bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Neonatal Bloodstream Pathogens in Tertiary Care Hospitals: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Saha Ritu , Saha Shamoli , Mahmuda Hasiba , Lutfor Afzalunnessa Binte 
Published: December 2024

Background: Neonatal bloodstream infections (BSIs) are a leading cause of mortality in developing countries, necessitating effective treatment strategies.
Objective: This retrospective study investigated the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of bacterial pathogens causing neonatal BSIs in two tertiary hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Methodology: This is a retrospective study took place in Ad-din Women’s Medical College & Hospital, Dhaka & Rushmono specialized Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh in between the time period of July 2019 to December 2020. A total of 1825 blood samples were obtained from patients who were admitted at the Neonatal Intensive care unit of Ad-din Women’s Medical College & Hospital, Dhaka & Rushmono specialized Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2019 to December 2020. All the blood samples were processed for culture using a BACT/Alert blood culture machine. Further identification & antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed using standard microbiological procedure.
Results: The analysis of 1825 blood samples obtained from neonatal intensive care facilities unveiled a bloodstream infection (BSI) rate of 17.2%. The predominant isolates identified were coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CONS) (10%) and Acinetobacter spp. (60%); these organisms are classified as Gram-positive and negative bacteria, respectively. The preponderance of infections was caused by Gram-positive organisms, specifically CONS, which evolved highly sensitive to imepenem, vancomycin, and linezolid but resistance to ampicillin, cephradine and erythromycin. Methicillin resistance is present in 31.5% of Staphylococcus aureus and nearly half (47%) of the CONS. Vancomycin resistance is present in one-tenth of the isolated Staphylococcus species. Acinetobacter spp. exhibited greater susceptibility to colistin (100%), meropenem (90.67%), piperacillin-tazobactum (92%), and amikacin (82.67%), but resistance to ampicillin (90%), cephradin (80%), cefuroxime (90%), and cefixime (61%). Proteus, Enterobacterieceae, including E. coli, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter, exhibited greater resistance to ampicillin, cephradin, and chloramphenicol while demonstrating greater sensitivity to meropenem (100%), piperacillin-tazobactum (95-98%), amikacin (80-82%), and gentamycin (76%-80%).
Conclusion: Major causative agents of neonatal blood stream infection were coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CONS) and Acinetobacter spp. Multidrug resistance among these bacteria was observed in the study ; which necessitate the implementation of antibiotic stewardship program to improve neonatal outcome.
Bangladesh Journal of Medical Microbiology, January 2024;18(1):22-29
Assessing the Impact of Women’s Empowerment on their Nutritional Status in Bangladesh: A Multilevel Logistic Regression Analysis
Authors: Eva Mahmuda Khanom , Ema Nusrat Jahan , Al Mamun Abu Sayed Md , Hasan Md Mahmudul , Haque Md Ahshanul , Kundu Ramendra Nath , Bharati Premananda , Hossain Md Golam 
Published: December 2024

Women’s empowerment is one of the ten ‘special initiatives’ of Bangladesh government. According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2022, Bangladesh ranks as the most gender-equal nation in South Asia. Understanding how Bangladeshi women are empowering themselves and its impact on their nutritional status is crucial, as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include both gender equality and women's health. This study aims to investigate women’s empowerment in Bangladesh and its impacts on their nutritional status. A total number of 14,862 samples were extracted from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2017-18 for this study. Women’s empowerment was measured using three indicators; (i) women’s participation to make decision on their healthcare, (ii) women’s participation to purchase households goods and (iii) person who usually decides to visit family and friends. The composite index of these three indicators was used as outcome variable for further statistical analysis. The study revealed that 79.0%, 76.1% and 78.4% women participated to make decision on their healthcare, purchasing household goods and visit to relatives and friends respectively, resulting in 63.7% women being classified as empowered in Bangladesh. Predictors of women’s empowerment included: living location (division), type of residence, place of delivery, sex of household head, wealth index, respondents’ age, education, occupation, having bank account, total ever born children and decision in using contraception, and beating by husband. After controlling the effect of other factors, it was shown that empowered women were more likely to become over nourished than unempowered women. The study also found that a strikingly large proportion of women in Bangladesh remained unempowered. Some modifiable factors were found as predictors of women empowerment. Additionally, unempowered women were more likely to be undernourished.
