bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of convalescent plasma in pregnant women with early stage COVID-19 infection in a tertiary care hospital in Dubai, February to March 2021: a case series study
Authors: Adan Heba , Harb Deemah , Hazari Komal , Abdelkareem Widad , Khan Fareeda Nikhat , Zouaoui Maryam , Raouf May , Elsawy Doaa , Azar Aida Joseph , Khamis Amar Hassan , Ammar Abeer 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
The use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy is intriguing in view of its safety profile in pregnancy and historical precedence of the use of plasma for other viral illnesses. This study aimed to evaluate the use of CCP in pregnant women with early COVID-19 infection.

Methods
This is a retrospective case series study. We have included seven pregnant women admitted with early COVID-19 infection to a tertiary care hospital, Latifa Maternity Hospital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates between 12 February and 04 March 2021 and who consented to receive COVID-19 convalescent plasma as part of their treatment plan. Main outcomes measured were clinical and radiological features, laboratory tests, WHO clinical progression scale pre and post treatment, and maternal, fetal outcomes. COVID-19 clinical severity was classified according to the NIH guidelines for criteria of SARS-CoV-2. For the radiological features, a modified chest X-ray scoring system was used where each lung was divided into 6 zones (3 on each side upper, middle, and lower). Opacities were classified into reticular, ground glass, patchy and dense consolidations patterns.

Results
Seven pregnant women with early COVID-19 were enrolled in this study, their mean age was 28 years (SD 3.6). Four had comorbidities: 2 with diabetes, 1 with asthma, and 1 was obese. Five patients were admitted with a WHO clinical progression score of 4 (hospitalized; with no oxygen therapy) and 2 with a score of 5 (hospitalized; oxygen by mask/nasal prongs). Upon follow up on day 10, 6 patients had a WHO score of 1 or 2 (asymptomatic/mild symptoms) indicating clinical recovery. Adverse reactions were reported in 2 patients, one reported a mild skin rash, and another developed transfusion related circulatory overload. All patients were discharged alive.

Conclusion
CCP seems to be a promising modality of treating COVID-19 infected pregnant women. However, further studies are needed to ascertain the efficacy of CCP in preventing progressive disease in the management of COVID-19 infection in pregnant women.
Novel effect of the high risk-HPV E7 CKII phospho-acceptor site on polarity protein expression
Authors: Dizanzo María Paula , Bugnon Valdano Marina , Basukala Om , Banks Lawrence , Gardiol Daniela 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Oncogenic Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) base their transforming potential on the action of both E6 and E7 viral oncoproteins, which perform cooperative or antagonistic actions and thus interfere with a variety of relevant cellular targets. Among them, the expression of some PDZ-containing polarity proteins, as DLG1 and hScrib, is altered during the HPV life cycle and the consequent malignant transformation. Together with the well-established interference of E6 with PDZ proteins, we have recently shown that E7 viral oncoprotein is also responsible for the changes in abundance and localization of DLG1 observed in HPV-associated lesions. Given that the mechanisms involved remained only partially understood, we here thoroughly analyse the contribution of a crucial E7 post-translational modification: its CKII-dependent phosphorylation. Moreover, we extended our studies to hScrib, in order to investigate possible conserved regulatory events among diverse PDZ targets of HPV.

Methods
We have acutely analysed the expression of DLG1 and hScrib in restrictive conditions for E7 phosphorylation by CKII in epithelial culture cells by western blot and confocal fluorescence microscopy. We made use of genome-edited HPV-positive cells, specific inhibitors of CKII activity and transient expression of the viral oncoproteins, including a mutant version of E7.

Results
We here demonstrate that the functional phosphorylation of E7 oncoprotein by the CKII cellular kinase, a key regulatory event for its activities, is also crucial to counteract the E6-mediated degradation of the PDZ-polarity protein DLG1 and to promote its subcellular redistribution. Moreover, we show that the CKII-dependent phosphorylation of E7 is able to control the expression of another PDZ target of HPV: hScrib. Remarkably, we found this is a shared feature among different oncogenic HPV types, suggesting a common path towards viral pathogenesis.

