bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design and synthesis of quorum-sensing agonist for improving biofilm formation and the application of Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans in bioleaching
Authors: Tang Deping , Xi Yanpeng , Song Wentao , Li Mengjiao , Liu Yali , Lin Yanyan , Zhang Ran , Mao Aihong 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionCurrently, there are few investigations on the effect of a synthetic exogenous quorum sensing (QS) agonist on the bioleaching rate of Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans (A. thiooxidans).MethodsWe created AHL (N-acyl-homoserine lactone) analogues and investigated their effects on A. thiooxidans biofilm formation, adsorption kinetics, bioleaching, and mechanism.ResultsThe findings revealed that N-(3-thiolactone)- dodecylamine (Y3) significantly increased the biofilm formation of A. thiooxidans in 96-well plates and sulfur sheets. Adsorption tests revealed that Y3 increased the adhesion rate, adsorption constant, and adsorption efficiency. Bioleaching tests indicated that Y3 boosted bioleaching efficiency, with Ni2+ and Cu2+ bioleaching rates increasing by 49.13% and 33.03%, respectively. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that Y3 increased genes associated with QS pathways and biofilm formation, particularly afeI, which was dramatically elevated 42 times.DiscussionThe study laid the groundwork for a better understanding of the mechanics of A. thiooxidans biofilm formation, which could help improve the potential application of A. thiooxidans in bioleaching.
Isolation and preliminary characterization of a novel bacteriophage vB_KquU_φKuK6 that infects the multidrug-resistant pathogen Klebsiella quasipneumoniae
Authors: Miller Isaac P. , Laney Alma G. , Zahn Geoffrey , Sheehan Brock J. , Whitley Kiara V. , Kuddus Ruhul H. 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundKlebsiella quasipneumoniae (previously known as K. pneumoniae K6) strains are among the multidrug-resistant hypervirulent bacterial pathogens. Phage therapy can help treat infections caused by such pathogens. Here we report some aspects of virology and therapeutic potentials of vB_KquU_φKuK6, a bacteriophage that infects Klebsiella quasipneumoniae.MethodsK. quasipneumoniae (ATCC 700603) was used to screen wastewater lytic phages. The isolate vB_KquU_φKuK6 that consistently created large clear plaques was characterized using standard virological and molecular methods.ResultsvB_KquU_φKuK6 has a complex capsid with an icosahedral head (~60 nm) and a slender tail (~140 nm × 10 nm). The phage has a 51% AT-rich linear dsDNA genome (51,251 bp) containing 121 open reading frames. The genome contains genes encoding spanin, endolysin, and holin proteins necessary for lytic infection and a recombinase gene possibly involved in lysogenic infection. vB_KquU_φKuK6 is stable at −80 to +67°C, pH 4–9, and brief exposure to one volume percent of chloroform. vB_KquU_φKuK6 has a narrow host range. Its lytic infection cycle involves a latency of 20 min and a burst size of 435 plaque-forming units. The phage can cause lysogenic infection, and the resulting lysogens are resistant to lytic infection by vB_KquU_φKuK6. vB_KquU_φKuK6 reduces the host cells’ ability to form biofilm but fails to eliminate that ability. vB_KquU_φKuK6 demonstrates phage-antibiotic synergy and reduces the minimum inhibitory concentration of chloramphenicol and neomycin sulfate by about 8 folds.ConclusionvB_KquU_φKuK6 cannot be directly used for phage therapy because it is a temperate bacteriophage. However, genetically modified strains of vB_KquU_φKuK6 alone or combined with antibiotics or other lytic Klebsiella phages can have therapeutic utilities in treating K. quasipneumoniae infections.
