bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alopecia areata and risk of common infections: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Messenger Andrew G , Harries Matthew , Macbeth Abby E , Chiu Wing Sin , Holmes Susan , Tziotzios Christos , de Lusignan Simon 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Background
It is not known whether alopecia areata (AA) is associated with a greater or reduced risk for infection.

Aim
We undertook a population-based study exploring associations between AA and common infections.

Methods
We extracted primary care records from the UK Oxford-Royal College of General Practitioners Research and Surveillance Centre database (trial registration: NCT04239521). The incidence of common and viral infection composite outcomes, and individual respiratory, gastrointestinal (GI), skin, urinary tract, genital and herpes infections, were compared in people with AA (AA group, n = 10 391) and a propensity-matched control group (n = 41 564). Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs), controlling for sociodemographic and clinical covariates, and comorbidities were used to estimate the association between AA and each infection over 5 years.

Results
The incidence (per 100 person-years) of common infections was slightly higher in the AA group [14.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 13.8–14.6] than the control group (11.7, 95% CI 11.5–11.9). In adjusted analysis, positive associations were observed for composite outcomes (common infections aHR 1.13, 95% CI 1.09–1.17; viral infections aHR 1.11, 95% CI 1.07–1.16) and with respiratory tract, GI, skin and herpes simplex infections (aHR range 1.09–1.32). Excluding people in the control group without a recent consultation with their general practitioner showed no association between AA and infection (common infections aHR 1.01, 95% CI 0.98–1.05, viral infections aHR 0.99, 95% CI 0.95–1.03).

Conclusions
The association between AA and common infection may represent a higher propensity of people with AA to engage with healthcare services (and thereby to have infections recorded), rather than a true association between AA and infection. Overall our findings suggest that AA is not associated with a clinically significantly increased or decreased incidence of common infections.
Prevalence and risk factors for atopic dermatitis in Greenlandic children
Authors: Andersson Anna M , Kaiser Hannah , Skov Lone , Koch Anders , Thyssen Jacob P 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Background
The epidemiology of atopic dermatitis (AD) in Greenland has been sparsely investigated.

Aim
To examine the point and overall prevalence, cumulative incidence at different ages, and associated risk factors for AD among children in Greenland.

Methods
Between 2019 and 2020, three towns in Greenland, representing 48% of the total population, were visited. A cross-sectional study was conducted, including children aged 0–7 years attending daycare centres. Parents completed a questionnaire with questions on AD and related risk factors. A diagnosis of AD was based on the UK Working Party’s criteria along with a clinical examination.

Results
In total, 839 children aged 0–7 years were included. The overall prevalence of AD was 35% according to physician’s diagnosis and assessment. The point prevalence was 28% and peaked among 1-year-old children (36%) and declined with age. The cumulative incidence at ages 1–6 years varied between 29% and 41% and was highest in 1-year-old children and showed a slight decline with increasing age. In the fully adjusted multivariate model, AD was associated with being of Inuit descent [odds ratio (OR) 1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–2.8]; food allergy in the child (OR 3.6, 95% CI 2.3–5.6); ear infection in the child (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0–1.9); having a mother with a high educational level (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0–2.3); maternal atopy (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1–2.0); and paternal atopy (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.5–2.8). No environmental risk factors were identified.

