bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New and old GFR equations: a European perspective
Authors: Delanaye Pierre , Cavalier Etienne , Pottel Hans , Stehlé Thomas 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACTGlomerular filtration rate (GFR) is estimated in clinical practice from equations based on the serum concentration of endogenous biomarkers and demographic data. The 2009 creatinine-based Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation (CKD-EPI2009) was recommended worldwide until 2021, when it was recalibrated to remove the African-American race factor. The CKD-EPI2009 and CKD-EPIcr2021 equations overestimate GFR of adults aged 18–30 years, with a strong overestimation in estimated GFR (eGFR) at age 18 years. CKD-EPICr2021 does not perform better than CKD-EPI2009 in US population, overestimating GFR in non-Black subjects, and underestimating it in Black subjects with the same magnitude. CKD-EPICr2021 performed worse than the CKD-EPI2009 in White Europeans, and provides no or limited performance gains in Black European and Black African populations. The European Kidney Function Consortium (EKFC) equation, which incorporates median normal value of serum creatinine in healthy population, overcomes the limitations of the CKD-EPI equations: it provides a continuity of eGFR at the transition between pediatric and adult care, and performs reasonably well in diverse populations, assuming dedicated scaling of serum creatinine (Q) values is used. The new EKFC equation based on cystatin C (EKFCCC) shares the same mathematical construction, namely, it incorporates the median cystatin C value in the general population, which is independent of sex and ethnicity. EKFCCC is therefore a sex-free and race-free equation, which performs better than the CKD-EPI equation based on cystatin C. Despite advances in the field of GFR estimation, no equation is perfectly accurate, and GFR measurement by exogenous tracer clearance is still required in specific populations and/or specific clinical situations.
Survival of multiple arterial grafting in diabetic populations: a 20-year national experience
Authors: Ren Justin , Royse Colin , Tian David H , Gupta Aashray , Royse Alistair 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Diabetics may have diminished survival after coronary artery bypass grafting even with multiple arterial revascularization. We compared multi-arterial versus single-arterial grafting (SAG) survival in diabetic and non-diabetic patients undergoing primary isolated bypass surgery.

METHODS
This is a retrospective analysis of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac-Thoracic Surgical Database from June 2001 to January 2020. Patients were classified as having either single or multiple arterial grafting irrespective of the number of venous grafts. The end points were long-term all-cause mortality and 30-day clinical outcomes, which was compared in 1:1 propensity score-matched patients. Cox regression model was used to assess interactions between diabetes and the treatment effect of multi-arterial grafting, reported as hazard ratios (HRs) and confidence intervals (CIs). Short-term outcomes were compared with McNemar’s paired t-test.

RESULTS
From 69 624 patients, matching generated 17 474 non-diabetic and 10 989 diabetic patient pairs. At a median [interquartile range] of 5.9 [3.2–9.6] years postoperative, mortality was significantly lower after multi-arterial grafting for both diabetic (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76–0.90, P &lt; 0.001) and non-diabetic (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.82–0.95; P &lt; 0.001) cohorts than SAG. The incidence of 30-day myocardial infarction was significantly higher in single than multiple arterial grafting for both cohorts (diabetic, P = 0.029; non-diabetic, P &lt; 0.001). The interaction analysis suggested an insignificant effect of diabetes (P = 0.55) on the observed survival advantage. Further stratification by diabetic management generated consistent results.

