bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mycological evaluation of the visible deterioration symptoms on the Spectatius family marble tomb (Slovenia)
Authors: Kosel Janez , Tomšič Nejc , Mlakar Mojca , Žbona Nina , Ropret Polonca 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Our objective, as part of the planned conservation work, was to identify culturable fungi related to the formation of various deterioration symptoms occurring on the Spectatius family marble tomb, the largest monument of the Roman Necropolis in Šempeter, Slovenia. By using fluorescent microscopy, microbial cultivation methods and standard DNA sequencing we were able to identify 21 fungal isolates, 16 being filamentous moulds, primarily dominated by xerophilic Cladosporium spp. (mainly Cladosporium langeronii RN 28) and some Alternaria species; and 5 yeast or yeast like species namely Torula fici, Filobasidium wieringae, Rhodotorula babjevae and Blastobotrys peoriensis. Locations on the tomb, which are well sheltered against rainfall, contained higher concentrations of xerophilic fungi to those, which are completely or partially exposed to rain. The black fungal species of Cladosporium spp. and Alternaria spp. formed the bulk of melanized-greyish patina present on the bottom reliefs and within the cracks of the inner dome of the Spectacius tomb. Moreover, the red coloured yeast R. babjevae caused a thick red pigmentation right under the top roof of the monument’s left side. The obtained results indicated that not only moulds but also yeasts can cause significant biodeterioration. Lastly we isolated indigenous mycoparasitic strains of F. wieringae (RN 37 and RN 38) that could potentially be used in biocontrol formulations applicable in situ for the sustainable preservation of the Spectatius family tomb monument.
Clinical significance of visual cardiac 18F-FDG uptake in advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Hashimoto Kosuke , Kaira Kyoichi , Imai Hisao , Yamaguchi Ou , Mouri Atsuto , Shiono Ayako , Miura Yu , Kobayashi Kunihiko , Kagamu Hiroshi , Kuji Ichiei 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Two-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18]-fluoro-d-glucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) is useful for detecting malignant lesions; however, the clinical significance of cardiac 18F-FDG uptake in patients with cancer remains unclear. This preliminary study explored the relationship between cardiac 18F-FDG uptake and advanced diseases such as cancer cachexia in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods
Forty-three patients with advanced NSCLC who underwent 18F-FDG PET and complained of weight loss before the first-line systemic therapy were retrospectively included in this study. Visual assessment using a 5-point scale based on 18F-FDG uptake was performed; a cut-off score of 3 was determined, a low score was 1, 2, or 3, and a high score was 4 or 5).

Results
High and low visual cardiac 18F-FDG uptakes were observed in 27 (62.8%) and 16 (37.2%) patients, respectively. Of the 43 patients, 17 (39.5%) definitely had cachexia, and 26 (60.5%) did not. A low visual score and standardized uptake valuemax for cardiac 18F-FDG uptake were significantly associated with high metabolic tumor activity (p = 0.009, and p = 0.009, respectively) and a high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.016, and p = 0.047, respectively), whereas a low visual score for cardiac 18F-FDG uptake and high metabolic tumor activity were significantly associated with cachexia (p = 0.004). The amount of cardiac 18F-FDG accumulation depicted a close relationship with body mass index, low weight loss, and inflammation. The combination of cachexia and low visual cardiac 18F-FDG uptake was identified as a significant predictor for poor overall survival (OS) (p = 0.034).

Conclusion
Decreased visual cardiac 18F-FDG uptake was associated with poor nutritional status and OS, and cachexia in patients with advanced NSCLC.
Selenium alters the gene content but not the taxonomic composition of the soil microbiome
Authors: Bennett Alison E. , Kelsey Scott , Saup Casey , Wilkins Mike , Malacrinò Antonino 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Microbiomes, essential to ecosystem processes, face strong selective forces that can drive rapid evolutionary adaptation. However, our understanding of evolutionary processes within natural systems remains limited. We investigated evolution in response to naturally occurring selenium in soils of different geological parental materials on the Western Slope of Colorado. Our study focused on examining changes in gene frequencies within microbial communities in response to selenium exposure.

Results
Despite expectations of taxonomic composition shifts and increased gene content changes at high-selenium sites, we found no significant alterations in microbial diversity or community composition. Surprisingly, we observed a significant increase in differentially abundant genes within high-selenium sites.

