bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mortality and associated factors among hospitalized COVID 19 patients in Lira regional referral hospital, a cross sectional study
Authors: Augustine Ongoli , Bosco Opio , Opollo Marc Sam , Akello Ann Ruth , Francis Kiweewa , Bernard Omech 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundCorona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused public emergency with serious morbidity and mortality worldwide between 2020 and 2022, The direct impact of the disease and associated mortality may have been relatively limited in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), compared to the impact in other regions. The factors that are considered high risk for acquisition of COVID-19 and associated high mortality rate amongst in-patients are varied in different settings, there are limited data from regional referral designated COVID-19 Treatment Units (CTU) in Uganda. This research assessed the mortality rate, the sub-populations at high risk and characteristics of COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Lira Regional Referral Hospital (LRRH).ObjectiveTo describe COVID-19 characteristic, mortality and associated risk factors among patients admitted at the Lira Regional referral hospital COVID 19 Treatment Unit in northern Uganda.DesignCross Sectional Study with use of Secondary DataSettingThis study was conducted at Lira RRH between January 2023 and December 2023. The data used were for patients admitted from May 2020 to March 2022.ParticipantIn this study all the patients with confirmed COVID-19 were selected by simple census sampling technique, 490 participants were included in the study and these were a) moderately to critically ill patients, b) mild or asymptomatic patients with comorbidity, c) those with positive COVID-19 test and d) those who were admitted in the hospital.ResultsIn the final analysis, 490 participants were considered. Out of this, 251 (52%) were females. Majority 203(41%) were older than 60 years of age. Most of the patients presented with cough 369(89.56%), difficulty in breathing (DIB) 293(78.76%), chest pain 237(69.3%), general body weakness (GBW) 199(63.38%) and fever 179(61.3%). Common pre-existing comorbidities were hypertension 139(29.96%), diabetes mellitus 89(19.47%) and HIV 44(10%). Of all the patients admitted, 187(40%) had severe disease and 34(7%) were critically ill.Overall from May 2020 to March 2022, 142(29%) died. Oxygen saturation (SPO2) 92-100% had 89% decreased mortality (aOR-0.11, 95% CI 0.03-0.44, p-value-0.002). Body temperature 35.5-37.5 degrees Celsius had 78% decreased mortality (aOR-0.22, 95% CI 0.05-0.99, p-value-0.049). Those without Chronic Liver Disease (CLD) had 99% decreased mortality (aOR-0.01, 95% CI 0.001-0.46, p-value-0.017). Age 31-45yrs had 86% decreased mortality (aOR-0.14, 95% CI 0.03-0.74, p-value-0.021)ConclusionThe in-hospital mortality rate in our cohort of COVID 19 patients admitted at LRRH was high. Not having chronic liver disease, normal oxygen saturation, normal body temperature and younger age were associated with decreased likelihood of death.
UTILIZATION OF PRECONCEPTION CARE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG REPRODUCTIVE AGE WOMEN IN POKHARA METROPOLITAN, KASKI, NEPAL
Authors: Aryal Sita , Wagle Saroj , Marasini Yamuna , Bhandari Tulsi Ram 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundPreconception care refers to specific actions taken by an individual or couple to improve their health before becoming pregnant. Preconception care (PCC) is considered primary prevention for the future baby and secondary prevention for prospective mothers. Preconception care utilization in Nepal was very low. Studies on these issues are a newer concept in Nepal and also in Pokhara Metropolitan.ObjectivesTo assess the utilization of preconception care and associated factors among reproductive-age group women in Pokhara Metropolitan.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2024 to September 2024. The total study participants were 384 reproductive-age women. Data were collected using pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaires and analyzed with SPSS after entry into Epi-Data. Descriptive analysis was conducted to show frequencies and percentages, while bivariate analysis was performed using a chi-square test and multivariate analysis was done using binary logistic regression to identify factors associated with the utilization of preconception care. Lastly, odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used to evaluate the statistical significance between the dependent and independent variables.ResultsOnly 0.3% of participants utilize all preconception care components before their last pregnancy. The acceptance level of utilization of the PCC component was 44.5%. The commonest item received by the participants was taking a healthy diet (49.2%), checking weight (43.8%), and blood group screening (53.4%). Age of the respondent AOR=13.89; (CI:2.49-77.33), religion AOR=3.1;CI(1.43-6.95), occupations of respondents AOR=2.58; CI(1.67-3.99), knowledge of PCC AOR=5.12; CI(2.99-8.77), attitude towards PCC AOR=1.92; CI(1.18-3.12), heard about PCC AOR=3.15; CI(1.77-5.59) minutes to reach health facilities AOR=2.4; CI (1.32-4.35) health insurance use before pregnancy AOR=2.68 ;CI(1.71-4.19), and waiting time at health facilities AOR=1.60;CI(1.02-2.50) were identified as a factors associated with utilization of PCC.ConclusionThe utilization of preconception care among the women was very low compared to the recommended services and was influenced by various factors.Community-based advocacy and awareness are needed for women with low levels of knowledge and attitudes towards preconception care components, as well as those facing challenges such as time to reach health facilities, lack of insurance use before pregnancy, and long waiting times at health facilities. Health promotion strategies focused on preconception care and pre-pregnancy planning may increase utilization rates and improve maternal health.
