bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subscapular skinfold thickness, not other anthropometric and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-measured adiposity, is positively associated with the presence of age-related macular degeneration: a cross-sectional study from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2006
Authors: Gedtal Miguel , Woodside Jayne , Wright David , Rayman Margaret , Hogg Ruth Esther 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveCurrent literature reveals an association between anthropometric measures of adiposity (AnthM) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), but few have explored the disease association with imaging methods. This study aimed to explore the relationship between AMD status and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measures (DEXAMs) among a representative sample of the US population, and compare the association with AnthM.MethodUsing a representative sample in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study 2005–2006 (n=1632), DEXAMs across the whole body and waist (ie, android), and relative fat distributions (eg, percentage fat, android-to-total body ratio) were analysed between no AMD (baseline) and any AMD. Bivariate analyses across AMD status were similarly performed for AnthM (ie, body mass index, waist circumference and skinfold thicknesses) and potential confounders (ie, demographics and health-related variables). Significant adiposity measures were analysed using logistic regression, adjusting for confounders.ResultsThe participants in the sample were aged 40–69 years, were majority female (52%) and mainly Caucasian (76.5%). Bivariate analysis revealed having any AMD had positive significant associations with android-to-total fat ratio and subscapular skinfold thickness (SSFT). Other AnthM and DEXAMs were not significant. After adjusting age, gender and prescription of cholesterol-lowering medicine, only SSFT remained significantly associated.ConclusionSSFT represents an independent risk factor for AMD presence compared with other AnthM and DEXAMs. SSFT is an established method of measuring fat under the skin (ie, subcutaneous fat). Hence, subcutaneous fat may be more relevant in explaining the adiposity–AMD link due to physiological properties specific to the tissue. Limitations include the restricted age range and low numbers of participants with late AMD.
Nasal microRNA signatures for disease severity in infants with respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis: a multicentre prospective study
Authors: Kyo Michihito , Zhu Zhaozhong , Shibata Ryohei , Ooka Tadao , Mansbach Jonathan M , Harmon Brennan , Hahn Andrea , Pérez-Losada Marcos , Camargo Carlos A , Hasegawa Kohei 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis contributes to a large morbidity and mortality burden globally. While emerging evidence suggests that airway microRNA (miRNA) is involved in the pathobiology of RSV infection, its role in the disease severity remains unclear.MethodsIn this multicentre prospective study of infants (aged<1 year) hospitalised for RSV bronchiolitis, we sequenced the upper airway miRNA and messenger RNA (mRNA) at hospitalisation. First, we identified differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) associated with higher bronchiolitis severity—defined by respiratory support (eg, positive pressure ventilation, high-flow oxygen therapy) use. We also examined the biological significance of miRNAs through pathway analysis. Second, we identified differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) associated with bronchiolitis severity. Last, we constructed miRNA–mRNA coexpression networks and determined hub mRNAs by weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA).ResultsIn 493 infants hospitalised with RSV bronchiolitis, 19 DEmiRNAs were associated with bronchiolitis severity (eg, miR-27a-3p, miR-26b-5p; false discovery rate<0.10). The pathway analysis using miRNA data identified 1291 bronchiolitis severity-related pathways—for example, regulation of cell adhesion mediated by integrin. Second, 1298 DEmRNAs were associated with bronchiolitis severity. Last, of these, 190 DEmRNAs were identified as targets of DEmiRNAs and negatively correlated with DEmiRNAs. By applying WGCNA to DEmRNAs, four disease modules were significantly associated with bronchiolitis severity—for example, microtubule anchoring, cell-substrate junction. The hub genes for each of these modules were also identified—for example,PCM1for the microtubule anchoring module,LIMS1for the cell-substrate junction module.ConclusionsIn infants hospitalised for RSV bronchiolitis, airway miRNA–mRNA coexpression network contributes to the pathobiology of bronchiolitis severity.
Long-term liver-related outcomes and liver stiffness progression of statin usage in steatotic liver disease
Authors: Zhou Xiao-Dong , Kim Seung Up , Yip Terry Cheuk-Fung , Petta Salvatore , Nakajima Atsushi , Tsochatzis Emmanuel , Boursier Jérôme , Bugianesi Elisabetta , Hagström Hannes , Chan Wah Kheong , Romero-Gomez Manuel , Calleja José Luis , de Lédinghen Victor , Castéra Laurent , Sanyal Arun J , Goh George Boon-Bee , Newsome Philip N , Fan Jiangao , Lai Michelle , Fournier-Poizat Céline , Lee Hye Won , Wong Grace Lai-Hung , Armandi Angelo , Shang Ying , Pennisi Grazia , Llop Elba , Yoneda Masato , Saint-Loup Marc de , Canivet Clemence M , Lara-Romero Carmen , Gallego-Duràn Rocio , Asgharpour Amon , Teh Kevin Kim-Jun , Mahgoub Sara , Chan Mandy Sau-Wai , Lin Huapeng , Liu Wen-Yue , Targher Giovanni , Byrne Christopher D , Wong Vincent Wai-Sun , Zheng Ming-Hua 
Published: August 2024

