bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterization and antifungal activity of lipopeptides produced from Bacillus subtilis against plant fungal pathogen Alternaria alternata
Authors: Harish B. N. , Nagesha S. N. , Ramesh B. N. , Shyamalamma S. , Nagaraj M. S. , Girish H. C. , Pradeep C. , Shiva Kumar K. S. , Tharun Kumar K. S. , Pavan S. N. , Kavan Kumar V. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractOver 380 host plant species have been known to develop leaf spots as a result of the fungus Alternaria alternata. It is an aspiring pathogen that affects a variety of hosts and causes rots, blights, and leaf spots on different plant sections. In this investigation, the lipopeptides from the B. subtilis strains T3, T4, T5, and T6 were evaluated for their antifungal activities. In the genomic DNA, iturin, surfactin, and fengycin genes were found recovered from B. subtilis bacterium by PCR amplification. From different B. subtilis strains, antifungal Lipopeptides were extracted, identified by HPLC, and quantified with values for T3 (24 g/ml), T4 (32 g/ml), T5 (28 g/ml), and T6 (18 g/ml). To test the antifungal activity, the isolated lipopeptides from the B. subtilis T3, T4, T5, and T6 strains were applied to Alternaria alternata at a concentration of 10 g/ml. Lipopeptides were found to suppress Alternaria alternata at rates of T3 (75.14%), T4 (75.93%), T5 (80.40%), and T6 (85.88%). The T6 strain outperformed the other three by having the highest antifungal activity against Alternaria alternata (85.88%).
Genome-wide systematic characterization of the NRT2 gene family and its expression profile in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) during plant growth and in response to nitrate deficiency
Authors: Deng Qing-Yan , Luo Jiang-Tao , Zheng Jian-Min , Tan Wen-Fang , Pu Zong-Jun , Wang Fang 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major cereal crop that is grown worldwide, and it is highly dependent on sufficient N supply. The molecular mechanisms associated with nitrate uptake and assimilation are still poorly understood in wheat. In plants, NRT2 family proteins play a crucial role in NO3– acquisition and translocation under nitrate limited conditions. However, the biological functions of these genes in wheat are still unclear, especially their roles in NO3– uptake and assimilation.

Results
In this study, a comprehensive analysis of wheat TaNRT2 genes was conducted using bioinformatics and molecular biology methods, and 49 TaNRT2 genes were identified. A phylogenetic analysis clustered the TaNRT2 genes into three clades. The genes that clustered on the same phylogenetic branch had similar gene structures and nitrate assimilation functions. The identified genes were further mapped onto the 13 wheat chromosomes, and the results showed that a large duplication event had occurred on chromosome 6. To explore the TaNRT2 gene expression profiles in wheat, we performed transcriptome sequencing after low nitrate treatment for three days. Transcriptome analysis revealed the expression levels of all TaNRT2 genes in shoots and roots, and based on the expression profiles, three highly expressed genes (TaNRT2-6A.2, TaNRT2-6A.6, and TaNRT2-6B.4) were selected for qPCR analysis in two different wheat cultivars (‘Mianmai367’ and ‘Nanmai660’) under nitrate-limited and normal conditions. All three genes were upregulated under nitrate-limited conditions and highly expressed in the high nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) wheat ‘Mianmai367’ under low nitrate conditions.

Conclusion
We systematically identified 49 NRT2 genes in wheat and analysed the transcript levels of all TaNRT2s under nitrate deficient conditions and over the whole growth period. The results suggest that these genes play important roles in nitrate absorption, distribution, and accumulation. This study provides valuable information and key candidate genes for further studies on the function of TaNRT2s in wheat.
Efficacy and safety of Cook staged Extubation Set in patients with difficult airway: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lu Cheng , Li Jian , Zhao Shibing , Zhang Yajun 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Cook Stage extubation is a tool developed by Cook Medical for patients with difficult airways. Multiple clinical studies demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of Cook Stage extubation Set (CSES). Currently, no systematic review evidence has been published in this field. Therefore, this study aimed to review the clinical success rate, safety, and tolerability of CSES in patients with difficult airways.

Method
The inclusion criteria were based on the population, intervention, comparator, outcomes, and study designs. An electronic search was conducted, and the following databases were used: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Search keywords included difficult airway and CSES. The primary outcome was the CSES clinical success rate.The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools for Case Series were used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. R studio, version 4.2.2. was used to perform the statistical analysis. The Cochrane Q and I2 statistics were used to test the heterogeneity among all studies. Details of the included case reports were summarized in the systematic review part.

Results
Five studies were eligible for meta-analysis, and 7 case reports were included for systematic review. The pooled overall CSES clinical success rate was 93% (95% CI: 85%, 97%). The CSES intolerable and complication incidence rates were 9% (95% CI: 5%, 18%) and 5% (95% CI: 2%, 12%), respectively. CSES clinical success rate was influenced by the study center and study design. The success rate of CSES was higher in multicenter and prospective design studies. Seven case reports have documented the successful operation of CSES intubation in obese, tall, oncologist, and pediatric patients.