A playbook for harmonization of standards for emergent viral pathogens
Authors: Suliman Sara , Fuchs Sebastien , Catoe David , Hansen Loren , Eveleigh Deepa , Crone Michael A. , Freemont Paul S. , Kammel Martin , Zeichhardt Heinz , Anfora Andrew T. , Garlick Russell , Almond Neil , Page Mark , Beck Brian , Wang Hui , Sharma Karuna , Pestano Gary , Vancann Joannes , Vandesompele Jo , Corner Adam S , Albrecht Jeffrey , Boles Deborah J. , Eisenberg Marcia , Harris Ayla B. , Krueger Brian J. , Suchanek Amanda L. , Urban Thomas J. , Williams Jonathan D. , Chain Patrick , Deshpande Alina , Hollander Attelia , Chalise Sujata , Walt David R. , Germer Jeffrey , Yao Joseph D. , Pritt Bobbi S. , Nolte Frederick S. , Košir Alexandra Bogožalec , Milavec Mojca , Cleveland Megan H. , Vallone Peter M. , Busby Eloise J. , Huggett Jim F. , O’Sullivan Denise M. , Marlowe Elizabeth M. , Pinsky Benjamin A. , Kealiher Annaleise , Lunshof Jeantine E. , Mason Christopher E. , Sninsky John , Tato Cristina , Mercer Timothy , White Thomas J. , Salit Marc 
Published: October 2024

AbstractEffective clinical and public health decision-making during a pandemic depends on reliable and interoperable clinical diagnostic test results. To ensure trustworthy outcomes, we need widely available and harmonized calibration standards on a shared scale. We present a ‘playbook’ for an inter-laboratory harmonization study that calibrates any available standards against a limited-availability standard issued by a global authority like the World Health Organization (WHO).
Self-assembly of hybrid 3D cultures by integrating living and synthetic cells
Authors: Piernitzki Nils , Gao Ning , Gasparoni Gilles , Schulze-Hentrich Julia , Dustin Michael , Győrffy Balázs , Mann Stephen , Staufer Oskar 
Published: October 2024

AbstractSelf-assembly, a fundamental property of living matter, drives the interconnected cellular organization of tissues. Synthetic cell models have been developed as bionic materials to mimic inherent cellular features such as self-assembly. Here, we leverage co-assembly of synthetic and natural cells to create hybrid living 3D cancer cultures. We screened synthetic cell models, including giant unilamellar vesicles, coacervates, microdroplet emulsions, proteinosomes, and colloidosomes, for their ability to form hybrid tumoroids. Our results identify the balance of inter- and extracellular adhesion and synthetic cell surface tension as key material properties driving successful co-assembly of hybrids. We further demonstrate that these synthetic cells can establish artificial tumor immune microenvironments (ART-TIMEs), mimicking immunogenic signals within tumoroids. Using the ART-TIME approach, we identify co-signaling mechanisms between PD-1 and CD2 as a driver in immune evasion of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Our findings demonstrate the 3D bottom-up self-assembly of hybrid cancer microenvironments to replace immune components with defined bionic materials, pushing the boundaries to functionally integrating living and non-living matter.
