bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enzootic Trypanosoma cruzi infection by Rhodnius prolixus shows transmission to humans and dogs in Vichada, Colombia
Authors: Cantillo-Barraza Omar , Solis Cesil , Zamora Alexander , Herazo Rafael , Osorio María Isabel , Garcés Edilson , Xavier Samanta , Mejía-Jaramillo Ana María , Triana-Chávez Omar 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundRhodnius prolixus is considered the most relevant Trypanosoma cruzi vector in Colombia and Venezuela due it is responsible for domestic transmission in both countries. However, a wild population of this species is distributed in the eastern plains of the Orinoco region and Amazonia jungle, where its epidemiological importance has not been sufficiently elucidated. This study aimed to assess epidemiological parameters of T. cruzi transmission in the Department of Vichada, Colombia.MethodsWe determined the characteristics of T. cruzi transmission using entomological studies in domestic and sylvatic ecotopes. We analyzed the T. cruzi infection in triatomine insects, identified blood meal sources, and conducted a serological determination of T. cruzi infection in scholar-aged children, domestic dogs, and wild hosts.ResultsFifty-four triatomine bugs, 40 T. maculata and 14 R. prolixus were collected in peridomestic and sylvatic ecotopes. Infected R. prolixus was observed in La Primavera, Santa Rosalia, and Cumaribo municipalities. All the T. maculata bugs were not infected. Serological analysis indicated that two of 3,425 children were T. cruzi positive. The seroprevalence in domestic dogs was 10,5% (49/465). Moreover, 22 synanthropic mammals were sampled, being Didelphis marsupialis the most common. TcI genotype was detected in seropositive dogs, R. prolixus, and D. marsupialis.ConclusionThe present work describes extra domestic R. prolixus and D. marsupialis in a sylvatic T. cruzi transmission cycle with transmission to humans and domestic dogs in Colombia’s Vichada Department.
Uterine fibroids are associated with increased risk of pre-eclampsia: A case-control study
Authors: Gong Lina , Liu Meng , Shi Haiheng , Huang Ying 
Published: October 2022

PurposeUterine fibroids are associated with hypertension in non-pregnant women. We aimed to evaluate the association between uterine fibroids and pre-eclampsia (PE).Patients and methodsParticipants were pregnant women who delivered in the Department of Obstetrics of the People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region between January and December 2021. Patients with PE were identified as the case group, whereas those without PE were selected as the control group, using age-matching and a ratio of 1:5. Ultrasound examination during early pregnancy was used to detect uterine fibroids. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to evaluate the association between uterine fibroids and PE.ResultsIn total, 121 cases with PE and 578 controls without PE were included, with mean age of 32.9 years and gestational age of 37.7 weeks. Time of ultrasound examination was 12.0 ± 2.6 weeks. The case group had a significantly higher exposure rate of uterine fibroids than the control group (14.0 vs. 6.9%, P = 0.009). Multivariable Logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounding factors, including gestational age and blood pressure in early gestation, showed that pregnant women with uterine fibroids in early pregnancy exhibited three-fold higher odds for PE (OR, 3.02; 95% CI, 1.20–7.60; P = 0.019). Sensitivity analysis, which excluded those with gestational diabetes, further confirmed the robustness of the results. The association between uterine fibroids and PE was stronger in pregnant women aged ≥35 years and multiparas.ConclusionUterine fibroids are significantly associated with an increased risk of PE in pregnant women. Uterine fibroids may serve as a new factor for identifying pregnant women at high risk of PE, and the effect of myomectomy before pregnancy on prevention of PE is worth further exploring.
