bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs on major cardiovascular events: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Thanigaimani Shivshankar , Phie James , Krishna Smriti Murali , Moxon Joseph , Golledge Jonathan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDisease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) were developed to treat joint inflammation. There is growing evidence that anti-inflammatory drugs prevent major cardiovascular events (MACE). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine whether DMARDs reduce the risk of MACE. A systematic literature search was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) testing the effect of DMARDs on cardiovascular events. The primary outcome was MACE defined as the first occurrence of non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), non-fatal stroke or cardiovascular death. Secondary outcomes were myocardial infarction or stroke alone and all-cause mortality. Safety was assessed by fatal or life threatening infection. Meta-analyses were performed using random effect models and reported as risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Study quality and publication bias were assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias and funnel plots. Twelve RCTs involving 18,056 participants testing three different DMARDs subclasses (Tumor Necrosis Factor inhibitors—4 trials; Janus Kinase inhibitors—5 trials; Interleukin inhibitors—3 trials) were included. Meta-analysis suggested that none of the DMARD subclasses had any effect on MACE, MI alone, stroke alone, risk of fatal or life threatening infection or death. Risk of bias was high, low and unclear in five, six and one studies respectively. Funnel plots suggested a low possibility of publication bias. This meta-analysis suggests that DMARDs do not affect the incidence of MACE. More trials are needed for firm conclusions.
Percutaneous nephrostomy versus retrograde ureteral stenting for acute upper obstructive uropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zul Khairul Azwadi Ismail , Norhayati Mohd Noor , Abdullah Mohd Shafie 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAcute obstructive uropathy is associated with significant morbidity among patients with any condition that leads to urinary tract obstruction. Immediate urinary diversion is necessary to prevent further damage to the kidneys. In many centres, the two main treatment options include percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) and retrograde ureteral stenting (RUS). The purpose of this study if to compare the efficacy and safety of PCN and RUS for the treatment of acute obstructive uropathy. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, the World Health Organisation International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and ClinicalTrials.gov. We also searched the reference lists of included studies to identify any additional trials. We included randomised controlled trials and controlled clinical trials comparing the outcomes of clinical improvement (septic parameters), hospitalisation duration, quality of life, urinary-related symptoms, failure rates, post-procedural pain [measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS)] and analgesics use. We conducted statistical analyses using random effects models and expressed the results as risk ratio (RR) and risk difference (RD) for dichotomous outcomes and mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Seven trials were identified that included 667 patients. Meta-analysis of the data revealed no difference in the two methods in improvement of septic parameters, quality of life, failure rates, post-procedural pain (VAS), or analgesics use. Patients receiving PCN had lower rates of haematuria and dysuria post-operatively and longer hospitalisation duration than those receiving RUS. PCN and RUS are effective for the decompression of an obstructed urinary system, with no significant difference in most outcomes. However, PCN is preferable to RUS because of its reduced impact on the patient’s post-operative quality of life due to haematuria and dysuria, although it is associated with slightly longer hospitalisation duration.
Furry is required for cell movements during gastrulation and functionally interacts with NDR1
Authors: Cervino Ailen S. , Moretti Bruno , Stuckenholz Carsten , Grecco Hernán E. , Davidson Lance A. , Cirio M. Cecilia 
Published: March 2021

AbstractGastrulation is a key event in animal embryogenesis during which germ layer precursors are rearranged and the embryonic axes are established. Cell polarization is essential during gastrulation, driving asymmetric cell division, cell movements, and cell shape changes. The furry (fry) gene encodes an evolutionarily conserved protein with a wide variety of cellular functions, including cell polarization and morphogenesis in invertebrates. However, little is known about its function in vertebrate development. Here, we show that in Xenopus, Fry plays a role in morphogenetic processes during gastrulation, in addition to its previously described function in the regulation of dorsal mesoderm gene expression. Using morpholino knock-down, we demonstrate a distinct role for Fry in blastopore closure and dorsal axis elongation. Loss of Fry function drastically affects the movement and morphological polarization of cells during gastrulation and disrupts dorsal mesoderm convergent extension, responsible for head-to-tail elongation. Finally, we evaluate a functional interaction between Fry and NDR1 kinase, providing evidence of an evolutionarily conserved complex required for morphogenesis.
