bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AlgaeOrtho, a bioinformatics tool for processing ortholog inference results in algae
Authors: LaPorte Mary-Francis , Arora Neha , Clark Struan , Nag Ambarish 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Microalgae constitute a prominent feedstock for producing biofuels and biochemicals by virtue of their prolific reproduction, high bioproduct accumulation, and the ability to grow in brackish and saline water. However, naturally-occurring wild type algal strains are rarely optimal for industrial use. Bioengineering of algae is necessary to generate superior performing strains that can address production challenges in industrial settings, particularly the bioenergy and bioproduct sectors. One of the crucial steps in this process is deciding on a bioengineering target: namely, which gene/protein to differentially express. These targets are often orthologs which are defined as genes/proteins originating in a common ancestor in divergent species. Although bioinformatics tools for the identification of protein orthologs already exist, processing the output from such tools is non-trivial, especially for a researcher with little or no bioinformatics experience.
Results: The present study introduces AlgaeOrtho, a user-friendly tool that builds upon the SonicParanoid orthology inference tool and the PhycoCosm database from JGI (Joint Genome Institute) to help researchers identify orthologs of their proteins of interest in multiple diverse algal species. This tool includes an application with a user interface, to upload an ortholog protein group file (created using SonicParanoid), and a query file that includes their protein sequence(s) of interest in the FASTA format. The output generates a table of the putative orthologs of their protein of interest, a heatmap showing sequence similarity (%), and a tree of the putative protein orthologs. Notably, the tool would be instrumental in identifying novel bioengineering targets in different algal strains, including targets in not-fully-annotated algal species, since it does not depend on existing protein annotations.
Conclusions: We tested AlgaeOrtho using two case studies, for which orthologs of proteins relevant to bioengineering targets were identified from a range of algal species, demonstrating its ease of use and utility for bioengineering researchers. This tool is unique in the protein ortholog identification space as it can visualize putative orthologs, as desired by the user, across several algal species.
The Contribution of E3D Imaging Integrated with Robotic Navigation. Analysis of the First 80 Consecutive Posterior Spinal Fusion Cases.
Authors: Stewart Jeffrey J. , Asdourian Paul L. , Moatz Bradley M. , Soda Mosope T. , Lemma Mesfin A. , Brooks Daina M. , McAfee Paul C. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Eighty consecutive complex spinal robotic cases utilizing intraoperative 3D CT imaging (E3D, Group 2) were compared to 80 age -matched controls using the Excelsius robot alone with C-arm Fluoroscopic registration (Robot Only, Group 1). The demographics between the two groups were similar—severity of deformity, ASA Score for general anesthesia, patient age, gender, number of spinal levels instrumented, number of patients with prior spinal surgery, and amount of neurologic compression. The intraoperative CT scanning added several objective factors improving patient safety. There were significantly fewer complications in the E3D group with only 3 of 80 (4%) patients requiring a return to the operating room compared to 11 of 80 (14%) patients in the Robot Only Group requiring repeat surgery for implant related problems (Chi squared analysis = 5.00, p = 0.025). There was a significant reduction the amount of fluoroscopy time in the E3D Group (36 seconds, range 4 to 102 seconds) compared to Robot only group (51 seconds, range 15 to 160 seconds) (p = 0.0001). There was also shorter mean operative time in the E3D group (257 +/- 59.5 minutes) compared to the robot only group (306 ± 73.8 minutes) due to much faster registration time (45 seconds). A longer registration time was required in the Robot only group to register each vertebral level with AP and Lateral fluoroscopy shots. The estimated blood loss was also significantly lower in Group 1 (mean 345 ± 225 ml) vs Group 2 (474 ± 397 ml) (p = 0.012). The mean hospital length of stay was also significantly shorter for Group 1 (3.77 ± 1.86 days) compared to Group 2 (5.16 ± 3.40) (p = 0.022). There was no significant difference in the number of interbody implants nor corrective osteotomies in both groups—Robot only 52 cases vs. 42 cases in E3D group. Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective review
Association of dairy intake with premature coronary artery disease development: Result of Iran Premature Coronary Artery Disease (IPAD) Study
Authors: Mohammadifard Noushin , Asadi Ali , Zarepur Ehsan , Paknahad Mohammad Hossein , Khosravi Alireza , Hassannejad Razieh , Kermani-Alghoraishi Mohammad , Sarrafzadegan Nizal 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Evidence has argued about the association between dairy intake and premature coronary artery disease (PCAD) development aimed to be discussed in this study.
