bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the epidemiology and etiology of foodborne diarrhea in Semnan province, Iran
Authors: Soltan Dallal Mohammad Mehdi , Mohammadi Mohammad Reza , Rajabi Zahra , Mirbagheri Seyedeh Zohre 
Published: November 2024

Introduction:
Given the health risks caused by the presence of pathogenic bacteria in food and the occurrence of diarrhea as one of the most common diseases, a comprehensive epidemiological study in a specific population can provide good results on the causes of occurrence to determine ways to prevent and control the disease. Thus, due to the lack of domestic statistics in Iran related to outbreaks caused by water and food, this study was carried out to identify the most common bacterial factors causing outbreaks caused by foodborne diseases in Semnan province.

Materials and methods:
This study was carried out on all the outbreaks caused by food items in Semnan province for 1 year, from April to March 2020.
The samples were examined to isolate and identify the bacteria of Salmonella, Shigella, and Escherichia coli O:157: H7. The required information was completed based on the questionnaire and laboratory data, and the study results were analyzed in SPSS-19 software.

Results:
The results revealed that the frequency of outbreaks was observed in women more than in children and men (46%). The frequency of outbreaks in 24–44 years was observed more than in other groups (31.57%). The frequency of outbreaks was more in the city (57.31) than in the village (42.69), and among the cities, Semnan had the highest frequency (32%), and Sorkheh had the lowest frequency (5.26%). The frequency of outbreaks caused by consuming food was more than water, and the frequency of outbreaks caused by consuming fast food (55.55%) was more than homemade food (44.45%). More than half of the bacterial frequency belonged to E. coli species (73%). The lowest bacterial frequency belonged to Proteus vulgaris species with (1.7%), followed by Shigella and Salmonella with 2.9% bacterial frequency. The results of clinical symptoms showed headache, (88.2%) fever, (92.2%) abdominal cramps, (58.8%) vomiting, (58.8%) nausea, (66.7%), nonbloody diarrhea, and bloody diarrhea was observed in 3.9% of people.

Conclusion:
According to the results of this study, E. coli can be considered one of the essential causes of diarrhea caused by food outbreaks.
Effects of adjuvants (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, levamisole, adjuvant system 04, adjuvant system 02B) on enhancing immune response to hepatitis B vaccine: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zangi Masood , Alemohammad Seyedeh Yasaman , Kohandel Kosar , Binaei Sara , Tavasol Arian , Fathi Mobina , Madani Miremad Moafi , Omidan Niloofar , Mohammadi Jasem , Maleki Farajolah 
Published: November 2024

Background and objective:
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is known as one of the prevalent infectious diseases considered a public health problem in numerous countries. At present, the only safe prevention strategy is vaccination, but it cannot provide complete immunity. We aimed to evaluate the effect of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), levamisole, adjuvant system 04 (AS04), and adjuvant system 02B (AS02B) as adjuvants in HBV vaccination.

Methods:
The databases of ScienceDirect, MEDLIB-ED, PubMed, and Embase were systematically searched using valid keywords. Controlled clinical trial studies, which evaluated the response rate of the population to the HBV vaccine alone (control group) compared with the HBV vaccine combined with adjuvants (study group) were included in this review. The data were analyzed through a random-effects meta-analysis model using R programming language and Stata (version 11.2).

Results:
A total of 36 article including 4805 participants were included in this review. The findings revealed that the response rate to HBV vaccination for levamisole in the study group was 46.1% (95% confidence interval (CI) [38–51]), and that was 43.8% (95% CI [36–51]) in the control group. These values were also 56.8% (95% CI [53–60]) and 43.3% (95% CI [40–46.7]) for GM-CSF in the study group and the control group, respectively. Considering AS04, the response rate in the study group was 50.8% (95% CI [40–61]), and that was 45.8% (95% CI [37–54]) in the control group. Moreover, these values were 86.3% (95% CI [75–95]) and 47.6% (95% CI [31–63]) for AS02B in the study group and the control group, respectively.

Conclusion:
The results of this meta-analysis demonstrated the significant benefit of using GM-CSF, levamisole, AS04, and AS02B as adjuvants to boost the immunogenicity of the HBV vaccine.
Antimicrobial resistance patterns of uncomplicated urinary tract infection among inpatients at the Mousavi education & treatment center, Zanjan, Iran
Authors: Afkari Atigh Mohammadreza , Islambulchilar Mina , Pourmirza Nadia 
Published: November 2024

Purpose:
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a very common bacterial infection caused by a wide variety of pathogens. Bearing in mind that the common pathogens that cause the infection are well known, it remains imperative to study their antibiotic resistance profile to be acquainted with the proper antibiotics to be administered and also to prevent the resistance to antibiotics. This study aims to determine the prevalence of uropathogens and antibiotic resistance patterns.

