bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adaptation and feasibility of WHO PM+ for adolescents living with HIV in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa: an implementation feasibility study protocol
Authors: Wambua Grace Nduku , Stein Alan , Seedat Soraya , Sijbrandij Marit , Baisley Kathy , Shahmanesh Maryam , Seeley Janet , Ngwenya Nothando 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionAdolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) are an extremely vulnerable population, with the burden of mental health problems carefully documented together with the constraints for receiving timely and adequate management of the problems, especially in rural settings. Problem Management Plus (PM+) is a scalable psychological intervention for individuals impaired by distress in communities exposed to adversity. Initially developed for adult populations, few studies have assessed its potential to address adolescent distress. This study aims to co-adapt PM+ with an adherence component (PM+Adherence) for ALHIV and to evaluate its acceptability and feasibility in rural Kwa-Zulu Natal Province, South Africa.Methods and analysisWe will use a mixed-methods approach over three phases. The first phase will include a realist synthesis and collection of formative data from up to 60 ALHIV, caregivers and healthcare providers to inform the adaptation of WHO PM+, including the components of an adherence module. During the second phase, we will undertake the cultural adaptation of the PM+Adherence intervention. The third phase will involve a hybrid type 3 implementation strategy among ALHIV aged 16–19 years (n=50) to implement and evaluate the feasibility of the culturally co-adapted PM+Adherence. The feasibility indicators to be evaluated include reach, adoption, attrition, implementation and acceptability of the adapted intervention, which will be assessed qualitatively and quantitatively. In addition, we will assess preliminary effectiveness using an intention-to-treat approach on HIV-related indicators and mental health outcomes at baseline, end intervention, 2-month follow-up during the 6-month implementation.DiscussionWe expect that the PM+Adherence will be acceptable and can feasibly be delivered by lay counsellors in resource-limited rural KwaZulu-Natal.Ethics and disseminationEthical clearance has been obtained from the University of KwaZulu-Natal Biomedical Research Ethics Committee, (BREC/00005743/2023). Dissemination plans include presentations at scientific conferences, peer-reviewed publications and community level.
Assessment of local sensitivity in incomplete retinal pigment epithelium and outer retinal atrophy (iRORA) lesions in intermediate age-related macular degeneration (iAMD)
Authors: Ameln Julius , Saßmannshausen Marlene , von der Emde Leon , Carmichael-Martins Alessandra , Holz Frank G , Ach Thomas , Harmening Wolf M 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveLesions of incomplete retinal pigment epithelium and outer retinal atrophy (iRORA) are associated with disease progression in intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, the corresponding functional impact of these precursor lesions is unknown and needs to be established.Methods and analysisWe present a cross-sectional study of four patients with intermediate AMD employing clinical-grade MAIA (stimulus size: 0.43°, ~125 µm) and adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope (AOSLO, stimulus size 0.07°, ~20 µm) based microperimetry (MP) to assess the specific impact of iRORA lesions on retinal sensitivity.ResultsAOSLO imaging showed overall reduced photoreceptor reflectivity and patches of hyporeflective regions at drusen with interspersed hyperreflective foci in iRORA regions. MAIA-MP yielded an average retinal sensitivity loss of -7.3 ±3.1 dB at iRORA lesions compared to the in-eye control. With AOSLO-MP, the corresponding sensitivity loss was -20.1 ±4.8 dB.ConclusionWe demonstrated that iRORA lesions are associated with a severe impairment in retinal sensitivity. Larger cohort studies will be necessary to validate our findings.
Cosmology from string T-duality and zero-point length
Authors: Luciano G. G. , Sheykhi A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractInspired by string T-duality and taking into account the zero-point length correction, $$l_0$$

