bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasites among schoolchildren in Ecuador, with emphasis on the molecular diversity of Giardia duodenalis, Blastocystis sp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi
Authors: Tapia-Veloz Estephany , Gozalbo Mónica , Guillén Marisa , Dashti Alejandro , Bailo Begoña , Köster Pamela C. , Santín Mónica , Carmena David , Trelis María 
Published: May 2023

Background
Intestinal helminths, including Soil-Transmitted Helminth (STH), and Gastrointestinal Protist (GP) infections are major contributors to the global burden of disease, particularly in low-income countries such Ecuador. Their epidemiology in these settings is largely unknown.

Methodology
This prospective cross-sectional study investigates the carriage of intestinal helminths, including STH, and GP in asymptomatic schoolchildren (3–11 years) in the Chimborazo and Guayas provinces, Ecuador. Single stool samples (n = 372) and epidemiological questionnaires on demographics and potential risk factors were collected from participating schoolchildren. Conventional microscopy examination was used as screening method, and molecular (PCR and Sanger sequencing) assays were used to further investigate the epidemiology of some GP. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the strength of the association of suspected risk factors with the presence of helminths and GP.

Principal findings
At least one intestinal parasite species was observed by microscopy in 63.2% (235/372) of the participating schoolchildren. Enterobius vermicularis (16.7%, 62/372; 95% CI: 13.0–20.9) and Blastocystis sp. (39.2%, 146/372; 95% CI: 34.2–44.2) were the most prevalent among helminths and GP, respectively. Assemblages A (50.0%), B (37.5%) and A+B (12.5%) were detected within Giardia duodenalis and ST3 (28.6%), ST1 and ST2 (26.2% each), and ST4 (14.3%) within Blastocystis sp. Three genotypes, two known (A: 66.7%; KB-1: 16.7%) and a novel (HhEcEb1, 16.7%) were identified within Enterocytozoon bieneusi. Municipality of origin, household overcrowding, and poor sanitation and personal hygiene habits were risk factors for childhood intestinal parasites colonization.

Conclusions/Significance
Despite massive government drug administration programs, STH and GP infection remain a public health concern in paediatric populations living in poor-resource settings. Molecular analytical methods are required to better understand the epidemiology of these intestinal parasites. This study provides novel information on the occurrence of Blastocystis sp. and E. bieneusi genetic variants circulating in Ecuadorian human populations.
Exclusive breastfeeding: Relation to gestational age, birth weight, and early neonatal ward admission. A nationwide cohort study of children born after 35 weeks of gestation
Authors: Nejsum Freja Marie , Måstrup Ragnhild , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Løkkegaard Ellen Christine Leth , Wiingreen Rikke , Hansen Bo Mølholm 
Published: May 2023

Objectives
Prematurity, being small for gestational age and early neonatal ward admission are the major neonatal conditions that may interfere with breastfeeding supportive practices in infants born at gestational age ≥35+0 weeks. We aimed to investigate the associations between gestational age, small for gestational age, early neonatal ward admission and exclusive breastfeeding at one and four months.

Methods
A register-based cohort-study of all Danish singletons with gestational age ≥35+0 weeks born in 2014–2015. In Denmark, health visitors routinely conduct free home visits throughout infants’ first year and thereby report breastfeeding data to The Danish National Child Health Register. These data were linked with data from other national registers. Logistic regression models estimated the odds ratio for exclusive breastfeeding at one and four months, adjusted for confounding variables.

Results
The study population comprised 106,670 infants. Compared to gestational age 40 weeks, the adjusted odds ratio for exclusive breastfeeding at one month showed a decreasing tendency from gestational age ≥42 (n = 2,282) (1.07; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.97–1.17) to 36 weeks (n = 2,062) (0.80; 95% CI 0.73–0.88). Small for gestational age (n = 2,342) was associated with decreased adjusted odds ratio for exclusive breastfeeding at one month (0.84; 95% CI 0.77–0.92). Neonatal ward admission was associated with increased adjusted odds ratio for exclusive breastfeeding at one month among late preterm infants (gestational age 35–36 weeks; n = 3,139) (1.31; 95% CI 1.12–1.54), as opposed to among early term (gestational age 37–38 weeks; n = 19,171) (0.84; 95% CI 0.77–0.92) and term infants (gestational age >38 weeks; n = 84,360) (0.89; 95% CI 0.83–0.94). The associations seemed to persist at four months.

