bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perimetric visual field testing reveals deficits in contrast sensitivity in workers exposed to occupational levels of pesticides
Authors: Khuu Sieu K. , Rodríguez Martha Fabiola , Bernal‐Bechara Laila , Dussan Gerardo A. , He Rebecca Y. , Jiménez‐Barbosa Ingrid Astrid 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPurposeThis case–control study investigated whether defects in visual field contrast sensitivity are associated with exposure to occupational levels of pesticides in agricultural workers.MethodsTwenty‐seven individuals exposed to occupational levels of pesticides (exposed group) from 14 agricultural systems and 27 non‐exposed individuals (non‐exposed group) were measured using standard automated perimetry (30‐2 full threshold). Visual sector analysis, targeting regions of the optic nerve head, was performed to examine for potential region‐specific sensitivity differences. Participants also underwent comprehensive assessments, including general optometric examinations and demographic surveys. Symptoms and signs of neurotoxicity were assessed using the modified Q16 neurotoxic symptom questionnaire and biological testing for abnormal levels of Substance P in tears (an inflammatory marker associated with chemical exposure) and cholinesterase (which is inhibited by pesticides) in blood samples.ResultsSigns of chemical exposure were found as indicated by significantly higher levels of neurotoxic symptoms, higher concentrations of Substance P and lower levels of cholinesterase in the exposed group. Visual field global indices showed differences in contrast sensitivity between the exposed and non‐exposed groups, with the exposed group demonstrating significantly lower means and larger pattern‐standard deviations. Notably, visual field sector analysis revealed comparatively lower contrast sensitivity at nasal locations surrounding the optic nerve head in the exposed group.ConclusionThis study found deficits in visual field contrast sensitivity to be associated with pesticide exposure, and selective loss at nasal locations centred on the optic nerve head may indicate retinal toxicity. These findings suggest the utility of visual field assessment as a potential method to evaluate pesticide‐related health implications. The results highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and protective measures for agricultural workers exposed to pesticides to prevent potential visual and neurological damage.
Association of urinary eosinophilic protein X at age 3 years and subsequent persistence of wheezing and asthma diagnosis in adolescence
Authors: Oloyede Iso Precious , Ullah Anhar , Murray Clare S. , Fontanella Sara , Simpson Angela , Custovic Adnan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundWheezing is common in early life, but most children stop wheezing by school age. However, the prediction of course of wheezing through childhood is difficult.ObjectiveTo investigate whether urinary EPX (a marker of eosinophil activation) in children at age 3 years may be useful for the prediction of wheeze persistence and future asthma diagnosis.MethodsU‐EPX was measured at age 3 years (radioimmunoassay) in 906 participants in the population‐based birth cohort. Children attended follow‐ups to age 16 years. We investigate the discriminative ability of u‐EPX and other factors in predicting asthma diagnosis at age 16 using receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curves.ResultsOf 613 children with follow‐up information at age 16, 511 had data on u‐EPX at age 3 and asthma diagnosis at age 16 years; of those; 133 (21.7%) had asthma. Based on longitudinal data, children were assigned to wheeze clusters: No wheeze (NWZ), early transient (ETW), late‐onset (LOW), intermittent (INT) and persistent wheeze (PEW). U‐EPX levels differed significantly between different wheeze clusters (p = .003), with clusters characterised with persistent symptoms having higher u‐EPX. In the whole cohort, the best performing classification model for asthma diagnosis at age 16 years included sex, u‐EPX, sensitisation and wheeze (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.76–0.88). u‐EPX and allergic sensitisation alone had similar predictive power (AUC [95%CI]: 0.64 [0.58–0.71] and 0.65 [0.60–0.71]). The best performing classification model for asthma prediction among children with doctor‐confirmed wheeze in the first 3 years included child's u‐EPX and sensitisation at age 3 years, sex, gestational age and maternal atopy (AUC: 0.76, 95%CI: 0.67–0.85).ConclusionsEarly‐life u‐EPX may be a useful non‐invasive marker for asthma prediction in adolescence.
