bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Friends, Family, and Food: Development of a Food Allergy Intervention, F3-App, for Children
Authors: Jandasek Barbara N. , Kopel Sheryl J. , Esteban Cynthia A. , Rudders Susan A. , Spitalnick Josh S. , Larsen Margo Adams , Cushman Grace K. , McQuaid Elizabeth L. 
Published: January 2024

Objective: Despite a marked increase in the prevalence of pediatric immunoglobulin E-mediated food allergy (FA) in recent decades, there is a dearth of age-appropriate management education and support tools for youth with FA. The purpose of this report is to detail our methods for intervention design and refinement of an interactive educational software program for school-aged children with FA. Method: Development of the “Friends, Family, and Food Application (F3-App)” employed an iterative, user-centered design approach with input from children with FA, their caregivers, and other key experts. Phase 1 (prototype development/pilot evaluation) involved family input on key themes and educational messages, development of a prototype, and pilot testing. Phase 2 (full F3-App development/open trial) included refinement and expansion of the prototype per advisory panel and end-user recommendations, followed by an open trial with additional iterative refinement. Results: Acceptability and credibility of the F3-App were rated highly by most participants. Relatively few technical challenges arose with F3-App installation or use. Follow-up interviews with children and caregivers suggested that the F3-App was generally well received, families found the content useful, and that it prompted family discussion about the child’s FA management. Conclusions: User input is critical to developing family-friendly software to support management of pediatric chronic conditions. Interactive educational software can be a useful channel for children to practice skills and build confidence in disease self-management and to facilitate family communication regarding the stresses of FA management. Implications for Impact Statement This study describes the development of the Friends, Family, and Food Application (F3-App), with a focus on the community partner-driven design process. The F3-App was credible and highly accepted and recommended by families and promoted family communication around food allergy management. The F3-App that was developed was used in a subsequent randomized, controlled trial.
Ingested nitrate and nitrite and end-stage renal disease in licensed pesticide applicators and spouses in the Agricultural Health Study
Authors: Chen Dazhe , Parks Christine G. , Beane Freeman Laura E. , Hofmann Jonathan N. , Sinha Rashmi , Madrigal Jessica M. , Ward Mary H. , Sandler Dale P. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Nitrate and nitrite ingestion has been linked to kidney cancer, possibly via the endogenous formation of carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds. These exposures might also contribute to end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Objectives
We investigated associations of drinking water nitrate and dietary nitrate and nitrite intakes (total and by food type) with incident ESRD in the Agricultural Health Study. We also explored modifying effects of vitamin C and heme iron intake, which may affect endogenous nitrosation.

Methods
We performed complete case analyses among private pesticide applicators and their spouses. We obtained water nitrate estimates for participants whose primary drinking water source at enrollment (1993−1997) was public water supplies (PWS) or private wells (N = 59,632). Average nitrate concentrations were computed from historical data for PWS users and predicted from random forest models for private well users. Analysis of dietary nitrate and nitrite was restricted to the 30,177 participants who completed the NCI Dietary History Questionnaire during follow-up (1999−2003). Incident ESRD through 2018 was ascertained through linkage with the U.S. Renal Data System. We estimated adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95%CI for associations of tertiles (T) of exposure with ESRD overall and explored effects in strata of vitamin C and heme iron intake.

Results
We identified 469 incident ESRD cases (206 for dietary analysis). Water nitrate and total dietary nitrate/nitrite were not associated with ESRD, but increased ESRD was associated with nitrate and nitrite from processed meats. We found apparent associations between nitrite and ESRD only among participants with vitamin C <median (T3 vs. T1 HR: 2.26, 95%CI: 1.05, 4.86) and with heme iron ≥median (T3 vs. T1 HR: 1.73, 95%CI: 0.89, 3.39).

Significance
ESRD incidence was associated with dietary nitrate/nitrite from processed meat among all study participants and with total dietary nitrite among participants with lower vitamin C or higher heme iron intake.

