bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Giardia duodenalis in patients with diarrhea and various animals in northeastern China: prevalence and multilocus genetic characterization
Authors: Wu Yanchen , Yao Lan , Chen Hongshuang , Zhang Weizhe , Jiang Yanyan , Yang Fengkun , Liu Aiqin , Shen Yujuan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Giardia duodenalis is a common parasitic diarrheal agent in humans, especially in developing countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and multilocus genetic characterization of G. duodenalis in patients with diarrhea and animals in northeastern China, and to assess the epidemiological role of animals in the transmission of human giardiasis.

Methods
A total of 1739 fecal specimens from 413 diarrheal patients and 1326 animals comprising 16 mammal species were collected in Heilongjiang Province of China and screened for G. duodenalis by PCR and sequencing of the SSU rRNA gene. All G. duodenalis-positive specimens were subtyped by PCR and sequencing of the bg, tpi, and gdh genes. To detect additional mixed infections of different assemblages, assemblage A/B/E-specific PCRs were performed to amplify the tpi gene.

Results
Sequence analysis of the SSU rRNA gene determined the prevalence of G. duodenalis (5.81%, 24/413) in diarrheal patients, with a peak in minors aged 5–17 years, and identified assemblages A and B. MLG-AII and MLG-B1 were obtained based on concatenated nucleotide sequences of the bg, tpi, and gdh genes, with MLG-AII being identical to a cat-derived isolate reported previously. By sequence analysis of the SSU rRNA gene, G. duodenalis was detected in 214 (16.14%) animals belonging to 11 mammal species, with the prevalence ranging from 1.69 to 53.85%, and assemblages A to G were identified. Sequence analysis of the bg, tpi, and gdh genes from 46 specimens produced 31 MLGs, including MLG-AI (n = 1), MLG-B2–B8 (n = 18), and MLG-E1–E23 (n = 27).

Conclusions
The finding of G. duodenalis in diarrheal patients enhances consciousness of detecting G. duodenalis in clinical practice and emphasizes the importance of health education in local inhabitants, especially in the age group of 5–17 years. The identification of seven assemblages (A to G) and 33 MLGs reveals genetic heterogeneity of G. duodenalis in the investigated areas. Due to insufficient homology data on the zoonotic transmission of G. duodenalis, the precise epidemiological role that animals play in the transmission of human giardiasis needs to be assessed by more large-scale molecular epidemiological investigations of local humans and animals.

Graphical Abstract
Corneal opacification, an atypical presentation of cystic fibrosis: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Farahbakhsh Nazanin , Bagherian Neda , Shabanpourhaghighi Sajad , Khalilzadeh Soheila , Tabatabaii Seyed Ahmad , Khanbabaee Ghamartaj 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Respiratory and gastrointestinal manifestations are the main causes of mortality and morbidity in cystic fibrosis. Although these symptoms are well recognized, ophthalmic involvement of cystic fibrosis secondary to vitamin A deficiency is uncommon and has been reported very rarely in the medical literature.

Case presentation
Here, we report a 2.5-year-old Iranian boy who presented with bilateral corneal xerosis and corneal opacity secondary to vitamin A deficiency related to cystic fibrosis malabsorption.

Conclusion
Malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins is a common presentation in cystic fibrosis, but corneal opacity secondary to vitamin A deficiency as the initial presentation of cystic fibrosis is a very rare manifestation of fat malabsorption. This highlights the importance of complete systemic examination besides ophthalmic examination in approaching a child with ophthalmic complaint.
Using ρ-cone arcwise connectedness on parametric set-valued optimization problems
Authors: Das Koushik , Samei Mohammad Esmael 
Published: May 2022

