bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gut Metatranscriptomics Based De Novo Assembly Reveals Microbial Signatures Predicting Immunotherapy outcomes in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Dora David , Kiraly Peter , Somodi Csenge , Ligeti Balazs , Dulka Edit , Galffy Gabriella , Lohinai Zoltan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), presents significant treatment challenges, with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) combinations being the primary therapeutic option. Emerging evidence highlights the gut microbiome's pivotal role in modulating the efficacy of such immunotherapies. Our study aims to elucidate the association between the gut microbiome and ICI treatment outcomes in NSCLC patients, focusing on identifying metatranscriptomic (MTR) signatures predictive of therapy response.
Methods: Utilizing a De Novo Assembly-based MTR analysis on fecal samples from 29 NSCLC patients undergoing ICI therapy, the study segmented patients based on progression-free survival (PFS) into long (>6 months) and short (≤6 months) PFS groups. Through RNA sequencing, we employed the Trinity pipeline for assembly, MMSeqs2 for taxonomic classification, DESeq2 for differential expression (DE) analysis. We constructed Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) machine learning algorithms and comprehensive microbial profiles.
Results: There were significant microbial composition variances between the two PFS groups. Notably, Actinomycetota was significantly overrepresented in patients with short PFS (vs long PFS, 36.7% vs. 5.4%, p<0.001), as was Euryarchaeota (1.3% vs. 0.002%, p=0.009), while Bacillota showed higher prevalence in the long PFS group (vs short PFS, 66.2% vs. 42.3%, p=0.007). Among the 120 significant DEGs identified, cluster analysis clearly separated a large set of gene clusters more active in patients with short PFS and a smaller set of genes more active in long PFS patients. RF and SVM machine learning models confirmed the predictive validity of the microbial signatures, with ROC AUCs of 0.878 and 0.85, respectively. Furthermore, multivariate analyses incorporating clinical variables such as PD-L1 expression and chemotherapy history underscored the influence of n=6 RNA-based microbial biomarkers on PFS.
Conclusion: Using ML models, specific gut microbiome MTR signatures' associate with ICI treated NSCLC outcomes. Expression of specific gene clusters and microbial taxonomy might differentiate long vs short PFS.
Menstrual Hygiene Knowledge and Practices among Senior High School Students in the New Juabeng North Municipality of Ghana
Authors: Appiah-Agyekum Nana Nimo , Nyamekye Mary Adebi , Agbenu Ivy Akushika , Otoo Desmond Dzidzornu 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Despite menstruation being a natural and inevitable process, adolescent girls continue to face challenges with several misconceptions and myths. Despite the numerous efforts and campaigns, the clouded knowledge of individuals and unhygienic methods in managing menstruation leads to various adverse social and health outcomes. Thus, this study sought to examine knowledge and menstrual hygiene management practices among female senior high school students in the New Juaben Municipality.
Methods
A cross-sectional study using a quantitative approach to investigate the phenomenon in 2 senior high schools in the New Juaben North Municipality. A total of 557 respondents were randomly sampled for the study. Data was analyzed descriptively and presented in frequency tables, pie, and bar charts.
Results
Overall, 61.22% of respondents had good knowledge, 21.36% exhibited moderate knowledge and 17.41% showed poor knowledge on menstrual hygiene management. The commonest sources of information were teachers (301), mothers (236) and friends (210). About 57% adopted good menstrual hygiene practices while 43% engaged in poor practices. Disposable sanitary pads (97.44%) were the most widely used sanitary material. Most of the students (296) burn their used sanitary pads when at home but disposed them into bins when at school (261).
Conclusion
Considering the sensitive nature of menstruation, any small knowledge gap translates to a gap in optimal health and social acceptance which influences education. Stakeholders should provide training as part of the educational curriculum to improve knowledge and provide a conducive environment to foster good practices.
