bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Silent struggles to self-manage high blood pressure among deaf sign language users: a qualitative study
Authors: Jeong Ha Na , Lee Kyoung-eun , Kim Hee Jung , Choi Gi Won , Chang Sun Ju 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Aims
Tailored self-management support of hypertension, considering language and communication, is important for minorities, specifically in the deaf community. However, little is known about the experiences of hypertension self-management in deaf individuals who use sign language. This study aimed to explore the factors and processes of self-management in deaf sign language users with hypertension.

Methods and results
Ten men and women who used sign language participated in this study. Data were collected using in-depth personal interviews conducted in the presence of a sign language interpreter between November 2022 and February 2023. All interviews were recorded and transcribed for conventional content analysis. Qualitative analyses identified four categories related to the self-management of hypertension among participants: personal factors (chronic hand pain, unique language and communication, and efforts to turn crisis into opportunities), family and socioeconomic factors (family support and financial burden of living), challenges (limited health literacy and alienation from health education), and desire for health education considering the deaf community.

Conclusion
The results of this study suggest that family support, socioeconomic status, hand pain, and health literacy should be considered for the planning and development of health education on self-management of hypertension in deaf individuals. In addition, this health education requires cooperation with qualified sign language interpreters in healthcare settings.
Association of respiratory infections and the impact of vaccinations on cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Rademacher Jessica , Therre Markus , Hinze Christopher Alexander , Buder Felix , Böhm Michael , Welte Tobias 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Influenza, pneumococcal, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and respiratory syncytial virus infections are important causes of high morbidity and mortality in the elderly. Beyond the burden of infectious diseases, they are also associated with several non-infectious complications like cardiovascular events. A growing body of evidence in prospective studies and meta-analyses has shown the impact of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines on types of cardiovascular outcomes in the general population. Influenza vaccination showed a potential benefit for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases across all ages. A reduced risk of cardiovascular events for individuals aged 65 years and older was associated with pneumococcal vaccination. Despite scientific evidence on the effectiveness, safety, and benefits of the vaccines and recommendations to vaccinate elderly patients and those with risk factors, vaccination rates remain sub-optimal in this population. Doubts about vaccine necessity or efficacy and concerns about possible adverse events in patients and physicians refer to delayed acceptance. Vaccination campaigns targeting increasing professional recommendations and public perceptions should be implemented in the coming years. The aim of this review paper is to summarize the effect of vaccination in the field of cardiovascular disease to achieve a higher vaccination rate in this patient population.
Digest: Rare male offspring highlight an alternative pathway to obligate asexuality
Authors: Roy Scott William 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Obligate asexuality has arisen many times in eukaryotes, often related to the disrupted function of the core meiotic machinery. For obligately asexual lineages that evolve from facultatively asexual ancestors, there exists another possibility, namely altered regulation of preexisting asexual reproductive processes to produce obligate asexuality. These different pathways leave different signatures in properties of meiosis and recombination that could provide insights into the origin of asexuality. A new study by Molinier et al. (2023) investigates this problem and finds largely typical recombination rates during spermatogenesis of rare, asexually produced sons of obligately asexual Daphnia pulex, suggesting that regulation of reproduction, rather than disruption of meiosis, underpins obligate asexuality in Daphnia.
Genome and GWAS analysis identified genes significantly related to phenotypic state of Rhododendron bark
Authors: Ye Qiannan , Zhang Lu , Li Qing , Ji Yaliang , Zhou Yanli , Wu Zhenzhen , Hu Yanting , Ma Yongpeng , Wang Jihua , Zhang Chengjun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
As an important horticultural plant, Rhododendron is often used in urban greening and landscape design. However, factors such as the high rate of genetic recombination, frequent outcrossing in the wild, weak linkage disequilibrium, and the susceptibility of gene expression to environmental factors limit further exploration of functional genes related to important horticultural traits, and make the breeding of new varieties require a longer time. Therefore, we choose bark as the target trait which is not easily affected by environmental factors, but also has ornamental properties. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) of Rhododendron delavayi (30 samples), R. irroratum (30 samples) and their F1 generation R. agastum (200 samples) was conducted on the roughness of bark phenotypes. Finally, we obtained 2416.31 Gbp of clean data and identified 5 328 800 high-quality SNPs. According to the P-value and the degree of linkage disequilibrium of SNPs, we further identified 4 out of 11 candidate genes that affect bark roughness. The results of gene differential expression analysis further indicated that the expression levels of Rhdel02G0243600 and Rhdel08G0220700 in different bark phenotypes were significantly different. Our study identified functional genes that influence important horticultural traits of Rhododendron, and illustrated the powerful utility and great potential of GWAS in understanding and exploiting wild germplasm genetic resources of Rhododendron.
DNA methylome analysis reveals novel insights into active hypomethylated regulatory mechanisms of temperature-dependent flower opening in Osmanthus fragrans
Authors: Zhong Shiwei , Zhu Huijun , Li Wenle , Wu Dan , Miao Yunfeng , Dong Bin , Wang Yiguang , Xiao Zhen , Fang Qiu , Deng Jinping , Zhao Hongbo 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Short-term ambient low temperature (ALT) stimulation is necessary for Osmanthus fragrans to facilitate continued flower opening after floral bud development reaches maturity. DNA methylation, a vital epigenetic modification, regulates various biological processes in response to temperature fluctuations. However, its role in temperature-driven flower opening remains elusive. In this study, we identified the pivotal timeframe during which O. fragrans promptly detected temperature cues. Using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing, we explored global DNA hypomethylation during this phase, with the most significant changes occurring in CHH sequence contexts. Auxin transport inhibitor (TIBA) application revealed that ALT-induced endogenous auxin accumulation promoted peduncle elongation. In our mRNA-seq analysis, we discovered that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with hypo-differentially methylated regions (hypo-DMRs) were mainly enriched in auxin and temperature response, RNA processing, and carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Transcripts of three DNA demethylase genes (OfROS1a, OfDML3, OfDME) showed upregulation. Furthermore, all DNA methylase genes, except OfCMT2b, also displayed increased expression, specifically with two of them, OfCMT3a and OfCMT1, being associated with hypo-DMRs. Promoter assays showed that OfROS1a, with promoters containing low-temperature- and auxin-responsive elements, were activated by ALT and exogenous IAA at low concentrations but inhibited at high concentrations. Overexpression of OfROS1 reduced endogenous auxin levels but enhanced the expression of genes related to auxin response and spliceosome in petunia. Furthermore, OfROS1 promoted sucrose synthesis in petunia corollas. Our data characterized the rapid response of active DNA hypomethylation to ALT and suggested a possible epiregulation of temperature-dependent flower opening in O. fragrans. This study revealed the pivotal role of DNA hypomethylation in O. fragrans during the ALT-responsive phase before flower opening, involving dynamic DNA demethylation, auxin signaling modulation, and a potential feedback loop between hypomethylation and methylation.
Impact of fishery observer protocol on estimated bycatch rates of marine mammals
Authors: Precoda Kristin , Orphanides Christopher D 
Published: January 2024

