bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
African swine fever virus DNA is present in non-biting flies collected from outbreak farms in Romania
Authors: Balmoș Oana Maria , Ionică Angela Monica , Horvath Cintia , Supeanu Alexandru , Moțiu Monica , Ancuceanu Beatris Corina , Tamba Paula , Bărbuceanu Florica , Cotuțiu Vlad , Coroian Mircea , Dhollander Sofie , Mihalca Andrei Daniel 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundAfrican swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious and severe haemorrhagic disease of Suidae, with mortalities that approach 100 percent. Several studies suggested the potential implication of non-biting dipterans in the spread of ASFV in pig farms due to the identification of the ASFV DNA. However, to our knowledge, no study has evaluated the viral DNA load in non-biting dipterans collected in outbreak farms and no risk factors have been analysed. In this context, our study aimed to analyse the risk factors associated with the presence of non-biting dipterans collected from ASF outbreaks in relation to the presence and load of viral DNA.MethodsBackyard farms (BF), type A farms (TAF), and commercial farms (CF), were targeted for sampling in 2020. In 2021, no BF were sampled. Each farm was sampled only once. The identification of the collected flies to family, genus, or species level was performed based on morphological characteristics using specific keys and descriptions. Pools were made prior to DNA extraction. All extracted DNA was tested for the presence of the ASFV using a real-time PCR protocol. For this study, we considered every sample with a CT value of 40 as positive. The statistical analysis was performed using Epi Info 7 software (CDC, USA).ResultsAll collected non-biting flies belonged to five families: Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae, Fanniidae, Drosophilidae, and Muscidae. Of the 361 pools, 201 were positive for the presence of ASFV DNA. The obtained CT values of the positive samples ranged from 21.54 to 39.63, with a median value of 33.59 and a mean value of 33.56. Significantly lower CT values (corresponding to higher viral DNA load) were obtained in Sarcophagidae, with a mean value of 32.56; a significantly higher number of positive pools were noticed in August, mean value = 33.12.ConclusionsOur study brings compelling evidence of the presence of the most common synanthropic flies near domestic pig farms carrying ASFV DNA, highlighting the importance of strengthening the biosecurity measures and protocols for prevention of the insect life cycle and distribution.Graphical Abstract
Efficacy and safety of single-dose artesunate plus sulfalene/pyrimethamine combined with praziquantel for the treatment of children with Schistosoma mansoni or Schistosoma haematobium in western Kenya: a randomised, open-label controlled trial
Authors: Obonyo Charles O. , Rawago Fredrick O. , Makworo Nicholas K. , Muok Erick M. O. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Reliance on praziquantel for the treatment and control of schistosomiasis is likely to facilitate the emergence of drug resistance. Combination therapy targeting adult and juvenile schistosome worms is urgently needed to improve praziquantel efficacy and delay the potential development of drug resistance. We assessed the efficacy and safety of single-dose praziquantel combined with single-dose artesunate plus sulfalene-pyrimethamine in the treatment of Kenyan children with schistosomiasis.

Methods
This was an open-label, randomised clinical trial involving 426 school-aged children (7–15 years old) diagnosed with Schistosoma mansoni (by Kato-Katz) or S. haematobium (by urine filtration). They were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive a single dose of praziquantel (40 mg/kg), a single dose of artesunate plus sulfalene-pyrimethamine (12 mg/kg artesunate) or combination therapy using a single dose of praziquantel (40 mg/kg) combined with a single dose of artesunate plus sulfalene-pyrimethamine (12 mg/kg artesunate). The primary outcome was cure and egg reduction rates at 6 weeks post-treatment in the available case population. Adverse events were assessed within 3 h after treatment.