AbstractWithin the inquiry about work, we explore a parametric set-valued optimization problem, where the objective as well as constraint maps are set-valued. A generalization of cone arcwise associated set-valued maps is presented named ρ-cone arcwise connectedness of set-valued maps. We set up adequate Karush–Kuhn–Tucker optimality conditions for the problem beneath contingent epiderivative and ρ-cone arcwise connectedness presumptions. Assist, Mond–Weir, Wolfe, and blended sorts duality models are examined. We demonstrate the related theorems between the primal and the comparing dual problems beneath the presumption.
Potential benefits and limitations of machine learning in the field of eating disorders: current research and future directions
Authors: Fardouly Jasmine , Crosby Ross D. , Sukunesan Suku 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAdvances in machine learning and digital data provide vast potential for mental health predictions. However, research using machine learning in the field of eating disorders is just beginning to emerge. This paper provides a narrative review of existing research and explores potential benefits, limitations, and ethical considerations of using machine learning to aid in the detection, prevention, and treatment of eating disorders. Current research primarily uses machine learning to predict eating disorder status from females’ responses to validated surveys, social media posts, or neuroimaging data often with relatively high levels of accuracy. This early work provides evidence for the potential of machine learning to improve current eating disorder screening methods. However, the ability of these algorithms to generalise to other samples or be used on a mass scale is only beginning to be explored. One key benefit of machine learning over traditional statistical methods is the ability of machine learning to simultaneously examine large numbers (100s to 1000s) of multimodal predictors and their complex non-linear interactions, but few studies have explored this potential in the field of eating disorders. Machine learning is also being used to develop chatbots to provide psychoeducation and coping skills training around body image and eating disorders, with implications for early intervention. The use of machine learning to personalise treatment options, provide ecological momentary interventions, and aid the work of clinicians is also discussed. Machine learning provides vast potential for the accurate, rapid, and cost-effective detection, prevention, and treatment of eating disorders. More research is needed with large samples of diverse participants to ensure that machine learning models are accurate, unbiased, and generalisable to all people with eating disorders. There are important limitations and ethical considerations with utilising machine learning methods in practice. Thus, rather than a magical solution, machine learning should be seen as an important tool to aid the work of researchers, and eventually clinicians, in the early identification, prevention, and treatment of eating disorders.
DNA methylation as a diagnostic tool
Authors: Galbraith Kristyn , Snuderl Matija 
Published: May 2022

AbstractDNA methylation of cytosines in CpG sites throughout the genome is an epigenetic mark contributing to gene expression regulation. DNA methylation patterns are specific to tissue type, conserved throughout life and reflect changes during tumorigenesis. DNA methylation recently emerged as a diagnostic tool to classify tumors based on a combination of preserved developmental and mutation induced signatures. In addition to the tumor classification, DNA methylation data can also be used to evaluate copy number variation, assess promoter methylation status of specific genes, such as MGMT or MLH1, and deconvolute the tumor microenvironment, assessing the tumor immune infiltrate as a potential biomarker for immunotherapy. Here we review the role for DNA methylation in tumor diagnosis.
Laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for synchronous adenocarcinoma, diffuse large B cell lymphoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumor in the stomach: a case report
Authors: Ojima Toshiyasu , Tabata Hirotaka , Yamaue Hiroki 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Synchronous lymphoma and adenocarcinoma are occasionally detected in the stomach. Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and adenocarcinoma are sometimes seen simultaneously in the stomach. However, we rarely observe synchronous adenocarcinoma, lymphoma, and GIST in the stomach, and there are few reports on cases with these three lesions.

Case presentation
This is a case report of a 71-year-old man who had a laparoscopic distal gastrectomy and lymphadenectomy for three gastric tumors. Preoperative diagnoses were early adenocarcinoma and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma in the stomach, but final diagnosis was synchronous adenocarcinoma, diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and GIST. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is highly involved in the development of DLBCL and MALT lymphoma in the stomach. Gastric adenocarcinoma is partially involved in chronic gastritis with atrophy and intestinal metaplasia caused by H. pylori infection. Indeed, a rapid urease test was found positive in this case. Therefore, we prescribed medicine to eliminate H. pylori after gastrectomy.

