bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prospective evaluation of non-invasive saliva specimens for the diagnosis of syphilis and molecular surveillance of
Treponema pallidum
Authors: Imai Kazuo , Sato Akihiro , Tanaka Masashi , Ohama Yuki , Nakayama Shu-ichi , Omachi Ryuha , Takeuchi Keita , Tarumoto Norihito , Tokano Mieko , Mesaki Shigefumi , Maeda Takuya , Akeda Yukihiro 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

The promising diagnostic performance of molecular testing for syphilis using saliva and urine samples has been reported; however, further evaluation of its possible application for diagnosis and molecular surveillance is required. In addition, the development of a rapid and easy-to-perform molecular test for syphilis is important for its use in the clinical setting. We comprehensively evaluated the diagnostic and surveillance performance of two novel loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays using saliva and urine samples. Saliva, urine, and whole blood were collected from patients who underwent serological testing for syphilis at outpatient clinics.
Treponema pallidum
DNA in specimens was detected using quantitative PCR (qPCR), nested PCR, and novel LAMP assays.
T. pallidum
genotyping was conducted by multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). Of the 163 patients recruited, 98 were diagnosed with syphilis (primary:
n
= 35; secondary:
n
= 40; latent:
n
= 23). qPCR showed the highest sensitivity among the molecular tests performed with a sensitivity of 54.1% and 30.3% for all syphilis patients using saliva and urine samples, respectively. A novel method of LAMP combined with dry reagents and crude DNA extraction (Dry-LAMP) showed a probit detection limit of 37.4 copies/reaction within 45 min. The agreement rate between Dry-LAMP and qPCR for saliva was 95.7% (
κ
coefficient 0.90). The
T. pallidum
genotype was identified in 48 patients by MLST using saliva samples. Molecular analysis of saliva could be used as a supplementary diagnostic test for syphilis and molecular surveillance of the
T. pallidum
genotype. Dry-LAMP is expected to be helpful in the clinical diagnosis of syphilis.
Ecological drivers of CRISPR immune systems
Authors: Xiao Wei , Weissman J. L. , Johnson Philip L. F. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

CRISPR-Cas is the only known adaptive immune system of prokaryotes. It is a powerful defense system against mobile genetic elements such as bacteriophages. While CRISPR-Cas systems can be found throughout the prokaryotic tree of life, they are distributed unevenly across taxa and environments. Since adaptive immunity is more useful in environments where pathogens persist or reoccur, the density and/or diversity of the host/pathogen community may drive the uneven distribution of CRISPR systems. We directly tested hypotheses connecting CRISPR incidence with prokaryotic density/diversity by analyzing 16S rRNA and metagenomic data from publicly available environmental sequencing projects. In terms of density, we found that CRISPR systems are significantly favored in lower abundance (less dense) taxa and disfavored in higher abundance taxa, at least in marine environments. When we extended this work to compare taxonomic diversity between samples, we found CRISPR system incidence strongly correlated with diversity in human oral environments. Together, these observations confirm that, at least in certain types of environments, the prokaryotic ecological context indeed plays a key role in selecting for CRISPR immunity.

IMPORTANCE
Microbes must constantly defend themselves against viral pathogens, and a large proportion of prokaryotes do so using the highly effective CRISPR-Cas adaptive immune system. However, many prokaryotes do not. We investigated the ecological factors behind this uneven distribution of CRISPR-Cas immune systems in natural microbial populations. We found strong patterns linking CRISPR-Cas systems to prokaryotic density within ocean environments and to prokaryotic diversity within human oral environments. Our study validates previous within-lab experimental results that suggested these factors might be important and confirms that local environment and ecological context interact to select for CRISPR immunity.
Prevalence of Women’s Home Birth Preferences and Its Associated Factors in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Geta Temesgen , Haile Dereje , Girma Abiy 
Published: November 2024

