bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The use of Kudoh method for culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium africanum in The Gambia
Authors: Jobarteh Tijan , Otu Jacob , Gitteh Ensa , Mendy Francis S. , Faal-Jawara Tutty Isatou , Ofori-Anyinam Boatema , Sarr Binta , Riley Abi Janet , Ayorinde Abigail , de Jong Bouke C. , Kampmann Beate , Secka Ousman , Gehre Florian 
Published: March 2024

Background
Mycobacterium tuberculosis culturing remains the gold standard for laboratory diagnosis of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis remains a great public health problem in developing countries like The Gambia, as most of the methods currently used for bacterial isolation are either time-consuming or costly.

Objective
To evaluate the Kudoh swab method in a West African setting in Gambia, with a particular focus on the method’s performance when culturing Mycobacterium africanum West Africa 2 (MAF2) isolates.

Method
75 sputum samples were collected in the Greater Banjul Area and decontaminated in parallel with both the standard N-acetyl-L-Cysteine-NaOH (NALC-NaOH) and the Kudoh swab method in the TB diagnostics laboratory in the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia between 30th December 2017 and 25th February 2018. These samples were subsequently cultured on standard Löwenstein-Jensen and Modified Ogawa media respectively and incubated at 37°C for mycobacterial growth. Spoligotyping was done to determine if the decontamination and culture methods compared could equally detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium africanum West Africa 1 and Mycobacterium africanum West Africa 2.

Result
Among the 50 smear positives, 35 (70%) were culture-positive with Kudoh and 32 (64%) were culture positive with NALC-NaOH, whilst 7(28%) of the 25 smear negative samples were culture positive with both methods (Table 2). There was no significant difference in recovery between both methods (McNemar’s test, p-value = 0.7003), suggesting that the overall positivity rate between the two methods is comparable. There were no differences in time-to-positivity or contamination rate between the methods. However, Kudoh yielded positive cultures that were negative on LJ and vice versa. All findings were irrespective of mycobacterial lineages.

Conclusion
The Kudoh method has comparable sensitivity to the NALC-NaOH method for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates. It is easy to perform and could be an add on option for mycobacterial culture in the field in The Gambia, since it requires less biosafety equipment.
Association of spironolactone use with risk of urinary tract cancer in the general population: A matched population-based cohort study
Authors: Chen Liang-Cheng , Yang Hsuan-Ju , Yu Ben-Hui , Lee Moon-Sing , Lin Hon-Yi , Chiou Wen-Yen , Liu Dai-Wei , Hsu Feng-Chun , Chew Chia-Hui , Hung Shih-Kai 
Published: March 2024

Purpose
The correlation between spironolactone usage and cancer risk has sparked interest. The objective of this study is to examine the association between spironolactone use and the incidence of urinary tract cancer in the general population.

Methods
We conducted a matched population-based cohort study. The study population was obtained from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (TNHIRD) during the period from 2000 to 2016. The multivariate Cox proportional hazard model was performed to examine the impact of spironolactone use on the risk of urinary tract cancer. A total of 8,608 individuals exposed to spironolactone were exact matched by 1:1 ratio with unexposed controls on factors including age, gender, comorbidities, CCI scores and socioeconomic status. The incidences of urinary tract cancer, including prostate, renal and bladder cancer, were estimated in both spironolactone exposed and non-exposed cohorts.

Results
After adjusting for confounding variables, the multivariate Cox regression analysis showed no significant association between spironolactone exposure and urinary tract cancer incidence, including bladder (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.72–1.96, p = 0.50), renal (aHR = 1.75, 95% CI = 0.99–3.07, p = 0.053), and prostate cancer (aHR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.43–1.04, p = 0.07). When the population was stratified into low (cumulative dose < = 29,300 mg) and high (cumulative dose >29,300 mg) dose of spironolactone, only high dose of spironolactone use was significantly associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer (aHR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.23–0.89, p = 0.02), while being associated with an elevated risk of renal cancer (aHR = 2.09, 95% CI = 1.07–4.08, p = 0.03). However, no clear cumulative dose-response relationship was observed in theses associations.

