bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and Outcomes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with C-Viral Chronic Liver Disease and Non-Viral Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Hamed Mostafa , Fawzy Montasser Iman M , Salah-Eldin Manar Mohamed , Hassan Raesa Sayed 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the primary liver cancer derived from hepatocytes and accounts for 85–90% of all primary liver cancers, It is the 5th commonest cancer in men and the 7th commonest cancer in women overall in the world. However, it is the third commonest cause of cancer-related death worldwide, exceeded only by cancers of the lung and stomach.

Aim
The aim of the work is to compare characteristics, behavior and outcomes of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with viral and non-viral chronic liver disease.

Patients and Methods
It is a retrospective cohort study In Tropical Medicine department and HCC clinic at Ain Shams University Hospitals. (from 2015 to 2020), divided to 2 groups according to the aetiology of their chronic liver disease : Group 1n = 35: patients with HCC on top of viral chronic liver disease (due to viral C). Group 2n=28: patients with a HCC on top of non-viral chronic liver disease Further stratification of both groups according to BCLC was done.

Results
This study showed male predominance in both group, viral group is 30 (85.7%) and female 5 (14.3%) with mean age 58.77 ± 7.47 and in non viral group male predominance 18 (64.3%) and female10 (35.7%) with mean age of 48.07 ± 14.42 years' old. There was statistical significance difference between the two groups regarding one year survival 6 patients died in non viral (21.4%) while 16 patients died in viral groups (45.7%). There was statistical significant difference between viral group (n = 35) and non viral groups(n = 28) as regards overall survival, which was higher in non viral groups with mean (11.46) month.

Conclusion
Non-viral chronic liver disease patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have less-severe liver dysfunction at HCC diagnosis and better overall survival compared to counterparts with viral chronic liver disease patients (HCV). Further studies on large number of patients are needed.
Type I interferon biomarker in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: associations of Siglec-1 with disease activity and treatment response
Authors: Kamperman Renske G , Veldkamp Saskia R , Evers Sanne W , Lim Johan , van Schaik Ivo , van Royen-Kerkhof Annet , van Wijk Femke , van der Kooi Anneke J , Jansen Marc , Raaphorst Joost 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Novel biomarkers are needed to guide therapy in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). Expression of Siglec-1, a type I interferon biomarker, was examined in adult patients with IIM in relation to disease activity and treatment response.

Methods
We analyzed PBMC samples from 19 newly diagnosed adult IIM patients who participated in a phase-2 pilot study on efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) monotherapy, and from 9 healthy controls. Siglec-1 expression on monocytes was measured by flow cytometry before and after treatment, and was evaluated in relation to IIM subtype, physician global activity (PhGA) scores, manual muscle strength (MMT) and the total improvement score (TIS).

Results
Diagnoses included dermatomyositis (DM; n = 9), immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM; n = 5), non-specific/overlap myositis (NSM/OM; n = 4) and antisynthetase syndrome (ASyS; n = 1). All patients showed increased Siglec-1 expression at baseline. Relative median fluorescence intensity of Siglec-1 was highest in patients with DM. After 9 weeks, follow-up samples were available for 15 patients of whom 10 patients showed a decline in Siglec-1 expression. In DM, Siglec-1 correlated with disease activity (MMT; rs = −0.603, P = 0.013 and PhGA; rs = 0.783, P &lt; 0.001) and with the TIS (rs = −0.786, P = 0.036).

