bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of multiple anesthetic exposures on rhesus macaque brain development: a longitudinal structural MRI analysis
Authors: Kim Jeongchul , Barcus Richard , Lipford Megan E , Yuan Hongyu , Ririe Douglas G , Jung Youngkyoo , Vlasova Roza M , Styner Martin , Nader Michael A , Whitlow Christopher T 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Concerns about the potential neurotoxic effects of anesthetics on developing brain exist. When making clinical decisions, the timing and dosage of anesthetic exposure are critical factors to consider due to their associated risks. In our study, we investigated the impact of repeated anesthetic exposures on the brain development trajectory of a cohort of rhesus monkeys (n = 26) over their first 2 yr of life, utilizing longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging data. We hypothesized that early or high-dose anesthesia exposure could negatively influence structural brain development. By employing the generalized additive mixed model, we traced the longitudinal trajectories of brain volume, cortical thickness, and white matter integrity. The interaction analysis revealed that age and cumulative anesthetic dose were variably linked to white matter integrity but not to morphometric measures. Early high-dose exposure was associated with increased mean, axial, and radial diffusivities across all white matter regions, compared to late-low-dose exposure. Our findings indicate that early or high-dose anesthesia exposure during infancy disrupts structural brain development in rhesus monkeys. Consequently, the timing of elective surgeries and procedures that require anesthesia for children and pregnant women should be strategically planned to account for the cumulative dose of volatile anesthetics, aiming to minimize the potential risks to brain development.
Viral Dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant in Pediatric Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Science Michelle , Orkin Julia , Maguire Bryan , Bitnun Ari , Bourns Laura , Corbeil Antoine , Johnstone Jennie , Macdonald Liane , Schwartz Kevin L , Bruce Barrett Cindy , Reinprecht Jessica , Heisey Alice , Nasso Stephanie , Jüni Peter , Campigotto Aaron 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
There are limited data on the viral dynamics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in children. Understanding viral load changes over the course of illness and duration of viral shedding may provide insight into transmission dynamics to inform public health and infection-control decisions.

Methods
We conducted a prospective cohort study of children aged 18 years and younger with polymerase chain reaction–confirmed SARS-CoV-2 between 1 February 2022 and 14 March 2022. SARS-CoV-2 testing occurred on daily samples for 10 days; a subset of participants completed daily rapid antigen tests (RATs). Viral RNA trajectories were described in relation to symptom onset and resolution. The associations between both time since symptom onset/resolution and non-infectious viral load were evaluated using a Cox proportional hazards model.

Results
Among 101 children aged 2 to 17 years, the median time to study-defined non-infectious viral load was 5 days post–symptom onset, with 75% meeting this threshold by 7 days and 90% by 10 days. On the day of and day after symptom resolution, 43 (49%) and 52 (60%) of 87 had met the non-infectious thresholds, respectively. Of the 50 participants completing a RAT, positivity at symptom onset and on the day after symptom onset was 67% (16/24) and 75% (14/20). On the first day where the non-infectious threshold was met, 61% (n = 27/44) of participant RAT results were positive.

Conclusions
Children often met the study-defined non-infectiousness threshold on the day after symptom resolution. The RATs were often negative early in the course of illness and should not be relied on to exclude infection.
Clinical Trials Registration. clinicaltrials.org; NCT05240183.
Effectiveness of Prophylactic Oral and/or Vaginal Probiotic Supplementation in the Prevention of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Gupta Varsha , Mastromarino Paola , Garg Ritu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Widespread antibiotic resistance has sparked interest in the identification of nonantibiotic strategies, particularly probiotics for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). We evaluated the effectiveness of prophylactic probiotic supplementation through oral and intravaginal routes in the prevention of recurrent UTIs.

