bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Advancements and strategies of genetic improvement in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz): from conventional to genomic approaches
Authors: Xiao Liang , Cheng Dong , Ou Wenjun , Chen Xin , Rabbi Ismail Yusuf , Wang Wenquan , Li Kaimian , Yan Huabing 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a staple food of 800 million people in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Its industrial utilization for bioethanol, animal feed, and starch are still continuously expanding. It was not until the 1970s that significant scientific efforts were undertaken to improve cassava, despite its considerable economic and social significance. Shorten the breeding cycle and improve the breeding efficiency are always the focus of the cassava breeding study. In this review, we provide a global perspective on the current status of cassava germplasm resources and explore the diverse applications of cassava breeding methods from hybridization, polyploidy and inbreeding to genomic selection and gene editing. Additionally, we overview at least six nearly complete cassava genome sequences established based on modern genomic techniques. These achievements have substantially supported the advancing of gene discovery and breeding of new cassava varieties. Furthermore, we provide a summary of the advancements in cassava’s functional genomics, concentrating on important traits such as starch quality and content, dry matter content, tolerance to post-harvest physiological deterioration, nutritional quality, and stress resistance. We also provide a comprehensive summary of the milestone events and key advancements in cassava genetic improvement over the past 50 years. Finally, we put forward the perspective of developing genomic selection breeding model and super-hybrids of cassava through building inbreeding population and emphasize the generation of triploid cassavas, allowing cassava to be a tropical model plant serve for basic biological research and molecular breeding.
A successful post-surgical treatment of cardiogenic shock using Impella via brachiocephalic artery
Authors: Sakai Ai , Iino Kenji , Yamamoto Yoshitaka , Takemura Hirofumi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Patients with low-flow, low-gradient severe aortic stenosis and ischaemic cardiomyopathy are at risk for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock and have a poor prognosis. Although Impella has emerged as a bridge therapy, traditional approaches for Impella insertion are infeasible in patients with peripheral vascular diseases. We successfully managed postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock in a patient with low-flow, low-gradient severe aortic stenosis and ischaemic cardiomyopathy and limited vascular access by introducing Impella via the brachiocephalic artery. Impella may enable the surgical treatment of high-risk patients.
The role of Impella in the pre-procedural management of post-infarct ventricular septal defect: a systematic review
Authors: Gemelli Marco , Ronco Daniele , Di Mauro Michele , Meani Paolo , Kowalewski Mariusz , Schwartz Gary , Arora Rakesh C , Whitman Glenn , Potapov Evgenij , Wiedemann Dominik , Zimpfer Daniel , Milojevic Milan , Nersesian Gaik , Salazar Leonardo , Gelsomino Sandro , Gerosa Gino , Lorusso Roberto 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Post-infarct ventricular septal defect is a rare but devastating complication. Delayed treatment offers better outcomes than emergency surgery, but when acute cardiogenic shock or unstable haemodynamics occur, temporary mechanical circulatory support may be needed to stabilize patients until treatment. The aim of our systematic review was to assess the outcomes of using Impella in this setting.

METHODS
A systematic search was performed in the Medline and EMBASE databases, and all the papers about the use of Impella in this setting were assessed. The study followed the PRISMA criteria.

RESULTS
A total of 20 papers encompassing 68 patients with an Impella implanted after the diagnosis of post-infarct ventricular septal defect and before its treatment were included. More than 95% were in cardiogenic shock when Impella was implanted, and half had another mechanical circulatory support device. Most of the patients (62%) had a posterior defect, and 72% underwent surgical or percutaneous repair. Total in-hospital mortality was 47%, and a total of 29 Impella-related complications were observed. Patients with surgical Impella had a numerically lower in-hospital mortality (35% vs. 58%) and a lower rate of complications compared to percutaneous device.

CONCLUSIONS
Impella represents an effective device for diminishing low output syndrome, improving peripheral perfusion, and unloading both the ventricles. It can be used as an upgrade from another mechanical circulatory support or as an addition to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to provide adequate left ventricular or biventricular support. Despite this, Impella-related complications can occur after its implantation and must be considered.
Comprehensive analysis and optimization of a sustainable and eco-friendly polygeneration system driven by solar/biomass energies integrated with the desalination and carbon capture systems
Authors: Xiang Yun , Druzhinin Zumrat 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This paper discusses an innovative polygeneration system. To supplement the heat source, a solar system under linear Fresnel reflector (LFRs) is incorporated. The findings indicate that the facility can generate 70.1 MW of net electric power, 1921.3 kg/h of methanol, 2936.4 kg/h of oxygen, 267.5 m3/h of potable water, and approximately 54.4 kg/h of hydrogen. From an energy perspective, the system demonstrates an efficiency of 52.1%, while from an exergy standpoint, the efficiency is 27.7%. Additionally, the facility’s total environmental footprint and operational cost are estimated to be around 0.292 Pts/s and 0.931 $/s, respectively.
Evaluation of deprescribing services in frail patients: a systematic review
Authors: Alshatti Dalal , Cox Anthony R , Hirsch Christine , Cheng Vicky , Aston Jeff 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Deprescribing, a process of dose reduction or withdrawal of inappropriate medication that no longer has benefit, is a proposed intervention in the care of older adults living with frailty.

