bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tick-borne Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Theileria, and enzootic nasal tumor virus in ruminant, PET, and poultry animals in Pakistan
Authors: Jamil Anjum , Yu Ze , Wang Yuxin , Xin Qing , Gao Shan , Abdul Wahab Muhammad , Han Xiaohu , Chen Zeliang 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionPakistan is an agricultural country; most of its income is based on livestock rearing. The increasing prevalence of tick-borne pathogens among animals may affect the animal production and livelihood of owners, which eventually derange the economy of a country.MethodologyTo further comprehend TBPs, 213 ticks were collected from different animals, including ruminants, pets, and poultry. After molecular and phylogenetic analysis identification, ticks were managed into different pools based on their species level (Hyalomma anatolicum = 80, Rhipicephalus microplus = 35, Hyalomma scupense = 23, Rhipicephalus turanicus = 70, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus = 5).Results and discussionAfter tick species identification, further molecular PCR amplification was carried out to screen out the pathogens for the presence of Theileria, Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and enzootic nasal tumor virus (ENTV). The following pathogens were detected: 11 (5.16%) for Anaplasma, 1 (0.47%) for Rickettsia, and 9 (4.23%) for Theileria. Nevertheless, other TBPs that had not been reported so far in Pakistan 3 (1.41%), were positive for enzootic nasal tumor virus (ENTV). Besides, phylogenetic analysis of the enzootic nasal tumor virus (ENTV) strain confirmed its resemblance to the Chinese strain, while Anaplasma has comparability with Pakistan and China, Rickettsia with Pakistan, China, and Iran, and Theileria with India, South Africa, United States, Japan, and Spain.ConclusionThis study reveals that there is a considerably wider range of TBPs held in Pakistan that take in various contagious zoonotic pathogens than was previously thought. This information advances TBP epidemiology and will contribute to upgrade future control measure.
Assessment of fetal corpus callosum biometry by 3D super-resolution reconstructed T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Lamon Samuel , de Dumast Priscille , Sanchez Thomas , Dunet Vincent , Pomar Léo , Vial Yvan , Koob Mériam , Bach Cuadra Meritxell 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveTo assess the accuracy of corpus callosum (CC) biometry, including sub-segments, using 3D super-resolution fetal brain MRI (SR) compared to 2D or 3D ultrasound (US) and clinical low-resolution T2-weighted MRI (T2WS).MethodFetal brain biometry was conducted by two observers on 57 subjects [21–35 weeks of gestational age (GA)], including 11 cases of partial CC agenesis. Measures were performed by a junior observer (obs1) on US, T2WS and SR and by a senior neuroradiologist (obs2) on T2WS and SR. CC biometric regression with GA was established. Statistical analysis assessed agreement within and between modalities and observers.ResultsThis study shows robust SR to US concordance across gestation, surpassing T2WS. In obs1, SR aligns with US, except for genu and CC length (CCL), enhancing splenium visibility. In obs2, SR closely corresponds to US, differing in rostrum and CCL. The anterior CC (rostrum and genu) exhibits higher variability. SR’s regression aligns better with literature (US) for CCL, splenium and body than T2WS. SR is the method with the least missing values.ConclusionSR yields CC biometry akin to US (excluding anterior CC). Thanks to superior 3D visualization and better through plane spatial resolution, SR allows to perform CC biometry more frequently than T2WS.
