bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contribution of genetics and lifestyle to the risk of major cardiovascular and thromboembolic complications following COVID-19
Authors: Prieto-Alhambra Daniel , Xie Junqing , Feng Yuliang , Newby Danielle , Zheng Bang , Feng Qi , Prats-Uribe Albert , Li Chunxiao , Wareham Nick , Paredes Roger 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Clinical determinants for cardiovascular and thromboembolic (CVE) complications of COVID-19 are well-understood, but the roles of genetics and lifestyle remain unknown. We performed a prospective cohort study using UK Biobank, including 25,335 participants with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between March 1, 2020, and September 3, 2021. Outcomes were hospital-diagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF), coronary artery disease (CAD), ischemic stroke (ISS), and venous thromboembolism (VTE) within 90 days post-infection. Heritable risk was represented by validated polygenic risk scores (PRSs). Lifestyle was defined by a composite of nine variables. We estimated adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and confidence intervals (CI) using Cox proportional hazards models. In the COVID-19 acute phase, PRSs linearly predicted a higher risk of AF (aHR 1.52 per standard deviation increase, 95% CI 1.39 to 1.67), CAD (1.59, 1.40 to 1.81), and VTE (1.30, 1.11 to 1.53), but not ISS (0.92, 0.64 to 1.33). A healthy lifestyle was associated with a substantially lower risk of post-COVID-19 AF (0.70, 0.53 to 0.92), CAD (0.64, 0.44 to 0.91), and ISS (0.28, 0.12 to0.64), but not VTE (0.82, 0.48 to 1.39), compared with an unhealthy lifestyle. No evidence for interactions between genetics and lifestyle was found. Our results demonstrated that population genetics and lifestyle considerably influence cardiovascular complications following COVID-19, with implications for future personalised thromboprophylaxis and healthy lifestyle campaigns to offset the elevated cardiovascular disease burden imposed by the ongoing pandemic.
Association between periodontitis and uric acid levels in blood and oral fluids: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ye Luwen , Zhao Li , Mei Zesong , Zhou Yinghong , Yu Ting 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Uric acid, a formerly-known antioxidant that has recently been linked with many inflammatory diseases as a pro-inflammatory and -oxidative mediator in pathological conditions. It is imperative to reassess the association between periodontitis and uric acid in locally and systematically. The aim of this systematic review was to systemically evaluate the association of periodontitis with the uric acid (UA) levels in blood, saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF).
Methods
Relevant clinical studies up to July 1, 2022 were identified and retrieved from electronic databases, with periodontitis, uric acid, hyperuricemia and gout as the keywords. Weighted (WMD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated using fixed- or random-effect models. Methodological heterogeneity was assessed.
Results
Fifteen eligible retrospective studies (blood, n = 7; saliva, n = 8; GCF, n = 1) were enrolled, which included 1302 patients with periodontitis and 916 controls. Meta-analysis demonstrated a statistically enhanced blood UA content (WMD = 0.49 mg/dL, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.96, P = 0.042) but decreased salivary UA level (SMD = -0.95, 95% CI: -1.23 to -0.68, P < 0.001) in periodontitis versus control. Statistical heterogeneity was significant among studies involving blood (I2 = 94.3%, P < 0.001) but not saliva (I2 = 33.8%, P = 0.196).
Conclusions
Periodontitis is associated with higher UA levels in blood and lower UA levels in saliva. The indicative mechanisms need to be verified by further clinical and experimental studies. (Registration no. CRD42020172535 in Prospero).
Congenital coralliform cataract is the predominant consequence of a recurrent mutation in the CRYGD gene
Authors: Wang Kai-Jie , Wang Jue-Xue , Wang Jin-Da , Li Meng , Zhang Jing-Shang , Mao Ying-Yan , Wan Xiu-Hua 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background: Congenital cataract is a leading cause of treatable childhood blindness and both clinically and genetically heterogeneous. Among the already characterized phenotypes, coralliform cataract is a rare special form of congenital cataracts. Although previous studies had shown that mutations in the γD-crystallin (CRYGD) gene can result in congenital coralliform cataracts, no conclusive genotype-phenotype correlation might be drawn. Here we aimed to identify the spectrum and frequency of CRYGD gene mutations in congenital coralliform cataracts of Chinese origin.
