bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recommended and observed statin use among US adults with and without cancer
Authors: Kobo Ofer , Michos Erin D , Roguin Ariel , Bagur Rodrigo , Gulati Martha , Mamas Mamas A 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Aims
Patients with cancer are at increased cardiovascular (CV) risk. We aimed to compare the recommended and observed statin use among individuals with and without cancer.

Methods and results
Using three 2-year cycles from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013–18), we analysed data from 17 050 US adults. We compared the prevalence of Class 1 statin recommendations and use between individuals with and without cancer, overall, and among different demographic groups. Individuals with a history of cancer were older and had a higher burden of comorbidities. Stratified by age groups, they were more likely to have a secondary prevention indication compared with individuals without cancer but not a primary prevention indication for statin. Among individuals with an indication for statin therapy, the prevalence of statin use was higher in the cancer group compared with those without cancer (60.8% vs. 47.8%, P &lt; 0.001), regardless of sex, type of indication (primary vs. secondary prevention), and education level. However, the higher prevalence of statin use in the cancer group was noted among younger individuals, ethnic minorities, and those with lower family income.

Conclusion
Our finding highlights the importance of optimization of CV health in patients with cancer, as individuals with cancer were more likely to have a Class 1 indication for statin treatment when compared with individuals without cancer. Important differences in statin use among cohorts based on sex, age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status were identified, which may provide a framework through which CV risk factor control can be targeted in this population.

Key findings
Higher statin use in cancer patients: Among those with Class 1 recommendation to take statins, 60.8% of cancer patients were using them, compared with 47.8% of non-cancer individuals, indicating a greater adherence to heart health recommendations in the cancer group. Demographic variations in statin use: The study found notable differences in statin use among younger individuals, ethnic minorities, and those with lower income within the cancer patient group, suggesting disparities in how these subgroups manage their cardiovascular health.
Temperature and sex shape reproductive barriers in a climate change hotspot
Authors: Gallegos Cristóbal , Hodgins Kathryn A , Monro Keyne 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Climate change is altering species ranges and reproductive interactions in existing ranges, offering species new scope to mate and hybridize. The outcomes will depend on how environmental factors shape reproductive barriers across life stages, yet this is rarely assessed across the environments that species encounter in nature. We assess prezygotic and postzygotic barriers, and their dependence on temperature and parental sex, in species of a reef-building tubeworm (Galeolaria) from a fast-warming biodiversity hotspot in southern Australia. By replicating pure and reciprocal hybrid crosses across 5 temperatures spanning species’ thermal ranges, we estimate thermal tolerance curves (defining niches) for crosses and reproductive isolation at each temperature. By also replicating crosses at 3 life stages, we partition the contributions of prezygotic barriers at fertilization, postzygotic barriers at embryogenesis, and postzygotic barriers at larval development to reproductive isolation. We show that barriers are weaker at fertilization and embryogenesis, but stronger and more temperature sensitive at larval development, as species diverge in thermal niche. Asymmetry of barriers between parental sexes, moreover, suggests a complex interplay between niche differentiation and maternal inheritance. Our findings point to a key role for temperature in reproductive isolation, but also challenges for predicting the fate of isolation in future climates.
Increased production of isobutanol from xylose through metabolic engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae overexpressing transcription factor Znf1 and exogenous genes
Authors: Songdech Pattanan , Butkinaree Chutikarn , Yingchutrakul Yodying , Promdonkoy Peerada , Runguphan Weerawat , Soontorngun Nitnipa 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Only trace amount of isobutanol is produced by the native Saccharomyces cerevisiae via degradation of amino acids. Despite several attempts using engineered yeast strains expressing exogenous genes, catabolite repression of glucose must be maintained together with high activity of downstream enzymes, involving iron–sulfur assimilation and isobutanol production. Here, we examined novel roles of nonfermentable carbon transcription factor Znf1 in isobutanol production during xylose utilization. RNA-seq analysis showed that Znf1 activates genes in valine biosynthesis, Ehrlich pathway and iron–sulfur assimilation while coupled deletion or downregulated expression of BUD21 further increased isobutanol biosynthesis from xylose. Overexpression of ZNF1 and xylose-reductase/dehydrogenase (XR-XDH) variants, a xylose-specific sugar transporter, xylulokinase, and enzymes of isobutanol pathway in the engineered S. cerevisiae pho13gre3Δ strain resulted in the superb ZNXISO strain, capable of producing high levels of isobutanol from xylose. The isobutanol titer of 14.809 ± 0.400 g/L was achieved, following addition of 0.05 g/L FeSO4.7H2O in 5 L bioreactor. It corresponded to 155.88 mg/g xylose consumed and + 264.75% improvement in isobutanol yield. This work highlights a new regulatory control of alternative carbon sources by Znf1 on various metabolic pathways. Importantly, we provide a foundational step toward more sustainable production of advanced biofuels from the second most abundant carbon source xylose.
Associations of Neurological Biomarkers in Serum With Gait Measures: The Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Nadkarni Abhijay N , Mukamal Kenneth J , Zhu Xiaonan , Siscovick David , Brach Jennifer S , Jacob Mini , Seshadri Sudha , Abe Temidayo , Rosano Caterina , Djousse Luc , Rosso Andrea L 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Gait impairment leads to increased mobility decline and may have neurological contributions. This study explores how neurological biomarkers are related to gait in older adults.

