bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effectiveness of Nonsurgical Interventions for Weight Loss Maintenance in Adults: An Updated, GRADE-Assessed Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Ghoreishy Seyed Mojtaba , Noormohammadi Morvarid , Zeraattalab-Motlagh Sheida , Shoaibinobarian Nargeskhatoon , Hasan Rashedi Minoo , Movahed Samira , Hemmati Amirhossein , Nazarian Amirhossein , Fernandez Maria Luz , Shidfar Farzad 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Context
Today, there are many discussions about the best way to maintain weight and prevent weight regain after a period of weight loss.

Objectives
The aim of this study was to summarize, based on data from randomized clinical trials (RCTs), the impact of nonsurgical interventions for adults’ weight loss maintenance.

Data Sources
The Medline (PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science databases were reviewed during June 2023.

Data Extraction
Meta-analyses assessing the impacts of nonsurgical interventions for weight loss maintenance were conducted. Effect sizes of nutritional interventions were recalculated by applying a random-effects model. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework was implemented to determine evidence certainty.

Results
Meta-analysis of data from a total of 56 RCTs (n = 13 270 participants) represented a significant weight reduction after behavior and lifestyle interventions (mean difference [MD], –0.64 kg [95% CI, –1.18 to –0.09]; I2 = 89.5%; P &lt; .001 for heterogeneity). Pharmacological interventions had also a significant effect on weight change during the weight maintenance phase (MD, –2.57 kg [95% CI, –3.12 to –2.02]; I2 = 91.6%; P &lt; .001 for heterogeneity). The weight loss reduction from pharmacological interventions was greater with sibutramine (MD, –2.57; 95% CI: –3.12 to –2.02). Additionally, diet intervention and dietary and physical activity strategies were associated with a negligible trending decrease in weigh regain (respectively: MD, –0.91 kg [95% CI, –2.18 to 0.36], I2 = 55.7%, P = .016 for heterogeneity; and MD, –0.3 kg [95% CI, –4.13 to 3.52], I2 =  94.1%, P &lt; .001).

Conclusion
The findings of this review indicate there is a favorable impact of behavior-based interventions and antiobesity medications on weight maintenance.

Systematic Review Registration
PROSPERO registration no CRD42023468056.
Jewish Networks Between The Persian Gulf and Palestine, 1820–1914
Authors: Kvindesland Eirik 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Thousands of Jews moved from Qajar Iran and Ottoman Iraq to the Persian Gulf ports during the long nineteenth century. Attracted by colonial trade and British patronage, they formed communities on the Gulf littorals and expanded their social and economic networks across the sea. At the same time, modern transportation connected the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, enabling collective long-distance migration. This allowed Gulf Jews to imagine Jerusalem as a worldly and reachable city, making it home to a budding Persian Jewish community from the 1880s. This article traces these migrations between 1820 and 1914 through a reading of the Hebrew travelogues of migrating Persian rabbis alongside imperial records written by British, Ottoman and Qajar officials. By moving through four different cities, Shiraz and Bushehr in Iran, Bahrain off the Gulf’s Arab shore, and Jerusalem in Ottoman Palestine, it shows how Jews settled the Gulf coasts while incorporating Jerusalem into an oceanic Jewish network. Visualized in this way, the migration of Gulf Jews contributes to redefining Middle Eastern Jewish geographies while establishing a dialogue between Jewish history and transregional histories of the Persian Gulf.
The effects of instrumental deadtime on NICER timing products
Authors: Webbe Robbie , Young A J 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The X-ray timing instrument as part of the neutron star interior composition explorer has the potential to examine the time-domain properties of compact objects in regimes not explored by previous timing instruments, due to its combination of high effective area and timing resolution. We consider the effects of instrumental deadtime at a range of effective countrates in a series of observations of the X-ray binary GX 339-4 to determine what effect deadtime has on photometric and Fourier frequency-domain products. We find that there are no significant inconsistencies across the functional detectors in the instrument, and that in the regimes where instrumental deadtime is a limiting factor on observations that previous approaches to dealing with deadtime, as applied to RXTE and other detectors, are still appropriate, and that performing deadtime corrections to light curves before creating Fourier products are not necessary at the count rates considered in our analysis.
Mycophenolate mofetil directly modulates myeloid viability and pro-fibrotic activation of human macrophages
Authors: Morris Emily A , Parvizi Rezvan , Orzechowski Nicole M , Whitfield Michael L , Pioli Patricia A 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is an immunosuppressant used to treat rheumatological diseases, including systemic sclerosis (SSc). While MMF is an established inhibitor of lymphocyte proliferation, recent evidence suggests MMF also mediates effects on other cell types. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of MMF on monocytes and macrophages, which have been implicated in SSc pathogenesis.