Conclusions
The present study sheds light into the mechanisms behind the misexpression of PDZ-polarity proteins during HPV infections. Our findings stress the relevance of the CKII-mediated regulation of E7 activities, providing novel insights into the joint action of HPV oncoproteins and further indicating a conserved and most likely crucial mechanism during the viral life cycle and the associated transformation.
Double-counting of populations in evidence synthesis in public health: a call for awareness and future methodological development
Authors: Hussein Humaira , Nevill Clareece R. , Meffen Anna , Abrams Keith R. , Bujkiewicz Sylwia , Sutton Alex J. , Gray Laura J. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
There is a growing interest in the inclusion of real-world and observational studies in evidence synthesis such as meta-analysis and network meta-analysis in public health. While this approach offers great epidemiological opportunities, use of such studies often introduce a significant issue of double-counting of participants and databases in a single analysis. Therefore, this study aims to introduce and illustrate the nuances of double-counting of individuals in evidence synthesis including real-world and observational data with a focus on public health.

Methods
The issues associated with double-counting of individuals in evidence synthesis are highlighted with a number of case studies. Further, double-counting of information in varying scenarios is discussed with potential solutions highlighted.

Results
Use of studies of real-world data and/or established cohort studies, for example studies evaluating the effectiveness of therapies using health record data, often introduce a significant issue of double-counting of individuals and databases. This refers to the inclusion of the same individuals multiple times in a single analysis. Double-counting can occur in a number of manners, such as, when multiple studies utilise the same database, when there is overlapping timeframes of analysis or common treatment arms across studies. Some common practices to address this include synthesis of data only from peer-reviewed studies, utilising the study that provides the greatest information (e.g. largest, newest, greater outcomes reported) or analysing outcomes at different time points.

Conclusions
While common practices currently used can mitigate some of the impact of double-counting of participants in evidence synthesis including real-world and observational studies, there is a clear need for methodological and guideline development to address this increasingly significant issue.
Employing cognitive interviewing to evaluate, improve and validate items for measuring the health-related quality of life of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer
Authors: Boban Sharolin Ann , Bulsara Caroline , Codde Jim , Cohen Paul A. , Downs Jenny 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Use of patient-reported outcome measures in clinical settings facilitate the delivery of better health care to improve patient health outcomes. Previously collected qualitative data indicated themes that could inform items for a health-related quality of life measure. This study investigated the content validity of items for inclusion in a new health-related quality of life measure suitable for patients with ovarian cancer.

Methods
Cognitive interviewing techniques were used with fourteen women diagnosed with ovarian cancer and at different times since diagnosis, to evaluate items derived from the previously collected qualitative dataset. A set of draft items was administered via telephone, Zoom and WhatsApp app together with questions on item meaning and wording. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed.

Results
Four broad themes emerged in relation to the questionnaire construction and comprehension of items: intent and clarity, wording, relevance and context, and overall questionnaire construct. All draft items were adjusted based on the interview findings. A final set of 38 health-related quality of life items comprised 7 items describing physical health and functioning, 21 describing emotional wellbeing and 10 items describing social wellbeing; each rated on a five-point frequency response scale.

Conclusion
The items reflected a range of personal experiences associated with the patient clinical journey, creating a health-related quality of life tool specific to women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The cognitive interviewing process established content validity for the tool, thereby, preparing it for field testing and evaluation of its psychometric properties. This study highlighted the fundamental role of cognitive interviewing during health-related quality of life questionnaire development to ensure that item content is grounded in patient feelings, functioning and meaning.
ARID1A-dependent maintenance of H3.3 is required for repressive CHD4-ZMYND8 chromatin interactions at super-enhancers
Authors: Reske Jake J. , Wilson Mike R. , Armistead Brooke , Harkins Shannon , Perez Cristina , Hrit Joel , Adams Marie , Rothbart Scott B. , Missmer Stacey A. , Fazleabas Asgerally T. , Chandler Ronald L. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
SWI/SNF (BAF) chromatin remodeling complexes regulate lineage-specific enhancer activity by promoting accessibility for diverse DNA-binding factors and chromatin regulators. Additionally, they are known to modulate the function of the epigenome through regulation of histone post-translational modifications and nucleosome composition, although the way SWI/SNF complexes govern the epigenome remains poorly understood. Here, we investigate the function of ARID1A, a subunit of certain mammalian SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes associated with malignancies and benign diseases originating from the uterine endometrium.

