bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Practical Approach to Interpreting Circulating Tumor DNA in the Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers
Authors: Allan Zexi , Liu David S , Lee Margaret M , Tie Jeanne , Clemons Nicholas J 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
There is accumulating evidence supporting the clinical use of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in solid tumors, especially in different types of gastrointestinal cancer. As such, appraisal of the current and potential clinical utility of ctDNA is needed to guide clinicians in decision-making to facilitate its general applicability.

Content
In this review, we firstly discuss considerations surrounding specimen collection, processing, storage, and analysis, which affect reporting and interpretation of results. Secondly, we evaluate a selection of studies on colorectal, esophago-gastric, and pancreatic cancer to determine the level of evidence for the use of ctDNA in disease screening, detection of molecular residual disease (MRD) and disease recurrence during surveillance, assessment of therapy response, and guiding targeted therapy. Lastly, we highlight current limitations in the clinical utility of ctDNA and future directions.

Summary
Current evidence of ctDNA in gastrointestinal cancer is promising but varies depending on its specific clinical role and cancer type. Larger prospective trials are needed to validate different aspects of ctDNA clinical utility, and standardization of collection protocols, analytical assays, and reporting guidelines should be considered to facilitate its wider applicability.
Breast Cancer Circulating Tumor Cells: Current Clinical Applications and Future Prospects
Authors: Cani Andi K , Hayes Daniel F 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Identification and characterization of circulating tumor markers, designated as “liquid biopsies,” have greatly impacted the care of cancer patients. Although more recently referring to circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), the term liquid biopsy initially was coined to refer to any blood-borne biomarker related to malignancy, including circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood. In this manuscript, we review the specific state of the art of CTCs in breast cancer.

Content
Liquid biopsies might play a clinical role across the entire spectrum of breast cancer, from risk assessment, prevention, screening, and treatment. CTC counts have been shown to carry clear, independent prognostic information in the latter situation. However, the clinical utility of CTCs in breast cancer remains to be determined. Nonetheless, in addition to CTC enumeration, analyses of CTCs provide tumor molecular information representing the entire, often-heterogeneous disease, relatively noninvasively and longitudinally. Technological advances have allowed the interrogation of CTC-derived information, providing renewed hope for a clinical role in disease monitoring and precision oncology.

Summary
This narrative review examines CTCs, their clinical validity, and current prospects of clinical utility in breast cancer with the goal of improving patient outcomes.
Cardiovascular disease in low- and middle-income countries associated with environmental factors
Authors: Sliwa Karen , Viljoen Charle André , Stewart Simon , Miller Mark R , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Kumar Raman Krishna , Thienemann Friedrich , Piniero Daniel , Prabhakaran Poornima , Narula Jagat , Pinto Fausto 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
There is a growing recognition that the profound environmental changes that have occurred over the past century pose threats to human health. Many of these environmental factors, including air pollution, noise pollution, as well as exposure to metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and other metals, are particularly detrimental to the cardiovascular health of people living in low-to-middle income countries (LMICs). Low-to-middle income countries are likely to be disproportionally burdened by cardiovascular diseases provoked by environmental factors. Moreover, they have the least capacity to address the core drivers and consequences of this phenomenon. This review summarizes the impact of environmental factors such as climate change, air pollution, and metal exposure on the cardiovascular system, and how these specifically affect people living in LMICs. It also outlines how behaviour changes and interventions that reduce environmental pollution would have significant effects on the cardiovascular health of those from LMICs, and globally.
Getting a “SMART START” to gestational diabetes mellitus education: a mixed-methods pilot evaluation of a knowledge translation tool in primary care
Authors: Kandasamy Sujane , Amjad Saima , de Souza Russell , Furqan Naila , Patel Tejal , Vanstone Meredith , Anand Sonia S 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
South Asian people living in Canada face higher rates of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) compared to national trends. The objective of this study was to design and pilot test a knowledge translation (KT) tool to support GDM prevention counselling in primary care.

Methods
This study is a mixed-methods pilot evaluation of the “SMART START” KT tool involving 2 family physicians in separate practices and 20 pregnant South Asians in Ontario, Canada. We conducted the quantitative and qualitative components in parallel, developing a joint display to illustrate the converging and diverging elements.

Results
Between January and July 2020, 20 South Asian pregnant people were enrolled in this study. A high level of acceptability was received from patients and practitioners for timing, content, format, language, and interest in the interventions delivered. Quantitative findings revealed gaps in patient knowledge and behaviour in the following areas: GDM risk factors, the impact of GDM on the unborn baby, weight gain recommendations, diet, physical activity practices, and tracking of weight gain. From the qualitative component, we found that physicians valued and were keen to engage in GDM prevention counselling. Patients also expressed personal perceptions of healthy active living during pregnancy, experiences, and preferences with gathering and searching for information, and key preventative behaviours.

