bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of haemosporidia in Asian Glossy Starling with discovery of misbinding of Haemoproteus-specific primer to Plasmodium genera in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo
Authors: Noni Vaenessa , Tan Cheng Siang 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon are three mainly studied blood parasites known to cause malarial and pseudomalarial infections in avian worldwide. Although Sarawak is a biodiversity hotspot, molecular data on blood parasite diversity in birds are absent. The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of blood parasite in Asian Glossy Starlings (AGS), an urban bird with high population density in Sarawak and to elucidate the phylogenetic relationship with other blood parasite.

Methods
Twenty-nine carcasses of juvenile AGS that were succumbed to death due to window collision were collected around the vicinity of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak. Nested-multiplex and nested PCR targeting the Cytochrome B gene were used to detect Plasmodium and Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon respectively. Two primer sets were used for Haemoproteus detection to increase detection sensitivity, with one being a genus-specific primer.

Results
Fourteen samples (prevalence rate: 48.28%) were found positive for avian Plasmodium. Phylogenetic analysis divided our sequences into five lineages, pFANTAIL01, pCOLL4, pACCBAD01, pALPSIS01 and pALPSIS02, with two lineages being novel. No Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon was found in this study. However, Haemoproteus-specific primer used amplified our Plasmodium samples, making the primer non-specific to Haemoproteus only.

Conclusion
This is the first blood parasite detection study on AGS using carcasses and blood clot as sample source in Sarawak. Due to the scarcity of longer sequences from regions with high genetic plasticity, usage of genus-specific primers should be validated with sequencing to ensure correct prevalence interpretation.
Basement membrane-related regulators for prediction of prognoses and responses to diverse therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ding Ruili , Zhao Chuanbing , Jing Yixin , Chen Rong , Meng Qingtao 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a global health threat. Finding a novel biomarker for assessing the prognosis and new therapeutic targets is vital to treating this patient population. Our study aimed to explore the contribution of basement membrane-related regulators (BMR) to prognostic assessment and therapeutic response prediction in HCC.Material and methodsThe RNA sequencing and clinical information of HCC were downloaded from TCGA-LIHC, ICGC-JP, GSE14520, GSE104580, and CCLE datasets. The BMR signature was created by the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) algorithm and used to separate HCC patients into low- and high-risk groups. We conducted analyses using various R 4.1.3 software packages to compare prognoses and responses to immunotherapy, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), and chemotherapeutic drugs between the groups. Additionally, stemness indices, molecular functions, and somatic mutation analyses were further explored in these subgroups.ResultsThe BMR signature included 3 basement membrane-related genes (CTSA, P3H1, and ADAM9). We revealed that BMR signature was an independent risk contributor to poor prognosis in HCC, and high-risk group patients presented shorter overall survival. We discovered that patients in the high-risk group might be responsive to immunotherapy, while patients in the low-risk group may be susceptible to TACE therapy. Over 300 agents were screened to identify effective drugs for the two subgroups.ConclusionOverall, basement membrane-related regulators represent novel biomarkers in HCC for assessing prognosis, response to immunotherapy, the effectiveness of TACE therapy, and drug susceptibility.
Long- and very long-chain ceramides are predictors of acute kidney injury in patients with acute coronary syndrome: the PEACP study
Authors: Liang Lianjing , Li Dongze , Zeng Rui , Zhang Haihong , Lv Lin , Wei Wei , Wan Zhi 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Acute kidney injury (AKI) can be caused by multiple factors/events, including acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Ceramides are involved in atherosclerosis progression, cardiovascular events, and renal damage. Almost no studies have been conducted on the relationship between ceramide concentrations and AKI events. Therefore, we evaluated the association between plasma ceramide level at admission and AKI in patients with ACS undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods
We enrolled 842 ACS patients from the Prospective Multicenter Study for Early Evaluation of Acute Chest Pain. AKI was defined using the criteria from the 2012 Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes. Eleven C16–C26 ceramides were measured using the high-performance liquid chromatography interfaced to tandem mass spectrometer procedure. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate relationships between ceramides and AKI risk. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) was used to evaluate differences between ceramides.

Results
Overall, 139 (16.5%) patients developed AKI during hospitalisation. Patients who developed AKI had higher levels of Cer(d18:1/16:0), Cer(d18:1/18:0), Cer(d18:1/20:0), Cer(d18:1/21:0), Cer(d18:1/24:1), and Cer(d18:1/24:2) than patients who did not (P < 0.05). In risk-factor adjusted logistic regression models, these ceramides were independently associated with AKI risk (P < 0.05). Cer(d18:1/24:2) had the highest odds ratio of 3.503 (Q4 vs. Q1, 95% confidence interval: 1.743–7.040, P < 0.001). Ceramides had AUCs of 0.581–0.661 (P < 0.001) for AKI. Each ceramide combined with the Mehran risk score (AUC: 0.780) had AUCs of 0.802–0.808, greater than the Mehran risk score alone.

