bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microfinance, retention in care, and mortality among patients enrolled in HIV care in East Africa
Authors: Genberg Becky L. , Wilson-Barthes Marta G. , Omodi Victor , Hogan Joseph W. , Steingrimsson Jon , Wachira Juddy , Pastakia Sonak , Tran Dan N. , Kiragu Zana W. , Ruhl Laura J. , Rosenberg Molly , Kimaiyo Sylvester , Galárraga Omar 
Published: June 2021

Objective:
To measure associations between participation in community-based microfinance groups, retention in HIV care, and death among people with HIV (PWH) in low-resource settings.

Design and methods:
We prospectively analyzed data from 3609 patients enrolled in an HIV care program in western Kenya. HIV patients who were eligible and chose to participate in a Group Integrated Savings for Health Empowerment (GISHE) microfinance group were matched 1 : 2 on age, sex, year of enrollment in HIV care, and location of initial HIV clinic visit to patients not participating in GISHE. Follow-up data were abstracted from medical records from January 2018 through February 2020. Logistic regression analysis examined associations between GISHE participation and two outcomes: retention in HIV care (i.e. >1 HIV care visit attended within 6 months prior to the end of follow-up) and death. Socioeconomic factors associated with HIV outcomes were included in adjusted models.

Results:
The study population was majority women (78.3%) with a median age of 37.4 years. Microfinance group participants were more likely to be retained in care relative to HIV patients not participating in a microfinance group [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.71; P = 0.046]. Participation in group microfinance was associated with a reduced odds of death during the follow-up period (aOR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.28–1.09; P = 0.105).

Conclusion:
Participation in group-based microfinance appears to be associated with better HIV treatment outcomes. A randomized trial is needed to assess whether microfinance groups can improve clinical and socioeconomic outcomes among PWH in similar settings.
18F-FET PET/CT as a Diagnostic Tool for Brain Abscess
Authors: Kang Seo Young , Jang Yunejeong , Cho Min-Sun , Park Soo Jeong , Moon Byung Seok , Kim Hye Ok , Yoon Hai-Jeon , Kim Bom Sahn 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
A 49-year-old man presented with sudden right-sided weakness and seizure. Brain MRI identified a lobulated mass with diffusion restriction and irregular wall enhancement in the left parietal lobe. 18F-FET (O-(2-[18F]fluoroethyl)-l-tyrosine) PET/CT was performed, which identified a cystic mass in the left parietal lobe accompanied by FET uptake. Compartmentalized uptake was also confirmed throughout the left parietal lobe. Considering the relatively low target-to-background ratio and uptake observed in the entire left parietal lobe, the lesion was more likely to be a brain abscess than a tumor. The pathologic diagnosis after mass removal was acute and chronic inflammation with abscess.
Visualization of Fibroblast Activation After Myocardial Infarction Using 68Ga-FAPI PET
Authors: Kessler Lukas , Kupusovic Jana , Ferdinandus Justin , Hirmas Nader , Umutlu Lale , Zarrad Fadi , Nader Michael , Fendler Wolfgang P. , Totzeck Matthias , Wakili Reza , Schlosser Thomas , Rassaf Tienush , Rischpler Christoph , Siebermair Johannes 
Published: June 2021

Aims
The aim of this retrospective analysis was to examine the pattern of cardiac 68Ga-fibroblast-activation protein-α inhibitor (FAPI) uptake in patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) using PET and to investigate its association with results of coronary angiography. We correlated FAPI uptake with biomarkers of myocardial damage including left ventricular function.

Methods and Results
A cohort of 10 patients with no history of coronary artery disease underwent PET 18 ± 20.6 days after AMI (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction [n = 5] and non–ST-segment elevation infarction [n = 5]), respectively. SUVmax, SUVmean, and SUVpeak of localized tracer uptake were calculated; tracer uptake volume was reported as fibroblast activation volume (FAV), with imaging data being correlated with clinical parameters. Focal FAPI uptake was observed in all patients. Average uptake at 10 minutes postinjection was 8.9 ± 4.4 (SUVmax), 7.6 ± 4.0 (SUVpeak), and 5.3 ± 2.8 (SUVmean), respectively. Affected myocardium showed a partial to complete match between tracer uptake and confirmed culprit lesion by coronary angiography in 44.4% and 55.6% of patients, respectively. A strong correlation between FAV and peak creatine kinase level (r = 0.90, P < 0.01) and inverse correlation of FAV with left ventricular function (r = −0.69, P < 0.05) was observed.

