bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Targeting a highly repetitive genomic sequence for sensitive and specific molecular detection of the filarial parasite Mansonella perstans from human blood and mosquitoes
Authors: Pilotte Nils , Thomas Tamara , Zulch Michael F. , Sirois Allison R. , Minetti Corrado , Reimer Lisa J. , Williams Steven A. , Saunders Lori J. 
Published: December 2022

Background
Mansonella perstans is among the most neglected of the neglected tropical diseases and is believed to cause more human infections than any other filarial pathogen in Africa. Based largely upon assumptions of limited infection-associated morbidity, this pathogen remains understudied, and many basic questions pertaining to its pathogenicity, distribution, prevalence, and vector-host relationships remain unanswered. However, in recent years, mounting evidence of the potential for increased Mansonella infection-associated disease has sparked a renewal in research interest. This, in turn, has produced a need for improved diagnostics, capable of providing more accurate pictures of infection prevalence, pathogen distribution, and vector-host interactions.

Methodology/Principal findings
Utilizing a previously described pipeline for the discovery of optimal molecular diagnostic targets, we identified a repetitive DNA sequence, and developed a corresponding assay, which allows for the sensitive and species-specific identification of M. perstans in human blood samples. Testing also demonstrated the ability to utilize this assay for the detection of M. perstans in field-collected mosquito samples. When testing both sample types, our repeat-targeting index assay outperformed a ribosomal sequence-targeting reference assay, facilitating the identification of additional M. perstans-positive samples falsely characterized as “negative” using the less sensitive detection method.

Conclusions/Significance
Through the development of an assay based upon the systematic identification of an optimal DNA target sequence, our novel diagnostic assay will provide programmatic efforts with a sensitive and specific testing platform that is capable of accurately mapping M. perstans infection and determining prevalence. Furthermore, with the added ability to identify the presence of M. perstans in mosquito samples, this assay will help to define our knowledge of the relationships that exist between this pathogen and the various geographically relevant mosquito species, which have been surmised to represent potential secondary vectors under certain conditions. Detection of M. perstans in mosquitoes will also demonstrate proof-of-concept for the mosquito-based monitoring of filarial pathogens not vectored primarily by mosquitoes, an approach expanding opportunities for integrated surveillance.
Elucidating the effect of iron acquisition systems in Klebsiella pneumoniae on susceptibility to the novel siderophore-cephalosporin cefiderocol
Authors: Daoud Lana , Al-Marzooq Farah , Moubareck Carole Ayoub , Ghazawi Akela , Collyns Timothy 
Published: December 2022

Background
Cefiderocol (CFDC) is a novel siderophore-cephalosporin, effective against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. As it has a siderophore side chain, it can utilize iron acquisition systems for penetration of the bacterial outer membrane. We aimed to elucidate the role of siderophores and iron uptake receptors in defining Klebsiella pneumoniae susceptibility to CFDC.

Methods
Initially, 103 K. pneumoniae strains were characterized for susceptibility to different antibiotics including CFDC. CFDC minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined in iron-depleted and iron-enriched conditions. Iron uptake genes including siderophores, their receptors, ferric citrate (fecA) and iron uptake (kfu) receptors were detected by PCR in all the strains. For 10 selected strains, gene expression was tested in iron-depleted media with or without CFDC treatment and compared to expression in iron-enriched conditions.

Results
CFDC exhibited 96.1% susceptibility, being superior to all the other antibiotics (MIC50: 0.5 and MIC90: 4 μg/ml). Only three strains (2.9%) were intermediately susceptible and a pandrug resistant strain (0.97%) was resistant to CFDC (MIC: 8 and 256 μg/ml, respectively). The presence of kfu and fecA had a significant impact on CFDC MIC, especially when co-produced, and if coupled with yersiniabactin receptor (fyuA). CFDC MICs were negatively correlated with enterobactin receptor (fepA) expression and positively correlated with expression of kfu and fecA. Thus, fepA was associated with increased susceptibility to CFDC, while kfu and fecA were associated with reduced susceptibility to CFDC. CFDC MICs increased significantly in iron-enriched media, with reduced expression of siderophore receptors, hence, causing less drug uptake.

