bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TLR8 escapes X chromosome inactivation in human monocytes and CD4+ T cells
Authors: Youness Ali , Cenac Claire , Faz-Lopez Berenice , Grunenwald Solange , Barrat Franck J. , Chaumeil Julie , Mejia José E , Guéry Jean-Charles 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background. Human endosomal Toll-like receptors TLR7 and TLR8 recognize self and non-self RNA ligands, and are important mediators of innate immunity and autoimmune pathogenesis. TLR7 and TLR8 are respectively encoded by adjacent X-linked genes. We previously established that TLR7 evades X chromosome inactivation (XCI) in female immune cells. Whether TLR8 also evades XCI, however, has not yet been explored.
Method. In the current study, we used RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (RNA-FISH) to directly visualize, on a single-cell basis, primary transcripts of TLR7 and TLR8 relative to X chromosome territories in CD14+ monocytes and CD4+ T lymphocytes from women, Klinefelter syndrome (KS) men, and euploid men. To assign X chromosome territories in cells lacking robust expression of XIST compartment, we designed probes specific for X-linked genes that do not escape XCI and therefore robustly labeling the active X chromosome. We also assessed whether XCI escape of TLR8 was associated with a sexual dimorphism in TLR8 protein expression by western blot and flow cytometry.
Results. Using RNA-FISH, we show that TLR8, like TLR7, evades XCI in immune cells, and that cells harboring TLR7 or TLR8 transcript foci are more frequent in women and KS men than in euploid men, resulting in a 7-fold difference in frequency. These transcriptional biases were again observable when comparing the single X of XY males with the active X of cells from females or KS males. Interestingly, TLR8 protein expression was significantly higher in female mononuclear blood cells, including all monocyte subsets, than in male cells.
Conclusions. TLR8, mirroring TLR7, escapes XCI in human monocytes and CD4+ T cells. Co-dependent transcription from the active X chromosome and escape from XCI could both contribute to higher TLR8 protein abundance in female cells, which may have implications for the response to viruses and bacteria, and the risk of developing inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Evaluating potential of leaf reflectance spectra to monitor plant genetic variation
Authors: Li Cheng , Czyż Ewa A , Halitschke Rayko , Baldwin Ian T , Schaepman Michael E , Schuman Meredith C 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Remote sensing of vegetation by spectroscopy is increasingly used to characterize trait distributions in plant communities. How leaves interact with electromagnetic radiation is determined by their structure and contents of pigments, water, and abundant dry matter constituents like lignins, phenolics, and proteins. High-resolution ("hyperspectral") spectroscopy can characterize trait variation at finer scales, and may help to reveal underlying genetic variation – information important for assessing the potential of populations to adapt to global change. Here, we use a set of 360 inbred genotypes of the wild coyote tobacco Nicotiana attenuata: wild accessions, recombinant inbred lines (RILs), and transgenic lines (TLs) with targeted changes to gene expression, to dissect genetic versus non-genetic influences on variation in leaf spectra across three experiments. We calculated leaf reflectance from hand-held field spectroradiometer measurements covering visible to short-wave infrared wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation (400-2500 nm) using a standard radiation source and backgrounds, resulting in a small and quantifiable measurement uncertainty. Plants were grown in more controlled (glasshouse) or more natural (field) environments, and leaves were measured both on- and off-plant with the measurement set-up thus also in more to less controlled environmental conditions. Entire spectra varied across genotypes and environments. We found that the greatest variance in leaf reflectance was explained by between-experiment and non-genetic between-sample differences, with subtler and more specific variation distinguishing groups of genotypes. The visible spectral region was most variable, distinguishing experimental settings as well as groups of genotypes within experiments, whereas parts of the short-wave infrared may vary more specifically with genotype. Overall, more genetically variable plant populations also showed more varied leaf spectra. We highlight key considerations for the application of field spectroscopy to assess genetic variation in plant populations.
