bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of gestational age and fetal sex on metabolism of creatine by uteri, placentae, and fetuses of pigs
Authors: Sah Nirvay , Stenhouse Claire , Halloran Katherine M , Moses Robyn M , Newton Makenzie G , Seo Heewon , Cain Joe W , Lefevre Carli M , Johnson Gregory A , Wu Guoyao , Bazer Fuller W 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The creatine (Cr) biosynthesis pathway buffers adenosine triphosphate in metabolically active tissues. We investigated whether sex of fetus and day of gestation influence Cr in endometrial and conceptus tissues from gilts on days 60 and 90 (n = 6 gilts/day) of gestation. Uterine and conceptus tissues associated with one male and one female fetus from each gilt were analyzed for creatine, messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and proteins for Cr biosynthesis. Total Cr decreased in amniotic fluid but increased in allantoic fluid between days 60 and 90 of gestation for male (P &lt; 0.05) but not for female fetuses (P &gt; 0.05). Endometrial expression of creatine kinase, muscle (CKM), creatine kinase mitochondrial type 1 (CKMT1), and solute carrier family 6, member 8 (SLC6A8) mRNAs increased (P &lt; 0.05) between days 60 and 90 only for female fetuses. On day 60, expression of creatine kinase, brain (CKB) and CKMT1 mRNAs was greater (P &lt; 0.05) for placentae of female than male fetuses. Livers of male fetuses had greater expression of arginine:glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT) and CKB than for females on day 60, while kidneys of female fetuses had greater expression of guanidinoacetate-N-methyltransferase (GAMT) than male fetuses on day 90 (P &lt; 0.05). Localization of GAMT, CKB, CKMT1, and SLC6A8 proteins to uterine and chorionic epithelium was not influenced by gestational age or fetal sex. Arginine-glycine amidinotransferase localized to fetal kidneys and appeared greater on day 90 than on day 60 in both sexes. Thus, expression of the creatine–creatine kinase–phosphocreatine system at the uterine–conceptus interface is affected by gestational age and fetal sex to influence energy homeostasis in pigs.
Melanoma: assessment and management summary of the 2022 update of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines
Authors: Smith Myles J , Peach Howard , Keohane Steve , Lear John , Jamieson Lynne A , Mohamed Hesham S ,   the NICE Melanoma Assessment and Management guideline committee, Molyneux Andrew , Lear John , Bolland Will , Burkill Guy , Cheetham Susan , Collier Fiona , Godsell Gillian , Hemington-Gorse Sarah , James Ian , Jamieson Lynne A , Keohane Stephen , Parkinson Christine , Peach Howard , Reeken Saskia , Smith Myles J , Sworm Delia , Watkins Steven , Chauhan Dharmisha , Wilne Sophie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, accounting for 4% of all new cases of cancer, with a predicted 7% increase in incidence between 2014 and 2035. In parallel, since the initial publication of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) melanoma guidelines in 2015, there has been a paradigm shift in the management of the disease, with the introduction of effective systemic therapies. These innovations have reshaped the management of melanoma throughout the patient journey, and improved clinical outcomes. Surgical management has evolved, with the role of sentinel node biopsy in staging and management of regional lymph nodes becoming clearly defined, and a reduction in the need and indications for morbid block dissections. In advanced disease, effective therapies have allowed a de-escalation of surgery, changing the role and sequencing of local therapies. Regional therapies for in-transit disease have expanded and are effective in controlling this pattern of disease as part of multidisciplinary care. These advances have undoubtedly improved the care for people with melanoma, but they have also increased the complexity of management. In this context, this article seeks to summarize the most relevant of the recent updates to the NICE guidelines.
Natural History and Long Term Follow-Up of Incidental Thyroid Nodules on Computed Tomography Imaging
Authors: Lyuman Eda , McArthur Claire 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objectives
incidental thyroid nodules (ITNs) are found in up to 25% of CT scans. Increased use of cross-sectional imaging has contributed to the increased incidence of thyroid cancer worldwide. ITNs pose a management dilemma since nodule malignancy rate is 5-15% but most cancers are indolent and prognosis in differentiated thyroid cancer is excellent. Study aims are to determine prevalence of ITNs ≥1 cm on CT scans, evaluate reporting practices, assess for emergence of clinically evident thyroid cancer during 13-year follow-up and assess interim nodule growth and clinical outcomes in nodules that were further investigated.

