bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variants of the promoter of MYH6 gene in congenital isolated and sporadic patent ductus arteriosus: case-control study and cellular functional analyses
Authors: Zuo Ji-Yang , Chen Huan-Xin , Yang Qin , He Guo-Wei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common form of congenital heart disease. The MYH6 gene has important effects on cardiovascular growth and development, but the effect of variants in the MYH6 gene promoter on ductus arteriosus is unknown. DNA was extracted from blood samples of 721 subjects (428 patients with isolated and sporadic PDA and 293 healthy controls) and analyzed by sequencing for MYH6 gene promoter region variants. Cellular function experiments with three cell lines (HEK-293, HL-1, and H9C2 cells) and bioinformatics analyses were performed to verify their effects on gene expression. In the MYH6 gene promoter, 11 variants were identified. Four variants were found only in patients with PDA and 2 of them (g.3434G&gt;C and g.4524C&gt;T) were novel. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that the transcription factors bound by the promoter variants were significantly altered in comparison to the wild-type in all three cell lines. Dual luciferase reporter showed that all the 4 variants reduced the transcriptional activity of the MYH6 gene promoter (P &lt; 0.05). Prediction of transcription factors bound by the variants indicated that these variants alter the transcription factor binding sites. These pathological alterations most likely affect the contraction of the smooth muscle of ductus arteriosus, leading to PDA. This study is the first to focus on variants at the promoter region of the MYH6 gene in PDA patients with cellular function tests. Therefore, this study provides new insights to understand the genetic basis and facilitates further studies on the mechanism of PDA formation.
Assessing diversification behavior of small-scale commercial fishers
Authors: White Shelby B , Scheld Andrew M 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Diversification within and outside of small-scale fisheries (SSF) is a common strategy to stabilize revenues and increase resilience following disturbances. Using SSF in Virginia, USA as a case study, Herfindahl–Hirschman Indices (HHIs) were used to characterize individual and fleet levels of income diversification, while generalized linear mixed models were used to examine drivers of diversification behavior. HHI income values indicate that fishers tended to exhibit specialized behavior. More diversified fishers tended to have less interannual revenue variability and higher annual incomes. Decisions to increase or decrease diversification were associated with various factors, including total years of participation, annual income, the type of licenses held, landings levels, participation in marine-related business outside of SSF, and market prices. An understanding of diversification levels and associated drivers of behavior can help fishery managers and governing entities predict how fishers will react to perturbations. Environmental changes that alter species distributions and increase the potential for invasive species, as well as shifting sociodemographics within the fishing industry, will likely continue to influence diversification behavior in the future. Developing strategies to reduce the impact of these events on fishers and fishing communities will help to increase resilience and reduce vulnerability in SSF.
Safety risk assessment model of a subway tunnel collapse system based on improved DOW-FFTA method
Authors: Li Wen , Lu Xuesong , Wu Menglong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Green construction considers factors such as quality, safety, efficiency, environmental protection and ecology. Under the premise of balancing basic construction capacity and green construction, prioritizing construction safety requirements and exploring the risk assessment system for the green construction of subway projects is crucial. Traditional risk assessment methods in the study of local system risks have been mostly applied to simple systems; thus, risk identification and assessment methods lack universality. The questions of how to change the existing structure of the system safety risk assessment model and establish a realistic modeling approach, as well as implement dynamic risk supervision, have become urgent problems. Here, we investigated the event risk point and proposed an integrated evaluation method of inherent, initial and real risks based on system attributes. The improved DOW chemical method was used to solve the static inherent risk severity index, and fuzzy fault tree analysis (FFTA) was used to judge the probability of out-of-control local state management. Considering the abnormal situation and the emergence of new risk information, a dynamic correction model was proposed. Finally, a static risk assessment model was established in line with the actual state of the system with local management and realistic risk assessment models that could modify the initial risk over time.
Level of exposure to aflatoxins during pregnancy and its association with adverse birth outcomes in Africa: a meta-analysis
Authors: Hassen Jemal Y , Debella Adera , Eyeberu Addis , Mussa Ibsa 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Aflatoxins are various poisonous carcinogens and mutagens produced by Aspergillus species. Exposure to aflatoxins during pregnancy results in adverse birth outcomes. This meta-analysis was carried out to determine the estimates of how much aflatoxin is harmful to the pregnancy and its outcome, including birthweight, birth length, low birthweight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA), stunting, poverty, food insecurity, income, pesticides and stillbirth, in an African context.