Results
Of the 426 children enrolled, 135 received praziquantel, 150 received artesunate plus sulfalene-pyrimethamine, and 141 received combination therapy. Outcome data were available for 348 (81.7%) children. For S. mansoni-infected children (n = 335), the cure rates were 75.6%, 60.7%, and 77.8%, and the egg reduction rates were 80.1%, 85.0%, and 88.4% for praziquantel, artesunate plus sulfalene-pyrimethamine, and combination therapy, respectively. For S. haematobium-infected children (n = 145), the corresponding cure rates were 81.4%, 71.1%, and 82.2%, and the egg reduction rates were 95.6%, 97.1%, and 97.7%, respectively. Seventy-one (16.7%) children reported mild-intensity adverse events. The drugs were well tolerated and no serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions
A single oral dose of praziquantel combined with artesunate plus sulfalene-pyrimethamine cured a high proportion of children with S. haematobium but did not significantly improve the treatment efficacy for either urinary or intestinal schistosomiasis. Sequential administration of praziquantel and artesunate plus sulfalene-pyrimethamine may enhance the efficacy and safety outcomes.

Graphical abstract
Diabetes surpasses obesity as a risk factor for low serum testosterone level
Authors: Khalil Samir H. Assaad , Dandona Paresh , Osman Nermin A. , Assaad Ramy Samir , Zaitoon Basma Tayseer Abdalla , Almas Amal Abdulaziz , Amin Noha Gaber 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Male obesity is one of the most associated factors with substandard testosterone levels. However, there is growing evidence linking low testosterone levels to insulin resistance and diabetic complications. We aimed to study the impact of diabetes mellitus on testosterone levels and to assess the correlation of various clinical and biochemical factors with hypogonadism.

Subjects and methods
This case-control study was conducted on 160 adult males categorized into four equal groups (40 each); Group A: lean men with T2DM, Group B: obese with T2DM, Group C: lean with normal glycemic profile, Group D: obese with normal glycemic profile. Serum total testosterone (TT), SHBG and HbA1c have been measured. Free testosterone (cFT) and HOMA-IR were calculated.

Results
A significant negative correlation of serum TT and cFTwith BMI (r -0.16, p 0.04/ r -0.26, p < 0.001, respectively) and with waist circumference (WC) (r -0.23, p 0.003 and r -0.3, p < 0.001, respectively). A significant decrease in TT and cFT in the diabetes group versus the non-diabetes one (p < 0.001 for both). TT level was significantly lower in the diabetic lean group than in the non-diabetic lean (p < 0.001), and even significantly lower than in the non-diabetic obese (p < 0.001). TT level in the diabetic obese group was lower than in the non-diabetic obese (p < 0.001). The same for cFT level, lower in the diabetic lean group than in non-diabetic lean (p < 0.001) and lower in the diabetic obese than in the non-diabetic obese (p < 0.001). Concomitant significant reduction in SHBG in the diabetes group (p < 0.001). Linear regression analysis revealed that TT significantly correlated with HOMA-IR. HOMA-IR with WC, age and the duration of diabetes correlated significantly with cFT. In our model, HOMA-IR and HbA1c accounted for approximately 51.3% of TT variability (adjusted R-squared 0.513).

Conclusions
The impact of T2DM on serum testosterone levels was more significant than that of obesity. Our study showed a decrease in SHBG together with cFT among the diabetes group. Hypogonadism is significantly correlated to insulin resistance and poor glycemic control, which implies another perspective on the impact of suboptimal glycemic control on the development of hypogonadism.
Limited training and transfer effects in older and young adults who participated in 12 sessions of process-based working memory training. A three-armed pretest-posttest design study
Authors: Zając-Lamparska Ludmiła 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Objective
Numerous studies confirm the effectiveness of cognitive training in older adults. However, there is limited evidence of the transfer occurrence. The part of the study presented here tested the effect of 12 process-based working memory training sessions on the performance of the trained task (training effect) and other cognitive tasks (transfer effect). A pretest-posttest study design with one experimental group and two control (passive and active) groups. The sample comprised three groups of older adults: experimental (n = 25), passive control (n = 22), active control (n = 7), and young adults: experimental (n = 25), passive control (n = 25), and active control (n = 12). The study was registered after completion with a ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06235840 on 31 January 2024.

