bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CorrSim: a multiwavelength timing observation simulator
Authors: Paice J A , Misra R , Gandhi P 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Studying the rapid variability of many astronomical objects is key to understanding the underlying processes at play. However, obtaining data well-suited to this task can be tricky, especially for simultaneous multiwavelength observations. Parameters often have to be fine-tuned while ‘on-site,’ or observations may only be found to not achieve their goals later. Here, we present CorrSim; a program tailored to X-ray Binary analysis, and expandable to many kinds of multiwavelength coordinated observations. CorrSim takes power spectra, coherence, and lags, and returns a simulated multiwavelength observation. The goals of this are: (i) To simulate a potential observation; (ii) To investigate how different Fourier models affect a system’s variability, including data products like cross-correlation functions); and (iii) To simulate existing data and investigate its trustworthiness. We outline CorrSim’s methodology, show how a variety of parameters (e.g. noise sources, observation length, telescope choice) can affect data, and present examples of the software in action. Through CorrSim, we also detail the effects of the length of the data train on Fourier and correlation function uncertainties. We also highlight previous CorrSim modelling, noting that the ‘pre-cognition dip’ seen in X-ray binaries can be constructed by periodic processes, and discuss this result in the wider context.
Relapses and serious adverse events during rituximab maintenance therapy in ANCA-associated vasculitis: a multicentre retrospective study
Authors: Gialouri Chrysoula G , Chalkia Aglaia , Koutsianas Christos , Chavatza Katerina , Argyriou Evangelia , Panagiotopoulos Alexandros , Karamanakos Anastasios , Dimouli Aikaterini , Tsalapaki Christina , Thomas Konstantinos , Orfanos Philippos , Lagiou Pagona , Katsikas George , Boki Kyriaki , Boumpas Dimitrios , Petras Dimitrios , Vassilopoulos Dimitrios 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objectives
There are limited real-life data regarding the efficacy and safety of rituximab (RTX) as a remission maintenance agent in microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and granulomatosis-with-polyangiitis (GPA). We aimed to estimate the incidence and risk factors for relapses, as well for serious adverse events (SAEs) in MPA/GPA patients during RTX maintenance.

Methods
A retrospective cohort of newly diagnosed/relapsing GPA/MPA patients who received RTX maintenance (≥1 RTX cycle, ≥6 months follow-up) following complete remission (BVAS version-3 = 0 plus prednisolone ≤7.5 mg/day) with induction regimens. SAEs included serious infections, COronaVIrus-Disease 2019 (COVID-19)–associated hospitalizations, deaths, cardiovascular events, malignancies and hypogammaglobulinemia. The incidence rates (IRs) and relapse-free survival were estimated through Kaplan–Meier plots. Cox regression was conducted to investigate factors associated with the time-to-relapse.

Results
A total of 101 patients were included: 48% females, 69% GPA, 53% newly diagnosed, median age 63 years. During follow-up (294.5 patient-years, median: 3 RTX cycles), 30 relapses (57% major) occurred among 24 patients (24%, IR 10.2/100 patient-years). Kidney involvement (adjusted hazard ratio/aHR: 0.20; 95% CI: 0.06–0.74, P = 0.016), prior induction with RTX plus CYC (vs RTX monotherapy: aHR = 0.02; 95% CI: 0.001–0.43, P = 0.012) and shorter time interval until complete remission (aHR = 1.07; 95% CI: 1.01–1.14, P = 0.023) were associated with decreased relapse risk. We recorded 17 serious infections (IR 5.8/100 patient-years), 11 COVID-19–associated hospitalizations (IR 3.7/100 patient-years), 4 malignancies (IR 1.4/100 patient-years), 6 cardiovascular events (IR 2/100 patient-years) and 10 deaths (IR 3.4/100 patient-years).