Methods: The medical records of 392 Chinese families with congenital cataracts were reviewed between January 2011 and December 2021. The families, clinically documented to have congenital coralliform cataracts, were screened for mutations in candidate CRYGD gene. The genomic DNA of all subjects was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes. PCR amplified and direct sequencing were performed to identify the disease-causing mutation.
Results: A total of 12 families with coralliform cataracts were recruited in this study in the past 10 years, accounting for 3.1% of the families with congenital cataracts. Of the 12 families, all affected individuals presented with bilateral non-progressive coralliform cataracts since birth. A recurrent c.70 C>A (p. P24T) mutation in CRYGD was identified in 10 families (83.3%) with congenital cataract, which co-segregated with all affected individuals and was not observed in unaffected family members or ethnically matched normal controls.
Conclusions: The coralliform cataract is characterized by being bilateral, non-progressive and present at birth. A recurrent P24T CRYGD mutation occurs independently in 83.3% of the Chinese families with congenital coralliform cataracts and most likely represents a mutational hot spot, which underscore the relations between coralliform cataract and P24T CRYGD.
A Neural Network Model to Screen Feature Genes for Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Huang Jing , Zhou Yuting , Zhang Haoran , Wu Yiming 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
All the time, pancreatic cancer is a problem worldwide because of its high degree of malignancy and increased mortality. Neural network model analysis is an efficient and accurate machine learning method that can quickly and accurately predict disease feature genes. The aim of our research was to build a neural network model that would help screen out feature genes for pancreatic cancer diagnosis and prediction of prognosis. Our study confirmed that the neural network model is a reliable way to predict feature genes of pancreatic cancer, and immune cells infiltrating play an essential role in the development of pancreatic cancer, especially neutrophils. ANO1, AHNAK2, and ADAM9 were eventually identified as feature genes of pancreatic cancer, helping to diagnose and predict prognosis. Neural network model analysis provides us with a new idea for finding new intervention targets for pancreatic cancer.
Dose Emission and Aerodynamics Characterization of Tiotropium Particles Are Influenced by the Inhalation Rate and Number of Inhalations Per Inhaler Dose
Authors: alfadhel salman , Assi Khaled , Clark Brian , Chrystync Henry 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background: Emitted dose from an inhaler requires a formulation that can be successfully deposited to the lung to produce the desired clinical effect need to be in a sufficient particle-size or droplets to give rise to a therapeutic effect. The efficiency of the device depends on the drug formulation, the device design and the patient's inhalation profile.
Objectives: this article characterise the dose emitted from a tiotropium Handihaler (Spiriva, Boehringer Ingelheim) at different flow rates and effect of aerodynamic characterisations.
Methods: total dose emission (TDE) from each 18μg dose was determined using flow rates of 10-50 L min-1 and an inhaled volume of 2L. fine particle dose (FPD) and the mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) were determined over flow rates of 10-50 L minutes -1 using a mixing chamber attached to the modified Andersen Cascade Impactor (ACI) operated at 60L/minutes. (TDE) together with FPD were expressed as nominal dose percent, and MMAD in μ. The percentage of the dose remaining in the device at different flow rates was also determined.
Results: The results showing that the percentage nominal dos at inhalation flow rate of 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 and 50 L/min at the first inhalation represent 4.4, 11.9, 24.8, 29.9, 35.2 and 43.8 % respectively . furthermore the percentage of drug generated at second inhalation at the same inhalation flow rate equivalent to 6.0, 12.2, 24.8, 28.5, 35.6 and 44.9 % respectively. In addition the results demonstrate the percentage of the drug left in device at inhalation flow rate of 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 and 50 L/min after sequential inhalation represent 88.6, 75.3, 53.4, 42.4, 30.5 and 11.7 %. Consequently, the percentage nominal dos for the tiotropium bromide emitted for single dose Handihaler device at inhalation flow rate of 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 and 50 L/min defined as 13.7, 20.8, 27.4, 38.4, 47.7 and 59.4 % respectively. The value of Mass Median Aerodynamic Diameter (MMAD) range between 5.1 up to 2.6 µm at differ flow rate ranged between 10 up to 60 L/min with no significant changes.
