bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Triglycerides–glucose index and the risk of cardiovascular events in persons with non-diabetic chronic kidney disease
Authors: Quiroga Borja , Muñoz Ramos Patricia , Sánchez Horrillo Ana , Ortiz Alberto , Valdivielso José Manuel , Carrero Juan Jesús 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT

Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with high rates of cardiovascular events. We here explored whether the recently described triglycerides–glucose index (TyG) predicted the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in these patients.

Methods
This observationa study was undertaken of 1142 persons with CKD and free from diabetes and 460 controls from the prospective NEFRONA study. The study exposure was the TyG index at cohort inclusion. The study outcome was MACE (cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke and hospitalization for unstable angina). Covariates included demographics, comorbidities, lipid profile, renal function and glycaemic control. Cox regression models evaluated the association between TyG index and 4-point MACE in patients with CKD.

Results
TyG was higher [median 8.63 (interquartile range 8.32–8.95)] in patients with CKD compared with controls (P &lt; 0.001). TyG increased across albuminuria categories but was similar for glomerular filtration rate categories among patients with CKD stages 3–5. During 46 ± 13 months of follow-up, 49 (4.3%) MACE were registered. TyG predicted the occurrence of MACE {hazard ratio (HR) 1.95 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–3.40] per TyG unit increase; and HR 2.29 (95% CI 1.24–4.20] for TyG values above the median of 8.63 units}. Sensitivity analysis for subgroups of participants according to age, kidney function, body mass index and imaging evidence of atherosclerosis yielded similar results, as did adjusted analysis. Neither triglycerides nor glucose alone was associated with MACE.

Conclusions
The TyG index is associated with the occurrence of major cardiovascular events in persons free from diabetes with non-dialysis dependent CKD.
Marked variation in atherosclerotic plaque progression between the major epicardial coronary arteries
Authors: Bax A Maxim , Lin Fay Y , van Rosendael Alexander R , Ma Xiaoyue , Lu Yao , van den Hoogen Inge J , Gianni Umberto , Tantawy Sara W , Andreini Daniele , Budoff Matthew J , Cademartiri Filippo , Chinnaiyan Kavitha , Choi Jung Hyun , Conte Edoardo , de Araújo Gonçalves Pedro , Gottlieb Ilan , Hadamitzky Martin , Leipsic Jonathon A , Maffei Erica , Pontone Gianluca , Stone Gregg , Shin Sanghoon , Kim Yong-Jin , Lee Byoung Kwon , Chun Eun Ju , Sung Ji Min , Lee Sang-Eun , Berman Daniel S , Narula Jagat , Chang Hyuk-Jae , Shaw Leslee J 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Aims
Atherosclerosis develops progressively and worsens over time, yet event risk patterns vary in the left circumflex (LCx), right coronary artery (RCA) and left anterior descending (LAD). The aim of this analysis was to examine varying progressive disease alterations between the three major coronary arteries.

