bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
UK prescribing practice of anticoagulants in patients with chronic kidney disease: a nephrology and haematology-based survey
Authors: Parker Kathrine , Choudhuri Satarupa , Lewis Penny , Thachil Jecko , Mitra Sandip 
Published: January 2023

AbstractA survey to gain insight into anticoagulant prescribing practice in the setting of chronic kidney disease (CKD) across the UK was disseminated via renal and haematology networks. Areas of anticoagulant use included patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE), requiring thromboprophylaxis for VTE, Atrial Fibrillation (AF) and nephrotic syndrome.An online-survey was disseminated via British Haematology Society, UK Kidney Association, and Renal Pharmacy Group over a five month period. All responses were voluntary and anonymous.Among 117 responses there were 49 nephrology doctors, 47 renal pharmacists and 20 haematology clinicians. A specialist multidisciplinary team to discuss the specific anticoagulant management of these patients was only available to 3% (4/117) respondents. Renal function estimate used for anticoagulant dosing was mainly Cockcroft-Gault for pharmacists and haematology but lab-based estimates were used by nephrology doctors. Therapeutic dose of Low Molecular Weight Heparin was mostly likely to be reduced by one-third when used for VTE treatment, with the majority of units undertaking anti-Xa monitoring in CKD stage 5 and dialysis. Direct-acting Oral Anticoagulants are being used in patients with nephrotic syndrome, those with CKD stage 5 and on dialysis for VTE and AF in the absence of license in these indications.This survey highlighted the significant differences between anticoagulant prescribing in CKD between two professional specialties and marked variation between centres in anticoagulant management strategies employed for these patients. With gaps still existing in the evidence base and answers to these not expected within the next few years, development of a best-practice guideline would be warranted to support clinicians in this field.
Study protocol of the Berlin Research Initiative for Diagnostics, Genetics and Environmental Factors in Schizophrenia (BRIDGE-S)
Authors: Braun Alice , Kraft Julia , Ripke Stephan 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background

Large-scale collaborative efforts in the field of psychiatric genetics have made substantial progress in unraveling the biological architecture of schizophrenia (SCZ). Although both genetic and environmental factors are known to play a role in schizophrenia etiology our mechanistic understanding of how they shape risk, resilience and disease trajectories remains limited.

Methods
Here, we present the study protocol of the Berlin Research Initiative for Diagnostics, Genetic and Environmental Factors of Schizophrenia (BRIDGE-S), which aims to collect a densely phenotyped genetic cohort of 1,000 schizophrenia cases and 1,000 controls. The study’s main objectives are to build a resource for i) promoting genetic discoveries and ii) genotype–phenotype associations to infer specific disease subtypes, and iii) exploring gene-environment interactions using polyrisk models. All subjects provide a biological sample for genotyping and complete a core questionnaire capturing a variety of environmental exposures, demographic, psychological and health data. Approximately 50% of individuals in the sample will further undergo a comprehensive clinical and neurocognitive assessment.

Discussion
With BRIDGE-S we created a valuable database to study genomic and environmental contributions to schizophrenia risk, onset, and outcomes. Results of the BRIDGE-S study could yield insights into the etiological mechanisms of schizophrenia that could ultimately inform risk prediction, and early intervention and treatment strategies.
Gender differences in risk exposures for acute hepatitis C infection in Taiwan: a nationwide case–control study
Authors: Huang Hsin-I , Su Chia-Ping , Huang Wan-Ting , Chen Wan-Chin 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
In Taiwan, medical providers are required to report all acute hepatitis C (AHC) patients to National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (NNDSS). Identifying factors associated with AHC may inform the strategies to prevent the spread of hepatitis C virus (HCV). We used the national surveillance data to assess gender difference in risk factors associated with AHC in Taiwan and propose control measures in at-risk groups.

Methods
We conducted a nationwide case–control study using data from NNDSS and AHC case investigation questionnaires, for the period of March 6, 2014–December 31, 2016. Cases were AHC confirmed in NNDSS; controls were reported AHC with negative HCV nucleic acid test and negative serum anti-HCV antibody. We used bivariate analysis to identify characteristics and risk exposures for AHC and conducted gender stratified analyses.

