bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis of diagnostic methods for the detection of Cryptococcus neoformans meningitis
Authors: Dantas Katia Cristina , de Freitas—Xavier Roseli Santos , Spina Lombardi Suzete Cleusa Ferreira , Júnior Alfredo Mendroni , da Silva Marcos Vinicius , Criado Paulo Ricardo , de Freitas Vera Lúcia Teixeira , de Almeida Terezinha Morato Bastos 
Published: March 2023

Background
Cryptococcosis is a devastating opportunistic infection in immunocompromised individuals, primarily in people living with HIV/AIDS. This study evaluated a protocol for the early diagnosis of meningitis due to C. neoformans, utilizing established molecular techniques from serum and CSF samples.

Methods
The 18S and 5.8S (rDNA-ITS) sequence-specific nested PCR assays were compared with direct India ink staining and the latex agglutination test for detection of C. neoformans in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 49 Brazilian suspected meningitis patients. Results were validated with samples obtained from 10 patients negative for cryptococcosis and HIV, and by analysis of standard C. neoformans strains.

Principal findings
The 5.8S DNA-ITS PCR was more sensitive (89–100%) and specific (100%) than the 18S rDNA PCR and conventional tests (India ink staining and latex agglutination) for identification of C. neoformans. While the 18S PCR exhibited a sensitivity (72%) similar to that of the latex agglutination assay in serum samples, it was superior to the latex agglutination assay when testing CSF, with a sensitivity of 84%. However, the latex agglutination was superior to the 18SrDNA PCR in specificity in CSF (92%). The 5.8S DNA-ITS PCR yielded the highest levels of accuracy (96–100%) of any test for detection (serological and mycological) of C. neoformans in both serum and CSF.

Conclusion
Use of the nested 5.8S PCR was superior to other techniques for the diagnosis of cryptococcosis. The possibility of using serum, a non-invasively collected material, in a targeted 5.8S PCR analysis to identify Cryptococcus spp. is recommended, especially in immunosuppressed patients. Our results indicate that nested 5.8S PCR can increase the diagnostic capability of cryptococcosis, and we suggest its use to monitor patients in the future.
Epidemiology, management and outcomes of Cryptococcus gattii infections: A 22-year cohort
Authors: O’Hern Jennifer A. , Koenen Adrian , Janson Sonja , Hajkowicz Krispin M. , Robertson Iain K. , Kidd Sarah E. , Baird Robert W. , Tong Steven YC , Davis Joshua S. , Carson Phillip , Currie Bart J. , Ralph Anna P. 
Published: March 2023

Background
Cryptococcus gattii is a globally endemic pathogen causing disease in apparently immune-competent hosts. We describe a 22-year cohort study from Australia’s Northern Territory to evaluate trends in epidemiology and management, and outcome predictors.

Methods
A retrospective cohort study of all C. gattii infections at the northern Australian referral hospital 1996–2018 was conducted. Cases were defined as confirmed (culture-positive) or probable. Demographic, clinical and outcome data were extracted from medical records.

Results
45 individuals with C. gattii infection were included: 44 Aboriginal Australians; 35 with confirmed infection; none HIV positive out of 38 tested. Multifocal disease (pulmonary and central nervous system) occurred in 20/45 (44%). Nine people (20%) died within 12 months of diagnosis, five attributed directly to C. gattii. Significant residual disability was evident in 4/36 (11%) survivors. Predictors of mortality included: treatment before the year 2002 (4/11 versus 1/34); interruption to induction therapy (2/8 versus 3/37) and end-stage kidney disease (2/5 versus 3/40). Prolonged antifungal therapy was the standard approach in this cohort, with median treatment duration being 425 days (IQR 166–715). Ten individuals had adjunctive lung resection surgery for large pulmonary cryptococcomas (median diameter 6cm [range 2.2-10cm], versus 2.8cm [1.2-9cm] in those managed non-operatively). One died post-operatively, and 7 had thoracic surgical complications, but ultimately 9/10 (90%) treated surgically were cured compared with 10/15 (67%) who did not have lung surgery. Four patients were diagnosed with immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome which was associated with age <40 years, brain cryptococcomas, high cerebrospinal fluid pressure, and serum cryptococcal antigen titre >1:512.

