bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Kidney Transplant Equity Index
Authors: Delman Aaron M. , Turner Kevin M. , Silski Latifa S. , Quillin Ralph C. , Estrada Martha , Lemon Kristina , Cuffy Madison C. , Shah Shimul A. 
Published: June 2022

Objectives:
To develop a scalable metric which quantifies kidney transplant (KT) centers’ performance providing equitable access to KT for minority patients, based on the individualized prelisting prevalence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Background:
Racial and ethnic disparities for access to transplant in patients with ESRD are well described; however, variation in care among KT centers remains unknown. Furthermore, no mechanism exists that quantifies how well a KT center provides equitable access to KT for minority patients with ESRD.

Methods:
From 2013 to 2018, custom datasets from the United States Renal Data System and United Network for Organ Sharing were merged to calculate the Kidney Transplant Equity Index (KTEI), defined as the number of minority patients transplanted at a center relative to the prevalence of minority patients with ESRD in each center’s health service area. Markers of socioeconomic status and recipient outcomes were compared between high and low KTEI centers.

Results:
A total of 249 transplant centers performed 111,959 KTs relative to 475,914 nontransplanted patients with ESRD. High KTEI centers performed more KTs for Black (105.5 vs 24, P<0.001), Hispanic (55.5 vs 7, P<0.001), and American Indian (1.0 vs 0.0, P<0.001) patients than low KTEI centers. In addition, high KTEI centers transplanted more patients with higher unemployment (52 vs 44, P<0.001), worse social deprivation (53 vs 46, P<0.001), and lower educational attainment (52 vs 43, P<0.001). While providing increased access to transplant for minority and low socioeconomic status populations, high KTEI centers had improved patient survival (hazard ratio: 0.86, 95% confidence interval: 0.77–0.95).

Conclusions:
The KTEI is the first metric to quantify minority access to KT incorporating the prelisting ESRD prevalence individualized to transplant centers. KTEIs uncover significant national variation in transplant practices and identify highly equitable centers. This novel metric should be used to disseminate best practices for minority and low socioeconomic patients with ESRD.
Factors Associated With COVID-19 Vaccine Response in Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Li Jiajing , Ayada Ibrahim , Wang Yining , den Hoed Caroline M. , Kamar Nassim , Peppelenbosch Maikel P. , de Vries Annemarie C. , Li Pengfei , Pan Qiuwei 
Published: June 2022

Background.
The rapid development and universal access to vaccines represent a milestone in combating the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, there are major concerns about vaccine response in immunocompromised populations in particular transplant recipients. In the present study, we aim to comprehensively assess the humoral response to COVID-19 vaccination in both orthotopic organ transplant and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.

Methods.
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of 96 studies that met inclusion criteria.

Results.
The pooled rates of seroconversion were 49% (95% confidence interval [CI], 43%-55%) in transplant recipients and 99% (95% CI, 99%-99%) in healthy controls after the second dose of vaccine. The pooled rate was 56% (95% CI, 49%-63%) in transplant recipients after the third dose. Immunosuppressive medication is the most prominent risk factor associated with seroconversion failure, but different immunosuppressive regimens are associated with differential outcomes in this respect. Calcineurin inhibitors, steroids, or mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolic acid are associated with an increased risk of seroconversion failure, whereas azathioprine or mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors do not. Advanced age, short interval from receiving the vaccine to the time of transplantation, or comorbidities confers a higher risk for seroconversion failure.

