bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for acute kidney injury and kidney relapse in patients with lupus podocytopathy
Authors: Xia Wen , Deng Jiayi , Zhuang Lulu , Xu Feng , Jin Ying , Zhou Houan , Zhang Ti , Liu Zhengzhao , Zhang Haitao , Zeng Caihong , Liu Zhihong , Hu Weixin 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
Patients with lupus podocytopathy show a high incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and relapse, but the risk factors and mechanisms were unclear. This study analysed the clinicopathological features and risk factors for AKI and relapse in lupus podocytopathy patients.

Methods
The cohort of lupus podocytopathy was generated by screening the biopsies of patients with lupus nephritis (LN) from 2002 to 2022 and was divided into the mild glomerular lesion (MGL) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) groups based on glomerular morphological characteristics. The acute (ATI) and chronic (CTI) tubulointerstitial lesions were semi-quantitatively scored. Logistic and Cox regressions were employed to identify the risk factors for AKI and relapse, respectively.

Results
Among 6052 LN cases, 98 (1.6%) were diagnosed as lupus podocytopathy, with 71 in the MGL group and 27 in the FSGS group. All patients presented with nephrotic syndrome and 33 (34.7%) of them had AKI. Seventy-seven (78.6%) patients achieved complete renal response (CRR) within 12 weeks of induction treatment, in which there was no difference in the CRR rate between glucocorticoid monotherapy and combination therapy with glucocorticoids plus immunosuppressants. Compared with the MGL group, patients in the FSGS group had significantly higher incidences of hypertension and haematuria; in addition, they had higher Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000, ATI and CTI scores but a significantly lower CRR rate. Urinary protein ≥7.0 g/24 h and serum C3 ≤0.750 g/l were independent risk factors for AKI. During a median follow-up of 78 months, 57 cases (60.0%) had relapse and none reached the kidney endpoint. Failure to achieve CRR within 12 weeks, maintenance with glucocorticoid monotherapy and AKI at onset were independent risk factors for kidney relapse.

Conclusions
In this study, histological subtypes of lupus podocytopathy were found to be associated with clinical features and treatment response. In addition, several risk factors associated with AKI occurrence and kidney relapse were identified.
Harnessing the potential of monocytes/macrophages to regenerate tissue-engineered vascular grafts
Authors: Das Arundhati , Smith Randall J , Andreadis Stelios T 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Cell-free tissue-engineered vascular grafts provide a promising alternative to treat cardiovascular disease, but timely endothelialization is essential for ensuring patency and proper functioning post-implantation. Recent studies from our lab showed that blood cells like monocytes (MCs) and macrophages (Mϕ) may contribute directly to cellularization and regeneration of bioengineered arteries in small and large animal models. While MCs and Mϕ are leucocytes that are part of the innate immune response, they share common developmental origins with endothelial cells (ECs) and are known to play crucial roles during vessel formation (angiogenesis) and vessel repair after inflammation/injury. They are highly plastic cells that polarize into pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory phenotypes upon exposure to cytokines and differentiate into other cell types, including EC-like cells, in the presence of appropriate chemical and mechanical stimuli. This review focuses on the developmental origins of MCs and ECs; the role of MCs and Mϕ in vessel repair/regeneration during inflammation/injury; and the role of chemical signalling and mechanical forces in Mϕ inflammation that mediates vascular graft regeneration. We postulate that comprehensive understanding of these mechanisms will better inform the development of strategies to coax MCs/Mϕ into endothelializing the lumen and regenerate the smooth muscle layers of cell-free bioengineered arteries and veins that are designed to treat cardiovascular diseases and perhaps the native vasculature as well.
Periprocedural myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention and long-term mortality: a meta-analysis
Authors: Paolucci Luca , Mangiacapra Fabio , Sergio Sara , Nusca Annunziata , Briguori Carlo , Barbato Emanuele , Ussia Gian Paolo , Grigioni Francesco 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
Conflicting data are available regarding the association between periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) and mortality following percutaneous coronary intervention. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence and prognostic implication of PMI according to the Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction (UDMI), the Academic Research Consortium (ARC)-2 definition, and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) definition.