Results
We identified 602 AHC cases (66.9% males, median age 48 years) and 90 controls. Older age, male gender (OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.18–2.90), history of viral hepatitis (OR: 7.93, 95% CI:1.91–32.88), history of sexually transmitted infections (OR: 21.02, 95% CI: 2.90–152.43), and having healthcare-associated risk exposures (OR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.25–3.25) were associated with AHC. Stratified analyses showed receiving intravenous infusion, history of hepatitis B, syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus infection were risk factors for male AHC; receiving hemodialysis was risk factor for females.

Conclusions
Our study demonstrates risk factors for AHC in Taiwan with gender difference. Proper infection control practices in healthcare settings and interventions targeting male patients with HIV and other STIs, remain crucial to prevent individuals from AHC.
A multi-country survey on access to healthcare and treatment services among individuals with critical medical care needs during the first wave of the pandemic
Authors: Folayan Morenike Oluwatoyin , Abeldaño Zuñiga Roberto Ariel , Virtanen Jorma I. , Ezechi Oliver C. , Yousaf Muhammad Abrar , Al-Tammemi Ala’a B. , Jafer Mohammed , Ellakany Passent , Ara Eshrat , Ayanore Martin Amogre , Ishabiyi Anthonia Omotola , Gaffar Balgis , Aly Nourhan M. , Lusher Joanne , El Tantawi Maha , Nguyen Annie L. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Healthcare services were significantly interrupted during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the present study was to determine the associations between sociodemographic factors and healthcare access during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic among individuals with critical care needs.

Methods
This was a secondary analysis of the data of 5,156 participants recruited from 152 countries during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The dependent variables were self-reported difficulty of access to health care, challenges with obtaining medication, and the use of alternative medical services. The independent variables were age at last birthday; sex at birth, level of education, employment status and the macro-social vulnerability status. The confounding variable was the country income level. Three multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the associations between the dependent variables and the independent variables after adjusting for the confounder.

Results
Difficulty accessing health care services and obtaining medications was experienced by 1922 (37.3%) and 3746 (72.7%) participants respectively. Also, 1433 (27.8%) used alternative medical care. Retirees (AOR:1.59), unemployed (AOR:1.198), people living with HIV (AOR:2.36) and at increased risk of COVID-19 (AOR:2.10), people who used drugs (AOR:1.83) and transacted sex (AOR:1.971) had significantly higher odds for reporting difficulty with access to health care. Males (AOR:1.23), respondents with secondary level of education (AOR:1.39), retirees (AOR:2.19), unemployed (AOR:1.47), people living with HIV (AOR:2.46), people who used drugs (AOR:1.79), transacted sex (AOR:2.71) and those who might be (AOR: 1.66) and were at (AOR: 2.3) increased risk of severe COVID-19 had significantly higher odds for reporting difficulty with access to medications. People who used drugs (AOR:2.093) transacted sex (AOR:1.639), who might be (AOR: 1.211) and were at (AOR: 1.511) increased risk of severe COVID-19, and who had difficulty accessing usual healthcare (AOR: 9.047) and obtaining medications (AOR:2.16) had significantly higher odds of reporting alternative medical care use. People living with HIV (AOR:0.562) had significantly lower odds of using alternative medical care.

Conclusion
We identified populations who had challenges with access to healthcare and obtaining medications used alternative medical care except for people living with HIV. Priority attention should be given to alternative medical care use during future health pandemics.
The effect of Er, Cr:YSGG laser debonding on the bond strength of two ceramic materials to dentin
Authors: Abdel Sadek Hoda M. , Abdel Khalek Ahmed M. , Wahsh Marwa M. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Objectives
Evaluating the bond strength of two ceramic materials to dentin after Er,Cr:YSGG laser debonding. Would laser debonding affect the bond strength of ceramic to dentin?

