bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cholelithiasis and cholecystectomy increase the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett’s esophagus
Authors: Huang Yu , Cai Yicong , Chen Yingji , Zhu Qianjun , Feng Wei , Jin Longyu , Ma Yuchao 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundCholelithiasis or cholecystectomy may contribute to the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett’s esophagus (BE), and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) through bile reflux; however, current observational studies yield inconsistent findings. We utilized a novel approach combining meta-analysis and Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, to assess the association between them.MethodsThe literature search was done using PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases, up to 3 November 2023. A meta-analysis of observational studies assessing the correlations between cholelithiasis or cholecystectomy, and the risk factors for GERD, BE, and EACwas conducted. In addition, the MR analysis was employed to assess the causative impact of genetic pre-disposition for cholelithiasis or cholecystectomy on these esophageal diseases.ResultsThe results of the meta-analysis indicated that cholelithiasis was significantly linked to an elevated risk in the incidence of BE (RR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.37–2.29; p &lt; 0.001) and cholecystectomy was a risk factor for GERD (RR, 1.37; 95%CI, 1.09–1.72; p = 0.008). We observed significant genetic associations between cholelithiasis and both GERD (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02–1.10; p &lt; 0.001) and BE (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.11–1.32; p &lt; 0.001), and a correlation between cholecystectomy and both GERD (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02–1.06; p &lt; 0.001) and BE (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.06–1.19; p &lt; 0.001). After adjusting for common risk factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and BMI in multivariate analysis, the risk of GERD and BE still persisted.ConclusionOur study revealed that both cholelithiasis and cholecystectomy elevate the risk of GERD and BE. However, there is no observed increase in the risk of EAC, despite GERD and BE being the primary pathophysiological pathways leading to EAC. Therefore, patients with cholelithiasis and cholecystectomy should be vigilant regarding esophageal symptoms; however, invasive EAC cytology may not be necessary.
Food environment in Burkina Faso: priority actions recommended to the government using Food-EPI tool
Authors: Tapsoba Viviane Aurelie , Compaore Ella W. R. , Zeba Augustin Nawidimbasba , Some Jerome Winbetourefa , Manga Julien Soliba , Diouf Adama , Moubarac Jean-Claude , Vandevijvere Stefanie , Dicko Mamoudou Hama 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionThe food environment is an important factor in the efforts of countries worldwide to achieve a transition to sustainable food systems. The objective of this study is to formulate and prioritize actions to be addressed to the government of Burkina Faso for the creation of a healthy food environment, which will contribute to reducing malnutrition in all its forms and non-communicable diseases.MethodsNational experts were brought together to identify and prioritize actions to fill the gaps identified through a multi-step assessment process following the methodology of the Healthy Food and Environment Policy Index (Food-EPI).ResultsUp to 20 priority policy actions were recommended to the Burkina Faso government. Actions in the policy component focused mainly on regulation of food promotion and marketing, particularly to children, and others in the infrastructure support component focused largely on political leadership, i.e., strong and visible political support from the government to improve the food environment, population nutrition, diet-related non-communicable diseases and their inequalities.ConclusionThe priority actions to be recommended to the government will strengthen advocacy for government decisions to create a healthier food environment in the country.
Artemvulactone E isolated from Artemisia vulgaris L. ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in both RAW264.7 and zebrafish model
Authors: Zhao Zibo , Lin Shimin , Liu Tao , Hu Xiao , Qin Shurong , Zhan Fengyun , Ma Jiaqi , Huang Chen , Huang Zhibin , Wang Yifei , Zheng Kai , Zhang Wenqing , Ren Zhe 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionNatural plants are valuable resources for exploring new bioactive compounds. Artemisia vulgaris L. is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that has been historically used for treating multiple diseases. Active compounds isolated and extracted from A. vulgaris L. typically possess immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Artemvulactone E (AE) is a new sesquiterpene lactone isolated and extracted from A. vulgaris L. with unclear biological activities.MethodsThe immunoregulatory effects of AE on macrophages were assessed by ELISA, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence, and western blot assay. The effect of AE on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -relates signaling pathways was examined by western blot assay. In zebrafish models, the larvae were yolk-microinjected with LPS to establish inflammation model and the effect of AE was evaluated by determining the survival rate, heart rate, yolk sac edema size, neutrophils and macrophages infiltration of zebrafish. The interaction between AE and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) was examined by molecular docking and dynamic stimulation.ResultsAE reduced the expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6), inflammatory mediators iNOS and COX-2, as well as decreases the production of intracellular NO and ROS in LPS-stimulated macrophages. In addition, AE exerted its anti-inflammatory effect synergistically by inhibiting MAPK/JAK/STAT3-NF-κB signaling pathways. Furthermore, AE enhanced the survival rate and attenuated inflammatory response in zebrafish embryos treated with LPS. Finally, the molecular dynamics results indicate that AE forms stable complexes with LPS receptor TLR4 through the Ser127 residue, thus completely impairing the subsequent activation of MAPK-NF-κB signaling.ConclusionAE exhibits notable anti-inflammatory activity and represents as a potential agent for treating inflammation-associated diseases.
