bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal Changes in the Composition of the Penile Microbiome Are Associated With Circumcision Status, HIV and HSV-2 Status, Sexual Practices, and Female Partner Microbiome Composition
Authors: Mehta Supriya D. , Nandi Debarghya , Agingu Walter , Green Stefan J. , Otieno Fredrick O. , Bhaumik Dulal K. , Bailey Robert C. 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundPenile microbiome composition has been associated with HSV-2 and HIV in men and with bacterial vaginosis (BV) and HSV-2 in female sex partners. This study sought to 1) characterize penile microbiome composition over a 1-year period and 2) identify factors associated with penile microbiome composition over time.MethodsThis prospective study of community-recruited heterosexual couples in Kenya measured penile and vaginal microbiomes via 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing at 4 time points over 1 year (1, 6, and 12 months after baseline). We used longitudinal mixed-effects modeling to assess associated demographic, behavioral, and disease factors and changes in community type, meatal taxa with the highest mean relative abundance, and alpha and beta diversity measures. We estimated group-based trajectories to elucidate compositional trends.ResultsAmong 218 men with 740 observations, men had a median age of 26 years, 11.6% were living with HIV, and 46.1% were HSV-2 seropositive. We identified 7 penile community types that varied with circumcision status, female partner vaginal microbiome community state type (CST), condom use, and penile washing. Across varying analytic approaches, 50%–60% of men had stable penile microbiome compositions. Alpha diversity measures were lower for circumcised men and those who reported condom use; they were stable over time but higher if female partners had diverse CSTs or BV. BV was positively associated with the relative abundance of numerous individual penile taxa. The decreased Bray–Curtis similarity was more common for men with HSV-2, and HSV-2 was also associated with a lower relative abundance of Corynebacterium and Staphylococcus.ConclusionsOver a 1-year period, penile microbiome composition was stable for a substantial proportion of men and was influenced by men’s circumcision status, sexual practices, female partner’s vaginal CST and BV status, and men’s HSV-2 status. In the female genital tract, a diverse CST is often associated with poorer health outcomes. Our results contribute toward understanding whether this framework extends to the penile microbiome and whether diversity and the associated penile microbiome compositions influence susceptibility or resilience to poorer health outcomes in men. Focusing on understanding how these factors influence the penile microbiome may lead to therapeutic avenues for reduced HSV-2 and BV infections in men and their female sex partners.
Time-Dependent Effect of Anthracycline-Based Chemotherapy on Central Arterial Stiffness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Schneider Caroline , González-Jaramillo Nathalia , Marcin Thimo , Campbell Kristin L. , Suter Thomas , Bano Arjola , Wilhelm Matthias , Eser Prisca 
Published: July 2022

Background and AimsAnthracycline-based chemotherapy (ANTH-BC) has been proposed to increase arterial stiffness, however, the time-dependency of these effects remain unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the time-dependent effect of ANTH-BC on markers of central aortic stiffness, namely aortic distensibility (AD) and pulse-wave-velocity (PWV) in cancer patients.MethodsAn extensive literature search without language restrictions was performed to identify all studies presenting longitudinal data on the effect of ANTH-BC on either AD and/or central PWV in cancer patients of all ages. An inverse-variance weighted random-effect model was performed with differences from before to after chemotherapy, as well as for short vs. mid-term effects.ResultsOf 2,130 articles identified, 9 observational studies with a total of 535 patients (mean age 52 ± 11; 73% women) were included, of which four studies measured AD and seven PWV. Short-term (2–4 months), there was a clinically meaningful increase in arterial stiffness, namely an increase in PWV of 2.05 m/s (95% CI 0.68–3.43) and a decrease in AD (albeit non-significant) of −1.49 mmHg-1 (−3.25 to 0.27) but a smaller effect was observed mid-term (6–12 months) for PWV of 0.88 m/s (−0.25 to 2.02) and AD of −0.37 mmHg-1 (−1.13 to 0.39). There was considerable heterogeneity among the studies.ConclusionsResults from this analysis suggest that in the short-term, ANTH-BC increases arterial stiffness, but that these changes may partly be reversible after therapy termination. Future studies need to elucidate the long-term consequences of ANTH-BC on arterial stiffness, by performing repeated follow-up measurements after ANTH-BC termination.Systematic Review Registration[www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD42019141837].
