bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pre‐referral ultrasound for cryptorchidism: Still common, still not necessary
Authors: Boyd Grace E , Patel Bhaveshkumar , McBride Craig A 
Published: October 2024

AimEvidence‐based guidelines do not recommend imaging in cryptorchidism, but anecdotally most referrals include an ultrasound report. We aimed to assess the frequency, utility and burden of imaging in children referred with presumptive disorders of testicular descent, and to assess trends over a 7‐year period before and after local and international guidelines have been introduced.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study of children referred to the Queensland Children's Hospital for anomalies of testicular descent between 2015–2017 and 2023–2024. Data were collected regarding demographics, referral details, imaging performed and surgical diagnosis.ResultsA total of 268 children were recruited. Ultrasound frequency has not significantly changed over time (72.8%, 2015–2017; 63.6% 2023–2024; P = 0.11). Currently, 17.6% of families are charged, and 31.9% need to take time off work, for the ultrasound. This is a significant increase from the 2015–2017 cohort. Parents report concern and anxiety, and find it traumatic for their child. Following review, the majority (65.7%) had physiologically normal testes, while 4.9% and 22.4% were diagnosed with bilateral or unilateral cryptorchidism, respectively, and 7.0% had other diagnoses. Ultrasound was concordant with the surgical diagnosis in 25.0% (2015–2017) and 30.7% (2023–2024). Ultrasound did not contribute to diagnosis nor management in any patient.ConclusionsDespite international and local guidelines, cryptorchid children continue to undergo ultrasound prior to referral. Such ultrasounds do not provide utility, or value for cost. We recommend avoiding their routine use for suspicion of testicular maldescent and working together to improve strategies for translating evidence‐based guidelines into clinical practice.
Incidence and Predictors of HBsAg Loss in Paediatric Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B Undergoing Antiviral Treatment
Authors: Li Shuangjie , Ouyang Wenxian , Yao Zhenzhen , Lai Xin , Gu Yingping , Peng Songxu 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackground and AimsAchieving HBsAg loss is a critical clinical milestone in the management of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) towards the eradication of hepatitis B. However, there are limited researches on the incidence and determinants of HBsAg loss in paediatric CHB patients undergoing antiviral treatment. Therefore, we aimed to analyse the incidence and potential determinants of HBsAg loss in children who suffered from CHB and received antiviral treatment.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was performed on paediatric patients with progressive CHB who initiated either monotherapy or combination therapy using interferon/peg‐interferon and entecavir. We utilised Cox regression models to evaluate the relationships between HBsAg loss and various determining factors.ResultsIn total of 306 subjects with an average age of 4.99 years (range 1–15) were identified in this study, of whom 200 (65.4%) were male. After a median follow‐up of 26 months, HBsAg loss occurred in 135 participants. The accumulated rate of HBsAg loss was 67.8% at the end of the follow‐up evaluation. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that older age (HR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.79–0.90), female sex (HR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.13–2.30), baseline HBsAg levels (HR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.62–0.84), HBsAb positivity (HR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.20–2.59) and serum bilirubin levels (HR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.92–0.99) were statistically significant predictors of HBsAg loss.ConclusionThe incidence of HBsAg loss continues to increase in paediatric patients with CHB after antiviral treatment. Age, sex, baseline HBsAg and bilirubin levels and HBsAb positivity are found to be associated with sustained HBsAg loss.
RETINOBLASTOMA‐RELATED Has Both Canonical and Noncanonical Regulatory Functions During Thermo‐Morphogenic Responses in Arabidopsis Seedlings
Authors: Hamid Rasik Shiekh Bin , Nagy Fruzsina , Kaszler Nikolett , Domonkos Ildikó , Gombos Magdolna , Marton Annamária , Vizler Csaba , Molnár Eszter , Pettkó‐Szandtner Aladár , Bögre László , Fehér Attila , Magyar Zoltán 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTWarm temperatures accelerate plant growth, but the underlying molecular mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we show that increasing the temperature from 22°C to 28°C rapidly activates proliferation in the apical shoot and root meristems of wild‐type Arabidopsis seedlings. We found that one of the central regulators of cell proliferation, the cell cycle inhibitor RETINOBLASTOMA‐RELATED (RBR), is suppressed by warm temperatures. RBR became hyper‐phosphorylated at a conserved CYCLIN‐DEPENDENT KINASE (CDK) site in young seedlings growing at 28°C, in parallel with the stimulation of the expressions of the regulatory CYCLIN D/A subunits of CDK(s). Interestingly, while under warm temperatures ectopic RBR slowed down the acceleration of cell proliferation, it triggered elongation growth of post‐mitotic cells in the hypocotyl. In agreement, the central regulatory genes of thermomorphogenic response, including PIF4 and PIF7, as well as their downstream auxin biosynthetic YUCCA genes (YUC1‐2 and YUC8‐9) were all up‐regulated in the ectopic RBR expressing line but down‐regulated in a mutant line with reduced RBR level. We suggest that RBR has both canonical and non‐canonical functions under warm temperatures to control proliferative and elongation growth, respectively.
