bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determining the efficacy of disinfectants at nucleic acid degradation
Authors: Wilkinson Rachael C , Meldrum Kirsty , Maggs Caitlin J , Thomas Nerissa E , Thomas Bethan R , De Mello Natalie , Joyce Naomi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Aims
Nucleic acids, particularly antibiotic resistance genes, are commonly found on surfaces within healthcare environments, with levels not reducing following cleaning. Within the UK, there are no regulations for testing disinfectants against nucleic acids.

Methods and results
A series of commonplace in vitro methods were used to determine disinfectant-induced physical and functional damage to various nucleic acids; RNA (10 μg), genomic DNA (2 μg), and plasmids (1 μg). Using these methods, the optimal residence time (10 minutes) and working concentration (10%) were determined for a new disinfectant. Furthermore, comparison of disinfectants with different active ingredients including lactic acid (LA), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), chloroxylenol (PCMX), and quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), were compared to controls. All disinfectants showed greater degradation by gel electrophoresis of genomic DNA and RNA than of purified plasmids. Functional analysis using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) demonstrated that no disinfectant tested (apart from control) could damage DNA to the level where PCR amplification was not possible, and only the NaOH reagent could achieve this for RNA.

Conclusions
The set of methods described herein provides a platform for future standardization and potential regulation regarding monitoring cleaning solutions for their activity against nucleic acids.
Antifungal activity of Klebsiella grimontii DR11 against Fusarium oxysporum causing soybean root rot
Authors: Wang Shengyi , Zheng Lining , Gao Ao , Xiao Yufeng , Han Zhe , Pan Hongyu , Zhang Hao 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Aims
Soybean root rot, caused by Fusarium oxysporum, leads to significant economic and financial losses to the soybean processing industry globally. In the study, we aimed to explore a biocontrol agent to combat F. oxysporum infection in soybean.

Methods and Results
From soybean rhizosphere soil, 48 strains were isolated. Among them, the strain DR11 exhibited the highest inhibition rate of 72.27%. Morphological, physiological, biochemical, and 16S rDNA identification revealed that the strain DR11 was Klebsiella grimontii DR11. Strain DR11 could inhibit the growth of F. oxysporum and spore formation and alter the mycelial morphology. At 5.0 × 106 CFU mL−1, pH 7, and 30°C, it exhibited the highest inhibitory rate (72.27%). Moreover, it could decrease the activity of cell-wall-degrading enzymes of F. oxysporum. Simultaneously, the activities of defense-related enzymes and content of malondialdehyde in soybean plants were increased after treatment with strain DR11. In addition, strain DR11 could form aggregates to form biofilm and adsorb on the surface of soybean roots. It inhibited F. oxysporum growth on soybean seedlings, with an inhibitory effect of 62.71%.

Conclusion
Klebsiella grimontii DR11 had a strong inhibitory effect on F. oxysporum and could be used as a biocontrol agent to combat F. oxysporum infection in soybean.
Andrew Carnegie’s museum of evolution
Authors: Strazdes Diana 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Carnegie Institute was established in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, during the great age of museum building in the United States. The institute took shape over two building programmes completed in 1895 and 1907. It comprised not only a natural history museum and art gallery but also a library and a music hall. Financed solely by Andrew Carnegie, it stood as an oddity in having no founder’s collection. Carnegie’s role has been interpreted as that of a silent financial partner who turned over creative control to others. Instead, and from the start, the natural history collection and art gallery were ideologically driven to accord with their founder’s idiosyncratic values. Carnegie Institute symbolized the thinking of philosopher Herbert Spencer and educational reformer Matthew Arnold, as absorbed and interpreted by Carnegie. The collections of palaeontology, casts, reproductions, paintings and drawings were displayed to reflect both Spencer’s concept of evolution and Arnold’s concept of anti-materialism.
Topical Review: Acute and Chronic Pain Experiences in Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth
Authors: Boerner Katelynn E , Harrison Lauren E , Battison Eleanor A J , Murphy Corrin , Wilson Anna C 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
To provide an overview of the existing literature on gender diversity in pediatric acute and chronic pain, propose an ecological systems model of understanding pain in transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) youth, and identify a direction for future work that will address the key knowledge gaps identified.

