bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A distinctive release profile of vancomycin and tobramycin from a new and injectable polymeric dicalcium phosphate dehydrate cement (P-DCPD)
Authors: Ren E J , Guardia A , Shi T , Begeman P , Ren W , Vaidya R 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
A novel injectable polymeric dicalcium phosphate dehydrate (P-DCPD) cement was developed with superior mechanical strength and excellent cohesion. The purpose of this study was to assess the in vitro performance of P-DCPD loaded with vancomycin (VAN-P), tobramycin (TOB-P) and combination of both (VAN/TOB-P) (10%, w/w). There is a distinctive release profile between VAN and TOB. VAN-P showed decreased initial burst (<30% within 3 d) and sustained VAN release (76% in 28 d). In the presence of TOB (VAN/TOB-P), >90% of VAN was released within 3 d (p < 0.05). Slow and limited TOB release was observed both in TOB-P (<5%) and in TOB/VAN-P (<1%) over 28 d. Zone of inhibition (ZOI) of Staphylococcus aureus growth showed that eluents collected from VAN-P had stronger and longer ZOI (28 d) than that from TOB-P (14 d, p < 0.05). Direct contact of VAN-P, TOB-P and VAN/TOB-P cements displayed persistent and strong ZOI for >3 weeks. Interestingly, the cement residues (28 d after drug release) still maintained strong ZOI ability. P-DCPD with or without antibiotics loading were nontoxic and had no inferior impacts on the growth of osteoblastic MC3T3 cells. VAN-P and TOB-P were injectable. No significant influence on setting time was observed in both VAN-P (11.7 ± 1.9 min) and VAN/TOB-P (10.8 ± 1.5 min) as compared to control (12.2 ± 2.6 min). We propose that a distinctive release profile of VAN and TOB observed is mainly due to different distribution pattern of VAN and TOB within P-DCPD matrix. A limited release of TOB might be due to the incorporation of TOB inside the crystalline lattice of P-DCPD crystals. Our data supported that the bactericidal efficacy of antibiotics-loaded P-DCPD is not only depend on the amount and velocity of antibiotics released, but also probably more on the direct contact of attached bacteria on the degrading cement surface.
Vanishing diffusion limits for planar fronts in bistable models with saturation
Authors: Garrione Maurizio 
Published: December 2020

We deal with planar fronts for parameter-dependent reaction-diffusion equations with bistable reaction and saturating diffusive term like

u
t

=
ε

d
i
v

(

∇
u

1
+
|
∇
u

|
2

)

+
f
(
u
)
,

u
=
u
(
x
,
t
)
,

x
∈

R

n

,

t
∈

R

,

\begin{equation*}u_t=\varepsilon \, \mathrm {div}\, \left (\frac {\nabla u}{\sqrt {1+\vert \nabla u \vert ^2}}\right ) + f(u), \quad u=u(x, t), \; x \in \mathbb {R}^n, \, t \in \mathbb {R}, \end{equation*}

analyzing in particular their behavior for

ε
→
0

\varepsilon \to 0

. First, we construct monotone and non-monotone planar traveling waves, using a change of variables allowing to analyze a two-point problem for a suitable first-order reduction of the equation above; then, we investigate the asymptotic behavior of the monotone fronts for

ε
→
0

\varepsilon \to 0

, showing their convergence to suitable step functions. A remarkable feature of the considered diffusive term is that the fronts connecting

0
0

and

1
1

are necessarily discontinuous (and steady, namely with

0
0

-speed) for small

ε
\varepsilon

, so that in this case the study of the convergence concerns discontinuous steady states, differently from the linear diffusion case.
MITGARD: an automated pipeline for mitochondrial genome assembly in eukaryotic species using RNA-seq data
Authors: Nachtigall Pedro G , Grazziotin Felipe G , Junqueira-de-Azevedo Inácio L M 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Motivation
Over the past decade, the field of next-generation sequencing (NGS) has seen dramatic advances in methods and a decrease in costs. Consequently, a large expansion of data has been generated by NGS, most of which have originated from RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) experiments. Because mitochondrial genes are expressed in most eukaryotic cells, mitochondrial mRNA sequences are usually co-sequenced within the target transcriptome, generating data that are commonly underused or discarded. Here, we present MITGARD, an automated pipeline that reliably recovers the mitochondrial genome from RNA-seq data from various sources. The pipeline identifies mitochondrial sequence reads based on a phylogenetically related reference, assembles them into contigs, and extracts a complete mtDNA for the target species.

