bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combination of low- or moderate-intensity statin and ezetimibe vs. high-intensity statin monotherapy on primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and all-cause death: a propensity-matched nationwide cohort study
Authors: Jun Ji Eun , Jeong In-Kyung , Ahn Kyu Jeong , Chung Ho Yeon , Hwang You-Cheol 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Aims
This study aims to compare the preventive effect of low- or moderate-statin with ezetimibe combination therapy and high-intensity statin monotherapy on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause death in a real-world setting.

Methods and results
Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service datasets, two cohorts comparing high-intensity statin monotherapy with low- or moderate-intensity statin and ezetimibe combination were constructed by 1:1 propensity score matching procedure. Primary outcome was a composite of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and all-cause death. Secondary outcome was an individual event. The study population was followed from baseline until the date of events, or the last health check-ups, whichever came first. Compared to high-intensity statin monotherapy, moderate-intensity statin with ezetimibe combination significantly reduced the risk of composite outcome [hazard ratio (HR) 0.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.77–0.92, P &lt; 0.001] as well as individual MI (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.71–0.94, P = 0.005) and stroke (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.65–0.93, P = 0.005), but not all-cause death. Low-intensity statin with ezetimibe also significantly reduced the risk of the composite outcomes (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.66–0.97, P = 0.024) compared to high-intensity statin monotherapy, but the risk of individual outcome did not differ between two groups. Statin and ezetimibe combination demonstrated consistent effect across various subgroups.

Conclusion
Among people without pre-existing CVD, moderate-intensity statin with ezetimibe combination was superior to high-intensity statin monotherapy in preventing composite outcomes as well as each of MI and stroke. In contrast, low-intensity statin with ezetimibe combination reduced the risk of composite but not individual outcomes.
Where do the antibiotic resistance genes come from? A modulated analysis of sources and loads of resistances in Lake Maggiore
Authors: Di Cesare Andrea , Mammola Stefano , Sabatino Raffaella , Fontaneto Diego , Eckert Ester M , Rogora Michela , Tonsi Tiziana , Corno Gianluca 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are abundant in aquatic ecosystems affected by human activities. Understanding the fate of ARGs across different ecosystems is essential because of the significant role aquatic environments play in the cycle of antibiotic resistance. We quantified selected ARGs in Lake Maggiore, its main tributaries, and the effluent of the main wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) discharging directly into the lake. We linked their dynamics to the different anthropogenic impacts in each tributary's watershed. The dynamics of tetA in the lake were influenced by those of the rivers and the WWTP effluent, and by the concentration of N-NH4, related to anthropogenic pollution, while sul2 abundance in the lake was not influenced by any water inflow. The dynamics of the different ARGs varied across the different rivers. Rivers with watersheds characterized by high population density, touristic activities, and secondary industries released more ARGs, while ermB correlated with higher numbers of primary industries. This study suggests a limited contribution of treated wastewater in the spread of ARGs, indicating as prevalent origin other sources of pollution, calling for a reconsideration on what are considered the major sources of ARGs into the environment.
Variable Responses of Plant Water Use to Soil Water Availability in Robinia Pseudoacacia under Prolonged Drought
Authors: Wu Xiaofei , Zhang Zhongdian , Huang Mingbin , Yang Fan , Yan Xiaoying , Guo Tianqi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Large-scale afforestation on the Loess Plateau has been subjected to more frequent and severe drought due to climate change. However, there is a lack of definite evidence elucidating the adjustments in water supply-demand relationships under prolonged drought. In this study, we investigated the responses of plant characteristics related to plant water supply and demand in 2-year-old Robinia pseudoacacia seedlings to soil water availability (SWA). We systemically analyzed the acclimation of plant water use to prolonged drought. A logistic function was used to fit relationships between normalized net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), stomatal conductance (Gs), soil-root hydraulic conductance (Ksr), root-leaf hydraulic conductance (Krl), and whole plant hydraulic conductance (Kplant) with SWA. The results revealed significant difference in responses of these parameters to SWA (p &lt; .001). The sensitivities of Pn, Tr, and Gs to drought increased from 60-day to 120-day drought, contributing to reduce water consumption. Meanwhile, the relative stable sensitivities of hydraulic conductance (Ksr, Ksr, and Kplant) promoted a consistent water supply at different ecological levels. Additionally, coordination between Gs with hydraulic conductance helped maintain normal physiological activities under drought. These findings enhance our understanding of adjustments in plant water use in response to prolonged drought in Robinia pseudoacacia.
Study Implications: Our findings have implications for better understanding the acclimation of Robinia pseudoacacia to prolonged drought. First, our results suggest decreased water demand (water consumption) by Robinia pseudoacacia under prolonged drought because the sensitivities of net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), and stomatal conductance (Gs) to drought increased from 60-day to 120-day drought treatments. Second, our study indicates a relative stable water supply (soil-root, root-leaf, and whole plant hydraulic conductance; Ksr, Krl, and Kplant) of Robinia pseudoacacia at different ecological levels under prolonged drought. Finally, our research has implications for the coordination of stomatal and hydraulic regulation.
Can Retrospective Reports Provide Accurate Job History Information? A Comparison With Concurrent Reports in a National Prospective Study of Older Adults
Authors: Sonnega Amanda , Al-Hinai Maymona , Chen Qize , Helppie-McFall Brooke , Smith Jacqui 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
The growing interest in the impact of lifetime occupational exposures on later-life health underscores the need to expand and evaluate the quality of data resources. The present study took advantage of a retrospective life history survey fielded within the context of the Health and Retirement Study to assess the accuracy of retrospectively obtained information on job history. We evaluated hypotheses related to job history and respondent characteristics to understand more about factors associated with recall accuracy.

