bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A prospective case–cohort analysis of plasma metabolites and breast cancer risk
Authors: Stevens Victoria L. , Carter Brian D. , Jacobs Eric J. , McCullough Marjorie L. , Teras Lauren R. , Wang Ying 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundBreast cancer incidence rates have not declined despite an improvement in risk prediction and the identification of modifiable risk factors, suggesting the need to identify novel risk factors and etiological pathways involved in this cancer. Metabolomics has emerged as a promising tool to find circulating metabolites associated with breast cancer risk.MethodsUntargeted metabolomic analysis was done on prediagnostic plasma samples from a case–cohort study of 1695 incident breast cancer cases and a 1983 women subcohort drawn from Cancer Prevention Study 3. The associations of 868 named metabolites (per one standard deviation increase) with breast cancer were determined using Prentice-weighted Cox proportional hazards regression modeling.ResultsA total of 11 metabolites were associated with breast cancer at false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05 with the majority having inverse association [ranging from RR = 0.85 (95% CI 0.80–0.92) to RR = 0.88 (95% CI 0.82–0.94)] and one having a positive association [RR = 1.14 (95% CI 1.06–1.23)]. An additional 50 metabolites were associated at FDR < 0.20 with inverse associations ranging from RR = 0.88 (95% CI 0.81–0.94) to RR = 0.91 (95% CI 0.85–0.98) and positive associations ranging from RR = 1.13 (95% CI 1.05–1.22) to RR = 1.11 (95% CI 1.02–1.20). Several of these associations validated the findings of previous metabolomic studies. These included findings that several progestogen and androgen steroids were associated with increased risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women and four phospholipids, and the amino acids glutamine and asparagine were associated with decreased risk of this cancer in pre- and postmenopausal women. Several novel associations were also identified, including a positive association for syringol sulfate, a biomarker for smoked meat, and 3-methylcatechol sulfate and 3-hydroxypyridine glucuronide, which are metabolites of xenobiotics used for the production of pesticides and other products.ConclusionsOur study validated previous metabolite findings and identified novel metabolites associated with breast cancer risk, demonstrating the utility of large metabolomic studies to provide new leads for understanding breast cancer etiology. Our novel findings suggest that consumption of smoked meats and exposure to catechol and pyridine should be investigated as potential risk factors for breast cancer.
A Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial of scalable interventions for ART delivery in South Africa: the SMART ART study
Authors: van Heerden Alastair , Szpiro Adam , Ntinga Xolani , Celum Connie , van Rooyen Heidi , Essack Zaynab , Barnabas Ruanne 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundOf the 8 million people in South Africa living with HIV, 74% of persons living with HIV are on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 65% are virally suppressed. Detectable viral load results in HIV-associated morbidity and mortality and HIV transmission. Patient barriers to care, such as missed wages, transport costs, and long wait times for clinic visits and ART refills, are associated with detectable viral load. HIV differentiated service delivery (DSD) has simplified ART delivery for clients who achieve viral suppression and engage in care. However, DSD needs adaptation to serve clients who are not engaged in care.MethodsA Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial will be undertaken in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, to test adaptive ART delivery for persons with detectable viral load and/or who are not engaged in care. The types of differentiated service delivery (DSD) which will be examined in this study are clinic-based incentives, community-based smart lockers, and home delivery. The study plans to enroll up to 900 participants-people living with HIV, eligible for ART, and who are not engaged in care. The study aims to assess the proportion of ART-eligible persons living with HIV who achieve viral suppression at 18 months. The study will also evaluate the preferences of clients and providers for differentiated service delivery and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of adaptive HIV treatment for those who are not engaged in care.DiscussionTo increase population-level viral suppression, persons with detectable viral load need responsive DSD interventions. A Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial (SMART) design facilitates the evaluation of a stepped, adaptive approach to achieving viral suppression with “right-sized” interventions for patients most in need of effective and efficient HIV care delivery strategies.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT05090150. Registered on October 22, 2021
Rectal stimulation with prebiotics and probiotics before ileostomy reversal: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Marcelino Marília , Tustumi Francisco , Gerbasi Lucas Soares , Pandini Rafael Vaz , de Souza Novo Rafaela , de Araujo Marleny Novaes Figueiredo , Oliveira Elis , Seid Victor Edmond , Araujo Sergio Eduardo Alonso 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundIleostomy closure is associated with a high rate of postoperative morbidity, and adynamic ileus is the most common complication, with an incidence of up to 32%. This complication is associated with delayed initiation of oral diet intake, abdominal distention, prolonged hospital stay, and more significant patient discomfort. The present study aims to evaluate the rectal stimulus with prebiotics and probiotics before ileostomy reversal.MethodsThis is a protocol study for an open-label randomized controlled clinical trial. Ethical approval was received (CAAE: 56551722.6.0000.0071). The following criteria will be used for inclusion: adult patients with rectal cancer stages cT3/4Nx or cTxN+ that underwent loop protection ileostomy, patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, and patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic total mesorectal excision. Patients will be randomized to one of two groups. The intervention group (with rectal stimulus): the patients will apply 500 ml of saline solution with 6 g of Simbioflora® rectally, once a day, for 15 days before ileostomy closure. The control group (without rectal stimulation): the patients will close the ileostomy with no previous rectal stimulus. The primary outcomes will be the adynamic ileus (need for postoperative nasogastric tube insertion; nausea/vomiting; or intolerance to oral feedings within the first 72 h) and intestinal transit (time to first evacuation/flatus).ResultsThe patient’s enrollment starts in January 2023. We expect to finish in July 2025.DiscussionThe findings of this randomized clinical study may have important implications for managing patients undergoing ileostomy reversal.Trial registrationThis study is registered in the Brazilian Trial Registry (ReBEC) under RBR-366n64w. Registration date: 19/07/2022
Minimum important difference is minimally important in sample size calculations
Authors: Wong Hubert 
Published: January 2023