l
0

, to the gravitational potential, we construct modified Friedmann equations by applying the first law of thermodynamics on the apparent horizon of the Friedmann–Robertson–Walker (FRW) Universe. The cosmological viability of this extended scenario is investigated by studying influences on the evolution of the early Universe and performing cosmographic analysis. Furthermore, we explore the inflationary paradigm under the slow-roll condition. By testing the model against observational data, the zero-point length is constrained around the Planck scale, in compliance with the original assumption from string T-duality. We also study the growth of density perturbations in the linear regime. It is shown that the zero-point length stands out as an alternative characterization for the broken-power-law spectrum, providing a better fit for the experimental measurements than the simple power-law potential. Finally, we focus on implications for the primordial gravitational wave (PGW) spectrum. Should the zero-point length be running over energy scales, as is the case for all parameters and coupling constants in quantum gravity under renormalization group considerations, deviations from general relativity (GR) might be potentially tested through upcoming PGW observatories.
A new cubic trigonometric Nu-Spline with shape control parameter and its applications
Authors: Munir Ayesha , Samreen Shamaila , Ghaffar Abdul , Inc Mustafa , Sarfraz Muhammad 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study introduces a novel Cubic Trigonometric Nu-Spline (CTNS) with a shape parameter tailored for curve designing, ensuring geometric continuity of order 2. The CTNS possesses fundamental geometric properties such as convex hull, partition of unity, affine invariance, and variation diminishing, which are thoroughly discussed herein. Notably, our spline technique is enriched with Nu-Spline constraints, offering compelling local and global shape control capabilities. These capabilities encompass point tension, interval, or global tensions, enhancing versatility across various shape impacts. Beyond its curve designing prowess, the proposed technique exhibits commendable precision in estimating control points. Furthermore, its utility extends to diverse fields including electronics, medical image interpolation, manipulator path planning, and discrete time signal processing. Through numerical experimentation, we demonstrate the simplicity of implementing the CTNS algorithm alongside its superior accuracy compared to existing techniques.
Identification of ATP-Competitive Human CMG Helicase Inhibitors for Cancer Intervention that Disrupt CMG-Replisome Function
Authors: Xiang Shengyan , Craig Kendall C. , Luo Xingju , Welch Darcy L. , Ferreira Renan B. , Lawrence Harshani R. , Lawrence Nicholas J. , Reed Damon R. , Alexandrow Mark G. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The human CMG helicase (Cdc45-MCM-GINS) is a novel target for anticancer therapy. Tumor-specific weaknesses in the CMG are caused by oncogene-driven changes that adversely affect CMG function, and CMG activity is required for recovery from replicative stresses such as chemotherapy. Herein, we developed an orthogonal biochemical screening approach and identified CMG inhibitors (CMGi) that inhibit ATPase and helicase activities in an ATP-competitive manner at low micromolar concentrations. Structure–activity information, in silico docking, and testing with synthetic chemical compounds indicate that CMGi require specific chemical elements and occupy ATP-binding sites and channels within minichromosome maintenance (MCM) subunits leading to the ATP clefts, which are likely used for ATP/ADP ingress or egress. CMGi are therefore MCM complex inhibitors (MCMi). Biologic testing shows that CMGi/MCMi inhibit cell growth and DNA replication using multiple molecular mechanisms distinct from other chemotherapy agents. CMGi/MCMi block helicase assembly steps that require ATP binding/hydrolysis by the MCM complex, specifically MCM ring assembly on DNA and GINS recruitment to DNA-loaded MCM hexamers. During the S-phase, inhibition of MCM ATP binding/hydrolysis by CMGi/MCMi causes a “reverse allosteric” dissociation of Cdc45/GINS from the CMG that destabilizes replisome components Ctf4, Mcm10, and DNA polymerase-α, -δ, and -ε, resulting in DNA damage. CMGi/MCMi display selective toxicity toward multiple solid tumor cell types with K-Ras mutations, targeting the CMG and inducing DNA damage, Parp cleavage, and loss of viability. This new class of CMGi/MCMi provides a basis for small chemical development of CMG helicase-targeted anticancer compounds with distinct mechanisms of action.
Future Change in the Contribution of Riming and Depositional Growth to the Surface Solid Precipitation in Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Sato Yousuke , Kamada Moeka , Hashimoto Akihiro , Inatsu Masaru 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This study examined future changes in the microphysical properties of surface solid precipitation over Hokkaido, Japan. A process-tracking model that predicts the mass of the hydrometeors generated by each cloud microphysical process was implemented in a meteorological model. This implementation aimed to analyze the mass fraction of hydrometeors resulting from depositional growth and the riming process to the total mass of surface solid precipitation. Results from pseudo–global warming experiments suggest two potential future changes in the characteristics of surface solid precipitation over Hokkaido. First, the rimed particles are expected to increase and be dominant over the west and northwest coast of Hokkaido, where heavy snowfall occurs primarily due to the lake effect. Second, the mass fraction from depositional growth under relatively higher temperatures is expected to increase. This increase is anticipated to be dominant over the eastern part and mountainous area of Hokkaido. Additionally, the fraction of liquid precipitation to total precipitation is expected to increase in the future. These results suggest that the microphysical properties of solid precipitation in Hokkaido are expected to be similar to those observed in the current climate over Hokuriku, the central part of Japan even in warmer climate conditions.

