bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using qPCR to compare the detection ofPlasmodium vivaxoocysts and sporozoites inAnopheles farautimosquitoes between two DNA extraction methods
Authors: Timinao Lincoln , Jamea Esther W. , Katusele Michelle , Schofield Louis , Burkot Thomas R. , Karl Stephan 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundCurrently, the gold standard to assess parasite developmental stages in mosquitoes is light microscopy. Microscopy can miss low-density infections, is time-consuming and not species-specific. This can place limitations on studies, especially when the infection status of larger mosquito populations is important and studies are done in co-endemic settings with multiple circulating parasite species. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been the alternative technique to evaluate the infectivity of mosquitoes especially in field studies however it is semi-quantitative. Molecular techniques that have been used to detect the mosquito stages of malaria parasites includingP. vivax. Here, we present a quantitative real-time assay (qPCR) assay that can be used to detect low-densityP. vivaxoocyst and sporozoite infections. Parasite detection via qPCR after performing the conventional DNA extraction versus direct qPCR following heating of the infected mosquito samples was compared.MethodsColony rearedAnopheles farautimosquitoes were exposed to blood samples collected from infected individuals using a direct membrane feeding assay. The fully fed mosquitoes were kept for 7 and 14 days post-feed before dissection to confirm presence of oocysts and sporozoites. Infected mosquito guts and the salivary glands (with the head and thorax) were stored and DNA was extracted either by heating or by performing conventional column-based DNA extraction. Following DNA extraction the infected samples were subjected to qPCR to detectP. vivaxparasites.ResultsDNA extraction of 1 or more oocysts by heating resulted in an overall sensitivity of 78% (57/73) and single oocysts infections were detected with a sensitivity of 82% (15/17) in the heating arm as well. We observed a 60% (18/30) sensitivity with sporozoites where DNA was extracted using the conventional DNA extraction method prior to qPCR diagnosis. We show that the heating method significantly improved the detection of oocysts over conventional DNA extraction. There was no significant difference in the DNA copy numbers when comparing the detection of oocysts from the conventional DNA extraction versus heating. There was also no significant difference in the detection rate of sporozoite samples when comparing the two DNA extraction protocols. However, we observed that the DNA copy numbers of the sporozoites detected in the heating arm was significantly higher than in the conventional DNA extraction arm.ConclusionWe have adapted a qPCR assay which, when coupled with heating to release DNA reduces sample processing time and cost. Direct qPCR after heating will be a useful tool when investigating transmission blocking vaccines or antimalarials or when evaluating field caught mosquitoes for the presence of malaria parasites.
Magnitude of Needle Stick and Sharp Injuries and Associated Factors among Health Care Workers in Werabe Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional study
Authors: Halil Jemal , Berhanu Negalign , Dutamo Zeleke 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACTBackgroundNeedle-stick and sharp injuries were one of major leading risk factor for blood and body fluid born infections among health care workers (HCWs)ObjectiveTo assess the magnitude of occupational needle-stick and sharp injuries and associated factors among HCWs in Werabe Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (WCSH), Southwest EthiopiaMethodsFacility based cross-sectional study was conducted at WCSH from 15 to 25 August, 2020. Stratified random sampling was used to select 213 HCWs in the Hospital. A self-administered questionnaire was employed to collect data. After proportional allocation to the professionals, simple random sampling was used for each stratum. Data was entered and analyzed by using Epi info version 7 and SPSS version 22, respectively. Odds ratio was used to assess the statistical association between outcome and independent variables in bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. Significance of statistical association was tested using 95% confidence interval (CI) and P-value (<0.05)Result28.40% of HCWs encountered needle-stick and sharp injuries in the last 1-year. HCWs who had job related stress, whose working hours was more than 8 hours per day and didn’t apply universal precaution were 8.6, 7.5 and 2.3 times more likely to encounter needle-stick and sharp injuries, respectively. HCWS with educational status above Diploma level were 90% less likely to face needle-stick and sharp injuries than their counterpartsConclusion and recommendationThe prevalence of occupational needle- stick and sharp injury was high compared to earlier studies. Educational status of diploma and above, average working hour for more than eight hours per day, not-applying universal precautions and job related stresses were factors associated with occupational needle-stick and sharp injures. Refreshment training on universal precaution and minimizing the excess working hours per day among HCWs were crucial to decrease the risk of needle stick and sharp injuries
