bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A review of applications of environmental DNA for reptile conservation and management
Authors: Nordstrom Bethany , Mitchell Nicola , Byrne Margaret , Jarman Simon 
Published: June 2022

AbstractReptile populations are in decline globally, with total reptile abundance halving in the past half century, and approximately a fifth of species currently threatened with extinction. Research on reptile distributions, population trends, and trophic interactions can greatly improve the accuracy of conservation listings and planning for species recovery, but data deficiency is an impediment for many species. Environmental DNA (eDNA) can detect species and measure community diversity at diverse spatio‐temporal scales, and is especially useful for detection of elusive, cryptic, or rare species, making it potentially very valuable in herpetology. We aim to summarize the utility of eDNA as a tool for informing reptile conservation and management and discuss the benefits and limitations of this approach. A literature review was conducted to collect all studies that used eDNA and focus on reptile ecology, conservation, or management. Results of the literature search are summarized into key discussion points, and the review also draws on eDNA studies from other taxa to highlight methodological challenges and to identify future research directions. eDNA has had limited application to reptiles, relative to other vertebrate groups, and little use in regions with high species richness. eDNA techniques have been more successfully applied to aquatic reptiles than to terrestrial reptiles, and most (64%) of studies focused on aquatic habitats. Two of the four reptilian orders dominate the existing eDNA studies (56% Testudines, 49% Squamata, 5% Crocodilia, 0% Rhynchocephalia). Our review provides direction for the application of eDNA as an emerging tool in reptile ecology and conservation, especially when it can be paired with traditional monitoring approaches. Technologies associated with eDNA are rapidly advancing, and as techniques become more sensitive and accessible, we expect eDNA will be increasingly valuable for addressing key knowledge gaps for reptiles.
Influence of different Ag/ZnO heterostructures on the removal efficiency of multidrug‐resistant Enterococcus faecium harboring multiple resistance genes from tap water
Authors: Anthony Eric T. , Ojemaye Mike O. , Okoh Omobola O. , Okoh Anthony I. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe adsorption efficiency of different Ag/ZnO heterostructures was investigated for the removal of multidrug‐resistant Enterococcus faecium (MDR_EF) harboring multiple resistance genes from tap‐water. The concentration of the precursors influences the microstructures of the adsorbents; however, it did not significantly affect the adsorption efficiency. The maximum adsorption capacity, qe, (34.11 CFU/g), was obtained for Ag1Zn3.5. The kinetic studies revealed that Ag1Zn1 and Ag1Zn2 adsorbents agreed to the pseudo‐first‐order kinetic equation and adsorbents Ag2Zn1, Ag3.5Zn1 and Ag1Zn3.5 agreed to the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic equation. Initial tap‐water pH range was beneficial for the adsorption and the pH of the treated tap‐water was within the WHO tap water recommendation (6.5–8.5), whereas the effect of ionic strength, anionic and cationic interference was insignificant in the adsorption of MDR_EF onto the different heterostructure. Interestingly, the MDR_EF could retain its cell membrane integrity and resistance genes, suggesting that surface adsorption was the primary mechanism for the removal.
RApid Data Integration and Visualization (RADIV) in Subsurface Operations
Authors: Hofer Peter , Eder Julian , Hager Lukas , Strauß Bakk Clemens , Jacobs Sebastian 
Published: June 2022

AbstractComplex subsurface operations are characterized by a life‐threatening environment, a skilled and initiative opponent, and the absence of predictability of the events due to a high level of interdependencies. The reduction of complexity by provision of essential information is crucial for decision‐making and rapid integration and visualization of heterogeneous data is essential for successful mission accomplishment. Currently, only standalone applications are available for the underground operational environment, and collaborative planning and working spaces in command and control are missing. The RApid Data Integration and Visualization (RADIV) process addresses exactly this challenge and ensures the lateral continuity of visualization systems across the entire reality‐virtuality continuum (2D ⇔ 3D ⇔ mixed reality). It provides a comprehensive command and control system for subterranean operations by processing and visualizing data in different views for different purposes. Integration of these data within the Subsurface Operations Mission Tool (SOMT) will increase the decision quality by improved perception and collaboration. Close cooperation and information exchange between operators and action forces is a prerequisite for success by displaying the relevant information within the truly comprehensive common operational picture, thereby enabling more accurate and precise action reducing own losses and collateral damage.
