bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lula and His Politics of Cunning
Authors: Barrett James R. , Cowan Benjamin A. , Schmidt Benito , Seidman Gay , French John D. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is the focus of a roundtable review on John D. French’s Lula and His Politics of Cunning: From Metalworker to President of Brazil. The reviewers offer a reading of Lula and his legacies from perspectives that range from LGBTQ+ studies to racial politics, including an analysis centered on the story of a humble man that rose from below, “a most exceptional common man,” from his humble beginnings up to his election as president; a review that underscores how the book addresses Lula’s work with regards to human rights, including race and the LGBTI+ community; a deconstruction of the use of the word “cunning” as a positive term of appreciation, comparing Brazil’s journey under Lula with the promise of post-apartheid South Africa; and a reflective commentary that seeks to understand how a figure like Lula is not born but created, in this case through class struggle. Finally, John French responds to these observations and offers additional insight on his book and the living legacy of Lula’s Brazil.
Why cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) develop so slowly
Authors: Karban Richard 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Cicadas have amongst the longest development times and are also amongst the largest insects. Cicadas feed exclusively on xylem fluid, which is nutritionally dilute and difficult to obtain. One possible explanation for their slow development is that poor nutrition limits their growth rate. An analysis of 30 cicada species with known development times is consistent with this hypothesis as species with more equatorial distributions grew more rapidly than those at higher latitudes. A second possible explanation is that prolonged development maximizes net reproductive rate because there is little risk of mortality once early instar cicada nymphs establish feeding sites. Extended development probably allows nymphs to store resources and produce more offspring. Spittlebugs also feed obligately on xylem fluid and grow at similarly slow rates although they attain small adult sizes. Unlike cicadas, spittlebugs do not have steep survivorship curves and have shorter development times. The life histories of cicadas and spittlebugs are therefore consistent with both hypotheses. Cicada development times may be limited if (1) the risk of nymphal mortality equals increased fecundity associated with prolonging development, (2) fluctuating conditions sometimes favour rapid development times, or (3) host plant quality changes over time and penalizes nymphs that cannot relocate feeding sites.
Significance testing for canonical correlation analysis in high dimensions
Authors: McKeague Ian W , Zhang Xin 
Published: November 2021

SummaryWe consider the problem of testing for the presence of linear relationships between large sets of random variables based on a postselection inference approach to canonical correlation analysis. The challenge is to adjust for the selection of subsets of variables having linear combinations with maximal sample correlation. To this end, we construct a stabilized one-step estimator of the Euclidean norm of the canonical correlations maximized over subsets of variables of prespecified cardinality. This estimator is shown to be consistent for its target parameter and asymptotically normal, provided the dimensions of the variables do not grow too quickly with sample size. We also develop a greedy search algorithm to accurately compute the estimator, leading to a computationally tractable omnibus test for the global null hypothesis that there are no linear relationships between any subsets of variables having the prespecified cardinality. We further develop a confidence interval that takes the variable selection into account.
Pelvic sentinel lymph nodes have minimal impact on survival in melanoma patients
Authors: Vuoristo Mikko , Muhonen Timo , Koljonen Virve , Juteau Susanna , Hernberg Micaela , Ilmonen Suvi , Jahkola Tiina 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Background
Lower limb or trunk melanoma often presents with femoral and pelvic sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs). The benefits of harvesting pelvic lymph nodes remain controversial. In this retrospective study, the frequency and predictors of pelvic SLNs (PSLNs), and the impact of PSLNs on survival and staging was investigated.

Methods
Altogether 285 patients with cutaneous melanoma located in the lower limb or trunk underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy of the inguinal/iliac lymph node basin at Helsinki University Hospital from 2009–2013. Patient characteristics, detailed pathology reports and follow-up data were retrieved from hospital files. Subgroups of patients categorized by presence of PSLNs were compared for outcome parameters including progression-free survival, melanoma-specific survival and groin recurrence.

