bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Volatilomic signatures of different strains of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Vangravs Reinis , Mežmale Linda , Ślefarska‐Wolak Daria , Dauss Edgars , Ager Clemens , Corvalan Alejandro H. , Fernández Elmer Andrés , Mayhew Chris A. , Leja Marcis , Mochalski Paweł 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is the most extensively studied risk factor for gastric cancer. As with any bacteria, H. pylori will release distinctive odors that result from an emission of volatile metabolic byproducts in unique combinations and proportions. Effectively capturing and identifying these volatiles can pave the way for the development of innovative and non‐invasive diagnostic methods for determining infection. Here we characterize the H. pylori volatilomic signature, pinpoint potential biomarkers of its presence, and evaluate the variability of volatilomic signatures between different H. pylori isolates.Materials and MethodsUsing needle trap extraction, volatiles in the headspace above H. pylori cultures were collected and, following thermal desorption at 290°C in a splitless mode, were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The resulting volatilomic signatures of H. pylori cultures were compared to those obtained from an analysis of the volatiles in the headspace above the cultivating medium only.ResultsAmongst the volatiles detected, 21 showed consistent differences between the bacteria cultures and the cultivation medium, with 11 compounds being elevated and 10 showing decreased levels in the culture's headspace. The 11 elevated volatiles are four ketones (2‐pentanone, 5‐methyl‐3‐heptanone, 2‐heptanone, and 2‐nonanone), three alcohols (2‐methyl‐1‐propanol, 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol, and 1 butanol), one aromatic (styrene), one aldehyde (2‐ethyl‐hexanal), one hydrocarbon (n‐octane), and one sulfur compound (dimethyl disulfide). The 10 volatiles with lower levels in the headspace of the cultures are four aldehydes (2‐methylpropanal, benzaldehyde, 3‐methylbutanal, and butanal), two heterocyclic compounds (2‐ethylfuran and 2‐pentylfuran), one ketone (2‐butanone), one aromatic (benzene), one alcohol (2‐butanol) and bromodichloromethane. Of the volatile species showing increased levels, the highest emissions are found to be for 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol, 1‐butanol and dimethyl disulfide. Qualitative variations in their emissions from the different isolates was observed.ConclusionsThe volatiles emitted by H. pylori provide a characteristic volatilome signature that has the potential of being developed as a tool for monitoring infections caused by this pathogen. Furthermore, using the volatilome signature, we are able to differentiate different isolates of H. pylori. However, the volatiles also represent potential confounders for the recognition of gastric cancer volatile markers.
In Search of Life‐Wisdom: Ubuntu, EnvironmEntity and Technology
Authors: Kaunda Chammah J. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis article contends that technology has evolved into a fundamental theo‐philosophical category. Acknowledging the intricacy of technology, it advocates for an exploration of indigenous philosophies to cultivate 'response‐ability' wisdom. The concept of environmEntity is introduced as an alternative to the traditional understanding of the environment, representing a vibrant and living world. Rooted in ubuntu sensibilities, environmEntity becomes a multi‐nature locus that fosters empathy and recognises inclusive differences as expressions of the same ultimate life. By integrating the wisdom from Christ's dual natures and ubuntu's relationality, the article proposes a comprehensive and empathic life wisdom to address contemporary challenges and promote a sustainable and interconnected future.
