bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrated biomarker profiling for predicting the response of type 2 diabetes to metformin
Authors: Long Jianglan , Fang Qiushi , Shi Zhe , Miao Zenghui , Yan Dan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAimTo explore biomarkers that can predict the response of type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients to metformin at an early stage to provide better treatment for T2D.MethodsT2D patients with (responders) or without response (non‐responders) to metformin were recruited, and their serum samples were used for metabolomic analysis to identify candidate biomarkers. Moreover, the efficacy of metformin was verified by insulin‐resistant mice, and the candidate biomarkers were verified to determine the biomarkers. Five different machine learning methods were used to construct the integrated biomarker profiling (IBP) with the biomarkers to predict the response of T2D patients to metformin.ResultsA total of 73 responders and 63 non‐responders were recruited, and 88 differential metabolites were identified in the serum samples. After being verified in mice, 19 of the 88 were considered as candidate biomarkers. Next, after metformin regulation, nine candidate biomarkers were confirmed as the biomarkers. After comparing five machine learning models, the nine biomarkers were constructed into the IBP for predicting the response of T2D patients to metformin based on the Naïve Bayes classifier, which was verified with an accuracy of 89.70%.ConclusionsThe IBP composed of nine biomarkers can be used to predict the response of T2D patients to metformin, enabling clinicians to start a combined medication strategy as soon as possible if T2D patients do not respond to metformin.
Effectiveness of the low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol goals in secondary cardiovascular prevention
Authors: Garcia‐Gil Maria , Alves‐Cabratosa Lia , Cunillera Oriol , Blanch Jordi , Martí‐Lluch Ruth , Ponjoan Anna , Ribas‐Aulinas Francesc , Tornabell‐Noguera Èric , Zacarías‐Pons Lluís , Domínguez‐Armengol Gina , Guzmán Elizabeth , Ramos Rafel 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe effectiveness of statin treatment to reduce coronary events and mortality has been hardly examined considering goals of LDL‐C. We aimed to analyse such association in secondary cardiovascular prevention.MethodsRetrospective cohort analysis of electronic health records from the SIDIAP database, Catalonia‐Spain. Recruitment period was from 2006 to 2017 and study period finished at the end of 2018. We included 54,175 people aged ≥35 years in cardiovascular secondary prevention starting statin treatment. We analysed the association of achieved LDL‐C goals after statin initiation with coronary heart disease and all‐cause mortality.ResultsMean age was 69 years and 20,146 (37.2%) were women. Coronary heart disease occurred in 5687 (10.5%) participants, and 10,676 (19.7%) persons passed away. Median follow‐up lasted 5.7 years (interquartile range, 3.4–8.1). The coronary heart disease HRs (95% CI) for the LDL‐C goals of 70–100, <70–55 and <55 mg/dL were .86 (.81–.92), .83 (.76–.9) and .8 (.72–.88), respectively. They were .89 (.83–.96) in the group with 30%–40% reduction and .86 (.8–.93) in the groups with 40%–50% and ≥50% reduction. We observed no association with mortality. We observed no relevant differences by sex or age.ConclusionsThis population‐level retrospective analysis of real‐world data observed that treatment with statins is effective to achieve certain LDL‐C goals and CHD reduction. The lack of significant difference between LDL‐C goals needs confirmation in additional studies with real‐world data. The LDL‐C target should consider the magnitude of the decrease in coronary events.