Methods
direct image review of 1499 consecutive CT scans that included the thyroid, performed during January 2009 in a large NHS health board was performed. Clinical data up to January 2022 was analysed in 150 patients with at least one ITN &gt; =1cm.

Results
ITN prevalence was 11% with mean patient age 70 years and mean nodule diameter 17.5 mm. 30% of ITNs were mentioned in the CT report. During the follow-up period 11% proceeded to thyroid ultrasound, 5% fine needle aspiration and 2% diagnostic hemithyroidectomy with no thyroid malignancy found. 120 patients (80%) were deceased by the study endpoint, none from thyroid malignancy. No patients presented with clinically evident thyroid malignancy during follow-up.

Conclusions
None of150 ITN cases developed clinically evident thyroid malignancy in a 13-year follow-up period with 80% of patients deceased by the study endpoint from non-thyroid causes.

Advances in knowledge
This would suggest that ITNs detected on CT do not require further investigation unless malignant appearances or significant clinical concern for thyroid malignancy.
Anti-nephrin antibody: a potential biomarker of minimal change disease
Authors: Chen Qiaoling , Chen Sihui , Ye Qiuping , Lin Wanjun , Liao Yonggen , Xiong Yunfeng , Xu Jiaming , Gao Ruiyu , Li Binbin , Liu Lifang , Wei Lixin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Minimal change disease (MCD) is a common pathological type of nephrotic syndrome in children and adults, and the mechanisms remain obscure. The diagnosis of MCD still relies on renal biopsy, lacking effective biological markers. This study explores the diagnostic value of circulating anti-nephrin antibody in MCD patients and evaluates the correlation with disease activity indicators such as proteinuria.

Methods
The study included 108 adult patients with glomerular disease, including 36 with MCD, 16 with primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), 20 with primary membranous nephropathy (PMN), 17 with diabetic nephropathy (DN) and 19 with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). 20 healthy volunteers were included. Circulating anti-nephrin antibody was detected by indirect immunofluorescence method of cell-based assay (CBA). The ROC curve was used to evaluate the role of circulating anti-nephrin antibody in the diagnosis of MCD. The correlations between anti-nephrin antibody and clinical parameters were analyzed.

Results
The prevalence of circulating anti-nephrin antibody was 19.44% (7 of 36) in MCD, and 26.92% (7 of 26) in MCD patients with nephrotic proteinuria, which were higher than FSGS, PMN, DN, IgAN and healthy volunteer. The ROC curve showed that the sensitivity of anti-nephrin antibody used in the diagnosis of MCD was 19.4% and the specificity was 97.8%. The MCD patients with positive anti-nephrin antibody had heavier proteinuria, higher serum lipid levels, while lower serum albumin and blood IgG levels. Anti-nephrin antibody might turn to negative when the MCD patient had response to therapy.

Conclusions
Circulating anti-nephrin antibody may be a potential biomarker of MCD and may play a role in the MCD diagnosis.
Cardiovascular Risk Prediction in Hemodialysis Patients using the Triglyceride-Glucose Index: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lee Yu Ho , Kang Seok Hui , Kim Dae Kyu , Kim Jin Sug , Jeong Kyung Hwan , Kim Yang Gyun , Lee Dong-Young , Ahn Shin Young , Chung Sungjin , Sun In O , Lee Min-Jeong , Hwang Hyeon Seok 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index has recently been established as an indicator of insulin resistance and has predictive value for cardiovascular (CV) disease. However, the clinical significance of the TyG index in patients undergoing hemodialysis remains unknown.

Methods
We prospectively enrolled 759 patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. The participants were divided into tertiles based on their baseline TyG index. Echocardiographic parameters, vascular calcification scores, and several plasma biomarkers were obtained and compared using the TyG index.

