bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the liquid colony for identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing directly from positive blood cultures
Authors: Maddalena Calvo , Giuseppe Migliorisi , Perez Marianna , Guido Scalia , Stefania Stefani 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Sepsis represents a time-sensitive disease requiring early therapeutical intervention to avoid adverse patient outcomes. Rapid microbiological diagnosis is essential to investigate sepsis aetiological agents. The FAST™ system (Qvella, ON, Canada) provides a concentrated microbial suspension, known as a Liquid Colony™ (LC), directly from positive blood samples (PBCs) in 30–40 min to perform rapid identification (ID) and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST).

Methods
Qvella’s FAST™ System and FAST PBC Prep cartridges were tested on PBCs from the Policlinico Hospital of Catania during a six-month study. Two millilitres of PBC were converted into an LC for rapid ID and AST using Bruker Biotyper Sirius MALDI and BD Phoenix systems. Standard of care (SOC) methods were used as a reference, requiring 48–72 h. Agreement between the innovative technology and the standard method was calculated.

Results
FAST System processing was performed on 100 monomicrobial PBCs. Median turnaround times from blood cultures flagging positive to ID and AST completion were 2 and 26 h respectively. Therefore, the LC procedure was 24 h faster than the median turnaround times for SOC methods. 100% ID identification concordance was observed across 48 Gram-negative bacteria, 42 Gram-positive bacteria and 11 yeast for the genus level. 78% of Gram-negative and 95% of Gram-positive bacteria were resistant to ≥ 2 antimicrobial agents, including 45% (15/33) carbapenem-resistant enteric Gram-negative bacteria and 90% (28/31) oxacillin-resistant staphylococci. An AST essential agreement of 100% was observed due to the absence of MIC discrepancies > 1-fold dilution. Categorical errors were not observed due to the absence of MIC categorization discordances. Yeast AST was not performed.

Conclusions
The Qvella FAST System produces an LC that reliably reflects the MALDI spectra and phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility profile of microbial cells growing in the blood culture. Timely processing of PBCs with the Qvella FAST System enables sepsis diagnostic confirmation 1 day sooner than the standard methods. In line with these results, it is vital now to focus attention on establishing best practices for incorporating this strategic tool into the clinical microbiology laboratory workflow.
Association between the platelet/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: results from NHANES 2017–2020
Authors: Lu Chun-feng , Cang Xiao-min , Liu Wang-shu , Wang Li-hua , Huang Hai-yan , Sang Sheng-mei , Wang Xue-qin , Fang Xing-xing , Xu Feng 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe platelet/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (PHR) is a novel inflammatory and hypercoagulability marker that represents the severity of metabolic syndrome. Liver metabolic syndrome is manifested by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is associated with inflammation and hypercoagulability. This cross-sectional investigation aimed to identify the relationship between PHR and NAFLD. Participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2020 were evaluated for hepatic steatosis and fibrosis using vibration-controlled transient elastography. The PHR was calculated as the ratio of platelets to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Increased PHR was associated with an increased incidence of NAFLD and hepatic fibrosis. Compared with patients in the first PHR quartile, after adjustment for clinical variables, the corresponding odds ratio (OR) for NAFLD in the fourth quartile was 2.36 (95% CI, 1.76 to 3.18) (p < 0.05); however, the OR for hepatic fibrosis was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Furthermore, restricted cubic spline analyses showed an S-shaped association between PHR and NAFLD and an L-shaped relationship between PHR and hepatic fibrosis. The results support the effectiveness of PHR as a marker for NAFLD and hepatic fibrosis. Therefore, interventions to improve the PHR may be of benefit in reducing the incidence of both hepatic steatosis and fibrosis.
The influence of protein corona on Graphene Oxide: implications for biomedical theranostics
Authors: Quagliarini Erica , Pozzi Daniela , Cardarelli Francesco , Caracciolo Giulio 
Published: August 2023