Clinical roles of EGFR amplification in diffuse gliomas: a real-world study using the 2021 WHO classification of CNS tumors
Authors: Wang Hai , Zhang Xin , Liu Jiahui , Chen Wenlin , Guo Xiaopeng , Wang Yaning , Wang Yuekun , Xing Hao , Liang Tingyu , Shi Yixin , Liu Delin , Yang Tianrui , Xia Yu , Li Junlin , Wu Jiaming , Liu Qianshu , Qu Tian , Guo Siying , Li Huanzhang , Zhang Kun , Li Yilin , Jin Shanmu , Zhao Dachun , Wang Yu , Ma Wenbin 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundThe 2021 World Health Organization Classification of Central Nervous System Tumors updates glioma subtyping and grading system, and incorporates EGFR amplification (Amp) as one of diagnostic markers for glioblastoma (GBM).PurposeThis study aimed to describe the frequency, clinical value and molecular correlation of EGFR Amp in diffuse gliomas based on the latest classification.MethodsWe reviewed glioma patients between 2011 and 2022 at our hospital, and included 187 adult glioma patients with available tumor tissue for detection of EGFR Amp and other 59 molecular markers of interest. Clinical, radiological and pathological data was analyzed based on the status of EGFR Amp in different glioma subtypes.Results163 gliomas were classified as adult-type diffuse gliomas, and the number of astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma and GBM was 41, 46, and 76. EGFR Amp was more common in IDH-wildtype diffuse gliomas (66.0%) and GBM (85.5%) than IDH-mutant diffuse gliomas (32.2%) and its subtypes (astrocytoma, 29.3%; oligodendroglioma, 34.8%). EGFR Amp did not stratify overall survival (OS) in IDH-mutant diffuse gliomas and astrocytoma, while was significantly associated with poorer OS in IDH-wildtype diffuse gliomas, histologic grade 2 and 3 IDH-wildtype diffuse astrocytic gliomas and GBM.ConclusionOur study validated EGFR Amp as a diagnostic marker for GBM and still a useful predictor for shortened OS in this group.
Status of mental and social activities of young and middle-aged patients after papillary thyroid cancer surgery
Authors: Chen Songhao , Hu Xi’e , Yang Ping , Yang Lin , Peng Shujia , He Li , Yuan Lijuan , Bao Guoqiang 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundPapillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is prevalent among younger populations and has a favorable survival rate. However, a significant number of patients experience psychosocial stress and a reduced quality of life (QoL) after surgical treatment. Therefore, comprehensive evaluations of the patients are essential to improve their recovery.MethodsThe present study enrolled 512 young and middle-aged patients diagnosed with PTC who underwent surgery at our institution between September 2020 and August 2021. Each participant completed a series of questionnaires: Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7), European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), Thyroid Cancer-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (THYCA-QoL), and Readiness to Return-to-Work Scale (RRTW).ResultsGAD-7 data showed that almost half of the study subjects were experiencing anxiety. Regarding health-related quality of life (HRQoL), participants reported the highest levels of fatigue, insomnia, voice problems, and scarring, with patients in anxious states reporting worse symptoms. Based on RRTW, more than half of the subjects had returned to work and had better HRQoL compared to the others who were evaluating a possible return to work. Age, gender, BMI, education, diet, residence, health insurance, months since surgery, monthly income, and caregiver status were significantly correlated with return to work. Additionally, having a caregiver, higher monthly income, more time since surgery, and living in a city or village were positively associated with return to work.ConclusionYoung and middle-aged patients with PTC commonly experience a range of health-related issues and disease-specific symptoms following surgery, accompanied by inferior psychological well-being, HRQoL, and work readiness. It is crucial to prioritize timely interventions targeting postoperative psychological support, HRQoL improvement, and the restoration of working ability in PTC patients.
