bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Provincial distribution and factors associated with high completed fertility among married and cohabiting women aged 40–49 years in Sierra Leone: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Osborne Augustus , Abu Alhaji Mustapha , Rogers Hassan S , Wongnaah Florence Gyembuzie , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
High completed fertility among married and cohabiting women has significant implications, such as burden on resources, exacerbating healthcare issues and educational and gender disparities. This study examined the provincial distribution and factors associated with high completed fertility among married and cohabiting women aged 40–49 y in Sierra Leone.

Methods
Data for the study were sourced from the 2019 Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey. Our study comprised 2253 married and cohabiting women aged 40–49 y in Sierra Leone. Geographic variations in high fertility were presented using a spatial map. A mixed-effect multilevel binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with high completed fertility. The findings were presented as adjusted ORs (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results
The national prevalence of high completed fertility among married and cohabiting women in Sierra Leone was 61.7% (58.9–64.5). Women whose partners had secondary/higher education (aOR=0.54, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.89) had lower odds of high completed fertility than those with no formal education. Women in the Northern province (aOR=0.39, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.87) had lower odds of high completed fertility than those in the Eastern province. Women who indicated ≥6 as their ideal number of children had a higher (aOR=8.10, 95% CI 4.58 to 14.35) likelihood of experiencing high completed fertility compared with those whose ideal number of children was 0–3. Those who were using contraceptives at the time of the survey had a higher (aOR=2.09, 95% CI 1.28 to 3.41) likelihood of having high completed fertility compared with those who were not using contraceptives. Women in the poorer (aOR=1.70, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.72) and middle wealth index quintiles (aOR=2.09, 95% CI 1.29 to 3.41) had higher odds of high completed fertility than those in the poorest wealth index quintile.

