bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Whole-genome sequencing and functional annotation of pathogenic Paraconiothyrium brasiliense causing human cellulitis
Authors: Liu Haibing , Zhang Yue , Chen Jianguo 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
A pathogenic filamentous fungus causing eyelid cellulitis was isolated from the secretion from a patient's left eyelid, and a phylogenetic analysis based on the rDNA internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) and single-copy gene families identified the isolated strain as Paraconiothyrium brasiliense. The genus Paraconiothyrium contains the major plant pathogenic fungi, and in our study, P. brasiliense was identified for the first time as causing human infection. To comprehensively analyze the pathogenicity, and proteomics of the isolated strain from a genetic perspective, whole-genome sequencing was performed with the Illumina NovaSeq and Oxford Nanopore Technologies platforms, and a bioinformatics analysis was performed with BLAST against genome sequences in various publicly available databases.

Results
The genome of P. brasiliense GGX 413 is 39.49 Mb in length, with a 51.2% GC content, and encodes 13,057 protein-coding genes and 181 noncoding RNAs. Functional annotation showed that 592 genes encode virulence factors that are involved in human disease, including 61 lethal virulence factors and 30 hypervirulence factors. Fifty-four of these 592 virulence genes are related to carbohydrate-active enzymes, including 46 genes encoding secretory CAZymes, and 119 associated with peptidases, including 70 genes encoding secretory peptidases, and 27 are involved in secondary metabolite synthesis, including four that are associated with terpenoid metabolism.

Conclusions
This study establishes the genomic resources of P. brasiliense and provides a theoretical basis for future studies of the pathogenic mechanism of its infection of humans, the treatment of the diseases caused, and related research.
Linking the flow-induced tremor model to the seismological observation: application to the deep harmonic tremor at Hakone volcano, Japan
Authors: Ozaki Tomonori , Yukutake Yohei , Ichihara Mie 
Published: July 2023

AbstractDecades ago, Julian (J Volcanol Geotherm Res 101:19–26, 1994. https://doi.org/10.1029/93JB03129) proposed the lumped parameter model of non-linear excitation of an elastic channel vibration by fluid flow as a mechanism of volcanic harmonic tremor. Since then, his model and similar flow-induced oscillation models have been applied or considered to explain volcanic tremors and low-frequency earthquakes. Here we extended Julian’s model to allow quantitative comparison with observation data and applied it to deep harmonic tremor observed at Hakone volcano, Japan. We formulated the model in terms of the channel volume and linked the solution to the volumetric moment tensor. We also incorporated the turbulent flow effect to deal with both magma and super-critical fluid as the working fluid. Assuming the realistic material parameters at the tremor source depth ($$\sim$$
∼
30 km) beneath Hakone, we searched for the conditions in which tremor was generated at an observed frequency ($$\sim$$
∼
1 Hz). It is shown that both magma and super-critical fluids can generate realistic tremors with similar channel sizes of several-meter long and several-centimeter wide. We convolved the model solution with the Green’s function at each seismic station to compare the model with the data. The result showed that Julian’s model could produce synthetic tremor waveforms very close to the observed ones. Although the source waveform had only a single peak at each cycle, the convolved waveform exhibited an apparent secondary peak, like the observed waveforms. While the previous models generated such waveforms exhibiting alternative large and small peaks by a non-linear effect of period-doubling before the chaos, our model did not show such transitions, at least with the investigated parameters. Although most of the parameters and physical values of the solutions were in the realistic ranges, the only problem was the presumed low elasticity of the channel as small as $$10^5$$

10
5

Pa to generate oscillation at $$\sim$$
∼
1 Hz. We proposed that not the rock property alone but the channel structure consisting of rock and compressible fluids could generate the low effective elasticity. To fully validate our model, the mechanism of such small elasticity should be identified, which is our future work.
Graphical Abstract
Targeting miRNA by CRISPR/Cas in cancer: advantages and challenges
Authors: Hussen Bashdar Mahmud , Rasul Mohammed Fatih , Abdullah Snur Rasool , Hidayat Hazha Jamal , Faraj Goran Sedeeq Hama , Ali Fattma Abodi , Salihi Abbas , Baniahmad Aria , Ghafouri-Fard Soudeh , Rahman Milladur , Glassy Mark C. , Branicki Wojciech , Taheri Mohammad 
Published: July 2023

AbstractClustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) has changed biomedical research and provided entirely new models to analyze every aspect of biomedical sciences during the last decade. In the study of cancer, the CRISPR/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) system opens new avenues into issues that were once unknown in our knowledge of the noncoding genome, tumor heterogeneity, and precision medicines. CRISPR/Cas-based gene-editing technology now allows for the precise and permanent targeting of mutations and provides an opportunity to target small non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs (miRNAs). However, the development of effective and safe cancer gene editing therapy is highly dependent on proper design to be innocuous to normal cells and prevent introducing other abnormalities. This study aims to highlight the cutting-edge approaches in cancer-gene editing therapy based on the CRISPR/Cas technology to target miRNAs in cancer therapy. Furthermore, we highlight the potential challenges in CRISPR/Cas-mediated miRNA gene editing and offer advanced strategies to overcome them.
School Health Education Program in Pakistan (SHEPP): findings from a feasibility trial in pre-adolescent school children from a lower middle-income country
Authors: Almas Aysha , Iqbal Romaina , Ghani Abdul , Samad Zainab , Sabir Sania , Kazmi Khawar 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
The school environment plays an essential role in promoting health education and physical activity for children and adolescents. We aim to assess the feasibility of threefold health education program in children and its potential efficacy on physical activity and diet and cardiometabolic risk factors including blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference.

Methods
The SHEPP was a parallel group feasibility intervention trial conducted in two schools over 23 months. All children aged 9–11 years enrolled in the schools were included. The SHEPP intervention comprised of health education on healthy lifestyle and physical activity sessions for children, training of teachers, and awareness sessions for parents conducted over 10 months. One school received the intervention of SHEPP while the other school continued routine activity. The primary outcome was the feasibility of SHEPP in terms of recruitment, retention, and treatment fidelity. Secondary outcomes were physical activity levels, dietary intake (of fruits and vegetables), and cardiometabolic risk factors (blood pressure, BMI, and waist circumference (WC)).

Results
A total of 1280 preadolescent children were assessed for eligibility and 1191 were found eligible. The overall recruitment n (%) was 982/1191(82.5%) with 505(51.4) from SHEPP intervention school and 477(48.6) in routine activity school. The overall retention rate n (%) at 10-month follow-up was 912/982(92.8), with 465/505(92) in SHEPP intervention school and 447/477(93.7) in routine activity school. In treatment fidelity, 132/144(92) %). Physical activity sessions and all (100%) health education sessions were conducted for each of the twelve classes. Mean (SD) Seven-day Physical activity increased by 134 (196) min in the SHEPP intervention school v 29.8(177) in the routine activity school (P value < 0.001) from baseline to follow-up. Overall, there was an increase in vegetable intake (> 3 serving /day) in SHEPP intervention school of 5.5 to 21.4% from baseline to follow-up compared to 7.5 to 14.9% in routine activity school. The mean change (SD) in systolic blood pressure was 1.3(12) mmHg, 2.2(19.0) mm Hg in in diastolic blood pressure, − 0.09(5.4) kg/m2 in BMI and 6.2 cm in waist circumference in the intervention arm versus − 3.4(11.1) mm Hg in SBP, − 4.3(9.9) mm Hg in DBP, − 0.04((4.6) kg/m2 in BMI, and 3.8 cm in WC in the control arm.

Conclusion
We found that intervention using SHEPP is feasible in schools and may help children to adopt a healthy lifestyle as they age by increasing physical activity. However, the potentially beneficial effect on diet, MI, and BP needs further exploration and a longer follow-up, more specifically at the juncture of teenage and adulthood.

