bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
To Be Mobile or Not: The Variety of Reverse Transcriptases and Their Recruitment by Host Genomes
Authors: Arkhipova Irina R. , Yushenova Irina A. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Reverse transcriptases (RT), or RNA-dependent DNA polymerases, are unorthodox enzymes that originally added a new angle to the conventional view of the unidirectional flow of genetic information in the cell from DNA to RNA to protein. First discovered in vertebrate retroviruses, RTs were since re-discovered in most eukaryotes, bacteria, and archaea, spanning essentially all domains of life. For retroviruses, RTs provide the ability to copy the RNA genome into DNA for subsequent incorporation into the host genome, which is essential for their replication and survival. In cellular organisms, most RT sequences originate from retrotransposons, the type of self-replicating genetic elements that rely on reverse transcription to copy and paste their sequences into new genomic locations. Some retroelements, however, can undergo domestication, eventually becoming a valuable addition to the overall repertoire of cellular enzymes. They can be beneficial yet accessory, like the diversity-generating elements, or even essential, like the telomerase reverse transcriptases. Nowadays, ever-increasing numbers of domesticated RT-carrying genetic elements are being discovered. It may be argued that domesticated RTs and reverse transcription in general is more widespread in cellular organisms than previously thought, and that many important cellular functions, such as chromosome end maintenance, may evolve from an originally selfish process of converting RNA into DNA.
Experiences and perceptions of urine sampling for tuberculosis testing among HIV patients: a multisite qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Lissouba Pascale , Rücker Sekai C Mathabire , Otieno Lucy Atieno , Akatukwasa Cecilia , Xulu Sibongiseni , Monjane Celso , Akinyi Milcah , Okal Beryl , Lubega Alex Vicent , Stewart Rosanna , Bossard Claire , Ohler Liesbet , Antabak Natalia Tamayo , Musoke Mohammed , Muyindike Winnie , Huerga Helena 
Published: November 2023

ObjectivesEvidence on the acceptability of urine-based assays for tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis among patients remains limited. We sought to describe patients’ experiences and perceptions of urine sampling for TB testing at point of care.SettingStudy sites in Kenya, Uganda, Mozambique and South Africa.ParticipantsAdult ambulatory HIV patients enrolled in a TB diagnostic study were selected purposively.InterventionFor this qualitative descriptive study, audiorecorded individual interviews conducted with consenting participants were translated, transcribed and analysed using content analysis. Ethical agreement was obtained from relevant ethical review committees.ResultsFifty-eight participants were interviewed. Three domains were identified. Overall, participants described urine sampling as easy, rapid and painless, with the main challenge being lacking the urge. Urine was preferred to sputum sampling in terms of simplicity, comfort, stigma reduction, convenience and practicality. While perceptions regarding its trustworthiness for TB diagnosis differed, urine sampling was viewed as an additional mean to detect TB and beneficial for early diagnosis. Participants were willing to wait for several hours for same-day results to allay the emotional, physical and financial burden of having to return to collect results, and would rather not pay for the test. Facilitators of urine sampling included cleanliness and perceived privacy of sampling environments, comprehensive sampling instructions and test information, as well as supplies such as toilet paper and envelopes ensuring confort and privacy when producing and returning samples. Participants motivation for accepting urine-based TB testing stemmed from their perceived susceptibility to TB, the value they attributed to their health, especially when experiencing symptoms, and their positive interactions with the medical team.ConclusionsThis study suggests that urine sampling is well accepted as a TB diagnostic method and provides insights on how to promote patients’ uptake of urine-based testing and improve their sampling experiences. These results encourage the future broad use of urine-based assays at point of care.
Mental health of general practitioners in Chongqing, China during COVID-19: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xu Yang , Deng JingZhi , Tan Wenhao , Yang Wen , Deng Huisheng 
Published: November 2023

