bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of IFN-γ/CXCL10 axis in Mycoplasma pneumonia infection
Authors: Zou Yanxia , Huang Feng , Zheng Yidan , Dai Ge , Wang Ting , Zhu Canhong , Yan yongdong , Chen Zhengrong , Wang Renzheng 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Mycoplasma pneumoniae caused lower respiratory tract infection, is highly prevalent in children and can be extremely dangerous for their health and well-being. However, the pathogenesis of this infection is complicated and thus has not been thoroughly studied.
Methods
ELISAs were used to analyze the expression levels of cytokines such as CXCL10 and IFN-γ in the peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) and healthy controls. Western blot, RT-PCR, and flow cytometry were used to explore the effects of JAK-STAT1 signaling pathway on CXCL10 expressions.
Results
We discovered that, compared to control children, MPP patients expressed significantly higher levels of CXCL10 both in the peripheral blood and BALF, which was positively correlated with serum IFN-g and IgM levels as well as clinical presentations like days of hospitalization and fever duration. Moreover, numbers of macrophages, predominantly with a M1 phenotype, were significantly increased in BALFs of children of MPP. In vitro, coculture with IFN-γ or activated CD4+ Th1 cells significantly promoted CXCL10 expressions in THP-1 derived macrophages, which was largely reversed by siRNA-mediated down regulation of STAT1. In addition, IFN-g-stimulated macrophages greatly promoted the trans-migration of Th1 cells.
Conclusions
our data showed that Th1 cells-derived IFN-γ augments CXCL10 production in macrophages via the JAK-STAT1 pathway, which subsequently recruits more immune cells like Th1 cells into the infection sites, thereby constituting a positive feedback loop and aggravating the type I inflammatory responses in MPP patients.
Dareecha: Contextually-Adapted and Evidence-Informed Zero Suicide Implementation Approach for Risk Reduction among Adolescents in Schools of Ghizer District, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Authors: Ali Banafsha , Ghur Anamta Ghur , Syed Rutaba Syed , Iqbal Maria Iqbal , Khan Mohammad , Ali Noshad Ali , Turab Ali Turab 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Globally, suicide is remarkably growing at unprecedented rates among young people. District Ghizer, Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan, witnesses a surge in mental health issues and suicide among its youth. Limited research in remote areas coupled with profound stigma, underreporting of suicide cases, and the absence of validated data recording mechanisms significantly impact our grasp of the burden and the factors associated with it. Additionally, the inadequate mental health workforce in the region and the lack of evidence-based preventive measures implemented leave a vulnerable demographic at a heightened risk of suicide attempts. Insufficient platforms for youth mental health screening and provision of individualized care, especially for students attending educational institutions, hinder our understanding of the extent of the problem, and how best we may address the suicidal tendencies and youth mental health needs. The paper describes the implementation of the Zero Suicide Model in educational institutions in rural Pakistanwith minimal access to mental healthcare for testing its feasibility and acceptability. The model incorporates key elements of suicide risk factor stratification and modification, including suicide risk identification, comprehensive suicide risk assessment, safety planning intervention, counselling on reducing access to lethal means, parental/familial involvement and school leadership engagement, suicide-specific clinical interventions, follow-up care, and monitoring. The foundational premise of the model focuses on associating an at-risk individual with a trained care provider to prevent suicide incidence. Leveraging parental trust in schools, the school-based zero suicide model seeks to engage parents/caregivers in suicide prevention initiatives, optimizing the influential role of school teachersand leadership in normalizing and enforcing suicide prevention policies and guidelines. It further involves the evaluation of processes and individual outcomes to devise institutional policies and integration of a holistic suicide care system within schools. The multifaceted approach will derive evidence to signify the potential of sustaining clinical and preventive measures within the model and provide insights into the components that need to be further strengthened to best fit the needs of beneficiaries.