Conclusions
High cumulative dose of spironolactone may be potentially associated with a decreased incidence of prostate cancer and an increased incidence of renal cancer, while no significant association was observed with bladder cancer incidence. However, given the lack of support from the dose-response pattern, the available evidence is inconclusive to establish a definitive association between spironolactone use and urinary tract cancer.
Patient characteristics and telehealth are associated with attendance rates in an outpatient rehabilitation infant bridge program
Authors: Nguyen Tiana T. , Pak Sang S. , Miller Matthew J. 
Published: March 2024

Objective
To describe the characteristics of patients who received outpatient therapy services through an infant bridge program using telehealth mode of service delivery and to identify if attendance rates vary by mode of service delivery. We hypothesized that telehealth visits will increase attendance rates.

Design
Retrospective, cross-sectional study.

Setting
UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital outpatient infant bridge program.

Participants
Eighty infants with a history of NICU admission and scheduled for a therapy appointment between June 1, 2019 and December 31, 2020 were included in the study. Participants had an average(SD) gestational age of 34.63(4.41) weeks and length of stay was 43.55(56.03) weeks. The majority were English-speaking (96.3%), White (37.5%), and had commercial insurance (72.5%).

Main outcome measure
Descriptive analyses were conducted across the entire group along with service delivery model subgroup analysis. Logistic regression was performed to assess patient characteristics associated with attendance and if service delivery model influences attendance.

Results
In the analysis of 596 scheduled visits, there were more completed telehealth sessions than for in-person sessions (90.0% versus 84.1%, p = .011). For in-person sessions, infants (N = 40) with lower birth gestational ages (p = .009), longer length of stay (p = .041), and Medi-Cal insurance (p = .006) were more likely to have ≥2 missed appointments. For the telehealth sessions, infants (N = 40) who had longer length of stay (p = .040) were more likely to have ≥2 missed appointments. There is a higher likelihood of ≥2 missed appointments for patients with a longer length of stay (OR = 1.02, 95% CI [1.01, 1.03]) and for in-person service delivery when compared to telehealth (OR = 6.25, 95% CI [1.37, 28.57]).

Conclusions
Telehealth was associated with higher likelihood of attendance, revealing that telehealth has the potential to increase access to early therapy services for certain populations. Future studies with larger sample sizes to determine which populations benefit from telehealth is recommended.
The Impact of Weight Loss Programs on Body Mass Index Trajectory in Patients With Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: A Veterans Health Administration Study
Authors: Tang Helen , Kaplan David E. , Mahmud Nadim 
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION:
Weight loss is the mainstay of management for patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). We studied the impact of referral to MOVE!, a nationally implemented behavioral weight loss program, on weight in patients with MASLD.

METHODS:
This retrospective cohort study included 102,294 patients with MASLD from 125 Veterans Health Administration centers from 2008 to 2022.

RESULTS:
Most patients lost no significant weight or gained weight. Increased engagement with MOVE! was associated with a greater hazard of significant weight loss compared with no engagement.

DISCUSSION:
A minority of patients experienced significant weight loss through 5 years using lifestyle interventions alone.
แนวทางการพัฒนาศักยภาพครูช่างอุตสาหกรรมโดยนำเทคโนโลยีความเป็นจริงเสมือน (Virtual Reality : VR) มาบูรณาการกับการเรียนการสอนในยุคดิจิทัล
Authors:   สำนักพัฒนาเทคโนโลยีเพื่ออุตสาหกรรม มหาวิทยาลัยเทคโนโลยีพระจอมเกล้าพระนครเหนือ, บุญประเสริฐ สนธยา 
Published: March 2024

