bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioelectric profiling of Rickettsia montanensis in Vero cells utilizing dielectrophoresis
Authors: Doost Negar Farhang , Yaram Sai Deepika Reddy , Wagner Kayla , Garg Harshit , Srivastava Soumya K. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Rickettsia is an intracellular bacteria transmitted to humans through ticks, lice, fleas, or their feces, causing acute symptoms such as fever, headache, rashes, and muscle aches. Detecting rickettsial diseases is challenging due to limitations in current methods such as negative results, low sensitivity, and high cost. These limitations highlight the need for improved detection methods. Dielectrophoresis (DEP) offers a promising alternative to develop a point-of-care economical, label-free, and sensitive diagnostic tool. By exposing cells to non-uniform electric fields one can measure the electrical properties of the cells which are different and unique based on the cell type. By comparing the dielectric profiles of healthy and infected cells, DEP could be utilized to design a rapid, cost-effective diagnostic tool. Initial steps involve characterizing the electrophysiological properties of Vero cells infected with Rickettsia montanensis to develop this new detection tool. This study found significant differences in electrical parameters between healthy and Rickettsia spp. infected Vero cells, particularly at a medium conductivity of 500 µS/cm. Moreover, we found that the dielectric spectrum showed the greatest differences between healthy and Rickettsia spp. infected Vero cells at medium conductivity of 500 µS/cm, with significantly different dielectrophoretic crossover frequencies (no DEP force region). These findings suggest that dielectrophoretic detection of infected cells could serve as a quick, cost-effective, label-free, and sensitive alternative for developing a point-of-care diagnostic tool for Rickettsial infections.
Mosquito mutations F290V and F331W expressed in acetylcholinesterase of the sand fly Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli): biochemical properties and inhibitor sensitivity
Authors: Temeyer Kevin B. , Tong Fan , Schlechte Kristie G. , Chen Qiao-hong , Carlier Paul R. , Pérez de León Adalberto Á. , Bloomquist Jeffrey R. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The Old World sand fly, Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli), a vector of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis, is usually controlled by insecticides, including anticholinesterases. Previous studies have revealed 85% amino acid sequence identity of recombinant P. papatasi acetylcholinesterase (rPpAChE1) to mosquito AChE. They identified synthetic carbamates that selectively inhibited rPpAChE1 and circumvented the G119S mutation responsible for high-level resistance to anticholinesterases. This study reports the construction, baculovirus expression, and biochemical properties of rPpAChE1 containing the F290V and F331W orthologous mutations from mosquitoes.

Methods
Recombinant PpAChE1 enzymes with or without the F290V, F331W, and G119S orthologous mosquito mutations were expressed in Sf21cells utilizing the baculoviral system. Ellman assays determined changes in catalytic properties and inhibitor sensitivity resulting from wild type and mutant rPpAChE1 containing single or combinations of orthologous mosquito mutations.

Results
Each of the orthologous mutations (F290V, F331W, and G119S) from mosquito AChE significantly reduced inhibition sensitivity to organophosphate or carbamate pesticides, and catalytic activity was lost when they were expressed in combination. Novel synthetic carbamates were identified that significantly inhibited the rPpAChEs expressing each of the single orthologous mosquito mutations.

Conclusions
These novel carbamates could be developed as efficacious insecticides, with improved specificity and safety for use in sand fly or mosquito populations expressing the mutant AChEs.

Graphical Abstract
Predicting malignant risk of ground-glass nodules using convolutional neural networks based on dual-time-point 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Liu Yuhang , Wang Jian , Du Bulin , Li Yaming , Li Xuena 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Accurately predicting the malignant risk of ground-glass nodules (GGOs) is crucial for precise treatment planning. This study aims to utilize convolutional neural networks based on dual-time-point 18F-FDG PET/CT to predict the malignant risk of GGOs.