Lichen Planopilaris in Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Papierzewska Małgorzata , Waśkiel‐Burnat Anna , Rudnicka Lidia 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundLichen planopilaris (LPP) is the most common form of scarring alopecia in adults. The disease may also occur in children and adolescents. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate clinical, trichoscopic, and histopathologic features of pediatric LPP. Therapeutic management is also discussed.MethodsThe systematic review was performed according to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses (PRISMA) guidelines by searching PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO databases with the last search on June 18, 2024.ResultsA total of 12 studies including 20 children were analyzed. Male predominance was observed. The typical presentation of LPP in children included scarring, perifollicular erythema, scaling, and plugging; atrophy, and follicular hyperkeratotic papules, located most commonly in the vertex. The most common trichoscopic findings were scaling and blue‐gray dots, perifollicular erythema, and the absence of follicular ostia. Histopathological examination revealed perifollicular fibrosis, perifollicular interface lymphocytic inflammation, pigment incontinence, cytoid bodies, and scarring in the dermis. Complete or partial response was observed in children treated with topical, intralesional, and systemic corticosteroids, methotrexate, pioglitazone, and tocilizumab.ConclusionsLPP is a rare cause of scarring alopecia in children. The disease should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of patchy hair loss in children.
Genome‐wide association study of metabolic traits in the giant duckweed Spirodela polyrhiza
Authors: Höfer M. , Schäfer M. , Wang Y. , Wink S. , Xu S. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The exceptionally high growth rate and high flavonoid content make the giant duckweed Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleid. (Arales: Lemnaceae Martinov) an ideal organism for food production and metabolic engineering. To facilitate this, identification of the genetic basis underlying growth and metabolic traits is essential.
Here, we analysed growth and content of 42 metabolites in 137 S. polyrhiza genotypes and characterized the genetics underpinning these traits using a genome‐wide association (GWA) approach.
We found that biomass positively correlated with the content of many free amino acids, including L‐glutamine, L‐tryptophan, and L‐serine, but negatively correlated with specialized metabolites, such as flavonoids. GWA analysis showed that several candidate genes involved in processes such as photosynthesis, protein degradation, and organ development were jointly associated with multiple metabolic traits.
The results suggest the above genes are suitable targets for simultaneous optimization of duckweed growth and metabolite levels. This study provides insights into the metabolic diversity of S. polyrhiza and its underlying genetic architecture, paving the way for industrial applications of this plant via targeted breeding or genetic engineering.
Prevailing Party laws and general election outcomes
Authors: Grant Darren 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis article examines the incidence and effects of the most common ballot ordering procedure used in U.S. general elections, Prevailing Party laws, which give the most advantageous ballot position to the currently prevailing political party.MethodsPanel regression and regression discontinuity analyses are applied to almost 50 years of county‐level election data from Wyoming.ResultsPrevailing Party laws generally increase the favored candidate's vote share by two percentage points or more, enough to flip the result of roughly 1 percent of major elections nationwide.ConclusionsThe effect of Prevailing Party laws is substantially larger than that of more innocuous ballot ordering schemes, due to “endorsement effects” these other schemes lack. The existing literature, which exclusively analyzes these other schemes, substantially understates the degree to which ballot order can be used to maintain political power.
On the independence number of sparser random Cayley graphs
Authors: Campos Marcelo , Dahia Gabriel , Marciano João Pedro 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe Cayley sum graph of a set is defined to have vertex set and an edge between two distinct vertices if . Green and Morris proved that if the set is a ‐random subset of with , then the independence number of is asymptotically equal to with high probability. Our main theorem is the first extension of their result to : we show that, with high probability,
as long as .One of the tools in our proof is a geometric‐flavoured theorem that generalises Freĭman's lemma, the classical lower bound on the size of high‐dimensional sumsets. We also give a short proof of this result up to a constant factor; this version yields a much simpler proof of our main theorem at the expense of a worse constant.