Vascular Age, Metabolic Panel, Cardiovascular Risk and Inflammaging in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Compared With Patients With Osteoarthritis
Authors: Rodríguez-Vargas Gabriel-Santiago , Santos-Moreno Pedro , Rubio-Rubio Jaime-Andrés , Bautista-Niño Paula-Katherine , Echeverri Darío , Gutiérrez-Castañeda Luz-Dary , Sierra-Matamoros Fabio , Navarrete Stephania , Aparicio Anggie , Saenz Luis , Rojas-Villarraga Adriana 
Published: July 2022

IntroductionThe risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is 1.5–2 times higher than the general population. The fundamental risk factor for CVD is age, related to alterations at the arterial level. The aim of the study was to compare vascular age (VA) in RA patients under a strict treat-to-target (T2T) strategy with Osteoarthritis (OA) patients without strict follow up and to assess the influence of inflammaging (chronic, sterile, low-grade inflammation related to aging) and metabolic markers on VA.Materials and MethodsThis was an analytical cross-sectional study. Patients with RA (under a strict a T2T strategy) and OA patients without strict clinical follow-up were included. Patients with a history of uncontrolled hypertension, CVD, and/or current smoking were excluded. Sociodemographic, physical activity, and toxic exposure data were obtained. Waist-hip ratio and body mass index (BMI) were measured. DAS-28 (RA) and inflammatory markers, lipid profile, and glycaemia were analyzed. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured (oscillometric method, Arteriograph-TensioMed®). VA was calculated based on PWV. Eleven components of inflammaging [six interleukins, three metalloproteinases (MMP), and two tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP)] were evaluated (Luminex® system). Univariate and bivariate analyzes (Mann Whitney U and chi-square) and correlations (Spearmans Rho) were done to compare the two groups.ResultsA total of 106 patients (74% women) were included, 52/RA and 54/OA. The mean age was 57 (Interquartile range - IQR 9 years). The BMI, waist circumference, and weight were higher in patients with OA (p &lt; 0.001). RA patients had low disease activity (DAS-28-CRP). There were no differences in VA, inflammaging nor in PWV between the two groups. VA had a positive, but weak correlation, with age and LDL. In group of RA, VA was higher in those who did not receive methotrexate (p = 0.013). LDL levels correlated with MMP1, TIMP1, and TIMP2.ConclusionsWhen comparing RA patients with low levels of disease activity with OA patients with poor metabolic control, there are no differences in VA. Furthermore, methotrexate also influences VA in RA patients. This shows that implemented therapies may have an impact on not only the inflammatory state of the joint but also CVD risk.
MiR-208b/miR-21 Promotes the Progression of Cardiac Fibrosis Through the Activation of the TGF-β1/Smad-3 Signaling Pathway: An in vitro and in vivo Study
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Yuan Bo , Xu Yue , Zhou Na , Zhang Ruiqi , Lu Lan , Feng Zhanbin 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundRegulatory molecule microRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in myocardial fibrosis. However, the specific mechanism by which they lead to myocardial fibrosis remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the roles of miR-208b, miR-21 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad-3 signaling pathway components in cardiac fibrosis development.Materials and MethodsThirty-six consecutive acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients were included in this study. Plasma was collected on admission and at 24 h, 48 h and 6 d. The levels of plasma miR-208b, miR-21, TGF-β1, and Smad-3 were measured using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and cardiac calcium protein T (cTnT) and creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) were detected by electrochemiluminescence analysis. H9C2 cells were exposed to hypoxia and divided into 4 groups (hypoxia treatment for 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h). These stimulated cells were then transfected with miRNA inhibitors and mimics for gene overexpression and inhibition. RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of miR-208b, miR-21, TGF-β1, and Smad-3, and western blot analysis was used to detect TGF-β1 and Smad-3 protein expression.ResultsThe plasma analysis showed cTnT and CK-MB expression peaked at 24 h after symptom onset; miR-208b, miR-21, TGF-β1, and Smad-3 levels showed no peak and increased gradually with time. Cell experiments revealed that miR-208b and TGF-β1 were upregulated along with increased hypoxia exposure; miR-21 expression peaked at 24 h and 72 h, with the highest peak at 72 h, and Smad-3 expression peaked at 6 h and 72 h, with the highest peak at 72 h. miR-208b and miR-21 expressions were positively correlated with TGF-β/Smad-3 expression. TGF-β1/Smad-3 mRNA and protein levels were elevated in the miR-208b and miR-21 overexpression groups and reduced in the miR-208b and miR-21 inhibition groups.ConclusionMiR-208b and miR-21 promote cardiac fibrosis progression through TGF-β1/Smad-3 signaling pathway activation.
