bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The New Scramble for Africa
Authors: Danso Felix , Ahadzi Dzifa 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The relationship between Africa and the developed world has been a subject of much discussion over the years. Recently, however, there has been a lot of controversy around China’s activities in Africa. Several criticisms have arisen alleging the exploitation of Africa by China. This study set out to examine China’s activities on the African continent with a focus on Ghana and Ethiopia to clearly reveal the various sides of the argument and put them into perspective. The study also sought to establish whether a new scramble is occurring in Africa, with neocolonialist strategies. The study relied on the realist theory to understand China’s intentions regarding its activities on the continent and on neocolonialism to explore any incidence of a new scramble. Secondary sources were employed to collect data for analysis. The study found that although some of the activities of China on the continent were questionable, they have been partially beneficial to the continent. Africa is not as vulnerable as perceived but has the capacity to leverage some of its resources to foster its development.
Enhancing the Effectiveness of African-led Peace Support Operations through an Adaptive Stabilisation Approach
Authors: de Coning Cedric , Tchie Andrew E. Yaw 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The African continent’s security landscape is constantly changing. Alongside this evolution, changes in the global order have emerged, a decline of multilateralism and an overreliance on security tools to defeat terrorism across Africa. In contrast, these challenges have allowed the African continent and its peace and security mechanisms under the African Peace and Security Architecture to respond to these insecurities through African-led Peace Support Operations (pso)—amongst other mechanisms. These African capacities, particularly in pso, have not always been consistently deployed as part of a multidimensional approach to dealing with insecurity. African-led pso s have evolved and developed unique characteristics distinguishing them from traditional peacekeeping operations. However, their increased use as a sole mechanism to deal with insecurity has led to a deficiency in broader conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and peacemaking mechanisms. This has made it difficult for African-led pso s to tackle the growing and intersecting challenges and dynamics the continent faces now and in the future. This article posits that while African-led pso s have come to represent an increase in African agency, capability and utilisation, their increased use to deal with insecurity has led to African-led pso s failing to deal with intersecting and growing challenges and dynamics the continent faces. Thus, the article argues that there is a need for African-led pso s to be more agile, adaptive and comprehensive through the adoption of an Adaptive Stabilisation Approach.
Stealing the Citadel
Authors: Derby Lauren 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This essay analyzes popular Haitian tales about sovereign theft by stealth which seek to expose machinations of graft and usurpation by outsiders and politicians. The foundational act for this genre of popular narratives in Haiti I argue is the indemnity that the Haitian State was forced to pay France of 150 million francs in exchange for international recognition to compensate for losses in property incurred by the Haitian Revolution (1791–1804) which Haitian statesman Frédéric Marcelin described as an “act of dispossession.” But popular rumors of national theft kept returning. I argue that these stories linking sovereignty, debt, and theft represent truth claims on the part of those who have long been “hermeneutically marginalized” and should be seen as a call for testimonial justice that challenges the triumphalist story of Haitian independence through revealing and denouncing deceitful chicanery on the part of those in power.
Burden of employment loss and absenteeism in adults and caregivers of children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Gordon Rachel D’Amico , Welkie Rina Li , Quaye Nives , Hankins Jane S. , Kassim Adetola A. , Thompson Alexis A. , Treadwell Marsha , Lin Chyongchiou J. , Cronin Robert M. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder affecting 100 000 people with an estimated annual medical cost of $3 billion in the United States; however, the economic impact on patients is not well described. We aimed to examine the indirect economic burden and test the hypothesis that socioeconomic status and greater social vulnerability risks are associated with increased absenteeism and employment loss. We surveyed adults and caregivers of children with SCD at 5 US centers from 2014 to 2021. Logistic regression models were used to examine the associations of employment loss and missed days of work with demographics and social determinants. Indirect costs were estimated by multiplying the self-reported missed days of work and job loss by 2022 average wages by the state of the participating institution. Of the 244 participants, 10.3% reported employment loss in the last 5 years, and 17.5% reported missing 10 or more days of work. Adults had 3 times more employment loss compared with caregivers of children with SCD (OR, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.12-9.01) but fewer missed days of work (OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.11-0.0.51). Participants who did not live with a partner reported increased employment loss (OR, 4.70; 95% CI, 1.04-21.17) and more missed days of work (OR, 4.58; 95% CI, 1.04-20.15). The estimated annual indirect economic burden was $2 266 873 ($9290 per participant). Adults with SCD and caregivers of children with SCD commonly report employment loss and missed days of work as important risk factors. The high indirect economic burden suggests that future economic evaluations of SCD should include SCD-related indirect economic burden.
Liver abnormalities are frequent and persistent in patients with Fanconi anemia