Conclusions
These findings are suggestive that selection within microbiomes primarily drives the accumulation of genes among existing microbial taxa, rather than microbial species turnover, in response to strong stressors like selenium. Our study highlights an unusual system that allows us to examine evolution in response to the same stressor annually in a non-model system, contributing to understanding microbiome evolution beyond model systems.
Coulomb impurities in graphene driven by fast ions
Authors: Rakhmanov Saparboy , Egger Reinhold , Jumanazarov Doniyor , Matrasulov Davron 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
We provide a theoretical model for electronic transitions in a two-dimensional (2D) artificial atom in a graphene monolayer. The artificial atom is due to the presence of a charged adatom (Coulomb impurity) in the layer and interacts with a fast ultrarelativistic ion moving parallel to the layer. We compute the probability and cross-sections for the corresponding electronic transitions by means of an exact solution of the time-dependent 2D Dirac equation describing the interaction of the planar atom with the electromagnetic field of the ultrarelativistic projectile.
Association Between Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Exposures and Thyroid Homeostasis Parameters
Authors: Yu Xinwen , Liu Yufei , Wang Meiying , Jia Peng , Yang Shuo , Sun Fei , Jin Yuxin , Wang Xin , Guo Zixin , Zhao Guohong , Gao Bin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Context
Prevailing studies have shown the disruption effect of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on thyroid homeostasis. However, most studies have focused on individual thyroid hormones.

Objective
To explore the associations between PFAS exposures and thyroid homeostasis parameters.

Methods
A total of 2386 adults from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2008 and 2011-2012) were included. Thyroid homeostasis parameters included central and peripheral thyroid hormone sensitivity, calculated by thyroid hormones. Multivariable survey-weighted linear regressions were performed to determine the association between PFAS exposure and thyroid homeostasis parameters. The weighted quantile sum (WQS) and the quantile g-computation (QGC) models were used to estimate the mixed effects of coexposures to PFAS.

Results
The ratio of free T3/free T4 (FT3/FT4) and the sum activity of peripheral deiodinases (SPINA-GD) were positively associated with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, perfluorononanoic acid, and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid, respectively. However, no significant associations were observed between PFAS exposure and central thyroid sensitivity parameters. PFAS coexposure was positively associated with FT3/FT4 (β = 0.013, P &lt; .001) and SPINA-GD (β = 1.230, P &lt; .001) in WQS models. Consistently, PFAS concentrations per quantile were linked to an increase in FT3/FT4 (β = 0.004, P = .002) and SPINA-GD (β = 0.392, P = .008) in QGC models, with PFOA having the highest weight in all models.

Conclusion
This study revealed that PFAS exposures may affect peripheral thyroid hormone sensitivity instead of central among US general adults, enhancing our understanding of the correlation between PFAS exposure and thyroid hormones and providing insights into potential health implications.
Clinical and Sonographic Differences Between RET Fusion-positive and BRAFV600E in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Zixian , Sun Wenyu , Fei Mengjia , Qian Kai , Shi Yuan , Guo Kai , Wang Zhuoying 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to describe the ultrasound characteristics of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) harboring RET gene fusion and explore its clinical significance.

Methods
A retrospective study was conducted on 209 patients with PTC diagnosed between August 2021 and January 2024. All patients underwent ultrasound examination and were confirmed to be positive for RET fusion or BRAFV600E by pathological results. The differences in clinical characteristics and ultrasonography features between the 2 groups were analyzed.

Results
Among all PTCs (n = 209), we detected 30 RET fusions and 179 BRAFV600E. RET-fusion PTCs showed younger age [38.5 (16.0-69.0) vs 42.9 (20.0-74.0) years, P &lt; .05], larger tumor size [1.09 (0.5-4.0) vs 0.77 (0.1-4.0) cm, P &lt; .005], and more advanced N stage (P &lt; .001) than BRAFV600E PTCs. RET-fusion PTCs were mainly classical and diffuse sclerosing subtypes. In terms of ultrasound performance, RET-fusion PTCs were mainly manifested as heterogeneous echogenicity (43.3%), ill-defined tumor margin (90.0%), irregular shape (83.3%), and intranodular microcalcification (83.3%), characterized by scattered microcalcification around the tumor/within thyroid gland (40.0%). In comparison, BRAFV600E PTCs were mainly characterized by hypoechogenicity (95.5%), round/oval shape (80.4%), and intranodular noncalcification (54.2%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that scattered microcalcification around the tumor/within the normal gland was an independent risk factor for lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM) in RET-fusion PTCs (odds ratio 9.79, 95% confidence interval 1.31-72.93, P = .026).