Methods
We studied participants in the Cardiovascular Health Study, a population-based cohort of older Americans, who underwent a serum biomarker assessment from samples collected in 1996–1997 for neurofilament light chain (NfL), glial fibrillary acidic protein, ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1, and total tau (n = 1 959, mean age = 78.0 years, 60.8% female). In a subsample (n = 380), cross-sectional associations with quantitative gait measures were explored. This subsample was assessed on a mat for gait speed, step length, double support time, step time, step length variability, and step time variability. Gait speed was also measured over a 15-ft walkway annually from 1996–1997 to 1998–1999 for longitudinal analyses. Linear regression models assessed cross-sectional associations of biomarkers with gait measures, whereas mixed effects models assessed longitudinal gait speed change from baseline to 1998–1999.

Results
Neurofilament light chain was significantly associated with annual gait speed decline (standardized β = −0.64 m/s, 95% CI: [−1.23, −0.06]) after adjustment for demographic and health factors. Among gait mat-assessed phenotypes, NfL was also cross-sectionally associated with gait speed (β = 0.001 m/s [0.0003, 0.002]) but not with other gait measures. None of the remaining biomarkers were significantly related to gait in either longitudinal or cross-sectional analyses.

Conclusions
Higher NfL levels were related to greater annual gait speed decline. Gait speed decline may be related to axonal degeneration. The clinical utility of NfL should be explored.
Diagnostic Accuracy of the FRAIL Scale, Groningen Frailty Indicator, Tilburg Frailty Indicator, and PRISMA-7 for Frailty Screening Among Older Adults in Community Settings: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Vo Nhi Thi , Tu Yu-Kang , Lin Kuan-Chia , Chiu Hsiao-Yean , Huang Hui-Chuan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of four questionnaire-based tools (i.e., the FRAIL scale, Groningen Frailty Indicator [GFI], Tilburg Frailty Indicator [TFI], and PRISMA-7) for screening frailty in older adults.

Research Design and Methods
The 4 databases comprising the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, PubMed, and ProQuest were searched from inception to June 20, 2023. Study quality comprising risks of bias and applicability was assessed via a QUADAS-2 questionnaire. A bivariate network meta-analysis model and Youden’s index were performed to identify the optimal tool and cutoff points.

