bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Urinary tract infection on the outcome of the Allograft in patients with Renal transplantation
Authors: Gangula Rahul Sai , Eswarappa Mahesh , Reddy Rajashekar , Siddaiah Gireesh Mathihally , Konana Gurudev , Reddy Hamsa , Prabhu Pooja Prakash , Mohammad Yousuff , Anish Lia Sara 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundUrinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are the second most common cause of graft dysfunction, accounting for significant morbidity, and are associated with poor graft and patient survival. This study aimed to determine the association between post-renal transplant UTI and graft outcomes.MethodsWe examined the effect of UTIs on graft outcomes in patients who underwent renal transplantation surgery between January 2010 and December 2022. The study population included 349 renal transplantations, of which 74 experienced 140 UTI events. Based on the number of UTI episodes, patients were categorized into three groupsResultsOf the 349 recipients, 275 (74.4%) had no UTI, 47 (18.8%) had nonrecurrent UTIs (NR-UTIs), and 27 (6.8%) had Recurrent UTIs (R-UTIs). NR-UTIs were associated with very poor graft survival compared with no UTI (Hazard Ratio [HR], 2.312; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.410–3.791; P=0.001). This relationship persisted even after adjusting for confounding factors in Multivariable Cox regression analysis (HR, 2.318; 95% CI, 1.414–3.800; P=0.001). Although R-UTIs appeared to result in poor patient survival, the difference was not significant (vs No UTI, HR, 1.517; 95% CI, 0.983–2.342; P=0.060). There appeared to be higher patient survival in R-UTIs but was not significant (vs NR-UTI, HR, 1.316; 95% CI, 0.486–3.564; P=0.589). R-UTIs were more likely to be associated with Multi-drug Resistant Gram-negative organisms (Klebsiella pneumonia or Escherichia coli) with resistance to Nitrofurantoin (RR, 2.753; 95% CI, 1.257–6.032; P=0.01) and Carbapenem (RR, 2.064; 95% CI, 0.988–4.314; P=0.05).ConclusionNR-UTIs were associated with poorer graft and patient outcomes than no UTI.
Simple Models Versus Deep Learning in Detecting Low Ejection Fraction From The Electrocardiogram
Authors: Hughes J. Weston , Somani Sulaiman , Elias Pierre , Tooley James , Rogers Albert J. , Poterucha Timothy , Haggerty Christopher M. , Ouyang David , Ashley Euan , Zou James , Perez Marco V. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractImportanceDeep learning methods have recently gained success in detecting left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) from electrocardiogram waveforms. Despite their impressive accuracy, they are difficult to interpret and deploy broadly in the clinical setting.ObjectiveTo determine whether simpler models based on standard electrocardiogram measurements could detect LVSD with similar accuracy to deep learning models.DesignUsing an observational dataset of 40,994 matched 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) and transthoracic echocardiograms, we trained a range of models with increasing complexity to detect LVSD based on ECG waveforms and derived measurements. We additionally evaluated models in two independent cohorts from different medical centers, vendors, and countries.SettingThe training data was acquired from Stanford University Medical Center. External validation data was acquired from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the UK Biobank.ExposuresThe performance of models based on ECG waveforms in their detection of LVSD, as defined by ejection fraction below 35%.Main outcomesThe performance of the models as measured by area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) and other measures of classification accuracy.ResultsThe Stanford dataset consisted of 40,994 matched ECGs and echocardiograms, the test set having an average age of 62.13 (17.61) and 55.20% Male patients, of which 9.72% had LVSD. We found that a random forest model using 555 discrete, automated measurements achieves an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.92 (0.91-0.93), similar to a deep learning waveform model with an AUC of 0.94 (0.93-0.94). Furthermore, a linear model based on 5 measurements achieves high performance (AUC of 0.86 (0.85-0.87)), close to a deep learning model and better than NT-proBNP (0.77 (0.74-0.79)). Finally, we find that simpler models generalize better to other sites, with experiments at two independent, external sites.ConclusionOur study demonstrates the value of simple electrocardiographic models which perform nearly as well as deep learning models while being much easier to implement and interpret.
