bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Levels from the Examination of Different Blood Proportions in K2EDTA Tubes using an Enzymatic Method
Authors: Museyaroh  , Musholli Himmatun Nabilah  , Retno Werdiningsih  
Published: December 2023

Highlights:
1. Research on the effect of blood volume proportion in the examination of HbA1c levels using K2EDTA anticoagulantvhas yet to be widely carried out in Indonesia.2. The analysis conducted utilizing K2EDTA tubes revealed that the varying proportions of blood samples had no effectvon HbA1c levels.3. This article highlights the necessity of evaluating the pre-analytical phase (sample preparation) of a laboratory process to improve the accuracy of the results and minimize false high or low results in the HbA1c test.

Abstract
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) examination is the gold standard for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes mellitus patients. In the examination, the pre-analytical phase has the most considerable error rate at 61%. One of the contributing factors is the use of anticoagulants that do not adhere to established guidelines. Additionally, the incompatibility of the sample volume proportions and the anticoagulants in K2EDTA tubes has been observed in numerous cases. The significance of HbA1c testing, particularly in the prevention of diabetes complications, underscores the need for appropriate procedures to be followed throughout the sampling and pre-analytical phases. This study aimed to determine the effect of differences in the proportion of blood sample volume and anticoagulants in K2EDTA tubes on HbA1c levels. This research was conducted in August–September 2022. The research samples were collected from the staff and students at the Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Politeknik Kesehatan Kemenkes Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia. The blood samples were divided into K2EDTA tubes with varying volumes of 1 mL, 2 mL, 3 mL, and 4 mL. The HbA1c levels were then examined at the Clinical Chemistry Laboratory of Politeknik Kesehatan Kemenkes Surabaya. The data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA test. The statistical test results (p>0.05) indicated that the proportion of samples containing anticoagulants in the K2EDTA tubes did not have any significant effect on HbA1c levels. In conclusion, it is acceptable to utilize K2EDTA tubes with varying blood sample volumes for the measurement of HbA1c levels.
Antifungal Activity of Endophytic Bacteria Isolated from Miana Plants (Coleus scutellarioides (L.) Benth.) against Candida albicans
Authors: Melda Yunita  , Ruth Magdalena Lumbantobing  , Ritha Tahitu  
Published: December 2023

Highlights:
1.Due to the adverse effects associated with current antifungal drugs, research on traditional medicine is necessary to explore other options for candidiasis treatment.2.Following the findings of this study, it is recommended to conduct further research by incorporating Coleus scuttellarioides filtrate into the growth medium, since this may improve bacterial growth by producing optimal secondary metabolites.

Abstract
Candida albicans is the most common organism responsible for both mucosal and systemic infections, accounting for approximately 70% of fungal infections worldwide. Miana, scientifically known as Coleus scuttellarioides (L.) Benth., is recognized for its use in traditional medicinal practices. Miana plants contain endophytic bacteria that possess the ability to produce secondary metabolites with potential antifungal agents. The objective of this study was to assess the antifungal activity of nine endophytic bacteria isolates derived from Coleus scuttellarioides against Candida albicans. This study was laboratory-based qualitative experimental research that applied the Kirby-Bauer diffusion method and several modifications. The Candida albicans specimens were spread throughout the entire potato dextrose agar medium. Afterwards, paper discs that had been soaked in a liquid culture of endophytic bacterial isolates were carefully placed on the surface of the medium. The complete setup was then incubated for 1–2 days. The potential antifungal activity of endophytic bacteria was assessed by observing the emergence of a clear zone surrounding their growth, which would indicate inhibition. An additional observation was performed in the follow-up test, involving the use of Sabouraud dextrose agar medium to confirm the initial test result. The results from the inhibitory test revealed that none of the bacterial isolates exhibited any inhibition zone. Conversely, ketoconazole as the positive control showed an inhibition zone with an average diameter of 28.5 mm. In conclusion, endophytic bacterial isolates obtained from Coleus scuttellarioides have no discernible antifungal properties against Candida albicans. This study implies that ketoconazole remains effective in treating infections caused by Candida albicans.
Development of Formulae to Determine Living Stature using Handprint Anthropometry of Tagalog People in the Philippines
Authors: Tharmar Nataraja Moorthy  , Ivan Nikkimor Lao Dinglasa  , Myrtati Dyah Artaria  
Published: December 2023

Highlights:
1. This is the first-ever anthropological study on Tagalog people in the Philippines that has established formulae for determining stature using handprint length measurements.2. This study has generated formulae that are applicable for personal identification purposes within real crime scenes.