Methods
Studies reporting adjusted effect estimates were systematically searched. The primary outcome was all-cause death, while cardiac death was included as a secondary outcome. Studies defining PMI according to biomarker elevation without further evidence of myocardial ischaemia (‘ancillary criteria’) were included and reported as ‘definition-like’. Data were pooled in a random-effect model.

Results
A total of 19 studies and 109 568 patients were included. The incidence of PMI was progressively lower across the UDMI, ARC-2, and SCAI definitions. All PMI definitions were independently associated with all-cause mortality [UDMI: hazard ratio (HR) 1.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32–1.97; I2 34%; ARC-2: HR 2.07, 95% CI 1.40–3.08, I2 0%; SCAI: HR 3.24, 95% CI 2.36–4.44, I2 78%]. Including ancillary criteria in the PMI definitions were associated with an increased prognostic performance in the UDMI but not in the SCAI definition. Data were consistent after evaluation of major sources of heterogeneity.

Conclusions
All currently available international definitions of PMI are associated with an increased risk of all-cause death after percutaneous coronary intervention. The magnitude of this latter association varies according to the sensitivity and prognostic relevance of each definition.
Experimental Evaluation of a Direct Fitness Effect of the De Novo Evolved Mouse Gene Pldi
Authors: Linnenbrink Miriam , Breton Gwenna , Misra Pallavi , Pfeifle Christine , Dutheil Julien Y , Tautz Diethard 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
De novo evolved genes emerge from random parts of noncoding sequences and have, therefore, no homologs from which a function could be inferred. While expression analysis and knockout experiments can provide insights into the function, they do not directly test whether the gene is beneficial for its carrier. Here, we have used a seminatural environment experiment to test the fitness of the previously identified de novo evolved mouse gene Pldi, which has been implicated to have a role in sperm differentiation. We used a knockout mouse strain for this gene and competed it against its parental wildtype strain for several generations of free reproduction. We found that the knockout (ko) allele frequency decreased consistently across three replicates of the experiment. Using an approximate Bayesian computation framework that simulated the data under a demographic scenario mimicking the experiment's demography, we could estimate a selection coefficient ranging between 0.21 and 0.61 for the wildtype allele compared to the ko allele in males, under various models. This implies a relatively strong selective advantage, which would fix the new gene in less than hundred generations after its emergence.
Deleterious mutation/epimutation–selection balance with and without inbreeding: a population (epi)genetics model
Authors: Chernomas Gregory , Griswold Cortland K 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Epigenetics in the form of DNA methylation and other processes is an established property of genotypes and a focus of empirical research. Yet, there remain fundamental gaps in the evolutionary theory of epigenetics. To support a comprehensive understanding of epigenetics, this paper investigates theoretically the combined effects of deleterious mutation and epimutation with and without inbreeding. Both spontaneous epimutation and paramutation are considered to cover a broader range of epigenetic phenomena. We find that inbreeding generally reduces the amount of segregating deleterious genetic and epigenetic variation at equilibrium, although interestingly inbreeding can also increase the amount of deleterious genetic or epigenetic variation. Furthermore, we also demonstrate that epimutation indirectly can cause increased or decreased deleterious genetic variation at equilibrium relative to classic expectations, which is particularly evident when paramutation is occurring. With the addition of deleterious epimutation, there may be significantly increased purging of deleterious variation in more inbred populations and a significantly increased amount of segregating deleterious variation in more outbred populations, with notable exceptions.
Physical Activity Fragmentation and Falls in Older Adults: Findings From the National Health and Aging Trends Study
Authors: Popelsky Braden K , Pettee Gabriel Kelley , Dooley Erin E , Ylitalo Kelly R 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Physical activity (PA) may be an important fall prevention strategy. Current PA guidelines emphasize total PA dose, but daily patterning of PA is underappreciated. With aging, PA bouts become less frequent and shorter in duration (ie, more fragmented). PA fragmentation may be an indicator of fall risk, but the relationship is not well understood. This study examined daily PA accumulation and patterns with fall risk in older adults.

