bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modelling to support decisions about the geographic and demographic extensions of seasonal malaria chemoprevention in Benin
Authors: Lemant Jeanne , Champagne Clara , Houndjo William , Aïssan Julien , Aïkpon Rock , Houetohossou Camille , Kpanou Sakariahou , Goers Roland , Affoukou Cyriaque , Pothin Emilie 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundSeasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) has been implemented yearly in northern Benin since 2019 to reduce the malaria burden in children under 5 years of age. Its geographic scope was progressively extended until in 2022 two different extensions of SMC were considered: either demographic - children aged 5 to 10 in the currently targeted departments would also receive SMC, or geographic to children under 5 in new eligible departments to the south. As SMC had neither been implemented in the areas nor age groups suggested for expansion, modelling was used to compare the likely impact of both extensions.MethodsThe model OpenMalaria was calibrated to represent the history of malaria interventions and transmission risk in Benin. Currently planned future interventions and two scenarios for SMC extensions were simulated to inform where impact would be the highest.ResultsThe model predicted that between 2024 and 2026 the geographic extension of SMC would avert at least four times more severe malaria cases and five times more direct malaria deaths per targeted child than the demographic extension. However, numbers of severe cases averted per targeted child were similar between health zones eligible for geographic extension.ConclusionsThe geographic extension is more impactful and likely more cost-effective than the demographic extension, and will be implemented from 2024. Health zones were prioritised by availability of community health workers to deliver SMC. Mathematical modelling was a supportive tool to understand the relative impact of the different proposed SMC extensions and contributed to the decision-making process. Its integration significantly enhanced the utilisation of data for decision-making purposes. Rather than being used for forecasting, the model provided qualitative guidance that complemented other types of evidence.
The impact of telemedicine on pediatric hospital capacity and resources: A study protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Wagenaar JHL , Taal HR , Reiss IKM , Kleinsmann MS , Fang JL , Hinrichs S 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundTelemedicine has evolved significantly, demonstrating benefits across various medical fields, including pediatrics. Hospital capacity issues and long distances to reach specialty care are common incentives to use telemedicine. However, current telemedicine research focuses primarily on its effect on clinical outcomes (efficacy) and implementation barriers, leaving capacity outcomes and effectiveness of telemedicine underexplored. This systematic review aims to fill this gap by providing an overview of telemedicine’s impact on pediatric hospital capacity.MethodsThe PRISMA guidelines will be followed. A systematic literature search through the Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane and Web of Science databases will be conducted. Empirical and modelling studies that evaluate the impact of telemedicine on capacity outcomes in a pediatric, neonatal or perinatal population and hospital setting will be included. Two independent researchers will perform screening, data extraction and quality assessment with the mixed methods appraisal tool. Data will be synthetized qualitatively. The primary outcome will be the impact of telemedicine on capacity outcome measures (following WHO definitions) according to each telemedicine type.
Causality between Diabetes and MN: Mendelian randomization and meta-analysis
Authors: Su Zhihang , Luo Ziqi , Wu Di , Liu Wen , Li Wangyang , Yin Zheng , Xue Rui , Wu Liling , Cheng Yuan , Wan Qijun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundMembranous nephropathy (MN) has not yet been fully elucidated regarding its relationship with Type I and II Diabetes. This study aims to evaluate the causal effect of multiple types of diabetes and MN by summarizing the evidence from the Mendelian randomization (MR) study.MethodsThe statistical data for MN was obtained from a GWAS study encompassing 7,979 individuals. Regarding diabetes, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and HbA1C data, we accessed the UK-Biobank, within family GWAS consortium, MAGIC, Finnish database, MRC-IEU, and Neale Lab, which provided sample sizes ranging from 17,724 to 298,957. As a primary method in this MR analysis, we employed the Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW), Weighted Median, Weighted mode, MR-Egger, Mendelian randomization pleiotropy residual sum, and outlier (MR-PRESSO) and Leave-one-out sensitivity test. Reverse MR analysis was utilized to investigate whether MN affects Diabetes. Meta-analysis was applied to combine study-specific estimates.ResultsIt has been determined that type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, type 1 diabetes with or without complications, maternal diabetes, and insulin use pose a risk to MN. Based on the genetic prediction, fasting insulin, fasting blood glucose, and HbA1c levels were not associated with the risk of MN. No heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, or reverse causal relationships were found. The meta-analysis results further validated the accuracy.ConclusionsThe MR analysis revealed the association between MN and various subtypes of diabetes. This study has provided a deeper understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms connecting MN and diabetes.
