bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A review of historical trends in Anopheles gambiaeGiles (Diptera: Culicidae) complex composition, collection trends and environmental effects from 2009 to 2021 in Mpumalanga province, South Africa
Authors: Noeth Kayla P. , Kaiser Maria L. , Mashatola Thabo , Dahan‐Moss Yael L. , Matamba P. Avhatakali , Spillings Belinda , Christian Riann , Erlank Erika , Tshikae B. Power , Jamesboy Eunice , Sibambo Silindile , Nkosi Busisiwe G. , Silawu Brian T. , Mkhabela Lazarus J. , Ndlovu Fanuel S. , Mgwenya Thembekile P. , Coetzee Maureen , Brooke Basil D. , Koekemoer Lizette L. , Munhenga Givemore , Oliver Shüné V. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSouth Africa is a frontline country for malaria elimination in the southern African region. It has three malaria‐endemic provinces, each with its own transmission pattern. The elimination of malaria depends, in part, on controlling and/or eliminating vectors responsible for transmission. Sustained entomological surveillance is an important factor to consider when shifting from a control to elimination framework. The Ehlanzeni district in Mpumalanga province is a key entomological sentinel surveillance area. It is one of the malaria‐endemic districts in South Africa with higher rates of malaria incidences. As such, entomological data about the Anopheles gambiae Giles (Diptera: Culicidae) complex have been collected in this province over a substantial period. These data are stored in a pre‐existing institutional database. An analysis of the trends that can be observed from this database has not been performed before. This retrospective (longitudinal) analysis provides a summary of the An. gambiae complex vector composition in this region from 2009 to 2021. Routine surveillance data were correlated with climatic data (obtained from the NASA LaRC POWER project database) for the same period to assess the role of climatic factors in vector dynamics. This review also identifies a number of limitations in the data collection process across the sampling period and provides recommendations on how to strengthen the database going forward. The most abundant member of the An. gambiae complex since 2009 in the province was An. merus Dönitz followed by An. arabiensis Patton. Collection methods used showed that human landing catches were successful for collecting An. arabiensis, while pit traps were the most effective in collecting An. merus and An. quadriannulatus Theobald. The latter two species were mainly collected in spring, whereas An. arabiensis abundance was larger during autumn collections. Vector abundance was not significantly correlated with annual climatic data. The information gained from this database provides insights into the vector dynamics of the Ehlanzeni district of the Mpumalanga province.
High Prevalence of Azole‐Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus Among Iranian Cystic Fibrosis Patients: Should We Be Concerned?
Authors: Bandegani Azadeh , Abastabar Mahdi , Sharifisooraki Joobin , Abtahian Zahra , Vaseghi Narges , Khodavaisy Sadegh , Fakharian Atefeh , Khalilzadeh Soheila , Modaresi Mohammad Reza , Haghani Iman , Ahmadi Ali , Ghazanfari Mona , Valadan Reza , Badali Hamid 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundCystic fibrosis (CF), an inherited autosomal recessive disorder, is linked with high morbidity and mortality rates due to bacteria, filamentous, yeast and black yeast‐like fungi colonisation in the upper respiratory tract. Although Candida species are the most common fungi isolated from CF patients, azole‐resistant Aspergillus fumigatus (ARAf) is a big concern for invasive aspergillosis. Notably, the exact prevalences of Aspergillus species and the prevalence of ARAf isolates among Iranian CF patients have yet to be previously reported and are unknown. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of ARAf isolates in CF patients among Iranian populations by focusing on molecular mechanisms of the mutations in the target gene.MethodsThe 1 year prospective study recovered 120 sputum samples from 103 CF patients. Of these, 55.1% (86/156) yielded Aspergillus species, screened for ARAf using plates containing itraconazole (4 mg/L) and voriconazole (1 mg/L). According to the CLSI‐M38 guidelines, antifungal susceptibility testing was performed using the broth microdilution method. In all phenotypically resistant isolates, the target of azole agents, the cyp51A gene, was sequenced to detect any possible single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) mediating resistance.ResultsOf 120 samples, 101 (84.2%) were positive for filamentous fungi and yeast‐like relatives, with 156 fungal isolates. The most common colonising fungi were Aspergillus species (55.1%, 86/156), followed by Candida species (39.8%, 62/156), Exophiala species (3.8%, 6/156) and Scedosporium species (1.3%, 2/156). Forty out of 86 (46.5%) were identified for section Fumigati, 36 (41.9%) for section Flavi, 6 (7%) for section Nigri and 4 (4.6%) for section Terrei. Fourteen out of 40 A. fumigatus isolates were phenotypically resistant. The overall proportion of ARAf in total fungal isolates was 9% (14/156). cyp51A gene analysis in resistant isolates revealed that 13 isolates harboured G448S, G432C, T289F, D255E, M220I, M172V, G138C, G54E and F46Y mutations and one isolate carried G448S, G432C, T289F, D255E, M220I, G138C, G54E and F46Y mutations. Additionally, this study detects two novel cyp51A single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (I242V and D490E).ConclusionsThis study first investigated ARAf isolates in Iranian CF patients. Due to a resistance rate of up to 9%, it is recommended that susceptibility testing of Aspergillus isolates from CF patients receiving antifungal treatment be a part of the routine diagnostic workup. However, extensive multicentre studies with a high volume of CF patients are highly warranted to determine the impact of ARAf on CF patients.