Significance Statement
This study examines potential future changes in the growth processes contributing to surface precipitation particles in Hokkaido, Japan. The surface solid precipitation particles in the western and eastern regions of Hokkaido are mainly generated through depositional growth that occurs within the temperature ranges −36° to −20°C and −20° to −10°C, respectively. A future shift is anticipated, with riming becoming the primary process. This shift suggests that snowfall particles will be heavier than those in the current climate, which would increase the snow-removal workload. The change in precipitation characteristics could influence adaptation and mitigation strategies for climate change in cold regions.
Identification of consensus homozygous regions and their associations with growth and feed efficiency traits in American mink
Authors: Davoudi Pourya , Do Duy Ngoc , Rathgeber Bruce , Colombo Stefanie , Sargolzaei Mehdi , Plastow Graham , Wang Zhiquan , Miar Younes 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe recent chromosome-based genome assembly and the newly developed 70K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array for American mink (Neogale vison) facilitate the identification of genetic variants underlying complex traits in this species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between consensus runs of homozygosity (ROH) with growth and feed efficiency traits in American mink. A subsample of two mink populations (n = 2,986) were genotyped using the Affymetrix Mink 70K SNP array. The identified ROH segments were included simultaneously, concatenated into consensus regions, and the ROH-based association studies were carried out with linear mixed models considering a genomic relationship matrix for 11 growth and feed efficiency traits implemented in ASReml-R version 4. In total, 298,313 ROH were identified across all individuals, with an average length and coverage of 4.16 Mb and 414.8 Mb, respectively. After merging ROH segments, 196 consensus ROH regions were detected and used for genome-wide ROH-based association analysis. Thirteen consensus ROH regions were significantly (P < 0.01) associated with growth and feed efficiency traits. Several candidate genes within the significant regions are known for their involvement in growth and body size development, including MEF2A, ADAMTS17, POU3F2, and TYRO3. In addition, we found ten consensus ROH regions, defined as ROH islands, with frequencies over 80% of the population. These islands harbored 12 annotated genes, some of which were related to immune system processes such as DTX3L, PARP9, PARP14, CD86, and HCLS1. This is the first study to explore the associations between homozygous regions with growth and feed efficiency traits in American mink. Our findings shed the light on the effects of homozygosity in the mink genome on growth and feed efficiency traits, that can be utilized in developing a sustainable breeding program for mink.
A dual RNA-seq analyses revealed dynamic arms race during the invasion of walnut by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides
Authors: Li Xichen , Dong Yuhui , Yu Haiyi , Zhao Jing , Yang Fei , Song Weichen , Wang Changxi , Liu Jianning , Liang Qiang , Wang Yicheng , Yang Ke Qiang , Fang Hongcheng 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Walnut anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides seriously endangers the yield and quality of walnut, and has now become a catastrophic disease in the walnut industry. Therefore, understanding both pathogen invasion mechanisms and host response processes is crucial to defense against C. gloeosporioides infection.