Conclusion
In this real-world study, relapses during RTX maintenance occurred in approximately 1 out of 4 patients. Kidney involvement, induction with RTX plus CYC, and earlier achievement of complete remission were associated with lower relapse risk. The serious infections rate was consistent with previous reports, whereas an increased rate of COVID-19–associated hospitalizations was observed.
CT-based comprehensive scoring system for assessing hip arthropathy in ankylosing spondylitis: feasibility study with clinical correlation
Authors: Duarte Silva Flavio , Ormond Filho Alipio G , de Oliveira Thauana L , Andrew Dhilip , Chhabra Avneesh , Pinheiro Marcelo M , Xi Yin , Fernandes Artur da Rocha Correa , Nico Marcelo A C , Aihara Andre Y 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
To develop a CT-based scoring system for assessment of hip arthropathy in AS.

Methods
All AS patients were prospectively recruited, consented and underwent whole-body stereoradiographs and pelvis CT, which were assessed by two independent radiologists. Stereoradiographs were assessed according to Kellgreen-Lawrence and BASRI-h. For the Hip arthropathy CT score in AS (HACTSAS), joints were divided into 7 segments and scored for joint space, osteophytes, subchondral cysts/erosions. Patients were clinically assessed for range of motion (ROM), pain and clinical scores (BASMI, BASFI, ASQol, BASDAI and ASDAS). Radiological scores correlations with clinical parameters were compared. ROM sensitivity and specificity for hip arthropathy (BASRI-h ≥ 2) were calculated.

Results
Sample included 112 patients, with 36/112 females and 76/112 males. Average age was 51.0 ± 11.2 years and mean duration of AS was 20.9 ± 9.6 years. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for HACTSAS, Kellgreen-Lawrence and BASRI-h were 0.89, 0.89 and 0.82, respectively. HACTSAS showed moderate absolute correlation with ROM (ρ = −0.41) and BASMI (ρ = 0.45), and weak with pain (ρ = 0.18) and BASFI (ρ = 0.25). BASRI-h and Kellgreen-Lawrence exhibited moderate correlation with ROM (ρ = −0.44 and ρ = −0.40, respectively), weak with pain (ρ = −0.27and ρ = −0.23, respectively) and BASFI (ρ = −0.16 and ρ = −0.18, respectively), but only weak with BASMI (ρ = −0.34 and ρ = −0.36, respectively). Internal rotation &lt;15°, abduction &lt;31° and intermalleolar distance &lt;75cm were, respectively, 73%, 70% and 73% sensitivity and 81%, 65% and 68% specific for hip arthropathy.

Conclusion
HACTSAS exhibited higher correlation with BASMI and BASFI when compared with BASRI-h, but less correlation with pain and ROM. Internal rotation was the best clinical discriminator for hip arthropathy.
Circulating cell-free DNA promotes inflammation in dermatomyositis patients with anti-NXP2 antibodies via the cGAS/STING pathway
Authors: Wang Yikang , Zhao Yawen , Gang Qiang , Hao Hongjun , Gao Feng , Deng Jianwen , Wang Zhaoxia , Zhang Wei , Yuan Yun , Zheng Yiming 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objectives
DM is a rare type I IFN (IFN-I)-driven autoimmune disease, and anti-nuclear matrix protein 2 (NXP2) antibody is related to severe muscle disease and poor prognosis. Circulating cell-free DNA (ccf-DNA), including ccf-mitochondrial DNA and ccf-nuclear DNA, activates the cGAS/STING pathway to induce IFN-I production in autoimmune diseases. We investigated whether serum-derived ccf-DNA had a pathogenic effect on skeletal muscle in anti-NXP2 antibody–positive DM.

Methods
Serum ccf-DNA levels were measured, and correlations between ccf-DNA and clinicopathological indicators were performed. RNA sequencing, immunofluorescence, western blotting and reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction were performed on skeletal muscle samples. The serum-induced expression of p-STING in C2C12 cells was assessed in vitro.

