bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Five new unexpected populations of endangered tuco-tuco Ctenomys rionegrensis (Rodentia, Ctenomyidae) help understanding its distribution and historical biogeography
Authors: Zelada Perrone Virginia D. , Tomasco Ivanna H. , Mac Allister Matias E. , Carnovale Cecilia S. , Carmarán Ariel , Caraballo Diego A. , Merino Mariano L. , Fernández Gabriela P. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this study, we conducted a survey of newly discovered populations of tuco-tuco (subterranean rodents of the genus Ctenomys) in the Entre Ríos province, in an area characterized by its unexplored nature and its climatic and biogeographic complexity within Argentina, which includes two National Parks. We characterize the nucleotide sequences of the cytochrome-b gene, revealing the presence of seven novel haplotypes within Ctenomys rionegrensis, a species known to inhabit both sides of the Uruguay River. Through Bayesian analyses, we estimated the divergence times of the oldest lineages of C. rionegrensis, as well as those of the haplotypes located east of the Uruguay River, dating back approximately 630,000 years before present (ybp) and 526,000 ybp, respectively. These estimates correspond with significant paleogeographic events in the region. Our findings may raise questions regarding the taxonomic classification of the species and suggest potential modifications to its current endangered status as designated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Consequently, this research provides valuable insights that may inform future revisions of the species' conservation status and guide the development of informed management strategies/policies.
Economical factitious diet for mass rearing of greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: pyralidae), a promising host for entomopathogenic nematodes
Authors: Suyal Parul , Pandey Renu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella L.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is most commonly used for mass multiplication of entomopathogenic nematodes. An investigation on economical modification and comparative analysis of factitious diets of G. mellonella was carried out under laboratory conditions. Different diets were assessed in comparison with standard diet.

Results
Modifications based on quantity change of dietary components (wheat flour, maize flour, dry milk, dry yeast, honey and glycerin), addition of vitamin E and vitamin-B complexes, elimination of dry milk and replacement of glycerin with sorbitol showed reduction in the cost of production and increase in food conversion efficiency in G. mellonella. The weight of larva in diet III (303.40 mg) was highest as compared to the larval weight in control diet (280.00mg). The conversion of ingested and digested food into biomass of G. mellonella was the highest for factitious diet III. Also, the highest number of Steinernema abbasi was produced from G. mellonella larvae reared on diet III (25418.43IJs) followed by diet I (21805.31IJs). The economics of the diets also showed that the percent cost reduction in factitious diet III and diet I was 48.86 and 28.85%, respectively. Overall, the results suggested that factitious diet III was superior to diet I followed by diet II.

Conclusion
Addition of supplements of vitamin E and B-complexes enhances the biological activity of the insect, thereby increasing its food conversion efficiencies. Factitious diet III can be successfully used for mass multiplication of the G. mellonella.
GPi/GPe borderland– a potential sweet spot for deep brain stimulation for chorea in Huntington’s disease?
Authors: Steinhardt Julia , Zittel Simone , Tadic Vera , Tronnier Volker , Moll Christian , Bäumer Tobias , Münchau Alexander , Rasche Dirk , Brüggemann Norbert 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Pallidal deep brain stimulation (GPi-DBS) has been considered as an effective treatment option for medication-refractory Huntington’s disease (HD).

Objectives
To identify stimulation-dependent effects on motor symptoms and to determine if these alterations are associated with the local impact of DBS on different pallidal parcellations.

Methods
We prospectively evaluated the effects of bilateral GPi-DBS within one year in 5 HD patients. We evaluated the effects of GPi-DBS on choreatic symptoms and UHDRS. Electrode placement in the pallidum was localized, and the local impact of DBS was estimated.

Results
The chorea subscore (p < 0.001) and UHDRS total motor score was significantly reduced postoperatively (p = 0.019). Pallidal DBS did not improve other motor symptoms. Activation of the lateral GPi/GPe was associated with improvement in choreatic symptoms (p = 0.048; r = 0.90).