Marker-assisted mapping and backcross breeding for late wilt disease resistance in NAI-137, the seed parent of public bred single cross maize (Zea mays L.) hybrid Hema
Authors: S GAZALA PARVEEN , Gangappa E. , Ramesh S. , Vedashree M S , Raghu R , Swamy Dharanendra 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Development and deployment of late wilt disease (LWD) resistant cultivar(s) is a cost-effective and eco-friendly strategy to reduce losses due to LWD. DNA markers could be potential surrogates for selection of complexly inherited resistance to LWD. Two linkage maps were constructed using the genotypic data of 64 and 40 polymorphic SSR markers on BC1F1 populations derived from NAI-137×97B and NAI-137×MAI-345, respectively. Three main effect-QTL were detected on chromosomes 1, 4 and 10 in NAI-137×97B, while one QTL on chromosome 9 in NAI-137×MAI-345. Therefore, only the BC1F1 population of NAI-137×97B was back-crossed to NAI-137. Linkage map was constructed in BC2F1 population using the genotypic data of 64 SSR, 3456 unbinned-SNP and 104 binned-SNP + 64 SSR markers in combination. A total of 5, 2 and 11 main effect-QTL were detected on SSR, unbinned-SNP and binned-SNP + SSR based QTL maps, respectively. In NAI-137×97B derived BC1F1 and BC2F1, 2 QTL on chromosomes 4 and 10 flanked by common SSR markers i.e., mmc0371 and umc2350, respectively were detected. Sixteen NAI-137×97B derived BC1F1 plants carried QTL controlling LWD resistance with > 80% recovery of recipient parent genome and LWD score ≤ 4. Ten NAI-137×97B derived BC2F1 plants carried QTL controlling LWD resistance with > 90% recovery of recipient parent genome and LWD score ≤ 3. They were selfed and evaluated for response to LWD. Three BC2F2 families (BC2F2-84, BC2F2-88 and BC2F2-179) with LWD score 2, lower than the donor parent (NAI-137, LWD score 8) were identified. LWD resistant version of NAI-137 developed from the present study shall be used to cross with MAI-105 (the male parent of maize hybrid Hema) to generate improvised “Hema” after evaluating the grain yield potential in comparison to original “Hema” hybrid.
Permafrost degradation reverses warming-induced earlier vegetation green-up
Authors: Liu Hongyan , Liang Boyi , Wang Jian , Huntingford Chris , Cressey Elizabeth , Xu Chongyang , Shi Liang , Wang Lu , Cao Jing , Qi Yang , Wang Zong , Wang Jia , Quine Timothy 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Global warming generally advances vegetation spring phenology, yet plants in permafrost regions exhibit contrasting trends, including some starting to have later greening. The role of permafrost degradation in this divergence remains uncertain. Leveraging satellite vegetation indices, permafrost degradation indicators, and climate data from the Northern Hemisphere (period 1982 to 2020), we identify drivers of slowing trends of earlier Green-Up Dates (GUD), including where reversing. We demonstrate that rather than temperature, permafrost degradation has become a dominant factor influencing GUD in 21.7% of locations. Evidence from these nearly four decades in the recent past confirms some places exhibit a strong nonlinearity where the impact of increasing permafrost degradation on vegetation GUD is characterized by an initial increase followed by a decrease after a tipping period. The tipping period timing varies significantly across different biomes, which we discover relates to root depths. Melting permafrost supports vegetation growth, but if the active layer falls below root depth, the opposite occurs, explaining why GUD reversal is first observed in grasslands with short roots. Our results illustrate a tipping period has already been triggered by climate change. Our findings will guide land model development and constrain future predictions of permafrost vegetation growth and carbon sequestration.
