bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biological and physicochemical characterization of carbonated hydroxyapatite-honeycomb-polyethylene oxide bone scaffold fabricated using the freeze-drying method
Authors: Cahyati Nilam , Sari Mona , Yusuf Yusril 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
In this work, a carbonated hydroxyapatite/honeycomb/polyethylene oxide (CHA/HCB/PEO) scaffold was fabricated using the freeze-drying method. The CHA bioceramic component was synthesized from oyster shells using the precipitation method. HCB and PEO act as reinforcing materials that influence the physicochemical properties of the scaffold and as antibacterial agents on the scaffold. The CHA produced was B-type, confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and x-ray diffractometer (XRD) spectra of the CHA. FTIR analysis of the scaffold demonstrated the presence of functional group vibrations originating from PEO and HCB, affirming the successful application of the freeze-drying method, which preserved the polymer content within the scaffold during the evaporation process, thus facilitating pore formation. The XRD results show that a lower CHA concentration is associated with a smaller size of the scaffold crystallites, potentially inducing dislocations favorable for cellular proliferation. The porosity of the formed scaffold is in the ideal range of >60% with CHA concentration of 5 and 10 wt%. The size of the pores that formed on the scaffold was 3–69 μm, classifying them within the micropore category. The in vitro test results in the form of an antibacterial test revealed that the scaffold could inhibit S. aureus and E. coli bacteria. Notably, a scaffold consisting of 10 wt% of CHA had a larger zone of inhibition diameter, 10.083 ± 0.104 for S. aureus and 10.517 ± 0.247 mm for E. coli. The MTT assay and cell morphology MC3T3E1 results in the scaffold show that the CHA/HCB/PEO scaffold is non-cytotoxic and can facilitate cells to attach and proliferate. The cell viability of the scaffold was 96.23% at the concentration of 31.25 μg ml−1, and the IC50 value was at 16144 μg ml−1. Therefore, CHA/HCB/PEO composites can be an alternative material in scaffold fabrication for bone tissue engineering.
Trajectories of pain and their associations with long-term cognitive decline in older adults: evidence from two longitudinal cohorts
Authors: He Zijun , Li Gege , Chen Zhi , Hu Zihang , Wang Qingwei , Huang Guozhi , Luo Qinglu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Pain is a dynamic experience that varies over time, but it remains unknown whether trajectories of pain are associated with subsequent cognitive decline. The purpose of this study was to identify distinct trajectories of pain presence and activity-limiting pain and investigate their longitudinal associations with the rate of subsequent cognitive decline in older adults.

Methods
A total of 5685 participants from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) and 7619 participants from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) were included. Pain presence trajectories were identified over eight years in the ELSA and 10 years in the HRS, while trajectories of activity-limiting pain were identified over 10 years in the HRS. We utilised linear mixed-effects models to investigate the long-term relationship between pain trajectories and the rate of cognitive decline across various domains, including memory, orientation, executive function and global cognition.

Results
Three pain presence trajectories were identified. Moderate-increasing and high-stable groups exhibited steeper declines in global cognition than the low-stable group. Furthermore, individuals in the moderate-increasing group experienced a more rapid decline in executive function, while the high-stable group showed a faster decline in orientation function. Two trajectories of activity-limiting pain were identified, with the moderate-increasing group experiencing a faster decline in orientation function and global cognition.

Conclusions
The trajectories of both pain presence and activity-limiting pain are linked to the rate of subsequent cognitive decline among older people. Interventions for specific pain trajectories might help to delay the decline rate of cognition in specific domains.
Synergistic effect of psoriasis and metabolic syndrome on risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in US adults: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Kong Xiufang , Wang Wei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a common comorbidity in psoriasis. However, the associations between MetS, psoriasis and mortality remain largely unclear.

Objectives
To investigate the synergistic effect of MetS and psoriasis on total and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in a representative sample of US adults.

Methods
In total, 14 930 participants from the 2003–2006 and 2009–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included in this prospective, nationwide cohort study. Participants were stratified into the psoriasis−/MetS− (reference) group, psoriasis−/MetS+ group, psoriasis+/MetS− group and psoriasis+/MetS+ group.

