bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global patterns of seasonal influenza activity, duration of activity and virus (sub)type circulation from 2010 to 2020
Authors: Zanobini Patrizio , Bonaccorsi Guglielmo , Lorini Chiara , Haag Mendel , McGovern Ian , Paget John , Caini Saverio 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundSeasonal influenza viruses undergo unpredictable changes, which may lead to antigenic mismatch between circulating and vaccine strains and to a reduced vaccine effectiveness. A continuously updated knowledge of influenza strain circulation and seasonality is essential to optimize the effectiveness of influenza vaccination campaigns. We described the global epidemiology of influenza between the 2009 A(H1N1)p and the 2020 COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsInfluenza virological surveillance data were obtained from the WHO‐FluNet database. We determined the median proportion of influenza cases caused by the different influenza virus types, subtypes, and lineages; the typical timing of the epidemic peak; and the median duration of influenza epidemics (applying the annual average percentage method with a 75% threshold).ResultsWe included over 4.6 million influenza cases from 149 countries. The median proportion of influenza cases caused by type A viruses was 75.5%, highest in the Southern hemisphere (81.6%) and lowest in the intertropical belt (73.0%), and ranged across seasons between 60.9% in 2017 and 88.7% in 2018. Epidemic peaks typically occurred during winter months in Northern and Southern hemisphere countries, while much more variability emerged in tropical countries. Influenza epidemics lasted a median of 25 weeks (range 8–42) in countries lying between 30°N and 26°S, and a median of 9 weeks (range 5–25) in countries outside this latitude range.ConclusionsThis work will establish an important baseline to better understand factors that influence seasonal influenza dynamics and how COVID‐19 may have affected seasonal activity and influenza virus types, subtypes, and lineages circulation patterns.
Spatiotemporal modelling of abundance from multiple data sources in an integrated spatial distribution model
Authors: Strebel Nicolas , Kéry Marc , Guélat Jérôme , Sattler Thomas 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAimIn biodiversity monitoring, observational data are often collected in multiple, disparate schemes with greatly varying degrees of standardization and possibly at different spatial and temporal scales. Technical advances also change the type of data over time. The resulting heterogeneous datasets are often deemed to be incompatible. Consequently, many available datasets may be ignored in practical analyses. Here, we propose a more efficient use of disparate biodiversity data to assess species distributions and population trends.LocationSwitzerland (Europe).TaxonBirds.MethodsWe developed an integrated, hierarchical species distribution model with a joint likelihood for all datasets using a shared state process (e.g. latent species abundance or occurrence), but distinct observation process for each dataset. We show how the abundance submodel of a binomial N‐mixture model can fuse four different data types (count, detection/non‐detection, presence‐only and absence‐only data) and enable improved inferences about spatiotemporal patterns in abundance. As case studies, we use data from multiple avian biodiversity monitoring schemes. In the first, the goal is estimating abundance‐based species distribution maps. In the second, we infer trends in population abundance across time.ResultsAccuracy and precision of abundance estimates increased when combining data from different sources compared to using a single data source alone. This is particularly valuable when data from each single data source are too sparse for reliable parameter estimation.Main conclusionsWe show that exploiting the complementary nature of ‘cheap’, but abundant, citizen‐science data and less abundant, but more information‐rich, data from structured monitoring programmes might be ideal to estimate distribution and population trends more accurately, especially for rare species. Joint likelihoods allow to include a wide variety of different datasets to (1) combine all the available information and to (2) mitigate weaknesses of one by the strength of another.
