bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amplicon sequencing allows differential quantification of closely related parasite species: an example from rodent Coccidia (Eimeria)
Authors: Ferreira Susana C. M. , Jarquín-Díaz Víctor Hugo , Heitlinger Emanuel 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundQuantifying infection intensity is a common goal in parasitological studies. We have previously shown that the amount of parasite DNA in faecal samples can be a biologically meaningful measure of infection intensity, even if it does not agree well with complementary counts of transmission stages (oocysts in the case of Coccidia). Parasite DNA can be quantified at relatively high throughput using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), but amplification needs a high specificity and does not simultaneously distinguish between parasite species. Counting of amplified sequence variants (ASVs) from high-throughput marker gene sequencing using a relatively universal primer pair has the potential to distinguish between closely related co-infecting taxa and to uncover the community diversity, thus being both more specific and more open-ended.MethodsWe here compare qPCR to the sequencing-based amplification using standard PCR and a microfluidics-based PCR to quantify the unicellular parasiteEimeriain experimentally infected mice. We use multiple amplicons to differentially quantifyEimeriaspp. in a natural house mouse population.ResultsWe show that sequencing-based quantification has high accuracy. Using a combination of phylogenetic analysis and the co-occurrence network, we distinguish threeEimeriaspecies in naturally infected mice based on multiple marker regions and genes. We investigate geographical and host-related effects onEimeriaspp. community composition and find, as expected, prevalence to be largely explained by sampling locality (farm). Controlling for this effect, the novel approach allowed us to find body condition of mice to be negatively associated withEimeriaspp. abundance.ConclusionsWe conclude that amplicon sequencing provides the underused potential for species distinction and simultaneous quantification of parasites in faecal material. The method allowed us to detect a negative effect ofEimeriainfection on the body condition of mice in the natural environment.Graphical Abstract
Advances in the allostery of angiotensin II type 1 receptor
Authors: Zhang Xi , Zhang Suli , Wang Meili , Chen Hao , Liu Huirong 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAngiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) is a promising therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases. Compared with orthosteric ligands, allosteric modulators attract considerable attention for drug development due to their unique advantages of high selectivity and safety. However, no allosteric modulators of AT1R have been applied in clinical trials up to now. Except for the classical allosteric modulators of AT1R such as antibody, peptides and amino acids, cholesterol and biased allosteric modulators, there are non-classical allosteric modes including the ligand-independent allosteric mode, and allosteric mode of biased agonists and dimers. In addition, finding the allosteric pockets based on AT1R conformational change and interaction interface of dimers are the future of drug design. In this review, we summarize the different allosteric mode of AT1R, with a view to contribute to the development and utilization of drugs targeting AT1R allostery.
A multi-channel soft biometrics framework for seamless border crossings
Authors: Hassan Bilal , Sherazi Hafiz Husnain Raza , Ali Mubashir , Bashir Ali K. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAs the number of passengers at border entry points such as airports and rail stations increases, so does the demand for seamless, secure, and fast biometric technologies for verification purposes. Although fingerprints are currently useful biometric technologies, they are intrusive and slow down the end-to-end verification process, increasing the chances of tampering. Emerging as an alternative technology, soft biometrics have proven successful for non-intrusive and rapid verification. Soft biometrics consists of a large set of features from three different modalities of the human body, including the face, body, and essential & auxiliary attachments. This paper proposes a multi-channel soft biometrics framework that leverages soft biometrics technology over traditional biometrics. The framework encapsulates four distinct components: ApparelNet, which verifies essential and auxiliary attachments; A-Net, which measures anthropometric soft biometrics; OneDetect, which predicts global soft biometrics; and RSFS, which develops a set of highly relevant and supportive soft biometrics for verification. The proposed framework addresses several critical limitations of existing biometrics technologies during the verification process at border entry points, such as intrusive behavior, response time, biometric tampering, and privacy issues. The proposed multi-channel soft biometrics framework has been evaluated using several benchmark datasets in the field, such as Front-view Gait (FVG), Pedestrian Attribute Recognition At Far Distance (PETA), and Multimedia and Vision (MMV) Pedestrian. Using heterogeneous datasets enables the testing of each framework component or channel against numerous constrained and unconstrained scenarios. The outcome of the envisioned multi-channel soft biometrics framework is presented based on distinct outcomes from each channel, but it remains focused on determining a single cumulative verification score for verification at border control. In addition, this multi-channel soft biometrics framework has extended applications in several fields, including crowd surveillance, the fashion industry, and e-learning.
Inhibition of monoamine oxidases by benzimidazole chalcone derivatives
Authors: Krishna Athulya , Lee Jiseong , Kumar Sunil , Sudevan Sachithra Thazhathuveedu , Uniyal Prerna , Pappachen Leena K. , Kim Hoon , Mathew Bijo 
Published: June 2023

