bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deciphering the genetic basis of salinity tolerance in a diverse panel of cultivated and wild soybean accessions by genome-wide association mapping
Authors: Pruthi Rajat , Chaudhary Chanderkant , Chapagain Sandeep , Abozaid Mostafa Mohamed Elbasuoni , Rana Prabhat , Kondi Ravi Kiran Reddy , Fritsche-Neto Roberto , Subudhi Prasanta K. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Key message

In a genome-wide association study involving 269 cultivated and wild soybean accessions, potential salt tolerance donors were identified along with significant markers and candidate genes, such as GmKUP6 and GmWRKY33.

Abstract

Salt stress remains a significant challenge in agricultural systems, notably impacting soybean productivity worldwide. A comprehensive genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted to elucidate the genetic underpinnings of salt tolerance and identify novel source of salt tolerance among soybean genotypes. A diverse panel comprising 269 wild and cultivated soybean accessions was subjected to saline stress under controlled greenhouse conditions. Phenotypic data revealed that salt tolerance of soybean germplasm accessions was heavily compromised by the accumulation of sodium and chloride, as indicated by highly significant positive correlations of leaf scorching score with leaf sodium/chloride content. The GWAS analysis, leveraging a dataset of 32,832 SNPs, unveiled 32 significant marker-trait associations (MTAs) across seven traits associated with salt tolerance. These markers explained a substantial portion of the phenotypic variation, ranging from 14 to 52%. Notably, 11 markers surpassed Bonferroni’s correction threshold, exhibiting highly significant associations with the respective traits. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis conducted within a 100 Kb range of the identified MTAs highlighted candidate genes such as potassium transporter 6 (GmKUP6), cation hydrogen exchanger (GmCHX15), and GmWRKY33. Expression levels of GmKUP6 and GmWRKY33 significantly varied between salt-tolerant and salt-susceptible soybean accessions under salt stress. The genetic markers and candidate genes identified in this study hold promise for developing soybean varieties resilient to salinity stress, thereby mitigating its adverse effects.
Integrating dimensional and scaling analyses with functional modelling and graphs: An approach to comprehend mass transfer in welding
Authors: Dhalpe Akshay , Mokhtarian Hossein , Panicker Suraj , Wu Di , David Joe , Balani Shahriar Bakrani , Lastra Jose Martinez , Coatanéa Eric 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSignificant efforts have been made to understand the intricacies of the welding process using numerical methods, machine learning, dimensional, and scaling analyses. Dimensional analysis (DA) is used for qualitative studies of weld pool spreading, heat transfer in welding, welding parameters, and detachment-droplet formation in welding. Nevertheless, DA have been used often in a rather conventional manner. This article proposes to combine DA principles with causally oriented graphical representations and functional analysis to augment the separate capabilities of those methods. The approach uses a physics-based functional model to decompose the welding phenomena into functions, with dimensionless numbers (π) representing aspects of those functions in form of mathematical relationships between the variables. These mathematical relationships are illustrated as a causally oriented graph. This graph is transformed into a system dynamic counterpart. The values of π numbers are estimated using a single example with the developed methodology. The π values in the model are the analogous of biases in Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). The current modelling approach has the advantage of exploiting supplementary sources of knowledge and consequently requires limited data in comparison to supervised machine learning (ML) algorithms used in the field. The proposed methodology is demonstrated with a case study of gas metal arc welding (GMAW) for mild steel. The developed model predicts the droplet formation in GMAW with high accuracy and offer multiple possibilities for extension and generalization to other welding and additive manufacturing processes.
Effect of Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) 19 and 21 on Hip Geometry and Strength in Post-menopausal Osteoporosis (PMO)
Authors: Kim EunJi , Moore Amelia. E. , Dulnoan Dwight , Hampson Geeta 
Published: September 2024

AbstractFibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) receptor signalling is important for skeletal development. The FGF19 subfamily which includes FGF19 and FGF21 are involved in bone metabolism, although their effects on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone strength remain unclear. To further characterise the influence of these two factors on the skeleton, we studied the association between circulating concentrations of FGF19 and 21 with BMD and parameters of hip geometry and strength in post-menopausal osteoporosis (PMO). The study cohort consisted of 374 women aged (mean [SD]) 68.7[12.3] years with PMO. FGF19 and FGF21 were measured in serum by ELISA. BMD was measured at the lumbar spine (LS), total hip (TH) and femoral neck (FN) (n = 277) by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and hip structural analysis (HSA) parameters (n = 263) at the narrow neck of the femur (NN), Intertrochanter (IT) and Femoral shaft (FS) were derived from DXA scans. FGF19 and 21 were not associated with prevalent fractures or BMD when corrected for covariates; age, BMI, smoking habits and alcohol intake. Log-transformed FGF 21 was negatively associated with HSA parameters including Outer Diameter (OD) (p = 0.019), Cross-sectional area (CSA) (p = 0.01), cross-sectional moment of inertia (CSMI) (p = 0.011), Section modulus (Z) (p = 0.002) and cortical thickness (Co Th) (p = 0.026) at the IT only. CSA, CSMI, Z and Co Th were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in women with FGF21 concentrations greater than the median (> 103.5 pg/ml). Our data suggest that FGF 21 may have potentially adverse effects on the skeleton. Further characterisation is needed, particularly as FGF 21 analogues or agonists may be used to treat obesity-related metabolic disorders.
Evaluation of a radiological grading system for the early detection of total knee arthroplasties at risk for revision surgery
Authors: Hörlesberger Nina , Smolle Maria Anna , Leitner Lukas , Labmayr Viktor , Leithner Andreas , Sadoghi Patrick 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Introduction
X-rays are regularly performed after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). While soft tissue management and ligament tension cannot be evaluated, important information, such as inadequate component positioning and loose cement location, as well as subsequent loosening, can be detected. The aim of this study was to correlate radiological findings, referring to the radiological grading system (previously published by the same study group, henceforth abbreviated as “RGS”), with long-term outcomes and implant survival.

Materials and methods
A total of 266 patients who underwent titanium-coated TKA were included. In addition to implant survival, visual analogue scale score, Tegner activity score, knee society score (KSS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and short form-12 score as well as range of motion were evaluated. Clinical examination as well as anterior-posterior, lateral, full-length weight bearing, and patellar view radiographs were performed pre- and postoperatively, at the 3-, 6-, and 12-month postoperative follow-ups and at the final follow-up. The radiological grading system was evaluated and correlated with long-term outcome and survivorship.

Results
The revision-free survival rate was 88.4% at a median follow-up of 9.8 years (IQR: 9.3–10.3 years; range: 0.1–11.8 years). Revision surgery was required in 31 TKAs (11.7%). The multivariate Cox regression model showed a significant association between an RGS score ≥ 3 deviation points (DP) and an increased risk for revision (hazard ratio: 2.092; 95% CI: 1.020–4.290; p = 0.044). Moreover, the KSS for pain was significantly worse in patients with a RGS score ≥ 3 DP (median, 85 [74–92] vs. 90 [80–94]; p = 0.007).

Conclusions
This is the first study indicating that deviation in component positioning, having an inadequate long leg axis, the presence of free cement or residual bony structures on postoperative X-rays significantly correlate with TKA outcome and implant survival. Therefore RGS can be of high predicable value for the survivorship of the prosthesis.

Level of evidence
Level IV – retrospective cohort study.
Synergistic effects of calcium channel blockers and renin-angiotensin inhibitors with gemcitabine-based chemotherapy on the survival of patients with pancreatic cancer
Authors: Kraj Leszek , Chmiel Paulina , Śliwczyński Andrzej , Szymański Łukasz , Woźniak Krzysztof , Słodkowski Maciej , Stokłosa Tomasz , Wyrwicz Lucjan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Pancreatic cancer remains a significant public health challenge, with poor long-term outcomes due to the lack of effective treatment options. Repurposing commonly used clinical drugs, such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, CCBs, and metformin, may enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and offer a promising therapeutic strategy for improving patient outcomes.

Methods
A retrospective analysis of concomitant treatment with ACE-Is, ARBs, CCBs, and metformin alongside gemcitabine chemotherapy in patients with pancreatic cancer was conducted. Treatment responses were evaluated, with overall survival (OS) estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Additionally, the Cox proportional hazards model was employed to assess the impact of these specific agents on patient survival.

