bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revealing the genetic diversity of Sumbawa endemic horse using microsatellite-based DNA fingerprint
Authors: SUKRI AKHMAD , DEWI IKA NURANI , PRIMAWATI SRI NOPITA , WANGIYANA I GDE ADI SURYAWAN , MUTTAQIN ZAINUL , WINAYA ARIS 
Published: August 2022

Abstract. Sukri A, Dewi IN, Primawati SB, Wangiyana IGAS, Muttaqin Z, Winaya A. 2022. Revealing the genetic diversity of Sumbawa endemic horse using microsatellite-based DNA fingerprint. Biodiversitas 23: 4153-4159. Sumbawa horse (Equus caballus) is a genetic resource that must be preserved. Sumbawa horses have a significant economic, social, and cultural role. Information on the genetic status of the Sumbawa horse is needed as a step in developing a long-term conservation strategy. Therefore, this study aims to reveal the genetic diversity of the Sumbawa endemic horse using a microsatellite-based DNA fingerprint. DNA isolation was conducted from horse blood samples. Blood samples were taken from two horse farms with 24 individual horses from two different populations, namely Lalar and Liang,West Sumbawa District, Indonesia. Blood was taken from the jugular vein and collected by a qualified veterinarian from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Pendidikan Mandalika. A total of 4 microsatellite primers were used in this study, INRA032, HEL09, CA425, and AHT4. This study revealed that the genetic diversity of horses in the Lalar population was higher than Liang. A greater number of alleles reinforces this; higher number and frequency of bands; and the presence of specific bands that indicate unique alleles. This research shows that the Sumbawa horse is unique from other horse breeds in the world. This is evidenced by the lower number of alleles per locus (Na) with a maximum number of two alleles per locus. Sumbawa horses have higher observed heterozygosity (Ho) than expected heterozygosity (He), with a Ho value less than 0.5. Analysis of Molecular Variance result has shown that variation within the population was higher than among the population. This is presumably due to the high gene flow in both horse populations caused by inbreeding. In general, AHT4 primers had the best ability to reveal the genetic diversity of Sumbawa horses with the highest Shannon's information index compared to other markers.
"They are our eyes outside there in the community": Implementing enhanced training, management and monitoring of South Africa’s ward-based primary healthcare outreach teams
Authors: Mantell Joanne E. , Masvawure Tsitsi B. , Zech Jennifer M. , Reidy William , Msukwa Martin , Glenshaw Mary , Grund Jonathan , Williams Daniel , Pitt Blanche , Rabkin Miriam 
Published: August 2022

Introduction
In 2018, South Africa’s National Department of Health provided additional resources for ward-based primary healthcare outreach teams (OT) with support from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. The intervention package included a new training curriculum, enhanced staffing, revised management and supervisory structures, and more intensive monitoring and evaluation (M&E). The goal was to strengthen OT and their impact on both primary healthcare and HIV-specific services. We conducted a process evaluation of this intervention package during its second year and examined implementation successes and challenges.

Methods
We conducted a mixed-methods evaluation at 20 purposively selected facilities in Bojanala and City of Tshwane districts, including surveys with 222 community health workers (CHWs) and outreach team leaders (OTLs); key informant interviews and online surveys with 28 policy and program stakeholders; 70 in-depth interviews with health facility staff; 20 focus group discussions with 194 CHWs; 20 structured health facility assessments; directly-observed time-motion studies; and review of program documents.

Results
Most participants highlighted the hiring and training of CHWs and OTLs as a key implementation success because this had partially alleviated staffing shortages and helped clarify CHWs’ and OTLs’ responsibilities and supervisory structures. The new monitoring tools were welcomed for their potential to improve data collection and program tracking. However, participants highlighted many program challenges: short-lived gains in CHWs’ knowledge and skills due to lack of ongoing training and mentoring; insufficient integration of OT into health facility management structures; persistent shortages of equipment, supplies, transportation, and workspace for CHWs; and insufficient remuneration for staff.

Conclusion
Strengthening and expanding CHW programs, such as OT, requires intensive support and continuous investments. To sustain improvements in training, supervision, and job satisfaction, CHWs must be equipped with needed resources, provided with ongoing supportive supervision, and strengthened by optimized program management, monitoring and processes.
Determinants of coronavirus disease 2019 infection by artificial intelligence technology: A study of 28 countries
Authors: Peng Hsiao-Ya , Lin Yen-Kuang , Nguyen Phung-Anh , Hsu Jason C. , Chou Chun-Liang , Chang Chih-Cheng , Lin Chia-Chi , Lam Carlos , Chen Chang-I , Wang Kai-Hsun , Lu Christine Y. 
Published: August 2022

Objectives
The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has affected countries around the world since 2020, and an increasing number of people are being infected. The purpose of this research was to use big data and artificial intelligence technology to find key factors associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 infection. The results can be used as a reference for disease prevention in practice.