Impact of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brief intervention training program on health staff participants' own health behaviours: Smoking, nutrition and physical activity
Authors: Cunningham Frances C. , Murphy Majella G. , Ward Grace , Fagan Royden , Arley Brian , Hornby‐Turner Yvonne C. , d'Abbs Peter H. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIssues addressedLittle research has been conducted on the impact of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brief intervention training programs on health staff participants' own health behaviours. Through the Queensland B.strong program (2017‐2020), brief intervention training in smoking cessation, nutrition and physical activity was provided to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce and other health and community professionals. This study examined the program's impact on participants' own health behaviours.MethodsData were collected through four surveys (pre‐ and post‐training workshop, and 3‐month and 6‐month follow‐up) of the 1131 participants in B.strong training workshops from June 2017 to August 2019. Surveys included items on participants' own health behaviours. Pre‐ and post‐workshop surveys were paper‐based, and follow‐up surveys were completed online. For the analysis of data reported in this paper, paired‐samples t tests were used to assess changes between pre‐workshop and 3‐month follow‐up.ResultsStatistically significant improvements were found between pre‐workshop and 3‐month follow‐up in the number of serves of vegetables or legumes/beans eaten per day, the number of serves of fruit eaten per day, and in time spent in physical activity. However, there was: no statistically significant change in smoking status, with baseline rates being relatively low; a statistically significant increase in consumption of sugary drinks, and of takeaway foods; a nonsignificant increase in consumption of snack foods; and no significant change in sedentary behaviour of participants.ConclusionWhile some positive changes in participants' own health behaviours in nutrition and physical activity were associated with the B.strong program, there was no change in their smoking behaviour.So what?This study found that some improvements in participants' own health behaviours were associated with the B.strong program. This research may inform future Indigenous brief intervention training programs and health services on how to promote healthy behaviours for health staff themselves.
Assessing the role of eosinophil‐mediated immune response markers in detecting hookworm infection: A case‐control study in Kintampo, Ghana
Authors: Sakyi Samuel A. , Amoani Benjamin , Opoku Stephen , Dzata Lawrence , Aniagyei Wilfred , Senu Ebenezer , Dankwa Kwabena , Wilson Michael D. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackground and AimHuman hookworm disease caused by Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus is a serious public health problem. Hookworm infection activates eosinophil‐mediated tissue inflammatory responses, involving the production of the eosinophil‐specific chemokine (eotaxin), recruitment of eosinophils, secretion of the cationic protein, and production of antiparasite immunoglobulin E (IgE). We investigated eosinophil‐mediated immune response as markers (CCL11, eosinophil cationic protein [ECP], and IgE) for detecting hookworm infection.MethodsThis case‐control study was carried out in hookworm endemic areas within the Kintampo North Municipality.Forty hookworm‐positive subjects and 36 apparently healthy individuals were recruited as cases and controls, respectively. Stool samples were collected for hookworm detection by the Kato–Katz technique and speciation by polymerase chain reaction. Approximately, 5 ml of intravenous blood was used to obtain plasma for the immunological assays.ResultsOf eosinophil‐mediated immune response markers studied, ECP and CCL11 were significantly higher among hookworm patients compared to controls. Increasing CCL11 (β = −0.81, p = 0.015) was associated with a significant decrease hookworm intensity. However, increasing eosinophil count (β = 0.62, p = 0.027) was associated with significant increase in hookworm intensity. In receiver operator characteristics analysis, ECP could significantly detect hookworm infection with a very high area under the curve (AUC) (AUC = 0.97, p < 0.0001). At a cutoff of 39.05, ECP was the best eosinophil‐mediated immune response marker for detecting hookworm infection with a sensitivity of 97.2%, specificity of 87.8%, a positive predictive value of 89.7%, and a negative predictive value of 96.6%.ConclusionECP best predicts eosinophil‐mediated immune response for detecting hookworm infection, while CCL11 and eosinophil count better predict the intensity of hookworm. Moreover, the ECP level is a good indicator of hookworm infection and intensity and may require additional investigations to augment current hookworm diagnostic techniques.
