bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in the prevalence of hepatitis B and C viral infections in Sindh province, Pakistan: Findings from two sero‐surveys in 2007 and 2019
Authors: Alamneh Tesfa Sewunet , Walker Josephine G. , Lim Aaron G. , Alam Ejaz , Hamid Saeed , Foster Graham R. , Choudhry Naheed , Ansari M. Azim , Qureshi Huma , Vickerman Peter 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPakistan harbours a large burden of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We utilised repeat sero‐surveys to assess progress achieved towards hepatitis elimination in Pakistan. Multilevel logistic regression evaluated the change in HBV infection (HBV surface antigen (HBsAg)‐positive) prevalence and HCV exposure (HCV antibody (HCV‐Ab)‐positive) prevalence between two sero‐surveys from 2007 and 2019 for Sindh province and associated risk factors. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were estimated and population‐attributable fractions (PAF) for modifiable risk factors for HCV exposure. The 2007 and 2019 surveys included 8855 and 6672 individuals. HBsAg prevalence decreased from 2.6% (95% confidence intervals (95% CI): 2.2–2.9) in 2007 to 1.1% (95% CI: 0.8–1.3) in 2019, while HCV‐Ab prevalence increased from 5.1% (95% CI: 4.6%–5.5%) to 6.2% (95% CI: 5.6%–6.8%). The age and gender‐adjusted HBsAg prevalence decreased by 80% (aOR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1–0.4) among children and 60% (aOR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.3–0.6) among adults over 2007–2019, while HCV‐Ab prevalence decreased by 60% (aOR = 0.4, 95%CI:0.2–0.7) in children and increased by 40% (aOR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.2–1.7) in adults. HCV‐Ab prevalence was lower in adults with secondary (aOR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.5–0.8) and higher (aOR = 0.5, 95%CI:0.3–0.8) education compared to illiterates and higher among adults reporting blood transfusion (aOR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.2–2.4), family history of hepatitis (aOR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.9–3.3), past year medical injection (aOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.6–2.7), being tattooed (aOR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.0–1.9) and shaved by traditional barber (aOR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0–1.5). Modifiable risk factors accounted for 45% of HCV exposure, with medical injection(s) accounting for 38% (95%CI,25.7–48.4%). Overall HCV has increased over 2007–2019 in Sindh province, while HBV prevalence has decreased. Medical injections should be an important focus of prevention activities.
Fiscal financing with labour markets frictions
Authors: Wesselbaum Dennis 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we study the effect of search and matching frictions, i.e., equilibrium unemployment, on fiscal financing decisions in the United States. We build a Real Business Cycle model with labour market frictions and a rich set of fiscal tools and estimate the model using Bayesian methods on US data for various fiscal rule specifications. Most importantly, we find that the model with unemployment, output and debt in the fiscal rules fits the data best. Under the fiscal rule that best fits the data, the reaction of fiscal instruments to output and debt are significantly quantitatively different than a rule that ignores unemployment. Fiscal instruments react stronger to cyclical factors except transfers. These changes also affect model dynamics in response to fundamental non‐fiscal shocks.
Multifidelity graph neural networks for efficient and accurate mesh‐based partial differential equations surrogate modeling
Authors: Taghizadeh Mehdi , Nabian Mohammad Amin , Alemazkoor Negin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAccurately predicting the dynamics of complex systems governed by partial differential equations (PDEs) is crucial in various applications. Traditional numerical methods such as finite element methods (FEMs) offer precision but are resource‐intensive, particularly at high mesh resolutions. Machine learning–based surrogate models, including graph neural networks (GNNs), present viable alternatives by reducing computation times. However, their accuracy is significantly contingent on the availability of substantial high‐fidelity training data. This paper presents innovative multifidelity GNN (MFGNN) frameworks that efficiently combine low‐fidelity and high‐fidelity data to train more accurate surrogate models for mesh‐based PDE simulations, while reducing training computational cost. The proposed methods capitalize on the strengths of GNNs to manage complex geometries across different fidelity levels. Incorporating a hierarchical learning strategy and curriculum learning techniques, the proposed models significantly reduce computational demands and improve the robustness and generalizability of the results. Extensive validations across various simulation tasks show that the MFGNN frameworks surpass traditional single‐fidelity GNN models. The proposed approaches, hence, provide a scalable and practical solution for conducting detailed computational analyses where traditional high‐fidelity simulations are time‐consuming.