Biomimetic pulp scaffolds prepared from extracellular matrix derived from stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth promote pulp–dentine complex regeneration
Authors: Yang Ning , Shen Rou , Yang Wenxiao , Zhang Shengcai , Gong Tianxing , Liu Yao 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAimTo evaluate the role of biomimetic pulp scaffolds derived from the extracellular matrix derived of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED‐ECM‐PS) in promoting pulp–dentine complex regeneration.MethodologySHED‐ECM‐PS was prepared through cell aggregation and decellularization techniques. Histological and immunofluorescence analyses, scanning electron microscopy, and DNA quantification assays were used to characterize the SHED‐ECM‐PS. Additionally, a tooth slice implantation model was established to evaluate the effects of SHED‐ECM‐PS on regeneration of the pulp–dentine complex in vivo. Extraction medium for SHED‐ECM‐PS was prepared, and its effect on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) was assessed in vitro. Cell counting kit‐8 and Ki‐67 staining assays were performed to determine cell proliferation. The rate of apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. Wound healing and transwell assays were conducted to evaluate cell migration. Alizarin red S staining was performed to examine mineralized nodule formation. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of osteogenic and odontogenic markers. The results were analysed using an independent two‐tailed Student's t‐test. p < .05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsSHED‐ECM‐PS was successfully constructed, exhibiting a striped dental pulp‐like shape devoid of nuclear structures or DNA components, and rich in fibronectin, collagen I, DMP1 and DSPP. Notably, SHED‐ECM‐PS showed no impact on the proliferation or apoptosis of BMMSCs. Histological analysis revealed that dental pulp fibroblasts formed an interwoven mesh in the root canal, and angiogenesis was observed in the SHED‐ECM‐PS group. Moreover, a continuous, newly formed tubular dentine layer with polarized odontoblast‐like cells was observed along the inner wall of the root canal. SHED‐ECM‐PS promoted the migration, polar alignment and mineralized nodule formation of BMMSCs and specifically elevated the expression levels of odontogenic markers, but not osteogenic markers, compared with the control group in vitro.ConclusionSHED‐ECM‐PS exhibited no cytotoxicity and promoted pulp‐dentine complex regeneration in vivo as well as cell migration and odontogenic differentiation of BMMSCs in vitro. These findings provide evidence that SHED‐ECM‐PS, as a novel biological scaffold, has the potential to improve the outcomes of REPs.
Psoriasis knowledge gaps and misconceptions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions: patients' survey‐based study
Authors: AlOrbani Aya M. , El‐Komy Mohamed H. M. , Mourad Ahmed , Amer Marwa Ahmed 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundMisconceptions among psoriatic patients often lead to a negative impact on disease outcomes.ObjectivesOur main target was knowledge assessment among a sample of psoriatic patients in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region where data are scarce.MethodsThe present study is a cross‐sectional descriptive survey. It consists of an online questionnaire comprising 19 questions designed to assess psoriasis knowledge and five demographic questions. The questionnaire link was posted on the official Facebook page of the Kasr Al Ainy Psoriasis Unit (KAPU).ResultsThe questionnaire was taken by 527 participants, but only 396 responses were complete and adequate for analysis. The mean psoriasis knowledge score was higher in females (P = 0.005) and participants with advanced education degrees (P < 0.001). Patients reporting regular follow‐ups with dermatologists were more likely to acknowledge joint involvement (P = 0.044) but also incorrectly assume biologics are a final cure (P = 0.038). In addition, they were more likely to assume psoriasis affects pregnancy (P = 0.013). Patients with a family history of psoriasis showed a better mean knowledge score than those without (P = 0.01). Only 54.55% of participants reported knowledge of possible disease exacerbation by drugs. A minority (26.77%) of our patients responded that a diet change could not permanently cure psoriasis.ConclusionThis study reports knowledge gaps in a cohort of Arabic‐speaking psoriasis patients, especially regarding areas of extracutaneous involvement, the hereditary nature of the disease, and the effect of psoriasis on pregnancy and fertility. Most participants were unaware that biological therapy and a change in diet do not offer a permanent cure. Dermatologists in our region must reach out to their patients and correct the various misconceptions reported in this study.
A Two‐stage Bayesian Small Area Estimation Approach for Proportions
Authors: Hogg James , Cameron Jessica , Cramb Susanna , Baade Peter , Mengersen Kerrie 
Published: June 2024

SummaryWith the rise in popularity of digital Atlases to communicate spatial variation, there is an increasing need for robust small area estimates. However, current small area estimation methods suffer from various modelling problems when data are very sparse or when estimates are required for areas with very small populations. These issues are particularly heightened when modelling proportions. Additionally, recent work has shown significant benefits in modelling at both the individual and area levels. We propose a two‐stage Bayesian hierarchical small area estimation approach for proportions that can account for survey design, reduce direct estimate instability and generate prevalence estimates for small areas with no survey data. Using a simulation study, we show that, compared with existing Bayesian small area estimation methods, our approach can provide optimal predictive performance (Bayesian mean relative root mean squared error, mean absolute relative bias and coverage) of proportions under a variety of data conditions, including very sparse and unstable data. To assess the model in practice, we compare modelled estimates of current smoking prevalence for 1,630 small areas in Australia using the 2017–2018 National Health Survey data combined with 2016 census data.