Methods and results
Patients were included from a prospective, international registry of consecutive patients who underwent serial CCTA at a median interval of 3.3 years. Annual progression of quantitative total and compositional plaque volume were compared between the three coronary arteries (LCx, LAD, and RCA). Other analyses compared stenosis ≥50% and new high-risk plaque (HRP; ≥2 of the following: spotty calcification, positive remodelling, napkin-ring sign, and low-attenuation plaque) on follow-up. Generalized estimating equations and marginal Cox regression models were used to compare progression, with covariate adjustment by the baseline atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk score, statin use, and plaque burden. Quantitative plaque measurements were calculated in 1344 patients (age 60 ± 9 years, 57% men). Plaque progression occurred less often in the LCx (41.0%) as compared to the RCA (52.7%) and LAD (77.4%, P &lt; 0.001). Odds for annual plaque burden increase ≥population mean were 1.98- and 1.43-fold as high in the LAD (P &lt; 0.001) and RCA (P &lt; 0.001) as compared to the LCx. Similarly, the LAD was associated with a 2.45 higher risk of progression to obstructive CAD (P &lt; 0.001), as compared to the LCx; with no differences between the RCA and LCx (P = 0.13). New HRP lesions formed least often in the LCx (3.4%), followed by the RCA (8.1%) and most often in the LAD (10.1%; P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusions
Our findings reveal novel insights into varied patterns of atherosclerotic plaque progression within the LCx as compared to the other epicardial coronary arteries. These varied patterns reflect differing stages in the disease process or differing pathogenic milieu across the coronary arteries.
HrgS (Avin_34990), a novel histidine-kinase related to GacS, regulates alginate synthesis in Azotobacter vinelandii
Authors: López-Pliego Liliana , González-Acocal Verónica , García-González Diana Laura , Reyes-Nicolau Jimena Itzel , Sánchez-Cuapio Zaira , Meneses-Carbajal Alan Shared , Fuentes-Ramírez Luis Ernesto , Castañeda Miguel 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Azotobacter vinelandii is a soil bacterium that produces alginates, a family of polymers of biotechnological interest. In A. vinelandii, alginate production is controlled by the two-component system GacS/GacA. GacS/GacA, in turn, regulates the Rsm post-transcriptional regulatory system establishing a cascade that regulates alginate biosynthesis by controlling the expression of the algD biosynthetic gene. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, GacS/GacA is influenced by other histidine-kinases constituting a multicomponent signal transduction system. In this study, we explore the presence of GacS-related histidine-kinases in A. vinelandii and discover a novel histidine-kinase (Avin_34990, renamed HrgS). This histidin-kinase acts as a negative regulator of alginate synthesis by controlling the transcription of the sRNAs belonging to the Rsm post-transcriptional regulatory system, for which a functional GacS is required.
Two alpha isopropylmalate synthase isozymes with similar kinetic properties are extant in the yeast Lachancea kluyveri
Authors: Vigueras-Meneses Liliana Guadalupe , Escalera-Fanjul Ximena , El-Hafidi Mohammed , Montalvo-Arredondo Javier , Gómez-Hernández Nicolás , Colón Maritrini , Granados Estefany , Campero-Basaldua Carlos , Riego-Ruiz Lina , Scazzocchio Claudio , González Alicia , Quezada Héctor 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT
The first committed step in the leucine biosynthetic pathway is catalyzed by α-isopropylmalate synthase (α-IPMS, EC 2.3.3.13), which in the Saccaromycotina subphylum of Ascomycete yeasts is frequently encoded by duplicated genes. Following a gene duplication event, the two copies may be preserved presumably because the encoded proteins diverge in either functional properties and/or cellular localization. The genome of the petite-negative budding yeast Lachancea kluyveri includes two SAKL0E10472 (LkLEU4) and SAKL0F05170 g (LkLEU4BIS) paralogous genes, which are homologous to other yeast α-IPMS sequences. Here, we investigate whether these paralogous genes encode functional α-IPMS isozymes and whether their functions have diverged. Molecular phylogeny suggested that the LkLeu4 isozyme is located in the mitochondria and LkLeu4BIS in the cytosol. Comparison of growth rates, leucine intracellular pools and mRNA levels, indicate that the LkLeu4 isozyme is the predominant α-IPMS enzyme during growth on glucose as carbon source. Determination of the kinetic parameters indicates that the isozymes have similar affinities for the substrates and for the feedback inhibitor leucine. Thus, the diversification of the physiological roles of the genes LkLEU4 and LkLEU4BIS involves preferential transcription of the LkLEU4 gene during growth on glucose and different subcellular localization, although ligand interactions have not diverged.
COVID-19 in Central Asia: exploring the relationship between governance and non-pharmaceutical intervention
Authors: Alfano Vincenzo 
Published: March 2022

AbstractTo fight coronavirus disease 2019, non-pharmaceutical interventions were adopted all over the world. Non-pharmaceutical intervention (NPI) effectiveness also depends on governments’ capacity to implement sound policies. Stay-at-home orders are binding measures that can raise serious concerns among the population. The perceived quality and effective need for these measures are therefore crucial for the willingness of the citizens to accept NPIs. This study investigates the relationship between the efficacy of NPIs and governance quality in Central Asia. Results suggest that overall governance quality matters and that in this relationship regulatory quality is more important than rule of law, which matters more than government effectiveness.
Predicting the likelihood of successful medical treatment of early pregnancy loss: development and internal validation of a clinical prediction model
Authors: Hamel C C , Vart P , Vandenbussche F P H A , Braat D D M , Snijders M P L M , Coppus S F P J 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

STUDY QUESTION
What are clinical predictors for successful medical treatment in case of early pregnancy loss (EPL)?