Conclusion
C. gattii infection remains a challenging condition but treatment outcomes have significantly improved over 2 decades, with eradication of infection the norm. Adjunctive surgery for the management of bulky pulmonary C. gattii infection appears to increase the likelihood of durable cure and likely reduces the required duration of antifungal therapy.
Epidemiology of secondary infection after snakebites in center-west Brazil
Authors: Soares Coriolano Coutinho João Victor , Fraga Guimarães Taiguara , Borges Valente Bruno , Gomes Martins de Moura Tomich Lísia 
Published: March 2023

Background
Snakebites represent a significant health problem in tropical countries, with an annual incidence of 2.7 million cases worldwide. The incidence of secondary infections after snake bites is also high and is usually caused by bacteria from the oral cavity of snakes. Morganella morganii has been identified as an important cause of infections and has been guiding antibiotic therapy in several regions of Brazil and the world.

Methodology/Principal findings
We performed a retrospective cross-sectional evaluation of snakebites in hospitalized patients between January 2018 and November 2019 and selected those with secondary infection in their medical records. During the period, 326 cases of snakebites were treated, and 155 (47.5%) of them eventually had secondary infections. However, only seven patients underwent culture of soft tissue fragments, in which three cases were negative culture results, while Aeromonas hydrophila was identified in four cases. Of these, 75% were resistant to ampicillin/sulbactam, 50% had intermediate sensitivity to imipenem, and 25% had intermediate sensitivity to piperacillin/tazobactam. Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) was not tested on any strain. Of the 155 cases that progressed to secondary infections, 48.4% (75) were empirically treated with amoxicillin/clavulanate, 41.9% (65) with TMP-SMX, and 32 (22%) of these 144 cases required a change to a second regimen, and 10 of these 32 patients required a third therapeutic regimen.

Conclusion
Wild animals act as reservoirs of resistant bacteria because their oral cavity favors biofilm formation, which explains the finding of A. hydrophila with a reduced sensitivity profile in this study. This fact is essential for the appropriate choice of empirical antibiotic therapy.
Alcohol, tobacco and drug use among adults experiencing homelessness in Accra, Ghana: A cross-sectional study of risk levels and associated factors
Authors: Osei Asibey Benedict , Marjadi Brahmaputra , Conroy Elizabeth 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundSubstance use contributes to poor health and increases the risk of mortality in the homeless population. This study assessed the prevalence and risk levels of substance use and associated factors among adults experiencing homelessness in Accra, Ghana.Methods305 adults currently experiencing sheltered and unsheltered homelessness in Accra aged ≥ 18 years were recruited. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) was used to assess substance use risk levels. Association of high-risk substance use with sociodemographic, migration, homelessness, and health characteristics were assessed using logistic regression.ResultsNearly three-quarters (71%, n = 216) of the sample had ever used a substance, almost all of whom engaged in ASSIST-defined moderate-risk (55%) or high-risk (40%) use. Survivors of physical or emotional violence (AOR = 3.54; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.89–6.65, p<.001) and sexual violence (AOR = 3.94; 95%CI 1.85–8.39, p<.001) had significantly higher odds of engaging in high-risk substance use, particularly alcohol, cocaine, and cannabis. The likelihood of engaging in high-risk substance use was higher for men than women (AOR = 4.09; 95%CI 2.06–8.12, p<.001) but lower for those in the middle-income group compared to low-income (AOR = 3.94; 95%CI 1.85–8.39, p<.001).ConclusionsRisky substance use was common among adults experiencing homelessness in Accra, and strongly associated with violent victimisation, gender, and income levels. The findings highlight the urgent need for effective and targeted preventive and health-risk reduction strategies to address risky substance use in the homeless population in Accra and similar cities within Ghana and sub-Sahara Africa with a high burden of homelessness.
Human resource time commitments and associated costs of Community Caregiver outreach team operations in South Africa
Authors: Mukora Rachel , Thompson Ryan R. , Hippner Piotr , Pelusa Resignation , Mothibi Martha , Lessells Richard , Grant Alison D. , Fielding Katherine , Velen Kavindhran , Charalambous Salome , Dowdy David W. , Sohn Hojoon 
Published: March 2023

Introduction
In South Africa, Community Caregivers (CCGs) visit households to provide basic healthcare services including those for tuberculosis and HIV. However, CCG workloads, costs, and time burden are largely unknown. Our objective was to assess the workloads and operational costs for CCG teams operating in different settings in South Africa.