Conclusions
Decreasing gestational age and small for gestational age were associated with decreased exclusive breastfeeding rates. Neonatal ward admission was associated with increased exclusive breastfeeding rates among late preterm infants, whereas the opposite was observed among early term and term infants.
Optimal assist strategy exploration for a direct assist device under stress‒strain dynamics
Authors: Zijian Li , Fangqun Wang , Fenglian Zhu , Yu Gao , Shaojun Wang 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this paper is to introduce a new assist strategy for a direct assist device that can enhance the heart’s pumping efficiency and decrease the chances of myocardial injury in contrast to the conventional assist strategy.

Methods
We established a finite element model of a biventricular heart, divided the ventricles into several regions, and applied pressure to each region separately in order to identify the primary and secondary assist areas. Then combined and tested these areas to obtain the optimal assist strategy.

Results
The results indicate that our method exhibits an assist efficiency approximately ten times higher than that of the traditional assist method. Additionally, the stress distribution in the ventricles is more uniform after assistance.

Conclusions
In summary, this approach can result in a more homogenous stress distribution within the heart while also minimizing the contact area with it, which can reduce the incidence of allergic reactions and the likelihood of myocardial injury.
A Flexible Surface Description for Arbitrarily Shaped Dielectric Lens Antennas
Authors: Jaschke Thomas , Rohrdantz Benjamin , Jacob Arne F. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
A method to efficiently describe arbitrarily shaped dielectric lens antennas based on spherical harmonics is proposed. It makes use of a Fourier-Laplace series and requires a low number of expansion coefficients, only. Symmetries can be included to impose special geometries or to further reduce the number of coefficients. The efficiency of the approach enables a fast optimization of the surface. This is particularly useful for electrically small lenses. Three exemplary lens designs based on different specifications are obtained through optimization. The manufacturing is discussed and the radiation characteristics are explored and validated through measurements.
Membrane-anchored substrate binding proteins are deployed in secondary TAXI transporters
Authors: Roden Anja , Engelin Melanie K. , Pos Klaas M. , Geertsma Eric R. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Substrate-binding proteins (SBPs) are part of solute transport systems and serve to increase substrate affinity and uptake rates. In contrast to primary transport systems, the mechanism of SBP-dependent secondary transport is not well understood. Functional studies have thus far focused on Na+-coupled Tripartite ATP-independent periplasmic (TRAP) transporters for sialic acid. Herein, we report the in vitro functional characterization of TAXIPm-PQM from the human pathogen Proteus mirabilis. TAXIPm-PQM belongs to a TRAP-subfamily using a different type of SBP, designated TRAP-associated extracytoplasmic immunogenic (TAXI) protein. TAXIPm-PQM catalyzes proton-dependent α-ketoglutarate symport and its SBP is an essential component of the transport mechanism. Importantly, TAXIPm-PQM represents the first functionally characterized SBP-dependent secondary transporter that does not rely on a soluble SBP, but uses a membrane-anchored SBP instead.
The many faces of ribosome translocation along the mRNA: reading frame maintenance, ribosome frameshifting and translational bypassing
Authors: Poulis Panagiotis , Peske Frank , Rodnina Marina V. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
In each round of translation elongation, the ribosome translocates along the mRNA by precisely one codon. Translocation is promoted by elongation factor G (EF-G) in bacteria (eEF2 in eukaryotes) and entails a number of precisely-timed large-scale structural rearrangements. As a rule, the movements of the ribosome, tRNAs, mRNA and EF-G are orchestrated to maintain the exact codon-wise step size. However, signals in the mRNA, as well as environmental cues, can change the timing and dynamics of the key rearrangements leading to recoding of the mRNA into production of trans-frame peptides from the same mRNA. In this review, we discuss recent advances on the mechanics of translocation and reading frame maintenance. Furthermore, we describe the mechanisms and biological relevance of non-canonical translocation pathways, such as hungry and programmed frameshifting and translational bypassing, and their link to disease and infection.