Conclusions: It is concluded that Handihaler device works optimally at a two inhaled doses at higher flow rates, but may functions adequately at a lower flow rate.
Photoinduced Nickel-Catalyzed Reductive Acyl Cross-Coupling: Facile Access to All Carbon Quaternary Aliphatic Ketones
Authors: Xi Xiaoxiang , Chen Yukun , Yuan Weiming 
Published: January 2023

AbstractSterically hindered α-tertiary dialkyl ketones are difficult to synthesize via traditional organometallic approaches. Recently developed reductive acyl-coupling strategy provides an access to α-tertiary dialkyl ketones with using either tertiary acyl electrophiles or tertiary alkyl radical precursors. However, due to the large steric hindrance effect, tertiary acyl donors or alkyl donors are largely restricted to highly strained ring system, thus limited the broad substrate scope of more general tertiary alkyl carboxylic acid derivatives. Herein, we develop a photoinduced nickel-catalyzed reductive acyl-coupling reaction with two different carboxylic acid esters to synthesize steric bulky dialkyl ketones in the absence of exogenous photocatalyst or stoichiometric metal reductant. Various unstrained tertiary acyl electrophiles can couple with 1o, 2o, 3oalkyl radical to afford all carbon quaternary aliphatic ketones including α-tertiary amino ketones with satisfactory yields under mild conditions, which have been previously difficult to access or not yet to be explored in literature.
Synergistic inter-clonal cooperation involving crosstalk, co-option and co-dependency can enhance the invasiveness of genetically distant cancer clones
Authors: Carneiro Caroline , Hapeman Jorian , Nedelcu Aurora 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Despite intensive research, cancer remains a major health problem. The difficulties in treating cancer are due to the complex nature of this disease, including high levels of heterogeneity within tumours. Intra-tumour heterogeneity creates the conditions for inter-clonal competition and selection, which should result in selective sweeps and a reduction in levels of heterogeneity. However, in addition to competing, cancer clones could also cooperate with each other, and the positive effects of these interactions on the fitness of clones can actually contribute to maintaining the heterogeneity of tumours. Consequently, understanding the evolutionary mechanisms and pathways involved in such behaviours is of great significance for cancer treatment. This is particularly relevant for metastasis, which is the most lethal phase during cancer progression. To explore if and how genetically distant clones can cooperate during invasion, this study used three genetically distant cancer cell lines with different metastatic potentials.
Results
We found that (i) the conditioned media from the invasive lines increased the migration and invasion potential of the poorly metastatic line, and (ii) this inter-clonal interaction involved the TGF-β1 signalling pathway. Furthermore, when a highly and poorly metastatic lines were co-cultured, the invasive potential of both lines was enhanced, and this outcome was dependent on the co-option of the less aggressive clone into expressing a malignant phenotype. Based on our findings, we propose a two-tier model whereby highly metastatic clones can co-opt (through autocrine-paracrine crosstalk) weakly metastatic clones into expressing an invasive phenotype, which in turn augments the invasion ability of the former (i.e., a “help me help you” strategy).
Conclusions
We suggest that such synergistic cooperative interactions can easily emerge via crosstalk involving metastatic clones able to constitutively secrete molecules that induce and maintain their own malignant state (producer-responder clones) and clones that have the ability to respond to those signals (responder clones) and express a synergistic metastatic behaviour, regardless of the degree of overall genetic/genealogical relatedness. Taking into account the lack of therapies that directly affect the metastatic process, interfering with such cooperative behaviours that tumour cells engage in during the early steps in the metastatic cascade could provide additional strategies to increase patient survival.
