bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of perioperative blood transfusion on complications following emergency non-trauma laparotomy in Mulago hospital: A prospective cohort study.
Authors: Egbe Flavius Ebaisem , Mbiine Ronald , Okello Michael , Iranya Richard Newton , Okeny Paul 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background:
Blood transfusion may be required in the management of patients undergoing emergency non-trauma laparotomy. However, several retrospective cohort studies involving patients undergoing laparotomy for benign and malignant indications have identified blood transfusion as a significant predictor of postoperative infections and mortality. Still, no study has explored such an association in our setting. We aimed to determine the effect of perioperative blood transfusion on the 30-day risk of surgical site infections and mortality among patients undergoing emergency non-trauma laparotomy in a large urban tertiary hospital in a low-resource setting.
Methods:
In this prospective cohort study, we recruited 160 consecutive adult patients admitted to the general surgery wards 48 hours after emergency non-trauma laparotomy. We grouped them based on transfusion exposure status. Independent variables, including perioperative blood transfusion and confounders, were recorded on entry, while dependent variables, including the presence or absence of surgical site infection and mortality, were obtained over a 30-day follow-up period. The data were analysed using EPI INFO version 7, SPSS version 29, and Stata version 14; p<0.05 indicated statistical significance.
Results:
All 160 participants recruited, 28 (17.5%) transfused (exposed) and 132 (82.5%) not transfused (non-exposed), were included in the final analysis. Transfusion exposure (RR, 7.81; 95% CI, 2.58 – 23.63; p=0.0003) and preoperative leucocytosis/leukopenia (RR, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.04 – 4.65; p=0.040) were identified as independent risk factors for SSI after multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounders including preoperative anaemia, young-to-middle-aged adults, cloudy/purulent/feculent exudate, gut perforation diagnosis, female sex, and registrar-led surgical team. Furthermore, transfusion exposure (HR, 3.36; 95% CI, 1.11 – 10.25; p=0.033) and old age ≥60 years (HR, 5.50; 95% CI, 1.67 – 18.11; p=0.005) were identified as independent risk factors for 30-day mortality after multivariate Cox regression analysis adjusted for confounders including high ASA score, immunodeficiency, cloudy/purulent/feculent exudate, bowel obstruction and high-risk procedure for bowel leak.
Conclusion:
Among patients undergoing emergency non-trauma laparotomy, perioperative blood transfusion compared with no perioperative blood transfusion increased the 30-day risk of SSI by 7.81 and the 30-day mortality risk by 3.36. A restrictive transfusion strategy and a more extensive multicentre prospective cohort study are recommended.
Modeling of Water Level Trends and Characterizing Potential Influencing Factors in Lake Baringo in Kenya
Authors: Kimtai Doreen Jelagat , Makokha Godfrey Ouma , Sichangi Arthur Wafula 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Water plays a significant role in every sector of the ecosystem. The fluctuation of the water levels in lakes is influenced by natural and man-made factors within the water catchment. Lake Baringo, having no visible outlet, has been rising drastically, causing panic among native communities and businesses on the shores of the lake. Using GIS and Remote Sensing, this study intends to analyze the changes in water lakes using the Automatic water extraction index (AWEI), determine the causes of the fluctuation using Land use land cover, land surface temperature, soil erosion, and siltation in the lake basin and the lake respectively, precipitation, and later predict of the water level for the year 2030 using the MOLUSCE tool. The tool utilizes an artificial neural network and cellular automata to analyze land use and land cover conveniently. It was found that the lake's water level has been increasing drastically over the years, and the leading causes of the fluctuations were increased rainfall and human activities within the water basin. There are visible increased human activities within the water basin, such as agriculture, deforestation, settlement, and urbanization. It was also found that there will be a further increase in water level in 2030. With all the above results, it is recommended that better policies be made for the effective conservation of the water basin, and a plan should be drawn to re-delineate the new riparian buffer.
