bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radioactive contamination of southeast Abai oblast, Kazakhstan, from the Chinese nuclear weapons testing program at Lop Nor: an analytical review
Authors: Lipikhina Alexandra , Harbron Richard , Apsalikov Kazbek , Brait Yuliya , Yessilkanov Gani , Drozdovitch Vladimir , Ostroumova Evgenia 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Between 1949 and 1962 the Soviet Union performed atmospheric tests of nuclear weapons at the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site (SNTS) in Kazakhstan, resulting in widespread contamination of the surrounding region with radioactive fallout. Settlements in the southeast Abai oblast of Kazakhstan, close to the border with China, are not thought to have received significant fallout from the SNTS. There is, however, evidence that the study area, including Makanchi, Urdzhar and Taskesken villages, was contaminated by atmospheric nuclear tests performed by China at the Lop Nor NTS between 1964 and 1980. We identified the most reliable data indicating contamination from the Lop Nor tests from archive documents. Prompt sampling of soil performed in the area revealed elevated levels of total beta activity in the days and weeks following the Lop Nor tests. The highest activities were recorded following the thermonuclear tests in June 1967 and June 1973. Tooth enamel dosimetry using electron paramagnetic resonance methods suggests residents of the study area have been exposed to excess doses of 50–60 mGy but provides no information on the source and timing of exposure. Currently, evidence of contamination of the study area from nuclear weapons testing at Lop Nor is based on limited radiation measurement data. Therefore, work will continue on the search for archival data on radiological and meteorological monitoring carried out in the study area at the time of the Lop Nor testing campaign.
How I met my mother: Kinning and new beginnings between unaccompanied Afghan minors and voluntary Danish guardians
Authors: Møller Nielsen Lærke , Rytter Mikkel 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
A relatively large part of the asylum seekers that came to Denmark during ‘the long summer of migration’ in 2015 were under the age of eighteen and travelled without adult relatives. The number of unaccompanied minors from Afghanistan was 844 in 2015 and 527 in 2016. As minors, they receive professional help, care and guidance in the asylum process and are placed in special centres for minors. When they are finally granted temporary residency as refugees, they receive a legal guardian, a volunteer Danish citizen who agrees to help the young refugees establish a new life in the municipality they have been assigned to. Inspired by Signe Howell’s work on transnational adoption in Norwegian families, this article discusses the dynamics of kinning processes where unaccompanied minors and their legal guardians over time develop strong emotional ties. The bumbling transformation of the ‘order of law’ into the ‘order of nature’ not only constitutes a new beginning in family relationships but may also promote a future model for sustainable inclusion of refugees in Denmark.
Constrictive pericarditis as first presentation of IgG4-related disease: Pitfalls and pearls
Authors: Kwan Timothy N , Kwan Gemma , Yiannikas John 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an under-recognised multisystem inflammatory disorder that has several typical manifestations. Cardiac manifestations of IgG4-RD are well documented; however, they do not feature in the definition or diagnosis of IgG4-RD according to a recent consensus statement. The most well-recognised cardiac manifestation of IgG4-RD, pericardial disease, is outlined in this case report as the initial presenting pathology. In the present case, the diagnosis was delayed due to the relative obscurity of cardiac manifestations of IgG4-RD and exposed the patient to the risks of pericardiectomy.
