bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wealth-related disparities of comprehensive knowledge of HIV among reproductive-aged women in Ethiopia: a decomposition analysis
Authors: Alemu Samrawit Birhanu , Abate Aynalem Belay , Yizengaw Mekedes Tamiru , Anebo Sisay Hanfesa , Alemu Melaku Birhanu 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) remains a major global public health concern, especially in low-income countries like Ethiopia. Insufficient awareness about HIV/AIDS makes women vulnerable to infection. Notably, there is a disparity in the comprehensive HIV knowledge among reproductive-aged women in poorer and wealthier households. However, the contributing factors for wealth-related disparities in comprehensive knowledge of HIV among reproductive-aged women in Ethiopia have not been explored.

Methods
We used the women's record (IR) of the 2016 Ethiopian demographic health survey. Erreygers normalized concentration index and curve were used to analyze the percentage contribution of factors in the comprehensive knowledge of HIV difference across wealth index. The concentration index was decomposed into contributing factors for poor comprehensive knowledge among poorer households.

Results
A total of 14,599 reproductive-aged women were included in the analysis. The comprehensive knowledge of HIV was 14.75% and 29.33% in the poorest and wealthiest households, respectively. The weighted Erreygers normalized concentration index (ECI) was 0.11 with Standard error = 0.015 (P value < 0.05). Age (− 0.17%), residence (1.4%), education (26.2%), occupation (1.38%), region (0.61%), wealth index (30.8%), media exposure (13.4%), and internet access (0.67%) significantly contributed to the wealth-related inequalities.

Conclusion
There was a pro-rich distribution of comprehensive knowledge of HIV among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia. Wealth, education, and media exposure were the major contributing factors to the wealth-related inequalities. Policymakers should prioritize media exposure and education, and work to improve the comprehensive knowledge of women in poorer households.
Shared decision making in primary malignant bone tumour surgery around the knee in children and young adults: protocol for a prospective study
Authors: Blom Kiki J , Bekkering Willem P , Fiocco Marta , van de Sande Michiel AJ , Schreuder Hendrik WB , van der Heijden Lizz , Jutte Paul C , Haveman Lianne M , Merks Johannes HM , Bramer Jos AM 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Children and young adults needing surgery for a primary malignant bone tumour around the knee face a difficult, life-changing decision. A previous study showed that this population wants to be involved more in the decision-making process and that more involvement leads to less decisional stress and regret. Therefore, a well-designed and standardized decision-making process based on the principles of shared decision-making needs to be designed, implemented, and evaluated.

Methods
We developed a shared decision-making (SDM) model for this patient population, including an online decision aid (DA). This model has been implemented in the standard care of patients with a primary malignant bone tumour around the knee. Following implementation, we will analyse its effect on the decision-making process and the impact on patient experiences using questionnaires and interviews. Moreover, potential areas for improvement will be identified.

Discussion
Given the importance of involving patients and parents in surgical decision-making, particularly in life-changing surgery such as malignant bone tumour surgery, and given the lack of SDM models applicable for this purpose, we want to share our model with the international community, including our study protocol for evaluating and optimising the model. This study will generate valuable knowledge to facilitate the optimisation of current patient care for local treatment. The sharing of our implementation and study protocol can serve as an example for other centres interested in implementing SDM methods in an era characterized by more empowered patients and parents who desire autonomy and reliable and realistic information.
Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation for d-lactic acid production using a metabolically engineered Escherichia coli adapted to high temperature
Authors: Pérez-Morales Gilberto , Caspeta Luis , Merino Enrique , Cevallos Miguel A. , Gosset Guillermo , Martinez Alfredo 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Escherichia coli JU15 is a metabolically engineered strain capable to metabolize C5 and C6 sugars with a high yield of d-lactic acid production at its optimal growth temperature (37 °C). The simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process allow to use lignocellulosic biomass as a cost-effective and high-yield strategy. However, this process requires microorganisms capable of growth at a temperature close to 50 °C, at which the activity of cellulolytic enzymes works efficiently.