Methods
Human monocyte–derived macrophages were cultured with the active MMF metabolite, mycophenolic acid (MPA), and assessed for changes in viability and immuno-phenotype. Guanosine supplementation studies were performed to determine whether MPA-mediated effects were dependent on de novo purine synthesis. The ability of MPA-treated macrophages to induce fibroblast activation was evaluated, and dermal myeloid expression signatures were analysed in MMF-treated SSc patients.

Results
MPA reduced viability and induced apoptosis in monocytes and macrophages at doses (average IC50 = 1.15 µg/ml) within the target serum concentration of MMF-treated SSc patients (1–3 µg/ml). These effects were reversed by guanosine supplementation. Low-dose MPA (0.5 µg/ml) attenuated IL-4 or SSc plasma-mediated macrophage activation, and inhibited the ability of SSc plasma-activated macrophages to induce SSc fibroblast activation. Gene expression studies demonstrated significant reductions in dermal myeloid signatures in MMF-responsive SSc patients.

Conclusion
For the first time, we have demonstrated that MMF inhibits the viability and pro-fibrotic activation of human monocytes and macrophages, which is dependent on de novo purine synthesis. Coupled with myeloid gene expression attenuation following MMF treatment in patients, these results suggest that the fibrotic inhibition observed with MMF may be attributable, at least in part, to direct effects on myeloid cells.
An approach to assess real workload of medical linear accelerators in Sri Lanka
Authors: Ramanathan Vijitha , Jayaweera Dunusinghe Karunasagara Mudiyanselage Upeksha Laksarani , Athukorala Athukoralalage Dilki Ayodya Dharani , Anas Noorul Jinnah Zeron , Aravinthan Kanthasamy , Ramalingam Appudurai 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Due to the introduction of new radiotherapy treatment techniques and the increased number of cancer patients, there is a higher possibility of redundant workload on radiotherapy machines. Therefore, this study aims to assess the workload in three linear accelerator units. An 8-week survey was conducted in the selected three units, during which all treatment parameters were accumulated. The highest number of treatment sessions per week and highest weekly workload of dose at the isocenter were reported as 465 ± 24 and 1295 ± 93 Gy, respectively in the Varian unit at Apeksha Hospital. The cardinal angle was identified as the 00–300 range in all selected units. The modulation factors for the intensity modulated radiotherapy techniques showed significant variations among the three units. The estimated real weekly workload is quite high compared to previous studies. This study recommends conducting at least a one-year survey, considering all parameters, to obtain more reliable results.
Why do partners often prefer the same political parties? Evidence from couples in Germany
Authors: Hudde Ansgar , Grunow Daniela 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Research has demonstrated that couples have similar partisan preferences, a finding associated with political polarization. However, it remains debated to what extent different mechanisms contribute to this homogamy. Analyzing dyadic panel data from the German Socio-Economic Panel 1984–2020, we distinguish analytically between (1) direct political matching (i.e., partner selection on matching party preferences); (2) indirect political matching (i.e., social structural homogamy with political homogamy as a by-product); and (3) couples’ political alignment over time, to explain party preference similarity. First, we study matching among recently formed couples using an innovative method that compares real-world couples with three types of counterfactuals: couples that are matched (1) randomly, (2) by multidimensional social structural characteristics, and (3) by maximizing similarity in party