bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chromatin and gene regulation in archaea
Authors: Blombach Fabian , Werner Finn 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe chromatinisation of DNA by nucleoid‐associated proteins (NAPs) in archaea ‘formats’ the genome structure in profound ways, revealing both striking differences and analogies to eukaryotic chromatin. However, the extent to which archaeal NAPs actively regulate gene expression remains poorly understood. The dawn of quantitative chromatin mapping techniques and first NAP‐specific occupancy profiles in different archaea promise a more accurate view. A picture emerges where in diverse archaea with very different NAP repertoires chromatin maintains access to regulatory motifs including the gene promoter independently of transcription activity. Our re‐analysis of genome‐wide occupancy data of the crenarchaeal NAP Cren7 shows that these chromatin‐free regions are flanked by increased Cren7 binding across the transcription start site. While bacterial NAPs often form heterochromatin‐like regions across islands with xenogeneic genes that are transcriptionally silenced, there is little evidence for similar structures in archaea and data from Haloferax show that the promoters of xenogeneic genes remain accessible. Local changes in chromatinisation causing wide‐ranging effects on transcription restricted to one chromosomal interaction domain (CID) in Saccharolobus islandicus hint at a higher‐order level of organisation between chromatin and transcription. The emerging challenge is to integrate results obtained at microscale and macroscale, reconciling molecular structure and function with dynamic genome‐wide chromatin landscapes.
Myrtus communis leaf extracts repel Meloidogyne spp. second‐stage juveniles and prevent root infection
Authors: Oka Yuji 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe use of repellents for nematode control has not been established. Leaf extracts of Myrtus communis, an evergreen shrub with wide distribution in the Mediterranean and some other regions, were tested for repellence of second‐stage juveniles (J2s) of Meloidogyne species. Extracts obtained with several solvents and water repelled M. javanica J2s on agar plates, with the 60% methanol extract showing the highest repellent activity. M. hapla J2s were also repelled by the aqueous and 60% methanol extracts. Adding the 60% methanol extract to fluopyram, a chemical J2 attractant, reduced and abolished, respectively, the attraction of M. javanica and M. hapla J2s to it. When the methanolic extract was added near lettuce seedling roots on an agar plate, the number of M. javanica, M. incognita and M. hapla J2s attracted to the root tips was reduced by 70.0%–98.2%, infection rates decreased by 50.1%–95.8% and root length increased by 61.8%–186.7% compared to control seedlings grown on the same plates. When the methanol extract was mixed into the agar plate, the three Meloidogyne species' attraction to and infection of lettuce seedlings was reduced by up to 75.4% and 100%, respectively, and root length increased up to 3.4‐fold. The acetone extract mixed into the agar reduced the attraction of M. javanica J2s to fluopyram but did not affect their repellence by KNO3. The results suggest that M. communis leaf extracts have repellent and infection‐inhibitory activity against Meloidogyne J2, offering potential control means for Meloidogyne species.
Coarse cubical rigidity
Authors: Fioravanti Elia , Levcovitz Ivan , Sageev Michah 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWe show that for many right‐angled Artin and Coxeter groups, all cocompact cubulations coarsely look the same: They induce the same coarse median structure on the group. These are the first examples of non‐hyperbolic groups with this property. For all graph products of finite groups and for Coxeter groups with no irreducible affine parabolic subgroups of rank , we show that all automorphisms preserve the coarse median structure induced, respectively, by the Davis complex and the Niblo–Reeves cubulation. As a consequence, automorphisms of these groups have nice fixed subgroups and satisfy Nielsen realisation.
Cardiovascular disease risk factors and their associations with inflammation among US adolescents: NHANES, 2015 to March 2020
Authors: Casagrande Sarah S , Lawrence Jean M 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThe prevalence of obesity and glycemic dysfunction in adolescents has increased over the past several decades but less is known on how these conditions are associated with systemic inflammation in this population. This study determined the associations between cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and inflammation among a nationally representative sample of US. adolescents.Research design and methodsCross-sectional analyses were conducted among 2693 adolescents aged 12–19 years who participated in the 2015 to March 2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Chronic inflammation was determined using laboratory measures for high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP). Adjusted ORs (aOR, 95% CI) were calculated from logistic regression models to determine the association between CVD risk factors (obesity, overweight, dysglycemia, hypertension, hyperlipidemia) and elevated hs-CRP (>3.0 mg/L) while controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and other CVD risk factors.ResultsOverall, 15.3% of adolescents had elevated hs-CRP. Adolescents who were older (16–19 years vs 12–15 years), obese, had A1c ≥5.7% (≥39 mmol/mol), high total cholesterol, or low high-density lipoprotein had hs-CRP distributions that were more high risk (χ2p value <0.001). Adolescents with obesity or A1c ≥5.7% had a sixfold and a nearly twofold higher odds of elevated hs-CRP compared those without obesity and A1c <5.7% after full adjustment (aOR=6.39, 4.64 to 8.79 and aOR=1.70, 1.05 to 3.06, respectively). Adolescents with hypertension or hyperlipidemia were significantly more likely to have elevated hs-CRP compared with those without these conditions after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics (aOR=2.46, 1.08 to 5.60 and aOR=2.19, 1.36 to 3.54, respectively), but the association was not significant after further adjustment for obesity.ConclusionsAmong US adolescents, obesity was strongly associated with elevated hs-CRP, a marker for future CVD risk. Given the obesity epidemic and the marked proportion with elevated CRP, concern should be given to future CVD risk in younger adults.
Meniscal Transplant surgery or Optimised Rehabilitation full randomised trial (MeTeOR2): a study protocol
Authors: Arnold Susanne , Spalding Timothy , Parsons Helen , Beard David , Bradley Helen , Crisford Peter , Ellard David R , Ferreira Manuela , Getgood Alan , Guck Jonathan , Haque Aminul , Khan Iftekhar , Mason James , Milroy Bryony , Myers P , Parker David , Price Andrew James , Smith Amy , Smith NA , Smith Toby , Stewart Kimberley , Underwood Martin , Verdonk Peter , Metcalfe Andrew 
Published: August 2024

