bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying selection signatures and runs of homozygosity for spine curvature in Chinese indigenous pigs
Authors: Jiayuan Mo , Yujie Lu , Kuirong Chen , Siran Zhu , Wenjing Qi , Lingli Feng , Xiaoxiao Liu , Liang Liang , Ganqiu Lan , Jing Liang 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIn China there are approximately 100 pig breeds, which show great diversity in their appearance. However, information on genome selection signatures, such as spine curvature, is scarce. Therefore, we used the fixation index (FST) and cross‐population extended haplotype homozygosity (XPEHH) methods to explore the genome selection signatures of spine curvature in six breeds of Chinese indigenous pig. We identified 396 and 389 single nucleotide polymorphisms using the FST and XPEHH methods, respectively. We detected 19 selection signatures and 28 genes located in the selected regions. Five candidate genes (MAP3K7, CUX1, GRIN2B, ALPL and MACF1) were identified in the selection signatures. Additionally, 719 high‐frequency runs of homozygosity regions, 17 unique runs of homozygosity regions, 78 genes and 27 pathways were identified in the runs of homozygosity analysis. The TGF‐beta signaling pathway and eight genes related to the spine formation, spine defects and intervertebral disk degeneration were identified, comprising ACVR1, FMOD, ITGA4, MAPK8, PDGF, RPL3, SULF1 and UBE2D1. In summary, we identified 13 candidate genes related to spine curvature in Chinese indigenous pigs.
Lithium and the risk of chronic kidney disease: A population‐based case–control study
Authors: Højlund Mikkel , Winkel Jane Sterndorff , Nybo Mads , Hallas Jesper , Henriksen Daniel Pilsgaard , Damkier Per 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe association between lithium use and chronic kidney disease (CKD) needs further evaluation. We aimed to investigate this association using Danish nationwide healthcare registers and routinely collected plasma creatinine measurements from the Funen Laboratory Cohort. We conducted a case–control study nested within the population of Funen, 2001–2015. Incident cases of CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73m2; n = 21 432) were matched with four CKD‐free controls on age, sex and calendar time (n = 85 532). We estimated odds ratios (OR) for the association between lithium exposure and CKD using conditional logistic regression models, adjusted for known risk factors for CKD. Ever‐use of lithium was associated with an increased risk of CKD (adjusted OR [aOR]: 1.57; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33–1.85). A stronger association was seen with current use of lithium (aOR: 1.92; 95%CI: 1.58–2.33) and long‐term use of lithium (>10 years: aOR: 3.02; 95%CI: 2.00–4.56). Furthermore, we found evidence of a dose–response relationship between cumulative dose of lithium and the risk of CKD. In conclusion, the use of lithium, especially long‐term, is associated with an increased risk of CKD, although the extent to which detection bias and confounding by indication contribute to the association is unclear. Monitoring of kidney function in lithium users remains mandatory to identify individuals in which switching to alternative medications should be considered.
MicroRNA sequencing in patients with coronary artery disease – considerations for use as biomarker for thrombotic risk
Authors: Onuoha Chimnonso P. , Ipe Joseph , Simpson Edward , Liu Yunlong , Skaar Todd C. , Kreutz Rolf P. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs integral in the regulation of gene expression. Analysis of circulating miRNA levels may identify patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) at risk for recurrent myocardial infarction (MI) after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). Subjects with CAD were selected from the GENCATH cardiac catheterization biobank. Subjects with recurrent MI after PCI were compared with those without recurrent MI during follow‐up in the initial (n = 48) and replication cohort (n = 67). Next generation MiRNA sequencing was performed on plasma samples and whole blood samples fixed with PAXGENE tubes upon collection. Overall, 164 miRNAs derived from whole blood were differentially expressed in the replication cohort between subjects with and without recurrent MI events (p < 0.05), with 69 remaining significant after false‐discovery rate (FDR) correction. None of the miRNAs in plasma was significantly different by FDR among subjects with and without MI. Overall, correlation between direction of effects between plasma and whole blood assays was variable, and only two miRNAs were concordant and significant in both. Associations of miRNA with vascular disease, MI, and thrombosis were further explored. MiRNA profiling has potential as the future biomarker for disease prognosis and treatment response marker in secondary treatment of patients with CAD after PCI. Whole blood may be the preferred sample source as compared to plasma.
