bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide analysis of blueberry B-box family genes and identification of members activated by abiotic stress
Authors: Liu Xiaoming , Sun Wenying , Ma Bin , Song Yan , Guo Qingxun , Zhou Lianxia , Wu Kuishen , Zhang Xinsheng , Zhang Chunyu 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
B-box (BBX) proteins play important roles in regulating plant growth, development, and abiotic stress responses. BBX family genes have been identified and functionally characterized in many plant species, but little is known about the BBX family in blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum).

Result
In this study, we identified 23 VcBBX genes from the Genome Database for Vaccinium (GDV). These VcBBXs can be divided into five clades based on gene structures and conserved domains in their encoded proteins. The prediction of cis-acting elements in the upstream sequences of VcBBX genes and protein–protein interactions indicated that VcBBX proteins are likely involved in phytohormone signaling pathways and abiotic stress responses. Analysis of transcriptome deep sequencing (RNA-seq) data showed that VcBBX genes exhibited organ-specific expression pattern and 11 VcBBX genes respond to ultraviolet B (UV-B) radiation. The co-expression analysis revealed that the encoded 11 VcBBX proteins act as bridges integrating UV-B and phytohormone signaling pathways in blueberry under UV-B radiation. Reverse-transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis showed that most VcBBX genes respond to drought, salt, and cold stress. Among VcBBX proteins, VcBBX24 is highly expressed in all the organs, not only responds to abiotic stress, but it also interacts with proteins in UV-B and phytohormone signaling pathways, as revealed by computational analysis and co-expression analysis, and might be an important regulator integrating abiotic stress and phytohormone signaling networks.

Conclusions
Twenty-three VcBBX genes were identified in blueberry, in which, 11 VcBBX genes respond to UV-B radiation, and act as bridges integrating UV-B and phytohormone signaling pathways according to RNA-seq data. The expression patterns under abiotic stress suggested that the functional roles of most VcBBX genes respose to drought, salt, and cold stress. Our study provides a useful reference for functional analysis of VcBBX genes and for improving abiotic stress tolerance in blueberry.
Circulating calprotectin levels four months after severe and non-severe COVID-19
Authors: Abu Hussein N. , Machahua C. , Ruchti SC. , Horn MP. , Piquilloud L. , Prella M. , Geiser TK. , von Garnier C. , Funke-Chambour M. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Calprotectin is an inflammatory marker mainly released by activated neutrophils that is increased in acute severe COVID-19. After initial recovery, some patients have persistent respiratory impairment with reduced diffusion capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) months after infection. Underlying causes of this persistent impairment are unclear. We aimed to investigate the correlation between circulating calprotectin, persistent lung functional impairment and intensive care unit (ICU) stay after COVID-19 in two university hospital centres in Switzerland.

Methods
Calprotectin levels were measured in serum from 124 patients (50% male) from the Bern cohort (post-ICU and non-ICU patients) and 68 (76% male) from the Lausanne cohort (only post-ICU patients) four months after COVID-19. Calprotectin was correlated with clinical parameters. Multivariate linear regression (MLR) was performed to evaluate the independent association of calprotectin in different models.

Results
Overall, we found that post-ICU patients, compared to non-ICU, were significantly older (age 59.4 ± 13.6 (Bern), 60.5 ± 12.0 (Lausanne) vs. 48.8 ± 13.4 years) and more obese (BMI 28.6 ± 4.5 and 29.1 ± 5.3 vs. 25.2 ± 6.0 kg/m2, respectively). 48% of patients from Lausanne and 44% of the post-ICU Bern cohort had arterial hypertension as a pre-existing comorbidity vs. only 10% in non-ICU patients. Four months after COVID-19 infection, DLCO was lower in post-ICU patients (75.96 ± 19.05% predicted Bern, 71.11 ± 18.50% Lausanne) compared to non-ICU (97.79 ± 21.70% predicted, p < 0.01). The post-ICU cohort in Lausanne had similar calprotectin levels when compared to the cohort in Bern (Bern 2.74 ± 1.15 µg/ml, Lausanne 2.49 ± 1.13 µg/ml vs. non-ICU 1.86 ± 1.02 µg/ml; p-value < 0.01). Calprotectin correlated negatively with DLCO (r= -0.290, p < 0.001) and the forced vital capacity (FVC) (r= -0.311, p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Serum calprotectin is elevated in post-ICU patients in two independent cohorts and higher compared to non-ICU patients four months after COVID-19. In addition, there is a negative correlation between calprotectin levels and DLCO or FVC. The relationship between inflammation and lung functional impairment needs further investigations.

