bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of health education in improving knowledge, attitude and practice related to foodborne zoonotic trematodes in Vietnam, with a particular focus on Clonorchis sinensis
Authors: Nguyen Thao Thi Bich , Bui Dung Thi , Losson Bertrand , Dahma Hafid , Nguyen Anh Thi Tuyet , Nhu Hung Van , Do Dung Trung , Dorny Pierre , Vandenberg Olivier , Dermauw Veronique 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveFoodborne zoonotic trematodes (FZT), which infect the liver, lungs and intestines of humans, are an emerging public health concern in tropical countries including Vietnam. In northern Vietnam, Clonorchis sinensis is recognised as the most important species of the FZT. Up to now, small‐scale studies conducted in the country have indicated that health education could improve participants' knowledge and practices related to clonorchiasis, however strong evidence is still lacking. We conducted an intervention trial between 2020 and 2021 in four communes in Yen Bai and Thanh Hoa province, aiming to evaluate the impact of an extended educational package on knowledge, attitude and practices related to clonorchiasis, as well as on knowledge on the large liver fluke and minute intestinal flukes.MethodsTo this end, baseline and post‐intervention questionnaires were conducted. Generalised estimating equations models were run to analyse the impact of the intervention on knowledge, attitudes and practices over time in the intervention versus control group. Finally, 172 people in the intervention group and 162 in the control group were included for analysis.ResultsResults demonstrated that the intervention significantly improved clonorchiasis knowledge, attitudes and practices, with higher odds for a correct knowledge response (odds ratio (OR) = 2.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.84–4.27, p‐value < 0.001), increased average mean attitude score (mean = 0.363, 95%CI = 0.182–0.544, p‐value < 0.001), and a reduced odds of consuming raw fish (OR = 0.15, 95%CI = 0.06–0.40, p = 0.002) in the intervention group compared to the control group post‐intervention versus baseline. Additionally, participants in the intervention group exhibited enhanced basic knowledge of the large liver fluke and minute intestinal flukes post‐intervention.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate the potential of health education programs in preventing clonorchiasis in endemic areas, emphasising the importance of continued health education as a critical component of integrated control programs for clonorchiasis.
On the number of high‐dimensional partitions
Authors: Pohoata Cosmin , Zakharov Dmitrii 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLet denote the number of ‐dimensional partitions with entries from . Building upon the works of Balogh–Treglown–Wagner and Noel–Scott–Sudakov, we show that when ,
holds for all . This makes progress toward a conjecture of Moshkovitz–Shapira [Adv. in Math. 262 (2014), 1107–1129]. Via the main result of Moshkovitz and Shapira, our estimate also determines asymptotically a Ramsey‐theoretic parameter related to Erdős–Szekeres‐type functions, thus solving a problem of Fox, Pach, Sudakov, and Suk [Proc. Lond. Math. Soc. 105 (2012), 953–982]. Our main result is a new supersaturation theorem for antichains in , which may be of independent interest.
Cortical–brainstem circuitry attenuates physiological stress reactivity
Authors: Pace Sebastian A. , Lukinic Ema , Wallace Tyler , McCartney Carlie , Myers Brent 
Published: February 2024

AbstractExposure to stressful stimuli promotes multi‐system biological responses to restore homeostasis. Catecholaminergic neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) facilitate sympathetic activity and promote physiological adaptations, including glycaemic mobilization and corticosterone release. While it is unclear how brain regions involved in the cognitive appraisal of stress regulate RVLM neural activity, recent studies found that the rodent ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) mediates stress appraisal and physiological stress responses. Thus, a vmPFC–RVLM connection could represent a circuit mechanism linking stress appraisal and physiological reactivity. The current study investigated a direct vmPFC–RVLM circuit utilizing genetically encoded anterograde and retrograde tract tracers. Together, these studies found that stress‐activated vmPFC neurons project to catecholaminergic neurons throughout the ventrolateral medulla in male and female rats. Next, we utilized optogenetic terminal stimulation to evoke vmPFC synaptic glutamate release in the RVLM. Photostimulating the vmPFC–RVLM circuit during restraint stress suppressed glycaemic stress responses in males, without altering the female response. However, circuit stimulation decreased corticosterone responses to stress in both sexes. Circuit stimulation did not modulate affective behaviour in either sex. Further analysis indicated that circuit stimulation preferentially activated non‐catecholaminergic medullary neurons in both sexes. Additionally, vmPFC terminals targeted medullary inhibitory neurons. Thus, both male and female rats have a direct vmPFC projection to the RVLM that reduces endocrine stress responses, likely by recruiting local RVLM inhibitory neurons. Ultimately, the excitatory/inhibitory balance of vmPFC synapses in the RVLM may regulate stress reactivity and stress‐related health outcomes.
