bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glucosylglycerol phosphorylase, a potential novel pathway of microbial glucosylglycerol catabolism
Authors: Cheng Lin , Zhang Zhichao , Zhu Daling , Luo Quan , Lu Xuefeng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Glucosylglycerol (GG) is a natural compatible solute that can be synthesized by many cyanobacteria and a few heterotrophic bacteria under high salinity conditions. In cyanobacteria, GG is synthesized by GG-phosphate synthase and GG-phosphate phosphatase, and a hydrolase GGHA catalyzes its degradation. In heterotrophic bacteria (such as some Marinobacter species), a fused form of GG-phosphate phosphatase and GG-phosphate synthase is present, but the cyanobacteria-like degradation pathway is not available. Instead, a phosphorylase GGP, of which the coding gene is located adjacent to the gene that encodes the GG-synthesizing enzyme, is supposed to perform the GG degradation function. In the present study, a GGP homolog from the salt-tolerant M. salinexigens ZYF650T was characterized. The recombinant GGP catalyzed GG decomposition via a two-step process of phosphorolysis and hydrolysis in vitro and exhibited high substrate specificity toward GG. The activity of GGP was enhanced by inorganic salts at low concentrations but significantly inhibited by increasing salt concentrations. While the investigation on the physiological role of GGP in M. salinexigens ZYF650T was limited due to the failed induction of GG production, the heterologous expression of ggp in the living cells of the GG-producing cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 significantly reduced the salt-induced GG accumulation. Together, these data suggested that GGP may represent a novel pathway of microbial GG catabolism.

Key points
• GGP catalyzes GG degradation by a process of phosphorolysis and hydrolysis
• GGP-catalyzed GG degradation is different from GGHA-based GG degradation
• GGP represents a potential novel pathway of microbial GG catabolism
Update on musculoskeletal applications of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound
Authors: McGill Kevin C. , Baal Joe D. , Bucknor Matthew D. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMagnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a noninvasive, incisionless, radiation-free technology used to ablate tissue deep within the body. This technique has gained increased popularity following FDA approval for treatment of pain related to bone metastases and limited approval for treatment of osteoid osteoma. MRgFUS delivers superior visualization of soft tissue targets in unlimited imaging planes and precision in targeting and delivery of thermal dose which is all provided during real-time monitoring using MR thermometry. This paper provides an overview of the common musculoskeletal applications of MRgFUS along with updates on clinical outcomes and discussion of future applications.
Induction immunotherapy plus chemotherapy followed by definitive chemoradiation therapy in locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a propensity-score matched study
Authors: Lian Hui-min , Wu Jia-liang , Liufu Wei-jian , Yu Tian-tian , Niu Shao-qing , Bao Yong , Peng Fang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
For patients with unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is the current standard treatment; however, the prognosis remains poor. Immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy has demonstrated improved survival outcomes in advanced ESCC. Nevertheless, there is a lack of reports on the role of induction immunotherapy plus chemotherapy prior to CCRT for unresectable locally advanced ESCC. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of induction immunotherapy plus chemotherapy followed by definitive chemoradiotherapy in patients with unresectable locally advanced ESCC.

Methods
This study retrospectively collected clinical data of patients diagnosed with locally advanced ESCC who were treated with radical CCRT between 2017 and 2021 at our institution. The patients were divided into two groups: an induction immunotherapy plus chemotherapy group (induction IC group) or a CCRT group. To assess progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), we employed the Kaplan–Meier method after conducting propensity score matching (PSM).

Results
A total of 132 patients with unresectable locally advanced ESCC were included in this study, with 61 (45.26%) patients in the induction IC group and 71 (54.74%) patients in the CCRT group. With a median follow-up of 37.0 months, median PFS and OS were 25.2 and 39.2 months, respectively. The patients in the induction IC group exhibited a significant improvement in PFS and OS in comparison with those in the CCRT group (median PFS: not reached [NR] versus 15.9 months, hazard ratio [HR] 0.526 [95%CI 0.325–0.851], P = 0.0077; median OS: NR versus 25.2 months, HR 0.412 [95%CI 0.236–0.719], P = 0.0012). After PSM (50 pairs), both PFS and OS remained superior in the induction IC group compared to the CCRT group (HR 0.490 [95%CI 0.280–0.858], P = 0.011; HR 0.454 [95%CI 0.246–0.837], P = 0.0093), with 2-year PFS rates of 67.6 and 42.0%, and the 2-year OS rates of 74.6 and 52.0%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that lower tumor stage, concurrent chemotherapy using double agents, and induction immunotherapy plus chemotherapy before CCRT were associated with better prognosis.

