bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vasopressin V1B Receptor Antagonists as Potential Antidepressants
Authors: Chaki Shigeyuki 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Accumulating evidence shows that certain populations of depressed patients have impaired hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function. Arginine-vasopressin (AVP) is one of the primary factors in HPA axis regulation under stress situations, and AVP and its receptor subtype (V1B receptor) play a pivotal role in HPA axis abnormalities observed in depression. Based on this hypothesis, several non-peptide V1B receptor antagonists have been synthesized, and the efficacies of some V1B receptor antagonists have been investigated in both animals and humans. V1B receptor antagonists exert antidepressant-like effects in several animal models at doses that attenuate the hyperactivity of the HPA axis, and some of their detailed mechanisms have been delineated. These results obtained in animal models were, at least partly, reproduced in clinical trials. At least 2 V1B receptor antagonists (TS-121 and ABT-436) showed tendencies to reduce the depression scores of patients with major depressive disorder at doses that attenuate HPA axis hyperactivity or block the pituitary V1B receptor. Importantly, TS-121 showed a clearer efficacy for patients with higher basal cortisol levels than for those with lower basal cortisol levels, which was consistent with the hypothesis that V1B receptor antagonists may be more effective for patients with HPA axis hyperactivity. Therefore, V1B receptor antagonists are promising approaches for the treatment of depression involving HPA axis impairment such as depression.
A Human Dectin-2 Deficiency Associated With Invasive Aspergillosis
Authors: Griffiths James S , White P Lewis , Czubala Magdalena A , Simonazzi Elena , Bruno Mariolina , Thompson Aiysha , Rizkallah Pierre J , Gurney Mark , da Fonseca Diogo M , Naglik Julian R , Ingram Wendy , Wilson Keith , van de Veerdonk Frank L , Barnes Rosemary , Taylor Philip R , Orr Selinda J 
Published: March 2021

AbstractImmunocompromised patients are highly susceptible to invasive aspergillosis. Herein, we identified a homozygous deletion mutation (507 del C) resulting in a frameshift (N170I) and early stop codon in the fungal binding Dectin-2 receptor, in an immunocompromised patient. The mutated form of Dectin-2 was weakly expressed, did not form clusters at/near the cell surface and was functionally defective. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from this patient were unable to mount a cytokine (tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 6) response to Aspergillus fumigatus, and this first identified Dectin-2–deficient patient died of complications of invasive aspergillosis.
Human Rhinovirus Infection Blocks Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Replication Within the Respiratory Epithelium: Implications for COVID-19 Epidemiology
Authors: Dee Kieran , Goldfarb Daniel M , Haney Joanne , Amat Julien A R , Herder Vanessa , Stewart Meredith , Szemiel Agnieszka M , Baguelin Marc , Murcia Pablo R 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Virus-virus interactions influence the epidemiology of respiratory infections. However, the impact of viruses causing upper respiratory infections on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) replication and transmission is currently unknown. Human rhinoviruses cause the common cold and are the most prevalent respiratory viruses of humans. Interactions between rhinoviruses and cocirculating respiratory viruses have been shown to shape virus epidemiology at the individual host and population level. Here, we examined the replication kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 in the human respiratory epithelium in the presence or absence of rhinovirus. We show that human rhinovirus triggers an interferon response that blocks SARS-CoV-2 replication. Mathematical simulations show that this virus-virus interaction is likely to have a population-wide effect as an increasing prevalence of rhinovirus will reduce the number of new coronavirus disease 2019 cases.
Are resistance rates among bloodstream isolates a good proxy for other infections? Analysis from the BSAC Resistance Surveillance Programme
Authors: Horner Carolyne , Mushtaq Shazad , Allen Michael , Longshaw Christopher , Reynolds Rosy , Livermore David M 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Bacteraemia data are often used as a general measure of resistance prevalence but may poorly represent other infection types. We compared resistance prevalence between bloodstream infection (BSI) and lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) isolates collected by the BSAC Resistance Surveillance Programme.

Methods
BSI isolates (n = 8912) were collected during 2014–18 inclusive and LRTI isolates (n = 6280) between October 2013 to September 2018 from participating laboratories in the UK and Ireland, to a fixed annual quota per species group. LRTI isolates, but not BSI, were selected by onset: community for Streptococcus pneumoniae; hospital for Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacterales. MICs were determined centrally by agar dilution; statistical modelling adjusted for ICU location and possible clustering by collection centre.

