bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations between actigraphy-measured sleep duration, continuity, and timing with mortality in the UK Biobank
Authors: Saint-Maurice Pedro F , Freeman Joshua R , Russ Daniel , Almeida Jonas S , Shams-White Marissa M , Patel Shreya , Wolff-Hughes Dana L , Watts Eleanor L , Loftfield Erikka , Hong Hyokyoung G , Moore Steven C , Matthews Charles E 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Study Objectives
To examine the associations between sleep duration, continuity, timing, and mortality using actigraphy among adults.

Methods
Data were from a cohort of 88 282 adults (40–69 years) in UK Biobank that wore a wrist-worn triaxial accelerometer for 7 days. Actigraphy data were processed to generate estimates of sleep duration and other sleep characteristics including wake after sleep onset (WASO), number of 5-minute awakenings, and midpoint for sleep onset/wake-up and the least active 5 hours (L5). Data were linked to mortality outcomes with follow-up to October 31, 2021. We implemented Cox models (hazard ratio, confidence intervals [HR, 95% CI]) to quantify sleep associations with mortality. Models were adjusted for demographics, lifestyle factors, and medical conditions.

Results
Over an average of 6.8 years 2973 deaths occurred (1700 cancer, 586 CVD deaths). Overall sleep duration was significantly associated with risk for all-cause (p &lt; 0.01), cancer (p &lt; 0.01), and CVD (p = 0.03) mortality. For example, when compared to sleep durations of 7.0 hrs/d, durations of 5 hrs/d were associated with a 29% higher risk for all-cause mortality (HR: 1.29 [1.09, 1.52]). WASO and number of awakenings were not associated with mortality. Individuals with L5 early or late midpoints (&lt;2:30 or ≥ 3:30) had a ~20% higher risk for all-cause mortality, compared to those with intermediate L5 midpoints (3:00–3:29; p ≤ 0.01; e.g. HR ≥ 3:30: 1.19 [1.07, 1.32]).

Conclusions
Shorter sleep duration and both early and late sleep timing were associated with a higher mortality risk. These findings reinforce the importance of public health efforts to promote healthy sleep patterns in adults.
Interaction between beech and spruce trees in temperate forests affects water use, root water uptake pattern and canopy structure
Authors: Kinzinger Laura , Mach Judith , Haberstroh Simon , Schindler Zoe , Frey Julian , Dubbert Maren , Seeger Stefan , Seifert Thomas , Weiler Markus , Orlowski Natalie , Werner Christiane 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Beneficial and negative effects of species interactions can strongly influence water fluxes in forest ecosystems. However, little is known about how trees dynamically adjust their water use when growing with interspecific neighbours. Therefore, we investigated the interaction effects between Fagus sylvatica (European beech) and Picea abies (Norway spruce) on water-use strategies and aboveground structural characteristics. We used continuous in situ isotope spectroscopy of xylem and soil water to investigate source water dynamics and root water uptake depths. Picea abies exhibited a reduced sun-exposed crown area in equally mixed compared with spruce-dominated sites, which was further correlated to a reduction in sap flow of −14.5 ± 8.2%. Contrarily, F. sylvatica trees showed +13.3 ± 33.3% higher water fluxes in equally mixed compared with beech-dominated forest sites. Although a significantly higher crown interference by neighbouring trees was observed, no correlation of water fluxes and crown structure was found. High time-resolved xylem δ2H values showed a large plasticity of tree water use (−74.1 to −28.5‰), reflecting the δ2H dynamics of soil and especially precipitation water sources. Fagus sylvatica in equally mixed sites shifted water uptake to deeper soil layers, while uptake of fresh precipitation was faster in beech-dominated sites. Our continuous in situ water stable isotope measurements traced root water uptake dynamics at unprecedented temporal resolution, indicating highly dynamic use of water sources in response to precipitation and to neighbouring species competition. Understanding this plasticity may be highly relevant in the context of increasing water scarcity and precipitation variability under climate change.