Conclusions
Building on this knowledge can contribute to the design and implementation of other research opportunities or test new hypotheses as they relate to GDM prevention among South Asian communities.
SerpinA3N Regulates the Secretory Phenotype of Mouse Senescent Astrocytes Contributing to Neurodegeneration
Authors: Han Xiaojuan , Lei Qing , Liu Huanhuan , Zhang Tianying , Gou Xingchun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Senescent astrocyte accumulation in the brain during normal aging is a driver of age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. However, the molecular events underlying astrocyte senescence in Alzheimer’s disease are not fully understood. In this study, we demonstrated that senescent astrocytes display a secretory phenotype known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which is associated with the upregulation of various proinflammatory factors and the downregulation of neurotrophic growth factors (eg, NGF and BDNF), resulting in a decrease in astrocyte-mediated neuroprotection and increased risk of neurodegeneration. We found that SerpinA3N is upregulated in senescent primary mouse astrocytes after serial passaging in vitro or by H2O2 treatment. Further exploration of the underlying mechanism revealed that SerpinA3N deficiency protects against senescent astrocyte-induced neurodegeneration by suppressing SASP-related factors and inducing neurotrophic growth factors. Brain tissues from Alzheimer’s disease model mice possessed increased numbers of senescent astrocytes. Moreover, senescent astrocytes exhibited upregulated SerpinA3N expression in vitro and in vivo, confirming that our cell model recapitulated the in vivo pathology of these neurodegenerative diseases. Altogether, our study reveals a novel molecular strategy to regulate the secretory phenotype of senescent astrocytes and implies that SerpinA3N and its regulatory mechanisms may be potential targets for delaying brain aging and aging-related neurodegenerative diseases.
A high-quality chromosomal genome assembly of the sea cucumber Chiridota heheva and its hydrothermal adaptation
Authors: Pu Yujin , Zhou Yang , Liu Jun , Zhang Haibin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Chiridota heheva is a cosmopolitan holothurian well adapted to diverse deep-sea ecosystems, especially chemosynthetic environments. Besides high hydrostatic pressure and limited light, high concentrations of metal ions also represent harsh conditions in hydrothermal environments. Few holothurian species can live in such extreme conditions. Therefore, it is valuable to elucidate the adaptive genetic mechanisms of C. heheva in hydrothermal environments.

Findings
Herein, we report a high-quality reference genome assembly of C. heheva from the Kairei vent, which is the first chromosome-level genome of Apodida. The chromosome-level genome size was 1.43 Gb, with a scaffold N50 of 53.24 Mb and BUSCO completeness score of 94.5%. Contig sequences were clustered, ordered, and assembled into 19 natural chromosomes. Comparative genome analysis found that the expanded gene families and positively selected genes of C. heheva were involved in the DNA damage repair process. The expanded gene families and the unique genes contributed to maintaining iron homeostasis in an iron-enriched environment. The positively selected gene RFC2 with 10 positively selected sites played an essential role in DNA repair under extreme environments.

Conclusions
This first chromosome-level genome assembly of C. heheva reveals the hydrothermal adaptation of holothurians. As the first chromosome-level genome of order Apodida, this genome will provide the resource for investigating the evolution of class Holothuroidea.
A Systematic Review of the Molecular and Cellular Alterations Induced by Cannabis That May Serve as Risk Factors for Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Delgado-Sequera Alejandra , Garcia-Mompo Clara , Gonzalez-Pinto Ana , Hidalgo-Figueroa Maria , Berrocoso Esther 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Cannabis use is a risk factor of psychiatric illness, such as bipolar disorder type-I (BDI). Indeed, cannabis use strongly influences the onset and clinical course of BDI, although the biological mechanisms underlying this interaction remain unknown. Therefore, we have reviewed the biological mechanisms affected by cannabis use that may trigger BD.

Methods
A systematic review was carried out of articles in which gene expression was studied in cannabis users or human-derived cells exposed to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD). A second systematic review was then performed to identify articles in which gene expression was studied in BDI samples, highlighting those that described alterations to the same molecular and cellular mechanisms affected by cannabis/THC/CBD.

Results
The initial search identified 82 studies on cannabis and 962 on BDI. After removing duplicates and applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 9 studies into cannabis and 228 on BDI were retained. The molecular and cellular mechanisms altered by cannabis use or THC/CBD exposure were then identified, including neural development and function, cytoskeletal function, cell adhesion, mitochondrial biology, inflammatory related pathways, lipid metabolism, the endocannabinoid system, the hypocretin/orexin system, and apoptosis. Alterations to those activities were also described in 19 of 228 focused on BDI.