Pharmacological inhibition of demethylzeylasteral on JAK-STAT signaling ameliorates vitiligo
Authors: Chang Yuqian , Kang Pan , Cui Tingting , Zhang Weigang , Du Pengran , Yi Xiuli , Guo Sen , Gao Tianwen , Li Chunying , Li Shuli 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Background:Activation of CD8+T cells and skin trafficking through JAK-STAT signaling play a central role in the development of vitiligo. Thus, it is effective at treating vitiligo with innovative drugs targeting the key pathogenesis. Natural products isolated from medicinal herbs are useful sources of new drugs. Demethylzeylasteral (T-96), one of the extracts of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, possesses the pharmacological properties of immunosuppression and anti-inflammation.Methods:The efficacy of T-96 was tested in our mouse model for vitiligo, and the numbers of CD8+T cells infiltration and melanocytes remaining were quantified in the epidermis using whole-mount tail staining. Immune regulation of T-96 in CD8+T cells was evaluated using flow cytometry. Pull-down assay, mass spectrum analysis, and molecular docking strategy were used to identify the target proteins of T-96 in CD8+T cells and keratinocytes.Results:Here, we found that T-96 reduced the number of infiltrating CD8+T cells in the epidermis using whole-mount tail staining and alleviated the extent of depigmentation with the comparable ability of Tofacitinib (Tofa) in our mouse model of vitiligo. Additionally,in vitroexperiments, we revealed that T-96 decreased the proliferation, and expression of CD69, IFN-γ, granzyme B, (GzmB), and perforin (PRF) of CD8+T cells isolated from patients with vitiligo. Results of pull-down assays combined with mass spectrum analysis and molecular docking showed that T-96 interacted with JAK3 in the protein lysis of CD8+T cells. Further, T-96 reduced the phosphorylation expression of JAK3 and STAT5 in the presence of IL-2 by using flow cytometry. Also, T-96 interacted with JAK2 in IFN-γ stressed keratinocytes, inhibited the activation of JAK2, decreased the total and phosphorylated protein levels of STAT1, and reduced the production and secretion of CXCL9 and CXCL10. Finally, T-96 reduced the expression of CXCR3, and the culture supernatants pretreated with T-96 under IFN-γ stressed keratinocytes markedly blocked the migration of CXCR3+CD8+T cells, which have similar effects to Tofa in vitro.Conclusion:Our findings demonstrated that T-96 might have positive therapeutic responses to vitiligo via the pharmacological inhibition of the effector functions and skin trafficking of CD8+T cells in part by JAK-STAT signaling.
The perfect birth: A content analysis of midwives’ posts about birth on Instagram
Authors: Marsh Anna , Hundley Vanora A. , Luce Ann , Richens Yana 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
There is limited research into how midwives use social media within their professional role. Small pilot studies have explored the introduction of social media into maternity practice and teaching but there is little evidence around how midwives use social media professionally. This is important as 89% of pregnant women turn to social media for advice during pregnancy, and how midwives use social media could be influencing women, their perception of birth and their decision making.
Methods
Aim: To analyse how midwives portray birth on the social media platform Instagram.
This is an observational mixed methods study using content analysis. Five ‘popular’ midwives from each country (UK, New Zealand, USA and Australia) were identified and their posts about birth collated from a one-year period (2020-21). Images/videos were then coded. Descriptive statistics enabled comparison of the posts by country. Categorisation was used to analyse and understand the content.
Results
The study identified 917 posts from the 20 midwives’ accounts, containing 1216 images/videos, with most coming from USA (n=466), and UK (n=239), Australia (n=205) and New Zealand (n=7) respectively. Images/videos were categorised into ‘Birth Positivity’, ‘Humour’, ‘Education’, ‘Birth Story’ and ‘Advertisement’. Midwives’ portrayals of birth represented a greater proportion of vaginal births, waterbirths and homebirths than known national birth statistics.
The most popular midwives identified mainly had private businesses (n=17). Both the midwives and women portrayed in images were primarily white, demonstrating a disproportionate representation.
Conclusion
There is a small midwifery presence on Instagram that is not representative of the broader profession, or the current picture of midwifery care. This paper is the first study to explore how midwives are using the popular social media platform Instagram to portray birth. It provides insight into how midwives post an un-medicalised, low risk representation of birth. Further research is recommended to explore midwives’ motivation behind their posts, and how pregnant and postnatal women engage with social media.
A new genus, Complexispora, with two new species, C. multistratosa and C. mediterranea, and Epigeocarpum japonicum sp. nov.
