bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring barriers and facilitators to blood donation in secondary schools in Malawi
Authors: Chipeta Effie , Kaira Princess , Mhango Patani , Singogo Emmanuel , Mwapasa Victor , Muula Adamson S. , Likaka Andrew , Chiwindo Titus , Hosseinipour Mina C. , M'baya Bridon ,   For the Malawi BLOODSAFE Program
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveDespite the Malawi Blood Transfusion Service (MBTS) increasing the amount of blood collected since its inception in 2004, Malawi remains with a 27% deficit in required blood supplies nationally. We sought to understand the facilitators and barriers to blood donation among secondary school students in Malawi.MethodsWe utilised a qualitative exploratory design, with a sample of 135 participants purposefully selected from 16 secondary schools across Malawi. Data collection methods included in‐depth interviews with 20 participants (inclusive of first‐time and repeat donors, lapsed and non‐donors), 20 key informant interviews (including community leaders, policy‐level stakeholders and MBTS staff), and 16 focus group discussions involving 95 participants (community stakeholders and all donor categories). We used the consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR) to assess barriers and facilitators of blood donation, focusing only on four CFIR domains: internal and external factors; the implementation process and individual characteristics influencing blood donation.ResultsBlood donation among students are facilitated by altruism, incentives including milestone awards, knowledge, motivation, transport, peer pressure and individual health status. Common barriers cited included: negative experiences with the blood donation process, fear, unsupported environment, poor incentives, privacy issues and the donation activities starting late than scheduled.ConclusionWhile there have been efforts to motivate students to donate blood, significant barriers to blood donation still exist. Intensifying education and awareness campaigns may help dispel misconceptions and fears surrounding donation experiences and blood usage. Also, continuing with the provision of appropriate incentives including milestone awards may also encourage students.
Development of high‐throughput tissue culture‐free plant transformation systems
Authors: Zhong Heng , Elumalai Sivamani , Li Changbao , Liu Wei , Dong Shujie , Que Qiudeng 
Published: December 2024

