bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Euler characteristic and topological phase transitions in complex systems
Authors: de Amorim Filho Edgar C , Moreira Rodrigo A , N Santos Fernando A 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn this work, we use methods and concepts of applied algebraic topology to comprehensively explore the recent idea of topological phase transitions (TPTs) in complex systems. TPTs are characterized by the emergence of nontrivial homology groups as a function of a threshold parameter. Under certain conditions, one can identify TPTs via the zeros of the Euler characteristic or by singularities of the Euler entropy. Recent works provide strong evidence that TPTs can be interpreted as the intrinsic fingerprint of a complex network. This work illustrates this possibility by investigating various networks from a topological perspective. We first review the concept of TPTs in brain networks and discuss it in the context of high-order interactions in complex systems. We then investigate TPTs in protein–protein interaction networks using methods of topological data analysis for two variants of the duplication–divergence model. We compare our theoretical and computational results to experimental data freely available for gene co-expression networks ofS. cerevisiae, also known as baker’s yeast, as well as of the nematodeC. elegans. Supporting our theoretical expectations, we can detect TPTs in both networks obtained according to different similarity measures. We then perform numerical simulations of TPTs in four classical network models: the Erdős–Rényi, the Watts–Strogatz, the random geometric, and the Barabasi–Albert models. Finally, we discuss the relevance of these insights for network science. Given the universality and wide use of those network models across disciplines, our work indicates that TPTs permeate a wide range of theoretical and empirical networks, offering promising avenues for further research.
Development of pups born to rats established as a model of underweight Japanese women and the onset of impaired glucose tolerance
Authors: Takemori Kumiko , Yoshimoto Kaito , Aoki Kana , Matsuo Takuya , Kometani Takashi 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
An increasing number of Japanese women of childbearing age are underweight (BMI &lt;18.5), but the association between this and the increased number of low-birth-weight babies born remains unclear. Here, a rat model was established to mimic the undernutrition (85% of the energy required for those with normal activity levels) experienced by such women, and to evaluate the associated impaired glucose tolerance. The undernourished Wistar rat group showed increased serum corticosterone level reflecting stress, and greater adrenal weight and size. It also showed greater insulin resistance, higher expression of FOXO-1, a transcription factor related to muscle atrophy, and lower expression of p-Akt, an insulin-dependent signaling factor. Overall, this work shows the key role of undernutrition during pregnancy as a cause of impaired glucose tolerance and increased diabetes risk in offspring. The findings of this study may inform pre-emptive measures to prevent the development of metabolic syndrome in offspring of undernourished mothers.
TBC1D21 is an essential factor for sperm mitochondrial sheath assembly and male fertility
Authors: Chen Yongjie , Chen Xiu , Zhang Haihang , Sha Yanwei , Meng Ranran , Shao Tianyu , Yang Xiaoyan , Jin Pengpeng , Zhuang Yinghua , Min Wanping , Xu Dan , Jiang Zhaodi , Li Yuhua , Li Lin , Yue Wentao , Yin Chenghong 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
During spermiogenesis, the formation of the mitochondrial sheath is critical for male fertility. The molecular processes that govern the development of the mitochondrial sheath remain unknown. Whether TBC1D21 serves as a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) for GTP hydrolysis in the testis is unclear, despite recent findings indicating that it collaborates with numerous proteins to regulate the formation of the mitochondrial sheath. To thoroughly examine the property of TBC1D21 in spermiogenesis, we applied the CRISPR/Cas9 technology to generate the Tbc1d21−/− mice, Tbc1d21D125A R128K mice with mutation in the GAP catalytic residues (IxxDxxR), and Tbc1d21-3xFlag mice. Male Tbc1d21−/− mice were infertile due to the curved spermatozoa flagella. In vitro fertilization is ineffective for Tbc1d21−/− sperm, although healthy offspring were obtained by intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Electron microscopy revealed aberrant ultrastructural changes in the mitochondrial sheath. Thirty-four Rab vectors were constructed followed by co-immunoprecipitation, which identified RAB13 as a novel TBC1D21 binding protein. Interestingly, infertility was not observed in Tbc1d21D125A R128K mice harboring the catalytic residue, suggesting that TBC1D21 is not a typical GAP for Rab-GTP hydrolysis. Moreover, TBC1D21 was expressed in the sperm mitochondrial sheath in Tbc1d21-3xFlag mice. Immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry demonstrated the interactions of TBC1D21 with ACTB, TPM3, SPATA19, and VDAC3 to regulate the architecture of the sperm midpiece. The collective findings suggest that TBC1D21 is a scaffold protein required for the organization and stabilization of the mitochondrial sheath morphology.
Male fertility preservation and restoration strategies for patients undergoing gonadotoxic therapies
Authors: Tran Kien T D , Valli-Pulaski Hanna , Colvin Amanda , Orwig Kyle E 
Published: April 2022