Results
We demonstrate that MITGARD can reconstruct the mitochondrial genomes of several species throughout the tree of life. We noticed that MITGARD can recover the mitogenomes in different sequencing schemes and even in a scenario of low-sequencing depth. Moreover, we showed that the use of references from congeneric species diverging up to 30 million years ago (MYA) from the target species is sufficient to recover the entire mitogenome, whereas the use of species diverging between 30 and 60 MYA allows the recovery of most mitochondrial genes. Additionally, we provide a case study with original data in which we estimate a phylogenetic tree of snakes from the genus Bothrops, further demonstrating that MITGARD is suitable for use on biodiversity projects. MITGARD is then a valuable tool to obtain high-quality information for studies focusing on the phylogenetic and evolutionary aspects of eukaryotes and provides data for easily identifying a sample using barcoding, and to check for cross-contamination using third-party tools.
Analysis of selection in protein-coding sequences accounting for common biases
Authors: Del Amparo Roberto , Branco Catarina , Arenas Jesús , Vicens Alberto , Arenas Miguel 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe evolution of protein-coding genes is usually driven by selective processes, which favor some evolutionary trajectories over others, optimizing the subsequent protein stability and activity. The analysis of selection in this type of genetic data is broadly performed with the metric nonsynonymous/synonymous substitution rate ratio (dN/dS). However, most of the well-established methodologies to estimate this metric make crucial assumptions, such as lack of recombination or invariable codon frequencies along genes, which can bias the estimation. Here, we review the most relevant biases in the dN/dS estimation and provide a detailed guide to estimate this metric using state-of-the-art procedures that account for such biases, along with illustrative practical examples and recommendations. We also discuss the traditional interpretation of the estimated dN/dS emphasizing the importance of considering complementary biological information such as the role of the observed substitutions on the stability and function of proteins. This review is oriented to help evolutionary biologists that aim to accurately estimate selection in protein-coding sequences.
Male-derived copulatory plugs enhance implantation success in female Mus musculus
Authors: Lough-Stevens Michael , Ghione Caleb R , Urness Matthew , Hobbs Adelaide , Sweeney Colleen M , Dean Matthew D 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Among a wide diversity of sexually reproducing species, male ejaculates coagulate to form what has been termed a copulatory plug. A number of functions have been attributed to copulatory plugs, including the inhibition of female remating and the promotion of ejaculate movement. Here we demonstrate that copulatory plugs also influence the likelihood of implantation, which occurs roughly 4 days after copulation in mice. Using a bead transfer method to control for differences in ejaculate retention and fertilization rates, we show that implantation rates significantly drop among females mated to genetically engineered males incapable of forming plugs (because they lack functional transglutaminase 4, the main enzyme responsible for its formation). Surprisingly, this result does not correlate with differences in circulating progesterone levels among females, an important hormone involved in implantation. We discuss three models that connect male-derived copulatory plugs to implantation success, including the hypothesis that plugs contribute to a threshold amount of stimulation required for females to become receptive to implantation.
Implantation failure and embryo loss contribute to subfertility in female mice mutant for chromatin remodelerCecr2†
Authors: Norton Kacie A , Niri Farshad , Weatherill Chelsey B , Williams Christine E , Duong Kevin , McDermid Heather E 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDefects in the maternal reproductive system that result in early pregnancy loss are important causes of human female infertility. A wide variety of biological processes are involved in implantation and establishment of a successful pregnancy. Although chromatin remodelers have been shown to play an important role in many biological processes, our understanding of the role of chromatin remodelers in female reproduction remains limited. Here, we demonstrate that female mice mutant for chromatin remodeler Cecr2 are subfertile, with defects detected at the peri-implantation stage or early pregnancy. Using both a less severe hypomorphic mutation (Cecr2GT) and a more severe presumptive null mutation (Cecr2Del), we demonstrate a clear difference in the severity of the phenotype depending on the mutation. Although neither strain shows detectable defects in folliculogenesis, both Cecr2GT/GT and Cecr2GT/Del dams show defects in pregnancy. Cecr2GT/GT females have a normal number of implantation sites at embryonic day 5.5 (E5.5), but significant embryo loss by E10.5 accompanied by the presence of vaginal blood. Cecr2GT/Del females show a more severe phenotype, with significantly fewer detectable implantation sites than wild type at E5.5. Some Cecr2GT/Del females also show premature loss of decidual tissue after artificial decidualization. Together, these results suggest a role for Cecr2 in the establishment of a successful pregnancy.
Immunogenicity and Safety of the 9-Valent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients and Adults Infected With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Authors: Boey Lise , Curinckx Ans , Roelants Mathieu , Derdelinckx Inge , Van Wijngaerden Eric , De Munter Paul , Vos Robin , Kuypers Dirk , Van Cleemput Johan , Vandermeulen Corinne 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
The burden of human papillomavirus (HPV) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons and solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients is high. Clinical trials on HPV vaccines in persons living with HIV and particularly in SOT recipients have been sparse to date, included low numbers of participants, and none of them assessed the 9-valent HPV (9vHPV) vaccine. We investigated the immunogenicity with respect to HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 and the safety of the 9vHPV vaccine in persons living with HIV and recipients of a kidney, lung, or heart transplant.

