bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“A Hippo Out of Water”: A Qualitative Inquiry of How Cancer Survivors Experienced In-Person and Remote-Delivered Mind-Body Therapies
Authors: McLennan Andrew Ian Gordon , Baydoun Mohamad , Oberoi Devesh , Carlson Linda E. 
Published: October 2023

Background Mind-body therapies (MBTs) are an effective treatment option for people living with and surviving from cancer to help manage unwanted physical and psychological symptoms and side-effects related to treatment and the illness itself. Many of these structured MBTs, such as Mindfulness Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) and tai chi/qigong (TCQ) programs are common; however, COVID-19 caused most research intervention trials and clinical programs to halt completely, or rapidly adapt an online modality. The Mindfulness and Tai Chi for Cancer Health (MATCH) study, a large-scale study that compared MBCR to a structured TCQ program for treating psychological and physical health outcomes for cancer survivors, adapted to an online, Zoom delivered, program at the outset of COVID-19. Objectives Study objectives were to explore the experiences of MATCH study participants who took the MBCR or TCQ program completely in-person, those who took the program completely online (over zoom), and participants who had to shift from in-person to online delivery midway through their series of TCQ classes. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 participants following participation in either the MBCR or TCQ program of the MATCH study. Results We derived four themes from the data: 1) attending to personal needs, 2) functional, interpersonal, and COVID19-related challenges, 3) unique engagement styles based on mode of delivery, and 4) ease of transitioning to remote delivery. We found that thematic outcomes were variable and largely based on individual preference, such as valuing more autonomy online, or appreciating the interpersonal connection of being in-person. Our results further indicated that the process of shifting from in-person to online within a short time-period was a relatively seamless transition that had minimal impact on participant experience. Conclusions Insights from this study highlight the benefits of digital mind-body therapies for cancer survivors that extend beyond the acute effects of COVID19.
Co-localization of clusters of TCR-regulated genes with TAD rearrangements
Authors: Gao Galen F. , Li Peng , Leonard Warren J. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Gene expression has long been known to be influenced by the relative proximity of DNA regulatory elements. Topologically associating domains (TADs) are self-interacting genomic regions involved in regulating gene expression by controlling the proximity of these elements. Prior studies of TADs and their biological roles have revealed correlations between TAD changes and cellular differentiation. Here, we used Hi-C and RNA-seq data to correlate TCR-induced changes in TAD structure and gene expression in human CD4+ T cells.

Results
We developed a pipeline, Differentially Expressed Gene Enrichment Finder (DEGEF), that identifies regions of differentially expressed gene enrichment. Using DEGEF, we found that TCR-regulated genes cluster non-uniformly across the genome and that these clusters preferentially localized in regions of TAD rearrangement. Interestingly, clusters of upregulated genes preferentially formed new Hi-C contacts compared to downregulated clusters, suggesting that TCR-activated CD4+ T cells may regulate genes by changing stimulatory contacts rather than inhibitory contacts.

Conclusions
Our observations support a significant relationship between TAD rearrangements and changes in local gene expression. These findings indicate potentially important roles for TAD rearrangements in shaping their local regulatory environments and thus driving differential expression of nearby genes during CD4+ T cell activation. Moreover, they provide new insights into global mechanisms that regulate gene expression.
Occurrence of virulence determinants in vibrio cholerae, vibrio mimicus, vibrio alginolyticus, and vibrio parahaemolyticus isolates from important water resources of Eastern Cape, South Africa
Authors: Abioye Oluwatayo E. , Osunla Charles A. , Nontongana Nolonwabo , Okoh Anthony I. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Virulence determinants are crucial to the risk assessment of pathogens in an environment. This study investigated the presence of eleven key virulence-associated genes in Vibrio cholerae (n = 111) and Vibrio mimicus (n = 22) and eight virulence determinants in Vibrio alginolyticus (n = 65) and Vibrio parahaemolyticus (n = 17) isolated from six important water resources in Eastern Cape, South Africa, using PCR techniques. The multiple virulence gene indexes (MVGI) for sampling sites and isolates as well as hotspots for potential vibriosis outbreaks among sampling sites were determined statistically based on the comparison of MVGI.