CONCLUSIONS
Multi-arterial grafting was associated with improved overall survival compared to SAG for both non-diabetic and diabetic patients.
No wheat crisis: trade liberalization and transportation innovation in Quebec during the 1830s and 1840s
Authors: Geloso Vincent , Plemmons Alicia , Thomas Andrew 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
In the first half of the nineteenth century, the wheat oriented agrarian economy of Lower Canada saw a rapid collapse in wheat production. These developments have been blamed on factors ranging from soil exhaustion to cultural conservatism and used to infer falling living standards in the colony. We provide evidence suggesting this collapse was largely the result of adjustment to the trade shock that followed the Colonial Trade Act of 1831 and a rapid reduction in freight costs between the Canadian colonies. Areas more exposed to external markets—as proxied by road access—shifted away from wheat production.
Unmet needs in valvular heart disease
Authors: Messika-Zeitoun David , Baumgartner Helmut , Burwash Ian G , Vahanian Alec , Bax Jeroen , Pibarot Philippe , Chan Vince , Leon Martin , Enriquez-Sarano Maurice , Mesana Thierry , Iung Bernard 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Valvular heart disease (VHD) is the next epidemic in the cardiovascular field, affecting millions of people worldwide and having a major impact on health care systems. With aging of the population, the incidence and prevalence of VHD will continue to increase. However, VHD has not received the attention it deserves from both the public and policymakers. Despite important advances in the pathophysiology, natural history, management, and treatment of VHD including the development of transcatheter therapies, VHD remains underdiagnosed, identified late, and often undertreated with inequality in access to care and treatment options, and there is no medication that can prevent disease progression. The present review article discusses these gaps in the management of VHD and potential actions to undertake to improve the outcome of patients with VHD.
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: relevance of a dedicated dyspnoea clinic
Authors: Verwerft Jan , Soens Lucie , Wynants Jokke , Meysman Marc , Jogani Siddharth , Plein Danielle , Stroobants Sarah , Herbots Lieven , Verbrugge Frederik H 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background and aims
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a syndrome with a heterogeneous presentation. This study provides an in-;depth description of haemodynamic and metabolic alterations revealed by systematic assessment through cardiopulmonary exercise testing combined with exercise echocardiography (CPETecho) within a dedicated dyspnoea clinic.

Methods and results
Consecutive patients (n = 297), referred to a dedicated dyspnoea clinic using a standardized workup including CPETecho, with HFpEF diagnosed through a H2FPEF score ≥6 or HFA-PEFF score ≥5, were evaluated. A median of four haemodynamic/metabolic alterations was uncovered per patient: impaired stroke volume reserve (73%), impaired chronotropic reserve (72%), exercise pulmonary hypertension (65%), and impaired diastolic reserve (64%) were the most frequent cardiac alterations. Impaired peripheral oxygen extraction and a ventilatory limitation were present in 40% and 39%, respectively. In 267 patients (90%), 575 further diagnostic examinations were recommended (median of two tests per patient). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, coronary or amyloidosis workup, ventilation–perfusion scanning, and pulmonology referral were each recommended in approximately one out of three patients. In 293 patients (99%), 929 cardiovascular drug optimizations were performed (median of 3 modifications per patient). In 110 patients (37%), 132 cardiovascular interventions were performed, with ablation as the most frequent procedure.

