bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Voluntary private health insurance and cancer screening utilisation in Europe
Authors: Tavares A. Isabel 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundCancer is a leading cause of death in Europe and prevention measures, like screening, are therefore becoming increasingly important. Although European countries provide universal health coverage, including cancer screenings, many people also have private health insurance.AimThe aim of this study is to analyse the relationship between Voluntary private health insurance (VPHI) and cancer screening, specifically breast and colorectal cancer screening.MethodUsing data from SHARE, the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, different logistic and multilevel regressions were estimated.ResultsThe major finding shows a positive correlation between people being screened for cancer and having VPHI.ConclusionsThree conclusions can be drawn: advantageous selection may exist in private health insurance; spillover effects may exist from the public sector into the private sector, which in turn may result in a lower insurance premium; and there may be a perpetuation of inequalities in health service utilisation. Several policy implications can be drawn from this result, but the most relevant concerns narrowing the inequities that could potentially arise between those who have private health insurance and those who do not.
Fat storage and drought tolerance in a seasonally‐adapted primate: Implications for modeling the effects of animal responses to global climate change
Authors: Veilleux Carrie C. , Tecot Stacey R. , Lewis Rebecca J. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractGlobal warming is changing habitats and affecting biodiversity, and is expected to exacerbate aridification in many regions. Animals and plants in seasonally dry tropical forests often exhibit adaptations to cope with seasonal resource limitation. However, whether these adaptations will facilitate drought tolerance or increase drought vulnerability is unclear. Here, we combine long‐term individual‐based data on phenology, morphometrics, and demographics to investigate how drought impacts the food resources, health, reproduction, and behavior of a population of Verreaux's sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi), a critically endangered lemur inhabiting dry deciduous forests in Madagascar. Between December 2010 and May 2023, the population experienced 3 years of severe drought (2016, 2017, 2022). During green periods in severe drought, the availability of high‐quality sifaka foods (young leaves, fruit) was significantly reduced and fruit tree mortality increased. This reduced availability of fruit persisted in the year after a drought, despite typical rainfall. Yet surprisingly, we found no negative effects on body condition or commonly‐used metrics for reproductive success during drought years or years following a drought. Instead, sifaka exhibited significantly higher levels of subcutaneous body fat during severe droughts. We observed little change in sifaka behavior between drought and non‐drought periods. However, they were more likely to lick dew during severe drought, and spent significantly less time feeding on young and mature leaves. They also significantly increased their time feeding on flowers and fruits, despite the reduced abundance of fruit in the habitat. Together, our results suggest that increased consumption of water‐rich fruit and flowers during severe droughts could facilitate physiological mechanisms that help sifaka cope with water scarcity, including fructose‐mediated fat storage, metabolic water production, and water conservation. These results provide new insights into how critically endangered animals may respond to climate change, suggesting that behavioral and physiological adaptations to seasonal resource limitation may buffer some mammals from the effects of severe drought or other extreme weather events.
Towards zero extinction—A case study focusing on the plant genus Begonia in Thailand
Authors: Radbouchoom Sirilak , delos Angeles Marjorie D. , Phutthai Thamarat , Schneider Harald 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPlant species with small habitat ranges and specific edaphic requirements are highly vulnerable to extinction and thus require enhanced attention in biodiversity conservation. This study was designed to explore the challenges of protecting such plant species by evaluating the in situ and ex situ conservation capacities available for Thailand's species of the mega‐diverse plant genus Begonia L. A comprehensive assessment of occurrence records across the country was conducted to evaluate the spatial distribution of Begonia diversity in Thailand, identify biodiversity hotspots, assess the extinction threats faced by the 60 Begonia species known in the country, and identify existing conservation capacities and potential gaps. The results show that 78% of Begonia species in Thailand are vulnerable to extinction, with the Northern floristic region identified as both a Begonia species hotspot and a region with major conservation gaps. While in situ conservation efforts have been successful in covering over 88% of the species, they have failed to provide the protection required to achieve zero extinction. Ex situ conservation capacities are poorly developed, with only 13% of species present in botanical gardens, and no seed banking or other related activities have been initiated. This evaluation presents a sharply contrasting message: on one hand, Thailand has assembled substantial capacities to protect these plants through established national parks and other protected areas, but on the other hand, essential capacities are still lacking to render the zero extinction target achievable. We advocate for the implementation of a multi‐component conservation strategy to enable Thailand to move towards zero species extinction, even for plant species with narrow habitat ranges and high edaphic specialisation.
