bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolomics identifies shared lipid pathways in independent amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cohorts
Authors: Goutman Stephen A , Guo Kai , Savelieff Masha G , Patterson Adam , Sakowski Stacey A , Habra Hani , Karnovsky Alla , Hur Junguk , Feldman Eva L 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease lacking effective treatments. This is due, in part, to a complex and incompletely understood pathophysiology. To shed light, we conducted untargeted metabolomics on plasma from two independent cross-sectional ALS cohorts versus control participants to identify recurrent dysregulated metabolic pathways. Untargeted metabolomics was performed on plasma from two ALS cohorts (cohort 1, n = 125; cohort 2, n = 225) and healthy controls (cohort 1, n = 71; cohort 2, n = 104). Individual differential metabolites in ALS cases versus controls were assessed by Wilcoxon, adjusted logistic regression and partial least squares-discriminant analysis, while group lasso explored sub-pathway level differences. Adjustment parameters included age, sex and body mass index. Metabolomics pathway enrichment analysis was performed on metabolites selected using the above methods. Additionally, we conducted a sex sensitivity analysis due to sex imbalance in the cohort 2 control arm. Finally, a data-driven approach, differential network enrichment analysis (DNEA), was performed on a combined dataset to further identify important ALS metabolic pathways. Cohort 2 ALS participants were slightly older than the controls (64.0 versus 62.0 years, P = 0.009). Cohort 2 controls were over-represented in females (68%, P &lt; 0.001). The most concordant cohort 1 and 2 pathways centred heavily on lipid sub-pathways, including complex and signalling lipid species and metabolic intermediates. There were differences in sub-pathways that were enriched in ALS females versus males, including in lipid sub-pathways. Finally, DNEA of the merged metabolite dataset of both ALS and control cohorts identified nine significant subnetworks; three centred on lipids and two encompassed a range of sub-pathways. In our analysis, we saw consistent and important shared metabolic sub-pathways in both ALS cohorts, particularly in lipids, further supporting their importance as ALS pathomechanisms and therapeutics targets.
Gut Dysfunction Markers Are Associated With Body Composition in Youth Living With Perinatally Acquired Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Dirajlal-Fargo Sahera , Jacobson Denise L , Yu Wendy , Mirza Ayesha , Geffner Mitchell E , Jao Jennifer , McComsey Grace A 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Background
The association between gut dysfunction and body fat composition in youth living with perinatal human immunodeficiency virus infection (YPHIV) has not been investigated.

Methods
We included YPHIV aged 7–19 years from the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study Adolescent Master Protocol with plasma available within 6 months of baseline whole-body dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and HIV RNA ≤1000 copies/mL within 3 months of baseline DXA and a second DXA 2 years later. Plasma markers of bacterial translocation and gut barrier dysfunction (lipopolysaccharide binding protein [LBP], zonulin, and intestinal fatty acid binding protein [I-FABP]) were measured at baseline by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and log10 transformed. Adiposity outcomes included percentage total body, truncal, and extremity fat in kilograms from DXA. Linear regression models were fit using generalized estimating equations to assess associations of baseline gut markers (log10) on adiposity outcomes at baseline and 2 years, adjusted for demographic variables, current antiretroviral therapy exposure, and physical activity.

Results
Two hundred sixty-one youth were included; 128 had a second DXA. Median age at first DXA was 12 years (interquartile range, 10–14 years), 49% were female, and 69% were Black. After adjustment for potential confounders, log10 LBP was positively associated with percentage total body fat at baseline (β = 4.08, P &lt; .01) and zonulin with adiposity measures at both time points (β = .94 to 6.50, P ≤ .01). I-FABP was inversely associated with percentage total body fat at baseline and year 2 (β = –2.36 and –3.01, respectively, P ≤ .02).

