bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlational Analysis of Interleukin 6, Adiponectin and Lipid Indices in Women with Uterine Fibroids
Authors: Adediji Isaac Oluwole , Adelakun Ayodele Ademola , Imaralu John Osaigbovoh , Ileoma Emmanuel Olusegun , Adejumo Esther Ngozi , Oluremi Adeolu Sunday , Adeniran Muibat Adesola , Okam Chioma Diana , Aweda Oluwadamilola Gbemisola 
Published: August 2019

Background: Uterine fibroids are the most common benign, monoclonal tumours affecting women of reproductive age.
Aim: This study investigated the association between interleukin-6 (IL-6), adiponectin (ADP) and lipid indices in women with uterine fibroids.
Subjects and Methods: Sixty (60) participants were recruited for this study. They comprised thirty (30) subjects who had ultrasonographic evidence of uterine fibroids and thirty (30) subjects who had no ultrasonographic evidence of uterine fibroids. Subjects were recruited from the Gynaecology out-patient clinic of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Ogbomoso, Nigeria. Anthropometric measurements were performed using standard method. About 5 mL of venous blood was collected from each study participant and was dispensed into a plain bottle. Serum was obtained after clotting and centrifugation and was aliquoted into a small vial which was stored at -20°C until time of analysis. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), adiponectin (ADP), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) were determined using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and colorimetric method as appropriate. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) was estimated using Friedewald’s equation. Data analysis was done using Student’s t-test for comparison of variables and Pearson’s correlation was used to determine the relationship between variables. P–value less than 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: Women with uterine fibroids had significantly elevated body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) when compared with the controls (P<0.05). The mean values of TC, TG, LDL and IL-6 were significantly elevated in women with uterine fibroids when compared with the control subjects (P<0.05). Women with uterine fibroids had significantly reduced levels of ADP when compared with controls (P<0.05) and there was no significant difference in the levels of HDL when both case and control subjects were compared (P>0.05). Interleukin-6 had a significant positive correlation with BMI, WC, WHR, TC, TG and LDL. Interleukin-6 also had a significant negative correlation with HDL and ADP.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated a significant direct relationship between IL-6 and dyslipidemia in women with uterine fibroids. Also, we observed a noteworthy inverse relationship between IL-6 and adiponectin in women with uterine leiomyomas, thus emphasizing the low grade chronic inflammatory state, associated with uterine leiomyomas.
Medicare Enrollment and Spending Among Patients Initiating Dialysis After the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Wang Virginia , Wilson Lauren E. , Rowen Neil P. , Sloan Caroline E. , Maciejewski Matthew L. , Hammill Bradley G. 
Published: December 2024

ImportanceMedicare finances health care for most US patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), regardless of age. Medicare enrollment may have slowed for patients with incident ESKD who gained access to new private insurance options with the 2014 passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and introduction of the ACA Marketplace.ObjectiveTo describe trends in public and private insurance coverage and dialysis spending among patients with incident ESKD from 2012 to 2017.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis serial cross-sectional study included patients 18 to 64 years old in Colorado who were not enrolled in Medicare at dialysis initiation. Data analysis was conducted from May to August 2023.ExposureIntroduction of the ACA Marketplace in 2014.Main Outcomes and MeasuresMedicare, Medicaid, or private insurance enrollment in the first year after dialysis initiation, and dialysis spending by insurance type.ResultsOf 2005 patients included in the sample, 1416 (70.6%) were 45 to 64 years old, and 1259 (62.8%) were male. A lower proportion of patients with incident ESKD starting dialysis were newly enrolled in Medicare in the years following the ACA (361 of 713 [50.6%]) compared to 2 years prior (420 of 595 [70.6%]). Unadjusted rates of switching from Medicaid to Medicare 1 year after dialysis initiation decreased 14.3 percentage points over time (68.9% in 2012-2013 vs 58.3% and 54.6% in 2014-2015 and 2016-2017, respectively). Unadjusted rates of switching from private insurance to Medicare 1 year after dialysis initiation decreased by 22.3 percentage points (68.1% in 2012-2013 vs 52.2% and 45.8% in 2014-2015 and 2016-2017, respectively). Over the entire 2012 to 2017 period, quarterly dialysis spending in the first year of dialysis among patients with private insurance was higher than among those with Medicare coverage ($26 351-$29 781 vs $10 039-$12 741).Conclusions and RelevanceThis cross-sectional study demonstrates that lower Medicare enrollment rates over time among those initiating dialysis may be inducing higher social spending. This finding raises concerns about the effectiveness of Medicare policies and federal leverage to improve access, outcomes, and value of dialysis care.
