bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel equi merozoite antigen (ema-1) gene heterogeneity in a geographically isolated Theileria equi population in Croatia
Authors: Coultous Robert , Gotić Jelena , McCann Martine , Sutton David , Beck Relja , Shiels Brian 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
The apicomplexan haemoparasite Theileria equi, a causative agent of equine piroplasmosis, is an established pathogen of significant welfare and economic concern within the Croatian equine population. A previous large surveillance study of T. equi has identified two distinct parasite populations, one in the north and one in the south, geographically separated by the Dinaric Alps, which traverse the country. This study aimed to further investigate the genetic diversity within these two populations, focussing on allelic variability of the equi merozoite antigen gene, ema-1.

Methods
Following nested PCR of DNA isolates, the generated ema-1 amplicons were subsequently sequenced and compared by phylogenetic analysis to available sequences representing previously described ema-1 genotypes (groups A–C).

Results
Isolates from the southern T. equi population clustered with the existing ema-1 groups A and B. Strikingly, isolates from the northern population clustered into two novel ema-1 genotypes, named groups D and E.

Conclusions
This detection of hitherto unreported genotypes suggests that historic geographical isolation has led to a degree of divergent evolution in this northern T. equi population. Additionally, current global regulatory testing of equine piroplasmosis relies heavily on EMA-1 based immunodiagnostics, and the discovery of unique ema-1 genotypes may question the efficacy of current diagnostics in international equine movement, with ramifications for the global equine community.

Graphical Abstract
Artificial blood-feeding of phlebotomines (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae): is it time to repurpose biological membranes in light of ethical concerns?
Authors: Sánchez Uzcátegui Yetsenia del Valle , dos Santos Eduardo José Melo , Matos Edilson Rodrigues , Silveira Fernando Tobias , Vasconcelos dos Santos Thiago , Póvoa Marinete Marins 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
The aims of the present study were to evaluate and compare the efficacy of blood-feeding in phlebotomines through industrially processed membranes from the small intestine of pigs (used for the production of commercial sausages) and the skin of euthanized chicks.

Methods
Laboratory-bred Lutzomyia longipalpis and different field-caught phlebotomine species were subjected to the artificial feeding systems under similar conditions. Paired tests were performed using the control (skin from euthanized chicks) and test membranes (pig small intestine). The feeding rates were compared by paired t-test, and Pearson correlation was used to examine the relationship between the thickness of the membranes and feeding rate.

Results
The feeding rate was greater with the test membrane than with the control membrane for L. longipalpis (t-test, t = −3.3860, P = 0.0054) but not for the most frequent field-caught species, Nyssomyia antunesi (t-test, t = 0.7746, P = 0.4535). The average thicknesses of the control and test membranes were 184 ± 83 µm and 34 ± 12 µm, respectively (Mann–Whitney U-test, U = 0.00, Z = 2.8823, P = 0.0039); however, there was no correlation between feeding rate and membrane thickness. A moderate positive correlation was observed between the number of phlebotomines that fed and the total number of phlebotomines in the cage for each type of membrane and for each species.

Conclusions
The test membrane is a viable alternative for the artificial blood-feeding of phlebotomines, and is thus a potential substitute for the skin of animals that are euthanized for this purpose. Feeding rate was independent of membrane thickness.

Graphical Abstract
Ganciclovir-induced mutations are present in a diverse spectrum of post-transplant malignancies
Authors: Fang Hu , Yan Helen H. N. , Bilardi Rebecca A. , Flensburg Christoffer , Yang Haocheng , Barbour Jayne A. , Siu Hoi Cheong , Turski Michelle , Chew Edward , Xu Zhen , Lam Siu T. , Sharma Rakesh , Xu Mengya , Li Junshi , Ip Ho W. , Cheung Carol Y. M. , Huen Michael S. Y. , Sweet-Cordero E. Alejandro , Majewski Ian J. , Leung Suet Y. , Wong Jason W. H. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Ganciclovir (GCV) is widely used in solid organ and haematopoietic stem cell transplant patients for prophylaxis and treatment of cytomegalovirus. It has long been considered a mutagen and carcinogen. However, the contribution of GCV to cancer incidence and other factors that influence its mutagenicity remains unknown.

Methods
This retrospective cohort study analysed genomics data for 121,771 patients who had undergone targeted sequencing compiled by the Genomics Evidence Neoplasia Information Exchange (GENIE) or Foundation Medicine (FM). A statistical approach was developed to identify patients with GCV-associated mutational signature (GCVsig) from targeted sequenced data of tumour samples. Cell line exposure models were further used to quantify mutation burden and DNA damage caused by GCV and other antiviral and immunosuppressive drugs.

