bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology and Genetic Characterization of Rabies Viruses in Middle of China
Authors: Yun Song , Xue Luo , Yifei Nie , Bicong Wu , Hongxia Ma , Jingjing Pan , Haifeng Wang , Ying Ye , Xueyong Huang , Wanshen Guo 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of human rabies in Henan Province and perform a genetic characterization of the rabies virus (RABV).
Methods
The rabies case data were retrieved from the National Infectious Disease Reporting Information Management System and individual case investigation forms. Saliva, cerebrospinal fluid and serum samples from rabies patients were collected and tested via real-time PCR. Positive samples were subjected to sequencing of the RABV N gene, and the sequences were compared with reference sequences in GenBank for homology and phylogenetic analysis.
Results
Among the five rabies cases (cases 1–5) examined, two were associated with bites from domestic dogs and were classified as level III exposure. The exposure source and level for the remaining three cases were unknown. None of the patients had received vaccination or passive immunization. Real-time PCR tests revealed that saliva samples had the highest positivity rate (87.5%), whereas CSF and serum samples tested negative for viral RNA. The N gene sequences from the four rabies cases (cases 1–4) were identified as belonging to the China I strain, a dominant rabies virus strain in China, with nucleotide homology ranging from 99.26%-99.85% and amino acid homology of 100%. The major functional and antigenic sites of the encoded protein are highly conserved.
Conclusion
Rabies continue to circulate in Henan Province. However, the evolutionary diversity and genetic stability of circulating strains of the rabies virus are limited.
Comparison of 2D, 2.5D, and 3D segmentation networks for mandibular canals in CBCT images: A study on public and external datasets
Authors: Yang Su , Jeong Jong Soo , Song Dahyun , Han Ji Yong , Lim Sang-Heon , Kim SuJeong , Yoo Ji-Yong , Kim Jun-Min , Kim Jo-Eun , Huh Kyung-Hoe , Lee Sam-Sun , Heo Min-Suk , Yi Won-Jin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the performances of 2D, 2.5D, and 3D CNN-based segmentation networks, along with a 3D vision transformer-based segmentation network, for segmenting mandibular canals (MCs) on the public and external CBCT datasets under the same GPU memory capacity. We also performed ablation studies for an image-cropping (IC) technique and segmentation loss functions. 3D-UNet showed the highest segmentation performance for the MC than those of 2D and 2.5D segmentation networks on public test datasets, achieving 0.569 ± 0.107, 0.719 ± 0.092, 0.664 ± 0.131, and 0.812 ± 0.095 in terms of JI, DSC, PR, and RC, respectively. On the external test dataset, 3D-UNet achieved 0.564 ± 0.092, 0.716 ± 0.081, 0.812 ± 0.087, and 0.652 ± 0.103 in terms of JI, DSC, PR, and RC, respectively. The IC technique and multi-planar Dice loss improved the boundary details and structural connectivity of the MC from the mental foramen to the mandibular foramen. The 3D-UNet demonstrated superior segmentation performance for the MC by learning 3D volumetric context information for the entire MC in the CBCT volume.
The relationship between the number of foods suitable for intake and comprehensively assessed oral function: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Futatsuya Ryota , Hama Yohei , Okada Mitsuzumi , Matsuzaki Mayuko , Xiong Linjing , Yamaguchi Kohei , Noritake Kanako , Sasaki Yoshiyuki , Kanazawa Manabu 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
With a globally aging population, the relationship between oral function and the risk of long-term care is attracting attention. One method for the subjective assessment of oral function is the use of a questionnaire on the number of foods suitable for intake. Although it is possible that objective oral functions, such as tongue pressure and maximum occlusal force, are associated with the number of foods suitable for intake, this relationship has yet to be investigated. This study aimed to clarify the association between overall oral function and the number of foods suitable for intake.
Methods
Patients aged 65 years or older were recruited from an outpatient dental clinic at Tokyo Medical and Dental University. The number of foods that they could consume was assessed using the food acceptance score. Seven oral function parameters, as defined by the Japanese Society of Gerodontology, were also measured. Age, sex, the number of functional teeth, geriatric depression, cognitive function, and oral health-related quality of life were assessed. Variables for which normality was rejected were transformed into tertiles. Multiple regression analysis was performed with the food acceptance score as the objective variable, and each oral function and other items as explanatory variables.
