bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of the European Union’s menthol cigarette ban on smoking cessation outcomes: longitudinal findings from the 2020–2021 ITC Netherlands Surveys
Authors: Kyriakos Christina N , Driezen Pete , Fong Geoffrey , Chung-Hall Janet , Hyland Andrew , Geboers Cloé , Quah Anne C K , Willemsen Marc C , Filippidis Filippos T 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionTo reduce the appeal of tobacco, the European Union (EU) banned menthol as a characterising flavour in cigarettes in May 2020. This pre/post-study evaluated the impact of the menthol ban on smoking cessation outcomes among a representative cohort of Dutch smokers.MethodsAdult (18+ years) smokers were recruited at wave 1 (pre-ban) of the International Tobacco Control Netherlands Surveys (February–March 2020) and followed post-ban at wave 2 (September–November 2020) and wave 3 (June–July 2021) (N=1326 participated in all three waves). Weighted bivariate, logistic regression and generalised estimating equation model analyses were conducted.ResultsUsual menthol use decreased from pre-ban (7.8%) to post-ban (4.0% at wave 2 and 4.4% at wave 3) (p<0.001). Pre-ban menthol smokers had greater odds of making a post-ban quit attempt than non-menthol smokers (66.9% vs 49.6%, adjusted OR (aOR)=1.89, 95% CI: 1.13 to 3.16). Compared with pre-ban non-menthol smokers, a higher proportion of menthol smokers quit by wave 2 (17.8% vs 10.2%, p=0.025) and by wave 3 (26.1% vs 14.1%, p=0.002), although this was not significant after adjusting for other factors. Female pre-ban menthol smokers had greater odds of quitting by wave 3 than female non-menthol smokers (aOR=2.23, 95% CI: 1.10 to 4.51). Most pre-ban menthol smokers (n=99) switched to non-menthol cigarettes (40.0%) or reported that they continued to smoke menthol cigarettes (33.0%) at wave 3.ConclusionsThe EU menthol ban was effective in reducing menthol use and in increasing quit attempts and quitting among pre-ban menthol smokers. Impact could be maximised by closing gaps that allow post-ban menthol cigarette use.
Puzzling time properties of proportional electroluminescence in two-phase argon detectors for dark matter searches
Authors: Buzulutskov A. , Frolov E. , Borisova E. , Nosov V. , Oleynikov V. , Sokolov A. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractProportional electroluminescence (EL) in noble gases is a physical process routinely used in two-phase (liquid–gas) detectors for low-energy astroparticle-physics experiments. In this work, the time properties of visible-light EL in two-phase argon detectors have been systematically studied for the first time. In particular, two unusual slow components in the EL signal, with their contributions and time constants increasing with electric field, were observed. This puzzling property is not expected in any of the known mechanisms of photon and electron emission in two-phase media. Time constants of these components is about 4–5 $$\upmu $$
μ
s and 50 $$\upmu $$
μ
s. In addition, a specific threshold behavior of the slow components was revealed: they emerged at a threshold in reduced electric field of 4.8 ± 0.2 Td regardless of the gas phase density, which is about 1 Td above the onset of standard (excimer) EL. There is a conspicuous similarity between this threshold and reduced field threshold of EL in NIR occurring via higher atomic excited states Ar$$^{*}(3p^{5}4p)$$

∗

(
3

p
5

4
p
)

. An unexpected temperature dependence of slow components was also observed: their contribution decreased with temperature, practically disappearing at room temperature. We show that the puzzling properties of slow components can be explained in the framework of hypothesis that these are produced in the charge signal itself due to trapping of drifting electrons on metastable negative argon ions.
Hidden conformal symmetries in Kerr–de Sitter spacetime revisited
Authors: Siahaan Haryanto M. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractWe study the holographic picture for the Kerr–de Sitter spacetime with multiple horizons. Motivated by the studies of hidden conformal symmetry that associates to the black hole horizon, we show that such symmetry can also exist for the cosmological horizon that can lead us to the holographic calculation for the cosmological horizon entropy. To support the holography, we provide the scalar scattering calculation in the corresponding near region of each horizon by using the dual CFT formula. As one would expect, the cosmological horizon entropy and the associated scalar scattering can be understood by using a two dimensional conformal field theory.
The PDGF Family Is Associated with Activated Tumor Stroma and Poor Prognosis in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Li Jiajia , Zhi Xiuling , Sun Yating , Chen Mo , Yao Liangqing 
Published: September 2022