Conclusion
Iron acquisition systems have a significant impact on CFDC activity, and their altered expression is a factor leading to reduced susceptibility. Iron concentration is also a major player affecting CFDC susceptibility; therefore, it is essential to explore possible ways to improve the drug activity to facilitate its use to treat infections in iron-rich sites.
APOL1 genotype associated risk for preeclampsia in African populations: Rationale and protocol design for studies in women of African ancestry in resource limited settings
Authors: Osafo Charlotte , Thomford Nicholas Ekow , Coleman Jerry , Carboo Abraham , Guure Chris , Okyere Perditer , Adu Dwomoa , Adanu Richard , Parekh Rulan S. , Burke David 
Published: December 2022

Background
Women of African ancestry are highly predisposed to preeclampsia which continues to be a major cause of maternal death in Africa. Common variants in the APOL1 gene are potent risk factor for a spectrum of kidney disease. Recent studies have shown that APOL1 risk variants contribute to the risk of preeclampsia. The aim of the study is to understand the contribution of APOL1 risk variants to the development of preeclampsia in pregnant women in Ghana.

Methods
The study is a case-control design which started recruitment in 2019 at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana. The study will recruit pregnant women with a target recruitment of 700 cases of preeclampsia and 700 normotensives. Clinical and demographic data of mother- baby dyad, with biospecimens including cord blood and placenta will be collected to assess clinical, biochemical and genetic markers of preeclampsia. The study protocol was approved by Korle Bu Teaching Hospital Institutional Review Board (Reference number: KBTH-IRB/000108/2018) on October 11, 2018.

Preliminary results
As of December 2021, a total of 773 mother-baby pairs had been recruited and majority of them had complete entry of data for analysis. The participants are made up of 384 preeclampsia cases and 389 normotensive mother-baby dyad. The mean age of participants is 30.69 ± 0.32 years for cases and 29.95 ± 0.32 for controls. Majority (85%) of the participants are between 20-30years. At booking, majority of cases had normal blood pressure compared to the time of diagnosis where 85% had a systolic BP greater than 140mmHg and a corresponding 82% had diastolic pressure greater than 90mmHg.

Conclusion
Our study will ultimately provide clinical, biochemical and genotypic data for risk stratification of preeclampsia and careful monitoring during pregnancy to improve clinical management and outcomes.
Characterizing the neighborhood risk environment in multisite clinic-based cohort studies: A practical geocoding and data linkages protocol for protected health information
Authors: Nassel Ariann , Wilson-Barthes Marta G. , Howe Chanelle J. , Napravnik Sonia , Mugavero Michael J. , Agil Deana , Dulin Akilah J. 
Published: December 2022

Background
Maintaining patient privacy when geocoding and linking residential address information with neighborhood-level data can create challenges during research. Challenges may arise when study staff have limited training in geocoding and linking data, or when non-study staff with appropriate expertise have limited availability, are unfamiliar with a study’s population or objectives, or are not affordable for the study team. Opportunities for data breaches may also arise when working with non-study staff who are not on-site. We detail a free, user-friendly protocol for constructing indices of the neighborhood risk environment during multisite, clinic-based cohort studies that rely on participants’ protected health information. This protocol can be implemented by study staff who do not have prior training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and can help minimize the operational costs of integrating geographic data into public health projects.

Methods
This protocol demonstrates how to: (1) securely geocode patients’ residential addresses in a clinic setting and match geocoded addresses to census tracts using Geographic Information System software (Esri, Redlands, CA); (2) ascertain contextual variables of the risk environment from the American Community Survey and ArcGIS Business Analyst (Esri, Redlands, CA); (3) use geoidentifiers to link neighborhood risk data to census tracts containing geocoded addresses; and (4) assign randomly generated identifiers to census tracts and strip census tracts of their geoidentifiers to maintain patient confidentiality.

Results
Completion of this protocol generates three neighborhood risk indices (i.e., Neighborhood Disadvantage Index, Murder Rate Index, and Assault Rate Index) for patients’ coded census tract locations.

