bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Descriptive embryological insights of the colorectum of quail embryos with concern to its functional morphology
Authors: Abdelhakeem Fatma , Madkour Fatma A. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Quail is an interesting emerging bird species gaining attention in developmental embryology research due to its small size, quick lifespan, and fast growth rate. These characteristics make quail an ideal model for examining the development of the gastrointestinal tract. Consequently, the embryonic development of the colorectum was conducted to provide a comprehensive understanding of its functions in digestion, absorption, and immunity.

Methodology
The morphological anatomy and microscopical structure of the colorectal wall of 74 embryos were studied using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Histologically, the embryos were collected and dissected to extract the intestine. The samples were then fixed in 10% neutral buffer formalin for a minimum of 24 h, and in 2.5% glutaraldehyde buffer formalin for semithin processing and scanning electron microscopy.

Results
The wall of the embryonic colorectum on the hatching day consisted of three layers; mucosa, muscularis externa, and serosa. Mucosa was a simple layer of columnar enterocytes interspersed with goblet cells that appeared as cub-like shaped cells. Additionally, two ganglionic plexuses were also developed in the colorectal wall; Auerbach plexus (among the colorectal tunica muscularis) and Meissner plexus (submucosal plexus).

Conclusion
The morphological characteristics of the quail colorectum at different ages were closely related to its functional features.
Somatic cell count in dairy goats I: association with infectious and non-infectious factors
Authors: Smistad Marit , Inglingstad Ragnhild Aabøe , Sølverød Liv , Skeie Siv , Hansen Bjørn Gunnar 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Intramammary infections negatively affect milk quality, animal welfare and productivity in the dairy industry. Somatic cell count (SCC) is the most used screening tool to detect subclinical mastitis caused by intramammary infections. In dairy goats, SCC is greatly influenced by non-infectious factors, which complicates the interpretation. The aim of this research paper was to determine the association between SCC, intramammary infections and non-infectious factors including parity, season, lactation stage, and milk yield in dairy goats. In this longitudinal study, 451 goats from four Norwegian dairy goat herds were sampled for bacteriology and SCC up to nine times during two lactations. Factors like parity, milk yield, and stage of lactation were retrieved from the Norwegian goat recording system.

Results
The most prevalent udder pathogen findings were Staphylococcus caprae (6.8%), Staphylococcus warneri (6.3%), and Staphylococcus epidermidis (3.8%), all of which had a mild but significant impact on SCC. Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 3.6% of the udder halves and had a major effect on SCC. Parity, stage of lactation, season, and milk yield significantly influenced SCC.

Conclusions
This study highlights that intramammary infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, along with factors such as increasing parity and the seasonal effects of pasturing, significantly influence the SCC. Understanding these key contributors is essential for improving udder health management and improving milk quality in goat milk production.
Dynamics of cell-free tumor DNA correlate with early MRI response during chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer
Authors: Clasen Kerstin , Gani Cihan , Schuetz Leon , Clasen Stephan , Ballin Nadja , Bonzheim Irina , Orth Michael , Ossowski Stephan , Riess Olaf , Niyazi Maximilian , Schroeder Christopher , Kelemen Olga 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
In locally advanced rectal cancer, the prediction of tumor response during and after neoadjuvant treatment remains challenging. In terms of organ preservation, adaptive radiotherapy, and intensified (total) neoadjuvant therapies, biomarkers are desirable for patient stratification.

Methods
In 16 patients, weekly blood samples (n = 86) to detect cell-free tumor DNA (ctDNA) during long-course neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy were analyzed. Data were correlated with initial tumor volumes, MRI response in week 2 and 5 of radiotherapy as well as with pathologic tumor response after resection and outcome parameters.

Results
Most patients showed decreasing ctDNA during the course of radiochemotherapy. However, we found heterogenous dynamics of ctDNA and could identify three groups: (1) decline (2) no clear decline and/or late shedding (3) persistence of ctDNA. In seven patients we could detect significant amounts of ctDNA in week 5 or week 6 of treatment. In our pilot cohort, we did not find significant correlations of ctDNA dynamics with pathologic response or outcome parameters. However, patients with distinct decline of ctDNA had larger tumor volumes prior to treatment, and MRI imaging in week 2 and 5 revealed bigger absolute decrease of tumor volumes. If significant levels of ctDNA were found in week 5 and / or 6, patients showed less absolute tumor volume decrease in week 2 and 5.