Methods
This case-control study was conducted on 813 individuals with PCAD and 471 healthy controls. The diary intake of participants was assessed by a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Binary and ordinal logistic regression was applied to determine the association of dairy intake with PCAD and its severity, respectively.
Results
Compared to the first quartile, the highest quartile of total dairy consumption was associated with an increased risk of PCAD [ Odds ratio (OR):1.56; 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.13, 2.14; P = 0.008] in the crude model. It was strengthened after full adjustment [OR: 2.44, 95% CI; 1.50,3.97; P < 0.001]. Both low-fat and high-fat dairy intake revealed no association with the risk of PCAD in the crude model. However, in the fully adjusted model, respectively highest quartile of high-fat and low-fat dairy intake had a relationship with a higher risk of SCAD. [(OR:1.68; 95%CI: 1.05,2.69; P-value for trend = 0.011) and (OR:1.99; 95%CI: 1.20,3.27; P-value for trend = 0.005). After adjustment for potential confounders, the most frequent intake of high-fat dairy was related to increased severity of PCAD (OR:1.84; 95%CI: 1.27,2.68), but not for total and low-fat dairy intake (OR:0.98; 95%CI: 0.67,1.44 and OR: 0.74; 0.51,1.07; respectively).
Conclusion
Dairy consumption regardless of its fat content was associated with increased risk for PCAD. The severe atherosclerotic manifestations in the coronary arteries were only associated with higher intake of high-fat dairy.
Evaluating the tolerability and acceptability of a locally produced alcohol-based handrub and hand hygiene behaviour among health workers in Sierra Leone: a hospital-based longitudinal intervention study
Authors: Fofanah Bobson Derrick , Kamara Ibrahim Franklyn , Kallon Christiana , Kamara Rugiatu , Nuwagira Innocent , Musoke Robert , Tengbe Sia Morenike , Lakoh Sulaiman , Korji Mustapha , Sheriff Bockarie , Maruta Anna , Katawera Victoria , Kamara Abibatu , Hailu Binyam Getachew , Kanu Joseph Sam , Makamure Tendai , Njuguna Charles , Kabego Landry 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Alcohol-based handrub (ABHR) is the gold standard for hand hygiene (HH) which is a cornerstone of infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies. However, several factors influence the efficient use of ABHR by health workers. This study evaluated the tolerability and acceptability of a locally produced ABHR product and HH behaviour among health workers.
Methods
A hospital-based, longitudinal, interventional study was conducted, adhering to WHO's standardized protocol for evaluating ABHR tolerability and acceptability (Method 1). 60 health workers across 4 hospitals in Sierra Leone were observed over a 30-days period on three separate visits (Day 1, 3–5, and 30) by trained observers. The outcomes of interest included skin tolerability, product acceptability, and HH practice evaluated using subjective and objective measures.
Results
Objective and subjective evaluations demonstrated strong skin tolerability and high satisfaction with the product. On all three visits, the skin tolerability score assessed by trained observers was < 2 in ≥ 97% of participants, exceeding the WHO benchmark score (BMS = < 2 in ≥ 75%). Participants' self-evaluation on overall skin integrity showed 97% (visit 2) and 98% (visit 3) for scores > 4 (BMS = > 4 in ≥ 75%). Primary acceptability criteria increased up to 95% (colour) and 88% (smell) in visit 3 (BMS = > 4 in ≥ 50%). Despite high acceptability, the product's drying effect remained low at 52% and 58% during visits 2&3 respectively (BMS = > 4 in ≥ 75%). There were positive HH behaviours (n = 53, 88%) with more than half (n = 38, 63%) of them performing HH in almost every HH moment. The mean consumption of ABHR was notably high (76.1ml, SD ± 35), especially among nurses (mean = 80.1ml) and doctors (mean = 74.0ml).
