bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The regulatory landscape of genetically engineered crops in Pakistan
Authors: Awais Muhammad , Rao Abdul Qayyum , Sadaqat Sahar , Yaqoob Amina , Bhutta Muhammad Saad , Shakoor Sana , Yasmeen Aneela , Ajmal Sara , Ghramh Hamed A. , Khan Khalid Ali , Bakhsh Allah 
Published: February 2024

AbstractGenome editing technology has become part and parcel of biotechnological approach to understand the genetic basis of different biological processes in an organism and for its application in different fields. The basic need of world food production demands a highly variable population of plants with maximum diversity of agronomic traits of interest. Genome editing is unique in the sense that it provides a direct approach to generate targeted variability. The worldwide availability of genome‐edited crop varieties in the global market is approaching, whereas the decision to deal with genome‐edited (GE) crops differently from genetically transformed crop varieties is under discussion all around the world. GE may add allochthonous or autochthonous sequences into the genome much like traditional transgenesis or cisgenesis. Considering this fact, the United States declared genome‐edited crops as conventional. Many countries such as Japan, UK, China, and Brazil have already legislated their GE products and their products are near to get entry to the market. In Pakistan, academic and research‐based scientific institutions have been working on genome‐edited crops by using CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) Cas technology. As being a signatory of the Cartagena protocol, every case of GM (Genetically modified) or GE (Genetically Engineered) should be passed through the Technical Advisory Committee which will be decided on case‐to‐case bases depending upon its nature of random or targeted mutation. Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan Act, Seed amendment act, and PBR (The Plant Breeders' Rights Act) are the major constitutional acts employed and working for the regulations of GM alongside GE crops. Now, discussions of scientists, academicians and officials from regulatory body are in process for the design of GE crop commercialization policy in Pakistan. The CRISPR‐Cas9 system is now the most in‐demand piece of technology and has become an indispensable component of research and development in the field of life sciences.
Effect of fortifying sorghum and wheat with Longhorn grasshopper (Ruspolia differens) powder on nutritional composition and consumer acceptability of biscuits
Authors: Ronoh Amos Kipkemoi , Serrem Charlotte Atsango , Tumwebaze Susan Balaba , Were Gertrude Mercy 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study aimed at improving the nutrient composition and protein quality of biscuits made from sorghum and wheat through fortification with Longhorn Ruspolia differens powder (RDP) for use as a supplementary food targeting children vulnerable to protein–energy malnutrition (PEM). Ten biscuit formulations were prepared by replacing a part of wheat and sorghum–wheat flours with 5, 15, 20, and 40% RDP. To establish the nutrient content of biscuits, proximate and mineral compositions were determined. The amino acid composition, reactive lysine and in vitro protein digestibility were determined for protein quality. Compositing wheat or wheat–sorghum biscuits with RDP increased the protein, fat, ash, and crude fiber by percentages as high as 118, 37, 133, and 573%, respectively. Mineral content increased with, iron, zinc, and potassium as high as 161, 219, and 169%, respectively. The lysine, reactive lysine and in vitro protein digestibility of the fortified biscuits increased significantly, relative to the 100% cereal biscuits. Fortification with RDP significantly improved the amino acid content of the biscuits but had a marginal effect on improvement of the lysine score and did not meet the reference pattern for children aged 3–10 years. The Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) of wheat–sorghum and wheat biscuits improved by 6% to 47% and 2% to 33%, respectively, compared to the control biscuits. The fortified biscuits were liked by the consumers. The RDP‐fortified biscuits have the potential to alleviate PME in developing countries.
