bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ЗМІНИ У СТРУКТУРІ СМЕРТНОСТІ В УКРАЇНІ: РЕАЛЬНІ ТА ПРОГНОЗОВАНІ
Authors: Рингач Н. О. , Власик Л. Й. 
Published: August 2024

Мета: визначити зрушення у структурі смертності за причинами, що відбулися в Україні за роки пандемії COVID-19; сформулювати гіпотези щодо прогнозованих змін через повномасштабну війну.
Матеріали і методи. Інформаційною базою для статистичного аналізу стала звітність Державної служби статистики України. У компаративному аналізі використано стандартизовані за віком (євростандарт) показники смертності від основних причин за 2013 та 2019–2021 рр.
Результати. Головне структурне зрушення смертності населення України за період 2019–2021 рр. – друге рангове місце COVID-19 (12,3 % у 2021 р.). З 2019 р. відбувалося зменшення частки серцево-судинних захворювань (до 60,1 %), новоутворень (10,4 %) та зростання значущості хвороб органів дихання (3,7 %). Сумарна частка традиційних причин-лідерів (серцево-судинних захворювань, новоутворень і зовнішніх причин смерті) скоротилася з 85,7 до 74,6 %. Зберігалися відмінності структури смертності за статтю, що полягали у більшій значущості для жінок смертності внаслідок хвороб системи кровообігу (64,9 % проти 55,0 % для чоловіків); значно більшій вагомості для чоловіків смертності внаслідок зовнішніх причин (6,7 % проти 1,6 % для жінок) і хвороб органів травлення (4,5 % проти 2,6 % відповідно).
Висновок. Ймовірною зміною структури смертності за причинами в Україні у найближчій перспективі (детер­міновані поєднаною дією триваючої пандемії COVID-19 та війни на території країни) стане зміна співвідношення ендогенних та екзогенних причин смерті з істотним зростанням внеску як зовнішніх причин (насамперед для чоловіків), так і інфекційної патології в цілому, включаючи коронавірусну хворобу.
Glaucoma-Protective Human Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism in the
Angpt2
Locus Increased ANGPT2 Expression and Schlemm Canal Area in Mice—Brief Report
Authors: Kiyota Naoki , Onay Tuncer , Leeaw Phoebe , Liu Pan , Deb Dilip K. , Thomson Benjamin R. , Segrè Ayellet V. , Wiggs Janey L. , Quaggin Susan E. 
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:

The ANGPT (angiopoietin)-TEK (tyrosine kinase, endothelial) vascular signaling pathway plays a key role in the formation of Schlemm canal, and loss-of-function mutations in the
TEK
or
ANGPT1
gene are associated with primary congenital glaucoma in children. In genome-wide association studies, an association was identified between protection from primary open-angle glaucoma and the single-nucleotide polymorphism rs76020419 (G>T), located within a predicted
miR-145
–binding site in the 3′ untranslated region of
ANGPT2
. To date, the functional impact of this variant in the anterior chamber of the eye remains largely unexplored.

METHODS:
MT (mutant) mice harboring an orthologous rs76020419 minor allele (T) were generated using CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat–associated 9). Plasma and tissue samples, including eyes, were collected, and ANGPT2 expression was quantified using ELISA. Anterior segments from eyes were collected from WT (wild-type) and MT mice, and Schlemm canal area was quantified.

RESULTS:

In the MT group, higher ANGPT2 concentrations were observed in the plasma, lungs, kidneys, and eyes (
P
=0.0212,
P
<0.001,
P
=0.0815, and
P
=0.0215, respectively). Additionally, the Schlemm canal was larger in MT mice compared with WT mice (
P
=0.0430).

CONCLUSIONS:
The rs76020419 minor allele (T) is associated with increased levels of ANGPT2 and a larger Schlemm canal in mice. These findings suggest a potential protective mechanism in glaucoma.
Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Contributes to Accelerated Atherosclerosis in Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome
Authors: Hamczyk Magda R. , Nevado Rosa M. , Gonzalo Pilar , Andrés-Manzano María J. , Nogales Paula , Quesada Víctor , Rosado Aránzazu , Torroja Carlos , Sánchez-Cabo Fátima , Dopazo Ana , Bentzon Jacob F. , López-Otín Carlos , Andrés Vicente 
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:

Atherosclerosis is the main medical problem in Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, a rare premature aging disorder caused by the mutant lamin-A protein progerin. Recently, we found that limiting progerin expression to vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is sufficient to hasten atherosclerosis and death in
Apoe
-deficient mice. However, the impact of progerin-driven VSMC defects on endothelial cells (ECs) remained unclear.