SUMMARY ANSWER
Use of mifepristone, BMI, number of previous uterine aspirations and the presence of minor clinical symptoms (slight vaginal bleeding or some abdominal cramps) at treatment start are predictors for successful medical treatment in case of EPL.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
Success rates of medical treatment for EPL vary strongly, between but also within different treatment regimens. Up until now, although some predictors have been identified, no clinical prediction model has been developed yet.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
Secondary analysis of a multicentre randomized controlled trial in 17 Dutch hospitals, executed between 28 June 2018 and 8 January 2020.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
Women with a non-viable pregnancy between 6 and 14 weeks of gestational age, who opted for medical treatment after a minimum of 1 week of unsuccessful expectant management. Potential predictors for successful medical treatment of EPL were chosen based on literature and expert opinions. We internally validated the prediction model using bootstrapping techniques.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
237 out of 344 women had a successful medical EPL treatment (68.9%). The model includes the following variables: use of mifepristone, BMI, number of previous uterine aspirations and the presence of minor clinical symptoms (slight vaginal bleeding or some abdominal cramps) at treatment start. The model shows a moderate capacity to discriminate between success and failure of treatment, with an AUC of 67.6% (95% CI = 64.9–70.3%). The model had a good fit comparing predicted to observed probabilities of success but might underestimate treatment success in women with a predicted probability of success of ∼70%.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
The vast majority (90.4%) of women were Caucasian, potentially leading to less optimal model performance in a non-Caucasian population. Limitations of our model are that we have not yet been able to externally validate its performance and clinical impact, and the moderate accuracy of the prediction model of 0.67.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
We developed a prediction model, aimed to improve and personalize counselling for medical treatment of EPL by providing a woman with her individual chance of complete evacuation.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
The Triple M Trial, upon which this secondary analysis was performed, was funded by the Healthcare Insurers Innovation Foundation (project number 3080 B15-191).

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03212352.
A Practical Index to Distinguish Backwash Ileitis From Crohn’s Terminal Ileitis in MR Enterography
Authors: Khosravi Bardia , Salehnia Aneseh , Pak Neda , Montazeri S Ali , Sima Ali Reza , Vahedi Homayoun , Malekzadeh Reza , Radmard Amir Reza 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
Differentiating ulcerative colitis-associated “backwash” ileitis (BWI) from Crohn’s terminal ileitis (CTI) is a diagnostic challenge and highly affects patient’s management. This study aimed to investigate magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) features including ileocecal valve patency index (ICPI) in patients with BWI and CTI and distinguish these entities based on MRE findings.

Methods
After obtaining institutional review board approval, we reviewed 1654 MREs; 60 patients with pathologically proven BWI (n = 30) and CTI (n = 30) were enrolled. Two radiologists who were blinded to the clinical diagnosis analyzed MREs. We evaluated bowel wall thickness and enhancement pattern, ileocecal valve (ICV) diameter, and lip thickness. Ileocecal valve patency index-T and ICPI-C were calculated to normalize the ICV diameter with respect to terminal ileum (TI) and cecum, respectively. An additional group of non-BWI-UC patients (n = 30) was also included to validate indices.

Results
Circumferential mural thickening (90% vs 1%, P &lt; .001) and inner-wall enhancement (P &lt; .001) of TI were more frequent in BWI patients than CTI. Serosal irregularity (53% vs 13%, P = .002), higher mural thickness (5mm vs 3mm, P &lt; .001), and asymmetric hyperenhancement (P &lt; .001) of TI were more prevalent in CTI than BWI. Ileocecal valve patency and lip atrophy were significantly higher in BWI than CTI and non-BWI-UC groups (both P &lt; .001). Ileocecal valve patency indices-C and ICPI-T indices were able to accurately distinguish BWI from CTI (area under the ROC curve [AUC], 0.864 and 0.847 for ICPI-T and ICPI-C, respectively) and non-BWI-UC (AUC, 0.777 and 0.791 for ICPI-T and ICPI-C, respectively). Ileocecal valve patency indices-T  ≥31.5% were 100% specific to distinguish BWI from CTI, but sensitivity was 63%.

