bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The clinical significance of focal active colitis and inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Hosack Tom , Griffiths Cameron , Kumar Rohith , Mandal Amit Keiran John , Salam Imroz , Missouris Constantinos 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Focal active colitis (FAC) is a non-specific histological diagnosis of uncertain clinical significance. There is potentially a causal relationship between FAC and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children, but this has not been adequately explored in adults. We sought to evaluate whether FAC is a reliable predictor of developing IBD in adults.
Methods
43 patients with FAC were retrospectively identified between October 2014 and May 2019 and reviewed using the electronic pathology database at our institution. Patients with known chronic colitis were excluded. Patients were followed up for a mean period of 36 months +/- 16. Clinical data and final diagnoses were recorded, and categorical analysis performed with Fisher’s exact χ2.
Results
43 patients (11 male: 32 female, mean age 53 years +/- 18) were included. 14 (33%) with FAC were subsequently diagnosed with infective colitis, 5 (12%) with IBD, of which 4 (80%) were diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and 1 (20%) was diagnosed with undetermined IBD. Of 34 patients (79%) with neither raised faecal calprotectin (FC) levels nor suspicious endoscopic findings, 1 (3%) patient subsequently developed IBD. This was statistically significant by Fisher’s exact (p = 0.0046), and the phi coefficient of 0.53 demonstrated that patients with neither raised FC levels nor suspicious endoscopic findings were statistically unlikely to develop IBD.
Conclusion
Our results suggest that having normal FC levels and endoscopic findings reduces the risk of future development of IBD in adults. Furthermore, a raised FC level and endoscopic features suggestive of IBD with histological FAC may predict progression to IBD.
Distinguishable DNA Methylation Defines a Cardiac-Specific Epigenetic Clock
Authors: Mongelli A. , Panunzi S. , Nesta M. , Gottardi-Zamperla M. , Atlante S. , Barbi V. , Mongiardini V. , Ferraro F. , DeMartino S. , Cis L. , Re A. , Maltese S. , Bachetti T. , LaRovere MT , Martelli F. , Pesce M. , Nanni S. , Massetti M , Pontecorvi A. , Farsetti A. , Gaetano C. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
BACKGROUND
The present study investigates whether epigenetic differences emerge in the heart of patients undergoing cardiac surgery for an aortic valvular replacement (AVR) or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). An algorithm is also established to determine how the pathophysiological condition might influence the human biological cardiac age.
RESULTS
Blood samples and cardiac auricles were collected from patients who underwent cardiac procedures: 94 AVR and 289 CABG. The CpGs from three independent blood-derived biological clocks were selected to design a new blood- and the first cardiac-specific clocks. Specifically, 31 CpGs from six age-related genes, ELOVL2, EDARADD, ITGA2B, ASPA, PDE4C, and FHL2, were used to construct the tissue-tailored clocks. The best-fitting variables were combined to define new cardiac- and blood-tailored clocks validated through neural network analysis and elastic regression. In addition, telomere length (TL) was measured by qPCR. These new methods revealed a similarity between chronological and biological age in the blood and heart; the average TL was significantly higher in the heart than in the blood. In addition, the cardiac clock discriminated well between AVR and CABG and was sensitive to cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity and smoking. Moreover, the cardiac-specific clock identified an AVR patient's subgroup whose accelerated bioage correlated with the altered ventricular parameters, including left ventricular diastolic and systolic volume.
CONCLUSION
This study reports on applying a method to evaluate the cardiac biological age revealing epigenetic features that separate subgroups of AVR and CABG.
