bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioinformatics Analysis of the Microsporidia sp. MB Genome: A Malaria Transmission-blocking Symbiont of the Anopheles arabiensis Mosquito
Authors: Ang’ang’o Lilian M. , Herren Jeremy K. , Bishop Özlem Tastan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
The use of microsporidia as a disease-transmission-blocking tool has garnered significant attention. Microsporidia sp. MB, known for its ability to block malaria development in mosquitoes, is an optimal candidate for supplementing existing malaria vector control methods due to its sustainability over generations, via both vertical and horizontal transmission, coupled with minimal adverse effects on the mosquito host. The sequencing and assembly of the Microsporidia sp. MB genome from infected An. arabiensis has been recently reported, with a relatively compact genome of 5.9 Mbp.
Results
Here, we further describe the genome of Microsporidia sp. MB, highlighting its primary genome features, gene content, and protein function. The genome consists of 2247 genes, primarily encoding enzymes. We also show that the symbiont has retained most of the genes associated with the glycolytic pathway, unlike its counterparts in the Enterocytozoonida group. Genes involved in the RNA interference pathway were identified, suggesting a probable mechanism for suppressing host immune responses against the symbiont.
Conclusion
This study breaks down the structure of the newly sequenced Microsporidia sp. MB genome and highlights key components of the genome involved in the survival, metabolism and replication of the symbiont using a wide set of computational tools. Establishing a reference genome for this symbiont is the first step in understanding its biology and sets up future host-symbiont-parasite interaction studies.
Assessing the Stage-Period-Discharge Framework for Modeling Highly Unstable Rating Curves: A Case Study at the UHE Peti Carrapato Streamflow Gauging Station, Brazil
Authors: Eleutério Iago , Silva Francisco , Costa Veber 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