Results
In total, 20 studies comprising 13 for FRAIL, 7 for GFI, 6 for TFI, and 5 for PRISMA-7 were included. Regarding study quality appraisal, all studies had high risks of bias for study quality assessment domains. Values of the pooled sensitivity of the FRAIL scale, GFI, TFI, and PRISMA-7 were 0.58, 0.74, 0.66, and 0.73, respectively. Values of the pooled specificity of the FRAIL scale, GFI, TFI, and PRISMA-7 were 0.92, 0.77, 0.84, and 0.86, respectively. The Youden’s index was obtained for the FRAIL scale with a cutoff of 2 points (Youden’s index = 0.65), indicating that the FRAIL scale with a cutoff of 2 points was the optimal tool for frailty screening in older adults.

Discussion and Implications
The FRAIL scale comprising 5 self-assessed items is a suitable tool for interview older adults for early frailty detection in community settings; it has the advantages of being short, simple, and easy to respond to.
Citizen engagement in national health insurance in rural western Kenya
Authors: Maritim Beryl , Koon Adam D , Kimaina Allan , Goudge Jane 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Effective citizen engagement is crucial for the success of social health insurance, yet little is known about the mechanisms used to involve citizens in low- and middle-income countries. This paper explores citizen engagement efforts by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and their impact on health insurance coverage within rural informal worker households in western Kenya. Our study employed a mixed methods design, including a cross-sectional household survey (n = 1773), in-depth household interviews (n = 36), six focus group discussions with community stakeholders and key informant interviews (n = 11) with policymakers. The findings reveal that NHIF is widely recognized, but knowledge of its services, feedback mechanisms and accountability systems is limited. NHIF enrolment among respondents is low (11%). The majority (63%) are aware of NHIF, but only 32% know about the benefit package. There was higher awareness of the benefit package (60%) among those with NHIF compared to those without (28%). Satisfaction with the NHIF benefit package was expressed by only 48% of the insured. Nearly all respondents (93%) are unaware of mechanisms to provide feedback or raise complaints with NHIF. Of those who are aware, the majority (57%) mention visiting NHIF offices for assistance. Most respondents (97%) lack awareness of NHIF’s performance reporting mechanisms and express a desire to learn. Negative media reports about NHIF’s performance erode trust, contributing to low enrolment and member attrition. Our study underscores the urgency of prioritizing citizen engagement to address low enrolment and attrition rates. We recommend evaluating current citizen engagement procedures to enhance citizen accountability and incorporate their voices. Equally important is the need to build the capacity of health facility staff handling NHIF clients in providing information and addressing complaints. Transparency and information accessibility, including the sharing of performance reports, will foster trust in the insurer. Lastly, standardizing messaging and translations for diverse audiences, particularly rural informal workers, is crucial.
El proceso constituyente en Islandia: Un caso de éxito sin final felizThe Constitutional Process in Iceland: A case of success without a happy ending
Authors: Núñez Rafael Rubio 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The drafting of the new constitution in Iceland has been the subject of numerous studies. Most of them highlight the success of the initiative, pointing to the set of innovative mechanisms incorporated into the process. However, we cannot ignore that the process did not achieve its goal of changing the Constitution. The reasons, which can serve as lessons for other processes of this nature, can be found in the initiation of the project during a deep crisis; the lack of clear objectives; the absence of a clear definition of tasks; the confusion between participation and deliberation, which generated some expectation confusion and progressive disillusionment, and the gap between the mobilized society and public representatives.
‘Taking Responsibility for the White Collective’: Implicated Subjects and Transformative Justice in the United States
Authors: McEvoy Bretton J 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT∞
Transitional justice largely ignores that majority of actors who, though not directly responsible for violence, are structurally implicated in systems of injustice that (re)produce violence. Their absence is incompatible with the normative goals of the ‘transformative justice’ agenda, which include targeting the causes of (structural) violence, a project decidedly shaped by the presence of implicated subjects, especially in cases of historical injustice. This article engages a select group of implicated subjects – anti-racist white activists in the United States – to examine what their endeavours and struggles to reckon with their implication in the ongoing histories of racism and white supremacy can tell us about the boundaries of a transformative justice model. Drawing upon nine months of participant observation and 30 in-depth interviews within predominantly white activist spaces in the Greater Boston area, I contend that viewing transitional justice from the lens of implicated subjects serves to trouble the field’s transformative aspirations.
Do dietary interventions exert clinically important effects on the bioavailability of β-lactam antibiotics? A systematic review with meta-analyses
Authors: Wiesner Agnieszka , Zagrodzki Paweł , Paśko Paweł 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Managing drug–food interactions may help to achieve the optimal action and safety profile of β-lactam antibiotics.

