bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Production of sterile trout (Triploids) by chromosome set manipulation using thermal shock treatment in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) from Kashmir Himalayas
Authors: Bazaz Asim Iqbal , Shah Tasaduq H. , Bhat Farooz A. , Ahmad Irfan , Kushwaha Basdeo , Kumar Ravindra , Abubakr Adnan , Bhat Bilal A. , Malik Rizwana , Naqshbandi Nafhat-Ul-Arab 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is a promising cultivable fish species with significant potential for expansion. As a cold-water fish belonging to the Salmonidae family, it requires an optimal temperature range of 10–15°C for optimal growth. This study explores a method for producing sterile rainbow trout with maximum survival rates by using heat shock treatment to enhance growth characteristics and improve aquaculture practices. A control group and four heat shock treatments were given at 26°C and 28°C for 10 min, applied 15 and 20 min after the mixing of eggs and milt, using a water bath. Among the treated groups, the highest fertilisation, hatching and yolk sac absorption rates were 90.3 ± 0.3%, 81.8 ± 0.8% and 83.9 ± 0.5%, respectively. The highest triploidy rate of 76.6 ± 3.3% was observed with a heat shock at 28°C, 20 min after fertilisation. In contrast, none of the fish from the control group were triploids. The control group demonstrated higher survival rates at fertilisation (93.1 ± 0.4%), hatching (84.2 ± 0.4%) and complete yolk sac absorption (86.2 ± 0.5%) compared to the heat-shocked groups. The diploid and triploid chromosome numbers in rainbow trout were determined to be 2n = 60 and 3n = 91, respectively. This study confirms that heat shock treatment can effectively induce triploidy in rainbow trout, with significant variations in triploidy rates depending on the temperature and timing of the shock. While heat shock can enhance the production of sterile fish, it is essential to balance the treatment parameters to maintain high survival rates. These findings contribute to the optimisation of triploidy induction techniques and support the advancement of aquaculture practices by improving the growth, management and survival rates of rainbow trout which could significantly benefit aquaculture efficiency and sustainability.
Acquiring the structure of a writing system is important in learning to read: a test of the character-word dual-focus approach in learning Chinese as a second language
Authors: Chen Lin , Xu Yi , Perfetti Charles 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
An important question in literacy education is whether reading instruction should focus on whole words or subword constituents. We tested whether this question captures something general across writing systems by examining the functionalities of words and characters in learning Chinese. We introduce a character-word dual-focus instructional approach based on the Character-Word Dual Function model and test its predictions with American undergraduate students enrolled in a beginner-level Chinese course. One group learned new words through dual-focus instruction: characters for pronunciation and words for meaning. A second group followed typical word-focus instruction prevalent in classrooms, learning word-level pronunciation and meaning. Results indicated that while both approaches produced comparable levels of word pronunciation and meaning learning, the dual-focus instruction significantly enhanced character pronunciation and transfer to new word learning. The advantages of dual-focus instruction highlight the importance of learning the subword components through acquiring the systematic structure of the writing system in learning to read.
Using Food Composition Tables to Estimate Decreases in Sodium Intake Due to the Reformulation of Packaged and Ultra-Processed Foods in a Young Population in South Africa
Authors: Ross Alexandra , Swart Elizabeth C , Chetty Joelaine , Jumat Malory , Frank Tamryn , van Graan Averalda 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective:
In response to increasing hypertension rates, South Africa implemented a regulation which set a maximum total sodium content for certain packaged food categories. We assess changes in reported sodium intake among 18-39 year old adults living in one township in the Western Cape as a result of the implementation of the regulation in 2016.

Design:
By linking one set of 24 hour dietary recall data to two versions of the South Africa Food Composition Database which reflect the pre-regulation and post-regulation periods, we calculated changes in sodium intake due to reformulation of food products, not behavior change. We statistically tested differences in mean consumption in this sample with paired t-tests.

Setting:
Langa, Western Cape, South Africa

Participants:
Surveyed participants were residents of Langa between 18-39 years old (n=2,148)

Results:
Before and after the implementation of the regulation there was a statistically significant decrease in the estimated sodium intake among adults of 189.4 mg (137.5, 241.4; p=0.00). Reported sodium from cured meat (such as Russians) and certain types of soup powder, cereals, and salted peanuts had a 9 to 33 percent lower calculated sodium consumption.

Conclusions:
Our conclusions show that independent of any behavioral changes on the part of consumers, it is possible to lower sodium intake by using regulations to induce food manufacturers to lower the sodium levels in their products. As countries explore similar regulatory strategies, this work can add to that body of evidence to inform policies to improve the food system.
Predicting sepsis mortality into an era of pandrug-resistant E. coli through modeling
Authors: Koch Benjamin J. , Park Daniel E. , Hungate Bruce A. , Liu Cindy M. , Johnson James R. , Price Lance B. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria are increasingly frequent, burdening healthcare systems worldwide. As pathogens acquire resistance to all known antibiotics – i.e., become pan-resistant – treatment of the associated infections will become exceedingly difficult. We hypothesized that the emergence of pan-resistant bacterial pathogens will result in a sharp increase in human mortality.

