bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abnormal white and gray matter functional connectivity is associated with cognitive dysfunction in presbycusis
Authors: Wang Yao , Gao Yuting , Zhao Min , Hu Xin , Wang Jing , Han Yu , Wang Qinghui , Fu Xinxing , Dai Zongrui , Ren Funxin , Li Muwei , Gao Fei 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Presbycusis is characterized by high-frequency hearing loss and is closely associated with cognitive decline. Previous studies have observed functional reorganization of gray matter in presbycusis, but the information transmission between gray matter and white matter remains ill-defined. Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, we investigated differences in functional connectivity (GM-GM, WM-WM, and GM-WM) between 60 patients with presbycusis and 57 healthy controls. Subsequently, we examined the correlation between these connectivity differences with high-frequency hearing loss as well as cognitive impairment. Our results revealed significant alterations in functional connectivity involving the body of the corpus callosum, posterior limbs of the internal capsule, retrolenticular region of the internal capsule, and the gray matter regions in presbycusis. Notably, disrupted functional connectivity was observed between the body of the corpus callosum and ventral anterior cingulate cortex in presbycusis, which was associated with impaired attention. Additionally, enhanced functional connectivity was found in presbycusis between the internal capsule and the ventral auditory processing stream, which was related to impaired cognition in multiple domains. These two patterns of altered functional connectivity between gray matter and white matter may involve both bottom-up and top-down regulation of cognitive function. These findings provide novel insights into understanding cognitive compensation and resource redistribution mechanisms in presbycusis.
Effect of Daily Vitamin D Supplementation on Risk of Upper Respiratory Infection in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Camargo Carlos A , Schaumberg Debra A , Friedenberg Georgina , Dushkes Rimma , Glynn Robert J , Gold Diane R , Mora Samia , Lee I Min , Buring Julie E , Manson JoAnn E 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Among individuals with vitamin D deficiency, daily vitamin D supplementation appears to lower risk of acute respiratory infection. However, recent trials, in different populations and using different regimens, have yielded null results. We investigated the effect of daily vitamin D supplementation (vs placebo) on risk of upper respiratory infection (URI) in older adults.

Methods
The VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL) is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of supplemental vitamin D and/or omega-3 fatty acids in generally healthy men (age ≥50 years) and women (age ≥55 years). This prespecified analysis focuses on vitamin D3 (2000 IU/day) versus placebo in the 15 804 (61%) participants with baseline serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D level. The primary outcome was self-report of a recent URI at 1-year follow-up.

Results
Participants had a mean age of 68 years and 51% were women; 76% were non-Hispanic White, 16% Black, and 8% other race/ethnicity. The mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D level at baseline was 31 (standard deviation, 10) ng/mL, with &lt;12 ng/mL in 2.4%. The overall effect of vitamin D supplementation on recent URI was nonsignificant (odds ratio [OR], 0.96 [95% confidence interval {CI}, .86–1.06]). In the prespecified subgroup of primary interest (&lt;12 ng/mL and denied taking concurrent vitamin D), which had only 255 participants, vitamin D supplementation was nonsignificant (OR, 0.60 [95% CI, .28–1.30]). Statistical power to assess effect modification in other subgroups was limited.

Conclusions
In older adults not selected for vitamin D deficiency, supplemental vitamin D did not lower URI risk overall. Whether effects differ in subgroups requires further study.
Clinical Trials Registration. NCT01169259.
Outcomes and Endpoints of Postoperative Recurrence in Crohn’s Disease: Systematic Review and Consensus Conference
Authors: Hammoudi Nassim , Sachar David , D’Haens Geert , Reinisch Walter , Kotze Paulo Gustavo , Vermeire Severine , Schölmerich Jürgen , Kamm Michael A , Griffiths Anne , Panes Julian , Ghosh Subrata , Siegel Corey A , Bemelman Willem , O’Morain Colm , Steinwurz Flavio , Fleshner Phillip , Mantzaris Gerassimos J , Sands Bruce , Abreu Maria T , Dotan Iris , Turner Dan , Dignass Axel , Allez Matthieu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Outcomes after ileocolonic resection in Crohn’s disease [CD] are heterogeneous, and a clear definition of postoperative recurrence remains to be determined. Our Endpoints Working Group of the International Organization for the study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease [IOIBD] aimed to standardise postoperative outcomes, to discuss which endpoints should be used for postoperative clinical trials, and to define those which could be used in trials or registries.