METHODS:

Apoe
- or
Ldlr
-deficient C57BL/6J mice with ubiquitous, VSMC-, EC- or myeloid-specific progerin expression fed a normal or high-fat diet were used to study endothelial phenotype during Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome–associated atherosclerosis. Endothelial permeability to low-density lipoproteins was assessed by intravenous injection of fluorescently labeled human low-density lipoprotein and confocal microscopy analysis of the aorta. Leukocyte recruitment to the aortic wall was evaluated by en face immunofluorescence. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and RNA sequencing in the aortic intima and by immunofluorescence in aortic root sections. TGFβ (transforming growth factor β) signaling was analyzed by multiplex immunoassay in serum, by Western blot in the aorta, and by immunofluorescence in aortic root sections. The therapeutic benefit of TGFβ1/SMAD3 pathway inhibition was evaluated in mice by intraperitoneal injection of SIS3 (specific inhibitor of SMAD3), and vascular phenotype was assessed by Oil Red O staining, histology, and immunofluorescence in the aorta and the aortic root.

RESULTS:

Both ubiquitous and VSMC-specific progerin expression in
Apoe
-null mice provoked alterations in aortic ECs, including increased permeability to low-density lipoprotein and leukocyte recruitment. Atherosclerotic lesions in these progeroid mouse models, but not in EC- and myeloid-specific progeria models, contained abundant cells combining endothelial and mesenchymal features, indicating extensive EndMT triggered by dysfunctional VSMCs. Accordingly, the intima of ubiquitous and VSMC-specific progeroid models at the onset of atherosclerosis presented increased expression of EndMT-linked genes, especially those specific to fibroblasts and extracellular matrix. Aorta in both models showed activation of the TGFβ1/SMAD3 pathway, a major trigger of EndMT, and treatment of VSMC-specific progeroid mice with SIS3 alleviated the aortic phenotype.

CONCLUSIONS:
Progerin-induced VSMC alterations promote EC dysfunction and EndMT through TGFβ1/SMAD3, identifying this process as a candidate target for Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome treatment. These findings also provide insight into the complex role of EndMT during atherogenesis.
Grand Bargain: Negotiating Toward a Better Middle East
Authors: Sebenius James K. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
How can sophisticated negotiation bring about a more peaceful and prosperous Middle East? While a “grand bargain” to accomplish this lofty goal may seem implausible, the potential value of such an agreement would be vast for most Israelis, Palestinians, and key regional players—as well as for many global states. Yet the failure to successfully negotiate it would entail correspondingly huge potential costs for these parties. When the benefits of a deal are high and the costs of no deal are extreme, the underlying basis for a successful negotiation exists—that is, we can envision a collectively beneficial “zone of possible agreement” (ZOPA). The first task of this article is relatively easy: to describe the elements of such a grand bargain—an “Arab-Israeli-Palestinian Peace Initiative (AIPPI),” which should be announced by Saudi Arabia and/or the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The AIPPI would contain a vision of a permanent solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the form of a non-militarized Palestinian state with Israel enjoying normalized relations with moderate Sunni Arab regimes. As a point of departure for negotiating, it would detail the benefits to and obligations of Israelis, Palestinians, and Arab states required to realize this vision, encourage the creation of performance-based milestones toward this end, to be followed by an international conference. The analysis of this article then shows that a ZOPA likely exists among critical stakeholders despite formidable would-be blockers. Yet bringing about the AIPPI requires answering two much harder questions: What are the barriers to realizing it and what is a plausible path to overcome these barriers? Sketching credible answers to these two knotty questions is the main intended contribution of this article.
Advancing Gender Equality in Contemporary Ocean Affairs
Authors: Kitada Momoko , Rodríguez-Chaves Mariamalia 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This article addresses three key aspects of the importance of gender equality within ocean and maritime law-making: the employment of gender sensitive language in recognising the roles and responsibilities of ‘all people’ who work and benefit from ocean activities; the low representation of women in male-dominated ocean governance structures; and a human rights approach to gender equality as a critical means of using law to effectively improve working conditions and support systems for women. In the past decades, gender equality in maritime and ocean affairs has been evolving in international legal instruments in terms of progress in the inclusion of gender sensitive language and specific provisions. Reviews of these legal instruments demonstrate the need to overcome gender blindness and promote equality in maritime and ocean domains.
The Imbalanced Geography of the Law on Use of Force in Self-Defence
Authors: Goldthorpe Chloe 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The most invoked justification for use of military force is the ‘inherent right’ to self-defence, enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter. This article examines efforts over the past two decades to reshape the scope of this right, arguing that attempts to permit defensive force in a wider range of situations than previously are symptomatic of structural bias that favours militarily powerful States more able and willing to use force. Building from TWAIL and feminist insights, the article reveals trends in instrumentalization and dominance of the law on self-defence, particularly within construction of customary international law, which operate to the detriment of populations living in areas converted into conflict zones. The analysis reinforces the imperative to explicitly acknowledge issues with universality and impartiality within the discussion on scope of self-defence, as well as consider alternative approaches to redressing structural bias and restricting the imbalanced impacts of defensive force.
Distributed non-disclosive validation of predictive models by a modified ROC-GLM
Authors: Schalk Daniel , Rehms Raphael , Hoffmann Verena S. , Bischl Bernd , Mansmann Ulrich 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Distributed statistical analyses provide a promising approach for privacy protection when analyzing data distributed over several databases. Instead of directly operating on data, the analyst receives anonymous summary statistics, which are combined into an aggregated result. Further, in discrimination model (prognosis, diagnosis, etc.) development, it is key to evaluate a trained model w.r.t. to its prognostic or predictive performance on new independent data. For binary classification, quantifying discrimination uses the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and its area under the curve (AUC) as aggregation measure. We are interested to calculate both as well as basic indicators of calibration-in-the-large for a binary classification task using a distributed and privacy-preserving approach.

