bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterizing and Targeting of BCL‐2 Family Members in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Thai A. A. , Young R. J. , Bressel M. , Kelly G. L. , Sejic N. , Tsao S. W. , Trigos A. , Rischin D. , Solomon B. J. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe success of BH3 mimetics in hematological malignancies has spurred interest in their application in solid tumors. We examined the expression of the BCL‐2 family of molecules in NPC tumors and cell lines and explored the anticancer efficacy of BH3 mimetics in vitro.MethodsImmunohistochemistry for BCL‐2, MCL‐1, BCL‐xL, and transcriptomic analyses was conducted on NPC tumors. The efficacy of ABT‐199, S63845, and ABT‐737 were examined as monotherapy and in combination with cisplatin in NPC cell lines. RNA sequencing was performed to identify up and downregulated pathways in sensitive cell lines.ResultsOne hundred and forty‐nine EBV‐positive NPC and 15 EBV‐negative NPC were identified. Expression of BCL‐2 was more frequent in EBV‐positive NPC. BCL‐2, MCL‐1, and BCL‐xL expression was not prognostic for overall survival. Marked sensitivity was seen with the combination of S63845 and cisplatin in NPC43.ConclusionOur study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of combining cisplatin and S63845, which warrants further investigation.
Impact of Postoperative Neck Radiotherapy Volumes on Long‐Term Unstimulated Saliva Flow Following Primary Surgery and Ipsilateral Neck Dissection for Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Rooney Claire M. , Huang Shao Hui , Su Jie , Bratman Scott , Cho John , de Almeida John , Glogauer Michael , Goldstein David , Hahn Ezra , Hosni Ali , Hope Andrew , Irish Jonathan , Kim John , O'Sullivan Brian , Ringash Jolie , Spreafico Anna , Tsai Jillian , Waldron John , Yao Christopher , Watson Erin , McPartlin Andrew 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundWe investigate the association of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) volumes and salivary function in oral cavity SCC (OSCC).MethodsOSCC patients undergoing PORT 2005–2021 underwent modified Schirmer test (MST) pre‐PORT, 6 and/or 12 months post‐PORT. Hyposalivation rates were compared by PORT volumes. MVA identified predictors for chronic hyposalivation.ResultsAmong 165 eligible patients, 88 (53%) received bilateral, 66 (40%) ipsilateral, and 11 (7%) no‐neck (primary‐only) PORT. Baseline characteristics were similar, except more N2b/N2c disease received bilateral PORT vs. ipsilateral or no‐neck (60% vs. 36% vs. 0%, p < 0.001). Baseline hyposalivation was similar (26% vs. 30% vs. 18%, p = 0.67). Hyposalivation occurred more frequently in bilateral vs. ipsilateral vs. no‐neck PORT at 6 (90% vs. 62% vs. 9%) and 12 months (90% vs. 48% vs. 0%) (both p < 0.001). On MVA, bilateral neck PORT and smoking predicted chronic hyposalivation.ConclusionIncreasing PORT volumes predict saliva function recovery and chronic hyposalivation, informing treatment discussions.
From Routine to Crisis: The Impact of COVID‐19 Pandemic on Antibiotic Consumption in Iran
Authors: Rezaei Satar , Bazyar Mohammad , Ahmadi Sina , Khodamoradi Abdolvahed 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackground and AimsThe COVID‐19 pandemic has significantly impacted the healthcare sector, influencing patients, providers, and the overall system. This study evaluates how the pandemic affected antibiotic prescriptions among 44 million Iranians insured by the Social Security Organization (SSO).MethodsIn this quasi‐experimental study, we utilized monthly aggregated data on antibiotic prescriptions per 1000 individuals insured by the SSO. We employed a single‐group interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) over a period of 72 months, from March 20, 2016 to February 19, 2020 for the pre‐pandemic phase, and from February 20, 2020 to March 20, 2022, for the during‐pandemic period. Additionally, we conducted a multiple‐group ITSA to assess the differential impact of the pandemic on antibiotic consumption between the direct (SSO‐owned medical centers) and indirect (other private or public centers contracted by the SSO) sectors.ResultsThe study revealed a 30% reduction in the monthly average antibiotic consumption rate when comparing the during‐pandemic period to pre‐pandemic usage across the total sector. The results from the single‐group ITSA indicated that the mean antibiotic consumption per 1000 individuals at baseline was 1664. Following the onset of the pandemic, there was a significant reduction in antibiotic prescriptions, dropping to 484 per 1000 individuals (p ≤ 0.001) in the first month. However, during the pandemic period, antibiotic prescriptions exhibited insignificant monthly increases, averaging 10.7 per 1000 insured individuals. The multiple‐group ITSA revealed that both sectors experienced a decline in antibiotic prescriptions after the outbreak of COVID‐19. Notably, the indirect sector demonstrated a greater reduction, with a decrease of 187 prescriptions per 1000 insured individuals in the first month following the pandemic's onset.ConclusionsOur study found a significant reduction in antibiotic consumption. Further research is needed to compare antibiotic use between hospitals and outpatient centers, as well as among COVID‐19 and non‐COVID‐19 patients.
