bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Prevalence and Comparative Analysis of Adhesion and Biofilm‐Related Genes in Staphylococcus aureus Isolates: A Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Sharifi Aram , Mahmoudi Peyman , Sobhani Keyvan , Ashengroph Morahem 
Published: December 2024

AbstractStaphylococcus aureus is a versatile pathogen capable of causing a wide range of infections, from minor skin infections to life‐threatening invasive diseases. The pathogenicity of S. aureus is attributed to its ability to produce various virulence factors, including adhesion and biofilm‐related proteins. Understanding the prevalence and distribution of these genes among S. aureus isolates from different sources is crucial for devising effective strategies to combat biofilm‐associated contamination. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive network meta‐analysis to assess the prevalence of adhesion and biofilm‐related genes in S. aureus isolates and investigate the impact of the isolate source on their occurrence. A systematic search of multiple databases was performed, and a total of 53 relevant studies were included. The prevalence of adhesion and biofilm‐related genes in S. aureus isolates was determined, with the highest prevalence observed for clfB (p‐estimate = 85.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 78–90.6), followed by eno (p‐estimate = 81.1, 95% CI 61.7–91.9), and icaD (p‐estimate = 77, 95% CI 68.6–83.6). Conversely, bap and bbp genes exhibited the lowest prevalence rates (p‐estimate = 6.7 and 18.7, respectively). The network meta‐analysis allowed us to examine the pairwise co‐study of adhesion and biofilm‐related genes in S. aureus isolates. The most frequently co‐studied gene pairs were icaA‐icaD (30 times) and fnbA‐fnbB (25 times). Subgroup analysis showed that the occurrence of icaC and icaB genes was significantly lower in animal isolates compared to human and food isolates (p < 0.05). It is worth noting that there was limited data available for the analysis of sasG, bbp, bap, eno, and fib genes. In conclusion, the study revealed varying prevalence rates of adhesion and biofilm‐related genes in S. aureus isolates. Genes such as clfB, eno, and icaD were found to be highly prevalent, while bap and bbp were less common. Limited existing data on the prevalence of genes like sasG, bbp, bap, eno, and fib highlights the need for further research to determine their exact prevalence rates. Our results contribute to a better understanding of S. aureus pathogenesis and can facilitate the development of effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of S. aureus infections.
Intended Conservative Management Versus Caesarean Hysterectomy for Known or Suspected Placenta Accreta Spectrum: A Cost‐Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Morgan Jessica C. , Hripko Erika N. , Einerson Brett D. , Premkumar Ashish 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveWe examined the cost‐effectiveness of conservative management (CM) compared to planned caesarean hysterectomy (CH) for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS).DesignA cost‐effectiveness analysis in a theoretical cohort of patients.SettingA decision analytic model.PopulationA theoretical cohort of 1000 pregnant patients with PAS greater than 20 weeks gestation.MethodsIn base case analysis, we assumed that between 20% and 40% of individuals would be eligible for CM. Model inputs were derived from the literature. Analysis was conducted from a healthcare system perspective with a 1 year analytic horizon. Outcomes included hysterectomy, surgical site infection (SSI), length of hospitalisation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and death. An incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $50 000 per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) defined cost‐effectiveness. Sensitivity analyses were performed.Main Outcome MeasuresThe cost gained per life year and per QALY.ResultsFor base case estimates, CM was the cost‐saving strategy with an ICER of $9330.51 USD. Compared to CH, CM resulted in 905 fewer hysterectomies, 80 fewer instances of SSI and five fewer deaths. CM resulted in 149 more admissions with length of stay > 5 days and 25 more ICU admissions. In probabilistic sensitivity analysis, CM was the cost‐effective strategy in 71% of runs and the dominant strategy in 42% of runs.ConclusionsCM was the cost‐effective strategy for the management of PAS in greater than 70% of iterations of our model. Modelling demonstrated significant uncertainty in the comparative effectiveness of the two strategies, highlighting the need for prospective research evaluating the effectiveness of CM.
