bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neighbors sharing pathogens: the intricate relationship between Apis mellifera and ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) nesting in hives
Authors: Tiritelli Rossella , Giannetti Daniele , Schifani Enrico , Grasso Donato A. , Cilia Giovanni 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAnts are ubiquitous and eusocial insects that exhibit frequent physical contact among colony members, thereby increasing their susceptibility to diseases. Some species are often found in beehives and in their surroundings, where they exploit the food resources of honey bees. This intricate relationship may facilitate the interspecific transmission of honey bee pathogens to ants, although ants themselves may contribute to spillback phenomena. The objective of this study was to assess the presence and abundance of honey bee pathogens in ants sampled from Italian apiaries. A total of 37 colonies within 24 apiaries across 7 regions were monitored. In total, 6 pathogens were detected in adult ants and 3 in the brood. In particular, the study revealed a high prevalence of honey bee pathogens in ants, with DWV, BQCV, and CBPV being the most commonly encountered. The brood also tested positive for the same viruses. Notably, all analyzed viruses were found to be replicative in both adult ants and ant broods. Furthermore, co‐infections were prevalent, suggesting complex pathogen interactions within ant populations. Statistical analysis indicated significant differences in pathogen prevalence and abundance among ant species and sample types. The findings highlight active infection in both the ants and the brood, suggesting a potential role of ants as reservoir hosts and vectors of honey bee pathogens emphasizing the need for further research to understand the implications of interspecific pathogen transmission on ant and bee health.
A review on the processing technique, physicochemical, and bioactive properties of marine collagen
Authors: Shaik Mannur Ismail , Rahman Siti Hajar Abdul , Yusri Anis Syafiqah , Ismail‐Fitry Mohammad Rashedi , Kumar Nune Satya Sampath , Sarbon Norizah Mhd 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCollagens are conventionally derived from bovine and porcine sources. However, these sources were commonly associated with infectious diseases such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy, foot and mouth disease, autoimmune and allergic reactions, and religious constraints. The significant amount of collagen available in marine species, especially fish skins, scales, fins, and bones, shows that marine species can be a potential alternative source to mammalian collagen. Therefore, this review aims to give a clearer outlook on the processing techniques of marine collagen and its physicochemical and bioactive properties as a potential alternative to mammalian collagen. The two most suitable extraction methods for marine collagen are pepsin‐soluble extraction and ultrasound‐assisted extraction. Additionally, marine collagen's physicochemical and bioactive properties, such as antioxidants, wound healing, tissue engineering, and cosmetic biomaterial have been thoroughly discussed in this review.Practical ApplicationCollagen extracted from marine sources showed its potential in physicochemical and bioactive properties, including antioxidants and wound‐healing capabilities, as an alternative to mammalian collagen. The significant amount of collagen found in marine species, particularly in fish skins, scales, bones, and sea cucumbers, suggests that marine sources could be a viable alternative to land mammal collagen due to their abundance and accessibility. The ultrasound‐assisted extraction technique has improved the extracted marine collagen's physicochemical and bioactivity properties and quality properties.
Clinical application of convolutional neural network lung nodule detection software: An Australian quaternary hospital experience
Authors: Mark Peter , Papalia Isabella , Lai Jeffrey KC , Pascoe Diane M 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIntroductionEarly‐stage lung cancer diagnosis through detection of nodules on computed tomography (CT) remains integral to patient survivorship, promoting national screening programmes and diagnostic tools using artificial intelligence (AI) convolutional neural networks (CNN); the software of AI‐Rad Companion™ (AIRC), capable of self‐optimising feature recognition. This study aims to demonstrate the practical value of AI‐based lung nodule detection in a clinical setting; a limited body of research.MethodsOne hundred and eighty‐three non‐contrast CT chest studies from a single centre were assessed for AIRC software analysis. Prospectively collected data from AIRC detection and characterisation of lung nodules (size: ≥3 mm) were assessed against the reference standard; reported findings of a blinded consultant radiologist.ResultsOne hundred and sixty‐seven CT chest studies were included; 52% indicated for nodule or lung cancer surveillance. Of 289 lung nodules, 219 (75.8%) nodules (mean size: 10.1 mm) were detected by both modalities, 28 (9.7%) were detected by AIRC alone and 42 (14.5%) by radiologist alone. Solid nodules missed by AIRC were larger than those missed by radiologist (11.5 mm vs 4.7 mm, P < 0.001). AIRC software sensitivity was 87.3%, with significant false positive and negative rates demonstrating 12.5% specificity (PPV 0.6, NPV 0.4).ConclusionIn a population of high nodule prevalence, AIRC lung nodule detection software demonstrates sensitivity comparable to that of consultant radiologist. The clinical significance of larger sized nodules missed by AIRC software presents a barrier to current integration in practice. We consider this research highly relevant in providing focus for ongoing software development, potentiating the future success of AI‐based tools within diagnostic radiology.