International Journal of Statistical Sciences, Vol. 24(2), November, 2024, pp 19-34
Fermentation of cigar tobacco leaves with citrus flavonoids: changes in chemical, microbiological, and sensory properties
Authors: Hu Wanrong , Cai Wen , Jia Yun , Zhang Qianying , Zhang Zhengcheng , Wang Yue , Sun Chongde , Li Dongliang 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionFermentation plays a significant role in improving the quality of cigar tobacco leaves. Particularly, fermentation with characteristic additives has been identified as an effective approach to enhance the fermentation process. The objective of this study was to develop new additives and investigate their influence on cigar tobacco leaves.MethodsThe active ingredients extracted from three citrus species were obtained by ultrasonic-assisted extraction followed by solid phase purification. The effects of these ingredients as fermentation additives on the primary chemical components, microbial communities, and sensory quality of cigar tobacco leaves were subsequently analyzed.ResultsResults showed that: (1) Flavonoids were the main components of the prepared citrus extracts. (2) The addition of citrus extracts resulted in a reduced content of amino acids, oxalic acid, and unsaturated fatty acids in cigar tobacco leaves, while increasing the content of citric acid. Besides, the total amount of aroma substances in cigar tobacco leaves increased by 38.15% with the addition of citrus extracts, with notable enhancements in the levels of D-limonene, β-dihydroionone, dihydroactiniolactone, and other representative aroma components. (3) The addition of citrus extracts promoted the succession of the microbial community in cigar tobacco leaves and promoted the enrichment of Pseudomonas and Corynebacterium. (4) The addition of citrus extracts effectively reduced the irritation and improved the aroma richness of cigar tobacco leaves.DiscussionIn this study, the influence of citrus-derived active ingredients on cigar quality was systematically analyzed, providing a reference for the development of characteristic fermentation additives for cigars and the extension of cigar quality enhancement technologies.
Significant differences in knee kinematics of healthy subjects with high and low anterior tibial laxity
Authors: Chen Shiyang , Chen Shaohua , Kang Qingyang , Lin Fangzheng , Zheng Shuting , Liu Xixi , Guo Chunhong , Li Yongjin , Lin Dingkun , Zeng Xiaolong 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundAnterior tibial laxity is considered to be a risk factor for knee injuries, including anterior cruciate ligament ruptures. The anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction also aims to restore anterior tibial laxity. While anterior tibial laxity is considered to be linked to dynamic knee stability, the mechanisms connecting anterior tibial laxity to these stability issues are not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the kinematic alterations between different anterior tibial laxity in healthy subjects. We hypothesized that anterior tibial laxity affects the anteroposterior tibial displacement during dynamic movements.MethodsThis study involved thirty-five healthy subjects. There were twenty males and fifteen females with an average age of 18.91 ± 0.78 years. Their knees were categorized into “Tight” (the smallest 50%) and “Lax” (the largest 50%) groups based on anterior tibial laxity measurements using a Kneelax3 arthrometer. Kinematic data were collected using a three-dimensional motion capture system when they performed level walking, upslope walking, and vertical jumping. The knee kinematics were recorded for statistical analysis. We used independent sample t-tests to analyze key kinematic differences between groups.ResultsThe “Lax” group exhibited increased posterior tibial translation during upslope walking (5.4 ± 2.22 mm at swing max flexion, p = 0.018) and vertical jumping (8.5 ± 2.78 mm at propulsion max flexion, p = 0.003; 7.6 ± 3.17 mm at landing max flexion, p = 0.019) than the “Tight” group. Significant differences in tibial internal rotation were observed during initial contact of the gait cycle of level walking (1.9° ± 0.95°, p = 0.049) and upslope walking (2.1° ± 1.03°, p = 0.041) in the “Lax” group compared to the “Tight” group. No significant differences in adduction/abduction or medial/lateral tibial translation were found between groups.ConclusionThe study revealed that high anterior tibial laxity resulted in increased posterior tibial translation and tibial internal rotation. High anterior tibial laxity resulted in dynamic instability of knees during motions, especially in high-demanding activities like upslope or vertical jumping. However, further research is needed to explore the clinical functional effects of knee laxity.
The value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing with blood samples for the diagnosis of disseminated tuberculosis
Authors: Ma Jing , Jiang Yongfang , He Yan , Zhou Huaying 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the clinical value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of blood samples for the identification of disseminated tuberculosis (DTB).MethodsA total of 48 individuals suspected of DTB were enrolled. All patients underwent mNGS of peripheral blood and conventional microbiological tests. Patient characteristics were collected from their medical records.ResultsA total of 28 patients were diagnosed with DTB, whereas 20 patients were confirmed as non-DTB cases. In the DTB groups, 19 (67.9%) contained TB sequences, with specific reads of TB ranging from 1 to 219. The TB sequence was more detectable by mNGS in male patients, those with elevated PCT levels, those who are HIV positive, and those with a decreased CD4 T-cell count. The HIV-positive group shows higher TB mNGS reads (p = 0.012) and TB mNGS sensitivity (p = 0.05). The sensitivity of TB mNGS in blood samples was 80% for HIV-infected patients and 44.4% for non-HIV-infected individuals (p = 0.05). The non-HIV group had a higher prevalence of miliary tuberculosis (p = 0.018), and extrapulmonary tuberculosis was more prevalent in the HIV-positive group.ConclusionOur research has shown that the mNGS of blood samples has excellent sensitivity for the diagnosis of DTB. The TB sequence was more detectable by mNGS in patients with elevated PCT levels, those who are HIV positive, and those with a decreased CD4 T-cell count.