imageKey points
Glutamatergic efferents from the ventromedial prefrontal cortex target catecholaminergic neurons throughout the ventrolateral medulla.
Partially segregated, stress‐activated ventromedial prefrontal cortex populations innervate the rostral and caudal ventrolateral medulla.
Stimulating ventromedial prefrontal cortex synapses in the rostral ventrolateral medulla decreases stress‐induced glucocorticoid release in males and females.
Stimulating ventromedial prefrontal cortex terminals in the rostral ventrolateral medulla preferentially activates non‐catecholaminergic neurons.
Ventromedial prefrontal cortex terminals target medullary inhibitory neurons.
Before-School Physical Activity Program on Middle School Students’ Social and Emotional Learning and Energy Levels
Authors: Goh Tan Leng , Leong Chee Hoi 
Published: February 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a before-school physical activity program on middle school students’ social and emotional learning (SEL) and their energy levels. Method: A total of 171 students (67 in program group; 104 in control group) participated in the study from fall 2019 to spring 2022. The physical education teacher implemented the program 3 days per week, for 8 weeks. The students completed a 17-item SEL assessment before and after the program. The program group also reported their energy levels using an energy meter at each session. Results: Students’ SEL in program group improved by 14% (p < .001) at the end of the program. Students also reported higher energy levels (p < .001) following their participation at each session. Discussion/Conclusion: Schools are encouraged to incorporate before-school physical activity programs to energize the students at the start of the school day and improve their SEL.
Streptomyces
extracellular vesicles are a broad and permissive antimicrobial packaging and delivery system
Authors: Meyer Kirsten J. , Nodwell Justin R. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Streptomyces
are the primary source of bioactive specialized metabolites used in research and medicine, including many antimicrobials. These are presumed to be secreted and function as freely soluble compounds. However, increasing evidence suggests that extracellular vesicles are an alternative secretion system. We assessed environmental and lab-adapted
Streptomyces
(sporulating filamentous actinomycetes) and found frequent production of antimicrobial vesicles. The molecular cargo included actinomycins, anthracyclines, candicidin, and actinorhodin, reflecting both diverse chemical properties and diverse antibacterial and antifungal activity. The levels of packaged antimicrobials correlated with the level of inhibitory activity of the vesicles, and a strain knocked out for the production of anthracyclines produced vesicles that lacked antimicrobial activity. We demonstrated that antimicrobial containing vesicles achieve direct delivery of the cargo to other microbes. Notably, this delivery via membrane fusion occurred to a broad range of microbes, including pathogenic bacteria and yeast. Vesicle encapsulation offers a broad and permissive packaging and delivery system for antimicrobial specialized metabolites, with important implications for ecology and translation.

IMPORTANCE

Extracellular vesicle encapsulation changes our picture of how antimicrobial metabolites function in the environment and provides an alternative translational approach for the delivery of antimicrobials. We find many
Streptomyces
strains are capable of releasing antimicrobial vesicles, and at least four distinct classes of compounds can be packaged, suggesting this is widespread in nature. This is a striking departure from the primary paradigm of the secretion and action of specialized metabolites as soluble compounds. Importantly, the vesicles deliver antimicrobial metabolites directly to other microbes via membrane fusion, including pathogenic bacteria and yeast. This suggests future applications in which lipid-encapsulated natural product antibiotics and antifungals could be used to solve some of the most pressing problems in drug resistance.
