bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exogenous application of sulfur-rich thiourea (STU) to alleviate the adverse effects of cobalt stress in wheat
Authors: Zahid Aiman , ul din Kaleem , Ahmad Muhamad , Hayat Umer , Zulfiqar Usman , Askri Syed Muhammad Hassan , Anjum Muhammad Zohaib , Maqsood Muhammad Faisal , Aijaz Nazish , Chaudhary Talha , Ali Hayssam M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHeavy metal stress affects crop growth and yields as wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth and development are negatively affected under heavy metal stress. The study examined the effect of cobalt chloride (CoCl2) stress on wheat growth and development. To alleviate this problem, a pot experiment was done to analyze the role of sulfur-rich thiourea (STU) in accelerating the defense system of wheat plants against cobalt toxicity. The experimental treatments were, i) Heavy metal stress (a) control and (b) Cobalt stress (300 µM), ii) STU foliar applications; (a) control and (b) 500 µM single dose was applied after seven days of stress, and iii) Wheat varieties (a) FSD-2008 and (b) Zincol-2016. The results revealed that cobalt stress decreased chlorophyll a by 10%, chlorophyll b by 16%, and carotenoids by 5% while foliar application of STU increased these photosynthetic pigments by 16%, 15%, and 15% respectively under stress conditions as in contrast to control. In addition, cobalt stress enhances hydrogen peroxide production by 11% and malondialdehyde (MDA) by 10%. In comparison, STU applications at 500 µM reduced the production of these reactive oxygen species by 5% and by 20% by up-regulating the activities of antioxidants. Results have revealed that the activities of SOD improved by 29%, POD by 25%, and CAT by 28% under Cobalt stress. Furthermore, the foliar application of STU significantly increased the accumulation of osmoprotectants as TSS was increased by 23% and proline was increased by 24% under cobalt stress. Among wheat varieties, FSD-2008 showed better adaptation under Cobalt stress by showing enhanced photosynthetic pigments and antioxidant activities compared to Zincol-2016. In conclusion, the foliar-applied STU can alleviate the negative impacts of Cobalt stress by improving plant physiological attributes and upregulating the antioxidant defense system in wheat.
Graphical Abstract
What are the factors affecting primary care choice when the access under health insurance scheme is limited?: a cross-sectional study in Bandung, Indonesia
Authors: Fauziyyah Afina Nur , Shibanuma Akira , Ong Ken Ing Cherng , Jimba Masamine 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Ensuring equal access to primary care services is crucial, as the gateway to a higher level of care. Indonesia has been trying to increase financial access to medical care by administering national health insurance known as BPJS-Health (Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Sosial Kesehatan) since 2014. However, BPJS-Health beneficiaries can only use their benefits at a limited number of registered primary care providers (BPJS-Health partners). This study investigated the geographical coverage of BPJS-Health and BPJS-Health beneficiaries’ primary care choices, based on their characteristics and healthcare preferences in the target areas of Bandung, Indonesia.

Methods
The setting of this cross-sectional study was the areas with low physical access to BPJS-Health partners but high physical access to non-BPJS-Health partners. Physical access was determined by spatial network analysis, resulting in a geographical coverage map. A total of 216 adults were recruited and they completed the questionnaire about their primary care choice. All participants had been registered with the BPJS-Health system and living in the study areas. Their participation in non-BPJS-Health was also evaluated. Participants’ choice of care was assessed in three different scenarios, when the individual was experiencing mild, chronic, and serious illnesses.

Results
BPJS-Health partners’ geographical coverage was unequally distributed in Bandung. Being registered with non-BPJS-Health company was negatively associated with the more frequent choice of using BPJS-Health partners’ services (AOR = 0.18; 95% CI, 0.06-0.58, P = 0.004) among BPJS-Health beneficiaries. For serious illnesses, having a high income was associated with choosing non-BPJS-Health partners and hospitals (AOR = 4.90; 95% CI, 1.16-20.77, P = 0.031). When dealing with mild and chronic illnesses, participants were concerned about the quality of treatment they would receive as a major factor in choosing a primary care provider. However, receiving better treatment quality was negatively associated with choosing BPJS-Health partners in all cases of illness severities.

