bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Supplementing routine hospital surveillance of malaria to capture excess mortality and epidemiological trends: a five-year observational study
Authors: Kabuya Jean-Bertin Bukasa , Bond Caitlin , Hauser Manuela , Sikalima Jay , Phiri Bruce , Phiri Dickson , Matoba Japhet , Hughes Jayme , Banda Proscovia Miiye , Lupiya James Sichivula , Chongwe Gershom , Thuma Philip E. , Moss William J. , Ippolito Matthew M. 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionMalaria surveillance in Africa is conducted largely through health facility-based health management information systems (HMIS) which provide aggregated data to malaria control programs. Supplementation of HMIS surveillance with other routinely collected hospital data can provide vital statistics on malaria control in regions of high burden.MethodsTo assess the utility of supplementing HMIS data, we implemented a pilot program of enhanced malaria surveillance in a district hospital in northern Zambia over a five-year period. Data were tabulated from existing nursing records, central pharmacy inventories, laboratory logbooks, and ward registers and cross-referenced with routinely collected HMIS data.ResultsThe additional data collections captured excess malaria deaths resulting from pharmacy and blood bank stockouts (10.3 excess deaths/year) and revealed small but significant changes over time in the age distribution of patients that likely reflect underlying shifts in the local epidemiology due to malaria control programming or other factors (median age from 1.9 to 2.4 months old, P=0.001).DiscussionReadily available data can supplement existing HMIS surveillance in high malaria burden areas to provide actionable information about the local epidemiology and impacts of control efforts. Excess malaria deaths due to health systems factors can be feasibly captured and tracked and fed back to national malaria control programs and the World Health Organization to present a fuller picture of malaria burden.
Development, assessment and educational impact of a blended e-learning training program on pharmacovigilance implemented in four African countries
Authors: Schievano Francesco , Mwamwitwa Kissa W. , Kisenge Seth , Mmari Elice , Duga Alemayehu , Nhlabatsi Siphesihle , Elagbaje Cassandra , Abiola Abiodun Sadikat , Meshesha Solomon Getnet , Pagani Silvia , Lora Riccardo , Sabaini Alberto , Cobelens Frank , Härmark Linda , Eko Eric Battey , Conforti Anita , Venegoni Mauro , Magro Lara , Moretti Ugo 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionEfforts to improve medication access in low-and middle-income countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, have made progress, especially in the fight against infectious diseases such as tuberculosis. However, challenges exist in establishing effective pharmacovigilance systems. The PhArmacoVIgilance Africa (PAVIA) project was committed to enhancing pharmacovigilance in Tanzania, Eswatini, Nigeria, and Ethiopia, with an emphasis on anti-tuberculosis drugs, utilizing various methods, including training. This study evaluates the PAVIA training program’s effectiveness and its adaptation during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA blended e-learning program, incorporating two courses and a platform for educational materials, was developed. This program, designed to train healthcare professionals in pharmacovigilance, was incorporated into a Training of Trainers model. To evaluate the program effectiveness, we used multiple measures such as assessing knowledge gain through pre-and post-test scores, assessing learners’ satisfaction and attitudes via questionnaires, and analyzing Individual Case Safety Reports (ICSRs) in VigiBase to determine the impact on spontaneous reporting systems in the PAVIA countries.Results121 learners enrolled in the pilot trainings, including 36 from Tanzania, 34 from Eswatini, 25 from Nigeria, and 26 from Ethiopia. Notably, post-test scores were significantly higher than pre-test scores in all four countries. Following the pilot trainings, multiple step-down training sessions were held in Tanzania, Eswatini, and Nigeria, with a total of 827 learners registering and 421 successfully completing the program. Learners’ scores on the post-tests were significantly higher than on the pre-tests for both courses in all three countries. Learners’ feedback on the training was overwhelmingly positive. Additionally, a qualitative analysis of ICSRs revealed a substantial increase in reports after the training in Tanzania, Eswatini, and Nigeria.DiscussionAn innovative e-learning program trained healthcare professionals in pharmacovigilance and anti-tuberculosis drug safety over 3 years in four PAVIA countries. The program effectively improved participants’ knowledge, received positive feedback, and likely had an impact on reporting rates in Tanzania, Eswatini, and Nigeria, although a direct causal link could not be definitively established due to data limitations and other factors, such as the heightened reporting rates associated with COVID-19 vaccines, that could have contributed to the notable increase in ICSRs.
