bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tp40: a new potential prognostic and diagnostic marker for syphilis
Authors: Yao Jiangchen , Xie Bibo , Ding Xuan , Yu Han , Lin Ting , Duan Junxia , Zhang Xiaohong , Ling Peng , Zhao Feijun 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

The characterization of
Treponema pallidum
proteins is of great significance for the study of the prevention, diagnosis, and pathogenesis of syphilis. The structures and functions of many
T. pallidum
proteins, including the Tp40 (Tp0134) protein, remain unknown. To explore the expression pattern of the Tp40 protein within
T. pallidum
, we established an animal model of syphilis infection to compare the variations in serum Tp40 antibody levels between Live and Inactivated Tp groups. The results indicated that the absorbance of Tp40-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) did not increase in the Inactivated group and the Untreated group, but it increased in the Live Tp infection group, suggesting that the Tp40 protein is an
in vivo
-induced antigen that is only actively expressed during infection. In addition, the localization of the Tp40 protein was determined by the gel microdrop method. We found that Tp40 may be a transmembrane protein with a signaling peptide present in the intima periplasm of
T. pallidum
. Finally, 468 patients’ sera were collected for diagnostic value evaluation. Tp40-ELISA, LZ-ELISA, and Shanghai Kehua rapid plasma reagin (RPR) reagent kit showed a high degree of consistency in 468 serum samples. This suggests that Tp40 could be a valuable diagnostic antigen. The results of this study provide a new reference for the study of the pathogenesis, protein function, and diagnosis of syphilis.

IMPORTANCE

In recent years, syphilis, as a chronic infectious disease, has once again attracted much attention.
Treponema pallidum
exhibits remarkable infectivity, concealment, and aggressiveness, posing considerable challenges to its prevention and control. The underlying pathogenic mechanisms remain elusive, and during the infection process, the roles of numerous proteins are still unclear. Through protein characterization in this study, it was found that the Tp40 protein is highly likely to be a transmembrane protein with a signal peptide and may be located in the periplasm. Besides, based on experiments with animal models and the detection of human serum samples, we believe that the Tp40 protein is a potential
in vivo
-induced antigen of
T. pallidum
that can be used for serological diagnosis of syphilis. This study conducted a preliminary exploration of the Tp40 protein and provided a meaningful reference for further exploration of the functional mechanism of the Tp40 protein and its significance in clinical diagnosis.
VEGA: An Active-tuning Learned Index with Group-Wise Learning Granularity
Authors: Li Meng , Chai Huayi , Luo Siqiang , Dai Haipeng , Gu Rong , Zheng Jiaqi , Chen Guihai 
Published: February 2025

Learned indexes, which model key-value data structures by machine learning models, have been extensively studied. However, the fastest immutable learned indexes (e.g., RMI) do not provide the same tight lookup bounds as classical indexes such as B-trees. There are learned indexes that provide tight bounds (e.g., PGM) but those fall short in query performance. This gives rise to an interesting open question: whether there exists a learned index that simultaneously achieves state-of-the-art empirical performance and matching complexity?
In this paper, we give a positive answer to this standing problem.We propose two new online model-building policies: (1) simplifying distribution by the adoption of a proper granularity (i.e., grouping multiple keys together for model-building) and (2) actively tuning distribution through key repositioning. Additionally, we introduce a general framework that combines these two policies for performance optimization under a given memory budget. We put everything together to design VEGA, a learned index that simultaneously achieves competitive theoretical and empirical performance compared to state-of-the-art learned indexes. We conducted extensive evaluations, demonstrating VEGA achieves both better lookup and building performance.
Monitoring Germany's Core Energy System Dataset: A Data Quality Analysis of the Marktstammdatenregister
Authors: Kotthoff Florian , Muschner Christoph , Tepe Deniz , Vogt Esther , Hülk Ludwig 
Published: February 2025

The energy system in Germany consists of a large number of distributed facilities, including millions of PV plants, wind turbines, and biomass plants. To understand and manage this system efficiently, accurate and reliable information about all facilities is essential. In Germany, the Marktstammdatenregister (MaStR) serves as a central registry for units of the energy system. The reliability of this data is critical for the registry's usefulness, but few validation studies have been published.
In this work we provide a review of existing literature that relies on data from the MaStR and thereby show the registry's importance. We then build a data and testing pipeline for relevant data of the registry, with a focus on the two aspects of facility's location and size. All test results are published online in a reproducible workflow. Hence, this work contributes to a reliable data foundation for the German energy system and starts an open validation process of the Marktstammdatenregister from an academic perspective.
Unraveling Mechanisms of Genetic Risks in Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Diseases: A Pathway to Precision Medicine
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Chang Kyong-Mi , Yu Jun , Loomba Rohit 
Published: February 2025

Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a growing global health problem, affecting ∼1 billion people. This condition is well established to have a heritable component with strong familial clustering. With the extraordinary breakthroughs in genetic research techniques coupled with their application to large-scale biobanks, the field of genetics in MASLD has expanded rapidly. In this review, we summarize evidence regarding genetic predisposition to MASLD drawn from family and twin studies. Significantly, we delve into detailed genetic variations associated with diverse pathogenic mechanisms driving MASLD. We highlight the interplay between these genetic variants and their connections with metabolic factors, the gut microbiome, and metabolites, which collectively influence MASLD progression. These discoveries are paving the way for precise medicine, including noninvasive diagnostics and therapies. The promising landscape of novel genetically informed drug targets such as RNA interference is explored. Many of these therapies are currently under clinical validation, raising hopes for more effective MASLD treatment.
Investigating Barriers and Facilitators to Engagement With the National Breast Screening Programme Among Women in Malta: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fenech Brian , Gaffiero Daniel 
Published: February 2025

Objective: This systematic review aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators affecting engagement with Malta’s National Breast Screening Programme (NBSP) among women aged 50–69, focusing on studies published over the past decade.Methods: A comprehensive search of PsycINFO, PsychArticles, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar was conducted in June 2024, resulting in 48 records. Five full‐text papers met the inclusion criteria, comprising English‐language studies with quantitative, qualitative or mixed‐method designs that examined breast screening engagement in Malta. Independent risk of bias and quality assessments were conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for cross‐sectional studies.Results: The review analysed data from 911 women, with a mean age range of 54.6–58.0 years. Barriers and facilitators to NBSP participation were categorised into three levels: psychological (knowledge gaps, fear and anxiety, health beliefs and illness perceptions), social (educational level, income and marital status) and healthcare‐related (patient satisfaction and accessibility).Conclusion: Targeted educational initiatives, improved accessibility and enhanced patient support could significantly boost screening uptake, leading to earlier breast cancer detection, reduced mortality rates and better health outcomes for women in Malta. These insights are not only valuable for refining breast screening programmes across Europe but can also inform similar initiatives globally, particularly in countries with comparable barriers and healthcare challenges. Adopting these strategies in diverse contexts may help improve women’s health outcomes worldwide.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on Antibiotic Use and Resistance Among Undergraduates, Pokhara Metropolitan, Nepal
Authors: Sharma Grinsun , Paudel Shishir , Chalise Anisha , Sapkota Biswash , Marasine Nirmal Raj 
Published: February 2025

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health problem contributing to increasing rates of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Inadequate knowledge and misconceptions surrounding antibiotics and their overuse can significantly contribute to the growth and spread of AMR. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding antibiotic use and resistance among undergraduates in Pokhara, Nepal, and examine associations of knowledge and attitudes with demographic factors and specific antibiotic use practices.Methods: A cross‐sectional survey was conducted from April to September 2023 among 461 undergraduate students in Pokhara Metropolitan City. Frequency distributions were used to describe participants’ KAP regarding antibiotics. Chi‐square tests were applied to identify factors significantly associated with knowledge and attitudes toward antibiotics, with a significance level of 5%.Result: Among the total participants, 155 (33.6%, 95% CI: 29.6–38.3) had a lower level of knowledge regarding antibiotics, while a moderate and higher level of knowledge was observed among 208 (45.1%, 95% CI: 40.1–49.5) and 98 (21.3%, 95% CI: 17.5–24.7) students, respectively. Nearly half (53.6%, 95% CI: 48.9–58.2; 50.1%, 95% CI: 45.8–54.4) of the students illustrated positive attitudes and good practices. Factors such as gender, academic discipline, and previous education on antibiotics were associated with students’ knowledge regarding antibiotics, at 5% level of significance (p < 0.05). Similarly, a statistically significant relationship existed between students’ academic discipline, past courses, and their attitudes toward antibiotics. The knowledge of the participants on the antibiotic use was found to have a statistical relationship with practice‐related attributes such as finishing the antibiotic course even after feeling well, giving less preference to antibiotic for cold (p < 0.05). The attitude of the participants toward antibiotics was found to have a statistical relation with practices such as consulting a doctor for antibiotics and finishing the course of antibiotic (p < 0.05).Conclusion:A large proportion of undergraduates have moderate to high knowledge regarding antibiotic use, while only half had a positive attitude and good practice toward antibiotic use, suggesting a large gap existing in awareness of antibiotic resistance and rational use.
Potential for Lung Recruitment Maneuvers Estimated by the Cytokines in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Shen Minjin , Huai Jiaping 
Published: February 2025

