bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunogenicity of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines in immunocompromised patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mehrabi Nejad Mohammad-Mehdi , Moosaie Fatemeh , Dehghanbanadaki Hojat , Haji Ghadery Abdolkarim , Shabani Mahya , Tabary Mohammadreza , Aryannejad Armin , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Rezaei Nima 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Immunocompromised (IC) patients are at higher risk of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, morbidity, and mortality compared to the general population. They should be prioritized for primary prevention through vaccination. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines in IC patients through a systematic review and meta-analysis approach.

Method
PubMed-MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for original articles reporting the immunogenicity of two doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in adult patients with IC condition between June 1, 2020 and September 1, 2021. Meta-analysis was performed using either random or fixed effect according to the heterogeneity of the studies. Subgroup analysis was performed to identify potential sources of heterogeneity.

Results
A total of 26 studies on 3207 IC patients and 1726 healthy individuals were included. The risk of seroconversion in IC patients was 48% lower than those in controls (RR = 0.52 [0.42, 0.65]). IC patients with autoimmune conditions were 54%, and patients with malignancy were 42% more likely to have positive seroconversion than transplant recipients (P < 0.01). Subgroup meta-analysis based on the type of malignancy, revealed significantly higher proportion of positive seroconversion in solid organ compared to hematologic malignancies (RR = 0.88 [0.85, 0.92] vs. 0.61 [0.44, 0.86], P = 0.03). Subgroup meta-analysis based on type of transplantation (kidney vs. others) showed no statistically significant between-group difference of seroconversion (P = 0.55).

Conclusions
IC patients, especially transplant recipients, developed lower immunogenicity with two-dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Among patients with IC, those with autoimmune conditions and solid organ malignancies are mostly benefited from COVID-19 vaccination. Findings from this meta-analysis could aid healthcare policymakers in making decisions regarding the importance of the booster dose or more strict personal protections in the IC patients.
The prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis using Gene Xpert among tuberculosis suspected patients in Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Diriba Kuma , Churiso Gemechu 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is a communicable disease remains a major global health problem and the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent. Even though many of the WHO recommended TB control strategies were implemented; there is still a major gap in TB case detection and treatment. This study aimed to determine the prevalence ofMycobacterium tuberculosisamong presumptive TB patients in Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 384 TB suspected patients in Gedeo Zone from February to July 2021. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. Laboratory examination was processed using Xpert-MTB/RIF assay. Data entry was made using Epi info version 7 and analyzed by SPSS version 24. Logistic regression models were used to determine the risk factors.ResultsOut of 384 study participants suspected with TB,M. tuberculosiswas isolated from 103 giving an overall prevalence of 26.8%. Males (AOR) = 1.95; 95% CI 1.56–2.65,P = 0.01) were more likely to develop TB than females. Study participants who were illiterate (AOR 2.10; 95% CI 1.17–2.51,P = 0.014) were more likely to develop TB than the educated ones. Cigarette smokers (AOR 2.89; 95% CI 2.10–3.84,P = 0.01), khat chewers (AOR 2.86; 95% CI 1.28–3.79,P = 0.01), vaccination (AOR 0.52; 95% CI 0.21–0.88,P = 0.02), close contact (AOR 3.42; 95% CI 2.24–4.50,P = 0.01) and being positive for HIV (AOR 2.01; 95% CI 1.07–3.52, 0.01) were more likely to develop TB.ConclusionDespite implementation of national and international TB control strategies, TB still remains one of the major public health problems in the country especially in the study area. The high prevalence of MTB was reported different risk groups. Early case detection and management of TB should be given special attention to strengthen and an appropriate control and prevention methods to reduce the emergence and increasing of MTB cases.
Cash crops and food security: evidence from smallholder cocoa and cashew farmers in Ghana
Authors: Hashmiu Ishmael , Agbenyega Olivia , Dawoe Evans 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Food security is a major development concern worldwide. The use of arable lands to grow cash crops raises additional concerns, yet empirical evidence on the relationship between cash cropping and food security remains inconclusive. Using survey data from 408 randomly sampled households, this paper assesses the income and food security implications of reviving cocoa farming in the Forest-Savannah Transition Zone of Ghana. In addition, the paper examines the influence of socioeconomic factors and diversification into cashew on the food security of cocoa households. Data was collected from 12 rural communities, where food crop production was the main source of livelihood. A causal-comparative design was used. Food security was measured using the USDA Food Security Core Module.

