bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring community health systems interventions that strength implementation of maternal and child health services: The case of community health assistants in Zambia
Authors: Akinola Olatubosun , Banda Nelia , Silumbwe Adam , Mulubwa Chama , Chavula Malizgani Paul , Shakwelele Hilda , Chila Sylvia , Zulu Joseph Mumba 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Many low-and middle-income countries, including Zambia experience human resource for health challenges, which affect the delivery of maternal and child health (MCH) services. The Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) in collaboration with Ministry of Health in Zambia through its community health systems (CHS) initiative provided additional support to the Community Health Assistants (CHA) programme from 2019 to 2021 to enhance provision of MCH services. In this study, we explore the different interventions that influenced the CHA’s ability to deliver MCH the services.
Methodology: The study was conducted in November and December 2021 using data from the HealthManagement Information System (HMIS) and qualitative interviews with the CHA and program staff. A total of 244 qualitative interviews were conducted in 10 provinces and 2,506 respondents participated in quantitative interviews. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis while for quantitative data we used descriptive statistics.
Results: The HMIS data showed that health facilities that had CHAs performed better than those without. Survey data further indicated that health facilities where CHAs had worked for two or more years recorded better access to MCH services compared those where CHAs had only worked for a year. The CHS strengthening interventions including provision of training manuals, enhanced recruitment and deployment policies, capacity building of CHA supervisors, provision of transport and monthly remuneration to some CHAs contributed to improved delivery and acceptability of MCH services. Further, the involvement of community networks, linkages and partnerships when delivering these services, including the traditional and religious leaders contributed to improved delivery, coverage and acceptability of MCH services. Meanwhile, health systems barriers such as limited supplies in some health facilities, shortage of health workers, persistent transportation challenges and failure to fully abide the CHA recruitment and selection criteria affected delivery and acceptability of MCH services.
Conclusion: This study builds on existing evidence on importance of building a stronger community–based primary health care to effectively address maternal and child health related. We emphasize the need to integrate strategies such as provision of training manuals, enhanced recruitment and deployment policies, capacity building of supervisors, provision of transport and remuneration within the CHA programme to enhance provision of maternal and child health services.
Tumor-associated neutrophil precursors impair homologous DNA repair and promote sensitivity to PARP-inhibition
Authors: Mukherjee Siddhartha , Elia Angela , Garda Cindy , Boffa Letizia , Balia Maria Teresa , Bolis Marco , Mosole Simone , Campagnari Anna , Brina Daniela , Rinaldi Andrea , Lazzaroni Giacomo , Jarrossay David , Morone Diego , Ceppi Ilaria , DeSillo Riccardo , Giacomini Isabella , Rito Laura Di , Cassamagnago Giada , Barry Simon , Laczko Endre , Streb Sebastian , Meani Francesco , Lascio Simona Di , Hynes Nancy , Lugli Enrico , Puccio Simone , Sammut Stephen-John , Perriard Ulrike , Harder Yves , Rossi Lorenzo , Gasparri Maria Luisa , Cejka Petr , Calcinotto Arianna 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Tumor evolution is one of the major mechanisms responsible for acquiring therapy-resistant and more aggressive cancer clones. Whether the tumor microenvironment through immune-mediated mechanisms might promote the development of more aggressive cancer types is crucial for the identification of additional therapeutical opportunities.
Here, we identified a novel subset of tumor-associated neutrophils, defined as tumor-associated neutrophil precursors (PreNeu). These PreNeu are enriched in highly proliferative hormone-dependent breast cancers and impair DNA repair capacity.  Mechanistically, succinate secreted by tumor-associated PreNeu inhibits homologous recombination, promoting error-prone DNA repair through non-homologous end-joining regulated by PARP-1. Consequently, breast cancer cells acquire genomic instability, promoting tumor editing and progression. Selective inhibition of these pathways induces increased tumor cell killing in vitro and in vivo. Tumor-associated PreNeu score correlates with copy number alterations in highly proliferative hormone-dependent tumors from breast cancer patients. Treatment with PARP-1 inhibitors counteract the pro-tumorigenic effect of these neutrophils and synergize with combined immunotherapeutic approaches.
