bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic submucosal dissection for superficial esophageal cancer in the remnant esophagus after esophagectomy
Authors: Suzuki Yugo , Kikuchi Daisuke , Nakamura Satoshi , Iizuka Toshiro , Ochiai Yorinari , Hayasaka Junnosuke , Ueno Masaki , Udagawa Harushi , Hoteya Shu 
Published: August 2024

Summary
Treatment of esophageal cancer in the remnant esophagus after esophagectomy is highly invasive, therefore, early detection and minimally invasive treatment are considered necessary. Consequently, we aimed to clarify the safety and efficacy of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for residual esophageal cancer compared to that for esophageal cancer in a normal cervical esophagus. This study involved 47 patients with 59 residual esophageal cancers and 92 patients with 107 cervical esophageal cancers in normal esophagus who underwent ESD between January 2008 and December 2023. Their clinicopathological findings and long-term outcomes were retrospectively collected and evaluated. The median tumor diameter was 13 mm, and the median procedure time was 31 minutes in remnant esophagus group, with no significant difference between the two groups. No serious complications such as perforation, massive intraoperative bleeding, and pneumonia were observed in the remnant group, except for one case of postoperative bleeding. The rates of complete resection and disease specific survival were not significantly different between two groups, with complete resection rate of 86.4% and 5-year disease-specific survival rate of 95.7% in the remnant esophagus group. No local recurrence was observed during the median observation period of 43 months in the remnant esophagus group. ESD for superficial cancer of the remnant esophagus showed a high complete resection rate without serious complications and good local-regional control with no evidence of local recurrence. This indicates that ESD is a safe and useful treatment for superficial cancer of the remnant esophagus.
Sex-related differences in the clinical course of aortic root and ascending aortic aneurysms: the DisSEXion Study
Authors: Notenboom Maximiliaan L , de Keijzer Adine R , Veen Kevin M , Gökalp Arjen , Bogers Ad J J C , Heijmen Robin H , van Kimmenade Roland R J , Geuzebroek Guillaume S C , Mokhles M Mostafa , Bekkers Jos A , Roos-Hesselink Jolien W , Takkenberg Johanna J M 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
To explore male–female differences in aneurysm growth and clinical outcomes in a two-centre retrospective Dutch cohort study of adult patients with ascending aortic aneurysm (AscAA).

Methods
Adult patients in whom imaging of an AscAA (root and/or ascending: ≥40 mm) was performed between 2007 and 2022 were included. Aneurysm growth was analysed using repeated measurements at the sinuses of Valsalva (SoV) and tubular ascending aorta. Male–female differences were explored in presentation, aneurysm characteristics, treatment strategy, survival, and clinical outcomes.

Results
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight patients were included (31.6% female). Median age at diagnosis was 65.4 years (interquartile range: 53.4–71.7) for females and 59.0 years (interquartile range: 49.3–68.0) for males (P &lt; .001). At diagnosis, females more often had tubular ascending aortic involvement (75.5% vs. 70.2%; P = .030) while males more often had SoV involvement (42.8% vs. 21.6%; P &lt; .001). Maximum absolute aortic diameter, at any location, at diagnosis did not differ between females (45.0 mm) and males (46.5 mm; P = .388). In females, tubular ascending growth was faster (P &lt; .001), whereas in males, SoV growth was faster (P = .005), corrected for covariates. Unadjusted 10-year survival was 72.5% [95% confidence interval (CI) 67.8%–77.6%] for females and 78.3% (95% CI 75.3%–81.3%) for males (P = .010). Twenty-three type A dissections occurred, with an incidence rate of 8.2/1000 patient-years (95% CI 4.4–14.1) in females and 2.4/1000 patient-years (95% CI 1.2–4.5) in males [incidence rate ratio females/males: 3.4 (95% CI 1.5–8.0; P = .004)].

