bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unlocking learning: exploring take-home examinations and
viva voce
examinations in microbiology education for biomedical laboratory science students
Authors: Curbo Sophie , Lindkvist Annica , Hultgren Catharina 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Many educational institutions transitioned to digital distance-based learning and assessment formats in 2020 due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome–coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. This shift has often been associated with concerns about increased student cheating and heightened stress. In this study, we compared the major course assessment grades of students in a microbiology course delivered through a digital distance-based format, including a take-home examination and a
viva voce
examination during 2020, 2021, and 2022 (
n
= 127) with those who took the course in a traditional, live, in-person format with an in-class examination in 2019 (
n
= 45). Additionally, an extensive course evaluation survey was conducted to assess student satisfaction with the different course formats. In 2019, the pass rate was 27%, which increased significantly to 63% (
P
< 0.001) when provided as a distance-based course during 2020/2021/2022. The survey results indicated that most students appreciated the digital distance-based format and considered it beneficial for their learning. While some students found the take-home examination to be challenging and the
viva voce
examination stressful, others viewed the take-home examination as beneficial for their learning and the oral follow-up as a valuable opportunity for further learning. The combination of digital lectures and quizzes enabled students to learn at their own pace and convenience, which can lead to greater engagement and contribute to higher pass rates. Take-home examinations promote deeper learning as students must independently find answers to questions. When these examinations were followed by
viva voce
examinations, students were given the chance to elaborate on their responses, thereby gaining additional insights and reinforcing their learning during the examination process.
Insights into ecology, pathogenesis, and biofilm formation of
Enterococcus faecalis
from functional genomics
Authors: Willett Julia L. E. , Dunny Gary M. 
Published: December 2024

SUMMARY

Enterococcus faecalis
is a significant resident of the gastrointestinal tract of most animals, including humans. Although generally non-pathogenic in healthy hosts, this microbe is adept at the exploitation of compromises in host immune functions, resulting in life-threatening opportunistic infections whose treatments are complicated by a high degree of intrinsic and acquired resistance to antimicrobial chemotherapy. Historically, progress in enterococcal research was limited by a lack of experimental models that replicate natural infection pathways and the relevance of
in vitro
studies to the natural biology of the organism. In this review, we summarize the history of enterococcal research during the 20th and early 21st centuries and describe more recent genetic and genomic tools and screens developed to address challenges in the field. We also describe how the results of recent studies reveal the importance of previously uncharacterized enterococcal genes, and we provide examples of interesting determinants that have emerged as important contributors to enterococcal biology. These factors may also serve as targets for future vaccines and chemotherapeutic agents to combat life-threatening hospital infections.
Diving Deeper: Leveraging the Chondrichthyan Fossil Record to Investigate Environmental, Ecological, and Biological Change
Authors: Kim Sora L. , Balk Meghan A. , Sibert Elizabeth C. , Whitenack Lisa 
Published: December 2024

The extensive chondrichthyan fossil record spans 400+ million years and has a global distribution. Paleontological studies provide a foundation of description and taxonomy to support deeper forays into ecology and evolution considering geographic, morphologic, and functional changes through time with nonanalog species and climate states. Although chondrichthyan teeth are most studied, analyses of dermal denticle metrics and soft tissue imprints are increasing. Recent methodological advances in morphology and geochemistry are elucidating fine-scale details, whereas large datasets and ecological modeling are broadening taxonomic, temporal, and geographic perspectives. The combination of ecological metrics and modeling with environmental reconstruction and climate simulations is opening new horizons to explore form and function, demographic dynamics, and food web structure in ancient marine ecosystems. Ultimately, the traits and taxa that endured or perished during the many catastrophic upheaval events in Earth's history contribute to conservation paleobiology, which is a much-needed perspective for extant chondrichthyans.

▪
The longevity and abundance of the chondrichthyan fossil record elucidates facets of ecological, evolutionary, and environmental histories.

▪
Though lacking postcranial, mineralized skeletons, dental enameloid and dermal denticles exquisitely preserve morphology and geochemistry.