Materials and methods
Recently extracted human molars were ground to expose dentin. Forty square shaped samples were prepared from CAD/CAM ceramic blocks. Samples were divided into two groups according to the type of ceramic material; group E: Lithium disilicate and group T: Ultra-translucent Zirconia (n = 20) Each group was divided into two subgroups (n = 10) according to the laser debonding effect (subgroup B: bonded samples, subgroup R: re-bonded samples after laser debonding). Ceramic samples were bonded to dentin using dual cure self-adhesive resin cement. Laser debonding of ceramic samples of subgroups R using Er, Cr:YSGG laser, were then re-bonded again to dentin surface with same resin cement. The Shear bond strength test using Universal testing machine was done. The failure mode was analyzed. Two-way analysis of variance was used to compare the mean bond strength and re-bond strength of two materials. The significance level was set at P ≤ 0.05.

Results
Two-Way ANOVA showed that ceramic type had a significant effect on the re-bond strength to dentin. The predominant failure mode was adhesive.

Conclusions
Laser debonding of Lithium disilicate and Ultra translucent Zirconia decreased the re-bond strength to dentin. Deterioration in re-bond strength for Lithium disilicate ceramics was more pronounced than for Ultra translucent Zirconia. Clinical Relevance Deterioration in the bond strength between ceramics & dentin after laser debonding still needs improvement to allow its clinical use.
Estimation of the demand for palliative care in non-oncologic patients in Chile
Authors: Armijo Nicolás , Abbot Tomás , Espinoza Manuel , Neculhueque Ximena , Balmaceda Carlos 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Access to palliative care is an emerging global public health challenge. In Chile, a palliative care law was recently enacted to extend palliative care coverage to the non-oncologic population. Thus, a reliable and legitimate estimate of the demand for palliative care is needed for proper health policy planning.

Objective
To estimate the demand for Palliative Care in Chile.

Methodology
Diseases likely to require palliative care were identified according to literature and expert judgement. Annual deaths of diseases identified were estimated for the periods 2018–2020. Demand estimation corresponds to the identification of the proportion of deceased patients requiring palliative care based on the burden of severe health-related suffering. Finally, patient-years were estimated based on the expected survival adjustment.

Results
The estimated demand for palliative care varies between 25,650 and 21,679 patients depending on the approximation used. In terms of annual demand, this varies between 1,442 and 10,964 patient-years. The estimated need has a minor variation between 2018 and 2019 of 0.85% on average, while 2020 shows a slightly higher decrease (7.26%).

Conclusion
This is a replicable method for estimating the demand of palliative care in other jurisdictions. Future studies could approach the demand based on the decedent population and living one for a more precise estimation and better-informed health planning. It is hoped that our methodological approach will serve as an input for implementing the palliative care law in Chile, and as an example of estimating the demand for palliative care in other jurisdictions.
CD4+ and CD8+ regulatory T cell characterization in the rat using a unique transgenic Foxp3-EGFP model
Authors: Ménoret Séverine , Tesson Laurent , Remy Séverine , Gourain Victor , Sérazin Céline , Usal Claire , Guiffes Aude , Chenouard Vanessa , Ouisse Laure-Hélène , Gantier Malika , Heslan Jean-Marie , Fourgeux Cynthia , Poschmann Jeremie , Guillonneau Carole , Anegon Ignacio 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Regulatory T cells (Treg) in diverse species include CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. In all species, CD8+ Treg have been only partially characterized and there is no rat model in which CD4+ and CD8+ FOXP3+ Treg are genetically tagged.

Results
We generated a Foxp3-EGFP rat transgenic line in which FOXP3 gene was expressed and controlled EGFP. CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were the only cells that expressed EGFP, in similar proportion as observed with anti-FOXP3 antibodies and co-labeled in the same cells. CD4+EGFP+ Treg were 5–10 times more frequent than CD8+EGFP+ Treg. The suppressive activity of CD4+ and CD8+ Treg was largely confined to EGFP+ cells. RNAseq analyses showed similarities but also differences among CD4+ and CD8+ EGFP+ cells and provided the first description of the natural FOXP3+CD8+ Treg transcriptome. In vitro culture of CD4+ and CD8+ EGFP− cells with TGFbeta and IL-2 generated induced EGFP+ Treg. CD4+ and CD8+ EGFP+ Treg were expanded upon in vivo administration of a low dose of IL-2.

