bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The benefits of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the differential diagnosis of suspicious breast lesions
Authors: Liang Runa , Lian Jun , Zhang Jinhui , Jing Jiayu , Bian Jinxia , Xu Jinzhi , He Xin , Yu Shanshan , Zhou Qi , Jiang Jue 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundContrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) shows potential for the differential diagnosis of breast lesions in general, but its effectiveness remains unclear for the differential diagnosis of lesions highly suspicious for breast cancers.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of CEUS in differentiating pathological subtypes of suspicious breast lesions defined as category 4 of US-BI-RADS.MethodsThe dataset of 150 breast lesions was prospectively collected from 150 patients who underwent routine ultrasound and CEUS examination and were highly suspected of having breast cancers. All lesions were pathologically confirmed by US-guided needle biopsy and surgery. The qualitative features and the quantitative parameters of CEUS of these breast lesions were analyzed. The CEUS and biopsy examinations were performed after informed consent.ResultsIn the qualitative features, crab clam-like enhancement, the presence of more than two enhanced vessels within lesions, and surrounding enriched vessels inserting into lesions were able to differentiate atypical fibroadenomas (FIB) and mass-like non-puerperal mastitis (NPM) from invasive ductal carcinomas (IDC) and ductal carcinomas in situ (DCIS) (p &lt; 0.05). The enlarged scope, irregular shape, and perfusion deficiency were valuable to the differential diagnosis of FIB from the others (p &lt; 0.05). In the four quantitative parameters of CEUS, only the peak intensity (IMAX) contributed to the differential diagnosis between malignant and benign tumors (p &lt; 0.05, ROCAUC: 0.61, sensitivity: 60.4% and specificity: 65.9%, accuracy: 62.1%). However, IMAX did not show any difference in the paired comparison of IDC, DCIS, FIB, and NPM (p &gt; 0.05). The logistic regression analysis results showed that heterogeneous perfusion, crab clam-like enhancement, and partial_ IMAX were independent risk factors for benign and malignant breast lesions (p &lt; 0.05). The area under a receiver operating characteristic of the integrated model was 0.89. In the diagnosis of benign and malignant pathological subtypes of breast lesions, independent risk factors and integrated models had no statistical significance in the diagnosis of IDC and DCISs, FIB, and NPM (p &gt; 0.05).ConclusionSome qualitative risk features of CEUS can distinguish malignant breast lesions from NPM and atypical FIB with a high score of US-BI-RADS, aiding physicians to reduce the misdiagnosis of suspicious breast lesions in clinical practice.
Nipah virus survey in Pteropus medius of eastern and northeastern region of India, 2022–2023
Authors: Mohandas Sreelekshmy , Patil Dilip , Mathapati Basavaraj , Rai Vishal , Shete Anita , Belani Sujeet , Kumar Abhinendra , Sahay Rima , Patil Deepak , Yadav Pragya D. 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionIndia has experienced seven outbreaks of the Nipah virus (NiV) since 2001, primarily occurring in the southern and eastern regions of the country. The southern region has been the main site for these outbreaks. In contrast, the eastern region, which borders Bangladesh, has not reported any outbreaks since 2007. However, Bangladesh continues to experience nearly annual outbreaks, indicating a significant lack of surveillance in that area. To improve the country’s preparedness and to gather support for enhancing public health surveillance in eastern and northeastern states near the area affected by the NiV, a cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of NiV in the bat species Pteropus medius in Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, and Meghalaya states in India, which are adjacent to Bangladesh.MethodsThroat and rectal swabs, blood samples, and organ samples were collected. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was utilized for the detection of Nipah viral RNA, and sequencing was conducted for further confirmation. Bat IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed for antibody detection.ResultsThroat and rectal swab samples of 212 P. medius tested for NiV using qRT- PCR were found negative, whereas organ samples of two (one each from West Bengal and Bihar) out of the 10 bats collected tested positive. The retrieved NiV genome (~91%) showed close homology to the NiV-Bangladesh genotype indicating the circulation of two geographically distinct NiV strains in India. The seroprevalence estimated by ELISA ranged from 23 to 65% in the studied states.DiscussionThe serological and virological evidence obtained from the study indicates that a broader geographical area is under threat of spillover in India. It’s crucial to implement a One Health approach connecting bat surveillance studies with human surveillance and risk factor studies in the region.