AbstractGraphene-based nanomaterials have attracted significant attention in the field of nanomedicine due to their unique atomic arrangement which allows for manifold applications. However, their inherent high hydrophobicity poses challenges in biological systems, thereby limiting their usage in biomedical areas. To address this limitation, one approach involves introducing oxygen functional groups on graphene surfaces, resulting in the formation of graphene oxide (GO). This modification enables improved dispersion, enhanced stability, reduced toxicity, and tunable surface properties. In this review, we aim to explore the interactions between GO and the biological fluids in the context of theranostics, shedding light on the formation of the “protein corona” (PC) i.e., the protein-enriched layer that formed around nanosystems when exposed to blood. The presence of the PC alters the surface properties and biological identity of GO, thus influencing its behavior and performance in various applications. By investigating this phenomenon, we gain insights into the bio-nano interactions that occur and their biological implications for different intents such as nucleic acid and drug delivery, active cell targeting, and modulation of cell signalling pathways. Additionally, we discuss diagnostic applications utilizing biocoronated GO and personalized PC analysis, with a particular focus on the detection of cancer biomarkers. By exploring these cutting-edge advancements, this comprehensive review provides valuable insights into the rapidly evolving field of GO-based nanomedicine for theranostic applications.
Graphical Abstract
The value of lymph nodes ratios in the prognosis of resectable remnant gastric cancer through the retrospective propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Yang Biao , Liu Tao , Cui Hangtian , Lu Zhengmao , Fang Guoen , Xue Xuchao , Luo Tianhang 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Currently, the characteristics and prognosis of remnant gastric cancer (RGC) are not fully understood yet. The present study aimed to describe the details of clinicopathological features of resectable RGC and investigated the factors affecting survival after the curative operation.

Methods
From Jan. 2006 to Dec. 2015, a total of 118 resectable RGC patients (the RGC group) and 236 age-, sex- and TNM stages-matched resectable gastric cancer (GC) patients (the control group) were recruited retrospectively. Clinicopathological characteristics and overall survival were compared between the two groups.

Results
The overall survival rate was 46.61% for RGC patients compared to 55.08% for control groups (P < 0.01), and the mean overall survival time of RGC patients was 40.23 ± 32.27 months, compared to 55.06 ± 34.29 months in the control group (P = 0.023 after matching). The overall survival (OS) of RGC patients with stage IIb was much worse than IIa (P < 0.001) and similar to IIIa (P = 0.463) and IIIb (P = 0.014). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model analysis revealed that TNM stage (HR: 3.899, P < 0.001) and lymph nodes ratio (LNR) (HR: 2.405, P = 0.028) were independent prognostic significance to OS.

