bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Trend of Serum Creatinine Does Not Predict Follow-Up Biopsy Findings Among Kidney Transplant Recipients With Antibody-Mediated Rejection
Authors: Parajuli Sandesh , Zhong Weixiong , Pantha Monika , Sokup Megan , Aziz Fahad , Garg Neetika , Mohamed Maha , Mandelbrot Didier 
Published: May 2023

Background.
Traditionally, antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) has been suspected mainly by a rise in serum creatinine (Scr) and confirmed by allograft biopsy. There is limited literature describing the trend of Scr after treatment, and how that trend might differ between patients with histological response and with no response to treatment.

Methods.
We included all cases of AMR at our program between March 2016 and July 2020 who had a follow-up biopsy after the index biopsy, with initial diagnosis of AMR. We trended the Scr and change in Scr (delta Scr) and its association with being a responder (microvascular inflammation, MVI ≤1) or nonresponder (MVI >1), as well as graft failure.

Results.
A total of 183 kidney transplant recipients were included, 66 in the responder group and 177 in the nonresponder group. The MVI scores and sum chronicity scores, along with transplant glomerulopathy scores, were higher in the nonresponder group. However, Scr at index biopsy was similar in responders (1.74 ± 0.70) versus nonresponders (1.83 ± 0.65; P = 0.39), as were the delta Scr at various time points. After adjustment for multiple variables, delta Scr was not associated with being a nonresponder. Also, delta Scr value at follow-up biopsy compared with index biopsy among responders was 0 ± 0.67 (P = 0.99) and among nonresponders was –0.01 ± 0.61 (P = 0.89). Being a nonresponder was significantly associated with an increased risk of graft failure at the last follow-up in univariate analysis but was not in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.58-3.17; P = 0.49).

Conclusions.
We found that Scr is not a good predictor of the resolution of MVI, supporting the utility of follow-up biopsies after treatment of AMR.
Effect of stress on the dissolution/crystallization of apatite in aqueous solution: a thermochemical equilibrium study
Authors: Deymier Alix C. , Deymier Pierre A. , Latypov Marat , Muralidharan Krishna 
Published: May 2023

Bone mineralization is critical to maintaining tissue mechanical function. The application of mechanical stress via exercise promotes bone mineralization via cellular mechanotransduction and increased fluid transport through the collagen matrix. However, due to its complex composition and ability to exchange ions with the surrounding body fluids, bone mineral composition and crystallization is also expected to respond to stress. Here, a combination of data from materials simulations, namely density functional theory and molecular dynamics, and experimental studies were input into an equilibrium thermodynamic model of bone apatite under stress in an aqueous solution based on the theory of thermochemical equilibrium of stressed solids. The model indicated that increasing uniaxial stress induced mineral crystallization. This was accompanied by a decrease in calcium and carbonate integration into the apatite solid. These results suggest that weight-bearing exercises can increase tissue mineralization via interactions between bone mineral and body fluid independent of cell and matrix behaviours, thus providing another mechanism by which exercise can improve bone health.
This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Supercomputing simulations of advanced materials’.
Controlling crystallization: what liquid structure and dynamics reveal about crystal nucleation mechanisms
Authors: Rogal Jutta , Díaz Leines Grisell 
Published: May 2023