Content and design of respectful maternity care training packages for health workers in sub‐Saharan Africa: Scoping review
Authors: Yargawa Judith , Daniele Marina , Pickerill Kelly , Vidler Marianne , Koech Angela , Jah Hawanatu , Mwashigadi Grace , Mwaniki Mukaindo , von Dadelszen Peter , Temmerman Marleen , Filippi Veronique , Blencowe Hannah ,   and the PRECISE‐DYAD Network
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundTraining health workers might facilitate respectful maternity care (RMC); however, the content and design of RMC training remain unclear.ObjectiveTo explore the content and design of RMC training packages for health workers in sub‐Saharan Africa.Search StrategyMEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Complete, Web of Science Core Collections, SCOPUS, and grey literature sources (including websites of RMC‐focused key organizations and Ministries of Health) were searched for journal papers, reports, and training guides from January 2006 up to August 2022.Selection CriteriaThere were no restrictions on study designs, language, or health‐worker cadre. Two reviewers independently screened results.Data Collection and AnalysisKey data, including training content and methods used, were extracted and summarized.Main ResultsThirty‐two citations from 26 studies/programs were identified (24 journal papers, 5 manuals/guides, 2 reports and 1 PhD thesis), with 27 citations from 22 studies informing the review findings. About half of all conducted studies were from East Africa. The most common topics in RMC trainings were communication, privacy and confidentiality, and human resources. Most trainings were multicomponent and appear to be largely in‐service training. Health workers providing direct care to women, compared with non‐clinical staff such as receptionists and cleaners, were the only recipients of training in most studies (81.8%). Two broad categories of training methods/tools were identified: workshop‐based and action‐based. Over 90% of the studies assessed impact of the training, with a majority focused on impacts on maternal health and care; however, half of the latter studies did not appear to have feedback mechanisms in place for implementing change.ConclusionsThe content and design of RMC training in sub‐Saharan Africa are multifaceted, suggesting the complexity of implementing/promoting RMC. Some progress has been made; however, missed opportunities in training remain with respect to study populations, training topics, cadres, and feedback mechanisms.
Diagnosis of arcuate uterus using three‐dimensional transvaginal ultrasound and investigation of its association with perinatal complications
Authors: Yoshihara Tatsuya , Okuda Yasuhiko , Yoshino Osamu 
Published: October 2024

AbstractArcuate uterus does not impact the success of infertility treatments, but there is no consensus on whether it influences perinatal outcomes. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether minor congenital uterine anomalies such as an arcuate uterus contribute to perinatal complications. This was a retrospective cohort study at a single institution. The study included 1097 deliveries after 22 weeks of gestation. Transvaginal ultrasound, with three‐dimensional functionality, assessed uterine morphology based on American Society for Reproductive Medicine criteria. We compared maternal backgrounds and perinatal complications between arcuate uterus and normal uterus groups. Statistical analyses, including multivariate analysis, aimed to identify independent risk factors. A total of 69 patients (7.5%) with diagnosed arcuate uterus were included. Maternal background factors showed no significant differences between groups. In perinatal complications, an arcuate uterus was associated with a significantly higher incidence of preterm delivery (13% versus 4.7%, P = 0.01), preterm premature rupture of membranes (7.2% versus 1.6%, P = 0.01), fetal growth restriction (FGR; 16% versus 6.7%, P = 0.01), and abnormal placental cord insertion (33% versus 7.6%, P < 0.01). After multivariate analysis, arcuate uterus emerged as an independent risk factor for preterm delivery (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.0 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.6–9.9], P < 0.01), FGR (aOR, 2.6 [95% CI, 1.2–5.6], P = 0.02), and abnormal placental cord insertion (aOR, 6.0 [95% CI, 3.4–10.6], P < 0.01). Arcuate uterus stands as an independent risk factor for preterm delivery, FGR, and abnormal placental cord insertion. The findings emphasize the importance of recognizing even minor uterine morphological abnormalities in assessing and managing perinatal complications.