Conclusions
Our results showed for the first time that induction immunotherapy plus chemotherapy followed by CCRT for unresectable locally advanced ESCC provided a survival benefit with manageable safety profile. More prospective clinical studies should be warranted.
Poor obstetric outcomes in women with takayasu arteritis: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bodakçi Erdal , Cansu Döndü Üsküdar , Korkmaz Cengiz 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe objective of this study was to assess the pregnancy outcomes in a cohort of patients who experienced pregnancies before and/or after being diagnosed with Takayasu’s arteritis (TA). The present investigation encompassed a total of 88 pregnancies seen in a cohort of 35 patients who met the criteria outlined by the American College of Rheumatology in 1990 for the classification of Takayasu arteritis (TA). Pregnancies were classified into two categories. 1. Pregnancies that occurred before the diagnosis (pre-d or pre-TA) 2. Pregnancies that happened following a diagnosis (post-d or post-TA). Fifty-nine pregnancies (67.0%) occurred in 21 TA patients before the diagnosis with and a complication rate of 15.2%, and twenty-nine pregnancies (33.0%) occurred in 14 patients concomitant with or after TA diagnosis and complication rate 100%. Although the hypertension rate was higher in the pre-d group than in the post-d group, it was not significant (32.2% vs. 10.3%, p = 0.160). However, preeclampsia (20.6% vs. 0%, p = 0.001), low birth weight (27.5% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.001), and prematurity (24.1% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.035) were observed more frequently in the post-d group compared to the pre-d group. The frequency of abortions and in-utero deaths were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Patients with hypertension had significantly higher rates of preeclampsia (p = 0.003), preterm birth (p = 0.036), low birth weight (p = 0.250), abortion (p = 0.018), in utero death (p = 0.128), and cesarean section (p = 0.005) than those without hypertension. Renal artery involvement was detected in 15 (42.8%) patients. All patients with renal artery involvement had hypertension, and they had significantly more pregnancy complications than the other group (p = 0.001). TA negatively affects pregnancy outcomes. A good control of arterial hypertension before conception and during pregnancy is critical to improve both maternal and fetal outcomes. In addition, detecting renal artery stenosis before pregnancy is important in reducing possible negative pregnancy outcomes.
PI-RADS upgrading as the strongest predictor for the presence of clinically significant prostate cancer in patients with initial PI-RADS-3 lesions
Authors: Kwe Jeremy , Baunacke Martin , Boehm Katharina , Platzek Ivan , Thomas Christian , Borkowetz Angelika 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Unclear lesions on multiparametric magnetic resonance tomography (mpMRI) are challenging for the indication of biopsy in patients with clinical suspicion of prostate cancer (PCa). The aim of this study is the validation of the detection rate of clinically significant PCa (csPCa) in patients with PI-RADS 3 findings and to determine the appropriate follow-up strategy.

Methods
In this retrospective single-center study, patients with maximum PI-RADS 3 lesions underwent targeted MRI/ultrasound-fusion biopsy (tPbx) combined with systematic 12-core biopsy (sPbx) and follow-up mpMRI with further control biopsy. We assessed the evolution of MRI findings (PI-RADS, volume of the lesion), clinical parameters and histopathology in follow-up MRI and biopsies. The primary objective is the detection rate of csPCa, defined as ISUP ≥ 2 findings.

Results
A total of 126 patients (median PSA 6.65 ng/ml; median PSA-density (PSAD) 0.13 ng/ml2) were included. The initial biopsy identified low-risk PCa in 24 cases (19%). During follow-up biopsy, 22.2% of patients showed PI-RADS upgrading (PI-RADS > 3), and 29 patients (23%) exhibited a tumor upgrading. Patients with PI-RADS upgrading had a higher risk of csPCa compared to those without PI-RADS upgrading (42.9% vs. 9.18%, p < 0.05). PI-RADS upgrading was identified as an independent predictor for csPCa in follow-up biopsy (OR 16.20; 95% CI 1.17–224.60; p = 0.038).

