bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Composition of Anopheles species and bionomic characteristics over the peak malaria transmission season in Bandarban, Bangladesh
Authors: Al-Amin Hasan Mohammad , Rodriguez Isabella , Phru Ching Swe , Khan Wasif A. , Haque Rashidul , Nahlen Bernard L. , Burton Timothy A. , Alam Mohammad Shafiul , Lobo Neil F. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Joint efforts by government and non-government organizations have helped to reduce malaria in Bangladesh and set the country on a clear path to eventual malaria elimination. However, achieving that goal would be challenging without a comprehensive understanding of vector bionomics.

Methods
Targeted capturing of Anopheles mosquitoes over a rainy season, utilizing specific sampling methods, including human landing catches (HLCs), CDC-light traps (CDC-LTs), and pyrethrum spray catches (PSCs) were aimed to characterize entomological drivers of transmission in four sites of Bandarban, Bangladesh.

Results
Molecular characterization of a subset of 4637 mosquitoes has demonstrated the presence of at least 17 species whose capture rates were representative of the rainy season. Species compositions and bionomic traits did not vary between sites with Anopheles maculatus having the highest landing rate by HLCs and Anopheles vagus having the highest capture rate with CDC-LTs. Interestingly, Anopheles species compositions and capture rates varied significantly (p < 0.05) for An. vagus, between HLCs and its often-used proxy—CDC-LTs- suggesting impacts on downstream analysis. CDC-LTs capture rates demonstrated differing compositions with indoor and outdoor biting rates. For example, Anopheles nigerrimus and Anopheles nivipes were more endophagic by HLCs and more exophagic by CDC-LTs. The use of a cow-baited CDC-LT also demonstrated significantly different results when compared to a human-baited CDC-LT considering the high degree of anthropophily in these species. The exception to both zoophily and indoor resting was An. vagus, which demonstrated both anthropophily and high resting rates indoors—pointing to this species being a possible primary vector at this site.

Conclusion
A diverse Anopheles fauna in Bandarban has been confirmed through molecular methods, highlighting the potential impact of sampling techniques. Given the complexity of the local ecosystem, a better understanding of mosquito behaviour and ecology is required to achieve the goal of malaria elimination in Bangladesh.
Development and psychometric evaluation of a new patient -reported outcome measure for psoriasis self-management efficacy: the self-management efficacy questionnaire among patients with psoriasis (SMEQ-PSO)
Authors: Sun Yuanhui , Zhang Xiujie , Yang Zhen , Wang Aiping 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
It is significant for the healthy outcome of patients with psoriasis (PSO) to improve their self-management efficacy. A standardized assessment tool, however, was lacking. Therefore, we aimed to develop a self-management efficacy questionnaire for patients with PSO (SMEQ-PSO) and evaluate its psychometric properties.

Methods
A cross-sectional study developing clinical evaluation tool was conducted from October 2021 to August 2022. In the process of developing SMEQ-PSO, three phases were involved: item generation, item evaluation, and psychometric evaluation.

Results
The SMEQ-PSO with five dimensions and 28 items was developed. The questionnaire’s content validity index was 0.976. Exploratory factor analysis indicated a five-factor structure (self-efficacy of psychosocial adaptation, self-efficacy of daily life management, self-efficacy of skin management, self-efficacy of disease knowledge management and self-efficacy of disease treatment management) that explained 62.039% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated appropriate fit of the five-factor model. The overall Cronbach’α coefficient was 0.930, the test-retest reliability was 0.768 and the split half reliability coefficients was 0.952.

