bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Infection Prevention and Control Extension for Community Healthcare Outcome Clinic in Referal Hospitals in Tanzania.
Authors: Ngowi Ruth Raymond , Simba S , Eliakimu E. , Hokororo J , Lutkam D. , Kinyenje E , German C , Bahegwa R , Msigwa Y. , Nassoro O. , Marandu L. , Mbwana M , Yahya T , Lusekelo J , Lusaya E. , Mwaisengela S. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Project ECHO™ (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcome) is a telehealth initiative that aims to improve access to medical knowledge among healthcare workers (HCWs). Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) ECHO Clinic was implemented from April 2022 to January 2023 in Tanzania where HCWs from ten referral hospitals shared their experiences. The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation of the IPC ECHO clinic, specifically by assessing enablers and barriers; and elicit recommendations for improvement and further scale-up.
Methods
An explanatory descriptive study design was conducted whereas both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection were used.
Results
A total of 472 (47.2%) out 1000 targeted HCWs attended scheduled IPC ECHO session. Availability of infrastructure; facility management support; good coordination from the national team and availability of internet bundle were the enablers for the implementation of the clinic. Barriers included: lack of motivation among attendees; lack of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) points; shortage of staff; and poor internet connectivity. To improve implementation of IPC ECHO clinic it was recomended to: include IPC ECHO clinic in CPD initiatives; reviewing time for the sessions; provision of incentives for attendees; improve facilitation techniques; improve network connectivity; re-sensitization of HCWs: and scale up of IPC ECHO clinic.
Conclusion
Implementation of IPC ECHO clinic was successfully conducted. Scale-up of IPC ECHO clinic to other referral health facilities and primary health care facilities was recommended in order to facilitate knowledge sharing in the areas of IPC during this era of emerging and re–emerging diseases.
Uncovering the Relationship between Heavy Metal Exposure, Cognitive Function, and Dietary Inflammation Index in Elderly Americans from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2014
Authors: Tang Chunlan , Shen Min , Hong Hang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
The consequences of heavy metal exposure on cognitive function in elderly adults have been recognized as primarily attributed to the inflammatory response. It is noteworthy that diet can either exacerbate or reduce the inflammatory response. Despite this, there has been limited study about the effects of diet on the relationship between heavy metal exposure and cognitive function.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing data from the 2011–2014 NHANES survey to explore the role of the dietary inflammation index in the association between metal exposure and cognitive function in elderly adults. The study enrolled 1726 participants and generalized linear regression model(GLM), Bayesian kernel machine regression model(BKMR), weighted quantile sum regression(WQS), and quantile g-computation regression analysis(Qg-comp) was conducted to assess the impact of five heavy metals in blood on cognitive function under the anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory diet.
Results
The GLM analysis showed a positive correlation between selenium (Se) and both the instant recall test (IRT) and digit symbol substitution test (DSST), whether taken as continuous or quartile variables.Conversely, cadmium (Cd) was negatively associated with DSST. For IRT, Cd in the highest quartile was negatively associated compared to the lowest quartile. Subgroup analysis revealed the effects of Cd on IRT and DSST and Se on DSST under the pro-inflammatory diet. Furthermore, The BKMR analysis showed an inverted U-shaped curve with the negative effect of metal mixtures and DSST and a linearly negative trend with IRT in the pro-inflammatory diet. Among them, Cd was emphasized as the most potent risk factor, and Se was the most vital protective factor for IRT and DSST in WQS and Qg-comp analysis.
Conclusions
The study suggests that a high-quality diet could alleviate the adverse effects of Cd on IRT and DSST. Additionally, high Se levels improved IRT and DSST in the inflammatory diet. These findings provide valuable insights into the connection between diet, heavy metal exposure, and cognitive function in elderly adults.
