bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serological evidence for Circulation of Dengue and Chikungunya antibodies in febrile patients in Mbeya Region, Tanzania
Authors: Salekwa Linda Peniel 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Dengue virus and Chikungunya virus caused fever outbreaks have been repeatedly reported in Tanzania, the major being those of 2014 and 2019 which mostly affected the coastal areas. Despite the health risks posed by these viruses to humans, there is insufficient surveillance systems of these mosquito-spread viruses in most areas. Consequently, less is known on the role played by these viruses in causing febrile illness in humans in areas with high mosquito population in Tanzania. However, studies have confirmed the circulation of various species of mosquitoes including Culex spp, Anopheles spp, Aedes spp and Mansonia spp in the area. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the presence of acute antibodies (IgM) against DENV and CHIKV in febrile patients visiting healthcare centers in Mbeya, Tanzania.
Methods
Blood samples were collected from febrile patients visited district hospitals particularly; Chunya, Kyela, Mbarali and Rungwe between September 2022 and August 2023. The study included only samples that were negative for malaria rapid test (mRDT). Serum separation was performed at 1,500 RCF for 10 minutes there after analyzed for the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies using the EUROIMMUN kits for IgM and IgG as per manufacture protocols. Statistical analysis were performed using chi square test to study the variation between variables in this study.
Results
A total of 740 samples were collected from the study area; Mbarali (129), Chunya (159), Rungwe (170) and Kyela (282). An overall IgM seroprevalence obtained was 7.9% and 6.5% (N = 740) for DENV and CHKV respectively. Of the four districts involved, the highest CHKV IgM seroprevalence was detected in Rungwe (10%), followed by Kyela (6.4%), Chunya (6.3%) and lastly Mbarali (2.3%). Similarly, the highest DENV IgM seroprevalence was identified in Rungwe (10.6%), Kyela (8.2%), Chunya (6.9%) and lastly Mbarali (5.4%). None of the samples were positive for Rift Valley Fever (RVF) IgM ELISA. There was no significant difference in dengue IgM and IgG seropositivity among districts under study (p ≤ 0.05).
Conclusion
Following the patient’s history, none of the doctor’s prescriptions predicted these viruses as the causative agents of the febrile fevers to all the patients that tested positive for arbovirus. This study therefore confirms the unpredicted but significant role played by DENV and CHKV in the causing febrile fevers which are symptomatically misdiagnosed as malaria and other bacterial infections in the study area.
Unlocking ABA's role in rice cold tolerance: Insights from Zhonghua 11 and Kasalath
Authors: Li Wenyu , Lou Xin , Wang Zhijun , Zhang Di , Li Lingling , Ding Xiaoping , Cheng Gongye , Nie Weiying , Li Zhilin , Yu Jianghui , He Jiwai , Ye Nenghui , Yuan Dingyang , Duan Meijuan , Liu Citao 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Cold stress limits rice (Oryza sativa L.) production in cooler climates. This study uncovers how abscisic acid (ABA) signaling enhances cold tolerance in the rice variety Zhonghua 11 (ZH11) compared to the cold-sensitive Kasalath. Under cold stress, ZH11 rapidly accumulates ABA through efficient regulation of key genes. The transcription factor OsWRKY71ZH11 represses the ABA catabolism gene OsABA8ox1 during early stress, enabling quick ABA accumulation. Additionally, OsbZIP73 regulates the ABA synthesis gene OsNCED5 to maintain ABA balance during prolonged stress. Transgenic ZH11 plants overexpressing OsWRKY71ZH11 exhibited enhanced cold tolerance, while overexpression of OsWRKY71Ka did not confer benefits. Haplotype analysis linked allelic variations in OsWRKY71 and OsNCED5 to differences in cold tolerance. Our findings highlight critical ABA signaling pathways that enhance cold tolerance in rice. Targeting these pathways offers promising strategies for breeding cold-resistant rice varieties, improving resilience in cold-prone regions.