Assessing the impact of oral health disease on quality of life in Ecuador: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Krishnan Nupur , Manresa-Cumarin Karem , Klabak Jessica , Krupa Greg , Gudsoorkar Priyanka 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionGlobally, oral health diseases surpass all other non-communicable diseases in prevalence; however, they are not well studied in underserved regions, where accessibility to dental services and oral health education is disparately worse. In Ecuador, further research is needed to understand such disparities better. We aimed to assess the effect of oral health disease on individuals' quality of life and how social disparities and cultural beliefs shape this.MethodsIndividuals 18 or older receiving care at mobile or worksite clinics from May to October 2023 were included. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving semi-structured interviews, Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) measures, and extra-oral photographs (EOP).ResultsThe sample (n = 528) included mostly females (56.25%) with a mean age of 34.4 ± 9.44. Most participants (88.26%) reported brushing at least twice daily, and less than 5% reported flossing at least once per day. The median OHRQoL score was 4 (min-max), significantly higher among individuals ≥40 years old, holding high school degrees, or not brushing or flossing regularly (p &lt; 0.05). Identified barriers to good oral health included affordability, time, and forgetfulness. Participants not receiving care with a consistent provider reported fear as an additional barrier. Participants receiving worksite dental services reported these barriers to be alleviated. Dental providers were the primary source of oral hygiene education. Most participants reported oral health concerns, most commonly pain, decay, dysphagia, and halitosis - consistent with EOP analysis.DiscussionFindings underscore a need for multi-level interventions to advance oral health equity.
The application of gradually expanding pedicle technology in the placement of screws in thinner pedicle of patients with idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Chen Fei , Li Jianyi , Li Tao , Xi Yongming 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveTo propose a technique of gradual expansion of pedicle diameter to place screws on the thinner pedicle that is difficult to place screws in scoliosis orthopedic surgery, in order to place thicker pedicle screws in the premise of good safety to achieve good stability and orthopaedic effect.MethodsThe authors reviewed that 36 patients with Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) (20 females, 16 males) in our department from June 2020 to March 2024 underwent posterior spinal correction and internal fixation were enrolled in the present study. 194 pedicles had narrower diameter ranging from 0 mm to 4.5 mm. After analysis, 155 pedicles (internal diameter: 2.5 mm–4.5 mm) were treated with gradually expanding pedicles technology. The angle between the inserted screws and the upper endplate of the vertebral body was measured 1 week after operation and 3 months after operation to evaluate the placement of the screws after pedicle expansion.ResultsAll operations were completed without dura mater rupture, nerve root injury, infection and poor incision healing. There was no screw breaking or screw pull-out in DR film at 3 months after operation compared with 1 week after operation. There was no significant difference in the angle between screw and upper endplate measured by the three observers at 3 months and 1 week after operation (Wilcoxon's signed rank test, p &gt; 0.05). In the measurement at 1 week or 3 months after operation, there was no statistically significant difference among the three observers. There is a good consistency between the observers (Cronbach's alpha &gt; 0.80).ConclusionIn AIS patients, the thinner pedicle with a diameter range of 2.5 mm to 4.5 mm can be safely inserted with relatively thicker pedicle screws after gradually expanding pedicle technology.
Prices for veterinary care of dogs, cats and horses in selected countries in Europe
Authors: Egenvall Agneta , Höglund Odd V. , Hoffman Ruben , Valle Paul S. , Andersen Pia Haubro , Lönnell Cecilia , Byström Anna , Bonnett Brenda N. 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionIn recent years, prices for veterinary care have received considerable attention in mainstream media, yet scientific literature has not delved into actual figures. This study aims to elucidate veterinary care costs for dogs, cats, and horses across five countries [Sweden (SE), Norway (NO), Denmark (DK), United Kingdom (UK), and Ireland (IR, with limited data)] through web searches.MethodsUtilising online business directories, we located URLs featuring veterinary care prices in autumn 2022, and repeated tri-monthly five times. Vetpris.se (VP), a price comparison site for SE, NO, and DK, emerged from the search. Additionally, we sought to compare price data from veterinary clinics (ranging from animal hospitals to small private clinics) using a similar approach to VP. We targeted elective procedures (e.g., gonadectomy, GDY) and common procedures (e.g., pyometra surgery in dogs).ResultsComparing data from the same clinics’ websites and from VP within extraction from autumn 2022 to winter 2023/2024, median prices for dog and cat GDY were largely consistent. By October 2023, median prices for male cat GDY ranged from €72 (SE) to €230 (DK), and €130 (SE) to €361 (DK) for females; for dog GDY from €390 (SE) to €599 (DK) for males, and €461 (UK) to €1015 (DK) for females. Across sources, median prices for cat and dog GDY increased by 2–24% over a year for procedures with at least 10 clinics per extraction. Equine GDY (per sedation and local analgaesia) in SE saw a 64% increase by year-end, with a median price of €492. Emergency surgeries during regular-hours (e.g., pyometra and caesarean section) in SE were approximately €2,300 at the last extraction, marking a 27% increase for pyometra surgery during regular-hours and 15% after-hours compared to the previous year. Variability existed within and across countries and diagnoses/procedures.DiscussionCross-validation suggested VP generally provided reliable information, though data points for emergencies were limited. Our web searching tool necessitated extensive manual verification, indicating room for further development. We recommend enhancing price transparency for animal owners to become better informed about the cost of veterinary care and be able to make informed choices.
Description of the Northern Green Anaconda (Eunectes akayima sp. nov. Serpentes; Boidae): What Is in a Name?
Authors: Rivas Jesús A. , Terra Juliana S. , Roosen Marijn , Champagne Patrick S. , Leite-Pitman Renata , De La Quintana Paola , Mancuso Marco , Pacheco Luis F. , Burghardt Gordon M. , Vonk Freek J. , García-Pérez Juán Elías , Fry Bryan G. , Corey-Rivas Sarah 
Published: July 2024