Results
Superficial femoral/inguinal SLNs were present in all patients and 199 (69.8 per cent) also had PSLNs removed. Median number of SLNs per patient was five and median number of PSLNs was two. Sixty-three patients (22.1 per cent) had metastases in their SLNs and seven (2.5 per cent) had metastases in PSLNs. A single patient had metastases solely in PSLNs, while superficial SLNs remained negative. Harvesting PSLNs or the number of PSLNs retrieved had no impact on progression-free survival or overall survival. The removal of PSLNs did not affect the risk of postoperative seroma or lymphoedema. The only predictor of positive PSLNs was radioactivity count equal to or more than that of the hottest superficial SLNs.

Conclusion
Pelvic SLNs have minimal clinical impact on the outcome of melanoma patients especially in cases with negative superficial femoral/inguinal SLNs. Removal of PSLNs should be considered when they are the most radioactive nodes or equal to the hottest superficial femoral/inguinal SLNs in lymphoscintigraphy or during surgery.
Preliminary results were presented in part at the International Sentinel Node Society Biennial Meeting, Tokyo, Japan, 11–13 October 2018.
Brain atrophy progression in Parkinson’s disease is shaped by connectivity and local vulnerability
Authors: Tremblay Christina , Rahayel Shady , Vo Andrew , Morys Filip , Shafiei Golia , Abbasi Nooshin , Markello Ross D , Gan-Or Ziv , Misic Bratislav , Dagher Alain 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBrain atrophy has been reported in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, but there have been few longitudinal studies. How intrinsic properties of the brain, such as anatomical connectivity, local cell-type distribution and gene expression combine to determine the pattern of disease progression also remains unknown. One hypothesis proposes that the disease stems from prion-like propagation of misfolded alpha-synuclein via the connectome that might cause varying degrees of tissue damage based on local properties. Here, we used MRI data from the Parkinson Progression Markers Initiative to map the progression of brain atrophy over 1, 2 and 4 years compared with baseline. We derived atrophy maps for four time points using deformation-based morphometry applied to T1-weighted MRI from 120 de novo Parkinson’s disease patients, 74 of whom had imaging at all four time points (50 Men: 24 Women) and 157 healthy control participants (115 Men: 42 Women). In order to determine factors that may influence neurodegeneration, we related atrophy progression to brain structural and functional connectivity, cell-type expression and gene ontology enrichment analyses. After regressing out the expected age and sex effects associated with normal ageing, we found that atrophy significantly progressed over 2 and 4 years in the caudate, nucleus accumbens, hippocampus and posterior cortical regions. This progression was shaped by both structural and functional brain connectivity. Also, the progression of atrophy was more pronounced in regions with a higher expression of genes related to synapses and was inversely related to the prevalence of oligodendrocytes and endothelial cells. In sum, we demonstrate that the progression of atrophy in Parkinson’s disease is in line with the prion-like propagation hypothesis of alpha-synuclein and provide evidence that synapses may be especially vulnerable to synucleinopathy. In addition to identifying vulnerable brain regions, this study reveals different factors that may be implicated in the neurotoxic mechanisms leading to progression in Parkinson’s disease. All brain maps generated here are available on request.
Reinfection With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Among Previously Infected Healthcare Personnel and First Responders
Authors: Akinbami Lara J , Biggerstaff Brad J , Chan Philip A , McGibbon Emily , Pathela Preeti , Petersen Lyle R 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Background
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus testing among first responders and healthcare personnel who participated in a May 2020–August 2020 serosurvey that assessed spike protein antibodies provided an opportunity to assess reinfection.

Methods
Serology survey data were merged with virus testing results from Rhode Island (1 March 2020–17 February 2021) and New York City (10 March 2020–14 December 2020). Participants with a positive virus test ≥14 days before their serology test were included. Reinfection was defined as a second positive SARS-CoV-2 test ≥90 days after the first positive test. The association between serostatus and reinfection was assessed with a proportional hazards model.

Results
Among 1572 previously infected persons, 40 (2.5%) were reinfected. Reinfection differed by serostatus: 8.4% among seronegative vs 1.9% among seropositive participants (P &lt; .0001). Most reinfections occurred among Rhode Island nursing home and corrections personnel (n = 30) who were most frequently tested (mean 30.3 tests vs 4.6 for other Rhode Island and 2.3 for New York City participants). The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for reinfection in seropositive vs seronegative persons was 0.41 (95% confidence interval [CI], .20–.81). Exposure to a household member with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) before the serosurvey was also protective (aHR, 0.34; 95% CI, .13–.89).