Background: In low‐income countries, such as Ethiopia, home birth is the main cause of maternal and neonatal mortality. Several separate studies have been conducted on the prevalence of home birth preference. However, there is no pooled prevalence of home birth preferences. So, this systematic review and meta‐analysis is aimed at assessing the overall preference for home birth and related factors among Ethiopian women.Methods and Materials: The review included only published articles. Medline/PubMed, Web Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library are the main databases. The review includes cross‐sectional studies in English that meet eligibility requirements. The combined prevalence of women’s preference for home birth is calculated by random effect models. In addition, Egger’s tests and funnel diagrams were used to investigate publication biases. STATA Version 14 is used to perform all statistical analyses.Results: The review included 14 studies with 6631 participants. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of women’s preference for home birth was 41.48% (confidence interval (CI): 49.99; 63, 56; I2:98.7%; p ≤ 0.001). In the analysis of the subgroups, the Oromia region had the highest home birth preference rate at 61.40% (55.54%, 67.16), while southern Ethiopia had the lowest value at 20.52% (5.18, 29.75). The probability of preferring home birth was higher for women without education (OR = 0.22, p ≤ 0.001, I2 = 69.7%) and for younger women (ODR = 0.47, p ≤ 0.001, I2 = 84.2%).Conclusion: According to the study, 41% of Ethiopian women prefer home births over institutional births. Age and education of women are statistically important factors in the choice of birthplace. To solve this problem, health professionals and other stakeholders are strongly encouraged to provide women’s health education at the community and institutional levels.
A Comparison between the ‘Vice Presidents’ in the Turkish Type Presidential System and the US Presidential System: Addressing Controversial Issues Regarding the Turkish Vice Presidency
Authors: Murphy Peri Uran 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The role of the vice presidents, as successors in the case of a presidential vacancy, has become more important in the executive branch over the years and today, vice president position is seen as a possible path to rise through the political ranks and become the president. Vice presidency is unique to presidential systems. When the United States Constitution came into force in 1789, the United States became the first presidential republic, with George Washington as the first president and John Adams as the first vice president. Over time, other countries that accepted the presidential regime, also included this institution in their constitutions. Vice presidency has been introduced into the Turkish constitutional system by the 2017 constitutional amendments which transformed the Turkish Governmental System into “Turkish Type Presidential System”. The US Presidential System has been considered as a model to promote and encourage the transition to a presidential governmental system in Turkey. However; the vice presidency in this new system, which has led to heated debates, is designed quite different from the one in the US Presidential System. In this paper, the vice presidents of the Turkish Type Presidential System and the US Presidential System will be compared not only because the US Presidential System, known as the pure (typical, quintessential) form of the presidential system, has been seen as a model to support the transition of the new governmental system in Turkey, but also the US Vice Presidency is the most favorable basis for comparison, as it is the oldest example of this institution. After mentioning the process of inclusion of the vice presidency into the Turkish constitutional system, the democratic legitimacy debate and other controversial issues regarding the Turkish Vice Presidency will be enlightened from a comparative perspective. In conclusion, evaluations and suggestions will be provided in line with the criticism against the Turkish Vice Presidency.
She Doesn’t Even Know She Made Them: Ambiguous Attribution in Italian Exploitation Films
Authors: Barotsi Rosa 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Starting in the late 1950s, exploitation filmmakers operating in Italy sometimes used pseudonyms, allonyms or prestanomi. This article examines the multiplicity of motivations behind this practice, and attempts to untangle some of the implications of the use of pseudonyms in Italian exploitation cinema, especially as it relates to the complex dynamics of gender and nationality in the film production sector. It compares the case of the alias O. Hellman, which appears in a small number of exploitation films in the 1970s, with similar ones from that period, including ones in which the ambiguity of authorial attribution involves husband and wife teams – an ambiguity fascinatingly compounded by the protectionist measures of Italian film policy and the contradictory evidence of primary and secondary sources. Finally, the article reflects on the implications of this practice on data-based gender research in the Italian film industry.
Understanding Onset, Dynamic Transitions, and Associated Inequality Risk Factors for Adverse Posttraumatic Neuropsychiatric Sequelae After Trauma Exposure
Authors: Lee Chiyoung , House Stacey L. , Beaudoin Francesca L. , Neylan Thomas C. , Clifford Gari D. , Linnstaedt Sarah D. , Germine Laura T. , Rauch Scott L. , Haran John P. , Storrow Alan B. , Lewandowski Christopher , Musey Paul I. , Hendry Phyllis L. , Sheikh Sophia , Punches Brittany E. , Swor Robert A. , Hudak Lauren A. , Pascual Jose L. , Seamon Mark J. , Harris Erica , Pearson Claire , Peak David A. , Domeier Robert M. , Rathlev Niels K. , O'Neil Brian J. , Sergot Paulina , Sanchez Leon D. , Bruce Steven E. , Sheridan John F. , Harte Steven E. , Koenen Karestan C. , Kessler Ronald C. , McLean Samuel A. , Yang Qing , An Xinming 
Published: November 2024