In the context of water resource management, it is known that the direct measurement process of flow rates in natural watercourses tends to be costly and time-consuming, making it common to work with indirect measurements by the so-called rating curve, which is not error free. Therefore, the general objective of this work was to evaluate the applicability of the Bayesian method called Stage-Period-Discharge (SPD) for assessing rating curves in hydraulically unstable river gauge stations, comparing two different approaches to heteroscedastic modeling of structural errors existing in the literature, as well as evaluating the information transfer capability between validity periods. To this end, a case study was conducted at UHE Peti Carrapato, a station with a high degree of hydraulic instability operated since 1954 and with 14 validity periods. The results indicated that a linear error model was the most suitable because it was more parsimonious. It was also observed that the transfer of information between validity periods, although it showed gains relative to prior knowledge, was impacted by significant errors in the context of prediction, which can be explained by the high degree of instability of the selected station.
Investigation of Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Damage on Rat Derived Neural Stem Cells in 3D Organoid Models
Authors: Özcan Onur , Yazır Yusufhan , Duruksu Gökhan , Öztürk Ahmet , Kılıç Kamil Can 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Our goal was to investigate mitochondrial damage in a three-dimensional (3D) neural stem cell (NSC) organoid model using oxidative stress-induced NSCs as primary research method. To create an in vitro organoid model, we utilized NSCs that were exposed to oxidative stress by treating them with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at a concentration of 75 µM, leading to mitochondrial damage. Markers for oxidative stress, differentiation, and neurodegenerative diseases were analyzed to characterize organoid models by assessing gene expression and protein levels via histology, immunofluorescence staining, spectrophotometry, and Real-Time PCR. To determine extent of mitochondrial damage in organoid models, we compared mitochondrial membrane potential and total mitochondrial ratio. We independently evaluated mitochondrial damage in both spontaneously self-organized organoid model and oxidative stress organoid models. The 3D NSC organoid model was established through histological and immunofluorescent analyses, which revealed a well-organized cellular structure. Due to intentionally induced oxidative stress, cell distribution varied. We found that H2O2 reduced cell viability and stimulated proliferation at specific concentrations. The cells in oxidative stress model showed strong expression of neural markers MAP2 and TUBB3 compared to controls, as well as positive expression of Alzheimer's marker TAU on 28th day. The model also displayed mitochondrial membrane changes and increased mitophagy during culture process. Overall, we successfully developed an organoid model using multipotent NSCs, which demonstrated H2O2's crucial role in directing cell differentiation and behavior. The model exhibited expected matrix rearrangement, resembling typical organoids, suggesting its potential as an Alzheimer's model and utility in related research studies.
Influence of pelvic position on shoulder range of motion
Authors: Lobbos Bishoy S. , Essa Mohamed M.M. , Khaireldin Alaaeldin , El-Din Mohamed Y. Gamal , Rizkallah Phillips , Samy Heba Allah 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
pelvis and soulder are deeply intergrated. They are connected by myofscial slings. The pelvic and spinal posture affects the position of the scapula and the activity of its muscles and also affects acromio-humeral distance and so that affects shoulder movement. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of pelvic position on the shoulder range of motion.
Methods
The full active range of motion (flexion/extension, abduction, and external/internal rotation) of both shoulders was measured by digital goniometer for 33 normal adult subjects. Measurements were taken from standing position in the following pelvic positions: 1- Neutral posture, 2- Evoked anterior and posterior pelvic rotation, 3- Evoked right and left pelvic rotation, 4- Evoked right and left lateral pelvic tilt. For every shoulder movement, One Way ANOVA including Tukey post hoc test was used to compare between different positions.
Results
Anterior pelvic tilt leads to significant increase in flexion and significant decrease in extension of both shoulders (P value was < 0.001). Posterior pelvic tilt leads to the opposite. Pelvic rotation leads to significant decrease in shoulder flexion on the same side of rotation and shoulder extension on opposite side of rotation (P value was < 0.001). Lateral pelvic leads to significant decrease of abduction on the same side of lateral tilt (P value was < 0.001).
Conclusion
pelvic position affects shoulder range of motion
Nutritional status, gestational weight gain and associated factors of pregnant women in the city of São Paulo, 2012 to 2020: a cohort study
Authors: CORRÊA Fernanda Ferreira , Ms Eliana de Aquino BONILHA , Mr Wesley Pereira da SILVA , Mr Tarcisio Cantos de MELO , Santos Marcus V. L. dos , DINIZ Carmen Simone G. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Gestational weight gain (GWG) is a critical issue related to the type of delivery and postpartum health in newborns and mothers. In Brazil, pregnant women's public health recommends monitoring GWG. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate gestational weight gain and associated health factors of pregnant women monitored at SUS in the city of São Paulo between 2012 and 2020.
Methods
This is a cohort study of pregnant women seen from 2012 to 2020 in São Paulo, Brazil. The database used was from the Integrated Health Care Management System related to the Live Birth Information System. The variables used were: mother's height, mother's date of birth (used to calculate mother's age), type of pregnancy, gestational weeks, type of delivery, weight at the time of appointment, mother´s race/skin color, number of prenatal consultations, mother's marital status, and mother's education level, initial weight, final weight, initial gestational age, final gestational age, and initial and final BMI. Inclusion criteria considered that pregnant women had a recorded initial weight before 13 weeks and up to 15 days before delivery and a single pregnancy. The final database includes 276.220 pregnant women.
Results
The frequency of women according to initial BMI was 12.004 (4.4%) underweight, 132.049 (48.3%) normal weight, 78.856 (28.8%) overweight, and 50.660 (18.5%) living with obesity. The population consisted of 59.881 (21.9%), 37.217 (13.6%) and 176.471 (64.5%) women with LWG, AWG and EWG, respectively. Weight gain was associated with initial BMI, type of birth, race/skin color, marital status, women's age and antenatal care visits.
Conclusion
The proportion of pregnant women with inadequate weight gain is high, relating initial BMI, type of birth, race/skin color, marital status, women's age and antenatal care visits. Interventions such as nutritional education should be suggested to help achieve adequate GWG.
Risk factors of severe postpartum hemorrhage in pregnant women with placenta previa or low-lying placenta: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hu Huiying , Wang Liying , Gao Jinsong , Chen Ziyi , Chen Xiaoxu , Tang Pingping , Zhong Yifeng 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
The severe postpartum hemorrhage (SPPH) leads to dangerous maternal conditions, and its rate is still increasing and the trend in related risk factors is changing. Placenta-related problems remain the high-risk factor for SPPH. The object is to investigate the prevalence and the risk factors of the severe postpartum hemorrhage in pregnant women with placenta previa or low-lying placenta.
Method
A retrospective analysis of pregnant women with placenta previa or low-lying placenta after 28 weeks gestation from May 2018 to May 2023 in the Peking Union Medical College Hospital was conducted. The primary outcome was severe postpartum hemorrhage defined as blood loss ≥ 1000 mL within 24 h of childbirth, or with signs or symptoms of low blood volume requiring transfusion of ≥ 4U of red blood cells. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify potential risk factors of severe postpartum hemorrhage and receiver operating curve to evaluate the prediction performance.
Results
Of the 14964 women, 201 met the inclusive criteria. Severe PPH rate was 1.3% overall and 18.9% in women with placenta previa or low-lying placenta. Weight (aOR = 0.93, 95%CI 0.87–0.99), increta or percreta placenta (aOR = 7.93, 95%CI 2.53–24.77) were the risk factors. The area under the ROC curve was 0.69(95%CI 0.59–0.80) for increta or percreta placenta alone, and 0.72(95%CI 0.62–0.82) for the combination of times of cesarean sections and anterior placenta.
Conclusions
Placenta accreta spectrum was the key independent risk factor of SPPH in women with placenta previa or low-lying placenta. Antenatal risk assessment of severe PPH in these population is highly desirable and optimal intervention could be planned.
Preterm delivery in a tertiary maternity in Niger. A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Oumara Maina , Diaouga Hamidou Soumana , Daouda Abdoul Karim Idi , Ayouba Adama , Yacouba Maimouna Chaibou , Garba Rahamatou Madeleine , Nayama Madi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
A preterm birth constitutes a life-threatening obstetric emergency. Multidisciplinary management is a crucial element in the reduction of morbidity and mortality associated with prematurity. This study aim to provide a comprehensive description of the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic and prognostic aspects of preterm delivery in a level III maternity hospital in Niger.
Methods
This was a retrospective descriptive study conducted over a 12-month period (1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021) at the Issaka Gazobi Maternity Hospital in Niamey (Niger). The study included 1,155 patients who had given birth at a gestational age between 22 weeks and 36 weeks and 6 days, along with their neonates. The data were entered and analysed using Epi-Info software, version 7.2.2.6.
Results
The observed incidence was 14.97%. The mean age of patients was 28.32 years, with a range from 15 to 48 years. The age group most affected was that comprising individuals aged between 29 and 34, representing 24.07% of the total. The majority of patients were of low educational attainment (28.83%), lacking formal education (33.68%), married (98.53%) and unemployed (62.08%). In the majority of cases (72.03%), pregnancy was poorly monitored. The principal pathologies associated with pregnancy were malaria, urinary tract infections and anaemia, accounting for 73.94%, 18.4% and 4.59% of cases, respectively. A caesarean section was the mode of delivery in 74.20% of cases. The majority of newborns (66.42%) were classified as "medium premature." The maternal mortality rate was 0.60%, while the perinatal mortality rate was 26.83%.
Conclusions
The incidence of preterm delivery is a significant concern in our department. Improved prenatal monitoring and optimal management of threatened preterm delivery would contribute to a reduction in the preterm delivery rate and an improvement in perinatal prognosis.
Development of high-resolution melting markers for assessment of Mauremys sinensis and Mauremys reevesii hybridization in South Korea
Authors: Baek Hae-jun , Lee Soo-In , Park Chang-Deuk , Yoon Ju-Duk 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

