bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health professionals’ counselling on the use of infant formula: A scoping review
Authors: Hvatum Ingjerd , Glavin Kari , Irjall Marte , Cand san Anne Marie Eikenæs , Holmberg Fagerlund Bettina 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveMany parents experience lack of support and access to resources on how to prepare, handle, and provide formula milk to their infants. The purpose of this scoping review was to map and describe key information in existing research about how healthcare professionals receive information and how they inform and counsel parents about formula milk.DesignA scoping review fulfilling the PRISMA‐ScR checklist criteria used systematic searches targeting the study objective in the databases Embase, MEDLINE, and CINAHL on February 8th and 9th, 2022.ResultsSix studies with 959 participants in total were included. The research designs were focus group studies with and without combining individual interviews, an individual interview study, a study consisting of individual interviews and ethnographic observations, a survey, and a two‐phase study consisting of a qualitative interview and a quantitative survey. Findings indicate lack of evidence‐based information provided about infant formula by health care professionals when they counsel parents on formula feeding.ConclusionsFew studies focus on how healthcare professionals inform and counsel parents about formula milk. Health authorities should provide more evidence‐based information to make formula feeding more feasible. Due to conflicting and omitted information, mothers often receive poor counselling on formula feeding.
Frequency of avirulence genes and race structure in a Leptosphaeria maculans population in Tunisia
Authors: Maghrebi Essia , Koopmann Birger , Sander Julius , Chaabane Hanene , Bahri Bochra Amina 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBlackleg, caused by Leptosphaeria maculans, is a major oilseed rape disease present in many traditional growing regions worldwide and is also becoming increasingly important in Tunisia. Cultivation of oilseed rape varieties harbouring major blackleg resistance genes (R‐genes) in an integrated approach represents the most effective means of controlling this fungal threat; knowledge of the pathogen population structure is a prerequisite for its efficient use. Leptosphaeria spp. isolates (145) were collected and characterized during 2018–2020 from oilseed rape stubble originating from seven northern Tunisian regions. As in most other growing areas, L. maculans and L. biglobosa occurred together on diseased plants. Most isolates (78.6%, n = 114) were L. maculans. For those, a combination of differential set phenotyping and PCR‐based avirulence gene analyses was used to perform race typing. Overall, 30 races were identified, carrying at least two and up to eight of the 11 avirulence genes tested. The most predominant race (14.9%) carried AvrLm7, AvrLepR1 and AvrLepR2 and was detected each year and in six out of the seven regions sampled, indicating the effectiveness of major R‐genes Rlm7 and LepR1 in Tunisia. Rlm2 was overcome by all Tunisian L. maculans isolates, but most were avirulent on Rlm6 and LepR2 (>50%), suggesting that using these R‐genes would provide protection in Tunisia. Both mating types were identified, with MAT1‐2 being twice as frequent as MAT1‐1. These results endorse the need for regular race surveillance of the local pathogen population at temporal and regional scales to develop appropriate blackleg management strategies.
Inequality in Africa: Does injustice matter?
Authors: Kouladoum Jean‐Claude , Nadingar Serge Monglengar , Ngameni Joseph Pasky , Ndinga Mathias Marie Adrien 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe following study aims to investigate the impact of injustice on income inequality in Africa between 2000 and 2020. Both male and female injustice levels are evaluated using gender‐specific scores to indicate the injustice suffered by both genders. The study utilized the Gini and Palma ratios as proxies for income distribution inequality. After addressing error term‐related problems with the Newey‐West Standard Corrected Error approach, the findings indicate that injustice is a significant contributor to inequality in Africa, especially for females, with little evidence of male injustice. The results are consistent for both middle and low‐income countries that adopted the French civil law and English common law systems to govern their institutions. Additionally, the study found that educational development and basic welfare maintenance contribute to reducing inequality in Africa, which is exacerbated by many barriers to political inclusion. To address the gender bias in income distribution, policymakers in Africa should design policies that provide equal access to justice for both male and female populations. The study also suggests adopting policies that enhance human capital accumulation and political inclusion in‐state activities to create a safe, just, and equal environment.
