bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The microbiological quality of flour products in the UK with respect to Salmonella and Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli
Authors: Kesby Michelle , Jorgensen Frieda , Willis Caroline , Aird Heather , Lai Sandra , Sadler-Reeves Lorraine , Jenkins Claire , Chattaway Marie 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Aim
To investigate the possible contamination of raw flour and raw flour-based products, such as pancake/batter mixes, with Salmonella, generic Escherichia coli, and Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Samples included flours available for sale in the UK over a period of four months (January to April 2020). The Bread and Flour regulations, 1998 state the permitted ingredients in flour and bread but it does not specify the regular monitoring of the microbiological quality of flour and flour-based products.

Methods and results
Samples of raw flour were collected by local authority sampling officers in accordance with current guidance on microbiological food sampling then transported to the laboratory for examination. Microbiological testing was performed to detect Salmonella spp., generic E. coli, and STEC characterized for the presence of STEC virulence genes: stx1, stx2, and subtypes, eae, ipah, aggR, lt, sth, and stp, using molecular methods Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Of the 882 flours sampled, the incidence of Salmonella was 0.1% (a single positive sample that contained multiple ingredients such as flour, dried egg, and dried milk, milled in the UK), and 68 samples (7.7%) contained generic E. coli at a level of &gt;20 CFU/g. Molecular characterization of flour samples revealed the presence of the Shiga-toxin (stx) gene in 10 samples (5 imported and 5 from the UK) (1.1%), from which STEC was isolated from 7 samples (0.8%). Salmonella and STEC isolates were sequenced to provide further characterization of genotypes and to compare to sequences of human clinical isolates held in the UKHSA archive. Using our interpretive criteria based on genetic similarity, none of the STEC flour isolates correlated with previously observed human cases, while the singular Salmonella serotype Newport isolate from the mixed ingredient product was similar to a human case in 2019, from the UK, of S. Newport. Although there have been no reported human cases of STEC matching the isolates from these flour samples, some of the same serotypes and stx subtypes detected are known to have caused illness in other contexts.

