bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High end‐of‐treatment hepatitis B core‐related antigen levels predict hepatitis flare after stopping nucleot(s)ide analogue therapy
Authors: Hume Simon J. , Wong Danny K. , Yuen Man‐Fung , Jackson Kathy , Bonanzinga Sara , Vogrin Sara , Hall Samuel A. L. , Burns Gareth S. , Desmond Paul V. , Sundararajan Vijaya , Ratnam Dilip , Levy Miriam T. , Lubel John S. , Nicoll Amanda J. , Strasser Simone I. , Sievert William , Ngu Meng C. , Sinclair Marie , Meredith Christopher , Matthews Gail , Revill Peter A. , Littlejohn Margaret , Bowden Scott , Visvanathan Kumar , Holmes Jacinta A. , Thompson Alexander J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsAccurate biomarkers to predict outcomes following discontinuation of nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) therapy are needed. We evaluated serum hepatitis B core‐related antigen (HBcrAg) level as a biomarker for predicting outcomes after NA discontinuation.MethodsPatients with HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) without cirrhosis were enrolled in a prospective trial evaluating clinical outcomes until 96 weeks after NA discontinuation. End of treatment (EOT) and off‐treatment levels of serum HBcrAg, HBsAg, HBV RNA and HBV DNA were used to predict key clinical outcomes including hepatitis flare (ALT ≥5 × ULN and HBV DNA > 2000 IU/mL). The SCALE‐B score was calculated for the purposes of model validation.ResultsHBcrAg was tested amongst 65 participants. The median age was 54 years, 54% were male and 83% were Asian. HBcrAg was detectable in 86% patients. HBcrAg level ≥4 log U/mL at EOT was predictive of hepatitis flare [8/10 (80%) vs. 17/55 (31%), p = .001]. The presence of either HBcrAg ≥4 log U/mL or detectable HBV RNA at EOT predicted for both biochemical relapse and hepatitis flare. The SCALE‐B model at EOT predicted for virological relapse, biochemical relapse, hepatitis flare and HBsAg loss in this cohort. An increase in the serum HBcrAg level off‐treatment was also associated with hepatitis flare. No participant with EOT HBcrAg level ≥4 log U/mL achieved HBsAg loss.ConclusionsHigh levels of serum HBcrAg predict for hepatitis flare after stopping NA therapy and low likelihood of HBsAg loss at week 96. People with high levels of serum HBcrAg are not suitable candidates for NA discontinuation.
Tumor‐Derived Exosomes Promote Tumor Growth Through Modulating Microvascular Hemodynamics in a Human Ovarian Cancer Xenograft Model
Authors: Wang Qin , Zhang Xiaoyan , Li Bingwei , Liu Xueting , Li Ailing , Li Hongwei , Shi Xiaohua , Han Jianqun 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveAbnormal tumor vascular network contributes to aberrant blood perfusion and reduced oxygenation in tumors, which lead to poor efficacy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We aimed to explore the effects of the tumor‐derived exosomes (TDEs) and C188‐9 (a small molecule inhibitor of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, STAT3) on tumor microvascular hemodynamics and determine which blood flow oscillations for various frequency intervals are responsible for these changes.MethodsMicrovascular hemodynamics parameters were recorded using a PeriFlux 6000 EPOS system in tumor surface in a nude mouse subcutaneous xenograft model. Oscillations of laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) signal were investigated by wavelet transform analysis.ResultsTDEs facilitated tumor growth at least partially was associated with increasing blood flow in smaller vessels with lower speed and decreasing the blood flow at larger vessels with higher speed. Lower oxyhemoglobin saturation (SO2) on tumor surface was aggravated by TDEs, and C188‐9 treatment significantly alleviated this decrease. Wavelet transform spectral analysis revealed that TDEs increased the amplitude of oscillations in four frequency intervals related to endothelial (NO‐dependent and ‐independent), myogenic and neurogenic activities, and C188‐9 had no effect on this increase.ConclusionsTDEs facilitated tumor growth partially was associated with increasing blood flow in distributing vessels, reducing blood perfusion in larger vessels, and lowering SO2 on tumor surface. Enhanced vascular smooth muscle, endothelial and neurogenic activities occurred in tumor superficial zone.
Sacral nerve stimulation leads to long‐term improvement in fecal incontinence and quality of life for children with functional and organic defecation disorders
Authors: Park Candice K. , Wang Lyon , Koppen Ilan J. K. , Alpert Seth A. , Diefenbach Karen A. , Wood Richard J. , Bali Neetu , Vaz Karla , Yacob Desale , Di Lorenzo Carlo , Lu Peter L. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundOur objective was to evaluate long‐term outcomes of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) for children with functional and organic defecation disorders.MethodsWe performed a prospective study of children <21 years of age who started SNS treatment between 2012 and 2018. We recorded demographics, medical history, and diagnostic testing. We obtained measures of symptom severity and quality of life at baseline and follow up at 1, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and ≥60 months. Successful response was defined as bowel movements >2 times/week and fecal incontinence (FI) <1 time/week. Families were contacted to administer the Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory and to evaluate patient satisfaction.Key ResultsWe included 65 patients (59% female, median age at SNS 14 years, range 9–21) with median follow‐up of 32 months. Thirty patients had functional constipation (FC), 15 had non‐retentive FI (NRFI), and 16 had an anorectal malformation (ARM). The percentage with FI <1 time/week improved from 30% at baseline to 64% at 1 year (p < 0.001) and 77% at most recent follow‐up (p < 0.001). Patients with FC, NRFI, and ARM had sustained improvement in FI (p = 0.02, p < 0.001, p = 0.02). Patients also reported fewer hard stools (p = 0.001). Bowel movement frequency did not improve after SNS. At most recent follow‐up, 77% of patients with a functional disorder and 50% with an organic disorder had responded (p = 0.03). Nearly all families reported benefit.Conclusions and InferencesSNS led to sustained improvement in FI regardless of underlying etiology, but children with functional disorders were more likely to respond than those with organic disorders.
Evolutionary history and root trait coordination predict nutrient strategy in tropical legume trees
Authors: Marcellus Mia , Goud Ellie M. , Swartz Natalie , Brown Emily , Soper Fiona M. 
Published: July 2024