Conclusion
Holistic workup of HFpEF patients within a multidisciplinary, dedicated dyspnoea clinic, including systematic implementation of CPETecho reveals various haemodynamic/metabolic alterations, leading to further diagnostic testing and potential treatment changes in the majority of cases.
Characterization of the cervicovaginal microbiota of female beef cattle harboringCampylobacter fetussubsp.venerealisusing 16S rDNA gene sequencing
Authors: De Carli Silvia , Breyer Gabriela Merker , Lopes Cassiane Elisabete , Zitelli Larissa Caló , Contreras Laura Victoria Quishpe , Valle Stella de Faria , Siqueira Franciele M 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBovine genital campylobacteriosis (BGC) is a leading cause of return to estrus in cows. The etiologic agent, Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv) is transmitted by venereal route. Hence, the surrounding reproductive tract microenvironment could play a role in return to estrus in cows. The presence of Cfv in cervicovaginal mucus of Angus breed females provide three experimental groups, which were subject to bacteriome analyses: 10 Cfv-positive cows (CVP), 10 Cfv-negative cows (CVN), and 10 nonsexually active heifers (NSA). Cows with return to estrus showed higher bacterial richness than NSA. Beta diversity analysis showed a significant difference (P = 0.006) in bacterial composition among the three groups analyzed (CVP, CVN, and NSA). However, no significant difference was found when comparing the CVP versus CVN groups. Ureaplasma and Pseudomonas were the genera most frequently observed in NSA, being Ureaplasma the predictor genus to that group, whereas Alistipes, Bacteroides, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, UCG-005, and UCG-10 were both significantly more abundant and predictors genera in cows with return to estrus. Our results provide an overview of the cervicovaginal bacterial microbiota in cows harboring Cfv and improve the knowledge of the pathogenesis of BGC.
Writing Milan and Turin in the Light of (Failed) Utopia: Luciano Bianciardi and Paolo Volponi
Authors: Brecciaroli Giulia 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
This article examines a series of novels by Italian writers, Luciano Bianciardi and Paolo Volponi, that capture the transformations brought about by the post-World War II economic growth in the urban-industrial society of Northern Italy. The analysis draws on utopia as, in Ruth Levitas’s words, a ‘desire for a better way of living and being’ and explores how the writers’ frustrated aspirations for social reform result in a dystopic portrayal of Milan and Turin, seen as sites of social injustice, anomie and authoritative power. Italy’s unprocessed past traumas reverberate through urban descriptions: the threat of totalitarianism lingers in industrial architecture and the ways in which urban spaces are organized. Textual analysis refers to Michel Foucault to explore how spatial organization may enhance individualism and productivity. As powerful economic centres, Milan and Turin are privileged locations from which Bianciardi and Volponi reflect on the idiosyncrasies of modernization and on their failed utopian ambitions for a more egalitarian Italian society.
Composite Assessment Using Intestinal Ultrasound and Calprotectin Is Accurate in Predicting Histological Activity in Ulcerative Colitis: A Cohort Study
Authors: Goodsall Thomas M , Day Alice S , Andrews Jane M , Ruszkiewicz Andrew , Ma Christopher , Bryant Robert V 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background
Beyond endoscopic remission, histological remission in ulcerative colitis (UC) is predictive of clinical outcomes. Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) may offer a noninvasive surrogate marker for histological activity; however, there are limited data correlating validated ultrasound and histological indices.

Aim
Our aim was to determine the correlation of IUS activity in UC with a validated histological activity index.

Methods
Twenty-nine prospective, paired, same-day IUS/endoscopy/histology/fecal calprotectin (FC) cases were included. Intestinal ultrasound activity was determined using the Milan Ultrasound Criteria, histological activity using the Nancy Histological Index, endoscopic activity using Mayo endoscopic subscore and Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity, and clinical activity using the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Score.

Results
Histological activity demonstrated a significant linear association with overall IUS activity (coefficient 0.14; 95% CI, 0.03-0.25; P = .011). Intestinal ultrasound activity was also significantly associated with endoscopic activity (0.32; 95% CI, 0.14-0.49; P &lt; 0.001), total Mayo score (0.31; 95% CI, 0.02-0.60; P = .036) but not FC (0.10; 95% CI, −0.01 to 0.21; P = .064) or clinical disease activity (0.04; 95% CI, −0.21 to 0.28; P = .768). A composite of IUS and FC showed the greatest association (1.31; 95% CI, 0.43-2.18; P = .003) and accurately predicted histological activity in 88% of cases (P = .007), with sensitivity of 88%, specificity 80%, positive predictive value 95%, and negative predictive value 57%.