Conclusions
Sociodemographic characteristics, healthcare preference factors, and health insurance status were associated with participants’ primary care choices in the target areas of Bandung, Indonesia. BPJS-Health partners’ coverage map and the preference factors are potentially important for policymakers, especially for the development of future BPJS-Health partnerships.
Counting what counts: assessing quality of life and its social determinants among nursing home residents with dementia
Authors: Hoben Matthias , Dymchuk Emily , Doupe Malcolm B. , Keefe Janice , Aubrecht Katie , Kelly Christine , Stajduhar Kelli , Banerjee Sube , O’Rourke Hannah M. , Chamberlain Stephanie , Beeber Anna , Salma Jordana , Jarrett Pamela , Arya Amit , Corbett Kyle , Devkota Rashmi , Ristau Melissa , Shrestha Shovana , Estabrooks Carole A. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Maximizing quality of life (QoL) is a major goal of care for people with dementia in nursing homes (NHs). Social determinants are critical for residents' QoL. However, similar to the United States and other countries, most Canadian NHs routinely monitor and publicly report quality of care, but not resident QoL and its social determinants. Therefore, we lack robust, quantitative studies evaluating the association of multiple intersecting social determinants with NH residents’ QoL. The goal of this study is to address this critical knowledge gap.

Methods
We will recruit a random sample of 80 NHs from 5 Canadian provinces (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario). We will stratify facilities by urban/rural location, for-profit/not-for-profit ownership, and size (above/below median number of beds among urban versus rural facilities in each province). In video-based structured interviews with care staff, we will complete QoL assessments for each of ~ 4,320 residents, using the DEMQOL-CH, a validated, feasible tool for this purpose. We will also assess resident’s social determinants of QoL, using items from validated Canadian population surveys. Health and quality of care data will come from routinely collected Resident Assessment Instrument – Minimum Data Set 2.0 records. Knowledge users (health system decision makers, Alzheimer Societies, NH managers, care staff, people with dementia and their family/friend caregivers) have been involved in the design of this study, and we will partner with them throughout the study. We will share and discuss study findings with knowledge users in web-based summits with embedded focus groups. This will provide much needed data on knowledge users' interpretations, usefulness and intended use of data on NH residents’ QoL and its health and social determinants.

Discussion
This large-scale, robust, quantitative study will address a major knowledge gap by assessing QoL and multiple intersecting social determinants of QoL among NH residents with dementia. We will also generate evidence on clusters of intersecting social determinants of QoL. This study will be a prerequisite for future studies to investigate in depth the mechanisms leading to QoL inequities in LTC, longitudinal studies to identify trajectories in QoL, and robust intervention studies aiming to reduce these inequities.
Towards prevention of new COVID-19 infections in institutions of higher education: factors influencing compliance with mask-wearing among public university students in Ghana
Authors: Gbagbo Fred Yao , Opoku Richmond , Quarcoo Rosemary 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Ghana’s mask-wearing compliance with COVID-19 prevention protocols has not been as impressive among the general population. In this study, we examined factors influencing compliance with mask-wearing among public university students in Ghana to make recommendations for the prevention of new COVID-19 infections in public universities.

Methods
We conducted this Census in a public university in Ghana between January and December 2022. The study design was an exploratory-cross-sectional and online survey. Structured questionnaires developed by the authors were used to collect data from 3,272 students. Data were analyzed with Jeffreys’s Amazing Statistics Program (JASP). Frequency distributions were used to summarize the data into tables and graphs whilst logistic regression analysis was done to examine the factors influencing compliance with mask-wearing among participants as well as their mask-wearing behaviors in school.

Results
Compliance with mask-wearing measures was high with 85.9% of the students wearing a nose mask always or often. Agreeing that the reusable masks do not last long was associated with a reduced chance of non-compliance (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.57, 0.86). However, agreeing with some challenges was associated with increased chances of non-compliance. These included concerns that it is boring to mask after wearing makeup or having a haircut (OR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.37, 2.14), and that masking is burdensome because it has to be removed when talking (OR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.01, 1.57), and that it is difficult to hear while masked (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.79).

Conclusion
Cost-benefit analyses, opinions about one’s look, and communication difficulties are the key factors influencing students’ non-compliance with mask-wearing regulations. To encourage student compliance with mask-wearing regulations at Ghana’s public universities, we recommend innovation in nose mask manufacture.
Trends of antimicrobial susceptibilities and multidrug-resistant colonization rate in patients transferred from long-term care facilities during 2017–2022: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Park Jin Ju , Park Hyejin , Na Sun Hee , Seo Yu Bin , Lee Jacob 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
With the global increase in the older population, the proportion of those receiving care in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) has also been increasing. We assessed the epidemiology, antibiotic susceptibility, and colonization status of drug-resistant organisms in patients transferred from LTCFs.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients transferred from LTCFs between 2017 and 2022. The reasons for admission, antimicrobial susceptibility, and colonization rates of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) were recorded. We analyzed the susceptibility and colonization rates by year to identify trends.