Conclusion
Siglec-1 was increased in treatment-naive IIM patients and showed a decline after IVIG monotherapy. In DM, Siglec-1 expression correlated with relevant clinical measures. This underlines the dynamic role of type I IFN in IIM and the biomarker potential of Siglec-1, in particular in DM. These findings should be further validated in larger cohorts with longer follow-up.
Corporate governance, meritocracy, and careers
Authors: Pagano Marco , Picariello Luca 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Firms may pursue non-meritocratic promotion policies at the cost of lower profitability, if they yield private benefits of control. Corporate governance standards that limit these private benefits favor meritocratic promotions and therefore encourage workers’ skill acquisition. Managerial incentive pay has ambiguous effects on workers’ skill acquisition: it fosters the supply of skilled labor, while reducing firms’ willingness to promote skilled workers to managerial positions. Social welfare increases with the share of meritocratic firms, but not necessarily with governance standards: small reforms generate losers and gainers, and may on balance lower welfare, while drastic enough reforms can generate Pareto improvements.
A preliminary study of threat-anticipatory responding in Latina youth: associations with age, anxiety, and cortical thickness
Authors: Mullins Jordan L , Abend Rany , Michalska Kalina J 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Variation in prefrontal cortex neuroanatomy has been previously associated with elevated physiological responses to anticipated aversive events. The extent to which such associations extend beyond the specific ecology of treatment-seeking youth from upper-middle socioeconomic backgrounds is unknown. The current study tests the replicability of neuroanatomical correlates of anticipatory responding and the moderating roles of age and anxiety severity in a community sample of Latina girls, a historically underrepresented group exhibiting high levels of untreated anxiety. Forty pre-adolescent Latina girls (MAge = 10.01, s.d. = 1.25, range = 8–12 years) completed a structural magnetic resonance imaging scan. Participants also completed a differential threat and safety learning paradigm, during which skin conductance and subjective fear responding were assessed. Anxiety severity was assessed via the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders. Ventromedial prefrontal cortex thickness was associated with reduced physiological responsivity to anticipated threat. Age- and anxiety-dependent associations emerged between dorsomedial prefrontal cortex thickness and individual differences in subjective fear responding to anticipated threat. This preliminary study extends work on neuroanatomical contributions to physiological threat responsivity to a community sample of Latina youth and highlights potential considerations for early identification efforts in this population when threat neurocircuitry is still developing.
The plurality and contexts of research quality notions
Authors: Langfeldt Liv , Steffy Kody James 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Whereas research quality is a key concern in research policy, it is often handled as unitary and rarely interrogated. This paper explores variations in what researchers perceive to characterize the research they value the highest and aims to understand the different sites where research quality notions are formed. Based on a large researcher survey, we find both commonalities and differences across disciplines. Notions appear to vary systematically by researcher’s organizational type, their interaction with clients and practitioners, and their reliance on outside infrastructure and multidisciplinary research. For example, those affiliated with research institutes are more prone than those at universities to value societal impact as a characteristic of the best research. In conclusion, quality notions appear to reflect a multitude of organizational sites, and disciplines account for only part of the variation. Hence, a more nuanced understanding of the plurality and origins of research quality notions is needed.
Sexual function following risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy: a prospective cohort study
Authors: von Kartaschew Åsa Ehlin , Hirschberg Angelica Lindén , Gemzell-Danielsson K , Flöter Rådestad Angelique 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Increased access to and indications for genetic testing will lead to more women undergoing risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO), with a potential impact on sexual function.

Aim
Our objective was to prospectively investigate (1) sexual function in women with pathogenic variant (PV) in BRCA1/2 genes, before and 1 year after RRSO, and to compare with a healthy age-matched control group and (2) to study if testosterone levels correlate with sexual functioning after RRSO.

Methods
A prospective observational follow-up study of 43 BRCA1/2-PV carriers planned for RRSO and 73 healthy-age matched controls. Data including personal medical history, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and blood samples for analysis of testosterone by tandem mass spectrometry and free androgen index (FAI) were collected before and 1 year after surgery or at inclusion (controls).

Outcomes
Sexual function and testosterone levels following RRSO.

Results
Median age in the RRSO group was 42 years at baseline, 55.8% were premenopausal and 53.5% had a history of breast cancer. The RRSO group had significantly lower median FSFI total score (P &lt; .001), lower scores of all 6 FSFI domains (P &lt; .001), as well as a higher proportion of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) (P &lt; .001) compared to the control group at 1 year after surgery. In the RRSO group, users of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) had a significantly higher median FSFI total score compared with the nonusers both at baseline (P = .023) and follow-up (P = .010). The proportion of FSD was significantly higher in the non-MHT group at both baseline (P = .041) and follow-up (P = .009). FAI was significantly lower in the RRSO group when compared to the controls at 1-year follow-up (P = .041); however, no significant correlations between testosterone levels and FSFI scores were found.

