bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wildlife trade at Belén and Modelo market, Peru: defining a baseline for conservation monitoring
Authors: D’Cruze Neil , Elwin Angie , Perez-Peña Pedro E. , Vieto Roberto , Asfaw Alexander Eyob , Harrington Lauren A. 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionDomestic wildlife markets have important nutritional, medicinal, cultural, and financial significance for local communities, but the scale and diversity of wildlife trade that passes through them is also associated with negative impacts on biodiversity, poor animal welfare, and potential human health risk. To design, and monitor the effectiveness of, interventions to ameliorate such impacts, an understanding of the species sold at the markets and their purpose is required, together with a robust (and potentially flexible) baseline. Here we focus on Belén (the largest open wildlife market in the Peruvian Amazon) and Modelo market, in Iquitos, Peru.MethodsWe surveyed wildlife products for sale at both markets approximately weekly over a year, using two different survey methods (open and discreet). To provide a baseline to support future conservation monitoring, we estimated a number of different market metrics (including indices of product availability, volume (observed per survey), and price), for the most frequently observed species ‘groups’, and compared indices of trade volume with daily river water levels. To provide a complete understanding of the range of species involved, we also described all threatened species recorded at the markets, the products sold, and their uses, including those that were only observed occasionally.ResultsBoth markets sold predominantly wild meat, and some pets; at Belén Market &gt;30% observations were of decorative, spiritual, or medicinal products. At least 71 unique species (including mammals, reptiles, birds, and invertebrates) were observed in total. The most frequently observed species ‘groups’ were: lowland paca, peccaries, caiman, river turtles, boas, yellow footed tortoise, parrots, and brocket deer. 27.7% of species were threatened or Near Threatened globally or nationally but there was no evidence that discreet surveys increased their detection. Daily river water levels were positively correlated with indices of trade volume for lowland paca, caiman, and yellow-footed tortoise, and negatively correlated with indices of trade volume for parrots and river turtle eggs.DiscussionBeyond providing a comparative dataset, and insights regarding the apparent availability and value of a diversity of products (including food items, live pets, and other decorative, spiritual, and medicinal items), we suggest that simulations using these data could be used to optimize future monitoring efforts. Finally, our observations of correlations of per survey trade volumes of some species with daily river water levels in Iquitos may inform optimal time of year for species- specific surveys.
Innovative mobile app solution for facial nerve rehabilitation: a usability analysis
Authors: Machetanz Kathrin , Lins Mario , Roder Constantin , Naros Georgios , Tatagiba Marcos , Hurth Helene 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundFacial palsy after vestibular schwannoma surgery is temporary in many cases but can significantly affect patients’ quality of life. Physical training—initially guided and subsequently performed by the patient—is of paramount importance for recovery of facial nerve function. The introduction of medical application software (apps) might improve therapy by maintaining motivation for daily home-based training and surveilling patients’ rehabilitation progress.MethodsWe developed a mobile app, “FACEsemper”, for home-based facial nerve rehabilitation. This app guides patients through a daily training program comprising six variable exercises, each performed in three repetitions. The app allows the user to customize the exercise intensity for different facial areas and includes a reminder function for daily training. Additional features include photo documentation, a calendar function, training report generation, and the possibility of direct communication with the attending physician. The app's usability was prospectively investigated with 27 subjects, including 8 physicians, 9 patients with facial palsy and 10 healthy subjects, over a two-week period. Usability was assessed using various self-rating questionnaires (i.e., mHealth App Usability Questionnaire, MAUQ; System Usability Scale, SUS; Visual Aesthetics of Apps Inventory, VisAAI) and scores were compared across the groups.ResultsThe participants reported an average smartphone use of 12.19 years and completed a mean number of 290 ± 163 facial exercises during the study period. Patients used the app significantly more frequently than the other two groups (p = 0.017). The average total scores of the questionnaires were: MAUQ 5.67/7, SUS 89.6/100, VisAAI 5.88/7 and specific rating 6.13/7. In particular, the simplicity of use and craftsmanship of the app were rated very highly. Usability scores did not significantly differ between groups. A primary limitation identified was malfunction of the daily reminder feature in some Android versions.ConclusionThis usability study demonstrated a positive user experience and excellent usability of the FACEsemper app. However, some limitations and areas for improvement were identified. As a next step, the app should be evaluated in a large patient cohort with facial palsy to determine its potential medical benefits for facial rehabilitation compared to traditional training methods.
