bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Finding a correct species assignment for aMetschnikowiastrain: insights from the genome sequencing of strain DBT012
Authors: Troiano Eleonora , Larini Ilaria , Binati Renato L , Gatto Veronica , Torriani Sandra , Buzzini Pietro , Turchetti Benedetta , Salvetti Elisa , Felis Giovanna E 
Published: April 2023

AbstractMetschnikowia pulcherrima is an important yeast species that is attracting increased interest thanks to its biotechnological potential, especially in agri-food applications. Phylogenetically related species of the so-called ‘pulcherrima clade’ were first described and then reclassified in one single species, which makes the identification an intriguing issue. Starting from the whole-genome sequencing of the protechnological strain Metschnikowia sp. DBT012, this study applied comparative genomics to calculate similarity with the M. pulcherrima clade publicly available genomes with the aim to verify if novel single-copy putative phylogenetic markers could be selected, in comparison with the commonly used primary and secondary barcodes. The genome-based bioinformatic analysis allowed the identification of 85 consensus single-copy orthologs, which were reduced to three after split decomposition analysis. However, wet-lab amplification of these three genes in nonsequenced type strains revealed the presence of multiple copies, which made them unsuitable as phylogenetic markers. Finally, average nucleotide identity (ANI) was calculated between strain DBT012 and available genome sequences of the M. pulcherrima clade, although the genome dataset is still rather limited. Presence of multiple copies of phylogenetic markers as well as ANI values were compatible with the recent reclassification of the clade, allowing the identification of strain DBT012 as M. pulcherrima.
Backing Out but Backing In Audience Costs? A Replication of Levy et al. (2015)
Authors: Takei Makito , Paolino Philip 
Published: April 2023

AbstractLevy et al. (2015) propose that inconsistency audience costs are caused in two ways: backing out of military commitment or backing into foreign conflicts. We replicate their experiment in July–August, 2021. Like many other studies, we find evidence for audience costs caused by backing out. However, our findings indicate that, unlike Levy et al., citizens are no less supportive of a leader who backs into a military conflict despite an initial commitment to stay out than one who behaves consistently. This study has significant theoretical and methodological implications. Theoretically, the importance of inconsistency in audience cost literature may be overstated or inconsistency audience costs may be bounded by temporal domains or contexts. Methodologically, our study emphasizes the necessity of replications because major findings can become conventional wisdom without such additional analysis.
Conceptualizing Family Caregivers’ Use of Community Support Services: A Scoping Review
Authors: Choi Hyojin , Reblin Maija , Litzelman Kristin 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Only a fraction of the 53 million caregivers in the United States use available formal community services. This scoping review synthesized the literature on the barriers and facilitators of community support service utilization by adult caregivers of a family member or friend with an illness, disability, or other limitation.

Research Design and Methods
We searched PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Web of Science for quantitative and qualitative articles assessing barriers and facilitators of caregivers’ access to and utilization of resources, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis scoping review guidelines. Thematic analysis, drawing on an initial conceptualization, informed key insights around caregivers’ resource navigation process.

Results
The review provides support for individual factors affecting service use. Notably, some factors—such as time restrictions and increased caregiving demands—appear to function as barriers to accessing services even as they increase caregivers’ need for support. Additionally, contextual barriers including cultural factors and support of friends/family can affect caregivers’ access to resources. Finally, experience with health systems and structures and the intersection with other factors can affect service utilization.

