bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short‐term effects of microbial exopolysaccharides and chicken feather hydrolysate vs. long‐term effects of plant‐derived biochar on temperate, coarse‐textured agricultural soils
Authors: Kellerová Anna , Jílková Veronika 
Published: February 2025

AbstractAgricultural soils currently deal with a low amount of organic matter (OM) as the result of conventional practices. This study compares the effects of modern organic soil additives (microbial exopolysaccharides, chicken feather hydrolysate and plant‐derived biochar) on temperate, coarse‐textured agricultural soil properties. We conducted a six‐month laboratory experiment in microcosms filled with coarse‐textured soils (loamy sand or sandy loam) to determine the effects of additives (exopolysaccharides, hydrolysate or biochar) and their application rate (none, low or high; i.e., 0, 4 or 8 t dw ha−1, respectively) on microbial activity and biomass, nutrient availability and OM stabilization. All additives supported microbial activity and biomass, but the effects differed with the nutrient availability. Exopolysaccharides and hydrolysate, having a higher available nutrient content than biochar, increased microbial activity by 86% more than biochar shortly after application, but had no effect on microbial biomass after a six‐month incubation. Biochar, on the other hand, supported microbial activity only after a longer period, corresponding to an increased microbial biomass by 49% after the six‐month incubation. Neither additive showed positive effects on OM stabilization. The higher application rate of exopolysaccharides and hydrolysate, but not of biochar, showed stronger effects on the soil properties. Sandy loam soil showed stronger effects on the soil properties than loamy sand soil. Overall, the results suggest that exopolysaccharides and hydrolysate are more effective for agricultural soil improvement from the shorter‐term perspective, whereas biochar is more effective from the longer‐term perspective.
The (non‐)performance of the financial frontier: Building investment pipelines for the Sustainable Development Goals in Ghana
Authors: Yunita Abbie 
Published: February 2025

AbstractInsufficient pipelines of ‘investment‐ready’ projects are widely seen as a key impediment to unlocking private capital for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Countless development interventions are now devoted to forming the market intelligence and the intermediation supposedly needed to build and market investment pipelines for the SDGs. This contribution explores one such intervention: the Pipeline Builder Ghana, a partnership between the SDG Lab at United Nations Geneva and the Swiss‐based impact finance advisor Ground‐Up Project. Informed by document analysis and participant observation of SDG finance gatherings in Geneva and online, I trace practices of mapping, prospecting and brokering in the making of a pipeline of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SME) investments in Ghana. Approaching these practices as a financial frontier—a set of techniques to raise capital for the SDGs—I show that they do not necessarily perform in generating assets for investment. Yet, I argue that it is precisely through their ‘non‐performance’ that these practices continue to proliferate in iterative ‘flickering’ forms, moving across and (re)making frontiers as sites always in need of intervention, all the while reproducing the racialised classificatory logic that inhibits finance capital to flow to these sites.
Revision of osteointegrated acetabular cup prostheses in nine dogs
Authors: Scott Peter , Parsons Kevin , Belch Alex , Barthelemy Nicolas 
Published: February 2025

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the surgical technique and clinical outcome following revision of osteointegrated acetabular cups.Study designRetrospective case series.AnimalsNine client‐owned dogs undergoing revision surgery for total hip replacement (THR) with an osteointegrated cup.MethodsCases were recruited retrospectively from a single referral hospital for dogs undergoing revision surgery following THR. Cups were explanted using a combination of an osteotome and air burr and new cups were implanted. Owners were contacted to determine the medium‐ to long‐term outcome.ResultsSurgery was performed at a median of 587 days (range 97–994 days) after initial surgery. Indication for revision was luxation (7), stem fracture (1), and stem loosening (1). All cups (8 BFX, BioMedtrix, 1 Helica) were successfully explanted and replaced with a BFX, BioMedtrix cup. Seven revisions required replacement with a larger cup than the primary cup size. Eight cases had minimal lameness 6 weeks postoperatively; one dog experienced repeat luxation, which resolved after open reduction and hobble placement. One dog presented with septic cup loosening 540 days postoperatively. Radiographically, all cups were stable at short‐term follow up (median 45 days, range 35–618 days). Medium‐ to long‐term functional outcome (median 621 days, range 251–1903 days) for the 6 dogs available was graded as good to excellent.ConclusionCup revision of stable, osteointegrated cups can be successfully performed with the BFX BioMedtrix cup but often requires use of a larger sized implant compared to that used for the primary procedure.Clinical significanceRevision of osteointegrated acetabular cups is a viable technique, with minimal complications encountered.