Diagnostic Stewardship in Clinical Microbiology
Authors: Chew Ka‐lip , Chia Jonathan W. Z. , Vasoo Shawn 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Patient evaluation begins with a thorough symptom review and history, followed by physical examination to develop differential diagnoses for the patient's clinical presentation. Diagnostic testing is subsequently requested to confirm or exclude specific diagnoses. Diagnostic stewardship may be defined as performing the right test for the right patient for the right reasons at the right time, with the right interpretation which results in the right treatment, optimizing patient care. The postanalytical phase involves final reporting and interpretation of results, as well as the clinician's application of the results to guide patient management. Underutilization of blood cultures can lead to missed diagnoses and delayed or inappropriate therapy. Diagnosing ventilator‐associated pneumonia is complicated by the frequent colonization of the respiratory tract with
Enterobacterales
and nonfermenting Gram‐negative bacilli. A diagnostic stewardship program should ensure value and implement evidence‐based practice in clinical microbiology, where attention is paid to both accuracy and optimal patient outcomes.
Systems for Identification of Bacteria and Fungi
Authors: Heaton Phillip R. , Bhatti Micah M. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
A proteomics‐based approach, matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS), was introduced in clinical microbiology laboratories between 2005 and 2010 as a highly reliable and much more rapid method for identifying bacteria and yeast. Advances in molecular tools have allowed proteomics and genomics to have a substantial role in the identification of bacteria and yeast in clinical laboratories. In many laboratories, MALDI‐TOF MS has become the primary method for bacteria and yeast identification, supplanting biochemical analysis, including automated methods. DNA target sequencing may be performed on organisms growing in pure culture. This is typically performed when automated systems in the laboratory are unable to yield an identification or they provide an unusual identification or one that conflicts with phenotypic characteristics. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning has made its way into the clinical microbiology laboratory, largely due to the digitization of microbiology and increasing technology use.
Immunoassays for the Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases
Authors: Theel Elitza S. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This chapter summarizes the common serologic testing methods used for detection of the humoral immune response to, or antigens released from, various infectious agents. It presents their application for the diagnosis of infectious diseases, including a discussion of the advantages and limitations of selected methods. An understanding of serologic immunoassays and their clinical utility requires an appreciation of the basic immunologic principles of humoral immunity. Serologic assays can be used for either screening or diagnostic purposes. Agglutination reactions utilize a particulate, insoluble antigen, in contrast to precipitation reactions, which are based on the interaction of soluble antigen and antibodies. The complement fixation assay is based on the interaction of immune complexes with components of the classical complement pathway. Another classic serologic technique is the neutralization assay. The term “enzyme immunoassay” is considered a general term that can be applied to any immunoassay which uses an enzyme label.
Investigation of Disease Outbreaks
Authors: Rolon Rebecca M. , Szymczak Wendy A. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This chapter reviews concepts associated with infectious diseases outbreaks, including disease surveillance, mechanisms used to detect outbreaks, and the epidemiological steps used to investigate an outbreak. It describes the role of the laboratory in outbreaks and includes examples where laboratory testing played a key role in the investigation of the outbreak. Outbreak investigations provide a unique opportunity for local authorities to provide enhanced education and awareness. Outbreak (or epidemic) intelligence is the process used to detect, verify, analyze, assess, and investigate signals that may represent a threat to public health. The chapter provides specific examples of how laboratories contributed to the SARS‐CoV‐2 outbreak response. In the recent SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic, nucleic acid amplification and antigen detection assays have been used widely for virus identification from specimens, while WGS has been used for both the detection of and surveillance for emerging variants.