Conclusions
The 28-item SMEQ-PSO is a reliable and valid tool that can be used to assess the self-management efficacy among patients with PSO and provide personalized interventions based on their individual circumstances to improve their health outcomes.
Quantitative measurement of finger usage in stroke hemiplegia using ring-shaped wearable devices
Authors: Yamamoto Naoya , Matsumoto Takato , Sudo Tamami , Miyashita Megumi , Kondo Toshiyuki 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn post-stroke rehabilitation, positive use of affected limbs in daily life is important to improve affected upper-limb function. Several studies have quantitatively evaluated the amount of upper-limb activity, but few have measured finger usage. In this study, we used a ring-shaped wearable device to measure upper-limb and finger usage simultaneously in hospitalized patients with hemiplegic stroke and investigated the association between finger usage and general clinical evaluation.MethodsTwenty patients with hemiplegic stroke in an inpatient hospital participated in this study. All patients wore a ring-shaped wearable device on both hands for 9 h on the day of the intervention, and their finger and upper-limb usage were recorded. For the rehabilitation outcome assessments, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), Simple Test for Evaluating Hand Function (STEF), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Motor Activity Log-14 (MAL), and Functional Independence Measure Motor (FIM-m) were performed and evaluated on the same day as the intervention.ResultsFinger usage of the affected hand was moderately correlated with STEF ($$r=0.48$$r=0.48,$$p<0.05$$p<0.05) and STEF ratio ($$r=0.47$$r=0.47,$$p<0.05$$p<0.05). The finger-usage ratio was moderately correlated with FMA-UE ($$r=0.56$$r=0.56,$$p<0.05$$p<0.05) and ARAT ($$r=0.53$$r=0.53,$$p<0.05$$p<0.05), and strongly correlated with STEF ($$r=0.80$$r=0.80,$$p<0.01$$p<0.01) and STEF ratio ($$r=0.80$$r=0.80,$$p<0.01$$p<0.01). The upper-limb usage of the affected side was moderately correlated with FMA-UE ($$r=0.46$$r=0.46,$$p<0.05$$p<0.05), STEF ($$r=0.55$$r=0.55,$$p<0.05$$p<0.05) and STEF ratio ($$r=0.54$$r=0.54,$$p<0.05$$p<0.05), and strongly correlated with ARAT ($$r=0.57$$r=0.57,$$p<0.01$$p<0.01). The upper-limb usage ratio was moderately correlated with ARAT ($$r=0.48$$r=0.48,$$p<0.05$$p<0.05) and STEF ($$r=0.55$$r=0.55,$$p<0.05$$p<0.05), and strongly correlated with the STEF ratio ($$r=0.61$$r=0.61,$$p<0.01$$p<0.01). By contrast, there was no correlation between MAL and any of the measurements.ConclusionsThis measurement technique provided useful information that was not biased by the subjectivity of the patients and therapists.
Understanding inequalities in mental health by family structure during COVID-19 lockdowns: evidence from the UK Household Longitudinal Study
Authors: Green Michael J. , Craig Peter , Demou Evangelia , Katikireddi S. Vittal , Leyland Alastair H. , Pearce Anna 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Purpose
The COVID-19 pandemic increased psychiatric distress and impacts differed by family structure. We aimed to identify mechanisms contributing to these inequalities.

Methods
Survey data were from the UK Household Longitudinal Study. Psychiatric distress (GHQ-12) was measured in April 2020 (first UK lockdown; n = 10,516), and January 2021 (lockdown re-introduced following eased restrictions; n = 6,893). Pre-lockdown family structure comprised partner status and presence of children (< 16 years). Mediating mechanisms included: active employment, financial strain, childcare/home-schooling, caring, and loneliness. Monte Carlo g-computation simulations were used to adjust for confounding and estimate total effects and decompositions into: controlled direct effects (effects if the mediator was absent), and portions eliminated (PE; representing differential exposure and vulnerability to the mediator).

Results
In January 2021, after adjustment, we estimated increased risk of distress among couples with children compared to couples with no children (RR: 1.48; 95% CI 1.15–1.82), largely because of childcare/home-schooling (PE RR: 1.32; 95% CI 1.00–1.64). Single respondents without children also had increased risk of distress compared to couples with no children (RR: 1.55; 95% CI 1.27–1.83), and the largest PE was for loneliness (RR: 1.16; 95% CI 1.05–1.27), though financial strain contributed (RR: 1.05; 95% CI 0.99–1.12). Single parents demonstrated the highest levels of distress, but confounder adjustment suggested uncertain effects with wide confidence intervals. Findings were similar in April 2020 and when stratified by sex.

Conclusion
Access to childcare/schooling, financial security and social connection are important mechanisms that need addressing to avoid widening mental health inequalities during public health crises.
Formation of a traditional Chinese medicine self-assembly nanostrategy and its application in cancer: a promising treatment
Authors: Huang Ju , Zhu Yu , Xiao Hang , Liu Jingwen , Li Songtao , Zheng Qiao , Tang Jianyuan , Meng Xiangrui 
Published: June 2023

AbstractTraditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for centuries to prevent and treat a variety of illnesses, and its popularity is increasing worldwide. However, the clinical applications of natural active components in TCM are hindered by the poor solubility and low bioavailability of these compounds. To address these issues, Chinese medicine self-assembly nanostrategy (CSAN) is being developed. Many active components of TCM possess self-assembly properties, allowing them to form nanoparticles (NPs) through various noncovalent forces. Self-assembled NPs (SANs) are also present in TCM decoctions, and they are closely linked to the therapeutic effects of these remedies. SAN is gaining popularity in the nano research field due to its simplicity, eco-friendliness, and enhanced biodegradability and biocompatibility compared to traditional nano preparation methods. The self-assembly of active ingredients from TCM that exhibit antitumour effects or are combined with other antitumour drugs has generated considerable interest in the field of cancer therapeutics. This paper provides a review of the principles and forms of CSAN, as well as an overview of recent reports on TCM that can be used for self-assembly. Additionally, the application of CSAN in various cancer diseases is summarized, and finally, a concluding summary and thoughts are proposed. We strongly believe that CSAN has the potential to offer fresh strategies and perspectives for the modernization of TCM.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Progressive Myoclonic Epilepsy (SMA-PME): three new cases and review of the mutational spectrum
Authors: Najafi Ali , Tasharrofi Behnoosh , Zandsalimi Farshid , Rasulinezhad Maryam , Ghahvechi Akbari Masood , Zamani Gholamreza , Ashrafi Mahmoud Reza , Heidari Morteza 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) could be classified as 5q and non-5q, based on the chromosomal location of causative genes. A rare form of non-5q SMA is an autosomal-recessive condition called spinal muscular atrophy with progressive myoclonic epilepsy (SMA-PME), phenotypically characterized by myoclonic and generalized seizures with progressive neurological deterioration. SMA-PME is a clinically heterogeneous disorder that arises from biallelic pathogenic variants in ASAH1 gene.

Methods
Following clinical and primary laboratory assessments, whole-exome sequencing was performed to detect the disease-causing variants in three cases of SMA-PME from different families. Also, Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) was employed for determining the copy numbers of SMN1 and SMN2 genes to rule out 5q SMA.

Results
Exome sequencing revealed two different homozygous missense mutations (c.109 C > A [p.Pro37Thr] or c.125 C > T [p.Thr42Met]) in exon 2 of the ASAH1 gene in the affected members of the families. Sanger sequencing of the other family members showed the expected heterozygous carriers. In addition, no clinically relevant variant was identified in patients by MLPA.

Conclusion
This study describes two different ASAH1 mutations and the clinical picture of 3 SMA-PME patients. In addition, previously reported mutations have been reviewed. This study could help to fortify the database of this rare disease with more clinical and genomic data.
Entomopathogenic fungus treatment changes the gut bacterial diversity of Rhipicephalus microplus ticks
Authors: Mesquita Emily , da Costa Diogo Paes , Meirelles Laura Nóbrega , Camargo Mariana Guedes , Corrêa Thaís Almeida , Bittencourt Vânia Rita Elias Pinheiro , da Silva Coelho Irene , Santos Huarrisson Azevedo , Humber Richard Alan , Golo Patrícia Silva 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Ticks are obligate bloodsucking parasites responsible for significant economic losses and concerns with human and animal health, mainly due to the transmission of pathogens. Entomopathogenic fungi have been intensively studied as an alternative strategy for tick control that can be used in combination with synthetic acaricides in the integrated management of ticks. Here, we investigated how the gut bacterial community of Rhipicephalus microplus is shaped after Metarhizium anisopliae treatment and how the tick susceptibility to the fungus is affected after disrupting gut bacterial microbiota.

Methods
Partially engorged tick females were artificially fed with pure bovine blood or blood plus tetracycline. Two other groups received the same diet and were topically treated with M. anisopliae. The guts were dissected, and the genomic DNA was extracted 3 days after the treatment; the V3–V4 variable region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene was amplified.

Results
The gut of ticks that received no antibiotic but were treated with M. anisopliae exhibited lower bacterial diversity and a higher occurrence of Coxiella species. The Simpson diversity index and Pielou equability coefficient were higher in the gut bacterial community when R. microplus were fed with tetracycline and fungus-treated. Ticks from fungus-treated groups (with or without tetracycline) exhibited lower survival than untreated females. Previous feeding of ticks with the antibiotic did not change their susceptibility to the fungus. Ehrlichia spp. were not detected in the gueated groups.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that myco-acaricidal action would not be impacted if the calf hosting these ticks is under antibiotic therapy. Moreover, the hypothesis that entomopathogenic fungi can affect the bacterial community in the gut of R. microplus engorged females is endorsed by the fact that ticks exposed to M. anisopliae exhibited a dramatic reduction in bacterial diversity. This is the first report of an entomopathogenic fungus affecting the tick gut microbiota.