Integrating multi‐trait genomic selection with simulation strategies to improve grain yield and parental line selection in rice
Authors: Anilkumar Chandrappa , Sah Rameswar Prasad , Muhammed Azharudheen T. P. , Behera Sasmita , Mohanty Soumya Priyadarshini , Anandan Annamalai , Marndi Bishnu Charan , Samantaray Sanghamitra 
Published: December 2024

AbstractInclusion of correlated secondary traits in the prediction of primary trait in multi‐trait genomic selection (GS) models can improve the predictive ability. Our objectives in the present investigations were to (i) evaluate the effectiveness of multi‐trait and single‐trait GS models for the higher predictive ability and (ii) compare the breeding potential of parental lines selected based on phenotype and GS for grain yield in rice. We used phenotype data of five correlated traits as secondary traits evaluated to predict the grain yield, a primary trait. Yield related functional markers were used for prediction. Breeding populations were simulated using the best parents selected through GS and phenotype based selection. Results suggest that the multi‐trait model resulted in higher predictive abilities (0.82 for grain yield) than single‐trait models (0.76 for grain yield) and parents selected through GS have potential to produce superior progenies. We conclude that the use of a multi‐trait GS approach is advantageous over single‐trait models, and the GS also help selecting potential parents for developing improved populations. The results of the study have potential scope for improving quantitative traits using GS in rice.
Effects of personalized and normative feedback via the Positive Play Quiz on responsible gambling intention, self‐efficacy and behavior: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tabri Nassim , Wood Richard T. A. , Wohl Michael J. A. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAimsTo evaluate whether a personalized and normative feedback (PNF) intervention for responsible gambling increases gambling insight as well as intention and self‐efficacy to engage in responsible gambling and behavioral engagement.DesignTwo‐arm randomized controlled trial. Outcome measurements occurred post‐randomization and 3 months later.SettingOnline, Canada.ParticipantsCanadian community members who gambled at a land‐based casino or online in the last 3 months [61.9% men; mean age = 56.52 (standard deviation = 14.80)] recruited via an online panel (n = 4091).Intervention and comparatorParticipants were randomized to receive PNF (n = 1940) or no feedback (n = 2151).MeasurementsPrimary outcomes included gambling insight, intentions and self‐efficacy to engage in seven responsible gambling behaviors post‐randomization as well as engagement in these behaviors during the 3‐month follow‐up.FindingsPost‐intervention, participants receiving PNF (relative to no feedback) had greater gambling insight (d = 0.32, P = 4.59e‐25) as well as greater intentions and self‐efficacy to learn about how the games they play work (dintention = 0.31, P = 4.92e‐24; dself‐efficacy = 0.25, P = 4.35e‐16), learn about the odds of winning at these games (dintention = 0.30, P = 1.43e‐21; dself‐efficacy = 0.25, P = 2.13e‐15) and use operator‐provided tools to help limit their gambling (dintention = 0.20, P = 1.36e‐10; dself‐efficacy = 0.18, P = 3.92e‐9). However, post‐intervention differences in intention and self‐efficacy to limit time and money spent gambling, openness about gambling with others and balancing gambling with other activities were not observed. Meaningful increases in behavioral engagement 3 months later were observed but were not significant.ConclusionsPNF for responsible gambling (relative to no feedback) appears to increase gambling insight, intentions and self‐efficacy to engage in gambling literacy and use of limit‐setting tools. Exploratory analyses indicated receiving PNF (relative to no feedback) led to behavioral changes during the 3‐month follow‐up period.
Clinical and cost‐effectiveness of earlier discharge from acute hospital after total joint arthroplasty
Authors: Rele Siddharth , Schilling Chris , Shadbolt Cade , Spelman Tim , Taylor Nicholas F , Dowsey Michelle M , Choong Peter FM 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundReducing length of stay has been proposed as a key component of policies that aim to meet demand and minimize costs associated with total joint arthroplasty. However, few studies explore shifting of healthcare utilization when length of stay is shortened.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study examined patients undergoing primary, total hip and knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis to simulate a policy‐level institutional reduction in acute hospital stay by 1 day. Costs, quality of life, and rates of complications, readmission and discharge to inpatient rehabilitation were compared in patients with a three‐ and four‐day length of acute stay. Balance was achieved using overlap‐propensity weighting.ResultsIn total, 2023 patients were included. Earlier discharge from acute hospital was not associated with a change in odds of 90‐day complications (OR: 0.85 [95% CI, 0.58 to 1.27]; P = 0.447), readmissions (OR: 1.11 [95% CI, 0.67 to 1.82]; P = 0.691), and emergency department presentations (OR: 1.07 [95% CI, 0.66 to 1.73]; P = 0.774). Earlier discharge from acute hospital was associated with an increase in odds of discharge to inpatient rehabilitation (OR: 2.16 [95% CI, 1.45 to 3.20]; P < 0.001). No significant differences in costs and quality adjusted life years were observed at one‐year. Cost savings during index admission were shifted onto increased costs associated with inpatient rehabilitation.ConclusionEarlier discharge was not associated with changes in 90‐day complications, readmission, or ED presentations. However, an increase in utilization of inpatient rehabilitation was observed, offsetting early cost savings. Patients who were discharged from acute care on day three had no difference in costs compared to those discharged on day four.