Methods
Relevant literature on pain and gender diversity was reviewed, drawing from adult literature where there was insufficient evidence in pediatric populations. Existing relevant models for understanding minority stress, gender and pain, and pain experiences within marginalized groups were considered with the reviewed literature to develop a pain model in TGD youth.

Results
While there is an abundance of literature pointing to increased risk for pain experiences amongst TGD youth, there is comparably little empirical evidence of the rates of pain amongst TGD youth, prevalence of TGD identities in pain care settings, effective pain treatments for TGD youth and unique considerations for their care, and the role intersectional factors in understanding TGD youth identities and pain.

Conclusion
Pediatric psychologists are well-positioned to advance the research on acute and chronic pain in TGD youth, make evidence-based adaptations to clinical care for TGD youth with pain, including pain related to gender affirmation, and support colleagues within the medical system to provide more inclusive care.
Constraint on the relativistic motion of fast radio bursts based on the maximal electric field
Authors: Shen Jun-Yi , Zou Yuan-Chuan 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT
Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are millisecond radio signals from cosmological distances. As they propagate, FRBs can interact with ambient photons and initiate a quantum cascade that can limit the electric field strength. This paper examines whether some observed bright and brief FRBs may challenge this limit if the source is not relativistic. The size of a static FRB source is estimated as R ∼ ct, where t is the time-scale of the FRB and c denotes the speed of light. But for a relativistic source moving at the Lorentz factor Γ, the size is R ∼ 2Γ2ct. Using an FRB catalogue, we plot the luminosity–duration distribution. Most FRBs fall below the limit for a static source, but two events have higher luminosity and shorter duration. This suggests these bursts may originate from relativistic sources, although more data are needed to confirm this.
Supermassive black hole mass in the massive elliptical galaxy M87 from integral-field stellar dynamics using OASIS and MUSE with adaptive optics: assessing systematic uncertainties
Authors: Simon David A , Cappellari Michele , Hartke Johanna 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT
The massive elliptical galaxy M87 has been the subject of several supermassive black hole mass measurements from stellar dynamics, gas dynamics, and recently the black hole shadow by the Event Horizon Telescope. This uniquely positions M87 as a benchmark for alternative black hole mass determination methods. Here, we use stellar kinematics extracted from integral-field spectroscopy observations with adaptive optics using Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) and Optically Adaptive System for Imaging Spectroscopy (OASIS). We exploit our high-resolution integral field spectroscopy to spectrally decompose the central actice galactic nuclei (AGNs) from the stars. We derive an accurate inner stellar-density profile and find it is flatter than previously assumed. We also use the spectrally extracted AGNs as a reference to accurately determine the observed MUSE and OASIS AO PSF. We then perform Jeans anisotropic modelling, with a new flexible spatially variable anisotropy, and measure the anisotropy profile, stellar mass-to-light variations, inner dark matter fraction, and black hole mass. Our preferred black hole mass is MBH = (8.7 ± 1.2[random] ± 1.3[systematic]) × 109 M⊙. However, using the inner stellar density from previous studies, we find a preferred black hole mass of $M_{\rm BH} = (5.5^{+0.5}_{-0.3}) \times 10^9 \ M_\odot$, consistent with previous work. We find that this is the primary cause of the difference between our results and previous work, in addition to smaller contributions due to kinematics and modelling method. We conduct numerous systematic tests of the kinematics and model assumptions and conclude that uncertainties in the black hole mass of M87 from previous determinations may have been underestimated and further analyses are needed.
Ultrasound-guided selective glossopharyngeal nerve block: posterior mandibular ramus approach
Authors: Kojima Yuki , Okamoto Songi , Hirabayashi Kazuya 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
Glossopharyngeal nerve block is a useful interventional technique for pain management of the head and neck. It is performed with landmark techniques or ultrasound guidance. We propose a novel ultrasound-guided glossopharyngeal nerve block technique.

Methods
This new approach was performed in 3 patients in their twenties and thirties. A needle was inserted deeply under the stylohyoid muscle through the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Subsequently, an ultrasound-guided nerve block was performed with 1 mL of 1% xylocaine. The performance of our technique was evaluated with 2 tests: a cold sensitivity test and a gag reflex test.