Genome scan of rice landrace populations collected across time revealed climate changes’ selective footprints in the genes network regulating flowering time
Authors: AHMADI Nourollah , BARRY Mamadou Billo , FROUIN Julien , de Navascués Miguel , Touré Mamadou Aminata 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Analysis of the genetic bases of plants adaptation to climate changes, using genome-scan approaches, are often conducted on natural populations, under hypothesis of out-crossing reproductive regime. We report here on a study based on diachronic sampling (1980 & 2010) of the autogamous crop species, Oryza sativa and Oryza glaberrima, in the tropical forest and the Sudanian savannah of West Africa. First, using historical meteorological data we confirmed changes in temperatures (+ 1°C on average) and rainfall regime (less predictable and reduced amount) in the target area. Second, phenotyping the populations for phenology, we observed significantly earlier heading time (up to 10 days) in the 2010 samples. Third, implementing two genome-scan methods (one of which specially developed for selfing species) on genotyping by sequencing genotypic data of the two populations, we detected 31 independent selection footprints. Gene ontology analysis detected significant enrichment of these selection footprints in genes involved in reproductive processes. Some of theme bore known heading time QTLs and genes, including OsGI, Hd1 and OsphyB. This rapid adaptive evolution, originated from subtle changes in the standing variation in genetic network regulating heading time, did not translate into predominance of multilocus genotypes, as it is often the case in selfing plants, and into notable selective sweeps. The high adaptive potential observed results from the multiline genetic structure of the rice landraces, and the rather large and imbricated genetic diversity of the rice meta-population at the farm, the village and the region levels, that hosted the adaptive variants in multiple genetic backgrounds before the advent of the environmental selective pressure. Our results provide a model for rice breeding and cultivars deployment strategies aiming resilience to climate changes. It also calls for further development of population genetics models for adaptation of plants populations to environmental changes.
Outcomes of patients with intracranial germ cell tumour with choriocarcinoma element or β-HCG level higher than 500 IU/L under radiotherapy-based treatments
Authors: Feng Jin , Chen Li , Li Chunde , Liu Wei , Chen Huiyuan , Qiu Xiaoguang , Li Bo 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
In previous studies, patients with intracranial germ cell tumour (iGCT) with pure choriocarcinoma or mixed germ cell tumours with choriocarcinoma element showed similar dismal prognoses, with median overall survival (OS) of 22 months and 1-year survival rate of approximately 60%. However, these conclusions need to be updated because radiotherapy, which is the milestone for this disease, was not applied in a number of patients.
Methods
Clinical data of patients with iGCTs with histologically confirmed choriocarcinoma element or beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) > 500 IU/L were collected from the archives of our institution and retrospectively studied.
Results
A total of 76 patients were eligible for this study. In terms of the initial treatment, 11 patients underwent surgery, four patients received radiotherapy, and 61 patients received chemotherapy. Except for two early deaths, all patients received radiotherapy (craniospinal irradiation [CSI], n = 23; non-CSI, n = 51). The median follow-up duration for the entire series was 63 months (range, 6–188 months). The 5-year event-free survival (EFS) and OS rates were 81.5% and 84.1%, respectively. Among patients who did not have early death or progressive disease after induction chemotherapy, multivariate analysis revealed that chemotherapy cycles (> 4 vs. ≤4) (hazard ratio [HR] for EFS 0.144, p = 0.020; HR for OS 0.111, p = 0.028) and β-HCG levels (> 3000 IU/L vs. ≤3000 IU/L) (HR for EFS 4.342, p = 0.059; HR for OS 6.614, p = 0.033) were independent factors for survival. Radiation volume (non-CSI vs. CSI) was not proven to be a prognostic factor for either EFS or OS (hazard ratio [HR] for EFS 1.902, p = 0.59; HR for OS 2.425, p = 0.49).
Conclusions
Patients with iGCTs with choriocarcinoma element or β-HCG > 500 IU/L showed improved survival with radiotherapy-based treatments. Additional chemotherapy cycles could result in additional survival benefits. Patients with β-HCG level > 3000 IU/L had poorer prognosis.