การวิจัยครั้งนี้มีวัตถุประสงค์เพื่อศึกษาปัญหาและอุปสรรคในการพัฒนาศักยภาพครูช่างอุตสาหกรรมโดยนำเทคโนโลยีความเป็นจริงเสมือน (Virtual Reality : VR) มาบูรณาการกับการเรียนการสอนในยุคดิจิทัล ในสภาพปัจจุบัน เพื่อเปรียบเทียบความต้องการพัฒนาศักยภาพครูช่างอุตสาหกรรมโดยนำเทคโนโลยีความเป็นจริงเสมือน (Virtual Reality : VR) มาบูรณาการกับการเรียนการสอนในยุคดิจิทัล และเพื่อเสนอแนะแนวทางการพัฒนาศักยภาพครูช่างอุตสาหกรรมโดยนำเทคโนโลยีความเป็นจริงเสมือน (Virtual Reality : VR) มาบูรณาการกับการเรียนการสอนในยุคดิจิทัล กลุ่มตัวอย่างที่ใช้ในการวิจัยในครั้งนี้ ได้แก่ ครูช่างอุตสาหกรรมในโรงเรียนเตรียมวิศวกรรมศาสตร์ไทย-เยอรมัน มหาวิทยาลัยเทคโนโลยีพระจอมเกล้าพระนครเหนือ และครูช่างอุตสาหกรรมในสถาบันการอาชีวศึกษาภาคกลาง 4 สำนักงานคณะกรรมการการอาชีวศึกษา กระทรวงศึกษาธิการ จำนวน 206 คน เครื่องมือที่ใช้ในการวิจัย คือ แบบสัมภาษณ์ และแบบสอบถาม สถิติที่ใช้ในการวิเคราะห์ข้อมูล ได้แก่ ค่าร้อยละ ค่าความถี่ ค่าเฉลี่ย ส่วนเบี่ยงเบนมาตรฐาน โดยการวิเคราะห์ความแปรปรวนทางเดียว (One-Way ANOVA)	ผลการวิจัยพบว่า ครูช่างอุตสาหกรรมมีความต้องการพัฒนาศักยภาพครูช่างอุตสาหกรรมโดยนำเทคโนโลยีความเป็นจริงเสมือน (Virtual Reality : VR) มาบูรณาการกับการเรียนการสอน ในยุคดิจิทัล โดยภาพรวม อยู่ในระดับมาก เมื่อพิจารณาเป็นรายด้าน โดยเรียงลำดับค่าเฉลี่ยจากมากไปน้อย พบว่า มีความต้องการพัฒนาศักยภาพด้านคุณลักษณะที่พึงประสงค์ (Attributes) มากที่สุด รองลงมาคือ ด้านความรู้ (Knowledge) และด้านทักษะ (Skills) ตามลำดับ เมื่อพิจารณาเป็นรายข้อสามลำดับแรก พบว่า ด้านความรู้ (Knowledge) มีความต้องการเพิ่มพูนความรู้เกี่ยวกับการเขียนเกมบนเว็บไซต์ด้วยระบบ WebVR ผ่านโปรแกรม Unity รองลงมาคือ การเขียนโปรแกรมภาษา C# บน Unity Editor และความรู้เกี่ยวกับแนวคิดในการสร้างเทคโนโลยีความเป็นจริงเสมือน สำหรับความต้องการพัฒนาศักยภาพ ด้านทักษะ (Skill) พบว่า มีความต้องการพัฒนาทักษะในการเขียนโปรแกรมภาษา C# บน Unity Editor รองลงมาคือ ทักษะในการใช้งานโปรแกรม SteamVR ร่วมกับโปรแกรม Unity ในการสร้างเกม และทักษะในการพัฒนา Mobile VR ด้วย Unity ในขณะที่ความต้องการพัฒนาศักยภาพด้านคุณลักษณะที่พึงประสงค์ (Attributes) มีความต้องการพัฒนาศักยภาพความคิดริเริ่มสร้างสรรค์ รองลงมาคือ การมีบุคลิกภาพและกิริยาท่าทางที่เหมาะสม และความมีระเบียบวินัย และครูช่างอุตสาหกรรมที่มีเพศ อายุ ระดับการศึกษา และประสบการณ์ในการทำงาน ต่างกัน มีความต้องการพัฒนาศักยภาพ ครูช่างอุตสาหกรรมโดยนำเทคโนโลยีความเป็นจริงเสมือน (Virtual Reality : VR) มาบูรณาการกับการเรียนการสอนในยุคดิจิทัล โดยภาพรวม และรายด้าน ทุกด้าน ได้แก่ ด้านความรู้ (Knowledge) ด้านทักษะ (Skills) และด้านคุณลักษณะที่พึงประสงค์ (Attributes) ไม่แตกต่างกัน
The EFLM European Urinalysis Guideline 2023
Authors: Kouri Timo T. , Hofmann Walter , Falbo Rosanna , Oyaert Matthijs , Schubert Sören , Gertsen Jan Berg , Merens Audrey , Pestel-Caron Martine 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
The EFLM Task and Finish Group Urinalysis has updated the ECLM European Urinalysis Guidelines (2000) on urinalysis and urine bacterial culture, to improve accuracy of these examinations in European clinical laboratories, and to support diagnostic industry to develop new technologies.