Low peripheral blood B lymphocyte count predict poor outcome in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Wang Yuqi , Zheng Zhongxin , Kang Qiaoxi , Cai Linjing , Zhang Shanshan , Chen Huan , Yuan Youhai , Zhang Hanzhen , Wei Xiaolei , Feng Ru , Wei Yongqiang 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Previous evidence suggested that B lymphocyte may involve in the progression and prognosis of multiple myeloma (MM). However, the prognostic value of peripheral B lymphocyte counts on MM before and after treatment in the novel agent era was rare reported. Herein, we conducted a retrospective study in our center to detect peripheral B lymphocyte counts by flow cytometry in 110 patients with MM at our center and explore the relation with survival. The B lymphocyte count was significantly lower in MM patients than healthy controls (p < 0.005). The cutoff value of B lymphocyte count at diagnosis was 49/µl in MM and 94 patients divided into in high B lymphocyte group. Patients with low B lymphocyte count had a significant shorter progression-free survival (PFS) (p = 0.025) and a trend of unfavorable overall survival (OS) (p = 0.053) at diagnosis and after 4 cycles’ induction treatments. Furthermore, Multivariate analysis showed that low B lymphocyte count at diagnosis independent of ISS stage was a significantly inferior marker for predicting PFS (p = 0.027, hazard ratio(HR) 2.281, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.098–4.741) and a trend for OS (p = 0.083, HR 2.394, 95% CI 0.896–6.160). In summary, these results suggested the low B lymphocyte count was associated with poor outcome in MM patients at diagnosis and after treatment in the novel agent era.
Effect of Personalized Exercise Therapy on Disease Activity in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Who Achieved Remission or Low Disease Activity and Began Tapering a Molecular Targeted Therapy: A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Yamada Shinsuke , Onishi Akira , Imai Takumi , Uozumi Ryuji , Yamada Hirotaka , Hata Kenichiro , Son Yonsu , Ebina Kosuke , Okita Yasutaka , Hara Ryota , Watanabe Ryu , Okano Tadashi , Katayama Masaki , Yamamoto Wataru , Oshima Yohei , Tanaka Hiroki , Arai Hidenori , Hashimoto Motomu 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Exercise therapy (ET) has an anti-inflammatory effect; however, excessive overload can exacerbate joint inflammation. This study aimed to explore the effect of personalized ET on disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have achieved remission or low disease activity (LDA) and begun tapering molecular targeted therapy (TT).
Methods
In a multicenter, randomized controlled pilot study, patients who started TT tapering after achieving remission or LDA were enrolled. The intervention group was instructed to follow a personalized ET in addition to usual care. The control group received only usual care. The primary outcome was DAS28-ESR at week 16.
Results
A total of 32 patients were allocated into the two groups. The difference in the least-squares mean change in DAS28-ESR at week 16 from baseline between the two groups (intervention minus control) was 0.40 points (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.09 to 0.88; p = 0.104). The proportion of patients who retained remission or LDA tended to be lower in the intervention group than in the control group (75.0% vs. 86.7%; difference, -11.7% (95% CI, -38.0 to 17.0; p = 0.411).
Conclusion
ET may not help maintain remission or LDA for patients initiating TT tapering. Further studies are necessary to take advantage of the “anti-inflammatory effect” of ETs in RA treatment.
Trial registration
The study protocol was registered at UMINCTR (registration number UMIN000049223, https//www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/indexj.htm) on October 17, 2022, prior to enrollment of the first participants.
Tumour Distribution and Characteristics Associated with Poor Surgical Outcomes in Patients with Sporadic Spinal Schwannomas
Authors: Yoshida Shinsuke , Suzuki Takaaki , Tanabe Masayuki , Saita Kazuo 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Spinal schwannomas are benign tumours that can compress the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing neurological symptoms. Despite successful surgical resection, some patients experience suboptimal functional recovery. Several risk factors for poor prognosis have been identified, but limited research has explored the influence of tumour distribution and characteristics. In this study, we aimed to identify prognostic variables associated with poor postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing surgical resection for sporadic spinal schwannomas.