Methods
Both published and unpublished studies in Africa were searched on MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Stata version 18.2 software was used for cleaning and analysis. The prevalence with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated using the random effects model and a forest plot was used to present the findings. In addition, the heterogeneity of the study was assessed using Cochrane I2 statistics and publication bias was assessed using Egger's intercept and funnel plot.

Results
This review included 28 studies with a total of 6283 pregnant women and newborns. The analysis showed the overall level of exposure to aflatoxins was 64% (95% CI 48 to 78, τ2=0.66, I2=99.34%, p=0.001). In the subgroup analysis by publication year, the highest level of exposure to aflatoxins (82% [95% CI 69 to 92]) was observed among studies published from 2020 to 2023. This study also found that exposure to aflatoxins during pregnancy had an association with prematurity, LBW, SGA and stillbirth.

Conclusions
The data analysed in this study indicated that three of every five pregnant women had exposure to aflatoxins in Africa. Moreover, pregnant women exposed to aflatoxins had a higher likelihood of having a LBW and SGA newborn. Thus governments and all stakeholders should initiate policies that mitigate the toxicity of aflatoxins in pregnant women, foetuses and newborns.
Differences in antibiotic use between COPD and non-COPD residents based on the health information system
Authors: Yin Xin , Jiang Yonggen , Wu Yiling , Su Xuyan , Hou Shanshan , Li Jing , Luo Wei , Yu Minjun , Zang Jinxin , Wang Wei , Zhao Qi , Zhu Yinfeng , Zhao Genming , Jiang Qingwu , Wang Na 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To compare the differences in antibiotic use between COPD and non-COPD residents, and to explore the effect of COPD on antibiotic use.

Methods
Participants aged 40 years old or over from the Songjiang Adult Cohort were included. Information on prescription and baseline survey was collected based on the health information system. A logit-negative binomial Hurdle model was used to explore correlations between COPD and percentage of antibiotic use and average rate of antibiotic prescribing of different types of antibiotic. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the association between COPD and antimicrobial combination therapy and routes of administration.

Results
A total of 34576 individuals were included and 1594 (4.6%) were COPD patients. During the 6 years’ follow-up, the percentage of antibiotic use for COPD patients was 98.4%, which was 7.88 (95%CI: 5.24–11.85) times of that for non-COPD patients after adjusting for potential confounders. The prescribing rate was 3220 prescriptions (95%CI: 3063.6–3385.2) per 1000 person-years for COPD patients, which was 1.96 (95%CI: 1.87–2.06) times of that for non-COPD patients. Other beta-lactam antibacterials, Macrolides, lincosamides and streptogramins, and quinolone antibacterials were the most commonly used types of antibiotic. Except for aminoglycoside antibacterials, both percentage of antibiotic use and rate of antibiotic prescription were increased in COPD patients. COPD patients were more likely to be prescribed a maximum of two antibiotics (OR=1.34, 95%CI: 1.20–1.50); and were more likely to use antibiotics intravenously (OR=2.77, 95%CI: 2.47–3.11).

Conclusion
COPD patients were more likely to have increased antibiotic use in a large-scale population-based adult cohort, suggesting COPD patients are a high-priority group for the management of antibiotic use in communities.
Breast Radiologists’ Perceptions on the Detection and Management of Invasive Lobular Carcinoma: Most Agree Imaging Beyond Mammography Is Warranted
Authors: Coffey Kristen , Berg Wendie A , Dodelzon Katerina , Jochelson Maxine S , Mullen Lisa A , Parikh Jay R , Hutcheson Laurie , Grimm Lars J 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objective
To determine breast radiologists’ confidence in detecting invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) on mammography and the perceived need for additional imaging in screening and preoperative settings.