SUMMARYEfficient transformation systems are highly desirable for plant genetic research and biotechnology product development efforts. Tissue culture‐free transformation (TCFT) and minimal tissue culture transformation (MTCT) systems have great potential in addressing genotype‐dependency challenge, shortening transformation timeline, and improving operational efficiency by greatly reducing personnel and supply costs. The development of Arabidopsis floral dip transformation method almost 3 decades ago has greatly expedited plant genomic research. However, development of efficient TCFT or MTCT systems in non‐Brassica species had limited success until recently despite the demonstration of successful in planta transformation in many plant species. In the last few years, there have been some major advances in the development of such systems in several crops using novel approaches. This article will review these new advances and discuss potential areas for further development.
Intercostal thoracoscopic pericardiectomy in left lateral recumbency: A cadaveric study of feasibility, efficiency, and extent of pericardial resection
Authors: Levine Jacob R. , Scharf Valery F. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the feasibility, efficiency, and extent of thoracoscopic pericardiectomy (TP) on a ventilated dog with an intercostal approach in lateral recumbency (ILR), in comparison with the traditional transdiaphragmatic paraxiphoid approach in dorsal recumbency (PDR).Study DesignRandomized experimental study.AnimalsTwenty canine cadavers (n = 10 per group).MethodsThoracoscopic pericardiectomy was performed on mechanically ventilated cadavers to remove the largest pericardial fragment possible using either the ILR or PDR technique. Approach and procedure time were recorded, and surgical extent (cardiac exposure/exteriorization, pericardial fragment area) was assessed. Procedural difficulty and intraoperative visibility were also assessed to evaluate feasibility.ResultsTotal surgical time (sum of approach and pericardiectomy time) did not differ between groups, although PDR pericardiectomy took longer (p = .045) by an average of 5.2 min. Exteriorization of the heart from the pericardial sac was achieved for all trials. Pericardial fragments from PDR trials were larger than those of ILR (p = .004), with a mean difference of 23.21 cm2. Cardiac exposure and operative visibility scores were greater for PDR procedures.ConclusionThe ILR approach with bilateral ventilation was a feasible alternative for performing partial pericardiectomies, which did not require more total surgical time when compared with the PDR approach.Clinical significanceThe ILR approach for TP warrants further evaluation in live dogs as it may hold promise for treating causes of pericardial effusion that do not require subtotal pericardiectomy and improving efficiency when paired with other ILR procedures such as thoracic duct ligation.
Detection of Leishmania infantum and Leishmania amazonensis in Bats From Endemic and Non‐endemic Areas of São Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: de França Danilo Alves , Zúquete Sara , Louro Mariana , Kersul Maíra Guimarães , Menozzi Benedito Donizete , Fornazari Felipe , Santos‐Gomes Gabriela , da Fonseca Isabel Pereira , Langoni Helio 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAimsLeishmaniasis is an endemic disease in several regions of Brazil, a tropical country that presents specific environmental conditions that contribute to the development of phlebotomine vectors. This study aimed to detect Leishmania species in naturally infected bats from 17 municipalities in the São Paulo state.Methods and ResultsSpleen and liver samples from 203 bats were analysed by real‐time PCR and confirmed by conventional PCR followed by gene sequencing. Leishmania DNA was amplified by real‐time PCR in 6.4% of the bats and by conventional PCR followed by sequencing in 3.4% of the bats. Positive samples were characterised and included in GenBank. Leishmania species were confirmed in M. molossus, M. nigricans and E. glaucinus bats. Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis and L. infantum (syn. L. chagasi) were identified. This is the first detection of Leishmania spp. in bats in the studied areas. All the positive bats came from urban areas. Insectivorous bats were statistically more positive. There was similarity between our sequences and those of a human isolate and a phlebotomine from the region.ConclusionsThis result points to bats as important possible reservoir of Leishmania in Brazil and guides the country's health authorities towards epidemiological surveillance, control and prevention actions in endemic areas.
On some matrix counting problems
Authors: Mohammadi Ali , Ostafe Alina , Shparlinski Igor E. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWe estimate the frequency of singular matrices and of matrices of a given rank whose entries are parametrised by arbitrary polynomials over the integers and modulo a prime . In particular, in the integer case, we improve a recent bound of V. Blomer and J. Li (2022).
An endogenous aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligand induces preeclampsia‐like phenotypes in rats
Authors: Zhao Ying‐Jie , Zhou Chi , Zhang Si‐Yan , Mishra Jay S. , Li Hui‐Hui , Lei Wei , Wang Kai , Kumar Sathish , Zheng Jing 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPreeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive disorder during human pregnancy. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand‐activated transcription factor. Exogenous and endogenous AhR ligands can induce hypertension in male rats and mice. Herein, using rats as a model, we tested the hypothesis that over‐regulation of endogenous AhR ligands during pregnancy impairs vascular functions by disrupting the transcriptome in the placenta, contributing to the development of PE. Pregnant rats were injected daily with an endogenous AhR ligand, 2‐(1′H‐indole‐3′‐carbonyl)‐thiazole‐4‐carboxylic acid methyl ester (ITE), from gestational day (GD) 10 to 19. Maternal mean blood pressure was measured on GD16–20. Proteinuria and uteroplacental blood flow were monitored on GD20. Placentas collected on GD20 were used to determine changes in vascular density and transcriptome. Compared with the vehicle control, ITE elevated maternal mean blood pressure by 22% and 16% on GD16 and 17, respectively. ITE increased proteinuria by 50% and decreased uteroplacental blood flow by 26%. ITE reduced the placental vascular density by 18%. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that ITE induced 1316 and 2020 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in female and male placentas, respectively. These DEGs were enriched in pathways relevant to heart diseases, vascular functions and inflammation. Bioinformatics analysis also predicted that ITE altered immune cell infiltration in placentas depending on fetal sex. These data suggest that over‐regulation of endogenous AhR ligands may lead to PE with impaired vascular functions and disrupted fetal sex‐specific transcriptomes and immune cell infiltration in placentas. These AhR ligand‐induced DEGs and pathways may represent promising therapeutic targets for PE‐induced cardiovascular dysfunctions.
imageKey points
An endogenous AhR ligand (ITE) elevated maternal blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnant rats, and decreased uteroplacental blood flow and fetal and placental growth, all of which are hallmarks of preeclampsia.
ITE reduced vascular density and altered immune cell distribution in rat placentas.
ITE dysregulated transcriptomes in rat placentas in a fetal sex‐specific manner. These ITE‐dysregulated genes and pathways are highly relevant to diseases of heart, vascular functions and inflammatory responses.
Contribution of telacebec to novel drug regimens in a murine tuberculosis model
Authors: Komm Oliver D. , Tyagi Sandeep , Garcia Andrew , Almeida Deepak , Chang Yong , Li Si-Yang , Castillo Jennie Ruelas , Converse Paul J. , Black Todd , Fotouhi Nader , Nuermberger Eric L. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