Impact of late gadolinium enhancement extent, location, and pattern on ventricular tachycardia and major adverse cardiac events in patients with ischemic vs. non-ischemic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Tat Emily , Ball Caroline , Camren Gerald P. , Wroblewski Igor , Dajani Khaled A. , Goldberg Ari , Kinno Menhel , Sanagala Thriveni , Syed Mushabbar A. , Wilber David J. , Rabbat Mark 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundLeft ventricular late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has been associated with increased risk for life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias. The differences in association between LGE characteristics and prognosis in patients with ischemic (ICM) vs. non-ischemic (NICM) cardiomyopathy is incompletely understood.MethodsA total of 168 consecutive patients who underwent CMR imaging with either ICM or NICM were included in our study. LGE extent, location and pattern were examined for association to the primary endpoint of ventricular tachycardia (VT) and secondary endpoint of major adverse cardiac events (MACE).ResultsOf 68 (41%) patients with ICM and 97 (59%) patients with NICM, median LGE mass was 15% (IQR 9–28) for the ICM group and 10% (IQR 6–15) for the NICM group. On multivariate analysis for both groups, LGE characteristics were prognostic while LVEF was not. In patients with ICM, septal and apical segment LGE, and involvement of multiple walls predicted both endpoints on multivariate analysis. LGE extent (≥median) and inferior wall LGE independently predicted the primary endpoint. In patients with NICM, anterior, inferior and apical segment LGE, and involvement of multiple walls predicted both endpoints on multivariate analysis. LGE extent (≥median, number of LGE segments, LGE stratified per 5% increase) and midwall LGE were independent predictors of the primary endpoint.ConclusionsAlthough LGE was an independent predictor of prognosis in both groups, LGE extent, location, and pattern characteristics were more powerful correlates to worse outcomes in patients with NICM than ICM.
Case report: Efficacy analysis of radiofrequency catheter ablation combined with atrial appendage resection for atrial tachycardia originating from the atrial appendage in children
Authors: Liu Jing , Cao Xiaoxiao , Li Changjian , Feng Xiaoyuan , Sun Dongming , Zhang Yong 
Published: October 2022

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) combined with atrial appendage (AA) resection to treat atrial tachycardia (AT) originating from the AA in children.Materials and methodsUsing the Ensite three-dimensional electroanatomic mapping system, three children with AT originating from the AA were diagnosed. Clinical features and electrocardiographic (ECG) manifestations were analyzed. Ablations were performed using a cold saline-infused catheter at appendages targeting loci of AT origin under the guidance of the Ensite system. Atrial appendage resection was performed in combination with cardiac surgery, and the curative effect was evaluated.ResultsThe ages of the three patients were 3.5, 5.75, and 12.9 years. Two cases originated from the right atrial appendage (RAA) and one originated from the left atrial appendage (LAA). The ECG characteristics of AT from the RAA were as follows: (1) negative P waves in lead V1; (2) positive P waves in leads II, III, and aVF; (3) positive P wave in lead I with varying shapes in lead aVL; and (4) prolonged PR interval with no QRS wave after some P waves. The ECG of the LAA was characterized by (1) positive P waves in lead V1 with a bimodal pattern; (2) positive P waves in leads II, III, and aVF; and (3) negative P waves in leads I and aVL. Preoperative echocardiography showed cardiac enlargement and a decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in all three cases. One case was cured after RFCA, and the remaining two cases required AA resection after RFCA. No recurrence was detected at 1–18 months of follow-up, and the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and LVEF returned to normal.ConclusionAtrial tachycardia originating from the AA in children showed a characteristic P-wave presentation on ECG, and sustained episodes of AT resulted in tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy. Children who are not successfully controlled by RFCA or who have a recurrence after RFCA could benefit from AA resection.
Effect of 131I with and without artificial liver support system in patients with Graves’ disease and severe liver dysfunction: A retrospective study
Authors: Rao Maohua , Wang Yirui , Ren Jianli , Chen Yue , Zheng Chenxi , Xiong Yalan , Yan Qingbo , Li Shiying , Yuan Gengbiao 
Published: October 2022

ObjectiveTreatment decision-making in Graves’ disease (GD) with severe liver dysfunction (LD) is a clinical challenge. This research was carried out to evaluate the effect of radioiodine (131I) with or without an artificial liver support system (ALSS) in GD patients with severe LD.MethodsIn total, 45 patients diagnosed with GD and severe LD were enrolled and allocated to two groups: patients treated with 131I alone (n=30) (Group A)and patients by a combination of 131I and ALSS (n=15)(Group B). Liver function, thyroid hormone concentrations, therapeutic efficacy, and the cost of treatment were compared between the two groups.ResultsThyroid hormone concentrations were lower 2 weeks after 131I treatment, but no deterioration in liver function was identified. There was no statistically significant difference in the treatment efficacy between the two groups. The hospital stay, total cost, and daily cost were lower in patients treated with 131I alone than in those treated with 131I and an ALSS (p&lt;0.05).ConclusionThe key point of treating GD patients with severe LD is to control the GD.131I is recommended as an effective and safe and should be applied as soon as possible once the diagnosis is clarified; however, when used in combination with an ALSS, there was no substantial improvement in therapeutic efficacy.