Radiofrequency ablation for treatment of atrial fibrillation with the use of intracardiac echocardiography versus without intracardiac echocardiography: A meta‐analysis of observational and randomized studies
Authors: Xu Jingmiao , Gao Ying , Liu Chunhui , Wang Yaping 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIntroductionIntracardiac echocardiography (ICE) provides superior quality images and can monitor catheter location within the heart continuously. Given the limited evidence, we conducted the meta‐analysis to evaluate outcomes with ICE in radiofrequency (RF) ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF).Methods and ResultsPubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane were searched for studies reporting RF ablation for treatment of AF with the use of ICE versus without ICE and 12 studies were included. Sensitivity analyses limiting studies to ablation with the use of contact force (CF) catheters were conducted and subgroup analyses were performed according to the published year. In main analyses, RF ablation with ICE for treatment of AF was associated with significant reduction in total X‐ray time (mean difference [MD], −9.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], −15.57 to −4.04; I2 = 99%; p < .01), total procedure time (MD, −17.65; 95% CI, −30.22 to −5.09; I2 = 89%; p < .01), and complications (relative risk [RR], 0.90; 95% CI, 0.87–0.92; I2 = 20%; p < .01) versus without ICE. The ICE‐guided group tended to decrease total absorbed X‐ray dose (standardized mean difference, −0.91; 95% CI, −1.86 to 0.04; I2 = 96%; p = .06). Freedom from arrhythmia (RR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.98–1.14; I2 = 0%; p = .13) was comparable between the two groups.ConclusionIn patients with AF, ICE‐guided RF ablation is correlated with significant reductions in total X‐ray time, total procedure time, and complications versus ablation without ICE. Total absorbed X‐ray dose tends to reduce in the ICE group and freedom from arrhythmia is comparable between the two groups.
Brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity as a measurement for increased carotid intima‐media thickness: A comparison with carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity in a Chinese community‐based cohort
Authors: He Danmei , Gao Lan , Yang Ying , Jia Jia , Jiang Yimeng , Sun Pengfei , Liu Bo , Li Jianping , Fan Fangfang , Zhang Yan , Huo Yong 
Published: February 2022

AbstractCarotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) act as two most frequently applied indicators to evaluate arterial stiffness. Limited studies have systematically compared the relationships between cfPWV/baPWV and increased carotid intima‐media thickness (cIMT). This study aimed to investigate the associations of the two PWV indices with cIMT in a Chinese community‐based population. A total of 6026 Chinese participants from an atherosclerosis cohort were included in our analysis. Increased cIMT was defined as the maximum of cIMT > 0.9 mm in end‐systolic period of carotid artery. Mean (SD) cfPWV and baPWV were 8.55±1.83 and 16.79±3.35 m/s, respectively. The prevalence of increased cIMT was 59.58%. In multivariable logistic regression, both PWVs were independently associated with increased cIMT after adjustment for various confounders (for 1 m/s increase of cfPWV: OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02‐1.11; for 1 m/s increase of baPWV: OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00‐1.05). The highest cfPWV and baPWV quartile groups had higher prevalence of increased cIMT when compared with the lowest quartile groups (for cfPWV: OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.06‐1.55; for baPWV: OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.00‐1.50). However, when both PWVs were added into multivariable model simultaneously, only cfPWV was associated with odds of increased cIMT. Subgroup analyses further showed cfPWV was more strongly associated with increased cIMT than baPWV in males, participants aged ≥65 years, and those with other cardiovascular risk factors. In conclusion, both cfPWV and baPWV are associated with increased cIMT in a Chinese community‐based population. Furthermore, cfPWV is more strongly correlated with increased cIMT compared to baPWV.
Comparative proteomics profiling revealed the involvement of GRB2‐ROCK2 axis in Lyme neuroborreliosis caused by Borrelia Burgdorferi
Authors: Bi Yunfeng , Liu Jianjun , Ma Mingbiao , Tao Lvyan , Peng Yun , Dai Xiting , Ji Zhenhua , Bai Ruolan , Jian Miaomiao , Chen Taigui , Luo Lisha , Wang Feng , Ding Zhe , Liu Aihua , Bao Fukai 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe zoonotic Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, with wide distribution, rapid dissemination and high disability rate. However, the molecular mechanism underlying B. burgdorferi mediated neuroborreliosis remains largely unknown. Here, the frontal cortex from rhesus brains was incubated with B. burgdorferi, and proteomics profiling was evaluated by isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation. Proteins were identified and quantified, and differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were isolated by comparing co‐cultured samples and control samples. A total of 43, 164 and 368 DEPs were significantly altered after 6, 12 and 24 h treatment with B. burgdorferi respectively. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway analyses revealed that chemokine biological process was significantly enriched. Two genes in chemokine pathway including GRB2 and ROCK2 were significantly up‐regulated after B. burgdorferi co‐culturing. By in vitro assay, we confirmed that the expression of GRB2 and ROCK2 was increased after B. burgdorferi infection. In conclusion, our study revealed the involvement of chemokine pathway in the pathogenesis of LNB. GRB2 and ROCK2 may be novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for LNB.