Pulmonary infection with Aeromonas dhakensis in a patient with acute T lymphoblastic leukemia: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Wang Chaoyang , Wei Nan , Zhang Moyuan , Zhang Xiaoju 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundAeromonas dhakensis is a gram-negative bacterium. In recent years, Aeromonas dhakensis has gradually attracted increasing attention due to its strong virulence and poor prognosis. Clinical reports of pulmonary infection caused by Aeromonas dhakensis are rare.Case presentationA patient with acute T lymphoblastic leukemia experienced myelosuppression after chemotherapy, developed a secondary pulmonary infection with Aeromonas dhakensis and was hospitalized due to fever. The patient underwent testing for inflammatory markers, chest imaging, blood culture, bronchoalveolar lavage, pleural drainage, and metagenomic next-generation sequencing of alveolar lavage fluid and pleural fluid to obtain evidence of Aeromonas dhakensis infection, and was treated with four generations of cephalosporin combined with fluoroquinolone antibiotics. The patient’s condition significantly improved.DiscussionAmong pulmonary infectious pathogens, Aeromonas dhakensis is relatively rare. Once an Aeromonas strain is cultured in the clinical work, pathogenic sequencing should be performed on the detected samples for early accurate diagnosis and effective anti-infection treatment.
Identification of novel small molecule inhibitors of twin arginine translocation (Tat) pathway and their effect on the control of Campylobacter jejuni in chickens
Authors: Deblais Loïc , Drozd Mary , Kumar Anand , Antwi Janet , Fuchs James , Khupse Rahul , Helmy Yosra A. , Rajashekara Gireesh 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionControl of Campylobacter from farm to fork is challenging due to the frequent emergence of antimicrobial-resistant isolates. Furthermore, poultry production systems are known reservoirs of Campylobacter. The twin-arginine translocation (Tat) pathway is a crucial bacterial secretion system that allows Campylobacter to colonize the host intestinal tract by using formate as the main source of energy. However, Tat pathway is also a major contributing factor for resistance to copper sulfate (CuSO4).MethodsSince mammals and chickens do not have proteins or receptors that are homologous to bacterial Tat proteins, identification of small molecule (SM) inhibitors targeting the Tat system would allow the development of safe and effective control methods to mitigate Campylobacter in infected or colonized hosts in both pre-harvest and post-harvest. In this study, we screened 11 commercial libraries (n = 50,917 SM) for increased susceptibility to CuSO4 (1 mM) in C. jejuni 81–176, a human isolate which is widely studied.ResultsFurthermore, we evaluated 177 SM hits (2.5 μg/mL and above) that increased the susceptibility to CuSO4 for the inhibition of formate dehydrogenase (Fdh) activity, a Tat-dependent substrate. Eight Tat-dependent inhibitors (T1–T8) were selected for further studies. These selected eight Tat inhibitors cleared all tested Campylobacter strains (n = 12) at &gt;10 ng/mL in the presence of 0.5 mM CuSO4in vitro. These selected SMs were non-toxic to colon epithelial (Caco-2) cells when treated with 50 μg/mL for 24 h and completely cleared intracellular C. jejuni cells when treated with 0.63 μg/mL of SM for 24 h in the presence of 0.5 mM of CuSO4. Furthermore, 3 and 5-week-old chicks treated with SM candidates for 5 days had significantly decreased cecal colonization (up to 1.2 log; p &lt; 0.01) with minimal disruption of microbiota. In silico analyses predicted that T7 has better drug-like properties than T2 inhibitor and might target a key amino acid residue (glutamine 165), which is located in the hydrophobic core of TatC protein.DiscussionThus, we have identified novel SM inhibitors of the Tat pathway, which represent a potential strategy to control C. jejuni spread on farms.
