bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revisiting microgenderome: detecting and cataloguing sexually unique and enriched species in human microbiomes
Authors: Ma Zhanshan Sam 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Microgenderome or arguably more accurately microsexome refers to studies on sexual dimorphism of human microbiomes aimed at investigating bidirectional interactions between human microbiomes, sex hormones, and immune systems. It is important because of its implications to disease susceptibility and therapy, in which men and women demonstrate divergence in many diseases especially autoimmune diseases. In a previous report [1], we presented analyses of several key ecological aspects of microgenderome by leveraging the large datasets of the HMP (human microbiome project) but failed to offer species-level composition differences such as sexually unique species (US) and enriched species (ES). Existing approaches, for such tasks, including differential species relative abundance analysis and differential network analysis, possess certain limitations given that virtually all rely on species abundance alone or are univariate, while ignoring species distribution information across samples. Obviously, it is both species abundance and distribution that shape/drive the structure and dynamics of human microbiomes, and both should be equally responsible for the universal heterogeneity of microbiomes including the sexual dimorphism.

Results
Here, we fill the gap by taking advantages of a recently developed computational algorithm, species specificity, and specificity diversity (SSD) framework (refer to the companion article) to reanalyze the HMP and complementary seminovaginal microbiome datasets. The SSD framework can randomly search and catalogue the sexually specific unique/enriched species with statistical rigor, guided by species specificity (a synthetic metric of abundance and distribution) and specificity diversity (SD). The SSD framework reveals that men seem to have more unique species than women in their gut and reproductive system microbiomes, but women seem to have more unique species than men in the airway, oral, and skin microbiomes, which is likely due to sexual dimorphism in the hormone and immune systems. We further investigate co-dependency and heterogeneity of those sexually unique/enriched species across 15 body sites, with core/periphery network analyses.

Conclusions
This study not only produced sexually unique/enriched species in the human microbiomes and analyzed their codependency and heterogeneity but also further validated the robustness of the SSD framework presented in the companion article, by performing all negative control tests based on the HMP gut microbiome samples.
Pre-pregnancy LDL/HDL and total Cholesterol/HDL ratios are strong predictors of gestational diabetes mellitus in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies
Authors: Liu Yvonne , Hocher Johann-Georg , Ma Shujuan , Hu Liang , Chen Huijun , Zhang Xiaoli , Gong Fei , Krämer Bernhard K. , Lin Ge , Hocher Berthold 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background & Objective
To analyze whether there is an association between pre-pregnancy lipid parameters and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART), a group especially at risk for GDM, and if so, which parameter is associated the strongest.

Methods
Data was collected at the Reproductive and Genetic Hospital CITIC-Xiangya in Changsha, China from January 2017 to December 2018. The measured lipid parameters include LDL (low-density lipoprotein), HDL (high-density lipoprotein), TC (total cholesterol), and TG (triglycerides).

Results
119 (15.5%) of the 767 patients developed GDM. On average, women who developed GDM were older, had a higher BMI, LDL, TC, and TG, and lower HDL. After adjusting for confounders, LDL and HDL showed a significant association with GDM (p < 0.05), but TC and TG did not. Binary LDL/HDL and TC/HDL ratios showed the strongest association with GDM incidence (OR 1.957 [95%CI 1.258–3.044] and 1.942 [1.243–3.034] respectively). Subgroup analysis showed that an elevated LDL/HDL ratio also increased GDM risk in subgroups with a typically lower prevalence of GDM, such as young women with a low BMI and low blood pressure. Both lipid ratios (LDL/HDL and TC/HD) show strong interactions with baseline age, fasting plasma glucose, and LH.

Conclusions
In this cohort of Chinese women undergoing ART, pre-pregnancy LDL/HDL and TC/HDL were associated with GDM the strongest from the lipid parameters and could be useful to estimate GDM risk even before ART treatments and pregnancy.

Clinical trial number
NCT03503006 registered on the 21st of March 2018 (on clinicaltrials.gov). https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03503006?locStr=Changsha,%20Hunan,%20China&country=China&state=Hunan&city=Changsha&cond=ivf&rank=2.
Analysis of how a complex systems perspective is applied in studies on socioeconomic inequalities in health and health behaviour—a call for reporting guidelines
Authors: Mudd Andrea L. , Bal Michèlle , Verra Sanne E. , Poelman Maartje P. , Kamphuis Carlijn B. M. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
A complex systems perspective is gaining popularity in research on socioeconomic inequalities in health and health behaviour, though there may be a gap between its popularity and the way it is implemented. Building on our recent systematic scoping review, we aim to analyse the application of and reporting on complex systems methods in the literature on socioeconomic inequalities in health and health behaviour.