Epidemiological, clinical, and genotypic characteristics of pediatric Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections: an 8-year survey in Suzhou, China in the pre- and post-COVID-19 eras
Authors: Xu Lina , Wang Pengli , Wang Yufeng , Liu Bingjie , Xu Xuena , Yang Quying , Gao Chunyan , Sun Huiquan , Xu Yuejuan , Xu Qiuyan , Hao Chuangli , Jiang Wujun 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveThis study examines the epidemiology of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) infections among children in Suzhou, China, during various pandemic phases. The goal is to discern evolving epidemic trends and to furnish robust evidence for clinical diagnosis and treatment.MethodsFrom January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2023, 113,625 consecutive patients with respiratory infections from three hospitals in Suzhou, China (Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Children’s Hospital of Wujiang District, and Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School), were retrospectively enrolled in a surveillance study. Additionally, in 2023, children hospitalized with M. pneumoniae pneumonia at the Children’s Hospital of Soochow University were tested for genotype (P1 gene typing, SNP genotyping) and macrolide resistance in their bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.ResultsFrom 2016 to 2023, the M. pneumoniae positive detection rate among pediatric respiratory infections fell from a pre-pandemic 21.1% to pandemic lows, then surged to 45.3% post-pandemic. Before the pandemic, peak M. pneumoniae infection rates occurred in summer, followed by autumn. Post-pandemic, the highest peak rates were in autumn. Peak M. pneumoniae detection rates occurred in 2019 and 2023, with a notable increase in children aged 6 and older in 2023. In this study, 200 M. pneumoniae-positive bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cases in 2023 were randomly selected and analyzed for P1 genotype and SNP genotype. Among 156 cases, 81.4% were P1 genotype and 18.6% were P2 genotype. The proportion of severe M. pneumoniae pneumonia with the P1 type was significantly higher than that with the P2 type (p &lt; 0.05). Of the 192 samples analyzed, 11 SNP genotypes were identified, with SNP-27 predominating (36.5%), followed by SNP-0 (21.4%), SNP-11 (18.8%), and SNP-34 (17.7%). Of the 192 BALF specimens, 97.3% exhibited macrolide resistance mutations, with A2063G mutations at 96.17%. The mutation rates for the 23S rRNA 2064 and 2,617 were 1.6 and 1.0%, respectively.ConclusionPost-COVID-19 in Suzhou, China, M. pneumoniae infection patterns shifted significantly, with initial NPIs-induced declines followed by a sharp rise in cases, especially impacting school-age children. This trend underscores the importance of ongoing epidemiological surveillance and the development of strategic public health responses.
Brain functional alteration and cognitive performance in cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review of fMRI studies
Authors: Humayra Syeda , Yahya Noorazrul , Ning Chai Jia , Mir Imtiyaz Ali , Mohamed Abdul Latiff , Manan Hanani Abdul 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundFunctional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a useful tool to evaluate brain inefficiencies secondary to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs); nevertheless, limited fMRI studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of CVDs on brain functional changes and cognitive function. This systematic review aims to explore, synthesise, and report fMRI outcomes (resting state and task-based) and cognitive performance in patients with CVDs.MethodsTwo reviewers independently searched published literature until April 2024 on ScienceDirect, PubMed, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov adhering to the PRISMA protocol. A total of 26 eligible studies were considered for full-text screening, of which 10 were included in this review. The methodological quality was assessed by mixed methods appraisal tool and was reported as empirically fair.ResultsAmong 336 subjects with CVDs, aged between 49.90 ± 6.10 to 72.20 ± 5.70 years, the majority had coronary artery diseases (n = 177, 52.68%) and hypertension (n = 200, 59.52%), and approximately half of them were females (n = 169, 50.30%). Based on the qualitative synthesis, subjects with CVDs demonstrated an increased cognitive decline (reduced Mini-Mental State Examination/Montreal Cognitive Assessment mean values) and attenuated task performance (lower mean 2-back task scores and slower reaction time). Results also indicated impaired brain activity at the supplementary motor area associated with poor ejection fraction; reduced default mode network suppression linked to high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; lower regional homogeneity and amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation values; and reduced functional connectivity. In summary, alterations in brain networks connectivity may have contributed to an impaired cognitive performance in patients with cardiovascular diseases.ConclusionIt can be extrapolated that CVDs tend to alter the brain network connectivity and result in cognitive impairment and poorer task performance. However, for future imaging studies, more stringent and homogenous demographic data are highly recommended.
Reduced serum neurotrophic factors and monoamine neurotransmitters in epilepsy patients with comorbid depression
Authors: Sun Shulei , Han Yuxiang , Liu Xiaoyun , Yang Liling , Han Tao , Lin Youting , Feng Yabo 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the roles of neurotrophic factors (NTFs), monoamine neurotransmitters, and inflammatory processes in the pathophysiology of the comorbidity of epilepsy and depression.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted with 57 epilepsy patients (PWE), 50 patients with epilepsy and comorbid depression (PWECD), and 47 healthy controls (HC) admitted between June 2020 and June 2024. Serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Additionally, BDNF and GDNF levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were analyzed from selected patients in the PWE and PWECD groups.ResultsSerum BDNF levels were significantly lower in both PWE and PWECD groups compared to HC, while no differences between the former two groups. GDNF levels were lower in PWECD compared to HC, but not between PWE and HC. Serum 5-HT was significantly reduced in PWECD compared to both HC and PWE groups. No significant differences were observed in serum DA, NE, and IL-6 levels across the groups. Serum IL-1β levels were elevated in the PWECD group compared to the HC group. The Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) score negatively correlated with serum 5-HT and GDNF levels. In terms of predictive ability, serum BDNF demonstrated higher accuracy for the diagnosis of epilepsy [area under the curve, AUC = 0.701, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) 0.601 ~ 0.801], while serum 5-HT was the best marker for predicting the development of depression in epilepsy patients (AUC = 0.727, 95% CI 0.632 ~ 0.821). No significant correlation was found between serum and CSF BDNF levels within the same subject (r = 0.155; p = 0.221; Spearman correlation), and CSF GDNF levels were too low to be clinically informative.ConclusionThe findings suggest the involvement of NTFs, monoamine neurotransmitters, and inflammatory processes in the pathogenesis of epilepsy and depression. Decreased serum BDNF levels correlate with epilepsy but not necessarily with comorbid depression, while serum GDNF and 5-HT show potential clinical value in diagnosing this comorbidity. However, the deficient levels of NTFs in CSF suggest a need for more sensitive detection methods.