Does Wilson's disease determine specific personality traits? Analysis of patients with the neurological form of the disease
Authors: Seniów Joanna , Roessler‐Górecka Magdalena , Cudo Andrzej , Członkowska Anna 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn the autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism, Wilson's disease (WD), patients present hepatic, neurological, and psychiatric symptoms combined in different and unpredictable ways. Brain pathology primarily affects the basal ganglia and may cause movement, cognitive, affective, and behavioral disturbances. Personality traits have been rarely studied in the neurological form of the disease.ObjectiveTo investigate whether patients with the neurological form of WD (WDn) have specific personality traits, especially those typical of frontobasal loop dysfunction.MethodsThe personality of 29 adult WDn patients (without significant cognitive and psychiatric disorders) and 29 matched healthy controls was assessed using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI‐2).ResultsCompared to healthy individuals, patients with WDn scored higher on the following MMPI‐2 scales: hypochondriasis, physical malfunctioning, bizarre sensory experiences, health concerns, and general health concerns, with no differentiation between patients and controls on the remaining MMPI‐2 scales.ConclusionsLong‐term treated patients with WDn did not appear to have any specific personality traits reflecting unambiguously frontobasal psychopathology, if self‐report measurement is used. The more strongly exhibited features concerning their actual physical ailments and health anxiety, such as hypochondria, chronic fatigue, and poor psychophysical well‐being, could result from psychological reactions to a chronic disabling brain disease. Further study of personality traits and personality disorders is warranted in patients with clearly defined forms of WD, using various measurement tools. Psychopathological disorders in different forms of WD warrant further studies.
2,5‐Dihydroxyacetophenone attenuates acute kidney injury induced by intra‐abdominal infection in rats
Authors: Han Tao , Jiang Ye , Ge Weixing , Lu Yuyu , Liu Rongming , Sun Zunpeng 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimsAs one of the most serious complications of sepsis, acute kidney injury (AKI) is pathologically associated with excessive inflammation. 2,5‐Dihydroxyacetophenone (DHAP) is isolated from Radix rehmanniae praeparata and exhibit potent anti‐inflammatory property. This research aimed at determining the role of DHAP in sepsis‐associated AKI (SA‐AKI) and the underlying mechanism.MethodsPlasma creatinine (Cre), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) levels of SA‐AKI patients were detected to evaluate their clinical characteristics. SA‐AKI rat models were established by using caecum ligation puncture (CLP) surgery. CLP‐induced rats were administered via oral gavage with 20 or 40 mg DHAP after 2 h of CLP surgery. Subsequently, survival rates, serum indexes, histopathological changes, inflammatory factors, renal function indexes and extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signalling pathways were detected.ResultsSA‐AKI patients exhibited markedly higher levels of plasma Cre, BUN, TNF‐α and IL‐1β than healthy people. Compared with sham rats, CLP‐induced septic rats showed significantly decreased survival rate, increased serum lactate dehydrogenase activity and serum lactate level, obvious renal histopathological injury, upregulated TNF‐α, IL‐1β and TGF‐β1 levels, elevated serum creatinine, BUN and serum cystatin C concentrations, serum neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule‐1 levels and reduced renal artery blood flow. All the above CLP‐induced changes in septic rats were mitigated after DHAP administration. Additionally, CLP‐induced elevation in phosphorylated‐ERK1/2 and nuclear NF‐κB p65 protein levels was inhibited by DHAP treatment.ConclusionDHAP hinders SA‐AKI progression in rat models by inhibiting ERK and NF‐κB signalling pathways.image
Do antro‐duodenal manometry parameters predict clinical response after gastric peroral endoscopic pyloromyotomy in refractory gastroparesis?