AbstractPerforming a sample size calculation for a randomized controlled trial requires specifying an assumed benefit (that is, the mean improvement in outcomes due to the intervention) and a target power. There is a widespread belief that judgments about the minimum important difference should be used when setting the assumed benefit and thus the sample size. This belief is misguided — when the purpose of the trial is to test the null hypothesis of no treatment benefit, the only role that the minimum important difference should be given is in determining whether the sample size should be zero, that is, whether the trial should be conducted at all.The true power of the trial depends on the true benefit, so the calculated sample size will result in a true power close to the target power used in the calculation only if the assumed benefit is close to the true benefit. Hence, the assumed benefit should be set to a value that is considered a realistic estimate of the true benefit. If a trial designed using a realistic value for the assumed benefit is unlikely to demonstrate that a meaningful benefit exists, the trial should not be conducted. Any attempt to reconcile discrepancies between the realistic estimate of benefit and the minimum important difference when setting the assumed benefit merely conflates a valid sample size calculation with one based on faulty inputs and leads to a true power that fails to match the target power.When calculating sample size, trial designers should focus efforts on determining reasonable estimates of the true benefit, not on what magnitude of benefit is judged important.
Increasing lysine level improved methanol assimilation toward butyric acid production in Butyribacterium methylotrophicum
Authors: Wang Jing , Liao Yang , Qin Jialun , Ma Chen , Jin Yuqi , Wang Xin , Chen Kequan , Ouyang Pingkai 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Methanol, a promising non-food fermentation substrate, has gained increasing interest as an alternative feedstock to sugars for the bio-based production of value-added chemicals. Butyribacterium methylotrophicum, one of methylotrophic-acetogenic bacterium, is a promising host to assimilate methanol coupled with CO2 fixation for the production of organic acids, such as butyric acid. Although the methanol utilization pathway has been identified in B. methylotrophicum, little knowledge was currently known about its regulatory targets, limiting the rational engineering to improve methanol utilization.

