bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Educational attainment, health outcomes and mortality: a within-sibship Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Howe Laurence J , Rasheed Humaira , Jones Paul R , Boomsma Dorret I , Evans David M , Giannelis Alexandros , Hayward Caroline , Hopper John L , Hughes Amanda , Lahtinen Hannu , Li Shuai , Lind Penelope A , Martin Nicholas G , Martikainen Pekka , Medland Sarah E , Morris Tim T , Nivard Michel G , Pingault Jean-Baptiste , Silventoinen Karri , Smith Jennifer A , Willoughby Emily A , Wilson James F ,   Within Family Consortium, Ahlskog Rafael , Andreassen Ole A , Ask Helga , Campbell Archie , Cheesman Rosa , Cho Yoonsu , Christensen Kaare , Corfield Elizabeth C , Dahm Christina C , Havdahl Alexandra , Hill William D , Kerr Shona M , Latvala Antti , Nygaard Marianne , Palviainen Teemu , Pedersen Nancy L , Plomin Robert , Southey Melissa C , Stoltenberg Camilla , Åsvold Bjørn Olav , Næss Øyvind E , Davey Smith George , Kaprio Jaakko , Brumpton Ben , Davies Neil M 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background
Previous Mendelian randomization (MR) studies using population samples (population MR) have provided evidence for beneficial effects of educational attainment on health outcomes in adulthood. However, estimates from these studies may have been susceptible to bias from population stratification, assortative mating and indirect genetic effects due to unadjusted parental genotypes. MR using genetic association estimates derived from within-sibship models (within-sibship MR) can avoid these potential biases because genetic differences between siblings are due to random segregation at meiosis.

Methods
Applying both population and within-sibship MR, we estimated the effects of genetic liability to educational attainment on body mass index (BMI), cigarette smoking, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and all-cause mortality. MR analyses used individual-level data on 72 932 siblings from UK Biobank and the Norwegian HUNT study, and summary-level data from a within-sibship Genome-wide Association Study including &gt;140 000 individuals.

Results
Both population and within-sibship MR estimates provided evidence that educational attainment decreased BMI, cigarette smoking and SBP. Genetic variant–outcome associations attenuated in the within-sibship model, but genetic variant–educational attainment associations also attenuated to a similar extent. Thus, within-sibship and population MR estimates were largely consistent. The within-sibship MR estimate of education on mortality was imprecise but consistent with a putative effect.

Conclusions
These results provide evidence of beneficial individual-level effects of education (or liability to education) on adulthood health, independently of potential demographic and family-level confounders.
Environmental contamination with Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile in Vietnam
Authors: Khun Peng An , Phi Long Duc , Bui Huong Thi Thu , Bui Nguyen Thi , Vu Quyen Thi Huyen , Trinh Luong Duy , Collins Deirdre A , Riley Thomas V 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Aims
To investigate the prevalence, molecular type, and antimicrobial susceptibility of Clostridioides difficile in the environment in Vietnam, where little is known about C. difficile.

Methods and results
Samples of pig faeces, soils from pig farms, potatoes, and the hospital environment were cultured for C. difficile. Isolates were identified and typed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) ribotyping. The overall prevalence of C. difficile contamination was 24.5% (68/278). Clostridioides difficile was detected mainly in soils from pig farms and hospital soils, with 70%–100% prevalence. Clostridioides difficile was isolated from 3.4% of pig faecal samples and 5% of potato surfaces. The four most prevalent ribotypes (RTs) were RTs 001, 009, 038, and QX574. All isolates were susceptible to metronidazole, fidaxomicin, vancomycin, and amoxicillin/clavulanate, while resistance to erythromycin, tetracycline, and moxifloxacin was common in toxigenic strains. Clostridioides difficile RTs 001A+B+CDT– and 038A–B–CDT– were predominantly multidrug resistant.