Impact statement
There are few well-established environmental risk factors for end-stage renal disease (ESRD), a worldwide public health challenge. Ingestion of nitrate and nitrite, which may lead to endogenous formation of carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds, has been linked to some cancers and chronic diseases. We investigated these exposures in relation to ESRD in an agricultural cohort. ESRD incidence was associated with dietary nitrate/nitrite from processed meat and with total dietary nitrite among subgroups with lower vitamin C or higher heme iron intake. This study provides preliminary evidence that points to dietary nitrite and possibly dietary nitrate intake as a potential contributor to ESRD.
Targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9): from bench to bedside
Authors: Bao Xuhui , Liang Yongjun , Chang Hanman , Cai Tianji , Feng Baijie , Gordon Konstantin , Zhu Yuekun , Shi Hailian , He Yundong , Xie Liyi 
Published: January 2024

AbstractProprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has evolved as a pivotal enzyme in lipid metabolism and a revolutionary therapeutic target for hypercholesterolemia and its related cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This comprehensive review delineates the intricate roles and wide-ranging implications of PCSK9, extending beyond CVD to emphasize its significance in diverse physiological and pathological states, including liver diseases, infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and notably, cancer. Our exploration offers insights into the interaction between PCSK9 and low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLRs), elucidating its substantial impact on cholesterol homeostasis and cardiovascular health. It also details the evolution of PCSK9-targeted therapies, translating foundational bench discoveries into bedside applications for optimized patient care. The advent and clinical approval of innovative PCSK9 inhibitory therapies (PCSK9-iTs), including three monoclonal antibodies (Evolocumab, Alirocumab, and Tafolecimab) and one small interfering RNA (siRNA, Inclisiran), have marked a significant breakthrough in cardiovascular medicine. These therapies have demonstrated unparalleled efficacy in mitigating hypercholesterolemia, reducing cardiovascular risks, and have showcased profound value in clinical applications, offering novel therapeutic avenues and a promising future in personalized medicine for cardiovascular disorders. Furthermore, emerging research, inclusive of our findings, unveils PCSK9’s potential role as a pivotal indicator for cancer prognosis and its prospective application as a transformative target for cancer treatment. This review also highlights PCSK9’s aberrant expression in various cancer forms, its association with cancer prognosis, and its crucial roles in carcinogenesis and cancer immunity. In conclusion, this synthesized review integrates existing knowledge and novel insights on PCSK9, providing a holistic perspective on its transformative impact in reshaping therapeutic paradigms across various disorders. It emphasizes the clinical value and effect of PCSK9-iT, underscoring its potential in advancing the landscape of biomedical research and its capabilities in heralding new eras in personalized medicine.
∆Np63α inhibits Rac1 activation and cancer cell invasion through suppression of PREX1
Authors: Aljagthmi Amjad A. , Hira Akshay , Zhang Jin , Cooke Mariana , Kazanietz Marcelo G. , Kadakia Madhavi P. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractΔNp63α, a member of the p53 family of transcription factors, plays a critical role in maintaining the proliferative potential of stem cells in the stratified epithelium. Although ΔNp63α is considered an oncogene and is frequently overexpressed in squamous cell carcinoma, loss of ΔNp63α expression is associated with increased tumor cell invasion and metastasis. We recently identified a ΔNp63α/miR-320a/PKCγ signaling axis that regulates cancer cell invasion by inhibiting phosphorylation of the small GTPase Rac1, a master switch of cell motility that positively regulates cell invasion in multiple human cancers. In this study, we identified a novel mechanism by which ΔNp63α negatively regulates Rac1 activity, by inhibiting the expression of the Rac-specific Guanine Exchange Factor PREX1. ΔNp63α knockdown in multiple squamous cell carcinoma cell lines leads to increased Rac1 activation, which is abrogated by treatment with the Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766. Furthermore, ΔNp63α negatively regulates PREX1 transcript and protein levels. Using a Rac-GEF activation assay, we also showed that ΔNp63α reduces the levels of active PREX1. The inhibition of the PREX1-Rac1 signaling axis by ΔNp63α leads to impaired cell invasion, thus establishing the functional relevance of this link. Our results elucidated a novel molecular mechanism by which ΔNp63α negatively affects cancer cell invasion and identifies the ΔNp63α/Rac1 axis as a potential target for metastasis.
New colours for old in the blue-cheese fungus Penicillium roqueforti