Results
Overall, 14 930 participants, 50.71% were male, with a mean age of 43 years, were included in the final analysis. The weighted percentages of participants in the psoriasis−/MetS−, psoriasis−/MetS+, psoriasis+/MetS− and psoriasis+/MetS+ groups were 72.77%, 24.36%, 1.94% and 0.93%, respectively. In total, 874 deaths (246 of which were related to CVD) occurred during a median follow-up of 110 months. Compared with the reference group, the hazard ratios in the psoriasis−/MetS+, psoriasis+/MetS− and psoriasis+/MetS+ groups were 1.788 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.486–2.152], 0.858 (95% CI 0.431–1.707) and 2.050 (95% CI 1.028–4.092), respectively, for all-cause mortality, and 1.856 (1.350–2.552), 1.229 (95% CI 0.292–5.181) and 4.571 (95% CI 1.724–12.119), respectively, for CVD mortality. Subgroup analysis showed that this association was not influenced by participants’ age, sex, physical activity, smoking, estimated glomerular filtration rate, or urinary albumin/creatinine ratio. Similar results were obtained in the sensitivity analysis of the main results.

Conclusions
Presence of comorbid MetS significantly increases all-cause and CVD mortality in patients with psoriasis. Dermatologists can potentially aid in reducing mortality rates in patients with psoriasis through targeted screening for MetS.
The Ethical Obligation to Treat Infectious Patients: A Systematic Review of Reasons
Authors: Grisel Braylee , Kaur Kavneet , Swain Sonal , Gorenshtein Laura , Chime Chinecherem , O’Callaghan Ellen , Vasireddy Avani , Moore Lauren , Shin Christina , Won Michelle , Ebangwese Santita , Tripoli Todd , Lumpkin Stephanie , Ginsberg Zachary , Cantrell Sarah , Freeman Jennifer , Agarwal Suresh , Haines Krista 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
During pandemics, healthcare providers struggle with balancing obligations to self, family, and patients. While HIV/AIDS seemed to settle this issue, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rekindled debates regarding treatment refusal. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL Complete, and Web of Science using terms including obligation, refusal, HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, and pandemics. After duplicate removal and dual, independent screening, we analyzed 156 articles for quality, ethical position, reasons, and concepts. Diseases in our sample included HIV/AIDS (72.2%), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) (10.2%), COVID-19 (10.2%), Ebola (7.0%), and influenza (7.0%). Most articles (81.9%, n = 128) indicated an obligation to treat. COVID-19 had the highest number of papers indicating ethical acceptability of refusal (60%, P &lt; .001), while HIV had the least (13.3%, P = .026). Several reason domains were significantly different during COVID-19, including unreasonable risks to self/family (26.7%, P &lt; .001) and labor rights/workers' protection (40%, P &lt; .001). A surge in ethics literature during COVID-19 has advocated for permissibility of treatment refusal. Balancing healthcare provision with workforce protection is crucial in effectively responding to a global pandemic.
Safety and Immunogenicity of an mRNA-1273 Booster in Children
Authors: Berthaud Vladimir , Creech C Buddy , Rostad Christina A , Carr Quito , de Leon Liberation , Dietrich Monika , Gupta Anil , Javita David , Nachman Sharon , Pinninti Swetha , Rathore Mobeen , Rodriguez Carina A , Luzuriaga Katherine , Towner William , Yeakey Anne , Brown Mollie , Zhao Xiaoping , Deng Weiping , Xu Wenqin , Zhou Honghong , Girard Bethany , Kelly Roxanne , Slobod Karen , Anderson Evan J , Das Rituparna , Miller Jacqueline , Schnyder Ghamloush Sabine 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
A 2-dose mRNA-1273 primary series in children aged 6 months–5 years (25 µg) and 6–11 years (50 µg) had an acceptable safety profile and was immunogenic in the phase 2/3 KidCOVE study. We present data from KidCOVE participants who received an mRNA-1273 booster dose.

Methods
An mRNA-1273 booster dose (10 µg for children aged 6 months–5 years; 25 µg for children aged 6–11 years; age groups based on participant age at enrollment) was administered ≥6 months after primary series completion. The primary safety objective was the safety and reactogenicity of an mRNA-1273 booster dose. The primary immunogenicity objective was to infer efficacy of an mRNA-1273 booster dose by establishing noninferiority of neutralizing antibody (nAb) responses after a booster in children versus nAb responses observed after the mRNA-1273 primary series in young adults (18–25 years) from the pivotal efficacy study. Data were collected from March 2022 to June 2023.