Conclusion
The WHO-formulated, locally produced ABHR was well tolerated and accepted by health workers. These findings support the continuous utilization of evidence-based, cost-effective hand hygiene interventions in resource-limited settings. High handrub consumption and frequent HH practices were noticeable HH behaviours, while forgetfulness and time constraints were major barriers to HH performance. Further research is recommended to optimize product formulation for skin dryness and investigate the association between ABHR consumption and hand hygiene compliance.
Comparative Analysis of ERCP and PTBD for Biliary Interventions for Readmission Rates and Patient Outcomes
Authors: Wang Daniel , Chang Patrick , Tintara Supisara , Chang Frederick , Phan Jennifer 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) are interventions used to relieve biliary obstruction. The utility of ERCP compared to PTBD is not fully understood from a utilization outcome standpoint. Our study compares readmission rates and hospitalization outcomes in ERCP and PTBD.
Methods
Using the National Readmission Database (NRD) 2016–2020, we identified all patients with an ERCP or PTBD completed during admission. The study cohort was first analyzed by three weighted study arms including those admitted with cholangitis, biliary/pancreatic malignancy, and choledocholithiasis. Second, we analyzed the cohort by a 1:1, unweighted propensity match. Primary outcome was 30 day, 90 day, and 6 month readmission. Secondary outcomes were readmission/overall mortality, cost, and length of stay. Outcomes were analyzed using multivariate analysis.
Results
A total of 621,735 admissions were identified associated with 589,796 ERCP and 31,939 PTBD. In the propensity matched cohort, PTBD had a higher readmission rate at 30 days (20.38% vs 13.71% p < 0.0001), 90 days (14.63% vs 13.14%, p < 0.0001), but lower rate at 6 months (8.50% vs 9.67%, p = 0.0003). Secondary outcomes included increased PTBD-associated hospital length of stay (9.01 days vs 6.74 days, p < 0.0001), hospitalization cost ($106,947.97 vs $97602.25, p < 0.0001), and overall mortality (6.86% vs 4.35%, p < 0.0001). No major differences were found for mortality among readmissions at 30 days (7.19% vs 6.88%, p = 0.5382), 90 day (6.82% vs 6.51%, p = 0.5612), and 6 months (5.08% vs 5.91%, p = 0.1744).
Conclusions
Although both ERCP and PTBD had no major differences in mortality among readmissions, patients who had ERCP had lower readmission rates, length of stay, and overall mortality. While ERCP may be associated with a health systems benefit in routine indications, a multi-disciplinary approach may be of benefit for complex cases.
An Experimental evaluation of acute toxicity of Sodium Chloride against Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) larvae
Authors: sandhu komalpreet kaur , Singh Sujata 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The prevalence of dengue, one of the most important mosquito-borne diseases, has increased more than eight-fold during the past two decades. The primary and most prevalent mosquito vector, Aedes aegypti L., is responsible for spreading viruses that cause dengue and other harmful diseases. Control of vectors is of particular concern to block dengue transmission. Different chemical measures used for vector control caused various environmental issues, mosquito resistance, resurgence, harmful impacts on non-target organisms increased attention towards cost-effective and environment-friendly control measures. Hence, the present study aimed to check the larvicidal potential of Sodium Chloride (NaCl) and examined its acute toxicity against 4th instar larvae of Ae. aegypti.Acute toxicity tests were conducted as per WHO guidelines. Different NaCl concentrations i.e., 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5% and 3.0% were prepared using pure NaCl along with distilled water. Larvicidal activity was assessed and toxicity values were computed using Log-Probit Method. Several morphological and behavioral alterations in treated Ae. aegypti larvae were also observed. Sixty percent larvae of Ae. aegypti died after exposing to 1.5% NaCl concentrations within 48 hours and larval mortality significantly increased up to ninety-seven and hundred percent after treatment with more than 2% NaCl solution within 24 and 48 hours respectively. Various ruptures were observed in abdomen and anal papillae along with abnormal behaviour in the treated larvae. Our study concluded that Sodium Chloride can be used as an effective and safe intervention in mosquito control programmes due to its easy availability and less toxicity.