An analysis of the population of Cryptococcus neoformans strains isolated from animals in Poland, in the years 2015–2019
Authors: Florek Magdalena , Nawrot Urszula , Korzeniowska-Kowal Agnieszka , Włodarczyk Katarzyna , Wzorek Anna , Woźniak-Biel Anna , Brzozowska Magdalena , Galli Józef , Bogucka Anna , Król Jarosław 
Published: March 2021

AbstractFungi belonging to the Cryptococcus neoformans/C. gattii species complex (CNGSC) are pathogens causing severe infections in humans and animals, that for humans may result in a mortality rate ranging up to 70%. The CNGSC is divided into eight major molecular types, that may differ in their virulence and susceptibility. In order to fully understand the epidemiology of cryptococcosis, it is important to study the world distribution and population structure of these pathogens. The present study is the first presenting a population of strains isolated in Poland and one of the few using a multi-species animal group as a source of the specimen. The pathogen was present in 2.375% of the tested animals. The URA5-RFLP and MALDI-TOF MS analyses have revealed that the population consisted exclusively of C. neoformans strains, with a predominance of major molecular type VNIV (C. neoformans var. neoformans). The MALDI-TOF MS was used to perform the CNGSC strains identification on both the species and sub-species level. Despite the fact that the animals providing the specimens were not treated with 5-fluorocytosine, around 10% of the tested population presented MIC values exceeding 64 mg/L, indicating the existence of the 5-fluorocytosine-resistant strains in the environment.
Characterization of the bacterial microbiome of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus collected from Pecari tajacu “Sajino” Madre de Dios, Peru
Authors: Rojas-Jaimes Jesús , Lindo-Seminario David , Correa-Núñez Germán , Diringer Benoit 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTicks are arthropods that can host and transmit pathogens to wild animals, domestic animals, and even humans. The bacterial microbiome of adult (males and females) and nymph Rhipicephalus microplus ticks collected from a collared peccary, Pecari tajacu, captured in the rural area of Botijón Village in the Amazon region of Madre de Dios, Peru, was evaluated using metagenomics. The Chao1 and Shannon–Weaver analyses indicated greater bacterial richness and diversity in female ticks (GARH; 375–4.15) and nymph ticks (GARN; 332–4.75) compared to that in male ticks (GARM; 215–3.20). Taxonomic analyses identified 185 operational taxonomic units representing 147 bacterial genera. Of the 25 most prevalent genera, Salmonella (17.5%) and Vibrio (15.0%) showed the highest relative abundance followed by several other potentially pathogenic genera, such as Paracoccus (7.8%), Staphylococcus (6.8%), Pseudomonas (6.6%), Corynebacterium (5.0%), Cloacibacterium (3.6%), and Acinetobacter (2.5%). In total, 19.7% of the detected genera are shared by GARH, GARM, and GARN, and they can be considered as the core microbiome of R. microplus. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to characterize the microbiome of ticks collected from P. tajacu and to report the presence of Salmonella and Vibrio in R. microplus. The pathogenic potential and the role of these bacteria in the physiology of R. microplus should be further investigated due to the possible implications for public health and animal health in populations neighboring the habitat of P. tajacu.