Introduction
Pain and disability after meniscectomy can be a substantial lifelong problem. There are few treatment options, especially for young people. Non-surgical management (rehabilitation) is an option but increasingly surgeons are performing meniscal allograft transplants (MATs) for these individuals. However, this is still an uncommon procedure, and availability and usage of MAT vary widely both in the UK and internationally. It is not known which treatment option is the most effective and cost-effective.

Methods and analysis
The Meniscal Transplant surgery or Optimised Rehabilitation trial is an international, multicentre, randomised controlled trial. The aim is to compare the clinical and cost effectiveness of MAT versus an optimised package of individualised, progressive, rehabilitation that we have called personalised knee therapy (PKT).
Participants will be recruited from sites across the UK, Australia, Canada and Belgium. The planned 144 participants provide at least 90% power to detect a 10-point difference in the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS4) at 24-months post randomisation (primary outcome). A prospectively planned economic evaluation will be conducted from a healthcare system and personal social services perspective. Secondary outcome data including health utility, occupational status, sports participation, mental well-being, further treatment, and adverse events will be collected at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Analysis will be on an intention-to-treat basis and reported in-line with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement.

Ethics and dissemination
The trial was approved by the London�Bloomsbury Research Ethics Committee on 19 August 2022 (22/LO/0327) and Northern Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee, NSW, Australia on the 13 March 2023 (2022/ETH01890).
Trial results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications, presentations at international conferences, in lay summaries and using social media as appropriate.
This protocol adheres to the recommended Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT) checklist.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN87336549
.
From impact to recovery: tracking mild traumatic brain injury with MRI—a pilot study and case series
Authors: To Xuan Vinh , Cumming Paul , Nasrallah Fatima 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundDiagnosis and recovery tracking of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is often challenging due to the lack of clear findings on routine imaging techniques. This also complicates defining safe points for returning to activities.Hypothesis/purposeQuantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) can provide information about cerebral venous oxygen saturation (CSvO2) in the context of brain injury. We tested the prediction that these imaging modalities would enable the detection of changes and recovery patterns in the brains of patients with mTBI.Study designIn a case-control study, we recruited a cohort of 24 contact sport athletes for baseline QSM and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) scanning. Two of those who subsequently experienced head impact with significant post-injury symptoms underwent scans at 3, 7, 14 and 28 days post-injury; one had a boxing match without classical mTBI symptoms were also followed-up on.ResultsThe cohort baseline QSM measurements of the straight sinus were established. The two injured athletes with post-impact symptoms consistent with mTBI had susceptibility results at days 3 and 7 post-impact that fell below the 25th percentile of the baseline values. The per cent amplitude fluctuation quantified from rs-fMRI agreed with the susceptibility trends in the straight sinus.ConclusionQSM holds promise as a diagnostic tool for tracking mTBI progression or recovery in contact sport head injury.
Palliative care healthcare professionals’ perspective on the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 in Ireland
Authors: Featherstone Hannah Joan , McQuilllan Regina , Lombard John , Foley Geraldine 
Published: August 2024