Characterization of the composition, structure, and functional potential of bamboo rhizosphere archaeal communities along a chromium gradient
Authors: Zhang Xiaoping , Li Qiaoling , Zhong Zheke , Huang Zhiyuan , Bian Fangyuan 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionBamboo can be used in the phytoremediation of heavy metal pollution. However, the characteristics of the bamboo rhizosphere archaeal community in Cr-contaminated soil under field conditions remain unclear.MethodsIn this study, high-throughput sequencing was used to examine the rhizosphere soil archaeal communities of Lei bamboo (Phyllostachys precox) plantations along a Cr pollution gradient.ResultsThe results revealed U-shaped relationships between Cr [total Cr (TCr) or HCl-extractable Cr (ACr)] and two alpha indices (Chao1 and Shannon) of archaea. We also established that high Cr concentrations were associated with a significant increase in the abundance of Thaumarchaeota and significant reductions in the abundances of Crenarchaeota and Euryarchaeota. The archaeal co-occurrence networks reduced in complexity with Cr pollution, decreasing the community’s resistance to environmental disturbance. Candidatus nitrosotalea and Nitrososphaeraceae_unclassified (two genera of Thaumarchaeota) were identified as keystone taxa. The community structure of soil archaeal communities was also found to be affected by TCr, ACr, pH, total organic C, and available nutrient (N, P, and K) concentrations, with pH being identified as the most reliable predictor of the archaeal community in assessed soils.DiscussionThese findings enhance our understanding of microbial responses to Cr pollution and provide a basis for developing more refined approaches for the use of bamboo in the remediation of Cr-contaminated soils.
The impact of antibiotic exposure on antibiotic resistance gene dynamics in the gut microbiota of inflammatory bowel disease patients
Authors: Zhang Yufei , Xue Gaogao , Wang Fan , Zhang Jing , Xu Lida , Yu Changyuan 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundWhile antibiotics are commonly used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), their widespread application can disturb the gut microbiota and foster the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance. However, the dynamic changes to the human gut microbiota and direction of resistance gene transmission under antibiotic effects have not been clearly elucidated.MethodsBased on the Human Microbiome Project, a total of 90 fecal samples were collected from 30 IBD patients before, during and after antibiotic treatment. Through the analysis workflow of metagenomics, we described the dynamic process of changes in bacterial communities and resistance genes pre-treatment, during and post-treatment. We explored potential consistent relationships between gut microbiota and resistance genes, and established gene transmission networks among species before and after antibiotic use.ResultsExposure to antibiotics can induce alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota in IBD patients, particularly a reduction in probiotics, which gradually recovers to a new steady state after cessation of antibiotics. Network analyses revealed intra-phylum transfers of resistance genes, predominantly between taxonomically close organisms. Specific resistance genes showed increased prevalence and inter-species mobility after antibiotic cessation.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that antibiotics shape the gut resistome through selective enrichment and promotion of horizontal gene transfer. The findings provide insights into ecological processes governing resistance gene dynamics and dissemination upon antibiotic perturbation of the microbiota. Optimizing antibiotic usage may help limit unintended consequences like increased resistance in gut bacteria during IBD management.
Baseline characteristics and outcome of stroke patients after endovascular therapy according to previous symptomatic vascular disease and sex
Authors: Peycheva Marieta , Padlina Giovanna , Genceviciute Kotryna , Krasteva Marina P. , Boronylo Anna , Goeldlin Martina B. , Müller Madlaine , Wenz Elena S. , Müller Mandy D. , Hammer Helly , Bücke Philipp , Bigi Sandra , Simonetti Barbara Goeggel , Hoffmann Angelika , Umarova Roza M. , Pilgram-Pastor Sara , Gralla Jan , Mordasini Pasquale , Antonenko Kateryna , Heldner Mirjam R. 