Results
Resistance was more prevalent among the LRTI isolates, even after adjusting for a larger proportion of ICU patients. LRTI P. aeruginosa and S. pneumoniae were more often resistant than BSI isolates for most antibiotics, and the proportion of MRSA was higher in LRTI. For S. pneumoniae, the observation reflected different serotype distributions in LRTI and BSI. Relationships between LRTI and resistance were less marked for Enterobacterales, but LRTI E. coli were more often resistant to β-lactams, particularly penicillin/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations, and LRTI K. pneumoniae to piperacillin/tazobactam. For E. cloacae there was a weak association between LRTI, production of AmpC enzymes and cephalosporin resistance.

Conclusions
Estimates of resistance prevalence based upon bloodstream isolates underestimate the extent of the problem in respiratory isolates, particularly for P. aeruginosa, S. pneumoniae, S. aureus and, less so, for Enterobacterales.
Infection management processes in intensive care and their association with mortality
Authors: Fitzpatrick Leigh P , Levkovich Bianca , McGloughlin Steve , Litton Edward , Cheng Allen C , Bailey Michael , Pilcher David 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
ICU-specific tables of antimicrobial susceptibility for key microbial species (‘antibiograms’), antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes and routine rounds by infectious diseases (ID) physicians are processes aimed at improving patient care. Their impact on patient-centred outcomes in Australian and New Zealand ICUs is uncertain.

Objectives
To measure the association of these processes in ICU with in-hospital mortality.

Methods
The Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society (ANZICS) Adult Patient Database and Critical Care Resources registry were used to extract patient-level factors, ICU-level factors and the year in which each process took place. Descriptive statistics and hierarchical logistic regression were used to determine the relationship between each process and in-hospital mortality.

Results
The study included 799 901 adults admitted to 173 ICUs from July 2009 to June 2016. The proportion of patients exposed to each process of care was 38.7% (antibiograms), 77.5% (AMS programmes) and 74.0% (ID rounds). After adjusting for confounders, patients admitted to ICUs that used ICU-specific antibiograms had a lower risk of in-hospital mortality [OR 0.95 (99% CI 0.92–0.99), P = 0.001]. There was no association between the use of AMS programmes [OR 0.98 (99% CI 0.94–1.02), P = 0.16] or routine rounds with ID physicians [OR 0.96 (99% CI 0.09–1.02), P = 0.09] and in-hospital mortality.

Conclusions
Use of ICU-specific antibiograms was associated with lower in-hospital mortality for patients admitted to ICU. For hospitals that do not perform ICU-specific antibiograms, their implementation presents a low-risk infection management process that might improve patient outcomes.
Intermittent two-drug antiretroviral therapies maintain long-term viral suppression in real life in highly experienced HIV-infected patients
Authors: Palich Romain , Abdi Basma , Wirden Marc , Lourida Giota , Tubiana Roland , Faycal Antoine , Valantin Marc-Antoine , Schneider Luminita , Seang Sophie , Agher Rachid , Simon Anne , Soulie Cathia , Le Minh-Patrick , Peytavin Gilles , Calvez Vincent , Marcelin Anne-Geneviève , Katlama Christine 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objectives
To assess in real life whether two-drug regimens (2-DRs) given 4–5 days a week in virally suppressed patients can maintain viral suppression over 48 and 96 weeks.

Methods
This observational single-centre study enrolled all patients who initiated an intermittent 2-DR between 01/01/2016 and 30/06/2019. The primary outcome was the rate of virological failure (VF), defined as confirmed plasma viral load (pVL) ≥50 copies/mL or single pVL ≥50 copies/mL followed by ART change at week 48 (W48) and W96. Secondary outcomes were the 2-DR intermittent strategy success rate (pVL &lt;50 copies/mL with no ART change), change in CD4 count, CD4/CD8 ratio and rate of residual viraemia.