Results
In this study, we found that methanol assimilation of B. methylotrophicum could be significantly improved when using corn steep liquor (CSL) as the co-substrate. The further investigation revealed that high level of lysine was responsible for enhanced methanol utilization. Through the transcriptome analysis, we proposed a potential mechanism by which lysine confers improved methylotrophy via modulating NikABCDE and FhuBCD transporters, both of which are involved in the uptake of cofactors essential for enzymes of methanol assimilation. The improved methylotrophy was also confirmed by overexpressing NikABCDE or FhuBCD operon. Finally, the de novo synthetic pathway of lysine was further engineered and the methanol utilization and butyric acid production of B. methylotrophicum were improved by 63.2% and 79.7%, respectively. After an optimization of cultivation medium, 3.69 g/L of butyric acid was finally achieved from methanol with a yield of 76.3%, the highest level reported to date.

Conclusion
This study revealed a novel mechanism to regulate methanol assimilation by lysine in B. methylotrophicum and engineered it to improve methanol bioconversion to butyric acid, culminating in the synthesis of the highest butyric acid titer reported so far in B. methylotrophicum. What’s more, our work represents a further advancement in the engineering of methylotrophic-acetogenic bacterium to improve C1-compound utilization.

Graphical Abstract
Effects of sweet potato intercropping in banana orchard on soil microbial population diversity
Authors: Li Yanpei , Lin Jiaqi , Xiao Shixiang , Feng Dou , Deng Yingyi , Xuan Weiyan 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Purpose
This study was purposely designed to understand the effects of intercropping banana and sweet potato on soil microbial community. The research question addressed was what were the differences in population number, population diversity and dominant population of soil microorganisms between interplant bananas with sweet potatoes and banana monoculture.

Methods
The Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing technology was used to detect and analyse the population composition and structure of soil microorganisms in banana field.

Results
The results showed that from May to September, the number of soil bacterial population in intercropping sweet potato was 5.54-28.67% higher than that in monoculture, and the richness and diversity of the population were significantly or extremely significantly higher than that in monoculture. The number of dominant bacterial population was less than that in monoculture, and the relative abundance of non dominant population was 10.58 - 58.81% higher than that in monoculture. The number, abundance and diversity of soil fungal populations in intercropping were higher than those in monoculture.

Conclusions
The intercropping of banana and sweet potato has a significant effect on regulating the composition structure of soil microbial population and improving the abundance and diversity of microbial population. There has a great significance to improve the micro ecological environment of banana root soil and promote the stable and sustainable development of banana industry.
Detection and quantification of a focal fat deposition in a liver undergoing multiple operations for neuroendocrine tumor disease using attenuation imaging: a case report
Authors: Miller Elisabeth , Kratzer Wolfgang , Kestler Angelika 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
In patients with history of malignancy, new-onset liver lesions often present diagnostic challenges. We present the case of a patient with history of neuroendocrine tumor and new-onset echo-rich hepatic lesion, in whom attenuation imaging helped to make the diagnosis. Attenuation imaging is an ultrasound-based technique that allows for the quantification of hepatic fat content on the basis of a measurement of sound attenuation.

Case presentation
We present the case of a 62-year-old Caucasian female patient who underwent pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy Whipple surgery in 2004 for histologically well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor with a proliferation rate of 3% of the pancreatic head. During the course, single liver metastases were resected in 2009, 2010, and 2013. In 2019, hemihepatectomy was performed when two liver metastases recurred. The liver metastases each showed a proliferation rate of 10% with vigorous expression of chromogranin A, synaptophysin, and somatostatin. The most recent follow-up examinations showed a normal chromogranin A value and the patient reported a good general condition. However, sonography revealed a blurred, echoic lesion in the liver. On contrast-enhanced sonography, the lesion showed identical behavior to the surrounding liver parenchyma. In the asymptomatic patient, liver biopsy did not seem to be indicated at the current time. Measurement of the attenuation coefficient by attenuation imaging showed a significantly higher measurement in the area of the echo-rich lesion than in the rest of the liver. The overall findings are consistent with focal fat deposition.