Results
This study included 201 participants (87 men, 114 women). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the number of functional teeth, geriatric depression, oral-related quality of life, masticatory function, tongue pressure, and swallowing function were significantly associated with food acceptance scores.
Conclusions
This study showed that the number of foods suitable for intake was independently associated with tongue pressure, masticatory function, swallowing function, the number of functional teeth, geriatric depression, and oral-related quality of life.
Epidemiology of invasive pneumococcal disease in western Sweden during the first 11 years after the introduction of general childhood pneumococcal vaccination
Authors: Härnqvist Tor , Bergman Karin , Backhaus Erik , Dahl Mats , Kolberg Helena , Turesson Caroline Ström , Olander Malin , Nilsson Staffan , Andersson Rune , Skovbjerg Susann , Karlsson Johanna 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) still causes significant morbidity and mortality. In this study, we describe incidence, risk factors, manifestations, and outcome of IPD in Southwest Sweden during the first 11 years following the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) in the childhood vaccination program in 2009.
Methods
Clinical data from 2,288 consecutive episodes of IPD in Region Västra Götaland, Sweden, during 2009–2019 were retrospectively collected from medical records. Incidence rates were calculated using population data from the same period. The results were compared to data from three previous studies from the same geographical area with a total follow-up of 56 years.
Results
The incidence of all IPD episodes in 2009–2019 was 12.8/100,000/year. In children < 2 years, this declined from 22.5 in 1996–2008 to 10.7 per 100,000 in 2009–2019, while only a modest reduction was observed in adults. A very high incidence of IPD was seen in patients with multiple myeloma (1,497/100,000) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (505/100,000). Meningitis occurred in 26% of the IPD episodes in children < 2 years compared to 4.3% in the age group ≥ 65 years (12/46 versus 60/1,403; p < 0.001). An opposing trend was found for pneumonia, which accounted for 22% of the IPD episodes in children < 2 years compared to 77% among the elderly (10/46 vs. 1,085/1,403; p < 0.001). In 604 IPD episodes (26.4%) one or more complications were observed. The case fatality rate increased from 9.9% pre-PCV to 12.9% in the post-PCV period. This was highest among patients with detected bacteremia but with no other clinical manifestations, those admitted to intensive care, and those with hospital-acquired IPD.
Conclusions
A substantial decrease in IPD incidence was seen in infants and young children but not in the elderly after introduction of PCV in the general childhood vaccination program. The higher IPD mortality post-PCV could be explained by higher age and increased comorbidity among the patients. Patients with hematological malignancies showed a very high risk for IPD.
Improving ROP Management: Insights from a Comparative Analysis of Screening and Treatment Modalities in a Tertiary Hospital, Pakistan
Authors: Moin Muhammad , Azam Aisha , Mian Lubna Siddique , Pal Ashal Kaiser , Kareem Rutaab , Us-Sehar Noor 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The principal objective of our study is to evaluate the characteristics of babies with type 1 ROP, screening practices and treatment trends in a tertiary care centre in Pakistan.
METHODS
This prospective study at Mayo Hospital, Lahore (July 2022–July 2024), included 89 preterm infants with type 1 ROP, selected using non-probability sampling. Infants were categorized based on international (GA < 32weeks or BW < 1500g) and local screening criteria (GA < 35 weeks or BW < 2000g), and treatment outcomes were evaluated across three groups: Anti-VEGF, combination therapy (Anti-VEGF followed by laser), and laser therapy. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27.0, employing Chi-square and Fisher Exact test for categorical variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
RESULTS
Out of 355 infants screened, 89 (25.1%) met the inclusion criteria for type 1 ROP. The cohort included 55 males (61.8%) and 34 females (38.2%), with a mean gestational age of 31.31 weeks and a mean birth weight of 1602.25 grams. Zone 1 ROP was found in 36% of cases, associated with lower birth weight (P = 0.029) and earlier gestational age (P = 0.037), while Zone 2 ROP, found in 64%, was linked to higher birth weight and later gestational age. Zone 1 infants were more likely to receive anti-VEGF or combination therapy, whereas Zone 2 infants predominantly received laser therapy (p < 0.000). Preterm infants (born before 32 weeks) mostly received Anti-VEGF or combination therapy, while those with higher birth weights primarily received laser therapy (p < 0.010). Among the treated babies, 63 (70.8%) met international screening criteria and were more likely to have Zone 1 ROP and receive Anti-VEGF or combination therapy. Conversely, 26 (29.2%) did not meet these criteria, had predominantly Zone 2 ROP and were more likely to receive laser therapy (p = 0.007).