GM-CSF-dependent CD301b+ lung dendritic cells confer tolerance to inhaled allergens
Authors: Nakano Hideki , Wilkinson Christina , Nakano Keiko , Grimm Sara , Whitehead Gregory , Arao Yukitomo , Blackshear Perry , Karmaus Peer , Fessler Michael , Cook Donald 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The severity of allergic asthma is driven by the balance between allergen-specific T regulatory (Treg) and T helper (Th)2 cells. However, it is unclear whether specific subsets of conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) promote the differentiation of these two T cell lineaeges. We have identified a subset of lung resident type 2 cDCs (cDC2s) that display high levels of CD301b and have potent Treg-inducing activity ex vivo. Single cell RNA sequencing and adoptive transfer experiments show that during allergic sensitization, many CD301b+ cDC2s transition in a stepwise manner to CD200+ cDC2s that selectively promote Th2 differentiation. GM-CSF augments the development and maintenance of CD301b+ cDC2s in vivo, and also selectively expands Treg-inducing CD301b+ cDC2s derived from bone marrow. Upon their adoptive transfer to recipient mice, lung-derived CD301b+ cDC2s confer immunological tolerance to inhaled allergens. Thus, GM-CSF maintains lung homeostasis by increasing numbers of Treg-inducing CD301b+ cDC2s.
Assessment of Serum Survivin in Women with Placenta Previa and Accreta Spectrum.
Authors: Yilmaz Nevin , Bakirci Isil Turan , Sahin Busra , Bolluk Gokhan , Can Esra , Bulut Huri 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Placenta previa and placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) are characterized by irregular placental implantation and invasion, which can lead to significant maternal and fetal morbidity. Survivin is a critical protein that affects cellular longevity and apoptosis, and plays a crucial role in placental development during pregnancy. This study aimed to examine the maternal serum survivin levels in patients with normal placentation, placenta previa, and PAS.
Methods
In this prospective cross-sectional study, we enrolled 84 pregnant women categorized into the control (n=42), placenta previa (n=24), and PAS (n=28) groups. Serum survivin levels were quantitatively determined using ELISA.
Results
A significant elevation in serum survivin levels was observed in the placenta previa and PAS groups compared to the controls, suggesting a role for survivin in the pathophysiological response to against abnormal placental adherence and invasion.
Conclusions
Elevated serum survivin level may serve as an early biomarker for diagnosing and managing placenta previa and PAS, underscoring the need for a multidisciplinary approach to managing these complex pregnancy complications.
A universal microscope add-on for snapshot quantitative phase imaging by spectral encoding
Authors: Suo Jinli , Zhang Weihang , Liu Xin , Miao Wenxuan , Qi Hai , Dai Qionghai 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Observing the dynamics of colorless or transparent samples quantitatively is vital in cellular-level biomedical research. Among existing techniques, fluorescent microscopy suffers from phototoxicity and photobleaching issues, while snapshot quantitative phase imaging (QPI) demands a complicated setup. Thus, an easily accessible tool allowing for long-period, high-contrast observation of transparent samples remains still lacking. To tackle this problem, we propose a one-shot QPI approach compatible with both off-the-shelf and customized microscopes, which encodes the phase informative cues into a snapshot using a thin, flat optical device and decodes the phase information through an advanced deep network algorithm. The encoding involves overlaying defocused images obtained through a wafer-thin highly-dispersive glass with dual-bandpass coating, acting as an ``add-on'' module located between the specimen and objective. The successive phase retrieval is conducted with a well-designed network structure and the high-quality training data supports the phase reconstruction at high axial resolution. By experimenting on T cell migration, T cell activation, and real-time live-cell drug screening on systems with various magnifications, we demonstrate high-precision phase retrieval of our method under different experimental settings and on various platforms, which is expected to obtain a wide range of potential applications in studies of clustered cell morphology, cell counting, and cell migration tracking.