Methods
Selected methods and results from the review are presented as a basis for in-depth critical reflection. A traffic light-based instrument was used to assess the extent to which eight key concepts of a complex systems perspective (e.g. feedback loops) were applied. Study characteristics related to the applied value of the models were also extracted, including the model evidence base, the depiction of the model structure, and which characteristics of model relationships (e.g. polarity) were reported on.

Results
Studies that applied more key concepts of a complex systems perspective were also more likely to report the direction and polarity of relationships. The system paradigm, its deepest held beliefs, is seldom identified but may be key to recognize when designing interventions. A clear, complete depiction of the full model structure is also needed to convey the functioning of a complex system. We recommend that authors include these characteristics and level of detail in their reporting.

Conclusions
Above all, we call for the development of reporting guidelines to increase the transparency and applied value of complex systems models on socioeconomic inequalities in health, health behaviour and beyond.

Graphical Abstract
A fully human IgG1 antibody targeting connexin 32 extracellular domain blocks CMTX1 hemichannel dysfunction in an in vitro model
Authors: Tettey-Matey Abraham , Donati Viola , Cimmino Chiara , Di Pietro Chiara , Buratto Damiano , Panarelli Mariateresa , Reale Alberto , Calistri Arianna , Fornaini Maria Vittoria , Zhou Ruhong , Yang Guang , Zonta Francesco , Marazziti Daniela , Mammano Fabio 
Published: December 2024

AbstractConnexins (Cxs) are fundamental in cell–cell communication, functioning as gap junction channels (GJCs) that facilitate solute exchange between adjacent cells and as hemichannels (HCs) that mediate solute exchange between the cytoplasm and the extracellular environment. Mutations in the GJB1 gene, which encodes Cx32, lead to X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1 (CMTX1), a rare hereditary demyelinating disorder of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) without an effective cure or treatment. In Schwann cells, Cx32 HCs are thought to play a role in myelination by enhancing intracellular and intercellular Ca2+ signaling, which is crucial for proper PNS myelination. Single-point mutations (p.S85C, p.D178Y, p.F235C) generate pathological Cx32 HCs characterized by increased permeability (“leaky”) or excessive activity (“hyperactive”).We investigated the effects of abEC1.1-hIgG1, a fully human immunoglobulin G1 (hIgG1) monoclonal antibody, on wild-type (WT) and mutant Cx32D178Y HCs. Using HeLa DH cells conditionally co-expressing Cx and a genetically encoded Ca2+ biosensor (GCaMP6s), we demonstrated that mutant HCs facilitated 58% greater Ca2+ uptake in response to elevated extracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]ex) compared to WT HCs. abEC1.1-hIgG1 dose-dependently inhibited Ca2+ uptake, achieving a 50% inhibitory concentration (EC50) of ~ 10 nM for WT HCs and ~ 80 nM for mutant HCs. Additionally, the antibody suppressed DAPI uptake and ATP release. An atomistic computational model revealed that serine 56 (S56) of the antibody interacts with aspartate 178 (D178) of WT Cx32 HCs, contributing to binding affinity. Despite the p.D178Y mutation weakening this interaction, the antibody maintained binding to the mutant HC epitope at sub-micromolar concentrations.In conclusion, our study shows that abEC1.1-hIgG1 effectively inhibits both WT and mutant Cx32 HCs, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic approach for CMTX1. These findings expand the antibody’s applicability for treating diseases associated with Cx HCs and inform the rational design of next-generation antibodies with enhanced affinity and efficacy against mutant HCs.
Cross cultural adaptation and validation of the Hindi version of foot function index
Authors: Sidiq Mohammad , Chahal Aksh , Sharma Jyoti , Rai Richa Hirendra , Kashoo Faizan Zaffar , Jayavelu Jayaprakash , Kashyap Neha , Vajrala Krishna Reddy , Veeragoudhaman T. S. , Arasu Vinitha , Janakiraman Balamurugan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
The Foot Function Index (FFI) is a reliable and widely used standardized questionnaire that measures the impact of foot pathology on function. With 571 million Hindi-speaking people living globally and an increasing incidence of foot-related pathologies, it is imperative to cross-culturally translate and adapt a Hindi version of the FFI (FFI-Hi). We aimed to translate, cross-cultural adapt, and psychometrically test the FFI-Hi for use in Hindi-speaking individuals with foot conditions.

Methods
The translation of FFI-Hi was performed according to guidelines given by MAPI Research Trust. A total of 223 Hindi-speaking participants afflicted with foot conditions completed the FFI-Hi alongside the Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire. The study duration spanned between October 2023 and January 2024. The initial phase was the translation and adaptation of FFI to cultural context. Followed by testing of psychometric properties involving of 133 participants for the test-retest reliability of FFI-Hi after a 7-day interval.