CONCLUSION
International screening criteria effectively identify severe type 1 ROP cases, particularly Zone 1, which often require Anti-VEGF therapy. Local criteria capture additional cases, predominantly Zone 2, which are more likely to need laser treatment. These findings highlight the need for tailored screening and treatment approaches to improve ROP management and outcomes for preterm infants
Correlation of inflammation/immunity markers with postoperative urinary tract infections in elderly hip fracture patients
Authors: Liu Xiao-yang , Guo Si-qin , Chen Xu-ming , Zeng Wei-nan , Zhou Zong-ke 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
This study aimed to investigate the association between inflammation/immune markers and the occurrence of postoperative urinary tract infections (UTIs) in elderly patients with hip fractures.
Methods
This study examined elderly patients who underwent hip surgery for hip fractures at our institution. Inflammation/immune markers such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune inflammation index (SII) were measured. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify optimal cutoff values for each marker. To control the potential confounding factors, multivariate logistic regression analysis and propensity score matching analysis were conducted, resulting in adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the strength of the association between each marker and UTIs.
Results
A total of 1,238 patients were included in this study, of whom 287 (23.18%) developed postoperative UTIs. Among elderly hip fracture patients, NLR demonstrated the highest predictive value for postoperative UTIs compared to PLR and SII (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.608, 95% CI: 0.571–0.645). High NLR (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.16–2.13), high PLR (OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.16–2.19), and high SII (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.29–2.37) were significantly associated with the incidence of postoperative UTIs using the best cutoff values. Additionally, a dose-effect relationship was observed for this association (P for trend < 0.05). These results remained significant even after propensity score matching.
Conclusions
Inflammatory/immune markers NLR, PLR, and SII exhibited independent associations with the development of postoperative UTIs in elderly hip fracture patients undergoing surgery. Furthermore, a dose-effect relationship was observed for this association.
The landscape of gain and loss of function mutations in melanoma
Authors: Auslander Noam , Tsingas Konstantinos , Thomas Monzy , Duong Bryant , Xiao Min , Wickramasinghe Jayamanna , Chen Yeqing , Reale McKenna , Thacker Gatha , Li Haiyin , Mou Haiwei , Salazar Eric , Villanueva Jessie , Xu Xiaowei , Flowers Ahron J. , Karakousis Giorgos , Miura John , Mitchell Tara , Amaravadi Ravi , Schuchter Lynn , Liu Shujing , Long Qi , Hoon David , Ramos Romela ,   Matias A Bustos4, Gershenwald Jeffrey , Simon Julie , Wargo Jennifer , Davies Michael , lu yiling , Mills Gordon , Cohen Sonia , Lawless Aleigha , Sharova Tatyana , Frederick Dennie , Flaherty Keith , Hacohen Nir , Boland Genevieve , Herlyn Meenhard 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Melanoma is a common and aggressive cancer, with a rising incidence in most developed countries. Major discoveries in melanoma biology have been rapidly translated, allowing cures for some late-stage patients. Despite these advances, incomplete knowledge of genes and pathways that are gained or lost during melanogenesis prohibits cures for many patients. To identify gain-of-function and loss-of-function drivers of melanoma, we established a multi-omics cohort of melanoma patient-derived xenografts. By linking mutations with gene and protein expression, we characterize gain or loss-of-function of specific melanoma drivers in treatment refractory tumor models. We use multi-omics integration and structural-context representation to distinguish gain from loss of function variants, revealing new candidate melanoma genes and targets. This study provides a comprehensive resource of tumor models with the genetic, molecular and structural features of gain and loss of function melanoma drivers, allowing future development of better therapeutics for this devastating and heterogenous malignancy.