Neonatal skin antisepsis with alcohol-based compared to aqueous 2% chlorhexidine, used in moderate preterm infants or extremely preterm infants after the first week of life, is safe and may be associated with a reduced incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections
Authors: Pinilla-González Alejandro , Pérez-Fiérrez Lucía , Solaz-García Alvaro , Torrejón-Rodríguez Laura , Parra-Llorca Anna , Pérez-Oliver Teresa , Gimeno Navarro Ana , Mocholí Tomás María Dolores Lorena , Ros Navarret Rosario , Vento Maximo , Aguar Marta , Cernada Maria 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundSkin antisepsis is one of the most important bundle measures to decrease central line-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). However, in the neonatal population, the use of alcoholic chlorhexidine is limited by the risk of skin lesions.ObjectiveWe hypothesised that skin antisepsis with alcohol-based 2% chlorhexidine instead of aqueous 2% chlorhexidine could reduce the incidence of CRBSI without increasing skin complications.DesignWe conducted a double cohort study comparing two periods of 3 years, first using aqueous and second using alcohol-based chlorhexidine, leaving a 1-year washout interval between them. In extremely preterm infants, aqueous chlorhexidine was used during the first week of life in both periods.ResultsA total of 1783 patients and 2493 episodes of central line catheter were analysed. There were no statistically significant differences in clinical and demographic data from infants in both periods. There was a significant reduction in the pooled incidence density of CRBSI in the second compared with the first period (4.03 vs 9.05 episodes/1000 central line days, OR 0.45 (95% CI 0.29 to 0.68)). The overall absolute risk reduction was 0.039 (95% CI 0.023 to 0.056) and the number needed to treat was 25. A similar but not significant reduction of the small number of CRBSI was observed in extremely preterm infants within the first week of life OR 0.43 (95% CI 0.134 to 1.379). No statistically significant differences in skin lesions were observed between periods, making erythema the most common injury(5.1% vs 4.2%).RelevanceAlcohol-based 2% chlorhexidine as a skin antiseptic could reduce the incidence of CRBSI in neonates without producing an increase in skin lesions.
First validation of the novel Freiburg Neurointerventional Score purposely designed for use by emergency medical dispatchers for detecting anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion in patients with suspected stroke
Authors: Herrmann Matthias L , Schuchardt Florian F , Franck Clara , Meier Simone , Henningsen Max , Brohl Friederike S , Sonntag Christoph , Wimmesberger Nicole , Niesen Wolf-Dirk , Busch Hans-Jörg , Taschner Christian A , Farin-Glattacker Erik , Brich Jochen 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundDetecting an anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion (aLVO) as a cause of stroke during emergency calls could optimise dispatch, particularly in rural areas. Numerous stroke severity scales assessing motor and cortical signs have been designed for direct patient contact; however, none have been purposely designed for emergency calls. This study aimed to prospectively validate the novel Freiburg Neurointerventional Score (FRENS) in patients presenting with a suspected acute stroke to detect aLVO.MethodsPatients aged ≥18 years with suspected acute stroke brought directly to our tertiary hospital by paramedics, between May 2021 and 2022, were included in this study. We used the FRENS and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) to analyse the FRENS convergent validity. We evaluated and compared the predictive ability and test characteristics of the FRENS and five established NIHSS-based stroke severity scales for the detection of an aLVO stroke. We analysed the number of steps required for the completion of the FRENS algorithm.ResultsAmong the 1042 analysed patients, the FRENS items showed high convergent validity with corresponding NIHSS items. A positive FRENS was statistically significantly correlated with an aLVO stroke. The FRENS had the highest sensitivity and negative predictive values for an aLVO stroke and the highest sensitivity value for M2 occlusions. The FRENS provided results after two and all four steps, in 71% and <3% of cases, respectively.ConclusionsThe FRENS enabled the rapid, sensitive detection of an aLVO in patients with suspected acute stroke. Designed for use in emergency calls, the FRENS requires translation and validation in a prehospital setting.
