bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of age at menarche and menopause, reproductive lifespan, and stroke among Chinese women: Results from a national cohort study
Authors: Chen Lu , Hu Zhen , Wang Xin , Zheng Congyi , Cao Xue , Cai Jiayin , Tian Yixin , Gu Runqing , Zhang Linfeng , Wang Zengwu 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe association between age of menarche, age of menopause, reproductive lifespan and risk of stroke in Chinese women remains unclear and requires further clarification.MethodsA stratified multi-stage random sampling method was used to select participants at baseline in 2012-2015. The participants’ basic information was collected through a standardized questionnaire by professional investigator and examined by trained medical personnel. Follow-up was completed in 2019 to collect the stroke events. The Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate hazard ratios between reproductive factors and stroke risk.ResultsOverall, 11,256 women (5,155 non-menopausal women and 6,101 menopausal women) were included (mean [standard deviation] age, 55.2 [12.9] years). The risk was highest in women with menarche at age ≥17 years (HR, 1.290; 95%CI, 0.959∼1.733) and with reproductive lifespan ≤28 years (HR, 1.643; 95%CI, 1.041∼2.595). Age at menarche was positively associated with risk of stroke (HR, 1.086; 95%CI, 1.006∼1.172). There was a negative association between age at menopause and stroke risk in women with 2 live births (HR, 0.897; 95%CI, 0.834∼0.964). Reproductive lifespan was negatively associated with risk of stroke (HR, 0.963; 95%CI, 0.946∼1.027). Subgroup analysis also showed that association between age at menarche, reproductive lifespan and stroke events.ConclusionsChinese women with late age at menarche and shorter reproductive lifespan have higher risk of stroke according to a large prospective study.
Handgrip strength on the unaffected side associated with cardiorespiratory fitness in male patients with stroke
Authors: Chen Yuan , Zhou Mingchao , Zha Fubin , Zhang Shaohua , Luo Jiao , Huang Meiling , Yang Qiangqing , Shan Linlin , Wang Yulong 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo investigate factors related to cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with stroke and explore the association between handgrip strength (HS) and peak oxygen utilization (VO2peak).METHODSThe present study adopted a cross-sectional method. Seventy male patients who had been clinically diagnosed with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke were recruited for this study. HS on the unaffected side (uHS) was measured using a hydraulic hand dynamometer and adjusted for body mass index (uHSBMI) and body surface area (uHSBSA). Concurrently, the VO2peak was measured using a cardiopulmonary exercise test system. Univariate, multiple linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between various participant characteristics and the VO2peak.RESULTSThe average age of the 70 selected male patients was 51.6 ± 10.3 years. The Barthel Index (BI), uHS, uHSBMI, and uHSBSAwere the independent predictors of VO2peak. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), body mass index (BMI), and body surface area (BSA) were negatively correlated with the VO2peak. The estimation of VO2peak using linear regression, including age, BI, uHSBSA, and anaerobic threshold (AT) as independent variables, explained 65.5% of the variance in the VO2peak.CONCLUSIONBMI- and BSA-adjusted uHS appear to be independent factors associated with cardiorespiratory fitness in male patients with stroke. The anaerobic threshold (AT) combined with uHSBMI/uHSBSAmay provide a more reliable assessment of the aerobic capacity post-stroke. The measurement of handgrip strength is a simple, risk-stratifying method that may help determine the cardiorespiratory fitness of patients with stroke, but a larger study with diverse subjects is needed.