Conclusions
In patients having entered a diagnostic programme, involvement of aortic segments and age- and segment-related growth patterns differ between women and men with AscAA, particularly at an older age. Unravelling of these intertwined observations will provide a deeper understanding of AscAA progression and outcome in women and men and can be used as an evidence base for patient-tailored clinical guideline development.
Nationwide analysis of the relationship between low ambient temperature and acute aortic dissection-related hospitalizations
Authors: Kato Katsuhito , Nishino Takuya , Otsuka Toshiaki , Seino Yoshihiko , Kawada Tomoyuki 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Aims
Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening cardiovascular emergency. Therefore, identifying modifiable risk factors for AAD is of great public health significance. An association between ambient temperature (AT) and AAD has been reported; however, not all findings have been elucidated. This study examined the association between AAD-related hospitalization and AT using data from the Japanese Registry of All Cardiac and Vascular Diseases Diagnostic Procedure Combination (JROAD-DPC), which is a nationwide claims-based database.

Methods and results
This nationwide time-stratified case-crossover study evaluated data of hospitalized patients with AAD from 1119 certified hospitals between 2012 and 2020 using the JROAD-DPC database. Conditional logistic regression and distributed lag non-linear models were used to investigate the association between average daily temperature and AAD-related hospitalization. Among the 96 812 cases analysed, the exposure–response curve between AT and AAD-related hospitalization showed an increase in the odds ratio for lower temperatures, with a peak at time −10°C (odds ratio: 2.28, 95% confidence interval: 1.92–2.71, compared with that at 20°C). The effects of temperature on lag days 0 and 1 were also significant.
Stratified analyses showed a greater association between AT and AAD-related hospitalization for the following variables: older age (≥75 years), female sex (44.4%, the mean age ± SD was 76 ± 12 years), low body mass index (&lt;22), winter season, and warmer regions.

Conclusion
Low AT is associated with an increased risk of AAD-related hospitalization. Several susceptible groups are affected by cold temperatures and have a higher risk of hospitalization.
Mutations in nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial ribosome proteins restore pollen fertility in S male-sterile maize
Authors: Wang Yan , Williams-Carrier Rosalind , Meeley Robert , Fox Timothy , Chamusco Karen , Nashed Mina , Hannah L Curtis , Gabay-Laughnan Susan , Barkan Alice , Chase Christine 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The interaction of plant mitochondrial and nuclear genetic systems is exemplified by mitochondria-encoded cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) under the control of nuclear restorer-of-fertility genes. The S type of CMS in maize is characterized by a pollen collapse phenotype and a unique paradigm for fertility restoration in which numerous nuclear restorer-of-fertility lethal mutations rescue pollen function but condition homozygous-lethal seed phenotypes. Two nonallelic restorer mutations recovered from Mutator transposon-active lines were investigated to determine the mechanisms of pollen fertility restoration and seed lethality. Mu Illumina sequencing of transposon-flanking regions identified insertion alleles of nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial ribosomal proteins RPL6 and RPL14 as candidate restorer-of-fertility lethal mutations. Both candidates were associated with lowered abundance of mitochondria-encoded proteins in developing maize pollen, and the rpl14 mutant candidate was confirmed by independent insertion alleles. While the restored pollen functioned despite reduced accumulation of mitochondrial respiratory proteins, normal-cytoplasm plants heterozygous for the mutant alleles showed a significant pollen transmission bias in favor of the nonmutant Rpl6 and Rpl14 alleles. CMS-S fertility restoration affords a unique forward genetic approach to investigate the mitochondrial requirements for, and contributions to, pollen and seed development.
SKN-1 activation during infection of Caenorhabditis elegans requires CDC-48 and endoplasmic reticulum proteostasis
Authors: Gabaldón Carolaing , Karakuzu Ozgur , Garsin Danielle A 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
During challenge of Caenorhabditis elegans with human bacterial pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis, the elicited host response can be damaging if not properly controlled. The activation of Nrf (nuclear factor erythroid-related factor)/CNC (Cap-n-collar) transcriptional regulators modulates the response by upregulating genes that neutralize damaging molecules and promote repair processes. Activation of the C. elegans Nrf ortholog, SKN-1, is tightly controlled by a myriad of regulatory mechanisms, but a central feature is an activating phosphorylation accomplished by the p38 mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK) cascade. In this work, loss of CDC-48, an AAA+ ATPase, was observed to severely compromise SKN-1 activation on pathogen and we sought to understand the mechanism. CDC-48 is part of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation (ERAD) complex where it functions as a remodeling chaperone enabling the translocation of proteins from the ER to the cytoplasm for degradation by the proteosome. Interestingly, one of the proteins retrotranslocated by ERAD, a process necessary for its activation, is SKN-1A, the ER isoform of SKN-1. However, we discovered that SKN-1A is not activated by pathogen exposure in marked contrast to the cytoplasmic-associated isoform SKN-1C. Rather, loss of CDC-48 blocks the antioxidant response normally orchestrated by SKN-1C by strongly inducing the unfolded protein response (UPRER). The data are consistent with the model of these 2 pathways being mutually inhibitory and support the emerging paradigm in the field of coordinated cooperation between different stress responses.
Navigating a “Good Death” During COVID-19: Understanding Real-Time End-of-Life Care Structures, Processes, and Outcomes Through Clinical Notes
Authors: Franzosa Emily , Kim Patricia S , Moreines Laura T , McDonald Margaret V , David Daniel , Boafo Jonelle , Schulman-Green Dena , Brody Abraham A , Aldridge Melissa D 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic severely disrupted hospice care, yet there is little research regarding how widespread disruptions affected clinician and family decision-making. We aimed to understand how the pandemic affected structures, processes, and outcomes of end-of-life care.

