bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patient preferences for conservative treatment of shoulder pain: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Versloot Annelotte H C , Veldwijk Jorien , Ottenheijm Ramon P G , de Graaf Marloes , van der Windt Daniëlle A , Koes Bart W , Runhaar Jos , Schiphof Dieuwke 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Shoulder pain is common amongst adults, but little is known about patients’ preferences.

Objective
The aim of this study was to determine patients’ preferences for treatment options offered for shoulder pain in primary care.

Methods
A discrete choice experiment was used to investigate these preferences. Adults with shoulder pain were asked to make 12 choices between two treatment options, or to opt-out. The attributes of the 12 treatment options were presented as varying in: treatment effectiveness (50%, 70%, or 90%), risk of relapse (10%, 20%, or 30%), time to pain reduction (2 or 6 weeks), prevention of relapse (yes/no), requiring injection (yes/no), and including physiotherapy (none, 6, or 12 sessions). A conditional logit model with latent class analysis was used for the analysis and a class assignment model.

Results
Three hundred and twelve participants completed the questionnaire with mean age of 52 ± 15.2 years. Latent class analysis revealed three groups. Group 1 preferred to opt-out, unless the attributes were highly favorable (90% effectiveness). Group 2 preferred treatment, but not an injection. Group 3 preferred to opt-out and did not opt for treatment. The likelihood of a participant belonging to one of these groups was 68.8%, 9.3%, and 21.9%, respectively. The class assignment was related to having previously received injection or physiotherapy, as they did not prefer that same treatment again.