Conclusions
This protocol can be used by research personnel without prior GIS experience to easily create objective indices of the neighborhood risk environment while upholding patient confidentiality. Future studies can adapt this protocol to fit their specific patient populations and analytic objectives.
Diagnosis of vocal cord dysfunction / inducible laryngeal obstruction—A Delphi study protocol
Authors: Leong Paul , Vertigan Anne E. , Hew Mark , Baxter Malcolm , Phyland Debra , Hull James H. , Carroll Thomas L. , Gibson Peter G. , McDonald Vanessa M. , Bardin Philip G. 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionCurrently there is no consistent and widely accepted approach to the diagnosis of vocal cord dysfunction/inducible laryngeal obstruction (VCD/ILO). Harmonised diagnostic methods are vital to enable optimal diagnosis, advance management and enable research. We aim to obtain consensus on how expert clinicians recognise and diagnose VCD/ILO.Methods and analysisTwo-round modified Delphi, with workshop validation.Ethics and disseminationInstitutional Board Review was obtained from the Monash Health Human Research Ethics Committee. The dissemination plan is for presentation and publication.Registration detailsRegistered at Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12621001520820p.
Facilitators and barriers to colorectal cancer screening using the immunochemical faecal occult blood test among an average-risk population in semi-rural Malaysia: A qualitative study
Authors: Ramanathan Kogila , Schliemann Désirée , Binti Ibrahim Tamin Nor Saleha , Mohan Devi , Donnelly Michael , Su Tin Tin 
Published: December 2022

Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence in Malaysia is increasing, and most CRC patients are diagnosed at a late stage. This study investigated participant awareness of CRC and their perceptions and views about CRC screening, barriers, benefits, and facilitators towards CRC screening participation as well as health-seeking behaviour and the use of preventative health services.

Method
Eleven focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with a purposive sample of 89 participants aged > 50 from the major ethnic groups in the Segamat District, Johor State. FGDs were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results
We identified trust in doctors as a key reason for whether or not to seek health care. Generally, the participants had low awareness of CRC sign/symptoms and screening. Emotional and logistic concerns about sending a stool sample to a clinic emerged as the main barriers to screening. Simplified illustrated instructions about stool collection in Malay, Chinese and Tamil, free screening at health clinics and reminders to complete the iFOBT test were perceived to facilitate engagement in screening, and posited as strategies that were likely to increase iFOBT uptake.

Conclusion
Primary care physicians play a crucial role in terms of reducing patient’s misperceptions, recommending screening to patients, enhancing attendance, and improving uptake of CRC screening. There is a need for further research to investigate ways in which to reduce identified barriers and implement and test potential facilitative strategies as well as examine adherence by doctors to clinical guidelines about CRC screening.
Parent-infant observation for prediction of later childhood psychopathology in community-based samples: A systematic review
Authors: McAndie Elena , Murray Charlotte Alice , Wilson Philip , Thompson Lucy 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundDifficulties in parent-child interaction are easily observed and are a potential target for early intervention. This review aimed to assess the utility of current observational methods used to assess parent-child interactions–within the first year of life–and their ability to screen and identify children from low-risk samples most at risk of developing childhood psychopathology.MethodsSix bibliographic databases were searched, and reference lists screened. All peer reviewed papers studying the association between an independent observation of parent-child interaction and later childhood psychopathology in community-based samples were included. Included studies were those recruiting from population or community-based birth cohort data, which we define as ‘low-risk’. Studies based on populations known to have a diagnosis of psychiatric illness or developmental disorder, or at high genetic or environmental risk of being diagnosed with such disorder, were excluded. Results were synthesised qualitatively due to high heterogeneity.Results20,051papers were identified, nine were included in this study. Childhood psychopathology was associated with fewer positive parent-infant interactions, lower parent vocalisation frequency and lower levels of adult speech and activity. Maternal sensitivity was inversely related to separation anxiety and oppositional defiant/conduct disorders were associated with lower shared look rates. Disruptive behaviour disorders were associated with higher frequency of child vocalisation.ConclusionAssessment of parent-child interactions, particularly the level of maternal activity, may be an early indicator of later childhood psychopathology in low-risk samples. Further longitudinal, population-based studies are required.Trial registrationPROSPERO review registration:CRD42020162917https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=CRD42020162917.
IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY OF BETULIN-CONTAINING FOOD INGREDIENTS FROM SILVER BIRCH (BETULA PENDULA ROTH.) IN FOOD SYSTEMS
Authors: Averyanova Elena Vital'yevna , Shkolnikova Marina Nikolaevna 
Published: December 2022

