bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular analyses of the Kalotermes dispar-complex (Blattodea: Kalotermitidae) from the Canary Islands reveal cryptic intraspecific divergence and a connection to a lone Nearctic congener
Authors: Hernández-Teixidor David , Cussigh Alex , Suárez Daniel , García Javier , Scheffrahn Rudolf H , Luchetti Andrea 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The Canary Islands is a Macaronesian volcanic archipelago with a depauperate community of three species of Kalotermitidae, including Kalotermes dispar. A total of 54 Kalotermes colonies were collected from Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma, and El Hierro islands. Soldiers and imagos were morphologically examined and sequenced for four mitochondrial markers. Although morphological differences could not be detected, phylogenetic analysis of both cox1/tRNA/cox2 and rrnL markers revealed two distinct clades of K. dispar, suggesting cryptic diversity. The diversification within the Canary Kalotermes lineage most likely occurred around 7.5 Mya, while the divergence within the two clades was reconstructed at about 3.6 Mya and 1.9 Mya. Kalotermes approximatus from the southeastern Nearctic constitutes a sister to the Canary Kalotermes, while the Palearctic K. flavicollis, K. italicus, and K. phoenicae form a separate clade. It is hypothesized that a faunal exchange of Kalotermes from the Nearctic to the Canary Islands occurred via transoceanic rafting during the mid-Miocene.
Optimizing hybrid ensemble feature selection strategies for transcriptomic biomarker discovery in complex diseases
Authors: Claude Elsa , Leclercq Mickaël , Thébault Patricia , Droit Arnaud , Uricaru Raluca 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Biomedical research takes advantage of omic data, such as transcriptomics, to unravel the complexity of diseases. A conventional strategy identifies transcriptomic biomarkers characterized by expression patterns associated with a phenotype by relying on feature selection approaches. Hybrid ensemble feature selection (HEFS) has become increasingly popular as it ensures robustness of the selected features by performing data and functional perturbations. However, it remains difficult to make the best suited choices at each step when designing such approaches. We conducted an extensive analysis of four possible HEFS scenarios for the identification of Stage IV colorectal, Stage I kidney and lung and Stage III endometrial cancer biomarkers from transcriptomic data. These scenarios investigate the use of two types of feature reduction by filters (differentially expressed genes and variance) conjointly with two types of resampling strategies (repeated holdout by distribution-balanced stratified and random stratified) for downstream feature selection through an aggregation of thousands of wrapped machine learning models. Based on our results, we emphasize the advantages of using HEFS approaches to identify complex disease biomarkers, given their ability to produce generalizable and stable results to both data and functional perturbations. Finally, we highlight critical issues that need to be considered in the design of such strategies.
In vivo mouse models for adult brain tumors: Exploring tumorigenesis and advancing immunotherapy development
Authors: Figg John , Chen Dongjiang , Falceto Font Laura , Flores Catherine , Jin Dan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Brain tumors, particularly glioblastoma (GBM), are devastating and challenging to treat, with a low 5-year survival rate of only 6.6%. Mouse models are established to understand tumorigenesis and develop new therapeutic strategies. Large-scale genomic studies have facilitated the identification of genetic alterations driving human brain tumor development and progression. Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) with clinically relevant genetic alterations are widely used to investigate tumor origin. Additionally, syngeneic implantation models, utilizing cell lines derived from GEMMs or other sources, are popular for their consistent and relatively short latency period, addressing various brain cancer research questions. In recent years, the success of immunotherapy in specific cancer types has led to a surge in cancer immunology-related research which specifically necessitates the utilization of immunocompetent mouse models. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of GEMMs and syngeneic mouse models for adult brain tumors, emphasizing key features such as model origin, genetic alteration background, oncogenic mechanisms, and immune-related characteristics. Our review serves as a valuable resource for the brain tumor research community, aiding in the selection of appropriate models to study cancer immunology.
Neuro-oncology access in Sub-Saharan Africa: A literature review of challenges and opportunities
Authors: Yevudza W Elorm , Buckman Vincent , Darko Kwadwo , Banson Mabel , Totimeh Teddy 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundEnsuring equitable access to treatments and therapies in the constantly evolving field of neuro-oncology is an imperative global health issue. With its unique demographic, cultural, socioeconomic, and infrastructure characteristics, Sub-Saharan Africa faces distinct challenges. This literature review highlights specific barriers to neuro-oncology care in the region and explores potential opportunities for enhancing access.MethodsPredetermined keyword searches were employed to screen titles and abstracts using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework. Inclusion criteria were studies published between January 1, 2003, and June 20, 2023, specifically addressing the capacity and challenges of neuro-oncology in the Sub-Saharan African region. The data sources queried were PubMed and Google Scholar. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were deliberately excluded. All authors conducted independent screening and structured data extraction meticulously.ResultsOur paper identified multiple challenges that impede access to quality treatment for brain tumors. These include constrained resources, insufficient training of healthcare professionals, certain cultural beliefs, and a general lack of awareness about brain tumors, all contributing to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, the lack of detailed data on the incidence and prevalence of primary central nervous system tumors impairs the accurate assessment of disease burden and precise identification of areas requiring improvement. However, we discovered that ongoing research, advocacy, enhanced training, mentorship, and collaborative efforts present valuable opportunities for substantial progress in neuro-oncology access.ConclusionsWhile we provide a glimpse of the current state, we hope these results will help stimulate dialogue and catalyze initiatives to surmount highlighted obstacles and improve neuro-oncology outcomes across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Recognition of Online E-cigarette Marketing and E-cigarette-Related Attitudes and Behaviors Among Young Adults
Authors: Donaldson Scott I , Beard Trista A , Chen-Sankey Julia C , Ganz Ollie , Wackowski Olivia A , Allem Jon-Patrick 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Past research examining the relationship between exposure to online e-cigarette marketing and e-cigarette-related attitudes and behaviors has relied on unaided recall measures that may suffer from self-report bias. To date, few studies have presented participants with e-cigarette marketing stimuli and assessed recognition. This study examined the associations between recognition of online e-cigarette marketing stimuli and e-cigarette-related attitudes and behaviors among young adults in California.

