bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Child Dental Care Reform in Israel – Service Uptake from 2011 to 2022
Authors: Herman Hagit Domb , Dadosh Hazav , Dekel Dan , Yellon David , Zusman Shlomo Paul , Natapov Lena 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: The 2010 Child Dental Care Reform of the National Health Insurance Law marked a turning point in the Israeli oral healthcare system by establishing Universal Health Coverage of dental care for children. Initially, the reform included children up to age 8 and gradually expanded to age 18 in 2019. The basket of services includes preventive and restorative treatments provided by the four Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO). The aim of this study was to examine the uptake of child dental services during the first decade of the reform.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted to determine the treatment uptake, type and amount of the services delivered based on annual service utilization reports submitted by the HMOs to the Ministry of Health in the years 2011-2022.
Results: The number of insured children increased from 1,546,857 in 2011 to 3,178,238 in 2022. The uptake of dental services gradually increased during the study period with a slight decrease in 2020. The percentage of children who used the services gradually increased from 8% to 33%, with the incremental inclusion of additional age groups. From 2012 onwards the most common treatments provided were preventive, however the single most common treatment was dental restoration. In 2022 35% of the population of Israel was under the age of 18. Out of these, about a third received dental treatment via the HMOs. This is a significant achievement, since before the reform all treatments were paid out-of-pocket. After a short period of increasing uptake, a stable service utilization pattern was evident that can indicate better public awareness and service acceptance.
Conclusion: Although this is a reasonable uptake, additional efforts are required to increase the number of children receiving dental care within the public insurance. Such an effort can be part of a multi-disciplinary approach, in which pediatricians and public health nurses can play a vital role in dental caries prevention, enhancement of awareness and service utilization.
Effectiveness of Diaphragmatic Breathing with Quadriceps Exercises on Maximum Phonation Time, Respiratory function and Muscle Strengthening in Community- Dwelling Elderly
Authors: Prathanee Benjamas , Buakanok Netra , Pumnum Tawitree , Ooppanasak Nantiya , Panyaek Nichanun 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Most of population in the world recently move to super-aged society. Program of health promotion for community-dwelling elderly requires critical concern. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to compare maximum phonation time (MPT), Maximum counting duration (MCD), Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), Maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), Maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), and quadriceps muscle strengthening before and after breathing with quadriceps exercises. Methods: Twenty- three community-dwelling healthy elderly aged 60–70 years old (mean = 65.52 and standard deviation = 2.41) were enrolled to complete study. Participants did program of breathing with quadriceps exercises twice a day in sitting, standing position and walking for 7 weeks. Results: Median of MPT of /a; u; i:/ before exercises = 8.61–10.14 seconds. Wilcoxon Sign Rank Test was found significant better medians of MPT, MCD, PEFR, MIP, MEP, and quadriceps muscle strength after program. function. Conclusion: Program of breathing with quadriceps exercises could significantly increase MPT, MCD, PEFR, MIP, MEP, and quadriceps muscle strength in community-dwelling healthy elderly within 7 weeks.
Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of Intravenous MiSaver Stem Cell Therapy in Recent Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Retrospective Phase IIa Study
Authors: Liu Jackson , Ueng KwoChang , Tsai ChinFeng , Su Chun-Hung , Chuang YaoTsung 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Despite advancements in cardiovascular treatments, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains a significant health challenge. We aimed to explore the potential of stem cell therapy to improve left ventricular function post-AMI through an open-label, dose-escalating trial. The study aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of intravenous infusion of MiSaver, a prefabricated product of ABO matched allogeneic umbilical cord blood stem cells (USC), in patients following recent AMI.
Methods: Participants were enrolled in cohorts of five, receiving escalating dosages of USC (0.5x10^7, 1.6x10^7, and 5.0x10^7 cells/kg). Infusions were administered 2-5 days post-AMI onset. Due to recruitment challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, this retrospective analysis was conducted using completed low and middle dosage groups and a control group comprising 20 eligible participants meeting similar inclusion criteria.
Results: The primary analysis focused on safety and adverse events (AEs) over a 12-month observational period in the treatment group. The treatment was well-tolerated, with no AEs directly attributed to MiSaver. Initial analysis of nine participants showed statistically significant improvements in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from baseline to 12 months post-treatment compared to the control group (p<0.05); however, significance was lost upon inclusion of participant 10. This participant drew attention to the analysis and exhibited unique characteristics, namely the highest body mass index (BMI) and the youngest age among all participants.