Conclusions
Reinfections were uncommon among previously infected persons over a 9-month period that preceded widespread variant circulation. Seropositivity decreased reinfection risk. Lower reinfection risk associated with exposure to a household member with COVID-19 may reflect subsequently reduced household transmission.
A Combined LD50 for Agrochemicals and Pathogens in Bumblebees (Bombus terrestris [Hymenoptera: Apidae])
Authors: Siviter Harry , Matthews Alexander J , Brown Mark J F 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Neonicotinoid insecticides are the most commonly used insecticide in the world and can have significant sub-lethal impacts on beneficial insects, including bumblebees, which are important pollinators of agricultural crops and wild-flowers. This has led to bans on neonicotinoid use in the EU and has resulted in repeated calls for the agrochemical regulatory process to be modified. For example, there is increasing concern about 1) the underrepresentation of wild bees, such as bumblebees, in the regulatory process, and 2) the failure to determine how agrochemicals, such as neonicotinoids, interact with other commonly occurring environmental stressors, such as parasites. Here, we modify an OECD approved lethal dose (LD50) experimental design and coexpose bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) to the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam and the highly prevalent trypanosome parasite Crithidia bombi, in a fully crossed design. We found no difference in the LD50 of thiamethoxam on bumblebees that had or had not been inoculated with the parasite (Crithidia bombi). Furthermore, thiamethoxam dosage did not appear to influence the parasite intensity of surviving bumblebees, and there was no effect of either parasite or insecticide on sucrose consumption. The methodology used demonstrates how existing ring-tested experimental designs can be effectively modified to include other environmental stressors such as parasites. Moving forward, the regulatory process should implement methodologies that assess the interactions between agrochemicals and parasites on non-Apis bees and, in cases when this is not practical, should implement post-regulatory monitoring to better understand the real-world consequences of agrochemical use.
Using antibiotic-loaded bone cement for a patient with deep sternal wound infection after cardiac surgery
Authors: Jiang Xia , Jiao Guoqing , Li Mingqiu , Rong Xiaosong 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
A 67-year-old male presented with sternal dehiscence following open cardiac surgery. Extensive debridement and attempted closure failed, and the wound had since been managed with vacuum-assisted closure therapy, with little progress. We treated him with antibiotic-loaded bone cement to repair the wound defect. After 3 weeks, the wound healed with excellent result. To our knowledge, this is the first report of antibiotic-loaded bone cement for deep sternal wound infection.
Immunogenicity of Conjugated and Polysaccharide Pneumococcal Vaccines Administered During Pregnancy or Postpartum to Women With HIV
Authors: Duarte Geraldo , Muresan Petronella , Ward Shawn , Laimon Lauren , Pelton Stephen I , Canniff Jennifer , Golner Amanda , Bone Frederic , Newton Lassallete , Fenton Terence , Coutinho Conrado M , João Esau C , Santos Breno R , Pilotto Jose H , Oliveira Ricardo H , Pinto Jorge A , Machado Elizabeth S , Kreitchman Regis , Chakhtoura Nahida , Mussi-Pinhata Marisa M , Weinberg Adriana 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Background
Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended in people with HIV, prioritizing PCV. We compared the immunogenicity of PCV-10 and PPV-23 administered antepartum or postpartum.

Methods
This double-blind study randomized 346 pregnant women with HIV on antiretrovirals to PCV-10, PPV-23, or placebo at 14–34 weeks gestational age. Women who received placebo antepartum were randomized at 24 weeks postpartum to PCV-10 or PPV-23. Antibodies against 7 serotypes common to both vaccines and 1 serotype only in PPV-23 were measured by ELISA/chemiluminescence; B- and T-cell responses to serotype 1 by FLUOROSPOT; and plasma cytokines/chemokines by chemiluminescence.