Graphical Abstract
Retrospective batch analysis to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a clinically deployed AI algorithm for the detection of acute pulmonary embolism on CTPA
Authors: Langius-Wiffen Eline , de Jong Pim A. , Hoesein Firdaus A. Mohamed , Dekker Lisette , van den Hoven Andor F. , Nijholt Ingrid M. , Boomsma Martijn F. , Veldhuis Wouter B. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To generate and extend the evidence on the clinical validity of an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm to detect acute pulmonary embolism (PE) on CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) of patients suspected of PE and to evaluate the possibility of reducing the risk of missed findings in clinical practice with AI-assisted reporting.

Methods
Consecutive CTPA scan data of 3316 patients referred because of suspected PE between 24-2-2018 and 31-12-2020 were retrospectively analysed by a CE-certified and FDA-approved AI algorithm. The output of the AI was compared with the attending radiologists’ report. To define the reference standard, discordant findings were independently evaluated by two readers. In case of disagreement, an experienced cardiothoracic radiologist adjudicated.

Results
According to the reference standard, PE was present in 717 patients (21.6%). PE was missed by the AI in 23 patients, while the attending radiologist missed 60 PE. The AI detected 2 false positives and the attending radiologist 9. The sensitivity for the detection of PE by the AI algorithm was significantly higher compared to the radiology report (96.8% vs. 91.6%, p < 0.001). Specificity of the AI was also significantly higher (99.9% vs. 99.7%, p = 0.035). NPV and PPV of the AI were also significantly higher than the radiology report.

Conclusion
The AI algorithm showed a significantly higher diagnostic accuracy for the detection of PE on CTPA compared to the report of the attending radiologist. This finding indicates that missed positive findings could be prevented with the implementation of AI-assisted reporting in daily clinical practice.

Critical relevance statement
Missed positive findings on CTPA of patients suspected of pulmonary embolism can be prevented with the implementation of AI-assisted care.

Key points

The AI algorithm showed excellent diagnostic accuracy detecting PE on CTPA.

Accuracy of the AI was significantly higher compared to the attending radiologist.

Highest diagnostic accuracy can likely be achieved by radiologists supported by AI.

Our results indicate that implementation of AI-assisted reporting could reduce the number of missed positive findings.

Graphical abstract
Suspension culture improves iPSC expansion and pluripotency phenotype
Authors: Cuesta-Gomez Nerea , Verhoeff Kevin , Dadheech Nidheesh , Dang Tiffany , Jasra Ila Tewari , de Leon Mario Bermudez , Pawlick Rena , Marfil-Garza Braulio , Anwar Perveen , Razavy Haide , Zapata-Morin Patricio Adrián , Jickling Glen , Thiesen Aducio , O’Gorman Doug , Kallos Michael S. , Shapiro A. M. James 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundInduced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer potential to revolutionize regenerative medicine as a renewable source for islets, dopaminergic neurons, retinal cells, and cardiomyocytes. However, translation of these regenerative cell therapies requires cost-efficient mass manufacturing of high-quality human iPSCs. This study presents an improved three-dimensional Vertical-Wheel® bioreactor (3D suspension) cell expansion protocol with comparison to a two-dimensional (2D planar) protocol.MethodsSendai virus transfection of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells was used to establish mycoplasma and virus free iPSC lines without common genetic duplications or deletions. iPSCs were then expanded under 2D planar and 3D suspension culture conditions. We comparatively evaluated cell expansion capacity, genetic integrity, pluripotency phenotype, and in vitro and in vivo pluripotency potential of iPSCs.ResultsExpansion of iPSCs using Vertical-Wheel® bioreactors achieved 93.8-fold (IQR 30.2) growth compared to 19.1 (IQR 4.0) in 2D (p < 0.0022), the largest expansion potential reported to date over 5 days. 0.5 L Vertical-Wheel® bioreactors achieved similar expansion and further reduced iPSC production cost. 3D suspension expanded cells had increased proliferation, measured as Ki67+expression using flow cytometry (3D: 69.4% [IQR 5.5%] vs. 2D: 57.4% [IQR 10.9%],p = 0.0022), and had a higher frequency of pluripotency marker (Oct4+Nanog+Sox2+) expression (3D: 94.3 [IQR 1.4] vs. 2D: 52.5% [IQR 5.6],p = 0.0079). q-PCR genetic analysis demonstrated a lack of duplications or deletions at the 8 most commonly mutated regions within iPSC lines after long-term passaging (> 25). 2D-cultured cells displayed a primed pluripotency phenotype, which transitioned to naïve after 3D-culture. Both 2D and 3D cells were capable of trilineage differentiation and following teratoma, 2D-expanded cells generated predominantly solid teratomas, while 3D-expanded cells produced more mature and predominantly cystic teratomas with lower Ki67+expression within teratomas (3D: 16.7% [IQR 3.2%] vs.. 2D: 45.3% [IQR 3.0%],p = 0.002) in keeping with a naïve phenotype.ConclusionThis study demonstrates nearly 100-fold iPSC expansion over 5-days using our 3D suspension culture protocol in Vertical-Wheel® bioreactors, the largest cell growth reported to date. 3D expanded cells showed enhanced in vitro and in vivo pluripotency phenotype that may support more efficient scale-up strategies and safer clinical implementation.
Nebulised mesenchymal stem cell derived extracellular vesicles ameliorate E. coli induced pneumonia in a rodent model
Authors: Gonzalez Hector , McCarthy Sean , Masterson Claire , Byrnes Declan , Sallent Ignacio , Horan Emma , Elliman Stephen J. , Vella Gabriele , Prina-Mello Adriele , Silva Johnatas D. , Krasnodembskaya Anna D. , MacLoughlin Ronan , Laffey John G. , O’Toole Daniel 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been proposed as an alternative to cell therapy, creating new possible delivery modalities such as nebulisation. We wished to investigate the therapeutic potential of directly nebulised MSC-EVs in the mitigation of Escherichiacoli-induced pneumonia.