South Korea is home to two Mauremysspecies: M. sinensis and M. reevesii. M. sinensis is an invasive alien species, whereas M. reevesii is a legally protected species endemic to South Korea. The sympatric distributions of these species and their hybrids have recently been identified in South Korea, posing a serious threat to the conservation of M. reevesii. Therefore, we developed a genotyping marker for high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis that targets the intron I region of the nuclear R35 gene to facilitate the rapid identification of hybrids. Three distinct HRM curves, representing M. reevesii, M. sinensis, and their hybrids, were obtained. These results were identical to those observed for R35, with the hybrid possessing both alleles. This demonstrates that HRM markers can effectively distinguish Mauremysspecies from their hybrids. The present study provides a valuable tool for rapid and accurate identification of hybrids for future monitoring.
The signaling cascade of induction and maintenance of ES cell diapause
Authors: Tarakhovsky Alexander , Zhang Tuo , Marina Ryan , Veugelen Sarah , Mander Pal , Prinjha Rabinder , Schaefer Anne , Adelman Karen 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Nutrient deficiency during pregnancy in numerous animal species can induce the state of embryonic diapause. Diapause is characterized by changes in protein and gene expression that minimize the organism's reliance on external energy sources and ensure survival. Remarkably, the systematic changes associated with diapause appear to spare the gene expression program that supports embryonic cells' maintenance in the pluripotent state. The phenomenon of the differentiation "freeze" during diapause can be reproduced in vitro. Mimicking nutrient deficiency by pharmacological inhibition of mTOR induces the diapause-like state in ES cells without affecting ES cell pluripotency. We discovered a connection between mTOR signaling and the chromatin-bound bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) transcriptional regulator BRD4, showing a key role of BET-protein in the induction of diapause-like state in ES cells. mTOR inhibition rapidly and negatively impacts BRD4 binding to chromatin, which is associated with changes in gene expression that can contribute to diapause. Conversely, pharmacological inhibition of BET-protein circumvents the diapause dependence on mTOR inhibition and causes the diapause-like state. BET-repressed diapause-like ES cells retain the undifferentiated pluripotent state, which is associated with upregulation of a functionally linked group of genes encoding negative regulators of MAP kinase (MAPK) signaling and inactivation of MAP kinase. The transcriptional switch-off of MAP kinase following chronic BET inhibition imitates the transcriptional de-repression of MAP kinase negative regulators in response to mTOR inhibition. Mechanistically, suppression of mTOR or BET-protein leads to a profound decline in Capicua transcriptional repressor (CIC) at promoters of key negative regulators of MAP kinase. The discovered mTOR-BRD4 axis in the induction of diapause and the rapid transcriptional shut-off of differentiation program is likely to play a major role in the maintenance of embryonic diapause in vivo, as well as in controlling of the undifferentiated state of various types of stem cells during diapause-like metabolic dormancy.
Critical community engagement and the Latin American ethos: contributions to a Global South dialogue
Authors: Flores Matías G. , Colacci Romina , Cano Agustín 
Published: September 2024