Summary

Plants express diverse nutrient use and acquisition traits, but it is unclear how trait combinations at the species level are constrained by phylogeny, trait coordination, or trade‐offs in resource investment. One trait – nitrogen (N) fixation – is assumed to correlate with other traits and used to define plant functional groups, despite potential confounding effects of phylogeny.

We quantified growth, carbon metabolism, fixation rate, root phosphatase activity (RPA), mycorrhizal colonization, and leaf and root morphology/chemistry across 22 species of fixing and nonfixing tropical Fabaceae trees under common conditions.

Belowground trait variation was high even among closely related species, and most traits displayed a phylogenetic signal, including N‐fixation rate and nodule biomass. Across species, we observed strong positive correlations between physiological traits such as RPA and root respiration. RPA increased ~ fourfold per unit increase in fixation, supporting the debated hypothesis that N‐fixers ‘trade’ N for phosphatases to enhance phosphorus acquisition. Specific root length and root N differed between functional groups, though for other traits, apparent differences became nonsignificant after accounting for phylogenetic nonindependence.

We conclude that evolutionary history, trait coordination, and fixation ability contribute to nutrient trait expression at the species level, and recommend explicitly considering phylogeny in analyses of functional groupings.
Sucrose promotes cone enlargement via the TgNGA1‐TgWRKY47‐TgEXPA2 module in Torreya grandis
Authors: Suo Jinwei , Liu Ya , Yan Jiawen , Li Qianxi , Chen Weijie , Liu Zhihui , Zhang Zuying , Hu Yuanyuan , Yu Weiwu , Yan Jingwei , Song Lili , Wu Jiasheng 
Published: July 2024

Summary

Cone enlargement is a crucial process for seed production and reproduction in gymnosperms. Most of our knowledge of cone development is derived from observing anatomical structure during gametophyte development. Therefore, the exact molecular mechanism underlying cone enlargement after fertilization is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that sucrose promotes cone enlargement in Torreya grandis, a gymnosperm species with relatively low rates of cone enlargement, via the TgNGA1‐TgWRKY47‐TgEXPA2 pathway.