While elucidating the evolutionary trajectory of green anacondas, we previously documented the existence of two distinct species, Eunectes akayima sp. nov. and Eunectes murinus (Linnaeus, 1758), that separated approximately 10 million years ago. Our research integrates a novel molecular clock approach, focuses on tectonic plate movements with fossil records as minimal chronological markers, and offers a refined understanding of speciation events in relation to major biogeographical occurrences in South America. Mitochondrial DNA analysis demonstrates a significant genetic divergence between the species, which is supported by a notable difference in sexual size dimorphism (SSD) intensity between the two species, along with other morphological differences. This paper also rectifies earlier oversights in the description of the new species and clarifies taxonomic ambiguities in compliance with the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (henceforth ICZN). In addition, we designate a neotype for E. murinus to stabilize the group. In an effort to honor Indigenous nations, E. akayima sp. nov. derives its name from the Carib language, advocating for the inclusion of traditional names in scientific discourse. Our paper not only contributes to the taxonomic stability of anacondas but also advocates for the usage of Indigenous names in zoological nomenclature by adopting a more inclusive and flexible approach to the ICZN and eliminating unintended exclusionary practices that we have inherited in science as in other disciplines.
Endotrophin as a Biomarker for Severe Acute Kidney Injury and Major Adverse Kidney Events
Authors: Flannery Alexander H. , Bu Dawei , Botkins Madison , Gianella Fabiola , Zhang Ningyan , An Zhiqiang , Moe Orson W. , Scherer Philipp E. , Neyra Javier A. 
Published: July 2024

