bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Worldwide genetic diversity and population structure of Plasmodium vivax Pv47 is consistent with natural selection by anopheline mosquitoes
Authors: Barillas-Mury Carolina , Molina-Cruz Alvaro , Torres Tran Zen , Raytselis Nadia , Young Micah , Kamath Nitin , McNich Colton , Su Xin-zhuan , Dwivedi Ankit , Silva Joana Carneiro da , Gonzalez-Ceron Lilia , Ford Anthony , Ferreira Marcelo , Arevalo-Herrera Myriam , Herrera Socrates , Lo Eugenia 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Pv47 is the Plasmodium vivax ortholog of Pfs47, a surface protein that allows the Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite to evade the mosquito immune system. Mutations in Pfs47have enabled P. falciparum to adapt to different vectors worldwide, and it has a marked population structure due to natural selection by evolutionarily distant mosquito species. The genetic diversity and population structure of Pv47 were analyzed in 1,199 Pv47 gene sequences from 27 countries worldwide and compared with Pfs47. The most common Pv47 polymorphisms are non-synonymous and are present in similar protein-coding regions as polymorphisms in Pfs47. Pv47 domain 2 presented an excess of non-synonymous substitutions relative to expectation, suggestive of positive selection. Pv47 from East Asia/Southeast Asia and Oceania had the highest haplotype diversity, Hd = 0.94 and Hd = 0.93 respectively, and the largest average genetic distance between sequences. Pv47 exhibited a marked geographic population structure, with the largest genetic distance between South America and other continents (FST 0.63–0.86). There was also an important genetic distance between Pvs47 from Oceania and Asia (FST 0.28–0.50), between Southeast Asia and Middle East/South Asia (FST 0.25–0.66), and between South America and Mexico (FST 0.38–0.64). Furthermore, a polymorphism in Pv47 (K27E) was associated with marked differences in the parasite’s ability to infect Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) albimanus and Anopheles pseudopunctipennis, two phylogenetically distant vectors in Mexico. Based on the striking similarities in genetic diversity, population structure, and signatures of natural selection between Pv47 and Pfs47, we infer that different Anopheline mosquito species select P. vivax parasites with compatible Pv47 haplotypes which are then more likely to be transmitted to a new vertebrate host.
Runoff Generation Signaled by Deviations from the Budyko Framework
Authors: Huang Jr-Chuan , Getachew Girum , Chen Yi-Ying 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Water-energy dynamics play an essential role in regulating hydrological processes, and Budyko curve which quantitatively describes the long-term evaporation is widely used for relevant assessment. Yet, the influence of short-term evaporation deviation from long-term Budyko curve on different runoffs is rarely discussed. This study utilized the SWAT model to simulate different runoffs in an Ethiopian watershed and quantified the impacts of deviations between observed and Budyko regressive evaporative index on surface runoff, lateral flow, and return flow. Results revealed that SWAT effectively simulated the discharge satisfactorily with NSE of 0.74; and curve number, available water capacity and groundwater delay, are predominant parameters. Besides, 86% of the variance in the Budyko governing factor (n) could be explained by fractional vegetation cover and catchment slope. Higher n-values were observed in upper sub-catchments characterized by dense vegetation cover and permeable soils. Most importantly, the deviations in annual evaporative values from the long-term Budyko curve were significantly negatively correlated with both surface flow and return flow. The positive deviation, indicating that the short-term annual evaporative index exceeding the long-term Budyko values would accelerate evaporation and consequently generate lower surface and return flow. These findings offer new insights for effective water resource management in regions with complex climatic and catchment conditions.