Results
4628 patients with various stages of pancreatic cancer were identified in the database between 2007 and 2016. The estimated overall survival (OS) in the analyzed group was 6.9 months (95% CI 6.4–7). The use of any of the analyzed drugs was associated with a significant improvement in mOS of 7.5 months (95% CI 6.8–7.8) vs. 6.7 months (95% CI 6.4–7.0) for patients who did not have additional treatment (p < 0.0001). ARBs, ACE-Is, CCBs, and metformin varied in their effectiveness in prolonging mOS among patients. The longest mOS of 8.9 months (95% CI 7.7–11.6) was observed in patients receiving additional therapy with ARBs, while the shortest mOS of 7.7 months (95% CI 6.5–8.9) was achieved by patients receiving metformin. In the adjusted Cox analysis, metformin was associated with a significantly weaker effect on mOS (p = 0.029). A particularly interesting trend in prolonging 5-year survival was demonstrated by ARBs and CCBs with 14.1% (95% CI 9–22%) and 14.8% (95% CI 11.1–19.6%), respectively, compared to patients not taking these drugs, who achieved a 5-year OS of 3.8% (95% CI 3.2–4.4%).

Conclusion
Our results demonstrate a significant positive impact of ARBs, ACE inhibitors, and CCBs on survival in patients with pancreatic cancer treated with gemcitabine. The addition of these inexpensive and relatively safe drugs in patients with additional comorbidities may represent a potential therapeutic option in this indication. However, prospective clinical trials to evaluate the optimal patient population and further studies to determine the potential impact of these agents on chemotherapy are necessary.
Prospektive, multizentrische Untersuchung des Outcomes nach 12 Monaten beim komplexen regionalen Schmerzsyndrom
Authors: Hofbauer H. , Brinkmann A. , Maurer E. , Weber B. , Hänle G. , Steffen P. 
Published: September 2024

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund und Fragestellung
Das komplexe regionale Schmerzsyndrom („complex regional pain syndrome“ [CRPS]) kann langfristig zu starken Schmerzen und eingeschränkter Funktionalität führen. Leitlinien sollen helfen, die Behandlungsabläufe zu optimieren. Es sollte untersucht werden, welches Outcome unter leitliniengestützter Therapie nach 1 Jahr erreicht wird.

Material und Methoden
In einer prospektiven Multicenterstudie wurde bei 40 Patient*innen mit neu diagnostiziertem CRPS untersucht, wie sich die Schmerzen und Funktionseinschränkungen innerhalb von 1 Jahr veränderten. Zudem wurde untersucht, inwieweit der Zeitpunkt der Diagnosestellung sowie invasive Maßnahmen Einfluss auf diese Outcomeparameter haben.

Ergebnisse
Alle Patient*innen erhielten Physio- und/oder Ergotherapie, eine Therapie mit Glukokortikoiden und/oder Bisphosphonat 29 (72,5 %), diverse invasive Maßnahmen erfolgten bei 13 (32,5 %). Nach 1 Jahr waren sowohl die Schmerzen als auch die Funktion signifikant verbessert, zwei Drittel berichteten über eine erträgliche mittlere Schmerzstärke. Eine schwere Funktionseinschränkung nach Von-Korff-Disability-Punkten fand sich nach 1 Jahr bei 9 (22,5 %), eine mittel- bzw. schwergradige Einschränkung nach ärztlicher Einschätzung bei 6 (15 %) bzw. 3 (7,5 %) Betroffenen. Eine frühere Diagnosestellung und ein entsprechend früherer Therapiebeginn korrelierten mit einem besseren Outcome bzgl. Schmerzen und Funktionalität nach von Korff, jedoch nicht nach ärztlicher Einschätzung. Der Einfluss invasiver Verfahren auf die Outcomeparameter war gering.