Research Design and Methods
We used data from the Life History Mail Survey (LHMS), a self-administered survey conducted in 2015 and 2017. We compared the match rate of work status collected in the LHMS questionnaire with data collected concurrently during HRS core face-to-face or phone interviews from 1992 through 2016 with respect to jobs held at the time of the interview. We also conducted a limited set of comparisons of occupation and industry match.

Results
The sample was 61.79% women, 82.12% White, and 8.57% Hispanic with a mean age of 74.70 years. The overall work status match rate was 83%. Jobs held longer ago were recalled with less accuracy. Jobs held for longer durations and that were full-time rather than part-time were recalled with greater accuracy. More complex job histories that involved a larger number of jobs were also associated with a lower match rate. Higher levels of conscientiousness and cognitive functioning were both associated with a higher match between the two sources of work status information. The occupation match rate was 69%, and the industry match rate was 77%.

Discussion and Implications
A self-administered, paper-and-pencil questionnaire attempting to measure decades-long histories of autobiographically important dimensions of life can provide reasonably accurate historical employment information. Several factors are likely to influence the relative accuracy of recalled information.
Chemo-enzymatic synthesis of tetrasaccharide linker peptides to study the divergent step in glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis
Authors: Bourgeais Marie , Fouladkar Farah , Weber Margot , Boeri-Erba Elisabetta , Wild Rebekka 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Glycosaminoglycans are extended linear polysaccharides present on cell surfaces and within the extracellular matrix that play crucial roles in various biological processes. Two prominent glycosaminoglycans, heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate, are covalently linked to proteoglycan core proteins through a common tetrasaccharide linker comprising glucuronic acid, galactose, galactose, and xylose moities. This tetrasaccharide linker is meticulously assembled step by step by four Golgi-localized glycosyltransferases. The addition of the fifth sugar moiety, either N-acetylglucosamine or N-acetylgalactosamine, initiates further chain elongation, resulting in the formation of heparan sulfate or chondroitin sulfate, respectively. Despite the fundamental significance of this step in glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis, its regulatory mechanisms have remained elusive. In this study, we detail the expression and purification of the four linker-synthesizing glycosyltransferases and their utilization in the production of fluorescent peptides carrying the native tetrasaccharide linker. We generated five tetrasaccharide peptides, mimicking the core proteins of either heparan sulfate or chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans. These peptides were readily accepted as substrates by the EXTL3 enzyme, which adds an N-acetylglucosamine moiety, thereby initiating heparan sulfate biosynthesis. Importantly, EXTL3 showed a preference towards peptides mimicking the core proteins of heparan sulfate proteoglycans over the ones from chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans. This suggests that EXTL3 could play a role in the decision-making step during glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis. The innovative strategy for chemo-enzymatic synthesis of fluorescent-labeled linker-peptides promises to be instrumental in advancing future investigations into the initial steps and the divergent step of glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis.
Evaluating the persuasiveness of messages promoting mobile mammography among uninsured women
Authors: Kemp Deena , Jacobs Elizabeth A , Kvale Elizabeth , Shokar Navkiran K , Sebastian Katherine , Benzer Justin K , Woods Bennett Joy Melody 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Mobile mammography units (MMUs) can enhance access to breast cancer screening by providing convenient, cost-effective service, particularly for uninsured and underinsured women. However, prior studies indicate that acceptability concerns about quality and privacy, among other issues, may prevent women from utilizing MMUs. The current study employs a within-participant experimental design exposing participants to messages about different MMU characteristics to determine which characteristics are most effective in persuading them to use an MMU. The study also examined how messaging interacts with participants’ ethnic identity to influence outcomes. Data were collected from a diverse sample of uninsured and underinsured women as part of a formative study to promote the utilization of a mobile mammography facility in Central Texas. Results of mixed-effect linear models show that messages about equity, appointment convenience, privacy and comfort, and quality of equipment and staff were rated as more persuasive than messages about convenience of location and language accessibility. However, Hispanic women rated language accessibility higher than other participants did. The results can guide MMU organizers and promotion managers as they determine the best approach to promote mobile mammography services in different communities.
