bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Genetically Related HCV Infections Among Self-Described Injecting Partnerships
Authors: Tully Damien C , Hahn Judith A , Bean David J , Evans Jennifer L , Morris Meghan D , Page Kimberly , Allen Todd M 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
The current opioid epidemic across the United States has fueled a surge in the rate of new hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among young persons who inject drugs (PWIDs). Paramount to interrupting transmission is targeting these high-risk populations and understanding the underlying network structures facilitating transmission within these communities.

Methods
Deep sequencing data were obtained for 52 participants from 32 injecting partnerships enrolled in the U-Find-Out (UFO) Partner Study, which is a prospective study of self-described injecting dyad partnerships from a large community-based study of HCV infection in young adult PWIDs from San Francisco. Phylogenetically linked transmission events were identified using traditional genetic-distance measures and viral deep sequence phylogenies reconstructed to determine the statistical support of inferences and the direction of transmission within partnerships.

Results
Using deep sequencing data, we found that 12 of 32 partnerships were genetically similar and clustered. Three additional phylogenetic clusters were found describing novel putative transmission links outside of the injecting relationship. Transmission direction was inferred correctly for 5 partnerships with the incorrect transmission direction inferred in more than 50% of cases. Notably, we observed that phylogenetic linkage was most often associated with a lower number of network partners and involvement in a sexual relationship.

Conclusions
Deep sequencing of HCV among self-described injecting partnerships demonstrates that the majority of transmission events originate from outside of the injecting partnership. Furthermore, these findings caution that phylogenetic methods may be unable to routinely infer the direction of transmission among PWIDs especially when transmission events occur in rapid succession within high-risk networks.
Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Albendazole and Other Benzimidazole Anthelmintics for Rat Lungworm Disease (Neuroangiostrongyliasis): A Systematic Analysis of Clinical Reports and Animal Studies
Authors: Jacob John , Steel Argon , Lin Zhain , Berger Fiona , Zöeller Katrin , Jarvi Susan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe safety and efficacy of benzimidazole anthelmintics for the treatment of rat lungworm disease (neuroangiostrongyliasis) have been questioned regardless of numerous experimental animal studies and clinical reports. In this review, 40 of these experimental animal studies and 104 clinical reports are compiled with a focus on albendazole. Among the 144 articles involving an estimated 1034 patients and 2561 animals, 4.1% were inconclusive or vague regarding the use of benzimidazoles. Of the remaining 138 articles, 90.5% found benzimidazoles to be safe and effective (885 patients, 2530 animals), 4.3% as safe but ineffective (73 patients, 3 animals), and 5.0% caused adverse reactions (7 patients, 28 animals). Among those clinical reports that described a confirmed diagnosis of neuroangiostrongyliasis in which albendazole monotherapy was used, 100% reported high efficacy (743 patients, 479 animals). In those where albendazole-corticosteroid co-therapy was used, 97.87% reported it to be effective (323 patients, 130 animals).
On the Construction of Indigenous Chinese Communication Theories: An Analysis of the Cultural Roots
Authors: Tian Dexin , Yu Hongliang 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
This study aims to look into the cultural roots in the active construction of indigenous Chinese communication theories. Theoretically guided by the paradigmatic cultural assumptions between China and the West and the Chinese cultural discourse system and research, and via qualitative content analysis, this study has found: First, there are three general categories of indigenous Chinese communication theories: (a) tapping the essence of the traditional Chinese culture embedded in terms, concepts and events, (b) visualizing and modeling the Chinese cultural factors like wind, grass, and water, and (c) integrating the advantages of Chinese and Western cultures, with each category illustrated by three representative samples. Second, the three categories are the three adopted approaches to fulfilling the three goals of the Chinese cultural discourse system and three missions of the Chinese cultural discourse research. The findings can bring about complimentary and mutual benefits to the communication studies within China and beyond.
4D flow MRI of type B dissection with later retrograde progression to type A dissection in Marfan: a case report
Authors: van Hout Max J P , Juffermans Joe F , Scholte Arthur J , Lamb Hildo J 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
Due to the malfunction of connective tissue, Marfan patients are at increased risk of aortic dissection. Uncomplicated acute type B dissection is usually managed with medical therapy. Retrograde progression or new type A dissection is a relatively rare but often fatal complication that occur most frequently in the first 6 months after acute type B dissection.

Case summary
We present a 31-year-old male with Marfan syndrome and a recent uncomplicated type B dissection from the left subclavian to the right common iliac artery who underwent 4D flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The dissection had a large proximal intimal tear just distal to the left subclavian artery (15 mm) and large false lumen (35 mm). Aortic blood flow just distal to the left subclavian artery (3.6 L/min) was split disproportionately into the true (0.8 L/min, 22%) and false lumen (2.8 L/min, 78%). 4D flow streamlines revealed vortical flow in the proximal false lumen. Increased wall shear stress was observed at the sinotubular junction (STJ), inner wall of the ascending aorta and around the subclavian artery. Two weeks after MRI, the patient presented with jaw pain. Computed tomography showed a type A dissection with an entry tear at the STJ for which an acute valve-sparing root, ascending and arch replacement was performed.