Conclusions
Despite viral suppression, gut damage and the resultant bacterial translocation are associated with body composition measures in YPHIV.
Pediatric Hospitalizations After School Reopening During the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Alpha (B.1.1.7) Variant Spread: A Multicenter Cross-sectional Study in Israel
Authors: Friedman Nir , Levy Nitai , Kaplan Or , Padeh Gabi , Krupik Danna , Jacob Ron , Gamsu Shirly , Weiser Giora , Cohen Naama Kuchinski , Schnapp Zeev , Cohen Noy , Feldman Oren , Porat Danit , Gal Moran , Gleyzer Alexandra , Capua Tali , Klein Adi , Sharkansky Livnat , Shilo Smadar , Grotto Itamar , Kozer Eran , Shavit Itai 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
This multicenter, cross-sectional study provides evidence on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)–associated emergency department visits and hospitalizations in pediatric wards and intensive care units after school reopening during the SARS-CoV-2 Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant spread in Israel. Study findings suggest that school reopening was not followed by an increase in SARS-CoV-2–related pediatric morbidity.
Single-Tube Screen for Rapid Detection of Repeat Expansions in Seven Common Spinocerebellar Ataxias
Authors: Lian Mulias , Limwongse Chanin , Yoon Chui-Sheun , Lee Caroline G , Law Hai-Yang , Chong Samuel S 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Background
The autosomal dominantly inherited and genetically heterogeneous spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) exhibit highly similar clinical presentations. Many are caused by repeat expansions, of which at least 8 involve CAG repeats. Repeat expansion detection is the only method to confirm disease status in symptomatic individuals. We present a novel strategy to simultaneously screen for the presence of CAG repeat expansion in the genes responsible for SCAs 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 12, and dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy using a simplified single-tube assay.

Methods
The method employs differentially labeled locus-specific primers and a common triplet-primed primer. Amplified products from each locus are distinguished by a combination of the product size and the fluorophore tag. The upper size limit of the normal allele range was used as the cutoff for distinguishing normal from potentially affected samples, with repeat expansion detected by presence of electrophoretic peaks extending beyond the cutoff.

Results
Blinded evaluation of the assay on 60 genotype-known DNA samples correctly detected repeat expansion in the expected SCA repeat locus for all 31 DNA samples.

Conclusions
In principle, this strategy can be applied to the simultaneous screening of any group of disease genes sharing the same repetitive units and/or their reverse complement.
Optimal Symmetric Ratcheting for Secure Communication
Authors: Yan Hailun , Vaudenay Serge , Collins Daniel , Caforio Andrea 
Published: January 2022

AbstractTo mitigate state exposure threats to long-lived instant messaging sessions, ratcheting was introduced, which is used in practice in protocols like Signal. However, existing ratcheting protocols generally come with a high cost. Recently, Caforio et al. proposed pragmatic constructions, which compose a weakly secure ‘light’ protocol and a strongly secure ‘heavy’ protocol, in order to achieve so-called ratcheting on-demand. The light protocol they proposed has still a high complexity.In this paper, we propose the lightest possible protocol we could imagine, which essentially encrypts and then hashes the secret key. We prove it secure in the standard model by introducing a new security notion, which relates symmetric encryption with key updates by hashing. Our protocol composes well with the generic transformation techniques by Caforio et al. to offer high security and performance at the same time. In a second step, we propose another protocol based on a newly defined integrated primitive, extending standard one-time authenticated encryption with an additional output block used as a secret key for the next message. We instantiate this primitive firstly from any authenticated encryption with associated data, and then we propose an efficient instantiation using advanced encryption standard (AES) encryption to update the key and AES-Galois/Counter mode of operation to encrypt and decrypt messages.
Oedipus at Dover Cliff: Early Modern Receptions of Seneca’sPhoenissae
Authors: Engelmayer Caroline 
Published: January 2022

AbstractMajor accounts of Renaissance Senecanism argue that tragic protagonists in Seneca and his early modern imitators draw on overwhelming fury to achieve autarkic selfhood. Yet not all plays follow this mould: unlike the better-known Thyestes and Medea, Seneca’s Phoenissae locates tragic identity in the self-conscious rejection of a sudden resolution to violent strife. Oedipus, the play’s protagonist, temporarily relents in response to Antigone’s pleas against self-harm; despite his swift reversion to anger, this short-lived reconciliation aligns the tragedy with structural elements of comedy as understood by Renaissance genre theorists, inviting early modern authors to craft their own versions of the play’s ‘mixed mode’. In the New Arcadia, Philip Sidney rewrites the Phoenissae to privilege reconciliation over rage, but reframes this apparent comic gesture as the source of an escalating cycle of tragedy. In King Lear, William Shakespeare mobilizes the illusion of comic resolution that he found in Seneca’s play to heighten his protagonists’ irreversible suffering. Attending to the nuance and variety of Seneca’s tragic corpus as it was received by Renaissance readers reveals underexplored strands of Senecan influence on early modern literature, broadening the set of generic possibilities afforded by Seneca’s plays in the Renaissance to include tragicomedy and romance.
Impact of preoperative sarcopenia on postoperative complications and survival outcomes of patients with esophageal cancer: a meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Chen Fei , Chi Junting , Zhao Bing , Mei Fan , Gao Qianqian , Zhao Li , Ma Bin 
Published: January 2022