Trial registration
NCT04581135.
Intrauterine death in vasa previa without hemorrhage: case reports
Authors: Li Pin , Pan Xiuyu , Yue Chaomin , Zheng Zheng , Liu Huishu 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAntepartum and intrapartum hemorrhage from vasa previa (VP) is one of the main causes of intrauterine fetal death (IUFD). Here, we present two cases with type I VP in which velamentous cord insertion below the fetal head and overlying the cervix were reported by prenatal ultrasound scanning, and IUFD occoured after 35 weeks with no signs of prenatal bleeding but with engaged fetal head at presentation. We hypothesized that the IUFD may attributed to the compression of the unprotected umbilical vessels by the engaged fetal head. Thus we suggest that VP with a velamentous cord insertion should be considered for earlier termination of the pregnancy to avoid the risk of non-hemorrhagic adverse fetal outcomes.
Machine learning-based prediction model of acute kidney injury in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Wei Shuxing , Zhang Yongsheng , Dong Hongmeng , Chen Ying , Wang Xiya , Zhu Xiaomei , Zhang Guang , Guo Shubin 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Acute kidney injury (AKI) can make cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) more complex, and the combination of the two can significantly worsen the prognosis. Our objective is to utilize machine learning (ML) techniques to construct models that can promptly identify the risk of AKI in ARDS patients.

Method
We obtained data regarding ARDS patients from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) and MIMIC-IV databases. Within the MIMIC-III dataset, we developed 11 ML prediction models. By evaluating various metrics, we visualized the importance of its features using Shapley additive explanations (SHAP). We then created a more concise model using fewer variables, and optimized it using hyperparameter optimization (HPO). The model was validated using the MIMIC-IV dataset.

Result
A total of 928 ARDS patients without AKI were included in the analysis from the MIMIC-III dataset, and among them, 179 (19.3%) developed AKI after admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). In the MIMIC-IV dataset, there were 653 ARDS patients included in the analysis, and among them, 237 (36.3%) developed AKI. A total of 43 features were used to build the model. Among all models, eXtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) performed the best. We used the top 10 features to build a compact model with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.850, which improved to an AUC of 0.865 after the HPO. In extra validation set, XGBoost_HPO achieved an AUC of 0.854. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive prediction value (PPV), negative prediction value (NPV), and F1 score of the XGBoost_HPO model on the test set are 0.865, 0.813, 0.877, 0.578, 0.957 and 0.675, respectively. On extra validation set, they are 0.724, 0.789, 0.688, 0.590, 0.851, and 0.675, respectively.

Conclusion
ML algorithms, especially XGBoost, are reliable for predicting AKI in ARDS patients. The compact model maintains excellent predictive ability, and the web-based calculator improves clinical convenience. This provides valuable guidance in identifying AKI in ARDS, leading to improved patient outcomes.
Association between grip strength and stress urinary incontinence of NHANES 2011–2014
Authors: Zhang Nieke , Mao Weipu , Sun Si , Zhang Guanyuan , Shi Naipeng , Yao Chi , Liu Ning , Chen Shuqiu , Gao Wei , Zhang Lei , Chen Ming , Zou Xiangyu 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objectives
To investigate the association between grip strength (GS) and relative grip strength (rGS) with the prevalence and severity risk of SUI.

Methods
Female patients were retrieved from the NHANES 2011–2014. GS was measured using a digital hand dynamometer, rGS was defined as grip strength divided by BMI. Samples were classified into four groups based on quartiles of GS and rGS distribution (Q1-Q4)。Logistic regression models were established to detect the relationship between GS or rGS and SUI. The potential bias of baseline variables between SUI and non-SUI groups was controlled by performing the propensity score matching (PSM).

