bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feasibility and acceptability of undertaking postmortem studies for tuberculosis medical research in a low income country
Authors: Ahimbisibwe Gift , Nakibuule Marjorie , Martin Ssejoba Marvin , Oyamo David , Mulwana Rose , Nabulime Josephine , Babirye Febronius , Kizito Musana Abdusalaamu , Lekuya Hervé Monka , Adakun Akello Suzan , Nalumansi Daisy , Muryasingura Stella , Lukande Robert , Kyazze Andrew , Baluku Joseph Baruch , Biraro Irene Andia , Cose Stephen 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionIf we are to break new ground in difficult-to-treat or difficult-to-vaccinate diseases (such as HIV, malaria, or tuberculosis), we must have a better understanding of the immune system at the site of infection in humans. For tuberculosis (TB), the initial site of infection is the lungs, but obtaining lung tissues from subjects suffering from TB has been limited to bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or sputum sampling, or surgical resection of diseased lung tissue.MethodsWe examined the feasibility of undertaking a postmortem study for human tuberculosis research at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, Uganda.ResultsPostmortem studies give us an opportunity to compare TB-involved and -uninvolved sites, for both diseased and non-diseased individuals. We report good acceptability of the next-of-kin to consent for their relative’s tissue to be used for medical research; that postmortem and tissue processing can be undertaken within 8 hours following death; and that immune cells remain viable and functional up to 14 hours after death.DiscussionPostmortem procedures remain a valuable and essential tool both to establish cause of death, and to advance our medical and scientific understanding of infectious diseases.
Towards sustainable, solution-processed organic field-effect transistors using cashew gum as the gate dielectric
Authors: Faraji Sheida , Tall Abdoulaye , Mohammadian Navid , Seck Mané , Saadi Meriem , Tavasli Aybüke , Erouel Mohsen , Khirouni Kamel , Diallo Abdou Karim , Majewski Leszek A. 
Published: December 2023

To realize low-cost, environmentally friendly electronic devices and circuits, there is currently a strong trend to explore plant-based dielectric materials because they can be responsibly sourced from agricultural or forest vegetation, are generally water-soluble, and possess good electrical insulator properties. In this contribution, organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) using a biopolymer dielectric obtained from exudates of Anacardium occidentale Linn. trees, namely, cashew gum (CG), are reported. To characterise the physical and dielectric properties of the gum, thin films and metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors were prepared and characterized. To evaluate the material’s performance in OFETs, bottom-gate top-contact (BGTC) p-channel poly [3,6-di(2-thien-5-yl)-2,5-di(2-octyldodecyl)-pyrrolo (3,4-c)pyrrole-1,4-dione) thieno (3,2-b) thiophene]:polymethyl methacrylate (DPPTTT:PMMA) transistors were engineered and studied. The fabricated MIM capacitors display a comparatively high areal capacitance of 260 nF/cm2 at 1 kHz for 130 nm thick films. As a result, the solution-processed DPPTTT:PMMA OFETs favourably operate at 3 V with the average saturation field-effect mobility equal to 0.20 cm2/Vs., threshold voltage around −1.4 V, subthreshold swing in the region of 250 mV/dec, and ON/OFF current ratio well above 103. As such, cashew gum emerges as a promising dielectric for sustainable manufacturing of solution-processed organic FETs.