Music Therapy Preferences Among Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Nakaya Nanami , Yamasato Ami , Kondo Mayu , Okino Shigeki , Kitano Atsuko , Yamamoto Kenji 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Evidence suggests that music therapy may be effective for patients with cancer. However, its efficacy can be improved by tailoring it to each patient’s needs, disease, and treatment conditions. Since few studies have investigated the music therapy preferences of patients with cancer, this qualitative study aimed to identify such preferences among patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. For this purpose, individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 adult patients with breast cancer who had received perioperative chemotherapy in Japan. The data were analyzed based on a grounded theory approach, revealing the following categories: (a) relationship to music, (b) pain from treatment, and (c) preferences for music therapy. Based on these results, we were able to determine the specific music therapy preferences of patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. In addition, we identify patient preferences for music therapy content, time, timing, and fees and discuss the process of meeting these preferences. Identifying these preferences is crucial to providing meaningful interventions to music therapy recipients.
Deciphering ligand and metal ion dependent intricate folding landscape of Vc2 c-di-GMP riboswitch aptamer
Authors: Shin Ji-Yeon , Choi Seo-Ree , An So Young , Bang Kyeong-Mi , Song Hyun Kyu , Suh Jeong-Yong , Kim Nak-Kyoon 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Riboswitches are RNAs that recognize ligands and regulate gene expression. They are typically located in the untranslated region of bacterial messenger RNA and consist of an aptamer and an expression platform. In this study, we examine the folding pathway of the Vc2 (Vibrio cholerae) riboswitch aptamer domain, which targets the bacterial secondary messenger cyclic-di-GMP. We demonstrated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and isothermal titration calorimetry that the stable folding of the Vc2 riboswitch requires an adequate supply of Mg2+, Na+ and K+ ions. We found that Mg2+ has a crucial role in the pre-folding of the aptamer, while K+ is essential for establishing the long-range G-C interactions and stabilizing the ligand binding pocket. Precise imino proton assignments revealed the progressive folding of the aptamer. The results indicate that the P2 helix consists of weaker and more dynamic base pairs compared to the P1b helix, allowing the rearrangement of the base pairs in the P2 helix during the folding process required for effective ligand recognition. This study provides a profound understanding riboswitch architecture and dynamics at the atomic level under physiological conditions as well as structural information on apo-state RNA.
Cu2+ mediates the oxidation of the transcription factor MscA to regulate the antioxidant defense of mycobacteria
Authors: Xiang Yuling , Zheng Jiachen , Liu Zhendong , Cui Xujie , Zhang Yunfan , Guo Minhao , Li Weihui 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Copper (Cu), a trace element with redox activity, is both essential and toxic to living organisms. Its redox properties make it a cofactor for a variety of proteins, but it also causes oxidative stress, hence the need to maintain intracellular copper homeostasis. However, the role of copper in the regulation of antioxidant defense in bacteria remains unclear, and the involved transcription factors remain to be explored. In this study, we identified a novel transcription factor, MscA, that responded directly to Cu2+ to regulate the antioxidant defense of mycobacteria. Cu2+ directly bound to MscA to mediate oxidation and inhibit the DNA binding activity of MscA, subsequently downregulating the expression of antioxidant gene cluster to increase the accumulation of reactive oxygen species in mycobacteria, ultimately leading to oxidative damage to mycobacteria. Therefore, we firstly reported that the Cu2+ responsive transcription factor regulated the antioxidant defense in bacteria. This finding firstly and directly links the function of Cu2+ to the antioxidant defense of bacteria, and provides a new insight into bacterial antioxidant defense.
Therapeutic effect of novel drug candidate, PRG-N-01, on NF2 syndrome-related tumor
Authors: Chung Yeon-Ho , Park Soyoung , Lee Moonyoung , Lee Jongwon , Ji Yeongseon , Song Yi Jin , Woo Tae-Gyun , Shin Eunbyeol , Baek Songyoung , Hwang Young Jun , Kim Yuju , Kim Minju , Han Jin , Kim Hong-Rae , Choi Jungmin , Kim Bae-Hoon , Park Bum-Joon 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2-SWN) is associated with multiple benign tumors in the nervous system. NF2-SWN, caused by mutations in the NF2 gene, has developed into intracranial and spinal schwannomas. Because of the high surgical risk and frequent recurrence of multiple tumors, targeted therapy is necessary. However, there are no approved drugs.