Discussion and Implications
Suboptimal access to and utilization of community support services can be addressed at both the person and system level to mitigate potential inequities. Ensuring that caregivers are aware of, eligible for, and have the capacity and support to access the appropriate resources at the right time is essential for improving caregiver outcomes, reducing burnout, and supporting continued care.
In the thicket of fears, doubts, and murky facts: some reflections on treatment modalities for endometriosis-associated pain
Authors: Canis Michel , Guo Sun-Wei 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACT
Endometriosis-associated pain can be managed by either surgery or hormonal therapy. The final decision as to which treatment modality to take is based on efficacy and possible complications of different treatment modalities, risk of recurrence, and the patient’s wishes and preferences. But in the thicket of fears, doubts, and murky facts, the choice may ultimately be the trade-off between irrational fears and ignorance versus scientific evidence. We elaborate some pros and cons of the two treatment modalities and highlight some notable downsides of hormonal therapy, in particular the possible yet unquantified risk of long-term hormonal therapy for malignant transformation, perhaps with the only exception of combined oral contraceptives. Thus, when discussing with patients, we advocate the approach of discussing the advantages and disadvantages of all treatment options in detail, accounting for the known pros and cons with a full understanding of the predictive irrationality of human beings. For endometriosis-associated pain, surgery is definitely not a failure of medicine but, rather, a viable option, especially given the recently surfaced undercurrent of wariness and dissatisfaction with the current hormonal drugs among patients with endometriosis. Above all, there is a pressing need to fill the knowledge gap of perioperative interventions intended to reduce the risk of recurrence and to fulfill the demand for the development of safe and efficacious non-hormonal therapeutics.
The first mitotic division: a perilous bridge connecting the zygote and the early embryo
Authors: Coticchio Giovanni , Cimadomo Danilo , Cermisoni Greta Chiara , Rienzi Laura , Papaleo Enrico , Ubaldi Filippo Maria , Borini Andrea , De Santis Lucia 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Human embryos are very frequently affected by maternally inherited aneuploidies, which in the vast majority of cases determine developmental failure at pre- or post-implantation stages. However, recent evidence, generated by the alliance between diverse technologies now routinely employed in the IVF laboratory, has revealed a broader, more complex scenario. Aberrant patterns occurring at the cellular or molecular level can impact at multiple stages of the trajectory of development to blastocyst. In this context, fertilization is an extremely delicate phase, as it marks the transition between gametic and embryonic life. Centrosomes, essential for mitosis, are assembled ex novo from components of both parents. Very large and initially distant nuclei (the pronuclei) are brought together and positioned centrally. The overall cell arrangement is converted from being asymmetric to symmetric. The maternal and paternal chromosome sets, initially separate and scattered within their respective pronuclei, become clustered where the pronuclei juxtapose, to facilitate their assembly in the mitotic spindle. The meiotic spindle is replaced by a segregation machinery that may form as a transient or persistent dual mitotic spindle. Maternal proteins assist the decay of maternal mRNAs to allow the translation of newly synthesized zygotic transcripts. The diversity and complexity of these events, regulated in a precise temporal order and occurring in narrow time windows, make fertilization a highly error-prone process. As a consequence, at the first mitotic division, cellular or genomic integrity may be lost, with fatal consequences for embryonic development.
A comparison of quasi-experimental methods with data before and after an intervention: an introduction for epidemiologists and a simulation study
Authors: Nianogo Roch A , Benmarhnia Tarik , O’Neill Stephen 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background
As the interest in and use of quasi-experimental methods to evaluate impacts of health policies have dramatically increased in the epidemiological literature, we set out this study to (i) systematically compare several quasi-experimental methods that use data before and after an intervention and contrast their performance within a simulation framework while providing a brief overview of the methods; and (ii) discuss challenges that could arise from using these methods as well as directions for future research in the context of epidemiological applications.

Methods
We considered single-group designs [pre-post and interrupted time series (ITS)] and multiple-group designs [controlled interrupted time series/difference-in-differences, synthetic control methods (SCMs): traditional SCMs and generalized SCMs]. We assessed performance based on bias and root mean squared error.

Results
We identified settings in which each method failed to provide unbiased estimates. We found that, among the methods investigated, when data for multiple time points and for multiple control groups are available (multiple-group designs), data-adaptive methods such as the generalized SCM were generally less biased than other methods evaluated in our study. In addition, when all of the included units have been exposed to treatment (single-group designs) and data for a sufficiently long pre-intervention period are available, then the ITS performs very well, provided the underlying model is correctly specified.

Conclusions
When using a quasi-experimental method using data before and after an intervention, epidemiologists should strive to use, whenever feasible, data-adaptive methods that nest alternative identifying assumptions including relaxing the parallel trend assumption (e.g. generalized SCMs).
Association of maternal serum magnesium with pre-eclampsia in African pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tesfa Endalamaw , Munshea Abaineh , Nibret Endalkachew , Gizaw Solomon Tebeje 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-related disorder characterized by hypertension and proteinuria occurring after 20 weeks of gestation. Several studies have been performed to determine the serum magnesium (Mg) level in PE, but most report inconclusive results. Consequently, this study was designed to resolve this controversy among African women. PubMed, Hinari, Google Scholar and African Journals Online electronic databases were searched for studies published in English. The qualities of included articles were appraised using the Newcastle–Ottawa quality assessment tool. Stata 14 software was utilized for analysis and serum Mg levels in cases and normotensive controls were compared through mean and standardized mean difference (SMD) at the 95% confidence interval (CI). In this review, we found that the mean serum Mg level was significantly reduced in cases (0.910±0.762 mmol/L) vs controls (1.167±1.060 mmol/L). The pooled SMD of serum Mg was significantly lower in cases (−1.20 [95% CI −1.64 to −0.75]). Therefore, since serum Mg is reduced in cases vs controls, we propose that Mg is involved in the pathophysiology of PE. Nevertheless, to know the exact mechanisms of Mg in PE development will require large-scale prospective studies.
Management of postharvest blue mould of apple caused by Penicillium fuscoglaucum using a gel formulation containing Monarda citriodora essential oil and linalool
Authors: Rani Pragya , Sharma Mohini , Poovathumkadavil Thambi Nidhin , Katoch Meenu 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Aims
This study aimed to develop essential oil-containing biopolymer-based vapor gel formulations for the postharvest management of blue mould of apples. Apples are one of the widely cultivated fruits. They are susceptible to a wide range of fungus leading to high losses in overall production. Many research articles have highlighted the applications of essential oil-biopolymer coatings in the postharvest storage of fruits. However, no studies have yet tried to explore the potential of a vapour gel formulation for postharvest applications.