Conclusion
The overall prevalence of AD in children in Greenland is high and has likely increased over the past 20 years. The point prevalence was highest in the youngest children indicating early onset of disease. Inuit descent, family atopy predisposition and having a higher socioeconomic status (based on parental educational level and housing) increased the risk of AD. Insight into possible Inuit-specific genetic predisposition is needed.
NRAP reduction rescues sarcomere defects in nebulin-related nemaline myopathy
Authors: Casey Jennifer G , Kim Euri S , Joseph Remi , Li Frank , Granzier Henk , Gupta Vandana A 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Nemaline myopathy (NM) is a rare neuromuscular disorder associated with congenital or childhood-onset of skeletal muscle weakness and hypotonia, which results in limited motor function. NM is a genetic disorder and mutations in 12 genes are known to contribute to autosomal dominant or recessive forms of the disease. Recessive mutations in nebulin (NEB) are the most common cause of NM affecting about 50% of patients. Because of the large size of the NEB gene and lack of mutational hot spots, developing therapies that can benefit a wide group of patients is challenging. Although there are several promising therapies under investigation, there is no cure for NM. Therefore, targeting disease modifiers that can stabilize or improve skeletal muscle function may represent alternative therapeutic strategies. Our studies have identified Nrap upregulation in nebulin deficiency that contributes to structural and functional deficits in NM. We show that genetic ablation of nrap in nebulin deficiency restored sarcomeric disorganization, reduced protein aggregates and improved skeletal muscle function in zebrafish. Our findings suggest that Nrap is a disease modifier that affects skeletal muscle structure and function in NM; thus, therapeutic targeting of Nrap in nebulin-related NM and related diseases may be beneficial for patients.
Streptococcus suisprophage lysin as a new strategy for combating streptococci-induced mastitis andStreptococcus suisinfection
Authors: Li Xin-Xin , Zhang Fen-Qiang , Wang Shuang , Duan Xiao-Chao , Hu Da-Yue , Gao Dong-Yang , Tao Pan , Li Xiang-Min , Qian Ping 
Published: January 2023

AbstractObjectivesThe genus Streptococcus contains species of important zoonotic pathogens such as those that cause bovine mastitis. Unfortunately, many Streptococcus species have developed antibiotic resistance. Phage lysins are considered promising alternatives to antibiotics because it is difficult for bacteria to develop lysin resistance. However, there remains a lack of phage lysin resources for the treatment of streptococci-induced mastitis.MethodsWe identified the prophage lysin Lys0859 from the genome of the Streptococcus suis SS0859 strain. Lys0859 was subsequently characterized to determine its host range, MIC, bactericidal activity in milk, and ability to clear biofilms in vitro. Finally, to determine the effects of Lys0859 on the treatment of both bovine mastitis and S. suis infection in vivo, we established models of Streptococcus agalactiae ATCC 13813-induced mastitis and S. suis serotype 2 SC19 systemic infection.ResultsOur results demonstrate that Lys0859 possesses broad-spectrum lytic activity against Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species isolated from animals with bovine mastitis and 15 serotypes of S. suis isolated from swine. Intramammary and intramuscular injection of Lys0859 reduced the number of bacteria in mammary tissue by 3.75 and 1.45 logs compared with the PBS group, respectively. Furthermore, 100 μg/mouse of Lys0859 administered intraperitoneally at 1 h post-infection protected 83.3% (5/6) of mice from a lethal dose of S. suis infection.ConclusionsOverall, our results enhance the understanding and development of new strategies to combat both streptococci-induced mastitis and S. suis infection.
Multianalytical Approach for the Preservation of Pleistocene Bones: Evaluation of Potential Consolidation Products and Application Methods
Authors: Díaz-Cortés Andrea , Otero Jorge , López-Polín Lucía 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBone in archaeological or paleontological sites is often prone to degradation during the taphonomic phases (before and after the burial process until its discovery) which significantly weakens the bone’s mechanical properties. To preserve the material, consolidation treatments are commonly applied during ̶excavations to improve the cohesion of friable material. Studies on the effectiveness of bone consolidation treatments are relatively scarce. This research provides the first comparative analysis of the effectiveness of consolidation among three bone consolidation products (Acril 33®, Paraloid B72®, and Nanorestore®) applied by three different methods (capillary, immersion, and drip). Consolidation effectiveness was analyzed by the characterization of the absorption (water-drop absorption), contact angle measurements, environmental scanning electron microscopy, observation of the ability to penetrate the bone microstructure, by 3D visible light microscopy (HIROX 8700), and Leeb hardness measurements for the determination of mechanical strength improvements. Results show that the aqueous resin Acril 33® tends to provide a low penetration depth, creating a rigid superficial layer over the samples regardless of the application method, which seriously compromises the overall consolidation effectiveness. On the contrary, samples treated with Paraloid B72® present a higher penetration depth and increase the mechanical properties of samples applied by capillarity and immersion. Nanorestore® induced a significant increase in surface hardness regardless of the application method.
Automated Particle Analysis Using Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) to Characterize Inhaled Particulate Matter (PM) in Biopsied Lung Tissue
Authors: Hayden Leslie , Strausborger Stacy , Lewin-Smith Michael 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The role of inhaled particulate matter in the development of chronic lung disease in military veterans remains ill-defined and controversial. Characterizing the nature of such inhaled particulates in surgical lung biopsy tissue is an important step in evaluating the association between exposure and illness. We have developed a protocol for automated in-situ analysis of inorganic inhaled particulate matter using field-emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Over 120,000 particles of both a geological and manufactured nature were analyzed and characterized according to their chemistry and morphology. The most abundant particles were clays, feldspars, silica, titanium dioxides, and metals and were by and large less than 2.5 µm in the greatest dimension. Automating the process allows for efficient in-situ analysis of thousands of particles each day and the development of large datasets.
VecMap: A Python-based Graphic User Interface Tool for Atomic Displacement Mapping in Perovskite Structures
Authors: Ma Tao 
Published: January 2023