IMU Data‐Driven and PCA‐Based Approach to Establish Quantifiable and Practically Applicable Measures for V2 Technique Elements in Cross‐Country Skiing
Authors: Debertin Daniel , Haag Luisa , Federolf Peter 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTQuantifying movement coordination in cross‐country (XC) skiing, specifically the technique with its elemental forms, is challenging. Particularly, this applies when trying to establish a bidirectional transfer between scientific theory and practical experts' knowledge as expressed, for example, in ski instruction curricula. The objective of this study was to translate 14 curricula‐informed distinct elements of the V2 ski‐skating technique (horizontal and vertical posture, lateral tilt, head position, upper body rotation, arm swing, shoulder abduction, elbow flexion, hand and leg distance, plantar flexion, ski set‐down, leg push‐off, and gliding phase) into plausible, valid and applicable measures to make the technique training process more quantifiable and scientifically grounded. Inertial measurement unit (IMU) data of 10 highly experienced XC skiers who demonstrated the technique elements by two extreme forms each (e.g., anterior versus posterior positioning for the horizontal posture) were recorded. Element‐specific principal component analyses (PCAs)—driven by the variance produced by the technique extremes—resulted in movement components that express quantifiable measures of the underlying technique elements. Ten measures were found to be sensitive in distinguishing between the inputted extreme variations using statistical parametric mapping (SPM), whereas for four elements the SPM did not detect differences (lateral tilt, plantar flexion, ski set‐down, and leg push‐off). Applicability of the established technique measures was determined based on quantifying individual techniques through them. The study introduces a novel approach to quantitatively assess V2 ski‐skating technique, which might help to enhance technique feedback and bridge the communication gap that often exists between practitioners and scientists.
Trade Policy Review of Turkey
Authors: Altay Serdar 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis paper examines the WTO's 2023 Trade Policy Review (TPR) of Turkey, covering 2016–2022. As Turkey marked its centenary in 2023, the TPR allows for critical reflections on Turkey's global and European economic integration and its evolving economic policies. The review period witnessed key developments: heightened tensions with the European Union (EU), the country's transition into a presidential system, and the impacts of COVID‐19 and the Ukraine war. Turkey continued its state‐led development and proactive industrial policy post‐Global Financial Crisis, aiming to reduce the current account deficit, diversify exports, advance technological sophistication and enhance its position in global value chains (GVCs). Recently Turkey has further aligned its import–export regimes and trade negotiations with these strategic goals, increasing its Most Favoured Nation tariffs and adopting localisation strategies to support key sectors. Turkey navigated the pandemic effectively, bolstering its role in global supply chains, as indicated by its increased trade‐to‐GDP ratio. This underscores its economic resilience and strategic location. However, Turkey's trade policies are increasingly diverging from those of the EU, its main trade and supply chain partner and Customs Union ally. Turkey's new Regional Trade Agreements aim for deeper sectoral integration with partners other than the EU.
Urban arbovirus exposure in blood donations from an endemic area of Brazil
Authors: de Sant'Anna Rhayany Redon , Nunes Priscila Conrado Guerra , dos Santos Flavia Barreto 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesIn Brazil, urban arboviruses, such as dengue virus (DENV), Zika virus (ZIKV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV), constitute a major public health problem, and due to their endemicity and asymptomatic cases, they pose a potential threat to blood donations. Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil, has been impacted by extensive DENV epidemics over the last 30 years and, after 2015, by CHIKV and ZIKV.Materials and MethodsUrban arboviruses DENV, ZIKV and CHIKV were investigated in blood donations (n = 778) at the State Institute of Hematology, HEMORIO (RJ) from 2019 to 2022 by serological and molecular methods.ResultsAn overall arbovirus exposure was observed in 26.1% of the blood donations. Anti‐DENV IgM was detected in 4.0% of samples and two donations were DENV NS1 positive. Positive anti‐CHIKV IgM was observed in 4.7% of the donations. Co‐detection of anti‐CHIKV IgM and anti‐DENV IgM was observed in 1.0% of donors, and CHIKV prevalence was 21.3%. All blood donations tested were negative for the DENV, ZIKV and CHIKV RNA.ConclusionIgM seroprevalence to the arboviruses analyzed here is an indicator of recent infection in asymptomatic donors, showing that the population of blood donors can be a vehicle for new infections, especially during epidemic periods.
