bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of renin–angiotensin system inhibitor type and dosage on survival after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Fischer-Rasokat Ulrich , Bänsch Celine , Renker Matthias , Rolf Andreas , Charitos Efstratios I , Weferling Maren , Liebetrau Christoph , Herrmann Eva , Choi Yeong-Hoon , Hamm Christian W , Kim Won-Keun 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Aims
The objective of the study was to determine the effect of renin–angiotensin system inhibitors (RASI) on the survival of subgroups of patients with aortic stenosis after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and to assess the impact of types and dosages of RASI on outcomes.

Methods and results
This single-centre, retrospective analysis included 2862 patients (n = 2227 with RASI and n = 635 without RASI) after successful TAVI. Propensity score matching established comparable patient populations (n = 625 per group). Survival was analysed by Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression and was corrected for baseline, procedural, and medical parameters. Self-reported adherence to RASI therapy 3 months after hospital discharge was 94%. Three-year all-cause mortality rates were 12.3% and 20.2% for patients with or without RASI, respectively (log-rank &lt;0.001). In the matched study populations, mortality rates were 14.2% vs. 20.0% (log-rank &lt;0.03). RASI was particularly beneficial in patients with ejection fraction &lt;40% [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval 0.50 (0.29–0.87)], EuroScore II ≥4% [HR 0.47 (0.35–0.65)], or low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis [HR 0.53 (0.31–0.93)] who were also on beta-blockers and statins. An association between discharge dosage and survival was observed, with HR 0.75 (0.58–0.96) and 0.57 (0.44–0.72) for patients on &lt;50% and ≥50% target dose, respectively. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) reduced mortality rates similarly (13.9% vs. 9.8%, log-rank 0.103).

Conclusions
The beneficial association between RASI after TAVI and improved survival during follow-up is particularly evident in high-risk patients and may be dose dependent. No superiority was noted in the effectiveness of ACEI or ARB.
Causes of variability in estimates of mutational variance from mutation accumulation experiments
Authors: Conradsen Cara , Blows Mark W , McGuigan Katrina 
Published: April 2022

AbstractCharacteristics of the new phenotypic variation introduced via mutation have broad implications in evolutionary and medical genetics. Standardized estimates of this mutational variance, VM, span 2 orders of magnitude, but the causes of this remain poorly resolved. We investigated estimate heterogeneity using 2 approaches. First, meta-analyses of ∼150 estimates of standardized VM from 37 mutation accumulation studies did not support a difference among taxa (which differ in mutation rate) but provided equivocal support for differences among trait types (life history vs morphology, predicted to differ in mutation rate). Notably, several experimental factors were confounded with taxon and trait, and further empirical data are required to resolve their influences. Second, we analyzed morphological data from an experiment in Drosophila serrata to determine the potential for unintentional heterogeneity among environments in which phenotypes were measured (i.e. among laboratories or time points) or transient segregation of mutations within mutation accumulation lines to affect standardized VM. Approximating the size of an average mutation accumulation experiment, variability among repeated estimates of (accumulated) mutational variance was comparable to variation among published estimates of standardized VM. This heterogeneity was (partially) attributable to unintended environmental variation or within line segregation of mutations only for wing size, not wing shape traits. We conclude that sampling error contributed substantial variation within this experiment, and infer that it will also contribute substantially to differences among published estimates. We suggest a logistically permissive approach to improve the precision of estimates, and consequently our understanding of the dynamics of mutational variance of quantitative traits.
Assessment of the Degree of Variation of Histologic Inflammation in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Mikolajczyk Adam E , Cohen Nathaniel A , Watson Sydeaka , Ackerman Max , Goeppinger Sarah R , Hart John , Turner Jerrold R , Rubin David T 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Introduction
Treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) now includes mucosal healing. Adoption of histologic end points is hindered by a lack of evidence guiding optimal sampling, interpretation, and reproducibility of results.

