bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SquamBase—A database of squamate (Reptilia: Squamata) traits
Authors: Meiri Shai 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMotivationI present a database that contains information on multiple key traits for all 11,744 recognised species of squamates worldwide. The database encompasses key traits and a reasonably comprehensive picture of available public knowledge. I present comprehensive description of the sources and rationale leading to the assignment of each particular trait state for each species. I hope the dataset can serve the scientific community, promote research and understanding of the group, comparisons with other taxa, and assessment of conservation needs. Furthermore, gaps in our knowledge of squamate traits become readily apparent and will hopefully lead to further study and even better knowledge.Main types of variables containedMorphological, ecological, life history, geographical and conservation‐related traits.Spatial locationGlobal.Time periodLate Holocene to recent.Major taxa and level of measurementSquamata, species.Software formatxlsx.
Types of bereavement and depressive symptoms among older adults: Does race/ethnicity matter?
Authors: You Suha , Kim Giyeon 
Published: February 2024

AimTo explore racial/ethnic differences in relation between types of bereavement and depressive symptoms among older adults in the USA.MethodsThe sample limited to racially/ethnically diverse adults aged ≥55 (n = 879) was drawn from the third wave of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP). The NSHAP provides self‐identified racial/ethnic categories (non‐Hispanic Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics) of respondents who were categorized into three groups by experience of bereavement: non‐loss, spousal loss, and parental loss. Using the weights, a two‐way analysis of covariance with Bonferroni post‐test was conducted to explore the main effect of types of loss and race/ethnicity and their interaction effects on depressive symptoms.ResultsSpousal loss reported higher levels of depressive symptoms than non‐loss or parental loss. Based on the interaction between types of loss and race/ethnicity; however, distinctive patterns were observed. Blacks and Hispanics who lose a parent reported significantly higher levels of depressive symptoms than non‐Hispanic Whites did.ConclusionsAn increase in depressive symptoms after bereavement manifested distinctively based on racial/ethnic background and the relationship with the deceased. This implies that it is necessary to develop coping strategies concerning race/ethnicity and whom they lose. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 266–272.
Association between participation in social network service groups and offline social networks
Authors: Suda Takumi , Murayama Hiroshi , Sugawara Ikuko 
Published: February 2024

AimAlthough some previous studies have suggested using a social networking service (SNS) to create and maintain offline social networks among younger generations, whether similar outcomes would apply to middle‐aged and older individuals is uncertain. This study aimed to examine the association between participation in groups via SNS and greater offline social networks among middle‐aged and older individuals.MethodsWe conducted a web‐based questionnaire survey on 3106 respondents from September to October 2021 among members of “the Shumi‐to Club,” an SNS in Japan. They indicated the number of SNS groups they belonged to and were classified into two categories, namely, those with and without participation in SNS groups. The current study assessed offline social networks using the total frequency of face‐to‐face interactions with distant family members and friends. Ordinal logistic regression analyses were performed, and the frequency of offline interactions was set as the outcome with adjustment for sociodemographic variables and self‐rated health.ResultsApproximately 70.8% (n = 2200) of the participants belonged to SNS groups. Participation in SNS groups was associated with higher frequencies of face‐to‐face interaction with friends (odds ratio [95% confidential intervals]: 1.78 [1.53–2.07]). However, the current study found no association between belonging to a group and face‐to‐face interaction with distant family members (1.09 [0.93–1.26]).ConclusionsThe participation in SNS groups potentially promotes offline social networks, particularly with friends. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 279–284.
The anti‐inflammatory effect of metformin: The molecular targets
Authors: Sakata Natsumi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMetformin is an anti‐diabetic drug. Metformin mainly inhibits gluconeogenesis in the liver and reduces blood sugar. In addition to the anti‐diabetic effects, many studies have revealed that metformin has anti‐inflammatory effects. Various molecules were suggested to be the target of the metformin's anti‐inflammatory effects. However, the conclusion is not clear. Metformin is related to a number of molecules and the identification of the main target in anti‐inflammatory effects leads to the understanding of inflammation and metformin. In this article, I discuss each suggested molecule, involved mechanisms, and their relationship with various diseases.