Conclusions
Magnetic resonance enterography features of ICV and TI can accurately differentiate BWI from CTI. Two practical indices introduced in this study showed high specificity to distinguish BWI from CTI.
Digital constitutionalism in the new era of Internet governance
Authors: De Gregorio Giovanni , Radu Roxana 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Digital technologies are profoundly intertwined with constitutionalism. They are not only a sum of material and immaterial architecture, but also provide infrastructures to exercise freedoms and powers. Even if digital technologies are likely to remain the key driver of global transformations in the next decades, the current evolution of Internet governance promises to affect this relationship. This article argues that Internet governance is evolving towards fragmentation, polarization and hybridization. These trends do not only concern the governance of the technical infrastructure. They also contribute to reshaping the architecture of freedom and power in the digital environment, giving impetus to a new role for constitutionalism in the digital age. Therefore, the primary question is how far does the evolution of Internet governance leads towards a new constitutional paradigm in the digital age? As digital spaces are governed at the crossroads of a new phase, these trends question the global paradigm at the basis of the Internet, thus opening a new research agenda. By examining the challenges raised by fragmentation, polarization and hybridization in the governance of digital technologies, this work examines emerging challenges to constitutional models protecting rights and limiting powers on a global scale.
Flipped Inflammatory Time and the Role of Antibodies Against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2: Optimizing Tocilizumab Against Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Guisado-Vasco Pablo , Aguareles Gorines José , Carralón González María M , Sotres Fernández Gabriel , Carnevali Ruiz Daniel 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Use of interleukin (IL-6) inhibitors has become one of the most complicated clinical issues in treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Recently, randomized open-label platform trials have found that IL-6 inhibitors have a beneficial effect on mortality in severe COVID-19. However, several questions arise around their mechanism of action in this disease, as well as how, when, and at which dose they should be used. IL-6 has both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects, which may modulate the course of COVID-19, whose immunopathogenesis is driven by the innate immune system, autoantibodies, and interferon. Given that patients with delayed seroconversion against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein would be at the highest risk of complications beyond the second week of disease, we propose that considering patient serostatus at admission could optimize the use of IL-6 inhibitors in COVID-19. We predict that the net treatment benefits could be higher in the subgroup of patients with delayed seroconversion as compared to those who seroconvert more rapidly after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Hyperinflammatory Syndrome, Natural Killer Cell Function, and Genetic Polymorphisms in the Pathogenesis of Severe Dengue
Authors: Vuong Nguyen Lam , Cheung Ka Wai , Periaswamy Balamurugan , Vi Tran Thuy , Duyen Huynh Thi Le , Leong Yan Shan , Binte Hamis Zayanah Noor , Gregorova Michaela , Ooi Eng Eong , Sessions October , Rivino Laura , Yacoub Sophie 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
Severe dengue, characterized by shock and organ dysfunction, is driven by an excessive host immune response. We investigated the role of hyperinflammation in dengue pathogenesis.

Methods
Patients recruited into an observational study were divided into 3 plasma leak severity grades. Hyperinflammatory biomarkers were measured at 4 time points. Frequencies, activation, and cytotoxic potential of natural killer (NK) cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. RNA was extracted from sorted CD56+ NK cells and libraries were prepared using SMART-Seq and sequenced using HiSeq3000 (Illumina).

Results
Sixty-nine patients were included (grade 0, 42 patients; grade 1, 19 patients; grade 2, 8 patients). Patients with grade 2 leakage had higher biomarkers than grade 0, including higher peak ferritin levels (83.3% vs 45.2%) and H-scores (median, 148.5 vs 105.5). NK cells from grade 2 patients exhibited decreased expression of perforin and granzyme B and activation markers. RNA sequencing revealed 3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in NK cell functional genes associated with more severe leakage—NK cell lectin-like receptor K1 gene (KLRK1) and perforin 1 (PRF1).