Aims and Methods
A non-probability representative sample of young adults (ages 18–24; N = 1500) living in California completed an online survey assessing their recognition of online e-cigarette marketing stimuli, including image-based (ie, Instagram and email) and audiovisual (ie, YouTube and TikTok) promotions, and positive e-cigarette-related attitudes (eg, appeal of e-cigarettes) and behaviors (eg, e-cigarette use). Adjusted and weighted logistic regression analyses were used.

Results
A total of 79.0% (n = 1185) of young adults, including 78.1% (n = 310/397) of participants under 21 years old, recognized online e-cigarette marketing. Participants who reported recognition of stimuli, compared with those who did not, had greater odds of reporting appeal of e-cigarettes (AOR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.65 to 3.09) and e-cigarette purchase intentions (AOR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.13 to 2.43) among all participants, and susceptibility to use e-cigarettes among never users (AOR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.59 to 3.29).

Conclusions
Young adults in California recognized audiovisual and image-based online e-cigarette marketing. Such recognition may lead to positive e-cigarette-related attitudes and behavioral intentions, especially among never users. Future research should examine the causal relationships between the associations found in this study. Findings may inform the development and evaluation of psychometrically valid measures of online e-cigarette marketing exposures.

Implications
Recognition of online e-cigarette marketing stimuli was associated with greater odds of reporting the appeal and benefits of e-cigarettes, purchase intentions, and lifetime e-cigarette use among all participants, and susceptibility to use e-cigarettes among never users. These findings may motivate the development and evaluation of psychometrically valid measures of online e-cigarette marketing exposures.
Association Between Coronary Artery Disease and Herpes Zoster: A Cohort Study in Taiwan
Authors: Lai Shih-Wei , Kuo Yu-Hung , Liao Kuan-Fu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Coronary artery disease (CAD) and herpes zoster represent significant health burdens, and their potential interrelationships remain understudied. This cohort study aimed to address the existing knowledge gap by systematically exploring whether people with CAD are at increased risk for developing herpes zoster.

Methods
Using the 2006–2015 claims data of the National Health Insurance Program in Taiwan, we identified participants aged ≥20 years with a new diagnosis of CAD as the CAD group. We selected sex- and age-matched participants without CAD as the non-CAD group. The incidence rate of herpes zoster at the end of follow-up was calculated. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to measure the hazard ratio and 95% CI for herpes zoster associated with covariables.

Results
The overall incidence rate of herpes zoster was 1.14-fold greater in the CAD group as compared with the non-CAD group (6.52 vs 5.74 per 1000 person-years; 95% CI, 1.08–1.20). After controlling for covariables, the adjusted hazard ratio of herpes zoster was 1.21 (95% CI, 1.14–1.27) for the CAD group as compared with the non-CAD group.