The initiation and progression of cancer depend on the genetic alterations inherent in cancer cells, coupled with the mutual interplay of cancer cells with the surrounding tumor stroma. The platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) family, as a mesenchymal growth factor, was involved in tumor progression by affecting the surrounding tumor stroma in some cancer types. However, the association of the PDGF family with the ovarian cancer stroma remains elusive. In our study, we first explored the expression pattern of the PDGF family using RNA expression profiles from public databases. We found that the PDGF family was highly expressed in tumor stroma compared with the corresponding epithelial components of ovarian cancer. In particular, PDGF receptors were weakly expressed in ovarian cancer tissues compared with the respective normal tissues; even in tumor mass, PDGF receptors were predominantly expressed by tumor stroma rather than ovarian cancer cells. Importantly, functional enrichment analyses and correlation analyses revealed that the PDGF family was strongly associated with activated stromal scores in ovarian cancer, including higher stromal scores, enriched pathways related to the extracellular matrix (ECM) organization and remodeling, elevated cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) infiltration, and increased tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) infiltration, especially macrophage M2. Besides, the positive correlations of the PDGF family with CAFs infiltration and macrophage M2 infiltration were observed in other various cancer types. Of note, the PDGF family was also involved in tumor progression-related pathways, such as transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt (PI3K-Akt) signaling. Higher expressions of PDGF receptors were also observed in ovarian cancer patients with venous or lymphatic invasion. Furthermore, we uncovered the prognostic prediction of the PDGF family in ovarian cancer and constructed a PDGF family-based risk prognosis model with a hazard ratio of 1.932 (