Methods
We tested this hypothesis by modeling the impact of a single hypothetical pan-resistant Escherichia coli strain on sepsis deaths in the United States. We used long-term data on sepsis incidence, mortality rates, strain dynamics, and treatment outcomes to parameterize a set of models encompassing a range of plausible future scenarios. All models accounted for historical and projected temporal changes in population size and age distribution.

Results
The models suggest that sepsis deaths could increase 18- to 46-fold within 5 years of the emergence of a single pan-resistant E. coli strain. This large and rapid change contrasts sharply with the current expectation of gradual change under continuing multidrug-resistance.

Conclusions
Failure to prevent the emergence of pan-resistance would have dire consequences for public health.
Homoeopathic Management of Acne Vulgaris in Teenagers: A Case Series
Authors: Debnath Nabanita , Das Kapil , Piraveen M.S.R. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAcne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting teenagers, with significant impact on self-esteem. Even in mild form, acne has a detrimental psychological effect on patients. Acne vulgaris affects 85% of adolescents, often starts in preadolescence, and persists into adulthood. In conventional method, topical retinoids and other treatment modalities are available; however, these are fraught with potential side effects and expensive, and therefore an alternative method of treatment is required. A case series of three teenagers with acne vulgaris treated with individualized homoeopathy is presented here. The cases are reported according to the Homeopathic Clinical Case Reports (HOM-CASE) guidelines and followed up with photographic documentation. Severity of disease and its impact on quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the global acne grading system (GAGS) and the Teenager's Quality of Life (T-QoL). The Modiﬁed Naranjo Criteria for Homeopathy (MONARCH) inventory was used as a tool for assessing the causal relationship between homeopathic intervention and clinical outcome. All cases of acne vulgaris were successfully treated with individualized homeopathy within 2 months' duration without any complication. Eruptions resolved with decrease in both the GAGS and T-QoL scores. Individual curative response of the homeopathic medicine in each case assessed through MONARCH, demonstrated a positive causal attribution of homeopathy. This case series highlights successful outcomes using individualized homeopathic treatment, showing remarkable improvement of acne vulgaris in teenagers. Hence, this case series could serve as a basis for further research into the role of individualized homeopathic medicine in the treatment of acne vulgaris in teenagers.
Evaluation of enterochromaffin-like cell hyperplasia can help categorize patients with Helicobacter-negative atrophic gastritis
Authors: Chen Feidi , Gonzalez Raul S 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Atrophic gastritis (AG) is characterized by atrophy of gastric glands—in particular, oxyntic glands—in the setting of chronic inflammation; it is often autoimmune. The diagnosis is confirmed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for gastrin (to confirm biopsy site), and pathologists often use IHC for neuroendocrine markers to evaluate for enterochromaffin-like cell hyperplasia (ECL-H). The utility of neuroendocrine staining is unclear, and we undertook this study to determine whether ECL pattern provided any additional information in cases of Helicobacter-negative AG.

Methods
We reviewed clinicopathologic findings in 184 cases from 184 patients with histologic AG and no evidence of Helicobacter infection. Using neuroendocrine IHC markers, cases were divided into 3 groups: Group 1 showed complete ECL-H (both qualitative and quantitative criteria met), group 2 showed focal ECL-H (qualitative but not quantitative criteria met), and group 3 showed no ECL-H (neither criteria met).

Results
Group 1 patients were more likely to have positive autoantibody serologies (73%, P = .0007 vs group 2) and higher mean gastrin levels (700 pg/mL, P = .017 vs group 3), and only these patients developed gastric neuroendocrine tumors. Group 2 patients were more likely to take proton pump inhibitors (64%, P = .0002 vs group 1). Group 3 patients were more likely to be male (70%, P = .008 vs group 1) and to have microcytic anemia (44%, P = .022 vs group 2) and less likely to have intestinal metaplasia (50%, P = .044 vs group 1).

Conclusions
Stratification based on degree of ECL-H is not necessary for diagnosis of AG but does lead to statistically significant clinical and pathologic differences among groups.
Wound Coverage, Adjuvant Treatments, and Surgical Outcomes for Major Keloid Scars: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cardenas David , Cinclair Trey , Dogaroiu Anca , Hinson Chandler , Sink Matthew , Bruce Brandon , Odobescu Andrei , Sammer Douglas , Zhang Andrew Y 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Patients suffering from keloid scarring often face debilitating functional and psychosocial symptoms. The complex pathophysiology of keloids necessitates a patient-centered therapeutic regimen to optimize patient-satisfaction and disease resolution. This is especially challenging for patients with major keloids scars that once surgically resected, leave a defect that cannot be closed primarily.