Methods
We employ DataSHIELD as the technology to carry out distributed analyses, and we use a newly developed algorithm to validate the prediction score by conducting distributed and privacy-preserving ROC analysis. Calibration curves are constructed from mean values over sites. The determination of ROC and its AUC is based on a generalized linear model (GLM) approximation of the true ROC curve, the ROC-GLM, as well as on ideas of differential privacy (DP). DP adds noise (quantified by the $$\ell _2$$

ℓ
2

sensitivity $$\Delta _2(\hat{f})$$

Δ
2

(

f
^

)

) to the data and enables a global handling of placement numbers. The impact of DP parameters was studied by simulations.

Results
In our simulation scenario, the true and distributed AUC measures differ by $$\Delta \text {AUC} < 0.01$$

Δ
AUC
<
0.01

depending heavily on the choice of the differential privacy parameters. It is recommended to check the accuracy of the distributed AUC estimator in specific simulation scenarios along with a reasonable choice of DP parameters. Here, the accuracy of the distributed AUC estimator may be impaired by too much artificial noise added from DP.

Conclusions
The applicability of our algorithms depends on the $$\ell _2$$

ℓ
2

sensitivity $$\Delta _2(\hat{f})$$

Δ
2

(

f
^

)

of the underlying statistical/predictive model. The simulations carried out have shown that the approximation error is acceptable for the majority of simulated cases. For models with high $$\Delta _2(\hat{f})$$

Δ
2

(

f
^

)

, the privacy parameters must be set accordingly higher to ensure sufficient privacy protection, which affects the approximation error. This work shows that complex measures, as the AUC, are applicable for validation in distributed setups while preserving an individual’s privacy.
Anatomical relationship between maxillary posterior teeth and the maxillary sinus in an Indonesian population: a CT scan study
Authors: Sarilita Erli , Muhammad Rizky Maulana , Nugraha Harry Galuh , Murniati Nani , Yusuf Harmas Yazid , Takeshita Yohei , Asaumi Junichi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
The anatomical proximity between the root apex of the maxillary posterior teeth and the maxillary sinus can lead to complications, including odontogenic maxillary sinusitis. While several studies have investigated similar variables in different populations, there is limited research on the Indonesian population. This study aimed to describe the anatomical position of the maxillary posterior teeth in relation to the floor of the maxillary sinus using CT scans.

Methods
A total of 122 patients (432 maxillary premolars and 1,282 maxillary molars) underwent CT scans to evaluate 1,711 roots. The vertical relationship between the root apex of the maxillary posterior teeth and the maxillary sinus was classified into three types: IS (inside sinus), CO (sinus contact), and OS (outside sinus).

Results
The IS type was predominantly found in the palatal roots of the first molars, accounting for 20% of the total roots in this type. The CO type was most frequently observed in the mesiobuccal roots of the second molars, representing 18% of the total roots in this type. The OS type was most commonly found in the first premolar, comprising 20% of the total roots in this type.

Conclusions
The palatal roots of the first molars exhibited the highest frequency of proximity to the maxillary sinus. CT scans can effectively assess the relationship between the root apex of the posterior teeth and the maxillary sinus.

Clinical Relevance
Clinicians should consider this information comprehensively when planning treatments for maxillary molars.
The ancestral environment of teosinte populations shapes their root microbiome
Authors: Barnes Christopher J. , Bünner Maria Sophie , Ramírez-Flores M. Rosario , Nielsen Ida Broman , Ramos-Madrigal Jazmin , Zharikova Daria , McLaughlin Chloee M. , Gilbert M. Thomas , Sawers Ruairidh J.H. 
Published: August 2024

Summary
Background
The composition of the root microbiome affects the host’s growth, with variation in the host genome associated with microbiome variation. However, it is not known whether this intra-specific variation of root microbiomes is a consequence of plants performing targeted manipulations of them to adapt to their local environment or varying passively with other traits. To explore the relationship between the genome, environment and microbiome, we sampled seeds from teosinte populations across its native range in Mexico. We then grew teosinte accessions alongside two modern maize lines in a common garden experiment. Metabarcoding was performed using universal bacterial and fungal primers to profile their root microbiomes.