Conclusions
This new and unique rat line constitutes a useful model to identify and isolate viable CD4+ and CD8+ FOXP3+ Treg. Additionally, it allows to identify molecules expressed in CD8+ Treg that may allow to better define their phenotype and function not only in rats but also in other species.
Pulmonary sequestration in adult patients: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Ren Siying , Yang Lulu , Xiao Ying , Tong Zhongyi , Wang Li , Hu Yan 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Pulmonary sequestration (PS) is a rare congenital lower airway malformation. This study presents the clinical and imaging features and surgical outcomes of PS in adults, and compare the safety and feasibility of minimally invasive surgery versus open thoracotomy for PS.

Methods
Adult patients with PS treated at our center from July 2011 to September 2021 were included. Information regarding the patient demographics, clinical and CT features, arterial supply and venous drainage, and surgical outcomes were collected.

Results
Ninety seven patients were included. The most common CT findings were mass lesions (50.5%) and cystic lesions (20.6%). The vast majority of the lesions (96 out of 97) were located close to the spine in the lower lobes (left vs. right: 3.6 vs. 1). Arterial supply was mainly provided by the thoracic aorta (87.4%) and abdominal aorta (10.5%). Intralobar and extralobar PS accounted for 90.7% and 9.3% of the patients, respectively. Three (4.5%) patients who underwent minimally invasive surgery were converted to open thoracotomy due to dense adhesions. Though no significant differences regarding operative time (P = 0.133), the minimally invasive surgery group was significantly better than the open thoracotomy group regarding intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.001), drainage volume (P = 0.004), postoperative hospital days (P = 0.017) and duration of chest drainage (P = 0.001). There were no cases of perioperative mortality. Only four (4.1%) patients developed postoperative complications, and no significant difference existed between the two groups.

Conclusion
Our study revealed PS can present with a variety of different clinical and radiologic manifestations. Clinicians should consider the possibility of PS when diagnosing a lesion in the lower lobes close to the spine. Moreover, minimally invasive surgery is a safe and effective treatment modality for the treatment of PS in an experienced center.
Sexual dimorphism in selenium deficiency is associated with metabolic syndrome and prevalence of heart disease
Authors: Weening Eerde H. , Al-Mubarak Ali A. , Dokter Martin M. , Dickstein Kenneth , Lang Chim C. , Ng Leong L. , Metra Marco , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Touw Daan J. , de Boer Rudolf A. , Gansevoort Ron T. , Voors Adriaan A. , Bakker Stephan J. L. , van der Meer Peter , Bomer Nils 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Serum selenium levels have been associated with the incidence of heart failure (HF) and signs of the metabolic syndrome. In addition, notable differences have been reported between males and females in food intake and micronutrient metabolism, possibly explaining different health outcomes.

Objective
Our objective was to elucidate sex-specific, cross-sectional phenotypic differences in the association of serum selenium concentrations with parameters of metabolic syndrome and HF.

Methods
We investigated data from individuals from a community-based cohort (PREVEND; N = 4288) and heart failure cohort (BIOSTAT-CHF; N = 1994). In both populations, cross-sectional analyses were performed for potential interaction (p < 0.1) between sex and serum selenium with overlapping signs and clinical parameters of the metabolic syndrome and HF.

Results
Baseline selenium levels of the total cohort were similar between PREVEND (85.7 μg/L) and BIOSTAT-CHF (89.1 μg/L). Females with lower selenium levels had a higher BMI and increased prevalence of diabetes than females with higher selenium, in both PREVEND (pinteraction < 0.001; pinteraction = 0.040, resp.) and BIOSTAT-CHF (pinteraction = 0.021; pinteraction = 0.024, resp.), while opposite associations were observed for males. Additionally, in females, but not in males, lower selenium was associated with a higher prevalence of myocardial infarction (MI) in PREVEND (pinteraction = 0.021) and BIOSTAT-CHF (pinteraction = 0.084).

