bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Zebrafish raptor mutation inhibits the activity of mTORC1, inducing craniofacial defects due to autophagy-induced neural crest cell death
Authors: Tucker Scott K. , Ghosal Ritika , Swartz Mary E. , Zhang Stephanie , Eberhart Johann K. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) coordinates metabolism and cell growth with environmental inputs. mTOR forms two functional complexes: mTORC1 and mTORC2. Proper development requires both complexes but mTORC1 has unique roles in numerous cellular processes, including cell growth, survival and autophagy. Here, we investigate the function of mTORC1 in craniofacial development. We created a zebrafish raptor mutant via CRISPR/Cas9, to specifically disrupt mTORC1. The entire craniofacial skeleton and eyes were reduced in size in mutants; however, overall body length and developmental timing were not affected. The craniofacial phenotype associates with decreased chondrocyte size and increased neural crest cell death. We found that autophagy is elevated in raptor mutants. Chemical inhibition of autophagy reduced cell death and improved craniofacial phenotypes in raptor mutants. Genetic inhibition of autophagy, via mutation of the autophagy gene atg7, improved facial phenotypes in atg7;raptor double mutants, relative to raptor single mutants. We conclude that finely regulated levels of autophagy, via mTORC1, are crucial for craniofacial development.
Cell proliferation and Notch signaling coordinate the formation of epithelial folds in the Drosophila leg
Authors: Rodríguez Alonso , Foronda David , Córdoba Sergio , Felipe-Cordero Daniel , Baonza Antonio , Miguez David G. , Estella Carlos 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
The formation of complex three-dimensional organs during development requires precise coordination between patterning networks and mechanical forces. In particular, tissue folding is a crucial process that relies on a combination of local and tissue-wide mechanical forces. Here, we investigate the contribution of cell proliferation to epithelial morphogenesis using the Drosophila leg tarsal folds as a model. We reveal that tissue-wide compression forces generated by cell proliferation, in coordination with the Notch signaling pathway, are essential for the formation of epithelial folds in precise locations along the proximo-distal axis of the leg. As cell numbers increase, compressive stresses arise, promoting the folding of the epithelium and reinforcing the apical constriction of invaginating cells. Additionally, the Notch target dysfusion plays a key function specifying the location of the folds, through the apical accumulation of F-actin and the apico-basal shortening of invaginating cells. These findings provide new insights into the intricate mechanisms involved in epithelial morphogenesis, highlighting the crucial role of tissue-wide forces in shaping a three-dimensional organ in a reproducible manner.
Early embryogenesis in CHDFIDD mouse model reveals facial clefts and altered cranial neurogenesis
Authors: Hampl Marek , Jandová Nela , Lusková Denisa , Nováková Monika , Szotkowská Tereza , Čada Štěpán , Procházka Jan , Kohoutek Jiri , Buchtová Marcela 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
CDK13-related disorder, also known as congenital heart defects, dysmorphic facial features and intellectual developmental disorder (CHDFIDD) is associated with mutations in the CDK13 gene encoding transcription-regulating cyclin-dependent kinase 13 (CDK13). Here, we focused on the development of craniofacial structures and analyzed early embryonic stages in CHDFIDD mouse models, with one model comprising a hypomorphic mutation in Cdk13 and exhibiting cleft lip/palate, and another model comprising knockout of Cdk13, featuring a stronger phenotype including midfacial cleft. Cdk13 was found to be physiologically expressed at high levels in the mouse embryonic craniofacial structures, namely in the forebrain, nasal epithelium and maxillary mesenchyme. We also uncovered that Cdk13 deficiency leads to development of hypoplastic branches of the trigeminal nerve including the maxillary branch. Additionally, we detected significant changes in the expression levels of genes involved in neurogenesis (Ache, Dcx, Mef2c, Neurog1, Ntn1, Pou4f1) within the developing palatal shelves. These results, together with changes in the expression pattern of other key face-specific genes (Fgf8, Foxd1, Msx1, Meis2 and Shh) at early stages in Cdk13 mutant embryos, demonstrate a key role of CDK13 in the regulation of craniofacial morphogenesis.
Center of mass position does not drive energetic costs during climbing
Authors: Young Melody W. , Dickinson Edwin , Gustafson Jon A. , Granatosky Michael C. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
Climbing animals theoretically should optimize the energetic costs of vertical climbing while also maintaining stability. Many modifications to climbing behaviors have been proposed as methods of satisfying these criteria, focusing on controlling the center of mass (COM) during ascent. However, the link between COM movements and metabolic energy costs has yet to be evaluated empirically. In this study, we manipulated climbing conditions across three experimental setups to elicit changes in COM position, and measured the impact of these changes upon metabolic costs across a sample of 14 humans. Metabolic energy was assessed via open flow respirometry, while COM movements were tracked both automatically and manually. Our findings demonstrate that, despite inducing variation in COM position, the energetic costs of climbing remained consistent across all three setups. Differences in energetic costs were similarly not affected by body mass; however, velocity had a significant impact upon both cost of transport and cost of locomotion, but such a relationship disappeared when accounting for metabolic costs per stride. These findings suggest that climbing has inescapable metabolic demands driven by gaining height, and that attempts to mitigate such a cost, with perhaps the exception of increasing speed, have only minimal impacts. We also demonstrate that metabolic and mechanical energy costs are largely uncorrelated. Collectively, we argue that these data refute the idea that efficient locomotion is the primary aim during climbing. Instead, adaptations towards effective climbing should focus on stability and reducing the risk of falling, as opposed to enhancing the metabolic efficiency of locomotion.
Assessing the benefits of advanced clinical practice for key stakeholders
Authors: Scott Vikki-Jo 
Published: March 2024