Peptide Signals Regulate Nitrogen Deficiency Adaptation of Dicotyledonous Model Plants
Authors: Luo Li , Yu Liangliang , Yang Jun , Wang Ertao 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTNitrogen is a crucial macroelement essential for plant growth and development. In Arabidopsis Thaliana, classical phytohormones such as auxin and cytokinin orchestrate local and systemic signalling networks coordinate plant growth and development in response to nitrogen deficiency. Nowadays, emerging signalling pathways involving small peptides like CLAVATA3/EMBRYO SURROUNDINGR REGION (CLE) and C‐TERMINALLY ENCODED PEPTIDE (CEP) and their corresponding kinase receptors, also regulate Arabidopsis' adaptation to nitrogen scarcity. Unlike Arabidopsis, which adapts to nitrogen deficiency by changing root development, legumes have the unique ability to form nitrogen‐fixing root nodules through symbiotic interactions with soil rhizobia. During the symbiotic nodulation in Medicago, CLE and CEP peptides and their receptors consist of an autoregulatory network governing the number of nodules in accordance with the soil nitrogen level. Additionally, other plant peptides, such as phytosulfokine (PSK) and root meristem growth factors (RGF), have been identified as new regulators of leguminous root nodule development under nitrogen‐limited condition. However, the precise mechanism by which these peptides coordinate nitrogen deficiency response and the development of nitrogen‐fixing organs remains to be fully elucidated. This review summarises the adaptive strategies of dicotyledons to nitrogen deficiency, with a particular focus on the regulation of Medicago nitrogen‐fixing nodule development by the peptides.
Microbial Inoculants Drive Changes in Soil and Plant Microbiomes and Improve Plant Functions in Abandoned Mine Restoration
Authors: Li Chong , Sun Lianhao , Jia Zhaohui , Tang Yingzhou , Liu Xin , Zhang Jinchi , Müller Christoph 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe application of microbial inoculants holds promise for the sustainable restoration of abandoned mine sites by affecting soil nutrients and microbial communities. However, the responses of plant microbial communities to microbial inoculants in mine restoration remain largely unknown. To bridge this knowledge gap, we conducted a 4‐year field experiment at an abandoned carbonate mine site to assess the impacts of microbial inoculants on the soil–plant microbiome. Our findings revealed that microbial inoculants significantly changed roots, fine root bacterial and fungal communities. Further, no significant correlations were observed between the soil–plant nutrient content (Z‐score) and microbial alpha diversity. However, a significantly positive correlation was found between the relative abundance of the keystone ecological cluster (Module #1) and soil–plant nutrient content. The application of microbial inoculants also increased complexity, albeit decreased stability of plant microbiome networks, alongside a reduction in stochastic assembly. Conversely, they decreased the complexity but increased the stability of soil microbiome networks, accompanied by an increase in stochastic assembly. Notably, the number of specifically enriched microbiome functional traits of roots and root nodules under the microbial inoculant treatments surpassed that of the control. In summary, our findings underscored the potential of microbial inoculants to enhance soil–plant functionality at abandoned mine restoration sites.