Objectives
The authors intended to identify existing therapeutic regimens reported for treatment of major keloids and to detail the clinical and patient-satisfaction outcomes for those approaches.

Methods
A systematic review and meta-analysis was designed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, querying two databases and a manual search for relevant literature.

Results
This review identified 10 studies meeting the inclusion criteria, totaling 244 patents. All patients underwent surgical resection of their keloid. Subsequent therapeutic regimens included a variety of coverage techniques including skin grafts, perforator flaps, closure with secondary intention, and skin substitute placement alongside multiple adjuvant therapies. The overall keloid recurrence rate was 21%. Patients who received wound coverage had a lower rate of keloid recurrence compared to those treated by secondary intention. When available, patients receiving local flap coverage plus adjuvant radiotherapy were found to have significantly lower keloid recurrence rates and higher patient satisfaction.

Conclusions
While these findings support surgical excision and radiation therapy as the mainstay treatment for major keloids, the efficacy of various wound coverage options, especially when local perforator flaps are not available, requires continued investigation. A gap exists on guidelines for postoperative adjuvant therapies. This study serves as a foundation for future research.
Semi-parametric sensitivity analysis for trials with irregular and informative assessment times
Authors: Smith Bonnie B , Gao Yujing , Yang Shu , Varadhan Ravi , Apter Andrea J , Scharfstein Daniel O 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
Many trials are designed to collect outcomes at or around pre-specified times after randomization. If there is variability in the times when participants are actually assessed, this can pose a challenge to learning the effect of treatment, since not all participants have outcome assessments at the times of interest. Furthermore, observed outcome values may not be representative of all participants’ outcomes at a given time. Methods have been developed that account for some types of such irregular and informative assessment times; however, since these methods rely on untestable assumptions, sensitivity analyses are needed. We develop a sensitivity analysis methodology that is benchmarked at the explainable assessment (EA) assumption, under which assessment and outcomes at each time are related only through data collected prior to that time. Our method uses an exponential tilting assumption, governed by a sensitivity analysis parameter, that posits deviations from the EA assumption. Our inferential strategy is based on a new influence function-based, augmented inverse intensity-weighted estimator. Our approach allows for flexible semiparametric modeling of the observed data, which is separated from specification of the sensitivity parameter. We apply our method to a randomized trial of low-income individuals with uncontrolled asthma, and we illustrate implementation of our estimation procedure in detail.
Polymer-immobilized 2D nonclose-packed colloidal crystals
Authors: Fujita Minori , Takemoto Marina , Matsuo Ami , Toyotama Akiko , Okuzono Tohru , Ishikawa Tatsuya , Hyodo Koichiro , Nishida Masaya , Yamanaka Junpei 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
We present a novel methodology for immobilizing 2D nonclose-packed colloidal crystals in polymer resins. In our previous work (Aoyama Y, Toyotama A, Okuzono T, Yamanaka J. Two-Dimensional Nonclose-Packed Colloidal Crystals by the Electrostatic Adsorption of Three-Dimensional Charged Colloidal Crystals. 2019. Langmuir 35, 9194.), we detailed a fabrication technique involving electrostatic adsorption of 3D charged colloidal crystals onto a glass substrate with an opposite charge. Drying is essential for producing durable materials as these structures are formed in an aqueous environment. However, merely drying the crystals can lead to considerable disruption of the particle arrangement because of the capillary forces that arise between the particles during water evaporation. In this study, we demonstrate the immobilization of 2D colloidal silica crystals in a polymer resin. First, we introduced a water-soluble polymer, poly(dimethyl acrylamide), which effectively adsorbs both the particles and the substrate to stabilize the crystals, followed by the evaporation of water. Various configurations of 2D colloidal silica crystals were successfully fixed onto the glass substrates. After immobilization with poly(dimethyl acrylamide), the dimethyl acrylamide monomer was added and underwent polymerization, resulting in a more robust entrapment of the colloidal crystals in the polymer resin. This method can be applied to other polymers and hydrophobic particles. The current findings are expected to be valuable for a broad range of photonic applications.
Haemodynamic and hyperaemic effects of adenosine in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing quantitative myocardial perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance
Authors: Shergill Simran , Budgeon Charley A , Elshibly Mohamed , Kellman Peter , Singh Anvesha , McCann Gerry P , Gulsin Gaurav S , Arnold J Ranjit 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Aims
Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are thought to have an attenuated response to adenosine during vasodilator stress testing. We sought to investigate the haemodynamic and hyperaemic effects of adenosine in patients with AF undergoing adenosine-stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) assessment.

