bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving social anxiety in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex and asexual individuals through avatar customization and communication
Authors: Yokotani Kenji , Takano Masanori , Abe Nobuhito , Kato Takahiro A. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractDiscrimination and prejudice against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex and asexual+ (LGBTQIA+) individuals exacerbate social anxiety. Communication via avatars in virtual communities may be an effective strategy to reduce related symptoms. This study measured social anxiety in LGBTQIA+ and non‐LGBTQIA+ individuals among Japanese users of Pigg Party, a massively multiplayer online game, in physical and virtual communities that use avatars for communication. They answered questions on social anxiety in physical and virtual communities and avatar identification (i.e., the degree of identification of the avatar with the self). The number of avatar customizations and amount of communication via avatars (indexed by the number of virtual peers) were collected based on game logs. The results revealed that the LGBTQIA+ group exhibited significantly higher rates of social anxiety in physical but not virtual communities than the non‐LGBTQIA+ group. Moreover, the LGBTQIA+ group displayed higher levels of identification with avatars than the non‐LGBTQIA+ group. Increased identification with avatars and avatar customization correlated with an increased number of communications via avatars, which was consequently linked to reduced social anxiety in physical and virtual communities. These findings suggest that communication using avatars can reduce social anxiety among LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Predictors of failure of conservative management of cholecystitis: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Hui Yu Jason , Chen Andy Ze Lin , Pham Helen , Richardson Arthur , Hollands Michael , Johnston Emma , Pleass Henry , Yuen Lawrence , Lam Vincent , Pang Tony , Nahm Christopher B. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectivesWhile emergency cholecystectomy is the preferred treatment for acute cholecystitis, conservative management can be used as a bridge to definitive surgical management in situations where emergency surgical services are limited. The objective of this systematic review is to identify factors associated with conservative management failure as defined as either failed resolution of symptoms on initial presentation, or the recurrence of symptoms whilst awaiting an elective cholecystectomy. This study aims to allow clinicians to make evidence‐based recommendations for conservative versus operative management.MethodsA systematic review of the Medline database was conducted in May 2022 to identify studies analysing the success of non‐operative management of acute cholecystitis. Two independent reviewers selected studies based on predefined criteria, and the risk of bias was evaluated. Out of the initial 1344 studies retrieved, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria.ResultsFactors significantly associated with persistence of symptoms in at least one study on multivariable analysis included diabetes mellitus, age >70, tachycardia, elevated temperature, elevated white cell count >15 000/uL and a distended gallbladder >5 cm. Factors significantly associated with recurrence of symptoms included Age <40 or >80, male sex, acute cholecystitis grade 2 or 3, elevated creatinine, serum albumin <4 g/dL, thickened gallbladder wall >5 mm.ConclusionSeveral factors have been identified which may facilitate future evidence‐based recommendations for tailored management strategies for patients with acute cholecystitis.
Fever duration enhanced biomarker sensitivity in diagnosing radiographically confirmed community‐acquired pneumonia in children
Authors: Goldberg Ori , Shmueli Einat , Levinsky Yoel , Vardi Yoav , Yaniv Noga , Bar‐On Ophir , Levine Hagit , Berant Ron , Mei Zahav Meir , Prais Dario , Stafler Patrick 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAimOur aim was to examine how fever duration affected the ability of biomarkers to diagnose community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP).MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of children aged 2–18 years who attended the emergency department at Schneider Children's Medical Centre of Israel with CAP from June 2015 to May 2020. The children underwent biomarker measurements and chest radiographs and optimal biomarker thresholds were identified. Biomarker predictions of x‐ray positive CAP were analysed, using receiver operating characteristic curves and area under the curve calculations.ResultsWe screened 3346 children, 509 met the inclusion criteria and 363 of those had x‐ray positive CAP. White blood counts of >15 000/mm3 and absolute neutrophil counts of >11 200/mm3 showed significant discriminatory power on day 2 of a fever. A neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) of >4.5 displayed significant discriminatory power from days 2–5 and peaked on day 4. C‐reactive protein of 6.23 mg/dL was discriminatory on day 4.ConclusionFever duration affected how effectively biomarkers diagnosed x‐ray positive CAP and all were unreliable on day 1. The NLR showed the most consistent reliability and may be suitable for clinical decision‐making. Fever duration should be considered to optimise diagnostic accuracy.