Conclusions
The OS of RGC was much worse than GC with similar TNM stages, and LNR might consider a highly reliable indicator to evaluate the prognostic in RGC.
Novel concepts and improvisation for treating postpartum haemorrhage: a narrative review of emerging techniques
Authors: Hofmeyr G. J. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundMost treatments for postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) lack evidence of effectiveness. New innovations are ubiquitous but have not been synthesized for ready access.Narrative reviewPubmed 2020 to 2021 was searched on ‘postpartum haemorrhage treatment’, and novel reports among 755 citations were catalogued. New health care strategies included early diagnosis with a bundled first response and home-based treatment of PPH. A calibrated postpartum blood monitoring tray has been described. Oxytocin is more effective than misoprostol; addition of misoprostol to oxytocin does not improve treatment. Heat stable carbetocin has not been assessed for treatment. A thermostable microneedle oxytocin patch has been developed. Intravenous tranexamic acid reduces mortality but deaths have been reported from inadvertent intrathecal injection. New transvaginal uterine artery clamps have been described. Novel approaches to uterine balloon tamponade include improvised and purpose-designed free-flow (as opposed to fixed volume) devices and vaginal balloon tamponade. Uterine suction tamponade methods include purpose-designed and improvised devices. Restrictive fluid resuscitation, massive transfusion protocols, fibrinogen use, early cryopreciptate transfusion and point-of-care viscoelastic haemostatic assay-guided blood product transfusion have been reported. Pelvic artery embolization and endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta and pelvic arteries are used where available. External aortic compression and direct compression of the aorta during laparotomy or aortic clamping (such as with the Paily clamp) are alternatives. Transvaginal haemostatic ligation and compression sutures, placental site sutures and a variety of novel compression sutures have been reported. These include Esike’s technique, three vertical compression sutures, vertical plus horizontal compression sutures, parallel loop binding compression sutures, uterine isthmus vertical compression sutures, isthmic circumferential suture, circumferential compression sutures with intrauterine balloon, King’s combined uterine suture and removable retropubic uterine compression suture. Innovative measures for placenta accreta spectrum include a lower uterine folding suture, a modified cervical inversion technique, bilateral uterine artery ligation with myometrial excision of the adherent placenta and cervico-isthmic sutures or a T-shaped lower segment repair. Technological advances include cell salvage, high frequency focussed ultrasound for placenta increta and extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation.ConclusionsKnowledge of innovative methods can equip clinicians with last-resort options when faced with haemorrhage unresponsive to conventional methods.
Heatwaves: does global research reflect the growing threat in the light of climate change?
Authors: Klingelhöfer Doris , Braun Markus , Brüggmann Dörthe , Groneberg David A. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
With the increasing impacts of climate change, heatwaves are placing an enormous burden on health and social systems and threatening ecological diversity around the world. Heatwaves are increasing not only in frequency but also in severity and magnitude. They are causing the deaths of thousands of people. Research is needed on a multidisciplinary, supra-regional, and regional level.

Methods
A detailed evaluation of the research conducted is not yet available. Therefore, this study provides a detailed insight into the publication landscape to identify key players, incentives, and requirements for future scientific efforts that are useful not only for scientists but also to stakeholders and project funders.

Results
The number of publications on heatwaves is increasing, outpacing the trend of research indexed by the Science Citation Index Expanded. However, funding is lagging behind comparatively. Looking at absolute numbers, the USA, Australia, China, and some European countries have been identified as major players in heatwave research. If socio-economic numbers are included, Switzerland and Portugal lead the way. Australia and the UK dominate if the change in heatwave-exposed people is included. Nevertheless, exposure and economic strength of publishing countries were identified as the main drivers of national research interests. Previous heatwaves, in particular, have driven research efforts primarily at the national level.

Conclusion
For an efficient monitoring or early detection system that also includes the economically weak regions, internationally networked efforts are necessary to enable preventive measures and damage limitation against heatwaves. Regardless of previous regional extreme heat events, research approaches should be focused to the global level.
Unintentional pediatric exposures to household cleaning products: a cross-sectional analysis of the National Poison Data System (2000–2015)
Authors: Pacini Anthony , Tsutaoka Ben , Lai Leslie , Durrani Timur S. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Household cleaning products are the second most common cause of unintentional poisoning in children < 6 years old in the United States. The aim of this study is to characterize exposures to household cleaning substances in this age group from data collected from the Nation’s Poison Control Centers.

Methods
This cross-sectional study analyzed all household cleaner calls classified as age < 6 years old made to the American Association of Poison Control Centers between January 1st 2000 and December 31th 2015.

Results
Significant clinical effects or injury was low, making up only 2.6% of cases with a known medical outcome. Alkali-based cleaning products accounted for the third highest frequency of overall exposures and the highest number of all exposure outcomes determined to have a significant clinical effect or injury.

Conclusions
This study demonstrated particular danger of adverse outcomes after exposure to alkali-based cleaning products, specifically alkali-based oven and drain cleaners. Both of which are readily accessible in many households. This study may be a good starting point for further study and poison prevention efforts.
DNA-free high-quality RNA extraction from 39 difficult-to-extract plant species (representing seasonal tissues and tissue types) of 32 families, and its validation for downstream molecular applications
Authors: Sasi Shina , Krishnan Saranya , Kodackattumannil Preshobha , Shamisi Aysha AL , Aldarmaki Maitha , Lekshmi Geetha , Kottackal Martin , Amiri Khaled M. A. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
High-purity RNA serves as the basic requirement for downstream molecular analysis of plant species, especially the differential expression of genes to various biotic and abiotic stimuli. But, the extraction of high-quality RNA is usually difficult from plants rich in polysaccharides and polyphenols, and their presence usually interferes with the downstream applications. The aim of the study is to optimize the extraction of high-quality RNA from diverse plant species/tissues useful for downstream molecular applications.