Conclusion
Results indicate that while the incidence was low, there is a potential for the presence of Salmonella and STEC in flour, and a genetic link was demonstrated between a Salmonella isolate from a flour-based product and a human case of salmonellosis.
Evaluation of romosozumab’s effects on bone marrow adiposity in postmenopausal osteoporotic women: results from the FRAME bone biopsy sub-study
Authors: Chavassieux Pascale , Roux Jean Paul , Libanati Cesar , Shi Yifei , Chapurlat Roland 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Romosozumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds and inhibits sclerostin, produces a marked increase in bone formation with a concomitant decreased bone resorption. This transient rise in bone formation in the first 2 months of treatment is mainly due to an increased modeling-based bone formation. This requires the recruitment and differentiation of osteoblasts, one possibility being a preferential switch in commitment of precursors to osteoblasts over adipocytes. The purpose of this study was to analyze the marrow adiposity in transiliac bone biopsies at months 2 or 12 from the FRAME biopsy sub-study in patients receiving romosozumab or placebo. The total adipocyte area, number, and density were measured on the total cancellous bone area. The size and shape at the individual adipocyte level were assessed including the mean adipocyte area, perimeter, min and max diameters, and aspect ratio. No significant difference in total adipocyte area, number, or density between placebo and romosozumab groups was observed at months 2 and 12, and no difference was observed between 2 and 12 months. After 2 or 12 months, romosozumab did not modify the size or shape of the adipocytes. No relationship between the adipocyte parameters and the dynamic parameters of bone formation could be evidenced. In conclusion, based on the analysis of a small number of biopsies, no effect of romosozumab on bone marrow adiposity of iliac crest was identified after 2 and 12 months suggesting that the modeling-based formation observed at month 2 was not due to a preferential commitment of the precursor to osteoblast over adipocyte cell lines but may result from a reactivation of bone lining cells and from a progenitor pool independent of the marrow adipocyte population.
Resilience mechanisms of Trichopria drosophilae (Hymenoptera: Diapriinae) under global extreme cooling: insights into parasitic response and physiological adaptation
Authors: Chen Qiang , Tian Ye , Zhang Jinlong , Li Juan , Ren Hui , Chen Guohua , Zhang Xiaoming 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Global climate warming and frequent extreme low-temperature events have made it essential to investigate the impact of low temperatures on parasitic wasps to protect and strengthen farmland biodiversity, which in turn enhances the biological control potential of natural enemies such as parasitic wasps. We systematically examined how low-temperature stress affects the parasitic functional response of Trichopria drosophilae to Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) pupae. Our findings indicate that the parasitic behavior of T. drosophilae towards D. suzukii pupae aligns with the Holling II functional response model following exposure to different temperatures. Within the temperature range of 8 °C to −8 °C, lower temperatures correlated decreased instantaneous attack rate of T. drosophilae and an increase in processing time. The search constant Q initially increased and then decreased with declining temperatures. Short-term low-temperature stress negatively impacted the parasitic and searching abilities of T. drosophilae but did not alter its parasitic functional response model. Notably, short-term low-temperature stress had minimal effects on the water content, protein content, and total sugar content of male and female T. drosophilae adults. However, as temperatures decreased, the activities of key enzymes, including GAPDH, SOD, T-AOC, and malondialdehyde (MDA), exhibited an initial increase followed by a decrease. Conversely, the activities of LDH and HOAD decreased, while the activities of CAT and POD increased. Further study on the effect of short-term low temperature on T. drosophilae can provide a research basis for the large-scale production and low-temperature refrigeration technology of T. drosophilae, and provide a scientific basis for its efficient use in the field.
Cumulative costs of reproduction in a long-lived ungulate
Authors: Turnley Matthew T , Hughes Tabitha A , Larsen Randy T , Hersey Kent R , McMillan Brock R 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Cumulative costs of reproduction are predicted by life-history theories of aging, but empirical support for cumulative costs of reproduction in ungulates is limited. Examinations of the relationship between previous reproductive effort and future reproductive output are often limited to successive years. We analyzed pregnancy status, lactation duration, and age class of Elk (Cervus canadensis) in Utah, United States, from 2019 to 2022 to better understand the relationship between previous reproductive effort and future reproductive output, particularly in nonsuccessive years. Pregnancy status 1 year prior, pregnancy status 2 years prior, and age had no effect on the likelihood of pregnancy in Elk. However, lactation duration 1 year prior and lactation duration 2 years prior had a negative effect on the likelihood of pregnancy. The best-fitting model to explain the relationship between pregnancy status and previous lactation was the positive interaction between lactation duration 1 year prior and lactation duration 2 years prior. The results of our study suggest long-lasting (i.e., multiple-year), cumulative costs of reproduction can influence reproductive output in female Elk, but differences in individual quality may have an even greater influence. High-quality individuals may be able to override the costs of reproduction and minimize reproductive trade-offs.
Phytomedical compounds as promising therapeutic agents for COVID-19 targeting angiotensin-converting enzyme 2: a review
Authors: Amtaghri Smail , Slaoui Miloudia , Eddouks Mohamed 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Aims
The aim of the present review was to highlight natural product investigations in silico and in vitro to find plants and chemicals that inhibit or stimulate angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2).

Background
The global reduction of incidents and fatalities attributable to infections with SARS-CoV-2 is one of the most public health problems. In the absence of specific therapy for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), phytocompounds generated from plant extracts may be a promising strategy worth further investigation, motivating researchers to evaluate the safety and anti-SARS-CoV-2 effectiveness of these ingredients.

Objective
To review phytochemicals in silico for anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity and to assess their safety and effectiveness in vitro and in vivo.

Methods
The present review was conducted using various scientific databases and studies on anti-SARS-CoV-2 phytochemicals were analyzed and summarized. The results obtained from the in silico screening were subjected to extraction, isolation, and purification. The in vitro studies on anti-SarcoV-2 were also included in this review. In addition, the results of this research were interpreted, analyzed, and documented on the basis of the bibliographic information obtained.

