bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A pilot study of cystic fibrosis exacerbation response phenotypes reveals contrasting serum and sputum iron trends
Authors: Gifford Alex H. , Polineni Deepika , He Jianghua , D’Amico Jessica L. , Dorman Dana B. , Williams Molly A. , Nymon Amanda B. , Balwan Akshu , Budden Theodore , Zuckerman Jonathan B. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe cystic fibrosis (CF) community seeks to explain heterogeneous outcomes of pulmonary exacerbation (PEX) treatment. Serum and sputum inflammatory mediators may identify people with CF (PwCF) at risk for suboptimal responses. However, lack of an established association between response phenotypes and these mediators limits clinical application. In this pilot study, we prospectively characterized treatment response phenotypes by assessing health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) during PEX. We also measured lung function and iron-related biochemical parameters in serum and sputum. We classified subjects as sustained symptom-responders (SRs) or non-sustained symptom-responders (NSRs) based on the absence or presence, respectively, of worsened symptom scores after initial improvement. We used linear mixed models (LMMs) to determine whether trends in lung function, hematologic, serum, and sputum indices of inflammation differed between response cohorts. In 20 PwCF, we identified 10 SRs and 10 NSRs with no significant differences in lung function at PEX onset and treatment durations. SRs had better model-predicted trends in lung function than NSRs during PEX. Non-linear trends in serum and sputum iron levels significantly differed between SRs and NSRs. In adults with cystic fibrosis, PEX treatment response phenotypes may be correlated with distinctive trends in serum and sputum iron concentrations.
Oncologic immunomodulatory agents in patients with cancer and COVID-19
Authors: Jee Justin , Stonestrom Aaron J. , Devlin Sean , Nguyentran Teresa , Wills Beatriz , Narendra Varun , Foote Michael B. , Lumish Melissa , Vardhana Santosha A. , Pastores Stephen M. , Korde Neha , Patel Dhwani , Horwitz Steven , Scordo Michael , Daniyan Anthony F. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCorticosteroids, anti-CD20 agents, immunotherapies, and cytotoxic chemotherapy are commonly used in the treatment of patients with cancer. It is unclear how these agents affect patients with cancer who are infected with SARS-CoV-2. We retrospectively investigated associations between SARS-CoV-2-associated respiratory failure or death with receipt of the aforementioned medications and with pre-COVID-19 neutropenia. The study included all cancer patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center until June 2, 2020 (N = 820). We controlled for cancer-related characteristics known to predispose to worse COVID-19 as well as level of respiratory support during corticosteroid administration. Corticosteroid administration was associated with worse outcomes prior to use of supplemental oxygen; no statistically significant difference was observed in sicker cohorts. In patients with metastatic thoracic cancer, 9 of 25 (36%) and 10 of 31 (32%) had respiratory failure or death among those who did and did not receive immunotherapy, respectively. Seven of 23 (30%) and 52 of 187 (28%) patients with hematologic cancer had respiratory failure or death among those who did and did not receive anti-CD20 therapy, respectively. Chemotherapy itself was not associated with worse outcomes, but pre-COVID-19 neutropenia was associated with worse COVID-19 course. Relative prevalence of chemotherapy-associated neutropenia in previous studies may account for different conclusions regarding the risks of chemotherapy in patients with COVID-19. In the absence of prospective studies and evidence-based guidelines, our data may aid providers looking to assess the risks and benefits of these agents in caring for cancer patients in the COVID-19 era.
Insight into the dynamics of second grade hybrid radiative nanofluid flow within the boundary layer subject to Lorentz force
Authors: Jawad Muhammad , Saeed Anwar , Tassaddiq Asifa , Khan Arshad , Gul Taza , Kumam Poom , Shah Zahir 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe magnetohydrodynamic hybrid second-grade nanofluid flow towards a stretching/shrinking sheet with thermal radiation is inspected in current work. Main concern of current investigation is to consider hybrid $$Al_{2} O_{3} - Cu$$