Conclusions
A significant proportion (&gt;60%) of married and cohabiting women aged 40–49 y in Sierra Leone have high completed fertility. Partner’s education, province, ideal number of children, use of contraceptives and wealth index were the factors associated with high completed fertility among women in Sierra Leone. Policymakers in Sierra Leone should increase access to and education on family planning methods to empower women to make informed choices about their fertility. The government and policymakers should support educational opportunities, particularly for men, because they are usually the heads of households and can influence fertility decisions. In-depth interviews should be conducted with women who use contraception to understand their motivations and experiences.
Self-growth suppression in Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens is caused by a diffusible antagonist
Authors: Sandhu Armaan Kaur , Fischer Brady R , Subramanian Senthil , Hoppe Adam D , Brözel Volker S 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Microbes in soil navigate interactions by recognizing kin, forming social groups, exhibiting antagonistic behavior, and engaging in competitive kin rivalry. Here, we investigated a novel phenomenon of self-growth suppression (sibling rivalry) observed in Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens USDA 110. Swimming colonies of USDA 110 developed a distinct demarcation line and inter-colony zone when inoculated adjacent to each other. In addition to self, USDA 110 suppressed growth of other Bradyrhizobium strains and several other soil bacteria. We demonstrated that the phenomenon of sibling rivalry is due to growth suppression but not cell death. The cells in the inter-colony zone were culturable but had reduced respiratory activity, ATP levels and motility. The observed growth suppression was due to the presence of a diffusible effector compound. This effector was labile, preventing extraction, and identification, but it is unlikely a protein or a strong acid or base. This counterintuitive phenomenon of self-growth suppression suggests a strategic adaptation for conserving energy and resources in competitive soil environments. Bradyrhizobium’s utilization of antagonism including self-growth suppression likely provides a competitive advantage for long-term success in soil ecosystems.
Correlating phylogenetic and functional diversity of the nod-free but nodulating Bradyrhizobium phylogroup
Authors: Ling Lu , Camuel Alicia , Wang Sishuo , Wang Xiaojun , Liao Tianhua , Tao Jinjin , Lin Xingqin , Nouwen Nico , Giraud Eric , Luo Haiwei 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Bradyrhizobium is a main rhizobial lineage of which most members nodulate legume plants using Nod factors synthetized by the nod genes. However, members of the Photosynthetic supergroup (phylogroup) within Bradyrhizobium are nod-free, but still capable of establishing nitrogen-fixing nodules with some tropical legumes of the Aeschynomene genus. These unusual findings are based on the genomic sequences of only 13 Photosynthetic Bradyrhizobium strains, and almost all were isolated from Aeschynomene nodules. Here, we report that Photosynthetic Bradyrhizobium supergroup members are more abundantly associated with rice root (endosphere and rhizosphere) compared to grassland, forest, and maize samples based on rpoB amplicon sequence analyses. We sequenced 263 new isolates of this supergroup mostly from two main subspecies of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L. spp. indica and japonica). The extended supergroup comprises three major clades with their diversity broadly covering the natural community of this supergroup: a basal clade with significant expansion of its diversity, a clade composed by two phylogenetically diverse strains including one newly isolated, and a new clade exclusively represented by our new strains. Although this supergroup members universally lack the canonical nod genes, all 28 assayed strains covering the broad diversity induced nodules on Aeschynomene indica. The three clades displayed important differences in the efficiency of symbiosis, aligning well with their phylogenetic divergence. With this expanded ecological, phylogenetic, and functional diversity, we conclude that the nod factor-independent nodulation of Aeschynomene is a common trait of this supergroup, in contrast to the photosynthetic trait originally thought of as its unifying feature.
KDM6B preferentially promotes bone formation over resorption to facilitate postnatal bone mass accrual through CTHRC1-mediated PKCδ/MAPKs signaling
Authors: Liu Qian , Gan Ying , Hu Xingli , Liu Wei , Liao Xiaoxia , Zhang Jingyun , Li Xiaoxia , Zhou Jie , Wang Baoli 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Lysine demethylase 6B (KDM6B) plays a role in regulating osteoblast differentiation and fetal bone ossification. Nevertheless, its involvement in regulating postnatal bone homeostasis and bone mass accrual remains unclear. In this study, we generated mice lacking Kdm6b gene specifically in mesenchyme and osteoprogenitor cells using a conditional strategy. The adult mice of both mutant strains had decreased cancellous bone mass. The absence of Kdm6b in mesenchyme led to decreased numbers of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, increased marrow adipocytes, as well as repressed bone formation and resorption. Additionally, Kdm6b-deficient bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) displayed impaired osteogenic differentiation and exerted an inhibitory effect on osteoclastogenesis. RNA-seq combined with gene expression analysis uncovered downregulation of collagen triple helix repeat containing 1 (CTHRC1) and a lower receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) ratio in BMSCs of the mutant mice. Further mechanistic explorations demonstrated that KDM6B epigenetically upregulated CTHRC1 expression by removing the repressive H3K27me3 mark from its promoter, thereby triggering PKCδ/MAPKs signaling to facilitate osteoblast differentiation. CTHRC1 was able to mitigate the dysregulated osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation induced by Kdm6b deficiency. This study provides evidence that KDM6B regulates postnatal bone homeostasis through balancing osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation. Given its predominant promotion of osteoblastic bone formation over osteoclastic bone resorption, KDM6B tends to promote postnatal bone mass accrual.