Hypoxia-mediated SUMOylation of FADD exacerbates endothelial cell injury via the RIPK1-RIPK3-MLKL sig-naling axis
Authors: Yu Chao , Yang Liming , Wen Yilin , Yuan Zhiyi , Zhao Dezhang , Weng Ping , Li Yueyue , Chen Qingyang , Zhang Wanping , Hu Hui 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Vascular endothelial cells are the predominant cell type in the cardiovascular system, and endothelial dysfunction and death fol-lowing hypoxic injury lead to vascular lesions and play an essential role in the progression of cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanisms and specific interventions of vascular endothelial cell injury under hypoxia remain unclear. Here, we reported that hypox-ia induces the development of necroptosis and exacerbates in-flammatory injury in vascular endothelial cells in vivo and in vitro. We identified FADD as a critical regulator of hypoxia-mediated necroptosis, and the knockdown of FADD effectively reversed hy-poxia-induced necroptosis. Mechanistically, hypoxia affected pro-tein conformation through SUMOylation of FADD and competitively inhibited its ubiquitination, leading to an increase in protein half-life and protein level of FADD. On the other hand, SUMOylation in-creased the interaction between FADD and RIPK1 and induced the formation of the FADD-RIPK1-RIPK3 complex, thereby promoting necroptosis in vascular endothelial cells. The SUMOylation inhibi-tor ginkgolic acid (GA) notably reduced hypoxia-induced vascular endothelial injury and inflammatory responses in male mice. Take together, our research has uncovered a new process by which SUMOylation of FADD controls the occurrence of hypoxia-induced necroptosis in endothelial cells, which could identify new therapeu-tic targets for hypoxia-induced diseases.
Intensified global volcanism during Late Pleistocene glacial strength shift
Authors: Longman Jack , Gernon Thomas , Hincks Thea , Panitz Sina , Palmer Martin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Reduced ice volume during interglacials is thought to amplify volcanic activity because ice-mass removal depressurises magma chambers1. While this process has been detected on regional2 and perhaps semi-global scales3, a lack of globally representative tephra production records leaves the global relationship between glacial-interglacial cycles and volcanism uncertain. Here, we interrogate this relationship by using a database of visible tephra layers in marine sediments4 and applying statistical sampling techniques to develop a globally representative tephra production record spanning the past million years. We find that explosive volcanism intensified globally at about 420 to 400 thousand years ago (ka), coinciding with Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 11 – the warmest interglacial of the past million years when sea level was approximately 10 m above present5, and Greenland was largely ice-free6. We propose that positive feedbacks between icesheet ablation and increased volcanic carbon dioxide (CO2) outgassing may explain this warmth, and in turn, the Mid-Brunhes transition which heralded warmer interglacials7. Concurrently, we observe a shift to more organised volcanic cycles, characterised by higher intensity peaks, mirroring eccentricity forcing seen in ice volume records. More pronounced ice-volcano feedbacks may explain the stronger interglacials of the past 400,000 years, a crucial period of hominin evolution8.
The Magnitude and Risk Factors for Concurrent Anthropometric and Nutritional Deficiency Among Children Aged 6 to 59 Months in Liberia: A Multi-Level Analysis.
Authors: Gar Edward Gartay , Askandir Iddriss , Turzin Justice Kwadwo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objective
This study aimed to investigate the magnitude and risk factors associated with concurrent anthropometric and nutritional deficiencies among children aged 6 to 59 months in Liberia.
Methods
Using data from the 2019 Liberia Demographic and Health Survey (LDHS), a multilevel analysis was conducted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the problem. The prevalence of concurrent anthropometric and nutritional deficiencies, with a specific focus on stunting, wasting and anemia, was examined to assess the extent of the issue among children in Liberia. This study employed four different regression models, namely, panel mixed-effect Poisson regression, panel mixed-effect logistic regression, Poisson regression and conditional fixed-effect regression.
Results
The study's random and fixed effects showed important factors affecting nutritional deficits. Unobserved factors unique to each cluster affect nutritional outcomes, emphasizing the necessity for personalized interventions. Demographic and child factors matter, with 24–35-month-olds being more sensitive and females having lower incidence rates. Nutritional results also depend on maternal age and socioeconomic level. Vitamin A supplementation and immunization may protect mothers, although breastfeeding, maternal occupation, and hygiene vary. The results of this study have important implications for policy and program development in Liberia. Targeted interventions are needed to address the identified risk factors and reduce the prevalence of concurrent anthropometric and nutritional deficiencies. These interventions should be tailored to meet the specific needs of different subgroups within the population, considering factors such as age, sex, birth order, maternal education, household wealth status, and access to safe drinking water.