Results
Contrary to the literature that cash crops undermine food security, findings indicate a positive relationship between cocoa farming, household crop income and food security, highlighting complementarities between cocoa, food crop and cashew production. Although income from cocoa alone was not sufficient enough to guarantee food security, it enhanced the financial ability of farmers to diversify into cashew and expand food crop production. This minimised market dependency for food staples, enhanced annual crop income, and ensured a continuous flow of income. Overall, the food security advantage of cocoa farming was predicted by diversification into cashew, displacement of food crops using cocoa, socioeconomic factors, such as land ownership, livestock ownership, and formal education; and marginally by total annual crop income.

Conclusions
Income from cocoa alone is not high enough and widely distributed to guarantee food security. Reinvesting the returns from cocoa in cashew and food crops seems to be a more reliable pathway to enhancing food security than merely depending on the income to buy food. A semi-subsistence system that ensures optimum combination of cash and food crops is, therefore, recommended, but this may require sufficient access to land.
A postzygotic de novo NCDN mutation identified in a sporadic FTLD patient results in neurochondrin haploinsufficiency and altered FUS granule dynamics
Authors: Nicolas Gaël , Sévigny Myriam , Lecoquierre François , Marguet Florent , Deschênes Andréanne , del Pelaez Maria Carment , Feuillette Sébastien , Audebrand Anaïs , Lecourtois Magalie , Rousseau Stéphane , Richard Anne-Claire , Cassinari Kévin , Deramecourt Vincent , Duyckaerts Charles , Boland Anne , Deleuze Jean-François , Meyer Vincent , Clarimon Echavarria Jordi , Gelpi Ellen , Akiyama Haruhiko , Hasegawa Masato , Kawakami Ito , Wong Tsz H. , Van Rooij Jeroen G. J. , Van Swieten John C. , Campion Dominique , Dutchak Paul A. , Wallon David , Lavoie-Cardinal Flavie , Laquerrière Annie , Rovelet-Lecrux Anne , Sephton Chantelle F. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractFrontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a heterogeneous clinical disorder characterized by progressive abnormalities in behavior, executive functions, personality, language and/or motricity. A neuropathological subtype of FTD, frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD)-FET, is characterized by protein aggregates consisting of the RNA-binding protein fused in sarcoma (FUS). The cause of FTLD-FET is not well understood and there is a lack of genetic evidence to aid in the investigation of mechanisms of the disease. The goal of this study was to identify genetic variants contributing to FTLD-FET and to investigate their effects on FUS pathology. We performed whole-exome sequencing on a 50-year-old FTLD patient with ubiquitin and FUS-positive neuronal inclusions and unaffected parents, and identified a de novo postzygotic nonsense variant in the NCDN gene encoding Neurochondrin (NCDN), NM_014284.3:c.1206G > A, p.(Trp402*). The variant was associated with a ~ 31% reduction in full-length protein levels in the patient’s brain, suggesting that this mutation leads to NCDN haploinsufficiency. We examined the effects of NCDN haploinsufficiency on FUS and found that depleting primary cortical neurons of NCDN causes a reduction in the total number of FUS-positive cytoplasmic granules. Moreover, we found that these granules were significantly larger and more highly enriched with FUS. We then examined the effects of a loss of FUS function on NCDN in neurons and found that depleting cells of FUS leads to a decrease in NCDN protein and mRNA levels. Our study identifies the NCDN protein as a likely contributor of FTLD-FET pathophysiology. Moreover, we provide evidence for a negative feedback loop of toxicity between NCDN and FUS, where loss of NCDN alters FUS cytoplasmic dynamics, which in turn has an impact on NCDN expression.
Review of microplastic sources, transport pathways and correlations with other soil stressors: a journey from agricultural sites into the environment