Conclusions
Attenuation imaging appears to be useful in the evaluation of unclear echo-rich liver lesions. In particular, primary non-malignant-appearing liver lesions that are unremarkable on abdominal contrast-enhanced ultrasound can be more accurately assessed.
Vessel-by-vessel analysis of lower extremity 18F-NaF PET/CT imaging quantifies diabetes- and chronic kidney disease-induced active microcalcification in patients with peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Chou Ting-Heng , Rimmerman Eleanor T. , Patel Surina , Wynveen Molly K. , Eisert Susan N. , Musini Kumudha Narayana , Janse Sarah A. , Bobbey Adam J. , Sarac Timur P. , Atway Said A. , Go Michael R. , Stacy Mitchel R. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) imaging with fluorine-18 (18F)-sodium fluoride (NaF) provides assessment of active vascular microcalcification, but its utility for evaluating diabetes mellitus (DM)- and chronic kidney disease (CKD)-induced atherosclerosis in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has not been comprehensively evaluated. This study sought to use 18F-NaF PET/CT to quantify and compare active microcalcification on an artery-by-artery basis in healthy subjects, PAD patients with or without DM, and PAD patients with or without CKD. Additionally, we evaluated the contributions of DM, CKD, statin use and established CT-detectable calcium to 18F-NaF uptake for each lower extremity artery.

Methods
PAD patients (n = 48) and healthy controls (n = 8) underwent lower extremity 18F-NaF PET/CT imaging. Fused PET/CT images guided segmentation of arteries of interest (i.e., femoral-popliteal, anterior tibial, tibioperoneal trunk, posterior tibial, and peroneal) and quantification of 18F-NaF uptake. 18F-NaF uptake was assessed for each artery and compared between subject groups. Additionally, established calcium burden was quantified for each artery using CT calcium mass score. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate DM, CKD, statin use, and CT calcium mass as predictors of 18F-NaF uptake in PAD.

Results
PAD patients with DM or CKD demonstrated significantly higher active microcalcification (i.e., 18F-NaF uptake) for all arteries when compared to PAD patients without DM or CKD. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that concomitant DM or CKD was associated with increased microcalcification for all arteries of interest and this increased disease risk remained significant after adjusting for patient age, sex, and body mass index. Statin use was only associated with decreased microcalcification for the femoral-popliteal artery in multivariate analyses. Established CT-detectable calcium was not significantly associated with 18F-NaF uptake for 4 out of 5 arteries of interest.

Conclusions
18F-NaF PET/CT imaging quantifies vessel-specific active microcalcification in PAD that is increased in multiple lower extremity arteries by DM and CKD and decreased in the femoral-popliteal artery by statin use. 18F-NaF PET imaging is complementary to and largely independent of established CT-detectable arterial calcification. 18F-NaF PET/CT imaging may provide an approach for non-invasively quantifying vessel-specific responses to emerging anti-atherogenic therapies or CKD treatment in patients with PAD.
Probability of informed trading during the COVID-19 pandemic: the case of the Romanian stock market
Authors: Cepoi Cosmin Octavian , Dragotă Victor , Trifan Ruxandra , Iordache Andreea 
Published: January 2023