Frequency distribution of HLA class I and II alleles in Greek population and their significance in orchestrating the National Donor Registry Program
Authors: Mallis Panagiotis , Siorenta Alexandra , Stamathioudaki Erasmia , Vrani Vasiliki , Paterakis George 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHuman leukocyte antigens (HLA) represent one of the most polymorphic systems in humans, responsible for the identification of foreign antigens and the presentation of immune responses. Therefore, HLA is considered to play a major role in human disorders, donor‐recipient matching and transplantation outcomes. This study aimed to determine the HLA class I and II alleles and haplotypes in the Greek population. Moreover, a comparative analysis of HLA alleles and haplotype frequencies found in Greek and pooled European populations was also performed to acquire a better knowledge about the HLA alleles distribution. A total number of 1896 healthy individuals were typed for their HLA alleles in the National Tissue Typing Center of Greece. High‐resolution HLA typing for the HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C and ‐DR, ‐DQ, ‐DP with the use of the next‐generation sequencing analysis was performed, followed by data analysis for establishing the HLA allele and haplotype differences. The results of this study showed that the most frequent alleles for the HLA‐A were the A*02:01:01 (27.1%), *24:02:01 (14.4%), *01:01:01 (9.3%), for the HLA‐B were the B*51:01:01 (15.3%), *18:01:01 (9.7%), *35:01:01 (6.8%) and for the HLA‐C were the C*04:01:01 (15.4%), *07:01:01 (13.1%), *12:03:01 (9.6%). For the HLA class II, the most frequent alleles for the HLA‐DRB1 were the DRB1*11:04:01 (16.4%), *16:01:01 (11.3%), *11:01:01 (9.5%), for the HLA‐DQB1 were the DQB1*03:01:01 (30.5%), *05:02:01 (15.1%), *05:01:01 (10.6%) and for the HLA‐DPB1 were the DPB1*04:01:01 (34.8%), *02:01:01 (11.6%), *04:02:01 (7.3%). Additionally, the most frequent haplotypes were the A*02:01:01∼C*07:01:01‐B*18:01:01∼DRB1*11:04:01 (2.3%), followed by the A*01:01:01∼C*07:01:01∼B*08:01:01∼DRB1*03:01:01 (2.2%), A*24:02:01∼C*04:01:01∼B*35:02:01∼DRB1*11:04:01 (1.4%) and A*02:01:01∼C*04:01:01∼B*35:01:01‐DRB1*14:01:01 (1.2%). The results herein were comparable to those obtained from the pooled European populations. Moreover, these results can be used for the improvement of the donor‐recipient matching procedure and to understand better the disease association in Greece.
Mental health, challenging behaviour, diagnosis, and access to employment for people with intellectual disabilities in Norway
Authors: Pedersen Erlend Refseth , Anke Audny , Langøy Emmy Elizabeth , Olsen Monica Isabel , Søndenaa Erik 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundStudies have found that presence of challenging behaviours and mental health problems limits employment for people with intellectual disabilities. This study investigates the associations between age, gender, living condition, level of intellectual disability, diagnoses, behaviour, mental health, and employment in adults with intellectual disabilities in Norway.MethodA cross‐sectional community‐based survey including 214 adult participants (56% men) with intellectual disabilities.ResultsIn our sample, 25% had no organised day activity, 27% attended non‐work day care, 19% attended sheltered employment, or day care with production, without pay and 29% worked in paid sheltered employment. One participant attended mainstream employment. Moderate and severe/profound level of intellectual disability, possible organic condition and irritability significantly reduced the odds of employment (paid and unpaid).ConclusionFindings suggest unequal access to the sheltered employment that was meant to be inclusive. More individualised evaluation of prerequisites is suggested to further facilitate employment for this group.
Clinical diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma‐induced secondary hypertension through UPLC‐MS/MS analysis of plasma catecholamines and their metabolites
Authors: Zhang Weiyun , Li Xiao , Li Wanqin , Zhang Yanmei , Cai Jiajia , Feng Shiyu , Sun Zhaohui 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to elucidate the clinical diagnostic value of plasma catecholamines and their metabolites for pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL)‐induced secondary hypertension using ultraperformance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS). The study population included 155 patients with PPGL that were divided into the PPGL with hypertension (n = 79) and a PPGL without hypertension (n = 76) groups, and 90 healthy volunteers and 90 patients with primary hypertension as the control groups. UPLC‐MS/MS was performed to detect plasma levels of catecholamines and their metabolites, including dopamine, vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), norepinephrine, metanephrine, and normetanephrine. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to analyze the diagnostic value of the plasma levels of catecholamines and their metabolites in PPGL‐induced secondary hypertension. Patients in the primary hypertension and PPGL without hypertension groups had higher levels of dopamine, VMA, norepinephrine, metanephrine, and normetanephrine than patients in the normal group (all p < .05). On the other hand, patients in the PPGL with hypertension group had higher levels of dopamine, VMA, norepinephrine, metanephrine, and normetanephrine than patients in the normal, primary hypertension, and PPGL without hypertension groups (all p < .05). Collectively, our findings showed that dopamine, VMA, norepinephrine, metanephrine, and normetanephrine are all effective biomarkers for the diagnosis of PPGL and PPGL‐induced secondary hypertension.