Over recent years, molecular simulations have provided invaluable insights into the microscopic processes governing the initial stages of crystal nucleation and growth. A key aspect that has been observed in many different systems is the formation of precursors in the supercooled liquid that precedes the emergence of crystalline nuclei. The structural and dynamical properties of these precursors determine to a large extent the nucleation probability as well as the formation of specific polymorphs. This novel microscopic view on nucleation mechanisms has further implications for our understanding of the nucleating ability and polymorph selectivity of nucleating agents, as these appear to be strongly linked to their ability in modifying structural and dynamical characteristics of the supercooled liquid, namely liquid heterogeneity. In this perspective, we highlight recent progress in exploring the connection between liquid heterogeneity and crystallization, including the effects of templates, and the potential impact for controlling crystallization processes.
This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Supercomputing simulations of advanced materials’.
Disclosure and Double Standards: A Mixed Methods Study of Self-Disclosure of Mental Illness or Addiction Among Medical Learners
Authors: Kassam Aliya , Antepim Benedicta , Sukhera Javeed 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPurposeDespite the proliferation of initiatives to address wellbeing and reduce burnout, mental illness and addiction stigma remains rooted within medical education and healthcare. One mechanism to address this stigma is self-disclosure. Given the paucity of literature on self-disclosure in medical learners, we sought to explore perceptions of self-disclosure in medical education.MethodIn a mixed method, convergent triangulation design, authors recruited medical learners from across Canada. Quantitative data included the Opening Minds Scale for Healthcare providers (OMS-HC), the Self Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (SSMIS), a wellbeing measure, and questions regarding substance use from Statistics Canada. Qualitative data included semi-structured interviews, which were collected and analyzed using a phenomenological approach. Data were collected simultaneously, analyzed separately, and then triangulated. Discrepancies were discussed until consensus was achieved.ResultsOverall, N= 125 medical learners (n= 67 medical students, n=58 resident physicians) responded to our survey, and N=13 participated in interviews (n = 10 medical students, n =3 resident physicians). OMS-HC scores showed resident physicians had more negative attitudes towards mental illness and disclosure (47.7 vs. 44.3,P= 0.02). Self-disclosure was modulated by the degree of intersectional vulnerability of the learner’s identity. When looking at self-disclosure, people who identified as men had more negative attitudes than people who identified as women (17.8 vs 16.1,P= 0.01). Racialized learners scored higher on self-stigma. Interview data suggested that disclosure was fraught with tensions, but perceived as having a positive outcome, including the perception that self-disclosure made learners better physicians and educators in the future.ConclusionThe individual process of disclosure is complex and appeared to become more challenging over time due to the internalization of negative attitudes about mental illness. Intersectional vulnerability in medical learners warrants further consideration. Fear of disclosure is an important factor shaped by the learning environment.
An Adaptive Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial of Emergency Department Acupuncture for Acute Musculoskeletal Pain Management
Authors: Eucker Stephanie A. , Glass Oliver , Knisely Mitchell R. , O’Regan Amy , Gordee Alexander , Li Cindy , Klasson Christopher L. , TumSuden Olivia , Pauley Alena , Chen Harrison , Staton Catherine A. , Kuchibhatla Maggie , Chow Shein-Chung 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACTObjectiveAcute musculoskeletal pain in emergency department (ED) patients is frequently severe and challenging to treat with medications alone. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of adding ED acupuncture to treat acute episodes of musculoskeletal pain in the neck, back, and/or extremities.MethodsIn this pragmatic two-stage adaptive open-label randomized clinical trial, Stage 1 identified whether auricular acupuncture (AA; based on the Battlefield Acupuncture protocol), or peripheral acupuncture (PA; needles in head, neck and extremities only), was more feasible, acceptable and efficacious in the ED. Stage 2 assessed effectiveness of the selected acupuncture intervention(s) on pain reduction compared to usual care only (UC). Licensed acupuncturists delivered AA and PA. They saw and evaluated, but did not deliver acupuncture to, the UC group as an attention control. All participants received usual care from blinded ED providers. The primary outcome was 1-hour change in 11-point pain numeric rating scale.ResultsStage 1 analysis found both acupuncture styles similar. Stage 2 continued all three arms. Among 236 participants randomized, demographics and baseline pain were comparable across groups. The diverse sample recruited was demographically reflective of the larger ED population. Estimated AA+UC (2.1; 95% CI: 1.6, 2.6) and PA+UC (1.6; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.1) 1-hour pain reductions were both significantly greater than UC (0.5; 95% CI: -0.1, 1.0), and participants in both treatment arms reported high satisfaction with acupuncture.ConclusionED acupuncture is feasible, acceptable and can effectively reduce acute musculoskeletal pain better than usual care alone.
Hsa-miRNA-1278 is a Novel Predictor for the Hematoma Expansion of Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Li Na , Kang Kaijiang , Ji Zeqiang , Zhang Feng , Zhao Xingquan 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackground and PurposeHematoma expansion has been identified as a crucial predictor for the progress and outcome of intracranial hemorrhage(ICH). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are associated with hematoma expansion and play important roles in regulating the mechanism of ICH. Here, we identified a miRNA, hsa-miR-1278, as a predictor of hematoma expansion and earlier estimation of ICH prognosis.MethodsThe participants who had been diagnosed with ICH by brain imaging were divided into hematoma enlargement(HE) group and non-HE group. A total of 10 samples from 2 groups were extracted and subjected to high-throughput sequencing. The differentially expressed microRNAs (DEMs) were identified by bioinformatics and quantitated by reverse transcription-polymerase quantitive chain reaction(RT-qPCR). To further validate the DEMs, We searched the Targescan database to find the target gene of the DEM and cultured the QSG7701 cells line and performed western blotting to validated the target miRNA. The Continuous variables were expressed as mean ± SD and analyzed by unpaired Student’s t-test; categorical variables were analyzed by chi-square test, and P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsWe performed miRNA sequencing of HE and non-HE in 10 patients with cerebral hemorrhage. We found 18 differentially expressed miRNAs in HE group. We then performed RT-qPCR verification and identified that hsa-miR-1278 was significantly increased in the HE group (P <0.05). By searching Targescan database and genes related to ICH, we selected IL22 and PF4 as the target genes of has-miR-1278. RT-qPCR showed that PF4 were decrease in HE, which was consistent with the increased of hsa-miR-1278.ConclusionsThe expression of hsa-miR-1278 was still significantly up-regulated in the hematoma expansion group, and therefore made the hsa-miR-1278 as a novel predictor of ICH prognosis.
Within-host SARS-CoV-2 viral kinetics informed by complex life course exposures reveals different intrinsic properties of Omicron and Delta variants
Authors: Russell Timothy W. , Townsley Hermaleigh , Abbott Sam , Hellewell Joel , Carr Edward J , Chapman Lloyd , Pung Rachael , Quilty Billy J. , Hodgson David , Fowler Ashley S , Adams Lorin , Bailey Christopher , Mears Harriet V , Harvey Ruth , Clayton Bobbi , O’Reilly Nicola , Ngai Yenting , Nicod Jerome , Gamblin Steve , Williams Bryan , Gandhi Sonia , Swanton Charles , Beale Rupert , Bauer David LV , Wall Emma C , Kucharski Adam 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe emergence of successive SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) during 2020-22, each exhibiting increased epidemic growth relative to earlier circulating variants, has created a need to understand the drivers of such growth. However, both pathogen biology and changing host characteristics – such as varying levels of immunity – can combine to influence replication and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within and between hosts. Disentangling the role of variant and host in individual-level viral shedding of VOCs is essential to inform COVID-19 planning and response, and interpret past epidemic trends. Using data from a prospective observational cohort study of healthy adult volunteers undergoing weekly occupational health PCR screening, we developed a Bayesian hierarchical model to reconstruct individual-level viral kinetics and estimate how different factors shaped viral dynamics, measured by PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values over time. Jointly accounting for both inter-individual variation in Ct values and complex host characteristics – such as vaccination status, exposure history and age – we found that age and number of prior exposures had a strong influence on peak viral replication. Older individuals and those who had at least five prior antigen exposures to vaccination and/or infection typically had much lower levels of shedding. Moreover, we found evidence of a correlation between the speed of early shedding and duration of incubation period when comparing different VOCs and age groups. Our findings illustrate the value of linking information on participant characteristics, symptom profile and infecting variant with prospective PCR sampling, and the importance of accounting for increasingly complex population exposure landscapes when analysing the viral kinetics of VOCs.
Has recombination changed during the recent evolution of the guppy Y chromosome?
Authors: Charlesworth Deborah , Qiu Suo , Gardner Jim , Bergero Roberta , Keegan Karen , Hastings Abigail , Konczal Mateusz 
Published: May 2023