preference. Second, we study couples’ political alignment over the course of relationships, tracking real-world couples over time and controlling for macro-level changes in the party-political landscape. Results indicate substantial political homogamy among recently formed couples, which is best explained by political matching (i.e., direct selection based on partisan preferences). Effects of social structural homogamy appear weak in comparison and rather stable across cohorts. Couples further align in their partisan preferences over time, but this effect is countered by an increasing heterogeneity of the German political landscape.
Revisions, new taxa, and venation transformations of the sawfly family Blasticotomidae sensu lato (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinoidea) highlight the evolution of the basal Hymenoptera
Authors: Sun Chenhui , Rasnitsyn Alexandr P , Wedmann Sonja , Zhuang Jialiang , Shih Chungkun , Ren Dong , Gao Taiping 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Wing venation pattern is particularly important in the taxonomy and classification of insects, especially for fossil material. There are recognized transformation series that apparently often represent a mainstream in the evolutionary trend of the wing venation of Hymenoptera. One notable instance is the gradual reduction of the subcosta veins from multiple branches to their total absence. Herein, we place four new genera and six new species in the family Blasticotomidae (=Xyelotomidae) of Hymenoptera. They are Xyelocerus abruptus sp. nov., Liberitoma tenella gen et sp. nov., Liberitoma compta sp. nov., Liberitoma incompleta sp. nov., Aduantoma insolita gen. et sp. nov., and Apertoma gen. nov. from the Middle Jurassic of China, and Enspeletoma oligocaenica gen. et sp. nov. from the Upper Oligocene of Germany. The newly discovered species of Liberitoma from China possessed a supernumerary hind branch of vein Sc in its forewing, which has apparently never been recorded before in other hymenopterans, and the unique venation pattern of Aduantoma suggests the possibility of two additional steps of vein Sc transformation before its complete loss. Based on the new findings, Blasticotomidae are proposed to be divided into four subfamilies: Blasticotominae Thomson 1871, Dahurotominae subfam. nov., Pseudoxyelocerinae subfam. nov., and Undatominae subfam. nov.
Gut microbiota and autoimmune diseases: Insights from Mendelian randomization
Authors: Mu Fangxiang , Rusip Gusbakti , Florenly Florenly 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn recent years, the scientific community has shown interest in the role of gut microbiota in the development of autoimmune diseases (AID). Although observational studies have revealed significant associations between gut microbiota and AID like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and multiple sclerosis, these connections do not necessarily imply causality. Mendelian randomization (MR) approach has been extensively employed to investigate the causal relationship. Relevant MR study findings indicate that a reduction in beneficial microbial populations, particularly Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, and an increase in potential pathogenic microbes, is correlated with an elevated AID risk. Given the innovative potential of MR in unraveling the etiopathogenesis of AIDs, this article offers an overview of this methodological approach and its recent applications in AID research.
The spinal muscular atrophy gene product regulates actin dynamics