The impact of BTK knockdown on lung adenocarcinoma growth and immune response
Authors: Huang Jilan , Yuan Yufan , Guo Linghong , Xia Guojin , Chen Yan , Chen Qi , Wang Min 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis study explores the molecular role of the BTK gene in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) progression and patient prognosis. Using a radiomics model based on BTK expression and PET‐CT data analyzed through DeeplabV3, alongside transcriptomic and clinical data from TCGA, we established a strong predictive relationship between BTK levels and LUAD outcomes. Our findings demonstrate that low BTK expression is linked to poorer prognoses. Experimental models, including cell lines and in vivo mouse studies, revealed that BTK deficiency leads to increased LUAD cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Furthermore, in vivo models indicated that BTK knockdown results in enhanced tumor growth and diminished CD8+ T cell activity. These results suggest that BTK plays a crucial role in modulating LUAD progression and the tumor immune environment, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.
The protective role of anti‐parkinsonian drugs in pancreatic cancer risk: A comprehensive case–control study in Taiwan
Authors: Yang Hsuan‐Chia , Chou Wen‐Chi , Nguyen Phung‐Anh , Nguyen Nhi Thi Hong , Phuong Nguyen Thi , Wang Ching‐Huan , Hsu Jason C. , Lin Ming‐Chin , Huang Chih‐Wei 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPancreatic cancer is among the deadliest cancers, with a grim prognosis despite advances in treatment. We conducted a population‐based case–control study from Taiwan, linking Health and Welfare Data Science Center data to the Taiwan Cancer Registry, which offers a promising strategy for its treatment through drug repurposing. The study aims to identify the association of anti‐parkinsonian drugs with pancreatic cancer risk across different age groups. The analysis encompassed 18,921 pancreatic cancer cases and 75,684 matched controls, employing conditional logistic regression to assess the impact of anti‐parkinsonian drugs on the risk of pancreatic cancer. Key findings revealed a statistically significant association of the administration with specific anti‐parkinsonian medications, including anticholinergic agents, tertiary amines, dopa derivatives, and dopamine receptor agonists, with a reduction in pancreatic cancer risk. These associations were represented as adjusted odds ratios (aORs), ranging from 0.620 (95% CI 0.470–0.810) to 0.764 (95% CI 0.655–0.891). Further, age‐stratified analysis revealed variations in efficacy across different age groups. Anticholinergic agents and tertiary amines exhibited greater effectiveness in the 40–64‐year age group (aOR, 0.653; 95% CI, 0.489–0.872), whereas dopa derivatives and dopamine receptor agonists were particularly efficacious in the cohort aged ≥65 years (aOR, 0.728; 95% CI, 0.624–0.850 and aOR, 0.665; 95% CI, 0.494–0.894, respectively). Notably, specific drugs such as trihexyphenidyl, levodopa/dopa decarboxylase inhibitor (DDCI), and pramipexole demonstrated a significant decrease in cancer risk, especially in the elderly population. These preliminary findings can contribute to the possible therapeutic role of anti‐parkinsonian drugs in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Redefining Diagnostic Cut‐Offs for the Indirect Water Deprivation Test
