bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship of atrial function with cardiac function in the late phase more than 20 years after a Fontan operation
Authors: Kanaya Tomomitsu , Taira Masaki , Ueno Takayoshi 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Atrial function in Fontan patients is unknown. Our goal was to report the relationship of atrial function with the cardiac index and atrial function and clinical outcome through longer follow-up periods.

METHODS
Twelve patients were followed up for over 20 years after their first Fontan operation. Atrial function, including the expansion index, atrial ejection fraction, passive ejection fraction and active ejection fraction, was examined using cardiac computed tomography. The relationship of atrial function with the cardiac index and failing Fontan patients was analysed.

RESULTS
Twelve Fontan patients were included. The median follow-up period after the first Fontan operation was 27 (range, 21-33) years, and the median age of those examined was 33.5 (range, 24-60) years. There were 6 male patients (50%). The cardiac index showed a significant positive correlation with the expansion index (P = 0.02), the atrial ejection fraction (P = 0.035), and the active ejection fraction (P = 0.013). The expansion index (39.2 ± 19.6 vs 64.1 ± 3.9), atrial ejection fraction (26.6 ± 10.9 vs 39.0 ± 1.5%), booster pump (15.6 ± 9.0 vs 31.3 ± 3.5) and cardiac index (2.1 ± 0.3 vs 2.5 ± 0.2 L/min/m2) were significantly lower in patients with a history of arrhythmia than in patients without a history of arrhythmia (P &lt; 0.05). The expansion index (23.5 ± 13.5 vs 59.5 ± 8.7), atrial ejection fraction (18.1 ± 8.6 vs 37.1 ± 3.7) and active ejection fraction (7.3 ± 2.7 vs 27.7 ± 5.2) were significantly lower in failing Fontan patients than in non-failing Fontan patients (P &lt; 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS
Patients with atrial arrhythmia and signs of Fontan failure have lower atrial function than those without.
Infection History and Current Coinfection With Schistosoma mansoni Decreases Plasmodium Species Intensities in Preschool Children in Uganda
Authors: McDowell Daniel , Hurt Lisa , Kabatereine Narcis B , Stothard John Russell , Lello Joanne 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Malaria–schistosomiasis coinfections are common in sub-Saharan Africa but studies present equivocal results regarding the interspecific relationships between these parasites. Through mixed-model analyses of a dataset of Ugandan preschool children, we explore how current coinfection and prior infection with either Schistosoma mansoni or Plasmodium species alter subsequent Plasmodium intensity, Plasmodium risk, and S mansoni risk. Coinfection and prior infections with S mansoni were associated with reduced Plasmodium intensity, moderated by prior Plasmodium infections, wealth, and host age. Future work should assess whether these interactions impact host health and parasite control efficacy in this vulnerable age group.
A 12 year experience of colistin resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae causing neonatal sepsis: two-component systems, efflux pumps, lipopolysaccharide modification and comparative phylogenomics
Authors: Naha Sharmi , Sands Kirsty , Mukherjee Suchandra , Dutta Shanta , Basu Sulagna 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
Increased use of colistin in healthcare necessitates studies on the trend of colistin resistance and the underlying mechanisms.

Objectives
To understand the susceptibility trend and molecular mechanisms of colistin resistance in neonatal isolates over a 12 year period.

Methods
Colistin susceptibility, mRNA expression, whole genome sequence and mutational analysis was performed. Phylogenomic comparison with a global collection of colistin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains (n = 70) was done.