Construction and Immunogenicity of Recombinant Lactococcus Lactis Expressing CTB-Cap Fusion Protein
Authors: Fan Kuohai , Cui Lele , An Yina , Guo Jianhua , Yin Wei , Sun Na , Sun Panpan , Li Hongquan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the immunogenicity of recombinant Lactococcus Lactis (rL. lactis) that expressed Cholera Toxin B Subunit (CTB) and PCV2 capsid protein (Cap) fusion protein. The rL. Lactis expressed CTB-Cap fusion protein was constructed, and the levels of specific IgG and sIgA antibodies to Cap measured by ELISA after immunization of mice. Furthermore, the tolerance of rL. lactis to simulated gastric fluid, intestinal fluid and higher osmotic pressure was evaluated in vitro, and flow cytometry was used to evaluate the retention of rL. lactis in the mouse intestinal tract. ELISA showed that no significant Cap-specific antibody response including the serum IgG, fecal sIgA and mucosal sIgA (P > 0.05) was elicited in mice upon oral immunization with rL. Lactis. However, subcutaneous immunization with rL. lactis at 2.5×1010 CFU significantly induced Cap-specific serum IgG (P < 0.05). Tolerance test showed that the rL. lactis could not tolerate stomach acid, preventing it from reaching the intestine of mice. The rL. lactis expressed CTB-Cap fusion protein has the immunogenic, but not induced specific immune response with oral immunization, because that the rL. Lactis are inactivated by gastric acid in the stomach. The findings may provide some preliminary evidences for further development of L. Lactis-based oral vaccines.
Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) clamps reduce amplification of host chloroplast and mitochondria rRNA gene sequences and increase detected diversity in 16S rRNA gene profiling analysis of oak-associated microbiota
Authors: Hussain Usman , Downie Jim , Ellison Amy , Denman Sandra , McDonald James , Cambon Marine C. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Acquiring representative bacterial 16S rRNA gene community profiles in plant microbiome studies can be challenging due to the excessive co-amplification of host chloroplast and mitochondrial rRNA gene sequences that reduce counts of plant-associated bacterial sequences. Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) clamps prevent this by blocking PCR primer binding or binding within the amplified region of non-target DNA to stop the function of DNA polymerase. Here, we applied a universal chloroplast (p)PNA clamp and a newly designed mitochondria (m)PNA clamp to minimise host chloroplast and mitochondria amplification in 16S rRNA gene amplicon profiles of leaf, bark and root tissue of two oak species (Quercus robur and Q. petraea). Host chloroplast and mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene sequences were each reduced by averages of 79%, 46% and 99% in leaf, bark and root tissues respectively, leading to an average increase in bacterial reads of 72%, 35%, and 17% in leaf, bark, and root tissue respectively. In leaf and bark where host chloroplast and mitochondria co-amplification was high, inclusion of PNA clamps during PCR resulted in detection of greater bacterial diversity. These results demonstrate that PNA clamps are effective tools for reducing host chloroplast and mitochondria amplification in tree 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies and improving assessments of bacterial community composition.
A Study on Enhancing Hierarchical Time Series Forecasting employing Machine Learning Models
Authors: Mahalik Rudhir Chandra , Panigrahi Sibarama 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Hierarchical forecasting (HF) methods are extensively utilized for precise decision-making by providing coherent forecasts across various levels. Traditionally, statistical models have been employed in HF. However, these static approaches often overlook the dynamic nature of the series during the aggregation and disaggregation of aperiodic and spontaneous components. This paper addresses this issue by leveraging the dynamic and nonlinear modeling capabilities of machine learning (ML) models in HF. Specifically, we implement and evaluate the performance of seventeen ML models at each hierarchical level, reconciling them post-forecasting using top-down (TD), bottom-up (BU), middle-out (MO), min trace (MT), and optimal combination (OC) approaches for one-step-ahead and seven different direct multi-step-ahead forecasting of the M5 competition dataset. Extensive non-parametric statistical analyses are conducted to rank the ML models for HF and address ten research questions pertaining to HF. Simulation results suggest that the k-nearest neighbors regression (KNNR) model and BU approach provide statistically superior performance across all pairs of ML model and HF approach considering one to eight-step-ahead forecasting. It is also observed that employing ML models at specific hierarchical levels, followed by reconciliation statistically improves the forecasting accuracy at all levels of the hierarchy.