Research Design and Methods
Retrospective narrative chart review of electronic health records of 61 patients referred and admitted to hospice from 3 New York City geriatrics practices who died between March 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021. We linked longitudinal, unstructured medical, and hospice electronic health record notes to create a real-time, multiperspective trajectory of patients’ interactions with providers using directed content analysis.

Results
Most patients had dementia and were enrolled in hospice for 11 days. Care processes were shaped by structural factors (staffing, supplies, and governmental/institutional policies), and outcomes were prioritized by care teams and families (protecting safety, maintaining high-touch care, honoring patient values, and supporting patients emotionally and spiritually). Processes used to achieve these outcomes were decision-making, care delivery, supporting a “good death,” and emotional and spiritual support.

Discussion and Implications
Care processes were negotiated throughout the end of life, with clinicians and families making in-the-moment decisions. Some adaptations were effective but also placed extraordinary pressure on paid and family caregivers. Healthcare teams’ and families’ goals to meet patients’ end-of-life priorities can be supported by ongoing assessment of patient goals and process changes needed to support them, stronger structural supports for paid and family caregivers, incentivizing relationships across primary care and hospice teams, and extending social work and spiritual care.
How do free healthcare policies impact utilization of maternal and child health services in fragile settings? Evidence from a controlled interrupted time series analysis in Burkina Faso
Authors: Aye Thit Thit , Nguyen Hoa Thi , Petitfour Laurène , Ridde Valéry , Amberg Felix , Bonnet Emmanuel , Seynou Mariam , Kiendrébéogo Joël Arthur , De Allegri Manuela 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Burkina Faso has implemented a nationwide free healthcare policy (gratuité) for pregnant and lactating women and children under 5 years since April 2016. Studies have shown that free healthcare policies can increase healthcare service use. However, the emerging coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, escalating insecurity and the political situation in recent years might have affected the implementation of such policies. No studies have looked at whether the gratuité maintained high service use under such changing circumstances. Our study aimed to assess the effects of gratuité on the utilization of facility-based delivery and curative care of children under 5 years in light of this changing context. We employed a controlled interrupted time series analysis using data from the Health Management Information System and annual statistical reports of 2560 primary health facilities from January 2013 to December 2021. We focused on facility-based deliveries and curative care for children under 5 years, with antenatal care and curative care for children over 5 years as non-equivalent controls. We employed segmented regression with the generalized least square model, accounting for autocorrelation and monthly seasonality. The monthly utilization rate among children under 5 years compared to those above 5 years (controls) immediately increased by 111.19 visits per 1000 children (95% CI: 91.12, 131.26) due to the gratuité. This immediate effect declined afterwards with a monthly change of 0.93 per 1000 children (95% CI: −1.57, −0.29). We found no significant effects, both immediate and long-term, on the use of maternal care services attributable to the gratuité. Our findings suggest that free healthcare policies can be instrumental in improving healthcare, yet more comprehensive strategies are needed to maintain healthcare utilization. Our findings reflect the overall situation in the country, while localized research is needed to understand the effect of insecurity and the pandemic at the local level and the effects of gratuité across geographies and socioeconomic statuses.