Conclusions
Environmental sources of C. difficile are important to consider in the epidemiology of C. difficile infection in Vietnam, however, contaminated soils are likely to be the most important source of C. difficile. This poses additional challenges to controlling infections in healthcare settings.
Probiotic, technological, and health-related characteristics of lactobacilli isolated from breast milk
Authors: Pires Vanessa , Ribeiro Susana C , Silva Sofia P M , Juraskova Dominika , Silva Celia C G 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Aims
Isolation and characterization of lactobacilli from human milk and determination of their probiotic, technological, and in vitro health-promoting properties with a view to their potential use in food fermentation.

Methods and Results
Seven lactobacilli isolates were obtained from human milk and identified as Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (isolates BM1–BM6) and Lactobacillus gasseri (BM7). The isolates were examined in vitro for their technological, probiotic, and health-promoting potential. Overall, all isolates showed important technological properties based on the ability to grow in milk whey, a high to moderate acidification capacity and the absence of undesirable enzymatic activities. Lacticaseibacillus gasseri (BM7) differed from the L. paracasei isolates by the absence of several glycosidases and the inability to ferment lactose. Isolates L. paracasei BM3 and BM5 produced exopolysaccharides (EPS) from lactose. All isolates showed probiotic potential as they were tolerant to simulated gastrointestinal conditions, had high cell surface hydrophobicity, had not acquired resistance to relevant antibiotics and had no virulence characteristics. All L. paracasei showed high antimicrobial activity against various pathogenic bacteria and fungi, while L. gasseri showed a narrower spectrum of antimicrobial activity. All isolates showed health-promoting potential in vitro, as evidenced by high cholesterol-lowering activity, high ACE inhibitory activity and marked antioxidant activity.