Conclusions
This analysis demonstrates in vivo visualization of fibroblast activation after AMI. The uptake area showed a very good agreement with the affected coronary territory. A strong correlation of the de novo established parameter FAV with left ventricular function and peak creatine kinase was observed. This imaging modality may provide important insights into mechanisms of structural remodeling after AMI at an early stage.
Thyroid Metastasis in Whole-Body 18F-FDG PET/CT Restaging of Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Vogel Jonas , Tenev Alina , Solass Wiebke , Schwenck Johannes , Dittmann Helmut 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIncidental findings of thyroid lesions, some of which show increased FDG uptake, are common in whole-body FDG PET/CT imaging of oncological patients. As metastases to the thyroid are extremely rare, it is often a matter of debate, whether thyroid lesions should be considered as benign goiter or evaluated further. Here, we present the case of a 65-year-old woman with history of small cell lung cancer and multiple thyroid lesions, classified as benign nodular goiter. Because in restating using18F-FDG PET/CT these lesions showed an increased FDG uptake and growth progression, decision was made for fine-needle aspiration, which revealed small cell lung cancer metastasis 14 months after first tumor diagnosis.
Pineal Yolk Sac Tumor Producing α-Fetoprotein Detected by 68Ga-FAPI PET/MRI
Authors: Dai Yaqing , Pang Yizhen , Bao Weiqi , Cheng Yuanyuan , Chen Haojun 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Pineal yolk sac tumors (YSTs) are a rare type of extragonadal YST. They make up a small fraction of all intracranial germ cell tumors and an even small fraction of pineal masses overall. This study reported a case of pineal YST with α-fetoprotein production revealed by 18F-FDG and 68Ga-FAPI PET/MRI. In the PET images, 68Ga-FAPI showed a far better tumor-to-background ratio than 18F-FDG in the pineal YST because there is little 68Ga-FAPI uptake in the brain. This case indicates that 68Ga-FAPI PET/MRI may be a useful tool for evaluating intracranial YST and other types of tumors in central nervous system.
68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT in Isolated Bilateral Adrenal Metastases From Prostate Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhao Qian , Yang Bo , Dong Aisheng , Zuo Changjing 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA 65-year-old man with treated prostate adenocarcinoma underwent68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT scan for restaging due to significantly increased serum PSA levels. PET/CT showed bilateral adrenal masses with high68Ga-PSMA-11 uptake. There was no other lesion suspicious for metastasis. The laboratory and imaging findings were consisted with isolated bilateral adrenal metastases from prostate adenocarcinoma. The patient received docetaxel chemotherapy in combination with androgen deprivation therapy. PSA levels gradually decreased during chemotherapy. Follow-up MRI showed the bilateral adrenal masses significantly decreased in size. This case demonstrates the usefulness of68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT in identifying atypical metastasis from prostate adenocarcinoma.
The Impact of Obesity on Critical Illnesses
Authors: Ayalon Itay , Bodilly Lauren , Kaplan Jennifer 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT
In the last few decades, obesity became one of the world's greatest health challenges reaching a size of global epidemic in virtually all socioeconomic statuses and all age groups. Obesity is a risk factor for many health problems and as its prevalence gradually increases is becoming a significant economic and health burden. In this manuscript we describe how normal respiratory and cardiovascular physiology is altered by obesity. We review past and current literature to describe how obesity affects outcomes of patients facing critical illnesses and discuss some controversies related to this topic.
Correlation between the ankle–brachial index and microalbuminuria with certain risk factors in type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Nguyen Van Tuan , Phan Ha Linh , Hoang Thi Minh , Dam Thi Phuong Lan , Ho Thi Hang , Huynh Quang Thuan 
Published: June 2021

Background
The ankle–brachial index (ABI) is a fast, simple, noninvasive method that provides accurate results in the early diagnosis of peripheral artery disease. Microalbuminuria is considered a predictor of renal and cardiovascular complications in patients with diabetes. This study was conducted to determine the correlation between ABI and microalbuminuria with certain risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Subjects and research methods
A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed on 62 inpatients with type 2 diabetes. All patients were measured for ABI as well as microalbuminuria, HbA1c, glucose and lipidemia in the blood.