Phillips Correlation and Price‐Change Distributions under Declining Trend Inflation
Authors: Kaihatsu Sohei , Katagiri Mitsuru , Shiraki Noriyuki 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe relationship between inflation dynamics and micro‐level pricing behavior is an underexplored research area. In this article, we first document that deflationary periods in Japan were associated with (i) variations in the distribution of price changes at the micro level, and (ii) a weakening in the Phillips correlation at the macro level. We construct a multisector general equilibrium model with sector‐specific menu costs, a feature that is supported by our estimation using sectoral data, and show that declining trend inflation and an increasing share of services in private consumption together can quantitatively explain the above two observations.
Intralesional purified protein derivative versus zinc sulfate 2% in the treatment of pediatric warts: Clinical and dermoscopic evaluation
Authors: Awad Amany , Ismael Ahmed Fawzi , Sallam Manar , Abdelgaber Soheir 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundWarts are common in children and can be difficult to treat. Many treatments for warts are destructive and painful in contrast to intralesional immunotherapy using different types of antigens.AimTo evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of intralesional purified protein derivative (PPD) versus intralesional zinc sulfate 2% in the treatment of pediatric warts.MethodsThis randomized clinical trial included 120 children with multiple warts divided into two equal groups. Group Ⅰ received intralesional 10 IU (0.1 ml) of PPD, group Ⅱ received intralesional zinc sulfate 2% in the largest wart every 2 weeks till improvement or for a maximum five treatment sessions. The follow‐up period was 6 months after the last treatment session.ResultsThe overall response was equal in both groups (81.7%), but the response of the injected wart was higher in the zinc sulfate group (93.4%) versus PPD group (83.3%) with no significant difference. The highest cure rates were after the 5th session in the PPD group and the 1st session in the zinc sulfate group with slightly lower numbers of sessions needed for cure in the zinc sulfate group (3 sessions) versus the PPD group (4 sessions). The zinc sulfate group showed statistically significant higher rates of complications (pain, inflammation, necrosis, and scar) than PPD group. The zinc sulfate group showed non‐significant higher rates of recurrence during the follow‐up period.ConclusionBoth intralesional PPD and zinc sulfate 2% are effective in pediatric warts with higher safety profile of PPD.
Role of body weight and sex in the olfactory and gustatory pleasantness, intensity, and familiarity of a lipid‐rich food
Authors: Rosa Antonella , Pinna Ilenia , Masala Carla 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn this study, the role of sex and body weight in the olfactory and gustatory dimensions (pleasantness, intensity, and familiarity) of mullet cured roes, a marine rich‐fat food with peculiar sensory attributes, was evaluated. One hundred seventy‐seven participants were enrolled. Positive correlations were observed between all food taste and odor dimensions. Women reported a significantly higher odor and taste intensity ratings than men. Multivariate linear regression analyses evidenced that body weight in women was negatively correlated to the food odor and taste pleasantness and positively correlated to odor intensity. These negative correlations were due to different women gustatory performance in relation to body weight. A significantly lower perception of salty and bitter taste was observed in women with a body weight >60 kg compared to those with a body weight ≤60 kg. Our results underline the important role of sex and body weight in the food products sensory evaluation.Practical applicationsThis study evidenced higher intensity ratings in women than men for the evaluation of olfactory and gustatory dimensions (pleasantness, intensity, and familiarity) of the salted and dried mullet roes, a lipid‐rich food, and the role of body weight in women sensory perception. Therefore, our data highlight the importance of taking into consideration sex and body weight when consumers panels are selected and constituted for the evaluation of sensory properties and acceptance of lipid‐rich foods, but also applicable to other types of foods.