Constructing a Competency Training Index System in Public Health Emergencies for Community Nurses
Authors: Wan Hui , Ma Jiahui , Liu Guolian , Yao Wenlian , Xu Zhirong 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveA competency training index system was designed in public health emergencies for community nurses. The purpose of this approach is to provide community nurses with guidelines for standardized training programs on how to respond to public health emergencies.MethodsThrough semi‐structured interviews, a literature review, and team discussion, the first draft of competency training index system in public health emergencies for community nurses was formed. The Delphi method was used for two rounds of expert consultation to screen, modify and determine indicators. Finally, the analytic hierarchy process was utilized to calculate the weights of indicators at all levels.ResultsA total of 15 expert consultants were included. The effective recovery rate of the two rounds of expert consultation questionnaire was 100%, the expert authority coefficient was 0.880, 0.887, and the Kendall coordination coefficient was 0.172 and 0.171 (p < 0.001). Expert opinions have determined that the final revised competency index system in public health emergencies for community nurses training consists of 2 primary indicators, 10 secondary indicators, and 46 tertiary indicators.ConclusionThe study has developed a competency training index system in public health emergencies for community nurses. This system can serve as a foundation for standardized training in community health service institutions. It is characterized by its high demand, scientific approach, reliability, and rationality.
How Culture and Musical Engagement Shape Musical Reward Sensitivity in Danish Teens: A Validation Study of the Danish Barcelona Musical Reward Questionnaire With 4641 Adolescents
Authors: Lippolis Mariangela , Derdau Sørensen Stine , Petersen Bjørn , Vuust Peter , Brattico Elvira 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe ability to convey emotions and induce pleasure is one of the most important aspects of the way that music becomes meaningful to humans. Affective responses to music are specific to both cultural and personal preferences, but little is known about the individual variability in adolescence. The Barcelona Music Reward Questionnaire (BMRQ) is a psychometric measure that identifies five factors associated with musical pleasure: Musical Seeking, Emotional Evocation, Mood Regulation, Social Reward, and Sensory‐Motor. With this study, we aimed to validate the BMRQ in Danish teens and to explore the differences in music reward experiences in relation to the amount of musical activity, between genders and over ages. Approximately 30,000 Danish adolescents participated in a mass experiment with a subset (N = 4641, 51.2% girls, age range = 13–19 years old) responding to (1) a Danish adaptation of the BMRQ and (2) the Concurrent Musical Activities (CCM) Questionnaire. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were applied, and a seven‐factor model of the BMRQ was found to fit the Danish adolescent population. The seven‐factor version of the Danish BMRQ was due to the split of the dimensions “Sensory‐Motor” and “Social Reward” into two further subfactors. The students with a higher amount of musical engagement scored higher across all dimensions. In particular, the higher the musical engagement, the higher scores were found for the facet of musical pleasure related to the sharing of musical activities, especially in the earliest stages of adolescence. Furthermore, we found that sensitivity to music generally tends to increase with age, and that girls reported overall to be more sensitive to music than boys in the dimension related to evocation of emotions. A slightly different model of the BMRQ has to be taken into account when testing the Danish adolescent population. In addition to utilizing the Danish version of the BMRQ on a large sample of adolescents, this study may provide insight into the relationship between changes in the level of musical reward depending on amount of musical engagement and how musical reward unfolds within and between genders and across age groups during this developmental stage.
The
Candida auris
Hog1 MAP kinase is essential for the colonization of murine skin and intradermal persistence
Authors: Shivarathri Raju , Chauhan Manju , Datta Abhishek , Das Diprasom , Karuli Adela , Aptekmann Ariel , Jenull Sabrina , Kuchler Karl , Thangamani Shankar , Chowdhary Anuradha , Desai Jigar V. , Chauhan Neeraj 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Candida auris
, a multidrug-resistant human fungal pathogen, was first identified in 2009 in Japan. Since then, systemic
C. auris
infections have now been reported in more than 50 countries, with mortality rates of 30%–60%. A major contributing factor to its high inter- and intrahospital clonal transmission is that
C. auris,
unlike most
Candida
species, displays unique skin tropism and can stay on human skin for a prolonged period. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for
C. auris
skin colonization, intradermal persistence, and systemic virulence are poorly understood. Here, we report that
C. auris
Hog1 mitogen-activated protein kinase is essential for efficient skin colonization, intradermal persistence as well as systemic virulence. RNA-seq analysis of wild-type parental and
hog1
Δ mutant strains revealed marked downregulation of genes involved in processes such as cell adhesion, cell wall rearrangement, and pathogenesis in
hog1
Δ mutant compared to the wild-type parent. Consistent with these data, we found a prominent role for Hog1 in maintaining cell wall architecture, as the
hog1
Δ mutant demonstrated a significant increase in cell-surface β-glucan exposure and a concomitant reduction in chitin content. Additionally, we observed that Hog1 was required for biofilm formation
in vitro
and fungal survival when challenged with primary murine macrophages and neutrophils
ex vivo
. Collectively, these findings have important implications for understanding the
C. auris
skin adherence mechanisms and penetration of skin epithelial layers preceding bloodstream infections.

