bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidence of sexually transmitted hepatitis C virus infection among men who have sex with men in Japan from 2009 to 2023
Authors: Adachi Eisuke , Saito Makoto , Kikuchi Tadashi , Ikeuchi Kazuhiko , Koga Michiko , Tsutsumi Takeya , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAlthough the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has decreased significantly with the advent of direct‐acting antiviral agents, HCV is known to spread as a sexually transmitted disease among men who have sex with men (MSM), and this study aims to provide a perspective on the future prevalence of HCV in Japan. We examined incidence in two groups of MSM with HIV attending our institution in this retrospective cohort study, from 2009 to 2019 and from 2020 to May 2023 and investigated their background factors. Twenty‐two cases were newly confirmed to be HCV infection in 2009–2019 and a total of 9 cases in 2020–2023, with an incidence rate of 5.04 per 1000 person‐years in 2009–2019 and 5.55 per 1000 person‐years in 2020–2023. All of them were diagnosed at routine outpatient visits for HIV, and few cases were considered to have symptoms of suspected hepatitis that led to a visit to the hospital and a diagnosis of HCV. Although HCV is still prevalent among MSM in Japan, it is possible that it would not have been diagnosed without testing at regular visits as in the case of people with HIV, and that the true prevalence rate among MSM, including non‐HIV‐infected persons, may be much higher.
Making journals more international: Language subject differences and impact performance
Authors: Li Jing , Yang Xue , Lu Xiaoli , Wu Dengsheng 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis study created a comprehensive Country Diversity Score (CDS) index to measure the degree of journal internationality from a diversity perspective, based on publishing authors' affiliation countries. It calculates CDS values and analyses their distribution across countries, publication languages, disciplines, subjects, and journal impact factor (JIF) quartiles for 11,481 journals, and addresses the correlation between CDS and JIF. Empirical studies indicate that journals with authors evenly distributed across more countries are more likely to obtain a higher CDS value. English publications have a relatively high CDS worldwide, and the non‐English publications of a country have a lower CDS than its English‐language publications. In addition, this study found a positive correlation between journal internationality and JIF in terms of the geographical distribution of publishing authors. Implications and recommendations for improving geographical authorship diversity, particularly in the context of internationalization, are discussed.
Design, Synthesis, in Silico and Biological Evaluation of Novel 4‐Aminopyrimidine‐5‐carbonitriles
Authors: Maalej Emna , Abdelmalek Dorra , Msalbi Dhouha , Aifa Sami , Ismaili Lhassane , Marco‐Contelles José , Chabchoub Fakher 
Published: August 2023