A simulation study of flash floods in small watersheds based on the combined effects of future land use change and extreme rainfall
Authors: Hao Jingtao , Yang Yanmei , Wang Zegen , Xiong Junnan , Yong Zhiwei , Xu Yinxiang 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Watershed hydrology is influenced by the subsurface of the watershed and the intensity of rainfall. The impact of rapid land use changes and frequent extreme rainfall on watershed flooding is uncertain. In this study, the PLUS model was used to simulate land use scenarios for 2020, 2030 and 2040, and the spatial pattern of simulated land use in 2020 was validated against the spatial pattern of actual land use in 2020. An initial hydrological model was constructed, and the hydrological model was validated and evaluated using historical rainfall events. Based on three land use scenarios, three rainfall return periods and three rainfall peak ratios, the runoff and inundation results under 27 scenarios were simulated by coupling the hydrological model with the hydrodynamic model. The results showed that changes in land use induced changes in rainfall runoff and flood inundation, and that the inundated area of the watershed decreased and the depth of inundation increased as the impervious surface area increased in the future. However, rainfall intensity has a more profound effect on watershed flooding than land use, where the effects of rainfall peak ratio and rainfall return period changes are 5 and 14 times higher than land use changes, respectively. The Kappa coefficient validated by the land use simulation experiment reached 85.7%, and the Nash coefficient validated by the hydrological model was generally higher than 69%. This study explored the impacts of land use change and rainfall intensity on watershed flooding from both future and extreme perspectives, and explored the characteristics of watershed flood response under multi-scenario modeling by constructing a more complete and scientific modeling framework, providing a new perspective for flood simulation studies.
Phytochemical and antioxidant analysis of bioactive compound extract from Nelumbo nucifera against cancer proteins: in silico spectroscopic approach
Authors: Vijayan Renganathan , Sivakumar Ponnurengam Malliappan , Hazir Selcuk , Kumar A. Ram , Raja Ramalingam Karthik 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Nelumbonucifera nucifera, an aquatic crop cultivated throughout Asian countries, belongs to the Nelumbonaceae family and has been widely used in traditional medicines with key pharmacological activities such as anti-viral, antipyretic, antioxidant, anti-steroid, anti-inflammatory, anti-arrhythmia, anti-obesity, and anti-aging properties. The present study aims to explore and assess the phytochemical composition, GC-MS profiling, antioxidant efficacy, and the major phytoconstituent phytol subjected to theoretical spectroscopic characterization using the DFT method. The phytochemical profiling of N.nucifera reveals the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, saponin, phenol, and flavonoids. The antioxidant efficacy of N.nucifera extract against DPPH and ABTS radicals increased concentration-dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 222.84 µg and 52.67 µg, respectively. The in silico HOMO-LUMO band gap, MESP, Mulliken, and NBO analysis highlights phytol chemical reactivity and stability. In addition, the molecular docking was performed against breast cancer SMAD proteins to confirm its antagonist property with a binding energy of -3.64 kcal/mol (6OM2), -5.49 kcal/mol (1U7F), -5.05 kcal/mol (1U7V), and − 3.73 kcal/mol (6FX4).
Luminescence “on-off-on” sensing of acute myocardial infarction biomarker miRNA-208a based on copper nanoclusters-MoS 2 FRET system
Authors: Zhang Suzhen , Mei Danling , Fang Hongming , Li Quanwei , Zhou Xiumei , Zhao Xueqin , Zheng Zhencang , Huang Biao 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

MiRNA-208a is a molecular marker for the early stage of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), with satisfactory specificity and a relatively short time window, making it highly suitable for the early diagnosis of AMI. In this study, we designed a CuNCs-cDNA-MoS2 fluorescent probe and established a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) enzyme-free fluorescent biosensor for "on-off-on" detection of miRNA-208a. The results showed that the detection limit for miRNA-208a was 900 pM, with a linear range of 1 to 10 nM. Interestingly, after the addition of RNase inhibitor, the detection time and limit for serum miRNA-208a were reduced to 5 minutes and 380 pM, respectively. It also has a wide linear range (1–20 nM), with a recovery rate of 98.13 to 101.20%. Compared to traditional methods, this strategy is simple, rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective. In summary, the FRET-based fluorescent sensor provides a high-performance method for detecting miRNA-208a.
Pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence evaluation of piracetam tablet in healthy Chinese subjects under fasting and fed conditions
Authors: Yan Hegui , Pan Zhixiang , Peng Yu , Wang Jie , Li Xiuwen , Xie Yafang , Liu Qiangying , Huang Cuiping , Wang Qiuhong , Liu Guan , Zhou Ming 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objective
The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, bioequivalence and safety properties of piracetam tablet 800 mg in healthy Chinese subjects under fasting and fed conditions.
Methods
A single-center, randomized, open-label, two-period, two-sequence crossover study was conducted in 56 healthy Chinese subjects under fasting and fed conditions. Eligible subjects recevied a single dose of 800 mg piracetam tablet as test or reference formulation, followed by a 7-day wshout interval between periods. Blood samples were collected at the specified time points and the plasma concentration of piracetam was determined by a validated high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method. The primary pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters were calculated using the non-compartment method. The geometric mean ratios for the PK parameters of the test drug to the reference drug and the corresponding 90% confidence intervals were acquired for bioequivalence analysis. The safety evaluation was assessed throughout the study.
Results
Under fasting and fed conditions, the PK parameters of the test drug and the reference drug were similar. The 90% confidence intervals (CIs) of the geometric mean ratios (GMRs) of the test-to-reference formulation were 90.85-106.85% for Cmax, 96.78-100.05% for AUC0 − t, and 96.77-100.24% for AUC0−∞ under fasting state. The 90% CIs of GMRs of the test-to-reference formulation were 93.58-105.39% for Cmax, 97.70-100.37% for AUC0 − t, and 97.63-100.41% for AUC0−∞ under fed state. Both the test and the reference formulations had good safety and were well-tolerated, and no serious adverse events related to the study drug were observed during the syudy.
Conclusion
The PK bioequivalence of the test and reference piracetam tablets in healthy Chinese subjects was established under fasting and fed conditions, which met the relevant regulatory standards. Both formulations were safe and well-tolerated.
Trial registration
Registered 08/16/2021, CTR20211195.
Does hospital middle manager’s management competency contribute to organizational performance? A cross-sectional study from tertiary public hospitals in Sichuan Province
Authors: Gao Jia , Liu Jun , Tian Meirong , Chen Jingjing , Zhang Lei , Zhang Suyi , Li Xiang , Zheng Yuwen , Qu Xing 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
With the continuous improvement of hospital management practices and dynamic changes in the external environment, efforts to improve hospital organizational performance have become increasingly challenging. The management competency of middle managers in hospitals is a catalyst for strengthening hospital governance. Understanding the impact of the management competency of middle managers in hospitals on overall organizational performance is crucial for improving organizational performance.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a group of 482 randomly selected middle managers in 6 tertiary public hospitals in Sichuan Province, China. The individual management competency score was collected via the validated Leadership and Management Competency Framework (LMCF) questionnaire and the hospital organizational performance was measured via the McKinsey 7-S framework questionnaire. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypothesized causal pathway between hospital middle managers’ management competency and organizational performance.
Results
A total of 384 questionnaires were collected, 355 questionnaires were usable. The path analysis revealed that the management competency of middle managers in hospitals had a significant positive effect on organizational performance (β: 0.260, 95% CI: 0.119–0.361), whereas the average score of management competency for middle managers in hospitals was 3.96 out of 5. The direct path coefficient value for professional title to organizational performance was significant (β: -0.132, 95% CI: -0.255–0.040). Age and clinical background indirectly affected organizational performance by influencing management competency (β: 0.046, 95% CI: 0.017–0.095; β: -0.035, 95% CI: -0.074–0.011).
Conclusions
The management competency of middle managers in hospitals had a positive effect on organizational performance, but the management competency scores of middle managers in surveyed hospitals remained suboptimal. Interventions such as integrating management curricula into clinical medical education, conducting management training programs tailored for clinicians, and fostering project management practices are needed to improve the management competency of middle managers in hospitals.
