bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alterations in gut microbiota of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Cheung Man Kit , Yue Grace Gar Lee , Lauw Susana , Li Cindy Shin Yee , Yung Man Yee , Ng Siew Chien , Yip Hon Chi , Kwan Hoi Shan , Chiu Philip Wai Yan , Lau Clara Bik San 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackground and AimEsophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the most common histological subtype of esophageal cancer worldwide. Patients with ESCC display an altered esophageal microbiota compared with healthy individuals; however, little is known about the gut microbiota in ESCC.MethodsHere, we characterized the fecal microbiota of 15 ESCC patients and 16 healthy control subjects using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.ResultsAfter controlling for potential confounders, significant alterations in both taxonomic and functional composition of the gut microbiota in ESCC patients were observed. By contrast, alpha diversity of the gut microbiota did not significantly differ between the cases and controls. We observed an enrichment of potentially pro‐inflammatory and/or carcinogenic bacteria, such as Butyricimonas, Veillonella, and Streptococcus, and a depletion of butyrate‐producing and/or potentially anti‐inflammatory bacteria, such as Butyricicoccus, Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group, and Eubacterium eligens group, in the gut microbiota of ESCC patients. The log‐ratios of Streptococcus to Butyricicoccus and Streptococcus to Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group of the gut microbiota were identified as potential diagnostic biomarkers for ESCC, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0.863 (95% confidence interval: 0.707–1.000) and 0.825 (0.673–0.977), respectively. The diagnostic performance of both microbial biomarkers was validated in another ESCC cohort.ConclusionsThis pilot study has revealed an altered gut microbiota in ESCC patients and has paved the way for large‐scale prospective cohort studies to examine the causative relationship between ESCC and gut dysbiosis.
The role of vaginal microecology in the cervical cancer
Authors: Wei Wei , Xie Liang‐Zhen , Xia Qing , Fu Yang , Liu Fang‐Yuan , Ding Dan‐Ni , Han Feng‐Juan 
Published: July 2022

AbstractAimTo explore the role of vaginal microecology in cervical cancer, so as to increase the understanding of cervical cancer and lay a foundation for future large‐sample clinical trials.MethodsWe reviewed and summarized the literature comprehensively, and discussed the relationship between vaginal microecology and HPV infection, CIN progression and cervical cancer, as well as the potential molecular mechanism and the prospects of probiotics and prebiotics in future cancer treatments.ResultsWith the popularization of high‐throughput sequencing technology and the development of bioinformatics analysis technology, many evidences show that the increase in the diversity of the bacterial community in the vaginal microecological environment and the decrease in the number of Lactobacilli are associated with the continuous infection of HPV and the further development of CIN, cervical cancer‐related.ConclusionsVaginal microecological imbalance has an important impact on the occurrence and development of cervical cancer. However, the pathogenesis is not completely clear, and more high‐level basic research and longitudinal clinical studies are needed to verify.
What are the motives underlying Brazilians' food choices? An analysis of the Food Choice Questionnaire and its relationship with different sample characteristics
Authors: da Silva Wanderson Roberto , Marôco João , Alvarenga Marle dos Santos , Campos Juliana Alvares Duarte Bonini 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe first aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ)—using the original model—in a sample of 1480 Brazilian adults (69.5% female). The second aim was to rank the reasons underlying the participants' food choices using average FCQ scores and 95% confidence interval. The third aim was to evaluate the relationship between food choice motives and sample characteristics using multiple logistic regression and odds ratios. The validity, the invariance across different groups, and the reliability of the FCQ were confirmed for the sample. Sensory appeal and price emerged as the most important reasons, while ethical concern was the least valued. The factors associated with greater odds of choosing food for specific reasons were being older, female, and a student; practicing physical activity; dieting frequently; self‐rating eating quality as good; having a higher body mass index; and having low income.Practical ApplicationsAssessing food choice is a complex task, as it encompasses several factors, such as sensory characteristics, health status, income, culture, lifestyle, and cognitive‐affective issues; therefore, the use of appropriate tools should be encouraged. The set analyses followed confirmed that the FCQ was an adequate instrument to evaluate the reasons for food choice of the participants who valued strongly the sensory aspects of the foods and presented specific characteristics (e.g., diet practice) that may influence their decisions. These findings may guide future research and clinical interventions aimed at producing food choices that are more oriented to health and well‐being.
