bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blood pressure and renal function responses in workers exposed to lead for up to six years
Authors: Yu Yu‐Ling , An De‐Wei , Yang Wen‐Yi , Verhamme Peter , Allegaert Karel , Nawrot Tim S. , Staessen Jan A. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe Study for Promotion of Health in Recycling Lead (SPHERL) assessed the blood pressure (BP) and renal function (RF) responses for up to 6 years in the workers without previous occupational lead exposure. BP was the average of five consecutive readings and the estimated glomerular filtration rate was derived from serum creatinine (eGFRcrt) and cystatin C (eGFRcys). Blood lead (BL) was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (detection limit 0.5 μg/dL). The statistical methods included multivariable‐adjusted mixed models and interval‐censored Cox regression analysis. The 234 workers analyzed were on average 28.5 years old and included 91.9% men. The baseline BL concentration was 4.35 μg/dL and increased 3.17‐fold over follow‐up (median: 2.03 years; range: 0.92–6.45 years). The changes in BP and RF were not significantly correlated with the follow‐up‐to‐baseline BL ratio (p ≥ .51 and p ≥ .18, respectively). The fully‐adjusted changes in systolic/diastolic BP associated with a doubling of BL were −0.25/−0.12 mm Hg (CI: −0.94 to 0.44/−0.66 to 0.42 mm Hg). Accordingly, the incidence of stage‐1 or ‐2 hypertension was not associated with the BL change (p ≥ .063). Similarly, the changes in eGFRcrt and eGFRcys associated with a 3‐fold BL increment were not significant, amounting to −0.70 mL/min/1.73 m2 (CI: −1.70 to 0.30 mL/min/1.73 m2) and −1.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 (−2.16 to 0.03 mL/min/1.73 m2). In conclusion, the BP and RF responses to an over 3‐fold BL increment were small and not significant confirming the safety of modern lead‐handing facilities operating under current safety rules.
Assessment of drying characteristics for whole and sliced red ginseng using short‐wave infrared spectroscopy and mathematical model
Authors: Park Jong‐Jin , Cho Jeong‐Seok , Park Kee‐Jai , Cho Chang‐Won , Oh Mi‐Ra , Lim Jeong‐Ho 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMonitoring the moisture content is crucial for red ginseng quality control. In this study, we established a moisture content prediction model using partial least squares regression (PLSR) based on short‐wave infrared (SWIR) data of different ginseng types (whole and sliced) at various drying temperatures and times. The model parameters, including the R2 values, ratio of prediction deviation, and range error ratio, showed that the developed model was robust. Sliced ginseng showed a constant rate period, followed by a falling rate period, whereas whole ginseng showed only a falling rate period. The falling‐rate period coincided with the formation of a dry zone on the sample surface in the moisture distribution map, indicating that monitoring the moisture distribution map can predict the onset of the falling‐rate period. These results suggest that the SWIR technique is a promising nondestructive method for evaluating the drying process of red ginseng.Practical applicationsMonitoring the moisture content of red ginseng is essential to prevent microbial spoilage during transportation. Traditional monitoring of water content is destructive and time‐consuming. Therefore, using hyperspectral imaging, we aimed to develop an efficient moisture prediction model for the drying process of red ginseng. We believe that our study makes a significant contribution to non‐destructive and rapid quality evaluation in red ginseng production.
Comparing rare variants versus common in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a whole exome sequencing approach
Authors: Bale Govardhan , Kulkarni Anand V , Padaki Nagaraja Rao , Menon P. Balachandran , Sharma Mithun , Iyengar Sowmya , Sekaran Anuradha , Pawar Smita C , Duvvur Nageshwar Reddy , Vishnubhotla Ravikanth 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackground/PurposeGenome‐wide association studies have reported the association of common variants with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in genes, namely, PNPLA3/TM6SF2/MBOAT7/HSD17B13, across ethnicities. However, the approach does not identify rarer variants with a higher effect size. We therefore sequenced the complete exonic regions of patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and controls to compare rare and common variants with a role in the pathogenesis.MethodsThis is a prospective study that recruited 54 individuals with/without fatty infiltration. Patients with biopsy‐proven nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and persistently elevated liver enzymes were included. Controls were with normal CT/MR fat fraction. DNA was isolated from whole blood, amplified (SureSelectXT Human All Exon V5 + UTR kit) and sequenced (Illumina). Data were filtered for quality, aligned (hg19), and annotated (OpenCRAVAT). Pathogenic (Polyphen‐2/SIFT/ClinVar) variants and variants reported to be associated with NAFLD based on published literature were extracted from our data and compared between patients and controls.ResultsThe mean age of controls (N = 17) and patients (N = 37) was 46.88 ± 6.94 and 37.46 ± 13.34 years, respectively. A total of 251 missense variants out of 89 286 were classified as pathogenic. Of these, 106 (42.23%) were unique to the patients and remaining (n = 145; 57.77%) were found in both patients and controls. Majority (25/37; 67.57%) patients had a minimum of one or more rare pathogenic variant(s) related to liver pathology that was not seen in the controls.ConclusionElucidating the contribution of rare pathogenic variants would enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis. Including the rarer genes in the polygenic risk scores would enhance prediction power.
Paternal imprinting in Marchantia polymorpha
Authors: Montgomery Sean A. , Berger Frédéric 
Published: November 2023