The inadequacies of estimating silver eel escapement by studying yellow eels caught in the coastal sea far away from the river mouth. A comment on Rohtla et al. (2021)
Authors: Tuvikene Arvo , Bernotas Priit , Kärgenberg Einar , Tambets Meelis 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
For the conservation and management of the critically endangered European eel, it is crucial to maintain an overview on the biomass of the eels moving from freshwater feeding areas to the sea for spawning. Rohtla et al. suggested an assessment of the escapement of eels from the Narva River to the Baltic Sea based on their study of origin of yellow eels from Estonian coastal areas and eels from Finnish coastal areas. Silver eels from the Estonian coast have not been included in the study. The number of descending eels in the Narva River has not been investigated. The sampling areas in the sea were located far from the river mouth, ranging from 100 to 500 km away. The article does not include an analysis of how to calculate the number of eels descending from the river based on the samples used. Thus, estimates can be significantly biased. We demonstrate that the approach used to estimate escapement is methodologically incorrect and needs further development before applying in eel management. This comment recommends methodological improvements for estimating eel escapement using the indirect method.
Cocycle Twisting of Semidirect Products and Transmutation
Authors: Habbestad Erik , Neshveyev Sergey 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
We apply Majid’s transmutation procedure to Hopf algebra maps $H \to {{\mathbb {C}}}[T]$, where $T$ is a compact abelian group, and explain how this construction gives rise to braided Hopf algebras over quotients of $T$ by subgroups that are cocentral in $H$. This allows us to unify and generalize a number of recent constructions of braided compact quantum groups, starting from the braided $SU_{q}(2)$ quantum group, and describe their bosonizations.
Winding Number, Density of States, and Acceleration
Authors: Wang Xueyin , Wang Zhenfu , You Jiangong , Zhou Qi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWinding number and density of states are two fundamental physical quantities for non-self-adjoint quasi-periodic Schrödinger operators, which reflect the asymptotic distribution of zeros of the characteristic determinants of the truncated operators under Dirichlet boundary condition, with respect to complexified phase and the energy, respectively. We will prove that the winding number is in fact Avila’s acceleration, it is also closely related to the density of states by a generalized Thouless formula for non-self-adjoint Schrödinger operators and Avila’s global theory.Communicating Editor: Prof Svetlana Jitomirskaya
Anti–SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Levels Associated With COVID-19 Protection in Outpatients Tested for SARS-CoV-2, US Flu Vaccine Effectiveness Network, October 2021–June 2022
Authors: Sumner Kelsey M , Yadav Ruchi , Noble Emma K , Sandford Ryan , Joshi Devyani , Tartof Sara Y , Wernli Karen J , Martin Emily T , Gaglani Manjusha , Zimmerman Richard K , Talbot H Keipp , Grijalva Carlos G , Belongia Edward A , Chung Jessie R , Rogier Eric , Coughlin Melissa M , Flannery Brendan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
We assessed associations between binding antibody (bAb) concentration &lt;5 days from symptom onset and testing positive for COVID-19 among patients in a test-negative study.

Methods
From October 2021 to June 2022, study sites in 7 states enrolled patients aged ≥6 months presenting with acute respiratory illness. Respiratory specimens were tested for SARS-CoV-2. In blood specimens, we measured concentrations of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies against the spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) and nucleocapsid antigens from the ancestral strain in standardized bAb units (BAU). Percentage change in odds of COVID-19 by increasing anti-RBD bAb was estimated via logistic regression as (1 – adjusted odds ratio of COVID-19) × 100, adjusting for COVID-19 mRNA vaccine doses, age, site, and high-risk exposure.

Results
Out of 2018 symptomatic patients, 662 (33%) tested positive for acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Geometric mean RBD bAb levels were lower among COVID-19 cases than SARS-CoV-2 test-negative controls during the Delta-predominant period (112 vs 498 BAU/mL) and Omicron-predominant period (823 vs 1189 BAU/mL). Acute-phase ancestral spike RBD bAb levels associated with 50% lower odds of COVID-19 were 1968 BAU/mL against Delta and 3375 BAU/mL against Omicron; thresholds may differ in other laboratories.

Conclusions
During acute illness, antibody concentrations against ancestral spike RBD were associated with protection against COVID-19.
Interferon-γ Responses to Chlamydia trachomatis Vaccine Candidate Proteins in Women With Different Chlamydia Outcomes
Authors: Dziadula Jacob , Sabbaj Steffanie , Gupta Kanupriya , Cutter Gary , Yu Hong , Brunham Robert C , Geisler William M 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Chlamydia trachomatis testing and treatment strategies have not decreased infection rates, justifying need for a chlamydia vaccine. A murine study showed that a vaccine consisting of major outer membrane protein (MOMP) and polymorphic membrane proteins (Pmps) E, F, G, and H elicited protective immunity; studies on human cellular immune responses to Pmps are sparse.