Conclusions
This cohort study provides valuable insights into the potential association between CAD and the risk of developing herpes zoster. The findings may have implications for preventive strategies of herpes zoster in people with CAD. Further research and collaboration with diverse groups will be critical to validate and extend our findings.
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Postinfusion Fever: Infection Profile, Clinical Parameters, and Biomarkers Trends to Assist Antibiotic Stewardship
Authors: Peyrony Olivier , Garcia-Pouton Nicole , Chumbita Mariana , Teijon-Lumbreras Christian , Aiello Tommaso Francesco , Monzó-Gallo Patricia , Gallardo-Pizarro Antonio , Ortiz-Maldonado Valentín , Martinez-Cibrian Núria , Delgado Julio , Fernandez de Larrea Carlos , Mensa Josep , Puerta-Alcalde Pedro , Soriano Alex , Garcia-Vidal Carolina 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
This study aimed to describe documented infections associated with postinfusion fever after CAR T-cell therapy and to evaluate daily changes in vital signs, laboratory results, and the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) in patients with and without confirmed bacterial infections following fever onset, with the objective of assisting in antibiotic stewardship.

Methods
This was a retrospective, observational study including all consecutive adult patients who received CAR T-cell therapy. Documented infection in the first fever episode after infusion, and clinical and analytic trend comparison of patients with bacterial documented infections and those without documented infections, are described.

Results
Among 152 patients treated with CAR T-cell therapy, 87 (57.2%) had fever within 30 days of infusion, with a median time from infusion to fever of 3 (interquartile range, 2–5) days. Of these 87 patients, 82 (94.3%) received broad-spectrum antibiotics. Infection was documented in 9 (10.3%) patients and only 4 (4.6%) had bacterial infections. Clinical signs and biomarkers were similar in patients with bacterial documented infection and in those without documented infection at fever onset. Fever, tachycardia, and high C-reactive protein levels remained high during the first 3 days after CAR T-cell infusion, even when no infection was documented.

Conclusions
Fever is a common symptom following CAR T-cell infusion and is largely treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. However, confirmed bacterial documented infections after the first fever post–CAR T-cell infusion are very unusual. Because clinical parameters and biomarkers are not useful for identifying infectious fever, other methods should be assessed to ensure the proper use of antibiotics.
Disparities in Physical Therapy Outcomes Based on Race and Ethnicity: A Scoping Review
Authors: Patel Rupal M , Prusynski Rachel A , Williams-York Bernadette , Matthews Ndidiamaka D , VanHoose Lisa 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective
This scoping review synthesizes and summarizes the evidence on racial and ethnic disparities in outcomes after physical therapist treatment.

Methods
Four databases from 2001 through 2021 were searched for articles reporting physical therapy outcomes across racial and ethnic groups. The Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework was adapted for this scoping review. Two reviewers screened the abstracts, and 5 reviewers screened full texts for inclusion. Five reviewers extracted information including study design, diagnoses, setting, outcomes reported, the domains the outcomes measured, and racial and ethnic groups included. To identify disparities, summarized differences in outcomes (better, worse, no difference) for each racial and ethnic group compared to White patients were calculated.

Results
Of 1511 abstracts screened, 65 met inclusion criteria, 57 of which were observational designs. All 65 articles included non-Hispanic White patients as the reference group. A majority of the physical therapy outcomes reported by race were for Black patients and/or Hispanic or Latino patients, whereas outcomes for Asian, American Indian, Alaskan Native, and/or Native Hawaiians or Pacific Islander patients were reported infrequently. Most articles reported disparities in health outcomes for patients in the inpatient rehabilitation setting (n = 48) and for adults (n = 59) with neurologic diagnoses (n = 36). Compared to White patients, worse outcomes were reported more frequently for all marginalized racial and ethnic groups after physical therapy, with the exception of marginalized groups having the same or better outcomes for successful post-rehabilitation community discharge.

Conclusion
Gaps remain in understanding outcome disparities beyond older adult and neurologic populations as well as for musculoskeletal diagnoses frequently treated by physical therapists.

Impact
The presence of racial and ethnic disparities in physical therapy outcomes should motivate physical therapists to understand the mechanisms underlying disparities and focus on social and structural drivers of health inequity in their clinical decision-making.
Schizophrenia-Like Deficits and Impaired Glutamate/Gamma-aminobutyric acid Homeostasis in Zfp804a Conditional Knockout Mice
Authors: Zhang Qiao-xia , Wu Shan-shan , Wang Peng-jie , Zhang Rui , Valenzuela Robert K , Shang Shan-shan , Wan Ting , Ma Jie 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background and Hypothesis
Zinc finger protein 804A (ZNF804A) was the first genome-wide associated susceptibility gene for schizophrenia (SCZ) and played an essential role in the pathophysiology of SCZ by influencing neurodevelopment regulation, neurite outgrowth, synaptic plasticity, and RNA translational control; however, the exact molecular mechanism remains unclear.

Study Design
A nervous-system-specific Zfp804a (ZNF804A murine gene) conditional knockout (cKO) mouse model was generated using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat/Cas9 technology and the Cre/loxP method.