AbstractManaging fishing operations’ threat to marine mammal populations hinges on accurate bycatch estimates, often derived from fishery observer or monitoring programmes. Much global marine mammal bycatch occurs in gillnets, and observer protocols that do not include watching the haulback of gillnets may miss animals that drop out of the net. We investigated whether trips using a fish-focused observer protocol (no requirement to watch the haulback) in US northwestern Atlantic gillnet fisheries from 1994 to 2019 had different observed bycatch rates from trips under a mammal-focused observer protocol (watching the haulbacks) for grey seals (Halichoerus grypus atlantica), harbour seals (Phoca vitulina vitulina), and harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena phocoena). We found that observer protocol was likely to affect observed drop-out and bycatch rates. Under the fish-focused protocol, the ratio of animals removed from the net to those that fell from the net was generally higher than under the mammal-focused protocol, suggesting fish-focused observers missed bycatch that fell. Bycatch rates of animals removed from the net by fishers differed significantly between observer protocols for seals, but not for harbour porpoise, perhaps because of differences in entanglement and manner of decomposition. We estimate bycatch was underreported by 3–25% because of unobserved drop-outs on fish-focused observer protocols.
Bloodstream infections after solid organ transplantation: clinical epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance (2016–21)
Authors: Adelman Max W , Connor Ashton A , Hsu Enshuo , Saharia Ashish , Mobley Constance M , Victor David W , Hobeika Mark J , Lin Jiejian , Grimes Kevin A , Ramos Elizabeth , Pedroza Claudia , Brombosz Elizabeth W , Ghobrial R Mark , Arias Cesar A 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are at risk of bloodstream infections (BSIs) with MDR organisms (MDROs).