A

l
2

O
3

-
C
u

nanofluid which is perceived by hanging two dissimilar kinds of nanoparticles known as alumina and copper within the base fluid. The fluid motion is produced by non-linear stretching/shrinking sheet. The modeled equations which comprise of energy, motion and continuity equations are changed into dimensionless form using group of similar variables. To determine the solution of transformed problem, the Homotopy Analysis technique is used. The findings of this work revealed that the magnetic parameter improves the heat transfer rate. This work also ensures that there are non-unique solutions of modeled problem for shrinking case and a unique solution for stretching case. Higher values of $${\text{Re}}_{x}$$

Re
x

results in declining of flow field. Rise in $$M$$
M
agrees to a decline in velocity distributions. Higher values of second order fluid parameter reduces the viscosity of fluid and accordingly velocity increases. Velocity profile is also a decreasing function of volume friction.
Delay to surgical treatment in lung cancer patients and its impact on survival in a video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy cohort
Authors: Ponholzer Florian , Kroepfl Veronika , Ng Caecilia , Maier Herbert , Kocher Florian , Lucciarini Paolo , Öfner Dietmar , Augustin Florian 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPatient pathways from first suspicious imaging until final surgical treatment vary and in some instances cause considerable delay. This study aims to investigate the impact of this delay on survival of lung cancer patients. The institutional database was queried to identify patients with primary lung cancer who were treated with primary surgery. Time intervals were defined as date of first suspicious medical images until date of surgical treatment. All patients received PET-CT staging and tissue confirmation prior to treatment planning in a multidisciplinary tumor board. Patients with unknown date of first contact, follow-up CT-scans of pulmonary nodules, or neoadjuvant therapy were excluded. In total, 287 patients treated between 2009 and 2017 were included for further analysis. Median time between first suspicious medical imaging and surgical therapy was 62 (range 23–120) days and did not differ between male and female patients. Patients were then classified into two groups according to the duration of the medical work-up: group A up to 60 days, and group B from 61 to 120 days. Clinical T and N stages were comparable between the groups. There was no difference in overall survival between the two groups. In the subgroup of cT2 tumors (87 patients), there was a significant survival benefit for patients in group A (p = 0.043), while nodal stages, stage migration, lymphatic vessel invasion, grading and other potentially survival-influencing clinical parameters were comparable between the groups. Delay between diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer may result in dismal outcome. Efforts need to focus on improving and streamlining patient pathways to shorten the delay until surgical treatment to a minimum. Process improvement might be achieved by stringent interdisciplinary work-up and a patient-centered approach.
Identification of type III effectors modulating the symbiotic properties of Bradyrhizobium vignae strain ORS3257 with various Vigna species
Authors: Songwattana Pongpan , Chaintreuil Clémence , Wongdee Jenjira , Teulet Albin , Mbaye Mamadou , Piromyou Pongdet , Gully Djamel , Fardoux Joel , Zoumman Alexandre Mahougnon Aurel , Camuel Alicia , Tittabutr Panlada , Teaumroong Neung , Giraud Eric 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe Bradyrhizobium vignae strain ORS3257 is an elite strain recommended for cowpea inoculation in Senegal. This strain was recently shown to establish symbioses on some Aeschynomene species using a cocktail of Type III effectors (T3Es) secreted by the T3SS machinery. In this study, using a collection of mutants in different T3Es genes, we sought to identify the effectors that modulate the symbiotic properties of ORS3257 in three Vigna species (V. unguiculata, V. radiata and V. mungo). While the T3SS had a positive impact on the symbiotic efficiency of the strain in V. unguiculata and V. mungo, it blocked symbiosis with V. radiata. The combination of effectors promoting nodulation in V. unguiculata and V. mungo differed, in both cases, NopT and NopAB were involved, suggesting they are key determinants for nodulation, and to a lesser extent, NopM1 and NopP1, which are additionally required for optimal symbiosis with V. mungo. In contrast, only one effector, NopP2, was identified as the cause of the incompatibility between ORS3257 and V. radiata. The identification of key effectors which promote symbiotic efficiency or render the interaction incompatible is important for the development of inoculation strategies to improve the growth of Vigna species cultivated in Africa and Asia.