Unified Metal-Free Regioselective Heck-Type Sulfonylation, Cyanation, Amination, Amidation of Alkenes by Thianthrenation
Authors: Liu Ming-Shang , Meng Huan , SHU Wei 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Direct and site-selective C-H functionalization of alkenes under environmentally benign conditions represents a useful and attractive yet challenging transformation to access value-added molecules. Herein, a unified protocol for a variety of intermolecular Heck-type functionalizations of Csp2-H bond of alkenes has been developed by thianthrenation for the first time. The reaction features metal-free and operationally simple conditions for exclusive cine-selective C-H functionalization of aliphatic and aryl alkenes to forge C-C, C-N, and C-S bonds at room temperature, providing a general protocol for intermolecular Heck-type reaction of alkenes with nucleophiles (Nu = sulfinates, cyanides, amines, amides). Alkenes undergo cine-sulfonylation, cyanation, amination to afford alkenyl sulfones, alkenyl nitriles and enamines.
Dichotomous Profile of Thoraco-lumbar Dislocation Fractures. Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Maoneo Israël Azabali , Beltchika Antoine Kalubye , Kabulo Dieu-Merci Kantenga , Mukuetala Pierre ili-apanda , Ntsambi Glennie Eba 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background. Dislocated thoracolumbar fractures are uncommon injuries following major trauma. However, the resulting spinal cord injuries do not always correspond to the radiological characteristics of osteo-discoligamentary injuries.
We report a case of thoraco-lumbar dislocated fracture of which radiological finding was in discrepancy with clinical aspect and postoperative evolution according to spinal cord injury.
Case presentation.
A 32-year-old congolese, female, admitted in Neurosurgery Department of the University Hospital of Kinshasa for low back pain and functional impotence of lower limbs and urinary
retention following a road traffic accident three weeks prior. The physical examination was normal. We found a painful swelling at level of T12-L2 spinous processes and Wagner's grade IV gluteal pressure sores. Neurologically, the sensation was preserved on both limbs, motor strength on lower limbs was graded 3/5 globally. She had urinary retention. We made a diagnosis of an incomplete spinal cord injury (ASIA C) secondary to a thoraco-lumbar spinal trauma. CT-Scan showed a fracture of the vertebral body and pedicles of L2 with retrolisthesis of L1/L2 grade IV (Magerl B.3.3). She underwent posterior spinal decompression followed by spinal stabilisation with pedicle screws. The gluteal ulcers were debrided and sutured during the same surgery. Postoperatively, the pressure ulcers healed and the patient recovered full motor and urinary sphincter functions after several sessions of physiotherapy months.
Conclusion. This case report demonstrates the possibility of discordance between
radiological images of dislocated thoracolumbar fractures and spinal cord injury clinical.
Impact of particle shape of crushed natural and recycled fine aggregate on fresh and hardened mortar properties
Authors: Burgmann Sophie , Breit Wolfgang 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Increasing the amount of crushed natural and recycled fine aggregate in mortar and concrete can help reduce the depletion of resources and increase the recycling rate of construction and demolition waste. Differences in particle shape and angularity influence fresh and hardened mortar and concrete properties. Here a multiple linear regression analysis is performed to investigate the impact of particle shape and angularity on rheological and strength properties of mortar. Shape and angularity are quantified by micro computed tomography. Mortar mixtures with five different materials and varying other mix design parameters like water to cement ratio, binder to aggregate ratio and shape of grading curve are produced. Results indicate that particle shape and angularity have a complex impact on fresh and hardened mortar properties that often interact with other mix design parameters. Careful composition of the aggregate fraction with respect to shape and angularity is necessary to maintain sufficient mortar properties.
