bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets in uveal melanoma
Authors: Wessely Anja , Koch Elias A. T. , Vera Julio , Berking Carola , Heppt Markus V. 
Published: October 2023

SummaryUveal melanoma (UM) is an orphan cancer despite being the most common eye tumor in adults. Patients often present to skin cancer centers for treatment of metastatic disease although there are significant genetic, biological, and clinical differences from cutaneous melanoma. The treatments most commonly used for metastatic UM are tebentafusp and combined immune checkpoint blockade, both of which yield low response rates and may be accompanied by high treatment costs and significant immune‐related toxicities. Thus, it is of paramount importance to identify biomarkers and clinical profiles predictive of treatment response and to find novel therapeutic targets. The use of immune checkpoint blockade showed more favorable outcomes in patients with extrahepatic disease and normal levels of serum lactate dehydrogenase in a panel of retrospective studies, making its use more reasonable in this subgroup. To identify novel drug targets, we will analyze the expression and relevance of neural crest transcription factors in patient bio‐specimens using next‐generation nanopore sequencing. Computer algorithms and network‐based analysis will facilitate the identification of druggable targets which will subsequently be validated in patient‐derived short‐term cell cultures. This approach will help to find novel and personalized treatments for UM.
Sleep and circadian rhythms during pregnancy, social disadvantage, and alterations in brain development in neonates
Authors: Hoyniak Caroline P. , Whalen Diana J. , Luby Joan L. , Barch Deanna M. , Miller J. Philip , Zhao Peinan , Triplett Regina L. , Ju Yo‐El , Smyser Christopher D. , Warner Barbara , Rogers Cynthia E. , Herzog Erik D. , England Sarah K. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPregnant women in poverty may be especially likely to experience sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances, which may have downstream effects on fetal neurodevelopment. However, the associations between sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances, social disadvantage during pregnancy, and neonatal brain structure remains poorly understood. The current study explored the association between maternal sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances during pregnancy and neonatal brain outcomes, examining sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances as a mediator of the effect of social disadvantage during pregnancy on infant structural brain outcomes. The study included 148 mother‐infant dyads, recruited during early pregnancy, who had both actigraphy and neuroimaging data. Mothers’ sleep was assessed throughout their pregnancy using actigraphy, and neonates underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging in the first weeks of life. Neonatal structural brain outcomes included cortical gray matter, subcortical gray matter, and white matter volumes along with a measure of the total surface area of the cortex. Neonates of mothers who experienced greater inter‐daily deviations in sleep duration had smaller total cortical gray and white matter volumes and reduced cortical surface areas. Neonates of mothers who had higher levels of circadian misalignment and later sleep timing during pregnancy showed smaller subcortical gray matter volumes. Inter‐daily deviations in sleep duration during pregnancy mediated the association between maternal social disadvantage and neonatal structural brain outcomes. Findings highlight the importance of regularity and rhythmicity in sleep schedules during pregnancy and bring to light the role of chronodisruption as a potential mechanism underlying the deleterious neurodevelopmental effects of prenatal adversity.Research Highlights
Social disadvantage was associated with sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances during pregnancy, including later sleep schedules, increased variability in sleep duration, circadian misalignment, and a higher proportion of the sleep period spent awake.
Maternal sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances during pregnancy were associated with decreased brain volume and reduced cortical surface area in neonates.
Maternal inter‐daily deviations in sleep duration during pregnancy mediated the association between social disadvantage and neonatal brain volume and cortical surface area.