Authors: Akkara Yash , Narula Kavita , Lazarus Katharine , Papadopoulou Deborah , Choudhury Sirazum , Martin Niamh , Meeran Karim 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveAn incorrect diagnosis of arginine vasopressin deficiency and resistance (AVP‐D and AVP‐R) results in the potentially dangerous use of desmopressin in healthy individuals. The water deprivation test is a central diagnostic test in patients with polydipsia polyuria syndrome (PPS). This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the current interpretation of reference ranges.MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of 135 patients who underwent a water deprivation test between August 2014 and August 2023. All patient diagnoses were reviewed, and variability and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were determined for serum osmolality, serum sodium and urine osmolality.ResultsSerum sodium demonstrated reduced variability compared with serum osmolality (0.72% vs. 1.16%, respectively, 37.5% reduction; p < 0.001). The standard serum osmolality cut‐off value of ≥ 300 mOsm/kg in diagnosing AVP‐D, AVP‐R, and primary polydipsia (PP) achieved a sensitivity of 76.19% and specificity of 76.92%. A serum sodium cut‐off value of ≥ 148 mmol/L demonstrated 100% specificity in excluding PP. This cut‐off was used alongside urine osmolality cut‐off values of > 630 mOsm/kg (for PP) and < 383 mOsm/kg (for AVP‐D/AVP‐R). Review of post‐desmopressin urine osmolality and clinical monitoring was performed in equivocal diagnostic cases (n = 6), achieving 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity within the study sample.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that a serum sodium cut‐off of ≥ 148 mmol/L in tandem with urine osmolality yields the best diagnostic accuracy to differentiate between AVP‐D, AVP‐R, and PP. Serum sodium may be more reliable than serum osmolality in the investigation of patients with PPS, demonstrating lower biological and analytical variability.
Adolescent Superficial CD34‐Positive Fibroblastic Tumor With Unique IHC Profile
Authors: Wang Scott Kuan‐Wen , Mandavilli Srinivas 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTSuperficial CD34‐positive fibroblastic tumor (SCD34FT) is a relatively uncommon soft tissue neoplasm, first identified in 2014 and included in the latest, fifth edition of the World Health Organization Soft Tissue and Bone Tumors Classification. A subset of SCD34FTs that exhibit PRDM10 rearrangement may overlap with other PRDM10‐rearranged soft tissue tumors, suggesting a shared pathogenic pathway. We report a case of a 16‐year‐old patient, one of the youngest diagnosed, with an SCD34FT on the forearm, featuring both PRDM10 rearrangement and a unique, diffuse expression of cytokeratin (CK AE1/AE3). This case contributes to the expanding literature on SCD34FT, highlighting its clinical and pathological diversity.
Thomas F. Torrance on Christian Theological Instinct: Its Significances for Sino‐Christian Theology
Authors: Zhang Haoran 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTCentral to Thomas F. Torrance's theological epistemology is an emphasis on the objectivity. However, Torrance also recognizes seemingly subjective “Christian theological instinct.” Regrettably, existing researches have not sufficiently explored the meaning of theological instinct nor thoroughly examined its implications for the subject–object relationship within Torrance's theological epistemology. Considering this scholarly gap, this paper undertakes an investigation by compiling new materials on “Christian theological instinct” and conducting an analysis of Torrance's writings. This paper clarifies theological instinct and uses it to understand the cognitive process in Torrance's theology, particularly regarding the realization of objectivity within the subject. Lastly, this paper highlights the significance of theological instinct for Sino‐Christian theology.