Methods
This double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolled 174 premenopausal women with a history of recurrent UTIs and randomized them to 1 of the 4 treatment groups: placebo (G1, oral placebo + vaginal placebo), oral probiotic (G2, oral lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria + vaginal placebo), vaginal probiotic (G3, oral placebo + vaginal lactobacilli), and probiotic combination (oral lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria + vaginal lactobacilli), for 4 months. Participants were followed up for symptomatic UTIs for 1 year. The primary end points were the number of symptomatic UTIs at 4 months, the proportion of participants with at least 1 symptomatic UTI, and the time to the first symptomatic UTI.

Results
The incidence of UTI at 4 months in G1, G2, G3, and G4 was 70.4%, 61.3%, 40.9%, and 31.8%, respectively. The mean number of symptomatic UTI recurrences at 4 months was significantly lower (P &lt; .05) in G3 (1.06) and G4 (1.07) compared with G1 (2.1) and G2 (1.63). Further, the time to first symptomatic UTI (days) was significantly longer (P &lt; .05) in G3 (123.8) and G4 (141.8) compared with G1 (69.3) and G2 (71.9). Probiotic supplementations were well tolerated with no serious adverse events.

Conclusions
Prophylactic supplementation with either vaginal probiotics or in combination with oral probiotics demonstrated effectiveness in preventing recurrent symptomatic UTI episodes.

Clinical Trials Registration
Registered at Clinical Trials Registry India (CTRI): CTRI/2014/02/004425 (https://ctri.nic.in).
Novel biomarkers and pathophysiology of membranous nephropathy: PLA2R and beyond
Authors: Murtas Corrado , Bruschi Maurizio , Spinelli Sonia , Kajana Xhuliana , Verrina Enrico E , Angeletti Andrea , Caridi Gianluca , Candiano Giovanni , Feriozzi Sandro , Prunotto Marco , Ghiggeri Gian Marco 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT
Research on membranous nephropathy truly exploded in the last 15 years. This happened because of the application of new techniques (laser capture microdissection, mass spectrometry, protein G immunoprecipitation, arrays) to the study of its pathogenesis. After the discovery of PLA2R as the major target antigen, many other antigens were identified and others are probably ongoing. Clinical and pathophysiology rebounds of new discoveries are relevant in terms of diagnosis and prognosis and it is time to make a first assessment of the innovative issues. In terms of classification, target antigens can be divided into: ‘membrane antigens’ and ‘second wave’ antigens. The first group consists of antigens constitutionally expressed on the podocyte membrane (as PLA2R) that may become a target of an autoimmune process because of perturbation of immune-tolerance. ‘Second wave’ antigens are antigens neo-expressed by the podocyte or by infiltrating cells after a stressing event: this allows the immune system to produce antibodies against them that intensify and maintain glomerular damage. With this abundance of target antigens it is not possible, at the moment, to test all antibodies at the bedside. In the absence of this possibility, the role of histological evaluation is still irreplaceable.
DFS70 Autoantibodies: Clinical Utility in Antinuclear Antibody Testing
Authors: Bossuyt Xavier 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Screening for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) on HEp-2 cells is helpful for the diagnosis and classification of ANA-associated rheumatic diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren syndrome, mixed connective tissue disease, systemic sclerosis, and inflammatory myopathies. The dense fine speckled (DFS) pattern is a special HEp-2 IIF pattern (produced by anti-DFS70 antibodies) because it is not associated with a specific medical condition and therefore can obfuscate interpretation.

Content
In this paper, detection methods for and clinical associations of anti-DFS70 antibodies are reviewed.