Short-Term Prognostic Efficacy of mGPS and LCS in Patients With Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Wang Jing , Xie Ling , Lyu Ping , Zhou Feng , Cai Hong-Li , Qi Rong-Xing , Zhang Qing 
Published: July 2022

AimSystemic inflammation plays an important role in the occurrence and development of acute heart failure. The modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) and “lymphocyte C-reactive protein score” (LCS) are used to assess the inflammation levels in cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the prognostic value of these two inflammation-related scoring systems in patients with acute heart failure.MethodsTwo hundred and fifty patients with acute heart failure were enrolled in this study. The mGPS and LCS scores were recorded after admission. All patients were divided into 2 groups: the death group and the survival group according to the 3-month follow-up results. The predictive values of mGPS and LCS were assessed using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. Univariate and multivariate logistic analyses were used to evaluate the relationships between variables and endpoint.ResultsThe levels of mGPS and LCS in the death group were significantly higher than those in the survival group (P &lt; 0.05). The areas under the ROC curve of the mGPS and LCS for predicting death were 0.695 (95%CI: 0.567~0.823) and 0.736 (95%CI: 0.616~0.856), respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that both LCS, LVEF and serum direct bilirubin were independent predictors of all-cause death, excluding mGPS.ConclusionsCompared with mGPS, LCS is independently associated with short-term outcomes in patients with acute heart failure. LCS was a clinically promising and feasible prognostic scoring system for patients with acute heart failure.
The Volcanic Landscapes of the Ancient Hunter-Gatherers of the Atacama Desert Through Their Lithic Remains
Authors: Loyola Rodrigo , Figueroa Valentina , Núñez Lautaro , Vasquez Marco , Espíndola Christian , Valenzuela Millarca , Prieto Manuel 
Published: July 2022

Since ancient times Andean societies have formed an intimate relationship with volcanoes, the beginnings of which can be traced right back to the initial peopling of the region. By studying rocks used for stone tools and other everyday artifacts, we explore the volcanic landscapes of early hunter-gatherer groups (11,500–9,500 cal BP) of the highlands of the Atacama Desert (22–24°S/67–68°W). Petrological classification of the lithic assemblages of three Early Holocene archaeological sites showed the procurement of a great diversity of volcanic and subvolcanic rocks, including pumice, granitic rocks, micro-diorites, a large variety of tuffs and andesites, dacites, cherts, basalts, obsidians, among others. Field surveys enabled us to detect many of their sources related to volcanic features such as craters, maars, caldera-domes, lava flows, probable hydrothermal deposits, and ignimbrites. In these places, we also document large quarry-workshops and campsites from different periods, indicating intense and repeated human occupation over time. By comparing the artifacts with geological samples collected in the field, it was possible to assign the source of origin of a large part of the archaeological assemblages. Our data suggest that the volcanic features of the Atacama highlands were integrated into the mobility and interaction networks of ancient hunter-gatherer groups at an early date.
Rapid Model Development for GSFLOW With Python and pyGSFLOW
Authors: Larsen Joshua D. , Alzraiee Ayman H. , Martin Donald , Niswonger Richard G. 
