bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feasibility, reliability and safety of self-assessed orthostatic blood pressure at home
Authors: Gibbon Jake R , Parry Steve W , Witham Miles D , Yarnall Alison , Frith James 
Published: July 2022

Abstract

Background
A postural blood pressure assessment is required to diagnose Orthostatic Hypotension. With increasing remote consultations, alternative methods of performing postural blood pressure assessment are required.

Objective
Determine whether postural blood pressure measurement at home, without a clinician, is reliable, feasible and safe.

Design
Service improvement project within a falls and syncope service in Northeast England.

Subjects
Eligibility criteria: aged ≥60 years; postural blood pressure measurement is indicated and is physically and cognitively able to perform.
Exclusion criteria: nursing home residents, attending clinic in person.

Methods
Postural blood pressure measurements were performed in patients’ homes under clinical observation. Patient-led assessments were performed independent of the clinician, following written guidance. This was followed by a clinical-led assessment after 10-minute supine rest.

Outcomes
Agreement between patient and clinician derived postural blood pressure values and diagnosis of Orthostatic Hypotension; intervention safety, feasibility and acceptability.

Results
Twenty-eight patients were eligible and 25 participated (mean age 75, median Clinical Frailty Score five).
There was 95% agreement (Cohen’s kappa 0.90 (0.70, 1.00)) between patient and clinician derived readings to diagnose orthostatic hypotension.
Postural systolic blood pressure drop correlated strongly (r = 0.80), with patient derived readings overestimating by 1 (−6, 3) mmHg. Limits of agreement, determined via Bland Altman analysis, were +17 and −20 mmHg, greater than pre-determined maximum clinically important difference (±5 mmHg).
Twenty participants performed valid postural blood pressure assessments without clinical assistance.

Conclusions
Patient-led postural blood pressure assessment at home is a reliable, safe and acceptable method for diagnosing Orthostatic Hypotension.
Study of the Ca2+-dependent gene expression of EuPrt, an extracellular metalloprotease produced by the psychro-tolerant bacterium Exiguobacterium undae Su-1
Authors: Arakawa Kiyoaki , Yanai Junta , Watanabe Kunihiko 
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACT
The effect of a Ca2+ ion on the gene expression of an on-demand type of metalloprotease from psychrotrophic Exiguobacterium undae Su-1 (EuPrt) was studied. We first established a modified m m9 medium for strain Su-1 to examine its effect in more detail. Then, when the strain was cultured in m m9 medium and 1.0 m m CaCl2 was added, we detected the mature EuPrt and its precursor proteins via Western blotting analysis and found the relative protease activity and its transcription increased by 50-fold and 7-fold, respectively, at the peak. Furthermore, the intracellular concentration of Ca2+ ions was analyzed using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) with other metal ions along the growth of strain Su-1. The intracellular concentration of Ca2+ ion was found to increase as much as 3-fold in response to the addition of an extracellular Ca2+ ions, indicating that euPrt gene expression is regulated by sensing its intracellular concentration.
Responding to Domestic and Family Violence: The Role of Non-Specialist Services and Implications for Social Work
Authors: Ablaza Christine , Kuskoff Ella , Perales Francisco , Parsell Cameron 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Social workers play a critical role in responding to the needs of individuals impacted by domestic and family violence (DFV). Social work literature has long been devoted to understanding the functioning, accessibility and effectiveness of specialist DFV services. In contrast, much less is known about how non-specialist services can, and do, support victims of DFV. This study addresses this important gap by empirically examining the links between DFV and a non-specialist service designed to assist people experiencing financial hardship. To accomplish this, we draw on an expansive administrative database of assistance records (n = 305,176) from the St Vincent de Paul Society, one of the largest non-specialist support providers in Australia. Descriptive analyses of DFV-related records (n = 4,374) yield novel insights into the socio-demographic profile of clients seeking assistance due to DFV, the types of assistance they required and how non-specialist providers respond to DFV-related requests for assistance. Our results demonstrate that non-specialist services play a critical yet under-recognised role in responding to people impacted by DFV. This has significant social work practice implications, highlighting the importance of specialist DFV services working in tandem with non-specialist services to deliver the best outcomes for victims.
Lymphotoxin-alpha expression in the meninges causes lymphoid tissue formation and neurodegeneration
Authors: James Bates Rachel E , Browne Eleanor , Schalks Renee , Jacobs Heather , Tan Li , Parekh Puja , Magliozzi Roberta , Calabrese Massimiliano , Mazarakis Nicholas D , Reynolds Richard 
Published: July 2022