Results
Here, we investigated the mechanisms of interaction between walnut fruits (anthracnose-resistant F26 fruit bracts and anthracnose-susceptible F423 fruit bracts) and C. gloeosporioides at three infection time points (24hpi, 48hpi, and 72hpi) using a high-resolution time series dual transcriptomic analysis, characterizing the arms race between walnut and C. gloeosporioides. A total of 20,780 and 6670 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in walnut and C. gloeosporioides against 24hpi, respectively. Generous DEGs in walnut exhibited opposite expression patterns between F26 and F423, which indicated that different resistant materials exhibited different transcriptional responses to C. gloeosporioides during the infection process. KEGG functional enrichment analysis indicated that F26 displayed a broader response to C. gloeosporioides than F423. Meanwhile, the functional analysis of the C. gloeosporioides transcriptome was conducted and found that PHI, SignalP, CAZy, TCDB genes, the Fungal Zn (2)-Cys (6) binuclear cluster domain (PF00172.19) and the Cytochrome P450 (PF00067.23) were largely prominent in F26 fruit. These results suggested that C. gloeosporioides secreted some type of effector proteins in walnut fruit and appeared a different behavior based on the developmental stage of the walnut.

Conclusions
Our present results shed light on the arms race process by which C. gloeosporioides attacked host and walnut against pathogen infection, laying the foundation for the green prevention of walnut anthracnose.
Effects of tea infusion on selenium uptake in grapevine
Authors: Wang Jin , Xiao Yunying , Zhang Dilian , Dai Zhen , Huang Kewen , Wang Xun , Lv Xiulan , Lin Lijin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIncreased selenium (Se) content in fruits can supply Se in human body, but the effects of teas on the Se uptake in fruit trees are unknown. The effects of infusions of four teas (green, black, dark, and white) on the Se uptake of grapevine were studied to promote the Se uptake in fruit trees in this study. However, only black tea infusion increased the biomass, photosynthetic pigment content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, peroxidase (POD) activity, and soluble protein content of grapevine. Except for white tea infusion, other tea infusions also increased the catalase (CAT) activity of grapevine. Furthermore, the tea infusions increased the activities of adenosine triphosphate sulfurase (ATPS) and adenosine 5’-phosphosulfate reductase (APR), and decreased the activities of serine acetyltransferase (SAT) and selenocysteine methyltransferase (SMT). Only the dark and white tea infusions increased the shoot total Se content by 86.53% and 23.32%, respectively (compared with the control), and also increased the shoot inorganic Se content and shoot organic Se content. Notably, four tea infusions decreased the organic Se proportion and increased the inorganic Se proportion in grapevine. Correlation and grey relational analyses showed that the root total Se content, ATPS activity, and ARP activity were closely associated with the shoot total Se content. The principal component and cluster analyses also showed that the ATPS activity, APR activity, root total Se content, and shoot total Se content were classified into one category. These findings show that black tea infusion can promote grapevine growth, while dark and white tea infusions can promote the Se uptake in grapevine.
An evaluation of sample size requirements for developing risk prediction models with binary outcomes
Authors: Pavlou Menelaos , Ambler Gareth , Qu Chen , Seaman Shaun R. , White Ian R. , Omar Rumana Z. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Risk prediction models are routinely used to assist in clinical decision making. A small sample size for model development can compromise model performance when the model is applied to new patients. For binary outcomes, the calibration slope (CS) and the mean absolute prediction error (MAPE) are two key measures on which sample size calculations for the development of risk models have been based. CS quantifies the degree of model overfitting while MAPE assesses the accuracy of individual predictions.

Methods
Recently, two formulae were proposed to calculate the sample size required, given anticipated features of the development data such as the outcome prevalence and c-statistic, to ensure that the expectation of the CS and MAPE (over repeated samples) in models fitted using MLE will meet prespecified target values. In this article, we use a simulation study to evaluate the performance of these formulae.