Impact of intra-annual wood density fluctuation on tree hydraulic function: insights from a continuous monitoring approach
Authors: Niccoli Francesco , Kabala Jerzy Piotr , Pacheco-Solana Arturo , Battipaglia Giovanna 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Climate change significantly impacts global forests, leading to tree decline and dieback. To cope with climate change, trees develop several functional traits, such as intra-annual density fluctuations (IADFs) in tree rings. The formation of these traits facilitates trees to optimize resource allocation, allowing them to withstand periods of stress and eventually recover when the conditions become favourable again. This study focuses on a Pinus pinaster Aiton forest in a warm, drought-prone Mediterranean area, comparing two growing seasons with different weather patterns. The innovative continuous monitoring approach used in this study combines high-resolution monitoring of sap flow (SF), analysis of xylogenesis and quantitative wood anatomy. Our results revealed the high plasticity of P. pinaster in water use and wood formation, shedding light on the link between IADFs and tree conductance. Indeed, the capacity to form large cells in autumn (as IADFs) improves the total xylem hydraulic conductivity of this species. For the first time, a continuous SF measurement system captured the dynamics of bimodal SF during the 2022 growing season in conjunction with the bimodal growth pattern observed through xylogenesis monitoring. These results highlight the intricate interplay between environmental conditions, water use, wood formation and tree physiology, providing valuable insights into the acclimation mechanisms employed by P. pinaster to cope with weather fluctuations.
Different EGF‐induced receptor dimer conformations for signaling and internalization
Authors: Haubrich Jordi , Zwier Jurriaan M. , Charrier‐Savournin Fabienne , Prézeau Laurent , Pin Jean‐Philippe 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe structural basis of the activation and internalization of EGF receptors (EGFR) is still a matter of debate despite the importance of this target in cancer treatment. Whether agonists induce dimer formation or act on preformed dimers remains discussed. Here, we provide direct evidence that EGF‐induced EGFR dimer formation as best illustrated by the very large increase in FRET between snap‐tagged EGFR subunits induced by agonists. We confirm that Erlotinib‐related TK (tyrosine kinase) inhibitors also induce dimer formation despite the inactive state of the binding domain. Surprisingly, TK inhibitors do not inhibit EGF‐induced EGFR internalization despite their ability to fully block EGFR signaling. Only Erlotinib‐related TK inhibitors promoting asymmetric dimers could slow down this process while the lapatinib‐related ones have almost no effect. These results reveal that the conformation of the intracellular TK dimer, rather than the known EGFR signaling, is critical for EGFR internalization. These results also illustrate clear differences in the mode of action of TK inhibitors on the EGFR and open novel possibilities to control EGFR signaling for cancer treatment.
Ablation of placental REST deregulates fetal brain metabolism and impacts gene expression of the offspring brain at the postnatal and adult stages
Authors: Islam Maliha , Samal Ananya , Davis Daniel J. , Behura Susanta K. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn this study, the transcriptional repressor REST (Repressor Element 1 Silencing Transcription factor) was ablated in the mouse placenta to investigate molecular and cellular impacts on the offspring brain at different life stages. Ablation of placental REST deregulated several brain metabolites, including glucose and lactate that fuel brain energy, vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that functions in the epigenetic programming of the brain during postnatal development, and glutamate and creatine that help the brain to respond to stress conditions during adult life. Bulk RNA‐seq analysis showed that a lack of placental REST persistently altered multiple transport genes, including those related to oxygen transportation in the offspring brain. While metabolic genes were impacted in the postnatal brain, different stress response genes were activated in the adult brain. DNA methylation was also impacted in the adult brain due to the loss of placental REST, but in a sex‐biased manner. Single‐nuclei RNA‐seq analysis showed that specific cell types of the brain, particularly those of the choroid plexus and ependyma, which play critical roles in producing cerebrospinal fluid and maintaining metabolic homeostasis, were significantly impacted due to the loss of placental REST. These cells showed significant differential expression of genes associated with the metabotropic (G coupled protein) and ionotropic (ligand‐gated ion channel) glutamate receptors, suggesting an impact of ablation of placental REST on the glutamatergic signaling of the offspring brain. The study expands our understanding of placental influences on the offspring brain.