95
%
confidence

interval

CI

=
1.27
–
2.95

) and

P

value < 0.01 (

AUC
=
0.782

, 0.752 for 1 year and 2 years, respectively). Taken together, we demonstrated that ovarian cancers with high PDGF family expression biologically exhibit malignant progression behaviors as well as poor clinical survival, which is attributed to the activated tumor stroma in ovarian cancer.
Harnessing Microbiota to Improve Immunotherapy for Gastrointestinal Cancers
Authors: Goc Jeremy , Sonnenberg Gregory F. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade has revolutionized opportunities for therapeutic intervention in cancer but demonstrates a low frequency of response in most patients and in some common types of tumors. An emerging paradigm supports the notion that trillions of normally beneficial microbes inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract, termed the microbiota, critically impact the success or failure of antitumor immunity induced by immune checkpoint blockade. Here, we briefly summarize the current knowledge on how interactions between the microbiota and immune system are contributing to the outcome of cancer immunotherapy. We propose that this immune–microbiota dialogue is particularly important in gastrointestinal cancers that exhibit striking resistance to immune checkpoint blockade and inherently develop in a unique environment that is rich in both immune-cell networks and direct exposure to the microbiota. Finally, we focus on how future studies should determine whether microbiota can be harnessed as a strategy to boost antitumor immunity in these contexts and beyond.
See related article, p. 1291
The Huntington Library Hours of Isabella of Portugal, Simon Bening, and the Confection of a Manuscript for an Iberian Empress in the First Half of the Sixteenth Century
Authors: Clark Gregory T. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
When, where, and by whom was Isabella of Portugal’s Huntington Library Hours (HM.1162) written and decorated? The author proposes here that the body of the manuscript, written in Toledo, and 15 small miniatures painted in the 1510s by Simon Bening of Bruges were sent to the southern Netherlands. There associates of the Morgan 491 Master provided the Bening illuminations with decorative enframements and accompanying devotional texts; two new half-page miniatures were also painted. All of that handiwork was then integrated into the manuscript before its dispatch back to Spain shortly before Isabella’s marriage to the emperor Charles V in 1526.
Nonintubated versus intubated thoracoscopic bullectomy for primary spontaneous pneumothorax: A multicenter propensity-matched analysis
Authors: Elkhouly Ahmed G , Karamustafaoglu Yekta Altemur , Galvez Carlos , Rao Madhuri , Lerut Philip , Grimonprez Annelies , Akar Firas Abu , Peer Michael , Bedetti Benedetta , Tosi Davide , Turna Akif , Elkahwagy Mohamed , Pompeo Eugenio 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundWe aimed at comparing in a multicenter propensity-matched analysis, results of nonintubated versus intubated video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) bullectomy/blebectomy for primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP).MethodsEleven Institutions participated in the study. A total of 208 patients underwent VATS bullectomy by intubated (IVATS) (N = 138) or nonintubated (NIVATS) (N = 70) anesthesia during 60 months. After propensity matching, 70 pairs of patients were compared. Anesthesia in NIVATS included intercostal (N = 61), paravertebral (N = 5) or thoracic epidural (N = 4) block and sedation with (N = 24) or without (N = 46) laryngeal mask under spontaneous ventilation. In the IVATS group, all patients underwent double-lumen-intubation and mechanical ventilation. Primary outcomes were morbidity and recurrence rates.ResultsThere was no difference in age (26.7 ± 8 vs 27.4 ± 9 years), body mass index (19.7 ± 2.6 vs 20.6 ± 2.5), and American Society of Anesthesiology score (2 vs 2). Main results show no difference both in morbidity (11.4% vs 12.8%; p = 0.79) and recurrence free rates (92.3% vs 91.4%; p = 0.49) between NIVATS and IVATS, respectively, whereas a difference favoring the NIVATS group was found in anesthesia time ( p < 0.0001) and operative time ( p < 0.0001), drainage time ( p = 0.001), and hospital stay ( p < 0.0001). There was no conversion to thoracotomy and no hospital mortality. One patient in the NIVATS group needed reoperation due to chest wall bleeding.ConclusionResults of this multicenter propensity-matched study have shown no intergroup difference in morbidity and recurrence rates whereas shorter operation room time and hospital stay favored the NIVATS group, suggesting a potential increase in the role of NIVATS in surgical management of PSP. Further prospective studies are warranted.
A walking programme for adults living in the community after hip fracture: A feasibility randomized controlled trial
Authors: Taylor Nicholas F , Shields Nora , Thompson Anne L , O’Halloran Paul D , Harding Katherine E , Dennett Amy M , Hau Raphael , Peiris Casey L 
Published: September 2022

ObjectiveTo test the feasibility of a walking programme for community-dwelling adults recovering from hip fracture.DesignA randomized controlled trial with embedded qualitative analysis.SettingCommunity.ParticipantsAged at least 60 years and living in the community after hip fracture.InterventionsIn addition to standard care, the experimental group received weekly home-based physiotherapy for 12 weeks to facilitate 100 minutes/week of moderate-intensity walking.Main outcome measuresFeasibility domains of demand, acceptability, implementation, practicality and limited efficacy.ResultsOf 158 potentially eligible, 38 participated (23 women, mean age 80 years, SD 9). The recruitment rate of 24% indicated low demand. Participants considered the walking programme highly acceptable. The programme was implemented as intended; the experimental group received a mean of 11 (SD 1) consultations and averaged more than 100 min of walking per week. The programme was practical with no serious adverse events and no between-group difference in risk of falling or hospital readmissions. Demonstrating evidence of efficacy, there were moderate standardized mean differences for physical activity favouring the experimental group, who increased daily moderate-intensity physical activity compared to the control group (MD 8 min, 95% CI 2–13). There were no between-group differences in mobility, walking confidence or quality of life.ConclusionA walking programme for community-dwelling older adults after hip fracture was acceptable, could be implemented as intended and was practical and demonstrated preliminary evidence of efficacy in increasing physical activity. However, low demand would threaten the feasibility of such a programme.
Agranulocytosis Associated With Use of Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim in a Healthy Adult
Authors: Bunch David , Brands Carolyn , Langworthy Diana R. 
Published: September 2022