Methods
This is a phase III investigator-initiated study in 100 persons living with HIV (age 18–45 years) and 171 SOT recipients (age 18–55 years). The 9vHPV vaccine was administered at day 1, month 2, and month 6. Primary outcome was seroconversion rates to the 9vHPV types at month 7. Secondary outcomes were geometric mean titers (GMTs) and frequency of adverse events (AEs).

Results
All HIV-infected participants seroconverted for all HPV types, but seroconversion ranged from 46% for HPV45 to 72% for HPV58 in SOT recipients. GMTs ranged from 180 to 2985 mMU/mL in HIV-positive participants and from 17 to 170 mMU/mL in SOT recipients, depending on the HPV type. Injection-site AEs occurred in 62% of participants but were mostly mild or moderate in intensity. None of the reported serious adverse events were deemed vaccine related. No patients died during the study.

Conclusions
Immunogenicity of the 9vHPV vaccine is high in persons living with HIV but suboptimal in SOT recipients. The vaccine is safe and well tolerated in both groups.
Patient with valvular disease: evolving care patterns
Authors: Lurz Philipp , Senni Michele , Guérin Patrice 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCOVID-19 has put each and every one at test. Cardiological clinics are facing constrained resources, limiting timely treatment of patients as usual. Patients with valvular heart disease are one of the most time sensitive patient populations, with delayed therapy possible leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Identifying and allocating the available resources to the most vulnerable patients is crucial in providing optimal patient care with prioritization of essential surgical or percutaneous procedures for valvular heart disease. Implementing telemedicine approaches might help to minimize non-essential physician-to-patient contact to ensure safety, for both patients and lastly but not least the treating physicians.
Left atrial appendage occlusion in COVID-19 times
Authors: Freixa Xavier , Aminian Adel , De Backer Ole , Berti Sergio , Nielsen-Kudsk Jens-Erik 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is having a major impact on healthcare systems worldwide. Several months after the COVID-19 outbreak, waiting lists of non-urgent structural heart (SH) interventions continue to increase. Limitations in terms of ICU beds and anesthesiology represent a major limitation to conduct non-urgent SH interventions and are a valid reason to move towards less invasive approaches. The field of left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) reflects this challenging situation perfectly. The aim of this paper is to describe the possibilities for pre-procedural LAA assessment, performance of the LAAO procedure and post-procedural surveillance in these challenging times.
Egg consumption associated with all-cause mortality in rural China: a 14-year follow-up study
Authors: Liu Lishun , Huang Xiao , Wang Binyan , Song Yun , Lin Tengfei , Zhou Ziyi , Guo Huiyuan , Chen Ping , Yang Yan , Ling Wenhua , Qin Xianhui , Tang Genfu , Liu Chengzhang , Li Jianping , Zhang Yan , Spence J. David , Huo Yong , Zhang Hao , Xu Xiping 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
Dietary recommendations regarding egg intake remain controversial topic for public health. We hypothesized that there was a positive association between egg consumption and all-cause mortality.