Methods
A 16-item anonymized survey was developed, and IRB exemption obtained, by the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) Patient Care and Delivery Committee and the Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance. The survey was emailed to 2946 radiologist SBI members on February 15, 2023. The survey recorded demographics, perceived modality-specific sensitivity for ILC to the nearest decile, and opinions on diagnosing ILC in screening and staging imaging. Five-point Likert scales were used (1 = strongly disagree, 2 = disagree, 3 = neutral, 4 = agree, 5 = strongly agree).

Results
Response rate was 12.4% (366/2946). Perceived median (interquartile range) modality-specific sensitivities for ILC were MRI 90% (80–90), contrast-enhanced mammography 80% (70–90), molecular breast imaging 80% (60–90), digital breast tomosynthesis 70% (60–80), US 60% (50–80), and 2D mammography 50% (30–60). Only 25% (85/340) respondents were confident in detecting ILC on screening mammography in dense breasts, while 67% (229/343) were confident if breasts were nondense. Most agreed that supplemental screening is needed to detect ILC in women with dense breasts (272/344, 79%) or a personal history of ILC (248/341, 73%), with 34% (118/334) indicating that supplemental screening would also benefit women with nondense breasts. Most agreed that additional imaging is needed to evaluate extent of disease in women with newly diagnosed ILC, regardless of breast density (dense 320/329, 97%; nondense 263/329, 80%).

Conclusion
Most breast radiologists felt that additional imaging beyond mammography is needed to more confidently screen for and stage ILC.
Impact of CYP2C19 metabolizer status on esophageal mucosal inflammation, acid exposure, and motility among patients on chronic proton-pump inhibitor therapy with refractory symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Tai Cheng-Chun , Medwid Samantha , Mclntosh Keith , Chande Nilesh , Kim Richard B , Gregor James 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
The extent of disease severity remains unclear among CYP2C19 rapid and ultra-rapid metabolizers with refractory symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) on chronic proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Aims
To determine the impact of CYP2C19 metabolizer status in relation to chronic PPI therapy with a focus on the extent of esophageal inflammation, acid exposure, and motor function.

Methods
This retrospective study included 54 patients with refractory GERD symptoms who underwent CYP2C19 genotyping for PPI metabolism, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, ambulatory pH study, and high-resolution esophageal manometry. Patients were divided into three groups: normal metabolizer (NM) group, intermediate metabolizer/poor metabolizer (IM/PM) group, and rapid metabolizer/ultra-rapid metabolizer (RM/UM) group. The Chi-square test was used to analyze categorical variables, and one-way ANOVA for comparing means.

Results
Rapid metabolizer/ultra-rapid metabolizer (RM/UM) group more frequently had either Los Angeles grade C or D GERD (7/19, 36.8% vs 1/21, 4.8%, P = 0.011) and metaplasia of the esophagus (9/19, 47.4% vs 2/21, 9.5%, P = 0.007) when compared to the NM group. RM/UM group were more frequently offered dilatation for nonobstructive dysphagia (8/19, 42.1% vs 3/21, 14.3%, P = 0.049) and more exhibited a hypotensive lower esophageal sphincter (LES) resting pressure compared to the NM group (10/19, 52.6% vs 4/21, 19%, P = 0.026). All three groups exhibited comparable DeMeester scores when PPIs were discontinued 72 hours before the ambulatory pH study.

