bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and characteristics of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli in clinically healthy pigs: implications for antibiotic resistance spread in livestock
Authors: Oliveira Rúzivia Pimentel , da Silva Juliana Soares , da Silva Giarlã Cunha , Rosa Jéssica Nogueira , Bazzolli Denise Mara Soares , Mantovani Hilario C 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Aim
This study aimed to compare and characterize the resistance profile and the presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) related genes in Escherichia coli isolated from healthy finishing pigs fed with or without antibiotics in their diets.

Methods and results
A total of 27 ceftiofur-resistant E. coli isolates were obtained from 96 healthy pigs. The antibiotic resistance profile was tested, and all 27 isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR). A high proportion of isolates were resistant to cephalosporins, ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, and tetracyclines. The ESBL production was observed in 85% of isolates by double-disc synergy test. The MDR-E. coli isolates harbored ESBL genes, such as blaTEM, blaCTX-M-1, blaCTX-M-2, and blaCTX-M-8,25. In addition, other antibiotics resistance genes (ARGs) were also detected, such as sul2, ant(3″)-I, tetA, and mcr-1. The mobilization of the blaCTX-M gene was confirmed for nine E. coli isolates by conjugation assays. The presence of blaCTX-M on mobile genetic elements in these isolates was demonstrated by Southern blot hybridization, and the resistance to cephalosporins was confirmed in the transconjugants. Our results indicate the prevalence of CTX-M-producing E. coli strains harboring mobile genetic elements in the normal microbiota of healthy pigs.

Conclusions
These findings highlight the significance of ESBL genes as a global health concern in livestock and the potential spread of antimicrobial resistance to other members of the gastrointestinal tract microbiota.
Skeletal fluorosis secondary to methoxyflurane use for chronic pain
Authors: Park Yeung-Ae , Plehwe Walter E , Varatharajah Kapilan , Hale Sophie , Christie Michael , Yates Christopher J 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Skeletal fluorosis is rare and occurs secondary to chronic high amounts of fluoride consumption, manifesting as diffuse osteosclerosis, skeletal pain, connective tissue calcification, and increased fracture risk. Methoxyflurane is a volatile, fluorinated hydrocarbon-inhaled analgesic, and the maximum recommended dose is 15 mL (99.9 % w/w) per wk. A rodent study found increased skeletal fluoride after methoxyflurane exposure. However, skeletal fluorosis secondary to methoxyflurane use in humans has rarely been reported. We present the case of a 47-yr-old female with diffuse osteosclerosis secondary to fluorosis from methoxyflurane use for chronic pain, presenting with 3 yr of generalized bony pain and multiple fragility fractures. Lumbar spine BMD was elevated. CT and radiographs demonstrated new-onset marked diffuse osteosclerosis, with calcification of interosseous membranes and ligaments, and a bone scan demonstrated a grossly increased uptake throughout the skeleton. Biochemistry revealed an elevated alkaline phosphatase and bone turnover markers, mild secondary hyperparathyroidism with vitamin D deficiency, and mild renal impairment. Zoledronic acid, prescribed for presumed Paget’s disease, severely exacerbated bony pain. Urinary fluoride was elevated (7.3 mg/L; reference range &lt; 3.0 mg/L) and the patient revealed using methoxyflurane 9 mL per wk for 8 yr for chronic pain. A decalcified bone biopsy revealed haphazardly arranged cement lines and osteocytes lacunae and canaliculi, which was consistent with an osteosclerotic process. Focal subtle basophilic stippling around osteocyte lacunae was suggestive of fluorosis. Although fluorosis is not a histological diagnosis, the presence of compatible histology features was supportive of the diagnosis in this case with clinical–radiological–pathological correlation. Skeletal fluorosis should be considered as a cause of acquired diffuse osteosclerosis. Methoxyflurane should not be recommended for chronic pain. The risk of repeated low-dose exposure to fluoride from methoxyflurane use as analgesia may be greater than expected, and the maximum recommended dose for methoxyflurane may require re-evaluation to minimize skeletal complications.