Impact of adoption of hydroponic fodder production on pastoralist households’ income in Borena, Ethiopia
Authors: Bedeke Sisay Bedeke , Melkato Tagese , Dejene Melisew , Fentaw Tenaw 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study assesses the adoption of hydroponic fodder production practice and how the adoption impacts pastoralist household income in Borena, Ethiopia. A total of 211 pastoralist households were surveyed and interviewed to collect quantitative data. The data were analysed using econometric models, i.e., binary logistic regression model for adoption, the impacts of adopting hydroponic fodder were evaluated using propensity score matching (PSM), and descriptive statistics. The results of the binary logistic regression model showed that the probability of adopting hydroponic fodder was positively and significantly influenced by gender of the household head, herd size, frequency of contacts by development agents, educational level, participation in training on hydroponic fodder production, and pastoral cooperative membership. However, the possibility of hydroponic fodder being adopted was significantly and negatively impacted by the use of credit services. The PSM score suggested that, in comparison to the control groups, the adoption of hydroponic fodder significantly impacted income of the treatment households. Based on the findings of the study, we recommend that the government and interested parties need to concentrate on raising herd size, increasing the provision of education and the frequency of visit by pastoral development agents, training towards promoting cooperative membership, and raising awareness of local credit use. Overall,, the findings suggested that hydroponic fodder productions have a significant positive impact on pastoral households’ ability to generate additional income.
Genome-resolved biogeography of Phaeocystales, cosmopolitan bloom-forming algae
Authors: Allen Andrew , Füssy Zoltán , Lampe Robert , Arrigo Kevin , Barry Kerrie , Brisbin Margaret Mars , Brussaard Corina , Decelle Johan , De Vargas Colomban , Elbourne Liam , Frischer Marc , Goodstein David , Grigoriev Igor , Hayes Richard , Healey Adam , James Chase , Jenkins Jerry , Juery Caroline , Kumar Manish , Kustka Adam , Maumus Florian , Oborník Miroslav , Paulsen Ian , Probert Ian , Saito Mak , Schmutz Jeremy , Skalický Tomáš , Tec-Campos Diego , Tomelka Hannah , Vanclová Anna Novák , Věchtová Pavlína , Wilson-Mortier Brendan , Zengler Karsten , Zheng Hong , DiTullio Giacomo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Phaeocystis is a genus of nanoplanktonic haptophytes, prevalent in all of the world’s oceans. At least three Phaeocystis species form large mucilaginous colonies that contribute to high-biomass blooms, making them major players in biogeochemical cycles, especially of carbon and sulfur. To investigate the ecological success of these primary producers, we assembled genomic data for thirteen Phaeocystis strains and annotated three with the highest contiguity. Using these data and additional metagenome-assembled genomes, we present a robust phylogeny for Phaeocystis and their sister clade, identifying several undescribed but abundant lineages. We distinguish two major ecological distribution patterns, cosmopolitan and polar, with fine-tuned preferences for nutrients, temperature, and motility. The gene repertoires of three annotated Phaeocystis reference genomes reflect a unique strategy of gene expansion among algae: repetitive elements, horizontal gene transfer, and full-length endogenous virus insertions. Phaeocystales thus emerge as an ecologically versatile group with diverse adaptations to biotic and abiotic stressors.
Lung protective effect of ulinastatin combined with alveolar recruitment maneuvers in children with right vertical infra-axillary thoracotomy for repair of atrioventricular septal defect
Authors: Zhang Liang , Wang Chengbin , He Chen , Wang Xiaonan , Lin Lin , Ma Jun 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate whether repeated lung recruitment combined with ulinastatin provides enhanced respiratory compliance and lung oxygenation in children who have undergone the correction of various congenital heart defects through right vertical infra-axillary thoracotomy (RVIAT). All eligible children were those with a common congenital heart defect corrected via an approach through RVIAT. 78 children were randomly classified into four groups: In group A (n = 20), immediately after the end of cardiopulmonary bypass, alveolar recruitment maneuver (ARM) was achieved. In group U (n = 20), children in whom ulinastatin (10,000 U/kg followed by 5,000 U/kg/h) was administered. In group U + A (n = 19), children were intravenously infused with ulinastatin and alveolar recruitment maneuver. And in group C (n = 19) did not accept any additional interventions during surgery. The ARM group tolerated open lung ventilation without significant hemodynamic instability. Compared to controls, intraoperative PaO2, PaO2/FiO2 and oxygen saturation improved in the group A (P<0.05) and group U showed a significantly lower IL-6 (P<0.05). In addition, group A, group U and group A + U had a lower incidence of lung injury and lung atelectasis than Group C after post-CPB time points. Our findings provide some insight that the application of ARM and ulinastatin could effectively provide a better oxygenation profile and pulmonary complication in children with a common congenital heart defect corrected via an approach through RVIAT.
