bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of comorbid conditions and prescribed chronic medications on the treatment plan for chronic hepatitis C infection: A cross‐sectional retrospective study
Authors: Awadh Abdullah , Badri Ziyad , Alansari Nayef , Alkhiri Ahmed , Baharoon Hussein , Niaz Abdelulah , Al‐Kathiri Alaa , Ghulam Enas , Khan Mohammad 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundChronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection is a potentially life‐threatening condition characterized by various complications, including end‐stage liver disease and cirrhosis. The mortality rate associated with CHC has been increasing due to the presence of comorbidities and the use of chronic medications. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the impact of these comorbidities and chronic medications on the treatment plan for CHC.MethodsTo achieve this objective, a cross‐sectional retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The study population included patients aged 12 years and above who were diagnosed with CHC between 2016 and 2021. Patients below the age of 12 were excluded from the study. A total of 170 patients with CHC were included in the analysis. The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between CHC complications and the treatment approach.ResultsThe mean age of the study participants was 66.78 years, with a higher proportion of female patients. The findings revealed a significant association between hypertension (p = 0.042) and cirrhosis (p = 0.007) with changes in the treatment plan for CHC. Moreover, the presence of diabetes mellitus (p = 0.045), renal diseases (p < 0.001), and hypothyroidism (p = 0.004) were significantly associated with HCV clearance after the initiation of therapy. Additionally, the use of proton pump inhibitors (p = 0.033) and levothyroxine (p = 0.025) was found to be associated with a higher rate of CHC clearance.ConclusionIn conclusion, this study highlights the prevalence of comorbid conditions and the use of chronic medications among patients with CHC. The findings emphasize the importance of considering the effects of comorbidities and chronic medications when developing treatment plans for CHC infections. By taking these factors into account, healthcare professionals can optimize the management of CHC and improve patient outcomes.
Antimicrobial combination effects against multidrug‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kazemian Hossein , Karami‐Zarandi Morteza , Heidari Hamid , Ghanavati Roya , Khoshnood Saeed 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsEmergence of multidrug resistance in non‐fermenting Gram‐negative bacilli is a threat to public health. Combination therapy is a strategy for the treatment of antibiotic‐resistant infections.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, a total of 63 nonduplicate clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were collected from various specimens. Identification of bacterial isolates was performed by phenotypic and molecular tests. Antibiotic susceptibility patterns and detection of β‐lactamase genes were determined using the broth microdilution and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques, respectively. Then, the combined effects analysis was determined by the checkerboard method. Based on the status of resistance to carbapenems (imipenem and meropenem), 25 isolates of each genus were selected for further investigation.ResultsFor A. baumannii, blaOXA‐23, blaOXA‐58, and blaOXA‐48 genes were positive in 21 (84%), 17 (68%), and 11 (44%) of isolates, respectively. In P. aeruginosa isolates, blaVIM was the most common gene (44%) and other genes including blaIMP, blaNDM, and blaOXA‐23 were found in nine (36%), six (24%), and three (12%) isolates, respectively. Meropenem (MER)‐tigecycline (TIG) had a significant synergistic effect against 20 (80%) A. baumannii (p value < 0.001). This combination was also efficient against 5 (20%) P. aeruginosa isolates. Moreover, the other combination, tigecycline‐amikacin (TIG‐AMK) was effective against 10 (40%) A. baumannii isolates. The combination of colistin (COL) and MER showed a significant synergistic effect against 21 (84%) A. baumannii (p value < 0.001) and 17 (68%) P. aeruginosa isolates (p value < 0.001).ConclusionThe MER‐TIG and COL‐MER combinations are promising options against resistant bacteria. Our study could be helpful for the development of a new treatment recommendation.