Clinical implications
The results highlight the need to counsel BRCA1/2-PV carriers before RRSO and offer a structured follow-up and support addressing sexual function and impact of MHT use.

Strengths and Limitations
The main strength of this study is its prospective design with age-matched controls. Limitation is a small sample size.

Conclusion
Our findings show that sexual function deteriorated 1 year after RRSO independent of testosterone levels, and the proportion with impaired sexual function was higher compared to healthy age-matched controls.
Differing conceptual maps of skills for implementing evidence-based interventions held by community-based organization practitioners and academics: A multidimensional scaling comparison
Authors: Ramanadhan Shoba , Cruz Jennifer L , Weese Maggie , Kirk Shinelle , Rivard Madison K , Eisenkraft Arthur , Peterson Karen , Kirk Judi , Whitaker Albert , Nwamuo Chinyere , Rosas Scott R 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Community-based organizations (CBOs) are critical for delivering evidence-based interventions (EBIs) to address cancer inequities. However, a lack of consensus on the core skills needed for this work often hinders capacity-building strategies to support EBI implementation. The disconnect is partly due to differing views of EBIs and related skills held by those typically receiving versus developing capacity-building interventions (here, practitioners and academics, respectively). Our team of implementation scientists and practice-based advisors used group concept mapping to engage 34 CBO practitioners and 30 academics with experience addressing cervical cancer inequities implementing EBIs. We created group-specific maps of skills using multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis, then compared them using Procrustes comparison permutations. The 98 skills were sorted into six clusters by CBO practitioners and five by academics. The groups generated maps with statistically comparable underlying structures but also statistically significant divergence. Some skill clusters had high concordance across the two maps, e.g. “managing funding and external resources.” Other skill clusters, e.g. “adapting EBIs” from the CBO practitioner map and “selecting and adapting EBIs” from the academic map, did not overlap as much. Across groups, key clusters of skills included connecting with community members, understanding the selected EBI and community context, adapting EBIs, building diverse and equitable partnerships, using data and evaluation, and managing funding and external resources. There is a significant opportunity to combine CBO practitioners’ systems/community frames with the EBI-focused frame of academics to promote EBI utilization and address cancer and other health inequities.
CsCBF2 contributes to cold repression of chlorophyll and carotenoid biosynthesis in albino Camellia sinensis cv. Baiye 1
Authors: Cheng Xin , Sun Ying , Wang Yijia , Liu Xuyang , Cao Jingjie , Li Dandan , Yang Dan , Zhuo Chao , Wan Xiaochun , Liu Linlin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
C-repeat binding factors (CsCBFs) play a pivotal role in regulating cold response in higher plants. Camellia sinensis cv. Baiye 1, a representative albino tea cultivar, has been identified as temperature-sensitive based on long-term observations by tea farmers. However, it remains unclear whether CsCBFs are involved in temperature-mediated albinism and seasonal greening in ‘Baiye 1’, and the mechanisms by which CBFs regulate cold responses in albino leaves are unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that CsCBF2 suppresses the seasonal greening of albino leaves by inhibiting chlorophyll and carotenoid biosynthesis under cold stress. In tea plantations, the accumulation of chlorophylls and carotenoids in the albino shoots of ‘Baiye 1’ is closely correlated with the effective accumulated temperature during its seasonal greening process. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis revealed negative associations between CsCBF expression and chlorophylls, carotenoids, as well as their biosynthetic genes REVEILLE 1 (CsRVE1) and Zeaxanthin epoxidase 1 (CsZEP1) under temperature fluctuations during seasonal greening. Cold-induced upregulation of CsCBF2 expression and decreased chlorophyll and carotenoids under controlled climate conditions. Transient suppression of CsCBF2 by antisense oligodeoxynucleotides elevated expressions of target genes and increased chlorophylls and carotenoids. CBF-binding cis-elements were identified in CsRVE1, Protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase A (CsPORA) and CsZEP1 promoters. Luciferase assays suggested CsCBF2 binding to the CRT/DRE cis-elements and repressing expression of CsRVE1, CsPORA and CsZEP1. These findings highlight CsCBF2 as a key transcriptional repressor involved in the seasonal greening of albino ‘Baiye 1’ under cold stress by modulating cold responses and inhibiting genes associated with chlorophyll and carotenoid biosynthesis.
Association between blood group antigens ABO, Rh, Kell, Kidd, Duffy and MNS and clinical forms of Chagas disease
Authors: Vizzoni Alexandre G , da Costa Andréa Rodrigues , Hasslocher-Moreno Alejandro M , Mediano Mauro Felippe F , Saraiva Roberto M 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
The mechanisms that determine the progression to cardiac or digestive forms of chronic Chagas disease (CD) are still unclear. We assessed the association between blood group antigens ABO, Rh, Kell, Kidd, Duffy and MNS, and chronic CD clinical forms.