Volume contracted state, mortality and functional outcomes in patients with acute ischaemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion
Authors: Yedavalli Vivek , Salim Hamza Adel , Lakhani Dhairya A , Mei Janet , Luna Licia P , Aziz Yasmin , Vagal Vaibhav , Dmytriw Adam A , Guenego Adrien , Urrutia Victor , Marsh Elisabeth B , Sriwastwa Aakanksha , Llinas Raf , Lu Hanzhang , Xu Risheng , Wolman Dylan , Pulli Benjamin , Hillis Argye , Albers Gregory W , Wintermark Max , Nael Kambiz , Heit Jeremy J , Faizy Tobias D , Bahouth Mona N 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundAcute ischaemic stroke (AIS) is a leading cause of mortality and disability globally, with volume contracted state (VCS), as indicated by an elevated blood urea nitrogen to creatinine (BUN/Cr) ratio, potentially influencing outcomes. This study investigates the association between VCS and clinical outcomes in patients with AIS due to large vessel occlusion (LVO).MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 298 patients with LVO-AIS from two comprehensive stroke centres. Patients were divided into two groups based on BUN/Cr ratio: ≤20 (n=205) and >20 (n=93). Primary outcomes included 90-day mortality and unfavourable functional outcomes, defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 3–6. Secondary outcomes included the successful reperfusion, haemorrhagic transformation and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at discharge.ResultsPatients with a BUN/Cr ratio >20 had significantly higher 90-day mortality (35% vs 13%, p<0.001) and this association remained significant after adjusting for confounding factors (OR 2.20; 95% CI 1.11 to 4.39; p=0.024). However, VCS was not significantly associated with unfavourable functional outcomes at 90 days (OR 1.28; 95% CI 0.67 to 2.51; p=0.46). Age and initial stroke severity were more strongly associated with long-term functional outcomes.ConclusionsVCS is associated with higher odds of 90-day mortality in patients with LVO-AIS but not with unfavourable functional outcomes. These findings suggest the need for further research into the role of hydration management in improving survival in patients with AIS, potentially informing future treatment protocols.
Association between gestational weight gain and adverse pregnancy outcomes: cohort analysis from South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Sebastião Yuri V , Thiruvengadam Ramachandran , Khanam Rasheda , Mehmood Usma , Pervin Jesmin , Ayushi  , Desiraju Bapu Koundinya , Kabole Fatma , Ahmed Salahuddin , Aktar Shaki , Chowdhury Nabidul Haque , Qazi Muhammad Farrukh , Nisar Imran , Khalid Javairia , Kasaro Margaret , Vwalika Bellington , Khan Waqasuddin , Nu U Tin , Rahman Monjur , Rahman Sayedur , Shaw Gary M , Stevenson David K , Xu Huan , Bakari Bihila Abdalla , Wadhwa Nitya , Zhang Ge , Sazawal Sunil , Aghaeepour Nima , Rahman Anisur , Jehan Fyezah , Baqui Abdullah H , Stringer Jeffrey S A , Bhatnagar Shinjini 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionStudies of gestational weight gain (GWG) and adverse pregnancy outcomes seldom focus on low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs), despite their high burden of morbidity and mortality. We examined GWG patterns and adverse pregnancy outcomes in a consortium of pregnancy cohorts from LMICs.MethodsWe analysed data from five observational pregnancy cohorts in Bangladesh (two cohorts), India, Pakistan and Zambia. The study population comprised 15 286 singleton pregnancies with two or more maternal antenatal weight measurements. We estimated reference values for GWG using longitudinal models and calculated weight gain for gestational age Z-scores. We then estimated the associated risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and small for gestational age, stratified by maternal body mass index (BMI), using marginal generalised linear models and plotted non-linear trends in the associations.ResultsThe median baseline maternal and gestational age were 24 years (IQR, 21–28) and 13 weeks (IQR 11–16), respectively, with 23% of participants having underweight BMI. The median GWG was 6.8 kg (4.2–9.4) and varied across cohorts from 6.1 kg (3.7–8.5; Bangladesh) to 7.0 kg (4.0–10.0; Zambia). The risk of preterm birth (13%) increased with lower GWG Z-scores among underweight (adjusted risk ratio (ARR), 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1 to 1.9 for lowest Z-score group) and normal BMI participants (ARR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0 to 1.2). The risk of low birth weight (25%) increased with lower GWG Z-scores in all BMI strata except obese participants (ARR, 1.7; 95% CI 1.5 to 1.9 among underweight). The risk of small for gestational age (36%) increased with lower GWG Z-scores in all BMI strata (ARR, 1.3; 95% CI 1.2 to 1.4 among underweight). In secondary analyses, alternative measures of GWG (adequacy ratio; INTERGROWTH-21st) had associations that were consistent with those from our study-specific Z-scores, except for a less clear association between preterm birth and INTERGROWTH-21stZ-score.ConclusionGWG was associated with preterm birth, low birth weight and small for gestational age. Early pregnancy BMI modified the association between GWG and outcomes in the study setting.