AbstractHerein we report that 4‐aminopyrimidine‐5‐carbonitriles 3 a–i were efficiently synthesized by reacting suitable 2‐(ethoxyalkylene)malononitriles 1 a–c with easily available amidine hydrochlorides 2 a–d, in good yields using a simple synthetic scheme. To predict their pharmacological properties a comprehensive in silico analysis was conducted. Consequently, appropriate compounds 3 a–h were screened for their antiproliferative activity against two colorectal‐cancer‐cell lines and one lung cancer cell line. These analyses revealed that 4‐amino‐6‐methyl‐2‐(p‐tolyl) pyrimidine‐5‐carbonitrile (3 c) and 4‐amino‐2‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐6‐methyl pyrimidine‐5‐carbonitrile (3 h) exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity against human LoVo and HCT‐116 cancer cells, and that the most potent inhibitory activity against human A549 cells was observed for compound 3 h.
A Larger Lens: Medical Students Benefit from Consciousness-Based Self-Care
Authors: Nader Tony , Carroll Richard J. , Travis Frederick W. , Bray James B. , Gruener Gregory , Rothenberg Stuart , Brown Duncan H. , Brown Carla L. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractJob burnout is a serious problem in medicine, leading to lost productivity, costly attrition, loss of well-being, and even loss of life through suicide. A major US medical school introduced a 2-credit elective course that featured the Transcendental Meditation® (TM®) technique to try to address this problem. This chapter reports on an 8-year study of medical students’ experiences with this course. The TM technique has been shown to reduce burnout and improve self-care and well-being through the development of consciousness. The authors use qualitative research and a grounded theory approach to assess the effects of this initiative. They report three major benefits. First, the technique addressed their most pressing needs: reducing stress and anxiety. Second, the students reported multiple positive benefits affecting many facets of health, well-being, and learning, including a spontaneous increase in compassion and empathy. Third, TM students reported gaining 2–5 hours of more productive time daily, plus improved relationships and teamwork.
Moduli trapping mechanism in modular flavor symmetric models
Authors: Kikuchi Shota , Kobayashi Tatsuo , Nasu Kaito , Yamada Yusuke 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
We discuss how the moduli in modular flavor symmetric models dynamically select enhanced symmetry points at which the residual modular symmetry renders extra matter fields massless. The moduli dynamics non-perturbatively produces the extra matter particles, which gives (time-dependent) effective potential that traps the moduli to enhanced symmetry points. We show analytic estimates of particle production rate consistent with numerical results, and the dynamics of moduli based on the analytic estimates.
A4 modular flavour model of quark mass hierarchies close to the fixed point τ = i∞
Authors: Petcov S. T. , Tanimoto M. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
We study the possibility to generate the quark mass hierarchies as well as the CKM quark mixing and CP violation without fine-tuning in a quark flavour model with modular A4 symmetry. The quark mass hierarchies are considered in the vicinity of the fixed point τ = i∞, τ being the vacuum expectation value of the modulus. We consider first a model in which the up-type and down-type quark mass matrices Mu and Md involve modular forms of level 3 and weights 6, 4 and 2 and each depends on four constant parameters. Two ratios of these parameters, gu and gd, can be sources of the CP violation. If Mu and Md depend on the same τ, it is possible to reproduce the up-type and down-type quark mass hierarchies in the considered model for |gu| ~ $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(10) with all other constants being in magnitude of the same order. However, reproducing the CP violation in the quark sector is problematic. A correct description of the quark mass hierarchies, the quark mixing and CP violation is possible close to τ = i∞ with all constant being in magnitude of the same order and complex gu and gd, if there are two different moduli τu and τd in the up-type and down-type quark sectors. We also consider the case of Mu and Md depending on the same τ and involving modular forms of weights 8, 4, 2 and 6, 4, 2, respectively, with Mu receiving a tiny SUSY breaking or higher dimensional operator contribution. Both the mass hierarchies of up-type and down-type quarks as well and the CKM mixing angles and CP violating phase are reproduced successfully with one complex parameter and all parameters being in magnitude of the same order. The relatively large value of Im τ, needed for describing the down-type quark mass hierarchies, is crucial for obtaining the correct up-type quark mass hierarchies.
Cathepsin S activity controls chronic stress-induced muscle atrophy and dysfunction in mice
Authors: Wan Ying , Piao Limei , Xu Shengnan , Meng Xiangkun , Huang Zhe , Inoue Aiko , Wang Hailong , Yue Xueling , Jin Xueying , Nan Yongshan , Shi Guo-Ping , Murohara Toyoaki , Umegaki Hiroyuki , Kuzuya Masafumi , Cheng Xian Wu 
Published: August 2023