Glucocorticoid treatment and new‐onset hyperglycaemia and diabetes in people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Golubic Rajna , Mumbole Hudson , Ismail Mouhamad Hussein , Choo Alwyn , Baker Olivia , Atha Karyna , Mei Sarah Chew Sue , Raj Arjun , Anand Preethu , Aung Nwe Oo , Kumar Niraj S. , Nahar Tulika , Coleman Ruth L. , Tomlinson Jeremy W. , Rahman Najib , Caleyachetty Rishi , Adler Amanda 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIntroductionIn people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), we aimed to estimate: (1) the prevalence of glucocorticoid‐induced hyperglycaemia (GIH); (2) whether the prevalence of GIH varies by age, baseline diabetes status, treatment duration, ascertainment of glycaemia, definition of hyperglycaemia, study design and year of publication; and (3) the relative risk (RR) of new‐onset hyperglycaemia in exposed vs non‐exposed to systemic glucocorticoids.MethodsWe searched electronic databases until 9 November 2023 for randomised controlled trials and observational studies including adults diagnosed with COPD, with or without diabetes at baseline, using systemic glucocorticoids equivalent to prednisolone ≥5 mg/day for ≥3 days if exposed. Hyperglycaemia was defined as a blood glucose above a study‐specific cut‐off. We extracted data on study and participant characteristics, exposure and outcome. We performed random‐effects meta‐analysis to calculate pooled prevalence estimate of GIH. Prevalence was expressed as the proportion of people who developed hyperglycaemia among all exposed to systemic glucocorticoids during follow‐up. We calculated RR of new‐onset hyperglycaemia in exposed vs non‐exposed to systemic glucocorticoids from eight studies.ResultsOf 25,806 citations, we included 18 studies comprising 3642 people of whom 3125 received systemic glucocorticoids and 1189 developed hyperglycaemia. Pooled prevalence of GIH was 38.6% (95%CI 29.9%–47.9%) with significant heterogeneity, I2 = 96% (p < 0.010), which was partially explained by differences in study design. Pooled RR = 2.39 (95%CI 1.51–3.78). Publication bias was present.ConclusionThe prevalence of GIH was 38.6%. Being treated with systemic glucocorticoids for COPD was associated with 2.4 times higher risk of new‐onset hyperglycaemia versus no glucocorticoid treatment.
Addressing the resource requirements of internationalizing green SMEs
Authors: Héral Mireille , Messeghem Karim , Catanzaro Alexis 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis article investigates how green small and medium‐sized enterprises (green SMEs) can internationalize by leveraging targeted resources from international support services (ISSs). Drawing upon a qualitative study of 30 green SMEs and ISS providers, this study contributes to the resource‐based view (RBV) and the relational view by building a multilevel model of the external resources transmitted to green SMEs at the organizational, interorganizational, and institutional levels. Moreover, this paper shows the interactions among those levels and how the resources provided by ISSs can be leveraged to access other resources, thus enriching the RBV on resource leveraging, value, and access strategies. The results emphasize the centrality of relational resources and show green SMEs and ISS providers that support resources are a starting point for accessing other resources.
Vulnerability of Global Pine Forestry's Carbon Sink to an Invasive Pathogen–Vector System
Authors: Zhou Jiao , Du Jingjing , Bonifácio Luís , Yin Wandong , Huang Lin , Ning Jing , Han Dongbo , Hu Jiafu , Song Wei , Zhao Lilin 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe substantial contribution of northern forest growth to the global increase of biomass carbon stock is well documented. However, the ecological consequences of pest‐ and disease‐related losses in these forests have not received comparable attention. This study highlights that pine species are major contributors to carbon stocks in Northern Hemisphere. The total carbon storage of Pinus in the Northern Hemisphere was estimated at 70,726 teragrams of carbon (TgC; 17.7% of the total forest carbon 478,012 TgC), accounting for 4.9%, 28.4%, and 12.5% of the total carbon storage in the forests of Asia, Europe, and North America, respectively. However, pine trees were under threat from an invasive complex involving the pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) and Japanese pine sawyer beetle (Monochamus spp.). Since 1977, this complex resulted in a carbon sink deficit of 1857 TgC (18% of the carbon currently stored in Europe's live tree biomass) in northern pine ecosystems. The carbon losses attributed to B. xylophilus exceeded those caused by wildfires, which are typically regarded as the primary factor of forest disturbances. Furthermore, the contributions of environmental variables indicate that the expected northward shift in precipitation patterns will exacerbate B. xylophilus threats, endangering 78% of the boreal forests across Eurasia by 2100. Among these high‐risk areas, 62% contributed significantly to global carbon sink, and 42% was protected forests. Following the present trend, carbon losses caused by the B. xylophilus complex could exceed 39% of the total carbon storage in terrestrial ecosystems. This study provides comprehensive datasets that detail the global distribution and high‐risk habitats of pine species and B. xylophilus vector beetles in affected countries. Our findings underscore the substantial risk of carbon losses posed by B. xylophilus to northern pine forests, with potential implications for global carbon dynamics and the achievement of international goals related to “carbon peak” and “carbon neutrality.”