Conclusion
This study showed that most patients with shoulder pain prefer to opt-out, unless treatment attributes are highly favorable. Characteristics of influence on this decision was whether the patient had received an injection or physiotherapy before.
Integrative multiomic analysis identifies genes associated with cuticular wax biogenesis in adult maize leaves
Authors: Lin Meng , Bacher Harel , Bourgault Richard , Qiao Pengfei , Matschi Susanne , Vasquez Miguel F , Mohammadi Marc , van Boerdonk Sarah , Scanlon Michael J , Smith Laurie G , Molina Isabel , Gore Michael A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Studying the genetic basis of leaf wax composition and its correlation with leaf cuticular conductance (gc) is crucial for improving crop productivity. The leaf cuticle, which comprises a cutin matrix and various waxes, functions as an extracellular hydrophobic layer, protecting against water loss upon stomatal closure. To address the limited understanding of genes associated with the natural variation of adult leaf cuticular waxes and their connection to gc, we conducted statistical genetic analyses using leaf transcriptomic, metabolomic, and physiological data sets collected from a maize (Zea mays L.) panel of ∼300 inbred lines. Through a random forest analysis with 60 cuticular wax traits, it was shown that high molecular weight wax esters play an important role in predicting gc. Integrating results from genome-wide and transcriptome-wide association studies via a Fisher's combined test revealed 231 candidate genes detected by all 3 association tests. Among these, 11 genes exhibit known or predicted roles in cuticle-related processes. Throughout the genome, multiple hotspots consisting of genome-wide association study signals for several traits from 1 or more wax classes were discovered, identifying 4 additional plausible candidate genes and providing insights into the genetic basis of correlated wax traits. Establishing a partially shared genetic architecture, we identified 35 genes for both gc and at least 1 wax trait, with 4 considered plausible candidates. Our study enhances the understanding of how adult leaf cuticle wax composition relates to gc and implicates both known and novel candidate genes as potential targets for optimizing productivity in maize.
Mucin-driven ecological interactions in an in vitro synthetic community of human gut microbes
Authors: Berkhout Maryse D , Ioannou Athanasia , de Ram Carol , Boeren Sjef , Plugge Caroline M , Belzer Clara 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Specific human gut microbes inhabit the outer mucus layer of the gastrointestinal tract. Certain residents of this niche can degrade the large and complex mucin glycoproteins that constitute this layer and utilise the degradation products for their metabolism. In turn, this microbial mucin degradation drives specific microbiological ecological interactions in the human gut mucus layer. However, the exact nature of these interactions remains unknown. In this study, we designed and studied an in vitro mucin-degrading synthetic community that included mucin O-glycan degraders and cross-feeding microorganisms by monitoring community composition and dynamics through a combination of 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and qPCR, mucin glycan degradation with PGC-LC–MS/MS, production of mucin-degrading enzymes and other proteins through metaproteomics, and metabolite production with HPLC. We demonstrated that specialist and generalist mucin O-glycan degraders stably co-exist and found evidence for cross-feeding relationships. Cross-feeding on the products of mucin degradation by other gut microbes resulted in butyrate production, hydrogenotrophic acetogenesis, sulfate reduction and methanogenesis. Metaproteomics analysis revealed that mucin glycan degraders Akkermansia muciniphila, Bacteroides spp. and Ruminococcus torques together contributed 92% of the total mucin O-glycan degrading enzyme pool of this community. Furthermore, comparative proteomics showed that in response to cultivation in a community compared to monoculture, mucin glycan degraders increased carbohydrate-active enzymes whereas we also found indications for niche differentiation. These results confirm the complexity of mucin-driven microbiological ecological interactions and the intricate role of carbohydrate-active enzymes in the human gut mucus layer.
Evidence to inform biopharmaceutical policy: call for research on the impact of public policies on investment in drug development
Authors: Barbosu Sandra , Axelsen Kirsten , Ezell Stephen 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This paper highlights the pressing need for updated, robust evidence to inform biopharmaceutical policy, particularly in light of recent initiatives such as the Inflation Reduction Act. Current estimates that inform such policies, including those from the Congressional Budget Office, rely on outdated data and models that fail to fully capture the complexities of modern investment decisions or the broader impact of policies on drug development in areas like oncology, rare diseases, and vaccines. Understanding how expectations of financial returns influence investment in all stages of drug development is critical for evaluating these policies’ long-term effects on innovation. This piece reviews the current evidence on the relationship between financial returns and research and development investment and considers how this evidence is being used to shape biopharmaceutical policy. It also highlights gaps in data and methodology, emphasizing the need for better models that reflect real-world trade-offs, investment risks, and therapeutic area-specific impacts. Finally, this paper calls for improved access to federal and private data to better inform evidence-based policymaking and to study policy impact on investments in the next generation of medicines, particularly in emerging fields like gene and cell therapies, where the implications of policy decisions are not yet fully understood.
Adapting management of Pacific salmon to a warming and more crowded ocean
Authors: Connors Brendan , Ruggerone Gregory T , Irvine James R 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The North Pacific Ocean is warming and overall Pacific salmon abundance is higher now than at any other time in the past century. This increase in abundance is in large part due to warming-related changes in marine ecosystems at northern latitudes that primarily benefit pink salmon, and industrial-scale hatchery production to support commercial fisheries. A large body of evidence indicates that increasing and more variable ocean temperatures, as well as competition among salmon at sea, are associated with shifts in salmon productivity, body size, and age at maturation. However, these relationships vary by species, location, and time, resulting in increased harvest opportunities in some regions and exacerbated conservation concerns in others. The weight-of-evidence suggests North Pacific salmon nations should, as a minimum, limit further increases in hatchery salmon production until there is a better scientific understanding of hatchery and wild salmon distribution at sea, how they interact, and how the consequences of these interactions are influenced by broader climate and ecosystem conditions. Coordinated research to overcome knowledge gaps and develop strategies to reduce unintended interactions between hatchery and wild salmon could be funded (in part) by a tax placed on industrial-scale hatchery salmon releases. A tax would formalize recognition that there are finite prey resources to support salmon in the ocean and that both prey and wild salmon represent a “common property” whose use should not be without cost to those that seek to benefit from them. We highlight additional approaches salmon nations can take to adapt to changing conditions and suggest that improved communication and collaboration among North Pacific salmon research and management agencies will be key to balancing the benefits and risks of a warming and more crowded ocean.
Left-handed cardiac surgery and training: a survey-based assessment
Authors: Vinck Eric E , Nia Peyman Sardari 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
There is a lack of guidance and scant learning resources for left-handed (LH) cardiac surgery residents and surgeons. No objective data exists to evaluate the reality of the training experience of LH cardiac surgeons and residents.