Theories, determinants, and intervention models and approaches on inequalities of undernutrition amongst under fives: A literature review
Authors: Kanmodi Kehinde Kazeem , Amzat Jimoh , Aminu Kafayat 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsOne of the greatest public health problems of the 21st century is undernutrition in children under the age of 5 years (CAUFY). Globally, over 232 million CUAFY are undernourished and approximately 45% of mortality in this population are undernutrition‐induced. This paper reviewed and critically explained the factors perpetuating undernutrition in CUAFY in the global space. It further explained the multi‐level determinants that influence health inequalities and consequently exacerbate undernutrition amongst CUAFY globally. It also went further to explain the intervention models and approaches that can be used to tackle undernutrition in CUAFY.Methods/Literature Search StrategyDemiris et al.'s approach to narrative review was utilized for this paper. Relevant articles on child nutrition were retrieved from multiple credible databases and websites of foremost health organizations. Using an iterative process, multiple combinations of search terms were done by stringing relevant key terms and their synonyms with Boolean Operators. This process was constantly refined to align search results with the study aim. Database search produced relevant and resourceful publications which were utilized to develop this review.ResultsThe global burden of undernutrition remains high, especially in Oceania with the highest prevalence of stunting and wasting (41.4% and 12.5%), with Africa and Asia following closely. Malnutrition eradication is a global health issue of high priority as demonstrated by the “Goal 2” of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the United Nations (UN) Decade of Action on Nutrition 2016–2025. The review identified no significant positive outcome from previous interventions due to the endemic health inequalities. Determinants of the multi‐level health inequalities associated with undernutrition in CUAFY, and probable solutions are explained with theoretical models of health inequalities. A diagonal intervention approach was proposed as a viable solution to ending undernutrition in CUAFY.ConclusionThe application of relevant theoretical models and context‐specific intervention approaches can be utilized by stakeholders to close the existing inequality gaps, thereby reducing undernutrition amongst CUAFY globally.
Three‐dimensional‐printed Ni‐based scaffold design accelerates bubble escape for ampere‐level alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Chen Jingxuan , Fu Gangwen , Tian Yu , Li Xingchuan , Luo Mengqi , Wei Xiaoyu , Zhang Ting , Gao Tian , Chen Cheng , Chaemchuen Somboon , Xu Xi , Sun Xing , Bu Tongle , Verpoort Francis , Wang John , Kou Zongkui 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAlkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) for scalable hydrogen production largely hinges on addressing the sluggish bubble‐involved kinetics on the traditional Ni‐based electrode, especially for ampere‐level current densities and beyond. Herein, 3D‐printed Ni‐based sulfide (3DPNS) electrodes with varying scaffolds are designed and fabricated. In situ observations at microscopic levels demonstrate that the bubble escape velocity increases with the number of hole sides (HS) in the scaffolds. Subsequently, we conduct multiphysics field simulations to illustrate that as the hole shapes transition from square, pentagon, and hexagon to circle, where a noticeable reduction in the bubble‐attached HS length and the pressure balance time around the bubbles results in a decrease in bubble size and an acceleration in the rate of bubble escape. Ultimately, the 3DPNS electrode with circular hole configurations exhibits the most favorable HER performance with an overpotential of 297 mV at the current density of up to 1000 mA cm−2 for 120 h. The present study highlights a scalable and effective electrode scaffold design that promotes low‐cost and low‐energy green hydrogen production through the ampere‐level alkaline HER.
Performance of surface, subsurface and trench‐type drainage systems in paddy fields for non‐rice farming
Authors: Rahimi Amirreza , Liaghat Abdolmajid , Ebrahimian Hamed , Ashrafi Ali 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEffective drainage is a crucial factor in paddy fields, especially in regions with waterlogging or heavy clay soils. Identifying an effective drainage system is essential for the successful removal of excess soil water from paddy fields to prepare them for subsequent crops. This study aimed to evaluate three different drainage systems, shallow surface drainage (shallow ditch), conventional subsurface pipe drainage and trench‐type subsurface drainage (French drain), in paddy fields in terms of drainage water volume, water table depth, drainage intensity, soil moisture and cracks. Experiments were carried out in a physical model capable of simulation with a 7.5 m drain spacing. The findings indicated that trench‐type drainage was more effective in reducing soil moisture due to its higher drainage water volume compared to other systems. The time required for the topsoil to reach its lower plastic limit in the subsurface, trench‐type and shallow surface drainage systems was 14, 11 and 15 h after the depletion of excess water over the soil surface, respectively. Although shallow surface drainage represented faster depletion of excess water, trench‐type drainage eventually proved to be the most effective alternative for providing appropriate qualifications for secondary cultivation. Crack areas on the soil surface were twice as extensive in trench‐type and subsurface drainage systems as in shallow surface drainage systems, indicating their superior performance.