Deciphering the link: A cutting‐edge exploration of the intriguing connection between recurrent pregnancy loss and rare earth elements—Lutetium, praseodymium, samarium, dysprosium, and cerium
Authors: Alrashoudi Reem Hamoud , Tabassum Hajera , Fatima Sabiha , Abudawood Manal , Alrashed May , Alsaigh Sara Mohammed , Siddiqi Nikhat J. , AlSheikh Yazeed A. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the levels of serum rare earth elements (REEs): lutetium [Lu], praseodymium [Pr], samarium [Sm], dysprosium [Dy], and cerium [Ce] in pregnant women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and evaluate their relationship with total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), a marker of DNA damage.MethodsA case‐controlled study was conducted on a cohort of 60 female participants, with first‐trimester healthy pregnant women as the control group and pregnant women with a history of consecutive abortions as the recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) group. Following blood collection, serum concentrations of Lu, Pr, Sm, Dy, and Ce were measured using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometer (ICP‐MS). Oxidative stress and DNA damage were evaluated through TAC and DNA damage marker (8‐OHdG).ResultsSerum levels of Lu, Pr, Sm, Dy, and Ce were higher in women with RPL compared with control (P < 0.001). Intriguingly, a strong significant negative correlation was observed between TAC and REEs (P < 0.05). Lu, Dy, and Ce demonstrated a significant positive correlation with increased DNA damage in the RPL group (P < 0.05). Contrary, there was no evidence of a correlation between 8‐OHdG and Pr and Sm.ConclusionThe study highlights a potential association between Lu, Sm, Dy, and Ce and an increased risk of RPL, highlighting REE‐induced toxicity as a major risk factor for RPL. The outcome of the study is to advance our understanding of the interplay between rare earth elements and RPL, with potential implications for reproductive medicine, environmental health, and the development of preventive strategies for individuals at risk of RPL.
Embedded System‐Based Malaria Detection From Blood Smear Images Using Lightweight Deep Learning Model
Authors: Salam Abdus , Hasan S. M. Nahid , Karim Md. Jawadul , Anower Shamim , Nahiduzzaman Md , Chowdhury Muhammad E. H. , Murugappan M. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe disease of malaria, transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes, is highly contagious, resulting in numerous deaths across various regions. Microscopic examination of blood cells remains one of the most accurate methods for malaria diagnosis, but it is time‐consuming and can produce inaccurate results occasionally. Due to machine learning and deep learning advances in medical diagnosis, improved diagnostic accuracy can now be achieved while costs can be reduced compared to conventional microscopy methods. This work utilizes an open‐source dataset with 26 161 blood smear images in RGB for malaria detection. Our preprocessing resized the original dimensions of the images into 64 × 64 due to the limitations in computational complexity in developing embedded systems‐based malaria detection. We present a novel embedded system approach using 119 154 trainable parameters in a lightweight 17‐layer SqueezeNet model for the automatic detection of malaria. Incredibly, the model is only 1.72 MB in size. An evaluation of the model's performance on the original NIH malaria dataset shows that it has exceptional accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 scores of 96.37%, 95.67%, 97.21%, and 96.44%, respectively. Based on a modified dataset, the results improved further to 99.71% across all metrics. Compared to current deep learning models, our model significantly outperforms them for malaria detection, making it ideal for embedded systems. This model has also been rigorously tested on the Jetson Nano B01 edge device, demonstrating a rapid single image prediction time of only 0.24 s. The fusion of deep learning with embedded systems makes this research a crucial step toward improving malaria diagnosis. In resource‐constrained settings, the model's lightweight architecture and accuracy enhancements hold great promise for addressing the critical challenge of malaria detection.