Reevaluation of the Variable Component of the Systematic Error Calls for Paradigm Change in Clinical Laboratory Quality Control
Authors: Vandra Atilla Barna 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe existence of the variable component of the systematic error (VCSE) is known since 1963, but seems to be a kind of taboo: neither has definition in VIM, nor is present in equations, being considered transformed in time into random error. Present study using methods of mathematical statistics, computer simulations and examples from the day-to-day practice of the author makes an attempt to reevaluate its role and significance in the QC in clinical laboratory.“The bias” (which one?) it is a definitional uncertainty, because it is time-variable. Making clear distinction between bias measured in repeatability respective reproducibility within laboratory (RW) conditions as in case of standard deviations, and also separating constant and variable subcomponents of the systematic error, two sets of error parameters are obtained each set being consistent with the measurement conditions. The link between them is the time-variable VCSE function.The conditions of calculations and predictions based on them must be consistent with the conditions of their determination, to avoid the redundant use. Being consequent, several differences can be discovered between the constant and the variable component of the systematic error respective random phenomena, also between variable and random error components.The variable components of the systematic errors are cyclical, mostly predictable variations (shifts and drifts) in the daily mean. However, it is presented a direct method to determine the SD of the VCSE, its easiest calculation is possible from accurate values of srand sRW. There are presented methods to calculate srand sRWfrom long term data.As conclusion there is necessary a new paradigm of the QC in clinical laboratory based on the proposed error model.Motto“Everything Should Be Made as Simple as Possible, But Not Simpler” (A. Einstein).
Impact of COVID-19 on Hepatitis B Screening in Sierra Leone: Insights from a Community Pharmacy Model of Care
Authors: Ghazzawi Manal , Babawo Lawrence S. , Mohareb Amir M. , James Peter B. , Yendewa Sahr A. , Massaquoi Samuel P.E. , Cummings Peterlyn E. , Lakoh Sulaiman , Salata Robert A. , Yendewa George A. 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACTBackgroundThere are limited studies evaluating the impact of COVID-19-related interruptions on hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening in endemic countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of HBV testing in a community pharmacy in Freetown, Sierra Leone, from October 1, 2019, through September 30, 2022. We compared participant characteristics using Pearson’s chi-square test. We evaluated trends in HBV screening and diagnosis using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s or Dunnett’s post-test.FindingsOf 920 individuals screened, 161 had detectable HBsAg (seroprevalence 17.5% [95% CI 14.9-20.4]). There was a 100% decrease in HBV screening during January-June of 2020; however, screening increased by 27% and 23% in the first and second year after COVID-19, respectively. Mean quarterly tests showed a significant upward trend: 55 ± 6 tests during January-March (baseline), 74 ± 16 tests during April-June, 101 ± 3 tests during July-September, and 107 ± 17 tests during October-December (one-way ANOVA test for trend, F=7.7, p = 0.0254) but not the mean quarterly number of people diagnosed with HBV (F = 0.34, p = 0.7992).InterpretationCommunity-based HBV screening dramatically improved following temporary disruptions related to COVID-19. Seasonal variation in HBV screening, but not HBV diagnosis, may have implications for HBV elimination efforts in Sierra Leone and other West African countries.
Assessment of sewer connectivity in the United States and its implications for equity in wastewater-based epidemiology
Authors: Yu QinQin , Olesen Scott W. , Duvallet Claire , Grad Yonatan H. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractWastewater-based epidemiology is a promising public health tool that can yield a more representative view of the population than case reporting. However, only about 80% of the U.S. population is connected to public sewers, and the characteristics of populations missed by wastewater-based epidemiology are unclear. To address this gap, we used publicly available datasets to assess sewer connectivity in the U.S. by location, demographic groups, and economic groups. Data from the U.S. Census’ American Housing Survey revealed that sewer connectivity was lower than average when the head of household was American Indian and Alaskan Native, White, non-Hispanic, older, and for larger households and those with higher income, but smaller geographic scales revealed local variations from this national connectivity pattern. For example, data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency showed that sewer connectivity was positively correlated with income in Minnesota, Florida, and California. Data from the U.S. Census’ American Community Survey and Environmental Protection Agency also revealed geographic areas with low sewer connectivity, such as Alaska, the Navajo Nation, Minnesota, Michigan, and Florida. However, with the exception of the U.S. Census data, there were inconsistencies across datasets. Using mathematical modeling to assess the impact of wastewater sampling inequities on inferences about epidemic trajectory at a local scale, we found that in some situations, even weak connections between communities may allow wastewater monitoring in one community to serve as a reliable proxy for an interacting community with no wastewater monitoring, when cases are widespread. A systematic, rigorous assessment of sewer connectivity will be important for ensuring an equitable and informed implementation of wastewater-based epidemiology as a public health monitoring system.