Authors: Cleere Matthew M. , Novodvorska Michaela , Geib Elena , Whittaker Jack , Dalton Heather , Salih Nadhira , Hewitt Sarah , Kokolski Matthew , Brock Matthias , Dyer Paul S. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPenicillium roqueforti is used worldwide in the production of blue-veined cheese. The blue-green colour derives from pigmented spores formed by fungal growth. Using a combination of bioinformatics, targeted gene deletions, and heterologous gene expression we discovered that pigment formation was due to a DHN-melanin biosynthesis pathway. Systematic deletion of pathway genes altered the arising spore colour, yielding white to yellow-green to red-pink-brown phenotypes, demonstrating the potential to generate new coloured strains. There was no consistent impact on mycophenolic acid production as a result of pathway interruption although levels of roquefortine C were altered in some deletants. Importantly, levels of methyl-ketones associated with blue-cheese flavour were not impacted. UV-induced colour mutants, allowed in food production, were then generated. A range of colours were obtained and certain phenotypes were successfully mapped to pathway gene mutations. Selected colour mutants were subsequently used in cheese production and generated expected new colourations with no elevated mycotoxins, offering the exciting prospect of use in future cheese manufacture.
Accelerated demand for interpersonal skills in the Australian post-pandemic labour market
Authors: Evans David , Mason Claire , Chen Haohui , Reeson Andrew 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to a widespread shift to remote work, reducing the level of face-to-face interaction between workers and changing their modes and patterns of communication. This study tests whether this transformation in production processes has been associated with disruptions in the longstanding labour market trend of increasing demand for interpersonal skills. To address this question, we integrate a skills taxonomy with the text of over 12 million Australian job postings to measure skills demand trends at the aggregate and occupational levels. We find that since the start of the pandemic, there has been an acceleration in the aggregate demand for interpersonal skills. We also find a strong positive association between an occupation’s propensity for remote work and the acceleration in interpersonal skills demand for the occupation. Our findings suggest that interpersonal skills continue to grow in importance for employment in the post-pandemic, remote work friendly labour market.
A fast, scalable and versatile tool for analysis of single-cell omics data
Authors: Zhang Kai , Zemke Nathan R. , Armand Ethan J. , Ren Bing 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSingle-cell omics technologies have revolutionized the study of gene regulation in complex tissues. A major computational challenge in analyzing these datasets is to project the large-scale and high-dimensional data into low-dimensional space while retaining the relative relationships between cells. This low dimension embedding is necessary to decompose cellular heterogeneity and reconstruct cell-type-specific gene regulatory programs. Traditional dimensionality reduction techniques, however, face challenges in computational efficiency and in comprehensively addressing cellular diversity across varied molecular modalities. Here we introduce a nonlinear dimensionality reduction algorithm, embodied in the Python package SnapATAC2, which not only achieves a more precise capture of single-cell omics data heterogeneities but also ensures efficient runtime and memory usage, scaling linearly with the number of cells. Our algorithm demonstrates exceptional performance, scalability and versatility across diverse single-cell omics datasets, including single-cell assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing, single-cell RNA sequencing, single-cell Hi-C and single-cell multi-omics datasets, underscoring its utility in advancing single-cell analysis.
A database of mapped global fishing activity 1950–2017
Authors: Rousseau Yannick , Blanchard Julia L. , Novaglio Camilla , Pinnell Kirsty A. , Tittensor Derek P. , Watson Reg A. , Ye Yimin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractA new database on historical country-level fishing fleet capacity and effort is described, derived from a range of publicly available sources that were harmonized, converted to fishing effort, and mapped to 30-min spatial cells. The resulting data is comparable with widely used but more temporally-limited satellite-sourced Automatic Identification System (AIS) datasets for large vessels, while also documenting important smaller fleets and artisanal segments. It ranges from 1950 to 2017, and includes information on number of vessels, engine power, gross tonnage, and nominal effort, categorized by vessel length, gear type and targeted functional groups. The data can be aggregated to Large Marine Ecosystem, region and/or fishing country scales and provides a temporally and spatially explicit source for fishing effort and fleet capacity for studies aimed at understanding the implications of long-term changes in fishing activity in the global ocean.
Peer factors and prosocial behavior among Chinese adolescents from difficult families