Results
The mean age of the participants was 47.10 (± 8.1) years. The majority of the participants were male (n = 148, 66.4%) and the most common foot condition was plantar fasciopathy (n = 91, 40.8%). The mean score of FF-Hi was 33.7 ± 11.7. The internal consistency of FFI-Hi was good with the Cronbach’s alpha (α) value of 0.891 and excellent reproducibility with the intra-class correlation of 0.90. The 95% minimal detectable change (MCD) and the standard error of measurement of the FFI-Hi was 22.02 and 7.94 respectively. Convergent validity between FFI-Hi subscales and SF-36 domains was moderate. Factor analysis corroborated the multidimensional nature of the FFI-Hi.

Conclusion
The FFI-Hindi version was successfully cross-culturally adapted, translated and demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties to be used in clinical practice and research. Further, the context-specific Hindi language version of FFI will enhance the utility of FFI in foot function evaluation and remove language barrier in patients reporting disability and activity limitation related to foot conditions.

Registration
Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI/2023/07/055734).
Firm, yet flexible: a fidelity debate paper with two case examples
Authors: Albers Bianca , Verweij Lotte , Blum Kathrin , Oesch Saskia , Schultes Marie-Therese , Clack Lauren , Naef Rahel 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
In healthcare research and practice, intervention and implementation fidelity represent the steadfast adherence to core components of research-supported interventions and the strategies employed for their implementation. Evaluating fidelity involves determining whether these core components were delivered as intended. Without fidelity data, the results of complex interventions cannot be meaningfully interpreted. Increasingly, the necessity for firmness and strict adherence by implementers and their organizations has been questioned, with calls for flexibility to accommodate contextual conditions. This shift makes contemporary fidelity a balancing act, requiring researchers to navigate various tensions. This debate paper explores these tensions, drawing on experiences from developing fidelity assessments in two ongoing effectiveness-implementation hybrid trials.

Main body
First, given often scarce knowledge about the core components of complex interventions and implementation strategies, decisions about fidelity requirements involve a degree of subjective reasoning. Researchers should make these decisions transparent using theory or logic models. Second, because fidelity is context-dependent and applies to both interventions and implementation strategies, researchers must rethink fidelity concepts with every study while balancing firmness and flexibility. This is particularly crucial for hybrid studies, with their differing emphasis on intervention and implementation fidelity. Third, fidelity concepts typically focus on individual behaviors. However, since organizational and system factors also influence fidelity, there is a growing need to define fidelity criteria at these levels. Finally, as contemporary fidelity concepts prioritize flexible over firm adherence, building, evaluating, and maintaining fidelity in healthcare research has become more complex. This complexity calls for intensified efforts to expand the knowledge base for pragmatic and adaptive fidelity measurement in trial and routine healthcare settings.

Conclusion
Contemporary conceptualizations of fidelity place greater demands on how fidelity is examined, necessitating the expansion of fidelity frameworks to include organizational and system levels, the service- and study-specific conceptualizations of intervention and implementation fidelity, and the development of pragmatic approaches for assessing fidelity in research and practice. Continuing to build knowledge on how to balance requirements for firmness and flexibility remains a crucial task within the field of implementation science.
Immediate dam-sourced colostrum provision reduces calf mortality - management practices and calf mortality in large dairy herds
Authors: Keller Steffi , Donat Karsten , Söllner-Donat Stefanie , Wehrend Axel , Klassen Anne 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Farm-specific management practices greatly impact calf mortality rates. This cross-sectional study aimed to analyse the association between calf mortality and management practices in large dairy farms. A total of 93 dairy farms were voluntarily included in the study. All farms reared their own youngstock, and all but one kept more than 100 dairy cows. From March 2017 to March 2018, calf management practices were monitored during a farm visit, and farm managers were surveyed regarding calving procedures, neonate management, and environmental factors. Data were collated and analysed in conjunction with the 2017 calf mortality rate, as determined for each farm by using data from the German database of animal origin and movement (HI-Tier). All variables from the topics of colostrum supply, calf feeding, housing, health related information and calving preparation of the cows that resulted in P ≤ 0.1 in the analysis of variance were assumed to be associated with the calf mortality rate and were considered for a general linear mixed regression model.

Results
According to the data from the HI-Tier database of the 93 study herds from 2017, 54,474 calves were born alive and 3,790 calves died within the first six months of life. The calf mortality rate was lower on farms where calves were immediately provided with dam-sourced colostrum. Farm managers perceiving dust as the primary factor precipitating respiratory disease on the farm was positively associated with calf mortality. Regularly replacing bucket teats correlated with lower calf mortality rates compared to replacing them only upon detection of abrasion.