Results
Through genome-wide analysis of human endometriotic epithelial cells, we show that more than half of ARID1A binding sites are marked by the variant histone H3.3, including active regulatory elements such as super-enhancers. ARID1A knockdown leads to H3.3 depletion and gain of canonical H3.1/3.2 at ARID1A-bound active regulatory elements, and a concomitant redistribution of H3.3 toward genic elements. ARID1A interactions with the repressive chromatin remodeler CHD4 (NuRD) are associated with H3.3, and ARID1A is required for CHD4 recruitment to H3.3. ZMYND8 interacts with CHD4 to suppress a subset of ARID1A, CHD4, and ZMYND8 co-bound, H3.3+ H4K16ac+ super-enhancers near genes governing extracellular matrix, motility, adhesion, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Moreover, these gene expression alterations are observed in human endometriomas.

Conclusions
These studies demonstrate that ARID1A-containing BAF complexes are required for maintenance of the histone variant H3.3 at active regulatory elements, such as super-enhancers, and this function is required for the physiologically relevant activities of alternative chromatin remodelers.
Isolation and characterization of bioethanol producing wild yeasts from bio-wastes and co-products of sugar factories
Authors: Hawaz Estifanos , Tafesse Mesfin , Tesfaye Anteneh , Beyene Dereje , Kiros Solomon , Kebede Gessese , Boekhout Teun , Theelen Bart , Groenewald Marizeth , Degefe Ayantu , Degu Sissay , Admas Alene , Muleta Diriba 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Yeasts are widely used for the production of bioethanol from biomasses rich in sugar. The present study was aimed at isolating, screening, and characterizing fermentative wild yeast recovered from bio-waste and co-products of Ethiopian sugar factories for bioethanol production using sugarcane molasses as a substrate.

Method
The wild yeasts were identified according to their cellular morphology and D1/D2 and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA sequencing. Analysis of ethanol and by-product concentration was done by HPLC equipped with a UV detector. Higher alcohols, acetaldehyde, and methanol were analyzed using GC-MS equipped with a flame ionization detector (FID).

Result
Seven strains (Meyerozyma caribbica MJTm3, Meyerozyma caribbica MJTPm4, Meyerozyma caribbica SHJF, Saccharomyces cerevisiae TA2, Wickerhamomyces anomalus MJTPm2, Wickerhamomyces anomalus 4m10, and Wickerhamomyces anomalus HCJ2F) were found tolerant to 18% (v/v) ethanol, whereas one strain Meyerozyma caribbica MJTm3 tolerated 20%. These strains also showed tolerance to 45°C, 50% of sugar, and pH 2–10. Meyerozyma caribbica MJTm3 produced 12.7% (v/v) of alcohol with an actual ethanol concentration of 26 g L−1, an ethanol yield of 47%, 78% of theoretical yield, and a productivity of 0.54 g L−1 h−1 from 30 °Brix of molasses at 48 h incubation under laboratory scale. Based on the one variable at a time optimization (OVAT), the optimal parameters for maximum bioethanol production were at initial pH 5.5, 35 °Brix, 30°C, 15% inoculum size, 150 rpm, 4 g L−1 di-ammonium phosphate supplement, and 48 h incubation. Under these optimum conditions, 14% (v/v) alcohol, 42 g L−1 actual ethanol concentration, 69% ethanol yield, 89% of theoretical yield, and productivity of 0.88 g L−1 h−1 were obtained.