The Sibylline Books in the Early Roman Empire
Authors: Satterfield Susan 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Many scholars have suggested that Augustus and Tiberius were afraid of prodigies and the Sibylline Books. Not only, they claim, did these emperors suppress prodigy reports, they also destroyed parts of the official Sibylline collection. This paper argues that the early emperors were not afraid of state divination. Rather than being a threat to their power, prodigies, expiations, and the Sibylline Books were used to confirm their position and to counter the authority of competing forms of divination.
Why we need a gradient approach to word order
Authors: Levshina Natalia , Namboodiripad Savithry , Allassonnière-Tang Marc , Kramer Mathew , Talamo Luigi , Verkerk Annemarie , Wilmoth Sasha , Rodriguez Gabriela Garrido , Gupton Timothy Michael , Kidd Evan , Liu Zoey , Naccarato Chiara , Nordlinger Rachel , Panova Anastasia , Stoynova Natalia 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis article argues for a gradient approach to word order, which treats word order preferences, both within and across languages, as a continuous variable. Word order variability should be regarded as a basic assumption, rather than as something exceptional. Although this approach follows naturally from the emergentist usage-based view of language, we argue that it can be beneficial for all frameworks and linguistic domains, including language acquisition, processing, typology, language contact, language evolution and change, and formal approaches. Gradient approaches have been very fruitful in some domains, such as language processing, but their potential is not fully realized yet. This may be due to practical reasons. We discuss the most pressing methodological challenges in corpus-based and experimental research of word order and propose some practical solutions.
Beyond “Psychic Income”: An Exploration of Interventions to Address Work-Life Imbalances, Burnout, and Precarity in Contemporary Nonprofit Work
Authors: Robichau Robbie Waters , Sandberg Billie , Russo Andrew 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Nonprofit scholars and practitioners alike adhere to a long-held assumption that nonprofit work is, and will remain, inherently meaningful work. The long-term marketization of the nonprofit sector coupled with the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic has undercut this narrative. Our research on meaningful nonprofit work indicates that while many nonprofit workers do find their work meaningful, pay, flexibility, and work/life balance are increasingly important to them. This commentary suggests that nonprofit leaders can no longer presume that workers motivated by prosocial values will seek out and stay with nonprofit work, satisfied with the “psychic income” that comes from doing good work. Nonprofits must be managed and led differently such that they center workers’ contemporary needs and desires. Organizational and public policy initiatives around pay equity and flexible work can support such a transition for the nonprofit sector.
Early diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma based on a ceRNA array
Authors: Wang Li-xin , Kong Ao-ran , Dong Hui 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths, due to high morbidity, a low early diagnosis rate, and poor prognosis. It is essential to explore competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) arrays for early diagnosis and prognosis of HCC.

Methods
The original gene expression profiles of differentially expressed lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA in HCC were downloaded from TCGA database. Differentially expressed lncRNA-miRNA and miRNA-mRNA interaction pairs were extracted from miRcode and starBase, a ceRNA network was constructed, and GO annotation and KEGG pathway analyses were performed. Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis screening identified core genes in the network associated with HCC survival, centering on miRNA, which were screened using ceRNA arrays. qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression level of key genes in clinical samples. Dual luciferase reporter gene assays were used to verify the target binding relationship among lncRNA, mRNA, and miRNA. ROC curves were used to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of the ceRNA array.