Methods
This study obtained data from the "Imperial College London YouGov Covid-19 Behaviour Tracker Open Data Hub", covering a total of 291,780 questionnaire results from 28 countries (April 1~August 31, 2020). Data included basic characteristics, lifestyle habits, disease history, and symptoms of each subject. Four types of machine learning classification models were used, including logistic regression, random forest, support vector machine, and artificial neural network, to build prediction modules. The performance of each module is presented as the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve. Then, this study further processed important factors selected by each module to obtain an overall ranking of determinants.

Results
This study found that the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of the prediction modules established by the four machine learning methods were all >0.95, and the RF had the highest performance (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve is 0.988). Top ten factors associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 infection were identified in order of importance: whether the family had been tested, having no symptoms, loss of smell, loss of taste, a history of epilepsy, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, cystic fibrosis, sleeping alone, country, and the number of times leaving home in a day.

Conclusions
This study used big data from 28 countries and artificial intelligence methods to determine the predictors of the coronavirus disease 2019 infection. The findings provide important insights for the coronavirus disease 2019 infection prevention strategies.
Evaluation of circulating serum cathelicidin levels as a potential biomarker to discriminate between active and latent tuberculosis in Uganda
Authors: Acen Ester Lilian , Kateete David Patrick , Worodria William , Olum Ronald , Joloba Moses L. , Bbuye Mudarshiru , Biraro Irene Andia 
Published: August 2022

Background
Tuberculosis remains a major public health problem worldwide accounting for 1.4 million deaths annually. LL-37 is an effector molecule involved in immunity with both antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties. The purpose of this study was to compare LL-37 circulatory levels among participants with active and latent tuberculosis and to determine its ability to discriminate between the two infectious states.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was performed among 56 active tuberculosis patients, 49 latent tuberculosis individuals, and 43 individuals without tuberculosis infection. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to assess LL-37 levels. Data analysis was performed using STATA software and Graph pad Prism version 8. Mann-Whitney U test was used for correlation between variables with two categories and the Kruskal-Wallis test for three or more categories.

Results
The study had more female participants than males, with similar median ages across the three groups, 29.5, 25.0, and 23.0 years respectively. Active tuberculosis patients had significantly higher LL-37 levels compared to those with latent tuberculosis and without tuberculosis. The median/interquartile ranges were 318.8 ng/ml (157.9–547.1), 242.2 ng/ml (136.2–579.3), 170.9 ng/ml (129.3–228.3); p = 0.002 respectively. Higher LL-37 was found in the male participant with median/interquartile range, 424.8 ng/ml (226.2–666.8) compared to the females 237.7 ng/ml (129.6–466.6); p = 0.045. LL-37 had better discriminatory potential between active tuberculosis and no tuberculosis (AUC = 0.71, sensitivity 71.4% specificity = 69.8%) than with latent tuberculosis (AUC = 0.55, sensitivity = 71.4%, specificity = 44.9%). There was moderate differentiation between latent tuberculosis and no tuberculosis (AUC = 0.63, sensitivity = 44.9% specificity = 90.7%).

Conclusion
Significantly higher LL-37 levels were observed among active tuberculosis patients than those without tuberculosis infection and were, therefore able to discriminate between active tuberculosis and other tuberculosis infectious states, especially with no tuberculosis. Further assessment of this biomarker as a screening tool to exclude tuberculosis is required.
Geometry of positive scalar curvature on complete manifold
Authors: Zhu Bo 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
In this paper, we study the interplay of geometry and positive scalar curvature on a complete, non-compact manifold with non-negative Ricci curvature. On three-dimensional manifold, we prove a minimal volume growth, an estimate of integral of scalar curvature and width. On higher-dimensional manifold, we obtain a volume growth with a stronger condition.
Institutional Measures for Supporting OER in Higher Education: An International Case-Based Study
Authors: Marín Victoria I. , Zawacki-Richter Olaf , Aydin Cengiz H. , Bedenlier Svenja , Bond Melissa , Bozkurt Aras , Conrad Dianne , Jung Insung , Kondakci Yasar , Prinsloo Paul , Roberts Jennifer , Veletsianos George , Xiao Junhong , Zhang Jingjing 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Open Educational Resources (OER) in higher education cannot be put into practice without considering institutional contexts, which differ not only globally but also within the same country. Each institutional context provides educators with opportunities or limitations where Open Educational Practices (OEP) and OER for teaching and learning are involved. As part of a broader research project, and as a follow-up to national perspectives, an international comparison was conducted, based on institutional cases of nine different higher education systems (Australia, Canada, China, Germany, Japan, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Turkey). Aspects regarding the availability of infrastructure and institutional policies for OER, as well as the existence of measures directed at OER quality assurance and at the promotion of the development and use of OER were covered. The resulting theoretical contribution sheds light on an international comparative view of OER and points towards country-specific trends, as well as differences among institutions. These aspects could provide an impetus for the development of institutional guidelines and measures. In line with international literature on the topic, recommendations are derived to promote/ enhance the use of OER in teaching and learning in higher education at the institutional level.
Crystal structure of poly[dimethanol-κ1O-(µ2-(E)-2-((2-oxidobenzylidene)amino)acetato)-(µ3-(E)-2-((2-oxidobenzylidene)amino)acetato)dicadmium(II)], C20H22Cd2N2O8
Authors: Guo Xiao-Yu , Liu Yun-Chao , Yin Peng-Hui 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
C20H22Cd2N2O8, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 13.131(3) Å, b = 8.2018(16) Å, c = 20.973(4) Å, β = 103.59(3)°, V = 2195.5(8) Å3, Z = 4, R

