bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Campylobacter species diversity in infants and association with family members, livestock, and household environments in rural Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Ojeda Amanda , Deblais Loïc , Mummed Bahar , Brhane Mussie , Hassen Kedir A. , Ahmedo Belisa Usmael , Weldesenbet Yenenesh Demisie , Chen Dehao , Li Xiaolong , Saleem Cyrus , Manary Mark J. , Roesch Luiz F.W. , McKune Sarah L. , Havelaar Arie H. , Rajashekara Gireesh 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Campylobacter infections pose a significant challenge in low- and middle-income countries, contributing to child mortality. Campylobacter is linked to acute gastrointestinal illness and severe long-term consequences, including environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) and stunting. In 2018, our cross-sectional study in Ethiopia detected Campylobacter in 88% of stools from children aged 12–15 months, with an average of 11 species per stool using meta-total RNA sequencing. Building on these findings, we conducted a longitudinal study (December 2020–June 2022) to investigate Campylobacter colonization of infants and identify reservoirs and risk factors in rural eastern Ethiopia.
Results
After a preliminary screening of 15 Campylobacter species using species-specific quantitative PCR, we analyzed four target species in 2,045 samples from infants (first month to just one year of life) and biannual samples from mothers, siblings, and livestock (goats, cattle, sheep, and chickens). Candidatus C. infans (41%), C. jejuni (26%), and C. upsaliensis (13%) were identified as the predominant in the infant gut. Colonization of C. infans and C.jejuni increased (C. infans: 0.85%, C. jejuni-0.98% increase/ day in the odds of colonization) and abundance (P = 0.027, 0.024) with age. Enteric symptoms were strongly associated with C. infans (diarrhea: OR = 2.02 [95%CI: 35%,100%]; fever: OR = 1.62 [95%CI: 14%, 83%]) and C. jejuni (diarrhea: OR = 2.29 [95%CI: 46%,100%], fever: OR = 2.53 [95%CI: 56%,100%]). Based on linear mixed models, we found elevated cumulative loads of C. infans load in infants (especially females OR = 1.5 [95%CI: 10%, 67%]), consuming raw milk (OR = 2.3 [95%CI: 24%,100%]) or those exposed to areas contaminated with animal droppings (OR = 1.6 [95%CI: 7%,93%]), while C. jejuni cumulative loads were higher in infants ingesting soil or animal feces (OR = 2.2 [95%CI: 23%,100%]). C. infans was also prevalent in siblings (56%) and mothers (45%), whereas C. jejuni was common in chickens (38%) and small ruminants (goats 27%, sheep 21%).
Conclusions
Campylobacter was highly prevalent in rural Ethiopian infants. C. infans was primarily associated with human hosts, and C. jejuni was mainly linked to zoonotic sources. Our findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions addressing environmental, dietary, and behavioral factors to reduce Campylobacter transmission in resource-limited settings.
Distal protection of endovascular recanalization for symptomatic non-acute occlusion of vertebrobasilar artery
Authors: Li Qiuli , Yao Xiaoxi , Lei Yuanbiao , Li Haipeng , Tu Liu , Zhang Yi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose
The research aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of distal protection of endovascular recanalization for symptomatic non-acute occlusion of the intracranial vertebrobasilar artery.
Methods
8 consecutive patients with symptomatic non-acute VBA from January April 2023 to April 2024 who underwent endovascular recanalization were retrospectively analyzed.
Results
8 patients (median age 56 years; mean pretreatment National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score 6; 87.5% male) presenting with recurrent transient ischemic attacks(TIAs) (n = 1) or strokes (n = 23) were treated from January April 2023 to April 2024. Median time from symptoms onet to treatment was 21 days(range: 10–43). Median time from occlusion confirmed to treatment was 13 days(range:8–26). Among the 8 patients, 8 (100%) achieved successful recanalization. The rate of periprocedural complications was 25%(2/8). Periprocedural complications included one asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage(asICH) and thrombus translocation. The median follow-up time was 9 months (range: 6–12), with no stroke or TIA. At 90 days, there were one death (unrelated to the procedure) and 75% patients with an available modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score achieved a good outcome (mRS score of 0–2).