Objectives
To describe the epidemiology of BSI in the year after several types of SOT, as well as the prevalence of MDRO infections in this population.

Methods
We conducted a single-centre, retrospective study of kidney, liver, heart, and multi-organ transplantation patients. We examined BSIs ≤1 year from SOT and classified MDRO phenotypes for Staphylococcus aureus, enterococci, Enterobacterales, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida spp. We compared BSI characteristics between SOT types and determined risk factors for 90 day mortality.

Results
We included 2293 patients [1251 (54.6%) kidney, 663 (28.9%) liver, 219 (9.6%) heart and 160 (7.0%) multi-organ transplant]. Overall, 8.5% of patients developed a BSI. BSIs were most common after multi-organ (23.1%) and liver (11.3%) transplantation (P &lt; 0.001). Among 196 patients with BSI, 323 unique isolates were recovered, 147 (45.5%) of which were MDROs. MDROs were most common after liver transplant (53.4%). The most frequent MDROs were VRE (69.8% of enterococci) and ESBL-producing and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (29.2% and 27.2% of Enterobacterales, respectively). Mortality after BSI was 9.7%; VRE was independently associated with mortality (adjusted OR 6.0, 95% CI 1.7–21.3).

Conclusions
BSI incidence after SOT was 8.5%, with a high proportion of MDROs (45.5%), especially after liver transplantation. These data, in conjunction with local antimicrobial resistance patterns and prescribing practices, may help guide empirical antimicrobial selection and stewardship practices after SOT.
Enteric methane emission reduction potential of natural feed supplements in ewe diets
Authors: Roskam Emily , O’Donnell Caroline , Hayes Maria , Kirwan Stuart F , Kenny David A , O’Flaherty Vincent , McGovern Fiona M , Claffey Noel , Waters Sinéad M 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Research into the potential use of various dietary feed supplements to reduce methane (CH4) production from ruminants has proliferated in recent years. In this study, two 8-wk long experiments were conducted with mature ewes and incorporated the use of a variety of natural dietary feed supplements offered either independently or in combination. Both experiments followed a randomized complete block design. Ewes were offered a basal diet in the form of ad libitum access to grass silage supplemented with 0.5 kg concentrates/ewe/d. The entire daily dietary concentrate allocation, incorporating the respective feed supplement, was offered each morning, and this was followed by the daily silage allocation. In experiment 1, the experimental diets contained 1) no supplementation (CON), 2) Ascophyllum nodosum (SW), 3) A. nodosum extract (EX1), 4) a blend of garlic and citrus extracts (GAR), and 5) a blend of essential oils (EO). In experiment 2, the experimental diets contained 1) no supplementation (CON), 2) A. nodosum extract (EX2), 3) soya oil (SO), and 4) a combination of EX2 and SO (EXSO). Twenty ewes per treatment were individually housed during both experiments. Methane was measured using portable accumulation chambers. Rumen fluid was collected at the end of both experiments for subsequent volatile fatty acid (VFA) and ammonia analyses. Data were analyzed using mixed models ANOVA (PROC MIXED, SAS v9.4). Statistically significant differences between treatment means were considered when P &lt; 0.05. Dry matter intake was not affected by diet in either experiment (P &gt; 0.05). Ewes offered EO tended to have an increased feed:gain ratio relative to CON (P &lt; 0.10) and SO tended to increase the average daily gain (P &lt; 0.10) which resulted in animals having a higher final body weight (P &lt; 0.05) than CON. Ewes offered EX1 and SO emitted 9% less CH4 g/d than CON. The only dietary treatment to have an effect on rumen fermentation variables relative to CON was SW, which enhanced total VFA production (P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, the A. nodosum extract had inconsistent results on CH4 emissions whereby EX1 reduced CH4 g/d while EX2 had no mitigating effect on CH4 production, likely due to the differences in PT content reported for EX1 and EX2. SO was the only dietary feed supplement assessed in the current study that enhanced animal performance whilst mitigating daily CH4 production.
Robotic low anterior resection with complete splenic flexure mobilization and defunctioning left-sided loop colostomy: a case series
Authors: Rutegård Martin , Gerdin Anders , Forssell Jannice , Sjöström Olle , Söderström Andreas , Vinnars Petrus 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
A defunctioning stoma is used to alleviate the consequences of anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection for rectal cancer. A loop ileostomy is often preferred but may lead to dehydration and kidney injury. Here, we present a case series for an alternative: the left-sided loop colostomy. A convenience sample of four patients underwent robotic low anterior resection for rectal cancer. A complete splenic flexure mobilization and a total mesorectal excision were performed. To defunction the anastomosis, the redundant left colon was brought up to a stoma site in the left iliac fossa and matured as a loop colostomy. Two patients experienced minor stoma leaks and one also had a small prolapse, while all patients had their colostomies reversed on average 7 months after surgery without complications. There were no dehydration episodes and creatinine levels remained within baseline levels at end of follow-up (on average 18 months).
Rare pelvic peritoneal defect causing small bowel obstruction in a young female with virgin abdomen
