bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pan-Genome Analysis of Multiple Strains of Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Authors: Azimuddin Syed Muhammad Iqbal , Aslam Huroom 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Mycoplasma pneumoniae causes respiratory infections and other mucous membrane related inflammations. To explore the intra-specific variations and evolution of M. pneumoniae, a pan-genomic analysis was performed on 150 strains. In genome size evaluation of M. pneumoniae, on average 687 genes with low S.D (8.43) showed overall consistency in the gene count of 150 strains. This species is potentially pathogenic and highly evolving as 134 out of 150 showed almost all pathogenic factors with above 90% homology except 16 strains which belong to Spain, USA, China, and Japan. M. pneumoniae pan genome is an open pan genome showed total genes of 103174 in which 70359 (68.19%) core genes, 32241(31.24%) shared genes and 574 (0.55%) unique genes. Adhesin P30, Protein TopJ, ADP-ribosylating toxin CARDS toxin, GLPF, GLPK, GLPO, GLT and IgG-blocking protein M are the part of core genome. Adhesin P1, HMW1 and HMW2 genes are the part of shared genome. HMW3 and Cytadherence-associated protein P65 are the part of the unique genome in some strains. Therefore, comparative neighborhood gene analysis revealed many different neighbor genes pattern for HMW3 and P65. Phylogenetic analysis was exhibited in two main groups/clades of strains and identified major ancestral lineage within M. pneumoniae species.
GAP-0 promotes intestinal health by interacting with the gut microbiota to increase energy metabolism
Authors: Li Miaoyu , Yu Leilei , Zhai Qixiao , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Tian Fengwei , Chen Wei 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

BackgroundGanoderma applanatumis a well-known edible mushroom whose polysaccharides can improve intestinal health. At present, the mechanism ofG. applanatumactive polysaccharides and the interactive relationship between gut microbiota active polysaccharides require further investigation. Results We dissected the active ingredient structure and mechanism of the activeG. applanatumpolysaccharide (GAP). GAP-0 had a →3)-β-Glcp-(1→4)-α-Glcp-(1→ main chain and 6→2)-α-D-Manp-(1→, 6→4)-α-Glcp-(1→4)-α-GalA-(1→, and 6→1)-α-D-Glcp-(6→ side chains. We found that GAP-0 mainly influenced ribosomal large subunit biogenesis, oxidative phosphorylation, ATP metabolic process, ATP synthesis coupled electron transport and generation of precursor metabolites and energy in the colon transcriptome. Through germ-free mouse experiments, we found that GAP-0 was dependent on the gut microbiota. GAP-0 was first utilized by the gut microbiota and demonstrated a protective effect on DSS-induced colitis. In healthy mice,RikenellaceaeRC9gut group,Bifidobacterium, Oscillibacter and Negativibacillusparticipated in utilizing GAP-0, and increased short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production. The increased acetic acid content was positively related toRikenellaceaeRC9gut group andBifidobacterium, valeric acid was positively related toLachnospiraceaeNK4A136group,RikenellaceaeRC9gut group andParasutterella, propionic acid was positively related toNegativibacillus, butyric acid was positively related toBifidobacterium, isovaleric acid was positively related toBifidobacterium, and valeric acid was positively related toNegativibacillus.Moreover, Lachnoclostridium,Mucispirillum,AdlercreutziaandGCA900066575utilized GAP-0 preferentially. Among themAdlercreutziawas positively related to butyric acid and acetic acid, whileMucispirillumwas positively related to butyric acid, acetic acid, propionic acid and valeric acid. Conclusions By evaluating the active ingredient structure, GAP-0 was found to mainly improve immunity by increasing energy metabolism. These protective effects were exerted in a gut microbiota-dependent manner. GAP-0 was first utilized by the gut microbiota and showed a protective effect against DSS-induced colitis.