Background
Statins have multiple benefits in patients with metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

Aim
To explore the effects of statins on the long-term risk of all-cause mortality, liver-related clinical events (LREs) and liver stiffness progression in patients with MASLD.

Methods
This cohort study collected data on patients with MASLD undergoing at least two vibration-controlled transient elastography examinations at 16 tertiary referral centres. Cox regression analysis was performed to examine the association between statin usage and long-term risk of all-cause mortality and LREs stratified by compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD): baseline liver stiffness measurement (LSM) of ≥10 kPa. Liver stiffness progression was defined as an LSM increase of ≥20% for cACLD and from <10 kPa to ≥10 or LSM for non-cACLD. Liver stiffness regression was defined as LSM reduction from ≥10 kPa to <10 or LSM decrease of ≥20% for cACLD.

Results
We followed up 7988 patients with baseline LSM 5.9 kPa (IQR 4.6–8.2) for a median of 4.6 years. At baseline, 40.5% of patients used statins, and cACLD was present in 17%. Statin usage was significantly associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted HR=0.233; 95% CI 0.127 to 0.426) and LREs (adjusted HR=0.380; 95% CI 0.268 to 0.539). Statin usage was also associated with lower liver stiffness progression rates in cACLD (HR=0.542; 95% CI 0.389 to 0.755) and non-cACLD (adjusted HR=0.450; 95% CI 0.342 to 0.592), but not with liver stiffness regression (adjusted HR=0.914; 95% CI 0.778 to 1.074).

Conclusions
Statin usage was associated with a relatively lower long-term risk of all-cause mortality, LREs and liver stiffness progression in patients with MASLD.
Hemodynamics and cerebral oxygenation during acute exercise in moderate normobaric hypoxia and with concurrent cognitive task in young healthy males
Authors: Doneddu Azzurra , Roberto Silvana , Guicciardi Marco , Pazzona Riccardo , Manca Andrea , Monni Alessandra , Fanni Massimo , Leban Bruno , Ghiani Giovanna , Spranger Marty D. , Mulliri Gabriele , Crisafulli Antonio 
Published: August 2024

The present investigation aimed to study the cardiovascular responses and the cerebral oxygenation (Cox) during exercise in acute hypoxia and with contemporary mental stress. Fifteen physically active, healthy males (age 29.0 ± 5.9 years) completed a cardiopulmonary test on a cycle ergometer to determine the workload at their gas exchange threshold (GET). On a separate day, participants performed two randomly assigned exercise tests pedaling for 6 min at a workload corresponding to 80% of the GET: (1) during normoxia (NORMO), and (2) during acute, normobaric hypoxia at 13.5% inspired oxygen (HYPO). During the last 3 min of the exercise, they also performed a mental task (MT). Hemodynamics were assessed with impedance cardiography, and peripheral arterial oxygen saturation and Cox were continuously measured by near-infrared spectroscopy. The main results were that both in NORMO and HYPO conditions, the MT caused a significant increase in the heart rate and ventricular filling rate. Moreover, MT significantly reduced (74.8 ± 5.5 vs. 62.0 ± 5.2 A.U.) Cox, while the reaction time (RT) increased (813.3 ± 110.2 vs. 868.2 ± 118.1 ms) during the HYPO test without affecting the correctness of the answers. We conclude that in young, healthy males, adding an MT during mild intensity exercise in both normoxia and acute moderate (normobaric) hypoxia induces a similar hemodynamic response. However, MT and exercise in HYPO cause a decrease in Cox and an impairment in RT.
Cycles in adult steelhead length suggest interspecific competition in the North Pacific Ocean
Authors: Vosbigian Ryan , Wendling Logan , Copeland Timothy , Falcy Matthew R. 
Published: August 2024