Key Points

Endotrophin (ETP), a circulating marker of fibroinflammation, is elevated in critically ill patients with AKI.ETP is independently associated with major adverse kidney events at hospital discharge.Sustained elevations of ETP at 5–7 days are associated with major adverse kidney events.

Background
The search for novel biomarkers in AKI continues, both for being able to predict adverse events in AKI but also for confirming pathogenic pathways as potential therapeutic targets. Endotrophin (ETP) is an emerging biomarker in a number of fibroinflammatory diseases. We sought to test the association of ETP with the development of a major adverse kidney event (MAKE) in critically ill adult patients.

Methods
Single-center prospective study of critically ill adult patients with stage 2–3 AKI and patients without AKI. Serum ETP was measured early in the first 3 days of critical care admission, 5–7 days later, and in some patients, 4–6 weeks later. The primary outcome was MAKE assessed at hospital discharge, a composite of mortality, RRT at discharge, and eGFR reduction of ≥25% from baseline.

Results
Among 121 patients evaluated in this study, serum ETP was significantly higher in patients with AKI versus those without (P < 0.05). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, higher tertiles of ETP were significantly associated with MAKE at discharge, controlled for relevant covariates. Furthermore, sustained elevations in ETP 5–7 days later, as opposed to reductions toward normal, were also associated with MAKE. In patients seen in the clinic 4–6 weeks post-AKI, ETP remained elevated. In the acute period, ETP levels correlated most with TNF-α and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin.

Conclusions
Higher levels of serum ETP early in the intensive care unit admission, as well as sustained elevations of ETP within a 5-day to 7-day period, are associated with MAKE at hospital discharge. ETP is a potential biomarker of AKI-related outcomes and a promising therapeutic target to minimize sequelae of AKI.
IFTA Foci Density: An Unrecognized Highly Prognostic Measurement of Fibrosis in Kidney Transplant Biopsies
Authors: Denic Aleksandar , Rule Andrew D. , Park Walter D. , Smith Byron H. , Mejia Mateo Velasquez , Kukla Aleksandra , Grande Joseph P. , Stegall Mark D. 
Published: July 2024

Key Points

Morphometry allows for a more prognostic multidimensional quantification of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA) in kidneys than does visual inspection.The density of IFTA foci is determined by dividing the number of contiguous IFTA patches in the kidney cortex by the area of cortex.Higher density of IFTA foci significantly predicted renal allograft failure beyond %IFTA and other biopsy and clinical characteristics.

Background
Contraction of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA) may cause %IFTA to under-represent the severity of nephron loss. Higher density of IFTA foci is an important predictor of progressive CKD in native kidneys independent of %IFTA.

Methods
We studied kidney transplant recipients transplanted between 2000 and 2013 who had a 5-year surveillance kidney biopsy and subsequent follow-up. Banff ci score (interstitial fibrosis) was obtained from the pathology reports. After digitizing the biopsies, we traced cortex area and each distinct IFTA focus on a single trichrome-stained section. Percent IFTA area and IFTA foci density (count of IFTA foci/cortex area) were calculated. Cox models assessed the risk of death-censored graft failure after the 5-year biopsy with Banff ci score, morphometric %IFTA, and IFTA foci density.

Results
There were 58 death-censored allograft failures among 835 kidney recipients during the 5 years of follow-up. Biopsies from grafts that failed had higher mean Banff ci score (1.5 versus 0.7, P < 0.0001), %IFTA (22.6% versus 7.0%, P < 0.0001), and IFTA foci density (1.3/mm2 versus 0.4/mm2, P < 0.0001). After adjusting for other Banff scores or clinical variables, Banff ci did not correlate with allograft failure, but both higher %IFTA (hazard ratio = 1.56, P < 0.0001) and higher IFTA foci density (hazard ratio = 2.34, P < 0.0001) did. All but four allograft failures by 10 years had biopsies in the top quartile of either %IFTA or IFTA foci density at 5 years. A model using just these two morphometric measures without clinical characteristics resulted in a c-statistic of 0.891 with respect to allograft failure.

