bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Entomological indicators of Plasmodium species transmission in Goma Tsé-Tsé and Madibou districts, in the Republic of Congo
Authors: Ntabi Jacques Dollon Mbama , Lissom Abel , Djontu Jean Claude , Nkemngo Francis N. , Diafouka-Kietela Steve , Mayela Jolivet , Missontsa Georges , Djogbenou Luc , Ndo Cyrille , Wondji Charles , Adegnika Ayola Akim , Lenga Arsène , Borrmann Steffen , Ntoumi Francine 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Malaria remains a major public health problem in the Republic of Congo, with Plasmodium falciparum being the deadliest species of Plasmodium in humans. Vector transmission of malaria is poorly studied in the country and no previous report compared rural and urban data. This study aimed to determine the Anopheles fauna and the entomological indices of malaria transmission in the rural and urban areas in the south of Brazzaville, and beyond.

Methods
Indoor household mosquitoes capture using electric aspirator was performed in rural and urban areas during raining and dry seasons in 2021. The identification of Anopheles species was done using binocular magnifier and nested-PCR. TaqMan and nested-PCR were used to detect the Plasmodium species in the head/thorax and abdomens of Anopheles. Some entomological indices including the sporozoite infection rate, the entomological inoculation rate and the man biting rate were estimated.

Results
A total of 699 Anopheles mosquitoes were collected: Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) (90.7%), Anopheles funestus s.l. (6.9%), and Anopheles moucheti (2.4%). Three species of An. gambiae s.l. were identified including Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (78.9%), Anopheles coluzzii (15.4%) and Anopheles arabiensis (5.7%). The overall sporozoite infection rate was 22.3% with a predominance of Plasmodium falciparum, followed by Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium ovale. Anopheles aggressiveness rate was higher in households from rural area (1.1 bites/night) compared to that from urban area (0.8 ib/p/n). The overall entomological inoculation rate was 0.13 ib/p/n. This index was 0.17 ib/p/n and 0.092 ib/p/n in rural and in urban area, respectively, and was similar during the dry (0.18 ib/p/n) and rainy (0.14 ib/p/n) seasons.

Conclusion
These findings highlight that malaria transmission remains high in rural and urban area in the south of Republic of Congo despite the ongoing control efforts, thereby indicating the need for more robust interventions.
Bioactive VS4-based sonosensitizer for robust chemodynamic, sonodynamic and osteogenic therapy of infected bone defects
Authors: He Yaqi , Liu Xin , Lei Jie , Ma Liang , Zhang Xiaoguang , Wang Hongchuan , Lei Chunchi , Feng Xiaobo , Yang Cao , Gao Yong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Most bone defects caused by bone disease or trauma are accompanied by infection, and there is a high risk of infection spread and defect expansion. Traditional clinical treatment plans often fail due to issues like antibiotic resistance and non-union of bones. Therefore, the treatment of infected bone defects requires a strategy that simultaneously achieves high antibacterial efficiency and promotes bone regeneration.

Results
In this study, an ultrasound responsive vanadium tetrasulfide-loaded MXene (VSM) Schottky junction is constructed for rapid methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clearance and bone regeneration. Due to the peroxidase (POD)-like activity of VS4 and the abundant Schottky junctions, VSM has high electron–hole separation efficiency and a decreased band gap, exhibiting a strong chemodynamic and sonodynamic antibacterial efficiency of 94.03%. Under the stimulation of medical dose ultrasound, the steady release of vanadium element promotes the osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). The in vivo application of VSM in infected tibial plateau bone defects of rats also has a great therapeutic effect, eliminating MRSA infection, then inhibiting inflammation and improving bone regeneration.