Methods
Between March and October 2018, we collected standardized self-reported activity time forms from 11 CCG pairs working at two public health clinics in Ekurhuleni district, South Africa. CCG workloads were assessed based on activity unit times, per-household visit time, and mean daily number of successful household visits. Using activity-based times and CCG operating cost data, we assessed CCG annual and per-household visit costs (USD 2019) from the health system perspective.

Results
CCGs in clinic 1 (peri-urban, 7 CCG pairs) and 2 (urban, informal settlement; 4 CCG pairs) served an area of 3.1 km2 and 0.6 km2 with 8,035 and 5,200 registered households, respectively. CCG pairs spent a median 236 minutes per day conducting field activities at clinic 1 versus 235 minutes at clinic 2. CCG pairs at clinic 1 spent 49.5% of this time at households (versus traveling), compared to 35.0% at clinic 2. On average, CCG pairs successfully visited 9.5 vs 6.7 households per day for clinics 1 and 2, respectively. At clinic 1, 2.7% of household visits were unsuccessful, versus 28.5% at clinic 2. Total annual operating costs were higher in clinic 1 ($71,780 vs $49,097) but cost per successful visit was lower ($3.58) than clinic 2 ($5.85).

Conclusions
CCG home visits were more frequent, successful, and less costly in clinic 1, which served a larger and more formalized settlement. The variability in workload and cost observed across pairs and clinics suggests that circumstantial factors and CCG needs must be carefully assessed for optimized CCG outreach operations.
Performing moderate to severe activity is safe and tolerable for healthy youth while wearing a cloth facemask
Authors: Marticorena Felipe Miguel , Barreto Gabriel Castanho , Guardieiro Natália Mendes , Esteves Gabriel Perri , Oliveira Tamires Nunes , de Oliveira Luana Farias , Pinto Ana Lucia de Sá , Riani Luiz , Prado Danilo Mendes , Saunders Bryan , Gualano Bruno 
Published: March 2023

Objective
To investigate if a cloth facemask could affect physiological and perceptual responses to exercise at distinct exercise intensities in healthy young individuals.

Methods
Nine participants (sex, female/male: 6/3; age: 13±1 years; VO2peak: 44.5±5.5 mL/kg/min) underwent a progressive square-wave test at four intensities: (1) 80% of ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT), (2) VAT, and (3) 40% between VAT and V˙O2peak wearing a triple-layered cloth facemask or not. Participants then completed a final stage to exhaustion at a running speed equivalent to the maximum achieved during the cardio-respiratory exercise test (Peak). Physiological, metabolic, and perceptual measures were measured.

Results
Mask did not affect spirometry (forced vital capacity, peak expiratory flow, forced expiratory volume; all p≥0.27), respiratory (inspiratory capacity, end-expiratory volume [EELV] to functional vital capacity ratio, EELV, respiratory frequency [Rf], tidal volume [VT], Rf/VT, end-tidal carbo dioxide pressure, ventilatory equivalent to carbon dioxide ratio; all p≥0.196), hemodynamic (heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure; all p>0.41), ratings of perceived exertion (p = 0.04) or metabolic measures (lactate; p = 0.78) at rest or at any exercise intensity.

Conclusions
This study shows that performing moderate to severe activity is safe and tolerable for healthy youth while wearing a cloth facemask.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04887714.
Comportamiento térmico de la arcilla cocida en espacios construidos, en el clima cálido semihúmedo de Cúcuta
Authors: Rico-García Sanyern Y 
Published: March 2023