Conclusions
The biological mechanisms described in this study may be good candidates to the search for diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for BDI. Because cannabis use can trigger the onset of BD, further studies would be of interest to determine whether they are involved in the early development of the disorder, prompting early treatment.
Target attainment of intravenous lefamulin for treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections
Authors: van Os Wisse , Zeitlinger Markus 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Lefamulin is a pleuromutilin antibiotic approved for the treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP). Its spectrum of activity, good penetration into soft tissues and low rates of cross-resistance also make lefamulin a potentially valuable option for treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSIs). A Phase 2 trial of lefamulin for ABSSSI indicated similar efficacy of 100 and 150 mg q12h IV dosing regimens. In the present study, the potential of lefamulin for this indication was further evaluated from a translational pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic perspective.

Methods
PTA was determined for various dosages using Monte Carlo simulations of a population pharmacokinetic model of lefamulin in ABSSSI patients and preclinical exposure targets associated with bacteriostasis and a 1-log reduction in bacterial count. Overall target attainment against MSSA and MRSA was calculated using lefamulin MIC distributions.

Results
Overall attainment of the bacteriostasis target was 94% against MSSA and 84% against MRSA for the IV dosage approved for CABP (150 mg q12h). Using the same target, for the 100 mg q12h regimen, overall target attainment dropped to 68% against MSSA and 50% against MRSA. Using the 1-log reduction target, overall target attainment for both regimens was &lt;40%.