Trial registration
NCT03303287.
Assessing the feasibility of a clinical trial to evaluate an advanced practice physiotherapy model of care in chronic pain management: a feasibility study
Authors: Miller Jordan , Doulas Tom , Bisson Etienne J. , Abebe Abey , Chala Mulugeta , McClintock Chad , Varette Kevin , Vader Kyle , Desmeules François , Perreault Kadija , Donnelly Catherine , Booth Randy , Tawiah Andrews K. , Duggan Scott 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Chronic pain management is challenging for health systems worldwide. Clinical practice guidelines recommend interprofessional chronic pain management, but chronic pain clinics often have lengthy wait-lists. Advanced practice physiotherapists (APP) in orthopedic clinics and emergency departments have provided effective care and reduced wait times. The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of a clinical trial to evaluate the effects of integrating an APP into a chronic pain clinic setting. The primary objectives are as follows: (1) determine the feasibility of implementing trial methods by evaluating participant recruitment rates, retention, and assessment completion; (2) determine the feasibility of implementing the APP model of care by monitoring care provided and treatment fidelity; and (3) assess contextual factors that may influence implementation of the APP model of care by exploring the perspectives of patient participants and healthcare providers related to the model of care.

Methods
This will be a single-arm feasibility study with embedded qualitative interviews to assess contextual factors influencing implementation by exploring participant and provider perspectives. Approximately 40 adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain referred for care at an interprofessional chronic pain clinic will be invited to participate in the feasibility study. Approximately 10–12 patient participants and 5–10 health professionals from the interprofessional team will be interviewed using an interpretive description approach. The APP model of care will involve participants seeing a physiotherapist as the first point of contact within the interprofessional team. The APP will complete an initial assessment and make care recommendations. Outcome measures planned for the full trial will be reported descriptively, including pain severity, pain interference, health-related quality of life, psychosocial risk factors for chronic pain, treatment satisfaction, perceived change, healthcare utilization, and healthcare costs over one year.

Discussion
This study will inform plans to implement a full-scale study to evaluate the impact of an APP model of care in an interprofessional chronic pain management program. The results of the full study are intended to inform stakeholders considering this model to improve patient-centered and health system outcomes in interprofessional pain management program settings.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05336903 (Registered April 5, 2022).
A new species of cascade frog (Anura: Ranidae: Amolops) from central Yunnan, China
Authors: Tang Shangjing , Sun Tao , Liu Shuo , Luo Sangdi , Yu Guohua , Du Lina 
Published: July 2023

AbstractA new species of the genusAmolops,Amolops ailaosp. nov., is described from central Yunnan, China. The new species belongs to theA. mantzorumspecies group. Phylogenetic analyses based on the combination of mitochondrial 16S rRNA, COI, and cytb genes revealed that the new species is the sister taxon toAmolops ottorumwith strong support. Genetically, the new species differs fromA. ottorumby 5.0% in cytb sequences. Morphologically, the new species can be distinguished from known congeners by the combination of the following characters: true dorsolateral folds absent, but dorsolateral folds formed by series of glands present; circummarginal groove on tip of first finger absent; body size small (males SVL 33.0–35.1 mm and female SVL 41.3 mm); HW/SVL 0.32‒0.35; UEW/SVL 0.08‒0.10; THL/SVL 0.52‒0.56; vomerine teeth absent; interorbital distance narrower than internarial distance; tympanum distinct, less than half eye diameter; supratympanic fold present, indistinct; a pair of large tubercles on sides of cloaca; tibiotarsal articulation reaching beyond anterior corner of eye; and vocal sac absent. The cladogenesis events within theA. mantzorumgroup rapidly occurred from Pliocene 4.23 Mya to Pleistocene 1.2 Mya, coinciding with the recent intensive uplift of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau since the Pliocene. Combining findings in this study with the most recent taxonomic progress, we consider that there are 20 knownAmolopsspecies in Yunnan, China, accounting for the highest proportion of amphibian diversity of Yunnan, and five of them belong to theA. mantzorumgroup. Among different subfauna and water systems in Yunnan, the species diversity ofAmolopsin northwestern Yunnan and Nu River Basin is highest.
All professions can benefit — a mixed-methods study on simulation-based teamwork training for operating room teams
Authors: Escher Cecilia , Rystedt Hans , Creutzfeldt Johan , Meurling Lisbet , Hedman Leif , Felländer-Tsai Li , Kjellin Ann 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Operating rooms have become more technically complex due to new advanced procedures, which has increased demands on teamwork in the operating room. In response, team training has been proposed to improve team performance, workplace culture, and patient safety. We developed and delivered a simulation-based team training course for entire professional surgical teams. This type of intervention has been proposed by researchers but has not been widely published. The aims of this intervention study were to examine participants’ reactions to the course in terms of their motivation for the training and their self-efficacy in relation to their performance, as well as their views on transferring the lessons learned in the course to their workplace.