Results
The study results showed that in patients with dyslipidemia, the risk of having microalbuminuria (+) increased 5.7 times and ABI ≤0.90 increased 8.6 times (P = 0.004 and 0.021, respectively). Fasting blood glucose >7.2 mmol/L had 5.7 times higher microalbuminuria (+) risk and 8.6 times higher ABI ≤0.90 (P = 0.004 and 0.021, respectively). Patients with HbA1c ≥7% were 2.9 times more likely to have microalbuminuria (+) and ABI ≤0.90 (P = 0.043 and 0.048, respectively).

Conclusions
Peripheral vascular disease risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia and waist circumference and the effectiveness of fasting blood glucose and HbA1c control increased the risk of high microalbuminuria and ABI in patients with type 2 diabetes.
A runtime alterable epidemic model with genetic drift, waning immunity, and vaccinations
Authors: Getz Wayne M. , Salter Richard , Vissat Ludovica Luisa , Koopman James S. , Simon Carl P. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we present methods for building a Java Runtime-Alterable-Model Platform (RAMP) of complex dynamical systems. We illustrate our methods by building a multivariant SEIR (epidemic) RAMP. Underlying our RAMP is an individual-based model that includes adaptive contact rates, pathogen genetic drift, waning and cross immunity. Besides allowing parameter values, process descriptions, and scriptable runtime drivers to be easily modified during simulations, our RAMP is easily integrated into other computational platforms, such as our illustrated example with R-Studio. Processes descriptions that can be runtime altered within our SEIR RAMP include pathogen variant-dependent host shedding, environmental persistence, host transmission, and within-host pathogen mutation and replication. They also include adaptive social distancing and adaptive application of vaccination rates and variant-valency of vaccines. We present simulation results using parameter values and process descriptions relevant to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Our results suggest that if waning immunity outpaces vaccination rates, then vaccination rollouts may fail to contain the most transmissible variants, particularly if vaccine valencies do not adapt to escape mutations. Our SEIR RAMP is designed for easy-use by individuals and groups involved in formulating social-distancing and adaptive vaccination rollout policies. More generally, our RAMP concept facilitates construction of highly flexible complex systems models of all types, which can then be easily shared among researchers and policymakers as stand alone applications programs.
Reproducibility of global electrical heterogeneity measurements on 12-lead ECG: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Haq Kazi T. , Lutz Katherine J. , Peters Kyle , Craig Natalie , Mitchell Evan , Desai Anish K. , Stencel Nathan W. L. , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Lima João A.C. , Tereshchenko Larisa G. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveVectorcardiographic (VCG) global electrical heterogeneity (GEH) metrics showed clinical usefulness. We aimed to assess the reproducibility of GEH metrics.MethodsGEH was measured on two 10-second 12-lead ECGs recorded on the same day in 4,316 participants of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (age 69.4±9.4 y; 2317(54%) female, 1728 (40%) white, 1138(26%) African-American, 519(12%) Asian-American, 931(22%) Hispanic-American). GEH was measured on a median beat, comprised of the normal sinus (N), atrial fibrillation/flutter (S), and ventricular-paced (VP) beats. Spatial ventricular gradient’s (SVG’s) scalar was measured as sum absolute QRST integral (SAIQRST) and vector magnitude QT integral (VMQTi).ResultsTwo N ECGs with heart rate (HR) bias of -0.64 (95% limits of agreement [LOA] - 5.68 to 5.21) showed spatial area QRS-T angle (aQRST) bias of -0.12 (95%LOA -14.8 to 14.5). Two S ECGs with HR bias of 0.20 (95%LOA -15.8 to 16.2) showed aQRST bias of 1.37 (95%LOA -33.2 to 35.9). Two VP ECGs with HR bias of 0.25 (95%LOA -3.0 to 3.5) showed aQRST bias of -1.03 (95%LOA -11.9 to 9.9). After excluding premature arial or ventricular beat and two additional beats (before and after extrasystole), the number of cardiac beats included in a median beat did not affect the GEH reproducibility. Mean-centered log-transformed values of SAIQRST and VMQTi demonstrated perfect agreement (Bias 0; 95%LOA -0.092 to 0.092).ConclusionGEH measurements on N, S, and VP median beats are reproducible. SVG’s scalar can be measured as either SAIQRST or VMQTi.SignificanceSatisfactory reproducibility of GEH metrics supports their implementation.HighlightsVCG metrics are reliably reproducible, which supports their implementation.GEH is reproducible if measured during atrial fibrillation or ventricular pacing.Scalar of spatial ventricular gradient can be measured as either SAIQRST or VMQTi.