ObjectivesIn the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, general practitioners (GPs) continue to face unprecedented challenges that affect their mental health. However, few studies have assessed the mental health status of GPs. This study aimed to provide preliminary understanding of stress, job burn-out and well-being levels among GPs to train and manage them during public health emergencies.DesignWe conducted a cross-sectional online self-report survey.SettingThe survey was conducted in Chongqing, China from July to August 2022.ParticipantsData were collected from 2145 GPs, with an effective response rate of 91.0%.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe main evaluation indicators were stress (Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale), job burn-out (Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey Scale) and well-being (WHO-5 Well-Being Index). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to compare the effect of different demographic characteristics on the impact of stress, job burn-out and decreased well-being.ResultsStress, job burn-out and decreased well-being were common among GPs. In this study, 59.7% experienced job burn-out, 76.1% experienced high levels of stress and 52.0% may have experienced depression. The main factors that influenced stress, burn-out and well-being were differences in age, working hours per week, title, part-time management work, work–life balance, sleep disorders, whether GPs received adequate recognition by patients and the work team and mental toughness (p<0.05).ConclusionThis survey is the first to investigate stress, job burn-out and well-being levels among local GPs in China during the COVID-19 pandemic. Curbing stress and job burn-out levels and ensuring well-being among GPs could be achieved by reducing paperwork, management work and working hours; promoting life and work balance; and increasing resilience among GPs. The findings provide a basis for policy-makers to formulate strategies for developing general practice.
Healthy grocery delivery in the usual care for adults recovering from an acute coronary event: protocol for a three-arm randomised controlled trial
Authors: Reynolds Andrew N , Hood Fiona , Wilson Ross , Ross Alastair , Neumann Silke , Turner Robin , Iosua Ella , Katare Rajesh , Shahin Aysu , Kok Zi-yi , Chan Huan , Coffey Sean , Mann Jim 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionCoronary heart disease is a major contributor to the global burden of disease. Appropriate nutrition is a cornerstone of the prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease; however, barriers including cost and access to recommended foods limits long-term adherence for many. We are conducting, in adults with coronary heart disease, a randomised controlled trial comparing usual care with two dietary interventions in which usual care is augmented by 12 weeks free delivered groceries.Methods and analysisThree hundred adults recovering from an acute coronary event will be recruited from outpatient cardiovascular services in three regions of Aotearoa New Zealand. Participants will be randomly allocated to three arms: usual care (control group), usual care and the free delivery of foods high in dietary fibre or usual care and the free delivery of foods high in unsaturated fats. Interventions duration is 12 weeks, with a further 12 months follow-up. The primary outcome measures are change in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentration following the intervention, and a cost-effectiveness analysis of healthcare access and social costs in the year after the intervention. A broad range of secondary outcome measures include other blood lipids, anthropometry, glycaemia, inflammatory markers, gut microbiome, dietary biomarkers, food acceptability, dietary change and the facilitators and barriers to dietary change. The trial will determine whether the free provision of groceries known to reduce cardiovascular risk within usual care will be clinically beneficial and justify the cost of doing so. Results may also provide an indication of the relative benefit of foods rich in dietary fibre or unsaturated fats in coronary heart disease management.Ethics and disseminationThis trial, The Healthy Heart Study, has Health and Disability Ethics Committee approval (20/NTB/121), underwent Māori consultation, and has locality authority to be conducted in Canterbury, Otago and Southland.Trial registration numberACTRN12620000689976, U1111-1250-1499.
Psychometric validation of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) among family caregivers of people with schizophrenia in China
Authors: Xiao Tao , Zhu Feng , Wang Dan , Liu Xiang , Xi Shi-Jun , Yu Yu 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundThe 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) is a widely used measure of perceived stress that has been validated in various populations, yet with inconsistent results on its factor structure. The present study examines the reliability and validity of the PSS-10 in a population not previously examined: Chinese family caregivers of persons with schizophrenia, with a focus on factor analysis.MethodsA sample of 449 family caregivers of persons with schizophrenia was recruited for psychometric testing of the scale. The factor structure of PSS-10 was tested by randomly dividing the sample into two groups for both exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The scale was further tested for internal consistency, test–retest reliability, convergent validity, discriminant validity and concurrent validity.ResultsEFA extracted two factors: perceived helplessness with six negative phrasing items and perceived efficacy with four positive phrasing items. CFA confirmed the structure of two factors with satisfactory model fit indices. Convergent validity was supported by high standard regression weight (0.78–0.92), average variance extracted (AVE=0.79–0.81) and composite reliability (0.88–0.94), while discriminant validity was confirmed by higher AVE estimates than the squared interconstruct correlations. The PSS-10 showed good internal consistency and test–retest reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.79 and intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.91, respectively. Concurrent validity was demonstrated by its significant positive correlations with stigma, depression and anxiety, as well as significant negative correlations with social support, family functioning and positive caregiving experiences.ConclusionThe two-factor PSS-10 has good psychometric characteristics assessing the perceived stress of family caregivers of people with schizophrenia. The findings indicate that the PSS-10 can be used to measure perceived stress in future research and practice among caregivers of people with schizophrenia, and potentially, other caregiving samples.
Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the care for acute cholecystitis: a Swedish multicentre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Osterman Erik , Jakobsson Sofia , Larsson Christina , Linder Fredrik 
Published: November 2023