Effect of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors on serum low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Imada Tasuku , Katakami Naoto , Watanabe Hirotaka , Nishina Shuhei , Sasaki Shugo , Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Shimomura Iichiro , Yamamoto Tsunehiko 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTAims/IntroductionWe aimed to evaluate factors that influence changes in blood low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels after treatment with sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes.Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed clinical data of outpatients newly initiated on SGLT2 inhibitors (n = 176) and other oral antidiabetic drugs (n = 227). The patients were classified into four subgroups according to statin administration and baseline LDL‐C levels (<120 or ≥120 mg/dL). Clinical characteristics were compared among the subgroups. Multivariate analysis was carried out to identify factors contributing to changes in LDL‐C.ResultsThe median follow‐up period was 13.0 weeks (range 11.9–14.1 weeks, min 8 weeks, maximum 16 weeks) in the SGLT2i group, and 12.0 weeks (range 10.0–14.0 weeks, min 8 weeks, maximum 16 weeks) in the control group. Both groups showed a significant decrease in LDL‐C (SGLT2i group −3.8 ± 24.7 mg/dL, control group −3.4 ± 15.0 mg/dL). Multivariate regression analyses showed that in both groups, the change in LDL‐C depended on statin use and baseline LDL‐C levels. Stratified analyses showed that LDL‐C level was significantly decreased in statin users with baseline LDL‐C ≥120 mg/dL (from 148.9 ± 33.5 to 109.3 ± 17.9 mg/dL, P = 0.002), and significantly increased in statin non‐users with baseline LDL‐C <120 mg/dL (from 96.3 ± 27.3 to 104.7 ± 24.8 mg/dL, P = 0.002). These changes were more characteristic for SGLT2 inhibitors than for other oral antidiabetic drugs (P for interaction = 0.010 and <0.001, respectively).ConclusionsLDL‐C levels and statin medication at baseline influence changes in LDL‐C after SGLT2 inhibitors treatment in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes.
Discrepancies in breast cancer guideline recommendations despite similar Cochrane systematic review conclusions
Authors: Zhang Zhigang , Cheng Jie , Hou Jialu , Niu Mingming , Gao Ya , Xu Jianguo , Zheng Qingyong , Ji Kexin , Zhang Min , Hao Tian , Li Ning , Han Xinyi , Ma Xiujuan , Kong Jiajia , Wang Rui , Zhao Ye , Tian Jinhui , Hu Xiaofang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimThis study aims to describe the citation patterns of Cochrane systematic reviews (CSR) in guidelines for managing breast cancer.MethodsWe searched for systematic reviews on breast cancer in The Cochrane Library from the date of inception to November 15, 2023, and identified guidelines that cited them. We described how systematic reviews were cited by the guidelines in each database and each year. Additionally, we presented the relationships between the conclusions of the systematic reviews and guideline recommendations and compared the consistency of the recommendations on the same topic across different guidelines.ResultsA total of 64 systematic reviews and 228 guidelines were included in this study. The average number of the 64 systematic reviews cited by the guidelines was 5.91. We found that the guideline recommendations were irrelevant or inconsistent with the conclusions of the systematic reviews in 56 (38.36%) cited entries. We grouped recommendations on the same topic across different guidelines into one group, of which only 5 groups (15.15%) had completely consistent recommendations, and the other 28 groups (84.85%) had inconsistent recommendations.ConclusionThe average number of citations for CSR on breast cancer in the guidelines was 5.91. There were also situations in which the guideline recommendations were inconsistent with the conclusions of the included systematic reviews, and recommendations on the same topic across different guidelines were inconsistent.