Reference gene considerations for toxicological assessment of the flame retardant triphenyl phosphate in an in vitro fish embryonic model
Authors: Germain Logan , Pereira Delaine , Winn Louise M. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe reliability of relative quantification RT‐qPCR depends upon the gene of interest being normalized to one or more reference genes, with the assumption that the chosen reference genes do not experience altered expression with experimental conditions. The correct choice of stable reference genes is critical when investigating alterations to gene transcript levels following exposure to endocrine and metabolic disrupting chemicals, such as the flame retardant triphenyl phosphate (TPhP). This study assessed the stability of eight reference genes following TPhP exposure in embryonic cells derived from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The genes β‐actin (actb) and 18s rRNA (18s) were stable, while glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (gapdh) relative expression was found to be increased. gapdh is a popular reference gene and has been previously used in the literature for investigating TPhP exposure in teleost fish models. We discuss the implications of gapdh upregulation in the context of TPhP as a metabolic disrupting chemical. Furthermore, we quantified the expression of the tumor suppressor gene p53 following TPhP exposure in relation to different reference genes to use as an example to report on how discrepancies in findings might arise depending on the stability of the chosen reference gene.
High hydrostatic pressure treatment for advanced tissue grafts in reconstructive head and neck surgery
Authors: Kalle Friederike , Stadler Valentin Paul , Brach Julia Kristin , Grote Vivica Freiin , Pohl Christopher , Schulz Karoline , Seidenstuecker Michael , Jonitz‐Heincke Anika , Bader Rainer , Mlynski Robert , Strüder Daniel 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe increasing importance of regenerative medicine has resulted in a growing need for advanced tissue replacement materials in head and neck surgery. Allo‐ and xenogenic graft processing is often time‐consuming and can deteriorate the extracellular matrix (ECM). High hydrostatic pressure (HHP)‐treatment could allow specific devitalization while retaining the essential properties of the ECM. Porcine connective tissue and cartilage were HHP‐treated at 100–400 MPa for 10 min. Structural modifications following HHP‐exposure were examined using electron microscopy, while devitalization was assessed through metabolism and cell death analyses. Furthermore, ECM alterations and decellularization were evaluated by histology, biomechanical testing, and DNA content analysis. Additionally, the inflammatory potential of HHP‐treated tissue was evaluated in vivo using a dorsal skinfold chamber in a mouse model. The devitalization effects of HHP were dose‐dependent, with a threshold identified at 200 MPa for fibroblasts and chondrocytes. At this pressure level, HHP induced structural alterations in cells, with a shift toward late‐stage apoptosis. HHP‐treatment preserved ECM structure and biomechanical properties, but did not remove cell debris from the tissue. This study observed a pressure‐dependent increase of markers suggesting the occurrence of immunogenic cell death. In vivo investigations revealed an absence of inflammatory responses to HHP‐treated tissue, indicating a favorable biological response to HHP. In conclusion, application of HHP devitalizes fibroblasts and chondrocytes at 200 MPa while retaining the essential properties of the ECM. Prospectively, HHP may simplify the preparation of allo‐ and xenogenic tissue replacement materials and increase the availability of grafts in head and neck surgery.