Factors affecting the duration of gestation among women taking prenatal care at Gondar referral hospital, Ethiopia
Authors: Mekonen Mequanent Wale , Bayew Addisu Teka , Lakew Tigist Jegnaw 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundPregnant women taking prenatal care is vital for the health of the mother and the fetus. The duration of pregnancies provides a useful measure of a woman's natural length of pregnancy and may help in predicting an individual woman's due date. The objective of this study was to understand the factors affecting the duration of gestation among women taking prenatal care in Gondar referral hospital, Ethiopia.MethodsA quantitative research design using secondary data available in the form of antenatal care (ANC) cards in the Gondar teaching referral hospital data set. Kaplan–Meier estimate was used to explain the median survival time of duration of gestation. A multivariate AFT model was performed to identify the factors related to the duration of gestation among women.ResultsThe mean time of the length of pregnancy was 39.5 weeks. The factors such as, the age of women, number of children, number of doctor consultations, and the stage of gestation were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05) for the survival time of time to birth of pregnant women in Ethiopia. Weibull AFT model was found to be the best model for predicting the time to birth of pregnant women in Ethiopia.ConclusionWe did not see associations between length of gestation and blood pressure and bleeding during early pregnancy. We also did not find an association with the presence of disease, which has been associated with the length of pregnancy. The frequency of visiting a doctor during the gestation period enhances the length of the gestation period. The shorter gestation period from the due date is dangerous to the health of both mother and her fetus.
Serosurveillance after a COVID‐19 vaccine campaign in a Swiss police cohort
Authors: Sendi Parham , Thierstein Marc , Widmer Nadja , Babongo Bosombo Flora , Büchi Annina Elisabeth , Güntensperger Dominik , Blum Manuel Raphael , Baldan Rossella , Tinguely Caroline , Gahl Brigitta , Heg Dik , Theel Elitza S. , Berbari Elie , Endimiani Andrea , Gowland Peter , Niederhauser Christoph ,   for the PoliCOV‐19 study
Published: June 2022

AbstractIntroductionTo assess the risk for COVID‐19 of police officers, we are studying the seroprevalence in a cohort. The baseline cross‐sectional investigation was performed before a vaccination campaign in January/February 2021, and demonstrated a seroprevalence of 12.9%. Here, we demonstrate serosurveillance results after a vaccination campaign.MethodsThe cohort consists of 1022 study participants. The 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up visits were performed in April/May and September 2021. Data on infection and vaccination rates were obtained via measuring antibodies to the nucleocapsid protein and spike protein and online questionnaires.ResultsThe mean age of the population was 41 (SD 8.8) years, 72% were male and 76% had no comorbidity. Seroconversion was identified in 1.05% of the study population at the 3‐month visit and in 0.73% at the 6‐month visit, resulting in an infection rate of 1.8% over a time period of 6 months. In comparison, the infection rate in the general population over the same time period was higher (3.18%, p = .018). At the 6‐month visit, 77.8% of participants reported being vaccinated once and 70.5% twice; 81% had an anti‐S antibody titer of >250 U/ml and 87.1% of ≥2 U/ml. No significant association between infection and job role within the department, working region, or years of experience in the job was found. Anti‐spike antibody titers of vaccinated study participants showed a calculated decreasing trend 150–200 days after the second vaccine dose.ConclusionThese data confirm the value of the vaccination campaign in an exposed group other than healthcare professionals.
CHD4 orchestrates the symphony of T and B lymphocytes development and a good mediator in preventing from autoimmune disease
Authors: Jia Miaomiao , Zou Xueqin , Yin Shuying , Tian Weihong , Zhao Yangjing , Wang Hui , Xu Guoying , Cai Weili , Shao Qixiang 
Published: June 2022

AbstractChromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 4 (CHD4) is an ATPase subunit of the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylation complex. It has been implicated in gene transcription, DNA damage repair, maintenance of genome stability, and chromatin assembly. Meanwhile, it is highly related to cell cycle progression and the proceeding of malignancy. Most of the previous studies were focused on the function of CHD4 with tumor cells, cancer stem cells, and cancer cells multidrug resistance. Recently, some researchers have explored the CHD4 functions on the development and differentiation of adaptive immune cells, such as T and B lymphocytes. In this review, we will discuss details of CHD4 in lymphocyte differentiation and development, as well as the critical role of CHD4 in the pathogenesis of the autoimmune disease.