Ex vivo biomechanical evaluation of tissue construct strength in an equine colopexy model
Authors: Gaitan Hannah M. , Mudge Margaret C. , Litsky Alan S. , Arruda Andreia G. , Gardner Alison K. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo compare strength of left paramedian colopexies using various techniques in equine ex vivo models.Study designExperimental study.Sample populationEquine cadavers euthanized for nongastrointestinal pathology (36 specimens derived from 9 horses).MethodsColopexies were performed after euthanasia. Suture pattern (horizontal mattress vs. cruciate) and incorporation of dorsal sheath of the rectus abdominis (partial‐thickness) versus incorporation of dorsal and ventral sheath of the rectus abdominis (full‐thickness) were evaluated. Single cycle load to failure, work to peak load, stiffness, and mode of failure of colopexy tissue constructs were assessed.ResultsMean load to failure of all constructs ranged from 102.26 to 166.38 N. Partial‐thickness bites demonstrated a mean load to failure and standard deviation (SD) of 111.91 (35.88) N and 102.26 (30.06) N (p < .05) which was significantly lower than the mean and SD of full‐thickness bites (166.3 [72.42] N and 163.21 [51.40 N]), respectively. All full‐thickness bites regardless of suture pattern and over half of partial‐thickness bites failed at the colonic wall. There was no significant difference in load to failure compared to mode of failure.ConclusionA stronger colopexy was achieved with a full‐thickness bite regardless of the suture pattern. The most common mode of failure was the colon wall.Clinical significanceIncorporating ventral and dorsal fascia of the rectus abdominus provided a stronger colopexy structure, which may necessitate a second incision or subcutaneous palpation of the needle when performing a colopexy. The lateral band of the colon failed in most constructs (77%) regardless of technique, which could weaken the colonic wall and risk colonic rupture.
Contribution of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel to cholinergic contraction of rat bladder smooth muscle
Authors: Sharopov Bizhan R. , Philyppov Igor B. , Yeliashov Semen I. , Sotkis Ganna V. , Danshyna Anastasiia O. , Falyush Oksana A. , Shuba Yaroslav M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTransient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is a calcium‐permeable ion channel that is gated by the pungent constituent of red chili pepper, capsaicin, and by related chemicals from the group of vanilloids, in addition to noxious heat. It is expressed mostly in sensory neurons to act as a detector of painful stimuli produced by pungent chemicals and high temperatures. Although TRPV1 is also found outside the sensory nervous system, its expression and function in the bladder detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) remain controversial. Here, by using Ca2+ imaging and patch clamp on isolated rat DSM cells, in addition to tensiometry on multicellular DSM strips, we show that TRPV1 is expressed functionally in only a fraction of DSM cells, in which it acts as an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐release channel responsible for the capsaicin‐activated [Ca2+]i rise. Carbachol‐stimulated contractions of multicellular DSM strips contain a TRPV1‐dependent component, which is negligible in the circular DSM but reaches ≤50% in the longitudinal DSM. Activation of TRPV1 in rat DSM during muscarinic cholinergic stimulation is ensured by phospholipase A2‐catalysed derivation of arachidonic acid and its conversion by lipoxygenases to eicosanoids, which act as endogenous TRPV1 agonists. Immunofluorescence detection of TRPV1 protein in bladder sections and isolated DSM cells confirmed both its preferential expression in the longitudinal DSM sublayer and its targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum. We conclude that TRPV1 is an essential contributor to the cholinergic contraction of bladder longitudinal DSM, which might be important for producing spatial and/or temporal anisotropy of bladder wall deformation in different regions during parasympathetic stimulation.
imageKey points
The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) heat/capsaicin receptor/channel is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane of detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) cells of the rat bladder, operating as a calcium‐release channel.
Isolated DSM cells are separated into two nearly equal groups, within which the cells either show or do not show TRPV1‐dependent [Ca2+]i rise.
Carbachol‐stimulated, muscarinic ACh receptor‐mediated contractions of multicellular DSM strips contain a TRPV1‐dependent component.