Conclusion
By implementing effective interventions that promote proper nutrition and growth, policymakers and stakeholders can work toward improving the health and well-being of children in Liberia and reducing the burden of concurrent anthropometric and nutritional deficiencies. We therefore recommend that policymakers and practitioners in Liberia emphasize cluster-specific interventions to promote child health due to high cluster-level variability.
Infected rectus sheath hematoma detected by CT
Authors: Tadrous Marco , Darweesh Ahmed Abdelmonem 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) is a rarely encountered condition, the development of which can be influenced by various factors. We report a case of an unusual presentation of a massive spontaneous rectus sheath hematoma in a 63-year-old patient with an underlying bleeding tendency linked to liver cirrhosis and hypersplenism. The hematoma is complicated by infection, as indicated by the patient’s clinical presentation and the air-fluid level observed on CT scan. The patient's deteriorating condition prompted the surgical team to opt for percutaneous drainage as a therapeutic intervention, aiming to alleviate the infection within the hematoma.
Frailty and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia: a single center study
Authors: Rogani Sara , Calsolaro Valeria , Coppini Giulia , Lemmi Bianca , Taverni Irene , Bianchi Elena , Bianco Maria Giovanna , Pullia Rosanna , Carlo Ludovica Di , Okoye Chukwuma , Virdis Agostino , Monzani Fabio 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background Dementia is a devastating neurodegenerative disease widely spread, representing a huge health, social and economic burden. During the dementia time-course, Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) may arise, greatly impacting on the management and outcomes of the disease. Considering that dementia mainly affects the older population, the possible link to frailty should be considered.Methods Aim of this single centre, longitudinal study was to evaluate the correlation between frailty and BPSD in a population of older patients with dementia. BPSD were classified in three clusters: “mood/apathy” (depression, apathy, sleep disturbances, appetite disturbances), “psychosis” (delusions, hallucinations and anxiety) and “hyperactivity” (agitation, elation, motor aberrant behavior, irritability, disinhibition). Using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), patients were categorized as “severely frail”, “mild/moderately frail” and “robust” (CFS ≥ 7, 4–6 and ≤ 3, respectively).Results Two-hundreds and nine patients (mean age 83.24 ± 4.98 years) with a clinical diagnosis of dementia were enrolled. Among the “severely frail” the percentage of BPSD was higher compared to the other two groups in the three clusters. A positive correlation between frailty and “hyperactivity” cluster, at baseline and follow up visits (p < 0.001, p = 0.022, p = 0.028 respectively) was found. This result was confirmed with the network analysis, showing that frailty, expressed by CFS, relates to agitation and motor aberrant activity.Conclusions Frailty may help identifying patients at the highest risk for developing BPDS thus, targeting intervention in the earliest phases of the disease. In-depth studies in larger cohorts of patients are needed to confirm and extend these results.
Investigating the Validity of the Hue-Heat Effect: A Study on Thermal Sensitivity
Authors: Battistel Laura , Callegher Claudio Zandonella , Zampini Massimiliano , Parin Riccardo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to investigate the validity of the hue-heat effect on the body thermal sensitivity. Previous research on thermal comfort has proposed associations between red and warmth, and blue with cold. However, inconsistencies in confirming this effect have arisen, with studies often relying on subjective scales for thermal comfort assessment, introducing potential confounding variables. To overcome these limitations, we conducted a study focusing on the hue-heat effect within the domain of thermal sensitivity, providing a more objective measurement of thermal perception. Participants (n = 26) were required to compare the perceived temperatures inside different climate chambers lighted by either red or blue lights following two different paradigms. In the congruent paradigm, the warmest chamber was lighted by red lights, while the coldest chamber had blue lights. On the contrary, the incongruent condition featured the warmest chamber with blue lights and the coldest chamber with red lights, thereby violating the hue-heat effect. The Generalised Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) analysis revealed comparable performance in both conditions (R2 conditional = 51%), challenging the hypothesis that congruence between colour and temperature enhances thermal perception. Notably, some participants aligned with our hypothesis, while others exhibited opposing behaviour. Furthermore, we compared the present results with our previous data without the added stimuli of the lights. Surprisingly, the sensitivity observed in this experiment was even lower than the one measured in our previous study (p-value = 7.87*10-6), suggesting that the colour of the lights might have increased participants’ cognitive load, leading to a decline in their performance.