Results
The root microbiome varied between the two modern maize lines and the teosinte accessions. We further found that variation of the teosinte genome, the ancestral environment (temperature/elevation) and root microbiome were all correlated. Multiple microbial groups significantly varied in relative abundance with temperature/elevation, with an increased abundance of bacteria associated with cold tolerance found in teosinte accessions taken from high elevations.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that variation in the root microbiome is pre-conditioned by the genome for the local environment (i.e. non-random). Ultimately, these claims would be strengthened by confirming that these differences in the root microbiome impact host phenotype, for example, by confirming that the root microbiomes of high-elevation teosinte populations enhance cold tolerance.
Outcome of Retinoblastoma After Implementation of National Retinoblastoma Treatment Guidelines in South Africa
Authors: Kruger Mariana , van Elsland Sabine L. , Davidson Alan , Stones David , du Plessis Jan , Naidu Gita , Geel Jennifer , Poole Janet , Schoeman Judy , Stannard Clare , Mustak Hamzah , van Zyl Anel , Wetter Julie , Lecuona Karin 
Published: August 2024

PURPOSE Retinoblastoma, a curable childhood cancer, has been identified as a tracer cancer in the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer. To document the outcomes of children with retinoblastoma in South Africa, treated as per the first prospective standard national treatment guidelines for childhood cancer in South Africa. PATIENTS AND METHODS All children diagnosed with retinoblastoma between 2012 and 2016 in five South African pediatric oncology units were treated with a standard treatment on the basis of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology-Pediatric Oncology in Developing Countries guidelines for high-income settings. Treatment included focal therapy with/without chemotherapy, or enucleation with/without chemotherapy, and orbital radiotherapy, depending on enucleated eye histology. The end point was survival at 24 months, using Kaplan-Meier curves with log-rank (Mantel-Cox) and chi-square (χ2) tests with respective P values reported. RESULTS A total of 178 children were included in the study; 68% presented with unilateral disease. The median age was 27 months (range 0-118 months) with a male:female ratio of 1:0.75. The overall survival was 79% at 24 months with significant association with stage at diagnosis ( P < .001) and older age over 2 years as opposed to younger than 2 years ( P < .001). Causes of death were disease progression/relapses in 90% (34 of 38) and unknown in 2% (1 of 38), whereas treatment abandonment was 1.7% (3 of 178). CONCLUSION Efficacy with national treatment guidelines was confirmed, and feasibility of implementing standard national childhood cancer treatment guidelines was documented, involving multidisciplinary teams in South Africa. Outcome was significantly associated with stage at diagnosis and age.
Reduced injection risk behavior with co-located hepatitis C treatment at a syringe service program: The accessible care model
Authors: Lee Claire So Jeong , Mateu-Gelabert Pedro , Melendez Yesenia Aponte , Fong Chunki , Kapadia Shashi N. , Smith Melinda , Marks Kristen M. , Eckhardt Benjamin 
Published: August 2024

Background
The main mode of transmission of Hepatitis C in North America is through injection drug use. Availability of accessible care for people who inject drugs is crucial for achieving hepatitis C elimination.

Objective
The objective of this analysis is to compare the changes in injection drug use frequency and high-risk injection behaviors in participants who were randomized to accessible hepatitis c care versus usual hepatitis c care.

Methods
Participants who were hepatitis C virus RNA positive and had injected drugs in the last 90 days were enrolled and randomized 1:1 to an on-site, low threshold accessible care arm or a standard, referral-based usual care arm. Participants attended follow-up appointments at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months during which they answered questions regarding injection drug use frequency, behaviors, and treatment for opioid use disorder.

Primary outcomes
The primary outcomes of this secondary analysis are the changes in the frequency of injection drug use, high-risk injection behaviors, and receiving medication for opioid use disorder in the last 30 days.

Results
A total of 165 participants were enrolled in the study, with 82 participants in the accessible care arm and 83 participants in the usual care arm. Participants in the accessible care arm were found to have a statistically significant higher likelihood of reporting a lower range of injection days (accessible care-by-time effect OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.62–0.98) and injection events (accessible care-by-time effect OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.56–0.88) in the last 30 days at a follow-up interview relative to those in the usual care arm. There were no statistically significant differences in the rates of decrease in receptive sharing of injection equipment or in the percentage of participants receiving treatment for opioid use disorders in the two arms.

Conclusion
Hepatitis C treatment through an accessible care model resulted in statistically higher rates of decrease in injection drug use frequency in people who inject drugs.