Digital denture scanning and 3D printing for residents in care homes: A feasibility study for pre‐empting denture loss
Authors: Gillway Daniel , Doshi Mili 
Published: October 2023

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of digitally scanning dentures and 3D printing replica dentures for care home residents. The study also investigated whether the process and replacement denture was acceptable to the resident.BackgroundDenture loss is a significant issue for people living in care homes and impacts on nutrition, quality of life and dignity. Denture loss is underreported, and care home residents have barriers to accessing dental care. The conventional process for remaking a denture can often take approximately 2 months with multiple clinical stages, often not feasible in adults with frailty and cognitive impairment. Scanning and 3D (3 dimensional) printing are increasingly used in dentistry, this rapidly evolving technology may provide an innovative solution to denture loss.Materials and MethodsA digital workflow was established using a handheld scanner and 3D printing technology. Care home residents wearing functional acrylic dentures were recruited. Dentures were scanned within the care home, and the scan was sent to a dental laboratory for 3D printing. The dentures were fitted at a subsequent visit, and semi‐structured interviews were undertaken with the resident. Using thematic analysis, the feasibility of this pathway was assessed, and the use of digital scanning technology was explored.ResultsEight residents successfully had dentures scanned and replicated to a satisfactory standard. It took, on average, 10 minutes to scan a denture and 20 minutes to print the denture. All replica dentures were satisfactory to the resident. Qualitative data from semi‐structured interviews showed that study participants were satisfied with denture replacements and the process. The 3 main themes that emerged were: the significance of dentures to the individual, satisfaction with the scanning process and general low self‐esteem and fatigue.ConclusionsThis study has established a workflow for digitally storing dentures and replicating them satisfactorily. In the context of a care home setting, a scan of a denture can be used to provide a replacement denture if lost or broken. A large‐scale study could follow now that the feasibility of this pathway has been demonstrated.
Embedding of exogenous B cell epitopes on the surface of UreB structure generates a broadly reactive antibody response against Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Ji Qianyu , Ma Junfei , Wang Shuying , Liu Qing 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSince Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) resistance to antibiotic regimens has increased, vaccination is becoming an increasingly important alternative therapy to control H. pylori infection. UreB, FlaA, AlpB, SabA, and HpaA proteins of H. pylori were previously proved to be used as candidate vaccine antigens. Here, we developed an engineered antigen based on a recombinant chimeric protein containing a structural scaffold from UreB and B cell epitopes from FlaA, AlpB, SabA, and HpaA. The multi‐epitope chimeric antigen, named MECU, could generate a broadly reactive antibody response including antigen‐specific antibodies and neutralising antibodies against H. pylori urease and adhesins. Moreover, therapeutic immunisation with MECU could reduce H. pylori colonisation in the stomach and protect the stomach in BALB/c mice. This study not only provides promising immunotherapy to control H. pylori infection but also offers a reference for antigen engineering against other pathogens.
Effects of magnetic domain morphology on the magnetic spectrum and high‐frequency core losses of MnZn ferrites
Authors: Wu Guohua , Yu Zhong , Guo Rongdi , Wang Zhiguang , Wang Hong , Hu Zhongqiang , Liu Ming 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMnZn ferrites that exhibit low core losses at high frequencies are suitable for the integration and miniaturization of power conversion devices. To obtain low core losses at high frequencies, it is important to understand the underlying mechanism. In this work, MnZn ferrites with various grain sizes were produced by changing the sintering temperature. The relationship between domain morphology, dynamic magnetization behavior, and core losses at high frequencies was carefully investigated. As the average grain size approached the critical size of single‐domain state, the contribution of domain wall displacement to complex permeability decreased, while domain wall resonant frequency improved significantly, resulting in the suppression of residual loss at 3 MHz. As the average grain size increased, the domain morphology changed from a single‐domain state to a multidomain state, which increased the initial permeability and decreased hysteresis loss. However, the number of domain walls increased, causing a significant decrease in the domain wall resonant frequency, and resulting in a sharp increase in residual loss. These results provide valuable insights into reducing high‐frequency core losses in MnZn ferrites by domain engineering.