Methods
We conducted a systematic review with meta-analyses in adherence to PRISMA guidelines for 32 β-lactams. We included 166 studies assessing the impact of food, beverages, antacids or mineral supplements on the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters or PK/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) indices.

Results
Eighteen of 25 β-lactams for which data on food impact were available had clinically important interactions. We observed the highest negative influence of food (AUC or Cmax decreased by &gt;40%) for ampicillin, cefaclor (immediate-release formulations), cefroxadine, cefradine, cloxacillin, oxacillin, penicillin V (liquid formulations and tablets) and sultamicillin, whereas the highest positive influence (AUC or Cmax increased by &gt;45%) for cefditoren pivoxil, cefuroxime and tebipenem pivoxil (extended-release tablets). Significantly lower bioavailability in the presence of antacids or mineral supplements occurred for 4 of 13 analysed β-lactams, with the highest negative impact for cefdinir (with iron salts) and moderate for cefpodoxime proxetil (with antacids). Data on beverage impact were limited to 11 antibiotics. With milk, the extent of absorption was decreased by &gt;40% for cefalexin, cefradine, penicillin G and penicillin V, whereas it was moderately increased for cefuroxime. No significant interaction occurred with cranberry juice for two tested drugs (amoxicillin and cefaclor).

Conclusions
Factors such as physicochemical features of antibiotics, drug formulation, type of intervention, and patient’s health state may influence interactions. Due to the poor actuality and diverse methodology of included studies and unproportionate data availability for individual drugs, we judged the quality of evidence as low.
Evaluation of Busulfan as a Third-Party Immunoassay on a Clinical Chemistry Analyzer
Authors: Zhou Janet R , To Andrea , Fritz James , Jung Benjamin , Yazdanpanah Mehrdad , Kulasingam Vathany 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Busulfan is widely used in conditioning regimens to prepare patients for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is critical due to large inter- and intra-individual variability in busulfan pharmacokinetics, and the risk of adverse consequences of toxicity including hepatic veno-occlusive disease. Busulfan is most commonly measured by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), which is not as widely available in clinical laboratories as automated routine clinical chemistry analyzers. The objective was to perform analytical verification of a busulfan immunoassay on the Abbott Alinity c platform.

Methods
The MyCare Oncology busulfan immunoassay was configured as a third-party reagent on the Abbott Alinity c. Imprecision, linearity, sample carryover, and onboard stability of reagent studies were evaluated. The performance of the busulfan immunoassay using the Abbott Alinity c was compared to the Beckman Coulter AU480 using sodium heparinized plasma, as well as to LC-MS/MS using lithium heparinized plasma.

Results
The imprecision goal of 8% was met, and linearity within the analytical measurement range of 240 to 1700 ng/mL was verified. Sample carryover was negligible, and the reagents were stable onboard for at least 84 days. The busulfan immunoassay correlated well with LC-MS/MS (slope = 0.949, y-intercept = −7.8 ng/mL, r2 = 0.9935) and the Beckman Coulter AU480 (slope = 1.090, y-intercept = −34.5 ng/mL, r2 = 0.9988).

