bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adenosine A2A receptor as a potential regulator of Mycobacterium leprae survival mechanisms: new insights into leprosy neural damage
Authors: dos Santos Plinio Marcos Freire , Díaz Acosta Chyntia Carolina , Rosa Thabatta Leal Silveira Andrezo , Ishiba Michelle Harumi , Dias André Alves , Pereira Antonio Marcos Rodrigues , Gutierres Luísa Domingos , Pereira Melissa Pontes , da Silva Rocha Matheus , Rosa Patrícia Sammarco , Bertoluci Daniele F. F. , Meyer-Fernandes José Roberto , da Mota Ramalho Costa Fabricio , Marques Maria Angela M. , Belisle John T. , Pinheiro Roberta Olmo , Rodrigues Luciana Silva , Pessolani Maria Cristina Vidal , Berrêdo-Pinho Marcia 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundLeprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which can lead to a disabling neurodegenerative condition. M. leprae preferentially infects skin macrophages and Schwann cells–glial cells of the peripheral nervous system. The infection modifies the host cell lipid metabolism, subverting it in favor of the formation of cholesterol-rich lipid droplets (LD) that are essential for bacterial survival. Although researchers have made progress in understanding leprosy pathogenesis, many aspects of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of host–pathogen interaction still require clarification. The purinergic system utilizes extracellular ATP and adenosine as critical signaling molecules and plays several roles in pathophysiological processes. Furthermore, nucleoside surface receptors such as the adenosine receptor A2AR involved in neuroimmune response, lipid metabolism, and neuron–glia interaction are targets for the treatment of different diseases. Despite the importance of this system, nothing has been described about its role in leprosy, particularly adenosinergic signaling (AdoS) during M. leprae–Schwann cell interaction.MethodsM. leprae was purified from the hind footpad of athymic nu/nu mice. ST88-14 human cells were infected with M. leprae in the presence or absence of specific agonists or antagonists of AdoS. Enzymatic activity assays, fluorescence microscopy, Western blotting, and RT-qPCR analysis were performed. M. leprae viability was investigated by RT-qPCR, and cytokines were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsWe demonstrated that M. leprae-infected Schwann cells upregulated CD73 and ADA and downregulated A2AR expression and the phosphorylation of the transcription factor CREB (p-CREB). On the other hand, activation of A2AR with its selective agonist, CGS21680, resulted in: 1) reduced lipid droplets accumulation and pro-lipogenic gene expression; 2) reduced production of IL-6 and IL-8; 3) reduced intracellular M. leprae viability; 4) increased levels of p-CREB.ConclusionThese findings suggest the involvement of the AdoS in leprosy neuropathogenesis and support the idea that M. leprae, by downmodulating the expression and activity of A2AR in Schwann cells, decreases A2AR downstream signaling, contributing to the maintenance of LD accumulation and intracellular viability of the bacillus.
Dissecting the effect of heat stress on durum wheat under field conditions
Authors: Groli Eder Licieri , Frascaroli Elisabetta , Maccaferri Marco , Ammar Karim , Tuberosa Roberto 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionHeat stress negatively affects wheat production in several ways, mainly by reducing growth rate, photosynthetic capacity and reducing spike fertility. Modeling stress response means analyzing simultaneous relationships among traits affecting the whole plant response and determinants of grain yield. The aim of this study was to dissect the diverse impacts of heat stress on key yield traits and to identify the most promising sources of alleles for heat tolerance.MethodsWe evaluated a diverse durum wheat panel of 183 cultivars and breeding lines from worldwide, for their response to long-term heat stress under field conditions (HS) with respect to non stress conditions (NS), considering phenological traits, grain yield (GY) and its components as a function of the timing of heat stress and climatic covariates. We investigated the relationships among plant and environmental variables by means of a structural equation model (SEM) and Genetic SEM (GSEM). ResultsOver two years of experiments at CENEB, CIMMYT, the effects of HS were particularly pronounced for the normalized difference vegetation index, NDVI (-51.3%), kernel weight per spike, KWS (-40.5%), grain filling period, GFP (-38.7%), and GY (-56.6%). Average temperatures around anthesis were negatively correlated with GY, thousand kernel weight TKW and test weight TWT, but also with spike density, a trait determined before heading/anthesis. Under HS, the correlation between the three major determinants of GY, i.e., fertile spike density, spike fertility and kernel size, were of noticeable magnitude. NDVI measured at medium milk-soft dough stage under HS was correlated with both spike fertility and grain weight while under NS it was less predictive of grain weight but still highly correlated with spike fertility. GSEM modeling suggested that the causal model of performance under HS directly involves genetic effects on GY, NDVI, KWS and HD.DiscussionWe identified consistently suitable sources of genetic resistance to heat stress to be used in different durum wheat pre-breeding programs. Among those, Desert Durums and CIMMYT’80 germplasm showed the highest degree of adaptation and capacity to yield under high temperatures and can be considered as a valuable source of alleles for adaptation to breed new HS resilient cultivars.