SummaryWe are becoming aware of a growing number of organisms that do not express genetic information equally from both parents as a result of an epigenetic phenomenon called genomic imprinting. Recently, it was shown that the entire paternal genome is repressed during the diploid phase of the life cycle of the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. The deposition of the repressive epigenetic mark H3K27me3 on the male pronucleus is responsible for the imprinted state, which is reset by the end of meiosis. Here, we put these recent reports in perspective of other forms of imprinting and discuss the potential mechanisms of imprinting in bryophytes and the causes of its evolution.
Stomatal closure in maize is mediated by subsidiary cells and the PAN2 receptor
Authors: Liu Le , Ashraf M. Arif , Morrow Taylor , Facette Michelle 
Published: November 2023

Summary

Stomata are epidermal pores that facilitate plant gas exchange. Grasses have fast stomatal movements, likely due to their dumbbell‐shaped guard cells and lateral subsidiary cells. Subsidiary cells reciprocally exchange water and ions with guard cells. However, the relative contribution of subsidiary cells during stomatal closure is unresolved.

We compared stomatal gas exchange and stomatal aperture dynamics in wild‐type and pan1, pan2, and pan1;pan2 Zea mays (L.) (maize) mutants, which have varying percentages of aberrantly formed subsidiary cells. Stomata with 1 or 2 defective subsidiary cells cannot close properly, indicating that subsidiary cells are essential for stomatal function.

Even though the percentage of aberrant stomata is similar in pan1 and pan2, pan2 showed a more severe defect in stomatal closure. In pan1, only stomata with abnormal subsidiary cells fail to close normally. In pan2, all stomata have stomatal closure defects, indicating that PAN2 has an additional role in stomatal closure.

Maize Pan2 is orthologous to Arabidopsis GUARD CELL HYDROGEN PEROXIDE‐RESISANT1 (GHR1), which is also required for stomatal closure. PAN2 acts downstream of Ca2+ in maize to promote stomatal closure. This is in contrast to GHR1, which acts upstream of Ca2+, and suggests the pathways could be differently wired.
Exploring sustainable energy consumption and social conflict risks in Turkey: Insights from a novel multiresolution ARDL approach
Authors: Mohamed Hassen , Saâdaoui Foued 
Published: November 2023