Methods:
This descriptive and retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 267 patients with UTI who were admitted to Mousavi Hospital in Zanjan, Iran, for 1 year. Patient records, urine tests, antibiotic susceptibility tests, and prescribed antibiotics were collected from laboratory archives and medical records.

Results:
In total, 267 urine samples were studied, the majority of them (78.7%) were acquired from a community setting. Most of them were female. The most common uropathogens were Escherichia coli (86.8%), Klebsiella (3%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2.2%), Staphylococcus aureus (2.2%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (2.2%). The isolated microorganisms were mostly resistant to cefixime (36%), ceftriaxone (31.1%), and ciprofloxacin (29.2%).

Conclusion:
We recommended that ceftriaxone, which was the first-line treatment choice in our conclusive study, should no longer be administered experimentally and used only upon detection of the bacteria and antibiogram testing.
Single nucleotide polymorphism in toll-like receptor 3 gene as a potential risk factor for severe outcome of coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Ramshini Mehdi , Bokharaei-Salim Farah , Donyavi Tahereh , Khoshmirsafa Majid , Ghorbani Saied , Khatami Alireza , Abbasi-Kolli Mohammad , Safi Deh Naeini Alireza , Jafari Ensieh , Tavakoli Ahmad , Monavari Seyed Hamidreza , Ataei-Pirkooh Anjila , Yousefi Ghalejoogh Zohreh , Kiani Seyed Jalal 
Published: November 2024

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are required to induce innate immune responses and promote antigen-specific adaptive immunity. TLR3 is responsible to detect double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), activate type I interferon production, and induce pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. Gene polymorphisms in the sequence of TLR3 may alter its function and lead to increased susceptibility to certain viral infections. Limited data is available regarding the role of TLR3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the rate of morbidity or disease outcome of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify potential association between the frequency of two common SNPs of TLR3, that is, rs3775290 and rs3775291, and the disease outcome in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outpatients and ICU patients.
Blood samples were taken from randomly selected outpatients and ICU patients. After isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and extraction of genomic DNA, high resolution melting curve (HRM) analysis was performed to identify potential SNPs. The results were confirmed by Sanger sequencing.
Although no significant difference was observed in the distribution of rs3775290 polymorphisms, the frequency of rs3775291 genotypes CC vs. CT differed significantly between ICU patients and outpatients. Fisher's exact test revealed that CC genotype was more frequent in outpatients compared to ICU patients.
The results of this study provided some promising clues regarding protective effect of major C allele of SNP rs3775291 against development of severe form of COVID-19. Therefore, minor T allele can be suggested as a potential risk factor for severe outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Detection of NDM-1 harboring Moraxella lacunata and Sphingomonas paucimobilis: first report from Iraq
Authors: Hussein Nadheema Hammood , AL-Kadmy Israa M.S. , Abid Suhad Abbas , Taha Butheina Mohammed , Hussein Jumaah Dakel , Batiha Gaber El-Saber , Algammal Abdelazeem M. , Hetta Helal F. 
Published: November 2024

Background and aim:
This study aimed to detect New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase 1 (NDM-1) harboring Moraxella lacunata and Sphingomonas paucimobilis for the first time in Iraq.

Material and methods:
One hundred and sixty-nine bacterial isolates were collected from blood samples in Baghdad children hospital. Two bacterial species based on the selection of carbapenem will be reported for this study. The results are confirmed by conventional PCR and detection about NDM-1 gene that responsible of carbapenemases resistance.

Results:
Three isolates (one M. lacunata and two S. paucimobilis) were resistant to imipenem, Molecular detection of three isolates of carbapenem resistance showed one isolate of S. paucimobilis carry the gene of bla
DIM-1 and in the other isolate of S. paucimobilis does not have bla
DIM-1 gene. While Moraxella lacunata isolate appears positive result of bla
DIM-1.

Conclusion:
This study detects two issues in the hospital. The first one is about spread of carbapenemases producer isolates among Gram-negative. The second serious problem is for diagnosis very rare bacteria in the world that causes death. Hence, it is important to investigate the convenient infection about this matter.
A retrospective exploratory analysis on surgical site infections in a tertiary care hospital in Karnataka
Authors: Reeja Arona Gopi , Narasimhaswamy Nagalakshmi , Lakshmi R Vani , Nayak Kusumakshi 
Published: November 2024

Background:
Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the highest reported complications of surgery and serious postoperative nosocomial infections associated with patient morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, and economic burden. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of SSIs, bacterial profile, and their antimicrobial susceptibility among patients who underwent surgery and subsequent SSIs at a tertiary care hospital in a coastal district of Karnataka, India.

Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted by collecting the data of patients diagnosed with SSIs at tertiary care hospital during the period of four years from 2018 January to 2021 December. Data analysis was performed to estimate the prevalence of SSI, determine the bacterial profile and their antibiotic susceptibility using Jamovi software.

Results:
Among 95611 patients who underwent surgery, a total of 443 (0.46%) patients were clinically diagnosed with SSI. Maximum SSI cases were obtained from the Department of Orthopaedics (42.2%), followed by General Surgery (22.3%) and Neurosurgery (6.5%). Staphylococcus aureus (39.0%) was the most predominant bacteria among the isolates, followed by Escherichia coli (19.04%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (10%). A total of 55.6% of Staphylococcus aureus exhibited methicillin resistance. Most of the bacterial isolates were susceptible to Trimethoprim sulphamethazole, Gentamycin and Amikacin.

Conclusions:
Though the prevalence of SSI is less it requires due attention to prevent the SSIs in the hospitals. Identification of risk factors help in planning the preventive strategies. Consistent Infection control practices are implemented in hospital for preventing the transmission of diseases, strengthening the antimicrobial stewardship program and regular antimicrobial surveillance.
Prevalence of urinary tract infection among pregnant women in a tertiary care hospital, Karnataka: Retrospective study
Authors: Mathew Christo John , Nayak Kusumakshi , R. Vani Lakshmi , Salins Prajwal Lemuel , Varghese Aneena , Dsouza Reshma Maria Cocess 
Published: November 2024

Background:
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a prevalent medical complication during pregnancy, affecting approximately 5–10% of all pregnancies. The risk of recurrent bacteriuria and acute pyelonephritis is heightened during pregnancy, posing significant risks to both mother and fetus. The prevalence of bacteriuria varies across different regions globally. Due to the physiological changes during pregnancy, clinical diagnosis of UTI can be challenging as it is often mistaken for regular pregnancy-related changes. This research aims to determine the prevalence of symptomatic UTI in pregnant women, analyze the bacteriological profile and antibiotic resistance, and identify the associated risk factors.

Materials and methods:
This cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted at the Kasturba Hospital from January 2017 to December 2021. Patient information was obtained from the medical records. Data analysis was carried out using Jamovi 2.3.26. The level of significance was set at 5% throughout the study.

Results:
The study included a total of 256 pregnant women, out of which 38 patients exhibited notable bacterial growth, resulting in an overall prevalence of 1.94%. Among the pregnant women, 84% presented with symptomatic bacteriuria.

Conclusion:
UTI during pregnancy has significant implications for the health of both the mother and the baby. Our findings indicate an incidence rate of 1.94% for UTI in pregnant women. Among the isolated organisms, Escherichia coli was the most commonly identified, with a higher prevalence rate observed in the third trimester of pregnancy. Pregnant women who develop UTI are at an elevated risk of experiencing adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
Evaluation of host factors leading to the progression of urinary tract infections to urosepsis: a retrospective analysis from a tertiary care centre in Southern India
Authors: Varghese Aneena , Ummer V. Saleena , A.M. Ciraj , Bhat Gopalakrishna , K.E. Vandana 
Published: November 2024

Context:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the recurrently occurring disease caused by bacteria that poses a major public health concern globally. Among the well studied host factors that predispose to urosepsis are the anatomical risk factors of the urinary tract including stones, tumours and interventions involving the urogenital tract such as an indwelling catheter or transrectal prostate biopsy.

Aims:
To evaluate the host factors leading to the progression of UTI to urosepsis.

Settings and design:
Clinical and laboratory data available from patient records as per the inclusion criteria were analysed retrospectively by using a detailed proforma.

Methods and materials:
Patient records were screened using the ICD code provided from the Medical Records department. Data of patients with clinically confirmed UTI were retrieved and included in the study.

Statistical analysis used:
Patient data was analysed using SPSS software version 20. Categorical and continuous data were summarized as percentages and means ± SD or median (P25, P75) respectively. Univariate analysis was performed using the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables.

Results:
A total of 94 patient records were included in the study. Demographic data showed that majority (53.19%) of the patients (n = 94) were female individuals. The results of univariate analysis showed that gender, frequent UTI, diabetes mellitus, presence of an indwelling urinary catheter and hospitalization more than 6 months were significantly associated with urosepsis. In addition, results of multivariate analysis identified the independent risk factors for urosepsis associated with urinary tract pathogens.