Garlic (Allium sativum L.) yield and quality as affected by different integrated fertilizer levels at Wachemo university, southern Ethiopia
Authors: Abrham S. , Mihret J. , Abraham B. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractProduction and productivity of garlic was constrained by many factors, among which lack of integrated nutrient recommendation is the most important in Ethiopia. Thus, on site trial was executed at Wachemo University Lembuda demonstration field during 2021/2022 with the aims to identify the effects of NPS fertilizer and chicken manure levels on growth, bulb yield and quality; to determine the economic optimum combination of NPS and chicken manure rate for garlic productivity in the target location. The treatments included four levels of chicken manure (0, 5, 10 and 15 t/ha) and five levels of NPS fertilizer (0, 50,100, 150 and 200 kg/ha) arranged factorially using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Growth, bulb yield and quality data were collected and subjected to analysis using SAS version 9.4. With the exception of days to maturity, leaf number and non-marketable bulb yield in the case of chicken manure, the majority of the investigated parameters were significantly (P < 0.05) impacted by the main effects of chicken manure and NPS fertilizer. Exception marketable and total bulb yield, the interaction impact was not significant for nearly all of the examined variables. On the other hand, the bulb yield was considerably raised by raising the rate of chicken manure in combination with NPS fertilizer. As a result, combined application of 15 t/ha chicken manure and 150 kg/ha NPS fertilizer produced the maximum marketable bulb (19.52 t/ha) and total yield (20.27 t/ha), followed by marketable yield (18.53 t/ha) and total yield (19.55 t/ha) obtained from plants treated with 200 kg/ha of NPS fertilizer and 15 t/ha of chicken manure, with a 927 % yield advantage over plants receiving no fertilizer. On the other hand, the control treatment produced the lowest total yield (3.89 t/ha) and marketable yield (1.90 t/ha). Plots with 15 t/ha chicken manure had the highest bulb dry matter (35.31%) and TSS (22.47° Brix). In terms of economic analysis, the plants that got 15 t/ha of chicken manure and 150 kg/ha of NPS fertilizer had the highest net benefit (524224.8 ETB/ha) with an MRR of 10,159.1%. Hence, this combination was found to be the best and cost-effective one for smallholder farmers in the study area that could be recommended to boost garlic production and productivity.
Genetic variation in male mate choice for large females inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Freed Grace S. , Martinez Isabella G. , Lev Avigayil , Cuadrado Ana-Maria Anthony , Pischedda Alison 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTMales in many species show courtship and mating preferences for certain females over others when given the choice. One of the most common targets of male mate choice in insects is female body size, with males preferring to court and mate with larger, higher-fecundity females and investing more resources in matings with those females. Although this preference is well-documented at the species level, less is known about how this preference varies within species and whether there is standing genetic variation for male mate choice within populations. We used hemiclonal analysis in the fruit fly,Drosophila melanogaster, to test for heritable genetic variation in pre- and post-copulatory components of male mate choice for large females. We found additive genetic variation for both forms of male choice: males from different hemiclone lines varied in the strength of their courtship preferences for large females and the degree to which they extended matings with large females. Although males from hemiclone lines with stronger courtship preferences for large females were more likely to mate with those females, there was no genetic correlation between pre- and post-copulatory components of male mate choice, suggesting that they are under independent genetic control. Genetic variation in male mate choice may be widespread, potentially impacting the fitness of both sexes and the adaptive evolution of populations.