Authors: Sweerts K. W. E. , Mujagic Z. , Straathof J. W. A. , Hereijgers M. J. M. , Keszthelyi D. , Conchillo J. M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundGastric peroral endoscopic pyloromyotomy (G‐POEM) is a promising therapeutic modality for refractory gastroparesis (GP). However, as characteristics of suitable patients for G‐POEM remain unclear, antro‐duodenal manometry (ADM) has been suggested to provide objective parameters for patient selection. The aim of the present study was to identify ADM parameters as predictors for treatment response after G‐POEM in refractory GP.MethodsRefractory GP patients who underwent a G‐POEM between 2017 and 2022 were included. The following ADM parameters were mainly scored: antral hypomotility, pylorospasm, and the presence of neuropathic enteric patterns. Treatment response was defined as a GCSI‐score decrease of ≥1 point 12 months after G‐POEM. Explorative analyses were performed on potential predictors of response using logistic regression analysis.Key ResultsSixty patients (52 women, mean age 52 ± 14 years.) with refractory GP (33 idiopathic, 16 diabetic, 11 postsurgical) were included. Clinical response data were available for 52 patients. In 8 out of 60 patients, it was not feasible to advance the catheter beyond the pylorus. Abnormal ADM was found in 46/60 patients (77%). Antral hypomotility and pylorospasm were found in respectively 33% and 12% of patients. At least one neuropathic enteric dysmotility pattern was found in 58% of patients. No differences were found when comparing baseline ADM parameters between clinical response groups at 12 months follow‐up. Following explorative analyses, no ADM parameters were identified to predict clinical response 12 months after G‐POEM.Conclusions and InferencesNo ADM parameters were identified as predictors of clinical response after G‐POEM in refractory GP patients. Additionally, a high percentage of abnormal ADM tracings was found, in particular with relation to enteric dysmotility, while only a low percentage of patients showed antral hypomotility or pylorospasm.
The combination of L‐menthol and caraway oil does not affect gastric function but increases hunger in healthy subjects
Authors: Masuy Imke , Verbeure Wout , Ruilova Sosoranga Emily , Tackoen Julie , Mori Hideki , Van Oudenhove Lukas , Tack Jan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe heterogeneous character of functional gastrointestinal disorders, recently renamed into disorders of gut‐brain interaction, makes finding effective treatment options challenging. Compared to synthetic drugs, phytotherapy can have broader pharmacological effects and is often better tolerated. This study aimed to investigate the effect of peppermint oil and caraway oil (POCO) on gastric function and symptom levels in 32 healthy subjects in a single‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, randomized, parallel design.MethodsGastric emptying rate was assessed using a 13C‐breath test. Intragastric pressure was measured using high‐resolution manometry in fasted state and during intragastric infusion of a nutrient drink (350 mL or until full satiation). GI symptoms were rated on a 100 mm VAS. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models.Key ResultsPOCO had no effect on intragastric pressure in fasted or fed state (p > 0.08 for all). No significant differences in gastric emptying rate were observed (p = 0.54). In the fasted state, a stronger increase in hunger and decrease in satiety were observed following POCO (p = 0.016 and p = 0.008, respectively). No differences in hunger and satiety were observed in the fed state (p > 0.31 for all). POCO induced less epigastric burning, bloating, and fullness (p < 0.05 for all).ConclusionsAcute POCO administration did not affect gastric function in healthy subjects, but increased fasted hunger ratings. The effects of POCO on gastric function and hunger sensations in patients with disorders of gut‐brain interaction, and the contribution to symptom improvement, needs to be elucidated in future studies.
High‐throughput characterization of the influence of Streptococcus sanguinis genes on the interaction between Streptococcus sanguinis and Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Zhu Bin , Anandan Vysakh , Bao Liang , Xu Ping 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPorphyromonas gingivalis is a keystone pathogen in periodontitis, and Streptococcus sanguinis is an abundant oral commensal bacterium associated with periodontal health. However, the interaction between P. gingivalis and S. sanguinis remains obscure. Here, we established a strategy for high‐throughput measurement of the cell number of P. gingivalis in the coculture with S. sanguinis by detecting the concentration of hydrogen sulfate. The interaction between P. gingivalis and over 2000 S. sanguinis single‐gene mutants was characterized using this strategy, and several interaction‐associated genes in S. sanguinis were determined by detecting more P. gingivalis cells in the coculture with matched S. sanguinis mutants. Three S. sanguinis interaction‐associated genes were predicted to be responsible for cysteine metabolism, and the supplementation of exogenous L‐cysteine promoted the cell number of P. gingivalis in the coculture with S. sanguinis. Thus, exogenous L‐cysteine and the compromised cysteine metabolism in S. sanguinis enhanced the growth of P. gingivalis in the existence of S. sanguinis. Additionally, the interaction between P. gingivalis and other Streptococcus spp. was examined, and S. pneumoniae was the only streptococci that had no inhibition on the cell number of P. gingivalis. In total, this study established a new strategy for high‐throughput screening of the interaction between Streptococcus and P. gingivalis and discovered a set of genes in S. sanguinis that impacted the interaction. The influence of exogenous L‐cysteine on the interaction between P. gingivalis and S. sanguinis in the oral cavity needs further investigation.