Evaluation of Passive Vapor Diffusion Samplers to Quantify Acetylene, Ethene, and Ethane in Groundwater
Authors: Wang Hao , Yu Rong , Adamson David T. , Iery Ramona , Freedman David L. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAcetylene, ethene, and ethane are products from the degradation of trichloroethene (TCE) in contaminated aquifers. However, the volatility of these gases makes it challenging to avoid excessive losses during sampling. The objective of this study was to compare the quantification of acetylene, ethene, and ethane using passive vapor diffusion (PVD) samplers vs. conventional low‐flow groundwater collection. Samples were obtained from 8 to 13 monitoring wells at three sites that show potential for biotic and abiotic degradation of TCE in fractured rock aquifers. Method reporting limits (MRLs) for the PVD samplers were 0.25 μg/L for acetylene (0.0094 μM) and 0.28 μg/L for ethene and ethane (0.0099 and 0.0092 μM, respectively); the MRLs for conventional low‐flow groundwater samples were ~40% higher. For two of the sites, the maximum concentrations of acetylene, ethene, and ethane obtained with the PVD samplers were comparable to the conventional low‐flow samples. The frequency of detection for these gases with the PVD samplers was also comparable to conventional low‐flow groundwater sampling. For one of the sites with higher levels of acetylene (maximum of 13 μg/L), the concentrations from the PVD samplers were approximately twofold higher than those with conventional low‐flow groundwater sampling. Based on robust detection of acetylene, ethene, and/or ethane, it appears likely that degradation of TCE is occurring at the three sites that were sampled. The use of PVD samplers can reduce the possibility of false negative results to provide another line of evidence in support of natural attenuation.
Recombinant porcine factor VIII in patients with congenital haemophilia A with inhibitors undergoing surgery: Phase 3, single‐arm, open‐label study
Authors: Pfrepper Christian , Radossi Paolo , Windyga Jerzy , Kavakli Kaan , Schutgens Roger , Sarper Nazan , Gu Joan , Badejo Kayode , Jain Nisha 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionRecombinant porcine factor VIII (rpFVIII; susoctocog alfa) is predicted to provide functional FVIII activity in patients with congenital haemophilia A with inhibitors (CHAWI).AimsTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of rpFVIII in patients with CHAWI undergoing invasive procedures.MethodsThis phase 3, multicentre, single‐arm, open‐label study (NCT02895945) enrolled males aged 12–75 years with severe/moderately severe CHAWI who required surgical/invasive procedures. Patients received a loading dose of rpFVIII 1–2 h before surgery. The primary outcome was the proportion of all procedures with a ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ response (treatment success) on the global haemostatic efficacy assessment score.ResultsOf the eight dosed patients, five completed the study. Six of seven surgeries (85.7%; 95% confidence interval, 42.1–99.6) achieved treatment success; five were rated ‘excellent’, one was rated ‘good’. Seven surgery‐related bleeding episodes occurred in three patients during the study, with none requiring additional surgical intervention. Overall, six of eight patients experienced 17 treatment‐emergent adverse events. Three patients developed de novo inhibitors to rpFVIII. Five patients reported anamnestic reactions, three to both human (h) FVIII (i.e., alloantibodies to exogenous FVIII detected with anti‐hFVIII assays) and rpFVIII, and two to hFVIII only. Four serious adverse events were considered related to rpFVIII (three anti‐rpFVIII antibody positive; one anamnestic reaction to hFVIII and rpFVIII).ConclusionGood haemostasis was achieved with rpFVIII during the immediate perioperative period. The study was terminated early because the study sponsor and health authorities determined that the risk of anamnestic reactions outweighs the benefits in this study population.
