bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Triple threat: how diabetes results in worsened bacterial infections
Authors: Darwitz Benjamin P. , Genito Christopher J. , Thurlow Lance R. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Diabetes mellitus, characterized by impaired insulin signaling, is associated with increased incidence and severity of infections. Various diabetes-related complications contribute to exacerbated bacterial infections, including hyperglycemia, innate immune cell dysfunction, and infection with antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. One defining symptom of diabetes is hyperglycemia, resulting in elevated blood and tissue glucose concentrations. Glucose is the preferred carbon source of several bacterial pathogens, and hyperglycemia escalates bacterial growth and virulence. Hyperglycemia promotes specific mechanisms of bacterial virulence known to contribute to infection chronicity, including tissue adherence and biofilm formation. Foot infections are a significant source of morbidity in individuals with diabetes and consist of biofilm-associated polymicrobial communities. Bacteria perform complex interspecies behaviors conducive to their growth and virulence within biofilms, including metabolic cross-feeding and altered phenotypes more tolerant to antibiotic therapeutics. Moreover, the metabolic dysfunction caused by diabetes compromises immune cell function, resulting in immune suppression. Impaired insulin signaling induces aberrations in phagocytic cells, which are crucial mediators for controlling and resolving bacterial infections. These aberrancies encompass altered cytokine profiles, the migratory and chemotactic mechanisms of neutrophils, and the metabolic reprogramming required for the oxidative burst and subsequent generation of bactericidal free radicals. Furthermore, the immune suppression caused by diabetes and the polymicrobial nature of the diabetic infection microenvironment may promote the emergence of novel strains of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. This review focuses on the “triple threat” linked to worsened bacterial infections in individuals with diabetes: (i) altered nutritional availability in diabetic tissues, (ii) diabetes-associated immune suppression, and (iii) antibiotic treatment failure.
Performance evaluation of the high-throughput quantitative Alinity m BK virus assay
Authors: Hirschhorn Julie W. , Sasaki Mark M. , Kegl April , Akter Tanjina , Dickerson Tanisha , Narlieva Momka , Nhan Nhi , Liu Tianxi , Jim Patricia , Young Stephen , Orner Erika , Thwe Phyu , Lucic Danijela , Goldstein D. Yitzchak 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

BK virus (BKV) infection or reactivation in immunocompromised individuals can lead to adverse health consequences including BKV-associated nephropathy (BKVAN) in kidney transplant patients and BKV-associated hemorrhagic cystitis (BKV-HC) in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Monitoring BKV viral load plays an important role in post-transplant patient care. This study evaluates the performance of the Alinity m BKV Investigational Use Only (IUO) assay. The linearity of the Alinity m BKV IUO assay had a correlation coefficient of 1.000 and precision of SD ≤ 0.25 Log IU/mL for all panel members tested (2.0–7.3 Log IU/mL). Detection rate at 50 IU/mL was 100%. Clinical plasma specimens tested comparing Alinity m BKV IUO to ELITech MGB Alert BKV lab-developed test (LDT) on the Abbott
m
2000 platform using specimen extraction protocols for DNA or total nucleic acid (TNA) resulted in coefficient of correlation of 0.900 and 0.963, respectively, and mean bias of 0.03 and −0.54 Log IU/mL, respectively. Alinity m BKV IUO compared with Altona RealStar BKV and Roche cobas BKV assays demonstrated coefficient of correlation of 0.941 and 0.980, respectively, and mean bias of −0.47 and −0.31 Log IU/mL, respectively. Urine specimens tested on Alintiy m BKV IUO and ELITech BKV LDT using TNA specimen extraction had a coefficient of correlation of 0.917 and mean bias of 0.29 Log IU/mL. The Alinity m BKV IUO assay was performed with high precision across the dynamic range and correlated well with other available BKV assays.