Shaping the tripartite symbiosis: are termite microbiome functions directed by the environmentally acquired fungal cultivar?
Authors: Murphy Robert , Sinotte Veronica , Cuesta-Maté Ana , Hamilton-Renelies Justinn , Strube Mikael Lenz , Poulsen Michael 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Microbiome assembly critically impacts the ability of hosts to access beneficial symbiont functions. Fungus-farming termites have coevolved with a fungal symbiont for plant biomass degradation and complex gut microbiomes that complement termite and fungal metabolism. A large subset of the bacterial community residing within termite guts are inherited (vertically transmitted) from the parental colony, while the fungal symbiont is, in most termite species, acquired from the environment (horizontally transmitted). It has remained unknown how the gut microbiota sustains incipient colonies prior to the acquisition of the fungal cultivar, and how, if at all, microbial functions are modulated by fungus garden establishment. Here we test this by determining the composition and predicted functions of the gut microbiome using metabarcoding and shotgun metagenomics, respectively. We focus our functional predictions on bacterial carbohydrate-active enzyme and nitrogen cycling genes and verify compositional patterns of the former through enzyme activity assays. Our findings reveal that the vast majority of microbial functions are encoded in the inherited microbiome, and that the establishment of fungal gardens incurs only minor modulations of predicted bacterial capacities for CAZy and N-metabolism. While we cannot rule out that other symbiont functions are obtained post-fungus garden establishment, our findings suggest that farming termite hosts are equipped with a near-complete set of gut microbiome functions at the earliest stages of colony life, likely contributing to the high extent of specificity and coevolution observed between termite hosts, gut microbiomes, and the fungal cultivar.
Experimental Study on Light Radiation Characteristics of Tantalum Wire Electric Explosion
Authors: ZHAO Qi-feng , ZHANG De-zhi , MA Ze-long , DONG Peng-ju , YAO Wei-bo , XU Chang , Wu Ke , Sui Ya-Guang , XU Hai-Bin , wang DENG-WANG 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
To investigate the light radiation process of metal wire electric explosion under various working conditions, a synchronous testing system was established using high-speed cameras, photocell tubes and other instruments to study the ultra-fine tantalum wire electric explosion process. The light radiation characteristics of tantalum wire electric explosion were analyzed under different input voltage, quantity, and length conditions. Results indicate that increasing the input voltage from 15kV to 21kV leads to an increase in relative light intensity emitted by the tantalum wire at measurement point 4 from 0.13V to 3.62V with an extension of luminescence process from 4.23ms to 8.42ms and the light saturation time decreases from 150 µs to 20.85 µs; Increasing the number of tantalum wires does not significantly affect luminescence time or saturation time but decreases light intensity at measuring point 4 when increased from two to twelve; When the length of tantalum wire increases from 54.5cm to 68cm, the light intensity generated during the explosion process decreases, the luminescence process changes from 307µs to 921µs, and the light saturation time extends from 23.52µs to 40µs. These experimental findings provide robust data support for further exploration into synchronous detonation technology for light-initiated explosive.
End-expiratory lung volumes as a potential indicator for COVID-19 associated acute respiratory distress syndrome: a retrospective study
Authors: Hao Shengyu , Wei Yilin , Wang Yuxian , Muhetaer Yaxiaerjiang , Zhou Chujun , Qiong Songjie , Jiang Pan , Zhong Ming 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
End-expiratory lung volume (EELV) has been observed to decrease in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Yet, research investigating EELV in patients with COVID-19 associated ARDS (CARDS) remains limited. It is unclear EELV serve as a potential metric for monitoring disease progression and identifying patients with ARDS at increased risk of adverse outcomes.