▪
Technical advances in imaging, geochemistry, and modeling clarify the linkages between form and function with respect to physiology, diet, and environment.

▪
Conservation efforts can benefit from the temporal and spatial perspective of chondrichthyan persistence through past global change events.
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ПРОВЕДЕННЯ ДОГОСПІТАЛЬНОЇ СЕРЦЕВО-ЛЕГЕНЕВОЇ РЕАНІМАЦІЇ НА ТЛІ ВИКОНАННЯ БАЗОВИХ ПОЛОЖЕНЬ СУЧАСНОГО КЛІНІЧНОГО ПРОТОКОЛУ РАПТОВОЇ ЗУПИНКИ КРОВООБІГУ
Authors: Гудима А. А. , Ляхович Р. М. , Кіцак Я. М. , Ястремська І. О. 
Published: December 2024

Вступ. Відомо, що на кінцевий результат виконання розширених реанімаційних догоспітальних заходів лікарськими (парамедичними) бригадами екстреної медичної допомоги (ЕМД) впливає низка ключових факторів: часові рамки доїзду бригади до хворого (постраждалого), наявність (відсутність) домедичної допомоги і власне якість реанімаційних заходів, які на місці подій проводить бригада ЕМД. Досконале знання сучасного клінічного протоколу раптової зупинки кровообігу в кінцевому результаті здатне суттєво знизити догоспітальну летальність.
Мета роботи – провести клініко-статистичний аналіз діяльності бригад ЕМД м. Тернополя за 2021–2023 рр., які виїжджали на виклики до хворих, що перебували в стані клінічної смерті.
Основна частина. За основу досліджень було взято кількість доїздів бригад ЕМД до хворих (постраждалих) з раптовою зупинкою кровообігу за період 2021–2023 рр. Діяльність працівників ЕМД оцінювали за декількома критеріями, в основі яких були: час доїзду до місця події, швидка констатація ознак клінічної смерті у хворих (постраждалих), якість виконання розширених реанімаційних заходів з дотриманням базових положень актуального протоколу раптової зупинки кровообігу. Особливу увагу, зокрема, приділено швидкій інтерпретації виду зупинки кровообігу, своєчасній ранній дефібриляції, коректному введенню необхідних медикаментів з аналізом потенційно зворотних причин стану клінічної смерті, а саме так званих «4 Г та 4 Т». Також увагу було сфокусовано на оцінці та своєчасному й адекватному забезпеченні прохідності дихальних шляхів, у тому числі інтубації трахеї і застосуванні альтернативних до неї методів штучної вентиляції легень (постановка ларенгеальної макси, трубки тощо). Слід враховувати те, що на загальну кількість летальних випадків, головним чином, впливають: основне захворювання пацієнта, його вік, наявність супутніх патологій, а також не сумісні з життям травми.
Висновки. Дотримання новітніх алгоритмів проведення догоспітальної серцево-легеневої реанімації на тлі надання кваліфікованої домедичної допомоги – запорука зниження загальної смертності.
АНАЛІЗ НАУКОВИХ ДОСЛІДЖЕНЬ РОЗЛАДІВ СНУ ТА ТРИВОЖНОСТІ В МЕДСЕСТЕР ЗА ОСТАННІ 25 РОКІВ
Authors: Наумова Л. В. , Наумова У. О. , Зарічна О. Й. , Марченко Т. Ю. 
Published: December 2024

