bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘Finding their voice’: exploring female adolescents’ perspectives and experiences of a youth leadership programme
Authors: Quartarella Gemma , Morda Romana , Chapin Laurie A 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In order to increase women’s participation in leadership roles, an understanding of what barriers exist to inhibit female leadership development and what best practices can foster leadership in young women is needed. This qualitative study explored the leadership perspectives and experiences of eight young women (aged 14–16 years) who participated in a community-based youth leadership programme in Australia. Findings indicated that participants distinguished between believing they had the potential and skills to lead and having the confidence to say they are leaders. Gender socialization and implicit leadership beliefs influenced their understandings and perspectives of leadership and their willingness to pursue leadership. They identified the importance of female youth ‘finding their voice’ and not ‘holding back’. This study has significant potential organizational and community applications. Education and participation in community leadership programmes can be used as an opportunity to confront gendered assumptions, and better prepare young women for different types of leadership roles and foster their ability to be agents of social change.
Efficacy of Doxycycline and Ciprofloxacin for Treatment of Pneumonic Tularemia in Cynomolgus Macaques
Authors: Williams Mark S 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
The incidence of pneumonic tularemia is very low; therefore, it is not feasible to conduct clinical efficacy testing of tularemia medical countermeasures (MCMs) in humans. The US Food and Drug Administration’s Animal Model Qualification Program under the Drug Development Tools Program is a regulatory pathway for animal models used in MCM efficacy testing and approval under the Animal Rule. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority worked together to qualify the cynomolgus macaque model of pneumonic tularemia.

Methods
Using the model parameters and end points defined in the qualified model, efficacy of the antibiotics doxycycline and ciprofloxacin was evaluated in separate studies. Antibiotic administration, aimed to model approved human dosing, was initiated at time points of 24 hours or 48 hours after onset of fever as an indicator of disease.

Results
Upon aerosol exposure (target dose of 1000 colony-forming units) to Francisella tularensis SchuS4, 80% of vehicle-treated macaques succumbed or were euthanized. Ciprofloxacin treatment led to 10 of 10 animals surviving irrespective of treatment time. Doxycycline administered at 48 hours post-fever led to 10 of 10 animals surviving, while 9/10 animals survived in the group treated with doxycycline 24 hours after fever. Selected surviving animals in both the placebo and doxycycline 48-hour group showed residual live bacteria in peripheral tissues, while there were no bacteria in tissues from ciprofloxacin-treated macaques.

Conclusions
Both doxycycline and ciprofloxacin were efficacious in treatment of pneumonic tularemia, although clearance of bacteria may be different between the 2 drugs.
Francisella tularensis Bone and Joint Infections: United States, 2004–2023
Authors: Beeson Amy M , Baker Molly , Dell BreeAnna , Schnitzler Hannah , Oltean Hanna N , Woodall Tracy , Riedo Francis , Schwartz Amy , Petersen Jeannine , Hinckley Alison F , Marx Grace E 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Tularemia is caused by the highly infectious bacterium Francisella tularensis, which is recognized as a Tier 1 bioterrorism agent. Tularemia has a range of recognized clinical manifestations, but fewer than 20 bone or joint infections from 6 countries have been reported in the literature to date. This series includes 13 cases of F. tularensis septic arthritis or osteomyelitis in the United States during 2004–2023 and describes exposures, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and outcomes for this rare but severe form of tularemia. Clinicians should consider F. tularensis in patients with compatible exposures or a history of joint replacement or immunosuppression.
Surgery for tracheal and laryngotracheal stenosis: a historical case series
Authors: Mammana Marco , Verzeletti Vincenzo , Baldi Matteo , Schiavon Marco , Dell’Amore Andrea , Rea Federico 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Benign (laryngo-)tracheal stenosis is a relatively rare pathology and its surgical treatment is performed only at few specialized centres. This study aims to investigate outcomes after (laryngo-)tracheal resection–anastomosis, to explore potential risk factors for postoperative complications and to assess whether, over a 33-year period, there were major changes in surgical indications, techniques or outcomes.

METHODS
Retrospective, single-centre review of all consecutive patients who underwent tracheal or laryngo-tracheal resection/anastomosis for benign pathologies from 1990 to 2023.

RESULTS
Overall, 211 patients underwent tracheal (149 patients, 70.6%) and laryngo-tracheal (62 patients, 29.4%) resection–anastomosis. Of these, 195 patients (93.8%) were affected by iatrogenic stenosis, while 13 (6.2%) suffered from idiopathic stenosis. The median length of stenosis was 25 mm (interquartile range 1–3, 20–30). The overall morbidity rate was 27.5%, while major morbidity occurred in 10.5% of cases. One patient (0.5%) died in the postoperative period. Glottic oedema (17 patients, 8.1%), granulations (12 patients, 5.7%) and restenosis (10 patients, 4.7%) were the main complications. The only independent risk factor for postoperative complications was the length of the resected airway (P = 0.019). In the latest half of the study period, an older median age was observed, and no patient with idiopathic tracheal stenosis underwent surgery. Postoperative outcomes were comparable between surgical eras.

