bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Value of Procalcitonin in Transplant Patients Receiving Immunosuppressant Drugs: A Retrospective Electronic Medical Record–Based Analysis
Authors: Chae Hyojin , Bevins Nicholas , Seymann Gregory B , Fitzgerald Robert L 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Objectives
To evaluate concentrations of procalcitonin (PCT) in transplant recipients receiving immunosuppressive therapy compared with nonimmunosuppressed patients.

Methods
We analyzed a data set of 9,500 inpatient encounters to compare levels of PCT and other biomarkers of infection (C-reactive protein [CRP], WBC count, and absolute neutrophil count [ANC]) between immunosuppressed and nonimmunosuppressed cohorts. We also assessed the correlation between PCT and clinical variables in immunosuppressed patients.

Results
Patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs had significantly higher levels of maximal and minimal PCT compared with the nonimmunosuppressed patients (P &lt; .0001 and P = .0019, respectively). However, CRP levels, WBC count, and ANC were significantly lower in immunosuppressed patients compared with the nonimmunosuppressed patients (P = .0003, P &lt; .0019, and P = .0001, respectively).

Conclusions
Our results from real-world data demonstrated that PCT dynamics remain intact despite immunosuppressive therapy, in contrast to other biomarkers such as CRP, WBC, and ANC. In addition, higher PCT levels are associated with systemic infections and reflect disease severity.
Prospective, Randomized, Comparative Study of the Cutaneous Effects of a Topical Body Treatment Compared to a Bland Moisturizer
Authors: Carruthers Jean , Bourne Gyasi , Bell Michaela , Widgerow Alan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
Over time human skin thins and loses elasticity; topical treatments attempt to reverse this process.

Objectives
The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of TransFORM Body Treatment (TFB) in skin rejuvenation compared to a bland moisturizer on the extensor and volar forearms.

Methods
Blinded participants were given 2 products to apply on the designated forearms with follow-up at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Measurements included skin thickness, photography, dermatopathology, cutaneous elasticity determined by 2 different methods, and patient-reported outcomes. All were compared to baseline.

Results
Changes between bland moisturizer and TFB were recorded for the following parameters. (1) Roughness: extensor –0.09 mm for bland moisturizer and –0.26 mm for TFB (P = 0.174); volar 0.01 mm for bland moisturizer and –0.23 mm for TFB (P = 0.004). (2) Recoil velocity: volar –56°/sec for bland moisturizer and –24°/sec for TFB (P = 0.61); extensor –95°/sec for bland moisturizer and –63°/sec for TFB (P = 0.57). Retraction speed: volar –3.25 ms for bland moisturizer and –20.08 ms for TFB (P = 0.33); extensor –2.17 ms for bland moisturizer and –10.83 ms for TFB (P = 0.66). Histologically, TFB resulted in an increase in mucopolysaccharide content, new collagen, and number of elastin fibers in the papillary dermis. Changes in the Rao-Goldman score were also observed: volar –0.17 for bland moisturizer and –0.33 for TFB (P = 0.25); extensor –0.08 for bland moisturizer and –0.17 for TFB (P = 0.36).

Conclusions
Histology showed production of new collagen and elastin. Quantification of changes in skin thickness, skin retraction speed, and skin recoil velocity showed trends that agree with the visual data.

Level of Evidence: 4
RNAStructViz: graphical base pairing analysis
Authors: Schmidt Maxie Dion , Kirkpatrick Anna , Heitsch Christine 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Summary
We present a new graphical tool for RNA secondary structure analysis. The central feature is the ability to visually compare/contrast up to three base pairing configurations for a given sequence in a compact, standardized circular arc diagram layout. This is complemented by a built-in CT-style file viewer and radial layout substructure viewer which are directly linked to the arc diagram window via the zoom selection tool. Additional functionality includes the computation of some numerical information, and the ability to export images and data for later use. This tool should be of use to researchers seeking to better understand similarities and differences between structural alternatives for an RNA sequence.

Availability and implementation
https://github.com/gtDMMB/RNAStructViz/wiki.
mzRAPP: a tool for reliability assessment of data pre-processing in non-targeted metabolomics
Authors: El Abiead Yasin , Milford Maximilian , Salek Reza M , Koellensperger Gunda 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Summary
Reliability assessment of automated pre-processing of liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry data presents a significant challenge. Here, we present a tool named mzRAPP, which generates and validates a benchmark from user-supplied information and later utilizes it for reliability assessment of data pre-processing. As a result, mzRAPP produces several performance metrics for different steps of the pre-processing workflow, supporting five of the most commonly used pre-processing tools.