IMPORTANCE
BK virus (BKV) in transplant patients can lead to adverse health consequences. Viral load monitoring is important in post-transplant patient care. This study evaluates the Alinity m BKV assay with currently available assays.
Circular metagenome-assembled genome of
Candidatus
Patescibacteria recovered from anaerobic digestion sludge
Authors: Sakurai Riku , Fukuda Yasuhiro , Tada Chika 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

A single-contig, circular metagenome-assembled genome (cMAG) of
Candidatus
(
Ca.
) Patescibacteria was reconstructed from a mesophilic full-scale food waste treatment plant in Japan. The genome is of small size and lacks fundamental biosynthetic pathways. Taxonomic analysis using the Genome Taxonomy Database revealed that this cMAG belonged to the genus JAEZRQ01 (
Ca
. Parcubacteria).
Effectiveness and safety of drugs for obesity
Authors: Henderson Lewis Kristina , Sloan Caroline E , Bessesen Daniel H , Arterburn David 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Recent publicity around the use of new antiobesity medications (AOMs) has focused the attention of patients and healthcare providers on the role of pharmacotherapy in the treatment of obesity. Newer drug treatments have shown greater efficacy and safety compared with older drug treatments, yet access to these drug treatments is limited by providers’ discomfort in prescribing, bias, and stigma around obesity, as well as by the lack of insurance coverage. Now more than ever, healthcare providers must be able to discuss the risks and benefits of the full range of antiobesity medications available to patients, and to incorporate both guideline based advice and emerging real world clinical evidence into daily clinical practice. The tremendous variability in response to antiobesity medications means that clinicians need to use a flexible approach that takes advantage of specific features of the antiobesity medication selected to provide the best option for individual patients. Future research is needed on how best to use available drug treatments in real world practice settings, the potential role of combination therapies, and the cost effectiveness of antiobesity medications. Several new drug treatments are being evaluated in ongoing clinical trials, suggesting that the future for pharmacotherapy of obesity is bright.
Oncolytic varicella-zoster virus engineered with ORF8 deletion and armed with drug-controllable interleukin-12
Authors: Jiang Haifei , Nace Rebecca , Carrasco Talia Fernandez , Zhang Lianwen , Whye Peng Kah , Russell Stephen J 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundThe varicella-zoster virus (VZV), belonging to the group of human α-herpesviruses, has yet to be developed as a platform for oncolytic virotherapy, despite indications from clinical case reports suggesting a potential association between VZV infection and cancer remission.MethodsHere, we constructed oncolytic VZV candidates based on the vaccine strain vOka and the laboratory strain Ellen. These newly engineered viruses were subsequently assessed for their oncolytic properties in the human MeWo melanoma xenograft model and the mouse B16-F10-nectin1 melanoma syngeneic model.ResultsIn the MeWo xenograft model, both vOka and Ellen exhibited potent antitumor efficacy. However, it was observed that introducing a hyperfusogenic mutation into glycoprotein B led to a reduction in VZV’s effectiveness. Notably, the deletion of ORF8 (encodes viral deoxyuridine triphosphatase) attenuated the replication of VZV both in vitro and in vivo, but it did not compromise VZV’s oncolytic potency. We further armed the VZV Ellen-ΔORF8 vector with a tet-off controlled mouse single-chain IL12 (scIL12) gene cassette. This augmented virus was validated for its oncolytic activity and triggered systemic antitumor immune responses in the immunocompetent B16-F10-nectin1 model.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the potential of using Ellen-ΔORF8-tet-off-scIL12 as a novel VZV-based oncolytic virotherapy.
A latent profile analysis based on diet quality and eating behaviours in participants of the PREDISE study characterized by a higher BMI
Authors: Boulanger Benoît , Bégin Catherine , Bédard Alexandra , Lévy-Ndejuru Julia , Carbonneau Élise , Lemieux Simone 
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study was to identify eating-related latent profiles based on diet quality and eating behaviours within a population characterized by a body mass index (BMI) of at least 25 kg/m2, and to compare metabolic variables between profiles. This analysis was conducted in a sample of 614 adults (45.6% women; 44.8 ± 12.9 years) from the cross-sectional PREDISE study. Participants completed the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, the Intuitive Eating Scale-2, the Regulation of Eating Behavior Scale, and three self-administered 24 h food recalls. Waist circumference, blood lipids, blood pressure, and fasting glucose were measured to identify carriers of the metabolic syndrome. A latent profile analysis was performed, and cases of metabolic syndrome were compared between profiles. A three-profile solution was found. Profile 1 (22.8%) was characterized by lower diet quality, lower self-determined motivation for eating, lower restraint, and higher intuitive eating. Profile 2 (44.5%) was characterized by higher diet quality, higher self-determined motivation for eating, higher restraint, lower disinhibition, and higher intuitive eating. Profile 3 (32.7%) was characterized by intermediate diet quality, higher non-self-determined motivation for eating, higher restraint and disinhibition, and lower intuitive eating. We found fewer cases of metabolic syndrome among participants in profile 2 than in the other profiles ( p = 0.0001). This study suggests that a profile characterized by a lower disinhibition and higher levels of restraint, intuitive eating, self-determined motivation, and diet quality is associated with a better metabolic health among individuals with a higher BMI.
Dynamic characteristics of a relief valve captured by a combination of fluid–solid coupling and feedforward neural network (FNN)
Authors: Wang Chuyan , Yuan Xianju , Chen Junjie , Chen Xiaobing , Qiu Tianyu 
Published: March 2024