CONCLUSIONS
Surgical treatment of (laryngo-)tracheal stenosis is challenging and should be performed by specialized centres. In our experience, morbidity and mortality rates were satisfactory, and in most cases, patients could breathe without tracheostomy. The length of the stenosis was the most significant risk factor for postoperative complications.
Tissue-engineered and autologous pericardium in congenital heart surgery: comparative histopathological study of human vascular explants
Authors: Eildermann Katja , Durashov Maksim , Kuschnerus Kira , Poppe Andrea , Weixler Viktoria , Photiadis Joachim , Sigler Matthias , Murin Peter 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The goal of this histological study was to assess the biocompatibility of vascular patches used in the repair of congenital heart defects.

METHODS
We examined tissue-engineered bovine (n = 7) and equine (n = 7) patches and autologous human pericardium (n = 7), all explanted due to functional issues or follow-up procedures. Techniques like Movat-Verhoeff, von Kossa and immunohistochemical staining were used to analyse tissue composition, detect calcifications and identify immune cells. A semi-quantitative scoring system was implemented to evaluate the biocompatibility aspects, thrombus formation, extent of pannus, inflammation of pannus, cellular response to patch material, patch degradation, calcification and neoadventitial inflammation.

RESULTS
We observed distinct material degradation patterns among types of patches. Bovine patches showed collagen disintegration and exudate accumulation, whereas equine patches displayed edematous swelling and material dissolution. Biocompatibility scores were lower in terms of cellular response, degradation and overall score for human autologous pericardial patches compared to tissue-engineered types. The extent of pannus formation was not influenced by the type of patch. Bovine patches had notable calcifications causing tissue hardening, and foreign body giant cells were more frequently seen in equine patches. Plasma cells were frequently detected in the neointimal tissue of engineered patches.