Rod pathway and cone pathway retinal dysfunction in the 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: McAnany J. Jason , Matei Nathanael , Chen Yi-Fan , Liu Karen , Park Jason C. , Shahidi Mahnaz 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTo characterize rod- and cone-pathway function in the 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using the full-field electroretinogram (ERG). Dark-adapted (DA; rod-pathway) and light-adapted (LA; cone-pathway) ERGs were recorded from three-month-old 5xFAD and wild type (WT) mice. ERGs were elicited by achromatic flashes (0.01–25 cd-s-m−2). Amplitude and implicit time (IT) of the a-wave, b-wave, and oscillatory potentials (OPs) were calculated according to convention. In addition, the amplitude and IT of the photopic negative response (PhNR) were measured from the LA recordings. Amplitude and IT differences between the 5xFAD and WT groups were evaluated using quantile regression models. Under DA conditions, there were significant differences between the 5xFAD and WT groups in post-receptor function, whereas photoreceptor function did not differ significantly. Specifically, the DA a-wave amplitude did not differ between groups (p = 0.87), whereas the b-wave amplitude was reduced in the 5xFAD mice (p = 0.003). There were significant OP (p < 0.001) and a-wave (p = 0.04) delays, but the a-wave delay may be attributable to a post-receptor abnormality. Under LA conditions, the only 5xFAD abnormalities were in the PhNR, which was reduced (p = 0.009) and delayed (p = 0.04). The full-field ERG can be abnormal in the 5xFAD model of AD, with the greatest effects on post-receptor rod pathway function. These results indicate that retinal electrophysiology may be a useful tool for evaluating neural dysfunction in AD.
The same growth pattern from puberty suggests that modern human diversity results from changes during pre-pubertal development
Authors: Pineau Jean-Claude , Ramirez Rozzi Fernando V. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPatterns of human growth established for one population have rarely been tested in other populations. In a previous study, three growth curves from puberty were modelled for each sex in a longitudinal study of a Caucasian population based on stature, age at peak of growth and biological maturation. Each curve represents the canalisation of growth associated with the type of puberty. The high precision (± 3 cm) of individual adult stature predictions shows that growth kinetics are already set up at puberty and are canalised depending on biological maturity. Our aim is to assess whether this model can be extrapolated to other populations to test whether growth canalisation is a population-dependent phenomenon or if the model reflects a canalisation pattern specific to our species. The modelled curves predicted adult stature with the same high degree of precision in basketball players and the Baka pygmies. Therefore, (1) the relationship between growth kinetics and age at maturity is similar in all populations and (2) growth according to pubertal stages follows the same canalisation patterns in the populations despite the wide differences in their average adult statures. It suggests that morphological diversity in modern humans results from processes taking place in early development.
On the through-process texture evolution assessment in grain oriented Fe-3 wt% Si steel produced by a novel directional inoculation technique
Authors: Tripathy Snehashish , Ghosh Chowdhury Sandip 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA novel directional inoculation technique has been designed to cast thin slab ingots containing Goss (or near Goss) oriented components in the as cast microstructure under the combined effect of oriented nucleation and oriented growth. The same has been targeted so as to retain Goss orientations and simultaneously develop γ fiber components (ranging from {111}<$$1\overline{1}0$$