Registrars’ perspectives towards virtual teaching in an academic department during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Authors: Mpemnyama Lerato Nomonde , Moutlana Hlamatsi Jacob , Dingezweni Sithandiwe , Chakane Palesa Motshabi 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about unprecedented times that resulted in measures of social distancing that had to be put in place. The Department of Anaesthesiology at the University of Witwatersrand had to comply with these regulations and switched the teaching of registrars from in person format to a virtual platform. The study aimed to look at the perceptions registrars had towards virtual teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
This cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted in the Department of Anaesthesiology at the University of Witwatersrand via an online self-administered questionnaire that was distributed to the registrars registered in the department. The used validated questionnaire was developed following a literature search and an adaptation from two validated questionnaires. The study was conducted from December 2021 to February 2022.
Results
The department has a total of 100 registrars, and the response rate was 90%. The study highlighted that virtual teaching did have a positive impact in teaching in the academic department, with 91% (n = 81) finding virtual teaching to be effective and 63.9% (n = 53) of respondents preferring virtual teaching over in-person teaching.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a disruption to the academic programme in the Department of Anaesthesiology at the University of Witwatersrand, resulting in virtual teaching being implemented. This move has been met with a positive response among the registrars in the department.
Zika purified inactivated virus (ZPIV) vaccine efficacy in pregnant human stat2 knock-in mice: neutralizing antibodies as correlates of protection
Authors: Kim In-Jeong , Tighe Mike , Lanthier Paula , Clark Madeline , Barrera Rafael De La , Dussupt Vincent , Mendez-Rivera Letzibeth , Krebs Shelly , Travis Kelsey , Low-Beer Timothy , Bernacki Derek , Cookenham Tres , Lanzer Kathleen , Szaba Frank , Schneck Amanda , Ward Jerrold , Thomas Stephen , Modjarrad Kayvon , Blackman Marcia 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a significant threat to pregnant women and fetuses as it can cause severe birth defects and congenital neurodevelopmental disorders, referred to as congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). Thus, a safe and effective ZIKV vaccine for pregnant women to prevent in utero ZIKV infection is of utmost importance. Murine models of ZIKV infection are limited by the fact that immunocompetent mice are resistant to ZIKV infection. As such, interferon-deficient mice have been used in some preclinical studies to test the efficacy of ZIKV vaccine candidates against lethal virus challenge. However, interferon-deficient mouse models have limitations in assessing the immunogenicity of vaccines, necessitating the use of immunocompetent mouse pregnancy models. Using the human stat2 knock-in (hSTAT2KI) mouse pregnancy model, we show that vaccination with a purified formalin-inactivated Zika virus vaccine (ZPIV) prior to pregnancy successfully prevented vertical transmission. In addition, maternal immunity protected offspring against postnatal challenge. Furthermore, passive transfer of human IgG purified from hyper-immune sera of ZPIV vaccinees prevented maternal and fetal ZIKV infection, providing strong evidence that the neutralizing antibody response may serve as a meaningful correlate of protection.
The immediate risk of cancer and its precursor lesions in women with abnormal cervical glandular cytology
Authors: Li Yang , Chen Yao , Lin Wanrun , Lv Weiguo , Zhou Feng 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Objective
This study aims to assess the immediate risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade (CIN)3 + lesions in women with abnormal cervical glandular cytology.
Methods
A total of 403 women with abnormal cervical glandular cytology who underwent simultaneous HPV genotyping and cervical biopsy at the Zhejiang University School of Medicine Women’s Hospital, China, between 2016 and 2020, were included in this study. The probability of CIN3 + lesions among women in each group was further analysed.
Results
Subsequently, 26.8% of women with abnormal cervical glandular cytology were diagnosed with CIN3 + lesions. The immediate risk of CIN3 + lesions in the atypical glandular cells, not otherwise specified (AGC-NOS), AGC-favor neoplasia (AGC-N), adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), and adenocarcinoma (AC) groups were 12.7%, 55.7%, 88.9%, and 92.0%, respectively. The immediate risk of CIN3 + lesions in the AGC-NOS group was significantly lower than in any other groups. The positive rates of hrHPV in the AGC-NOS, AGC-N, AIS, and AC groups were 26.4%, 68.6%, 66.7%, and 56.0%, respectively. The prevalence of CIN3 + in the HPV-16 or 18/45 positive group was significantly higher than in the group of other 11 types positive and hrHPV negative group. Notably, women under 30 years old with AGC-NOS had a low risk of CIN3 + lesions (2.4%). When considering HPV status, the immediate risk of CIN3 + lesions in HPV-negative women was 0.0%.