Availability and implementation
mzRAPP is implemented in R and can be downloaded from GitHub under GNU GPL v.3.0 licence. Extensive documentation, background and examples are available at (https://github.com/YasinEl/mzRAPP).

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Novel mineral regulatory pathways in ovine pregnancy: II. Calcium-binding proteins, calcium transporters, and vitamin D signaling
Authors: Stenhouse Claire , Halloran Katherine M , Newton Makenzie G , Gaddy Dana , Suva Larry J , Bazer Fuller W 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Mineralization of the fetal mammalian skeleton requires a hypercalcemic gradient across the placenta from mother to fetus. However, the mechanisms responsible for maintaining the placental transport of calcium remain poorly understood. This study aimed to identify calcium and vitamin D regulatory pathway components in ovine endometria and placentae across gestation. Suffolk ewes were bred with fertile rams upon detection of estrus (Day 0). On Days 9, 12, 17, 30, 70, 90, 110, and 125 of pregnancy (n=3–14/Day), ewes were euthanized and hysterectomized. Calcium abundance was influenced by gestational day in uterine flushings and allantoic fluid (P&lt;0.05). The expression of S100G, S100A9, S100A12, ATP2B3, ATP2B4, TRPV5, TRPV6, CYP11A1, CYP2R1, CYP24, and VDR mRNAs known to be involved in calcium binding, calcium transport, and vitamin D metabolism were quantified by qPCR. Mediators of calcium and vitamin D signaling were expressed by Day 17 conceptus tissue, and endometria and placentae across gestation. Gestational day influenced the expression of S100G, S100A9, S100A12, TRPV6, VDR, and CYP24 mRNAs in endometria and placentae (P&lt;0.05). Gestational day influenced endometrial expression of ATP2B3, and placental expression of TRPV5, ATP2B4, and CYP11A1 (P&lt;0.05). VDR protein localized to the endoderm and trophectoderm (Day 17 conceptus) and was expressed in endometria and placentae throughout gestation. The observed spatiotemporal profile suggests a potential role of calcium and vitamin D in the establishment of pregnancy and regulation of fetal and placental growth, providing a platform for further mechanistic investigation.
DominantACO2mutations are a frequent cause of isolated optic atrophy
Authors: Charif Majida , Gueguen Naïg , Ferré Marc , Elkarhat Zouhair , Khiati Salim , LeMao Morgane , Chevrollier Arnaud , Desquiret-Dumas Valerie , Goudenège David , Bris Céline , Kane Selma , Alban Jennifer , Chupin Stéphanie , Wetterwald Céline , Caporali Leonardo , Tagliavini Francesca , LaMorgia Chiara , Carbonelli Michele , Jurkute Neringa , Barakat Abdelhamid , Gohier Philippe , Verny Christophe , Barth Magalie , Procaccio Vincent , Bonneau Dominique , Zanlonghi Xavier , Meunier Isabelle , Weisschuh Nicole , Schimpf-Linzenbold Simone , Tonagel Felix , Kellner Ulrich , Yu-Wai-Man Patrick , Carelli Valerio , Wissinger Bernd , Amati-Bonneau Patrizia , Reynier Pascal ,   European ION Group, Lenaers Guy 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBiallelic mutations in ACO2, encoding the mitochondrial aconitase 2, have been identified in individuals with neurodegenerative syndromes, including infantile cerebellar retinal degeneration and recessive optic neuropathies (locus OPA9). By screening European cohorts of individuals with genetically unsolved inherited optic neuropathies, we identified 61 cases harbouring variants in ACO2, among whom 50 carried dominant mutations, emphasizing for the first time the important contribution of ACO2 monoallelic pathogenic variants to dominant optic atrophy. Analysis of the ophthalmological and clinical data revealed that recessive cases are affected more severely than dominant cases, while not significantly earlier. In addition, 27% of the recessive cases and 11% of the dominant cases manifested with extraocular features in addition to optic atrophy. In silico analyses of ACO2 variants predicted their deleterious impacts on ACO2 biophysical properties. Skin derived fibroblasts from patients harbouring dominant and recessive ACO2 mutations revealed a reduction of ACO2 abundance and enzymatic activity, and the impairment of the mitochondrial respiration using citrate and pyruvate as substrates, while the addition of other Krebs cycle intermediates restored a normal respiration, suggesting a possible short-cut adaptation of the tricarboxylic citric acid cycle. Analysis of the mitochondrial genome abundance disclosed a significant reduction of the mitochondrial DNA amount in all ACO2 fibroblasts. Overall, our data position ACO2 as the third most frequently mutated gene in autosomal inherited optic neuropathies, after OPA1 and WFS1, and emphasize the crucial involvement of the first steps of the Krebs cycle in the maintenance and survival of retinal ganglion cells.
Global and Parallel Cortical Processing Based on Auditory Gamma Oscillatory Responses in Humans