Income distribution, banks and managers: A linear joint‐production model with financial assets
Authors: Betancourt Gómez Michel Eduardo 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to elaborate a Sraffian production model with banks, corporations, shareholders and managers to argue that the expansion of the financial sector contributes to the decrease of the wage‐share. The model introduces joint production to take into account fixed capital and corporate firms and provides rigorous foundations for the description of an economy characterised by unbalanced growth with the financial sector growing at the highest rates. Besides demonstrating that the analysis generates non‐negative solutions for prices and quantities, the paper concludes that, if workers' debt grows faster than the rest of the economy, the wage share diminishes and that the greater the size of the dividends that corporate companies decide to distribute, the larger the reductions in the wage share.
Real‐world effectiveness of antifungal prophylaxis with posaconazole as the primary agent in patients with haematological malignancies
Authors: Strand Andrew M. , Alexander Barbara D. , Sarpong Eric , Wong Jessica Retuerto , Engemann Ashley , Rizzieri David , Wu Yuan , Johnson Melissa D. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesPatients undergoing induction/reinduction chemotherapy for haematologic malignancies (HM) are at risk for invasive fungal infections (IFIs). In 2015, Duke University Hospital (DUH) implemented a new standardised fungal prophylaxis protocol for adult patients undergoing induction chemotherapy for acute lymphocytic leukaemia, acute myelocytic leukaemia and myelodysplastic syndrome. This study assessed the impact of protocol implementation on (1) use of antifungal prophylaxis, throughout the at‐risk period and (2) patient outcomes such as IFI and mortality.MethodsRetrospective, observational study of adult HM patients admitted to DUH for induction/reinduction chemotherapy pre‐ (7/1/2013–12/31/2014) and post‐ (1/1/2015–10/31/2016) implementation of standardised antifungal prophylaxis protocol (which recommended posaconazole as the first‐line agent). Patients were followed for up to 100 days after initiation of induction chemotherapy to evaluate use of antifungal prophylaxis and patient outcomes.Results218 patients with haematologic malignancies were included (90 pre, 128 post). Use of antifungal prophylaxis increased from 81.1% (pre) to 97.7% (post) (p < .0001). Overall, 71% received posaconazole as initial antifungal prophylaxis (64.4% pre, 75.7% post). Approximately one‐fourth of patients (25.6%, pre vs 26.6%, post) developed an IFI (proven/probable or possible using modified EORTC definitions) (p = .868); 100‐day mortality remained stable (18.9% pre vs 18.8% post, respectively, p = .979). Lack of antifungal prophylaxis and older age (≥60 years) were associated with higher risk of IFI.ConclusionImplementation of a standardised protocol with posaconazole as the primary agent was associated with increased use of antifungal prophylaxis among patients undergoing induction/reinduction chemotherapy for haematologic malignancies in our hospital. Lack of antifungal prophylaxis was an independent predictor of IFIs, underscoring the importance of prophylaxis in this at‐risk population.
Development of a scale to measure the psychological resources of grit in adults
Authors: Schimschal Sarah E. , Visentin Denis , Kornhaber Rachel , Barnett Tony , Cleary Michelle 
Published: July 2022

AbstractGrit, a personality trait characterized by having passion and perseverance for long‐term goals, has been linked to increased performance, retention, and well‐being in various fields. In the 15 years since the original grit scale was published, many studies have investigated factors that promote grit. However, a scale has not yet been developed measuring characteristics that can contribute to higher levels of grit. This study aimed to develop a novel scale to measure the psychological resources of grit. The Delphi technique was used to obtain consensus from a national and international panel of academics and practitioners who are experts in grit and related constructs. A total of 30 participants rated 100 scale items over three rounds of online surveys. Experts agreed that items selected for the final scale (n = 20) were essential, with 85% rating them as important or very important. The scale, called the Grit Psychological Resources Scale, has promise as a helpful tool for practitioners involved in staff development and building capabilities that contribute to goal achievement.