Clinical and molecular genetic analysis of a Chinese patient with Cockayne syndrome caused by ERCC8 gene synonymous variation and exon 1 deletion
Authors: Bie Xiaofan , Liu Lei , Liu Lingzhi , Zhang Zhenkun , Guo Mingwei , Xie Zhenhua , Zhang Yaodong , Su Jun , Li Dongxiao 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Cockayne Syndrome (CS) is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disease, mainly caused by ERCC8 and ERCC6 gene defect. However, many of its molecular characteristics remain unclear. In this study, molecular genetic analysis was performed on a patient to clarify her genetic etiology.
Results
A 7-year-old girl fever for 4 days and thrombocytopenia for half a day. Her main clinical manifestations included lethargy after infection, short stature, microcephaly, mental retardation, facial aging, skin photosensitivity. Laboratory tests indicated liver and kidney damage, thrombocytopenia, and brain MRI revealed progressive brain damage. Whole exome sequencing showed that the proband had a c.1041G > A (p. Gln347Gln) heterozygous synonymous variation and a suspected heterozygous deletion in exon 1 of ERCC8 gene. Sanger sequencing and Quantitative real-time PCR were respectively used to confirm inheritance from her phenotypically normal mother and father. Transcriptome sequencing showed a deletion of exon 10. According to the ACMG guidelines, the two variations were classified as pathogenic variants.
Conclusions
This study reported the rare case of CS caused by the c.1041G > A synonymous variation causing exon 10 deletion by affecting splicing and exon 1 deletion by preventing its allele from initiating transcription, expanding the variation spectrum of the ERCC8 gene. And remindering us that although synonymous variations are rare, they may affect splicing when they occur at the junction of exons and introns.
Large size of the Australian Indigenous population prior to its massive decline following European invasion
Authors: Williams Alan , Tobler Raymond , Griffiths Billy , Ulm Sean , Nitschke Matthew , Bird Michael , Ingrey Shane , Saltré Frédérik , Beller Kirsty , McNiven Ian , Pitt Nicholas , Russell Lynette , Wilson Christopher , Bradshaw Corey 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Estimating the size of Indigenous populations in Australia prior to European colonial invasion is essential to truth-telling and reconciliation. Robust estimates of the population dynamics of pre-colonial Indigenous Australians are poor due to lethal diseases, frontier violence, and no systematic censuses. We review ethnographic observations, archaeological and genetic reconstructions, and modelled carrying capacity, to infer Indigenous population size prior to colonial invasion. This allows an estimate of the number of excess deaths in post-colonial times. Congruency of the modelled (not historical accounts) estimates suggests a bootstrapped pre-colonial median of 2.51 million, or 0.33 people km-2. For a median pre-colonial population of 2.51 million, ~ 32,500 excess deaths year-1 (2.39 million deaths in total) would have had to occur over the late 18th and early 19th Centuries from colonial invasion-related mortality. These findings highlight the major impacts of invasion experienced by Indigenous Australians, and demonstrate their survival, resilience, and recovery over the past 235 years.
Anti-Photoelectrochemical (a-PEC) Etching
Authors: Fang Nicholas , Peng Pan , Liu Xinqin , Yang Shuming , Zhou Renjie , Deng Hui , Gao Liang , Liu Shiyuan , Zhu Jinlong 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

For more than 60 years, it has been widely accepted that the irradiance of the incoming light plays the most critical role in the etching effect of the photoelectrochemical (PEC) etching process, which is built upon the underlying physics that photo-generated charge carriers catalyze the dissolution of n-type semiconductors. However, in this paper, we report an unprecedented physical phenomenon, i.e., the spatially distributed photons with a lateral gradient could drive the lateral distribution of carriers on the surface of semiconductors, which leads to the anti-etching phenomenon on the surface of semiconductor materials during PEC etching process. This discovery catalyzes a new type of rapid and large-scale 3D nanomanufacturing paradigm on semiconductor materials, which holds promise for significant applications in diverse fields such as microelectronics, nanophotonics, metamaterials, and biomedicine.
