bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Socioeconomic burden of cystic fibrosis in Canada
Authors: Laflamme Olivier D , Johnson Noah , Steele Kim , Chavez Luis , Cheng Stephanie Y , Rabin Harvey R , Cheema Zain M , Mamic Eunice , Gomez Lilian C , Leong Jeanette , Quon Bradley S , Sadatsafavi Mohsen , Stephenson Anne L , Wranik W Dominika , Eckford Paul D W , Wallenburg John , Bowerman Cole , Stanojevic Sanja 
Published: August 2024

Background
Cost of illness studies are important tools to summarise the burden of disease for individuals, the healthcare system and society. The lack of standardised methods for reporting costs for cystic fibrosis (CF) makes it difficult to quantify the total socioeconomic burden. In this study, we aimed to comprehensively report the socioeconomic burden of CF in Canada.

Methods
The total cost of CF in Canada was calculated by triangulating information from three sources (Canadian CF Registry, customised Burden of Disease survey and publicly available information). A prevalence-based, bottom-up, human capital approach was applied, and costs were categorised into four perspectives (ie, healthcare system, individual/caregiver, variable (ie, medicines) and society) and three domains (ie, direct, indirect and intangible). All costs were converted into 2021 Canadian dollars (CAD) and adjusted for inflation. The cost of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator therapies was excluded.

Results
The total socioeconomic burden of CF in Canada in 2021 across the four perspectives was $C414 million. Direct costs accounted for two-thirds of the total costs, with medications comprising half of all direct costs. Out-of-pocket costs to individuals and caregivers represented 18.7% of all direct costs. Indirect costs representing absenteeism accounted for one-third of the total cost.

Conclusion
This comprehensive cost of illness study for CF represents a community-oriented approach describing the socioeconomic burden of living with CF and serves as a benchmark for future studies.
Synergistic association of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor and metformin on liver and non-liver complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
Authors: Mao Xianhua , Zhang Xinrong , Kam Leslie , Chien Nicholas , Lai Rongtao , Cheung Ka-Shing , Yuen Man-Fung , Cheung Ramsey , Seto Wai-Kay , Nguyen Mindie H 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveType 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (diabetic MASLD) frequently coexist and worsen liver and non-liver outcomes, but effective pharmacological therapies are limited. We aimed to evaluate the long-term effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT-2i) on liver and non-liver outcomes among patients with diabetic MASLD.DesignThis population-based cohort study retrieved patients with diabetic MASLD from Merative Marketscan Research Databases (April 2013 and December 2021). The active comparator was other glucose-lowering drugs (oGLDs). Primary outcomes were liver complications including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver cirrhosis, as well as non-liver complications including cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD) and non-liver cancer. Propensity score matching was applied and Cox regression models were conducted.ResultsCompared with oGLD, SGLT-2i users had significantly lower risk of HCC (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.93), liver cirrhosis (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.84), CVD (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.85) and CKD (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.70), non-liver cancer (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.86). Compared with patients without metformin and SGLT-2i, a stepwise decreasing risk was observed in users of either metformin or SGLT-2i (HRs 0.76–0.97) and in users of both medications (HRs 0.58–0.79). The lower risk also was shown in liver decompensation, compensated cirrhosis, major CVD, end-stage renal disease and specific common cancers (HRs 0.61–0.84).ConclusionIn a nationwide cohort, SGLT-2i users were associated with a substantially lower risk of liver and non-liver complications than oGLD users among patients with diabetic MASLD. The risk was further reduced with concomitant metformin use.
Does stress from incarceration of family and friends contribute to signs of early vascular ageing in African American women?
Authors: Fields Nicole D , Martin Zachary T , Hoggard Lori S , Erving Christy L , Udaipuria Shivika , Blevins Kennedy M , Parker Jordan E , Goodson Jaylah , Murden Raphiel J , Moore Renee H , Parker Rachel , Culler LaKeia , Booker Bianca , Barinas-Mitchell Emma , Quyyumi Arshed , Vaccarino Viola , Lewis Tené T 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundEarly vascular ageing (EVA) contributes to elevated risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which disproportionately affects African American women. Incarceration, an event disproportionately impacting African Americans, may be a stressor contributing to EVA in African American women. Further, the subjective perspective, commonly referred to as appraisal, of incarceration may also be important for health. We hypothesised that having family and/or friends incarcerated and appraising the incarceration as upsetting would be associated with indices of EVA.MethodsIn a community-based cohort of African American women aged 30–46 living in Atlanta, Georgia (n=391), participants were asked, at baseline, about family and/or friend incarceration and to appraise how upsetting the incarceration was. Multivariable linear regression examined associations between: (1) family and/or friend incarceration and indices of EVA (pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, central systolic blood pressure (SBP) and pulse pressure amplification) and (2) appraisal of incarceration and EVA indices.Results45% of participants (n=174) reported having a loved one incarcerated, and 59% (n=102) reported the incarceration as upsetting. Having a loved one incarcerated was associated with a higher central SBP (b=4.30; 95% CI 1.61, 6.99) and augmentation index (b=2.29; 95% CI 0.26, 4.33). Appraisal of incarceration was only associated with central SBP.ConclusionsFamily or friend incarceration was highly prevalent in this cohort of African American women and associated with indices of EVA. Mass incarceration of others may affect the physical health of African American women which may contribute to CVD disparities.
Spatiotemporal distribution of the non-indigenous peach blossom jellyfish Craspedacusta sowerbii in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Lüskow Florian , Pakhomov Evgeny A. 
Published: August 2024

The introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS) to exotic habitats can have tremendous impacts on native biodiversity, food webs, and ecosystem services. One globally distributed aquatic NIS is the hydrozoan Craspedacusta sowerbii Lankester, 1880. The species’ northern distribution boundary in North America is situated in British Columbia (BC), Canada. It is thus of paramount interest to understand its ecology in this warming invaded habitat, allowing for insights into other regions. Specimens of the genus Craspedacusta have been reported in 34 freshwater systems since August 1990. These reported locations are generally shallow (<10 m), most often of natural origin, and have a small surface area (<0.1 km2). We observed an exponential trend of medusa observations from 1990 till the end of the 2020s. The first seasonal records are in July and the latest in October, with peak sightings reported in August and September. After 2012, regional temperature anomalies during July and August were mostly positive, which overlaps with the period of the majority of reported C. sowerbii sightings. Until this day, all examined medusae are males.
Clinical and Molecular Risk Factors in Extracranial Malignant Rhabdoid Tumors: Toward an Integrated Model of High-Risk Tumors
Authors: Fincke Victoria E. , Steinbügl Mona , Chun Hye-Jung E. , Nemes Karolina , Mucha Marlena , Loßner Maurice , Dorn Felix , Gastberger Katharina , Bühner Sebastian , Sill Martin , Kröncke Thomas , Siebert Reiner , Melchior Patrick , Furtwängler Rhoikos , Schlesner Matthias , Vokuhl Christian , Röcken Christoph , Johann Pascal D. , Frühwald Michael C. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
Extracranial malignant rhabdoid tumors (eMRT) are a challenging entity. Despite the use of multimodal treatment approaches, therapy failure occurs in 55% to 67% of these. Molecular markers for identification of patients at increased risk for relapse or refractory (R/R) disease are not available. Clinical characteristics may only insufficiently predict the individual course of disease.

Experimental Design:
Using the EU-RHAB database, we analyzed a cohort of 121 patients with eMRT clinically. For 81 patients, molecular and clinical data were available, which were further complemented with publicly available DNA molecular data from 92 eMRTs. We aimed to delineate molecular risk factors by dissecting the DNA methylome of these tumors. Moreover, we establish clinical characteristics and treatment details of R/R disease in a subcohort of 80 patients.

Results:
Using consensus hierarchical clustering, we identified three distinct subgroups, one of which (eMRT standard risk) was associated with significantly improved survival, irrespective of germline status and/or localization. At the transcriptome level, this subgroup was characterized by an overexpression of genes involved in muscle development. A relevant proportion of patients developed distant relapses or progressions; the median time to the event was 4 months, underlining the need for early identification and risk stratification of R/R disease. The overall survival was significantly decreased in patients with progressive disease when compared with relapse cases, and reaching complete remission during salvage therapy provided a survival benefit.