Engineered pine endophytic Bacillus toyonensis with nematocidal and colonization abilities for pine wilt disease control
Authors: Li Dongzhen , Li Yongxia , Wang Xuan , Zhang Wei , Wen Xiaojian , Liu Zhenkai , Feng Yuqian , Zhang Xingyao 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionThe pinewood nematode (PWN) is responsible for causing pine wilt disease (PWD), which has led to the significant decline of conifer species in Eurasian forests and has become a globally invasive quarantine pest. Manipulating plant-associated microbes to control nematodes is an important strategy for sustainable pest management. However, it has proven difficult to find pine-associated bacteria that possess both nematocidal activity and the ability to colonize pine tissues.MethodsThe stress experiments with turpentine and pine tissue extract were carried out to screen for the desired target strain that could adapt to the internal environment of pine trees. This strain was used to construct an engineered nematocidal strain. Additionally, a fluorescent strain was constructed to determine its dispersal ability in Pinus massoniana seedlings through plate separation, PCR detection, and fluorescence microscopy observations. The engineered nematocidal strain was tested in the greenhouse experiment to assess its ability to effectively protect P. massoniana seedlings from nematode infection.ResultsThis study isolated a Bacillus toyonensis strain Bxy19 from the healthy pine stem, which showed exceptional tolerance in stress experiments. An engineered nematocidal strain Bxy19P3C6 was constructed, which expressed the Cry6Aa crystal protein and exhibited nematocidal activity. The fluorescent strain Bxy19GFP was also constructed and used to test its dispersal ability. It was observed to enter the needles of the seedlings through the stomata and colonize the vascular bundle after being sprayed on the seedlings. The strain was observed to colonize and spread in the tracheid after being injected into the stems. The strain could colonize the seedlings and persist for at least 50 days. Furthermore, the greenhouse experiments indicated that both spraying and injecting the engineered strain Bxy19P3C6 had considerable efficacy against nematode infection.DiscussionThe evidence of the colonization ability and persistence of the strain in pine advances our understanding of the control and prediction of the colonization of exogenously delivered bacteria in pines. This study provides a promising approach for manipulating plant-associated bacteria and using Bt protein to control nematodes.
Complete genome analysis of Bacillus velezensis TS5 and its potential as a probiotic strain in mice
Authors: Chen Benhao , Zhou Yi , Duan Lixiao , Gong Xuemei , Liu Xingmei , Pan Kangcheng , Zeng Dong , Ni Xueqin , Zeng Yan 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionIn recent years, a large number of studies have shown that Bacillus velezensis has the potential as an animal feed additive, and its potential probiotic properties have been gradually explored.MethodsIn this study, Illumina NovaSeq PE150 and Oxford Nanopore ONT sequencing platforms were used to sequence the genome of Bacillus velezensis TS5, a fiber-degrading strain isolated from Tibetan sheep. To further investigate the potential of B. velezensis TS5 as a probiotic strain, in vivo experiments were conducted using 40 five-week-old male specific pathogen-free C57BL/6J mice. The mice were randomly divided into four groups: high fiber diet control group (H group), high fiber diet probiotics group (HT group), low fiber diet control group (L group), and low fiber diet probiotics group (LT group). The H and HT groups were fed high-fiber diet (30%), while the L and LT groups were fed low-fiber diet (5%). The total bacteria amount in the vegetative forms of B. velezensis TS5 per mouse in the HT and LT groups was 1 × 109 CFU per day, mice in the H and L groups were given the same volume of sterile physiological saline daily by gavage, and the experiment period lasted for 8 weeks.ResultsThe complete genome sequencing results of B. velezensis TS5 showed that it contained 3,929,788 nucleotides with a GC content of 46.50%. The strain encoded 3,873 genes that partially related to stress resistance, adhesion, and antioxidants, as well as the production of secondary metabolites, digestive enzymes, and other beneficial nutrients. The genes of this bacterium were mainly involved in carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, vitamin and cofactor metabolism, biological process, and molecular function, as revealed by KEGG and GO databases. The results of mouse tests showed that B. velezensis TS5 could improve intestinal digestive enzyme activity, liver antioxidant capacity, small intestine morphology, and cecum microbiota structure in mice.ConclusionThese findings confirmed the probiotic effects of B. velezensis TS5 isolated from Tibetan sheep feces and provided the theoretical basis for the clinical application and development of new feed additives.
