bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association of liver enzymes with systolic and diastolic blood pressure in young adults
Authors: Correa T , Freitas D F , Brum C B , De Oliveira I O 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Science and Technology Department, Brazilian Ministry of Health.

Introduction
Nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) disease has been associated with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors including cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Patients with NAFLD also have increased risk of coronary artery disease and major adverse cardiovascular events.

Purpose
The aim of this study was to assess the associations of liver enzymes with systolic and diastolic blood pressure in 22-year-old individuals from a 1993 birth cohort in Brazil.

Methods
During 1993, all live born babies in the city were invited to take part in a prospective study and sub-samples of this cohort were followed-up since then. At the 22-year follow-up, the liver enzymes evaluated were aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were obtained calculating the mean of two measurements (at the beginning and the end of the interview) using a blood pressure monitoring device. The co-variables taken into consideration were sex, fasting period, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), triglycerides, cholesterol, excessive alcohol consumption (&gt;8 points in the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test), and physical inactivity. Adjusted linear regressions have been performed and p &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results
The sample was composed of 2603 (49.6%) men and 2645 (50.4%) women of approximately 22 years old. Median (IQR) AST (U/L) was 21 (18-26), and GGT (U/L) 24 (18-33). Mean (±SD) ALT (U/L) was 19 ± 16.5, SBP (mmHg) 123.9 ± 13.8, and DBP (mmHg) 73 ± 8.7. An increase of 1 U/L in ALT concentrations corresponded to a predicted increase of 0.87 mmHg in SBP and 0.62 mmHg in DBP (Table). This was stronger for GGT, as an increase of 1 U/L in GGT concentrations corresponded to a predicted increase of 1.41 mmHg in SBP and 1.14 mmHg in DBP (Table). AST was not associated with SBP (p = 0.094) or DBP (p = 0.093) (Table).

Conclusions
ALT and GGT are positively associated with SBP and DBP independent of potential confounders since early adult age. As causal roles remain unclear, prospective large-scale studies are necessary to better understand this association. Abstract Figure.
Palliative care for patients with cardiovascular disease and COVID-19 in a major referral hospital
Authors: Correa T , Simao A M S , Sobreira J V B , Yarshell F , Anbar F B , De Carvalho R T 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
COVID-19 disease has a wide spectrum of severity, ranging from asymptomatic to severe acute respiratory syndrome. Although the estimated mortality is around 3% in the general population, individuals with comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) may develop worse virus-related outcomes and have higher mortality rates. Furthermore, triage systems in pandemics may have low sensitivity to the need for palliative care, leaving many patients without appropriate end-of-life support.

Purpose
The aim of this study was to evaluate the palliative care offered to patients with CVD and COVID-19 in a major referral hospital in Brazil.

Methods
Descriptive and retrospective study of adult patients with CVD and COVID-19 admitted to a major referral hospital in Brazil. Medical records of patients with CVD and COVID-19 were reviewed. Patients were screened for the need for palliative care through the Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool (SPICT). Pearson’s chi-squared tests were performed and p &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results
The sample was composed of 526 (53.6%) males and 456 (46.4%) females. Median [IQR] age was 65 [55-73] years old. Regarding department of admission, 194 (19.8%) patients were admitted to the wards, 359 (36.5%) to the emergency room (ER), and 429 (43.7%) to the intensive care unit (ICU). Regarding SPICT criteria, 285 (29%) were at risk of deteriorating and dying. Palliative care was offered to 82 (8.4%) patients. From the patients who met SPICT criteria (n = 285), only 64 (22.5%) had access to palliative care during hospitalization. Patients who received palliative care were more likely to be ≥60 years old, to meet SPICT criteria, and to die (p &lt; 0,001) (Table). Sex and department of admission were not associated with the likelihood of receiving palliative care (Table). Regarding outcomes, 356 patients died (36.3%), 573 were discharged (58.3%), and 53 (5.4%) were transferred to another unit. From the patients who died (n = 356), only 65 (18.3%) had access to palliative care.