Antibody Isotype and Subclass Responses in Human Patients With Different Clinical Presentations of Sporotrichosis
Authors: Almeida‐Paes Rodrigo , Lugones Camila Jantoro Guzman , Almeida Marcos Abreu , Quintana Marcel de Souza Borges , Benevides‐Freitas Maurício Sá , Ribeiro Joyce Rodrigues , Freitas Dayvison Francis Saraiva , de Macedo Priscila Marques , do Valle Antonio Carlos Francesconi , Zancopé‐Oliveira Rosely Maria , Gutierrez‐Galhardo Maria Clara 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTSporotrichosis diagnosis involves a series of analyses, including culture and antibody detection in serum samples. Serologic methods may sometimes yield false‐negative or false‐positive results, leading to inaccurate diagnoses. This study assessed specific patient groups in which antibody detection of different isotypes and subclasses may lack sensitivity. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with Sporothrix brasiliensis exoantigens was used to investigate IgM, IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA, IgA1 and IgA2 antibodies in human serum samples. Eighty serum samples from patients with different sporotrichosis clinical manifestations, including cutaneous forms with and without hypersensitivity manifestations, extracutaneous forms (bone, ocular, meningeal and pulmonary), disseminated cutaneous forms and disseminated forms in individuals living with HIV/AIDS, diabetics and alcoholics, were evaluated. The ELISA sensitivities in the detection of different antibodies ranged from 0.85 to 0.60 for the detection of IgG2 and IgG3, respectively. The antibodies with higher area under ROC curves were IgG2, IgG, IgA and IgA1. There were no significant differences in the immunological reactivity of the tested antibodies among different clinical forms of sporotrichosis. The data revealed a higher likelihood of a false‐negative outcome in patients with lesions in the nasal mucosa regarding the detection of IgM and a lower likelihood in patients with lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis regarding the detection of IgG3. Patients with hypersensitivity manifestations had a 3.71 odds ratio to yield negative results in total IgG detection. In conclusion, we identified specific patient groups in which antibody detection may lack sensitivity, thus contributing to a better understanding of the diagnostic challenges associated with this condition.
Smaller thoracic canal diameters are associated with thoracic radiculopathy and abdominal pain after spinal cord stimulator paddle lead placement
Authors: Ragel Brian T. , McGehee Matthew , Karvelas Nicolas , Raslan Ahmed M. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIntroductionIt is not uncommon for patients to experience postoperative neurologic deficit, thoracic radiculopathy, abdominal pain, or lower extremity paresthesia after the implantation of thoracic spinal cord stimulator (SCS) paddle leads. Smaller thoracic canal diameters have previously been associated with postoperative neurologic deficits.ObjectiveThis imaging study examined whether postoperative SCS neurologic complaints other than neurologic deficit may be correlated with thoracic spinal canal diameter.MethodsPatients who underwent thoracic laminotomy for SCS paddle lead placement between January 2018 and March 2024 were identified [Correction added on 28 September 2024 after first online publication: The preceding sentence was corrected.]. Preoperative thoracic canal diameter was measured on MRI or CT imaging in the sagittal plane from T5/6 to T11/12. The canal diameters of patients with and without new postoperative neurologic complaints were compared.ResultsTwo hundred forty‐six patients underwent thoracic laminotomy for SCS paddle lead placement. Thoracic radiculopathy, abdominal pain, and lower extremity paresthesia occurred in 3.7% (9/246), 2.8% (7/246), and 2.0% (5/246) patients, respectively. The mean canal diameter for patients without neurologic complaint, thoracic radiculopathy, abdominal pain, and lower extremity paresthesia was 13.1 mm, 12.0 mm (p < 0.0001), 12.1 mm (p < 0.01), and 12.8 mm (p = 0.365), respectively.ConclusionA smaller thoracic canal diameter is associated with postoperative thoracic radiculopathy and abdominal pain. We believe that surgical planning to create adequate space for SCS leads is critical in preventing postoperative neurologic complaints of deficit, thoracic radiculopathy, and abdominal pain.