Objective/Aim
To evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and clinical impact of deprescribing services in frail patients

Methods
A systematic literature search was performed in November 2023 using Scopus, CINAHL PLUS (EBSCO), MEDLINE (OVID and EMBASE), and Cochrane Library. The Mixed Methods Appraisal tool was used for appraising the methodological quality of the included papers. Studies were selected after title, abstract, and full-text screening, with independent review. Thematic analysis was used for analysing data from the selected articles.

Results
Five hundred ninety unique titles were identified, with nine (six trials, one interview, one survey, and one designed-delay study) meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. Four main descriptive themes have been identified: challenges of deprescribing in frailty, facilitators of deprescribing in frailty, deprescribing processes in current practice in frail patients, and deprescribing outcomes. Additionally, two analytical themes have been identified: safety and quality.

Conclusion
A number of issues have been highlighted that impact the implementation of deprescribing services in frail patients. Currently, there is limited evidence showing strong benefits of such deprescribing services, such as reducing the number of potentially inappropriate medications and medication costs.
Perceptions of community pharmacists regarding pregabalin abuse: a survey from Sudan
Authors: Altayeb Lina , Zkriea Alaa , El imam Eman , GreebAlla Khansa , Hassan Rimah , Ahmed Ruba , Wazaify Mayyada 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Pregabalin abuse is increasing in prevalence and is associated with significant harm. This study aimed to assess community pharmacists’ perceptions of pregabalin abuse and their recommendations to address this issue.

Methods
This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the Omdurman locality, Khartoum in 2022. Community pharmacies were selected randomly and surveyed using a pre-tested and self-administered questionnaire held on a smartphone. Chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests were run using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26.

Key Findings
A total of 172 community pharmacists completed the questionnaire (77.8% aged 22-30 years, 65.1% females, 79.1% holding bachelor’s degrees, and 57.6% having ≤ 5 years of work experience). Most participants (81.4%) perceived that they had observed pregabalin abuse in the last 6 months. Participants indicated that they were aware of the abuse potential of pregabalin (97.7%) and that they routinely dispensed pregabalin only by prescription (92.4%). Most participants reported that people they suspected of abusing pregabalin were mainly men (98.8%), aged 21–30 years (90.7%), and did not regularly visit the pharmacy (72.7%). Actions taken for such customers included stating the product was not available (64.0%) and refusing to dispense (56.4%). The most recommended solutions were raising community awareness about the risks and consequences of pregabalin abuse (35.8%) and maximizing pharmacists’ adherence to dispensing regulations (36.5%).