Methods
Retrospectively analyzing 311 patients with 397 GGOs, this study identified 118 low-risk GGOs and 279 high-risk GGOs through pathology and follow-up according to the new WHO classification. The dataset was randomly divided into a training set comprising 239 patients (318 lesions) and a testing set comprising 72 patients (79 lesions), we employed a self-configuring 3D nnU-net convolutional neural network with majority voting method to segment GGOs and predict malignant risk of GGOs. Three independent segmentation prediction models were developed based on thin-section lung CT, early-phase 18F-FDG PET/CT, and dual-time-point 18F-FDG PET/CT, respectively. Simultaneously, the results of the dual-time-point 18F-FDG PET/CT model on the testing set were compared with the diagnostic of nuclear medicine physicians.

Results
The dual-time-point 18F-FDG PET/CT model achieving a Dice coefficient of 0.84 ± 0.02 for GGOs segmentation and demonstrating high accuracy (84.81%), specificity (84.62%), sensitivity (84.91%), and AUC (0.85) in predicting malignant risk. The accuracy of the thin-section CT model is 73.42%, and the accuracy of the early-phase 18F-FDG PET/CT model is 78.48%, both of which are lower than the accuracy of the dual-time-point 18F-FDG PET/CT model. The diagnostic accuracy for resident, junior and expert physicians were 67.09%, 74.68%, and 78.48%, respectively. The accuracy (84.81%) of the dual-time-point 18F-FDG PET/CT model was significantly higher than that of nuclear medicine physicians.

Conclusions
Based on dual-time-point 18F-FDG PET/CT images, the 3D nnU-net with a majority voting method, demonstrates excellent performance in predicting the malignant risk of GGOs. This methodology serves as a valuable adjunct for physicians in the risk prediction and assessment of GGOs.
Cer-ConvN3Unet: an end-to-end multi-parametric MRI-based pipeline for automated detection and segmentation of cervical cancer
Authors: Xia Shao-Jun , Zhao Bo , Li Yingming , Kong Xiangxing , Wang Zhi-Nan , Yang Qingmo , Wu Jia-Qi , Li Haijiao , Cao Kun , Zhu Hai-Tao , Li Xiao-Ting , Zhang Xiao-Yan , Sun Ying-Shi 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
We established and validated an innovative two-phase pipeline for automated detection and segmentation on multi-parametric cervical cancer magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and investigated the clinical efficacy.

Methods
The retrospective multicenter study included 125 cervical cancer patients enrolled in two hospitals for 14,547 two-dimensional images. All the patients underwent pelvic MRI examinations consisting of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging (CE-T1WI). The deep learning framework involved a multiparametric detection module utilizing ConvNeXt blocks and a subsequent segmentation module utilizing 3-channel DoubleU-Nets. The pipeline was trained and tested (80:20 ratio) on 3,077 DWI, 2,990 T2WI, and 8,480 CE-T1WI slices.

Results
In terms of reference standards from gynecologic radiologists, the first automated detection module achieved overall results of 93% accuracy (95% confidence interval 92–94%), 93% precision (92–94%), 93% recall (92–94%), 0.90 κ (0.89–0.91), and 0.93 F1-score (0.92–0.94). The second-stage segmentation exhibited Dice similarity coefficients and Jaccard values of 83% (81–85%) and 71% (69–74%) for DWI, 79% (75–82%), and 65% (61–69%) for T2WI, 74% (71–76%) and 59% (56–62%) for CE-T1WI.

Conclusion
Independent experiments demonstrated that the pipeline could get high recognition and segmentation accuracy without human intervention, thus effectively reducing the delineation burden for radiologists and gynecologists.

Relevance statement
The proposed pipeline is potentially an alternative tool in imaging reading and processing cervical cancer. Meanwhile, this can serve as the basis for subsequent work related to tumor lesions. The pipeline contributes to saving the working time of radiologists and gynecologists.

Key Points

An AI-assisted multiparametric MRI-based pipeline can effectively support radiologists in cervical cancer evaluation.

The proposed pipeline shows high recognition and segmentation performance without manual intervention.

The proposed pipeline may become a promising auxiliary tool in gynecological imaging.

