bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Socioeconomic, lifestyle and biological determinants of cervical screening coverage: Lolland–Falster Health Study, Denmark
Authors: Tabatabai Milad K , Lophaven Søren , Lauenborg Jeannet , Holmager Therese , Jepsen Randi , Lynge Elsebeth 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background
Cervical cancer is preventable. Screening is important for early detection. However, even in high-income countries, coverage is sub-optimal. We identified socioeconomic, lifestyle and biological determinants of cervical screening coverage.

Methods
In Denmark, women aged 23–64 are free of charge personally invited to screening. All cervical cell samples are registered centrally in the Patobank. We linked data from the Lolland–Falster Health Study (LOFUS) with Patobank data. LOFUS was a population-based health survey undertaken in 2016–2020. With logistic regression, coverage defined as ≥1 cervical sample registered within a 6-year period from 2015 to 2020 was compared across levels of risk factors expressed as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results
Among 13 406 women of screening aged 23–64 and invited to LOFUS, 72% had ≥1 cervical sample registered. Non-participation in LOFUS was a strong predictor of low coverage; aOR 0.32; 95% CI 0.31–0.36. Among LOFUS participants, education was a strong predictor of coverage in univariate analysis, OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.48–0.71, but this association disappeared in multi-variate analysis, aOR 0.86; 95% CI 0.66–1.10. In multi-variate analysis, predictors of low coverage were high age, living without a partner, retired, current smoker, poor self-rated health, elevated blood pressure and elevated glycated haemoglobin.

Conclusions
Women with low cervical screening coverage had limited contact to healthcare, exemplified by non-participation in LOFUS, and pertinent health and social problems, exemplified by elevated blood pressure and glycated haemoglobin, poor self-rated health, and retirement already in screening age. Structural changes in screening are needed to reach non-screened women.
Comparison of microbial colonization between natural and plastic substrata in a polluted watershed
Authors: Laffet Lucie , Joly Muriel , Carles Louis , Donnadieu-Bernard Florence , Romani Anna M , Artigas Joan 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Plastic pollution represents a threat for biological communities and the ecological functions they provide in river ecosystems. In this study, we compared the microbial colonization of two plastics (biodegradable and non-biodegradable) and three natural substrata (leaves, sediment, and rocks) in two study sites of an urbanized watershed differing in their plastic-contamination degree (upstream and downstream). The density and diversity of bacterial, fungal, and algal communities, as well as the extracellular enzymatic activities β-glucosidase (GLU), N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG), and phosphatase (PHO), were analysed in each substrata and site over a 4-week colonization experiment. Results showed higher microbial densities and enzymatic activities in leaves and sediment compared to plastics and rocks, probably due to the greater availability of organic carbon and nutrients in the former substrata. However, the microbial colonization of the two plastics was only different in the downstream site, where bacterial density and enzymatic activities were higher in the biodegradable plastic compared to the non-biodegradable plastic. Accordingly, the presence of biodegradable plastics would enhance the heterotrophic metabolism in plastic-polluted rivers.
Function of a hydrophobin in growth and development, nitrogen regulation, and abiotic stress resistance of Ganoderma lucidum
Authors: Qiao Jinjin , Liu He , Xue Peng , Hong Mengting , Guo Xiaoyu , Xing Zhenzhen , Zhao Mingwen , Zhu Jing 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Fungal hydrophobins have many important physiological functions, such as maintaining hydrophobicity and affecting virulence, growth, and development. In Ganoderma lucidum, the molecular regulation mechanisms of hydrophobins in mushroom are unclear. In this study, we investigated a hydrophobin protein 1 (Hyd1) in G. lucidum, which belongs to the fungal Class I hydrophobins. The hyd1 gene was highly expressed during the formation of primordia, and expression was the lowest in fruiting bodies. Through the construction of hyd1 silenced strains, we found that primordia formation was not initiated in these strains. This finding indicated that Hyd1 played an important role in the development of G. lucidum. Second, AreA, a key transcription factor in nitrogen metabolism, negatively regulated the expression of hyd1. In an areA-silenced strain, the expression of hyd1 increased by ∼14-fold compared with that of the wild-type (WT) strain. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) indicated binding of AreA to the promoter of hyd1. Additionally, expression of hyd1 was determined in the presence of different nitrogen sources. Compared with that in the ammonia nitrogen source, the expression of hyd1 in nitrate nitrogen source significantly increased. Finally, we found that hyd1 plays important roles not only in nitrogen regulation but also in the resistance to other abiotic stresses. After silencing of hyd1, the resistance to heat, cell wall, and salt stresses decreased. Our findings reveal the important roles of Hyd1 in the development and resistance to abiotic stresses in G. lucidum and provide insights into the nitrogen regulation mechanism of hydrophobins in higher basidiomycetes.