Conclusions.
Transplant recipients compared with the general population have much lower rates of seroconversion upon receiving COVID-19 vaccines. Immunosuppressants are the most prominent factors associated with seroconversion, although different types may have differential effects.
MrgprA3-expressing pruriceptors drive pruritogen-induced alloknesis through mechanosensitive Piezo2 channel
Authors: Lu Ping , Zhao Yonghui , Xie Zili , Dong Xinzhong , Wu Gregory F. , Kim Brian S. , Feng Jing , Hu Hongzhen 
Published: June 2022

SUMMARYAlthough touch and itch are coded by distinct neuronal populations, light touch also provokes itch in the presence of exogenous pruritogens, resulting in a phenomenon called alloknesis. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation of pruritogen-induced mechanical itch sensitization are poorly understood. Here we show that intradermal injections of histamine or chloroquine (CQ) provoke alloknesis through activation of TRPV1- and MrgprA3- expressing prurioceptors, and functional ablation of these neurons reverses pruritogen-induced alloknesis. Moreover, genetic ablation of mechanosensitive Piezo2 channel function from MrgprA3-expressing prurioceptors also dampens pruritogen-induced alloknesis. Mechanistically, histamine and CQ sensitize Piezo2 channel function through activation of the PLC-PKCδ signaling. Collectively, our data uncovered a TRPV1+/MrgprA3+prurioceptor-Piezo2 signaling axis in the initiation of pruritogen-induced mechanical itch sensitization in the skin.
The guanine nucleotide exchange factor Rin-like acts as a gatekeeper for T follicular helper cell differentiation via regulating CD28 signaling
Authors: Sandner Lisa , Alteneder Marlis , Rica Ramona , Woller Barbara , Sala Eleonora , Frey Tobias , Tosevska Anela , Zhu Ci , Madern Moritz , Hoffmann Pol , Schebesta Alexandra , Taniuchi Ichiro , Bonelli Michael , Schmetterer Klaus , Iannacone Matteo , Kuka Mirela , Ellmeier Wilfried , Sakaguchi Shinya , Herbst Ruth , Boucheron Nicole 
Published: June 2022

AbstractT follicular helper (Tfh) cells are essential for the development of germinal center B cells and high-affinity antibody producing B-cells in human and mice. Here, we identify the guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) Rin-like (Rinl) as a negative regulator of Tfh generation. Loss of Rinl leads to an increase of Tfh in aging, uponin vivoimmunization and acute LCMV Armstrong infection in mice, and in human CD4+T cellin vitrocultures. Further, adoptive transfer experiments using WT and Rinl-KO naïve CD4+T cells unraveled T cell-intrinsic functions of Rinl. Mechanistically, Rinl regulates CD28 internalization and signaling, thereby shaping CD4+T cell activation and differentiation. Thus, our results identify the GEF Rinl as a negative regulator of global Tfh differentiation in an immunological context and species-independent manner, and furthermore connect Rinl with CD28 internalization and signaling pathways in CD4+T cells, demonstrating for the first-time the importance of endocytic processes for Tfh differentiation.HighlightsRinl-KO CD4+T cells show increased Tfh differentiation in a context independent mannerThe regulation of Tfh differentiation is T cell-intrinsicRinl controls CD28 endocytosis and shapes Tfh-specific CD28 signal transductionHuman Tfh differentiation is regulated by Rinl
An evaluation of the introduction of telehealth for remote antenatal and postnatal contacts in Bangladesh and Lao People’s Democratic Republic during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Turkmani Sabera , Smith Rachel M , Tan Annie , Kamkong Catherine Breen , Anderson Rondi , Sakulku Siriphone , Jat Tej Ram , Biswas Animesh , Homer Caroline SE 
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACTFrom 2020, COVID-19 spread rapidly around the globe and continues to have a major impact on health system functioning, with a disproportionate impact on low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Reduced service utilisation and coverage of essential childbirth interventions is likely impacting maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality. Telehealth has been identified as an important tool in the continued provision of essential health care services. The aim of this study was to explore the experience and impact of implementing telehealth services for the provision of remote antenatal (ANC) and postnatal (PNC) contacts in regions of Bangladesh and Lao People’s Democratic Republic through 100 semi-structured interviews with health service leaders and providers, and childbearing women who organised, provided, or were the recipients of ANC and PNC telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic response. The findings showed that a sudden pivot from face-to-face to telehealth services posed health system and care was challenging. Health systems lacked funding to support telehealth and the infrastructure needed for service changes; however, some were able to work with key maternal child health departments within Ministries of Health to find the resources to implement the services. Health providers found telehealth beneficial during the pandemic response but identified a lack of training, guidance, and support as a barrier to changing practice. Childbearing women reported being fearful of accessing care at health services due to COVID-19, and whilst they appreciated the telehealth contacts, many continued to prefer face-to-face delivery of ANC and PNC care. Telehealth, however, was a good alternative in a time when face-to-face care was not possible. Considerations for post-pandemic broader implementation or scale-up of telehealth for routine ante natal and post natal maternity care provision include the need for further research on issues such as accessibility, acceptability, quality of care, and sustainability of service provision.
Biosphere functional integrity for people and Planet
Authors: Mohamed Awaz , DeClerck Fabrice , Verburg Peter H. , Obura David , Abrams Jesse F. , Zafra-Calvo Noelia , Rocha Juan , Estrada-Carmona Natalia , Fremier Alexander , Jones Sarah K. , Meier Ina C. , Stewart-Koster Ben 
Published: June 2022