The Meaning of Health in Rural South Africa: Gender, the Life Course, and the Socioepidemiological Context
Authors: Mojola Sanyu A. , Ice Erin , Schatz Enid , Angotti Nicole , Houle Brian , Gómez‐Olivé F. Xavier 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThis article examines the meaning of health among middle‐aged and older adults in a rural South African setting, where 72 percent of adults aged 40 and over are living with a major chronic condition, and 81 percent report good or very good health. We draw on a unique mixed‐methods dataset that includes a population‐based survey with disease biomarkers (hypertension, diabetes, HIV), self‐assessments of health including self‐rated health, functional ability and medication use, as well as nested qualitative life history interviews with survey participants including questions about lived experiences of health. We conduct survey trend analysis and ordinal logistic regression, as well as inductive and deductive coding of qualitative interviews, and triangulate findings across data sources. Overall, we find that self‐rated health and functional ability are not associated with biometric disease indicators; however, we find that gendered familial expectations, life course stage, and the socioepidemiological context work together to regulate the salience of illness as people age. The study highlights the utility of research with multiple measures of health in illuminating the challenges of aging amidst the complex epidemiological transitions that increasingly characterize low‐ and middle‐income countries.
Virology and immune dynamics reveal high household transmission of ancestral SARS‐CoV‐2 strain
Authors: Tosif Shidan , Haycroft Ebene R. , Sarkar Sohinee , Toh Zheng Quan , Do Lien Anh Ha , Donato Celeste M. , Selva Kevin J. , Hoq Monsurul , Overmars Isabella , Nguyen Jill , Lee Lai‐Yang , Clifford Vanessa , Daley Andrew , Mordant Francesa L. , McVernon Jodie , Mulholland Kim , Marcato Adrian J. , Smith Miranda Z. , Curtis Nigel , McNab Sarah , Saffery Richard , Kedzierska Katherine , Subarrao Kanta , Burgner David , Steer Andrew , Bines Julie E. , Sutton Philip , Licciardi Paul V. , Chung Amy W. , Neeland Melanie R. , Crawford Nigel W. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundHousehold studies are crucial for understanding the transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, which may be underestimated from PCR testing of respiratory samples alone. We aim to combine the assessment of household mitigation measures; nasopharyngeal, saliva, and stool PCR testing; along with mucosal and systemic SARS‐CoV‐2–specific antibodies, to comprehensively characterize SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and transmission in households.MethodsBetween March and September 2020, we obtained samples from 92 participants in 26 households in Melbourne, Australia, in a 4‐week period following the onset of infection with ancestral SARS‐CoV‐2 variants.ResultsThe secondary attack rate was 36% (24/66) when using nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) PCR positivity alone. However, when respiratory and nonrespiratory samples were combined with antibody responses in blood and saliva, the secondary attack rate was 76% (50/66). SARS‐CoV‐2 viral load of the index case and household isolation measures were key factors that determine secondary transmission. In 27% (7/26) of households, all family members tested positive by NPS for SARS‐CoV‐2 and were characterized by lower respiratory Ct values than low transmission families (Median 22.62 vs. 32.91; IQR 17.06–28.67 vs. 30.37–34.24). High transmission families were associated with enhanced plasma antibody responses to multiple SARS‐CoV‐2 antigens and the presence of neutralizing antibodies. Three distinguishing saliva SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody features were identified according to age (IgA1 to Spike 1, IgA1 to nucleocapsid protein (NP)), suggesting that adults and children generate distinct mucosal antibody responses during the acute phase of infection.ConclusionUtilizing respiratory and nonrespiratory PCR testing, along with the measurement of SARS‐CoV‐2–specific local and systemic antibodies, provides a more accurate assessment of infection within households and highlights some of the immunological differences in response between children and adults.
