bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Visinin-like protein 1 levels in blood and CSF as emerging markers for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Halbgebauer Steffen , Steinacker Petra , Riedel Daniel , Oeckl Patrick , Anderl-Straub Sarah , Lombardi Jolina , von Arnim Christine A. F. , Nagl Magdalena , Giese Armin , Ludolph Albert C. , Otto Markus 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Visinin-like protein 1 (VILIP-1) belongs to the group of emerging biomarkers with the potential to support the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, studies investigating the differential diagnostic potential in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are rare and are not available for blood.

Methods
We set up a novel, sensitive single molecule array (Simoa) assay for the detection of VILIP-1 in CSF and serum. In total, paired CSF and serum samples from 234 patients were investigated: 73 AD, 18 behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), 26 parkinsonian syndromes, 20 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), 22 Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), and 75 non-neurodegenerative control (Con) patients. The differential diagnostic potential of CSF and serum VILIP-1 was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and findings were compared to core AD biomarkers.

Results
CSF and serum VILIP-1 levels correlated weakly (r=0.32 (CI: 0.20–0.43), p<0.0001). VILIP-1 concentrations in CSF and serum were elevated in AD compared to Con (p<0.0001 and p<0.01) and CJD (p<0.0001 for CSF and serum), and an increase in CSF was observed already in early AD stages (p<0.0001). In the discrimination of AD versus Con, we could demonstrate a strong diagnostic potential for CSF VILIP-1 alone (area under the curve (AUC): 0.87), CSF VILIP-1/CSF Abeta 1-42 (AUC: 0.98), and serum VILIP-1/CSF Abeta 1-42 ratio (AUC: 0.89).

Conclusions
We here report on the successful establishment of a novel Simoa assay for VILIP-1 and illustrate the potential of CSF and serum VILIP-1 in the differential diagnosis of AD with highest levels in CJD.
Process optimization for biosynthesis of pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) and Neuberg’s ketol (PAC) from a novel Pichia cecembensis through response surface methodology
Authors: Mushtaq Zareena , Mukhtar Hamid 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Phenylacetylcarbinol (PAC) is an intermediate for the synthesis of several active pharmaceutical ingredients (ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, norephedrine, etc.) used for the production of antiasthematics and decongestants. An efficient biosynthesis of PAC through condensation of benzaldehyde and acetaldehyde catalyzed by a solvent tolerant pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) is being reported. A process for the biosynthesis of PAC was designed and optimized through response surface methodology (RSM) in the present study.

Methods
The effects of incubation time (8–18 h), incubation temperature (30–38 °C), medium pH (4–10), and inoculum size (4–10%) on PAC yield, sugar consumption, and PDC activity were determined through submerged fermentation using a newly isolated potent yeast strain of Pichia cecembensis. PAC was quantified spectrophotometerically and through HPLC. PDC produced was exposed to 40 mM benzaldehyde as whole cells, crude extract, and partialy purified preparation to check its stability against the said solvent.

Results
The highest PDC activity and PAC yield during present study were found to be 56.27 U/ml and 8.44 g/l, respectively. The yield of PAC was increased by 71% (2.22 to 8.44 g/l) after process optimization through RSM with incubation time of 13 h, incubation temperature of 33 °C, and 18% total sugar as significant factors (P-values, 0.902, 0.260, and 0.247, respectively). R-squared value of 0.770 and Adeq Precision value of 4.888 show the goodness of fit of the process design. PDC is used in the form of Pichia cecembensis whole cells revealed higher stability towards benzaldehyde and elevated temperature as compared to partially purified PDC. Whole cells and partially purified PDC showed half-lives of 240 and 72 h at 4 °C, whereas 33 and 28.5 h at 25 °C. PAC was purified though HPLC with a purity level of 76.18%.