1

1
¯

0

> to {111}<112>) during hot rolling. The designed scheme of directional inoculation achieved oriented nucleation by the effect of exogenously added soft magnetic inoculants under magnetic field and oriented growth by the effect of fast cooling rates prevailing in the mould. The choice of 65Fe–35Co (wt%) system as soft magnetic inoculants was made taking into account the similarity in crystal structure and lattice parameter. The chemically synthesized inoculants under the effect of external magnetic field during solidification were able to exhibit directional inoculation. Variation in the cast microstructure and microtexture by varying the extent of inoculant addition was studied by EBSD technique. The ingots cast under different conditions were subjected to a designed hot rolling schedule and the through process microstructural and microtextural evolution was assessed. It was observed that fine equiaxed grains with initial cube orientations in the as cast structure could lead to the most desirable microstructural as well as microtextural gradient in the hot band.
Response of altitudinal vegetation belts of the Tianshan Mountains in northwestern China to climate change during 1989–2015
Authors: Zhang Yong , Liu Lu-yu , Liu Yi , Zhang Man , An Cheng-bang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWithin the mountain altitudinal vegetation belts, the shift of forest tree lines and subalpine steppe belts to high altitudes constitutes an obvious response to global climate change. However, whether or not similar changes occur in steppe belts (low altitude) and nival belts in different areas within mountain systems remain undetermined. It is also unknown if these, responses to climate change are consistent. Here, using Landsat remote sensing images from 1989 to 2015, we obtained the spatial distribution of altitudinal vegetation belts in different periods of the Tianshan Mountains in Northwestern China. We suggest that the responses from different altitudinal vegetation belts to global climate change are different. The changes in the vegetation belts at low altitudes are spatially different. In high-altitude regions (higher than the forest belts), however, the trend of different altitudinal belts is consistent. Specifically, we focused on analyses of the impact of changes in temperature and precipitation on the nival belts, desert steppe belts, and montane steppe belts. The results demonstrated that the temperature in the study area exhibited an increasing trend, and is the main factor of altitudinal vegetation belts change in the Tianshan Mountains. In the context of a significant increase in temperature, the upper limit of the montane steppe in the eastern and central parts will shift to lower altitudes, which may limit the development of local animal husbandry. The montane steppe in the west, however, exhibits the opposite trend, which may augment the carrying capacity of pastures and promote the development of local animal husbandry. The lower limit of the nival belt will further increase in all studied areas, which may lead to an increase in surface runoff in the central and western regions.
Rapid and simple SNP genotyping for Bordetella pertussis epidemic strain MT27 based on a multiplexed single-base extension assay
Authors: Kamachi Kazunari , Yao Shu-Man , Chiang Chuen-Sheue , Koide Kentaro , Otsuka Nao , Shibayama Keigo 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMultilocus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) is widely used for genotyping of Bordetella pertussis, the causative bacteria for pertussis. However, MLVA genotyping is losing its discriminate power because prevalence of the epidemic MT27 strain (MLVA-27) is increasing worldwide. To address this, we developed a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping method for MT27 based on multiplexed single-base extension (SBE) assay. A total of 237 MT27 isolates collected in Japan during 1999–2018 were genotyped and classified into ten SNP genotypes (SG1 to SG10) with a Simpson’s diversity index (DI) of 0.79 (95% CI 0.76–0.82). Temporal trends showed a marked increase in the genotypic diversity in the 2010s: Simpson’s DI was zero in 1999–2004, 0.16 in 2005–2009, 0.83 in 2010–2014, and 0.76 in 2015–2018. This indicates that the SNP genotyping is applicable to the recently circulating MT27 strain. Additionally, almost all outbreak-associated MT27 isolates were classified into the same SNP genotypes for each outbreak. Multiplexed SBE assay allows for rapid and simple genotyping, indicating that the SNP genotyping can potentially be a useful tool for subtyping the B. pertussis MT27 strain in routine surveillance and outbreak investigations.
An emerging consensus in palaeoanthropology: demography was the main factor responsible for the disappearance of Neanderthals
Authors: Vaesen Krist , Dusseldorp Gerrit L. , Brandt Mark J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe causes of Neanderthal disappearance about 40,000 years ago remain highly contested. Over a dozen serious hypotheses are currently endorsed to explain this enigmatic event. Given the relatively large number of contending explanations and the relatively large number of participants in the debate, it is unclear how strongly each contender is supported by the research community. What does the community actually believe about the demise of Neanderthals? To address this question, we conducted a survey among practicing palaeo-anthropologists (total number of respondents = 216). It appears that received wisdom is that demography was the principal cause of the demise of Neanderthals. In contrast, there is no received wisdom about the role that environmental factors and competition with modern humans played in the extinction process; the research community is deeply divided about these issues. Finally, we tested the hypothesis that palaeo-anthropologists’ stand in the debate co-varies with their socio-political views and attitudes. We found no evidence for such a correlation.