Result
The PCR assay showed that all the V. cholerae isolates belong to non-O1/non-O139 serogroups. Of the isolates, Vibrio Cholera (84%), V. mimicus (73%), V. alginolyticus (91%) and V. parahaemolyticus (100%) isolates harboured at least one of the virulence-associated genes investigated. The virulence gene combinations detected in isolates varied at sampling site and across sites. Typical virulence-associated determinants of V. cholerae were detected in V. mimicus while that of V. parahaemolyticus were detected in V. alginolyticus. The isolates with the highest MVGI were recovered from three estuaries (Sunday river, Swartkopps river, buffalo river) and a freshwater resource (Lashinton river). The cumulative MVGI for V. cholerae, V. mimicus, V. alginolyticus and V. parahaemolyticus isolates were 0.34, 0.20, 0.45, and 0.40 respectively. The targeted Vibrio spp. in increasing order of the public health risk posed in our study areas based on the MVGI is V. alginolyticus > V. parahaemolyticus > V. cholerae > V. mimicus. Five (sites SR, PA5, PA6, EL4 and EL6) out of the seventeen sampling sites were detected as the hotspots for potential cholera-like infection and vibriosis outbreaks.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that humans having contact with water resources in our study areas are exposed to potential public health risks owing to the detection of virulent determinants in human pathogenic Vibrio spp. recovered from the water resources. The study affirms the relevancy of environmental Vibrio species to the epidemiology of vibriosis, cholera and cholera-like infections. Hence we suggest a monitoring program for human pathogenic Vibrio spp. in the environment most especially surface water that humans have contact with regularly.
Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) genes may not be a reliable marker for community-acquired MRSA in the Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt
Authors: Shohayeb Mohamed , El-Banna Tarek , Elsawy Lamis E. , El-Bouseary Maisra M. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is linked to both nosocomial and community infections. One of the key virulence factors of S. aureus is Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL). The PVL genes are mostly associated with community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA). This study evaluates the prevalence of PVL genes as a marker for CA-MRSA at tertiary hospitals in Mansoura, Dakahlia, Egypt. S. aureus was isolated from clinical specimens obtained from different departments of tertiary hospitals, outpatient clinics, and hospital healthcare workers (HCWs). PCR was used to detect the mecA, PVL, and SCCmec genes among the recovered isolates. Standard broth microdilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of nine antibiotics against S. aureus.

Results
Two hundred S. aureus isolates were recovered and identified out of the total isolates (n = 320). The mecA gene was detected in 103 S. aureus isolates (51.5%). Among the MRSA isolates, 46.60% were PVL-positive. The incidence of the PVL genes of MRSA in nosocomial (HA), outpatient clinics (CA), and HCWs was 46.66%, 56.52%, and 42%, respectively. All MRSA isolates showed resistance to cefoxitin. The percentage of resistance to most tested antibiotics was high, except for ciprofloxacin (6.85%). Both antibiotic resistance and multidrug resistance among MRSA isolates were generally higher in PVL-positive isolates than in PVL-negative isolates in HA- and CA-MRSA isolates. While SCCmec type V was the most prevalent in PVL-positive MRSA stains, type I was the most prevalent in PVL-negative isolates.