Results
The effect of the nerve block was observed in the posterior third of the tongue on both sides, the tonsils, and the pharyngeal region. The effect lasted for approximately 1.5 hour. Motor efferent block was not observed.

Conclusions
We designated the technique as ultrasound-guided selective glossopharyngeal nerve block: posterior mandibular ramus approach. No complications occurred during the bilateral application. This novel approach can be performed at a very shallow position, compared with conventional methods. There is no damage to tissues other than the muscles, which reduces postoperative complications and patient distress. Although our technique requires further safety assessments and technical refinements, it could represent a simpler alternative to conventional methods in daily clinical practice.
Characterization and Effect of a Nematophagous Fungus Talaromyces cystophila sp. nov. for the Biological Control of Corn Cyst Nematode
Authors: Mo Yi Xue , Kan Yuan Zi , Jia Lu Ming , Cao Xiao Tian , Sikandar Aatika , Wu Hai Yan 
Published: October 2023

The dynamic of plant-parasitic nematode populations in soil is closely related to soil microorganisms. Fungi from Heterodera zeae cysts were isolated to explore the phenomenon of decline in the H. zeae population in the soil. Phylogenetic study of partial ITS, BenA, CaM, and RPB2 gene sequences, in addition to morphological investigations, was utilized to identify a nematode-destroying fungus. The nematicidal activity of a novel strain GX1 against H. zeae was assessed in vitro and in the greenhouse. Our findings revealed that strain GX1 is a new species of Talaromyces, named Talaromyces cystophila. It has a strong parasitic and lethal effect on H. zeae cysts, with 91.11% parasitism on cysts at 3 days after treatment. The contents of second-stage juveniles (J2s) and eggs inside the cysts were degraded and formed dense vacuoles, and the damaged eggs could not hatch normally. The spore suspension exhibited high nematophagous activity against nematodes, and fermentation filtrate exhibited marked inhibition of egg hatching and nematicidal activities on J2s. The hatching inhibition rates of eggs exposed to 1 × 108 CFU/ml spore suspensions or 20% 1-week fermentation filtrate (1-WF) for 15 days were 98.56 and 100%, respectively. The mortality of J2s exposed to 1 × 108 CFU/ml spore suspension reached 100% at 24 h; exposure to 50% 2-WF was 98.65 and 100% at 24 and 48 h, respectively. Greenhouse experiments revealed that the spore suspension and fermentation broth considerably decreased H. zeae reproduction by 56.17 to 78.76%. T. cystophila is a potential biocontrol strain with nematophagous and nematicidal activity that deserves attention and application.
The importance of female reproductive history on self-reported sleep quality, mood, and urogenital symptoms in midlife
Authors: Vorobeľová Lenka , Falbová Darina , Candráková Čerňanová Veronika 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
This study investigated the importance of reproductive history on somatic and psychological symptoms in midlife women.

Methods
A total of 503 women from 39 to 65 years of age were recruited from different localities in Slovakia. These were interviewed about their reproductive and menstrual history, sociodemographic background, and lifestyle and health status after submitting pretested questionnaires. All variables were measured by self-reporting, and multivariable logistic and ordinal regression analyses tested the associations.

Results
Women who experienced miscarriage had a greater likelihood of waking early and then sleeping poorly, and they also felt unattractive in midlife. Moreover, women with two or more miscarriages were four times more likely to experience this sleep symptom than those without miscarriage (odds ratio [OR], 4.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.70-10.38; P = 0.002). In addition, women with one or two children suffered significantly less often with severe depressed mood and lack of enjoyment than women with three and more children (lack of enjoyment: with one child, the OR was 0.39 [95% CI, 0.16-0.96; P = 0.041]; with two children, the OR was 0.47 [95% CI, 0.23-0.97; P = 0.040]; depressed mood: with one child, the OR was 0.32 [95% CI, 0.12-0.84; P = 0.021]). Finally, the premenopausal and perimenopausal women were less likely to experience severe vaginal dryness than those in postmenopause.