METHODS
A 32-question survey was designed for LH cardiac surgeons and residents. The survey questions were aimed towards understanding the experiences of LH cardiac surgeons and residents in order to identify and determine where the challenges of LH in cardiac surgery lie. The survey was disseminated by the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery (EACTS) through online platforms, social media and the EACTS website.

RESULTS
74 total responses were gathered from the survey; 73% were true LH operators. During residency, 78.1% of LH cardiac surgery residents had no access to LH faculty. Of those with LH mentors, only 53.3% were supportive and helped teach LH techniques. As trainees, 49.3% considered coronary artery bypass grafting anastomosis to be the most difficult portion of LH technique. Upon initiating independent practice, LH cardiac surgeons consider being LH an advantage in comparison to residency.

CONCLUSIONS
In LH cardiac surgery, there is a lack of tailored surgical exposure, training guidance, standardization, learning tools and teaching resources. Training resources for LH cardiac surgeons and residents should be developed.
Cumulative incidence of chronic health conditions recorded in hospital inpatient admissions from birth to age 16 in England
Authors: Jay Matthew A , Herlitz Lauren , Deighton Jessica , Gilbert Ruth , Blackburn Ruth 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Monitoring the incidence of chronic health conditions (CHCs) in childhood in England, using administrative data to derive numerators and denominators, is challenged by unmeasured migration. We used open and closed birth cohort designs to estimate the cumulative incidence of CHCs to age 16 years.

Methods
In closed cohorts, we identified all births in Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) from 2002/3 to 2011/12, followed to 2018/19 (maximum age 8 to 16 years), censoring on death, first non-England residence record or 16th birthday. Children must have linked to later HES records and/or the National Pupil Database, which provides information on all state school enrolments, to address unmeasured emigration. The cumulative incidence of CHCs was estimated to age 16 using diagnostic codes in HES inpatient records. We also explored temporal variation. Sensitivity analyses varied eligibility criteria. In open cohorts, we used HES data on all children from 2002/3 to 2018/19 and national statistics population denominators.

Results
In open and closed approaches, the cumulative incidence of ever having a CHC recorded before age 16 among children born in 2003/4 was 25% (21% to 32% in closed cohort sensitivity analyses). There was little temporal variation. At least 28% of children with any CHC had more than one body system affected by age 16. Multimorbidity rates rose with later cohorts.

