bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptomics uncovers key genes for photodynamic killing on Trichosporon asahii biofilms
Authors: Luo Wanting , Wang Guoliang , Chang Hongyu , Liu Guiming , Zhu He , Li Haitao 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The escalating threat of antifungal resistance stemming from Trichosporon asahii (T. asahii) biofilms necessitates the pursuit of innovative therapeutic strategies. Among these approaches, 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) photodynamic therapy (PDT), an emerging therapeutic modality, has exhibited promising potential in eradicating T. asahii biofilms. To delve deeper into the efficacy of ALA-PDT in eliminating T. asahii biofilms, we conducted a comprehensive transcriptional analysis utilizing transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq). Notably, ALA-PDT demonstrated a profound inhibitory effect on the viability of T. asahii biofilms. Therefore, we selected T. asahii biofilms subjected to ALA-PDT treatment for transcriptome analysis and compared them to the control group. Our investigation unveiled 2,720 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) following exposure to ALA-PDT. Subsequent meticulous scrutiny allowed for the annotation of genes with a ≥ 2-fold change in transcription, focusing on Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. Particularly noteworthy were the upregulated genes associated with oxidation-reduction processes, oxidoreductase activity, and catalytic activity. Conversely, the downregulated genes were linked to ATP binding, protein phosphorylation, and protein kinase activity. Additionally, we observed a surge in the transcription of genes that may be involved in oxidative stress (A1Q1_05494) as well as genes that may be involved in morphogenesis and biofilm formation (A1Q1_04029, A1Q1_01345, A1Q1_08069, and A1Q1_01456) following ALA-PDT treatment. Collectively, our findings underscore the substantial impact of ALA-PDT on the transcriptional regulation of genes related to oxidative stress, morphogenesis, and biofilm formation, paving the way for novel therapeutic avenues in combating T. asahii biofilms.
The effect of mobile health technology on blood pressure control among patients with hypertension in Ghana and Nigeria
Authors: Dele-Ojo Bolade Folasade , Oseni Tijani Idris Ahmad , Duodu Fiifi , Echieh Chidiebere Peter , Blankson Paa-Kwesi , Alabi Biodun Sulyman , Sarpong Daniel F , Tayo Bamidele O , Boima Vincent , Coleman Mary Amoakoh , Ogedegbe Gbenga 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
More than half of patients with hypertension in sub-Saharan African do not achieve blood pressure control. This study determined the effect of mobile health technology on systolic blood pressure reduction and blood pressure (BP) control among patients with hypertension in Nigeria and Ghana.
Methods
A randomised control trial of 225 adults with hypertension attending two General/Medical Outpatient Clinics each in Nigeria and Ghana was randomized into intervention (n = 116) and control (n = 109) arm respectively. Patients in the intervention arm received messages twice weekly from a mobile app for six months in addition to the usual care while the control arm received usual care only. The study outcomes were systolic blood pressure (SBP) reduction and blood pressure control at six months, while the secondary outcome was medication adherence at six months. Data were collected at 0 and 6 months, it was analysed using SPSS-21 software at a significance level of p < 0.05. Binary logistic regression was used to generate the predictors of good blood pressure control.
Results
The mean age for the control and intervention were 60.2 ± 13.5 and 62.6 ± 10.8 years respectively; p-value = 0.300. The intervention group had greater reductions in SBP (-18.7mmHg vs -3.9mmHg; p < 0.001) and greater BP control rate (44.3% vs 24.8%; p-value 0.002).
Conclusions
The mobile health intervention resulted in significant SBP reduction rate and improvement in BP control rate in the 6th month. However, improvement in adherence level in the 3rd month and was not sustained in the 6th month. The addition of mobile health technology may be extended for use in the national hypertension control plan. Female gender, formal education and being in the intervention arm were predictors of blood pressure control.