Risk‐Adapted Starting Ages of Colorectal Cancer Screening for People With Diabetes or Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Seum Teresa , Hoffmeister Michael , Brenner Hermann 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundIndividuals with diabetes and metabolic syndrome have an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), suggesting earlier screening than the average‐risk population may be warranted.AimsTo derive risk‐adapted starting ages of CRC screening for people with diabetes or metabolic syndrome.MethodsWe determined 5‐year cumulative risks of CRC at individual ages between 30 and 50 across Europe (overall and individually for Germany, France, the UK and Italy) and North America (the United States and Canada) based on the GLOBOCAN 2022 database. Using risk estimates from meta‐analyses (2020–2023), we derived the ages at which individuals with diabetes or metabolic syndrome reach the same CRC risk as the average‐risk population at age 50 (aCR50) or 45 (aCR45).ResultsIndividuals with diabetes were estimated to reach aCR50 at age 47 (95% confidence interval, 45–49) in Europe and 46 (42–49) in North America. For metabolic syndrome, the corresponding ages were 47 (47–48) in Europe and 46 (46–47) in North America. Disparities across countries were minimal, with deviations of up to no more than one year. For screening programmes starting at age 45, corresponding risk‐adapted starting ages for people with diabetes or metabolic syndrome were estimated to be 42 (41–44) and 43 (42–43) for Europe and 41 (38–44) and 41 (41–42) for North America, respectively.ConclusionsPeople with diabetes or metabolic syndrome reach risk levels comparable to the average risk population three to four years earlier. Our results offer empirical guidance for defining risk‐adapted starting ages of CRC screening for these high‐risk groups.
CTCF Point Mutation at R567 Disrupts Mouse Heart Development via 3D Genome Rearrangement and Transcription Dysregulation
Authors: Ren Huawei , Zhong Hongxin , Zhang Jie , Lu Yuli , Hu Gongcheng , Duan Weixun , Ma Ning , Yao Hongjie 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTCTCF plays a vital role in shaping chromatin structure and regulating gene expression. Clinical studies have associated CTCF mutations with congenital developmental abnormalities, including congenital cardiomyopathy. In this study, we investigated the impact of the homozygous CTCF‐R567W (CtcfR567W/R567W) mutation on cardiac tissue morphogenesis during mouse embryonic development. Our results reveal significant impairments in heart development, characterised by ventricular muscle trabecular hyperplasia and reduced ventricular cavity sizes. We also observe a marked downregulation of genes involved in sarcomere assembly, calcium ion transport, and mitochondrial function in heart tissues from homozygous mice. Furthermore, the CtcfR567W/R567W mutation disrupts CTCF's interaction with chromatin, resulting in alterations to topologically associating domain (TAD) structure within specific genomic regions and diminishing crucial promoter‐enhancer interactions necessary for cardiac development. Additionally, we find that the heterozygous CTCF‐R567W (Ctcf+/R567W) mutation significantly compromises cardiac contractility in 8‐week‐old mice. This study elucidates the mechanism by which the CTCF‐R567W mutation hampers cardiac development, underscoring the essential role of CTCF‐R567 in embryonic heart development and maturation.
Association of liver fibrosis scores with all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with heart failure
Authors: Guo Ziyu , Ye Zixiang , Xu Qinfeng , Li Yike , Zheng Jingang 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine the relationship of liver fibrosis (determined via fibrosis scores) with all‐cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in HF patients. The study examined demographic and clinical data were collected from NHANES database (1999 to 2018). A total of 1356 HF patients were enrolled in our analysis. During a median follow‐up time of 70 months, 455 patients died. Compared to the survivors, the death group showed significantly elevated LFSs levels. RCS analysis revealed a linear relationship between various LFSs and all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality. KM curves and Cox regression models indicated that higher FIB‐4 (≥ 1.637), NFS (≥ −0.064), and AST/ALT ratio (≥ 1.172) were linked to higher risk of all‐cause mortality [Cox model 2: FIB‐4 adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 1.24; 95% CI, 1.04–1.48; NFS aHR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.01–1.38; AST/ALT ratio aHR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.07–1.47] and cardiovascular mortality in heart failure patients (FIB‐4 aHR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.07–1.67; AST/ALT ratio aHR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.08–1.79). ROC curves indicated that FIB‐4, NFS, and the AST/ALT ratio were important predicators of all‐cause mortality (AUC: 0.715, 0.707, and 0.715, respectively) and cardiovascular mortality (AUC: 0.658, 0.657, and 0.659, respectively) in heart failure patients. Random survival forests showed that FIB‐4, AST/ALT ratio, and NFS emerged as important factors potentially influencing mortality of HF. Consistent associations were observed in subgroup analysis. Liver fibrosis scores (FIB‐4, NFS, and AST/ALT ratio) were strongly linked to all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in heart failure patients.