AbstractOrganized meningeal immune cell infiltrates are suggested to play an important role in cortical grey matter pathology in the multiple sclerosis brain, but the mechanisms involved are as yet unresolved. Lymphotoxin-alpha plays a key role in lymphoid organ development and cellular cytotoxicity in the immune system and its expression is increased in the CSF of naïve and progressive multiple sclerosis patients and post-mortem meningeal tissue. Here we show that persistently increased levels of lymphotoxin-alpha in the cerebral meninges can give rise to lymphoid-like structures and underlying multiple sclerosis-like cortical pathology. Stereotaxic injections of recombinant lymphotoxin-alpha into the rat meninges led to acute meningeal inflammation and subpial demyelination that resolved after 28 days, with demyelination being dependent on prior subclinical immunization with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein. Injection of a lymphotoxin-alpha lentiviral vector into the cortical meningeal space, to produce chronic localized overexpression of the cytokine, induced extensive lymphoid-like immune cell aggregates, maintained over 3 months, including T-cell rich zones containing podoplanin + fibroblastic reticular stromal cells and B-cell rich zones with a network of follicular dendritic cells, together with expression of lymphoid chemokines and their receptors. Extensive microglial and astroglial activation, subpial demyelination and marked neuronal loss occurred in the underlying cortical parenchyma. Whereas subpial demyelination was partially dependent on previous myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein immunization, the neuronal loss was present irrespective of immunization. Conditioned medium from LTα treated microglia was able to induce a reactive phenotype in astrocytes. Our results show that chronic lymphotoxin-alpha overexpression alone is sufficient to induce formation of meningeal lymphoid-like structures and subsequent neurodegeneration, similar to that seen in the progressive multiple sclerosis brain.
Contribution of B cells to cortical damage in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bhargava Pavan , Hartung Hans-Peter , Calabresi Peter A 
Published: July 2022

AbstractMultiple sclerosis is associated with lesions not just in the white matter, but also involving the cortex. Cortical involvement has been linked to greater disease severity and hence understanding the factor underlying cortical pathology could help identify new therapeutic strategies for multiple sclerosis. The critical role of B cells in multiple sclerosis has been clarified by multiple pivotal trials of B-cell depletion in people with multiple sclerosis. The presence of B-cell rich areas of meningeal inflammation in multiple sclerosis has been identified at all stages of multiple sclerosis. Leptomeningeal inflammation is associated with greater extent of cortical demyelination and neuronal loss and with greater disease severity. Recent studies have identified several potential mechanisms by which B cells may mediate cortical injury including antibody production, extracellular vesicles containing neurotoxic substances and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, B cells may indirectly mediate cortical damage through effects on T cells, macrophages or microglia. Several animal models replicate the meningeal inflammation and cortical injury noted in people with multiple sclerosis. Studies in these models have identified Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibition and type II anti-CD20 antibodies as potential agents that can impact meningeal inflammation. Trials of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies in people with multiple sclerosis have unsuccessfully attempted to eliminate B cells in the leptomeninges. New strategies to target B cells in multiple sclerosis include Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibition and cell-based therapies aimed at B cells infected with Epstein–Barr virus. Future studies will clarify the mechanisms by which B cells mediate cortical injury and treatment strategies that can target B cells in the leptomeninges and CNS parenchyma.
Aortic stenosis in homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia: a paradigm shift over a century
Authors: Bélanger Alexandre M , Akioyamen Leo E , Ruel Isabelle , Hales Lindsay , Genest Jacques 
Published: July 2022