Diskussion
Eine an den Leitlinien orientierte Therapie führte mehrheitlich zu einem guten Outcome bzgl. Schmerzen und Funktionalität. Eine frühzeitige Diagnosestellung korrelierte mit besserem Outcome, somit sollten Verdachtsfälle zügig einer Einrichtung mit entsprechender Expertise zugeführt werden.
High aerospora levels and associated atmospheric circulation patterns: Pretoria, South Africa
Authors: Roffe S. J. , Ajikah L. B. , John J. , Garland R. M. , Lehtipalo K. , Bamford M. K. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAt high exposure levels, airborne pollen grains and fungal spores (termed aerospora hereafter), can trigger severe allergic respiratory diseases. For South Africa’s administrative capital Pretoria, which boasts dense vegetation within a large urban forest, it is valuable from a health perspective to understand daily atmospheric circulation patterns associated with high aerospora levels. Therefore, we utilised a daily aerospora grain count dataset collected in Pretoria from 08/2019–02/2023 to investigate atmospheric circulation patterns (derived from ERA5 reanalysis sea level pressure [SLP] and 500 hPa geopotential height [zg500] fields) associated with high-risk aerospora levels (aerospora grain count > 90th percentile). Concentrated during October-May, there were 128 high-risk days, with 69.6% of days occurring in November, February and April. Although generally above-average mid-tropospheric subsidence levels prevailed over Pretoria during high-risk days, no single distinct atmospheric circulation pattern was associated with these high-risk days. Therefore, using Principal Component Analysis, we classified 14 Circulation Weather Types (CWTs) for October-May months between 08/2019–02/2023 to assess which CWTs most frequently occurred during high-risk days. Three CWTs had a statistically significant proportion of high-risk days – collectively they occurred during 37.1% of days studied, yet accounted for 45.3% of high-risk days. Among these CWTs, two CWTs were similarly associated with surface and mid-tropospheric high-pressure conditions, while the third was associated with a surface and mid-tropospheric trough. By comparing our CWT classification to daily synoptic charts (from the South African Weather Service), our classification can be used to identify days with potentially high allergenicity risk over Pretoria.
A comprehensive scoring system for the diagnosis and staging of adhesive capsulitis: development, application, and implications
Authors: Vita Fabio , Donati Danilo , Tedeschi Roberto , Miceli Marco , Spinnato Paolo , Origlio Flavio , Guerra Enrico , Cavallo Marco , Stella Salvatore Massimo , Tarallo Luigi , Porcellini Giuseppe , Galletti Stefano , Faldini Cesare 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Adhesive capsulitis (AC), often referred to as frozen shoulder, presents a diagnostic challenge due to its insidious onset and progressive nature. The condition is characterized by pain and restricted motion in the shoulder, with a predilection for individuals between 40 and 60 years of age. A novel scoring system was developed to enhance the accuracy of diagnosing AC and distinguishing between its stages, aiming to streamline clinical decision-making and treatment planning.

Methods
A cohort of patients with symptoms suggestive of AC was assessed using the new scoring system, which integrates clinical, radiological, and patient history factors. Parameters included comorbidities like diabetes mellitus, recent immobility, rotator cuff tears, and specific ultrasound findings. Patients were scored and categorized into definitive AC, uncertain diagnosis, or exclusion from AC, with scores > 7, 6–2, and < 2, respectively.

Results
The scoring system effectively categorized patients, with those scoring > 7 demonstrating pronounced symptoms and ultrasound changes consistent with Phase 2 AC. Patients with scores between 6 and 2 were classified into uncertain Phase 1 or Phase 3, necessitating further observation. Scores < 2 effectively excluded AC, indicating a need to explore alternative diagnoses.

Conclusion
The structured scoring system demonstrated potential as a comprehensive tool for diagnosing AC. By quantitatively assessing a range of contributory factors, it allowed for the stratification of the disease into distinct stages. This system is anticipated to improve early diagnosis and the precision of treatment interventions, although further validation in larger cohorts is warranted.

Level of evidence
II-III.
Patient journey, disease burden, and functional disability in patients with axial spondyloarthritis in South Africa: results of International Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis (IMAS)
Authors: Makan Kavita , Garrido-Cumbrera Marco , Du Toit Riette , Correa-Fernández José , van Dam Maranda , Tikly Mohammed 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Objective
To assess the unmet needs of South Africans with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) focusing on the patient journey, functional disability, and health-related quality of life.

Methods
One hundred forty-six South African axSpA patients completed the International Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis (IMAS) online survey. Patient journey, functional disability, activities of daily living, and psychological stress were analyzed in relation to socio-demographic characteristics, disease activity, diagnostic delay, extra-musculoskeletal manifestations, and drug therapy.

