bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural Variants in the SMC1A Gene Associated With Near‐Haploidy in Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcomas
Authors: Ibstedt Sebastian , Piccinelli Paul , Sydow Saskia , Köster Jan , Mertens Fredrik 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTNear‐haploidization, that is, loss of one copy of most chromosomes, is a relatively rare phenomenon in most tumors, but is enriched among certain soft tissue sarcomas, including undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS). Presumably, near‐haploidization can arise through many mechanisms. This study aimed to identify gene rearrangements that could cause near‐haploidization. We here present two UPS in which near‐haploidization was an early event, identified through single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array analysis. One of the cases was studied further using whole genome and transcriptome sequencing, as well as cytogenetic and molecular cytogenetic methods. Both tumors had chromosomal rearrangements in the form of copy number shifts/structural variants affecting the SMC1A gene. These findings suggest that cohesin defects could contribute to mitotic errors resulting in massive loss of chromosomes. SMC1A encodes one of the components of the cohesin multiprotein complex, which is critical for proper alignment of the sister chromatids during S‐phase and separation to opposite spindle poles. Further studies should explore the role of cohesin defects in near‐haploidization in other sarcomas and to clarify its role in tumor development.
Schwann cell JUN expression worsens motor performance in an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mouse model
Authors: Cabeza‐Fernández Sonia , Hernández‐Rojas Rubí , Casillas‐Bajo Angeles , Patel Nikiben , de la Fuente Alerie G. , Cabedo Hugo , Gomez‐Sanchez Jose A. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor neuron death and distal axonopathy. Despite its clinical severity and profound impact in the patients and their families, many questions about its pathogenesis remain still unclear, including the role of Schwann cells and axon‐glial signaling in disease progression. Upon axonal injury, upregulation of JUN transcription factor promotes Schwann cell reprogramming into a repair phenotype that favors axon regrowth and neuronal survival. To study the potential role of repair Schwann cells on motoneuron survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, we generated a mouse line that over‐expresses JUN in the Schwann cells of the SOD1G93A mutant, a mouse model of this disease. Then, we explored disease progression by evaluating survival, motor performance and histology of peripheral nerves and spinal cord of these mice. We found that Schwann cell JUN overexpression does not prevent axon degeneration neither motor neuron death in the SOD1G93A mice. Instead, it induces a partial demyelination of medium and large size axons, worsening motor performance and resulting in more aggressive disease phenotype.
Clinical and molecular features of early onset pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Rémond Maxime , Smolenschi Cristina , Tarabay Anthony , Gelli Maximiliano , Fernandez‐de‐Sevilla Elena , Mouawia Ali , Cosconea Simona , Tselikas Lambros , Barbe Remy , Fuerea Alina , Bani Mohamed A. , Deloger Marc , Besse Benjamin , Pudlarz Thomas , Valéry Marine , Boige Valérie , Hollebecque Antoine , Ducreux Michel , Boilève Alice 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a major health burden and may become the second cause of death by cancer in developed countries. The incidence of early‐onset pancreatic cancer (EOPC, defined by an age at diagnosis <50 years old) is increasing. Here, we conducted a study of all PDAC patients followed at our institution. Patients were classified as EOPC or non‐early onset (nEOPC, >50). Eight hundred and seventy eight patients were included, of which 113 EOPC, exhibiting a comparable performance status. EOPC were more often diagnosed at the metastatic stage (70.0% vs 58.3%) and liver metastases were more prevalent at diagnosis (60.2% vs. 43.9%). The median overall survival (OS) from diagnosis was 18.1 months, similar between EOPC and nEOPC. Among patients who underwent surgery, recurrence‐free survival was similar between age groups. Among metastatic patients, first line progression free survival was similar but EOPC received more treatment lines (72.3% vs. 58.1% received ≥2 lines). Regarding molecular alterations, the mean tumor mutational burden (TMB) was lower in EOPC (1.42 vs. 2.95 mut/Mb). The prevalence of KRAS and BRCA1/2 mutations was similar, but EOPC displayed fewer alterations in CNKN2A/B. Fifty eight patients (18.6%) had actionable alterations (ESCAT I‐III) and 31 of them received molecularly matched treatments. On the transcriptomic level, despite its clinical aggressiveness, EOPC was less likely to display a basal‐like phenotype. To conclude, EOPC were diagnosed more frequently at the metastatic stage. OS and 1st line PFS were similar to nEOPC. EOPC displayed specific molecular features, such as a lower TMB and fewer alterations in CDKN2A/B.