Conclusion
Patients with stable PI-RADS 3 findings may not require a follow-up biopsy. Instead, it is advisable to schedule an MRI, considering that PI-RADS upgrading serves as an independent predictor for csPCa.
The role of ethnicity and native-country income in multiple sclerosis: the Italian multicentre study (MS-MigIT)
Authors: Bianchi Alessia , Matranga Domenica , Patti Francesco , Maniscalco Laura , Pilotto Silvy , Di Filippo Massimiliano , Zaffaroni Mauro , Annovazzi Pietro , Bertolotto Antonio , Gasperini Claudio , Quartuccio Esmeralda , Centonze Diego , Fantozzi Roberta , Gajofatto Alberto , Gobbin Francesca , Landi Doriana , Granella Franco , Buccafusca Maria , Marfia Girolama Alessandra , Chisari Clara , Naldi Paola , Bergamaschi Roberto , Greco Giacomo , Zarbo Ignazio Roberto , Rizzo Vincenzo , Ulivelli Monica , Bezzini Daiana , Florio Lucia , Turazzini Michelangelo , Di Gregorio Maria , Pugliatti Maura , Salemi Giuseppe , Ragonese Paolo ,   the the MS-MigIT Study Group
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex disorder in which environmental and genetic factors interact modifying disease risk and course. This multicentre, case–control study involving 18 Italian MS Centres investigated MS course by ethnicity and native-country economic status in foreign-born patients living in Italy.

Methods
We identified 457 MS patients who migrated to Italy and 893 age- and sex-matched native-born Italian patients. In our population, 1225 (93.2%) subjects were White Europeans and White Northern Americans (WENA) and 89 (6.8%) patients were from other ethnical groups (OEG); 1109 (82.1%) patients were born in a high-income (HI) Country and 241 (17.9%) in a low-middle-income (LMI) Country. Medical records and patients interviews were used to collect demographic and disease data.

Results
We included 1350 individuals (973 women and 377 men); mean (SD) age was 45.0 (11.7) years. At onset, 25.45% OEG patients vs 12.47% WENA (p = 0.039) had > 3 STIR spine lesions. At recruitment, the same group featured mean (SD) EDSS score of 2.85 (2.23) vs 2.64 (2.28) (p = 0.044) reached in 8.9 (9.0) vs 12.0 (9.0) years (p = 0.018) and underwent 1.10 (4.44) vs. 0.99 (0.40) annual MRI examinations (p = 0.035). At disease onset, patients from LMI countries had higher EDSS score than HI patients (2.40 (1.43) vs 1.99 (1.17); p = 0.032).

Discussion
Our results suggested that both ethnicity and socio-economic status of native country shape MS presentation and course and should be considered for an appropriate management of patients. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting on the impact of ethnicity in MS at an individual level and beyond an ecological population-perspective.
Postoperative outcome and influencing factors of strabismus surgery in infants aged 1–6 years
Authors: Hinterhuber Laetitia , Rezar-Dreindl Sandra , Schmidt-Erfurth Ursula , Stifter Eva 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the postoperative outcome of strabismus surgery performed in children aged 1–6 years by investigating the change of the preoperative angle of deviation (AOD), elevation in adduction, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and refractive error.

Methods
Retrospective chart review of 62 children who received strabismus surgery between January 2018 and December 2021 at the Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry of the Medical University of Vienna. Age, sex, type of strabismus, AOD, BCVA, refractive error and visual acuity were evaluated with respect to the postoperative outcome.