Validation and optimization of the Japanese version of the Adult Executive Functioning Inventory
Authors: Kawagoe Toshikazu , Kanekama Yori , Rupp Michael J. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundExecutive function (EF) is an umbrella term used to describe higher-order cognitive processes. Among the test batteries for EF, the Adult Executive Functioning Inventory (ADEXI) is prominent because of several advantages: it is brief, focuses on the core concept of EF, and does not include hard-to-understand general expressions and/or things that are connected but not directly linked to EFs.AimsTo translate the ADEXI into Japanese and reduce the number of items required for optimization. The validation was performed using external self-reporting and laboratory task measurements.MethodsA Japanese version of the ADEXI (J-ADEXI) was created through a regular translation procedure and tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). We also conducted a Mokken scaling analysis (MSA) to reduce the number of J-ADEXI items and correlational analyses with external surveys and laboratory tasks.ResultsAlthough both the original model with 14 items and new the reduced model with 12 items have adequate reliability and validity, the latter was better in terms of model fit. Through discussion, we determined that J-ADEXI includes all 14 items and allows the user to choose a scoring model (i.e., 12 or 14 items model).ConclusionsThe J-ADEXI could briefly assess EF with adequate psychometric properties, and this study may also provide clues towards the optimization of the original and/or other language versions of the ADEXI.
Childhood Cancer Survival in the Highly Vulnerable Population of South Texas: A Cohort Study
Authors: Wu Shenghui , Liu Yanning , Williams Melanie , Aguilar Christine , Ramirez Amelie G. , Mesa Ruben , Tomlinson Gail E. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractObjectiveThis study examines childhood cancer survival rates and prognostic factors related to survival in the majority Hispanic population of South Texas.MethodsThe population-based cohort study used Texas Cancer Registry data (1995-2017) to examine survival and prognostic factors. Cox proportional hazard models and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used for survival analyses.ResultsThe 5-year relative survival rate for 7,999 South Texas cancer patients diagnosed at 0–19 years was 80.3% for all races/ethnicities. Hispanic patients had statistically significant lower 5-year relative survival rates than non-Hispanic White (NHW) patients for male and female together diagnosed at age≥5 years. When comparing survival among Hispanic and NHW patients for the most common cancer, acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), the difference was most significant in the 15-19 years age range, with 47.7% Hispanic patients surviving at 5 years compared to 78.4% of NHW counterparts. The multivariable-adjusted analysis showed that males had statistically significant 13% increased mortality risk than females [hazard ratio (HR): 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.01-1.26] for all cancer types. Comparing to patients diagnosed at ages 1–4 years, patients diagnosed at age < 1 year (HR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.36-2.09), at 10-14 year (HR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.20-1.68), or at 15–19 years (HR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.20-1.64) had significant increased mortality risk. Comparing to NHW patients, Hispanic patients showed 38% significantly increased mortality risk for all cancer types, 66% for ALL, and 52% for brain cancer.ConclusionsSouth Texas Hispanic patients had lower 5-year relative survival than NHW patients especially for ALL. Male gender, diagnosis at age<1 year or 10–19 years were also associated with decreased childhood cancer survival. Despite advances in treatment, Hispanic patients lag significantly behind NHW patients. Further cohort studies in South Texas are warranted to identify additional factors affecting survival and to develop interventional strategies.