Conclusion
The present work successfully develops an ultrasound responsive VS4-based versatile sonosensitizer for robust effective antibacterial and osteogenic therapy of infected bone defects.
First German-speaking harm reduction conference in Vienna
Authors: Steimle Larissa , Fleißner Simon , Haltmayer Hans , Beck Thilo , Springer Alfred , Stöver Heino 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe first Harm Reduction DACH Conference [DACH = D (Germany), A (Austria), CH (Switzerland)] took place in Vienna on June 23rd, 2023, and focused on tobacco harm reduction. It is the first conference bringing together various experts of all three German-speaking countries to shed light on the subject of destigmatization and tobacco harm reduction and to share their experiences with the audience. All in all, the first German-speaking harm reduction conference has the goal to discuss and expand harm reduction in the German-speaking countries. This meeting report gives a brief overview of the conference.
Integrative network analysis suggests prioritised drugs for atopic dermatitis
Authors: Federico Antonio , Möbus Lena , Al-Abdulraheem Zeyad , Pavel Alisa , Fortino Vittorio , del Giudice Giusy , Alenius Harri , Fyhrquist Nanna , Greco Dario 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disease whose pathophysiology involves the interplay between genetic and environmental factors, ultimately leading to dysfunction of the epidermis. While several treatments are effective in symptom management, many existing therapies offer only temporary relief and often come with side effects. For this reason, the formulation of an effective therapeutic plan is challenging and there is a need for more effective and targeted treatments that address the root causes of the condition. Here, we hypothesise that modelling the complexity of the molecular buildup of the atopic dermatitis can be a concrete means to drive drug discovery.

Methods
We preprocessed, harmonised and integrated publicly available transcriptomics datasets of lesional and non-lesional skin from AD patients. We inferred co-expression network models of both AD lesional and non-lesional skin and exploited their interactional properties by integrating them with a priori knowledge in order to extrapolate a robust AD disease module. Pharmacophore-based virtual screening was then utilised to build a tailored library of compounds potentially active for AD.

Results
In this study, we identified a core disease module for AD, pinpointing known and unknown molecular determinants underlying the skin lesions. We identified skin- and immune-cell type signatures expressed by the disease module, and characterised the impaired cellular functions underlying the complex phenotype of atopic dermatitis. Therefore, by investigating the connectivity of genes belonging to the AD module, we prioritised novel putative biomarkers of the disease. Finally, we defined a tailored compound library by characterising the therapeutic potential of drugs targeting genes within the disease module to facilitate and tailor future drug discovery efforts towards novel pharmacological strategies for AD.

Conclusions
Overall, our study reveals a core disease module providing unprecedented information about genetic, transcriptional and pharmacological relationships that foster drug discovery in atopic dermatitis.
MicroRNA-218-5p-Ddx41 axis restrains microglia-mediated neuroinflammation through downregulating type I interferon response in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Wang Danlei , Gao Hongling , Qin Qixiong , Li Jingyi , Zhao Jingwei , Qu Yi , Li Jiangting , Xiong Yongjie , Min Zhe , Mao Zhijuan , Xue Zheng 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation has been largely considered one of main factors to the PD pathology. MicroRNA-218-5p (miR-218-5p) is a microRNA that plays a role in neurodevelopment and function, while its potential function in PD and neuroinflammation remains unclear.

Methods
We explore the involvement of miR-218-5p in the PD in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced mouse model. The miR-218-5p agomir used for overexpression was delivered into the substantia nigra (SN) by bilateral stereotaxic infusions. The loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons and microglial inflammation in the SN was determined using Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Motor function was assessed using the rotarod test. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to explore the pathways regulated by miR-218-5p. The target genes of miR-218-5p were predicted using TargetScan and confirmed using dual luciferase reporter assays. The effects of miR-218-5p on microglial inflammation and related pathways were verified in murine microglia-like BV2 cells. To stimulate BV2 cells, SH-SY5Y cells were treated with 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) and the conditioned media (CM) were collected.

Results
MiR-218-5p expression was reduced in both the SN of MPTP-induced mice and MPP+-treated BV2 cells. MiR-218-5p overexpression significantly alleviated MPTP-induced microglial inflammation, loss of DA neurons, and motor dysfunction. RNA sequence and gene set enrichment analysis showed that type I interferon (IFN-I) pathways were upregulated in MPTP-induced mice, while this upregulation was reversed by miR-218-5p overexpression. A luciferase reporter assay verified that Ddx41 was a target gene of miR-218-5p. In vitro, miR-218-5p overexpression or Ddx41 knockdown inhibited the IFN-I response and expression of inflammatory cytokines in BV2 cells stimulated with MPP+-CM.