Research priorities for preterm lung health research across the lifespan: a community priority setting partnership
Authors: Hemy Naomi R , Bates Amber , Frank Belinda , McKenzie Anne , Simpson Shannon J 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundIt is essential to embed patient and public perspectives into every stage of the research journey, including setting the future research agenda. The substantial gaps in our understanding of prematurity-associated lung disease presented a timely opportunity to determine the community’s research priorities.ObjectiveTo conduct a priority setting partnership (PSP) to determine the top 10 research priorities for preterm lung health.DesignWe undertook a modified James Lind Alliance methodology comprising three main stages: (1) anidea generatingsurvey with open questions to ascertain the community’s most important ideas for future preterm lung health research, (2)prioritisationsurvey to distill the main themes into a shortlist of 20 and (3)consensus workshopwhere participants were tasked with ranking their final top 10. This PSP is reflective of the view of preterm-born individuals, parents of preterm children and healthcare professionals in an Australian healthcare setting.ResultsWe collated 144 submissions from theidea generatingsurvey from which 27prioritisationthemes were developed. From the 150 prioritisation survey responses, the 20 themes receiving the most votes were taken to theconsensus workshop. Participants identified the following top 10: (1) lifelong impacts; (2) interventions, treatments or supports; (3) ongoing lung health follow-up; (4) diagnostic tools, resources and education for primary healthcare providers; (5) resources to inform and empower families; (6) relationship to physical health and developmental issues; (7) preventing and/or treating lung infections; (8) additional supports, resources and research for minority groups; (9) impact on mental well-being; and (10) likelihood of asthma diagnosis.ConclusionPriorities identified through the PSP will be invaluable in informing future research into prematurity-associated lung disease.
Dysbiotic oral microbiota-derived kynurenine, induced by chronic restraint stress, promotes head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by enhancing CD8+T cell exhaustion
Authors: Lou Fangzhi , Yan Li , Luo Shihong , Dong Yunmei , Xu Jingyi , Kang Ning , Wang Haiyang , Liu Yiyun , Pu Juncai , Yang Bing , Cannon Richard D , Xie Peng , Ji Ping , Jin Xin 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundChronic restraint stress (CRS) is a tumour-promoting factor. However, the underlying mechanism is unknown.ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate whether CRS promotes head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) by altering the oral microbiota and related metabolites and whether kynurenine (Kyn) promotes HNSCC by modulating CD8+T cells.Design4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO)-treated mice were exposed to CRS. Germ-free mice treated with 4NQO received oral microbiota transplants from either CRS or control mouse donors. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry were performed on mouse saliva, faecal and plasma samples to investigate alterations in their microbiota and metabolites. The effects of Kyn on HNSCC were studied using the 4NQO-induced HNSCC mouse model.ResultsMice subjected to CRS demonstrated a higher incidence of HNSCC and oral microbial dysbiosis than CRS-free control mice.PseudomonasandVeillonellaspecies were enriched while certain oral bacteria, includingCorynebacteriumandStaphylococcusspecies, were depleted with CRS exposure. Furthermore, CRS-altered oral microbiota promoted HNSCC formation, caused oral and gut barrier dysfunction, and induced a host metabolome shift with increased plasma Kyn in germ-free mice exposed to 4NQO treatment. Under stress conditions, we also found that Kyn activated aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) nuclear translocation and deubiquitination in tumour-reactive CD8+T cells, thereby promoting HNSCC tumourigenesis.ConclusionCRS-induced oral microbiota dysbiosis plays a protumourigenic role in HNSCC and can influence host metabolism. Mechanistically, under stress conditions, Kyn promotes CD8+T cell exhaustion and HNSCC tumourigenesis through stabilising AhR by its deubiquitination.