Exploring the association between dietary vitamin A and coronary artery disease risk in men and women: findings from a US population study
Authors: Wu Zhijian , Yang Weichang , Fang Haiyang , Chen Yi , Wu Yanqing , Gong Ren 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionCoronary artery disease (CAD) is an important public health problem with negative impacts on individual health and socioeconomics. Studies on the relationship of dietary vitamin A (DVA) to CAD are limited and conflicting. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between DVA and the prevalence of CAD in U.S. adults, with particular interest in sex differences.MethodsData from 26,449 NHANES participants were used for analysis. The association of DVA with the prevalence of CAD was investigated utilizing multivariate logistic regression models and fitted smoothed curves, and interaction tests were performed to explore potential modifiers.ResultsThis study included 12,748 males and 13,701 females aged 50.34 ± 17.54 years. Overall, adjusted DVA was linearly negatively correlated with CAD (per natural ln (DVA) increment: OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.83–0.99). Multivariate regression analysis showed that among female participants, each natural increment of ln DVA was associated with a 22% reduction in CAD prevalence (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.68–0.89). However, there was no significant correlation in male participants (p for interaction &lt;0.001).ConclusionDVA was negatively associated with the prevalence of CAD, and further analysis revealed an interaction between DVA and sex in terms of CAD prevalence.
Mapping the evolution and impact of ketogenic diet research on diabetes management: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis from 2005 to 2024
Authors: Li Zonghuai , Li Anxia , Liu Pingping , Zhang Bo , Yan Yuanyuan 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveThe ketogenic diet (KD) has been explored for diabetes management; however, a quantitative synthesis of its specific effects on diabetes has not yet been conducted. This study aims to examine the current status and research hotspots of KD in diabetes management from 2005 to 2024, providing a reference for future research.MethodsWe retrieved articles published between 2005 and 2024 from the Web of Science database and analyzed them using R software, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace.ResultsThis study includes 432 relevant publications. From 2005 to 2024, the volume of literature in this field has shown a steady upward trend, with a notable increase from 2017 to 2021, and a slight decline observed from 2021 to 2023. The United States is the leading country in terms of the number of publications, followed by China, Australia, and Canada. The United States not only leads in publication volume but also maintains a broader international collaboration network. Nutrients and the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition are the most frequently published and cited journals. Current research hotspots primarily focus on the impact of KD on blood glucose control, insulin resistance, and lipid metabolism in diabetic patients. Mechanistic studies on KD in diabetes management concentrate on aspects such as the “regulation of genes by β-hydroxybutyrate,” “anti-inflammatory effects,” and “oxidative stress.” The role of the gut microbiome is also emerging as an important research area. Currently, exploring the application of KD in managing different age groups and types of diabetes has become a significant research trend.ConclusionAs an emerging dietary intervention, KD is gradually attracting widespread attention from researchers around the world and is expected to become a major research focus in the future for diabetes management and control. This paper provides a systematic review and analysis of the current research status and hotspots of KD in diabetes management, offering important references and insights for future research in related fields.