Anadromous fishes rely on abundant prey in the ocean to grow large quickly, but prey limitation leads to interspecific competition. When species interactions are difficult to observe, growth can be studied to detect otherwise cryptic signals of competition. We describe a previously undocumented 2-year cycle in the lengths of adult natural-origin steelhead ( Oncorhynchus mykiss) returning to spawn in the Snake River Basin. Returning steelhead were 38 mm shorter on odd return years, not accounting for sex, stock, and years of ocean residence. The well-known cycle in abundance of pink salmon ( Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) from eastern Kamchatka and North America had statistically significant negative effects on returning steelhead lengths that depended on sex and the number of years of ocean residence. These results suggest that competition for limited resources occurs well after initial ocean entry and that interactions during later stages of ocean residence can be influential. Interspecific competition has implications for future returns of steelhead from the ocean, especially as metabolic demands for steelhead increase as the ocean warms.
Gravitational decoupling and aerodynamics: black holes and analog gravity in a jet propulsion lab
Authors: Casadio R. , Souza C. Noberto , Rocha R. da 
Published: August 2024

AbstractA connection is established between transonic sound waves propagating along a de Laval nozzle and quasinormal modes emitted from hairy black holes obtained with the gravitational decoupling method applied to the Reissner–Nordström geometry. Aerodynamical features provide an analogue setup to test experimentally perturbations of fluid flows in a de Laval nozzle producing quasinormal modes. In particular, nozzle shape, pressure, Mach number, temperature, density, and thrust coefficient profiles are determined as functions of the black hole parameters for several multipole numbers. The black hole quasinormal mode frequencies are also investigated for different overtones, evaluating the quality factor of the nozzle.
Epidemic transmission modeling with fractional derivatives and environmental pathogens
Authors: Khalighi Moein , Ndaïrou Faïçal , Lahti Leo 
Published: August 2024

This research presents an advanced fractional-order compartmental model designed to delve into the complexities of COVID-19 transmission dynamics, specifically accounting for the influence of environmental pathogens on disease spread. By enhancing the classical compartmental framework, our model distinctively incorporates the effects of order derivatives and environmental shedding mechanisms on the basic reproduction numbers, thus offering a holistic perspective on transmission dynamics. Leveraging fractional calculus, the model adeptly captures the memory effect associated with disease spread, providing an authentic depiction of the virus’s real-world propagation patterns. A thorough mathematical analysis confirming the existence, uniqueness and stability of the model’s solutions emphasizes its robustness. Furthermore, the numerical simulations, meticulously calibrated with real COVID-19 case data, affirm the model’s capacity to emulate observed transmission trends, demonstrating the pivotal role of environmental transmission vectors in shaping public health strategies. The study highlights the critical role of environmental sanitation and targeted interventions in controlling the pandemic’s spread, suggesting new insights for research and policy-making in infectious disease management.
First-Line Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Soft-Tissue Sarcomas: A Role for Anlotinib?
Authors: Napolitano Andrea , Huang Paul H. , Jones Robin L. 
Published: August 2024

