bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between psychosocial work-related factors at midlife and arterial stiffness at older age in a prospective cohort of 1736 white-collar workers
Authors: Massamba Victoria K , Talbot Denis , Milot Alain , Trudel Xavier , Dionne Clermont E , Vézina Michel , Mâsse Benoit , Gilbert-Ouimet Mahée , Dagenais Gilles R , Pearce Neil , Brisson Chantal 
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveArterial stiffness and exposure to psychosocial work-related factors increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about the relationship between psychosocial work-related factors and arterial stiffness. We aimed to examine this relationship.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingPublic organisations in Quebec City, Canada.ParticipantsThe study included 1736 white-collar workers (women 52%) from 19 public organisations.Primary and secondary outcome measuresAssociation between psychosocial work-related factors from the job strain and effort–reward imbalance (ERI) models assessed at study baseline (1999–2001) with validated instruments and arterial stiffness assessed using carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity at follow-up, on average 16 years later (2015–2018). Generalised estimating equations were used to estimate differences in arterial stiffness between exposed and unexposed participants. Subgroup analyses according to sex, age, blood pressure (BP), cardiovascular risk score and employment status were conducted.ResultsAmong participants with high diastolic BP (≥90 mm Hg) at baseline, aged 47 on average, those exposed to high job strain had higher arterial stiffness (1.38 m/s (95% CI: 0.57 to 2.19)) at follow-up, 16 years later, following adjustment for a large set of potential confounders. The trend was similar in participants with high systolic BP (≥140 mm Hg) exposed to high job strain (0.84 m/s (95% CI: −0.35 to 2.03)). No association was observed for ERI in the total sample and counterintuitive associations were observed in subgroup analyses.ConclusionsJob strain may have a long-term deleterious effect on arterial stiffness in people with high BP. Interventions at midlife to reduce job strain may mitigate arterial stiffness progression.
Associations of serum uric acid with cardiovascular disease risk factors: a retrospective cohort study in southeastern China
Authors: Luo Yingxian , Wu Qiong , Meng Runtang , Lian Fuzhi , Jiang Chen , Hu Meiyu , Wang Yaxin , Ma Haiyan 
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveTo evaluate the associations between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, focusing on potential sex-specific differences.DesignA retrospective cohort study.SettingA large community-based survey was conducted every two years from 2010 to 2018 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, outheastern China.Participants6119 participants aged 40 years and above who underwent at least three times of physical examinations were enrolled.MethodsParticipants were categorised into four groups (Q1–Q4) based on baseline SUA quartiles within the normal range, with hyperuricaemia (HUA) as the fifth group. The Q1 was the reference. By stratifying participants by gender, the relationships between SUA levels and systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and total cholesterol (TC) were investigated using linear regression models in the generalised estimating equation. Additionally, the associations of elevated SUA levels and HUA with hypertension, hyperglycaemia and dyslipidaemia were correspondingly examined using multivariate logistic regression models.ResultsAfter adjusting for confounding variables, we found positive associations between SUA levels and SBP, DBP, FBG and TC in women, and with TC in men (p<0.01). Likewise, elevated SUA quartiles and HUA were linked to increased dyslipidaemia risk in both sexes, and increased hyperglycaemia risk only in women, with HRs (95% CI) of 1.64 (1.05 to 2.55) and 2.37 (1.47 to 3.81) in the Q4 and HUA group, respectively. Women with HUA had higher hypertension risk (HR=1.45, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.73), while no such association was observed in men. Stratified analyses revealed significant associations between elevated SUA levels and CVD risk factors in postmenopausal and non-obese women.ConclusionsElevated SUA levels increase the risk of dyslipidaemia in both sexes. SUA levels within normal range and HUA are positively associated with hyperglycaemia and hypertension in postmenopausal women, but not in men.