Conclusions
Lefamulin at the currently approved IV dosage covers most Staphylococcus aureus isolates when targeting drug exposure associated with bacteriostasis, suggesting potential of lefamulin for the treatment of ABSSSIs. Lefamulin may not be appropriate in ABSSSI when rapid bactericidal activity is warranted.
Hope during somber times: a defining moment
Authors: Corn Benjamin W , Feldman David B 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In addition to the diverse educational materials the National Cancer Institute provides to patients, caregivers, and health-care professionals, the NCI maintains an online dictionary that provides concise definitions of terms used in modern oncology. The dictionary is regarded as a valuable data reserve because it is updated frequently and employs language that facilitates comprehension among lay users and professionals alike. In this commentary, we call attention to the absence of the word hope as an entry in this important digital resource. Moreover, we propose not only including the concept of hope in this vital reference text but also basing its meaning on C. R. Snyder’s model of “hope theory,” which stresses the importance of 3 entities: goals, pathways thinking, and agency. Finally, we argue that hope can be taught as a skill to relevant stakeholders (eg, patients, caregivers, and health-care professionals) through brief workshops that have recently been expanded from in-person encounters to virtual platforms revolving around a user-friendly mobile app called “Hopetimize.”
Characterizing Community Forests in the United States
Authors: Hajjar Reem , McGinley Kathleen , Charnley Susan , Frey Gregory E , Hovis Meredith , Cubbage Frederick W , Schelhas John , Kornhauser Kailey 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Research on community forests (CFs), primarily governed and managed by local forest users in the United States, is limited, despite their growth in numbers over the past decade. We conducted a survey to inventory CFs in the United States and better understand their ownership and governance structures, management objectives, benefits, and financing. The ninety-eight CFs in our inventory are on private, public, and tribal lands. They had various ways of soliciting input from, or sharing decision-making authority with, local groups, organizations, and citizens. Recreation and environmental services were the most important management goals, but timber production occurred on more than two-thirds of CFs, contributing to income on many CFs, along with a diversity of other income sources to fund operations. We discuss the difficulties in creating a comprehensive CF inventory and typology given the diversity of models that exist, reflecting local social and environmental conditions and the bottom-up nature of community forestry in the United States.
Study Implications: Despite their small footprint in the United States, community forests are a rapidly developing model of forest ownership, governance, and management that helps protect forestlands and open space and demonstrates how market and nonmarket forest goods and services can be produced for broad and enduring community benefits. This study inventories and characterizes community forests in the United States to increase understanding of this model, its prevalence, and its potential. It provides a baseline of information that serves as a foundation for further exploration and research on the impacts and contributions of community forests.
Leaf hydraulic properties of Antarctic plants: effects of growth temperature and its coordination with photosynthesis
Authors: Sáez Patricia L , Vallejos Valentina , Sancho-Knapik Domingo , Cavieres Lohengrin A , Ramírez Constanza F , Bravo León A , Javier Peguero-Pina José , Gil-Pelegrín Eustaquio , Galmés Jeroni 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
One of the well-documented effects of regional warming in Antarctica is the impact on flora. Warmer conditions modify several leaf anatomical traits of Antarctic vascular plants, increasing photosynthesis and growth. Given that CO2 and water vapor partially share their diffusion pathways through the leaf, changes in leaf anatomy could also affect the hydraulic traits of Antarctic plants. We evaluated the effects of growth temperature on several anatomical and hydraulic parameters of Antarctic plants and assessed the trait co-variation between these parameters and photosynthetic performance. Warmer conditions promoted an increase in leaf and whole plant hydraulic conductivity, correlating with adjustments in carbon assimilation. These adjustments were consistent with changes in leaf vasculature, where Antarctic species displayed different strategies. At higher temperature, Colobanthus quitensis decreased the number of leaf xylem vessels, but increased their diameter. In contrast, in Deschampsia antarctica the diameter did not change, but the number of vessels increased. Despite this contrasting behavior, some traits such as a small leaf diameter of vessels and a high cell wall rigidity were maintained in both species, suggesting a water-conservation response associated with the ability of Antarctic plants to cope with harsh environments.
On the treatment of phenomenological turbulent effects in one-dimensional simulations of core-collapse supernovae
Authors: Sasaki Shunsuke , Takiwaki Tomoya 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT
We have developed a phenomenological turbulent model with one-dimensional (1D) simulation based on Reynolds decomposition. Using this method, we have systematically studied models with different effects of compression, mixing length parameters, and diffusion coefficient of internal energy, turbulence energy, and electron fraction. With employed turbulent effects, supernova explosion can be achieved in 1D geometry, which can mimic the evolution of shock in the 3D simulations. We found that enhancement of turbulent energy by compression affects the early shock evolution. The diffusion coefficients of internal energy and turbulent energy also affect the explodability. The smaller diffusion makes the shock revival faster. Our comparison between the two reveals that the diffusion coefficients of internal energy has a greater impact. These simulations would help understand the role of turbulence in core-collapse supernovae.
The AMIGA sample of isolated galaxies – effects of environment on angular momentum
Authors: Sorgho A , Verdes-Montenegro L , Hess K M , Jones M G , Jarrett T H , Sanchez-Expósito S , Garrido J 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT
We investigate the relationship between the baryonic angular momentum and mass for a sample of 36 isolated disc galaxies with resolved neutral hydrogen (H i) kinematics and infrared Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer photometry drawn from – and representative in terms of morphologies, stellar masses, and H i-to-star fraction of – the carefully constructed Analysis of the interstellar Medium in Isolated GAlaxies (AMIGA) sample of isolated galaxies. Similarly to previous studies performed on non-isolated galaxies, we find that the relation is well described by a power law $j_{\rm bar} \propto M_{\rm bar}^\alpha$. We also find a slope of α = 0.54 ± 0.08 for the AMIGA galaxies, in line with previous studies in the literature; however, we find that the specific angular momenta of the AMIGA galaxies are on average higher than those of non-isolated galaxies in the literature. This is consistent with theories stipulating that environmental processes involving galaxy–galaxy interaction are able to impact the angular momentum content of galaxies. However, no correlation was found between the angular momentum and the degree of isolation, suggesting that there may exist a threshold local number density beyond which the effects of the environment on the angular momentum become important.
Multiple Origins of Bioluminescence in Beetles and Evolution of Luciferase Function
Authors: He Jinwu , Li Jun , Zhang Ru , Dong Zhiwei , Liu Guichun , Chang Zhou , Bi Wenxuan , Ruan Yongying , Yang Yuxia , Liu Haoyu , Qiu Lu , Zhao Ruoping , Wan Wenting , Li Zihe , Chen Lei , Li Yuanning , Li Xueyan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Bioluminescence in beetles has long fascinated biologists, with diverse applications in biotechnology. To date, however, our understanding of its evolutionary origin and functional variation mechanisms remains poor. To address these questions, we obtained high-quality reference genomes of luminous and nonluminous beetles in 6 Elateroidea families. We then reconstructed a robust phylogenetic relationship for all luminous families and related nonluminous families. Comparative genomic analyses and biochemical functional experiments suggested that gene evolution within Elateroidea played a crucial role in the origin of bioluminescence, with multiple parallel origins observed in the luminous beetle families. While most luciferase-like proteins exhibited a conserved nonluminous amino acid pattern (TLA346 to 348) in the luciferin-binding sites, luciferases in the different luminous beetle families showed divergent luminous patterns at these sites (TSA/CCA/CSA/LVA). Comparisons of the structural and enzymatic properties of ancestral, extant, and site-directed mutant luciferases further reinforced the important role of these sites in the trade-off between acyl-CoA synthetase and luciferase activities. Furthermore, the evolution of bioluminescent color demonstrated a tendency toward hypsochromic shifts and variations among the luminous families. Taken together, our results revealed multiple parallel origins of bioluminescence and functional divergence within the beetle bioluminescent system.