Using structurally fungible biosensors to evolve improved alkaloid biosyntheses
Authors: d’Oelsnitz Simon , Kim Wantae , Burkholder Nathaniel T. , Javanmardi Kamyab , Thyer Ross , Zhang Yan , Alper Hal , Ellington Andrew D. 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTA key bottleneck in the microbial production of therapeutic plant metabolites is identifying enzymes that can greatly improve yield. The facile identification of genetically encoded biosensors can overcome this limitation and become part of a general method for engineering scaled production. We have developed a unique combined screening and selection approach that quickly refines the affinities and specificities of generalist transcription factors, and using RamR as a starting point we evolve highly specific (>100-fold preference) and sensitive (EC50<30 μM) biosensors for the alkaloids tetrahydropapaverine, papaverine, glaucine, rotundine, and noscapine. High resolution structures reveal multiple evolutionary avenues for the fungible effector binding site, and the creation of new pockets for different chemical moieties. These sensors further enabled the evolution of a streamlined pathway for tetrahydropapaverine, an immediate precursor to four modern pharmaceuticals, collapsing multiple methylation steps into a single evolved enzyme. Our methods for evolving biosensors now enable the rapid engineering of pathways for therapeutic alkaloids.
Dengue and Zika virus capsid proteins bind to membranes and self-assemble into liquid droplets with nucleic acids
Authors: Ambroggio Ernesto E. , Navarro Guadalupe Soledad Costa , Socas Luis Benito Pérez , Bagatolli Luis A. , Gamarnik Andrea V. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractLiquid-liquid phase separation is prone to occur when positively charged proteins interact with nucleic acids. Here, we studied biophysical properties of Dengue (DENV) and Zika (ZIKV) virus capsid proteins to understand the process of RNA genome encapsidation. In this route, the capsid proteins efficiently recruit the viral RNA at the ER membrane to yield nascent viral particles. However, little is known either about the molecular mechanisms by which multiple copies of capsid proteins assemble into nucleocapsids or how the nucleocapsid is recruited and wrapped by the ER membrane during particle morphogenesis. Here, we measured relevant interactions concerning the viral process using purified DENV and ZIKV capsids proteins, membranes mimicking the ER lipid composition and nucleic acids at in vitro conditions. We found that both ZIKV and DENV capsid proteins bound to liposomes at liquid-disordered phase regions and docked exogenous membranes and RNA molecules. When the proteins bound nucleic acids, droplet liquid-liquid phase separation was observed. We characterized these liquid condensates by measuring nucleic acid partition constant and the extent of water dipolar relaxation observing a cooperative process for the formation of the new phase that involves a distinct water organization. Our data supports a new model in which capsid-RNA complexes directly bind the ER membrane, seeding the process of RNA recruitment for viral particle assembly. These results contribute to understand the viral nucleocapsid formation as a stable liquid-liquid phase transition, which could be relevant for Dengue and Zika gemmation, opening new avenues for antiviral intervention.
Prenatal Acetaminophen, Adverse Birth Outcomes, and ADHD: Mediation Analysis in a Prospective Cohort
Authors: Baker Brennan H. , Burris Heather H. , Bloomquist Tessa R. , Boivin Amélie , Gillet Virginie , Larouche Annie , Bellenger Jean-Philippe , Pasquier Jean-Charles , Baccarelli Andrea A. , Takser Larissa 
Published: June 2021