Results
Overall, 153 (6 months–5 years) and 2519 (6–11 years) participants received an mRNA-1273 booster dose (median age at receipt of booster: 2 and 10 years, respectively). The booster dose safety profile was generally consistent with that of the primary series in children; no new safety concerns were identified. An mRNA-1273 booster dose elicited robust nAb responses against ancestral SARS-CoV-2 among children and met prespecified noninferiority success criteria versus responses observed after the primary series in young adults.

Conclusions
Safety and immunogenicity data support administration of an mRNA-1273 booster dose in children aged 6 months to 11 years.

Clinical Trials Registration
NCT04796896 (Clinicaltrials.gov).
Investigating Additive and Replacing Horizontal Gene Transfers Using Phylogenies and Whole Genomes
Authors: Kloub Lina , Gosselin Sophia , Graf Joerg , Gogarten Johann Peter , Bansal Mukul S 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is fundamental to microbial evolution and adaptation. When a gene is horizontally transferred, it may either add itself as a new gene to the recipient genome (possibly displacing nonhomologous genes) or replace an existing homologous gene. Currently, studies do not usually distinguish between “additive” and “replacing” HGTs, and their relative frequencies, integration mechanisms, and specific roles in microbial evolution are poorly understood. In this work, we develop a novel computational framework for large-scale classification of HGTs as either additive or replacing. Our framework leverages recently developed phylogenetic approaches for HGT detection and classifies HGTs inferred between terminal edges based on gene orderings along genomes and phylogenetic relationships between the microbial species under consideration. The resulting method, called DART, is highly customizable and scalable and can classify a large fraction of inferred HGTs with high confidence and statistical support. Our application of DART to a large dataset of thousands of gene families from 103 Aeromonas genomes provides insights into the relative frequencies, functional biases, and integration mechanisms of additive and replacing HGTs. Among other results, we find that (i) the relative frequency of additive HGT increases with increasing phylogenetic distance, (ii) replacing HGT dominates at shorter phylogenetic distances, (iii) additive and replacing HGTs have strikingly different functional profiles, (iv) homologous recombination in flanking regions of a novel gene may be a frequent integration mechanism for additive HGT, and (v) phages and mobile genetic elements likely play an important role in facilitating additive HGT.
Selection for Late Reproduction Leads to Loss of Complex I Mitochondrial Capacity and Associated Increased Longevity in Seed Beetles
Authors: Mast Heather E , Blier Pierre U , Ɖorđević Mirko , Savković Uroš , Holody Claudia D , Bourque Stephane L , Lemieux Hélène 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Mitochondria play a key role in aging. Here, we measured integrated mitochondrial functions in experimentally evolved lines of the seed beetle Acanthoscelides obtectus that were selected for early (E) or late (L) reproduction for nearly 4 decades. The 2 lines have markedly different lifespans (8 days and 13 days in the E and L lines, respectively). The contribution of the NADH pathway to maximal flux was lower in the L compared to the E beetles at young stages, associated with increased control by complex I. In contrast, the contribution of the Succinate pathway was higher in the L than in the E line, whereas the Proline pathway showed no differences between the lines. Our data suggest that selection of age at reproduction leads to a modulation of complex I activity in mitochondria and that mitochondria are a functional link between evolutionary and mechanistic theories of aging.
The Composition of the Fecal and Mucosa-adherent Microbiota Varies Based on Age and Disease Activity in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Malham Mikkel , Vestergaard Marie V , Bataillon Thomas , Villesen Palle , Dempfle Astrid , Bang Corinna , Engsbro Anne Line , Jakobsen Christian , Franke Andre , Wewer Vibeke , Thingholm Louise B , Petersen Andreas M 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Pediatric-onset ulcerative colitis (pUC) represents a more aggressive disease phenotype compared with adult-onset UC. We hypothesized that this difference can, in part, be explained by the composition of the microbiota.

Methods
In a prospective, longitudinal study, we included pediatric (N = 30) and adult (N = 30) patients with newly or previously (&gt;1 year) diagnosed UC. We analyzed the microbiota composition in the mucosa-adherent microbiota at baseline, using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and the fecal microbiota at baseline and at 3-month intervals, using shotgun metagenomics.