Published: July 2022

Following the advancement of high-performance computing and sensor technology and the increased availability of larger climate and land-use data sets, hydrologic models have become more sophisticated. Instead of simple boundary conditions, these data sets are incorporated with the aim of providing more accurate insights into hydrologic processes. Integrated surface-water and groundwater models are developed to represent the most important processes that affect the distribution of water in hydrologic systems. GSFLOW is an integrated hydrologic modeling software that couples surface-water processes from PRMS and groundwater processes from MODFLOW and simulates feedbacks between both components of the hydrologic system. Development of GSFLOW models has previously required multiple tools to separately create surface-water and groundwater input files. The use of these multiple tools, custom workflows, and manual processing complicates reproducibility and confidence in model results. Based on a need for rapid, reproduceable, and robust methods, we present two example problems that showcase the latest updates to pyGSFLOW. The software package, pyGSFLOW, is an end-to-end data processing tool made from open-source Python libraries that enables the user to edit, write input files, run models, and postprocess model output. The first example showcases pyGSFLOW’s capabilities by developing a streamflow network in the Russian River watershed with an area of 3,850 km2 located on the coast of northern California. A second example examines the effects of model discretization on hydrologic prediction for the Sagehen Creek watershed with an area of 28 km2, near Lake Tahoe, California, in the northern Sierra Nevada.
Effects of a 12-Week Interventional Exercise Programme on Muscle Strength, Mobility and Fitness in Patients With Diabetic Foot in Remission: Results From BIONEDIAN Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Vrátná Eliška , Husáková Jitka , Jarošíková Radka , Dubský Michal , Wosková Veronika , Bém Robert , Jirkovská Alexandra , Králová Kateřina , Pyšková Bára , Lánská Věra , Fejfarová Vladimíra 
Published: July 2022

ObjectivesDiabetic foot syndrome (DFS) is a serious late diabetic complication characterised by limited joint mobility and other biomechanical and muscle abnormalities.AimTo evaluate the effect of an interventional exercise programme on anthropometric parameters, muscle strength, mobility and fitness in patients with diabetic foot in remission.Data Sources and Study SelectionThirty-eight patients with type 2 diabetes and DFS without active lesions (mean age 65 ± 6.9 years, BMI 32 ± 4.7 kg.m-2, waist-hip ratio (WHR)1.02 ± 0.06) were enrolled in our randomised controlled trial. All subjects were randomised into two groups: an intervention group (I; n=19) and a control group (C; n=19). The 12-week exercise intervention focused on ankle and small-joint mobility in the foot, strengthening and stretching of the lower extremity muscles, and improvements in fitness. Changes (Δ=final minus initial results) in physical activity were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), with joint mobility detected by goniometry, muscle strength by dynamometry, and fitness using the Senior Fitness Test (SFT).Data extractionDue to reulceration, 15.8% of patients from group I (3/19) and 15.8% of patients from group C were excluded. Based on the IPAQ, group I was more active when it came to heavy (p=0.03) and moderate physical activity (p=0.06) after intervention compared to group C. Group I improved significantly in larger-joint flexibility (p=0.012) compared to controls. In group I, dynamometric parameters increased significantly in both lower limbs (left leg; p=0.013, right leg; p=0.043) compared to group C. We observed a positive trend in the improvement of fitness in group I compared to group C. We also confirmed positive correlations between heavy physical activity and selected parameters of flexibility (r=0.47; p=0.007), SFT (r=0.453; p=0.011) and dynamometry (r=0.58; p&lt;0.0025). Anthropometric parameters, such as BMI and WHR, were not significantly influenced by the intervention programme.ConclusionOur 12-week interventional exercise programme proved relatively safe, resulting in improved body flexibility and increased muscle strength in DF patients in remission.