Conclusion
The distal protection of stent retriever for endovascular recanalization for symptomatic non-acute occlusion of VBA is technically safe and may decrease procedure-related complications.
Effects of irradiation and aging on the molecular and phase structure of poly(L-lactide): insights into degradation and recycling potential
Authors: Fedorenko Alexandra A. , Grinyuk Evgeny V. , Salnikova Iryna A. , Tychinskaya Lyudmila Yu. , Skakovsky Evgeny D. , Kostjuk Sergei V. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

The impact of high-dose e-beam and γ-irradiation, followed by long-term aging, on the structural properties of poly(L-lactide) (PLA) was investigated. Due to prolonged exposure, γ-irradiation caused more extensive oxidative degradation, accelerating the aging process compared to e-beam irradiation. Aging effects were most pronounced in samples irradiated at doses exceeding 600 kGy. Structural analysis using 1H NMR revealed distinct mechanisms of chain scission during irradiation and aging, resulting in the formation of different end groups. Irradiation induced deterioration of PLA’s phase structure occurred during irradiation was observed, including the formation of conformationally disordered α’ crystalline form. Aging at doses exceeding 1000 kGy led to amorphization. The degradation behavior of aged PLA in water and its recycling potential were also evaluated. While partial dissolution of aged samples occurred in a short term, further degradation was hindered by water induced crystallization. Unirradiated and low-dose irradiated PLA demonstrated promising recyclability to lactide, highlighting its potential for industrial-scale chemical recycling as a sustainable alternative to landfilling or composting.
The Protective Role of PYY in Intestinal Mucosal Defects Induced by SATB2 Deficiency in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Liu Yao , Wu Lanqing , Li Xiaoli , Chen Yongyu , Chen Ruidong , Lv Caiyun , Chen Juan , Fan Xin-Juan , Duan Guangxin , Zhong Fan , Sun Qi , Shi Qianyun , Ni Hengli , Sun Lina , Xu Jiaying , Tang Wen , Li J 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background Impaired colonic mucosal repair is a critical issue in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). SATB2 is essential for maintaining colonic epithelial homeostasis, but its role in mucosal repair is unclear.Objective To investigate how SATB2 deficiency impairs colonic mucosal repair in IBD and assess the therapeutic potential of peptide YY (PYY) in enhancing colonic epithelial regeneration.Design Flow cytometry was used to assess SATB2’s role in colonic epithelial repair in a radiation injury model. SATB2 knockout mice were used to validate repair impairment. The effect of SATB2 loss on PYY expression was evaluated both in vivo and ex vivo. Molecular mechanisms of SATB2 regulation on PPAR-γ and the role of PYY were examined using confocal microscopy and immunoblotting. PYY’s role in epithelial repair was assessed in organoids from Crohn’s disease patients.Results Satb2 expression correlated with colonic mucosal repair. Satb2 loss impaired colonic epithelial repair, reducing goblet and enteroendocrine cells. The most prominent enteroendocrine hormone, PYY, showed a significant decrease in colonic mucosa after Satb2 loss. At the molecular level, Satb2 directly regulated the transcription of PPAR-γ. PYY could enter the nucleus and promote the transcription of downstream genes of PPAR-γ. PYY promoted epithelial repair more effectively than the PPAR-γ agonist rosiglitazone. Additionally, PYY enhanced colonic epithelial regeneration in Crohn’s disease patient-derived organoids.Conclusion The impairment of colonic epithelial repair resulting from Satb2 loss could be ameliorated through PYY supplementation, which facilitates coloninc epithelial repair by activating the transcription of downstream genes associated with PPAR-γ.
Development and validation of a mortality risk prediction model for patients with bone tumors using the MIMIC-IV database: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Gao Jian , Su Shu Dong , Wang Yong 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background:Bone tumors (BT) are neoplasms that occur in the skeletal system or its affiliated tissues and can be categorized into primary and secondary malignant tumors. Currently, malignant bone tumors are associated with poor prognosis and high mortality rates. The central motivation for this scholarly research was to construct a mortality risk prediction model for BT patients.