Conclusion: This study suggests the potential of MiSaver in enhancing left ventricular function post-AMI. Notably, participants without morbid obesity showed significant recovery in LVEF, suggesting the exclusion of individuals with high BMI in future trials. Larger cohorts and controlled placebo studies are warranted to validate these findings and address trial limitations.
Simultaneous detection of pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes with the open source, cloud-based, CZ ID pipeline
Authors: Langelier Charles , Lu Dan , Kalantar Katrina , Chu Victoria , Glascock Abigail , Guerrero Estella , Bernick Nina , Butcher Xochitl , Ewing Kirsty , Fahsbender Elizabeth , Holmes Olivia , Hoops Erin , Jones Ann , Lim Ryan , McCanny Suzette , Reynoso Lucia , Rosario Karyna , Tang Jennifer , Valenzuela Omar , Mourani Peter , Pickering Amy , Raphenya Amogelang , Alcock Brian , McArthur Andrew 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistant (AMR) pathogens represent urgent threats to human health, and their surveillance is of paramount importance. Metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS) has revolutionized such efforts, but remains challenging due to the lack of open-access bioinformatics tools capable of simultaneously analyzing both microbial and AMR gene sequences. To address this need, we developed the CZ ID AMR module, an open-access, cloud-based workflow designed to integrate detection of both microbes and AMR genes in mNGS and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data. It leverages the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database and associated Resistance Gene Identifier software, and works synergistically with the CZ ID short-read mNGS module to enable broad detection of both microbes and AMR genes. We highlight diverse applications of the AMR module through analysis of both publicly available and newly generated mNGS and WGS data from four clinical cohort studies and an environmental surveillance project. Through genomic investigations of bacterial sepsis and pneumonia cases, hospital outbreaks, and wastewater surveillance data, we gain a deeper understanding of infectious agents and their resistomes, highlighting the value of integrating microbial identification and AMR profiling for both research and public health. We leverage additional functionalities of the CZ ID mNGS platform to couple resistome profiling with the assessment of phylogenetic relationships between nosocomial pathogens, and further demonstrate the potential to capture the longitudinal dynamics of pathogen and AMR genes in hospital acquired bacterial infections. In sum, the new AMR module advances the capabilities of the open-access CZ ID microbial bioinformatics platform by integrating pathogen detection and AMR profiling from mNGS and WGS data. Its development represents a critical step toward democratizing pathogen genomic analysis and supporting collaborative efforts to combat the growing threat of AMR.
Identification of a novel mitophagy-related signature for predicting clinical prognosis and immunotherapy of osteosarcoma
Authors: Xu Peichuan , Zhao Jiangminghao , Zhao Wenrui , Yuan Jinghong , Li Kaihui , Wang Yameng , Hu Yiming , Pan Chongzhi , Pan Huajun , Wu Tianlong , Miao Xinxin , Cheng Xigao 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Osteosarcoma (OS) is a highly aggressive malignancy characterized by a poor prognosis. Mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy) has been implicated in tumor initiation, progression, and response to therapy, highlighting it a potential prognostic indicator and therapeutic target in cancers. Despite this, the precise mechanisms underlying mitophagy in osteosarcoma remain enigmatic. This research aims to develop a mitophagy-associated signature to guide therapeutic strategies and prognosis estimations.
Methods
Clinical and transcriptome data for patients with osteosarcoma and skeletal muscle tissue were retrieved from UCSC Xena and GTEx. Mitophagy-related genes (MRGs) were obtained from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) website. A predictive risk model was constructed using the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) algorithm and Cox regression analysis. To delve into the fundamental gene expression mechanisms, we employed Gene Ontology (GO), KEGG, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Moreover, the different immune-related activities between the two groups were investigated to ascertain the efficacy of immunotherapy. Lastly, the functional analysis of the key risk gene MRAS was carried out via in vitro experiments and a pan-cancer analysis and potential small molecule drugs that may target MRAS were screened through molecular docking.
Results
Based on seven mitophagy-related prognostic gene signatures, osteosarcoma patients were stratified into high- and low-risk categories. The predictive model exhibited strong prognostic capability, as evidenced by Kaplan-Meier analysis, time-dependent AUC, and Nomogram. Notably, compared to the low-risk group, individuals in the high-risk group exhibited lower stromal, immune, and estimate scores.The infiltration of immune cells in high-risk group decreased. Further evidence supporting MRAS's protective role against osteosarcoma was shown in vitro, where upregulating its expression could suppress the proliferation, migration, and invasion of osteosarcoma cells while stimulating their apoptosis. Pan-cancer analysis further demonstrated its role in a variety of tumors.