Summary
The effects of preoperative sarcopenia on postoperative complications and survival outcomes of patients undergoing esophageal cancer resection are controversial. From database establishment to 16 May 2021, we systematically searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database to collect relevant studies investigating the effects of preoperative sarcopenia on postoperative complications, survival outcomes, and the risk of a poor prognosis of patients undergoing esophagectomy. The Newcastle–Ottawa scale was used to evaluate the quality of the included literature, and RevMan 5.3 software was used for the meta-analysis. A total of 26 studies (3 prospective cohort studies and 23 retrospective cohort studies), involving 4,515 patients, were included. The meta-analysis showed that preoperative sarcopenia significantly increased the risk of overall complications (risk ratio [RR]: 1.15; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–1.22), pulmonary complications (RR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.48–2.14), and anastomotic leakage (RR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.04–1.59) and reduced the overall survival rate (hazard ratio: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.04–1.20) following esophageal cancer resection. Preoperative sarcopenia increased the risks of overall postoperative and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing esophageal cancer resection. For patients with esophageal cancer, assessing the preoperative risk of preoperative sarcopenia is necessary.
Clinical frailty is a risk factor of adverse outcomes in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing esophagectomy: analysis of 2011–2017 US hospitals
Authors: Lee David Uihwan , Hastie David Jeffrey , Fan Gregory Hongyuan , Addonizio Elyse Ann , Han John , Karagozian Raffi 
Published: January 2022

Summary
Frailty is an aggregate of medical and geriatric conditions that affect elderly and vulnerable patients; as frailty is known to affect postoperative outcomes, we evaluate the effects of frailty in patients undergoing esophageal resection surgery for esophageal cancer. 2011–2017 National Inpatient Sample was used to isolate younger (18 to &lt;65) and older (65 or greater) patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal cancer, substratified using frailty (defined by Johns-Hopkins ACG frailty indicator) into frail patients and non-frail controls; the controls were 1:1 matched with frail patients using propensity score. Endpoints included mortality, length of stay (LOS), costs, discharge disposition, and postsurgical complications. Following the match, there were 363 and equal number controls in younger cohort; 383 and equal number controls in older cohort. For younger cohort, frail patients had higher mortality (odds ratio [OR] 3.14 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.39–7.09), LOS (20.5 vs. 13.6 days), costs ($320,074 vs. $190,235) and were likely to be discharged to skilled nursing facilities; however, there was no difference in postsurgical complications. In multivariate, frail patients had higher mortality (aOR 3.00 95%CI 1.29–6.99). In older cohort, frail patients had higher mortality (OR 1.96 95%CI 1.07–3.60), LOS (19.9 vs. 14.3 days), costs ($301,335 vs. $206,648) and were more likely to be discharged to short-term hospitals or skilled nursing facilities; the frail patients were more likely to suffer postsurgical respiratory failure (OR 2.03 95%CI 1.31–3.15). In multivariate, frail patients had higher mortality (aOR 1.93 95%CI 1.04–3.58). Clinical frailty adversely affects both younger and older patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.
Long-term evolution of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels and exercise capacity in 132 left ventricular assist device recipients
Authors: Van Edom Charlotte , Jacobs Steven , Fresiello Libera , Vandersmissen Katrien , Vandenbriele Christophe , Droogné Walter , Meyns Bart 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a widely used biomarker in clinical practice in the context of heart failure. Little is known about the long-term evolution of NT-proBNP levels in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) recipients. Besides this, the potential correlation of NT-proBNP with exercise capacity on the long term after LVAD implantation has not been previously studied.