Habitual caffeinated beverage consumption and headaches among adults with episodic migraine: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Mittleman Maggie R. , Mostofsky Elizabeth , Vgontzas Angeliki , Bertisch Suzanne M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the relationship between habitual caffeinated beverage consumption and headache frequency, duration, and intensity in a prospective cohort of adults with episodic migraine.BackgroundCaffeine is a commonly ascribed headache trigger in adults with migraine and clinicians may counsel patients to avoid caffeinated beverages; however, few studies have examined this association.MethodsFrom March 2016 to August 2017, 101 adults with physician‐confirmed episodic migraine completed baseline questionnaires, including information about caffeinated beverage consumption. For 6 weeks, they reported headache onset, duration, and pain intensity (scale 0–100) on twice‐daily electronic diaries. Ninety‐seven participants completed data collection. We examined associations between self‐reported habitual caffeinated beverage consumption at baseline and headache outcomes prospectively captured over the following 6 weeks, adjusting for age, sex, and oral contraceptive use.ResultsThe adjusted mean headache days per month was similar among the 20 participants reporting no habitual intake (7.1 days, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.1–9.2), the 65 participants reporting 1–2 servings/day (7.4 days, 95% CI 6.1–8.7), and the 12 participants reporting 3–4 servings/day (5.9 days, 95% CI 3.3–8.4). Similarly, mean headache duration (no servings/day: 8.6 h, 95% CI 3.8–13.3; 1–2 servings/day: 8.5 h, 95% CI 5.5–11.5; 3–4 servings/day: 8.8 h, 95% CI 2.3–14.9) and intensity (no servings/day: 43.8, 95% CI 37.0–50.5; 1–2 servings/day: 43.1, 95% CI 38.9–47.4; 3–4 servings/day: 46.5, 95% CI 37.8–55.3) did not differ across levels of caffeinated beverage intake, though estimates were imprecise.ConclusionsWe found no association between habitual caffeinated beverage intake and headache frequency, duration, or intensity. These data do not support a recommendation that patients with episodic migraine should avoid consuming caffeine. Further research is needed to understand whether deviating from usual caffeine intake may trigger migraine attacks.
Possible pathogenetic role of ammonia in liver cirrhosis without hyperammonemia of venous blood: The so‐called latency period of abnormal ammonia metabolism
Authors: Katayama Kazuhiro , Kakita Naruyasu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAmmonia plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy. Ammonia is also involved in many other pathological conditions seen in cirrhosis, such as sarcopenia, liver fibrosis, hepatocellular injury, immune dysfunction, and hyperammonemia. Furthermore, the ammonia level of the veins is a useful prognostic factor for cirrhosis. In cirrhosis without hyperammonemia of the vein, however, covert hepatic encephalopathy has been reported. This discrepancy is because of the anatomical features of ammonia metabolism. There are two systems in the body for detoxifying ammonia: one is the urea cycle in the liver, and the other is the glutamine synthesis pathway in skeletal muscle and other tissues. The blood processed in the liver's urea cycle is then transported via arteries to various organs. Further processing occurs in the brain and skeletal muscle's glutamine synthesis pathway before entering the veins. When the urea cycle function decreases in cirrhosis, the ammonia levels in the artery increase. In response, the glutamine synthesis pathway compensates by increasing the capacity to process ammonia. Therefore, the ammonia concentration in the veins downstream of skeletal muscles does not increase immediately. However, the brain and skeletal muscles, which receive arterial blood, might be exposed to high ammonia concentrations. In addition, branched‐chain amino acids in venous blood decrease. This period is the transition phase from early‐ to late‐phase cirrhosis, and understanding the pathophysiology during this stage is extremely important for preventing the progression of cirrhosis.
A 22‐year follow‐up cross‐sectional study on periapical health in relation to the quality of root canal treatment in a Belgian population
Authors: Keratiotis Georgios , Spineli Loukia , De Bruyne Mieke A. A. , De Moor Roeland J. G. , Meire Maarten A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimTo investigate the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) and the technical standard of root canal treatment in a Belgian population, assess the association of different variables with periapical status, and compare the results to a similar study conducted 22 years previously.MethodologyIn this cross‐sectional study, 614 panoramic radiographs of first‐time adult attendees at the Dental School of the University Hospital of Ghent were examined. Recorded patient‐level parameters included gender, age, number of teeth, number of root filled teeth, presence of any AP lesion, and number of implants. The following tooth‐level data were collected: tooth presence, coronal status, quality of coronal restoration, post presence, type of root‐filling material, length and density of root filling, root‐end filling material, presence of AP, and adjacent implant. Multivariable multilevel binary logistic regression was used to explore the association between patient and tooth characteristics and AP prevalence. Risk differences and confidence intervals were calculated to compare the present with the previous study.ResultsThe prevalence of AP at patient and tooth level was 46.9% and 5.6%, respectively. Fifty‐one per cent of the 614 patients had at least one root filled tooth, and 5.9% of the 14 655 teeth studied were root filled. AP was found in 45% of root filled teeth. Fifty‐four per cent of the root‐filled teeth were rated as inadequate. Multivariable multilevel logistic regression revealed that more teeth, more implants, fewer root‐filled teeth, adequate density, adequate coronal restoration, and no caries reduced the likelihood of AP. There were no statistically significant differences between the two studies regarding the prevalence of root‐filled teeth or AP and the technical quality of root canal treatment.ConclusionsThe prevalence of AP and the technical quality of root canal treatment in Belgium have not substantially changed over the last 22 years, despite the technological advancements and continuing education in the field.