Conclusion
Incubation time, temperature, and sugar concentration were found to be significant factors for the biosynthesis of PAC. A newly isolated Pichia cecembensis produced a highly active, solvent, and temperature-tolerant pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) which is superior to its counterpart being presently used in the industry. Hence, this novel yeast species is a promising candidate for commercial production of PAC and other related APIs owing to its highly stable PDC.
Perspectives of radiographers on the emergence of artificial intelligence in diagnostic imaging in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aldhafeeri Faten Mane 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Objectives
This study aimed to gain insight into radiographers’ views on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in Saudi Arabia by conducting a qualitative investigation designed to provide recommendations to assist radiographic workforce improvement.

Materials and methods
We conducted an online cross-sectional online survey of Saudi radiographers regarding perspectives on AI implementation, job security, workforce development, and ethics.

Results
In total, 562 valid responses were received. Most respondents (90.6%) believed that AI was the direction of diagnostic imaging. Among the respondents, 88.5% stated that AI would improve the accuracy of diagnosis. Some challenges in implementing AI in Saudi Arabia include the high cost of equipment, inadequate knowledge, radiologists’ fear of losing employment, and concerns related to potential medical errors and cyber threats.

Conclusion
Radiographers were generally positive about introducing AI to radiology departments. To integrate AI successfully into radiology departments, radiographers need training programs, transparent policies, and motivation.
Screening of colistin-resistant bacteria in livestock animals from France
Authors: Hamame Afaf , Davoust Bernard , Hasnaoui Bouthaina , Mwenebitu David Lupande , Rolain Jean-Marc , Diene Seydina M. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractColistin is frequently used as a growth factor or treatment against infectious bacterial diseases in animals. The Veterinary Division of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) restricted colistin use as a second-line treatment to reduce colistin resistance. In 2020, 282 faecal samples were collected from chickens, cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs in the south of France. In order to track the emergence of mobilized colistin resistant (mcr) genes in pigs, 111 samples were re-collected in 2021 and included pig faeces, food, and water from the same location. All samples were cultured in a selective Lucie Bardet Jean-Marc Rolain (LBJMR) medium and colonies were identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and then antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed. PCR and Sanger sequencing were performed to screen for the presence of mcr genes. The selective culture revealed the presence of 397 bacteria corresponding to 35 different bacterial species including Gram-negative and Gram-positive. Pigs had the highest prevalence of colistin-resistant bacteria with an abundance of intrinsically colistin-resistant bacteria and from these samples one strain harbouring both mcr-1 and mcr-3 has been isolated. The second collection allowed us to identify 304 bacteria and revealed the spread of mcr-1 and mcr-3 in pigs. In the other samples, naturally, colistin-resistant bacteria were more frequent, nevertheless the mcr-1 variant was the most abundant gene found in chicken, sheep, and goat samples and one cattle sample was positive for the mcr-3 gene. Animals are potential reservoir of colistin-resistant bacteria which varies from one animal to another. Interventions and alternative options are required to reduce the emergence of colistin resistance and to avoid zoonotic transmissions.
Are all types of empathy associated with lower aggression in athletes? A cross-sectional study on Iranian athletes
Authors: Mahmoudi Elham , Nakhostin-Ansari Amin , Ranjbar Maryam , Memari Amir Hossein 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to evaluate the association between cognitive and affective empathy and aggression in a sample of Iranian athletes.

Methods
We designed a cross-sectional study. The participants were selected by multistage random sampling among six colleges in Tehran, Iran’s capital. We used the interpersonal reactivity index (IRI) to evaluate empathy, and Reactive Proactive Aggression Questionnaire, and the Buss–Perry aggression questionnaire to evaluate aggression.