Conclusion
This study identified a mitophagy-related prognostic signature and elucidated the impact of MRAS on osteosarcoma cells. Consequently, it opened up fresh avenues for clinical prognosis prediction and established a basis for precision therapy in osteosarcoma.
Asthma and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: huang Yuzhou , Rong Pengfei , Wang Dan , Lu Jianyun 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Research has uncovered a significant association between asthma and the elevated risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Yet, the specific impact of asthma on the occurrence of GDM has not been completely delineated. The objective of this research was to explore the direct impact of asthma on GDM prevalence, employing a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.
Methods
This research conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis utilizing collective data from genome-wide association studies, which were available to the public and concentrated on participants of European descent. The inverse-variance-weighted (IVW) method was adopted as the primary analytic technique. To strengthen the credibility of the findings, additional analytical techniques were employed, such as MR-Egger regression, the weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode analyses. An extensive array of sensitivity analyses was executed to ensure the reliability of the causal inferences.
Results
The IVW showed that genetically predicted asthma was significantly associated with an increased incidence of GDM(OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.04–1.24, p = 0.034).This outcome was also validated by other methods, including the weighted median (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.02–1.30, p = 0.015) and simple mode (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.03–1.73, p = 0.030). No heterogeneity and level pleiotropy were observed in sensitivity analyses.
Conclusions
The results indicate that asthma could be a contributing factor in the onset of GDM, underscoring the need for additional studies to explore the underlying connections between these conditions. It is essential to conduct more research to elucidate the causal relationships that link asthma with the emergence of GDM.
An immortalized porcine mesangial cell line competent for the cultivation of Japanese encephalitis virus
Authors: Xu Shengkui , Zong Shucheng , Liu Xinze , Pan Wen , Guo Fucheng , FU Jinyu , Liu Zhongyin , Xiao Jin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Japanese encephalitis virus causes a huge threat to the pig-raising industry and attenuated-live vaccines are widely used to prevent JEV infection. Nowadays, primary hamster kidney cells and Vero cells are mostly used for the propagation of JEV attenuated vaccines. In this research, we constructed porcine-derived-immortalized mesangial cells (PMCs) for JEV cultivation, and their characteristics were also studied. The prepared PMCs were uniform in shape and without variation in chromosome numbers. Furthermore, PMCs showed strong division and proliferation ability, and JEV could replicate efficiently as well causing a cytopathic effect similar to that in Vero cells. The viral tiler results showed that JEV grows faster in PMCs compared with that in Vero cells. Taken together, we generated an immortalized PMC cell line competent for the cultivation of JEV, which has significance for the production of pig JEV attenuated vaccines.
Unraveling the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Flat Stem Formation in Atractylodes lancea in Response to Phytoplasmas
Authors: Gong Ling , Chen Lei , Huang Xiao , Deng Juan , Wu Xiaoyi , Hu Yating , Jiang Meiling , Yu Kun , Liu Changliu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC has been widely used as a medicinal herb for centuries. However, long-term artificial cultivation of A. lancea led to serious plant diseases, such as the flat branch disease caused by phytoplasmas. To explore the formation mechanism of flat stems, we measured the changes in physiological and biochemical indicators and related metabolic pathways in stems of A. lancea in response to phytoplasma. After infection by pathogen, significant changes were observed in the content of stress compounds H2O2 and MDA, as well as the activities of antioxidant enzymes APX, POD, PPO, and CAT. The contents of jasmonic acid and zeatin in the flat stem (FS) of A. lancea increased significantly, while auxin content decreased. High-throughput sequencing showed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are enriched in hormone biosynthesis, signal transduction, Ca2+ signaling, and other pathways. These results preliminary elucidate the molecular mechanism of flat stem development in A. lancea, providing a foundation for disease prevention in the future.
Multi-scale Interaction Underlying the 2022 Concurrent Extreme Precipitation in Pakistan and Mega Heatwave in Yangtze River Valley
Authors: Ma Qianrong , Sun Yingxiao , Hu Rui , zhu zhiwei , Xiong Kaiguo , Wu Hao , Yan Pengcheng , Feng Guolin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Unprecedentedly extreme precipitation occurred in Pakistan (PAK), and mega heat waves persisted along the Yangtze River Valley (YRV) from July to August 2022. Using the advanced multiscale window transform-based canonical transfer attribution framework, we quantitatively delineated multi-scale and inter-scale interactions leading to record-breaking spatially concurrent extremes in 2022 and comprehensively revealed differences in dynamic processes affecting extreme events in July and August. The quasi-stationary window lost the available potential energy (APE), and through APE canonical transfers to the intraseasonal-scale and synoptic-scale windows, the inter-scale dynamic processes and barotropic instability of the basic-scale preserved the concurrent extreme in July. In August, the eruptive high-frequency-scale kinetic energy convergence provided dynamic conditions for the sinking motion of the YRV and its advection to PAK from the Indian Ocean. Consequently, the interaction between high- and low-frequency processes drove atmospheric circulation in summer, but the high-frequency process in August played a vital role in extreme events. Additionally, the heat source in the tropical western-central Pacific is considered one of the key drivers for localized repetitive bursts of energy. This study emphasizes both the interactions between multiple scales of atmospheric dynamics and revealing the driving mechanisms behind the impacts of warming on extreme events, linking the external forcing issue with the free problem of atmospheric internal instability.