Effects of the menstrual cycle on cytological false‐negatives in women with persistent cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Okodo Mitsuaki , Okayama Kaori , Misawa Yukimi , Tsukakoshi Natsuko , Tanabe Kazumasa , Teruya Koji , Ito Chieko , Ishii Yasuyoshi , Fujii Masahiko , Oda Mizue 
Published: May 2022

AbstractObjectivesFalse‐negatives on cytology may be observed during follow‐ups for patients with persistent cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN); however, the underlying reasons are unknown, and the relationship between the intra‐individual variability of false‐negatives and the menstrual cycle phase has not been elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether the menstrual cycle influences cytological results to maximise the accuracy of such tests.MethodsA total of 154 liquid‐based cytological (LBC) samples were obtained during follow‐ups for 26 patients with CIN, and the relationship between cytological results and the menstrual cycle, which was classified into six phases, was analysed.ResultsAll LBC smears were satisfactory, and 20 of 154 (13.0%) specimens were negative for intraepithelial lesions or malignancy (NILM). A statistically significant association was observed between the cytological results and the phase of the menstrual cycle, χ2(2) = 19.322, P < 0.01. The association was moderately strong (Cramer's V = 0.354). The value of adjusted residuals showed a statistically significant increase in the NILM percentage as a cytological result during the early secretory phase (P < 0.01) and a statistically significant decrease in NILM during the menstrual and proliferative phases (P < 0.01).ConclusionsThe present study revealed that false‐negative cytological results were found to more likely to occur during the early secretory phase. More careful and precise microscopic observation of Pap smears collected at the early secretory phase may contribute to a reduction in the occurrence of false‐negatives and improve cytological sensitivity.
Infantile nystagmus without overt eye abnormality: Early features and neuro‐ophthalmological diagnosis
Authors: Suppiej Agnese , Ceccato Chiara , Lonardi Valentina , Reffo Maria E. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAimTo analyse the neuro‐ophthalmological data of children referred for further work‐up of infantile nystagmus where ophthalmological evaluation had not achieved a diagnosis.MethodWe retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients presenting with infantile nystagmus at our institution between 2007 and 2019. Inclusion criteria were onset before 6 months of age, availability of complete ophthalmic examination, visual electrophysiological tests, and neurological examination. Children with a previous definite ophthalmological diagnosis at onset and those with uncertain nystagmus onset age were not recruited.ResultsOut of 142 infants (mean age at nystagmus onset 3.6 mo, SD 1.7, range 0–6 mo; 56 females, 86 males), 23% had neurological nystagmus, 7% mixed neurological and sensory nystagmus, 48% sensory defect, and 22% idiopathic infantile nystagmus. The neurological diagnoses were inborn errors of metabolism, white matter genetic disorders, and brain malformations. The prevalent diagnosis in the sensory defect subgroup was retinal dystrophy.InterpretationInfantile nystagmus without diagnostic ocular findings may be due to neurological, retinal, and optic nerve disorders or be a benign idiopathic condition. In infants with and without neurological abnormalities, the search for a sensory defect should include visual electrophysiology performed early in the diagnostic pathway.What this paper adds

Infantile nystagmus without diagnostic ophthalmological signs has an underlying neurological cause in 30% of cases.

Neurological diagnoses include congenital brain malformations, and metabolic and genetic disorders.

Sensory defects are part of systemic neurological disorders in 23% of infants.

Electrophysiology is useful when ophthalmological examination is uninformative.