Ferruginous hemeprotein HhuH facilitates the cadmium adsorption and chromium reduction in
Stenotrophomonas
sp. SY1
Authors: Zhou Zijie , Yu Hongbo , Liu Jiahui , Zhu Lin , Wang Gejiao , Shi Kaixiang 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) are frequently encountered toxicants, while iron (Fe) plays a crucial role in bacterial survival under conditions of heavy metal stress. However, intracellular Fe ion depletion by heavy metals leads to a state of Fe starvation. Therefore, it is imperative to investigate the mechanism through which bacteria maintain a balance between heavy metal detoxification and Fe homeostasis. This study demonstrates Cd(II) immobilization and Cr(VI) reduction abilities of
Stenotrophomonas
sp. SY1, while proteomics reveals the upregulation of heme metabolism in response to Cd(II) and Cr(VI) exposure. The expression of the heme-uptake system in
Escherichia coli
can enhance Cd(II) immobilization and facilitate Cr(VI) reduction. The ferruginous hemeprotein HhuH exhibits the ability to chelate Cd(II) and reduce Cr(VI). The presence of Cd(II) and Cr(VI) in strain SY1 initially led to Fe starvation. Subsequently, the hemeprotein HhuH facilitated Cd(II) adsorption and Cr(VI) reduction, thereby restoring normal cellular Fe homeostasis. Our findings explain the hemeprotein-mediated mechanism for Cd(II) adsorption and Cr(VI) reduction, providing further insights into the correlation between heavy metal and Fe metabolism.

IMPORTANCE
Iron (Fe) is an indispensable trace element for many organisms, and virtually, all bacteria require Fe as a cofactor in enzymes to facilitate redox reactions involved in fundamental cellular processes during periods of heavy metal stress. Understanding bacterial response to Fe in heavy metal contamination is essential. Therefore, our study elucidates Cd(II) adsorption and Cr(VI) reduction processes mediated by the Fe-bearing hemeprotein HhuH. It is a unique trifunctional protein capable of chelating Cd(II) and reducing Cr(VI), demonstrating significant potential in the environmental remediation of heavy metals.
Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) plus platinum and gemcitabine as first-line treatment of recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (PIPER): a phase 2, multicentre, single-arm protocol study in Malaysia
Authors: Cheong Sok Ching , Selvam Bawani , Ho Gwo Fuang , Muhamad Nor Ibtisam , Tan Chih Kiang , Wong Yoke Fui , Teo Soo Hwang , Lim Kue Peng , Chai Annie Wai Yeeng , Yahya Abqariyah , Wan Ishak Wan Zamaniah 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionTreatment combination of pembrolizumab plus platinum and 5-fluorouracil (PF) has increased the survival of recurrent or metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The combination of platinum and gemcitabine (PG) has been shown to be superior to PF in the treatment of R/M nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients. Therefore, we hypothesise that the combination of pembrolizumab with PG would be comparable to pembrolizumab with PF as a first-line treatment in R/M HNSCC.Methods and analysisThis is an open-label, multicentre, single-arm, phase 2 study of pembrolizumab plus PG for first-line treatment in subjects with R/M HNSCC in Malaysia. The study is conducted using the Optional Simon optimal 2-stage design. At the initial stage, 26 subjects will be enrolled and if seven or more patients achieve an objective response rate (ORR), then 63 patients will be enrolled. Subjects will be given pembrolizumab 200 mg3every 3 weeks up to 35 cycles in combination with chemotherapy for up to six cycles of platinum (either cisplatin at 35 mg/m2intravenous on day 1 and day 8 or carboplatin at area under the curve 5 intravenous on day 1 of each 3-week cycle) and gemcitabine at 1250 mg/m2intravenous on days 1 and 8 of a 3-week cycle. The primary end point is the ORR as per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1. Secondary end points include the overall survival, progression free survival, response duration and safety. The exploratory objectives include relationships of microbiome profiles, prognostic and predictive biomarkers with the clinical responses.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the ethics committee of the University Malaya Medical Centre (202213–10884). Findings will be disseminated through conference presentations and peer review publications.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrial.gov);NCT05286619.