Conclusion
Long-chain and very-long-chain ceramide levels may help determine the high AKI risk beyond traditional assessments.
Enhanced supply of acetyl-CoA by exogenous pantothenate kinase promotes synthesis of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)
Authors: Kudo Hirotaka , Ono Sho , Abe Kenta , Matsuda Mami , Hasunuma Tomohisa , Nishizawa Tomoyasu , Asayama Munehiko , Nishihara Hirofumi , Chohnan Shigeru 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Coenzyme A (CoA) is a carrier of acyl groups. This cofactor is synthesized from pantothenic acid in five steps. The phosphorylation of pantothenate is catalyzed by pantothenate kinase (CoaA), which is a key step in the CoA biosynthetic pathway. To determine whether the enhancement of the CoA biosynthetic pathway is effective for producing useful substances, the effect of elevated acetyl-CoA levels resulting from the introduction of the exogenous coaA gene on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)] synthesis was determined in Escherichia coli, which express the genes necessary for cyanobacterial polyhydroxyalkanoate synthesis (phaABEC).

Results
E. coli containing the coaA gene in addition to the pha genes accumulated more P(3HB) compared with the transformant containing the pha genes alone. P(3HB) production was enhanced by precursor addition, with P(3HB) content increasing from 18.4% (w/w) to 29.0% in the presence of 0.5 mM pantothenate and 16.3%–28.2% by adding 0.5 mM β-alanine. Strains expressing the exogenous coaA in the presence of precursors contained acetyl-CoA in excess of 1 nmol/mg of dry cell wt, which promoted the reaction toward P(3HB) formation. The amount of acetate exported into the medium was three times lower in the cells carrying exogenous coaA and pha genes than in the cells carrying pha genes alone. This was attributed to significantly enlarging the intracellular pool size of CoA, which is the recipient of acetic acid and is advantageous for microbial production of value-added materials.

Conclusions
Enhancing the CoA biosynthetic pathway with exogenous CoaA was effective at increasing P(3HB) production. Supplementing the medium with pantothenate facilitated the accumulation of P(3HB). β-Alanine was able to replace the efficacy of adding pantothenate.
Profile of health care workers in a context of instability: a cross-sectional study of four rural health zones in eastern DR Congo (lessons learned)
Authors: Mushagalusa Charles Ruhangaza , Mayeri Daniel Garhalangwanamuntu , Kasongo Bertin , Cikomola Aimé , Makali Sammuel Lwamushi , Ngaboyeka Amani , Chishagala Lili , Mwembo Albert , Mukalay Abdon , Bisimwa Ghislain Balaluka 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
The crisis in human resources for health is observed worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Many studies have demonstrated the importance of human resources for health as a major pillar for the proper functioning of the health system, especially in fragile and conflict-affected contexts such as DR Congo. However, the aspects relating to human resources profile in relation to the level of performance of the health districts in a particular context of conflicts and multiform crises have not yet been described.

Objective
This study aims to describe the profile of staff working in rural health districts in a context of crisis and conflicts.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was carried out from May 15, 2017 to May 30, 2019 on 1090 health care workers (HCW) exhaustively chosen from four health districts in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (Idjwi, Katana, Mulungu and Walungu). Data were collected using a survey questionnaire. The Chi2 test was used for comparison of proportions and the Kruskal–Wallis test for medians. As measures of association, we calculated the odds ratios (OR) along with their 95% confidence interval. The α-error cut-off was set at 5%.

Results
In all the health districts the number of medical doctors was very insufficient with an average of 0.35 medical doctors per 10,000 inhabitants. However, the number of nurses was sufficient, with an average of 3 nurses per 5000 inhabitants; the nursing / medical staff (47%) were less represented than the administrative staff (53%). The median (Min–Max) age of all HCW was 46 (20–84) years and 32% of them were female. This was the same for the registration of staff in the civil service (obtaining a registration number). The mechanism of remuneration and payment of benefits, although a national responsibility, also suffered more in unstable districts. Twenty-one percent of the HCW had a monthly income of 151USD and above in the stable district; 9.2% in the intermediate and 0.9% in the unstable districts. Ninety-six percent of HCW do not receive Government’ salary and 64% of them do not receive the Government bonus.