Published: April 2024

AimThe aim of this study was to investigate baseline characteristics and outcome of patients after endovascular therapy (EVT) for acute large vessel occlusion (LVO) in relation to their history of symptomatic vascular disease and sex.MethodsConsecutive EVT-eligible patients with LVO in the anterior circulation admitted to our stroke center between 04/2015 and 04/2020 were included in this observational cohort study. All patients were treated according to a standardized acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) protocol. Baseline characteristics and successful reperfusion, recurrent/progressive in-hospital ischaemic stroke, symptomatic in-hospital intracranial hemorrhage, death at discharge and at 3 months, and functional outcome at 3 months were analyzed according to previous symptomatic vascular disease and sex.Results995 patients with LVO in the anterior circulation (49.4% women, median age 76 years, median admission NIHSS score 14) were included. Patients with multiple vs. no previous vascular events showed higher mortality at discharge (20% vs. 9.3%, age/sex − adjustedOR = 1.43, p = 0.030) and less independency at 3 months (28.8% vs. 48.8%, age/sex − adjustedOR = 0.72, p = 0.020). All patients and men alone with one or multiple vs. patients and men with no previous vascular events showed more recurrent/progressive in-hospital ischaemic strokes (19.9% vs. 6.4% in all patients, age/sex − adjustedOR = 1.76, p = 0.028) (16.7% vs. 5.8% in men, age-adjustedOR = 2.20, p = 0.035). Men vs. women showed more in-hospital symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage among patients with one or multiple vs. no previous vascular events (23.7% vs. 6.6% in men and 15.4% vs. 5.5% in women, OR = 2.32, p = 0.035/age − adjustedOR = 2.36, p = 0.035).ConclusionsPrevious vascular events increased the risk of in-hospital complications and poorer outcome in the analyzed patients with EVT-eligible LVO-AIS. Our findings may support risk assessment in these stroke patients and could contribute to the design of future studies.
Triple semicircular canal occlusion with endolymphatic sac decompression for intractable Meniere’s disease
Authors: Tian Jiawang , Yin Gendi , Zhang Qian , Zhang Shuqi , Zeng Xiangli , Li Yongqi 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundMeniere’s disease (MD) is characterized by idiopathic endolymphatic hydrops (ELH). Frequent vertigo attacks is the most disabling symptom of MD.ObjectiveThis study evaluated the efficacy of triple semicircular canal occlusion combined with endolymphatic sac decompression in the treatment of frequent vertigo in patients with MD.MethodsEleven patients with complete medical records were included in this study conducted from May 2021 to April 2022. All patients were enrolled to undergo triple semicircular canal occlusion (TSCO) with endolymphatic sac decompression (ESD). Various tests including pure tone audiometry (PTA), vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs), the video head impulse test (v-HIT), caloric test data, the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) were performed both before and after the surgery.ResultsThe successful control rate of vertigo was 100% (9/9) in the average 23-month postoperative follow-up period, with complete control rate of 88.89% (8/9) and substantial control rate of 11.11% (1/9).ConclusionTriple semicircular canal occlusion combined with ESD may be an effective treatment option for managing frequent vertigo attacks in patients with MD. This combination therapy has the potential to become a significant addition to the treatment framework for MD.
The prevalence and associated factors for primary headache disorders in adolescents in eastern Sudan: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Omar Saeed M. , Osman Osman M. , Al-Nafeesah Abdullah , AlEed Ashwaq , Alfaifi Jaber , Adam Ishag 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundHeadache disorder is the second-highest cause of disability worldwide; however, data are scarce on headache among adolescents, especially in Africa. There has yet to be published data on headache among adolescents in Sudan, the third-largest country in Africa. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of primary headache disorders and associated factors among adolescents (10–19 years) in eastern Sudan.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the city of Gadarif in eastern Sudan. Questionnaires were used to gather the adolescents’ sociodemographic characteristics. Headache diagnostic questions were based on the beta version of the International Classification of Headache Disorders-III (ICHD-3). Multivariate analysis was conducted to assess the associated factors for primary headache disorders, and the results were expressed as risk ratios (RRs) and 95.0% confidence interval (CI).ResultsOf the 401 enrolled adolescents, 186 (46.4%) and 215 (53.6%) were male and female, respectively. The median (IQR) age was 14.0 (12.1–16.2) years. Eighty-one (20.2%) of the 401 adolescents reported experiencing primary headache disorders, including migraine with aura in 16 (4.0%), migraine without aura in 33 (8.2%), tension-type in 14 (3.5%), and undifferentiated headache in 18 (4.5%) adolescents. The prevalence of primary headache disorders was significantly higher in females than in males [55/215 (67.9%) vs. 26/186 (32.1%),p = 0.004]. In the multivariate analysis, increased age (RR= 1.09, 95.0CI= 1.02–1.16) and being female (RR= 1.75, 95.0CI= 1.14–2.67) were associated with increased RR of primary headache disorders. Parents’ education level and occupation, smoking/snuff use, and body mass index were not associated with primary headache disorders.ConclusionOne-fifth of the adolescents in eastern Sudan reported experiencing primary headache disorders, which was more common in females and with increased age.