Inhibition of pterygium cell fibrosis by the Rho kinase inhibitor
Authors: Dai Jiannong , Rayana Naga Pradeep , Peng Michael , Sugali Chenna Kesavulu , Harvey Devon Hori , Dhamodaran Kamesh , Yu Eric , Liu Shaohui , Mao Weiming 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPterygium is an ocular disease in which the conjunctival tissue invades the cornea. When the pterygium tissue reaches the pupillary region, the visual function of the patient is affected. Currently, surgical removal is the only effective treatment. However, the recurrence rate of pterygium after surgery can be high. Pterygium is also a health disparity issue since it is more prevalent in the Hispanic and Latino American population. In this study, we determined if the Rho kinase inhibitor can be used to prevent pterygium recurrence since its anti-fibrosis effects have been reported in other cell and tissue types. We cultured primary pterygium cells from pterygium tissues from Hispanic and Latino American, African American, Caucasian, and Asian donors, and used those cells for viability assays, scratch assays, migration assays, and immunostaining of F-actin, fibronectin, collagen I and α smooth muscle actin. We found that the Rho kinase inhibitor Y27632 decreased cell viability, wound healing, cell migration, as well as the expression of extracellular matrix and myofibroblast markers in cultured pterygium cells. We believe that Rho kinases inhibitors are a potential post-surgical treatment to prevent pterygium recurrence.
Fluorescence-based CRISPR interference system for controlled genetic repression and live single-cell imaging in mycobacteria
Authors: Laudouze Janïs , Point Vanessa , Achache Wafaa , Crauste Céline , Canaan Stéphane , Santucci Pierre 
Published: October 2024

AbstractMycobacterial genetics has played a pivotal role over the last 35 years in our understanding of mycobacterial physiology, pathogenesis and antibiotic resistance. Numerous approaches are now available worldwide to dissect the contribution of genes of interest in biological processes. However, many of these approaches can be fastidious, difficult to perform and time-consuming, especially when working with slow-growing mycobacteria or in bio-safety level two/three settings. The recent development of CRISPRi-mediated targeted gene repression has revolutionized the way research groups can perform genetics in mycobacteria, providing a fast, robust and efficient alternative to study the function of specific genes including essential genes. In this research letter, we report the development and validation of a new subset of fluorescence-based CRISPRi tools for our scientific community. The pJL series is directly derived from the original integrative pIRL2 and pIRL117 CRISPRi vectors and conserved all the elements required to perform inducible targeted gene repression. In addition, these vectors carry two distinct fluorescent markers for which the expression is driven by the strong and constitutive promotorpsmycto simplify the selection of recombinant clones. We demonstrate the functionality of these vectors by targeting the expression of the non-essential glycopeptidolipid translocasemmpL4band the essential genesrpoBandmmpL3. Finally, we describe an efficient single-step procedure to co-transform mycobacterial species with this integrative genetic tool alongside replicative vectors. Such tools and approaches should be useful to foster discovery in mycobacterial research.Graphical AbstractDevelopment and validation of a new subset of E. coli-Mycobacteria shuttle vectors that enable simultaneous CRISPRI-mediated gene silencing and fluorescence based single-cell imaging.
Associations Between Female Sex Hormones and Skeletal Muscle Ageing: The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Authors: Critchlow Annabel J. , Alexander Sarah E. , Hiam Danielle , Ferrucci Luigi , Scott David , Lamon Séverine 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundTo date, most research investigating the influence of circulating sex hormones on ageing female skeletal muscle has been cross-sectional and focused only on dichotomised young and old, or pre-versus post-menopausal groups. This excludes an important transitional period from high to low circulating oestrogen. Using secondary data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, this study aimed to investigate cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between circulating sex hormones and skeletal muscle mass and function across a continuum of ages.MethodsMultiple and binomial linear regression was used to map cross-sectional (n=319) and longitudinal (n=83) associations between circulating sex hormones (oestradiol (E2), free oestradiol index (FEI), free (TT) and bioavailable testosterone (BioT), testosterone/oestradiol ratio (TT/E2)) and skeletal muscle mass and function in healthy females. Cross-sectional models analysed females across an ageing continuum (24-89 years) and longitudinal associations were tested across 4-6 years of ageing in females over 50 years old. Models were adjusted for age, height, physical activity, comorbidities, and ethnicity.ResultsCross-sectionally, serum E2 and FEI were positively associated with relative appendicular lean mass (ALM; β=0.28 and 0.20, respectively,p<0.05) and thigh muscle percentage (β=0.19 and 0.15, respectively,p<0.05). E2 and FEI were negatively associated with total body fat percentage (β=-0.30 and -0.21, respectively,p<0.05). BioT was positively associated with absolute ALM (β=0.13,p<0.05) and total body fat percentage (β=0.18,p<0.05). TT was negatively associated with total body fat percentage (β=-0.14,p<0.05). The TT/E2 ratio was negatively associated with thigh muscle CSA (β=-0.08,p<0.05) and hamstring strength (β=-0.12,p<0.05). Across 4-6 years, a decrease in E2 and FEI were associated with a decrease in ALM (β=0.29 and 0.42, respectively,p<0.05), and decrease in FEI was associated with a decrease in handgrip strength (β=0.17,p<0.05). A decrease in TT and BioT were associated with an increase in relative ALM (β=-0.25 for both,p<0.05) and relative quadriceps strength (β=-0.12 and -0.27, respectively,p<0.05)ConclusionThis study demonstrates novel associations between sex hormone levels and skeletal muscle in females across a wide continuum of ages. We also demonstrate that longitudinal fluctuations in circulating sex hormones must be considered to gain a comprehensive understanding of female muscle ageing.
Reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and its reaction intermediates with reactive oxygen species (ROS) in pH-neutral high-strength plasma-activated water determines the antimicrobial activity against ESKAPE Pathogens
Authors: Mukherjee Debapriya , Roy Chowdhury Atish , Ghosh Pallab , Vishwa Nishanth , Rao Lakshminarayana , Chakravortty Dipshikha 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPlasma activated water (PAW) has gained significant global recognition due to its diverse applications in the biomedical and food preservation industries. The interaction between plasma’s ionized particles, comprising ions, electrons, and neutral atoms, and water molecules results in high concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), making PAW effective across various medical and agricultural fields. Previous research has demonstrated that effectiveness of PAW largely depends on its acidic pH, which generates several nucleophilic oxidants or secondary reactive nitrogen intermediates, such as peroxynitrite, derived from primary ROS and RNS. In one of our earlier studies, we were successful in generation of PAW at a neutral pH, which is more practical for real world applications. In this research, we explored the potential of the neutral pH high strength buffered PAW (hsPAbW) as an antimicrobial agent against ESKAPE pathogens and investigated its mechanism of action. Our findings revealed that hsPAbW effectively reduced bacterial viability during their exponential growth phase. We demonstrated that the ROS in hsPAbW are insufficient to independently kill the bacteria. Instead, the RNS components of hs-PAbW can exert microbicidal effects either independently or through the formation of peroxynitrite intermediates, which lead to nitrotyrosine production. As a result, we eliminated the need for low pH to induce the antimicrobial effects of hsPAbW, making it more practical for real world applications. Finally, our study showed that hs-PAbW is more effective at killing bacteria than high doses (50 microgram/mL) of antibiotics like ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, and meropenem. Overall, our research highlights the promising potential of neutral pH PAW as a sustainable solution for combating ESKAPE pathogens.
Identification of a newPlasmodium falciparumE2 ubiquitin conjugating enzyme
Authors: Smith Cameron , Hajisadeghian Mohsen , van der Heden van Noort Gerbrand J. , Pinto-Fernández Adán , Kessler Benedikt M , Artavanis-Tsakonas Katerina 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is essential for Plasmodium falciparum survival and represents a potential target for antimalarial therapies. We utilised a ubiquitin-activity based probe (Ub-Dha) to capture active components of the ubiquitin conjugating machinery during asexual blood-stage development. Several E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes, the E1 activating enzyme, and the HECT E3 ligase PfHEUL were identified and validated through in vitro ubiquitination assays. We also demonstrate selective functional interactions between PfHEUL and a subset of both human andP. falciparumE2s. Additionally, the Ub-Dha probe captured an uncharacterized protein, PF3D7_0811400 (C0H4U0) with no known homology to ubiquitin-pathway enzymes in other organisms. Through structural and biochemical analysis, we validate it as a novel E2 enzyme, capable of binding ubiquitin in a cysteine-specific manner. These findings contribute to our understanding of theP. falciparumUPS, identifying promising novel drug targets and highlighting the evolutionary uniqueness of the Ub-proteasome system in this parasite.