bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transformation and fate of Fe(III) in petroleum-hydrocarbon-contaminated soil and groundwater
Authors: Elikem Essouassi , Bulmer David , Bradshaw Kris , Hayatifar Ardalan , Lindsay Matthew B. J. , Siciliano Steven D. , Peak Derek 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In anoxic subsurface environments, low Fe(III) bioaccessibility greatly limits in situ biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs). Ferric ammonium citrate is a soluble compound that has the potential to increase the bioaccessibility of Fe(III). However, in neutral to alkaline environments, Fe(III) hydrolysis can produce Fe(III) (oxyhydr)oxides that may subsequently transform or recrystallize to relatively stable and less bioaccessible phases. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to elucidate the transformation and fate of Fe(III) contributed by ferric ammonium citrate in a gasoline-contaminated subsurface environment that was undergoing in situ bioremediation. Ferric ammonium citrate, together with sodium tripolyphosphate, magnesium sulphate, and nitric acid, was continuously injected into the contaminated groundwater for about 22 weeks. Colloids in the groundwater (solid particles retained on a 0.45

$$\upmu$$

μ

m filter) and soil cores were collected from the site. Fe speciation in these samples was characterized using X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The groundwater colloids (GWCs) contained mostly octahedrally coordinated Fe(III), but the subsoils contained both octahedrally coordinated Fe(III) and Fe(II). The fraction of Fe(II) in the subsoils generally increased after about 22 weeks of continuous amendment injection. Ferric ammonium citrate did not persist in the PHC-contaminated subsurface: the Fe(III) it contained was transformed to solid phases. Fe(III)-organic-matter (Fe(III)-OM) complex/coprecipitate and sulfate green rust were the major phases present in the GWCs; akaganeite, chloride green rust, vivianite, ferrihydrite, Fe(III)-silicate, and magnetite were present as minor phases. The subsoils contained three major phases: Fe(III)-OM complex/coprecipitate, magnetite, and calcium ferric silicate. The presence of major Fe(II) phases in the subsoils strongly indicate that secondary Fe(III) phases (especially Fe(III)-OM complex/coprecipitate) served as terminal electron acceptors during the microbial degradation of PHCs in the contaminated subsurface.
Acceptance and affordability of malaria vaccines: issues relating to hesitancy and willingness to pay amongst Nigerian parents of under-five children
Authors: Adigwe Obi Peter , Onavbavba Godspower 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
With the recent approval of the malaria vaccine by the World Health Organization, it is expected that global acceptance and subsequent uptake of the intervention can help to reduce the burden of the disease in Africa. This study adopted a proactive approach in assessing parents' acceptance of the malaria vaccine, alongside their willingness to pay for the novel public health intervention.

Methods
A national cross-sectional survey was undertaken in Nigeria using a questionnaire as the data collection instrument. The study tool was administered to parents of child-bearing age. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25.

Results
A total of 1413 valid responses were received with male (49.5%) and female (50.5%) participants represented by similar proportions. Close to two-thirds (62.5%) of the participants were between the ages of 31 and 40 years, and 47.4% of the participants were educated up to national diploma level. More than two-thirds (69.6%) of the participants indicated that they were worried about side effects that may be associated with the malaria vaccine. A strong majority (90%) of the participants indicated that the vaccine should be administered at no cost to citizens, while 46.7% of the respondents were willing to pay for the malaria vaccination. Levels of education attained by the respondents influenced their willingness to pay for malaria vaccination. This variable also underpinned participants' reasons for non-acceptance of the vaccine. Those who attained only primary and secondary levels of education were significantly more likely to reject the malaria vaccine because they were against vaccines in general (AOR = 6.63; 95% CI = 1.33 – 39.25; p = 0.021).