Cooking fuel and symptoms of chronic respiratory disease in ageing adults: Evidence from West Africa and North America
Authors: Dusing Gabriel , Agbe Eyram Adzo , Quansah Reginald , Boateng Godfred O. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe combustion of solid fuels (e.g., wood, coal, and charcoal) for cooking fuel is widespread in low– and middle-income countries. The use of these fuels increases exposure to airborne pollutants which have been shown to increase the risk of disease and premature death, particularly among older individuals. Despite this, most studies examining this association come from India and China. Furthermore, few studies have examined this association among the elderly. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the association between household cooking fuel and chronic respiratory disease.MethodsWe analyzed data from Wave 2 of the World Health Organization’s Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health. Our study sample consists of 7,253 adults aged 50+ from Mexico and Ghana. Logistic regression was conducted to study the association between chronic respiratory disease (measured by whether the participant reported having either (1) a medical diagnosis for chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, or (2) symptoms suggesting chronic lung infection), and the main cooking fuel used by the household.ResultsThe prevalence of chronic respiratory disease was 6.55% and 17.45% for Ghana and Mexico, respectively. 15.96%, and 22.47% of participants lived in households using solid fuels for cooking. Adjusting for covariates, solid fuel use was associated with 1.72 (95%CI: 1.07-2.79; p=0.026) times higher odds of chronic respiratory disease. Regional disparities were found, with individuals in Mexico and Ghana respectively having 1.70 (95%CI:1.01-2.89; p=0.049) and 3.40 (95%CI:1.50-7.72; p=0.004) higher adjusted odds for chronic respiratory disease.ConclusionsOur results confirm the association found between the use of solid fuels and increased chronic respiratory disease risk. These findings demonstrate the salience of improving access to clean cooking fuels and methods, especially for households in the sub-Saharan region, particularly, women. Policy interventions need to capture the unique needs of women to ensure that health outcomes from energy use are well-mitigated.
Evolving Patterns of COVID-19 Mortality in US Counties: A Longitudinal Study of Healthcare, Socioeconomic, and Vaccination Associations
Authors: Ganjkhanloo Fardin , Ahmadi Farzin , Dong Ensheng , Parker Felix , Gardner Lauren , Ghobadi Kimia 
Published: April 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the need for pandemic preparedness strategies to mitigate its impacts, particularly in the United States, which experienced multiple waves with varying policies, population response, and vaccination effects. This study explores the relationships between county-level factors and COVID-19 mortality outcomes in the U.S. from 2020 to 2023, focusing on disparities in healthcare access, vaccination coverage, and socioeconomic characteristics.We conduct multi-variable rolling regression analyses to reveal associations between various factors and COVID-19 mortality outcomes, defined as Case Fatality Rate (CFR) and Overall Mortality to Hospitalization Rate (OMHR), at the U.S. county level. Each analysis examines the association between mortality outcomes and one of the three hierarchical levels of the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), along with other factors such as access to hospital beds, vaccination coverage, and demographic characteristics.Our results reveal persistent and dynamic correlations between various factors and COVID-19 mortality measures. Access to hospital beds and higher vaccination coverage showed persistent protective effects, while higher Social Vulnerability Index was associated with worse outcomes persistently. Socioeconomic status and vulnerable household characteristics within the SVI consistently associated with elevated mortality. Poverty, lower education, unemployment, housing cost burden, single-parent households, and disability population showed significant associations with Case Fatality Rates during different stages of the pandemic. Vulnerable age groups demonstrated varying associations with mortality measures, with worse outcomes predominantly during the Original strain. Rural-Urban Continuum Code exhibited predominantly positive associations with CFR and OMHR, while it starts with a positive OMHR association during the Original strain.This study reveals longitudinal persistent and dynamic factors associated with two mortality rate measures throughout the pandemic, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. The findings emphasize the urgency of implementing targeted policies and interventions to address disparities in the fight against future pandemics and the pursuit of improved public health outcomes.