Party Strategies in Local Elections: Insights from Israel
Authors: Elovits Tal , Barnea Nimrod 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn this study, we investigate national parties' strategic choices in Israeli local elections, utilizing a dataset of 3,737 electoral lists across 200 municipalities over three election cycles (2013–2024). Employing label coding and multilevel analysis, we reveal that municipality size, previous electoral success, mayoral candidacy, and ruling coalition membership significantly influenced parties' decisions to compete and their choice of label. Notably, almost 30% of party lists conceal their identity by opting for ‘disguised’ labels. We argue that Israel's extreme party decline in local politics, characterized by the dominance of independent lists, may foreshadow global trends as national parties withdraw from municipal contests. Our findings highlight the prevalence of disguised party lists, raising questions about voter information, as party labels serve as crucial informational shortcuts. This study contributes to the literature on party strategies and electoral dynamics in multilevel polities by emphasizing label analysis in local elections.
Exponential Erdős–Szekeres theorem for matrices
Authors: Çiçeksiz Recep Altar , Jin Zhihan , Räty Eero , Tomon István 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn 1993, Fishburn and Graham established the following qualitative extension of the classical Erdős–Szekeres theorem. If is sufficiently large with respect to , then any real matrix contains an submatrix in which every row and every column is monotone. We prove that the smallest such is at most , greatly improving the previously best known double‐exponential upper bound of Bucić, Sudakov, and Tran, and matching the best known lower bound on an exponential scale. In particular, we prove the following surprisingly sharp transition in the asymmetric setting. On one hand, every matrix contains an submatrix, in which every row is monotone. On the other hand, there exist matrices containing no such submatrix.
Investigation of Ammonia/Hydrogen Mixtures and Pilot-Split Strategies in a Laboratory-Scale Radial Swirl Combustor
Authors: Rizza Raad , Talibi Midhat , Cosway Benjamin , Kenny Lucas , Beita Jadeed , Ducci Andrea , Sadasivuni Suresh , Balachandran Ramanarayanan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The transition to a decarbonized energy future relies on identifying the most suitable alternative fuels that can meet the needs of various energy sectors. While both ammonia and hydrogen are zero-carbon energy vectors, their physical properties and burning characteristics sit on either side of that of natural gas. Hence, mixtures of ammonia and hydrogen are being increasingly looked at as having the potential to fuel current energy systems without requiring significant combustor redesign. However, the combustion characteristics and operation limits for different ammonia/hydrogen mixtures still need to be evaluated. For gas turbine applications in particular, the effect of ammonia/hydrogen mixture composition and operating condition on flame behavior and stability is not well understood. The current work was carried out in a laboratory scale, radial swirl-stabilized turbulent combustor. A systematic study of two ammonia/hydrogen blend ratios (70:30 and 80:20 by volume) and a range of equivalence ratios were tested for different pilot-split ratios, to understand the effect on flame shape, stability and dynamics. Time-resolved pressure and integrated heat release fluctuations were measured to evaluate combustor dynamics, and NH2* chemiluminescence flame images were captured to understand spatial differences in flame structure. When comparing blend ratios, differences were observed in flame macrostructures and combustor dynamics, which could be largely attributed to the considerable difference in the laminar flame speeds of the blends. The addition of pilot generally improved the stability and lean operation for both blend ratios.