Recommendations
Graded recommendations were built in the following areas:

Medical needs and test requisition
Strategies of urine testing are described to patients with complicated or uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI), and high or low-risk to kidney disease.

Specimen collection
Patient preparation, and urine collection are supported with two quality indicators: contamination rate (cultures), and density of urine (chemistry, particles).

Chemistry
Measurements of both urine albumin and α1-microglobulin are recommended for sensitive detection of kidney disease in high-risk patients. Performance specifications are given for urine protein measurements and quality control of multiproperty strip tests.

Particles
Procedures for microscopy are reviewed for diagnostic urine particles, including urine bacteria. Technologies in automated particle counting and visual microscopy are updated with advice how to verify new instruments with the reference microscopy.

Bacteriology
Chromogenic agar is recommended as primary medium in urine cultures. Limits of significant growth are reviewed, with an optimised workflow for routine specimens, using leukocyturia to reduce less important antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Automation in bacteriology is encouraged to shorten turn-around times. Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry is applicable for rapid identification of uropathogens. Aerococcus urinae, A. sanguinicola and Actinotignum schaalii are taken into the list of uropathogens. A reference examination procedure was developed for urine bacterial cultures.
Correlation between in vitro anti-urease activity and in silico molecular modeling approach of novel imidazopyridine–oxadiazole hybrids derivatives
Authors: Khan Shoaib , Hussain Rafaqat , Khan Yousaf , Iqbal Tayyiaba , Aziz Tariq , Alharbi Metab 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In the current era, a potent drug is still needed on the market for the treatment of various diseases worldwide. Researchers mainly focus on those enzymes that cause these diseases. One of the major diseases is caused by an enzyme called urease, which increases the concentration of ammonia in the body upon hydrolysis. Researchers across the globe have keen interest to synthesize the potent inhibitor for this conversion. From this perspective, hybrid analogs of imidazopyridine and oxadiazole (1–20) were designed and efficiently synthesized followed by characterizing them through varied spectroscopic methods (1HNMR, 13CNMR, and HREI-MS). In addition, in vitro analyses of the synthesized compounds were conducted to evaluate their anti-urease potency. There was significant potential in most compounds analyzed, but analogs 15, 16, and 17 (IC50 = 2.20 ± 0.10 μM, IC50 = 2.50 ± 0.10 μM, and IC50 = 2.30 ± 2.10 μM, respectively) performed exceptionally well in comparison with thiourea (IC50 = 22.30 ± 0.44 μM). The selected candidates were further investigated under a molecular docking study to confirm protein ligand interactions. In addition, energy gap (E
gap) of the HOMO–LUMO was explored via density functional theory studies.
What Do You Mean by Trust? The Free Associations of the Word “Trust”
Authors: Tencerová Jana , Kaššaiová Zuzana , Uhrecký Branislav 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The notion of trust has been discussed among several scientific fields, but it still lacks the joint theory. The goal was to analyze the trust associations of 600 participants and clarify how people associate the word “trust”. Overall, 600 participants produced 1800 associations which were sequentially divided into five domains and 14 categories. The findings imply, that when it comes to trust people tend to associate it mainly with relationships and positive emotions. The fact that associations involved mainly positive emotional states and significant others may show, that trust in itself is something emotional and obviously bound to people we have the strongest bonds with.