Results
Mutational profiles from 22 of 121,771 patient samples in the GENIE and FM cohorts showed evidence of GCVsig. A diverse range of cancers was represented. All patients with detailed clinical history available had previously undergone solid organ transplantation and received GCV and mycophenolate treatment. RAS hotspot mutations associated with GCVsig were present in 9 of the 22 samples, with all samples harbouring multiple GCV-associated protein-altering mutations in cancer driver genes. In vitro testing in cell lines showed that elevated DNA damage response and GCVsig are uniquely associated with GCV but not acyclovir, a structurally similar antiviral. Combination treatment of GCV with the immunosuppressant, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), increased the misincorporation of GCV in genomic DNA and mutations attributed to GCVsig in cell lines and organoids.

Conclusions
In summary, GCV can cause a diverse range of cancers. Its mutagenicity may be potentiated by other therapies, such as mycophenolate, commonly co-prescribed with GCV for post-transplant patients. Further investigation of the optimal use of these drugs could help reduce GCV-associated mutagenesis in post-transplant patients.
Genome-wide screening for differentially methylated long noncoding RNAs identifies LIFR-AS1 as an epigenetically regulated lncRNA that inhibits the progression of colorectal cancer
Authors: Song Peng , Li Ying , Wang Feng , Pu Lingxiao , Bao Linsen , Gao Hengfei , Zhu Chuandong , Wang Meng , Tao Liang 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Aberrant DNA methylation is an epigenetic marker that has been linked to the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been increasingly identified to be associated with tumorigenic processes of CRC. Identifying epigenetically dysregulated lncRNAs and characterizing their effects during carcinogenesis are focuses of cancer research.

Methods
Differentially methylated loci and expressed lncRNAs were identified by integrating DNA methylome and transcriptome analyses using The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP) was performed to analyze LIFR-AS1 promoter methylation status. The functional roles of LIFR-AS1 in CRC were determined by in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Results
We identified a novel hypermethylated lncRNA, LIFR-AS1, that was downregulated and associated with tumorigenesis, metastasis, and poor prognosis in CRC. High methylation burden of LIFR-AS1 indicated a poor survival of CRC patients. Promoter hypermethylation of LIFR-AS1 in tumor tissues was confirmed by BSP. Functional assays revealed that LIFR-AS1 could competitively bind to hsa-miR-29b-3p, and repressed colon cancer cell proliferation, colony formation and invasion. LIFR-AS1 also inhibited tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model of CRC.

Conclusions
Our results showed that the identified DNA methylation-dysregulated lncRNAs may be potential biomarkers and highlighted a role for LIFR-AS1 as a tumor suppressor in CRC.
A large pericardial cystic lymphangioma presenting as acute-onset respiratory distress in a child: a case report
Authors: Pathiraja Hashan , Rasnayake Dhammike , Muthukumarana Thilini , de Silva Channa , Sathkorala Wasantha , Gunaratne Sandini , Rajindrajith Shaman , Mettananda Sachith 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Lymphangiomas are rare benign malformations of the lymphatics that occur due to blockage of the lymphatic system during fetal development. They commonly occur in the neck and axilla, while involvement of the pericardium is rare. We report herein the case of a 16-month-old Sri Lankan child with a large pericardial cystic lymphangioma presenting with sudden-onset shortness of breath.

Case presentation
A 16-month-old Sri Lankan boy presented with sudden-onset dyspnea for 1-day duration following a febrile illness that lasted 2 days. On examination, he was afebrile and had subcostal, intercostal, and suprasternal recessions, with a respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute. He had a loud expiratory grunt. The chest expansion was reduced on the right side, which was dull to percussion. Auscultation revealed a marked reduction of air entry over the right lower and mid zones. Chest X-ray showed a well-demarcated opacity involving the lower and mid zones of the right hemithorax associated with a tracheal shift to the opposite side. Ultrasound scan of the chest revealed fluid-filled right hemithorax suggesting a septate pleural effusion. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan of the thorax showed a large multiloculated extrapulmonary cystic lesion involving the right hemithorax with a mediastinal shift towards the left side associated with displacement of the right-side mediastinal structures. He underwent mini-thoracotomy and surgical excision of the cyst. A large cyst originating from the pericardium was observed and excised during surgery. Histological examination revealed a lesion composed of cysts devoid of a lining epithelium but separated by connective tissue, mature adipose tissue, and lymphoid aggregates. The child showed complete recovery postoperatively with full expansion of the ipsilateral lung.