Examining Workshops in Reducing Mental Illness Self and Social Stigma Among Asian Men in Vancouver, Canada: A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Patel Natasha , Koso Silvia , Morrow Marina , Bryson Stephanie , Jiang Cindy , Lal Rodrick , Patel Nimesh B. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Asian men may be more susceptible to stigmatizing attitudes towards mental illness and treatment due to the gendered and cultural expectations created by society, compared to Asian women. This may result in an internalization of devaluing beliefs and discriminatory attitudes towards others affected by mental illness and can delay or prevent this population from seeking professional help. In this randomized control trial (RCT), data from 428 Asian men from Vancouver, Canada were used to examine Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), Contact-based Empowerment and Education (CEE), and ACT + CEE. Data were collected at pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention, 3 months post-intervention, and 6 months post-intervention using the ISMI and the CAMI scales to assess self and social stigma. Repeated measures ANOVA were performed to determine if there was a significant interaction between the intervention and multiple time points on ISMI and CAMI scores. Linear mixed effects models were performed on ISMI and CAMI composite scores to control for confounding. No significant differences in ISMI scores were seen across all time points for all interventions. Significant reduction in CAMI scores were seen for the CEE intervention up to 3 months, suggesting that effects of the intervention were short-lived.
Interferon signalling and non-canonical inflammasome activation promote host protection against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Burgio Gaetan , Li Fei-Ju , Starrs Lora , Mathur Anukriti , Tuipulotu Daniel Enosi , Man Si Ming 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii are of major concern worldwide due to their resistance to last resort carbapenem and polymyxin antibiotics. To develop an effective treatment strategy, it is critical to better understand how an A. baumannii MDR bacterium interacts with its mammalian host. Pattern-recognition receptors sense microbes, and activate the inflammasome pathway, leading to pro-inflammatory cytokine production and programmed cell death. Here, we examined the effects of a systemic MDR A. baumannii infection and found that MDR A. baumannii activate the NLRP3 inflammasome complex predominantly via the non-canonical caspase-11-dependent pathway. We show that caspase-1 and caspase-11-deficient mice are protected from a virulent MDR A. baumannii strain by maintaining a balance between protective and deleterious inflammation. Caspase-11-deficient mice also compromise between effector cell recruitment, phagocytosis, and programmed cell death in the lung during infection. Importantly, we found that cytosolic immunity - mediated by guanylate-binding protein 1 (GBP1) and type I interferon signalling - orchestrates caspase-11-dependent inflammasome activation. Together, our results suggest that non-canonical inflammasome activation via the IFN pathway plays a critical role in the host response against MDR A. baumannii infection.
Identifying causal brain structures and proteins for osteoarthritis:
A large-scale genetic correlation study based on brain imaging-derived phenotypes, transcriptome and proteome
Authors: Zhao Shushan , Wang Chao , Liu Zhi , Zhu Yong , Ruan Zhe , Long Haitao , Lin Zhang , Zhao Ruibo , Li Yusheng 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This study aimed to validate the causal associations of brain structures with osteoarthritis (OA) and then describe key causal genes and proteins in brain related to OA risk. To explore the genetic correlation and causal relationship between brain structures and OA, linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) and mendelian randomization (MR) were employed. Then a transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS), MR and Bayesian colocalization analysis were conducted, integrating human brain transcriptomes (N=2,970) with OA GWAS findings (N=826,690). Concurrently, a proteome-wide association study (PWAS) was carried out, combining GWAS summary data with human brain proteomes (N=152) provided by Banner using the FUSION pipeline. Finally single cell RNA-Seq (scRNA) eQTL data were used to explore the causal genes in brain cells associated with OA. The amalgamation of results from LDSC and MR provides insight into the brain structures majorly associated with OA, including bilateral putamen, amygdala nuclei, thalamic nuclei, insula, superior temporal gyrus, among others. In cortical tissue, seven genes (CLEC18A, CORO7, ERGIC3, EXOSC6, FEZ2, SPPL2A and UQCC1) displayed significant associations with knee OA risk, alongside five genes (COLGALT2, GNL3, OMA1, PPM1M and RAD9A) connected to hip OA risk. Furthermore, proteins related to knee (ICA1L), hip (DGKE), and thumb (SNAP47) OA have been identified. The MR analysis of scRNA found that CPNE1 in excitatory neuronsand EMILIN2 in OPCs/COPs were causally associated with knee OA, along with protein levels identified in the PWAS. This exploration of the genetics of OA associated with the brain-joint axis has advanced our understanding of the pathogenesis of OA.