The advancement of the concept of community engagement as a reference for university-society relations invites us, particularly those of us from the Global South, to reflect on our history and traditions. We understand community engagement as a disputed concept throughout history that can potentially house an ethical-political-pedagogical project that questions traditional university models. Observing its historical development and tensions in Latin America invites us to go beyond particular projects, giving an account of a regional movement that continues to inspire university reform processes connected to projects for transforming society. This article presents the history that constitutes the Latin American community engagement ethos, its prevalence in critical community engagement, and some experiences that illustrate a living paradigm still under construction that responds to the continent’s needs. It concludes with an invitation to review the critical traditions of community engagement and promote the dialogue of experiences in the Global South.
Intimal Macrovascular Pericytes: Their Role in Vascular Biology and Atherogenesis
Authors: Orekhov Alexander N , Andreeva Elena R 
Published: September 2024

Abstract:
Atherosclerosis remains a major challenge to global healthcare despite decades
of research and constant trials of novel therapeutic approaches. One feature that
makes atherosclerosis treatment so elusive is an insufficient understanding of its origins
and the early stages of the pathological process, which limits our means of effective prevention
of the disease. Macrovascular pericytes are cells with distinct shapes that are located
in the arterial wall of larger vessels and are in many aspects similar to microvascular
pericytes that maintain the functionality of small vessels and capillaries. This cell
type combines the residual contractile function of smooth muscle cells with a distinct
stellar shape that allows these cells to make numerous contacts between themselves and
the adjacent endothelial layer. Moreover, pericytes can take part in the immune defense
and are able to take up lipids in the course of atherosclerotic lesion development. In
growing atherosclerotic plaques, the morphology and function of pericytes change dramatically
due to phagocytic and synthetic phenotypes that are actively involved in lipid
accumulation and extracellular matrix synthesis. In this review, we summarize our
knowledge of this less-studied cell type and its role in atherosclerosis.
Myrtleciclib, a CDK4/6/9 Inhibitor for the Treatment of Aggressive
Cancers
Authors: De Forni Davide , Poddesu Barbara , Cugia Giulia , Bonelli Mara , Galetti Maricla , Petronini Piergiorgio , Lagace Lisette , Chafouleas James , Lori Franco 
Published: September 2024