Allogeneic ovarian transplantation promotes the recovery of ovarian function in a rat model of cisplatin-induced premature ovarian failure
Authors: Hao lin , Jia Qiucheng , Tian Nana , tang Huimin , Liu Gaoyuan , Li Yachai , Geng Min , Chen Wanying , Chen Jiming , Cai Zhihui 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the effects of different sites of allogeneic ovarian transplantation on the recovery of ovarian function in the rat model of premature ovarian failure, and to evaluate its clinical value in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced ovarian dysfunction.
Methods
Thirty 2-month-old female SD rats of SPF grade were randomly divided into five groups, and both ovaries in the model group were treated with cisplatin (11 mg/kg) for modelling. After successful modelling, another 18 rats were taken as donor rats: group A was the control group, group B was the model group and group CDE was the experimental group. Ovary transplantation was performed using muscle, subcutaneous and renal peritoneum, respectively, and the rats were monitored for their general condition, estrous cycle and serum hormone levels after surgery. At the end of the observation period, the rats were executed and follicular development was observed.
Results
After 14 days of xenotransplantation, the general condition of the rats in the experimental group was better than that of the model group. Serum E2 and AMH levels were significantly higher than those in the model group (P = 0.000), and FSH levels were significantly lower than those in the control group (P = 0.000).
Conclusion
Cisplatin can be used to successfully establish the rat POF model; the three transplantation sites (muscle, subcutaneous and renal peritoneum) selected in this experiment can make the transplanted ovarian tissue survive and successfully restore the endocrine function of the body, and the effect of which showed no significant difference.
Glucose metabolism outcomes after pituitary surgery in patients with acromegaly
Authors: Pascual-Corrales Eider , Biagetti Betina , Marazuela Mónica , Asensio-Wandosel Diego , Berrocal Víctor Rodríguez , Echarri Ana Irigaray , Novo-Rodríguez Cristina , Calatayud María , Bernabéu Ignacio , Alvarez-Escola Cristina , Tenorio-Jiménez Carmen , Molero Inmaculada González , Iglesias Pedro , Blanco Concepción , Miguel Paz , Mezquita Elena López , Lamas Cristina , Aulinas Anna , Gracia Paola , Recio-Córdova José María , Sampedro-Nuñez Miguel , Paja Miguel , Rodríguez María Dolores Moure , Fajardo-Montañana Carmen , Cordido Fernando , Torre Edelmiro Menéndez , Percovich Juan Carlos , García-Centeno Rogelio , Cámara Rosa , Hanzu Felicia Alexandra , Delgado Almudena Vicente , Fernández Laura González , Guerrero-Pérez Fernando , García-Agulló María Dolores Ollero , Novoa-Testa Iría , Villar-Taibo Rocío , Valderrama Pamela Benítez , Galiana Pablo Abellán , Moreno Eva Venegas , De Lara Fernando Vidal-Ostos , Enseñat Joaquim , Aznar Silvia , Asla Queralt , Aviles Mariola , Puig-Domingo Manel , Araujo-Castro Marta 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the impact of pituitary surgery on glucose metabolism and to identify predictors of remission of diabetes after pituitary surgery in patients with acromegaly.
Methods: A national multicenter retrospective study of patients with acromegaly undergoing transsphenoidal surgery for the first time at 33 tertiary Spanish hospitals (ACRO-SPAIN study) was performed. Surgical remission of acromegaly was evaluated according to the 2000 and 2010 criteria.
Results: A total of 604 acromegaly patients were included in the study with a total median follow up of 91 months (interquartile range [IQR] 45-163). At the acromegaly diagnosis, 23.8% of the patients had type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with a median glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of 6.9% (IQR 6.4-7.9). In the multivariate analysis, older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.02, 95% CI 1.00-1.05), dyslipidemia (OR 5.25, 95% CI 2.81 to 9.79), artropathy (OR 1.39, 95% CI 2.82 to 9.79), and higher IGF-1 levels (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.60) were associated with a greater prevalence of T2DM. At the last follow-up visit after surgery, 21.1% of the T2DM patients (56.7% of them with surgical remission of acromegaly) experienced diabetes remission. The cure rate of T2DM was more common in older patients (hazard ratio [HR] 1.77, 95% CI 1.31 to 2.43), when surgical cure was achieved (HR 2.10, 95% CI 1.01 to 4.37) and when anterior pituitary function was not affected after surgery (HR 3.38, 95% CI 1.17 to 9.75).