Considering multidisciplinary characteristics of thin plate vibration, fluid–solid coupling, and other aspects of a relief valve controlled by annular thin plates, a dynamic finite element (FE) model in view of fluid–solid coupling is firstly established for capturing relationships between dynamic characteristics of crucial indexes and partial working conditions. Secondly, the partial dataset of FE model under different conditions is statistically analyzed, and it will be utilized to train the feedforward neural network (FNN) model. The training process of FNN could be completed if results drawn from the FNN model are highly consistent with those of the FE model. Thirdly, dynamic characteristics under more conditions will be predicted through such a trained model, and dynamic behaviors from the FE model for same conditions of the FNN model are also obtained. Finally, comparing with results from the FE model, the maximum absolute error of steady-state displacement from the FNN is 0.0052 mm in an instance, thus verifying the rationality of this combined method. Consequently, such a combination of the FE model and the FNN model presents high accuracy and avoids repeated calculations of FE model with long times.
The 3D stress field of Nordland, northern Norway – insights from numerical modelling
Authors: Gradmann Sofie , Olesen Odleiv , Keiding Marie , Maystrenko Yuriy 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The Nordland area in northern Norway is the seismically most active area on mainland Fennoscandia. It exhibits patterns of coastal extension, which contrasts with the first-order regional stress pattern that reflects compression aligned with the North Atlantic ridge push. The regional stress field has been considered to emanate from the interaction of ridge push and glacial isostatic adjustment; while the local stress pattern can be additionally influenced by gravitational, topographic stresses, as well as the flexural effects of erosion and sediment deposition.
We employ finite element numerical models at a crustal scale to study the 3D stress field, using existing geometric constraints from previous geophysical studies. Internal body forces, induced by variations in density, topography or Moho depth, already yield significant deviatoric stresses. In the models tested, these can strongly influence the near-surface stress regime, in particular for the continental margin setting we are investigating.
In addition, redistribution of rock mass, which occurred mainly under Pleistocene glaciation, can modify the stress field significantly on a semi-regional scale. We consider this process to be the main driver for the coastal extension, in particular in areas where erosion has been high.
Using Data Science to Predict How Rituals Will Evolve
Authors: Hazzan Orit , Binah-Pollak Avital 
Published: March 2024

In each issue of
Communications
, we publish selected posts or excerpts from the many blogs on our website. The views expressed by bloggers are their own and not necessarily held by
Communications
or the Association for Computing Machinery.