The role of the cartilaginous to osseous acetabular angle ratio in children with developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Li Tianyou , Yao Yangyang , Lu Chaoqun , Wang Yanzhou 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThis study aims to demonstrate the use of the cartilaginous to osseous acetabular angle ratio (AAR) in surgical decision-making for hip dysplasia.MethodsData were collected from patients who underwent an MRI of the hip after conservative treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip between August 2019 and 2022. The data included demographic information as well as an anteroposterior pelvic radiograph. The osseous acetabular index (OAI) was measured using x-ray, while the cartilaginous acetabular index (CAI) and the cartilaginous acetabulum head index (CAHI) were measured using MRI. The square of the CAI to OAI, AAR, was calculated. The patients in the residual hip dysplasia (RHD) group were categorized as having an OAI above 20°. During the postoperative follow-up, we evaluated the patients in this group who underwent Bernese triple pelvic osteotomy. Data on surgical patients with an observation period that exceeded 1 year were collected and analyzed. The distribution of the AAR among the different groups was analyzed. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) predictive model was constructed using the AAR of the patients in the normal and surgical groups to evaluate the need for surgery.ResultsIt was found that there was a significant difference in the OAI, CAI, CAHI, and AAR between the RHD group (OAI 26.15 ± 3.90°, CAI 11.71 ± 4.70°, CAHI 79.75 ± 6.27%, and AAR 5.88 ± 4.24) and the control group patients (OAI 16.77 ± 5.39°, CAI 6.16 ± 3.13°, CAHI 85.05 ± 4.91%, and AAR 2.71 ± 2.08) (p &lt; 0.001). A total of 93.5% of the control group patients had an AAR ≤5, while only 6.5% had an AAR &gt;5. The results of postoperative imaging follow-up were “excellent” in 52 patients and “good” in 3, while the functional follow-up results were excellent in 53 and good in 2. In 15 patients, the observation period exceeded 1 year. The mean observation period was 633.1 ± 259.6 days and the preoperative CAHI was 71.7 ± 4.8%. Of the patients with an AAR &gt;5, a substantial 94.8% (55/58) of them were reported to have undergone surgery, while all patients with an AAR less than or equal to 5 did not undergo surgery (91/91). Based on the ROC, a cutoff value of 5.09 was identified for the need for surgery in children with RHD.ConclusionsA surgical decision for residual hip dysplasia can be based on the AAR. An AAR &gt;5 may be a potential indicator for surgical intervention in patients with RHD.
Effect of uric acid reduction on chronic kidney disease. Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Casanova Alfredo G. , Morales Ana I. , Vicente-Vicente Laura , López-Hernández Francisco J. 
Published: March 2024

Accumulating evidence suggests that hyperuricemia is a pathological factor in the development and progression of chronic kidney disease. However, the potential benefit afforded by the control of uric acid (UA) is controversial. Individual studies show discrepant results, and most existing meta-analysis, especially those including the larger number of studies, lack a placebo or control group as they aim to compare efficacy between drugs. On these grounds, we performed a me-ta-analysis restricted to studies including the action of any anti-gout therapies referenced to a control or placebo arm. This approach allows for a clearer association between UA reduction and renal effect. Of the twenty-nine papers included, most used allopurinol and febuxostat and, therefore, solid conclusions could only be obtained for these drugs. Both were very effective in reducing UA, but only allopurinol was able to significantly improve glomerular filtration rate (GFR), although not in a dose-dependent manner. These results raised doubts as to whether it is the hypouricemic effect of anti-gout drugs, or a pleiotropic effect, what provides protection of kidney function. Accordingly, in a correlation study that we next performed between UA reduction and GFR improvement, no association was found, which suggests that additional mechanisms may be involved. Of note, most trials show large inter-individual response variability, probably because they included patients with heterogeneous phenotypes and pathological characteristics, including different stages of CKD and comorbidities. This highlights the need to sub classify the effect of UA-lowering therapies according to the pathological scenario, in order to identify those CKD patients that may benefit most from them.Systematic Review Registration: CRD42022306646 https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/
Social representation of masculine and feminine sports among Saudi adolescents
Authors: Alsamih Munirah 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionThis study examined how certain sports are represented as masculine or feminine in Saudi adolescents, namely, which sports adolescents associate with males and which sports they associate with females. Previous research aligned with this concern was conducted within Western culture; however, there is a need to shed light on how the issues of social representation of masculine and feminine sports affect other cultures such as Middle Eastern cultures.MethodsA survey was completed by 280 Saudi adolescents, aged between 12 and 17 (M = 13.5, SD = 1.3). The survey contained open-ended recall questions that asked participants to name three masculine, feminine, and natural sports.ResultsMost participants were familiar with using feminine and masculine terminology to describe sports, and nearly half had personally used gendered terms to describe sports. Overall, the participants generated 2,195 names of various sports, with the majority classified as natural (appropriate for both men and women), many masculine, and the fewest feminine.DiscussionThe connection between specific sports and masculinity or femininity can restrict the activities of adolescents who do not conform to traditional gender roles. Also, adolescents who are interested in sports that are not typically associated with their gender may experience social stigma or exclusion, which can discourage their participation. Therefore, it is important to establish inclusive environments in sports, regardless of the gender.