Conclusions
Intestinal ultrasound is an accurate noninvasive marker of histological disease activity in UC, the accuracy of which is further enhanced when used in composite with FC. This can reduce the need for colonoscopy in routine care by supporting accurate point-of-care decision-making in patients with UC.
Amendment of a thermophile-fermented compost to humus improves the growth of female larvae of the Hercules beetleDynastes hercules(Coleoptera: scarabaeidae)
Authors: Asano Futo , Tsuboi Arisa , Moriya Shigeharu , Kato Tamotsu , Tsuji Naoko , Nakaguma Teruno , Ohno Hiroshi , Miyamoto Hirokuni , Kodama Hiroaki 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAimsHercules beetle is a popular pet and large adult individuals are considered valuable. Incorporating compost prepared from marine animals and fermented by thermophilic bacteria into the humus benefits the gut microflora of several livestock. Here, we evaluated whether this compost improves the growth of the Hercules beetle (Dynastes hercules hercules) larvae.Methods and ResultsWe mixed the compost grains with the humus at a final concentration of 1% (w/w) and transferred ∼90 days old Hercules beetle larvae to fresh humus with or without the compost. After 72 days rearing period, only the female larvae reared in the humus with compost exhibited superior growth, compared with those grown in compost-free humus. The gut bacterial composition was determined at 0 and 46 day after transferring the larvae to humus with or without compost. Improved growth of the female larvae was associated with increased abundance of Mollicutes and decreased abundance of Gammaproteobacteria.ConclusionThe thermophile-fermented compost has a probiotic effect on the female Hercules beetle larvae that is mediated by altered gut microflora.
Interplay between rhizobial nodulation and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal colonization inLotus japonicusroots
Authors: Tsikou Daniela , Nikolaou Christina N , Tsiknia Myrto , Papadopoulou Kalliope K , Ehaliotis Constantinos 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAimsThis study aims to identify main factors that influence the tripartite association of legumes with arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) and nitrogen-fixing rhizobia.Methods and ResultsConcurrent inoculations with Mesorhizobium loti and four AMF strains were performed on the model legume Lotus japonicus. Nodulation was significantly enhanced by all AMF strains, under normal conditions, and by specific AMF strains under heat-stress conditions. The impact of rhizobia on mycorrhizal colonization was AMF strain dependent. Co-inoculation trials, where either AMF or rhizobia were restricted outside the root, showed that the symbiotic phenotypes are not influenced by microbial interactions at the pre-symbiotic stage. External application of nutrients showed that P enhances nodulation, while N application does not enhance mycorrhizal colonization.ConclusionsNodulation and mycorhization affect one another during advanced stages of the symbiosis. AMF strains may enhance nodulation under both normal and high environmental temperatures. Rhizobium-AMF compatibility is critical, as rhizobium may positively affect specific AMF strains, an effect that does not derive from increased N uptake.
A profitable function ofCeriporia lacerataHG2011 on nodulation and biological nitrogen fixation of green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Yin Jie , Sui Zongming , Yuan Ling , Huang Jianguo 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAimsGreen bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a popular vegetable worldwide. The use of beneficial fungi is a simple and effective way to improve the biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) of this leguminous vegetable.Methods and ResultsA micro-plot was conducted to investigate the enhancement of BNF using 15N natural abundance technology and agronomic performances of green bean caused by wood-rot fungus Ceriporia lacerata HG2011. The results showed the soil for frequently growing green bean featured abundant native rhizobia, and newly inoculated rhizobia may have to compete with them in nodulation and only highly competitive rhizobia can succeed. The addition of C. lacerata HG2011 to the soil increased the population of ammonia oxidizers, nitrifiers, and phosphorus (P)-mobilizing microbes in rhizosphere, accelerated nitrification and P mobilization, creating a favorable soil environment with high P and low ammonia for BNF. Green bean received C. lacerata HG2011 had higher dehydrogenase activity in roots and higher nodulation rate and large nodules. These phenomena implied abundant supplies of adenosine triphosphate, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen, or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen for BNF in the roots, a large proportion of N2 fixation tissues, and a greater sink for receiving photosynthates. As a result, C. lacerata HG2011 considerably increased the percentage of N derived from the atmosphere, BNF, and plant nutrient uptake (including N, P, and potassium), leading to 15.58%–28.51% of biomass increasment and 9.82%–17.03% of peapod yield increasment along with quality improvement compared with non-fungal application.ConclusionsC. lacerata HG2011 increased the nodulation and BNF of green bean, accelerated the nutrient uptake (NPK) and therefore improved the yield and peapod quality of green bean.Significance and Impact of StudyThe study demonstrates that C. lacerata HG2011 could be used as a biofertilizer for BNF improvement of legumes.