IMPORTANCE

Candida auris
is a World Health Organization fungal priority pathogen and an urgent public health threat recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
C. auris
has a unique ability to colonize human skin. It also persists on abiotic surfaces in healthcare environments for an extended period of time. These attributes facilitate the inter- and intrahospital clonal transmission of
C. auris
. Therefore, understanding
C. auris
skin colonization mechanisms is critical for infection control, especially in hospitals and nursing homes. However, despite its profound clinical relevance, the molecular and genetic basis of
C. auris
skin colonization mechanisms are poorly understood. Herein, we present data on the identification of the Hog1 MAP kinase as a key regulator of
C. auris
skin colonization. These findings lay the foundation for further characterization of unique mechanisms that promote fungal persistence on human skin.
Evaluation of a near-patient SARS-CoV-2 novel rapid diagnostic platform
Authors: Botha Johannes C. , Zafilaza Karen , Soulie Cathia , Yin Nicolas , Spyer Moira , Balaska Sofia , Chatziioannidou Stella , Tsiakalou Vaia , Papadakis George , Skoura Lemonia , Zafiropoulos Alexandros , Sourvinos George , Vandenberg Olivier , Marcelin Anne-Geneviève , Gizeli Electra , Nastouli Eleni 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

The goal of this study is to test a novel device and methodology based on the “Pebble” platform and real-time quantitative colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification (qcLAMP) during SARS-CoV-2 detection using crude samples and extracted RNA. The new method employs an inexpensive lightweight device aimed toward rapid point-of-care testing. An extensive evaluation was performed consisting of 1,693 clinical samples across five independent clinical testing centers. Positive colorimetric results were observed within 20 minutes of testing. At a 20-minute time-to-positive cut-off, the specificity is 98.5% with a diagnostic accuracy of 91.9%, compared to qPCR assays. Our findings indicate that the SARS-CoV-2 qcLAMP diagnostic assay in conjunction with the Pebble device is ideal for point-of-care/near-patient testing.

IMPORTANCE
Here, we describe our analyses and validation of a novel real-time quantitative colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification (qcLAMP) device, available under the name “Pebble” and associated SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic qcLAMP assay for clinical diagnostic use. The analyses were performed in five independent testing sites across Europe using clinical samples from the associated clinical sites and support the use of “pebble” and associated kit in the diagnostic environment.
The South Purulia Shear Zone, eastern India: Its anatomy and implication for timing the Rodinia-age collision in the eastern part of the Central Indian Tectonic Zone
Authors: Banerjee Anwesa , Sequeira Nicole , Cogné Nathan , Naraga Prabhakar , Bhattacharya Abhijit 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The Proterozoic Central Indian Tectonic Zone (CITZ) is an ~1500-km-long collision zone between the North India and the South India blocks. The age of collision is debated, but constraining the age of collision is crucial for reconstructing the paleogeographic position of India in the Precambrian. In this study, mesoscale structures, metamorphic pressure-temperature path, U-Pb zircon dates, and monazite chemical dates are combined to constrain the collision age. In the eastern part of the CITZ, the North Singhbhum Mobile Belt (NSMB) comprising 1.5–1.3 Ga low-grade phyllites and schists and the 1.88 Ga Ranibandh granitoid are juxtaposed with the Chottanagpur Gneiss Complex (CGC; eastern CITZ) dominated by 1.76 Ga anatectic basement gneisses intruded by 1.67 Ga, 1.57 Ga, and pre-collisional 1.02 Ga felsic intrusives. The juxtaposition of the disparately evolved crustal domains along the South Purulia Shear Zone (SPSZ) involved top-to-the-south thrusting consistent with amphibolite facies loading. Continued oblique N-S shortening of the thickened crust led to nucleation of ESE-striking, steeply dipping left-lateral transpressional shear zones tens of kilometers wide that obliterated pre-collisional structures in the rheologically weak NSMB phyllites and schists but are weakly developed in the rheologically strong CGC rocks. The 1.02–0.91 Ga oblique collision between the North India and South India blocks along the SPSZ suggests the paleopole data pre-dating the collision are unlikely to ascertain the paleogeographic position of the Indian landmass because the landmass did not exist in its entirety before 1.02–0.91 Ga. But the paleopole data may help locate the North India and South India blocks independent of each other.