Results
The thermotolerant strain GT48 was generated by adaptive laboratory evolution in batch and chemostat cultures under temperature increments until 48 °C. The strain GT48 was able to grow and ferment glucose to d-lactate at 47 °C. It was found that a pH of 6.3 conciliated with GT48 growth and cellulase activity of a commercial cocktail. Hence, this pH was used for the SSF of a diluted acid-pretreated corn stover (DAPCS) at a solid load of 15% (w/w), 15 FPU/g-DAPCS, and 47 °C. Under such conditions, the strain GT48 exhibited remarkable performance, producing d-lactate at a level of 1.41, 1.42, and 1.48-fold higher in titer, productivity, and yield, respectively, compared to parental strain at 45 °C.

Conclusions
In general, our results show for the first time that a thermal-adapted strain of E. coli is capable of being used in the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process without pre-saccharification stage at high temperatures.
Auditory N1 event-related potential amplitude is predictive of serum concentration of BPN14770 in fragile X syndrome
Authors: Norris Jordan E. , Berry-Kravis Elizabeth M. , Harnett Mark D. , Reines Scott A. , Reese Melody A. , Outterson Abigail H. , Michalak Claire , Furman Jeremiah , Gurney Mark E. , Ethridge Lauren E. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractFragile X syndrome (FXS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a CGG repeat expansion ≥ 200 repeats in 5’ untranslated region of the FMR1 gene, leading to intellectual disability and cognitive difficulties, including in the domain of communication. A recent phase 2a clinical trial testing BPN14770, a phosphodiesterase 4D inhibitor, showed improved cognition in 30 adult males with FXS on drug relative to placebo. The initial study found significant improvements in clinical measures assessing cognition, language, and daily functioning in addition to marginal improvements in electroencephalography (EEG) results for the amplitude of the N1 event-related potential (ERP) component. These EEG results suggest BPN14770 improved neural hyperexcitability in FXS. The current study investigated the relationship between BPN14770 pharmacokinetics and the amplitude of the N1 ERP component from the initial data. Consistent with the original group-level finding post-period 1 of the study, participants who received BPN14770 in period 1 showed a significant correlation between N1 amplitude and serum concentration of BPN14770 measured at the end of period 1. These findings strengthen the validity of the original result, indicating that BPN14770 improves cognitive performance by modulating neural hyperexcitability. This study represents the first report of a significant correlation between a reliably abnormal EEG marker and serum concentration of a novel pharmaceutical in FXS.
Advances in drug-induced liver injury research: in vitro models, mechanisms, omics and gene modulation techniques
Authors: Guo Kaidi , van den Beucken Twan 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDrug-induced liver injury (DILI) refers to drug-mediated damage to the structure and function of the liver, ranging from mild elevation of liver enzymes to severe hepatic insufficiency, and in some cases, progressing to liver failure. The mechanisms and clinical symptoms of DILI are diverse due to the varying combination of drugs, making clinical treatment and prevention complex. DILI has significant public health implications and is the primary reason for post-marketing drug withdrawals. The search for reliable preclinical models and validated biomarkers to predict and investigate DILI can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of adverse effects and drug safety. In this review, we examine the progress of research on DILI, enumerate in vitro models with potential benefits, and highlight cellular molecular perturbations that may serve as biomarkers. Additionally, we discuss omics approaches frequently used to gather comprehensive datasets on molecular events in response to drug exposure. Finally, three commonly used gene modulation techniques are described, highlighting their application in identifying causal relationships in DILI. Altogether, this review provides a thorough overview of ongoing work and approaches in the field of DILI.
Elevated levels of butyric acid in the jejunum of an animal model of broiler chickens: from early onset of Clostridium perfringens infection to clinical disease of necrotic enteritis
Authors: Gautam Hemlata , Shaik Noor Ahmad , Banaganapalli Babajan , Popowich Shelly , Subhasinghe Iresha , Ayalew Lisanework E. , Mandal Rupasri , Wishart David S. , Tikoo Suresh , Gomis Susantha 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Necrotic enteritis (NE) is an economically important disease of broiler chickens caused by Clostridium perfringens (CP). The pathogenesis, or disease process, of NE is still not clear. This study aimed to identify the alterations of metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with subclinical or clinical NE in CP infected birds and to investigate the possible variations in the metabolic profile of birds infected with different isolates of CP.