Evaluation of the FluoroType Mycobacteria assay for identification of mycobacteria
Authors: Luukinen Bruno , Antikainen Jenni , Aittoniemi Janne , Miikkulainen-Lahti Terhi , Hyyryläinen Hanne-Leena , Pätäri-Sampo Anu 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Accurate species identification is a prerequisite for successful management of tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) diseases. The novel FluoroType Mycobacteria assay combines three established GenoType DNA strip assays (CM, AS, and NTM-DR), allowing detection of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
and 32 NTM species/subspecies in a single assay with automatic detection and result analysis. We evaluated the clinical performance of the FluoroType assay and its feasibility in replacing the GenoType Mycobacterium CM assay as the initial method for mycobacterial identification. A total of 191 clinical mycobacterial cultures were analyzed in this study: 180 identified for one mycobacterial species, 6 for multiple, and 5 for no mycobacterial species. Positive percent agreement (PPA) for the FluoroType assay was 87.8% (
n
= 158), with full agreement for 23/29 species. Weakest PPA was observed for
Mycobacterium gordonae
(50%,
n
= 9/18),
Mycobacterium interjectum
(40%,
n
= 2/5), and
Mycobacterium intracellulare
(42%,
n
= 5/12). Clinical and mixed cultures containing multiple mycobacterial species gave equally single species and genus level identifications (
n
= 30). No cross-reactivity with non-mycobacterial species was observed (
n
= 22). In a separate
in silico
analysis of 2016–2022 HUS area (Finland) register data (
n
= 2,573), the FluoroType assay was estimated to produce 18.8% (
n
= 471) inadequate identifications (genus/false species) if used as the primary identification method compared to 14.2% (
n
= 366) with the GenoType CM assay. The FluoroType assay was significantly more convenient in terms of assay workflow and result interpretation compared to the entirely manual and subjective GenoType CM assay. However, the feasibility of the assay should be critically assessed with respect to the local NTM species distribution.

IMPORTANCE
This study is the first clinical evaluation report of the novel FluoroType Mycobacteria assay. The assay has the potential to replace the established GenoType NTM product family in identification of culture-enriched mycobacteria. However, our research results suggest that the assay performs suboptimally and may not be feasible for use in all clinical settings.
Hyperacetylated microtubules assist porcine deltacoronavirus nsp8 to degrade MDA5 via SQSTM1/p62-dependent selective autophagy
Authors: Li Zhuang , Lai Yinan , Qiu Runhui , Tang Wenbing , Ren Jie , Xiao Shaobo , Fang Puxian , Fang Liurong 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

The microtubule (MT) is a highly dynamic polymer that functions in various cellular processes through MT hyperacetylation. Thus, many viruses have evolved mechanisms to hijack the MT network of the cytoskeleton to allow intracellular replication of viral genomic material. Coronavirus non-structural protein 8 (nsp8), a component of the viral replication transcriptional complex, is essential for viral survival. Here, we found that nsp8 of porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV), an emerging enteropathogenic coronavirus with a zoonotic potential, inhibits interferon (IFN)-β production by targeting melanoma differentiation gene 5 (MDA5), the main pattern recognition receptor for coronaviruses in the cytoplasm. Mechanistically, PDCoV nsp8 interacted with MDA5 and induced autophagy to degrade MDA5 in wild-type cells, but not in autophagy-related (ATG)5 or ATG7 knockout cells. Further screening for autophagic degradation receptors revealed that nsp8 interacts with sequestosome 1/p62 and promotes p62-mediated selective autophagy to degrade MDA5. Importantly, PDCoV nsp8 induced hyperacetylation of MTs, which in turn triggered selective autophagic degradation of MDA5 and subsequent inhibition of IFN-β production. Overall, our study uncovers a novel mechanism employed by PDCoV nsp8 to evade host innate immune defenses. These findings offer new insights into the interplay among viruses, IFNs, and MTs, providing a promising target to develop anti-viral drugs against PDCoV.