English learners with dyslexia benefit from English dyslexia intervention: an observational study of routine intervention practices
Authors: Middleton Anna E. , Davila Marcela , Frierson Sheryl L. 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionLearning to read when the language of the curriculum differs from one’s home language can pose unique challenges. For example, compared to the language spoken at home, the learner may be less familiar with the sound structure and have relatively limited word knowledge in the language of instruction. In the United States, English is the primary language of reading instruction for students who are English Proficient (EP) and for English Learners (EL). Current evidence indicates that for both EP and EL students, code-based competencies and meaning-based skills are important for learning to read. English-language reading interventions have been shown to be beneficial for EPs and ELs with reading problems, though it is not clear if this is also true when the reading problem is a reading disorder like dyslexia.MethodsThe current study addresses this question by comparing EL and EP student’s reading profile at baseline and changes over time in response to evidence-based English Language Dyslexia Instruction (ELDI) in public schools. One-hundred eighty-six students with dyslexia were followed over the course of two academic years. Assessments measured code and meaning-based reading skills. Multivariate profile analysis and linear mixed effects modeling were conducted to compare baseline reading profiles as well as growth in targeted skills over time.ResultsFindings reveal similar patterns of reading profiles across EL and EP groups, with more severe baseline deficits emerging for ELs. Groups performed equivalently on target reading skills after two years of intensive multi-componential reading intervention.ConclusionFindings confirm and extend previous research, suggesting ELs with Dyslexia can be identified and successfully served through routine practices, including ELDI.
L-shaped relationship between atherogenic index of plasma with uric acid levels and hyperuricemia risk
Authors: Huang Jingjing , Chen Chunhong , Jie Chunxiao , Li Ruying , Chen Chunyong 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundHyperuricemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and serum uric acid (SUA) levels, as well as the risk of hyperuricemia.MethodsUtilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we conducted a cross-sectional study involving 9,439 participants aged 18 years and above with complete triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) data. AIP was calculated as the logarithm of the ratio of TG to HDL-C. Weighted linear regression, weighted logistic regression, subgroup analysis, generalized additive model, restricted cubic spline and two-part linear and logistic regression were utilized to examine the relationships between AIP and SUA levels and hyperuricemia risk.ResultsWe identified a non-linear and L-shaped relationship between AIP and both SUA levels and hyperuricemia prevalence, with significant increasing observed up to a saturation point (0.588 for uric acid levels and 0.573 for hyperuricemia prevalence). Below these thresholds, the odds ratios (OR) for increased SUA and hyperuricemia were 0.854 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.762, 0.946) and 4.4 (95% CI: 3.528, 5.488), respectively (P&lt;0.001). Beyond these points, the associations were not statistically significant.ConclusionOur findings suggest that AIP is significantly and non-linear associated with SUA levels and hyperuricemia risk, with a saturation effect observed beyond specific thresholds. These insights could inform clinical strategies for managing cardiovascular and metabolic risks associated with elevated AIP. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm these associations and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Associations of systemic inflammation and systemic immune inflammation with serum uric acid concentration and hyperuricemia risk: the mediating effect of body mass index
Authors: Zhang Yueyue , Han Shichao , Duan Zhizhou , Tian Xu , Li Xueyi , Hou Guangdong , Gao Xuelin , Tian Chunjuan , Li Xiangyu , Yu Wenyuan , Zhou Qin , Niu Zhiping , Wang Fuli 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundWith the development of lifestyle, elevated uric acid and hyperuricemia have become important factors affecting human health, but the biological mechanism and risk factors are still unclear.MethodsA multi-stage, cross-sectional study of 41,136 adults from the NHANES 2003-2018 was conducted. Serum uric acid concentrations, platelet, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts were measured. The systemic inflammation response (SIRI) index and systemic immune-inflammatory (SII) index were calculated to reflect systemic inflammation and systemic immune inflammation. The height and weight data were obtained to assess body mass index (BMI). Generalized linear models were used to examine the relationships of SIRI and SII with uric acid and hyperuricemia risk, as well as the associations of SIRI and SII with BMI, and BMI with uric acid and hyperuricemia risk. Causal mediation effect model was used to assess the mediating effect of BMI in the relationships of SIRI, and SII with uric acid concentration and hyperuricemia risk.ResultsThe prevalence of hyperuricemia in US adults is 19.78%. Positive associations were found in the relationships of SIRI and SII with uric acid level, hyperuricemia risk, and BMI, as well as the relationships of BMI with uric acid and hyperuricemia risk. Causal mediation effect model showed that BMI played an important mediating role in the relationships of SIRI, and SII with uric acid concentration and hyperuricemia risk, with the proportion of mediating effect ranging from 23.0% to 35.9%.ConclusionExposure to higher SIRI and SII is associated with increased uric acid concentration and hyperuricemia risk in adults, and BMI plays an important mediating effect. Reducing systemic inflammation and systemic immune inflammation and proper weight control could be effective ways to reduce hyperuricemia prevalence and related health problems.