CONCLUSIONS
Our results confirm the superior biocompatibility of human autologous patches and highlight discernible variations in the changes of patch material and the cellular response to patch material between bovine and equine patches. Our approach implements the semi-quantitative scoring of various aspects of biocompatibility, facilitating a comparative quantitative analysis across all types of patches, despite their inherent differences.
Ventricular septal defect following mitral valve replacement
Authors: Arriola-Montenegro Jose , Tandon Rishabh , Shaffer Andrew , Nijjar Prabhjot S 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Mitral valve surgery (MVS), with repair preferred to replacement, is a common procedure for the treatment of severe primary mitral regurgitation related to leaflet prolapse. Structural complications after MVS include left ventricular outflow obstruction, paravalvular leak and atrial septal defect. Intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography and predischarge transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) specifically screen for these complications. Ventricular septal defect (VSD), a known complication after aortic valve surgery, is rarely reported after MVS. Recently, unsuccessful valvuloplasty prior to replacement was suggested as a risk factor. We present such a case and explore mechanisms with advanced cardiac imaging. In this case, the patient was found to have an elongated membranous septum that likely predisposed her to septal injury. Finally, we provide guidance on specific transoesophageal/transthoracic echocardiography views to avoid a missed diagnosis.
Phylogenomics of the Ecdysteroid Kinase-like (EcKL) Gene Family in Insects Highlights Roles in Both Steroid Hormone Metabolism and Detoxification
Authors: Scanlan Jack L , Robin Charles 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The evolutionary dynamics of large gene families can offer important insights into the functions of their individual members. While the ecdysteroid kinase-like (EcKL) gene family has previously been linked to the metabolism of both steroid molting hormones and xenobiotic toxins, the functions of nearly all EcKL genes are unknown, and there is little information on their evolution across all insects. Here, we perform comprehensive phylogenetic analyses on a manually annotated set of EcKL genes from 140 insect genomes, revealing the gene family is comprised of at least 13 subfamilies that differ in retention and stability. Our results show the only two genes known to encode ecdysteroid kinases belong to different subfamilies and therefore ecdysteroid metabolism functions must be spread throughout the EcKL family. We provide comparative phylogenomic evidence that EcKLs are involved in detoxification across insects, with positive associations between family size and dietary chemical complexity, and we also find similar evidence for the cytochrome P450 and glutathione S-transferase gene families. Unexpectedly, we find that the size of the clade containing a known ecdysteroid kinase is positively associated with host plant taxonomic diversity in Lepidoptera, possibly suggesting multiple functional shifts between hormone and xenobiotic metabolism. Our evolutionary analyses provide hypotheses of function and a robust framework for future experimental studies of the EcKL gene family. They also open promising new avenues for exploring the genomic basis of dietary adaptation in insects, including the classically studied coevolution of butterflies with their host plants.
Poor Oral Health Is Associated With Inflammation, Aortic Valve Calcification, and Brain Volume Among Forager-Farmers
Authors: Trumble Benjamin C , Schwartz Matthew , Ozga Andrew T , Schwartz Gary T , Stojanowski Christopher M , Jenkins Carrie L , Kraft Thomas S , Garcia Angela R , Cummings Daniel K , Hooper Paul L , Eid Rodriguez Daniel , Buetow Kenneth , Beheim Bret , Irimia Andrei , Thomas Gregory S , Thompson Randall C , Gatz Margaret , Stieglitz Jonathan , Finch Caleb E , Gurven Michael , Kaplan Hillard ,   HORUS Team
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Poor oral health is associated with cardiovascular disease and dementia. Potential pathways include sepsis from oral bacteria, systemic inflammation, and nutritional deficiencies. However, in post-industrialized populations, links between oral health and chronic disease may be confounded because the lower socioeconomic exposome (poor diet, pollution, and low physical activity) often entails insufficient dental care. We assessed tooth loss, caries, and damaged teeth, in relation to cardiovascular and brain aging among the Tsimane, a subsistence population living a relatively traditional forager-horticulturalist lifestyle with poor dental health, but minimal cardiovascular disease and dementia. Dental health was assessed by a physician in 739 participants aged 40–92 years with cardiac and brain health measured by chest computed tomography (CT; n = 728) and brain CT (n = 605). A subset of 356 individuals aged 60+ were also assessed for dementia and mild cognitive impairment (n = 33 impaired). Tooth loss was highly prevalent, with 2.2 teeth lost per decade and a 2-fold greater loss in women. The number of teeth with exposed pulp was associated with higher inflammation, as measured by cytokine levels and white blood cell counts, and lower body mass index. Coronary artery calcium and thoracic aortic calcium were not associated with tooth loss or damaged teeth. However, aortic valve calcification and brain tissue loss were higher in those who had more teeth with exposed pulp. Overall, these results suggest that dental health is associated with indicators of chronic diseases in the absence of typical confounds, even in a population with low cardiovascular and dementia risk factors.
Social determinants of health literacy among parents and caregivers in the US-Affiliated Pacific
Authors: Dela Cruz Rica , Galbreath Jennifer , Butel Jean , Yamanaka Ashley B , Wilkens Lynne R , Aflague Tanisha , Coleman Patricia , Shallcross Leslie , McFall Pauline , Novotny Rachel 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Health literacy is understudied in the US-Affiliated Pacific (USAP), where local populations have historically experienced social marginalization and disproportionate health inequities caused by the social determinants of health (SDOH). This cross-sectional study analyzed several SDOH indicators—acculturation, use of food assistance programs and demographic characteristics (race and ethnicity, household income, primary language spoken at home and educational attainment)—and their relationship to health literacy among 1305 parents/caregivers of young children ages 2–8 years old who participated in the Children’s Healthy Living (CHL) program in Alaska, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Guam, and Hawai‘i. Significantly increased odds of low health literacy were found among parents/caregivers with households where a language other than English was the primary language compared to English-only households (OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.22, 2.82), household income of &lt;$35 000 compared to ≥$35 000 (OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.13, 4.07), parents/caregivers of Asian children compared to parents/caregivers of White children (OR = 2.68, 95% CI = 1.05, 6.84), parent/caregivers with less than or some high school education compared to high school completion (1st- to 8th-grade OR = 4.46, 95% CI = 2.09, 9.52; 9th- to 11th-grade OR 1.87, 95% CI = 1.06, 3.30) and parent/caregivers with acculturation status defined as marginalized as compared to integrated (OR = 2.31, 95% CI = 1.09, 4.86). This study indicates that some USAP parents/caregivers may lack the capacity to acquire health information, utilize health resources, and navigate health decision making. Future efforts to understand and improve health literacy in the USAP should be population specific, thoroughly assess personal and organizational health literacy, and inventory community health care capacity.
Cannabis use among cancer patients and survivors in the United States: a systematic review
Authors: Amin Samia , Chae Si Woo , Kawamoto Crissy T , Phillips Kristina T , Pokhrel Pallav 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
How cannabis products are being used by cancer patients and survivors in the United States is poorly understood. This study reviewed observational data to understand the modes, patterns, reasons, discontinuation, and adverse experiences of cannabis use.