AbstractUsing data from the Bucharest Stock Exchange, we examine the factors influencing the probability of informed trading (PIN) during February—October 2020, a COVID-19 pandemic period. Based on an unconditional quantile regression approach, we show that PIN exhibit asymmetric dependency with liquidity and trading costs. Furthermore, building a customized database that contains all insider transactions on the Bucharest Stock Exchange, we reveal that these types of orders monotonically increase the information asymmetry from the 50th to the 90th quantile throughout the PIN distribution. Finally, we bring strong empirical evidence associating the level of information asymmetry to the level of fake news related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This novel result suggests that during episodes when the level of PIN is medium to high (between 15 and 50%), any COVID-19 related news classified as misinformation released during the lockdown period, is discouraging informed traders to place buy or sell orders conditioned by their private information.
Efficacy of mometasone furoate nasal spray in the treatment of acute rhinosinusitis
Authors: Shrestha Sandeep , Joshi Rupesh Raj , Shrestha Swikriti 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) refers to a group of disorders characterized by inflammation of the respiratory epithelium of the nose and paranasal sinuses lasting from 7 to 28 days. In the treatment of ARS in addition to an antibiotic, intranasal corticosteroids hasten the clearance of bacteria, decrease the frequency and severity of disease recurrence, and reduce the duration of infection. The purpose is to compare the efficacy of the combination of mometasone furoate nasal spray (MFNS) with amoxicillin and amoxicillin alone in the treatment of acute rhinosinusitis. A total of 120 patients (≥ 12 years) were randomized into 2 groups: group A (N: 60) receiving amoxicillin 500 mg thrice daily alone and group B (N: 60) receiving amoxicillin 500 mg thrice daily and MFNS 200 μg twice daily for 7 days. Patients were followed up after 7 days. The Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) questionnaire was taken before and after. The total score of SNOT-22 was compared between the groups.

Results
There was a reduction in the mean total SNOT score in both groups from 21.32 ± 11.29 to 9.37 ± 6.55 in group A and from 26.68 ± 11.97 to 3.07 ± 3.46 in group B which were statistically significant (p < 0.001) in both groups. The posttreatment mean score with the amoxicillin group was 9.31 ± 6.55 and that of the amoxicillin and mometasone furoate group was 3.07 ± 3.46, and their mean difference was 6.3 ± 0.95. In comparison, MFNS with amoxicillin was significantly (p < 0.001) superior than amoxicillin alone.

Conclusion
Patients receiving amoxicillin alone or amoxillin with MFNS, both showed improvement of symptoms in ARS. However, amoxicillin with MFNS showed significantly higher improvement and relief of symptoms in ARS than amoxicillin alone.
Risk of Major Psychiatric Disorders Among Children and Adolescents Surviving Malignancies: A Nationwide Longitudinal Study
Authors: Hsu Tien-Wei , Liang Chih-Sung , Tsai Shih-Jen , Bai Ya-Mei , Su Tung-Ping , Chen Tzeng-Ji , Chen Mu-Hong 
Published: January 2023

PURPOSE Evidence suggests an increased long-term risk of major psychiatric disorders (MPDs) in childhood and adolescent cancer survivors (CACSs). However, definitive conclusions regarding such associations and whether such associations vary for different types of cancers remain unclear. METHODS Using a nationwide data set from 2001 to 2011, we enrolled CACSs and likewise randomly selected individuals without cancer from the general population (1:10 ratio) who were matched to the CACSs with regard to demographic data. We investigated eight organ system–related cancers. The primary outcomes were the risks of seven MPD diagnoses: autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (BD), major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder. RESULTS CACSs (n = 5,121; mean age = 9.08 years) showed increased risks of six MPD diagnoses than controls (n = 51,210), with results as follows (in descending order): ASD (hazard ratio [HR], 10.42; associated 95% CI, 4.58 to 23.69), ADHD (HR, 6.59; 95% CI, 4.91 to 8.86), BD (HR, 2.93; 95% CI, 1.26 to 6.80), MDD (HR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.26 to 2.79), OCD (HR, 3.37; 95% CI, 1.33 to 8.52), and post-traumatic stress disorder (HR, 6.10; 95% CI, 1.46 to 25.54). CACSs also showed earlier ages at diagnoses of ADHD, schizophrenia, MDD, and OCD than controls. The risks of MPD diagnoses vary according to specific cancer types/categories. Brain cancer and lymphatic/hematopoietic tissue cancer were associated with the greatest number of MPD diagnoses (ie, each was associated with six diagnoses). In addition, ASD and ADHD were associated with most organ system–related cancers (ie, each was associated with five categories). CONCLUSION We found that CACSs were at higher risks of MPD diagnoses than controls. Follow-up care should include psychosocial interventions focusing on early signs of mental health problems and early interventions in this high-risk group.