Use of a digital job-aid in improving antenatal clinical protocols and quality of care in rural primary-level health facilities in Burkina Faso: a quasi-experimental evaluation
Authors: Maïga Abdoulaye , Ogyu Anju , Millogo Roch Modeste , Lopez-Hernandez Angelica , Labité Matè Alonyenyo , Labrique Alain , Agarwal Smisha 
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveWe assessed the impact of a digital clinical decision support (CDS) tool in improving health providers adherence to recommended antenatal protocols and service quality in rural primary-level health facilities in Burkina Faso.DesignA quasi-experimental evaluation based on a cross-sectional post-intervention assessment comparing the intervention district to a comparison group.Setting and participantsThe study included 331 direct observations and exit interviews of pregnant women seeking antenatal care (ANC) across 48 rural primary-level health facilities in Burkina Faso in 2021.InterventionDigital CDS tool to improve health providers adherence to recommended antenatal protocols.Outcome measuresWe analysed the quality of care on both the supply and demand sides. Quality-of-care service scores were based on actual care provided and expected care according to standards. Pregnant women’s knowledge of counselling and satisfaction score after receiving care were also calculated. Other outcomes included time of clinical encounter.ResultsThe overall quality of health service provision was comparable across intervention and comparison health facilities (52% vs 51%) despite there being a significantly higher proportion of lower skilled providers in the intervention arm (42.5% vs 17.8%). On average, ANC visits were longer in the intervention area (median 24 min, IQR 18) versus comparison area (median 12 min, IQR: 8). The intervention arm had a significantly higher score difference in women’s knowledge of received counselling (16.4 points, 95% CI 10.37 to 22.49), and women’s satisfaction (16.18 points, 95% CI: 9.95 to 22.40).ConclusionDigital CDS tools provide a valuable opportunity to achieve substantial improvements of the quality of ANC and broadly maternal and newborn health in settings with high burden mortality and less trained health cadres when adequately implemented.
Multicomponent interventions to improve routine childhood vaccine uptake in low and middle-income countries: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Mohamed Yasmin , Danchin Margaret , Kaufman Jessica 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionVaccine coverage remains inequitable globally. Many systematic reviews have looked at the effectiveness of strategies to improve vaccine uptake; however, these reviews frequently lack data from low and middle-income countries (LMICs), where evidence of cost-effective strategies is most valuable. This is partly because reviews often exclude non-randomised, observational or unpublished evaluations that are common in LMICs. Many reviews also exclude multicomponent interventions due to challenges isolating the effect of each component. A comprehensive mapping of multicomponent interventions implemented in LMICs would increase the visibility of studies excluded from systematic reviews and improve comparability of future evaluations by providing guidance for researchers on evaluation frameworks. This scoping review aims to identify, compare and summarise the properties and evaluation methods of multicomponent interventions to improve uptake of routine childhood vaccines in LMICs, and to assess the strengths and limitations of evaluation frameworks applied.Methods and analysisThis review will be conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. We will search the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, Eldis and Global Health (CAB Direct), Global Index Medicus, 3ie Portal, Google Scholar, COnnecting REpositories, and reference lists. One author will screen titles and abstracts and extract data from included articles using a pretested data extraction template. Uncertainties will be resolved through discussion with another author. Only studies published in English will be included for full review. We will assess the practicability, applicability, sensitivity and specificity of the evaluation frameworks used and present results using descriptive statistics, summary tables and charts.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval is not required. The review will be submitted as part of a doctoral thesis, presented at conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.Study registrationhttps://osf.io/7r84g.
