bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID-19 on colorectal cancer screening using Medicare Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) claims data.
Authors: Lim Soyun , Lee Tae Hoon , Jang Sekwon 
Published: January 2025

91

Background:
When COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020 in the US, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recommended that all non-urgent procedures, including screening colonoscopies, be delayed until pandemic stabilization. This was done to prevent the spread of the virus via colonoscopy since the presence of the virus in fecal samples has been reported in infected patients. Little is known of the impact of COVID-19 on the number of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening performed in the US.
Methods:
We utilized the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Database which provides Medicare claims data for 2013-2022. We searched “Medicare Physician & Other Practitioners - by Geography and Service” using CPT code for colonoscopy(G0121, G0105), fecal occult blood test (FOBT; G0328, 82270), stool-based gene analysis (81528), sigmoidoscopy (G0104), and barium enema (G0120) and collected the number of CRC screening claims at national level and calculated the year-over-year (YOY) change.
Results:
The number of CRC screening claims in the US from 2013 to 2022 is listed (Table). The total number of CRC screening claims increased an average of 0.5% YOY from 2014 to 2019 then decreased 23.4% in 2020. From 2014 to 2019, the average YOY change in colonoscopy, FOBT, stool-based gene analysis, sigmoidoscopy, and barium enema claims were -0.5%, -6.0%, 58.7%, 8.1%, and -6.0%, respectively whereas in 2020, the rates were -27.5%, -25.0%, -14.4%, -25.3%, and -1.7%, respectively. The total number of CRC screening claims in year 2021 and 2022 increased from 2020, however, was still lower than 2019.
Conclusions:
CRC screening claims decreased in the US in 2020 likely due to COVID-19 and not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels.

Number of CRC screening claims in the US from 2013 to 2022.

Screening test
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022

Colonoscopy
759,883
736,400
743,873
765,974
767,063
755,806
736,247
533,972
685,439
707,672

FOBT
1,307,054
1,263,602
1,161,214
1,130,130
1,085,777
996,016
897,993
673,614
646,550
556,950

Stool-Based Gene analysis

123,748
231,765
335,459
482,761
413,224
497,748
536,348

Sigmoidoscopy
2,666
2,316
3,254
3,390
3,835
3,784
3,975
2,968
3,893
3,680

Barium enema
107
93
80
116
128
97
58
57
44
65

Total CRC screening
2,069,710
2,002,411
1,908,421
2,023,358
2,088,568
2,091,162
2,121,034
1,623,835
1,833,674
1,804,715

Data are expressed in numbers (N).

CRC; colorectal cancer; FOBT; fecal occult blood test.
Estrogen Receptor Signaling Alters Sperm DNA Methylation Landscape in Adult Male Rats
Authors: Khambata Kushaan , Raut Sanketa , Parte Priyanka , Balasinor Nafisa H 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Estrogen through its receptors, ERα and ERβ, regulate various aspects of spermatogenesis and male fertility. Because the sperm epigenome is an important contributing factor to male fertility, we evaluated the effects of estrogen signaling activation through the ERs on sperm DNA methylome in adult rats. Whole genome-bisulfite sequencing in caudal sperm DNA was performed. The differentially methylated CpG (DMC) sites were validated by pyrosequencing, and the expression of differentially methylated genes (DMGs) was evaluated in testis by quantitative RT-PCR. Activation of ERα signaling brought about large-scale changes in the sperm DNA methylome compared to ERβ. There were 28074 DMCs and 5189 DMGs obtained after ERα agonist 4,4′,4′′-(4-Propyl-[1H] pyrazole-1,3,5-triyl) (PPT) treatment, whereas 1492 DMCs and 336 DMGs for ERβ agonist 2,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionitrile (DPN). In genic regions, most of the DMCs were intronic, followed by promoter and upstream regions. DMCs were distributed around the transcription start site and in transcription factor-binding regions, implicating their plausible role in gene expression regulation. Genes important for spermatogenesis were identified and validated which showed a similar trend of differential methylation as obtained by whole genome-bisulfite sequencing. The expression of the DMGs was also found to be altered in the testis. There was a considerable overlap (14% to 50%) of PPT DMGs with the DMGs reported to be affected in clinical conditions of male infertility. This study highlights the role of ERs in shaping the sperm epigenome and that aberrant estrogen signaling could be a contributing factor in clinical conditions of male infertility.
O-16 A CASE OF VITAMIN D-DEPENDENT RICKETS DIAGNOSED IN ADULTHOOD FOLLOWING PREGNANCY
Authors: Salva Hazal , Yavuz Dilek Gogas 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Discussion
Vitamin-D (Vit-D)-dependent rickets are the result of a deficiency in 1-alpha hydroxylase. It is a rare condition that is typically diagnosed in childhood. We present a case of Vit-D-dependent rickets that was detected in adulthood after pregnancy.