Results
Majority were female (82.2%) and Caucasian (89.7%) and the mean age of participants, age at onset of initial symptoms, and diagnostic delay were 44.7, 26.7, and 10.8 years, respectively. Participants reported a mean of 3.4 visits to healthcare professionals prior to a definitive diagnosis of axSpA, mostly made by rheumatologists (77.9%). Active disease (BASDAI ≥ 4) was reported by 87%, 69.9% suffered from psychological distress (general health questionnaire-12 score ≥ 3), and more than two-thirds suffered functional limitations in daily, personal, and social activities. Multivariable logistic analysis showed that active disease was more common in females [OR (95% CI) = 4.3 (1.2–15.2)] and was associated with greater functional limitation [OR (95% CI) = 1.1 (1.0–1.2)].

Conclusion
Of all the regions assessed in the IMAS (n = 5557 participants, 27 countries), South Africans reported the longest delay in diagnosis. The South African patient journey depicts a process burdened with diagnostic challenges and delays, coupled with patients experiencing significant personal and social limitations. These results emphasize the urgent need to establish local diagnostic and treatment guidelines for axSpA in South Africa, to reduce diagnostic delay, and to control disease activity associated with functional limitation in axSpA.

Key Points• Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in South Africans is associated with significant limitations in physical, mental, and social functioning.• First study to describe the unmet needs of South African patients with axSpA.
Clinical epidemiology of the endoscopic, laparoscopic, and surgical resection of malignant gastric tumors in Japan, 2014–2021: a retrospective study using open data from a national claims database
Authors: Sako Akahito , Yada Tomoyuki , Fujiya Keiichi , Nakashima Ryo , Yoshimura Kensuke , Yanai Hidekatsu , Uemura Naomi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Gastric cancer is a common malignancy with a high incidence in East Asia. Gastric resection ranges from endoscopic resection to open total gastrectomy. However, nationwide data are lacking.

Methods
This observational study analyzed data from the publicly accessible National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups, which includes most national health insurance claims data in Japan. Trends in the types of resection performed for malignant gastric tumors between 2014 and 2021, patients’ age and sex distributions, and regional disparities were investigated.

Results
The annual number of resections was highest in 2015 (109,000) and lowest in 2020 (90,000) after the COVID-19 pandemic. The proportion of endoscopic resections increased from 47% in 2014 to 57% in 2021 while that of total gastrectomies decreased from 17 to 10%. In 2021, 70% of patients who underwent resection were men. That year, 83.8% of all patients who underwent any type of gastric resection and 87.1% of those who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection were aged ≥ 65 years. The annual incidence of gastric resection per million population was highest in Tottori (n = 1236) and lowest in Okinawa (n = 251). The proportion of endoscopic resections was highest in Miyagi (66%) and lowest in Aichi (45%) and that of open surgery was highest in Aomori (36%) and lowest in Wakayama (5%).

Conclusions
Gastric malignancy is increasingly treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection rather than open total gastrectomy. However, regional disparities remain in resection type. Standardization of treatment and a more even distribution of specialists are needed.
The societal cost of ‘unwanted’ loneliness in Spain
Authors: Casal Bruno , Rodríguez-Miguez Eva , Rivera Berta 
Published: September 2024

AbstractUnwanted loneliness negatively affects people’s health and quality of life, increasing morbidity and the risk of premature death; this situation can generate major social costs. The aim of this study is to estimate the social costs of loneliness in Spain for 2021: both tangible costs –monetary value of health costs and production losses– and intangible costs –Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs). To estimate costs not derived from mortality, information from a sample of 400 people with unwanted loneliness was compared with that derived from two samples of the general population obtained from the Spanish National Health Surveys. To estimate the costs associated with premature deaths, the population attributable fraction was calculated using the relative risks estimated in previous survival studies. In the baseline scenario, the tangible costs of unwanted loneliness are estimated to be around 14,129 million euros in 2021, representing 1.2% of Spain’s GDP. Approximately 56.8% of the tangible costs correspond to production losses due to reduced working time, and 43.2% are due to healthcare costs related with increased consultation frequency in healthcare services and higher consumption of medicines related to loneliness. In addition, loneliness generates a reduction in quality of life equivalent to 1.04 million QALYs, which corresponds to 2.8% of the total stock of QALYs of the Spanish population over 15 years of age.