bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modifying chronic kidney disease progression with the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: DeFronzo Ralph A. , Bakris George L. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn patients with type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most common cause of kidney failure. With its increasing prevalence and limited treatment options, CKD is a major contributor to the global burden of disease. Although recent guidelines for the control of hypertension and hyperglycaemia, as well as the use of renin‐angiotensin system inhibitors and, more recently, sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors, have improved outcomes for patients with CKD and diabetes, there is still a high residual risk of CKD progression and adverse cardiovascular events. In this review, we discuss the recently published FIDELIO‐DKD and FIGARO‐DKD studies and FIDELITY prespecified individual patient analysis. Together, these studies have established finerenone, a novel non‐steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, as an effective treatment for kidney and cardiovascular protection and welcome addition to the pillars of treatment to slow CKD progression in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Response of subsoil organic matter contents and physical properties to long‐term, high‐rate farmyard manure application
Authors: Leuther Frederic , Wolff Maximilian , Kaiser Klaus , Schumann Lena , Merbach Ines , Mikutta Robert , Schlüter Steffen 
Published: March 2022

AbstractApplication of farmyard manure (FYM) is common practice to improve physical and chemical properties of arable soil and crop yields. However, studies on effects of FYM application mainly focussed on topsoils, whereas subsoils have rarely been addressed so far. We, therefore, investigated the effects of 36‐year FYM application with different rates of annual organic carbon (OC) addition (0, 469, 938 and 1875 g C m−2a−1) on OC contents of a Chernozem in 0–30 cm (topsoil) and 35–45 cm (subsoil) depth. We also investigated its effects on soil structure and hydraulic properties in subsoil. X‐ray computed tomography was used to analyse the response of the subsoil macropore system (≥19 μm) and the distribution of particulate organic matter (POM) to different FYM applications, which were related to contents in total OC (TOC) and water‐extractable OC (WEOC). We show that FYM‐C application of 469 g C m−2a−1caused increases in TOC and WEOC contents only in the topsoil, whereas rates of ≥938 g C m−2a−1were necessary for TOC enrichment also in the subsoil. At this depth, the subdivision of TOC into different OC sources shows that most of the increase was due to fresh POM, likely by the stimulation of root growth and bioturbation. The increase in subsoil TOC went along with increases in macroporosity and macropore connectivity. We neither observed increases in plant‐available water capacity nor in unsaturated hydraulic conductivity. In conclusion, only very high application of FYM over long periods can increase OC content of subsoil at our study site, but this increase is largely based on fresh, easily degradable POM and likely accompanied by high C losses when considering the discrepancy between OC addition rate by FYM and TOC response in soil.HighlightsA new image processing procedure to distinguish fresh and decomposed POM.The increase of subsoil C stock based to a large extend on fresh, labile POM.Potential of arable subsoils for long‐term C storage by large FYM application rates is limited.The increase in TOC has no effect on hydraulic properties of the subsoil.
Efficacy and quality‐of‐life improvements with fremanezumab treatment in patients with difficult‐to‐treat migraine with associated neurological dysfunction
Authors: Lampl Christian , Rapoport Alan M. , Cohen Joshua M. , Barash Steve , Ramirez Campos Verena , Seminerio Michael J. , Ning Xiaoping , Silberstein Stephen D. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackground and purposeFremanezumab, a fully humanized monoclonal antibody (IgG2Δa) that selectively targets calcitonin‐gene‐related peptide, has demonstrated efficacy as a preventive treatment for adults with episodic migraine or chronic migraine and inadequate response to two to four prior preventive treatment classes in the phase 3b FOCUS study. In this post hoc analysis, efficacy and effects on quality‐of‐life outcomes for fremanezumab were evaluated in subgroups of patients with and without aura or similar neurological symptoms, here referred to as migraine with or without associated neurological dysfunction.MethodsIn the FOCUS study, 838 patients were randomized (1:1:1) to quarterly fremanezumab, monthly fremanezumab or matched placebo for 12 weeks of double‐blind treatment. For this post hoc analysis, subgroups of patients with migraine with and without associated neurological dysfunction at baseline were identified based on patient response to questions about symptoms.ResultsIn patients with migraine with associated neurological dysfunction at baseline, fremanezumab significantly reduced monthly average days with neurological symptoms (quarterly, −1.7 days; monthly, −1.8 days) compared to placebo (−0.5 days; both p ≤ 0.01). In comparison with placebo, both dosing regimens of fremanezumab yielded greater reductions in monthly migraine days over 12 weeks (p < 0.0001) and improvements in Headache Impact Test 6 and Migraine‐Specific Quality of Life scores over the last 4 weeks (p < 0.05), regardless of neurological dysfunction at baseline.ConclusionsFremanezumab reduced days with neurological symptoms, effectively prevented migraine, and improved quality of life in patients with migraine with associated neurological dysfunction, including those with previous inadequate response to two to four migraine preventive medication classes.