ObjectivesPeople receiving end-of-life care often require assistance with decision-making. We aimed to ascertain from the perspective of palliative care healthcare professionals in Ireland, the impact of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 (as amended) in Ireland on their practice for end-of-life care decision-making with patients and family caregivers.MethodsA qualitative study comprising focus groups was conducted with 22 healthcare professionals from different healthcare professions. Participants were recruited from a large regional specialist palliative care service in Ireland comprising two hospice sites. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsParticipants reported uncertainty about the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 (as amended) and emphasised a need for more public education to avoid misinterpretation of the Act. Participants felt that patients who need assistance with decision-making should be autonomous in decision-making but expressed concerns when patients made decisions about care that participants considered unwise. Participants considered that the Act would be beneficial in situations to support early communication between patients and their family caregivers about patient preferences for care.ConclusionsLarger scale multicentre examination of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act among specialist palliative care providers in Ireland is needed to better understand its utility for practice.
Veterans with familial ALS and bulbar and respiratory presentations at onset had shorter survival
Authors: Rabadi Meheroz H , Russell Kimberly A , Xu Chao 
Published: August 2024

Objective: We sought to characterize the clinical prognostic factors in veterans with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) followed in our ALS clinic. Background: ALS is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative condition associated with decreased survival compared to that in the normal population. Method: The electronic medical records of 105 veterans diagnosed with ALS who are followed in our ALS clinic between 2010 and 2021 were reviewed. Approval from the institutional review board was obtained from the study protocol. Demographic and clinical variables included age at symptom onset, age at initial evaluation, survival (from symptom onset to death), gender, site of onset (appendicular, bulbar, and respiratory), initial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis functional-related score-revised (ALSFRS-R), total functional independence measure (TFIM) scores, initial forced vital capacity (FVC), and interventions (Riluzole, gastrostomy, noninvasive ventilation [NIV], and tracheostomy). Normally distributed data was expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Fischer's exact analysis of the distribution differences of categorical data. The Kaplan–Meier plot analyzed the time-to-event. Results: The mean (SD) age at symptom onset was 62.0 (11.1) years, age at diagnosis was 65 (11) years, with 72% of the patients being over 60 years at diagnosis. The median survival time from symptom onset was 4.12 (3) years. Limb-onset ALS (appendicular) was the most frequent (52%) followed by bulbar-onset ALS (43%). The mean ALSFRS-R and TFIM scores were 31 (8) and 91 (25), respectively. Family history (familial), bulbar, and respiratory presentation at diagnosis were associated with shorter survival times. Conclusion: This study suggests that of the clinical prognostic factors veterans with familial ALS, bulbar, and respiratory onset at presentations had shorter survival. The presence of Agent Orange, PEG placement, and NIV did not affect survival.
Wernicke’s Encephalopathy (WE) Associated with Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) Presenting with Psychiatric Morbidity: Description of Two Cases
Authors: Grover Sandeep , Kathiravan Sanjana , Kale Akshyee , Dua Devakshi , Sikka Pooja , Dutta Usha 
Published: August 2024

Background: Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) refers to intractable vomiting during pregnancy and is rarely associated with Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE). HG-associated WE can lead to mortality and permanent cognitive impairment if left untreated. In this report, we present two cases of WE following HG occurring in the context of comorbid severe depression. Case Description: In the first case, a 29-year-old female developed HG and WE during the second month of pregnancy, followed by an episode of severe depression with catatonia. In the second case, a 23-year-old female with bipolar disorder presented with HG for two months during pregnancy, followed by an episode of severe depression and a fractured mandible due to a fall. Conclusion: Thiamine should be considered in women experiencing prolonged vomiting during pregnancy, and they should be closely monitored for features of WE.
Secular trends in incidence and mortality of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in China, 1990–2019, and predictions to 2030: Outlook for the future burden of disease
Authors: Su Hongbo , Xie Shuping , Lyu Jun , Liu Yan , Zhang Yanbo 
Published: August 2024

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the trend of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma incidence and mortality in China from 1990 to 2019, along with assessing the effects of age, period, and cohort, as well as to predict future trends. Material and Methods: Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 we calculated the estimated annual percentage changes in the incidence and mortality of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Age-period-cohort analysis was used to assess the independent effects of these elements. Incidence and mortality until 2030 were predicted using a Bayesian age-period-cohort approach. Results: During 1990–2019, there was a significant increase in the age-standardized incidence and mortality rate in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Strong effects of birth cohort and period on non-Hodgkin's lymphoma incidence and mortality were observed. In terms of prediction, future non-Hodgkin's lymphoma incidence and mortality in China will continue to increase, while the mortality rate will decrease; for women, both the rates are projected to rise, but they will remain lower than men. Conclusions: Currently, the non-Hodgkin's lymphoma burden is high in China, and it is expected to continue increasing in the future. Policymakers need to prioritize addressing the factors contributing to sex differences in disease burden, including variations in environmental exposures and lifestyles among men and women.
Transactional sex and risky sexual practices in Jamaica
Authors: Silvera Christina G. , Jarrett Sharlene , Skyers Nicola 
Published: August 2024