Methodology
Using a well-established NE model, the protein content of feed was changed abruptly before exposing birds to CP isolates with different toxin genes combinations (cpa, cpb2, netB, tpeL; cpa, cpb2, netB; or cpa, cpb2). Metabolomics analysis of jejunal contents was performed by a targeted, fully quantitative LC-MS/MS based assay.

Results
This study detected statistically significant differential expression of 34 metabolites including organic acids, amino acids, fatty acids, and biogenic amines, including elevation of butyric acid at onset of NE in broiler chickens. Subsequent analysis of broilers infected with CP isolates with different toxin gene combinations confirmed an elevation of butyric acid consistently among 21 differentially expressed metabolites including organic acids, amino acids, and biogenic amines, underscoring its potential role during the development of NE. Furthermore, protein-metabolite network analysis revealed significant alterations in butyric acid and arginine-proline metabolisms.

Conclusion
This study indicates a significant metabolic difference between CP-infected and non-infected broiler chickens. Among all the metabolites, butyric acid increased significantly in CP-infected birds compared to non-infected healthy broilers. Logistic regression analysis revealed a positive association between butyric acid (coefficient: 1.23, P < 0.01) and CP infection, while showing a negative association with amino acid metabolism. These findings suggest that butyric acid could be a crucial metabolite linked to the occurrence of NE in broiler chickens and may serve as an early indicator of the disease at the farm level. Further metabolomic experiments using different NE animal models and field studies are needed to determine the specificity and to validate metabolites associated with NE, regardless of predisposing factors.
Quantification of pulmonary edema using automated lung segmentation on computed tomography in mechanically ventilated patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Conrad Alice Marguerite , Zimmermann Julia , Mohr David , Froelich Matthias F. , Hertel Alexander , Rathmann Nils , Boesing Christoph , Thiel Manfred , Schoenberg Stefan O. , Krebs Joerg , Luecke Thomas , Rocco Patricia R. M. , Otto Matthias 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Quantification of pulmonary edema in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) by chest computed tomography (CT) scan has not been validated in routine diagnostics due to its complexity and time-consuming nature. Therefore, the single-indicator transpulmonary thermodilution (TPTD) technique to measure extravascular lung water (EVLW) has been used in the clinical setting. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have now enabled CT images of inhomogeneous lungs to be segmented automatically by an intensive care physician with no prior radiology training within a relatively short time. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of data validating the quantification of pulmonary edema using automated lung segmentation on CT compared with TPTD.

Methods
A retrospective study (January 2016 to December 2021) analyzed patients with ARDS, admitted to the intensive care unit of the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital Mannheim, who underwent a chest CT scan and hemodynamic monitoring using TPTD at the same time. Pulmonary edema was estimated using manually and automated lung segmentation on CT and then compared to the pulmonary edema calculated from EVLW determined using TPTD.

Results
145 comparative measurements of pulmonary edema with TPTD and CT were included in the study. Estimating pulmonary edema using either automated lung segmentation on CT or TPTD showed a low bias overall (− 104 ml) but wide levels of agreement (upper: 936 ml, lower: − 1144 ml). In 13% of the analyzed CT scans, the agreement between the segmentation of the AI algorithm and a dedicated investigator was poor. Manual segmentation and automated segmentation adjusted for contrast agent did not improve the agreement levels.