Background:
Selective Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i)
have revolutionized the treatment of breast cancer and have potential in other cancers,
being manageable drugs yet with some bone marrow toxicity. Selective CDK9 inhibitors
(CDK9i) never advanced into clinical use, partly due to side effects, including gastrointestinal
toxicity, and a small window between activity and cytotoxicity, which results
in a narrow therapeutic index (TI).

Method:
To overcome the drawbacks of CDK4/6 and CDK9 inhibitors, we have developed
myrtleciclib, a selective CDK4/6/9 inhibitor with few non-critical molecular off-targets.

Results:
Myrtleciclib appears to bind to an allosteric site, unlike all other CDK4/6i and
CDK9i acting by an ATP-competitive mechanism, which supports target specificity.
Myrtleciclib's anti-proliferative effects are greater and its Therapeutic Index (TI) is
broader than CDK9 and CDK4/6-only inhibitors. This can be explained by a moderate
target inhibition, resulting in limited cytotoxicity. Moreover, we documented a synergy
between CDK9 and CDK4/6 pathways inhibition, justifying increased drug efficacy, yet
such synergy can only be achieved when the inhibition of both CDK9 and CDK4/6 is
embedded within the same molecule and balanced within a certain ratio, as it is the case
with myrtleciclib. Unlike CDK4/6i, myrtleciclib also induces cell death and apoptosis selectively
on cancer cell lines, not on bystander cells. Synergy between myrtleciclib and
other drugs with complementary Mechanism of Action (MoA) has also been documented.

Conclusion:
CDK4/6/9i might represent a new frontier in cancer treatment to overcome
the limitations of CDK4/6i and CDK9i for the treatment of cancers, including aggressive
cancers with high unmet needs.
Network Pharmacology Analysis and Retrospective Cohort Study Revealing the Effect of Qingyi Decoction on Intestinal Paralysis in Patients with Severe Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Du Shihan , Zhao Dinghuan , Song Kai , Zhang Yuan , Wu Lina , Wang Bei , Li Yan , Yu Jianbo 
Published: September 2024

Background:
Intestinal dysfunction plays an important role in the clinical progress and prognosis
of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Qingyi decoction (QYD) has shown beneficial effects on intestinal function
recovery, but the prevention actions of the QYD on intestinal paralysis and its mechanism have not been fully
explored.

Methods:
The possible molecular mechanism was unraveled by network pharmacology, including active ingredients
and potential target prediction, as well as GO, KEGG, and REATCOME pathway enrichment analyses.
The potential interactions between the main active ingredients of the QYD and core genes were explored by
molecular docking. A retrospective cohort study on 137 patients with SAP from Tianjin Nankai Hospital was
conducted to evaluate the preventive effect of QYD on intestinal paralysis.

Results:
A total of 110 active ingredients in QYD were screened out, and 37 key targets were predicted by network
pharmacology. GO, KEGG, and REATCOME enrichment analyses showed that bioinformatics annotation
of the hub genes was mainly involved in intestinal epithelial functions and inflammatory response pathways.
The main components of QYD possessed good affinity with IL-6, TNF, CASP3, CXCL8, and CRP by
molecular docking. Patients who used QYD plus usual care seemed to have fewer intestinal paralysis rates,
lower risk of renal insufficiency, ARDS and blood purification therapy, and shorter hospital and ICU stays.
The multivariable regression analyses indicated that the mode of nasogastric and enemas administration of
QYD (P = 0.010) and timely intervention with QYD (P = 0.045) were the independent protective factors for intestinal
paralysis prevention in patients with SAP.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, QYD can be used as an effective adjuvant procedure to prevent the occurrence and
development of intestinal paralysis in patients with SAP. The mechanisms may be involved in the anti-inflammatory
response and maintenance of intestinal epithelial function.