Results
Of the 936 patients transferred from LTCFs, 54.3% were admitted to the intensive care unit and 12.5% died. The most common reason for admission was infection (n = 573, 61.2%), followed by gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 67, 7.2%) and cerebrovascular disorder (n = 65, 6.9%). A total of 452 Enterobacterales strains were isolated, and their susceptibility rates to ciprofloxacin and cefotaxime were 33.3% and 35.6%, respectively. A total of 54.9% were extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing strains, and 4.9% of them were carbapenem-resistant, both of which showed an increasing trend (P = 0.024 and P < 0.001, respectively). The prevalence rates of CRE, CRAB, and MRSA colonization were 9.2%, 7.1%, and 23.1%, respectively. CRE colonization showed a significant increase (P < 0.001), with carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales accounting for 75.9% of cases.

Conclusions
Patients transferred from LTCFs are primarily affected by infections and exhibit high resistance rates. The increasing trend in CRE colonization rates each year highlights the need for the implementation of rigorous infection control measures for effective management.
The role of ataluren in the treatment of ambulatory and non-ambulatory children with nonsense mutation duchenne muscular dystrophy - a consensus derived using a modified Delphi methodology in Eastern Europe, Greece, Israel and Sweden
Authors: Golli Tanja , Juříková Lenka , Sejersen Thomas , Dixon Craig 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
This paper details the results of an evaluation of the level of consensus amongst clinicians on the use of ataluren in both ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients with nonsense mutation Duchenne muscular dystrophy (nmDMD). The consensus was derived using a modified Delphi methodology that involved an exploration phase and then an evaluation phase.

Methods
The exploration phase involved 90-minute virtual 1:1 interviews of 12 paediatric neurologists who cared for 30–120 DMD patients each and had patient contact every one or two weeks. The respondents managed one to ten nmDMD patients taking ataluren. The Discussion Guide for the interviews can be viewed as Appendix A. Following the exploration phase interviews, the interview transcripts were analysed by an independent party to identify common themes, views and opinions and developed 43 draft statements that the Steering Group (authors) reviewed, refined and endorsed a final list of 42 statements. Details of the recruitment of participants for the exploration and evaluation phases can be found under the Methods section.

Results
A consensus was agreed (> 66% of respondents agreeing) for 41 of the 42 statements using results from a consensus survey of healthcare professionals (n = 20) experienced in the treatment of nmDMD.

Conclusions
The statements with a high consensus suggest that treatment with ataluren should be initiated as soon as possible to delay disease progression and allow patients to remain ambulatory for as long as possible. Ataluren is indicated for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy that results from a nonsense mutation in the dystrophin gene, in ambulatory patients aged 2 years and older (see Summary of Product Characteristics for each country)
Prevalence of genital high-risk human papillomavirus infections and associated factors among women living with human immunodeficiency virus in Uganda
Authors: Nakigozi Harriet , Ndejjo Rawlance , Bazeyo William , Nabaggala Annet , Achola Caroline , Iga Moses , Kalyesubula Simeon , Kanamwangi Ben , Mutungi Gerald , Batte Charles , Mukunya David , Sserwanga Lawrence , Gemageine Godfrey , Oyoo Charles Akiya , Nabadda Susan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Women living with HIV are at risk for cervical dysplasia and cancer worldwide. In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that testing for high-risk HPV (hrHPV) infection be incorporated into cervical cancer screening programs using molecular nucleic acid tests (NATs) but this has not previously been done in Uganda. The country’s coverage for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) screening remains low at less than 10% for women aged 25–49 years. This study determined the genital prevalence of hrHPV infection and the associated factors among women living with HIV in Uganda.

Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 15 selected health facilities among participants who were on Antiretroviral therapy (ART). Participants who consented to participate were instructed on how to collect their own high vaginal swabs using a cervical brush for HPV molecular testing (HPV DNA or HPV RNA) and their demographics data was collected using a standard questionnaire. Laboratory diagnosis for HPV molecular testing was done using Gene xpert machines and Hologic Aptima Machine. Modified Poisson regression analysis was conducted to determine the associated factors.