Skin cancer screening: the experience in South Portugal
Authors: Maximino José A. , Mayer Alexandra , Lourenço António , Soares Rui O. , Pojo Marta 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe number of skin cancer cases and related deaths continues to increase worldwide, including in Portugal. The lack of efficient health care leaves the southern Portuguese population at risk of presenting skin lesions at later stages. An initiative for skin cancer screening and medical care follow‐up was created by the nonprofit organization Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro – Núcleo Regional do Sul (LPCC‐NRS).MethodsInformation was gathered from 4,398 participants in several Southern Portugal regions, from January 2021 to July 2022. Descriptive and lesion risk statistical analyses were applied.ResultsParticipants' characteristics were described, and risk assessment was performed differentially between premalignant (n = 577) and malignant lesions (n = 176). The main risk factor for both was male gender. From the described suspicious malignant lesions, 31.8% were confirmed (n = 56), among which there were 43 basal cell carcinomas (BCC), 9 cutaneous melanomas (CM), and 4 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC).ConclusionsData analysis pointed to a need for improved participant recruitment, especially of male participants, and health literacy assessment in future screenings.
Effect of monthly reminders by telephone message on women's beliefs and practice behaviours regarding breast self‐examination: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Alkan Hilal , Akyıldız Deniz 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimsThis study was conducted to examine the effect of monthly telephone message reminders after training on women's beliefs and practice behaviours regarding breast self‐examination.MethodsThis randomized controlled study was conducted with 83 women aged 20–69 years living in Turkey between September 2021 and July 2022. Women were randomly assigned (1:1) to the intervention (n = 41) or control group (n = 42), both groups received online breast self‐examination training, and the intervention group received monthly reminders on their mobile phones for 3 months. Participants completed the Champion's Health Belief Model Scale and breast self‐examination practice evaluation form at baseline and 3 months after intervention.ResultsAfter the intervention, the mean scores of the benefits and self‐efficacy subscales of Champion's Health Belief Model Scales were significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group, and the mean score of barriers was lower. The rate of performing breast self‐exam regularly and at the appropriate time was higher in the intervention group. The rate of forgetting to perform breast self‐examination was higher in control group.ConclusionA monthly reminder message may be recommended to increase women's belief in breast self‐examination and increase regular practice.
Projected impact of anti‐obesity pharmacotherapy use on racial and ethnic disparities in adolescent obesity
Authors: Vajravelu Mary Ellen , Chu Patricia Y. , Frank David A. , Ragavan Maya I. , Vajravelu Ravy K. 
Published: February 2024

SummaryBackgroundPaediatric obesity disproportionately impacts individuals from minoritized racial and ethnic backgrounds. Recent guidelines support use of anti‐obesity pharmacotherapy for adolescents with obesity, but the potential impact on disparities in obesity prevalence has not been evaluated.ObjectivesTo model changes in obesity prevalence with increasing utilization of anti‐obesity pharmacotherapy among adolescents.MethodsData representative of American adolescents ages 12–17 years were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, cycles 2011 through pre‐pandemic 2020. A body mass index (BMI) reduction of 16.7% was applied to each participant based on clinical trial results of weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 2.4 mg among adolescents. Utilization disparities were based on utilization of the same medication class among adults. Obesity prevalence was calculated assuming utilization of 10%–100%, stratified by race and ethnicity.ResultsAmong 4442 adolescents representing 26 247 384 American adolescents, projected overall obesity prevalence decreased from 22.2% to 8.4% with 100% utilization. However, disparities increased relative to Non‐Hispanic White youth, with prevalence among Non‐Hispanic Black and Mexican American youth ranging from 40%–60% higher to 90%–120% higher, respectively.ConclusionsIncreasing utilization of anti‐obesity pharmacotherapy may widen relative disparities in obesity, particularly if utilization is unequal. Advocacy for equitable access is needed to minimize worsening of obesity‐related disparities.