Conclusions
Weekly measurement of ctDNA during radiochemotherapy is feasible and might represent a promising biomarker. Bigger initial primary tumors showed different ctDNA shedding profiles compared with smaller primary tumors and correlations of ctDNA dynamics with early imaging response were found.
Treatment of acute pharyngitis in children: an Italian intersociety consensus (SIPPS-SIP-SITIP-FIMP-SIAIP-SIMRI-FIMMG)
Authors: Chiappini Elena , Simeone Giovanni , Bergamini Marcello , Pellegrino Roberta , Guarino Alfredo , Staiano Annamaria , Esposito Susanna , Gattinara Guido Castelli , Lo Vecchio Andrea , Stefani Stefania , Iacono Iride Dello , Scotese Immacolata , Tezza Giovanna , Dinardo Giulio , Riccio Simona , Pellizzari Sofia , Iavarone Sonia , Lorenzetti Giulia , Venturini Elisabetta , Donà Daniele , Pierantoni Luca , Doria Mattia , Garazzino Silvia , Midulla Fabio , Cricelli Claudio , Terracciano Luigi , Capuano Annalisa , Bruzzese Eugenia , Ghiglioni Daniele , Fusani Lara , Fusco Eleonora , Biasci Paolo , Reggiani Lamberto , Matera Luigi , Mancino Enrica , Barbieri Elisa , D’Avino Antonio , Cursi Laura , Sullo Maria Giuseppa , Scotti Silvestro , Marseglia Gian Luigi , Di Mauro Giuseppe , Principi Nicola , Galli Luisa , Verga Maria Carmen 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Sore throat represents one of the main causes of antibiotic overprescription in children. Its management is still a matter of debate, with countries considering streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis a benign and self-limiting condition and others advocating for its antibiotic treatment to prevent suppurative complications and acute rheumatic fever. Italian paediatricians frequently prescribe antibiotics on a clinical basis regardless of microbiological results. Moreover, broad-spectrum antibiotics are inappropriately prescribed for this condition. In this regard, an intersociety consensus conference was issued to promote the judicious use of antibiotic therapy in paediatric outpatient settings. A systematic review of the literature was performed, and updated recommendations were developed according to the GRADE methodology. Antibiotic treatment with amoxicillin (50 mg/kg/day) for 10 days is recommended in all children with proven streptococcal pharyngitis. Benzathine-penicillin could be prescribed in children with impaired intestinal absorption or inability to tolerate enteral intake and in those at high risk of suppurative complications with low compliance to oral therapy. In children with suspected amoxicillin allergy, third-generation cefalosporins for five days are recommended in low-risk patients, and macrolides are recommended in high-risk ones. Candidates for tonsillectomy due to recurrent pharyngitis could be treated with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, clindamycin, or combined therapy with amoxicillin plus rifampicin for four days, in an attempt to avoid surgery.
First case of infant botulism in Sicily—case report
Authors: Fazzino Antonino , Cavallaro Carmelinda , Cavataio Francesca , Linares Giulia , Lo Cascio Antonina , Lo Porto Carla , Santangelo Giuseppe , Venuti Laura , Corsello Giovanni , Colomba Claudia 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Botulism is a rare and life-threatening disease caused by the potent botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), which can be produced by Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum) and related bacteria. Clinical manifestations, which include a symmetrical, descending muscular paralysis, generalized hypotonia, and potentially respiratory failure, are non-specific and diagnosis is challenging, especially when anamnesis does not reveal any typical risk factor, like honey consumption.