AbstractGenome sequencing and genetic mapping of molecular markers has demonstrated Y-linkage across most of the guppy (Poecilia reticulata) XY chromosome pair. However, they also revealed exchanges with the X, consistent with classical genetic observations of occasional exchanges of factors controlling visible male-specific phenotypic traits. It remains unclear whether this fish species has an extensive sex-determining region without crossing over (whose suppressed recombination could have evolved under selection created by sexually antagonistic effects of male coloration factors), or whether the fully Y-linked region is very small, perhaps within a single gene. Population genomic data support cytogenetic results indicating that it is within the terminal 5 Mb of the 26.5 Mb chromosome 12, just proximal to a highly recombining pseudo-autosomal region, PAR1. Using molecular markers, we studied recombination, focusing on this region of the XY pair. Despite assembly errors in the small terminal PAR1, our mapping identifies very similar genetic PAR boundaries in sires from four populations, suggesting that their crossover patterns have not changed. Our results also confirmed occasional crossovers proximal to the male-determining region, defining a second pseudo-autosomal region, PAR2, recombining much more rarely than PAR1. The crossover positions suggest that the male-determining factor is within a repetitive region near 21 Mb in the female assembly. A sex-reversed XX male had few crossovers in PAR2, suggesting that this region’s low crossover rate depends on the phenotypic, not the genetic, sex. Thus rare sex changes, and/or occasional crossovers in males can explain the failure to detect fully Y-linked variants.
Genome-wide association study of John Henryism in the CARDIA Cohort suggests a molecular mechanism behind lower nicotine addiction rates
Authors: Chapleau Richard R 
Published: May 2023