Вступ. В останні роки все більше уваги приділяють здоров’ю медичного персоналу, адже саме від нього залежать якість догляду за пацієнтами і ретельність виконання лікарських призначень. Мед­сестри, які безпосередньо доглядають за пораненими та хворими, зазнають значних психологічних і фізичних навантажень. Однією з найбільш поширених у них проблем є розлади сну та підвищення тривожності, що можуть призвести до так званого синдрому вигорання. Ці стани впливають не тільки на здоров’я медсестер, але й на їх здатність ефективно виконувати свої професійні обов’язки.
Мета роботи – проаналізувати інформацію, наявну в наукометричній базі Scopus, щодо поширеності й актуальності такої теми, як розлади сну та тривожність у молодшого медичного персоналу, зокрема медсестер.
Основна частина. У наукометричній базі Scopus було сформульовано аналітичний запит (порушення сну в медсестер, тривожність у медсестер, чинники, що впливають на розлади сну за екстремальних умов) з метою отримання різнобічної інформації щодо цієї теми. На наш пошуковий запит з даної теми в наукометричній базі Scopus знайдено всього 2679 наукових праць, надрукованих з 1995 до 2024 р., незважаючи на її актуальність. З огляду на те, що за останні 25 років науково-технічний прогрес зробив неймовірний стрибок, навантаження на нервову систему медсестер зросло в рази, саме тому обрана тема надзвичайно актуальна. З’ясовано, що розлади сну та наявність тривожності в медсестер можуть бути спричинені різноманітними факторами, такими, як ненормований графік роботи, нічні зміни, незбалансоване харчування, гіпервідповідальність і бажання все зробити ідеально, страх втратити роботу або отримати зауваження від лікарів чи іншого медичного персоналу тощо. Проаналізовано дані за останні 25 років і показано підвищення інтересу до цієї теми, а також проаналізовано кількість публікацій, топ авторів, університетів, країн. Усі ці результати наглядно відображено в діаграмах.
Висновки. Збір і аналіз даних про розлади сну та тривожність у медсестер є ключовими для покращення їх професійного й особистого життя, що, у свою чергу, сприяє підвищенню якості медичної допомоги загалом.
MicroRiYo : An observing system for deep repeated profiles of kinetic energy dissipation rates from shear-microstructure turbulence along a mooring line
Authors: Ferron B. , Leizour S. , Hamon M. , Peden O. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
A new observing system that provides deep repeated profiles of the oceanic kinetic energy dissipation rate and small-scale mixing is presented. The system is designed to provide 300 dissipation rate profiles using a vehicle that cycles along a mooring line from the sub-surface down to a maximum depth of 4000 m. The system was tested for two weeks between 630 and 1700 m during a cruise that took place on the Lucky Strike segment of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The vehicle collected 35 profiles at a mean downcast velocity of 0.63 m s−1. To quantify the quality of the measurements, profiles from the mooring are compared with nearby profiles from an autonomous microstructure free-falling instrument. The dissipation rate noise level varies between O(10−10) and O(10−9) W kg−1. This noise level is low enough to detect turbulent patches at depth. The largest dissipation rate measured at this site was O(10−7) W kg−1.
Integrative analysis of the transcriptome, proteomics and metabolomics reveals key genes involved in the regulation of breast muscle metabolites in capons
Authors: Ye Fei , Deng Zhi-dan , Liu Kun-yu , Yao Xiu-mei , Zheng Wen-xiao , Yin Qiong , Hai Xiang , Gan Jian-kang , Zhang Zheng-Fen , Ma Zheng , Li Hua 
Published: December 2024

AbstractCastration is widely used in poultry and livestock to enhance fat metabolism and improve the flavor, tenderness and juiciness of meat. However, the genetic regulatory mechanism underlying castration consequences have not been clarified. To investigate the key metabolites affecting the quality of capons and the key regulatory mechanisms, Qingyuan partridge roosters were subjected to castration. Metabolic profiling was used to detect differential metabolites in the breast muscle of both capon and control groups. Additionally, an integrative analysis of transcriptomics and proteomics was conducted to explore the genetic regulation mechanisms influencing meat quality. The results indicated that the muscle fiber density and shear force of capons was lower than that of normal chickens, and the fat percentage of capon group (CAM) was higher than control group (COM). The expression of the metabolite inostine-5’-monophosphate (IMP) was lower in capons, and lipid metabolites (PC (10:0/10:0), PC (6:0/13:1), LPC 22:6, LPC 18:2, LPE 18:1, LPE 20:4) were higher in capons. Metabolic pathways were found to be a common signaling pathway in all omics. Glutamate-ammonia ligase (GLUL), acetyl-CoA carboxylase beta (ACACB), 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferase 2 (AGPAT2), 4-hydroxy-2-oxoglutarate aldolase 1 (HOGA1) and glutathione S-transferase alpha 2 (GSTA2) regulate the expression of citric acid, arachidonic acid, palmitic acid, isocitric acid, and betaine. These findings highlight the key mechanisms contributing to the meat quality differences between capons and normal chickens.
Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato control measures: a specific focus on vaccines for both definitive and intermediate hosts
Authors: Borhani Mehdi , Fathi Saeid , Harandi Majid Fasihi , Casulli Adriano , Ding Jing , Liu Mingyuan , Zhang Wenbao , Wen Hao 
Published: December 2024