The utility of the surprise question by nurses to identify hospitalised older patients nearing the end‐of‐life and promotion of advance care planning: An interventional study
Authors: Yen Yung‐Feng , Huang Shu‐Fen , Chen Shu‐Ting , Deng Chung‐Yeh 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAims and ObjectivesTo assess the prognostic accuracy of the surprise question (SQ) when used by nurses working in hospital wards to determine 1‐year mortality in acutely hospitalised older patients.BackgroundThe predictive accuracy of the SQ, when used by general nurses caring for older hospitalised patients, has not been comprehensively studied.DesignA prospective cohort study.MethodsThis cohort study recruited consecutive 10,139 older patients (aged ≥65 years) who were admitted to Taipei City Hospital and were evaluated for the needs of palliative care in 2015. All patients were followed up for 12 months or until their death. The c‐statistic value was calculated to indicate the predictive accuracy of the SQ and Palliative Care Screening Tool (PCST).ResultsOf all participants, 18.8% and 18.6% had a SQ response of ‘no’ and a PCST score ≥4, respectively. After controlling for other covariates, an SQ response of ‘no’ (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.83–2.31) and a PCST score ≥4 (AHR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.29–1.75) were found to be the independent predictors for patients' 12‐month mortality. The C‐statistic values of the SQ and the PCST at recognising patients in their last year of life were .663 and .670, respectively. Moreover, there was moderate concordance (k = .44) between the SQ and the PCST in predicting 12‐month mortality.ConclusionsSQ response of ‘no’ and a PCST score ≥4 were independent predictors of 12‐month mortality in older patients.Relevance to Clinical PracticeThe SQ, when used by nurses working in hospital wards, is effective in identifying older patients nearing the end of life, as well as in providing advance care planning for patients.Patient or Public ContributionPatients' palliative care needs at admission were assessed by general nurses using the SQ and PCST.
Modeling Conditional Factor Risk Premia Implied by Index Option Returns
Authors: FOURNIER MATHIEU , JACOBS KRIS , ORŁOWSKI PIOTR 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTWe propose a novel factor model for option returns. Option exposures are estimated nonparametrically, and factor risk premia can vary nonlinearly with states. The model is estimated using regressions with minimal assumptions on factor and option return dynamics. We estimate the model using index options to characterize the conditional risk premia for factors of interest, such as the market return, market variance, tail and intermediary risk factors, higher moments, and the VIX term structure slope. Together, market return and variance explain more than 90% of option return variation. Unconditionally, the magnitude of the variance risk premium is plausible. It displays pronounced time variation, spikes during crises, and always has the expected sign.
The swimming defect caused by the absence of the transcriptional regulator LdtR in Sinorhizobium meliloti is restored by mutations in the motility genes motA and motS
Authors: Sobe Richard C. , Scharf Birgit E. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe flagellar motor is a powerful macromolecular machine used to propel bacteria through various environments. We determined that flagellar motility of the alpha‐proteobacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti is nearly abolished in the absence of the transcriptional regulator LdtR, known to influence peptidoglycan remodeling and stress response. LdtR does not regulate motility gene transcription. Remarkably, the motility defects of the ΔldtR mutant can be restored by secondary mutations in the motility gene motA or a previously uncharacterized gene in the flagellar regulon, which we named motS. MotS is not essential for S. meliloti motility and may serve an accessory role in flagellar motor function. Structural modeling predicts that MotS comprised an N‐terminal transmembrane segment, a long‐disordered region, and a conserved β‐sandwich domain. The C terminus of MotS is localized in the periplasm. Genetics based substitution of MotA with MotAG12S also restored the ΔldtR motility defect. The MotAG12S variant protein features a local polarity shift at the periphery of the MotAB stator units. We propose that MotS may be required for optimal alignment of stators in wild‐type flagellar motors but becomes detrimental in cells with altered peptidoglycan. Similarly, the polarity shift in stator units composed of MotB/MotAG12S might stabilize its interaction with altered peptidoglycan.