Results
Under the influence of training, the performance of the trained task improved significantly, but only in young adults. Transfer of WM training effects was not revealed. Among young adults, a testing effect was observed for the indicator of attentional focus and psychomotor speed. Moreover, the obtained results suggest the transfer from practice in multi-domain training, implemented in the active control group, to tasks that require the use of fluid intelligence. However, this finding should be interpreted with great caution due to the small size of active control groups.
The criteria used to rule out mild cognitive impairment impact dementia incidence rates in subjective cognitive decline
Authors: Whitfield Tim , Chouliaras Leonidas , Morrell Rachel , Rubio David , Radford Darren , Marchant Natalie L. , Walker Zuzana 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
The research criteria for subjective cognitive decline (SCD) exclude mild cognitive impairment (MCI), but do not stipulate the use of specific MCI criteria. This study compared different approaches to defining (i.e., excluding) MCI during the ascertainment of SCD, focusing on the impact on dementia incidence rates in SCD.

Methods
This cohort study utilized routine healthcare data collected in the Essex Memory Clinic from 1999 to 2023. Two different operationalizations of the SCD criteria were used to categorize the cohort into two SCD patient samples. One sample was based on local clinical practice – MCI was excluded according to the Winblad criteria (this sample was termed SCDWinblad). The other sample was created via the retrospective application of the Jak/Bondi criteria for the exclusion of MCI (termed SCDJak/Bondi). Only patients aged ≥ 55 years at baseline with ≥ 12 months follow-up were considered for inclusion. The initial clinical/demographic characteristics of the samples were compared. Rates of incident dementia were calculated for each sample, and unadjusted and Mantel-Haenszel-adjusted incidence rate ratios were calculated to compare dementia incidence between the SCD samples.

Results
The Essex Memory Clinic database included 2,233 patients in total. The SCD and study eligibility criteria were used to select SCDWinblad (n = 86) and SCDJak/Bondi (n = 185) samples from the database. Median follow-up (3 years) did not differ between the two samples. The SCDJak/Bondi sample was significantly older than the SCDWinblad at first assessment (median age: 74 versus 70 years) and had poorer scores on tests of global cognition, immediate and delayed verbal recall, and category fluency. Following adjustment for age, the dementia incidence rate ratio [95% confidence interval] was 3.7 [1.5 to 9.3], indicating a significantly greater rate of progression to dementia in SCDJak/Bondi.

Conclusions
This study highlights that the approach used to ascertain SCD has important implications for both SCD phenotypes and prognosis. This underscores the importance of how MCI is operationalized within SCD studies. More broadly, the findings add to a growing body of work indicating that objective cognition should not be overlooked in SCD, and offer a potential explanation for the heterogeneity across the SCD prognostic literature.
Pseudomyxoma peritonei leading to “jelly belly” abdomen: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Garg Priyanka , Garg Nikhil , Peer Sameer , Chholak Deepika , Kaur Manjit 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Pseudomyxoma peritonei is an infrequent condition with a global annual incidence of only one to two cases per million people. Mucinous neoplasms, widespread intraperitoneal implants, and mucinous ascites characterize it. Currently, most clinicians misdiagnose this condition, which leads to delayed management.

Case presentation
A 44-year-old North Indian female presented with a 1.5-month history of an abdominal lump. Physical examination revealed a sizeable abdominopelvic mass at 36 weeks. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a massive multiloculated right ovarian cystic mass measuring 28 × 23 × 13 cm with mild ascites and elevated carcinoembryonic antigen levels (113.75 ng/ml). A provisional diagnosis of ovarian mucinous neoplasm was made, for which the patient underwent laparotomy. Intraoperatively, there were gross mucinous ascites, along with a large, circumscribed, ruptured right ovarian tumor filled with gelatinous material. The appendicular lump was also filled with mucinous material along with the omentum, ascending colon, right lateral aspect of the rectum, splenic surface, and small bowel mesentery. Cytoreductive surgery was performed along with an oncosurgeon, including total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingoophorectomy, omentectomy, right hemicolectomy, lower anterior resection, ileo-transverse stapled anastomosis with proximal ileal loop diversion stoma, excision of multiple peritoneal gelatinous implants, and peritoneal lavage. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of intestinal-type mucinous carcinoma. Postoperatively, the patient was given six cycles of chemotherapy. She tolerated it without any specific morbidity and had an uneventful recovery. Postoperative follow-up at 15 months revealed normal tumor marker levels and abdominal computed tomography findings and no signs suggestive of local recurrence or distal metastases.