Causal relationships between the gut microbiota, inflammatory cytokines, and alcoholic liver disease: a Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Li Shanzheng , Zhou Cheng , Liu Tong , Zhang Lihui , Liu Sutong , Zhao Qing , Liu Jiangkai , Zhao Wenxia 
Published: October 2024

ObjectivePrevious studies have suggested a potential association between gut microbiota and the development of alcohol-related liver disease (ALD). However, the causal relationship between gut microbiota and ALD, as well as the role of inflammatory cytokines as mediators, remains unclear. This study aims to explore the causal relationship between gut microbiota and ALD using Mendelian randomization (MR) methods, and to analyze the mediating role of inflammatory cytokines.MethodsGut microbiota, 91 inflammatory cytokines, and ALD were identified from summary data of large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS). MR was employed to investigate the causal relationship between gut microbiota, cytokines, and ALD, with the inverse variance-weighted method (IVW) as the primary statistical approach. Additionally, we examined whether inflammatory cytokines act as mediating factors in the pathway from gut microbiota to ALD.ResultsThe IVW results confirmed two positive and one negative causal effect between genetic liability in the gut microbiota and ALD. Escherichia coli (P= 0.003) was identified as a protective factor for ALD, while Roseburia hominis (P=0.023) and Family Porphyromonadaceae (P=0.038) were identified as risk factors for ALD. Furthermore, there were five positive and two negative causal effects between inflammatory cytokines and ALD, with CUB domain-containing protein 1 (P= 0.035), Macrophage colony-stimulating factor 1 (P=0.047), Cystatin D (P = 0.035), Fractalkine (P=0.000000038), Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (P=0.004) positively associated with ALD onset. CD40L receptor (P= 0.044) and Leukemia inhibitory factor (P = 0.024) exhibited protective effects against ALD. Mediation MR analysis indicated that CUB domain-containing protein 1 (mediation proportion=1.6%, P=0.035), Cystatin D (mediation proportion=1.5%, P=0.012), and Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (mediation proportion=3.3%, P=0.005) mediated the causal effect of Roseburia hominis on ALD.ConclusionIn conclusion, our study supports a causal relationship among gut microbiota, inflammatory cytokines and ALD, with inflammatory cytokines potentially acting as mediating factors in the pathway from gut microbiota to ALD.
Cardiometabolic index and the risk of new-onset chronic diseases: results of a national prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Zhuo Liyuan , Lai Mingxi , Wan Lulu , Zhang Xuan , Chen Ronglin 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundThe cardiometabolic index (CMI) has emerged as a novel marker for evaluating the distribution and dysfunction of visceral adipose tissue, yet its correlation with numerous diseases, particularly new-onset chronic conditions, remains underexplored. Therefore, we aim to explore the association of cardiometabolic index (CMI) and new-onset chronic diseases.MethodsThe analysis utilized data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, with a baseline in 2011 and follow-ups biennially until 2020. Fourteen new-onset chronic diseases were diagnosed based on self-report, and separate cohorts were created for each disease. CMI was calculated as triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol multiplied by the waist-to-height ratio. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association between CMI and new-onset chronic diseases, while restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were employed to explore potential nonlinear effects. Additional and sensitivity analyses included Kaplan-Meier survival curves, subgroup analyses, multiple imputations, and exclude outcome events at the first follow-up.ResultsHigher levels of CMI were associated with an increased risk of new-onset hypertension (HR=1.05, 95% CI=1.04-1.06, P&lt;0.001), diabetes (HR=1.08, 95% CI=1.06-1.09, P&lt;0.001), dyslipidemia (HR=1.07, 95% CI=1.06-1.09, P&lt;0.001), liver disease (HR=1.05, 95% CI=1.03-1.07, P&lt;0.003), and stroke (HR=1.04, 95% CI=1.02-1.06, P&lt;0.001), although the association with stroke was not significant after adjusting for confounders (HR=1.02, 95% CI=1.00-1.05, P=0.054). Participants in the highest quartile of CMI had a significantly higher risk of these diseases compared to those in the lowest quartile. RCS analyses showed a significant nonlinear relationship between CMI and the risk of these diseases above.ConclusionsCMI showed a significant positive association with the risk of new-onset chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and liver disease. Future applications of CMI hold promise as an effective marker for early identification of chronic disease risk.
Application of social cognitive theory to determine shaping factors of environmental intention and behaviors of ecotourist in forest areas
Authors: Erfanian Sahar , Maleknia Rahim , Halalisan Aureliu Florin 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundEcotourism as a responsible travel to natural areas is proposed as a strategy for forest conservation by enhancing the livelihoods of local communities. However, engaging in environmentally friendly behaviors during forest visit is a crucial factor in achieving this conservation. This study aimed to examine the determinants of intention and actual environmental behavior among ecotourists during their visits to forests.MethodsUtilizing social cognitive theory as the theoretical framework, the data from 409 visitors of recreational forest were analyzed. After confirming the validity and reliability of the data, structural equation modeling was employed for analysis.ResultsThe results indicated that the model could explain 59% of the behavioral intention and 27% of the actual environmentally friendly behaviors of ecotourists during their forest visits. Additionally, social influence and the behaviors of other ecotourists were identified as two significant determinants of individuals’ behavioral intention. Self-efficacy and behavioral intention also emerged as significant factors which shape the actual environmental behaviors of tourists, positively.DiscussionThe findings suggest that social expectations, learning from fellow tourists, and enhancing individuals’ abilities while addressing barriers to exhibiting environmentally friendly behaviors should be prioritized in promotional planning for ecotourism.