Conclusion
This study revealed that PVL genes are generally highly prevalent among mecA-positive MRSA isolates, whether they are CA-MRSA, HA-MRSA, or HCW isolates. Therefore, PVL is not a valid marker for CA-MRSA in Mansoura, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt, as has been reported in other countries. Further epidemiologic studies are required to track the incidence of PVL in HA-MRSA, CA-MRSA, and HCW isolates in other Egyptian governorates.
The regulatory subunits of CK2 complex mediate DNA damage response and virulence in Candida Glabrata
Authors: Ni Qi , Wu Xianwei , Su Tongxuan , Jiang Cen , Dong Danfeng , Wang Daosheng , Chen Wei , Cui Yingchao , Peng Yibing 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Candida glabrata which belongs to normal microbiota, has caused significant concern worldwide due to its high prevalence and drug resistance in recent years. C. glabrata has developed many strategies to evade the clearance of the host immune system, thereby causing persistent infection. Although coping with the induced DNA damage is widely acknowledged to be important, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

Results
The present study provides hitherto undocumented evidence of the importance of the regulatory subunits of CgCK2 (CgCkb1 and CgCkb2) in response to DNA damage. Deletion of CgCKB1 or CgCKB2 enhanced cellular apoptosis and DNA breaks and led to cell cycle delay. In addition, deficiencies in survival upon phagocytosis were observed in Δckb1 and Δckb2 strains. Consistently, disruption of CgCKB1 and CgCKB2 attenuated the virulence of C. glabrata in mouse models of invasive candidiasis. Furthermore, global transcriptional profiling analysis revealed that CgCkb1 and CgCkb2 participate in cell cycle resumption and genomic stability.

Conclusions
Overall, our findings suggest that the response to DNA damage stress is crucial for C. glabrata to survive in macrophages, leading to full virulence in vivo. The significance of this work lies in providing a better understanding of pathogenicity in C. glabrata-related candidiasis and expanding ideas for clinical therapies.
Evaluation of basil (Ocimum basilicum) accessions under different drought conditions based on yield and physio-biochemical traits
Authors: Rahimi Mehdi , Mortazavi Mojtaba , Mianabadi Ameneh , Debnath Sandip 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Basil is one of the most famous herbs, which has broad usage as a fresh vegetable and therapeutic and pharmaceutical services. The main abiotic stress limiting basil production globally is drought. As a result, appropriate drought screening-which effectively separates high-yielding but drought-sensitive genotypes from drought-tolerant genotypes-is necessary for the optimal selection of high-yielding basil cultivars under drought stress conditions. So, a split plot experiment with three replications based on a completely randomized design were carried out in a pot under field conditions for this investigation. Water levels (full irrigation or control, moderate stress, and severe stress) were assigned as main plots, while 22 basil accessions were given as sub-plots. In this study, leaf yield as well as physio-biochemical traits had measured on accessions.

Results
Our results revealed large variation in yield, essential oil (%), protein, proline, chlorophyll, total phenol and flavonoids traits across the 22 accessions. The percentage of leaf yield reduction in moderate drought stress than normal conditions showed that G1 (−6.5%), G17 (−7.05%), G20 (−9.01%), and G12 (−10.9%) accessions had the least changes, respectively. Although in severe drought stress than normal conditions, the G1 (−32.01%), G12 (−33.12%), G4 (−33.24%), G7 (−34.11%), and G17 (−34.93%) accessions had the least amount of change in plant leaf yield, respectively. Furthermore, the highest yield reduction occurred in moderate and severe stress conditions in G18 (−25.36%) and G8 (−42.98%) accessions, respectively. Cluster analysis based on the ward method in both conditions (moderate and severe drought conditions) placed the accessions in three groups, and accessions were identified as tolerant, whose average traits in that group were higher than the total average. The principal component analysis also showed that in moderate drought conditions, the first two components explained about 95.28% of the total variation, while in severe drought conditions, these two components explained about 96.37% of the total variation.

Conclusions
The different multivariate analyses (cluster analysis, PCA, mean comparison) were used to identify tolerant and sensitive accessions based on all traits. The accessions G3, G4, G6, and G7 were found to be tolerant to stress, while G10, G15, G16, and G20 were found to be sensitive to drought. These accessions are a useful step in producing drought-tolerant, high-yielding accessions and can be utilized in breeding programs for basil.
Functional principal component analysis and sparse-group LASSO to identify associations between biomarker trajectories and mortality among hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals
Authors: Cao Tingyi , Reeder Harrison T. , Foulkes Andrea S. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
A substantial body of clinical research involving individuals infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has evaluated the association between in-hospital biomarkers and severe SARS-CoV-2 outcomes, including intubation and death. However, most existing studies considered each of multiple biomarkers independently and focused analysis on baseline or peak values.