Authors: Tada Mariko , Kirihara Kenji , Ishishita Yohei , Takasago Megumi , Kunii Naoto , Uka Takanori , Shimada Seijiro , Ibayashi Kenji , Kawai Kensuke , Saito Nobuhito , Koshiyama Daisuke , Fujioka Mao , Araki Tsuyoshi , Kasai Kiyoto 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Gamma oscillations are physiological phenomena that reflect perception and cognition, and involve parvalbumin-positive γ-aminobutyric acid-ergic interneuron function. The auditory steady-state response (ASSR) is the most robust index for gamma oscillations, and it is impaired in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. Although ASSR reduction is known to vary in terms of frequency and time, the neural mechanisms are poorly understood. We obtained high-density electrocorticography recordings from a wide area of the cortex in 8 patients with refractory epilepsy. In an ASSR paradigm, click sounds were presented at frequencies of 20, 30, 40, 60, 80, 120, and 160 Hz. We performed time-frequency analyses and analyzed intertrial coherence, event-related spectral perturbation, and high-gamma oscillations. We demonstrate that the ASSR is globally distributed among the temporal, parietal, and frontal cortices. The ASSR was composed of time-dependent neural subcircuits differing in frequency tuning. Importantly, the frequency tuning characteristics of the late-latency ASSR varied between the temporal/frontal and parietal cortex, suggestive of differentiation along parallel auditory pathways. This large-scale survey of the cortical ASSR could serve as a foundation for future studies of the ASSR in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders.
Tweet me: conferencing in the era of COVID-19 and 280 characters
Authors: Stevens Kate I , Melilli Edoardo , Diniz Hugo , Gillis Keith , Guerrot Dominique , Montero Nuria , Soler Maria Jose , Desai Tejas 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The European Renal Association – European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) Social Media (SoMe) Team provides Twitter coverage of the annual congress. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, #ERAEDTA20 was the first major Nephrology congress to be delivered virtually. The effect of The SoMe Team and the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have not been explored previously. Tweets of the ERA-EDTA congresses 2016–20, using official hashtags, were evaluated. Metadata of each tweet were collected prospectively; original tweets, retweets and evidence-based tweets were identified. The gender of tweet author and location of Twitter activity were established. Network maps were created to ascertain the degree of polarization between the 2019 and 2020 Twitter activity, using Gephi 0.9.2.
Between 2016 and 2019, the total number of tweets and the number of tweet authors increased, as did the proportion of female authors (20% versus 27%). In 2019, there were fewer multimedia and evidence-based tweets: 8% versus 20% in 2016. Globally, there were fewer Nephrology conferences in 2020 and the number of tweets per day reduced by 53% from 2019. In 2020, The ERA-EDTA congress saw an increase in authors of 9% and only an 8% reduction in tweets. It was easier to disseminate information in 2020, measured by increased correlation coefficient (0.14 versus 0.12 in 2019). A higher proportion of countries was represented (n = 55 versus n = 48 in 2019) and a higher proportion of tweets came from women. In conclusion, the introduction of SoMe Team was associated with increased usage of Twitter and ease of information dissemination. Compared with #nephtwitter activity as a whole in 2020, SoMe Team has mitigated some of the pandemic's deleterious effects in scientific dissemination, relevant to Nephrology.
Who sang Hamor in Handel’s Jephtha?
Authors: Baldwin Olive , Wilson Thelma 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
When Jephtha an Oratorio was published by John Walsh in April 1752, music allocated to the character Hamor was headed as sung by ‘Mr. Brent’. William Barclay Squire began his Dictionary of national biography entry (1885) on the soprano Charlotte Brent by stating that she was the daughter of ‘a fencing-master and alto singer, who sang in Handel’s “Jephtha” in 1752’, and this has been generally accepted. Charlotte’s father, Charles, was a leading fencing-master, but he was in his late 50s at the time of the Jephtha premiere and his only known ‘musical’ appearance was as the player of the salt-box in a burlesque ode at his daughter’s benefit at Ranelagh in 1763. Handel began composing the oratorio expecting that the alto castrato Gaetano Guadagni would create the role of Hamor, but when the premiere took place in February 1752 Guadagni was unavailable. For the revival of the oratorio in 1758 Hamor was sung by the 17-year-old Isabella Young, who probably also took the role in 1756. No male singer called Brent is recorded in concerts or on the London stage, so it is extremely likely that the singer at the premiere of the oratorio was the young Charlotte Brent.
Social inequalities in participation in cancer screening: does the mode of data collection matter? The CONSTANCES cohort
Authors: Aranda Ezequiel , Franck Jeanna-eve , Ringa Virginie , Sassenou Jeanne , Coeuret-Pellicer Mireille , Rigal Laurent , Menvielle Gwenn 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
Self-reported data are prone to item non-response and misreporting. We investigated to what extent the use of self-reported data for participation in breast (BCS) and cervical cancer screening (CCS) impacted socioeconomic inequalities in cancer screening participation.