Conclusion
This study provides critical novel insights which could influence vaccination efforts aimed at reducing the burden of malaria in Nigeria, as well as similar settings.
The distribution and spectrum of thalassemia variants in GUIYANG region, southern China
Authors: Zhao Xuanyin , You Zhiyu , Deng Yunyan , Zhou Yi , Deng Dongyang , Quan Jian , Chen Fang , Yan Zhimei , Qi Ya , Chen Leilei , Xiang Fang , Zheng Weixian , Zhang Ruyi 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Thalassemia is one of southern China’s most common inherited disorders. This retrospective study analyzed the results of thalassemia gene testing conducted on 20,478 individuals from January 1, 2019, to April 31, 2024 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The cohort consisted of 19,733 females and 745 males, with 1401 individuals testing positive for thalassemia. Among the positive cases, 942 had α thalassemia, 431 had β thalassemia, and 25 had variants in both α and β thalassemia genes. Interestingly, a subgroup of individuals with thalassemia variants not previously documented in medical literature was identified. The study highlighted the prevalence of thalassemia among different ethnic groups, with individuals of Han ethnicity being the most affected. Geographical analysis revealed a concentration of cases in Guizhou Province, particularly in Guiyang city, Bijie, and Qiannan Prefecture. These findings provide valuable insights into the epidemiology of thalassemia in the region and the distribution of affected individuals.
Transcriptome atlases of rat brain regions and their adaptation to diabetes resolution following gastrectomy in the Goto-Kakizaki rat
Authors: Brial François , Le Lay Aurélie , Rouch Claude , Henrion Edouard , Bourgey Mathieu , Bourque Guillaume , Lathrop Mark , Magnan Christophe , Gauguier Dominique 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Brain regions drive multiple physiological functions through specific gene expression patterns that adapt to environmental influences, drug treatments and disease conditions. To generate a detailed atlas of the brain transcriptome in the context of diabetes, we carried out RNA sequencing in hypothalamus, hippocampus, brainstem and striatum of the Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat model of spontaneous type 2 diabetes, which was applied to identify gene transcription adaptation to improved glycemic control following vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) in the GK. Over 19,000 distinct transcripts were detected in the rat brain, including 2794 which were consistently expressed in the four brain regions. Region-specific gene expression was identified in hypothalamus (n = 477), hippocampus (n = 468), brainstem (n = 1173) and striatum (n = 791), resulting in differential regulation of biological processes between regions. Differentially expressed genes between VSG and sham operated rats were only found in the hypothalamus and were predominantly involved in the regulation of endothelium and extracellular matrix. These results provide a detailed atlas of regional gene expression in the diabetic rat brain and suggest that the long term effects of gastrectomy-promoted diabetes remission involve functional changes in the hypothalamus endothelium.
Modeling and scientific analysis of pediatric medication evaluation based on MDM-DEA-Malmquist model: construction of health management in pediatrics in developing countries
Authors: Fang Kaixian , Xue Shaoqin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The developing countries represented by China have huge population potential and child population. However, due to economic and social development constraints, pediatrics need help regarding resources and technology. The level of pediatric medical care remains inadequate.

Methods
This article constructs an MDM matrix framework for the pediatric medical nursing level. Combining the lean model theory, the key indicators of children's medical care are analyzed. Thus, it helps medical institutions scientifically evaluate and guide pediatric nursing. Based on the linkage extension of the MDM model and the DEA-Malmquist model, an evaluation system was established to reflect the current situation of pediatric drug use in China. The study used provincial indicator data on pediatric medication in China from 2015 to 2021.

Results
We found that indicators such as physician literacy, health records, child status, and parental awareness were the most important under different medication cycles and goals. The importance of pre-administration evaluation was as high as 53.5%, and the importance of post-administration evaluation was only 13.7%. The efficacy of pediatric medication in developed provinces was significantly optimized. The input–output structure of pediatric medication in superior provinces was consistent with the feedback sequence of the MDM matrix.

Conclusions
This indicates that the evaluation results of the MDM matrix have guiding significance for optimizing pediatric medication efficacy. This paper aims to help developing countries establish an optimized pediatric medication evaluation system and improve the pediatric healthcare environment.
Single-center experience and evaluation of rare ıntracranial abscesses in childhood
Authors: Yildiz Nihal , Gayretli Aydin Zeynep Gökçe 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Intracranial abscess (IA) is a rare disorder in childhood. Clinical manifestations of brain abscess include headache, fever, and focal neurological deficits. This study aimed to examine the demographic, clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings in children with IA.

Methods
Children admitted to the pediatric infection service with a diagnosis of IA between 2011 and 2022 were included in the study. Abscesses were divided into two groups: infratentorial and supratentorial. Demographic characteristics of the patients, complaints, MRI findings, and follow-up data were recorded and compared between the two groups.