Community-level Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices regarding Cardiovascular Diseases and Modifiable Risk Factors in India
Authors: Singh Kavita , Kondal Dimple , Mohan Deepa , Gandral Mareesha , Rajan Sheril , Mohan Viswanathan , Ali Mohammed K , Venkat Narayan KM , Huffman Mark D. , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Tandon Nikhil 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundAssessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) is critical to inform CVD prevention strategies, but limited community-level data exist from developing countries.Methods and ResultsWe conducted a telephone-based survey nested in the on-going CARRS cohort in Delhi and Chennai, India between January 2021 to February 2021. We randomly selected people with CVRF, but no established CVD and those with existing CVD from the CARRS cohort and assessed their 1) knowledge of CVD symptoms and risk factors, 2) attitude towards non-physician health workers (NPHW) facilitated care and text-messages for healthy lifestyle, and 3) practices regarding monitoring of CVRF. We performed logistic regression analyses to investigate the factors associated with KAP. We interviewed 502 participants (283 with CVRF and 219 with CVD); 45.8% were female, and mean age (SD) was 48.1 (11.2) years. The knowledge of heart attack symptoms, stroke symptoms, and CVRF (>75% correct answers) were: 12.9%, 20.7%, and 17.3%, respectively. Individuals with CVRF had 2.5 times lower knowledge of CVD symptoms compared to those with existing CVD. Acceptability of NPHW-facilitated care and text-messages for healthy lifestyle was 60% and 84%, respectively.ConclusionsThe knowledge of CVD symptoms and risk factors is below optimal levels, particularly among individuals at high risk of CVD, unskilled workers, those with lower levels of education and income. Innovative use of NPHW along with mHealth tools could potentially offer solutions to reduce the burden of CVD.
Benzodiazepine Initiation and the Risk of Falls or Fall-Related Injuries in Older Adults Following Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Sun Shuo , Lomachinsky Victor , Smith Louisa H. , Newhouse Joseph P. , Westover M. Brandon , Blacker Deborah , Schwamm Lee , Haneuse Sebastien , Moura Lidia M.V.R. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundBenzodiazepine use in older adults following acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is common, yet short-term safety concerning falls or fall-related injuries remains unexplored.MethodsWe emulated a hypothetical randomized trial of benzodiazepine use during the acute post stroke recovery period to assess incidence of falls or fall related injuries in older adults. Using linked data from the Get With the Guidelines Registry and Mass General Brigham’s electronic health records, we selected patients aged 65 and older admitted for Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) between 2014 and 2021 with no documented prior stroke and no benzodiazepine prescriptions in the previous 3 months. Potential for immortal-time and confounding biases was addressed via separate inverse-probability weighting strategies.ResultsThe study included 495 patients who initiated inpatient benzodiazepines within three days of admission and 2,564 who did not. After standardization, the estimated 10-day risk of falls or fall-related injuries was 694 events per 1000 (95% confidence interval CI: 676-709) for the benzodiazepine initiation strategy and 584 events per 1000 (95% CI: 575-595) for the non-initiation strategy. Subgroup analyses showed risk differences of 142 events per 1000 (95% CI: 111-165) and 85 events per 1000 (95% CI: 64-107) for patients aged 65 to 74 years and for those aged 75 years or older, respectively. Risk differences were 187 events per 1000 (95% CI: 159-206) for patients with minor (NIHSS≤ 4) AIS and 32 events per 1000 (95% CI: 10-58) for those with moderate-to-severe AIS.ConclusionsInitiating inpatient benzodiazepines within three days of AIS is associated with an elevated 10-day risk of falls or fall-related injuries, particularly for patients aged 65 to 74 years and for those with minor strokes. This underscores the need for caution with benzodiazepines, especially among individuals likely to be ambulatory during the acute and sub-acute post-stroke period.