Clinical Case
A 25-year-old female patient has been sent from the neurosurgical clinic to the endocrinology department for evaluation of Vit-D deficiency, which is believed to be causing muscle weakness. She experienced chronic lower back discomfort that began two years ago. She experienced challenges when going down stairs and when bending her body forward. Rest alleviated the lower back pain, whereas physical activity exacerbated it, and it did not interfere with her sleep. The weakness in the legs was there with it. There was no previous fractures or other form of physical injury. The woman's issues became evident after her pregnancy. She consulted a physician nine months postpartum, following the birth of a robust infant.
The patient's personal and family history was unremarkable. She had no smoking or drinking habits. During the physical examination, the patient stood 150cm tall and weighed 60kg. Except for left lower extremity muscle strength, which was 3-4/5 on the neurological assessment, everything else was normal. In her laboratory results; calcium 8 mg/dl (8.8-10.6), ionized calcium 3.61mg/dL (4.6-5.0), albumin 4.7 g/dl (3.5-5.2), phosphorus 2.1 mg/dl (2.5-4.5), parathormone 640 ng/L (12-88), creatinine kinase 50 U/L (0-145), alkaline phosphatase 345 U/L (33-98), 25-OH Vit-D 24.2 ug/L, leukocyte: 7100/uL, hemoglobin 11.6 gr/dl, thrombocyte 336000/uL, ALT: 6.6 U/L, osteocalsin: 65 ng/mL (11-48), 1,25-OH Vit-D level: 43.1 pg/mL (15-90).
Computed CT revealed type H vertebrae in the thoracic vertebrae, with no disease found in the lumbar, cervical, pelvic, or femur. (Figure 1). Bone density (BD): L1-L4 Z score: -2.7 BMD: 0.858; Femoral neck Z score: -2.7 BMD: 0.644. The EMG results were consistent with moderate myopathy. After one year of complaints, she became wheelchair-dependent. At that point, a neurosurgical doctor prescribed Vit-D and calcium tablets. She was able to walk again in two months and referred to our clinic two years after the initial issue.
Genetic testing revealed that CYP27b1&gt;homozygous positive was compatible with Vit-D dependent Rickets Type 1.
During the two-year diagnostic period, the patient's height dropped from 153 cm to 150 cm. Calcitriol 0.25 mcg was administered every other day. Her calcium level: 9.4 mg/dL and phosphorus level: 2.2 mg/dL following treatment.
This type of rickets is caused by a lack of the 1-alpha hydroxylase enzyme, which is essential for Vit-D production in the kidney. Untreated patients may have muscular and bone abnormalities. It is a sickness that responds exceptionally well to treatment.Figure 1:Vertebral lateral X -ray revealed H shaped vertebrae
P-32 MANAGEMENT OF A RARE COMPLICATION IN TYPE 1 DIABETES WITH EXTREME LIVER ENLARGEMENT AND GROWTH FAILURE
Authors: Mohammed Adel Gassab , Al Waeli Dheyaa Kadhim 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Clinical Case
A 21 year old single male presented with growth failure, delayed puberty, and significant liver enlargement attributed to glycogen deposition, a rare complication observed in some children and young adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM), irrespective of glycemic control.
In his initial visit (Sep 5, 2020):Height: 144 cm, Weight: 40 kg. The patient’s uncontrolled diabetes and growth failure were notable. In the follow-up visits (Oct 4, 2020 - May 20, 2024), the patient exhibited fluctuating glycemic control (HbA1c ranging from 9.7% to 12.0%), variably elevated liver enzymes (ALT and AST), and concerning lipid profiles, with triglycerides peaking at 905 mg/dL. Growth parameters remained below the expected range for age and sex, indicating persistent growth failure.
Laboratory tests highlighted uncontrolled diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, and liver enzyme elevation. Endocrinological assessments revealed low testosterone levels with slightly altered FSH and LH, pointing to a hypogonadotropic pattern. The persistent high HbA1c levels (&gt;10%) indicated poor glycemic control, complicating the patient’s liver condition and growth failure.
The treatment regimen focused on intensive insulin therapy to manage diabetes, using combinations of NovoRapid, Tresiba, Ryzodec (aspart+degludec), and Apidra (Glulisine insulin). Lipid profile management included Lipanthyl (Fenofibrate) and Crestor (Rosuvastatin). Nutritional support was indicated with Nutrigen syrup aiming to address growth failure and possible micronutrient deficiencies.
Despite the comprehensive management approach, challenges in achieving optimal glycemic control were apparent with the latest HbA1c at 9.7%. However, some improvement in liver enzymes and lipid profile was noted. Growth failure and delayed puberty remain significant concerns requiring ongoing multidisciplinary care.