Results
Of 319 Enterobacterales (K. pneumoniae and Escherichia coli) studied, colistin resistance was found in 9 K. pneumoniae (2.8%). The transmissible colistin resistance gene, mcr, was absent. Colistin-resistant K. pneumoniae belonged to diverse sequence types (ST14/37/101/147/716) and exhibited multiple mechanisms of colistin resistance including overexpression of the two-component systems (TCS) (phoP/Q, pmrA/B), and AcrAB-TolC pump and its regulators. Mutations in TCS, mgrB, pumps, repressors, and lipopolysaccharide-modifying genes were detected. Phylogenomic comparison revealed that this global collection of colistin-resistant K. pneumoniae was diverse, with the presence of epidemic and international clones. Mutations in mgrB and TCS noted in global strains were comparable to the study strains. Co-occurrence of carbapenem resistance (n = 61, 87%) was observed in global strains. Co-existence of dual carbapenemases (blaNDM-5 with blaOXA-48/181) in multiple lineages within different replicons was found in neonatal colistin-resistant study isolates only.

Conclusions
Colistin resistance both in study and global strains is multifaceted and attributed to mutations in chromosomal genes leading to lipopolysaccharide modification or efflux of colistin through pumps. With no transmissible mcr, prevalence of colistin-resistant strains was low in this unit. Colistin-resistant strains with dual carbapenemases causing sepsis are alarming as they are practically untreatable.
Nuclear protein of the testis midline carcinoma of the thorax
Authors: Saiki Ayae , Sakamoto Keita , Bee Yuan , Izumo Takehiro 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Nuclear protein of the testis (NUT) midline carcinoma (NMC) is a rare tumor that typically presents in the head, neck, and chest region. NMC is characterized by rearrangement of the NUTM1 gene. It mainly affects children and young adults and is rapidly progressive and lethal. Reportedly, the prognoses of NMCs of the head and neck improve following aggressive initial surgical resection +/− postoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) or radiotherapy (RT). However, as NMC of the thorax was identified later, treatments to improve its prognosis are yet to be identified. Our review reveals that NMC is an extremely rare cancer, and most patients remain undiagnosed. Furthermore, this review outlines the clinical characteristics of NMC of the thorax and the prospects for its treatment.
The characteristics of missed pharyngeal and laryngeal cancers at gastrointestinal endoscopy
Authors: Nakajo Keiichiro , Inaba Atsushi , Aoyama Naoki , Takashima Kenji , Kadota Tomohiro , Yoda Yusuke , Morishita Youhei , Okano Wataru , Tomioka Toshifumi , Shinozaki Takeshi , Matsuura Kazuto , Hayashi Ryuichi , Akimoto Tetsuo , Yano Tomonori 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Understanding the miss rate and characteristics of missed pharyngeal and laryngeal cancers during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy may aid in reducing the endoscopic miss rate of this cancer type. However, little is known regarding the miss rate and characteristics of such cancers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the upper gastrointestinal endoscopic miss rate of oro-hypopharyngeal and laryngeal cancers, the characteristics of the missed cancers, and risk factors associated with the missed cancers.

Methods
Patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and were pathologically diagnosed with oro-hypopharyngeal and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma from January 2019 to November 2020 at our institution were retrospectively evaluated. Missed cancers were defined as those diagnosed within 15 months after a negative upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Results
A total of 240 lesions were finally included. Eighty-five lesions were classified as missed cancers, and 155 lesions as non-missed cancers. The upper gastrointestinal endoscopic miss rate for oro-hypopharyngeal and laryngeal cancers was 35.4%. Multivariate analysis revealed that a tumor size of &lt;13 mm (odds ratio: 1.96, P=0.026), tumors located on the anterior surface of the epiglottis/valleculae (odds ratio: 2.98, P=0.045) and inside of the pyriform sinus (odds ratio: 2.28, P=0.046) were associated with missed cancers.