Methods: In this study, data on BT patients traceable to Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) were utilized to predict the mortality risk of BT patients. A total of 3,061 adults participated in the study, and through ICD-9 and ICD-10, they were categorized into two groups. In order to assess the impact of potential confounders on outcome BT, This study selected some important variables as covariates. Then, identified through the proportional hazards (PH) assumption test, univariate Cox analysis, and machine learning. Subsequently, a nomogram was constructed and assessed.
Results: In this study, the subjects included 303 survivors and 82 deceased. An analysis of the two groups of subjects found that there were significant differences in 7 covariates, such as hemoglobin, sodium, and prothrombin time (PT). Further laboratory - index tests showed that there were significant differences in 11 covariates between the outcome - variable groups, among which were bicarbonate and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) scores. The results of the independent prognostic tests indicated that race, Simplified Acute Physiology II (SAPS II), platelets, blood sodium, and PT could serve as independent prognostic indicators for BT patients. Finally, based on these five independent prognostic factors, a nomogram with good predictive ability was constructed.
Conclusion: Based on five independent prognostic factors (race, Simplified Acute Physiology II (SAPS II), platelets, blood sodium, and PT), this study successfully constructed a nomogram with good predictive ability. It provided a valuable new perspective for understanding the model of predicting the in - hospital death risk of BT patients.
Steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway indicates platinum chemoresistance: Insights From Genomics and Metabolomics
Authors: Song Yongzhen , Zheng Xiaohan , Cao Yong , Wang Yaru , Zhang Huimin , Ge Kaiyuan , Zhang Qi , Wang Meng , Zhang Xuan , Wang Hesong , Jin Shuo , Cao Lei , Zhao Weiwei , Wang Liuying 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Platinum-based chemotherapy is commonly used in first-line cancer treatments. However, because of drug resistance, some patients cannot benefit from this treatment. This study aimed to identify platinum-resistance-related biological pathways and validate them in metabolomics data.
Methods
Using the Transcriptome data of pan-cancer cell lines, random forest and Diffrank algorithms were utilized to identify differential pathways between cisplatin-resistant and -sensitive groups. Untargeted metabolomics measured from colorectal cancer plasma was used to examine the selected pathway.
Results
Steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway was selected as the most differential pathway between platinum-sensitive and resistant groups. In the colorectal cancer metabolic dataset, eight metabolites in this pathway were enriched, among which the three highest predictive metabolites were used for calculating prognosis index. Prognosis indexs for predicting progression free survival and overall survival achieved area under receiver operating characteristics curve values of 0.6509 and 0.8088 in preoperative plasma and 0.9698 and 0.9709 in postoperative plasma. Kaplan-Meier curves showed progression free survival was significantly different between high- and low-level prognosis index groups in both preoperative (P = 0.0405) and postoperative plasma (P = 0.0079).
Conclusions
Using biological pathways as a bridge, drug-sensitivity-related pathways and metabolic biomarkers can be identified. Thus, this scheme is promising for personalized treatment.
A New Chapter after a Century of Journey: The Instructional Process and Community Involvement in Preprimary Schools
Authors: Ayechew Kindu Ayechew , Abate Samuel Getnet , Adane Meseret , Mesfin Shimelis , Assefa Tamirat , Bitewa Kagnew Tarekegn 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Preprimary education has become a primary focus of the Ethiopian education system. However, there is limited research on the implementation of government preprimary schools (O-Class), particularly regarding the teaching and learning processes and community participation. This study aims to investigate the instructional processes and community involvement in public preprimary schools within the Amhara National Regional State of Ethiopia. To achieve this objective, a convergent parallel mixed-method research design was employed. Data were collected from teachers, school principals, and district education officers through questionnaires, interviews, and observations. The results indicate that teachers employed various teaching strategies. Nonetheless, the findings highlighted common challenges in preprimary schools, including inadequate teaching and learning resources (both indoor and outdoor), an unfavorable learning environment, and insufficient community and parental involvement. The implementation of diverse teaching strategies amidst these challenges may be attributed to the presence of relatively qualified teachers. Based on the main findings of the study, it is recommended to place greater emphasis on the quality of preprimary education. This can be achieved through strong collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including communities (parents), local governments, and NGOs, to enhance access to teaching and learning resources and facilities and to create a conducive physical learning environment for children.