ObjectivesThe present study aimed to investigate if and how the panorama of acute cholecystitis changed in 2020 in Sweden. Seven aspects were identified, the incidence of cholecystitis, the Tokyo grade, the timing of diagnosis and treatment, the proportion treated with early surgery, the proportion of patients treated with delayed surgery, and new complications from gallstones.DesignRetrospective multicentre cohort study.Setting3 hospitals in Sweden, covering 675 000 inhabitants.Participants1634 patients with cholecystitis.OutcomesThe incidence, treatment choice and diagnostic and treatment delay were investigated by comparing prepandemic and pandemic patients.ResultsPatients diagnosed with cholecystitis during the pandemic were more comorbid (American Society of Anesthesiologists 2–5, 86% vs 81%, p=0.01) and more often had a diagnostic CT (67% vs 59%, p=0.01). There were variations in the number of patients corresponding with the pandemic waves, but there was no overall increase in the number of patients with cholecystitis (78 vs 76 cases/100 000 inhabitants, p=0.7) or the proportion of patients treated with surgery during the pandemic (50% vs 50%, p=0.4). There was no increase in time to admission from symptoms (both median 1 day, p=0.7), or surgery from admission (both median 1 day, p=0.9). The proportion of grades 2–3 cholecystitis was not higher during the pandemic (46% vs 44%, p=0.9). The median time to elective surgery increased (184 days vs 130 days, p=0.04), but there was no increase in new gallstone complications (35% vs 39%, p=0.3).ConclusionEmergency surgery for cholecystitis was not impacted by the pandemic in Sweden. Patients were more comorbid but did not have more severe cholecystitis nor was there a delay in seeking care. Fewer patients non-operatively managed had elective surgery within 6 months of their initial diagnosis but there was no corresponding increase in gallstone complications.
Ionic salt cocrystals studied via multinuclear solid-state magnetic resonance: a case study of lithium 4-methoxybenzoate:L-proline polymorphs
Authors: Shi Yishu , Bryce David L. 
Published: November 2023