Prevalence, Etiological Patterns and Factors Associated with Bacteraemia among Febrile Children with Sickle Cell Anaemia in Uganda
Authors: Ali Abdifatah Muhuyadin Haji , Nduwiman Martin , Grace Ndeezi , Abdi Awil Abdulkadir , Said Amatarahman Ibrahim , Omar Abdirasak Mohamed , Salad Abdirahman Hassan , Mwendwe Charles , Faith Namukasa , Oliver Asiimwe 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Children with sickle cell anemia have an increased risk for bacterial infections. Studies done in other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa have established the prevalence and etiology of bacteremia among children with sickle cell anemia (SCA), but there are no such studies in Uganda. This study aimed to determine the etiological patterns and factors associated with bacteremia among febrile children with SCA attending Jinja Regional Referral Hospital (JRRH).
Methods
This study employed an observational and analytical cross-sectional design. Febrile children with SCA at JRRH were enrolled. Information regarding their sociodemographic, medical and laboratory characteristics was obtained by asking the care taker or reviewing the medical records. At times, measurements were taken for the information not available in the records. Blood culture was done to assess for bacteremia. Binary logistic regression was done to determine the factors associated with bacteremia using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Descriptive statistics reporting frequency and percentage were used to report the prevalence and etiology. A p value < 0.05 was considered for significance.
Results
This study enrolled 209 children, majority of whom were males 114(54.5%). Most of the patients were young children under five years of age 116(55.5%). Of the 209 children enrolled, 44 had bacterial growth in their blood, translating into a prevalence of 21.1%. Of the 44 patients that had bacteremia, the commonest isolate was Staphylococcus aureus 25(56.8%), followed by Escherichia coli 8(18.2%), Klebsiella pneumoniae 3(6.8%) and Haemophilus influenzae 3(6.8%). Cloxacillin had good sensitivity against Staphylococcus aureus. All organisms were completely resistant to Gentamicin, Ampicillin, Penicillin and Ofloxacin. In the multivariate analysis, low maternal education level was statistically significant (aOR = 1.098, CI = 1.007–1.197, P = 0.037).
Conclusion
The prevalence of bacteremia was high. The commonest isolate was Staphylococcus aureus. Blood culture should be considered for all febrile patients with SCA especially those whose parents have low education. Other antibiotics should be considered in the management of these children with the exception of ampicillin and gentamicin, which carry high resistance rates.
Evaluation and Examination of Factors Influencing the Continued Effective use of E-learning Among Faculty Members of Medical Sciences Universities
Authors: Garavand Ali , Aslani Nasim , Afsharifard Pooria , Nadri Hamed 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
E-learning facilitates the learning process for medical students by allowing them to enhance their knowledge, skills, and professional experiences, thereby contributing to the improvement of quality and standards in education. The objective is to investigate the sustainability of the usage of e-learning systems among the members of the academic faculty.
Methods
A researcher-constructed questionnaire was distributed to collect data from approximately 300 faculty members of medical sciences universities who have used the e-learning system for at least one year. Out of these, 120 questionnaires contained valid responses. The data were processed using statistical software and the statistical analysis technique based on (SEM).
Results
The results indicated that among the demographic factors of the members, age has a significant impact on the continued use of the electronic learning system. Among the two most influential factors on the continued use of the system, perceived usefulness and satisfaction, perceived usefulness was not influential in our study. This means that the members are aware of the benefits of face-to-face instruction compared to system use, which is due to the system being simple and basic without features.
Conclusion
In our study, incentive factor was not influential, which is partly due to the alignment of objectives between university management and faculty members for the use of the electronic system. By presenting more complex systems that incorporate decision support and virtual training, perceived usefulness could be somewhat increased. Additionally, the provision of blended systems, combining face-to-face and virtual modalities, could compensate for the perceived usefulness.