Methods
Based on a systematic review of the literature, recommendations and statements were drafted and sent to all IOIBD members for a first round of voting. Recommendations and statements were revised based on the voters’ comments during a consensus hybrid conference open to all IOIBD members. If no agreement was reached after two rounds of voting, the statement was excluded.

Results
In the systematic review, 3071 manuscripts were screened of which 434 were included. Sixteen recommendations were identified, of which 11 were endorsed. Recommendations and statements include that endoscopy remains the gold standard and should be used as a short-term primary endpoint in both observational cohorts and randomised controlled trials. Clinical symptoms classically used in clinical trials for luminal CD are not reliable in this specific situation. For that reason, longer-term endpoints should be based on the evidence of macroscopic inflammation assessed by imaging techniques, endoscopy, or as reflected by the presence of complications.

Conclusions
Agencies recommend the use of clinical evaluations, as in the case of luminal CD, and do not recognise primary endpoints based solely on endoscopy. This consensus has led to agreement on the need to define postoperative endoscopy-based and/or imaging-based endpoints.
Impact of smoking initiation age on nicotine dependency and cardiovascular risk factors: a retrospective cohort study in Japan
Authors: Mittal Swati , Komiyama Maki , Ozaki Yuka , Yamakage Hajime , Satoh-Asahara Noriko , Wada Hiromichi , Yasoda Akihiro , Funamoto Masafumi , Katanasaka Yasufumi , Sunagawa Yoichi , Morimoto Tatsuya , Akao Masaharu , Abe Mitsuru , Takahashi Yuko , Nakayama Takeo , Hasegawa Koji 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Aims
Initiating smoking in early adolescence results in challenges with smoking cessation and is associated with high risk of cardiovascular disease. Recently, the initiation of smoking has transitioned from adolescence to young adulthood. However, there are few reports on the impact of initiating smoking at a later age. This study investigated the impact of the age of smoking initiation on nicotine dependency, smoking cessation rates, and cardiovascular risk factors, using a cut-off point of 20 years, within the Japanese population.

Methods and results
This retrospective cohort study encompassed 1382 smokers who sought smoking cessation treatment at Kyoto Medical Centre Hospital between 2007 and 2019. Clinical indicators were evaluated by adjusting for age at the time of hospital visit and sex. The smoking cessation rate was further adjusted for treatment medication. The group with a smoking initiation age of &lt;20 years reported a higher number of cigarettes/day (P = 0.002), higher respiratory carbon monoxide levels (P &lt; 0.001), a higher Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) score (P &lt; 0.001), and a higher Self-rating Depression Scale score (P = 0.014). They also reported lower diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.020) and a lower successful smoking cessation rate [odds ratio: 0.736, 95% confidence interval (0.569, 0.951)] than the group with a smoking initiation age of ≥20 years. When smokers were divided into four groups based on the age they started smoking, the FTND score for those who started at 20–21 years was significantly higher than the score for those who started at 22 years or older.

