bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of implementing clinical guidelines for treatment of symptoms in advanced cancer patients in specialist palliative care: A nationwide register-based study
Authors: Rojas-Concha Leslye , Hansen Maiken Bang , Adsersen Mathilde , Petersen Morten Aagaard , Larsen Henrik , Groenvold Mogens 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: There is limited evidence on whether the implementation of clinical guidelines has a positive effect on the symptomatology of cancer patients in palliative care. A large national project conducted 2017-2019 aimed to improve the quality of life of cancer patients by implementing clinical guidelines for severe pain, dyspnea, constipation and depression in Danish specialist palliative care. We investigated how pain, dyspnea, constipation and depression changed from the start of palliative care to 1-4 weeks later and whether changes were associated with timing of guideline implementation and with receipt of treatment according to guidelines.
Methods: A prospective, national quality improvement study. Data for the project was obtained from the Danish Palliative Care Database. We included adult patients with advanced cancer who answered the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnire-Core-15-Palliative Care (EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL) questionnaire at the start of specialist palliative care and 1-4 weeks later. Multiple linear regression evaluated associations between changes in symptom severity and timing of guideline implementation and receiving treatment according to guidelines.
Results: Of 4,640 patients completing both EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL questionnaires, 3,879 (84%) qualified for one or more treatment guidelines. Pain, dyspnea, constipation and depression improved significantly. Timing of guideline implementation and receiving treatment according to guidelines were not associated with improvement, except for dyspnea, where small associations were observed.
Conclusions: Patients reported improved pain, dyspnea, constipation and depression, but this improvement was not consistently associated with the implementation of the four guidelines in palliative care. The lack of impact may be attributed to a modest impact on clinical practice or the observational project design.
Impact of COVID-19 Health Precautions on Asymptomatic Streptococcus pyogenes Carriage in Palestinian Children: A Before and After Study
Authors: Ghannam Ibrahim Amer , Maraqa Rana Mahmoud , Qawasmeh Duha Shokri , Alsous Rania Khalil , Jaber Sakra Mohammad Abu , Ghatasha Iman Abd Almuti , Ghannam Yahya Ibrahim 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus, GAS) is a significant pathogen that causes diverse infections, ranging from pharyngitis to severe invasive diseases. Asymptomatic carriage in children is pivotal for transmission. The COVID-19 pandemic's health measures, including mask wearing and enhanced hand hygiene, likely influenced GAS transmission dynamics. This study evaluated the impact of these precautions on the prevalence of asymptomatic pharyngeal GAS carriage among schoolchildren in the southern West Bank, Palestine.Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in two phases: pre-COVID-19 (November 2019 - January 2020) and post-COVID-19 (November 2023 - April 2024). Throat swabs from 701 children (345 pre-COVID-19, 356 post-COVID-19) were collected using cluster sampling. The samples were tested using the ABON Strep A rapid test and confirmed by culture. Sociodemographic, health, and household data were gathered. The statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression.Results The prevalence of asymptomatic GAS carriage significantly decreased from 15.7% in 2019 to 10.4% in 2024 (p = 0.038). The gender distribution remained stable (p = 0.662), while urban residence increased significantly from 34.5–41.6% (p = 0.050). The use of private wells for drinking water increased from 17.7–32.0% (p < 0.001), with private well users having greater odds of GAS carriage than municipal water users (adjusted OR = 4.128, 95% CI: 2.175–7.830, p < 0.001). Consistent hand hygiene was associated with lower odds of carriage (adjusted OR = 0.367, 95% CI: 0.184–0.730, p < 0.001), and regular teeth brushing also significantly reduced odds (adjusted OR for brushing twice daily = 0.055, 95% CI: 0.019–0.157, p < 0.001).Conclusions COVID-19-related health precautions were correlated with a significant reduction in asymptomatic GAS carriage among Palestinian children. These findings suggest that public health measures, such as mask wearing and hand hygiene, can influence the transmission of respiratory pathogens. Ongoing surveillance and targeted interventions are essential for managing GAS infections, particularly in resource-limited settings.
