bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunological and genomic characterization of Ibizan Hound dogs in an endemic Leishmania infantum region
Authors: Álvarez Luis , Marín-García Pablo-Jesús , Llobat Lola 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
The Ibizan Hound is a canine breed native to the Mediterranean region, where leishmaniosis is an endemic zoonosis. Several studies indicate low prevalence of this disease in these dogs but the underlying molecular mechanism remains unknown.

Methods
In this study, qualitative immunological and genomic profiles of this breed have been analyzed.

Results
Our analysis shows relevant differences between the cytokine serum profile of Ibizan Hound dogs and previously published data from other canine strains. Additionally, several genetic risk variants related to the immune response, regulation of the immune system, and genes encoding cytokines and their receptors have been studied. The most relevant genes that presented such fixed polymorphisms were IFNG and IL6R. Other variants with frequencies ≥ 0.7 were found in the genes ARHGAP18, DAPK1, GNAI2, MITF, IL12RB1, LTBP1, SCL28A3, SCL35D2, PTPN22, CIITA, THEMIS, and CD180. Epigenetic regulatory genes such as HEY2 and L3MBTL3 showed also intronic polymorphisms.

Conclusions
Our analysis and results indicate that the regulation of immune responses is different in Ibizan Hounds compared to other breeds. Future studies are needed to elucidate whether these differences are related to the low prevalence of L. infantum infection in the Ibizan Hound.

Graphical Abstract
Intra-articular injection choice for osteoarthritis: making sense of cell source—an updated systematic review and dual network meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Yijian , Yang Huilin , He Fan , Zhu Xuesong 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Intra-articular injection is indicated for mild or moderate osteoarthritis (OA). However, the superiority of cell-based injection and the role of diverse cell sources are still unclear. This study aimed to compare the therapeutic effect of intra-articular injection with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and cell-free methods for OA treatment.

Methods
A literature search of published scientific data was carried out from PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) compared the efficacy and safety of MSC and cell-free intra-articular injection treatments for OA with at least 6-month follow-up.

Results
Dual network meta-analysis validated the therapeutic advantages of MSC treatments (VAS, Bayesian: 90% versus 10% and SUCRA: 94.9% versus 5.1%; WOMAC total, Bayesian: 83% versus 17% and SUCRA: 90.1% versus 9.9%) but also suggested a potential negative safety induced by cell injection (adverse events, Bayesian: 100% versus 0% and SUCRA: 98.2% versus 1.8%). For the MSC source aspect, adipose mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) and umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UBMSCs) showed a better curative effect on pain relief and function improvement compared with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs).

Conclusion
Intra-articular injection of MSCs is associated with more effective pain alleviation and function improvement than cell-free OA treatment. However, the potential complications induced by MSCs should be emphasized. A comparative analysis of the MSC sources showed that ADMSCs and UBMSCs exerted a better anti-arthritic efficacy than BMMSCs.

Graphical Abstract
Schematic illustration of MSC-based intra-articular injection for treating OA. Three major MSCs (UBMSCs, ADMSCs, and BMMSCs) are extracted and expanded in vitro. Subsequently, the amplified MSCs are concentrated and injected into the knee joint to treat OA.
Age patterns of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease incidence: heterogeneous associations with metabolic changes
Authors: Lin Yansong , Feng Xiongcai , Cao Xu , Miao Rong , Sun Yanhong , Li Rui , Ye Junzhao , Zhong Bihui 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
As the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) epidemic matures, understanding how metabolic changes in NAFLD development vary over the age distribution is important to guide precise prevention. We aimed to clarify metabolic trends in age-specific NAFLD incidence.

Methods
We conducted a 4-year longitudinal retrospective cohort study enrolling 10,240 consecutive healthy individuals who received annual physical examination during 2012–2019. Baseline and dynamic changes in metabolism and hepatic steatosis determined with ultrasound were collected and analyzed stratified by age into the following groups: 20–34, 35–49, 50–64, and over 65 years.