Soil bacterial communities of paddy are dependent on root compartment niches but independent of growth stages from Mollisols of Northeast China
Authors: Liu Kai , Wang Qiuju , Sun Minglong , Gao Shiwei , Liu Qing , Shan Lili , Guo Junxiang , Bian Jingyang 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The spatial distribution of bacteria in bulk soil has been well studied. Deep insights into adhering soil of root zones (rhizosphere and rhizoplane) microbial community could provide a better understanding of the plant-microbe relationship. In order to better understand the dynamics of these microbial assemblies over the plant life cycle in rhizodeposition along rice roots. Here, we investigated bacterial distribution in bulk, rhizosphere and rhizoplane soils at tillering, heading and mature stage, from rice (Oryza sativa) fields of the Northeast China. Our results revealed that soil bacterial α-diversity and community composition were significantly affected by root compartment niches but not by temporal change. Deterministic processes dominated the assemblage of bacterial communities in three soil compartments. Network analysis indicated that the bacterial networks in bulk soils were more complex than rhizosphere and rhizoplane soils, reflected by more nodes and stronger connections, which was mainly driven by ecological niches. We also detected shifts from bulk to rhizoplane soils in some functional guilds of bacteria, which changed from sulfur and nitrogen utilization to more carbon and iron cycling processes. Taken together, our results suggest distinct bacterial network structure and distribution patterns among rhizosphere, rhizoplane and bulk soils, which could possibly result in potential functional differentiation.
Global stability for an endogenous-reactivated tuberculosis model with Beddington-DeAngelis incidence, distributed delay and relapse
Authors: Sang Yuan , Zhang Long , Song Bing , Zhang Yuru 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
In this article, a tuberculosis (TB) epidemic model with Beddington-DeAngelis incidence and distributed delay is proposed to characterize the interaction between latent period, endogenous reactivation, treatment of latent TB infection (LTBI), as well as relapse. The basic reproduction number R0 is defined, and the globally asymptotic stability of disease-free equilibrium is shown when R0 <1, while if R0 >1, the globally asymptotic stability of endemic equilibrium is also acquired. Theoretical results are validated through performing numerical simulations, wherein we detect that TB dynamic behavior between models with discrete and distributed delays could be same and opposite. The effect on the protection levels of susceptible and infectious individuals is discussed as well.
Electrochemical investigations of a series of 2-(4-(1-isonicotinoyl-5-aryl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-3- yl)phenoxy)-N-arylacetamides at modified glassy carbon electrode
Authors: Reen Gagandeep Kour , Kumar Ashok , Sharma Pratibha 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
A series of 2-(4-(1-isonicotinoyl-5-aryl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)phenoxy)-N-arylacetamides has been synthesized in appreciable yields. The quantitative determination and redox behavior of the synthesized compounds was estimated by electrochemical technique using cyclic voltammetry (CV). For this purpose highly sensitive and stable zinc oxide (ZnO)- multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) composite film modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) (ZnO-MWCNTs/GCE) was used as a working electrode. The increase in effective surface area of modified GCE from that of unembellished GCE of 0.0314 cm2 upto 0.081 cm2 resulted in better electrocatalytic activity in terms of responses of the compounds under investigation. The composite film modified GCE resulted into an excellent sensor for the reported compounds in terms of low potential detection, a low detection limit, fast and clear response. Moreover the effect of pH, varying scan rates, solvents, electrolytes, concentration, and substituents (in terms of Hammett equation) have also been analyzed on the CV responses of the modified GCE. The incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles with multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) greatly increases the voltammetric peak current and electrochemical reactivity of the compounds. The electrochemical sensor shows excellent analytical performance and exhibited a wide detection range from 0.0001 M to 0.0003 M. The studies delineated the diffusion-controlled and irreversible behavior of electrocatalytic reaction for all the compounds under investigation.