Authors: Mu Yuexuan , Du Benfeng 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAdolescents from difficult families (ADF) is a vulnerable group in China, and there have been few studies focused on them at present. To improve the welfare system for vulnerable groups and gain a better understanding of the situation regarding ADF, it is important to identify the association between peer factors, family functioning, and prosocial behavior among ADF. 1047 adolescents aged 10–15 from difficult families were selected from 21 counties in 7 provinces across China based on the multistage stratified sampling method. Regression analysis and moderation analyses were performed to identify the association of prosocial behavior with peer factors and family functioning. Lower peer quality and poorer family functioning were significantly associated with less prosocial behavior. The was no significant association between peer quantity and prosocial behavior. Family functioning moderated the relationship between peer quality and prosocial behavior. ADF with higher quality peers are more likely to show more prosocial behavior, and poor family functioning would weaken the association between peer quality and prosocial behavior. The protection of ADF can begin by improving family functioning and guiding ADF to form relationships with high-quality peers.
Big data insights into the diagnostic values of CBC parameters for sepsis and septic shock in burn patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Kim Myongjin , Kym Dohern , Park Jongsoo , Yoon Jaechul , Cho Yong Suk , Hur Jun , Chun Wook , Yoon Dogeon 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSepsis and septic shock are prevalent and life-threatening complications in burn patients. Despite their severity, existing diagnostic methods are limited. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Complete Blood Count (CBC) and CBC ratio markers in diagnosing sepsis and septic shock, and in predicting mortality among burn patients. A cohort of 2757 burn patients was examined to ascertain the correlation between various CBC parameters, their ratios, and the incidence of sepsis and related mortality. Key markers analyzed included Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW), Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), and Mean Platelet Volume-to-Platelet Ratio (MPVPR). Our findings indicate that 65.5% of the patients developed sepsis, and 24.3% succumbed to their conditions. The CBC parameters RDW, MPV, NLR, MPVPR, and MPV-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (MPVLR) were significantly associated with sepsis and mortality. These markers showed considerable temporal variation and yielded an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of over 0.65 in an unadjusted Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) model. This study underscores the potential of RDW, MPV, NLR, MPVPR, and MPVLR as vital prognostic tools for diagnosing sepsis, septic shock, and predicting mortality in burn patients. Although based on a single-center dataset, our results contribute to the enhancement of sepsis management by facilitating earlier, more precise diagnosis and treatment strategies. Further multi-center research is necessary to confirm these findings and broaden their applicability, establishing a solid base for future explorations in this crucial field.
Exact soliton solutions and the significance of time-dependent coefficients in the Boussinesq equation: theory and application in mathematical physics
Authors: Kawser M. Abul , Akbar M. Ali , Khan M. Ashrafuzzaman , Ghazwani Hassan Ali 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis article effectively establishes the exact soliton solutions for the Boussinesq model, characterized by time-dependent coefficients, employing the advanced modified simple equation, generalized Kudryashov and modified sine–Gordon expansion methods. The adaptive applicability of the Boussinesq system to coastal dynamics, fluid behavior, and wave propagation enriches interdisciplinary research across hydrodynamics and oceanography. The solutions of the system obtained through these significant techniques make a path to understanding nonlinear phenomena in various fields, surpassing traditional barriers and further motivating research and application. Significant impacts of the coefficients of the equation, wave velocity, and related parameters are evident in the profiles of soliton-shaped waves in both 3D and 2D configurations when all these factors are treated as variables, which are not seen in the case for constant coefficients. This study enhances the understanding of the significant role played by nonlinear evolution equations with time-dependent coefficients through careful dynamic explanations and detailed analyses. This revelation opens up an interesting and challenging field of study, with promising insights that resonate across diverse scientific disciplines.
Reduction of the concentration of particulate material at a sampling point in Cusco city at the beginning of the pandemic
Authors: Warthon Julio , Alvarez Modesta , Olarte Amanda , Quispe Yanett , Jalixto Victor , Valencia Nazaria , Mio-Diaz Mirian , Zamalloa Ariatna , Warthon Bruce 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe pandemic produced by SARS-CoV-2 generated various impacts on public health, the environment and other anthropogenic activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reduction of air pollution due to $$PM_{2.5}$$