AbstractNonrenewable energy sources have been shown to be a cause of conflict and terrorism, highlighting the global conflict aspect, but little is known about the causal relationship between the energy system and terrorism in Turkey. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the causal links among renewable energy consumption, fossil fuels, terrorist attacks, education, trade opening, and geopolitical risks in Turkey from 1980 to 2016. Using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach and Granger causality tests, the study analyzes the short and long‐term relationships between the variables. Additionally, robustness tests are conducted using a powerful multiresolution ARDL approach to ensure the stability of the statistical findings. The results reveal the existence of long‐term relationships between all the variables, particularly among terrorism, renewable energy, and education. In the short term, a one‐way relationship exists between terrorism and education to renewable energies and from trade openness to terrorism. The study demonstrates that nonrenewable energy increases terrorism in the long term, whereas renewable energy and trade openness reduce terrorism, highlighting the potential impact of global conflicts on Turkey's sustainable development. Therefore, renewable energy is a powerful tool to fight against terrorism, and Turkey has encouraged its use and deployment of diplomatic efforts to resolve political and military conflicts, particularly in the Middle East. This study provides insights into the complex relationship among sustainable energy consumption, terrorism, education, and trade opening, contributing to the understanding of the geopolitical risks and economics in Turkey. It has implications for policymakers in the region, highlighting the importance of renewable energy and trade openness as tools for conflict resolution and sustainable development in the face of global conflicts.
Passive Cooling Strategies in Summer for Office Buildings in Temperate Clear Sky Climates: Assessment of Effectiveness With Zero-Energy Building Criteria
Authors: D´Amanzo Micaela , Andreoni-Trentacoste Soledad Elisa , Montiel Virginia , Betman Alicia , Ganem-Karlen Carolina 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Passive energy-efficient design in temperate climates with clear-sky conditions and high solar radiation can lead to a significant reduction in energy use while promoting occupant comfort. This paper presents an optimization of the performance of an office building with a mixed-mode run, including night ventilative cooling and shading strategies in summer. The objective is to assess their effectiveness with zero-energy building criteria. The building design integrates an efficient envelope and renewable energy generation from photovoltaic solar panels on-grid. On-site measurements were taken to collect hygrothermal data and energy demand information. Two office configurations were discussed, open plan and individual office, both options with a high trend to overheat. For all orientations tested, multiple horizontal overhangs have better performance than vertical ones. Results from the net energy balance in the base model present a primary energy demand of 116 kWh/m2/year and the optimization model of 55 kWh/m2/year. To conclude, the positive impact of the implementation of passive design strategies rises the comfort hours in-use period in the open plan office a 70% and in the individual office a 55% and a decrease of 60% of primary energy demand.
The Path to Translating Focus of Attention Research Into Canadian Physiotherapy, Part 4: Sequentially Linking Assessment Outcomes Into a Chain of Evidence Supporting the Workshop
Authors: Hussien Julia , Khodko Liza , Macdonald Cooper , Ste-Marie Diane 
Published: November 2023

In previous research, Canadian physiotherapists identified barriers to effective external focus promotion and recommended the delivery of a focus of attention workshop as a solution. Accordingly, the current research entailed the virtual delivery of such a workshop, consisting of asynchronous Website modules followed by a synchronous group session, to 15 Canadian physiotherapists working mainly with musculoskeletal rehabilitation clients. Assessment of the workshop outcomes was guided by constructs of social cognitive and adult learning theory, and organized based on the four levels of the Kirkpatrick model (KP1-Reaction, KP2-Learning, KP3-Behavior, and KP4-Results). Specifically, participants received links to questionnaire packages at three time points: 1-week preworkshop, immediately postworkshop, and 1-week postworkshop. Results showed that participants (a) reported high satisfaction, engagement, and perceived relevance of the workshop (KP1); (b) experienced significant improvements to their knowledge, skills, attitudes, and self-efficacy from pre- to immediately postworkshop (KP2); and (c) self-reported increases to their external focus promotion in the week following the workshop (modified KP3), and perceived improvements to their clients’ outcomes as a result of this external focus encouragement (modified KP4). Taken together, these results serve as a chain of evidence supporting the usefulness of the workshop in translating focus of attention findings into Canadian physiotherapy.
Seasonality of endemic COVID-19
Authors: Townsend Jeffrey P. , Hassler Hayley B. , Lamb April D. , Sah Pratha , Alvarez Nishio Aia , Nguyen Cameron , Tew Alexandra D. , Galvani Alison P. , Dornburg Alex 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT
Successive waves of infection by SARS-CoV-2 have left little doubt that this virus will transition to an endemic disease. Foreknowledge of when to expect seasonal surges is crucial for healthcare and public health decision-making. However, the future seasonality of COVID-19 remains uncertain. Evaluating its seasonality is complicated due to the limited years of SARS-CoV-2 circulation, pandemic dynamics, and varied interventions. In this study, we project the expected endemic seasonality by employing a phylogenetic ancestral and descendant state approach that leverages long-term data on the incidence of circulating HCoV coronaviruses. Our projections indicate asynchronous surges of SARS-CoV-2 across different locations in the northern hemisphere, occurring between October and January in New York and between January and March in Yamagata, Japan. This knowledge of spatiotemporal surges leads to medical preparedness and enables the implementation of targeted public health interventions to mitigate COVID-19 transmission.

