bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Socioeconomic inequalities of 3-year survival in formal employees with colorectal cancer between 2012 and 2019 in Colombia
Authors: Sánchez-Santiesteban Daniela , Patiño-Benavidez Andrés Felipe , Buitrago Giancarlo 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to assess socioeconomic inequalities in three-year survival among formal employees diagnosed with colorectal cancer in Colombia between 2012 and 2019, using legal monthly minimum wages (MMW) as a proxy for socioeconomic status.MethodsA retrospective cohort study used administrative databases, including healthcare and mortality records. Formal employees newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer were identified through diagnostic and oncological procedure codes and followed for three years from diagnosis or until death. Patients were stratified into MMW quartiles, and Cox regression models were employed to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for survival. Socioeconomic gradients were quantified using the Relative Index of Inequality (RII) and Slope Index of Inequality (SII).ResultsThe cohort included 1,913 formal employees (mean age: 49.9 years), with 660 deaths (34.5%) recorded over the follow-up period. Patients in the lowest MMW quartile experienced the highest three-year mortality (39.5%) compared to those in the highest quartile (30.7%). After adjusting for confounders, individuals in the highest quartile had a 25% lower risk of death than those in the lowest quartile (aHR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.59–0.92). The RII indicated a 50% higher risk of death in the lowest income group (RII: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.13–1.99), while the SII revealed an absolute difference of 0.16 deaths per 1,000 individuals (p=0.01).ConclusionSignificant income-based disparities in colorectal cancer survival were observed among formal employees in Colombia despite the theoretically equitable healthcare system. These findings underscore the persistent influence of socioeconomic factors on health outcomes, even within populations assumed to have better access to care.
Low Back Pain’s Hidden Partners: Stigma, Anxiety, and Functional Decline in Adults with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Stutzbach Julie A. , Sarmiento Cristina A. , Kenkre Tanya S. , Oleszek Joyce L. , Wisniewski Stephen R , Gannotti Mary E. ,   Cerebral Palsy Research Network
Published: December 2024

AbstractAIMDetermine biopsychosocial factors associated with pain interference and pain intensity in adults with cerebral palsy (CP) and chronic low back pain (LBP).METHODCross-sectional secondary data analysis of a community survey examining function and chronic pain in adults with CP and LBP. We examined bivariate relationships and built two regression models with pain interference with general activities and pain intensity as dependent variables and biopsychosocial factors as explanatory factors.RESULTSWe included 295 participants with CP and LBP in our analyses. Average age was 43.2 ± 13.9 years, and 81% were ambulatory (GMFCS I-III). Pain was present for 17.9 ± 13.4 years. Ordinary least squares regression models indicated greater pain interference with: change in best motor function since childhood (p=0.002), stigma (p=0.01), and anxiety (p=0.01; N=238; adjusted R2=0.17); and greater pain intensity with: lower income (p=0.01), Hispanic/Latino ethnicity (p=0.04), anxiety (p=0.01), and less satisfaction with social roles, (p<0.001; N=290, R2=0.18; Adjusted R2=0.16).INTERPRETATIONThese findings emphasize the importance of assessing and interpreting chronic pain in the context of biopsychosocial factors, particularly anxiety, stigma, race, ethnicity, income, satisfaction with social roles, and changes in motor function.