Conclusions
This study revealed a high miss rate of oro-hypopharyngeal and laryngeal cancers during endoscopic observations. High-quality upper gastrointestinal endoscopic observation and awareness of missed cancer may help reduce this rate.
Comparative invasion ecology ofCarpobrotusfrom four continents: responses to nutrients and competition
Authors: Portela Rubén , Barreiro Rodolfo , Alpert Peter , Xu Cheng-Yuan , Webber Bruce L , Roiloa Sergio R 
Published: March 2022

AbstractTwo key hypotheses in invasion biology are that certain traits underlie invasiveness in introduced species, and that these traits are selected for during or after introduction. We tested these hypotheses by focusing on two traits likely to confer invasiveness, high increase in growth in response to increase in nutrients and low decrease in growth in response to competition. We compared four species of Carpobrotus that differ in invasiveness, using species from four continents: Africa, Australia, Europe and North America. To test for selection for these traits in Carpobrotus edulis, a highly invasive species, we compared plants from its native range in South Africa to plants from the other three regions, where C. edulis has been introduced. Plants were propagated in a common garden. Offspring were then grown alone with or without added nutrients, and together with another species of Carpobrotus or with the grass Ammophila arenaria (a co-occurring native species in Europe) without added nutrients. Response to nutrients did not differ between species of Carpobrotus, nor was competitive response less negative in more invasive species. However, increase in growth in response to added nutrients was greater in introduced than in native C. edulis. Moreover, fresh mass per ramet at the start of treatments was higher in the two invasive species than in the two non-invasive ones. We provide new evidence that introduction can select for response to nutrient enrichment in invasive species and add to the evidence for an association between size and invasiveness in introduced plants.
Diagnosis and management of rectal syphilis—case report
Authors: Afzal Zeeshan , Hussein Adam , O’Donovan M , Bowden David , Davies Richard J , Buczacki Simon 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The incidence and prevalence of syphilis are rising worldwide. Rectal syphilis is a rare condition with few reported cases in the literature and therefore often missed from differential diagnosis of atypical anorectal ulceration. We report a case of a 64-year-old male who presented with change in the bowel habit and a palpable rectal mass on examination. Colonoscopy revealed a small, ulcerated lesion in the rectum. However, histopathological analysis and radiological assessments were inconclusive. A cutaneous ulceration prompted a repeat biopsy and staining for spirochaetes, which was diagnostic of syphilitic proctitis. He was successfully treated with first line antibiotics via the Genitourinary Medicine clinic. With its increasing incidence, syphilis should be considered as a potential diagnosis of atypical anorectal ulceration. A complete sexual history including relevant risk factors should be taken and a full clinical examination performed actively looking for signs and symptoms of disease.
Assessment of geographic access to monoclonal antibodies in the United States
Authors: Rader Benjamin , Whaley Christopher M , Rogers Wesley S , Brownstein Professor John S , Cantor Jonathan 
Published: March 2022

Using spatial modeling techniques, we highlight disparities in access to monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) used to treat COVID-19 patients. Fifteen million individuals in the United States must travel over 30 min to access mAbs. Areas with lower COVID-19 vaccination rates have worse access to essential COVID-19 therapeutics.
Digital humanities or humanities in digital: revisiting scholarly primitives
Authors: Pacheco André 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe use of computing tools and methods has irreversibly impacted the creation, use and communication of research. As a result, a still divisive movement of digital humanities (DH) has emerged over the last few decades. This article attempts to provide a theoretical contribution to the discussion of the core fundamentals of the field. In order to do so, it takes a sample of papers indexed under Library and Information Science, in the Web of Knowledge database, and studies them using a quantitative data analysis and a qualitative literature review combined with the author’s personal reflection to illustrate the main research topics. The notion of scholarly primitives, initially formulated by John Unsworth, provides the background for the theoretical analysis. It is concluded that DH embody a community patterned by collaborative and shared networks of communication, where digital tools amplify research possibilities without changing the humanistic values of its practitioners.
Rapid Decline of Ceftazidime Resistance in Antibiotic-Free and Sublethal Environments Is Contingent on Genetic Background
Authors: Hernando-Amado Sara , Laborda Pablo , Valverde José Ramón , Martínez José Luis 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Trade-offs of antibiotic resistance evolution, such as fitness cost and collateral sensitivity (CS), could be exploited to drive evolution toward antibiotic susceptibility. Decline of resistance may occur when resistance to other drug leads to CS to the first one and when compensatory mutations, or genetic reversion of the original ones, reduce fitness cost. Here we describe the impact of antibiotic-free and sublethal environments on declining ceftazidime resistance in different Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistant mutants. We determined that decline of ceftazidime resistance occurs within 450 generations, which is caused by newly acquired mutations and not by reversion of the original ones, and that the original CS of these mutants is preserved. In addition, we observed that the frequency and degree of this decline is contingent on genetic background. Our results are relevant to implement evolution-based therapeutic approaches, as well as to redefine global policies of antibiotic use, such as drug cycling.
Why Smoke Flavor Capsule Cigarettes? Preferences and Perceptions Among Adult Smokers in Mexico
Authors: Ogunnaike Adebusola , Gallegos-Carrillo Katia , Barrientos-Gutierrez Inti , Arillo Santillán Edna , Cho Yoo Jin , Thrasher James F 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Introduction
Flavor capsule cigarettes are rapidly gaining global market share, particularly in Latin America; however, little is known about consumer profiles and perceptions since the diffusion of this product innovation has become more widespread.