Conclusion
Patients diagnosed with PTC harboring RET fusion presented with distinctive clinical characteristics and sonographic patterns, underscoring the unique diagnostic value of ultrasound examination. It can provide a preoperative noninvasive primary screening method for RET-fusion diagnosis, thus facilitating targeted patients with purposeful molecular sequencing to improve treatment outcomes.
Increased Risk of Fracture Among Patients With Iron Overload: A Population-based Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Burden Andrea Michelle , Martinez-De la Torre Adrian , Burkard Theresa , Immoos Maria , Hofbauer Lorenz Christian , Steinbicker Andrea Ulrike , Rauner Martina 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Iron overloading disorders are associated with decreased bone mineral density. However, evidence on fracture risk is scarce. Therefore, we evaluated the risk of fracture associated with iron overload disorders compared to matched controls.

Methods
Using The Healthcare Improvement Network, a Cegedim database of UK general practice data, we identified patients &gt;18 years with elevated iron (ferritin value &gt;1000 µg/L) or an eligible diagnosis code for iron overloading disorders between 2010 and 2022. The first date of elevated iron or a diagnosis code defined the index date for iron overload patients, who were matched with up to 10 controls. Time-varying confounder-adjusted Cox proportional hazard models estimated the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals. Analyses were stratified by osteoporotic fracture site (hip, vertebral, humerus, forearm) and evidence of elevated serum ferritin at baseline (ferritin &gt;1000 µg/L), and sex.

Results
We identified 20 264 eligible patients and 192 956 controls. Overall, there was a 55% increased risk of any fracture among iron overload patients (HR 1.55 [1.42-1.68]). Fracture risk was increased at all sites, with the highest risk observed for vertebral fractures (HR 1.97 [1.63-2.10]). Patients with ferritin &gt;1000 µg/L had a 91% increased risk of any fracture (HR 1.91 [1.73-2.16]) and a 2.5-fold increased risk of vertebral fractures (HR 2.51 [2.01-3.12]). There was no increased risk among patients without elevated serum ferritin at any site. Fracture risk was similar between sexes.

Discussion
This large population-based cohort study found a 55% increased risk of fracture associated with iron overload. The risk was highest among patients with laboratory-confirmed iron overload, highlighting the importance for clinicians to consider initiating osteoporosis therapy in patients with serum ferritin &gt;1000 µg/L to minimize fracture risk.
Glycemic Control and Adult Height: A Nationwide Swedish Cohort Study on Childhood Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Smew Awad I , Lundholm Cecilia , Gong Tong , Lichtenstein Paul , Sävendahl Lars , Almqvist Catarina 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Context
Normal growth throughout childhood and adolescence is considered an indicator of adequate glycaemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes. While it has been suggested that growth in type 1 diabetes is reduced, the literature is conflicting and differences in final adult height and the risk of short stature depending on glycaemic control remain largely unexplored.

Objective
This work aims to assess adult height outcomes across levels of glycemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes, as well as to investigate the effect of sex, age at disease onset, and timing of glycemic control in relation to puberty.

Methods
In this population-based Swedish cohort study, we collected data on glycemic control and height from specialist health-care visits of all individuals with childhood-onset type 1 diabetes in the National Diabetes Register. Using linear and logistic regression, we compared suboptimal (glycated hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] 53-75 mmol/mol [7.0-9.0%]) and poor (HbA1c &gt; 75 mmol/mol [&gt;9.0%]) to optimal (HbA1c &lt; 53 mmol/mol [&lt;7.0%]) glycemic control in relation to final adult height and the risk of short stature.