Results
In total, 492 athletes with a mean age of 27.42 years (SD = 7.72) participated in the study, of which 298 (60.6%) were male, and 194 (39.4%) were female. IRI’s fantasy and personal distress subscales scores were positively associated with proactive and reactive aggression scores (p < 0.05). The score of the perspective-taking subscale of IRI was negatively associated with proactive and reactive aggression scores (p < 0.05). The score of the empathic concern subscale of IRI had a negative association with the proactive aggression score (p < 0.001). The score of the perspective-taking subscale of IRI had negative associations with all Buss–Perry aggression questionnaire subscales’ scores (p < 0.05). The score of the personal distress subscale of IRI had positive associations with all Buss–Perry aggression questionnaire subscales’ scores (p < 0.05), except with the verbal aggression subscale score. The score of the fantasy subscale of IRI was positively associated with the score of the hostility subscale of the Buss–Perry questionnaire (p = 0.001).

Conclusion
Perspective-taking is negatively associated with all kinds of aggression in athletes. Future studies can be conducted to determine the possible role of perspective-taking in preventive aggression, which can be a target for interventions. On the other hand, the score of the personal distress subscale of IRI is positively associated with all types of aggression scores, indicating that not all types of empathy inhibit aggression in athletes.
Report on the 20th International Symposium on Geo-disaster Reduction, 16–19 August 2022, Kanazawa, Japan
Authors: Xiong Xi , Zhang Bo , Yoshida Masaho , Miyajima Masakatsu 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe joint event of 20th International Symposium on Geo-disaster Reduction (20th ISGdR) was held onsite and online during 16–19 August 2022 in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. This symposium focused on the theme of “the reduction of the disasters triggered by geological and geophysical factors on the earth and beyond”, providing a platform for academics, researchers and practitioners from different countries to discuss the research progress and exchange ideas on the reduction of disasters. The symposium consisted of keynote lecture, invited lectures and other presentations in parallel session. A technical trip to Hakusan Tedorigawa Geopark was conducted on August 19.
The ontogenic gonadal transcriptomes provide insights into sex change in the ricefield eel Monopterus albus
Authors: Fan Miao , Yang Wei , Zhang Weimin , Zhang Lihong 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe ricefield eel is a freshwater protogynous hermaphrodite fish and has become an important aquaculture species in China. The sex change of ricefield eel is impeding its aquaculture practice, particularly the large-scale artificial breeding. Many studies including transcriptomes of mixed gonadal samples from different individuals have been aimed to elucidate mechanisms underlying the sex change. However, the key physiological factors involved in the initiation of sex change remain to be identified. ResultsThe present study performed transcriptomic analysis on gonadal samples of different sexual stages obtained through biopsy from the same fish undergoing sex change. A total of 539,764,816 high-quality reads were generated from twelve cDNA libraries of gonadal tissues at female (F), early intersexual (EI), mid-intersexual (MI), and late intersexual (LI) stages of three individual sex-changing fish. Pairwise comparisons between EI and F, MI and EI, and LI and MI identified 886, 319, and 10,767 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), respectively. Realtime quantitative PCR analysis of 12 representative DEGs showed similar expression profiles to those inferred from transcriptome data, suggesting the reliability of RNA-seq data for gene expression analysis. The expression ofapoeb,csl2, andenpp2was dramatically increased and peaked at EI while that ofcyp19a1a,wnt4a,fgf16, andfoxl2asignificantly downregulated from F to EI and remained at very low levels during subsequent development until LI, which suggests thatapoeb,csl2,enpp2,cyp19a1a,wnt4a,fgf16, andfoxl2amay be closely associated with the initiation of sex change of ricefield eels.ConclusionsCollectively, results of the present study confirmed that the down-regulation of female-related genes, such ascyp19a1a,wnt4a,fgf16, andfoxl2a, is important for the sex change of ricefield eels. More importantly, some novel genes, includingapoeb,csl2, andenpp2, were shown to be expressed with peak values at EI, which are potentially involved in the initiation of sex change. The present transcriptomic data may provide an important research resource for further unraveling the mechanisms underlying the sex change and testicular development in ricefield eels as well as other teleosts.
A qualitative study to explore dietary knowledge, beliefs, and practices among pregnant women in a rural health zone in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Maykondo Benito Kazenza , Horwood Christiane , Haskins Lyn , Mapumulo Sphindile , Mapatano Mala Ali , Kilola Branly Mbunga , Mokanisa Marc Bosonkie , Hatloy Anne , John Vaughn M. , Bitadi Paulin Mutombo Beya Wa 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
A nutritious and healthy diet during pregnancy is essential for the health of both mother and baby. Inadequate dietary intake during pregnancy contributes to maternal malnutrition and can have lifelong effects on the health of the child. Maternal malnutrition is common in many low-income countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Kwango province, DRC, has a high prevalence of malnutrition among all population groups, including macro and micronutrient deficiencies among pregnant women. The study aimed to explore the dietary knowledge and practices of a pregnant woman in this area.