Results
Multiple and complex SCZ-like behaviors, such as anxiety, depression, and impaired cognition, were observed in Zfp804a cKO mice. Molecular biological methods and targeted metabolomics assay validated that Zfp804a cKO mice displayed altered SATB2 (a cortical superficial neuron marker) expression in the cortex; aberrant NeuN, cleaved caspase 3, and DLG4 (markers of mature neurons, apoptosis, and postsynapse, respectively) expressions in the hippocampus and a loss of glutamate (Glu)/γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) homeostasis with abnormal GAD67 (Gad1) expression in the hippocampus. Clozapine partly ameliorated some SCZ-like behaviors, reversed the disequilibrium of the Glu/GABA ratio, and recovered the expression of GAD67 in cKO mice.

Conclusions
Zfp804a cKO mice reproducing SCZ-like pathological and behavioral phenotypes were successfully developed. A novel mechanism was determined in which Zfp804a caused Glu/GABA imbalance and reduced GAD67 expression, which was partly recovered by clozapine treatment. These findings underscore the role of altered gene expression in understanding the pathogenesis of SCZ and provide a reliable SCZ model for future therapeutic interventions and biomarker discovery.
Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric validation of the Female Sexual Function Index-6 (FSFI-6) Bangla version
Authors: Johra Refat Uz , Ahsan Mohammad Shamsul , Sarkar Ahsan Aziz 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
The 6-item Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-6) is the shortened version of the widely used 19-item FSFI-19, designed for efficient screening of female sexual dysfunction in outpatient settings. However, this shorter FSFI-6 tool has not yet been validated for use in Bangladesh.

Aim
The purpose of this study was to culturally adapt and validate the FSFI-6 in Bangla.

Methods
The FSFI-6 was translated into Bangla using standard adaptation protocols. We interviewed 100 married, sexually active women aged 18 years and over from the outpatient and psychiatric sex clinic of a psychiatry department. Of these women, 50 were clinically diagnosed with sexual disorders based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, criteria. After obtaining written informed consent, participants completed a semi-structured questionnaire to provide sociodemographic information and the Bangla-adapted version of the FSFI-6. We assessed reliability and construct validity using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 25, along with Classical and Bayesian Instrument Development software.

Outcome
Study outcomes were internal consistency, factor structure, and sensitivity and specificity.

Results
The study involved 100 participants with a mean ± SD age of 30 ± 5.4 years, ranging from 18 to 48 years. The majority of respondents (54.34%) reported issues related to sexual desire. The overall mean score on the Bangla-adapted FSFI-6 was 18.4 ± 5.4. Reliability analysis showed a high internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.887 indicating robust reliability. Both inter-item correlations and item-total correlations were within the acceptable range. A cutoff value of 19 for the FSFI-6 demonstrated high discriminative power, effectively distinguishing between individuals with sexual disorders and those without sexual disorders or with other psychiatric conditions. The sensitivity at this cutoff was 96%, with a specificity of 100%.

Clinical Implications
The FSFI-6 Bangla version can be used to screen patients for female sexual dysfunction in an outpatient setting.

Strengths and Limitations
The internal consistency of this study, indicated by a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.887, was robust. The instrument is time efficient, user friendly, and well suited for outpatient settings. However, the sampling technique utilized was nonrandomized, confined to a single institution, and did not incorporate assessments for concurrent validity or test–retest reliability.

Conclusion
The FSFI-6 Bangla version showed good reliability and validity in this study, supporting its usability as a valuable tool for screening sexual dysfunction in female.
Deletion of Dux ameliorates muscular dystrophy in mdx mice by attenuating oxidative stress via Nrf2
Authors: Sun Siyuan , Zhai Wen , Zhang Ruixue , Cai Na 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDUX4 has been widely reported in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, but its role in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is unclear. Dux is the mouse paralog of DUX4. In Dux−/− mdx mice, forelimb grip strength test and treadmill test were performed, and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) contraction properties were measured to assess skeletal muscle function. Pathological changes in mice were determined by serum CK and LDH levels and muscle Masson staining. Inflammatory factors, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial function indicators were detected using kits. Primary muscle satellite cells were isolated, and the antioxidant molecule Nrf2 was detected. MTT assay and Edu assay were used to evaluate proliferation and TUNEL assay for cell death. The results show that the deletion of Dux enhanced forelimb grip strength and EDL contractility, prolonged running time and distance in mdx mice. Deleting Dux also attenuated muscle fibrosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction in mdx mice. Furthermore, Dux deficiency promoted proliferation and survival of muscle satellite cells by increasing Nrf2 levels in mdx mice.