The cost of arteriovenous fistula placement in patients with chronic end-stage renal disease in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) 2020
Authors: Toure Amadou Oury , Yanne Tapsoba , Bocoum Fadima Yaya , Kouanda Seni 
Published: February 2024

AbstractEnd-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a late diagnosis. Its prevalence is rapidly increasing worldwide. Although various management techniques exist, they all require access routes. The arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the vascular access of choice for regular and prolonged hemodialysis sessions. Studies have shown that an AVF saves patients money. In our context, we found no data in the literature on the cost of AVF and the lump-sum cost. The aim of this study was to determine the average costs of AVF and lump-sum costs, and to describe patients’ coping strategies in relation to these costs.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study in the three public hemodialysis units of the city of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Hemodialysis patients suffering from chronic renal failure, hospitalized or not, minors or adults having given their consent (assent) were included in the study.ResultsA total of 290 patients ranging in age from 12 to 82 years participated in the study. Almost half the patients (47.5%) had no income. More than half the patients had undergone fistula repair privately. Hypertension and diabetes were the pathologies most frequently associated with end-stage renal disease in this study, with 77% and 16.90% respectively. The average cost of a fistula was 260,798 Fcfa, while the average cost of a package was 506,459 Fcfa. To cope with these costs, some patients resorted to selling goods (means of subsistence) in 4.83%, borrowing, bartering and others begging.ConclusionThe average cost of arteriovenous fistula and the fixed fee for haemodialysis remain an economic barrier for patients and families to haemodialysis in Burkina Faso. More than half of all patients have their fistulas done in the private sector, which costs twice as much as the public sector. Training providers working in public haemodialysis units to perform arteriovenous fistula is necessary to reduce this cost for patients.
Regulatory divergences in dosage compensation cause hybrid male inviability inCaenorhabditis
Authors: Li Yongbin , Gao Yimeng , Ma Jiaonv , Gao Yifan , Zhou Wangyan , Zhang Hantang , Shao Wenhua , Liu Zhijin , Zhao Zhongying , Liu Xiao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe genetic basis of Haldane’s rule, such as hybrid male incompatibility in XX systems, has long remained elusive. Here, we found that crosses ofCaenorhabditis nigonimales withC. briggsaefemales result in insufficient expression ofCbr-xol-1, an X-linked master switch responsible for sex determination, consequently activating aberrant dosage compensation in males, and ultimately leading to embryonic inviability. Three compensatory divergences result in comparablexol-1expression levels between the parental species but lethalCbr-xol-1underexpression in hybrid male embryos: 1) a less activeCbr-xol-1promoter than itsC. nigoniortholog; 2) loss of an X-linkedxol-1paralog inC. briggsae; and 3) pseudogenization of aC. briggsaeautosomal repressor ofxol-1. Our results define an evolutionary scenario of sexual incompatibility leading to hybrid male inviability.
Convergent within-host evolution alters key virulence factors in aKlebsiella pneumoniaeclone during a large hospital outbreak
Authors: Zaborskytė Greta , Hjort Karin , Lytsy Birgitta , Sandegren Linus 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBacterial pathogens adapt to host niches because of within-host selective pressures, and this evolutionary process provides valuable insights into host-pathogen interactions. However, genetic changes underlying adaptive phenotypes are difficult to identify from data generated by genome-wide association studies of unrelated bacterial clones. Here, we followed the evolution of a singleKlebsiella pneumoniaeclone in 110 patients during a 5-year nosocomial outbreak by combining comparative genomics with phenotypic characterization. Strong positive within-patient selection targeted key virulence factors in isolates from infection sites. The clone repeatedly lost acute virulence primarily via alterations in capsule and lipopolysaccharide, changed regulation of iron uptake, and increased biofilm formation. These phenotypes represent likely niche adaptations, mainly to the urinary tract, and some were associated with trade-offs during gastrointestinal colonization. The substantial convergent evolution reflects the trajectories undertaken by high-risk clones ofK. pneumoniaeand other pathogens adapting during acute and chronic infections.
A real-time, high-performance brain-computer interface for finger decoding and quadcopter control
Authors: Willsey Matthew S. , Shah Nishal P. , Avansino Donald T. , Hahn Nick V. , Jamiolkowski Ryan M. , Kamdar Foram B. , Hochberg Leigh R. , Willett Francis R. , Henderson Jaimie M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPeople with paralysis express unmet needs for peer support, leisure activities, and sporting activities. Many within the general population rely on social media and massively multiplayer video games to address these needs. We developed a high-performance finger brain-computer-interface system allowing continuous control of 3 independent finger groups with 2D thumb movements. The system was tested in a human research participant over sequential trials requiring fingers to reach and hold on targets, with an average acquisition rate of 76 targets/minute and completion time of 1.58 ± 0.06 seconds. Performance compared favorably to previous animal studies, despite a 2-fold increase in the decoded degrees-of-freedom (DOF). Finger positions were then used for 4-DOF velocity control of a virtual quadcopter, demonstrating functionality over both fixed and random obstacle courses. This approach shows promise for controlling multiple-DOF end-effectors, such as robotic fingers or digital interfaces for work, entertainment, and socialization.