An assessment of climate change impacts on stream phosphorus using a climate model ensemble and Bayesian Belief Networks
Authors: Negri Camilla , Cowdery Elizabeth , Schurch Nicholas , Wade Andrew J. , Mellander Per-Erik , Glendell Miriam 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Climate-induced changes in precipitation and river flows are expected to cause changes in river phosphorus loadings. The uncertainty associated with climate-induced changes to water quality is rarely represented in models. Bayesian Belief Networks (BBNs) are probabilistic graphical models incorporating uncertainty in their model parameters, making them ideal frameworks for communicating climate risk. This study presents a set of catchment-specific BBNs to simulate total reactive phosphorus (P) concentrations in four agricultural catchments under projected climate change. Six climate models (five models plus the ensemble mean) across two objective functions (NSE vs log NSE), two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP 4.5 and 8.5), and three time periods (the 2020s, the 2040s, and the 2080s) were used to create discharge scenarios as model inputs. The simulated monthly mean P concentrations show no obvious trends over time or differences between the two RCP scenarios, with the model ensemble essentially replicating the results obtained for the baseline period. However, the P concentration distributions simulated using the outputs from the HadGEM2-ES model rather than the ensemble, showed differences from the baseline in drier months. A sensitivity analysis demonstrated that this difference occurred because the catchment-specific BBNs were sensitive to changes in the mean total monthly discharge which were captured in the HadGEM2-ES projections but not by the ensemble mean.
Global Estimation of River Bankfull Discharge Reveals Distinct Flood Recurrences Across Different Climate Zones
Authors: Liu Yinxue , Wortmann Michel , Hawker Laurence , Neal Jeffery , Yin Jiabo , Santos Marcus Suassuna , Anderson Bailey , Boothroyd Richard , Nicholas Andrew , Smith Gregory Sambrook , Ashworth Philp , Cloke Hannah , Gebrechorkos Solomon , Leyland Julian , Zhang Boen , Vahidi Ellie , Griffith Helen , Delorme Pauline , McLelland Stuart , Parsons Daniel , Darby Stephen , Slater Louise 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The maximum amount of water rivers can transport before flooding is known as the bankfull discharge, an essential threshold for flood risk and biogeochemical cycles. Current Global Flood Models rely on an untested assumption of a spatially-invariant, 2-year bankfull recurrence. Here, based on observations and machine learning, we deliver the first global estimation of bankfull discharge in different climates along a new bifurcating river network at ~ 1 km spatial resolution. In contrast to the 2-year assumption, we find rivers flood more frequently in tropical and temperate regions (median return periods of 1.5 and 1.8 years; IQR 2.5 and 3.2y, respectively), and less frequently in cold and arid regions (2.8/4.3 years; IQR 4.8/6.0y). Relative to observations, the 2-year assumption overestimates bankfull discharge in the tropics (54%±78%, mean ± std) and underestimates it in arid regions (10%±51%). This new understanding will transform our ability to make accurate global flood predictions.
Evaluation of arthroscopic repair in recurrent shoulder dislocation
Authors: Vo Thanh Toan , Nguyen Thien Duc , Vo Toan Phuc 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of arthroscopic repair for recurrent shoulder dislocation and to identify the risk factors for recurrence and complications.
Method: A retrospective study of 51 patients who underwent arthroscopic repair for recurrent shoulder dislocation at Thong Nhat Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from June 2015 to June 2020. Preoperative and postoperative data were collected and analyzed, including the Instability Severity Index Score (ISIS), range of motion (ROM), functional scores, pain score, and radiographic findings.
Result: The mean follow-up period was 24 months. The mean preoperative ISIS score was 1.25. The mean postoperative ROM of flexion and abduction improved significantly from 80.1° (58°-105°) to 83.8° (78°-90°), respectively. The mean postoperative functional scores (Constant, UCLA, and Oxford) also improved significantly from 68.6 (59-79) to 86.4 (81-92). The mean postoperative pain score (VAS) decreased significantly from 1.3 (0-7) to 0.45 (0-3). There were no cases of postoperative redislocation. The most common complications were cartilage loss (7.8%) and osteoarthritis (3.9%). The failure rate of arthroscopic repair was 5.9%, which required revision surgery.
Conclusion: Arthroscopic repair for recurrent shoulder dislocation is a safe and effective treatment option with low recurrence rate, good functional outcomes, and few complications. However, longer follow-up and larger sample size are needed to confirm the long-term results and to identify the optimal candidates for this procedure.