Conclusion
In young adulthood, initiating smoking later (beyond 20 years old) was associated with lower nicotine dependency and fewer depressive tendencies, as well as a higher success rate in smoking cessation among Japanese smokers. The results might suggest that raising the legal smoking initiation age from 20 to 22 years old or older could be effective in reducing nicotine dependency in smokers.
Job displacement and reallocation failure. Evidence from climate shocks in Morocco
Authors: Alfani Federica , Molini Vasco , Pallante Giacomo , Palma Alessandro 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
We investigate the impact of severe drought shocks in Morocco’s agricultural sector. Using a staggered difference-in-differences design, we estimate that climatic shocks resulted in a job displacement of approximately 6.5 percentage points for workers exposed to severe drought events. Additionally, we observe that, overall, approximately 39 per cent of these workers remained unemployed, leading to a partial reallocation failure. These effects are significant only for severe and extreme shocks, persist for at least 5 years, and are more pronounced among informal and female workers.
Metabolic syndrome and poor self-rated health as risk factors for premature employment exit: a longitudinal study among 55 016 middle-aged and older workers from the Lifelines Cohort Study and Biobank
Authors: Runge Katharina , van Zon Sander K R , Henkens Kène , Bültmann Ute 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Poor self-rated health (SRH) is a well-established risk factor for premature employment exit through unemployment, work disability, and early retirement. However, it is unclear whether the premature employment exit risk associated with underlying cardio-metabolic health conditions is fully captured by poor SRH. This study examines the metabolic syndrome (MetS), an early-stage risk factor for cardiovascular disease and type two diabetes mellitus, as a risk factor for premature employment exit while controlling for poor SRH.

Methods
We analyzed data from N = 55 016 Dutch workers (40–64 years) from five waves of the Lifelines Cohort Study and Biobank. MetS components were based on physical measures, blood markers, and medication use. SRH and employment states were self-reported. The associations between MetS, SRH, and premature employment exit types were analyzed using competing risk regression analysis.

Results
During 4.3 years of follow-up, MetS remained an independent risk factor for unemployment [adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR): 1.14, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.25] and work disability (adjusted SHR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.58) when adjusted for poor SRH, common chronic diseases related to labor market participation (i.e., cancer, musculoskeletal-, pulmonary-, and psychiatric diseases), and sociodemographic factors. MetS was not associated with early retirement.

Conclusions
Poor SRH did not fully capture the risk for unemployment and work disability associated with MetS. More awareness about MetS as a ‘hidden’ cardio-metabolic risk factor for premature employment exit is needed among workers, employers, and occupational health professionals. Regular health check-ups including MetS assessment and MetS prevention might help to prolong healthy working lives.
Gigantic animal cells suggest organellar scaling mechanisms across a 50-fold range in cell volume
Authors: Adams Alexander Nichols , Smith Bradford Julian , Raad Thomas John , Mueller Rachel Lockridge 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The largest cells are orders of magnitude bigger than the smallest cells. Organelle content scales to maintain cell function, with different organelles increasing in volume, length, or number as cells increase in size. Scaling may also reflect functional demands placed on organelles by increased cell size. Amphibians exhibit exceptional diversity in cell size. Using transmission electron microscopy, we analyzed 3 species whose enterocyte cell volumes range from 228 to 10,593 μm3. We show that nuclear volume increases by an increase in radius while mitochondrial volume increases by an increase in total network length; the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, with their complex shapes, are intermediate. Notably, all 4 organelle types increase in total volume proportional to cell volume, despite variation in functional (i.e., metabolic, transport) demands. This pattern suggests that organellar building blocks are incorporated into more or larger organelles following the same rules across species that vary ~50-fold in cell sizes, consistent with a “limited precursor” model for organellar scaling that, in turn, assumes equivalent cytoplasmic concentrations of organellar building block proteins. Taken together, our results lead us to hypothesize that salamanders have evolved increased biosynthetic capacity to maintain functional protein concentrations despite huge cell volumes.
Seasonality in land–ocean connectivity and local processes control sediment bacterial community structure and function in a High Arctic tidal flat
Authors: Handler Eleanor R , Andersen Sebastian D J , Gradinger Rolf , McGovern Maeve , Vader Anna , Poste Amanda E 
Published: December 2023