Results
We found that increased ccf-DNA levels were positively correlated with MYOACT scores in anti-NXP2 antibody-positive DM. RNA sequencing and immunofluorescence results revealed that the cytosolic DNA-sensing pathway was upregulated and that increased cytosolic dsDNA was colocalized with cGAS in skeletal muscle in anti-NXP2 antibody-positive DM. Western blot analysis revealed activation of the cGAS/STING pathway in patients with perifascicular atrophy (PFA) but not in patients without PFA. Reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed increased IFN-I scores in both patients with PFA and patients without PFA. Sera from patients with PFA increased p-STING expression in C2C12 cells, and DNase I treatment and STING inhibitor efficiently inhibited p-STING expression, respectively.

Conclusion
Increased ccf-DNA levels may be potential biomarkers for monitoring disease activity in anti-NXP2 antibody–positive DM. Activation of the cGAS/STING pathway is associated with PFA. Our findings identified a pathogenic effect of ccf-DNA on skeletal muscle via the cGAS/STING pathway.
Microbial antibiotic resistance genes across an anthropogenic gradient in a Canadian High Arctic watershed
Authors: Provencher Juliette , George Paul B L , Thaler Mary , Vincent Warwick F , Duchaine Caroline , Culley Alexander I , Girard Catherine 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest challenges to public health. While the discovery of antibiotics has decreased pathogen-caused mortality, the overuse of these drugs has resulted in the increased transfer and evolution of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in bacteria. ARGs naturally occur in wild bacterial communities, but are also found in increased concentrations in environments contaminated by wastewater effluent. Although such ARGs are relatively well described in temperate environments, little is known about the distribution and dissemination of these genes in the Arctic. We characterized the ARGs in microbial communities from aerosols, lakes and microbial mats around a remote Arctic hamlet using metagenomic approaches. Specific objectives were to (i) compare ARGs across habitats, (ii) to characterize ARG populations along a continuum of anthropogenically influenced environments, and (iii) to identify ARGs of viral origin. We identified ARGs in all habitats throughout the watershed, and found that microbial mats in the most impacted area had the highest diversity of ARGs relative to uncontaminated sites, which may be a remnant signal of wastewater effluent inputs in the area during the 20th century. Although we identified ARGs predominantly in bacterial genomes, our data suggests that mimiviruses may also harbor ARGs.
Epigenetic mechanisms differentially regulate blood pressure and renal dysfunction in male and female Npr1 haplotype mice
Authors: Kumar Prerna , Neelamegam Kandasamy , Ramasamy Chandramohan , Samivel Ramachandran , Xia Huijing , Kapusta Daniel R. , Pandey Kailash N. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWe determined the epigenetic mechanisms regulating mean arterial pressure (MAP) and renal dysfunction in guanylyl cyclase/natriuretic peptide receptor‐A (GC‐A/NPRA) gene‐targeted mice. The Npr1 (encoding NPRA) gene‐targeted mice were treated with class 1 specific histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) mocetinostat (MGCD) to determine the epigenetic changes in a sex‐specific manner. Adult male and female Npr1 haplotype (1‐copy; Npr1+/−), wild‐type (2‐copy; Npr1+/+), and gene‐duplicated heterozygous (3‐copy; Npr1++/+) mice were intraperitoneally injected with MGCD (2 mg/kg) for 14 days. BP, renal function, histopathology, and epigenetic changes were measured. One‐copy male mice showed significantly increased MAP, renal dysfunction, and fibrosis than 2‐copy and 3‐copy mice. Furthermore, HDAC1/2, collagen1alpha‐2 (Col1α‐2), and alpha smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) were significantly increased in 1‐copy mice compared with 2‐copy controls. The expression of antifibrotic microRNA‐133a was attenuated in 1‐copy mice but to a greater extent in males than females. NF‐κB was localized at significantly lower levels in cytoplasm than in the nucleus with stronger DNA binding activity in 1‐copy mice. MGCD significantly lowered BP, improved creatinine clearance, and repaired renal histopathology. The inhibition of class I HDACs led to a sex‐dependent distinctive stimulation of acetylated positive histone marks and inhibition of methylated repressive histone marks in Npr1 1‐copy mice; however, it epigenetically lowered MAP, repaired renal fibrosis, and proteinuria and suppressed NF‐kB differentially in males versus females. Our results suggest a role for epigenetic targets affecting hypertension and renal dysfunction in a sex‐specific manner.
Low bone turnover is associated with advanced glycation end‐products, oxidative stress, and inflammation induced by type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Shi Peipei , Gong He , Lyu Linwei , Liu Shuyu , Jia Shaowei , Li Chenchen , Wu Xiaodan , Li Xitong 
Published: August 2024