Gene-modified NK cells expressing CD64 and preloaded with HIV-specific BNAbs target autologous HIV-1–infected CD4+ T cells by ADCC
Authors: Tomescu Costin , Ochoa-Ortiz Adiana , Lu Lily D , Kong Hong , Riley James L , Montaner Luis J 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells can efficiently mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) of antibody coated target cells via the low-affinity Fc-receptor, CD16, but cannot retain antibodies over time. To increase antibody retention and facilitate targeted ADCC, we genetically modified human NK cells with the high-affinity Fc receptor, CD64, so that we could preload them with HIV-specific broadly neutralizing antibodies (BNAbs) and enhance their capacity to target HIV-infected cells via ADCC. Purified NK cells from the peripheral blood of control donors or persons living with HIV were activated with interleukin (IL)-2/IL-15/IL-21 cytokines and transduced with a lentivirus encoding CD64. High levels of CD64 surface expression were maintained for multiple weeks on NK cells and CD64-transduced NK cells were phenotypically similar to control NK cells with strong expression of CD56, CD16, NKG2A, NKp46, CD69, HLA-DR, CD38, and CD57. CD64-transduced NK cells exhibited significantly greater capacity to bind HIV-specific BNAbs in short-term antibody binding assay as well as retain the BNAbs over time (1-wk antibody retention assay) compared with control NK cells only expressing CD16. BNAb-preloaded CD64-transduced NK cells showed a significantly enhanced capacity to mediate ADCC against autologous HIV-1–infected CD4+ primary T cells in both a short-term 4 h degranulation assay as well as a 24 h HIV p24 HIV elimination assay when compared with control NK cells. A chimeric CD64 enhanced NK cell strategy (NuKEs [NK Enhancement Strategy]) retaining bound HIV-specific BNAbs represents a novel autologous primary NK cell immunotherapy strategy against HIV through targeted ADCC.
Impact of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines on Otitis Media among American Indian/Alaska Native children in the Southwest United States
Authors: Sergent Victoria , Sutcliffe Catherine G , Yazzie Del , Brasinikas George , Brown Laura B , Christensen Loretta , Clichee Demetria , Damon Shawnell , Dixon Sheri L , Grant Lindsay R , Harker-Jones Marcella , McAuley James B , Montanez Pierrette , Parker Riley Dennie , Reasonover Alisa , Rice Amy , Romancito Eugene , Salabye Charis , Simons-Petrusa Brenna , Tenequer Valerie L , Thompson Polly , Tsingine Minnie , Tso Carol , Weatherholtz Robert C , Hammitt Laura L 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
We assessed the impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines on pneumococcal otitis media (OM) among children living in Navajo and White Mountain Apache Tribal lands. During the PCV7 era (2000-2009), the proportion of vaccine-type OM declined. However, vaccine-type OM (predominantly 3, 19A, and 19F) persisted in the PCV13 era (2010-2019).
Jack of all trades: Reactive oxygen species in plant responses to stress combinations and priming-induced stress tolerance
Authors: Hendrix Sophie , Vanbuel Isabeau , Colemont Jasmine , Bos Calderó Laura , Hamzaoui Mohamed Amine , Kunnen Kris , Huybrechts Michiel , Cuypers Ann 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of heat waves, drought periods and flooding events, thereby posing a serious risk to crop productivity and global food security. In order to develop strategies to improve plant growth under adverse environmental conditions, in-depth molecular knowledge on plant stress responses is required. In this context, particular attention should be paid to the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS), molecules known for causing oxidative damage, but also indispensable for intra- and intercellular signal transduction required for plant acclimation to a wide variety of stress conditions. As plants often encounter multiple stressors simultaneously and their responses to these conditions can generally not be predicted based on the effects of the individual stress factors, the first part of this review focuses on the involvement of ROS and cellular redox homeostasis in plant responses to combined and multifactorial stress conditions. The second part of this work provides an overview of the role of ROS in priming strategies aimed at improving plant tolerance to climate change-related stress conditions. Finally, approaches to advance our understanding of redox dynamics in plant responses to combined stress and priming are discussed.
How to write a good discharge summary: a primer for junior physicians
Authors: Ng Isaac K S , Tung Daniel , Seet Trisha , Yow Ka Shing , Chan Karis L E , Teo Desmond B , Chua Chun En 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
A discharge summary is an important clinical document that summarizes a patient’s clinical information and relevant events that occurred during hospitalization. It serves as a detailed handover of the patient’s most recent and updated medical case records to general practitioners, who continue longitudinal follow-up with patients in the community and future medical care providers. A copy of the redacted/abbreviated form of the discharge summary is also usually given to patients and their caregivers so that important information, such as diagnoses, medication changes, return advice, and follow-up plans, is clearly documented. However, in reality, as discharge summaries are often written by junior physicians who may be inexperienced or have lacked medical training in this area, clinical audits often reveal poorly written discharge summaries that are unclear, inaccurate, or lack important details. Therefore, in this article, we sought to develop a simple “DISCHARGED” framework that outlines the important components of the discharge summary that we derived from a systematic search of relevant literature and further discuss several pedagogical strategies for training and assessing discharge summary writing.
COR and CORONA: analysis of COVID-19’s subjective lasting impact on wellbeing, employing conservation of resources theory
Authors: Albo Yael , Leck Eran , Nathan Orly , Wolf Naama , Zaidise Eran 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic had widespread impact, with evidence indicating lasting effects on wellbeing. This study aims to examine enduring impacts through individual narratives, using Conservation of Resources (COR) theory that serves for studying crises.