Abbreviated abstract
Skeletal fluorosis is rare and occurs secondary to chronic high amounts of fluoride consumption, manifesting as diffuse osteosclerosis, skeletal pain, connective tissue calcification, and increased fracture risk. We present the case of a 47-yr-old female with skeletal fluorosis secondary to long-term methoxyflurane for chronic pain. The risk of repeated low-dose exposure to fluoride from methoxyflurane use for analgesia may be greater than expected, and the maximum recommended dose for methoxyflurane may require re-evaluation to minimize skeletal complications.
Germline ecology: Managed herds, tolerated flocks, and pest control
Authors: Haig David 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Multicopy sequences evolve adaptations for increasing their copy number within nuclei. The activities of multicopy sequences under constraints imposed by cellular and organismal selection result in a rich intranuclear ecology in germline cells. Mitochondrial and ribosomal DNA are managed as domestic herds subject to selective breeding by the genes of the single-copy genome. Transposable elements lead a peripatetic existence in which they must continually move to new sites to keep ahead of inactivating mutations at old sites and undergo exponential outbreaks when the production of new copies exceeds the rate of inactivation of old copies. Centromeres become populated by repeats that do little harm. Organisms with late sequestration of germ cells tend to evolve more “junk” in their genomes than organisms with early sequestration of germ cells.
Spatial intratumor heterogeneity of programmed death-ligand 1 expression predicts poor prognosis in resected non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Nagasaki Yusuke , Taki Tetsuro , Nomura Kotaro , Tane Kenta , Miyoshi Tomohiro , Samejima Joji , Aokage Keiju , Ohtani-Kim Seiyu Jeong-Yoo , Kojima Motohiro , Sakashita Shingo , Sakamoto Naoya , Ishikawa Shumpei , Suzuki Kenji , Tsuboi Masahiro , Ishii Genichiro 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
We quantified the pathological spatial intratumor heterogeneity of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and investigated its relevance to patient outcomes in surgically resected non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).

Methods
This study enrolled 239 consecutive surgically resected NSCLC specimens of pathological stage IIA-IIIB. To characterize the spatial intratumor heterogeneity of PD-L1 expression in NSCLC tissues, we developed a mathematical model based on texture image analysis and determined the spatial heterogeneity index of PD-L1 for each tumor. The correlation between the spatial heterogeneity index of PD-L1 values and clinicopathological characteristics, including prognosis, was analyzed. Furthermore, an independent cohort of 70 cases was analyzed for model validation.

Results
Clinicopathological analysis showed correlations between high spatial heterogeneity index of PD-L1 values and histological subtype (squamous cell carcinoma; P &lt; .001) and vascular invasion (P = .004). Survival analysis revealed that patients with high spatial heterogeneity index of PD-L1 values presented a significantly worse recurrence-free rate than those with low spatial heterogeneity index of PD-L1 values (5-year recurrence-free survival [RFS] = 26.3% vs 47.1%, P &lt; .005). The impact of spatial heterogeneity index of PD-L1 on cancer survival rates was verified through validation in an independent cohort. Additionally, high spatial heterogeneity index of PD-L1 values were associated with tumor recurrence in squamous cell carcinoma (5-year RFS = 29.2% vs 52.8%, P &lt; .05) and adenocarcinoma (5-year RFS = 19.6% vs 43.0%, P &lt; .01). Moreover, we demonstrated that a high spatial heterogeneity index of PD-L1 value was an independent risk factor for tumor recurrence.

Conclusions
We presented an image analysis model to quantify the spatial intratumor heterogeneity of protein expression in tumor tissues. This model demonstrated that the spatial intratumor heterogeneity of PD-L1 expression in surgically resected NSCLC predicts poor patient outcomes.
The unique risk factor profile of triple-negative breast cancer: a comprehensive meta-analysis
Authors: Kumar Nitya , Ehsan Sarah , Banerjee Shahana , Fernandez Perez Claudia , Lhuilier Isabelle , Neuner Jillian , Friebel-Klingner Tara , Fayanju Oluwadamilola M , Nair Bindhu , Niinuma Sara Anjum , Nampoothiri Shivangi , McCarthy Anne Marie 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a poor prognosis compared with other breast cancer subtypes. This systematic review and meta-analysis examines whether known risk factors for breast cancer are also associated with TNBC in adult women.