AbstractType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can lead to multiple complications. T2DM‐related bone damage has been linked to abnormal bone turnover, but it cannot fully explain the mechanisms of T2DM bone disease. This study attempts to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of poor bone quality in T2DM. Hence, T2DM model was induced by a high‐fat diet combined with a single streptozotocin injection in 7‐week‐old male SD rats. Osteoblasts derived from SD rats were cultured in high glucose to mimic hyperglycemia. Low bone turnover was observed in T2DM bone with elevated levels of advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs) and receptor for AGEs (RAGE). Additionally, higher levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory factors were found in T2DM bone. AGEs content in bone was pairwise correlated with RAGE, hydrogen peroxide, and inflammatory factors. Serum levels of RAGE, oxidative stress, and inflammatory factors were higher in T2DM, while AGEs content tended to be lower. Besides, 35 differentially expressed metabolites were screened in T2DM serum. Osteoblasts exposed to high glucose displayed analogous abnormal changes in these biomarkers. Thus, low bone turnover in T2DM might be partially due to excess oxidative stress and inflammation induced by AGE‐RAGE signaling. Furthermore, these biomarker levels in serum were mostly consistent with bone, demonstrating their possibility for predicting bone quality in T2DM.
“I Think Many of Them Want to Appear to Have a Growth Mindset”: Exploring Supervisors’ Perceptions of Feedback-Seeking Behavior
Authors: Ginsburg Shiphra , Lingard Lorelei , Sugumar Vijithan , Watling Christopher J. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Feedback seeking is an expected learner competency. Motivations to seek feedback are well explored, but we know little about how supervisors perceive such requests for feedback. These perceptions matter because how supervisors judge requests can affect the feedback they give. This study explores how supervisors perceive and attribute motivations behind feedback requests to better understand the benefits and hazards of feedback seeking.

Method
Constructivist grounded theory was used to interview supervisors at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, from February 2020 to September 2022. Supervisors were asked to describe instances when they perceived feedback requests as being sincere or insincere, what led to their opinions, and how they responded. Transcripts were analyzed and coded in parallel with data collection; data analysis was guided by constant comparison.

Results
Seventeen faculty were interviewed. Participants perceived 4 motivations when learners sought feedback: affirmation or praise; a desire to improve; an administrative requirement, such as getting forms filled out; and hidden purposes, such as making a good impression. These perceptions were based on assumptions regarding the framing of the initial request; timing; preexisting relationship with the learner; learner characteristics, such as insecurity; and learner reactions to feedback, particularly defensiveness. Although being asked for feedback was generally well received, some participants reported irritation at requests that were repetitive, were poorly timed, or did not appear sincere.

Conclusions
Feedback seeking may prompt supervisors to consider learners’ motivations, potentially resulting in a set of entangled attributions, assumptions, and reactions that shape the feedback conversation in invisible and potentially problematic ways. Learners should consider these implications as they frame their feedback requests and be explicit about what they want and why they want it. Supervisors should monitor their responses, ask questions to clarify requests, and err on the side of assuming feedback-seeking requests are sincere.
Pediatric perspective: the microbiome in vertical HIV-infection: unravelling gaps, challenges, and therapeutic potential
Authors: Sainz Talía , Aldrovandi Grace 
Published: August 2024