A pan-cancer interrogation of intronic polyadenylation and its association with cancer characteristics
Authors: Liu Liang , Sun Peiqing , Zhang Wei 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
3’UTR-APAs have been extensively studied, but IPAs remain largely unexplored. We characterized the profiles of 22,260 IPAs in 9,679 patient samples across 32 cancer types from the TCGA cohort. By comparing tumor and paired normal tissues, we identified 180~4,645 dysregulated IPAs in 132~2,249 genes in each of 690 patient tumors from 22 cancer types that showed consistent patterns within individual cancer types. We selected 2,741 genes that showed consistently patterns across cancer types, including 1,834 pan-cancer tumor-enriched and 907 tumor-depleted IPA genes; the former were amply represented in the functional pathways such as DNA damage repair. Expression of IPA isoforms was associated with tumor mutation burdens and patient characteristics (e.g., sex, race, cancer stages, and subtypes) in cancer-specific and feature-specific manners, and could be a more accurate prognostic marker than gene expression (summary of all isoforms). In summary, our study reveals the roles and the clinical relevance of tumor-associated IPAs.
Green kingfishers as sentinel species for mercury contamination in Amazon
Authors: Oliveira Edvagner , Ignácio Áurea , Lázaro Wilkinson , Díez Sergi , Guimarães Jean , Santos-Filho Manoel 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Mercury is a global contaminant naturally found in the Amazon; it can be biomagnified in the aquatic trophic chain. The use of piscivorous avians for mercurial contamination biomonitoring is increasing, mainly due to the non-mobility of mercury in avian feathers. We examined the concentrations of total mercury and methylmercury in different Chloroceryle americana tissues from the Teles Pires and Juruena Rivers in the southern Brazilian Amazon. We also evaluated total mercury in small Characidae fish (potential C. americana food) in the same areas. The results evidenced high mercury concentrations, on average two-times higher in the green kingfishers from the Teles Pires River compared to the Juruena River; the same results were found for the fish specimens. Mercury concentrations were lowest in the muscle, followed by liver and highest in feathers. Fifty-eight per cent of the feather samples from the Juruena River and 90% from the Teles Pires River had total mercury concentrations above 5 µg/g, a level previously associated with adverse effects related to avian breeding. The methylmercury concentration was lowest in the liver, followed by feathers and highest in muscle. Although Juruena River avian feathers had a lower total mercury concentration, > 96% of the total mercury was methylmercury, the highest amount for specimens from both rivers.
Climate pledges by major steel companies: a long way ahead towards zero emissions
Authors: Kuramochi Takeshi , Casas Maria Jose de Villafranca , Smit Sybrig , Nilsson Anna 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
This paper analyses the status, robustness, and the potential impact of greenhouse gas emission reduction targets set by the largest steel producer companies. For the 60 largest steel companies by volume, covering more than 60% of global steel production, we collected data on the targets and emission reduction measures from publicly available documents. We found that only 26 companies have their own greenhouse gas emission reduction targets of varying timeframes between 2025 and 2050. Even when excluding the 18 Chinese state-owned companies that are under the national 2060 net zero target, 16 companies had no emission reduction targets. Eighteen companies had long term targets (2040 of after), of which 15 were net zero emission targets; all but one also had interim targets. If all climate targets of the 26 companies with a target are achieved, CO2 emissions could be up to 11% lower in 2030 and up to 41% lower in 2050 in comparison to a baseline scenario. Assuming a gradual increase in global crude steel demand from 1.9 Gt in 2019 to 2.5 Gt in 2050 and assuming similar trends for the rest of the global steel industry as observed for the 60 companies, we estimate that the current ambition of the global steel industry on emission reductions would lead to a reduction of 37–51% by 2050 from 2019 levels (3.4 GtCO2 to 1.7–2.2 GtCO2), or compared to a 9–18% reduction in a baseline scenario. Steel companies are also lagging in setting clear emission reduction plans. We found that 12 out of the 26 steel producers with targets did not provide an emission reduction plan; 14 provided at least one measure to achieve their target, and from those only eight had a comprehensive, detailed emission reduction plan that includes timelines, technologies and measures to be implemented to achieve their targets. While it is encouraging that the steel companies have started acting toward long-term deep decarbonisation, our findings suggest that there is a long way ahead and the action needs to be accelerated considerably.