Eye Movements During the Iowa Gambling Task in Parkinson’s Disease: A Brief Report
Authors: Doshier Kirby , Ryals Anthony J. , Nejtek Vicki A. , Salvatore Michael F. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractParkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by motor and cognitive impairments. Subtle cognitive impairment may precede motor impairment. There is a substantial need for innovative assessments, such as those involving decision-making, to detect PD in the premotor phase. Evidence suggests executive dysfunction in PD can impede strategic decision-making relying on learning and applying feedback. The Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), when combined with eye-tracking, may be a valuable synergistic strategy for predicting impaired decision-making and therapeutic non-compliance. Participants with PD and matched healthy controls completed the Movement Disorders Society’s modified Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-MDS), 6-minute Walk test (6MWT), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Trail Making Test A and B (TMT A and B), Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT), and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS). Eye tracking was recorded during the IGT. The PD group scored significantly higher on UPDRS subscales and covered less distance during the 6MWT despite equivalent performance on the TUG. The PD group also had longer completion times on TMT A and B and more errors on TMT B. Overall IGT winning scores were marginally worse in PD. However, when analyzed as a function of performance over time, the PD group performed significantly worse by task end, thus suggesting impaired decision-making. PD participants exhibited a 72% reduction in blinks despite equivalent outcomes in other eye-movements. Combined with established motor and executive function tests, the IGT and similar tasks combined with eye-tracking may be a powerful noninvasive method to detect and monitor PD early in progression.
Novel plasma biomarkers of amyloid plaque pathology and cortical thickness: evaluation of the NULISA targeted proteomic platform in an ethnically diverse cohort
Authors: Zeng Xuemei , Sehrawat Anuradha , Lafferty Tara K. , Chen Yijun , Rawat Mahika , Kamboh M. Ilyas , Villemagne Victor L. , Lopez Oscar L. , Cohen Ann D. , Karikari Thomas K. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTINTRODUCTIONProteomic evaluation of plasma samples could accelerate the identification of novel Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarkers. We evaluated the novel NUcleic acid Linked Immuno-Sandwich Assay (NULISATM) proteomic method in an ethnically diverse cohort.METHODSPlasma biomarkers were measured with NULISA in the Human Connectome Project, a predominantly preclinical biracial community cohort in southwestern Pennsylvania. Selected biomarkers were additionally measured using Simoa and Quest immunoassays.RESULTSOn NULISA, phosphorylated tau (p-tau217, p-tau231, p-tau181), GFAP, and MAPT-tau showed the top significant association with Aβ PET status, followed by neuroinflammation markers CCL2, CHIT1, CXCL8, and the synaptic marker NRGN. Biomarkers associated with cortical thickness included astrocytic protein CHI3L1, cytokine CD40LG, growth factor BDNF, Aβ-associated metalloprotein TIMP3, and FCN2 linked with brain atrophy in AD. Furthermore, moderate to strong between-platform correlations were observed for various assays.DISCUSSIONNULISA multiplexing advantage allowed concurrent assessment of established and novel plasma biomarkers of Aβ pathology and neurodegeneration.
Structural basis for aminoacylation of cellular modified tRNALys3by human lysyl-tRNA synthetase
Authors: Devarkar Swapnil C. , Budding Christina R. , Pathirage Chathuri , Kavoor Arundhati , Herbert Cassandra , Limbach Patrick A. , Musier-Forsyth Karin , Xiong Yong 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe average eukaryotic tRNA contains 13 posttranscriptional modifications; however, their functional impact is largely unknown. Our understanding of the complex tRNA aminoacylation machinery in metazoans also remains limited. Herein, using a series of high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures, we provide the mechanistic basis for recognition and aminoacylation of fully-modified cellular tRNALys3by human lysyl-tRNA synthetase (h-LysRS). The tRNALys3anticodon loop modifications S34 (mcm5s2U) and R37 (ms2t6A) play an integral role in recognition by h-LysRS. Modifications in the T-, variable-, and D-loops of tRNALys3are critical for ordering the metazoan-specific N-terminal domain of LysRS. The two catalytic steps of tRNALys3aminoacylation are structurally ordered; docking of the 3′-CCA end in the active site cannot proceed until the lysyl-adenylate intermediate is formed and the pyrophosphate byproduct is released. Association of the h-LysRS-tRNALys3complex with a multi-tRNA synthetase complex-derived peptide shifts the equilibrium towards the 3′-CCA end ‘docked’ conformation and allosterically enhances h-LysRS catalytic efficiency. The insights presented here have broad implications for understanding the role of tRNA modifications in protein synthesis, the human aminoacylation machinery, and the growing catalog of metabolic and neurological diseases linked to it.