Genetic counseling for the dystrophinopathies—Practice resource of the National Society of Genetic Counselors
Authors: Pickart Angela M. , Martin Ann S. , Gross Brianna N. , Dellefave‐Castillo Lisa M. , McCallen Leslie M. , Nagaraj Chinmayee B. , Rippert Alyssa L. , Schultz Catherine P. , Ulm Elizabeth A. , Armstrong Niki 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe dystrophinopathies encompass the phenotypically variable forms of muscular dystrophy caused by pathogenic variants in the DMD gene. The dystrophinopathies include the most common inherited muscular dystrophy among 46,XY individuals, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, as well as Becker muscular dystrophy and other less common phenotypic variants. With increased access to and utilization of genetic testing in the diagnostic and carrier setting, genetic counselors and clinicians in diverse specialty areas may care for individuals with and carriers of dystrophinopathy. This practice resource was developed as a tool for genetic counselors and other health care professionals to support counseling regarding dystrophinopathies, including diagnosis, health risks and management, psychosocial needs, reproductive options, clinical trials, and treatment. Genetic testing efforts have enabled genotype/phenotype correlation in the dystrophinopathies, but have also revealed unexpected findings, further complicating genetic counseling for this group of conditions. Additionally, the therapeutic landscape for dystrophinopathies has dramatically changed with several FDA‐approved therapeutics, an expansive research pathway, and numerous clinical trials. Genotype–phenotype correlations are especially complex and genetic counselors' unique skill sets are useful in exploring and explaining this to families. Given the recent advances in diagnostic testing and therapeutics related to dystrophinopathies, this practice resource is a timely update for genetic counselors and other healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis and care of individuals with dystrophinopathies.
Successful treatment of acyclovir‐resistant herpes simplex virus infection with amenamevir in a patient who received umbilical cord blood transplantation for T‐cell prolymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Kawamura Yuma , Uchibori Nako , Arakawa Tomoya , Fujii Tomoki , Negishi Shuto , Morikawa Shiori , Fukushima Nobuaki , Kohno Akio , Yamada Souichi , Fukui Yoshiko , Fukushi Shuetsu , Ozeki Kazutaka 
Published: April 2024

AbstractA 34‐year‐old woman received umbilical cord blood transplantation for refractory T‐cell prolymphocytic leukemia after salvage therapy with alemtuzumab. She developed right angular cheilitis on the 46th day after transplantation, which worsened after receiving systemic steroid therapy for extensive chronic graft versus host disease. The treatment dosage of acyclovir (ACV), ganciclovir, and vidarabine ointment was not effective due to ACV‐resistant mutations of the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) in the thymidine kinase domain. Foscarnet is expected to be effective against ACV‐resistant HSV‐1 infection. However, it could not be used because the patient developed renal dysfunction. Several viral thymidine kinase mutations related to ACV resistance were found in the patient's sample. Nevertheless, amenamevir, a helicase‐primase complex inhibitor, was effective in our patient who was significantly immunocompromised after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT). ACV‐resistant HSV infection after allo‐HSCT is an rare but important complication in the era of low‐dose long‐term ACV prophylaxis. To date, there is no established treatment against ACV‐resistant HSV infection. This case report showed that amenamevir could be a promising treatment option for ACV‐resistant HSV infection in patients with renal failure after allo‐HSCT.