Conclusions
Features of hyperinflammation are associated with dengue severity, including higher biomarkers, impaired NK cell function, and polymorphisms in NK cell cytolytic function genes (KLRK1 and PRF1). Trials of immunomodulatory therapy in these patients is now warranted.
Ex Vivo Human and Porcine Skin Effectively ModelCandida aurisColonization, Differentiating Robust and Poor Fungal Colonizers
Authors: Eix Emily F , Johnson Chad J , Wartman Kayla M , Kernien John F , Meudt Jennifer J , Shanmuganayagam Dhanansayan , Gibson Angela L F , Nett Jeniel E 
Published: March 2022

AbstractCandida auris proliferates and persists on the skin of patients, often leading to health care-associated infections with high mortality. Here, we describe 2 clinically relevant skin models and show that C. auris grows similarly on human and porcine skin. Additionally, we demonstrate that other Candida spp., including those with phylogenetic similarity to C. auris, do not display high growth in the skin microenvironment. These studies highlight the utility of 2 ex vivo models of C. auris colonization that allow reproducible differentiation among Candida spp., which should be a useful tool for comparison of C. auris clinical isolates and genetically mutated strains.
62 Transitioning the Alabama Bermudagrass Hay Summit to a Virtual Workshop
Authors: Dillard Leanne L , Thompson Gerry , Stanford Kent , Marks Landon , Justice Maggie M , Mullenix Kim 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The Bermudagrass Hay Summit is an in-state Extension workshop that began in 2017. The objective of this workshop has been to provide recent updates and advanced information to bermudagrass hay producers in Northern Alabama. Topics have included insect pests, weed control, soil nutrients, and hay storage techniques. In 2021, organizers of the meeting were left with the conundrum of canceling the event or converting the event into a virtual-only platform as current Alabama Cooperative Extension guidelines would not allow an in-person meeting. As a result of deciding to convert the meeting to a virtual format, the organizers broaden the promotion of the event. The meeting was a 6-hour workshop with multiple speakers. The videoconferencing software Zoom (Zoom Video Communications, Inc., San Jose, CA) was used to register and deliver the workshop. The workshop was advertised on social media, through an Extension communications press release, email blasts, and word of mouth. All presentations were delivered remotely from different locations across Alabama. To ensure technology problems could be resolved quickly, an Extension information technology specialist participated in the videoconference, as well as a graduate student to communicate any chat questions/discussions from participants and assist individual participants as necessary. There were 129 people registered for the meeting, a 1,075% increase over the average from the four previous years (12 participants). Of those registered, 26% were out of state and 1 participant was out of the US. Even though the platform was virtual, the overall satisfaction of the meeting did not change in 2021 (4.7 on a 5-point scale) compared with 2020 (4.8 on a 5-point scale). While it is important to continue in-person and one-on-one interactions in Extension, the ability to provide virtual or hybrid events will allow Extension agents to be relevant to a broader audience, as well as inform potential clients of Extension’s mission.
60 Repairing Hay Feeding Areas with Crabgrass: A Master Beef Producer Demonstration
Authors: Webb Matt , Mason Katie , Rhinehart Justin D 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The Master Beef Producer Program in Tennessee is a fee-based educational program for producers. In Marshall County, Master Beef Producer funds were used to purchase crabgrass seed for a demonstration which aimed to help producers decide if crabgrass is a viable option for repairing hay feeding areas. Producers were asked to fill out a survey to receive a small bag of crabgrass. Producers were given a factsheet with directions for planting, managing, and controlling weeds in crabgrass stands. In a pre-survey, producers were asked about previous use and opinion of crabgrass, and location of hay feeding areas. Sixty producers had not planted crabgrass before. When asked their opinion of using crabgrass, 53% liked crabgrass, 41% were indifferent and 6% did not like crabgrass. For hay feeding areas, 51% use the same hay feeding areas every year, whereas 45% switch their hay feeding areas. Post-survey results showed that when ranked (1=very low; 10=very high) how well producers liked using crabgrass, the average was 8.1. When asked to rank how well the crabgrass established, the average was 7.3. All producers used broadcasting and some included disking as their establishment method. Crabgrass was used for grazing only by 92% of producers, and for both grazing and hay by 8%. Pest issues including pigweed, iron weed, and mint, as well as armyworms, were observed in some stands. When asked if they would consider using crabgrass in the future, 67% of producers said yes, 25% said maybe, and 8% responded no. It is difficult to quantify the value of repairing hay feeding areas with crabgrass when considering erosion control, water quality, reduced weeds, and providing additional grazing for livestock. However, with a conservative yield of 2 tons/acre and forage value at $80/ton, the potential benefit of repairing these hay feeding areas is a gross of $160/acre. This demonstration is just one example of how fee-based programming and Extension demonstrations support informed decision-making and positive impacts for producers.