Results
Mean follow-up was 13.55 ± 11.38 months with a mean age of 3.94 ± 1.97 years (range: 1.0–6.0) at time of surgery. 74.19% of patients (n = 46) had isolated or combined esotropia, 12.90% (n = 8) had isolated or combined exotropia and 12.90% (n = 8) had isolated strabismus sursoadductorius. Mean preoperative AOD of 15.69 ± 16.91°/15.02 ± 14.88° (near/distance) decreased to 4.00 ± 9.18°/4.83 ± 7.32° (near/distance) at final follow-up (p < 0.001). BCVA improved from 0.26 ± 0.26/0.25 ± 0.23 (left/right) to 0.21 ± 0.25/0.20 ± 0.23 (left/right) (p = 0.038). There was no significant change regarding refractive error (p = 0.109) or elevation in adduction (p = 0.212). Success rate which was defined as a residual AOD of less than 10° was 74.19% (n = 46). In 3.23% (n = 2) retreatment was necessary.

Conclusion
Strabismus surgery in infants was shown to have a satisfactory outcome with a low retreatment rate. Surgical success rate was not linked to age, sex, type of strabismus or the preoperative parameters AOD, refractive error and visual acuity in this study.
The chytrid insurance hypothesis: integrating parasitic chytrids into a biodiversity–ecosystem functioning framework for phytoplankton–zooplankton population dynamics
Authors: Abonyi András , Fornberg Johanna , Rasconi Serena , Ptacnik Robert , Kainz Martin J. , Lafferty Kevin D. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn temperate lakes, eutrophication and warm temperatures can promote cyanobacteria blooms that reduce water quality and impair food-chain support. Although parasitic chytrids of phytoplankton might compete with zooplankton, they also indirectly support zooplankton populations through the “mycoloop”, which helps move energy and essential dietary molecules from inedible phytoplankton to zooplankton. Here, we consider how the mycoloop might fit into the biodiversity–ecosystem functioning (BEF) framework. BEF considers how more diverse communities can benefit ecosystem functions like zooplankton production. Chytrids are themselves part of pelagic food webs and they directly contribute to zooplankton diets through spore production and by increasing host edibility. The additional way that chytrids might support BEF is if they engage in “kill-the-winner” dynamics. In contrast to grazers, which result in “eat-the-edible” dynamics, kill-the-winner dynamics can occur for host-specific infectious diseases that control the abundance of dominant (in this case inedible) hosts and thus limit the competitive exclusion of poorer (in this case edible) competitors. Thus, if phytoplankton diversity provides functions, and chytrids support algal diversity, chytrids could indirectly favour edible phytoplankton. All three mechanisms are linked to diversity and therefore provide some “insurance” for zooplankton production against the impacts of eutrophication and warming. In our perspective piece, we explore evidence for the chytrid insurance hypothesis, identify exceptions and knowledge gaps, and outline future research directions.
An assessment of WRF-urban schemes in simulating local meteorology for heat stress analysis in a tropical sub-Saharan African city, Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Obe Oluwafemi Benjamin , Morakinyo Tobi Eniolu , Mills Gerald 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMegacities, such as Lagos, Nigeria, face significant challenges due to rapid urbanization and climate change, resulting in a higher intensity of the urban heat island effect, coupled with high population density, making the city fall under the category of moderate to high heat stress/risk. Despite this, very few studies have analyzed the urban impact on heat stress over the coastal city, albeit with poor resolution data. In this study, we assessed the performance of an integrated high-resolution WRF-urban scheme driven by the readily available urban canopy information of the local climate zone (LCZ) to simulate local meteorological data for analyzing the spatiotemporal pattern of heat stress over the megacity. Our results show that the WRF-BEP scheme outperformed the other evaluated urban schemes, reducing the normalized root mean squared error by 25%. Furthermore, using humidex, we found a generally high incidence of intense discomfort in highly urbanized areas and noted the significant influence of urban morphology on the pattern of heat stress, particularly at night due to the combined effect of urban warming and higher relative humidity. The most socioeconomically disadvantaged urban areas, LCZ7, were most affected, with “hot” heat stress conditions observed over 90% of the time. However, during the afternoon, we found reduced heat stress in the core urban areas which might be due to the shading effect and/or cold air advection. Our findings would be relevant in the development of the urgently needed climate/heat adaptation plans for the city and other sub-Saharan African cities.
Global regularity for nonlinear systems with symmetric gradients
Authors: Behn Linus , Diening Lars 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe study global regularity of nonlinear systems of partial differential equations depending on the symmetric part of the gradient with Dirichlet boundary conditions. These systems arise from variational problems in plasticity with power growth. We cover the full range of exponents $$p \in (1,\infty )$$

p
∈
(
1
,
∞
)