Aims and Methods
This paper compares profiles and perceptions of smokers who prefer flavor capsule cigarettes and those who do not in Mexico. We analyzed data from six online surveys of adult Mexican smokers (n = 4488) from 2018–2020. Participants identified their preferred brand variety characteristics (no capsule; one capsule; two capsules), and reported perceptions of their brand varieties’ flavor, smoothness, harmfulness, and whether they smoke to control their appetite. Separate multinomial logistic models regressed preferred cigarette type on sociodemographic and smoking-related variables, as well as perceived benefits on preferred cigarette type, adjusting for covariates.

Results
Most participants preferred capsule cigarettes (single capsule = 47.5%; double capsule = 12.9%). Flavor capsule users reported that their preferred varieties mostly tasted like menthol/mint (59% of single capsule users and 23% of double capsule users), cucumber (12% and 27%, respectively) or berries (10% and 22%, respectively). Females were more likely than males to prefer either single or double capsule cigarettes (AOR = 2.26 and 2.01, respectively). Preference for flavor capsules was also higher among younger smokers, e-cigarette users, those who smoke less frequently, and those who recently tried or plan to quit. Smokers who preferred capsules were more likely than non-capsule smokers to perceive their cigarettes as smoother, less harmful, and to smoke to control their appetite.

Conclusions
The high prevalence of capsule use and widespread perceptions of the benefits of capsules over traditional cigarettes may help explain why tobacco control policies have not reduced smoking prevalence in Mexico.

Implications
Flavor capsules are rapidly growing in popularity in many countries around the world, including Mexico. This study found that more Mexican adult smokers prefer brand varieties with capsules (60%) than without capsules (40%), that flavor capsule use strongly correlates with menthol cigarette use, and that perceived flavors of capsules range widely. Flavor capsule smokers have more positive smoking expectancies (eg, lower risk perceptions, dietary control) than noncapsule smokers. Capsules appeal particularly to women, young adults, less frequent smokers, and those who recently tried to quit. Policies should consider banning flavors in cigarettes, including capsules and other filter innovations.
Low Levels of Neutralizing Antibodies After Natural Infection With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in a Community-Based Serological Study
Authors: McDade Thomas W , Sancilio Amelia , D’Aquila Richard , Mustanski Brian , Vaught Lauren A , Reiser Nina L , Velez Matthew E , Hsieh Ryan R , Ryan Daniel T , Saber Rana , McNally Elizabeth M , Demonbreun Alexis R 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
Confidence in natural immunity after infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is one reason for vaccine hesitancy.

Methods
We measured antibody-mediated neutralization of spike protein-ACE2 receptor binding in a large community-based sample of seropositive individuals who differed in severity of infection (N = 790).

