bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome‐resolved metagenomics reveals the effect of nutrient availability on bacterial genomic properties across 44 European freshwater lakes
Authors: Shah Manan , Bornemann Till L. V. , Nuy Julia K. , Hahn Martin W. , Probst Alexander J. , Beisser Daniela , Boenigk Jens 
Published: June 2024

AbstractUnderstanding intricate microbial interactions in the environment is crucial. This is especially true for the relationships between nutrients and bacteria, as phosphorus, nitrogen and organic carbon availability are known to influence bacterial population dynamics. It has been suggested that low nutrient conditions prompt the evolutionary process of genome streamlining. This process helps conserve scarce nutrients and allows for proliferation. Genome streamlining is associated with genomic properties such as %GC content, genes encoding sigma factors, percent coding regions, gene redundancy, and functional shifts in processes like cell motility and ATP binding cassette transporters, among others. The current study aims to unveil the impact of nutrition on the genome size, %GC content, and functional properties of pelagic freshwater bacteria. We do this at finer taxonomic resolutions for many metagenomically characterized communities. Our study confirms the interplay of trophic level and genomic properties. It also highlights that different nutrient types, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, impact these properties differently. We observed a covariation of functional traits with genome size. Larger genomes exhibit enriched pathways for motility, environmental interaction, and regulatory genes. ABC transporter genes reflect the availability of nutrients in the environment, with small genomes presumably relying more on metabolites from other organisms. We also discuss the distinct strategies different phyla adopt to adapt to oligotrophic environments. The findings contribute to our understanding of genomic adaptations within complex microbial communities.
Identification and expression of MarCE, a marine carboxylesterase with synthetic ester‐degrading activity
Authors: Carr Clodagh M. , Göttsch Frederike , de Oliveira Bruno Francesco Rodrigues , Murcia Pedro A. Sánchez , Jackson Stephen A. , Wei Ren , Clarke David J. , Bornscheuer Uwe T. , Dobson Alan D. W. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCarboxylic ester hydrolases with the capacity to degrade polyesters are currently highly sought after for their potential use in the biological degradation of PET and other chemically synthesized polymers. Here, we describe MarCE, a carboxylesterase family protein identified via genome mining of a Maribacter sp. isolate from the marine sponge Stelligera stuposa. Based on phylogenetic analysis, MarCE and its closest relatives belong to marine‐associated genera from the Cytophaga–Flavobacterium–Bacteroides taxonomic group and appear evolutionarily distinct to any homologous carboxylesterases that have been studied to date in terms of structure or function. Molecular docking revealed putative binding of BHET, a short‐chain PET derivative, onto the predicted MarCE three‐dimensional structure. The synthetic ester‐degrading activity of MarCE was subsequently confirmed by MarCE‐mediated hydrolysis of 2 mM BHET substrate, indicated by the release of its breakdown products MHET and TPA, which were measured, respectively, as 1.28 and 0.12 mM following 2‐h incubation at 30°C. The findings of this study provide further insight into marine carboxylic ester hydrolases, which have the potential to display unique functional plasticity resulting from their adaptation to complex and fluctuating marine environmentsw.