Substrate space analysis of the bacterial proton-coupled oligopeptide transporter YdgR by cheminformatics
Authors: Sajid Salvia , Nielsen Marcus M K , Khalil Ruqaiya , Hansen Paul R , Franzyk Henrik , Jørgensen Mikkel Girke , Christensen Lars P , Mirza Osman , Prabhala Bala Krishna 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Proton-dependent oligopeptide transporters (POTs) are recognized for their substrate promiscuity due to their ability to transport a wide range of substrates. POTs are conserved in all forms of life ranging from bacteria to humans. A dipeptide-fluorophore conjugate, H-(β-Ala)-Lys(AMCA)-OH, is a well-known substrate of the transporter YdgR that is commonly used as a fluorescent reporter. In order to understand the substrate space of YdgR, we used this dipeptide as a bait reference, when screening an ensemble of compounds (previously tested in PEPT/PTR/NPF space) via a cheminformatic analysis based on the Tanimoto similarity index. Eight compounds (sinalbin, abscisic acid, carnosine, jasmonic acid, N-acetyl-aspartate, N-acetyl-lysine, aspartame, and N-acetyl-aspartylglutamate), covering a wide range on the Tanimoto scale, were tested for YdgR-mediated transport. Carnosine was the only compound observed to be a YdgR substrate based on cell-based transport assays and molecular docking. The other compounds tested were neither inhibitors nor substrates. Thus, we found that neither the Tanimoto similarity index nor ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) properties appear useful for the identification of substrates (e.g., dipeptides) in YdgR-mediated drug transport.
Microbiological quality, antibiotic resistant bacteria and relevant resistance genes in ready-to-eat Pacific oysters (Magallana gigas)
Authors: Guedes Bárbara , Godinho Ofélia , Lage Olga Maria , Quinteira Sandra 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Oysters are a highly valued seafood but can endanger public health, if they are eaten raw or barely cooked. We evaluated the microbiological quality of Pacific oysters (Magallana gigas) by international standard methods in four groups (each with four to five animals) acquired from supermarkets and directly from a farm producer. Most of the groups presented satisfactory microbiological quality. In two groups of oysters, ‘questionable’ or ‘unsatisfactory’ quality was observed for the coagulase-positive Staphylococcus parameter. Culture-based methods did not detect Salmonella spp. or enteropathogenic Vibrio spp., but Vibrio alginolyticus, a potential foodborne pathogen, was identified by molecular analysis. Fifty strains, belonging to 19 species, were isolated in antibiotic-supplemented media, and their antibiotic susceptibility profile was evaluated. Genes coding for β-lactamases were searched by PCR in bacteria showing resistance phenotype. Decreased susceptibility or resistance to distinct antibiotics were observed for bacteria from depurated and non-depurated oysters. The blaTEM gene was identified in Escherichia fergusonii and Shigella dysenteriae strains, which showed multidrug-resistant phenotypes. The possibility that oysters might be a source of antibiotic-resistant bacteria/antibiotic resistance genes is of great concern and highlights the need for stricter controls and preventative measures to mitigate and counteract the dissemination of antibiotic resistance across the food chain.
5mC DNA methylation modification-mediated regulation in tissue functional differentiation and important flavor substance synthesis of tea plant (Camellia sinensis L.)