Authors: Lwanga Esperanza Huerta , Beriot Nicolas , Corradini Fabio , Silva Vera , Yang Xiaomei , Baartman Jantiene , Rezaei Mahrooz , van Schaik Loes , Riksen Michel , Geissen Violette 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis paper explores different interactions and processes involved in the transport of microplastics from agricultural systems to surrounding environments. We conducted an exhaustive review of the most recent scientific papers on microplastic transport in terrestrial systems, with an emphasis on agricultural systems. In the following sections, several aspects of this problem are discussed, namely (i) direct and indirect sources of microplastics, (ii) biotic and abiotic transportation of microplastics in and from the terrestrial environment, (iii) modelling of microplastics in the terrestrial environment and (iv) facilitated chemicals and pathogens in combination with plastic particles. There is very little information available concerning microplastic transport in the terrestrial environment; therefore, more research is needed to gain a better understanding of how these processes take place. The novelty of this review lies in assessing how microplastic transport occurs from the plastisphere (cellular) to the landscape level and from agricultural systems to the surrounding areas.
Graphical Abstract
Biocontrol of Fusarium root rot in squash using mycorrhizal fungi and antagonistic microorganisms
Authors: El-Sharkawy Eman E. S. , Abdelrazik Eman 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe study amid to investigate the influence ofTrichoderma album,T. harzianum, T.koningii,Bacillus subtilis(EF1) andPseudomonas fluorescensagainstFusarium solani, the causal agent of root rot in squash under in vitro conditions. Field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungii.e., (Glomus intraradices,G.monosporum,G.etunicatu,AMF) andT. harzianum(TZ) as well asB. subtilis(BS) either as individual or combined treatment againstFusariumroot rot of squash in two successive seasons of study 2020 and 2021 using New Eskandrani cultivar.ResultsTrichoderma harzianumcaused the greatest reduction in mycelial growth ofF. solani(75.17%), followed byT. albumandT.koningii. Amongst the tested 4 cultivars (Sakata, Galaxy, New Eskandrani H1 hybird, Hollr Queen F1 hybrid) in glasshouse, Hollr Queen was the most resistant to the infection ofF. solaniwith survival rate (84.92%), whereas New Eskandrani c.v was the most susceptible. Results of filed experiments proved that the combined inoculation of AMF + TZ + BS, AMF + BS, AMF + TZ, TZ + BS resulted in significant elevation of total chlorophyll, carotenoids, free phenolic compounds, free amino acids, total protein as well as the antioxidative enzyme activities (i.e.Superoxide dismutase, Peroxidase and Polyphenol-oxidase) and contents of macro and micro elements. Results further showed that the combined treatments caused a significant decrease in disease severity in both seasons with subsequent significant increase of plant growth parameters as well as total fruit yield/plant and total fruit yield/feddan.ConclusionIt could be concluded that the combined inoculations of the tested bioagents proved to have potentials in control ofFusariumroot rot but large scale field experiments should be conducted before any ultimate conclusion or recommendation was drawn.
Optical coherence tomography in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: El-Kattan Manal Mahmoud , Esmat Soheir Mohammed , Esmail Eman Hasan , Deraz Heba Assem , Ismail Rania Shehata 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
The changes in the different retinal layers in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients can be easily assessed using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Our aim was to evaluate retinal structural changes in patients with PD using OCT. Structural measurements of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), macular and ganglion cell complex (GCC) thicknesses were obtained using spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Disease severity was assessed using Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS).

Results
Retinal nerve fiber layer parameters, except for the superonasal and inferonasal quadrants, were significantly reduced in PD patients compared to controls. All macular parameters and GCC thickness were also reduced in PD patients compared to controls. Hoehn and Yahr (HY) staging was inversely correlated with all macular parameters, GCC and temporal RNFL thicknesses. UPDRS score showed a significant negative correlation with macular volume, inferior and nasal parafoveal thicknesses, nasal and temporal RNFL thicknesses and GCC thickness. The disease duration was inversely correlated with macular volume, inferior and temporal parafoveal thicknesses and GCC thickness. Using the multivariate linear regression analysis, the HY scale was a significant predictor for both the average GCC thickness and the macular volume. The sensitivity and specificity of average GCC thickness and macular volume to detect disease severity were 58.8%, 86.7%, 64.7% and 86.7%, respectively.