Feasibility of adolescent contraceptive care in the pediatric emergency department: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Miller Melissa K. , Goggin Kathy , Stancil Stephani L. , Miller Elizabeth , Ketterer Tara , Staggs Vince , McNeill‐Johnson April D. , Adams Amber , Mollen Cynthia J. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundThis study assessed feasibility constructs of adolescent contraceptive care in the pediatric emergency department (PED), including contraception initiation.MethodsWe conducted a randomized trial in two PEDs with pregnancy‐capable adolescents aged 15–18 years who were assigned to enhanced usual care (usual) or same‐day initiation (same day). All received counseling and clinic referral, but same‐day participants could also receive contraception in the PED. We trained PED clinicians in counseling and prescribing. Adolescents and clinicians rated feasibility using five Likert‐type items (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree) after the session. We assessed PED medication initiation and appropriateness via medical record review and contraception use and side effects at 30 days via adolescent survey. To further explore feasibility, we conducted clinician interviews at study completion; these were audio‐recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. We hypothesized contraceptive care would be feasible (defined as average score ≥ 4 across five survey items).ResultsWe enrolled 37 adolescents (12 in usual and 25 in same‐day), mean age was 16.6 years, 73% were Black, and 19% were Hispanic. We trained 27 clinicians. Average feasibility scores were 4.6 ± 0.4 (adolescents) and 4.1 ± 0.8 (clinicians). Eleven (44%) same‐day participants initiated contraception in the PED. One adolescent with migraines initially received estrogen‐containing pills; this was corrected after discharge. At 30 days, same‐day participants were more likely to report contraception use (78% vs. 13%; p = 0.007). One adolescent reported bloating as a side effect. Clinicians enjoyed delivering contraceptive care, found study resource materials useful, and identified staffing shortages as a barrier to care delivery.ConclusionsWe are among the first to report on PED‐based adolescent contraception initiation to prevent unintended pregnancy. Adolescents and clinicians reported that contraceptive care was feasible. Initiation was common and medications were largely appropriate and tolerated. Future efforts should explore integrating contraceptive care into routine PED care.
Causal inference with latent outcomes
Authors: Stoetzer Lukas F. , Zhou Xiang , Steenbergen Marco 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWhile causal inference has become front and center in empirical political science, we know little about how to analyze causality with latent outcomes, such as political values, beliefs, and attitudes. In this article, we develop a framework for defining, identifying, and estimating the causal effect of an observed treatment on a latent outcome, which we call the latent treatment effect (LTE). We describe a set of assumptions that allow us to identify the LTE and propose a hierarchical item response model to estimate it. We highlight an often overlooked exclusion restriction assumption, which states that treatment status should not affect the observed indicators other than through the latent outcome. A simulation study shows that the hierarchical approach offers unbiased estimates of the LTE under the identification and modeling assumptions, whereas conventional two‐step approaches are biased. We illustrate our proposed methodology using data from two published experimental studies.
Nutritional status and cannula infections in pediatric patients on ventricular assist device support
Authors: Dezfouly Mostafa Abbasi , Jeewa Aamir , Maurich Andrea , Honjo Osami , Pidborochynski Tara , Buchholz Holger , Conway Jennifer 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundVentricular assist devices (VADs) are used to bridge pediatric patients to heart transplantation. Paracorporeal VADs require the placement of cannulas, which can create an environment for infections. We examined cannula infections in pediatric VAD patients and the role of nutritional status.MethodsThis retrospective study (2005–2021) included patients <20 years old on VAD support using Berlin Heart EXCOR® cannulas. Cannula infections were defined by a positive culture and need for antibiotic therapy. Malnutrition was defined using the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition guidelines as well as the Michigan MTool.ResultsThere were 76 patients with a median age at implant of 0.9 years (IQR 0.4, 3.6), 50% male, with 73.7% having non‐congenital heart disease. More than one‐quarter (26.3%) of patients developed a cannula infection. Higher pre‐implant weight (OR = 1.93, p = 0.05), creatinine (OR = 1.02, p = 0.044), and pre‐albumin (OR = 15.79, p = 0.025), as well as duration of VAD support (OR = 1.01; p = 0.003) were associated with increased odds of developing a cannula infection. There was no difference in the malnutrition parameters between those with and without an infection.ConclusionsFurther exploration in a larger cohort is needed to see whether these associations remain and if the incorporation of objective measures of nutritional status at the time of infection are predictive.