Is flat rate pricing for unlimited alcohol consumption associated with problematic alcohol consumption patterns? A cross-sectional study with the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey
Authors: Wakabayashi Mami , Kinjo Aya , Sugiyama Yoshifumi , Takada Midori , Iso Hiroyasu , Tabuchi Takahiro 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivesThis study investigates the relationship between flat rate pricing for unlimited alcohol consumption in restaurants and bar and problematic alcohol consumption patterns identified by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Japan Society and New Tobacco Internet Survey in February 2022. A total of 19 585 current drinkers (55% of drinkers were men, and the mean age was 48.3 years) were categorised based on AUDIT scores; non-problem drinking (an AUDIT Score of 0–7), problem drinking (an AUDIT Score of 8 or over), hazardous alcohol use (an AUDIT Score of 8–14) and probable alcohol use disorders (an AUDIT Score of 15 or over). A score of 2 or higher in the third question of the AUDIT is identified as binge drinking. The explanatory variable was the presence of using flat rate pricing for unlimited alcohol consumption in the previous 12 months during the COVID-19 pandemic (February 2021 to February 2022). The associations of using the flat rate pricing with the problem or binge drinking, and with hazardous alcohol use or probable alcohol use disorders were analysed.ResultsPeople who used flat rate pricing during the COVID-19 pandemic were likely to be problem drinking and binge drinking compared with non-users of flat rate pricing; the respective adjusted ORs were 4.64 (95% CI: 4.24 to 5.07) and 3.65 (95% CI: 3.33 to 4.00) through multivariable binary logistic regression. The users of the flat rate pricing were associated with hazardous alcohol use and probable alcohol use disorder; the adjusted relative risk ratios were 3.40 (95% CI: 3.06 to 3.77) and 8.58 (95% CI: 7.51 to 9.80) through multinomial logistic regression.ConclusionsOverall, using flat rate pricing for unlimited alcohol consumption was associated with both binge drinking and problem drinking, including hazardous alcohol use and probable alcohol use disorders.
Assessment of cognitive function after surgery for colorectal cancer—a scoping review
Authors: Ehrencrona Carolina , Levenskog Rebecka , Angenete Eva 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveColorectal cancer is primarily treated with surgery. Major surgery and older age are risk factors associated with postoperative decline in cognitive function. In clinical research, a wide range of instruments have been used to assess cognitive function. There are no clear criteria for the measurement of postoperative cognitive dysfunction. This scoping review aimed to map how and when cognitive function has been assessed after surgery for colorectal cancer and the reported incidence of postoperative cognitive decline.DesignSystematic scoping review following the JBI approach.Data sourcesScopus and PubMed. Last search January 2023.Eligibility criteriaReports with outcomes of postoperatively assessed cognitive function in colorectal cancer patients with first assessment within 1 year of surgery were included.Data extraction and synthesisData were extracted by one researcher and controlled for accuracy by a second researcher. Data were summarised in tables and charts.ResultsIn total, 49 reports were included (16 clinical trials, 33 cohort studies). Cognitive function was assessed with patient-reported outcome measures, clinical screening tools, neurophysiological testing and complication classification. The definition was most often related to the specific instrument, as predefined cut-off or change from baseline. Assessments were performed between 1 hour and 36 months after surgery—few reports included follow-up both within and after 30 days postoperatively. Incidence of cognitive decline varied considerably (0%–64%), depending on the instrument, definition criteria and time of assessment. Most studies reported a decline in cognitive function after surgery with recovery during follow-up.ConclusionsThis study showed a heterogeneity in the choice of assessment method and measurement criteria for cognitive dysfunction after colorectal cancer surgery. A more unified measurement approach in further research would be beneficial to evaluate postoperative cognitive function and understand its impact on the daily lives of patients with colorectal cancer.Trial registration number10.17605/OSF.IO/2M3DT.