Highly diverse endophytic fungi from Serra do Amolar-Pantanal (Brazil) producing bioactive secondary metabolites against phytopathogens
Authors: Mayrhofer Bárbara Fanaya , Iantas Jucélia , Noriler Sandriele Aparecida , Ponomareva Larissa V. , Thorson Jon S. , Rohr Jürgen , Shaaban Khaled A. , Glienke Chirlei 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionThe exploration of new bioactive compounds for agricultural applications is critical for sustainable development. Endophytic fungi, particularly those from underexplored biomes in Brazil, represent a promising source of natural compounds. This study focused on isolation and bioprospecting endophytic fungi from the medicinal plant Vochysia divergens (Pohl), grown in Serra do Amolar (Brazilian Pantanal Biome), with an additional emphasis on conserving microbial biodiversity.Methods and resultsLeaves and petioles were collected from 18 V. divergens specimens, from which 293 endophytes were isolated and grouped by morphological characteristics into 91 phenotypes. One representative of each phenotype was selected for secondary metabolite extraction and taxonomic identification. Fungi belonging to 27 families and 32 different genera were identified, with Diaporthe, Phyllosticta, and Pseudofusicoccum as the most predominant. We also introduce and describe a new endophytic species, Diaporthe amolarensis. Multiple extracts inhibited mycelial growth of the phytopathogenic fungus Colletotrichum abscissum, with a superior effect compared to the fungicide control. These extracts were produced by Diaporthe amolarensis, Xylaria arbuscula, and Nemania primolutea. Additionally, the extract from one X. arbuscula isolate displayed moderate activity against the phytopathogen Phyllosticta citricarpa. HPLC-UV and HPLC-MS analyses of these most inhibitory extracts revealed natural products with beneficial potential that need characterization and to have their modes of action elucidated.DiscussionFinally, a very important contribution of this study was the ex situ conservation of the biodiversity of the Serra do Amolar, allowing future studies and biotechnological applications involving endophytes from this region.
Disparate molecular mechanisms in cardiac ryanodine receptor channelopathies
Authors: Zhang Yadan , Seidel Monika , Rabesahala de Meritens Camille , Beckmann Astrid , Ahmed Syeda , Hurtz Melanie , Lai F. Anthony , Zorio Esther , Parthimos Dimitris , Zissimopoulos Spyros 
Published: December 2024

AimsMutations in the cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) are associated with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). This study investigates the underlying molecular mechanisms for CPVT mutations within the RyR2 N-terminus domain (NTD).Methods and ResultsWe consulted the high-resolution RyR2 structure in both open and closed configuration to identify mutations G357S/R407I and A77T, which lie within the NTD intra- and inter-subunit interface with the Core Solenoid (CSol), respectively. Their structural and functional roles were compared to R169L, a mutation that lies within the NTD-NTD inter-subunit interface. Using chemical cross-linking and co-immunoprecipitation assays, we show that R169L disrupts NTD tetramerization, while it does not alter the NTD-CSol interaction. Single cell Ca2+ imaging revealed that R169L increases the number of spontaneous Ca2+ transients and the proportion of oscillating cells, while reducing the Ca2+ store content. G357S and R407I do not affect NTD tetramerization, but they also do not alter the NTD-CSol interaction. Functionally, RyR2G357S-expressing cells have Ca2+ handling properties similar to RyR2WT. A77T enhances the NTD-CSol interaction, while it does not affect NTD tetramerization. Like R169L, A77T also increases the number of spontaneous Ca2+ transients and the proportion of oscillating cells, and it reduces the Ca2+ store content. However, unlike R169L that displays Ca2+ transients of normal amplitude and shorter duration, Ca2+ transients for A77T are of smaller amplitude and normal duration.ConclusionThe NTD-CSol inter-subunit interface variant, A77T, produces a hyperactive channel by altering a different structure-function parameter to other CPVT mutations within the RyR2 NTD. Reduced NTD-NTD inter-subunit interaction and reinforced NTD inter-subunit interaction with CSol are distinct molecular mechanisms for gain-of-function RyR2 arrhythmogenic mutations.