Results
The study included a total of 23 patients, 9 (39.1%) of whom were male, with a mean age at diagnosis of 79.3 ± 65.4 months. The most common complaints were headache (39.1%), fever (91.3%), focal neurological deficits (60.9%), seizures, loss of consciousness (26.1%), and meningitis findings (60.9%). The most frequent etiology was post-operative procedures (30.4%), followed by a history of meningomyelocele (13%), and congenital heart disease (8.7%). On MRI, 68.7% of the supratentorial abscesses were multiple and commonly localized in the frontal and parietal regions. Treatment included ceftriaxone (82.6%), vancomycin (65.2%), meropenem (43.5%), metronidazole (34.8%), and linezolid (17.4%). The median hospitalization duration for patients was 32 days (range: 14–150). Of the patients, 34.8% were hospitalized and followed in the intensive care unit, and neurosurgery performed surgical interventions in 60.9% of cases, with evacuation in 21.7% of cases. In cultures, the causative agent was identified on average within 4 ± 1.3 days. Recurrence of abscess occurred in three (13%) cases, and 13% of cases had residual sequelae.

Conclusions
Intracranial abscess is a rare infectious disease that can result in long-term neurological deficits requiring extended follow-up and treatment. A correct and effective approach also positively impacts the prognosis of patients.
Digital twins as global learning health and disease models for preventive and personalized medicine
Authors: Li Xinxiu , Loscalzo Joseph , Mahmud A. K. M. Firoj , Aly Dina Mansour , Rzhetsky Andrey , Zitnik Marinka , Benson Mikael 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Ineffective medication is a major healthcare problem causing significant patient suffering and economic costs. This issue stems from the complex nature of diseases, which involve altered interactions among thousands of genes across multiple cell types and organs. Disease progression can vary between patients and over time, influenced by genetic and environmental factors. To address this challenge, digital twins have emerged as a promising approach, which have led to international initiatives aiming at clinical implementations. Digital twins are virtual representations of health and disease processes that can integrate real-time data and simulations to predict, prevent, and personalize treatments. Early clinical applications of DTs have shown potential in areas like artificial organs, cancer, cardiology, and hospital workflow optimization. However, widespread implementation faces several challenges: (1) characterizing dynamic molecular changes across multiple biological scales; (2) developing computational methods to integrate data into DTs; (3) prioritizing disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets; (4) creating interoperable DT systems that can learn from each other; (5) designing user-friendly interfaces for patients and clinicians; (6) scaling DT technology globally for equitable healthcare access; (7) addressing ethical, regulatory, and financial considerations. Overcoming these hurdles could pave the way for more predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine, potentially transforming healthcare delivery and improving patient outcomes.
Swedish version of the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ-SWE), translation and cultural adaptation
Authors: Ekdahl Annika Svahn , Mikkelsen Viana , Frenell Heléna , Lood Qarin , Westgård Theresa , Fuller Joanne M. , Mikkelsen Andrea , Gutke Annelie 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objective
Physical activity has well-known health benefits in all stages of life and may also reduce the risk for pregnancy-related complications, but many pregnant women do not reach the recommended activity levels. Tailored advice is often provided by healthcare professionals to promote physical activity during pregnancy. To provide such advice, assessment of the actual level of physical activity is necessary, but there are currently no standardized methods for this. The Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) is a self-administered instrument, designed to determine physical activity during pregnancy but a Swedish version of the questionnaire is not yet available.

Result
The PPAQ was translated and culturally adapted into a Swedish version, i.e., PPAQ-SWE according to the process described by Beaton et al. Several minor linguistic adjustments were needed, that mainly concerned semantic and cultural adaptations, such as adding, removing, or replacing words to match Swedish cultural aspects. For instance, “gestational week” was used instead of “trimester,” and “older person” replaced “older adult.” The reference to a “1-gallon milk jug” was replaced with “3–4 liters of milk” to fit the metric system used in Sweden. Two questions regarding bicycling, a common form of transportation in Sweden, and one free-text comment option was added.
The decision-making process and experiences of women returning to work after parental leave: a qualitative systematic review protocol
Authors: Sahin Safiye , Dunbar Sabine S. , Sehgal Gurmeet , Roberts Lisa R. , Nick Jan M. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the decision-making process of women returning to work after maternity leave or parental leave and explore the influence of cultural norms and societal expectations on their choices. Additionally, we seek to understand the lived experiences of the women in this context.

Introduction
Cultural norms and societal expectations significantly affect women’s decisions regarding post-childbirth employment. However, a comprehensive understanding of these influences on women’s experiences returning to work after parental leave is lacking.