Stakeholder perspectives on the governance and accountability of Nigeria’s Basic Health Care Provision Fund
Authors: Adeoye Mary I , Obi Felix A , Adrion Emily R 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
In recent decades, Nigeria has implemented a number of health financing reforms, yet progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) has remained slow. In particular, the introduction of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) through the National Health Act of 2014 sought to increase coverage of basic health services in Nigeria. However, recent studies have shown that health financing schemes like the BHCPF in Nigeria are suboptimal and have frequently attributed this to weak accountability and governance of the schemes. However, little is known about the accountability and governance of health financing in Nigeria, particularly from the perspective of key actors within the system. This study explores perceptions around governance and accountability through qualitative in-depth interviews with key BHCPF actors, including high-level government officers, academics and Civil Society Organizations. Thematic analysis of the findings reveals broad views among respondents that financial processes are appropriately ring-fenced, and that financial mismanagement is not the most pressing accountability gap. Importantly, respondents report that accountability processes are unclear and weak in subnational service delivery, and cite low utilization, implicit priority setting and poor quality as issues. To accelerate UHC progress, the accountability framework must be redesigned to include greater strategic participation and leadership from subnational governments.
A ‘natcon takeover’? The New Right and the future of American foreign policy
Authors: Borg Stefan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Donald Trump's capture of the Republican Party enabled a radical questioning of received wisdom within the broader conservative intellectual movement. In particular, it enabled the emergence of a post-Trump, distinctly American New Right. This policy paper examines the American New Right and its visions for United States foreign policy. In the context of contemporary American politics, the New Right is best understood as a rejection of the ‘fusionism’ that has characterized US conservatism since the early decades after the Second World War. The paper argues that there are three major identifiable parts of the New Right: the Claremonters, the post-liberals and the national conservatives. In part because of their ‘big-tent’ character, as well as deft intellectual leadership by Yoram Hazony, the national conservatives have become the most influential group within the contemporary New Right. The article also examines how the New Right has attempted to create an alternative ideational infrastructure, with a clear focus on entrenching itself through large-scale credentialing of personnel deemed to be loyal to the New Right's agenda. There is reason to speak of a ‘natcon takeover’ of traditional conservative institutions. This is particularly the case with the Heritage Foundation, the largest and most influential conservative think tank. While all segments of the New Right ostensibly embrace some notion of grand strategic restraint, the policy paper argues that the rise of national conservatism is likely to accelerate the US pivot from Europe to Asia rather than lead to neo-isolationism, as is sometimes suggested.
Advancements in nuclear imaging using radiolabeled nanobody tracers to support cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Zeven Katty , Lauwers Yoline , De Mey Lynn , Debacker Jens M , De Pauw Tessa , De Groof Timo W M , Devoogdt Nick 
Published: August 2024