AbstractExposure to chronic psychological stress (CPS) is an intractable risk factor for inflammatory and metabolic diseases. Lysosomal cysteinyl cathepsins play an important role in human pathobiology. Given that cathepsin S (CTSS) is upregulated in the stressed vascular and adipose tissues, we investigated whether CTSS participates in chronic stress-induced skeletal muscle mass loss and dysfunction, with a special focus on muscle protein metabolic imbalance and apoptosis. Eight-week-old male wildtype (CTSS+/+) and CTSS-knockout (CTSS−/−) mice were randomly assigned to non-stress and variable-stress groups. CTSS+/+ stressed mice showed significant losses of muscle mass, dysfunction, and fiber area, plus significant mitochondrial damage. In this setting, stressed muscle in CTSS+/+ mice presented harmful alterations in the levels of insulin receptor substrate 2 protein content (IRS-2), phospho-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, phospho-protein kinase B, and phospho-mammalian target of rapamycin, forkhead box-1, muscle RING-finger protein-1 protein, mitochondrial biogenesis-related peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-α, and apoptosis-related B-cell lymphoma 2 and cleaved caspase-3; these alterations were prevented by CTSS deletion. Pharmacological CTSS inhibition mimics its genetic deficiency-mediated muscle benefits. In C2C12 cells, CTSS silencing prevented stressed serum- and oxidative stress-induced IRS-2 protein reduction, loss of the myotube myosin heavy chain content, and apoptosis accompanied by a rectification of investigated molecular harmful changes; these changes were accelerated by CTSS overexpression. These findings demonstrated that CTSS plays a role in IRS-2-related protein anabolism and catabolism and cell apoptosis in stress-induced muscle wasting, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy for the control of chronic stress-related muscle disease in mice under our experimental conditions by regulating CTSS activity.
Irradiation dose to the swallowing apparatus impacts nutritional status in head and neck cancer patients—results from the prospective randomized HEADNUT trial
Authors: Finger Anna , Grohmann Maximilian , Krause Linda , Krüll Andreas , Petersen Cordula , Thieme Alexander , Rades Dirk , Löser Anastassia 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the influence of radiation dose to the swallowing muscles on the nutritional status in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing primary or adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy (C)RT.

Methods
Between 2018 and 2020, 61 patients were prospectively randomized into the so-called HEADNUT trial (head and neck cancer patients undergoing nutritional intervention). Follow-up was continued until 2022. Contouring of the swallowing apparatus included the superior (scm), middle (mcm), and inferior constrictor muscle (icm), the cricopharyngeal muscle (cphm), and the esophageal inlet. Nutritional status was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) at the beginning and the end of radiotherapy. The posttherapeutic nutritional status was evaluated by the BIA-derived fat-free mass index (FFMI; kg/m2). Malnutrition was assumed at FFMI values of < 15 (women) and < 17 (men) kg/m2. To find differences between dosimetric parameters in well- and malnourished patients, Mann–Whitney U test was used. To model the association between malnutrition and its potentially influencing variables, several logistic regression models were built.

Results
The following parameters differed between well- and malnourished patients at the end of therapy: icm Dmean, V40Gy (%), V50Gy (%), and V60Gy (%), and sphm V40Gy (%). After entering these parameters into a multivariable logistic regression model (dosimetric model), icm Dmean (b = −0.12; Exp(b) = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.78–1.0; p = 0.06) and icm V40Gy (%; b = 0.06; Exp(b) = 1.07; 95% CI: 1–1.13; p = 0.04) proved to be independent dosimetric predictors of malnutrition. We only determined the cut-off value for predicting malnutrition for icm V40Gy (%) since it was the only parameter which met p < 0.05. The optimal cut-off value for the predictor V40Gy (%) based on the Youden Index was 85.6%. Another logistic regression model (dosimetric-clinical model) consisted of icm V40 (%) and the clinical parameters tumor localization, malnutrition before RT, gender, and combined chemotherapy. It was confirmed that both icm V40% (b = −1.9; Exp(b) = −2.7; 95% CI: 0.01–0.8; p = 0.03) and malnutrition at baseline (b = −1.9; Exp(b) = 4.4; 95% CI: 8.4–816.6; p = 0.0002) were independent predictors of subsequent malnutrition the end of RT.

Conclusion
Establishment of a normal nutritional status before the start of RT and adherence to dose constraints for the swallowing apparatus may prevent malnutrition in head and neck cancer patients at the end of therapy. Specifically, we suggest an icm V40Gy (%) of more than 86% to be predictive for nutritional complications.
Vorhersage des postoperativen Sprachverstehens mit dem transkutanen teilimplantierbaren Knochenleitungshörsystem Osia®
Authors: Arndt Susan , Wesarg Thomas , Aschendorff Antje , Speck Iva , Hocke Thomas , Jakob Till Fabian , Rauch Ann-Kathrin 
Published: August 2023

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Das aktive transkutane, teilimplantierbare, osseointegrierte Knochenleitungssystem Cochlear™ Osia® (Fa. Cochlear, Sydney, Australien) ist seit April 2021 im deutschsprachigen Raum zugelassen. Das Osia ist für Patienten mit Schallleitungs- (SL-SH) oder kombinierter Schwerhörigkeit (komb-SH) mit einem mittleren Knochenleitungshörverlust von maximal 55 dB HL oder bei einseitiger Taubheit („single-sided deafness“, SSD) indiziert.