Authors: Deng Yunpeng (Jack) , Baker Emily , Toshniwal Sumeet 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This case report discusses a 46-year-old female with no prior surgical history who presented with severe abdominal pain and generalized tenderness. She was found to have a small bowel obstruction secondary to internal hernia caused by a rare congenital pelvic peritoneal defect in the Pouch of Douglas. She required diagnostic laparoscopy and repair of the pelvic peritoneal defect. Congenital peritoneal defect is an extremely rare cause of small bowel obstruction but should remain a possible differential diagnosis in patients with virgin abdomen presenting with acute abdominal pain.
Pleomorphic hyalinizing angiectatic tumour of the lower back – a rare case and review of the literature
Authors: Neblett Carlos , Appiah Kenneth , Lawrence Tahjeme , Graham Malik , Wilson Daynalee , Thompson Rory 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Pleomorphic hyalinizing angiectatic tumour (PHAT) is a very rare low-grade indeterminate neoplasm of connective and other soft tissue, which is not known to metastasize though local recurrence has been documented. It most commonly presents in the lower extremities, but other anatomical locations have been described. This is the second known case of PHAT from the Caribbean region and adds to the limited reported cases of the condition in the literature.
Bilateral chylothorax following left neck dissection and literature review
Authors: Kimizuka Sachiko , Yamada Hiroyuki , Kawaguchi Koji , Horiuchi Toshikatsu , Takeda Akira , Hamada Yoshiki 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Chylothorax without chyle cervical leakage after neck dissection it is extremely rare. We report a case of bilateral chylothorax without chyle cervical leakage after left neck dissection, wherein partial left upper jaw resection and left radical neck dissection were performed in a 46-year-old woman who was diagnosed with left upper gingival cancer. The thoracic duct was ligated and cut during surgery and, although no obvious leakage of lymph was observed, dyspnea and cough reflex during deep inhalation were observed from the third postoperative day. Approximately 600 mL of yellowish-white pleural effusion was aspirated during bilateral thoracentesis, and chylothorax was diagnosed based on clinical findings and biochemical analysis results. The patient was put on a low-fat diet on the fourth postoperative day. Pleural effusion disappeared on imaging examination 16 days after thoracentesis.
Using ontology to model time description in historical Chinese texts
Authors: Wang Linxu , Wang Jun , Wei Tong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Temporal information plays a crucial role in historical research, as it enables scholars to gain insights into the events and processes that have shaped the past. However, the complexity and diversity of temporal descriptions found in Chinese historical texts pose significant challenges for analyzing and interpreting this information. This article addresses these challenges by introducing the traditional Chinese time ontology (TCT Ontology), which integrates relevant concepts and different timing methods into an ontology. The TCT Ontology comprises four classes, including the TCT Record class, Chinese Calendar class, Historical Interval class, and Person class, to represent time descriptions in Chinese texts. By separating time records and the traditional Chinese calendar, the ontology provides a reference model for understanding time information in Chinese historical archives and serves as a basis for converting those time records to the Gregorian calendar. This accurate conversion is critical for humanistic research in Chinese history, as it enables scholars to engage in meaningful reading, studying, and research of the historical record.
Lymph node-biomimetic scaffold boosts CAR-T therapy against solid tumor
Authors: Liao Ziyan , Jiang Jie , Wu Wei , Shi Jiaqi , Wang Yanfang , Yao Yuejun , Sheng Tao , Liu Feng , Liu Wei , Zhao Peng , Lv Feifei , Sun Jie , Li Hongjun , Gu Zhen 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT
The limited infiltration and persistence of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells is primarily responsible for their treatment deficits in solid tumors. Here, we present a three-dimensional scaffold, inspired by the physiological process of T-cell proliferation in lymph nodes. This scaffold gathers the function of loading, delivery, activation and expansion for CAR-T cells to enhance their therapeutic effects on solid tumors. This porous device is made from poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) by a microfluidic technique with the modification of T-cell stimulatory signals, including anti-CD3, anti-CD28 antibodies, as well as cytokines. This scaffold fosters a 50-fold CAR-T cell expansion in vitro and a 15-fold cell expansion in vivo. Particularly, it maintains long-lasting expansion of CAR-T cells for up to 30 days in a cervical tumor model and significantly inhibits the tumor growth. This biomimetic delivery strategy provides a versatile platform of cell delivery and activation for CAR-T cells in treating solid tumors.
Effect of Antibiotic Administration Before Joint Aspiration on Synovial Fluid White Blood Cell Count in Native Joint Septic Arthritis
Authors: Puzzitiello Richard N , Lipson Sophie E , Michaud Robert G , York Benjamin R , Finch Daniel J , Menendez Mariano E , Ryan Scott P , Wurcel Alysse G , Salzler Matthew J 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
This study was performed to assess the impact of preaspiration antibiotics on synovial fluid analysis and timing of operative treatment in native-joint septic arthritis.