IMPORTANCE
The seasonality of COVID-19 is important for effective healthcare and public health decision-making. Previous waves of SARS-CoV-2 infections have indicated that the virus will likely persist as an endemic pathogen with distinct surges. However, the timing and patterns of potentially seasonal surges remain uncertain, rendering effective public health policies uninformed and in danger of poorly anticipating opportunities for intervention, such as well-timed booster vaccination drives. Applying an evolutionary approach to long-term data on closely related circulating coronaviruses, our research provides projections of seasonal surges that should be expected at major temperate population centers. These projections enable local public health efforts that are tailored to expected surges at specific locales or regions. This knowledge is crucial for enhancing medical preparedness and facilitating the implementation of targeted public health interventions.
Genome sequence of freshwater sediment isolated fungus
Westerdykella aurantiaca
strain NNIBRFG27121
Authors: Kim Ki-Tae , Kim Jea Hyeoung , Hue Yoeguang , Jeong Haejun , Hwang Hyeon Jung , Yoo Li Ra , Cheon Wonsu , Goh Jaeduk 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT

We sequenced the genome of
Westerdykella aurantiaca
NNIBRFG27121 strain isolated from the wetland of Maehwamarum Habitat in Korea. The final assembly consisted of six scaffolds with a size of 31.96 Mb and an N50 of 8,770,400 bp. This genome will help in comparing species within the
Westerdykella
genus.
Patient and healthcare professional perspectives on implementing patient-reported outcome measures in gender-affirming care: a qualitative study
Authors: Kamran Rakhshan , Jackman Liam , Laws Anna , Stepney Melissa , Harrison Conrad , Jain Abhilash , Rodrigues Jeremy 
Published: November 2023