Results
Antibody responses were higher after postpartum versus antepartum vaccination. PCV-10 generated lower antibody levels than PPV-23 against 4 and higher against 1 of 7 common serotypes. Additional factors associated with high postvaccination antibody concentrations were high prevaccination antibody concentrations and CD4+ cells; low CD8+ cells and plasma HIV RNA; and several plasma cytokines/chemokines. Serotype 1 B- and T-cell memory did not increase after vaccination.

Conclusions
Antepartum immunization generated suboptimal antibody responses, suggesting that postpartum booster doses may be beneficial and warrant further studies. Considering that PCV-10 and PPV-23 had similar immunogenicity, but PPV-23 covered more serotypes, use of PPV-23 may be prioritized in women with HIV on antiretroviral therapy.

Clinical Trails Registration
NCT02717494.
Determination of Cross-Reactivity of Novel Psychoactive Substances with Drug Screen Immunoassays Kits in Whole Blood
Authors: Mastrovito Rebecca , Trail Cherie , Lino Marjola , Cervantes Abigail , Chan-Hosokawa Aya , Strathmann Fredrick , Logan Barry 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of 59 novel psychoactive compounds on common enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing kits. Concentrations above and below the individual kit reporting limits in each class were measured. Compounds that exhibited cross-reactivity were then spiked individually using a seven-point response curve to determine the level of cross-reactivity. Diclazepam, delorazepam, phenazepam, flualprazolam, bromazolam, adinazolam, 3-methoxy-PCP, 3-hydroxy-PCP (3-OH-PCP), phenylfentanyl, para-methylacetylfentanyl and para-fluorofuranylfentanyl were determined to cross-react in the respective kits below. Herein, we detail the cross-reactivity that was observed with the above novel psychoactive substances on Immunalysis Benzodiazepine (BEN), Phencyclidine (PCP), Fentanyl (FEN), Buprenorphine (BUP), Opiates (OPI) and Oxycodone (OXY) Direct ELISA kits.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on the Use of Household Insecticide Products: Is the Awareness in Place?
Authors: Azratul-Hizayu Taib , Chen Chee Dhang , Azrizal-Wahid Noor , Sofian-Azirun Mohd , Chew Fong Peng , Low Van Lun 
Published: November 2021

AbstractInsecticide application is one of the most important control measures for protection from mosquito bites. A descriptive, community-based cross-sectional survey involving 986 respondents was conducted to probe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding household insecticide use in Selangor—the state that recorded the highest number of dengue cases in Malaysia. In this study, we classified the responses as either low (poor) or high (good) based on median cut-off points. Age, gender, ethnicity, and household income were found to be significantly associated factors relative to the respondents’ mosquito knowledge score, whereas no factors were significantly associated with attitudes toward the use of household insecticide. Practices, on the other hand, were associated with age and high attitude scores. Most respondents (71.4%) had good knowledge of mosquitoes. Conversely, 51.1% and 59.2% of respondents scored high on attitudes and practices, respectively, on the use of household insecticides. This study highlights the need to expand health promotion activities through social mobilization to raise awareness about vector-borne disease prevention and promoting positive attitudes and safe practices in the use of household insecticides.
Dissecting EPPIN protease inhibitor domains in sperm motility and fertilizing ability: repercussions for male contraceptive development
Authors: Silva Alan A S , Raimundo Tamiris R F , Mariani Noemia A P , Kushima Hélio , Avellar Maria Christina W , Buffone Mariano G , Paula-Lopes Fabíola F , Moura Marcelo T , Silva Erick J R 
Published: November 2021