Background: Advanced clinical practice roles, usually filled by nurses, have had positive effects on clinical effectiveness, including in patient satisfaction, but their benefits for other stakeholders (such as employers, health professionals, education providers and commissioners and professional/regulatory bodies) are less clear. Aim: This study aimed to identify UK research on the potential benefits of advanced clinical practice and evaluate the evidence base for key stakeholders in this field. Method: A mixed-methods systematic literature review was carried out to inform a narrative interpretive synthesis. Findings: 44 articles of mixed quality were identified. Consensus was found regarding the definition of and barriers and facilitators to advanced clinical practice. This role is split into substitution (eg, of doctors) and supplementation (eg, adding value) aspects, and the clinical practice element dominates. Training for the role varies, as do scope of practice and regulation. Conclusion: There are several barriers to the implementation of advanced clinical practice and therefore the realisation of its benefits for key stakeholders. Areas requiring attention include training, support from others for role expansion and organisational issues.
Centralized and distributed approaches to control optical point-to-multipoint systems near-real-time
Authors: Shakespear-Miles H. , Lin Q. , Barzegar S. , Ruiz M. , Chen X. , Velasco L. 
Published: March 2024

Optical
point-to-multipoint
(P2MP) connectivity based on digital subcarrier multiplexing (DSCM)
has been shown as a solution for the metro-access segment that is able
to reduce capital and operational costs and support the capacity and
high dynamicity needs of future 6G services. To achieve maximum
performance, activation and deactivation of subcarriers must be done
near-real-time to provide just the capacity needed to support
the input traffic. In this paper, we investigate the
applicability of various approaches capable of supporting the
near-real-time operation requirement. Starting from the centralized
approach that can be carried out on the centralized software-defined
networking (SDN) controller, we also explore distributed approaches
that might relieve the SDN controller from near-real-time operation.
In particular, we explore the performance of deploying a multiagent
system (MAS), where intelligent agents run on top of the nodes in the
P2MP tree and communicate among them. Illustrative results show that
the distributed approaches can achieve a performance close to that of
the centralized one, while reducing communication needs. Results also
show the importance of traffic/capacity prediction to anticipate the
activation of subcarriers.
Effect of surface anchoring energy on a liquid crystal optical waveguide-based polarization rotator
Authors: Zha Zhengtao 
Published: March 2024