Summary
The target antigen of the antibodies that cause the DFS pattern is a 70 kDa protein (DFS70). Commercial methods that detect antibodies to full-length or truncated DFS70 are available for use in clinical laboratories (ELISA, chemiluminescence, dot/line blot). Anti-DFS70 can be found in (apparently) healthy individuals (with a higher frequency in young individuals and in females), in several (inflammatory) conditions and in malignancy. There is no clinical association that is well-established. Special attention (and critical reflection) is given to the observation that monospecific anti-DFS70 (i.e., in the absence of antibodies that are linked to ANA-associated rheumatic diseases) is rarely found in ANA-associated rheumatic diseases.
Even mild mitral regurgitation is associated with incident atrial fibrillation in the general population
Authors: Yafasov Marat , Olsen Flemming Javier , Shabib Ali , Skaarup Kristoffer Grundtvig , Lassen Mats Christian Højbjerg , Johansen Niklas Dyrby , Jensen Magnus T , Jensen Gorm Boje , Schnohr Peter , Møgelvang Rasmus , Biering-Sørensen Tor 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Aims
Mitral regurgitation (MR) can be difficult to quantify. We sought to investigate whether the MR jet area to left atrial (LA) area ratio (MR/LA ratio) method for quantifying MRs can be used to predict incident atrial fibrillation (AF) in the general population.

Methods and results
The study included 4466 participants from the 5th Copenhagen City Heart Study, a prospective general population study, who underwent transthoracic echocardiography. MR jet area was measured and indexed to LA area. The endpoint was incident AF. MR was quantified in 4042 participants (mean age: 57 years, 43% men). Of these, 198 (4.9%) developed AF during a median follow-up period of 5.3 years (interquartile range: 4.4–6.1 years). MR was present in 1938 participants (48%) including 1593 (39%) trace/mild MRs (MR/LA ratio ≤ 20% and ≤4 cm2). In unadjusted analysis, MR/LA ratio was associated with incident AF [HR: 1.06 (1.00–1.13), P = 0.042 per 5% increase] but not after adjusting for CHARGE-AF score. However, the association was modified by age (P for interaction = 0.034), such that MR/LA ratio was associated with AF only in participants ≤ 73 years. In these participants, MR/LA ratio ‘was’ independently associated with AF after adjusting for CHARGE-AF score [HR: 1.14 (1.06–1.24), P = 0.001, per 5% increase]. This finding persisted when restricting the analysis to participants without moderate or severe MR and normal LA size [HR: 1.35 (1.09–1.68), P = 0.005, per 5% increase].

Conclusion
MR, including even trace regurgitations quantified by MR/LA ratio, is independently associated with incident AF in individuals ≤ 73 years of age.
ELT teachers’ agency for wellbeing
Authors: Sulis Giulia , Mairitsch Astrid , Babic Sonja , Mercer Sarah , Resnik Pia 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Wellbeing is crucial for teachers, not only for themselves but also for ensuring that they teach to the best of their abilities. Thus, identifying ways of empowering teachers to take action to boost or maintain their wellbeing is vital. In this article, an ecological lens is adopted to understand what determines language teachers’ agency for wellbeing. A thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with 30 EFL teachers based in Austria revealed four key themes which help to explain how teachers exercise their agency for wellbeing. These are: triggers, reflection, affordances, and action. The results show that critical incidents in their personal and professional domains act as triggers drawing teachers’ attention towards their wellbeing and starting a process of deeper reflection. However, a prerequisite for taking action following this reflection appears to be a perceived sense of control about their ability to change things in their personal and professional lives.
Myocardial infarction drives trained immunity of monocytes, accelerating atherosclerosis
Authors: Dong Zheng , Hou Lei , Luo Wei , Pan Li-Hong , Li Xiao , Tan Hai-Peng , Wu Run-Da , Lu Hao , Yao Kang , Mu Man-Di , Gao Chen-Shan , Weng Xin-Yu , Ge Jun-Bo 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsSurvivors of acute coronary syndromes face an elevated risk of recurrent atherosclerosis-related vascular events despite advanced medical treatments. The underlying causes remain unclear. This study aims to investigate whether myocardial infarction (MI)-induced trained immunity in monocytes could sustain proatherogenic traits and expedite atherosclerosis.MethodsApolipoprotein-E deficient (ApoE−/−) mice and adoptive bone marrow transfer chimeric mice underwent MI or myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion (IR). A subsequent 12-week high-fat diet (HFD) regimen was implemented to elucidate the mechanism behind monocyte trained immunity. In addition, classical monocytes were analysed by flow cytometry in the blood of enrolled patients.ResultsIn MI and IR mice, blood monocytes and bone marrow-derived macrophages exhibited elevated spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK), lysine methyltransferase 5A (KMT5A), and CCHC-type zinc finger nucleic acid-binding protein (CNBP) expression upon exposure to a HFD or oxidized LDL (oxLDL) stimulation. MI-induced trained immunity was transmissible by transplantation of bone marrow to accelerate atherosclerosis in naive recipients. KMT5A specifically recruited monomethylation of Lys20 of histone H4 (H4K20me) to the gene body of SYK and synergistically transactivated SYK with CNBP. In vivo small interfering RNA (siRNA) inhibition of KMT5A or CNBP potentially slowed post-MI atherosclerosis. Sympathetic denervation with 6-hydroxydopamine reduced atherosclerosis and inflammation after MI. Classical monocytes from ST-elevation MI (STEMI) patients with advanced coronary lesions expressed higher SYK and KMT5A gene levels.ConclusionsThe findings underscore the crucial role of monocyte trained immunity in accelerated atherosclerosis after MI, implying that SYK in blood classical monocytes may serve as a predictive factor for the progression of atherosclerosis in STEMI patients.
Global epidemiology of lower extremity artery disease in the 21st century (2000–21): a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Adou Caroline , Magne Julien , Gazere Nana , Aouida Maissa , Chastaingt Lucie , Aboyans Victor 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Aims
The epidemiology of lower extremity artery disease (LEAD) is evolving. This meta-analysis of aggregate data aimed to (i) determine the global prevalence of LEAD and by regions in the 21st century and (ii) update the associated risk factors in this period.