Cell expansion plays a significant role in cone enlargement in T. grandis. 13C labeling and sucrose feeding experiments indicated that sucrose‐induced changes in cell size and number contribute to cone enlargement in this species. RNA‐sequencing analysis, transient overexpression in T. grandis cones, and stable overexpression in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) suggested that the expansin gene TgEXPA2 positively regulates cell expansion in T. grandis cones.

The WRKY transcription factor TgWRKY47 directly enhances TgEXPA2 expression by binding to its promoter. Additionally, the NGATHA transcription factor TgNGA1 directly interacts with TgWRKY47. This interaction suppresses the DNA‐binding ability of TgWRKY47, thereby reducing its transcriptional activation on TgEXPA2 without affecting the transactivation ability of TgWRKY47.

Our findings establish a link between sucrose and cone enlargement in T. grandis and elucidate the potential underlying molecular mechanism.
Māori wards and local government democracy: Contested spaces of representation
Authors: des Forges Sandra 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis article uses a decolonising geographical approach to critique the limitations of the Eurocentric model of local government democracy in Aotearoa and Tauranga Moana. Thematic analysis of media representations of the Māori ward debate and semi‐structured interviews illuminates how Māori have been marginalised from local government decision‐making. First, I illustrate the way legislation, practices and processes of local government democracy, including referenda, are mechanisms that marginalise Māori and Te Ao Māori. Second, the article highlights that the establishment of Māori wards within the local government structure is the only way to ensure dedicated representation of Māori as elected members.
Calcification of stylohyoid ligaments and its association with obesity: A cross‐sectional retrospective study
Authors: Al‐Amad Suhail H. , Al Bayatti Saad , Alshamsi Hissa Arif 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionObesity is associated with an increase in pro‐inflammatory cytokines, which eventually lead to soft tissue dystrophic calcifications. Calcifications of the stylohyoid ligament (SHL) are incidental findings occasionally seen in head and neck radiographs, the cause of which is not yet established. In this study, we investigated the possible association between obesity and SHL calcification.MethodsArchived cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 136 patients were retrieved and assessed for the presence and length of calcifications of the SHLs. Patients' height and weight were retrieved from their medical records, from which body mass index (BMI) values were calculated. Later, patients were telephone‐interviewed and asked about histories of tonsillectomy and trauma to the head and neck. Chi‐square and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to assess associations between SHL calcifications and BMI values in their nominal and continuous formats, respectively.ResultsCalcification of SHLs was detected in 63 (46.3%) of the retrieved CBCT scans. BMI values ranged from 17 to 40 (mean 27.4 (SD = 4.9)), with 30% being in the healthy category. Histories of tonsillectomy and head and neck trauma were reported in 13.5% and 7.4%, respectively. SHL calcifications were associated with the female sex (p = 0.02) and normal weight (p = 0.04). No associations were seen between SHL calcifications and age, tonsillectomy or trauma.ConclusionsDespite being associated with dystrophic calcifications of ligaments, obesity—in our study—was not associated with SHL calcifications.
Long‐read RNA‐Seq for the discovery of long noncoding and antisense RNAs in plant organelles
Authors: Sanita Lima Matheus , Silva Domingues Douglas , Rossi Paschoal Alexandre , Smith David Roy 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPlant organelle transcription has been studied for decades. As techniques advanced, so did the fields of mitochondrial and plastid transcriptomics. The current view is that organelle genomes are pervasively transcribed, irrespective of their size, content, structure, and taxonomic origin. However, little is known about the nature of organelle noncoding transcriptomes, including pervasively transcribed noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). Next‐generation sequencing data have uncovered small ncRNAs in the organelles of plants and other organisms, but long ncRNAs remain poorly understood. Here, we argue that publicly available third‐generation long‐read RNA sequencing data from plants can provide a fine‐tuned picture of long ncRNAs within organelles. Indeed, given their bloated architectures, plant mitochondrial genomes are well suited for studying pervasive transcription of ncRNAs. Ultimately, we hope to showcase this new avenue of plant research while also underlining the limitations of the proposed approach.
Beliefs about mental health treatment, treatment initiation, and suicidal behaviors among veterans and service members at‐risk for suicide and not in treatment
Authors: Short Nicole A. , Allan Nicholas P. , Ashrafioun Lisham , Stecker Tracy 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionPrevious research has identified a variety of barriers to mental health care among military personnel and veterans, despite high rates of mental health symptoms. The current study is the first to examine beliefs about mental health treatment barriers among post‐9/11 military personnel and veterans at elevated suicide risk not involved in treatment and whether these beliefs are associated with treatment initiation, engagement, or suicidal behaviors.MethodsFour hundred and twenty‐two participants reported on beliefs about treatment during a cognitive behavioral treatment session and responded to follow‐up questionnaires on mental health treatment initiation, engagement, and suicidal behaviors over 12 months. Beliefs identified in the therapy session were coded thematically, and rates of treatment initiation, engagement, and suicidal behavior were examined by belief category.ResultsNine belief themes emerged. Participants reporting logistical barriers and preferences about treatment type were least likely to initiate mental health treatment and participated in the fewest number of sessions, respectively. Participants endorsing beliefs about stigma or using other ways to cope were most likely to engage in suicidal behavior.ConclusionsThe current findings point to specific beliefs that may identify individuals who would benefit from systemic and individual interventions for mental health treatment engagement.
Feasibility assessment of inspiration breath‐hold motion management for tumor tracking during cone‐beam computed tomography for setup and radiotherapy in Veterinary Medicine: A pilot study
Authors: Murakami Keiko , Rancilio Nicholas , Foster Lisa 
Published: July 2024