Comparing the Efficacy of Antiosteoporotic Drugs in Preventing Periprosthetic Bone Loss Following Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Tang Yi , Jin Zhaokai , Lu Yichen , Chen Lei , Lv Shuaijie , Xu Taotao , Tong Peijian , Chen Guoqian 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundPeriprosthetic bone loss is a well‐known phenomenon following total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, the choice of drugs for prevention remains controversial. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the best drug to treat periprosthetic bone loss by comparing changes in bone mineral density (BMD) at different times after THA.MethodsA comprehensive search of five databases and two clinical trial registration platforms was undertaken from their inception through to August 31, 2023 to identify eligible randomized controlled trials. A Bayesian network meta‐analysis (NMA) was carried out for calculating the standardized mean difference (SMD) and the surface under cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) of the BMD in calcar (Gruen zone 7) at 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months and over.ResultsTwenty‐nine trials involving 1427 patients and 10 different interventions were included. The results demonstrated that at 6 months, denosumab had the highest ranking (SUCRA = 0.90), followed by alendronate (SUCRA = 0.76), and zoledronate (SUCRA = 0.73). At 12 months, clodronate ranked highest (SUCRA = 0.96), followed by denosumab (SUCRA = 0.84) and teriparatide (SUCRA = 0.82). For interventions with a duration of 24 months and over, denosumab had the highest SUCRA value (SUCRA = 0.96), followed by raloxifene (SUCRA = 0.90) and zoledronate (SUCRA = 0.75).ConclusionInvestigating the existing body of evidence revealed that denosumab demonstrates potential as an intervention of superior efficacy at the three specifically examined time points. However, it remains crucial to conduct further research to confirm these findings and determine the most effective treatment strategy.
Epidemiological trends and burden analysis of cervical cancer attributable to unsafe sex: A population‐based study from 1990 to 2019
Authors: Zhang Xinru , Zhang Xingxing , Chen Yiteng , Ou Tongyin , Wang Xindi , Zhou Hu , Li Xi , Guo Yu , Chen Zhiming , Ruan Weiqing 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundUnsafe sex is recognized as an important risk factor for cervical cancer (CC). Understanding the global disease burden of CC attributable to unsafe sex can assist policymakers in allocating healthcare resources.MethodsData were obtained from the 2019 global burden of disease database (GBD). We examined global, regional, and national levels of CC mortality, disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs), and age‐standardized rates (ASRs) caused by unsafe sex. ASRs were evaluated using estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs).ResultsAttributable to unsafe sex, there were 280,479 CC‐related deaths in 2019 and 8,955,013 CC‐related DALYs. In the period 1990–2019, the global ASRs of CC due to unsafe sex decreased around the world; for age‐standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and age‐standardized DALY rate (ASDR), the EAPCs were −0.93 and −0.95. The highest ASMRs and ASDRs were found in central sub‐Saharan Africa and the lowest in Australasia.ConclusionIn the past few decades, the ASMR and ASDR of CC caused by unsafe sexual practices have decreased over time, with significant variations observed among different countries and regions. Increased focus is needed on spreading awareness about sexual health and promoting CC prevention and screening, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income nations.
Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of student nurses regarding community activities in primary care: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Miguéns Diego Gabriel Mosteiro , Cachafeiro Maruxa Zapata , Mallón Silvia Novío , Coego Iria Lareu , Pérez Natalia Vieito , Fernández Almudena Rodríguez 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo ascertain student nurses’ degree of knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding the implementation of community activities (CA) in primary care.DesignQuestionnaire‐based cross‐sectional study.SampleThe study was conducted with 152 students seeking a nursing degree at the University of Santiago de Compostela (North Spain) in the 2022/2023 academic year.MeasurementsWe distributed a self‐administered online questionnaire on CA, which are actions undertaken in collaboration with the local community and targeted at groups of people with common needs, in order to improve the health and wellbeing of the population.ResultsOnly 15.1% of the sample was able to identify CA correctly. However, 93.4% considered these an effective approach for the control of chronic diseases. Special mention should be made of the positive attitude shown by students toward the implementation of these types of activities.ConclusionNurses play a key role in preventing chronic diseases, and it is therefore necessary to ensure that they are trained in the implementation of CA aimed at reducing the incidence of such diseases. Future training plans for nurses should emphasize the community perspective in order to improve the skills of future professionals in this field and to increase the success of these interventions.