Conclusion
This case underscores the complexity of managing rare complications of T1DM like extensive liver enlargement due to glycogen deposition, in conjunction with growth failure and delayed puberty. It highlights the necessity of an integrated therapeutic strategy focusing not only on glycemic control but also on the management of associated metabolic derangements and hormonal imbalances. Further research into targeted treatments for such rare complications is warranted.
Managing patients with T1DM who develop rare complications such as extensive liver enlargement, growth failure, and delayed puberty is challenging. A holistic and tailored approach is essential for improving patient outcomes, underlining the crucial role of continuous monitoring, adjustment of therapeutic strategies, and multidisciplinary care.
SuperResNET – single-molecule network analysis detects changes to clathrin structure induced by small-molecule inhibitors
Authors: Wong Timothy H. , Khater Ismail M. , Hallgrimson Christian , Li Y. Lydia , Hamarneh Ghassan , Nabi Ivan R. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT
SuperResNET is a network analysis pipeline for the analysis of point cloud data generated by single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM). Here, we applied SuperResNET network analysis of SMLM direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM) data to determine how the clathrin endocytosis inhibitors pitstop 2, dynasore and latrunculin A (LatA) alter the morphology of clathrin-coated pits. SuperResNET analysis of HeLa and Cos7 cells identified three classes of clathrin structures: small oligomers (class I), pits and vesicles (class II), and larger clusters corresponding to fused pits or clathrin plaques (class III). Pitstop 2 and dynasore treatment induced distinct homogeneous populations of class II structures in HeLa cells, suggesting that they arrest endocytosis at different stages. Inhibition of endocytosis was not via actin depolymerization, as the actin-depolymerizing agent LatA induced large, heterogeneous clathrin structures. Ternary analysis of SuperResNET shape features presented a distinct more planar profile for blobs from pitstop 2-treated cells, which aligned with clathrin pits identified with high-resolution minimal photon fluxes (MINFLUX) microscopy, whereas control structures resembled MINFLUX clathrin vesicles. SuperResNET analysis therefore showed that pitstop 2 arrests clathrin pit maturation at early stages of pit formation, representing an approach to detect the effect of small molecules on target structures in situ in the cell from SMLM datasets.
Not all who meander are lost: migrating sea lamprey follow river thalwegs to facilitate safe and efficient passage upstream
Authors: Griffin Kandace R. , Holbrook Christopher M. , Zielinski Daniel P. , Cahill Christopher L. , Wagner C. Michael 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT
Efficient navigation is crucial for the reproductive success of many migratory species, often driven by competing pressures to conserve energy and reduce predation risk. Little is known about how non-homing species achieve this balance. We show that sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), an ancient extant vertebrate, uses persistent patterns in hydro-geomorphology to quickly and efficiently navigate through complex ecosystems. Hydrodynamic flow models coupled with bathymetric mapping and fine-scale acoustic telemetry revealed movement paths that tracked thalweg scour channels, which are often the deepest and fastest-flowing sections of a river. These paths allow rapid and efficient upstream migration and suggest the existence of a bathymetric highway system. Near-substrate swimming along this path resulted in a median of 5.8% energy savings while also promoting improved safety from nocturnally active predators. We hypothesize sea lampreys use hydrostatic pressure-guided rheotaxis to achieve this navigation. It is likely this tactic relies on sensory information from the animal's primitive lateral line and perhaps the inner ear. Insights from this study can be used to redesign conservation practices to achieve improved control where the animal is invasive and improved fish passage within its native range.
Allatostatin-C signaling in the crab, Carcinus maenas is implicated in the ecdysis programme
Authors: Hoppes Jodi L. , Wilcockson David C. , Webster Simon G. 
Published: January 2025