Methods
We used data from a large population-based survey including information on cancer screening from self-reported questionnaire and administrative records (n = 14 122 for BCS, n = 27 120 CCS). For educational level, occupation class and household income per capita, we assessed the accuracy of self-reporting using sensitivity, specificity and both positive and negative predictive value. In addition, we estimated to what extent the use of self-reported data modified the magnitude of socioeconomic differences in BCS and CCS participation with age-adjusted non-screening rate difference, odds ratios and relative indices of inequality.

Results
Although women with a high socioeconomic position were more prone to report a date for BCS and CCS in questionnaires, they were also more prone to over-declare their participation in CCS if they had not undergone a screening test within the recommended time frame. The use of self-reported cancer screening data, when compared with administrative records, did not impact the magnitude of social differences in BCS participation but led to an overestimation of the social differences in CCS participation. This was due to misreporting rather than to item non-response.

Conclusions
Women’s socioeconomic position is associated with missingness and the accuracy of self-reported BCS and CCS participation. Social inequalities in cancer screening participation based on self-reports are likely to be overestimated for CCS.
Association between sunlight exposure and risk of prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yoon Jong-Gyum , Kim Hong-Bae 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
The prevalence of prostate cancer (PC) is increasing worldwide. An association between sunlight exposure and PC risk has been described by a previously published meta-analysis, although the level of statistical significance was not reached. We have, therefore, performed an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to further elucidate this potential connection.

Methods
To identify relevant articles, we conducted an in-depth search of 4 electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, the Web of Science and Scopus) for manuscripts published prior to March 2021. A random-effects model was used to compute a meta-estimate of the effects of sunlight exposure on risk of PC.

Results
Of the 5680 articles that were initially identified in our search, 12 observational epidemiological studies encompassing 29 282 cases of PC were selected for inclusion in the qualitative systematic review. Of these, two case-control studies were excluded from the meta-analysis. Comparing highest-to-lowest exposure, personal sunlight exposure was significantly associated with a decreased risk of PC [odds ratio (OR) = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.57–0.78] in a random-effects meta-analysis; however, high heterogeneity was present (I2 = 85.9%). Comparing moderate-to-lowest exposure, there was a non-significant relationship between personal sunlight exposure and the risk of PC (OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.68–1.10; I2 = 74.0%).