Authors: Kong Weilong , Zhu Qiufang , Zhang Qing , Zhu Yiwang , Yang Jingjing , Chai Kun , Lei Wenlong , Jiang Mengwei , Zhang Shengcheng , Lin Jinke , Zhang Xingtan 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
In plants, 5mC DNA methylation is an important and conserved epistatic mark involving genomic stability, gene transcriptional regulation, developmental regulation, abiotic stress response, metabolite synthesis, etc. However, the roles of 5mC DNA methylation modification (5mC methylation) in tea plant growth and development (in pre-harvest processing) and flavor substance synthesis in pre- and post-harvest processing are unknown. We therefore conducted a comprehensive methylation analysis of four key pre-harvest tissues (root, leaf, flower, and fruit) and two processed leaves during oolong tea post-harvest processing. We found that differential 5mC methylation among four key tissues is closely related to tissue functional differentiation and that genes expressed tissue-specifically, responsible for tissue-specific functions, maintain relatively low 5mC methylation levels relative to non-tissue-specifically expressed genes. Importantly, hypomethylation modifications of CsAlaDC and TS/GS genes in roots provided the molecular basis for the dominant synthesis of theanine in roots. In addition, integration of 5mC DNA methylationomics, metabolomics, and transcriptomics of post-harvest leaves revealed that content changes in flavor metabolites during oolong tea processing were closely associated with transcription level changes in corresponding metabolite synthesis genes, and changes in transcript levels of these important synthesis genes were strictly regulated by 5mC methylation. We further report that some key genes during processing are regulated by 5mC methylation, which can effectively explain the content changes of important aroma metabolites, including α-farnesene, nerolidol, lipids, and taste substances such as catechins. Our results not only highlight the key roles of 5mC methylation in important flavor substance synthesis in pre- and post-harvest processing, but also provide epimutation-related gene targets for future improvement of tea quality or breeding of whole-tissue high-theanine varieties.
Health Care Disparities, Social Determinants of Health, and Emotional Impacts in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis: Results from a Global Ulcerative Colitis Narrative Patient Survey
Authors: Odufalu Florence-Damilola , Dubinsky Marla C , Peyrin-Biroulet Laurent , Ylänne Karoliina , Sipes Allyson , Cappelleri Joseph C , Russo Leo J , Segovia Michelle , Gardiner Sean , Johnson Edward P , Mulvey Amy , Panaccione Remo 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background
The Ulcerative Colitis (UC) Narrative global survey assessed aspects of living with UC. This analysis aimed to identify health care disparities, social determinants of health, and emotional impacts related to UC disease management, patient experience, and quality of life.

Methods
The survey was conducted by The Harris Poll from August 2017 to February 2018 among adults with UC. Responses from 1000 patients in the United States, Canada, Japan, France, and Finland were analyzed based on patient income, employment status, educational level, age, sex, and psychological comorbidities. Odds ratios (ORs) with significant P values (P &lt; .05) from multivariate logistic regression models are reported.

Results
Low-income vs high-income patients were less likely to have participated in a peer mentoring (OR, 0.30) or UC education program (OR, 0.51). Patients not employed were less likely to report being in “good/excellent” health (OR, 0.58) than patients employed full time. Patients with low vs high educational levels were less likely to have reached out to patient associations/organizations (OR, 0.59). Patients aged younger than 50 years vs those aged 50 years and older were less likely to have visited an office within an inflammatory bowel disease center/clinic in the past 12 months (OR, 0.53). Males were less likely to be currently seeing their gastroenterologist than females (OR, 0.66). Patients with vs without depression were less likely to agree that UC had made them more resilient (OR, 0.51).

Conclusions
Substantial differences in disease management and health care experience were identified, based on categories pertaining to patient demographics and psychological comorbidities, which may help health care providers better understand and advance health equity to improve patient care.
Infection responsive coatings to reduce biofilm formation and encrustation of urinary catheters
Authors: Slate Anthony J , Clarke Ocean E , Kerio Mina , Nzakizwanayo Jonathan , Patel Bhavik Anil , Jones Brian V 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Aims
The care of patients undergoing long-term urethral catheterization is frequently complicated by Proteus mirabilis infection. This organism forms dense, crystalline biofilms, which block catheters leading to serious clinical conditions. However, there are currently no truly effective approaches to control this problem. Here, we describe the development of a novel theranostic catheter coating, to simultaneously provide early warning of blockage, and actively delay crystalline biofilm formation.