Methods
EMBASE, Medline, SCOPUS, and gray literature were queried with no limit on the date or language of publication. The exposures of interest included parity, breastfeeding, duration of breastfeeding, age at menarche, age at first live birth, oral contraceptive (OC) use, duration of OC use, use of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), family history, body mass index (BMI), alcohol use, smoking, and breast density. The main outcome of interest was TNBC. Study quality was determined using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for case control studies and cohort studies. We estimated weighted odds ratios from random effects models to study the exposure–outcome associations. Protocol was registered under the number: PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021254594.

Results
Thirty-three studies were included. Family history, longer duration of OC use, and higher breast density were significantly associated with increased risk for TNBC, whereas later age at menarche, later age at first birth, and breastfeeding were protective against TNBC. Parity, MHT, alcohol, smoking, and BMI were not significantly associated with TNBC overall, but higher parity was associated with higher risk among Black women.

Conclusion
Our findings highlight that TNBC has a distinct risk factor profile compared with overall breast cancer. This can be the foundational work in identification of actionable TNBC risk factors to improve prevention and early detection of these poor prognosis breast tumors.
Psychosocial characteristics of workers with irritable bowel syndrome and its relationship with abdominal symptoms and work productivity
Authors: Sugaya Nagisa , Izawa Shuhei , Sasaki Takeshi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objectives:
This study aimed to validate the psychosocial characteristics and work-related challenges faced by workers exhibiting symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and to clarify the factors that exacerbate abdominal symptoms or hinder work productivity by focusing on IBS-related cognitive-behavioral factors and job-related stressors.

Methods:
An online survey was conducted from October 5 to October 20, 2023, among workers in Japan aged 20-49 years with more than 30 hours of work per week, excluding managers and the self-employed. The data were obtained from 1062 participants (including 551 women and 329 individuals with IBS).

Results:
The levels of depression in the IBS group were significantly higher than those in the Non-IBS group (P &lt; .05). Cognitive-behavioral variables associated with abdominal symptoms were positively correlated with work productivity (r = 0.367-0.483, P &lt; .001). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis with IBS symptoms and work productivity as dependent variables revealed a significant effect of the interaction between maladaptive cognition related to abdominal symptoms and job control on IBS symptoms (β = −.164, P = .002). The association between maladaptive cognition and IBS symptoms was more pronounced when job control was lower. Additionally, IBS symptoms (β = .130-.214, P &lt; .05), maladaptive cognition (β = .196-.233, P &lt; .01), and job overload (β = .106-.108, P &lt; .05) significantly influenced work productivity.