Conclusions
Our findings indicate that exposure to sunlight may protect against PC. The limitations of our research are occurrence of publication bias and a substantial heterogeneity due to a diversity of criteria for measuring sunlight exposure.
US Import Demand for Softwood Plywood: A Cointegration Approach
Authors: Assogba Noel Perceval , Zhang Daowei 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this article, we present a model and estimates of US import demand for softwood plywood from Brazil, Canada, Chile, and China using a cointegration framework. We find evidence of long-run cointegration for time series variables in US import demand functions from Brazil, Canada, and China but not from Chile. The short-run own price elasticity estimates of US import demand from Brazil, Canada, Chile, and China are at –0.53, –0.80, –0.82, and –0.91, respectively. The estimates of long-run price elasticity suggest that US import demand for softwood plywood from the three countries is more sensitive to softwood plywood price change.
Predicting Logging Residue Volumes in Alaska
Authors: Berg Erik C , Simmons Eric A , Morgan Todd A , Zarnoch Stanley J 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAlaska forest managers seek information on how timber harvesting practices change the creation of postharvest woody residues. To predict residue volumes, researchers investigated how residue ratios—growing-stock residue volume per mill-delivered volume—related to readily available data on logging site and tree attributes in Alaska. Residue ratios were not related to logging site-level variables but were related to individual tree variables with predictive models. Ratios varied widely by tree species and were predicted to increase with larger stump height and larger small-end used diameters and decline exponentially with increasing diameter breast height (dbh) to approximately 25 inches. Ratios were then predicted to increase progressively in larger dbh trees. Results from this study update previous findings in other US Northwest states and can be used to produce or improve residue prediction tools for Alaska land managers.
Population genomic analysis of Cryptococcus Brazilian isolates reveals an African type subclade distribution
Authors: Maufrais Corinne , de Oliveira Luciana , Bastos Rafael W , Moyrand Frédérique , Reis Flavia C G , Valero Clara , Gimenez Bianca , Josefowicz Luisa J , Goldman Gustavo H , Rodrigues Marcio L , Janbon Guilhem 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The genomes of a large number of Cryptococcus neoformans isolates have been sequenced and analyzed in recent years. These genomes have been used to understand the global population structure of this opportunistic pathogen. However, only a small number of South American isolates have been considered in these studies, and the population structure of C. neoformans in this part of the world remains elusive. Here, we analyzed the genomic sequences of 53 Brazilian Cryptococcus isolates and deciphered the C. neoformans population structure in this country. Our data reveal an African-like structure that suggested repeated intercontinental transports from Africa to South America. We also identified a mutator phenotype in one VNBII Brazilian isolate, exemplifying how fast-evolving isolates can shape the Cryptococcus population structure. Finally, phenotypic analyses revealed wide diversity but not lineage specificity in the expression of classical virulence traits within the set of isolates.
Elevated IL-6 and CRP Levels Are Associated With Incident Self-Reported Major Mobility Disability: A Pooled Analysis of Older Adults With Slow Gait Speed
Authors: Beavers Daniel P , Kritchevsky Stephen B , Gill Thomas M , Ambrosius Walter T , Anton Stephen D , Fielding Roger A , King Abby C , Rejeski W Jack , Lovato Laura , McDermott Mary M , Newman Anne B , Pahor Marco , Walkup Michael P , Tracy Russell P , Manini Todd M 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
Elevated interleukine-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are associated with aging-related reductions in physical function, but little is known about their independent and combined relationships with major mobility disability (MMD), defined as the self-reported inability to walk a quarter mile.

Methods
We estimated the absolute and relative effect of elevated baseline IL-6, CRP, and their combination on self-reported MMD risk among older adults (≥68 years; 59% female) with slow gait speed (&lt;1.0 m/s). Participants were MMD-free at baseline. IL-6 and CRP were assessed using a central laboratory. The study combined a cohort of community-dwelling high-functioning older adults (Health ABC) with 2 trials of low-functioning adults at risk of MMD (LIFE-P, LIFE). Analyses utilized Poisson regression for absolute MMD incidence and proportional hazards models for relative risk.

Results
We found higher MMD risk per unit increase in log IL-6 (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.26; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.13–1.41). IL-6 meeting predetermined threshold considered to be high (&gt;2.5 pg/mL) was similarly associated with higher risk of MMD (HR = 1.31; 95% CI 1.12–1.54). Elevated CRP (CRP &gt;3.0 mg/L) was also associated with increased MMD risk (HR = 1.38; 95% CI 1.10–1.74). The CRP effect was more pronounced among participants with elevated IL-6 (HR = 1.62; 95% CI 1.12–2.33) compared to lower IL-6 levels (HR = 1.19; 95% CI 0.85–1.66).

Conclusions
High baseline IL-6 and CRP were associated with an increased risk of MMD among older adults with slow gait speed. A combined biomarker model suggests CRP was associated with MMD when IL-6 was elevated.