Conclusion
We report the case of a patient with cystic lymphangioma who was perfectly well and asymptomatic until 16 months of age. This case report presents the very rare occurrence of a large cystic lymphangioma originating from the pericardium. It highlights the importance of considering rare possibilities and performing prompt imaging in situations of diagnostic uncertainty to arrive at an accurate diagnosis that can be lifesaving.
Hemiballismus–hemichorea syndrome in an acute rehabilitation setting: two case reports
Authors: Tsai Luke , Shekhtman Benjamin , Stenquist Ryan , Schneider Ashley , Mapa Meilani , Amirianfar Edwin , Gater David R. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
We report two similar cases of patients diagnosed with hemiballismus–hemichorea syndrome secondary to uncontrolled hyperglycemia. Both patients were treated at an inpatient rehabilitation center and made a significant recovery in both function and activities of daily living. Although hemiballismus–hemichorea syndrome has known pharmacological treatments, little has been reported on the effectiveness of acute rehabilitation on managing and treating this syndrome.

Case presentation
The first case involves a 44-year-old Hispanic male with past medical history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, anxiety, and depression who presented with continuous, uncontrollable, unilateral movements 1 month following a hospital admission for hyperglycemia. Magnetic resonance imaging findings showed lesions in the basal ganglia, confirming the diagnosis of hemiballismus–hemichorea syndrome. The patient was started on antipsychotic medications and antihyperglycemic medications controlling glucose levels, but continued to have hemiballismus symptoms. The second case involves a 78-year-old Haitian female with past medical history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension who presented with weakness and continuous, involuntary movements in her upper and lower extremities 1 month following a hospital admission for hyperglycemia and encephalopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging findings were positive for bilateral lesions in the basal ganglia, establishing a diagnosis of hemiballismus–hemichorea syndrome. After a 2-week stay at an acute rehabilitation center, both patients made a significant recovery in function and activities of daily living.

Conclusion
The aim in presenting these cases is to elucidate the etiology and progression of a rare disease process known as hemiballismus–hemichorea syndrome and to provide evidence for the potential positive impact of acute rehabilitation on patients with unresolved hemiballismus–hemichorea following an episode of hyperglycemia.
The interplay of daily affect and impulsivity measured by mobile surveys in bipolar disorder
Authors: Titone Madison K. , Depp Colin , Klaus Federica , Carrasco Jessica , Young Jared W. , Eyler Lisa T. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Impulsivity is a prominent feature of bipolar disorder associated with various negative sequelae; moreover, it may be a precursor to shifts in affect or mood, but little is known about its association with affect on a day-to-day timescale. Ecological momentary assessments (a method that captures moment-to-moment ratings of psychological states by repeatedly sampling the same individual) of impulsivity and affect using mobile surveys allow for more nuanced examination of mechanisms of mood and behavior dysregulation. However, few existing studies have validated an ecological momentary assessment of impulsivity in bipolar disorder and examined its time-lagged associations with positive and negative affect. 70 participants with bipolar disorder and 102 healthy comparisons participated in an intensive longitudinal study: they underwent 14 days of ecological momentary assessment data collection annually for 1–4 years. Multiple measures of impulsivity and affect were collected using self-report, behavioral, and ecological momentary assessment modalities; these measures were compared, and levels of impulsivity were compared between bipolar disorder and healthy comparison groups. Time-lagged analyses using daily means explored the next-day predictive relationship of impulsivity on positive/negative affect, and vice versa.

Results
The ecological momentary measure of impulsivity was moderately correlated with the self-report but not behavioral impulsivity measure. Bipolar disorder participants evinced higher self-report, behavioral, and daily impulsivity than healthy comparison participants. Time-lagged analyses revealed a bi-directional association between high impulsivity and high next-day negative (but not positive) affect. Post hoc analyses showed that impulsivity specifically predicted next-day anger and anxiety.