Conclusions
The study findings suggest that feeding calves with dam-sourced colostrum can potentially reduce overall calf mortality within the herd. This management practice holds comparable importance to ensuring successful passive transfer through timely and adequate colostrum feeding. Moreover, maintaining a low dust environment for the calves and consistently replacing bucket teats play significant roles in promoting better overall calf health.
Identification of potential drug targets for diabetic polyneuropathy through Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Chen Xiaokun , Jiang Guohua , Zhao Tianjing , Sun Nian , Liu Shanshan , Guo Hao , Zeng Canjun , Liu Yijun 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) is a common diabetes complication with limited treatment options. We aimed to identify circulating plasma proteins as potential therapeutic targets for DPN using Mendelian Randomization (MR).

Methods
The protein quantitative trait loci (pQTLs) utilized in this study were derived from seven previously published genome-wide association studies (GWASs) on plasma proteomics. The DPN data were obtained from the IEU OpenGWAS project. This study employed two-sample MR using MR-Egger and inverse-variance weighted methods to evaluate the causal relationship between plasma proteins and DPN risk, with Cochran’s Q test, and I2 statistics, among other methods, used to validate the robustness of the results.

Results
Using cis-pQTLs as genetic instruments, we identified 62 proteins associated with DPN, with 33 increasing the risk and 29 decreasing the risk of DPN. Using cis-pQTLs + trans-pQTLs, we identified 116 proteins associated with DPN, with 44 increasing the risk and 72 decreasing the risk of DPN. Steiger directionality tests indicated that the causal relationships between circulating plasma proteins and DPN were consistent with expected directions.

Conclusion
This study identified 96 circulating plasma proteins with genetically determined levels that affect the risk of DPN, providing new potential targets for DPN drug development, particularly ITM2B, CREG1, CD14, and PLXNA4.
Life cycle environmental impacts and costs of water electrolysis technologies for green hydrogen production in the future
Authors: Koj Jan Christian , Zapp Petra , Wieland Christoph , Görner Klaus , Kuckshinrichs Wilhelm 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
To limit climate change and reduce further harmful environmental impacts, the reduction and substitution of fossil energy carriers will be the main challenges of the next few decades. During the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), the participants agreed on the beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era. Hydrogen, when produced from renewable energy, can be a substitute for fossil fuel carriers and enable the storage of renewable energy, which could lead to a post-fossil energy age. This paper outlines the environmental impacts and levelized costs of hydrogen production during the life cycle of water electrolysis technologies.

Results
The environmental impacts and life cycle costs associated with hydrogen production will significantly decrease in the long term (until 2045). For the case of Germany, the worst-case climate change results for 2022 were 27.5 kg CO2eq./kg H2. Considering technological improvements, electrolysis operation with wind power and a clean heat source, a reduction to 1.33 kg CO2eq./kg H2 can be achieved by 2045 in the best case. The electricity demand of electrolysis technologies is the main contributor to environmental impacts and levelized costs in most of the considered cases.

Conclusions
A unique combination of possible technological, environmental, and economic developments in the production of green hydrogen up to the year 2045 was presented.
Based on a comprehensive literature review, several research gaps, such as a combined comparison of all three technologies by LCA and LCC, were identified, and research questions were posed and answered. Consequently, prospective research should not be limited to one type of water electrolysis but should be carried out with an openness to all three technologies. Furthermore, it has been shown that data from the literature for the LCA and LCC of water electrolysis technologies differ considerably in some cases. Therefore, extensive research into material inventories for plant construction and into the energy and mass balances of plant operation are needed for a corresponding analysis to be conducted. Even for today’s plants, the availability and transparency of the literature data remain low and must be expanded.
Lay people expect social modernization will bring more societal well-being: the relation between expected societal development, communion, agency and subjective well-being
Authors: Olechowski Mateusz , Krys Kuba 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Previous studies showed that lay people see modernization as a threat to social fabric because it will make people less warm and moral. The purpose of this paper is to describe lay people’s understanding of the effects of different types of modernization. Specifically, we checked how social, economic, technological and conventional development are expected to influence communion, agency and well-being in the future society.

Methods
We conducted three cross-sectional studies using online surveys. Prolific participant pool users over 18 years of age that held Canadian citizenship and resided in Canada were eligible to take part in the study in exchange for financial compensation. T-tests and linear regression analyses were conducted using SPSS statistical package.

Results
Participants expected that people in future society will have lower well-being than today. Technological modernization was expected to decrease communion and well-being but increase agency in the future, while social modernization was expected to strengthen societal communion, agency and well-being.

Conclusion
Lay people believe that different types of modernization will have different effects on society. Whereas technological progress is viewed ambivalently, social development is seen as uniformly positive for well-being of society. In order to counter pessimism about the future, policy makers should focus on social development while striving to mitigate negative social aspects of technological advancements.