The well‐being of nurses working in general practice during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A qualitative study (The GenCo Study)
Authors: Anderson Helen , Scantlebury Arabella , Galdas Paul , Adamson Joy 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAimExploration of experiences of nurses working in general practice during the COVID‐19 pandemic to evaluate the impact on nurses' professional well‐being.DesignAn exploratory qualitative study comprised of case studies of three general practice sites in England and a nationwide interview study of nurses working in general practice and nurse leaders. The study was funded by The General Nursing Council for England and Wales Trust. University of York ethics approval (HSRGC/2021/458/I) and Health Research Authority approval was obtained (IRAS: 30353, Protocol number: R23982, Ref 21/HRA/5132, CPMS: 51834).MethodsForty participants took part. Case site data consisted of interviews/focus groups and national data consisted of semi‐structured interviews. Data collection took place between April and August 2022. Analysis was underpinned by West et al.'s The courage of compassion. Supporting nurses and midwives to deliver high‐quality care, The King's fund, 2020 ABC framework of nurses' core work well‐being needs.FindingsThe majority of participants experienced challenges to their professional well‐being contributed to by lack of recognition, feeling undervalued and lack of involvement in higher‐level decision‐making. Some participants displayed burnout and stress. Structural and cultural issues contributed to this and many experiences pre‐dated, but were exacerbated by, the COVID‐19 pandemic.ConclusionsBy mapping findings to the ABC framework, we highlight the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the well‐being of nurses working in general practice and contributing workplace factors. The issues identified have implications for retention and for the future of nursing in general practice. The study highlights how this professional group can be supported in the future.ImpactThe study contributes to our understanding of the experiences of nurses working in general practice during the COVID‐19 pandemic and beyond. Findings have implications for this skilled and experienced workforce, for retention of nurses in general practice, the sustainability of the profession more broadly and care quality and patient safety.Reporting MethodStandards for Reporting Qualitative Research (O'Brien et al. in Journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges, 89(9), 1245–1251, 2014).Patient or Public ContributionAs this was a workforce study there was no patient or public contribution.
Holocene vegetation dynamics of the Eastern Mediterranean region: Old controversies addressed by a new analysis
Authors: Cruz‐Silva Esmeralda , Harrison Sandy P. , Prentice I. Colin , Marinova Elena 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAimWe reconstruct vegetation changes since 12 ky in the Eastern Mediterranean to examine four features of the regional vegetation history that are controversial: the extent of non‐analogue vegetation assemblages in the transition from the Late Glacial to the early Holocene, the synchroneity of postglacial forest expansion, the geographical extent of temperate deciduous forest during the mid‐Holocene and the timing and trigger for the re‐establishment of drought‐tolerant vegetation during the late Holocene.LocationThe Eastern Mediterranean–Black Sea Caspian Corridor.TaxonVascular plants.MethodsWe reconstruct vegetation changes for 122 fossil pollen records using a method that accounts for within‐biome variability in pollen taxon abundance to determine the biome with which a sample has greatest affinity. Per‐biome affinity threshold values were used to identify samples that do not belong to any modern biome. We apply time series analysis and mapping to examine space and time changes.ResultsSites with non‐analogue vegetation were most common between 11.5 and 9.5 ky and mostly in the Carpathians. The transition from open vegetation to forest occurred at 10.64 ± 0.65 ky across the whole region. Temperate deciduous forest was not more extensive at 6 ky; maximum expansion occurred between 5.5 and 5 ky. Expansion of forest occurred between c. 4 and 2.8 k, followed by an abrupt decrease and a subsequent recovery. This pattern is not consistent with a systematic decline of forest towards more drought‐tolerant vegetation in the late Holocene but is consistent with centennial‐scale speleothem patterns linked to variations in moisture availability.Main ConclusionsWe show the occurrence of non‐analogue vegetation types peaked during early Holocene, forest expansion was synchronous across the region and there was an expansion of moisture‐demanding temperate trees around 5.5 to 5 ky. There is no signal of a continuous late Holocene aridification, but changes in forest cover appear to reflect climatic rather than anthropogenic influences.