Building capacity for equitable healthcare workforce policy, learning from migrant healthcare workers: A qualitative study with Romanian physicians working in Germany during COVID‐19
Authors: Kuhlmann Ellen , Ungureanu Marius‐Ionuț , Thilo Nancy , Fehr Leonie Mac , Cosma Nicoleta‐Carmen , Brînzac Monica Georgina , Dopfer‐Jablonka Alexandra 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundAttention to the healthcare workforce has increased, yet comprehensive information on migrant healthcare workers is missing. This study focuses on migrant healthcare workers' experiences and mobility patterns in the middle of a global health crisis, aiming to explore the capacity for circular migration and support effective and equitable healthcare workforce policy.MethodsRomanian physicians working in Germany during the COVID‐19 pandemic served as an empirical case study. We applied a qualitative explorative approach; interviews (n = 21) were collected from mid of September to early November 2022 and content analysis was performed.Results and DiscussionMigrant physicians showed strong resilience during the COVID‐19 crisis and rarely complained. Commitment to high professional standards and career development were major pull factors towards Germany, while perceptions of limited career choices, nepotism and corruption in Romania caused strong push mechanisms. We identified two major mobility patterns that may support circular migration policies: well‐integrated physicians with a wish to give something back to their home country, and mobile cosmopolitan physicians who flexibly balance career opportunities and personal/family interests. Health policy must establish systematic monitoring of the migrant healthcare workforce including actor‐centred approaches, support integration in destination countries as well as health system development in sending countries, and invest in evidence‐based circular migration policy.
Healthcare workforce equity for health equity: An overview of its importance for the level of primary health care
Authors: Santric Milicevic M. , Scotter C. D. P. , Bruno‐Tome A. , Scheerens C. , Ellington K. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundHealthcare workforce crises often stem from healthcare workers' inequities. This study provides an overview of the main PHC workforce policy questions related to health equity, offering examples of evidence necessary to support the implementation of policies and strategies that increase equity in the health workforce and access to the PHC workforce and services.MethodsThe equity‐related policies in PHC and workforce were linked with the indicators listed in the Global Health Workforce Network Data and Evidence Hub and guidelines for health workforce management.ResultsThe policy‐relevant questions in PHC cover many workforce issues such as the optimal size, equitable distribution, relevant competencies to ensure equitable healthcare access, and equitable approaches for retention, training, recruitment, benefits and incentive schemes and governance. This will require intersectionality evidence of the optimised staffing to PHC workload, that PHC practitioners' training demonstrates evidence‐based knowledge aligned with locally relevant expertise.ConclusionCritical for equitable PHC access and health equity is the establishment of efficient measurement of PHC workforce equity and its implications for population health. Using indicators that measure health and workforce equity in research, policy, and practices may improve recruitment and retention, and respond more effectively to the PHC workforce crises.
A color‐based tumor segmentation method for clinical ex vivo breast tissue assessment utilizing a multi‐contrast brightfield imaging strategy
Authors: Wang Roujia , Ekem Lillian , Gallagher Jennifer , Factor Rachel E. , Hall Allison , Ramanujam Nimmi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe demonstrate an automated two‐step tumor segmentation method leveraging color information from brightfield images of fresh core needle biopsies of breast tissue. Three different color spaces (HSV, CIELAB, YCbCr) were explored for the segmentation task. By leveraging white‐light and green‐light images, we identified two different types of color transformations that could separate adipose from benign and tumor or cancerous tissue. We leveraged these two distinct color transformation methods in a two‐step process where adipose tissue segmentation was followed by benign tissue segmentation thereby isolating the malignant region of the biopsy. Our tumor segmentation algorithm and imaging probe could highlight suspicious regions on unprocessed biopsy tissue to guide selection of areas most similar to malignant tissues for tissue pathology whether it be formalin fixed or frozen sections, expedite tissue selection for molecular testing, detect positive tumor margins, or serve an alternative to tissue pathology, in countries where these services are lacking.