Reputational risk and target selection: An evidence from China
Authors: Hussain Tanveer , Saeed Abubakr , Riaz Hammad 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDo bidders with pre‐deal lower (higher) reputational risk select targets with lower (higher) reputational risk in the existing and new markets? Past research on the role of reputation suggests that reputable firms make conservative investment decisions to maintain their reputation. Using data from the Chinese takeover market over the time period 2010 to 2018, we examine the effect of reputational risk similarity on target selection and bidder returns. The results show that bidders with pre‐deal lower (higher) reputational risk select targets with lower (higher) reputational risk and this pattern of target selection only holds in the existing market whilst bidders entering into the new markets select targets with different levels of reputational risk. We also find that bidders with lower reputational risk earn higher announcement returns in both existing and new markets and pay fairer premiums to win the bid auction.
Pelvic floor disorder prevalence and risk factors in a cohort of parous Ugandan women
Authors: Vemulapalli Ramya , Ngobi Michael Derrick , Kiweewa Flavia Matovu , Jensen JaNiese Elizabeth , Fleecs Julia Diane , Steffen Haley Alaine , Wendt Linder Hagstrom , Jackson Jay Brooks , Kenne Kimberly Ann 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) and associated risk factors among parous Ugandan women.MethodsWe performed a cross‐sectional study of parous Ugandan women. Demographics and assessment for PFD were obtained. The presence of PFD was defined by participant symptom report, standardized questionnaires, and standard physical examination (pelvic organ prolapse quantification [POP‐Q] and cough stress test [CST]).ResultsA total of 159 women were enrolled in the study between June 2022 and June 2023. The median age was 35 years and median parity was 4. Forty‐four (28%) women in the cohort reported symptoms of urinary incontinence. No women reported symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse or anal incontinence. Seventy‐two (46%) participants had a positive CST and 93 (58.3%) had stage II or greater prolapse based on the POP‐Q. Cesarean section was found to have a protective effect for the development of PFD (odds ratio [OR] 0.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.07–0.59, P = 0.004).ConclusionPFDs are prevalent among parous Ugandan women at rates similar to cohorts in other low‐ and middle‐income countries. Cesarean section seems to be a protective factor against developing PFDs.
Factors associated with infection‐related severe maternal outcomes in pregnant and recently pregnant women: A secondary analysis of the WHO global maternal sepsis study
Authors: Escobar‐Vidarte Maria F. , Fernandez Paula A. , Galindo Juan Sebastian , Valencia‐Orozco Andrea , Libreros‐Peña Laura , Peña‐Zarate Evelyn E. , Castro Rigoberto , Lara Bredy D. , Carvajal Javier A. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to identify the risk factors for severe maternal outcomes (SMO) of women with suspected or confirmed infections using the data from the WHO global maternal sepsis study (GLOSS).MethodsWe conducted a secondary analysis of the GLOSS cohort study, which involved pregnant or recently pregnant women with suspected or confirmed infection around 713 health facilities in 52 low‐ and middle‐income countries, and high‐income countries. A nested case–control study was conducted within the GLOSS cohort. Cases included infection‐related maternal deaths or near misses, while controls represented non‐SMO. Logistic mixed models, adjusting for country variations, were employed. Using univariate analysis, we calculated crude odds ratios (crude OR) and their 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Variables were identified with less than 16% missing data, and P values less than 0.20 were used to perform the multivariate logistic model multilevel.ResultsA total of 2558 women were included in the analysis. As for the cases, 134 patients were found in the pregnant in labor or not in labor group and 246 patients in the postpartum or postabortion group. Pregnant women with prior childbirths faced a 64% increased risk of SMO. Ante‐ or intrapartum hemorrhage increased risk by 4.45 times, while trauma during pregnancy increased it by 4.81 times. Pre‐existing medical conditions elevated risk five‐fold, while hospital‐acquired infections increased it by 53%. Secondary infections raised risk six‐fold. Postpartum/postabortion women with prior childbirths had a 45% elevated risk, and pre‐existing medical conditions raised it by 2.84 times. Hospital‐acquired infections increased risk by 93%. Postpartum hemorrhage increased risk approximately five‐fold, while abortion‐related bleeding doubled it. Previous cesarean, abortion, and stillbirth also elevated risk.ConclusionsKey risk factors for SMO include prior childbirths, hemorrhage, trauma, pre‐existing conditions, and hospital‐acquired or secondary infections. Implementing effective alert systems and targeted interventions is essential to mitigate these risks and improve maternal health outcomes, especially in resource‐limited settings.