Old, broad-leaved stands support both high biodiversity and carbon storage in German forests
Authors: Springer K. , Manning P. , Boesing A.L. , Ammer C. , Fiore-Donno A.M. , Fischer M. , Goldmann K. , Le Provost G. , Overmann J. , Ruess L. , Schöning I. , Seibold S. , Sikorski J. , Neyret M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractEcosystems worldwide face threats related to human-driven degradation, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Addressing these challenges requires management strategies that combine biodiversity conservation with climate change mitigation. Here, we aimed to identify local-scale management actions that promote biodiversity at multiple trophic levels while also promoting carbon storage and sequestration. We combined data on the diversity of nine taxonomic groups (plants, birds, moths, Mollusca, soil fungi, active soil bacteria, Cercozoan and Endomyxan soil protists, Oomycotan soil protists, and nematodes), with above- and belowground carbon storage in 150 temperate forest plots in three regions of Germany. These were dominated by European beech, pine, spruce and oak. We investigated the relationships between multiple forest structure and management variables, biodiversity and carbon storage and sequestration in forest plots with different management types. Carbon storage was 32% higher in uneven-aged than even-aged forests and increased with mean tree diameter, while carbon sequestration in trees was 15% higher in even-aged than uneven-aged stands. Mean tree diameter was positively related to overall biodiversity, especially bird species richness and the richness of forest specialist birds. Oak and beech-dominated stands harboured higher biodiversity than stands dominated by conifers (especially Pine). One exception to this was the richness of plant species and forest specialist plants, which were highest in spruce plantations. Surprisingly, deadwood input did not significantly affect the diversity of any taxonomic group in this study. By showing that older forests with a high proportion of uneven-aged broad-leafed trees, or oak-dominated forests, can promote both biodiversity and carbon storage, our results could help inform sustainable local-scale forest management in Central Europe that promotes both biodiversity conservation and carbon storage. These findings can form the basis of further larger-scale studies investigating such relations at larger spatial scales to inform landscape-level recommendations for sustainable multifunctional forest management.
CD81-guided heterologous EVs present heterogeneous interactions with breast cancer cells
Authors: Gurrieri Elena , Carradori Giulia , Roccuzzo Michela , Pancher Michael , Peroni Daniele , Belli Romina , Trevisan Caterina , Notarangelo Michela , Huang Wen-Qiu , Carreira Agata SA , Quattrone Alessandro , Jenster Guido , Ten Hagen Timo L.M. , D’Agostino Vito Giuseppe 
Published: February 2024

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-secreted particles conceived as natural vehicles for intercellular communication. The intrinsic biocompatibility, stability in biofluids, and heterogeneous molecular cargo of EVs promise advancements in targeted therapy applications. However, predicting cell-targeting spectrum and cargo delivery are fundamental challenges for exploiting EVs or hybrid formulations. In this work, we combined cell-based and biochemical approaches to understand if secreted EVs show predictable EV-cell interactions and consequent cargo delivery. We exploited the tetraspanin CD81 to encode full-length recombinant proteins with a C-terminal GFP reporter encompassing or not Trastuzumab light chains targeting the HER2 receptor. These fusion proteins participated in vesicular trafficking dynamics and accumulated on secreted EVs when transiently over-expressed in HEK293T cells. Despite the presence of GFP, secreted EV populations retained a HER2 receptor-binding capacity and were used in EV-cell interaction assays. In time-frames where the global GFP spot distribution did not change between HER2-positive (SK-BR-3) or –negative (MDA-MB-231) breast cancer cell lines, the HER2 manipulation in isogenic cells remarkably affected the tropism of heterologous EVs. In this line, secreted doxorubicin-EVs, which showed improved efficacy compared to the free drug, had a reduced cell-killing activity on SK-BR-3 with a knocked-out HER2 receptor. Interestingly, the fusion protein-corresponding transcripts also present as full-length mRNAs in recombinant EVs could reach orthotopic breast tumors in JIMT-1-xenografted mice, as detected by ddPCR in tissue biopsies, improving our sensitivity in detecting bioavailable cargoes. These data show multiple mechanisms underlying EV-cell interactions and prioritize the profiling of surfaceomes for better comprehension of cell engagement and design new generations of EV-based nanovehicles.