Conclusions
All strains showed excellent probiotic and technological properties for use in lactic ferments.
Short-term outcomes following open gluteus maximus transfer for the management of hip abductor tears
Authors: Lemme Nicholas J , Dworkin Myles , Morrissey Patrick J , Testa Edward J , Kwan Daniel , Roussel Lauren , Tabaddor Ramin 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT
Tears of the gluteus medius and minimus are an important cause of recalcitrant greater trochanteric pain syndrome. Although endoscopic and open abductor repairs have demonstrated promising outcomes, the success of these techniques is dependent on the size of the tear and the quality of the tissue. In patients presenting with abductor insufficiency and evidence of previous repair failure, large retracted tears, muscle atrophy and/or fatty infiltration, reconstruction/augmentation techniques should be considered. In the present study, we present a retrospective cohort study assessing patient outcomes following open gluteus maximus transfer for irreparable or severely retracted gluteus medius tears. Patients were included in the present study if they underwent open gluteus maximus transfer to address hip abductor tears that a senior surgeon deemed irreparable or at high risk for failure following isolated repair secondary to the following tear characteristics: large tears with &gt;2 cm of retraction, the presence of extensive fatty infiltration (Goutallier Grade 3 or greater) and/or patients requiring revision abductor repair due to primary repair failure with associated pain and a Trendelenburg gait. Patients undergoing a concomitant, or those with a previous history of hip arthroplasty, were excluded from the study. All participants were prospectively enrolled in the study, and both pre- and post-operative patient-reported outcomes were collected at 6 months and 1 year including the modified Hip Harris Score, Visual Analog Score, Hip Outcomes Score of Activities Daily Living, Hip Outcomes Score for Sports-Related Activities and Overall Satisfaction with Hip. Pre-operative scores were compared with post-operative assessments using Student’s t-test with a significance level of P &lt; 0.05. Twenty-one patients and 22 hips were included. The average age was 69 (SD ±9.2) and 17 (81%) were females. The average body mass index was 30.0 (±6.2). The outcome scores at both 6 months and 1 year demonstrated significant improvements compared with pre-operative functional assessment. This article reports the utility of gluteus medius/minimus repair augmentation or reconstruction via gluteus maximus transfer demonstrating improvement in patient-reported outcomes at short-term follow-up.
Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Cervicofacial Lymphadenitis in Children—10-Year Experience in a Tertiary Pediatric Center
Authors: Leow Olivia , Aoyama Rie , Loh Woei Shyang , Shih E’Ching , Tay Sok Yan , Chew Ka Lip , Chew Kean Lee , Shen Liang , Chan Si Min 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundLymphadenitis is the most common manifestation of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection in children. We describe the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of NTM lymphadenitis, determine diagnostic yield from tissue sampling, and review management and outcomes.MethodsThis was a 10-year retrospective review of children aged 0–16 years diagnosed with NTM cervicofacial lymphadenitis who were seen in a pediatric infectious disease clinic in a tertiary public hospital. Data relating to patient demographics, clinical features, surgical and antimicrobial treatment, complications, and outcomes were retrieved from patients’ electronic medical records and analyzed.ResultsThere were 48 episodes of NTM cervicofacial lymphadenitis in 45 children (17 males and 28 females). Of these episodes, 43.7% manifested as a unilateral single node, mostly parotid (39.6%) and submandibular (29.2%). All patients underwent diagnostic fine-needle aspiration or surgery. Surgical excision more frequently yielded positive histological findings (P = .016). NTM was identified in 22/48 episodes (45.8%) via culture or molecular sequencing. Mycobacterium abscessus was most commonly found (47.8%). Thirty-eight children (79.2%) received antibiotics. Outcomes in 43 episodes revealed full resolution in 69.8%, while 25.6% had de novo disease and 4.6% experienced recurrence at the same site. Overlying skin changes and multiple or bilateral nodal diseases were significantly associated with de novo disease or recurrence (P = .034 and .084, respectively). Complications occurred in 11/70 (15.7%) procedures. Antibiotic-associated adverse effects occurred in 14/38 (36.8%) episodes.ConclusionsNTM lymphadenitis remains a challenging condition. More aggressive management with surgical excision and antibiotics is recommended for those with overlying skin changes and extensive nodal disease.
Optical turbulence forecasts at short time-scales using an autoregressive method at the Very Large Telescope
Authors: Masciadri E , Turchi A , Fini L 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT
In this study we demonstrate that we can provide forecasts of all the main astroclimatic parameters (seeing, wavefront coherence time, isoplanatic angle, and ground-layer fraction) on time-scales of 1 and 2 h (the most critical ones for the service mode) with a root-mean-square error (RMSE) that is smaller than or, at worst, comparable to the instrumental uncertainty (i.e. the standard deviation between instrument estimates). The seeing RMSE is 0.08 arcsec. Results are achieved thank to the use of the autoregressive method (AR) in our automatic forecast system and the study is applied to the Very Large Telescope (VLT). The AR method is a hybrid method taking into account forecasts of a non-hydrostatical mesoscale model jointly with real-time observations made in situ. We demonstrate that the AR method allows an improvement in forecast performance of roughly a factor of three or more with respect to the standard forecasts at a long time-scale (beginning of the afternoon for the coming night), depending on the parameter and the time-scale (1 and 2 h). The AR method also allows roughly a factor of two gain with respect to prediction by persistence. We also show that the AR method provides significantly better performance than a random-forest machine-learning algorithm. An extended analysis of the AR performance is provided following different strategies. Results achieved in this study are therefore very promising and tell us that we can provide real assistance to the service mode of the VLT instrumentation supported by adaptive optics systems.
Constraining the atmospheric elements in hot Jupiters with Ariel
Authors: Wang Fang , Changeat Quentin , Tinetti Giovanna , Turrini Diego , Wright Sam O M 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT
One of the main objectives of the European Space Agency’s Ariel telescope (launch 2029) is to understand the formation and evolution processes of a large sample of planets in our Galaxy. Important indicators of such processes in giant planets are the elemental compositions of their atmospheres. Here we investigate the capability of Ariel to constrain four key atmospheric markers: metallicity, C/O, S/O, and N/O, for three well-known, representative hot-Jupiter atmospheres observed with transit spectroscopy, i.e. HD 209458b, HD 189733b, and WASP-121b. We have performed retrieval simulations for these targets to verify how the planetary formation markers listed above would be recovered by Ariel when observed as part of the Ariel Tier 3 survey. We have considered eight simplified different atmospheric scenarios with a cloud-free isothermal atmosphere. Additionally, extra cases were tested to illustrate the effect of C/O and metallicity in recovering the N/O. From our retrieval results, we conclude that Ariel is able to recover the majority of planetary formation markers. The contributions from CO and CO2 are dominant for the C/O in the solar scenario. In a C-rich case, C2H2, HCN, and CH4 may provide additional spectral signatures that can be captured by Ariel. In our simulations, H2S is the main tracer for the S/O in hot-Jupiter atmospheres. In the super-solar metallicity cases and the cases with C/O &gt; 1, the increased abundance of HCN is easily detectable and the main contributor to N/O, while other N-bearing species contribute little to the N/O in the investigated atmospheres.
Pathogenicity of IgG-Fc desialylation and its association with Th17 cells in an animal model of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Nishida Yuri , Shirakashi Mirei , Hashii Noritaka , Nakashima Ran , Nakayama Yoichi , Katsushima Masao , Watanabe Ryu , Onizawa Hideo , Hiwa Ryosuke , Tsuji Hideaki , Kitagori Koji , Akizuki Shuji , Onishi Akira , Murakami Kosaku , Yoshifuji Hajime , Tanaka Masao , Tsuruyama Tatsuaki , Morinobu Akio , Hashimoto Motomu 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT

Objectives
Decreased sialylation of IgG-Fc glycans has been reported in autoimmune diseases, but its role in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is not fully understood. In this study, we examined the pathogenicity of IgG desialylation and its association with Th17 in SLE using an animal model.

Methods
B6SKG mice, which develop lupus-like systemic autoimmunity due to the ZAP70 mutation, were used to investigate the pathogenicity of IgG desialylation. The proportion of sialylated IgG was compared between B6SKG and wild-type mice with or without β-glucan treatment-induced Th17 expansion. Anti-interleukin (IL)-23 and anti-IL-17 antibodies were used to examine the role of Th17 cells in IgG glycosylation. Activation-induced cytidine deaminase–specific St6gal1 conditionally knockout (cKO) mice were generated to examine the direct effect of IgG desialylation.

Results
The proportions of sialylated IgG were similar between B6SKG and wild-type mice in the steady state. However, IgG desialylation was observed after β-glucan-induced Th17 expansion, and nephropathy also worsened in B6SKG mice. Anti-IL-23/17 treatment suppressed IgG desialylation and nephropathy. Glomerular atrophy was observed in the cKO mice, suggesting that IgG desialylation is directly involved in disease exacerbation.

Conclusions
IgG desialylation contributes to the progression of nephropathy, which is ameliorated by blocking IL-17A or IL-23 in an SLE mouse model.
Next Generation Sequencing Workshop at the Royal Society of Medicine (London, May 2022): how genomics is on the path to modernizing genetic toxicology
Authors: Lynch Anthony M , Zanoni Thalita B , Salk Jesse J , Martincorena Inigo , Young Robert R , Kucab Jill , Valentine Charles C , Yauk Carole , Escobar Patricia A , Witt Kristine L , Frötschl Roland , Reed Simon H , Ashford Anne 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The use of error-corrected Next Generation Sequencing (ecNG) to determine mutagenicity has been a subject of growing interest and potentially a disruptive technology that could supplement, and in time, replace current testing paradigms in preclinical safety assessment. Considering this, a Next Generation Sequencing Workshop was held at the Royal Society of Medicine in London in May 2022, supported by the United Kingdom Environmental Mutagen Society (UKEMS) and TwinStrand Biosciences (WA, USA), to discuss progress and future applications of this technology. In this meeting report, the invited speakers provide an overview of the Workshop topics covered and identify future directions for research. In the area of somatic mutagenesis, several speakers reviewed recent progress made with correlating ecNGS to classic in vivo transgenic rodent mutation assays as well as exploring the use of this technology directly in humans and animals, and in complex organoid models. Additionally, ecNGS has been used for detecting off-target effects of gene editing tools and emerging data suggest ecNGS potential to measure clonal expansion of cells carrying mutations in cancer driver genes as an early marker of carcinogenic potential and for direct human biomonitoring. As such, the workshop demonstrated the importance of raising awareness and support for advancing the science of ecNGS for mutagenesis, gene editing, and carcinogenesis research. Furthermore, the potential of this new technology to contribute to advances in drug and product development and improve safety assessment was extensively explored.
Drivers of Emergency Department Use Among Oncology Patients in the Era of Novel Cancer Therapeutics: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fleshner Lauren , Lagree Andrew , Shiner Audrey , Alera Marie Angeli , Bielecki Mateusz , Grant Robert , Kiss Alex , Krzyzanowska Monika K , Cheng Ivy , Tran William T , Gandhi Sonal 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background
Patients diagnosed with cancer are frequent users of the emergency department (ED). While many visits are unavoidable, a significant portion may be potentially preventable ED visits (PPEDs). Cancer treatments have greatly advanced, whereby patients may present with unique toxicities from targeted therapies and are often living longer with advanced disease. Prior work focused on patients undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy, and often excluded those on supportive care alone. Other contributors to ED visits in oncology, such as patient-level variables, are less well-established. Finally, prior studies focused on ED diagnoses to describe trends and did not evaluate PPEDs. An updated systematic review was completed to focus on PPEDs, novel cancer therapies, and patient-level variables, including those on supportive care alone.