Implications of Financial Leverage for Bank Profitability
Authors: Alnaa Samuel Erasmus , Matey Juabin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Typically, two capital financing models available to companies: debt and equity. Capital sources determine the retention of control of a company, along with how important it is to major shareholders to relinquish sectoral control. We examine the implications of financial leverage as a financing model for bank profitability vis-a-vis equity capital in the Ghana banking sector. Risk Adjusted Return on Assets (RAROA) and Risk Adjusted Return on Equity RAROE) are the response variables in the established financing model on which three explanatory variables (bank credit risk, liquidity risk, and bank capital sufficiency) are regressed. Analysis of data revealed among others, an inverse bank profitability-credit risk relationship in the case of RAROA, implying effective risk management reduces volatility and improves profitability. Although there is a contractionary effect on ploughed back accrued income, there is full control over business ownership as the case were with equity capital. A moderate use of equity capital over debt capital is recommended.
Computation of the masses of the elementary particles
Authors: Mashford John 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
An approach to gauge theory in the context of locally conformally flat space-time is de- scribed. It is discussed how there are a number of natural principal bundles associated with any given locally conformally flat space-time X. The simplest of these principal bundles is the bundle PG(X) with structure group G = U (2, 2). An 11 dimensional bundle Q with structure group a certain 7 dimensional group K is constructed by a method involving a reduction of structure group for the bundle PG(X). It is shown how the gauge groups U (1), SU (2) and SU (3) can be derived from the geometry of locally conformally flat space-time. Fock spaces of multiparticle states for the fields of the standard model are constructed in the context of bundles with these groups as structure groups. Scattering and other particle interaction processes are defined in terms of linear maps between multiparticle state spaces. A technique for computing analytically and/or computationally the masses of the elementary particles is described. This method involves the computation of a certain quantity called the integral mass spectrum for a given family of particles and then the masses of the particles in the family are determined to be the locations of the peaks of the integral mass spectrum. The method is applied successfully in the electroweak sector to the cases of the charged leptons and the Z0 boson.
A randomised controlled trial investigating the causal role of the medial prefrontal cortex in mediating self-agency during speech monitoring and reality monitoring
Authors: Tan Songyuan , Jia Yingxin , Jariwala Namasvi , Zhang Zoey , Brent Kurtis , Houde John , Nagarajan Srikantan , Subramaniam Karuna 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Self-agency is being aware of oneself as the agent of one’s thoughts and actions. Self agency is necessary for successful interactions with the external world (reality-monitoring). The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is considered to represent one neural correlate underlying self-agency. We investigated whether mPFC activity can causally modulate self-agency on two different tasks involving speech-monitoring and reality-monitoring. The experience of self-agency is thought to result from being able to reliably predict the sensory outcomes of one’s own actions. This self-prediction ability is necessary for successfully encoding and recalling one’s own thoughts to enable accurate self-agency judgments during reality-monitoring tasks. This self-prediction ability is also necessary during speech-monitoring tasks where speakers compare what we hear ourselves say in auditory feedback with what we predict we will hear while speaking. In this randomised-controlled study, heathy controls (HC) are assigned to either high-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to enhance mPFC excitability or TMS targeting a control site. After TMS to mPFC, HC improved self-predictions during speech-monitoring tasks that predicted improved self-agency judgments during different reality-monitoring tasks. These first-in-kind findings demonstrate the mechanisms of how mPFC plays a causal role in self-agency that results from the fundamental ability of improving self-predictions across two different tasks.