Methods
In a prospective mixed-methods intervention study, operating room professionals participated in a full-day simulation-based teamwork training course. Learning objectives were nontechnical skills, specifically communication and collaboration across the team.
Seventy-one staff members representing 5 operating room professions were included, and the average work experience of participants was 6 years.
Quantitative data on self-efficacy and situational motivation were collected by questionnaires before and after training. Qualitative data were collected through 5 focus group interviews that took place in direct relation to the courses and included a total of 31 participants. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results
All occupations showed a similar pattern in terms of increases in self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation after the training. Analysis of the qualitative data showed that training in one’s profession and in authentic multiprofessional teams was important factors for motivation. Participating staff described an awareness of undesirable communication barriers in surgical teams that can lead to risks for patients. Systematic training was definitely perceived as a means to reduce barriers and improve communication and collaboration.

Conclusion
Simulation-based training was equally well received by all professional groups. Our results confirm the feasibility of this type of training for professional teams and promising opportunities for improving teamwork skills. The qualitative data reveal both opportunities and limitations for transferring the learning experiences to the workplace.
Evaluating meaningful changes in physical functioning and cognitive declines in metachromatic leukodystrophy: a caregiver interview study
Authors: Martin Susan , Harris Nimanee , Romanus Dorothy 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a rare lysosomal storage disease caused by deficient activity of arylsulfatase A (ASA). Treatment options for patients are limited; gene therapy based on haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the only approved treatment for some subtypes of MLD. Any therapeutic benefit of treatments must be meaningful for patients and their families. We evaluated the clinical meaningfulness of slowing the decline in gross motor function as measured by the Gross Motor Function Classification in MLD (GMFC-MLD) from the caregiver perspective via semi-structured telephone interviews with caregivers of children with late-infantile MLD. We also evaluated the perceived significance of declines in communication abilities measured by the Expressive Language Function Classification in MLD (ELFC-MLD). This work could help to inform the endpoints of a phase 2 clinical trial (NCT03771898) assessing the efficacy of intrathecal recombinant human ASA in MLD.

Results
Twelve caregivers were recruited, reporting on 12 children with MLD. Children had a mean age of 6.1 years; mean age at symptom onset was 17.6 months. Most children (10/12) progressed from walking without support (categories 0–1) to a loss of locomotion (categories 5–6) in ≤ 2 years. Caregivers felt that GMFC-MLD and ELFC-MLD accurately described motor and language declines in their children, respectively. Most caregivers (10/12) reported that the idea of delaying disease progression would be meaningful. Further, a slowing of motor function decline in GMFC-MLD, from category 1 to category 3 or from category 2 to category 4 over 2 years, was seen as meaningful by all caregivers asked; however, only 3/12 caregivers reported that delayed decline would be meaningful if baseline category was ≥ 3. Caregivers also reported that delaying expressive language decline at any level that did not indicate a complete loss of expressive language (indicated by categories 1–3) would be meaningful.