Assessment of lung hyperinflation in occupational chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a multicentric cross-sectional study
Authors: de Broucker Virginie , Andujar Pascal , Wardyn Pierre-Marie , Lepage Nadège , Le Rouzic Olivier , Edmé Jean-Louis , Hulo Sébastien 
Published: September 2023

Occupational exposure is associated with elevated morbidity and lower quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Static hyperinflation is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality in COPD and for COPD exacerbation. In a multicentre, cross-sectional study (BPROFETIO), we sought to analyse the relationship between static hyperinflation and occupational exposure in patients with COPD with or without occupational exposure.Material and methodsAn overall ‘whole working life’ cumulative exposure index was calculated for occupational patients with COPD. Spirometry indices and lung volumes were measured according to the 2005 American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society guidelines.ResultsAfter adjustment for age, sex, height, body mass index, smoking and coexposure, the analysis for each occupational hazard showed a higher risk for hyperinflation and FEV1decline or progression of COPD or GOLD stage for patients with COPD exposed to non-metallic inorganic dusts.ConclusionOccupational exposures should be more investigated in clinical practice and studies as they contribute to the COPD heterogeneity and are associated for some with the development of a static hyperinflation; a condition that is known to have a negative impact on quality of life and survival.
Environmental impact of low-dose methoxyflurane versus nitrous oxide for analgesia: how green is the ‘green whistle’?
Authors: Martindale Aleksis EV , Morris Daniel S , Cromarty Thomas , Fennell-Wells Amarantha , Duane Brett 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundThe NHS has the target of reducing its carbon emission by 80% by 2032. Part of its strategy is using pharmaceuticals with a less harmful impact on the environment. Nitrous oxide is currently used widely within the NHS. Nitrous oxide, if released into the atmosphere, has a significant environmental impact. Methoxyflurane, delivered through the Penthrox ‘green whistle’ device, is a short-acting analgesic and is thought to have a smaller environmental impact compared with nitrous oxide.MethodsLife cycle impact assessment (LCIA) of all products and processes involved in the manufacture and use of Penthrox, using data from the manufacturer, online sources and LCIA inventory Ecoinvent. These data were analysed in OpenLCA. Impact data were compared with existing data on nitrous oxide and morphine sulfate.ResultsThis LCIA found that Penthrox has a climate change effect of 0.84 kg carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). Raw materials and the production process contributed to majority of the impact of Penthrox across all categories with raw materials accounting for 34.40% of the total climate change impact. Penthrox has a climate change impact of 117.7 times less CO2e compared with Entonox. 7 mg of 100 mg/100 mL of intravenous morphine sulfate had a climate change effect of 0.01 kg CO2e.ConclusionsThis LCIA has shown that the overall ‘cradle-to-grave’ environmental impact of Penthrox device is better than nitrous oxide when looking specifically at climate change impact. The climate change impact for an equivalent dose of intravenous morphine was even lower. Switching to the use of inhaled methoxyflurane instead of using nitrous oxide in certain clinical situations could help the NHS to reach its carbon emission reduction target.
The Effect of Time Orientation in Languages on the Recognition of Goodwill Impairment Losses
Authors: Alshehabi Ahmad , Halabi Hussein , Afrifa Godfred 
Published: September 2023

Synopsis The research problem In this study, we investigated the relationship between future-time reference (FTR) in languages and goodwill impairment. Motivation Previous studies on goodwill have focused mainly on firms’ economic and reporting incentives in single-country settings using economic theories. There have been recent calls for more research on goodwill accounting across countries (d’Arcy and Tarca, 2018), and greater use of behavioral theories in goodwill accounting studies (Amel-Zadeh et al., 2021). In response, we applied the linguistic relativity hypothesis to a new and highly significant area of future-oriented behavior (impairment decision) to explain cross-country variations in goodwill impairment reporting. The test hypotheses We hypothesized that firms in countries that use weak-FTR languages have higher levels of (and greater quality) goodwill impairment than those in countries that use strong-FTR languages. Target population We used a sample of 15,179 firm-year observations taken from firms reporting under IFRS across 21 countries for the fiscal years 2005–2018. Adopted methodology We used Tobit regressions, logit regressions, mixed-effects modeling, and propensity score-matching analyses for robustness. Analyses We tested the relationship between FTR in languages and (a) goodwill impairment decisions, (b) goodwill impairment amounts, and (c) abnormal goodwill impairments. We repeated our main analyses using several subsamples, different measures of FTR, and alternative regression specifications. Findings In line with the linguistic relativity hypothesis, our findings indicate that managers who speak weak-FTR languages are more willing to bear the costs of their impairment decisions in the present and are less motivated to shift current impairment into future accounting periods. In contrast, speakers of strong-FTR languages tend to delay the recognition of current impairments to future periods to reduce their anxiety about the negative effects of current impairment decisions. Findings from further analyses indicate that firms in weak-FTR countries report lower abnormal goodwill impairment, thereby bringing impairment levels closer to their normal optimal levels. Our inferences are robust to alternative samples, different measures of FTR, and alternative model specifications.