Deep Lineage: Single-Cell Lineage Tracing and Fate Inference Using Deep Learning
Authors: Sadria Mehrshad , Zhang Allen , Bader Gary D. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRecent advances in single-cell RNA-sequencing and lineage tracing techniques have provided valuable insights into the temporal changes in gene expression during development, tumour progression, and disease onset. However, there are few computational methods available to analyze this information to help understand multicellular dynamics. We introduce Deep Lineage, a novel deep-learning method for analyzing time-series single-cell RNA-sequencing with matched lineage-tracing data. Our method accurately predicts early cell fate biases and gene expression profiles at different time points within a clone, surpassing current state-of-the-art methods in fate prediction accuracy. Additionally, through in silico perturbations in cellular reprogramming and hematopoiesis development data, we show that Deep Lineage can accurately model dynamic multicellular responses while identifying key genes and pathways associated with cell fate determination.
Adaptive loss of tRNA gene expression leads to phage resistance in a marineSynechococcuscyanobacterium
Authors: Zborowsky Sophia , Tahan Ran , Lindell Debbie 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSynechococcusis a significant primary producer in the oceans, coexisting with cyanophages which are important agents of mortality. Bacterial resistance against phage infection is a topic of significant interest, yet little is known for ecologically relevant systems. Here we use exogenous gene expression and gene disruption to investigate mechanisms underlying intracellular resistance of marineSynechococcus WH5701 to the Syn9 cyanophage. Despite possessing restriction-modification and Gabija defense systems, neither contributed to resistance. Instead, resistance was primarily driven by insufficient levels of LeuTAAtRNA, preventing translation of key phage genes in a passive, intracellular mode of resistance. Restoring cellular tRNA expression rendered the cyanobacterium sensitive to infection. We propose an evolutionary scenario whereby changes in cell codon usage, acquisition of tRNAs by the phage and loss of cell and phage tRNA expression resulted in an effective means of resistance, highlighting the dynamic interplay between bacteria and phages in shaping their co-evolutionary trajectories.
ATM and 53BP1 regulate alternative end joining-mediated V(D)J recombination
Authors: Wang Jinglong , Sadeghi Cheyenne A. , Le Long V. , Le Bouteiller Marie , Frock Richard L. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractG0/G1-phase alternative end joining (A-EJ) is a recently defined mutagenic pathway characterized by resected deletion and translocation joints that are predominantly direct and are distinguished from A-EJ in cycling cells which rely much more on microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ). Using chemical and genetic approaches, we systematically evaluate potential A-EJ factors and DNA damage response (DDR) genes to support this mechanism by mapping the repair fates of RAG1/2-initiated DSBs in the context of Igκ locus V-J recombination and chromosome translocation. Our findings highlight a polymerase theta-independent Parp1-XRCC1/Lig3 axis as central A-EJ components, supported by 53BP1 in the context of an ATM-activated DDR. Mechanistically, we demonstrate varied changes in short-range resection, MMEJ, and translocation, imposed by compromising specific DDR activities, which include polymerase alpha, ATR, DNA2, and Mre11. This study advances our understanding of DNA damage repair within the 53BP1 regulatory domain and the RAG1/2 post-cleavage complex.
T2R14 mediated antimicrobial responses through interactions with CFTR
Authors: Gupte Tejas , Singh Nisha , Bhatia Vikram , Arora Kavisha , Amiri Shayan , Fernhyhough Paul , Naren Anjaparavanda P , Dakshinamurti Shyamala , Chelikani Prashen 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTBitter taste receptors (T2Rs), are a subset of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that play a key role in responding to microbial presence at epithelial surfaces. In epithelia, the activities of ion channels and transporters, and of T2Rs, mutually affect each other. The normal function of one such anion channel, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), is essential for the maintenance of healthy epithelia, not just in the respiratory but in the digestive and reproductive system as well. Based on evidence that T2R14 activity is affected upon mutations inCFTR, we explored the possibility that T2R14 and CFTR directly interact in cell membranes. The biophysical interaction between these proteins was mapped to specific regions of the CFTR, and was dependent on agonist stimulation of T2R14. Further, T2R14 was found to couple to Gαq, in addition to the canonical Gαi, in response to bacterial and fungal quorum sensing molecules. Whether the interaction with CFTR affects T2R14 driven responses to microbial signals is under investigation.
Notch dimerization contributes to maintenance of intestinal homeostasis by a mechanism involving HDAC2
Authors: Dai Quanhui , Preusse Kristina , Yu Danni , Kovall Rhett A. , Thorner Konrad , Lin Xinhua , Kopan Raphael 
Published: April 2024