Methods
Clinical and radiological data of consecutive patients who underwent surgery for spinal schwannomas at Saitama Medical Center between January 2010 and March 2024 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 or foraminal and paravertebral schwannomas were excluded. Data collected included patient demographics, radiological features, and surgical complications. Poor functional outcome was defined as scoring a Modified McCormick scale grade of II–V, persistent spinal pain, or bladder/bowel dysfunction.
Results
Gross total resection was achieved in 55 cases (76.4%). Postoperative complications occurred in 6 cases (8.3%), including cerebrospinal fluid fistula and vascular injury. At a median follow-up of 26.4 months, 20 patients (27.8%) had poor functional outcomes. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression identified thoracic spine involvement (odds ratio [OR], 4.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.42–17.0; p=0.01) and intracanal tumours (OR, 6.77; 95% CI, 1.11–130; p=0.04) as significant risk factors for poor functional outcomes. Moreover, thoracic spinal schwannomas were associated with a significantly higher incidence of persistent postoperative spinal pain than cervical or lumbosacral tumours (p=0.001).
Conclusions
Thoracic spine involvement and intracanal tumours were identified as significant risk factors for poor functional outcomes in patients undergoing surgical treatment for spinal schwannomas. Consideration of tumour distribution and characteristics plays an important role in refining preoperative assessments, promoting strategic decision-making, and fostering improved surgical management for optimal patient prognosis.
Prevalence and factors associated with childhood malaria and anaemia in Osun state, Nigeria: a baseline household malariometric study
Authors: AJibaye Olusola , Rahman Semiu , Aina Oluwagbemiga , Ujuju Chinazo , Agomo Chimere , Akindele Samuel , Abiodun Olakiigbe , Uzoka Tolulope , Ogbuluafor Nnenna , Oroge Olufemi , Ahmed Rufai , Ekholuenetale Michael , Maxwell Kolawole , Awosanya Ridwan , Adekola Mary Abosede , Ilesanmi Benjamin , Ajayi Adekemi , Oresanya Olusola , Tibenderana James K. , Olukosi Adeola 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Under-5 children have been known to bear a significant burden of malaria in endemic countries. Though significant progress has been made towards malaria prevention and control in Nigeria, however, it is expected that the addition of new malaria prevention strategy, such as perennial malaria chemoprevention (PMC) can contribute to a more rapid decline in malaria cases. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with malaria and anaemia among children aged 2–18 months in Osun State.
Methods
A cross-sectional household malariometric study was conducted in 80 communities across eight Local Government areas (LGAs) in Osun State. A total of four hundred children aged 2–18 months were assessed in this study, which was conducted in July 2023.Ethical approval was obtained from Osun State Health Research Ethical Committee (OSHREC/PRS/569T312/ on the 22nd of May 2023. Malaria test positivity was determined by microscopy and rapid diagnostic test (RDT). In addition, haemoglobin levels were measured using Haemocue® Hb 201. Caregivers were interviewed on malaria management practices using tools adapted from Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey.
Results
The caregivers were mostly the biological mothers of the children (n = 387, 96.8%). Female children were 51.8% and their male counterparts 48.2% respectively. Malaria positivity rate by RDT was higher in children aged 13–18 months (48.0%) and followed by those aged 7–12 months (44.0%). By microscopy, there was 15.0% positivity rate among children aged 7–12 months. Those aged 2–6 months had the least positivity rate whether by microscopy (8.5%) or RDT (18.5%). Similarly, higher proportion of moderate anaemia (7.0-9.9 heamoglobin (g/dL)) was reported in older children. Children from medium wealth households (aOR = 0.549; 95%CI: 0.306–0.986) and those from rich households (aOR = 0.543; 95%CI: 0.283–1.042) had 45.0% reduction in the odds of having malaria, when compared with their counterparts from poor households. In addition, children aged 7–11 months (aOR = 2.856; 95%CI: 1.524–5.354) and those aged 12–18 months (aOR = 4.269; 95% CI: 2.422–7.526) had higher odds of malaria infection respectively, when compared with children aged 2–6 months.