Der p 23‐specific IgE response throughout childhood and its association with allergic disease: A birth cohort study
Authors: Forchert Leandra , Potapova Ekaterina , Panetta Valentina , Dramburg Stephanie , Perna Serena , Posa Daniela , Resch‐Marat Yvonne , Lupinek Christian , Rohrbach Alexander , Grabenhenrich Linus , Icke Katja , Bauer Carl‐Peter , Hoffman Ute , Forster Johannes , Zepp Fred , Schuster Antje , Wahn Ulrich , Keil Thomas , Lau Susanne , Vrtala Susanne , Valenta Rudolf , Matricardi Paolo Maria 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus molecule Der p 23 is a major allergen whose clinical relevance has been shown in cross‐sectional studies. We longitudinally analysed the trajectory of Der p 23‐specific IgE antibody (sIgE) levels throughout childhood and youth, their early‐life determinants and their clinical relevance for allergic rhinitis and asthma.MethodsWe obtained sera and clinical data of 191 participants of the German Multicentre Allergy Study, a prospective birth cohort. Serum samples from birth to 20 years of age with sIgE reactivity to Der p 23 in a customised semiquantitative microarray were newly analysed with a singleplex quantitative assay. Early mite exposure was assessed by measuring the average content of Der p 1 in house dust at 6 and 18 months.ResultsDer p 23‐sIgE levels were detected at least once in 97/191 participants (51%). Prevalence of Der p 23 sensitisation and mean sIgE levels increased until age 10 years, plateaued until age 13 years and were lowest at age 20 years. Asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR) and atopic dermatitis (AD) were more prevalent in Der p 23‐sensitised children, including those with monomolecular but persistent sensitisation (11/97, 11%). A higher exposure to mites in infancy and occurrence of AD before 5 years of age preceded the onset of Der p 23 sensitisation, which in turn preceded a higher incidence of asthma.ConclusionsDer p 23 sensitisation peaks in late childhood and then decreases. It is preceded by early mite exposure and AD. Asthma and AR can occur in patients persistently sensitised to Der p 23 as the only mite allergen, suggesting the inclusion of molecular testing of Der p 23‐sIgE for subjects with clinical suspicion of HDM allergy but without sIgE to other major D.pt. allergens.
Wheat yield potential can be maximized by increasing red to far‐red light conditions at critical developmental stages
Authors: Dreccer Maria Fernanda , Zwart Alec B. , Schmidt Ralf‐Christian , Condon Anthony G. , Awasi Mary A. , Grant Terry J. , Galle Alexander , Bourot Stephane , Frohberg Claus 
Published: July 2022

AbstractSensing of neighbours via the Red to Far‐Red light ratio (R:FR) may exert a cap to yield potential in wheat. The effects of an increased R:FR inside the canopy were studied in dense wheat mini canopies grown in controlled environments by lowering FR. To distinguish between effects exerted by light sensing and assimilate supply, the treatments were complemented with elevated CO2, applied between different developmental timepoints to specifically impact tillering, spike growth, floret fertility and grain filling, in different combinations. The yield response to high R:FR was strongly dependent on the developmental stage in all three cultivars and pivoted between positive if applied after the start of stem elongation, and negative or null if applied before. Yield gains of up to 70% and 120% were observed, respectively, in two cultivars, associated with a higher number of tiller spikes and grains per spike in the main shoot. The response to the combination of high R:FR and elevated CO2 or CO2 alone were cultivar dependent. Taken together, our results suggest that R:FR exerts a significant control on yield potential in wheat and achieving a high R:FR from stem elongation to maturity is a promising lever towards a significant increase in grain yield.
The power of seaweeds as plant biostimulants to boost crop production under abiotic stress
Authors: Deolu‐Ajayi Ayodeji O. , van der Meer Ingrid M. , van der Werf Adrie , Karlova Rumyana 
Published: July 2022

AbstractAbiotic stresses like drought and salinity are major factors resulting in crop yield losses and soil degradation worldwide. To meet increasing food demands, we must improve crop productivity, especially under increasing abiotic stresses due to climate change. Recent studies suggest that seaweed‐based biostimulants could be a solution to this problem. Here, we summarize the current findings of using these biostimulants and highlight current knowledge gaps. Seaweed extracts were shown to enhance nutrient uptake and improve growth performance in crops under stressed and normal conditions. Seaweed extracts contain several active compounds, for example, polysaccharides, polyphenols and phytohormones. Although some of these compounds have growth‐promoting properties on plants, the molecular mechanisms that underly seaweed extract action remain understudied. In this paper, we review the role of these extracts and their bioactive compounds as plant biostimulants. The targeted application of seaweed extract to improve crop performance and protein accumulation is also discussed.