Graphical Abstract
Could new mammography techniques be an alternative for dynamic contrast-enhanced breast MRI in the diagnosis and preoperative staging of breast lesions?
Authors: Haggag Marwa A , Helal Maha H , Kamal Rasha M , Mostafa Radwa E , Salama Asmaa I. , Hassan Ahmed E 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor among women, and all the imaging modalities are used to help in the early detection and accurate diagnosis of breast abnormalities and so led to proper management. Breast tomosynthesis is one of the modifications of digital mammography that obtains 3-dimensional images and so helps in better detection and characterization of the breast lesions. Contrast-enhanced digital mammography and dynamic breast MRI are post-contrast studies that allow the detection of the neovascularization associated with breast cancer, yet MRI is still the most accepted modality that shows the highest sensitivity in the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer.
This study aimed to evaluate the role of new mammographic techniques and compare them with dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI in diagnosis and preoperative staging regarding multiplicity and size assessment of breast lesions.

Results
This prospective study included forty female patients with 53 breast lesions that were referred to the breast unit in our oncology institute. Inclusion criteria included BI-RADS 3, 4, and 5 breast lesions, clinical indication for MRI breast, and no previous histologically proven cancer. Exclusion criteria included pregnancy, allergy to an iodinated contrast agent, renal impairment, and any contraindication for MRI. All patients were scheduled for contrast-enhanced digital mammography, single-view tomosynthesis, and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI in another separate setting. The final diagnosis was established by pathology. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI showed the highest sensitivity and specificity in this study followed by contrast-enhanced digital mammography and then digital breast tomosynthesis. Combined use of the new mammographic techniques (digital breast tomosynthesis and contrast-enhanced digital mammography) increases the sensitivity and negative predictive value approaches that of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI showed agreement with the pathology regarding the detection of lesion multiplicity, followed by contrast-enhanced digital mammography.

Conclusions
The combined use of the new mammographic technique (digital breast tomosynthesis, and contrast-enhanced digital mammography) raises their diagnostic performance approaches of the dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and may be a reasonable alternative to it; however, dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI remains the technique of the highest diagnostic accuracy in the diagnosis and assessment of breast lesions.
Synthetic biology and parasite genomics: engineering parasite-resistant human microbiomes for sustainable disease prevention
Authors: Al-Malki Esam S. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Recent progress in parasite genomics has is enabled for greater understanding of genetic structure of parasites, including the species of Plasmodium, Leishmania, and Trypanosoma. Cutting-edge next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques, such as high-throughput sequencing, has enabled the discovery of essential genes linked to the metabolic pathways, drug resistance, and life cycle adaptations. Advancements in the field of genomics have enabled the deep understanding of biological processes and evolutionary adaptations of parasites.

Results
Investigating the genomes in various parasite strains has enhanced our understanding of their evolutionary adaptations, enhancing our capacity to predict epidemics and develop therapies that effectively act against various parasitic strains. Synthetic biology has also proposed novel treatment approaches, including the gene therapies and bioengineered microbes, that shows potential in fighting or inhibiting parasite illnesses. Revolutionary genome-editing methods, such as CRISPR-Cas9, have enabled the accurate genetic alterations, expediting the progress of sophisticated medicinal therapies, that are specifically designed for parasite management and eradication.

Conclusion
Microbiome engineering, an emerging area, provides a novel opportunities for disease prevention by integrating the techniques such as transplanting faecal microbiota and genetically tailored bacteria to restore microbial equilibrium and decrease parasite populations. Nevertheless, the enduring stability of modified microbiomes, possible environmental hazards, and ethical concerns related to gene editing emphasise the necessity for stringent safety measures and monitoring by regulatory authorities. Using these technologies responsibly and ethically is crucial to guarantee the continuous therapeutic advancement.