Development and validation of a novel model to predict post-stroke cognitive impairment within 6 months after acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Wei Ming , Zhu Xiaofeng , Yang Xiu , Shang Jin , Tong Qiang , Han Qiu 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundCognitive decline following acute ischemic stroke (AIS), termed post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI), is a prevalent phenomenon that significantly elevates disability and mortality rates among affected patients. The objective of this investigation was to develop a robust clinical prediction model capable of forecasting PSCI within six months post-AIS and subsequently validate its effectiveness.MethodsA cohort of 573 AIS patients was stratified into two groups: those with PSCI (260 cases) and those who remained cognitively normal (CN) (313 cases). These patients were further subdivided into three distinct cohorts: a development cohort comprising 193 AIS patients, an internal validation cohort with 193 AIS patients, and an external validation cohort encompassing 187 AIS patients. A thorough multifactor logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent predictors of PSCI, which were subsequently incorporated into the prediction model for comprehensive analysis and validation. The discriminatory power, calibration accuracy, and clinical net benefits of the prediction model were rigorously evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC), calibration plots, and decision curve analyses, respectively.ResultsUtilizing a meticulously selected panel of variables, including smoking status, alcohol consumption, female gender, low educational attainment, NIHSS score at admission, stroke progression, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, stroke localization, HCY levels, and Lp-PLA2 levels, a clinical prediction model was formulated to predict the occurrence of PSCI within six months of AIS. The model demonstrated AUC-ROC values of 0.898 (95%CI, 0.853–0.942), 0.847 (95%CI, 0.794–0.901), and 0.849 (95%CI, 0.7946–0.9031) in the development, internal validation, and external validation cohorts, respectively. Further validation through calibration curve analyses, Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit tests, and additional metrics confirmed the model’s impressive predictive performance.ConclusionThe proposed model exhibits strong discriminative ability for predicting PSCI and holds considerable promise for guiding clinical decision-making. However, ongoing optimization with multicenter data is necessary to bolster its robustness and broaden its applicability.
Association of lymphocyte-to-C-reactive protein ratio with cerebral small vessel disease: a cross-sectional study based on dose-response analysis
Authors: Lin Jie , Liu Junyi , Luo Qian , Zhuang Jieying , Xiao Ruiyan , Wang Huijuan , Yang Xudong , Wei Xiaolan , Cai Jiangping 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveWe investigated the relationship between lymphocyte-to-C-reactive protein ratio (LCR) and common imaging markers of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD).MethodsData from 835 CSVD patients were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression to determine CSVD-associated factors. Multivariate models assessed the association between LCR and CSVD, including common imaging markers. Subgroup analysis by age, sex, smoking history, hypertension, lipid levels, and other factors was conducted. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and 10-fold cross-validation were performed to evaluate the predictive performance of LCR.ResultsLymphocyte-to-C-reactive protein ratio was independently associated with a decreased risk of CSVD (p &lt; 0.001), indicating a protective role of LCR against CSVD. Among the imaging markers of CSVD, LCR in the highest quartile was negatively associated with moderate-to-severe white matter hyperintensities (WMH) (p = 0.002) and moderate-to-severe enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) (p &lt; 0.001), but not with lacune (p &gt; 0.05). The restrictive cubic spline analysis revealed a linear dose-response relationship between log-transformed LCR and the incidence of CSVD (Pnon-linear = 0.090) as well as moderate-to-severe WMH (Pnon-linear = 0.304), with a non-linear association with moderate and severe EPVS (Pnon-linear = 0.001). In the subgroup analyses, LCR remained a significant association with CSVD in most subgroups (p &lt; 0.05). Notably, a significant correlation was observed between LCR and CSVD (p &lt; 0.001) in the subgroups of non-smokers, those with neutrophil count ≤6.3 × 109/L, and with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥1 mmol/L. No interaction effect was identified between the variables and the LCR (p &gt; 0.1). The predictive capability of LCR for CSVD was confirmed through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.ConclusionLymphocyte-to-C-reactive protein ratio is an independent protective factor for CSVD and is associated with lower WMH or EPVS burden but not lacune. Inflammation is involved in CSVD pathophysiology through multiple pathways, providing potential targets for CSVD intervention.