In Vivo Assessment of an Antioxidant Hydrogel Vitreous Substitute
Authors: Allyn Megan M. , Ryan Annie K. , Rivera Grace , Mamo Esther , Bopp Joshua , Hernandez Sebastian Martinez , Racine Julie , Miller Eric J. , Chandler Heather L. , Swindle‐Reilly Katelyn E. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe vitreous humor undergoes liquefaction with age, resulting in complications that may require a vitrectomy, or surgical removal of the vitreous from the eye. Silicone oil, a common vitreous substitute, lacks properties similar to the natural vitreous. In particular, it lacks antioxidants that may be necessary to reduce oxidative stress in the eye. The purpose of this study was to evaluate antioxidant‐loaded hydrogel vitreous substitutes in a pilot in vivo study. Ascorbic acid and glutathione were loaded into synthesized PEGDA hydrogels. Following vitrectomy, experimental antioxidant hydrogels or silicone oil were injected into one eye of rabbits, while the other eye served as untreated or sham control. Ophthalmic assessments, including electroretinography, were performed. Levels of glutathione and ascorbic acid were higher in the eyes treated with the antioxidant‐loaded hydrogel vitreous substitute, although this was not found to be significant after 28 days. There were no statistically significant differences between groups with respect to clinical examination, and ocular health scores, electroretinograms, and histology were normal. These results indicate minimal concerns for the hydrogel formulation or high levels of antioxidants. Future research will assess the capability of vitreous substitutes to prolong antioxidant release, with the goal of minimizing cataract after vitrectomy.
Associations of Serum Lipid Traits With Fracture and Osteoporosis: A Prospective Cohort Study From the UK Biobank
Authors: Xiong Xi , Lui David T. W. , Ju Chengsheng , Zhou Ziyi , Xu Chao , Welsh Paul , Sattar Naveed , Celis‐Morales Carlos , Pell Jill P. , Wong Ian C. K. , Wong Carlos K. H. , Ho Frederick K. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundPrevious studies reveal inconsistent associations between serum lipid traits and the risks of fractures and osteoporosis in the general population.MethodsThis prospective cohort study analysed data from 414 302 UK Biobank participants (223 060 women and 191 242 men, aged 37–73 years) with serum lipid measurements: apolipoprotein A (Apo A), apolipoprotein B (Apo B), total cholesterol (TC), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), triglycerides (TG) and lipoprotein A (Lp(a)). Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models with penalized cubic splines were used to explore potential nonlinear associations of each lipid trait with the risks of fractures and osteoporosis. Subgroup analyses by age, sex, BMI categories and pre‐existing cardiovascular disease were conducted. Mediation analyses using the g‐formula were performed to quantify to which extent bone mineral density (BMD) may mediate the association between serum lipids and fracture risk.ResultsOver a median follow‐up period of 13.8 years, 25 918 (6.8%) of the 383 530 participants without prior fracture had incident fracture cases, and 7591 (4.1%) of the 184 919 participants with primary care data and without baseline osteoporosis were diagnosed with osteoporosis. TG had nonlinear associations with fractures and osteoporosis, whereas Apo B, TC and LDL‐C had linear associations. There were also nonlinear associations of Apo A and HDL‐C with fractures. Individuals in the highest quintiles for Apo A (fracture: HR 1.15 [95% CI 1.10, 1.21]; osteoporosis: HR 1.13 [1.02, 1.25]) and HDL‐C (fracture: HR 1.27 [1.20, 1.34]; osteoporosis: HR 1.31 [1.18, 1.46]) were associated with higher risks of fractures and osteoporosis. Conversely, those in the highest quintile for Apo B (fracture: HR 0.85 [0.81, 0.89]; osteoporosis: HR 0.86 [0.79, 0.94]), LDL‐C (fracture: HR 0.89 [0.85, 0.93]; osteoporosis: HR 0.91 [0.83, 1.00]) and TG (fracture: HR 0.78 [0.74, 0.82]; osteoporosis: HR 0.75 [0.68, 0.82]) were associated with lower risks. The associations of Apo A (ratio of HR [RHR] 1.05 [1.02, 1.09]) and HDL‐C (RHR 1.06 [1.03, 1.09]) with fracture risk were more pronounced in men compared to women. Except for TG and Lp(a), the associations between serum lipids and fractures appear to be partially mediated through BMD (mediation proportions: 5.30% to 40.30%), assuming causality.ConclusionsOur study reveals a complex interplay between different lipid markers and skeletal health, potentially partially mediated through BMD. Routine lipid profile assessments, including HDL‐C and Apo A among other lipid traits, may be integrated into the strategies for fracture risk stratification.