Results
This review discusses recent research on using natural remedies to cure or prevent COVID-19 infection. The literature analysis shows that the various herbal preparations (extracts) and purified compounds can block the replication or entrance of the virus directly to carry out their anti-SARS-CoV-2 effects. It is interesting to note that certain items can prevent SARS-CoV-2 from infecting human cells by blocking the ACE-2 receptor or the serine protease TMPRRS2. Moreover, natural substances have been demonstrated to block proteins involved in the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle, such as papain- or chymotrypsin-like proteases.

Conclusion
The natural products may have the potential for use singly or in combination as alternative drugs to treat/prevent COVID-19 infection, including blocking or stimulating ACE-2. In addition, their structures may provide indications for the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs.
Multifraction stereotactic radiotherapy utilizing inhomogeneous dose distribution for brainstem metastases: a single-center retrospective analysis
Authors: Ikawa Toshiki , Kanayama Naoyuki , Arita Hideyuki , Takano Koji , Sakai Mio , Morimoto Masahiro , Tanaka Kazunori , Yoshino Yutaro , Tamenaga Setsuo , Konishi Koji 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Brainstem metastases are challenging to manage owing to the critical neurological structures involved. Although stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) offers targeted high doses while minimizing damage to adjacent normal tissues, the optimal dose fractionation remains undefined. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of multifraction SRT with an inhomogeneous dose distribution. This retrospective study included 31 patients who underwent 33 treatments for 35 brainstem lesions using linear accelerator-based multifraction SRT (30 Gy in five fractions, 35 Gy in five fractions or 42 Gy in 10 fractions) with an inhomogeneous dose distribution (median isodose, 51.9%). The outcomes of interest were local failure, toxicity and symptomatic failure. The median follow-up time after brainstem SRT for a lesion was 18.6 months (interquartile range, 10.0–24.3 months; range, 1.8–39.0 months). Grade 2 toxicities were observed in two lesions, and local failure occurred in three lesions. No grade 3 or higher toxicities were observed. The 1-year local and symptomatic failure rates were 8.8 and 16.7%, respectively. Toxicity was observed in two of seven treatments with a gross tumor volume (GTV) greater than 1 cc, whereas no toxicity was observed in treatments with a GTV less than 1 cc. No clear association was observed between the biologically effective dose of the maximum brainstem dose and the occurrence of toxicity. Our findings indicate that multifraction SRT with an inhomogeneous dose distribution offers a favorable balance between local control and toxicity in brainstem metastases. Larger multicenter studies are needed to validate these results and determine the optimal dose fractionation.
Population-wide eGFR percentiles in younger adults and clinical outcomes
Authors: Hussain Junayd , Imsirovic Haris , Talarico Robert , Akbari Ayub , Ravani Pietro , Tanuseputro Peter , Hundemer Gregory L , Ramsay Tim , Tangri Navdeep , Knoll Greg A , Bugeja Ann , Sood Manish M 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background and hypothesis
Identifying meaningful estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) reductions in younger adults (&lt;65 years) could guide prevention efforts. To aid in interpretation and identification of young adults at risk, we examined the association of population-level eGFR percentiles relative to the median by age and clinical outcomes.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 8.7 million adults from Ontario, Canada aged from 18 to 65 years from 2008 to 2021 with an eGFR measure (both single outpatient value and repeat measures). We calculated median eGFR values by age and examined the association of reduced eGFR percentiles (≤10th, 5th, 2.5th, and 1st) with outcomes using time to event models. Outcomes were a composite of all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiac outcomes (MACE) with/without heart failure (MACE+), and kidney failure as well as each component individually.

Results
From the age of 18 to 65, the median eGFR declined with age (range 128 to 90) and across percentiles [eGFR ranges 102 to 68 for ≤10th, 96 to 63 for ≤5th, 90 to 58 for ≤2.5th and 83 to 54 for 1st]. The adjusted rate for any adverse outcome was elevated at ≤10th percentile (HR 1.14 95%CI 1.10–1.18) and was consistent for all-cause mortality, MACE, MACE+, and predominant for kidney failure (HR 5.57 95%CI 3.79–8.19) compared to the median eGFR for age. Young adults with an eGFR in the lower percentiles were less likely to be referred to a specialist, have a repeat eGFR, or albumin to creatinine ratio measure.