GTPBP8 is required for mitoribosomal biogenesis and mitochondrial translation
Authors: Wang Liang , Hilander Taru , Liu Xiaonan , Tsang Hoiying , Eriksson Ove , Jackson Christopher B. , Varjosalo Markku , Zhao Hongxia 
Published: May 2023

AbstractMitochondria contain a multi-copy genome and a distinct set of ribosomes devoted to the exclusive synthesis of proteins that are essential for oxidative phosphorylation. The assembly of mitoribosomes for mitochondrial translation is a poorly understood process. In this study, we identify the uncharacterized GTP-binding protein 8 (GTPBP8) as a mitoribosomal assembly factor that specifically associates with the mitoribosomal large subunit. Genetic depletion of GTPBP8 causes an aberrant accumulation of the large mitoribosomal subunit at a late assembly stage and reduces the level of fully assembled 55S mitoribosomes, resulting in impaired mitochondrial translation and function. Together, our findings uncover an important role for human GTPBP8 in the processes of mitoribosomal assembly and mitochondrial translation.Key pointsGTPBP8 is a novel GTPase residing in the matrix peripherally bound to the inner mitochondrial membraneGTPBP8 specifically associates with the large mitoribosome subunit through interactions with large mitoribosomal proteins assembled at late stages.GTPBP is essential for maturation of the mitoribosomal large subunit and monosome formation
Efficient Simulations of Membrane and Solvent Asymmetry With Flat-Bottom Restraints
Authors: Biriukov Denys , Javanainen Matti 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe routinely employed periodic boundary conditions complicate molecular simulations of physiologically relevant asymmetric lipid membranes together with their distinct solvent environments. Therefore, separating the extracellular fluid from its cytosolic counterpart has often been performed using a costly double-bilayer setup. Here, we demonstrate that the lipid membrane and solvent asymmetry can be efficiently modeled with a single lipid bilayer by applying a flat-bottom potential to ions and other solute molecules, thereby restraining them to only interact with its relevant leaflet. We carefully optimized the parameters of the suggested method so that the results obtained using the flat-bottom and double-bilayer approaches become mutually indistinguishable. Then, we apply the flat-bottom approach to lipid bilayers with various compositions and solvent environments, covering ions and cationic peptides to validate the approach in a realistic use case. We also discuss the possible limitations of the method as well as its computational efficiency and provide a step-by-step guide on how to set up such simulations in a straightforward manner.
Defying Gravity:WEEPpromotes negative gravitropism inPrunus persica(peach) shoots and roots by establishing asymmetric auxin gradients
Authors: Kohler Andrea R. , Scheil Andrew , Hill Joseph L. , Allen Jeffrey R. , Al-Haddad Jameel M. , Goeckeritz Charity Z. , Strader Lucia C. , Telewski Frank W. , Hollender Courtney A. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractTrees with weeping shoot architectures are valued for their beauty and serve as tremendous resources for understanding how plants regulate posture control. ThePrunus persica(peach) weeping phenotype, which has elliptical downward arching branches, is caused by a homozygous mutation in theWEEPgene. Until now, little was known about the function of WEEP protein despite its high conservation throughout Plantae. Here, we present the results of anatomical, biochemical, biomechanical, physiological, and molecular experiments that provide insight into WEEP function. Our data suggest that weeping peach does not have defects in branch structure. Rather, transcriptomes from the adaxial (upper) and abaxial (lower) sides of standard and weeping branch shoot tips revealed flipped expression patterns for genes associated with early auxin response, tissue patterning, cell elongation, and tension wood development.This suggests that WEEP promotes polar auxin transport toward the lower side during shoot gravitropic response, leading to cell elongation and tension wood development. In addition, weeping peach trees exhibited steeper root systems and faster root gravitropic response, just as barley and wheat with mutations in theirWEEPhomologEGT2. This suggests that the role of WEEP in regulating lateral organ angles and orientations during gravitropism may be conserved. Additionally, size-exclusion chromatography indicated that WEEP proteins self-oligomerize, like other SAM-domain proteins. This oligomerization may be required for WEEP to function in formation of protein complexes during auxin transport. Collectively, our results from weeping peach provide new insight into polar auxin transport mechanisms associated with gravitropism and lateral shoot and root orientation.