La investigación determina el comportamiento térmico de la arcilla cocida en espacios construidos, mediante el levantamiento de dos módulos independientes sin aperturas y con aislamiento, en las fachadas horizontales (base y cubierta); uno de dichos módulos, con bloque en arcilla cocida N.° 5 de dimensiones 1,66 m 1,66 m h = 1,73 m, y otro, con ladrillo macizo en arcilla cocida, de dimensiones 1,67 m 1,67 m h = 1,73 m, con la aplicación de una variable independiente en mortero 1:4 de 0,015 m de espesor. Se tomó, mediante el registro horario de temperatura y humedad (interior y exterior del módulo), el comportamiento del material en las dos etapas que precisa el clima de Cúcuta; estas son: la temporada de temperaturas altas (25 días) y la de precipitación (29 días). Por ello, el objetivo principal de la investigación fue establecer el comportamiento térmico de los dos productos más usados en el sistema constructivo de mampostería confinada, siguiendo la hipótesis argumentativa de que los dos productos en arcillas ofertados por el mercado responden de forma adecuada a las determinantes climáticas de la ciudad de Cúcuta, por medio del aporte de inercia térmica y amortiguamiento, como estrategia bioclimática de diseño. Por consiguiente, de acuerdo con el análisis de resultados, se concluyó que el módulo construido con bloque N.° 5 responde mejor a las condiciones climáticas de Cúcuta, al mostrar un mejor comportamiento, en comparación al módulo construido en ladrillo macizo.
Is There a Business Cycle Effect on the Incidence of Dual Job Holding?
Authors: Renna Francesco , Oaxaca Ronald L. , Choe Chung 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
This paper examines the extent to which the incidence of dual job holding is cyclically sensitive in the context of hours constraints on a worker’s weekly labor supply to their main job. Random effects logit models of the probability of dual job holding are estimated separately for men and women for each of three mutually exclusive, hours-constrained regimes: overemployment, unconstrained hours, and underemployment. As measured by the deviation of each individual’s current regional unemployment rate from their time-averaged mean regional unemployment rate, transitory business cycle movements have no effect on the probability of dual job holding. However, a permanent/steady-state increase (decrease) in the local unemployment rate reduces (raises) the probability of dual job holding among hours-unconstrained workers for both males and females. Furthermore, permanent employment contracts reduce the likelihood of having two jobs.
Performance of photocatalytic oxidation surface with new geometry for indoor environment application: experimental and simulation
Authors: Khoshpasand Fatemeh , Nikpay Ahmad , Keshavarz Mehrdad 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Many studies of the photocatalytic oxidation process investigated on the removal efficiency and other variables of the input and output photoreactor. In the laboratory scale, it’s impossible, examination of the removal efficiency details, such as mass and energy transfer with air flow rate. Also, experimental methods request time consumption and money. For this reason, the simulation method can be used. The aim of this study was to prove that the validation of modeling approach in the photocatalytic oxidation process in the removal of toluene from air. Investigation of bed surface morphology, with FESEM, BET and TGA, shows acceptable monotonous of TiO2 nanoparticles on the ss plate. Furthermore, it was observed good adherence of nanoparticles on it. Experimental results on photocatalytic bed surface exhibited in the toluene concentration range of 10–40 ppm and flow rate of 2–5 l/min, with increasing flow and decreasing concentration, removal efficiency increased. The optimum removal point was 59% and 25 g/m3 min for 3.75 ppm and 5.61 l/min. For bed surface performance, the correlation between experimental results and simulation data was obtained 98%. According to the results, the photocatalytic oxidation process performed well for removal of low concentration of toluene from air. In addition, the obtained simulation method eliminated the random factors which can be affected by photocatalytic bed surface and it can show dependence of results based on reality.
WGCNA-based identification of potential targets and pathways in response to treatment in locally advanced breast cancer patients
Authors: Zhao Ruipeng , Wei Wan , Zhen Linlin 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Locally advanced breast cancer patients have a poor prognosis; however, the relationship between potential targets and the response to treatment is still unclear. The gene expression profiles of breast cancer patients with stages from IIB to IIIC were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas. We applied weighted gene co-expression network analysis and differentially expressed gene analysis to identify the primary genes involved in treatment response. The disease-free survival between low- and high-expression groups was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Gene set enrichment analysis was applied to identify hub genes-related pathways. Additionally, the CIBERSORT algorithm was employed to evaluate the correlation between the hub gene expression and immune cell types. A total of 16 genes were identified to be related to radiotherapy response, and low expression of SVOPL, EDAR, GSTA1, and ABCA13 was associated with poor overall survival and progression-free survival in breast cancer cases. Correlation analysis revealed that the four genes negatively related to some specific immune cell types. The four genes were downregulated in H group compared with the L group. Four hub genes associated with the immune cell infiltration of breast cancer were identified; these genes might be used as a promising biomarker to test the treatment in breast cancer patients.
STING directly recruits WIPI2 for autophagosome formation during STING‐induced autophagy
Authors: Wan Wei , Qian Chuying , Wang Qian , Li Jin , Zhang Hongtao , Wang Lei , Pu Maomao , Huang Yewei , He Zhengfu , Zhou Tianhua , Shen Han‐Ming , Liu Wei 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe cGAS‐STING pathway plays an important role in host defense by sensing pathogen DNA, inducing type I IFNs, and initiating autophagy. However, the molecular mechanism of autophagosome formation in cGAS‐STING pathway‐induced autophagy is still unclear. Here, we report that STING directly interacts with WIPI2, which is the key protein for LC3 lipidation in autophagy. Binding to WIPI2 is necessary for STING‐induced autophagosome formation but does not affect STING activation and intracellular trafficking. In addition, the specific interaction between STING and the PI3P‐binding motif of WIPI2 leads to the competition of WIPI2 binding between STING and PI3P, and mutual inhibition between STING‐induced autophagy and canonical PI3P‐dependent autophagy. Furthermore, we show that the STING‐WIPI2 interaction is required for the clearance of cytoplasmic DNA and the attenuation of cGAS‐STING signaling. Thus, the direct interaction between STING and WIPI2 enables STING to bypass the canonical upstream machinery to induce LC3 lipidation and autophagosome formation.
Modeling mitochondrial DNA diseases: from base editing to pluripotent stem‐cell‐derived organoids
Authors: Tolle Isabella , Tiranti Valeria , Prigione Alessandro 
Published: March 2023

AbstractMitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) diseases are multi‐systemic disorders caused by mutations affecting a fraction or the entirety of mtDNA copies. Currently, there are no approved therapies for the majority of mtDNA diseases. Challenges associated with engineering mtDNA have in fact hindered the study of mtDNA defects. Despite these difficulties, it has been possible to develop valuable cellular and animal models of mtDNA diseases. Here, we describe recent advances in base editing of mtDNA and the generation of three‐dimensional organoids from patient‐derived human‐induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Together with already available modeling tools, the combination of these novel technologies could allow determining the impact of specific mtDNA mutations in distinct human cell types and might help uncover how mtDNA mutation load segregates during tissue organization. iPSC‐derived organoids could also represent a platform for the identification of treatment strategies and for probing the in vitro effectiveness of mtDNA gene therapies. These studies have the potential to increase our mechanistic understanding of mtDNA diseases and may open the way to highly needed and personalized therapeutic interventions.
SARS‐CoV‐2‐related bat virus behavior in human‐relevant models sheds light on the origin of COVID‐19
Authors: Temmam Sarah , Montagutelli Xavier , Herate Cécile , Donati Flora , Regnault Béatrice , Attia Mikael , Baquero Salazar Eduard , Chretien Delphine , Conquet Laurine , Jouvion Grégory , Pipoli Da Fonseca Juliana , Cokelaer Thomas , Amara Faustine , Relouzat Francis , Naninck Thibaut , Lemaitre Julien , Derreudre‐Bosquet Nathalie , Pascal Quentin , Bonomi Massimiliano , Bigot Thomas , Munier Sandie , Rey Felix A , Le Grand Roger , van der Werf Sylvie , Eloit Marc 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBat sarbecovirus BANAL‐236 is highly related to SARS‐CoV‐2 and infects human cells, albeit lacking the furin cleavage site in its spike protein. BANAL‐236 replicates efficiently and pauci‐symptomatically in humanized mice and in macaques, where its tropism is enteric, strongly differing from that of SARS‐CoV‐2. BANAL‐236 infection leads to protection against superinfection by a virulent strain. We find no evidence of antibodies recognizing bat sarbecoviruses in populations in close contact with bats in which the virus was identified, indicating that such spillover infections, if they occur, are rare. Six passages in humanized mice or in human intestinal cells, mimicking putative early spillover events, select adaptive mutations without appearance of a furin cleavage site and no change in virulence. Therefore, acquisition of a furin site in the spike protein is likely a pre‐spillover event that did not occur upon replication of a SARS‐CoV‐2‐like bat virus in humans or other animals. Other hypotheses regarding the origin of the SARS‐CoV‐2 should therefore be evaluated, including the presence of sarbecoviruses carrying a spike with a furin cleavage site in bats.