Objective: Lung recruitment maneuvers (RMs) is an important treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients; however, assessing lung recruitability is imperative to avoid biotrauma and hemodynamic instability. This study aims to investigate whether the cytokine levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of ARDS patients can serve as an indicator of their lung recruitability.Methods: This study included ARDS patients who received mechanical ventilation for over 24 h. Patients were categorized into lung recruitment maneuver effective (RM‐E) group and lung recruitment maneuver noneffective (RM‐N) group. Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) in BALF, lung ultrasound (LUS) scores, and the oxygenation index (P/F) were measured. The differences in cytokine levels between the two groups were compared, and correlations between changes in cytokine levels (ΔIL‐6, ΔIL‐8, and ΔIL‐10), ΔLUS, and ΔP/F were analyzed.Results: Sixty‐two patients were included in this study (38 in the RM‐E group and 24 in the RM‐N group). After the RM, compared with the RM‐N group, an increase was observed in ΔIL‐6 (p = 0.013), ΔIL‐8 (p = 0.045), ΔIL‐10 (p = 0.039), and ΔLUS (p = 0.045) in the RM‐E group. A positive linear correlation was found between ΔIL‐6 and ΔLUS (r = 0.504, p < 0.001). The area under the lung recruitment potential curve (AUC) predicted by ΔIL‐6 was 0.794, the sensitivity was 94.7%, and the specificity was 70.8%. A positive linear correlation was found between ΔIL‐6 and ΔLUS (r = 0.504, p < 0.001). The lung recruitment potential curve’s AUC predicted by ΔIL‐6 was 0.794, with a sensitivity of 94.7% and specificity of 70.8%.Conclusion: Lower levels of cytokines in BALF were observed in the RM‐E group. It is possible that the cytokines in BALF, especially IL‐6, could be used to determine the need for RM on the basis of lung recruitability.
Differential Impacts of Prenatal Supplement Intake on Childhood Obesity Markers, Stratified by Gender and Other Prenatal Factors
Authors: Batra M. , Bekele Y. , Halilagic A. , Manios Y. , Moschonis G. , Erbas B. 
Published: February 2025

Objective: To assess the association between maternal iron, folic acid and combined iron–folic acid (IFA) oral supplementation during pregnancy and childhood obesity markers in 9‐ to 13‐year‐olds.Methods: Data from the 2007–2009 Healthy Growth Study were analysed. The study assessed obesity markers, i.e., body mass index (BMI), skinfold thickness and waist circumference. The research question was examined using generalised linear models stratified by the child’s sex, maternal prepregnancy weight and gestational age.Results: Folic acid and IFA supplements, but not iron alone, were significantly associated with lower waist circumference in all children (coef. −1.35, 95% CI: −2.47 to −0.23; coef. −1.01, 95% CI: −2.21 to −0.23, p < 0.05). These associations were observed only in girls with lower BMI (coef. −0.88), skinfold thickness (coef. −4.92) and waist circumference (coef. −2.99) with folic acid and similar IFA effects. Interestingly, in boys born to obese mothers before pregnancy, a significant negative association was observed for folic acid alone with BMI (coef. −3.55) and waist circumference (coef. −7.09) and IFA for the sum of skinfold thickness (coef. −19.68).Conclusion: Maternal folic acid and IFA supplementation may contribute to a lower likelihood of childhood obesity, especially in girls and children of underweight or obese mothers, emphasising the importance of proper prenatal nutrition.
Towards a Cosmotechnical AI: Planetary Futures and Artificial Wisdom from Latin American Imagination
Authors: Zerené Joaquín , Villota Óscar 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This article aims to augment existing discussions of artificial intelligence (AI) by introducing an array of Latin American viewpoints, from philosophical discourse to indigenous cosmologies. Employing an interdisciplinary approach, the text integrates ideas from media theory, critical posthumanism, and philosophy of technique to question traditional modern, anthropocentric, and Western conceptualizations of technology and intelligence. The authors draw on Latin American thinkers to explore how traditional wisdom could enrich the future of AI. Finally, they propose that art has the potential to transform technology and explore ways to move beyond current AI paradigms towards artificial wisdom.
The Art of Intelligence: Integrating Lessons from AI's Commonsense Knowledge Problem
Authors: Whitsett Lisa 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This paper explores a pivotal aspect of artificial intelligence (AI) research history known as the commonsense knowledge problem. Assumptions from computationalist and linguistic views are uncovered, revealing the limitations of human-centric perspectives. Drawing on insights from interdisciplinary studies and critiques of anthropocentrism, the limitations of traditional AI frameworks are examined to propose a shift towards post-anthropocentric perspectives. The paper concludes by outlining practical implications and future directions for AI, promoting a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to understanding cognition across diverse life forms.
Left Dislocations in Heritage and Monolingual Russian
Authors: Zerbian Sabine , Barabashova Kristina , Zuban Yulia 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The study investigates the occurrence of left dislocations (LD s) in a corpus of semi-spontaneous narrations produced by heritage and monolingual speakers of Russian. All speaker groups produced LD s, and LD s mostly occurred in spoken mode. Surprisingly, heritage speakers (HS s) produced LD s more frequently than monolingual speakers, and more individuals in the HS group used LD s as compared to monolingual speakers. Also unexpectedly, formality was not significant for the distribution of LD s. Further, HS s always accented the LD-referent, frequently accented the LD-pronoun, and did not always place an IP-boundary after the LD-referent. These results confirm previous studies by Zemskaja (1973) and Westbury (2016). Finally, “simple” LD s were referentially both given and new, which is also in accordance with previous reports (Gregory & Michaelis, 2000; Zemskaja, 1973). Thus, the results of our corpus study show that the differences between monolingual speakers and HS s lie in the frequency of use of these structures.
Explanationism, Circularity and Non-Evaluative Grounding
Authors: Belkoniene Miloud 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The present article examines two important challenges raised by Steup for explanationist accounts of evidential fit. The first challenge targets the notion of available explanation which is key to any explanationist account of evidential fit. According to Steup, any plausible construal of the notion of available explanation already presupposes the notion of evidential fit. In response to that challenge, an alternative conception of what it takes for an explanation to be available to a subject is offered and shown to be able to shed better light on the specific role played by that notion in explanationist accounts of evidential fit. The second challenge relies on the claim that the explanatory goodness of competing explanations is determined by their evidential fit, rather than the other way around. In response to that challenge, it is argued that explanationists can concede that the relative explanatory goodness of an explanation is in part dependent on that explanation’s likeliness on the overall evidence possessed by the subject without thereby conceding that Explanationism about justification is circular.
A Quality Improvement Project to Improve LATCH Score in Healthy Preterm Neonates
Authors: Samuel Steeve Gnana , Bharathi S. Mangala , Sajjid Mohamed , Karthik Arun 
Published: February 2025