Results
For fecal samples, the bacterial composition differed between pUC and aUC in newly diagnosed patients (β-diversity, Bray Curtis: R2 = 0.08, P = .02). In colon biopsies, microbial diversity was higher in aUC compared with pUC (α-diversity, Shannon: estimated difference 0.54, P = .006). In the mucosa-adherent microbiota, Alistipes finegoldii was negatively associated with disease activity in pUC while being positively associated in aUC (estimate: −0.255 and 0.098, P = .003 and P = .02 in pUC and aUC, respectively). Finally, we showed reduced stability of the fecal microbiota in pediatric patients, evidenced by a different composition of the fecal microbiota in newly and previously diagnosed pUC, a pattern not found in adults.

Conclusions
Our results indicate that pediatric UC patients have a more unstable fecal microbiota and a lower α diversity than adult patients and that the microbiota composition differs between aUC and pUC patients. These findings offer some explanation for the observed differences between pUC and aUC and indicate that individualized approaches are needed if microbiota modifications are to be used in the future treatment of UC.
Introduction: The rise of formal institutions in the Asia-Pacific region through competitive regime complexity
Authors: Suzuki Motoshi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The emergence of formal regional regimes characterized by precision and non-delegation signifies a major shift in the Asia-Pacific region. This special issue addresses the previously unexamined politics of institutional change towards formalization by analysing the policy realms of emergency liquidity provision, development aid, clean air, and labour immigration. To guide our research, this introductory article presents a conceptual framework that posits a novel argument: formalization is a result of competitive regime creation and flexible regime choice, fostering mutually beneficial regimes within a system of state sovereignty, and dispersed state capabilities lacking centralized coordinating authority. In such a context, multiple major states initiate regimes to secure order-setting privileges. Given the existence of multiple regimes, smaller states never commit themselves to a single regime; instead, they engage in forum shopping to select the regimes that best advance their preferences. Without third-party enforcement, these regimes are implementable only if they remain aligned with the evolving state preferences.
High-fiber diet reduces bone formation but does not affect bone microarchitecture in type 2 diabetes individuals
Authors: Faraj Malak , Leanza Giulia , Krug Johannes , Cannata Francesca , Viola Viola , Zampogna Biagio , Russo Fabrizio , Banfi Giuseppe , Lombardi Giovanni , Vadalà Gianluca , Mangiavini Laura , Papalia Rocco , Denaro Vincenzo , Busse Björn , Napoli Nicola 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Bone fragility is a recognized complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), increasing patient morbidity. Thus, the development of an effective intervention to prevent diabetic bone fragility is urgently needed. As lifestyle intervention represents an effective option for diabetes management, it may have an impact on bone health. While studies have shown a beneficial effect of dietary fiber in T2DM management, its effect on bone health is still unclear. Thus, we investigated the impact of a high-fiber diet on bone and glucose control in men and women with T2DM. Forty-five T2DM patients (HbA1c: 6.5% ± 0.49%, age: 74 ± 7.29 yr) scheduled for hip arthroplasty were randomly assigned to follow a high-fiber diet (38 g/day) or to make no diet changes for 12 wk. Interestingly, BMI decreased by 4% (p &lt;.0001) and HbA1c by 3.4% (p &lt;.0001) in the high-fiber diet group, but did not decrease in the control group. However, serum concentration of the bone formation marker procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide (P1NP) decreased by 8.6 % in the high-fiber diet group (p =.0004), whereas it remained unchanged in the control group. In contrast, similar to the control group, serum concentration of the bone resorption marker C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) concentrations did not change in the high-fiber diet group. Bone microCT analysis revealed no changes in trabecular and cortical bone parameters between the high-fiber diet and control groups. Similarly, real-time (RT)-PCR analysis in bone tissue showed no changes in the gene expression of Wnt pathway-related genes (Sost, Dkk-1, Wnt10b, and Lef-1), bone formation markers (Runx2, Col1a1, and Ocn), and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and IL-10) between the two groups. Our findings suggest that 12-wk high-fiber diet intervention improves metabolic outcomes in patients with T2DM. However, it may reduce bone formation without affecting bone microarchitecture or Wnt pathway regulation.