Alterations of intrinsic brain activity in subthreshold depression after internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy intervention
Authors: Wang Yu , Ying Yuchen , Zhu Zili , Wang Li , Yang YiLing , Zhang Li , Yu Wenquan , Liang Yichuan , Ji Yunxin , Pan Yuning 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Subthreshold depression (SD) is a prevalent mental health condition that is recognized as a key precursor to major depressive disorder (MDD) and has a significant negative impact on individuals' quality of life. Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) is considered an efficacious psychological intervention that enhances access to psychotherapeutic services. Nevertheless, the neuromechanism underlying the effectiveness of ICBT in SD has not been explored until now. This study seeks to investigate the intrinsic alterations in brain activity in SD before and after ICBT intervention using resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) analysis.
Methods
Twenty-five individuals with SD and 25 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in the study. SD received ICBT intervention and underwent MRI scans within 48 hours before and after the intervention, along with clinical assessment scales. HC underwent a single MRI scan at the time of enrollment. Analyses of amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and degree centrality (DC) were conducted to assess intrinsic brain activity in all participants. Two-sample t-tests were performed to compare whole-brain differences of ALFF and DC between HC and SD before ICBT intervention, and paired-sample t-tests were employed to examine changes in whole-brain ALFF and DC in SD before and after ICBT intervention. The associations among altered ALFF and DC values and the changes in clinical assessment scores in SD were evaluated by Pearson or Spearman correlation analyses.
Results
Compared to HC, decreased DC in the right precuneus (PCUN) and increased ALFF in the right insula (INS) were found in SD before ICBT intervention. After ICBT intervention, ALFF in the left hippocampus (HIP) was increased, and DC in the right medial and paracingulate gyri (DCG) was reduced in SD. Altered ALFF values in the left HIP showed a negative correlation with the changes in Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Items (PHQ-9) scores, and a positive correlation with the changes in Frequency of Actions and Thoughts Scale in terms of rewarding behaviours (FATS-ReB) scores. Altered DC values in the right DCG positively correlated with the changes in Competencies of Cognitive Therapy Scale-Therapist Report in terms of behavioral activation (CCTS-TR-BhA) scores.
Conclusions
The findings provide new insights into the altered intrinsic brain activities in SD. More importantly, this study demonstrates the potential intrinsic activity changes in brain regions associated with ICBT response to SD, further elucidating the neuropsychological mechanism underlying the efficacy of ICBT.
Trial registration:
This protocol was retrospectively registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Register (ChiCTR) on February 22, 2022, with Identifier: ChiCTR2200056884 (https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=154448).
Hybrid Metaheuristic Algorithms for Feature Selection in Classification: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Othman Manal Mohammed , Ku-Mahamud Ku Ruhana 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The effectiveness of a machine learning model is significantly impacted by feature selection. Feature selection is one of the most popular and highly effective techniques for eliminating irrelevant and redundant features to enhance the relevance of the collected data and improve the effectiveness of classification tasks. Feature selection is challenging because of the intricate relationship between features and large search space, which grows exponentially with the number of existing features in the original dataset. Metaheuristic algorithms are the most effective techniques for managing feature selection due to their robustness, intelligibility, and effectiveness in solving intricate optimization problems. Recent studies have focused on using hybrid metaheuristics as feature selection approaches. This systematic literature review explores recent studies from 2019 to 2023 that used hybrid metaheuristic algorithms for feature selection in classification. This paper aims to understand the existing hybrid algorithms, the goal of hybridization, the type of hybridization, and their application domains. Moreover, crucial parameters, fitness and transfer functions, initial population method, feature selection approach, classification algorithm, evaluation criteria, and statistical test are also investigated in this paper. A list of 30 relevant papers in line with the topic were extracted and examined to develop new insights in the domain of feature selection in classification. The focus is on a single fitness function (single objective). However, feature selection can be seen as a multi-objective problem, making hybridization in multi-objective feature selection problems a future research work for scholars.