Methods
EV size, surface markers and miRNA content were assessed pre- and post-nebulisation. BEAS2B and A459 lung cells were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and treated with nebulised bone marrow (BM) or umbilical cord (UC) MSC-EVs. Viability assays (MTT) and inflammatory cytokine assays were performed. THP-1 monocytes were stimulated with LPS and nebulised BM- or UC-EVs and phagocytosis activity was measured. For in vivo experiments, mice received LPS intratracheally (IT) followed by BM- or UC-EVs intravenously (IV) and injury markers assessed at 24 h. Rats were instilled with E. coli bacteria IT and BM- or UC-EVs delivered IV or by direct nebulisation. At 48 h, lung damage was assessed by physiological parameters, histology and inflammatory marker presence.

Results
MSC-EVs retained their immunomodulatory and wound healing capacity after nebulisation in vitro. EV integrity and content were also preserved. Therapy with IV or nebulised MSC-EVs reduced the severity of LPS-induced lung injury and E. coli-induced pneumonia by reducing bacterial load and oedema, increasing blood oxygenation and improving lung histological scores. MSC-EV treated animals also showed lower levels of inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory-related markers.

Conclusions
MSC-EVs given IV attenuated LPS-induced lung injury, and nebulisation of MSC-EVs did not affect their capacity to attenuate lung injury caused by E. coli pneumonia, as evidenced by reduction in bacterial load and improved lung physiology.
Age estimation by spheno-occipital synchondrosis fusion in South Indian population using computed tomography
Authors: Nayak Rajesh , Panakkal Nitika C. , T Visakh 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Age estimation has paramount importance for the forensic practitioner. Depending on the timing of fusion, the spheno-occipital synchondrosis will be open during childhood and then later fuse during adulthood. Since there have been a lot of inconsistencies in terms of fusion degree, that can be attributed to variability in population or methodology. The aim of the present study was to determine the age of beginning of the spheno-occipital synchondrosis in the South Indian population using computed tomography.

Results
The study reported a mean age of 8.38 ± 1.21 for males and 8.2 ± 1.16 for females in the stage 0 (completely open) category. Spheno-occipital synchondrosis began to fuse (stage 1) at the mean age of 11.64 ± 1.19 for males and 10.21 ± 1.19 for females.

Conclusions
Spheno-occipital synchondrosis begins to close at the age of less than 15 years in males. Similarly, for females, the spheno-occipital synchondrosis begins to close at the age of less than 14 years. Also, a strong sexual dimorphism is seen as each stage of synchondrosis and starts earlier in females compared to males. In addition, the study also showed the degree of fusion increasing with age. This estimation will not only help in forensic and anthropological studies but also in assessing craniofacial growth in orthodontics.