Conclusions
Our findings indicate that stimulation of the lateral GPi has a stable effect on choreatic symptoms. The modulation of the electrical field is relevant for motor outcome.
Exploration of different strategies of nanoencapsulation of bioactive compounds and their ensuing approaches
Authors: Chowdhury Sailee , Kar Koyel , Mazumder Rana 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Nanotechnology has gained rapid popularity in many fields, such as food science. The labile bioactive is enclosed in a shield that protects it from harmful environmental factors. It also allows for targeted delivery to specific areas. Bioactive compounds in foods are slowly degraded or can change due to external or internal factors such as oxidation. Innovative technologies and novel edible packaging materials can be used to reduce bioavailability. One promising technology for overcoming the problems above is encapsulation.

The main body of the abstract
Nanostructure systems enhances a number of properties, including resistance to degradation and improvements of physicochemical functions like solubility, stability, and bioavailability, among others as the nanosize increases surface area and, consequently, activity. A recently emerged nanoencapsulation technologies, including electro spraying, nano-fluidics, complex coacervation, electrospinning, polymerization, etc. have been briefly discussed. Different bioactive molecules can be nano encapsulated by absorbing, incorporating, chemically interacting, or dispersing substances into nanocarriers. There have also been other characterization techniques and different physico chemical parameters investigated to evaluate the characteristics of encapsulated bioactives. The current article highlights numerous bioactive substances utilized for nanoencapsulation using cutting-edge methods.

Short conclusion
This review examines how different encapsulating bioactive materials can improve encapsulating films or coatings. The advent of nanotechnology has opened up a wide range of possibilities for the development, design, and formulation of innovative pharmaceuticals. The food and pharmaceutical industry can focus its attention on products that have added value through the various enhancements offered by nanoencapsulation.
Serum sclerostin as a biomarker of disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis in correlation with radiographic imaging
Authors: Sakrana Nouran Medhat Abd El Samad , Badr Nevine Mohamed ElSayed , Hassan Manar Ahmed Azab , Hassan Marwa Ahmed Kamel 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
The wingless signaling pathway of bone development is inhibited by sclerostin, which may contribute to the etiology of ankylosing spondylitis.

Aim
The study aimed to evaluate serum sclerostin levels in ankylosing spondylitis patients and investigate how it correlated with radiographic damage using the Spondylo-arthritis Research Consortium of Canada index (SPARCC), disease activity, and functional impairment.

Results
This cross-sectional case–control study revealed a significantly lower mean serum sclerostin (11.28 ng/ml) in AS patients compared with controls (101.25 ng/ml). Serum sclerostin levels showed a significant negative correlation with each of Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) (p = 0.043), sacroiliac joints SPARCC, spine SPARCC, and overall SPARCC scores (p = 0.012, p = 0.036, and p = 0.007). The detection of AS, serum sclerostin levels ≤ 20 ng/ml showed 100% sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusion
Serum sclerostin had good discriminating power between ankylosing spondylitis cases and healthy control individuals and was correlated with subclinical activity status on magnetic resonance imaging.
The management of patients with predominant negative symptoms in Slovakia: A 1-year longitudinal, prospective, multicentric cohort study
Authors: Dragasek Jozef , Dombi Zsofia Borbala , Acsai Károly , Dzurilla Viktor , Barabássy Ágota 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Predominant negative symptoms (PNSs) in schizophrenia can affect the patients’ psychosocial functioning immensely and are less responsive to treatment than positive symptoms.

Aims
The aim of the study was to observe negative symptoms and psychosocial functioning in PNS schizophrenia patients and to understand whether PNS can be improved and with what treatment strategies.

Methods
This was a 1-year, prospective, multicentric cohort study conducted in Slovakia. Adult outpatients with diagnosis of schizophrenia according to ICD-10 and PNS evaluated using the criteria by the European Psychiatric Association’s (EPA) guidance were included. Change in negative symptoms, functionality, and treatment patterns were observed. Treatment effectiveness was evaluated using the modified Short Assessment of Negative Domain (m-SAND), the Self-evaluation of Negative Symptoms (SNS) scale, the Personal and Social Performance (PSP) scale, and the Clinical Global Impression – Severity (CGI-S) and the Clinical Global Impression – Improvement (CGI-I) scales. Least-squares (LS) means were calculated for the change from baseline to final visit for the outcomes.