AbstractA tri-protein complex containing NICD, RBPj and MAML1 binds DNA as monomer or, cooperatively, as dimers to regulate transcription. Mice expressing Notchdimerization-deficient (DD) alleles ofNotch1 andNotch2 (NDD) are sensitized to environmental insults but otherwise develop and age normally. Transcriptomic analysis of colonic spheroids uncovered no evidence of dimer-dependent target gene miss-regulation, confirmed impaired stem cell maintenance in-vitro, and discovered an elevated signature of epithelial innate immune response to symbionts, the likely underlying cause for heightened sensitivity in NDD mice. TurboID followed by quantitative nano-spray MS/MS mass-spectrometry analyses in a human colon carcinoma cell line expressing either NOTCH2DDor NOTCH2 revealed an unbalanced interactome, with reduced interaction of NOTCH2DDwith the transcription machinery but relatively preserved interaction with the HDAC2 interactome suggesting modulation via cooperativity. To ask if HDAC2 activity contributes to Notch loss-of-function phenotypes, we used the HDAC2 inhibitor Valproic acid (VPA) and discovered it could prevent the intestinal consequences of gamma secretase inhibitor (DBZ or DAPT) treatment in mice and spheroids, suggesting synergy between HDAC activity and pro-differentiation program in intestinal stem cells.
Preparation, anticorrosion and antifouling behavior of halloysite-loaded nanocomposite with CAP and BTA
Authors: Diao Yaqi , Wang Jihui , Song Renhong , Fei Xue , Xue Zhichang , Hu Wenbin 
Published: April 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to prepare a multifunctional nanocomposite that is slow-release and resistant to seawater corrosion and biofouling corrosion and to explore the synergistic effect between the two corrosion inhibitors.