Conclusion
The context of instability compromises the performance of the health system by depriving it of competent personnel. This is the consequence of the weakening of the mechanisms for implementing the practices and policies related to its management. DR Congo authorities should develop incentive mechanisms to motivate young and trained HCW to work in unstable and intermediate health districts by improving their living and working conditions.
Quantitative assessments of finger individuation with an instrumented glove
Authors: Conway Brian J. , Taquet Léon , Boerger Timothy F. , Young Sarah C. , Krucoff Kate B. , Schmit Brian D. , Krucoff Max O. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
In clinical and research settings, hand dexterity is often assessed as finger individuation, or the ability to move one finger at a time. Despite its clinical importance, there is currently no standardized, sufficiently sensitive, or fully objective platform for these evaluations.

Methods
Here we developed two novel individuation scores and tested them against a previously developed score using a commercially available instrumented glove and data collected from 20 healthy adults. Participants performed individuation for each finger of each hand as well as whole hand open-close at two study visits separated by several weeks. Using the three individuation scores, intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and minimal detectable changes (MDC) were calculated. Individuation scores were further correlated with subjective assessments to assess validity.

Results
We found that each score emphasized different aspects of individuation performance while generating scores on the same scale (0 [poor] to 1 [ideal]). These scores were repeatable, but the quality of the metrics varied by both equation and finger of interest. For example, index finger intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC’s) were 0.90 (< 0.0001), 0.77 (< 0.001), and 0.83 (p < 0.0001), while pinky finger ICC’s were 0.96 (p < 0.0001), 0.88 (p < 0.0001), and 0.81 (p < 0.001) for each score. Similarly, MDCs also varied by both finger and equation. In particular, thumb MDCs were 0.068, 0.14, and 0.045, while index MDCs were 0.041, 0.066, and 0.078. Furthermore, objective measurements correlated with subjective assessments of finger individuation quality for all three equations (ρ = − 0.45, p < 0.0001; ρ = − 0.53, p < 0.0001; ρ = − 0.40, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions
Here we provide a set of normative values for three separate finger individuation scores in healthy adults with a commercially available instrumented glove. Each score emphasizes a different aspect of finger individuation performance and may be more uniquely applicable to certain clinical scenarios. We hope for this platform to be used within and across centers wishing to share objective data in the physiological study of hand dexterity. In sum, this work represents the first healthy participant data set for this platform and may inform future translational applications into motor physiology and rehabilitation labs, orthopedic hand and neurosurgery clinics, and even operating rooms.
Prenatal PM2.5 exposure impairs spatial learning and memory in male mice offspring: from transcriptional regulation to neuronal morphogenesis
Authors: Hou Yanwen , Yan Wei , Guo Lin , Li Guangke , Sang Nan 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
As one of the environmental risk factors for human health, atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5) contributes to cognitive deterioration in addition to respiratory and cardiovascular injuries. Recently, increasing evidence implicates that PM2.5 inhalation can affect neurological functions in offspring, but the sex-specific outcomes and the underlying biological processes are largely unknown.

Objectives
To observe the influence of prenatal PM2.5 exposure on cognitive performance in offspring, to elucidate the neuronal morphological alterations and possible transcriptional regulation based on mRNA-sequencing (mRNA-Seq) data after birth, and to determine the key components of PM2.5 contributing to the adverse effects.

Methods
Pregnant C57BL/6J mice were exposed to sterile saline or PM2.5 suspension. Morris water maze test was used to assess the cognitive function in weanling offspring. Microscopic observation was applied to detect neuronal morphogenesis in vivo and in vitro. The cortex tissues from male offspring were collected on postnatal days (PNDs) 1, 7, and 21 for mRNA-Seq analysis. The organic and inorganic components of PM2.5 were separated to assess their contributions using primary cultured neurons.

Results
Prenatal PM2.5 exposure impaired spatial learning and memory in weanling male mice, but not female mice. The sex-specific outcomes were associated with mRNA expression profiles of the cortex during postnatal critical windows, and the annotations in Gene Ontology (GO) of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) revealed that the exposure persistently disrupted the expression of genes involved in neuronal features in male offspring. Consistently, axonal growth impairment and dendritic complexity reduction were observed. Importantly, Homeobox A5 (Hoxa5), a critical transcription factor regulating all of the neuronal morphogenesis-associated hub genes on PNDs 1, 7, and 21, significantly decreased in the cortex of male offspring following PM2.5 exposure. In addition, both inorganic and organic components were harmful to axonal and dendritic growth, with organic components exhibiting stronger inhibition than inorganic ones.