WITHDRAWN: Salvia sclarea L.-Mediated Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles: Characterization, Secondary Metabolite Influence, and Antibacterial Activity Assessment
Authors: Arslan Elif , Yuca Esra , Servi Huseyin , Arayıcı Pelin Pelit , Erişen Semiha 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

In the current study, AgNPs were synthesized utilizing the extract of Salvia sclarea L. as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The reduction of silver ions was confirmed through X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and UV-visible spectroscopy. Notably, the UV-Vis measurements exhibited distinguishable spectral patterns that indicated the presence of the characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak of AgNPs. Additionally, XRD analysis verified the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles and provided insights into their crystal structure and composition. To further investigate their properties, TEM and SEM analyses were conducted to examine the morphology, size distribution, and uniformity of the nanoparticles. FTIR analysis aided in elucidating the functional groups and surface chemistry of the AgNPs. Furthermore, the influence of AgNPs on the secondary metabolite profiles of shoots raised in vitro in S. sclarea was assessed. The inclusion of AgNPs in the culture media caused qualitative and quantitative adjustments in the secondary metabolite contents of the shoots. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity of the AgNPs against common bacterial strains, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, was evaluated. Encouragingly, the AgNPs exhibited moderate antimicrobial properties, suggesting their potential utilization in combating bacterial pathogens. This study highlights the efficacy of utilizing S. sclarea extract for the green synthesis of AgNPs, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of these nanoparticles, from their structural and chemical characteristics to their antimicrobial potential. The environmentally friendly and sustainable approach presented here holds promise for a variety of applications where AgNPs can enhance secondary metabolite production and counteract microbial threats.
Effects of preterm birth and bronchopulmonary dysplasia on infants’ pulmonary function: A cohort study of 117 infants
Authors: Zijin Chen , Lei Zhang , Tao Ai , Yinghong Fan , Ronghua Luo , Cheng Xie , Yaping Duan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Despite improved preterm infant survival rates in recent years, the increasing prevalence of preterm birth requires ongoing attention to associated risks, especially pulmonary damage. This study explores pulmonary function impairment in preterm infants using plethysmography and examines its correlation with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Methods
One hundred and seventeen infants were divided into preterm and term groups, including 57 preterm infants and 60 term infants. Preterm infants were divided into bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and non-BPD groups. There were 22 cases in the BPD group and 35 cases in the non-BPD group. Preterm infants were further divided into a < 34 weeks group and a 34 ~ 36+ 6 weeks group according to gestational age. There were 26 cases in the < 34 weeks group and 31 cases in the 34 ~ 36+ 6 weeks group. The pulmonary function of each group was measured by plethysmography when the age of the infant was < 6 months.
Results
Compared with the term group, the preterm group had a significantly higher cesarean section rate and faster respiratory rate (RR) and lower values of the ratio of time to peak tidal expiratory flow to total expiratory time (TPEF/tE), the ratio of volume to peak tidal expiratory flow to total expiratory volume (VPEF/VE), compliance of the respiratory system (Crs), and plethysmographic functional residual capacity (FRCp). Comparisons among infants of different gestational ages revealed statistically significant differences in RR, TPEF/tE, respiratory resistance, VPEF/VE, and FRCp. Comparisons among the three groups of BPD group, non-BPD group, and term group revealed differences in RR, TPEF/tE, VPEF/VE, Crs, and FRCp that were statistically significant.
Conclusions
There is a certain degree of pulmonary function impairment in preterm infants, which is more severe in early preterm infants, and in preterm infants with BPD than in preterm infants without BPD. Plethysmography is helpful in the early assessment of pulmonary function in preterm infants.