Decision‐making on systemic antibiotics in the management of periodontitis: A retrospective comparison of two concepts
Authors: Winkler Patrizia C. , Benz Leander , Nickles Katrin , Petsos Hari C. , Eickholz Peter , Dannewitz Bettina 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAimTo retrospectively compare two approaches for the adjunctive use of systemic antibiotics in non‐surgical periodontal therapy: one based on the detection of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) and the other on age and severity of periodontitis (Age & PPD). We also assessed the additional benefit of antibiotics in reducing the need for further surgical therapy in each group.Materials and MethodsPatients of the Department of Periodontology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany, were screened for microbiological testing between 2008 and 2018. Patients were categorized by their microbiological result (Aa+/−) and demographic/clinical data (Age & PPD+/−). Agreement on antibiotic indication was tested. The clinical evaluation focussed on teeth with probing pocket depths (PPDs) ≥ 6 mm.ResultsAnalysis of 425 patients revealed 30% categorized as Age & PPD+ and 34% as Aa+. Sixty‐three percent had consistent antibiotic recommendations (phi coefficient 0.14, p = .004). Patients in the Age & PPD+ group receiving antibiotics showed the most substantial reduction in the number of teeth with PPD ≥ 6 mm after non‐surgical periodontal therapy.ConclusionsBoth strategies resulted in a significant clinical improvement compared with those without antibiotic treatment and restricted antibiotic use similarly, but targeted different patient groups. Younger individuals with severe periodontitis benefited most from antibiotics, reducing the need for additional surgeries. The study was registered in an international trial register (German Clinical Trial Register number DRKS00028768, registration date 27 April 2022, https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00028768).
Impact of comprehensive medication reviews on potentially inappropriate medication discontinuation in Medicare beneficiaries
Authors: Hung Anna , Wilson Lauren E. , Smith Valerie A. , Pavon Juliessa M. , Sloan Caroline E. , Hastings Susan N. , Maciejewski Matthew L. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) is associated with increased risk of hospitalizations and emergency room visits and varies by racial and ethnic subgroups. Medicare's nationwide medication therapy management (MTM) program requires that Part D plans offer an annual comprehensive medication review (CMR) to all beneficiaries who qualify, and provides a platform to reduce PIM use. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of CMR on PIM discontinuation in Medicare beneficiaries and whether this differed by race or ethnicity.MethodsRetrospective cohort study of community‐dwelling Medicare Part D beneficiaries ≥66 years of age who were eligible for MTM from 2013 to 2019 based on 5% Medicare fee‐for‐service claims data linked to the 100% MTM data file. Among those using a PIM, MTM‐eligible CMR recipients were matched to non‐recipients via sequential stratification. The probability of PIM discontinuation was estimated using regression models that pooled yearly subcohorts accounting for within‐beneficiary correlations. The most common PIMs that were discontinued after CMR were reported.ResultsWe matched 24,368 CMR recipients to 24,368 CMR non‐recipients during the observation period. Median age was 74–75, 35% were males, most were White beneficiaries (86%–87%), and the median number of PIMs was 1. In adjusted analyses, CMR receipt was positively associated with PIM discontinuation (adjusted relative risk [aRR]: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.20–1.32). There was no evidence of differential impact of CMR by race or ethnicity. The PIMs most commonly discontinued after CMR were glimepiride, zolpidem, digoxin, amitriptyline, and nitrofurantoin.ConclusionsAmong Medicare beneficiaries who are using a PIM, CMR receipt was associated with PIM discontinuation, suggesting that greater CMR use could facilitate PIM reduction for all racial and ethnic groups.