Antenatal anti-D prophylaxis and D antigen negativity in pregnant women of the UAE: a cross-sectional analysis from the Mutaba’ah Study
Authors: Khair Howaida , Muhallab Saad , Al Nuaimi Maitha , Hilary Serene , Awar Shamsa Al , Zaręba Kornelia Teresa , Maki Sara , Sayed Sallam Gehan , Ahmed Luai A 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the prevalence of the negative D antigen phenotype, adherence to routine antenatal anti-D immunoglobulin prophylaxis (RAADP) administration and D antigen sensitisation among pregnant women in the UAE.DesignData was collected from pregnant women enrolled in the Mutaba’ah Study. The Mutaba’ah Study is an ongoing prospective mother and child cohort study in the UAE. Data were extracted from the medical records and baseline questionnaire administered to the participants between May 2017 and January 2021.SettingThe study was conducted in Al Ain city of the UAE.ParticipantsA total of 5080 pregnant women residing in Al Ain participated in the study.Outcome measuresThe study estimated the prevalence of negative D antigen phenotype and the provision of RAADP in this population.ResultsOf the 5080 pregnant women analysed, 4651 (91.6%) had D antigen positive status, while 429 (8.4%) were D-negative. D antigen sensitisation was low at 0.5%, and there was a high uptake of RAADP in the population at 88.8%.ConclusionsThe adherence to RAADP is consistent with published data from other healthcare settings. Knowledge of the prevalence of D antigen negative mothers is crucial to the financial and resource consideration for implementing antenatal foetal cell-free DNA screening to determine foetal D antigen status.
Validity and reliability of chemical-based disinfectant use questionnaire in a sample of the Lebanese public community
Authors: Aridi Mona , Ghach Wissam , Alwan Nisreen 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionWorldwide, people heavily use chemical-based disinfectants to prevent the spread of COVID-19 with limited or no safety instructions. Awareness about the safe use of chemical-based disinfectants is highly recommended to limit the spread of COVID-19 and to avoid any health risks when misused, especially in developing countries where a poor healthcare system is prominent. Awareness in this context refers to the understanding and knowledge of proper usage, safety protocols and potential health risks associated with chemical disinfectants. Practices refer to the actual behaviours and actions taken when using disinfectants, including frequency of use, methods of application and adherence to safety guidelines.ObjectiveThe purpose of this paper is to develop a valid and reliable questionnaire to assess the community level of awareness and practice concerning chemical-based disinfectant use during COVID-19 in Lebanon.DesignThe questionnaire was adapted and modified from a previous study held in Iran, in which the questions were generated and developed with content validity ratio and index (CVR and CVI). The study design was divided into the qualitative phase/development of the Disinfectants Use Questionnaire (DUQ) and the quantitative phase/psychometric properties of the DUQ. The questionnaire was subjected to face and content validity tests through expert reviews. Data validation, for 130 participants (80.8% females, 85.5% bachelor’s degree and above, 80.8% students and 70.8% aged within 30 years), was examined through psychometric properties at the final stage of the validation. CVI for items (I-CVI), scale-level CVI (S-CVI), universal agreement calculation (S-CVI/UA), S-CVI and the average calculation method (S-CVI/Ave), based on I-CVI and based on proportion relevance, were calculated to determine the content validity.Results23 items of the 28-item scale had an I-CVI of 1, and the I-CVI of the remaining five ranged between 0.75 and 0.88. The S-CVI/UA was 0.82 and the S-CVI/Ave was 0.96, which meant that the items were good for the underlying construct. For the psychometric measures, principal axis factoring was performed and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure of sampling adequacy, Bartlett’s test, eigenvalues and total variances were quite accepted and satisfactory.ConclusionThis study showed that DUQ is a valid and reliable tool for evaluating the community level of awareness and practice concerning chemical-based disinfectant use during COVID-19.