Results
Eighty-five patients were included; 67/85 (79%) were men, median age = 57 years (IQR = 50–63), CD4 nadir = 233 cells/mm3 (110–327), ART duration = 21 years (13–24), duration of virological suppression = 6.5 years (3.7–10.8) and CD4 count = 658 cells/mm3 (519–867). Intermittent 2-DRs consisted of integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)/NNRTI (58%), INSTI/NRTI (13%), two NRTIs (11%), PI/NRTI (7%) and other combinations (11%). The median follow-up was 90 weeks (IQR = 64–111). Overall, four VFs occurred, leading to a virological success rate of 98.8% (95% CI = 93.6–100) at W48 and 95.3% (95% CI = 88.4–98.7) at W96. Resuming the same 2-DR 7 days a week led to viral resuppression in three patients, whereas the M184V mutation emerged in one patient, leading to ART modification. There was no significant change in the CD4 count or residual viraemia rate, but a small increase in the CD4/CD8 ratio (P = 0.009) occurred over the study period.

Conclusions
This observational study shows the potential for intermittent 2-DRs to maintain a high virological success rate, which should be assessed in larger prospective randomized studies.
Validation of PhageDx™ Cronobacter Assay for the Identification of Cronobacter Spp. in Powdered Infant Formula: AOAC Performance Tested MethodSM 051803
Authors: Erickson Stephen , Gil Jose , Stach Jessica , Hahn Wendy , Nguyen Minh M 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
The PhageDx™Cronobacter Assay is based on the infection of Cronobacter spp. by specific bacteriophages and expression of a luciferase reporter gene. Results are generated in as little as 18.5 h for powdered infant formula (PIF).

Objective
An AOAC Performance Tested MethodsSM (PTM) study was conducted to validate the PhageDx Cronobacter Assay for the detection of Cronobacter in 10, 100, and 300 g milk- and soy-based PIF test portions.

Method
The performance of the PhageDx method was compared to the ISO 22964:2006/2017 Microbiology of the Food Chain—Horizontal Method for the Detection of Cronobacter spp. and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM) Chapter 29 Cronobacter: 2012. Inclusivity/exclusivity, product consistency and stability, and robustness testing also were conducted.

Results
There was no significant difference between the 10, 100, or 300 g test portions for the milk and soy PIF matrixes between the PhageDx Cronobacter Assay, the ISO 22964:2006/2017, and the FDA BAM Chapter 29 Cronobacter: 2012 methods. The reporter bacteriophages were specific for Cronobacter and infected 75 strains in inclusivity testing. They did not infect 35 non-Cronobacter bacteria in exclusivity testing. Robustness testing showed that the method performed well with specific deviations from the standard protocol. Consistency and stability testing demonstrated that the recombinant phage gave consistent results across three production lots and was stable when stored under appropriate conditions for at least 3 months.

Conclusions
Work in the submitting and independent laboratories demonstrated that the PhageDx Cronobacter Assay meets the qualifications for PTM status.