Does global warming worsen poverty and inequality? An updated review
Authors: Dang Hai‐Anh H. , Hallegatte Stephane , Trinh Trong‐Anh 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWe offer an updated and comprehensive review of recent studies on the impacts of climate change, particularly global warming, on poverty and inequality, paying special attention to data sources as well as empirical methods. While studies consistently find negative impacts of higher temperatures on poverty across different geographical regions, with higher vulnerability especially in poorer Sub‐Saharan Africa, there is inconclusive evidence on climate change impacts on inequality. Further analyzing a recently constructed global database at the subnational unit level derived from official national household income and consumption surveys, we find that temperature change has larger impacts in the short term and more impacts on chronic poverty than transient poverty. The results are robust to different model specifications and measures of chronic poverty and are more pronounced for poorer countries. Our findings offer relevant inputs into current efforts to fight climate change.
Oral cancer detection and progression prediction using noninvasive cytology‐based DNA ploidy approach
Authors: Liu Kelly Y. P. , Ng Samson , Taleghani Maryam , Zhu Sarah Y. , Carraro Anita , Chen Zhaoyang , Palcic Branko , Poh Catherine F. , Guillaud Martial 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundDespite the oral cavity being readily accessible, oral cancer (OC) remains a significant burden. The objective of this study is to develop a DNA ploidy‐based cytology test for early detection of high‐risk oral lesions.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted using 569 oral brushing samples collected from 95 normal and 474 clinically abnormal mucosa with biopsy diagnosis of reactive, low‐grade or high‐grade precancer or cancers. Brushing cells were processed to characterize DNA ploidy. A two‐step DNA ploidy‐based algorithm, the DNA ploidy oral cytology (DOC) test, was developed using a training set, and verified in test and validation sets to differentiate high‐grade lesions (HGLs) from normal. The prognostic value of the test was evaluated by an independent outcome cohort, including progressed and non‐progressing normal, reactive and low‐grade lesions. Classification performance was assessed by accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, while the prognostic value was evaluated by using the Cox proportional hazards analysis on 3‐year progression‐free survival (PFS).ResultsThe developed DOC test exhibited high accuracy for detecting HGLs in the test and validation sets, with a sensitivity of 0.97 and 0.96, respectively. Its application to the Outcome cohort demonstrated significant prognostic value for 3‐year PFS (log rank, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that high‐grade pathology was the only variable explaining positive DOC test, not age, smoking, or lesional site.ConclusionClinical implementation of the DOC test could provide an effective screening method for detecting HGLs for biopsy and lesions at risk of progression.
More Snakes Than Ladders: Mass Schooling, Social Closure, and the Pursuit of Taraqqi (Social Mobility) in Rural Pakistan☆
Authors: Naveed Arif 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe international educational agenda that drives the educational expansion in the Global South makes universalist assumptions about the role of education in reducing poverty and promoting social mobility. Challenging these assumptions, this paper asks whether educational expansion in such contexts reduces social inequality across generations by offering individuals, from whatever background, educational opportunities and access to higher status livelihoods. By using Weberian and Bourdieusian theoretical frameworks, and drawing upon the perspectives of the families in rural Punjab, the paper contributes to the literature by revealing how local rural power relations in landownership, caste systems, religious identity, and political patronage, and their manifestation in the cultural realm, enact a form of social closure that closes off resources and opportunities for the disadvantaged to pursue social mobility through schooling. These power relations not only place limits on the assumed equalizing role of education in rural Punjab, but they also tend to perpetuate inequality in and through education. The paper argues that a sociological understanding of the role that education plays in the everyday rural life is crucial for designing a nuanced educational agenda capable of engaging with, rather than assuming away social and economic inequality in hierarchal societies.
“What Are You Eating?” Is the Influence of Fortnite Streamers Expanding Beyond the Game?