Endogenous plasma riboflavin is not a viable BCRP biomarker in human
Authors: Savaryn John P. , Kikuchi Ryota , Qian Yuli , Ji Qin C. , Jenkins Gary J. , Bow Daniel A. J. , Mohamed Mohamed‐Eslam F. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractRecent reports suggest that plasma riboflavin may serve as a biomarker for BCRP inhibition in humans. However, the clinical data supporting this claim have been limited, with only two studies showing modest increases in riboflavin levels after administration of a BCRP inhibitor. We have recently demonstrated that co‐administration of 375 mg once daily (q.d.) cedirogant, an in vitro BCRP inhibitor, significantly increased rosuvastatin (an OATP1B1/1B3 and BCRP substrate) exposures but did not change the levels of the OATP1B endogenous biomarker coproporphyrin‐I, demonstrating that cedirogant is a clinical BCRP inhibitor. Samples from this same cedirogant clinical drug–drug interaction study were utilized to test the hypothesis that endogenous plasma riboflavin is a biomarker of BCRP inhibition. Plasma riboflavin levels in the absence of cedirogant ranged from 1 to 10 ng/mL across the 11 participants analyzed with minimal (<20%) intrasubject variability over a 24‐hour interval. Contrary to expectations, 375 mg q.d. oral administration of cedirogant did not increase riboflavin levels. These data strongly suggest that endogenous plasma riboflavin is not a viable biomarker for BCRP inhibition in humans.
Harms from others' drinking among college students: Prevalence and risk factors, 2022
Authors: Yeh Jih‐Cheng , Trangenstein Pamela J. , Tiongson Patrick J. D. , Arria Amelia M. , Greenfield Thomas K. , Jernigan David H. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIntroductionAlcohol's harms to others (AHTO) refers to the negative effects experienced by individuals other than the drinker. This study investigates the prevalence and risk factors of AHTOs among US college students (sophomores/juniors), based on the first national probability‐based survey conducted in 20 years.MethodsWe assessed AHTOs in the fall of 2021 from 1918 participants across 46 US schools, weighting the data to reflect the US undergraduate sophomore/junior population. We combined survey weights and prevalence estimates to approximate the number of sophomores/juniors in the US college population who experienced each AHTO. Once weighted, the sampling method was designed to be representative of sophomores/juniors. We used multivariate logistic regression with clustered standard errors to estimate the likelihood of each AHTO domain and any AHTO for demographic and behavioural risk and protective factors.ResultsHalf (53.5%) of our sample reported experiencing at least one AHTO, which corresponds to nearly 6 million US sophomores/juniors. Students who were White; attended 4‐year schools; identified as cisfemale or transgender, gender nonconforming, or 2+ identities; of higher socioeconomic status (as indicated by parent's highest level of education); lived with roommates; and/or participated in Greek organisations or intercollegiate athletics had a higher likelihood of AHTOs.Discussion and ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that AHTOs, including academic, physical and sexual harms, are prevalent on college campuses. These results suggest that colleges likely underestimate the impact of alcohol on their students. Therefore, broadening and strengthening campus and state‐level policies and strategies to prevent and reduce these harms effectively are needed.