CD30 plays a role in T‐dependent immune response and T cell proliferation
Authors: Cui Dongya , Zhang Yongguang , Chen Liling , Du Hekang , Zheng Baijiao , Huang Miaohui , Li Xinxin , Wei Jianhui , Chen Qi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractCD30 is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily and expressed in both normal and malignant lymphoid cells. However, the role of CD30 in lymphopoiesis is not known. In this study, we showed CD30 was expressed both in T and B cells, but its deficiency in mice had no effect on T‐ and B‐cell development. In fact, CD30 deficiency attenuated B‐cell response to T‐cell‐dependent antigens. The impaired B cell response in CD30‐deficient mice is caused by the reduction of activation‐induced cytidine deaminase (AID) expression. Moreover, CD30‐deficient mice exhibited decreased TCR‐mediated T cell proliferation and slightly impaired TCR signaling. High‐throughput RNA sequencing analysis revealed that CD30 deficiency led to a decrease of FOXO‐autophagy axis in T cells upon TCR stimulation. Thus, CD30 positively regulates T‐cell‐dependent immune response and T cell proliferation.
Validation of cell-free protein synthesis aboard the International Space Station
Authors: Kocalar Selin , Miller Bess M. , Huang Ally , Gleason Emily , Martin Kathryn , Foley Kevin , Copeland D. Scott , Jewett Michael C. , Saavedra Ezequiel Alvarez , Kraves Sebastian 
Published: December 2023

AbstractCell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) is a rapidly maturingin vitrogene expression platform that can be used to transcribe and translate nucleic acids at the point of need, enabling on-demand synthesis of peptide-based vaccines and biotherapeutics, as well as the development of diagnostic tests for environmental contaminants and infectious agents. Unlike traditional cell-based systems, CFPS platforms do not require the maintenance of living cells and can be deployed with minimal equipment; therefore, they hold promise for applications in low-resource contexts, including spaceflight. Here we evaluate the performance of cell-free BioBits® platform aboard the International Space Station by expressing RNA-based aptamers and fluorescent proteins that can serve as biological indicators. We validate two classes of biological sensors that detect either the small molecule DFHBI or a specific RNA sequence. Upon detection of their respective analytes, both biological sensors produce fluorescent readouts that are visually confirmed using a handheld fluorescence viewer and imaged for quantitative analysis. Our findings provide insight into the kinetics of cell-free transcription and translation in a microgravity environment and reveal that both biosensors perform robustly in space. Our findings lay the groundwork for portable, low-cost applications ranging from point-of-care health monitoring to on-demand detection of environmental hazards in low-resource communities both on Earth and beyond.Visual graphic
A survey on retracted articles in the field of health sciences from 2001 to 2022 from Iran
Authors: Soltani Parisa , Sadeghizade Shakiba , Nikbakht Mohammad Hossein , Malaz Arghavan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundRetraction is the process of correcting literature and warning readers of publications that contain such serious flaws or erroneous data. A variety of reasons may lead to retraction of published articles.ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the characteristics of retracted articles from Iran in the field of health sciences.DesignRetrospective studySettingThis study was conducted on retracted articles in the field of health published by authors affiliated with Iranian organizations from 2001 to 2022. The Retraction Watch Database was used to extract the information from these articles. The following information was extracted: journal name, article type, institutions, country(s), date published, date retracted, authors number, and reasons for retraction. This data was evaluated using descriptive statistics.ResultsBetween 2001 and 2022, our search identified 348 retracted articles. The highest number of retractions belongs to Diagnostic Pathology and Tumor Biology journals. The highest numbers of retractions belong to 2016 and 2020, respectively. The highest number of retracted articles were published in 2015 and 2018, respectively. Different types of articles have been assigned different percentages: Research article (52.9%), clinical study (29.9%), conference abstract/paper (5.2%), review article (4.6%), case report (3.7%), and others (3.7%). The main reasons that led to retraction were investigation by journal/publisher, fake peer review, and concerns/issues about data. Malaysia, Bahrein, and India had the most cooperation with Iran in the retracted articles. The mean time between publication and retraction was 2.44 years and ranged between less than a year and 16 years. Institutions with the highest record of retraction are Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, and Tabriz University of Medical Sciences.ConclusionsInvestigation by journal/publisher, fake peer review, and concerns/issues about data were the most common reasons for retraction. The results of this study indicate that more attention is required from research ethics authorities in order to protect the integrity of published research.