Disinfection and Sterilization
Authors: Arduino Matthew J. , McDonnell Gerald 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The effective use of disinfection and sterilization procedures is important in patient care and laboratory settings. Inadequate disinfection and sterilization procedures may lead to health care‐associated and laboratory‐acquired infections. This chapter also discusses international consensus standards related to disinfection and sterilization in the health care environment. Cleaning is often an essential prerequisite to disinfection or sterilization to ensure the optimal activity of the antimicrobial effects of disinfectants or sterilization processes, as well as ensuring the lack of residual materials that may have other negative impacts. There are two major considerations in the use of any disinfection or sterilization product or process: antimicrobial expectations and safety. These safety practices include cleaning and disinfection of laboratory surfaces, sterilization, and hand hygiene. The chapter considers the most widely used sterilization method for clinical laboratory applications that is heat sterilization along with a brief explanation of alternative sterilization methods.
Enterococcus
Authors: Teixeira Lúcia Martins , da Glória Siqueira Carvalho Maria , Facklam Richard R. , Shewmaker Patricia Lynn 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The genus
Enterococcus
includes microorganisms that have a historical connection with the genus
Streptococcus
, as they were initially considered a distinct branch within the genus
Streptococcus
, including most of the serological group D streptococci. Transmission of vancomycin‐resistant enterococci represents a major public health concern. By using molecular typing approaches, the exogenous acquisition of enterococcal strains by direct and indirect contact among patients was demonstrated, breaking the traditional conception that enterococcal infections were endogenous. Serologic tests, in the form of Western blot assays, for detecting antibody responses to different enterococcal antigens have been proposed, but their usefulness in the clinical laboratory setting for the diagnosis or prognosis of enterococcal infections has not been demonstrated. The significance of a particular enterococcal isolate is a major factor in determining when antimicrobial testing should be done.
Bacillus
and Other Aerobic Endospore‐Forming Bacteria
Authors: Turenne Christine Y. , Alexander David C. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Historically, most aerobic endospore‐forming bacteria were classified as species of
Bacillus
.
Bacillus
is the type genus of the
Bacillaceae
and contains the largest number of species. Aerobic endospore‐forming bacteria are ubiquitous in nature. Cases of anthrax due to laboratory accidents, biological warfare, and bioterrorism events are also rare, but ongoing vigilance in the clinical microbiology laboratory is critical. This chapter describes the clinically significant infections involving
Bacillus
,
Brevibacillus
,
Lysinibacillus
, and
Paenibacillus
species. Members of the
B. cereus
group, other than
B. anthracis
,have been isolated from diverse ecological niches and are widely distributed in nature. Gastrointestinal anthrax is suspected only if an adequate history of the patient is known. Anthrax meningitis may occur on its own or, more frequently, as a complication of another form of the disease.
Coryneform Gram‐Positive Rods
Authors: Mattos‐Guaraldi Ana Luíza , Santos Louisy Sanches dos , Vieira Verônica Viana 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This chapter presents Coryneform bacteria comprising aerobically or facultatively anaerobically growing, asporogenous, non‐acid fast Gram‐positive rods with irregular morphology. Establishing the clinical significance of coryneform bacteria can be difficult for caregivers and microbiologists.
Corynebacterium
spp. form the predominant group and include diphtheria toxin (DT)‐producing
Corynebacterium diphtheriae
, the causative agent of classic diphtheria, which was once a major cause of illness and death among children. Laboratory procedures for identification of
Corynebacterium
spp. and other coryneform bacteria include collection and transport of clinical samples, isolation practices, culture conditions, phenotypic and molecular assays, as well as antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Molecular techniques have been increasingly used in microbiology laboratories for the identification of
Corynebacterium
species and other coryneform bacteria. Detection of antibodies directed against DT is the only established serologic test for coryneform bacteria.
Francisella orientalis DNA detected in feral tilapia populations in Hawai'i
Authors: Klinger-Bowen RuthEllen , Yamasaki Lei S. , Iwai Thomas , Peppers Daquille , Fowler Caroline , Yacoub Jordan , Weese David , Odani Jenee , Wong Michael 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective
Francisella orientalis is a bacterial pathogen that is responsible for substantial mortalities in warmwater fish, such as tilapia, and has negatively impacted the aquaculture industry globally. Starting in the mid-1990s, periodic F. orientalis outbreaks in Hawai'i led to severe mortalities in cultured and feral tilapia populations on Oahu. In an attempt to limit the outbreak's impact on tilapia aquaculture in Hawai'i, the Hawai'i Department of Agriculture Plant Quarantine Division issued a moratorium on the export of tilapia from Oahu to the other Hawaiian Islands. Despite reported high incidences of F. orientalis from cultured tilapia on Oahu and from around the world, the moratorium continues to remain in effect to this day.