Conclusions
Our multimodal assessment of impulsivity allowed for an examination of the day-to-day course of impulsivity and affect, crucial steps toward understanding the mechanisms of mood symptom and episode onset in bipolar disorder.
Rasch analysis and differential item functioning of English language anxiety scale (ELAS) across sex in Egyptian context
Authors: Khalaf Mustafa Ali , Omara Ehab Mohammed Naguib 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundEnglish language anxiety (ELA) is a prevalent phenomenon in language education. It is one of the most commonly investigated non-linguistic variables in studies of language learning. Accordingly, numerous studies have paid great attention to the factors leading to FLA.MethodsAs instruments of ELA have not been subjected to a rigorous test of item response theory (IRT), this study conducted such analysis using the Rasch rating scale model. ELAS scale developed using classical testing theory (CTT), which consists of 32 items measuring four sub-scales (listening, speaking, reading and writing anxiety), was analysed using IRT. WINSTEPS software and SPSS version 26 were used to examine the psychometric properties, sex differential item functioning (DIF) and Rasch analysis of the ELAS in the Egyptian context. A total of 604 participants were recruited for data collection.ResultsThe main findings indicated that the scale yielded a good approximation of Rasch assumptions and appears to be a valid and reliable tool. DIF was computed using the Mantel–Haenszel (MH) method and Welch’s t-test, which indicated that no sex bias was detected for any item of the ELAS.ConclusionsThis paper presents a promising ELA instrument characterized by adequate validity, reliability and objectivity in addition to potential for precise use in comparison between males and females because it is invariant across sex.
Separation or integration? Further insights from a study on chemical datasets of ancient bronze drums from South and Southeast Guangxi, China
Authors: Lu Qiuyan , Li Yanxiang , Zou Guisen , Gong Shiyang 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Bronze drums of Types Beiliu and Lingshan, two of the eight types of bronze drums in China, represent the highest level of bronze industry in Guangxi during the Han and Tang dynasties. Because of their distinctive ethnic features and generous size, they have received significant attention. Through the study of 12 drums of Type Beiliu and 7 drums of Type Lingshan, the provenance of ore sources, ethnic characteristics, and their correlations are further discussed. According to the analysis results, the above two types of bronze drum share some common features in alloying patterns, lead isotope ratios, and trace elements. However, they exhibit differences in decorative traditions. This research concludes that although the above two types of bronze drums belong to different local powers, extensive communication existed regarding the boundary. A complex relationship of integration, separation, and confrontation existed among them, which was typical of ancient ethnic society.
Association between socio-economic factors and the risk of overweight and obesity among Chinese adults: a retrospective cross-sectional study from the China Health and Nutrition Survey
Authors: Wang Kai , Wu Caifeng , Yao Yifan , Zhang Shihan , Xie Yaxuan , Shi Kejian , Yuan Zhanpeng 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
With the rising prevalence of obesity and overweight, increasing number of scholars paid attention to the negative effects on human health and life. Recent years, many studies have focused on the relation of socio-economic factors with the risk of overweight or obesity, but findings have been inconsistent. This study investigated the relationship between socio-economic factors and the risk of overweight and obesity among Chinese adults.

Methods
This study was based on the survey of the China Health and Nutrition Survey in 2015, with 9245 Chinese adults aged 18–65 years old. Overweight and obesity were assessed by physical measurements of weight, height, and waist circumference. Multiple logistic models were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the association.

Results
Overall, the prevalence rates of general obesity and abdominal obesity were 15.5% and 22.6%, respectively. We found that education and per capita household income were positively associated with overweight and obesity risk in men. However, the association between education and obesity status was negative in women [general obesity: OR = 0.64, 95% CI (0.50–0.81); abdominal obesity: OR = 0.62, 95% CI (0.51–0.76)]. Occupational status was only associated with general overweight in men.

Conclusions
Results suggested that higher education and per capita household income were associated with an increased risk of overweight and obesity among Chinese men, whereas the associations were negative for women. We recommended that men with high levels of education and income, women with low levels of education, can engage in some physical activity, modify dietary, and adopt a new way of life to maintain their weight and general health.
Rare Germline ATM Variants Influence the Development of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Lampson Benjamin L. , Gupta Aditi , Tyekucheva Svitlana , Mashima Kiyomi , Petráčková Anna , Wang Zixu , Wojciechowska Natalia , Shaughnessy Conner J. , Baker Peter O. , Fernandes Stacey M. , Shupe Samantha , Machado John-Hanson , Fardoun Rayan , Kim Annette S. , Brown Jennifer R. 
Published: October 2022

PURPOSE Germline missense variants of unknown significance in cancer-related genes are increasingly being identified with the expanding use of next-generation sequencing. The ataxia telangiectasia–mutated ( ATM) gene on chromosome 11 has more than 1,000 germline missense variants of unknown significance and is a tumor suppressor. We aimed to determine if rare germline ATM variants are more frequent in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) compared with other hematologic malignancies and if they influence the clinical characteristics of CLL. METHODS We identified 3,128 patients (including 825 patients with CLL) in our hematologic malignancy clinic who had received clinical-grade sequencing of the entire coding region of ATM. We ascertained the comparative frequencies of germline ATM variants in categories of hematologic neoplasms, and, in patients with CLL, we determined whether these variants affected CLL-associated characteristics such as somatic 11q deletion. RESULTS Rare germline ATM variants are present in 24% of patients with CLL, significantly greater than that in patients with other lymphoid malignancies (16% prevalence), myeloid disease (15%), or no hematologic neoplasm (14%). Patients with CLL with germline ATM variants are younger at diagnosis and twice as likely to have 11q deletion. The ATM variant p.L2307F is present in 3% of patients with CLL, is associated with a three-fold increase in rates of somatic 11q deletion, and is a hypomorph in cell-based assays. CONCLUSION Germline ATM variants cluster within CLL and affect the phenotype of CLL that develops, implying that some of these variants (such as ATM p.L2307F) have functional significance and should not be ignored. Further studies are needed to determine whether these variants affect the response to therapy or account for some of the inherited risk of CLL.