Conclusions
Most pharmacists believed that they had observed pregabalin abuse and that it was increasing. They managed the situation primarily by reporting the drug was unavailable and refusing to dispense it. Effective community pharmacy-based interventions are strongly needed to tackle the issue of pregabalin abuse.
A conforming multi-domain Legendre spectral method for solving diffusive-viscous wave equations in the exterior domain with separated star-shaped obstacles
Authors: Yao Guoqing , Wang Zicheng , Wang Zhongqing 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In this paper, we propose a conforming multi-domain spectral method that combines mapping techniques to solve the diffusive-viscous wave equation in the exterior domain of two complex obstacles. First, we confine the exterior domain within a relatively large rectangular computational domain. Then, we decompose the rectangular domain into two sub-domains, each containing one obstacle. By applying coordinate transformations along radial direction to each sub-domain, we map them into eight regular sub-blocks. Subsequently, we perform numerical simulations using classical spectral methods on these regular sub-blocks. Our analysis focuses on the optimal convergence of this approach. The numerical results demonstrate the high-order accuracy of the proposed method.
Anelloviruses and Cancer
Authors: Tang Jason Y , Chen Trevor B , Kouznetsova Valentina L , Tsigelny Igor F 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Anelloviruses are among the most prevalent viruses within the human virome, detected in &gt;90% of healthy individuals. Despite their ubiquity, the role of anelloviruses in human health remains elusive. This review examines the potential associations of the anelloviruses torque teno virus (TTV), torque teno midi virus (TTMDV), and torque teno mini virus (TTMV) with various cancers, highlighting the mixed conclusions from current epidemiological studies. Anelloviruses may modulate cancer development through abnormal gene fusion, immune response, and Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) activation. On the other hand, anelloviruses might suppress tumor formation through TTV-derived apoptosis-inducing protein (TAIP) and NF-κB signaling inhibition. The high prevalence of anelloviruses in cancer patients could also be attributed to their immunocompromised status rather than a direct causative role of the viruses. This review underscores the need for more comprehensive studies, including in vitro and in vivo experiments, to clarify the role of anelloviruses in cancer development and progression.
Array of metabolic pathways in a kleptoplastidic foraminiferan protist supports chemoautotrophy in dark, euxinic seafloor sediments
Authors: Gomaa Fatma , Rogers Daniel R , Utter Daniel R , Powers Christopher , Huang I-Ting , Beaudoin David J , Zhang Ying , Cavanaugh Colleen , Edgcomb Virginia P , Bernhard Joan M 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Investigations of the metabolic capabilities of anaerobic protists advances our understanding of the evolution of eukaryotic life on Earth and for uncovering analogous extraterrestrial complex microbial life. Certain species of foraminiferan protists live in environments analogous to early Earth conditions when eukaryotes evolved, including sulfidic, anoxic and hypoxic sediment porewaters. Foraminifera are known to form symbioses as well as to harbor organelles from other eukaryotes (chloroplasts), possibly bolstering the host’s independence from oxygen. The full extent of foraminiferal physiological capabilities is not fully understood. To date, evidence for foraminiferal anaerobiosis was gleaned from specimens first subjected to stresses associated with removal from in situ conditions. Here, we report comprehensive gene expression analysis of benthic foraminiferal populations preserved in situ on the euxinic (anoxic and sulfidic) bathyal seafloor, thus avoiding environmental alterations associated with sample recovery, including pressure reduction, sunlight exposure, warming, and oxygenation. Metatranscriptomics, metagenome-assembled genomes, and measurements of substrate uptake were used to study the kleptoplastidic foraminifer Nonionella stella inhabiting sulfur-oxidizing bacterial mats of the Santa Barbara Basin, off California. We show N. stella energy generation under dark euxinia is unusual because it orchestrates complex metabolic pathways for ATP production and carbon fixation through the Calvin cycle. These pathways include extended glycolysis, anaerobic fermentation, sulfide oxidation, and the presence of a membrane-bound inorganic pyrophosphatase, an enzyme that hydrolyzes inorganic pyrophosphate to actively pump protons across the mitochondrial membrane.
A retrospective cohort study on predicting infants at a risk of defaulting routine immunization in Uganda using machine learning models
Authors: Nantongo Bartha Alexandra , Nabukenya Josephine , Nabende Peter , Kamulegeya John 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Using machine learning models to predict infants at risk of defaulting routine immunization (RI) and identify significant features for Uganda.

Materials and Methods
Principal component analysis reduced dimensionality. Datasets were balanced using synthetic minority over-sampling technique. k-Nearest Neighbors, Decision Trees, Random Forests (RFs), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Naïve-Bayes, Logistic Regression (LR), XGBoost, Adoptive-Boosting, and Gradient-Boosting were used on Uganda’s 2016 Demographic and health survey data with social-economic and demographic factors as predictors. Experiments with and without K-fold cross-validation were performed. Models were evaluated for accuracy, recall, precision, and area under a curve (AUC).

Results and Discussion
Experimental results revealed that the rate of defaulting increases as an infant’s age increases at 5.3% Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), 7.3% pentavalentI, 22.9% pentavalentIII, and 22.1% for measles. Significant predictors for BCG were immunization card, polio0, cluster altitude. Reception of pneumococcal1, BCG, and district for pentavalentI; polio3, pentavalentII for pentavalentIII; polio active and pentavalentIII for measles.
RF had the best performance at predicting vaccine defaulting with 96%, 95%, 94%, 84% accuracy for BCG, PentavalentI, pentavalentIII, measles, respectively. Similarly, RF had the same precision, recall, AUC at 1.0. However, XGBoost, SVM, LR displayed the worst discriminatory power among infants who received the vaccine from defaulters with AUC ≤0.57.