Conclusions
This cross-sectional pilot study suggests that women's reproductive history, as determined by parity and miscarriage, may be relevant to their midlife health and well-being. Future research is warranted.
Efficacy and safety of atezolizumab/bevacizumab in patients with HCC after prior systemic therapy: A global, observational study
Authors: Joerg Vincent , Scheiner Bernhard , D´Alessio Antonio , Fulgenzi Claudia A.M. , Schönlein Martin , Kocheise Lorenz , Lohse Ansgar W. , Huber Samuel , Wege Henning , Kaseb Ahmed , Wang Yinghong , Mathew Antony , Kuang Andrew , Muzaffar Mahvish , Abugabal Yehia I. , Chamseddine Shadi , Phen Samuel , Cheon Jaekyung , Lee Pei-Chang , Balcar Lorenz , Krall Anja , Ang Celina , Wu Linda , Saeed Anwaar , Huang Yi-Hsiang , Bengsch Bertram , Rimassa Lorenza , Weinmann Arndt , Stauber Rudolf , Korolewicz James , Pinter Matthias , Singal Amit G. , Chon Hong Jae , Pinato David J. , Schulze Kornelius , von Felden Johann 
Published: October 2023

Background:
Since the introduction of the combination treatment of anti-programmed death-ligand 1 antibody atezolizumab and anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab (AB), median overall survival in HCC has drastically improved. However, evidence on the efficacy and safety of the novel treatment standard in patients with prior exposure to systemic treatment is scarce. The aim of this global, multicenter, observational study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of AB in patients after previous systemic therapy.

Methods:
We screened our global, multicenter, prospectively maintained registry database for patients who received any systemic therapy before AB. The primary end point was overall survival; secondary end points were time-to-progression, progression-free survival, objective response rate, and safety (rate and severity of adverse events).

Results:
Among 493 patients who received AB for unresectable HCC, 61 patients received prior systemic therapy and were included in this analysis. The median age of the study population was 66 years, with 91.8% males. Predominant risk factors for HCC were viral hepatitis (59%) and alcohol (23%). Overall survival for AB was 16.2 (95% CI, 14.5–17.9) months, time-to-progression and progression-free survival were 4.1 (95% CI, 1.5–6.6) and 3.1 (95% CI, 1.1–5.1) months, respectively. The objective response rate was 38.2% (7.3% with complete and 30.9% with partial response). Overall survival was not influenced by treatment line (2nd vs. >2nd) or previous systemic treatment modality (tyrosine kinase inhibitors vs. immune checkpoint inhibitors). Treatment-related adverse events of all grades according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events were documented in 42.6% of patients, with only 13.1% of grade ≥3, including one death.

Conclusion:
In this observational study, AB emerges as a safe and efficacious treatment option in patients with HCC previously treated with other systemic therapy.
Influence of Subclinical Corneal Edema on Contrast Sensitivity in Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy
Authors: Friedrich Maximilian , Hofmann Christina Antonia , Chychko Lizaveta , Son Hyeck-Soo , Khoramnia Ramin , Auffarth Gerd Uwe , Augustin Victor Aristide 
Published: October 2023

Purpose:
The aim of this study was to compare visual function, with a focus on contrast sensitivity, between patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) with and without subclinical corneal edema.

Methods:
In this cross-sectional, observational, single-center study, 46 pseudophakic eyes of 31 patients with FECD were divided into 2 groups depending on the presence of subclinical corneal edema. All eyes presented with a Krachmer grade of 5 and no clinical corneal edema. The criteria for subclinical corneal edema were loss of regular isopachs, displacement of the thinnest point, and focal posterior surface depression in Scheimpflug tomography. If more than 1 criterion was present, subclinical corneal edema was diagnosed. The corrected distance visual acuity, contrast sensitivity (Pelli–Robson chart and CSV-1000 test with optional glare), and straylight were measured. The differences between both groups were analyzed using clustered Wilcoxon rank-sum tests.