Conclusions
Pseudomyxoma peritonei is a rare disease that is frequently misdiagnosed in the preoperative phase. Therefore, radiologists and clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for accurate diagnosis and multidisciplinary management.
Influence of soil properties on selenium concentration in paddy soil and rice grains in the hilly regions of southern China
Authors: Shang Guiduo , Zhou Weijun , Liu Rui , Zhou Yuzhou , Xu Zhangqian , Cui Haojie , Cai Yixiang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Selenium (Se) is essential for human health and is predominantly obtained from dietary sources, particularly rice in Hunan Province, a significant rice-producing region in southern China. Investigating the relationship between Se levels in paddy soil and rice grains, along with the associated influencing factors, is critical for enhancing Se-enriched food security.

Results
Analysis of 128,992 samples collected between 2019 and 2022 revealed that the soil Se concentration in Hunan exceeded the global average, with rice grains showing promising potential for Se enrichment. Various analytical methods, including statistical analyses, co-occurrence networks, and correlation heatmaps, were utilized to scrutinize the extensive dataset. Additionally, partial least squares path analysis elucidated the interactive effects of influencing factors on soil Se concentration, rice grain Se concentration, and Se bioconcentration factor (BCF). Soil parent materials significantly affected soil Se concentration, rice grain Se concentration, and Se BCF (p < 0.01). Factors such as soil cation exchange capacity, soil organic matter, slope, and soil concentrations of Cu, Mn, and Zn demonstrated positive correlations with soil Se concentration. Similarly, these factors exhibited positive associations with rice grain Se concentration. Conversely, negative correlations were observed between certain factors and Se BCF. As a result, predictive models were developed for soil Se, rice grain Se concentration, and Se BCF.

Conclusions
This study contributes valuable insights to inform policy-making for Se-enriched food production and to ensure regional nutritional equilibrium. Caution is recommended in areas with excessive Se levels to prevent potential poisoning risks.
Biological control of Spodoptera frugiperda (Nixon) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in new invaded countries using insect pathogens
Authors: Abbas Mohamed Samir Tawfik 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Nixon) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is the major insect pest that infests cereal crops recently in African and Asian countries. The insect is polyphagous that attacks large numbers of host plants, especially maize and rice, causing considerable losses in their annual yield. The integrated pest management (IPM) of the insect depended mainly on insecticides and to some extent on biological control agents including insect pathogens (nematodes, fungi, bacteria and viruses).

Results
Different species of entomopathogens (nematodes, fungi, viruses and bacteria) infecting the insect could be isolated in such newly invaded countries. Laboratory and field experiments indicated that the insect was found to be susceptible to the isolated entomopathogens, and thus, they could be promising biocontrol agents against this insect.

Conclusion
This review article proved the susceptibility of S. frugiperda to the most of tested entomopathogens. However, more field studies have to be carried out in order to include such entomopathogens within integrated pest management programs against this insect pest.
Metataxonomic and metabolomic profiling revealed Pinus koraiensis cone essential oil reduced methane emission through affecting ruminal microbial interactions and host-microbial metabolism
Authors: Choi Y. , Lee S. J. , Kim H. S. , Eom J. S. , Jo S. U. , Guan L. L. , Lee S. S. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Pinus koraiensis cone essential oil (PEO) contains functional compounds such as monoterpene hydrocarbons, and the administration of PEO reduced methane (CH4) emissions during growing phase of goats. However, the mode of action of PEO driven CH4 reduction is not known, especially how the administration of PEO can affect rumen microbiota and host metabolism in goats during the fattening phase. This study aimed to elucidate the potential microbial and host responses PEO supplementation in goats using metataxonomics (prokaryotes and protozoa) and metabolomics (rumen fluid and serum).