Coupling and uncoupling of midline morphogenesis and cell flow in amniote gastrulation
Authors: Asai Rieko , Prakash Vivek N. , Sinha Shubham , Prakash Manu , Mikawa Takashi 
Published: May 2023

SummaryLarge-scale cell flow characterizes gastrulation in animal development. In amniote gastrulation, particularly in avian gastrula, a bilateral vortex-like counter-rotating cell flow, called ‘polonaise movements’, appears along the midline. Here, through experimental manipulations, we addressed relationships between the polonaise movements and morphogenesis of the primitive streak, the earliest midline structure in amniotes. Suppression of the Wnt/planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling pathway maintains the polonaise movements along a deformed primitive streak. Mitotic arrest leads to diminished extension and development of the primitive streak and maintains the early phase of the polonaise movements. Ectopically induced Vg1, an axis-inducing morphogen, generates the polonaise movements, aligned to the induced midline, but disturbs the stereotypical cell flow pattern at the authentic midline. Despite the altered cell flow, induction and extension of the primitive streak are preserved along both authentic and induced midlines. Finally, we show that ectopic axis-inducing morphogen, Vg1, is capable of initiating the polonaise movements without concomitant PS extension under mitotic arrest conditions. These results are consistent with a model wherein primitive streak morphogenesis is required for the maintenance of the polonaise movements, but the polonaise movements are not necessarily responsible for primitive streak morphogenesis. Our data describe a previously undefined relationship between the large-scale cell flow and midline morphogenesis in gastrulation.
Global pathogenomic analysis identifies known and novel genetic antimicrobial resistance determinants in twelve species
Authors: Hyun Jason C. , Monk Jonathan M. , Szubin Richard , Hefner Ying , Palsson Bernhard O. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractSurveillance programs for managing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) have yielded thousands of genomes suited for data-driven mechanism discovery. We present a workflow integrating pangenomics, gene annotation, and machine learning to identify AMR genes at scale. Applied to 12 species, 27,155 genomes, and 69 drugs, we 1) found AMR gene transfer mostly confined within related species, with 925 genes in multiple species but just eight in multiple phylogenetic classes, 2) demonstrated that discovery-oriented support vector machines outperform contemporary methods at recovering known AMR genes, recovering 263 genes compared to 145 by Pyseer, and 3) identified 142 novel AMR gene candidates. Validation of two candidates inE. coliBW25113 revealed cases of conditional resistance:ΔcycAconferred ciprofloxacin resistance in minimal media with D-serine, andfrdDV111D conferred ampicillin resistance in the presence ofampCby modifying the overlapping promoter. We expect this approach to be adaptable to other species and phenotypes.
Healthcare utilization and clinical characteristics of genetic epilepsy syndromes: a longitudinal case-control study of electronic health records
Authors: Boßelmann Christian M , Ivaniuk Alina , John Mark St , Taylor Sara C , Krishnaswamy Gokul , Milinovich Alex , Leu Costin , Gupta Ajay , Pestana-Knight Elia M , Najm Imad , Lal Dennis 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundUnderstanding disease progression, age-specific comorbidities, medical treatment patterns, and unmet needs can help improve the care pathway of individuals with rare genetic epilepsies. A matched longitudinal cohort study has not been performed for these variables from childhood to adolescence across the whole phenome.MethodsWe identified individuals with likely genetic and non-genetic epilepsy syndromes and onset at ages 0-5 years by linkage across the Cleveland Clinic Health System. We used natural language processing to extract medical terms and procedures from longitudinal electronic health records (EHR) and tested for cross-sectional and temporal associations with genetic epilepsies.FindingsWe identified 503 individuals with genetic epilepsy syndromes and matched controls with epilepsy that did not receive genetic testing. The median age at the first encounter was 0·1 years, 7·9 years at the last encounter, and the mean duration of follow-up was 8·2 years. We extracted 188,295 Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) annotations for statistical analysis across 9,659 encounters. Individuals with genetic epilepsy syndromes received an earlier epilepsy diagnosis and had more frequent and complex encounters with the healthcare system. Notably, the highest enrichment of encounters compared to the non-genetic groups was found during the transition from paediatric to adult care. Our computational approach could validate established comorbidities of genetic epilepsies, such as behavioural abnormality and intellectual disability. We also revealed novel associations for genitourinary abnormalities (OR 1·91, 95% CI: 1·66-2·19, p = 2·39×10-19) linked to a spectrum of underrecognized genetic syndromes.InterpretationThis study identified novel features associated with the likelihood of a genetic epilepsy syndrome and quantified the healthcare utilization of genetic epilepsies compared to matched controls with epilepsy who did not receive genetic testing. Our results strongly recommend early genetic testing to stratify individuals into specialized care paths, thus improving the clinical management of people with genetic epilepsies.FundingNot applicable.