Methods
Three online databases were used. Included publications were in English, from 2012-2022, with sample sizes of ≥50, and reported predictors of ED presentation or ED diagnoses in oncology.

Results
45 studies were included. Six studies highlighted PPEDs with variable definitions. Common reasons for ED visits included pain (66%) or chemotherapy toxicities (69.1%). PPEDs were most frequent amongst breast cancer patients (13.4%) or patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy (20%). Three manuscripts included immunotherapy agents, and only one focused on end-of-life patients.

Conclusion
This updated systematic review highlights variability in oncology ED visits during the last decade. There is limited work on the concept of PPEDs, patient-level variables and patients on supportive care alone. Overall, pain and chemotherapy toxicities remain key drivers of ED visits in cancer patients. Further work is needed in this realm.
Burden Reduction: An Evaluation of Statutory Instruments in the UK Government’s Regulatory Off-setting and Business Impact Target Initiatives 2010–2019
Authors: Ollerenshaw Kate 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
This article analyses Statutory Instruments passed between 2010 and 2019 to evaluate the embeddedness of the UK Government’s regulatory off-setting and business impact target initiatives. It begins by outlining the origins of those initiatives and their scope, technical details and compliance mechanisms. After describing the methodology for the analysis, it reports results, showing that a range of exclusions and exemptions limit the number of Statutory Instruments covered by the initiatives, that the intensity with which burden reduction is pursued declines over time and that the largest savings are incidental rather than being motivated by a desire to reduce burden.
Harnessing the Potential of Symbiotic Associations of Plants in Phosphate-Deficient Soil for Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Singh Jawahar , Isidra-Arellano Mariel C , Valdés-López Oswaldo 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Many plants associate with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi for nutrient acquisition, and most legumes also associate with nitrogen-fixing rhizobial bacteria for nitrogen acquisition. The association of plants with AM fungi and rhizobia depends on the perception of lipo-chitooligosaccharides (LCOs) produced by these micro-symbionts. Recent studies reveal that cereals can perceive LCOs better in soil deprived of phosphate (Pi) and nitrogen to activate symbiosis signaling and form efficient AM symbiosis. Nevertheless, the Pi deficiency in the soil hinders the symbiotic association of legumes with rhizobia, ultimately reducing nitrogen fixation. Here, we discuss a mechanistic overview of the factors regulating root nodule symbiosis under Pi-deficient conditions and further emphasize the possible ways to overcome this hurdle. Ignoring the low Pi problem not only can compromise the functionality of the nitrogen cycle by nitrogen fixation through legumes but can also put food security at risk globally. This review aims to bring the scientific community’s attention toward the detrimental response of legumes toward Pi-deficient soil for the formation of root nodule symbiosis and hence reduced nitrogen fixation. In this review, we have highlighted the recent studies that have advanced our understanding of these critical areas and discussed some future directions. Furthermore, this review highlights the importance of communicating science with farmers and the agriculture community to fully harness the potential of the symbiotic association of plants in nutrient-deficient soil for sustainable agriculture.