Results
The study included 188 patients. Functionality improved as, by the end of the study, fewer patients were unemployed (53%) and more worked occasionally (21%). PNS improved significantly according to both physicians and patients (LS mean change from baseline in m-SAND total score: -10.0 (p-value <0.0001)). Most patients received polytherapy throughout the study. Cariprazine was utilized most (20% monotherapy and 76% polytherapy). Only a few patients discontinued treatment due to adverse drug reactions.

Conclusions
With the right treatment strategy, it is possible to achieve improvement in PNS and everyday functioning in schizophrenia outpatients.
Soluble CD14 and Incident Diabetes Risk: The REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study
Authors: Cruden Kaileen , Wilkinson Katherine , Mukaz Debora Kamin , Plante Timothy B , Zakai Neil A , Long D Leann , Cushman Mary , Olson Nels C 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Context
Soluble CD14 (sCD14) is an inflammation biomarker with higher concentrations in White than Black adults. Higher sCD14 is seen in insulin resistance and diabetes. There are limited data on the relationship between sCD14 and incident diabetes.

Objective
To determine the association of sCD14 with incident diabetes risk in a large biracial US cohort and evaluate whether relationships differ by race.

Design
This study included 3401 Black and White participants from the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study without baseline diabetes who completed baseline and follow-up in-home visits. Modified Poisson regression models estimated risk ratios (RR) of incident diabetes per 1-SD increment sCD14, with adjustment for risk factors. A sCD14-by-race interaction evaluated whether associations differed by race.

Results
There were 460 cases of incident diabetes over a mean 9.5 years of follow-up. The association of sCD14 with diabetes differed by race (P for interaction &lt; .09). Stratifying by race, adjusting for age, sex, and region, higher sCD14 was associated with incident diabetes in White (RR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.33) but not Black participants (RR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.86, 1.08). In models adjusted for clinical and sociodemographic diabetes risk factors, the association was attenuated among White participants (RR: 1.10; 95% CI: 0.95, 1.28) and remained null among Black participants (RR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.80, 1.01).

Conclusion
sCD14 was associated with incident diabetes risk in White but not Black adults, but this association was explained by diabetes risk factors.
Estimating 1a0 and 4a1 in a Life Table: A Model Approach Based on Newly Collected Data
Authors: Romero-Prieto Julio , Verhulst Andrea , Guillot Michel 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The average age of infant deaths, a10, and the average number of years lived—in the age interval—by those dying between ages 1 and 5, a41, are important quantities allowing the construction of any life table including these ages. In many applications, the direct calculation of these parameters is not possible, so they are estimated using the infant mortality rate—or the death rate from 0 to 1—as a predictor. Existing methods are general approximations that do not consider the full variability in the age patterns of mortality below the age of 5. However, at the same level of mortality, under-five deaths can be more or less concentrated during the first weeks and months of life, thus resulting in very different values of a10 and a41. This article proposes an indirect estimation of these parameters by using a recently developed model of under-five mortality and taking advantage of a new, comprehensive database by detailed age—which is used for validation. The model adapts to a variety of inputs (e.g., rates, probabilities, or the proportion of deaths by sex or for both sexes combined), providing more flexibility for the users and increasing the precision of the estimates. This fresh perspective consolidates a new method that outperforms all previous approaches.
Flow Diversion Effect in a Saphenous Vein Graft Aneurysm Using a Double-Layer Micromesh Stent: A Case Report
Authors: Dobashi Kazumasa , Akamatsu Yosuke , Yoshida Jun , Chida Kohei , Koji Takahiro , Mori Futoshi , Yoshida Kenji , Kubo Yoshitaka , Sasaki Makoto , Ogasawara Kuniaki 
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE:
A double-layer micromesh stent is designed for the treatment of carotid artery stenosis that has been reported to potentially provide a flow diversion effect. However, the actual flow diversion effect of stents remains unclear. Here, we present a case of a growing saphenous vein graft (SVG) aneurysm treated with the placement of the double-layer micromesh stent using its flow diversion effect.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:
A 66-year-old woman, who underwent high-flow bypass using a SVG for a blister-like internal carotid artery aneurysm 13 years earlier at our institute, was referred to our hospital with a pulsatile cervical mass. Magnetic resonance angiography showed a 9-mm aneurysm on the left SVG, although the aneurysm was a small pouch 4 years earlier. Digital subtracted angiography demonstrated a 9.4 × 8.3-mm aneurysm from the SVG at the auricular level. Because the diameter of the graft was larger than that of the available flow diverter stents in Japan, we decided to place the double-layer micromesh stent (CASPER RX, 7 × 25 mm MicroVention) using its flow diversion effect. Computational fluid dynamics analysis before and after stent deployment showed a significant reduction in the average flow velocity and wall shear stress in the aneurysm, indicating actual flow diversion. An angiogram 2 months postoperatively showed complete obliteration of the aneurysm.