Conclusions
MiR-218-5p suppresses microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and preserves DA neurons via Ddx41/IFN-I. Hence, miR-218-5p-Ddx41 is a promising therapeutic target for PD.
Modified Bilhaut–Cloquet procedure for Wassel type III–IV polydactyly
Authors: Guo Xuzhao , Wei Yanfei , Wang Fei , Zhou Xiaokang , Zhao Shuo 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
To investigate the functional and aesthetic results of a new modified Bilhaut–Cloquet procedure for the treatment of Wassel type III–IV thumb polydactyly.

Methods
Thirteen patients with Wassel type III–IV thumb polydactyly who visited the Department of Orthopedics of Hebei Provincial Children's Hospital from 2019 to 2022 were selected. The surgical procedure involved a modified Bilhaut–Cloquet surgery, where two-thirds of the distal part of the dominant finger was retained as the p body of the reconstructed thumb. The triangular bone block of the ablated distal thumb that did not contain the epiphysis and articular cartilage was sutured and fixed, and the neurovascular flap of the ablated distal thumb was used as an augmenting segment of the reconstructed thumb, with the nail bed and nail matrix exquisitely sutured. The evaluation performed according to the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Hand (JSSH) system.

Results
All 13 children showed bone healing, no wound infection, nonunion, or deformity healing. None of the children showed a significant reduction in the active and passive mobility of the thumb postoperatively compared with preoperatively. Postoperative evaluation was performed based on the JSSH score, with a mean of 17.15 points (14–19 points), with 11 children rated as excellent and two as good. No severe nail ridges, nail gaps, or nail split deformities of the thumb were observed postoperatively. Postoperative metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint movements were not reduced compared with preoperative movements. All parents were satisfied with the appearance and function of the reconstructed thumb.

Conclusion
The modified Bilhaut–Cloquet procedure designed in this study was satisfactory for Wassel type III–IV thumb polydactyly without affecting the stability of the interphalangeal joints and preserving joint mobility. The postoperative thumb has a comparable circumference and nail width and was cosmetically and functionally satisfactory, especially for the asymmetric two thumbs, which achieved favorable results.
Stable, neuron-specific gene expression in the mouse brain
Authors: Ahmed Osama , Ekumi Kingsley M. , Nardi Francesco V. , Maisumu Gulimiheranmu , Moussawi Khaled , Lazartigues Eric D. , Liang Bo , Yakoub Abraam M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractGene delivery to, and expression in, the mouse brain is important for understanding gene functions in brain development and disease, or testing gene therapies. Here, we describe an approach to express a transgene in the mouse brain in a cell-type-specific manner. We use stereotaxic injection of a transgene-expressing adeno-associated virus into the mouse brain via the intracerebroventricular route. We demonstrate stable and sustained expression of the transgene in neurons of adult mouse brain, using a reporter gene driven by a neuron-specific promoter. This approach represents a rapid, simple, and cost-effective method for global gene expression in the mouse brain, in a cell-type-specific manner, without major surgical interventions. The described method represents a helpful resource for genetically engineering mice to express a therapeutic gene, for gene therapy studies, or to deliver genetic material for genome editing and developing knockout animal models.
Association between urea trajectory and protein dose in critically ill adults: a secondary exploratory analysis of the effort protein trial (RE-EFFORT)
Authors: Haines Ryan W. , Prowle John R. , Day Andrew , Bear Danielle E. , Heyland Daren K. , Puthucheary Zudin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundDelivering higher doses of protein to mechanically ventilated critically ill patients did not improve patient outcomes and may have caused harm. Longitudinal urea measurements could provide additional information about the treatment effect of higher protein doses. We hypothesised that higher urea values over time could explain the potential harmful treatment effects of higher doses of protein.MethodsWe conducted a reanalysis of a randomised controlled trial of higher protein doses in critical illness (EFFORT Protein). We applied Bayesian joint models to estimate the strength of association of urea with 30-day survival and understand the treatment effect of higher protein doses.ResultsOf the 1301 patients included in EFFORT Protein, 1277 were included in this analysis. There were 344 deaths at 30 days post-randomisation. By day 6, median urea was 2.1 mmol/L higher in the high protein group (95% CI 1.1–3.2), increasing to 3.0 mmol/L (95% CI 1.3–4.7) by day 12. A twofold rise in urea was associated with an increased risk of death at 30 days (hazard ratio 1.34, 95% credible interval 1.21–1.48), following adjustment of baseline characteristics including age, illness severity, renal replacement therapy, and presence of AKI. This association persisted over the duration of 30-day follow-up and in models adjusting for evolution of organ failure over time.ConclusionsThe increased risk of death in patients randomised to a higher protein dose in the EFFORT Protein trial was estimated to be mediated by increased urea cycle activity, of which serum urea is a biological signature. Serum urea should be taken into consideration when initiating and continuing protein delivery in critically ill patients.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03160547 (2017-05-17).
The value of right ventricular to pulmonary arterial coupling in the critically ill: a National Echocardiography Database of Australia (NEDA) substudy
Authors: Bowcock Emma , Huang Stephen , Yeo Rachel , Walisundara Deshani , Duncan Chris F. , Pathan Faraz , Strange Geoffrey , Playford David , Orde Sam 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Right ventricular (RV) function is tightly coupled to afterload, yet echocardiographic indices of RV function are frequently assessed in isolation. Normalizing RV function for afterload (RV-PA coupling) using a simplified ratio of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)/ tricuspid regurgitant velocity (TRV) could help to identify RV decompensation and improve risk stratification in critically ill patients. This is the first study to explore the distribution of TAPSE/TRV ratio and its prognostic relevance in a large general critical care cohort.