AbstractMedical treatments for cancers or other conditions can lead to permanent infertility. Infertility is an insidious disease that impacts not only the ability to have a biological child but also the emotional well-being of the infertile individuals, relationships, finances, and overall health. Therefore, all patients should be educated about the effects of their medical treatments on future fertility and about fertility preservation options. The standard fertility preservation option for adolescent and adult men is sperm cryopreservation. Sperms can be frozen and stored for a long period, thawed at a later date, and used to achieve pregnancy with existing assisted reproductive technologies. However, sperm cryopreservation is not applicable for prepubertal patients who do not yet produce sperm. The only fertility preservation option available to prepubertal boys is testicular tissue cryopreservation. Next-generation technologies are being developed to mature those testicular cells or tissues to produce fertilization-competent sperms. When sperm and testicular tissues are not available for fertility preservation, inducing pluripotent stem cells derived from somatic cells, such as blood or skin, may provide an alternative path to produce sperms through a process call in vitro gametogenesis. This review describes standard and experimental options to preserve male fertility as well as the experimental options to produce functional spermatids or sperms from immature cryopreserved testicular tissues or somatic cells.
Social Workers’ Attitudes towards Evidence-based Practice: A Multidimensional Perspective
Authors: Kagan Maya 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The current study presents a multidimensional model that integrates social workers’ demographics, organisational context variables, evidence-based practice (EBP)-related factors and mental health variables and explores their contribution to social workers’ attitudes to implementing EBP. This model aims to fill a gap in the limited empirical knowledge regarding the relative and joint contribution of these factors to explaining social workers’ attitudes towards EBP, with an emphasis on mental health-related factors not sufficiently explored in this context to date. Structured questionnaires were administered to a sample of 560 Israeli social workers. The research findings revealed that length of professional experience, role ambiguity, work overload and burnout were negatively associated with attitudes to EBP. In contrast, possession of professional skills required for EBP implementation, workplace social support, organisational encouragement to implement EBP, exposure to colleagues’ implementation of EBP and subjective well-being were positively associated with social workers’ attitudes to EBP. No association was found between self-reported familiarity with EBP principles and attitudes to EBP. Improving social workers’ organisational climate, remediating necessary EBP-related skills and encouraging the implementation and modelling of EBP at work, as well as addressing social workers’ mental health issues, may significantly improve their attitudes towards implementing EBP in their professional practice.
Sustained Effect on Hepatitis C Elimination Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study: A Systematic Re-Screening for Hepatitis C RNA Two Years Following a Nation-Wide Elimination Program
Authors: Kusejko Katharina , Salazar-Vizcaya Luisa , Shah Cyril , Stöckle Marcel , Béguelin Charles , Schmid Patrick , Ongaro Marie , Darling Katherine , Bernasconi Enos , Rauch Andri , Kouyos Roger D , Günthard Huldrych F , Böni Jürg , Fehr Jan S , Braun Dominique L ,   Swiss HIV Cohort Study, Abela I , Aebi-Popp K , Anagnostopoulos A , Battegay M , Bernasconi E , Braun D L , Bucher H C , Calmy A , Cavassini M , Ciuffi A , Dollenmaier G , Egger M , Elzi L , Fehr J , Fellay J , Furrer H , Fux C A , Günthard H F , Hachfeld A , Haerry D , Hasse B , Hirsch H H , Hoffmann M , Hösli I , Huber M , Kahlert C R , Kaiser L , Keiser O , Klimkait T , Kouyos R D , Kovari H , Kusejko K , Martinetti G , Martinez de Tejada B , Marzolini C , Metzner K J , Müller N , Nemeth J , Nicca D , Paioni P , Pantaleo G , Perreau M , Rauch A , Schmid P , Speck R , Stöckle M , Tarr P , Trkola A , Wandeler G , Yerly S 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Background
The Swiss HCVree Trial (NCT 02785666) was conducted in 2015–2017 with the goal of implementing a population-based systematic hepatitis C virus (HCV) micro-elimination program among men who have sex with men (MSM) with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) enrolled in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS). The trial led to a 91% and 77% decline of HCV prevalence and incidence, respectively. The long-term effect of this HCV micro-elimination program is yet to be explored.