Case Presentation
We present what is, to the best of our knowledge, the first documented case of infant botulism (IB) in Sicily and discuss its peculiarities and the challenges faced in the diagnostic-therapeutic process. The infant was exclusively breastfed and no history of consumption of possibly contaminated foods, like honey, was found. The signs observed at presentation included poor suction, hypotonia, and hyporeactivity. A detailed anamnesis motivated the suspicion of botulism, due to the occurrence of constipation and exposure to dust from home renovation works during the days before the onset of symptoms. The botulinum antitoxin was administered and the diagnosis was confirmed through fecal examination, detecting toxin-producing C. botulinum.

Conclusion
IB should be considered in every infant with rapidly progressing hypotonia and a history of constipation. However rarely, transmission could occur through inhalation of dust particles containing the toxin, therefore it is important to explore all possible sources of exposure. In the case described, timely diagnosis and treatment determined the successful outcome, which highlights the importance of early intervention in managing IB.
Differentiating HER2-low and HER2-zero tumors with 21-gene multigene assay in 2,295 HR + HER2- breast cancer: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Kook Yoonwon , Lee Young-jin , Chu Chihhao , Jang Ji Soo , Baek Seung Ho , Bae Soong June , Cha Yoon Jin , Gong Gyungyup , Jeong Joon , Lee Sae Byul , Ahn Sung Gwe 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
HER2-positivity is an essential marker for therapeutic decisions, while HER2 expression is heterogenous. In recent years, there has been increasing recognition of a subgroup of breast cancer patients who have low levels of HER2 expression, also known as HER2-low because trastuzumab deruxtecan offers clinical benefit for patients with HER2-low metastatic breast cancer. Despite the growing interest in HER2-low breast cancer, there is limited research on how multigene assays can help differentiate between HER2-low and HER2-negative breast cancer. Among HR + HER2- breast cancer, we compared genomic characteristics between HER2-low and HER2-zero using the 21-gene assay.

Methods
A retrospective review of clinical records was performed in 2,295 patients who underwent Oncotype DX® test in two hospitals between 2013 and 2020. Patients were classified into two groups as the HER2-zero and HER2-low based on HER2 immunohistochemistry. In cases with HER2 2+, no amplification of HER2 gene was confirmed by silver in situ hybridization. High genomic risk was defined as cases with 21-gene recurrence score (RS) > 25. Multivariable binary logistic-regression analysis was performed.

Results
Of these, 944 (41.1%) patients were assigned to the HER2-zero group, while 1351 (58.9%) patients were assigned to the HER2-low group. The average Recurrence Score (RS) was found to be 17.802 in the HER2-zero breast cancer group and 18.503 in the HER2-low group, respectively (p-value < 0.005). When comparing the proportion of high RS between the two groups, the HER2-zero group had a high RS rate of 12.4% (117 out of 944), while the HER2-low group had a high RS rate of 17.0% (230 out of 1351) (p = 0.002). The HER2 score identified by qRT-PCR was 8.912 in the HER2-zero group and 9.337 in the HER2-low group (p < 0.005). In multivariable analysis, HER2-low status was found to be an independent factor for high RS, with an odds ratio of 1.517 (1.172–1.964), independent of ER, PR, and Ki67. Within the subgroup of patients with invasive ductal carcinoma, the high RS rates were 19% in the HER2-low group and 14% in the HER2-zero group. However, when considering all patients, there were no significant differences observed in recurrence-free survival and overall survival between the HER2-low and HER2-zero groups.

Conclusion
Within HR + HER2- breast cancer, HER2-low tumors are associated with high RS, especially for histologically invasive ductal carcinoma. A prognostic influence of HER2-low expression among HR + HER2- breast cancer remains as an area that requires further study.
A lightweight deep-learning model for parasite egg detection in microscopy images
Authors: Xu Wenbin , Zhai Qiang , Liu Jizhong , Xu Xingyu , Hua Jing 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Intestinal parasitic infections are still a serious public health problem in developing countries, and the diagnosis of parasitic infections requires the first step of parasite/egg detection of samples. Automated detection can eliminate the dependence on professionals, but the current detection algorithms require large computational resources, which increases the lower limit of automated detection. Therefore, we have designed a lightweight deep-learning model, YAC-Net, to achieve rapid and accurate detection of parasitic eggs and reduce the cost of automation.