AbstractClimate change is altering patterns of precipitation, cryosphere thaw, and land–ocean influxes, affecting understudied Arctic estuarine tidal flats. These transitional zones between terrestrial and marine systems are hotspots for biogeochemical cycling, often driven by microbial processes. We investigated surface sediment bacterial community composition and function from May to September along a river–intertidal–subtidal–fjord gradient. We paired metabarcoding of in situ communities with in vitro carbon-source utilization assays. Bacterial communities differed in space and time, alongside varying environmental conditions driven by local seasonal processes and riverine inputs, with salinity emerging as the dominant structuring factor. Terrestrial and riverine taxa were found throughout the system, likely transported with runoff. In vitro assays revealed sediment bacteria utilized a broader range of organic matter substrates when incubated in fresh and brackish water compared to marine water. These results highlight the importance of salinity for ecosystem processes in these dynamic tidal flats, with the highest potential for utilization of terrestrially derived organic matter likely limited to tidal flat areas (and times) where sediments are permeated by freshwater. Our results demonstrate that intertidal flats must be included in future studies on impacts of increased riverine discharge and transport of terrestrial organic matter on coastal carbon cycling in a warming Arctic.
Genomic Tools in Biological Invasions: Current State and Future Frontiers
Authors: McGaughran Angela , Dhami Manpreet K , Parvizi Elahe , Vaughan Amy L , Gleeson Dianne M , Hodgins Kathryn A , Rollins Lee A , Tepolt Carolyn K , Turner Kathryn G , Atsawawaranunt Kamolphat , Battlay Paul , Congrains Carlos , Crottini Angelica , Dennis Tristan P W , Lange Claudia , Liu Xiaoyue P , Matheson Paige , North Henry L , Popovic Iva , Rius Marc , Santure Anna W , Stuart Katarina C , Tan Hui Zhen , Wang Cui , Wilson Jonathan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Human activities are accelerating rates of biological invasions and climate-driven range expansions globally, yet we understand little of how genomic processes facilitate the invasion process. Although most of the literature has focused on underlying phenotypic correlates of invasiveness, advances in genomic technologies are showing a strong link between genomic variation and invasion success. Here, we consider the ability of genomic tools and technologies to (i) inform mechanistic understanding of biological invasions and (ii) solve real-world issues in predicting and managing biological invasions. For both, we examine the current state of the field and discuss how genomics can be leveraged in the future. In addition, we make recommendations pertinent to broader research issues, such as data sovereignty, metadata standards, collaboration, and science communication best practices that will require concerted efforts from the global invasion genomics community.
Negative Selection on a SOD1 Mutation Limits Canine Degenerative Myelopathy While Avoiding Inbreeding
Authors: Ukawa Hisashi , Akiyama Noriyoshi , Yamamoto Fumiko , Ohashi Ken , Ishihara Genki , Matsumoto Yuki 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Several hundred disease-causing mutations are currently known in domestic dogs. Breeding management is therefore required to minimize their spread. Recently, genetic methods such as direct-to-consumer testing have gained popularity; however, their effects on dog populations are unclear. Here, we aimed to evaluate the influence of genetic testing on the frequency of mutations responsible for canine degenerative myelopathy and assess the changes in the genetic structure of a Pembroke Welsh corgi population from Japan. Genetic testing of 5,512 dogs for the causative mutation in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) (c.118G&gt;A (p.E40K)) uncovered a recent decrease in frequency, plummeting from 14.5% (95/657) in 2019 to 2.9% (24/820) in 2022. Weir and Cockerham population differentiation (FST) based on genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of 117 selected dogs detected the SNP with the highest FST located in the intron of SOD1 adjacent to the c.118G&gt;A mutation, supporting a selection signature on SOD1. Further genome-wide SNP analyses revealed no obvious changes in inbreeding levels and genetic diversity between the 2019 and 2022 populations. Our study highlights that genetic testing can help inform improved mating choices in breeding programs to reduce the frequency of risk variants and avoid inbreeding. This combined strategy could decrease the genetic risk of canine degenerative myelopathy, a fatal disease, within only a few years.
Exploring the Intersectionality of Place and Gender Among Older Adults in Ghana: An Examination of Women’s Disability Disadvantage
Authors: Burns Shane D , Best Latrica E , Amoatey Solomon 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Ghana’s older adult population is growing rapidly and is projected to double by 2050. It is well-documented that social, health, and housing factors influence segmented aging trajectories that lead to disparate rates of disability. However, little is known about how the intersection of place (i.e., urban and rural) and gender (i.e., woman and man) inform rates of disability among older Ghanaians. We seek to examine this gap in the literature through an intersectional approach.