Discussion
This meta-analysis suggested that CSES have achieved a high clinical success rate in adult and pediatric patients with different physical conditions and types of surgery. The results of all original studies and meta-analysis confirmed a remarkably high tolerance rate and low overall complication rate. However, regardless of the tools chosen, a personalized, safe intubation strategy and a highly qualified anesthesiologist should be considered as the fundamental guarantee of a high clinical success rate. Future studies should also focus on the success rate of reintubation using CSES in patients with airway difficulties.
Exploration on surgery of malignant glaucoma with prolonged absence of the anterior chamber: a retrospective consecutive case series
Authors: Liu Yan , Wang Tao 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the surgical outcomes of anterior chamber restoration in patients with malignant glaucoma and a prolonged absence of the anterior chamber.

Methods
Five patients with malignant glaucoma and a long-term absence of the anterior chamber underwent a combination of anterior pars plana vitrectomy (aPPV), phacoemulsification cataract excision, intraocular lens implantation, peripheral iridotomy (PI), goniosynechialysis (GSL) (referred to aPPV + P + I + PI + GSL) at Beijing Tongren Hospital from October 2018 to June 2021. The study compared the changes in their visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP) and medication requirements between the pre-surgery period and their most recent follow-up visit.

Results
The five patients did not report any discomfort, such as pain, tearing, swelling, etc., in their affected eyes, and maintained a stable restoration of the anterior chamber. Among the affected eyes, only one eye demonstrated improved vision during the follow-up visit, while the remaining four eyes did not show any significant improvement. One eye underwent transscleral cyclophotocoagulation as an additional procedure, while the other four eyes did not require any further surgical intervention. In all cases, the intraocular pressure (IOP) was successfully controlled below 30 mmHg. Post-surgery, four eyes still required cycloplegia treatment, and three eyes continued to rely on eye drops to manage their IOP.

Conclusion
Despite minimal improvement in vision, surgical intervention successfully restored the anterior chamber in malignant glaucoma patients with a prolonged absence of anterior chamber. This restoration contributed to alleviating subjective complaints of discomfort and delaying eyeball atrophy.
Exploring the use of social network interventions for adults with mental health difficulties: a systematic review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Brooks Helen , Devereux-Fitzgerald Angela , Richmond Laura , Caton Neil , Cherry Mary Gemma , Bee Penny , Lovell Karina , Downs James , Edwards Bethan Mair , Vassilev Ivaylo , Bush Laura , Rogers Anne 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
People with mental health difficulties often experience social isolation. The importance of interventions to enhance social networks and reduce this isolation is increasingly being recognised. However, the literature has not yet been systematically reviewed with regards to how these are best used. This narrative synthesis aimed to investigate the role of social network interventions for people with mental health difficulties and identify barriers and facilitators to effective delivery. This was undertaken with a view to understanding how social network interventions might work best in the mental health field.

Methods
Systematic searches using combinations of synonyms for mental health difficulties and social network interventions were undertaken across 7 databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Web of Science) and 2 grey literature databases (EThoS and OpenGrey) from their inception to October 2021. We included studies reporting primary qualitative and quantitative data from all study types relating to the use of social network interventions for people with mental health difficulties. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Data were extracted and synthesised narratively.

Results
The review included 54 studies, reporting data from 6,249 participants. Social network interventions were generally beneficial for people with mental health difficulties but heterogeneity in intervention type, implementation and evaluation made it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. Interventions worked best when they (1) were personalised to individual needs, interests and health, (2) were delivered outside formal health services and (3) provided the opportunity to engage in authentic valued activities. Several barriers to access were identified which, without careful consideration could exacerbate existing health inequalities. Further research is required to fully understand condition-specific barriers which may limit access to, and efficacy of, interventions.

Conclusions
Strategies for improving social networks for people with mental health difficulties should focus on supporting engagement with personalised and supported social activities outside of formal mental health services. To optimise access and uptake, accessibility barriers should be carefully considered within implementation contexts and equality, diversity and inclusion should be prioritised in intervention design, delivery and evaluation and in future research.
Impact of caregiver’s eHealth literacy, financial well-being, and mental health on quality of life of pediatric patients with osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Xu Richard Huan , Zhu Liling , Sun Rongjia , Zou Sainan , Dong Dong 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Objective
This study assesses the association between health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for pediatric patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) and their caregivers’ eHealth literacy (eHL), financial well-being, and mental health along with the impact of eHealth literacy on the financial well-being and mental health of OI caregivers.