Conclusions
This study demonstrated successful analytical verification of a busulfan third-party immunoassay on the Abbott Alinity c platform. The ability to perform TDM of busulfan on a routine clinical chemistry analyzer will positively impact turnaround times to improve patient outcomes.
A validated dilute-and-shoot LC–MS-MS urine screening for the analysis of 95 illicit drugs and medicines: Insights from clinical and forensic Brazilian cases
Authors: Dos Santos Bruno Pereira , Birk Letícia , Schwarz Patrícia , Sebben Viviane Cristina , Sgaravatti Ângela Malysz , de Gouveia Giovanna Cristiano , Silva Petry Adriana Ubirajara , de Menezes Francisco Paz , Gonzaga Alexsandro Pinto , Schlickmann Paula Flores , Arbo Marcelo Dutra , de Oliveira Tiago Franco , Eller Sarah 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Urine toxicological analysis is a relevant tool in both clinical and forensic scenarios, enabling the diagnosis of acute poisonings, elucidation of deaths, verification of substance use in the workplace and identification of drug-facilitated crimes. For these analyses, the dilute-and-shoot technique associated with liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS) is a promising alternative since it has demonstrated satisfactory results and broad applicability. This study developed and validated a comprehensive LC–MS-MS screening method to analyze 95 illicit drugs and medicines in urine samples and application to clinical and forensic Brazilian cases. The dilute-and-shoot protocol was defined through multivariate optimization studies and was set using 100 µL of sample and 300 µL of solvent. The total chromatographic run time was 7.5 min. The method was validated following the recommendations of the ANSI/ASB Standard 036 Guideline. The lower limits of quantification varied from 20 to 100 ng/mL. Within-run and between-run precision coefficient of variations% were &lt;20%, and bias was within ± 20%. Only 4 of the 95 analytes presented significant ionization suppression or enhancement (&gt;25%). As proof of applicability, 839 urine samples from in vivo and postmortem cases were analyzed. In total, 90.9% of the analyzed samples were positive for at least one substance, and 78 of the 95 analytes were detected. The most prevalent substances were lidocaine (40.2%), acetaminophen (38.0%) and benzoylecgonine (31.5%). The developed method proved to be an efficient and simplified alternative for analyzing 95 therapeutic and illicit drugs in urine samples. Additionally, the results obtained from sample analysis are essential for understanding the profile of Brazilian substance use, serving as a valuable database for the promotion of health and safety public policies.
Potential exhaled breath biomarkers identified in chlorine-exposed mice
Authors: Jonasson Sofia , Magnusson Roger , Wingfors Håkan , Gustafsson Åsa , Rankin Gregory , Elfsmark Linda , Mörén Lina 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Exhaled breath (EB) contains various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can indicate specific biological or pathological processes in the body. Analytical techniques like gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) can be used to detect and measure these exhaled biomarkers. In this study, the objective was to develop a non-invasive method of EB sampling in animals that were awake, as well as to analyze EB for volatile biomarkers specific for chlorine exposure and/or diagnostic biomarkers for chlorine-induced acute lung injury (ALI). To achieve this, a custom-made sampling device was used to collect EB samples from 19 female Balb/c mice. EB was sampled both pre-exposure (serving as internal control) and 30 min after exposure to chlorine. EB was collected on thermal desorption tubes and subsequently analyzed for VOCs by GC–MS. The following day, the extent of airway injury was assessed in the animals by examining neutrophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. VOC analysis revealed alterations in the EB biomarker pattern post-chlorine exposure, with eight biomarkers displaying increased levels and six exhibiting decreased levels following exposure. Four chlorinated compounds: trichloromethane, chloroacetone, 1,1-dichloroacetone and dichloroacetonitrile, were increased in chlorine-exposed mice, suggesting their specificity as chlorine EB biomarkers. Furthermore, chlorine-exposed mice displayed a neutrophilic inflammatory response and body weight loss 24 h following exposure. In conclusion, all animals developed an airway inflammation characterized by neutrophil infiltration and a specific EB pattern that could be extracted after chlorine exposure. Monitoring EB samples can readily and non-invasively provide valuable information on biomarkers for diagnosis of chlorine-induced ALI, confirming chlorine exposures.