Conclusion
CYP2C19 RMs and UMs on chronic PPI with refractory GERD symptoms exhibited greater esophageal mucosal inflammation, as observed both endoscopically and histologically, and more were found to have hypotensive LES resting pressures and more were offered esophageal dilatation.
Using electric fields to control insects: current applications and future directions
Authors: Jobe Ndey Bassin , Chourasia Astha , Smith Brian H , Molins Elies , Rose Andreas , Pavlic Theodore P , Paaijmans Krijn P 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Chemical-based interventions are mostly used to control insects that are harmful to human health and agriculture or that simply cause a nuisance. An overreliance on these insecticides however raises concerns for the environment, human health, and the development of resistance, not only in the target species. As such, there is a critical need for the development of novel nonchemical technologies to control insects. Electrocution traps using UV light as an attractant are one classical nonchemical approach to insect control but lack the specificity necessary to target only pest insects and to avoid harmless or beneficial species. Here we review the fundamental physics behind electric fields (EFs) and place them in context with electromagnetic fields more broadly. We then focus on how novel uses of strong EFs, some of which are being piloted in the field and laboratory, have the potential to repel, capture, or kill (electrocute) insects without the negative side effects of other classical approaches. As EF–insect science remains in its infancy, we provide recommendations for future areas of research in EF–insect science.
The trajectory of prognostic cognition in patients with advanced cancer: is the traditional advance care planning approach desirable for patients?
Authors: Hasegawa Takaaki , Okuyama Toru , Akechi Tatsuo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Most patients with advanced cancer initially express a desire to be informed of their prognosis, and prognostic discussions between patients and their oncologists can trigger the subsequent trajectory of prognostic cognitions. On the continuum of prognostic cognition, including inaccurate/accurate prognostic awareness (awareness of incurability of cancer, terminal nature of illness or life expectancy) and prognostic acceptance (accepting one's prognosis), patients’ perceptions of being informed of their prognosis by oncologists and patients’ coping strategy for serious medical conditions regulate prognostic cognitions. However, nearly half of the patients with advanced cancer have poor prognostic awareness, and few patients achieve prognostic acceptance. These phenomena partly act as barriers to participation in advance care planning. When oncologists engage in advance care planning conversations, they must assess the patient’s prognostic cognition and readiness for advance care planning. Considering the inaccurate prognostic awareness in a non-negligible proportion of patients and that astatic patients’ preferences for future treatment and care are influenced by prognostic cognition, more research on decision-making support processes for high-quality and goal-concordant end-of-life care is needed along with research of advance care planning. In addition to making decisions regarding future medical treatment and care, oncologists must engage in continuous and dynamic goal-of-care conversations with empathic communication skills and compassion from diagnosis to end-of-life care.
Trends in endometrial carcinoma: experience of a single institute for four decades
Authors: Yamaguchi Masayuki , Kushiya Naohisa , Tamura Ryo , Nishikawa Nobumichi , Kikuchi Akira 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objective
To determine the current prognosis of endometrial carcinoma in Japan by analyzing long-term trends in endometrial carcinoma at our hospital.

Methods
We divided 1463 patients with endometrial carcinoma who visited our hospital between 1984 and 2022 into group 1984–1991, group 1992–1999, group 2000–2006, group 2007–2014 and group 2015–2022. Trends were determined using the Jonckheere–Terpstra and Cochran–Armitage tests. Data were analyzed using Cox regression analysis.

Results
When group 2015–2022 was used as a reference in the univariate analysis, the hazard ratios for the other groups were &lt;1. In particular, the hazard ratio for group 2007–2014 was 0.65 (95% confidence interval, 0.47–0.90, P = 0.009), suggesting that the prognosis of group 2015–2022 was worse than that of group 2007–2014 and seemed to be the worst among all prognoses. In multivariate analysis, the hazard ratios for each group were 1.38, 1.42, 1.88, 1.16 and 1, respectively; the group with the worst prognosis changed from group 2015–2022 to group 2000–2006 (hazard ratio, 1.88; 95% confidence interval, 1.27–2.78, P = 0.001). Age and the rate of non-endometrioid carcinoma exhibited significantly increasing trends (P &lt; 0.001 and P &lt; 0.001, respectively), as did the rates of serous and mixed carcinomas (P = 0.001 and 0.024, respectively). The rates of non-endometrioid carcinoma, serous carcinoma and mixed carcinoma were 19.0%, 5.5% and 3.1% in group 2007–2014 and 28.2%, 10.8% and 4.6% in group 2015–2022, respectively.