Abstract

Aims
Homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HoFH) is an orphan disease defined by extreme elevations in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, cutaneous xanthomas, and pre-mature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Survival has more than doubled over the past three decades. Aortic stenosis (AS) [supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS) or valvular aortic stenosis (VAS)] is commonly encountered. There are no medical treatments available and complex high-risk surgeries represent the only available option in severe cases. A systematic review was performed to summarize the current evidence on AS in HoFH and to determine whether pharmacological treatment (statins) have had an impact on clinical presentation, phenotype and clinical course over the past nine decades (PROSPERO CRD42021250565).

Methods and results
MEDLINE, Embase Classic + Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, AfricaWide, and Scopus were searched from inception to 10 November 2021. Searches identified 381 publications, of which 19 were retained; they were cross-sectional or retrospective studies. Separately, 108 individual case reports were described. Within the 424 HoFH cases, AS was identified in 57% of patients in the pre-statin era vs. 35% in patients reported more recently (&gt;2000, long-term statin period). With an increase in longevity due to statins and lipoprotein apheresis, a change in the proportion of patients with SVAS and VAS with a SVAS:VAS ratio of 47:53 and 10:90 for HoFH patients not on statin and on long-term statin, respectively, was noted.

Conclusion
These data suggest that SVAS and VAS are frequent in HoFH and that the phenotype has shifted towards calcific VAS as statins and lipoprotein apheresis improve survival in these patients.
Induced oxidative equilibrium damage and reduced toxin synthesis in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum by secondary metabolites from Bacillus velezensis WB
Authors: Wang Kexin , Wang Zhigang , Xu Weihui 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
In this study, the antifungal mechanism of secondary metabolites from the WB strain against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (Fon) was investigated. The WB strain induced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species in Fon hyphae and caused morphological changes, including surface subsidence and shrinkage deformation. The cell-free supernatants (CFSs) from WB treatment caused a significant increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities and the contents of soluble protein and malondialdehyde. Additionally, CFSs from WB decreased the fusaric acid concentration in Fon. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the expression of some antioxidant-related genes was upregulated and that the expression of mycotoxin-related genes was downregulated. Four polypeptide compounds from the WB strain, including iturin A, fengycin, surfactin and bacitracin, were identified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry analysis and complete genome mining. RT–qPCR and a quantitative analysis confirmed that the presence of Fon induced the expression of polypeptide genes and elevated polypeptide production. The combined minimum inhibitory concentration and quantitative analysis of four polypeptides revealed that iturin A, fengycin, surfactin and bacitracin might be responsible for inhibiting the growth of Fon. In conclusion, secondary metabolites from strain WB exhibited antifungal effects on Fon by triggering oxidative stress and decreasing toxin levels.
What to expect when you are expecting earthquake early warning
Authors: Minson Sarah E , Cochran Elizabeth S , Saunders Jessie K , McBride Sara K , Wu Stephen , Baltay Annemarie S , Milner Kevin R 
Published: July 2022