Conclusions
In our study, there was a high mortality rate in patients with CVD and COVID-19, although a considerable proportion of them did not have access to palliative care before dying. It is important to give further attention to the end-of-life support offered to patients with CVD and COVID-19. Abstract Figure.
WormBase in 2022—data, processes, and tools for analyzing Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Davis Paul , Zarowiecki Magdalena , Arnaboldi Valerio , Becerra Andrés , Cain Scott , Chan Juancarlos , Chen Wen J , Cho Jaehyoung , da Veiga Beltrame Eduardo , Diamantakis Stavros , Gao Sibyl , Grigoriadis Dionysis , Grove Christian A , Harris Todd W , Kishore Ranjana , Le Tuan , Lee Raymond Y N , Luypaert Manuel , Müller Hans-Michael , Nakamura Cecilia , Nuin Paulo , Paulini Michael , Quinton-Tulloch Mark , Raciti Daniela , Rodgers Faye H , Russell Matthew , Schindelman Gary , Singh Archana , Stickland Tim , Van Auken Kimberly , Wang Qinghua , Williams Gary , Wright Adam J , Yook Karen , Berriman Matt , Howe Kevin L , Schedl Tim , Stein Lincoln , Sternberg Paul W 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
WormBase (www.wormbase.org) is the central repository for the genetics and genomics of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We provide the research community with data and tools to facilitate the use of C. elegans and related nematodes as model organisms for studying human health, development, and many aspects of fundamental biology. Throughout our 22-year history, we have continued to evolve to reflect progress and innovation in the science and technologies involved in the study of C. elegans. We strive to incorporate new data types and richer data sets, and to provide integrated displays and services that avail the knowledge generated by the published nematode genetics literature. Here, we provide a broad overview of the current state of WormBase in terms of data type, curation workflows, analysis, and tools, including exciting new advances for analysis of single-cell data, text mining and visualization, and the new community collaboration forum. Concurrently, we continue the integration and harmonization of infrastructure, processes, and tools with the Alliance of Genome Resources, of which WormBase is a founding member.
Bayesian differential moment tensor inversion: theory and application to the North Korea nuclear tests
Authors: Jia Zhe , Zhan Zhongwen , Helmberger Donald 
Published: February 2022

SUMMARYMoment tensors are key to seismic discrimination but often require accurate Green's functions for estimation. This limits the regions, frequency bands and wave types in moment tensor inversions. In this study, we propose a differential moment tensor inversion (diffMT) method that uses relative measurements to remove the path effects shared by clustered events, thereby improving the accuracy of source parameters. Using results from regular inversions as a priori distribution, we apply Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo to invert the body- and surface wave amplitude ratios of an event pair for refined moment tensors of both events. Applications to three North Korea nuclear tests from 2013 to 2016 demonstrate that diffMT reduces the uncertainties substantially compared with the traditional waveform-based moment tensor inversion. Our results suggest high percentages of explosive components with similar double-couple components for the North Korea nuclear tests.
High-resolution velocity estimation from surface-based common-offset GPR reflection data
Authors: Liu Yu , Irving James , Holliger Klaus 
Published: February 2022