Controlled Ice Nucleation With a Sand-PDMS Film Device Enhances Cryopreservation of Mouse Preantral Ovarian Follicles
Authors: Stewart Samantha , White Alisa , Ou Wenquan , Liu Wei , Nagashima Jennifer , Songsasen Nucharin , He Xiaoming 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Ovarian follicle cryopreservation is a promising strategy for fertility preservation; however, cryopreservation protocols have room for improvement to maximize post-thaw follicle viability and quality. Current slow-freezing protocols use either manual ice-seeding in combination with expensive programmable-rate freezers or other clinically incompatible ice initiators to control the ice-seeding temperature in the extracellular solution, a critical parameter that impacts post-cryopreservation cell/tissue quality. Previously, sand has been shown to be an excellent, biocompatible ice initiator, and its use in cryopreservation of human induced pluripotent stem cells enables high cell viability and quality after cryopreservation. This study applies sand as an ice initiator to cryopreserve multicellular microtissue, preantral ovarian follicles, using a simple slow-freezing protocol in the mouse model. Ovarian follicles cryopreserved using the sand partially embedded in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film to seed ice in the extracellular solution exhibit healthy morphology, high viability, and the ability to grow similarly to fresh follicles in culture post-thaw. This sand-based cryopreservation strategy can facilitate convenient ovarian follicle cryopreservation using simple equipment, and this study further demonstrates the translatability of this strategy to not only single cells but also multicellular tissues.
Experimental Research on Thermal-Oxidative Aging Performance of Polyethylene Pipe Under Hydrostatic Pressure
Authors: Chen Wei , Xiong Haichao , Xia Li , Chen Zhang 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Aging performance of polyethylene (PE) material from PE pipe under hydrostatic pressure was investigated by measuring its mechanical/chemical properties. Tensile test, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), oxidation induction time (OIT), as well as hardness test were carried out to evaluate the aging status of polyethylene material. Results show that as aging time prolongs, elongation rate after brake, thermal decomposition temperature, as well as oxidation induction time of PE specimen decrease, while its hardness increases, indicating that its mechanical/chemical properties change with the aging intensity. Life prediction model was also established based on failure time–pressure data obtained from hydrostatic pressure test, under the guidance of Arrhenius theory. Conclusions drawn from this research could help to prompt the efficiency of PE pipe on-site inspection as well as serve as references for understanding the aging behavior of PE pipe.
Content Validation and Pilot Testing of the Promoting Active Lifestyle Among Children With Disability Questionnaire in Filipino and English
Authors: Kang Mary-Grace , Tablante Gabriella Isabel , Mendoza Kristofferson , Bandong Aila Nica , Guisihan Roselle , Lim Audrey Anne , Lunar Frances Rom , Olegario Carlos Dominic , Rotor Esmerita , Palad Yves 
Published: September 2024

Background: Primary carers, school teachers, and administrators are key influencers in promoting active lifestyle among children with disabilities (CWD). Guided by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behavior Model, the Promoting Active Lifestyle among CWD (PALS) Questionnaire aims to determine these influencers’ perceptions, capabilities, opportunities, and motivations in active healthy lifestyle promotion. This study evaluated the content validity and feasibility of the PALS Questionnaire in Filipino and English. Methods: Six experts rated the relevance of the items in the Filipino and English versions of the PALS Questionnaire. Item and scale content validity indices and agreement among raters (modified kappa k*) were computed. The questionnaires were revised and pilot tested among 11 participants comprising primary carers, and special education teachers and administrators using 3 methods of administration: online survey, phone interview, and pen-and-paper survey. Results: Scale-level content validity index indicated excellent content validity (0.96–0.97). Item-level content validity index ranged between 0.67 and 1.00. Interrater agreement on the relevance of all items was excellent (k* = .82–1.00), except for the item on teaching assistants (k* = .56). Most participants found the items easy to understand. The average time needed to complete a questionnaire was 30 minutes. The online version of the questionnaire was identified as the most feasible mode of administration. Conclusion: The PALS Questionnaire is a useful instrument for understanding Filipino primary carers’ and educators’ perceptions on promoting CWD’s active healthy lifestyle. Information from the PALS Questionnaire could inform initiatives toward better CWD health and quality of life.