COVID-19 in India: Epidemiological reflections from initial 170 million consecutive test results
Authors: Lohia Rohan , Goel Prabudh , Kaur Jasmine , Kumar Sujeet , Bajpai Minu , Singh Harpreet 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundThe Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) played a crucial role in streamlining testing and diagnosis, formulating guidelines, and devising management strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, ICMR designed and developed a comprehensive data management tool for collecting testing data in a standardized format from all laboratories across the country. The current report is a retrospective analysis of the testing data generated by the ICMR. The study's main objectives are to understand the probability of a person testing negative based on their age after an initial positive test and to assess the varied impact and duration of the disease in people of different age groups and genders.MethodsAnonymized data on the testing for COVID were analyzed. The P-to-P is the longest time interval between two consecutive positive tests for a patient without any negative test in between the positives. P-to-Plast is the time between the first positive and last positive test, as opposed to P-to-P, here we are looking at the first and last positive tests that might or might not be consecutive. P-to-N intervals is the time between the first positive and first negative test of a patient.ResultsIndia conducted 170,914,170 tests during the study-period (until December 29, 2020). After excluding invalid test results and duplicates, there were 11,101,603 (6.5%) positive and 156,542,352 (93.5%) negative test-results performed upon 150,086,257 unique individuals. A negative-report following a positive-test was available in 12.69%. Nearly three-fourths of the cases (78.29%) belonged to the working-age group (18–60 years). The proportion of patients &gt;50 years old has risen from 26.06 to 35.03%, with a steep rise beyond September 2020. Gender-ratio among the positives was 1.73:1 which was neutral in neonates &lt; 7-days (age). The gender ratio was skewed in-favor-of males in the initial months with a reverse trend thereafter and with increasing age of patients. The mean P-to-P, P-to-Plast, and P-to-N durations were 12.7 + 4.3, 13.3 + 4.6, and 14.2 + 4.9 days for individuals with P-to-P duration of 1–4 weeks. The probability of testing negative was 82 &amp; 85% at 14 &amp; 21 days after the first-positive-test respectively with no gender bias.ConclusionsThe current study has highlighted some vital aspects of COVID-19 epidemiology in India. This study will add to the current understanding of the virus in the absence of pre- existing information on the novel virus and the disease per se.
Genetic analysis of digital image derived morphometric traits of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) by incorporating G × E investigations
Authors: Hasan Md. Mehedi , Thomson Peter C. , Raadsma Herman W. , Khatkar Mehar S. 
Published: October 2022

The black tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon, is the second most economically important aquaculture shrimp species in the world, and in Australia it is one of the most commonly farmed shrimp species. Despite its economic significance, very few studies have reported the genetic evaluation of economically important morphological size and shape traits of shrimp grown in commercial grow-out environments. In this study we obtained genetic parameter estimates and evaluated genotype-by-environment interaction (GxE) for nine body morphological traits of shrimp derived from images. The data set contained image and body weight (BW) records of 5,308 shrimp, from 64 sires and 54 dams, reared in eight grow-out ponds for an average of 133 days. From the images, landmark based morphological distances were computed from which novel morphological traits associated with size and shape were derived for genetic evaluation. These traits included body weight (BW), body length (BL), body size (BS), head size (HS), Abdominal size (AS), abdominal percentage (AP), tail tip (TT), front by back ratio (FBR), condition factor (CF) and condition factor length (CFL). We also evaluated G×E interaction effects of these traits for shrimp reared in different ponds. The heritability estimates for growth related morphological and body weight traits were moderately high (BW: h2 = 0.32 ± 0.05; BL: h2 = 0.36 ± 0.06; BS: h2 = 0.32 ± 0.05; HS: h2 = 0.31 ± 0.05; AS: h2 = 0.32 ± 0.05; and TT: h2 = 0.28 ± 0.05) and low for abdominal percentage and body shape traits (AP: h2 = 0.09 ± 0.02; FBR: h2 = 0.08 ± 0.02; CF: h2 = 0.06 ± 0.02; and CFL: h2 = 0.003 ± 0.004). G × E interaction were negligible for all traits for shrimp reared in different ponds, suggesting re-ranking is not prevalent for this population. Genetic correlations among growth related morphological traits were high ranging from 0.36 to 0.99, suggesting these traits can be simultaneously improved through indirect genetic selection. However, negative genetic correlations were observed for FBR &amp; CF shape traits with major growth traits (ranged −0.08 to −0.95), suggesting genetic selection for rapid growth will likely result in thick/fatty shrimp over generations. Our study showed image-based landmark data can be successfully employed for genetic evaluation of complex morphological traits of shrimp and is potentially amenable to machine-learning derived parameters in semi-automated high volume phenotyping systems needed under commercial conditions.