Authors: Schüning Tobias , Zeug Andre , Strienke Katharina , Franz Peter , Tsiavaliaris Georgios , Hensel Niko , Viero Gabriella , Ponimaskin Evgeni , Claus Peter 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSpinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disease caused by low levels of the Survival of Motoneuron (SMN) protein. SMN interacts with and regulates the actin‐binding protein profilin2a, thereby influencing actin dynamics. Dysfunctional actin dynamics caused by SMN loss disrupts neurite outgrowth, axonal pathfinding, and formation of functional synapses in neurons. Whether the SMN protein directly interacts with and regulates filamentous (F‐) and monomeric globular (G‐) actin is still elusive. In a quantitative single cell approach, we show that SMN loss leads to dysregulated F‐/G‐actin fractions. Furthermore, quantitative assessment of cell morphology suggests an F‐actin organizational defect. Interestingly, this is mediated by an interaction of SMN with G‐ and F‐actin. In co‐immunoprecipitation, in‐vitro pulldown and co‐localization assays, we elucidated that this interaction is independent of the SMN‐profilin2a interaction. Therefore, we suggest two populations being relevant for functional actin dynamics in healthy neurons: SMN‐profilin2a‐actin and SMN‐actin. Additionally, those two populations may influence each other and therefore regulate binding of SMN to actin. In SMA, we showed a dysregulated co‐localization pattern of SMN‐actin which could only partially rescued by SMN restoration. However, dysregulation of F‐/G‐actin fractions was reduced by SMN restoration. Taken together, our results suggest a novel molecular function of SMN in binding to actin independent from SMN‐profilin2a interaction.
The emerging role of ethanolamine phosphate phospholyase in regulating hepatic phosphatidylethanolamine and plasma lipoprotein metabolism in mice
Authors: A. Elmihi Kholoud , Leonard Kelly‐Ann , Nelson Randy , Thiesen Aducio , Clugston Robin D. , Jacobs René L. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractEthanolamine phosphate phospholyase (ETNPPL) is an enzyme that irreversibly degrades phospho‐ethanolamine (p‐ETN), an intermediate in the Kennedy pathway of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) biosynthesis. PE is the second most abundant phospholipid in mammalian membranes. Disturbance of hepatic phospholipid homeostasis has been linked to the development of metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). We generated whole‐body Etnppl knockout mice to investigate the impact of genetic deletion of Etnppl on hepatic lipid metabolism. Primary hepatocytes isolated from Etnppl−/− mice showed increased conversion of [3H]ethanolamine to [3H]p‐ETN and [3H]PE compared to Etnppl+/+ mice. Male and female Etnppl+/+ and Etnppl−/− mice were fed either a chow or a western‐type diet (WTD). Irrespective of diet, Etnppl−/− mice had elevated fasting levels of total plasma cholesterol, triglyceride (TG) and apolipoprotein B100 (VLDL particles). Interestingly, hepatic TG secretion was unchanged between groups. Although hepatic lipids (phosphatidylcholine (PC), PE, TG, and cholesterol) were not different between mice, RNA sequencing analysis showed downregulation in genes related to cholesterol biosynthesis in Etnppl−/− mice. Furthermore, hepatic low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein1 (LRP1) protein level was lower in female Etnppl−/− mice, which may indicate reduced uptake of remnant VLDL particles from circulation. Hepatic PE levels were only increased in WTD‐fed female Etnppl−/− mice, not chow diet‐fed mice. However, hepatic lipid accumulation and metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH) development were unchanged between Etnppl+/+ and Etnppl−/− mice. To conclude, ETNPPL has a role in regulating plasma lipoprotein metabolism independent of hepatic TG levels.
Ultrasound-guided Superficial Cervical Plexus Blocks for Persistent Pain after Suboccipital Craniotomies: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Zeng Min , Zheng Maoyao , Ren Yue , Yin Xueke , Li Shu , Zhao Yan , Wang Dexiang , Zhang Liyong , Guan Xiudong , Li Deling , Sessler Daniel I. , Peng Yuming 
Published: September 2024