SUMMARY
Surface-based common-offset ground-penetrating radar (GPR) reflection profiling is a popular geophysical exploration technique for obtaining high-resolution images of the shallow subsurface in a cost-effective manner. One drawback of this technique is that, without complementary borehole information in form of dielectric permittivity and/or porosity logs along the profile, it is currently not possible to obtain reliable estimates of the high-frequency electromagnetic velocity distribution of the probed subsurface region. This is problematic because adequate knowledge of the velocity is needed for accurate imaging and depth conversion of the data, as well as for quantifying the distribution of soil water content. To overcome this issue, we have developed a novel methodology for estimating the detailed subsurface velocity structure from common-offset GPR reflection measurements, which does not require additional conditioning information. The proposed approach combines two key components: diffraction analysis is used to infer the smooth, large-scale component of the velocity distribution, whereas the superimposed small-scale fluctuations are inferred via inversion of the reflected wavefield. We test and validate our method on two synthetic data sets having increasing degrees of complexity and realism before applying it to a field example from the Boise Hydrogeophysical Research Site, where independent control data in the form of neutron–neutron porosity logs are available for validation. The results obtained demonstrate the viability and robustness of the proposed approach. Further, due to its efficiency, both in terms of field effort and computational cost, the method can be readily extended to 3-D, which further enhances its attractiveness compared to multi-offset-based GPR velocity estimation techniques.
Markovian Linearization of Random Walks on Groups
Authors: Bordenave Charles , Dubail Bastien 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
In operator algebra, the linearization trick is a technique that reduces the study of a non-commutative polynomial evaluated at elements of an algebra ${\mathcal {A}}$ to the study of a polynomial of degree one, evaluated on the enlarged algebra ${\mathcal {A}} \otimes M_r ({\mathbb {C}})$, for some integer $r$. We introduce a new instance of the linearization trick that is tailored to study a finitely supported random walk $G$ by studying instead a nearest-neighbour coloured random walk on $G \times \{1, \ldots , r \}$, which is much simpler to analyze. As an application, we extend well-known results for nearest-neighbour walks on free groups and free products of finite groups to coloured random walks, thus showing how one can obtain new results for finitely supported random walks, namely an explicit description of the harmonic measure and formulas for the entropy and drift.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Survey of Invasive Neisseria meningitidis, United States 2012–2016
Authors: Potts Caelin C , Rodriguez-Rivera Lorraine D , Retchless Adam C , Hu Fang , Marjuki Henju , Blain Amy E , McNamara Lucy A , Wang Xin 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Background
Historically, antimicrobial resistance has been rare in US invasive meningococcal disease cases.

Methods
Meningococcal isolates (n = 695) were collected through population-based surveillance, 2012–2016, and national surveillance, 2015–2016. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed by broth microdilution. Resistance mechanisms were characterized using whole-genome sequencing.

Results
All isolates were susceptible to 6 antibiotics (cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, meropenem, rifampin, minocycline, and azithromycin). Approximately 25% were penicillin or ampicillin intermediate; among these, 79% contained mosaic penA gene mutations. Less than 1% of isolates were penicillin, ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, or levofloxacin resistant.

Conclusions
Penicillin- and ampicillin-intermediate isolates were common, but resistance to clinically relevant antibiotics remained rare.
Spectrophotometric detection of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus with the EUCAST broth microdilution method: is it time for automated MIC reading of EUCAST antifungal susceptibility testing of Aspergillus species?
Authors: Meletiadis Joseph , Efstathiou Ioanna , van der Lee Hein A L , Astvad Karen M T , Verweij Paul E , Arendrup Maiken Cavling 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Current reference susceptibility testing methods of Aspergillus require visual reading, which is subjective and necessitates experienced staff. We compared spectrophotometric and visual MIC reading of EUCAST E.Def 9.3.2 susceptibility testing of Aspergillus fumigatus for a large collection of isolates with different azole resistance mechanisms.

Methods
A. fumigatus (n = 200) were examined, including 62 WT and 138 non-WT with the following alterations: TR34/L98H (n = 57), TR46/Y121F/T289A (n = 54) or single point mutations (n = 27). EUCAST E.Def 9.3.2 susceptibility testing was performed for amphotericin B, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole and isavuconazole. MICs were determined after 48 h of incubation visually and spectrophotometrically, as the lowest concentration corresponding to a 1%, 3%, 5%, 10% or 15% OD increase above the background OD. The best spectrophotometric endpoint (SPE) was identified based on the highest essential agreement (EA; ±1 two-fold dilution) and categorical agreement (CA) and fewer very major errors (VMEs) and major errors (MEs).