Assessment of salivary microRNA by RT-qPCR: Challenges in data interpretation for clinical diagnosis
Authors: Van Der Hofstadt Marc , Cardinal Anna , Lepeltier Morgane , Boulestreau Jérémy , Ouedraogo Alimata , Kahli Malik , Champigneux Pierre , Molina Laurence , Molina Franck , Ngoc Van Thi Nhu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSalivary microRNAs (miRNAs) have been recently revealed as the next generation of non-invasive biomarkers for the diagnostics of diverse diseases. However, their short and highly homologous sequences make their quantification by RT-qPCR technique highly heterogeneous and study dependent, thus limiting their implementation for clinical applications. In this study, we evaluated the use of a commercial RT-qPCR kit for quantification of salivary miRNAs for clinical diagnostics.MethodsSaliva was sampled from ten healthy volunteers for a time course analysis. A panel of six miRNA targets (with different sequence homologies) were analysed by one of the most commonly used commercially available RT-qPCR kit. Sensitivity and specificity of the tested miRNA assays were corroborated using synthetic miRNAs. The reliability of all tested assays to differentiate miRNA expression profiles were analysed, to statistically discriminate background noise from intrinsic individual signals.ResultsSignificant variabilities in expression profiles of six miRNAs from ten healthy participants were revealed, yet the poor specificity of the assays offered insufficient performance to associate these differences to biological context. Indeed, as the limit of quantification (LOQ) concentrations are from 2-4 logs higher than that of the limit of detection (LOD), the majority of the analysis for salivary miRNAs felt outside the quantification region. Most importantly, a remarkable number of crosstalk reactions exhibiting considerable OFF target signal intensities was detected, indicating their poor specificity and limited reliability. However, the spike-in of synthetic miRNA increased the capacity to discriminate endogenous salivary miRNA at the LOQ concentrations from those that were significantly lower.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that comparative analyses for salivary miRNA expression profiles by this commercial RT-qPCR kit are most likely associated to technical limitations rather than to biological differences. In particular, assessment of fundamental parameters including LOD, LOQ and crosstalk of each assay is strictly necessary to interpret observed variations. The standardization of rigorous sample handling and experimental design according to technical parameters of each assay plays a crucial role in reducing data inconsistencies across studies. However, further technological breakthroughs are still required to overcome discrepancies in order to accelerate the translation of salivary miRNAs for clinical applications.
Kinase activity of histone chaperone APLF maintains steady state of centrosomes in mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Rajam Sruthy Manuraj , Varghese Pallavi Chinnu , Shirude Mayur Balkrishna , Syed Khaja Mohieddin , Devarajan Anjali , Natarajan Kathiresan , Dutta Debasree 
Published: February 2024

SummaryOur recent studies revealed the role of mouse Aprataxin PNK-like Factor (APLF) in development. Nevertheless, the comprehensive characterization of mouse APLF remains entirely unexplored. Based on domain deletion studies, here we report that mouse APLF’s Acidic Domain and Fork Head Associated (FHA) domain can chaperone histones and repair DNA like the respective human orthologs. Immunofluorescence studies in mouse embryonic stem cells showed APLF co-localized with γ-tubulin within and around the centrosomes and govern the number and integrity of centrosomes via PLK4 phosphorylation. Enzymatic analysis established mouse APLF as a kinase. Docking studies identified three putative ATP binding sites within the FHA domain. Site-directed mutagenesis showed that R37 residue is indispensable for the kinase activity of APLF thereby regulating the centrosome number. These findings might assist us comprehend APLF in different pathological and developmental conditions and reveal non-canonical kinase activity of proteins harbouring FHA domains that might impact multiple cellular processes.