Methods
To test this hypothesis, we enrolled 9885 adults from a community-based cohort in Anhui Province, China during 2003–05. Egg consumption was assessed by food questionnaire. Stratified analyses were performed for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, smoking, drinking and laboratory tests.

Results
After an average follow-up of 14.1 years, 9444 participants were included for analysis. A total of 814 deaths were recorded. Participants’ BMI and lipid profile had no significantly difference between three egg consumption groups. BMI was 21.6±2.7 of the whole population, especially BMI&gt;24 was only 17.3%. A bivariate association of egg consumption &gt;6/week with increased all-cause mortality was observed compared with ≤6/week (RR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.73, P = 0.018). A significant interaction was observed for BMI ≥ 21.2 kg/m2 vs. BMI&lt;21.2 kg/m2 (P for interaction: 0.001). No other significant interactions were found.

Conclusions
In this study, consuming &gt;6 eggs/week increased risk of all-cause mortality, even among lean participants, especially who with BMI ≥ 21.2 kg/m2. Eggs are an easily accessible and constitute an affordable food source in underdeveloped regions. Consuming &lt;6 eggs/week may be the most suitable intake mode.
Are permafrost microorganisms as old as permafrost?
Authors: Abramov Andrey , Vishnivetskaya Tatiana , Rivkina Elizaveta 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT
Permafrost describes the condition of earth material (sand, ground, organic matter, etc.) cemented by ice when its temperature remains at or below 0°C continuously for longer than 2 years. Evidently, permafrost is as old as the time passed from freezing of the earth material. Permafrost is a unique phenomenon and may preserve life forms it encloses. Therefore, in order to talk confidently about the preservation of paleo-objects in permafrost, knowledge about the geological age of sediments, i.e. when the sediments were formed, and permafrost age, when those sediments became permanently frozen, is essential. There are two types of permafrost—syngenetic and epigenetic. The age of syngenetic permafrost corresponds to the geological age of its sediments, whereas the age of epigenetic permafrost is less than the geological age of its sediments. Both of these formations preserve microorganisms and their metabolic products; however, the interpretations of the microbiological and molecular-biological data are inconsistent. This paper reviews the current knowledge of time–temperature history and age of permafrost in relation to available microbiological and metagenomic data.
Social network moderators of the association between Ghanaian older adults’ neighbourhood walkability and social activity
Authors: Asiamah Nestor , Conduah Andrew Kweku , Eduafo Richard 
Published: December 2020