Conclusion
These results indicated that M. caribbica MJTm3 should further be evaluated, optimized, and improved for industrial bioethanol production due to its fermentation potential.
Efficient updating of regional supply and use tables with the national-level statistics
Authors: Hutniczak Barbara 
Published: September 2022

AbstractSupply and use tables (SUTs) lay out a detailed picture of the entire economy, providing an overview of the production process and use of commodities. The governmental agencies produce these mainly at the national level to derive components related to the calculation of the gross domestic product (GDP). The national SUTs, however, do not capture the heterogeneity of regions within a country. The regional SUTs, on the other hand, are difficult and costly to compile. In the absence of regularly compiled regional SUTs, analysts typically resort to hybrid models based on mechanically updated tables with less extensive data requirements. However, the approaches currently available in the literature do not necessarily guarantee a consistent structure of the SUTs when there is a mismatch in spatial scale at which sectoral output data are available. Building on the multiregional generalized RAS, this paper proposes a modification to the structure of the benchmark matrix that guarantees the supply–use accounting balance as well as the identity of GDP by income and GDP by expenditure at the regional level in the projected matrix. As a result, the procedure allows for efficient production of regional SUTs appropriate for calculating multiplier effects from the national-level statistics.
Identifying Algeria’s de facto exchange rate regime: a wavelet-based approach
Authors: Chekouri Sidi Mohammed , Chibi Abderrahim , Benbouziane Mohamed 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe Central Bank of Algeria has announced a managed float of the Algerian dinar since 1994. Yet, there are some substantial differences between various de facto classifications of Algeria’s exchange rate regime. This study looks into the exchange rate regime of Algeria, aiming to identify de facto regime. To identify the implicit basket weights for the Algerian dinar, first the OLS rolling window methodology is used to estimate the celebrated Frankel-Wei regression. Then, the wavelet-based methods are applied to study the co-movement patterns of the exchange rates of the Algerian dinar, US dollar, and Euro. In the main, the OLS rolling window results show that the US dollar and the Euro are the currencies with the most influence over the Algerian dinar. Further, from the Wavelet Multiple Correlation (WMC) results, the US dollar is identified as the potential leader in the implicit basket for the Algerian dinar. Additionally, from the Wavelet Local Multiple Correlation (WLMC) results, it is found that the Algerian DZD, US dollar, and Euro are highly correlated, with a correlation value around 0.90 for most of the time scales. Based on the results obtained, we suggest that Algeria’s exchange rate regime could be a crawling peg and band around the US dollar and Euro.
Calcium oxalate crystals trigger epithelial-mesenchymal transition and carcinogenic features in renal cells: a crossroad between kidney stone disease and renal cancer
Authors: Peerapen Paleerath , Boonmark Wanida , Putpeerawit Pattaranit , Thongboonkerd Visith 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIncreasing evidence of association between kidney stone disease (KSD) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has been reported. Nevertheless, mechanism underlying such association remained unknown. Herein, we investigated the effects of calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM), a major crystalline component causing KSD, on induction of carcinogenic features in non-cancerous renal cells. COM crystals induced morphological changes from epithelial to fibroblast-like spindle shape. Additionally, COM increased spindle index and mesenchymal markers (fibronectin and vimentin) but declined epithelial markers (E-cadherin and zonula occludens-1). Moreover, COM down-regulated ARID1A, a tumor suppressor gene recently reported to be reversely associated with RCC, at both mRNA and protein levels. COM also down-regulated other RCC-related tumor suppressor genes, PTEN and VHL, but up-regulated oncogene TPX2. Finally, COM enhanced invading capability, cell-aggregate formation, chemoresistance to cisplatin, and secretion of an angiogenic factor (VEGF). These data indicate that COM crystals trigger epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and several carcinogenic features in the non-cancerous renal cells. These mechanisms may explain and strengthen the association between KSD and RCC.
Efficient compartmentalization in insect bacteriomes protects symbiotic bacteria from host immune system
Authors: Ferrarini Mariana Galvão , Dell’Aglio Elisa , Vallier Agnès , Balmand Séverine , Vincent-Monégat Carole , Hughes Sandrine , Gillet Benjamin , Parisot Nicolas , Zaidman-Rémy Anna , Vieira Cristina , Heddi Abdelaziz , Rebollo Rita 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Many insects house symbiotic intracellular bacteria (endosymbionts) that provide them with essential nutrients, thus promoting the usage of nutrient-poor habitats. Endosymbiont seclusion within host specialized cells, called bacteriocytes, often organized in a dedicated organ, the bacteriome, is crucial in protecting them from host immune defenses while avoiding chronic host immune activation. Previous evidence obtained in the cereal weevil Sitophilus oryzae has shown that bacteriome immunity is activated against invading pathogens, suggesting endosymbionts might be targeted and impacted by immune effectors during an immune challenge. To pinpoint any molecular determinants associated with such challenges, we conducted a dual transcriptomic analysis of S. oryzae’s bacteriome subjected to immunogenic peptidoglycan fragments.