Methods
We analyzed biopsy fragments from colonoscopies in 92 patients with UC. Fragments were scored using 6-point histologic inflammatory activity (HIA) scale. Variability was determined using ordinal representations of HIA scores. The most frequently observed score and percentage of biopsy fragments with that score were determined for each biopsy, each segment, and across all 3 segments for each colonoscopy. Mean percentages and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results
We reviewed 1802 biopsy fragments. The mean percentages of intrasegment biopsy fragments with the same HIA score were 85.5% (95% CI, 80.9% to 92.9%), 79.6% (95% CI, 76.0% to 87.3%), and 82.7% (95% CI, 79.1% to 90.0%) for the rectum, left colon, and right colon, respectively. The mean percentage of intersegment biopsy fragments with the same HIA score was 70.2% (95% CI, 65.7% to 82.5%). The mean percentages of intrabiopsy fragments with the same HIA score were 83.3% (95% CI, 77.6% to 93.5%), 83.6% (95% CI, 80.1% to 89.7%), and 90.2% (95% CI, 87.6% to 94.7%) for the rectum, left colon, and right colon, respectively. All 3 analyses revealed increased variation when a greater degree of histologic inflammation was present in the biopsies (mean HIA score ≥2).

Conclusions
We found minimal variability between degree of inflammation among biopsy fragments within and among different colorectal segments in UC, suggesting that even a single biopsy would adequately reflect the inflammation of the entire colorectum. These findings have significant implications for the use of histology as a clinical target and trial end point in UC.
LC–MS-MS Determination of 88 Psychotropic Drugs in 1,865 Hair Samples from Addicts in Drug Abstinence
Authors: Ji Jiao-jiao , Xu Duoqi , Yan Hui , Xiang Ping , Shen Min 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe emergence of novel drugs and the continuous expansion of the scope of the types of drugs under control have greatly increased requests for screening of a range of drugs in hair. Here, a multi-analyte method for the detection and quantification of 88 psychotropic drugs in the hair of addicts in drug abstinence was developed and fully validated using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS). Hair samples (25 mg) were washed, cut into pieces, cryogenically ground and extracted in methanol. The extracted analytes were separated on an Allure PFP Propyl column (100 × 2.1 mm, 5 mm inside diameter, Restek, USA) and analyzed by LC–MS-MS in multiple reaction monitoring modes. The limits of detection and the limits of quantification ranged from 0.1 to 20 pg/mg and 0.2 to 50 pg/mg, respectively. The intra- and inter-assay precisions (relative standard deviation (RSD)) of all analyses ranged from 0.9% to 14.9% and 1.9% to 15.9%, respectively. Accuracy values were 100 ± 20%. The extraction recovery of quality control samples ranged from 50.9% to 99.6% for all analytes. The matrix effects for all analytes ranged from 46.8% to 99.7%. The method was successfully used to analyze 1,865 hair samples from addicts in drug rehabilitation at their own communities. Among the samples, 129 cases were positive; the majority of positive cases were from males (78.29%), 92.25% of whom were &gt;35 years old. Traditional drugs, like methamphetamine and opioids, accounted for most positive cases, and 27 of the abstinence cases with a use history of methamphetamine were still positive. In addition to abused drugs, like methamphetamine, morphine and cocaine, the sedative-hypnotic and psychotherapeutic drugs, including clonazepam, alprazolam, estazolam, zolpidem and quetiapine, were detected in 26% of the hair samples, suggesting that these addicts may have insomnia and mental problems such as depression and psychosis, probably due to the long-term effects of drugs and withdrawal reactions. Three synthetic cannabinoids were also detected in four (2.7%) cases. A total of 37 cases were positive for methadone, tramadol and dextromethorphan, reflecting a new trend of alternative drug use when traditional drugs were not easy to obtain during the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak.
Measures of Adaptive Immune Function Predict the Risk of Nosocomial Infection in Pediatric Burn Patients
Authors: Thakkar Rajan K , Penatzer Julia , Simon Shan , Steele Lisa , Fabia Renata , Groner Jonathan I , Keesari Rohali , Hall Mark 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Thermal injury results in changes in the inflammatory and innate immune response of pediatric patients. Plasma cytokines, cellular profiles, and reduction in innate immune function following burn injury have also been correlated to adverse outcomes (e.g., mortality and infectious complications). Changes in adaptive immune function following thermal injury are not as well characterized. Our goal was to better understand if adaptive immune dysfunction occurs early after pediatric thermal injury and is a risk factor for nosocomial infections (NIs). A prospective, longitudinal immune