Suppressing the expression of glutathione S‐transferase gene GSTd10 increases the sensitivity of Zeugodacus cucurbitae against β‐cypermethrin
Authors: Zhai Xiao‐Di , Wang Shi‐Heng , Ma Meng , Pan Deng , Wang Jin‐Jun , Wei Dong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractZeugodacus cucurbitae Coquillett (Diptera: Tephritidae) is an agriculturally and economically important pest worldwide that has developed resistance to β‐cypermethrin. Glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) have been reported to be involved in the detoxification of insecticides in insects. We have found that both ZcGSTd6 and ZcGSTd10 were up‐regulated by β‐cypermethrin induction in our previous study, so we aimed to explore their potential relationship with β‐cypermethrin tolerance in this study. The heterologous expression of ZcGSTd6 and ZcGSTd10 in Escherichia coli showed significantly high activities against 1‐chloro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene (CDNB). The kinetic parameters of ZcGSTd6 and ZcGSTd10 were determined by Lineweaver–Burk. The Vmax and Km of ZcGSTd6 were 0.50 μmol/min·mg and 0.3 mM, respectively. The Vmax and Km of ZcGSTd10 were 1.82 μmol/min·mg and 0.53 mM. The 3D modelling and molecular docking results revealed that β‐cypermethrin exhibited a stronger bounding to the active site SER‐9 of ZcGSTd10. The sensitivity to β‐cypermethrin was significantly increased by 18.73% and 27.21%, respectively, after the knockdown of ZcGSTd6 and ZcGSTd10 by using RNA interference. In addition, the inhibition of CDNB at 50% (IC50) and the inhibition constants (Ki) of β‐cypermethrin against ZcGSTd10 were determined as 0.41 and 0.33 mM, respectively. The Ki and IC50 of β‐cypermethrin against ZcSGTd6 were not analysed. These results suggested that ZcGSTd10 could be an essential regulator involved in the tolerance of Z. cucurbitae to β‐cypermethrin.
Variation in approaches to acute ANCA‐associated vasculitis in Australia and New Zealand: rituximab, plasma exchange and glucocorticoids
Authors: Chua Justin C. M. , Dentrinos Laura V. , Kitching Arthur R. , Ryan Jessica 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundAnti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)‐associated vasculitis (AAV) is a rare autoimmune disease which is managed by a range of specialities. There are limited data on treatment practices in Australia and New Zealand.AimsTo understand current patterns of acute AAV treatment in Australia and New Zealand.MethodsAn online survey was conducted between July and October 2022 investigating physicians' views on the management of AAV, focusing on induction therapy. The survey contained questions pertaining to access to treatment and responses to clinical management scenarios. Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis was not included. A chi‐squared test of independence was performed for statistical analysis.ResultsFrom a total of 55 responses, plasma exchange was difficult to access for 44% of respondents, more so in rural centres, and they also had difficulty accessing infusion centres. New Zealand clinicians had more difficulty accessing rituximab, with only 44% reporting easy access compared with Australian clinicians (93%). With clinical management scenarios, there was variation in the dosing regimen of glucocorticoids and initiation of plasma exchange, with 42% of respondents prescribing a glucocorticoid regimen different from the standard of care, the ‘reduced‐dose’ arm of the Plasma Exchange and Glucocorticoids for the Treatment of ANCA‐Associated Vasculitis trial. The choice of cyclophosphamide or rituximab for induction therapy was based on patient characteristics and medical history.ConclusionsThere is substantial variation in approaches to the acute management of AAV in Australia and New Zealand, including differences in resource availability. This variation in care demonstrates the need to implement current practice guidelines and institute contemporary monitoring of AAV management, to achieve best patient outcomes.