Understanding social capital in community‐driven ride sharing: Lessons from a developing country
Authors: Santa Mijalche , Ciunova Shuleska Anita , Palamidovska Sterjadovska Nikolina 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis paper aims to analyze the dynamics of social capital within community‐based P2P ridesharing practices through the relational (trust), cognitive (shared meaning and identity), and structural (network of social ties) dimensions of social capital. 21 users of Facebook P2P ridesharing participated in three focus groups. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we identified the key themes around social capital dimensions and the main factors that impact social capital dynamics (social broker, social debriefing, and time pressure). The impact of the social broker on social capital dynamics in ridesharing activities via Facebook can be explained by creating new bridging capital through linking different online and offline networks (inter‐network bridging) and by strengthening bonding capital through linking ridesharing group members (intra‐network bridging). Negative social debriefing weakens bonding capital and creates new bridging capital, whereas positive social debriefing strengthens bonding capital. Under high time pressure, travelers engage in activities that foster bridging capital development, whereas, under low time pressure, they rely on their bonding capital, avoiding engaging in bridging capital. We provided a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing social capital dynamics that further influence P2P ridesharing practices, thus improving the current theory on social capital dynamics.
Taxonomische Studien in der Gattung Xerula R. Mre. (IX)
Authors: Dörfelt Heinrich 
Published: August 2024

ZusammenfassungDie Arbeit umfaßt die Beschreibung folgender Sippen: Xerula japonica sp. nov., Xerula japonica var. ahmadii var. nov., Xerula japonica var. colensoi var. nov., Xerula radicata var. qfricana var. nov. und Xerula radicata var. australis var. nov.Xerula americana wird einer eigenen Sektion, der sect. Hyalosctae sect. nov., zugewiesen. Eine Übersicht der bisher anerkannten Xerula‐Sippen schließt die Arbeit ab.
Study of some taxa from the genus Chenopodium L.
Authors: Dvořák František 
Published: August 2024

SummaryChenopodium pseudo‐borbasii J. Murr is a variable hybridogenous species; 2n = 54. Chenopodium vulvaria L. var. rhombicum J. Murr, gathered in Czechoslovakia, in Moravia near Kyjov, is a hybrid of Chenopodium vulvaria L. with Chenopodium × preissmannii J. Murr f. preissmannii. RNDr. J. Unar gathered two remarkable hybrids in Czechoslovakia, in Moravia and in Bohemia: Chenopodium × praeacutum × thellungii (= C. × unari Dvořák) (2n = 18 in extremely small seeds; 2n = 54 in seeds whose size agrees with the size of the seeds from Chenopodium album agg.); Chenopodium × solitarium J. Murr emend. Dvořák (2n = 18, 36 – mixoploidy). Characters of both these hybrids were investigated also in populations cultivated from the seeds of both specimens.