Methods and results
We retrospectively examined 318 patients referred for clinical adenosine-stress CMR (AF n = 158, sinus rhythm [SR] n = 160). Baseline and peak heart rate (HR) and quantitative myocardial perfusion were compared between groups. At peak stress, the haemodynamic response was blunted in patients with AF (HR increase 7 ± 10bpm vs. 17 ± 11bpm in SR, P &lt; 0.001). Fewer patients in AF met the threshold for a satisfactory HR response ≥10bpm (40% in AF vs. 76% in SR, P &lt; 0.001). There were no intergroup differences in hyperaemic myocardial blood flow (1.52 ± 0.65 mL/min/g in AF vs. 1.55 ± 0.65 mL/min/g in SR, P = 0.670) or myocardial perfusion reserve (2.66 ± 1.11 in AF vs. 2.66 ± 1.08 in SR, P = 0.981). AF (odds ratio [OR], 0.29 [0.17–0.50], P &lt; 0.001) and left ventricular ejection fraction (OR 1.03 [1.00–1.05], P = 0.023) were independently associated with achieving a satisfactory HR response on multivariable analysis, but only ejection fraction (OR 1.05 [1.02–1.09], P = 0.003) predicted a satisfactory hyperaemic response.

Conclusion
The heart rate response during adenosine-stress CMR is blunted in AF patients. Despite this, the majority of patients with AF generate a sufficient hyperaemic response with a standard adenosine-stress protocol. Further work is needed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of adenosine-stress CMR in patients with AF.
Bacterial growth and antimicrobial resistance in urinary Escherichia coli isolates among men with lower UTI in Swedish primary healthcare: retrospective data over a 4 year period
Authors: Kornfält Isberg Helena , Sundqvist Martin , Melander Eva , Beckman Anders , Hedin Katarina 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Escherichia coli, the most common bacterium causing urinary tract infections (UTIs), is increasingly reported as resistant to multiple antibiotics. Swedish surveillance data from hospital and primary health care (PHC) report a 17%–19% prevalence of resistance to ciprofloxacin in E. coli from urine cultures in men over 20 years of age. Surveillance data may include nosocomial infections. However, few studies have described resistance in E. coli in men with community-acquired UTI in PHC. We aimed to describe the microbiological results, including antibiotic resistance in E. coli, in men with lower UTI (LUTI) attending PHC.

Methods
In this retrospective study based on information from electronic medical records, we included patients from 289 PHC centres. For all men aged 18–79 years diagnosed with LUTI in PHC from January 2012 to December 2015, we extracted data on age, UTI diagnosis and results from urine cultures.

Results
A total of 17 987 episodes of lower UTI were identified. E. coli was detected in 62% of positive cultures and 63% of detected E. coli isolates were susceptible to all tested antimicrobials. Resistance in E. coli to the first-choice antibiotics pivmecillinam and nitrofurantoin were 2% and 1%, respectively. Resistance to ciprofloxacin was 9%, and to trimethoprim it was 17%.

Conclusions
Resistance levels for ciprofloxacin in E. coli among men with LUTI in PHC were lower than in surveillance data. The results of this study point to the importance of surveillance of resistance in urine samples from patients with LUTI in PHC in order to choose the right empirical antibiotic treatment.
xMEN: a modular toolkit for cross-lingual medical entity normalization
Authors: Borchert Florian , Llorca Ignacio , Roller Roland , Arnrich Bert , Schapranow Matthieu-P 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective
To improve performance of medical entity normalization across many languages, especially when fewer language resources are available compared to English.

Materials and Methods
We propose xMEN, a modular system for cross-lingual (x) medical entity normalization (MEN), accommodating both low- and high-resource scenarios. To account for the scarcity of aliases for many target languages and terminologies, we leverage multilingual aliases via cross-lingual candidate generation. For candidate ranking, we incorporate a trainable cross-encoder (CE) model if annotations for the target task are available. To balance the output of general-purpose candidate generators with subsequent trainable re-rankers, we introduce a novel rank regularization term in the loss function for training CEs. For re-ranking without gold-standard annotations, we introduce multiple new weakly labeled datasets using machine translation and projection of annotations from a high-resource language.

Results
xMEN improves the state-of-the-art performance across various benchmark datasets for several European languages. Weakly supervised CEs are effective when no training data is available for the target task.

Discussion
We perform an analysis of normalization errors, revealing that complex entities are still challenging to normalize. New modules and benchmark datasets can be easily integrated in the future.

Conclusion
xMEN exhibits strong performance for medical entity normalization in many languages, even when no labeled data and few terminology aliases for the target language are available. To enable reproducible benchmarks in the future, we make the system available as an open-source Python toolkit. The pre-trained models and source code are available online: https://github.com/hpi-dhc/xmen