Results
A total of 8 lncRNAs, 5 miRNAs, and 21 mRNAs were used to construct a ceRNA network. Functional enrichment analysis showed that mRNAs in the ceRNA network were mainly enriched in 14 signaling pathways, especially microRNAs in cancer. Survival analysis showed that lncRNA FOXD2-AS1 and miRNA miR-9-5p were related to the prognosis of HCC, and the targeted binding relationships between mRNAs. STMN1, COL15A1, and CCNE2 and miR-9-5p from the TargetScan, starBase, miRDB, and PicTar databases were reliable. qRT-PCR showed that expression levels of FOXD2-AS1, miR-9-5p, STMN1, COL15A1, and CCNE2 were upregulated in HCC tissues. Dual luciferase reporter assays showed that FOXD2-AS1 and STMN1 had a targeted binding relationship with miR-9-5p, but not with COL15A1 or CCNE2. The area under the curve of the candidate ceRNA array (FOXD2-AS1/miR-9-5p/STMN1/COL15A1/CCNE2) was higher than that of each member and ceRNA combination (FOXD2-AS1/miR-9-5p/STMN1).

Conclusions
The candidate ceRNA array formed by FOXD2-AS1/miR-9-5p/STMN1/COL15A1/CCNE2 could be a biomarker for early diagnosis and prognosis of HCC.
Screening and biomarker assessment of ferroptosis genes FLT3 and ALOX5 in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zheng Yuansi , Su Ying , Ruan Lei , He Qingfeng , Gong Linna , Li Jieyi 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Ferroptosis is a unique process of cell death that specifically requires iron. We investigated ferroptosis genes and their function in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients.

Methods
Data on the expression levels of genes associated with ferroptosis were collected from the FerrDb and the Cancer Genome Atlas database. Kaplan-Meier Plotter was employed to generate the survival curves of LUAD patients with high vs low expression of ferroptosis genes. The relationship between immune cell infiltration and ferroptosis genes was analyzed via TIMMER. Immunohistochemical staining was employed to quantitatively evaluate gene expression in 43 LUAD patients.

Results
A total of 89 ferroptosis genes were found to have significant differential expression between LUAD and normal tissues (p<0.05), 23 of which were selected and consistent prognostic trends were observed based on analysis of RNA-Seq and RNA microarray data (p<0.05). These 23 ferroptosis genes were assigned to 10 high-abundance pathways and 18 functional categories. Besides, the expression of ALOX5 and FTL3 demonstrated a positive correlation with sets of immune markers. The expression of ALOX5 exhibited a positive correlation with the levels of infiltration of dendritic cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and CD4+ T cells, while FLT3 expression correlated with the infiltration of B cells, CD4+ T cells, neutrophils, and dendritic cells. Furthermore, ALOX5 was confirmed to be downregulated in lung tumor tissues (p<0.01).