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https://cacm.acm.org/blogs/blog-cacm
Orit Hazzan and Avital Binah-Pollak consider how the data science perspective helped to predict the transformation of Israel's 2023 social protest.
A Prospective Double-Blinded Comparison of Reflectance Confocal Microscopy with Conventional Histopathology for In Vivo Assessment in Oral Cancer
Authors: Zanoni Daniella K. , Demétrio De Souza França Paula , Valero Cristina , Peterson Gary , Ardigo Marco , Ghossein Ronald , Dusza Stephen W. , Matsuura Danielli , Scholfield Daniel W. , Adilbay Dauren , Montero Pablo H. , Migliacci Jocelyn , Pillarsetty Naga Vara Kishore , Kose Kivanc , Ganly Ian , Rajadhyaksha Milind , Patel Snehal G. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
We investigated reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) as a possible noninvasive approach for the diagnosis of cancer and real-time assessment of surgical margins.

Experimental Design:
In a phase I study on 20 patients, we established the RCM imaging morphologic features that distinguish oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) from normal tissue with a newly developed intraoral RCM probe. Our subsequent phase II prospective double-blinded study in 60 patients tested the diagnostic accuracy of RCM against histopathology. Five RCM videos from the tumor and five from normal surrounding mucosa were collected on each patient, followed by a 3-mm punch biopsy of the imaged area. An experienced RCM reader, who was blinded to biopsy location and histologic diagnosis, examined the videos from both regions and classified each as “tumor” or “not tumor” based on RCM features established in phase I. Hematoxylin and eosin slides from the biopsies were read by a pathologist who was blinded to RCM results. Using histology as the gold standard, we calculated the sensitivity and specificity of RCM.

Results:
We report a high agreement between the blinded readers (95% for normal tissue and 81.7% for tumors), high specificity (98.3%) and negative predictive values (96.6%) for normal tissue identification, and high sensitivity (90%) and positive predictive values (88.2%) for tumor detection.

Conclusions:
RCM imaging is a promising technology for noninvasive in vivo diagnosis of OSCC and for real-time intraoperative evaluation of mucosal surgical margins. Its inherent constraint, however, stems from the diminished capability to evaluate structures located at more substantial depths within the tissue.
Fresnel lenses and auto tracking to increase solar panel output power
Authors: Hutauruk Sindak , Sianturi Libianko , Togatorop Irvan 
Published: March 2024

This solar panel, which is equipped with microcontroller-based auto tracking, is also equipped with a Fresnel lens to obtain more optimal power because the Fresnel lens has the property of bending or refracting light rays that pass through it so that it can focus sunlight. The Fresnel lens focuses sunlight radiation onto the solar panels. To determine the magnitude of the influence of Fresnel lenses on increasing the power produced by solar panels, two solar panels of the same size (11×11) cm were moved by auto tracking using the same axis. One solar panel is not fitted with a Fresnel lens, and the other is fitted with a Fresnel lens measuring 30×30 cm, where the distance between the Fresnel lens and the solar panel is 5 cm. Measurements of the output power of both solar panels were carried out simultaneously, namely from 08.00 to 18.00 WIB (West Indonesia time). The power output of both solar panels was measured in 30-minute intervals, resulting in 21 measurements. Solar panels using Fresnel lenses produce an output power that is 105.306% more significant than that of those without Fresnel lenses.
Using Genetics to Inform Interventions Related to Sodium and Potassium in Hypertension
Authors: Reay William R. , Clarke Erin , Eslick Shaun , Riveros Carlos , Holliday Elizabeth G. , McEvoy Mark A. , Peel Roseanne , Hancock Stephen , Scott Rodney J. , Attia John R. , Collins Clare E. , Cairns Murray J. 
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:
Hypertension is a key risk factor for major adverse cardiovascular events but remains difficult to treat in many individuals. Dietary interventions are an effective approach to lower blood pressure (BP) but are not equally effective across all individuals. BP is heritable, and genetics may be a useful tool to overcome treatment response heterogeneity. We investigated whether the genetics of BP could be used to identify individuals with hypertension who may receive a particular benefit from lowering sodium intake and boosting potassium levels.