The relationship between sleep difficulties and externalizing and internalizing problems in children and adolescents with mental illness.
Authors: Tetering Emilie Maria Antonia van , Mies Gabry , Klip Helen , Pillen Sigrid , Muskens Jet B , Polderman Tinca , Mheen Malindi van der , Staal Wouter G , Pieters Sara 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Sleep difficulties are presumably a transdiagnostic factor in the complex etiology of psychiatric disorders in youth. This study assessed the prevalence of sleep difficulties in children and adolescents seeking specialized psychiatric care, examined the relationships internalizing and externalizing problems, and considered the moderating role of sex and age on these relationships. Parent-reported data on difficulties initiating sleep, difficulties maintaining sleep, early morning awakenings and daytime fatigue from a large sample of children and adolescents referred for specialized psychiatric care (n = 4,638; <18 years) were used to estimate prevalence rates. To examine associations between these sleep difficulties and internalizing/externalizing problems, multiple linear regression analyses were conducted on available data (n = 3,768) stratified in three age groups. Overall prevalence, i.e., at least one sleep difficulty was reported to be often or always present, was 65%. Difficulties initiating sleep occurred the most, closely followed by daytime fatigue. In all age groups, sleep difficulties were positively related to internalizing and externalizing problems. In young children and school-age children, age moderated the interaction between sleep difficulties and internalizing problems. To conclude, prevalence rates of sleep difficulties in children with mental illness appear higher than in the general youth population, especially difficulties initiating sleep and daytime fatigue. We observed that the associations between internalizing problems and sleep difficulties in young children and school-age children seemed to be amplified with age, suggesting a negative, bidirectional, spiral in development.
Machine learning models reveal microbial signatures in healthy human tissues, challenging the sterility of human organs
Authors: SKOULAKIS ANARGYROS , SKOUFOS GIORGOS , OVSEPIAN ARMEN , HATZIGEORGIOU ARTEMIS G. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
The presence of microbiomes within healthy human internal organs still remains under question. Our study endeavors to discern distinctive microbial signatures within normal human internal tissues from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) consortium through the application of machine learning (ML) models. Machine learning models were developed to classify each tissue type against all others using solely the microbial profile of the tissues. The identification of tissue-specific microbial signatures that enable machine learning models to accurately predict different tissue types would suggest the presence of distinct microbial communities within tissues. To identify these microbial signatures, we analyzed 13,871 normal RNA-seq samples from 28 tissues obtained from the GTEx database.
Results
Tissue-specific microbial signatures were identified in 11 out of the 28 tissues while the signatures for 8 tissues (Muscle, Heart, Stomach, Colon tissue, Testis, Blood, Liver, and Bladder tissue) demonstrated resilience to in silico contamination. As the GTEx samples were derived from post-mortem biopsies, healthy living tissue samples were also analyzed to further validate the results. The models for Heart, Colon tissue, and Liver displayed high discriminatory performance in the living dataset, suggesting the presence of a tissue-specific microbiome for these tissues even in a living state. Notably, the most crucial features were the fungus Sporisorium graminicola for the heart, the gram-positive bacterium Flavonifractor plautii for the colon tissue, and the gram-negative bacterium Bartonella machadoae for the liver. The presence of contamination-resilient tissue-specific microbial signatures implies that microbial colonization is not a random occurrence.
Conclusions
The presence of tissue-specific microbial signatures in certain tissues suggests that these organs are not devoid of microorganisms even in healthy conditions and probably they harbor low-biomass microbial communities unique to each tissue. The discoveries presented here confront the enduring dogma positing the sterility of internal tissues, yet further validation through controlled laboratory experiments is imperative to substantiate this hypothesis. Exploring the microbiome of internal tissues holds promise for elucidating the pathophysiology underlying both health and a spectrum of diseases, including sepsis, inflammation, and cancer.