Conclusions
Automated lung segmentation on CT can be considered an unbiased but imprecise measurement of pulmonary edema in mechanically ventilated patients with ARDS.
Mycorrhizal and endophytic fungi structure forest below-ground symbiosis through contrasting but interdependent assembly processes
Authors: Noguchi Mikihito , Toju Hirokazu 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Interactions between plants and diverse root-associated fungi are essential drivers of forest ecosystem dynamics. The symbiosis is potentially dependent on multiple ecological factors/processes such as host/symbiont specificity, background soil microbiome, inter-root dispersal of symbionts, and fungus–fungus interactions within roots. Nonetheless, it has remained a major challenge to reveal the mechanisms by which those multiple factors/processes determine the assembly of root-associated fungal communities. Based on the framework of joint species distribution modeling, we examined 1,615 root-tips samples collected in a cool-temperate forest to reveal how root-associated fungal community structure was collectively formed through filtering by host plants, associations with background soil fungi, spatial autocorrelation, and symbiont–symbiont interactions. In addition, to detect fungi that drive the assembly of the entire root-associated fungal community, we inferred networks of direct fungus–fungus associations by a statistical modeling that could account for implicit environmental effects.

Results
The fine-scale community structure of root-associated fungi were best explained by the statistical model including the four ecological factors/processes. Meanwhile, among partial models, those including background soil fungal community structure and within-root fungus–fungus interactions showed the highest performance. When fine-root distributions were examined, ectomycorrhizal fungi tended to show stronger associations with background soil community structure and spatially autocorrelated patterns than other fungal guilds. In contrast, the distributions of root-endophytic fungi were inferred to depend greatly on fungus–fungus interactions. An additional statistical analysis further suggested that some endophytic fungi, such as Phialocephala and Leptodontidium, were placed at the core positions within the web of direct associations with other root-associated fungi.

Conclusion
By applying emerging statistical frameworks to intensive datasets of root-associated fungal communities, we demonstrated background soil fungal community structure and fungus–fungus associations within roots, as well as filtering by host plants and spatial autocorrelation in ecological processes, could collectively drive the assembly of root-associated fungi. We also found that basic assembly rules could differ between mycorrhizal and endophytic fungi, both of which were major components of forest ecosystems. Consequently, knowledge of how multiple ecological factors/processes differentially drive the assembly of multiple fungal guilds is indispensable for comprehensively understanding the mechanisms by which terrestrial ecosystem dynamics are organized by plant–fungal symbiosis.
Biological performance of Bollgard II® Bt-resistant vs susceptible population of pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) on non-toxic diet
Authors: Jambagi Suresh R. , Mohan M. , Muralimohan K. , Kambrekar D. N. , Venkatesan T. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
The pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders), is a devastating global pest of cotton that has caused substantial economic damage to Bt Bollgard-II® cotton plants in recent years due to the evolution of Bt resistance. The associated fitness cost is assumed to be one of the factors delaying the development of resistance against Bt transgenic crops. Hence, the present study was undertaken to assess the biological performance of pink bollworms by comparing the life history and demographic parameters of a resistant (Field-R) and susceptible (Lab-S) population.

Results
Prolonged larval duration (23.40 days in Field-R vs 18.80 days in Lab-S population), total life cycle (male = 50.00 vs 42.80 days; female = 53.60 vs 46.20 days), reduced fecundity (100.60 vs 154.20 eggs/female) and fertility (88.00 vs 138.00 fertile eggs/female) was observed. The demographic parameters indicated a significant reduction in the net reproductive rate (184.27 vs 276.72), innate capacity for increase in number (0.11 vs 0.15), finite rate of increase in number (1.12 vs 1.16 female progenies produced/female/day), weekly multiplication rate (2.16 vs 2.86), potential fecundity (545.06 vs 634.11 eggs), number of hypothetical F2 females (33 955.65 vs 76 572.41), but longer mean length of generation (47.54 vs 37.74 days) and population doubling time (6.30 vs 4.62 days) in Field-R compared with Lab-S population. A stage-specific life table demonstrated the differences in survival rates between susceptible and resistant populations at various life stages, with the resistant population having higher generation mortality (0.22 vs 0.19).