AbstractEPPIN (epididymal protease inhibitor) is a mammalian conserved sperm-binding protein displaying an N-terminal WFDC (whey-acidic protein four-disulfide core) and a C-terminal Kunitz protease inhibitor domains. EPPIN plays a key role in regulating sperm motility after ejaculation via interaction with the seminal plasma protein SEMG1 (semenogelin-1). EPPIN ligands targeting the SEMG1 binding site in the Kunitz domain are under development as male contraceptive drugs. Nevertheless, the relative contributions of EPPIN WFDC and Kunitz domains to sperm function remain obscure. Here, we evaluated the effects of antibodies targeting specific epitopes in EPPIN’s WFDC (Q20E antibody, Gln20-Glu39 epitope) and Kunitz (S21C and F21C antibodies, Ser103-Cys123 and Phe90-C110 epitopes, respectively) domains on mouse sperm motility and fertilizing ability. Computer-assisted sperm analysis showed that sperm co-incubation with S21C antibody (but not F21C antibody) lowered progressive and hyperactivated motilities and impaired kinematic parameters describing progressive (straight-line velocity; VSL, average path velocity; VAP and straightness; STR) and vigorous sperm movements (curvilinear velocity; VCL, amplitude of lateral head movement; ALH, and linearity; LIN) compared with control. Conversely, Q20E antibody-induced milder inhibition of progressive motility and kinematic parameters (VAP, VCL and ALH). Sperm co-incubation with S21C or Q20E antibodies affected in vitro fertilization as revealed by reduced cleavage rates, albeit without changes in capacitation-induced tyrosine phosphorylation. In conclusion, we show that targeting specific epitopes in EPPIN Kunitz and WFDC domains inhibits sperm motility and capacitation-associated events, which decrease their fertilizing ability; nevertheless, similar observations in vivo remain to be demonstrated. Simultaneously targeting residues in S21C and Q20E epitopes is a promising approach for the rational design of EPPIN-based ligands with spermostatic activity.
A Minimal yet Flexible Likelihood Framework to Assess Correlated Evolution
Authors: Behdenna Abdelkader , Godfroid Maxime , Petot Patrice , Pothier Joël , Lambert Amaury , Achaz Guillaume 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAn evolutionary process is reflected in the sequence of changes of any trait (e.g., morphological or molecular) through time. Yet, a better understanding of evolution would be procured by characterizing correlated evolution, or when two or more evolutionary processes interact. Previously developed parametric methods often require significant computing time as they rely on the estimation of many parameters. Here, we propose a minimal likelihood framework modeling the joint evolution of two traits on a known phylogenetic tree. The type and strength of correlated evolution are characterized by a few parameters tuning mutation rates of each trait and interdependencies between these rates. The framework can be applied to study any discrete trait or character ranging from nucleotide substitution to gain or loss of a biological function. More specifically, it can be used to 1) test for independence between two evolutionary processes, 2) identify the type of interaction between them, and 3) estimate parameter values of the most likely model of interaction. In the current implementation, the method takes as input a phylogenetic tree with discrete evolutionary events mapped on its branches. The method then maximizes the likelihood for one or several chosen scenarios. The strengths and limits of the method, as well as its relative power compared to a few other methods, are assessed using both simulations and data from 16S rRNA sequences in a sample of 54 $\gamma$-enterobacteria. We show that, even with data sets of fewer than 100 species, the method performs well in parameter estimation and in evolutionary model selection. [Correlated evolution; maximum likelihood; model.]
High-fat diet caused renal damage in ApoE−/− mice via the activation of RAGE-mediated inflammation
Authors: Hong Yin , Hu Yue , Sun Yong-an , Shi Jian-quan , Xu Jun 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
High-fat diet (HFD) is the primary cause of metabolic syndrome associated chronic kidney disease. This study aimed to investigate the pathogenesis of HFD-induced kidney injury. ApoE−/− mice were fed with HFD and kidney damage was examined. In addition, HK-2 human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells were treated with fructose and receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) siRNA. The results showed that HFD increased body weight, blood glucose and insulin resistance in ApoE−/− mice. The kidney damage was associated with increased oxidative stress and strong staining of RAGE and NF-κB in kidney tissues, as well as high serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6. Western-blot analysis showed that HFD increased the levels of RAGE, p-IκBα, p-NF-κB, bax, caspase-3 and caspase-9 but decreased the levels of Bcl-2 in kidney tissues. In HK-2 cells, fructose promoted the secretion of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 and increased the levels of RAGE, p-IκBα, p-NF-κB, bax, caspase-3 and caspase-9, but decreased the levels of Bcl-2. Moreover, RAGE siRNA could attenuate increased levels of p-IκBα, p-NF-κB, bax, caspase-3 and caspase-9 while restore decreased levels of Bcl-2 in fructose-treated HK-2 cells. In conclusion, HFD causes kidney injury by promoting oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis possibly through the activation of RAGE/NF-κB pathway.