Results
The TyG index was positively correlated with levels of circulating vascular pathologic markers, endostatin (ρ=0.134, P=0.025) and vascular adhesion protein-1 (ρ=0.130, P=0.012), but not with vascular calcification score. The TyG index was not correlated with any echocardiographic parameters. Patients in tertile 3 showed the highest cumulative event rates of CV and cardiac events (P&lt;0.001 and P=0.001, respectively). In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, patients in the TyG index tertile 3 had a significantly increased risk of CV and cardiac events compared to those in the TyG index tertile 1 (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–3.30, and adjusted HR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.05–3.82, respectively). A one standard deviation increase in the TyG index was also associated with significantly higher risks of CV and cardiac events.

Conclusions
The TyG index was associated with vascular pathology markers and an increased risk of adverse CV outcomes in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Our study suggests that the TyG index has the potential to assist clinicians in identifying a high CV risk in hemodialysis patients.
Assessing the Impact of Interval Duration Between Ileal Pouch Creation and Loop Ileostomy Closure on the Development of Subsequent Inflammatory Pouch Conditions in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Zemanek Mark , Westbrook Cates Katherine , Powers Joseph Carter , Dester Emma , Yang Qijun , Smith Riley , Hull Tracy , Cohen Benjamin L , Qazi Taha 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Many patients with medically refractory ulcerative colitis undergo ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, which typically includes the creation of a temporary loop ileostomy. The impact of the interval between ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and loop ileostomy closure regarding endoscopic pouch inflammation has not been well defined. The aim for this project was to assess if delayed loop ileostomy closure increases patients’ risk of endoscopic pouch inflammation.

Methods
This is a cohort study of patients with ulcerative colitis who underwent ileal pouch-anal anastomosis between 01/2010 and 12/2020. Patients were divided into groups—early (12–116 days) or late closure (&gt;180 days)—based on interval between ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and loop ileostomy closure. The late closure group was further sub-divided by indication for delay which included post-operative complications and non-medical reasons. The primary outcome was development of endoscopic inflammatory pouch disease, which was a composite of pouch disease activity index score of ≥ 4, mucosal breaks beyond anastomotic lines, and diffuse pouch inflammation.

Results
Two-hundred ninety patients were included which comprised early and late cohorts of 217 and 73 patients, respectively. Compared to early closure, late closures for non-medical and pouch-related surgical complications were both not found to be associated with development of our composite outcome (P = .43 and P = .80, respectively).

Conclusions
Delaying ileostomy closure due to patient preference or logistical limitations did not result in an increased risk of endoscopic pouch inflammation, but there appears to be an association of extraintestinal manifestations with endoscopic inflammatory pouch disease, suggesting the need for a vigilant surveillance in these patients.
De re/de dicto distinction: a logicians’ perspective on data anonymity
Authors: Jiang Junli , Naumov Pavel 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The distinction between de re (of the thing) and de dicto (of what is said) readings of sentences has long been the topic of studies in logic and philosophy of language. The article proposes to apply these concepts to anonymity. It argues that, in the proposed setting, de dicto knowledge preserves anonymity, while de re knowledge does not. The article also considers a third, “overt,” form of knowledge. The main technical result is a sound and complete logical system that captures the interplay between a data traceability expression and the de re, de dicto, and overt knowledge modalities. The article also shows that the three knowledge modalities are not definable through each other even in the presence of the traceability expression.
Rigour of development of European Society of Cardiology, American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines over a 12-year period (2013–2024): a systematic review of guidelines
Authors: Gomes Daniel A , Ahuja Sanjali A C , Yu Yi Ting , English Robert , Ahmad Mahmood , Khanji Mohammed , Adragão Pedro , Providência Rui 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Introduction
The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) regularly publish guidelines for the management of cardiovascular disease. By definition, a guideline should follow strict methodological criteria, and have a transparent, traceable, and reproducible development process. We aimed to assess the overall strength of the recommendations and rigour of methodological development in ESC and ACC/AHA guidelines.