AbstractTen benzimidazole chalcone derivatives were synthesized, and their monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitory activity was evaluated. Most compounds showed higher inhibitory activity against MAO-B than MAO-A. Compound BCH2 exhibited an IC50 value of 0.80 μM, thereby showing the most potent inhibition amongst all. In addition, BCH2 showed the highest MAO-B selectivity index (SI) with an SI value of 44.11 compared to MAO-A. Among the substituents, the halogen group showed the best MAO-B inhibition, and the ortho-position of the B ring showed better inhibitory activity than the para-site. In comparison with ortho-substituents, the inhibitory activity increased in the order, -Cl > -Br > -F > -H. BCH2 was found to be a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme with optimum inhibition kinetics, where Ki was found to be 0.25 ± 0.014 μM. In the reversibility experiment, BCH2 showed a recovery pattern after MAO-B inhibition, similar to that of lazabemide. Thus, BCH2 is a potent, reversible, and selective MAO-B inhibitor and has been suggested as a candidate for the treatment of neurological disorders.
Strategies for territorial tourism planning in natural protected areas (NPAs): Alto Mayo Protected Forest (BPAM), Peru
Authors: Nuñez-Torres Anghela , Arones-Huarcaya Aracelly , Yarasca-Aybar Cristian 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe Alto Mayo Protected Forest (“Bosque de Protección Alto Mayo”, or BPAM for its Spanish acronym) is one of the largest natural protected areas (NPA) in Peru. The BPAM has several tourist attractions owing to its great biodiversity of ecosystems and species. However, the BPAM does not have an optimal offer of tourism services because of the lack of infrastructure articulated to the multiscalarity of its territory. The objective of this research is to propose integral strategies for permitted tourism uses of the BPAM, considering its plans and planning instruments oriented to the conservation of the ecosystem through sustainable projects. To diagnose the site and collect data, participatory workshops were held with local inhabitants and authorities involved in the administration of the BPAM. As a result, the BPAM was structured into five tourist zones to propose intervention strategies at three scales: territory, community, and architecture. At the territorial scale, a network of infrastructure and tourist circuits has been proposed. At the community scale, the suitability of each tourist zone was evaluated to propose activities classified as ecotourism, adventure, or rural. At the architectural scale, sustainable tourism equipment was configured through schematic strategies that considered the architectural object, connectors, and site. Finally, this study is synthesized as an example of an intervention instrument to promote sustainable tourism in NPAs with similar characteristics in the Peruvian Amazon.
Development of a digital training for social and emotional competences for medical assistants in vocational education and training in Germany
Authors: Peters Markus , Tschöpe Tanja , Konheiser Sebastian , Raecke Julia , Schnitzler Annalisa 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis paper describes a digital training for social and emotional competences for prospective medical assistants (MAs) in Germany. Social and emotional competences (SEC) are necessary for the collaboration with colleagues as well as for the contact with clients, patients or customers. The German dual system of vocational education and training (VET) therefore considers them as essential parts of the profile of most training occupations. Nevertheless, few materials exist so far for the systematic training of these competences. In former studies three social and emotional competences have been identified as essential for MAs: emotion regulation, perspective coordination and communication strategies. At the same time development needs have been identified for all of them. To address these needs the three hours online training programme SECOTrain (Social and Emotional Competence Training) has been developed, which offers separate training sessions for all three competences. The aim of the paper is to depict how the fostering of social and emotional competences can be approached via a digital training, report our experiences with this endeavour and to discuss associated advantages as well as challenges and ways to deal with them. Digital formats offer new possibilities and chances for education and training, as they facilitate access to the content in a standardized and efficient way. An independent processing of trainings is made possible, regardless of time and teacher. At the same time, this comes along with a risk of overstraining some learners, as problems of understanding or motivation may occur. SECOTrain transfers pedagogical ideas into the context of digital learning to reduce these risks as much as possible. Each of the three training sessions follows the principles of the Cognitive Apprenticeship approach and is inspired by existing theories and trainings. Video sequences of typical critical interaction situations serve as material for explanation, application and reflection to support a strong practical orientation. Effects of the training will be evaluated in a pretest–posttest-follow-up experimental design. The paper presents goals and content as well as methods, pedagogical principles and theoretical foundation of SECOTrain. Furthermore, results of a small pilot study are presented and discussed with regard to further adjusting the training to the needs of the target group. At the end, an outline of the planned evaluation is given.
Astrocytic uptake of neuronal corpses promotes cell-to-cell spreading of tau pathology
Authors: Mothes Tobias , Portal Benjamin , Konstantinidis Evangelos , Eltom Khalid , Libard Sylwia , Streubel-Gallasch Linn , Ingelsson Martin , Rostami Jinar , Lindskog Maria , Erlandsson Anna 
Published: June 2023