Impact of Heat Shock Protein and Tumor Necrosis Factor on Klinefelter Syndrome
Authors: Zaki Moushira , Youness Eman R. , Elmalt Heba A , Khedr Azzah A. , Alzaree Fatma Abdelrahman , EL-Sonbaty Mohamed M. , El-Bassyouni Hala T. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackground: Klinefelter Syndrome (KS) is the most common sex chromosome aneuploidy (47, XXY), with the existence of an extra chromosome that produces increased levels of gene products and changes in gene expression and contributing to proinflammatory status. Aim: identifying the impact of heat shock proteins and tumor Necrosis Factor on KF pathogenesis. Methods: This study included 35 Klinefelter patients, their age ranged from 8-16 years (14.14±1.95). Patients were clinically diagnosed, then karyotype was performed to all patients. Biochemical analyses including Heat shock proteins (HSPs) and the proinflammatory marker TNF-α were performed. Results: Developmental delay occurred in 48.6% and facial dysmorphism including epicanthal folds, hypertelorism, depressed nasal bridge in 28.6%, gynecomastia in 28.6%, undescended Testis in 60%, increased height in 69.6%, congenital heart disease in 54.3%, intellectual disability in 57.1% and the karyotype was 47, XXY in all patients. The level of Heat Shock Protein –70 and TNF α in Klinefelter syndrome patients was higher compared to the normal controls. Moreover, the level of heat Shock Protein –70 and TNF α in the patients with Klinefelter syndrome and intellectual disability was higher than those without intellectual disability. On the other hand, testosterone level was decreased in KF patients compared to controls. Moreover, a significant negative correlation was observed between testosterone and both Heat Shock Protein –70 and TNF- α. Conclusion: The particular impacts of Heat Shock Protein –70 and TNF- α remain to be elucidated in future studies to enlighten their importance and possible association with the severity of Klinefelter syndrome.
Evaluation of machine learning algorithms in predicting bluetongue virus infection occurrence based on different combinations of predictive risk factors
Authors: Safavi Ehsanallah Afshari , Keywanloo Morteza , Tamannaee Amir Ebrahim Tavanaee 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Background:Bluetongue virus(BTV) is an arbovirus that causes lots of economic losses worldwide. The most common method of transmission is by vectorCulicoidesmidges. Due to this close relationship between the BTV infection and the vectors, many climate-related risk factors play a role in the occurrence of the disease. The predictive ability of Logistic Regression (LR), Support Vector Machines (SVM), Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), XGBoost and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) algorithms in predicting the BTV infection occurrence was assessed. Evaluated predictive risk factors included 19 standard bioclimatic variables, meteorological variables, ruminant population density, elevation and land cover data.Results:Based on the results of the ExtraTreesClassifier algorithm, 19 variables were identified as important features in prediction which mostly included bioclimatic variables related to temperature. Different combinations of predictive risk factors were evaluated in separate models.ANN and RF algorithms, especially when all predictor variables were included together showed the best performance in predicting the BTV infection occurrence.Conclusions:RF and ANN algorithms outperformed other machine learning methods in predicting the occurrence of BTV infection, especially when all predictive risk factors were included. Moreover, compared to meteorological, ruminant population density, altitude and land cover features, bioclimatic variables especially those related to temperature played a more important role in predicting the occurrence of BTV infection using machine learning algorithms. The results of the present study could be helpful in planning BTV infection surveillance and adopting control and preventive strategies.
Analysis of the potential risk factors for defecation problems and their bowel management based on the long-term bowel function in patients with persistent cloaca: Results of a nationwide survey in Japan
Authors: Harumatsu Toshio , Muto Mitsuru , Kawano Takafumi , Sugita Koshiro , Yano Keisuke , Onishi Shun , Ieiri Satoshi , Kubota Masayuki 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Aim of the Study: We conducted a nationwide survey of persistent cloaca (PC) to determine its current status in Japan. This study clarifies the potential risk factors for defecation problems in patients with PC.