Trends in resource utilization and cost of illness in patients with active epilepsy in Germany from 2003 to 2020
Authors: Willems Laurent M. , Hochbaum Maja , Zöllner Johann Philipp , Schulz Juliane , Menzler Katja , Langenbruch Lisa , Kovac Stjepana , Knake Susanne , von Podewils Felix , Hamacher Mario , Hamer Hajo M. , Reese Jens‐Peter , Frey Katharina , Rosenow Felix , Strzelczyk Adam 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectiveThis study was undertaken to calculate epilepsy‐related direct, indirect, and total costs in adult patients with active epilepsy (ongoing unprovoked seizures) in Germany and to analyze cost components and dynamics compared to previous studies from 2003, 2008, and 2013. This analysis was part of the Epi2020 study.MethodsDirect and indirect costs related to epilepsy were calculated with a multicenter survey using an established and validated questionnaire with a bottom‐up design and human capital approach over a 3‐month period in late 2020. Epilepsy‐specific costs in the German health care sector from 2003, 2008, and 2013 were corrected for inflation to allow for a valid comparison.ResultsData on the disease‐specific costs for 253 patients in 2020 were analyzed. The mean total costs were calculated at €5551 (±€5805, median = €2611, range = €274–€21 667) per 3 months, comprising mean direct costs of €1861 (±€1905, median = €1276, range = €327–€13 158) and mean indirect costs of €3690 (±€5298, median = €0, range = €0–€11 925). The main direct cost components were hospitalization (42.4%), antiseizure medication (42.2%), and outpatient care (6.2%). Productivity losses due to early retirement (53.6%), part‐time work or unemployment (30.8%), and seizure‐related off‐days (15.6%) were the main reasons for indirect costs. However, compared to 2013, there was no significant increase of direct costs (−10.0%), and indirect costs significantly increased (p < .028, +35.1%), resulting in a significant increase in total epilepsy‐related costs (p < .047, +20.2%). Compared to the 2013 study population, a significant increase of cost of illness could be observed (p = .047).SignificanceThe present study shows that disease‐related costs in adult patients with active epilepsy increased from 2013 to 2020. As direct costs have remained constant, this increase is attributable to an increase in indirect costs. These findings highlight the impact of productivity loss caused by early retirement, unemployment, working time reduction, and seizure‐related days off.
Ensemble methods for meningitis aetiology diagnosis
Authors: Guzmán Eduardo , Belmonte María‐Victoria , Lelis Viviane M. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn this work, we explore data‐driven techniques for the fast and early diagnosis concerning the etiological origin of meningitis, more specifically with regard to differentiating between viral and bacterial meningitis. We study how machine learning can be used to predict meningitis aetiology once a patient has been diagnosed with this disease. We have a dataset of 26,228 patients described by 19 attributes, mainly about the patient's observable symptoms and the early results of the cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Using this dataset, we have explored several techniques of dataset sampling, feature selection and classification models based both on ensemble methods and on simple techniques (mainly, decision trees). Experiments with 27 classification models (19 of them involving ensemble methods) have been conducted for this paper. Our main finding is that the combination of ensemble methods with decision trees leads to the best meningitis aetiology classifiers. The best performance indicator values (precision, recall and f‐measure of 89% and an AUC value of 95%) have been achieved by the synergy between bagging and NBTrees. Nonetheless, our results also suggest that the combination of ensemble methods with certain decision tree clearly improves the performance of diagnosis in comparison with those obtained with only the corresponding decision tree.
Nickel release from metal tools in United States barbershops
Authors: Peterson Malina Y. , Hylwa Sara A. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundHairdressers and barbers are among the top occupations to develop occupationally related nickel allergy. While nickel release has previously been detected in metal items in the hairdressing trade, metal items in the barber trade have not been specifically tested. This study screened for nickel release from metal tools in United States barber trade.MethodsOne hundred ninety‐two metal tools from 12 barbershops in St. Paul, Minnesota, were tested with dimethylglyoxime test. An employee survey was conducted about each metal tool.ResultsNickel release was detected in 10 of 192 metal tools (5.2%). Items with nickel release included one of 57 scissors (1.7%), one of 32 trimmers (3.1%), four of 13 barbershop chairs (30.8%), three of six cape clips, and one of one nail clippers.ConclusionsNickel release was detected in items unique to the barber trade. These items should be considered when preventing and assessing occupational nickel allergy in barbers.