The allatostatin (AST) family of neuropeptides are widespread in arthropods. The multitude of structures and pleiotropic actions reflect the tremendous morphological, physiological and behavioral diversity of the phylum. Regarding the AST-C (with C-terminal PISCF motif) peptides, crustaceans commonly express three (AST-C, -CC, -CCC) that have likely arisen by gene duplication. However, we know little regarding their physiologically relevant actions.
Here we functionally characterize the cognate receptor for AST-C and AST-CC, determine tissue expression and comprehensively examine the localization of AST mRNA and peptide. We also measured peptide release, circulating titers and performed bioassays to investigate possible roles. AST-C and -CC activate a single receptor (AST-CRd), but this, and other candidate receptors were not activated by AST-CCC. Whole mount in-situ hybridization (ISH) and hybridization chain reaction (HCR) FISH complemented neuropeptide immunolocalization strategies and revealed extensive expression of AST-Cs in the central nervous system. AST-C or -CCC expressing neurons were found in the cerebral ganglia, but AST-CC expression was never observed. Of note, we infer that AST-C and -CC are co-expressed in every neuron expressing crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP) and bursicon (BURS); all four peptides are released from the pericardial organs during a brief period coinciding with completion of emergence. In contrast to other studies, none of the AST-C peptides exhibited any effect on ecdysteroid synthesis or cardiac activity. However, expression of the AST-C receptor on hemocytes suggests a tantalizing glimpse of possible functions in immune modulation following ecdysis, at a time when crustaceans are vulnerable to pathogens.
The Value of Specific Knowledge: Evidence from Disruptions to the Patient–Physician Relationship
Authors: Schwab Stephen D. 
Published: January 2025

When a member of a work team leaves, some knowledge is lost to the organization. Exploiting quasi-random turnover among military physicians because of deployments, I estimate the effects of turnover on patients and other providers in the same care team. I find that a discontinuity in primary care leads to a 3%–5% increase in costs driven primarily by an increase in the use and intensity of specialty care with no observable benefit to the patient as measured by potential reductions in hospitalization rates and emergency department usage. This indicates that the full cost of turnover includes a reduction in access to knowledge among remaining members of the team. This paper was accepted by Carri Chan, healthcare management. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.03884 .
To Ask or Not to Ask: The Effects of Broadly and Narrowly Adopted Peer-Recognition Systems on Help Seeking
Authors: Burke Joseph , Sommerfeldt Ryan D. , Wang Laura W. 
Published: January 2025