Conclusions
Approximately one-quarter of children are affected by CHCs, but estimates vary depending on how the denominator is defined. More accurate estimation of the incidence of CHCs requires a dynamic population estimate.
Topological Edge Spectrum Along Curved Interfaces
Authors: Drouot Alexis , Zhu Xiaowen 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
We prove that if the boundary of a topological insulator divides the plane into two regions, each containing arbitrarily large balls, then it acts as a conductor. Conversely, we construct a counterexample to show that topological insulators that fit within strips do not need to admit conducting boundary modes. This constitutes a new setup where the bulk-edge correspondence is violated. Our proof relies on a seemingly paradoxical and underappreciated property of the bulk indices of topological insulators: they are global quantities that can be locally computed.
Imbalanced intracellular nutrient stoichiometries drive the regional structural variation of microeukaryotic communities in paddy fields
Authors: Sun Pengfei , Silvano Eleonora , Chen Yin , Wu Yonghong 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Periphytons serve as critical microbial nutrient sinks at the soil–water interface, influencing biogeochemical cycles and nutrient migration in paddy fields. Despite their importance, the impact of accumulated intracellular nutrients on the spatial dynamics and community assembly of periphytons, particularly their microeukaryote communities, remains unclear. To address this gap, we examined the nutrient accumulation potential and its effects on microeukaryotes in periphytons from 220 paddy fields spanning up to 3469 km across three temperature zones. Our study reveals that the periphytons exhibit varying capacities to accumulate carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, leading to imbalanced intracellular nutrient stoichiometries (carbon-to-nitrogen ratio = 10.3 ± 2.1, carbon-to-phosphorus ratio = 30.9 ± 13.1, nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratio = 3.1 ± 1.3). This stoichiometric imbalance induces intracellular environmental heterogeneity, which partially influences the local species richness of microeukaryotic communities and their regional structural variations on a large scale. Contrary to the typical latitudinal diversity gradient theory, local microeukaryotic species richness follows a distance-decay model, with both deterministic and stochastic processes contributing to community assembly. These results underscore the complex interplay of environmental filtering, species interactions, and dispersal dynamics in shaping the structure and adaptability of microeukaryotic communities within periphytons. This study contributes to a broader understanding of the factors driving regional structural variations of microeukaryotes at the soil–water interface in agricultural landscapes.
Patella fractures are associated with bone fragility – a retrospective study
Authors: Rosillo Isabella , Germosen Carmen , Agarwal Sanchita , Rawal Ragyie , Colon Ivelisse , Bucovsky Mariana , Kil Nayoung , Shane Elizabeth , Walker Marcella 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Patella fractures are not typically considered osteoporotic fractures. We compared bone mineral density (BMD) and microstructure in elderly women from a multiethnic population-based study in New York City with any history of a patella fracture (n = 27) to those without historical fracture (n = 384) and those with an adult fragility forearm fracture (n = 28) using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT). Compared to those without fracture, women with patella fracture had 6.5% lower areal BMD (aBMD) by DXA only at the total hip (p=.007), while women with forearm fracture had lower aBMD at multiple sites and lower trabecular bone score (TBS), adjusted for age, body mass index, race and ethnicity (all p&lt;.05). By HR-pQCT, adjusted radial total and trabecular (Tb) volumetric BMD (vBMD) and Tb number were 10%–24% lower while Tb spacing was 12-23% higher (all p&lt;.05) in the fracture groups versus women without fracture. Women with a forearm, but not a patella, fracture also had lower adjusted radial cortical (Ct) area and vBMD and 21.8% (p&lt;.0001) lower stiffness vs. women without fracture. At the tibia, the fracture groups had 9.3%–15.7% lower total and Tb vBMD (all p&lt;.05) compared to the non-fracture group. Women with a forearm fracture also had 10.9, and 14.7% lower tibial Ct area and thickness versus those without fracture. Compared to women without fracture, tibial stiffness was 9.9% and 12% lower in the patella and forearm fracture groups, respectively (all p&lt;.05). By HR-pQCT, the patella vs. forearm fracture group had 36% higher radial Tb heterogeneity (p&lt;.05). In summary, women with patella fracture had Tb deterioration by HR-pQCT associated with lower tibial mechanical competence that was similar to those with fragility forearm fracture, a more universally accepted “osteoporotic” fracture. These data suggest patella fractures are associated with skeletal fragility and warrant skeletal evaluation.
In nondiabetic C57BL/6J mice, canagliflozin affects the skeleton in a sex- and age-dependent manner
Authors: Chlebek Carolyn , McAndrews Casey , Costa Samantha N , DeMambro Victoria E , Yakar Shoshana , Rosen Clifford J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Canagliflozin (CANA) is a sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor that reduces blood glucose levels. Sodium glucose cotransporter-2 is primarily expressed in the kidney, but not in any bone cells, therefore effects on the skeleton are likely to be non-cell autonomous. Originally developed to treat type II diabetes, CANA use has expanded to treat cardiovascular and renovascular disease. Clinical trials examining CANA in diabetic patients have produced contradictory reports on fracture risk, but there are limited data of CANA in nondiabetic conditions. In nondiabetic preclinical models, short-term treatment with CANA negatively affected trabecular bone whereas long-term treatment reduced cortical bone mineralization in male but not female mice. To investigate the skeletal effects of an intermediate period of CANA treatment, we treated male and female C57BL/6 J mice with CANA (180 ppm) for 6 months. Age at treatment initiation was also evaluated, with cohorts starting CANA prior to skeletal maturity (3-months-old) or in adulthood (6-months-old). Longitudinal assessments of bone mineral density revealed early benefits of CANA treatment in female mice. At euthanasia, both trabecular and cortical bone morphology were improved by CANA treatment in males and females. Bone formation was reduced at the endosteal surface. CANA decreased osteoblast number in male mice and bone marrow adiposity in females. Overall, more skeletal benefits were recorded in CANA-treated females than males. Urinary calcium output increased with CANA treatment, but parathyroid hormone was not changed. Despite reduced fasting blood glucose, body composition and whole-body metabolism were minimally changed by CANA treatment. For all outcome measures, limited differences were recorded based on age at treatment initiation. This study demonstrated that in nondiabetic C57BL/6 J mice, an intermediate period of CANA treatment improved bone morphology, but reduced osteoblast and bone marrow adipocyte number as well as serum procollagen type 1 N-terminal pro-peptide in a sex-specific manner.
Empirical evidence of resource dependent evolution of payoff matrices in Saccharomyces cerevisiae populations
Authors: Venkataraman Pavithra , Mahilkar Anjali , Raj Namratha , Saini Supreet 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
In evolutionary game theory, a relative comparison of the cost and benefit associated with obtaining a resource, called payoff, is used as an indicator of fitness of an organism. Payoffs of different strategies, quantitatively represented as payoff matrices, are used to understand complex inter-species and intra-species interactions like cooperation, mutualism, and altruism. Payoff matrices, however, are usually treated as invariant with time—largely due to the absence of any empirical data quantifying their evolution. In this paper, we present empirical evidence of three types of resource-dependent changes in the payoff matrices of evolving Saccharomyces cerevisiae populations. We show that depending on the carbon source and participating genotypes, N-player games could collapse, be born, or be maintained. Our results highlight the need to consider the dynamic nature of payoff matrices while making even short-term predictions about population interactions and dynamics.
Treatment of malignant primary cardiac tumors requires attention to cardiovascular complications: a single-center, retrospective study
Authors: Furukawa Kanami , Ohmura Hirofumi , Moriyama Shohei , Uehara Koki , Ito Mamoru , Tsuchihashi Kenji , Isobe Taichi , Ariyama Hiroshi , Fukata Mitsuhiro , Kusaba Hitoshi , Shiose Akira , Akashi Koichi , Baba Eishi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Malignant primary cardiac tumors require multimodal approaches including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but these treatments can be associated with cardiovascular complications. However, few reports have described the cardiovascular complications related to primary cardiac tumor treatment because of their rarity.