Highlights
The PhageDx Cronobacter Assay is a rapid, simple, and specific test that has shown equivalence to both the FDA BAM and ISO reference methods for detecting Cronobacter spp. in PIF.
Male Impact on Female Reproductive Performance of the Larval Tephritid Parasitoid Diachasmimorpha tryoni (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)
Authors: Ramadan Mohsen M , Wang Xingeng 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Diachasmimorpha tryoni (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a larval parasitoid that has been mass-reared for augmentative biological control against the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Hawaii and other regions. To improve performance of female wasps in biological control programs, we conducted a series of experiments to investigate male wasp reproductive performance and its role in female reproductive success. The results showed that D. tryoni males remained close to the emergence (release) site following release. Males emerged earlier than females and male’s capacity to inseminate females reached the highest level (inseminated 9.2 ± 0.4 females/day) on the second day after eclosion in synchronization with female emergence peak; allowing males encountering most receptive females to enhance their mating success. Mating rates under normal rearing conditions (200 pairs per cage) reached optimum 100% insemination after 5 d. However, oviposition experience prior to mating impaired female’s receptivity as a percentage of inseminated females reduced to 17.5 ± 4.8%, while 70.0 ± 4.1% females without prior oviposition experience accepted mating. Mating reduced male’s survivorship and the potential lifetime fecundity of females, although multiple mating increased percentage of female offspring. Overall, influence of male density on the female oviposition rate and offspring sex ratio was not detected under captive rearing conditions. These results suggest that local and early mating is important for male’s reproductive success and females must be allowed to mate before they are exposed to hosts or released in the field to achieve their full reproductive potential.
Accident externality of driving: evidence from the London Congestion Charge
Authors: Tang Cheng Keat , van Ommeren Jos 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper estimates the marginal accident externality of driving in Central London by exploiting variation in traffic flow induced by the London Congestion Charge Zone using an instrumental variable approach. The charge attributed to a 9.4% reduction in traffic flow, which resulted in a less than proportional 6.0% and 7.6% decrease in accidents and slight injuries, and a 6.5% increase in serious injuries/fatalities. Our preferred estimates indicate that the accident, slight injuries and serious injuries/fatalities rate elasticities with respect to traffic flow are −0.36, −0.19 and −1.65, respectively. These estimates imply that the marginal external benefit of road safety from an additional kilometer driven is approximately £0.16. The marginal accident externality is positive, as the marginal driver along congested roads decreases the risk and severity of traffic collisions for other road users by slowing others down and increasing awareness.
Genome Assembly of SalicaceaePopulus deltoides(Eastern Cottonwood)I-69Based on Nanopore Sequencing and Hi-C Technologies
Authors: Bai Shengjun , Wu Hainan , Zhang Jinpeng , Pan Zhiliang , Zhao Wei , Li Zhiting , Tong Chunfa 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPopulus deltoides has important ecological and economic values, widely used in poplar breeding programs due to its superior characteristics such as rapid growth and resistance to disease. Although the genome sequence of P. deltoides WV94 is available, the assembly is fragmented. Here, we reported an improved chromosome-level assembly of the P. deltoides cultivar I-69 by combining Nanopore sequencing and chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) technologies. The assembly was 429.3 Mb in size and contained 657 contigs with a contig N50 length of 2.62 Mb. Hi-C scaffolding of the contigs generated 19 chromosome-level sequences, which covered 97.4% (418 Mb) of the total assembly size. Moreover, repetitive sequences annotation showed that 39.28% of the P. deltoides genome was composed of interspersed elements, including retroelements (23.66%), DNA transposons (6.83%), and unclassified elements (8.79%). We also identified a total of 44 362 protein-coding genes in the current P. deltoides assembly. Compared with the previous genome assembly of P. deltoides WV94, the current assembly had some significantly improved qualities: the contig N50 increased 3.5-fold and the proportion of gaps decreased from 3.2% to 0.08%. This high-quality, well-annotated genome assembly provides a reliable genomic resource for identifying genome variants among individuals, mining candidate genes that control growth and wood quality traits, and facilitating further application of genomics-assisted breeding in populations related to P. deltoides.
Sand Fly Fauna, Spatial Distribution ofLutzomyia longipalpis(Diptera: Psychodidae), and Climate Factors in Dourados, Brazil
Authors: Lima-Junior Manoel Sebastião da Costa , de Almeida Paulo Silva , da Silva José Oliveira , da Silva Rosana Alexandre , Faccenda Odival , de Aquino Coelho Dioelen Virgínia Borges Souza , Costa Gabriel Barbosa , de Souza Agruslávia Rezende , Fernandes Marcos Gino , Neitzke-Abreu Herintha Coeto 
Published: March 2021

AbstractStudies of the geographic distribution of sand flies and the factors associated with their occurrence are necessary to understand the risk of leishmaniasis transmission. The objective of this study was to characterize the sand fly fauna, particularly the spatial distribution of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva), and correlate these with climate factors in the Dourados municipality, Brazil. The collection of sand flies was carried out with CDC Light Traps over two periods: at six sites for three consecutive nights each month from August 2012 to July 2013; and at four other sites for two consecutive nights each month from April 2017 to February 2018. We collected 591 sand flies in the first period and 121 in the second period for a total of 712 sand flies; 697 of the total collected were Lu. longipalpis. The minimum and maximum sand fly infestation rate (sites with vector presence) was 11.1% and 83.33% in the first period, and 0% and 50.0% in the second period. No sand flies with Leishmania were identified via PCR. Lu. longipalpis presented an aggregate disposition with excellent adjustment. Rainfall and relative humidity were the abiotic factors that influenced the vector infestation level. The aggregate distribution for this species was predicted by the environmental factors that favor the proliferation of Lu. longipalpis. The results of this study should assist in devising measures to control sand flies in Dourados, Brazil.
Prediagnostic Inflammation and Pancreatic Cancer Survival
Authors: Yuan Chen , Morales-Oyarvide Vicente , Khalaf Natalia , Perez Kimberly , Tabung Fred K , Ho Gloria Y F , Kooperberg Charles , Shadyab Aladdin H , Qi Lihong , Kraft Peter , Sesso Howard D , Giovannucci Edward L , Manson JoAnn E , Stampfer Meir J , Ng Kimmie , Fuchs Charles S , Wolpin Brian M , Babic Ana 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Chronic inflammation may promote initiation and progression of pancreatic cancer, but no studies have examined the association between inflammation in the period before diagnosis and pancreatic cancer survival.