Research Design and Methods
Using logistic regression with Wave 1 (2007/2008) data from the World Health Organization’s Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Ghana, we investigate the prevalence of reporting activities of daily living (ADL) disability among respondents ages 50+ (n = 4,106). To document gender differences by place, we compute separate adjusted odds ratio models among urban and rural respondents. We also control for health, social, and housing factors that might explain gender differences.

Results
Compared to urban men, urban women’s ADL disability disadvantage was explained by marital status, particularly widowhood. In contrast, rural women consistently reported an ADL disability disadvantage when compared to rural men. Additionally, we found that the morbidity profiles of those who reported ADL disability differed by place and that certain ADL difficulties (i.e., bed transferring and toileting) were especially common among women respondents.

Discussion and Implications
Women, regardless of urban or rural residence, were especially vulnerable to ADL disability. Marital status, particularly widows, explained the difference in disability risk between urban men and urban women. This finding suggests that urban women’s risk of ADL disability is attenuated during the partnership. Also, we speculate that varied morbidity associations with ADL disability are due to different stressors in urban versus rural environments. These findings also generate further interest in about rural women’s disability disadvantage.
DrugSim2DR: systematic prediction of drug functional similarities in the context of specific disease for drug repurposing
Authors: Wu Jiashuo , Li Ji , He Yalan , Huang Junling , Zhao Xilong , Pan Bingyue , Wang Yahui , Cheng Liang , Han Junwei 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Traditional approaches to drug development are costly and involve high risks. The drug repurposing approach can be a valuable alternative to traditional approaches and has therefore received considerable attention in recent years.

Findings
Herein, we develop a previously undescribed computational approach, called DrugSim2DR, which uses a network diffusion algorithm to identify candidate anticancer drugs based on a drug functional similarity network. The innovation of the approach lies in the drug–drug functional similarity network constructed in a manner that implicitly links drugs through their common biological functions in the context of a specific disease state, as the similarity relationships based on general states (e.g., network proximity or Jaccard index of drug targets) ignore disease-specific molecular characteristics. The drug functional similarity network may provide a reference for prediction of drug combinations. We describe and validate the DrugSim2DR approach through analysis of data on breast cancer and lung cancer. DrugSim2DR identified some US Food and Drug Administration–approved anticancer drugs, as well as some candidate drugs validated by previous studies in the literature. Moreover, DrugSim2DR showed excellent predictive performance, as evidenced by receiver operating characteristic analysis and multiapproach comparisons in various cancer datasets.

Conclusions
DrugSim2DR could accurately assess drug–drug functional similarity within a specific disease context and may more effectively prioritize disease candidate drugs. To increase the usability of our approach, we have developed an R-based software package, DrugSim2DR, which is freely available on CRAN (https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=DrugSim2DR).
The quality of telemedicine consultations for sexually transmitted infections in China
Authors: Si Yafei , Xue Hao , Liao Huipeng , Xie Yewei , Xu Dong (Roman) , Smith M Kumi , Yip Winnie , Cheng Weibin , Tian Junzhang , Tang Weiming , Sylvia Sean 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continues to increase in developing countries like China, but the access to STI care is often limited. The emergence of direct-to-consumer (DTC) telemedicine offers unique opportunities for patients to directly access health services when needed. However, the quality of STI care provided by telemedicine platforms remains unknown. After systemically identifying the universe of DTC telemedicine platforms providing on-demand consultations in China in 2019, we evaluated their quality using the method of unannounced standardized patients (SPs). SPs presented routine cases of syphilis and herpes. Of the 110 SP visits conducted, physicians made a correct diagnosis in 44.5% (95% CI: 35.1% to 54.0%) of SP visits, and correctly managed 10.9% (95% CI: 5.0% to 16.8%). Low rates of correct management were primarily attributable to the failure of physicians to refer patients for STI testing. Controlling for other factors, videoconference (vs SMS-based) consultation mode and the availability of public physician ratings were associated with higher-quality care. Our findings suggest a need for further research on the causal determinants of care quality on DTC telemedicine platforms and effective policy approaches to promote their potential to expand access to STI care in developing countries while limiting potential unintended consequences for patients.