Methods
Participants were recruited from a member pool of two OI patient organizations in China. Information about patients’ HRQoL and their caregivers’ eHL, financial well-being, and mental health was collected. Structure equation modeling (SEM) was used to estimate the relationship between the measures. The robust weighted least square mean and variance adjusted estimator was used. Three criteria, the comparative fit index, the Tucker-Lewis index, and the root mean square error of approximation, were used to evaluate the goodness-of-fit of the model.

Results
A total of 166 caregivers completed the questionnaires. Around 28.3% indicated that pediatric OI patients experienced problems related to mobility, and 25.3% reported difficulty doing usual activities. Around 52.4% of caregivers reported that their care receivers have some emotional problems while 8.4% reported that their care receivers have “a lot of” emotional problems. ‘Some problems’ on all dimensions on EQ-5D-Y was the most frequently reported health state (13.9%), and around 10.0% have no problems on all dimensions on EQ-5D-Y. Caregivers tended to show a significantly high eHL, financial well-being, and mental health when their care receivers reported no problems with usual activities and emotions. The SEM demonstrated a significant and positive relationship between eHL, financial well-being, and mental health.

Conclusion
OI caregivers with high eHL reported satisfactory financial well-being and mental health; their care receivers rarely reported living with poor HRQoL. Providing multicomponent and easy-to-learn training to improve caregivers’ eHL should be highly encouraged.
Effectiveness of provider-initiated versus client-initiated HIV testing by different health facility departments in Northern Tanzania
Authors: Abdul Ramadhani , de Wit Tobias F. Rinke , Martelli Giulia , Costigan Kathleen , Katambi Patrobas , Mllacha Peter , Pozniak Anton , Maokola Werner , Mfinanga Sayoki , Hermans Sabine 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
HIV prevalence in Tanzania is still high at 4.7% among adults. Regular HIV testing is consistently advocated in the country to increase the level of awareness of HIV status, thus contributing to national HIV prevention. We report findings from three years of implementation of an HIV Test and Treat project utilizing provider-initiated and client-initiated testing and counselling (PITC and CITC). This study compared the effectiveness of PITC versus CITC in HIV case detection by the different departments of health facilities.

Method
This retrospective cross-sectional study used health facility-based HIV testing data collected from adults aged 18 years and above between June 2017 – July 2019 in the Shinyanga region, Tanzania. Chi-square and logistic regression analysis were used to assess determinants of yield (HIV positivity).

Results
A total of 24,802 HIV tests were performed of which 15,814 (63.8%) were by PITC and 8,987 (36.2%) by CITC. Overall HIV positivity was 5.7%, higher among CITC at 6.6% than PITC at 5.2%. TB and IPD departments had the highest HIV positivity 11.8% and 7.8% respectively. Factors associated with a positive test were testing at a department in the facility compared to CITC, first-time test, and being or having been married compared to being single.

Conclusion
Success in identifying HIV + patients was highest among people visiting the clinic for HIV testing (CITC) and first-time testers. With PITC, HIV + patient detection differed between departments, suggesting divergent risk profiles of respective clients and/or divergent HIV alertness of staff. This underscores the importance of increased targeting for PITC to identify HIV + patients.
Comparison of cancer subtype identification methods combined with feature selection methods in omics data analysis
Authors: Park JiYoon , Lee Jae Won , Park Mira 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Cancer subtype identification is important for the early diagnosis of cancer and the provision of adequate treatment. Prior to identifying the subtype of cancer in a patient, feature selection is also crucial for reducing the dimensionality of the data by detecting genes that contain important information about the cancer subtype. Numerous cancer subtyping methods have been developed, and their performance has been compared. However, combinations of feature selection and subtype identification methods have rarely been considered. This study aimed to identify the best combination of variable selection and subtype identification methods in single omics data analysis.

Results
Combinations of six filter-based methods and six unsupervised subtype identification methods were investigated using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets for four cancers. The number of features selected varied, and several evaluation metrics were used. Although no single combination was found to have a distinctively good performance, Consensus Clustering (CC) and Neighborhood-Based Multi-omics Clustering (NEMO) used with variance-based feature selection had a tendency to show lower p-values, and nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) stably showed good performance in many cases unless the Dip test was used for feature selection. In terms of accuracy, the combination of NMF and similarity network fusion (SNF) with Monte Carlo Feature Selection (MCFS) and Minimum-Redundancy Maximum Relevance (mRMR) showed good overall performance. NMF always showed among the worst performances without feature selection in all datasets, but performed much better when used with various feature selection methods. iClusterBayes (ICB) had decent performance when used without feature selection.