Harnessing private sector strategies for family planning to deliver the Dual Prevention Pill, the first multipurpose prevention technology with pre‐exposure prophylaxis, in an expanding HIV prevention landscape
Authors: Verde Hashim Catherine , Llewellyn Emma , Wood Rob , Brett Tracey , Chinyanga Tinashe , Webb Karen , Segal Kate 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe Dual Prevention Pill (DPP) combines oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with oral contraception (OC) to prevent HIV and pregnancy. Noting the significant role played by the private sector in delivering family planning (FP) services in countries with high HIV burden, high level of private sector OC uptake, and the recent growth in self‐care and technology‐based private sector channels, we undertook qualitative research in Kenya, South Africa and Zimbabwe to prioritize private sector service delivery approaches for the introduction of the DPP.MethodsBetween March 2022 and February 2023, we conducted a literature review and key informant interviews with 34 donors and implementing partners, 19 government representatives, 17 private sector organizations, 13 pharmacy and drug shop representatives, and 12 telehealth agencies to assess the feasibility of DPP introduction in private sector channels. Channels were analysed thematically based on policies, level of coordination with the public sector, data systems, supply chain, need for subsidy, scalability, sustainability and geographic coverage.ResultsWide geographic reach, ongoing pharmacy‐administered PrEP pilots in Kenya and South Africa, and over‐the‐counter OC availability in Zimbabwe make pharmacies a priority for DPP delivery, in addition to private networked clinics, already trusted for FP and HIV services. In Kenya and South Africa, newer, technology‐based channels such as e‐pharmacies, telehealth and telemedicine are prioritized as they have rapidly grown in popularity due to nationwide accessibility, convenience and privacy. Findings are limited by a lack of standardized data on service uptake in newer channels and gaps in information on commodity pricing and willingness‐to‐pay for all channels.ConclusionsThe private sector provides a significant proportion of FP services in countries with high HIV burden yet is an untapped delivery source for PrEP. Offering users a range of access options for the DPP in non‐traditional channels that minimize stigma, enhance discretion and increase convenience could increase uptake and continuation. Preparing these channels for PrEP provision requires engagement with Ministries of Health and providers and further research on pricing and willingness‐to‐pay. Aligning FP and PrEP delivery to meet the needs of those who want both HIV and pregnancy prevention will facilitate integrated service delivery and eventual DPP rollout, creating a platform for the private sector introduction of multipurpose prevention technologies.
Biochemical implication of acetylcholine, histamine, IL‐18, and interferon‐alpha as diagnostic biomarkers in hepatitis C virus, coronavirus disease 2019, and dual hepatitis C virus‐coronavirus disease 2019 patients
Authors: Sakr Amany Awad , Mohamed Amal Ahmed , Ahmed Amr E. , Abdelhaleem Ahmed A. , Samir Hussein H. , Elkady Mohammad Abdelkhalik , Hasona Nabil A. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractGlobally, hepatitis C virus (HCV) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) are the most common causes of death due to the lack of early predictive and diagnostic tools. Therefore, research for a new biomarker is crucial. Inflammatory biomarkers are critical central players in the pathogenesis of viral infections. IL‐18, produced by macrophages in early viral infections, triggers inflammatory biomarkers and interferon production, crucial for viral host defense. Finding out IL‐18 function can help understand COVID‐19 pathophysiology and predict disease prognosis. Histamine and its receptors regulate allergic lung responses, with H1 receptor inhibition potentially reducing inflammation in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection. angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE‐2) receptors on cholangiocytes suggest liver involvement in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The current study presents the potential impact of circulating acetylcholine, histamine, IL‐18, and interferon‐Alpha as diagnostic tools in HCV, COVID‐19, and dual HCV‐COVID‐19 pathogenesis. The current study was a prospective cross‐section conducted on 188 participants classified into the following four groups: Group 1 COVID‐19 (n = 47), Group 2 HCV (n = 47), and Group 3 HCV‐COVID‐19 patients (n = 47), besides the healthy control Group 4 (n = 47). The levels of acetylcholine, histamine, IL‐18, and interferon‐alpha were assayed using the ELISA method. Liver and kidney functions within all groups showed a marked alteration compared to the healthy control group. Our statistical analysis found that individuals with dual infection with HCV‐COVID‐19 had high ferritin levels compared to other biomarkers while those with COVID‐19 infection had high levels of D‐Dimer. The histamine, acetylcholine, and IL‐18 biomarkers in both COVID‐19 and dual HCV‐COVID‐19 groups have shown discriminatory power, making them potential diagnostic tests for infection. These three biomarkers showed satisfactory performance in identifying HCV infection. The IFN‐Alpha test performed well in the HCV‐COVID‐19 group and was fair in the COVID‐19 group, but it had little discriminative value in the HCV group. Moreover, our findings highlighted the pivotal role of acetylcholine, histamine, IL‐18, and interferon‐Alpha in HCV, COVID‐19, and dual HCV‐COVID‐19 infection. Circulating levels of acetylcholine, histamine, IL‐18, and interferon‐Alpha can be potential early indicators for HCV, COVID‐19, and dual HCV‐COVID‐19 infection. We acknowledge that further large multicenter experimental studies are needed to further investigate the role biomarkers play in influencing the likelihood of infection to confirm and extend our observations and to better understand and ultimately prevent or treat these diseases.