SCUBA evacuation within 24 hours of basal ganglia hemorrhage results in promising functional outcomes
Authors: Kellner Christopher Paul , Ali Muhammad , Kalagara Roshini , Rao Akhil , Smith Colton , Finesilver Joshua , Hardigan Trevor , Shigematsu Tomoyoshi , Liang John , Poyraz Fernanda Carvalho , Waters Michael F , Selim Magdy , Mocco J 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundThe recently completed Early Minimally Invasive Removal of Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ENRICH) trial demonstrated a benefit for endoport-mediated evacuation within ≤24 hours for lobar hemorrhages but not for basal ganglia hemorrhages (BGH). We performed an exploratory evaluation of the Stereotactic Cerebral Underwater Blood Aspiration (SCUBA) technique for BGH evacuation.MethodsWe reviewed data from patients presenting to an urban health system with BGH who underwent SCUBA evacuation according to institutional guidelines. Three cohorts were then created: (1) all patients with BGH evacuation using the SCUBA approach; (2) patients with BGH evacuation using SCUBA within ≤24 hours and with ENRICH-defined intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) selection criteria; and (3) SCUBA evacuation within ≤24 hours, ENRICH-defined IVH, and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) volumes of ≥30 mL. Key outcomes included evacuation percentage, residual hematoma volume ≤15 mL, and 6-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0–3.ResultsSixty-eight patients with BGH underwent SCUBA. Median preoperative ICH volume was 35 mL and median postoperative volume was 1.3 mL for a median evacuation percentage of 97%, with 90% achieving ≤15 mL residual volume. For 19 patients in cohort 2 and 12 patients in cohort 3, median evacuation percentages were 98% and 100% of patients had ≤15 mL residual volume in both groups. A good outcome was achieved in 53% and 50% of patients, respectively.ConclusionsSCUBA evacuation for BGH in patients who otherwise meet ENRICH criteria suggests superior 6-month outcomes compared with ENRICH BGH patients (utility-weighted mRS 0.51 vs 0.34). A randomized clinical trial is warranted to prospectively evaluate SCUBA evacuation within 24 hours in patients with spontaneous BGH.
Occupational risk factors for thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis: a register-based study of construction workers
Authors: Lewis Charlotte , Jackson Jennie A , Stjernbrandt Albin , Andersson Gustav , Mukka Sebastian , Wahlström Jens , Liv Per 
Published: February 2025

ObjectivesThe study investigated the association between occupational biomechanical risk factors and the occurrence of thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis (CMC1 OA) in construction workers.MethodsMale construction workers (n=237 525), participating in a Swedish occupational surveillance programme between 1971 and 1993, were followed between 1997 and 2019. CMC1 OA diagnoses were identified through linkage with national medical registries. Job title, smoking status, height, weight and age were collected from the surveillance programme. A job exposure matrix (JEM) was developed with exposure estimates on biomechanical risk factors for each occupational group. Relative risk (RR) of CMC1 OA diagnosis was calculated using a Poisson regression model.ResultsThere was an increased risk of CMC1 OA for all biomechanical risk factors (RR range 1.3–1.5). Exposure-response patterns were seen for repetitive wrist flexion and extension (low: RR 1.30 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.59), moderate: 1.32 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.62), high: 1.45 (95% CI 1.19 to 1.75)), wrist extension (low: 1.31 (95% CI 1.09 to 1.59), moderate: 1.41 (95% CI 1.17 to 1.70) and heavy lifting (low: 1.13 (95% CI 0.92 to 1.38), moderate: 1.45 (95% CI 1.18 to 1.77), high: 1.50 (95% CI 1.24 to 1.82). Electricians (1.29 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.89)), concrete workers (1.31 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.67)), plumbers (1.37 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.76)), sheet-metal workers (1.58 (95% CI 1.18 to 2.10)), wood workers (1.66 (95% CI 1.36 to 2.03)), repairers (1.75 (95% CI 1.06 to 2.90)) and glass workers (2.21 (95% CI 1.42 to 3.44) had an increased risk of CMC1 OA compared with the reference group.ConclusionWrist movements and hand loading were associated with CMC1 OA.