Methods
We examined the action mechanism of PRG-N-01, a candidate molecule for NF2-SWN, through the direct binding assay and mass spectrometry. For in vitro anti-proliferative experiments, primary cells derived from the NF2 mouse model and patient tumors were treated with PRG-N-01. The in vivo therapeutic and preventive efficacy was validated via intraperitoneal and oral administration in the NF2 mouse model (Postn-Cre; Nf2f/f). Gene expression profile in the DRG of the mouse model was explored by RNA sequencing. The pharmacological properties of PRG-N-01 were analyzed through the preclinical study.

Results
PRG-N-01 binds to the N-terminal extremity of TGFβR1 (TβR1) kinase domain, where TβR1 and RKIP interact, inhibiting the binding and preventing degradation of RKIP. In vivo administration in the mouse model suppressed schwannoma progression in the DRG. Early oral administration of the PRG-N-01 also demonstrated preventive effects on NF2-SWN. PRG-N-01 treatment suppressed tumor growth genes while upregulating genes related to for normal cell metabolism and Schwann cell differentiation in DRG. PRG-N-01 showed druggable properties through the preclinical study, including ADME, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology.

Conclusions
Together, our study provides the rationale and critical data for a prospective clinical trial of PRG-N-01 in NF2-SWN patients indicating PRG-N-01 as a promising candidate for the treatment.
Maternal Smoking During Pregnancy Interacts With Genetic Factors to Increase Risk for Low Birth Weight but Not Harmful Offspring Smoking Behaviors in Europeans
Authors: Romero Villela Pamela N , Kelly Kristen M , Balbona Jared V , Ehringer Marissa A , Keller Matthew C 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Pregnant individuals who smoke face increased health risks because smoking harms both the mother and their developing offspring.

Aims and Methods
Using 307 417 Europeans from the UK Biobank, we examined whether exposure to maternal smoking during pregnancy (MSP) interacts with genetic risk to predict offspring birth weight (BW) and smoking behaviors. We investigated interactions between MSP and genetic risk at multiple levels: single variant, gene level, and polygenic score. We examined self-reported BW, smoking initiation status (SI), age of smoking initiation, cigarettes per day, and smoking cessation status.

Results
One locus tagged by single-nucleotide polymorphism rs72689499 on chromosome 14 reached significance for interaction with MSP on the multiplicative (log10) scale for BW (p = 5.13 × 10−9). In gene-level testing, three genes on chromosome 1 and one gene on chromosome 14 reached significance for interaction with MSP on both the additive and multiplicative scale for BW. These genes include PTCH2, EIF2B3, PLK3, and TSHR. Single-nucleotide polymorphism and gene-level results were insignificant for all offspring smoking behaviors. We also detected an interaction between polygenic risk for smoking and MSP on SI on both the additive (p = 4.4 × 10−5) and multiplicative (p = 1.0 × 10−5) scale. We found evidence of gene–environment correlation in the polygenic risk analysis using a post hoc t test which showed that MSP-exposed offspring had a higher SI polygenic risk scores than those unexposed to MSP (p = 5.9 × 10−623).

Conclusions
Our results support the main effect of MSP on BW and show a genetic interaction between MSP and genetic factors influencing BW.

Implications
We detected interactions between maternal smoking and genetic factors to influence birth weight; these interactions were detectable at both the single-nucleotide polymorphism and gene levels. Many of the genes detected to interact with maternal smoking to influence birth weight have other reported associations with height or smoking-related traits. For smoking initiation, we detected a negative interaction between maternal smoking and polygenic risk, as well as evidence of gene–environment correlation.
Serum uric acid and prediabetes progression and regression: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: He Yijia , Ye Miaomin , Xia Yin , Zhong Ziyi , Li Qian 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
The impact of serum uric acid (SUA) levels on metabolic disorders, particularly concerning the development or reversal of prediabetes, is not well understood. While high uric acid is recognized for its association with metabolic disturbances, its specific influence on prediabetes progression and regression has been insufficiently explored. This study investigates how SUA levels correlate with the natural course of prediabetes, shedding light on its management.

Methods
A cohort of 3659 individuals diagnosed with prediabetes at Nanjing First Hospital was tracked over three years. Follow-up assessments included fasting plasma glucose and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measurements. Serum uric acid was measured initially and categorized into quartiles (Q1 through Q4). To assess the impact of uric acid levels on shifting prediabetes status, methods such as restricted cubic spline, segmented regression, stratified analysis, and receiver operating characteristic curves were utilized in a multinomial logistic regression framework.