function observational study was performed at a single American Burn Association (ABA)-verified pediatric burn center. Eighty burn patients were enrolled with 20 developing NI, defined using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria. We collected whole blood samples from pediatric burn patients within the first 72 hours from injury and between days 4 and 7, where applicable to analyze adaptive immune function. We compared immune function between burn patients who went on to develop NI and those that did not. Within the first 72 hours of injury, burn patients who developed NI had significantly lower absolute CD4+ lymphocyte counts and whole blood ex vivo phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced interferon gamma (IFNγ) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) production capacity compared to those that did not develop infection. Further analysis using receiver operating characteristic curve revealed that PHA-induced IL-10 production capacity had the highest area under the curve. Our data demonstrate that early adaptive immune suppression occurs following pediatric thermal injury and PHA-induced IL-10 production capacity appears to be a predictor for the development of NI.
Natural mortality and longevity of the burrowing crayfish Parastacus pugnax (Poeppig, 1835) (Decapoda: Astacidea: Parastacidae)
Authors: Ibarra Mauricio , Wehrtmann Ingo S 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Information about longevity and mortality of decapod crustaceans is scarce but is of utmost importance for our understanding of the dynamics of exploited populations. Moreover, such information is crucial for the development of conservation and management strategies. Compared to other crustacean taxa, crayfishes are understudied and under increasing threat of extinction. Particularly, life history data for burrowing crayfishes is highly limited, which is related to their subterranean habitat and collection difficulty. Considering the limited knowledge on mortality and life span in burrowing crayfishes, we studied these two parameters in the burrowing crayfish Parastacus pugnax (Poeppig, 1835), one of six species of Parastacidae in Chile. This species inhabits subterraneous waters in semi-swampy terrain and is heavily exploited for human consumption. We calculated longevity (A0.95) and natural mortality (M) of this species, using growth estimates published in the literature. Longevity was estimated to vary between 8.2 and 12.4 yr. The estimated values for M ranged from 0.241 to 0.611 yr−1, and the medium for the population ranged from 0.37 to 0.57 yr−1. Compared to other crayfishes, parastacids are generally classified as longer-living species, and some can live for decades. Our results suggest that P. pugnax is a medium-age species with a medium-range mortality compared to other parastacids.
Chemical diversity of the atmospheres and interiors of sub-Neptunes: a case study of GJ 436 b
Authors: Guzmán-Mesa Andrea , Kitzmann Daniel , Mordasini Christoph , Heng Kevin 
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACT
The atmospheres of sub-Neptunes are expected to exhibit considerable chemical diversity, beyond what is anticipated for gas-giant exoplanets. In the current study, we construct self-consistent radiative transfer and equilibrium chemistry models to explore this chemical diversity. We use GJ 436 b as a case study to further study joint atmosphere-interior models. In particular, we constrain the properties of the interior and atmosphere of the planet based on the available Spitzer measurements. While it is possible to fit the emission spectrum of GJ 436 b using a high-metallicity model, we demonstrate that such an atmosphere is inconsistent with physically plausible interior structures. It remains the case that no existing study can adequately fit the 4.5-$\mu$m Spitzer secondary eclipse measurement, which is probably caused by chemical disequilibrium. Finally, an information content analysis reveals that emission and transmission spectra constrain the carbon-to-oxygen ratio and metallicity at different wavelengths, but the former are less susceptible to flat spectra stemming from highly metal-enriched atmospheres. With the recently launched James Webb Space Telescope, we recommend that future analysis of emission and transmission spectra of sub-Neptune planets are carried out self-consistently using both the atmospheric and interior structure models.
Sex Differences in Nicotine Enhancement of Conditioned Place Avoidance Driven by Footshock in Male and Female Rats
Authors: Barker Ashley M , Moore Haley N , Buffalari Deanne 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Introduction
Tobacco use is driven by nicotine, which can enhance the ability of non-nicotine stimuli, including aversive stimuli, to alter behavior. Sex differences exist in the reinforcement enhancement properties of nicotine, but the degree to which this extends to nicotine’s ability to enhance behavior driven by aversive stimuli is unclear.