Vascular epiphytes on large old-growth trees: the influence of ecological zones in epiphyte species composition
Authors: Scipioni Marcelo , Fischer Vera Lúcia de Souza Teixeira , Melo Edilaine Andrade , Caglioni Eder , Santos Vanderlei dos 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The over time establishment of epiphyte communities on large old-growth trees has shown that epiphyte numbers tend to rise in relation to the size of their phorophytes. The objective of our study was to perform a floristic survey of vascular epiphytes on last large old-growth trees in a subtropical forest and to compare species richness between conifers and hardwood trees. Nine phorophytes (0.9–2.1 m in diameter and 22–40 m in height) in one of the last remaining old-growth forests were selected for study. Epiphyte locations on the trees were divided into the following ecological zones: base of the trunk: first 1.30 m above ground; mid-section of the trunk: from the trunk base to the crown base; crown base: 1.30 m below the crown; and crown. We found 30 species of epiphytes, distributed in 21 genera and 11 families. Among the distribution patterns of the epiphytes there were species predominantly occurring in the basal or mid-trunk region of the phorophytes (e.g., Billbergia nutans); other species occupied the upper portion of the phorophyte, between the mid-trunk and the crown (e.g., Vriesea reitzii). The relationship between size in large old host trees and vascular epiphyte species richness is not positive and linear. Vascular epiphyte species richness by host trees species was indifferent among large old trees species, even though Ocotea porosa (hardwood) has an apparently larger crown greater and show more abundance of epiphytes than that of Araucaria angustifolia (conifer).
Key Performance Indicators for Project Success in Saudi Arabian Construction Industry
Authors: Hussain Sharafat , Hasmori Muhammad Fikri , Abas Nor Haslinda , Balasbaneh Ali Tighnavard , Khan Muhammad Wajidullah 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are a significant part of every successful construction project. Establishing KPIs that provide objective criteria for measuring project success is common in performance measurement on construction projects. A presumption is made that a project is successful if finished on time, within the agreed budget, and with the desired quality, often known as the "iron triangle." According to the evidence, this is far from the truth. In addition to the iron triangle, the construction industry must focus on other crucial success factors. Therefore, this study investigates the essential KPIs for construction projects in Saudi Arabia. This research employed a questionnaire survey as its major data source to determine the most critical KPIs for construction projects. The secondary data was collected from a comprehensive review of relevant literature, and the important performance indicators for construction projects in Saudi Arabia were selected and then evaluated using a questionnaire survey. The study found that the most important KPIs are Time, Cost, Quality, Safety, Sustainable Construction, Client Satisfaction, End-User Satisfaction, Risk management, Productivity of labour, and Profitability. This research adds to the corpus of knowledge on the Saudi Arabian key performance indicators for construction projects.
Laporan Kasus: Myiasis pada Peristoma Trakeostomi
Authors: Hidayat Riza , Rahaju Pudji , Surjotomo Hendradi , Murdiyo Mohammad Dwijo 
Published: December 2022

Myiasis adalah infestasi larva Diptera (lalat) pada jaringan hidup manusia atau hewan dalam periode tertentu. Kasus myiasis banyak terjadi didaerah tropis terutama pada masyarakat golongan sosio-ekonomi rendah. Myiasis pada trakeostomi jarang didapatkan, literatur di Inggris menyebutkan hanya 2 kasus myiasis pada trekeostomi. Dilaporkan kasus laki-laki 60 tahun dengan myiasis pada peristoma trakeostomi dan karsinoma laring T4N2cMo. Trakeostomi dilakukan 1 tahun yang lalu, datang dengan keluhan keluar belatung dari kanul trakea, terasa seperti ada benda asing dileher, dan rasa nyeri yang menggigit, Pada kassa kanul trakea Â sering merembes darah, Â dan kanul trakea tidak ditutup oleh kassa atau sapu tangan. Pasien menyatakan sering membersihkan sekitar kanul trakea menggunakan bulu ayam. Â Penatalaksanaan dilakukan dengan ekstraksi larva secara manual dan debridemen, serta diberikan antibiotik intravena. Selain itu juga dilakukan perawatan luka dan penggantian anak kanul secara berkala dan Â menutup kanul trakea dengan kassa. Larva teridenfikasi sebagai larva lalat Chrysomya sp. Myiasis pada trakeostomi jarang diterjadi, faktor predisposisi myiasis pada luka trakeostomi berupa kebersihan kanul trakea, bau dari luka trakeostomi, dan kebersihan lingkungan tempat tinggal.