Conclusion
Prenatal PM2.5 exposure affected spatial learning and memory in male mice by disrupting Hoxa5-mediated neuronal morphogenesis, and the organic components, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), posed more adverse effects than the inorganic components.
Balancing the risks and benefits of antibiotic use in a globalized world: the ethics of antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Adebisi Yusuff Adebayo 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a “silent pandemic” that threatens the efficacy of antibiotics and other antimicrobials. It is imperative to take into account the ethical implications of how these resources are used and distributed as the world deals with this silent pandemic. This commentary discusses the ethical considerations surrounding the use and distribution of antibiotics in the age of resistance, including issues of equity and access, responsibility for antimicrobial stewardship, the environmental impact of antibiotic use, and the development and promotion of these drugs. The ethical implications of unequal access to antibiotics and the role of social determinants of health in shaping this access are considered, as well as the globalization of AMR and the need for multiple stakeholders to be involved in addressing this issue. The opportunities of antimicrobial stewardship programmes for optimising antibiotic use and reducing the emergence and spread of resistant bacteria, as well as the ethical implications of implementing such programmes, are examined. The potential environmental outcomes of antibiotic use and the ethical implications of these impacts are also discussed, as well as the role of the pharmaceutical industry in the development and promotion of these drugs, the potential conflicts of interest that may arise and the ethical dimension of resource transfer from Global North to Global South. This paper emphasises the significance of a holistic strategy to AMR that considers these ethical components, as well as the importance of preserving antibiotic efficacy for future generations.
Machine learning in TCM with natural products and molecules: current status and future perspectives
Authors: Ma Suya , Liu Jinlei , Li Wenhua , Liu Yongmei , Hui Xiaoshan , Qu Peirong , Jiang Zhilin , Li Jun , Wang Jie 
Published: April 2023

AbstractTraditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been practiced for thousands of years with clinical efficacy. Natural products and their effective agents such as artemisinin and paclitaxel have saved millions of lives worldwide. Artificial intelligence is being increasingly deployed in TCM. By summarizing the principles and processes of deep learning and traditional machine learning algorithms, analyzing the application of machine learning in TCM, reviewing the results of previous studies, this study proposed a promising future perspective based on the combination of machine learning, TCM theory, chemical compositions of natural products, and computational simulations based on molecules and chemical compositions. In the first place, machine learning will be utilized in the effective chemical components of natural products to target the pathological molecules of the disease which could achieve the purpose of screening the natural products on the basis of the pathological mechanisms they target. In this approach, computational simulations will be used for processing the data for effective chemical components, generating datasets for analyzing features. In the next step, machine learning will be used to analyze the datasets on the basis of TCM theories such as the superposition of syndrome elements. Finally, interdisciplinary natural product-syndrome research will be established by unifying the results of the two steps outlined above, potentially realizing an intelligent artificial intelligence diagnosis and treatment model based on the effective chemical components of natural products under the guidance of TCM theory. This perspective outlines an innovative application of machine learning in the clinical practice of TCM based on the investigation of chemical molecules under the guidance of TCM theory.
Toward patient-centered treatment goals for duchenne muscular dystrophy: insights from the “Your Voice” study
Authors: Schwartz Carolyn E. , Jackson Skyler , Valentine James , Miller Natalie , Lowes Linda , Edwards Danielle , McSherry Christine , Savva Dimitrios , Lowe Alex , McSherry Jordan , Engel Patti 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Patient-centered research has emerged as critically important for understanding the impact of treatments on key stakeholders. The subjective experience of quality of life (QOL) is increasingly recognized as fundamental to delineating treatment goals. The present study utilized content analysis of qualitative data and quantitative analysis to highlight important domains of disease burden and underlying reasons for their importance, and to characterize goals for new treatments for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

Results
The study sample reflected the perspectives of DMD patients and caregivers representing ambulatory, transitional, and non-ambulatory stages of disability progression (n = 20 per category). Open-ended interviews were content-analyzed and non-parametric statistical tests were used to compare ambulation groups. As patients progressed in disability, the noted DMD burdens reflected some differences in functional areas. While daily functioning and sports/recreation remained the most important priority areas across ambulation groups, “health” became less prominent as the disability progressed from ambulatory to transitional to non-ambulatory phases of disability; whereas relationships became more prominent as one progressed to the non-ambulatory phase from the ambulatory or transitional phases (Kruskall Wallis H = 12.24 and 5.28, p = 0.002 and 0.02, respectively). When asked why their burdens were important to them and how it impacted their or their child’s life, self-esteem/confidence was most important for ambulatory patients, and became less prominent for patients in the transitional and non-ambulatory phases of disability (Kruskall Wallis H = 9.46, p = 0.009). In contrast, independence was less important for ambulatory patients, and became increasing prominent for patients in the transitional and non-ambulatory phases of disability (Kruskall Wallis H = 7.35, p = 0.025). Emotional functioning was most prominent for all ambulation groups on their best and worst days. Goals for new DMD treatments focused on functional goals, general QOL goals, and concerns about safety, ease of use, and effectiveness.

Conclusion
This study provides useful information about treatment goals for DMD from the perspective of patients and their caregivers. It highlights some consistent values across the disability trajectory, as well as introducing an evolution of priorities as the person with DMD becomes more disabled. Results provide a roadmap for patient-centered DMD drug development.