Methods and results
Contaminated apples were collected from the local market. The causative fungus was isolated and identified. Minimum fungicidal concentrations of Monarda citriodora essential oil (MEO) and hexanal/linalool in the vapour phase were determined in vitro. In vitro and in vivo, checkerboard assays were used to demonstrate the synergistic activity between MEO and hexanal/linalool vapours against the isolated pathogen. MEO and linalool (M + L) combinatorial treatment indicated synergy in vivo and in vitro. In vivo treatment of M + L on apples by direct fumigation showed phytotoxicity. Gel formulations (carrageenan-guar gum, carbopol gel, and soft gel) were developed and evaluated to address phytotoxicity. M + L combination synergistically remediated the phytotoxicity in both carbopol (FICI = 0.625) and soft gels (FICI = 0.5625). The physicochemical parameters (pH, weight loss, TSS, and ascorbic acid (AsAC) of the treated apples were analysed. Reduction in weight loss and increase in AsAC were observed for treated fruits when compared to control, and no change in pH and TSS was observed.

Conclusions
Biopolymer vapour gel formulations containing M + L vapours effectively protect apples from the postharvest blue mould for extended storage.
A New JECFA Method for GC-MS Determination of Propylene Chlorohydrine Residues in Hydroxypropylated Starches
Authors: van der Ark Menko , Hopman Johan , Mijland Paul , Mulder Wubbo , Asdarci Fatma , O’Connell Xavier , Medic Jelena , Wei Qian , Brunt Kommer 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background
Propylene chlorohydrins (PCHs) are formed as byproducts in the reaction between starch and propylene oxide (PO). For hydroxypropylated (HP) starch applications in food, Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food additives (JECFA) set the maximum allowed total propylene chlorohydrin (PHC-t) residues level at 1 mg/kg.

Objective
To develop an improved analytical method for the determination of the PCH-t content in starches in the low mg/kg range to replace the outdated JECFA method.

Methods
A new GC–MS method that utilizes aqueous methanol as extraction medium for PCH. The GC–MS system is equipped with a programmable temperature vaporization injector and Stabilwax-DA column and uses helium as carrier gas. Quantitative detection is achieved in selected ion monitoring mode.

Results
This single-laboratory validation (SLV) study showed good linear calibrations for both 1-chloro-2-propanol (PCH-1) and 2-chloro-1-propanol (PCH-2) in the concentration range of 0.5–4 mg/kg in dry starch. The lower LOQ of PCH-1 and PCH-2 was 0.2–0.3 mg/kg in dry starch, the reproducibility RSD (RSDR) at the concentration level of 1–2 mg/kg in dry starch was 3–5%, and the recovery values for both PCH-1 and PCH-2 were in the range of 78–112% at a concentration level of about 0.6 mg/kg in dry starch. Compared with the current, outdated JECFA method, the new GC–MS method is more sustainable, less laborious, and therefore more economical. The analytical capacity of the new method is 4–5 times higher than the analytical capacity of the old JECFA method.

Conclusion
The GC–MS method is fit for a multi-laboratory trial (MLT).