Methods: Patient information was obtained via questionnaire, and a total of 213 PC patients who responded to a questionnaire on defecation problems and their bowel functions were enrolled in this study. We evaluated the constipation, incontinence, and soiling as bowel functions. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using a logistic regression analysis to clarify the risk factors for defecation problems.
Results: Of 213 patients with PC, 55 (25.8%) had defecation problems. A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that sacral agenesis, as an associated anomaly, was significantly associated with defecation problems (odds ratio [OR] 3.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–9.16, p = 0.03). The other multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the PC patients who underwent antegrade continence enema and regularly took laxatives after anorectoplasty had defecation problems (OR 12.4, 95% CI 2.35–65.6, p = 0.003, OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.24–6.55, p = 0.01).
Conclusion: Sacral agenesis is the potential risk factor of defecation problems in the patients with PC who underwent anorectoplasty. Those patients require vigorous defecation management.
Identification and Characteristics of Haemozoin of a Hematophagous Haemonchus Contortus
Authors: Liu Lu , Zhang Zongshan , Liu Hui , Zhu Shengnan , Zhou Taoxun , Wang Chunqun , Hu Min 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
The majority of hematophagous organisms constantly suck the host’s hemoglobin that produces the toxic free haem. This toxic haem aggregation into the nontoxic crystallization complex known as hemozoin, which represents one of the most important detoxification pathways in living organisms, but very little is known about the features of haemozoin in parasitic nematodes. Here, we identified and characterized the haemozoin of an economically significant blood-sucking nematode, Haemonchus contortus.
Methods
Using electron microscopy, spectrophotometry analyses and biochemical approaches, haemozoin crystallization was identified and characterized in parasitic fourth-stage larvae (L4) and/or adult worms as well as L4 of in vitro culture.
Results
The haemozoin was formed in intestinal lipid droplets of the parasitic L4 and adult worms, and its appearance was regularly spherical shapes with a 400 nm absorption peak. Furthermore, the haemozoin of L4 of in vitro culture was associated with the time and concentration of the blood medium, and its formation could be inhibited by chloroquine-derived drugs.
Conclusions
This work provides the first detailed insight into the haemozoin formation of H. contortus and should have important implications for developing novel therapeutic targets against this parasite or related hematophagous organisms.
On alleviating spatial confounding issues with the Bayesian Lasso
Authors: Briz-Redón Álvaro 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Spatial confounding usually refers to an issue that often arises in the context of fitting a spatial linear mixed model: the collinearity between the fixed effects and the spatial random effects. As a major consequence, this can lead to the inference of erroneous covariate-response associations, with the resulting scientific or social impact. Different methods have been proposed in the literature to alleviate spatial confounding. However, recent research suggests that restricted spatial regression, the most commonly used to date, performs worse than the original spatial linear mixed model, and should be avoided for this purpose. In this paper, we propose the use of the Bayesian version of the standard Lasso method for alleviating spatial confounding. Specifically, we propose a joint model that includes the fixed-effects modeling process (not including spatial random effects) and the spatial linear mixed modeling framework subject to a penalty on the effect of the covariate on the response. The model proposed is tested for the Slovenia dataset, which is usually used for the study of this topic. The model provides an estimate of the covariate-response association of interest which is close to that inferred from the fixed-effects model, while allowing for the inclusion of spatial random effects, thus performing better in terms of goodness-of-fit and spatial smoothing than the fixed-effects model. A simulation study is also carried out, which allows us to verify that the covariate effect estimated through the model proposed is coherent with the one given by the fixed-effects model. The simulation study also enables us to reinforce the idea that finding the most suitable modeling framework for estimating a covariate-response association in a spatial context is not an easy task.