ObjectiveSeveral gaps remain in the understanding of the onset, dynamic transitions, and associated risk factors of adverse posttraumatic neuropsychiatric sequelae (APNS) in the acute post‐trauma window. Based on serial assessments of symptoms from a large cohort study, we identified homogeneous statuses across multiple APNS symptom domains and investigated the dynamic transitions among these statuses during the first 2 months after trauma exposure. Furthermore, we studied how symptom onset and transitions are affected by equity‐relevant characteristics.MethodsThe analysis was based on 2557 participants enrolled in the Advancing Understanding of RecOvery afteR traumA (AURORA). APNS symptoms comprised pain, depression, sleep discontinuity, nightmares, avoidance, re‐experience, anxiety, hyperarousal, somatic symptoms, and mental fatigue. We identified the homogeneous status of APNS symptoms at baseline, 1 month, and 2 months, and explored transition probabilities among these statuses using latent transition analysis. Equity‐relevant characteristics included gender, race, education, family income, childhood trauma, and area deprivation.ResultsThree homogeneous statuses–low‐, moderate‐, and severe‐symptom–were identified. While the majority of trauma survivors with severe‐ or moderate‐symptom status maintained the same status over time, some transitioned to a less severe symptom status, particularly within the first month. Specifically, females, non‐whites, and those with higher childhood trauma were associated with a decreased likelihood of transitioning to a less severe symptom status. From one to 2 months, lower income was associated with a decreased likelihood of transitioning from moderate‐to low‐symptom status.ConclusionsThe findings can inform early intervention strategies for APNS, potentially reducing health disparities among trauma survivors.
Deliberate Absence: Mapping the Presence of Indian Transgender and Gender Diverse (TGD) Youth in Social and Medical Rights-Based Work Initiatives for the Community
Authors: Arora Manvi , Sansfaçon Annie Pullen 
Published: November 2024

Background: Adolescence, the transitional phase between childhood and adulthood, involves significant biological, social, cognitive and emotional changes. In India, adolescents (10–18 years) form 21% of the population, increasing to 33% when including those aged 10–24 years, making India home to the world’s largest adolescent population. The concept of adolescence, unlike the biological process of puberty, is culturally determined and influenced by globalisation and changing societal values. Objectives: This article aims to (a) elucidate the barriers hindering transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth in India from accessing gender affirmation, including familial rejection, constraining legal provisions and inadequate public health infrastructure; (b) underscore the impact of socio-cultural and political attitudes on health disparities faced by TGD youth, emphasising the need for comprehensive and individualised healthcare and socio-cultural support; (c) advocate for a socio-medical approach to address the unique challenges of Indian TGD youth, focusing on collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals, social institutions and policymakers; (d) propose strategies for improving access to early gender-affirmative care, including training healthcare providers, promoting comprehensive medical support and advocating for the rights of TGD youth. Methods: A blind review of literature was conducted using PUBMED/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Web of Science, PsycINFO and SCOPUS with keywords such as ‘transgender youth’, ‘nonbinary and gender diverse youth’, ‘gender-affirming medical care in India’ and ‘youth mental health’. The search eventually included peer-reviewed publications, books, reviews, editorials, opinion pieces, feature stories and individual case reports. Articles were screened and thematically analysed to synthesise findings. Results: The review highlights significant barriers to gender-affirming care for TGD youth in India, including familial rejection, restrictive legal frameworks and inadequate public health infrastructure. Socio-cultural and political attitudes contribute to health disparities, necessitating comprehensive healthcare and socio-cultural support. Conclusions: Addressing the challenges faced by TGD youth in India requires a socio-medical approach, emphasising collaborative efforts among healthcare providers, social institutions and policymakers. Strategies for improvement include training healthcare providers, promoting comprehensive medical support and advocating for the rights of TGD youth to ensure early and effective gender-affirmative care.
Acute promyelocytic leukemia: long-term outcomes from the HARMONY project
Authors: Voso Maria Teresa , Guarnera Luca , Lehmann Söhren , Döhner Konstanze , Döhner Hartmut , Platzbecker Uwe , Russell Nigel , Dillon Richard , Thomas Ian , Ossenkoppele Gert , Haferlach Torsten , Vignetti Marco , La Sala Edoardo , Piciocchi Alfonso , Fazi Paola , Ramiro Angela Villaverde , Giménez Laura Tur , Gurnari Carmelo , Bullinger Lars , Hernández-Rivas Jesús María 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Treatment outcomes for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) have improved with the widespread use of targeted therapy with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO). Our study aimed to validate these data in a large patient cohort, and to redefine prognostic factors. Leveraging the HARMONY Platform, we analyzed 1438 newly diagnosed patients with APL, diagnosed between 1999 and 2022. Patient data derived from the 2 international multicenter Gruppo Italiano Malattie EMatologiche dell’Adulto (GIMEMA)-APL0406 and National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI)-AML17 trials and 4 European registries: the Haemato Oncology Foundation for Adults in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg (HOVON), AML Study Group (AMLSG), Swedish AML Registry, and Study Alliance Leukemia (SAL). The study cohort included 721 males and 717 females, with a median age of 50.5 years (range, 16-94 years). Of 1309 patients starting therapy, 562 received ATRA-ATO, and 747 idarubicin-based chemotherapy (AIDA-like CHT). Early death (ED) occurred in 85 of 1438 patients (5.9%) at a median of 9 days after APL diagnosis and was independently associated with increasing age and high Sanz risk score (odds ratio [OR], 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.08; and OR, 4.65; 95% CI, 2.55-8.51, respectively). The median follow-up was 5.5 years (interquartile range, 3.2-7.5 years). ATRA-ATO regimen was associated with the best outcome, reaching 91% 7-year overall survival (vs 81% for AIDA-like CHT; hazard ratio [HR], 2.14; 95% CI, 1.51-3.05), 89% event-free survival (vs 71% for AIDA-like CHT; HR, 2.72; 95% CI, 2.01–3.69), and 3% relapse (vs 13% for AIDA-like CHT; HR, 4.19; 95% CI, 2.38-7.39; P &lt; .001 for all outcomes). The survival advantage of ATRA/ATO was independent of patients’ age, Sanz risk score, and treatment scenario. Our study confirms the superiority of ATRA-ATO over ATRA-chemotherapy in patients with APL. Reducing the risk of ED still represents an unmet medical need, in particular in older patients and in high-risk APL.
Ocular loaiasis in France: the first case report from Brittany
Authors: Kerkouri Sarah , Monfort Thomas , Quinio Dorothée , Cochener-Lamard Béatrice 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWe report the case of a 21-year-old Cameroonian woman residing in France for one year, who presented to our department with left eye discomfort and itching. Examination revealed a mobile translucent cord beneath the nasal-inferior conjunctiva, prompting suspicion of loaiasis. Anesthesia was administered for extraction, revealing a 31 mm male Loa loa. A positive microfilarial load, albeit low, confirmed the diagnosis and the diagnostic workup excluded other locations. Treatment with diethylcarbamazine was well-tolerated. This case highlights the importance of considering loaiasis in non-endemic regions and underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in its diagnosis and management.
Beat-based dancing to music has evolutionary foundations in advanced vocal learning
Authors: Patel Aniruddh D. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDancing to music is ancient and widespread in human cultures. While dance shows great cultural diversity, it often involves nonvocal rhythmic movements synchronized to musical beats in a predictive and tempo-flexible manner. To date, the only nonhuman animals known to spontaneously move to music in this way are parrots. This paper proposes that human-parrot similarities in movement to music and in the neurobiology of advanced vocal learning hold clues to the evolutionary foundations of human dance. The proposal draws on recent research on the neurobiology of parrot vocal learning by Jarvis and colleagues and on a recent cortical model for speech motor control by Hickock and colleagues. These two lines of work are synthesized to suggest that gene regulation changes associated with the evolution of a dorsal laryngeal pitch control pathway in ancestral humans fortuitously strengthened auditory-parietal cortical connections that support beat-based rhythmic processing. More generally, the proposal aims to explain how and why the evolution of strong forebrain auditory-motor integration in the service of learned vocal control led to a capacity and proclivity to synchronize nonvocal movements to the beat. The proposal specifies cortical brain pathways implicated in the origins of human beat-based dancing and leads to testable predictions and suggestions for future research.
Learning ballet technique modulates the stretch reflex in students with cerebral palsy: case series
Authors: López-Ortiz Citlali , He Maxine , Gaebler-Spira Deborah , Levin Mindy F. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Cerebral palsy (CP) is considered the most prevalent developmental motor disorder in children. There is a need for training programs that enhance motor abilities and normalize function from an early age. Previous studies report improved motor outcomes in dance interventions for CP. Investigating the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying such improvements is necessary for efficient and safe intervention design. This study reports changes in stretch reflex responses as the primary neurophysiological motor outcome of a targeted ballet class intervention.