EFL Teachers’ Textbook Evaluation Practices, their Perception and Challenges: General Secondary School Teachers in Focus
Authors: Berta Getaneh 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess EFL teachers’ English for Ethiopia students’ textbook evaluation practices, their perception and challenges to evaluate textbooks. A sample of forty-eight EFL teachers who were chosen through convenient sampling technique from eleven schools that are found in Dessie City, Ethiopia involved in the study. Questionnaire and semi-structured interview were the types of data gathering instruments that the researcher employed to collect data from those teacher respondents. After gathering data, mixed method of data analysis was utilized in order to analyse those obtained data. As the results indicate, EFL teachers did not have a good practice of evaluating English for Ethiopia students’ textbooks. Additionally, although they had good perception on the term textbook evaluation, lack of motivation, lack of continuous training on textbook evaluation and lack of incentive were some of the challenges that EFL teachers encountered in their textbook evaluation. Accordingly, it can be concluded that EFL teachers did not evaluate the physical aspects, contents, activities, and cultural balances of any textbooks. Hence, it is recommended that EFL teachers should enhance their practice of evaluating English for Ethiopia students’ textbooks for the betterment of the materials and fulfil the needs of their students.
Minimally invasive resection Rectopexy as a treatment method for obstructive defecation (ODS): functional outcome in ODS; constipation and fecal incontinence
Authors: Driouch Jamal , Schlaffke Lara , Sajid Shazadi , Bausch Dirk , Thaher Omar 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Minimally invasive resection rectopexy is an effective treatment for obstructive defecation syndrome (ODS) in carefully selected patients, offering promising functional outcomes with potentially reduced surgical burden. As minimally invasive techniques gain traction in colorectal surgery, combining resection rectopexy with Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction (NOSE) or minilaparotomy specimen retrieval may enhance bowel function by reducing constipation and fecal incontinence. We hypothesize that outcomes are influenced by disease severity.
Methods
Minimally invasive resection rectopexy was performed on 85 ODS patients. Patient-specific characteristics were assessed using standardized questionnaires. Data were obtained from a prospectively maintained data registry. Surgical outcomes, complications, and patient satisfaction were evaluated 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Symptom severity was measured with the Wexner Constipation Score (WCS), Wexner Incontinence Score (WIS), and Altomare Obstructive Defecation Syndrome (AOS) Score. Repeated measures ANOVA assessed the effect of surgery on the acquired outcome measures over time.
Results
All procedures were completed laparoscopically without conversion. The mean patient age was 58.5 years (SD: 16.5). Complications included Clavien-Dindo IIIa (n=3), IIIb (n=8), and IVa (n=1). Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant improvements in WCS (p < 0.0001) and AOS (p < 0.0001), while WIS changes were nonsignificant but showed a gender effect (p = 0.011). Post hoc analyses by gender revealed no significant temporal effects for WIS.
Conclusion
Minimally invasive resection rectopexy provides significant symptom relief, particularly for constipation and obstructive defecation. While fecal incontinence outcomes remain variable, the procedure is feasible, and significantly improves quality of life in ODS patients.
Reconstruction of the perineal defect after abdominoperineal resection with vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap versus primary direct closure - a single center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kalev Georgi , Buettner Sylvia , El-Ahmar Mohamad , Reissfelder Christoph , Seyfried Steffen , Vassilev Georgi , Hardt Julia 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose
The closure of the perineal defect following pelvic surgery that includes abdomino-perineal resection (APR) can often be challenging and remains an important issue given the reported high wound morbidity. The vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap, which was proposed in the past as an alternative to direct closure (DC), enables the reconstruction of extensive perineal wounds.
Methods
184 consecutive patients who underwent abdominoperineal resection at tertiary university institution between January 2014 and June 2024 were included in this retrospective analysis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcomes of perineal wound reconstruction using a VRAM flap (n = 29) compared to DC (n = 155).