Adsorption behavior of graphite‐like walnut shell biochar modified with ammonia for ciprofloxacin in aqueous solution
Authors: Wang Qingkun , Zhang Yanping , Li Fen , Liu Wenxiao , Ma Liran 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDGraphite‐like biochar of NWSC600K was prepared at 900 °C using walnut shell as the raw material and aqueous ammonia (NH3·H2O) as an activator, and characterized using transmission and scanning eletron microscopy (TEM, SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The study investigated the adsorption performance and mechanism of NWSC600K for ciprofloxacin (CIP).RESULTSThe results showed that extremely tiny pores were found on the surface of NWSC600K, which increased its specific surface area to 823.91 m2 g−1, whereas the average pore size of NWSC600K decreased to 3.23 nm. The results of TEM, XRD and Raman spectroscopy detected well‐arranged lattice stripes as well as characteristic peaks corresponding to the graphite lattice appearing on the surface of NWSC600K. Moreover, the ID/IG value for NWSC600K was 1.429. The FTIR results showed that functional groups including the amino group were formed on NWSC600K.CONCLUSIONThe adsorption capacity of NWSC600K for CIP was 158.14 mg g−1 and the corresponding removal rate was 97.5% at pH 7. The pH value impact on the removal efficiency of CIP greatly, and the removal rate of CIP decreased linearly with increasing pH. The coexisting ions also would inhibit the adsorption of CIP on NWSC600K. Results obtained from kinetic and isotherm models, thermodynamics and characterization analyses suggested that pore‐filling, π–π stacking, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobicity and electrostatic interaction existed during the adsorption process. The adsorption was a nonspontaneous exothermic reaction. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Human lung cancer classification and comprehensive analysis using different machine learning techniques
Authors: Priyadarshini K. , Ali S. Ahamed , Sivanandam K. , Alagarsamy Manjunathan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractLung cancer is the most common causes of death among all cancer‐related diseases. A lung scan examination of the patient is the primary diagnostic technique. This scan analysis pertains to an MRI, CT, or X‐ray. The automated classification of lung cancer is difficult due to the involvement of multiple steps in imaging patients' lungs. In this manuscript, human lung cancer classification and comprehensive analysis using different machine learning techniques is proposed. Initially, the input images are gathered using lung cancer dataset. The proposed method processes these images using image‐processing techniques, and further machine learning techniques are utilized for categorization. Seven different classifiers including the k‐nearest neighbors (KNN), support vector machine (SVM), decision tree (DT), multinomial naive Bayes (MNB), stochastic gradient descent (SGD), random forest (RF), and multi‐layer perceptron (MLP) classifier are used, which classifies the lung cancer as malignant and benign. The performance of the proposed approach is examined using performances metrics, like positive predictive value, accuracy, sensitivity, and f‐score are evaluated. Among them, the performance of the MLP classifier provides 25.34%, 45.39%, 15.39%, 41.28%, 22.17%, and 12.12% higher accuracy than other KNN, SVM, DT, MNB, SGD, and RF respectively.Research Highlights
Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer‐related death. Imaging (MRI, CT, and X‐ray) aids diagnosis.
Automated classification of lung cancer faces challenges due to complex imaging steps.
This study proposes human lung cancer classification using diverse machine learning techniques.
Input images from lung cancer dataset undergo image processing and machine learning.
Classifiers like k‐nearest neighbors, support vector machine, decision tree, multinomial naive Bayes, stochastic gradient descent, random forest, and multi‐layer perceptron (MLP) classify cancer types; MLP excels in accuracy.
The resurgence of influenza A/H3N2 virus in Australia after the relaxation of COVID‐19 restrictions during the 2022 season
Authors: Wang Xinye , Walker Gregory , Kim Ki W. , Stelzer‐Braid Sacha , Scotch Matthew , Rawlinson William D. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study retrospectively analyzed the genetic characteristics of influenza A H3N2 (A/H3N2) viruses circulating in New South Wales (NSW), the Australian state with the highest number of influenza cases in 2022, and explored the phylodynamics of A/H3N2 transmission within Australia during this period. Sequencing was performed on 217 archived specimens, and A/H3N2 evolution and spread within Australia were analyzed using phylogenetic and phylodynamic methods. Hemagglutinin genes of all analyzed NSW viruses belonged to subclade 3C.2a1b.2a.2 and clustered together with the 2022 vaccine strain. Complete genome analysis of NSW viruses revealed highly frequent interclade reassortments between subclades 3C.2a1b.2a.2 and 3C.2a1b.1a. The estimated earliest introduction time of the dominant subgroup 3C.2a1b.2a.2a.1 in Australia was February 22, 2022 (95% highest posterior density: December 19, 2021–March 13, 2022), following the easing of Australian travel restrictions, suggesting a possible international source. Phylogeographic analysis revealed that Victoria drove the transmission of A/H3N2 viruses across the country during this season, while NSW did not have a dominant role in viral dissemination to other regions. This study highlights the importance of continuous surveillance and genomic characterization of influenza viruses in the postpandemic era, which can inform public health decision‐making and enable early detection of novel strains with pandemic potential.