Conclusion
hrHPV genotype and age are valuable indicators to assess the risk of CIN3 + in women with abnormal cervical glandular cytology. Women under 30 years old with AGC-NOS/HPV-negative may have the opportunity to delay colposcopy if appropriate.
Cervical Cancer Screening Adoption Behaviours among Nigerian Women in Academia: using a Health Belief Model
Authors: Iluno Adaobi C. , Oshiname Frederick O. , Adekunle Adeyemi O. , Dansou Justin 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Cervical Cancer is the commonest and one of the leading causes of death from cancer among women in developing countries. Screening has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality from the illness, yet its uptake is low. This study investigated the pattern of utilization and preferences relating to the adoption of cervical screening among female postgraduate students at the University of Ibadan.
Methodology
The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey involving the use of a multi-stage sampling technique to recruit 372 women undergoing postgraduate studies (20-52 years with a mean age of 27.3 ± 5.4) at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. A pretested semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection and the coded data were analyzed using SPSS (version 20).
Results
Only 4.0% of the respondents had been screened for Cervical Cancer at the time of study while 86.3% expressed their desire to be screened if given the opportunity. Most participants showed a favourable perception with 70.4% disagreeing that cervical cancer is a mild disease and 50.5% agreeing that the benefits of cervical cancer screening outweigh the stress of the screening procedure. Female doctors (73.2%) topped the list of health professionals’ respondents who preferred to conduct the screening. A majority (70.7%) of the respondents preferred these screenings to be done during antenatal clinic visits. There is a significant association (p.value=0.0007) between cervical cancer screening behaviors and sexual activity among women.
Conclusion
Poor utilization of Cervical cancer screening services is seen among Nigerian women undergoing postgraduate studies but a high willingness to utilize the services in the future with consideration to professionals delivering the service and specific locations where it can be obtained. The poor rate of cervical cancer screening from the study depicts the large extent to which cases of this cancer go without being detected till the advanced stages. Rolling out more screening strategies that will explore different service delivery points/preferences as highlighted in the study is needed for larger coverage.
Full-Reference Image Quality Assessment Based on Spatial-Domain Combined with Frequency-Domain Analysis
Authors: shi zhiming , Wu Xinrong 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

This paper designs a full reference image quality assessment method. Firstly, the image features are extracted from the spatial domain of the image to represent the edge information of the image. Secondly, the spatial frequency and texture features of the image are extracted in the frequency domain. Thirdly, the acquired features are grouped and fused into new features. Finally, the random forest is used to model full reference method. Through many experiments, the effectiveness of the proposed methods is verified, and the accuracy of the assessment is improved better than classical image assessment method.
Mindfulness, Teacher Mental Health, and Well-being in Early Education: A Correlational Study
Authors: Corthorn Carolina , Pedrero Víctor , Torres Natalia , Reynaldos-Grandón Katiuska , Paredes Paola 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

This study analyzed the relationship between mindfulness and variables considered relevant for teacher–student interactions: teacher burnout, general stress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life. We hypothesized that mindfulness would relate negatively with mental health variables and positively with quality of life. We also explored which specific aspects of mindfulness would predict burnout, depression, anxiety, stress, and quality of life. Given the results of regression analyses, mediation models were performed to explore the mechanisms through which different facets of mindfulness affect quality of life. As predicted, the correlation analysis showed that mindfulness and its dimensions were positively associated with the quality of life of the teachers and burnout dimension of personal fulfillment and negatively associated with anxiety, depression, and stress (considering FFMQ total score and most of its dimensions). Consistently, regression analysis showed that the overall level of mindfulness, after controlling for the grade level at which the teacher works, showed significant associations with the level of personal fulfillment, depression, anxiety, stress, and quality of life. The results of the mediation analyses showed that the ability not to judge ourselves was associated with fewer symptoms of depression and stress and, through these pathways, positively affected quality of life. On the other hand, the ability not to react favored quality of life by reducing anxiety and stress. Finally, acting with awareness was the only facet of mindfulness that favored quality of life, affecting one of the dimensions of burnout.