. As a novelty the degenerate case for $$p>2$$

p
>
2

is included. We present a unified approach for all exponents by showing the regularity for general systems of Orlicz growth.
Position Paper: fragmented youth healthcare services in the Netherlands endanger treatment of teenage boys with psychiatric disorders
Authors: IJsselhof Rinske , Hintjens Amy , Pelzer Anne , Nieuwenhuis Edward 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFor children who show strongly deviant behaviour in the Netherlands, a distinction is made between behavioural problems and psychiatric problems. As a result, two different domains have emerged over time, each with its own legal frameworks and inclusion and exclusion criteria. Consequently, there is no well-organized, coherent system for youth mental health care in the Netherlands. This strong dichotomy raises the question whether patients are being admitted to facilities where they are receiving appropriate care. In addition, referral bias can arise, because the type of complaint with which a young person presents is often dependent on the type of coping of the individual and thus, in turn, the gender of the patient. In this Position Paper, we examined the gender distribution at a youth psychiatric high and intensive care (HIC-Y) and other streams of youth care in the Netherlands to explore possible inequities in access to psychiatric care among children and adolescents. Results show that girls are significantly more likely than boys to be admitted to the HIC-Y for suicidal thoughts, self-harm and emotional dysregulation. In fact, girls account for 80% of all admissions, while boys account for only 20%. In contrast, regional and national reports from youth services and probation show a majority of boys being admitted (56–89%). The way care is organized (lack of cross-domain collaboration and the interplay between gender-dependent coping and exclusion criteria) seems to play a role in the underrepresentation of boys in acute psychiatry and their overrepresentation in secure youth care. Based on our research results, the concern is raised whether boys have a greater chance of undertreatment for psychiatric problems. Further research is needed to better understand the underlying factors that contribute to gender bias in psychiatric admissions, and to develop interventions that promote gender equality in healthcare.
Scale dependency of anisotropic thermal conductivity of heterogeneous geomaterials
Authors: Li Kai-Qi , Chen Qi-Min , Chen Guan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe precise determination of subsurface thermal properties is critical for ground-source heating systems. The geomaterials are inherently heterogeneous, and their thermal conductivity measured in laboratory and field tests often exhibits anisotropic behaviours. However, the accurate measurement of thermal responses in geomaterials presents a challenging task due to the anisotropy’s variation with the observed scale. Hence, a numerical method is developed in this work and illustrated by taking a typical anisotropic structure of geomaterials with the porosity of 0.5 as an example. The differences in data from laboratory measurements and field tests are discussed to explore the scale effect on anisotropic thermal properties. A series of simulation tests are conducted on specimens with varying dimensions using the finite element method. Results indicate that the thermal properties show a substantial sensitivity to the observation scale, the variation of which decreases with the sample dimensions. By comparing in situ data and laboratory results, the values of average thermal conductivity and corresponding anisotropy ratio are lower than those at small scales, indicating that careful consideration should be given to the thermal properties to account for heterogeneity and anisotropy. In addition, four upscaling schemes based on the averaging method are discussed. This study sheds light on the gap between the laboratory results and the field’s inherent properties and provides guidelines for upscaling small-scale results to field-scale applications.
The relationshıp between health literacy and eating attitudes of adolescents
Authors: ÇINKIL Zeliha , TURAL BÜYÜK Esra 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Aim
This study was carried out to determine the relationship between health literacy and eating attitudes of adolescents.

Subject and methods
This descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 1519 adolescents. A Personal Information Form, Turkish Health Literacy Scale-32, and Eating Attitudes Test were used to collect data. Data were assessed by using the SPSS 21 statistical package program with Independent samples t test, ANOVA test, and Pearson correlation test.

Results
The mean total score of the adolescents on the Turkish Health Literacy Scale-32 was 33.68 ± 10.33 and 31.3% had a sufficient and 28.8% had a problematic-limited level of health literacy. The mean eating attitudes score of the adolescents was calculated as 12.20 ± 12.24 and 20.4% were determined to have a risky eating attitude.

Conclusion
In this study, it was found that most of the adolescents had a sufficient level of health literacy and normal eating attitudes.