Results
We found that both formulae work reasonably well when the anticipated model strength is not too high (c-statistic < 0.8), regardless of the outcome prevalence. However, for higher model strengths the CS formula underestimates the sample size substantially. For example, for c-statistic = 0.85 and 0.9, the sample size needed to be increased by at least 50% and 100%, respectively, to meet the target expected CS. On the other hand, the MAPE formula tends to overestimate the sample size for high model strengths. These conclusions were more pronounced for higher prevalence than for lower prevalence. Similar results were drawn when the outcome was time to event with censoring. Given these findings, we propose a simulation-based approach, implemented in the new R package ‘samplesizedev’, to correctly estimate the sample size even for high model strengths. The software can also calculate the variability in CS and MAPE, thus allowing for assessment of model stability.

Conclusions
The calibration and MAPE formulae suggest sample sizes that are generally appropriate for use when the model strength is not too high. However, they tend to be biased for higher model strengths, which are not uncommon in clinical risk prediction studies. On those occasions, our proposed adjustments to the sample size calculations will be relevant.
Determinants and willingness to practice obstetric analgesia among women attending antenatal clinic at Dr. Bogalech Gebre Memorial General Hospital Central Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Geltore Teketel Ermias , Alemu Getachew , Taye Ayanos , Sileshi Eden , Bekele Merkin , Foto Lakew Lafebo 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Labor pain is uniquely experienced and described by the woman giving birth, and it is often considered one of the most excruciating experiences for many women. This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with the willingness to receive labor analgesia among women attending the antenatal clinic at Dr. Bogalech Gebre Memorial General Hospital Central Ethiopia in 2022.

Methods
An institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2022. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires by a convenience sampling technique. Data was entered in EpiData 4.2 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Both Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to determine factors associated with pregnant women’s willingness to choose labor analgesia. Crude odds ratio (COR) and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) were computed to assess the association between variables.

Results
A total of 398 pregnant women have participated in the study with a response rate of 94%. Nearly 30%, (29.4%) of the pregnant women had a willingness to practice labor pain management. Being a housewife (AOR: 8.35, 95% CI: 2.07, 33.63). Women who live in urban (AOR: 2.60, 95% CI: 1.29, 5.29). Having had awareness about labor analgesia (AOR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.00, 2.60) and the short duration of labor time (AOR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.15, 2.96) were statistically significant with a willingness to practice labor analgesia.

Conclusion
We conclude that the willingness of pregnant mothers’ toward obstetric analgesia practice was low in the study area. Being a housewife, urban residence, awareness about labor analgesia, and short duration of labor were statistically significant with the willingness of the mothers to practice labor analgesia. To increase willingness to use labor analgesia, authorities should prioritize delivering health education on pain management choices to address concerns and promote effective methods and practices.
Influence of cryoablation versus operation on circulating lymphocyte subsets in patients with early-stage renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Waidhauser Johanna , Gantner Anna-Katharina , Schifano Paola , Rippel Katharina , Schiele Stefan , Arndt Tim Tobias , Müller Gernot , Steinestel Julie , Rank Andreas , Kröncke Thomas 
Published: July 2024

AbstractImmune response is known to play an important role in local tumor control especially in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which is considered highly immunogenic. For localized tumors, operative resection or local ablative procedures such as cryoablation are common therapeutical options. For thermal ablative procedures such as cryoablation, additional immunological anti-tumor effects have been described.The purpose of this prospective study was to determine changes in peripheral blood circulating lymphocytes and various of their subsets in RCC patients treated with cryoablation or surgery in a longitudinal approach using extensive flow cytometry. Additionally, lymphocytes of RCC patients were compared to a healthy control group.We included 25 patients with RCC. Eight underwent cryoablation and 17 underwent surgery. Univariate and multivariable analysis revealed significantly lower values of B cells, CD4 and CD8 T cells, and various of their subsets in the treatment groups versus the healthy control group. Comparing the two different therapeutical approaches, a significant decline of various lymphocyte subsets with a consecutive normalization after three months was seen for the surgery group, whereas cryoablation led to increased values of CD69 + CD4 + and CD69 + CD8 + cell counts as well as memory CD8 + cells after three months.Treatment-naïve RCC patients showed lower peripheral blood lymphocyte counts compared to healthy controls. The post-treatment course revealed different developments of lymphocytes in the surgery versus cryoablation group, and only cryoablation seems to induce a sustained immunological response after three months.