Some results on the complement of the dot product graph of a commutative ring
Authors: Visweswaran S. 
Published: September 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be a nonzero commutative ring with identity. Let [Formula: see text] be a positive integer. Let [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] times). The total dot product graph of [Formula: see text] denoted by [Formula: see text] is an undirected graph with vertex set which equals [Formula: see text] and distinct vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are adjacent if and only if [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the normal dot product of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] denote the set of all zero-divisors of [Formula: see text] and let us denote [Formula: see text] by [Formula: see text]. The zero-divisor dot product graph of [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text] is the subgraph of [Formula: see text] induced by [Formula: see text]. The graph [Formula: see text] (respectively, [Formula: see text]) was introduced and investigated by Badawi [Commun. Algebra 43(1) (2015) 43–50]. In this paper, we characterize [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] (respectively, [Formula: see text]) is connected and determine the diameter and the radius of [Formula: see text] (respectively, [Formula: see text]) whenever it is connected. Moreover, if [Formula: see text] (respectively, [Formula: see text]) is connected, then we characterize [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] (respectively, [Formula: see text]) admits a cut vertex.
Achromatic number of some classes of digraphs
Authors: Hegde S. M. , Castelino Lolita Priya 
Published: September 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be a directed graph with [Formula: see text] vertices and [Formula: see text] arcs. A function [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is called a complete coloring of [Formula: see text] if and only if for every arc [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], the ordered pair [Formula: see text] appears at least once. If the pair [Formula: see text] is not assigned, then [Formula: see text] is called a [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text]. The maximum [Formula: see text] for which [Formula: see text] admits a proper complete coloring is called the [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] and is denoted by [Formula: see text]. We obtain the upper bound for the achromatic number of digraphs and regular digraphs and investigate the same for some classes of digraphs such as unipath, unicycle, circulant digraphs, etc.
SP4 Facilitates Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression by Activating PHF14 Transcription and Wnt/Β-Catenin Signaling
Authors: Wei Li , Deng Chaowei , Zhang Bo , Wang Guanghui , Meng Yan , Qin Hao 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Specificity protein 4 transcription factor (SP4), a member of the Sp/Krüppel-like family (KLF), could bind to GT and GC box promoters, and plays an essential role in transcriptional activating. Despite SP4 having been detected to be highly expressed in a variety of human tumors, its biological effect and underlying molecular mechanism in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. Our research discovered that high SP4 expression is detected in primary ESCC specimens and cell lines and is strongly associated with the ESCC tumor grade and poor prognosis. In vitro, knockdown of SP4 suppressed cell proliferation and cell-cycle progression and promoted apoptosis, whereas overexpression of SP4 did the opposite. In vivo, inhibiting SP4 expression in ESCC cells suppresses tumor growth. Subsequently, we demonstrated that SP4 acts as the transcriptional upstream of PHF14, which binds to PHF14 promoter region, thus promoting PHF14 transcription. PHF14 was also significantly expressed in patient tissues and various ESCC cell lines and its expression promoted cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis. Moreover, knockdown of SP4 inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, whereas overexpression of PHF14 eliminated the effects of SP4 knockdown in ESCC cells. These results demonstrate that SP4 activates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by driving PHF14 transcription, thereby promoting ESCC progression, which indicates that SP4 might act as a prospective prognostic indicator or therapeutic target for patients with ESCC.

Implications:
This study identified SP4/PH14 axis as a new mechanism to promote the progression of ESCC, which may serve as a novel therapeutic target for patients with ESCC.