Results
Poor glycemic control was associated with lower final adult height (−2.91 cm [95% CI, –3.48 to −2.33] for males, −1.83 cm [−2.42 to −1.23] for females) as well as a higher risk of short stature in males (odds ratio 1.90 [1.07-3.35]) but not in females (0.73 [0.36-1.51]). For females, adult height was lower only among those with type 1 diabetes since before puberty and if the poor glycemic control occurred before puberty. For males, adult height was lower irrespective of their age at diabetes onset, but only if they had poor glycemic control during or after puberty.

Conclusion
Poor glycemic control after the onset of type 1 diabetes, compared to optimal control, is associated with lower adult height in males and females. The prepubertal period seems to be more critical for females than males.
Comparison of Efficacy of Romosozumab With Denosumab and Risedronate in Patients Newly Initiating Glucocorticoid Therapy
Authors: Kawazoe Mai , Kaneko Kaichi , Masuoka Shotaro , Yamada Soichi , Yamada Zento , Muraoka Sei , Furukawa Karin , Sato Hiroshi , Watanabe Eri , Koshiba Keiko , Irita Izumi , Kanaji Miwa , Sugihara Takahiko , Nishio Junko , Nanki Toshihiro 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Context
Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is one of the pathogenic mechanisms of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP). We previously reported the potential of inhibiting sclerostin as a treatment for GIOP.

Objective
To compare the efficacy of romosozumab (ROMO), a monoclonal antibody against sclerostin, with existing therapy for GIOP.

Methods
Patients with rheumatic diseases who had not previously received treatment for osteoporosis and were newly treated with prednisolone 15 mg/day or more were randomly assigned to receive ROMO, denosumab (DMAb), or bisphosphonates (BP). After the initiation of glucocorticoid therapy, we measured the bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip every 6 months and bone turnover markers every 3 months for 12 months.

Results
Eleven patients were assigned to the ROMO group, 14 to the DMAb group, and 14 to the BP group. The median [25th to 75th percentile] percent change in lumbar spine BMD from baseline at 12 months was the greatest in the ROMO group (ROMO: 8.6 [3.1-12.4]%, DMAb: 3.3 [1.5-6.2]%, BP: −0.4 [−3.4-1.1]%). Among bone formation markers, serum levels of bone alkaline phosphatase were slightly elevated in the ROMO group, whereas those of N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen and osteocalcin decreased in all 3 groups; however, these changes were smaller in the ROMO group. Serum levels of bone resorption markers and a urine bone quality marker decreased in all groups.

Conclusion
Treatment with ROMO significantly increased lumbar spine BMD in glucocorticoid-treated patients, suggesting that ROMO is effective for GIOP.

Clinical trial number
UMIN000037239
Comparison of Phenylephrine Bolus and Infusion Regimens on Maternal and Fetal Outcomes During Cesarean Delivery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Garg Heena , Narayanan M R. Vishnu , Khanna Puneet , Yalla Bharat 
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND:
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to compare phenylephrine boluses versus prophylactic infusion in parturients undergoing cesarean delivery under spinal or combined spinal-epidural anesthesia on feto-maternal outcomes.

METHODS:
Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and US Clinical registry databases were searched. Studies comparing phenylephrine boluses (both therapeutic and prophylactic) with infusion (both fixed- and variable-rate) assessing various feto-maternal outcomes were included. The primary outcome was the incidence of maternal hypotension. Secondary maternal outcomes included the incidence of reactive hypertension, bradycardia, nausea, or vomiting; secondary neonatal outcomes included umbilical arterial pH, partial pressure of oxygen (paO2), umbilical venous pH, fetal acidosis, Apgar Scores at 1 and 5 minutes. All outcomes were quantitatively analyzed using the random effects model. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration R0B 2.0 tool.