Enhanced glucose processing in gestational diabetes diagnosis: Effects on health equity and clinical outcomes
Authors: Jones Danielle L. , Kusinski Laura C. , Barker Peter , Burling Keith , Halsall Ian , Turner Elizabeth , Glenn‐Sansum Coralie , Rand Abby , Finch Jenny , Peters Genessa , Upson Geraldine , Mullins Edward , Meek Claire L. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectivesGestational diabetes is diagnosed using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), which has limited accuracy, reproducibility and practicality. We assessed the effect of enhanced pre‐analytical glucose processing upon glucose concentrations, gestational diabetes diagnosis, health equity and pregnancy outcomes, and if HbA1c was a suitable alternative.MethodsWe recruited pregnant women with ≥1 risk factor to a prospective observational cohort study of pregnancy hyperglycaemia, endocrine causes, lipids, insulin and autoimmunity (OPHELIA), from nine UK centres. During a 75 g antenatal OGTT (National Institute of Health and Care Excellence criteria), standard glucose processing was compared to enhanced glucose processing (storage on ice, rapid centrifugation, aliquoting and freezing <2.5 h).ResultsWe recruited 1308 participants of mean (SD) age 31.5 years (5.0) and BMI 33.0 kg/m2 (6.8) of 82.5% white ethnicity, representative of the UK population. Enhanced glucose processing resulted in glucose levels ~0.6 mmol/L higher than standard glucose processing, increasing gestational diabetes diagnosis from 9% to 22%. Women with gestational diabetes on enhanced but not standard glucose processing (n = 165) were younger (31.9 vs. 33.2 years, p = 0.035), with a higher BMI (36.5 vs. 33.9 kg/m2; p = 0.003), different ethnic distribution (p = 0.025) and delivered more large‐for‐gestational age infants (37.0% vs. 22.3%; p = 0.006) compared to women with gestational diabetes on standard processing alone. HbA1c was not a suitable alternative predictor of gestational diabetes diagnosis (Area under receiver operator curve 0.74; 95% CI 0.68–0.79).ConclusionsAn OGTT with enhanced glucose processing would support more accurate, equitable diagnosis of gestational diabetes, but with increased diagnosis rates.
Concordant Signal of Genetic Variation Across Marker Densities in the Desert Annual Chylismia brevipes Is Linked With Timing of Winter Precipitation
Authors: Shryock Daniel F. , Lê Nila , DeFalco Lesley A. , Esque Todd C. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTClimate change coupled with large‐scale surface disturbances necessitate active restoration strategies to promote resilient and genetically diverse native plant communities. However, scarcity of native plant materials hinders restoration efforts, leading practitioners to choose from potentially viable but nonlocal seed sources. Genome scans for genetic variation linked with selective environmental gradients have become a useful tool in such efforts, allowing rapid delineation of seed transfer zones along with predictions of genomic vulnerability to climate change. When properly applied, genome scans can reduce the risk of maladaptation due to mismatches between seed source and planting site. However, results are rarely replicated among complimentary data sources. Here, we compared RAD‐seq datasets with 819 and 2699 SNPs (in 625 and 356 individuals, respectively) from the Mojave Desert winter annual Chylismia brevipes. Overall, we found that the datasets consistently characterized both neutral population structure and genetic–environmental associations. Ancestry analyses indicated consistent spatial genetic structuring into four regional populations. We also detected a marked signal of isolation by resistance (IBR), wherein spatial genetic structure was better explained by habitat resistance than by geographic distance. Potentially adaptive loci identified from genome scans were associated with the same environmental gradients—fall precipitation, winter minimum temperature, and precipitation timing—regardless of dataset. Paired with our finding that habitat resistance best explained genetic divergence, our results suggest that isolation of populations within environmentally similar habitats—and subsequent local adaption along gradients parallel to these habitats—drive genome‐wide divergence in this species. Moreover, strong genetic associations with winter precipitation timing, along with forecasted shifts in precipitation regime due to midcentury climate change, could impact future population dynamics, habitat distribution, and genetic connectivity for C. brevipes populations within the Mojave Desert.