Conclusions
Our findings show that the ferroptosis genes FLT3 and ALOX5 play prominent roles in immune cell infiltration during LUAD progression and may serve as prognostic biomarkers for LUAD.
Socioeconomic, Technological, and Cultural Adaptation of the Mesolithic Population in Central-Eastern Cantabria (Spain) in the Early and Middle Holocene
Authors: Mercedes Pérez-Bartolomé 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
This article presents the research on the palaeoenvironmental changes that took place at the end of the Tardiglacial, in the early and middle Holocene, observed in sites of anthropic origin in central-eastern Cantabria. Through the comparative analysis of the economy, the settlement pattern, and the industries of the Azilian and Mesolithic settlements, we try to infer the repercussions they could have had on the last hunter-gatherers, in order to adapt to the modification of the territory, the change in the available resources, and the socio-economic consequences they could have had on the settlement. The radiocarbon record of central-eastern Cantabria and the Cantabrian region (Northern Spain) between 9.5 and 7.9 ka cal BP is analysed in order to assess the impact of the cold events that occurred in 9.3 and 8.2 ka cal BP, identified in the palaeoenvironment.
Multinuclear solid state nuclear magnetic resonance for studying CsPbBr3 nanocubes
Authors: Scarperi Andrea , Landi Noemi , Gabbani Alessio , Jarmouni Nabila , Borsacchi Silvia , Calucci Lucia , Pucci Andrea , Carignani Elisa , Pineider Francesco , Geppi Marco 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Cesium lead bromide perovskite (CsPbBr3) nanocrystals have raised impressive interest as efficient and stable optoelectronic materials. Size and morphology play important roles in the final performances of these materials and advanced characterization studies are needed to elucidate structural and surface properties. In this work, CsPbBr3 cubic nanocrystals were obtained by colloidal synthesis and characterized by multinuclear Solid State NMR (SSNMR), complemented by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and optical spectroscopy. The multinuclear NMR approach allowed the different components of the nanocubes to be separately observed. In particular, the surface ligands and their interactions with the nanocubes surface were investigated by 1H and 13C NMR experiments, while the structural investigation of the perovskite nanocubes was addressed by exploiting 207Pb and 133Cs spectral properties in comparison with bulk CsPbBr3. Static 207Pb NMR spectra indicated a possible contribution of chemical shift anisotropy from the 207Pb nuclei of the outer layer. The 133Cs NMR spectra showed signals with different chemical shifts for cesium atoms in at least three regions of the nanocubes, from the inner core to the surface, which were interpreted in terms of cubic layers with different distances from the surface using a simple geometrical model. This interpretation was also supported by 133Cs longitudinal relaxation time measurements.
A Peircean framework for analyzing subjectivity in film: a nine-field ocularization matrix
Authors: Bekaert Marc , Coëgnarts Maarten 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The goal of this article is to offer a new model for the study of ocularization in film grounded in the semiotic pragmatism of Charles Sanders Peirce. We first present a literature overview addressing the state of research regarding the theorization of ocularization in film studies. Second, we discuss Peirce’s three universal categories (Firstness, Secondness, and Thirdness) on which our model will be based. Third, we argue how the theme of ocularization in film, as outlined in the first part, can be theorized anew through these categories. This will result in the introduction of a nine-field matrix that will allow us to systemize all kinds of instances of subjectivity in cinema. Lastly, we will demonstrate the empirical usefulness of this model by illustrating each of the matrix’ nine categories through a discussion of Steven Soderbergh’s film Kimi (2022).
Association of a haplotype in the NRG1 gene with schizophrenia: a case-control study
Authors: Sözen Mustafa Mert , Kartalcı Şükrü 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Schizophrenia (SZ) is a severe multifactorial disease. NRG1 is a gene acting in the development of SZ. A number of NRG1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their haplotypes are associated with SZ. In the present study, we investigated the association of a NRG1 haplotype (G-C in rs6988339-rs3757930 frame) which was reported to be associated with SZ, and two other SNPs in the same gene (rs74942016, rs80127039) whose rare missense alleles were found in SZ patients. Also, we analyzed disease associations of potential new haplotypes constructed by the variants of these SNPs.

Methods
We genotyped 4 SNPs in a sample consisting of 302 SZ patients and 333 controls from a local Turkish population. We tested the disease associations of these variants at single SNP, haplotype and diplotype levels in case-control design.

Results
At single SNP level, the CC genotype of rs3757930 was associated with SZ (p=0.038). The previously reported association of G-C haplotype in rs6988339-rs3757930 frame was absent (p=0.416), but we found another haplotype (C-G in rs3757930-rs74942016, p=0.018) and three diplotypes (A-C/G-C diplotype of rs6988339-rs3757930 frame, C-G/C-G diplotype of rs3757930-rs74942016 frame, and A-C-G/G-C-G diplotype of rs6988339-rs3757930-rs74942016 frame) associated with schizophrenia in our sample.

Conclusions
Our study indicated the associations of a SNP, a haplotype, and a diplotype of NRG1 with schizophrenia and supported the involvement of NRG1 gene in the development of the disease. Since our sample was collected from a limited geographic area, the associations we have reported need to be supported by further studies in different populations.