Therapeutic alliance in individual adult psychotherapy: a systematic review of conceptualizations and measures for face-to-face- and online-psychotherapy
Authors: Saxler Eva , Schindler Theresa , Philipsen Alexandra , Schulze Marcel , Lux Silke 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundThe therapeutic alliance (TA) is a robust and pantheoretical predictor of treatment outcome in Face-to-Face- (F2F-) and Online-psychotherapy (Online-PT). Many authors have proposed several conceptualizations of TA, which are oftentimes operationalized. The resulting diversity of conceptualizations and measures is presented in this review.MethodsWe performed a three-parted literature search for self-report-instruments of TA in individual, voluntary F2F-PT with adults (1. utilization of past reviews, 2. systematic literature search yielding 5,205 articles, 3. reference lists). Analogously, we conducted a systematic literature search for instruments of TA in the Online-setting (yielding 200 articles). Additionally, we analyzed the content of the instruments qualitatively.ResultsA current overview of 48 instruments for measuring TA (46 for F2F-PT, 2 for Online-PT) including their conceptual backgrounds, characteristics and main content aspects is presented. Most instruments (n = 24) operationalize one or more theoretical conceptualizations of TA. Other instruments are adaptation/syntheses of existing measures (n = 14), based on literature searches (n = 3) or on an empirical survey (n = 3) and two instruments provide no conceptual background information. The content of the instruments mainly focused on the following aspects: 1. Self-disclosure and authenticity; 2. Agreement; 3. Active participation, motivation and compliance; 4. Trust and secure attachment; and 5. Considering needs/abilities/wishes of the patient. Additionally, a narrative review of various approaches to conceptualize TA is presented and linked to respective corresponding instruments.DiscussionThe broad variety of conceptualizations and measures of TA makes coherent research on TA difficult. There are conceptual challenges such as the role of attachment style in TA that remain to be clarified. The current conceptualizations and measures do not incorporate the practical experience and expertise of psychotherapists and patients sufficiently. A metatheoretical conceptualization and measure of TA based on an empirical survey of psychotherapists and patients could address these issues.
Knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perception of COVID-19 preventive measures among adult residents of Matadi (Democratic Republic of the Congo) after the third epidemic wave
Authors: Munyeku-Bazitama Yannick , Okitale-Talunda Patient , Nsio-Mbeta Justus , Mpingabo-Ilunga Patrick , Tshiminyi-Munkamba Paul , Umba-Phuati Aimé , Kimfuta Jacques , Ango-Phukuta Ferdinand , Makindu Goethe , Mufwaya-Nsene Raymond , Asari Ryoko , Makimoto Saeda , Ahuka-Mundeke Steve , Isono Mitsuo , Makiala-Mandanda Sheila , Muyembe-Tamfum Jean-Jacques 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundSeveral governments from African countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), implemented stringent public health measures to curb COVID-19 transmission in the early phases of the pandemic. While these restrictive measures are believed to have contributed to lowering case incidence and related mortality in DRC, data on the population’s knowledge and adherence are limited. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perception, attitudes, and practices of COVID-19 preventive measures and associated factors among adult residents of Matadi, thereby generating evidence for a strategy adjustment as the COVID-19 response is transitioning from emergency to control status.MethodsWe used data from a population-based cross-sectional study conducted in October 2021. Consenting participants were enrolled through a multi-stage cluster sampling approach and administered a pre-tested structured questionnaire using a mobile application (Epicollect 5). We analyzed adult participants’ data using STATA 15.1. Univariable and multivariable analyses were applied to identify factors associated with good knowledge, good perception, positive attitude and good practice.ResultsWe included 1,269 adult respondents for the secondary analysis. One respondent in six was female. The median age was 36 years (IQR 24–50). Most respondents (76.5%) had good knowledge. Respondents aged 40–49 years and those with vocational education level were 1.7 time (AOR 1.75, 95% CI 1.07–2.87) and twice as likely (AOR 2.06, 95% CI 1.01–4.21) to have good knowledge. Preventive measures were perceived as efficient by 45% of respondents. Good perception was associated with education level, profession, average household monthly income and good knowledge. Only 40% of respondents had a positive attitude. A positive attitude was associated with age, education level, and good knowledge. Respondents having good practice represented 5.8%. Good practice was associated with good knowledge, attitude and perception.ConclusionMost respondents were knowledgeable, had a good perception of government-related COVID-19 preventive measures, a moderately positive attitude and an extremely low level of good practice. Current COVID-19 preventive strategies, including vaccination rollout, need adjustment into high-efficiency, context-based and risk group-specific interventions. Evidence generated by this study will improve preparedness and response to future outbreaks.
Effects of participation in cooperatives on the cultivated land quality protection behavior of grain family farms: evidence from China
Authors: Duan Wei , Luo Guangqiang 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionThe implementation of cultivated land quality protection is fundamental for ensuring the sustainable use of land resources, and it is the inevitable choice for maintaining the balance of agricultural ecology and promoting the long-term healthy development of agriculture.MethodsBased on survey data from 927 grain family farms in 13 major grain-producing areas in China, this paper empirically tests the effects of participation in cooperatives on the cultivated land quality protection behavior of grain family farms by using a logit model, an ordered probit model and the propensity score matching method.ResultsThe results show that participation in cooperatives has a significant positive effect on the implementation of cultivated land quality protection behavior and the degree of cultivated land quality protection of grain family farms. A series of robustness tests reveals that the conclusion of the study does not change. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the probability of implementing cultivated land quality protection behavior significantly increased, and the effect was greater for farms with the younger farmers, farmers of lower education level, farmers of non-party members, larger scale of operation, longer establishment years, larger labor force, or provincial demonstration.DiscussionOn this basis, we should vigorously support and guide grain family farms to participate in cooperatives, give full play to the advantages of cooperatives, effectively encourage farms to implement cultivated land quality protection behavior, and promote sustainable agricultural development.