CONCLUSION:
Obliteration of the saphenous vein aneurysm was achieved because of the flow diversion effect of the double-layer micromesh stent. The stents might be a feasible alternative for treating cervical carotid aneurysms.
Projeto Plenarinha na educação infantil:
Authors: Hunh Isabel Cristina Gonzaga de Oliveira , Voltarelli Monique Aparecida 
Published: May 2024

Geralmente, projetos desenvolvidos junto às crianças da educação infantil partem do planejamento da própria instituição educativa, fruto do seu projeto político-pedagógico e/ou reuniões pedagógicas. Neste artigo, o projeto em questão, Projeto Plenarinha, é proposto pela Secretaria de Estado de Educação do Distrito Federal (SEEDF) às instituições de educação infantil do Distrito Federal e, o que apresentaremos é fruto de uma pesquisa cujos objetivos eram analisar a participação das crianças, bem como os desafios e as possibilidades que permeavam esta prática pedagógica; verificar a compreensão docente acerca do Projeto; investigar a ação pedagógica relacionada ao desenvolvimento do Projeto e, ainda, identificar se as possibilidades participativas das crianças relacionadas ao Projeto Plenarinha durante sua execução eram efetivas em uma instituição de educação infantil do Distrito Federal. Utilizou-se como instrumento de coleta de dados observação participante, registro em diário de campo, desenhos, fotos, gravação de voz e análise documental. Com base na análise dos dados que surgiram durante a pesquisa, refletiu-se a participação infantil a partir de três eixos: atividades relacionadas à Plenarinha; a roda de conversa e a escuta da criança; sendo que para este artigo o recorte para análise refere-se ao eixo “a roda de conversa”.
Evaluation of knowledge, attitude and practices towards loiasis in the rural community of Sindara, in central African Gabon
Authors: Hildebrandt Teite Rebecca , Davi Saskia Dede , Kabwende Anita Lumeka , Endamne Lilian Rene , Mehmel Esther , Rakotonirinalalao Maximilian , Alabi Ayodele , Manego Rella Zoleko , Kremsner Peter G. , Lell Bertrand , Adegnika Ayôla Akim , Mombo-Ngoma Ghyslain , Mischlinger Johannes , Agnandji Selidji Todagbe , Ramharter Michael 
Published: May 2024

Background
More than 20 million people are infected with L. loa, and around 40 million live in high or intermediate-risk areas in West- and Central Africa. Although loiasis is associated with significant morbidity and excess mortality, little is known about the perception of loiasis by affected communities. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the rural population of Sindara, Gabon, a region characterized by high loiasis prevalence.

Methods
A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in Gabon between January and June 2022. During systematic door-to-door visits, randomly selected inhabitants were invited to participate in this questionnaire based survey. Venous blood was collected at midday from all participants for microscopic detection of filarial infection and clinical signs of loiasis were assessed.

Results
A total of 150 participants were recruited, of which 66% were infected by L. loa. While almost everyone had some knowledge about L. loa, 72% of the participants understood that L. loa is a parasitic worm. The transmission of L. loa via the deer fly was known to only 21% of participants. The most frequently mentioned clinical symptoms attributed to loiasis were itching (84%), eye worm migration (59%), and conjunctivitis-like symptoms (53%). Participants who experienced migratory loiasis had better knowledge of loiasis and considered it as more serious. Traditional and herbal medicine was reported most often as an available treatment option (72%). While the formal healthcare sector was mentioned as the preferred treatment provider, 60% of the reported infections were treated by traditional medical practitioners.