SummaryThe optimal medical treatment of chemotherapy-ineligible patients affected by advanced soft-tissue sarcomas is unclear. In this population, tyrosine kinase inhibitors represent an appealing alternative treatment strategy. First-line use of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor anlotinib in chemotherapy-ineligible patients with soft-tissue sarcoma showed promising activity across multiple histologies.See related article by Li et al., p. 4310
Novel Inhibition of Central Carbon Metabolism Pathways by Rac and CDC42 inhibitor MBQ167 and Paclitaxel
Authors: Cruz-Collazo Ailed M. , Katsara Olga , Grafals-Ruiz Nilmary , Colon Gonzalez Jessica , Dorta-Estremera Stephanie , Carlo Victor P. , Chorna Nataliya , Schneider Robert J. , Dharmawardhane Suranganie 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents a therapeutic challenge in which standard chemotherapy is limited to paclitaxel. MBQ167, a clinical stage small molecule inhibitor that targets Rac and Cdc42, inhibits tumor growth and metastasis in mouse models of TNBC. Herein, we investigated the efficacy of MBQ167 in combination with paclitaxel in TNBC preclinical models, as a prelude to safety trials of this combination in patients with advanced breast cancer. Individual MBQ167 or combination therapy with paclitaxel was more effective at reducing TNBC cell viability and increasing apoptosis compared with paclitaxel alone. In orthotopic mouse models of human TNBC (MDA-MB231 and MDA-MB468), individual MBQ167, paclitaxel, or the combination reduced mammary tumor growth with similar efficacy, with no apparent liver toxicity. However, paclitaxel single agent treatment significantly increased lung metastasis, whereas MBQ167, single or combined, reduced lung metastasis. In the syngeneic 4T1/BALB/c model, combined MBQ167 and paclitaxel decreased established lung metastases by ∼80%. To determine the molecular basis for the improved efficacy of the combined treatment on metastasis, 4T1 tumor extracts from BALB/c mice treated with MBQ167, paclitaxel, or the combination were subjected to transcriptomic analysis. Gene set enrichment identified specific downregulation of central carbon metabolic pathways by the combination of MBQ167 and paclitaxel but not individual compounds. Biochemical validation, by immunoblotting and metabolic Seahorse analysis, shows that combined MBQ167 and paclitaxel reduces glycolysis. This study provides a strong rationale for the clinical testing of MBQ167 in combination with paclitaxel as a potential therapeutic for TNBC and identifies a unique mechanism of action.
Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease and Incident Dementia: The ARIC Study (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities)
Authors: Zhao Di , Guallar Eliseo , Qiao Ye , Knopman David S. , Palatino Maylin , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Mosley Thomas H. , Wasserman Bruce A. 
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:
Studies of the neurovascular contribution to dementia have largely focused on cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), but the role of intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) remains unknown in the general population. The objective of this study was to determine the risk of incident dementia from ICAD after adjusting for CSVD and cardiovascular risk factors in a US community-based cohort.

METHODS:
We acquired brain magnetic resonance imaging examinations from 2011 through 2013 in 1980 Black and White participants in the ARIC study (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities), a prospective cohort conducted in 4 US communities. Magnetic resonance imaging examinations included high-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography to identify ICAD. Of these participants, 1590 without dementia, without missing covariates, and with adequate magnetic resonance image quality were followed through 2019 for incident dementia. Associations between ICAD and incident dementia were assessed using Cox proportional hazard ratios adjusted for CSVD (characterized by white matter hyperintensities, lacunar infarctions, and microhemorrhages), APOE4 genotype (apolipoprotein E gene ε4), and cardiovascular risk factors.

RESULTS:
The mean age (SD) of study participants was 77.4 (5.2) years. ICAD was detected in 34.6% of participants. After a median follow-up of 5.6 years, 286 participants developed dementia. Compared with participants without ICAD, the fully adjusted hazard ratios (95% CIs) for incident dementia in participants with any ICAD, with ICAD only causing stenosis ≤50%, and with ICAD causing stenosis >50% in ≥1 vessel were 1.57 (1.17–2.11), 1.41 (1.02–1.95), and 1.94 (1.32–2.84), respectively. ICAD was associated with dementia even among participants with low white matter hyperintensities burden, a marker of CSVD.

CONCLUSIONS:
ICAD was associated with an increased risk of incident dementia, independent of CSVD, APOE4 genotype, and cardiovascular risk factors. The increased risk of dementia was evident even among participants with low CSVD burden, a group less likely to be affected by vascular dementia, and in participants with ICAD causing only low-grade stenosis. Our results suggest that ICAD may partially mediate the effect that cardiovascular risk factors have on the brain leading to dementia. Both ICAD and CSVD must be considered to understand the vascular contributions to cognitive decline.
Role of Computed Tomography Angiography Enhancement Ratio in Predicting Prognosis in Patients With Stroke Undergoing Endovascular Treatment
Authors: Liao Anyu , Huang Lijun , Huang Kangmo , Pan Liangyuan , Kasaer Feiluola , Wang Fang , Zhou Changsheng , Jiang Yangyang , Song Zhiruo , Zhu Xijing , Lan Wenya , Xiao Lulu , Cheng Xiaoqing , Zhu Wusheng 
Published: August 2024

Background
The computed tomography angiography enhancement ratio (CTA‐ER), calculated through the net water uptake formula, is a valuable predictive tool for detecting adverse events after stroke. However, limited research has investigated the correlation between CTA‐ER and the prognosis of patients receiving endovascular treatment. Therefore, we aimed to examine whether CTA‐ER could predict favorable outcomes in patients undergoing endovascular treatment.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective study enrolling patients with acute anterior circulation large‐vessel occlusive stroke undergoing endovascular treatment between January 2016 and January 2023. All patients received noncontrast computed tomography and computed tomography angiography scans upon admission. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operator characteristic curve were used to assess the predictive efficacy in determining favorable outcomes. The favorable outcome at 90 days was a modified Rankin scale score of 0 to 2.

