bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influences of advanced age in rheumatoid arthritis: A multicentre ultrasonography cohort study
Authors: Kawahara Chieko , Fukui Shoichi , Michitsuji Tohru , Nishino Ayako , Endo Yushiro , Shimizu Toshimasa , Umeda Masataka , Sumiyoshi Remi , Koga Tomohiro , Iwamoto Naoki , Origuchi Tomoki , Ueki Yukitaka , Eiraku Nobutaka , Suzuki Takahisa , Okada Akitomo , Matsuoka Naoki , Takaoka Hirokazu , Hamada Hiroaki , Tsuru Tomomi , Arinobu Yojiro , Hidaka Toshihiko , Fujikawa Keita , Yoshitama Tamami , Tada Yoshifumi , Ohtsubo Hideo , Ishizaki Jun , Asano Tomoyuki , Kawakami Atsushi , Kawashiri Shin-ya 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Objectives
We aimed to evaluate the effects of age on clinical characteristics and outcomes in biologic or targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (b/tsDMARD)-naïve patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods
We analysed the cases of 234 Japanese b/tsDMARD-naïve RA patients who underwent b/tsDMARD treatment in a multicentre ultrasound prospective observational cohort. We compared the clinical characteristics at baseline and outcomes at 12 months between those aged ≥60 years and those &lt;60 years.

Results
Compared to the &lt;60-year-old group (n = 78), the ≥60-year-old group (n = 156) had higher inflammatory marker values and ultrasound combined scores, especially wrist joints, at baseline. Age at baseline positively correlated significantly with the ultrasound scores at baseline; however, age was not a significant variable by the multiple regression analysis. The patients treated with different MOAs in the ≥60-year-old group had comparable outcomes and multiple regression analysis revealed that mechanism of action (MOA) was not a significant contributor to the Clinical Disease Activity Index at 12 months.

Conclusions
RA patients with advanced age demonstrated distinctive clinical characteristics. The MOAs were not associated with clinical outcomes and ultrasound outcomes in RA patients with advanced age.
Sinonasal cancer incidence in Lombardy, Italy, 2008–20
Authors: Consonni D , Stoppa G , Binazzi A , Dallari B , Stella S , Rugarli S , Trobbiani C , Biggeri A , Catelan D , Mensi C 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Epithelial sinonasal cancers (SNC) are rare tumours with recognized associations with known/suspected occupational carcinogens (wood/leather dust, nickel/chromium compounds and formaldehyde). In Italy, a national SNC registry organized as a network of regional registries was established by law in 2008.

Aims
To describe SNC time trends, occupational exposures and geographical distribution in Lombardy, North-West Italy, based on population registry data (2008–20).

Methods
The Lombardy SNC Registry records epithelial SNCs using various sources. Interviews to collect occupational history are performed using a standardized questionnaire. Using several standard populations, we calculated yearly crude and age-standardized rates (ASRs per 100,000 person-years). Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) at municipality level were calculated, and Bayesian models were fitted to produce smoothed SIR maps.

Results
We recorded 827 cases (553 men, 274 women). Crude (world standardized) ASRs were 0.9 (0.4) in men and 0.4 (0.2) in women, with no time trends. Interviews were obtained for 485 (88%) men and 223 (81%) women. Among men, 217 (45%) had been exposed to occupational carcinogens (wood/leather dust: 150/65 cases, 31%/13%), while only 36 women (16%) were exposed. Among 201 men with adenocarcinoma, exposure to wood/leather dust occurred in 103/50 cases (75%/50%). Areas with elevated SIRs associated with leather dust were found in the Western areas. Exposure to wood dust was more widespread.