Methods
We undertook retrospective analysis of echocardiographic, clinical, and mortality data of intensive care unit (ICU) patients between January 2012 and May 2017. A total of 1077 patients were included and stratified into tertile groups based on TAPSE/TRV ratio: low (< 5.9 mm.(m/s)−1), middle (≥ 5.9–8.02 mm.(m/s)−1), and high (≥ 8.03 mm.(m/s)−1). The distribution of the TAPSE/TRV ratio across ventricular function subtypes of normal, isolated left ventricular (LV), isolated RV, and biventricular dysfunction was explored. The overall prognostic relevance of the TAPSE/TRV ratio was tested, including distribution across septic, cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological subgroups.

Results
Higher proportions of ventricular dysfunctions were seen in low TAPSE/TRV tertiles. TAPSE/TRV ratio is impacted by LV systolic function but to a lesser extent than RV dysfunction or biventricular dysfunction. There was a strong inverse relationship between TAPSE/TRV ratio and survival. After multivariate analysis, higher TAPSE/TRV ratios (indicating better RV-PA coupling) were independently associated with lower risk of death in ICU (HR 0.927 [0.872–0.985], p < 0.05). Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated higher overall survival in middle and high tertiles compared to low tertiles (log rank p < 0.0001). The prognostic relevance of TAPSE/TRV ratio was strongest in respiratory and sepsis subgroups. Patients with TAPSE/TRV < 5.9 mm (m/s)−1 had a significantly worse prognosis than those with higher TAPSE/TRV ratios.