Results

A total of 206 participants (median age, 68 [60–77] years; 77 women) were included in the study, with 82 (39.8%) individuals demonstrating favorable outcomes. Patients with favorable outcomes had lower noncontrast computed tomography net water uptake (6.42% versus 7.76%;
P
< 0.001) and CTA‐ER (8.31% versus 10.56%;
P
< 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that CTA‐ER was a significant predictor for favorable outcomes (
P
<0.05 in all models). Furthermore, the receiver operator characteristic analysis revealed that CTA‐ER exhibited superior predictive performance, surpassing noncontrast computed tomography net water uptake (area under the curve, 0.707 versus 0.636, Delong test;
P
= 0.046).

Conclusion
CTA‐ER is a significant predictor of favorable outcomes in patients with acute large‐vessel occlusion stroke undergoing endovascular treatment.
Prolonged Venous Transit Is Associated With Lower Likelihood of Favorable Clinical Recovery in Reperfused Anterior Circulation Large‐Vessel Occlusion Stroke
Authors: Yedavalli Vivek S. , Koneru Manisha , Balar Aneri B. , Lakhani Dhairya A. , Cho Andrew , Wen Sijin , Mei Yanqing , Hoseinyazdi Meisam , Greene Cynthia , Xu Risheng , Luna Licia P , Caplan Justin M. , Dmytriw Adam A. , Guenego Adrien , Heit Jeremy J , Albers Gregory W. , Wintermark Max , Gonzalez Luis Fernando , Urrutia Victor C. , Huang Judy , Nael Kambiz , Faizy Tobias D. , Leigh Richard , Marsh Elisabeth B. , Hillis Argye E. , Llinas Rafael H. 
Published: August 2024

Background
Unfavorable clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by large‐vessel occlusions despite successful reperfusion have been associated with poor venous outflow. The objective of this study is to assess the relationship between prolonged venous transit (PVT), a novel perfusion imaging surrogate for poor venous outflow, and likelihood of favorable clinical recovery.

Methods
In this retrospective review of prospectively collected data of consecutive patients (2017–2022) with successfully reperfused, anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke caused by large‐vessel occlusions, we assessed the association between PVT+, defined as time to maximum ≧10‐second timing delays within either the posterior superior sagittal sinus, torcula, or both regions on pretreatment perfusion imaging, and favorable clinical outcomes defined as 90‐day modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2. Patients were dichotomized into PVT+ and PVT− for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analyses for favorable recovery were performed with demographic variables and stroke characteristics.

Results

A total of 127 consecutive patients (median age, 71 [interquartile range 61—77] years; 59.1% women) were included, and 40 of 127 (31.5%) were PVT+. PVT+ (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.23 [95% CI, 0.07–0.81];
P
= 0.02) and advanced age (aOR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.88–0.97];
P
= 0.01) were significantly associated with the primary outcome.

Conclusion
PVT+ was associated with a lower likelihood of achieving favorable clinical recovery in successfully reperfused patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion. PVT may serve as a clinically useful adjunctive imaging parameter.
50 Years of the Proposed Crime of Ecocide: Challenges Regarding its Definition and Possible Answers
Authors: Valencia Arias Francisca , Reinefeld Ann-Kathrin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
More than 50 years have passed since the first proposal of a crime of ecocide under international criminal law. What seemed to be slow progress at first reached a peak of proliferation in public-legal discussion over the recent years. This paper is an effort to recapitulate the development of ecocide as a crime, analysing the different proposals from a critical point of view that will attempt to crystallise the challenges that they present. This analysis will be based on four main criteria: (a) the punishable conduct described, which will necessarily raise the discussion of the anthropocentric vis-à-vis an ecocentric vision; (b) the subjective element proposed and its compatibility with the Rome Statute; (c) the possible perpetrator; and (d) the legal instrument through which it is sought to be enshrined. Finally, we present certain guidelines regarding an International Criminal Court for the Environment and its compatibility with the International Criminal Court.