Discussion
Better risk assessment of life-threatening complications in uncomplicated type B dissections could improve treatment strategies in these patients. Our case demonstrates that besides clinical and morphological parameters, flow derived parameters could aid in improved risk assessment for retrograde progression from uncomplicated type B dissection to acute type A dissection.
Detecting cardiomyopathies in pregnancy and the postpartum period with an electrocardiogram-based deep learning model
Authors: Adedinsewo Demilade A , Johnson Patrick W , Douglass Erika J , Attia Itzhak Zachi , Phillips Sabrina D , Goswami Rohan M , Yamani Mohamad H , Connolly Heidi M , Rose Carl H , Sharpe Emily E , Blauwet Lori , Lopez-Jimenez Francisco , Friedman Paul A , Carter Rickey E , Noseworthy Peter A 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Aims
Cardiovascular disease is a major threat to maternal health, with cardiomyopathy being among the most common acquired cardiovascular diseases during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an electrocardiogram (ECG)-based deep learning model in identifying cardiomyopathy during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Methods and results
We used an ECG-based deep learning model to detect cardiomyopathy in a cohort of women who were pregnant or in the postpartum period seen at Mayo Clinic. Model performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. We compared the diagnostic probabilities of the deep learning model with natriuretic peptides and a multivariable model consisting of demographic and clinical parameters. The study cohort included 1807 women; 7%, 10%, and 13% had left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 35% or less, &lt;45%, and &lt;50%, respectively. The ECG-based deep learning model identified cardiomyopathy with AUCs of 0.92 (LVEF ≤ 35%), 0.89 (LVEF &lt; 45%), and 0.87 (LVEF &lt; 50%). For LVEF of 35% or less, AUC was higher in Black (0.95) and Hispanic (0.98) women compared to White (0.91). Natriuretic peptides and the multivariable model had AUCs of 0.85 to 0.86 and 0.72, respectively.

Conclusions
An ECG-based deep learning model effectively identifies cardiomyopathy during pregnancy and the postpartum period and outperforms natriuretic peptides and traditional clinical parameters with the potential to become a powerful initial screening tool for cardiomyopathy in the obstetric care setting.
Microbe defines the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drug: a complete paradigm
Authors: Dalal P , Sharma D 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT
The human body harbors a diverse microbiome that regulates host physiology and disease development. Several studies have also been reported where the human microbiome interferes with the efficacy of chemotherapeutics. Reports have also suggested the use of microbes in specific targeting and drug delivery. This review mainly focuses on the alteration in the efficacy of the drug by human microbiota. We have also discussed how the diversity in microbes can determine the therapeutic outcomes of a particular drug. The pathways involved in the alteration are also focused, with some highlights on microbes being used in cancer therapy.
High Levels of Psychological Resilience Are Associated With Decreased Anxiety in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Philippou Alicia , Sehgal Priya , Ungaro Ryan C , Wang Kelly , Bagiella Emilia , Dubinsky Marla C , Keefer Laurie 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
Anxiety and depression are comorbid disorders with IBD and are associated with poor outcomes. Resilience is an innate but modifiable trait that may improve the symptoms of psychological disorders. Increasing resilience may decrease the severity of these comorbid disorders, which may improve IBD outcomes. The aim of this study was to describe the association between resilience, anxiety, and depression in IBD patients.

Methods
We performed a cross-sectional study of IBD patients. Patients completed a questionnaire consisting of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), a measure of resilience, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Primary outcome was severity of anxiety and depression in patients with high resilience. Multivariable linear regression analysis evaluated the association between severity of anxiety and depression and level of resilience.

Results
A sample of 288 patients was analyzed. Bivariable linear regression analysis showed a negative association between resilience and anxiety (Pearson rho = −0.47; P &lt; .0001) and between resilience and depression (Pearson rho = −0.53; P &lt; .0001). Multivariable linear regression indicated that high resilience is independently associated with lower anxiety and that for every 1-unit increase in CD-RISC, the GAD-7 score decreased by 0.04 units (P = .0003). Unlike anxiety, the association between resilience and depression did not remain statistically significant on multivariable analysis.