Conclusion
Parkinson’s disease causes axonal damage in the RNFL along with retinal thinning that can be detected using SD-OCT. Patients with greater axonal damage tend to have longer duration of the disease and more severe PD symptoms.
The role of genetic mutation in alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Balakrishnan Ranjith , Mohammed Vajagathali , Veerabathiran Ramakrishnan 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is the world’s most common type of liver disease caused due to overconsumption of alcohol. The liver supports the best level of tissue damage by hefty drinking since it is the binding site of ethanol digestion. This disease can progress to alcoholic steatohepatitis from alcoholic fatty liver, which implies steatosis has become the most punctual reaction to hefty drinking and is portrayed by the deposition of fat hepatocytes. In addition, steatosis can advance to steatohepatitis, a more extreme, provocative sort of liver damage described by hepatic inflammation. Constant and unnecessary liquor utilization delivers a wide range of hepatic sores, fibrosis and cirrhosis, and sometimes hepatocellular carcinoma. Most people consuming > 40 g of liquor each day create alcoholic fatty liver (AFL); notwithstanding, just a subset of people will grow further developed infection. Hereditary, epigenetic, and non-hereditary components may clarify the impressive interindividual variety in the ALD phenotype.

Main body
This systematic review is to classify new candidate genes associated with alcoholic liver disorders, such as RASGRF2, ALDH2, NFE2L2, ADH1B, PNPLA3, DRD2, MTHFR, TM6SF2, IL1B, and CYP2E1, MBOAT7 as well as to revise the functions of each gene in its polymorphic sequence. The information obtained from the previously published articles revealed the crucial relationship between the genes and ALD and discussed each selected gene’s mechanism.

Conclusion
The aim of this review is to highlight the candidate genes associated with the ALD, and the evidence of this study is to deliberate the part of genetic alterations and modifications that can serve as an excellent biological maker, risk predictors, and therapeutic targets for this disease.
Important alien and potential native invasive insect pests of key fruit trees in Sub-Saharan Africa: advances in sustainable pre- and post-harvest management approaches
Authors: Ndlela Shepard , Niassy Saliou , Mohamed Samira A. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractFruit production in Sub-Saharan Africa is of paramount importance both socially and economically. Millions of farmers derive livelihoods from mango, avocado, citrus, cashew, and coconut farming, but native and alien invasive species constrain production The region’s capacity to contain invasives is weak due to the absence of national and institutional support systems for early detection, containment, eradication, or management of the pests. Climate change is expected to play a huge role in the influx of more alien invasive species and the shift of ecological requirements of some native species. Though a fair share of pre-and post-management pest management techniques for several insect pests has been developed, adoption and adaptation of the options are limited. Data on economic and social implications are largely lacking, making it challenging to implement informed policy decisions. The existence of the “Strategy for Managing Invasive Species in Africa 2021–2030” promises a paradigm shift in the management of invasives, from reactive thinking to coordinated proactive approaches. The uncoordinated deployment of management measures in the region and the lack of funding, play a negative role in managing the pests effectively. Prospects for enhanced future research are wide, and efforts are currently being channeled to Area-Wide-Integrated Pest Management in a bottom-up approach with stakeholders owning the process. Participatory development of technologies is also taking centre stage, paving the way for increased adoption and adaptation. Postharvest technologies promise to provide the adequate phytosanitary assurance required by countries importing fruit from Sub-Saharan Africa.
Recommendations for analgesia and sedation in critically ill children admitted to intensive care unit
Authors: Amigoni Angela , Conti Giorgio , Conio Alessandra , Corno Manuela , Fazio Paola Claudia , Ferrero Federica , Gentili Marta , Giugni Cristina , L’Erario Manuela , Masola Maristella , Moliterni Paola , Pagano Giuseppe , Ricci Zaccaria , Romagnoli Stefano , Vasile Beatrice , Vitale Francesca , Marinosci Geremia Zito , Mondardini Maria Cristina 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWe aim to develop evidence-based recommendations for intensivists caring for children admitted to intensive care units and requiring analgesia and sedation. A panel of national paediatric intensivists expert in the field of analgesia and sedation and other specialists (a paediatrician, a neuropsychiatrist, a psychologist, a neurologist, a pharmacologist, an anaesthesiologist, two critical care nurses, a methodologist) started in 2018, a 2-year process. Three meetings and one electronic-based discussion were dedicated to the development of the recommendations (presentation of the project, selection of research questions, overview of text related to the research questions, discussion of recommendations). A telematic anonymous consultation was adopted to reach the final agreement on recommendations. A formal conflict-of-interest declaration was obtained from all the authors. Eight areas of direct interest and one additional topic were considered to identify the best available evidence and to develop the recommendations using the Evidence-to-Decision framework according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. For each recommendation, the level of evidence, the strength of the recommendation, the benefits, the harms and the risks, the benefit/harm balance, the intentional vagueness, the values judgement, the exclusions, the difference of the opinions, the knowledge gaps, and the research opportunities were reported. The panel produced 17 recommendations. Nine were evaluated as strong, 3 as moderate, and 5 as weak. Conclusion: a panel of national experts achieved consensus regarding recommendations for the best care in terms of analgesia and sedation in critically ill children.
Evaluating a psychological support service focused on the needs of critical care and theatres staff in the first wave of COVID-19
Authors: Herron Katie , Lonergan Grainne , Travis Susan , Rowan Patricia , Hutton Jane , Kelly Laura , Jordan Declan , Beattie Jane , Hampshire Peter , McCarthy Julia , Ryan Sue , Tsang Hoo Kee 
Published: February 2022