Results:
The corrected distance visual acuity and the contrast sensitivity, measured with a Pelli–Robson chart, were significantly inferior in eyes with subclinical corneal edema compared with eyes without subclinical edema (P < 0.05). At all spatial frequencies, eyes with subclinical edema demonstrated lower contrast sensitivity with a statistically significantly reduction in total contrast sensitivity when tested with (P = 0.005) and without (P = 0.002) glare. The straylight did not significantly differ between both groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:
The corrected distance visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were significantly reduced in FECD eyes with subclinical corneal edema compared with those with no subclinical edema. This decrease in visual quality may be considered when evaluating the need for surgical intervention at earlier stages of FECD.
Computed tomography-based delta radiomics of tumor core_edge combination for systemic treatment response evaluation in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Li Xiang , Lu Na , Hu Peijun , Chen Yiwen , Liu Liying , Liu Xinyuan , Guo Chengxiang , Xiao Wenbo , Sun Ke , Li Jingsong , Bai Xueli , Liang Tingbo 
Published: October 2023

Background:
As a systemic disease, pancreatic cancer (PC) can be treated systemically to raise the R0 resection rate and enhance patient prognosis. The best ways to assess the treatment response to systemic treatment of patients with PC are still lacking.

Methods:
A total of 122 PC patients were enrolled; 25 of these patients were used as an independent testing set. According to the pathologic response, PC patients were classified into the responder and nonresponder groups. The whole tumor, core, edge, and peritumoral were segmented from the enhanced computed tomography (CT) images. Machine-learning models were created by extracting the variations in radionics features before and after therapy (delta radiomics features). Finally, we compared the performance of models based on radiomics features, changes in tumor markers, and radiologic evaluation.

Results:
The model based on the core (area under curve [AUC] = 0.864) and edge features (AUC = 0.853) showed better performance than that based on the whole tumor (AUC = 0.847) or peritumoral area (AUC = 0.846). Moreover, the tumor core_edge combination model (AUC = 0.899) could better increase confidence in treatment response than using either of them alone. The accuracies of models based on changes in tumor markers and radiologic evaluation were relatively poorer than of the radiomics model. Moreover, Patients predicted to respond to therapy using the radiomics model showed a relatively longer overall survival (43 vs 27 months), although there were no significant differences (P = .063).

Conclusions:
The tumor core_edge combination delta radiomics model is an effective approach to evaluate pathologic response in PC patients with systemic treatment.
Barriers and facilitators to sustainable operating theatres: a systematic review using the Theoretical Domains Framework
Authors: Almukhtar Aws , Batcup Carys , Bowman Miranda , Winter-Beatty Jasmine , Leff Daniel , Demirel Pelin , Porat Talya , Judah Gaby 
Published: October 2023

Background:
The health sector contributes significantly to the climate crisis. Operating theatres in particular are a major contributor of greenhouse gas emissions and waste, and while there are several evidence-based guidelines to reduce this impact, these are often not followed. We systematically reviewed the literature to identify barriers and facilitators of sustainable behaviour in operating theatres, categorising these using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF).

Materials and methods:
Medline, Embase, PsychInfo, and Global Health databases were searched for articles published between January 2000 – June 2023, using the concepts: barriers and facilitators, sustainability, and surgery. Two reviewers screened abstracts from identified studies, evaluated quality, and extracted data. Identified determinants were mapped to TDF domains and further themes as required. The results were reported in line with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) and AMSTAR (A MeaSurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews) guidelines.

Results:
Twenty-one studies were selected for analysis and assessment (seventeen surveys and four interview studies) comprising 8286 participants, including surgeons, nurses and anaesthetists. Eighteen themes across ten TDF domains were identified. The most common barriers to adoption of green behaviours in operating theatres were in domains of: ‘knowledge’ (N=18) e.g. knowledge of sustainable practices; ‘environmental context and resources’ (N=16) e.g.‘personnel shortage and workload and inadequate recycling facilities; ‘social influences’ (N=9) e.g. lack of leadership/organisational mandate or support; ‘beliefs about consequences’ (N=9) e.g. concerns regarding safety. Intention was the most common facilitator, with eleven studies citing it.

Conclusions:
Despite intentions to adopt sustainable practices in operating theatres, this review identified several barriers to doing so. Interventions should focus on mitigating these, especially by improving staff’s knowledge of sustainability practices and working within the environmental context and time pressures. Furthermore, institutional change programmes and policies are needed to prioritise sustainability at the Hospital and Trust level. Additional qualitative work should also be conducted using behavioural frameworks, to more comprehensively investigate barriers and determinants to decarbonise operating theatres.