SUMMARY
We present a strategy for earthquake early warning (EEW) alerting that focuses on providing users with a target level of performance for their shaking level of interest (for example, ensuring that users receive warnings for at least 95 per cent of the occurrences of that shaking level). We explore the factors that can affect the accuracy of EEW shaking forecasts including site conditions (which can make shaking more or less varied), the share of earthquake hazard that comes from outlier events, and even the metric of shaking being forecast (with modified Mercalli intensity being the most uncertain quantity to forecast). To provide different locations with the same level of EEW performance, the alert issuance criteria will need to change based on these factors. Finally, we present a hierarchy of information approach with which to communicate EEW system design and performance to the public and other stakeholders, including how frequently alerts will be issued and how accurate those alerts will be.
Repair of atrioventricular disruption after mitral valve replacement utilizing commando procedure principles
Authors: Raevsky Evgeny , Kwanten Lloyd , Cullen Seamus , Stoica Serban 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Atrioventricular rupture is a life-threatening complication of mitral valve replacement. We present how incising the intervalvular fibrosa critically improves exposure. The aortic valve sacrifice allows access to a large atrioventricular dissociation defect and reliable repair of the anterolateral aspect of mitral valve annulus.
BookliceLiposcelis bostrychophilaNaturally Infected byRickettsia felisCause Fever and Experimental Pneumonia in Mammals
Authors: Mediannikov Oleg , Bechah Yassina , Amanzougaghene Nadia , Lepidi Hubert , Bassene Hubert , Sambou Masse , Lienhard Charles , Benkacimi Linda , Dieme Constentin , Sokhna Cheikh , Fenollar Florence , Raoult Didier 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundRickettsia felis is emergent in tropical areas. Despite its high morbidity, its natural history has not yet been fully determined. We investigated the role of the common household booklouse, Liposcelis bostrychophila, recently found to harbor R. felis.MethodsBlood samples from 372 febrile patients from Senegalese villages, as well as nasal and skin samples from 264 asymptomatic individuals, were tested for cat flea–associated and booklice-associated strains of R. felis. Dust samples from beds were collected to isolate booklice and R. felis. Mice were infected with aerosol of R. felis strain from naturally infected booklice.ResultsForty febrile patients (11%) were infected by R. felis, including 26 (7%) by the booklice-associated strain. Nine nasal samples (3.4%) and 28 skin samples (10.6%) contained R. felis, including 7 and 24, respectively, with the booklice-associated strain. The presence of live L. bostrychophila was observed in 32 dust samples (16.8%); R. felis was identified in 62 dust samples (32.5%). Several mice samples were positive for R. felis; interstitial lymphohistiocytic infiltrates were identified in lungs.ConclusionsLiposcelis bostrychophila may be a reservoir of R. felis. The booklice-associated strain is pathogenic in mammals, causing pneumonia. Human infection may be acquired via inhalation of infected booklice particles.
Form of dietary selenium affects mRNA encoding interferon-stimulated and progesterone-induced genes in the bovine endometrium and conceptus length at maternal recognition of pregnancy
Authors: Crites Benjamin R , Carr Sarah N , Anderson Leslie H , Matthews James C , Bridges Phillip J 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Widespread regions of the southeast United States have soils, and hence forages, deficient in selenium (Se), necessitating Se supplementation to grazing cattle for optimal immune function, growth, and fertility. We have reported that supplementation with an isomolar 1:1 mix (MIX) of inorganic (ISe) and organic (OSe) forms of Se increases early luteal phase (LP) concentrations of progesterone (P4) above that in cows on ISe or OSe alone. Increased early LP P4 advances embryonic development. Our objective was to determine the effects of the form of Se on the development of the bovine conceptus and the endometrium using targeted real-time PCR (qPCR) on day 17 of gestation, the time of maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP). Angus-cross yearling heifers underwent 45-d Se-depletion then repletion periods, then at least 90 d of supplementation (TRT) with 35 ppm Se per day as either ISe (n = 10) or MIX (n = 10). Heifers were inseminated to a single sire after detected estrus (day 0). On day 17 of gestation, caruncular (CAR) and intercaruncular (ICAR) endometrial samples and the developing conceptus were recovered from pregnant heifers (ISe, n = 6 and MIX, n = 6). qPCR was performed to determine the relative abundance of targeted transcripts in CAR and ICAR samples, with the expression data subjected