Integration of the US cannabis market
Authors: Goodwin Barry K. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractI examine the degree to which markets for cannabis are integrated using semiparametric models of spatial price linkages among US states. US attitudes toward the use of cannabis have evolved and, at the same time, laws restricting its use have been eliminated in many states. Cannabis presents the case of a unique commodity for which any interstate trade is explicitly illegal. A voluminous empirical literature has examined spatial arbitrage, trade, and market integration. Most of these studies utilize linear time series regression models. More recent work has considered increasingly more nonlinear models of market integration. I utilize fully nonlinear semiparametric generalized additive models to evaluate the spatial integration of US cannabis markets. The results confirm important nonlinearities in price relationships. Nonlinear price transmission elasticities are derived from the nonparametric modeling results. The results suggest that California cannabis markets are largely integrated with states across the nation. I find that California, which is a leading cannabis exporter, plays a price leadership role. Production of cannabis in California far exceeds the amount that can be legally grown and sold, and much of this cannabis is exported to other states. Colorado, a second primary cannabis market, generally operates in isolation from cannabis markets in other states. The likely mechanism integrating cannabis markets is the thriving trade in illegal cannabis, which has long preceded recent state‐level legislative actions that have legalized cannabis use.
Diagnostic tests for the prediction of histological chorioamnionitis and funisitis in pregnant women with preterm premature rupture of membranes: A systematic review
Authors: Lanzarone Valeria , Polkinghorne Adam , Eslick Guy , Branley James 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundInfection of the amniotic cavity is an important driver and/or consequence of preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM). Prediction of infection is challenging, limiting guidance for interventions during the antenatal period. Infection typically triggers a host inflammatory response, and non‐invasive indirect markers of the maternal or fetal inflammatory response have been reported in the context of PPROM and intra‐amniotic infection. Some of these markers have also been tested in amniotic fluid (AF) samples.AimsThis study compared markers of the inflammatory response in women with PPROM against the outcome standard of histological chorioamnionitis (HCA) or funisitis (FUS).MethodsSearches were conducted for studies reporting diagnostic test sensitivity and specificity for proven HCA or FUS in pregnant women with PPROM after 20 weeks’ gestation. Weighted mean pooled sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value, negative predictive value, diagnostic odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each of the selected diagnostic tests.ResultsExcept ultrasonographic detection of fetal thymic involution, almost all index tests analysed showed relatively low sensitivity. Maternal white cell count, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and AF IL‐6 had credible specificity. Testing of AF markers, while more consistent than serum markers, showed no clear diagnostic accuracy improvement.ConclusionsThere is a clear lack of evidence for the reliability of any individual diagnostic test to assist in the detection of HCA or FUS in women with PPROM. Combining several markers into a predictive model for improved diagnosis may be worth investigating.