Conclusions
This study found a high frequency of occupational exposures (wood and leather dust), particularly in men with SNC. Employment in shoe industries clustered in the Western part, while work in furniture industries was less spatially structured.
Quantifying US air pollution policy: How political and regional factors influence pollutant mitigation
Authors: Zhang Guoxing , Chen Zhanglei , Li Jiexun , Su Bin , Gao Yang , Yu Lean 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Air pollution control in the United States has evolved into a comprehensive policy system spanning from the federal to the state level over time. A unified quantitative analysis of policy intensity can shed light on the policy evolution across different levels, the influence of partisan and regional factors on policy, and the relationships with emissions of major pollutants. By harnessing the policy text of the Clean Air Act (CAA) at the federal level and State Implementation Plans (SIPs) at the state governments (1955–2020), we deployed a Natural Language Processing approach to define a policy intensity index to systematically quantify the US air policy landscape. Our findings highlight that the 1970 CAA amendment carries the most vigorous intensity as it established a holistic control system for the first time. Subsequent years witnessed a general trend of partisan polarization, eventually leading to a graduate convergence between red and blue states. Blue states demonstrated a closer alignment with federal directives and a superior efficacy in pollutant reduction. Regionally, the Northeast displays the highest overall policy intensity, and the West exhibits the highest coordination with the federal benchmarks, making these regions outperform others in air pollution control. Our study not only discusses policy implications for air pollutant reductions considering partisan and regional differences but also provides a novel measurement tool to quantify policies for assessing disparities and synergies.
DexDesign: an OSPREY-based algorithm for designing de novo D-peptide inhibitors
Authors: Guerin Nathan , Childs Henry , Zhou Pei , Donald Bruce R 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
With over 270 unique occurrences in the human genome, peptide-recognizing PDZ domains play a central role in modulating polarization, signaling, and trafficking pathways. Mutations in PDZ domains lead to diseases such as cancer and cystic fibrosis, making PDZ domains attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. D-peptide inhibitors offer unique advantages as therapeutics, including increased metabolic stability and low immunogenicity. Here, we introduce DexDesign, a novel OSPREY-based algorithm for computationally designing de novo D-peptide inhibitors. DexDesign leverages three novel techniques that are broadly applicable to computational protein design: the Minimum Flexible Set, K*-based Mutational Scan, and Inverse Alanine Scan. We apply these techniques and DexDesign to generate novel D-peptide inhibitors of two biomedically important PDZ domain targets: CAL and MAST2. We introduce a framework for analyzing de novo peptides—evaluation along a replication/restitution axis—and apply it to the DexDesign-generated D-peptides. Notably, the peptides we generated are predicted to bind their targets tighter than their targets' endogenous ligands, validating the peptides' potential as lead inhibitors. We also provide an implementation of DexDesign in the free and open source computational protein design software OSPREY.
Do lead (Pb) content of lipsticks expose a health risk to children? A risk assessment study
Authors: Öztaş Demir Mesut , Ulutaş Onur Kenan , Berkkan Aysel 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Lead (Pb) content in lipsticks and potential life-long exposure of which might cause severe effects in consumers are an important concern for public. Thus, studies emphasize that lead exposure has no safe levels.

Methods
From 10 different brands, in total, 25 solid, gloss and creamy lipsticks are deployed from Turkish markets that are also categorized in two different price ranges. In order to evaluate the blood Pb levels in children, the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s ‘Exposure Uptake Biokinetic Model’ is utilized. To assess the health risk of chronic usage both for children and adults, oral daily systemic exposure levels are calculated with the worst-case scenario and are compared with Maximum Allowable Dose Level for lipsticks. For lifetime risk assessment, exposure is assumed to start by age 7, and four different exposure scenarios have been deployed.

Results
The mean lead content of lipsticks shows significant statistical differences between the high- and low-priced lipstick groups. Daily level and total risk for lifetime Pb exposure from deployed lipsticks are below the acceptable risk levels but long-worn usage of products with routine monitoring of metal content is crucial for sensitive and unintended exposure groups.
Investigating incidence of and factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection over a nine-month period in a highly-vaccinated healthcare worker cohort
Authors: Townsend Liam , Marron Louise , O’Brien Katie , Walsh Cathal , Domegan Lisa , McGrath Jonathan , Kenny Claire ,   PRECISE Study Steering Group, Fleming Catherine , Bergin Colm 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This risk persists despite the implementation of mitigating factors, including vaccination. The ongoing impact of incident SARS-CoV-2 infection and symptomatic COVID-19 disease in vaccinated HCWs is poorly understood.