Added Value of [18F]PSMA‐1007 PET/CT and PET/MRI in Patients With Biochemically Recurrent Prostate Cancer: Impact on Detection Rates and Clinical Management
Authors: Abrahamsen Bendik S. , Tandstad Torgrim , Aksnessæther Bjørg Y. , Bogsrud Trond V. , Castillejo Miguel , Hernes Eivor , Johansen Håkon , Keil Thomas M. I. , Knudtsen Ingerid S. , Langørgen Sverre , Selnæs Kirsten M. , Bathen Tone F. , Elschot Mattijs 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundProstate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET) can change management in a large fraction of patients with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer (BCR).PurposeTo investigate the added value of PET to MRI and CT for this patient group, and to explore whether the choice of the PET paired modality (PET/MRI vs. PET/CT) impacts detection rates and clinical management.Study TypeRetrospective.Subjects41 patients with BCR (median age [range]: 68 [55–78]).Field Strength/Sequence3T, including T1‐weighted gradient echo (GRE), T2‐weighted turbo spin echo (TSE) and dynamic contrast‐enhanced GRE sequences, diffusion‐weighted echo‐planar imaging, and a T1‐weighted TSE spine sequence. In addition to MRI, [18F]PSMA‐1007 PET and low‐dose CT were acquired on the same day.AssessmentImages were reported using a five‐point Likert scale by two teams each consisting of a radiologist and a nuclear medicine physician. The radiologist performed a reading using CT and MRI data and a joint reading between radiologist and nuclear medicine physician was performed using MRI, CT, and PET from either PET/MRI or PET/CT.Findings were presented to an oncologist to create intended treatment plans. Intrareader and interreader agreement analysis was performed.Statistical TestsMcNemar test, Cohen's κ, and intraclass correlation coefficients. A P‐value <0.05 was considered significant.Results7 patients had positive findings on MRI and CT, 22 patients on joint reading with PET/CT, and 18 patients joint reading with PET/MRI. For overall positivity, interreader agreement was poor for MR and CT (κ = 0.36) and almost perfect with addition of PET (PET/CT κ = 0.85, PET/MRI κ = 0.85). The addition of PET from PET/CT and PET/MRI changed intended treatment in 20 and 18 patients, respectively. Between joint readings, intended treatment was different for eight patients.Data ConclusionThe addition of [18F]PSMA‐1007 PET/MRI or PET/CT to MRI and CT may increase detection rates, could reduce interreader variability, and may change intended treatment in half of patients with BCR.Level of Evidence3Technical EfficacyStage 3
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of herpes zoster occurrence/recurrence after COVID‐19 infection and vaccination
Authors: Wang Fengge , Gao Yidan , Wagner Abram L. , Lu Yihan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTo inform surveillance, prevention, and management strategies for the varicella zoster virus (VZV) during the COVID‐19 pandemic, this study aimed to evaluate the risk of herpes zoster (HZ) occurrence/recurrence following COVID‐19 infection and vaccination. A comprehensive search across seven databases was conducted up to January 31, 2024, to identify studies relevant to the occurrence of HZ following COVID‐19 infection and vaccination. The meta‐analysis included five studies on postinfection HZ and 13 studies on postvaccination HZ. Patients infected with COVID‐19 had a 2.16‐fold increased risk of HZ (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24–3.76) than uninfected individuals. However, there was no significant association between COVID‐19 vaccination and the risk of HZ compared to controls, with a relative risk (RR) of 1.08 (95% CI: 0.84–1.39). Furthermore, a descriptive analysis of 74 postinfection and 153 postvaccination HZ studies found no significant differences on gender or age (<50 and ≥50 years) following COVID‐19 infection. Notably, 44.0% of the HZ cases postinfection appeared within the first week, with 69.5% resolving within 10 days, predominantly presenting as skin lesions. In the postvaccination group, the majority (60.1%) developed HZ after the first dose and 66.7% occurred within 1 week. Moreover, 44.6% resolved within 10 days and 50.0% within a month, primarily exhibiting skin lesions and postherpetic neuralgia. The study found that COVID‐19 infection increases the risk of HZ, but the COVID‐19 vaccine does not. Further study is needed to explore the association between COVID‐19 and HZ.
Genotype of dengue virus serotype 1 in relation to severe dengue in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Leng Xing‐Yu , Zhao Ling‐Zhai , Liao Lu , Jin Kang‐Hong , Feng Jia‐Min , Zhang Fu‐Chun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractGuangzhou has been the city most affected by the dengue virus (DENV) in China, with a predominance of DENV serotype 1 (DENV‐1). Viral factors such as dengue serotype and genotype are associated with severe dengue (SD). However, none of the studies have investigated the relationship between DENV‐1 genotypes and SD. To understand the association between DENV‐1 genotypes and SD, the clinical manifestations of patients infected with different genotypes were investigated. A total of 122 patients with confirmed DENV‐1 genotype infection were recruited for this study. The clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, and levels of inflammatory mediator factors were statistically analyzed to investigate the characteristics of clinical manifestations and immune response on the DENV‐1 genotype. In the case of DENV‐1 infection, the incidence of SD with genotype V infection was significantly higher than that with genotype I infection. Meanwhile, patients infected with genotype V were more common in ostealgia and bleeding significantly. In addition, levels of inflammatory mediator factors including IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐10, and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 were higher in patients with SD infected with genotype V. Meanwhile, the concentrations of regulated upon activation normal T‐cell expressed and secreted and growth‐related gene alpha were lower in patients with SD infected with genotype V. The higher incidence of SD in patients infected with DENV‐1 genotype V may be attributed to elevated cytokines and adhesion molecules, along with decreased chemokines.