Association of metabolic syndrome with mobility in the older adults: a Korean nationwide representative cross-sectional study
Authors: Son Ki Young , Shin Dong Wook , Lee Ji Eun , Kim Sang Hyuck , Yun Jae Moon , Cho Belong 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe aimed to examine whether metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with mobility in the older adults, using the timed up and go (TUG) test which is one of the most widely used tests for evaluating mobility. This is population-based study with the National Health Insurance Service–National Health Screening Cohort database of National Health Information Database. Participants included were those who completed the TUG as part of the National Screening Program for Transitional Ages. An abnormal TUG result was defined as a time ≥ 10 s. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between MetS and TUG results. We constructed three models with different levels of adjustment. Furthermore, we conducted a stratified analysis according to the risk. Among the 40,767 participants included, 19,831 (48.6%) were women. Mean TUG value was 8.34 ± 3.07 s, and abnormal TUG test results were observed in 4,391 (10.8%) participants; 6,888 (16.9%) participants were categorised to have MetS. The worst TUG test results were obtained in participants with three or four MetS features, and a J-shaped relationship of each MetS feature, except triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), with TUG test was found. Participants with MetS had 18% higher likelihood of showing abnormal TUG test results in a fully adjusted model (adjusted odds ratio 1.183, 95% confidence interval 1.115–1.254). The stratified analysis revealed that participants with central obesity, high blood pressure, and normal HDL-C and TG were more likely to have abnormal TUG times. Participants with MetS had a higher risk of exhibiting abnormal TUG results, and except for HDL-C and TG, all other MetS features had a J-shaped relationship with TUG. Preventive lifestyle such as lower carbohydrate and higher protein intake, and endurance exercise is needed.
Identification of deleterious recessive haplotypes and candidate deleterious recessive mutations in Japanese Black cattle
Authors: Sasaki Shinji , Watanabe Toshio , Ibi Takayuki , Hasegawa Kiyotoshi , Sakamoto Yoichi , Moriwaki Shunsuke , Kurogi Kazuhito , Ogino Atsushi , Yasumori Takanori , Wakaguri Hiroyuki , Muraki Eiji , Miki Youko , Yoshida Yuichi , Inoue Yoshinobu , Tabuchi Ichiro , Iwao Ken , Arishima Taichi , Kawashima Keisuke , Watanabe Manabu , Sugano Sumio , Sugimoto Yoshikazu , Suzuki Yutaka 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntensive use of a few elite sires has increased the risk of the manifestation of deleterious recessive traits in cattle. Substantial genotyping data gathered using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays have identified the haplotypes with homozygous deficiency, which may compromise survival. We developed Japanese Black cattle haplotypes (JBHs) using SNP array data (4843 individuals) and identified deleterious recessive haplotypes using exome sequencing of 517 sires. We identified seven JBHs with homozygous deficiency. JBH_10 and JBH_17 were associated with the resuming of estrus after artificial insemination, indicating that these haplotypes carried deleterious mutations affecting embryonic survival. The exome data of 517 Japanese Black sires revealed that AC_000165.1:g.85341291C>G of IARS in JBH_8_2, AC_000174.1:g.74743512G>T of CDC45 in JBH_17, and a copy variation region (CNVR_27) of CLDN16 in JBH_1_1 and JBH_1_2 were the candidate mutations. A novel variant AC_000174.1:g.74743512G>T of CDC45 in JBH_17 was located in a splicing donor site at a distance of 5 bp, affecting pre-mRNA splicing. Mating between heterozygotes of JBH_17 indicated that homozygotes carrying the risk allele died around the blastocyst stage. Analysis of frequency of the CDC45 risk allele revealed that its carriers were widespread throughout the tested Japanese Black cattle population. Our approach can effectively manage the inheritance of recessive risk alleles in a breeding population.
Serum biomarkers confirming stable remission in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Kessel Christoph , Lavric Miha , Weinhage Toni , Brueckner Markus , de Roock Sytze , Däbritz Jan , Weber Jakob , Vastert Sebastiaan J. , Foell Dirk 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCrohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) have a chronic-remittent course. Optimal management of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) relies on early intervention, treat-to-target strategies and a tight disease control. However, it is challenging to assess the risk of relapses in individual patients. We investigated blood-based biomarkers for the confirmation of disease remission in patients with IBD. We retrospectively analyzed samples of 40 IBD patients (30 UC, 10 CD) enrolled in a tight-control follow-up study. Half of the patients had a flare during follow up. Serum was analyzed for S100A12 as well as S100A8/A9 and for 50 further biomarkers in a bead-based multiplex assay. The concentrations of 9 cytokines/chemokines and S100A8/A9 significantly differed in IBD patients with unstable remission (before flares) when compared to IBD patients with stable remission. Although the number of patients was small, ROC curve analyses revealed a number of biomarkers (IL-1β, IL-1RA, IL-8, IL13, IL-15, IL-21, IL-25, IFN-β, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, Galectin-1, G-CSF and S100A8/A9) that were elevated in patients with later occurring relapses. While earlier studies on peripheral biomarkers in IBD are limited to only few analytes, our study using a broad screening approach identified serum biomarkers with the potential to indicate unstable disease control in IBD, which may help to steer individual therapies to maintain remission.