Authors: Snyder Alana J. , Campbell Kathleen M. , Lane Adam , Mehta Parinda A. , Myers Kasiani , Davies Stella M. , Koo Jane 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Liver disease has not been well described in patients with Fanconi anemia (FA). Improvements in outcomes of transplant mean that more individuals with FA are reaching adulthood and new features of the FA phenotype are being discovered. We performed a retrospective review of liver function in a cohort of 97 patients with FA followed-up for at least 10 years at a single center. We identified a high frequency of transaminitis (n = 31, 32%) without elevation of bilirubin and with no evidence of structural hepatic abnormality in patients with FA. Transaminitis was persistent in many cases, sometimes lasting more than a decade without clinical manifestation, although 2 patients with prolonged transaminitis are deceased from liver failure, indicating important long-term clinical consequences. Transaminitis was found in patients who had and had not received transplant but was more frequent in recipients of transplant. Exposure to total body irradiation increased risk (odds ratio, 15.5 [95% confidence interval, 2.44-304.54]; P = .01), whereas treatment with androgens did not. Review of limited numbers of liver biopsies and autopsy material showed a cholestatic pattern of liver injury, with progressive fibrosis, in the majority of patients. Occurrence in cases without transplant as well as cases with transplant argues against a potential diagnosis of atypical liver graft-versus-host disease. Limited data regarding therapy suggest no benefit from treatment with steroids or other immune suppressive medications or ursodeoxycholic acid. Our data show that liver disease is common in patients with FA, and because most children with FA now reach adulthood, end-stage liver disease in young adulthood means systematic testing of potential therapies is urgently needed.
Mechanistic role of quercetin as inhibitor for adenosine deaminase enzyme in rheumatoid arthritis: systematic review
Authors: Atta Amira , Salem Maha M. , El-Said Karim Samy , Mohamed Tarek M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease involving T and B lymphocytes. Autoantibodies contribute to joint deterioration and worsening symptoms. Adenosine deaminase (ADA), an enzyme in purine metabolism, influences adenosine levels and joint inflammation. Inhibiting ADA could impact RA progression. Intracellular ATP breakdown generates adenosine, which increases in hypoxic and inflammatory conditions. Lymphocytes with ADA play a role in RA. Inhibiting lymphocytic ADA activity has an immune-regulatory effect. Synovial fluid levels of ADA are closely associated with the disease’s systemic activity, making it a useful parameter for evaluating joint inflammation. Flavonoids, such as quercetin (QUE), are natural substances that can inhibit ADA activity. QUE demonstrates immune-regulatory effects and restores T-cell homeostasis, making it a promising candidate for RA therapy. In this review, we will explore the impact of QUE in suppressing ADA and reducing produced the inflammation in RA, including preclinical investigations and clinical trials.Graphical Abstract
SUMOylation modulates eIF5A activities in both yeast and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Seoane Rocío , Lama-Díaz Tomás , Romero Antonia María , El Motiam Ahmed , Martínez-Férriz Arantxa , Vidal Santiago , Bouzaher Yanis H. , Blanquer María , Tolosa Rocío M. , Castillo Mewa Juan , Rodríguez Manuel S. , García-Sastre Adolfo , Xirodimas Dimitris , Sutherland James D. , Barrio Rosa , Alepuz Paula , Blanco Miguel G. , Farràs Rosa , Rivas Carmen 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe eukaryotic translation initiation protein eIF5A is a highly conserved and essential factor that plays a critical role in different physiological and pathological processes including stress response and cancer. Different proteomic studies suggest that eIF5A may be a small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) substrate, but whether eIF5A is indeed SUMOylated and how relevant is this modification for eIF5A activities are still unknown.MethodsSUMOylation was evaluated using in vitro SUMOylation assays, Histidine-tagged proteins purification from His6–SUMO2 transfected cells, and isolation of endogenously SUMOylated proteins using SUMO-binding entities (SUBES). Mutants were engineered by site-directed mutagenesis. Protein stability was measured by a cycloheximide chase assay. Protein localization was determined using immunofluorescence and cellular fractionation assays. The ability of eIF5A1 constructs to complement the growth ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaestrains harboring thermosensitive mutants of a yeastEIF5Ahomolog gene(HYP2)was analyzed. The polysome profile and the formation of stress granules in cells expressing Pab1–GFP (a stress granule marker) by immunofluorescence were determined in yeast cells subjected to heat shock. Cell growth and migration of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma PANC-1 cells overexpressing different eIF5A1 constructs were evaluated using crystal violet staining and transwell inserts, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed with GraphPad Software, using unpaired Student’st-test, or one-way or two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).ResultsWe found that eIF5A is modified by SUMO2 in vitro, in transfected cells and under endogenous conditions, revealing its physiological relevance. We identified several SUMO sites in eIF5A and found that SUMOylation modulates both the stability and the localization of eIF5A in mammalian cells. Interestingly, the SUMOylation of eIF5A responds to specific stresses, indicating that it is a regulated process. SUMOylation of eIF5A is conserved in yeast, the eIF5A SUMOylation mutants are unable to completely suppress the defects ofHYP2mutants, and SUMOylation of eIF5A is important for both stress granules formation and disassembly of polysomes induced by heat-shock. Moreover, mutation of the SUMOylation sites in eIF5A abolishes its promigratory and proproliferative activities in PANC-1 cells.ConclusionsSUMO2 conjugation to eIF5A is a stress-induced response implicated in the adaptation of yeast cells to heat-shock stress and required to promote the growth and migration of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells.Graphical Abstract
Simulation of dual-purpose chicken breeding programs implementing gene editing
Authors: Chuang Edward Y. S. , Wellmann Robin , Meijboom Franck L. B. , Tetens Jens , Bennewitz Jörn 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
In spite of being controversial and raising ethical concerns, the application of gene editing is more likely to be accepted when it contributes to improving animal welfare. One of the animal welfare and ethical issues in chicken breeding is chick culling, the killing of the male layer chicks after hatching due to the poor fattening performance. Although establishing dual-purpose chicken lines could solve this problem, unfavorable genetic correlations between egg and meat production traits hindered their competitiveness. Although it is also controversial in ethical terms, gene editing may accelerate genetic progress in dual-purpose chicken and alleviate the ethical concerns from chick culling.