Conclusion
Malaria infection and anaemia were found to be higher in older children. Household wealth and child’s age were significantly associated with malaria infection. These findings would inform the positioning of PMC intervention touch-points to reduce malaria burden in young children.
Diabetes Mellitus Risk in Post-Myocardial Infarction Patients: FINDRISC vs Self-Assessment – A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Nölken Karianne , Linseisen Jakob , Raake Philip , Meisinger Christa , Schmitz Timo 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to investigate the difference between perceived and calculated diabetes risks among post-myocardial infarction (AMI) patients using the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC).
Methods
The study population includes individuals from the Myocardial Infarction Registry in Augsburg, Germany, who had not been previously diagnosed with diabetes and who received a postal follow-up questionnaire after hospital discharge. A total of 466 participants completed the questionnaire, which collected information on age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and family history of diabetes. These factors are components of the FINDRISC score, which estimates the likelihood of developing diabetes within the next 10 years. Furthermore, the participants were asked, how they would rate their personal risk to develop diabetes. The analysis focused on determining how many post-AMI patients correctly estimated their diabetes risk compared to the risk calculated by the FINDRISC score. Furthermore, multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze determinants associated with risk underestimation.
Results
Results showed that a significant proportion of the AMI population (58%) underestimated their diabetes risk. This underestimation was significantly associated with older age, higher BMI, greater waist circumference, elevated blood glucose levels, use of antihypertensive medication and a family history of diabetes. Higher education contributed to more accurate risk perception.
Conclusion
This study contributes to the understanding of diabetes risk perception in AMI patients and highlights the need for improving diabetes risk awareness through targeted education and healthcare communication interventions. These efforts can help patients understand their health risks, which improves health outcomes and preventive care.
Small Molecule Inhibitors of PFKFB3 as Therapeutic Targets for Atherosclerosis
Authors: YU LAN , RUNQING WANG , JIN ZHANG 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The pathologic foundation of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which has a worldwide effect on mortality and morbidity, is atherosclerosis. The inhibition of the monocyte macrophage inflammatory reaction is crucial in the struggle with atherosclerosis as it is the main mechanism affecting atherosclerosis. All organisms must go through the identical stage of glycolysis. PFKFB3, a bifunctional enzyme, relates to the PFKFB series of isoenzymes who regulate glycolysis. It impacts the level of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate (fru2,6-BP) in the cytoplasm. There are, however, a variety of issues associated with the study into 3PO's role in atherosclerosis. Additional confirmation of 3PO that requires being described in the development of atherosclerosis. Be able to indicate any prospective pharmaceutical effects.
Optimization of recombinant neurturin expression in Escherichia coli using response surface methodology
Authors: Hajihassan Zahra , Yaseri Aysan , Yazdi Mina 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Neurturin, a glial cell-derived neurotrophic growth factor (GDNF), has been identified as a potential treatment or reversal agent for neurodegenerative conditions. Although Escherichia coli is an appropriate host for recombinant protein expression, the production of proteins with disulfide bonds, such as neurturin, in this strain is frequently accompanied by the formation of misfolded proteins, designated as inclusion bodies.