AbstractDefining a safe and just biosphere space requires a synthetic scaleable measure of biosphere functional integrity to secure Nature’s Contributions to People (NCP). Using a systematic review of 153 peer-reviewed studies we estimated the minimum level of functional integrity needed to secure multiple critical NCP, including pollination, pest and disease control, water quality regulation, soil protection, recreation and natural hazards mitigation in human-modified landscapes. We characterise functional integrity by the quantity, quality and spatial configuration of (semi-)natural habitat within any landscape. We find that at least 20-25% of structurally complex and biologically diverse (semi-)natural habitat in each 1 km2of land area is needed to maintain the supply of multiple NCP simultaneously. Exact quantity, quality and spatial configuration required is dependent on local context, and may differ for individual NCP. Today, about 50-60% of human-modified lands have less than 10% and 20% (semi-)natural habitat per 1 km2respectively. These areas require immediate attention to regenerate functional integrity in order to secure ecological functioning in those landscapes.
Transition to self-compatibility associated with dominantS-allele in a diploid Siberian progenitor of allotetraploidArabidopsis kamchaticarevealed byArabidopsis lyratagenomes
Authors: Kolesnikova Uliana K. , Scott Alison Dawn , Van de Velde Jozefien D. , Burns Robin , Tikhomirov Nikita P. , Pfordt Ursula , Clarke Andrew C. , Yant Levi , Seregin Alexey P. , Vekemans Xavier , Laurent Stefan , Novikova Polina Yu. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractA transition to selfing can be beneficial when mating partners are scarce, for example, due to ploidy changes or at species range edges. Here we explain how self-compatibility evolved in diploid SiberianArabidopsis lyrata,and how it contributed to the establishment of allotetraploidA. kamchatica. First, we provide chromosome-level genome assemblies for two self-fertilizing diploidA. lyrataaccessions, one from North America and one from Siberia, including a fully assembled S-locus for the latter. We then propose a sequence of events leading to the loss of self-incompatibility in SiberianA. lyrata,date this independent transition to ∼90 Kya, and infer evolutionary relationships between Siberian and North AmericanA. lyrata,showing an independent transition to selfing in Siberia. Finally, we provide evidence that this selfing SiberianA. lyratalineage contributed to the formation of the allotetraploidA. kamchaticaand propose that the selfing of the latter is mediated by the loss-of-function mutation in a dominantS-allele inherited fromA. lyrata.
Consensus genomic regions associated with multiple abiotic stress tolerance in wheat and implications for wheat breeding
Authors: Tanin Mohammad Jafar , Saini Dinesh Kumar , Sandhu Karansher Singh , Pal Neeraj , Gudi Santosh , Chaudhary Jyoti , Sharma Achla 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn wheat, a meta-analysis was performed using previously identified QTLs associated with drought stress, heat stress, salinity stress, water-logging stress, pre-harvest sprouting, and aluminium stress which predicted a total of 134 meta-QTLs (MQTLs) that involved at least 28 consistent and stable MQTLs conferring tolerance to five or all six abiotic stresses under study. Seventy-six MQTLs out of the 132 physically anchored MQTLs were also verified with genome-wide association studies. Around 43% of MQTLs had genetic and physical confidence intervals of less than 1 cM and 5 Mb, respectively. Consequently, 539 genes were identified in some selected MQTLs providing tolerance to 5 or all 6 abiotic stresses. Comparative analysis of genes underlying MQTLs with four RNA-seq based transcriptomic datasets unravelled a total of 191 differentially expressed genes which also included at least 11 most promising candidate genes common among different datasets. The promoter analysis showed that the promoters of these genes include many stress responsiveness cis-regulatory elements, such as ARE, MBS, TC-rich repeats, As-1 element, STRE, LTR, WRE3, and WUN-motif among others. Further, some MQTLs also overlapped with as many as 34 known abiotic stress tolerance genes. In addition, numerous ortho-MQTLs among the wheat, maize, and rice genomes were discovered. These findings could help with fine mapping and gene cloning, as well as marker-assisted breeding for multiple abiotic stress tolerances in wheat.