Endovascular therapy beyond 24 hours for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion or stenosis in acute ischemic stroke: a retrospective study
Authors: Wen An , Cao Wen-feng , Zhao Chao , Wu Ling-feng , Zhou Yong-liang , Xiang Zheng-bing , Rao Wei , Liu Shi-min 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundTo assess the clinical and safety outcomes of endovascular treatment (EVT) administered more than 24 h after the onset of symptoms in patients with acute ischemic stroke resulting from anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion or stenosis (AIS-ACLVO/S).MethodsWe enrolled consecutive AIS-ACLVO/S patients who received EVT in our hospital between January 2019 and February 2022 and divided them into two groups based on the time from AIS onset to EVT: EVT &lt; 24 h group and EVT &gt;24 h group. The successful reperfusion (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction, [mTICI] ≥2b), 90-day modified Rankin Scale score (mRS), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and symptomatic ICH (sICH), as well as mortality, were analyzed in the two groups of patients.ResultsA total of 239 patients were included in the study, with 214 patients in the EVT &lt; 24 h group (67.8 ± 0.8 years, 126 males) and 25 patients in the EVT &gt; 24 h group (62.80 ± 2.0 years, 22 males). Both groups were similar in terms of hypertension, diabetes history, responsible vessels, and Alberta stroke program early computed tomography scores (p &gt; 0.05). However, the EVT &lt; 24 h group had significantly higher age, history of atrial fibrillation, proportion of patients receiving intravenous thrombolysis, and NIHSS scores before EVT than the EVT &gt; 24 h group. AIS etiology differed between the groups, with more cases of large artery atherosclerosis in the EVT &gt; 24-h group and more cases of cardioembolism in the EVT &lt; 24-h group. Successful reperfusion (mTICI ≥2b), ICH, and sICH were similar between the groups. The 90-day functional independence rate (mRS ≤ 2) was significantly higher in the EVT &gt; 24-h than in the EVT &lt; 24-h group (80% vs. 39.7%, p &lt; 0.001), while the 90-day mortality rate was lower in the EVT &gt; 24-h group (0% vs. 24.8%, p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionIn our study, we found that EVT beyond 24 h of symptom onset in patients selected with multimodal MR screening, was associated with high functional independence rates and low mortality. Larger or randomized studies are needed to confirm these findings.
The effect of the Lokomat® robotic-orthosis system on lower extremity rehabilitation in patients with stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Lina , Xu Gui , Wu Qiaofeng 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThe Lokomat® is a device utilized for gait training in post-stroke patients. Through a systematic review, the objective was to determine whether robot-assisted gait training with the Lokomat® is more effective in enhancing lower extremity rehabilitation in patients with stroke in comparison to conventional physical therapy (CPT).MethodsIn this study, a systematic search was conducted in various databases, including CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), as well as bibliographies of previous meta-analyses, to identify all randomized controlled trials that investigated the use of Lokomat® devices in adult stroke patients. The study aimed to derive pooled estimates of standardized mean differences for six outcomes, namely, Fugl–Meyer Assessment lower-extremity subscale (FMA-LE), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), gait speed, functional ambulation category scale (FAC), timed up and go (TUG), and functional independence measure (FIM), through random effects meta-analyses.ResultsThe review analyzed 21 studies with a total of 709 participants and found that the use of Lokomat® in stroke patients resulted in favorable outcomes for the recovery of balance as measured by the BBS (mean difference = 2.71, 95% CI 1.39 to 4.03; p &lt; 0.0001). However, the FAC showed that Lokomat® was less effective than the CPT group (mean difference = −0.28, 95% CI −0.45 to 0.11, P = 0.001). There were no significant differences in FMA-LE (mean difference = 1.27, 95% CI −0.88 to 3.42, P = 0.25), gait speed (mean difference = 0.02, 95% CI −0.03 to 0.07, P = 0.44), TUG (mean difference = −0.12, 95% CI −0.71 to 0.46, P = 0.68), or FIM (mean difference = 2.12, 95% CI −2.92 to 7.16, P = 0.41) between the Lokomat® and CPT groups for stroke patients.ConclusionOur results indicate that, with the exception of more notable improvements in balance, robot-assisted gait training utilizing the Lokomat® was not superior to CPT based on the current literature. Considering its ability to reduce therapists' work intensity and burden, the way in which Lokomat® is applied should be strengthened, or future randomized controlled trial studies should use more sensitive assessment criteria.