Modeling Antigen-Specific T Cell Dynamics Following Hepatitis B Vaccination indicates differences between conventional and regulatory T cell dynamics
Authors: Besbassi Hajar , Elias George , Meysman Pieter , Jansens Hilde , Laukens Kris , Van Damme Pierre , Hens Niel , Beutels Philippe , Ogunjimi Benson 
Published: May 2023

AbstractOur study aims to investigate the dynamics of conventional memory T cells (Tconv) and regulatory T cells (Treg) following activation, and to explore potential differences between these two cell types. To achieve this, we developed advanced statistical mixed models based on mathematical models of ordinary differential equations (ODE), which allowed us to transform post-vaccination immunological processes into mathematical formulas. These models were applied on in-house data from a de novo Hepatitis B vaccination trial. By accounting for inter- and intra-individual variability, our models provided good fits for both antigen-specific Tconv and Treg cells, overcoming the challenge of studying these complex processes. Our modeling approach provided a deeper understanding of the immunological processes underlying T cell development after vaccination. Specifically, our analysis revealed several important findings regarding the dynamics of Tconv and Treg cells, as well as their relationship to seropositivity for HSV-1 and EBV, and the dynamics of antibody response to vaccination. Firstly, our modeling indicated that Tconv dynamics suggest the existence of two T cell types, in contrast to Treg dynamics where only one T cell type is predicted. Secondly, we found that individuals who converted to a positive antibody response to the vaccine earlier had lower decay rates for both Tregs and Tconv cells, which may have important implications for the development of more effective vaccination strategies. Additionally, our modeling showed that HSV-1 seropositivity negatively influenced Tconv cell expansion after the second vaccination, while EBV seropositivity was associated with higher Treg expansion rates after vaccination. Overall, this study provides a critical foundation for understanding the dynamic processes underlying T cell development after vaccination.
Child Anemia in Cambodia: A Descriptive Analysis of Temporal and Geospatial Trends and Logistic Regression-Based Examination of Factors Associated with Anemia in Children
Authors: Um Samnang , Cope Michael R. , Muir Jonathan A. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAnemia in children remains a public health concern in many resource-limited countries. To better understand child anemia in Cambodia, we examined temporal and geospatial trends of childhood anemia and used logistic regression to analyze its association with individual and household characteristics using data from the Cambodia Demographic and Health Surveys for 2005, 2010, and 2014. The prevalence of childhood anemia decreased from 62.2% in 2005 to 56.6% in 2014. The prevalence of childhood anemia was highest in Pursat (84.3%) for 2005, Kampong Thom (67%) for 2010, and Preah Vihear and Steung Treng (68.6%) for 2014. After adjusting for other variables, factors positively associated with childhood anemia included having a mother who was anemic (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) =1.77, 95% CI: 1.58 - 1.97); being male vs. female (AOR=1.20, 95% CI: 1.07 - 1.33), underweight (AOR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.14 - 1.57), or stunted (AOR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.09 - 1.41); or having had a recent episode of fever (AOR=1.16, 95% CI: 1.03 - 1.31). Children were less likely to have anemia if they were older than 12 months. They were also less likely to have anemia if they were from a wealthier household (AOR=0.64; 95% CI: 0.50 - 0.84) or had taken medications for intestinal parasites (AOR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.89-0.93). These associations were generally consistent across time and space. Public health interventions and policies to alleviate anemia should be prioritized to address these factors across geospatial divides. Anemia remains highly prevalent among children aged 6-59 months in Cambodia.