Identifying more targeted antimicrobials active against selected bacterial phytopathogens
Authors: Mitchell Mathew , Thornton Logan , Riley Margaret A. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAimsPhytopathogens are a global threat to the world’s food supply. The use of broad-spectrum bactericides and antibiotics to limit or eliminate bacterial infections is becoming less effective as levels of resistance increase, while concurrently becoming less desirable from an ecological perspective due to their collateral damage to beneficial members of plant and soil microbiomes. Bacteria produce numerous antimicrobials in addition to antibiotics, such as bacteriocins with their relatively narrow activity spectra, and inhibitory metabolic by-products, such as organic acids. There is an interest in developing these naturally occurring antimicrobials for use as alternatives or supplements to antibiotics.Methods and ResultsIn this study, we investigate the inhibitory potential of 217 plant-associated bacterial isolates from 44 species including plant pathogens, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and plant commensals. Over half of the isolates were found to produce antimicrobial substances, of which 68% were active against phytopathogens. Even more intriguing, 98% of phytopathogenic strains were sensitive to the compounds produced specifically by plant growth promoting rhizobacteria.ConclusionThese data argue that plant-associated bacteria produce a broad range of antimicrobial substances, and that the substances produced preferentially target phytopathogenic bacteria.Significance and Impact of StudyThere is a need for novel antimicrobials for use in agriculture. The methods presented here reveal the potential for simple phenotypic screening methods to provide a broad range of potential drug candidates.
Phytolectin conjugated positively charged fatty acid amide impairs virulence factors and inhibits cross-kingdom biofilm formation of Candida albicans and uropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Subramaniyan Siva Bala , Ameen Fuad , Singaravelu Dharshini Karnan , Elumalai Preetham , Bhat Sartaj Ahmed , Veerappan Anbazhagan 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Aim
Polymicrobial biofilm encasing cross-kingdom micro-organisms are apparent in medicine, which imposes serious resistance to conventional antimicrobial treatment. The objective of the study was to explore Butea monosperma seed lectin (BMSL) conjugated antimicrobial lipid, 2-((N-[2-hydroxyethyl]palmitamido)methyl)-1-methylpyridin-1-ium iodide (cN16E) to inhibit mixed-species biofilm of uropathogenic Escherichia coli–Candida albicans.

Methods and Results
Antimicrobial activity and antibiofilm of cN16E and cN16E-BMSL conjugate (BcN16E) were analysed against single- and mixed microbial cultures. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) indicates that the MIC of cN16E-BMSL conjugate (BcN16E) against cohabiting UPEC-C. albicans was eightfold lower than the cN16E. BcN16E affects membrane integrity to elicit antimicrobial activity. BcN16E inhibits the dual-species biofilm even with 16 times lower MIC of cN16E. BcN16E impairs the biofilm-associated virulence factors which include extracellular polysaccharides, cell surface hydrophobicity, swimming, swarming motilities, hyphal filamentous morphology, curli formation and haemolysin activity. As a proof of concept, we demonstrated BcN16E ability to inhibit dual-species biofilm formation on a urinary catheter.

Conclusion
The study revealed that the BcN16E is better than cN16E in impairing biofilm-associated virulence factors and exerting antimicrobial activity.

Significance and Impact of the Study
The findings emphasize that phytolectin has the potential to enhance the anti-virulence strategies of antimicrobials against cross-kingdom biofilm-related infections.
Impact of selection for birth weight variability on reproductive longevity: A mice model
Authors: Formoso‐Rafferty Nora , Gutiérrez Juan Pablo , García‐Álvarez Andrés , Pérez Teresa , Cervantes Isabel 
Published: March 2022

AbstractUniformity, understood as a similar performance in relevant livestock traits, such as birth weight within the litter, is being included as one of the selection objectives in breeding programmes, especially for polytocous livestock species. A divergent selection experiment for birth weight within‐litter variability in mice during 23 generations showed that homogeneous animals were better for litter size, survival and feed efficiency but less heavy than heterogeneous animals. The aim of this study was to compare the reproductive longevity in both divergent lines as time to the end of the reproductive period. Two generations from both lines with an initial number of 43 females and 43 males were mated one to one and stayed together to have consecutive parturitions until the end of the reproductive life. Females were discarded when the time elapsed from the last parturition was longer than 63 days. The time to the end of the reproductive period between both lines was compared by fitting a Cox proportional hazard regression model adjusting for line, generation and its interaction. The rate of parturitions in both lines was also compared using a Prentice–Williams–Peterson model adjusted for the same effects. The low variability line was associated with a higher parturition rate, e.g., adjusted hazard ratio was 2.93 (95% CI 2.17–3.94). The Cox model showed that the low variability females also presented benefits of time to the end of the reproductive period, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.26 (95% CI 0.16–0.41). The median of reproductive days was 55.50 in the high variability line whilst the median was 252.50 days for the low variability females. The homogeneous line presented important reproductive advantages suggesting higher robustness and animal welfare. Further research should confirm whether the findings presented here of a better performance in the low variability line could be properly applied to some livestock species.