Methods
Participants (n = 685, 54.3% women, 61.5% aged 70–79 years) from the National Health and Aging Trends Study with wrist-worn accelerometry PA data from Round 11 (baseline) and sample person interviews with fall data from Round 12 (follow-up) were included. PA variables were categorized into tertiles and incident falls were defined as ≥1 self-reported fall in the year following the PA assessment between baseline and follow-up. A modified Poisson approach was used to estimate the relative risk of both PA accumulation and fragmentation with falls.

Results
Overall, 40.0% reported an incident fall. After adjustment for sociodemographic and health characteristics, those in the highest tertile of total PA accumulation had lower fall risk (aRR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.57, 0.95) and those in the highest tertile of PA fragmentation had increased fall risk (aRR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.73). Models were attenuated after adjustment for physical functioning.

Conclusions
PA fragmentation may identify fall risk in older adults. Longitudinal studies are needed to disentangle the temporal sequencing of the complex relationship between PA and physical functioning across the life course.
Separating the Effects of Transitions Into and Out of Social Isolation and Loneliness on Cognitive Function in Later Life
Authors: Kim Jinho , Hwang Sungsik 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This study investigates the effects of social isolation and loneliness on cognitive function, distinguishing between the effects of transitioning into and out of these states.

Methods
This study analyzed data from 6,663 adults aged 65 or older collected over the course of 7 waves (12 years) of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging from 2006 to 2018. A novel asymmetric fixed effects model was utilized to separately estimate the effects of transitions into and out of social isolation or loneliness.

Results
The association of transitions into social isolation due to a lack of informal social contact or loneliness with cognitive function (b = −1.387, p &lt; .001 and b = −0.601, p &lt; .001, respectively) was stronger than the association of transitions out of these states (b = 0.345, p &lt; .05 and b = 0.353, p &lt; .001, respectively). The magnitude of the negative and positive coefficients was statistically different (F-statistic = 45.29, p &lt; .001 and F-statistic = 5.12, p &lt; .05, respectively). In contrast, no such asymmetric effects were observed for social isolation due to a lack of formal activity (F-statistic = 0.06, p = .800).

Discussion
The detrimental effects of transitioning into social isolation due to a lack of informal social contact (but not formal activity) or loneliness on cognitive function outweigh the beneficial effects of transitioning out of these states. Preventing the onset of social disconnection should be prioritized as an intervention to improve the cognitive function of older adults.
Evaluation of cancer screening services provided for people living with HIV in Botswana, 2022–2023
Authors: Mathoma Anikie , Sartorius Benn , Mahomed Saajida 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
People living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) have an increased risk of cancers. Currently, Botswana has no screening guidelines for common cancers in PLHIV except cervical cancer. Also, the proportion of PLHIV who are screened for cancer is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate cancer screening services for PLHIV receiving care in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) clinics. Resources for cancer screening were assessed and medical records of adults initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) from 2020 to 2021 in 20 high-volume HIV clinics in Gaborone and Francistown were reviewed. Questionnaires assessing knowledge and practices of cancer screening were administered to health workers. The majority of clinics had the required resources for cancer screening (specifically cervical cancer). Of the 62 health workers working at the HIV clinics, 57 (91.9%) completed the questionnaire: 35 (62.5%) nurses and 22 (37.5%) doctors. Only 26.3% of the health workers were trained in cervical cancer screening. Doctors were more likely to report practicing routine screening of other cancers (e.g. breast) (p = 0.003) while more nurses reported assessing patients for cancer history during follow-up visits (p = 0.036). Most health workers did not perform physical examinations to detect cancer at initial or follow-up visits. Of the 1000 records of PLHIV reviewed, 57.3% were females, and only 38% of these were screened for cervical cancer. Besides cervical cancer, almost all (97.8%) were not screened for any cancer at ART initiation and during follow-up. These findings highlight the need to improve cancer screening services of PLHIV in Botswana through the training of health workers, and the development and enhanced use of screening guidelines.
Effects of Catecholaminergic and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Response Inhibition
Authors: Koyun Anna Helin , Wendiggensen Paul , Roessner Veit , Beste Christian , Stock Ann-Kathrin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
The principle of gain control determines the efficiency of neuronal processing and can be enhanced with pharmacological or brain stimulation methods. It is a key factor for cognitive control, but the degree of how much gain control may be enhanced underlies a physical limit.