Exploratory techniques to analyse Ecuador's tourism industry
Authors: Herrera Anita , Arroyo Ángel , Jiménez Alfredo , Herrero Álvaro 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The analysis of the operation of tourism companies will provide valid information for the design of policies to reactivate the tourism industry, which has been strongly affected during the pandemic generated by COVID-19. The objective of this paper is to use soft computing techniques to analyse tourism companies in Ecuador. First of all, dimensionality reduction methods are applied: principal component analysis, isometric feature mapping and locally linear embedding, on data of tourism enterprises in Ecuador for the year 2015. In addition, to verify the trend of operational variables, the data of tourism companies in Ecuador in 2019 and 2020 are analysed with dimensionality reduction methods that improve the interpretation by minimizing the loss of information. The data sets are analysed with k-means, k-medoids and Hierarchical Clustering, generating groups according to similar characteristics. The optimal number of clusters is determined with the following: Elbow Method, Silhouette Coefficient, Davies-Bouldin Index and Dunn Index. In addition, an analysis of the operation of tourism companies in the year 2020 concerning previous years is included. The study allows exploring Soft Computing techniques to identify important information for the definition of strategies that contribute to an effective reactivation of the tourist industry of Ecuador.
The logic of medical discovery: the case of Jenner’s inquiry on variolae vaccinae
Authors: Gómez Cristina Barés , Fontaine Matthieu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Jenner (1749–1826) is known as the father of the smallpox vaccine. Through an inferential analysis of Jenner’s report of inquiry, in which medical practice and medical research are intrinsically intertwined, we highlight his use of abductive hypotheses. Our understanding of abduction is based on the Gabbay and Woods (2005, The Reach of Abduction Insight and Trial, 2, 39) model, in which hypotheses can be activated even when they have not been confirmed, as well as Magnani’s Select and Test model (1992, 2017). We discuss the fundamental role of abductive hypotheses in experimental medicine and understood in the sense of Bernard (1865, Introduction à l’étude la médecine expérimentale). We conclude with remarks about mechanistic hypotheses discussed by Jenner, in relation to the thesis advocated by Russo and Williamson (2007, Int. Stud. Philos. Sci., 21, 157–170).
The allometry of brain size in Euarchontoglires: clade-specific patterns and their impact on encephalization quotients
Authors: López-Torres Sergi , Bertrand Ornella C , Fostowicz-Frelik Łucja , Lang Madlen M , Law Chris J , San Martin-Flores Gabriela , Schillaci Michael A , Silcox Mary T 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The timing and nature of evolutionary shifts in the relative brain size of Primates have been extensively studied. Less is known, however, about the scaling of the brain-to-body size in their closest living relatives, i.e., among other members of Euarchontoglires (Dermoptera, Scandentia, Lagomorpha, Rodentia). Ordinary least squares (OLS), reduced major axis (RMA), and phylogenetic generalized least squares (PGLS) regressions were fitted to the largest euarchontogliran data set of brain and body mass, comprising 715 species. Contrary to previous inferences, lagomorph brain sizes (PGLS slope = 0.465; OLS slope = 0.593) scale relative to body mass similarly to rodents (PGLS = 0.526; OLS = 0.638), and differently than primates (PGLS = 0.607; OLS = 0.794). There is a shift in the pattern of the scaling of the brain in Primates, with Strepsirrhini occupying an intermediate stage similar to Scandentia but different from Rodentia and Lagomorpha, while Haplorhini differ from all other groups in the OLS and RMA analyses. The unique brain–body scaling relationship of Primates among Euarchontoglires illustrates the need for clade-specific metrics for relative brain size (i.e., encephalization quotients; EQs) for more restricted taxonomic entities than Mammalia. We created clade-specific regular and phylogenetically adjusted EQ equations at superordinal, ordinal, and subordinal levels. When using fossils as test cases, our results show that generalized mammalian equations underestimate the encephalization of the stem lagomorph Megalagus turgidus in the context of lagomorphs, overestimate the encephalization of the stem primate Microsyops annectens and the early euprimate Necrolemur antiquus, but provide similar EQ values as our new strepsirrhine-specific EQ when applied to the early euprimate Adapis parisiensis.