Geogenomics of montane palms points to Miocene–Pliocene Andean segmentation related to strike‐slip tectonics
Authors: Sanín María José , Mejía‐Franco Fabián Gregorio , Paris Margot , Valencia‐Montoya Wendy A. , Salamin Nicolas , Kessler Michael , Olivares Ingrid , Jaramillo Juan Sebastián , Cardona Agustín 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAimIn geographically and ecologically heterogeneous landscapes, such as tropical mountains, widely distributed species may be informative proxies for studying landscape and climatic evolution. We explore historical vicariant and dispersal processes that may have determined the genetic structure and variation of a palm species complex living in cloud forests. We hypothesize that the genomic groupings reflect uplift‐based isolation by vicariance, divergence via dispersal events driven by faulted montane segments or recent divergence due to climate fluctuations.LocationColombian Andes.TaxonGeonoma undata–G. orbignyana species complex (Arecaceae).MethodsWe sampled 195 individuals of the species complex plus the outgroup (G. interrupta) across the three cordilleras of Colombia, the Colombian Massif and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. We used target capture sequencing to generate a dataset of 12,750 quality‐filtered genome‐wide SNPs. We conducted phylogenetic, multivariate and population genomics and structure analyses to infer demographical history.ResultsWe found four genetically distinct groups within the species complex. The geographical distributions of the genetic groups, and their inferred phylogenetic and population divergence are consistent with a history of colonization of mountain segments that were disconnected until the late Pliocene. These breaks coincide with the distribution of Pliocene strike‐slip faulting events.Main conclusionsThe faulting and resultant topographic disruption of the northernmost Andean cordillera prior to the onset of the Pleistocene is implied by the presence of phylogeographic breaks in areas that are topographically continuous today. These cordilleras were formed by connecting segments that were previously uplifted but historically detached in areas where dense fault systems occur. Large‐scale strike‐slip faulting can generate topographic gaps, features that likely caused the divergence by dispersal with gene flow of the Geonoma undata–G. orbignyana complex.
Understanding the relationships between trauma type and individual posttraumatic stress symptoms: a cross‐sectional study of a clinical sample of children and adolescents
Authors: Birkeland Marianne Skogbrott , Skar Ane‐Marthe Solheim , Jensen Tine K. 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundCharacteristics of traumatic events may be associated with the level and specific manifestation of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). This study examined the differences and similarities between overall levels, profiles and networks of PTSS after sexual trauma, domestic violence, community violence, non‐interpersonal trauma, sudden loss or serious illness of a loved one, and severe bullying or threats.MethodsPTSS were measured in a clinical sample of 4,921 children and adolescents (6–18 years old, M = 14.0, SD = 2.7, 63.7% female) referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. We compared 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each symptom with 95% CI for overall PTSS within each trauma type (self‐reported worst trauma). We also computed cross‐sectional networks and searched for differences in networks according to trauma type and overall symptom level.ResultsThe overall frequencies of PTSS were highest following sexual trauma; somewhat lower for domestic violence and severe bullying or threats and lowest after community violence, non‐interpersonal trauma and sudden loss or serious illness. Psychological cue reactivity, avoidance and difficulties with sleeping and concentrating were generally among the most frequent symptoms. Sexual trauma, domestic violence and severe bullying or threats were associated with higher frequencies of negative beliefs and persistent negative emotional states. Few differences in symptom networks across trauma type emerged.ConclusionDifferent types of trauma exposure may be associated with different profiles of symptom frequencies. Knowledge about this may be useful for clinicians and for the movement towards evidence‐based personalized psychological treatment.
Phylogenetic analysis confirms the taxonomic placement of the marine flagellate Hermesinum adriaticum (Thecofilosea, Cercozoa, Rhizaria)
Authors: Dumack Kenneth , Gerdzhikov Dimitar , Klisarova Daniela 
Published: March 2022

AbstractHermesinum adriaticum is a rare marine and brackish flagellate that is of considerable interest due to its markable and fossilizable siliceous skeleton. Based on this skeleton, Hermesinum was initially considered a microalga of the Dictyochophyceae (Ochrophyta, Stramenopiles). Later on, it was assigned to the Ebriida due to its similarity to Ebria tripartita. The taxonomic assignment of the Ebriida, however, changed several times until it was placed within the Thecofilosea (Cercozoa, Rhizaria), based on genetic data of E. tripartita. We sequenced the 18S marker gene sequence of Hermesinum and confirm the close relationship of Ebria and Hermesinum.