Methods
Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) responses to these 5 proteins were measured by ELISPOT in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from women returning for treatment of a positive chlamydia test. Responses were compared in those with spontaneous chlamydia clearance versus persisting infection at baseline and no reinfection versus reinfection at a 3-month follow-up visit.

Results
IFN-γ response to 1 or more proteins was detected in 39% at baseline and 51.5% at follow-up, most often to PmpE and MOMP. IFN-γ responses to MOMP were detected less often at follow-up versus baseline in women with reinfection, but were maintained in those without reinfection. Women with spontaneous clearance had a higher magnitude of IFN-γ response to PmpE and MOMP.

Conclusions
IFN-γ responses to these 5 C. trachomatis vaccine candidate proteins were heterogenous and primarily directed against MOMP and PmpE. Spontaneous chlamydia clearance and absence of reinfection may be clinical correlates of protection.
Reducing Barriers and Strategies to Improve Appropriate Screening Mammogram Attendance in Women 75 Years and Older
Authors: Constantinou Niki , Marshall Colin , Marshall Holly 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Although breast cancer death rates have persistently declined over the last 3 decades, older women have not experienced the same degree in mortality reduction as younger women despite having more favorable breast cancer phenotypes. This occurrence can be partially attributed to less robust mammographic screening in older women, the propensity to undertreat with advancing age, and the presence of underlying comorbidities. With recent revisions to breast cancer screening guidelines, there has been a constructive shift toward more agreement in the need for routine mammographic screening to commence at age 40. Unfortunately, this shift in agreement has not occurred for cutoff guidelines, wherein the recommendations are blurred and open to interpretation. With increasing life expectancy and an aging population who is healthier now than any other time in history, it is important to revisit mammographic screening with advanced age and understand why older women who should undergo screening are not being screened as well as offer suggestions on how to improve screening mammogram attendance in this population.
Second trimester broad ligament ectopic pregnancy: a case report
Authors: Lugata John , Mrosso Onesmo , Mwidibo Yusuph , Batchu Nasra , Mchome Bariki , Mbise Fredrick B 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg is implanted and develops outside the endometrium, i.e. in the fallopian tubes, cervix, ovary, or abdomen. It commonly presents with a history of amenorrhoea, lower abdominal pain, and slight vaginal bleeding. The fallopian tube is the most typical location for ectopic pregnancy. Two percent of reported pregnancies are ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy remains a public health threat for women in reproductive age, and a major cause of maternal mortalities in the first trimester. In East Africa, these reports are limited, despite a great need for documentation addressing key considerations for diagnosis and management of ectopic pregnancy in these resource limited settings. In this case study, we report on 26-years-old female Gravida 5 Para 4 Living 4, who reported history of amenorrhoea for 3 months complaining of slight per vagina bleeding and lower abdominal pain for 5 days more marked at left iliac region along with generalized weakness for 2 weeks. Her vitals were stable. Pelvic ultrasound revealed empty uterus and live fetus at the left adnexa corresponding to 14 weeks 6 days with minimal free fluid in the Douglas Cul-de-sac. The patient’s final diagnosis was live extra-uterine pregnancy at 14 weeks 6 days that was managed by emergency laparotomy with salpingectomy. The patient recovered completely after surgery and was discharged in a stable condition. Ectopic pregnancy still remains one of the major causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and referral in hemodynamically state along with use of minimal access surgery or management can change the scenario of ectopic pregnancy in the developing world. Late attendance to first visit clinics is still a major concern in low resource limited settings as this could have been picked early and intervened.
Key message: Management of broad ligament ectopic pregnancy in the second trimester is still challenging especially in low resource settings where the clients do not attend clinics and because of unavailability of ultrasound machines to diagnose it.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma relapse as Burkitt lymphoma leading to ileocecal intussusception in an adult patient—a case report
Authors: Murshid Mohsin Yahya , Nawawi Anfal , Jan Ahmad , Abu Shakra Rafat I 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Burkitt Lymphoma, an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, is a rare cause of ileocolic intussusception in adult patients. We present the case of a 17-year-old male patient, with a history of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in childhood, presenting with acute abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. CT and colonoscopy findings revealed ileocolic intussusception with a large ileocecal mass, leading to a diagnosis of Burkitt Lymphoma after histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. This case highlights the rarity of Burkitt Lymphoma causing intussusception in adults, a condition more commonly seen in children. The case also underscores the importance of considering Burkitt Lymphoma in patients with a history of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma presenting with acute abdominal symptoms. He was successfully treated with surgery without any complications. On follow-ups, he is doing well.