Results
At baseline, all 3659 participants had prediabetes; by the three-year mark, 2626 remained in this category, 523 reverted to normal fasting glucose (NFG), and 510 advanced to diabetes. After adjustment for potential confounders, a positive correlation was found between higher SUA levels and progression to diabetes (Odds ratio [OR] 1.182, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.095–1.276), with no significant link to reversion to NFG (OR: 0.987, 95% CI: 0.909–1.073).

Conclusion
Elevated SUA levels are linked with a higher likelihood of progressing from prediabetes to diabetes but do not significantly forecast a regression to NFG.
Comparative effectiveness of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs for patients with cardiac sarcoidosis
Authors: Brooks Lisbeth , Kivlin William , Mohananey Divyanshu , Sabchyshyn Viktoriya , Putman Michael 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
We aimed to evaluate the comparative efficacy of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for patients with cardiac sarcoidosis.

Methods
We performed a retrospective cohort study of new users of methotrexate, mycophenolate or azathioprine for sarcoidosis using the US-based TriNetX electronic health records database from 2008 to 2023. Hazard ratios were calculated using inverse probability of treatment weighted Cox proportional hazards regressions to compare the efficacy of DMARDs with respect to delaying major adverse cardiac events among patients with cardiac sarcoidosis and preventing cardiac sarcoidosis from developing among patients with non-cardiac sarcoidosis.

Results
Among 3441 patients with sarcoidosis, 601 were defined as cardiac sarcoidosis and 2840 as non-cardiac sarcoidosis. The average age of the cohort was 52.1 years (standard deviation 11.9 years) and the majority were female (55.9%) and white (50.0%). Among patients with cardiac sarcoidosis at baseline, the risk of serious cardiac outcomes was similar for patients who initiated therapy with mycophenolate mofetil (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.43–1.59) or azathioprine (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.29–1.89) as compared with methotrexate. Among patients who did not have cardiac sarcoidosis at baseline, the risk of developing cardiac sarcoidosis was similar for patients who initiated therapy with mycophenolate mofetil (HR 1.11, 95% CI 0.46–2.66) and azathioprine (HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.15–1.91) as compared with methotrexate. Mycophenolate mofetil (HR 1.83, 95% CI 1.10–3.05) and azathioprine (HR 1.32, 95% CI 0.92–1.89) increased the risk of infection.

Conclusion
A strategy of methotrexate had a favorable safety profile in terms of infection risk and may be favored over azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil for patients with sarcoidosis or cardiac sarcoidosis.
Geographic origin and evolution of dengue virus serotypes 1 and 3 circulating in Africa
Authors: Nyathi Sindiso , Rezende Izabela M , Walter Katharine S , Thongsripong Panpim , Mutuku Francis , Ndenga Bryson , Mbakaya Joel O , Agola Gladys , Vu David M , Bennett Shannon , Mordecai Erin A , Andrews Jason R , LaBeaud A Desiree 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Despite the increasing burden of dengue in Kenya and Africa, the introduction and expansion of the virus in the region remain poorly understood. The objective of this study is to examine the genetic diversity and evolutionary histories of dengue virus (DENV) serotypes 1 and 3 in Kenya and contextualize their circulation within circulation dynamics in the broader African region. Viral RNA was extracted from samples collected from a cohort of febrile patients recruited at clinical sites in Kenya from 2013 to 2022. Samples were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for DENV presence. Five DENV-positive samples were serotyped, and complete viral genomes for phylogenetic inference were obtained via sequencing on Illumina platforms. Sequences generated in our study were combined with global datasets of sequences, and Bayesian and maximum likelihood methods were used to infer phylogenetic trees and geographic patterns of spread with a focus on Kenya and Africa as a whole. Four new DENV-1 and one new DENV-3 genomes were successfully sequenced and combined with 328 DENV-1 and 395 DENV-3 genomes from elsewhere for phylogenetic analyses. The DENV-1 sequences from our study formed a monophyletic cluster with an inferred common ancestor in 2019 (most recent common ancestor 2019 and 95% high posterior density 2018–19), which was closely related to sequences from Tanzania. The single DENV-3 sequence clustered with sequences from Tanzania and Kenya, was collected between 2017 and 2019 and was related to recent outbreaks in the region. Phylogenetic trees resolved multiple clades of DENV-1 and DENV-3 concurrently circulating in Africa, introduced in the early-to mid-2000s. Three DENV-1 and four DENV-3 clades are highlighted, introduced between 2000 and 2015. Phylogeographic models suggest frequent, independent importations of DENV lineages into Kenya and Africa from East and South-East Asia via distinct geographic pathways. DENV-1 and DENV-3 evolutionary dynamics in Africa are characterized by the cocirculation of multiple recently introduced lineages. Circulating lineages are introduced via distinct geographic pathways that may be centered around regional nexus locations. Increased surveillance is required to identify key regional locations that drive spread, and dengue interventions should focus on interrupting spread at these locations.
Examining Shift Length and Fatigue
Authors: Farmer Meredith L. , Hoffman Jacqueline , Vance Ashlee , Li Yin , Bell Tracey R. 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Neonatal advanced practice providers (APPs) often work prolonged hours in high-acuity neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). It is imperative to understand how fatigue affects the APP’s ability to react quickly following long shifts. There is a lack of data on the effects of shift length and fatigue on neonatal APP job performance and clinical decision-making.

