use. Our study contributes to this need, through a critical review of studies engaging with the term ‘community’ in relation to women’s mental health services in African settings. Our review explored 30 peer-reviewed articles from the past 15 years, which were systematically evaluated for quality of evidence. Studies were then analysed using a blend of conventional and directed content analysis to unpack perspectives on the term’s use in intervention and phenomenological studies. We identified four broad categories of community: (1) place (shared geographical location or institutional affiliation), (2) practice (belongingness to a shared activity or profession), (3) symbols (meanings and experiences associated with shared community life) and (4) identity (diagnostic identity around a mental health condition). Analysis identified community of place as the most common primary focus of interest across the sample, with 80% of papers referencing this dimension. We noted that in studies where communities of practice were the focus, this was in relation to leveraging local knowledge to inform or support service delivery of intervention programmes, often designed by outsiders. Implications for future policy and mental health services research are discussed.
How Do Campaigns Matter? Independents, Political Information, and the Enlightening Role of Campaigns in Mexico
Authors: Castro Cornejo Rodrigo 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Based on the Mexican case, this study finds that voters who report low levels of campaign information are more likely to update their vote intention as election day gets closer. Moreover, in contrast to previous studies which argue that political campaigns mainly persuade voters to support candidates against their precampaign dispositions, this article shows that, by the end of the campaign, most voters support the candidate best aligned with their underlying political predispositions—partisanship and presidential approval. In other words, voters become enlightened. This effect is particularly important among independents, a portion of the electorate understudied by the literature on Latin American political behavior.
Determination of Casein Allergens in Extensively Hydrolyzed Casein Infant Formula by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Hostetler Gregory L , Barber Cynthia M , Miklus Michael B , Prieto Pedro A 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
The use of hypoallergenic infant formulas and the need for reliable tests to determine the presence of residual antigens have increased in parallel.

Objective
An LC-MS method for quantitation of casein was validated using incurred samples and a matrix-matched external standard curve.

Method
Powdered infant formula samples were extracted in a buffer of sodium deoxycholate and ammonium bicarbonate at 60°C and filtered through 7 kDa desalting columns. Samples were digested overnight with trypsin and precipitated with acid prior to analysis of marker peptides by tandem mass spectrometry.

Results
Based on three marker peptides, the linear range for casein was 1.8–42 μg/g of powdered infant formula with an LOQ of 1.8 μg/g. The determination coefficients (R2) for each curve were ≥0.99 for casein peptides. Method repeatability was ≤22% RSD and intermediate precision was ≤23% RSD; recovery of casein from incurred material (2–20 µg/g) ranged from 78% to 118%.

Conclusions
An LC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for confirmation of casein allergens in hypoallergenic infant formula.

Highlights
A method was developed to accurately and reliably quantify casein allergens in extensively hydrolyzed casein infant formula by LC-MS without the need for custom peptide standards.
A new genome allows the identification of genes associated with natural variation in aluminium tolerance inBrachiariagrasses
Authors: Worthington Margaret , Perez Juan Guillermo , Mussurova Saule , Silva-Cordoba Alexander , Castiblanco Valheria , Cardoso Arango Juan Andres , Jones Charlotte , Fernandez-Fuentes Narcis , Skot Leif , Dyer Sarah , Tohme Joe , Di Palma Federica , Arango Jacobo , Armstead Ian , De Vega Jose J 
Published: October 2020