A cross‐sectional study assessing concordance with advance care directives in a rural health district
Authors: Curley Dan , Kinsman Leigh , Mooney Graeme , Whiteford Gail , Lower Tony , Hobbs Megan , Morris Beverley , Bartlett Kerry , Jacob Alycia 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo measure compliance with Advance Care Directives (ACDs) for decedents in a rural setting.DesignObservational, cross‐sectional medical records audit comparing requests in ACDs with actual outcomes.SettingRural Australian coastal district.ParticipantsPeople who had an ACD, died during the study period (30 May 2020 to 15 December 2021) and participated in a local research project.Main Outcome Measure(s)Compliance was measured by comparing stated requests in the ACD with outcomes recorded in medical records. This included the place of death and a list of ‘unacceptable interventions’.ResultsSixty‐eight people met the inclusion criteria (age range of 46–92 [mean 67 years; median 74 years]; 42 [62%] male). The main cause of death was cancer (n = 48; 71%). Preferred place of death was not stated in 16 ACDs. Compliance with documented preferred place of death was 63% (33/52): 48% (16/33) when the preferred place of death was home; 78% (7/9) when sub‐acute was preferred; and 100% (10/10) when hospital was preferred. Compliance was 100% with ‘unacceptable interventions’.ConclusionThese results demonstrate strong compliance with rural patients' requests in ACDs, particularly ‘unacceptable interventions’. Home was the most common preferred place of death, but the compliance measure (48%) was the lowest in this study. This requires further exploration.
Who is suited to work in remote First Nations health? Perspectives of staff in remote Aboriginal Community‐Controlled Health Services in northern Australia
Authors: Bourke Lisa , Merchant Noha , Mathew Supriya , Fitts Michelle , Liddle Zania , Russell Deb , Murakami‐Gold Lorna , Campbell Narelle , Rossingh Bronwyn , Wakerman John 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveThere is a shortage of nurses, Aboriginal Health Practitioners, GPs and other staff in remote Australian health clinics. There is also high turnover of staff, leading to questions of ‘who’ is appropriate for remote First Nations practice? The aim of this paper was to identify the characteristics of staff who are likely to work well in remote First Nations settings, from the perspectives of remote health practitioners.DesignThis is a qualitative study involving content analysis of interviews.SettingThe study is conducted in and with 11 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services across northern and central Australia.ParticipantsEighty‐four staff working in these clinics who spoke about staff qualities suited to remote practice.ResultsParticipants identified a range of qualities desirable in remote practitioners, which were grouped into three topics: (1) professional qualifications and experience, including cultural skills; (2) ways of working, including holisitic approach, resilience, competence, and being a team player, approachable, flexible and hard‐working; and (3) specific community needs, namely the need for local First Nations staff, male practitioners and returning short‐term staff. The combination of experiences, ways of working, and fit to both the team and community were emphasised.ConclusionIdentifying the characteristics of staff who are likely to work well in these settings can inform recruitment strategies. This study found that a combination of professional qualifications, skills and experience as well as ways of working, individual characteristics and needs of communities are desirable for working in remote, First Nations settings.
Histone acetylation regulated by histone deacetylases during spermatogenesis
Authors: Ou Xiangying , Yang Juan , Yang Linfeng , Zeng Huihong , Shao Lijian 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundPhysical, chemical, and biological factors in the environment constantly influence in vivo and in vitro biological processes, including diverse histone modifications involved in cancer and metabolism. However, the intricate mechanisms of acetylation regulation remain poorly elucidated. In mammalian spermatogenesis, acetylation plays a crucial role in repairing double‐strand DNA breaks, regulating gene transcription, and modulating various signaling pathways.ResultsThis review summarizes the histone acetylation sites in the mouse testis and provides a comprehensive overview of how histone acetylation is involved in different stages of spermatogenesis under the regulation by histone deacetylases. The regulatory functions of various class histone deacetylases during spermatogenesis and the crossroad between histone acetylation and other histone modifications are highlighted. It is imperative to understand the mechanisms of histone acetylation regulated by histone deacetylases in spermatogenesis, which facilitates to prevent and treat infertility‐related diseases.
Clinical trial: Effects of treatment with a vibrating capsule in patients with severe chronic constipation
Authors: Lembo Anthony , Simons Madison , Loesch Jack , Hamza Eyad , Graff Erica Loren , Quigley Eamonn , Rao Satish S. C. 