Business-as-usual will lead to super and ultra-extreme heatwaves in the Middle East and North Africa
Authors: Zittis George , Hadjinicolaou Panos , Almazroui Mansour , Bucchignani Edoardo , Driouech Fatima , El Rhaz Khalid , Kurnaz Levent , Nikulin Grigory , Ntoumos Athanasios , Ozturk Tugba , Proestos Yiannis , Stenchikov Georgiy , Zaaboul Rashyd , Lelieveld Jos 
Published: March 2021

AbstractGlobal climate projections suggest a significant intensification of summer heat extremes in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). To assess regional impacts, and underpin mitigation and adaptation measures, robust information is required from climate downscaling studies, which has been lacking for the region. Here, we project future hot spells by using the Heat Wave Magnitude Index and a comprehensive ensemble of regional climate projections for MENA. Our results, for a business-as-usual pathway, indicate that in the second half of this century unprecedented super- and ultra-extreme heatwave conditions will emerge. These events involve excessively high temperatures (up to 56 °C and higher) and will be of extended duration (several weeks), being potentially life-threatening for humans. By the end of the century, about half of the MENA population (approximately 600 million) could be exposed to annually recurring super- and ultra-extreme heatwaves. It is expected that the vast majority of the exposed population (>90%) will live in urban centers, who would need to cope with these societally disruptive weather conditions.
Boundary conditions investigation to improve computer simulation of cerebrospinal fluid dynamics in hydrocephalus patients
Authors: Gholampour Seifollah , Fatouraee Nasser 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThree-D head geometrical models of eight healthy subjects and 11 hydrocephalus patients were built using their CINE phase-contrast MRI data and used for computer simulations under three different inlet/outlet boundary conditions (BCs). The maximum cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure and the ventricular system volume were more effective and accurate than the other parameters in evaluating the patients’ conditions. In constant CSF pressure, the computational patient models were 18.5% more sensitive to CSF volume changes in the ventricular system under BC “C”. Pulsatile CSF flow rate diagrams were used for inlet and outlet BCs of BC “C”. BC “C” was suggested to evaluate the intracranial compliance of the hydrocephalus patients. The results suggested using the computational fluid dynamic (CFD) method and the fully coupled fluid-structure interaction (FSI) method for the CSF dynamic analysis in patients with external and internal hydrocephalus, respectively.
Continuous quantum light from a dark atom
Authors: Tolazzi Karl Nicolas , Wang Bo , Ianzano Christopher , Neumeier Jonas , Villas-Boas Celso Jorge , Rempe Gerhard 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCycling processes are important in many areas of physics ranging from lasers to topological insulators, often offering surprising insights into dynamical and structural aspects of the respective system. Here we report on a quantum-nonlinear wave-mixing experiment where resonant lasers and an optical cavity define a closed cycle between several ground and excited states of a single atom. We show that, for strong atom–cavity coupling and steady-state driving, the entanglement between the atomic states and intracavity photon number suppresses the excited-state population via quantum interference, effectively reducing the cycle to the atomic ground states. The system dynamics then result from transitions within a harmonic ladder of entangled dark states, one for each cavity photon number, and a quantum Zeno blockade that generates antibunching in the photons emitted from the cavity. The reduced cycle suppresses unwanted optical pumping into atomic states outside the cycle, thereby enhancing the number of emitted photons.