The clinical efficacy of combination drug regimens containing the first-generation diarylquinoline (DARQ) bedaquiline in the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis has validated ATP synthesis as a vulnerable pathway in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. New DARQs in clinical development may be even more effective than bedaquiline, including against emerging bedaquiline-resistant strains. Telacebec (T) is a novel cytochrome bc
1
:aa
3
oxidase inhibitor that also inhibits ATP synthesis. Based on its demonstrated efficacy as a monotherapy in mice and in a phase 2a clinical trial, we tested the contribution of T to novel combination therapies against two strains of
M. tuberculosis
(H37Rv and HN878) in an established BALB/c mouse model of tuberculosis in an effort to find more effective regimens. Overall, T was more effective in regimens against the HN878 strain than against the H37Rv strain, a finding supported by the greater vulnerability of the former strain to T and to genetic depletion of QcrB. Against both strains, combinations of a DARQ, clofazimine, and T were highly bactericidal. However, only against HN878 did T contribute synergistically, whereas an antagonistic effect was observed against H37Rv. These results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of T and highlight how differences in the susceptibility of
M. tuberculosis
strains could lead to different conclusions about a drug’s potential contribution to novel drug regimens.

CLINICAL TRIALS

This study is registered with
Clinicaltrials.gov

as

NCT04890535

and
NCT06058299

.
Shedding new light on
Cyclospora
: how the use of ultraviolet fluorescence microscopy can improve diagnosis of cyclosporiasis
Authors: Ma Angela , Mathison Blaine A. , Couturier Marc Roger 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Cyclosporiasis has historically been underdiagnosed due to a lack of clinical recognition and challenges in laboratory detection. Microscopic detection of
Cyclospora
requires either the modified Kinyoun’s acid-fast or safranin stains, which are not part of the standard ova-and-parasite examination. Alternatively, the use of fluorescence microscopy for the detection of
Cyclospora
due to the organism’s autofluorescent properties has been an available tool in the field of clinical parasitology. However, it is unknown how ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence performs compared to permanent stains in routine diagnostic laboratory settings. In this study, we present a direct head-to-head comparison of UV fluorescence against modified acid-fast (MAF) stains using 50 (35
Cyclospora
positive, 5
Cystoisospora
positive, and 10
Cystoisospora
negative) blinded, concentrated stool specimens. Five technically competent medical laboratory technologists of varying years of experience in clinical parasitology at a large reference laboratory independently read each of the MAF slides and UV wet mounts. Overall, the performance of UV fluorescence was similar to MAF slides with a higher agreement of 88.8% (95% CI 86.3%–91.3%) compared to 85.2% (95% CI 84.2%–86.2%), respectively. A higher false-negative rate was associated with MAF slides (MAF: 11.6%, UV: 6.8%). However, UV fluorescence was found to have a higher proportion of false positives (UF: 3.2%, MAF: 2%) and misidentified coccidia. Discrepant results regardless of methods were more frequently observed with technologists who have less experience in parasite morphology. This study is the first to document evidence to support the increased sensitivity and utility of UV fluorescence to improve laboratory diagnosis of cyclosporiasis.