Effects of the phosphodiesterase 2 inhibitor BI 474121 on central nervous system cyclic guanosine monophosphate concentrations: Translational studies
Authors: van Kraaij Sebastiaan , Goeldner Rainer‐Georg , Rosenbrock Holger , Groeneveld Geert Jan , Kremer Philip , Schaible Jennifer , Zambori Janos , Schultheis Christian 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAimsPhosphodiesterase 2 (PDE2) regulates intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate and guanosine monophosphate (cAMP/cGMP) levels, which contribute to processes crucial for learning and memory. BI 474121, a potent and selective PDE2 inhibitor, is in development for treating cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia.MethodsThe effects of BI 474121 on cGMP concentrations were first assessed in rat cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to demonstrate central nervous system (CNS) and functional target engagement. Next, a Phase I study in healthy participants assessed the pharmacokinetics of BI 474121 in CSF vs. plasma, the pharmacodynamics of BI 474121 by measuring cGMP concentrations in the CSF, and the safety of BI 474121.ResultsIn rats, BI 474121 was associated with a dose‐dependent increase (71% at the highest dose tested [3.0 mg kg−1]) in cGMP levels in the CSF relative to vehicle (P < 0.001). In healthy participants, the maximum‐measured concentration CSF‐to‐plasma ratio for BI 474121 exposure was similar following single oral doses of BI 474121 2.5, 10, 20 and 40 mg (dose‐adjusted geometric mean: 8.96% overall). BI 474121 2.5–40 mg administration in healthy participants also increased cGMP levels in CSF (maximum exposure‐related change from baseline ratio, BI 474121: 1.44–2.20 vs. placebo: 1.26). The most common treatment‐emergent adverse event (AE) was mild‐to‐moderate post‐lumbar puncture syndrome, which resolved with standard treatment. No AEs of special interest were observed.ConclusionsBI 474121 crosses the blood–brain barrier to inhibit PDE2, supporting cGMP as a translational marker to monitor CNS target engagement. These findings promote further clinical development of BI 474121.ClinicalTrials.gov number (NCT04672954).
Association of 3'UTR variations of EGFR and KRAS oncogenes with clinical parameters in lung cancer tumours
Authors: Bagci Ozkan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBacground InformationLung cancer is one of the leading types of cancer deaths worldwide, with approximately 2 million people diagnosed with lung cancer each year. In this study, we aimed to determine the exonic and 3′UTR sequences of EGFR, PIK3CA and KRAS genes in 39 sporadic lung cancer tumors and to reveal the changes in the miRNA binding profile of tumors with somatic variation in the 3'UTR region and to examine the relationship of these changes with clinical parameters.ResultsA statistically significant correlation was found between the presence of miRNA that could not bind to the 3′UTR region due to variation in at least one of the EGFR or KRAS genes and the presence of metastasis in the tumor. At the same time, Kaplan‐Meier analysis between those with and without alterations in the miRNA profile due to somatic variation in the 3′UTR region showed that survival was lower in those with miRNA alterations and this was statistically significant.ConclusionsIn our study, it was shown that variations in the 3′UTR regions of EGFR and KRAS oncogenes may cause increased expression of these oncogenes by preventing the binding of miRNAs, and it was suggested that this may be related to metastasis, survival and drug resistance mechanism.SignificanceIn this study, we show that hsa‐miR‐124‐3p, hsa‐miR‐506‐3p, hsa‐miR‐1290 and hsa‐miR‐6514‐3p are particularly prominent in lung carcinoma in relation to these biological pathways and the roles that variations in the 3′UTR regions of oncogenes may play in the carcinogenesis process.