AbstractToxic concentrations of aluminium cations and low phosphorus availability are the main yield-limiting factors in acidic soils, which represent half of the potentially available arable land. Brachiaria grasses, which are commonly sown as forage in the tropics because of their resilience and low demand for nutrients, show greater tolerance to high concentrations of aluminium cations (Al3+) than most other grass crops. In this work, we explored the natural variation in tolerance to Al3+ between high and low tolerant Brachiaria species and characterized their transcriptional differences during stress. We identified three QTLs (quantitative trait loci) associated with root vigour during Al3+ stress in their hybrid progeny. By integrating these results with a new Brachiaria reference genome, we identified 30 genes putatively responsible for Al3+ tolerance in Brachiaria. We observed differential expression during stress of genes involved in RNA translation, response signalling, cell wall composition, and vesicle location homologous to aluminium-induced proteins involved in limiting uptake or localizing the toxin. However, there was limited regulation of malate transporters in Brachiaria, which suggests that exudation of organic acids and other external tolerance mechanisms, common in other grasses, might not be relevant in Brachiaria. The contrasting regulation of RNA translation and response signalling suggests that response timing is critical in high Al3+-tolerant Brachiaria.
PYL8 ABA receptors ofPhoenix dactyliferaplay a crucial role in response to abiotic stress and are stabilized by ABA
Authors: Garcia-Maquilon Irene , Coego Alberto , Lozano-Juste Jorge , Messerer Maxim , de Ollas Carlos , Julian Jose , Ruiz-Partida Rafael , Pizzio Gaston , Belda-Palazón Borja , Gomez-Cadenas Aurelio , Mayer Klaus F X , Geiger Dietmar , Alquraishi Saleh A , Alrefaei Abdulwahed F , Ache Peter , Hedrich Rainer , Rodriguez Pedro L 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe identification of those prevalent abscisic acid (ABA) receptors and molecular mechanisms that trigger drought adaptation in crops well adapted to harsh conditions such as date palm (Phoenix dactylifera, Pd) sheds light on plant–environment interactions. We reveal that PdPYL8-like receptors are predominantly expressed under abiotic stress, with Pd27 being the most expressed receptor in date palm. Therefore, subfamily I PdPYL8-like receptors have been selected for ABA signaling during abiotic stress response in this crop. Biochemical characterization of PdPYL8-like and PdPYL1-like receptors revealed receptor- and ABA-dependent inhibition of PP2Cs, which triggers activation of the pRD29B-LUC reporter in response to ABA. PdPYLs efficiently abolish PP2C-mediated repression of ABA signaling, but loss of the Trp lock in the seed-specific AHG1-like phosphatase PdPP2C79 markedly impairs its inhibition by ABA receptors. Characterization of Arabidopsis transgenic plants that express PdPYLs shows enhanced ABA signaling in seed, root, and guard cells. Specifically, Pd27-overexpressing plants showed lower ABA content and were more efficient than the wild type in lowering transpiration at negative soil water potential, leading to enhanced drought tolerance. Finally, PdPYL8-like receptors accumulate after ABA treatment, which suggests that ABA-induced stabilization of these receptors operates in date palm for efficient boosting of ABA signaling in response to abiotic stress.
Compliance or Effectiveness? Assessing the Reach (and
Limits) of Treaty-Making
Authors: Martin Lisa L 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
This chapter considers the question of how treaties can work if their members do not comply with the treaty’s terms. It argues that treaty effectiveness has only a minimal relation to compliance as generally understood by treaty lawyers and scholars. Treaty lawyers tend to focus first and foremost on divining the contours of agreement — what terms can be negotiated and concluded? Once a treaty exists, their concerns shift to implementation with an eye to making — or avoiding — claims that a member has breached whatever obligations the treaty imposes. The chapter begins by describing how the extant literature conceptualizes and measures treaty compliance and effectiveness. It then focuses on distinguishing these two concepts, and emphasizes how questions of treaty effectiveness, not compliance, deserve higher priority. The final section offers some practical advice and principles for pursuing more effective treaty-making.
Who Can
Make Treaties? International Organizations
Authors: Elias Olufemi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
International organizations (IOs) are subjects of international law typically created by agreement between States, usually through treaties, for the achievement or furtherance of a common objective of the IO’s creators. However, IOs also play a direct role in treaty-making. They have the capacity to become parties to treaties in their own right, within the scope of their competencies and where other parties are willing to enter into treaty relations with them. This chapter focuses on this direct role. It begins with an overview of the early practice regarding IOs as parties to treaties. Part II reviews the main issues in the 1986 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT), including the ways in which it differs from the 1969 VCLT. Part III considers who is bound when an IO is a party to a treaty and Part IV reviews the types of treaties to which IOs are parties.
Managing the Process of Treaty Formation
Authors: Hinojal-Oyarbide Arancha 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The formation of a treaty will often involve actors and acts beyond the parties and their communications inter se. This chapter analyses two of the most prominent examples of this phenomenon: (i) the role of the depositary of a multilateral treaty; and (ii) the obligation to register with the UN Secretariat bilateral and multilateral treaties and treaty formalities. The role of the depositary traditionally commences with the adoption of the treaty text that designates it as such. At that moment, the provisions regulating the legal procedures for the treaty to come into existence — the so-called ‘final clauses’ or ‘final provisions’ — become effective. Following adoption of a treaty’s text, the depositary normally prepares the original treaty. As the original must include all authentic languages, the text in all authentic languages must be submitted to the depositary.