ObjectivesPatient and healthcare professional perspectives are needed to develop a gender-affirming care patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) implementation plan. We aimed to identify top considerations relevant to gender-affirming care PROM implementation from patient and healthcare professional perspectives.Design, settings and participantsThis qualitative study conducted in the UK between January and April 2023 includes focus groups with a patient sample diverse in age and gender identity, and a healthcare professional sample diverse in age and role. Established methods in implementation science and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research were used to create interview guides, and analyse data. Focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed by two independent researchers. Patient and healthcare professional focus groups were conducted separately.Primary outcome measuresPatient and healthcare professional perspectives on PROM implementation were explored through focus groups and until data saturation.ResultsA total of 7 virtual focus groups were conducted with 24 participants (14 patients, mean (SD) age, 43 (14.5); 10 healthcare professionals, mean (SD) age, 46 (11.3)). From patient perspectives, key barriers to PROM implementation were mistrust with PROMs, lack of accessibility, burden, and lack of communication on why PROMs are important and how they will help care. From healthcare professional perspectives, key barriers to PROM implementation were lack of accessibility, burden with PROM administration and scoring, costs of implementation (financial and time), and lack of communication on what PROMs are and how they benefit service provision.ConclusionGender-affirming care PROM implementation must address: patient mistrust with PROMs, accessibility, communication on what PROMs are and how they can be used, reducing burden, and hybridised implementation. These factors may also be applicable to other clinical areas interested in implementing PROMs.
Intervention targeting and retention, engagement and abstinence outcomes among Latino and White users of Smokefree.gov text messaging programmes: a cross-sectional study
Authors: El-Toukhy Sherine , Kamke Kristyn 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundWe examined retention, engagement and abstinence among Latino users of SmokefreeTXT en Español (SFTXTesp), a Latino-targeted text messaging smoking cessation intervention, and Latino and White users of SmokefreeTXT (SFTXT), a non-targeted intervention.MethodsData came from 12 281 users (1562 Latino SFTXTesp users and 2301 Latino and 8418 White SFTXT users). We conducted time-to-drop-out analyses by race/ethnicity. Using logistic regression, we examined associations between intervention targeting, race/ethnicity and responses to smoking status prompts, an engagement metric, and self-reported abstinence on quit day, intervention end and 1-month follow-up. Age, gender, census region, smoking frequency, cigarettes smoked per day, prequit time and number of quit attempts were covariates.ResultsLatinos in SFTXTesp (adjusted OR, aOR 0.63) and SFTXT (0.88) were less likely to drop out of the intervention than Whites. SFTXTesp Latino users had higher response rates to smoking prompts than SFTXT Latinos users (aORs 1.35, quit day; 1.84, intervention end; 1.82, 1-month follow-up). However, SFTXTesp and SFTXT Latino users had lower response rates than Whites (aORs 0.68, 0.45, quit day; 0.60, 0.30, intervention end; 0.64, 0.33, 1-month follow-up). Abstinence was equivalent among Latinos in SFTXTesp and SFTXT interventions, but Latinos using SFTXTesp and SFTXT were less likely to be abstinent than Whites (aORs 0.42, 0.41, quit day; 0.45, 0.37, intervention end and 0.53, 0.35, 1-month follow-up).ConclusionLinguistic intervention targeting improved retention and engagement among Latinos, but not abstinence. Latinos had higher retention but lower engagement and abstinence rates than Whites. Cultural targeting may engage Latinos in smoking cessation interventions and improve abstinence.
Anterior circulation location-specific results for stent-assisted coiling – carotid versus distal aneurysms: 1-year outcomes from the Neuroform Atlas Stent Pivotal Trial
Authors: Hanel Ricardo A , Cortez Gustavo M , Jankowitz Brian T , Sauvageau Eric , Aghaebrahim Amin , Lin Eugene , Jadhav Ashutosh P , Gross Bradley , Khaldi Ahmad , Gupta Rishi , Frei Donald , Loy David , Price Lori Lyn , Hetts Steven W , Zaidat Osama O 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundThe Neuroform Atlas Stent System is an established treatment modality for unruptured anterior and posterior circulation intracranial aneurysms. Location-specific results are needed to guide treatment decision-making. However, it is unclear whether there are differences in safety and efficacy outcomes between carotid and more distal anterior circulation aneurysms.MethodsThe ATLAS IDE trial was a prospective, multicenter, single-arm, open-label interventional study that evaluated the safety and efficacy of the Neuroform Atlas Stent System. We compared differences in efficacy and safety outcomes of proximal internal carotid artery (ICA) versus distal and bifurcation anterior circulation aneurysms.ResultsOf 182 cases, there were 70 aneurysms in the ICA and 112 in the distal anterior circulation (including ICA terminus/bifurcation). There were no significant differences in the primary efficacy endpoint (85.5% vs 83.9%, p=0.78) and complete aneurysm occlusion rates (88.7% vs 87.9%, p=0.78) between proximal ICA aneurysms and distal aneurysms, respectively. Complications were more often encountered in distal and bifurcation aneurysms, but the overall rate of major safety events was low and comparable between the two groups (1.4% vs 6.3%, p=0.14). Recanalization and retreatment rates were also similar between the groups.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that the Neuroform Atlas Stent System is a safe and efficacious treatment modality for unruptured anterior circulation intracranial aneurysms, regardless of aneurysm location.Trial registration numberNCT02340585.