Evaluation and classification of soil infiltration capacity, hydrologic soil groups and suitability rating classes for irrigation application of fadama soils
Authors: USMAN Suleiman , Usman Suleiman 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Information regarding the soil water relationship for irrigation under fadama management system is crucial. A field measurement study was undertaken to evaluate and classify the infiltration rates, infiltration capacity and hydrological soil group classes of fadama in the study area. Fifteen (15) different soil units were randomly selected based on the presence of agricultural activities and the nature of irrigation applications. The infiltration rates for all the soil units ranged between 2.4 cm/hr and 12 cm/hr, while the cumulative infiltrations ranged between 4.8 cm to 24 cm. Soil unit 8 recorded the highest infiltration rates of 12 cm/hr and cumulative infiltration of 24 cm, while soil unit 10 had the lowest infiltration of 2.4 cm/hr and cumulative infiltration of 4.8 cm. Soil infiltration capacity was classified as moderate and moderate-rapid. Soil units 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, and 15 required an overhead method for correct water economy and proper utilisation for plants whereas soil units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, and 12 ideally may require a surface irrigation method probably because of the moderate basic infiltration rate. The Hydrologic Soil Groups (HSGs) of the study sites were evaluated as A, B and C. Soil units 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, and 15 fall under group A, and soil units 3, 5, 6, 10, and 13 fall under group B, while soil unit 9 falls under group C, corresponding to well-drained soil texture with low runoff potential, moderately well-drained coarse texture with moderate runoff potential and moderately fine texture with moderate to high runoff potential, respectively. It is suggested that water management under irrigation in the fadama sites of the study area depend largely on the nature and condition of the soil, and that sites with low runoff potential are likely to retain more water during the days compared to moderate and moderate-rapid.
Construction of confidence intervals for the difference of censored zero-inflated gamma distributions
Authors: Guo Hongping , Zhu Yiran , Qian Yuhang , Wu Min 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This paper studies the problem of constructing confidence intervals (CIs) for the difference between coefficients of variation (CV) of two censored zero-inflated gamma distributions. Firstly, we extend the CI construction method of gamma distribution, based on Fiducial inference, to the context of zero-inflated gamma distributions with censored data. Secondly, we propose a Box-Cox transformation based method to construct CIs for the CV difference of censored zero-inflated gamma distributions. Thirdly, we combine two gamma distribution CI estimates with three binomial distribution CI estimates using the Method of Variance Estimate Recovery (MOVER), and obtain six MOVER combination methods. Furthermore, we conduct Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate the performances of the proposed methods, the results indicate that all CI construction methods achieve satisfactory performances in terms of coverage probability, average length and tail error rates. Finally, we perform real data analysis using 11 years of precipitation data from Zhengzhou and Lhasa.
Repurposing of TV Boxes for a Circular Economy in Smart Cities Applications
Authors: Luz Gustavo P. C. P da , Sato Gabriel Massuyoshi , Gonzalez Luis Fernando Gomez , Borin Juliana Freitag 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In recent years, large quantities of illegal TV Box equipment have been confiscated in Brazil. According to news released in March 2024, an estimated 2.5 million TV Boxes were stored in the warehouses of the Federal Revenue Service. Typically, this equipment is destroyed, which not only incurs significant costs for the government but also generates substantial e-waste. Meanwhile, the advancement of smart city applications based on the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning has driven research in edge computing using hardware-constrained devices. This paper explores the feasibility of repurposing TV Boxes for edge computing in applications involving people counting in images collected by cameras. We developed a testbed consisting of 20 TV boxes to conduct a thorough evaluation of their resilience and carbon footprint compared to commonly used edge computing equipment. Our findings demonstrate that these repurposed devices can perform over five million inferences, outperforming commercially available devices in terms of carbon footprint using Brazilian energy matrix. This study underscores the innovative potential and environmental benefits of repurposing TV Boxes for smart city applications, especially when utilizing lightweight machine learning models.