Study on the Spatiotemporal Variations of Rainfall Warning Risks on China's Conventional Non-Highspeed Railways under the Background of Climate Warming
Authors: Zhang Xiaomei , Jiang Ying , Chen Zhongyu , Zhang Hui , Wang Yuhong , Gao Jingjing , Wu Hao , Huang Weiwei , Qian Ya 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

China’s complex terrain and diverse rainfall patterns contribute to uneven and distinctive precipitation distribution. Over 70% of disasters and accidents on conventional non-highspeed railways in China are influenced by rainfall. This paper analyzes the spatiotemporal variations of rainfall warning risk on conventional non-highspeed railways in China and explores the impact of changing rainfall patterns on the safety and operational order of these railways in the context of climate warming. The study reveals the following findings: (1) Both annual total precipitation and the risk hours of railway rainfall warnings exhibit an east-west and south-north spatial distribution, with more precipitation in the east and south, and fewer in the west and north. Southern China experiences the highest precipitation levels and the most intense rainfall, while northern and northeastern regions have the highest risk hours for railway inspections. Sichuan and Yunnan show the highest occurrences of railway speed restrictions and closures. (2) The peak locations and periods of railway rainfall warning risk hours in various regions are closely related to the main monsoon rain belt and typhoon activities in China. Influenced by the East Asian summer monsoon, the Southeast region experiences the earliest peak (June) in railway inspection and speed restriction rainfall warning risk hours. As the main rain belt of the monsoon moves northward and the subtropical high extends westward, July becomes the peak month for railway rainfall warning risk hours in the Northeast, Central North, and Southwest regions. In August, the impact of typhoon-induced heavy rainfall leads to the peak in railway closure rainfall warning risk hours in the Southeast. (3) In comparison, the complex terrain of the Southwest region results in a significantly higher comprehensive risk index for railway rainfall than other regions, making it the area with the greatest railway rainfall warning pressure. The Northeast region, with lower annual total precipitation, exhibits the highest frequency index for railway rainfall warning risk, implying a relatively strict preventive approach. The Southeast region, with the highest annual total precipitation, has a comprehensive risk index second only to the Southwest region, indicating slightly lower prevention pressure. (4) Against the backdrop of climate warming, the Southwest region experiences a significant increase in conventional non-highspeed railway precipitation volume, frequency, and comprehensive risk index during the main rainy season. Considering the complex terrain and frequent seismic activity in this region, it is likely to be a critical focus for future railway rainfall warning efforts.
Within-Person Dynamics of Job Boredom and Counterproductive Work Behavior: A Latent Change Score Modeling Approach
Authors: Kim JeongJin , Kaplan Seth A. , Aitken John A. , Ponce Lida 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Job boredom is one of the most common negative affective states experienced in the workplace, yet also among the least well-understood. One stream of research suggests that employees frequently react to job boredom by engaging in counterproductive work behaviors (CWB). However, recent studies show the converse—that engaging in CWB relates to job boredom. As studies on the job boredom-CWB relationship primarily have been cross-sectional and at the between-person level of analysis, the directionality between these constructs remains in question. Therefore, research examining the within-person dynamics of job boredom and CWB within a short timeframe is needed. In the current study, we explore whether job boredom influences subsequent changes in CWB and vice versa. We examined these relationships using latent change score (LCS) modeling with 10-day experience sampling data (N = 120 individuals providing 1,161 observations). Findings supported a reciprocal relationship. Employees’ level of job boredom on a given day was associated with a subsequent increase in CWB on the next day, and the level of CWB on a given day was associated with a subsequent increase in job boredom on the next day. We discuss the implications of our findings and future research directions.
Preferentially expressed endosperm genes reveal unique activities in wheat endosperm during grain filling
Authors: Shi Jia , Zhao Yuqian , Zhao Peng , Yang Hongmei , Wang Chunsheng , Xia Jianqiang , Zhao Zhun , Wang Zhenlong , Yang Zhenyu , Wang Zhong , Xu Shengbao , Zhang Yueqiang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) endosperm contains starch and proteins, which determine the final yield, quality, and nutritional value of wheat grain. The endosperm-specific expressed genes can precisely provide targets in the endosperm for improving wheat grain quality and nutrition using modern bioengineering technologies. However, the genes specifically expressed in developing endosperms remain largely unknown.