Many companies now use peer-recognition systems that allow employees to publicly recognize their peers for positive behaviors. Practitioners have touted the potential for these systems to increase helping among employees. However, the extent to which employees actually use these systems to recognize their peers varies across organizations; some are used broadly by many employees across all functional, specialty, geographic, and hierarchical subgroups of the organization, whereas others are only narrowly used by some, but not all, subgroups. Across three experiments, we examine how peer-recognition systems impact employees’ propensity to ask others for help (i.e., help seeking) based on whether the system is broadly used by all subgroups or only narrowly used by specific subgroups. We predict and find that a peer-recognition system broadly used by all subgroups strengthens employees’ perception of a help-seeking norm. This perception increases employees’ propensity to seek help directly through norm conformity and indirectly by reducing the perceived psychological costs of help seeking. We also predict and find that the effect of peer-recognition systems that are narrowly used by specific subgroups is moderated by whether employees belong to the subgroups using the system; whereas it increases help-seeking propensity for members of the subgroups using the system, it decreases help-seeking propensity for nonmembers relative to when there is no peer-recognition system. Our theory and results suggest that peer-recognition systems can increase help seeking, but these same systems could decrease help seeking for employees belonging to subgroups that do not use the system. This paper was accepted by Ranjani Krishnan, accounting. Funding: Supported by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Indiana University. Supplemental Material: The data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.00318 .
Maslinic acid improves mitochondrial function and inhibits oxidative stress and autophagy in human gastric smooth muscle cells
Authors: Zheng Xiaoying , Zhang Shuning , Chen Qiaobin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a chronic disease that occurs in the gastroduodenal region and significantly impacts human health. Maslinic acid (MA), a pentacyclic triterpene acid, is the primary bioactive ingredient in Chinese medicinal herbs such as hawthorn, which exhibits beneficial impacts on the regulation of various disease progressions. However, the specific functions and associated pathways of MA in FD progression remain unclear and require further investigation. In this work, it was demonstrated that MA enhanced the cell viability of human gastric smooth muscle cells (HGSMCs). In addition, the mitochondrial dysfunctions induced by carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) were rescued after MA treatment. Furthermore, autophagy was increased following CCCP treatment, but this phenomenon was counteracted after MA treatment. The oxidative stress, elevated after CCCP treatment, was alleviated following MA addition. Finally, the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway was suppressed after CCCP stimulation but was re-activated after MA treatment. In conclusion, it was uncovered that MA accelerated HGSMC viability and improved mitochondrial function, inhibited autophagy, alleviated oxidative stress, and stimulated the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway. This discovery may offer new insight into the therapeutic effects of MA in FD progression.
Integrated analysis of transcriptome, sRNAome, and degradome involved in the drought-response of maize Zhengdan958
Authors: Yang Shuqiong , Liu Jiafei , Cao Lingling , Chen Jibao , Duan Pengfei 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Drought is a major abiotic stress in restricting the growth, development, and yield of maize. As a significant epigenetic regulator, small RNA also functions in connecting the transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory network. Further to help comprehending the molecular mechanisms underlying drought adaptability and tolerance of maize, an integrated multi-omics analysis of transcriptome, sRNAome, and degradome was performed on the seedling roots of an elite hybrid Zhengdan958 under drought stress. In this study, 2,911 genes, 32 conserved miRNAs, and 12 novel miRNAs showed a significantly differential expression under drought stress. Moreover, 6,340 target genes of 445 miRNAs were validated using degradome sequencing, forming 281 miRNA–mRNA pairs in control (CK) and drought-stressed (DS) library. These target genes were mainly involved in the plant hormone signal transduction and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways. The integrated multi-omics analysis revealed that five DEmiRNA–mRNA pairs displayed negatively correlated expression patterns, which were also verified by qRT-PCR. Tissue-specific expression profile and regulatory network analysis revealed that miR528a/b-Zm00001d021850, miR408a/b-Zm00001d020794, and miR164e-Zm00001d003414 might be essential in root-specific drought stress response of maize Zhengdan958 seedlings. These worthwhile will promote the functional characterization of miRNA–mRNA modules response to drought stress, and potentially contribute to drought-resistance breeding of maize.
From errors to excellence: the pre-analytical journey to improved quality in diagnostics. A scoping review
Authors: John George K. , Favaloro Emmanuel J. , Austin Samantha , Islam Md Zahidul , Santhakumar Abishek B. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This scoping review focuses on the evolution of pre-analytical errors (PAEs) in medical laboratories, a critical area with significant implications for patient care, healthcare costs, hospital length of stay, and operational efficiency. The Covidence Review tool was used to formulate the keywords, and then a comprehensive literature search was performed using several databases, importing the search results directly into Covidence (n=379). Title, abstract screening, duplicate removal, and full-text screening were done. The retrieved studies (n=232) were scanned for eligibility (n=228) and included in the review (n=83), and the results were summarised in a PRISMA flow chart. The review highlights the role of healthcare professionals in preventing PAEs in specimen collection and processing, as well as analyses. The review also discusses the use and advancements of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in reducing PAEs and identifies inadequacies in standard definitions, measurement units, and education strategies. It demonstrates the need for further research to ensure model validation, address the regulatory validation of Risk Probability Indexation (RPI) models and consider regulatory, safety, and privacy concerns. The review suggests that comprehensive studies on the effectiveness of AI and software platforms in real-world settings and their implementation in healthcare are lacking, presenting opportunities for further research to advance patient care and improve the management of PAEs.