AbstractVecMap, a python-based graphic user interface tool was developed to help analyzing the atomic displacements in perovskite ceramics. With an input of a high-resolution STEM image in which the A-site, B-site, and/or O columns clearly resolved, VecMap outputs the displacement vector maps of either A-site or B-site cations, as well as the oxygen vector map if O columns are visible, in a highly automated fashion. A “Coupled HAADF-ABF” function was specially designed for easy atom finding in ABF images, in case the A-site and B-site atoms are too close in atomic numbers to show enough contrast. VecMap greatly simplifies the analysis of atomic displacement in perovskite structures.
Men who inject opioids exhibit altered tRNA-Gly-GCC isoforms in semen
Authors: Gornalusse Germán , Spengler Ryan M , Sandford Erin , Kim Yeseul , Levy Claire , Tewari Muneesh , Hladik Florian , Vojtech Lucia 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIn addition to their role in protein translation, tRNAs can be cleaved into shorter, biologically active fragments called tRNA fragments (tRFs). Specific tRFs from spermatocytes can propagate metabolic disorders in second generations of mice. Thus, tRFs in germline cells are a mechanism of epigenetic inheritance. It has also been shown that stress and toxins can cause alterations in tRF patterns. We were therefore interested in whether injecting illicit drugs, a major stressor, impacts tRFs in germline cells. We sequenced RNA from spermatocytes and from semen-derived exosomes from people who inject illicit drugs (PWID) and from non-drug using controls, both groups of unknown fertility status. All PWID injected opioids daily, but most also used other illicit drugs. The tRF cleavage products from Gly-GCC tRNA were markedly different between spermatocytes from PWID compared to controls. Over 90% of reads in controls mapped to shorter Gly-GCC tRFs, while in PWID only 45% did. In contrast, only 4.1% of reads in controls mapped to a longer tRFs versus 45.6% in PWID. The long/short tRF ratio was significantly higher in PWID than controls (0.23 versus 0.16, P = 0.0128). We also report differential expression of a group of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) in semen-derived exosomes, including, among others, ACA14a, U19, and U3-3. Thus, PWID exhibited an altered cleavage pattern of tRNA-Gly-GCC in spermatocytes and an altered cargo of snoRNAs in semen-derived exosomes. Participants were not exclusively using opioids and were not matched with controls in terms of diet, chronic disease, or other stressors, so our finding are not conclusively linked to opioid use. However, all individuals in the PWID group did inject heroin daily. Our study indicates a potential for opioid injection and/or its associated multi-drug use habits and lifestyle changes to influence epigenetic inheritance.
Recommendations for the management of the vascular involvement in Behçet’s disease by the Japanese National Research Committee for Behçet’s disease—secondary publication
Authors: Nagafuchi Hiroko , Kikuchi Hirotoshi , Ishibash Hiroyuki , Maeda Hideaki , Ogino Hitoshi , Kirino Yohei , Sawada Tetsuji , Saito Kazuyoshi , Kuwana Masataka , Hirohata Shunsei , Ishigatsubo Yoshiaki , Niimi Masanori , Okita Yutaka , Miyata Tetsuro , Shigematsu Hiroshi , Takeno Mitsuhiro 
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACT

Objectives
This study aimed to develop clinical guidelines for the management of vascular Behçet’s disease (BD) by the Behçet’s Disease Research Committee of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of the Japanese Government.