Abstract
Forensic science plays a crucial role in the pursuit of justice, particularly through the identification of physical evidence found at crime scenes, such as human fingerprints and handprints. This study aimed to develop formulae for determining living stature using the handprint anthropometry of Tagalog people, an indigenous ethnic group in the Philippines. A total of 360 Tagalog volunteers, comprising 180 men and 180 women, were recruited. This study excluded subjects who had finger and hand-related diseases, injuries, or were under the age of 18. The materials used were a stadiometer for height measurement, a digital vernier caliper for handprint measurements, and a handprint kit to collect handprints. Five length measurements were collected for each handprint. The length measurement spanned the distance from the middle wrist crease to the tips of each of the five fingers. The data were analyzed statistically using regression analysis (p<0.05) in IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y., USA). The analysis results produced equations for determining stature using all the length measurements of the handprints. The study involved the calculation of correlation coefficients (r values) and standard deviations using the stature and handprint lengths of individuals of both genders. The results are presented in the form of tables and figures. The study concluded with the development of regression equations that may be utilized for determining stature based on various handprint length measurements of the Tagalog people. This study represents the first-ever anthropological study conducted on the Philippine Tagalog population within the scope of this research subject matter. The formulae can be applied to actual crime scenes for the purpose of personal identification.
Earlier Return to Sports, Reduced Donor-Site Morbidity with Doubled Peroneus Longus Versus Quadrupled Hamstring Tendon Autograft in ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Saeed Usama Bin , Ramzan Asad , Anwar Marryam , Tariq Hamza , Tariq Huzaifa , Yasin Ajmal , Mehmood Tariq 
Published: December 2023

Background:
Graft choice for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has been evolving. The peroneus longus tendon (PLT) has been seen as a suitable choice for ACLR, providing comparable results to those of hamstring tendon (HT) autograft, but its clinical relevance in terms of return to sports, to our knowledge, has not been studied.

Methods:
Two hundred and thirty-two patients who sustained an isolated ACL injury were enrolled and underwent ACLR using doubled PLT autograft or quadrupled HT autograft; 158 were followed for 24 months. Functional scores (International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC] and Tegner-Lysholm scores) were assessed preoperatively and at 3,6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Graft diameter and graft harvesting time were measured intraoperatively. Donor-site morbidity was evaluated using subjective evaluation. Time to return to sports in both groups was compared.

Results:
The mean diameter of PLT autograft was significantly larger than that of HT autograft, and the mean graft-harvesting time was less (p < 0.001). Patients in the PLT group returned to sports a mean of 34 days earlier than those in the HT group (p < 0.001) and had a lower rate of donor-site morbidity and, at 6 months, better patient-reported outcomes at the knee (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the groups in the rate of graft rupture or in IKDC and Tegner-Lysholm scores at the 24-month follow-up.

Conclusions:
PLT is a suitable autograft for ACLR in terms of graft diameter and graft-harvesting time and may offer athletes an earlier return to sports related to better outcomes at 6 months of follow-up. HT autograft was associated with increased thigh weakness. Both grafts, however, performed similarly at 24 months postoperatively.

Level of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Assessment of Residual Pain and Dissatisfaction in Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Musbahi Omar , Collins Jamie E. , Yang Heidi , Selzer Faith , Chen Antonia F. , Lange Jeffrey , Losina Elena , Katz Jeffrey N. 
Published: December 2023

Background:
Residual pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) refers to knee pain after 3 to 6 months postoperatively. The estimates of the proportion of patients who experience residual pain after TKA vary widely. We hypothesized that the variation may stem from the range of methods used to assess residual pain. We analyzed data from 2 prospective studies to assess the proportion of subjects with residual pain as defined by several commonly used metrics and to examine the association of residual pain defined by each metric with participant dissatisfaction.