Patient-derived PixelPrint phantoms for evaluating clinical imaging performance of a deep learning CT reconstruction algorithm
Authors: Im Jessica Y. , Halliburton Sandra S. , Mei Kai , Perkins Amy E. , Wong Eddy , Roshkovan Leonid , Sandvold Olivia F. , Liu Leening P. , Gang Grace J. , Noël Peter B. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveDeep learning reconstruction (DLR) algorithms exhibit object-dependent resolution and noise performance. Thus, traditional geometric CT phantoms cannot fully capture the clinical imaging performance of DLR. This study uses a patient-derived 3D-printed PixelPrint lung phantom to evaluate a commercial DLR algorithm across a wide range of radiation dose levels.ApproachThe lung phantom used in this study is based on a patient chest CT scan containing ground glass opacities and was fabricated using PixelPrint 3D-printing technology. The phantom was placed inside two different sized extension rings to mimic a small and medium sized patient and was scanned on a conventional CT scanner at exposures between 0.5 and 20 mGy. Each scan was reconstructed using filtered back projection (FBP), iterative reconstruction, and DLR at five levels of denoising. Image noise, contrast to noise ratio (CNR), root mean squared error (RMSE), structural similarity index (SSIM), and multi-scale SSIM (MS SSIM) were calculated for each image.Main ResultsDLR demonstrated superior performance compared to FBP and iterative reconstruction for all measured metrics in both phantom sizes, with better performance for more aggressive denoising levels. DLR was estimated to reduce dose by 25-83% in the small phantom and by 50-83% in the medium phantom without decreasing image quality for any of the metrics measured in this study. These dose reduction estimates are more conservative compared to the estimates obtained when only considering noise and CNR with a non-anatomical physics phantom.SignificanceDLR has the capability of producing diagnostic image quality at up to 83% lower radiation dose which can improve the clinical utility and viability of lower dose CT scans. Furthermore, the PixelPrint phantom used in this study offers an improved testing environment with more realistic tissue structures compared to traditional CT phantoms, allowing for structure-based image quality evaluation beyond noise and contrast-based assessments.
Enhancing the accuracy of register-based metrics: Comparing methods for handling overlapping psychiatric register entries in Finnish healthcare registries
Authors: Suokas Kimmo , Gutvilig Mai , Lumme Sonja , Pirkola Sami , Hakulinen Christian 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectivesHealthcare registers are invaluable resources for research. Partly overlapping register entries and preliminary diagnoses may introduce bias. We compare various methods to address this issue and provide fully reproducible open-source R scripts.MethodsWe used all Finnish healthcare registers 1969-2020, including inpatient, outpatient and primary care. Four distinct models were formulated based on previous reports to identify actual admissions, discharges, and discharge diagnoses. We calculated the annual number of treatment episodes and patients, and the median length of hospital stay (LOS). We compared these metrics to non-processed data. Additionally, we analyzed the lifetime number of individuals with registered mental disorders.ResultsOverall, 2 130 468 individuals had a registered medical contact related to mental disorders. After processing, the annual number of inpatient episodes decreased by 5.13– 10.41% and LOS increased by up to 3 days (27.27%) in years 2011–2020. The number of individuals with lifetime diagnoses reduced by more than 1 percent point (pp) in two categories: schizophrenia spectrum (3.69–3.81pp) and organic mental disorders (1.2– 1.27pp).ConclusionsThe methods employed in pre-processing register data significantly impact the number of treatment episodes and LOS. Regarding lifetime incidence of mental disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders require a particular focus on data pre-processing.
Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases among Bangladeshi Adults: An Application of Generalized Linear Mixed Model on Multilevel Demographic and Health Survey Data
Authors: Nahin Kazi Sabbir Ahmad , Jannatul Tabita 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe research effort addresses the impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN), on Bangladesh, a lower-middle-income country. Due to their higher incidences and associated risks, DM and HTN present substantial concerns. The paper clarifies the need for specific public health initiatives and emphasizes the socioeconomic and lifestyle-related factors of NCDs.MethodsA mixed-model technique is employed to conduct a multivariate analysis of the cross sectional data from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2017-18, with the aim of identifying possible risk factors. We have two outcome variables under consideration in the study, namely Diabetes, and Hypertension, each having binary categories. The adjusted odds ratios (AORs) in addition to their corresponding p-values and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess and evaluate the relative strength of covariates.ResultsThose with hypertension have a 28% (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.43) higher risk of developing diabetes. Likewise, individuals with diabetes have a 24% (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.39) increased probability of developing hypertension. People over 40 years old are 66.4% more likely to have diabetes. Also, rich people are more likely to be diabetic and hypertensive.ConclusionThe prevalence of diabetes is significantly elevated among individuals aged 40 years and older, particularly among those who have hypertension, are overweight, and possess a higher socioeconomic status. In contrast, there is a notable increase in the likelihood of developing hypertension among male individuals who are diabetic, above the age of 40, who already have hypertension, are overweight and have a higher socioeconomic class. There is a good chance that presenting these risk factors to policymakers could contribute to the amelioration of the NCDs crisis in Bangladesh.
Length of hospital stay and associated factors among adult surgical patients admitted to a surgical ward in Amhara Regional State Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals, Ethiopia
Authors: Dadi Habtamu Hurisa , Habte Netsanet , Mulu Yenework , Asfaw Yabibal 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionHospitals across the country are experiencing a rise in the length of hospital stays, ranging from 2% to 14%. As a result, patients who remain hospitalized for a prolonged period are three times more likely to suffer in-hospital deaths. Therefore, identifying contributing factors for prolonged hospital stays enhances the ability to improve services and the quality of patient care. However, there is limited documented evidence in Ethiopia as well as in the study area about factors associated with prolonged hospital stays among surgical inpatients.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the length of hospital stay and associated factors among adult surgical patients admitted to a surgical ward in Amhara Regional State Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals, Ethiopia, 2023.MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 452 adult surgical patients from April 17 to May 22, 2023. Data were collected based on a pretested, structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, patient chart review, and direct measurement. Study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. The collected data were cleaned, entered into EpiData 4.6.0 and exported to STATA version 14 for analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis was used. Variables with a p value < 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression analysis were considered statistically significant.ResultsIn the current study, the prevalence of prolonged hospital stay was 26.5% (95% CI: 22.7–30.8). Patients referred from another public health institution (AOR = 2.46; 95% CI: 1.09, 5.57), hospital-acquired pneumonia (AOR = 3.18; 95% CI: 1.28, 7.89), duration of surgery ≥110 minutes (AOR = 2.48; 95% CI: 1.25, 4.91), and preoperative anemia (AOR = 3.37; 95% CI: 1.88, 6.04) were factors associated with prolonged hospital stays.ConclusionThis study found a significant proportion of prolonged hospital stays. Source of referral, preoperative anemia, duration of surgery, and hospital-acquired pneumonia were factors associated with a prolonged hospital stay. Strengthening the established information system among hospitals when referring patients and early screening and treating anemia upon admission to hospitals can reduce the length of stays.