Purpose: A case of sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim-induced agranulocytosis is reported. Summary: A 53-year-old healthy male presented to the emergency room with a fever of 102.7°F and was found to have a white blood cell (WBC) count of 0.6 × 103 cells/μL with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of 0.0 x 103 cells/μL. He had recently completed a 10-day course of sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim for left lower extremity cellulitis. During admission, a bone marrow biopsy was performed which was not concerning for malignancy and no cause for the agranulocytosis other than the sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim was identified. The agranulocytosis resolved after 6 days of hospitalization with a WBC count of 8.9 × 103 cells/μL and an ANC of 4.1 x 103cells/μL on the day of discharge. Conclusion: A 53-year-old male developed agranulocytosis after 10 days of sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim therapy for the treatment of a skin and soft tissue infection. His neutropenia resolved after sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim discontinuation.
Prevalence of non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Associated Factors in Patients with Moderate or Severe Hemophilia: A Multicenter-Based Study
Authors: Shen Ming-Ching , Chiou Shyh-Shin , Chou Sheng-Chieh , Weng Te-Fu , Lin Ching-Yeh , Wang Jiaan-Der , Lee Shou-Wu , Peng Ching-Tien 
Published: September 2022

Introduction Liver health is essential for persons with hemophilia (PWH) in order to maintain access to new therapies, such as gene therapy. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is seldom reported in the hemophilia population. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of NAFLD and associated factors in PWH. Methods Data of this cross-sectional study were obtained from a multicenter collaborative registry database. Results A total of 163 moderate or severe PWH with a complete data of liver examination were analyzed. There were 77 (47.2%) PWH diagnosed with NAFLD. The multivariate analysis showed that overweight/obesity was associated with NAFLD (OR, 4.31, P < .001). In comparison with hemophilia B patients, hemophilia A patients showed a weaker correlation with NAFLD, (OR, 0.30, P = .009). A total of 17 (25.8%) PWH with NAFLD had an elevated level of alanine transaminase (ALT). Both overweight/obesity and presence of inhibitor to clotting factor were independently associated with elevated ALT in PWH with NAFLD. Conclusions The study indicated that a high prevalence of NAFLD existed in the hemophilia population. Overweight/obesity was an independent factor for NAFLD and elevated ALT.
Microbiome-Related Indole and Serotonin Metabolites are Linked to Inflammation and Psychiatric Symptoms in People Living with HIV
Authors: Vadaq Nadira , Zhang Yue , Meeder Elise , Van de Wijer Lisa , Gasem Muhammad Hussein , Joosten Leo AB , Netea Mihai G , de Mast Quirijn , Matzaraki Vasiliki , Schellekens Arnt , Fu Jingyuan , van der Ven André JAM 
Published: September 2022

Background: People living with HIV (PLHIV) exhibit dysregulation of tryptophan metabolism. Altered gut microbiome composition in PLHIV might be involved. Mechanistic consequences within the 3 major tryptophan metabolism pathways (serotonin, kynurenine, and indoles), and functional consequences for platelet, immune and behavioral functions are unknown. We investigated plasma tryptophan metabolites, gut microbiome composition, and their association with platelet function, inflammation, and psychiatric symptoms. Methods: This study included 211 PLHIV on long-term antiretroviral treatment (ART). Plasma tryptophan pathway metabolites were measured using time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Bacterial composition was profiled using metagenomic sequencing. Platelet reactivity and serotonin levels were quantified by flowcytometry and ELISA, respectively. Circulating inflammatory markers were determined using ELISA. Symptoms of depression and impulsivity were measured by DASS-42 and BIS-11 self-report questionnaires, respectively. Results: Plasma serotonin and indole metabolites were associated with gut bacterial composition. Notably, species enriched in PLHIV were associated with 3-methyldioxyindole. Platelet serotonin concentrations were elevated in PLHIV, without effects on platelet reactivity. Plasma serotonin and indole metabolites were positively associated with plasma IL-10 and TNF-α concentrations. Finally, higher tryptophan, serotonin, and indole metabolites were associated with lower depression and anxiety, whereas higher kynurenine metabolites were associated with increased impulsivity. Conclusion: Our results suggest that gut bacterial composition and dysbiosis in PLHIV on ART contribute to tryptophan metabolism, which may have clinical consequences for immune function and behavior.
Strategies for capacity building in a low-resource setting: Stakeholders’ voices
Authors: Lee James D , Meadan Hedda , Oyunbaatar Enkhjin , Amar Amarbuyan 
Published: September 2022