Methods:
We combined participant data from 2 prospective studies of TKA outcomes from subjects recruited between 2011 and 2014. Residual pain was defined using a range of metrics based on the WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) pain score (0 to 100, in which 100 indicates worst), including the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS). We also examined combinations of MCID and PASS cutoffs. Subjects self-reported dissatisfaction following TKA, and we defined dissatisfied as somewhat or very dissatisfied at 12 months. We calculated the proportion of participants with residual pain, as defined by each metric, who reported dissatisfaction. We examined the association of each metric with dissatisfaction by calculating the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and Youden index.

Results:
We analyzed data from 417 subjects with a mean age (and standard deviation) of 66.3 ± 8.3 years. Twenty-six participants (6.2%) were dissatisfied. The proportion of participants defined as having residual pain according to the various metrics ranged from 5.5% to >50%. The composite metric Improvement in WOMAC pain score ≥20 points or final WOMAC pain score ≤25 had the highest positive predictive value for identifying dissatisfied subjects (0.54 [95% confidence interval, 0.35 to 0.71]). No metric had a Youden index of ≥50%.

Conclusions:
Different metrics provided a wide range of estimates of residual pain following TKA. No estimate was both sensitive and specific for dissatisfaction in patients who underwent TKA, underscoring that measures of residual pain should be defined explicitly in reports of TKA outcomes.

Level of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
p14ARF forms meso-scale assemblies upon phase separation with NPM1
Authors: Kriwacki Richard , Gibbs Eric , Miao Qi , Ferrolino Mylene , Bajpai Richa , Hassan Aila , Phillips Aaron , Pitre Aaron , Kümmerle Rainer , Pruett-Miller Shondra , Heller William , Stanley Christopher , Perrone Barbara 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

NPM1 is an abundant nucleolar chaperone that, in addition to facilitating ribosome biogenesis, contributes to nucleolar stress responses and tumor suppression through its regulation of the p14 Alternative Reading Frame tumor suppressor protein (p14ARF). Oncogenic stress induces p14ARF to inhibit MDM2, stabilize p53 and arrest the cell cycle. Under non-stress conditions, NPM1 stabilizes p14ARF in nucleoli, preventing its degradation and blocking p53 activation. However, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of p14ARF by NPM1 are unclear because the structural features of the p14ARF-NPM1 complex remain elusive. Here we show that NPM1 sequesters p14ARF within phase-separated condensates, facilitating the assembly of p14ARF into a gel-like meso-scale network. This assembly is mediated by intermolecular contacts formed by hydrophobic residues in an α-helix and β-strands within a partially folded N-terminal domain of p14ARF. Those hydrophobic interactions promote phase separation with NPM1, enhance nucleolar partitioning of p14ARF, restrict p14ARF and NPM1 diffusion within condensates and in nucleoli, and reduce cell viability. Our structural model provides novel insights into the multifaceted chaperone function of NPM1 in nucleoli by mechanistically linking the nucleolar localization of p14ARF to its partial folding and meso-scale assembly upon phase separation with NPM1.
5G-enabled, battery-less smart skins for self-monitoring megastructures and digital twin applications
Authors: Lynch Charles , Adeyeye Ajibayo , Abbara El Mehdi , Umar Ashraf , Alhendi Mohammed , Minnella Chris , Iannotti Joseph , Stoffel Nancy , Poliks Mark , Tentzeris Manos 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