Appropriate Use of Vancomycin in a Cardiac Surgical Unit
Authors: Mekdad Sanaa , sayed Leenah Al , Alkhalaif Suzan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance is a quickly growing problem, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and VRE are major worries, particularly in developing nations where cost-effectiveness is . Vancomycin usage needs to be controlled to avoid the growth of organisms that are resistant to it. Examining the appropriateness rate of vancomycin use in light of the recommendations of theInfectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) in the cardiac surgery ward was the aim of this study.
Methodology: The study was performed retrospectively. Medical records of patients in cardiac wards treated with vancomycin for the past year were identified and selected.
Results: Overall, 294 patients were treated with vancomycin. Appropriate use of vancomycin was higher than inappropriate use (p = 0.001). Approximately 41 % (n = 120 ) of patients were given vancomycin for treatment, whereas the rest were given it empirically. Appropriate use of vancomycin was observed in 89.1 % (n =262 ) of patients. However, there was still a high rate of inappropriate vancomycin use (n = 32 , 10.9 %). The most common reason for inappropriate use was continuing to use beyond 72 hours without further evidence of Gram-positive infection. (n = 20 , 62.5 %) of all inappropriate.
Conclusions: According to this study, 10.1% of the Vancomycin that was prescribed to our cardiac surgery patients was inappropriate.
Improving photophysical properties and hydrophily of conjugated polymers simultaneously by side-chain modification for near-infrared cell imaging
Authors: Zhou Min , Wang Fenglei , Jin Yongdong , Chen Shanyong , Xia Chuanqin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Conjugated polymers (CPs)-based near-infrared phototheranostics are receiving increasing attention due to their high molar extinction coefficient, wide emission wavelength, easy preparation and excellent biocompatibility. Herein, several new conjugated polymers with D2-D1-A structures were easily prepared through one-pot coupling using triphenylamine as well as thiophenes as electron donors and benzothiadiazole as electron acceptors. Interesting, their optical performance and power conversion efficiency could be tuned by side chains on thiophenes (D1). The introduction of ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy) into D1 as side chain significantly improves fluorescence imaging brightness, photothermal conversion efficiency and hydrophilicity, and extends emission wavelength, which are beneficial for phototheranostic. The side chain modification provides new opportunity to design efficient phototheranostics without construction new fluorescent skeletons.
Physicochemical properties and meat quality of free-range chicken depending on sex
Authors: Liu Xu , Yang Hang , Cao Jiayi , He Changqing , Qu Xiangyong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

There is an increasing interest in free-range poultry with the increasing focus on animal welfare. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of sex on physicochemical traits, chemical composition, muscle fibers, mineral, amino acids and fatty acids contents in muscle of free-range Dong’an chicken (DAC). Thirty-two (16 males and 16 females) DACs were raised under the same conditions and slaughtered at 28 weeks of age. Males had a higher (p < 0.05) pH45min, redness value, and lower (p < 0.05) water loss rate, crude fat, and crude ash when compared with females in breast muscle. Males presented a higher (p < 0.05) cooking loss, moisture, muscle fiber density, and amino acid (Gly, Ala, Pro) contents, and lower (p < 0.05) yellowness value and crude fat in thigh muscle. The sex of DAC significantly affected (p < 0.05) the contents of C14:0, C18:0, C18:1, C20:3n6, and C22:6n. The crude fat and monounsaturated fatty acids contents in breast and thigh muscles of females were higher (p < 0.05) than that of males. The results of this study are a valuable contribution to describing the quality and nutritional composition of indigenous breeds of yellow-feathered broilers in free-range system.