Conclusions
High resilience is independently associated with lower anxiety in IBD patients, and we report a quantifiable decrease in anxiety score severity for every point of increase in resilience score. These findings suggest that IBD patients with higher resilience may have better coping mechanisms that buffer against the development of anxiety.
Evolutionary Change in the Eastern Oyster,Crassostrea Virginica, Following Low Salinity Exposure
Authors: Griffiths Joanna S , Johnson Kevin M , Kelly Morgan W 
Published: August 2021

SynopsisThe presence of standing genetic variation will play a role in determining a population's capacity to adapt to environmentally relevant stressors. In the Gulf of Mexico, extreme climatic events and anthropogenic changes to local hydrology will expose productive oyster breeding grounds to stressful low salinity conditions. We identified genetic variation for performance under low salinity (due to the combined effects of low salinity and genetic load) using a single-generation selection experiment on larvae from two populations of the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica. We used pool-sequencing to test for allele frequency differences at 152 salinity-associated genes for larval families pre- and post-low salinity exposure. Our results have implications for how evolutionary change occurs during early life history stages at environmentally relevant salinities. Consistent with observations of high genetic load observed in oysters, we demonstrate evidence for purging of deleterious alleles at the larval stage in C. virginica. In addition, we observe increases in allele frequencies at multiple loci, suggesting that natural selection for low salinity performance at the larval stage can act as a filter for genotypes found in adult populations.
T-Cell Immune Dysregulation and Mortality in Women With Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Peters Brandilyn A , Moon Jee-Young , Hanna David B , Kutsch Olaf , Fischl Margaret , Moran Caitlin A , Adimora Adaora A , Gange Stephen , Roan Nadia R , Michel Katherine G , Augenbraun Michael , Sharma Anjali , Landay Alan , Desai Seema , Kaplan Robert C 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Summary
In women with HIV, higher activation and exhaustion of CD4+ T cells were associated with risk of non-HIV-related mortality during a median of 13.3 years of follow-up, independent of baseline demographic, behavioral, HIV-related, and cardiometabolic factors and longitudinal HIV disease progression.

Background
Dysregulation of adaptive immunity is a hallmark of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection that persists on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Few long-term prospective studies have related adaptive immunity impairments to mortality in HIV, particularly in women.

Methods
Among 606 women with HIV in the Women’s Interagency HIV Study, peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected from 2002 to 2005 underwent multiparameter flow cytometry. Underlying cause of death was ascertained from the National Death Index up to 2018. We examined associations of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell activation (%CD38+HLA-DR+), senescence (%CD57+CD28–), exhaustion (%PD-1+), and nonactivation/normal function (%CD57–CD28+) with natural-cause, HIV-related, and non-HIV-related mortality.

Results
At baseline, median participant age was 41, and 67% were on ART. Among 100 deaths during a median of 13.3 years follow-up, 90 were natural-cause (53 non-HIV-related, 37 HIV-related). Higher activation and exhaustion of CD4+ T cells were associated with risk of natural-cause and non-HIV-related mortality, adjusting for age, demographic, behavioral, HIV-related, and cardiometabolic factors at baseline. Additional adjustment for time-varying viral load and CD4+ T-cell count did not attenuate these associations. CD8+ T-cell markers were not associated with any outcomes adjusting for baseline factors.