IMPORTANCE
Coronavirus nsp8, a component of the viral replication transcriptional complex, is well conserved and plays a crucial role in viral replication. Exploration of the role mechanism of nsp8 is conducive to the understanding of viral pathogenesis and development of anti-viral strategies against coronavirus. Here, we found that nsp8 of PDCoV, an emerging enteropathogenic coronavirus with a zoonotic potential, is an interferon antagonist. Further studies showed that PDCoV nsp8 interacted with MDA5 and sequestosome 1/p62, promoting p62-mediated selective autophagy to degrade MDA5. We further found that PDCoV nsp8 could induce hyperacetylation of MT, therefore triggering selective autophagic degradation of MDA5 and inhibiting IFN-β production. These findings reveal a novel immune evasion strategy used by PDCoV nsp8 and provide insights into potential therapeutic interventions.
Hydrological fluctuations in the Tarim Basin, northwest China, over the past millennium
Authors: Li Kangkang , Qin Xiaoguang , Plunkett Gill , Brown David , Xu Bing , Zhang Lei , Gu Zhaoyan , Mu Guijin , Jia Hongjuan , Yin Zhiqiang , Liu Jiaqi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Reconstruction of hydrological fluctuations in arid regions has proven challenging due to a lack of reliable chronologic constraints on sparse geological archives. The aim of this study was to establish an independent record of hydrologic changes in the hyper-arid Tarim Basin (TB; northwest China) with high spatiotemporal resolution. We present comprehensive radiocarbon and tree-ring data sets of subfossilized plant remains in the TB compiled from geomorphological investigations of the paleochannels of the Tarim River (TR), the longest endorheic river in China, crossing the world's second-largest shifting sand desert. Results show that the late medieval configuration of the TR basin was characterized by enhanced hydrological connectivity, as indicated by the formation of significant riparian forests in the desert regions at ca. 1170 CE. A distinct low-flow interval (ca. 1500–1650 CE) is identified for the first time, refining the period of a wetter-than-present TB. The present-day organization of streams in the lower TR was proto-formed after the dry period, possibly led by episodic flood-induced diversion. Our study describes the centennial-scale dynamics in the TR flow over the past millennium, offering a robust long-term context for hydrological assessment in the extensive drylands of the Asian interior.
Supplemental Material: Stratigraphy and depositional history of the Aguja Formation (Upper Cretaceous, Campanian) of West Texas, southwestern USA
Authors: Lehman T.M. , al. et 
Published: February 2024

<p>Item S1: Locality information and descriptions for 34 measured stratigraphic sections of the Aguja Formation. Table S1: Aguja Formation vertebrate fauna thus far known from biozones I to IV. Table S2: Aguja Formation wood types, megaflora, and palynomorphs thus far known from vertebrate biozones I to IV. </p>
Bilateral non-arteritic posterior ischaemic optic neuropathy following COVID-19 vaccination
Authors: Salh Dominique , Pinto Ashlyn , Freund Paul 
Published: February 2024

We report a case of bilateral posterior ischaemic optic neuropathy, which followed vaccination with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 for COVID-19 prophylaxis. A man in his early 60s was initially assessed for bilateral acute vision loss following 3 days of frontal headaches. The patient denied any other preceding visual concerns or symptoms of giant cell arteritis. The patient received his first dose of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination 10 days before the onset of his symptoms.At initial presentation, visual acuity was counting fingers bilaterally. Blood work found normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate (6 mm/hour) and C reactive protein (<5 mg/L) as well as a negative infectious and autoimmune serology. He was negative for COVID-19 with PCR testing. Diffusion-weighted MRI showed restricted diffusion along both optic nerves. After 5 months, the patient’s visual acuity remained counting fingers bilaterally with pale optic nerves. Isolated bilateral posterior ischaemic optic neuropathy has not been reported in association with the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine.