Oncogenic KRAS Drives Lipofibrogenesis to Promote Angiogenesis and Colon Cancer Progression
Authors: Hsu Wen-Hao , LaBella Kyle A. , Lin Yiyun , Xu Ping , Lee Rumi , Hsieh Cheng-En , Yang Lei , Zhou Ashley , Blecher Jonathan M. , Wu Chang-Jiun , Lin Kangyu , Shang Xiaoying , Jiang Shan , Spring Denise J. , Xia Yan , Chen Peiwen , Shen John Paul , Kopetz Scott , DePinho Ronald A. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Oncogenic KRAS (KRAS*) contributes to many cancer hallmarks. In colorectal cancer, KRAS* suppresses antitumor immunity to promote tumor invasion and metastasis. Here, we uncovered that KRAS* transforms the phenotype of carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAF) into lipid-laden CAFs, promoting angiogenesis and tumor progression. Mechanistically, KRAS* activates the transcription factor CP2 (TFCP2) that upregulates the expression of the proadipogenic factors BMP4 and WNT5B, triggering the transformation of CAFs into lipid-rich CAFs. These lipid-rich CAFs, in turn, produce VEGFA to spur angiogenesis. In KRAS*-driven colorectal cancer mouse models, genetic or pharmacologic neutralization of TFCP2 reduced lipid-rich CAFs, lessened tumor angiogenesis, and improved overall survival. Correspondingly, in human colorectal cancer, lipid-rich CAF and TFCP2 signatures correlate with worse prognosis. This work unveils a new role for KRAS* in transforming CAFs, driving tumor angiogenesis and disease progression, providing an actionable therapeutic intervention for KRAS*-driven colorectal cancer.

Significance:
This study identified a molecular mechanism contributing to KRAS*-driven colorectal cancer progression via fibroblast transformation in the tumor microenvironment to produce VEGFA driving tumor angiogenesis. In preclinical models, targeting the KRAS*–TFCP2–VEGFA axis impaired tumor progression, revealing a potential novel therapeutic option for patients with KRAS*-driven colorectal cancer.
This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 2489
Considerations and Approaches for Cancer Immunotherapy in the Aging Host
Authors: Ontiveros Carlos O. , Murray Clare E. , Crossland Grace , Curiel Tyler J. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Advances in cancer immunotherapy are improving treatment successes in many distinct cancer types. Nonetheless, most tumors fail to respond. Age is the biggest risk for most cancers, and the median population age is rising worldwide. Advancing age is associated with manifold alterations in immune cell types, abundance, and functions, rather than simple declines in these metrics, the consequences of which remain incompletely defined. Our understanding of the effects of host age on immunotherapy mechanisms, efficacy, and adverse events remains incomplete. A deeper understanding of age effects in all these areas is required. Most cancer immunotherapy preclinical studies examine young subjects and fail to assess age contributions, a remarkable deficit given the known importance of age effects on immune cells and factors mediating cancer immune surveillance and immunotherapy efficacy. Notably, some cancer immunotherapies are more effective in aged versus young hosts, while others fail despite efficacy in the young. Here, we review our current understanding of age effects on immunity and associated nonimmune cells, the tumor microenvironment, cancer immunotherapy, and related adverse effects. We highlight important knowledge gaps and suggest areas for deeper enquiries, including in cancer immune surveillance, treatment response, adverse event outcomes, and their mitigation.
Understanding Infection Risk with Anti-BCMA Bispecific Antibodies
Authors: Garfall Alfred L. , Stadtmauer Edward A. 
Published: September 2023

Summary:Lancman and colleagues find that infection risk in patients treated with anti-BCMA bispecific antibodies for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma is associated with severe immunoglobulin deficiency and may be mitigated by immunoglobulin replacement therapy. The study has implications for managing infection risk and raises questions about the optimal duration of treatment with these potent, novel immunotherapies.See related article by Lancman et al., p. 440 (4) .