Methods
To assess the prevalence of F. orientalis in feral tilapia populations across the Hawaiian Islands, tilapia were collected from streams on Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Moloka'i, and the Big Island (Hawai'i) and were screened using a combination of molecular, bacteriological, and histological techniques.

Result
Although signs of infection (i.e., granulomas) were observed in fish on all five islands, molecular screening using quantitative polymerase chain reaction only detected the presence of F. orientalis on the islands of Oahu, Maui, and Kauai.

Conclusion
These findings suggest that F. orientalis is prevalent in feral tilapia populations across the Hawaiian Islands.
1D Magnetic Nickel‐Carbon Matrix Nanotube Composites Derived from Hydrogen‐Bonded Organic Frameworks and Metal–Organic Frameworks for Electromagnetic Wave Absorption
Authors: Chen Lizhen , Pan Junjie , Wang Tao , Xia Wei , He Jianping , Zhang Kai 
Published: December 2024

AbstractHydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) emerge as promising materials for electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption, due to their high specific surface area and readily modifiable characteristics. In this study, 1D magnetic nickel‐carbon matrix nanotube composites (Ni‐HMCNTs) from a mixture of HOFs and MOFs (Ni‐HMNTs) for EMW absorption are synthesized. The Ni‐HMNTs are achieved via a one‐step method involving a single‐pot solvothermal reaction among melamine, trimeric acid, and nickel nitrate. This process involves a HOF‐to‐MOF transformation, characterized by the penetration of Ni ions into the HOF structure via a competitive coordination reaction, resulting in the hollow structure of Ni‐HMNTs. Subsequent calcination of Ni‐HMNTs yields Ni‐HMCNTs optimized for EMW absorption. Remarkably, with a filling degree of only 10 wt%, 1.2 Ni‐HMCNTs‐700 (heat‐treated at 700 °C) exhibits exceptional EMW absorption properties, with a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) value of −50.4 dB and a maximum effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 7.32 GHz (10.64–17.96 GHz). These findings pave the way for further exploration of magnetically modified HOFs/MOFs for EMW applications.
Concurrently Selective Electrosynthesis of Ammonia and Glycolic Acid Over Cathodic Single‐Atom Cobalt and Anodic PdNi Alloying Catalysts
Authors: Zhang Shengbo , Li Ke , Zhang Xinyuan , Ye Yixing , Shi Tongfei , Jiang Yong , Zheng Lirong , Lin Yue , Zhang Haimin 
Published: December 2024

AbstractHerein, an electrocatalytic coupling system for selective ammonia and glycolic acid production over cathodic single‐atom Co (Co─N─C) and anodic PdNi alloying nanoparticles on the carbonized cellulose (PdNi/CBC), respectively are reported. As a cathodic electrocatalyst for nitrate reduction reaction (NtrRR), the Co─N─C displays remarkably high activity, delivering an NH3 yield rate of 20.5 ± 2.7 mg h−1 mgcat.−1 with a Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 95.5 ± 2.8% at −0.5 V (vs RHE). In situ spectroscopy combined with theoretical calculations unveiled the NtrRR mechanism on Co─N4 site. As an anodic electrocatalyst for ethylene glycol oxidation reaction (EGOR), the PdNi/CBC shows a high FE of 96.6 ± 1.7% for glycolic acid (GA) production at 1.6 V (vs RHE) and robust stability of 168 h. Remarkably, a proof of concept experiment of coupling electrocatalytic NtrRR with EGOR demonstrates that only an applied potential of −0.1 V (vs RHE) is required to reach a current density of 10 mA cm−2 for co‐producing ammonia and glycolic acid. As a result, the coupled NtrRR‐EGOR system can achieve an NH3 yield rate of 6.0 ± 0.6 mg h−1 mgcat.−1 and a GA yield rate of 16.8 ± 1.7 mg h−1 mgcat.−1 at −0.7 V (vs RHE).