Results
A total of 4263 samples were included, with 3085 (85%) people in non-SUI group and 1178 (27.6%) people in SUI group. GS and rGS levels of people without SUI were higher than that of SUI patients. Monthly SUI patients’ GS and rGS levels were higher than weekly SUI patients’ level. Logistic regression analysis showed that risks of prevalence and severity of SUI decreased with increasing levels of GS and rGS. rGS was found to have a stronger association with SUI than GS [prevalence: GS: Q4 vs. Q1: aOR = 0.633, 95%CI = 0.508–0.789, p < 0.001; rGS: Q4 vs. Q1: aOR = 0.365, 95%CI = 0.290–0.459, p < 0.001; severity: GS: Q4 vs. Q1: aOR = 0.727, 95%CI = 0.600–0.881, p = 0.001; rGS: Q4 vs. Q1: aOR = 0.371, 95%CI = 0.282–0.488, p < 0.001]. The results of PSM confirmed that GS and rGS were correlated with SUI.

Conclusions
Lower levels of GS and rGS are associated with an increased prevalence and severity risk of SUI.
Nurses’ intention to care for patients with infectious disease: a content analysis study
Authors: Hoseinzadeh Esmaeil , Ebadi Abbas , Ashktorab Tahereh , Sharif-Nia Hamid 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objective
This present study was designed to explain the concept of nurses intention to care of patients with infectious diseases.

Methods
This study is a deductive content analysis study that was performed from May 2022 to Jun 2022 in three hospitals in Iran. In total 21 nurses were chosen by purposive sampling and for deta collection used semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was done using Elo and Kingas method.

Results
This study have revealed the formation of seven distinct themes, namely Job satisfaction, Professional ethics, Personal values, Standard precautions, Preserving health, Support, and Attitude of patients and their families. These themes are comprised of 17 categories and 59 subcategories.

Conclusion
By comprehending the dimensions of nurses’ intentions to care for patients with infectious diseases, it is possible to develop suitable planning and strategies to meet the healthcare requirements of such patients. Managers can take action by examining the issues and demands of nurses, and by providing job security, they can establish a Healthcare service systems with high security that can effectively respond during an outbreak of infectious diseases. Additionally, Nursing managers can prevent nurses from leaving their jobs by taking appropriate intervention, increasing their motivation, and enhancing their satisfaction.
“We must help them despite who they are…”: healthcare providers’ attitudes and perspectives on care for young gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Mwaniki Samuel Waweru , Kaberia Peter Mwenda , Mugo Peter Mwangi , Palanee-Phillips Thesla 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Compared to young heterosexual men, young gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (YMSM) face a disproportionate burden of sexual health conditions. This disparity is occasioned by factors such as criminalization and stigmatization of same-sex practices, YMSM’s limited access to non-judgmental and non-discriminatory health services, and challenges associated with healthcare delivery. We explored the attitudes and perspectives of tertiary academic institution-based healthcare providers (HCPs) toward provision of services to YMSM in Nairobi, Kenya.

Methods
In September 2021, six in-person focus group discussions (FGDs) were held with 36 HCPs drawn from six public tertiary academic institutions within the Nairobi metropolis. HCPs were drawn from six cadres: front office staff, nurses, clinicians, counsellors, laboratory technologists, and pharmaceutical technologists. Discussions were conducted in English, transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using NVivo version 12.

Results
Analysis showed that despite expressing disapproval of same-sex practices, HCPs recognized their professional duty to provide care to YMSM, voiced challenges they experienced when providing care to YMSM, and suggested possible strategies for improving care for YMSM. Disapproval of same-sex practices mainly stemmed from HCPs’ personal values, societal norms and religious beliefs, though some HCPs identified religious principles such as the golden rule of “treating others as one would want to be treated” as motivation to providing care to YMSM. HCPs did not perceive criminalization of same-sex practices as a barrier to providing care to YMSM. Healthcare delivery challenges included inadequate knowledge and skills, a desire to “convert” YMSM’s perceived deviant homosexual to the normative heterosexual orientation, secondary stigma from other HCPs, and healthcare settings that did not support YMSM to disclose same-sex practices. Suggestions for improving care comprised sensitization and training of HCPs, encouraging more HCP-YMSM interaction, providing YMSM-friendly and inclusive services, and advocacy for YMSM services.