Highlights
Based on the results of this SLV and the MLT (will be published in a second paper), the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives has recently decided to replace the outdated GC–FID JECFA method with the new GC–MS method for the determination of PCH-t content in starches.
Patient or Prisoner?: Acute Burn Injuries in Prisoners—The Birmingham Burns Centre Experience
Authors: Rafie Arash , Kankam Hadyn K N , Sandhu Amritpal , Chipp Elizabeth 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Increased risk of violence and self-harm means prisoners are a vulnerable population with complex health needs. They account for a small proportion of patients with burn injuries; however, present a unique set of challenges. This study investigates the incidence, pattern and outcomes of burn injuries in prison population. Prisoners referred from 2010 to 2021 were identified using the International Burn Injury Database (iBID). Patient demographics, burn injury characteristics and outcomes were collected. Patients were then stratified based on mechanism of injury, treatment modality (surgery/conservative), hospital admission (inpatient/outpatient), and compliance with outpatient follow-up, for subgroup analyses.
Sixty-eight prisoners sustained burns during the study period, with a median age of 28.5 years and TBSA of 3%. The majority were male (98.5%) and required hospital admission (75%). Scalds were the most common injury type (77.9%) and assault the most frequent cause of burns (63.2%). Eighteen patients (26.5%) underwent a surgical procedure and there were two mortalities. Of patients for whom follow-up was planned, 22% attended no appointments, with a further 49% of prisoners missing at least one appointment. Relative to patients managed nonoperatively, prisoners undergoing surgery had a longer stay and all attended outpatient follow-up appointments. Prisoners represent a unique population with exceptional challenges. Attention should be given to protecting vulnerable patients at risk of assault, education of prison staff around burn prevention and first aid, and ensuring that prisoners are able to access burns follow-up to minimize long-term sequelae. Opportunities exist to aid this such as the adoption of telemedicine.
“Taking Time”: Exploring Music Therapy Student Self-Care Definitions and Practices
Authors: Wilhelm Lindsey A , Moore Carolyn 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The concept of self-care for music therapists is not a new topic in the literature, yet music therapy students’ perspectives have largely been excluded from formal discussions and research studies. For this reason, this study aimed to examine music therapy students’ conceptualizations of self-care and identify practices that students frequently engage in for self-care. As part of a national survey, music therapy students currently enrolled in an academic degree program for music therapy within the United States defined self-care and identified up to three of their most frequent self-care practices. We analyzed the student self-care definitions and self-care practices using inductive content analysis. Two primary categories emerged from the student definitions—the Act of Self-Care and the Desired Outcomes of Self-Care—with several more detailed subcategories. Additionally, we grouped participants’ most common self-care practices into 10 categories and identified two emergent areas for exploration: self-care practices done with others/done alone and engaging in self-care practices that intentionally do not involve anything related to academics/coursework/clinical work. Together, these findings indicate that students’ conceptualizations of self-care and their self-care practices have similarities and differences with music therapy professionals’ perspectives and practices. We discuss these findings in depth and provide recommendations for future self-care discussions that emphasize the need to prioritize students’ perspectives and to expand conceptualizations of self-care to include contextual and systemic impacts and factors that influence the individual self-care experience.
Presentations and outcomes of people with unexplained symptoms in acute general surgery: protocol for a mixed-methods study
Authors: Romeu Daniel , Taylor Anna K , Guthrie Elspeth , Peckham-Cooper Adam , Henderson Max , Toogood Giles 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIntroductionUnexplained symptoms are common across healthcare settings and are associated with increased mental and physical morbidity and healthcare expenditure. Improving the identification, explanation and management of unexplained symptoms will be helpful to patientsand healthcare systems. Limited data exists exploring unexplained acute abdominal pain in the surgical setting.ObjectivesThis protocol describes three interlinked studies. Study one will determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients presenting with explained and unexplained abdominal pain in an acute surgical setting. Study two will explore how the explanation and management of unexplained symptoms is conveyed to patients. Study three will explore how patients with unexplained symptoms understand these explanations.Methods and analysisPatients aged ≥18 years who present to a surgical same day emergency care unit with acute abdominal pain will be eligible. In study one, participants will be asked to complete a questionnaire, including validated self-report measures, at the time of presentation and six months later. They will be divided into explained and unexplained symptom groups based on clinical presentation and investigation outcomes. The proportion in each group meeting diagnostic thresholds for anxiety and depression will be compared and baseline predictors of pain and quality of life six months later will be determined. In study two, recordings of consultations between patients and surgeons involving the explanation and management of unexplained abdominal pain will be analysed. In study three, participants will be interviewed to explore their experiences and understanding of their symptoms.
Fifty years of sperm cell isolations: from structural to omic studies
Authors: Flores-Tornero María , Becker Jörg D 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe fusion of male and female gametes is a fundamental process in the perpetuation and diversification of species. During the last 50 years, significant efforts have been made to isolate and characterize sperm cells from flowering plants, and to identify how these cells interact with female gametes to achieve double fertilization. The first techniques and analytical approaches not only provided structural and biochemical characterizations of plant sperm cells but also paved the way for in vitro fertilization studies. Further technological advances then led to unique insights into sperm biology at the transcriptomic, proteomic, and epigenetic level. Starting with a historical overview of sperm cell isolation techniques, we provide examples of how these contributed to create our current knowledge of sperm cell biology, and point out remaining challenges.