Methods
To investigate whether methylphenidate (MPH) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) share common underlying mechanisms and cognitive effects, we administered MPH and anodal tDCS (atDCS) over the right inferior frontal gyrus both separately and combined, while healthy adult participants (n = 104) performed a response selection and inhibition task. The recorded EEG data were analyzed with a focus on theta band activity, and source estimation analyses were conducted.

Results
The behavioral data show that MPH and atDCS revealed interactive effects on the ability to inhibit responses. Both MPH and atDCS modulated task-related theta oscillations in the supplementary motor area when applied separately, making a common underlying mechanism likely. When both stimulation methods were combined, there was no doubling of effects in the supplementary motor area but a shift to inferior frontal areas in the cortical network responsible for theta-driven processing.

Conclusions
The results indicate that both MPH and atDCS likely share a common underlying neuronal mechanism, and interestingly, they demonstrate interactive effects when combined, which are most likely due to the physical limitations of gain control increases. The current study provides critical groundwork for future combined applications of MPH and non-invasive brain stimulation.
Cross-efficiency aggregation by ordered visibility graph averaging: method, and application in portfolio selection
Authors: Kumari Reenu , Aggarwal Abha , Gupta Anjana 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Accepted by: Ali Emrouznejad
In research and practice of data envelopment analysis (DEA), the arithmetic average is commonly used to aggregate cross-efficiency scores. For this, each decision-making unit contributes an equal weight, and many essential decision-making details are lost in the final aggregated cross-efficiency. We propose a novel application of the ordered visibility graph averaging (OVGA) operator for DEA cross-efficiency aggregation and apply the proposed method to study the portfolio selection problem. When solving this problem, several practical concerns, such as a budget, cardinality, buy-in requirements and restrictions against short selling, are also considered. The proposed OVGA aggregated cross-efficiency approach is explained through a numerical example, followed by the formulation of optimal portfolios based on these cross-efficiencies. The suggested method is also tested using empirical data from the Indian banking industry. The results of this study can be used to create the most acceptable portfolio in stock companies, financial institutions and businesses in the public and private sectors.
The Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Transmission in Community Indoor Settings: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Francis Mark Rohit , Gidado Saheed , Nuorti J Pekka 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Quantifying the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission in indoor settings is crucial for developing effective non-vaccine prevention strategies and policies. However, summary evidence on the transmission risks in settings other than households, schools, elderly care, and health care facilities is limited. We conducted a systematic review to estimate the secondary attack rates (SARs) of SARS-CoV-2 and the factors modifying transmission risk in community indoor settings.

Methods
We searched Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, WHO COVID-19 Research Database, MedrXiv, and BiorXiv from 1 January 2020 to 20 February 2023. We included articles with original data for estimating SARS-CoV-2 SARs. We estimated the overall and setting-specific SARs using the inverse variance method for random-effects meta-analyses.

Results
We included 34 studies with data on 577 index cases, 898 secondary cases, and 9173 contacts. The pooled SAR for community indoor settings was 20.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.0%–32.5%). The setting-specific SARs were highest for singing events (SAR, 44.9%; 95% CI, 14.5%–79.7%), indoor meetings and entertainment venues (SAR, 31.9%; 95% CI, 10.4%–65.3%), and fitness centers (SAR, 28.9%; 95% CI, 9.9%–60.1%). We found no difference in SARs by index case, viral, and setting-specific characteristics.