Authors: Blaszkowski Janusz , Yamato Masahide , Niezgoda Piotr , Zubek Szymon , Milczarski Paweł , Malinowski Ryszard , Malicka Malicka , Goto Bruno , Uszok Sylwia , Casieri Leonardo , Magurno Franco , Meller Edward 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Morphological analyses of three glomoid spore-producing fungi suggested that two of them are undescribed species of Glomeraceae or glomoid spore-producing members of Entrophospora in Entrophosporaceae (phylum Glomeromycota), and the third differed slightly from Dominikia glomerocarpica and Epigeocarpum crypticum, recently described in Glomeraceae. The first two fungi originated from the Mediterranean Sea sand dunes of the Peloponnese, Greece, and the third was originally found in a tree plantation in Yokohama City, Japan. Phylogenetic analyses of sequences of the 45S nuc rDNA region and the RPB1 gene showed that the three fungi are undescribed species in Glomeraceae. The first two species represented a new genus, here described as Complexispora with C. multistratosa sp. nov. and C. mediterranea sp. nov. The third species enlarged the monospecific genus Epigeocarpum, as E. japonicum.
Neural Control of Instantaneous Kinematics of Eye-Head Gaze Shifts in Monkey Superior Colliculus
Authors: Opstal A. John Van 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The midbrain superior colliculus (SC) is a crucial sensorimotor stage for programming and execution of saccadic eye-head gaze shifts. Although it is well established that cells in the SC encode a neural command that specifies the coordinates of the upcoming gaze-shift vector, there is controversy about the role of the firing rate dynamics of SC neurons in generating saccades. In our earlier work, we proposed a simple quantitative model that explains how the recruited SC population specifies the detailed kinematics (trajectories and velocity profiles) of head-restrained saccadic eye movements. We here show that the same principles may apply to a wide range of saccadic eye-head gaze shifts with strongly varying kinematics. This is quite surprising, given the substantial nonlinearities and redundancy in programming and execute goal-directed eye-head gaze shifts to peripheral targets. We hypothesize that our findings provide additional evidence for an important role of the SC in the optimal control of saccades.
Effectiveness of family-centred sexual health education and HPV self-sampling in promoting cervical cancer screening among hard-to-reach Indian women in rural and tribal areas: A community-based pilot study
Authors: Vahabi Mandana , Mishra Gauravi , Wong Josephine Pui-Hing , Pimple Sharmila , Prakash Vijayshree , Khan Momina , Anand Kavita , Narushima Miya , Lofters Aisha K. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background:
While cervical cancer deaths have declined steeply in high-income countries due to the widespread use of the Papanicolaou test (Pap test), the same trend has not emerged in low or middle-income countries (LMICs). Access to screening in LMICs like India is limited due to barriers such as limited healthcare infrastructures, lack of sexual health education, and stigma demarcating sexually transmitted infections (STIs). HPV self-sampling (HPV-SS), a woman–centered and at-home method for screening, can be utilized as a unique screening tool to overcome some of these barriers. Our study examined the effectiveness of HPV-SS, supported by family-centred arts-based sexual health literacy on the uptake of cervical cancer screening among hard-to-reach women in rural and remote areas in India.
Methods:
Our community-based mixed methods pilot study recruited 240 participants (120 women and 120 male partners or family members) through female Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) across 3 Indian villages of Shirgoan, Khodala, and Jamsar in Palghar district. Inclusion criteria included women ages 30–69 who were under or never screened (UNS) and their male partners/family members aged 18 or over. Knowledge and attitudes about cervical cancer and screening and their perceived stigma surrounding STI were assessed using validated scales prior to and after attending a 2-hour arts-based sexual health education (SHE). In addition, participants’ uptake of cervical cancer screening was assessed after attendance in SHE.
Findings:
Results revealed significant improvement in knowledge and attitudes about cervical cancer and screening, and a reduction in the STI stigma after participation in SHE sessions (overall mean difference in Knowledge: z = 6.1 ± 2.4, P < 0.001; attitudes about Pap-test and VIA: z = 2.2 ± 8.4, P < 0.001 and z = 2.9 ± 8.2, P < 0.001; STI stigma: z = 2.8 ± 12.4, P < 0.001). 118 out of 120 female participants chose to be screened and 115 opted for HPV-SS.
Conclusions:
The implementation of HPV-SS coupled with family-centered arts-based and culturally appropriate SHE is highly promising in promoting cervical cancer screening among hard-to-reach women. Evidence from our study can be used to advance public health policies and inform the scale-up of similar initiatives in other villages and states across rural India and other LMICs.