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to describe the variation in shift length, knowledge-based competency, personal well-being, and behavioral alertness for neonatal APPs.

Methods:
This study evaluated neonatal APPs before and after a clinical shift. Provider well-being was assessed during the pre-survey. Pretest-posttest surveys evaluated neonatal APP’s psychomotor vigilance skills and knowledge. Participants completed an online, anonymous questionnaire to answer a series of knowledge-based questions before and after their shift, along with a psychomotor vigilance test (PVT). A paired t test analysis evaluated the pre- and post-shift PVT values and knowledge-based test scores.

Results:
Overall, 61 pre-surveys and 42 post-surveys were completed; 36 were matched by participants pre- to post-survey. The mean between pre- and post-knowledge-based questions was statistically significant, with higher posttest scores. There was no statistical difference noted in the paired t test analysis of the PVT values.

Implications for Practice and Research:
The small sample size may limit the generalizability of findings, but these results may indicate that shift length does not affect psychomotor vigilance or knowledge-based competency. It is vital that future work assess the associations between APP shift length, fatigue, and critical decision-making.
Brunelli (Dorsoulnar) Flap for the Reconstruction of Defect of the Thumb Nail Unit After Oncological Resections With Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Authors: Mesa Felipe , Leal Oscar , Ramos María Elena 
Published: December 2024

Background:
The Brunelli flap is an option in the reconstruction of the thumb after trauma or oncological resections. The arc of movement of the flap makes it possible to resolve defects in the proximal, palmar, dorsal, and lateral regions.

Methods:
We present a case series of 11 patients in whom a Brunelli flap was performed for postoncological reconstruction, melanoma in situ, and invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the thumb nail unit associated with Mohs micrographic surgery. This combination has not been described before.

Results:
The reconstruction was carried out using a Brunelli flap, incorporating certain variations to the original technique. Clinical follow-up was performed during a 1-year period. All flaps showed good viability. In 3 flaps, there was mild distal suffering that resolved with local healing. Three patients presented hypersensitivity in the distal part, which was managed with physical therapy. The functionality of the thumb was not altered in any case, and there were no complications in the donor site. No tumor recurrence was documented in any patient.

Conclusions:
The use of the Brunelli flap to reconstruct the nail unit after an oncological resection with Mohs surgery is a good alternative. The advantages include a dorsal artery as a constant vessel and a homodigital flap that does not cause morbidity in the donor area, and with Mohs surgery, amputation is avoided. Disadvantages include lack of sensation of the flap. Some limitations of our study are the sample size and lack of long-term follow-up.