Aims and Methods
The current study used adult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats to explore sex differences in nicotine enhancement of footshock (FS)-conditioned place avoidance. FS-conditioned and control rats were tested for conditioned avoidance of FS- or control-paired chambers after injections of saline or nicotine (0.3 mg/kg, subcutaneously).

Results
FS supported place avoidance in both male and female rats, and nicotine enhanced avoidance. Females showed more avoidance after nicotine than males, even in nonconditioned control rats.

Conclusions
These results support the idea that sex differences do exist in nicotine enhancement of aversive stimuli, and suggest the mechanisms through which nicotine supports tobacco dependence in males and females may differ.

Implications
Nicotine enhancement of nondrug stimuli is thought to play a role in tobacco dependence. Yet previous research of enhancement has overwhelmingly used male subjects and appetitive stimuli. Our findings confirm that nicotine also enhances behavior driven by aversive stimuli, and suggests that females may be more susceptible to nicotine enhancement. Such sex differences suggest sex may be an important factor to consider in treating dependence.
A Systematic Review of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccine Efficacy and Effectiveness Against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection and Disease
Authors: Higdon Melissa M , Wahl Brian , Jones Carli B , Rosen Joseph G , Truelove Shaun A , Baidya Anurima , Nande Anjalika A , ShamaeiZadeh Parisa A , Walter Karoline K , Feikin Daniel R , Patel Minal K , Deloria Knoll Maria , Hill Alison L 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Billions of doses of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines have been administered globally, dramatically reducing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) incidence and severity in some settings. Many studies suggest vaccines provide a high degree of protection against infection and disease, but precise estimates vary and studies differ in design, outcomes measured, dosing regime, location, and circulating virus strains. In this study, we conduct a systematic review of COVID-19 vaccines through February 2022. We included efficacy data from Phase 3 clinical trials for 15 vaccines undergoing World Health Organization Emergency Use Listing evaluation and real-world effectiveness for 8 vaccines with observational studies meeting inclusion criteria. Vaccine metrics collected include protection against asymptomatic infection, any infection, symptomatic COVID-19, and severe outcomes including hospitalization and death, for partial or complete vaccination, and against variants of concern Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron. We additionally review the epidemiological principles behind the design and interpretation of vaccine efficacy and effectiveness studies, including important sources of heterogeneity.
An Unusual Etiology of Lemierre-Like Syndrome: Preseptal Cellulitis due to Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Newman Noah , Bantikassegn Amlak , West Thomas G , Peacock James E 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Lemierre’s syndrome (LS) is a rare and potentially fatal condition that predominantly affects young adults with oropharyngeal infection. Fusobacterium necrophorum is the usual etiology and classically causes internal jugular vein septic thrombophlebitis, frequently complicated by septic emboli to several organs (most classically to the lungs). Lemierre-like syndrome (LLS) describes the same constellation of symptoms and pathophysiology as Lemierre’s syndrome; however, Fusobacterium spp. are not the cause, and the source of infection may be nonoropharyngeal. We present a case with an unusual etiology of LLS: a patient with untreated preseptal cellulitis and associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia in the setting of injection drug use. Physical exam revealed tachypnea and rhonchi with severe periorbital and bilateral eyelid edema. Imaging demonstrated bilateral preseptal and orbital cellulitis with thrombosis of both internal jugular veins and bilateral pulmonary cavitary lesions consistent with septic pulmonary emboli. She was managed with anticoagulation and parenteral antibiotics. To our knowledge, this is the first case of LLS originating from preseptal cellulitis without evidence of preceding pharyngitis. While facial and orbital infections are rare etiologies of LLS, the potentially devastating sequelae of LLS warrant its inclusion in differential diagnoses.
The absorption of water from humid air by grass embryos during germination
Authors: Bin Rahman A N M Rubaiyath , Ding Wona , Zhang Jianhua 
Published: April 2022