Spatial patterns of lower respiratory tract infections and their association with fine particulate matter
Authors: Asri Aji Kusumaning , Pan Wen-Chi , Lee Hsiao-Yun , Su Huey-Jen , Wu Chih-Da , Spengler John D. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to identify the spatial patterns of lower respiratory tract infections (LRIs) and their association with fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The disability-adjusted life year (DALY) database was used to represent the burden each country experiences as a result of LRIs. PM2.5data obtained from the Atmosphere Composition Analysis Group was assessed as the source for main exposure. Global Moran’s I and Getis-Ord Gi* were applied to identify the spatial patterns and for hotspots analysis of LRIs. A generalized linear mixed model was coupled with a sensitivity test after controlling for covariates to estimate the association between LRIs and PM2.5. Subgroup analyses were performed to determine whether LRIs and PM2.5are correlated for various ages and geographic regions. A significant spatial auto-correlated pattern was identified for global LRIs with Moran’s Index 0.79, and the hotspots of LRIs were clustered in 35 African and 4 Eastern Mediterranean countries. A consistent significant positive association between LRIs and PM2.5with a coefficient of 0.21 (95% CI 0.06–0.36) was identified. Furthermore, subgroup analysis revealed a significant effect of PM2.5on LRI for children (0–14 years) and the elderly (≥ 70 years), and this effect was confirmed to be significant in all regions except for those comprised of Eastern Mediterranean countries.
White matter microstructure relates to motor outcomes in myotonic dystrophy type 1 independently of disease duration and genetic burden
Authors: Koscik Timothy R. , van der Plas Ellen , Gutmann Laurie , Cumming Sarah A. , Monckton Darren G. , Magnotta Vincent , Shields Richard K. , Nopoulos Peggy C. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDeficits in white matter (WM) integrity and motor symptoms are among the most robust and reproducible features of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). In the present study, we investigate whether WM integrity, obtained from diffusion-weighted MRI, corresponds to quantifiable motor outcomes (e.g., fine motor skills and grip strength) and patient-reported, subjective motor deficits. Critically, we explore these relationships in the context of other potentially causative variables, including: disease duration, elapsed time since motor symptom onset; and genetic burden, the number of excessive CTG repeats causing DM1. We found that fractional anisotropy (a measure of WM integrity) throughout the cerebrum was the strongest predictor of grip strength independently of disease duration and genetic burden, while radial diffusivity predicted fine motor skill (peg board performance). Axial diffusivity did not predict motor outcomes. Our results are consistent with the notion that systemic degradation of WM in DM1 mediates the relationship between DM1 progression and genetic burden with motor outcomes of the disease. Our results suggest that tracking changes in WM integrity over time may be a valuable biomarker for tracking therapeutic interventions, such as future gene therapies, for DM1.
A deep learning approach to identify unhealthy advertisements in street view images
Authors: Palmer Gregory , Green Mark , Boyland Emma , Vasconcelos Yales Stefano Rios , Savani Rahul , Singleton Alex 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWhile outdoor advertisements are common features within towns and cities, they may reinforce social inequalities in health. Vulnerable populations in deprived areas may have greater exposure to fast food, gambling and alcohol advertisements, which may encourage their consumption. Understanding who is exposed and evaluating potential policy restrictions requires a substantial manual data collection effort. To address this problem we develop a deep learning workflow to automatically extract and classify unhealthy advertisements from street-level images. We introduce the Liverpool $${360}^{\circ }$$

360

∘

Street View (LIV360SV) dataset for evaluating our workflow. The dataset contains 25,349, 360 degree, street-level images collected via cycling with a GoPro Fusion camera, recorded Jan 14th–18th 2020. 10,106 advertisements were identified and classified as food (1335), alcohol (217), gambling (149) and other (8405). We find evidence of social inequalities with a larger proportion of food advertisements located within deprived areas and those frequented by students. Our project presents a novel implementation for the incidental classification of street view images for identifying unhealthy advertisements, providing a means through which to identify areas that can benefit from tougher advertisement restriction policies for tackling social inequalities.