Results
The simulation compared the utility improvement in dual-purpose use under two breeding schemes: one consisting in the improvement of the laying hens, and the second in the improvement of a synthetic line obtained from a layer broiler cross. In each breeding scheme, the breeding programs were simulated with and without gene editing. Polygenic breeding values and 500 simulated quantitative trait loci (QTL) with different levels of pleiotropy caused negative correlations between egg production, meat production, and overall health. The results of the simulation demonstrated that genetic gain could be accelerated by at most 81% for several generations if gene editing was used. The actual increase in genetic gain depended on the number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) being edited per animal. The rate of genetic improvement became equal in scenarios with and without gene editing after 20 generations. This is because the remaining segregating QTL had small effects and their edition would have negative overall health effects from potential off-target edits. Although gene editing can improve genetic gain in quantitative traits, it can only be recommended as long as QTL with reasonable effect sizes are segregating and detectable.

Conclusions
This simulation demonstrates the potential of gene editing to accelerate the simultaneous improvement of negatively correlated traits. When the risk of negative consequences from gene editing persists, the number of SNPs to be edited should be chosen carefully to obtain the optimal genetic gain.
Whole-genome resequencing of major populations revealed domestication-related genes in yaks
Authors: Peng Wei , Fu Changqi , Shu Shi , Wang Guowen , Wang Hui , Yue Binglin , Zhang Ming , Liu Xinrui , Liu Yaxin , Zhang Jun , Zhong Jincheng , Wang Jiabo 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The yak is a symbol of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and provides important basic resources for human life on the plateau. Domestic yaks have been subjected to strong artificial selection and environmental pressures over the long-term. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of phenotypic differences in yak populations can reveal key functional genes involved in the domestication process and improve genetic breeding.