Methods
All MSM enrolled in the SHCS were screened for HCV RNA using stored plasma samples obtained in 2019, termed “Swiss HCVree Post” screen. The incidence of HCV infection over time was assessed using additional information on HCV testing routinely collected in the SHCS. Characteristics of participants with replicating HCV infection were analyzed.

Results
The point-prevalence of “Swiss HCVree Post” (N = 4641) was 0.6%, reflecting a decline of 48% compared to the end of the Swiss HCVree Trial where the prevalence was 1.2%. Further, the incidence of HCV among MSM in the SHCS declined from 0.31/100 person-years (py) (95% confidence interval [CI] [.17, .55]) in 2017 to 0.19/100 py (95% CI [.09, .39]) in 2019.

Conclusions
A systematic HCV RNA-based screening among MSM with HIV conducted 2 years after the Swiss HCVree Trial revealed a sustained effect and further decline of the prevalence and incidence of replicating HCV infection. This indicates that the Swiss HCVree Trial was successful in curbing the HCV epidemic among MSM with HIV in Switzerland.

Clinical Trials Registration
NCT02785666.
Genotype Distribution and Demographic Characteristics of Hepatitis C Virus Nucleic Acid Testing Yield Cases Among US Blood Donors
Authors: Groves Jamel , Dodd Roger Y , Foster Gregory A , Stramer Susan L 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Background
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection rates among US blood donors have been well characterized; however, few studies evaluated HCV genotypes among blood donors. Monitoring trends in disease and demographic patterns contributes to understanding the safety of the blood supply. We examined the demographic characteristics and distribution of HCV genotypes/subgenotypes for nearly a 16-year period among blood donors confirmed positive for HCV RNA but antibody negative (defined as nucleic acid testing [NAT] yield).

Methods
A retrospective assessment of demographic characteristics and testing data was used to determine temporal trends and geographical distribution of HCV genotypes/subgenotypes among American Red Cross blood donors confirmed positive as HCV-NAT yield.

Results
From 2003–2018, 343 donors (0.38/100 000 donations; 95% CI, .35–.43) were confirmed positive as HCV-NAT–yield cases. Temporal analysis revealed a significant increase in HCV-NAT–yield cases of 54.1% between 2009 and 2014 (P = .014), followed by a significant decline of 31.4% between 2015 and 2018 (P = .002). Significantly more HCV-NAT–yield cases were detected among first-time donors, non-Hispanic Whites, donors aged 20–29 years, equally likely to be males as females, with the highest frequency in the South (0.52/100 000 donations). Subgenotype 1a (49.6%) was most frequent, followed by 3a (18.7%), 2b (12.5%), 1b (8.5%), and 2a (1.7%).

Conclusions
Voluntary nonremunerated blood donors are at low risk for HCV infection. Since 2015, the frequency of HCV-NAT–yield cases decreased despite an increase in acute HCV infection in the general population. HCV subgenotypes 1a and 3a continue to remain predominant among US blood donors with recent HCV infection.
Risk Factors and Multidimensional Assessment of Long Coronavirus Disease Fatigue: A Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Margalit Ili , Yelin Dana , Sagi Moshe , Rahat Maya Merav , Sheena Liron , Mizrahi Nadav , Gordin Yael , Agmon Hadar , Epstein Nitzan Karny , Atamna Alaa , Tishler Ori , Daitch Vered , Babich Tanya , Abecasis Donna , Yarom Yoni , Kazum Shirit , Shitenberg Dorit , Baltaxe Erik , Elkana Odelia , Shapira-Lichter Irit , Leibovici Leonard , Yahav Dafna 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Background
Fatigue is the most prevalent and debilitating long-COVID (coronavirus disease) symptom; however, risk factors and pathophysiology of this condition remain unknown. We assessed risk factors for long-COVID fatigue and explored its possible pathophysiology.