Results
A total of 39.8% of infections were asymptomatic, 46.5% were symptomatic with no clinical care, 13.8% were symptomatic with clinical care, and 3.7% required hospitalization. Moderate/high neutralizing activity was present after 41.3% of clinically managed infections, in comparison with 7.9% of symptomatic and 1.9% of asymptomatic infections.

Conclusions
Prior coronavirus disease 2019 infection does not guarantee a high level of antibody-mediated protection against reinfection in the general population.
Sulfanilamide Regulates Flowering Time through Expression of the Circadian Clock Gene LUX
Authors: Hirohata Atsuhiro , Yamatsuta Yuta , Ogawa Kaori , Kubota Akane , Suzuki Takamasa , Shimizu Hanako , Kanesaka Yuki , Takahashi Nozomu , Endo Motomu 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Flowering time is an agriculturally important trait that can be manipulated by various approaches such as breeding, growth control and genetic modifications. Despite its potential advantages, including fine-tuning the regulation of flowering time, few reports have explored the use of chemical compounds to manipulate flowering. Here, we report that sulfanilamide, an inhibitor of folate biosynthesis, delays flowering by repressing the expression of florigen FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) in Arabidopsis thaliana. Transcriptome deep sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses showed that the expression of the circadian clock gene LUX ARRYTHMO/PHYTOCLOCK1 (LUX/PCL1) is altered by sulfanilamide treatment. Furthermore, in the lux nox mutant harboring loss of function in both LUX and its homolog BROTHER OF LUX ARRHYTHMO (BOA, also named NOX), the inhibitory effect of sulfanilamide treatment on FT expression was weak and the flowering time was similar to that of the wild type, suggesting that the circadian clock may contribute to the FT-mediated regulation of flowering by sulfanilamide. Sulfanilamide also delayed flowering time in arugula (Eruca sativa), suggesting that it is involved in the regulation of flowering across Brassicaceae. We propose that sulfanilamide is a novel modulator of flowering.
Genome-wide cis-decoding for expression design in tomato using cistrome data and explainable deep learning
Authors: Akagi Takashi , Masuda Kanae , Kuwada Eriko , Takeshita Kouki , Kawakatsu Taiji , Ariizumi Tohru , Kubo Yasutaka , Ushijima Koichiro , Uchida Seiichi 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
In the evolutionary history of plants, variation in cis-regulatory elements (CREs) resulting in diversification of gene expression has played a central role in driving the evolution of lineage-specific traits. However, it is difficult to predict expression behaviors from CRE patterns to properly harness them, mainly because the biological processes are complex. In this study, we used cistrome datasets and explainable convolutional neural network (CNN) frameworks to predict genome-wide expression patterns in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit from the DNA sequences in gene regulatory regions. By fixing the effects of trans-acting factors using single cell-type spatiotemporal transcriptome data for the response variables, we developed a prediction model for crucial expression patterns in the initiation of tomato fruit ripening. Feature visualization of the CNNs identified nucleotide residues critical to the objective expression pattern in each gene, and their effects were validated experimentally in ripening tomato fruit. This cis-decoding framework will not only contribute to the understanding of the regulatory networks derived from CREs and transcription factor interactions, but also provides a flexible means of designing alleles for optimized expression.
Cycling in the dark – the impact of Standard Time and Daylight Saving Time on bicycle ridership
Authors: Wessel Jan 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The European Union is in the process of abolishing the bi-annual clock change. Against this backdrop, we analyze how daylight and twilight affect the sustainable transport mode of cycling, and find that better daylight conditions generally lead to higher levels of cycling. The extent of this effect depends on the type of traffic and the time of day. An all-year implementation of Daylight Saving Time would then lead to an increase in overall cycling levels of around 3.14 %–3.37 %, compared to an all-year Standard Time. This would imply an increase of around 1.27–1.36 billion cycled kilometers per year in Germany alone. Additionally, we provide monetary estimates for the external effects of such changes in cycling levels.