Special Olympics global report on COVID-19 vaccination and reasons not to vaccinate among adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Lincoln Andrew E. , Dixon-Ibarra Alicia M. , Hanley John P. , Smith Ashlyn L. , Martin Kiki , Bazzano Alicia 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected people with intellectual disabilities worldwide. The objective of this study was to identify global rates of COVID-19 vaccination and reasons not to vaccinate among adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) associated with country economic income levels.MethodsThe Special Olympics COVID-19 online survey was administered in January-February 2022 to adults with ID from 138 countries. Descriptive analyses of survey responses include 95% margins of error. Logistic regression and Pearson Chi-squared tests were calculated to assess associations with predictive variables for vaccination using R 4.1.2 software.ResultsParticipants (n=3560) represented 18 low (n=410), 35 lower-middle (n=1182), 41 upper-middle (n=837), and 44 high (n=1131) income countries. Globally, 76% (74.8-77.6%) received a COVID-19 vaccination while 49.5% (47.9-51.2%) received a COVID-19 booster. Upper-middle (93% (91.2-94.7%)) and high-income country (94% (92.1-95.0%)) participants had the highest rates of vaccination while low-income countries had the lowest rates (38% (33.3-42.7%)). In multivariate regression models, country economic income level (OR = 3.12, 95% CI [2.81, 3.48]), age (OR = 1.04, 95% CI [1.03, 1.05]), and living with family (OR = 0.70, 95% CI [0.53, 0.92]) were associated with vaccination. Among LLMICs, the major reason for not vaccinating was lack of access (41.2% (29.5-52.9%)). Globally, concerns about side effects (42%, (36.5-48.1%)) and parent/guardian not wanting the adult with ID to vaccinate (32% (26.1-37.0%)) were the most common reasons for not vaccinating.ConclusionAdults with ID from low and low-middle income countries reported fewer COVID-19 vaccinations, suggesting reduced access and availability of resources in these countries. Globally, COVID-19 vaccination levels among adults with ID were higher than the general population. Interventions should address the increased risk of infection for those in congregate living situations and family caregiver apprehension to vaccinate this high-risk population.
STRENGTH OF ASSOCIATION BETWEEN GENERALIZED/NONSPECIFIC COVID-19 SIGNS & SYMPTOMS WITH SARS-COV 2 SPECIFIC ORF, N, E GENES IDENTIFIED THROUGH REAL TIME PCR
Authors: Arif Muhammad , Abdullah Muhammad , Ahmed Sheikh , Larik Ehsan Ahmed , Baloch Ujala Naseer , Hussain Zakir , Iqbal Baig Mirza Zeeshan 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDConstant mutation in the SARS-COV2 virus genetic material is resulting in the appearance of new variants frequently hence the overall virulence, treatment resistance, replication modalities, transmissions rates and COVID-19 signs & symptoms are all changing regularly.METHODOLOGYFrom 1 January 2021 to 30 August 2022, the clinical lab at Fatima Jinnah General & Chest Hospital Quetta, Balochistan, determined a total of 3375 individuals to be COVID-19 positive because RT-PCR detected ORF, N, and E genes or their various Bi & Tri combinations in their samples. A questionnaire-based interview was conducted with each participant during sample collection. Body temperature more than 370c was recorded as Fever/Chill. Age, Comorbidities, A-symptomatic individuals & Vaccination status were all neglected during this study. Frequency tables were generated using MS-excel 2016, while Odds ratios were calculated using Chi-square test of association whereby 2×2 contingency tables between Mono, Bi & Tri combinations for ORF, N & E genes were cross associated with various generalized nonspecific COVID -19 signs and symptoms using Epi-info software. Absence of Genetic sequencing was the major limitation.RESULTSThe study showed that individually the presence ofORF genewas found to be strongly associated“ Shortness of Breath/Difficulty in Breathing”, Diarrhea, Head ache & Vomitting. While the presence ofN- genewas found to be strongly associated withLoss of smell & taste, Head ache,Presistant Chest Pain & Bluish lips/Face. Where as the presence ofE-genewas found to be strongly associated withCough, Shortness of breath/ Difficulty in breathing, Sore throat, Diarrhea, Head ache & Laziness. In addition, the study also found that different Bi & Tri combinations of ORF, N & E genes in a COVID-19 positive patient expressed generalized non-specific COVID-19 signs & symptoms differently.DISCUSSION & CONCLUSIONThe presence of various SARS-COV2 genetic markers significantly alters the clinical presentation of COVID-19.