Summary
The evolving landscape of cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment. However, the dynamic tumor microenvironment has led to variable clinical outcomes, indicating a need for predictive biomarkers. Noninvasive nuclear imaging, using radiolabeled modalities, has aided in patient selection and monitoring of their treatment response. This approach holds promise for improving diagnostic accuracy, providing a more personalized treatment regimen, and enhancing the clinical response. Nanobodies or single-domain antibodies, derived from camelid heavy-chain antibodies, allow early timepoint detection of targets with high target-to-background ratios. To date, a plethora of nanobodies have been developed for nuclear imaging of tumor-specific antigens, immune checkpoints, and immune cells, both at a preclinical and clinical level. This review comprehensively outlines the recent advancements in nanobody-based nuclear imaging, both on preclinical and clinical levels. Additionally, the impact and expected future advancements on the use of nanobody-based radiopharmaceuticals in supporting cancer diagnosis and treatment follow-up are discussed.
Bacterial Genomics for National Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance in Cambodia
Authors: Yek Christina , Lon Chanthap , Chea Sophana , Lay Sreyngim , Oum Meng Heng , Tang Gechlang , Lon Chansothea , Pacheco Andrea R , Drobish Ian , Stuehser Reagan , Ly Sokna , Sath Ratanak , Srouen Malin , Bin Chamrouen , Chak Chanthou , Seang Sosorphea , Srey Viso , Chhor Bunna , Nhem Somary , Chiek Sivhour , Dork Rina , Dekker John P , Seng Heng , Krang Sidonn , Ly Sovann , Manning Jessica E 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) often relies on poorly resourced laboratory processes. Centralized sequencing was combined with cloud-based, open-source bioinformatics solutions for national AMR surveillance in Cambodia.

Methods
Blood cultures growing gram-negative bacteria were collected at 6 Cambodian hospitals (January 2021 to October 2022). Isolates were obtained from pure plate growth and shotgun DNA sequencing performed in country. Using public nucleotide and protein databases, reads were aligned for pathogen identification and AMR gene characterization. Multilocus sequence typing was performed on whole-genome assemblies and haplotype clusters compared against published genomes.

Results
Genes associated with acquired resistance to fluoroquinolones were identified in 59%, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole in 45%, and aminoglycosides in 52% of 715 isolates. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase encoding genes were identified in 34% isolates, most commonly blaCTX-M-15, blaCTX-M-27, and blaCTX-M-55 in Escherichia coli sequence types 131 and 1193. Carbapenemase genes were identified in 12% isolates, most commonly blaOXA-23, blaNDM-1, blaOXA-58, and blaOXA-66 in Acinetobacter species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed clonal strains of Acinetobacter baumannii, representing suspected nosocomial outbreaks, and genetic clusters of quinolone-resistant typhoidal Salmonella and extended-spectrum β-lactamase E. coli cases suggesting community transmission.

Conclusions
With accessible sequencing platforms and bioinformatics solutions, bacterial genomics can supplement AMR surveillance in LMICs.
Visualizing multilayer spatiotemporal epidemiological data with animated geocircles
Authors: Ondov Brian , Patel Harsh B , Kuo Ai-Te , Kastner John , Han Yunheng , Wei Hong , Elmqvist Niklas , Samet Hanan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the value of geospatial visual analytics for both epidemiologists and the general public. However, systems struggled to encode temporal and geospatial trends of multiple, potentially interacting variables, such as active cases, deaths, and vaccinations. We sought to ask (1) how epidemiologists interact with visual analytics tools, (2) how multiple, time-varying, geospatial variables can be conveyed in a unified view, and (3) how complex spatiotemporal encodings affect utility for both experts and non-experts.

Materials and Methods
We propose encoding variables with animated, concentric, hollow circles, allowing multiple variables via color encoding and avoiding occlusion problems, and we implement this method in a browser-based tool called CoronaViz. We conduct task-based evaluations with non-experts, as well as in-depth interviews and observational sessions with epidemiologists, covering a range of tools and encodings.

Results
Sessions with epidemiologists confirmed the importance of multivariate, spatiotemporal queries and the utility of CoronaViz for answering them, while providing direction for future development. Non-experts tasked with performing spatiotemporal queries unanimously preferred animation to multi-view dashboards.

Discussion
We find that conveying complex, multivariate data necessarily involves trade-offs. Yet, our studies suggest the importance of complementary visualization strategies, with our animated multivariate spatiotemporal encoding filling important needs for exploration and presentation.

Conclusion
CoronaViz’s unique ability to convey multiple, time-varying, geospatial variables makes it both a valuable addition to interactive COVID-19 dashboards and a platform for empowering experts and the public during future disease outbreaks. CoronaViz is open-source and a live instance is freely hosted at http://coronaviz.umiacs.io.