Bone Microarchitecture in Obese Postmenopausal Chinese Women: The Chinese Vertebral Osteoporosis Study (ChiVOS)
Authors: Qi Wenting , Jiang Yan , Liu Wei , Chi Yue , Jiajue Ruizhi , Pang Qianqian , Wang Ou , Li Mei , Xing Xiaoping , Yu Wei , Xia Weibo 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundObesity is associated with improved bone mass and microarchitecture in Caucasian individuals, but evidence in obese Asian individuals is lacking.ObjectiveTo analyze the areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and bone microarchitecture in normal-weight, overweight, and obese postmenopausal Chinese women.MethodsA total of 243 postmenopausal women from the Chinese Vertebral Osteoporosis Study (ChiVOS) were included and were divided into three groups (OB, obese group; OW, overweight group; NW, normal weight group) by BMI level. aBMD, trabecular bone score (TBS), and appendicular lean mass (ALM) were measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). Bone microarchitecture was measured by HR-pQCT at the distal radius and tibia. X-ray was performed to confirm vertebral fractures (VFs). Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate the correlations between bone parameters and ALM after adjusting for confounding variables.ResultsThe prevalence of VFs and clinical fractures were similar among the groups. Participants in the OB group showed a lower level of osteocalcin with comparable levels of other bone turnover markers (BTMs). The aBMD at several skeletal sites was higher in the OB group than in the NW group after adjusting for age (p&lt;0.01 for all comparisons). At the radius, the OB group had a higher Ct.Ar, Tb.vBMD, Tb.BV/TV, Tb.N, Tb.Th, and Ct.Th than the NW group after adjusting for covariates (p&lt;0.05 for all). Differences of a similar magnitude were found at the distal tibia. There was a trend of decreasing trend in Tb.Sp, Tb.1/N/SD, and Ct.Po among groups at both sites. However, the bone microarchitecture did not differ between participants with severe obesity (BMI≥35.0kg/m2) and those with 30.0≤BMI&lt;35 kg/m2. Multiple linear regression revealed that the associations between ALM and most of the bone microarchitecture parameters at both sites were much stronger than the association between body weight and bone parameters.ConclusionWe have observed significant improvements in aBMD, bone geometry, and bone microarchitecture in obese postmenopausal Chinese women. Except for a lower level of osteocalcin in the OB group, no significant differences in BTMs were found among the groups. Compared with body weight, ALM may explain greater variance in the improvement of bone microarchitecture parameters.
Early Warning of Telecom Customer Churn Based on Multialgorithm Model Optimization
Authors: Xu Jingxiu , Li Xueguang , He Zhonglin , Zhou Jing 
Published: July 2022

Background: China telecom is the largest integrated information service provider in China, its business volume all over the world. It is interesting to note that China Unicom and other telecom companies have carried out similar businesses one after another. How to prevent the loss of existing customers in the fierce competition is an important issue for telecom companies to think about.Methods: This work aims to build a variety of algorithm models for target optimization and use them to predict whether telecom companies will lose customers, respond to the early warning of customer churn, and then implement active retention measures. Data characteristics affect the final loss prediction effect. In this study, the weight contribution rate of each characteristic variable is obtained by calculating the evidence weight and then the characteristic variable information value so as to optimize the prediction accuracy of the algorithm model. Through calculation, we noted the weight contribution rate of five characteristic variables to be the highest. Including total day charge, total day minutes customer service calls, international plan, and number of voicemail messages, linear regression, decision tree, Bayesian, artificial neural network, and support vector machine are used to predict customer churn on the customer dataset published by telecom companies. The experimental results are used to test the performance of the algorithm model.Results: It is found that the characteristic variables calculated after optimization are put into multialgorithm models to predict the churn of telecom customers. Finally, it is found that it is better for the optimized characteristic variables to use the decision tree algorithm model to predict the loss of telecom customers.
Progress and Perspectives of Geotechnical Anchor Bolts on Slope Engineering in China
Authors: Du Yan , Li Heng , Chicas Santos D. , Huo Leichen 
Published: July 2022

Geotechnical anchoring technology is an important tool for disaster prevention and mitigation in slope engineering. Anchor bolts which are commonly used in slope engineering can be divided into prestressed anchors and non-prestressed anchors. Due to the superiority of anchor support technology, research on various aspects of anchor bolts, such as mechanical mechanism, anchorage effect, and the development of new-type anchor bolts, has been a significant research topic for scholars. This mini-review sums up the diverse past and current literature on anchor support technology of slope engineering in China. It focuses on the characteristics, applications, research methods, and practical cases of anchor bolts and briefly describes the history of slope anchor bolt development in China in the past 3 decades. Nowadays, the demand for engineering construction processes is increasing, and engineering geological conditions are becoming more complex, which promotes the development of anchor support technology. At the international level, achieving carbon neutrality is both an international trend and a general objective. Against the background of global commitment to carbon neutrality, the potential future perspectives for the developments of anchor support technology have been prospected in light of actual engineering needs.