Inclusion criteria
We will include qualitative studies examining women’s decision-making processes and experiences of returning to work after parental leave, with a focus on the influence of cultural norms and societal expectations. Studies from diverse cultural and geographical settings, including peer-reviewed journals and gray literature, will be considered without restrictions on publication date or language.

Methods
The review will adhere to the JBI approach for qualitative systematic reviews. Major academic databases and search engines, such as CINAHL, PubMed, and Google Scholar, will be used. Study selection will involve screening titles and abstracts for relevance, followed by a full-text assessment against inclusion criteria by two independent reviewers. Critical appraisal using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research will evaluate study rigor. Data extraction will be conducted by two independent reviewers, using the standardized JBI data extraction tool within JBI SUMARI, to identify key themes and findings related to the women’s decision-making process and lived experiences of returning to work after parental leave. The meta-aggregation approach will be utilized to synthesize findings, with confidence assessed through study quality and consistency. Any methodological deviations will be documented. Findings will be graded using the ConQual approach and presented in a summary of findings table.

Discussion
By synthesizing data from different cultural contexts, this review will help bridge the gap in understanding how these factors influence women’s choices. Rigor in the review will be ensured through the process of study selection, appraisal, and synthesis using the JBI approach. The findings will provide challenges faced by women and inform policies to help support their transition back to work.

Systematic review registration
PROSPERO CRD42024546633.
The rapid detection of a neonatal unit outbreak of a wild-type Klebsiella variicola using decentralized Oxford Nanopore sequencing
Authors: White Rhys T. , Balm Michelle , Burton Megan , Hutton Samantha , Jeram Jamaal , Kelly Matthew , Macartney-Coxson Donia , Sinha Tanya , Sushames Henrietta , Winter David J. , Bloomfield Maxim G. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background

Klebsiella variicola has been implicated in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) outbreaks previously and can be misidentified as Klebsiella pneumoniae. An increased incidence of K. pneumoniae bacteremia on the NICU of our institution was notified to the infection prevention and control (IPC) team in May 2024. The four isolates involved displayed wild-type susceptibility, so had not been detected via multidrug-resistant organism surveillance. This triggered investigation with a nanopore-based decentralized whole-genome sequencing (dWGS) system in operation at our laboratory.

Methods
Since early 2022, the hospital laboratory at Wellington Regional Hospital has been performing dWGS using the Oxford Nanopore MinION device. This allows for prospective genomic surveillance of certain hospital-associated organisms, but also rapid reactive investigation of possible outbreaks. Isolates are sequenced in the hospital laboratory and undergo multilocus sequence typing (MLST). If transmission events are suspected, sequence data are transferred to the reference laboratory, the Institute for Environmental Science and Research (ESR) for high-resolution bioinformatic analysis.

Results
Within 48 h of notification isolates had been subcultured and sequenced. This showed that three of four isolates were in fact K. variicola, and two of these were sequence type (ST)6385. This sequence type had not been seen previously at our institution, so transmission was suspected. Environmental sampling revealed K. variicola ST6385 in two sink traps on the unit, and prospective sequencing of all K. pneumoniae isolates from NICU samples revealed two further infants with K. variicola ST6385. Subsequent phylogenetic analysis at ESR using original sequence data showed tight clustering of these isolates, confirming an outbreak. Sink traps were disinfected, environmental cleaning procedures were updated, and a strict focus on hand hygiene was reinforced on the ward. No further isolates were detected, and the outbreak was closed after two months.

Conclusions
Access to dWGS at the level of the local hospital laboratory permitted rapid identification of an outbreak of an organism displaying no unusual antimicrobial resistance features at a point where there were only two known cases. This in turn facilitated a rapid IPC response.
Aligning policy for success in developing countries: evidence from the poultry sector of Ghana
Authors: Zamani Omid , Chibanda Craig , Boimah Mavis , Asante-Addo Collins 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This paper examines policy coherence in Ghana's poultry sector by assessing potential interactions between policy objectives. Using panel simultaneous equation models and the data-driven synthetic control method, we analyze the effects of policy interventions on domestic poultry production during 1999–2019. Our findings underscore the impact of policies enacted during this period on the growth of domestic poultry production. However, growth in production remains notably lower than the escalating imports of frozen poultry meat. Our coherence analysis identifies lowering production costs and enhancing productivity as crucial policy objectives that could positively affect food security and rural development. Nonetheless, we caution against prioritizing one objective over others, as this may adversely affect overall policy coherence and outcomes. Specifically, our study emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between fostering domestic production and ensuring food security.