Exploring the functional abilities of PVA–combeite composites as potential candidates for bone substitutes
Authors: Kolli Nishant Kumar , Kundu Swarup , Roy Santanu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The field of biomaterials continually seeks novel materials to meet the requirements of bone tissue engineering. This manuscript explores polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)–combeite composites. The composites were characterized using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Notably, the X-ray diffraction patterns unveil a combination of amorphous and crystalline regions attributed to PVA and combeite, respectively. More importantly, PVA–combeite composites exhibit reduced swelling and degradation rates compared to pure PVA. The percentage swelling and degradation values (%) for the prepared materials fall within the range of 190–340 and 55–75, respectively. The spherical apatite structures formed post the immersion in Hanks’ Balanced Salt Solution indicate that these materials could be used in the field of bone tissue engineering.
From Epistemology to the Standpoint of “Love”: Nishida Kitarō’s Experience Theory and the Zen Logic of Prajñāpāramitā
Authors: Nernhard Norrawat 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In this paper, I will explain the characteristics of “pure experience” in Nishida Kitarō’s philosophy. This pure experience was a very fundamental concept in Nishida’s philosophy, and was an important thought that was consistently at the core of his philosophy from the beginning through his later years. In his important work, An Inquiry into the Good, Nishida uses “the moment of seeing the color or hearing a sound …” as the initial perception to explain the only reality that developed into many categories by the self-developing characteristics of pure experience. Thus, he discusses “knowing” and “love.” At the very same time, Suzuki Daisetz (D.T. Suzuki) explains the same topic by using the “logic of Prajñāpāramitā.” The “logic of Prajñāpāramitā” states that everything that is affirmative is negative at the same time. It is generally believed that this “logic of Prajñāpāramitā” is very similar to the characteristics of the pure experience mentioned above. The reason for comparing these thoughts was that Kitarō Nishida and D. T. Suzuki were close friends and exchanged ideas with each other. Therefore, to understand Nishida’s “pure experience” and early philosophy thoroughly, the author has also examined the “logic of Prajñāpāramitā.”
Fetoscopic laser coagulation for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome: a comparison of flexible 1.0/1.2 mm fetoscopes with curved sheaths of 2.7/3.3 mm2 vs. 2 mm fetoscopic lens technique with sheaths of 6.6/11.3 mm2
Authors: Tchirikov Michael , Zühlke Anja , Schlabritz-Lutsevich Natalia , Entezami Michael , Seliger Gregor , Bergner Michael , Li Weijing , Köninger Angela , Wienke Andreas , Yusupbaev Rustem , Ebert Andreas D. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Fetoscopic laser coagulation of placental anastomoses is usually performed for a treatment of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). A common complication of fetoscopic laser coagulation for TTTS is preterm preliminary rupture of fetal membranes (PPROM) aggravating the neonatal outcome significantly. However, use of an flexible 1 mm fetoscope with an curved sheath could reduce iatrogenic damage of the amniotic membrane and improve neonatal outcomes after laser treatment. The aim of this study was to compare neonatal outcomes using this flexible fetoscope with curved sheath vs. use of a standard lens technique.

Methods
Outcomes were retrospective analyzed after use of a standard lens fetoscope of 2 mm (sheath 6.63 mm2 or 11.27 mm2 for anterior placenta) and a flexible fetoscope of 1 mm or 1.2 mm (sheath 2.65 mm2 or 3.34 mm2) in two German centers of fetal surgery, performed during 2006–2019.