N7‐SSPP fusion gene improves salt stress tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis and soybean through ROS scavenging
Authors: You Xiang , Nasrullah  , Wang Dan , Mei Yuanyuan , Bi Juanjuan , Liu Sheng , Xu Wei , Wang Ning Ning 
Published: July 2022

AbstractConsiderable signal crosstalk exists in the regulatory network of senescence and stress response. Numerous senescence‐associated genes are also involved in plant stress tolerance. However, the underlying mechanisms and application potential of these genes in stress‐tolerant crop breeding remain poorly explored. We found that overexpression of SENESCENCE‐SUPPRESSED PROTEIN PHOSPHATASE (SSPP), a negative regulator of leaf senescence, significantly improved plant salt tolerance by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging in both Arabidopsis and soybean. However, overexpression of SSPP severely suppressed normal plant growth, limiting its direct use in agriculture. We previously revealed that the N‐terminal 1–14 residues of ACS7 (termed ‘N7’) negatively regulated its protein stability through the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway, and the N7‐mediated protein degradation was suppressed by environmental and senescence signals. To avoid the adverse effects of SSPP, the N7 element was fused to the N‐terminus of SSPP. We demonstrated that N7‐SSPP fusion gene effectively rescued SSPP‐induced growth suppression but maintained enhanced salt tolerance in Arabidopsis and soybean. Particularly, N7‐SSPP enhanced tolerance to long‐term salt stress and increased seed yield in soybean. These results suggest that N7‐SSPP overcomes the disadvantages of SSPP on plant growth inhibition and effectively improves salt tolerance through enhanced ROS scavenging, providing an effective strategy of using posttranslational regulatory element for salt‐tolerant crop breeding.
NR2F1 regulates a Schwann cell precursor‐vs‐melanocyte cell fate switch in a mouse model of Waardenburg syndrome type IV
Authors: Bonnamour Grégoire , Charrier Baptiste , Sallis Sephora , Leduc Elizabeth , Pilon Nicolas 
Published: July 2022

AbstractWaardenburg syndrome type 4 (WS4) combines abnormal development of neural crest cell (NCC)‐derived melanocytes (causing depigmentation and inner ear dysfunction) and enteric nervous system (causing aganglionic megacolon). The full spectrum of WS4 phenotype is present in Spot mice, in which an insertional mutation close to a silencer element leads to NCC‐specific upregulation of the transcription factor‐coding gene Nr2f1. These mice were previously found to develop aganglionic megacolon because of NR2F1‐induced premature differentiation of enteric neural progenitors into enteric glia. Intriguingly, this prior work also showed that inner ear dysfunction in Spot mutants specifically affects balance but not hearing, consistent with the absence of melanocytes in the vestibule only. Here, we report an analysis of the effect of Nr2f1 upregulation on the development of both inner ear and skin melanocytes, also taking in consideration their origin relative to the dorsolateral and ventral NCC migration pathways. In the trunk, we found that NR2F1 overabundance in Spot NCCs forces dorso‐laterally migrating melanoblasts to abnormally adopt a Schwann cell precursor (SCP) fate and conversely prevents ventrally migrating SCPs to normally adopt a melanoblast fate. In the head, Nr2f1 upregulation appears not to be uniform, which might explain why SCP‐derived melanocytes do colonize the cochlea while non‐SCP‐derived melanocytes cannot reach the vestibule. Collectively, these data point to a key role for NR2F1 in the control of SCP‐vs‐melanocyte fate choice and unveil a new pathogenic mechanism for WS4. Moreover, our data argue against the proposed existence of a transit‐amplifying compartment of melanocyte precursors in hair follicles.