Exploring the immunomodulatory role of virtual memory CD8+ T cells: Role of IFN gamma in tumor growth control
Authors: Savid-Frontera Constanza , Viano Maria Estefania , Baez Natalia S. , Lidon Nicolas L. , Fontaine Quentin , Young Howard A. , Vimeux Lene , Donnadieu Emmanuel , Rodriguez-Galan Maria Cecilia 
Published: October 2022

Virtual memory CD8+T cells (TVM) have been described as cells with a memory-like phenotype but without previous antigen (Ag) exposure. TVMcells have the ability to respond better to innate stimuli rather than by TCR engagement, producing large amounts of interferon gamma (IFNγ) after stimulation with interleukin (IL)-12 plus IL-18. As a result of the phenotypic similarity, TVMcells have been erroneously included in the central memory T cell subset for many years. However, they can now be discriminatedviathe CD49d receptor, which is up-regulated only on conventional memory T cells (TMEM) and effector T cells (TEFF) after specific cognate Ag recognition by a TCR. In this work we show that systemic expression of IL-12 plus IL-18 induced an alteration in the normal TVMvs TMEM/TEFFdistribution in secondary lymphoid organs and a preferential enrichment of TVMcells in the melanoma (B16) and the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (KPC) tumor models. Using our KPC bearing OT-I mouse model, we observed a significant increase in CD8+T cell infiltrating the tumor islets after IL-12+IL-18 stimulation with a lower average speed when compared to those from control mice. This finding indicates a stronger interaction of T cells with tumor cells after cytokine stimulation. These results correlate with a significant reduction in tumor size in both tumor models in IL-12+IL-18-treated OT-I mice compared to control OT-I mice. Interestingly, the absence of IFNγ completely abolished the high antitumor capacity induced by IL-12+IL-18 expression, indicating an important role for these cytokines in early tumor growth control. Thus, our studies provide significant new information that indicates an important role of TVMcells in the immune response against cancer.
GC-MS profiling of volatile metabolites produced by Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Filipiak Wojciech , Żuchowska Karolina , Marszałek Marta , Depka Dagmara , Bogiel Tomasz , Warmuzińska Natalia , Bojko Barbara 
Published: October 2022

Currently used methods for diagnosing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) are complex, time-consuming and require invasive procedures while empirical antibacterial therapy applies broad spectrum antibiotics that may promote antimicrobial resistance. Hence, novel and fast methods based on alternative markers are needed for VAP detection and differentiation of causative pathogens. Pathogenic bacteria produce a broad range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), some of which may potentially serve as biomarkers for microorganism identification. Additionally, monitoring of dynamically changing VOCs concentration profiles may indicate emerging pneumonia and allow timely implementation of appropriate antimicrobial treatment. This study substantially extends the knowledge on bacterial metabolites providing the unambiguous identification of volatile metabolites produced by carbapenem-resistant and susceptible strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae (confirmed with pure standards in addition to mass spectra match) but also revealing their temporary concentration profiles (along the course of pathogen proliferation) and dependence on the addition of antibiotic (imipenem) to bacteria. Furthermore, the clinical strains of K. pneumoniae isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage specimens collected from mechanically ventilated patients were investigated to reveal, whether bacterial metabolites observed in model experiments with reference strains could be relevant for wild pathogens as well. In all experiments, the headspace samples from bacteria cultures were collected on multibed sorption tubes and analyzed by GC-MS. Sampling was done under strictly controlled conditions at seven time points (up to 24 h after bacteria inoculation) to follow the dynamic changes in VOC concentrations, revealing three profiles: release proportional to bacteria load, temporary maximum and uptake. Altogether 32 VOCs were released by susceptible and 25 VOCs by resistant strain, amongst which 2-pentanone, 2-heptanone, and 2-nonanone were significantly higher for carbapenem-resistant KPN. Considerably more metabolites (n = 64) were produced by clinical isolates and in higher diversity compared to reference KPN strains.