Clinical and molecular epidemiology of enterovirus infections in cerebrospinal fluid samples, 2019–2023
Authors: Pan Daniel , Mohamed Basant , Gupta Abhishek , Arshad Zaki , Strachan Charlie , Celma Cristina , Kapoor Sonal , Toovey Oliver T. R. , Beard Stuart , Tang Julian W. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWe performed a comparative, retrospective analysis (March 2019–April 2023) of children diagnosed with non‐polio enterovirus (NPEV) central nervous system (CNS) infections (n = 47 vs. 129 contemporaneous controls without NPEV, all <18 years old), requiring cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing upon presentation to hospital. We found that showed that admissions decreased during pandemic restrictions (13% vs. controls 33%, p = 0.003). The median age of children with NPEV was 41 days (IQR: 18–72), most were male (n = 76, 59%) and were less likely to present with symptoms of irritability (11% vs. controls 26%, p = 0.04), but more likely to be febrile (93% vs. controls 73%, p = 0.007), have higher respiratory rates (mean 44 bpm, SD 11, vs. controls 36 bpm, SD 14, p = 0.001), higher heart rates (mean 171 bpm, SD 27 vs. controls 141 bpm, SD 36, p < 0.001), higher CSF protein (median 0.66 g/L, interquartile range [IQR] 0.46–1.01, vs. controls 0.53 mg/mL, IQR 0.28–0.89, p = 0.04), higher CSF white cell count (WCC) (median WCC 9.5×106/L, IQR 1–16 vs. controls 3.15×106/L, IQR 2.7–3.6, p < 0.001), but lower CSF glucose (median 2.8 mmol/L, IQR 2.4–3.1 vs. controls 3.1 mmol/L, IQR 2.7–3.6, p < 0.001). Phylogenetic analysis showed that these NPEVs originated from Europe (EV A71, CV B4, E21, E6, CV B3, CV B5, E7, E11, E18), North America (CV B4, E18), South America (E6), Middle East (CV B5), Africa (CV B5, E18), South Asia (E15), East/Southeast Asia (E25, CV A9, E7, E11, E18), and Australia (CV B5).
Harnessing PROTACs to combat H5N1 influenza: A new frontier in viral destruction
Authors: Mukerjee Nobendu , Maitra Swastika , Mukherjee Dattatreya , Ghosh Arabinda , Alexiou Athanasios T. , Thorat Nanasaheb D. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractH5N1, a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, poses an ongoing and significant threat to global public health, primarily due to its potential to cause severe respiratory illness and high mortality rates in humans. Despite extensive efforts in vaccination and antiviral therapy, H5N1 continues to exhibit high mutation rates, resulting in recurrent outbreaks and the emergence of drug‐resistant strains. Traditional antiviral therapies, such as neuraminidase inhibitors and M2 ion channel blockers, have demonstrated limited efficacy, necessitating the exploration of innovative therapeutic strategies. Proteolysis‐targeting chimeras (PROTACs) emerge as a novel and promising approach, leveraging the ubiquitin‐proteasome system to selectively degrade pathogenic proteins. Unlike conventional inhibitors that only block protein function, PROTACs eliminate the target protein, providing a sustained therapeutic effect and potentially reducing the development of resistance. This paper offers a comprehensive examination of the current landscape of H5N1 infections, detailing the pathogenesis and challenges associated with existing treatments. It further explores the mechanism of action, design, and therapeutic potential of PROTACs in inhibiting H5N1. By targeting essential viral proteins, such as hemagglutinin and the RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase complex, PROTACs hold the potential to revolutionize the treatment of H5N1 infections, offering a new frontier in antiviral therapy.