Structured AbstractBackgroundAlthough we previously reported an association of prenatal acetaminophen exposure with more than two-fold increased odds of child ADHD, it is unknown whether prenatal acetaminophen is associated with adverse birth outcomes, and if birth outcomes may mediate the association of prenatal acetaminophen with ADHD.MethodsThis birth cohort from Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada, included 773 live births. Mothers with no thyroid disease enrolled at their first prenatal care visit or delivery. Acetaminophen was measured in meconium for 393 children at delivery. Physician diagnosis of ADHD was determined when children were 6-7 years old. We first tested associations of prenatal acetaminophen with birthweight, preterm birth, gestational age, and small and large for gestational age. Then we assessed whether these birth outcomes mediate the association of prenatal acetaminophen with ADHD. We imputed missing data via multiple imputation and used inverse probability weighting to account for confounding and selection bias.ResultsAcetaminophen was detected in 222 meconium samples (56.5%). Prenatal acetaminophen exposure was associated with decreased birthweight by 136 grams (β = -136; 95%CI [-229, - 43]), 20% increased weekly hazard of delivery (hazard ratio = 1.20; 95%CI [1.00, 1.43]), and over 60% decreased odds of being born large for gestational age (odds ratio = 0.38; 95%CI [0.20, 0.75]). There was no evidence for adverse birth outcomes mediating the association of prenatal acetaminophen with child ADHD.ConclusionsAlthough unobserved confounding and confounding by indication are possible, these results warrant further investigation into adverse perinatal effects of prenatal acetaminophen exposure.
Identification of novel human derived influenza viruses in pigs with zoonotic potential
Authors: Tapia Rodrigo , Brito Bárbara , Saavedra Marco , Mena Juan , García-Salum Tamara , Rathnasinghe Raveen , Barriga Gonzalo , Tapia Karla , García Victoria , Bucarey Sergio , Jang Yunho , Wentworth David , Torremorell Montserrat , Neira Víctor , Medina Rafael A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn 2009, a novel swine influenza A virus (IAV) emerged causing a global pandemic that highlighted the role of swine as a reservoir. To date, there is limited information about swine IAV circulating in Latin America. We identified two swine H1N2 and one divergent swine H3N2 viruses that co-circulated in Chilean swine together with the 2009 H1N1 pandemic strain (A(H1N1)pdm09). Phylogenetic analysis revealed several human-to-swine IAV introductions occurring as early as the mid-1980s, and since 2009, several introductions of the A(H1N1)pdm09 strain. Antigenic cartography confirmed that these viruses were antigenically unique and identified drifted variants within the clusters. Human sera from the Chilean general population showed an age dependent mid to low-level antibody mediated protection against swine H1N2 and A(H1N1)pdm09-like viruses and a poor protection against the swine H3N2 virus, highlighting the zoonotic potential of this strain. Our results underscore the epidemiological importance of studying swine IAV in Latin America for epidemic and pandemic preparedness.
Alzheimer’s disease BIN1 coding variants increase intracellular Aβ by interfering with BACE1 recycling
Authors: Perdigão Catarina , Barata Mariana , Burrinha Tatiana , Almeida Cláudia Guimas 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTGenetics identified BIN1 as the second most important risk locus associated with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, after APOE4. Here we show the consequences of two coding variants in BIN1 (rs754834233 and rs138047593), both in terms of intracellular beta-amyloid accumulation (iAbeta) and early endosome enlargement, two interrelated early cytopathological Alzheimer’s disease phenotypes, supporting their association with LOAD risk. We previously found that Bin1 deficiency potentiates beta-amyloid production by decreasing BACE1 recycling and enlarging early endosomes. Here, we demonstrate that the expression of the two LOAD mutant forms of Bin1 did not rescue the iAbeta accumulation and early endosome enlargement induced by Bin1 knockdown and recovered by wild-type Bin1. The LOAD coding variants reduced Bin1 interaction with BACE1 likely causing a dominant-negative effect since Bin1 mutants, but not wild-type Bin1, overexpression increased iAbeta42 due to defective BACE1 recycling and accumulation in early endosomes. Endocytic recycling of transferrin was similarly affected by Bin1 wild-type and mutants, indicating that Bin1 is a general regulator of endocytic recycling. These data show that the LOAD mutations in Bin1 lead to a loss of function, suggesting that endocytic recycling defects are an early causal mechanism of Alzheimer’s disease.