Aim
We aimed to describe the epidemiology of incident SARS-CoV-2 infections, as well as investigating the serological, clinical and demographic factors associated with developing infection.

Design
This was a multi-centre prospective longitudinal study followed a HCW cohort over a nine-month period.

Methods
Spike and nucleocapsid SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were measured at enrolment. Vaccination status, demographics and medical history were collated. Incident infection over the study period was recorded. Multivariable regression models investigated factors associated with nucleocapsid antibody status, incident infection and symptomatic infection.

Results
About 1260 participants took part, of whom n = 1006 were anti-nucleocapsid antibody positive. Negative anti-nucleocapsid antibody was associated with older age and having a known SARS-CoV-2 acquisition risk. There were n = 274 (22%) incident infections, with n = 225 (87%) diagnosed using antigen tests. Incident infections were associated with lower anti-nucleocapsid titres, increased time since previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, and having a known acquisition risk, but were not associated with vaccination status.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates a high rate of incident SARS-CoV-2 infection amongst HCWs, despite broad vaccine coverage. There is a shift in diagnostics, from PCR to antigen testing. We identify at-risk groups for incident infection, and these should continue be targeted as part of risk reduction campaigns. Vaccination status and prior infection status alone are not surrogates for protection.
An inductive method for separable deformations
Authors: Amsalem Ariel , Ginosar Yuval 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT
The Donald–Flanigan conjecture asserts that any group algebra of a finite group has a separable deformation. We apply an inductive method to deform group algebras from deformations of normal subgroup algebras, establishing an infinite family of metacyclic groups which fulfill the conjecture.
Native myocardial T1 and right ventricular size by CMR predict outcome in systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Knight Daniel S , Virsinskaite Ruta , Karia Nina , Cole Alice R , Maclean Rory H , Brown James T , Patel Rishi K , Razvi Yousuf , Venneri Lucia , Kotecha Tushar , Martinez-Naharro Ana , Kellman Peter , Scott-Russell Ann M , Schreiber Benjamin E , Ong Voon H , Denton Christopher P , Fontana Marianna , Coghlan J Gerry , Muthurangu Vivek 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Measures of right heart size and function are prognostic in systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary hypertension (SSc-PH), but the importance of myocardial tissue characterisation remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the predictive potential and interaction of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) myocardial tissue characterisation and right heart size and function in SSc-PH.

Methods
A retrospective, single-centre, observational study of 148 SSc-PH patients confirmed by right heart catheterization who underwent clinically indicated CMR including native myocardial T1 and T2 mapping from 2016 to 2023 was performed.

Results
Sixty-six (45%) patients died during follow-up (median 3.5 years, range 0.1–7.3). Patients who died were older (65 vs 60 years, P = 0.035) with more dilated (P &lt; 0.001), hypertrophied (P = 0.013) and impaired (P &lt; 0.001) right ventricles, more dilated right atria (P = 0.043) and higher native myocardial T1 (P &lt; 0.001).
After adjustment for age, indexed right ventricular end-systolic volume (RVESVi, P = 0.0023) and native T1 (P = 0.0024) were independent predictors of all-cause mortality. Both RVESVi and native T1 remained independently predictive after adjusting for age and PH subtype (RVESVi P &lt; 0.001, T1 P = 0.0056). Optimal prognostic thresholds for RVESVi and native T1 were ≤38 mL/m2 and ≤1119 ms, respectively (P &lt; 0.001). Patients with RVESVi ≤ 38 mL/m2 and native T1 ≤ 1119 ms had significantly better outcomes than all other combinations (P &lt; 0.001). Furthermore, patients with RVESVi &gt; 38mL/m2 and native T1 ≤ 1119 ms had significantly better survival than patients with RVESVi &gt; 38mL/m2 and native T1 &gt; 1119ms (P = 0.017).