Mitral regurgitation impact on left atrial myopathy in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zegkos Thomas , Kamperidis Vasileios , Gossios Thomas , Ntelios Dimitris , Parcharidou Despoina , Papanastasiou Christos A. , Panagiotidis Theofilos , Tsianaka Theodora , Rouskas Pavlos , Katranas Sotiris , Karvounis Haralambos , Efthimiadis Georgios 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackground: Recent studies have shown that mitral regurgitation (MR) represents a major determinant of left atrial (LA) function in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The role of MR in determining LA myopathy in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the association of MR with LA myopathy, assessed by LA strain values in HCM patients.Methods: In total 250 consecutive patients (mean age 51 ± 16 years, 67.2% male) with an established diagnosis of HCM and with sinus rhythm at index echocardiography evaluation were included. LA reservoir, conduit and booster strain were analyzed, besides LA size, left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function. The predictors of LA strain values were identified with linear regression analysis.Results: Significant (more than mild) MR was a significant univariate predictor of all the three LA strain values. In multivariate linear regression analysis, independent predictors of LA reservoir strain were more than mild MR (r = −.23), LV global longitudinal strain (r = −.49), LA volume index (r = −.27) and patient age (r = −.23). Significant MR was also an independent determinant of LA conduit (r = −.17) and booster strain (r = −.12). In patients with LA volume index < 34 ml/m2 more than mild MR was an independent predictor of LA reservoir (r = −.32) and conduit strain (r = −.27), but not LA booster strain.Conclusion: Significant MR is associated with LA myopathy independently of the LV diastolic and systolic function and LA size.
Depressed mood and environmental mastery as potential pathways linking family relationship quality and disease self‐management for African Americans with hypertension
Authors: Woods Sarah B. , Hiefner Angela , Roberson Patricia N. E. , Zahra Nida , Arnold Elizabeth Mayfield , Udezi Victoria 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAfrican Americans are at significantly greater risk of hypertension and worse cardiovascular outcomes than other racialized groups, yet hypertension intervention effects remain limited. Thus, it is necessary to understand the potential mechanisms whereby interventions may be more effectively targeted to improve health. Supported by prior research evidence and guided by the Biobehavioral Family Model, this study examined associations between family relationship quality, psychological wellbeing, and self‐management behaviors for African Americans with hypertension. Data were pooled from three Midlife Development in the U.S. projects, resulting in a sample of 317 African Americans (63.4% female, Mage = 53.32) with self‐reported high blood pressure in the past 12 months. We tested four cross‐sectional multiple mediator models, with depressed mood and environmental mastery mediating associations between family strain and exercise, smoking, problematic alcohol use, and stress‐eating. Environmental mastery mediated the association between greater family strain and decreased odds of achieving recommended exercise levels; greater odds of reporting problematic alcohol use; and greater stress‐eating. Though family strain was associated with depressed mood in each model, this variable did not serve as an indirect pathway to self‐management behaviors. Family strain, and the potential pathway identified via environmental mastery, may be a meaningful predictor of disease self‐management for African Americans with hypertension. Longitudinal studies are needed to examine directionality and to support intervention trials for improving self‐management and hypertension outcomes.
Supporting literacy development in two‐way immersion classrooms (Grades 3–5)
Authors: La Serna Jillian 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis paper draws from a broader research project and reports on literacy program supports and instructional strategies in two‐way immersion (TWI) classrooms (Grades 3‐5) where the partner language is Spanish. The study examined TWI classrooms in which students from multiple demographics were performing at or above the state average on reading exams and highlights commonalities across classrooms. Semi‐structured interviews, class observations, and documents such as lesson plans were used as primary sources and collected from nine teacher participants. Common literacy practices emerged during data analysis and coding. Using grounded theory for qualitative analysis, two programmatic structures emerged: (1) Spanish and English literacy intervention and (2) coordination of literacy standards across languages. In addition, a focus on fluency and utilization of on‐grade level texts were identified as instructional strategies in classrooms. After describing how these structures and instructional strategies were utilized, this paper discusses implications for further research and practical application for literacy instruction in intermediate, and elementary TWI programs.