Active case finding using mobile vans equipped with artificial intelligence aided radiology tests and sputum collection for rapid diagnostic tests to reduce tuberculosis prevalence in rural China: protocol for a pragmatic trial
Authors: Wei Xiaolin , Liang Dabin , Zhang Zhitong , Thorpe Kevin , Zhou Lingyun , Zhao Jinming , Qin Huifang , Liang Xiaoyan , Cui Zhezhe , Huang Yan , Huang Liwen , Lin Mei 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundTuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in rural areas of high-burden countries like China. Active case finding (ACF) and timely treatment has been proved effective in reducing TB prevalence but it is still unknown regarding the impact on TB epidemic when employing new technologies in ACF. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive ACF package utilizing mobile vans equipped with artificial intelligence (AI)-aided radiology, and GeneXpert testing in reducing TB prevalence among high-risk populations in rural Guangxi, China.MethodsA pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial will be conducted in two counties of Guangxi, China. The trial will randomize 23 townships to intervention or control groups at 1:1 ratio. The intervention group will receive a single ACF campaign in Year 1, incorporating mobile vans, AI-based DR screening, symptom assessment, and sputum collection for GeneXpert testing. Control group participants will receive usual care. TB patients identified in Year 1 will be required to complete TB treatment in Year 2. The primary outcome is the prevalence rate of bacteriologically confirmed TB among high-risk populations in Year 3. Process evaluation will explore adaption, acceptability and feasibility of the intervention. We will conduct incremental costing study to inform future scale-up of the intervention in other settings.DiscussionThis study will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and feasibility of utilizing AI, mobile vans and GeneXpert for TB ACF to reduce TB prevalence in rural settings. If successful, this model will contribute to possible solutions to achieve the WHO End TB Strategy by 2035.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier -NCT06702774
Human iPSC-derived muscle cells as a new model for investigation of EDMD1 pathogenesis
Authors: Lisowska Marta , Rowińska Marta , Suszyńska Aleksandra , Bearzi Claudia , Łaczmańska Izabela , Hanusek Julia , Kunik Amanda , Dzianisava Volha , Rzepecki Ryszard , Machowska Magdalena , Piekarowicz Katarzyna 
Published: December 2024

AbstractEmery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy type 1 (EDMD1) is a rare genetic disease caused by mutations in theEMDgene, which encodes the nuclear envelope protein emerin. Despite understanding the genetic basis of the disease, the molecular mechanism underlying muscle and cardiac pathogenesis remains elusive. Progress is restricted by the limited availability of patient-derived samples, therefore there is an urgent need for human-specific cellular models.In this study, we present the generation and characterization of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines derived from EDMD1 patients carryingEMDmutations that lead to truncated or absent emerin, together with iPSCs from healthy donor. The patient-specific iPSCs exhibit stable karyotypes, maintain appropriate morphology, express pluripotency markers and demonstrate the ability to differentiate into three germ layers.To model EDMD1, these iPSCs were differentiated into myogenic progenitors, myoblasts and multinucleated myotubes, which represent all stages of myogenesis. Each developmental stage was validated by the presence of stage-specific markers, ensuring the accuracy of the model. We present the first iPSC-basedin vitroplatform that captures the complexity of EDMD1 pathogenesis during myogenesis. This model can significantly contribute to understanding disease mechanisms and develop the targeted therapeutic strategies for EDMD1.