Methods
This was a nested case-control study in a COVID recovery clinic. Individuals with (cases) and without (controls) significant fatigue were included. We performed a multidimensional assessment evaluating various parameters, including pulmonary function tests and cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and implemented multivariable logistic regression to assess risk factors for significant long-COVID fatigue.

Results
A total of 141 individuals were included. The mean age was 47 (SD: 13) years; 115 (82%) were recovering from mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Mean time for evaluation was 8 months following COVID-19. Sixty-six (47%) individuals were classified with significant long-COVID fatigue. They had a significantly higher number of children, lower proportion of hypothyroidism, higher proportion of sore throat during acute illness, higher proportions of long-COVID symptoms, and of physical limitation in daily activities. Individuals with long-COVID fatigue also had poorer sleep quality and higher degree of depression. They had significantly lower heart rate [153.52 (22.64) vs 163.52 (18.53); P = .038] and oxygen consumption per kilogram [27.69 (7.52) vs 30.71 (7.52); P = .036] at peak exercise. The 2 independent risk factors for fatigue identified in multivariable analysis were peak exercise heart rate (OR: .79 per 10 beats/minute; 95% CI: .65–.96; P = .019) and long-COVID memory impairment (OR: 3.76; 95% CI: 1.57–9.01; P = .003).

Conclusions
Long-COVID fatigue may be related to autonomic dysfunction, impaired cognition, and decreased mood. This may suggest a limbic-vagal pathophysiology.

Clinical Trials Registration
NCT04851561.
Using iRNA-seq analysis to predict gene expression regulatory level and activity in Zea mays tissues
Authors: Schulte Lauren M , Koirtyohann Kathryn M , McGinnis Karen M 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Plants regulate gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels to produce a variety of functionally diverse cells and tissues that ensure normal growth, development, and environmental response. Although distinct gene expression patterns have been characterized between different plant tissues, the specific role of transcriptional regulation of tissue-specific expression is not well-characterized in plants. RNA-seq, while widely used to assay for changes in transcript abundance, does not discriminate between differential expression caused by mRNA degradation and active transcription. Recently, the presence of intron sequences in RNA-seq analysis of libraries constructed with total RNA has been found to coincide with genes undergoing active transcription. We have adapted the intron RNA-sequencing analysis to determine genome-wide transcriptional activity in 2 different maize (Zea mays) tissues: husk and V2-inner stem tissue. A total of 5,341 genes were predicted to be transcriptionally differentially expressed between the 2 tissues, including many genes expected to have biological activity relevant to the functional and developmental identity of each tissue. Correlations with transcriptional enhancer and transcription factor activity support the validity of intron RNA-sequencing predictions of transcriptional regulation. A subset of transcription factors was further analyzed using gene regulatory network analysis to determine the possible impact of their activation. The predicted regulatory patterns between these genes were used to model a potential gene regulatory network of transcription factors and regulatory targets.
An attenuating, isotropic and heterogeneous uppermost inner core: evidence from global PKiKP-PKIKP amplitude ratio tomography
Authors: Ivan Marian , Petrescu Laura , Wang Rongjiang 
Published: April 2022