Results
In this study, 315 preferentially expressed endosperm genes (PEEGs) in the spring wheat cultivar, Chinese Spring, were screened using data obtained from an open bioinformatics database, which reveals a unique grain reserve deposition process and special signal transduction in a developing wheat endosperm. Furthermore, transcription and accumulation of storage proteins in the wheat cultivar, XC26 were evaluated. The results revealed that PEEG plays a critical role in storage protein fragment deposition and is a potential candidate for modifying grain quality and nutrition.
Conclusion
These results provide new insights into endosperm development and candidate genes and promoters for improving wheat grain quality through genetic engineering and plant breeding techniques.
HLA gene polymorphism is a modifier of age-related breast cancer penetrance in carriers of BRCA1 pathogenic alleles
Authors: Kuligina Ekaterina S. , Romanko Alexandr A. , Jankevic Tatjana , Martianov Aleksandr S. , Ivantsov Alexandr O. , Sokolova Tatyana N. , Trofimov Dmitry , Kashyap Aniruddh , Cybulski Cezary , Lubiński Jan , Imyanitov Evgeny N. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Female carriers of germline BRCA1 mutations almost invariably develop breast cancer (BC) however the age at onset is a subject of variation. We hypothesized that the age-related penetrance of BRCA1 mutations may depend on inherited variability in the host immune system.
Methods
Next-generation sequencing was utilized for genotyping of HLA class I/II genes (HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-DPB1, HLA-DQB1 and HLA-DRB1/3/4/5) in patients with BRCA1-associated BC with early (</= 38 years, n = 215) and late (>/= 58 years, n = 108) age at onset.
Results
HLA-DQB1*06:03P prevalence was higher in the late-onset group due to the excess of allele carriers [25/108 (23.1%) vs. 22/215 (10.2%); OR 2.96, p < 0.001]. For all HLA-I loci, there was a trend towards an increase in the number of homozygotes in the early-onset group. This trend reached statistical significance for the HLA-A [14.4% vs. 6.5%, p = 0.037; OR 2.4, p = 0.042]. The frequencies of HLA-DPB1, HLA-DQB1 and HLA-DRB1/3/4/5 homozygous genotypes did not differ between young-onset and late-onset patients. The maximum degree of homozygosity detected in this study was 6 out of 7 HLA class I/II loci; all six carriers of these genotypes were diagnosed with BC at the age </= 38 years [OR = 6.97, p = 0.187].
Conclusion
HLA polymorphism may play a role in modifying the penetrance of BRCA1 pathogenic variants. Certain HLA alleles or HLA homozygosity may modify the risk of BC in BRCA1 carriers.
GA based Order Abatement Technique for Linear Dynamic Systems for Continues Time System and Discrete Time System
Authors: SINGH BABITA , SINGH NIDHI , SINGH DIPTI 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

In this paper a hybrid technique of order abatement is introduced for Higher Order Linear Dynamic Systems (HOLDSs) for continuous and discrete time system. The denominator dynamics of the original HOLDSs is abated with continued fraction method, yet the abated numerator is extracted using the Genetic Algorithm. The abated system is attained by combining the benefits of the above two methods. The motive of the suggested technique is to conserve the characteristics of the HOLDSs system in abated system by minimizing the Integral Square Error(ISE). The proposed technique assures the conservation of steady-state stability along with the transient stability of the original HOLDS. A comprehensive comparison study is conducted using two HOLDS cases of continuous time system and two cases of discrete time system from the literature. The ISEs, Time-response and Frequency- response are calculated and plotted with the help of Simulink/MATLAB and compared with the other reduction techniques from the literature. The results demonstrate that the suggested technique provides less ISE than alternative approaches and the time and frequency responses closely resemble the response of the original system.