This component is negligible in the circular DSM but reaches ≤50% in longitudinal DSM.
Activation of TRPV1 in rat DSM during cholinergic stimulation involves phospholipase A2‐catalysed derivation of arachidonic acid and its conversion by lipoxygenases to eicosanoids, which act as endogenous TRPV1 agonists.
Amoebae as training grounds for microbial pathogens
Authors: Price Christopher T. D. , Hanford Hannah E. , Al-Quadan Tasneem , Santic Marina , Shin Cheon J. , Da'as Manal S. J. , Abu Kwaik Yousef 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Grazing of amoebae on microorganisms represents one of the oldest predator-prey dynamic relationships in nature. It represents a genetic “melting pot” for an ancient and continuous multi-directional inter- and intra-kingdom horizontal gene transfer between amoebae and its preys, intracellular microbial residents, endosymbionts, and giant viruses, which has shaped the evolution, selection, and adaptation of microbes that evade degradation by predatory amoeba. Unicellular phagocytic amoebae are thought to be the ancient ancestors of macrophages with highly conserved eukaryotic processes. Selection and evolution of microbes within amoeba through their evolution to target highly conserved eukaryotic processes have facilitated the expansion of their host range to mammals, causing various infectious diseases.
Legionella
and environmental
Chlamydia
harbor an immense number of eukaryotic-like proteins that are involved in ubiquitin-related processes or are tandem repeats-containing proteins involved in protein-protein and protein-chromatin interactions. Some of these eukaryotic-like proteins exhibit novel domain architecture and novel enzymatic functions absent in mammalian cells, such as ubiquitin ligases, likely acquired from amoebae. Mammalian cells and amoebae may respond similarly to microbial factors that target highly conserved eukaryotic processes, but mammalian cells may undergo an accidental response to amoeba-adapted microbial factors. We discuss specific examples of microbes that have evolved to evade amoeba predation, including the bacterial pathogens—
Legionella
,
Chlamydia
,
Coxiella, Rickettssia, Francisella, Mycobacteria
,
Salmonella, Bartonella
,
Rhodococcus
,
Pseudomonas, Vibrio
,
Helicobacter
,
Campylobacter
, and
Aliarcobacter
. We also discuss the fungi
Cryptococcus,
and
Asperigillus
, as well as amoebae mimiviruses/giant viruses. We propose that amoeba-microbe interactions will continue to be a major “training ground” for the evolution, selection, adaptation, and emergence of microbial pathogens equipped with unique pathogenic tools to infect mammalian hosts. However, our progress will continue to be highly dependent on additional genomic, biochemical, and cellular data of unicellular eukaryotes.
Metagenome-assembled microvirus and cressdnavirus genomes from fecal samples of house mice (
Mus musculus
)
Authors: Paietta Elise N. , Kraberger Simona , Custer Joy M. , Vargas Karla L. , Ehmke Erin , Yoder Anne D. , Varsani Arvind 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

House mice,
Mus musculus
, are highly adapted to anthropogenic spaces. Fecal samples were collected from house mice entering primate enclosure areas at the Duke Lemur Center (Durham, NC, USA). We identified 14 cressdnavirus and 59 microvirus genomes in these mouse feces.
Complete genome sequences of paired isogenic
Burkholderia pseudomallei
isolated from a Thai pediatric patient with a urinary tract infection
Authors: Chirakul Sunisa , Suchartlikitwong Pintip , Saninjuk Kritsakorn , Faksri Kiatichai , Patarakul Kanitha , Jenjaroenpun Piroon , Wongsurawat Thidathip 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Burkholderia pseudomallei
is the causative agent of melioidosis, the disease endemic in Southeast Asia and northern Australia. We report complete genome sequences of paired isogenic
B. pseudomallei
isolated from a 12-year-old Thai male presenting with acute urinary tract infection before (SCBP001) and after (SCBP007) a decrease in susceptibility to ceftazidime.