IMPORTANCE
This study is important as there is a dearth of studies in our field of clinical parasitology that investigate and establish performance characteristics of classic and newer, non-molecular methods. While these studies may not seem as heavy hitting as some new technologies described in our related disciplines, for our field, such studies are long overdue and critically lacking.
Teaching with TED: a curated set of TED Talks and discussion prompts for microbiology and cellular biology courses
Authors: Morgan Dyan E. , Hotze Eileen 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Engaging students in biology courses can be enhanced through assignments that introduce research relevant to course content. Despite their potential, such assignments are often underutilized due to the time required to identify suitable research and to create assignments. Here, we address this issue by proposing the use of TED Talks as a resource for introducing research related to scientific topics commonly taught in undergraduate biology courses. The extensive TED Talk library offers numerous options, but selecting appropriate content can be daunting for instructors. Here, we provide a curated set of TED Talks and field-tested discussion prompts aimed specifically for Microbiology and Cellular Biology courses. These assignments were implemented in both asynchronous online and synchronous in-person formats using discussion board forums, although alternative assignment formats can be easily adapted. Student feedback about these activities indicates that TED Talks helped students connect classroom material to real-world applications and enhanced their overall learning experience. Overall, TED Talks are an enjoyable and versatile tool to diversify biology curricula, relate content to real-world issues, and improve student engagement and comprehension. Here, we provide a framework of TED Talks and discussion prompts that instructors can adapt to their courses.
Do not let perfect be the enemy of good: the current reality of
Bordetella
testing
Authors: Yee Rebecca 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Diagnosis of
Bordetella pertussis
is made by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect insertion sequence 481 (IS
481
). However, IS
481
is found in both
B. pertussis
and
Bordetella holmesii
. In a recent study, Cole et al. (Microbiol Spectr 12:e00783-24.
https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.00783-24
) compared the accuracy of assays performed at two different commercial laboratories that used IS
481
as a molecular target against a multiplex PCR assay performed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that can differentiate the different
Bordetella
species. The results demonstrated that the overall agreement among the assays from the commercial laboratories and the CDC was 85%. Only a small percentage (1.4%) of specimens positive for IS
481
were identified as
B. holmesii
. This study suggests that PCR tests using IS
481
as a target provide reliable diagnosis for pertussis. However, end users should recognize the limitations of PCR testing for pertussis including the inability to differentiate and monitor transmission of non-pertussis
Bordetella
species.
Efficacy of Clinical Tests in the Diagnosis of Meralgia Paresthetica: A Case Control Study
Authors: Paneyala Shasthara , S. Chandrashekhar Nemichandra , Sundaramurthy Harsha , Prashant Akila , Krishna Lakshmi 
Published: December 2024