Conclusions:
Maladaptive cognition regarding abdominal symptoms may lead to more severe abdominal symptoms in situations with a low sense of work control. Beyond cognitive-behavioral interventions for IBS, enhancing the sense of control over work environments is expected to contribute to alleviating abdominal symptoms and, consequently, enhancing work productivity.
Group A Streptococcus pharyngitis in Children: New Perspectives on Rapid Diagnostic Testing and Antimicrobial Stewardship
Authors: Cohen Jérémie F , Tanz Robert R , Shulman Stanford T 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The most common cause of bacterial pharyngitis is Group A Streptococcus (GAS). Accurate diagnosis of GAS pharyngitis is crucial to identify children who would benefit from antibiotic treatment. Rapid diagnosis has the potential to reduce antibiotic overuse. Current national guidelines differ in their recommendations for GAS testing. While rapid antigen detection tests (RADTs) are widely used, their sensitivity is considered too low for stand-alone testing by several expert bodies. Newer molecular tests using nucleic acid amplification show higher accuracy and fast results, but their cost, complexity, and very high sensitivity may limit widespread adoption. This review provides up-to-date evidence regarding rapid diagnostic testing and antimicrobial stewardship in children with sore throat. We discuss discrepancies across GAS testing guidelines at the international level, patient selection for testing for GAS, rapid test accuracy, and the potential role of rapid GAS tests to promote antibiotic stewardship, with emphasis on emerging rapid molecular tests.
Evolutionary insights into strategy shifts for the safe and effective accumulation of ascorbate in plants
Authors: Maruta Takanori , Tanaka Yasuhiro , Yamamoto Kojiro , Ishida Tetsuya , Hamada Akane , Ishikawa Takahiro 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Plants accumulate high concentrations of ascorbate, commonly in their leaves, as a redox buffer. While ascorbate levels have increased during plant evolution, the mechanisms behind this phenomenon are unclear. Moreover, has the increase in ascorbate concentration been achieved without imposing any detrimental effects on the plants? In this review, we focus on potential transitions in two regulatory mechanisms related to ascorbate biosynthesis and the availability of cellular dehydroascorbate (DHA) during plant evolution. The first transition might be that the trigger for the transcriptional induction of VTC2, which encodes the rate-limiting enzyme in ascorbate biosynthesis, has shifted from oxidative stress (in green algae) to light/photosynthesis (in land plants), probably enabling the continuous accumulation of ascorbate under illumination. This could serve as a preventive system against the unpredictable occurrence of oxidative stress. The second transition might be that DHA-degrading enzymes, which protect cells from the highly reactive DHA in green algae and mosses, have been lost in ferns or flowering plants. Instead, flowering plants may have increased glutathione concentrations to reinforce the DHA reduction capacity, possibly allowing ascorbate accumulation and avoiding the toxicity of DHA. These potential transitions may have contributed to strategies for plants’ safe and effective accumulation of ascorbate.
Digital assemblages with AI for creative interpretation of short stories
Authors: O'Halloran Kieran 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
I demonstrate an approach fostering inventive interpretation of short stories in Literary Studies and higher education generally. It involves constructing an ‘assemblage’—at its simplest, an evolving network of unusual connections for creative outcome. The assemblage of this article combines freshly located research literature, directly and indirectly related to a story’s themes, and/or the personality type of protagonists. Importantly, this assemblage also utilizes text analysis software revealing the relatively invisible (e.g. (in)frequent words, parts of speech, and topics) and Large Language Model (LLM) Generative AI to enrich the interpretation. The use of all these elements helps productively exceed initial intuitions about the story, facilitating creativity. I model the approach using Edgar Allan Poe’s short story, The Black Cat, whose protagonist is a homicidal psychopath. Specifically, the assemblage here includes relevant software-based research (a corpus analysis of homicidal psychopathic language), non-software-based research (psychoanalytical literary criticism of The Black Cat using the empirically validated concept of transference), text analysis software (WMatrix and Datayze), and the LLM Generative AI, ‘ChatGPT’ (using the freely available LLM GPT-3.5). One use of this approach is as a pedagogy in Literary Studies employing text analysis software (e.g. on a digital stylistics course). Yet given creative adaptability is a key 21st-century skill, with digital literacy—including the use of Generative AI—an important contemporary competence, and with the short story genre universally known, I highlight too the utility of this approach as a university-wide pedagogy for enhancing creative thinking.
Kinetically coupled scalar fields model and cosmological tensions
Authors: Liu Gang , Zhou Zhihuan , Mu Yuhao , Xu Lixin 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
In this paper, we investigate the kinetically coupled early dark energy (EDE) and scalar field dark matter to address cosmological tensions. The EDE model presents an intriguing theoretical approach to resolving the Hubble tension, but it exacerbates the large-scale structure tension. We consider the interaction between dark matter and EDE, such that the drag of dark energy on dark matter suppresses structure growth, which can alleviate large-scale structure tension. We replace cold dark matter with scalar field dark matter, which has the property of suppressing structure growth on small scales. We employed the Markov Chain Monte Carlo method to constrain the model parameters, our new model reveals a non-zero coupling constant of 0.030 ± 0.026 at a 68 per cent confidence level. The coupled model yields the Hubble constant value of $72.38^{+0.71}_{-0.82}$ km s−1 Mpc−1, which resolves the Hubble tension. However, similar to the EDE model, it also obtains a larger S8 value compared to the ΛCDM model, further exacerbating the large-scale structure tension. The EDE model and the new model yield the best-fitting values of 0.8316 and 0.8146 for S8, respectively, indicating that the new model partially alleviates the negative effect of the EDE model. However, this signature disappears when comparing marginalized posterior probabilities, and both models produce similar results. The values obtained from the EDE model and the new model are $0.822^{+0.011}_{-0.0093}$ and $0.819^{+0.013}_{-0.0092}$, respectively, at a 68 per cent confidence level.
In-clinic Versus Online Recruitment of Women With a History of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia or Cervical Cancer to a Smoking Cessation Trial: A Post hoc Comparison of Participant Characteristics, Study Retention, and Cessation Outcomes
Authors: Fennell Bethany Shorey , Jones Sarah R , Sutton Steven K , Hoogland Charles E , Cottrell-Daniels Cherell , Wetter David W , Shih Ya-Chen Tina , Simmons Vani N , Stephens Yesenia P , Vidrine Damon J , Vidrine Jennifer I 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Recruiting special populations to smoking cessation trials is challenging and approaches beyond in-clinic recruitment may be beneficial. This secondary analysis of data from a smoking cessation RCT for individuals with a history of cervical cancer or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) explored differences associated with in-clinic vs. online recruitment.