Methods
We prospectively examined the association of prediagnostic plasma levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α receptor 2 with survival among 492 participants from 5 large US prospective cohort studies who developed pancreatic cancer. Using an empirical dietary inflammatory pattern (EDIP) score, we evaluated whether long-term proinflammatory diets were associated with survival among 1153 patients from 2 of the 5 cohorts. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios for death with adjustment for potential confounders. All statistical tests were 2-sided.

Results
Higher prediagnostic levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α receptor 2 were individually associated with reduced survival (Ptrend = .03, .01, and .04, respectively). Compared with patients with a combined inflammatory biomarker score of 0 (all 3 marker levels below medians), those with a score of 3 (all 3 marker levels above medians) had a hazard ratio for death of 1.57 (95% confidence interval = 1.16 to 2.12; Ptrend = .003), corresponding to median overall survival times of 8 vs 5 months. Patients consuming the most proinflammatory diets (EDIP quartile 4) in the prediagnostic period had a hazard ratio for death of 1.34 (95% confidence interval = 1.13 to 1.59; Ptrend = .01), compared with those consuming the least proinflammatory diets (EDIP quartile 1).

Conclusion
Prediagnostic levels of inflammatory biomarkers and long-term proinflammatory diets were inversely associated with pancreatic cancer survival.
Taming the Unruly Public Policy Horse in Private International Law in Family Law: A Pragmatic Singaporean Approach to the Recognition of Foreign Same-Sex Marriages and Divorces
Authors: Chan Leon Vincent 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
With the legalisation of same-sex marriages by more states, it is a matter of time before jurisdictions that have yet to do so will need to decide on the recognition of foreign same-sex marriages and divorces. Public policy – the unruly horse – peers its head out again even if these marriages and divorces pass the muster of the common law private international law rules. This article explores the role of public policy in such situations and proposes a framework for the balancing of the claimed rights, comity, and public policy. Applying the proposed framework, even if there is a public policy against same-sex marriage, this public policy should play a diminished role in private international law such that foreign same-sex marriages and divorces can be recognised by the forum.
The Descent of Some Chester Libraries
Authors: Hanna Ralph 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In his grand Medieval Manuscripts in British Libraries, Neil Ker identified, in two different repositories, the extensive remains of a single sixteenth-century library. This had clearly been gathered together before the Dissolution from the book collections of a variety of religious houses, all of those identifiable in the city of Chester. The essay traces the probable passage of these volumes from their initial collection to their present repositories, Gray's Inn and Shrewsbury School. In this account, the initial collector, William Wall, eventually prebendary of Chester Cathedral, had passed these on to a recusant family, the Egertons, and they, in turn, descended through an illegitimate daughter to the Bostocks, who donated them to their present institutions.
Notes on conjunctive and Quasi degrees
Authors: Chitaia Irakli , Omanadze Roland , Sorbi Andrea 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this article we prove the following results: (i) Every hemimaximal set has minimal $c_{1}$-degree, i.e. if $B$ is hemimaximal and $A$ is a c.e. set such that $A \le _{c_{1}} B$ then either $B \leq _{{c}_{1}} A$ or $A$ is computable. (ii) The $sQ$-degree of a c.e. set contains either only one or infinitely many c.e. $c$-degrees. (iii) If $A,B$ are c.e. cylinders in the same $sQ_{1}$-degree and $A&lt;_{c_{1}} B$, then this $sQ_{1}$-degree contains infinitely many c.e. $c_{1}$-degrees.