Lentils pasta by-product in a complete extruded diet for dogs and its effect on extrusion, digestibility, and carbohydrate metabolism
Authors: Penazzi Livio , Freire Ticiane Giselle Bitencourt , Theodoro Stephanie de Souza , Frias Juliana Lopes , Ala Ugo , Carciofi Aulus Cavalieri , Prola Liviana 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionRecently, increasing effort has been directed toward environmental sustainability in pet food. The aim of this study was to evaluate the extrusion parameters, nutrient digestibility, fecal characteristics, palatability and insulinemic and glycaemic curves of a complete diet for dogs in which the main carbohydrate source was a red lentil pasta by-product (LP).MethodsFive experimental diets were formulated: a basal diet (CO) based on rice and a poultry by-product meal; three experimental diets where LP substituted rice at 33, 66, or 100% (LP33, LP66, and LP100, respectively); and a diet formulated on 70% of the basal diet (CO) plus 30% LP (LPS) to evaluate the digestibility of LP ingredient.Results and discussionThe extruder pressure, hardness and bulk density of the kibble increased in a linear manner with increasing LP percentage (P &lt; 0.05), without affecting starch gelatinization. According to polynomial contrast analysis, rice replacement with LP at 33 and 66% caused no reduction in apparent total tract digestibility coefficient (ATTDC), with similar or higher values compared with the CO diet. Nitrogen balance did not change (P &gt; 0.05), but we observed a linear increase in feces production and moisture content as the LP inclusion rate rose and a linear decrease in feces pH (P &lt; 0.05). Nevertheless, the fecal score was unaffected. Fecal acetate, propionate, total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), branched-chain fatty acids, and lactate all increased linearly as the LP inclusion rate increased (P &lt; 0.05), without altering ammonia concentration in feces. Feces concentrations of cadaverine, tyramine, histamine, and spermidine also increased in a linear manner with increasing LP inclusion (P &lt; 0.05). The fermentation of LP dietary fiber by the gut microbiota increased the concentration of desirable fermentation by-products, including SCFA and spermidine. The post-prandial glucose and insulin responses were lower in the dogs fed the LP100 diet compared with CO, suggesting the possible use of this ingredient in diets designed to generate a low glycaemic response. Finally, the palatability study results showed a preference for the LP100 ration in both the “first choice” and the “consumption rate” evaluation (P &lt; 0.05). This trial reveals how a by-product discarded from the human-grade food chain retains both its nutritional and organoleptic properties.
Development and validation of an LC-MS/MS method for ruxolitinib quantification: advancing personalized therapy in hematologic malignancies
Authors: Li Na , Zhang Huiying , Bai Haochen , Lu Kaizhi 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundHematologic malignancies such as leukemia and lymphoma present treatment challenges due to their genetic and molecular heterogeneity. Ruxolitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, has demonstrated efficacy in managing these cancers. However, optimal therapeutic outcomes are contingent upon maintaining drug levels within a therapeutic window, highlighting the necessity for precise drug monitoring.MethodsWe developed a sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method to quantify ruxolitinib in human plasma, improving upon traditional methods in specificity, sensitivity, and efficiency. The process involved the use of advanced chromatographic techniques and robust mass spectrometric conditions to ensure high accuracy and minimal matrix effects. The study was conducted using samples from 20 patients undergoing treatment, with calibration standards ranging from 10 to 2000 ng/mL.ResultsThe method displayed linearity (R2 &gt; 0.99) across the studied range and proved highly selective with no significant interference observed. The method’s precision and accuracy met FDA guidelines, with recovery rates consistently exceeding 85%. Clinical application demonstrated significant variability in ruxolitinib plasma levels among patients, reinforcing the need for individualized dosing schedules.ConclusionThe validated LC-MS/MS method offers a reliable and efficient tool for the therapeutic drug monitoring of ruxolitinib, facilitating personalized treatment approaches in hematologic malignancies. This approach promises to enhance patient outcomes by optimizing dosing to reduce toxicity and improve efficacy.
Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization, and Expression Analysis of the DMP Gene Family in Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)
Authors: Zhang Yamin , Zhang Doudou , Li Xinru , He Jie , Chen Zhuona , Xu Nan , Zhong Yike , Yao Shuqian , Qu Lingbo , Li Bo , Azhar Muhammad Tehseen , Li Wenyue , Shang Haihong 
Published: June 2024

Members of DOMAIN OF UNKNOWN FUNCTION 679 membrane proteins (DMPs) have the DUF679 domain, which plays an important role in the process of plant fertilization. In this study, bioinformatics methods were used to identify and analyze the DMP gene family in pepper. The location of the expression of the DMP gene family was explored according to the transient expression of Nicotiana benthamiana, and its expression patterns in different tissues and abiotic stress treatments were analyzed by qRT-PCR. A total of 17 CaDMP genes were identified from the three capsicum varieties, and sub-cellular localization prediction showed that CaDMPs were located on the cell membrane. Phylogenetic analysis showed that CaDMP5 in subgroup Ⅳ was highly homologous with haploid induction genes in Arabidopsis and maize, and its expression level in reproductive organs was significantly higher than that in other tissues, suggesting that CaDMP5 could be a candidate gene for haploid induction in pepper. The expression of CaDMPs increased to varying degrees after different stress treatments, indicating that the DMP gene plays an important role in plant growth and development. The CaDMP gene family was systematically analyzed in this study, which provided preliminary insights for the further research of Capsicum haploid breeding.