METHODS
We retrospectively analysed 132 single-centre LVAD recipient records (HeartMate II/III; HeartWare; between March 2007 and January 2018; mean follow-up 559 days). Blood samples, 6-min walking test (6MWT) and maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test were performed in a standardized way.

RESULTS
Pre-LVAD NT-proBNP levels were increased (9736 ± 1072 ng/l) and dropped significantly after implantation [14 days: 4360 ± 545 ng/l (P &lt; 0.0001), 6 months: 1485 ± 139 ng/l (P &lt; 0.0001)]. Afterwards a steady state was reached during follow-up (after 1 year: 1592 ± 214 ng/l, after 5 years: 1679 ± 311 ng/l). Submaximal exercise capacity significantly improved postoperatively [percentage of the predicted distance walked during the 6MWT 50 ± 2% (0–3 months); 61 ± 2% (3–6 months, P &lt; 0.001)], with a steady state afterwards [66 ± 2% (6–12 months, P = 0.08); 64 ± 3%, P = 0.70 later on]. We found a gradual increment of percentage of the expected peak oxygen consumption postoperatively [44 ± 2% (0–3 months); 49 ± 2% (3–6 months); 52 ± 2% (6–12 months); 53 ± 1% (after 12 months)] with a significant improvement between 0 and 3 months versus after the first year on LVAD. Furthermore, we showed a significant moderate correlation between NT-proBNP levels and results at both the 6MWT (correlation coefficient: −0.31, P &lt; 0.0001) and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (correlation coefficient: −0.28, P &lt; 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS
NT-proBNP decreased on LVAD support. We showed that submaximal (6MWT) and maximal exercise capacity (cardiopulmonary exercise testing) improve after LVAD implantation and demonstrated an inverse correlation of both tests with NT-proBNP levels.
Everyday Discrimination in Public Spaces: A Field Experiment in the Milan Metro
Authors: Zhang Nan , Gereke Johanna , Baldassarri Delia 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
A large scholarship documents discrimination against immigrants and ethnic minorities in institutional settings such as labour and housing markets in Europe. We know less, however, about discrimination in informal and unstructured everyday encounters. To address this gap, we report results from a large-scale field experiment examining the physical avoidance of immigrants as an unobtrusive yet important measure of everyday discrimination in a multiethnic European metropolis. In addition to varying confederates’ migration background and race, we also vary signals of status (business versus casual attire) in order to shed light on the mechanisms underlying discriminatory patterns. We find that natives are averse to contact with Nigerian confederates, but do not discriminate against Chinese confederates. Furthermore, manipulating confederates’ attire has little effect on natives’ behaviour. Overall, our results highlight the everyday burdens borne particularly by individuals of African descent in commonplace, ‘street-level’ encounters.
Alcohol intake and bradyarrhythmia risk: a cohort study of 407 948 individuals
Authors: Tu Samuel J , Gallagher Celine , Elliott Adrian D , Linz Dominik , Pitman Bradley M , Hendriks Jeroen M L , Lau Dennis H , Sanders Prashanthan , Wong Christopher X 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Aims
There is a paucity of epidemiological evidence on alcohol and the risk of bradyarrhythmias. We thus characterized associations of total and beverage-specific alcohol consumption with incident bradyarrhythmias using data from the UK Biobank.

Methods and results
Alcohol consumption reported at baseline was calculated as UK standard drinks (8 g alcohol)/week. Bradyarrhythmia events were defined as sinus node dysfunction (SND), high-level atrioventricular block (AVB), and permanent pacemaker implantations. Outcomes were assessed through hospitalization and death records, and dose–response associations were characterized using Cox regression models with correction for regression dilution bias. We studied 407 948 middle-aged individuals (52.4% female). Over a median follow-up time of 11.5 years, a total of 8 344 incident bradyarrhythmia events occurred. Increasing total alcohol consumption was not associated with an increased risk of bradyarrhythmias. Beer and cider intake were associated with increased bradyarrhythmia risk up to 12 drinks/week; however, no significant associations were observed with red wine, white wine, or spirit intake. When bradyarrhythmia outcomes were analysed separately, a negative curvilinear was observed for total alcohol consumption and risk of SND, but no clear association with AVB was observed.