Results
This study involved 5856 HIV positive participants on ART. A total of 2006 out of 5856 (34.3%) participants had high risk HPV infections. HPV infections by genotypes were: HPV16 317(15.8%), HPV 18/45 308 (15.4%) and other high-risk HPV 1381 (68.8%). The independent factors associated with all hrHPV were parity, education level, having more than one partner, and engaging in early sex. Smoking was associated with HPV 16, HPV 18/45 and other hrHPV. Age was associated with all hrHPV, marital status with HPV 16, and occupation with HPV 16.

Conclusions
The prevalence of genital high-risk HPV infections among HIV positive women attending ART clinics in public facilities in Uganda was high. Other hrHPV genotype was the commonest compared to 18/45 and HPV 16. The integration of cervical cancer screening in ART programmes remains paramount to support the early detection of cervical cancer and Non-invasive self-collected urine and vaginal sampling for cervical cancer screening present an opportunity.
Impact of preoperative white blood cell count on outcomes in different stage colorectal cancer patients undergoing surgical resection: a single-institution retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Bei , Ling Dandan , Li Lihong , Zhang Jun , Xu Jianghui 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To explore the association between preoperative WBC count and the long-term survival outcomes and clinical outcomes in different stage patients who underwent surgical resection for colorectal cancer (CRC).

Patients and methods
A cohort of 8121 Chinese patients who underwent surgical resection for CRC from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2014 were enrolled as part of the retrospective cohort were retrospectively analyzed. Based on that the preoperative WBC optimal cut-off value was 7*109/L (7,000/µL), the high preoperative WBC group and the low preoperative WBC group was defined. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) using the propensity score was used to reduce confounding. The impact of preoperative WBC count on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) was investigated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Univariate Cox proportional hazards models in different stage subgroup respectively.

Results
After IPTW, the clinical characters in the high preoperative WBC count group and the low preoperative WBC count group were balanced. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the 5-year OS rate were significantly lower in the high preoperative WBC count group overall, in stage II and IV. The 5-year DFS rate was significantly lower overall, in stage II and III in the high preoperative WBC count group. High preoperative WBC count was associated with poorer OS overall in stage II and stage IV.

Conclusions
This study suggests that preoperative WBC count is an independent risk factor for survival in patients undergoing colorectal surgery and may need to consider the stage of cancer when applied to predict long-term adverse outcome prognosis.
Hsa_circ_0005397 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression through EIF4A3
Authors: Yuan Liu-Xia , Luo Mei , Liu Ruo-Yu , Wang Hui-Xuan , Ju Lin-Ling , Wang Feng , Cao Ya-Li , Wang Zhong-Cheng , Chen Lin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to explore the expression and potential mechanism of hsa_circ_0005397 in hepatocellular carcinoma progression.

Methods
Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR) was used to measure the expression level of hsa_circ_0005397 and EIF4A3 from paired HCC tissues and cell lines. Western Blot (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to verify the protein level of EIF4A3. The specificity of primers was confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curve was drawn to analyze diagnostic value. Actinomycin D and nuclear and cytoplasmic extraction assays were utilized to evaluate the characteristics of hsa_circ_0005397. Cell Counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays were performed to detect cell proliferation. Flow cytometry analysis was used to detect the cell cycle. Transwell assay was performed to determine migration and invasion ability. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) of hsa_circ_0005397 in HCC were explored using bioinformatics websites. The relationship between hsa_circ_0005397 and Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 4A3 (EIF4A3) was verified by RNA Binding Protein Immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays, correlation and rescue experiments.

Results
In this study, hsa_circ_0005397 was found to be significantly upregulated in HCC, and the good diagnostic sensitivity and specificity shown a potential diagnostic capability. Upregulated expression of hsa_circ_0005397 was significantly related to tumor size and stage. Hsa_circ_0005397 was circular structure which more stable than liner mRNA, and mostly distributed in the cytoplasm. Upregulation of hsa_circ_0005397 generally resulted in stronger proliferative ability, clonality, and metastatic potency of HCC cells; its downregulation yielded the opposite results. EIF4A3 is an RNA-binding protein of hsa_circ_0005397, which overexpressed in paired HCC tissues and cell lines. In addition, expression of hsa_circ_0005397 decreased equally when EIF4A3 was depleted. RIP assays and correlation assay estimated that EIF4A3 could interacted with hsa_circ_0005397. Knockdown of EIF4A3 could reverse hsa_circ_0005397 function in HCC progression.

Conclusions
Hsa_circ_0005397 promotes progression of hepatocellular carcinoma through EIF4A3. These research findings may provide novel clinical value for hepatocellular carcinoma.