Subtypes of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Identified by Network Analysis
Authors: Howlett-Prieto Quentin , Oommen Chelsea , Carrithers Michael D. , Wunsch Donald C. , Hier Daniel B. 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to use network analysis to identify subtypes of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis subjects based on their cumulative signs and symptoms. We reviewed the electronic medical records of 120 subjects with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and recorded signs and symptoms. Signs and symptoms were mapped to a neuroontology and then collapsed into 16 superclasses by subsumption and normalized. Bipartite (subject-feature) and unipartite (subject-subject) network graphs were created using Gephi. Degree and weighted degree were calculated for each node. Graphs were partitioned into communities using the modularity score. Feature maps were used to visualize differences in features by the community. Network analysis of the unipartite graph yielded a higher modularity score (0.49) than the bipartite graph (0.247). Network analysis can partition multiple sclerosis subjects into communities based on signs and symptoms. Communities of subjects with predominant motor, sensory, pain, fatigue, cognitive, behavior, and fatigue features were found. Larger datasets and additional partitioning algorithms are needed to confirm these results and elucidate their clinical significance.
Co-occurring Pathogenic Variants in 6q27 Associated with Dementia Spectrum Disorders in a Peruvian Family
Authors: Alvarez Karla Lucia F. , Aguilar-Pineda Jorge A. , Ortiz-Manrique Michelle M. , Paredes-Calderon Marluve F. , Cardenas-Quispe Bryan C. , Vera-Lopez Karin J. , Goyzueta-Mamani Luis D. , Chavez-Fumagalli Miguel A. , Del-Carpio Gonzalo Davila , Peralta-Mestas Antero , Musolino Patricia L. , Lino Cardenas Christian L. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractEvidence suggests that there may be racial differences in risk factors associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). We used whole genome sequencing analysis and identified a novel combination of three pathogenic variants in the heterozygous state (UNC93A: rs7739897 andWDR27: rs61740334; rs3800544) in a Peruvian family with a strong clinical history of ADRD. Notably, the combination of these variants was present in two generations of affected individuals but absent in healthy members within the family.In silicoandin vitrostudies have provided insights into the pathogenicity of these variants. These studies predict the loss of function of the mutant UNC93A and WDR27 proteins which induced dramatic changes in the global transcriptomic signature of brain cells, including neurons, astrocytes, and especially pericytes and vascular smooth muscle cells, and thus indicating that the combination of these three variants may affect the neurovascular unit. In addition, key known molecular pathways associated with ADRD were enriched in brain cells with low levels of UNC93A and WDR27. Our findings have thus identified a genetic risk factor for familial ADRD in a Peruvian family with an Amerindian ancestral background.
Identifying Racial Disparities in Clozapine Prescriptions Among Schizophrenia Patients using Data from Electronic Health Records
Authors: Barry Spenser , Jarskog L Fredrik , Xia Kai , Torpunuri Rohit Simha , Wu Xiaoyu , Zeng Xiaoming 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis study sought to assess the demographic factors that alter the likelihood of being prescribed clozapine. The primary hypothesis is that African American patients are less likely to be prescribed Clozapine than White and other racial groups. Additionally, this study aims to expand on earlier studies of clozapine by examining how multiple variables, especially social determinants of health, gender, rurality, and care patterns affect the rates at which clozapine is prescribed.MethodsThis observational study examines the racial disparities and other factors associated with receiving a clozapine prescription for patients with a schizophrenia diagnosis using structured data in the Electronic Health Records (EHR) from a multi-facility health system from 10/1/2015 - 11/30/2021. Bivariate analysis, multiple logistic regression, and sensitivity analysis tests were performed to determine which factors differed significantly between the group of patients who were prescribed clozapine and those who were not.ResultsResults showed that being white and having a higher socioeconomic income was associated with an increased clozapine prescription rate, while gender, rurality, age at first diagnosis, and ethnicity did not influence prescription likelihood. Increased treatment length was also associated with a greater likelihood of being prescribed clozapine.ConclusionAfrican American patients are over-diagnosed with schizophrenia and under-prescribed clozapine compared to Caucasians after controlling for the variables associated with demographics, social determinants of health, and care access patterns. Future research is needed to understand and disentangle the biological, clinical, administrative, and societal causes behind the disparity in clozapine treatment.