Poly(lactic acid/caprolactone) bilayer membrane blocks bacterial penetration
Authors: L. Abe Gabriela , Tsuboi Ririko , Kitagawa Haruaki , Sasaki Jun‐Ichi , Li Aonan , Kohno Tomoki , Imazato Satoshi 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveThe clinical outcomes of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) or guided bone regeneration (GBR) procedures can be impaired if a bacterial infection develops at the surgical site. Membrane exposure is one of the causes of the onset of bacterial infection. Previously, we have fabricated a poly(lactic acid/caprolactone) (PLCL) bilayer membrane composed of a porous layer and a compact layer. The compact layer acts as a barrier against connective tissue and epithelial cells, and we hypothesized that it could also be an effective barrier against bacterial cells. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of the PLCL bilayer membrane to block bacterial cell penetration, which would be useful for preventing postoperative infections.MethodsPorphyromonas gingivalis, Streptococcus mutans, and multispecies bacteria collected from human saliva were used in this study. Bacteria were seeded directly on the compact layer of a PLCL bilayer membrane, and bacterial adhesion to the membrane, as well as penetration into the membrane's structure, were assessed. Bacterial adhesion was evaluated by the number of colonies formed at 6, 24, and 72 h, and penetration was observed using a scanning electron microscope at 24 and 72 h. Commercially available membranes, composed of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) or type I collagen, were used as controls.ResultsP. gingivalis, S. mutans, and the multispecies bacteria obtained from human saliva adhered onto all the membranes after only 6 h of incubation. However, fewer adherent cells were observed for the PLCL bilayer membrane compared with the controls for all experimental periods. The PLCL membrane was capable of blocking bacterial penetration, and no bacterial cells were observed in the structure. In contrast, bacteria penetrated both the control membranes and were observed at depths of up to 80 µm after 72 h of incubation.ConclusionMembrane characteristics may influence how bacterial colonization occurs. The PLCL membrane had reduced bacterial adhesion and blocked bacterial penetration, and these characteristics could contribute to a favorable outcome for regenerative treatments. In the event of membrane exposure at GTR/GBR surgical sites, membranes with an efficient barrier function, such as the PLCL bilayer membrane, could simplify the management of GTR/GBR complications.
The elimination effects of lavender essential oil on Listeria monocytogenes biofilms developed at different temperatures and the induction of VBNC state
Authors: Han X. , Chen Q. , Zhang X. , Peng J. , Zhang M. , Zhong Q. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a typical foodborne pathogen that causes hard-to-treat bacterial infections, mainly due to its ability to form biofilm and enter into a viable but non-culturable state (VBNC). In this study, we investigated the removal effects of four antimicrobial agents on L. monocytogenes biofilms formed at 32°C and 10°C, analysed the resistances of the mature biofilms to antimicrobial agents, and explored the VBNC state of cells in mature biofilms induced by lavender essential oil (LEO). The results showed that the growth of L. monocytogenes was completely inhibited when 1·6% (v/v) of the LEO was added. Meanwhile, the results of the crystal violet staining and XTT reduction method indicated that different concentrations of LEO significantly reduced L. monocytogenes biofilms biomass and metabolic activities, followed by sodium hypochlorite, lactic acid, and hydrogen peroxide. Moreover, the confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images confirmed that the treated biofilms became thinner, the structure was sparse, and the appearance was blurry. More interestingly, L. monocytogenes biofilms developed at 10°C were less susceptible to the sanitizers than those formed at 32°C. In addition, LEO presented a more significant dispersing effect on the biofilm cells, and 1/2 MIC to 4 MIC of LEO could induce fewer VBNC state cells in biofilm and plankton compared with sodium hypochlorite. This study indicated that the LEO could be considered as an ideal antibiofilm agent for controlling L. monocytogenes. But we should pay attention to the resistance of the biofilms developed at low temperatures.