Study of dispersion extraction for optical coherence tomography imaging
Authors: Gui Jiahui , Zhang Xiao , Li Qin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDispersion mismatch of optical coherence tomography (OCT), caused by inherent dispersion of biological sample, leads to axial resolution degradation and image blurring. However, the dispersion of biological samples may carry characteristic information of itself. Therefore, it is useful and important to extract dispersion as an additional parameter of biological samples. Here, we study and compare five categories of conventional OCT dispersion extraction methods first. The results show that the iterative method has the best accuracy and stability. Furthermore, we propose an improved iterative method, which achieves higher accuracy and stability in simulation compared with conventional methods. Then, the dispersion values of optical glasses are extracted experimentally utilizing the proposed method. The extracted values are consistent well with reference values. Furthermore, we apply the proposed method for extracting the dispersion characteristics of zebrafish eye. With the proposed method, OCT‐based analysis of dispersion characteristics could be a powerful tool in clinical practice.
Intrinsic factors behind long COVID: IV. Hypothetical roles of the SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleocapsid protein and its liquid–liquid phase separation
Authors: Eltayeb Ahmed , Al‐Sarraj Faisal , Alharbi Mona , Albiheyri Raed , Mattar Ehab H. , Abu Zeid Isam M. , Bouback Thamer A. , Bamagoos Atif , Uversky Vladimir N. , Rubio‐Casillas Alberto , Redwan Elrashdy M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWhen the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus infects humans, it leads to a condition called COVID‐19 that has a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, from no symptoms to acute respiratory distress syndrome. The virus initiates damage by attaching to the ACE‐2 protein on the surface of endothelial cells that line the blood vessels and using these cells as hosts for replication. Reactive oxygen species levels are increased during viral replication, which leads to oxidative stress. About three‐fifths (~60%) of the people who get infected with the virus eradicate it from their body after 28 days and recover their normal activity. However, a large fraction (~40%) of the people who are infected with the virus suffer from various symptoms (anosmia and/or ageusia, fatigue, cough, myalgia, cognitive impairment, insomnia, dyspnea, and tachycardia) beyond 12 weeks and are diagnosed with a syndrome called long COVID. Long‐term clinical studies in a group of people who contracted SARS‐CoV‐2 have been contrasted with a noninfected matched group of people. A subset of infected people can be distinguished by a set of cytokine markers to have persistent, low‐grade inflammation and often self‐report two or more bothersome symptoms. No medication can alleviate their symptoms efficiently. Coronavirus nucleocapsid proteins have been investigated extensively as potential drug targets due to their key roles in virus replication, among which is their ability to bind their respective genomic RNAs for incorporation into emerging virions. This review highlights basic studies of the nucleocapsid protein and its ability to undergo liquid–liquid phase separation. We hypothesize that this ability of the nucleocapsid protein for phase separation may contribute to long COVID. This hypothesis unlocks new investigation angles and could potentially open novel avenues for a better understanding of long COVID and treating this condition.
BRG1 mediates epigenetic regulation of TNFα‐induced CCL2 expression in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Xu Mingyan , Lu Xuemei , Zhu Feixiang , Sun Xue , Yao Hongfa , Zhang Junling , Chen Weishi , Zhu Haohao , Liu Fan , Shi Song Lin , Deng Xiaoling 
Published: February 2024

AbstractStrong evidence has indicated that upregulation of chemokine (CC motif) ligand‐2 (CCL2) expression and the presence of an inflammatory tumor microenvironment significantly contribute to the migratory and invasive properties of oral squamous cell carcinoma, specifically oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC). However, the precise epigenetic mechanism responsible for enhanced CCL2 expression in response to the inflammatory mediator tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) in OTSCC remains inadequately elucidated. We have demonstrated that the production of CCL2 can be induced by TNF‐α, and this induction is mediated by the chromatin remodel protein BRG1. Through the use of a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, we have found that BRG1 was involved in the recruitment of acetylated histones H3 and H4 at the CCL2 promoter, thereby activating TNF‐α‐induced CCL2 transcription. Furthermore, we have observed that recruitment of NF‐κB p65 to the CCL2 promoter was increased following BRG1 overexpression and decreased after BRG1 knockdown in OTSCC cells. Our Re‐ChIP assay has shown that BRG1 knockdown completely inhibits the recruitment of both acetylated histone H3 or H4 and NF‐κB to the CCL2 promoter. In summary, the findings of our study demonstrate that BRG1 plays a significant role in mediating the production of CCL2 in OTSCC cells in response to TNF‐α stimulation. This process involves the cooperative action of acetylated histone and NF‐κB recruitment to the CCL2 promoter site. Our data suggest that BRG1 serves as a critical epigenetic mediator in the regulation of TNF‐α‐induced CCL2 transcription in OTSCC cells.