Functional variants of the chitinase 3‐like 1 gene are associated with clinicopathologic outcomes and progression of prostate cancer
Authors: Wen Yu‐Ching , Lin Chia‐Yen , Ho Kuo‐Hao , Lin Yung‐Wei , Hsiao Chi‐Hao , Wang Shian‐Shiang , Chang Lun‐Ching , Yang Shun‐Fa , Chien Ming‐Hsien 
Published: October 2023

AbstractChitinase 3‐like 1 (CHI3L1 or YKL40) is a secreted glycoprotein highly expressed in advanced stages of several cancer types, including prostate cancer (PCa). Impacts of genetic variants of CHI3L1 on PCa development have not yet been investigated. The most common well‐studied genetic variations are single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore associations of CHI3L1 SNPs with both the susceptibility to PCa and its clinicopathological development. Three promoter SNPs, rs6691378 (−1371, G>A), rs10399805 (−247, G>A) and rs4950928 (−131, C>G), and one non‐synonymous SNP, rs880633 (+2950, T>C), were analysed using a TaqMan allelic discrimination assay for genotyping in a cohort of 701 PCa patients and 701 healthy controls. Results indicated that there were no significant associations of PCa susceptibility with these four CHI3L1 SNPs. However, among elderly PCa patients (aged >65 years), it was observed that polymorphic variants (GA + AA) of CHI3L1 rs6691378 and 10399805 were significantly linked to reduced risks of several clinicopathological characteristics, including a high Gleason grade, advanced pathologic T stage and tumour cell invasion. Moreover, analyses of The Cancer Genome Atlas database revealed that CHI3L1 expression levels were elevated in PCa tissues compared with normal tissues. Interestingly, higher CHI3L1 expression levels were found to be associated with longer progression‐free survival rates in PCa patients. Our findings indicated that levels of CHI3L1 may influence the progression of PCa, and the rs6691378 and 10399805 SNP genetic variants of CHI3L1 are linked to the clinicopathological development of PCa within a Taiwanese population.
The vanishing of the ACoA syndrome after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage: New era, different management, fewer problems?
Authors: Buunk A. M. , Spikman J. M. , Wagemakers M. , Jeltema J. R. , de Vries J. , Mazuri A. , Uyttenboogaart M. , Groen R. J. M. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractHistorically, a specific set of symptoms has been related to the rupture and repair of anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms. These consequences were defined as the ‘ACoA syndrome’ and included observations of severe memory loss, confabulation and personality or behavioural changes. These observations correspond to neuropsychological impairments in memory, executive functions and social cognition. However, in more recent studies, the existence of such a distinct syndrome has been called into question. We aimed to investigate the existence of the ACoA syndrome, by combining analysis of our own data with a systematic review of the literature. Memory, executive functions and social cognition of subarachnoid haemorrhage patients with ACoA aneurysms (N = 28) were compared to patients with aneurysms in other locations (N = 66). Results showed no significant differences. Subsequently, a systematic review of the existing literature on the ACoA syndrome was performed using Embase and PubMed until October 2022. Studies that investigated cognitive functions after rupture and repair of ACoA aneurysms were included. The search yielded 847 unique entries and after screening titles and abstracts, 648 records were excluded. 199 full‐text articles were assessed for eligibility and 55 articles were included. Evidence was found for the ACoA syndrome in studies between 1960 and 2000, with impairments in memory and executive problems in the majority of studies. However, the majority of studies from 2000 did not demonstrate a distinct ACoA syndrome, although neuropsychological measurements improved. This coincides with the changes in the management of ACoA aneurysms over the past decades, such as the emergence of endovascular treatment and improvement of neurointensive care. Therefore, we hypothesize that the management techniques of ACoA aneurysms until around 2000, i.e. mainly conventional clipping, could be related to the presence of symptoms of the ACoA syndrome.