Conclusion
In this predominantly White British cohort, increasing total alcohol consumption was not associated with an increased risk of bradyarrhythmias. Associations appeared to vary according to the type of alcoholic beverage and between different types of bradyarrhythmias. Further epidemiological and experimental studies are required to clarify these findings.
Long-term quality of life and acceptance of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy: results of the European Heart Rhythm Association survey
Authors: Januszkiewicz Łukasz , Barra Sérgio , Providencia Rui , Conte Giulio , de Asmundis Carlo , Chun Julian K R , Farkowski Michał M , Guerra Jose M , Marijon Eloi , Boveda Serge 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) may impact patients’ life significantly. The aim of this survey was to analyse the impact of the ICD on quality of life (QoL) metrics from the patient’s perspective. ‘Living with an ICD’ was a prospective, multicentre study with an online questionnaire submitted to the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) Research Network centres as well as patient associations from 10 European countries; it was filled-in directly and personally by the patients that were invited to participate, with a minimal interaction or influence from the healthcare professionals. Overall, the questionnaire was completed by 1809 patients (624 women, 34.5%). Patients in their 60s and 70s and from Western Europe were the most represented. The median time from first ICD implantation was 5 years (IQR 2–10). Device-related complications were reported by 505 patients (22.4%), including one or more inappropriate shocks (n = 209, 11.6%). Almost half the respondents reported improved QoL, with a more favourable impact for those receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator (CRT-D), and only a 10th experienced a significant decrease in QoL. The occurrence of complications remained a major predictor of deteriorated QoL (odds ratio 2.1, 95% confidence interval 1.4–3.0, P &lt; 0.001). In conclusion, most patients have a globally positive view and acceptance of ICD therapy, reporting preserved to improved QoL after device implantation. Complications, namely inappropriate shocks, affect the expectation of living a normal life post-implant and are associated with a significant decrease in QoL. Our findings also highlight the importance of a detailed informed consent process and the involvement of the patient in the decision-making process.
The exploitation of human glycans by Group AStreptococcus
Authors: Indraratna Anuk D , Everest-Dass Arun , Skropeta Danielle , Sanderson-Smith Martina 
Published: January 2022

AbstractHost carbohydrates, or glycans, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of many bacterial infections. Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a Gram-positive bacterium that readily colonises the skin and oropharynx, and is a significant cause of mortality in humans. While the glycointeractions orchestrated by many other pathogens are increasingly well-described, the understanding of the role of human glycans in GAS disease remains incomplete. Although basic investigation into the mechanisms of GAS disease is ongoing, several glycointeractions have been identified and are examined herein. The majority of research in this context has focussed on bacterial adherence, however, glycointeractions have also been implicated in carbohydrate metabolism; evasion of host immunity; biofilm adaptations; and toxin-mediated haemolysis. The involvement of human glycans in these diverse avenues of pathogenesis highlights the clinical value of understanding glycointeractions in combatting GAS disease.
A Highly Contiguous Genome Assembly of Arthrinium puccinoides
Authors: Sørensen Trine , Petersen Celine , Fechete Lavinia I , Nielsen Kåre L , Sondergaard Teis E 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The phylogenetic relationship of the Arthrinium genus has changed throughout the years. For many years, the Arthrinium genus included the Apiospora genus as well. New evidence has now showed that these two genera in fact are phylogenetically different and belong to two different clades. Here, we present the first genome draft within the Arthrinium genus. This genome was sequenced using the MinION platform from Oxford Nanopore Technologies and the assembly was contiguous. The assembly comprises ten contigs totaling 39.8 Mb with an N50 length of 7.9. In the assembly, 11,602 genes were predicted whereof 10,784 were functionally annotated. A total of 37 rRNA genes were observed in the assembly and repeat elements spanning 7.39% of the genome were found. A total of 99 secondary metabolite gene clusters were predicted, showing a high potential of novel secondary metabolites. This genome sequence will not only be useful for further investigation of the Arthrinium clade, but also for discovery of novel secondary metabolite compounds that could be of high interest for the food, agricultural, or pharmaceutical industry.