Machine Learning-based Prediction of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting after Spinal Anesthesia: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Hoshijima Hiroshi , Miyazaki Tomo , Omachi Shinichiro , Konno Daisuke , Sugino Shigekazu , Yamauchi Masanori , Shiga Toshiya , Mizuta Kentaro 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose
In this study, we apply analysis using artificial intelligence to identify risk factors for Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) during surgery under spinal anesthesia.
Methods
This retrospective study used artificial intelligence to analyze data of adult patients (aged ≥ 20 years) who underwent surgery under spinal anesthesia. To evaluate PONV, patients who experienced nausea and/or vomiting or used antiemetics within 24 hours after surgery were extracted from postoperative medical records. We create a model that predicts probability of PONV using the gradient tree boosting model. The model implementation used the LightGBM framework.
Results
Data were available for 4,574 patients. The identified risk factors were duration of surgery, female, no blood transfusion, spinal level 3–4 puncture, no concomitant epidural anesthesia, use of propofol, and dexmedetomidine, postoperative fentanyl use, cesarean section, and not using phenylephrine, atropine, or oxytocin.
Conclusions
We used artificial intelligence to evaluate the extent to which risk factors for PONV contribute to the development of PONV. We identifies female and cesarean section, which are known risk factors for PONV after surgery under spinal anesthesia. Our findings also suggest that fluid volume, blood transfusion, and agents that normalize hemodynamics, such as phenylephrine and atropine, are important in preventing PONV.
Trial registration number: UMIN000050012
Next-Generation Sequencing in Early-Stage Multiple Primary Lung Cancer: The Prognostic Significance of Genomic Accumulation Status and BCL2L11 del
Authors: Wang Mu-Ting , Ni Chen-Hui , Lu Yan-Qi , Zheng Wei , Zhang Shu-Liang , Chen Mao-Hui , Zheng Bin , Chen Chun 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to define the genomic features of tumors and to delineate the potential mutational pattern underlying the prognosis of patients using large-panel next-generation sequencing (NGS) assays.
Methods: A total of 53 patients were enrolled, with a total of 130 malignant tumors. Clinical variables were collected, and the NGS sequencing of a large panel of 116 tumor-associated genes was performed. According to the gene mutation series and the number of mutation sites, the patients were divided into a series of groups. We investigated the relationship between the clinical–genetic features and the prognosis of MPLCs.
Results: The patients exceeding the IA stage were associated with a significantly shorter DFS than those in the IA stage (mean time: 27.5 vs. 50.6 months, p = 0.044), and BCL2L11del subsets were associated with a significantly worse DFS (31.9 vs. 50.2 months, p= 0.047). In the subgroups, the patients with a single gene mutation series with multiple gene mutation sites had a shorter DFS than those with a single mutation site (37.6 vs. 53.9 months, p = 0.047); and those with four gene series with over four mutation sites displayed a longer DFS than those with four sites (25.7 vs. 58 months, p = 0.034). In a Cox Multivariate analysis, exceeding the IA stage and a BCL2L11del mutation were considered unfavorable independent prognostic factors (HR = 5.102, 95%CI: 1.526 to 17.054; p = 0.008, and HR = 6.010, 95%CI: 1.636 to 22.079; p = 0.007, respectively). A lower gene mutation series (≤2) was an independent factor for a longer DFS (HR = 0.276, 95%CI: 0.086 to 0.882; p = 0.03).
Conclusions: The prognosis of patients with early-stage MPLC may potentially be related to the accumulation status of gene mutation series and sites; their driving powers may offset each other. Taken together, the application of genomic profiling may prove to be useful for subdividing and precisely managing patients with MPLC.