Relationship Between E-Health Service Use and Psychological Distress: The Mediating Role of Health Lifestyle Behaviors and the Moderating Role of Belief in Genetic Determinism
Authors: GONG SIYING , MA SIYUAN , Li Qingrui , Zhao Xinshu 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: The growing severity of psychological distress on a global scale is increasingly concerning. Existed studies show that e-health services have great potential for reducing psychological distress. However, its impact on psychological distress remains complex and multifaceted.
Objectives: This study aims to (1) examine the effect of e-health service use on psychological distress; (2) explore the health lifestyle behaviors as a mediating factor in the relationship between e-health service use and psychological distress; (3) analyze the moderating role of belief in genetic determinism on the pathways between e-health service use and health lifestyle behaviors.
Method:
Based on Health Information National Trends Survey 5 (HINTS 5, Cycle 4) data, this study tests the relationship between e-health service use and psychological distress, and the mediating role of health lifestyle behaviors and the moderating role of belief in genetic determinism. A total of 3865 respondents aged 18 or above (49.1% males) with an average age of 57 completed the survey.
Result: This study finds that e-health service use exerted positive effects on psychological distress directly. Their relationship can be mediated by health lifestyle behaviors. This study also finds a negative moderating effect of genetic determination on the relationship between e-health service use and health lifestyle behaviors.
Conclusion: This study suggests that e-health services can reduce psychological distress through health lifestyle behaviors. In addition, the belief in genetic determinism has a negative impact on health lifestyle behaviors..
Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy and associated factors among pregnant women in Tanzania: Evidence from the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Godfrey Victoria , Eliufoo Elihuruma , Kessy Immaculata P , Bago Mussa , Mtoro Mtoro J. , Nyundo Azan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy remains a significant public health concern, particularly in Tanzania. Alcohol use during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, and it can impair fetal growth and lead to low birth weight. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of alcohol use among pregnant women and identify associated factors utilizing data from the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicator Survey (TDHS-MIS).
Methods
This was an analytical cross-sectional survey design utilizing secondary data from the 2022 TDHS-MIS. The survey employed a multistage cluster sampling method to generate representative national and sub-national health and health-related indicators between February and July 2022. A total of 1,182 pregnant women were included in the analysis. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression using STATA version 18.5 to assess factors associated with maternal alcohol consumption. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed to estimate the strength of the association between independent variables and alcohol use.
Results
The mean age of the participants was 27.3 years (standard deviation: 6.9). The overall prevalence of alcohol consumption during pregnancy among pregnant women in Tanzania was 3.9% (95% CI: 2.75–5.39). Factors associated with alcohol consumption were; women aged 25–34 (aOR = 5.17, 95%CI: 1.62–16.51) and more than 35 years of age (aOR = 20.89, 95%CI: 6.55–66.62), women who were never married (aOR = 7.89, 95%CI: 2.20-28.25), On the other hand, women living in the western zone (aOR = 0.20, 95%CI: 0.04–0.88).
Conclusion
The study reveals a concerning prevalence of alcohol consumption during pregnancy in Tanzania.​ Key demographic factors influencing alcohol use include maternal age, marital status, and notable regional disparities, particularly lower rates in Zanzibar compared to the western zone. These findings highlight the necessity for targeted public health initiatives aimed at educating pregnant women.
Attributing the extreme 2022 Pakistan Rainfall to CO2-induced Climate Change using Seasonal Forecasts
Authors: Weisheimer Antje , Palmer Tim , Leach Nicholas , Allen Myles , Roberts Chris , Abid Muhammad Adnan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

While it is widely believed that the intense rainfall in summer 2022 over Pakistan was substantially exacerbated by climate change1,2, climate models struggled to confirm this3,4. Here we perform two high-resolution seasonal climate forecast experiments for June-to-August 2022 with reduced and increased CO₂, complementing the successful operational forecasts issued in May 2022. Both experiments predict extreme wet conditions, suggesting that the historical rise in CO₂ slightly enhanced the rainfall. In contrast, simulations with increased CO₂ fail to show a further rise in mean rainfall but increased the range of possible outcomes. A decomposition of the rainfall and underlying large-scale circulation signals into their atmospheric CO2 and SST-induced responses reveals how the balance of their relative changes controls the future dynamical response, which leads to the non-linear rainfall climate change signals over Pakistan. Accurately capturing these dynamics is crucial for reliable regional climate adaptation and assessing climate change-induced losses and damages.