MAGP2 promotes osteogenic differentiation during fracture healing through its crosstalk with the β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Chen Zhiguang , Zhao Qi , Chen Lianghong , Gao Songlan , Meng Lingshuai , Liu Yingjie , Wang Yu , Li Tiegang , Xue Jinqi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractOsteogenic differentiation is important for fracture healing. Microfibrial‐associated glycoprotein 2 (MAGP2) is found to function as a proangiogenic regulator in bone formation; however, its role in osteogenic differentiation during bone repair is not clear. Here, a mouse model of critical‐sized femur fracture was constructed, and the adenovirus expressing MAGP2 was delivered into the fracture site. Mice with MAGP2 overexpression exhibited increased bone mineral density and bone volume fraction (BV/TV) at Day 14 postfracture. Within 7 days postfracture, overexpression of MAGP2 increased collagen I and II expression at the fracture callus, with increasing chondrogenesis. MAGP2 inhibited collagen II level but elevated collagen I by 14 days following fracture, accompanied by increased endochondral bone formation. In mouse osteoblast precursor MC3T3‐E1 cells, MAGP2 treatment elevated the expression of osteoblastic factors (osterix, BGLAP and collagen I) and enhanced ALP activity and mineralization through activating β‐catenin signaling after osteogenic induction. Besides, MAGP2 could interact with lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 5 (LRP5) and upregulated its expression. Promotion of osteogenic differentiation and β‐catenin activation mediated by MAGP2 was partially reversed by LRP5 knockdown. Interestingly, β‐catenin/transcription factor 4 (TCF4) increased MAGP2 expression probably by binding to MAGP2 promoter. These findings suggest that MAGP2 may interact with β‐catenin/TCF4 to enhance β‐catenin/TCF4's function and activate LRP5‐activated β‐catenin signaling pathway, thus promoting osteogenic differentiation for fracture repair. mRNA sequencing identified the potential targets of MAGP2, providing novel insights into MAGP2 function and the directions for future research.
Training future leaders: A qualitative study exploring leadership development in predoctoral dental curricula
Authors: Mara Matthew D. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurpose/objectiveCommission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accreditation standard 2‐19 states predoctoral dental schools must assess students’ ability to function successfully as the leader of the oral health care team. This study aimed to explore how dental schools incorporate leadership training into their curriculum to better understand the leadership skills students learn, the ways students engage in leadership training, and the opportunities students have to practice leadership skills with their peers.MethodsThe aim of this 2022 qualitative phenomenology study was to use semi‐structured interviews with academic Deans at CODA‐accredited dental schools and one subject matter expert to uncover types of cognitive, behavioral, and environmental factors influencing leadership training through the lens of social cognitive theory. All interviews were recorded on Zoom, transcribed, de‐identified, and analyzed for recurring themes using NVivo. Eight academic Deans and one subject matter expert participated in the study.ResultsFour major themes emerged from the data: leadership is essential for dental professionals, leadership is incorporated into the curricula in diverse ways, students most often engage in leadership training opportunities with dental peers and interprofessional opportunities could be expanded, and dental schools often face barriers to incorporating leadership training. Vertically integrated case presentations and team‐based practice management simulations are meaningful leadership development activities. Prominent barriers include time constraints, lack of faculty champions with teaching leadership expertise, and prioritizing the development of hand skills.ConclusionStandard practices for student leadership development and assessment do not appear to exist across dental school curricula. Findings support the need for a leadership development framework.