AbstractEchinococcosis, a neglected zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus tapeworms, presents significant public health challenges worldwide. Cystic and alveolar echinococcosis has substantial health and economic impacts, necessitating effective prevention and control strategies. The present review provides a framework to expand our knowledge regarding key components of echinococcosis prevention and control, including phases, options, targets and available tools as well as current gaps and challenges in the field. Furthermore, we discuss the progress made in developing vaccines for the intermediate and definitive hosts and review the limitations and obstacles in vaccine development for definitive hosts. Abundant information is available on various aspects of the Echinococcus vaccine in sheep. Livestock vaccination effectively reduces Echinococcus transmission to sheep, offering a feasible control measure in intermediate hosts. However, vaccine development for the definitive host, i.e. dogs, exhibits significant challenges. Information gaps regarding the immune-mediated protective responses in dogs, repeatability of results, factors influencing the immune response, reinfection resistance, potential age-related decreases in worm burden and factors associated with the antifecundity effect are key challenges that should be addressed in canine vaccine development, and research collaboration, innovative technologies, and a deeper understanding of transmission dynamics are crucial. Multisectoral coordination under the One Health framework, with long-term political commitment and national and international cooperation, is critical for effective control in endemic areas.
Graphical abstract
Treatment initiation and completion among head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients in Tanzania
Authors: Xu Mary Jue , Haddadi Sumaiya , Mushi Beatrice Paul , Zhang Li , Sama Godfrey , Nyagabona Sarah Kutika , Ng Dianna , Muya Sikudhani , Malango Atuganile Edward , Richard Enica , Ha Patrick , Yom Sue S. , Massawe Willybroad , Mmbaga Elia J. , Van Loon Katherine , Nkya Aslam 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Objective
Few studies characterizing clinical outcomes of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients in sub-Saharan Africa report the proportion of patients who initiate and complete treatment, information integral to contextualizing survival outcomes. This retrospective cohort study describes HNC patients who presented to Muhimbili National Hospital and Ocean Road Cancer Institute in 2018, the highest-volume oncology tertiary referral centers in Tanzania. Logistic regression was applied to assess predictors of treatment initiation and completion.

Results
Among the 176 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients, 34% (59) had no treatment documented, 34%(59) had documentation of treatment initiation but not completion, and 33%(58) had documentation of treatment completion based on the modalities started. Univariate logistic regression showed that late-stage disease was associated with increased odds of initiating treatment (OR 8.24, 95% CI 2.05–33.11, p = 0.003) and trends toward completing treatment (OR 7.41, 95% CI 0.90–60.99, p = 0.063). At last visit, 36.9%(65) were alive with a median follow up of 5.6 months (IQR 1.64—12.5 months). A large proportion of HNC patients who presented to MNH and ORCI did not initiate or complete treatment. These metrics are critical to contextualize care outcomes of HNC patients in resource-constrained health systems and develop interventions.
The prevalence and clinical significance of EGFR mutations in non-small cell lung cancer patients in Egypt: a screening study
Authors: Helal Asmaa A. , Kamal Ibrahim H. , Osman Ahmed , Youssef Magdy , Ibrahim Adel K. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Lung cancer is a form of cancer that is responsible for the largest incidence of deaths attributed to cancer worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most prevalent of all the subtypes of the disease. Treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) may help some people who have been diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer. The presence of actionable mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene is a key predictor of how a patient will respond to a TKI. Thus, the frequency of identification of mutations in EGFR gene in patients with NSCLC can facilitate personalized treatment.