Evolutionary loss of an antibiotic efflux pump increases Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing mediated virulence in vivo
Authors: Jorth Peter , Fernandes Sheryl , Ortega Humberto , Vaillancourt Mylene , Galdino Anna Clara , Stotland Aleksandr , Mun Kyu Shik , Aguilar Diane , Doi Yohei , Lee Janet , Burgener Elizabeth , Barrick Jeffrey , Schertzer Jeffrey 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance is one of the most pressing threats to human health, yet recent work highlights how loss of resistance may also drive pathogenesis in some bacteria. In two recent studies, we found that β-lactam antibiotic and nutrient stresses faced during infection selected for the genetic inactivation of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) antibiotic efflux pump mexEFoprN. Unexpectedly, efflux pump mutations increased Pa virulence during infection; however, neither the prevalence of efflux pump inactivating mutations in real human infections, nor the mechanisms driving increased virulence of efflux pump mutants are known. We hypothesized that human infection would select for efflux pump mutations that drive increased virulence in Pa clinical isolates. Using genome sequencing of hundreds of Pa clinical isolates, we show that mexEFoprN efflux pump inactivating mutations are enriched in Pa cystic fibrosis isolates relative to Pa intensive care unit clinical isolates. Combining RNA-seq, metabolomics, genetic approaches, and infection models we show that efflux pump mutants have elevated expression of two key Pa virulence factors, elastase and rhamnolipids, which increased Pa virulence and lung damage during both acute and chronic infections. Increased virulence factor production was driven by higher Pseudomonas quinolone signal levels in the efflux pump mutants. Finally, genetic restoration of the efflux pump in a representative ICU clinical isolate and the notorious CF Pa Liverpool epidemic strain reduced their virulence. Together, our findings suggest that mutations inactivating antibiotic resistance mechanisms could lead to greater patient mortality and morbidity.
Dynamic Parameter Morphogenesis for Adaptable Task Specialization in Large Language Models to Self-Directed Learning
Authors: Tate Brian , Wright James , Scott Elizabeth , Robinson Samuel 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence has led to the development of models capable of performing a wide array of tasks; however, the adaptability of such models to novel and diverse applications remains a significant challenge. Introducing Dynamic Parameter Morphogenesis, a novel methodology that enables Large Language Models (LLMs) to autonomously reconfigure their internal parameters in response to varying task demands, thereby enhancing adaptability and performance across multiple domains. This approach reduces reliance on extensive labeled datasets and manual fine-tuning, facilitating more efficient utilization of computational resources. Empirical evaluations demonstrate that LLMs employing Dynamic Parameter Morphogenesis achieve superior performance metrics and exhibit rapid adaptation to new tasks, showing the potential of this methodology to transform the deployment and scalability of LLMs in various applications.
Detection of genus Eremococcus among the skin microbial flora of patients with filarial lymphedema
Authors: Pradeep Devu , Manavalan Sowmiya , Thirumal Sankari , Sivarasan Thamizhprabha , Venkatesan Shakila , Dharmalingam Danapriyaa , Semalaiyappan Janani , Kuttiatt Vijesh S 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Employing 16S rRNA based metagenomic technique, we profiled the skin microbiome of patients with filarial lymphedema, a prominent skin NTD and a global health problem. A rare bacterium Eremococcus was detected in a few patients. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Eremococcus in association with filarial lymphedema.