Graphic abstract
Factors shaping green entrepreneurial intentions towards green innovation: an integrated model
Authors: Al-Mamary Yaser Hasan 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The primary objectives of this study are to investigate the key determinants of green entrepreneurial intentions (GEI) and to examine how these intentions influence green innovation (GI). The study also aims to develop a comprehensive model that integrates various factors impacting GEI and their relationship with GI, specifically within the Saudi Arabian context. The study employs a quantitative research design, collecting data through an online questionnaire from 389 respondents in Saudi Arabia. Structural equation modelling via SmartPLS software was used to analyse the relationships between the variables and test the proposed hypotheses. The findings demonstrate that attitudes towards green entrepreneurship, green entrepreneurial orientation (GEO), entrepreneurial education (EE) and environmental awareness (EA) substantially affect GEI. Consequently, GEI significantly enhance GI. Nonetheless, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control were not important predictors of GEI. These findings possess significant consequences for research and practice. The integrated model provides academics with a comprehensive framework for examining green entrepreneurship, emphasizing the interaction of key components. Practitioners and politicians can utilize these findings to design targeted educational initiatives and regulations that cultivate a conducive climate for green entrepreneurship. Integrating EA, EE, the entrepreneurial orientation model and planned behaviour theory, the study presents a comprehensive model of green entrepreneurship. The study examines Saudi Arabia-specific information and proposes broadening the scope of the study to include other Gulf nations. This method improves our theoretical knowledge and our practical approaches to GI.
Investigating the recent outbreak of dengue fever in Iran: a systematic review
Authors: Jamal Mahboob Keramati , Sanaei Batool , Naderi Maziar , Past Vida , Abadi Somayeh Hashemi Ali , Khazaei Raziye , Esmaeili Arezoo , Sadrizadeh Sepehr , Moghimi Shadi , Ghiyasi Zahra 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background and aim
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease that has been recently increasing in incidence in Iran. Understanding the factors contributing to this outbreak is crucial in order to implement effective control measures. The aim of this study was to review the recent outbreak of dengue fever in Iran and identify the contributing factors.

Methods
A systematic search of databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and SID, was conducted to identify relevant studies on dengue fever in Iran from 2010 to 2024. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) tool.

Results
The review revealed a significant increase in the number of dengue fever cases in Iran in recent years, with outbreaks occurring in different regions of the country. The recent outbreak of dengue fever in Iran has been mainly attributed to factors such as increased travel to dengue-endemic regions, climate change, inadequate mosquito control measures, and lack of public awareness. The outbreak has been particularly severe in cities with high population densities and poor sanitation.

Conclusion
The recent outbreak of dengue fever in Iran indicates the need for improved mosquito control measures, increased public awareness, and better surveillance systems. In Iran, preventive measures for dengue fever include eliminating standing water, using mosquito repellent, wearing protective clothing, installing screens, using mosquito nets, seeking medical attention, and staying informed.
Ablation of Leptin Receptor Signaling Alters Somatotrope Transcriptome Maturation in Female Mice
Authors: Miles Tiffany K , Odle Angela K , Byrum Stephanie D , Lagasse Alex N , Haney Anessa C , Ortega Victoria G , Herdman Ashley K , MacNicol Melanie C , MacNicol Angus M , Childs Gwen V 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Anterior pituitary somatotropes respond to metabolic signals from the adipokine leptin to optimize functional responses to the body’s nutritional state via growth hormone (GH) secretion. Molecular targets of leptin in pituitary somatotropes include GH, the GH-releasing hormone receptor (GHRHR), and, in females, the transcription factor POU1F1, all of which are dependent on leptin stimulation for expression. To identify the trophic mechanisms underlying leptin action upon somatotropes, we analyzed single-cell gene transcriptomes comparing pituitaries from a female mouse model bearing somatotropes lacking leptin receptors (LEPR-null mutants) and control pituitaries. Computational clustering of results identified all common pituitary cell types and differentially expressed genes. Mutant female somatotrope clusters showed decreased levels of Gh and Htatsf1 mRNA, which was also reduced in mutant pituitaries lacking Prop1 or POU1F1. Mutant Somatotropes also showed increased expression of markers for pituitary stem and progenitor cells (e.g., Sox9) and increased (1.73-6.7 fold) expression of non-somatotrope hormones, Pomc, Lhb, Tshb, Cga, and Prl. Conversely, the mutant female Sox2-positive stem cell cluster showed decreased expression of markers for stem cells and increased expression of pituitary hormone genes. The data support a model in which the female pituitary somatotrope cell population’s development and/or maintenance requires leptin trophic signals and also suggests that, in the absence of normal somatotrope maturation, pituitary stem cells are driven towards premature differentiation.
A New Mouse Model for Exploring Tranexamic Acid–Associated Seizures
Authors: Shen Jingjia , Liu Yue , Liao Xudong , Lv Hong , Li Ting , Shi Jia 
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND:
Tranexamic acid (TXA) plays a central role in antifibrinolytic strategies, raising intense concerns regarding TXA-associated seizures. The aim of the study was to develop an in vivo TXA-induced seizure (TIS) model and identify its features on behavior, electroencephalograph (EEG), histology, and metabolomics.