Unravelling the metabolic landscape of cutaneous melanoma: Insights from single‐cell sequencing analysis and machine learning for prognostic assessment of lactate metabolism
Authors: Xie Jiaheng , Zhang Pengpeng , Ma Chenfeng , Tang Qikai , Zhou Xinxin , Xu Xiaolong , Zhang Min , Zhao Songyun , Zhou Liping , Qi Min 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis manuscript presents a comprehensive investigation into the role of lactate metabolism‐related genes as potential prognostic markers in skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM). Bulk‐transcriptome data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and GSE19234, GSE22153, and GSE65904 cohorts from GEO database were processed and harmonized to mitigate batch effects. Lactate metabolism scores were assigned to individual cells using the ‘AUCell’ package. Weighted Co‐expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was employed to identify gene modules correlated with lactate metabolism. Machine learning algorithms were applied to construct a prognostic model, and its performance was evaluated in multiple cohorts. Immune correlation, mutation analysis, and enrichment analysis were conducted to further characterize the prognostic model's biological implications. Finally, the function of key gene NDUFS7 was verified by cell experiments. Machine learning resulted in an optimal prognostic model, demonstrating significant prognostic value across various cohorts. In the different cohorts, the high‐risk group showed a poor prognosis. Immune analysis indicated differences in immune cell infiltration and checkpoint gene expression between risk groups. Mutation analysis identified genes with high mutation loads in SKCM. Enrichment analysis unveiled enriched pathways and biological processes in high‐risk SKCM patients. NDUFS7 was found to be a hub gene in the protein–protein interaction network. After the expression of NDUFS7 was reduced by siRNA knockdown, CCK‐8, colony formation, transwell and wound healing tests showed that the activity, proliferation and migration of A375 and WM115 cell lines were significantly decreased. This study offers insights into the prognostic significance of lactate metabolism‐related genes in SKCM.
Dealing with couple infidelity in romantic relationships: A group intervention feasibility study
Authors: Ripoll‐Núñez Karen , Gordon Kristina Coop 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe extent to which group therapy benefits individuals who have experienced couple infidelity remains unexamined. In this study, a brief group intervention for individuals who experienced couple infidelity was designed, and the feasibility of the intervention was evaluated (i.e., acceptability; implementation; measurements’ performance and, limited‐efficacy testing). The final sample was composed of 20 women and 4 men (M = 29.95 years, SD = 12.3). Twenty‐four completed pre and post assessments and 20 of these completed the follow‐up assessment. At pre, post, and follow‐up, participants responded to a questionnaire packet that included measures of depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms, relationship self‐efficacy, centrality of event, cognitive fusion, and decision to forgive. Also, follow‐up interviews were conducted. The closed group intervention consisted of eight 90‐min weekly sessions. The group therapy process component was based on solution‐focused therapy. Psychoeducation component included mindfulness, reflection on personal values, factors that contribute to infidelity, and forgiveness. Session rating scores indicated an overall high acceptance of the intervention, its contents, and goals. Interview reports showed that dealing with thoughts and emotions, understanding infidelity, and forgiveness were the most helpful contents. Group support and processes were also positively valued. Repeated‐measures MANOVA results indicated statistically significant decrease in symptoms, cognitive fusion, and importance of the event, as well as an increase in self‐efficacy. Measurement instruments showed adequate reliability. These results indicate that a group treatment may be an alternative format to help individuals deal with psychological consequences of couple infidelity, when couple therapy is not possible.
Diagnostic guide for immune checkpoint inhibitor‐induced liver injury
Authors: Ito Takanori , Takeuchi Yasuto , Mizuno Kazuyuki , Imai Michitaka , Yoshimaru Yoko , Abe Kazumichi , Abe Masanori , Matsuura Takanori , Yokode Masataka , Shiokawa Masahiro , Kodama Yuzo , Komuta Mina , Harada Kenichi , Tanaka Atsushi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWith the widespread use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), liver injury (ICI‐induced liver injury) as an immune‐related adverse event has become a major concern in clinical practice. Because severe cases of liver injury require administration of corticosteroids, a comprehensive evaluation is crucial, including clinical course, blood and imaging tests, and if necessary, pathological examination through liver biopsy. As with liver injury induced by other drugs, classification of injury type by R‐value is useful in deciding treatment strategies for ICI‐induced liver injury. Histologically, the most representative feature is an acute hepatitis‐like hepatocellular injury, characterized by diffuse lobular inflammation accompanied by CD8‐positive T lymphocytes. Another condition that can cause liver injury during ICI treatment is cholangitis accompanied by non‐obstructive bile duct dilatation and bile duct wall thickening. Many cases of ICI‐induced cholangitis are classified as non‐hepatocellular injury type, and they have been reported to respond poorly to corticosteroids. It is essential that gastroenterologists/hepatologists and doctors in various departments work in cooperation to develop a system that achieves early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of ICI‐induced liver injury.