Lithium salts continue to find pharmaceutical applications, particularly as psychiatric medications. As with any active pharmaceutical ingredient, structural polymorphism is an important concern for lithium-based medications that can influence solubility and other physicochemical properties. Here we report a 13C, 1H, and 7Li magic-angle spinning solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS SSNMR) study of two 1:1 polymorphic ionic cocrystals of lithium 4-methoxybenzoate and L-proline (L4MPRO(α) and L4MPRO(β)). One-dimensional 13C cross-polarization MAS and two-dimensional heteronuclear correlation NMR spectra hint at differential mobilities of the proline and benzoate moieties for the two polymorphs. Five key resonances differ in 13C chemical shift by more than 1 ppm between the two polymorphs, clearly distinguishing between them. Gauge-including projector-augmented-wave density functional theory calculations of 13C and 1H magnetic shielding constants correlate strongly with the experimental chemical shifts for both polymorphs. R2 and root-mean-square deviation metrics are shown to be insufficient in the case of 13C, but sufficient in the case of 1H, for differentiating between the polymorphs. 7Li satellite-transition MAS NMR of both polymorphs are identical, as are the computed lithium magnetic shielding constants, demonstrating the insensitivity of 7Li NMR to polymorphism in these samples. This work highlights the utility of solid-state NMR spectroscopy for examining ionic salt cocrystals and also highlights some caveats in this regard.
Simulation analysis with rock muons from atmospheric neutrino interactions in the ICAL detector at the India-based Neutrino Observatory
Authors: Kanishka R. , Indumathi D. , Mohan Lakshmi S. , Bhatnagar V. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe proposed magnetized Iron CALorimeter detector (ICAL) to be built in the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) laboratory aims to study atmospheric neutrinos and its properties such as precision measurements of oscillation parameters and the neutrino mass hierarchy. High energy charged current (CC) interactions of atmospheric neutrinos with the rock surrounding the detector produce so-called “rock muons” along with hadrons. While the hadron component of these events are absorbed in the rock itself, the rock muons traverse the rock and are detected in the detector. These rock muon events can be distinguished from cosmic muons only in the upward direction and can provide an independent measurement of the oscillation parameters. A simulation study of these events at the ICAL detector shows that, although reduced in significance compared to muons produced in direct CC neutrino interactions with the detector, these events are indeed sensitive to the oscillation parameters, achieving a possible $$1\sigma $$

1
σ

precision of 10% and 27% in determining $$\varDelta m_{32}^2$$

Δ

m

32

2

and $$\sin ^2\theta _{23}$$

sin
2

θ
23

, respectively. Hence a combination of the standard atmospheric neutrino analysis which is the main goal of ICAL, with these rock muon events, will improve the precision reach of ICAL for these parameters.
Accelerated paths and Unruh effect: finite time detector response in (anti) de Sitter spacetime and Huygen’s principle
Authors: Ahmed Shahnewaz , Faruk Mir Mehedi , Rahman Muktadir 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe study the finite time response of an Unruh–DeWitt particle detector described by a qubit (two-level system) moving with uniform constant acceleration in maximally symmetric spacetimes. The D dimensional massless fermionic response function in de Sitter (dS) background is found to be identical to that of a detector linearly coupled to a massless scalar field in 2D dimensional dS background. Furthermore, we visit the status of Huygen’s principle in the Unruh radiation observed by the detector.
BRST invariant scalar and vector operators in the $$SU\left( 2\right) \times U\left( 1\right) $$ Higgs model
Authors: Dudal D. , van Egmond D. M. , Peruzzo G. , Sorella S. P. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe present a set of BRST invariant composite operators in the $$SU\left( 2\right) \times U\left( 1\right) $$