AbstractJohn Henryism (JH) is a stress response mechanism that enables individuals to cope with chronic psychological stressors. Originally identified in African American males, JH has since been associated with numerous negative health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease. Despite its relationship to diseases with known genetic risk factors, little work has been reported concerning the genetics of JH. In the current study, genome-wide microarray and the JH Active Coping scale data from the CARDIA Cohort study were used to identify genetic factors associated with JH levels. Principal component analysis accounted for population stratification and evaluated six inheritance models in plink software. We also performed network analyses on the resulting significant associations (P < 5×10−8) to identify molecular pathways to health outcomes. Our GWAS results revealed 25 significant genetic associations and two suggestive associations. One of the variants identified with a suggestive association (P < 5×10−6) to JH (rs11634680) reproduces the same suggestive association from a prior study of the same dataset with the similar odds ratios and P-values between the studies. In our pathway analysis, we found a variant associated with JH (rs12448959) decreases the amount of GABA transaminase and thereby reduces the nicotine reward through the GABAergic signaling pathway. Our work provides a molecular explanation to the observational data that individuals with high levels of JH active coping skills are less prone to using smoking as stress relief.
Latitudinal scaling of aggregation with abundance and its consequences for coexistence in species rich forests
Authors: Wiegand Thorsten , Wang Xugao , Fischer Samuel M. , Kraft Nathan J. B. , Bourg Norman A. , Brockelman Warren Y. , Cao Guanghong , Cao Min , Chanthorn Wirong , Chu Chengjin , Davies Stuart , Ediriweera Sisira , Gunatilleke C. V. S. , Gunatilleke I. A. U. N. , Hao Zhanqing , Howe Robert , Jiang Mingxi , Jin Guangze , Kress W. John , Li Buhang , Lian Juyu , Lin Luxiang , Liu Feng , Ma Keping , McShea William , Mi Xiangcheng , Myers Jonathan A. , Nathalang Anuttara , Orwig David A. , Shen Guochun , Su Sheng-Hsin , Sun I-Fang , Wang Xihua , Wolf Amy , Yan Enrong , Ye Wanhui , Zhu Yan , Huth Andreas 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe search for simple principles underlying the complex spatial structure and dynamics of plant communities is a long-standing challenge in ecology1-6. In particular, the relationship between the spatial distribution of plants and species coexistence is challenging to resolve in species-rich communities7-9. Analysing the spatial patterns of tree species in 21 large forest plots, we find that rare species tend to be more spatially aggregated than common species, and a latitudinal gradient in the strength of this negative correlations that increases from tropical to temperate forests. Our analysis suggests that latitudinal gradients in animal seed dispersal10and mycorrhizal associations11,12,13may jointly generate this intriguing pattern. To assess the consequences of negative aggregation-abundance correlations for species coexistence, we present here a framework to incorporate the observed spatial patterns into population models8along with an analytical solution for the local extinction risk14of species invading from low abundances in dependence of spatial structure, demographic parameters, and immigration. For example, the stabilizing effect of the observed spatial patterns reduced the local extinction risk of species when rare almost by a factor of two. Our approach opens up new avenues for integrating observed spatial patterns into mathematical theory, and our findings demonstrate that spatial patterns, such as species aggregation and segregation, can contribute substantially to coexistence in species-rich communities. This underscores the need to understand the interactions between multiple ecological processes and spatial patterns in greater detail.
Mpox knowledge, behaviours and barriers to public health measures among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in the UK: A qualitative study to inform public health guidance and messaging
Authors: May Tom , Towler Lauren , Smith Louise E , Horwood Jeremy , Denford Sarah , James Rubin G , Hickman Matthew , Amlôt Richard , Oliver Isabel , Yardley Lucy 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe 2022-23 Mpox epidemic is the first-time sustained community transmission had been reported in countries without epidemiological links to endemic areas. During that period, the outbreak almost exclusively affected sexual networks of gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) and people living with HIV. In efforts to control transmission, multiple public health measures were implemented, including vaccination, contact tracing and isolation. This study examines knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Mpox among a sample of GBMSM during the 2022-23 outbreak in the UK, including facilitators for and barriers to the uptake of public health measures.MethodsInterviews were conducted with 44 GBMSM between May and December 2022. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Positive and negative comments pertaining to public health measures were collated in a modified version of a ‘table of changes’ to inform optimisations to public health messages and guidance.ResultsMost interviewees were well informed about Mpox transmission mechanisms and were either willing to or currently adhering to public health measures, despite low perceptions of Mpox severity. Measures that aligned with existing sexual health practices and norms were considered most acceptable. Connections to GBMSM networks and social media channels were found to increase exposure to sexual health information and norms influencing protective behaviours. Those excluded or marginalized from these networks found some measures challenging to perform or adhere to. Although social media was a key mode of information sharing, there were preferences for timely information from official sources to dispel exaggerated or misleading information.ConclusionsThere are differential needs, preferences, and experiences of GBMSM that limit the acceptability of some mitigation and prevention measures. Future public health interventions and campaigns should be co-designed in consultation with key groups and communities to ensure greater acceptability and credibility in different contexts and communities.