gt
(F) = 0.0260, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.0609, T = 293(2) K.
Aging, testosterone, and neuroplasticity: friend or foe?
Authors: Saleki Kiarash , Banazadeh Mohammad , Saghazadeh Amene , Rezaei Nima 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Neuroplasticity or neural plasticity implicates the adaptive potential of the brain in response to extrinsic and intrinsic stimuli. The concept has been utilized in different contexts such as injury and neurological disease. Neuroplasticity mechanisms have been classified into neuroregenerative and function-restoring processes. In the context of injury, neuroplasticity has been defined in three post-injury epochs. Testosterone plays a key yet double-edged role in the regulation of several neuroplasticity alterations. Research has shown that testosterone levels are affected by numerous factors such as age, stress, surgical procedures on gonads, and pharmacological treatments. There is an ongoing debate for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in aging men; however, TRT is more useful in young individuals with testosterone deficit and more specific subgroups with cognitive dysfunction. Therefore, it is important to pay early attention to testosterone profile and precisely uncover its harms and benefits. In the present review, we discuss the influence of environmental factors, aging, and gender on testosterone-associated alterations in neuroplasticity, as well as the two-sided actions of testosterone in the nervous system. Finally, we provide practical insights for further study of pharmacological treatments for hormonal disorders focusing on restoring neuroplasticity.
Bone Density and Bone Geometry in University Athletes From Sports With Different Levels of Impact: Simultaneous Association With Multiple Factors
Authors: Moraes Mikael S. , Fernandes Rômulo A. , Moreno Yara M.F. , Pelegrini Andreia , Silva Diego A.S. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Moraes, MS, Fernandes, RA, Moreno, YMF, Pelegrini, A, and Silva, DAS. Bone density and bone geometry in university athletes from sports with different levels of impact: simultaneous association with multiple factors. J Strength Cond Res 36(11): 3113–3121, 2022—The aim of this study was to use the bone loading unit (BLU) classification to compare bone density and bone geometry of sports with different levels of impact, simultaneously controlling the multiple factors that interfere with bone metabolism in athletes. Overall, 167 university athletes (92 men) participated in the study. Bone mineral density (BMD), strength index, cross-sectional area (CSA) at the moment of inertia, section modulus (Z), CSA, neck-shaft angle (NSA), and hip axis length (HAL) were measured. Sports were categorized by level of impact, high BLU (higher impact) and moderate/low BLU (lower impact). Covariates were fat mass, lean tissue mass, training volume, time of practice, dietary supplementation, use of oral contraceptives and menstrual status. Multiple linear regression with 5% significance level (p < 0.05) was used. In men, HAL was higher in sports with high BLU compared with those with moderate/low BLU (β: −0.21; R
2: 0.30; p = 0.03). In women, NSA was higher in sports with moderate/low BLU compared with those with high BLU (β: 0.31; R
2: 0.11; p = 0.02). There was no difference between BLU groups for BMD. These results persisted when the simultaneous interference of covariates was controlled. Thus, this study recommends BLU to classify sports and reinforces the importance of monitoring HAL and NSA in athletes in addition to the control of multiple factors that interfere with bone metabolism, because they influence physical performance and bone health during and after athletic life.
Relationships Between Lower Extremity Power and Fastball Spin Rate and Ball Velocity in Professional Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Wong Regan , Laudner Kevin , Amonette William , Vazquez Jose , Evans Daniel , Meister Keith 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Wong, R, Laudner, K, Amonette, W, Vazquez, J, Evans, D, and Meister, K. Relationships between lower extremity power and fastball spin rate and ball velocity in professional baseball pitchers. J Strength Cond Res 37(4): 823–828, 2023—Lower extremity power has been hypothesized to increase ball spin and velocity during pitching in baseball. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between lower extremity power and fastball spin rate in professional baseball pitchers. A secondary purpose was to determine the relationship between lower extremity power and ball velocity. Fifty-three asymptomatic professional pitchers participated (24.5 ± 3.6 years; 189.9 ± 6.1 cm; 92.6 ± 10.3 kg). Each athlete performed 3 separate bilateral jump tests on force plates: countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), and drop jump (DJ). The average fastball spin rate and ball velocity for each pitcher was calculated using a 3-dimensional Doppler radar and video system over the course of a competitive season. Standard multiple regression analyses (p ≤ 0.05) revealed significant relationship between ball spin and summation of variables for the CMJ (peak force, peak power, rate of power development, and jump height) (R
2 = 0.20, F = 3.1, p = 0.03). However, no individual variable was significantly associated (p > 0.09). There was also a significant amount of variance in ball spin explained by summation of variables for the SJ (peak force, peak power, rate of power development, and jump height) (R
2 = 0.19, F = 2.8, p = 0.04); rate of power development was the only variable that significantly predicted ball spin within this model (B = 0.27; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.003–0.75, p = 0.05). Ball spin was not associated with summation of DJ variables (peak power, rate of power development, jump height, reactive strength index, and total peak power in watts) (R
2 = 0.18, F = 2.0, p = 0.09). For ball velocity, there were no significant relationships for the summation of either the CMJ variables (R
2 = 0.10, p = 0.28) or the SJ variables (R
2 = 0.07, p = 0.44). However, there was a significant amount of variance in ball velocity explained by summation of variables for the DJ (R
2 = 0.30, F = 3.93, p = 0.005). The reactive strength index was the sole unique contribution to this model (B = 1.18; 95% CI: −10.34 to 2.36, p = 0.002). These findings highlight the relevance of increased lower extremity power on increasing fastball spin rate and ball velocity.
Foster Kennedy syndrome secondary to a giant prolactinoma with a remarkable response to cabergoline
Authors: Kanj Usama , Lee Sam Sum , Wattegama Milanka , Chavda Swarupsinh , Karavitaki Niki , Batra Ruchika 
Published: August 2022