Background: Meralgia paresthetica (MP), a common entrapment syndrome, presents with paresthesias in the anterolateral aspect of the thigh. Clinical tests used to diagnose MP are the pelvic compression test, neurodynamic testing, and Tinel’s sign. The diagnostic accuracy of these three tests has not been analyzed to date. Hence, this study aims to analyze the sensitivity and specificity of these clinical tests.Case Study: This study was a hospital‐based case‐control study that included 30 electrophysiologically proven patients with MP. The data were gathered over a period of 6 months after obtaining institutional ethics committee clearance. Demographics and risk factors among our cases are in keeping with the global scenario. The sensitivity and specificity of the pelvic compression test were 86.7% and 93.0%, the Tinsel sign was 85.1% and 87.5%, and neurodynamic testing was 86.7% and 93.0%, respectively.Conclusion: Our study proves that these tests are a simple and accurate aid in the diagnosis of MP. These bedside clinical tests can be utilized to establish a diagnosis of MP in a setting of conflicting differentials such as lumbar canal stenosis or thoracolumbar junction disc pathologies and guide in choosing the next line of investigation.
Plasma Cell–Free DNA Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Profiling Depicts Phenotypic and Clinical Heterogeneity in Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Sipola Joonatan , Munzur Aslı D. , Kwan Edmond M. , Seo Clara C.Y. , Hauk Benjamin J. , Parekh Karan , Liao Yi Jou (Ruby) , Bernales Cecily Q. , Donnellan Gráinne , Bloise Ingrid , Fung Emily , Ng Sarah W.S. , Wang Gang , Vandekerkhove Gillian , Nykter Matti , Annala Matti , Maurice-Dror Corinne , Chi Kim N. , Herberts Cameron , Wyatt Alexander W. , Takeda David Y. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Cell phenotype underlies prostate cancer presentation and treatment resistance and can be regulated by epigenomic features. However, the osteotropic tendency of prostate cancer limits access to metastatic tissue, meaning most prior insights into prostate cancer chromatin biology are from preclinical models that do not fully represent disease complexity. Noninvasive chromatin immunoprecipitation of histones in plasma cell–free DNA (cfDNA) in humans may enable the capture of disparate prostate cancer phenotypes. In this study, we analyzed activating promoter- and enhancer-associated H3K4me2 from cfDNA in metastatic prostate cancer enriched for divergent patterns of metastasis and diverse clinical presentation. H3K4me2 density across prostate cancer genes, accessible chromatin, and lineage-defining transcription factor–binding sites correlated strongly with ctDNA fraction—demonstrating capture of prostate cancer–specific biology and informing the development of a statistical framework to adjust for ctDNA fraction. Chromatin hallmarks mirrored synchronously measured clinicogenomic features: bone- versus liver-predominant disease, serum PSA, biopsy-confirmed histopathologic subtype, and RB1 deletions convergently indicated phenotype segregation along an axis of differential androgen receptor activity and neuroendocrine identity. Detection of lineage switching after sequential progression on systemic therapy in select patients indicates potential use for individualized resistance monitoring. Epigenomic footprints of metastasis-induced normal tissue destruction were evident in bulk cfDNA from two patients. Finally, a public epigenomic resource was generated using a distinct chromatin marker that has not been widely investigated in prostate cancer. These results provide insights into the adaptive molecular landscape of aggressive prostate cancer and endorse plasma cfDNA chromatin profiling as a biomarker source and biological discovery tool.
Significance: Plasma cell–free chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing enables phenotypic dissection of lethal prostate cancer and is a practical tool for biomarker discovery while overcoming prior limitations of access to relevant tissue and reliance on model systems.
Phase I/II Trial of Exportin 1 Inhibitor Selinexor plus Docetaxel in Previously Treated, Advanced KRAS-Mutant Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: von Itzstein Mitchell S. , Burns Timothy F. , Dowell Jonathan E. , Horn Leora , Camidge D. Ross , York Sally J. , Eaton Keith D. , Kyle Kelly , Fattah Farjana , Liu Jialiang , Mu-Mosley Hong , Gupta Arjun , Nadeem Urooba , Gao Ang , Zhang Song , Gerber David E. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
Patients with Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS)–mutant non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have limited therapeutic options. Based on the activity of nuclear export inhibition in preclinical models, we evaluated this strategy in previously treated, advanced KRAS-mutant NSCLC.

Patients and Methods:
The primary outcomes of this multicenter phase I/II dose-escalation trial of selinexor plus docetaxel were safety and tolerability. Selinexor was started 1 week before docetaxel to permit monotherapy pharmacodynamic assessment.

Results:
Among 40 enrolled patients, the median age was 66 years, 55% were female, and 85% were White. The MTD was selinexor 60 mg orally weekly plus docetaxel 75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks. The most common adverse events were nausea (73%, 8% grade ≥3), fatigue (70%, 5% grade ≥3), neutropenia (65%, 60% grade ≥3), and diarrhea (58%, 10% grade ≥3). Of 32 efficacy-evaluable patients, 7 (22%) had partial responses and 18 (56%) had stable disease. Outcomes were not associated with KRAS mutation type but were significantly better in cases with wild-type TP53 (42%), including response and disease control rates (27% and 80% vs. 9% and 27%, respectively; P = 0.03) and progression-free survival (median 7.4 vs. 1.8 months; HR, 0.2; 95% confidence interval, 0.07–0.67; P = 0.003). After selinexor initiation and prior to docetaxel administration, serum lactate dehydrogenase levels increased an average of 51 U/L in TP53-altered cases and decreased an average of 48 U/L in TP53 wild-type cases (P = 0.06).

Conclusions:
Selinexor plus docetaxel was relatively well tolerated in patients with advanced KRAS-mutant NSCLC. The regimen has promising efficacy in TP53 wild-type cases, in which selinexor monotherapy may also have activity.