Histopathology of peritonitis due to infectious mononucleosis with background Chlamydia trachomatis infection: A case report and literature review
Authors: Kaimi Yuto , Naka Tomoaki , Yoshida Hiroshi , Uno Masaya , Maeshima Akiko Miyagi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractEpstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a major cause of infectious mononucleosis (IM), characterized by fever, fatigue, sore throat, lymphadenopathy, atypical lymphocytosis, and elevated liver enzymes. However, ascites is a rare complication associated with IM. We present a rare case of IM with ascites and peritonitis in a patient who underwent a peritoneal biopsy. A 20‐year‐old woman presented with fatigue and abdominal distension. Laboratory examination revealed atypical lymphocytes in peripheral blood (54%) and elevated liver enzymes. EBV serological tests revealed a recent primary infection (EBV VCA IgM 1:160). Computed tomography revealed moderate ascites and peritonitis. Adenocarcinoma was suspected based on the ascites' cytology. Considering possible complications of IM and adenocarcinoma, a laparoscopic biopsy was performed. Histological findings of biopsy specimens from the peritoneum, omentum, and fimbria of the fallopian tube demonstrated severe inflammatory cell infiltration and focal aggregation of large EBV‐encoded RNA‐1 (EBER1)‐positive B cells, mimicking EBV‐positive polymorphous B‐cell lymphoproliferative disorder. Furthermore, intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies of Chlamydia trachomatis were observed by immunohistochemistry. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction detected C. trachomatis in cervical secretions. Two months after laparoscopy, ascites decreased, and the diagnosis was IM‐associated peritonitis with C. trachomatis infection. IM should be considered as a differential diagnosis in young patients with ascites.
The enigmatic enzyme ‘amidoxime reducing component’ of Lotus japonicus. Characterization, expression, activity in plant tissues, and proposed role as a nitric oxide‐forming nitrite reductase
Authors: Minguillón Samuel , Fischer‐Schrader Katrin , Pérez‐Rontomé Carmen , Matamoros Manuel A. , Becana Manuel 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHuman mitochondria contain a molybdoprotein capable of reducing amidoximes using cytochrome b5/cytochrome b5 reductase (Cb/CbR). This ‘amidoxime reducing component’ (ARC) also reduces nitrite to nitric oxide (NO). In the plant kingdom, distinct functions have been suggested for ARCs. Thus, the single ARC of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (crARC) reduces nitrite to NO by taking electrons from nitrate reductase (NR). Therefore, it was proposed that a dual NR/crARC system can generate NO under physiological conditions and the crARC was renamed to ‘NO‐forming nitrite reductase’ (NOFNiR). In contrast to this, the two ARC enzymes from Arabidopsis thaliana were not found to produce NO in vitro at physiological nitrite concentrations, suggesting a different, as yet unknown, function in vascular plants. Here, we have investigated the two ARCs of Lotus japonicus (LjARCs) to shed light on this controversy and to examine, for the first time, the distribution of ARCs in plant tissues. The LjARCs are localized in the cytosol and their activities and catalytic efficiencies, which are much higher than those of A. thaliana, are consistent with a role as NOFNiR. LjARCs are prone to S‐nitrosylation in vitro by S‐nitrosoglutathione and this post‐translational modification drastically inhibits their activities. The enzymes are mainly expressed in flowers, seeds and pods, but are absent in nodules. LjARCs are active with NR and Cb/CbR as electron‐transferring systems. However, the LjNR mRNA levels in seeds and pods are negligible, whereas our proteomic analyses show that pods contain the two ARCs, Cb and CbR. We conclude that LjARCs may play a role as NOFNiR by receiving electrons from the Cb/CbR system but do not act in combination with NR.