Conclusion
Immunization card, preceding vaccines reception, and district were the most influential predictors. RF was the best classifier among the 9 models to predict defaulting RI. The study recommends regular outreaches, daily vaccination, provision of immunization cards, and accessible water sources to reduce defaulting.
Prevalence of incomplete atypical femoral fractures using single energy absorptiometry after long-term anti-resorptive therapy
Authors: Chaaya Jessica Abou , Fuleihan Ghada El-Hajj , Cheung Angela M , Layla Hiba Abou , Arabi Asma 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Atypical femur fractures (AFFs) have been reported with long-term use of anti-resorptive drugs. Early identification is crucial because it allows early intervention to stop the progression to complete fracture, thus potentially reducing the ensuing burden. It has been shown that extending the scan image to take a full-length image of the femur (FFI) using single energy (SE) X-rays at the time of a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan can detect findings in the spectrum of AFF. Following the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) recommendations, FFI by SE X-ray is being performed for all patients who present to the Calcium Metabolism and Osteoporosis program at AUBMC for bone mineral density measurement by DXA, if they have received anti-resorptive drug for a cumulative period of 3 years or more. Patients can be currently on anti-resorptive drug or have discontinued it within the past 5 years prior to scan, instead of the 1 year, as recommended by the ISCD. The primary aim of this retrospective study was to assess the prevalence of findings in the spectrum of AFF using FFI by SE X-rays. We collected data on demographic factors, clinical risk factors for osteoporosis, and bone densitometry parameters. Out of the 948 patients, 18 patients were found to have findings in the spectrum of AFF; 14 underwent subsequent imaging studies to investigate and confirm these abnormalities. One patient out of 948 patients was found to have an incomplete AFF confirmed by computed tomography scan. Studying the prevalence of the signs of AFF on FFI in other studies and assessing the specificity of this technique by comparing its findings with more established methods is important. Future ISCD task forces may need to reassess efficacy and cost effectiveness of its recommended guidance on using SE femur in patients to prevent adverse outcomes.
Pharmacogenetic and microRNA mechanisms of beta blocker use on bone
Authors: Lary Christine W , Atkinson Elizabeth J , Spillane Jennifer , Nayema Zannatun , Roy Tyler A , Peters Rebecca , Scott Griffin T , Chen Hongyu , Nagarajan Archana , Brown Aaron , Motyl Katherine J , Monroe David G , Khosla Sundeep 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Motivated by studies showing an association between beta blocker (BB) use and positive bone outcomes, a pilot randomized control trial was performed at the Mayo Clinic which randomized postmenopausal women to placebo, propranolol (40 or 80 mg twice daily), atenolol (50 mg/d), or nebivolol (5 mg/d) to determine changes in bone turnover markers (BTMs) and in BMD over 20 wk. Pharmacogenetic effects and microRNA-mediated mechanisms involving beta adrenergic receptor and related genes have previously been found. We sought to validate these effects and discover new candidates in an ancillary study to the pilot clinical trial. We genotyped all participants and performed microRNA (miRNA) sequencing at baseline and at 20 wk for 24 participants from the atenolol or placebo groups. We discovered several variants in ADRB1, ADRB2, and HDAC4 which showed significant pharmacogenetic effects with BMD at multiple sites and with BTMs. Our miRNA results showed a significant treatment effect for miR-19a-3p over time with atenolol use in the low-responder group compared to placebo. Overall, the longitudinal miRNA analysis showed a large number of miRNAs which were up-regulated over the trial in the low responders but not the high responders compared to placebo, of which miR-19a-3p was one example. Finally, we compared the response to atenolol treatment for cardiovascular traits (pulse and blood pressure) with the response for the bone resorption marker, C-terminal telopeptide, and found a largely independent effect. Our results have implications for personalized therapy and for understanding mechanisms of BB treatment effect on bone.
Bending properties of human cartilaginous ribs and costal cartilage material vary with age, sex, and calcification
Authors: Goh Megan H , Anderson Dennis E 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Costal cartilage plays an important functional role in the rib cage, but its mechanical properties have not been well characterized. The objective of this study is to characterize the properties of human costal cartilage and examine the effects of age, sex, rib level, and degree of calcification. We obtained cadaveric costal cartilage samples of ribs 3-6 with intact perichondrium from 24 donors (12 females and 12 males) evenly distributed by age (range 47-94 yr). Peripheral QCT scans were used to quantify geometric properties (area moments) and tissue calcification (as volume, length, and classified as central, peripheral, and mixed). Four-point bending tests were performed on each sample, and bending stiffness and modulus outcomes were evaluated by fitting data from mechanical testing with non-linear pseudo-elastic models (composed of linear and cubic components, separated into loading and unloading regimes). Effects of sex, age, rib level, and cartilage calcification on bending stiffness and modulus outcomes were assessed with mixed-effects regression models. Cartilage size (area moment) was larger in males than females and positively associated with age, while there was more calcification volume in cartilage of females than males. During loading, stiffness (linear and cubic) was larger in males, while modulus (linear and cubic) was larger in females. Linear stiffness and modulus were both negatively associated with age, positively associated with calcification, and varied between rib levels. Cubic (nonlinear) components of stiffness and modulus were positively associated with calcification and varied by rib, while modulus (but not stiffness) was negatively associated with age. During unloading, the linear stiffness and modulus values were much lower, though some similar associations were found. Overall, this study adds to our understanding of the behavior of costal cartilage as a nonlinear visco-elastic material, and the effects of sex, aging, and calcification on mechanical behavior.