Summary
This study examined the moderating influences of active social networks (ASN), sedentary social networks (SSN) and ASN lost on the relationship between neighbourhood walkability and social activity in community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years or more in Accra, Ghana. A total of 863 individuals participated after G*Power 3.1 was utilized to calculate the minimum sample size. We analysed the data with Pearson’s correlation test and hierarchical linear regression models. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to select the ultimate confounding variables. The study found a positive influence of neighbourhood walkability on social activity after the covariate adjustment (β = 0.18; t = 5.2; p = 0.000). The positive influence of neighbourhood walkability on social activity was significantly reduced by ASN lost and SSN. ASN did not have a significant moderating influence on the primary relationship. The study concludes that the positive influence of walkable neighbourhoods on social activity decreases as SSN and ASN lost increase.
Ryanodine receptor remodeling in cardiomyopathy and muscular dystrophy caused by lamin A/C gene mutation
Authors: Dridi Haikel , Wu Wei , Reiken Steven R , Ofer Rachel M , Liu Yang , Yuan Qi , Sittenfeld Leah , Kushner Jared , Muchir Antoine , Worman Howard J , Marks Andrew R 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Mutations in the lamin A/C gene (LMNA), which encodes A-type lamins, cause several diseases called laminopathies, the most common of which is dilated cardiomyopathy with muscular dystrophy. The role of Ca2+ regulation in these diseases remain poorly understood. We now show biochemical remodeling of the ryanodine receptor (RyR)/intracellular Ca2+ release channel in heart samples from human subjects with LMNA mutations, including protein kinase A-catalyzed phosphorylation, oxidation and depletion of the stabilizing subunit calstabin. In the LmnaH222P/H222P murine model of Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy caused by LMNA mutation, we demonstrate an age-dependent biochemical remodeling of RyR2 in the heart and RyR1 in skeletal muscle. This RyR remodeling is associated with heart and skeletal muscle dysfunction. Defective heart and muscle function are ameliorated by treatment with a novel Rycal small molecule drug (S107) that fixes ‘leaky’ RyRs. SMAD3 phosphorylation is increased in hearts and diaphragms of LmnaH222P/H222P mice, which enhances NADPH oxidase binding to RyR channels, contributing to their oxidation. There is also increased generalized protein oxidation, increased calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II-catalyzed phosphorylation of RyRs and increased protein kinase A activity in these tissues. Our data show that RyR remodeling plays a role in cardiomyopathy and skeletal muscle dysfunction caused by LMNA mutation and identify these Ca2+ channels as a potential therapeutic target.
Reconstruction of a small acoustic inclusion via time-dependent polarization tensors
Authors: Baldassari Lorenzo , Scapin Andrea 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This paper aims at introducing the concept of time-dependent polarization tensors (TDPTs) for the wave equation associated to a diametrically small acoustic inclusion, with constitutive parameters different from those of the background and size smaller than the operating wavelength. Firstly, the solution to the Helmholtz equation is considered, and a rigourous systematic derivation of a complete asymptotic expansion of the scattered field due to the presence of the inclusion is presented. Then, by applying the Fourier transform, the corresponding time-domain expansion is readily obtained after truncating the high frequencies. The new concept of TDPTs is shown to be promising for performing imaging. In particular, the optimization approach proposed by Ammari et al. (Ammari, H., Kang, H., Kim, & E. Lee, J.-Y. (2012)The generalized polarization tensors for resolved imaging. Part II: shape and electromagnetic parameters reconstruction of an electromagnetic inclusion from multistatic measurements. Math. Comp., 81, 839–860.) is extended to TDPTs. Numerical simulations are presented, showing that the TDPTs reconstructed from noisy measurements allow to image fine shape details of the inclusion.
On Discrete Conjugate Semi-Geodesic Nets
Authors: Hoffmann Tim , Schief Wolfgang K , Steinmeier Jannik 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
We introduce two canonical discretizations of nets on generic surfaces, which consist of an one-parameter family of geodesics and its associated family of conjugate lines. The two types of “discrete conjugate semi-geodesic nets” constitute discrete focal nets of circular nets, which mimics the classical connection between surfaces parametrized in terms of curvature coordinates and their focal surfaces on which one corresponding family of coordinate lines are geodesics. The discrete surfaces constructed in this manner are termed circular-geodesic and conical-geodesic nets, respectively, and may be characterized by compact angle conditions. Geometrically, circular-geodesic nets are constructed via normal lines of circular nets, while conical-geodesic nets inherit their name from their intimately related conical nets, which also discretize curvature line parametrized surfaces. We establish a variety of properties of these discrete nets, including their algebraic and geometric 3D consistency, with the latter playing an important role in (integrable) discrete differential geometry.
What are the most effective community-based antimicrobial stewardship interventions in low- and middle-income countries? A narrative review
Authors: Lam Thanh Tuan , Dang Duc Anh , Tran Huy Hoang , Do Dung Van , Le Hien , Negin Joel , Jan Stephen , Marks Guy B , Nguyen Thu Anh , Fox Greg J , Beardsley Justin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global issue and antimicrobial stewardship is central to tackling its emergence. The burden of AMR disproportionately impacts low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where capacity for surveillance and management of resistant pathogens is least developed. Poorly regulated antibiotic consumption in the community is a major driver of AMR, especially in LMICs, yet community-based interventions are neglected in stewardship research, which is often undertaken in high-income settings and/or in hospitals. We reviewed the evidence available to researchers and policymakers testing or implementing community-based antimicrobial stewardship strategies in LMICs. We critically appraise that evidence, deliver recommendations and identify outstanding areas of research need. We find that multifaceted, education-focused interventions are likely most effective in our setting. We also confirm that the quality and quantity of community-based stewardship intervention research is limited, with research on microbiological, clinical and economic sustainability most urgently needed.