This study reports the effect of the surface anchoring energy of a liquid crystal (LC) cell on the performance of the liquid crystal optical waveguide polarization rotator (LCOW-PR) for the purpose of providing a theoretical reference for practical preparation of the LCOW-PR. First, the expression for the deflection angle of the director at the boundary of the LC cell is derived so that the distributions of the director and dielectric tensor of the LC can be accurately solved under any anchoring energy. On this basis, the correlation between the crucial indicators such as the polarization conversion length (PCL) together with the polarization conversion efficiency (PCE) of the LCOW-PR and the anchoring effect strength is constructed by combining with the existing numerical algorithms. The numerical results show that the maximum variation of the PCL is lower than 0.1 µm as the anchoring effect strength increases from 1×10−6J/m2 to 1×10−3J/m2, while the PCE decreases from 99.72% to 78.33%. This implies that the PCL of the LCOW-PR does not depend on the surface anchoring energy, but the anchoring effect strength of the orientational layer must be controlled to the order of 10−6J/m2 or even lower to achieve high-performance conversion between the polarization modes. Simultaneously, the effectiveness of the calculations in this work is verified with the help of the coupled mode theory as well as a comparison to previous reports.
Surgical site infection following cesarean section and its predictors in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lake Eyob Shitie , Alamrew Abebaw , Belay Wagaye Shumete , Yilak Gizachew , Berihun Erega Besfat , Abita Zinie , Ayele Mulat 
Published: March 2024

Introduction
Worldwide, surgery related deaths within 30 days of the procedure accounts the third contributor among all causes of deaths, with an estimated 4.2 million people annually and half of these deaths occur in low and middle income countries.

Objective
To determine the pooled prevalence of surgical site infection following cesarean section and its predictors in Ethiopia.

Methods
A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted by using PRISMA guideline. An appropriate and comprehensive search of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, HINARI and Scopus was done. This SRMA included all articles conducted in all regional state of Ethiopia reporting the prevalence/proportion/incidence of SSI after cesarean section and/or associated factors. All observational study designs were included in this SRMA. Articles which lack our outcome of interest: SSI following cesarean section and its predictors were excluded from this SRMA. The I2 statistic was used to quantify heterogeneity across studies. Funnel plot asymmetry and Egger’s tests were used to check for publication bias. A random effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of SSI. Adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was also considered to determine the association of identified variables with SSI. Statistical analysis was conducted using STATA version 17 software.

Result
Initially 6334 studies were identified and finally 19 studies were found eligible for the analysis. Studies with a score of 7 and above were included for the final systematic review and meta-analysis. The review was comprised of 14 cross sectional studies, 4 cohort and one case control studies. The pooled estimate of SSI in Ethiopia was 11.13% (95%CI, 9.29–12.97%). Prolonged labor (AOR = 3.16, 95% CI; (2.14–4.68)), chorioamnionitis (AOR = 4.26, 95% CI; (1.99–8.91)), prolonged PROM (AOR = 3.80, 95% CI; (2.51–5.62)), repeated vaginal examination (AOR = 3.80, 95% CI; (2.45–5.88)), decreased hemoglobin level (AOR = 4.57, 95%CI; (3.16–6.60)), vertical skin incision (AOR = 3.09, 95% CI; (2.04–4.67)) and general anesthesia (AOR = 1.82, 95% CI (1.21–2.75)) are significantly associated with SSI after cesarean section in Ethiopia.

Conclusion
SSI after cesarean section in Ethiopia is high. Prolonged labor, chorioamnionits, prolonged PROM, repeated vaginal examination, decreased Hgb level, vertical skin incision and general anesthesia were positively associated. Thus, evidence based intra-partum care should be practiced.
The development, feasibility and credibility of intra-abdominal pressure measurement techniques: A scoping review
Authors: Li ZhiRu , Wang HuaFen , Lu FangYan 
Published: March 2024

Aim
To provide a comprehensive overview on emerging direct and alternative methods for intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) measurement techniques.

Methods
This was a scoping review study following Arksey and Malley’s framework. The PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, EBSCO, Scopus and ProQuest databases were searched, and we only considered studies published from 2000 as we have extended the data from two previous reviews. Original studies that reported on the development, feasibility and credibility of IAP measurement techniques were included.