Conclusion: Glucose metabolism improved in patients with acromegaly after surgery and 21% of the diabetic patients experienced diabetes remission; being more frequent in patients of older age, and those who experienced surgical cure and those with preserved anterior pituitary function after surgery.
Smallholder Farmers Perception of Climate Change Trends in Ethiopia’s Upper Blue Nile Basin: Implication for Adaptation Strategies
Authors: Berhanu Assefa A. , Ayele Zewdu B. , Dagnew Dessalegn C. , Fenta Abeje B. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Climate change poses significant global threats, particularly for Sub-Saharan African countries such as Ethiopia. This research aimed to comprehensively evaluate climatic trends, smallholder farmers' perceptions of climate change and variability, the factors shaping these perceptions, and their implications for climate change adaptation strategies. To achieve this, data were collected from 646 randomly selected participants using a multi-stage random sampling method, alongside focus group discussions and interviews with key informants. Temperature data were sourced from the Google Earth platform "IDAHO_EPSCOR/TERRACLIMATE" website, while daily rainfall data were obtained from the "UCSB-CHG/CHIRPS/DAILY" website. Statistical analyses, including a modified Mann-Kendall test and Sen's Slope Estimator, were utilized to examine temperature and rainfall patterns. A probit model was employed to assess farmers' perceptions of climate change. The findings revealed a consistent annual rise in mean temperature across all three agroecologies (highland, lowland, and midland) in the region, with respective increases of 0.023°C, 0.020°C, and 0.024°C. Similarly, rainfall trends exhibited an increase of 2.37 mm/year, 2.18 mm/year, and 1.52 mm/year for the highland, lowland, and midland agroecologies, respectively. While most smallholder farmers perceived climate change in terms of rising temperatures, a notable disparity emerged between their perceptions of rainfall patterns and actual rainfall data. Critical factors influencing farmers' perceptions included livelihood diversity, land ownership, and access to climate information and training. The study emphasizes the significance of enhancing access to accurate climate information and promoting climate-smart agricultural practices among farmers across all agroecologies. Integration of climate change awareness campaigns into existing programs, with specific focus on landless farmers and those with limited livelihood options, is recommended
Gene Action and Combining Ability Estimation in Elite Sorghum [sorghum Bicolor (L) Moench] Inbred Lines in Dry Lowland Areas of Ethiopia
Authors: Begna Temesgen , Birhan Techale , Mindaye Taye 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The success of a plant-breeding program greatly depends on the right choice of parents for hybridization and the gene action of different economic traits. Genetic variation is a key component in broadening gene pools in any given crop population and is critical to the success of yield improvement programs. However, limited genetic variation and a lack of potential parents and hybrids are the most limiting factors for improving sorghum in moisture-stressed areas.Therefore, this study was conducted to estimate the combining abilities and determine the gene action governing the quantitative traits for yield and its components using a line x tester mating design. The experimental materials consisted of fifteen parents along with their twenty-six hybrids and one standard check. The experiment was performedusing an alpha lattice design with two replications at Mieso and Kobo during the main cropping season of 2019. For all of the traits studied, the combined analysis of variance indicated highly significant variations due to genotype, indicating the presence of considerable genetic variation among genotypes. Inbred lines 3 and 4 were selected as the best general combiners for both days to flowering and plant height traits, while inbred lines 2 and 7 were identified as the best general combiners for stay green traits based on general combining ability analysis. Thousand-seed weight was greatest for general combiners in inbred lines 6, 10 and 12. The hybrid crosses 4x14, 8x15 and 11x14 were identified as the best specific combiners for grain yield, while the hybrid 1x15 was the mostspecific combiner for days to flowering, days to maturity, panicle length, panicle width and thousand-seed weight. The estimates of general and specific combining ability revealed the preponderance of nonadditivegene action since the ratio of general combining ability to specific combining ability was less than unity for all the traits under study except for plant height. Eventually, Inbred lines 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 and hybrid crosses 4x14, 8x15, 1x15, 11x14, 11x15, 13x14, and 6x15 were found to be the most promising and potential genotypes that could be exploited commercially after critical evaluation for superiority and yield stability across locations over the years, based on combining ability estimates and the nature of gene action for grain yield and its components.