AbstractTau deposits in astrocytes are frequently found in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other tauopathies. Since astrocytes do not express tau, the inclusions have been suggested to be of neuronal origin. However, the mechanisms behind their appearance and their relevance for disease progression remain unknown. Here we demonstrate, using a battery of experimental techniques that human astrocytes serve as an intermediator, promoting cell-to-cell spreading of pathological tau. Human astrocytes engulf and process, but fail to fully degrade dead neurons with tau pathology, as well as synthetic tau fibrils and tau aggregates isolated from AD brain tissue. Instead, the pathogenic tau is spread to nearby cells via secretion and tunneling nanotube mediated transfer. By performing co-culture experiments we could show that tau-containing astrocytes induce tau pathology in healthy human neurons directly. Furthermore, our results from a FRET based seeding assay, demonstrated that the tau proteoforms secreted by astrocytes have an exceptional seeding capacity, compared to the original tau species engulfed by the cells. Taken together, our study establishes a central role for astrocytes in mediating tau pathology, which could be of relevance for identifying novel treatment targets for AD and other tauopathies.
Risk and UCON-based access control model for healthcare big data
Authors: Jiang Rong , Chen Xue , Yu Yimin , Zhang Ying , Ding Weiping 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe rapid development of healthcare big data has brought certain convenience to medical research and health management, but privacy protection of healthcare big data is an issue that must be considered in the process of data application. Access control is one of the methods for privacy protection, but traditional access control models cannot adapt to the dynamic, continuous, and real-time characteristics of healthcare big data scenarios. In this paper, we propose an access control model based on risk quantification and usage control (RQ-UCON). The model adds a risk quantification module to the traditional UCON model to achieve privacy protection of medical data. This module classifies risks into direct and indirect risks and quantifies them based on the physician's visit history. The model stores the quantified risk values as subject attributes. The RQ-UCON model uses an improved Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) and penalty factors to predict risk value and to update the risk values of the subject attributes in real-time. The RQ-UCON model uses agglomerative hierarchical clustering to cluster the risk values of physicians within the department, resulting in risk intervals for each physician's operational behavior. Each risk interval is stored as a condition in the RQ-UCON model. Finally, according to the model whether the subject attributes meet the model conditions to determine whether the subject has the corresponding access rights, and according to the risk interval to grant the subject the corresponding access rights. Through the final experiment, it can be seen that the access control model proposed in this paper has a certain control on the excessive access behavior of doctors and has a certain limitation on the privacy leakage of healthcare big data.
Atrial fibrillation in cancer survivors – a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bao Yueyang , Lee John , Thakur Udit , Ramkumar Satish , Marwick Thomas H. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac complication during cancer treatment. It is unclear if cancer survivors have increased AF risk when compared to the population. AF screening is now recommended in patients ≥65 years, however there are no specific recommendations in the oncology population. We sought to compare the AF detection rate of cancer survivors compared to the general population.

Methods
We searched the Pubmed, Embase and Web of Science databases using search terms related to AF and cancer mapped to subject headings. We included English language studies, limited to adults > 18 years who were > 12 months post completion of cancer treatment. Using a random-effects model we calculated the overall AF detection rate. Meta-regression analysis was performed to assess for potential causes for study heterogeneity.

Results
Sixteen studies were included in the study. The combined AF detection rate amongst all the studies was 4.7% (95% C.I 4.0-5.4%), which equated to a combined annualised AF rate of 0.7% (95% C.I 0.1–0.98%). There was significant heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 99.8%, p < 0.001). In the breast cancer cohort (n = 6 studies), the combined annualised AF rate was 0.9% (95% C.I 0.1–2.3%), with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 99.9%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion
Whilst the results should be interpreted with caution due to study heterogeneity, AF rates in patients with cancer survival >12 months were not significantly increased compared to the general population.

Study Registration
Open Science Framework - DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/APSYG.
Magnitude of central obesity and associated factors among adult patients attending public health facilities in Adama town, Oromia region, Ethiopia, 2022
Authors: Getahun Mihiret Shawel , Deybasso Haji Aman , Komicha Meyrema Abdo , Gurara Abenet Menene 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Central obesity is excessive accumulation of fat around the abdomen, which is associated with the risk of coronary heart and cerebrovascular diseases. This study determined the magnitude of central obesity among adult patients using the waist-to-hip ratio, which has a superior capacity to measure the risk of developing non-communicable diseases compared to the body mass index used in previous studies in Ethiopia.

Methods
Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 480 adults from April 1 to May 30, 2022. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected by using interviewer-administered structured questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. The data were entered into EPI INFO version 7 and analyzed by Statistical Software for Social Science Version 25. The associations between independent and dependent variables were checked using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were used to measure the strengths of the association. Statistical significance was declared at a P value of less than 0.05.