Epidemiology, clinical presentation and management of COVID‐19 associated mucormycosis: A single centre experience from Pune, Western India
Authors: Dravid Ameet , Kashiva Reema , Khan Zafer , Bande Balasaheb , Memon Danish , Kodre Aparna , Mane Milind , Pawar Vishal , Patil Dattatraya , Kalyani Suraj , Raut Prathamesh , Bapte Madhura , Saldanha Charlotte , Chandak Dinesh , Patil Teerthagouda , Reddy Sateesh , Bhayani Krushnadas , Suresh Laxmi , Dillibabu Vishnu , Srivastava Shipra , Khandelwal Shubham , More Sailee , Shakeel Atif , Pawar Mohit , Nande Pranava , Harshe Amol , Kadam Sagar , Hallikar Sudhir , Kamal Nudrat , Andrabi Danish , Bodhale Sachin , Raut Akshay , Chandrashekhar Sangeeta , Raman Chandrashekhar , Mahajan Uma , Joshi Gaurav , Mane Dilip 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe second COVID‐19 wave in India has been associated with an unprecedented increase in cases of COVID‐19 associated mucormycosis (CAM), mainly Rhino‐orbito‐cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM).MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted at Noble hospital and Research Centre (NHRC), Pune, India, between 1 April, 2020, and 1 August, 2021, to identify CAM patients and assess their management outcomes. The primary endpoint was incidence of all‐cause mortality due to CAM.Results59 patients were diagnosed with CAM. Median duration from the first positive COVID‐19 RT PCR test to diagnosis of CAM was 17 (IQR: 12,22) days. 90% patients were diabetic with 89% having uncontrolled sugar level (HbA1c >7%). All patients were prescribed steroids during treatment for COVID‐19. 56% patients were prescribed steroids for non‐hypoxemic, mild COVID‐19 (irrational steroid therapy), while in 9%, steroids were prescribed in inappropriately high dose. Patients were treated with a combination of surgical debridement (94%), intravenous liposomal Amphotericin B (91%) and concomitant oral Posaconazole (95.4%). 74.6% patients were discharged after clinical and radiologic recovery while 25.4% died. On relative risk analysis, COVID‐19 CT severity index ≥18 (p = .017), presence of orbital symptoms (p = .002), presence of diabetic ketoacidosis (p = .011) and cerebral involvement (p = .0004) were associated with increased risk of death.ConclusionsCAM is a rapidly progressive, angio‐invasive, opportunistic fungal infection, which is fatal if left untreated. Combination of surgical debridement and antifungal therapy leads to clinical and radiologic improvement in majority of cases.
Technology and Integral Ecology
Authors: Russell Cathriona 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis paper begins with two preliminary forays, the first into creation theology and its deployment in environmental ethics, and the second sketches some implications for ‘integral ecology’ of reading theological ethics through the lens of human freedom and autonomy. The third and main focus of the paper is an exploration of aspects of the philosophy of technology, thinking in terms of the ‘technocratic paradigm’ and human ‘agency in context’. This analysis points to the potential for reimaging technologies for a sustainable planet and presents two examples: one new, the management of drone technologies and bird habitat; and one old, rethinking city transport though reinterpreting cycling as development at all income levels. This article is also intended as a contribution to the ongoing development of the concept of ‘integral ecology’ and its application: a concept that has now been added to related key principles of the common good in the Catholic social tradition: solidarity, subsidiarity, participation.
Identification of new marker genes from plant single‐cell RNA‐seq data using interpretable machine learning methods
Authors: Yan Haidong , Lee Jiyoung , Song Qi , Li Qi , Schiefelbein John , Zhao Bingyu , Li Song 
Published: February 2022

Summary

An essential step in the analysis of single‐cell RNA sequencing data is to classify cells into specific cell types using marker genes. In this study, we have developed a machine learning pipeline called single‐cell predictive marker (SPmarker) to identify novel cell‐type marker genes in the Arabidopsis root.

Unlike traditional approaches, our method uses interpretable machine learning models to select marker genes. We have demonstrated that our method can: assign cell types based on cells that were labelled using published methods; project cell types identified by trajectory analysis from one data set to other data sets; and assign cell types based on internal GFP markers.

Using SPmarker, we have identified hundreds of new marker genes that were not identified before. As compared to known marker genes, the new marker genes have more orthologous genes identifiable in the corresponding rice single‐cell clusters. The new root hair marker genes also include 172 genes with orthologs expressed in root hair cells in five non‐Arabidopsis species, which expands the number of marker genes for this cell type by 35–154%.

Our results represent a new approach to identifying cell‐type marker genes from scRNA‐seq data and pave the way for cross‐species mapping of scRNA‐seq data in plants.