The relationship of 3′UTR HLA‐G14‐bp insertion/deletion and +3142 C/G polymorphisms and soluble HLA‐G expression with gynecological cancers: An updated meta‐analysis
Authors: Tizaoui Kalthoum , Jalouli Maroua , Boujelbene Nadia , Harrath Abdel Halim , Ouzari Hadda‐Imene , Rizzo Roberta , Zidi Inès 
Published: June 2022

AbstractObjectivesHuman leukocyte antigen‐G (HLA‐G) is implicated in several cancers and is considered to be an immune checkpoint regulator. We determined the association between polymorphisms in the 3′ untranslated region of HLA‐G and soluble HLA‐G (sHLA‐G) expression with gynecological cancers (GCs).MethodsA meta‐analysis was conducted to examine the association between HLA‐G14‐bp insertion (I)/deletion (D) and +3142C/G polymorphism in GC and to evaluate sHLA‐G expressionResultsWe revealed a significant association between the +3142C/G polymorphism and invasive cervical cancer (ICC) based on the allelic model G versus C (odds ratio [OR] = 0.738, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.563–0.966, p = 0.027), dominant GG+GC versus CC (OR = 0.584, 95% CI = 0.395–0.862, p = 0.007), and codominant GG versus CC (OR = 0.527, 95% CI = 0.312–0.891, p = 0.017) models, suggesting that the G allele and GG genotype are protective against ICC. In gynecological precancerous patients with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, we found that the 14‐bp I/D under the codominant DD versus DI model (OR = 0.492, 95% CI = 0.241–1.004, p = 0.051) was of borderline significance. Soluble HLA‐G levels were significantly higher in patients compared with healthy controls (standardized mean differences [SMD] = 1.434, 95% CI = 0.442–2.526, p = 0.005). Stratification by cancer type revealed that the sHLA‐G levels were significantly increased in cervical cancer (SMD = 4.889, 95% CI = 0.468–9.310, p = 0.030) and in subjects of Asian ethnicity (SMD = 4.889, 95% CI = 0.467–9.309, p = 0.030).ConclusionsHLA‐G14‐bp I/D and +3142 C/G polymorphisms are associated with GC and HPV‐associated cervical cancer. In addition, we found significantly increased sHLA‐G levels in cancer patients. These results provide a basis for further studies in diagnostics and immunotherapy of GC.
Translation of IDEA trial results into clinical practice: Analysis of the implementation of a new guideline for colon cancer
Authors: van Rooijen Karlijn L. , Derksen Jeroen W. G. , Verkooijen Helena M. , Vink Geraldine R. , Koopman Miriam 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe IDEA trial showed no clinical relevant differences in efficacy between 3 and 6 months of oxaliplatin‐based adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) in colon cancer (CC), while toxicity was substantially lower in the 3 months regimen. Therefore, in 2017 the Dutch colorectal cancer guideline was revised and currently recommends 3 months of oxaliplatin‐based ACT. Furthermore, the definition of high‐risk stage II CC was restricted to pT4 tumors. We analyzed changes in ACT between 2015 and 2019. From the Netherlands Cancer Registry all 16 721 patients ≥18 years with resected high‐risk stage II and stage III CC during 2015 to 2019 were selected. Differences in patient and treatment characteristics were analyzed per calendar year according to stage and age. Mean duration of oxaliplatin‐based ACT decreased from 18.6 (±8.0) to 9.5 (±3.8) weeks between 2015 and 2019. In patients receiving ACT (n = 8170), the proportion treated with oxaliplatin increased from 74% to 83%. The proportion of patients receiving ACT was stable, 61% to 69% in stage III and 26% to 29% in pT4 stage II. ACT in previous high‐risk pT3N0 disease decreased from 15% to 3%. Use of oxaliplatin increased from 27% to 49% in patients aged ≥75 years. The revised guideline was rapidly implemented and led to an increase in oxaliplatin‐based ACT in the elderly and increased guideline‐adherence in high‐risk stage II CC.