Methods
Clinical records of patients with primary cardiac tumors treated at Kyushu University Hospital from January 2010 to August 2021 were retrospectively examined.

Results
Of the 47 primary cardiac tumor patients, 13 (28%) were diagnosed with malignancy, including 5 angiosarcomas, 3 intimal sarcomas, 3 diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, 1 Ewing’s sarcoma and 1 fibrosarcoma. Cardiovascular events were observed in 10 patients (77%), including cardiac dysfunction in 6 patients, arrhythmias in 5 patients, right heart failure in 2 patients, and excessively prolonged prothrombin time due to the combination of warfarin and chemotherapy in 1 patient. Two patients who showed notable cardiac complications are described. Case A involved a 69-year-old woman who underwent surgery for a left atrial intimal sarcoma, followed by postoperative chemotherapy with doxorubicin plus ifosfamide and radiotherapy. After three cycles of chemotherapy and sequential radiotherapy, her left ventricular ejection fraction decreased to 34%, and ongoing heart failure therapy was required. Case B involved a 66-year-old man who received chemotherapy for primary cardiac lymphoma, resulting in tumor shrinkage. However, due to tumor involvement of the intraventricular septum, atrioventricular block developed, requiring cardiac pacemaker implantation.

Conclusion
High incidences of cardiac failure and arrhythmias were observed during multimodal treatments for malignant primary cardiac tumors. Proper management of complications may lead to a favorable prognosis in patients with malignant primary cardiac tumors.