The demand for food micro-ingredients in modern technologies is quite high, however, the production of preservatives, antioxidants and other food additives in the Russian Federation is extremely limited, which has created a high import dependence unacceptable in modern conditions. Raw sources of preservatives include birch bark containing 10–40% betulin – a triterpenoid with high biological activity and preservative / antioxidant properties. However, the weak solubility of betulin in an aqueous medium hinders its use in food products. In this work, a study was carried out to develop a method for obtaining a micronized form of betulin for use as a food ingredient in food products of various compositions. The following values of parameters and modes of ultrasonic micronization of water suspensions of betulin were established: frequency – 50±5 kHz, acoustic power – 50 W, temperature, about 50 °С, duration 60 min. It is shown that the micronization of betulin under ultrasonic exposure indicates an increase in the uniformity of its aqueous suspension of betulin, the alignment of the size and shape of particles, which minimizes the influence of barrier factors during the assimilation of a food additive and determines its effectiveness and bioavailability in the composition of both water-based and fat-based foods.
THE STATE AND PROSPECTS OF IMPROVING THE METHODS OF OBTAINING AND USING BACTERIAL CEL-LULOSE (REVIEW)
Authors: Rogova Ekaterina Aleksandrovna , Alashkevich Yuri Davidovich , Kozhukhov Victor Anatolyevich , Lapin Ilya Romanovich , Kiselyov Evgeny Gennadievich 
Published: December 2022

Any material that we encounter in the world around us does not have such a widespread use as bacterial cellulose. This kind of unique material gained its popularity in the 20th century and became an excellent source for research. Its acquisition and practical application in various areas of our life activity is currently quite important. In addition, thanks to a wide range of studies aimed at the basics of its production, many promising areas of using by-products of the food industry as a source of energy for growth have been identified, which makes this material more environmentally friendly than its plant counterpart.
Despite its rich history of studying and obtaining bacterial cellulose, it is still considered to be not fully studied material. This makes it possible for researchers to identify new sources of energy for the growth of bacterial cellulose, to improve the quality and increase its quantity, both in the laboratory and on an industrial scale, as well as to look for more and more new areas of its application, where it would seem it has no place.
In the modern scientific world, bacterial cellulose is one of the promising sources of scientific research and further technological applications.
Analisis Efektivitas dan Efisiensi Pengelolaan Anggaran di RSUP Dr. Kariadi Semarang
Authors: Retnosari Mimin Cahyo , Suryawati Chriswardani , Harto Puji 
Published: December 2022