METHODS:
Adult healthy male C57BL/6J mice (n = 42) were randomized into 7 dosage groups to receive intracerebroventricular injection of TXA (vehicle, 1, 5, 7.5, 10, 25, 50 μg/μL, n = 6 each). The dose titration was based on behavioral observation according to the Racine scale. Further, continuous video-EEG was performed in another 8 TIS mice and 5 control mice with the stereotaxic implantation of electrodes and guide cannulas. Then hippocampus samples were obtained from an additional 10 TIS mice and 9 control mice for histological evaluation and metabolomic analysis.

RESULTS:
Behavioral observation revealed a dose-dependent relationship between the intensity of seizures and the intraventricular gradient of the agent. A dose of 2 μL 7.5 μg/μL TXA i.c.v. was confirmed as the target scheme to establish the model with intense behavioral seizures and typical spike epileptic EEG discharges. Histological exploration illustrated necrosis and loss of neurons as well as loss of Nissl granules in the CA3 area of the hippocampus. Additionally, metabolomic analysis revealed a variety of disturbed metabolic pathways related to seizures including amino acid, energy, antioxidant stress metabolism, and nerve signal regulation.

CONCLUSIONS:
The study provided an in vivo mouse TIS model with specific features on behavioral seizures, EEG discharges, histological findings, and metabolomic pathways.
Current structure and needs of congenital heart surgery in Europe – a narrative review
Authors: Kiraly Laszlo , Ong Zhi Xian 
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Congenital heart surgery is a relatively small discipline dealing with a circumscript patient population. The statement contrasts with the discipline’s significant clinical impact for individual patients, and with the public health effect on the healthcare system. The aim of this narrative review is to survey the current landscape of congenital heart surgery in Europe, and especially to revisit the specific points of the recommendation document on the optimal center structure twenty years on.
Methods: European demographic patterns and prevalence/incidence of congenital heart disease were studied in national/international information resources. English-language literature of current congenital cardiac surgery practices, outcomes were reviewed. Recommendations on the optimal structure of a pediatric cardiac surgical department were specifically revisited.
Results: Europe is an ageing continent with stagnating birthrate. Promoters of congenital heart disease, e.g., consanguinity, segregated generative populations and lack of termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly are absent. Congenital heart surgery has a long and successful history with world-renown centers of excellence. European professional organizations – joining forces with international counterparts – pioneer cooperation for establishing standards of quality-of-care, risk stratification and international databases. A review of the original recommendations for the optimal center and regional care structure show that statements on volume, quality are still valid; countries with higher socioeconomical index may have an abundance of centers that, in the pursuit of excellence to achieve the best possible outcomes, regionalization is advised. Owing to a much-improved survival, an increased adult population with operated congenital heart disease transits towards the adult services and requests specialized multidisciplinary teams to care for them.
Conclusions: Europe enjoys an advanced and accessible healthcare system for congenital heart disease. In fostering development, and focusing on quality-of-life rather than just a mere survival, a concentrated collaborative effort seems essential from the multidisciplinary team, researchers, and policymakers.