Quantitative detection and survival analysis of VBNC
Salmonella
Typhimurium in flour using droplet digital PCR and DNA-intercalating dyes
Authors: Li Liyan , Bae Sungwoo 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

The difficulty in detecting viable but non-culturable (VBNC)
Salmonella
by culture-dependent methods poses a risk to food safety. In our study, we applied a viability test to
Salmonella
following a lethal treatment and to flour samples inoculated with
Salmonella
to evaluate the effectiveness of viability polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Our findings revealed that the combination of both ddPCR and qPCR with those DNA-intercalating dyes could quantify viable cells at low concentrations when the plate counting method failed to detect them post-inactivation. Prolonged UV exposure did not induce cell membrane disruption, as confirmed with PMA-ddPCR, with insignificant differences in gene copies. However, samples exposed to DyeTox13 and DyeTox13 + EMA showed lower gene copy numbers, implying that enzymatic activity was decreased by UV exposure duration. In addition, temperature-dependent survival in flour revealed uniform decay rates and D values (time required for a 1 log reduction) of DNA in untreated samples across various temperatures. By contrast, different decay rates were observed with DNA-intercalating dyes (DyeTox13 and DyeTox13 + EMA), showing faster metabolic activity loss at higher temperatures in flour. The decay rates and D values, determined through plate counting and those DNA-intercalating dyes, indicated the potential presence of VBNC
Salmonella
. A strong correlation between DyeTox13 dyes and the plate counting method suggested DyeTox13 as a rapid alternative for detecting
Salmonella
in flour. The ddPCR with DNA-intercalating dyes could effectively evaluate
Salmonella
viability, facilitating more precise monitoring of VBNC in food.

IMPORTANCE

Salmonella
, a major foodborne pathogen, poses significant risks, particularly to vulnerable groups like infants, older people, and the immunocompromised. Accurate detection is vital for public health and food safety, given its potential to cause severe and life-threatening symptoms. Our study demonstrated digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) with DNA-intercalating dyes for identifying the different physiological statuses of Salmonella. Also, the application of ddPCR with DNA-intercalating dyes offers quantification of viable cells post-disinfection as an alternative method in food. Utilizing ddPCR and DNA-intercalating dyes, we enhanced the detection of VBNC
Salmonella
, a form often undetectable by conventional methods. This innovative approach could significantly improve the precision and efficiency of detection for viable
Salmonella
. By providing deeper insights into its transmission potential, our method is a critical tool in preventing outbreaks and ensuring the safety of food products. This research contributes substantially to global efforts in controlling foodborne illnesses and safeguarding public health.
Patient engagement in a Canadian health research funding institute: implementation and impact
Authors: Richards Dawn P , Twomey Rosie , Flynn Trudy , Hunter Linda , Lui Eunice , Stordy Allan , Thomas Christine , Khan Karim 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundPatient engagement (PE) or involvement in research is when patient partners are integrated onto teams and initiatives (not participants in research). A number of health research funding organisations have PE frameworks or rubrics but we are unaware of them applying and reporting on their own internal PE efforts. We describe our work at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (CIHR IMHA) to implement, evaluate and understand the impact of its internal PE strategy.MethodsA co-production model was used involving patient partners, a PE specialist and staff from IMHA. A logic model was co-developed to guide implementing and evaluating IMHA’s PE strategy. Some of evaluating the PE strategy and understanding its impact was a collaboration between the Public and Patient Engagement Collaborative (McMaster University) and IMHA.ResultsIMHA convened a PE Research Ambassador (PERA) group which co-led this work with the support of a PE specialist. In doing so, PERA had a number of meetings since 2020, set its own priorities and co-produced a number of outputs (video, publications, webinars, blog and modules called the How-to Guide for PE in Research). This work to evaluate and measure impacts of IMHA’s PE strategy revealed positive results, for example, on PERA members, Institute Advisory Board members and staff, as well as beyond the institute based on uptake and use of the modules. Areas for improvement are mainly related to increasing the diversity of PERA and to improving accessibility of the PE outputs (more languages and formats).ConclusionsImplementing a PE strategy within CIHR IMHA resulted in several PE activities and outputs with impacts within and beyond the institute. We provide templates and outputs related to this work that may inform the efforts of other health research funding organisations. We encourage health research funders to move beyond encouraging or requiring PE in funded projects to fully ‘walk the talk’ of PE by implementing and evaluating their own PE strategies.