Conclusions
eGFR values at the 10th percentile or lower based on a population-level distribution are associated with adverse clinical outcomes and in younger adults (18 to 39) this corresponds to a higher level of eGFR that may be underrecognized. Application of population-based eGFR percentiles may aid interpretation and improve identification of younger adults at risk.
Clinical factors associated with hyponatremia correction during treatment with oral urea
Authors: Pelouto Anissa , Monnerat Sophie , Refardt Julie , Zandbergen Adrienne A M , Christ-Crain Mirjam , Hoorn Ewout J 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
Oral urea is being used more commonly to treat hyponatremia, but factors contributing to the correction rate are unknown. We hypothesized that clinically relevant factors can be identified to help guide hyponatremia correction with oral urea.

Methods
This was a retrospective study in two university hospitals including hospitalized patients with hyponatremia (plasma sodium &lt;135 mmol/L) treated with oral urea. Linear mixed-effects models were used to identify factors associated with hyponatremia correction. Rates of overcorrection, osmotic demyelination and treatment discontinuation were also assessed.

Results
We included 161 urea treatment episodes in 140 patients (median age 69 years, 46% females, 93% syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis). Oral urea succeeded fluid restriction in 117 treatment episodes (73%), was combined with fluid restriction in 104 treatment episodes (65%) and was given as the only treatment in 27 treatment episodes (17%). A median dose of 30 g/day of urea for 4 days (interquartile range 2–7 days) increased plasma sodium from 127 to 134 mmol/L and normalized hyponatremia in 47% of treatment episodes. Older age (β 0.09, 95% CI 0.02–0.16), lower baseline plasma sodium (β –0.65, 95% CI –0.78 to –0.62) and higher cumulative urea dose (β 0.03, 95% CI –0.02 to –0.03) were independently associated with a greater rise in plasma sodium. Concurrent fluid restriction was associated with a greater rise in plasma sodium only during the first 48 h of treatment (β 1.81, 95% CI 0.40–3.08). Overcorrection occurred in 5 cases (3%), no cases of osmotic demyelination were identified and oral urea was discontinued in 11 cases (11%) due to side effects.

Conclusion
During treatment with oral urea, older age, higher cumulative dose, lower baseline plasma sodium and initial fluid restriction are associated with a greater correction rate of hyponatremia. These factors may guide clinicians to achieve a gradual correction of hyponatremia with oral urea.
The effect of preeclampsia on long-term kidney function among pregnant women with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Li Zheng , Chen Shi , Tan Ying , Lv Jicheng , Zhao Minghui , Chen Qian , He Yingdong 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
The association between superimposed preeclampsia and an elevated risk of long-term kidney function decline or end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has not been determined. This study aimed to analyze the association between preeclampsia and kidney function deterioration in CKD patients.

Methods
This was a retrospective cohort study that included the clinical information of 103 pregnant CKD patients with preeclampsia and 103 matched CKD patients without preeclampsia who were followed-up for a minimum of 1 year after their first pregnancy from 1 January 2009 to 31 May 2022. Robust Cox regression analysis was also conducted to evaluate the effects of preeclampsia on long-term kidney function decline or ESKD in CKD patients. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to compare renal survival within different subgroups via the log-rank test.

Results
During the follow-up period, 44 (42.72%) CKD patients with preeclampsia and 20 (19.42%) without preeclampsia had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decrease &gt;30% or developed ESKD. Compared with CKD patients without preeclampsia, the eGFR decreased more significantly in patients with preeclampsia [98.43 (79.48, 116.47) to 81.32 (41.20, 102.97) mL/min/1.73 m2 vs 99.43 (79.00, 118.50) to 89.44 (63.69, 105.30) mL/min/1.73 m2; P = .034]. The rate of eGFR decrease was more pronounced in patients with preeclampsia (17.38% vs 10.05%, P &lt; .05). Multivariate analysis revealed that early-onset preeclampsia (preeclampsia that developed before 34 weeks of gestation) [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32–5.16, P = 0.006] and late-onset preeclampsia (HR = 2.54, 95% CI 1.34–4.83, P = .004) were both risk factors for an eGFR decrease &gt;30% or ESKD.