Methods
This study adopted a qualitative approach using in-depth interviews (IDIs) with pregnant women and key informants, and focus group discussions (FGDs) with fathers and grandmothers in the community, to explore women’s knowledge and practice about diet during pregnancy. Data were collected between January and April 2018. IDIs were conducted with pregnant women who were recruited at antenatal clinics during their second and third trimesters. IDIs were undertaken with selected key informants, who were health workers providing care to pregnant women, and included doctors, nurses, nutritionists, and community health workers. All IDIs and FGDs were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and translated to English. The triangulation method and thematic analyses were used.

Results
Overall, women showed good general knowledge about nutrition and the need for increased and varied foods during pregnancy, but little technical knowledge about nutrients and sources of nutrition. Healthcare facilities, media, NGOs, and family members were the main sources of nutritional information. However, women were unable to put this knowledge into practice, primarily due to poverty and poor access to a variety of foods. The Popokabaka community accessed food from farming, fishing, and the market, although purchasing food was frequently unaffordable. Cassava flour was the most common daily food. Food taboos, traditional practices, and late ANC attendance were identified as factors that influenced dietary practices.

Conclusions
Various social, economic, and environmental factors within the local community influenced dietary practices among pregnant women in rural DRC. A comprehensive approach is required to improve nutrition, and address food insecurity, cultural practices and improve the health outcomes of both mother and child.
Recommendations for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in Saudi Arabia: adolopment of the 2021 American College of Rheumatology guidelines
Authors: Omair Mohammed A. , Al Rayes Hanan , Khabsa Joanne , Yaacoub Sally , Abdulaziz Sultana , Al Janobi Ghada A. , Al Khalaf Abdulaziz , Al Mehmadi Bader , Al Nassar Mahasin , AlBalawi Faisal , AlFurayj Abdullah S. , Al-Jedai Ahmed Hamdan , Almalag Haya Mohammed , Almudaiheem Hajer Yousef , AlRehaily Ali , Attar Mohammed A. , El Kibbi Lina , Halabi Hussein , Hasan Manal , Singh Jasvinder A. , Fraenkel Liana , Akl Elie A. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
The 2021 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) rheumatoid arthritis (RA) guideline considers the specific context of the United States which differs from that of Saudi Arabia in many aspects that may impact recommendations. The objective of this project was to adapt a set of prioritized recommendations from the 2021 ACR guideline for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis RA for the context of Saudi Arabia, by the Saudi Society for Rheumatology (SSR).

Methods
The process followed the GRADE-ADOLOPMENT methodology, and the reporting adhered to the RIGHT-Ad@pt checklist. Working groups included a coordination group and a 19-member panel representing different stakeholder groups. The Evidence to Decision (EtD) tables included evidence on health effects from the source guideline and contextual information from the Saudi setting.