Methods
We propose a two-stage analytic strategy combining functional principal component analysis (FPCA) and sparse-group LASSO (SGL) to characterize associations between biomarkers and 30-day mortality rates. Unlike prior reports, our proposed approach leverages: 1) time-varying biomarker trajectories, 2) multiple biomarkers simultaneously, and 3) the pathophysiological grouping of these biomarkers. We apply this method to a retrospective cohort of 12, 941 patients hospitalized at Massachusetts General Hospital or Brigham and Women’s Hospital and conduct simulation studies to assess performance.

Results
Renal, inflammatory, and cardio-thrombotic biomarkers were associated with 30-day mortality rates among hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 patients. Sex-stratified analysis revealed that hematogolical biomarkers were associated with higher mortality in men while this association was not identified in women. In simulation studies, our proposed method maintained high true positive rates and outperformed alternative approaches using baseline or peak values only with respect to false positive rates.

Conclusions
The proposed two-stage approach is a robust strategy for identifying biomarkers that associate with disease severity among SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals. By leveraging information on multiple, grouped biomarkers’ longitudinal trajectories, our method offers an important first step in unraveling disease etiology and defining meaningful risk strata.
Changes in work tasks and organization of general practice in Norway during the COVID-19 pandemic: results from a comparative international study
Authors: Eide Torunn Bjerve , van Poel Esther , Willems Sara , Jacobsen Frode F. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic led to huge and rapid changes in general practice in Norway as in the rest of Europe. This paper aims to explore to what extent the COVID-19 pandemic changed the work tasks and organization of Norwegian general practice.

Material and method
We analysed data from the Norwegian part of the international, cross-sectional PRICOV-19 study, collecting data from general practice via an online self-reported questionnaire. We included 130 Norwegian general practices, representing an estimated 520 Norwegian general practitioners (GPs). All Norwegian GPs were invited to participate. In the analyses, we focused on items related to the use of alternatives to face-to-face consultations, changes in the workload, tasks and delegated responsibilities of both the GPs and other personnel in the GP offices, adaptations in routines related to hygiene measures, triage of patients, and how the official rules and recommendations affected the practices.

Results
There was a large and significant increase in the use of all forms of alternative consultation forms (digital text-based, video- and telephone consultations). The use of several different infection prevention measures were significantly increased, and the provision of hand sanitizer to patients increased from 29.6% pre-pandemic to 95.1% since the pandemic. More than half of the GPs (59.5%) reported that their responsibilities in the practice had increased, and 41% were happy with the task shift. 27% felt that they received adequate support from the government; however, 20% reported that guidelines from the government posed a threat to the well-being of the practice staff. We found no associations with the rurality of the practice location or size of the municipalities.

Conclusion
Norwegian GPs adapted well to the need for increased use of alternatives to face-to-face consultations, and reported a high acceptance of their increased responsibilities. However, only one in four received adequate support from the government, which is an important learning point for similar situations in the future.
Predictors of caregiver burden among primary caregivers of cancer patients at Hawassa oncology center Northern, Ethiopia, 2022: institution-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Ali Eman , Abraham Yacob , Samuel Tinbete , Tsega Aklile , Aschale Mastewal 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Approximately 60,960 people are diagnosed with cancer each year, and more than 44,000 people die from it. Family caregivers face a range of difficulties because cancer affects many facets of life, such as nursing care, communication, financial issues, and emotional conflicts. Consequently, family caregivers are more susceptible to developing demanding physical and mental conditions. Despite these problems, cancer remains the most neglected and underfunded health problem in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the caregiver burden experienced by family caregivers of patients with cancer; as well as its associated factors.