Radiation chemical processes in the water layer on the surface of PuO2
Authors: Sims Howard E. , Orr Robin M. 
Published: April 2024

It is generally accepted that radiolysis of water on the surface of PuO2 by alpha particles is the source of H2 which can cause pressurisation in sealed storage containers if the material is not adequately conditioned before packing. The mechanisms for this have not been discussed in detail previously. Radiolysis mechanisms of bulk water are summarised and then applied to water at the surface of PuO2. It is shown that the radiolysis processes occurring on timescales of less than 1 ps after energy deposition could have an impact on the storage behaviour of the PuO2 and the potential gas volume generated. Some of the radiolysis products are highly reactive and would be expected to react with plutonium at the surface, affecting the usual water radiolysis processes. A corollary of this observation is that the surface should not be considered a completely crystalline PuO2 solid. It is also highlighted that whilst there are significant uncertainties in the radiolysis process at the PuO2 surface there are also significant uncertainties in H2 formation mechanisms in bulk water. Finally, methods to model the radiolysis process at the surface and the prospects for predictive models are briefly discussed with suggestions for future areas of development.
Assessing the functional vulnerability of woody plant communities within a large scale tropical rainforest dynamics plot
Authors: Sun Cheng , Yao Jie , Xu Han , Zhou Chaofan , Zang Runguo 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionTropical forests are characterized by intricate mosaics of species-rich and structurally complex forest communities. Evaluating the functional vulnerability of distinct community patches is of significant importance in establishing conservation priorities within tropical forests. However, previous assessments of functional vulnerability in tropical forests have often focused solely on isolated factors or individual disturbance events, with limited consideration for a broad spectrum of disturbances and the responses of diverse species.MethodsWe assessed the functional vulnerability of woody plant communities in a 60-ha dynamic plot within a tropical montane rainforest by conducting in silico simulations of a wide range disturbances. These simulations combined plant functional traits and community properties, including the distribution of functional redundancy across the entire trait space, the distribution of abundance across species, and the relationship between species trait distinctiveness and species abundance. We also investigated the spatial distribution patterns of functional vulnerability and their scale effects, and employed a spatial autoregressive model to examine the relationships between both biotic and abiotic factors and functional vulnerability at different scales.ResultsThe functional vulnerability of tropical montane rainforest woody plant communities was generally high (the functional vulnerability of observed communities was very close to that of the most vulnerable virtual community, with a value of 72.41% on average at the 20m×20m quadrat scale), and they exhibited significant spatial heterogeneity. Functional vulnerability decreased with increasing spatial scale and the influence of both biotic and abiotic factors on functional vulnerability was regulated by spatial scale, with soil properties playing a dominant role.DiscussionOur study provides new specific insights into the comprehensive assessment of functional vulnerability in the tropical rainforest. We highlighted that functional vulnerabilities of woody plant communities and their sensitivity to environmental factors varied significantly within and across spatial scales in the tropical rainforest landscape. Preserving and maintaining the functionality of tropical ecosystems should take into consideration the variations in functional vulnerability among different plant communities and their sensitivity to environmental factors.