Summary
Pituitary adenomas are intracranial neoplasms, usually demonstrating a benign phenotype. We present the case of 21-year-old male with an 18-month history of reduced visual function (acuity and field) in the left eye. Based on neuroimaging and endocrine profile, a giant prolactinoma causing hypogonadotropic hypogonadism was diagnosed and cabergoline was commenced. After a month of treatment, the tumour size reduced, and visual function improved to normal; however, he developed Foster Kennedy syndrome with a swollen right optic disc. After almost 1 year of follow-up, he regained full visual functioning. Two years since his diagnosis, his prolactin remains normal with no adverse effects or further visual complications.

Learning points

Foster Kennedy syndrome is a rare entity but can be a feature of pituitary adenomas.

Visual deterioration secondary to a compressive optic neuropathy can be reversible, provided that diagnosis and treatment are prompt.

This case highlights the importance of frequent monitoring of visual function during follow-up of these lesions, particularly when there are deficits at diagnosis.
RAC1 is involved in uterine myometrium contraction in the inflammation-associated preterm birth
Authors: Diao Min , Zhou Jin , Tao Yunkai , Hu Zhaoyang , Lin Xuemei 
Published: August 2022

In brief
Various etiologies can cause uterine myometrium contraction, which leads to preterm birth. This study demonstrates a new functional relationship between the Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (RAC1) and uterine myometrium contraction in preterm birth.

Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) is a public health issue. The World Health Organization has recommended the use of tocolytic treatment to inhibit preterm labour and improve pregnancy outcomes. Intrauterine inflammation is associated with preterm birth. RAC1 can modulate inflammation in different experimental settings. In the current study, we explored whether RAC1 can modulate spontaneous uterine myometrium contraction in a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intrauterine inflammation. Subsequently, we recorded uterine myometrium contraction and examined uterine Rac1 expression in a mouse model of preterm birth and a case in pregnant women by Western blotting analysis. We also measured progesterone levels in the blood serum of mice. Murine myometrium was obtained 12 h post LPS treatment. Human myometrium was obtained at the time of caesarean section. We found that in the LPS-treated group of mice, uterine myometrium contraction was enhanced, protein levels and activation of RAC1 were increased and serum progesterone levels were decreased. The protein levels of RAC1 were also increased in preterm birth and in pregnant women. NSC23766, a RAC1 inhibitor, attenuated uterine myometrium contraction and diminished RAC1 activation and COX-2 expression. Furthermore, silencing of RAC1 suppressed cell contraction and COX-2 expression in vitro. In conclusion, our results suggested that RAC1 may play an important role in modulating uterine myometrium contraction. Consequently, intervening with RAC1 represents a novel strategy for the treatment of preterm birth.