Results
Overall, 1701 incident NAFLD participants (16.6%) were identified. Adjusted Cox regression analysis showed that the baseline and increased body mass index were the main risk factors for NAFLD in people ≤ 65 years old. Baseline high-density lipoprotein (HR = 0.56; 95% CI 0.39–0.78) was a protective factor for newly onset NAFLD in the 50-to-64-year-old group, while baseline SBP (HR = 1.03; 95% CI 1.01–1.05), baseline uric acid (HR = 1.04; 95% CI 1.01–1.07), triglyceride increase (HR = 4.76; 95% CI 3.69–6.14), fasting blood glucose increase (HR = 1.32; 95% CI 1.06–1.65) were independently associated with incident NAFLD in over-65-year-old group.

Conclusions
NAFLD incidence attributable to potentially metabolic risk factors varied substantially across age groups in a cohort of Chinese people. The adoption of age targeted metabolic prevention strategies might reduce the burden of NAFLD.
Decay estimate in a viscoelastic plate equation with past history, nonlinear damping, and logarithmic nonlinearity
Authors: Kakumani Bhargav Kumar , Yadav Suman Prabha 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIn this article, we consider a viscoelastic plate equation with past history, nonlinear damping, and logarithmic nonlinearity. We prove explicit and general decay rate results of the solution to the viscoelastic plate equation with past history. Convex properties, logarithmic inequalities, and generalized Young’s inequality are mainly used to prove the decay estimate.
The combination of olive oil and Lepidium sativum improves the deleterious effects resulting from dexamethasone-induced osteoporosis in rats
Authors: Badary Dalia M. , Galal Heba A. , Abdelraheim Mahmoud H. , Sedeek Mohamed I. , Mohamed Nesma M. , Abd Elmageed Zakaria Y. , Farrag Magda M. Y. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Introduction
Osteoporosis is characterized by deterioration of bone microarchitecture and reduced bone mass and can increase the risk of fracture. To reduce this risk, the aim of this study was to compare the combination effects of olive oil and Lepidium sativum compared to the conventional drug therapy alendronate.

Methods
Osteoporosed-induced rat model was established by administration of dexamethasone in female adult albino rats. The serum level of Ca2+, P3+, and osteocalcin was assessed. In addition, histopathological changes and immunohistochemical expression of osteopontin within bone specimens were performed.

Results
Our results showed that a combination of olive oil and Lepidium sativum had a beneficial therapeutic effect in the treatment of osteoporosis as compared to alendronate therapy. This was demonstrated by increase of serum Ca2+, P3+, and osteocalcin levels in treated compared to control groups. Intriguingly, the highest effect was noticed in rats that received a combination of olive oil and Lepidium sativum compared to the individual treatment. This was reflected by an increase in the cortical bone thickness and a decrease in immunohistochemical expression of osteopontin compared to individual treated groups.