AbstractGrass embryos possess structures that do not occur in any other flowering plants. Due to the specific embryo structure and position, grass embryo surfaces may be exposed to surrounding air under partial caryopsis–soil contact conditions, but whether caryopses of the grass family (Poaceae) can sense soil air humidity to initiate successful germination under partial caryopsis–soil contact conditions remain unknown. Here, we found that grass embryos have the unique ability to absorb water from atmospheric water vapor under partial caryopsis–soil contact conditions. To absorb atmospheric moisture, grass embryos developed profuse and highly elongated hairs on the embryo surface. These hairs, classically known as coleorhiza hairs, developed only on the embryo surface exposed to humid air, and submergence of the embryo surface inhibited their development. In addition to humid air-dependent development, almost all other developmental features of coleorhiza hairs were substantially different from root hairs. However, coleorhiza hair development was regulated by ROOTHAIRLESS 1. Besides the genetic control of coleorhiza hair development, we also identified how caryopses manage to keep the hairs turgid in natural open environments as the hairs were highly sensitive to dry air exposure. Moreover, we video-documented the regulation of developmental processes. The unique humid air-dependent coleorhiza hair development and their ability to absorb water from water vapor present in microsites or soil air give grasses advantages in germination and seedling establishment. Ultimately, coleorhiza hairs may have contributed to the ecological success of the grass family.
Spreading rates of bacterial colonies depend on substrate stiffness and permeability
Authors: Asp Merrill E , Ho Thanh Minh-Tri , Germann Danielle A , Carroll Robert J , Franceski Alana , Welch Roy D , Gopinath Arvind , Patteson Alison E 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The ability of bacteria to colonize and grow on different surfaces is an essential process for biofilm development. Here, we report the use of synthetic hydrogels with tunable stiffness and porosity to assess physical effects of the substrate on biofilm development. Using time-lapse microscopy to track the growth of expanding Serratia marcescens colonies, we find that biofilm colony growth can increase with increasing substrate stiffness, unlike what is found on traditional agar substrates. Using traction force microscopy-based techniques, we find that biofilms exert transient stresses correlated over length scales much larger than a single bacterium, and that the magnitude of these forces also increases with increasing substrate stiffness. Our results are consistent with a model of biofilm development in which the interplay between osmotic pressure arising from the biofilm and the poroelastic response of the underlying substrate controls biofilm growth and morphology.
Axial and Rotational Malreduction (Golf Club Deformity) in Distal Femur Fractures
Authors: Lowe Jason , Alhandi Ali , Manoharan Aditya , Ouellette Elizabeth , Kaimrajh David , Milne Edward , Latta Loren 
Published: April 2022

Objectives:
To describe malreduction of supracondylar distal femur fractures stabilized with lateral femoral locking plates and determine whether a mismatch in axial lateral distal femur anatomy and lateral distal femoral plate design contributes to supracondylar distal femoral fracture malreduction.

Materials and Methods:
OTA/AO 33A were simulated in 7 cadaver femurs and fixed with a lateral distal locking femoral plate placed flush to the lateral femoral condyle (group 1). In group 2, the anterior flange of the plate was externally rotated 10 degrees in relation to the lateral condyle. A motion capture system measured translation and rotation of the articular segment as shaft screws were applied, reducing plate to femoral diaphysis. Articular segment movement was compared between groups using paired Student t test, P < 0.05. A large database of 3D scans of 800 femurs was used to define the relationship of the lateral femoral condyle to the lateral cortical surface of the human femur.

Results:
Malreduction was observed with anatomic plate application results from medial translation (17 mm) and external rotation (12.2 degrees) (group 1). Modifying plate geometry to match lateral femur anatomy (group 2) improved medial translation by 46% and external rotation by 80%. An analysis of the shape of the 800 distal femurs showed that the average posterior anterior inclination is 16.5 degrees.

Conclusions:
Anatomic application of distal femoral plates results in significant malreduction. Modifying the plate design to accommodate 10 degrees slope of lateral distal femur results in partial correction of deformity. Future studies should investigate other means of correcting the malalignment, especially considering the 16.5-degree posterior anterior inclination of the condyle.