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M

2.5

and $$PM_{10}$$

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M
10

particulate matter in Cusco city at the beginning of the pandemic. Social confinement in Peru began on March 16, 2020, until the end of June. These health measures caused strict isolation that resulted in a significant decrease in vehicle flow on the streets and avenues of the city of Cusco. In the first days of May, even during the time of confinement, we managed to measure air quality at a sampling point located on the campus of the Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad de Cusco; a reduction in air pollution due to particulate matter was observed. The evaluation was carried out using an high-volume (HiVol) 3000 particulate matter sampler and the mass of particulate matter adhered to the filters was determined by gravimetry. The concentrations of particulate matter $$PM_{2.5}$$

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M

2.5

and $$PM_{10}$$

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M
10

obtained pre-pandemic were compared with those recorded at the beginning of the pandemic. The results revealed a significant average reduction in the concentration of $$PM_{10}$$

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10

and $$PM_{2.5}$$

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M

2.5

, reaching − 57.43% and − 59.52%, respectively, compared to pre-pandemic values. At the same time, its relationship with meteorological parameters and Google mobility data was evaluated and it was concluded that these parameters did not significantly affect the reduction of particulate matter. This study reveals the positive effects of the pandemic in reducing air pollution and the confinement measures had as a secondary effect on the decrease in air pollution in Cusco City.
Experimental study on direct tensile fatigue performance of basalt fiber reinforced concrete
Authors: Zhang Xutao , Lou Chao , Lyu Xikuan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractConducting research on the fatigue performance of concrete materials is of great significance for the anti fatigue design of concrete structures. Currently, indirect tensile or compressive strength tests are commonly used to study the fatigue performance of basalt fiber reinforced concrete, but there is little research on its fatigue performance under direct tensile conditions. Using a fatigue testing machine and a self-developed concrete axial tensile device, direct tensile fatigue tests of basalt fiber reinforced concrete were conducted under different fiber content and stress levels. Based on fatigue test data, the entire fatigue tensile process of basalt fiber reinforced concrete was analyzed, and the effects of fiber content and stress level on the fatigue life of concrete specimens were explored. Strain fatigue life curves of concrete with different fiber content were plotted. The experimental results indicate that the failure mode of basalt fiber reinforced concrete under cyclic loading is brittle failure; with the increase of basalt fiber content, the fatigue life of concrete first increases and then decreases. When the fiber content is 0.3%, the fatigue life of basalt fiber concrete is the highest compared to the benchmark concrete. When the fiber content is the same, the fatigue life of concrete decreases with the increase of stress level. The fatigue deformation process of basalt fiber reinforced concrete can be divided into three stages: the stage of fast strain growth, the stage of uniform strain growth, and the stage of rapid strain growth.