Results
Ten fattening Korean native goats were divided into two dietary groups: control (CON; basal diet without additives) and PEO (basal diet + 1.5 g/d of PEO) with a 2 × 2 crossover design and the treatment lasted for 11 weeks. Administration of PEO reduced CH4 concentrations in the exhaled gas from eructation by 12.0–13.6% (P < 0.05). Although the microbial composition of prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) and protozoa in the rumen was not altered after PEO administration. MaAsLin2 analysis revealed that the abundance of Selenomonas, Christensenellaceae R-7 group, and Anaerovibrio were enriched in the rumen of PEO supplemented goats (Q < 0.1). Co-occurrence network analysis revealed that Lachnospiraceae AC2044 group and Anaerovibrio were the keystone taxa in the CON and PEO groups, respectively. Methane metabolism (P < 0.05) was enriched in the CON group, whereas metabolism of sulfur (P < 0.001) and propionate (P < 0.1) were enriched in the PEO group based on microbial predicted functions. After PEO administration, the abundance of 11 rumen and 4 serum metabolites increased, whereas that of 25 rumen and 14 serum metabolites decreased (P < 0.1). Random forest analysis identified eight ruminal metabolites that were altered after PEO administration, among which four were associated with propionate production, with predictive accuracy ranging from 0.75 to 0.88. Additionally, we found that serum sarcosine (serum metabolite) was positively correlated with CH4 emission parameters and abundance of Methanobrevibacter in the rumen (|r|≥ 0.5, P < 0.05).

Conclusions
This study revealed that PEO administration reduced CH4 emission from of fattening goats with altered microbial interactions and metabolites in the rumen and host. Importantly, PEO administration affected utilizes various mechanisms such as formate, sulfur, methylated amines metabolism, and propionate production, collectively leading to CH4 reduction. The knowledge is important for future management strategies to maintain animal production and health while mitigate CH4 emission.
Multi-model approach for optimizing cold-wave resilient maize selection: unveiling genotype-by-environment interaction and predicting yield stability
Authors: Kunwar Chitra Bahadur , Basnet Bikas , Sunuwar Samjhana , Mahato Deep Narayan , Chaudhari Ramdas , Upadhya Jharna , Pokhrel Pragya 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Cold waves both significantly reduce yield & damage crops as well; unforeseeable nature of cold waves makes it challenging for farmers to manage risk. Thus, we aim to select maize hybrids that thrive under cold stress (both escaping early cold-waves and tolerating cold snaps); pinpoint stable, high-yielding hybrids ideal for regions prone to cold stress. In this investigation 2 years winter trial in Nepal was appraised on diverse maize hybrids for cold wave tolerant, stable across four stations with a Randomized Complete Block Design & 3 replications at each station. Likewise, this research employed 4 statistical methods both fixed effect and linear mixed model: genotype-environment interactions (AMMI), visually analyzes genotype performance and stability across environments (GGE) breeding values of genotypes for selection (BLUP), multiple traits for selection (MTSI). This scholarship revealed significant (P < 0.001) impacts of genotype, environment, and their interaction (GEI) on yield. This GEI, accounting for 100% of yield variance, was mainly captured by 3 principal components, with the first explaining 49%. Notably, mixed-effects models and biplots identified superior hybrids exhibiting both high average yields and consistent performance. GGE biplot analysis unveiled high-yielding and adaptable: GK3157, NK6607, RMH1899 Super, GK3254, RMH666, Shan 111, DKC9149, and Sweety-1. Further, BLUP and WAASBYY analyses delineated the superior performers and stabilized hybrids for yield, with DKC9141, Uttam 121, NK6607, MM2929, RMH-666, GK 3254, and GK3157, and RMH-1899 super candidates for both high yield and stability. In Nepalgunj, Delta 3333, MM2122, and Shaan 111 excelled in both yield and stability, while Rampur favored Rampur Hybrid 6 and MM2424 for stability. Parwanipur and Tarahara shared similar winners for stability and yield, including MM2122, Shaan 111, and Delta 3333 in Parwanipur, and NK7884, MM2424, and Delta 2222 in Tarahara. Based on Multi genotype ideotype distance (MGDI), 9 hybrids were selected for yield and stability, including MM 2033, NK 6607, Sweety 1 so on; exhibited escape to cold waves whilst GK3254, TMMH-846, and MM-9442, were chosen for cold waves adapted hybrids. Moreover, by identifying cold-tolerant maize hybrids, this study has potential to mitigate risks for farmers (economic burden, crop failure) and bolster food security.