Methods
Analysis of narratives from 1148 responses to an open-ended question about pandemic’s lasting effects, using qualitative and quantitative methods within COR theory framework including thematic analysis, Elastic Net Regression, word cloud visualization and sociodemographic analysis.

Results
About 42% of respondents reported lasting effects, with almost equal distribution between ‘Loss’ and ‘Gain’ groups, and 7% reporting mixed experiences. COR resources manifested as: work-finance and social bonds showed both disruption and strengthening; mental health, physical health and protective habits characterized loss narratives. Gain narratives were predominantly characterized by renewed perspective and personalized time investment. Women reported more physical health impacts. Resource combinations exemplified resource caravans. ‘Mixed’ group revealed complex balance of loss-gain dynamics. Work-life balance emerged as a sustained valued asset. The findings align with COR theory principles.

Conclusion
Three years post-pandemic onset, while lasting losses persist, narratives indicate shifting dynamics toward gains, predominantly reflecting transformed perspectives. Findings enhance COR theory in pandemic context and inform policy by highlighting emotional toll management and work-life balance preservation.
Single-cell transcriptome sequencing in synovial joint: insights of new progenitors and targets in joint development and disease
Authors: Wang Ziqian , Yang Xianni , Yu Haopeng , Zhu Songsong , Bi Ruiye 
Published: February 2025

Summary
Synovial joints, such as knee, temporomandibular, and spinal joints, play a key role in human movement and postural maintenance. Biological research has focused on understanding their developmental process and disease mechanisms. In recent years, the rapid development of single-cell transcriptome sequencing has provided a powerful tool for revealing the mysteries of synovial joints. Single-cell transcriptome sequencing can accurately capture the gene expression profile of each cell, thereby revealing the heterogeneity and interactions of different cell types in synovial joints. During joint development, this technique contributes to elucidating the molecular mechanisms of joint formation, cartilage differentiation, and synovial tissue construction. In terms of joint disease research, single-cell sequencing technology has been applied to the molecular pathology studies of various joint diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and intervertebral disk degeneration, providing new perspectives and strategies for early diagnosis, accurate treatment, and prognosis assessment of diseases.
Septic Pulmonary Embolism in Pediatric Population: A Case Series With Literature Review
Authors: Hanna Issa , Gonzalez Vincent B. , Koul Pulin B. 
Published: February 2025

Background:
Septic pulmonary embolism (SPE), resulting from infections such as osteomyelitis and endocarditis, is rare and lacks specific diagnostic guidelines. This report reviews the clinical manifestations, radiographic abnormalities and antibiotic therapy in children with SPE.

Methods:
Patients aged 1 to 18 years with confirmed SPE were identified from a database using the International Classification of Diseases-9/10 codes from 2000 to 2020. After excluding duplicates and those with neoplastic disease, 8 patients were included out of 16 encounters.

Results:
Patients predominantly presented with shortness of breath, fever and chest pain. Half had identifiable extrapulmonary infection sources. Leukocytosis was present in 50% and leukopenia in 12.5%. Anemia was noted in 87.5% of patients, possibly linked to patients’ acute illness. Contrasted chest computed tomography showed bilateral emboli in most patients. Echocardiograms were normal. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was identified in 62.5% of cases and oxacillin-sensitive staphylococcus aureus in 37.5%. While osteomyelitis was the most common infection source, our series uniquely included cavernous sinus thrombosis in children and reported for the first time. Most patients were empirically treated with vancomycin.