Health‐related quality of life and fear of progression in individuals with Li‐Fraumeni syndrome
Authors: Kiermeier Senta , Schott Sarah , Nees Juliane , Dutzmann Christina , Strüwe Farina , Kratz Christian P. , Sauer Christina , Fleischer Anna , Keymling Myriam , Maatouk Imad 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLi‐Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a rare autosomal dominant cancer predisposition syndrome associated with a highly elevated lifetime cancer risk. This and the recommended intense surveillance program represent a large psychological burden on families. In order to develop targeted psychosocial interventions, we conducted a needs assessment. Adults (≥18 years) with LFS were included via regular hospital visits and online support groups and newsletters. Individuals filled out a questionnaire addressing among others: fear of progression (FoP‐questionnaire, short‐form), health‐related quality of life (HRQoL, Short‐Form Health Survey‐12), distress (National Comprehensive Cancer Network distress thermometer), perceived cancer risk, and aspects of surveillance adherence. Collecting data over a 14‐month period (March 2020 – June 2021), 70 adults were recruited (female = 58, 82.9%; mean age = 41.53 years). With mean mental component scores (MCS) of 42.28 (SD = 10.79), and physical component scores (PCS) of 48.83 (SD = 10.46), HRQoL was low in 34.8% (physical) and 59.4% (mental) of individuals when applying a mean cut‐off of 45.4 (PCS) and 47.5 (MCS) to indicate poor HRQoL. High levels of FoP and distress were present in 68.6% and 69.1% of the participants, respectively. Performing a multiple linear regression on MCS and PCS, no sociodemographic variable was shown to be significant. FoP (β = −0.33, p < 0.05) and distress (β = −0.34, p < 0.05) were significantly associated with MCS. Individuals in our sample were burdened more than expected, with the majority reporting low levels of (mental) HRQoL, high distress, and FoP. Psychosocial support is necessary to help individuals with LFS (survivors as well as “previvors”) increase their HRQoL, as it is crucial to survival.
Phlebotomy‐free days in children hospitalized with common infections and their association with clinical outcomes
Authors: Collins Megan E. , Hall Matt , Shah Samir S. , Molloy Matthew J. , Aronson Paul L. , Cotter Jillian M. , Steiner Michael J. , McCoy Elisha , Tchou Michael J. , Stephens John R. , Markham Jessica L. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundPhlebotomy for hospitalized children has consequences (e.g., pain, iatrogenic anemia), and unnecessary testing is a modifiable source of waste in healthcare. Days without blood draws or phlebotomy‐free days (PFDs) has the potential to serve as a hospital quality measure.ObjectiveTo describe: (1) the frequency of PFDs in children hospitalized with common infections and (2) the association of PFDs with clinical outcomes.Design, Settings and ParticipantsWe performed a cross‐sectional study of children hospitalized 2018–2019 with common infections at 38 hospitals using the Pediatric Health Information System database. We included infectious All Patients Refined Diagnosis Related Groups with a median length of stay (LOS) >2 days. We excluded patients with medical complexity, interhospital transfers, those receiving intensive care, and in‐hospital mortality.Main Outcome and MeasuresWe defined PFDs as hospital days (midnight to midnight) without laboratory blood testing and measured the proportion of PFDs divided by total hospital LOS (PFD ratio) for each condition and hospital. Higher PFD ratios signify more days without phlebotomy. Hospitals were grouped into low, moderate, and high average PFD ratios. Adjusted outcomes (LOS, costs, and readmissions) were compared across groups.ResultsWe identified 126,135 encounters. Bronchiolitis (0.78) and pneumonia (0.54) had the highest PFD ratios (most PFDs), while osteoarticular infections (0.28) and gastroenteritis (0.30) had the lowest PFD ratios. There were no differences in adjusted clinical outcomes across PFD ratio groups. Among children hospitalized with common infections, PFD ratios varied across conditions and hospitals, with no association with outcomes. Our data suggest overuse of phlebotomy and opportunities to improve the care of hospitalized children.