Methods
A task force proposed clinical questions (CQs) concerning vascular BD based on a literature search. After screening, draft recommendations were developed for each CQ and brushed up in three blinded Delphi rounds, leading to the final recommendations.

Results
This study provides recommendations for 17 CQs concerning diagnosis and differential diagnoses, assessment of disease activity, and treatment. The guidelines recommend immunosuppressive treatments, for both arterial and venous involvement with active inflammation. Anticoagulation is also recommended for deep vein thrombosis except in high-risk patients. Surgical and endovascular therapies can be optional, particularly in patients with urgent arterial lesions undergoing immunosuppression. In addition, two sets of algorithms for diagnosis and treatment are shown for arterial and venous involvement.

Conclusions
These recommendations are expected to serve as useful tools in the daily clinical practice of BD. This content has already been published in Japanese in the Guideline for the Management of Behçet’s Disease 2020 and is submitted with permission from both the primary and secondary publishers.
Iron deficiency and cognitive functioning in kidney transplant recipients: findings of the TransplantLines biobank and cohort study
Authors: Vinke Joanna Sophia J , Ziengs Aaltje L , Buunk Anne M , van Sonderen Lisanne , Gomes-Neto Antonio W ,   TransplantLines Investigators, Berger Stefan P , Bakker Stephan J L , Eisenga Michele F , Spikman Jacoba M , De Borst Martin H 
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACT

Background
Neurocognitive impairment is common in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). Adequate brain functioning requires energy and neurotransmitter activity, for which iron is essential. We aimed to investigate iron deficiency (ID) as a potentially modifiable risk factor for cognitive impairment in KTRs.

Methods
We analyzed stable KTRs participating in the TransplantLines Biobank and Cohort study. Participants underwent neuropsychological tests for memory, mental speed, and attention and executive functioning. ID was defined as ferritin &lt;100 µg/mL or 100–299 µg/mL with transferrin saturation (TSAT) ≤20%. Associations between iron status and norm scores of neurocognitive outcomes, corrected for age, sex and education, were assessed using multivariable linear regression analyses adjusted for potential confounders including hemoglobin.

Results
We included 166 KTRs [median (IQR) age 57 (45–65) years, 59% male, estimated glomerular filtration rate 51±18 mL/min/1.73 m2]. Time since transplantation was 5.8 (1.0–12.0) years. Prevalence of ID was 65%. ID was independently associated with lower scores for mental speed (std.β = –0.19, P = .02) and attention and executive functioning (std.β = –0.19, P = .02), and tended to be associated with worse memory (std.β = –0.16, P = .07). Lower plasma ferritin levels were associated with worse memory (std.β = 0.23, P = .007), mental speed (std.β = 0.34, P &lt; .001), and attention and executive functioning (std.β = 0.30, P = .001). Lower TSAT was associated with worse memory (std.β = 0.19, P = .04) and mental speed (std.β = 0.27, P = .003), and tended to be associated with worse attention and executive functioning (std.β = 0.16, P = .08).

Conclusions
Iron-deficient KTRs performed worse on neurocognitive tasks measuring memory, mental speed, and attention and executive functioning. These findings set the stage for prospective studies addressing whether ID correction restores cognitive function after kidney transplantation.
The flowering time regulator FLK controls pathogen defense inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Fabian Matthew , Gao Min , Zhang Xiao-Ning , Shi Jiangli , Vrydagh Leah , Kim Sung-Ha , Patel Priyank , Hu Anna R , Lu Hua 
Published: January 2023