Biochemical profiling of metabolomics in heavy metal-intoxicated impaired metabolism and its amelioration using plant-based bioactive compound
Authors: Yaqoob Azka , Rehman Kanwal , Akash Muhammad Sajid Hamid , Alvi Maria , Shoaib Syed Muhammad 
Published: October 2022

Exposure to Pb is widely spreading and has far-reaching negative effects on living systems. This study aimed to investigate the toxic effects of Pb, through biochemical profiling and the ameliorative effects of quercetin against Pb-toxicity. Twenty-five male Wistar albino mice were divided into the following five groups. The CON-group received normal saline; the Pb-group received PbAc; the Pb + Q-CRN group received lead acetate followed by quercetin; the Q-CRN group received quercetin; and the CRN group received corn oil. After 4 weeks, the mice were euthanized. It was speculated that Pb significantly increased the levels of serine, threonine, and asparagine and decreased the levels of valine, lysine, and glutamic acid in the plasma of Pb-group, thus impairing amino acid metabolism. However, in the Pb + Q-CRN group, the level of these six amino acids was restored significantly due to the ameliorative effect of quercetin. The presence of lipid metabolites (L-carnitine, sphinganine, phytosphingosine, and lysophosphatidylcholine) in mice serum was confirmed by ESI/MS. The GPx, SOD, GSH, and CAT levels were significantly decreased, and the MDA level was significantly increased, thus confirming the oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in the Pb group. The antioxidant effect of quercetin was elucidated in the Pb + Q-CRN group. Expression of CPT-I, CPT-II, LCAT, CROT, CACT, and MTR genes was significantly upregulated in the liver of Pb goup mice. Hence, the findings of this study proved that Pb exposure induced oxidative stress, upregulated gene expression, and impaired the lipid and amino acid metabolism in mice.
Differential subsampling with cartesian ordering: A high spatial-temporal resolution dixon imaging sequence for assessment of dural arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Chen Xi , Ge Liang , Wan Hailinlin , Huang Lei , Jiang Yeqing , Lu Gang , Wang Jing , Zhang Xiaolong 
Published: October 2022

ObjectiveTo evaluate the accuracy of differential subsampling with cartesian ordering (DISCO) in comparison to time of flight (TOF) in detecting dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF), cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) and hemodynamics.MethodsSixty-two cases (24 female; aged 14–75; mean age, 51.3 years) were included in our study, with 42 positive and 20 negative cases via Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA). Two neuroradiologists independently evaluated the DISCO and TOF. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the DISCO and TOF-MRA were individually calculated using DSA as the gold standard. Inter-observer reliability was assessed by using a weighted Cohen's kappa (κ) test; P &lt; 0.05 was set as the threshold for statistical significance.ResultsDiagnostic sensitivities of DISCO and TOF for DAVF were 92.86 and 64.29%; specificities were 95.0% and 95.0%; while accuracies were 93.55 and 74.19% respectively. For detected CVT, sensitivities of DISCO and TOF were 100 and 92.31%; specificities were 96.55 and 93.10%; with accuracies 97.62 and 92.86% respectively. In hemodynamic analysis, sensitivity of DISCO for reflux was 95.45%; with a specificity of 95.0%; and accuracy 95.24%. The inter-observer kappa values were 0.857 for DISCO (P &lt; 0.001).ConclusionDISCO showed a high degree of sensitivity and specificity, suggesting its effectiveness in detecting DAVF with or without CVT. Intracranial hemodynamics can be identified using DISCO in DAVF patients, providing accurate evaluation of cerebral blood flow dynamics during the pre-treatment phase.