Conclusion
We concluded that the administration of a combination of olive oil and Lepidium sativum improves bone mineral health and intensity and reduces the risk of osteoporosis in a rat model.
“Domesticating the Unfamiliar”
Authors: Fretwell Elizabeth Ann 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis article examines the sartorial culture of an African elite as a form of Afropolitanism in the eighteenth- and nineteenth-century West African kingdom of Dahomey. Dahomean elites embraced cultural borrowing to layer styles and materials from European and African sources. Combining textiles and accessories associated with mobility and outsiders, elites asserted authority, power, and privilege within a local framework. Their dress practices also served as an expression of elite inclusion in a larger Atlantic world, in which Dahomey was a major participant in the transatlantic trade in African captives and, later, cash crops produced domestically by enslaved labor. By exploring the political, economic, and social contexts of elite Dahomean dress, this article reveals the deep historical roots of Afropolitanism on the continent and how the domestication of global and African commodities has long distinguished African elites from the masses. In doing so, it also shows how violence, systems of enslavement, and the accumulation of wealth fueled a Dahomean Afropolitan aesthetic of worlds-in-movement, which served to distinguish elites as citizens of Dahomey and as humans of the Atlantic world more broadly.
Racial Storytelling in the Classroom
Authors: Alberto Paulina L. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
As awareness of “narrative persuasion” surfaces into collective consciousness in the present-day United States, alongside struggles over whether and how to grapple with histories of slavery and racism, the stakes around racial storytelling in the classroom—around which stories about race and belonging get told or cast aside—have become abundantly clear. The power of stories to shape and naturalize beliefs can be mobilized for racist, dehumanizing purposes. But educators at any level can also harness the power of storytelling for anti-racist purposes. They can teach students to become skeptical of existing racial stories and expose their disempowering mechanisms and effects by envisioning racial storytelling as a subject of historical analysis. Educators can also use racial storytelling as a critical method for historical reconstruction, guiding students in composing new racial narratives grounded in historical methods and anti-racist principles. This essay discusses these dual uses of racial stories in the classroom, drawing on the author’s experience teaching across disciplines, languages, and sources.
Does Afropolitanism Apply to the Americas?
Authors: Prandy Aniova 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Afropolitanism, as a concept, is a practice that has been carried out in Abya Yala since colonization. As a term, it is a novelty in the face of anti-hegemonic customs and experiences that have always been carried out to decolonize the continent. In any case, it substantiates or names something that already exists. Afropolitanism is a recognition of the positive of African descent and the result of years of anti-colonial actions.
Physician Trust in the News Media and Attitudes toward COVID-19
Authors: Goidel Kirby , Callaghan Timothy , Washburn David J. , Nuzhath Tasmiah , Scobee Julia , Spiegelman Abigail , Motta Matt 
Published: November 2022

AbstractContext: Previous research has established the importance of primary care physicians in communicating public health directives. The implicit assumption is that, because of their expertise, doctors provide accurate and up-to-date information to their patients independent of partisan affiliation or media trust.Methods: The authors conducted an online survey of 625 primary care physicians and used the results to test (1) whether physician trust in media outlets is consistent with their political partisanship, and (2) whether trust in media outlets influences (a) personal concern that someone in their family will get sick, (b) perceptions about the seriousness of the pandemic as portrayed in the media, and (c) trust in federal government agencies and scientists.Findings: Physicians are better positioned to critically evaluate health-related news, but they are subject to the same biases that influence public opinion. Physicians' partisan commitments influence media trust, and media trust influences concern that a family member will get sick, perceptions regarding the seriousness of the pandemic, and trust in federal government agencies and scientists.Conclusions: Physician trust in specific media outlets shapes their understanding of the pandemic, and—to the extent that they trust conservative media outlets—it may limit their effectiveness as health policy messengers.
Characterization of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance pattern of uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains in a tertiary care center
Authors: Kumar M Naveen , Bhat Sevitha , Bhat K Archana , Saralaya Vishwas , Shenoy Mulki Shalini 
Published: November 2022

Background: Urinary tract infection(UTI) is one of the commonly prevalent bacterial infection in humans.The uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) expresses a range of virulence factors that contribute to their pathogenicity. The emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR)-associated UTI is increasing.This study monitors the distribution of virulence factors among UPEC strains to note the antibiogram, outcome and type of associated UTI. Methods:A prospective cross-sectional time-bound study of six months was done on clinically significant urinary isolates of Escherichia coli. Detection of haemolysin production and serum resistance was done by phenotypic methods. Genotypic characterization of the virulence genes (papC, iutA, hlyA, cnf1) was done by multiplex PCR. Demographic data, clinical history, antibiogram and type of UTI was collected from clinical case records. Results:75 E.coli isolates from patients with suspected UTIs were included. Females had a higher preponderance of UTI (66.7%). 93% of patients were adults and the remaining 7% were from paediatrics. 24 (32%) isolates showed haemolysis by plate haemolysis and all isolates were serum-resistant. Out of 75 isolates, 65 were positive for at least one of four targeted genes, while remaining ten isolates were negative for all four genes.Multidrug resistance was found in 40 (53.3%) isolates. 97.4% of the UTI cases had a favourable clinical outcome at discharge. Mortality due to urosepsis was 2.6%. Conclusion:Association of hemolysin production with resistance to imipenem and norfloxacin in UPEC strains was significant.Presence of hlyA gene is positively associated with ceftazidime resistance. Nitrofurantoin, piperacillin, tazobactam, and cefaperazone sulbactam are possible candidates for empirical therapy of UTIs. Drugs like aminoglycosides, carbapenems and fosfomycin may be used as reserve drugs in the treatment of MDR-UTI.However, inappropriate usage can increase antibiotic resistance. Hence proper selection of antibiotics in hospitals taking into account the local antibiogram is needed to reduce the emergence of antibiotic resistance.
The dynamics and determinants of specific systemic and mucosal antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 in three adult cohorts in the Ecuadorian Andes: a study protocol
Authors: Leon-Rojas Jose E. , Veloz Tatiana , Teran Jair , Perez Monica , Arias-Erazo Fernanda , Villacis Lizet , Velez Jorge , Recalde Ricardo , Jiménez Patricia , Martin Miguel , Chis Ster Irina , Cooper Philip , Romero Natalia 
Published: November 2022