Conclusion
We identified prognostically relevant CMR metrics and thresholds for patients with SSc-PH. Assessing myocardial tissue characterisation alongside right ventricular function confers added value in SSc-PH and may represent an additional treatment target.
Transorbital ultrasound in the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis
Authors: Petzinna Simon M , Burg Lara C , Bauer Claus-Juergen , Karakostas Pantelis , Terheyden Jan H , Behning Charlotte , Holz Frank G , Brossart Peter , Finger Robert P , Schäfer Valentin S 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of transorbital ultrasound (TOS) in patients newly diagnosed with giant cell arteritis (GCA), presenting with visual symptoms.

Methods
Patients with newly diagnosed, untreated GCA were examined using TOS, assessing central retinal artery flow velocity [peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), resistance index (RI)], and optic nerve diameter (OND). Vascular ultrasound was conducted to evaluate the superficial temporal arteries, their branches, facial, axillary, carotid, and vertebral arteries.

Results
We enrolled 54 GCA patients, 27 with visual symptoms, and 27 healthy controls. Eyes of GCA patients with visual symptoms demonstrated significantly lower PSV and EDV (PSV: β = −1.91; P = 0.029; EDV: β = −0.57; P = 0.032) and significantly elevated OND (β = 0.79; P = 0.003) compared with controls. RI did not significantly differ from controls (β = −0.06, P = 0.129). Vascular ultrasound identified an average of 8.7 (SD ± 2.8) pathological vessels per GCA patient. A significant negative association was observed between the number of affected vessels and both PSV (P = 0.048) and EDV (P = 0.040). No association was found with RI (P = 0.249), while a positive significant association was noted with OND (P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusions
This study pioneers the application of TOS to assess structural eye changes in newly diagnosed, untreated GCA patients with visual symptoms. Our findings suggest reduced central retinal artery flow and increased optic nerve diameter as potential biomarkers for serious ocular involvement in GCA. The detected association between internal and external carotid artery involvement indicates a common pathophysiological mechanism underlying systemic and ocular manifestations of GCA.
The end of polarization? Evolutions of the distribution of employment across couples in Europe over the past 40 years
Authors: Paugam Guillaume 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
This article revisits the claim that heterosexual couple employment participation has increasingly been polarizing in Europe between dual-jobless and dual-earning. Studying twenty-seven European countries over 4 decades, it finds that polarization has increased, but at a clearly decreasing rate. Polarization rose in the 1980s/1990s, as women joining employment then were disproportionately likely to have a male partner also employed. It has slowed-down since, as rising female employment eventually started materializing into substantial rates of female-single-earning. The article explores different potential factors behind this shift. At the macro-level, the sectoral transformation of economies and the 2008 crisis have had lasting impacts on couple employment. At the couple level, partnered women have become more educated than partnered men, fuelling the rise in female-single-earning. Amongst disadvantaged couples, dual-worklessness has decreased, but is being replaced by the clustering of non-standard employment in couples.
Japan: Treatment of foreign organizations (including private foundations) and trusts in Japan
Authors: Sakai Hitomi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The article discusses the treatment of foreign organizations and trusts from the Japanese legal and tax perspectives, with reference to the 2015 decision of the Supreme Court that a limited partnership formed under the laws of the state of Delaware constitutes a corporation for Japanese tax purposes. This judgment is the first and only decision from the Supreme Court that provides the criteria for determining whether an organization established under foreign law is a corporation for Japanese tax purposes. The article assesses the application of these criteria and provides a guide for analyzing the Japanese tax implications of foreign organizations.
Chitosan-TPP encapsulated quercetin nanoparticles: amplified protection mechanisms unveiled against Ethion-induced developmental toxicity through comprehensive in-vivo and in-silico elucidation
Authors: Ranjith D , Telang A G , Subhadra Sandhya , Kamothi Dhaval J , Madhu C L , Kumar Dinesh 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Aim
The study investigated Ethion-induced developmental toxicity in Wistar albino rats and the potential ameliorative effects of quercetin and nano-quercetin co-administration. Further, In-silico docking of Ethion and quercetin with MCL-1 was conducted.