Methods
PubMed and PsycINFO database searches were conducted between May 2022 and November 2022. Of the 1162 studies identified, 27 studies met the inclusion criteria. The intercoder agreement was strong (0.81).

Results
The majority (74%) of the studies were cross-sectional in design. Study samples were approximately equal proportions of men and women and majority White participants. The prevalence of cannabis use based on national samples ranged between 4.8% and 22%. The most common modes of cannabis intake were topical application (80%), smoking (73%), vaping (12%), and ingestion of edible products (10%). Younger age, male gender, being a current or former smoker, and higher socioeconomic status were associated with greater likelihood of cannabis use. The main motive for cannabis use was management of symptoms due to cancer or cancer treatment such as pain, nausea, lack of sleep, and anxiety. A majority of the participants across studies reported that cannabis helped reduce these symptoms. Lack of symptom improvement, side effects such as fatigue and paranoia, cost, and social stigma were identified as some of the reasons for discontinuing cannabis use.

Conclusions
It appears that cannabis may help cancer patients and survivors manage symptoms. However, more longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether positive experiences of cannabis use outweigh adverse experiences over time in this vulnerable population.
Occurrence of pseudoaneurysm of the coronary button due to aortic remodeling after Bentall operation
Authors: Kanemura Takeyuki , Nakahara Yoshinori , Tateishi Retsu , Haba Fumiya , Ono Shunya 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Here, we present a case report detailing a pseudoaneurysm of the coronary button due to aortic remodeling that occurred 2 years after aortic root replacement. The patient was referred to our hospital with a diagnosis of left coronary artery pseudoaneurysm. Intraoperative findings revealed substantially loosened sutures in both the left and right coronary arteries with bleeding. Specifically, the left coronary artery was detached at the 6–9 o’clock positions. The operation was concluded with ligation of the loose suture and addition of a new suture. Chronic dissection thickened the aortic wall of the coronary artery ostium in the initial Bentall operation, whereas the sutured coronary button in this operation exhibited a normal arterial wall without a thickened dissected intima. This suggests that aortic wall remodelling of the coronary ostium leads to suture loosening and subsequent haemorrhage. Aortic wall remodeling may lead to bleeding or pseudoaneurysms during the remote period.
Dissection of theIDApromoter identifies WRKY transcription factors as abscission regulators in Arabidopsis
Authors: Galindo-Trigo Sergio , Bågman Anne-Maarit , Ishida Takashi , Sawa Shinichiro , Brady Siobhán M , Butenko Melinka A 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPlants shed organs such as leaves, petals, or fruits through the process of abscission. Monitoring cues such as age, resource availability, and biotic and abiotic stresses allow plants to abscise organs in a timely manner. How these signals are integrated into the molecular pathways that drive abscission is largely unknown. The INFLORESCENCE DEFICIENT IN ABSCISSION (IDA) gene is one of the main drivers of floral organ abscission in Arabidopsis and is known to transcriptionally respond to most abscission-regulating cues. By interrogating the IDA promoter in silico and in vitro, we identified transcription factors that could potentially modulate IDA expression. We probed the importance of ERF- and WRKY-binding sites for IDA expression during floral organ abscission, with WRKYs being of special relevance to mediate IDA up-regulation in response to biotic stress in tissues destined for separation. We further characterized WRKY57 as a positive regulator of IDA and IDA-like gene expression in abscission zones. Our findings highlight the promise of promoter element-targeted approaches to modulate the responsiveness of the IDA signaling pathway to harness controlled abscission timing for improved crop productivity.
Racial disparity in uterine leiomyoma: new insights of genetic and environmental burden in myometrial cells
Authors: Khan Nazeer H , McNally Ross , Kim J Julie , Wei Jian-Jun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Uterine leiomyoma (LM), also known as uterine fibroids, are common gynecological tumors and can reach a prevalence of 70% among women by the age of 50 years. Notably, the LM burden is much higher in Black women with earlier onset, a greater tumor number, size, and severity compared to White women. Published knowledge shows that there are genetic, environmental, and lifestyle-based risk factors associated with racial disparity for LM. Significant strides have been made on genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic data levels in Black and White women to elucidate the underlying pathomolecular reasons of racial disparity in LM development. However, racial disparity of LM remains a major area of concern in gynecological research. This review highlights risk factors of LM and their role in different races. Furthermore, we discuss the genetics and uterine myometrial microenvironment in LM development. Comparative findings revealed that a major racial difference in the disease is linked to myometrial oxidative burden and altered ROS pathways which is relevant to the oxidized guanine in genomic DNA and MED12 mutations that drive the LM genesis. Considering the burden and morbidity of LM, we anticipate that this review on genetic risk and myometrial microenvironment will strengthen understanding and propel the growth of research to address the racial disparity of LM burden.