Results
Τhe best SPEs were 5% and 10% for all drugs. The best agreement between visual and spectrophotometric MICs was found with the 10% growth endpoint, which resulted in identical median MICs with 90% of differences being ≤1 two-fold and higher EA (91%–100%) and CA (100%) and no VMEs and MEs compared with the 5% endpoint (77%–100%, 96%–98%, 0% and 0%–4%, respectively).

Conclusions
Spectrophotometric MIC reading can be used for A. fumigatus susceptibility testing and for detecting azole resistance. A visual inspection of the plate should be performed to confirm equal inoculation, absence of well contamination and proper growth, and to identify potential uncommon phenotypes or subpopulations.
Impact of ceftazidime/avibactam versus best available therapy on mortality from infections caused by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CAVICOR study)
Authors: Castón Juan José , Cano Angela , Pérez-Camacho Inés , Aguado Jose M , Carratalá Jordi , Ramasco Fernando , Soriano Alex , Pintado Vicente , Castelo-Corral Laura , Sousa Adrian , Fariñas María Carmen , Muñoz Patricia , Abril López De Medrano Vicente , Sanz-Peláez Óscar , Los-Arcos Ibai , Gracia-Ahufinger Irene , Pérez-Nadales Elena , Vidal Elisa , Doblas Antonio , Natera Clara , Martínez-Martínez Luis , Torre-Cisneros Julian 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Background
Infections caused by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) are not well represented in pivotal trials with ceftazidime/avibactam. The best strategy for the treatment of these infections is unknown.

Methods
We conducted a multicentre retrospective observational study of patients who received ≥48 h of ceftazidime/avibactam or best available therapy (BAT) for documented CPE infections. The primary outcome was 30 day crude mortality. Secondary outcomes were 21 day clinical response and microbiological response. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify factors predictive of 30 day crude mortality. A propensity score to receive treatment with ceftazidime/avibactam was used as a covariate in the analysis.

Results
The cohort included 339 patients with CPE infections. Ceftazidime/avibactam treatment was used in 189 (55.8%) patients and 150 (44.2%) received BAT at a median of 2 days after diagnosis of infection. In multivariate analysis, ceftazidime/avibactam treatment was associated with survival (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.20–0.80; P = 0.01), whereas INCREMENT-CPE scores of &gt;7 points (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.18–1.5.58; P = 0.01) and SOFA score (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.08–1.34; P = 0.001) were associated with higher mortality. In patients with INCREMENT-CPE scores of &gt;7 points, ceftazidime/avibactam treatment was associated with lower mortality compared with BAT (16/73, 21.9% versus 23/49, 46.9%; P = 0.004). Ceftazidime/avibactam was also an independent factor of 21 day clinical response (OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.16–5.12; P = 0.02) and microbiological eradication (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.18–0.85; P = 0.02).