Alcohol consumption and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Lyu Linshuoshuo , Liu Bin , Ying Jiacheng , Qian Yu , Guo Jing , Li Jiayu , Sun Xiaohui , He Zhixing , Ye Ding , Wen Chengping , Mao Yingying 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Though accumulated evidence has indicated an inverse relationship between alcohol intake and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) risk, it remained uncertain whether such association was causal or biased by confounding. We aimed to explore the dose-response relationship and the potential causality between alcohol consumption and RA risk by using both prospective study and Mendelian randomization (MR).
Methods
We first performed an updated meta-analysis on the association between alcohol consumption and the RA risk in PubMed and Web of Science database. Then we assessed the association of alcohol intake-related phenotypes with RA risk based on UK Biobank. The association was examined using Cox regression, while the potential non-linear relationship was modeled by restricted cubic splines (RCS). Stratification analyses based on sex, age, and ethnicity, as well as a series of sensitivity analyses were further performed. In addition, linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) was used to calculate the heritability and genetic correlation between these traits, and two-sample MR was employed to assess the association of genetically predicted alcohol consumption with the risk of RA.
Results
Findings from the meta-analysis suggested an inverse association between alcohol intake and RA (relative risk (RR): 0.85; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.78, 0.83). Similarly, in UK Biobank cohort, one standard deviation increases of alcohol intake per day was related to a 6% lower risk of RA (hazard ratio (HR): 0.94; 95% CI: 0.91, 0.97). RCS models revealed a J-shaped dose-response association between alcohol consumption and RA, with moderate intake associated with a reduced risk. However, alcohol use disorder (AUD) was associated with a 30% higher risk of RA (HR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.56). A sex- and age-dependent association of alcohol intake and RA was observed in stratification analysis. Findings from LDSC and MR both suggested AUD as a potential risk factor for RA, while no statistically significant association between alcohol consumption and RA was observed.
Conclusion
Our study revealed a dose- and sex- dependent pattern of alcohol consumption on RA risk. Though a slightly protective effect was observed during a specific range of alcohol consumption, it should not be recommended as a prevention strategy for RA.
Anomalous Behaviour in Structural and Optical Properties of Cr and N co- doped TiO 2 thin films Under Thermally Induced Conditions synthesized by Spin Coating
Authors: Prasad Abhishek , Singh Fouran , Purohit L. P. , Ojha Sunil , Mehra Rohit , Ramola R. C. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the transformative effects of chromium and nitrogen doping on the structural and optical characteristics of TiO2 thin films. Intriguing results are obtained by analysing XRD patterns, FTIR spectroscopy, RBS, EDS, UV-vis transmission spectra, and bandgap studies. The XRD analysis reveals the development of mixed phases, with notable phase transitions observed upon doping in TiO2 thin films and the occurrence of Ti2O3 peak, suggesting potential advantages such as enhanced conductivity or catalytic activity. FTIR spectroscopy confirms the C-O stretching group at 1102 cm-1 and characteristic peaks in the fingerprint region at 613 cm-1 and 435 cm-1, indicating titanium-oxygen bonds and the incorporation of dopants into the TiO2 lattice. RBS spectra show that the pristine thin films have a thickness of 268 nm, which increases to 270 nm upon doping. UV-Vis transmission spectra unveil alterations in transparency and absorbance, with chromium and nitrogen dopants significantly impacting optical properties. Notably, bandgap measurements highlight the fascinating phenomenon of bandgap narrowing attributed to the substitution of lattice oxygen with nitrogen atoms. The bandgap energy of the Pristine film is 3.25 eV, which decreases to 2.28 eV after increasing chromium doping. The nitrogen-doped 7Cr: TiO2 thin film showed a bandgap energy of 2.81 eV. This study illuminates the complex interplay between doping and TiO2 thin film properties, offering valuable insights for optoelectronic applications and materials science advancements.