Optimization and adsorption characteristics of beads based on heat-inactivated bacterial biomaterial towards the pesticide Cypermethrin
Authors: Chen Yuan , Zhang Mengmei , Zhao Tianye , Lai Jinghui , Wang Yuanqing , Zhou Qiao , Li Jianlong , Hu Kaidi , Li Qin , Ao Xiaolin , Chen Shujuan , Yang Yong , Zou Likou , Liu Shuliang 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAimsBeads containing heat-inactivated bacterial biomaterial (BBBs) were prepared for removal of cypermethrin (CPM) and the conditions for this removal were evaluated and optimized via single-factor coupled orthogonal experiments based on five factors. The adsorption characteristics of BBBs and the binding mechanism were then explored.Methods and ResultsResults showed that the adsorption rate of CPM could reach 98% with beads prepared under optimized conditions: equal volumes of Lactobacillus cell debris derived from 1×1011 CFU; 2% hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and 2.5% activated carbon concentration, were mixed to give mixture TM, and this and SA, was mixed 1:4 with sodium alginate (SA) and beads were prepared using a 26-Gauge needle). The best adsorption conditions were initial CPM concentration of 10 mg l-1, incubation time of 24 h, and rotational speed of 180 rpm. BBBs have a well-formed structure and abundant surface functional groups, such as –COOH, –OH, –NH, –CH, –CO, –C=C. The adsorption process conformed to pseudo-second-order kinetic, and it was also a Freundlich monolayer adsorption, and the calculated maximum adsorption capacity was 9.69 mg g-1 under optimized conditions.ConclusionsBBBs showed the highest CPM removal capacity and a good tolerance ability.Significance and Impact of the StudyOur results provided a theoretical foundation for developing an adsorbent with heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) RS60 for removing CPM in wastewater or drinks.
Geobacillus stearothermophilusandBacillus atrophaeusspores exhibit linear inactivation kinetic performance when treated with an industrial scale vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VH2O2) sterilization process
Authors: McEvoy Brian , Maksimovic Ana , Rowan Neil J 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAimsThis study aims to determine the inactivation kinetics of Geobacillus stearothermophilus and Bacillus atrophaeus biological indicators, treated with vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VH2O2) at an industrial scale. There is an assumption that sterilization processes generate linear kinetic plots of treated biological indicators that are used for informing probability-based decision-making by the MedTech industry for effective sterilization treatments; however, this has not been reported for sterilization using VH2O2.Methods and resultsSurvivor curves were generated, and sterilization performances were separately determined using G. stearothermophilus and B. atrophaeus biological indicators following the development of appropriate process challenge devices (PCDs). Regression analysis revealed that the inactivation kinetics for VH2O2-treated microorganisms exhibited log linear profiles. The use of scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed no significant topographical changes in the outer surface of these VH2O2-treated spores.ConclusionsBoth biological indicators exhibited log linear inactivation kinetics when treated with an industrial scale vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VH2O2) sterilization process. Therefore, this novel finding corroborates and proves the appropriateness of using VH2O2 as a sterilization method in accordance with applicable ISO standards.
Anti-amoebic activity of a series of benzofuran/benzothiophene derivatives againstAcanthamoeba castellaniibelonging to the T4 genotype
Authors: Akbar Noor , El-Gamal Mohammed I , Zaraei Seyed-Omar , Saeed Balsam Qubais , Khan Naveed Ahmed , Siddiqui Ruqaiyyah 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAimsTo determine the anti-amoebic activity of benzofuran/benzothiophene-possessing compounds against Acanthamoeba castellanii of the T4 genotype.Method and resultsA series of benzofuran/benzothiophene-possessing compounds were tested for their anti-amoebic activities, in particular, to block encystation and excystation processes in amoebae. Cytotoxicity of the compounds were evaluated using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. The amoebicidal assay results revealed significant anti-amoebic effects against A. castellanii. Compounds 1p and 1e showed the highest amoebicidal activity, eliminating 68% and 64% of the amoebae, respectively. These compounds remarkably repressed both the encystation and excystation processes in A. castellanii. Furthermore, the selected compounds presented minimal cytotoxic properties against human cells, as well as considerably abridged amoeba-mediated cytopathogenicity when compared to the amoebae alone.ConclusionsOur findings show that benzofuran/benzothiophene derivatives depict potent anti-amoebic activities; thus these compounds should be used as promising and novel agents in the rationale development of therapeutic strategies against Acanthamoeba infections.