AbstractRadiotherapy (RT) for lung or liver tumors can be challenging due to respiration‐induced organ motion (RIOM). There are some methodological solutions to minimize RIOM. We explored a new approach to evaluate the feasibility and reproducibility of RIOM during RT with five total client‐owned tumor‐bearing animals using a remote‐triggered breath‐hold ventilator under general anesthesia during image acquisition and RT. There was one stereotactic body radiotherapy, one conventionally fractionated definitive intent, and three conventionally fractionated palliative intent RT cases. Based on repeated cone beam CT, there were no treatment table shifts required prior to initiating beam on. No clinically significant complications such as hypotension occurred during anesthesia. This technique appeared to be safe in this group of patients and was easily clinically implemented and highly reproducible. More complete follow‐up data and larger studies are needed to evaluate clinical outcomes with this breath‐hold ventilator technique in veterinary RT.
Use of an autologous pericardial patch to repair a post‐traumatic caudal vena cava cicatrix in a dog
Authors: Winter Joshua M. , Hannabuss Joshua , Brockman Daniel J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo report the use of a pericardial patch graft to repair a post‐traumatic caudal vena cava cicatrix in a dog.Study designCase report.AnimalsA 1 year‐old Rottweiler presenting with ascites following presumed blunt thoracic trauma.MethodsKinking of the caudal vena cava and resultant Budd‐Chiari‐like syndrome was diagnosed on echocardiography and computed tomographic angiography (CTA). Surgical exploration via right sixth intercostal thoracotomy was performed. Release of the cicatrix was unsuccessful in reducing the pressure gradient and a pericardial patch graft repair of the thoracic caudal vena cava was therefore performed to relieve the obstruction.ResultsThe dog recovered from surgery and was discharged after 3 days. Follow‐up at 6 weeks showed resolution of ascites and all clinical signs. Owner telephone follow‐up at 24 months post‐surgery confirmed that the dog remained clinically normal.ConclusionA pericardial patch graft technique can be used successfully to reconstruct the thoracic caudal vena cava, in cases of traumatic kinking where dissection of the fibrotic band alone fails to reduce caudal caval pressure.
Deprescribing for older adults during acute care admission: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Sprake Erika , Kung Janice , Graham Michelle , Tsuyuki Ross , Gibson William 
Published: July 2024

Objective:
The objective of this scoping review is to understand the current body of knowledge regarding deprescribing in adults aged 60 years or older in acute care settings, including the deprescribing activities that are being undertaken, and the feasibility, challenges, and outcomes of the practice.