Production of a fungal aspartic protease via solid‐state fermentation using a rotating drum bioreactor
Authors: Qasim Farhat , Diercks‐Horn Sonja , Herlevi Lisa‐Marie , Fernandez‐Lahore Hector Marcelo 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDSolid‐state fermentation (SSF) has gained attention recently as a promising approach for producing a range of high‐value industrial products. SSF has several benefits, including a high product yield, a lesser chance of contamination, a resemblance to some fungi and bacteria's native environment, a lower energy need, and cost‐effectiveness. Additionally, the enzyme extraction from concentrated solutions facilitates the recovery procedure. Mucor racemosus, a filamentous fungus, has the potential to produce a milk‐clotting enzyme (aspartic protease) cultivated on various combinations of the solid media to investigate the effect of media on the production and activity of the milk‐clotting enzyme.RESULTSThe fermentation was scaled up by utilizing Terrafors‐IS Infors HT in‐situ sterilizable rotating solid‐state bioreactor to cultivate the fungus. The effect of agitation (rotation on the day of inoculation and day 1), aeration (air flow rates of 1 L and 2 L/min), and moisture content (60% and 90%), during SSF were investigated. The profiles of various operational parameters (that is, temperature, pressure, flow rate, exit O2, and exit CO2) were monitored using the provided software, and data were collected at 10‐min intervals during the whole course of fermentation. The results suggest that aeration has a remarkable effect on the quantity of biomass produced, but it doesn't assure high enzyme production. The highest milk clotting activity of ~570 U/mL was recorded with a moisture content of 60% and a flow rate of 1 L/min.CONCLUSIONA high yield of ~570 U/mL of the enzyme with desired characteristics was obtained with minimum moisture availability at low temperatures. The results narrated in this study validate the SSF process for producing aspartic protease from wheat bran using a rotating solid‐state bioreactor to be used as a potential milk coagulant in the cheese industry. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Zoographics in the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior: Increasing inclusion of female animals
Authors: Odum Amy L. , Callister Kiernan T. , Willis‐Moore Mariah E. , Da Silva Daniel S. , Legaspi David N. , Scribner Lucy N. , Hannah Josephine N. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWe examined the zoographics, or the characteristics of nonhuman animal subjects, reported for the entirety of the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior (JEAB) through the most recent complete year (1958–2023). Animal sex in particular was evaluated to determine whether the lack of inclusion of female subjects in other disciplines extends to JEAB. Through systematic coding of all nonhuman empirical articles, we found consistent underreporting of most zoographics and a disproportionate use of male subjects relative to female subjects. Additionally, animal sex was commonly unreported and the inclusion of both male and female subjects was sparse. Recent years show some improvement, but greater inclusion is required. Lack of female subjects in research as well as underreporting of zoographics can generate unrepresentative results and hamper replication, generalization, and translation. We provide resources to guide future research and reporting suggestions such as equal inclusion and disaggregation of data by sex. We also clarify misunderstandings about the use of both sexes in research such as beliefs that it necessarily increases the cost of research.
RUNX1::CBFA2T2 rearranged acute myeloid leukemia transformed from JAK2 V617F mutated primary myelofibrosis
Authors: Han Lina , Koduru Prasad , Cantu Miguel , Fuda Franklin , Chen Weina 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) with RUNX1::CBFA2T2 fusion is rare with largely unknown clinicopathological features and genomic characterization. We present one such case of AML transformed from JAK2 V617F mutated primary myelofibrosis and review the literature on this topic. The immunophenotype and the landscape of cooperative gene alterations in AML with RUNX1::CBFA2T2 resemble those of AML with RUNX1::RUNX1T1, including expression of CD19, cooperative gene alterations in signaling pathway (JAK2), epigenetic/chromatin and cell cycle regulation (TET2, SMC3, and CDKN2A/B), and additional chromosomal abnormalities (trisomies 8 and 15). This case study provides insights into the pathogenesis of this rare subtype of AML.