Methods
This paper uses the ICIP 2022 Challenge dataset for experiments, and the experiments are conducted using fivefold cross-validation. The YOLOv5n model is used as the baseline model, and then two improvements are made to the baseline model based on the specificity of the egg data. First, the neck of the YOLOv5n is modified to from a feature pyramid network (FPN) to an asymptotic feature pyramid network (AFPN) structure. Different from the FPN structure, which mainly integrates semantic feature information at adjacent levels, the hierarchical and asymptotic aggregation structure of AFPN can fully fuse the spatial contextual information of egg images, and its adaptive spatial feature fusion mode can help the model select beneficial feature and ignore redundant information, thereby reducing computational complexity and improving detection performance. Second, the C3 module of the backbone of the YOLOv5n is modified to a C2f module, which can enrich gradient information, improving the feature extraction capability of the backbone. Moreover, ablation studies are designed by us to verify the effectiveness of the AFPN and C2f modules in the process of model lightweighting.

Results
The experimental results show that compared with YOLOv5n, YAC-Net improves precision by 1.1%, recall by 2.8%, the F1 score by 0.0195, and mAP_0.5 by 0.0271 and reduces the parameters by one-fifth. Compared with some state-of-the-art detection methods, YAC-Net achieves the best performance in precision, F1 score, mAP_0.5, and parameters. The precision, recall, F1 score, mAP_0.5, and parameters of our method on the test set are 97.8%, 97.7%, 0.9773, 0.9913, and 1,924,302, respectively.

Conclusions
Compared with the baseline model, YAC-Net optimizes the model structure and simplifies the parameters while ensuring the detection performance. It helps to reduce the equipment requirements for performing automated detection and can be used to realize the automatic detection of parasite eggs under microscope images.

Graphical Abstract
Patient and public involvement in the design of an international clinical trial: real world experience
Authors: Simons Gwenda , Jones Helen , Clarke Ian , Davies Firoza , Grealis Stacey , Insch Elspeth , Kahn Hameed , Lloyd Joanne , Richards Al , Rose Hayley , Williams Ruth , de Wit Maarten , Woodcock Clarissa , Romaniuk Leigh , Bardgett Michelle , Pratt Arthur G. , Falahee Marie 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
The value of patient and public involvement (PPI) during the earliest stages of clinical trial development, and prior to the award of substantive funding, is widely recognised. However, it is often under-resourced and PPI processes during this phase are rarely reported in detail. Having benefitted from seed funding to develop an international clinical trial proposal, we sought to describe and appraise PPI activities and processes that support pre-award co-development.

Methods
A 12-month “accelerator” award facilitated development of a substantive funding application to deliver the Rheumatoid Arthritis Prevention PlatfORm Trial (RAPPORT), conceived to prioritise preventative interventions for people at risk of RA. PPI partners, including individuals at risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), RA patients, relatives and members of the public, provided feedback on key trial design issues through online meetings, a feedback form and emails. PPI processes employed during the one-year accelerator project were thereafter evaluated by PPI partners using an anonymous online feedback form with reference to National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) UK standards for public involvement in research.

Results
Sixteen out of the 25-strong PPI partner panel completed an online feedback form (64%). Respondents perceived PPI processes positively in relation to all NIHR standard domains. Several key facilitators and challenges were identified, including the need for adequate PPI funding during pre-award phases of research, strategies for creating an inclusive environment, flexibility around levels of involvement, and challenges in achieving representatively diverse participation, and the importance of communicating transparent processes for role-assignment and time-reimbursement.