Background: In response to COVID-19, the authors used clinical psychology resources from their hospital's Pain Medicine Department to provide direct support to critical areas. Aims: The degree to which the service met the needs of staff and managers between March and August 2020 was evaluated. Methods: A total of 51 staff were referred. Most were nurses (43%), followed by theatre practitioners (36%), healthcare assistants (9%), consultants (8%), administrative (2%) and support staff (2%). Working status, reason for referral and presenting difficulties at first appointment and outcome were recorded. Staff were sent an anonymous survey following intervention. Findings: Staff reported high rates of burnout, anxiety and low mood, with 22% experiencing exacerbation of pre-existing mental health problems. All staff reported benefit from the intervention and managers provided positive feedback. Conclusion: Establishing a supportive service that included psychology benefited both staff and managers at the peak of the pandemic. Recommendations are provided.
Antimicrobial stewardship: wound treatment challenges
Authors: Fronzo Camila 
Published: February 2022

The issues with silver resistance and the effectiveness of using DACC-coated dressings in wound treatment were discussed at an Essity-sponsored symposium. Camila Fronzo noted the key points presented by three speakers at the EWMA and Journées Cicatrisations conference 2021 This conference report presents an overview of the symposium ‘Being smart about wound infection: evaluating and treating wounds in the era of antimicrobial stewardship’, held in October 2021 as part of the joint European Wound Management Association (EWMA) and Journées Cicatrisations virtual conference. The first speaker, Hadar Lev-Tov, talked about the rising problem of silver resistance in wound care, and presented published data that show a general bacterial resistance against silver dressings. The next speaker, Cornelia Wiegand, explained the antimicrobial activity in Cutimed Sorbact dressings (Essity) against five top World Health Organization (WHO)-relevant pathogens, for which new antibiotics are urgently needed. The third and final speaker, Ewa Klara Stürmer, presented six case studies showing the use of Cutimed Sorbact to control bacteria and biofilm on hard-to-heal (a term which has replaced ‘chronic’) leg ulcers. These demonstrated the effectiveness of Sorbact when managing such wounds.