Combined Effects of Cadmium- and Cyanide-Contaminated Diet on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Different Tissues of Rats
Authors: Ekayoda Ovigueroye , Kadiri Helen Ejiro , Ohwokevwo Oghenenyore Andy 
Published: December 2022

Background. Several toxicants present simultaneously in the environment have combined toxicological effects. In addition, various xenobiotics have distinct effects on oxidative stress biomarkers in animal cells and tissues.
The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of cadmium (Cd) and cyanide (CN) through the food chain on some antioxidant indices in the tissues (lungs, testes, heart, and brain) of male Wistar rats.
Materials and Methods. The study included sixty African catfish allocated to four groups, each comprising fifteen fish, treated with potassium cyanide (KCN) and cadmium chloride (CdCl2), held at a temperature of 25°C in a 100-litre fish tank aquarium with water contaminated with 0.4 mg of both cyanide and cadmium/100 ml of water. All the fish were later killed, dried, and used to prepare diet for experimental animals. Twenty male rats divided into four groups, each comprising five rats, were used for this study as well, and fed for 28 days as follows: Group A - control diet; Group B - cyanide-contaminated diet; Group C - cadmium-contaminated diet; Group D - diet contaminated with cyanide + cadmium. Subsequently, they were sacrificed. Biochemical analysis of the tissues excised from the rats was done.
Results. There was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in lipid peroxidation level and a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase, catalase and reduced glutathione activities in the lungs, testes, heart, and brain of rats fed a catfish diet containing both cyanide and cadmium as compared to controls. In addition, contaminated diet altered acetylcholinesterase activity in the brain, glutathione peroxidase activity, glutathione-S-transferase activity, and glutathione reductase activity in the tissues of experimental rats.
Conclusions. Cadmium and cyanide, via the food chain, induce oxidative stress in the lungs, testes, heart, and brain of rats.
App Design Features Important for Diabetes Self-management as Determined by the Self-Determination Theory on Motivation: Content Analysis of Survey Responses From Adults Requiring Insulin Therapy
Authors: Fu Helen N C , Wyman Jean F , Peden-McAlpine Cynthia J , Draucker Claire Burke , Schleyer Titus , Adam Terrence J 
Published: December 2022

Background
Using a diabetes app can improve glycemic control; however, the use of diabetes apps is low, possibly due to design issues that affect patient motivation.

Objective
This study aimed to describes how adults with diabetes requiring insulin perceive diabetes apps based on 3 key psychological needs (competence, autonomy, and connectivity) described by the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) on motivation.

Methods
This was a qualitative analysis of data collected during a crossover randomized laboratory trial (N=92) testing 2 diabetes apps. Data sources included (1) observations during app testing and (2) survey responses on desired app features. Guided by the SDT, coding categories included app functions that could address psychological needs for motivation in self-management: competence, autonomy, and connectivity.

Results
Patients described design features that addressed needs for competence, autonomy, and connectivity. To promote competence, electronic data recording and analysis should help patients track and understand blood glucose (BG) results necessary for planning behavior changes. To promote autonomy, BG trend analysis should empower patients to set safe and practical personalized behavioral goals based on time and the day of the week. To promote connectivity, app email or messaging function could share data reports and communicate with others on self-management advice. Additional themes that emerged are the top general app designs to promote positive user experience: patient-friendly; automatic features of data upload; voice recognition to eliminate typing data; alert or reminder on self-management activities; and app interactivity of a sound, message, or emoji change in response to keeping or not keeping BG in the target range.

Conclusions
The application of the SDT was useful in identifying motivational app designs that address the psychological needs of competence, autonomy, and connectivity. User-centered design concepts, such as being patient-friendly, differ from the SDT because patients need a positive user experience (ie, a technology need). Patients want engaging diabetes apps that go beyond data input and output. Apps should be easy to use, provide personalized analysis reports, be interactive to affirm positive behaviors, facilitate data sharing, and support patient-clinician communication.