RESULTS:
We included 15 studies with 2153 parturients. The parturients receiving phenylephrine bolus during cesarean delivery under spinal or combined spinal-epidural anesthesia had a significant increase in the incidence of predelivery hypotension compared to phenylephrine infusion (risk ratio [RR], 2.34, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.72–3.18). Reactive hypertension (RR, 0.48, 95% CI, 0.29–0.79) and bradycardia (RR, 0.57, 95% CI, 0.41–0.79) were less common in the parturients receiving phenylephrine bolus; whereas, vomiting (RR, 2.15, 95% CI, 1.53–3.03) was more common compared to the infusion group. No statistically significant difference was observed in the incidence of nausea or any fetal outcomes (umbilical artery pH, paO2, umbilical venous pH, fetal acidosis, and Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes) between either of the groups. Three studies had a high risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS:
A prophylactic phenylephrine infusion significantly reduces the incidence of predelivery hypotension in parturients undergoing cesarean delivery under neuraxial anesthesia in comparison to the therapeutic or prophylactic phenylephrine bolus group. A prophylactic phenylephrine infusion may be considered in all parturients without preexisting hypertensive disorder or cardiovascular disorders to reduce the risk of predelivery hypotension. More evidence is needed to guide optimal hemodynamic management for patients with hypertensive or cardiovascular disorders.
Clinical Evaluation of the NaviNetics Stereotactic System Using Intraoperative Portable Surgical Imaging System in DBS Surgery
Authors: Shin Jee Won , Scheitler Kristen M. , Sharaf Basel , Mandybur Ian , Hussein Sara , Klassen Bryan T. , Gregg Nick , Grewal Sanjeet S. , Miller Kai J. , Shin Hojin , Chang Jin-Woo , Oh Yoonbae , Vansickle David , Lee Kendall H. 
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:A typical workflow for deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery consists of head frame placement, followed by stereotactic computed tomography (CT) or MRI before surgical implantation of the hardware. At some institutions, this workflow is prolonged when the imaging scanner is located far away from the operating room, thereby increasing workflow times by the addition of transport times. Recently, the intraoperative O-arm has been shown to provide accurate image fusion with preoperative CT or MR imaging, suggesting the possibility of obtaining an intraoperative localization scan and postoperative confirmation. In this article, we aim to evaluate the compatibility of the stereotactic frame system with the intraoperative O-arm system regarding lead accuracy and surgical flow.METHODS:A total of 17 patients undergoing DBS surgery for movement disorders were evaluated. One patient underwent both the stereotactic CT and O-arm localization, while 16 patients underwent only intraoperative O-arm localization. Following lead placement, intraoperative O-arm imaging was obtained to evaluate the accuracy of the lead placement. Accuracy was defined as the error measured as the distance from the center of the planned trajectory to the cannula.RESULTS:Less than 0.1 mm difference was found between the O-arm imaging technique and CT image localization of the NaviNetics stereotactic head frame in DBS surgery. Of the 16 patients who underwent the intraoperative O-arm imaging alone, the targets included bilateral ventral intermediate nucleus (16 leads), bilateral globus pallidus internus (4 leads), and subthalamic nucleus (12 leads). The mean ± SD radial error in the probe's eye view was 0.71 ± 0.33 mm for n = 32 leads. No tract hemorrhage was observed.CONCLUSION:Intraoperative O-arm imaging can be used safely and effectively for stereotactic registration and lead placement confirmation with the stereotactic system in both awake and asleep DBS surgery.
Early autonomous patterning of the anteroposterior axis in gastruloids
Authors: Anlaş Kerim , Gritti Nicola , Nakaki Fumio , Salamó Palau Laura , Tlili Sham Leilah , Oriola David , Arató Krisztina , Le Lim Jia , Sharpe James , Trivedi Vikas 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT
Minimal in vitro systems composed of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have been shown to recapitulate the establishment of the anteroposterior (AP) axis. In contrast to the native embryo, ESC aggregates – such as gastruloids – can break symmetry, which is demarcated by polarization of the mesodermal marker T, autonomously without any localized external cues. However, associated earliest patterning events, such as the spatial restriction of cell fates and concomitant transcriptional changes, remain poorly understood. Here, we dissect the dynamics of AP axis establishment in mouse gastruloids, particularly before external Wnt stimulation. Through single-cell RNA sequencing, we identify key cell state transitions and the molecular signatures of T+ and T− populations underpinning AP polarization. We also show that this process is robust to modifications of aggregate size. Finally, transcriptomic comparison with the mouse embryo indicates that gastruloids develop similar mesendodermal cell types, despite initial differences in their primed pluripotent populations, which adopt a more mesenchymal state in lieu of an epiblast-like transcriptome. Hence, our findings suggest the possibility of alternate ESC states in vivo and in vitro that can converge onto similar cell fates.