Background The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months. Even though exclusive breastfeeding is emphasized universally, some mother-infant dyad face problems in initial postnatal days. LATCH score was developed in 1994 to assess breastfeeding and to identify mothers at risk for failure of exclusive breastfeeding. In our unit, only 19% of late preterm neonates had a LATCH score of more than 7. Hence, the effects of various QI interventions were studied to improve LATCH scores in late preterm neonates. Objective To improve the LATCH score of more than 7 in late preterm neonates admitted in the postnatal ward. Methods This is a QI project where the average LATCH scores in healthy late preterm neonates (34 weeks to 36+6 weeks) at 48 hours of life from the postnatal ward were studied. The baseline data was collected from May 2023 to June 2023 and the implementation phase was conducted from July 2023 to August 2023. QI team included staff nurses from the postnatal ward, head staff nurses, resident doctors, and consultants. Potential barriers were listed using the fishbone analysis. Various interventions were identified and a priority matrix was formed to decide the sequence of introduction of multiple PDSA cycles. Outcome Indicator Improvement in LATCH score to more than 7 recorded by the postnatal team daily. Results A total of 80 late preterm neonates were enrolled. At the end of the study, LATCH score was improved to more than 7 in 75% of late preterm neonates. The intervention that was most helpful in achieving the goal was admission of the late preterm neonates in the M-NICU. We were able to sustain the improvement at the end of 6 months. Conclusion Sequential QI interventions helped to improve LATCH scores to more than 7 from 19% neonates to 75% neonates thus ensuring successful breastfeeding.
The effect of leisure involvement on happiness and successful aging in elderly
Authors: Ayhan Cihan , Dugenci Abdullah , Isik Ozkan , Gumus Hüseyin , Gungor Nuri Berk 
Published: February 2025

Background With the increase in the elderly population all over the world, researchers have recently focused on the importance of happiness and successful aging. Objective This study aimed to investigate the effect of leisure involvement on happiness and successful aging levels in the elderly. Method The personal information form, the leisure involvement scale, the Oxford happiness scale, and the successful aging scale were used in this study. The convenience sampling method was preferred in the current study. The data of the study were collected from individuals who performed leisure activities in recreational parks in Istanbul. The Pearson correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were used for the analysis of obtained data. A total of 227 (MAge = 64.32 ± 2.74) elderly participated in the study voluntarily. Results There was a positive relationship between leisure involvement with happiness (r = .381) and healthy aging (r = .311). Moreover, when the results regarding the main hypothesis of the research were examined, it was observed that leisure involvement had a positive effect on happiness and successful aging (p < .001). Accordingly, it was determined that the participants’ leisure involvements predicted their happiness and successful aging levels by 14% (adj.R2 = .141) and 9% (adj.R2 = .093), respectively. Conclusion Elderly over the age of sixty with high levels of leisure involvement may feel better as physically and psychologically, they can become happier humans and achieve more successful aging.