Association of vaginal oestradiol and the rate of breast cancer in Denmark: registry based, case-control study, nested in a nationwide cohort
Authors: Meaidi Amani , Pourhadi Nelsan , Løkkegaard Ellen Christine , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Mørch Lina Steinrud 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveTo estimate the rate of breast cancer associated with use of vaginal oestradiol tablets according to duration and intensity of their use.DesignRegistry based, case-control study, nested in a nationwide cohort.SettingBased in Denmark using the civil registration system, the national registry of medicinal product statistics, the Danish cancer registry, the Danish birth registry, and statistics Denmark.ParticipantsWomen aged 50-60 years in year 2000 or turning 50 years during the study period of 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2018 were included. Exclusions were a history of cancer, mastectomy, use of systemic hormone treatment, use of the levonorgestrel releasing intrauterine system, or use of vaginal oestrogen treatments other than oestradiol tablets. To each woman who developed breast cancer during follow-up (18 997), five women in the control group (94 985) were incidence density matched by birth year.Main outcome measureThe main outcome was pathology confirmed breast cancer diagnosis.Results2782 (14.6%) women with breast cancer (cases) and 14 999 (15.8%) women with no breast cancer diagnosis (controls) had been exposed to vaginal oestradiol tablets with 234 cases and 1232 controls having been in treatment for at least four years at a high intensity (>50 micrograms per week). Increasing durations and intensities of use (cumulative dose/cumulative duration) of vaginal oestradiol tablets was not associated with increasing rates of breast cancer.Compared withnever-use, cumulative use of vaginal oestradiol formore than nine yearswas associated with an adjusted hazard ratioof0.87 (95% confidence interval 0.69 to 1.11). Results were similar inwomen who hadlongterm use(≥four years)andwith high intensity of use (>50-70microgramsperweek) with anadjusted hazard ratio 0.93 (95% confidence interval 0.81 to 1.08).ConclusionsUse of vaginal oestradiol tablets was not associated with increased breast cancer rate compared with never-use. Increasing duration and intensity of use was not associated with increased rates of breast cancer.
Tools for assessing quality of studies investigating health interventions using real-world data: a literature review and content analysis
Authors: Jiu Li , Hartog Michiel , Wang Junfeng , Vreman Rick A , Klungel Olaf H , Mantel-Teeuwisse Aukje K , Goettsch Wim G 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesWe aimed to identify existing appraisal tools for non-randomised studies of interventions (NRSIs) and to compare the criteria that the tools provide at the quality-item level.DesignLiterature review through three approaches: systematic search of journal articles, snowballing search of reviews on appraisal tools and grey literature search on websites of health technology assessment (HTA) agencies.Data sourcesSystematic search: Medline; Snowballing: starting from three articles (D’Andreaet al, Quigleyet aland Fariaet al); Grey literature: websites of European HTA agencies listed by the International Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment. Appraisal tools were searched through April 2022.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesWe included a tool, if it addressed quality concerns of NRSIs and was published in English (unless from grey literature). A tool was excluded, if it was only for diagnostic, prognostic, qualitative or secondary studies.Data extraction and synthesisTwo independent researchers searched, screened and reviewed all included studies and tools, summarised quality items and scored whether and to what extent a quality item was described by a tool, for either methodological quality or reporting.ResultsForty-nine tools met inclusion criteria and were included for the content analysis. Concerns regarding the quality of NRSI were categorised into 4 domains and 26 items. The Research Triangle Institute Item Bank (RTI Item Bank) and STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) were the most comprehensive tools for methodological quality and reporting, respectively, as they addressed (n=20; 17) and sufficiently described (n=18; 13) the highest number of items. However, none of the tools covered all items.ConclusionMost of the tools have their own strengths, but none of them could address all quality concerns relevant to NRSIs. Even the most comprehensive tools can be complemented by several items. We suggest decision-makers, researchers and tool developers consider the quality-item level heterogeneity, when selecting a tool or identifying a research gap.OSF registration numberOSF registration DOI (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/KCSGX).