Higher remnant cholesterol increases the risk of coronary heart disease and diabetes in postmenopausal women
Authors: Zhang Yan , Song Kexin , Bi Shuli , Li Mingyang , Yao Zhuhua 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundPostmenopausal women represent the demographic increasingly susceptible to cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Elevated levels of remnant cholesterol (RC) have been implicated in atherosclerosis and insulin resistance.MethodsThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between RC and the prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD), diabetes, and CHD combined with diabetes in a nationally representative sample of US postmenopausal women using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2018. Multivariate logistic regression models were employed to evaluate the association between RC and the outcomes of interest. Nonlinear associations were assessed using restricted cubic splines (RCS), and subgroup analyses, along with interaction tests, were performed.ResultsA total of 1611 participants were included in the final analysis. Higher RC levels were significantly associated with increased risks of CHD [OR=1.67, 95%CI (1.02, 2.74)], diabetes [OR=1.77, 95%CI (1.22, 2.58)], and CHD combined with diabetes [OR=2.28, 95%CI (1.17, 4.42)] (all P&lt;0.05). Compared to the lowest RC quartile (Q1), the highest quartile (Q4) demonstrated elevated incidences of CHD [OR=1.76, 95%CI (1.04, 2.98)], diabetes [OR=1.81, 95%CI (1.30, 2.53)], and CHD combined with diabetes [OR=3.08, 95%CI (1.29, 7.37)] (all P&lt;0.05). RCS curves indicated a nearly linear relationship between RC and the risks of CHD, diabetes, and CHD combined with diabetes.ConclusionOur study reveals a significant positive correlation between RC levels and the prevalence of CHD, diabetes, and CHD combined with diabetes among postmenopausal women. Understanding these associations could potentially inform targeted prevention and management strategies tailored to this vulnerable population.
Evaluation of thyroid function tests among children with neurological disorders
Authors: Meng Haojie , Bigambo Francis Manyori , Gu Wei , Wang Xu , Li Yang 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundThyroid hormones (THs) are essential for brain development. Numerous studies have identified significant links between thyroid dysfunction and cognitive function. However, research on the significance and necessity of thyroid function tests in diagnosis of neurological disorders is limited and subject to controversy.MethodsOur study employed a combination of meta-analysis and case-control design. For the meta-analysis, we conducted a systematic search of online databases for studies that compared thyroid function tests in children with neurological disorders to controls. In our case-control study, we recruited a total of 11836 children, comprising 7035 cases and 4801 healthy controls. Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test was used to determine characteristics of thyroid function between the cases and healthy controls. In order to exclude the false discovery rate (FDR), the Benjamini-Hochberg (BH) procedure is applied.ResultsA total of 12 relevant literature sources were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with controls, free thyroxine (FT4) levels were significantly decreased in neurological disorders in meta-analysis (MD = -0.29, 95% CI: -0.50 to -0.09), whereas thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels showed no significant difference (MD = -0.07, 95% CI: -0.36 to 0.21). In our case-control study, levels of free thyroxine (FT4), total triiodothyronine (TT3), total thyroxine (TT4), and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (TG-Ab) were notably reduced among individuals with neurological disorders, compared with healthy controls (P&lt;0.001, P&lt;0.001, P=0.036, P=0.006). However, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels did not show any statistically significant differences among the cases and controls.ConclusionsOur research demonstrates that, in comparison to controls, children with neurological disorders exhibited a significant decrease in FT4 levels, while TSH levels remained unchanged. This finding provides a reference for potential serum marker of neurological disorders in children. Replication in future studies with the assessment of THs is needed to determine whether thyroid function should be included as a routine screening in these children.