With the current development of the 5G infrastructure, there presents a unique opportunity for the deployment of battery-less mmWave reflect-array-based sensors. These fully-passive devices benefit from having a larger detectability than alternative battery-less solutions to create self-monitoring megastructures. The presented ’smart’ skin sensor uses a Van-Atta array design enabling ubiquitous local strain monitoring for the structural health monitoring of composite materials featuring wide interrogation angles. Proof-of-concept prototypes of these ’smart’ skin millimeter-wave identification tags, that can be mounted on or embedded within common materials used in wind turbine blades, present a highly-detectable radar cross-section of -33.75dBsm and -35.00dBsm for mounted and embedded sensors respectively. Both sensors display a minimum resolution of 202µ-strain even at 40◦ off-axis enabling interrogation of the fully-passive sensor at oblique angles of incidence. When interrogated from a proof-of-concept reader, the fully-passive, sticker-like mmID enables local strain monitoring of both carbon fiber and glass fiber composite materials. The sensors display a repeatable and recoverable response over 0 to 3000µ-strain and a sensitivity of 7.55kHz/µ-strain and 7.92kHz/µ-strain for mounted and embedded sensors, respectively. Thus, the presented 5G-enabled battery-less sensor presents massive potential for the development of ubiquitous Digital Twinning of composite materials in future smart cities architectures.
Proteomic analysis of cerebrospinal fluid of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients in the presence of autologous bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Reis Ana Luiza Guimarães , Maximino Jessica Ruivo , Lage Luis Alberto de Padua Covas , Gomes Hélio Rodrigues , Pereira Juliana , Brofman Paulo Roberto Slud , Senegaglia Alexandra Cristina , Rebelatto Carmen Lúcia Kuniyoshi , Daga Debora Regina , Paiva Wellingson Silva , Palmisano Giuseppe , Chadi Gerson 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal and fast progressive motoneuron degenerative disorder. There are still no drugs capable to slower disease evolution or to improve life quality of ALS patients. In that scenario, the cell therapy has emerged as an alternative to be investigated in clinical ALS.
Method
Taking the advantage of Proteomics and Protein-Protein Interaction Network analyses combined to bioinformatics, possible cellular mechanisms and molecular targets related to mesenchymal stem cells (MSC, 1x106 cells/kg, intrathecally in the lumbar region of the spine) were investigated in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of ALS patients who received intrathecal infusions of autologous bone marrow-derived MSC thirty days after cell therapy.
Results
Proteomics showed 220 deregulated proteins in CSF of ALS subjects. Bioinformatic enriched analyses evidenced APOA1, APOE, APP, C4A, C5, FGA, FGB, FGG and PLG, as highlighted targets as well as extracellular matrix and cell adhesion molecules as possible mechanisms related to the presence of MSC in CSF of ALS subjects.
Conclusions
We have demonstrated a possible role of extracellular matrix/cell adhesion molecules and their related highlighted targets to the presence of autologous MSC in CSF ALS patients.
Trial Registration:
Clinicaltrial.gov identifier NCT0291768. Registered 28 September 2016.
RECQ4-MUS81 interaction safeguards hard-to-replicate regions to prevent genome instability and Rothmund-Thomson syndrome
Authors: Krejci Lumir 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Replication stress, resulting from hard-to-replicate regions, leads to the accumulation of replication intermediates that need to be processed to ensure successful chromosome segregation. Here we show that RECQ4 physically interacts with MUS81 to target it to DNA substrates and enhance its endonuclease activity. Loss of RECQ4 or its interaction with MUS81 results in chromosomal segregation defects, including the accumulation of micronuclei and anaphase bridges along with ultrafine bridges (UFBs). Our data further demonstrate that the RECQ4/MUS81 interaction plays a critical role in processing replication/recombination intermediates at telomeres, especially in ALT-positive cells where MUS81 foci primarily colocalise with telomeres. We also observed reminiscent phenotypes for Rothmund-Thomson syndrome-associated mutation producing a truncated version of RECQ4 that disrupts interaction with MUS81, suggesting the importance of this interaction and its function in the development of RTS. Our findings demonstrate the essential role of RECQ4/MUS81 interaction in alleviating replication stress build-up at hard-to-replicate regions and highlight the potential implications of this interaction in human disease.
Genome-wide identification of WRKY in cotton and the positive role of GhWRKY31 in response to salt and drought stress