Methods and results
A systematic review of ESC and ACC/AHA guidelines published from 2013 to 2024 was conducted. Documents class of recommendation (COR) and level of evidence (LOE) of recommendations were included. For each document, data regarding citation count (ISI and Scholar), and COR and LOE of the recommendations were extracted. Guidelines were assessed for rigour of methodological development using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument. Among the 76 included guidelines, the average citation-per-year was 344 (ISI) and 681 (Scholar). Forty-nine per cent of the recommendations were classified as COR I (strong recommendations), while 46% were based solely on expert opinion (LOE C). The overall AGREE II methodology domain score was 29 ± 6 (range 7–56), with the lowest performance for the domains of systematic search of evidence, use of pre-defined criteria for selecting the evidence and external review. Both the strength of the recommendations and rigour of development showed a stable trend over the past 12 years. ACC/AHA guidelines followed more rigorous development methods compared with ESC (AGREE II 36 ± 3 vs. 24 ± 3).

Conclusions
Clinical guidelines from the main European and American cardiovascular societies are highly cited but show significant limitations in methodological rigour.
Daphnids can safeguard the use of alternative bioassays to the acute fish toxicity test: a focus on neurotoxicity
Authors: Schür Christoph , Paparella Martin , Faßbender Christopher , Stoddart Gilly , Baity Jesi Marco , Schirmer Kristin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Assessment of potential impacts of chemicals on the environment traditionally involves regulatory standard data requirements for acute aquatic toxicity testing using algae, daphnids, and fish (e.g., Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development [OECD] test guidelines 201, 202, and 203, respectively), representing different trophic levels. In line with the societal goal to replace or reduce vertebrate animal testing, alternative bioassays were developed to replace testing with fish: the fish cell line RTgill-W1 acute toxicity assay (OECD test guideline 249) and the zebrafish embryo acute toxicity test (zFET, OECD test guideline 236). However, previous studies revealed the lower sensitivity of the RTgill-W1 cell line assay and zFET for some neurotoxic chemicals and allyl alcohol, which is presumably biotransformed in fish to the more toxic acrolein (which is predicted well through the cell line assay). To provide an additional alternative to acute fish toxicity, in this study we analyzed historic ecotoxicity data for fish and daphnids from the EnviroTox Database. We found a considerable variability in acute fish median lethal concentration and acute daphnids median effect concentration values, particularly for neurotoxic chemicals. Comparing sensitivity of these taxonomic groups according to different neurotoxicity classification schemes indicates that fish rarely represent the most sensitive trophic level of the two. Exceptions here most prominently include a few cyclodiene compounds, which are no longer marketed, and a chemical group that could be identified through structural alerts. Moreover, daphnids are more sensitive than fish to acrolein. This analysis highlights the potential of the Daphnia acute toxicity test, which is usually a standard regulatory data requirement, in safeguarding the environmental protection level provided by the RTgill-W1 cell line assay and the zFET. This research, rooted in decades of efforts to replace the fish acute toxicity test, shifts the focus from predicting fish toxicity one-to-one to emphasizing the protectiveness of alternative methods, paving the way for further eliminating vertebrate tests in environmental toxicology.
About two French cases of disseminated Cryptococcus neoformans infection associated with COVID-19
Authors: Pulby Wendy , Lafolie Jérémy , Belot Chloé , Dopeux Loïc , Loiseau Sébastien , Moniot Maxime , Poirier Philippe , Nourrisson Céline 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection is an acute respiratory distress syndrome associated with immune dysfunction, causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease. The use of immunosuppressive drugs in its treatment increases the risk of opportunistic infections. In particular, opportunistic fungal infections have been described in initially non-immunocompromised patients with severe COVID-19 disease. Among them, rare cases of cryptococcosis have been described. Here we present the first two French cases of non-HIV non-transplant patients who developed disseminated Cryptococcus neoformans fungal infection in the setting of severe COVID-19 disease. Blood cultures appear to be an interesting diagnostic tool for post-COVID-19 cryptococcosis, which is an often fatal complication.
New components of the community-based DNA-repair mechanism in Sulfolobales
Authors: Recalde Alejandra , Wagner Alexander , Sivabalasarma Shamphavi , Yurmashava Anastasiya , Fehr Nayeli Phycilia , Thurm Rebecca , Le Thuong Ngoc , Köebler Christin , Wassmer Bianca , Albers Sonja-Verena , van Wolferen Marleen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
After exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, Sulfolobus acidocaldarius cells aggregate in a species-specific manner to exchange DNA and repair double-strand breaks via homologous recombination. The formation of cell–cell interactions is mediated by Ups pili. DNA exchange subsequently occurs through the Crenarchaeal system for exchange of DNA (Ced), which imports DNA. To identify novel players in these processes, we investigated that several genes upregulated after UV exposure, by creating in-frame deletion mutants and performing cell aggregation and DNA exchange assays. This led to the identification of two novel components involved in the Ups and Ced systems: UpsC, a minor pilin of the Ups pili, and CedD, a VirD4-like ATPase essential for DNA import. Altogether, these findings provide new insights into the DNA damage response mechanisms in Sulfolobales.
Evolutionary Genomics of Two Co-occurring Congeneric Fore Reef Coral Species on Guam (Mariana Islands)
Authors: Torrado Héctor , Rios Dareon , Primov Karim , Burdick David R , Bentlage Bastian , Lemer Sarah , Combosch David 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Population structure provides essential information for developing meaningful conservation plans. This is especially important in remote places, such as oceanic islands, where limited population sizes and genetic isolation can make populations more susceptible and self-dependent. In this study, we assess and compare the relatedness, population genetics and molecular ecology of two sympatric Acropora species, A. surculosa sensu Randall & Myers (1983) and A. cf. verweyi Veron & Wallace, 1984 around Guam, using genome-wide sequence data (ddRAD). We further contrast our findings with the results of a recent study on back reef A. cf. pulchra (Brook, 1891) to assess the impact of habitat, colony morphology, and phylogenetic relatedness on these basic population genetic characteristics and generate testable hypotheses for future studies. Both target species were found to have small effective population sizes, low levels of genetic diversity, and minimal population structure around Guam. Nonetheless, A. cf. verweyi had significantly higher levels of genetic diversity, some population structure as well as more clones, close relatives and putative loci under selection. Comparisons with A. cf. pulchra indicate a potentially significant impact by habitat on population structure and genetic diversity while colony morphology seems to significantly impact clonality. This study revealed significant differences in the basic population genetic makeup of two sympatric Acropora species on Guam. Our results suggest that colony morphology and habitat/ecology may have a significant impact on the population genetic makeup in reef corals, which could offer valuable insights for future management decisions in the absence of genetic data.
The Influence of Sex, Fitness, BMI, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors on Cerebral Blood Velocity Responsiveness to Graded Exercise Testing in Middle-Aged Adults
Authors: Muñoz-Muñoz Miguel , Weston Max , Sierra-Ramón Miguel , Bond Bert , Leal-Martín Javier , Tomlinson Owen W , Baltasar-Fernández Iván , Morín-Martín María M , Losa-Reyna José , Alcazar Julian , García-García Francisco José , Ara Ignacio 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Mean middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAv) and the pulsatility index (PI), at rest and in response to exercise, are important markers of cerebrovascular health status in middle-aged adults, when vascular decline assumes substantial relevance. Thus, this study aimed to describe and compare the responses of MCAv and PI to incremental exercise. Two hundred and forty-eight volunteers (50–58 years, 55% women) completed a ramp test on a cycle-ergometer. Gas exchange was assessed on a breath-by-breath basis. MCAv was measured via transcranial Doppler and PI calculated. Cardiovascular disease risk (CVR) factors were determined and comprised of measurements of central obesity, blood pressure, fasted plasma glucose, and lipids. The MCAv and PI responses to exercise were compared across body mass index categories, CVR score, and fitness status. We found sex-specific differences in MCAv and PI at rest. However, both sexes showed a similar relative change to baseline (Δ%MCAvmean). Regarding body mass index, obese women (body mass index &gt; 30 kg m−2) had lower MCAv and Δ%MCAvmean and higher PI compared with normo-weight women during exercise. Apart, women with a 0 CVR score showed higher MCAv and lower PI during exercise than those with a score of +3 CVR. Differences between low and high CVR during exercise in Δ%MCAvmean were also found. Eventually, low fitness showed diminished MCAv and a lower response to exercise than high fitness. This study has highlighted significant variability in MCAv responsiveness to exercise among middle-aged adults. Body composition, CVR, and fitness status may play a significant role in preserving cerebrovascular health. These findings shed light on the importance of understanding the cerebrovascular response to exercise.