Conclusion
This is the first case report where a patient underwent minimally invasive laparoscopic gastrectomy for synchronous adenocarcinoma, DLBCL and GIST in the stomach, although one patient who underwent open gastrectomy for synchronous adenocarcinoma, MALT lymphoma and GIST was previously reported.
Potential PET tracers for imaging of tumor-associated macrophages
Authors: Fernandes Bruna , Feltes Paula Kopschina , Luft Carolina , Nazario Luiza Reali , Jeckel Cristina Maria Moriguchi , Antunes Ines F. , Elsinga Philip H. , de Vries Erik F. J. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe increasing incidence of cancer over the years is one of the most challenging problems in healthcare. As cancer progresses, the recruitment of several immune cells is triggered. Infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is correlated with poor patient prognosis. Since TAMs constitute a big portion of the tumor mass, targeting these cells seems to be an attractive approach for cancer immunotherapy. Additionally, TAM assessment using non-invasive imaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography (PET), might provide a better understanding of the role of TAMs in cancer, and a means for tumor profile characterization, patient selection for individualized immunotherapy and treatment monitoring. Imaging of TAMs using PET tracers is still in its infancy. TAMs have several characteristics that could be exploited as potential targets for imaging. Various PET tracers for these TAM biomarkers have been developed, although often in the context of (neuro)inflammatory diseases rather than cancer. Since macrophages in inflammatory diseases express similar biomarkers as TAMs, these PET tracers could potentially also be applied for the assessment of TAMs in the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, the present review provides an overview of the TAM biomarkers, for which potential PET tracers are available and discusses the status of these tracers.
Association of the rs4646994 in ACE gene with susceptibility to tuberculosis in a region of the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Porchera Débora C. R. F. , Leal Diana F. V. B. , Braga Ana C. O. , Pinto Pablo D. C. , Santana da Silva Mayara N. , Bezerra Santos Lucas C. , Braga da Silva Cintia H. , da Costa Giovana E. , Barros Maria Clara da C. , Athayde Aidalucy do S. C. de , de N Cohen-Paes Amanda , da Silva Cleonardo A. , de Assumpção Paulo P. , Ribeiro-dos-Santos Ândrea K. C. , dos Santos Sidney E. B. , Fernandes Marianne R. , dos Santos Ney P. C. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and represents an important global public health issue. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms and INDELs are common genetic variations that can be located in genes associated with immune response and, therefore, they may have direct implications over the phenotype of susceptibility to infections like tuberculosis. This study aimed to investigate the association between the 17 genetic polymorphisms and susceptibility to tuberculosis in a Brazilian population.

Methods
This case-control study enrolled 283 individuals with active tuberculosis and 145 health care workers. Four INDELs and 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms and were genotyped using Multiplex PCR method and TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. Group comparisons for categorical variables were performed using the chi-squared test, whilst the t-Student test was used to analyze the continuous variables. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was assessed using chi-squared tests with Bonferroni correction. The results were analyzed comparing the genotypic distributions adopting the dominant model and the estimated values ​​of p corrected for multiple tests through FDR (False Discovery Rate) test.

Results
The HWE test confirmed that the genotypic frequencies for polymorphisms were balanced. The frequency of Del allele was 73 and 75%, in cases and controls respectively. Frequency of Del allele was significantly higher in the control group than TB group. The homozygous Del/Del genotype was present in 51.6% of cases and 58.6% of controls. The rare Ins/Ins genotype was present in only 7.6% of controls and 6% of cases. The ACE Del/Del genotype was significantly higher in the cases than in controls revealing significant protection for TB in the domain model (OR = 0.465; p < 0.005).

Conclusions
The Del/Del genotype of the rs4646994 in ACE gene was associated with susceptibility to tuberculosis. The identification of genetic variants responsible for susceptibility to tuberculosis will allow the development of new diagnostic tools for tuberculosis infection. These studies will help improve control and the future eradication of this disease.
Tactile information affects alternating visual percepts during binocular rivalry using naturalistic objects
Authors: Ono Mikoto , Hirose Nobuyuki , Mori Shuji 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Introduction
Past studies have provided evidence that the effects of tactile stimulation on binocular rivalry are mediated by primitive features (orientation and spatial frequency) common in vision and touch. In this study, we examined whether such effects on binocular rivalry can be obtained through the roughness of naturalistic objects. In three experiments, the total dominant time of visual percepts of two objects was measured under binocular rivalry when participants touched one of the objects.