Results
Extraction of RNA using commercially available RNA extraction kits and routine hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) methods did not yield good quality DNA-free RNA from Prosopis cineraria, Conocarpus erectus, and Phoenix dactylifera. A reliable protocol for the extraction of high-quality RNA from mature leaves of these difficult-to-extract trees was optimized after screening nine different methods. The DNase I-, and proteinase K treatment-free modified method, consisting of extraction with CTAB method followed by TRIzol, yielded high-quality DNA-free RNA with an A260/A280 and A260/A230 ratios > 2.0. Extraction of RNA from Conocarpus, the most difficult one, was successful by avoiding the heat incubation of ground tissue in a buffer at 65 oC. Pre-warming of the buffer for 5–10 min was sufficient to extract good-quality RNA. RNA integrity number of the extracted RNA samples ranged between 7 and 9.1, and the gel electrophoresis displayed intact bands of 28S and 18S RNA. A cDNA library constructed from the RNA of P. cineraria was used for the downstream applications. Real-time qPCR analysis using the cDNA from P. cineraria RNA confirmed the quality. The extraction of good quality RNA from samples of the desert-growing P. cineraria (> 20-years-old) collected in alternate months of the year 2021 (January to December covering winter, spring, autumn, and the very dry and hot summer) proved the efficacy of the protocol. The protocol’s broad applicability was further validated by extracting good-quality RNA from 36 difficult-to-extract plant species, including tissues such as roots, flowers, floral organs, fruits, and seeds.

Conclusions
The modified DNase I and Proteinase K treatment-free protocol enables to extract DNA-free, high-quality, intact RNA from a total of 39 difficult-to-extract plant species belonging to 32 angiosperm families is useful to extract good-quality RNA from dicots and monocots irrespective of tissue types and growing seasons.
Neurocognition and mean radiotherapy dose to vulnerable brain structures: new organs at risk?
Authors: Söderström Helena , Walfridsson Angelica , Martinsson Ulla , Isacsson Ulf , Brocki Karin , Kleberg Johan Lundin , Ljungman Gustaf 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Children with brain tumors are at high risk of neurocognitive decline after radiotherapy (RT). However, there is a lack of studies on how RT doses to organs at risk (OARs) impacts neurocognition. The aim of this study was to examine dose-risk relationships for mean RT dose to different brain structures important for neurocognitive networks. We explored previously established OARs and potentially new OARs.

Methods
A sample of 44 pediatric brain tumor survivors who had received proton and/or photon RT were included. Correlations between mean RT doses to OARs and IQ were analyzed. Previously established OARs were cochleae, optic chiasm, optic nerve, pituitary gland, hypothalamus, hippocampus and pons. Potential new OARs for RT-induced neurocognitive decline were cerebellum, vermis and thalamus.

Results
Mean RT dose to different OARs correlated with several IQ subtests. Higher mean RT dose to cochleae, optic nerve, cerebellum, vermis and pons was correlated with lower performance on particularly full-scale IQ (FIQ), Perceptual Reasoning (PRI), Working Memory (WMI) and Processing Speed Index (PSI). Higher mean RT dose to hippocampus correlated with lower performance on processing speed and working memory. For those receiving whole brain RT (WBRT), higher mean RT dose to the pituitary gland correlated with lower performance on working memory.

Conclusion
A high dose-risk correlation was found between IQ subtests and mean RT dose in established and potential new OARs. Thus, in the lack of validated dose constraints for vulnerable brain structures, a parsimonious approach in RT planning should be considered to preserve neurocognitive networks.
Ultrasound, a new adjuvant method for treating acute Monteggia fracture in children
Authors: Fan YongFei , Liu QiXin , Yu XueDi , Zhang JianQiang , Wang Wei , Liu ChaoYu 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using ultrasound-guided Kirschner wire or elastic intramedullary nail for fixation in the treatment of acute Monteggia fracture in children.

Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 31 cases of acute Monteggia fracture in children treated with ultrasound-guided Kirschner wire or elastic intramedullary nail fixation between April 2020 and December 2022, including 14 cases of Kirschner wire fixation and 17 cases of elastic intramedullary nail fixation. During the operation, soft tissue compression and nerve and vascular injuries were explored, fracture reduction was performed under ultrasound guidance, and operation time was recorded. After the operation, X-ray examination was conducted to assess the quality of fracture reduction. At the last follow-up, the flexion, extension, pronation, and supination angles of both affected and unaffected elbow joints were measured, and the Mayo score was used to evaluate elbow joint function.

Results
The average duration of surgery was 50.16 ± 19.21 min (ranging from 20 to 100 min). Based on the evaluation criteria for assessing reduction quality, 28 cases were deemed excellent, while 3 cases were considered good. After immobilization with long-arm cast for 4–6 weeks postoperatively, elbow and forearm rotation exercises were performed. Kirschner wires were removed after an average of 6.64 ± 0.93 weeks (ranging from 6 to 9 weeks) postoperatively, and elastic intramedullary nails were removed after an average of 5.12 ± 1.54 months (ranging from 4 to 10 months) postoperatively. The average follow-up time was 19.13 ± 11.22 months (ranging from 4 to 36 months). During the final follow-up, the affected limb’s range of motion in flexion, extension, pronation, and supination was (141.16 ± 4.24)°, (4.61 ± 2.81)°, (84.52 ± 3.74)°, and (84.23 ± 3.69)°, respectively. There was no notable variance when compared to the healthy limb, which had a range of motion of (141.81 ± 2.99)°, (4.81 ± 2.50)°, (85.61 ± 3.12)°, and (85.03 ± 2.73)° (P > 0.05). The Mayo Elbow Performance index classified 29 cases as excellent and 2 cases as good.

Conclusion
Ultrasound-guided Kirschner wire or elastic intramedullary nail fixation can be used for the treatment of acute Monteggia fracture in children, which can explore the surrounding nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissue compression, reduce the difficulty of reduction, and cause minimal trauma. It can greatly reduce the risk of radiation exposure and complications such as vascular and nerve injury during the operation.
Contralateral grafts have comparable efficacy to ipsilateral grafts in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions: a systematic review
Authors: Fan DingYuan , Ma Jia , Zhang Lei 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPurposeTo perform a systematic review of the clinical outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using either contralateral or ipsilateral tendon autografts.MethodsA systematic review of literature published from inception to December 9, 2022, in multiple databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library) was conducted in accordance with the 2020 PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews) guidelines. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted the data, performed the risk of bias assessment and assessed the study quality. At least one of the following outcomes was evaluated for each study: muscle strength (isometric strength of the quadriceps or hamstring muscles, isokinetic peak flexion torque of the hamstring, or isokinetic peak extension torque of the hamstring), knee laxity examination, Lysholm score, pivot shift, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lachman test result, return to sports time, or incidence of complications. A random effects model was used for all analyses.ResultsFour hundred scientific manuscripts were recovered in the initial search. After screening, 12 studies (2 randomized controlled trials, 9 cohort studies, and 1 case- control study) met the search criteria for the qualitative analysis. Among them, 9 cohort studies were used for the quantitative analysis. The results showed few statistically significant differences in terms of muscle strength (contralateral group versus ipsilateral group or donor site group versus ipsilateral group or donor site group versus nonoperative group), Lysholm score, and return to sports time. A comparison showed no significant differences in knee laxity, IKDC score, Tegner activity score, Lachman test score, or incidence of complication, or contralateral rupture.ConclusionsIn anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, the contralateral autologous tendon has a similar effect as the ipsilateral autologous tendon.