Using FoxP2 to Distinguish Direct and Indirect Basal Ganglia Pathways for Vocal Learning in Songbirds
Authors: Jagannathan Aditi , Nigudkar Mira , Bottjer Sarah W 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTVocal learning in songbirds provides a powerful experimental model for motor skill learning. The cortico-basal ganglia pathways that mediate vocal learning in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) are localized in two parallel circuits. These circuits traverse a cortical region (LMAN), a specialized region of the basal ganglia essential for vocal learning (Area X), and a region of dorsomedial thalamus (DLM). Area X, which contains both striatal and pallidal neurons, includes functional analogs of mammalian direct and indirect pathways that may have opposing effects and thereby increase or inhibit thalamic activity respectively. Direct pallidal neurons of Area X send inhibitory projections to DLM, whereas indirect pallidal neurons form intrinsic connections onto DLM-projecting neurons. We used tract-tracing techniques to label direct pallidal Area X→DLM projection neurons and immunohistochemical techniques to label neurons expressing the transcription factor FoxP2 in adult and juvenile male zebra finches. Our results showed that DLM-projecting neurons in Area X did not express FoxP2 in either adults or juveniles. We also observed a population of large neurons that expressed FoxP2 but were not retrogradely-labeled from DLM. A marker of striatal neurons (DARPP-32) did not co-localize with FoxP2 in most of these large neurons, providing evidence that they may form a class of putative indirect pallidal neurons. Our findings offer FoxP2 as a possible marker for indirect pallidal neurons and support the existence of different subpopulations of neurons that likely correspond to direct and indirect pathways within Area X.
Assessing the robustness of human ncRNA notations
Authors: Prasetyo Nadia K. , Gardner Paul P. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC) is the only worldwide authority that assigns standardised nomenclature to human genes (1). All studies related to the human genome and genes worldwide should adhere to HGNC-approved gene names and symbols, emphasizing the importance of precise classification and naming. Recent studies have revealed the functional and clinical relevance of RNU2-2P, which is linked to neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer (2–4), underscoring the need to reassess the classification of pseudogenes and functional non-coding RNA genes. In this study, we explore the conservation and expression of genes from 15 small ncRNA families, including U1, U2, U4, U5, U6, U4ATAC, U6ATAC, U11, U12, Vault tRNA (VTRNA), Y RNA, tRNA, 7SL, U7, and 7SK, to identify non-coding RNA-derived pseudogenes that are under strong negative selection in the human genome. Our findings highlight three highly conserved and expressed pseudogenes—RNU2-2P, RNU1-27P, and RNU1-28P—that are likely misclassified, as existing evidence suggests they may play a role in disease research. This warrants a reevaluation of their status as pseudogenes. Additionally, we identified RNU5F-1, a functional copy of RNU5, which is lowly conserved and expressed, yet its classification as a functional gene raises questions about its potential role. Furthermore, other pseudogenes and functional ncRNAs that could also be misclassified were identified, suggesting the necessity for further experimental and clinical examination.
Time-resolved cryo-EM (TRCEM) sample preparation using a PDMS-based microfluidic chip assembly
Authors: Feng Xiangsong , Frank Joachim 
Published: December 2024

AbstractTime-resolved cryo-EM (TRCEM) makes it possible to provide structural and kinetic information on a reaction of biomolecules before the equilibrium is reached. Several TRCEM methods have been developed in the past to obtain key insights into the mechanism of action of molecules and molecular machines on the time scale of tens to hundreds of milliseconds, which is unattainable by the normal blotting method. Here we present our TRCEM setup utilizing a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based microfluidics chip assembly, comprising three components: a PDMS-based, internally SiO2-coated micromixer, a glass-capillary microreactor, and a PDMS-based microsprayer for depositing the reaction product onto the EM grid. As we have demonstrated in recent experiments, this setup is capable of addressing problems of severe sample adsorption and ineffective mixing of fluids, and leads to highly reproducible results in applications to the study of translation. As an example, we used our TRCEM sample preparation method to investigate the molecular mechanism of ribosome recycling mediated byHigh frequency of lysogenizationX(HflX), which demonstrated the efficacy of the TRCEM device and its capability to yield biologically significant, reproducible information. This protocol has promise to provide structural and kinetic information on pre-equilibrium intermediates in the 10-1000 ms time range in applications to many other biological systems.Key featuresDesign and fabrication of high-performance splitting-and-recombination-based micromixer and planar microsprayer.Protocol for SiO2coating on the PDMS surface and fabrication of the microfluidic chip assembly.Preparation of time-resolved cryo-EM sample in the time range of 10 – 1000 ms.Data collection on EM grid covered with droplets from the microsprayer.