Conclusions
Persistent CD4+ T-cell activation and exhaustion may contribute to excess long-term mortality risk in women with HIV, independent of HIV disease progression.
Benzo[a]pyrene stimulates miR-650 expression to promote the pathogenesis of fatty liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma via SOCS3/JAK/STAT3 cascades
Authors: Ge Yang , Gu Pengfei , Wang Wenbo , Cao Liyuan , Zhang Lulu , Li Jingquan , Mu Wei , Wang Hui 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Modern diets, which often feature high levels of fat and charcoal-grilled meat, contribute to the pathogenesis of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), resulting in liver cancer progression. Benzo(a)pyrene (B[a]P) is a common environmental and foodborne pollutant found in smoke and fire-grilled foods, which can have an adverse effect on human health. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth leading cause of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The epidemiological studies suggest that both environmental risk factors and chronic liver injury including NAFL are important for HCC development, but the precise mechanisms linking eating habits to hepato-carcinogenesis remain unclear. In the present study, we demonstrated that various miRNAs in B[a]P-exposed tumor cells contribute to tumor metastasis, among which miR-650 could be the most potent inducer. Furthermore, we found that the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) is directly regulated by miR-650 and its suppression regulates the activation of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK/STAT3) cascade. Our findings reveal a possible adverse outcome pathway of SOCS3/JAK/STAT3 regulation in B[a]P-induced HCC progress. These results provide a better understanding of the adverse effects of chronic exposure to B[a]P on human health.
Molecular Evidence Suggests That Wolbachia pipientis (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) is Widely Associated With South American Sand Flies (Diptera: Psychodidae)
Authors: Cruz Léo Nava Piorsky Dominici , Carvalho-Costa Luis Fernando , Rebêlo José Manuel Macário 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Wolbachia pipientis (Hertig) is an endosymbiotic microorganism widespread among arthropods and other invertebrate hosts, and employed in strategies to reduce the incidence of arthropod-borne diseases. Here, we used a PCR-based approach for 16S RNA and wsp genes to investigate the prevalence, geographical distribution, and strains of Wolbachia in sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae), the main vectors of the causative agents of leishmaniasis, from three biomes in Brazil: Amazon, Cerrado, and Caatinga. We found that: 1) Wolbachia DNA is present in most (66.7%) of the sampled sand fly species, including vectors of Leishmania spp. (Ross, Trypanosomatida: Trypanosomatidae), 2) the prevalence of Wolbachia DNA varies among species and populations, 3) some strains of Wolbachia may have wider geographical and host range in South America, and 4) two phylogenetic distinct wsp sequences might represent two novel strains for Wolbachia in South America sand flies. Those findings increase the basic knowledge about Wolbachia in South American sand flies and might foster further researches on its use to reduce the transmission of sand fly-borne parasites.
Experimental Study of the Mechanical Transmission of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV2/b) by Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) and Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae)
Authors: Calvete C , Delacour S , Oropeza-Velasquez R V , Estrada R , Sarto M P , Iguacel L , Lucientes J , Calvo J H 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) is caused by a lagovirus mainly affecting European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), although other European and North American lagomorph species are also susceptible to fatal infection by the new viral variant RHDV2/b. In the present work, direct mechanical transmission of the rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV2/b variant) by the hematophagous Diptera Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) and the sand fly Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli) (Diptera: Psychodidae) was tested. For each species, six and three laboratory rabbits were exposed to bites of dipterous females partially fed on RHDV2/b viral suspension 2 h and 24 h prior to exposure, respectively. The rabbits were then monitored for clinical changes and mortality for 35 d, and seroconversion was assessed by indirect ELISA. No rabbit died or showed clinical signs of disease, and seroconversion was recorded in two rabbits challenged with P. papatasi females fed the viral suspension 2 h prior to exposure. The number of RHDV2/b RNA copies/female was higher in Ae. albopictus than in P. papatasi but the decrease over time of RNA load in Ae. albopictus was greater than that in P. papatasi. The results of this study suggest the inability of Ae. albopictus to serve as a direct mechanical vector of RHDV2/b, but sand flies could play a role in the local transmission of RHD.
What Does #Freedom Look Like? Instagram and the Visual Imagination of Values
Authors: Trillò Tommaso , Scharlach Rebecca , Hallinan Blake , Kim Bumsoo , Mizoroki Saki , Frosh Paul , Shifman Limor 
Published: August 2021

AbstractInstagram is the place for the visualization of everything, from travel and food to abstract concepts such as freedom. Over the past decade, the platform has introduced a bottom-up process where users co-produce image repertoires that shape the boundaries of the imaginable. Drawing on an epistemology of social constructionism, we ask which visual repertoires are associated with value-related terms on Instagram. We studied 20 widely used value hashtags, sampling the top 100 posts for each (N = 2,000). A combined qualitative–quantitative content analysis revealed that 19 of the 20 hashtags possess distinct visual footprints, typically reflecting an orientation toward the self and an emphasis on consumption. We conclude by discussing three implications of our findings: the role of images in the social construction of the meaning of values, the distinction between internalized and externalized value depictions, and aestheticized consumption as an organizing principle of Instagram’s mainstream.
Measuring time delays – II. Using observations of the unresolved flux and astrometry
Authors: Springer Ofer M , Ofek Eran O 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT
Lensed quasars and supernovae can be used to study galaxies’ gravitational potential and measure cosmological parameters. The typical image separation of objects lensed by galaxies is of the order of 0.5 arcsec. Finding the ones with small separations, and measuring their time delays using ground-based observations is challenging. We suggest a new method to identify lensed quasars and simultaneously measure their time delays, using seeing-limited synoptic observations in which the lensed quasar images and the lensing galaxy are unresolved. We show that using the light curve of the combined flux, and the astrometric measurements of the centre-of-light position of the lensed images, the lensed nature of a quasar can be identified, and its time delay can be measured. We provide the analytic formalism to do so, taking into account the measurement errors and the fact that the power spectra of quasar light curves is red. We demonstrate our method on simulated data, while its implementation to real data will be presented in future papers. Our simulations suggest that, under reasonable assumptions, the new method has the potential to detect unresolved lensed quasars and measure their time delays, even when the image separation is about 0.2 arcsec, or the flux ratio between the faintest and brightest images is as low as 0.05. python and matlab implementations are provided. In a companion paper, we present a method for measuring the time delay using the combined flux observations. This method may be useful in cases in which the astrometric information is not relevant (e.g. reverberation mapping).