Conclusions:
Our analysis of eMRT in this comprehensive cohort provides novel insights into the patterns of relapse and integrates molecular and clinical risk factors to guide clinical decision-making.
CD137 (4-1BB) and T-Lymphocyte Exhaustion
Authors: Molero-Glez Paula , Azpilikueta Arantza , Mosteo Laura , Glez-Vaz Javier , Palencia Belen , Melero Ignacio 
Published: August 2024

Summary
CD137 (4-1BB) costimulation results in the potent activation of antitumor T lymphocytes and elicits antitumor efficacy that is synergistic with anti-PD(L)1 checkpoint inhibitors, especially when using bispecific constructs. Emerging experimental evidence indicates that 4-1BB ligation prevents and may revert T-cell exhaustion.
See related article by Jeon et al., p. 4155
A Conservação Preventiva e as reservas técnicas
Authors: Braga Gedley Belchior 
Published: August 2024

This text explicits the importance of the planning of an area for the packing and storing of a collection, under the principIes of Preventive Conservation. Advices are presented based in the specialized Iiterature as well as on acquired experience with projects, either accomplished or in course, at the Storage Area of MAEIUSP, supported by FAPESP and VITAE Foundation.
Clinical Utility of Protein Language Models in Resolution of Variants of Uncertain Significance in
KCNQ1, KCNH2
, and
SCN5A
Compared With Patch-Clamp Functional Characterization
Authors: Ye Dan , Garmany Ramin , Martinez-Barrios Estefania , Gao Xiaozhi , Neves Raquel Almeida Lopes , Tester David J. , Bains Sahej , Zhou Wei , Giudicessi John R. , Ackerman Michael J. 
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:
Genetic testing for cardiac channelopathies is the standard of care. However, many rare genetic variants remain classified as variants of uncertain significance (VUS) due to lack of epidemiological and functional data. Whether deep protein language models may aid in VUS resolution remains unknown. Here, we set out to compare how 2 deep protein language models perform at VUS resolution in the 3 most common long-QT syndrome–causative genes compared with the gold-standard patch clamp.

METHODS:

A total of 72 rare nonsynonymous VUS (9
KCNQ1,
19
KCNH2
, and 50
SCN5A
) were engineered by site-directed mutagenesis and expressed in either HEK293 cells or TSA201 cells. Whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to functionally characterize these variants. The protein language models, evolutionary scale modeling, version 1b and AlphaMissense, were used to predict the variant effect of missense variants and compared with patch clamp.

RESULTS:

Considering variants in all 3 genes, the evolutionary scale modeling, version 1b model had a receiver operating characteristic curve–area under the curve of 0.75 (
P
=0.0003). It had a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 50%. AlphaMissense performed well compared with patch-clamp with an receiver operating characteristic curve-area under the curve of 0.85 (
P
<0.0001), sensitivity of 80%, and specificity of 76%.

CONCLUSIONS:
Deep protein language models aid in VUS resolution with high sensitivity but lower specificity. Thus, these tools cannot fully replace functional characterization but can aid in reducing the number of variants that may require functional analysis.
Proteome- and Transcriptome-Wide Genetic Analysis Identifies Biological Pathways and Candidate Drug Targets for Preeclampsia
Authors: Ardissino Maddalena , Truong Buu , Slob Eric A.W. , Schuermans Art , Yoshiji Satoshi , Morley Alec P. , Burgess Stephen , Ng Fu Siong , de Marvao Antonio , Natarajan Pradeep , Nicolaides Kypros , Gaziano Liam , Butterworth Adam , Honigberg Michael C. 
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:
Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. However, the current understanding of its underlying biological pathways remains limited.

METHODS:
In this study, we performed a cross-platform proteome- and transcriptome-wide genetic analysis aimed at evaluating the causal relevance of >2000 circulating proteins with preeclampsia, supported by data on the expression of over 15 000 genes across 36 tissues leveraging large-scale preeclampsia genetic association data from women of European ancestry.