Methods
Patients were included consecutively between March 2013 and April 2016. Clinical and epidemiological data were obtained from electronic medical records and interviews. Classification of CD clinical forms followed the Brazilian Consensus on CD. The ID-Gel Card technology from Bio-Rad (Diamed/Bio-Rad Latin America, MG, Brazil) was used to analyze the blood group antigens.

Results
A total of 619 adult patients (56.9% women, mean age 60±12 y) were included. Patients’ clinical forms of CD were classified as follows: indeterminate 29.1%, cardiac 55.4%, digestive 5.5% and mixed 10.0%. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, comorbidities and time away from an endemic area revealed that the S+s- allele of the MNS blood type was associated with a lower odds of cardiac disease and that the B blood group type was associated with a higher odds of digestive disease. All other blood types did not have an association with CD clinical form.

Conclusions
Blood group systems ABO and MNS were associated with chronic CD clinical forms.
Randomized trial of BCG in healthcare workers to reduce absenteeism during the COVID-19 pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Silva I , Nhamússua L , Ca E , Schaltz-Buchholzer F , Nhama A , Cumbe M , Delgado A P , Lima Mendonça M L , Fontoura P , Sidat M , Ferrinho P , Araújo I I , Aide P , Benn C , Fronteira I , Nielsen S 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
We tested whether providing BCG vaccine to healthcare workers (HCWs) could reduce non-planned absenteeism and thereby reduce the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare systems in Africa.

Methods
We conducted a multicenter, single-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized trial in Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique between December 2020 and June 2022. Participants were randomized 1:1 to BCG vaccine or placebo (saline) and followed by biweekly telephone calls for 6 mo. The incidence of unplanned absenteeism due to illness was analyzed using Bayesian negative binomial regression yielding relative RRs. Secondary outcomes included infectious disease episodes, COVID-19 infection and all-cause hospitalizations.

Results
We enrolled 668 HCWs (Guinea-Bissau, n=503; Mozambique, n=165). The RR for absenteeism of BCG vs placebo was 1.29 (0.81 to 1.94) with comparable effects by country. No protection against infectious disease episodes (HR=1.18 [0.97 to 1.45]) or COVID-19 infection (HR=1.19 [0.80 to 1.75]) was observed. Two trial deaths (1 BCG, 1 control) were registered and nine admissions (3 BCG, 6 control), the all-cause admission HR being 0.51 (0.13 to 2.03).

Conclusions
With 64% of the planned sample size and unplanned absenteeism rates lower than expected, BCG did not reduce self-reported absenteeism due to illness. Rather, BCG tended to increase the risk of self-reported absenteeism, infectious disease episodes and COVID-19 infections.