Developing a scale to explore self-regulatory approaches to assessment and feedback with academics in higher education
Authors: Evans Carol , Kay William , Amici-Dargan Sheila , González Rafael De Miguel , Donert Karl , Rutherford Stephen 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionStudents need to acquire high level self-regulatory skills if they are to be successful within higher education, and academics need support in facilitating this. In this article we explore how the current research gap between knowledge of self-regulatory assessment and feedback (SRAF) practices, and academics’ professional training in it can be bridged.MethodsSRAF tools were used with academics to explore their understandings of and training needs in SRAF; central to this work was the development of a SRAF scale. We consider the value of such tools in supporting academics’ professional development needs in SRAF. The reliability and validity of the SRAF scale was tested using exploratory factor analyses (EFA).ResultsIterative EFA resulted in a 17 item support required SRAF scale (SR). Two underpinning factors:Creating the Conditions for SRAF, andSupporting Students’ SRAF Skills Developmentwere identified. The reliability of the instrument supported its primary use as a tool to facilitate academics’ professional development in fostering students’ self-regulatory skills.DiscussionOur findings highlight the importance of supporting academics in developing strategies to maximize students’ metacognitive skills and motivation in assessment and feedback, contingent on effective assessment design. Such professional development needs to be mindful of individual and contextual factors impacting academics’ access to, and confidence and competence in, using SRAF in practice. This research is important in highlighting potential disconnects between where academics’ focus their attention in assessment, and what is known to have most impact on student learning success. The SRAF tools have considerable potential in supporting translation of theory into practice as part of sustained professional development for academics in higher education.
Depression and hepatobiliary diseases: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Kong Yu , Yao Zhongcai , Ren Lingli , Zhou Liqin , Zhao Jinkai , Qian Yuanyuan , Lou Dayong 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundMore and more evidence suggests a close association between depression and hepatobiliary diseases, but its causal relationship is not yet clear.MethodUsing genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to summarize data, independent genetic variations associated with depression were selected as instrumental variables. Firstly, we designed a univariate Mendelian randomization (UVMR) analysis with two samples and simultaneously conducted reverse validation to evaluate the potential bidirectional causal relationship between depression and various hepatobiliary diseases. Secondly, we conducted a multivariate Mendelian randomization (MVMR) analysis on diseases closely related to depression, exploring the mediating effects of waist to hip ratio, hypertension, and daytime nap. The mediating effects were obtained through MVMR. For UVMR and MVMR, inverse variance weighted method (IVW) is considered the most important analytical method. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using Cochran’Q, MR Egger, and Leave-one-out methods.ResultsUVMR analysis showed that depression may increase the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.03-1.46; p=0.0248) in liver diseases, while depression does not increase the risk of other liver diseases; In biliary and pancreatic related diseases, depression may increase the risk of cholelithiasis (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.05-1.50; p=0.0120), chronic pancreatitis (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.10-2.35; p=0.0140), and cholecystitis (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.03-1.48; p=0.0250). In addition, through reverse validation, we found that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cholelithiasis, chronic pancreatitis, cholecystitis, or the inability to increase the risk of depression (p&gt;0.05). The waist to hip ratio, hypertension, and daytime nap play a certain role in the process of depression leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, with a mediating effect of 35.8%.ConclusionDepression is a susceptibility factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and the causal effect of genetic susceptibility to depression on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is mediated by waist-hip ratio, hypertension, and daytime nap.