Life-long consumption of high level of fruits and vegetables reduces tumor incidence and extends median lifespan in mice
Authors: Guo Weimin , Ortega Edwin F. , Wu Dayong , Li Lijun , Bronson Roderick T. , Boehm Sarah K. , Meydani Simin Nikbin 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveEpidemiological studies suggest that consumption of fruits and vegetables (FV) is negatively associated with the incidence of certain cancers and mortality. However, a causal relationship has not been demonstrated. Thus, we investigated the effect of life-long consumption of high level of FV on median lifespan, key biological functions, and pathologies in mice fed low-fat (LF) or high-fat (HF) diets and the underlying mechanisms.MethodsUsing a 2 × 2 factorial design, 5 weeks-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to one of four groups (n = 60/group): LF (LF-C, 10% kcal fat), HF (HF-C, 45% kcal fat) or each supplemented with 15% (w/w) of a unique FV mixture (LF + FV and HF + FV, respectively). Mice were euthanized when one group reached 50% mortality. Body weight and composition, tumor incidence, and death were monitored. Blood levels of lipids and pro-inflammatory cytokines were assessed.ResultsAfter 21 months of feeding, HF-C group reached 50% mortality, at which time mice in all groups were terminated. HF-C had higher mortality (50.0%) compared to the LF-C group (18.3%, p = 0.0008). Notably, HF-FV had lower mortality (23.3%) compared to HF-C group (p = 0.008); there was no significant difference in mortality between HF-FV and LF-C groups. Tumors were found in all groups, and were predominantly present in the liver, followed by those of lung, intestine, and seminal vesicle. Tumor incidence in the HF-C group (73.3%) was higher than that in LF-C group (30.0%, p &lt; 0.0001). HF + FV group had 23.3% lower tumor incidence compared to the HF-C group (p = 0.014). No significant difference in tumor incidence between the LF-C and LF + FV groups was observed. Long-term FV supplementation reduced systemic inflammation and blood lipids.ConclusionWe provide the first causal evidence that life-long intake of a diet, containing a high level and large variety of FV, decreases tumor incidence and extends median lifespan in mice fed a western-style high-fat diet. These effects of FV are at least in part due to reduced blood levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and improved dyslipidemia.
Real-world predictors of survival in patients with limited-stage small-cell lung cancer in Manitoba, Canada
Authors: Dawe David E. , Rittberg Rebekah , Syed Iqra , Shanahan Mary Kate , Moldaver Daniel , Bucher Oliver , Galloway Katie , Reynolds Kayla , Paul James T. , Harlos Craig , Kim Julian O. , Banerji Shantanu 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundAlthough therapy for limited-stage small-cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) is administered with curative intent, most patients relapse and eventually die of recurrent disease. Chemotherapy (CT) with concurrent radiotherapy (RT) remains the standard of care for LS-SCLC; however, this could evolve in the near future. Therefore, understanding the current prognostic factors associated with survival is essential.ObjectiveThis real-world analysis examines factors associated with long-term survival in patients with LS-SCLC treated with CT in Manitoba, Canada.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted using Manitoba Cancer Registry and CancerCare Manitoba records. Eligible patients were aged &gt;18 years and had cytologically confirmed LS-SCLC diagnosed between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2018, for which they received CT ± RT. Baseline patient, disease, and treatment characteristics and survival duration, characterized as short (&lt;6 months), medium (6−24 months), and long term (&gt;24 months), were extracted. Overall survival (OS) was estimated at one, two, and five years and assessed using Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsOver the 15-year study period, 304 patients met the eligibility criteria. Long-term survivors comprised 39.1% of the cohort; at diagnosis, this subgroup was younger, more likely to have Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) 0, and have normal lactate dehydrogenase, sodium, and hemoglobin levels. OS estimates for the entire cohort at one, two, and five years were 66%, 38%, and 18%, respectively. In the ECOG PS 0 subgroup, OS estimates at one, two, and five years were 85%, 52%, and 24%, respectively; OS estimates were 60%, 35%, and 17%, respectively, for ECOG PS 1−2 and were 47%, 23%, and 10%, respectively, for ECOG PS 3−4. OS was significantly higher among patients with normal serum sodium and hemoglobin levels than those with abnormal levels. Univariable hazard regression models found that ECOG PS, age at diagnosis, receipt of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI), and thoracic RT were associated with survival. On multivariable hazard regression, ECOG PS and receipt of PCI were associated with survival.ConclusionSurvival for greater than two years in patients with LS-SCLC treated with CT ± RT was associated with ECOG PS and receipt of PCI.