First Peoples voices on climate change at the national level
Authors: Morgan-Bulled Damian , Bullio Rowena , Webb Torres , Cooper Sonia , Green Jonathan , Hopkins Mandy , McInnes Kathleen , Holbrook Neil , Jackson Guy , Kirono Dewi , Marsland Simon , Sheppard Marian , Chung Christine , Clubb Rangi , Deshong Samarla , Hunter Cass , Langworthy Learna , Neal Djungan Paul , Talbot Leah , Cavanagh-Luskin Sharon , Canadell Josep , Carlisle Moni , Catt Gareth , Evans Jason , Hooper Birran , Karoly David , Ramsay Hamish , Hill Rosemary 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Traditional knowledge of First Nations Peoples intersects with climate change. This paper discusses ongoing dialogue between First Nations peoples and Western scientists in Australia about climate change. First Nations and their People have stressed to Western scientists that Country is in distress and traditional knowledge is key to mitigating the impacts of climate change. Traditional knowledge and traditional knowledge methods used to read land and seascapes are intrinsically linked to climate by First Nations peoples and embedded in cultural practice passed down and entrusted across generations. Articles 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples identifies that all risks that threaten the continuation of cultural practice and obligation to maintain, strengthen and protect cultural knowledge infringe peoples’ right to exist. Based on the recognition of these rights, our most recent dialogue, the National First Peoples Gathering on Climate Change held in Cairns in 2021, investigated whether building connections with and among First Nations peoples and Western scientists had the potential to acknowledge and respect both knowledge systems for the benefit of all. Four key practices were applied to build a culturally safe space at the Gathering: (i) Indigenous governance; (ii) Cultural protocols and co-design; (iii) Deeply respectful partnerships for weaving knowledge; and (iv) Indigenous networks. Building connections among First Nations Peoples proved highly empowering. There was evidence that First Nations Peoples found the Gathering useful for synthesising and elevating a shared agenda woven across knowledge systems. Different perspectives shared on the impacts of climate change on people and Country, such as marine heatwaves, sea-level changes and other impacts built a mutual understanding, acknowledgement, and respect, thereby building useability of both knowledge systems. Learnings from the Gathering— including two-way learning, learning by scientists about how to support First Peoples, learning from Elders—are practical outcomes that First Peoples are sharing with communities. Several risks were also identified including: differing intergroup opinions about priorities, difficulty in understanding technical complexities, and in some instances, rejection of the worth of Western science. However, the Gathering allowed a space for creativity and recognition that climate justice is founded on respect and recognition for First Nations Peoples’ leadership and cultural authority.
Differential Effects of Metabolic Dysfunction on Hippocampal and Neocortical Mitochondrial Function in rats: Implications for Cognition
Authors: Vilela Wembley R. , Ramalho Lisley S. , Bechara Luiz R. G. , Cabral-Costa João V. , Serna Julian D. C. , Kowaltowski Alicia J. , Xavier Gilberto F. , Ferreira Julio C. B. , Bem Andreza Fabro 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
High-fat diet-induced metabolic changes are not restricted to the onset of cardiovascular diseases, but also include effects on brain functions related to learning and memory. This study aimed to evaluate mitochondrial markers and function, as well as cognitive function, in a rat model of metabolic dysfunction. Eight-week-old male Wistar rats were subjected to either a control diet or a two-hit protocol combining a high fat diet (HFD) with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME in the drinking water. HFD plus L-NAME induced obesity, hypertension, and increased serum cholesterol. These rats exhibited bioenergetic dysfunction in the hippocampus, characterized by decreased oxygen (O2) consumption related to ATP production, with no changes in H2O2 production. Furthermore, OPA1 protein expression was upregulated in the hippocampus of HFD+L-NAME rats, with no alterations in other morphology-related proteins. Consistently, HFD+L-NAME rats showed disruption of performance in the Morris Water Maze Reference Memory test. The neocortex did not exhibit either bioenergetic changes or alterations in H2O2 production. Calcium uptake rate and retention capacity in the neocortex of HFD+L-NAME rats were not altered. Our results indicate that hippocampal mitochondrial bioenergetic function is disturbed in rats exposed to a HFD plus L-NAME, thus disrupting spatial learning and memory, whereas neocortical function remains unaffected.
Carbogen: A Safe and Effective Method for Apnea Testing to Declare Brain Death
Authors: Madden Maria , Andrews Penny , Day Jennifer , Cho Sabrina , Habashi Nader 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objective
In addition to a clinical exam, apnea testing is critical for confirmation of cessation of neurologic function [brain death]. However, traditional apnea exams place clinicians in a difficult position where maintaining oxygenation and hemodynamic stability in patients who are typically unstable have been associated with adverse events such as hypoxia, hypotension, pneumothorax, arrhythmias, derecruitment, and even cardiac death. The purpose of this retrospective case series was to assess whether apnea testing using carbogen was a safe, reliable alternative.