Ziel der Arbeit
Ziel dieser retrospektiven Untersuchung war es, die Prädiktion des postoperativen Sprachverstehens mit Osia zu untersuchen sowie die Ergebnisse des Sprachverstehens von Patienten mit komb-SH und einem geringen Dynamikbereich von weniger als 30 dB nach erfolgter Osia-Versorgung zu evaluieren.

Material und Methoden
Zwischen 2017 and 2022 wurden 29 erwachsene Patienten mit dem Osia versorgt, davon 10 Patienten (11 Ohren) mit SL-SH und 19 Patienten (25 Ohren) mit komb-SH. Die Patienten mit komb-SH wurden in 2 Gruppen aufgeteilt: komb-SH‑I mit über 4 Frequenzen gemittelter Hörschwelle in Knochenleitung („four-frequency pure-tone average“,(PTA4-KL)) ≥ 20 dB HL und < 40 dB HL (n = 15 Patienten, 20 Ohren) vs. komb-SH-II mit PTA4-KL ≥ 40 dB HL (n = 4 Patienten, 5 Ohren). Alle Patienten testeten präoperativ ein Knochenleitungsgerät am Softband. Präoperativ wurde das Sprachverstehen im Freiburger Einsilbertest unversorgt und mit Testsystem erfasst. Das maximale Einsilberverstehen (mEV) unversorgt und das Einsilberverstehen (EV) mit Testsystem bei 65 dB SPL wurde mit dem postoperativ erreichten EV mit Osia bei 65 dB SPL korreliert.

Ergebnisse
Die präoperative Vorhersage für das postoperative Ergebnis mit Osia war anhand des mEV mit höherer Varianzaufklärung als mit dem EV bei 65 dB SPL mit KL-Testgerät am Softband möglich. Das postoperative EV war am besten für die Patienten mit SL-SH und am schlechtesten für Patienten mit komb-SH mit einer PTA4-KL ≥ 40 dB HL vorhersagbar. Die Ergebnisse mit dem Testgerät am Softband zeigen eher das minimal erreichbare Ergebnis und das mEV eher das realistisch zu erreichende Ergebnis mit Osia.

Schlussfolgerung
Das Osia kann für die Versorgung von SL-SH und komb-SH unter Beachtung der Indikationsgrenzen eingesetzt werden. Auch die mittlere präoperative Knochenleitungshörschwelle liefert näherungsweise eine Abschätzung des postoperativen EV mit Osia, für das die genaueste Vorhersage anhand des präoperativen mEV erzielt wird. Die Vorhersagegenauigkeit reduziert sich ab einer PTA4-KL von ≥ 40 dB.
Linking MS1 and MS2 signals in positive and negative modes of LC-HRMS in untargeted metabolomics using the ROIMCR approach
Authors: Yamamoto Flávia Yoshie , Pérez-López Carlos , Lopez-Antia Ana , Lacorte Silvia , de Souza Abessa Denis Moledo , Tauler Romà 
Published: August 2023