Mindfulness‐based intervention as a symptom management strategy in patients with end‐stage renal disease: A controlled clinical trial
Authors: Alhawatmeh Hossam , Najadat Ishraq A. , Hweidi Issa M. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAimThe study's purpose was to examine the effect of mindfulness‐based intervention (MBI) on physical and psychological symptoms in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) in Jordan.MethodsA repeated‐measure randomized control study was conducted in a haemodialysis unit in Jordan between April 2023 and July 2023. Participants (N = 61) were selected using convenience sampling and then randomly assigned into experimental and control groups. The experimental group performed 30‐min MBI, three times a week for 8 weeks during haemodialysis sessions. The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale‐21 and the Patient Health Questionnaire‐15 were used to measure the outcomes at baseline, after 5 weeks of the intervention and at the end of the intervention.ResultsMixed‐model repeated‐measure ANOVAs revealed that the experimental group showed significantly lower levels of stress, depression and physical symptoms than the control group over time. Within‐subject repeated‐measure ANOVAs revealed that, in the experimental group, physical symptoms improve significantly over the three points of time. However, significant reductions in psychological symptoms occurred 5 weeks after initiating the intervention, but there was no further significant improvement at the end of the intervention.ConclusionThe study supports the integration of MBI as a symptom management strategy into nursing care plans of patients with ESRD.Trial RegistrationClinical trial.gov; registration ID: NCT06064708.
Anti‐aging trends in Australia
Authors: Yip Leona 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAnti‐aging trends in Australia have changed considerably since the country emerged from the lockdowns associated with the SARS‐Cov2 pandemic. People now rely on social media influencers for skin care advice and skin care products, including professional skin care treatments that can be purchased on Internet platforms. The quest for the perfect ‘zoom face’ led to a 300% rise in cosmetic procedures across Australia in the year to April 2021. People now want to use less products on their skin, while looking healthy and natural (termed ‘skin minimalism’). The popularity of retinoid derivatives for preventing wrinkles has been superseded by non‐irritating actives like hyaluronic acid (HA) and niacinamide that provide skin barrier protection, skin hydration, plumping and anti‐inflammatory effects. Botulinum toxin injections remain the most popular non‐surgical cosmetic procedure, followed by HA fillers, and biostimulators that promote the synthesis of collagen and give longer lasting but more gradual results than HA fillers. Laser resurfacing is widely used for epidermal resurfacing and skin tightening, as well as non‐ablative lasers, intense pulsed light and radiofrequency or ultrasound skin tightening devices. Superficial chemical peels are still popular because they are relatively gentle, inexpensive, and require no downtime, whereas medium‐to‐deep chemical peels have largely been superseded by laser technology. However, the most efficient approach to prevent skin aging is adopting a healthy lifestyle and taking action against all factors of the skin aging exposome.
Asset versus equity acquisitions by financial institutions
Authors: Brodmann Jennifer , Danso Charles Armah , Jory Surendranath Rakesh , Ngo Thanh 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWe examine the impact of asset versus equity acquisitions in generating firm value for financial institutions. We find that acquirers experience statistically and economically significantly higher cumulative abnormal returns in asset acquisitions compared to equity acquisitions. We analyze the announcement‐period returns and find that investors' reaction to asset acquisitions by financial institutions is met more favorably than are equity acquisitions. When employing the difference‐in‐differences approach, we find that asset acquisitions entail improved operating performance.