Authors: Micallef David , Schivinski Bruno , Brennan Linda , Parker Lukas , Jackson Michaela 
Published: June 2024

Online game microcelebrities (streamers) attract a large audience of emerging adult gamers (age 18–25 years) and have become a target for food industry advertising. Extant research has identified links between gaming and negative impacts on diet. However, little is known about the influence of game-streaming communities on food consumption. This study aims to understand the type and context of discussions about food and drink in streaming communities that may be influencing the consumption behavior of emerging adults. Data were collected through observation of food and drink-related conversations within streaming communities for Fortnite, which is popular with emerging adult gamers. The study found that the sharing of food is commonplace in organic discussions within streaming communities, driven by both streamers and their followers. The sharing of energy-dense nutrient-poor foods is commonplace in these organic discussions. The study suggests that game-streaming channels have expanded beyond the scope of only a gaming channel and, for emerging adults, are potentially influencing their healthful behavior.
High variance in quantification of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
at low bacterial loads and with differentially detectable mycobacteria
Authors: Walsh Kathleen F. , Lee Myung Hee , Zainabadi Kayvan , Vilbrun Stalz Charles , Jean Juste Marc Antoine , Joseph Yvetot , Royal Gertrude , Saito Kohta , McAulay Kathrine , Pape Jean W. , Fitzgerald Daniel 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

We examined the correlation between three different methods of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
quantification: time to positivity (TTP), log
10
CFU, and an assay to detect differentially detectable
M. tuberculosis
(DD Mtb) from three different prospective studies. Participants with DD Mtb have significantly more variation in the CFU/TTP correlation than participants with no DD Mtb (
P
< 0.001). This may impact the design of early bactericidal activity studies that use TTP as the primary outcome.
The biosynthesis mechanism of bacterioruberin in halophilic archaea revealed by genome and transcriptome analysis
Authors: Ma Yingchao , Sun Zhongshi , Yang Huan , Xie Wei , Song Mengyu , Zhang Bo , Sui Liying 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Halophilic archaea are promising microbial cell factories for bacterioruberin (BR) production. BR is a natural product with multi-bioactivities, allowing potential application in many fields. In the previous work, a haloarchaeon
Halorubrum
sp. HRM-150 with a high proportion of BR (about 85%) was isolated, but the low yield impeded its large-scale production. This work figured out BR synthesis characteristics and mechanisms, and proposed strategies for yield improvement. First, glucose (10 g/L) and tryptone (15 g/L) were tested to be better sources for BR production. Besides, the combination of glucose and starch achieved the diauxic growth, and the biomass and BR productivity increased by 85% and 54% than using glucose. Additionally, this work first proposed the BR synthesis pattern, which differs from that of other carotenoids. As a structural component of cell membranes, the BR synthesis is highly coupled with growth, which was most active in the logarithm phase. Meanwhile, the osmotic down shock at the logarithm phase could increase the BR productivity without sacrificing the biomass. Moreover, the
de-novo
pathway for BR synthesis with a key gene of
lyeJ
, and its competitive pathways (notably tetraether lipids and retinal) were revealed through genome, transcriptome, and osmotic down shock. Therefore, the BR yield is expected to be improved through mutant construction, such as the overexpression of key gene
lyeJ
and the knockout of competitive genes, which need to be further explored. The findings will contribute to a better understanding of the metabolism mechanism in haloarchaea and the development of haloarchaea as microbial cell factories.

IMPORTANCE

Recent studies have revealed that halophilic microorganism is a promising microbial factory for the next-generation industrialization. Among them, halophilic archaea are advantageous as microbial factories due to their low contamination risk and low freshwater consumption. The halophilic archaea usually accumulate long chain C
50
carotenoids, which are barely found in other organisms. Bacterioruberin (BR), the major C
50
carotenoid, has multi-bioactivities, allowing potential application in food, cosmetic, and biomedical industries. However, the low yield impedes its large-scale application. This work figured out the BR synthesis characteristics and mechanism, and proposed several strategies for BR yield improvement, encouraging halophilic archaea to function as microbial factories for BR production. Meanwhile, the archaea have special evolutionary status and unique characteristics in taxonomy, the revelation of BR biosynthesis mechanism is beneficial for a better understanding of archaea.