Methods
We performed a retrospective record review of adult patients from an urban level 1 trauma center with native joint septic arthritis in 2015–2019, identified by means of codes from the International Classification of Diseases (Ninth Revision and Tenth Revision). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine whether antibiotics were associated with lower synovial fluid white blood cell counts (WBCs), the percentage of polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMNs), and rate of culture positivity. Secondary analysis included time elapsed from aspiration to surgery.

Results
Of the 126 patients with septic joints included, nearly two-thirds (n = 80 [63.5%]) received antibiotics before joint aspiration. The synovial fluid WBC count, percentage of PMNs, and rate of culture positivity were significantly lower in patients who received preaspiration antibiotics than in those who did not (mean WBC count, 51 379.1/μL [standard deviation, 52 576.3/μL] vs 92 162.7/μL [59 330.6/μL], respectively [P &lt; .001]; PMN percentage, 83.6% [20.5%] vs 91.9% [6.0%; P = .01]; and culture positivity, 32.5% vs 59.1% [P = .008]). Multivariable analyses revealed that these associations remained after controlling for potential confounders (change in PMNs, −42 784.60/μL [95% confidence interval, −65 355/μL to −20 213.90/μL [P &lt; .001]; change in PMNs, −7.8% [−13.7% to −1.8%] [P = .01]; odds ratio, 0.39 [.18–.87; P = .02). Patients with a synovial fluid WBC count ≤50 000/μL experienced significant delay in time from joint aspiration to operative intervention (mean [standard deviation], 10.5 [11.3] vs 17.9 [17.2] hours; P = .02).

Conclusions
The administration of antibiotics before joint aspiration for suspected septic arthritis appears to decrease the synovial fluid WBC count, the percentage of PMNs, and the rate of culture positivity. Efforts to limit antibiotic administration before joint aspiration are important to minimize diagnostic dilemmas and circumvent treatment delays.