Results
A case series of participants with mixed spastic and dyskinetic CP (n = 4, mean age = 12.5 years, SD = 6.9S years, three female, one male) who learned ballet technique in a course of one-hour classes twice per week for six weeks is presented. Changes in stretch reflex responses and in clinical motor tests as secondary outcomes were observed after the course and at one-month follow-up. Quantitative measures of elbow or ankle stretch reflex were obtained using electromyography and electrogoniometry. The joint angle of the stretch reflex onset varied across velocities of stretch, and its variability decreased after the intervention. Within-subject tests of the central tendency of stretch reflex angle coefficients of variation and frequency distribution demonstrated significant changes (p-values < 0.05). Secondary outcomes included the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST), Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS), Dyskinesia Impairment Scale (DIS), and Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity (SCALE). All the participants demonstrated improvements larger than the minimal clinical important difference (MCID) or the smallest detectable difference (SDD), as applicable.

Conclusions
Evidence of changes in the stretch reflex responses in these four cases of mixed CP was observed. The observed variability in the stretch reflex responses may be due to the dyskinetic component of the mixed CP presentations. More studies with a larger sample size and longer duration of learning and practice of ballet technique are necessary to establish the extent of possible modulation and adaptation of the stretch reflex response as a neurophysiological basis for observed improvements in clinical measures.
Trial registration: This study was registered in the Clinical Trials Protocol Registration and Results System (NCT04237506, January 17, 2020).