Conclusion
There is need for interventions to improve HCPs’ knowledge of YMSM’s health needs, build skills to respond to these needs, and foster affirming attitudes toward same-sex practices. By so doing, YMSM can hopefully be able to access services that meet their needs, and are non-discriminatory, non-stigmatizing and non-judgmental.
The public health response to a Plasmodium malariae outbreak in Penampang district, Sabah during a COVID-19 movement control order
Authors: Naserrudin Nurul Athirah , Jiee Sam Froze , Habil Bobby , Jantim Anisah , Mohamed Ahmad Firdaus Bin , Dony Jiloris Julian Frederick , Ibrahim Siti Syarifah Akma , Fornace Kimberly M. , Hassan Mohd Rohaizat , Jeffree Mohammad Saffree , Hod Rozita , Culleton Richard , Ahmed Kamruddin 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Since 2018, no indigenous human malaria cases has been reported in Malaysia. However, during the recent COVID-19 pandemic the World Health Organization is concerned that the pandemic might erode the success of malaria control as there are reports of increase malaria cases in resource limited countries. Little is known how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted malaria in middle-income countries like Malaysia. Here the public health response to a Plasmodium malariae outbreak occurred in a village in Sabah state, Malaysia, during a COVID-19 movement control order is reported.

Methods
An outbreak was declared following the detection of P. malariae in July 2020 and active case detection for malaria was performed by collecting blood samples from residents residing within 2 km radius of Moyog village. Vector prevalence and the efficacy of residual insecticides were determined. Health awareness programmes were implemented to prevent future outbreaks. A survey was conducted among villagers to understand risk behaviour and beliefs concerning malaria.

Results
A total of 5254 blood samples collected from 19 villages. Among them, 19 P. malariae cases were identified, including the index case, which originated from a man who returned from Indonesia. His return from Indonesia and healthcare facilities visit coincided with the movement control order during COVID-19 pandemic when the healthcare facilities stretched its capacity and only serious cases were given priority. Despite the index case being a returnee from a malaria endemic area presenting with mild fever, no malaria test was performed at local healthcare facilities. All cases were symptomatic and uncomplicated except for a pregnant woman with severe malaria. There were no deaths; all patients recovered following treatment with artemether-lumefantrine combination therapy. Anopheles balabacensis and Anopheles barbirostris were detected in ponds, puddles and riverbeds. The survey revealed that fishing and hunting during night, and self-treatment for mild symptoms contributed to the outbreak. Despite the index case being a returnee from a malaria-endemic area presenting with mild fever, no malaria test was performed at local healthcare facilities.

Conclusion
The outbreak occurred during a COVID-19 movement control order, which strained healthcare facilities, prioritizing only serious cases. Healthcare workers need to be more aware of the risk of malaria from individuals who return from malaria endemic areas. To achieve malaria elimination and prevention of disease reintroduction, new strategies that include multisectoral agencies and active community participation are essential for a more sustainable malaria control programme.
Exploring activities and behaviours potentially increases school-age children’s vulnerability to malaria infections in south-eastern Tanzania
Authors: Kihwele Fadhila , Gavana Tegemeo , Makungu Christina , Msuya Hajirani M. , Mlacha Yeromin P. , Govella Nicodem James , Chaki Prosper Pius , Sunguya Bruno Fokas 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Strengthening malaria control activities in Tanzania has dramatically declined human malaria infections. However, there is an increasing epidemiological shift in the burden on school-age children. The underlying causes for such an epidemiological shift remain unknown in this context. This study explored activities and behaviours that could increase the vulnerability of school-age children to transmission risk to provide insight into protection gap with existing interventions and opportunities for supplementary interventions.

Methods
This cross-sectional study conducted twenty-four focus group discussions (FGDs) in three districts of Rufiji, Kibiti and Kilwa in south-eastern Tanzania. Sixteen FGDs worked with school-age children (13 to 18 years) separating girls and boys and eight FGDs with their parents in mixed-gender groups. A total of 205 community members participated in FGDs across the study area. Of them, 72 participants were parents, while 133 were school-age children (65 boys and 68 girls).