Applying enhanced recovery principles to emergency laparotomy in penetrating abdominal trauma: a case-matched study
Authors: Fonseca Mariana Kumaira , Rizental Laís Borges , Cunha Carlos Eduardo Bastian da , Baldissera Neiva , Wagner Mário Bernardes , Fraga Gustavo Pereira 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose: The implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery programs (ERPs) has significantly improved outcomes within various surgical specialties. However, the suitability of ERPs in trauma surgery remains unclear. This study aimed to 1) design and implement an ERP for trauma laparotomy patients; 2) assess its safety, feasibility, and efficacy; and 3) compare the outcomes of the proposed ERP with conventional practices.
Methods: This case-matched study prospectively enrolled hemodynamically stable patients undergoing emergency laparotomy after penetrating trauma. Patients receiving the proposed ERP were compared with historical controls managed according to conventional practices. Cases were matched for age, sex, injury mechanism, extra-abdominal injuries, and trauma scores. Assessment of intervention effects were modelled using regression analysis for outcome measures, including length of hospital stay (LOS), postoperative complications, and functional recovery parameters.
Results: Thirty-six consecutive patients were enrolled in the proposed ERP and matched to their 36 historical counterparts, totaling 72 participants. A statistically significant decrease in LOS, representing a 39% improvement in average LOS was observed. There was no difference in the incidence of postoperative complications. Opioid consumption was considerably lower in the ERP group (p<0.010). Time to resumption of oral liquid and solid intake, as well as to the removal of nasogastric tubes, urinary catheters, and abdominal drains was significantly earlier among ERP patients (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The implementation of a standardized ERP for the perioperative care of penetrating abdominal trauma patients yielded a significant reduction in LOS without increasing postoperative complications. These findings demonstrate that ERPs principles can be safely applied to selected trauma patients.
Serological and molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii among slaughtered domestic ruminants in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Yirsa Tsedalu , Seyoum Zewdu , Berhane Nega , Amare Mequanente Dagnaw 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
The intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide zoonotic cyst-forming parasite that affects nearly all warm-blooded animals, including humans. There are no studies that confirm the presence of this parasite in Ethiopian food animals, particularly in the study area, aside from seroprevalence reports. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to use molecular and serological methods to identify this infections in slaughtred domestic ruminants.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2019 to October 2020 by collecting a total of 320 blood and matching tissue samples from purposively selected domestic ruminants. These study participants' infections were identified using the nested polymerase chain reaction and the latex agglutination test. The relationship between risk factors and the incidence of the seropostivity was also ascertained through the use of logistic regression.
Results
The overall serological, first polymerase chain reaction and nested polymerase chain reaction findings of this infection in slaughtered animals were 180 (56.2%), 68 (21.2%) and 34 (10.6%), respectively. Moreover, 62 (62%), 58 (52.7%) and 60 (54.5%) of latex agglutination tests; 34 (34%), 24 (21.8%) and 10 (9.1%) of first polymerase chain reaction and 20 (20%), 14(12.5%) and 0 (0%) with nested polymerase chain reaction were also found in sheep, goats and cattle, respectively. Significant associations were observed between this infection seropositivity and sex and age within sheep and goats; origins with goats, and breed and ages within cattle (P ≤ 0.05). Moreover, there were also fair concordant between latex agglutination and first polymerase chain reaction tests on slaughtered animals (Kappa: 0.230).
Conclusions
Generally, these comparative tests were verified the presence of this infection in killed animals, which increased the risk to the public's health among human consumers, especially expectant mothers. Therefore, the best way to prevent this disease should be to avoid eating raw foods. Additional research on this pathogen's genotyping will also be supported.