Conclusions
Rather than a single method clearly emerging as optimal, the best methodology was different depending on the data used, the number of features selected, and the evaluation method. A guideline for choosing the best combination method under various situations is provided.
Long-term observation of estimated fluid volume reduction after the initiation of ipragliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a sub-analysis from a randomized controlled trial (PROTECT)
Authors: Tanaka Atsushi , Imai Takumi , Toyoda Shigeru , Sugimoto Kazuhiro , Yoshida Ruka , Furuta Machi , Node Koichi ,   the PROTECT Investigators
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgrounds/AimRecent studies have shown that the addition of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors gradually reduces the estimated fluid volume parameters in a broad range of patient populations, suggesting that this mediates the clinical benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors in preventing heart failure. Here, we sought to examine the long-term (24 months) effect of the SGLT2 inhibitor ipragliflozin on the estimated fluid volume parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsIn this prespecified sub-analysis of the PROTECT (Prevention of Atherosclerosis by SGLT2 Inhibitor: Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Study) trial, which was an investigator-initiated, multicenter, prospective, randomized, open-label, clinical trial primarily designed to evaluate the effect of ipragliflozin treatment administered for 24 months on carotid atherosclerosis in patients with T2DM, we evaluated serial changes in estimated plasma volume (ePV, %) calculated using the Straus formula and estimated extracellular volume (eEV, mL) calculated by the body surface area by 24 months following the initiation of 50-mg ipragliflozin once daily and compared them with those following standard care for T2DM (non-SGLT2 inhibitor use).ResultsThis sub-analysis included 464 patients (ipragliflozin,n = 232; control,n = 232), a full analysis set of the PROTECT trial. In an analysis using mixed-effects models for repeated measures, relative to the control group, ipragliflozin significantly reduced ePV by − 10.29% (95% confidence interval [CI]  − 12.47% to − 8.11%;P < 0.001) at 12 months and − 10.76% (95% CI − 12.86% to − 8.67%;P < 0.001) at 24 months. Additionally, ipragliflozin significantly reduced eEV by − 190.44 mL (95% CI − 249.09 to − 131.79 mL;P < 0.001) at 12 months and − 176.90 mL (95% CI  − 233.36 to − 120.44 mL;P < 0.001) at 24 months. The effects of ipragliflozin on these parameters over 24 months were mostly consistent across various patient clinical characteristics.ConclusionsThis prespecified sub-analysis from the PROTECT trial demonstrated that ipragliflozin treatment, compared with the standard care for T2DM, reduced two types of estimated fluid volume parameters in patients with T2DM, and the effect was maintained for 24 months. Our findings suggest that SGLT2 inhibitor treatment regulates clinical parameters incorporated into the calculating formulas analyzed and consequently fluid volume status for the long-term, and this may be at least partly associated with clinical benefits from chronic use of SGLT2 inhibitors.Trial registrationJapan Registry of Clinical Trials, ID jRCT1071220089
Mobile health service as an alternative modality for hard-to-reach pastoralist communities of Afar and Somali regions in Ethiopia
Authors: Eba Kasahun , Gerbaba Mulusew J. , Abera Yared , Tadessse Derebe , Tsegaye Sentayehu , Abrar Moahmmed , Mohammed Abdella , Ibrahim Ahmed , Shekabdulahi Muktar , Zeleke Solomon , Medhin Girmay 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Mobile Health Service (MHS) has been introduced as an alternative strategy to make health care services easily accessible in the Somali and Afar regions of Ethiopia to reach the mobile and hard-to-reach communities. However, the implementation status and effectiveness of the MHS program are not evaluated. Thus, this study aimed at exploring the dynamics and causes of poor health care utilization and implementation barriers and facilitators of MHS in the two regions, i.e. Somali and Afar regions of Ethiopia.

Methods
This study employed the Reachness, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework to understand the health care services utilization in pastoralist settings. Furthermore, the study demonstrates the proposed MHS programme components and their challenges encountered during the implementation phase. The researchers collected data from eighteen key informants and eight focused group discussions (FGDs). The data were categorized, coded, entered, and analysed using the NVIVO version 11 software.

Results
The results of this study revealed that health service coverage increased in the districts of Somali and Afar regions where MHS was implemented. According to the results of this study, MHS provision has also increased access to and utilization of health services in general and RMNCH services in particular. The study indicated that the MHS provided the following main health care services: family planning, nutrition supply, timely referral with free transportation, immunization, and treatment of malnourished children. The MHS programme is considered as an effective health service modality in pastoralist areas compared to other modalities. This is mainly because it provides health services following the footsteps of settlement and movement route of the community in search of grazing land and water. However, the study revealed that the MHS programme lacks guidelines for procedural adoption to implement it both at national and regional levels.

Conclusion
The Mobile Health Service has been a useful and effective mechanism to deliver Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (RMNCH) and family planning (FP). Hence, it also facilitates nutrition services to hard-to-reach communities with limited or no health facilities in the targeted woredas of the Somali and Afar regions. Based on the findings, the study recommends the MHS needs to be institutionalized and owned by the government as an alternative health care service delivery modality.