Thermodynamic model for lattice point defect-mediated semi-coherent precipitation in alloys
Authors: Nastar Maylise , Belkacemi Lisa T. , Meslin Estelle , Loyer-Prost Marie 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe formation of precipitates with an atomic volume different from their parent phase eventually leads to a loss of the lattice continuity at the matrix–precipitate interface. Here, we show the creation or removal of lattice sites mediated by lattice point defects is an accommodation mechanism of the coherency loss and even a precipitation driving force. We introduce a thermodynamic approach that rationalizes the selection of phases resulting from chemical and crystallographic constraints in relation to point defect properties. The resulting semi-coherent phase diagram and the precipitation kinetic model depend on the equilibrium phase diagram, the eigenstrain of the precipitating phase, and the chemical potential of point defects. From a joint experimental and modeling study, we uncover the prominent role of excess point defects in unforeseen phase transformations of the Fe–Ni metallic system under irradiation. By addressing the fundamental role of lattice point defects in the accommodation mechanisms of precipitation, we provide a step torwards the understanding of semi-coherent phase transformations occurring in solid materials upon synthesis and in use.
Quantum magnetoconductivity characterization of interface disorder in indium-tin-oxide films on fused silica
Authors: Look David C. , Leedy Kevin D. , Santia Marco D. , Badescu Stefan C. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDisorder arising from random locations of charged donors and acceptors introduces localization and diffusive motion that can lead to constructive electron interference and positive magnetoconductivity. At very low temperatures, 3D theory predicts that the magnetoconductivity is independent of temperature or material properties, as verified for many combinations of thin-films and substrates. Here, we find that this prediction is apparently violated if the film thickness d is less than about 300 nm. To investigate the origin of this apparent violation, the magnetoconductivity was measured at temperatures T = 15 – 150 K in ten, Sn-doped In2O3 films with d = 13 – 292 nm, grown by pulsed laser deposition on fused silica. We observe a very strong thickness dependence which we explain by introducing a theory that postulates a second source of disorder, namely, non-uniform interface-induced defects whose number decreases exponentially with the interface distance. This theory obeys the 3D limit for the thickest samples and yields a natural figure of merit for interface disorder. It can be applied to any degenerate semiconductor film on any semi-insulating substrate.
Development and demonstration of functionalized inorganic–organic hybrid copper phosphate nanoflowers for mimicking the oxidative reactions of metalloenzymes by working as a nanozyme
Authors: Nag Rahul , Rao Chebrolu Pulla 
Published: March 2021

Inorganic–organic hybrid Cu3(PO4)2 nanoflowers coated with aromatic derivatives of phenonthroline shows oxidase and peroxidase mimetic activity. relevant to the copper enzymes and is dependent upon the size of the aromatic moiety present in it.
The Early Development of Emotional Competence Profile: A Means to Share Information About Emotional Status and Expression by Children With Complex Communication Needs
Authors: Rangel-Rodríguez Gabriela A. , Martín Mar Badia , Blanch Sílvia , Wilkinson Krista M. 
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This clinical focus article introduces a summary profile template, called the
Early Development of Emotional Competence Profile
(EDEC-P). This profile distills information from a longer interview tool that solicits a detailed case history (the EDEC), but in a format that is readily accessible for communication partners of children with complex communication needs, including parents, educators, and other professionals.

Method
In this clinical focus article, we will (a) introduce the EDEC-P structure, (b) illustrate via case examples the types of information that can be shared, and (c) offer preliminary feedback from parents and other professionals on its usefulness. We will review literature that supports the importance of scaffolding communication about emotions by specialists who work with children with complex communication needs and by parents and other communication partners.

Results
An EDEC-P was generated for two participants as an illustration of the process. Feedback was solicited from these children's parents and other communication partners. The feedback demonstrated that the EDEC-P was viewed as a positive tool and identified some of the ways that it might be used.

Conclusions
The EDEC-P may be useful for professionals who are interested in approaching communication about emotions in children with complex communication needs. Guidelines are proposed to present and discuss the results from the interview to support the decision-making process in the clinical practice and next steps in research.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14219777