Effects of additional oral theophylline with inhaled therapy in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Qiang , Tang Pingxiu , Zhang Xunyan , Zhang Peng 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The rationale for additional treatment of oral theophylline with inhaled therapy in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is unclear. The databases including The Cochrane LibraryཤPubMedཤEmbase and Web of Science were searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving the inhaled therapy plus additional theophylline therapy for the treatment of patients with stable COPD up to December 31, 2023. The forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)ཤforced expiratory volume in 1s% predicted (FEV1% pred)ཤforced vital capacity (FVC)ཤFEV1/FVC%ཤpeak expiratory flow rate(PEFR)ཤexacerbations rate of COPDཤCOPD related hospital admissionsཤtotal symptom score and drug-related adverse reactions were extracted from literatures and the meta-analysis was conducted using the RevMan 5.4 software. 10 RCTs involving 2771 patients were included. The meta-analysis results showed that additional theophylline improved FEV1 with MD 0.08 (95% CI: 0.06 to 0.09, p < 0.00001)ཤFVC with MD 0.13 (95% CI: 0.10 to 0.15, p < 0.00001), reduce the risk of exacerbations rate with OR 0.75 (95% CI: 0.60 to 0.94, p = 0.01) and COPD related hospital admissions with MD -0.07 (95% CI: -0.13 to -0.01, p = 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in FEV1% pred with MD 0.45 (95% CI: -1.41 to 2.30, p = 0.64)ཤFEV1/FVC% MD -0.24 (95% CI: -3.26 to 2.79, p = 0.88) and total symptom score with MD -0.03 (95% CI: -0.14 to 0.09, p = 0.65). Furthermore, additional theophylline therapy induced a high incidence of drug-related adverse reactions with OR 1.33 (95% CI: 1.12 to 1.58, p = 0.001), especially in gastrointestinal adverse reactions. Oral theophylline could be a supplementary therapeutic option when inhaled therapy is insufficient regarding of improvement in pulmonary function and reducing in exacerbations risk. However, the drug-related adverse reactions should be concerned.
Quality and Safety in Prehospital Airway Management – Retrospective Analysis of 18.000 Cases from an Air Rescue Database in Germany
Authors: LORENZEN Ulf , MARUNG Hartwig , EIMER Christine , KÖSER Andrea , SEEWALD Stephan , RUDOLPH Marcus , REIFFERSCHEID Florian 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Prehospital airway management remains crucial with regards to the quality and safety of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) systems worldwide. In 2007, the benchmark study by Timmermann et al. hit the German EMS community hard by revealing a significant rate of undetected oesophageal intubations leading to an often-fatal outcome. In the meantime, much attention has been given to guideline development and training. This study evaluates the incidence and special circumstances of tube misplacement as an adverse peri-intubation event from a Helicopter Emergency Medical Services perspective.
Methods
Retrospective analysis of a German air rescue service database from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2020. All registered patients were included into the primary analysis. Results were analyzed using SPSS 27.0.1.0..
Results
Out of 227459 emergency medical responses, a total of 18087 (8.0%) involved invasive airway management. In 8141 (45.0%) of these, airway management devices had been used by ground-based EMS staff with an intubation rate of 96.6% (n = 7861) and use of alternative airways in 3.2% (n = 285). Overall endotracheal intubation success was 94.7% while adverse events in the form of tube misplacement were present in 5.3% with a 1.2% rate of undetected oesophageal intubation. Airway management failure occurred more often after intubation carried out by paramedics (10.4%). In view of special circumstances, those errors occurred more often in the presence of trauma or cardiopulmonary resuscitation with a rate of 5.6% and 6.4%, respectively. Difficult airway with a Cormack 4 status was present in 2.1% (n = 213) of HEMS cases accompanied by three or more intubation attempts in 5.2% (n = 11).
Conclusions
Prehospital airway management success has improved significantly over the last years. However, adverse peri-intubation events such as undetected oesophageal intubation remain a persistent threat with regards to patient safety.