Identifying essential procedural competencies for medical students: a modified Delphi survey
Authors: Kodikara Kaumudee , Seneviratne Thilanka , Premaratna Ranjan 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Although medical students need to acquire specific procedural skills during their undergraduate training, agreement on what skills they should be trained upon and the competency levels that need to be achieved in these skills is inconclusive. This study aimed to identify core procedural skills competencies for Sri Lankan medical students and establish the importance of pre-clerkship procedural training to improve these skills.
Methods
A three-round, online modified Delphi survey was used to identify consensus on essential procedural skills and competencies for graduating medical students in Sri Lanka. An initial questionnaire was developed using content identified from the literature and student logbooks. The expert panel included seventeen clinicians involved in undergraduate medical education and supervision of resident physicians. In Round 1, they rated their agreement on including 64 procedural skills, and 4 suggested additional procedures in undergraduate training. In Round 2, experts re-appraised 38 skills and rated the level of competency (i.e., Observer to Proficient). In Round 3, experts re-appraised the ratings of 35 essential procedures and rated the support for a pre-clerkship procedural curriculum for medical students.
Results
Consensus, defined as > 75% agreement, was established with 25 procedural skills across eight categories: cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, surgical, gynecology and obstetrics, urogenital, diagnostic, and injections. Nasogastric tube insertion, venipuncture, handwashing, nose/throat/wound swab, measuring capillary packed cell volume, surgical scrub, gown, and gloving were rated with the highest level of agreement as requiring a 'proficient' level of competency. A majority of the experts were in support of a pre-clerkship procedural curriculum for medical students.
Conclusions
The findings from this Delphi survey provide critical information about core procedural skills and competencies for Sri Lankan undergraduate medical curricula. The results support the importance of teaching these procedures within the pre-clerkship years of medical curricula. Including highly experienced clinician educators in the expert panel validates the study findings, which demonstrate the importance of aligning existing medical curricula with competency-based medical education.
Study on synergistic catalytic degradation of wastewater containing polyacrylamide catalyzed by low temperature plasma-H2O2
Authors: Jiang Xiaoxue , Guan Fengwei , Wang Xiaobing , Li Dong , Shi Meiqi 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Low temperature plasma technology shows promise in sewage treatment with its advantages of high degradation efficiency, simple operation, and fewer by-products. In this study, a self-built Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma degradation experimental platform was utilized to simulate polymer-containing wastewater from an oilfield using a polyacrylamide (PAM) solution. The PAM solution was treated with low temperature plasma generated by dielectric barrier discharge combined with H2O2 and a Mn + Cu/AC composite catalyst. The effects of different catalyst dosage, H2O2 addition amount, DBD voltage on the degradation rate of polyacrylamide, molecular weight of solution, PH value of solution and solution viscosity were studied. The characterization of the polyacrylamide and composite catalyst before and after degradation was also conducted. The optimal conditions for the oxidation degradation of a PAM solution using low temperature plasma-H2O2-Mn + Cu/AC were determined as follows:: initial concentration 1000 mg/L, discharge voltage 18 kV, H2O2 addition of 2% and catalyst addition of 810 mg. Increasing the catalyst dosage resulted in higher degradation rates, as well as decreased dynamic viscosity, pH value, and molecular weight of the solution. Under these conditions, the degradation rates of 60 min, 180 min and 300 min were 71.4%, 97.6% and 98.6%, respectively.