SUMMARY
The Earth's inner core is solidifying from the liquid outer core, where convection currents power the geodynamo. Constraining properties of the inner core is fundamentally important, yet seismic models do not reconcile body wave and normal mode attenuation properties. Here, we analyse high signal-to-noise ratio core-refracted (PKIKP) and core-reflected (PKiKP) waves generated by earthquakes recorded globally between 1987 and 2021. These phases are excellent indicators of uppermost inner core (UIC) properties due to their low angular separation at the core–mantle boundary and similar ray paths. We analyse their amplitude ratios (ARs) and time delays (DTs) relative to synthetic waveforms and estimate the required attenuation perturbations in a linearized attenuation tomography. The UIC is cylindrically isotropic and heterogeneous in both seismic velocity and attenuation. Contrary to the paradigm that the inner core is seismically hemispherical, we find more complex patterns of attenuation that correlate with seismic velocities, according to both Akaike criterion and Student's t-test. The UIC beneath NE Asia is weakly attenuating and seismically slower, in contrast to the expected properties associated with the quasi-Eastern Hemisphere. Beneath South America, where the core is thought to grow fastest, AR values are more diverse, possibly reflecting interdendritic melt inclusions, and DTs show an E–W gradient. The UIC is seismically slow and weakly attenuating beneath the Atlantic, but strong anomalies emerge near West Africa. Attenuation slightly changes with depth conceivably implying an increase in melt degree or a change in inner core growth rate with time. These 3-D heterogeneities are inconsistent with simple models of core translation or lopsided growth, indicating that more intricate processes are needed to explain inner core structure and evolution.
Reliability and validity of the PHQ-8 in first-time mothers who used assisted reproductive technology
Authors: Pavlov C , Egan K , Limbers C 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

STUDY QUESTION
Is the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) a valid and reliable measure of depression in first-time mothers who conceived via ART?

SUMMARY ANSWER
The results from this study provide initial support for the reliability and validity of the PHQ-8 as a measure of depression in mothers who have conceived using ART.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
Women who achieved a clinical pregnancy using ART experience many stressors and may be at an increased risk of depression. The PHQ-8 is a brief measure designed to detect the presence and severity of depressive symptoms. It has been validated in many populations; however, it has not been validated for use in this population.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
This is a cross-sectional study of 171 first-time mothers in the USA, recruited through Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk).

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
The reliability of the PHQ-8 was measured through a Cronbach’s alpha, the convergent validity was measured through the correlation between the PHQ-8 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) measure of anxiety symptoms, and the structural validity was measured through a Confirmatory Factor Analysis.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
The Cronbach’s alpha for the total PHQ-8 was acceptable (α = 0.922). The correlation between the PHQ-8 and the GAD-7 was large (r = 0.88) indicating good convergent validity. Ultimately, a bifactor model provided the best model fit (χ2(13) = 23.8, P = 0.033; Comparative Fit Index = 0.987; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.07, Tucker–Lewis Index = 0.972).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
The results are limited by: the predominantly white and well-educated sample, a lack of causation between the use of artificial reproductive technology and depressive symptoms, including mothers with children up to 5 years old, convergent validity being based on associations with a related construct instead of the same construct, lack of test-retest reliability, divergent validity and criterion-related validity, data collected through MTurk, and the fact that the measures used were all self-report and therefore may be prone to bias.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
Consistent with previous literature, a bifactor model for the PHQ-8 was supported. As such, when assessing depression in first-time mothers who conceived via ART, using both the PHQ-8 total score and subdomain scores may yield the most valuable information. The results from this study provide preliminary support for the reliability and validity of the PHQ-8 as a measure of depression in first-time mothers who conceived using ART.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
No specific funding was used for the completion of this study. Throughout the study period and manuscript preparation, the authors were supported by the department funds at Baylor University. The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
N/A.
Improving ‘needless’ waits in an obstetric ER: implementing an obstetric triage system in a tertiary hospital in Ghana
Authors: Oduro Frederick , Hillary Otchi Elom , Coleman Jerry , Dodoo Joyce , Srofenyoh Emmanuel 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Background
Maternal mortality is the bane of obstetric practice in sub-Saharan Africa. The delay in receiving care upon arrival in a hospital is a significant contributor to maternal mortalities. Obstetric triaging allows the prioritization of care based on patient acuity. This allows orderly access to care and reduces delays in the health facility.

Methods
This study was a quality improvement project that set out to establish an obstetric triaging system in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) starting in December 2016, and assess its impact primarily on the pre-implementation waiting time of 4.2 h, 1 year on after implementation. The project was scheduled in phases which included training, development of an Obstetric Emergency System, development of process maps, and reorganization of care, infrastructural works all culminating in the establishment of a Triage System.

Results
Results from data collected 1 year on showed an average reduction in waiting time from 4.2 h (252 min) to an average of 138.8 min.

Conclusions
Triaging has helped to improve the timeliness and has added a patient-centered approach to care offered in the Obstetric Emergency of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.