Results
Forty-two of 9954 screened articles were included. IAP measurement techniques include three major categories: direct, indirect and less invasive measurement techniques. Agreement analyses were performed in most studies, and some explored the safety, time expenditure and reproducibility of IAP measurement techniques.

Conclusions
Clinical data assessing the validation of new IAP measurement techniques or the reliability of established measurement techniques remain lacking. Considering the cost and invasiveness, direct measurement is not recommended as a routine method for IAP measurement and should be preserved for critically ill patients where standard techniques are contraindicated or could be inaccurate. The measurement accuracy, reliability and sensitivity of the transrectal and transfemoral vein methods remain insufficient and cannot be recommended as surrogate IAP measures. Transvesical measurement is the most widely used method, which is the potentially most easy applicable technique and can be used as a reliable method for continuous and intermittent IAP measurement. Wireless transvaginal method facilitates the quantitative IAP measurement during exercise and activity, which laying the foundations for monitoring IAP outside of the clinic environment, but the accuracy of this technique in measuring absolute IAP cannot be determined at present. Less invasive technology will become a new trend to measure IAP and has substantial potential to replace traditional IAP measurement technologies, but further validation and standardization are still needed. Medical professionals should choose appropriate measurement tools based on the advantages and disadvantages of each IAP technique in combination with assessing specific clinical situations.
Natural disasters, livelihood, and healthcare challenges of the people of a riverine island in Bangladesh: A mixed-method exploration
Authors: Hossain Ahmed , Chowdhury Anika Tasneem , Mahbub Masum , Khan Mahmuda , Rahman Taifur , Sharif Azaz Bin , Hijazi Heba , Alameddine Mohamad 
Published: March 2024

Background
Bangladesh’s islands, because of their geographical location, frequently encounter crises like floods and river erosion, which pose significant threats to the residents’ well-being and livelihoods. To delve into the effects of these disasters on livelihood and healthcare challenges, a mixed-method study was undertaken in a riverine-island near a major river of Bangladesh.

Methodology
Between February 15th and February 28th, 2023, a cross-sectional study was conducted on an island in Bangladesh. The quantitative method involved conducting a survey of 442 households, with a total of 2921 participants. Additionally, 10 in-depth interviews and 10 key-informant interviews were conducted using semi-structured guidelines. Qualitative interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a thematic analysis. Triangulation was employed in this study through the integration of qualitative and quantitative analysis, resulting in the presentation of findings that offer an in-depth comprehension of the phenomenon being investigated.

Results
River erosions and floods are common and recurring natural disasters that significantly impact the lives of the riverine island inhabitants. These disasters often disrupted their livelihoods, forced many residents to endure substandard living conditions or relocated during flood events. The island faced a low diagnostic prevalence of chronic diseases (e.g., 5.1% of adults were hypertension and 2.5% are diabetes) because of the absence of diagnostic facilities and a shortage of certified doctors. A significant number of chronic illness people in the community turned to alternative medicine sources (39.3%) such as homeopathy, Kabiraj, and Ayurvedic medicine, especially it gets increased during periods of natural disasters. Moreover, reproductive aged women revealed that 79.4% of them gave birth at home, with 6.0% of these home deliveries resulting in miscarriage or infant death. The destruction of crops, unstable job opportunities, an inadequate educational system, and a deficient healthcare delivery system exacerbated the hardships faced by the population affected by these disasters.

Conclusion
The failure to seek treatment for chronic diseases and undiagnosed diseases is a significant health issue among the aging adults on the island. Island residents face the challenge of establishing effective prevention strategies for the well-being of older adults especially at the period of natural disasters. It is crucial for the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to collaborate to prevent the negative effects of floods and river erosions. This should include efforts to enhance the quality of education, healthcare services, job opportunities, and financial assistance for rebuilding homes.
Prevalence of unqualified sources of antimalarial drug prescription for children under the age of five: A study in 19 low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Hossain Md Sabbir , Ahmed Talha Sheikh , Haque Mohammad Anamul , Chowdhury Muhammad Abdul Baker , Uddin Md Jamal 
Published: March 2024

Background
Antimalarial drug resistance poses a severe danger to global health. In Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), there is a lack of reliable information on antimalarial prescriptions for recent malarial fever in children under five. Our study aims to determine the prevalence of unqualified sources of antimalarial drug prescription for children under the age of five in 19 low- and middle-income countries.