Rodzicielskie fora internetowe, jako przestrzeń do dyskusji o rozwoju mowy dziecka
Authors: Miśkowiec Ewa , Michalik Gabriela 
Published: June 2024

Rodzice, jako pierwsi wychowawcy i nauczyciele dziecka są zobowiązani do zagłębiania się w podstawy teorii i praktyki pedagogicznej, do której należy również prawidłowy rozwój mowy dziecka. Współcześnie ze względu na postępującą cyfryzację świata, internat stanowi jedno z popularniejszych źródeł porozumiewania się i zdobywania wiedzy. Takim szczególnym miejscem dla rodziców stają się rodzicielskie fora internetowe, które stanowią prężnie działającą przestrzeń do dyskusji między rodzicami, przekazującymi sobie informacje o własnych doświadczeniach rodzicielskich, w tym treściom z zakresu logopedii. W artykule zostaną przedstawione badania dotyczące analizy rodzicielskich for internetowych z zakresie dyskusji o rozwoju mowy dziecka. Obszar ten tak bogaty w informacje badawcze, stał się podstawą do poznania sposobów komunikowania się rodziców, przekazywania informacji, zadawania pytań i udzielania odpowiedzi, ich korzystny bądź niekorzystny wpływ na rozpowszechnianie wiedzy logopedycznej, jak również poznać kulturę wypowiedzi i przestrzegania zasad netykiety użytkowników korzystających z rodzicielskich forów internetowych. Zgromadzony materiał badawczy, dotyczący dyskusji opierających się na wiedzy logopedycznej na rodzicielskich forach internetowych przedstawiony został w formie cytowanych rzeczywistych wypowiedzi użytkowników, nie poddanych żadnej obróbce stylistycznej i językowej.
False alarm reduction in railway track quality inspections using machine learning
Authors: Durazo-Cardenas Isidro , Namoano Bernadin , Starr Andrew , Dilip Sala Ram , Lai Jichao 
Published: June 2024

Track quality geometry measurements are crucial for the railways’ timely maintenance. Regular measurements prevent train delays, passenger discomfort and incidents. However, current fault diagnosis or parameter deviation relies on simple threshold comparison of multiple laser scanners, linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) and camera measurements. Data threshold exceedances enact maintenance actions automatically. However, issues such as measurement error, and sensor failure can result in false positives. Broad localisation resolution prevents trending/ inferencing by comparison with healthy data baseline at the same position over periodic inspections.
False alarms can result in costly ineffective interventions, are hazardous and impact the network availability.
This paper proposes a novel methodology based on convolutional neural network (CNN) technique for detecting and classifying track geometry fault severity automatically. The proposed methodology comprises an automatic flow of data for quality assessment whereby outliers, missing values and misalignment are detected, restored and where appropriate curated. Improved, “clean” datasets were then analysed using a pretrained CNN model. The method was compared with a suite of machine learning algorithms for diagnosis including k-nearest neighbour, support vector machines (SVM), and random forest (RF).
The analysis results of a real track geometry dataset showed that track quality parameters including twist, cant, gauge, and alignment could be effectively diagnosed with an accuracy rate of 97.80% (CNN model). This result represents a remarkable improvement of 38% in comparison with the traditional threshold-based diagnosis. The benefits of this research are not only associated with maintenance intervention cost savings. It also helps prevent unnecessary train speed restrictions arising from misdiagnosis.