Objective
The objective of this study was to screen for mutations in the EGFR gene and to investigate whether there is a correlation between the screened mutations and various clinical and pathological factors, such as gender, smoking history, and age, in tissue samples from patients with NSCLC.

Methods
The study comprised 333 NSCLC tissue samples from 230 males and 103 females with an average age of 50 years. Exons 18–21 of the EGFR gene have been examined using real-time PCR. Using SPSS, correlations between clinical and demographic variables were examined, and EGFR mutation and clinical features associations were studied.

Results
The study’s findings revealed that the incidence rate of EGFR mutation was 24.32% (81/333), with partial deletion of exon 19 (19-Del) and a point mutation of L858R in exon 21 accounting for 66.67% (P < 0.001) and 28.40% (P < 0.001) of the mutant cases, respectively. Patients who had the T790M mutation represent 4.94% (P = 0.004) of total number of patients. Females harbored EGFR mutations (54.32%) with higher frequency than men (45.68%) (P < 0.001), while nonsmokers had EGFR mutations (70.37%) more frequently than current smokers (29.63%) (P < 0.001).

Conclusion
The screening study conducted in Egypt reported that the EGFR mutations prevalence was 24.32% among Egyptians with NSCLC. The study also found a slight gender bias, with females having an incidence rate of these mutations higher than males. Additionally, nonsmokers had higher rates of mutations in EGFR gene compared to smokers. According to the findings, somatic EGFR mutations can be employed as a diagnostic tool for non-small cell lung cancer in Egypt, and they can be implemented in conjunction with clinical criteria to identify which patients are more likely to respond favorably to TKIs.
COVID-19 and liver
Authors: Sobh Rania S. , El-Shazly Sumaya H. , Zaky Samy , EL-Deen Nessren M. Bhaa , Hassany Mohamed , Kamal Lamiaa M. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background and aims
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents a significant health risk, affecting both healthy individuals and those with underlying health conditions, including liver diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on liver function in both hepatic and non-hepatic patients across varying degrees of disease severity, as confirmed by PCR testing.

Methods
In this prospective study, we included patients with confirmed COVID-19, both with and without liver conditions, who were admitted to the National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute (NHTMRI) and Embaba Fever Hospital between November 2020 and July 2021.

Results
The study cohort consisted of 255 confirmed COVID-19 patients (mean age 52.16 years, 48.6% male, 24.3% with liver conditions). Among those with liver disease, 6.4% had mild symptoms, while 4.8%, 56.4%, and 33.8% experienced moderate, severe, and critical symptoms, respectively. Clinical characteristics were insignificantly different between hepatic and non-hepatic patients across the various COVID-19 severity grades, with the exception of the loss of taste and smell in severe cases and hepatic encephalopathy and oxygen saturation in critical cases. Laboratory findings similarly showed no significant differences, except that hepatic patients exhibited a notable decrease in platelet count and a significant increase in AST and bilirubin levels compared to non-hepatic patients. In critical COVID-19 cases, non-hepatic patients had significantly higher serum ferritin levels, while hepatic patients demonstrated increased serum bilirubin levels. Mortality was considerably higher in hepatic patients than in non-hepatic patients, particularly among those with severe and critical COVID-19. The study suggests that liver disease is associated with the progression to severe COVID-19, which includes a higher risk of mortality.

Conclusion
COVID-19 is linked to liver function impairment, with hepatic patients experiencing higher mortality rates compared to non-hepatic patients.

Summary
COVID-19, a novel coronavirus, presents a serious health threat to both healthy individuals and those with pre-existing health conditions. In this study, we evaluated its impact on individuals with liver disease compared to those without. The findings indicate that COVID-19 infection is associated with a decline in liver function and increased mortality rates in patients with liver disease.