Methods
We performed a cross-sectional study of the Malaria Indicator Survey (MIS) datasets (n = 106265) across 19 LMICs. The recent MIS datasets were used, and the study only included children under five who had taken an antimalarial drug for a recent malarial fever. The outcome variable was classified into two distinct categories: those who had taken antimalarial drugs for malarial fever from qualified sources and those who did not.

Findings
Among LMICs, we found that 87.1% of children under five received an antimalarial prescription from unqualified sources who had recently experienced malarial fever. In several LMICs (Tanzania, Nigeria, and Ghana), a substantial portion of recent antimalarial prescriptions for malaria was taken from unqualified sources (about 60%). Some LMICs (Guinea (31.8%), Mali (31.3%), Nigeria (20.4%), Kenya (2.6%), and Senegal (2.7%)) had low rates of antimalarial drug consumption even though children under five received a high percentage of antimalarial prescriptions from qualified sources for a recent malarial fever. Living in rural areas, having mothers with higher education, and having parents with more wealth were frequently taken antimalarial from qualified sources for recent malarial fever in children under five across the LMICs.

Interpretation
The study draws attention to the importance of national and local level preventative strategies across the LMICs to restrict antimalarial drug consumption. This is because antimalarial prescriptions from unqualified sources for recent malarial fever in children under five were shockingly high in most LMICs and had high rates of unqualified prescriptions in certain other LMICs.
Comparison of EKFC, Pakistani CKD-EPI and 2021 Race-Free CKD-EPI creatinine equations in South Asian CKD population: A study from Pakistani CKD community cohort
Authors: Safdar Aqsa , Akram Waqas , Khan Mahtab Ahmad , Tahir Danish , Butt Muhammad Hammad 
Published: March 2024

Introduction
South Asian individuals possess a high risk of chronic kidney disease. There is a need to study, evaluate, and compare the newly suggested glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equations for accurate CKD diagnosis, staging, and drug dosing. This study aimed to (1) evaluate the European Kidney Function Consortium (EKFC), Pakistani CKD-EPI, and 2021 Race-Free CKD-EPI creatinine equation in the South Asian population with CKD and (2) to examine the expected implications on both CKD classification as well as End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) prevalence across these equations in South Asian population.

Methods
We carried out a cross-sectional investigation on 385 participants, a CKD cohort ≥ 18 years, at Allama Iqbal Medical College, Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. Serum creatinine was measured by Jaffe’s method and rGFR was measured by inulin clearance.

Results
Pakistani CKD-EPI has a lower median difference at -1.33 ml/min/1.73m2 elevated precision (IQR) at 2.33 (-2.36, -0.03) and higher P30 value at 89.35% than 2021 CKD-EPI and EKFC equations. The mean difference (ml/min/1.73m2), 95% agreement limits (ml/min/1.73m2) of CKD-EPI PK: -1.18, -6.14, 2021 CKD-EPI: -5.98, -13.24 and EKFC: -5.62, -13.01 (P <0.001). These equations highly correlated to rGFR (P <0.001). An upward re-classification in GFR categories was shown by 2021 CKD-EPI and EKFC compared to the Pakistani CKD-EPI equation. However, there was an exception regarding the G5 category, where an elevated count of 217 (56.36%) was shown for CKD-EPI PK. The prevalence of ESRD was seen in entire age groups and prevailed among females more than in males overall equations.

Conclusions
Pakistani CKD-EPI exhibited outstanding performance, while 2021 CKD-EPI and EKFC demonstrated poor performances and could not show an adequate advantage for both CKD classification and prevalence of ESRD compared to Pakistani CKD-EPI. Therefore, Pakistani CKD-EPI appears optimal for this region and warrants future validation in other South Asian countries. In contrast, suitable measures must be implemented in Pakistani laboratories.