Conclusion:
This study showed that there is significant association between risk factors that determine the outcome of UTI and its progression to urosepsis.
Therapeutic effects of medicinal plants in vulvovaginal candidiasis: a review on randomized clinical trials
Authors: Bhat Sujatha , Nagaraj Anushri , Poojar Basavaraj , Narasimhaswamy Nagalakshmi 
Published: November 2024

Introduction:
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), characterized by cheesy vaginal discharge, pain during sexual intercourse and itching is the fungal infection of female genital tract. Candida albicans is the common causative agent for this condition followed by many non-albicans Candida species. Due to the greater concern of drug resistance in Candida species, many alternative therapeutic methods have been proposed, including the use of various plant extracts. The alternate methods are effective in treating the symptomatic cases by reducing the clinical symptoms and Candida load. The objective of this review is to explore the therapeutic effectiveness of various plant extracts in vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Materials and methods:
A literature survey was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar to find relevant clinical trials on vulvovaginal candidiasis. After the removal of duplicates, a total of 21 clinical trials were considered to evaluate the anti-Candida activity of medicinal plant products against vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Results:
The results of the clinical trials show that, the extracts from Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Allium sativum, Zataria multiflora and Lawsonia inermis have showed potent anti-Candida activity and many other plant products were found to be as effective as the conventional drugs used.

Conclusion:
Due to the limited number of clinical trials available, it is difficult to come to a conclusion regarding the clinical effectiveness of various plant extracts in the effective treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis. So, more research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of each of these plant extracts as therapeutic alternatives to treat this condition.
The bidirectional causal relationship between cash holding and bid-ask spread: evidence from panel ARDL model
Authors: Daadaa Wissem , Daadaa Mohamed Anis 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThis paper tests the causal relationship between bid ask spread and cash holding in the short and long run. It uses different proxy of corporate cash holding and test three proxies of a bid-ask spread. It also provides comprehensive and robust evidence for the causal relationship between cash holding and stock liquidity in an emergent market.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on a sample covering all financial and industrial firms in Tunisia’s stock market from 2008 to 2020. It uses a panel ARDL data approach to test the bi-directional relationship between cash holding and stock liquidity. This paper conducts rigorous statistical analysis of the collected data to test the hypothesized relationship between cash holding and bid-ask spread. This can involve running regression models, performing statistical tests, and analyzing the significance of the estimated coefficients.FindingsOverall, paper’s findings provide empirical evidence supporting the bidirectional causal relationship between cash holding and bid-ask spread. The results highlight the importance of cash holding in determining stock liquidity and suggest that firms with higher cash holdings may face liquidity challenges. These findings have implications for corporate governance and can guide firms and regulators in improving stock liquidity and designing appropriate policies and recommendations.Practical implicationsOverall, the practical implications of this paper suggest that firms can enhance their stock liquidity by improving governance mechanisms and optimizing cash management strategies. Regulators can play a crucial role in creating a conducive market environment, and investors can take into account the relationship between cash holding and stock liquidity when making investment decisions.Originality/valueWe present empirical evidence of the relation causality between stock liquidity and cash holding. Our research is the first to test the bidirectional relationship between bid ask spread and cash holding in the short and long run. Overall, the originality of this paper lies in its exploration of the causal relationship between cash holding and bid-ask spread, the use of multiple proxies for stock liquidity, the examination of an emerging market context, the comparative analysis across sectors, and the practical implications for firms and regulators. These contributions add to the existing body of knowledge and provide new insights into the dynamics of cash holding and stock liquidity.
A novel sharding algorithm based on TOPSIS method for blockchain systems
Authors: Xiang Siqi , Xiang Xiaohua 
Published: November 2024

PurposePerformance optimization algorithms based on node attributes are of great importance for sharding blockchain systems. Currently, existing studies on blockchain sharding algorithms consider only random selection sharding strategies. However, the random selection strategy does not perfectly utilize the performance of a node to break the bottleneck of blockchain performance.Design/methodology/approachThis paper proposes a blockchain sharding algorithm called TOPSIS Optimization Sharding System (TOSS), which is based on entropy weight method, relative Euclidean distance and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). It defines a multi-attribute matrix to assess node performance and applies TOPSIS for scoring nodes. Then, an algorithm based on the TOPSIS method is proposed to calculate the performance score of each data node. In addition, an entropy weighting method is introduced to obtain the weights of each attribute to balance the impact of dimensional differences of attributes on the attribute weights. Nodes are ranked by composite scores to guide partitioning.FindingsThe effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in this paper is verified by comparing it with various comparative algorithms. The experimental results show that the TOSS algorithm outperforms the comparison algorithms in terms of performance improvement for the blockchain system, and the throughput metrics are improved by about 20% in comparison.Originality/valueThis study introduces a novel approach to blockchain sharding by incorporating the entropy weight method and relative Euclidean distance TOPSIS into the sharding process. This approach allows for a more effective utilization of node performance attributes, leading to significant improvements in system throughput and overall performance, addressing the limitations of the random selection strategy commonly used in existing algorithms.