AbstractPlant disease resistance is a complex process that is maintained in an intricate balance with development. Increasing evidence indicates the importance of posttranscriptional regulation of plant defense by RNA binding proteins. In a genetic screen for suppressors of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) accelerated cell death 6-1 (acd6-1), a small constitutive defense mutant whose defense level is grossly in a reverse proportion to plant size, we identified an allele of the canonical flowering regulatory gene FLOWERING LOCUS K HOMOLOGY DOMAIN (FLK) encoding a putative protein with triple K homology (KH) repeats. The KH repeat is an ancient RNA binding motif found in proteins from diverse organisms. The relevance of KH-domain proteins in pathogen resistance is largely unexplored. In addition to late flowering, the flk mutants exhibited decreased resistance to the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae and increased resistance to the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea. We further found that the flk mutations compromised basal defense and defense signaling mediated by salicylic acid (SA). Mutant analysis revealed complex genetic interactions between FLK and several major SA pathway genes. RNA-seq data showed that FLK regulates expression abundance of some major defense- and development-related genes as well as alternative splicing of a number of genes. Among the genes affected by FLK is ACD6, whose transcripts had increased intron retentions influenced by the flk mutations. Thus, this study provides mechanistic support for flk suppression of acd6-1 and establishes that FLK is a multifunctional gene involved in regulating pathogen defense and development of plants.
Clinical value of penile sympathetic skin response to assess the efficacy of sertraline in the treatment of patients with sympathetic hyperexcitability in primary premature ejaculation
Authors: Li Jiacheng , Liao Zedong , Xu Zilei , Huang Xiaojun 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe pathogenesis of primary premature ejaculation (PPE) is complex, and the pathologic basis may be an overactive sympathetic nervous system.AimTo investigate sertraline efficacy in patients with sympathetic hyperexcitability in PPE and clarify the value of penile sympathetic skin response (PSSR) in assessing the efficacy of sertraline for PPE treatment.MethodsSixty-three patients with PPE were recruited in the outpatient clinic and asked to take 50 mg of oral sertraline daily for a 4-week treatment period. Changes in intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT), Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), and PSSR latency and wave amplitude were compared before and after treatment.OutcomesThe principal aim was to determine the relationships among sertraline efficacy, IELT, and PSSR latency and amplitude.ResultsAfter sertraline treatment, patients with PPE demonstrated a significant decrease in Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool scores (P &lt; .001); a significant increase in IELT, PSSR latency, and wave amplitude (P &lt; .001); and no significant change in International Index of Erectile Function scores (P &gt; .05). Moreover, the latency changes of PSSR were positively correlated with the increment of IELT (r = 0.550, P &lt; .001). In addition, there was some degree of improvement vs pretreatment, although IELT and PSSR latencies were significantly shorter after drug discontinuation when compared with posttreatment (both P &lt; .001).Clinical ImplicationsWe aimed to find an objective test that accurately reflects the efficacy of treatment for sympathetic hyperexcitability in PPE.Strengths and LimitationsThe strengths include a well-powered study, use of validated instruments, and self-assessment of treatment benefit. The limitations include the single-center design, relatively short-term follow-up, and lack of more comprehensive monitoring between treatment and drug discontinuation.ConclusionThese findings suggest that sertraline is effective for PPE treatment, that its efficacy can be partially maintained even after drug discontinuation, and that PSSR may be reliable for evaluating treatment success in patients with PPE.
From Colorblindness to Critical Investigations: Examining Structural Racism in Social Work Research
Authors: Lauve-Moon Katie R , Enman Shelby , Hentz Vanessa 
Published: January 2023

AbstractCurrent and persistent racialized inequalities in the United States raise important research questions investigating the social structures and systems that underlie racist outcomes. Consequently, social workers are called to centralize race and racism in their research agendas and utilize critical race theories and methodologies to examine institutional racism. This study investigates the extent to which critical race frameworks are utilized in mainstream social work research. The researchers conducted a content analysis of three top-ranked mainstream social work research journals (N = 407) to determine the extent to which critical race theories and methodologies are utilized for the investigation of institutional racism. Findings demonstrate a dearth of critical investigation into issues of race and racism in mainstream social work research as well as the underutilization of critical race frameworks. In conclusion, researchers argue for a critical shift in mainstream social work research through utilizing critical race theoretical frameworks and methodologies.