Short summary
This was a randomized control trial assessing non-specific effects of BCG vaccination in healthcare workers. There was no beneficial effect on self-reported absenteeism due to illness within 6 mo of follow-up during the COVID-19 pandemic, but a trend towards fewer all-cause hospital admissions.
High‐molecular‐weight oligomer tau (HMWoTau) species are dramatically increased in Braak‐stage dependent manner in the frontal lobe of human brains, demonstrated by a novel oligomer Tau ELISA with a mouse monoclonal antibody (APNmAb005)
Authors: Fukumoto Hiroaki , Kao Tzu‐Huei , Tai Chin‐Yin , Jang Ming‐Kuei , Miyamoto Masaomi 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDisease‐specific oligomers Tau assay system is anticipated in Alzheimer disease (AD) to elucidate their etiological roles. We developed a highly sensitive and selective ELISA for high‐molecular‐weight oligomer tau (HMWoTau) with LLOQ of 0.3 pg/well for the first time, using a novel mouse monoclonal antibody APNmAb005. The target molecule was identified as HMWoTau with circa 2000 kD as a minimum size and the more oligomerized species (>5000 kD), in combination analysis with Size‐Exclusion‐Chromatography and Sucrose‐Density‐Gradient‐Centrifugation for both recombinant human (rh) Tau‐derived aggregates and AD brain‐lysates in PBS(−). HMWoTau was labeled by Thioflavin S and visualized as a homogeneous globular particle (about 30 nm in diameter) by two different technologies of atomic force microscopy and dSTORM‐Nanoimager. Specific quantitation was also confirmed by immune‐absorption, rhHMWoTau‐spiked, and cross‐reactivity studies. APNmAb005 failed to detect the HMWoTau signal by treatment with DTT/SDS under no influence on the pan‐tau antibody, indicating its conformation‐specific recognition. APNmAb005‐ELISA showed AD‐specific and statistically significant ELISA signals from 1 ng brain lysate protein/well. Analysis of the frontal neocortex (N = 40, Braak stage I–VI) by ELISA revealed the detection‐limit levels of HMWoTau species at stage I–III, and drastic and statistically significant increases at stage V/VI (AD). By contrast, total Tau and p181 Tau showed 1/4–1/5 levels of AD even at Stage I, while both tau species also showed a statistically significant increase in AD. In sum, our novel APNmAb005‐ELISA clarified the disease‐specific increase in HMWoTau species and will be useful for not only further etiological elucidation but also the potential diagnostics in AD and relevant tauopathy.
Effects of an Institute for Healthcare Improvement Course on Students’ Attitudes About Quality Improvement
Authors: Gaffney Mary Kathryn 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Despite nurse faculty efforts to cultivate attitudes related to safety and quality, practicing nurses often do not report errors or risk, suggesting the competency is underdeveloped. During a longitudinal, prospective study of four baccalaureate cohorts, students completed the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s Basic Certificate in Quality and Safety Course (BCQSC). BCQSC modules were embedded across the five-semester program. Quality improvement attitudes were measured using the Quality Improvement Nursing Attitude Survey in Semesters 1 and 5. A significant, positive relationship was observed between the BCQSC and student attitudes. The BCQSC fosters development of positive attitudes and student competency in quality and safety.
Social Determinants of Health and College Persistence Risk in Accelerated Undergraduate Nursing Students
Authors: Waletzko Clarissa Silva , Lopez Tracy , Villanueva Lizette 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Social determinants of health have been identified as factors influencing resilience, but little data exist regarding their influence on nursing students’ persistence to graduation. Nursing schools must address interventions to promote persistence. This nonexperimental quantitative study explored the impact of social determinants in prelicensure nursing. Nine social determinants were found to be significantly associated with six college persistence variables in nursing programs. Persistence findings showed that 31.6 percent of the participants did not graduate or did not graduate on time. Addressing risk factors related to social determinants of health may decrease the risk of attrition in nursing programs.
Unlocking Excellence: Improving Nursing Students’ Knowledge of Pressure Injury Prevention through an Escape Room Experience
Authors: Sengul Tuba , Kaya Nurten 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE
To determine if an escape room game approach, which has emerged as a novel and engaging education tool, is an effective method to improve nursing students’ knowledge of pressure injury (PI) prevention and attitudes toward the care of patients with a PI.

METHODS
This study evaluated 33 university nursing students using a quasi-experimental pretest/posttest design. Students completed five questionnaires before the escape room experience and again 1 month after.

RESULTS
After the intervention, the students’ mean scores on their self-reported PI knowledge level, Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Assessment Tool 2.0, Pressure Injuries Prevention Knowledge Questionnaire, and Attitude towards Pressure Ulcer Prevention Instrument all significantly increased (Ps < .001). Further, the mean score on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was significantly lower postintervention (P < .001), indicating decreased anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate that the escape room game approach is an effective method to improve nursing students’ knowledge of PI prevention and attitudes toward the care of patients with PIs. This method also improved students’ knowledge retention by promoting facilitated learning in solving complex cases.