to one-way ANOVA to determine TRT effects. The effect of TRT on conceptus development was analyzed using a one-tailed Student’s t-test. When compared with ISe-treated heifers, MIX heifers had decreased (P &lt; 0.05) abundance of several P4-induced and interferon-stimulated mRNA transcripts, including IFIT3, ISG15, MX1, OAS2, RSAD2, DGAT2, FGF2 in CAR and DKK1 in ICAR samples and tended (P ≤ 0.10) to have decreased mRNA abundance of IRF1, IRF2, FOXL2, and PGR in CAR samples, and HOXA10 and PAQR7 in ICAR samples. In contrast, MIX-supplemented heifers had increased (P &lt; 0.05) mRNA abundance of MSTN in ICAR samples and an increase in conceptus length (ISe: 17.45 ± 3.08 cm vs. MIX: 25.96 ± 3.95 cm; P = 0.05). Notably, myostatin increases glucose secretion into histotroph and contributes to advanced conceptus development. This advancement in conceptus development occurred in the presence of similar concentrations of serum P4 (P = 0.88) and whole blood Se (P = 0.07) at MRP.
First predicted cosmic ray spectra, primary-to-secondary ratios, and ionization rates from MHD galaxy formation simulations
Authors: Hopkins Philip F , Butsky Iryna S , Panopoulou Georgia V , Ji Suoqing , Quataert Eliot , Faucher-Giguère Claude-André , Kereš Dušan 
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACT
We present the first simulations evolving resolved spectra of cosmic rays (CRs) from MeV–TeV energies (including electrons, positrons, (anti)protons, and heavier nuclei), in live kinetic-magnetohydrodynamics galaxy simulations with star formation and feedback. We utilize new numerical methods including terms often neglected in historical models, comparing Milky Way analogues with phenomenological scattering coefficients ν to Solar-neighbourhood [Local interstellar medium (LISM)] observations (spectra, B/C, e+/e−, $\mathrm{\bar{p}}/\mathrm{p}$, 10Be/9Be, ionization, and γ-rays). We show it is possible to reproduce observations with simple single-power-law injection and scattering coefficients (scaling with rigidity R), similar to previous (non-dynamical) calculations. We also find: (1) The circumgalactic medium in realistic galaxies necessarily imposes an $\sim 10\,$ kpc CR scattering halo, influencing the required ν(R). (2) Increasing the normalization of ν(R) re-normalizes CR secondary spectra but also changes primary spectral slopes, owing to source distribution and loss effects. (3) Diffusive/turbulent reacceleration is unimportant and generally sub-dominant to gyroresonant/streaming losses, which are sub-dominant to adiabatic/convective terms dominated by $\sim 0.1-1\,$ kpc turbulent/fountain motions. (4) CR spectra vary considerably across galaxies; certain features can arise from local structure rather than transport physics. (5) Systematic variation in CR ionization rates between LISM and molecular clouds (or Galactic position) arises naturally without invoking alternative sources. (6) Abundances of CNO nuclei require most CR acceleration occurs around when reverse shocks form in SNe, not in OB wind bubbles or later Sedov–Taylor stages of SNe remnants.
GRMHD simulations of accreting neutron stars with non-dipole fields
Authors: Das Pushpita , Porth Oliver , Watts Anna L 
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACT
NASA’s NICER telescope has recently provided evidence for non-dipolar magnetic field structures in rotation-powered millisecond pulsars. These stars are assumed to have gone through a prolonged accretion spin-up phase, begging the question of what accretion flows on to stars with complex magnetic fields would look like. We present results from a suite of general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic simulations of accreting neutron stars for dipole, quadrupole, and quadrudipolar stellar field geometries. This is a first step towards simulating realistic hotspot shapes in a general relativistic framework to understand hotspot variability in accreting millisecond pulsars. We find that the location and size of the accretion columns resulting in hotspots changes significantly depending on initial stellar field strength and geometry. We also find that the strongest contributions to the stellar torque are from disc-connected field lines and the pulsar wind, leading to spin-down in almost the entire parameter regime explored here. We further analyse angular momentum transport in the accretion disc due to large-scale magnetic stresses, turbulent stresses, and wind and compressible effects which we identify with convective motions. The disc collimates the initial open stellar flux forming jets. For dipoles, the disc–magnetosphere interaction can either enhance or reduce jet power compared to the isolated case. However for quadrupoles, the disc always leads to an enhanced net open flux making the jet power comparable to the dipolar case. We discuss our results in the context of observed neutron star jets and provide a viable mechanism to explain radio power both in the low- and high-magnetic field case.