Published: August 2024

SummaryBackgroundThere is little information on the effectiveness of therapies for severe chronic constipation. In a phase 3 trial, we previously demonstrated that a vibrating capsule was significantly more efficacious than a placebo in chronic constipation.AimTo examine the effects of a vibrating capsule and placebo on symptoms and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with severe chronic constipation.MethodsWe performed a post hoc analysis of phase 3, multicentre, randomised, double‐blind, and placebo‐controlled 8‐week clinical trial of a vibrating capsule to specifically assess outcomes among subjects who reported 0 complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs) during the 2‐week baseline period. We assessed effects of treatment on bowel symptoms, patient satisfaction, and HRQoL. CSBM responders were defined as subjects with increases of ≥1 or ≥2 or ≥3 weekly CSBMs (CSBM1 or CSBM2, CSBM3, respectively) over baseline for ≥6 out of 8 weeks of treatment.ResultsThe severe chronic constipation subgroup comprised 175 (56%) of the 312 subjects. Significantly more subjects with severe chronic constipation who received the vibrating capsule than those who received the placebo were CSBM1 (44.9% vs. 20.9%, p = 0.007), CSBM2 (29.2% vs. 11.6%, p = 0.004), and CSBM3 (19.10% vs 6.98%, p = 0.017) responders. Straining effort, stool consistency, patient satisfaction, and HRQoL significantly improved in the severe chronic constipation subgroup. A mild vibrating sensation was reported in 10%.ConclusionThe vibrating capsule significantly improved constipation‐related symptoms and HRQoL in patients with severe constipation, affirming its efficacy and safety across the spectrum of chronic constipation.
Performance of bowel preparation quality scales in patients with Crohn's disease
Authors: Solitano Virginia , Siegel Corey A. , Korzenik Joshua R. , Maratt Jennifer K. , Rex Douglas K. , Maguire Bryan , Bressler Brian , Grossmann Johannes , Sedano Rocio , McDonald John W. D. , Remillard Julie , Shackelton Lisa M. , Zou Guangyong , Feagan Brian G. , Ma Christopher , Jairath Vipul 
Published: August 2024

SummaryBackgroundThe performance of bowel preparation (BP) in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) is unknown.AimsTo evaluate the operating properties of instruments used to assess BP quality in patients with CD.MethodsWe used the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale, modified Boston Bowel Preparation Scale, Harefield Cleansing Scale, Food and Drug Administration Bowel Cleansing Assessment Scale (BCAS), and a 100‐mm visual analogue scale of bowel cleanliness to assess BP quality in 50 videos from 40 patients with CD. We assessed endoscopic activity with the Simple Endoscopic Score for CD (SES‐CD). Assessments were on endoscope insertion and withdrawal. Reliability was quantified using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). We assessed validity by within‐patient correlation between instruments and the visual analogue scale using mixed‐effect models. The correlation between BP quality and SES‐SD scores was assessed using Spearman's rho.ResultsInter‐ and intra‐rater reliability for all BP quality instruments was substantial (ICC ≥0.61) except for the Food and Drug Administration BCAS on insertion (inter‐rater reliability ICC ≥0.41). The visual analogue scale had substantial inter‐ and almost perfect (ICC ≥0.81) intra‐rater reliability. Correlation coefficients for the validity of the instruments exceeded 0.58. BP quality and endoscopic disease activity scores in the colon were negatively correlated.ConclusionMost existing instruments reliably assess BP quality in patients with CD. These results support the use of these instruments in clinical practice, provide a framework for scoring BP quality in CD clinical trials, and support evaluation of novel BP agents in patients with CD.