Conclusion
Lower selenium was associated with a higher BMI and increased prevalence of diabetes in females, opposite to males, and was also associated with more MI in females. Interventional studies are needed to validate this observation.
Bidirectional hybrid erythritol-inducible promoter for synthetic biology in Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Vidal Lea , Lebrun Esteban , Park Young-Kyoung , Mottet Guillaume , Nicaud Jean-Marc 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
The oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica is increasingly used as a chassis strain for generating bioproducts. Several hybrid promoters with different strengths have been developed by combining multiple copies of an upstream activating sequence (UAS) associated with a TATA box and a core promoter. These promoters display either constitutive, phase-dependent, or inducible strong expression. However, there remains a lack of bidirectional inducible promoters for co-expressing genes in Y. lipolytica.

Results
This study built on our previous work isolating and characterizing the UAS of the erythritol-induced genes EYK1 and EYD1 (UAS-eyk1). We found an erythritol-inducible bidirectional promoter (BDP) located in the EYK1-EYL1 intergenic region. We used the BDP to co-produce YFP and RedStarII fluorescent proteins and demonstrated that the promoter’s strength was 2.7 to 3.5-fold stronger in the EYL1 orientation compared to the EYK1 orientation. We developed a hybrid erythritol-inducible bidirectional promoter (HBDP) containing five copies of UAS-eyk1 in both orientations. It led to expression levels 8.6 to 19.2-fold higher than the native bidirectional promoter. While the BDP had a twofold-lower expression level than the strong constitutive TEF promoter, the HBDP had a 5.0-fold higher expression level when oriented toward EYL1 and a 2.4-fold higher expression level when oriented toward EYK1. We identified the optimal media for BDP usage by exploring yeast growth under microbioreactor conditions. Additionally, we constructed novel Golden Gate biobricks and a destination vector for general use.

Conclusions
In this research, we developed novel bidirectional and hybrid bidirectional promoters of which expression can be fine-tuned, responding to the need for versatile promoters in the yeast Y. lipolytica. This study provides effective tools that can be employed to smoothly adjust the erythritol-inducible co-expression of two target genes in biotechnology applications. BDPs developed in this study have potential applications in the fields of heterologous protein production, metabolic engineering, and synthetic biology.
Current practice and recommendations for advancing how human variability and susceptibility are considered in chemical risk assessment
Authors: Varshavsky Julia R. , Rayasam Swati D. G. , Sass Jennifer B. , Axelrad Daniel A. , Cranor Carl F. , Hattis Dale , Hauser Russ , Koman Patricia D. , Marquez Emily C. , Morello-Frosch Rachel , Oksas Catherine , Patton Sharyle , Robinson Joshua F. , Sathyanarayana Sheela , Shepard Peggy M. , Woodruff Tracey J. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractA key element of risk assessment is accounting for the full range of variability in response to environmental exposures. Default dose-response methods typically assume a 10-fold difference in response to chemical exposures between average (healthy) and susceptible humans, despite evidence of wider variability. Experts and authoritative bodies support using advanced techniques to better account for human variability due to factors such as in utero or early life exposure and exposure to multiple environmental, social, and economic stressors.This review describes: 1) sources of human variability and susceptibility in dose-response assessment, 2) existing US frameworks for addressing response variability in risk assessment; 3) key scientific inadequacies necessitating updated methods; 4) improved approaches and opportunities for better use of science; and 5) specific and quantitative recommendations to address evidence and policy needs.Current default adjustment factors do not sufficiently capture human variability in dose-response and thus are inadequate to protect the entire population. Susceptible groups are not appropriately protected under current regulatory guidelines. Emerging tools and data sources that better account for human variability and susceptibility include probabilistic methods, genetically diverse in vivo and in vitro models, and the use of human data to capture underlying risk and/or assess combined effects from chemical and non-chemical stressors.We recommend using updated methods and data to improve consideration of human variability and susceptibility in risk assessment, including the use of increased default human variability factors and separate adjustment factors for capturing age/life stage of development and exposure to multiple chemical and non-chemical stressors. Updated methods would result in greater transparency and protection for susceptible groups, including children, infants, people who are pregnant or nursing, people with disabilities, and those burdened by additional environmental exposures and/or social factors such as poverty and racism.