METHODS:
In this observational genetic study, we leveraged cross-sectional data from up to 296 475 genotyped individuals drawn from the UK Biobank cohort for whom BP and urinary electrolytes (sodium and potassium), biomarkers of sodium and potassium intake, were measured. Biologically directed genetic scores for BP were constructed specifically among pathways related to sodium and potassium biology (pharmagenic enrichment scores), as well as unannotated genome-wide scores (conventional polygenic scores). We then tested whether there was a gene-by-environment interaction between urinary electrolytes and these genetic scores on BP.

RESULTS:

Genetic risk and urinary electrolytes both independently correlated with BP. However, urinary sodium was associated with a larger BP increase among individuals with higher genetic risk in sodium- and potassium-related pathways than in those with comparatively lower genetic risk. For example, each SD in urinary sodium was associated with a 1.47–mm Hg increase in systolic BP for those in the top 10% of the distribution of genetic risk in sodium and potassium transport pathways versus a 0.97–mm Hg systolic BP increase in the lowest 10% (
P
=1.95×10
−3
). This interaction with urinary sodium remained when considering estimated glomerular filtration rate and indexing sodium to urinary creatinine. There was no strong evidence of an interaction between urinary sodium and a standard genome-wide polygenic score of BP.

CONCLUSIONS:
The data suggest that genetic risk in sodium and potassium pathways could be used in a precision medicine model to direct interventions more specifically in the management of hypertension. Intervention studies are warranted.
Subtype Identification of Surgically Curable Primary Aldosteronism During Treatment With Mineralocorticoid Receptor Blockade
Authors: Pintus Giovanni , Seccia Teresa Maria , Amar Laurence , Azizi Michel , Riester Anna , Reincke Martin , Widimský Jiří , Naruse Mitsuhide , Kocjan Tomaz , Negro Aurelio , Kline Gregory , Tanabe Akiyo , Satoh Fumitoshi , Rump Lars Christian , Vonend Oliver , Fuller Peter J. , Yang Jun , Chee Nicholas Yong Nian , Magill Steven B. , Shafigullina Zulfiya , Quinkler Marcus , Oliveras Anna , Lee Bo-Ching , Chang Chin-Chen , Wu Vin-Cent , Krátká Zuzana , Battistel Michele , Bagordo Domenico , Caroccia Brasilina , Ceolotto Giulio , Rossitto Giacomo , Rossi Gian Paolo 
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:
Current guidelines and consensus documents recommend withdrawal of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) before primary aldosteronism (PA) subtyping by adrenal vein sampling (AVS), but this practice can cause severe hypokalemia and uncontrolled high blood pressure. Our aim was to investigate if unilateral PA can be identified by AVS during MRA treatment.

METHODS:
We compared the rate of unilateral PA identification between patients with and without MRA treatment in large data sets of patients submitted to AVS while off renin-angiotensin system blockers and β-blockers. In sensitivity analyses, the between-group differences of lateralization index values after propensity score matching and the rate of unilateral PA identification in subgroups with undetectable (≤2 mUI/L), suppressed (<8.2 mUI/L), and unsuppressed (≥8.2 mUI/L) direct renin concentration levels were also evaluated.

RESULTS:

Plasma aldosterone concentration, direct renin concentration, and blood pressure values were similar in non-MRA-treated (n=779) and MRA-treated (n=61) patients with PA, but the latter required more antihypertensive agents (
P
=0.001) and showed a higher rate of adrenal nodules (82% versus 67%;
P
=0.022) and adrenalectomy (72% versus 54%;
P
=0.01). However, they exhibited no significant differences in commonly used AVS indices and the area under the receiving operating characteristic curve of lateralization index, both under unstimulated conditions and postcosyntropin. Several sensitivity analyses confirmed these results in propensity score matching adjusted models and in patients with undetectable, or suppressed or unsuppressed renin levels.

CONCLUSIONS:
At doses that controlled blood pressure and potassium levels, MRAs did not preclude the identification of unilateral PA at AVS.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01234220.