Dual targeting chimeric antigen receptor cells enhance antitumour activity by overcoming T cell exhaustion in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Ruixin Sun , Yifan Liu , Yansha Sun , Min Zhou , Yiwei Dong , Xiaoli Hu , Bizhi Shi , Hua Jiang , Zonghai Li 
Published: August 2024

Background and PurposeAlthough our previous data indicated that claudin 18 isoform 2 (CLDN18.2)‐targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells displayed remarkable clinical efficacy in CLDN18.2‐positive gastric cancer, their efficacy is limited in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The tumour microenvironment (TME) is one of the main obstacles to the efficacy of CAR‐T and remodelling the TME may be a possible way to overcome this obstacle. The TME of PDAC is characterized by abundant cancer‐related fibroblasts (CAFs), which hinder the infiltration and function of CLDN18.2‐targeted CAR‐T cells. The expression of fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP) is an important feature of active CAFs, providing potential targets for eliminating CAFs.Experimental ApproachIn this study, we generated 10 FAP/CLDN 18.2 dual‐targeted CAR‐T cells and evaluated their anti‐tumour ability in vitro and in vivo.Key ResultsCompared with conventional CAR‐T cells, some dual‐targeted CAR‐T cells showed improved therapeutic effects in mouse pancreatic cancers. Further, dual‐targeted CAR‐T cells with better anti‐tumour effect could suppress the recruitment of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) to improve the immunosuppressive TME, which contributes to the survival of CD8+ T cells. Moreover, dual‐targeted CAR‐T cells reduced the exhaustion of T cells in transforming TGF‐β dependent manner.Conclusion and ImplicationsThe dual‐targeted CAR‐T cells obtained enhancement of T effector function, inhibition of T cell exhaustion, and improvement of tumour microenvironment. Our findings provide a theoretical rationale for dual‐targeted FAP/CLDN 18.2 CAR‐T cells therapy in PDAC.
Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of adjunctive Lacosamide therapy for focal seizures in young children aged ≥1 month to ≤4 years: A real‐world study
Authors: Yang Lu , Liu Yuhang , Deng Yu , Peng Xiaoling , Hu Qiao , Jiang Li , Hu Yue 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimsTo evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of adjunctive lacosamide therapy against focal seizures in young children (1 month – 4 years).MethodsThis non‐randomized, open‐label, and self‐controlled real‐world study included 105 children (1 month–4 years) with focal seizures treated with adjunctive lacosamide therapy at Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University.Results(1) The 50% response rates at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of follow‐up were 58.1%, 61.0%, 57.1%, and 56.2%, while the seizure‐free rates were 27.6%, 34.3%, 32.4%, and 37.1%, respectively. The 50% response rate of the first addition of lacosamide for focal seizures was much higher than the second and later added treatment at 3 months (p = 0.038). After 1 year of follow‐up, these children showed an improvement in neurodevelopmental levels (p < 0.05). (2) Lacosamide retention rate was 72.7% (64/88) after 1 year of follow‐up. Lack of efficacy and serious adverse events were independent risk factors for the lacosamide retention rate. (3) During adjunctive lacosamide therapy, 13 (12.4%) patients reported adverse events and five (4.7%) patients withdrew due to adverse events, including vomiting drowsiness, ataxia (0.94%), neck itching with eczema (0.94%), irritability (1.88%), and gastrointestinal discomfort (0.94%).ConclusionAdjunctive lacosamide therapy was effective, safe, and well‐tolerated in young Chinese children with focal seizures in this study.
The Litigation Cost of Cross‐Listing Into the United States
Authors: Boyer M. Martin 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTResearch Question/IssueI study the expected liability cost of cross‐listing into the United States by examining the change in the structure of a Canadian firm's directors' and officers' liability insurance contract (D&O insurance) before and after cross‐listing on an exchange located in the United States (NYSE, NASDAQ, or OTC).Research Findings/InsightsResults show that neither the likelihood of having D&O liability insurance increases significantly only when the NASDAQ is the chosen as the cross‐listing venue nor the amount of coverage changes significantly after cross‐listing. With respect to choosing the NYSE as the cross‐listing venue, results show that coverage does not increase, but the premium does. As a result, the D&O insurance premium per dollar of coverage increases significantly only when the firm cross‐lists on the NYSE. A robust point estimate is that a Canadian firm's D&O liability insurance premium increases by 40%–60% when it becomes listed on a US market.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsD&O insurers adjust their expected litigation costs as a function of where shares are traded not because of the severity of damages paid in the event of litigation, by mostly because of an increase in the frequency of such litigation.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsIf D&O premium‐to‐coverage ratio allows one to measure a company's litigation risk, then there would be value to investors to have access to basic D&O insurance information such as the premium and the coverage.