Results
The panel prioritized and adapted five recommendations from the source guideline. The process led to modifying two out of the five prioritized recommendations, all listed here. In naive patients with low disease activity, methotrexate (MTX) is conditionally recommended over sulfasalazine (SSZ) (modified direction); hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is conditionally recommended over SSZ (unmodified). Initiation of csDMARDs with short-term glucocorticoids is conditionally recommended over csDMARDs alone in naive patients with moderate to high disease activity (modified direction). Switch to subcutaneous MTX is conditionally recommended over addition/switch to alternative DMARD(s) in patients taking oral MTX who are not at target (unmodified). Discontinuation of MTX is conditionally recommended over gradual discontinuation of the bDMARD or tsDMARD for patients taking MTX plus a bDMARD or tsDMARD who wish to discontinue a DMARD (unmodified).

Conclusion
Rheumatologists practicing in Saudi Arabia can use the adoloped recommendations generated by this project while adopting the rest of the recommendations from the 2021 ACR guidelines.
Periodic limb movements among dialysis and non-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients: a comparative study
Authors: Kotb Samah , Sayed Suzan Salama , Mohamed Amany Omar , Ahmed Shazly Bughdady 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Periodic leg movement disorder is defined as periodic episodes of repetitive limb movements during sleep that mainly occurs in the lower limb, including the hips, knees, and toes, and sometimes affects the upper limb. It may be accompanied by frequent nocturnal arousals, and if so, this sleep disturbance may cause excessive daytime sleepiness. Chronic kidney disease patients are at risk of periodic leg movements and common causes are iron deficiency, anemia, raised serum calcium, and central and peripheral nervous system disorders. This study aimed to screen the prevalence of periodic limb movements among chronic kidney disease patients using full-night attended polysomnography, compare dialysis with non-dialysis CKD patients, and correlate PLM prevalence with the HGB level and degree of renal impairment.

Results
This cross-sectional study was carried out on one hundred chronic kidney disease patients during the period between May 2017 and March 2020. The patients were subdivided into two groups: group I included patients on regular hemodialysis (n = 50), and group II included patients not on dialysis. All patients were screened for periodic limb movement using full-night attended polysomnography. Our study revealed a high prevalence of periodic limb movements in both groups of chronic kidney disease patients (60% in dialysis and 66% in non-dialysis patients) with mean PLM indices insignificantly higher in group I than group II (29.90 ± 19.19/h vs. 17.54 ± 13.56/h, P-value = 0.748). Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between periodic leg movements and serum urea level (r-value = 0.38 and 0.33 and P-value = 0.04 and 0.030 in group I and group II consequently). Also, we reported a significant negative correlation between periodic leg movements and hemoglobin level (r = −0.251 and −0.291 and P-value = 0.037 and 0.010 in group I and group II consequently).

Conclusion
Periodic leg movement disorder is highly prevalent among CKD patients either on dialysis or not, and good management of renal dysfunction and anemia in those patients can help in the management of PLM.
Comments on: “Ambiguity in induced polarization time constants and the advantage of the Pelton model” (Andreas Weller and Lee Slater, 2022, Geophysics, 87, no. 6, E393–E399)
Authors: Macnae James , Zorin Nikita 
Published: November 2022

SUMMARY The underlying Cole-Cole model of the frequency dependence of complex conductivity and resistivity predicts two time constants that are not identical but which are related to each other. The shorter time constant [Formula: see text] predicts the current response to a voltage step and, in various models of a mineralized grain, is related to the intrinsic properties of the polarizable component, whereas the longer time constant [Formula: see text], which predicts the voltage response to a current step, is dependent on intrinsic material properties and also the relative volume of polarizable material as defined through chargeability. As a consequence, although we agree with most of the conclusions of the original paper, the specification [Formula: see text] instead of [Formula: see text] in reference tables will simplify.
Adolescent mental health problems in early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic were masked by lockdown measures and restrictions
Authors: Rockstroh Franziska , Kaess Michael 
Published: November 2022

Summary
In the BJPsych Open Wong et al examined the influence of lockdown stringency during early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychiatric emergency presentations among children and adolescents from ten countries. Data from March and April 2019 were compared with the same time frame in 2020, with particular focus on self-harm admissions. In this editorial, the publication is summarised and potential implications for the field and future studies are discussed.