Availability and proximity of natural habitat influence cropland biodiversity in forest biomes globally
Authors: Outhwaite Charlotte L. , Ortiz A. Monica D. , Spooner Fiona E. B. , Dalin Carole , Newbold Tim 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAimAgriculture is one of the greatest pressures on biodiversity. Regional studies have shown that the presence of natural habitat and landscape heterogeneity are beneficial for biodiversity in agriculture, but it remains unclear whether their importance varies geographically. Here, we use local biodiversity data to determine which local and landscape variables are most associated with biodiversity patterns and whether their association varies between tropical and non‐tropical regions.LocationGlobal terrestrial area in forest biomes.Major taxa studiedMore than 21,000 species of vertebrates, invertebrates, plants and other taxa.MethodsWe used generalized linear mixed‐effects models to analyse the relationships between either community total abundance or species richness (derived from the PREDICTS database) and a number of site‐level (predominant land use and land‐use intensity) and landscape‐level variables (distance to forest, the percentage of natural habitat in the surrounding landscape, landscape homogeneity, the number of land‐cover types in the landscape, and total fertilizer application). We compared the associations of these variables with biodiversity in tropical and non‐tropical regions.ResultsIn most cases, changes in biodiversity associated with landscape‐level variables were greater than those associated with local land use and land‐use intensity. Increased natural habitat availability was associated with the most consistent increases in biodiversity. Landscape homogeneity was also important but showed different directions of biodiversity change between regions. Associations with fertilizer application or the number of land‐cover types were generally weaker, although still of greater magnitude than for the local land‐use measures.Main conclusionsOur results highlight similarities and differences in the association of local‐ and landscape‐scale variables with local biodiversity in tropical and non‐tropical regions. Landscape natural habitat availability had a consistent positive association with biodiversity, highlighting the key role of landscape management in the maintenance of biodiversity in croplands. Landscape‐scale variables were almost always associated with greater changes in biodiversity than the local‐scale measures.
Endothelial specific isoform of type XVIII collagen (COL‐18N): A marker of vascular integrity in haemophilic arthropathy
Authors: Tantawy Azza Abdel Gawad , Elsherif Nayera H. K. , Mostafa Salwa , Safwat Nesma Ahmad , El Seteha Khaled Anwar El Sayed 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundHaemophilic arthropathy (HA) is a major complication in haemophilia. Collagens IV, XV and XVIII are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the vessel wall in the joint. Following joint remodelling and damage, the short isoform of collagen type XVIII (COL‐18N) is degraded, releasing measurable fragments. Our goal was to quantify the specific isoform COL‐18N in haemophilia A patients and to assess its relation to the clinical and radiological data as well as haemophilia joint health score (HJHS), functional independence score for haemophilia (FISH), and haemophilia quality of life (Haemo‐Qol).MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 50 haemophilia A patients recruited from the Paediatric Haematology and Oncology unit, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. Quantification of COL‐18N was done by ELISA. Assessment of joint state clinically using FISH and HJH scores and radiologically by X‐rays and ultrasound.ResultsHaemophilia A patients had significantly higher median COL‐18N levels compared to the control group. Inhibitor positive and negative haemophilia A patients as well as those on non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug and those not had comparable COL‐18N levels. Patients with ≥2 target joints had significantly higher COL‐18N level compared to those with one or those without target joints. There were significant positive correlations between COL‐18N level and the total HJHS, Haemo‐Qol, the HEAD‐US score and annual bleeding rate.ConclusionOur results demonstrated a high level of COL‐18N in haemophilia A patients and argued its benefit as a potential marker for monitoring the development of haemophilic arthropathy and tailoring the optimal treatment to prevent further joint damage.