Penelitian tentang efektivitas dan efisiensi dalam pengelolaan anggaran masih memerlukan penjabaran lebih lanjut. Pengelolaan keuangan BLU memerlukan pengelolaan anggaran yang efektif dan efisien, sehingga melahirkan good governance. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis efisiensi dan efektivitas dalam perencanaan penganggaran terhadap kinerja keuangan di RSUP Dr. Kariadi. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah observasi kualitatif studi kasus di RSUP Dr. Kariadi, memotret dan menganalisis pelaksanaan anggaran dengan prinsip ekonomi pada efektivitas dan efisiensi terhadap kinerja keuangan dengan data primer dan sekunder. Data primer diperoleh dari hasil wawancara dengan informan, sedangkan data sekunder diperoleh dari data keuangan, anggaran dan penelitian kepustakaan. Informan penelitian ini terdiri dari lima informan yaitu Direktur Utama, Direktur Keuangan dan Barang Milik Negara, Koordinator Penyusunan dan Evaluasi Anggaran, Koordinator Perencanaan dan Evaluasi, dan Kepala Satuan Pemeriksaan Internal. Data penelitian merupakan hasil pengamatan di lapangan, melalui wawancara dan penyajian data secara ilmiah yaitu berupa laporan realisasi anggaran dan laporan keuangan RSUP Dr. Kariadi. Perencanaan penganggaran BLU sudah terlaksana cukup optimal, transparansi cukup terbuka dan akuntabilitas program kegiatan dapat dipertanggungjawabkan. Pelaksanaan anggaran dengan prinsip efektivitas dan efisiensi di RSUP Dr. Kariadi telah dilaksanakan dengan baik, namun dari sisi fleksibilitas pengelolaan keuangan masih belum optimal. Kinerja keuangan berdasarkan efektivitas dan efisiensi perencanaan anggaran BLU berdampak pada pendapatan operasional dan biaya operasional rumah sakit. Efektivitas dan efisiensi memiliki pengaruh yang kuat terhadap kinerja keuangan di RSUP Dr. Kariadi, baik pengaruh positif maupun negatif. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, diperlukan sosialisasi kepada semua unit kerja untuk penerapan efektivitas dan efisiensi dalam menyusun program kegiatan operasional rumah sakit.
Risk Factors of Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Incidence (Non-Covid-19): A Case Study in the Work Area of the Sukorejo Primary Healthcare Center, Pacitan Regency
Authors: Nurtanti Ratna , Azam Mahalul 
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Acute Upper respiratory tract infection was the highest case among the other diseases in Sukorejo Primary Healthcare Center, Pacitan Regency. Health protocol policies have an impact on healthy living behavior, which can prevent COVID-19 and acute upper respiratory infection (non-COVID-19). Rumors in the community stated that all acute upper respiratory infections had been tested for COVID-19, and were declared positive for COVID-19. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with acute upper respiratory tract infections (non-COVID-19).Methods: This study was conducted in an analytic observational method with a case-control study design. There were 61 subjects in the case and 61 subjects aged 26-65 years in the control groups. Sampling was done by simple random sampling for the case and purposive sampling for the control group. Data were analyzed by chi-square tests and logistic regression models.Results: Based on bivariate analysis, the inappropriate use of masks, smoking, inappropriate hand washing habits, high density on room occupancy, and inappropriate house ventilation area were the risk factors of acute upper respiratory tract infections (non-COVID-19). After controlling for the other variables, smoking habits (OR=2.723; 95%Cl=1.216-6.098; p=0.015), inappropriate house ventilation area (OR=2.569; 95%Cl=1.149-5.743; p=0.022), high density in room occupancy density (OR=2.425; 95%Cl=1.087-5.410; p =0.031) and the inappropriate use of masks (OR=2.320; 95%Cl=1.021-5.173; p=0.045) were the risk factors of acute upper respiratory tract infection (non-COVID-19) incidence.Conclusion: The risk factors of acute upper respiratory tract infection (non-COVID-19) incidence were smoking habits, inappropriate house ventilation, high density in room occupancy and the inappropriate use of masks
Increased expression of androgen receptor and PSA genes in LNCaP (prostate cancer) cell line due to high concentrations of EGCG, an active ingredient in green tea
Authors: Bakhshandeh Nadereh , Mohammadi Maryam , Mohammadi Parisa , Nazari Elahe , Damchi Mehdi , Khodabandelu Sajad , Mokhtari Hossein 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Androgen receptor (AR) play a key role in the onset and progression of prostate cancer. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a polyphenolic compound and the active ingredient in green tea, which is involved in modulating gene expression through epigenetic alterations. Previous studies have shown that EGCG at low concentrations reduces the expression of AR and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the LNCaP cell line of prostate cancer. In this study, the effect of higher EGCG concentrations on AR and PSA expression in LNCaP prostate cancer cell line was investigated.

Methods
In this study, LNCaP prostate cancer cell line was used and after MTT test, concentrations of 40, 60 and 80 μg/mL EGCG were used for treatment. Then, the expression of AR and PSA genes was evaluated by RT-PCR. AR protein expression was also assessed by Western blotting.

Results
The present study showed that treatment of LNCaPs cells by EGCG reduces cell proliferation. The IC50 value was 42.7 μg/mL under experimental conditions. It was also observed that EGCG at concentrations of 40 and 80 μg/mL increased the expression of AR and PSA (p<0.05).

Conclusions
The present study showed that the effect of EGCG on AR expression was different at different concentrations, so that unlike previous studies, higher concentrations of EGCG (80 and 40 μg/mL) increased AR and PSA expression. It seems that due to the toxic effects of EGCG in high concentrations on cancer cells and the possibility of its effect on normal cells, more caution should be exercised in its use.