Redesign of a rapid, low‐cost HPV typing assay to support risk‐based cervical screening and management
Authors: Desai Kanan T. , Adepiti Clement A. , Schiffman Mark , Egemen Didem , Gage Julia C. , Wentzensen Nicolas , de Sanjose Silvia , Burk Robert D. , Ajenifuja Kayode O. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAccelerated cervical cancer control will require widespread human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and screening. For screening, sensitive HPV testing with an option of self‐collection is increasingly desirable. HPV typing predicts risk of precancer/cancer, which could be useful in management, but most current typing assays are expensive and/or complicated. An existing 15‐type isothermal amplification assay (AmpFire, Atila Biosystems, USA) was redesigned as a 13‐type assay (ScreenFire) for public health use. The redesigned assay groups HPV types into four channels with differential cervical cancer risk: (a) HPV16, (b) HPV18/45, (c) HPV31/33/35/52/58 and (d) HPV39/51/56/59/68. Since the assay will be most useful in resource‐limited settings, we chose a stratified random sample of 453 provider‐collected samples from a population‐based screening study in rural Nigeria that had been initially tested with MY09‐MY11‐based PCR with oligonucleotide hybridization genotyping. Frozen residual specimens were masked and retested at Atila Biosystems. Agreement on positivity between ScreenFire and prior PCR testing was very high for each of the channels. When we simulated intended use, that is, a hierarchical result in order of clinical importance of the type groups (HPV16 > 18/45 > 31/33/35/52/58 > 39/51/56/59/68), the weighted kappa for ScreenFire vs PCR was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.86‐0.93). The ScreenFire assay is mobile, relatively simple, rapid (results within 20‐60 minutes) and agrees well with reference testing particularly for the HPV types of greatest carcinogenic risk. If confirmed, ScreenFire or similar isothermal amplification assays could be useful as part of risk‐based screening and management.
Front Cover
Authors: Luna‐Palacios Yryx Y. , Licea‐Rodriguez Jacob , Camacho‐Lopez M. Dolores , Teichert Ines , Riquelme Meritxell , Rocha‐Mendoza Israel 
Published: June 2022

A comparison of multicolor Gaussian and Bessel light‐sheet microscopy under the same excitation objective is depicted. The intrinsic FOV's mismatch's effects due to the different beams chromatic defocusing and the aside object blurring of the images are minimized and alleviated using multicolor Bessel beams over Gaussian beams. Multicolor LSFM imaging over perithecia samples of the fungus Sordaria macrospora demonstrates the advantages of using Bessel beams.Further details can be found in the article by Yryx Y. Luna‐Palacios, Jacob Licea‐Rodriguez, M. Dolores Camacho‐Lopez, Ines Teichert, Meritxell Riquelme, and Israel Rocha‐Mendoza (e202100359)
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Multilayers of avidin–biotin complexes as spacers used in the study of the effect of metal‐enhanced fluorescence
Authors: Cai You‐Ru , Liu Yi‐Ting , Luo Xue‐Feng , Lee Yin‐Yu , Tan Kui‐Thong , Chen I‐Chia 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe effects of metal‐enhanced fluorescence (MEF) of rhodamine dye by gold sub‐micro hexagonal plates were studied. A multilayered avidin–biotin complex was designed and used as a spacer to connect the fluorophore and the sub‐microplate. Fluorescence lifetime image microscopy (FLIM) combined with time‐correlated single‐photon counting was used to obtain lifetime images and intensities of dye on single particles. Gold hexagon plates ~900 nm were synthesized, and the avidin–biotin complexes were placed layer‐by‐layer for up to 4 layers onto the sub‐microplates. All emission curves of fluorophore displayed biexponential decay with short lifetimes of 18–23 ps and long lifetimes of 249, 271, 304, and 348 ps for 1–4 layers on gold sub‐microplates, respectively. Using the kinetic model of energy transfer between fluorophore and nanoparticles to explain the coupling mechanism, we found that the excited fluorophore transferred energy mostly to the high‐order modes for the 1‐layered avidin–biotin complexes enclosing gold nanospheres, consequently resulting in a non‐emissive pathway. The 4‐layered samples had the highest emission intensity because, at those distances, the enhancement by the gold sub‐microplates during plasmonic excitation remained high and became comparable to the energy quenching rate. Using the composed complexes, the MEF effect achieved the maximal enhancement in this system.