BMAL1-HIF2α heterodimers contribute to ccRCC
Authors: Lamia Katja A , Mello Rebecca , Ceballos Diego Gomez , Sandate Colby , Agudelo Daniel , Jouffe Celine , Uhlenhaut Nina , Thoma Nicolas , Simon M.Celeste 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Circadian disruption enhances cancer risk, and many tumors exhibit disordered circadian gene expression. We show rhythmic gene expression is unexpectedly robust in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Furthermore, the clock gene BMAL1 is higher in ccRCC than in healthy kidneys, unlike in other tumor types. BMAL1 is closely related to ARNT, and we show that BMAL1-HIF2α regulates a subset of HIF2α target genes in ccRCC cells. Depletion of BMAL1 reprograms HIF2α chromatin association and target gene expression and reduces ccRCC growth in culture and in xenografts. Analysis of pre-existing data reveals higher BMAL1 in patient-derived xenografts that are sensitive to growth suppression by a HIF2α antagonist (PT2399). We show that BMAL1-HIF2α is more sensitive than ARNT-HIF2α to suppression by PT2399, and increasing BMAL1 sensitizes 786O cells to growth inhibition by PT2399. Together, these findings indicate that an alternate HIF2α heterodimer containing the circadian partner BMAL1 contributes to HIF2α activity, growth, and sensitivity to HIF2α antagonist drugs in ccRCC cells.
Global human consumption of animal calories stabilizes in the long run
Authors: Fischer Christian , Kipkoech Brian , Ruto Eric 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Animal-based foods, a traditional source of nutrients, are increasingly called into question owing to human health and environmental concerns. We show that across a simulated period of 200 years the share of animal calories in the total global calorie supply has stagnated over the last forty years. This is inconsistent with Bennett's law, which states that diet shares of meat and other nutrient-dense foods increase when per capita incomes rise. It implies a growing environmental footprint of the global human diet. Using FAOSTAT and World Bank data, our panel regression estimates confirm a weakening link between income and animal calorie consumption as countries develop. This trend is also observed for human trophic levels, a measure of the energy intensity of diets. Overall, we contribute to the food sustainability debate by offering a long-term view of actual animal-source calorie development patterns.
Nucleoporins cooperate with Polycomb silencers to promote transcriptional repression and repair at DNA double strand breaks
Authors: Song* Hongseon , Bae* Yubin , Kim* Sangin , Deascanis* Dante , Lee Yujin , Rona Gergely , Lane Ethan , Lee Seoyeong , Kim Sujung , Pagano Michele , Myung Kyungjae , Kee Younghoon 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

DNA Double-strand breaks (DSBs) are harmful lesions and major sources of genomic instability. Studies have suggested that DSBs induce local transcriptional silencing that consequently promotes genomic stability. Several factors have been proposed to actively participate in this process, including ATM and Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1). Here we found that disrupting PRC1 clustering disrupts DSB-induced gene silencing. Interactome analysis of PHC2, a PRC1 subunit that promotes the formation of the Polycomb body, found several nucleoporins that constitute the Nuclear Pore Complex (NPC). Similar to PHC2, depleting the nucleoporins also disrupted the DSB-induced gene silencing. We found that some of these nucleoporins, such as NUP107 and NUP43, which are members of the Y-complex of NPC, localize to DSB sites. These nucleoporin-enriched DSBs were distant from the nuclear periphery. The presence of nucleoporins and PHC2 at DSB regions were inter-dependent, suggesting that they act cooperatively in the DSB-induced gene silencing. We further found two structural components within NUP107 to be necessary for the transcriptional repression at DSBs: ATM/ATR-mediated phosphorylation at Serine37 residue within the N-terminal disordered tail, and the NUP133-binding surface at the C-terminus. These results provide a new functional interplay among nucleoporins, ATM and the Polycomb proteins in the DSB metabolism, and underscore their emerging roles in genome stability maintenance.

*Hongseon Song, Yubin Bae, Sangin Kim, and Dante Deascanis contributed equally to this work.