Results
The magnitude of central obesity in this study was 40% (51.2% and 27.4% among females and males, respectively (95% CI 36–44%)). Being a female (AOR = 9.5, 95% CI 5.22–17.9), age range 35–44 (AOR = 7.0, 95% CI 2.9–16.7), 45–64 years (AOR = 10.1, 95% CI4.0–15.2), married (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.3–4.7), high monthly income (AOR = 3.3, 95% CI 1.5–7.3), high consumption of milk and milk products (AOR = 0.3, 95% CI 0.1–0.6), family history of obesity (AOR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–3.2) were significantly associated with central obesity among the study participants.

Conclusion
The magnitude of central obesity was higher in the study area. Sex, age, marital status, monthly income, consumption of milk and milk products, and family history of obesity were independent determinants of central obesity. Therefore, it is important to raise awareness about central obesity through behavior change communication that targets the high-risk population.
Adipose Tissue Dysfunction in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Bril Fernando , Ezeh Uche , Amiri Mina , Hatoum Sana , Pace Lauren , Chen Yen-Hao , Bertrand Fred , Gower Barbara , Azziz Ricardo 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Purpose
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex genetic trait and the most common endocrine disorder of women, clinically evident in 5% to 15% of reproductive-aged women globally, with associated cardiometabolic dysfunction. Adipose tissue (AT) dysfunction appears to play an important role in the pathophysiology of PCOS even in patients who do not have excess adiposity.

Methods
We undertook a systematic review concerning AT dysfunction in PCOS, and prioritized studies that assessed AT function directly. We also explored therapies that targeted AT dysfunction for the treatment of PCOS.

Results
Various mechanisms of AT dysfunction in PCOS were identified including dysregulation in storage capacity, hypoxia, and hyperplasia; impaired adipogenesis; impaired insulin signaling and glucose transport; dysregulated lipolysis and nonesterified free fatty acids (NEFAs) kinetics; adipokine and cytokine dysregulation and subacute inflammation; epigenetic dysregulation; and mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum and oxidative stress. Decreased glucose transporter-4 expression and content in adipocytes, leading to decreased insulin-mediated glucose transport in AT, was a consistent abnormality despite no alterations in insulin binding or in IRS/PI3K/Akt signaling. Adiponectin secretion in response to cytokines/chemokines is affected in PCOS compared to controls. Interestingly, epigenetic modulation via DNA methylation and microRNA regulation appears to be important mechanisms underlying AT dysfunction in PCOS.

Conclusion
AT dysfunction, more than AT distribution and excess adiposity, contributes to the metabolic and inflammation abnormalities of PCOS. Nonetheless, many studies provided contradictory, unclear, or limited data, highlighting the urgent need for additional research in this important field.
Assessment of Neurodevelopment and Growth in Congenital Hypothyroidism: Serial 6-Year Follow-up Study of 408 Patients
Authors: Ha Eun Kyo , Kim Ju Hee , Cha Hye Ryeong , Lee Gi Chun , Shin Jeewon , Lee Eun , Lee Won Seok , Yoo Eun-Gyong , Jung Mo Kyung , Han Man Yong 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Context
The link between congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and neurodevelopment is suggested, yet studies applying quantifiable measures are lacking. Moreover, socioeconomic disparities and subtle variation in timing of approach make the relationship difficult to detect.

Objective
To evaluate associations between CH and abnormalities in neurodevelopment and growth and determine the critical period for intervention.

Methods
We utilized a nationwide database to conduct a longitudinal analysis of 919 707 children. Exposure to CH was identified using claims-based data. The primary outcome of interest was suspected neurodevelopmental disorder, as measured using the Korean Ages & Stages Questionnaires (K-ASQ) administered annually from 9 to 72 months of age. Secondary outcomes were height and BMI z-scores. After randomly matching cases and controls at a 1:10 ratio, we employed inverse probability of treatment weighting and generalized estimating equation models for our analyses. We conducted subgroup analysis based on the age of treatment initiation.

Results
The prevalence of CH in our population was 0.05% (n = 408). Relative to the control group, the CH group had higher risk of suspected neurodevelopmental disorders (propensity score–weighted odds ratio: 4.52; 95% CI: 2.91, 7.02), and significantly increased risk in each of the 5 K-ASQ domains. No time interactions were noted at any rounds for the outcomes according to when the neurodevelopmental assessment was conducted (all P for interaction &gt;.05). The CH group also had higher risk for low height-for-age z-score, but not for elevated BMI-for-age z-score. In subgroup analysis, delayed medication for CH correlated with worse neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Conclusion
The CH group had worse neurodevelopmental outcomes and reduced height-for-age z-score. Outcomes were worse when onset of treatment was increasingly delayed.