An integrated genome and phenome-wide association study approach to understanding atrial fibrillation’s disease predisposition
Authors: H Honghao , Z Yi , Gao Feng , W Xiaohong , Yang Ke , Xin Mei 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
We performed phenome-wide analysis (PheWAS) and two-sample Mendelian Randomization analysis to comprehensively explore the health effects of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the European population.
Methods
Initially, SNPs associated with atrial fibrillation were retrieved from the FinnGen database, subsequently compiling a comparative SNP set to serve as a control for PheWAS analysis. A set of unlinked control SNPs (from the 1000 Genomes Project) was generated using SNPsnap. A total of 43 SNPs associated with atrial fibrillation and 172 control SNPs were utilized in the PheWAS analysis, resulting in the identification of 10 associated traits. To evaluate the causal relationship between these associated traits and the risk of AF, a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted using the TwoSampleMR package (version 0.6.2) in R (version 4.4.0).
Results
In total, 112 phenotypes with significant associations were identified. Following the False Discovery Rate correction, 5 phenotypes with significant associations were ascertained, each of which demonstrated a causal association with atrial fibrillation as revealed by Mendelian randomization studies
Conclusion
Overall, our study confirms the association of different factors with genetic susceptibility for AF and reveals novel observations that need to be further explored.
Effectiveness of spaced repetition in improving learning among students preparing for medical school entrance examinations: Insights from a French survey
Authors: Burel Julien , Trost Olivier , Demeyere Matthieu , Rives Nathalie , Estour François , Ladner Joel , Crampon Frédéric , Deneuve Sophie , Maquet Charles 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Students preparing for the medical school admission exam are vulnerable to learning difficulties because of the abrupt transition after high school. Spaced repetition is a recognized method for improving long-term memory retention. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of spaced repetition in students preparing for the medical school entrance exam.
Methods
All students preparing for the medical school entrance exam in the year 2023 at the University of Rouen, France were invited to participate in a final individual self-questionnaire. The survey included questions about their learning technique, whether they used spaced repetition or not, and questions about their lifestyle. Factors associated with success in the examinations were assessed.
Results
We collected 523 responses (84.6%), 134 (25.6%) students achieved success in the medical school admission examinations while 389 (74.4%) did not. In the success group, 60 (44.8%) employed spaced repetition and 79 (20.3%) in the failure group. The use of spaced repetition was significantly associated with success in examinations in univariate analysis (p < 0.001) and after multivariate adjustments. Other variables such as sport practice and longer sleep duration were also associated with success.
Conclusions
Organized study habits, including spaced repetition during medical school preparation, seem to boost exam success. Additionally, lifestyle and varied learning techniques may aid students' academic achievements.
Problematic Social Media Use and Depression among Addis Ababa University Regular Undergraduate Students: Institutional based Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Mekonnen Haileleul , Yacobe Bemnet , Assafaw Assamin , Aberra Hiwotemedhin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Problematic social media use (PSMU) and its potential link to depression among university students have become significant areas of concern. This study aims to explore the prevalence of PSMU and its relationship with depression symptoms and identify demographic factors associated with level of depression among undergraduate students at Addis Ababa University's main campus.
Methods
An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 316 students using a stratified random sampling method from March to April 2024. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires, including the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were employed to analyze the data.
Results
The study found that 17.1% of the respondents exhibited problematic social media use. Additionally, the prevalence of depression was found to be 77 (24.3%:95% CI :19.7-29.5) with 4.4% of the participant found to have severe depression.
The odds of depression are 1.6 times higher in those compared to non-problematic social media users (AOR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.4-1.8; p < 0.0001). Moreover, individuals who frequently use social media to watch pornography have a 14 times greater likelihood of experiencing depression compared to those who do not watch pornography at all. Compared to men, female students report greater levels of depression.
Conclusions
The findings indicate a high prevalence of PSMU among undergraduate students at Addis Ababa University and a significant association with depression symptoms. These results highlight the need for targeted interventions to address PSMU and its mental health implications among university students.