Lichen Parmotremaperlatum Mediated Greeen Synthesis of Mo Doped CuO Nanoparticles: Photocatalytic Activity and Antibacterial Study
Authors: G Indramahalakshmi , R Hemaroshini , B Kavitha 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

A “green route” to fabricate nanoparticles has emerged as a revolutionary approach. In this study, CuO, lichen modified CuO (PCuO) and Molybdenum doped lichen extract modified CuO (PCuOM) were successfully synthesized using co-precipitation method. The as-prepared nanoparticles were characterized using UV–visible-diffuse reflectance spectroscopy(UV–vis-DRS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. The XRD pattern confirms the formation of CuO with JCPDS No.(01-080-1916) and the crystalline nature is found as monoclinic phase of end center. Due to Mo doping and lichen extract activity the PCuOM nanoparticle size was much reduced to14 nm. UV–visible- DRS measurements show a reduction in band gap of PCuOM after dopping with Mo. The FT-IR conﬁrms the presence of functional groups that acts as the capping agent for the synthesis of CuONPs. Mo-CuO nanoparticles showed strong visible-light response and high photocatalytic activity for Amaranth degradation under irradiation by visible-light (400–500 nm). The maximum Amaranth degradation (87%) was achieved with PCuOM concentration of 0.1 g/L, initial Amaranth concentration of 10 μM, pH 7 and irradiation time of 50 min. The antimicrobial activity of all the samples was investigated against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. The combined effect of phytochemicals and Mo doping shows higher zone of inhibition against Bacillus subtilus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa about 16 mm and 22 mm respectively, when compared to other bacteria.
Iceball Growth 3D Simulation Model Based on Finite Element Method for Hepatic Cryoablation Planning
Authors: Li Shengwei , Zhang Yumeng , Zhou Fanyu , Xu Sheng , Wang Yufeng , Cheng Lin , Bie Zhixin , Li Bin , Li Xiao-Guang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background:
Cryoablation simulation based on finite element method (FEM) can facilitate preoperative planning for liver tumors. However, it has limited application in clinical practice due to its time-consuming process and improvable accuracy. We aimed to propose a FEM-based simulation model for rapid and accurate prediction of the iceball size during the hepatic cryofreezing cycle.
Methods:
A 3D simulation model was presented to predict the iceball size (frozen isotherm boundaries) in biological liver tissues undergoing cryofreezing based on the Pennes bioheat equation. The simulated results for three cryoprobe types were evaluated in the ex vivo porcine livers and clinical data. In ex vivo experiments, CT-based measurements of iceball size were fitted as growth curves and compared to the simulated results. Eight patient cases of CT-guided percutaneous hepatic cryoablation procedures were retrospectively collected for clinical validation. The Dice Score Coefficient (DSC) and Hausdorff distance (HD) were used to measure the similarity between simulation and ground truth segmentation.
Results:
The measurements in the ex vivo experiments showed a close similarity between the simulated and experimental iceball growth curves for three cryoprobe models, with all mean absolute error＜2.9mm and coefficient of determination＞0.85.In the clinical validation, the simulation model achieved high accuracy with a DSC of 0.87±0.03 and a HD of 2.0±0.4mm. The average computational time was 23.2 seconds for all simulations.
Conclusion
Our simulation model achieves accurate iceball size predictions within a short time during hepatic cryoablation and potentially allows for the implementation of the preoperative cryoablation planning system.
A Novel 12-Step Subcutaneous Desensitization Protocol to Pegfilgrastim
Authors: Canel-Paredes Alejandra , Estrada-Mendizabal Ricardo J. , Castillo-Ivon Alfonso J. , Leon Emiliano Barajas-De , Gonzalez-Estrada Alexei 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Pegfilgrastim is a sustained-duration form of the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor filgrastim to which a polyethylene glycol molecule is covalently bound to the N-terminal methionine residue. Although rare, anaphylaxis to pegfilgrastim has been reported. Desensitization is a safe management option for drug hypersensitivity. To date, no desensitization protocols to pegfilgrastim have been reported. We present the case of a 36-year-old female diagnosed with breast cancer who was treated with paclitaxel and carboplatin every two weeks plus pegfilgrastim, to which she developed anaphylaxis. The lack of alternative treatment options led to the decision to proceed with desensitization, which was carried out successfully with a novel 12-step, 1-bag protocol, allowing the safe resumption of the medication. Although the mechanisms underlying hypersensitivity to pegfilgrastim remain unknown, clinicians must be aware of the possibility of anaphylaxis to this medication and of the available treatment options, such as desensitization. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a desensitization protocol to pegfilgrastim.