Conclusion
Preeclampsia was associated with a greater risk of long-term kidney function decline or ESKD among CKD patients, especially in patients with early-onset preeclampsia.
Distributional Impacts of Tobacco Excise Taxes in Serbia
Authors: Zubović Jovan , Jovanović Olivera , Nedeljković Boban 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Numerous studies worldwide have investigated the impact of tobacco tax increase on household welfare, focusing on concerns regarding potential tobacco taxation regressivity and its effects on the poorest, whereas their scope was limited to the working population.

Aims and Methods
To explore the effects of tax changes on household budgets, accounting for the retired population as well, we employed the modified Extended Cost–Benefit Analysis framework, assuming a 43.6% specific tax increase that fits the European Union (EU) Tobacco Tax Directive recommendation of minimum EUR 90 excise taxes per 1000 cigarettes. Our analysis encompassed changes in (1) tobacco expenditure (accounting for price elasticities by income groups: low-, middle-, and high-income), (2) medical costs linked to smoking-related diseases (utilizing relative risk of morbidity or mortality and smoking-attributable fractions), (3) years of working life (considering the years of working life lost among the working population), and (4) years of pension receipt (accounting for the years of retirement life lost due the premature death).

Results
Under an assumed specific excise increase leading to a 22.4% retail tobacco price rise, the net gains in disposable household budgets would be 0.01% for high-income, 1.3% for middle-income, and 2.9% for low-income households.

Conclusions
A tax increase would yield a progressive effect on income distribution, benefiting the most economically disadvantaged population thereby contributing to a more equitable income distribution.

Implications
To effectively reduce tobacco consumption, subsequent smoking-related medical costs, and associated productivity and pension losses, it is recommended that Serbia implement a minimum 43.6% increase in the specific tobacco excise tax.
A Microsimulation Model of Mpox in Los Angeles County: Implications for Future Disease Prevention and Control Strategies among Men Who Have Sex with Men
Authors: Liang Citina , Suen Sze-chuan , Hong Chenglin , Kim Andrea , Singhal Rita , Simon Paul , Perez Mario , Holloway Ian W 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
The 2022 monkeypox (mpox) outbreak in Los Angeles County (LAC) emphasized the need to prepare for emergent infectious disease outbreaks. Vaccination and promotion of sexual risk reduction practices appeared successful in LAC, as mpox cases declined starting in August. Nonetheless, questions persisted regarding the effectiveness of targeting vaccinations and the role of sexual risk reduction in reducing mpox cases.

Methods
We collaborated with the LAC Department of Public Health to develop a microsimulation for men who have sex with men (MSM). This model tracked mpox dynamics by age, race/ethnicity, and HIV status and was calibrated and validated against surveillance data. We simulated counterfactual scenarios to understand the effects of variation in vaccination rates, timing of vaccination rollout, vaccine allocation, and sexual contact rates.

Results
In the simulation, doubling the vaccination rate reduced cumulative cases over a 40-week time horizon by 13% but would necessitate 88 995 additional doses. Initiating vaccination 2 weeks earlier decreased cases by 11%, while an 8-week delay yielded a 20% increase in cases. A 3-week earlier decrease in sexual contact rates reduced cumulative cases by 60%, while a 3-week delay resulted in a 95% increase. Prioritizing people with HIV (PWH) for vaccination reduced cumulative cases, while allocating vaccines to a single racial/ethnic group was not effective.

Conclusions
Our study highlights the significance of policies to support timely vaccination and sexual partnership reduction to address mpox outbreaks among MSM. These findings also underscore the need to target vulnerable risk groups, such as PWH.