Microorganisms facilitated the saline‐alkali soil remediation by biochar: Soil properties, microbial communities, and plant responses
Authors: Huang Zichen , Bian Fangyuan , Wang Zhigao , Zhu Jinru , Zhang Xiaoping , Wang Jue , Gai Xu , Zhong Zheke 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSaline‐alkali soil degradation is a significant environmental problem with a negative impact on sustainable agroforestry development. Therefore, efficient remediation methods are urgently required. A potential solution to this problem is using biochar produced from bamboo waste and inoculated with plant growth‐promoting microbes as cleaner production materials for saline‐alkali soil. The present study investigated the potential of combining biochar, microbes, and dwarf bamboo to improve saline‐alkali soil. Different application rates (1%, 3%, and 5% of soil mass) of biochar were added to coastal saline soil planted with dwarf bamboo (Pleioblastus argenteastriatus) in pot experiments. Soil physicochemical properties, microbial communities, and plant responses were systematically studied. Bamboo and microbial‐modified biochar effectively decreased soil pH and electrical conductivity and increased soil nutrient contents. Compared with untreated soil, the relative abundance of the dominant bacterial phyla Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Chloroflexi, and dominant fungal phyla Basidiomycota increased after applying biochar and modified biochar. With the increase in application concentration, the antioxidant activities of modified biochar decreased, biochar peroxidase and catalase content decreased, and the malondialdehyde content of bamboo biochar and microbial‐modified bamboo biochar decreased. The biomass of bamboo with added biochar and modified biochar was significantly higher than that of untreated soil. Comprehensive correlation and redundancy analyses showed that the bacterial and fungal communities were greatly affected by soil factors, especially soil pH, electrical conductivity, total organic carbon, potassium, and sodium ions. The findings of this study suggest that 5% bamboo biochar and 3% modified biochar benefit soil remediation, improve the stress resistance of dwarf bamboo, and enhance plant growth. Therefore, combined biochar–microbe remediation has great potential for the sustainable improvement of saline‐alkali soil.
Utilizing novel Escherichia coli‐specific conserved signature proteins for enhanced monitoring of recreational water quality
Authors: Saleem Faizan , Li Enze , Tran Kevin L. , Rudra Bashudev , Edge Thomas A. , Schellhorn Herb E. , Gupta Radhey S. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEscherichia coli serves as a proxy indicator of fecal contamination in aquatic ecosystems. However, its identification using traditional culturing methods can take up to 24 h. The application of DNA markers, such as conserved signature proteins (CSPs) genes (unique to all species/strains of a specific taxon), can form the foundation for novel polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests that unambiguously identify and detect targeted bacterial taxa of interest. This paper reports the identification of three new highly‐conserved CSPs (genes), namely YahL, YdjO, and YjfZ, which are exclusive to E. coli/Shigella. Using PCR primers based on highly conserved regions within these CSPs, we have developed quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays for the evaluation of E. coli/Shigella species in water ecosystems. Both in‐silico and experimental PCR testing confirmed the absence of sequence match when tested against other bacteria, thereby confirming 100% specificity of the tested CSPs for E. coli/Shigella. The qPCR assays for each of the three CSPs provided reliable quantification for all tested enterohaemorrhagic and environmental E. coli strains, a requirement for water testing. For recreational water samples, CSP‐based quantification showed a high correlation (r > 7, p < 0.01) with conventional viable E. coli enumeration. This indicates that novel CSP‐based qPCR assays for E. coli can serve as robust tools for monitoring water ecosystems and other critical areas, including food monitoring.