A Bayesian dynamic stopping method for evoked response brain-computer interfacing
Authors: Ahmadi Sara , Desain Peter , Thielen Jordy 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionAs brain-computer interfacing (BCI) systems transition fromassistive technology to more diverse applications, their speed, reliability, and user experience become increasingly important. Dynamic stopping methods enhance BCI system speed by deciding at any moment whether to output a result or wait for more information. Such approach leverages trial variance, allowing good trials to be detected earlier, thereby speeding up the process without significantly compromising accuracy. Existing dynamic stopping algorithms typically optimize measures such as symbols per minute (SPM) and information transfer rate (ITR). However, these metrics may not accurately reflect system performance for specific applications or user types. Moreover, many methods depend on arbitrary thresholds or parameters that require extensive training data.MethodsWe propose a model-based approach that takes advantage of the analytical knowledge that we have about the underlying classification model. By using a risk minimization approach, our model allows precise control over the types of errors and the balance between precision and speed. This adaptability makes it ideal for customizing BCI systems to meet the diverse needs of various applications.Results and discussionWe validate our proposed method on a publicly available dataset, comparing it with established static and dynamic stopping methods. Our results demonstrate that our approach offers a broad range of accuracy-speed trade-offs and achieves higher precision than baseline stopping methods.
Gestalt, Navon and Kanizsa illusion processing in CVI, ADHD, and dyslexia Children with Normal verbal IQ
Authors: Hokken Marinke J. , Van Der Zee Ymie J. , Pereira Rob Rodrigues , Rours Ingrid G. I. J. G. , Frens Maarten A. , van der Steen Johannes , Pel Johan J. M. , Kooiker Marlou J. G. 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionGlobal Visual Selective Attention (VSA) is the ability to integrate multiple visual elements of a scene to achieve visual overview. This is essential for navigating crowded environments and recognizing objects or faces. Clinical pediatric research on global VSA deficits primarily focuses on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, in children with cerebral visual impairment (CVI) and other neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD, dyslexia) similar deficits are reported. The aim of this study was to investigate global VSA performance in children with CVI, ADHD, dyslexia and neurotypical children by combing gaze-based measures with conventional neuropsychological tasks.MethodsWe included children aged 6–12 years with CVI (n = 20), ADHD (n = 30), dyslexia (n = 34) and neurotypical development (n = 37), all with normal verbal IQ. Eye tracking measurements were stepwise introduced within three global VSA tasks: Gestalt Closure (no eye tracking), Navon stimuli (eye tracking-based qualitative analysis) and Kanizsa Illusory Contours (KIC; eye tracking-based quantitative analysis). Verbal responses were compared with non-verbal gaze behavior.ResultsChildren with CVI had significantly lower success rates on Gestalt Closure recognition, prolonged verbal response times on Navon stimuli, and decreased verbal and gaze performance on the KIC task compared to all other groups, irrespective of visual acuity. Children with ADHD and dyslexia performed similar to neurotypical children on all tasks.DiscussionThe results suggest а distinct global VSA deficit in children with CVI, which aligns with clinical observations of symptoms in daily life. Incorporating gaze-based analyses provided new information about search strategies beyond verbal answers and made the KIC task more inclusive for children with language and motor disabilities. Assessing global VSA within clinical CVI assessments could improve the differential diagnostic evaluations among children with CVI, ADHD and dyslexia, leading to more personalized treatment approaches.