Conclusions
Morphometric characterization of IFTA foci density is a strong predictor of death-censored allograft failure not captured in current Banff classification for grading of kidney fibrosis.
On change of reduction factor of maximum runoff modulus with increase of catchment area
Authors: Тумановская С.М. 
Published: July 2024

При формировании речного стока, как правило, происходит уменьшение (редукция) его максимального модуля при возрастании площади водосбора. Для водосборов площадью менее 5 км2 редукция максимальных модулей водоотдачи и стока не выражена, что подтверждает принятое допущение о равенстве водоотдачи и стока для малых площадей водосбора. Это первый этап процесса формирования стока воды половодья на безрусловых склонах. На втором этапе на водосборах площадью от 5 до 10 км2 появляется тенденция к снижению максимального модуля стока с увеличением площади водосбора. Причина снижения модулей водоотдачи – уменьшение действующей площади водосбора как следствие изменения площади покрытия снегом; для модулей стока воды – снижение действующей площади водосбора и начало руслового регулирования. На третьем этапе на водосборах с площадью от 10 до 100 км2 снижение максимального модуля стока воды в зависимости от площади водосбора имеет устойчивую тенденцию, определяющуюся русловым регулированием, снижением действующей площади водосбора, особенностями нарастания площади водосбора по длине основного водотока. На четвертом этапе на водосборах с площадью более 100 км2 редукция максимального модуля стока воды имеет устойчивый вид и определяется русловым регулированием и особенностями нарастания площади водосбора по длине основного водотока. Для малых водотоков зависимость коэффициента формы водосбора (Кф) от его площади отражает процесс развития водосбора от склонов, в которых ширина водосбора существенно больше длины, к водотокам, где ширина водосбора становится меньше длины водотока. В целом Кф недостаточно информативен и не отражает особенностей нарастания площади водосбора по длине русла главного водотока. Основной причиной использования при анализе и расчетах Кф является отсутствие кадастровых данных о нарастании площади водосбора по длине русла главного водотока для всех гидрологически изученных рек.
maximum unit discharge; shape factor of the watersheds; reduction coefficient; area of watershed; flood; drain layer; flow of water
High-frequency monitoring and machine learning models for assessing synoptic variability of suspended sediment flow of a small urban river
Authors: Чалов С.Р. , Морейдо В.М. , Денисова И.С. , Солоников И.А. 
Published: July 2024

В статье приводятся результаты высокочастотного мониторинга стока наносов крупнейшего правого притока р. Москвы в пределах города – р. Сетуни, осуществлявшегося в 2020–2021 гг. автоматическими регистраторами оптической мутности и уровня воды. Задействованы 2 ряда записи с 16 ноября 2019 г. по 19 марта 2020 г. (частота записи 10 минут) и с 1 марта 2021 г. по апрель 2021 г. и с июля 2021 г. по октябрь 2021 г. (частота записи 1 минута). В условиях высокой антропогенной нагрузки средняя мутность воды р. Сетунь достигает 100 мг/л, что в 3–4 раза выше фоновых значений. Отмечается корреляция мутности с расходами воды, которая возрастает при увеличении лага по времени от 0 до 50 часов. На основе совмещения измерений мутности воды с характеристиками уровня и расхода воды, атмосферных осадков и температуры воздуха, а также производных от них, проведена настройка 5 моделей машинного обучения для прогнозирования стока наносов с разрешением 1 час и 1 сутки. Наилучшие результаты продемонстрировала рекуррентная нейросеть LSTM RNN для прогноза суточных значений мутности воды: при среднеквадратической ошибке 10,8 NTU были верно определены время и величина локальных увеличений пика мутности.
The article presents the results of high-frequency monitoring of sediment flow of the largest right tributary of the Moscow River within the city – the Setun River, carried out in 2020–2021 by automatic recorders of optical turbidity and water level. Several recordings were involved from November 16, 2019 to March 19, 2020 (recording frequency 10 minutes) and from March 1, 2021 to April 2021 and from July 2021 to October 2021 (recording frequency 1 minute). Under conditions of high anthropogenic load, the average turbidity of the Setun River water reaches 100 mg/l, which is 3–4 times higher than background values. There is a correlation between turbidity and water flow rates, which increases with increasing time lag from 0 to 50 hours. Based on combining measurements of water turbidity with characteristics of water level and flow, precipitation, and air temperature, as well as derivatives from them, 5 machine learning models were configured to predict sediment runoff with a resolution of 1 hour and 1 day. The best results were demonstrated by the recurrent neural network LSTM RNN for forecasting daily values of water turbidity: with a root-mean-square error of 10.8 NTU, the time and magnitude of local increases in the turbidity peak were correctly determined.