Introduction: There are limited longitudinal data on the systemic and mucosal antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 from Latin America, a region severely affected by COVID-19, and where vaccine strategies have been implemented during the evolving pandemic. Objective: To evaluate determinants of seroprevalence and changes in levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies longitudinally in adults with different levels of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 (defined a priori as low, medium, and high based on presumed occupational risk), in two Andean cities in Ecuador. Methods: Longitudinal cohort study of 1,000 adults aged 18 years and older with questionnaire data and sample collection done at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months during the period 2020-2023. Observations collected included WHO-ISARIC questionnaire and peripheral blood and saliva samples for measurement of IgG and IgA antibodies, respectively. Planned analyses are tailored to the longitudinal nature of the outcomes defined by participants’ antibody levels and aim at estimating their average trends with time since infection in each of the occupational groups, adjusted for demographics and calendar-time levels of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the general population. The latter reflect the impact of the national control measures such as vaccinations and movement restrictions. Importance: Understanding the duration and the dynamics of waning immunity to SARS-CoV-2, in the context of exposures to emerging virus variants and immunization, will inform the implementation of targeted public health strategies in the Latin American region. Ethics and Dissemination: This study will observe the bioethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed written consent will be obtained. Samples from participants will be stored for up to three years after which they will be destroyed. The study protocol was approved by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Public Health Ethics Committee for COVID-19 Research. Antibody results will be provided to participants and participating institutions and to the national health authorities.
Anticancer and antiretroviral activities of methanolic extract from Theobroma cacao L pod husk: focusing on the ethyl acetate partition
Authors: Yahya Mustanir , Ginting Binawati , Saidi Nurdin 
Published: November 2022

Background: Many researchers have paid attention to Theobroma cocoa pod husk for its bioactive phytoconstituents which have several medicinal benefits. Herein, we aim to evaluate the methanolic extract from T. cocoa pod husk and its partitions for their anticancer and antiretroviral activities. Methods: The T. cocoa pod husk was macerated using methanol, and then sequentially partitioned with n-hexane and ethyl acetate. MCF-7 and HeLa cells were used to assess the anticancer activities, while the simian retrovirus-2 (SRV-2)-infected A549 cells were used for antiretroviral study. The ethyl acetate partition (TCEA) was then fractionated and screened for in-vitro antioxidant and cytotoxicity. The most active fraction was sub-fractionated and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Results: The results suggested that TCEA had moderate and weak activities against MCF-7 (IC50=53.91 μg/mL) and HeLa cells (IC50=120.71 μg/mL), respectively. TCEA 125 μg/mL had higher anti-SRV-2 activity in comparison with lamivudine 25 μg/mL after 1—7 days of incubation. The GC-MS analysis of the polyphenol-predominated sub-fraction from the most active fraction revealed the presence of lupeol, syringaresinol, catechol, and squalene. Conclusions: TCEA derived from the methanolic extract of T. cacao pod husk had moderate activity against MCF-7 cells and weak activity against HeLa cells. Antiretroviral study suggests that TCEA 125 μg/mL had higher inhibitory activity against SRV-2 replication as compared to lamivudine 25 μg/mL.
Numerical analysis of the highly non-linear and ultra-sensitive modified core of a photonic crystal fiber sensor for detection of liquid analytes
Authors: Mumtaz Farhan , Yaseen Ghulam , Roman Muhammad , Abbas Lashari Ghulam , Ashraf Muhammad Aqueel , Fiaz Muhammad Arshad , Dai Yutang 
Published: November 2022