Conclusions
Caregivers of children with MLD felt that a delayed decline in gross motor function, as assessed by the GMFC-MLD, would be meaningful, supporting the selection of primary and secondary endpoints for the phase 2 clinical trial. Communication abilities were another area of significance for consideration in future clinical trial design.
Adverse COVID-19 experiences and health-related quality of life in cancer survivors: indirect effects of COVID-19-related depression and financial burden
Authors: Perry Laura M. , Peipert John D. , Kircher Sheetal M. , Cantoral Jackelyn , Penedo Frank J. , Garcia Sofia F. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Cancer survivors are at greater risk for poor health outcomes due to COVID-19. However, the pandemic's impact on patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is not well known. This study hypothesized that cancer survivors' adverse COVID-19 experiences would be associated with worse HRQoL. Further, this association would be moderated by psychosocial resiliency factors (perceived social support, benefits, and ability to manage stress) and mediated by psychosocial risk factors (anxiety, depression; health, financial and social concerns).

Methods
1,043 cancer survivors receiving care at Northwestern Medicine completed a cross-sectional survey on COVID-19 practical and psychosocial concerns from 6/2021 to 3/2022. Participants reported on 21 adverse COVID-19 experiences (e.g., COVID-19 hospitalization, death of family/friends, loss of income, medical delays). The survey assessed 9 psychosocial factors related to COVID-19: anxiety, depression; health care, financial, and social disruptions; health care satisfaction; social support, perceived benefits, and stress management skills. The FACT-G7 assessed HRQoL. Hypotheses were tested in a structural equation model. The number of reported adverse COVID-19 experiences was the primary (observed) independent variable. The dependent variable of HRQoL, and the proposed mediating and moderating factors, were entered as latent variables indicated by their respective survey items. Latent interaction terms between the independent variable and each resiliency factor tested moderation effects. Analyses were adjusted for demographic and COVID-specific variables.

Results
Participants were, on average, aged 58 years and diagnosed with cancer 4.9 years prior. They were majority female (73.3%), White (89.6%), non-Hispanic/Latino (94.5%), college-educated (81.7%), and vaccinated for COVID-19 (95.5%). An average of 3.8 adverse COVID-19 experiences were reported. Results of structural equation modeling demonstrated that the association between adverse COVID-19 experiences and HRQoL was explained by indirect effects through COVID-19-related depression (β = − 0.10, percentile bootstrap 95% CI − 0.15 to − 0.07) and financial concerns (β = − 0.04, percentile bootstrap 95% CI − 0.07 to − 0.01). Hypotheses testing moderation by resiliency factors were not significant.

Conclusions
Adverse COVID-19 experiences were associated with higher depression symptoms and financial concerns about COVID-19, and in turn, worse HRQoL. Oncology clinics should be cognizant of the experience of adverse COVID-19 events when allocating depression and financial support resources.
Sperm chromosomal abnormalities in infertile men with failed intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
Authors: Elnahas Rania Fathy , Behery Amal Kotb , Kholeif Soha , Orief Yasser Ibrahim , Elhady Ghada Mohamed 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundMale infertility is a major health problem with multi-factorial etiology. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has revolutionized the treatment of men with severely compromised semen parameters and improved their chances of achieving pregnancy. However, many concerns have been raised about ICSI safety; in part owing to utilizing aneuploid sperms from infertile men, which may be associated with an increased incidence of chromosomal aneuploidies in ICSI pregnancies. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of sperm aneuploidies for chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y in semen of infertile males with failed ICSI. This will assist infertile couples and enable them to make informed decisions. For this purpose, sperm aneuploidy frequency for chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y was evaluated by multicolor fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) in 35 patients with abnormal semen parameters, and 10 normozoospermic healthy men who served as controls.ResultsSperm aneuploidies for chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y in semen from infertile men with failed ICSI were detected at higher frequencies than controls. Patients had significantly higher disomy, nullisomy, diploidy, and polyploidy frequencies compared to controls.ConclusionsInfertile men with failed ICSI have a significantly increased frequency of sperm chromosome abnormalities compared to controls. Fluorescence in situ hybridization facilitated the study of numerical chromosomal abnormalities in human sperm nuclei (sperm FISH). Sperm FISH, prior to the application of assisted reproductive techniques, saves a considerable amount of time and resources.