Study Design and Methods:
This retrospective study included mechanically ventilated patients with CARDS during the initial phase of epidemic control in Shanghai. EELV was measured within 48 hours post-intubation, followed by regular assessments every 3–4 days. Chest CT scans, performed within a 24-hour window around each EELV measurement, were analyzed using AI software. Differences in patient demographics, clinical data, respiratory mechanics, EELV, and chest CT findings were assessed using linear mixed models (LMM).
Results
Out of the 38 enrolled patients, 26.3% survived until discharge from the ICU. In the survivor group, EELV, EELV/PBW and EELV/preFRC were significantly higher than those in the non-survivor group (survivor group vs non-survivor group: EELV: 1455 vs 1162 ml, P = 0.049; EELV/PBW: 24.1 vs 18.5 ml/kg, P = 0.011; EELV/preFRC: 0.45 vs 0.34, P = 0.005). Follow-up assessments showed a sustained elevation of EELV/PBW and EELV/preFRC among the survivors. Additionally, EELV exhibited a positive correlation with total lung volume and residual lung volume, while demonstrating a negative correlation with lesion volume determined through chest CT scans analyzed using AI software.
Conclusion
EELV is a useful indicator for assessing disease severity and monitoring the prognosis of patients with CARDS.
ISN-tractor: a python library for the fast and scalable computation of biologically meaningful Individual-Specific Networks
Authors: Lalli Giada , Li Zuqi , Melograna Federico , Collier James , Moreau Yves , Raimondi Daniele , Steen Kristel Van 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Individual-Specific Networks (ISNs) are a tool used in computational biology to infer individual-specific relationships between biological entities from omics data. ISNs provide insights into how the interactions among these entities affect their respective functions. To address the scarcity of solutions for efficiently computing ISNs on large biological datasets, we present ISN-tractor, a data-agnostic, highly optimized Python library to build and analyse ISNs. ISN-tractor demonstrates superior scalability and efficiency in generating Individual-Specific Networks (ISNs) when compared to existing methods such as LionessR, both time and memory usage, allowing ISNs to be used on large datasets. We show how ISN-tractor can be applied to real-life datasets, including The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and HapMap, showcasing its versatility. It can be used to build ISNs on different types of data (expression, proteomics, genotype arrays) and it can detect distinct patterns of gene interactions within and across cancer types. We also show how Filtration Curves provided valuable insights into ISN characteristics, revealing topological distinctions among individuals with different clinical outcomes. Additionally, ISN-tractor can effectively cluster populations based on genetic relationships, as demonstrated with Principal Component Analysis on HapMap data.
Optimization of protoplast isolation and transient expression systems for lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and other important dicotyledon vegetables
Authors: Xiang Lei , Li Rui-Xin , Zheng Qing-Jun , Huang Zan-Tang , Yu Peng-Fei , Shi Zhuo-Xing , Li Yan-Wen , Zhao Hai-Ming , Cai Quan-Ying , Hou Xue-Wen , Mo Ce-Hui , Li Qing-X 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Plant protoplasts-based platform shows high totipotency, sensitivity, and versatility, and thus promotes botanical advances. However, an efficient protoplasts-based platform remains a challenge for many economically significant dicotyledon vegetables such as lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). In the present study, a highly efficient protocol was optimized and developed for isolation of protoplasts from various tissues (leaf, shoot apex, and root tips) of different lettuce subtypes (romaine, loose-leaf, and head lettuces) by optimizing the major factors affecting protoplast yield. It provided the protoplasts yield up to 1.95× 107 /g (fw) and viable cells > 85%, which are 3–10 times higher than that of previous report. This protocol was also successfully applied to other dicotyledon plants for efficient isolation of protoplasts from their leaves and shoot apices, including Arabidopsis thaliana, celery cabbage (brassica pekinensis), and bok choy (Brassica parachinensis). Furthermore, the optimized polyethylene glycol-mediated transient expression system (TES) based on the lettuce shoot apex showed a high transfection efficiency (> 80%), achieving protein subcellular localization of four typical plasma membrane genes and their induced expression function investigations in lettuce. The optimized protoplast isolation protocol and TES provide a versatile technique for functional analyses of genes in lettuces and other important dicotyledon vegetables.