Conclusions
The risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission was highest in indoor settings where singing and exercising occurred. Effective mitigation measures such as assessing and improving ventilation should be considered to reduce the risk of transmission in high-risk settings. Future studies should systematically assess and report the host, viral, and setting-specific characteristics that may modify the transmission risks of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses in indoor environments.
Why Westphalia Still Matters: Territorial Rights under Empire
Authors: Mueser Benjamin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Territory is a distinctive feature of modern international politics, but there is little consensus over what about it is distinctively modern. Recent scholarship in historical international relations (IR) takes modern territoriality to be defined by the practice of creating and enforcing borders. Scholarship therefore dismisses the 1648 Peace of Westphalia, once thought to be the origin of the sovereign territorial state, because it did not change border practices. However, this approach ignores legal history. I argue that territory is a legal concept, and a history of modern territoriality must explain under what conditions rulers expressed their authority as territorial in nature. This article explains why the legal evolution of territorial rights (landeshoheit, iure territorii) in early modern Europe was distinctive of the Holy Roman Empire (HRE). While national monarchies asserted their “sovereignty” as non-territorial in order to capture overseas empires, the HRE developed a legal doctrine of territorially circumscribed jurisdiction within the imperial hierarchy. The Peace of Westphalia was a culminating event in which diverse privileges were recast as a single territorial right. Territorial autonomy was not only consistent with the hierarchy of the HRE but was fundamental to preserving it. This article has two contributions. First, it adds to recent scholarship on modern territoriality by explaining how legal history furnished the preconditions for ruling territory. Second, it places Westphalia and the empire’s legal history within the recent turn toward empire in historical IR. An important source for the development of international law was the internal constitution of the HRE. This prompts us to reconsider the notion that international law assumes a world of sovereign territorial states. On the contrary, early international law concerned territorial states nested within imperial hierarchy, not the anarchy of sovereignty.
The individual contributions of blaB, blaGOB and blaCME on MICs of β-lactams in Elizabethkingia anophelis
Authors: Chen Pei-Jing , Tan Mei-Chen , Huang Wei-Cheng , Hsu Shu-Yuan , Chen Te-Li , Yang Chiou-Ying , Kuo Shu-Chen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
The blaB, blaGOB and blaCME genes are thought to confer β-lactam resistance to Elizabethkingia anophelis, based on experiments conducted primarily on Escherichia coli.

Objectives
To determine the individual contributions of β-lactamase genes to increased MICs in E. anophelis and to assess their impact on the in vivo efficacy of carbapenem therapy.

Methods
Scarless gene deletion of one or more β-lactamase gene(s) was performed in three clinical E. anophelis isolates. MICs were determined by broth microdilution. Hydrolytic activity and expressions of β-lactamase genes were measured by an enzymatic assay and quantitative RT–PCR, respectively. In vivo efficacy was determined using Galleria mellonella and murine thigh infection models.

Results
The presence of blaB resulted in &gt;16-fold increases, while blaGOB caused 4–16-fold increases of carbapenem MICs. Hydrolysis of carbapenems was highest in lysates of blaB-positive strains, possibly due to the constitutionally higher expression of blaB. Imipenem was ineffective against blaB-positive isolates in vivo in terms of improvement of the survival of wax moth larvae and reduction of murine bacterial load. The deletion of blaB restored the efficacy of imipenem. The blaB gene was also responsible for a &gt;4-fold increase of ampicillin/sulbactam and piperacillin/tazobactam MICs. The presence of blaCME, but not blaB or blaGOB, increased the MICs of ceftazidime and cefepime by 8–16- and 4–8-fold, respectively.

Conclusions
The constitutionally and highly expressed blaB gene in E. anophelis was responsible for increased MICs of carbapenems and led to their poor in vivo efficacy. blaCME increased the MICs of ceftazidime and cefepime.