Methods
An institutional-based cross-sectional study was employed among 347 family caregivers of cancer patients who attended Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital Oncology Center from May 30 to July 30, 2022. The data were checked for completeness and consistency and then coded. The coded data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6 and then exported into Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25 for analysis. The caregiver’s burden was assessed by a short form of Zarit burden Interview. The explanatory variables, like clinical and care-related factors, were assessed by a structured questionnaire. Family caregivers’ perceptions of social support were assessed by the multidimensional scale of perceived social support. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the strength of the association between outcome and explanatory variables. Each explanatory variable was entered separately in the bivariate analysis, and a variable with a p-value less than 0.25 goes further for multivariate analysis to control the possible confounding. The statistical significance of the factors influencing the outcome variable was declared in multivariate logistic regression analysis using an adjusted odds ratio at a 95% confidence interval when a p-value < 0.05.

Results
The response rate of the caregiver was 100%. This study reported that 66.6% (95% CI 61.5–71.5) of the caregivers had a high caregiver burden. Being female, caring hours, previous history of hospitalization, and sleeping hours were significantly associated with the caregiver’s burden.

Conclusion
In this finding, more than two-thirds of the caregivers had a higher caregiver burden. This suggested that there is a need to focus on and give more attention to caregivers to decrease their burden by including caregiver burden in routine nursing activities by the oncology unit, and further study should be done at the national level using other study designs.
Effect of the weight-loss program using daily self-weighing combined with personalized counseling led by village health volunteers in adults with obesity in a rural community, Thailand: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liampeng Saharat , Wongkliawrian Naphat , Junlawakkananon Surapas , Prapaso Asaya , Panichnantho Napatthawan , Kiengsiri Saranphruk , Sirisereewan Maneepatsorn , Rungrotchanarak Onnalin , Mahapol Visavabhak , Boonsawat Thanyaporn , Tumrongteppitux Bhoom , Likitkulthanaporn Pak , Tejavanija Sirakarn , Thakhampaeng Pongpisut , Mungthin Mathirut , Rangsin Ram , Sakboonyarat Boonsub 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
In a remote rural community in central Thailand, obesity prevalence among adults significantly rose from 33.9% in 2012 to 44.8% in 2018. Limited information on weight reduction studies in Thai rural communities was available. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of daily self-weighing combined with personalized counseling in order to reduce body weight (BW) and body mass index (BMI) as well as blood pressure (BP).

Methods
A randomized controlled trial was carried out in a rural community in central Thailand.
One-hundred and seven adults were randomly allocated (1:2) to intervention and control groups. For 20 weeks, participants in the weight-loss program performed self-weighing twice daily and recorded their weight on the calendar. The program also offers weekly counseling visits by village health volunteers (VHV) who make home visits to participants. The primary outcomes were differences in mean change in BW at 20 weeks from baseline between the intervention and control groups.

Results
A total of 107 participants were initially recruited. Of these, 36 participants were allocated to the intervention group and 57 participants to the control group. Significant differences in mean change in BW and BMI at the twelve-, sixteen-, and twenty-week follow-up from baseline between the two groups were observed. At twenty weeks, the mean change in BW was -1.2 kg (95% CI: -2.2, -0.3) and 0.3 kg (95% CI: -0.3, 0.8) in the intervention and control groups, respectively, with p-value = 0.007. Over 20 weeks of the study period, the estimated mean change in BW among the intervention group was 1.0 kg (95% CI -1.7, -0.2) lower than in the control group, with p-value = 0.015. Furthermore, changes in mean BMI and BP over the 20-week follow-up period in intervention participants were recognized.

Conclusions
Our study demonstrates that daily self-weighing combined with personalized counseling led by VHV is feasible and can induce weight loss among adults with obesity in a rural community. In addition, the weight-loss program may be a promising additional tool for reducing BP.

Trial registration
Trial identification number was TCTR20201020004; first submitted date: 20/10/2020.