Result
In Experiment 1, the total dominant time for the image of artificial turf and bathmat was prolonged by congruent tactile stimulation and shortened by incongruent tactile stimulation. In Experiment 2, we used the same stimuli but rotated their visual images in opposite directions. The dominant time for either image was prolonged by congruent tactile stimulation. In Experiment 3, we used different types of stimuli, smooth marble and rough fabric, and noted significant effects of the congruent and incongruent tactile stimulation on the dominant time of visual percepts.

Conclusion
These three experiments demonstrated that visuo-tactile interaction on binocular rivalry can be mediated by roughness.
Evidence for validity of the Swedish self-rated 36-item version of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) in patients with mental disorders: a multi-centre cross-sectional study using Rasch analysis
Authors: Svanborg Cecilia , Amer Ahmed , Nordenskjöld Axel , Ramklint Mia , Söderberg Per , Tungström Stefan , Ginsberg Ylva , Hermansson Liselotte 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) is a generic instrument for the assessment of functioning in six domains, resulting in a total health-related disability score. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Swedish-language version of the self-rated 36-item version in psychiatric outpatients with various common psychiatric diagnoses using Rasch analysis. A secondary aim was to explore the correlation between two methods of calculating overall scores to guide clinical practice: the WHODAS simple (summative) model and the WHODAS complex (weighted) model.

Methods
Cross-sectional data from 780 Swedish patients with various mental disorders were evaluated by Rasch analysis according to the partial credit model. Bivariate Pearson correlations between the two methods of calculating overall scores were explored.

Results
Of the 36 items, 97% (35 items) were within the recommended range of infit mean square; only item D4.5 (Sexual activities) indicated misfit (infit mean square 1.54 logits). Rating scale analysis showed a short distance between severity levels and disordered thresholds. The two methods of calculating overall scores were highly correlated (0.89–0.99).

Conclusions
The self-administered WHODAS 2.0 fulfilled several aspects of validity according to Rasch analysis and has the potential to be a useful tool for the assessment of functioning in psychiatric outpatients. The internal structure of the instrument was satisfactorily valid and reliable at the level of the total score but demonstrated problems at the domain level. We suggest rephrasing the item Sexual activities and revising the rating scale categories. The WHODAS simple model is easier to use in clinical practice and our results indicate that it can differentiate function among patients with moderate psychiatric disability, whereas Rasch scaled scores are psychometrically more precise even at low disability levels. Further investigations of different scoring models are warranted.
Sleep quality and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Spicuzza Lucia , Mancuso Salvatore , Campisi Raffaele , Vancheri Carlo 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has produced remarkable effects on the sleep quality and mental status of the general population and more dramatic effects on patients with chronic illness. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), already suffering from disordered sleep, might be more susceptible to the effect of the pandemic on their sleep quality and mental health. We therefore performed a case–control study to compare sleep quality, depression and anxiety symptoms reported by patients with severe OSA and age-matched healthy subjects during the first wave of the COVID-19. In June–July 2020 we enrolled a total of 222 patients with severe OSA, all treated with continuous positive airway pressure, and 164 healthy controls. Self-reported sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Symptoms of depression were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire module 9 (PHQ-9), while the specific “Coronavirus Anxiety Scale” (CAS) evaluated the level of anxiety.

Results
Patients with OSA (61% males, 65 ± 9.6 years old, BMI 30.5 ± 3.6) and healthy controls had similar characteristics except for BMI slightly lower in controls. The perceived quality of sleep, referred to the pre-pandemic period, was significantly worse in patients with OSA than in controls. During the pandemic the rate of reported sleep disturbance increased from 54 to 66% in patients with OSA and from 29 to 40% in controls. A high percentage of patients and controls reported symptoms of depression (61% OSA and 65% controls), whereas lower levels of anxiety, similar in the two groups, were observed. In patients with OSA the PSQI score significantly positively correlated with the PHQ-9 score (r2 = 0.81) and the CAS score (r2 = 0.65).