Background:
The efficacy of superficial cervical plexus blocks for reducing persistent pain after craniotomies remains unclear. The authors tested the primary hypothesis that preoperative ultrasound-guided superficial cervical plexus blocks reduce persistent pain 3 months after suboccipital craniotomies.

Methods:
A single-center randomized and blinded parallel-group trial was conducted. Eligible patients having suboccipital craniotomies were randomly allocated to superficial cervical plexus blocks with 10 ml 0.5% ropivacaine or a comparable amount of normal saline. Injections were into the superficial layer of prevertebral fascia. The primary outcome was the incidence of persistent pain three months after surgery.

Results:
From November 2021 to August 2023, a total of 292 qualifying patients were randomly allocated to blocks with ropivacaine (n = 146) or saline (n = 146). The average ± SD age of participating patients was 45 ± 12 yr, and the duration of surgery was 4.2 ± 1.3 h. Persistent pain 3 months after surgery was reported by 48 (34%) of patients randomized to ropivacaine versus 73 (51%) in those assigned to saline (relative risk, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.50 to 0.88; P = 0.003) in the per-protocol population, and by 53 (36%) of patients randomized to ropivacaine versus 77 (53%) in those assigned to saline (relative risk, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.90; P = 0.005) in the intention-to-treat population.

Conclusions:
Superficial cervical plexus blocks reduce the incidence of persistent incisional pain by about a third in patients recovering from suboccipital craniotomies.
Computer Vision Identification of Trachomatous Inflammation-Follicular Using Deep Learning
Authors: Joye Ashlin S. , Firlie Marissa G. , Wittberg Dionna M. , Aragie Solomon , Nash Scott D. , Tadesse Zerihun , Dagnew Adane , Hailu Dagnachew , Admassu Fisseha , Wondimteka Bilen , Getachew Habib , Kabtu Endale , Beyecha Social , Shibiru Meskerem , Getnet Banchalem , Birhanu Tibebe , Abdu Seid , Tekew Solomon , Lietman Thomas M. , Keenan Jeremy D. , Redd Travis K. 
Published: September 2024

Purpose:
Trachoma surveys are used to estimate the prevalence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) to guide mass antibiotic distribution. These surveys currently rely on human graders, introducing a significant resource burden and potential for human error. This study describes the development and evaluation of machine learning models intended to reduce cost and improve reliability of these surveys.

Methods:
Fifty-six thousand seven hundred twenty-five everted eyelid photographs were obtained from 11,358 children of age 0 to 9 years in a single trachoma-endemic region of Ethiopia over a 3-year period. Expert graders reviewed all images from each examination to determine the estimated number of tarsal conjunctival follicles and the degree of trachomatous inflammation-intense. The median estimate of the 3 grader groups was used as the ground truth to train a MobileNetV3 large deep convolutional neural network to detect cases with TF.

Results:
The classification model predicted a TF prevalence of 32%, which was not significantly different from the human consensus estimate (30%; 95% confidence interval of difference, −2 to +4%). The model had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.943, F1 score of 0.923, 88% accuracy, 83% sensitivity, and 91% specificity. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve increased to 0.995 when interpreting nonborderline cases of TF.

Conclusions:
Deep convolutional neural network models performed well at classifying TF and detecting the number of follicles evident in conjunctival photographs. Implementation of similar models may enable accurate, efficient, large-scale trachoma screening. Further validation in diverse populations with varying TF prevalence is needed before implementation at scale.
Esophageal Expert Development of a Preliminary Question Prompt List for Adults With Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A Modified Delphi Study
Authors: Achalu Sudharshan , Berry Rani , Joseph Abel , Bhargava Meera , Fernandez-Becker Nielsen Q. , Bredenoord Albert J. , Chang Joy , Dellon Evan , Falk Gary , Hirano Ikuo , Horsley-Silva Jennifer , Leiman David A. , Lynch Kristle L. , Peterson Kathryn , Kamal Afrin N. 
Published: September 2024

Background:
Question prompt lists (QPLs) are structured sets of disease-specific questions intended to encourage question-asking by patients and enhance patient-physician communication. To date, an EoE-specific QPL has not been developed for EoE patients.

Aim:
To develop a preliminary QPL specific to adults with EoE by incorporating input from international esophageal experts.

Methods:
Sixteen experts were invited to generate QPL content through a modified Delphi (RAND/University of California, Los Angeles, CA) method consisting of 2 rounds of independent ratings. In round 1, experts provided 5 answers to the prompts “what general questions should patients ask when being seen for EoE?” and “what questions do I not hear patients asking but given my experience, I believe they should be asking?” In round 2, experts rated each question on a 5-point Likert scale, and responses rated as “essential” or “important” (determined by an a priori median threshold of ≥ 4.0) were accepted for the EoE QPL.

Results:
Ten esophageal experts participated in both rounds. Round 1 generated 100 questions. Questions were combined and modified to reduce redundancy, yielding 57 questions. After round 2, 51 questions (85%) were accepted for inclusion (median value ≥ 4.0) in the final QPL. Questions were then divided into 4 themes based on disease domains: (1) “What is EoE?,” (2) “Treatment Options,” (3) “Follow-up Surveillance and Long-term Risks,” and (4) “Allergy and Genetic Testing.” The largest number of questions covered was “What is EoE?” (16/51 or 31%). Questions with the highest agreement median (5.0) included examples such as “what should I do if I get a food impaction?” and “what are the treatment options?”

Conclusion:
This is the first preliminary EoE QPL developed in the field of medicine. We hope implementation enhances effective patient-physician communication by encouraging patients to ask relevant questions that experts prioritized. Future studies will aim to modify this communication tool by incorporating patient perspectives