Headspace aroma and secondary metabolites profiling in 3 Pelargonium taxa using a multiplex approach of SPME‐GC/MS and high resolution‐UPLC/MS/MS coupled to chemometrics
Authors: Mansour Khaled Ahmed , El‐Mahis Amira Ali , Farag Mohamed A. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe present study focuses on the aroma and secondary metabolites profiling of three Pelargonium graveolens cultivars, baladi (GRB), sondos (GRS) and shish (GRSH), grown in Egypt. Utilizing a multiplex approach combining high resolution‐ultraperformance liquid chromatography (HR‐UPLC)/tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and gas chromatography (GC)‐MS coupled with chemometrics, the study aims to identify and profile various secondary metabolites and aroma compounds in these cultivars.RESULTSHR‐UPLC/MS/MS analysis led to the annotation of 111 secondary metabolites, including phenolics, flavonoids, terpenes and fatty acids, with several compounds being reported for the first time in geranium. Multivariate data analysis identified vinylanisole, dimethoxy‐flavonol, and eicosadienoic acid as discriminatory metabolites among the cultivars, particularly distinguishing the GRS cultivar in its phenolics profile. In total, 34 aroma compounds were detected using headspace solid‐phase microextraction coupled with GC‐MS, including alcohols, esters, ketones, ethers and monoterpene hydrocarbons. The major metabolites contributing to aroma discrimination among the cultivars were β‐citronellol in GRB, α‐farnesene in GRS and isomenthone in GRSH.CONCLUSIONThe study provides a comprehensive profiling of the secondary metabolites and aroma compounds in the three Pelargonium graveolens cultivars. The GRS cultivar was identified as particularly distinct in both its phenolics and aroma profiles, suggesting its potential as a premium variety for cultivation and use. Future studies should focus on isolating and investigating the newly detected metabolites and exploring the biological effects of these compounds in food applications and other uses. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Tonsillectomy Versus Tonsillotomy in Pediatric Sleep‐Disordered Breathing: A Systematic Review and Multi‐subgroup Meta‐analysis
Authors: Lao Jiahong , Jian Feitong , Ge Rongrong , Wu Shuo 
Published: September 2024

ObjectivesTo evaluate the potential of tonsillotomy (TT) as an alternative to tonsillectomy (TE) for treating children with obstructive sleep‐disordered breathing (oSDB).Data SourcesTwo independent reviewers searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and additional sources to identify controlled studies comparing TT versus TE in pediatric patients with oSDB.Review MethodsWe evaluated post‐surgery symptom relief, and short‐ and long‐term postoperative benefits for children. Fixed‐effect meta‐analysis, sensitivity analysis, and subgroup analysis were conducted.ResultsIn our analysis of 32 studies with 9,430 children, the analysis revealed TT group had a similar therapeutic effect on improvement of OSA‐18 as TE group (MD = 5.20, 95% CI: −32.67 to 43.07, p = 0.96). In terms of short‐term outcome, the days to return to normal diet for TT group were shorter than that for TE group (MD = −2.49, 95%CI: −3.57 to −1.28; p < 0.001), less analgesics use (MD = −3.19, 95% CI = −3.44 to −2.93, p < 0.001), and lower postoperative secondary bleeding (RR = 0.33; 95%CI: 0.23 to 0.47; p < 0.001). But the risk of reoperation (OR = 8.28; 95%CI: 2.66 to 12.64; p < 0.001), oSDB recurrence (OR = 2.16; 95%CI: 1.20–3.86; p = 0.01), and postoperative infection (OR = 1.82; 95%CI: 1.34 to 2.47; p < 0.001) in TT group was significantly higher than that in TE group.ConclusionsTonsillotomy reduces postoperative pain and bleeding, speeding up recovery for children with oSDB, and improving their quality of life. Yet, the risk of recurrent infections from residual tonsil tissue, which may require reoperation, calls for a careful evaluation of the procedure's short‐term gains against its long‐term risks.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 135:529–539, 2025