RESULTS:
We demonstrate genetic associations of 18 circulating proteins with preeclampsia (SULT1A1 [sulfotransferase 1A1], SH2B3 [SH2B adapter protein 3], SERPINE2 [serpin family E member 2], RGS18 [regulator of G-protein signaling 18], PZP [pregnancy zone protein], NOTUM [notum, palmitoleoyl-protein carboxylesterase], METAP1 [methionyl aminopeptidase 1], MANEA [mannosidase endo-alpha], jun-D [JunD proto-oncogene], GDF15 [growth differentiation factor 15], FGL1 [fibrinogen like 1], FGF5 [fibroblast growth factor 5], FES [FES proto-oncogene], APOBR [apolipoprotein B receptor], ANP [natriuretic peptide A], ALDH-E2 [aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 family member], ADAMTS13 [ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 13], and 3MG [N-methylpurine DNA glycosylase]), among which 11 were either directly or indirectly supported by gene expression data, 9 were supported by Bayesian colocalization analyses, and 5 (SERPINE2, PZP, FGF5, FES, and ANP) were supported by all lines of evidence examined. Protein interaction mapping identified potential shared biological pathways through natriuretic peptide signaling, blood pressure regulation, immune tolerance, and thrombin activity regulation.

CONCLUSIONS:
This investigation identified multiple targetable proteins linked to cardiovascular, inflammatory, and coagulation pathways, with SERPINE2, PZP, FGF5, FES, and ANP identified as pivotal proteins with likely causal roles in the development of preeclampsia. The identification of these potential targets may guide the development of targeted therapies for preeclampsia.
Trajectory of C-Reactive Protein and Incident Heart Failure in Black Adults: The Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Hamid Arsalan , Yimer Wondwosen K. , Oshunbade Adebamike A. , Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Kamimura Daisuke , Kipchumba Rodney K. , Pandey Ambarish , Clark Donald , Mentz Robert J. , Fox Ervin R. , Berry Jarett D. , Stacey R. Brandon , Shah Amil , Correa Adolfo , Virani Salim S. , Butler Javed , Hall Michael E. 
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:
Increased hsCRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein), a marker of inflammation, is associated with incident cardiovascular events. We aim to determine whether the baseline or trajectory of hsCRP levels over time predicts incident heart failure (HF) hospitalization.

METHODS:
JHS (Jackson Heart Study) participants’ (n=3920 Black adults) hsCRP levels were measured over 3 visits (from 2000 to 2013). We assessed the association of hsCRP at baseline (visit 1) with incident HF hospitalization using Cox proportional hazards models. Furthermore, we assessed the association of the trajectory of hsCRP over repeated measurements (visits 1–3) with incident HF using joint models. Hazard ratios are reflective of an increase in hsCRP by 1 SD on a log2 scale. We also assessed the association of change in hsCRP between visit 1 and visit 3 with Cox proportional hazards models by grouping patients by low (<2 mg/L) and high (≥2 mg/L) hsCRP levels. The 4 groups were low-to-low (referent), low-to-high, high-to-low, and high-to-high.

RESULTS:

Mean baseline age of participants was 54±13 years, and 63.8% were women. Over a median follow-up of 12 years, 308 (7.9%) participants were hospitalized with incident HF. Baseline hsCRP was not associated with incident HF (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.08 [95% CI, 0.96–1.22]). However, increasing hsCRP levels over repeated measures were associated with a higher risk of incident HF overall (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.03–1.44]) and HF with preserved ejection fraction (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.30 [95% CI, 1.02–1.65]) but not HF with reduced ejection fraction (
P
>0.05). Furthermore, changes in hsCRP from low-to-high and high-to-low levels were associated with incident HF (
P
<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:
While baseline hsCRP was not associated with incident HF, an increasing trajectory of hsCRP over time was associated with increased risk for incident HF (particularly HF with preserved ejection fraction). Temporal change in hsCRP may be an important marker of risk for incident HF with preserved ejection fraction in Black adults.
Risk-taking salamanders share less space with conspecifics
Authors: Rosa Giacomo , Costa Andrea , Salvidio Sebastiano 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Boldness is a personality trait defined as the propensity of an animal to engage in risk-taking behaviours. Boldness is often associated with social ranking, dispersal, movement, and home range in many animal species. In this study we tested if boldness was correlated with individual spatial behaviour, in a population of the Cave Salamander Speleomantes strinatii living in a subterranean habitat. Boldness was measured in a controlled environment by means of an emerging from a shelter trial, while home ranges and distances moved over two years were obtained in the wild from a spatially explicit capture-mark-recapture study. We obtained data from 13 salamanders that were captured at least 5 times (mean 7.23; range 5-11). As expected, there was a highly significant and negative correlation between individual risk taking behaviour and home range overlap with conspecifics (rs = 0.84; p = 0.005). This pattern could be explained by differences in habitat physical quality or in its available resources, but more research is needed to better understand this behavioural pattern.
Researching Religion and the COVID-19 Pandemic in Africa
Authors: Isiko Alexander Paul 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Studying religious phenomena in an era when religion was grossly curtailed as a conveyer of COVID-19 proved to be an unusual challenge. This called for innovative approaches and methodologies that differed from the conventional ones in religious research. An assessment of the thematic concerns, methodological approaches, and challenges faced at a time when the global shutdown and quarantine had significantly affected academic research is timely. However, the normative reference to and comparison with Western scholarship on religion overshadows the contribution of African scholars in global studies on religion, which portrays African scholars as demonstrating conspicuous scholarly silence on issues that affect their continent. This article addresses this problem by highlighting the works and contribution of African scholars to the study of religion and COVID-19 to emphasize their visibility in the global production of knowledge. It further analyses African scholars’ attempt to accentuate African society’s interface with the pandemic.
Optimal Self-Care for Surgeons: Sleep, Diet, and Exercise
Authors: Park Justin , McElveen Kimberly 
Published: August 2024

Background Surgeons face intense stress, causing hormonal imbalances that harm their health, leading to burnout, chronic illness, and shorter lifespans due to their demanding careers. Purpose This study explores self-care strategies focusing on sleep, nutrition, and exercise to help surgeons reduce stress and improve their overall well-being and quality of life. Research Design A thorough literature review of physiological, metabolic, and psychological principles informed the development of a structured self-care approach. Data Collection and/or Analysis We reviewed existing research on brain-body interactions, highlighting hormonal balance, nutrition, and exercise to mitigate chronic stress. Results The review underscores the importance of quality sleep for hormonal balance and overall health. Proper nutrition, emphasizing balanced macronutrients and meal timing, supports health. Exercise should be 80% low-intensity aerobic activities, with 20% high-intensity. Combining these elements strengthens resistance to chronic stress and enhances health. Conclusions A structured self-care approach, prioritizing sleep, followed by nutrition and exercise, effectively reduces stress among surgeons. This sequence improves well-being and quality of life. Surgeons should focus on consistent sleep, balanced nutrition, and regular low-intensity exercise to enhance resilience and achieve a fulfilling professional life.
Real coded genetic algorithm in operational optimization of a district cooling system: An inceptive applicability assessment and power saving evaluation
Authors: Reshi Mubashir A , Mursaleen M 
Published: August 2024

District Cooling Systems are progressively becoming a standard feature of smart cities. This is attributed to their inherent feature of low operating cost and high energy efficiency. Given the constantly increasing energy prices worldwide and the target of the Conference of the Parties-28th Session for reducing emissions, the District Cooling System technology is quite promising in this direction. Various studies are available that have particularly focused on the design phase optimization of the systems, while in-process operational optimization is still in its miniature phase. This paper presents a model-based metaheuristic optimization approach to cooling water system towards an inceptive control strategy to explore and exploit the energy-saving potential using a Real Coded Genetic Algorithm. The Algorithm is implemented in MATLAB to search for high-performance settings in real-time scenarios. The results showed that an energy saving from 9.66% to 26.54% can be obtained across 6 cases in the study, compared to the supervisory control. Practical application District cooling technology is expected to gain more credibility as the most sustainable alternative to air conditioning in the upcoming decades due to the world’s rapidly expanding need for cooling combined with the need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The current research and development efforts are yielding promising results for the fifth generation of this technology. Meanwhile, the study validates the enormous potential of operational optimization with contemporary artificial intelligence tools. This paper paves the way for future research by showing how the operation of a large-scale district cooling plant can be solved for energy saving.