Conclusion
The rate of reported sleep disturbance in patients with OSA during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is one of the highest evidenced in literature so far. As for the general population, in these patients there is a strict link between the perceived sleep quality and the psychological distress caused by the pandemic. A further deterioration of sleep quality is a fearsome event in the life of these patients who face life-long sleep problems.
Coding joint: kappa-deleting recombination excision circle ratio and B cell activating factor level: predicting juvenile dermatomyositis rituximab response, a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Ochfeld Elisa , Hans Victoria , Marin Wil , Ahsan Najah , Morgan Gabrielle , Pachman Lauren M. , Khojah Amer 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
This pilot study’s primary aim was to determine if oligoclonal B cell expansion in children with Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) predicts response to Rituximab therapy. We evaluated: (1) tissue B cell depletion efficacy by measuring the ratio of Coding joint (CJ) to Kappa-deleting recombination excision circle (KREC) DNA, and (2) serum BAFF level upon B cell recovery.

Methods
CJ and KREC values were measured via qPCR assessment of serial PBMC stored (− 80 °C) in the CureJM Center’s BioRepository. Serum BAFF was quantitated by Mesoscale® technology. Oligoclonal B cell expansion was defined as a CJ:KREC ≥ 8 prior to Rituximab therapy. Detection of a CJ:KREC ratio ≤ 2.5 in the first sample after Rituximab was designated as adequate B cell depletion. A significant clinical response to therapy was defined as improvement in Disease Activity Score (DAS) by at least 2 points on consecutive visits within the first 12 months of therapy.

Results
Six out of nine children with JDM showed oligoclonal B cell expansion prior to Rituximab (CJ:KREC ≥ 8). Of those 6 patients, 4 had evidence of effective B cell depletion after Rituximab (CJ:KREC ≤ 2.5), and all 4 of those subjects displayed a significant clinical response to Rituximab. Serum BAFF level increased in 8/9 children after Rituximab.

Conclusions
In this proof-of-concept study, JDM patients with oligoclonal B cell expansion prior to Rituximab have more favorable clinical outcomes after Rituximab. We speculate: (1) B cell depletion post-Rituximab predicts JDM clinical response; (2) increased BAFF post-Rituximab may contribute to disease flare.
Nutritive evaluations of laboratory-reared edible field cricket Coiblemmus compactus Chopard, 1928 (Orthoptera: Gryllidae), for utilising them as an alternate protein source
Authors: Lokeshkumar Venugopal , Daniel B. A. , Jayanthi J. , Ragunathan M. G. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
The increasing world population has made researchers to explore and validate alternate food sources for the future; in that regard, due to the attractive nutritive profile, edible insects ensure the food and feed security in some developing countries. Crickets are orthopteran edible insects widely eaten around the world not as an emergency food but as a delicacy. This present study aims to stabilise a mass rearing technique of field cricket Coiblemmus compactus using cost-effective rearing medium and feed materials.

Results
The reared adult crickets were processed and analysed for its proximate, mineral, amino acid, fatty acid and energy contents. The cost-effective rearing methods were standardised for the cricket species, and the obtained nutritive values were comparatively higher than other edible meat sources. The cricket Coiblemmus compactus had 50.2 ± 0.37, 26.50 ± 0.80, 8.20 ± 1.61, 5.50 ± 0.48, 10.93 ± 0.19 and 5.40 ± 0.16 g/100 g of crude protein, crude fat, carbohydrate, crude fibre, moisture and ash contents, respectively. The cricket also possessed higher amounts of potassium (897.83 ± 1.55 mg/100 g) and phosphorous elements (604.66 ± 4.11 mg/100 g) with 458.30 ± 0.29 kcal/100 g of energy content. The chromatography studies showed the abundance of amino acid and fatty acid contents in the reared edible cricket.

Conclusions
The attractive and high-protein nutritive profile of edible cricket Coiblemmus compcatus makes itself an alternate food and feed material to elevate food crisis in developing countries.