Results
In this study, the Rosetta-gami (DE3) strain, which is well-suited for the accurate formation of disulfide bonds due to mutations in glutaredoxin reductase and thioredoxin reductase, was employed for the production of soluble neurturin protein. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on central composite design (CCD) was also used to investigate the effects of post-induction time, post-induction temperature, and IPTG concentration on the soluble production of recombinant neurturin. The western blot technique and ImageJ software were employed to determine the expression level of neurturin in each experiment. The results showed that the highest yield of neurturin production occurred in the presence of 0.8 mM of IPTG after 5.5 h at 26 ºC. Fractional Factorial Design (FFD) was used in the subsequent stage to screen the effects of culture medium components on the bacterial cell growth and protein production. The best concentrations of yeast extract, tryptone and MgSO4 to have a significant effect on total protein concentration were determined by RSM design to be 15 g/l for both tryptone and yeast extract and 2.2 g/l for MgSO4. Finally, an experiment was carried out under optimized conditions to evaluate the yield of the process. The results demonstrated a notable enhancement in neurturin production following optimization, with an increase of approximately 8.6-fold compared to the normal condition.
Conclusions
In conclusion, RSM was successfully employed to optimize induction parameters and components of the culture medium, thereby achieving an elevated level of soluble neurturin production in E. coli.
Leveraging Transformer Models to Predict Cognitive Impairment: Accuracy, Efficiency, and Interpretability
Authors: Ma Kai , Zhang Junzhi , Huang Xinhang , Wang Mengyang 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to develop an enhanced Transformer model for predicting mild cognitive impairment (MCI) using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), focusing on handling mixed data types and improving predictive accuracy.
Methods: The Transformer integrates categorical (integer-encoded) and continuous (floating-point) data, using multi-head attention with four heads to capture complex relationships. Preprocessing involved separate embedding layers for categorical data and feed-forward networks for continuous data. The model was compared with SVM and XGBoost, trained for 150 epochs with RMSProp and a cosine annealing scheduler. Key metrics included accuracy, mean absolute error (MAE) tolerance, and training loss. An attention heatmap was generated to visualize feature importance.
Results: The Transformer outperformed SVM and XGBoost, achieving over 90% accuracy at an MAE tolerance of 3.5. The model showed rapid convergence, with loss stabilizing within 20 epochs. The attention heatmap highlighted key features, confirming the effectiveness of the multi-head attention mechanism in identifying relevant variables.
Conclusion: The enhanced Transformer model offers superior accuracy and efficiency in predicting cognitive decline compared to traditional models. Its capacity to process both continuous and categorical data and its interpretability through attention mechanisms make it a promising tool for early detection of neurodegenerative diseases, potentially improving clinical decision-making and interventions.
Performance Evaluation Model of Physical Exercises with a Robotic Trainer System
Authors: Krakovski Maya , Parmet Yisrael , Bar-Haim Simona , Edan Yael 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This paper presents the development of a model for performance evaluation of physical exercises with a robotic trainer system, with the specific aim of distinguishing between consistent & correct performance and non-consistent &/or incorrect performance by considering differences between repetitions. The performance evaluation is based on joint angles data extracted from the system's camera. The initial exploration of clustering for pattern recognition in an unlabeled dataset yielded insufficient performance, but it did highlight the importance of scaling features by exercise type as a means to distinguish between performance types. Following transitioning from unsupervised to supervised learning, classification by logistic regression models was evaluated, with different subsets of feature groups and scaling conditions. An evaluation of scaling conditions revealed their importance, particularly for training on a single dataset. Two datasets were acquired and analyzed, i.e., training of older adults (original dataset) and training with young adults (dedicated data set for evaluation). Training on the original dataset and the additional dedicated data set improved accuracy, suggesting a contribution from one dataset to the classification of the other. Logistic regression models, chosen for their simplicity and efficiency, provided explainable results, aligning with the operational capabilities of our robotic trainer. The selected performance evaluation model was able to classify between the performance types with an accuracy of 0.96 on the older adults data set and 0.97 on the other data set. Future research to enhance human-robot interaction should be aimed at exploring real-time evaluation models and implementing feedback based on this performance evaluation methodology.