Conclusions
The study confirms the involvement of fitness costs associated with Bt resistance in P. gossypiella. Despite reduced reproductive fitness, the resistant population tried prolonging the larval stage as a compensatory mechanism to repair the damaged host tissues due to Bt intoxication and for accumulation of enough nutrient reserves for normal pupation and adult emergence. Presence of a high proportion of double Bt-resistant larvae in the field coupled with continued noncompliance with refug planting certainly favours the flaring up of this monophagous pest despite the observed fitness costs. The resistance cannot be effectively reversed unless suitable alternative management strategies are deployed.
Antioxidant activities of developed natural smoothies and their effects on blood glucose levels and expression of pro-inflammatory genes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Michael Jemimah A. , Olatuyi Victor T. , Adelu Akeem O. , Falodun Adedolapo I. , Ogungbenro Gideon M. , Nwanna Esther E. , Elekofehinti Olusola O. , Badejo Adebanjo A. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractFruits and vegetables are laden with antioxidants and have been used to quench reactive oxygen species. The combination of two or more fruits and vegetables to produce smoothies is expected to yield a synergistic effect that could further improve functionality. This study investigated the antioxidative and blood glucose-lowering potentials of smoothies made from selected fruits and vegetables as well as their effect on the expression of pro-inflammatory genes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Standard procedures were used for the in vitro antioxidant determination while pancreas tissue was excised for molecular study. The inclusion of beetroot increased the total phenolic contents by 30-50% while the flavonoid content was increased by more than 3-fold. Similarly, smoothies with beetroot and bitter gourd exhibited stronger free radical scavenging abilities as shown by DPPH (1, 1- diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid), Nitric oxide (NO) scavenging ability, metal chelation (Fe2+) and ferric reducing antioxidant properties (FRAP) compared to the sample devoid of the duo. The blood glucose levels of the rats fed the smoothie were significantly lowered with a similar trend in the animals that were administered metformin. The smoothies significantly (p<0.05) reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) content thus reducing lipid peroxidation in the animals. The endogenous antioxidant enzymes; catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in the pancreas were all significantly (p<0.05) increased when the animals were fed smoothies. The expression of pro-inflammatory genes, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, was down-regulated in the animals fed with smoothies. The findings showed that the smoothies made from the combination have the potential for managing type-2 diabetes mellitus.
Graphical Abstract
Interaction of some chalcone derivatives with calcium channels using a theoretical model
Authors: Figueroa-Valverde Lauro , Rosas-Nexticapa Marcela , Alvarez-Ramirez Magdalena , Aguilar-Sanchez Emilio , Mateu-Armad Maria Virginia , Bonilla-Zavaleta Enrique 
Published: November 2024

For several years, different drugs have been used to treat heart failure, such as digoxin, captopril, spironolactone, milrinone, levosimedam, dobutamine, and others. However, some of these drugs can produce secondary effects such as arrhythmia, cough, hyperkalemia, and others. Analyzing these data, this study aimed to evaluate the interaction of some chalcone derivatives (1-17) with calcium channels using theoretical models. It is important to mention that 7pjx protein, nifedipine, amlodipine, diltiazem, and verapamil were used as theoretical tools in the DockingServer program. The results showed differences in the interaction of chalcone derivatives compared with nifedipine, amlodipine, diltiazem, and verapamil drugs. Other data indicate that the inhibition constant (Ki) for chalcone analog 1 was lower compared with nifedipine, amlodipine, verapamil, and diltiazem. Besides, other results suggest that Ki for compound 11 was lower compared with nifedipine, verapamil, and diltiazem. All these data suggest that chalcone derivatives 1 and 11 could act as calcium channel inhibitors; this phenomenon could be translated into changes in blood pressure through a decrease in calcium intracellular levels. These data suggest that chalcone derivatives 1 and 11 could be good therapeutic alternatives to treat heart failure.