A unique metabolic gene cluster regulates lactose and galactose metabolism in the yeast
Candida intermedia
Authors: Peri Kameshwara V. R. , Yuan Le , Faria Oliveira Fábio , Persson Karl , Alalam Hanna D. , Olsson Lisbeth , Larsbrink Johan , Kerkhoven Eduard J. , Geijer Cecilia 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Lactose assimilation is a relatively rare trait in yeasts, and
Kluyveromyces
yeast species have long served as model organisms for studying lactose metabolism. Meanwhile, the metabolic strategies of most other lactose-assimilating yeasts remain unknown. In this work, we have elucidated the genetic determinants of the superior lactose-growing yeast
Candida intermedia
. Through genomic and transcriptomic analyses, we identified three interdependent gene clusters responsible for the metabolism of lactose and its hydrolysis product galactose: the conserved
LAC
cluster (
LAC12
,
LAC4
) for lactose uptake and hydrolysis, the conserved
GAL
cluster (
GAL1
,
GAL7
, and
GAL10
) for galactose catabolism through the Leloir pathway, and a “
GALLAC
” cluster containing the transcriptional activator gene
LAC9
, second copies of
GAL1
and
GAL10
, and a
XYL1
gene encoding an aldose reductase involved in carbon overflow metabolism. Bioinformatic analysis suggests that the
GALLAC
cluster is unique to
C. intermedia
and has evolved through gene duplication and divergence, and deletion mutant phenotyping proved that the cluster is indispensable for
C. intermedia’s
growth on lactose and galactose. We also show that the regulatory network in
C. intermedia
, governed by Lac9 and Gal1 from the
GALLAC
cluster, differs significantly from the galactose and lactose regulons in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
,
Kluyveromyces lactis
, and
Candida albicans
. Moreover, although lactose and galactose metabolism are closely linked in
C. intermedia
, our results also point to important regulatory differences.

IMPORTANCE

This study paves the way to a better understanding of lactose and galactose metabolism in the non-conventional yeast
C. intermedia
. Notably, the unique
GALLAC
cluster represents a new, interesting example of metabolic network rewiring and likely helps to explain how
C. intermedia
has evolved into an efficient lactose-assimilating yeast. With the Leloir pathway of budding yeasts acting like a model system for understanding the function, evolution, and regulation of eukaryotic metabolism, this work provides new evolutionary insights into yeast metabolic pathways and regulatory networks. In extension, the results will facilitate future development and use of
C. intermedia
as a cell-factory for conversion of lactose-rich whey into value-added products.
Epidemiology of gastrointestinal cancers: a systematic analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
Authors: Danpanichkul Pojsakorn , Suparan Kanokphong , Tothanarungroj Primrose , Dejvajara Disatorn , Rakwong Krittameth , Pang Yanfang , Barba Romelia , Thongpiya Jerapas , Fallon Michael B , Harnois Denise , Lui Rashid N , Wallace Michael B , Yang Ju Dong , Roberts Lewis R , Wijarnpreecha Karn 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundGastrointestinal cancers comprise nearly one-third of global mortality from cancer, yet the comprehensive global burden of these cancers remains uninvestigated.ObjectiveWe aimed to assess the global, regional and national burden of gastrointestinal cancers.DesignsData on oesophagus, gastric, colorectal, liver, pancreas and biliary tract cancers were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 database. Age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR) and age-standardised death rate (ASDR) were calculated by sex, region and Sociodemographic Index (SDI).ResultsIn 2021, there were 5.26 million incidences and 3.70 million deaths from gastrointestinal cancer. The greatest burden is from colorectal, followed by gastric, oesophageal, pancreatic, liver and biliary tract cancer. We noted geographical and socioeconomic differences in ASIR and ASDR across all types of cancers. From 2000 to 2021, ASIR increased for colorectal cancer (annual percent change (APC): 0.10%, 95% CI 0.05% to 0.14%), pancreatic cancer (APC: 0.27%, 95% CI 0.14% to 0.41%), and liver cancer from metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (APC: 0.62%, 95% CI 0.58% to 0.67%) and alcohol-related liver disease (APC: 0.26%, 95% CI 0.22% to 0.30%). ASDR increased for pancreatic cancer (APC: 0.18%, 95% CI 0.02% to 0.34%). Higher SDI countries had higher incidence rates for most types of gastrointestinal cancer.ConclusionsAlthough the ASIR of oesophageal, gastric and biliary tract cancer has decreased, the ASIR still increased in colorectal, pancreatic and liver cancer from steatotic liver disease. Public policies are important for controlling gastrointestinal cancers—most importantly, reducing alcohol consumption, hepatitis B immunisation and tackling the burden of metabolic diseases.