Interventions for HIV prevention and treatment among people of Haitian descent: a scoping review
Authors: Sternberg Candice Aurelus , Larson Michaela E , Chavez Jennifer V , Beauvoir Maika , Modi Shayla Parekh , Dale Sannisha K , Behar-Zusman Victoria 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundPeople of Haitian descent were initially blamed as a cause of the HIV epidemic. Although progress has been made, people of Haitian descent have been disproportionately affected by both HIV and HIV stigma.ObjectiveThis scoping review aimed to assess publications focused on interventional HIV research with Haitian and Haitian-descent populations, particularly studies involving HIV prevention and treatment.Eligibility criteriaThe eligibility criteria for this scoping review were broad and included HIV prevention and/or treatment interventions that focused on people of Haitian descent. There were no date or language restrictions. We excluded review articles, opinions, editorials, supplement letters, withdrawn articles and viewpoints.Sources of evidenceFor the purposes of this scoping review, eight bibliographic databases were searched: PubMed, Embase, Medline, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, PsychINFO and CINAHL.Charting methodsThe entire data charting process, from review of titles and abstracts, full-text review and data extraction for relevant articles was conducted in Covidence.ResultsOur review found that there were limited studies regarding Haitian populations. Of the 575 articles found, 39 were included in this review. Most of the included studies focused on women of Haitian descent and were conducted in Haiti. Furthermore, few studies focused on adolescents, and most studies did not leverage community-based participatory research strategies.ConclusionTo address HIV-related health disparities among people of Haitian descent, new, research-based and community-based strategies are critically needed.
Impact of provincial economic development levels on public–private hospital co-development in China: an empirical analysis
Authors: Xu Zhihao , Tan Jialong , Nicholas Stephen , Maitland Elizabeth , Meng Zehua , Han Xinru , Wang Jian 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionThe co-development of public–private hospitals in China’s healthcare system significantly influences the system’s service utilisation, but the public–private hospital interaction is poorly understood. Bridging this knowledge gap is crucial for informed policy-making and promoting a more balanced healthcare system. This study measures China’s public–private hospital co-development and the impact of provincial and regional economic development levels on public–private hospital co-development.MethodsWe use service utilisation, a comprehensive measure of resource allocation, service capacity and service efficiency, to assess the co-development of China’s public and private hospitals. Using the coupling coordination degree model, a novel approach borrowed from physics, we measured the degree of interaction between the public and private pillars of China’s hospital system. Second, we measured the relationship between the degree of private–public hospital interaction and the level of provincial–regional economic development, including provincial direct and spillover effects. Data were collected on 2011–2021 service utilisation across 31 Chinese provinces. Fixed-effect models and the spatial Durbin model estimated the direct and spillover effects between the coupling coordination degree and the level of provincial economic development.ResultsWe found that national, regional and provincial service utilisation in private hospitals expanded, while service utilisation remained constant in public hospitals. China’s private–public hospital co-development improved from the ‘barely co-developed’ (0.696 in 2011) to the ‘partially co-developed’ level (0.752 in 2021) in the public–private transitional co-development stage. We identified significant regional heterogeneity, with the eastern region co-development slightly better than the central region and both substantially better than the western region. There was also significant provincial heterogeneity. Increases in regional and provincial economic development promoted the service utilisation of private hospitals, improving the balanced co-development of public–private hospitals in the home and adjacent provinces (p<0.05).ConclusionsTo improve the co-development of public–private hospitals and avoid regional imbalances, regional and provincial hospital policies and regulations should be coordinated and equitable; private hospitals should cooperate with public hospitals through their professional management teams and medical equipment sharing to equalise medical resource allocations; and regional economic disparities should be addressed.