Conclusions
In general, RAPPORT was considered an example of PPI well done, and in line with UK standards for public involvement in research. Facilitators and challenges of relevance for the development of future translational and clinical trial funding applications are highlighted.
Addressing vaccination gaps among healthcare workers in sub-Saharan Africa: the role of mandatory Hepatitis B vaccination
Authors: Daniel Faithful Miebaka , Ukoaka Bonaventure Michael , Emeruwa Victoria Ezinne , Oti-Ashong Rosette Chidera , Falaiye Gabriel Oluwafemi 
Published: November 2024

AbstractHepatitis B virus (HBV) poses a significant public health threat, particularly in developing countries with high endemicity but poor vaccination among healthcare workers (HCWs). Needlestick injuries increase HCWs' risk, yet only about 42% of HCWs are fully vaccinated compared to 97% in high-income countries. Challenges to vaccine uptake include availability, demanding schedules with frequent unit rotations hindering access, high cost of acquiring shots, and stock shortages resulting in missed opportunities. Mandatory, cost-free HBV vaccinations for HCWs, supported by legislation, international aid, and digital reminders, could ensure self-protection and safety while contributing to the global objective of eradicating HBV by 2030.
Experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic on child and adolescent psychiatric wards: multi-methods investigation
Authors: Holland Josephine , Da-Silva-Ellimah Morenike , Roe James , Morriss Richard ,   CAPSS Scientific Committee, Sayal Kapil 
Published: November 2024

Background
Child and adolescent mental health service in-patient beds are unevenly spread throughout England. Where demand outstrips bed availability, young people may be admitted at-distance or to adult psychiatric wards. The COVID-19 pandemic added pressures to already overstretched services. Understanding experiences during this period is vital to inform strategies for future emergencies.

Aims
To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on admissions to local, at-distance or adult psychiatric units, from the perspectives of young people, parents/carers and healthcare professionals.

Method
Multi-methods data were collected from February 2021 to September 2022, as part of the Far Away from Home research programme. A 13-month national surveillance study collected information about admissions to general adolescent units >50 miles from home, out-of-region or to adult psychiatric units. Free-text data from respondents (n = 51) were analysed using content analysis. Interviews with young people (n = 30), parents/carers (n = 21) and healthcare professionals (n = 68) were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results
Restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic affected young people's contact with others; the requirement to self-isolate on admission and following overnight leave felt distressing, and visiting was limited. This disincentivised overnight leave, leading to some discharges being delayed and others feeling rushed and high risk. The COVID-19 pandemic also accelerated the introduction of virtual meetings, enabling community teams and families to be more involved in therapies, meetings and decision-making.

Conclusions
Restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic were often negatively perceived. However, the increased use of technology was felt to be positive, widening inclusion and mitigating some negative effects of distance on admissions.
Electrostatic-elastic coupling in colloidal crystals
Authors: Wu Hao , Ou-Yang Zhong-Can , Podgornik Rudolf 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Electrostatic-elastic coupling in colloidal crystals, composed of a mobile Coulomb gas permeating a fixed background crystalline lattice of charged colloids, is studied on the continuum level in order to analyze the lattice-mediated interactions between mobile charges. The linearized, Debye-Hückel–like mean-field equations incorporating a minimal coupling between electrostatic and displacement fields imply an additional effective attractive interaction between mobile charges. For small screening lengths, the interactions between like mobile charges exhibit colloid-lattice–mediated effective interaction, ranging from weak to strong attraction, while for large screening lengths the lattice-mediated interaction is purely repulsive. Continuum theory incorporating the standard lattice elasticity and electrostatics of mobile charges, augmented by the minimal electrostatic-elastic coupling terms, can serve as a baseline for more detailed microscopic models.
Dynamics of droplet adsorption by liquid film on a grooved surface
Authors: Wu Suchen , Wang He , Deng Zilong 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Understanding the dynamics of droplet adsorption by liquid film on a grooved surface is of great significance for the possible manipulation of dropwise condensation on the grooved surface. In this study, an improved phase-field lattice Boltzmann model is proposed to describe the process of droplet adsorption from the ridge to the liquid film within the channel. The results indicate that the leading edge of the droplet undergoes two accelerations during the adsorption process, obeying the power law of

and

, respectively. The adsorption process between droplets with different sizes and the liquid film exhibits self-similarity characteristics including the same first peak velocity, the similar droplet displacement-time curve and the equal dimensionless spreading length of

. Decreasing the contact angle of the droplet from

to

accelerates the displacement of the leading edge and extends the spreading length. These findings may help reveal the mechanics of droplet adsorption by the liquid film on the grooved surface and thus manipulate the condensation behavior for the heat transfer enhancement.