Results
The rate of overall perineal and abdominal wall wound complications did not differ significantly (p = 0.321 and p = 1.000, respectively). However, significantly more pelvic abscesses requiring CT-guided percutaneous drainage were observed in the DC-group (p = 0.048). Subgroup analysis of patients who underwent radiochemotherapy prior to surgery revealed lower incidence of severe perineal complications after VRAM flap reconstruction of the perineal defect (p = 0.037).
Conclusion
The VRAM flap has proven to be a safe technique and should be considered especially for the reconstruction of extensive perineal defects following pelvic surgery.
Anti-hyperglycemic, Anti-hyperlipidemic, Hematological, Hepatoprotective, And Anti-oxidant Effects of Vernoniaamygdalina on Alloxan-induced Diabetic Wistar Rats
Authors: OGAR OCHONUNG EMMANUEL , MESSIAH ATAPIA INNOCENT , ADEWUYI HASSAN ABDULSALAM , ADIO WAHEED SAKARIYAU , OLUWATOYIN ADEBIMPE HAMEEDAH , OBUNADIKE CHIZOBA VICTORY , MOHAMMED USMAN ABIOLA , SHEKARI ABEDNEGO , AUGUSTINE BLESSING , SEBASTINE KEVIN LUKA , OLUKAYODE JAIYEOLA TOLULOPE 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels, which can lead to various complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, and nerve damage. Vernoniaamygdalina, a plant species used in traditional medicine, particularly in Africa, has been reported to possess antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to investigate the antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, and antioxidant effects of Vernoniaamygdalina extract in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.
Methods: Thirty adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups. Diabetes was induced using alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg, i.p.). The rats received either distilled water (normal control), alloxan (diabetic control), metformin (100 mg/kg), or Vernonia amygdalina extract (200 or 400 mg/kg). Blood glucose, lipid profiles, liver enzymes, and antioxidant activity were measured according to standard protocols.
Results: Vernonia amygdalina extract (400 mg/kg) significantly reduced blood glucose levels, improved lipid profiles, and decreased liver enzymes. The extract also exhibited antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 50 μg/mL.
Discussion: This study demonstrates the potential antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective effects of Vernoniaamygdalinaextract, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent in the management of diabetes and its complications.
Short-term Efficacy and Safety of Ologen Collagen Matrix Implantation for Glaucoma Surgery: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Xi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Importance
This network meta-analysis was aimed to evaluate how Ologen will do when combined with different interventions for glaucoma patients.
Objective
To compare the effectiveness and safety of surgical treatments combined with Ologen and other commonly used treatments for glaucoma.
Data Sources and Study Selection
This network meta-analysis included randomized or non-randomized controlled trials and retrospective trials that compared interventions concerning Ologen and other treatments for glaucoma. The following databases were searched up to January 1, 2023: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science.
Data Extraction and Synthesis
Data extraction, quality and validity assessing were under the guidelines of 'Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses'. The demographic character of the included patients and outcomes was extracted independently by 2 investigators. Random-effects model was used to pool the estimate values.
Mean outcomes and measures
Mean differences for intraocular pressure reduction at 12 months postoperatively and the odds ratios for success rate at the end of follow-up time were the primary and secondary outcome. Measurement of outcomes were reported by 95% credibility intervals, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significantly.
Results
This meta-analysis included 35 covering 2477 patients. We discussed 17 interventions, of which 10 had relevant outcomes in intraocular pressure reduction and 17 had relevant outcomes in success rate. When the intraocular pressure reduction was discussed, no pairwise comparison was statistically significant. While for success rate, pairwise comparisons that had statistically significant were detailed in the results and appendix section of this text. The best interventions are as follows: glaucoma drainage device combined with Ologen (success rate, surface under the cumulative ranking = 78.9) and trabeculectomy combined with Ologen (intraocular pressure reduction 12 mouths after surgery, surface under the cumulative ranking = 64). Adverse events were also calculated in details.
Conclusion and Relevance
Glaucoma drainage device combined with Ologen and trabeculectomy combined with Ologen are the most effective interventions for success rate and intraocular pressure reduction at 12 months postoperatively. However, more clinical studies are still in need to confirm this conclusion and to assess the long-term safety of these interventions.
Trial Registration
PROSPERO Identifier: CRD42023395804