Purpose of reviewThe intricate interplay between HIV and the host microbiota has emerged as a significant area of investigation with therapeutic potential. Despite numerous studies on this complex interaction in adults, vertically acquired infections, which have distinct immunological and virological characteristics, remain relatively understudied.Recent findingsDisturbances, including prolonged exposure to HIV and antiretroviral therapy, significantly impact the gut microbiome, though isolating these effects from other influencing factors is challenging. Children and adolescents living with HIV exhibit reduced microbiome diversity and potential imbalances between beneficial and pathogenic taxa. However, most available data focus on microbiome composition rather than function. The observed variations in specific microbial phyla are intriguing, but their health effects are unknown. Although modulating the microbiota may be theoretically easier during childhood, few interventional trials have included children.SummaryTherapeutic interventions aimed at modulating the gut microbiome in children with HIV have shown limited impact, and their ability to induce long-term microbiome changes remains uncertain. A more functional, longitudinal approach, along with an ecological perspective, is needed to understand the complex interplay between the microbiome and the host. This will help clarify the relevance of microbiota alterations and their potential implications for clinical outcomes, such as inflammation and immune reconstitution in pediatric HIV.
New management approaches for female sexual dysfunction
Authors: Brotto Lori A. , Altas Melanie 
Published: August 2024

Purpose of review
The goal of this paper is to review the most recent studies evaluating treatments for female sexual dysfunction (FSD), including distressing symptoms of desire, arousal, and orgasm disorder. We divide the sections into psychological and pharmacological.

Recent findings
There is excellent evidence in favour of mindfulness, cognitive behavioural therapy, and psychoeducation for improving low sexual desire in women, and less evidence in support of these approaches to address other sexual dysfunctions in women. There are two US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pharmacological treatments for low desire in premenopausal women that have modest benefits above placebo, and a significant proportion of users will experience side effects. Evidence also supports the use of transdermal testosterone for low desire in postmenopausal women.

Summary
Sexual dysfunction in women is common and distressing, and there are a variety of psychological and pharmacological treatments. More research is needed to better understand the predictors of a positive treatment response in order to deliver more personalized care.
REVIVED BCIS-2: update and key learnings
Authors: Betemariam Tesfamariam Aklilu , Morgan Holly , Perera Divaka 
Published: August 2024

Purpose of review
This review summarises the shifting paradigms in the treatment of ischemic left ventricular dysfunction, spotlighting the revascularization for ischemic ventricular dysfunction-British cardiovascular intervention society-2 (REVIVED-BCIS2) trial results and its impact on key therapeutic goals: survival, left ventricular function, arrhythmia prevention, quality of life and viability testing.

Recent findings
The REVIVED-BCIS2 trial, and its subsequent sub studies highlighted that (PCI) does not provide additional benefits to optimal medical therapy in terms of improving survival, left ventricular (LV) function, arrhythmic risk or quality of life. Additionally, viability testing did not differentiate patients who could benefit from PCI, although scar burden was found to be a significant predictor of outcome in these patients.

Summary
The outcomes of REVIVED have challenged multiple existing beliefs in the field of ischaemic left ventricular dysfunction management, emphasising the importance of investigating evidence free areas in our practice. Future work, including the STICH3 international consortium of trials, aims to answer some of the remaining unanswered questions.
Device therapy for heart failure management
Authors: Chouairi Fouad , Levin Allison , Fudim Marat 
Published: August 2024

Purpose of review
Given the prevalence of heart failure (HF) and the interdisciplinary nature of device therapy, it is paramount that cardiologists not only understand the current landscape of goal-directed medical therapy, but also the ongoing efforts in device development. Thus, we aim to provide a practical overview of the broad approaches being utilized in the burgeoning field of device-based therapies for heart failure.

Recent Findings
Currently, a diverse array of devices for HF treatment is being developed and tested, each targeting distinct aspects of HF pathophysiology. These innovative solutions encompass a wide spectrum, ranging from devices enabling remote monitoring of HF associated physiological parameters, to those focused on creating interatrial shunts and effecting structural modifications of the left ventricle, as well as to those designed to modulate the autonomic nervous system and diaphragm. Notably, a subset of these emerging devices is directed towards treating patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, a population that has traditionally not been served by device-based therapies.

Summary
In recent decades, there has been a remarkable surge in the development and utilization of device-based treatments for managing HF. It is important for physicians to be familiar with these devices, their mechanisms of action, and their applications.