Conclusion
The TAPSE/TRV ratio has prognostic relevance in critically ill patients. The prognostic power may be stronger in respiratory and septic subgroups. Larger prospective studies are needed to investigate the role of TAPSE/TRV in pre-specified subgroups including its role in clinical decision-making.
Block size estimation for data partitioning in HPC applications using machine learning techniques
Authors: Cantini Riccardo , Marozzo Fabrizio , Orsino Alessio , Talia Domenico , Trunfio Paolo , Badia Rosa M. , Ejarque Jorge , Vázquez-Novoa Fernando 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe extensive use of HPC infrastructures and frameworks for running data-intensive applications has led to a growing interest in data partitioning techniques and strategies. In fact, application performance can be heavily affected by how data are partitioned, which in turn depends on the selected size for data blocks, i.e. the block size. Therefore, finding an effective partitioning, i.e. a suitable block size, is a key strategy to speed-up parallel data-intensive applications and increase scalability. This paper describes a methodology, namely BLEST-ML (BLock size ESTimation through Machine Learning), for block size estimation that relies on supervised machine learning techniques. The proposed methodology was evaluated by designing an implementation tailored to dislib, a distributed computing library highly focused on machine learning algorithms built on top of the PyCOMPSs framework. We assessed the effectiveness of the provided implementation through an extensive experimental evaluation considering different algorithms from dislib, datasets, and infrastructures, including the MareNostrum 4 supercomputer. The results we obtained show the ability of BLEST-ML to efficiently determine a suitable way to split a given dataset, thus providing a proof of its applicability to enable the efficient execution of data-parallel applications in high performance environments.
Mobility paradoxes: disruptors, benefits, and agency among mobile female sex workers living with HIV in the Dominican Republic and Tanzania
Authors: De Jesus Maria , Hendrickson Zoé , Rivara Julia , Barrington Clare , Donastorg Yeycy , Perez Martha , Gomez Hoisex , Mbwambo Jessie , Likindikoki Samuel , Kerrigan Deanna 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Mobility is a key social determinant of health for female sex workers (FSWs). While extant research has focused on the adverse effects of mobility for FSWs, there are very few studies that have examined the multiple ways in which mobility may impact the lives of these mobile women from their perspective. This qualitative study aims to fill this gap by exploring how mobility impacts the lives, livelihoods, and HIV care and treatment from the perspectives of women living with HIV in two epidemic settings, the Dominican Republic and Tanzania.

Methods
We conducted two rounds of in-depth interviews with 12 Dominican women and 12 Tanzanian women who were 18 years plus, had an HIV-positive diagnosis, and reported having exchanged sex for money in the last month. We utilized thematic analysis with a focus on intra- and intercomparisons to observe patterns within and across the two contexts.

Results
We identified a salient pattern of three thematic “mobility paradoxes,” which related to both disruptors and benefits of sex work mobility: (1) uncertainty versus autonomy: while sex work mobility often took place in contexts of vulnerability, which often led to women experiencing violence, it simultaneously benefitted women by allowing them to choose where they stayed and make plans on their terms; (2) financial insecurity versus profitability: although participants sometimes made less money than expected when they traveled for sex work, there was a powerful economic benefit for mobile women as it increased their likelihood of profitability; and (3) disorder and interruptions versus strategy and social support in HIV care and treatment: participants reported that they were sometimes inconsistent with their HIV appointments and medications when they traveled for sex work. On the other hand, mobility contributed to participants often becoming more strategic and creative in their HIV care and treatment and relying on one another for support.

Conclusions
Findings indicate that sex work mobility is a nuanced, complex, and paradoxical phenomenon. Implications include the development of strengths-based and community empowerment mobile health initiatives tailored to mitigate disruptors of mobility while maximizing benefits for this population.
Haunted Images: Unsettling History and Traumatic Memory in Tintin Wulia's Artmaking
Authors: Yang Jennifer 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Taking as a point of departure the practice of Chinese-Indonesian Australian artist Tintin Wulia (1972–), the article investigates possibilities for social critique offered by the photographic image as it is co-opted by artists working in post-Reformasi Indonesia. Building on scholarship that aspires toward a more historically informed understanding of contemporary Southeast Asian art, the article connects Wulia's reworkings of photographs to a longer history of image making. This focus on the entanglement of the contemporary and the historical is sustained throughout an analysis of three works by Wulia—Ketok (2002), Invasion (2012), and Great Wallpaper (2012). In highlighting the ways in which Wulia's artmaking responds to, mirrors, and troubles broader structures of seeing, documentation, and representation that have shaped national identity, the article suggests that the reanimation and reproduction of family and identification photographs unsettle forgotten and suppressed histories of trauma unique to the experience of the Chinese ethnic minority in Indonesia.