Maize catalases are recruited by a virus to modulate viral multiplication and infection
Authors: Tian Yiying , Jiao Zhiyuan , Qi Fangfang , Ma Wendi , Hao Yuming , Wang Xinyu , Xie Liyang , Zhou Tao , Fan Zaifeng 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGiven the detrimental effects of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in plant cells, various antioxidant mechanisms have evolved to maintain cellular redox homeostasis, encompassing both enzymatic components (e.g., catalase, superoxide dismutase) and non‐enzymatic ones. Despite extensive research on the role of antioxidant systems in plant physiology and responses to abiotic stresses, the potential exploitation of antioxidant enzymes by plant viruses to facilitate viral infection remains insufficiently addressed. Herein, we demonstrate that maize catalases (ZmCATs) exhibited up‐regulated enzymatic activities upon sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) infection. ZmCATs played crucial roles in SCMV multiplication and infection by catalysing the decomposition of excess cellular H2O2 and promoting the accumulation of viral replication‐related cylindrical inclusion (CI) protein through interaction. Peroxisome‐localized ZmCATs were found to be distributed around SCMV replication vesicles in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Additionally, the helper component‐protease (HC‐Pro) of SCMV interacted with ZmCATs and enhanced catalase activities to promote viral accumulation. This study unveils a significant involvement of maize catalases in modulating SCMV multiplication and infection through interaction with two viral factors, thereby enhancing our understanding regarding viral strategies for manipulating host antioxidant mechanisms towards robust viral accumulation.
Ultrasound‐guided erector spinae plane block in patients with chronic lumbar facet joint pain: A prospectivecase‐controlledstudy
Authors: Ata Ayşe Merve , Kesikburun Bilge , Karamehmetoğlu Miray , Adıgüzel Emre 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurposeThe aim was to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound‐guided erector spinae plane (ESP) block and compare with the conventional physical therapy in chronic low back pain (LBP).Materials and MethodsThis prospective case‐controlled study included patients with chronic LBP. Their clinical and demographic data were obtained, and they were divided into two groups for conventional physical therapy and ESP blocks. Prior to treatment, on the first day, the second week, and the third month, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) pain score were evaluated.ResultsThe study included 43 patients, 21 in the ESP block group and 22 in the conventional physical therapy group. The VAS in movement was higher in the ESP block group at baseline (p = 0.047). On the first day after the treatments, the ESP block group showed lower resting (p < 0.001) and movement (p = 0.001) VAS values than the conventional physical therapy group. At the end of 3 months, both groups had improved VAS and ODI scores (allp < 0.001).ConclusionUS‐guided ESP block might be considered a successful, safe, and technically simple alternative treatment in patients with chronic LBP to control pain and reduce the cost of physical therapy and lost workdays.
The REV‐ERB antagonist SR8278 modulates keratinocyte viability in response to UVA and UVB radiation
Authors: Cvammen William , Kemp Michael G. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe nucleotide excision repair (NER) system removes UV photoproducts from genomic DNA and is controlled by the circadian clock. Given that small‐molecule compounds have been developed to target various clock proteins, we examined whether the cryptochrome inhibitor KS15 and REV‐ERB antagonist SR8278 could modulate keratinocyte responses to UV radiation in vitro. We observed that though SR8278 promoted cell viability in UVB‐irradiated cells, it had little effect on NER or on the expression of the clock‐regulated NER factor XPA. Rather, we found that both KS15 and SR8278 absorb light within the UV spectrum to limit initial UV photoproduct formation in DNA. Moreover, SR8278 promoted UVB viability even in cells in which the core circadian clock protein BMAL1 was disrupted, which indicates that SR8278 is likely acting via other REV‐ERB transcriptional targets. We further observed that SR8278 sensitized keratinocytes to light sources containing primarily UVA wavelengths of light likely due to the generation of toxic reactive oxygen species. Though other studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of SR8278 in other model systems, our results here suggest that SR8278 has limited utility for UV photoprotection in the skin and will likely cause phototoxicity in humans or mammals exposed to solar radiation.