Although global prevalence of autism has grown substantially, researchers still report inequity in access to evidence-based interventions in many low-resource settings where majority of world’s children live. Capacity building of diverse stakeholders in low-resource settings has been suggested to be a potential way to mitigate low levels of access to resources; however, little is known about what these stakeholders consider as helpful strategies in capacity building. In this qualitative research, we conducted five focus groups with 30 Mongolian caregivers of children with autism and 15 individual interviews with professionals in Mongolia. Three themes emerged from this study, including (a) partnership, (b) advocacy, and (c) empowerment. Each theme also contained several categories. For example, partnerships included enhancing collaboration among stakeholders and collaboration with international development agencies; advocacy included parental and legislative advocacy; and empowerment included training for diverse stakeholders, including caregivers and professionals. Implications and directions for future research are also suggested. Lay abstract Prevalence of autism is increasing all around the globe, but there is still great inequity in accessing evidence-based interventions. Although the field of autism research has made great strides in identifying and establishing evidence-based interventions, dissemination and implementation of these interventions have been reported as inequitable. This inequity is especially highlighted in many low-resource settings, such as Mongolia. As a field, there is still much to be learned about what strategies are used by stakeholders in low-resource settings to build capacity and to mitigate the hardships. To gain a deeper understanding of strategies for capacity building within a low-resource setting, we conducted five focus groups with 30 Mongolian caregivers of children with autism and 15 individual interviews with various professionals who work in Mongolia. These stakeholders reported three main strategies, including (a) partnership, (b) advocacy, and (c) empowerment, which included several strategies and implications on capacity-building practices. Furthermore, the findings from this study may suggest important implications for future intervention research.
Understanding Experience of Patients With Highly Infectious Diseases During Extended Isolation: A Design Perspective
Authors: Matić Zorana , Sala Maria F. Wong , Tonetto Leandro Miletto , Campiglia Gabrielle Conrad , Morgan Jill , DuBose Jennifer R. , Zimring Craig M. , Kraft Colleen S. 
Published: September 2022

Objectives: This study aimed to develop a better understanding of the unique needs of patients with highly infectious diseases and their perceptions of being placed in isolation. We explore the subjective experiences of patients treated for Ebola in a biocontainment unit (BCU) and the healthcare personnel who cared for them. Background: The 2014 Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic have brought to focus some major challenges of caring for patients with serious infectious diseases. Previous studies on BCU design have looked at ways to prevent self- and cross-contamination, but very few have examined how the built environment can support an improved patient experience. Method: A qualitative study was conducted with four patients treated for Ebola and two critical care nurses who provided direct care to them at a single BCU in the U.S. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews to capture the actual patients’ perception and experience of isolation. The interviews were analyzed using the thematic analysis approach. Results: The Ebola patients placed in source isolation perceived the BCU as an artificial environment where they lacked control, agency, autonomy, and independence. The physical separation from other patients, visitor restrictions, and staff wearing PPE contributed to feelings of social and emotional isolation, and loneliness. Conclusions: The isolation can take a toll on physiological and psychological well-being. A thoughtful design of isolation units may improve patients’ experience by supporting human and social interactions, empowering patients through space flexibility and personalization of space, and supporting a more holistic approach to isolation care.