Authors: Dong Tianyu , Li Haoyuan , Du Yajie , Wang Ying , Chen Peilei , Su Jiuchang , Ge Xiaoyang , Duan Hongying 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The WRKY gene family is widely distributed in plants and is known to play essential roles in stress response. However, the underlying structure and evolution of WRKY in cotton remains elusive. Herein, 112, 119, 217, and 222 WRKY genes were identified in G. arboreum, G. raimondii, G. hirsutum, and G. barbadense, respectively. The 670 WRKYs were divided into seven subgroups and unevenly mapped to chromosomes. Analysis of motifs, domains, cis-acting elements, and gene structure collectively revealed the evolutionary conservation and diversity of WRKYs in cotton. Synteny and collinearity confirmed the expansion, duplication, and deletion of WRKYs during the evolution of cotton. Further, GhWRKY31 was induced by osmotic and salt stress. Ectopic expression of GhWRKY31 improved osmotic and salt tolerance in Arabidopsis, while silencing GhWRKY31 in cotton increased sensitivity to drought and salinity. This was observed through higher germination rates and root length in GhWRKY31 transgenic Arabidopsis, as well as lower levels of ABA, proline, POD, and SOD in GhWRKY31-VIGS cotton plants under stress. Additionally, silencing of GhWRKY31 reduced the expression levels of drought- and salt-related genes, including GhRD29, GhNAC4, GhABF1, GhABF2, GhDREB2, GhP5CS, and GhSOS1. Yeast one-hybrid and molecular docking experiments confirmed that the GhWRKY31 domain binds to the W box of GhABF1, GhDREB2, and GhRD29, and is connected by hydrogen bonds. Collectively, the results provide a systematic and comprehensive understanding of the evolution of cotton WRKYs, and suggest an appropriate regulatory network for breeding cotton varieties with improved drought and salinity tolerance.
Blockchain Solutions to Human Resources Critical Information Interaction under the Background of Data
Authors: Zhao Chen , Zheng YongQiang , Lin YiChen 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
As the economy and society develop, the exchange of key information in human resources (HR) is facing enormous development space and opportunities, and market competition is intensifying. Strengthening the development of human resources management (HRM) can greatly motivate job seekers, unleash their potential, and add value to HR. It plays a crucial role in improving the competitiveness of enterprises in the international market. The increasingly mature big data of blockchain provides new opportunities for the growth of the HR industry. Based on existing blockchain technology, this article analyzed the problems existing in the traditional HR industry, combined HR relationship information exchange with big data background innovation methods, and actively explored innovative methods of blockchain technology in the HR industry to achieve precise scientific services. In the strategic context of Internet +, enterprises and individuals have been deeply studied in terms of information resources and knowledge services to create a precise knowledge service model that meets the requirements of intrusion knowledge. After adding blockchain blockchain technology to experimental data, the average number of employees in the enterprise increased by 108%.
Resistance to protease inhibitors in human immunodeficiency virus infection in Ghana: a case for viral load and drug resistance monitoring
Authors: Seshie Makafui , Obeng Billal Musah , Boamah Vivian Etsiapa , Bayor Marcel , Bonney Evelyn Yayra , Gbedema Stephen Yao , Sagoe Kwamena William Coleman 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objective: Routine viral load and drug resistance testing are well supported in most resource-rich settings and provide valuable benefits in the clinical care of PLWH in these communities. Undoubtedly, there exist financial and political constraints for the scale-up of viral load and drug resistance testing in Sub-Saharan Africa. To achieve the global UNAIDS 95/95/95 targets, there is the need to bridge this inequity in patient care and allow for a universal approach that leaves no community behind.
Methods: Venous blood from 96 PLWH on second-line ART from Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital were collected and processed into plasma for CD4+ T- cell and viral load assessments. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) was extracted from stored plasma and the protease gene amplified, sequenced and analyzed for subtype and drug resistance mutations using the Stanford HIV drug resistance database.
Results: Out of the 96 PLWH, 37 experienced virological failure with 8 patients’ samples successfully sequenced. The predominant HIV-1 subtype identified was CRF02_AG (6/7, 86 %) and CFR06_cpx (1/7, 14%). The major PI resistance mutations identified were; M46I, I54V, V82A, I47V, I84V and L90M.
Conclusions: Persons living with HIV who had experienced virologic failure in this study harboured drug resistance mutations to PI, thus compromise the effectiveness of the drugs in the second line. Resistance testing is strongly recommended prior to switching to second-line therapy. This will help to inform the choice of drug and to achieve optimum therapeutic outcome among PLWH in Ghana.