Conclusion:
This case series highlights cavernous sinus thrombosis as a new clinical entity associated with pediatric SPE. It emphasizes the significance of prompt, targeted antibiotic therapy for improved outcomes in children with SPE.
Gunshot injury to the left side of the neck with the lodged bullet in the carotid sheath: A case report
Authors: Jahanshahi Fatemeh , Saberi Ali 
Published: February 2025

Rationale:
Penetrating neck trauma involving the carotid artery is rare but highly lethal, requiring prompt and accurate diagnosis followed by immediate surgical intervention.

Patient concerns:
A 20-year-old male presented with a high-velocity gunshot wound to the left side of the neck. Despite the severity of the injury, the patient was asymptomatic and hemodynamically stable.

Diagnose:
Initial evaluation, including ultrasound imaging, revealed a bullet lodged within the left common carotid artery.

Interventions:
Due to the high risk of vascular complications, the patient underwent emergency surgery. The damaged artery segment was resected, and a primary end-to-end anastomosis was performed.

Outcomes:
The patient recovered well and was discharged without neurological deficits.

Lessons:
Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial in carotid artery injuries. This case demonstrates the limitations of computed tomography angiography in the presence of metallic artifacts and highlights the effectiveness of ultrasound for accurate diagnosis. Although penetrating neck injury management protocols typically recommend conservative management for asymptomatic Zone 2 injuries, surgical intervention is necessary due to the high-risk features of similar cases when the foreign object remains inside, and there is a risk of movement and severe damage. Adaptation of protocols based on individual injury characteristics can enhance patient outcomes. Although this is a rare case, similar cases have been reported, and it highlights the need to update the penetrating neck injury management protocols for the management of similar cases.
A comparative evaluation of alectinib for ALK-positive non-small-cell lung cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Kharat Monica , Nookala Harshitha , John Jabez David , Patel Tirath , Kalyandrug Pragnesh , Emmanuel Sonya , Noor Anaya , Halani Dhruv Jignesh Kumar , Goyal Abhishek , Anand Nikhilesh , Gadad Bharathi , Millis Richard M. 
Published: February 2025

Background:
Lung cancer, a significant global health challenge, notably the non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) subtype, is a topic of utmost importance. The continuous advancements in NSCLC treatment, especially in the context of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive NSCLC, are of great interest. A thorough review of alectinib’s comparative efficacy and safety with other treatment modalities is a crucial step, and the role of clinicians and surgeons is integral in optimizing patient care. This review can also inform neoadjuvant therapies and enhance surgical education, facilitating more informed decision-making processes between surgeons and patients.

Methods:
This comprehensive systematic review results from rigorous screening. Following a rigorous screening process of the PubMed, PubMed Central, and Medline databases by quality assessment and application of inclusion/exclusion criteria filters, 9 relevant articles were identified that directly addressed the research question and provided a holistic understanding of it. The analysis included a total of 1403 patients from 9 different studies. Alectinib was given to 836 patients, while 567 patients received other chemotherapeutic drugs. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of alectinib with other treatment modalities.

Results:
The analysis revealed that alectinib is promising for ALK-positive NSCLC cases, with significantly better efficacy and a positive impact on limiting central nervous system metastases. Alectinib’s favorable safety profile, with medically manageable adverse events, provides reassurance about its safety compared with other treatment modalities.

Conclusions:
Alectinib has emerged as a viable, significantly superior treatment option for patients with ALK-positive NSCLC. The superior efficacy and manageable safety profile are significant; it remains a novel therapy with much potential, such as neoadjuvant therapy, which will make significant strides in patient care of ALK-positive NSCLC. Therefore, it is crucial for healthcare professionals, including surgeons, to be well-versed in alectinib and its potential. This knowledge will empower them and instill confidence in their ability to provide the best care for their patients.