AbstractData-independent acquisition (DIA) mode in liquid chromatography (LC) high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) has emerged as a powerful strategy in untargeted metabolomics for detecting a broad range of metabolites. However, the use of this approach also represents a challenge in the analysis of the large datasets generated. The regions of interest (ROI) multivariate curve resolution (MCR) approach can help in the identification and characterization of unknown metabolites in their mixtures by linking their MS1 and MS2 DIA spectral signals. In this study, it is proposed for the first time the analysis of MS1 and MS2 DIA signals in positive and negative electrospray ionization modes simultaneously to increase the coverage of possible metabolites present in biological systems. In this work, this approach has been tested for the detection and identification of the amino acids present in a standard mixture solution and in fish embryo samples. The ROIMCR analysis allowed for the identification of all amino acids present in the analyzed mixtures in both positive and negative modes. The methodology allowed for the direct linking and correspondence between the MS signals in their different acquisition modes. Overall, this approach confirmed the advantages and possibilities of performing the proposed ROIMCR simultaneous analysis of mass spectrometry signals in their differing acquisition modes in untargeted metabolomics studies.
Graphical Abstract
A Rigorous Derivation of the Functional Renormalisation Group Equation
Authors: Ziebell Jobst 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe functional renormalisation group equation is derived in a mathematically rigorous fashion in a framework suitable for the Osterwalder–Schrader formulation of quantum field theory. To this end, we devise a very general regularisation scheme which retains reflection positivity as well as the infinite degrees of freedom including smoothness. Furthermore, it is shown how the classical limit is altered by the regularisation process leading to an inevitable breaking of translation invariance. We also give precise conditions for the convergence of the obtained theories upon removal of the regularisation.
Optimal placement of flexible ureteral access sheath in retrograde intrarenal surgery
Authors: Chen Yujun , Cheng Xiaofeng , Yang Heng , Deng Wen , Chen Luyao , Wang Gongxian , Zhou Xiaochen 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis study aims to explore the optimal location of flexible ureteral access sheath (f-UAS) in retrograde intrarenal lithotripsy (RIRS). RIRS model was built by AutoCAD 2011 software, and imported COMSOL 5.6 software to computer simulation. An RIRS model was constructed in vitro to analyze the distribution pattern of stone fragments and compare the weight of stone fragments carried out by the irrigation fluid when the f-UAS is in different positions. Computer simulation showed that the highest flow of irrigation fluid was in the channel of flexible ureteroscopy (f-URS) and in the lumen of f-UAS. From the f-URS to the renal collection system and then to the f-UAS, the velocity of irrigation fluid changes gradually from high-flow to low-flow and then to high-flow. When the f-URS and the f-UAS are at the same level, the irrigation fluid is always at a state of high flow during the process from f-URS to f-UAS. When the f-URS and the f-UAS are at the same level, it can increase the local intrarenal pressure (IRP) at the front of f-URS. The stone fragments are mainly sediment in the low-flow region of irrigation fluid. More stone fragments could follow the irrigation fluid out of the body when the tip of f-URS and the tip of f-UAS are at the same level (P < 0.001). The f-UAS should be brought closer to the stone in RIRS. And more stone fragments can be taken out of the body by the effect of irrigation fluid.
Bioaccumulation, Bioindication and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Cape Horse Mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) and Slinger Seabream (Chrysoblephus puniceus) in the Durban Basin and Cape Vidal, South Africa
Authors: Debipersadh Sanjeev , Ogola Henry Joseph Oduor , Mearns Kevin , Selvarajan Ramganesh 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe bioaccumulation of heavy metals (HMs) in marine fish is a growing global concern due to potential human health risks. The study analyzed HM in the muscle tissue, gills, and gut of adult male and female cape horse mackerel and slinger seabream caught in the polluted Durban Basin and pristine Cape Vidal from April 2018 to February 2019. Results revealed interspecific, spatial, and organ-specific variability in HM levels. In the Durban Basin, slinger seabream had bioaccumulation (in mg/kg) of As (2.3 ± 0.2), Cr (2.6 ± 0.2), Ni (2.0 ± 0.1), and Pb (4.1 ± 0.3) while cape horse mackerel had Ni (1.6 ± 0.2), Pb (4.7 ± 0.6), and Zn (52 ± 3.01) exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) regulatory limits. Metal pollution index (MPI) values were also higher in Durban Basin (> 5.13) than Cape Vidal (< 3.32) for both species’ muscles. Liver and gills of slinger seabream and gut of cape horse mackerel exhibited higher HM accumulation patterns proportionate to the environmental concentrations, indicating the bioindicative potential of HM pollution by the two species. Risk assessment indicated that both fish species had target hazard quotient > 1 for Cr, and target cancer risk < 10–4 for Pb, implying significant potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks associated with fish consumption from the Durban Basin. The study recommends daily consumption limits of 16 g/day for slinger seabream and 14 g/day for cape horse mackerel to ensure health safety. The findings contribute to the understanding of HM pollution in the Durban Basin and provide important information for decision-makers and policymakers in developing effective strategies to mitigate and manage HM contamination in fish populations.