Methods
A retrospective chart review was conducted of brain death exams and apnea tests performed for brain death determination in a university hospital and trauma center. Apnea tests were completed either using the “Traditional Method” (TM) by removing the patient from the ventilator and assessed for presence of spontaneous breathing by movement of the chest wall or the “Carbogen Method” (CM) where patients remain on the ventilator with two machine breaths per minute to deliver carbogen gas mixture and waveform graphics in addition to the patient’s chest wall were assessed for presence of spontaneous breathing. An arterial blood gas was used with both methods to determine if the necessary rise in PaCO2 occurred. However, with the CM, a formula is used to determine the necessary target PaCO2 level to be reached for completion of the apnea test rather than the clinician deciding when to draw the blood gas.
Results
Apnea tests were performed on 205 patients, n = 159 using CM and n = 46 using TM. Adverse events during and immediately after the exam were significantly less (p = .000) using CM than with TM. Although there was no statistically significant difference in the duration of the apnea test comparing the CM and TM, the test duration was significantly less in the Airway Pressure Release Ventilation (APRV) group versus other modes when using the CM. Patients in the CM group had a significantly higher vasopressor dependency index than the TM group (p = .004).
Conclusion
These data suggest the Carbogen Method is safe, efficient, and an alternative solution to the traditional method of apnea testing to confirm cessation of neurologic function [brain death] resulting in fewer adverse events.
AFITBin: A metagenomic contig binning method using aggregate l-mer frequency based on initial and terminal nucleotides
Authors: Darabi Amin , Sobhani Sayeh , Aghdam Rosa , Eslahchi Changiz 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Motivation:Using next-generation sequencing technologies, scientists can sequence complex microbial communities directly from the environment. Significant insights into the structure, diversity, and ecology of microbial communities have resulted from the study of metagenomics. The assembly of reads into longer contigs, which are then binned into groups of contigs that correspond to different species in the metagenomic sample, is a crucial step in the analysis of metagenomics. It is necessary to organize these contigs into operational taxonomic units (OTUs) for further taxonomic profiling and functional analysis. For binning, which is synonymous with the clustering of OTUs, the tetra-nucleotide frequency (TNF) is typically utilized as a compositional feature for each OTU.
Results: In this paper, we present AFIT, a new l-mer statistic vector for each contig, and AFITBin, a novel method for metagenomic binning based on AFIT and a matrix factorization method. To evaluate the performance of the AFIT vector, the t-SNE algorithm is used to compare species clustering based on AFIT and TNF information. In addition, the efficacy of AFITBin is demonstrated on both simulated and real datasets in comparison to state-of-the-art binning methods such as MetaBAT 2, MaxBin 2.0, CONCOT, MetaCon, SolidBin, and BusyBee web. The results demonstrate 1 that the superior performance of AFITBin is contingent on the utilization of the AFIT vector for improved taxonomic identification. . Availability: A python package is available at: https://github.com/AminDarabi/AFITBin
Sub-Chronic Low-Doses of Chlorpyrifos Exposure Alter Short Chain Fatty Acid Levels and Causes Insulin Resistance
Authors: Sakinah Elly Nurus , Mustika Arifa , Wibisono Sony , Zhou Xian 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Indonesia is an agricultural country which has more than 33 million workers in agriculture. Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate pesticide that is extensively used in agriculture attributed to its broad application on crops. The primary route of human exposure to pesticide residues is through oral ingestion. The specific toxic effect of chlorpyrifos exposure appeared to be associated with dysbiosis, reduced short-chain fatty acid (SCFA), and the incidence of hyperglycemia depending on the dose and duration. This study aims to evaluate the impact of chlorpyrifos exposure on SCFA levels-induced insulin resistance.
Methods
Thirty Wistar rats were divided into five different time exposure groups [0 days (Control group), 7 days (P1), 14 days (P2), 28 days (P3), and 56 days (P4)]. Chlorpyrifos was given 5 mg/kg BW orally every day. Jejunum villi height was measured to observe the intestinal barrier tight junction, and SCFA was evaluated by GCMS methods. Fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin were measured to calculate Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR).