Methods and results
A systematic literature review was performed through PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases, restricted to general population studies between January 2000 and September 2021, with LEAD defined by a low (&lt;/≤0.90) ankle–brachial index. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the quality of the articles before data extraction. Due to high heterogeneity, the random effect model was applied to this meta-analysis. Among 1418 references, 38 studies (127 961 participants) were retained. The global prevalence in adults, mostly ≥40 years, was estimated at 9.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 7.1–12.4], higher in women (10.2%) than in men (8.8%), increasing sharply with age. The highest prevalence was found in South–Central Asia (14.5%) and the lowest in North America (5.6%). Significant associations were found between LEAD and current [odds ratio (OR) = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.4–2.5] and past smoking (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.3–1.9) and between LEAD and diabetes (OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 2.0–2.8). Hypertension was significantly associated with LEAD (OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.9–2.8) and in particular in South America (OR = 4.0). Obesity (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.2–1.8) and hypercholesterolaemia ≥200 mg/dL (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.3–2.8) were also significantly associated with LEAD.

Conclusion
This meta-analysis highlights a currently high prevalence of LEAD worldwide, with substantial differences in global regions and between sexes. The strongest associations were found with metabolic risk factors.
A synthesis of coevolution across levels of biological organization
Authors: Dixit Tanmay 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In evolutionary ecology, coevolution is typically defined as reciprocal evolution of interacting species. However, outside the context of interacting species, the term “coevolution” is also used at levels of biological organization within species (e.g., between males and females, between cells, and between genes or proteins). Furthermore, although evolution is typically defined as “genetic change over time”, coevolution need not involve genetic changes in the interacting parties, since cultures can also evolve. In this review, I propose that coevolution be defined more broadly as “reciprocal adaptive evolution at any level of biological organisation”. The classification of reciprocal evolution at all levels of biological organization as coevolution would maintain consistency in terminology. More importantly, the broader definition should facilitate greater integration of coevolution research across disciplines. For example, principles usually discussed only in the context of coevolution between species or coevolution between genes (e.g., tight and diffuse coevolution, and compensatory coevolution, respectively) could be more readily applied to new fields. The application of coevolutionary principles to new contexts could also provide benefits to society, for instance in deducing the dynamics of coevolution between cancer cells and cells of the human immune system.
Seismic wave dispersion and attenuation resulting from multiscale wave-induced fluid flow in partially saturated porous media
Authors: Shi Zhiqi , He Xiao , Chen Dehua , Wang Xiuming 
Published: December 2023