Material and method
Here, we re-sequenced 80 yaks (Maiwa, Yushu, and Huanhu populations) to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as genetic variants. After filtering and quality control, remaining SNPs were kept to identify the genome-wide regions of selective sweeps associated with domestic traits. The four methods (π, XPEHH, iHS, and XP-nSL) were used to detect the population genetic separation.

Results
By comparing the differences in the population stratification, linkage disequilibrium decay rate, and characteristic selective sweep signals, we identified 203 putative selective regions of domestic traits, 45 of which were mapped to 27 known genes. They were clustered into 4 major GO biological process terms. All known genes were associated with seven major domestication traits, such as dwarfism (ANKRD28), milk (HECW1, HECW2, and OSBPL2), meat (SPATA5 and GRHL2), fertility (BTBD11 and ARFIP1), adaptation (NCKAP5, ANTXR1, LAMA5, OSBPL2, AOC2, and RYR2), growth (GRHL2, GRID2, SMARCAL1, and EPHB2), and the immune system (INPP5D and ADCYAP1R1).

Conclusions
We provided there is an obvious genetic different among domestic progress in these three yak populations. Our findings improve the understanding of the major genetic switches and domestic processes among yak populations.
Novel linkage approach to join community-acquired and national data
Authors: Tochel Claire , Pead Emma , McTrusty Alice , Buckmaster Fiona , MacGillivray Tom , Tatham Andrew J. , Strang Niall C. , Dhillon Baljean , Bernabeu Miguel O. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Community optometrists in Scotland have performed regular free-at-point-of-care eye examinations for all, for over 15 years. Eye examinations include retinal imaging but image storage is fragmented and they are not used for research. The Scottish Collaborative Optometry-Ophthalmology Network e-research project aimed to collect these images and create a repository linked to routinely collected healthcare data, supporting the development of pre-symptomatic diagnostic tools.

Methods
As the image record was usually separate from the patient record and contained minimal patient information, we developed an efficient matching algorithm using a combination of deterministic and probabilistic steps which minimised the risk of false positives, to facilitate national health record linkage. We visited two practices and assessed the data contained in their image device and Practice Management Systems. Practice activities were explored to understand the context of data collection processes. Iteratively, we tested a series of matching rules which captured a high proportion of true positive records compared to manual matches. The approach was validated by testing manual matching against automated steps in three further practices.

Results
A sequence of deterministic rules successfully matched 95% of records in the three test practices compared to manual matching. Adding two probabilistic rules to the algorithm successfully matched 99% of records.

Conclusions
The potential value of community-acquired retinal images can be harnessed only if they are linked to centrally-held healthcare care data. Despite the lack of interoperability between systems within optometry practices and inconsistent use of unique identifiers, data linkage is possible using robust, almost entirely automated processes.
UTP11 promotes the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma by enhancing the mRNA stability of Oct4
Authors: Chen Yan , Zhang Xiaowei , Zhang Mingcheng , Fan Wenting , Lin Yueyue , Li Guodong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Several publications suggest that UTP11 may be a promising gene engaged for involvement of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) pathology. However, there are extremely limited biological, mechanistic and clinical studies of UTP11 in HCC.