Results
Neonatal outcome of 247 TTTS patients were analyzed including the rates of double and single fetal survival. The survival of at least one fetus was 97.2 % in the group with the ultrathin technique (n=154) compared to 88.3 % (n=93) in the group with the standard lens fetoscope (p=0.008). Survival of both fetuses was not different between groups (81.0 vs. 75.3 %). The procedure to delivery interval was significantly increased using the ultrathin fetoscope (89.1±35.0 d vs. 71.4±35.4 d, p=0.001) resulting in an increased gestational age at delivery by 11 days on average (231.9±28.1 d vs. 221.1±32.7 d, p=0.012).

Conclusions
Fetal survival can be significantly increased following TTTS using flexible fetoscope of 1 mm or 1.2 mm (sheath 2.65 mm2 or 3.34 mm2)
Long-pulsed ultrasound-mediated microbubble thrombolysis in a rat model of microvascular obstruction
Authors: Wang Rui , Chen Xianghui , Zha Daogang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In up to 30% patients who experience acute myocardial infarction, successful recanalization of the epicardial coronary artery cannot provide adequate microvascular reperfusion. In this study, we sought to determine whether long-pulsed ultrasound (US)-mediated microbubble (MB) cavitation was useful for the treatment of microvascular obstruction, and the therapeutic effects were compared within different long-pulse-length and short-pulsed US. Microvascular obstruction model was established by injecting micro-thrombi into common iliac artery of a rat’s hind limb. About 1 MHz US with different long pulse lengths (ranging from 100 to 50,000 cycles) was delivered, compared to short pulse (5 cycles). The control group was given MB only without therapeutic US. Contrast perfusion images were performed at baseline, emboli, and 1, 5, 10 min post-embolization, and peak plateau video intensity (A) was obtained to evaluate the therapeutic effects. Long-tone-burst US showed better thrombolytic effects than short-pulsed US (1,000, 5,000 cycles >500 cycles, >5 cycles, and control) (P < 0.01). 1,000 cycles group showed the optimal thrombolytic effect, but microvascular hemorrhage was observed in 50,000 cycles group. In conclusion, long-tone-burst US-enhanced MB therapy mediated successful thrombolysis and may offer a powerful approach for the treatment for microvascular obstruction within a certain pulse length.
Photon-assisted ultrafast electron–hole plasma expansion in direct band semiconductors
Authors: Troha Tinkara , Klimovič Filip , Ostatnický Tomáš , Němec Hynek , Kužel Petr 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy is used to investigate formation and ultrafast long-distance propagation of electron–hole plasma in strongly photoexcited GaAs and InP. The observed phenomena involve fundamental interactions of electron–hole system with light, which manifest themselves in two different regimes: a coherent one with the plasma propagation speeds up to c/10 (in GaAs at 20 K) and an incoherent one reaching up to c/25 (in InP at 20 K), both over a macroscopic distance >100 μm. We explore a broad range of experimental conditions by investigating the two materials, by tuning their band gap with temperature and by controlling the interaction strength with the optical pump fluence. Our interpretation suggests that the observed phenomena should occur in most direct band semiconductors upon strong photoexcitation with low excess energy.
Hydrothermal synthesis and crystal structure of aqua-tris(4-acetamidobenzoato-κ2
O,O′)-(1,10-phenanthroline-κ2
N,N′)terbium(III) hydrate C39H36N5O11Tb
Authors: Xia Yu-Xuan , Xu Zhuo-Wen , Li Wei , Li Chang-Hong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
C39H36N5O11Tb, triclinic, P

1
‾

$\overline{1}$

(no. 2), a = 10.3365(12) Å, b = 13.0194(15) Å, c = 15.2064(18) Å, α = 108.769(2)°, β = 94.694(2)°, γ = 100.882(2)°, V = 1880.2(4) Å3, Dc = 1.607 g/cm3, Z = 2, Rgt
(F) = 0.0315, wRref
(F
2) = 0.0836, T = 296.15 K.