Inflammatory ER Stress Responses Dictate the Immunopathogenic Progression of Systemic Candidiasis
Authors: Awasthi Deepika , Chopra Sahil , Cho Byuri A. , Emmanuelli Alexander , Sandoval Tito A. , Hwang Sung-Min , Chae Chang-Suk , Salvagno Camilla , Tan Chen , Vasquez-Urbina Liliana , Rodriguez Jose J. Fernandez , Santagostino Sara F. , Iwawaki Takao , Romero-Sandoval E. Alfonso , Crespo Mariano Sanchez , Morales Diana K. , Iliev Iliyan D. , Hohl Tobias M. , Cubillos-Ruiz Juan R. 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACTRecognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns can trigger the IRE1α arm of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response in immune cells. IRE1α activation has been shown to maintain ER homeostasis while simultaneously coordinating diverse immunomodulatory programs in the setting of bacterial and viral infections. However, the role of IRE1α signaling in innate immune responses to fungal pathogens is unknown. Here we report that systemic infection with the fungusCandida albicanscauses severe renal immunopathology by triggering inflammatory IRE1α hyperactivation in host myeloid cells. Mechanistically, sensing of fungal β-glucans by the C-type lectin receptor Dectin-1 induced Src–Syk–NOX-dependent accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and the ensuing generation of lipid peroxidation byproducts that sustained IRE1α activation. Selective deletion of IRE1α in leukocytes, or treatment with an IRE1α pharmacological inhibitor, reduced detrimental inflammatory responses in the kidney and extended survival in mice systemically infected withC. albicans. Hence, controlling IRE1α overactivation may be useful to impede the fatal immunopathogenic progression of disseminated candidiasis.One sentence summaryInnate IRE1α signaling in disseminated candidiasis
Hamsters are a model for post-COVID-19 alveolar regeneration mechanisms: an opportunity to understand post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Heydemann Laura , Ciurkiewicz Małgorzata , Beythien Georg , Becker Kathrin , Schughart Klaus , Stanelle-Bertram Stephanie , Schaumburg Berfin , Mounogou-Kouassi Nancy , Beck Sebastian , Zickler Martin , Kühnel Mark , Gabriel Gülsah , Beineke Andreas , Baumgärtner Wolfgang , Armando Federico 
Published: November 2022

AbstractA relevant number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors suffers from post-acute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (PASC). Current evidence suggests a dysregulated alveolar regeneration in COVID-19 as a possible explanation for respiratory PASC symptoms, a phenomenon which deserves further investigation in a suitable animal model. This study investigates morphological, phenotypical and transcriptomic features of alveolar regeneration in SARS-CoV-2 infected Syrian golden hamsters. We demonstrate that CK8+alveolar differentiation intermediate (ADI) cells occur following SARS-CoV-2-induced diffuse alveolar damage. A subset of ADI cells shows nuclear accumulation of TP53 at 6- and 14-days post infection (dpi), indicating a prolonged arrest in the ADI state. Transcriptome data show the expression of gene signatures driving ADI cell senescence, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and angiogenesis. Moreover, we show that multipotent CK14+airway basal cell progenitors migrate out of terminal bronchioles, aiding alveolar regeneration. At 14 dpi, presence of ADI cells, peribronchiolar proliferates, M2-type macrophages, and sub-pleural fibrosis is observed, indicating incomplete alveolar restoration. The results demonstrate that the hamster model reliably phenocopies indicators of a dysregulated alveolar regeneration of COVID-19 patients. The results provide important information on a translational COVID-19 model, which is crucial for its application in future research addressing pathomechanisms of PASC and in testing of prophylactic and therapeutic approaches for this syndrome.