SUMMARY
Sedimentary rocks are typical heterogeneous porous media induced by fluid patches and pore fabric. It is well acknowledged that the wave-induced fluid flow (WIFF) at different scales will cause seismic wave dispersion and attenuation in a wide frequency range. Consequently, modelling wave dispersion and attenuation due to multiscale WIFF is of significance for reservoir characterization from multiscale geophysical measurement and interpretation. In this study, the multiscale WIFF in partially saturated porous media, including global, 3-D mesoscopic and squirt flows, are investigated. And we derive the wave equations by introducing the Rayleigh's spherical bubble oscillation and the porous grain models into Santos poroelasticity theory. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the multiscale model can interpret the transition of rock states as frequency increases and capture the broad-band seismic wave dispersion and attenuation characteristics, which are directly associated with the heterogeneity scale. Besides, the multiscale model can be degraded to a single- or dual-scale model under specific parameters. We validate the proposed model with board-band experimental data of partially saturated sandstones, confirming its comprehensive characterization of velocity dispersion and attenuation over a wider range of frequencies. Moreover, the model successfully interprets the unrelaxed state of partially saturated rock at ultrasound frequencies.
Suppliers’ entry, upgrading, and innovation in mining GVCs: lessons from Argentina, Brazil, and Peru
Authors: Pietrobelli Carlo , Calzada Olvera Beatriz , Iizuka Michiko , Mazzi Caio Torres 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis paper studies whether the mining sector can represent a true engine of growth for selected Latin American countries through the suppliers’ entry and upgrading within mining value chains. We start by using international trade data to study where mining value is added and how rents are distributed across countries. Despite their importance in the production and exports of copper ores and concentrate, the participation of the selected Latin American countries in copper value chains is still confined to the upstream segment. Moreover, their share of innovation relevant for the sector remains very limited, although new data on patenting and publications show that the sector is becoming increasingly innovative worldwide. Then, we use new microeconomic evidence from case-studies in Latin America to explore the specific opportunities and obstacles faced by mining suppliers in entering the value chain and upgrading within it, and how the regulatory and innovation systems have influenced this process. We show that barriers related to the contractual practices, lead firms’ attitudes, and the hierarchical industrial organization of the sector, coupled with the countries’ weaknesses in local innovation and regulatory systems, have been contributing to hamper suppliers’ entry into mining value chains and upgrading.
A paradigm for understanding whole ecosystem effects of offshore wind farms in shelf seas
Authors: Isaksson Natalie , Scott Beth E , Hunt Georgina L , Benninghaus Ella , Declerck Morgane , Gormley Kate , Harris Caitlin , Sjöstrand Sandra , Trifonova Neda I , Waggitt James J , Wihsgott Juliane U , Williams Charlotte , Zampollo Arianna , Williamson Benjamin J 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
With the rapid expansion of offshore windfarms (OWFs) globally, there is an urgent need to assess and predict effects on marine species, habitats, and ecosystem functioning. Doing so at shelf-wide scale while simultaneously accounting for the concurrent influence of climate change will require dynamic, multitrophic, multiscalar, ecosystem-centric approaches. However, as such studies and the study system itself (shelf seas) are complex, we propose to structure future environmental research according to the investigative cycle framework. This will allow the formulation and testing of specific hypotheses built on ecological theory, thereby streamlining the process, and allowing adaptability in the face of technological advancements (e.g. floating offshore wind) and shifting socio-economic and political climates. We outline a strategy by which to accelerate our understanding of environmental effects of OWF development on shelf seas, which is illustrated throughout by a North Sea case study. Priorities for future studies include ascertaining the extent to which OWFs may change levels of primary production; whether wind energy extraction will have knock-on effects on biophysical ecosystem drivers; whether pelagic fishes mediate changes in top predator distributions over space and time; and how any effects observed at localized levels will scale and interact with climate change and fisheries displacement effects.