Characterization and ontogeny of a novel lymphoid follicle inducer cell during development of the bursa of Fabricius
Authors: Szőcs Emőke , Balic Adam , Soós Ádám , Halasy Viktória , Nagy Nándor 
Published: October 2024

The avian bursa of Fabricius (BF) is a primary lymphoid organ, where B-cell development occurs within bursal follicles of epithelial origin. During embryogenesis the epithelial anlage of the BF emerges as a diverticulum of the cloaca surrounded by undifferentiated tail bud mesenchyme. While it is believed that the epithelial-mesenchymal BF primordium provides a selective microenvironment for developing B cells, the initial events inducing lymphoid follicle formation are not fully elucidated. Using wild type and CSF1R-eGFP transgenic chick embryos, we find that separate B cell, macrophage and dendritic cell precursors enter the BF mesenchyme, migrate to the surface epithelium, and colonize the lymphoid follicle buds. Detailed immunocytochemical characterization revealed a novel EIV-E12+ blood-borne cell type, colonizing the surface epithelium of the BF rudiment before the entry of myeloid and lymphoid lineages and the appearance of this cell type coincides with the onset of follicle bud formation. Chick-duck chimeras and chick-quail tissue recombination experiments suggest that EIV-E12+ cells represent a transient lymphoid inducer cell population. They are not dendritic or B cells precursors, and they are capable of follicle bud induction in both dendritic cell- and B cell-depleted bursae.
Rapid and precise identification of cervicothoracic necrotizing fasciitis caused by Prevotella and Streptococcus constellatus by using Nanopore sequencing technology: a case report
Authors: Zhao Manna , Leng Xuejun , Xu Jie , Cui Juanjuan , Li Shuo , Zhao Weifeng 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionCervicothoracic necrotizing fasciitis (CNF) is one form of necrotizing soft-tissue infections, which could lead to patient demise during short course. Therefore, early recognition and immediate treatment contribute to promising prognosis of patients.Case presentationA 58-year-old diabetic patient presented with a sore throat and progressive irritation of the neck and chest for 4 days. The initial diagnosis was considered to be soft-tissue infection and the clinician gave empirical anti-infectious medication for expectant treatment. During the course of disease, surgical incision was performed to relieve suffocation and shortness of breath. The drainage fluids were detected with microbiological culture and molecular sequencing. Nanopore sequencing technology (NST) helped to identify the coinfection of Streptococcus constellatus and Prevotella spp., which was not recognized during the original period of 15 days. The precise identification of pathogen supported to guide the pharmacologic treatment with meropenem and linezolid. Ultimately, combined with the surgical observation and post-surgical pathological examination, the patient was diagnosed as CNF, which could be much more acute and serious than normal soft-tissue infections. The patient has been successfully treated with prompt antimicrobial medication and appropriate surgical debridement.ConclusionThis case presented a CNF patient with type 2 diabetes, successfully recovered after prompt microbial detection, precise anti-infectious treatment, and appropriate surgical intervention. It highlights the importance of recognizing pathogen by applying rapid microbiological detection, including NST, in acute and serious infectious disease.
Helicobacter pylori infection and inflammatory bowel disease: a 2-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Cui Yurong , Li Jinxin , Zhao Bing , Liu Junying 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionObservational studies have discovered a contradictory phenomenon between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The study aimed to confirm the causal association between H. pylori and IBD, including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD).MethodsWe conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) study with two sample Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) to determine whether there is a causal relationship between H. pylori infection and IBD, as well as the possible pathogenic factors that may be involved. The reliability of the main MR assumptions was examined through a series of sensitivity analyses.ResultsTwo genetic variants (SNPs) previously identified were employed as instrumental variables (IVs) for H. pylori infection. GWAS data for IBD, UC, and CD were obtained from the recent DF10 release10 of the FinnGen study. Our findings indicated a significant association between H. pylori seropositivity and an increased risk of IBD and UC (IBD: OR: 1.16, 95% CI, 1.03–1.31, P &lt; 0.05; UC: OR: 1.22, 95% CI, 1.08–1.37, P &lt; 0.001) while no causal relationship with CD (P &gt; 0.05). Analysis of the main virulence pathogenic factors revealed a causal relationship between cytotoxin-associated protein A (CagA) and IBD and UC (IBD: OR: 1. 06, 95% CI, 1.001–1.11, P &lt; 0.05; UC: OR: 1.07, 95% CI, 1.004–1.14, P &lt; 0.05), while no correlation was found for vacuolar cytotoxin A (VacA) (P &gt; 0.05). After applying the False Discovery Rate (FDR) correction, the causal relationship between CagA and the risk of IBD or UC was no longer statistically significant.ConclusionThis study suggests a potential causal relationship between H. pylori infection and IBD, particularly UC. The effect may be more pronounced in individuals with previous H. pylori infections.