Conclusions
Ceftazidime/avibactam is an effective alternative for the treatment of CPE infections, especially in patients with INCREMENT-CPE scores of &gt;7 points. A randomized controlled trial should confirm these findings.
Inaccuracies andIzzat: Channel Affordances for the Consideration of Face in Misinformation Correction
Authors: Pearce Katy E , Malhotra Pranav 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe correction of misinformation is an important scholarly and practical endeavor. Understanding the correction process requires drawing on theorizing from a multitude of perspectives. This interview study of (N = 26) Indian young adults in Delhi uses an affordances perspective in combination with face-negotiation theory to understand how face considerations during a misinformation correction are tied to different social and mobile media affordances that influence channel selection. While older family members share falsehoods on WhatsApp group chats, corrections rarely occur there. Instead, perceived synchronicity, bandwidth, and publicness affordances of different channels that support politeness and face concerns influence channel choice for correction. Thus, this study not only provides an interesting context for understanding these affordances, but also adds to the literature on misinformation correction by highlighting the role of social and contextual factors, and demonstrates the utility of CMC and interpersonal communication theory in understanding misinformation correction.
Decreased Mite Reproduction to Select Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae) Resistant Honey Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae): Limitations and Potential Methodological Improvements
Authors: von Virag Adrien , Guichard Matthieu , Neuditschko Markus , Dietemann Vincent , Dainat Benjamin 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The invasive parasitic mite, Varroa destructor (Anderson and Trueman), is the major biotic threat to the survival of European honey bees, Apis mellifera L. To improve colony survival against V. destructor, the selection of resistant lineages against this parasite is considered a sustainable solution. Among selected traits, mite fertility and fecundity, often referred to as suppressed mite reproduction are increasingly used in breeding programmes. However, the current literature leaves some gaps in the assessment of the effectiveness of selecting these traits toward achieving resistance. In the population studied here, we show a low repeatability and reproducibility of mite fertility and fecundity phenotypes, as well as a low correlation of these traits with infestation rates of colonies. Phenotyping reliability could neither be improved by increasing the number of worker brood cells screened, nor by screening drone brood, which is highly attractive for the parasite and available early in the season, theoretically allowing a reduction of generation time and thus an acceleration of genetic progress in selected lineages. Our results provide an evaluation of the potential and limitations of selecting on decreased mite reproduction traits to obtain V. destructor-resistant honeybee colonies. To allow for a more precise implementation of such selection and output reporting, we propose a refined nomenclature by introducing the terms of decreased mite reproduction and reduced mite reproduction, depending on the extent of mite reproduction targeted. We also highlight the importance of ensuring accurate phenotyping ahead of initiating long-lasting selection programmes.
Na+/K+-ATPase Activation by cAMP in the Midgut of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912; Diptera: Psychodidae)
Authors: Barguil Nepomuceno Denise , DÁvila Pessoa Grasielle Caldas , Nascimento Araújo Ricardo , Barbosa Koerich Leonardo , Viana Sant’Anna Maurício Roberto , Horácio Pereira Marcos , Figueiredo Gontijo Nelder 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) females have been intensively studied regarding the regulation of midgut pH. The mechanisms involved in pH regulation are complex, and some aspects remain to be clarified. Here, we investigated the role of the Na+/K+-ATPase pump as an electrochemical potential generator and its modulation by the second messenger cAMP in the midgut of female L. longipalpis. Our results suggest that not only may Na+/K+-ATPase be the main generator of an electrochemical potential across membranes in the midgut of female L. longipalpis, but also its activity is positively regulated by cAMP. cAMP-mediated Na+/K+-ATPase pump activity might be necessary to maintain the transport of the nutrients produced during blood digestion.
Triptolide ameliorates osteoarthritis by regulating nuclear factor kappa B-mediated inflammatory response
Authors: Liu Gang , Wang Laijie , Tuerxunyiming Muhadasi , Xu Jin , Wu Zaifeng , Wang Wei , Liu Hongyu , Lin Lin , Liu Qingbai 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint degenerative disease that commonly occurs in older people and affect the quality of life. Triptolide (TPL), a compound derived from Tripterygium wilfordii, has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we investigated the therapeutic effect of TPL on the experimental OA as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods
OA models were established using monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) or surgery. The arthritis score and paw withdrawal threshold value of knees were used to evaluate the degree of arthritis. The level and expression of proinflammatory cytokines were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA kits.

Key findings
In surgery and MIA-induced OA rats, TPL alleviated arthritis symptoms and reduced inflammatory cytokine production in serum. In primary chondrocytes, TPL dose-dependently reversed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cell proliferation. Moreover, LPS-induced cell apoptosis and the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-(IL-)6, IL-8, IL-1β, IL-12, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (INF-γ) were also attenuated by TPL. Mechanistically, the therapeutic effects of TPL on OA were effective by dampening nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activity leading to reduced proinflammatory cytokines production and inflammatory response.

Conclusions
TPL acts as an effective therapeutic drug for OA by mediating NF-κB signalling, thereby leading to the reduced proinflammatory cytokines production and inflammatory response.