Methods and Results
The coating comprises of a pH sensitive upper polymer layer (poly(methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid); Eudragit S 100®) and a hydrogel base layer of poly(vinyl alcohol), which is loaded with therapeutic agents (acetohydroxamic acid or ciprofloxacin hydrochloride) and a fluorescent dye, 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (CF). The elevation of urinary pH due to P. mirabilis urease activity results in the dissolution of the upper layer and release of cargo agents contained in the base layer. Experiments using in vitro models, which were representative of P. mirabilis catheter-associated urinary tract infections, demonstrated that these coatings significantly delay time taken for catheters to block. Coatings containing both CF dye and ciprofloxacin HCl were able to provide an average of ca. 79 h advanced warning of blockage and extend catheter lifespan ca. 3.40-fold.

Conclusions
This study has demonstrated the potential for theranostic, infection-responsive coatings to form a promising approach to combat catheter encrustation and actively delay blockage.
Late gestational nutrient restriction in primiparous beef females: nutrient partitioning among the dam, fetus, and colostrum during gestation
Authors: Redifer Colby A , Wichman Lindsey G , Rathert-Williams Abigail R , Freetly Harvey C , Meyer Allison M 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Fall-calving primiparous crossbred beef females [body weight (BW): 451 ± 28 (SD) kg; body condition score (BCS): 5.4 ± 0.7] were allocated by fetal sex and expected calving date to receive either 100% (control; CON; n = 13) or 70% (nutrient restricted; NR; n = 13) of metabolizable energy and metabolizable protein requirements for maintenance, pregnancy, and growth from day 160 of gestation to calving. Heifers were individually-fed chopped poor quality hay and supplemented to meet targeted nutritional planes based on estimated hay intakes. Dam BW, BCS, backfat, and metabolic status were determined pre-treatment, every 21 d (BW and metabolic status) or 42 d (BCS and backfat) during gestation, and post-calving. At birth, calf BW and size were measured, and total colostrum from the most full rear quarter was collected pre-suckling. Data were analyzed with nutritional plane, treatment initiation date, and calf sex (when P &lt; 0.25) as fixed effects. Gestational metabolites included day and nutritional plane × day as repeated measures. During late gestation, CON dams gained (P &lt; 0.01) maternal (non-gravid) BW and maintained (P ≥ 0.17) BCS and backfat, while NR dams lost (P &lt; 0.01) maternal BW, BCS, and backfat. Circulating glucose, urea N, and triglycerides were less (P ≤ 0.05) in NR dams than CON at most late gestational timepoints after treatment initiation. Circulating non-esterified fatty acids were greater (P &lt; 0.01) in NR dams than CON. Post-calving, NR dams weighed 63.6 kg less (P &lt; 0.01) and were 2.0 BCS less (P &lt; 0.01) than CON. At 1 h post-calving, NR dams had less (P = 0.01) plasma glucose and tended to have less (P = 0.08) plasma triglycerides than CON. Nutrient restriction did not affect (P ≥ 0.27) gestation length, calf birth weight, or calf size at birth. Colostrum yield was 40% less (P = 0.04) in NR dams than CON. Protein and immunoglobulin concentrations were greater (P ≤ 0.04), but free glucose and urea N concentrations were less (P ≤ 0.03), in colostrum of NR dams than CON. Colostrum total lactose, free glucose, and urea N were less (P ≤ 0.03) in NR dams than CON, but total protein, triglycerides, and immunoglobulins were not affected (P ≥ 0.55). In summary, beef heifers experiencing late gestational nutrient restriction prioritized partitioning nutrients to fetal growth and colostrum production over maternal growth. During undernutrition, fetal and colostral nutrient demands were largely compensated for by catabolism of maternal tissue stores.
A case of massive subcutaneous emphysema and transient ischemic attack due to argon plasma coagulation following endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment
Authors: Parente Giovanni , Di Mitri Marco , Thomas Eduje , Cravano Sara Maria , D’Antonio Simone , Gargano Tommaso , Libri Michele , Lima Mario 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Pilonidal sinus is a small hole affecting the skin and subcutaneous tissue, which usually contains hair and skin debris, resulting in the creation of the so-called pilonidal cyst. The endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment (EPSiT) is a minimally invasive procedure consisting of the removal of hairs and cauterization of the cavity under direct endoscopic vision. In our institution, we used to end this procedure with argon plasma coagulation (APC). Here, we discuss a case of 22-year-old man affected by pilonidal disease, who developed a massive subcutaneous emphysema and suspected transient ischemic attack secondary to gas reabsorption after an EPSiT in which APC was used for the coagulation.