Generation of a Transgenic Mouse Model for Investigating Mitochondria in Sperm
Authors: Sarkar Hironmoy , Batta Suryaprakash R , Wadhwa Neerja , Majumdar Subeer S , Pradhan Bhola Shankar 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMitochondria play a crucial role in the sperm development; however, the mechanisms regulating their function in sperm remain poorly understood. Developing a method to regulate the expression of a target gene within the mitochondria of sperm is a vital step in this area of research. In this study, we aimed to create a system for expressing a transgene in the mitochondria of sperm. As a proof of concept, we generated transgenic mice that express green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused with a mitochondrial localization signal (MLS) driven by the phosphoglycerate kinase 2 (PGK2) promoter, which facilitates the transgene expression in the sperm. Although the PGK2 promoter has previously shown to drive gene expression in spermatocytes and spermatids, the novelty of our approach lies in the combination of PGK2-driven MLS-GFP expression to study mitochondriain vivo. We established two founder lines of transgenic mice through pronuclear microinjection, and MLS-GFP expression was confirmed in the mitochondria of sperm cells using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Consequently, we provide a novel platform for investigating mitochondrial function in sperm, where GFP can be substituted with other genes of interest to examine their effects on mitochondria. This system specifically targets sperm mitochondria, offering an innovative approach for studying mitochondrial functionin vivo.
Impact of the perceived value and perceived risk on consumers’ purchase behavior of suboptimal food
Authors: Zhong Yingqi 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThis study aimed to understand the factors influencing consumers’ purchase behavior of different types of suboptimal food and to provide references for promoting the consumption of suboptimal food and reducing suboptimal food waste in the consumption process.Design/methodology/approachThis study analyzed the influence of perceived value and perceived risk on consumers’ purchase behavior for three types of suboptimal food. They include food nearing expiration date, food with defective packaging and food with ugly appearance. Specifically, expenditure saving and food waste reduction of perceived value, health risk, time cost and psychological distress of perceived risk were analyzed using a multivariate probit model. Additionally, the moderating effect of suboptimal food knowledge was tested.FindingsPerceived value of saving money and reducing food waste positively influences consumers’ decision to purchase suboptimal food. Perceived risk of psychological distress and health risk negatively affect consumers’ decisions to purchase suboptimal food. Consumers are more sensitive to perceived value than perceived risk when purchasing food with defective packaging. However, perceived risk has a greater impact on the food that is nearing its expiration date. The impact of perceived risk on the purchase of food with an ugly appearance decreases when consumers are familiar with suboptimal food.Originality/valueBy applying the theory of perceived value and perceived risk from psychology, this study contributes to deepen the understanding of consumers’ motivation to purchase suboptimal food. The results provide recommendations for food sector actors on how to motivate consumers on their way to buy suboptimal food.
Designing your own job: how protean mindset and adaptability resources shape the modern workplace
Authors: Kundi Yasir Mansoor , Lo Presti Alessandro , Khan Hira 
Published: December 2024

PurposeAs employees face increased turbulence due to uncertain economic and organisational conditions, they are nowadays pushed to be proactive in both their jobs and careers in terms of heightened customisation, adaptability and flexibility. Drawing from the career construction theory, we examine the reciprocal associations of a contemporary career orientation among employees to customise one’s own career (i.e. protean career orientation) vs one’s own job (i.e. job crafting behaviours) as well as the boundary conditions due to the levels of career adaptability.Design/methodology/approachWe conducted a cross-lagged study with three waves using data collected from a sample of Polish employees. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling in AMOS.FindingsResults from a cross-lagged panel study with 168 participants revealed a bidirectional relationship between protean career orientation and job crafting behaviours. The results also confirmed the moderating role of career adaptability between these two variables.Originality/valueThis research is one of the first to examine a reciprocal relationship between protean career orientation and job crafting. Moreover, it examines the moderating role of career adaptability in the aforementioned association.