Free Falling: Fizzing Wild‐Caught Smallmouth Bass Results in the Inability to Control Buoyancy in Deep Water
Authors: Madden Jamie C. , LaRochelle Luc , Goodenough Alyssa M. , Danylchuk Andy J. , Cooke Steven J. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTFizzing, a somewhat controversial technique for mitigating barotrauma, uses hollow hypodermic needles to release gas from the swim bladder of fish. To isolate effects of fizzing, 106 smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) were caught from shallow water without barotrauma and tested to determine if they could effectively control their buoyancy after having their swim bladder fizzed or punctured by releasing them over shallow (10 m) or unsuitably deep (55 m) habitat. Depth and behavior were monitored with biologgers. Most fizzed (57%) and punctured (61%) fish were unable to regulate their buoyancy in deepwater, sinking to the bottom and appearing moribund. In shallow water, punctured smallmouth bass stayed higher in the water column (like controls), while many fizzed fish stayed on the bottom. Our results suggest that if smallmouth bass are fizzed and immediately released, precautions should be taken to ensure they are released in areas of appropriate water depths (< 10 m).
THE LEGACY OF TOLERATION: J. G. HERDER AND MOSES MENDELSSOHN'S DEFENCE OF PLURALISM
Authors: Almog Yael 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTMoses Mendelssohn's ‘Jerusalem, or on Religious Power and Judaism’ (1783) was a milestone in the promotion of religious toleration – a principle that is constitutive for human rights in their contemporary conception. This article argues that ‘Jerusalem’ borrows from a surprising source: Johann Gottfried Herder's world history, which is entrenched in Protestant theology. Herder's world history presents a non‐hierarchical consideration of peoples. In this framework, Herder called to revalorise oral cultures, previously considered as primitive, as assets for humankind. The article argues that Mendelssohn's promotion of religious toleration employs the logic of Herder's cultural pluralism. Similarly to Herder, Mendelssohn contends that traditional cultures foster a longstanding contribution to humankind. In this vein, Mendelssohn portrays Jewish ritual as exemplary of the vitality of orality. Tracing Herder's cultural pluralism in ‘Jerusalem’ resolves a major tension in Mendelssohn's promotion of toleration: the presentation of Judaism as a superior culture coincides with his call for a non‐hierarchical understanding of cultures.
Involving Knowledge Users in Health Services Research: Collective Reflections and Learning From a National Evaluation of Recurrent Miscarriage Services
Authors: Hennessy Marita , Dennehy Rebecca , O'Leary Hannah , O'Donoghue Keelin ,   RE:CURRENT Research Advisory Group
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionInvolving knowledge users in research can facilitate the translation of evidence into policy and practice. How to best involve and support various types of knowledge users, including patient and public involvement contributors, in research is an identified knowledge gap. We conducted a national evaluation of recurrent miscarriage care supported by a Research Advisory Group (convened in March 2020) comprising a range of knowledge users, including parent advocates and people involved in the management/provision of services. The Group met virtually nine times, and actively collaborated beyond this on various research activities across the project. In this paper, we share insights from our collective evaluation of these involvement efforts.MethodsWe drew on records kept over the timespan of the project to describe involvement activities and experiences. Advisory Group members participated in an electronic survey to assess their involvement experiences at two time points (February 2021 and May 2022); we analysed the results descriptively. In May 2022, we hosted a virtual World Café, comprising the Research Team and Advisory Group, to explore what worked well and what could have been improved regarding involvement activities within the project; we analysed this data thematically.ResultsResponses to both rounds of the survey were positive, with people reporting: their ability to discuss research issues, contribute to the research, express their own views; feeling valued as a partner; that they could bring their own ideas and values to the research; perceived potential to gain status, expertise, or credibility because of their involvement. Themes constructed from the Word Café discussions highlighted that structural and relational spaces shaped the accessibility and experience of involvement.ConclusionMembers reported a positive and rewarding experience with a visible impact on the research process but highlighted issues with the feasibility and scope of the research protocol and challenges to autonomous involvement in aspects reliant on clinical expertise. Our analysis reinforces that the relational nature of involvement takes precedence over instrumental aspects or techniques. Realistic study protocols that allow time and space for the evolving nature of research with knowledge users, and institutional and financial support to facilitate meaningful involvement, are needed.Patient or Public ContributionPeople with lived experience of recurrent miscarriage/pregnancy loss were involved in this evaluation—as members of the RE:CURRENT Research Advisory Group, contributing to the methodology, evaluation activities, interpretation and reporting of findings and insights.