DNA and seroprevalence study of MW and STL polyomaviruses
Authors: Katona Melinda , Jeles Krisztina , Takács Péter , Csoma Eszter 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe clinical importance and the pathogenesis of the MW and STL polyomaviruses (PyVs) remain unclear. Our aim was to study the seroprevalence of MWPyV and STLPyV, and to examine the prevalence of viral DNA in respiratory samples and secondary lymphoid tissues. In total, 618 serum samples (0.8–90 years) were analyzed for seroprevalence. For the DNA prevalence study, 146 patients (2.5–37.5 years) were sampled for adenoids (n = 100), tonsils (n = 100), throat swabs (n = 146), and middle ear discharge (n = 15) in study Group 1. In Group 2, we analyzed 1130 nasopharyngeal samples from patients (0.8–92 years) tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The adult seropositivity was 54% for MWPyV, and 81.2% for STLPyV. Both seroprevalence rates increased with age; however, the majority of STLPyV primary infections appeared to occur in children. MWPyV was detected in 2.7%–4.9% of respiratory samples, and in a middle ear discharge. STLPyV DNA prevalence was 1.4%–3.4% in swab samples, and it was detected in an adenoid and in a middle ear discharge. The prevalence of both viruses was significantly higher in the children. Noncoding control regions of both viruses and the complete genomes of STLPyV were sequenced. MWPyV and STLPyV are widespread viruses, and respiratory transmission may be possible.
Updated joint ESPGHAN/NASPGHAN guidelines for management of Helicobacter pylori infection in children and adolescents (2023)
Authors: Homan Matjaž , Jones Nicola L. , Bontems Patrick , Carroll Matthew W. , Czinn Steven J. , Gold Benjamin D. , Goodman Karen , Harris Paul R. , Jerris Robert , Kalach Nicolas , Kori Michal , Megraud Francis , Rowland Marion , Tavares Marta ,   on behalf of ESPGHAN/NASPGHAN
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundEvolving epidemiological data and increasing antibiotic resistance mandate an update of the European and North American Societies of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition guidelines.MethodsCertainty of evidence and strength of recommendations were rated by experts according to the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. PICO (patient population, intervention, comparator, and outcome) questions were developed and voted on by the group. Recommendations were formulated using the Evidence to Decision framework.ResultsThe current literature supports many of the previous recommendations and several new recommendations. Invasive testing with strain antimicrobial susceptibility analysis is recommended for the diagnosis and selection of eradication therapy for H. pylori infection. Molecular methods are acceptable for detection of infection and of antibiotic resistance in gastric biopsy specimens. Reliable, noninvasive tests can be used as a screening method for children with history of gastric cancer in a first‐degree relative. When investigating causes of chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura, testing for H. pylori is no longer recommended. When investigating other diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, or eosinophilic esophagitis, specific diagnostic biopsies for H. pylori infection are not indicated. However, if H. pylori is an incidental finding, treatment may be considered after discussing the risks and benefits. Treatment should be based on antibiotic antimicrobial susceptibility testing and, if unavailable, regimens containing clarithromycin should be avoided.ConclusionsDue to decreasing prevalence of infection, increasing challenges with antibiotic resistance, and emerging evidence regarding complications of infection, clinicians must be aware of these recommended changes to appropriately manage H. pylori infection and its clinical sequelae in children.