Estimating gestational age using the anthropometric measurements of newborns in North Shewa Zone public hospitals, Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Dereje Ifa , Awol Mukemil , Getaye Asfaw , Tujara Zenebe , Alemu Adugna , Negash Abdi , Alemu Fedasan , Zakir Husen , Dinka Ararsa , Edosa Dejene , Shigign Irean , Tunta Abayneh , Mekonnen Mathewos , Tolesa Fikadu , Bekele Kumera , Merkeb Belay , Oyato Befekadu , Tesfa Mekonnin 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThe accurate estimation of gestational age is crucial in identifying prematurity and other health problems in newborns and in providing appropriate perinatal care. Although there are numerous methods for measuring gestational age, they are not always applicable. During these situations, it becomes challenging to ascertain whether a baby has been born prematurely or not. Therefore, this study aims to estimate gestational age by utilizing newborn anthropometric parameters.PurposeThe objective of this study is to estimate the gestational age of newborns in public hospitals located in the North Shewa Zone of the Oromia Region in Ethiopia, by using anthropometric parameters.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at a facility from February 2022 to April 2022, using an interview-based questionnaire and anthropometric measurements. The anthropometric parameters that were measured include foot length (FL), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and chest and head circumference (CHC). The study’s sample size had a total of 420 participants. The data were cleaned, edited, manually checked for completeness, and entered into Epi-data version 3.1. Subsequently, the data were transferred into SPSS for analysis. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, simple linear regression, and multiple linear regressions. Finally, the data were presented using statements and tables.ResultsThere is a significant and positive correlation between anthropometric parameters, including head circumference (r: 0.483), MUAC (r: 0.481), foot length (r: 0.457), and chest circumference (r: 0.482) with gestational age. All anthropometric parameters demonstrated positive and significant estimates of gestational age. The combination of the four measurements yielded the strongest estimate of gestational age. Gestational age can be calculated by the formula: Gestational age (Weeks) = 9.78 + 0.209*CHC + 0.607*MUAC + 0.727*FL + 0.322*HC.ConclusionGestational age can be measured using head circumference, mid-upper arm circumference, foot length, and chest circumference. Utilizing the four anthropometric parameters in combination exhibits greater efficacy in estimating gestational age than using them individually. Therefore, it is recommended to use these alternative approaches when standard methods are not applicable.
Pre- and post-chemotherapy spermatogenesis in male patients with malignant bone and soft tissue tumors
Authors: Takeshima Teppei , Mimura Noboru , Aoki Shun , Saito Tomoki , Karibe Jurii , Usui Kimitsugu , Kuroda Shinnosuke , Komeya Mitsuru , Yumura Yasushi 
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Malignant bone and soft tissue tumors, commonly called sarcomas, predominantly originate in bone and soft tissues and typically affect individuals at a younger age. Following the resection of the primary tumor, treatment often necessitates radiation therapy and gonadotoxic chemotherapy, the specifics of which depend on the disease’s stage Conversely, there is a notable concern regarding the potential loss of fertility due to these treatments. Consequently, it is recommended that men consider sperm cryopreservation before initiating treatment. This study aims to assess spermatogenesis in male patients diagnosed with malignant bone and soft tissue tumors before and after chemotherapy.Methods: This study involved 34 male patients diagnosed with malignant bone and soft tissue tumors and subsequently underwent sperm cryopreservation before initiating treatment. Medical records included details about the primary disease, age, marital status at presentation, semen analysis results, treatment regimen and number of courses, post-treatment semen analysis, renewal status and outcomes.Results: The mean age at the time of sperm cryopreservation was 22.8 years. The median semen volume was 2.5 mL, sperm concentration was 32.6 million/ml, and sperm motility was 38.5%. Following chemotherapy, semen analysis was conducted on 12 patients, with ifosfamide being the predominant drug used in all cases. Among these 12 patients, eight retained viable spermatozoa, and two successfully achieved spontaneous pregnancies resulting in live births. In one of the remaining four cases where no sperm were detected in ejaculate, a live birth was achieved through intracytoplasmic sperm injection using cryopreserved sperm.Discussion: While ifosfamide, the primary chemotherapy drug for patients with malignant bone and soft tissue tumors, was associated with severe impairments in spermatogenesis, recovery of spermatogenesis was observed in many cases. However, there were instances of prolonged azoospermia. Even in such cases, assisted reproduction using cryopreserved sperm remained viable for achieving parenthood. In light of these findings, offering patients the opportunity for fertility preservation is advisable.