S
U

2

×
U

1

Higgs model which exhibit an overlap with the observable scalar and vector particle states of the theory. Some of these operators are non-local in the standard formulation of the Higgs model, however, we show that they can be localized using the Stuckelberg trick, this without changing the physical content. These operators provide thus a BRST invariant resolution of the physical spectrum of the theory, thereby giving the next step in constructing a manifestly BRST invariant formulation of the particle spectrum of the Electroweak and Standard model.
Characterization of the scintillation response of water-based liquid scintillator to alpha particles, and implications for particle identification
Authors: Callaghan E. J. , Kaptanoglu T. , Smiley M. , Yeh M. , Orebi Gann G. D. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractNext-generation large-scale neutrino detectors, from Eos, at the 1 t scale, to Theia, at the 10 s-of-kt scale, will utilize differences in both the scintillation and Cherenkov light emission for different particle species to perform background rejection. This manuscript presents measurements of the scintillation light yield and emission time profile of water-based liquid scintillator samples in response to $$\alpha $$
α
radiation. These measurements are used as input to simulation models used to make predictions for future detectors. In particular, we present the timing-based particle identification achievable in generic water-based scintillator detectors at the 4 t, 1 kt, and 100 kt scales. We find that $$\alpha $$
α
/$$\beta $$
β
discrimination improves with increasing scintillation concentration and we identify better than 80% $$\alpha $$
α
rejection for 90% $$\beta $$
β
acceptance in 10% water-based liquid scintillator, at the 4 t scale.
Lava flow-hosted reservoirs: a review
Authors: Millett John M. , Rossetti Lucas , Bischoff Alan , Rossetti Marcos , Rosenqvist Marija P. , Avseth Per , Hole Malcolm J. , Pierdominici Simona , Healy Dave , Jerram Dougal A. , Planke Sverre 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Lava flows form important fluid reservoirs and have been extensively exploited for water aquifers, geothermal energy, hydrocarbon production and, more recently, for carbon storage. Effusive subaerial mafic to intermediate lava flows account for vast rock volumes globally, and form reservoirs with properties dictated by well-known lava flow facies ranging from pāhoehoe through several transitional forms to ‘a’ā lava. These variations in flow type lead to critical differences in the pore structure, distribution, connectivity, strength and fracturing of individual lava flows, which, alongside lava flow package architectures, determine primary reservoir potential. Lava flow margins with vesicular, fracture and often autobreccia-hosted pore structures can have porosities commonly exceeding 40% and matrix permeabilities over 10
−11
m
2
(>10 D) separated by much lower porosity and permeability flow interiors. Secondary post-emplacement physicochemical changes related to fracturing, meteoric, diagenetic and hydrothermal alteration can significantly modify reservoir potential through a complex interplay of mineral transformation, pore-clogging secondary minerals and dissolution, which must be carefully characterized and assessed during exploration and appraisal. Within this contribution, a review of selected global lava flow-hosted reservoir occurrences is presented, followed by a discussion of the factors that influence lava flow reservoir potential.
Characterization of a structural trap associated with an intrusive complex: the El Trapial oilfield, Neuquén Basin, Argentina
Authors: Lombardo Ezequiel F. , Galland Olivier , Yagupsky Daniel , Jerram Dougal A. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Volcanic plumbing systems emplaced in sedimentary basins may exert significant mechanical and thermal effects on petroleum systems. The last decade of research has evidenced that igneous intrusions may enhance thermal maturation of organic matter in source rocks and lead to both small- and large-scale structures that can deeply impact fluid migration or trapping. This contribution describes how the emplacement of a whole intrusive complex generated a dome structure of the overburden, which is the main trapping structure of a large producing oilfield. Our case study is the lower Miocene Cerro Bayo de la Sierra Negra (CBSN) intrusive complex, Neuquén Basin, Argentina, associated with the El Trapial oilfield where the main trapping structure is a large domal antiform centred on the CBSN complex. This study integrates the large subsurface dataset produced during the development of the El Trapial oilfield. More than 1200 vertical wells (producers and injectors) have been drilled in the flanks of CBSN complex. In addition, five 3D seismic cubes have been acquired over the years that have been merged and reprocessed into a single volume. Such a dataset allows a detailed characterization of both the structure affecting the Mesozoic strata and the geometry of the intrusive complex. Igneous rocks have been recognized along the entire stratigraphic section. Sill intrusions appear to concentrate in the shale units and the stacking of them has a direct impact on the doming structure generation. Our study allowed us to establish a direct correlation between the distribution of the intrusions and the extent, amplitude and style of doming, showing that the dome structure results from the emplacement of the intrusive complex. We also show that part of the doming is related to intrusions emplaced in the Mesozoic formations of the Neuquén Basin, whereas the other part of the doming is related to deeper structures not imaged on the geophysical data. We estimate that the amplitude of the doming reaches up to
c.
500 m. The voluminous subsurface data, combined with exposed outcrops, makes the CBSN complex a world-class case study for showing how the shallow plumbing system of a volcanic complex may control the growth of large-scale trapping structures for various fluids, such as drinkable water, geothermal fluids and hydrocarbons.