The structure and function of rhizosphere bacterial communities: impact of chemical vs. bio-organic fertilizers on root disease, quality, and yield of Codonopsis pilosula
Authors: Huang Bin , Chen Yuxuan , Cao Yi , Liu Dongyang , Fang Hua , Zhou Changchun , Wang Dong , Wang Jie 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionLong-term use of chemical fertilizers (CFs) can cause soil compaction and acidification. In recent years, bio-organic fertilizers (BOFs) have begun to replace CFs in some vegetables and cash crops, but the application of CFs or BOFs has resulted in crop quality and disease occurrence.MethodsThis study aimed to analyze the microbial mechanism of differences between CFs and BOFs in root disease, quality, and yield of tuber Chinese herbal medicine. We studied the effects of CFs, organic fertilizers, commercial BOFs, biocontrol bacteria BOFs, and biocontrol fungi BOFs on rhizosphere microbial community structure and function, root rot, quality, and yield of Codonopsis pilosula at different periods after application and analyzed the correlation.Results and discussionCompared to CFs, the emergence rate and yield in BOF treatments were increased by 21.12 and 33.65%, respectively, and the ash content, water content, and disease index in the BOF treatments were decreased by 17.87, 8.19, and 76.60%, respectively. The structural equation model showed that CFs promoted the quality and yield of C. pilosula by influencing soil environmental factors, while BOFs directly drove soil bacterial community to reduce disease index and improve the quality and yield of C. pilosula. There was a stronger interaction and stability of soil microbial networks after BOF treatments. Microlunatus, Rubrobacter, Luteitalea, Nakamurella, and Pedomicrobium were identified as effector bacteria, which were related to disease prevention and yield and quality increase of C. pilosula. Microbial functional analysis indicated that the signal transduction and amino acid metabolism of soil bacteria might play a major role in improving the quality and yield of C. pilosula in the early and middle growth stages. In conclusion, compared to CFs, BOFs obtained a lower disease index of root rot and a higher quality and yield of C. pilosula by changing the structure and function of the rhizosphere bacterial community.
Comparative analysis of the leprosy detection rate regarding its clinical spectrum through PCR using the 16S rRNA gene: a scientometrics and meta-analysis
Authors: Silva Marcos Jessé Abrahão , Brasil Thiago Pinto , Silva Caroliny Soares , Frota Cristiane Cunha , Sardinha Daniele Melo , Figueira Luiza Raquel Tapajós , Neves Keitty Anne Silva , dos Santos Everaldina Cordeiro , Lima Karla Valéria Batista , Ghisi Nédia de Castilhos , Lima Luana Nepomuceno Gondim Costa 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundLeprosy is a chronic and disabling infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It has a wide clinical spectrum and is operationally classified into paucibacillary (PB) and multibacillary (MB) cases. There is evidence that the 16S rRNA gene can be used in Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for complementary detection with high sensitivity and specificity. However, there is no literature convention on its diagnostic correspondence regarding the particular operational classification of the disease. This study aimed to correlate, through a meta-analysis, the detection rate of leprosy between the PCR method with the 16S rRNA gene in the clinical forms PB and MB in relation to confirmed cases.MethodsThis is a systematic review and meta-analysis study conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, using the search descriptors with “AND”: “Leprosy”; “Polymerase Chain Reaction”; “16S rRNA” in the PUBMED, SciELO, LILACS, and Science Direct databases. The search was limited to original observational articles in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, with no defined time frame. The methodological quality assessment of the selected articles was performed using the JBI checklists. A scientometric approach to the article using used the VOS Viewer and Scimago Graphica software. The meta-analysis was conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analyses software, under Pearson’s Correlation effect test and fixed effect model and subgroup analysis concerning the type of sample analyzed.ResultsThe study was significant from the perspective of the paucibacillary group (Clinical biopsy: -0.45 [95% CI= -0.63 – −0.22], p &lt; 0.001/ Slit smear skin: −0.52 [95% CI= -0.65 – −0.36], p &lt; 0.001 / Overall: −0.50 [95% CI= −0.61 – −0.37], p &lt; 0.001). The PCR diagnostic method for the16S rRNAgene ofM. lepraehas low viability and diagnostic sensitivity in both clinical biopsy samples and leprosy skin smears.ConclusionThis implies little validation of it as a PCR target gene for diagnosing the disease, highlighting limitations in the actual technique.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024588790.