Introduction:
Polypharmacy is prevalent amongst older adults, despite risks to patients. Much of the existing research on deprescribing has occurred in the outpatient context, with recent research emerging on the unique opportunity that acute care may provide.

Inclusion criteria:
This review will include deprescribing in adults aged 60 years or older in acute care. It will consider deprescribing occurring during inpatient admission and at the time of discharge from hospital.

Methods:
The JBI method for scoping reviews will guide this review. A search of MEDLINE (Ovid), Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Embase (Ovid), and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews will be undertaken from inception to present with no language restrictions. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method studies, clinical practice guidelines, and opinion papers will be considered for inclusion. Systematic reviews and scoping reviews will be excluded. Google Scholar and a general Google search will be conducted for gray literature. Two reviewers will assess articles for inclusion and any disagreements will be discussed and resolved by discussion or a third reviewer, if required. Findings will be presented in the scoping review using a narrative approach with supporting quantitative data in a tabular format according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist (PRISMA-ScR).

Review registration:
Open Science Framework https://osf.io/pb7aw/
Six weeks of localized passive heat therapy elicits some exercise‐like improvements in resistance artery function
Authors: Kaluhiokalani Jamie P. , Wallace Taysom E. , Ahmadi Mohadeseh , Marchant Erik D. , Mehling Jack , Altuhov Stepan , Dorff Abigail , Leach Olivia K. , James Jessica J. , Hancock Chad R. , Hyldahl Robert D. , Gifford Jayson R. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 6 weeks of localized, muscle‐focused (quadriceps femoris) passive heat therapy (PHT) on resistance artery function, exercise haemodynamics and exercise performance relative to knee extension (KE) exercise training (EX). We randomized 34 healthy adults (ages 18–36; n = 17 female, 17 male) to receive either PHT or sham heating sessions (120 min, 3 days/week), or EX (40 min, 3 days/week) over 6 weeks. Blood flow was assessed with Doppler ultrasound of the femoral artery during both passive leg movement (PLM) and a KE graded exercise test. Muscle biopsies were taken from the vastus lateralis at baseline and after 6 weeks. Peak blood flow during PLM increased to the same extent in both the EX (∼10.5% increase, P = 0.009) and PHT groups (∼8.5% increase, P = 0.044). Peak flow during knee extension exercise increased in EX (∼19%, P = 0.005), but did not change in PHT (P = 0.523) and decreased in SHAM (∼7%, P = 0.020). Peak vascular conductance during KE increased by ∼25% in EX (P = 0.030) and PHT (P = 0.012). KE peak power increased in EX by ∼27% (P = 0.001) but did not significantly change in PHT and SHAM groups. Expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase increased significantly in both EX (P = 0.028) and PHT (P = 0.0095), but only EX resulted in increased angiogenesis. In conclusion, 6 weeks of localized PHT improved resistance artery function at rest and during exercise to the same extent as exercise training but did not yield significant improvements in performance.
imageKey points
Many for whom exercise would be most beneficial are either unable to exercise or have a very low exercise tolerance. In these cases, an alternative treatment to combat declines in resistance artery function is needed.
We tested the hypothesis that passive heat therapy (PHT) would increase resistance artery function, improve exercise haemodynamics and enhance exercise performance compared to a sham treatment, but less than aerobic exercise training.
This report shows that 6 weeks of localized PHT improved resistance artery function at rest and during exercise to the same extent as exercise training but did not improve exercise performance.
Additionally, muscle biopsy analyses revealed that endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression increased in both PHT and exercise training groups, but only exercise resulted in increased angiogenesis.
Our data demonstrate the efficacy of applying passive heat as an alternative treatment to improve resistance artery function for those unable to receive the benefits of regular exercise.