Results
We show that upon immune challenge, the bacteriome actively participates in the innate immune response via induction of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Surprisingly, endosymbionts do not undergo any transcriptomic changes, indicating that this potential threat goes unnoticed. Immunohistochemistry showed that TCT-induced AMPs are located outside the bacteriome, excluding direct contact with the endosymbionts.

Conclusions
This work demonstrates that endosymbiont protection during an immune challenge is mainly achieved by efficient confinement within bacteriomes, which provides physical separation between host systemic response and endosymbionts.
Factors predicting complications, neurologic deterioration and mortality for patients with meningioma surgery: An observational study
Authors: Utama Aji Setia , Wahyuhadi Joni , Arifin Muhammad , Al Fauzi Asra , Lestari Pudji , Kusumastuti Kurnia , Al-Farabi Makhyan Jibril , Mannagalli Yusuf 
Published: September 2022

Background: Meningiomas are the second most common intracranial neoplasm, contributing to 30% of all intracranial tumors. Clinical examination, anatomical pathology testing, CT, and MRI are required to confirm the meningioma diagnosis. Surgery is the therapy of choice for meningiomas. Understanding factors affecting the outcome of meningioma surgery is critical to predicting the outcome of meningioma surgery. Methods: A retrospective analytic method was conducted in this study, which included meningioma patients who underwent surgery at Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital between January 2014 and December 2020. The study incorporated secondary data in the form of medical records. Data collection was followed by binomial logistic regression analysis using SPSS IBM 25. Results: A total of 440 samples of patients with meningiomas were obtained through medical records. Post-operative hematoma (2.5%), postoperative infection (3.0%), neurologic deterioration (3.9%), and 30-day mortality (2.3%) were the postoperative complications reported. Emergency surgery was found to be a significant predictor of postoperative hematoma (p=0.025; OR=4.539; 95% CI: 1.211-17.006), postoperative infection (p=0.015; OR=4.777; 95% CI: 1.362-16.751), neurologic deterioration (p=0.022; OR=5,151; 95% CI: 1,271-20,882), and 30-day mortality (p=0.002; OR=17,874; 95% CI: 2,933-108,915). Simpson Grade IV (p=0.016; OR=33,524; 95% CI: 1.905-590.056) was a significant predictive factor for postoperative hematomas. Post-operative hematoma was a significant predictive factor for neurologic deterioration (p=0.000; OR=235,807; 95% CI: 38,058-1461,069) and 30-day mortality (p=0.001; OR=40,047; 95% CI: 4,985-321,699). Conclusions: Post-operative complications following meningioma surgery may result in high morbidity and mortality. The predictive factors for meningioma surgery complications were identified in this study. Knowledge of these factors may aid in preventing or predicting meningioma surgery complications.