Background Transactional sex relationships (TSRs) create financial and emotional support for men and women, as well as an increased sexual risk. Studies have reported high HIV and STI transmission rates among young women in transactional sex relationships. However, little is known about TSR prevalence in Jamaica and risky sexual practices among participants. This study investigates the sexual behaviour of Jamaicans in TSR. Methods Secondary data analysis of a national survey revealed that 586 participants (38%) self-reported being in at least one TSR in the last 12 months. We also identified a third category called “Benefluids”, who play both roles of benefactor and beneficiary in transactional sex relationships. Results 59 percent of male Benefluids had two to five transactional sex relationship partners in the last 12 months, compared to 40% of female Benefluids. Twenty-eight percent of female Benefluids reported sexually transmitted infection symptoms in the last 12 months compared to 13.5% of male Benefluids. While females reported more sexually transmitted infection symptoms, young men had the highest sexual risk precursors. Conclusions People in transactional sex relationships often play the role of beneficiaries and benefactors to meet material and sexual needs but this increases the risk of STI symptoms.
Bullying within specialist medical training in Australia: Analysis of the medical training survey, 2020–2023
Authors: Wilkes Fiona A , Munindradasa Ashvini , Maguire Paul A , Anderson Katrina , Looi Jeffrey CL 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveBullying is common in medical specialist training in Australia. To understand bullying rates across medical specialist training programs, we analyse the recent Medical Training Survey, administered by the Medical Board of Australia to all registered medical practitioners.MethodsMedical Training Survey data were extracted and averaged from 2020 to 2023.ResultsMany speciality trainees reported personally experiencing or witnessing bullying. This was lowest in general practice (13% personally experienced and 15% witnessed) and highest in obstetrics and gynaecology (27% and 41%). The highest rate of bullying by supervisors was in surgery: 60% of surgical trainees stated that when they were bullied it was by their supervisor. Within psychiatry, 22% of trainees had personally experienced bullying and 32% of trainees had witnessed bullying. When they were bullied, the perpetrator was less commonly a supervisor (40%). In all specialities, there was a very low percentage of bullying which was reported, and was identified as having a satisfactory outcome: the most satisfactory outcomes (13%) were in general practice.ConclusionCurrent rates of bullying for medical specialist trainees, the reluctance to report, as well as the lack of satisfactory outcomes, is of grave concern for Australian healthcare. This requires urgent attention at a systems level.
Optimizing efficiency of a ship’s two-magnet energy harvesting device using the Cuckoo search algorithm
Authors: Chiu Min-Chie , Cheng Ho-Chih 
Published: August 2024

Establishing an energy harvesting device to supply sustainable energy to deep sea sensors is a challenging task due to the complex subsea marine phenomenon. To overcome this, we propose a two-magnet KMC energy harvester hanging on the cabin of the ship with a spherical bearing. The magnets connected with springs move vertically up and down when the ship is periodically actuated by surface waves, generating electricity to power the deep sea sensors through a cable. We present a case study using wave speed (Uow = 2.0 m/s), wave amplitude (Ho = 0.4 m), and wave length (λ = 4.0 m) to demonstrate the efficacy of the two-magnet energy harvester. Before optimizing the energy harvester, a sensitivity analysis is conducted on the electrical power with respect to marine parameters and the energy harvester’s geometric parameters. To maximize the electrical power, we adopt a Cuckoo Search Algorithm as an optimizer. By using the objective function of root-mean-square electrical power in conjunction with the Cuckoo Search, we obtain optimal electrical power. Simulations reveal that the energy harvester produces 0.1497 Watts of power.
“It is a lovely gift to get from the public health nurse”: Public health nurse perspectives on involvement in an infant book gifting scheme
Authors: Egan Suzanne M , Moloney Mary , Pope Jennifer , Hoyne Clara , Breatnach Deirdre 
Published: August 2024

The benefits of book gifting schemes for infants, parents and families, are well documented. While book gifting schemes operate around the world, and are delivered in different ways (e.g., postal services, local libraries, maternity hospitals and community centres), little is known about the benefits and challenges for those involved in delivering the schemes. This mixed methods study, based on a book gifting scheme in Ireland, reports findings from public health nurses (PHNs) regarding their involvement in an infant book gifting scheme. PHNs incorporated the delivery of an infant book gifting pack, and information leaflets about reading with infants, into their regular infant developmental health checks at 3 months and at 7-9 months. The findings from over 300 developmental checks indicate that participating PHNs were positive overall regarding their involvement in the scheme. Despite their heavy workload, in general, PHNs reported they had sufficient time available during the health checks to incorporate the book gifting. They highlighted the benefit of the scheme for parents and infants but also for PHNs themselves and their professional practice. The present paper discusses the findings in the context of ecological systems theory, notably, the role of the PHN in supporting infants and parents, and considers the implications of the findings for the delivery of infant book gifting schemes.