Conclusions
The increasing rates of non-endometrioid carcinoma—especially serous and mixed carcinoma—may be associated with the worsening prognosis of endometrial carcinoma at our institution. Careful monitoring is needed to confirm whether this phenomenon is observed throughout Japan.
Impact of frailty on cancer-related fatigue and quality of life in outpatients with prostate cancer: a cross-sectional study of patient-reported outcomes
Authors: Tohi Yoichiro , Kato Takuma , Honda Tomoko , Osaki Yu , Abe Yohei , Naito Hirohito , Matsuoka Yuki , Okazoe Homare , Taoka Rikiya , Ueda Nobufumi , Sugimoto Mikio 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the prevalence of frailty and its effects on cancer-related fatigue and quality of life among patients with prostate cancer.

Methods
In this cross-sectional study, questionnaires were administered to 254 outpatients who visited the Department of Urology at Kagawa University Hospital for prostate cancer; finally, 108 outpatients were analyzed. Frailty, cancer-related fatigue and quality of life were assessed using the G8 screening tool, Japanese version of the Brief Fatigue Inventory and Japanese version of the Short Form 8 Health Survey, respectively. We defined frailty based on a score ≤14 points and divided the patients into frailty and no-frailty groups. We also compared the severity of cancer-related fatigue and quality of life between groups.

Results
The prevalence of frailty among 108 outpatients was 63%. Older age correlated with frailty severity (P = 0.0007) but not cancer-related fatigue severity (P = 0.2391). The proportion of patients on treatment or with metastasis was not significantly different between groups. The frailty group had higher cancer-related fatigue severity (P = 0.004) and decreased levels of general activity, mood, walking ability, normal work and enjoyment of life, especially on the Brief Fatigue Inventory subscale. The frailty group had lower physical and mental quality of life than the no-frailty group or general population.

Conclusions
The frailty rate for these patients increased with age, exceeding 60% regardless of the treatment status, and was associated with worsened cancer-related fatigue severity and reduced quality of life. Our study highlights the importance of assessing frailty when selecting treatment, especially in older patients.
Current methods for monitoring Pseudomonas syringae biofilm development
Authors: Budil Jakub , Lišková Petra 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This work reviews biofilm investigation techniques and highlights the benefits and drawbacks of each approach focusing especially on Pseudomonas syringae and may serve as a comprehensive guide for any early-career researchers starting with the topic of biofilm. Each approach with applications of individual microscopy and spectroscopy techniques is summarized together with characterization of Pseudomonas syringae and its role in pathogenesis.
Probing the origin of the two-component structure of broad-line region by reverberation mapping of an extremely variable quasar
Authors: Nagoshi Shumpei , Iwamuro Fumihide , Yamada Satoshi , Ueda Yoshihiro , Oikawa Yuto , Otsuka Masaaki , Isogai Keisuke , Mineshige Shin 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT
The physical origins of quasar components, such as the broad-line region (BLR) and dust torus, remain under debate. To gain insights into them, we focused on changing-state quasars (CSQs) which provide a unique perspective through structural changes associated with accretion disc state transitions. We targeted SDSS J125809.31+351943.0, an extremely variable CSQ, to study its central core structure and kinematics. We conducted reverberation mapping with optical spectroscopy to explore the structure of the BLR and estimate the black hole mass. The results from Hβ reverberation mapping indicated a black hole mass of $10^{9.64^{+0.11}_{-0.20}}\rm {M_\odot }$. Additionally, we analysed variations in the optical to X-ray spectral indices, αox, before and after the state transition, to investigate the accretion disc. These variations in αox and the Eddington ratio (from 0.4 per cent to 2.4 per cent) exhibitied behaviour similar to state transitions observed in X-ray binary systems. Spectral analysis of Hβ revealed a predominantly double-peaked profile during dim periods, transitioning to include a single-peaked component as the quasar brightened, suggesting that Hβ contains a mixture of two components. Each of these components has its distinct characteristics: the first is a double-peaked profile that remains stable despite changes in the accretion rate, while the second is a variable single-peaked profile. Using time-lags from reverberation mapping, we estimated the spatial relationships between these BLR components, the accretion disc, and the dust torus. Our results suggest that the BLR consists of two distinct components, each differing in location and origin.