Results
Oral exposure of chlorpyrifos decreased jejunum villi height, total SCFA levels, and increased the fasting blood glucose, the fasting insulin and HOMA-IR levels. P4 group (day 56) was lower jejunum villi height, lower total SCFA level, higher fasting blood glucose, higher fasting insulin and higher HOMA-IR levels than the control group (day 0) at p < 0.05 using ANOVA.
Conclusion
Sub-chronic low-dose chlorpyrifos exposure (5 mg/kg daily for 56 days) in rats led to significant insulin resistance and reduced SCFA levels. The strong time-effect relationship suggests that negative impact increasing with time and become prominent by day 56. These findings can provide valuable insights to users/farmers regarding the potential limitations on the duration of daily exposure.
Association of serum phosphate with the severity and the short-term mortality of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Gao Yuan cheng , Zhang Yu xin , Lin Yi , Zhang Jiawei , Zou Wen li , Shao Li na , Liu Yue min , Meng Yao , Feng Hongyuan , Shen Quan quan , Yu Liqiang , Gong Jianguang , Zhu Bin , Shen Xiaogang 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background: This retrospective cohort study aims to investigate the correlation between serum phosphate levels and the severity of acute kidney injury (AKI) and to assess the impact of serum phosphate levels on short-term mortality in AKI patients.
Methods: Utilizing data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC)-IV database, we conducted a comprehensive analysis on patients diagnosed with AKI. Multifactorial logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models were employed to assess the association between serum phosphate levels, AKI severity, and short-term mortality. Subgroup analyses were performed to ascertain the consistency of this association across different subgroups. Multiple imputation was used to address missing data, and a sensitivity analysis was conducted to ensure the robustness of the results.
Results: The study included a total of 15,071 AKI patients. Following adjustments for potential confounders, multifactorial logistic regression demonstrated a significant correlation between the highest quartiles of serum phosphate levels and greater AKI severity (OR, 2.16, 95% CI, 1.90 to 2.46). Additionally, multifactorial Cox regression analysis revealed an independent association between the highest serum phosphate quartiles and elevated 30-day mortality (HR, 1.28, 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.46), 90-day mortality (HR, 1.22, 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.38), as well as overall mortality (HR, 1.22, 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.38).
Conclusions: This study establishes a significant link between higher serum phosphate levels, heightened AKI severity, and increased short-term mortality in AKI patients. The findings emphasize the potential clinical importance of monitoring serum phosphate levels and implementing interventions to manage hyperphosphatemia in the context of AKI.
Nutritional Evaluation of durum and bread wheat straw varieties as animal feed
Authors: Rao S. B. N. , Soren N. M. , Chandrasekharaiah M. , Kumar Punith G. V. , Thomas Athira , Prasad S.V. S. , Neeraja C. N. , Ram Sewa 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The present study was conducted with an objective to evaluate durum and bread wheat straw varieties with regard to its chemical composition, in vitro digestibility and rumen fermentation parameters. HI-8759 bio-fortified durum variety released for central zone has significantly higher CP than HI-8713 and less NDF, ADF, Cellulose compared to HI-8713, HI-8737, HI-8663. HI 8777, bio-fortified variety durum wheat variety identified for peninsular zone has more IVDMD, IVOMD compared to its counterpart UAS 428. WB 02, a bio-fortified bread wheat variety has more CP than HI 1633 and HI 1605. Further it has more IVDMD, IVOMD and ME compared to HI 1544. Overall, cellulose content is higher (P<0.01) in durum compared to bread wheat straw. Durum wheat straw varieties have significantly more in vitro digestibility parameters like TGP, IVDMD, IVOMD and ME compared to bread wheat varieties. 1000 grain weight (g) is positively correlated to straw NDF, Cellulose, total gas production, ME, Acetate, Propionate, butyrate and TVFA concentrations irrespective of type of wheat straw. Thus, breeding strategies to improve the nutritive quality interms of protein and micro-nutrients is positively with the straw quality, thus benefitting livestock.