Body shape concerns and behavioral intentions on eating disorders: a cross-sectional study of Chinese female university students using an extended theory of reasoned action model
Authors: Zhao Jingyi , Zhao Jing , Yuan Han , Gao Zeng 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundWeight and body shape concerns have become increasingly common among adolescents. Chinese university students show a high risk of eating disorder behaviors. This study aims to analyze the moderating effect of BMI on the relationships between body shape, attitudes, subjective norms, and eating disorder behavioral intentions among Chinese female university students using the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) model.MethodsA stratified random sample of 679 female Chinese university students (age, mean ± SD = 19.792 ± 1.007) participated in the study. The surveys comprised the Theory of Reasoned Action Questionnaire (TRA-Q) and the Body Shape Questionnaire (BS-Q) to assess their body shape concerns and behavioral intentions regarding eating disorders. Structural equation modeling was used to test the extended TRA model, with body shape as an additional predictor and BMI as a moderator.ResultsBody shape positively affected attitudes (β = 0.444, p &lt; 0.001), subjective norms (β = 0.506, p &lt; 0.001), and intentions (β = 0.374, p &lt; 0.001). BMI significantly moderated the relationships between attitudes (t = −3.012, p &lt; 0.01), subjective norms (t = −2.678, p &lt; 0.01), and body shapes (t = −4.485, p &lt; 0.001) toward eating disorder intentions.ConclusionBody shape and BMI directly influence eating disorder behavioral intentions among Chinese female university students. The findings suggest that young Chinese women’s eating disorder intentions are increasingly influenced by external factors related to body shape and BMI.
Inadequate consumption of vitamin A-rich foods among preschool children in Wolaita Sodo, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Mekisso Selamawit Mathewos , Dake Samson Kastro , Haile Dibora Teferi , Nane Debritu 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundThe primary cause of vitamin A deficiency in developing countries like Ethiopia is the inadequate consumption of vitamin A-rich foods. Preschool children are particularly vulnerable due to their higher nutritional requirements and increased susceptibility to infections. This study aims to assess the prevalence of inadequate consumption of vitamin A-rich foods and identify the associated factors among preschool children in Wolaita Sodo, Southern Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using multi-stage sampling to select 471 households with preschool children between July 15 and August 15, 2021. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify predictors of inadequate consumption of vitamin A-rich foods. Variables with a p-value &lt;0.25 in the bivariate analysis were included in the multivariable logistic regression. The strength of the associations was estimated using adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Statistical significance was determined at a p-value &lt;0.05.ResultThe prevalence of inadequate consumption of Vitamin A-rich foods among pre-school children in this study was 381 (81.1%) with a 95% confidence interval of 77.3 to 84.9%. Predictors for inadequate consumption of Vitamin A rich foods were being a girl [AOR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.69], aged 46–59 months [AOR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.93], rural residence [AOR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.22, 4.57], family size of five or more [AOR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.15, 4.86], household income of &lt;2000 Ethiopian Birr [AOR = 3.98, 95% CI: 1.18, 13.40], and morbidity in last 2 weeks [AOR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.74].ConclusionThis study showed that the participants’ consumption of vitamin A-rich food was inadequate. Greater emphasis be placed on food-based tactics to increase pre-schoolers’ intake of foods high in vitamin A. Enhancing socioeconomic status is also crucial for increasing the intake of foods high in vitamin A.