Methodology
Quercetin nanoparticles were synthesized by ionic-gelation method. The encapsulated quercetin nanoparticles were characterized for Zeta size, UV-Vis spectroscopy, encapsulation efficiency, and TEM studies. Male rats were administered Ethion (high/low dose), quercetin, and nano-quercetin alone or in combination for 60 days. Female rats were introduced for mating on the 61st day, and pregnant females were observed for 20 gestational days. On GD 20, rats were sacrificed and evaluated for body/organ weight, reproductive indices, fetal morphology, skeletal, and visceral deformities.In silico binding energies of ethion and quercetin with MCL-1 were determined.

Results
Nanoparticle size was 363.2 ± 1.23 nm on day 0 and 385.63 ± 1.53 nm on day 60, with PDI of 0.247 and charge of 22.9 mV. Absorbance maxima were at 374 nm, with encapsulation efficacy of 85.16 ± 0.33%. EHD male crossed females showed decreased body/organ weights, reduced fertility, hematoma, cleft palate, tail curling, and absence of extremity. Nano-quercetin co-administration normalized parameters comparable to controls. Both Ethion and quercetin interacted with MCL-1, with quercetin exhibiting stronger binding energy.

Conclusion
Nano-quercetin demonstrated stronger antioxidant properties than quercetin, counteracting ethion-induced maternal/fetal abnormalities.
Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling of Unbound Meropenem in Patients Undergoing Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Oda Kazutaka , Jono Hirofumi , Kamohara Hidenobu , Saito Hideyuki 
Published: May 2024

Background:
The most effective dosing strategy of meropenem for patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) remains uncertain. This study aimed to analyze the population pharmacokinetics (popPKs) of unbound meropenem and establish an appropriate dosing approach.

Methods:
This prospective study involved 19 patients for the development of a popPK model and an additional 10 for its validation. Ethical approval was obtained.

Results:
The clearance of unbound meropenem was influenced by the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score [=2.22 × (SOFA score/12)^1.88] and the effluent flow rate from the CRRT device, with an interindividual variability of 44.5%. The volume of distribution was affected by the simplified acute physiology score II [=23.1 × (simplified acute physiology score II/52)^1.54]. Monte Carlo simulations suggested meropenem doses ranging from 1.0 to 3.0 g/d using continuous infusion to achieve a target time above the 4 times of minimum inhibitory concentration of the unbound form (%fT>4×MIC) of 100% for definitive therapy. For empirical therapy, a dose of 1.0 g/d using continuous infusion was recommended to target %fT>MIC of 100%.

Conclusions:
This study developed a popPK model for unbound meropenem in patients undergoing CRRT and formulated dosing guidelines.

Clinical trial registration:
UMIN000024321.
Post–Penetrating Keratoplasty Assessment of Endothelial Function With a Scleral Lens Challenge
Authors: Bernhisel Ashlie A. , Nau Cherie B. , Schornack Muriel M. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract:
Patients who have undergone penetrating keratoplasty may have corneal edema because of endothelial cell dysfunction. Scleral lens wear may exacerbate edema, particularly if lens fit is suboptimal. Distinguishing between edema because of inherent endothelial cell dysfunction and swelling because of scleral lens–related hypoxia can be challenging. It is necessary, however, to identify the most likely cause of increased corneal thickness to determine whether the patient simply needs refitting for a different lens design or needs additional surgical intervention. This case report describes the utility of corneal tomographic imaging before and after scleral lens wear both to estimate endothelial cell function and to direct decisions when designing a scleral lens for a post-transplant eye.
Patchy Hair Loss
Authors: Berlin Brittany L. , Sarro Robert A. 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT
A 9-year-old boy was found to have new-onset hair loss on his scalp, which has worsened over the last 6 months. Readers will be asked to identify the correct diagnosis based on history and clinical presentation. The purpose of this case was to improve diagnostic skills to properly recognize this condition and provide the appropriate treatment.