Efficacy and safety of low‐dose rifabutin‐based 7‐day triple therapy as a third‐ or later‐lineHelicobacter pylorieradication regimen
Authors: Inokuchi Kazumi , Mori Hideki , Matsuzaki Juntaro , Hirata Kenro , Harada Yosuke , Saito Yoshimasa , Suzuki Hidekazu , Kanai Takanori , Masaoka Tatsuhiro 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundRifabutin‐based regimens are used as rescue therapy for refractoryHelicobacter pyloriinfection; however, the duration for which treatment is required and side effects are concerning. This study assessed the efficacy and safety of 7‐day rifabutin, amoxicillin, and vonoprazan triple therapy as third‐ or later‐line treatment forH. pyloriinfection.Materials and MethodsPatients who did not respond to second‐line therapy were enrolled. AfterH. pyloriinfection was confirmed with the culture method, the patients received rifabutin‐containing triple therapy (20 mg vonoprazan b.i.d., 500 mg amoxicillin q.i.d., and 150 mg rifabutin q.d.) for 7 days. Twelve weeks after the eradication therapy, successful eradication was confirmed using a13C urea breath test or theH. pyloristool antigen test. The results obtained from our previous study that reported a 10‐day or 14‐day esomeprazole based rifabutin‐containing triple therapy as a third‐ or fourth‐line rescue therapy treated patients were used as historical control. We determined the minimum inhibitory concentrations of amoxicillin and rifabutin. We also evaluated whether the patients were positive for the mutation of therpoBgene.ResultsIntention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol analyses showed that our regimen resulted in a high eradication rate (91.2%, 95% CI: 84%–99% and 92.7%, 95% CI: 86%–100%, respectively). Adverse events occurred in 31.6% of the patients, and two patients discontinued the therapy.ConclusionsThis is the first study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a 7‐day low‐dose rifabutin‐based triple therapy with vonoprazan and amoxicillin. Our results suggest that our regimen was effective and safe as a third‐ or later‐lineH. pylorieradication regimen. To clarify what component in this regimen are critical, subsequent studies using a factorial design (comparing vonoprazan‐amoxicillin dual therapy vs. vonoprazan‐rifabutin triple therapy) will be needed.
The market for social harms: A case study of Genevan philanthropy
Authors: Serrano Sophie 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis article explores a remaining black box in the criminological literature on public problems: the prioritisation of the problem in the public arena. The research uses the case study of Genevan philanthropy to address the prioritisation of harms by moral entrepreneurs. Employing a qualitative methodology, it describes the prioritisation process by using the ‘market for social harms’ metaphor. It argues that philanthropists select their harms according to a risk/benefit assessment, which stems from the business world. This valuation of harms is collective and dependent on the competition and co‐operation between philanthropists. Finally, by detailing this metaphor, the study provides the key to obtaining a more general understanding of the prioritisation process.
Fetal‐placental antigens and the maternal immune system: Reproductive immunology comes of age*
Authors: Petroff Margaret G. , Nguyen Sean L. , Ahn Soo Hyun 
Published: May 2022

AbstractReproductive physiology and immunology as scientific disciplines each have rich, largely independent histories. The physicians and philosophers of ancient Greece made remarkable observations and inferences to explain regeneration as well as illness and immunity. The scientific enlightenment of the renaissance and the technological advances of the past century have led to the explosion of knowledge that we are experiencing today. Breakthroughs in transplantation, immunology, and reproduction eventually culminated with Medawar’s discovery of acquired immunological tolerance, which helped to explain the transplantation success and failure. Medawar’s musings also keenly pointed out that the fetus apparently breaks these newly discovered rules, and with this, the field of reproductive immunology was launched. As a result of having stemmed from transplantation immunology, scientist still analogizes the fetus to a successful allograft. Although we now know of the fundamental differences between the two, this analogy remains a useful tool to understand how the fetus thrives despite its immunological disparity with the mother. Here, we review the history of reproductive immunology, and how major and minor histocompatibility antigens, blood group antigens, and tissue‐specific “self” antigens from the fetus and transplanted organs parallel and differ.
What Can Possibly Go Wrong? Three Examples of Recurrent Deficiencies in the Teaching of Architectural Design
Authors: Silberberger Jan 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBased on an ethnographic study on studio teaching at five leading European architecture schools, the paper at hand identifies three repeatedly occurring deficiencies (as well as one related problem) in the teaching of architectural design. Drawing on empirical data, the paper describes how ‘epistemic positions’ are shifted without reflection, that serious efforts at translating tacit into propositional knowledge are (too) scarce, and how procedures are not rigorously linked to the respective objects of study. In addition to tackling these three deficiencies, the paper calls for developing corresponding ways of critique assessment that reflect the aspired improvements.