Evolution and Application of Groups of Trajectory Sets
Authors: Schwenkreis Friedemann 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The work presented in this paper continues a previous approach to automatically detect tactics based on spatio-temporal data in the context of team handball. It will be shown how the availability of more data allows to verify the principal approach. However, it will also be shown, that the previous approach for choosing parameters of the applied methods was suboptimal and an application-oriented approach based on heuristics helps to improve the results significantly.
Like in case of the previous publication, it is important to realize that the combination of two methods is used as a substitute for a classification approach which would usually be used in the given application scenario. However, there is currently no means to generate the necessary training data which results in the need to apply descriptive methods like clustering and the search for frequent itemsets. The latter is needed because there is no sensible notion of distance for sets of trajectories.
Molecular dynamics assisted analysis on improved free radical removal ability of fullerene(C60)-curcumin aggregate
Authors: Houze Zhang , Dongsheng Bai , Wei Zhou 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The self-aggregation of curcumin (Cur) on the surface of fullerene (C60) was induced by ultrasonic solvent exchange method. Associating the characterization results of infrared spectrum, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy, the molecular structure and morphology of two components in the aggregate (C60/Cur) were determined unchanged essentially. By analyzing the dependence of related cosmetic effects on the aggregating ratio of C60 and Cur, the monolayer saturation was found advantageous to improve the amphiphilicity and oxidation resistance. Especially, C60/Cur showed a better performance to eliminate free radicals compared to counterpart of simply mixing C60 and curcumin. Based on molecular dynamics simulations of the Forte module, the self-aggregation is proposed occurring through π-π stacking interactions between the benzene ring from curcumin and the spherical π bond of C60, and a molecular configuration was offered for displaying the optimal spatial arrangement of C60/Cur. Furthermore, the Mulliken charges on the phenolic hydroxyl groups of the curcumin molecules with original and aggregated state were calculated respectively using Gaussian software, and the charge values were found to transfer from negative to positive due to the aggregating. The dispersion of the electron cloud on the benzene ring was recognized responsible to enhance the electron absorption capacity of the phenolic hydroxyl group, thereby improving free radical removal ability of C60/Cur.
Resurgence of Clinical Malaria in Ethiopia in the Era of Anopheles stephensi Invasion
Authors: Zhou Guofa , Taffese Hiwot S. , Zhong Daibin , Wang Xiaoming , Lee Ming-Chieh , Degefa Teshome , Getachew Dejene , Haileselassie Werissaw , Hawaria Dawit , Yewhalaw Delenasaw , Yan Guiyun 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background. The invasion of Anopheles stephensi into Africa poses a potential threat to malaria control and elimination on the continent. However, it is not clear if the recent malaria resurgence in Ethiopia has linked to the expansion of An. stephensi. We aimed to summarize the major achievements and lesson learnt in malaria control in Ethiopia from 2001 to 2022, to assess the new challenges and prospects for the control of An. stephensi.
Methods and findings. We obtained the clinical malaria case reports, antimalarial drug treatment records, insecticide-treated and long-lasting insecticidal net (ITN/LLIN) distribution and utilization records, and indoor residual spraying (IRS) coverage data from the Ethiopian Ministry of Health (MoH) for the period 2001–2022. We analyzed clinical malaria hotspots using spatially optimized hotspot analysis. We investigated malaria outbreaks in 2022 and examined the potential role of An. stephensi in the outbreaks.
Clinical malaria cases in Ethiopia decreased by 80%, from 5.2 million cases (11% confirmed) in 2004 to 1.0 million cases (92% confirmed) in 2018; however, cases increased steadily to 2.6 million confirmed cases (98% confirmed) in 2022. Plasmodium vivax cases and proportion have increased significantly in the past 5 years. Clinical malaria hotspots are concentrated along the western Ethiopian border areas and have grown significantly from 2017 to 2022. Major malaria outbreaks in 2022/23 were detected in multiple sites across Ethiopia, and An. stephensi was the predominant vector in some of these sites, however, it was absence from many of the outbreak sites.
Conclusions. The malaria burden has been significantly reduced in Ethiopia in the past two decades, but in recent years it has increased substantially, and the cause of such increase is a subject of further investigation. Major gaps exist in An. stephensi research, including vector ecology, surveillance, and control tools, especially for adult mosquito control.