The ectromelia virus virulence factor C15 facilitates early viral spread by inhibiting NK cell-infected cell contacts
Authors: Peauroi Elise M. , Carro Stephen D. , Pei Luxin , Reynoso Glennys V. , Hickman Heather D. , Eisenlohr Laurence C. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe success of poxviruses as pathogens depends upon their antagonism of host responses by multiple immunomodulatory proteins. The largest of these expressed by ectromelia virus (the agent of mousepox) is C15, one member of a well-conserved poxviral family previously shown to inhibit T cell activation. Here, we demonstrate by quantitative immunofluorescence imaging that C15 also limits contact between natural killer (NK) cells and infected cells in vivo. This corresponds to an inhibition in the number of total and degranulating NK cells, ex vivo and in vitro, with no detectable impact on NK cell cytokine production nor the transcription of factors related to NK cell recruitment or activation. Thus, in addition to its previously identified capacity to antagonize CD4 T cell activation, C15 inhibits NK cell cytolytic function, which results in increased viral replication and dissemination in vivo. This work builds on a body of literature demonstrating the importance of early restriction of virus within the draining lymph node.summaryPoxvirus B22 family proteins are important virulence factors known to inhibit T cell functions. Peauroi et al. identify a novel function of the ectromelia virus homolog, C15, which inhibits NK cell-target contact and cytolytic function to facilitate early viral spread.(Provide a short, ∼40-word summary statement for the online JEM table of contents and alerts. This summary should describe the context and significance of the findings for a general readership; it should be written in the present tense and refer to the work in the third person.)
Efficacy of Jiedu Tongluo Tiaogan Formula on Type 2 Diabetic Lower Extremity Arteriosclerosis Obliterans: Study Protocol for a Metabolomics-Based Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Liu Tianjiao , Piao Chunli , Peng Yuting , Xu Jinghan , Qu Yue , Li Qi , Zhao Xiaohua , Wu Xuemin , Li Pei , Fan Yawen 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIntroductionDiabetic lower extremity arteriosclerosis obstruction (DLASO) is a common macrovascular complication in type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM), which can cause amputations and a higher risk of cardiovascular events. However, there are few effective treatments for DLASO currently. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Jiedu Tongluo Tiaogan Formula (JTTF) in type 2 diabetic lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans and looking for a mechanism of action, we designed a clinical trial and mechanism exploration based on metabolomics technology.Methods and AnalysisThis study is designed as a randomized controlled clinical trial. A total of 80 participants will be recruited and randomized to a TCM group (JTTF + essential treatments) and a control group (essential treatments) in a ratio of 1:1. The treatment duration is 12 weeks. Changes in clinical symptom scores, color ultrasound Doppler hemodynamics of lower extremity arteries, and Ankle-Brachial Ratio (ABI) will be the primary outcomes. Changes in TCM symptoms scores, other indicators related to arteriosclerosis, blood glucose, lipids, and body mass will be the secondary outcomes. The primary and secondary outcomes will be evaluated at baseline and week 12. Safety outcomes and adverse events will also be properly assessed. After treatment completion, blood and urine samples from subjects will be tested for metabolomics.DiscussionThis study aims to verify the efficacy and safety of JTTF in type 2 diabetic lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans and obtain the key action pathway. It helps to provide scientific evidence for TCM treatment of diabetic vascular complications.Ethics and DisseminationThis trial has been approved by the Ethics Committee (GZYLL(KY)-2021-024). Results of this trial will be published in journals and presented at scientific conferences. We share raw data in the ResMan network platform. All the authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trials Register, ChiCTR2100051337. Registered on 20 September 2021.
Recent-Onset and Persistent Tinnitus: Uncover the Differences in Brain Activities using Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologies
Authors: Du Haoliang , Feng Xu , Qian Xiaoyun , Zhang Jian , Liu Bin , Li Ao , Huang Zhichun , Gao Xia 
Published: June 2022