Aims and Methods
Participants were recruited from clinics within a university-based NCI-designated cancer center (n = 87) and online nationally via Facebook (n = 115). Baseline measures included sociodemographics, smoking history, and cancer or CIN history. Study retention and smoking abstinence were assessed 12 months post-baseline. Group differences in baseline characteristics were evaluated. Retention and abstinence were evaluated while controlling for group differences and predictors.

Results
Participants recruited online (vs. in-clinic) had higher educational attainment (p = .01) and health literacy (p = .003). They were more likely to have CIN versus cancer, to be further from the time of diagnosis, and to have completed active treatment (p values &lt; .001). While controlling for these group differences and independent predictors, retention was higher among participants recruited online (log-likelihood χ2(1) = 11.41, p &lt; .001). There were no recruitment differences in self-reported (p = .90) or biochemically confirmed smoking abstinence (p = .18).

Conclusions
Compared to individuals recruited in-person, individuals recruited online were more educated, had higher health literacy, and presented with a different clinical profile (ie, more likely to have CIN vs. cancer and to have completed active treatment). There were few differences in participant characteristics between recruitment approaches, and no differences on any smoking-related variables. Online recruitment has the potential to improve enrollment of cancer survivors in smoking cessation trials.

Implications
People with a history of CIN or cervical cancer recruited to a smoking cessation RCT online (vs. in-clinic) were more likely to have a diagnosis of CIN versus cancer and were more educated and health literate. Participants recruited online were more likely to be retained in the study and there were no differences in smoking abstinence rates at 12 months. Incorporating online recruitment increased the reach of tobacco treatment efforts to a larger and more diverse sample. This could reduce the burden of tobacco-related disease, improve CIN and cancer treatment outcomes, and reduce secondary malignancies and morbidity among this underserved group.
Assessing the Level of Poverty and Utilization of Government Social Programs Among Tobacco Farmers in Indonesia
Authors: Sahadewo Gumilang Aryo , Lencucha Raphael , Bandara Shashika , Drope Jeffrey , Witoelar Firman 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Studies examining profit suggest that former tobacco farmers do as well or better than current tobacco farmers. Research has yet to examine the relationship among current and former tobacco farmers, poverty, and receipt of government social assistance. This type of research is critical to understanding the direct and indirect subsidization of tobacco growing. This study analyzed tobacco farmers’ poverty levels and receipt of government social assistance programs.

Aims and Methods
We designed and conducted an original four-wave economic survey of current and former tobacco farming households in Indonesia between 2016 and 2022. We then used descriptive analysis and probit regression for panel data to estimate the relationship between tobacco farming and poverty status.

Results
Tobacco farmers’ per capita income and poverty rates vary across years. The poverty rate was significantly higher in the year with a higher-than-normal rainfall as it negatively affected farming outcomes. During this year, the poverty rate among current tobacco farmers was also higher than that of former tobacco farmers. Regression estimates from the panel data confirm the association between tobacco farming and the likelihood of being poor. We also found a high share of current tobacco farmers who receive government social assistance programs, such as cash transfer programs and a universal healthcare program.

Conclusions
Our findings show high poverty rates—particularly during bad farming years—and high rates of government social assistance among tobacco farmers. The high rates of government assistance among tobacco farmers living in poverty show that the government is indirectly subsidizing the tobacco industry.