‘Human rights cities’ in Africa? Rights as resources for urban governance in the Global South
Authors: PIETERSE MARIUS 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis article considers the use of human rights law as a resource for urban governance by African cities, thereby supplementing the growing literature on ‘human rights cities’ that has thus far focused on the experiences of cities in the Global North. It considers the motivations for and impact of human rights city initiatives, before taking a closer look at reported instances of rights invocation in and by African cities and pointing to factors that explain the seemingly limited traction of human rights law for urban local governments on the continent. The article shows that incomplete and politically contested devolution arrangements across African constitutional systems have combined with pressures pertaining to the domestic enforceability of socio‐economic rights to structure a somewhat cautious and fraught, but nevertheless promising, relationship between local governments in African cities and human rights law.
The Saudi‐UAE Divide over the Yemen Quagmire
Authors: Öztürk Selim 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe expansion of Iranian influence through the Houthi rebels in Yemen alarmed Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, leading them to intervene in the civil war. However, this only prolonged the conflict, in part because the two Gulf neighbors failed to coordinate—indeed, they often followed divergent policies. One reason for this was ideological, as the Saudis favored Yemen's al‐Islah party, an offshoot of the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood movement. The Emiratis rejected this group and opposed Saudi‐backed President Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi due to his links to it. The other area of dispute was the UAE's support for secessionists seeking an independent South Yemen, largely driven by Emirati economic interests. Saudi Arabia strongly resisted separation and prioritized the fight against the Houthis. The article analyzes the many facets of the divide over Yemen and shows how the rift is affecting other parts of the region.
Antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from pigs and associations with aggregated antimicrobial usage in Ireland: A herd‐level exploration
Authors: Byrne Andrew W. , Garvan Caroline , Bolton Julie , Naranjo‐Lucena Amalia , Madigan Gillian , McElroy Máire , Slowey Rosemarie 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAimsAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is of significant global concern and is a major One Health issue. There is evidence to suggest that increased antimicrobial usage (AMU) can be associated with AMR patterns, and therefore, there have been efforts to reduce AMU in anticipation of reducing AMR emergence risk. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there were any associations between AMU and AMR patterns of commensal Escherichia coli isolated from pig herds in Ireland.Methods and ResultsData on AMR from a panel of antimicrobials (AMDs) were gathered as part of national surveillance activities. These data were associated with reported usage of AMDs, on a year‐quarter basis, measured in mg/kg at a herd‐level using generalized estimating equation regression analysis. Associations were tested with AMR presence or multi‐drug resistance (MDR; ≥3 classes) profiles and total AMU during the contemporaneous quarter and previous quarter, respectively. Furthermore, individual and AMD class‐based associations were tested. The final dataset contained 218 observations (herd‐quarter usage and AMR resistance profile) from 122 herds during 2019–2021. Apparent resistance prevalence varied according to AMD type, with the highest mean prevalence found with tetracycline at 51.57% (95% CI: 45.06%–58.09%). There were significant associations between a herd obtaining a positive AMR result for any AMDs and the overall levels of AMU during the year‐quarter. Furthermore, there were significant positive associations between MDR and total AMU. At the compound level, chloramphenicol resistance was significantly associated with increased usage of trimethoprim/sulfadiazine and chlortetracycline, respectively (p < 0.010). Tetracycline resistance was associated with increased use of chlortetracycline (p = 0.008). At the antimicrobial class level, there was a significant positive relationship between the usage of phenicol and the probability of a resistance for chloramphenicol (p = 0.026) and between the usage of tetracycline and tetracycline resistance probability (p = 0.018).ConclusionsOur data provide evidence of associations between overall AMU and AMR or MDR risk at the herd‐quarter level. There was also evidence of associations between specific AMDs and patterns of resistance. Associations varied depending on whether time lags in usage were modelled or how usage was modelled (e.g. dichotomized or continuous). Associations with rarely used AMDs (e.g. critically important AMDs) were precluded due to a lack of statistical power. Continued monitoring of both AMU and AMR is crucial to assess the impacts of policy changes aimed at reducing AMU.