AbstractObjectiveThis project aimed to investigate the differences in the intra-regional brain activity and inter-regional functional connectivity between patients with recent-onset tinnitus and persistent tinnitus using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) technologies, including the Amplitude of Low-Frequency Fluctuations (ALFF), regional homogeneity (ReHo), and Voxel-Wise Functional Connectivity (FC).MethodWe acquired rs-fMRI scans from 82 subjects (25 subjects without recent-onset tinnitus, 28 subjects with persistent tinnitus, and 29 subjects as healthy control). Age, gender, and year of education were matched across all three groups. We performed ALFF, ReHo, and Voxel-Wise Functional Connectivity (FC) for all subjects.ResultCompared with the control group (CN), subjects with recent-onset tinnitus (ROT) and with persistent tinnitus (PT) manifested significantly reduced ALFF and ReHo activity within the left and right dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus (SFG) and Gyrus Rectus (GR). Additional Voxel-Wise Functional Connectivity (FC) revealed decreased connectivity between the dorsolateral SFG (left and right) and right Superior Parietal Gyrus (SPG), right Middle Frontal Gyrus (MFG), and left medial Superior Frontal Gyrus (mSFG) within these two groups. Significant differences were observed between the ROT and PT groups, with the ROT group demonstrating reduced functional connectivities.ConclusionUpon analyzing our data, we suggested that patients with persistent tinnitus have more difficulty monitoring external stimuli and reorienting attention than patients with recent-onset tinnitus. In addition, patients who perceive higher levels of disruption from tinnitus are more likely to develop persistent and debilitating tinnitus once the tinnitus lasts longer than six months. Therefore, we strongly recommend that clinicians implement effective tinnitus management strategies for patients with recent-onset tinnitus as soon as possible.
Convergent Gene Expression Patterns During Compatible Interactions Between TwoPseudomonas syringaePathovars and a Common Host (Nicotiana benthamiana)
Authors: Carter Morgan E. , Smith Amy , Baltrus David A. , Kvitko Brian H. 
Published: June 2022

Summary/AbstractPseudomonas syringaeis a diverse phytopathogenic species complex, and includes strains that can cause disease across a wide variety of plant species. Much previous research into the molecular basis of immunity and infection has focused on pathogen and plant responses in a handful of model strains and hosts, and with a tacit assumption that early steps in infection and host resistance are generalizable to the species complex and across plant hosts as a whole. Here, we provide a test of this assumption by measuring the dual pathogen and host transcriptomes of two distinct pathogenic lineages ofP. syringaeduring compatible infection of a shared model host (Nicotiana benthamiana). Our results demonstrate that, with a handful of exceptions, host plants largely respond in a similar way to both pathogenic lineages and both bacterial pathogens possess highly similar transcriptional responses at 5 hours post inoculation. However, we also highlight that subsets of genes with differential expression patterns in both bacteria and host which likely represent strain-specific responses.