Robotic surgery: extending the minimally invasive approach in patients with splenomegaly. A case report
Authors: Baz Carolina , Pozza Gioia , Di Pangrazio Marco , Toti Francesco , Dreifuss Nicolas H , Cubisino Antonio , Aguiluz Gabriela , Mangano Alberto , Rondón Jesús , Giulianotti Pier Cristoforo 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Splenomegaly represents a challenge during splenectomy. Despite the laparoscopic approach becoming the gold standard for spleen removal, it remains controversial in this condition since the limited working space and increased risk of bleeding portray the leading causes of conversion, preventing patients from experiencing the benefits of minimally invasive surgery. The robotic platform was used to perform a splenectomy on a 55-year-old female with severe thrombocytopenia due to a relapsed large B cell lymphoma with splenomegaly. The advantages of this approach, favoring less blood loss and precise movements in a small surgical field, may allow MIS to become the first choice in this unfavorable setting, even in hematologic malignancies, which are associated with higher complication rates.
Non-operative management of gallstone sigmoid ileus in a patient with a prostatic cancer
Authors: AlMuhsin Ahmed M , Bazuhair Abdulaziz , AlKhlaiwy Omar , Abu Hajar Rami O , Alotaibi Thabit 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Gallstone ileus is an uncommon complication of calculus cholecystitis through the formation of a biliary enteric fistula. The risk of mechanical obstruction caused by gallstones is increased with its size, in addition to chronic constipation, neoplasm and diverticulitis, to name a few. Here, we present a case of an 89-year-old male patient who presented with signs of bowel obstruction, which was found to be a gallstone impacted in the sigmoid colon. Considering the patient’s stable condition and his comorbidities, a conservative approach was opted including IV fluids, fleet enema and bowel rest. Colonoscopy was performed and confirmed the passage of the stone. With no consensus regarding the management, the literature emphasizes a tailored approach to each case considering all possible operative and non-operative approaches. Some reports show promising results with non operative management. Gallstone ileus remains a challenging case, and further studies for the best treatment modalities are needed.
Major complications of sigmoid vaginoplasty: a case series
Authors: Meece Matthew S , Weber Lee E , Hernandez Alexandra E , Danker Sara J , Paluvoi Nivedh V 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
This case series explores the major complications following sigmoid vaginoplasty in two transgender female patients. Both patients experienced significant post-operative complications, including stenosis and abscess formation, leading to sigmoid conduit ischemia and necrosis. These complications required major surgical interventions and multidisciplinary care, highlighting the complexity of these procedures and their potential morbidity. Our analysis suggests that the initial stenotic insult led to obstruction and vascular insult to the sigmoid conduit, necessitating resection of the affected bowel. The outcomes underscore the need for collaboration across specialties for optimal post-operative monitoring and management. This study advocates for future management guidelines promoting multidisciplinary collaboration to reduce morbidity and resource burdens associated with complications. Despite the complications, sigmoid vaginoplasty remains a viable gender affirmation surgery, providing an effective analogue to vaginal mucosa and offering improved neovaginal depth.
Minimally invasive removal of apocrine glands: a study of 100 cases using three maneuvers with blunt scissors
Authors: Ho Wen-Tsao 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
A case series study describes a minimally invasive surgical technique for removing axillary apocrine glands using blunt scissors. The technique involved making two small incisions, removing the glands using three maneuvers, and evaluating patient satisfaction and post-surgery complications. Of 100 patients, 92% reported being satisfied with the results, with no reported complications. The study suggests this technique is safe and effective, offering a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery with fewer negative cosmetic outcomes. However, further research is needed to assess its long-term efficacy and safety.
Recurrent intraparotid dermoid cyst in an adult male: a case report
Authors: George Savya K , Sandeep R , Ramji K V V , Kuchana Sai K , Suvvari Tarun K , Thomas Vimal 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Dermoid cysts of the head and neck region are very rare, with about 7% occurrence and parotid being an extremely rare location. In this case report, we presented a case of a 23-year-old man with a recurrent parotid dermoid cyst and the clinical presentation and diagnostic difficulties are discussed.