Conclusion
Loiasis is in general well known by this community residing in a region of high L. loa transmission. Important gaps in knowledge were discovered foremost regarding the mode of transmission. The available healthcare system does not seem to provide adequate management for loiasis.
Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence among pregnant women in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mulu Gelaw Yared , Worku Dagnew Gizachew , Degu Alene Getu , Gangneux Jean-Pierre , Robert-Gangneux Florence 
Published: May 2024

Background
Toxoplasmosis is a serious endemic zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasma infection during pregnancy can result in congenital transmission and serious fetal and neonatal complications. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the pooled seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and its determinants among pregnant women in African countries.

Methods
All articles reporting the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in African countries and published from 2010 to 2023 were searched using various databases. The pooled prevalence of toxoplasmosis was calculated using a random-effect model. The variation between the included studies was assessed using a funnel plot and I2 heterogeneity statistics. To identify the sources of heterogeneity, sub-group analysis was further conducted by country, diagnostic method, and sub-African region. The association of prevalence rates with the socio-economic level and geoclimatic parameters was also explored.

Results
In total, 29,383 pregnant women from 60 articles were included for analysis. The pooled T. gondii seroprevalence was 42.89% with high heterogeneity (I2 = 99.4%, P < 0.001). Sub-group analysis revealed variation by country (ranging from 2.62% in Namibia to 80.28% in Congo), diagnostic method used (from 8.66% in studies using a rapid diagnostic test to 55.69% in those using an agglutination test), and sub-African region (from 4.14% in regions of Southern Africa to 53.96 in Central Africa). Cat ownership (OR = 1.58) and the consumption of raw meat (OR = 1.50) and raw vegetables (OR = 1.48) had a statistically significant combined effect on T. gondii seroprevalence. No association was found between T. gondii prevalence and the level of income of the country or geoclimatic parameters.

Conclusion
The prevalence of toxoplasmosis infection among pregnant women in Africa is high, particularly in Central and Eastern Africa. The determinants of prevalence are multifactorial. Therefore, efforts should be made to increase the awareness of women concerning the risk factors for toxoplasmosis.
Exclusive breastfeeding practice during COVID-19 pandemic in West Java Indonesia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Apriningsih  , Hanifah Laily , Nasrulloh Nanang 
Published: May 2024

Background
The achievement towards 100% exclusive breastfeeding still a challenge in many countries despite adverse impacts due to the absence of exclusive breastfeeding. One consequence from the low practice of exclusive breastfeeding is malnutrition, including stunting that can be prevented by providing optimal food to infants, starting with providing exclusive breastfeeding from birth to 6 months of age. However, the practice of exclusive breastfeeding still low and it is suspected that this practice also decreased during the COVID- 19 pandemic. This study aims to analyze the determinants of exclusive breastfeeding in sub-urban areas during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
This study using cross sectional design conducted from interviewing 206 mothers in 2022 who meet the inclusion criteria, consisted of breastfeeding their babies in the last 1 year and live in Sub-urban area in Depok City, West Java. Multiple binary logistic regression used to measure the association and strength between independent variables with the outcome variable. Independent variables with a p-value < 0.25 during the Chi-square test were included in the logistic regression model.

Results
Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and early initiation of breastfeeding (EIB) was 58.3% and 57.8% respectively. Factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practices are education, employment status, knowledge and attitude about exclusive breastfeeding, self-efficacy in providing exclusive breastfeeding, EIB practice, and eating pattern. From multivariate analysis, it was found that the dominant factors to exclusive breastfeeding are EIB.

Conclusions
The study highlights the importance of improving exclusive breastfeeding practice through early initiation of breastfeeding, mother’s knowledge, education and self-efficacy. Therefore, health promotion and education should emphasize the importance of those factors, supported by the health policy and massive campaign as a key success in exclusive breastfeeding.