Single and combined association between brominated flame retardants and cardiovascular disease: a large-scale cross-sectional study
Authors: Yin Wenhao , Xu Rui , Zou Jiyu , Wang Yaqin , Zhang Yan 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionThe single and combined association between brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) has remained unelucidated. This research aimed at exploring the associations between mixture of BFRs and CVD.MethodsThis research encompassed adult participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2005–2016. The weighted quantile sum (WQS) model and quantile g-computation (QGC) model were applied to examine the combined effects of BFRs mixture on CVD.ResultsIn this research, overall 7,032 individuals were included. In comparison with the lowest quartile, the highest quartile of PBB153 showed a positive association with CVD, with odds ratio (OR) values and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of 19.2 (10.9, 34.0). Furthermore, the acquired data indicated that PBB153 (OR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.49), PBB99 (OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.58), and PBB154 (OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.63) were linked to congestive heart failure. PBB153 was also related to coronary heart disease (OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.56). Additionally, a positive correlation between the BFRs mixture and CVD (positive model: OR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.47) was observed in the weighted quantile sum (WQS) model and the quantile g-computation (QGC) model.DiscussionTherefore, exposure to BFRs has been observed to heighten the risk of cardiovascular disease in US adults, particularly in the case of PBB153. Further investigation is warranted through a large-scale cohort study to validate and strengthen these findings.
Changes in the mechanical properties of the thigh and lower leg muscle-tendon units during the early follicular and early luteal phases
Authors: Saito Rina , Shagawa Mayuu , Sugimoto Yuzuka , Hirai Tomoki , Kato Koyo , Sekine Chie , Yokota Hirotake , Hirabayashi Ryo , Ishigaki Tomonobu , Akuzawa Hiroshi , Togashi Ryoya , Yamada Yuki , Osanami Haruki , Edama Mutsuaki 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine changes in the muscle and tendon stiffness of the thigh and lower leg muscle-tendon units during the early follicular and early luteal phases, and check for possible relations between muscle and tendon stiffness in each phase.MethodsThe sample consisted of 15 female university students with regular menstrual cycles. The basal body temperature method, ovulation kit, and salivary estradiol concentration measurement were used to estimate the early follicular and early luteal phases. A portable digital palpation device measured muscle-tendon stiffness in the early follicular and early luteal phases. The measurement sites were the rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis (VM), patellar tendon (PT), medial head of gastrocnemius muscle, soleus muscle, and Achilles tendon.ResultsNo statistically significant differences in the thigh and lower leg muscle-tendon unit stiffness were seen between the early follicular and early luteal phases. Significant positive correlations were found between the stiffness of the RF and PT (r = 0.608, p = 0.016) and between the VM and PT (r = 0.737, p = 0.002) during the early luteal phase.ConclusionThe present results suggest that the stiffness of leg muscle-tendon units of the anterior thigh and posterior lower leg do not change between the early follicular and early luteal phases and that tendons may be stiffer in those women who have stiffer anterior thigh muscles during the early luteal phase.
Building an adverse outcome pathway network for estrogen-, androgen- and steroidogenesis-mediated reproductive toxicity
Authors: Zilliacus Johanna , Draskau Monica K. , Johansson Hanna K. L. , Svingen Terje , Beronius Anna 
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) can support both testing and assessment of endocrine disruptors (EDs). There is, however, a need for further development of the AOP framework to improve its applicability in a regulatory context. Here we have inventoried the AOP-wiki to identify all existing AOPs related to mammalian reproductive toxicity arising from disruption to the estrogen, androgen, and steroidogenesis modalities. Core key events (KEs) shared between relevant AOPs were also identified to aid in further AOP network (AOPN) development.Methods: A systematic approach using two different methods was applied to screen and search the entire AOP-wiki library. An AOPN was visualized using Cytoscape. Manual refinement was performed to remove AOPS devoid of any KEs and/or KERs.Results: Fifty-eight AOPs relevant for mammalian reproductive toxicity were originally identified, with 42 AOPs included in the final AOPN. Several of the KEs and KE relationships (KERs) described similar events and were thus merged to optimize AOPN construction. Sixteen sub-networks related to effects on hormone levels or hormone activity, cancer outcomes, male and female reproductive systems, and overall effects on fertility and reproduction were identified within the AOPN. Twenty-six KEs and 11 KERs were identified as core blocks of knowledge in the AOPN, of which 19 core KEs are already included as parameters in current OECD and US EPA test guidelines.Discussion: The AOPN highlights knowledge gaps that can be targeted for further development of a more complete AOPN that can support the identification and assessment of EDs.