High‐Performance Photodetectors Based on Suspended Ultralong CNTs‐MoS2 Heterojunction Networks
Authors: Wang Kangkang , Wang Fei , Cao Yang , Jiang Qinyuan , Xi Aike , Leu Khaixien , Wang Xinnong , Zang Yonglu , Liu Ruina , Zhang Rufan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractCarbon nanotubes (CNTs) are promising candidates for photodetectors due to their excellent electrical and optical properties. However, the strong binding energy of excitons, structural defects, and short lengths of CNTs seriously limited the full utilization of the inherently extraordinary properties of CNTs in photodetector construction. Herein, a new strategy is designed for fabricating high‐performance VIS and NIR photodetectors based on suspended ultralong CNTs‐MoS2 heterojunction networks. The MoS2 layers are directly grown on suspended ultralong CNT bundles (s‐UCNTBs). The suspended and defect‐free structures of s‐UCNTBs ensure rapid heat dissipation and perfectly avoid the electron‐phonon interactions from substrates. The interfaces between s‐UCNTBs and MoS2 effectively improve the generation and transport of photogenerated carriers, thus remarkably enhancing the photodetection performance of s‐UCNTBs‐MoS2 networks. The s‐UCNTBs‐MoS2 networks‐based photodetectors exhibit a high responsivity (8.51 A W−1), a high detectivity (3.74 × 1011 cm Hz1/2 W−1), an ultrafast response speed (30 µs/40 µs for response/decay), and a broad detection range (405–1064 nm), far outperforming the most reported carbon materials‐based photodetectors. Moreover, the s‐UCNTBs‐MoS2 photodetector exhibits good structural and performance stability after being kept in ambient conditions for more than 200 days. This work provides a reliable way to construct high‐performance CNTs‐based devices via structural design.
Cellulose Derivative and Polyionic Liquid Crosslinked Network Gel Electrolytes for Sodium Metal Quasi‐Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Zhao Shuzhi , Shen Yixing , Che Haiying , Jabeen Maher , Lu Chu , Liao Xiao‐Zhen , Ma Zi‐Feng 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSodium metal batteries have gained attention as a potential solution to the low energy densities presented by current sodium‐ion batteries. However, the commonly available electrolyte systems usually fall short in safety performance. Gel polymer electrolytes, closely resembling liquid electrolytes, offer a promising balance of performance and developmental potential. A proposed polymer plastic‐crystal ionic gel composite electrolyte, featuring a polycation auxiliary chain, innovatively copolymerizes ionic liquid cations with electrolyte additives. These auxiliary chains crosslink with the main chain, attracting anions from the ionic liquid and sodium salts. Both experimental evidence and theoretical calculations affirm that this electrolyte exhibits high cation transference numbers and significant mean square displacement radii. By facilitating uniform sodium ion migration, the electrolyte has powered sodium symmetrical cells for over 550 h and has supported stable cycling of Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP)‐sodium metal batteries at a 1 C rate for more than 800 cycles. These achievements underscore its potential in advancing the development of condensed‐state sodium metal batteries.
3D Biofabrication of Microporous Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Liu Ziyang , Wu Jialin , Luo Zeyu , Hou Yingying , Xuan Leyan , Xiao Changyi , Chang Jishuo , Zhang Dongyang , Zheng Guodong , Guo Jie , Tang Guosheng , Yu Xiyong 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMicroporous hydrogels have been utilized in an unprecedented manner in the last few decades, combining materials science, biology, and medicine. Their microporous structure makes them suitable for wide applications, especially as cell carriers in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Microporous hydrogel scaffolds provide spatial and platform support for cell growth and proliferation, which can promote cell growth, migration, and differentiation, influencing tissue repair and regeneration. This review gives an overview of recent developments in the fabrication techniques and applications of microporous hydrogels. The fabrication of microporous hydrogels can be classified into two distinct categories: fabrication of non‐injectable microporous hydrogels including freeze‐drying microporous method, two‐phase sacrificial strategy, 3D biofabrication technology, etc., and fabrication of injectable microporous hydrogels mainly including microgel assembly. Then, the biomedical applications of microporous hydrogels in cell carriers for tissue engineering, including but not limited to bone regeneration, nerve regeneration, vascular regeneration, and muscle regeneration are emphasized. Additionally, the ongoing and foreseeable applications and current limitations of microporous hydrogels in biomedical engineering are illustrated. Through stimulating innovative ideas, the present review paves new avenues for expanding the application of microporous hydrogels in tissue engineering.