Design/methodology/approach
The morphology, structure and release properties of CAP@HNTs, BTA@HNTs and CAP/BTA@HNTs were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, specific surface area analysis and UV spectrophotometry. The corrosion resistance and antimicrobial properties were investigated by electrochemical measurements and bioinhibition rate tests, and the synergistic effect between the two corrosion inhibitors was explored by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

Findings
The CAP/BTA@HNTs are responsive to acidic environments and have significantly improved antibacterial and corrosion resistance compared with CAP@HNTs and BTA@HNTs. CAP and BTA have a positive synergistic effect on anticorrosion and antifouling.

Originality/value
Two types of inhibitors, anticorrosion and antifouling, were loaded into the same nanocontainer to prepare a slow-releasable and multifunctional nanocomposite with higher resistance to seawater corrosion and biocorrosion and to explore the synergistic effect of CAP and BTA on corrosion resistance.
Directors with supply chain experience as heterogeneous network pipes: how does it affect M&A efficiency
Authors: Pei Xudong , Song Juan 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThe link between interlocking directors and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) efficiency has been analyzed in an information asymmetry environment. Despite an abundance of evidence highlighting that interlocking directors do contribute to M&A efficiency in an acquirer-target binary relationship, the target is embedded in a complex network of supplier-customer relationships, which implies that the acquirer needs to consider the value of suppliers, distributors and retailers in the target’s supply chain in improving M&A efficiency. Through the lenses of acquirer-target multivariate relationships, this paper aims to examine how directors with supply chain experience (DSCs) act as heterogeneous network pipes to affect M&A efficiency.Design/methodology/approachUsing a sample of 311 A-share listed firms on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges in China during 2011–2020, this paper investigates the relationship between DSCs and M&A efficiency by using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression.FindingsThrough empirical research, we verify a negative relationship between DSCs and M&A duration and an inverted U-shaped relationship between both DSCs and M&A performance, revealing the complexity of the relationship between experience and efficiency. Furthermore, drawing on upper echelon theory, the information value of DSCs will be greatly reduced when executives have overconfident psychological characteristics, which are mainly shown to negatively moderate the relationship between DSCs and M&A performance. We also conduct multiple robustness tests and supplemental analyses to illustrate the robustness and boundaries of our findings. Finally, DSCs are likely more important in environments among growth and mature firms as well as high-growth industries.Originality/valueWe break through the assumption that interlocking directors contribute to M&A efficiency in an acquirer-target binary relationship and examine the impact of DSCs on M&A efficiency based on micro-empirical evidence from the value of target-related upstream or downstream industries, which extends the connotation of interlocking directors and enriches the study related to factors influencing M&A efficiency.
Benchmarking nutrition facts panel label – a consumer ethics perspective using health belief model
Authors: Priya K.M. , Alur Sivakumar 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThis study examines how health-conscious consumers utilize nutrition facts panel labels when purchasing food products, focusing specifically on the dimension of ethical evaluation. It aims to understand how ethical considerations influence the decision-making process of consumers who prioritize health. By analyzing the impact of ethical evaluation on label usage, the study sheds light on the significance of ethics in consumer behavior in the context of purchasing packaged edible oil.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical data were collected using an online survey and a non-ordered questionnaire. In total, 469 valid responses were obtained. The study used SPSS version 27.0 and SmartPLS version 3 for demographic analysis and structural equation modeling.FindingsThe findings suggest that three factors – perceived benefits, perceived threats, and nutrition self-efficacy, positively impact the use of NFP labels. However, perceived barriers negatively influence the use of NFP labels. In additionally, ethical evaluation mediates the usage of NFP labels.Practical implicationsIn the health belief model, ethical evaluation functions as a mediator and has a greater influence on NFP label use. This study provides a framework for marketers to promote consumer health consciousness by encouraging them to incorporate NFP labels.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first attempts to demonstrate that ethical evaluation mediate health beliefs and the use of nutrition labels.
Nurturing doctoral excellence: effective strategies for research support services in public university libraries of Kenya
Authors: Sawe Emily , Mwai Naomi , Oyieke Lilian 
Published: April 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine approaches used by university libraries to enhance the visibility and utilization of research support services (RSSs) among doctoral students and to assess the competencies of library staff in delivering research support services.

Design/methodology/approach
This study used qualitative design approach, purposively sampled 40 librarians (8 university librarians and 32 librarians) in charge of RSSs and use of structured interview.

Findings
The findings of this study revealed three major themes: offline and online strategies, the need for upskilling and professional development programs and proactive empowerment.

Research limitations/implications
This study focused on research support services in chartered public universities in Kenya; private universities were not included.

Practical implications
The need to enhance library staff's ongoing professional development programs, increasing funding to university libraries and proactivity by the libraries to improve the provision and promotion of RSSs to doctoral students in Kenya.

Originality/value
There are limited existing literature in the Kenyan context. This study will fill a knowledge gap and contribute to the literature on academic libraries support and doctoral students experience in Kenyan context.