Results
Routine domestic activities such as fetching water, washing kitchen utensils, cooking, and recreational activities such as playing and watching television and studying were the reported activities that kept school-age children outdoors early evening to night hours (between 18:00 and 23:00). Likewise, the social and cultural events including initiation ceremonies and livelihood activities also kept this age group outdoors from late evening to early night and sometimes past midnight hours. Parents migrating to farms from December to June, leaving behind school-age children unsupervised affecting their net use behaviour plus spending more time outdoors at night, and the behaviour of children sprawling legs and hands while sleeping inside treated bed nets were identified as potential risks to infectious mosquito bites.

Conclusion
The risky activities, behaviours, and social events mostly occurring outdoors might increase school-age children’s vulnerability to malaria infections. The findings provide preliminary insight on potential risk factors for persisting transmission. Further studies to quantify the risk behaviour and activities are recommended to establish the magnitude and anticipated impact on supplementary control strategies to control infection in school-age children.
Lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles: a custom-tailored next-generation approach for cancer therapeutics
Authors: Gajbhiye Kavita R. , Salve Rajesh , Narwade Mahavir , Sheikh Afsana , Kesharwani Prashant , Gajbhiye Virendra 
Published: October 2023

AbstractLipid-based polymeric nanoparticles are the highly popular carrier systems for cancer drug therapy. But presently, detailed investigations have revealed their flaws as drug delivery carriers. Lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNPs) are advanced core–shell nanoconstructs with a polymeric core region enclosed by a lipidic layer, presumed to be derived from both liposomes and polymeric nanounits. This unique concept is of utmost importance as a combinable drug delivery platform in oncology due to its dual structured character. To add advantage and restrict one’s limitation by other, LPHNPs have been designed so to gain number of advantages such as stability, high loading of cargo, increased biocompatibility, rate-limiting controlled release, and elevated drug half-lives as well as therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing their drawbacks. The outer shell, in particular, can be functionalized in a variety of ways with stimuli-responsive moieties and ligands to provide intelligent holding and for active targeting of antineoplastic medicines, transport of genes, and theragnostic. This review comprehensively provides insight into recent substantial advancements in developing strategies for treating various cancer using LPHNPs. The bioactivity assessment factors have also been highlighted with a discussion of LPHNPs future clinical prospects.Graphical Abstract
Time-varying effect of postoperative cholesterol profile on long-term outcomes of isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery
Authors: Ayati Aryan , Akbari Kasra , Shafiee Akbar , Zoroufian Arezou , Jalali Arash , Samimi Sahar , Pashang Mina , Hosseini Kaveh , Bagheri Jamshid , Masoudkabir Farzad 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Controlling cholesterol levels is one of the primary goals of preventing atherosclerotic plaque progression in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. This study aimed to investigate the impact of serum cholesterol profile at multiple time points following isolated CABG surgery on long-term patient outcomes.

Method
This retrospective cohort study was conducted on the admission and follow-up data of isolated CABG patients from the Tehran Heart Center registry between 2009 and 2016. The association of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and their ratio as an atherogenic index with major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and all-cause mortality were evaluated using time-varying survival analysis methods.

Result
A total of 18657 patients were included in this analysis. After adjusting for known confounding factors, no significant difference in all-cause mortality and MACCE was observed at different LDL levels. The incidence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in patients with LDL > 100 mg/dl and LDL < 50 mg/dl was significantly higher than in the control group (P-value = 0.004 and 0.04, respectively). The incidence of cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) at LDL > 100 mg/dl was also significantly higher compared to the control group (P -value = 0.033). Lower HDL levels were significantly associated with a higher MACCE (P -value < 0.001), all-cause mortality (P -value < 0.001), ACS (P -value = 0.00), and CVA (P -value = 0.014). The atherogenic index was also directly related to MACCE and all its components (all P-values < 0.001).

Conclusion
LDL/HDL ratio is suggested as a better marker for secondary prevention goals compared to LDL alone in patients undergoing CABG surgery.