Experiences and perceptions of parents raising children with autism
Authors: Walga Tamene Keneni , Yohannes Tibebu 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in general and autism in particular is on raise globally and the need for evidence-based intervention and care for children with autism has grown, too. However, evidence on autism is scanty in developing countries including Ethiopia. With the aim to help fill the gap and paucity in research into the issue, the main purpose of this study is to explore, better understand, and document the experiences and perceptions of parents of children with autism.
Methods Qualitative survey was used to collect data from a convenient sample of parents raising a child with autism. Twenty-one respondents completed the qualitative survey dispatched. Vast majority (about 80%) of the participants were mothers who were caring for their child with autism. Age of the participant parents ranged between 27 and 67 years (Mean Age = 44.00 years; Standard Deviation = 10.02 years). Ages of children with autism cared for ranged between 4 and 43 years (Mean Age = 15.00 years; Standard Deviation = 8.17 years).
Findings The data collected were subjected to qualitative analysis that yielded several themes and subthemes including late diagnosis, parents’ reactions to diagnosis, sources of information during and after diagnosis, differing reactions to having a child with autism from siblings, extended family members and the larger community, attribution of autism to several causes by the community, lack of recognition and open discussion of autism and lack of appropriated public educational and health care services for children with autism and their parents.
Conclusion The current research derived some themes and subthemes that revolve around the experiences and perceptions of parents raising children with autism. By so doing, it shed an important light on the situations of parents raising children with autism. Based on the findings of this research, some practical implications were drawn.
Clown care in a Palliative Care Unit: A useful paradox? A preliminary pilot study involving questionnaires and text analysis
Authors: Aouridi-Héritier Laoridi , Alonzo Sophie , fabbro-Peray Pascale , Guinamard Marion , Blanchard Sylvie 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background: Although several studies on clown therapy have demonstrated benefits for children and the elderly, few studies exist on its impact on quality of life in adult end-of-life patients. We devised this monocentric, prospective, descriptive pilot study, covering quantitative and qualitative aspects, to test the hypothesis that “clowning” in the PCU would improve the quality of life of patients, and benefit their companions and caregivers.
Methods: 30 end-of-life patients [age range 63-79, 19 women, 11 men] from the palliative care unit at Nîmes University Hospital were included in the study from 31/03/2016 to 08/11/2016. All had given written informed consent. 2 clowns visited patients and their companions, inviting them to participate in 15 to 30-minute improvised role-plays to prepare them for the inevitable separation. Primary outcome measures for the impact of the clowns’ interventions were: the ESAS questionnaire to evaluate patients’ physical symptoms and a Quality of Life Questionnaire assessing patients’ quality of life. Semi-structured interviews held with patients, their companions and caregivers were then analysed using textual data analysis software.
Results: Statistical analyses were performed using SAS© version 9.4. qualitative variables were expressed as frequency with percentages and endpoints tested using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. However long the clown’s intervention, the ESAS scores indicated significant improvements in nausea (p=0.0248) and dyspnea (p=0.0476). Scores for depression (p=0.0160) also improved. A slight difference in the scores for anxiety (p=0.0900) and drowsiness (p=0.0812) was also observed. 2 days after the clowns’ intervention, the Mc Gill scores revealed a significantly greater physical quality of life (p=0.0044) and a very slight increase in the patients’ overall quality of life (p=0.0807). The lexical analysis revealed benefits for all involved and gave an indication for better patient management at the PCU.
Conclusions: This pilot study evaluating the impact of “clowning” on various physical and mental symptoms and Quality of Life in adult patients indicates the benefits of such interventions. Indeed, benefits for all involved were also revealed by the lexical analysis. Although clowns are clearly useful for children with life-threatening diseases, our results also indicate the advantage of such interventions in adult, end-of-life patients. Further studies would be required to confirm these findings.
Date of first registration : 20/11/2015
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02610452 This research was registered under the following reference : IDRCB 2015-A00719-40 and approved by the local committee for the protection of persons, CPP Sud-Méditerranée III-Nîmes on November 6th, 2015 under the reference 2015.06.03.