Methods
To anayze the UTP11 mRNA expression in HCC and normal clinical samples and further investigate the correlation between UTP11 expression and pathology and clinical prognosis via the Cancer Tissue Gene Atlas (TCGA) database. The protein levels of UTP11 were checked using the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database. GO-KEGG enrichment was performed from Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) database and TCGA dataset. The levels of UTP11 were tested with qRT-PCR and western blotting assays. Cell viability, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry assays and animal models were used to explore the potential involvement of UTP11 in regulating HCC growth in vitro and in vivo. The correlation of UTP11 and tumor stemness scores and stemness-associated proteins from TCGA database. The mRNA stability was treated with Actinomycin D, followed by testing the mRNA expression using qRT-PCR assay.

Results
UTP11 was highly expressed in HCC samples compared to normal tissues from TCGA database. Similarly, UTP11 protein expression levels were obviously elevated in HCC tissue samples from HPA database. Furthermore, UTP11 levels were correlated with poor prognosis in HCC patient samples in TCGA dataset. In addition, the UTP11 mRNA levels was notably enhanced in different HCC cell lines than in normal liver cells and knocking down UTP11 was obviously reduced the viability and cell death of HCC cells. UTP11 knockdown suppressed the tumor growth of HCC in vivo experiment and extended the mice survival time. GO-KEEG analysis from CCLE and TCGA database suggested that UTP11 might involve in RNA splicing and the stability of mRNA. Further, UTP11 was positively correlated with tumor stemness scores and stemness-associated proteins from TCGA database. Knockdown of UTP11 was reduced the expression of stem cell-related genes and regulated the mRNA stability of Oct4.

Conclusions
UTP11 is potentially a diagnostic molecule and a therapeutic candidate for treatment of HCC.
Neoadjuvant trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) with response-directed definitive therapy in early stage HER2-positive breast cancer: a phase II study protocol (SHAMROCK study)
Authors: Dowling Gavin P. , Toomey Sinead , Bredin Philip , Parker Imelda , Mulroe Eibhlin , Marron Jacinta , McLoughlin Olivia , Teiserskiene Ausra , Power Colm , O’Shea Anne Marie , Greally Megan , Morris Patrick G. , Duke Deirdre , Hill Arnold D. K. , Hennessy Bryan T. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The current standard of care in the neoadjuvant setting for high-risk HER2-positive (HER2 +) breast cancer is to combine systemic chemotherapy with dual HER2 blockade, trastuzumab and pertuzumab. Targeted therapies have significantly improved outcomes for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. To improve treatment-associated toxicity, chemotherapy-sparing approaches are currently being investigated. Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) is an HER2-directed antibody–drug-conjugate (ADC) with promising results in the metastatic setting for HER2-positive breast cancer. The SHAMROCK study investigates neoadjuvant T-DXd in early stage HER2-positive breast cancer, using pathological complete response (pCR) rate as the primary endpoint.

Methods
This is a phase II open-label, single arm, adaptive multi-centre trial of T-DXd in the neoadjuvant setting in stage 2–3 HER2-positive breast cancer. Eligible patients will receive 5.4 mg/kg of T-DXd intravenously every 3 weeks for up to 6 cycles. A repeat biopsy will performed after 2 cycles for the RNA disruption index (RDI) score assessment. According to their likelihood of pCR, as determined by the RDI score, patients will either undergo 4 or 6 cycles of T-DXd prior to imaging. Patients with imaging complete response (iCR) after either 4 or 6 cycles will proceed to surgery. Patients who do not achieve iCR will either undergo further systemic therapy or proceed to surgery.

Discussion
The SHAMROCK study is a chemotherapy-sparing approach to curative intent treatment, investigating neoadjuvant T-DXd. We hypothesise that neoadjuvant T-DXd will have a high pCR rate and be associated low toxicity in early stage HER2-positive breast cancer.

Trial registration
EudraCT Number: 2022–002485-32; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05710666; Cancer Trials Ireland study number: CTRIAL-IE 22–01.