A design of the highly non-linear and ultra-sensitive modified core of a photonic crystal fiber (PCF) sensor is reported for the detection of various liquid analytes. The sensor design comprises three rings of a hexagonal lattice around the liquid-infiltrated hollow core. A steric-shaped hollow core design in PCF effectively optimizes the sensor’s sensitivity and performance. The design is analyzed numerically by using the full vector finite element method with perfectly matched layers to find a rigorous solution. The proposed PCF sensor exhibits ultra-high relative sensitivity, a high power fraction, high non-linearity coefficient, low confinement loss, ultra-low chromatic dispersion, compact effective mode area, and single-mode operation in a wider wavelength range, i.e., within visible and infrared wavelength regimes. At an operating wavelength of 1.0 µm, optimum relative sensitivities of 96.37%, 97.40%, and 99.82% with high non-linear coefficients of

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are obtained for water, ethanol, and benzene analytes, respectively. Further, waveguiding characteristics of the PCF sensor endorse its usage for a range of liquid analyte detections. It is a simple design and can be fabricated using existing manufacturing technologies.
Western blot using Trypanosoma cruzi chimeric recombinant proteins for the serodiagnosis of chronic Chagas disease: A proof-of-concept study
Authors: Daltro Ramona Tavares , Santos Emily Ferreira , Silva Ângelo Antônio Oliveira , Maron Freitas Natália Erdens , Leony Leonardo Maia , Vasconcelos Larissa Carvalho Medrado , Luquetti Alejandro Ostermayer , Celedon Paola Alejandra Fiorani , Zanchin Nilson Ivo Tonin , Regis-Silva Carlos Gustavo , Santos Fred Luciano Neves 
Published: November 2022

Background
Chagas disease (CD) is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. The chronic phase of CD is characterized by the presence of IgG anti-T. cruzi antibodies; and diagnosis is performed by serological methods. Because there is no reliable test that can be used as a reference test, WHO recommends the parallel use of two different tests for CD serodiagnosis. If results are inconclusive, samples should be subjected to a confirmatory test, e.g., Western blot (WB) or PCR. PCR offers low sensitivity in the chronic phase, whereas few confirmatory tests based on the WB method are commercially available worldwide. Therefore, new diagnostic tools should be evaluated to fill the gap in CD confirmatory tests. In recent years, four chimeric recombinant antigens (IBMP-8.1, IBMP-8.2, IBMP-8.3 and IBMP-8.4) have been evaluated in phase I, II and III studies using ELISA, liquid microarray and immunochromatography with 95–100% accuracy. Given the high diagnostic performance of these antigens, the present study investigated the ability of these molecules to diagnose chronic CD using a WB testing platform.

Methodology/Principal findings
In this study, we analyzed the diagnostic potential of four chimeric antigens using 40 T. cruzi-positive, 24-negative, and three additional positive samples for visceral leishmaniasis (i.e., potentially cross-reactive) using WB as the diagnostic platform. Checkerboard titration with different dilutions of antigens, conjugated antigens, and serum samples was performed to standardize all assays. All IBMP antigens achieved 100% sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy, with the exception of IBMP-8.3, which had 100% specificity despite lack of significance, but lower sensitivity (95%) and accuracy (96.9%). No cross-reactivity was observed in samples positive for leishmaniasis.

Conclusions/Significance
The present phase I (proof-of-concept) study demonstrated the high diagnostic potential of these four IBMP antigens to discriminate between T. cruzi-positive and -negative samples, making them candidates for phase II and confirmatory testing with WB.