Prevalence and distribution of human papillomavirus genotypes in women with abnormal cervical cytology in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kebede Solomon Demis , Zeleke Shegaw , Kassaw Amare , Munye Aytenew Tigabu , Kefale Demewoz , Asferie Worku Necho 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundCervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer in women globally. Determining the prevalence of the high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) and low-risk (LR-HPV) genotypes and the distribution in abnormal cervical cytology will be essential in a future population-based cervical cancer prevention program.MethodPrimary studies with women with abnormal cervical cytology were systematically searched for in Medline, CINHAL, Google Scholar, African Journal Online, and the University of Antwerp repository from 19-30 May 2023. A weighted inverse-variance random effects model was used. Variations across the studies were checked using a forest plot, I2 statistics, and Egger’s test. Group analysis was performed for evidence of heterogeneity.ResultsThe pooled prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes with abnormal cervical cytology of a precancerous cervical lesion was 38.74% (95% CI: 27.56-49.93). The leading pooled prevalence estimates by subgroup analysis were 18% (95% CI: 13-26), 14% (95% CI: 111-16), and 66% (51-79) for women with retroviral infection (RVI), DNA genotyping with amplification, and central parts of Ethiopia respectively. There were 25 HPV variants identified by genotyping techniques with the five most prevalent HPV genotypes being HPV-16 and HPV-18 coexisting at 54%; HPV-16 alone at 29%; HPV-51 at 16%; HPV-52 at 13%; and HPV-31 and HPV-33 each contributing approximately 12%.ConclusionThe pooled prevalence of HPV genotypes was higher than in other countries. HPV-51, HPV-52, HPV-31, and HPV-33 are the most prevalent genotypes. Hence, the nonavalent vaccine type would be the one that includes all the most prevalent HPV genotypes, but HPV-51in Ethiopia. Additional data on similar DNA test techniques for comparisons with precancerous lesions and invasive cancer are needed. Cervical cancer prevention and control programs in Ethiopia should be aligned with the most prevalent genotypes.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023428955.
Clinical efficacy analysis of intelligent pressure-controlled ureteroscopy combined with thulium laser in the treatment of isolated upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Chen Hua , Xiao Jiansheng , Ge Jiaqi , Liu Tairong 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the clinical treatment effect of intelligent pressure-controlled ureteroscopy combined with thulium laser for patients with isolated kidney upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).MethodsThis study employed a retrospective analysis approach and focused on six patients with isolated kidney UTUC admitted to our hospital from June 2018 to May 2023, who underwent tumor resection surgery using intelligent pressure-controlled ureteroscopy combined with thulium laser. We collected the perioperative clinical data of these six patients and conducted statistical analysis of the treatment effects.ResultsThe surgeries of all six patients were completed smoothly, without incidents of surgery termination due to significant bleeding. Postoperative pathology revealed that four patients had low-grade non-invasive papillary urothelial carcinoma, while the other two patients had high-grade invasive urothelial carcinoma. During follow-up period, one patient had a renal pelvis recurrence three months after the surgery, and subsequently underwent thulium laser resection. Additionally, another patient experienced bladder recurrence eight months after the surgery and received transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) for treatment. The remaining four patients did not experience tumor recurrence during the follow-up.ConclusionFor patients with isolated kidney associated with UTUC, intelligent pressure-controlled ureteroscopy combined with thulium laser represents a feasible treatment option, with good therapeutic effects for low-risk upper tract urothelial carcinoma.
Achieving enhanced diagnostic precision in endometrial lesion analysis through a data enhancement framework
Authors: Luo Yi , Yang Meiyi , Liu Xiaoying , Qin Liufeng , Yu Zhengjun , Gao Yunxia , Xu Xia , Zha Guofen , Zhu Xuehua , Chen Gang , Wang Xue , Cao Lulu , Zhou Yuwang , Fang Yun 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to enhance the precision of categorization of endometrial lesions in ultrasound images via a data enhancement framework based on deep learning (DL), through addressing diagnostic accuracy challenges, contributing to future research.Materials and methodsUltrasound image datasets from 734 patients across six hospitals were collected. A data enhancement framework, including image features cleaning and soften label, was devised and validated across multiple DL models, including ResNet50, DenseNet169, DenseNet201, and ViT-B. A hybrid model, integrating convolutional neural network and transformer architectures for optimal performance, to predict lesion types was developed.ResultsImplementation of our novel strategies resulted in a substantial enhancement in model accuracy. The ensemble model achieved accuracy and macro-area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values of 0.809 of 0.911, respectively, underscoring the potential for use of DL in endometrial lesion ultrasound image classification.ConclusionWe successfully developed a data enhancement framework to accurately classify endometrial lesions in ultrasound images. Integration of anomaly detection, data cleaning, and soften label strategies enhanced the comprehension of lesion image features by the model, thereby boosting its classification capacity. Our research offers valuable insights for future studies and lays the foundation for creation of more precise diagnostic tools.
A 20-year analysis of gender trends in oncology authorship in the Cochrane database of systematic reviews
Authors: Levy Morgan S. , Samarakoon Thilani , Smith Caleigh , Goo Irene , Duthely Lunthita M. , Van Zuilen Maria , Huang Marilyn , Pillai Asha B. 
Published: October 2024

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate global longitudinal publication trends in oncology in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) from 2001-2020.DesignRetrospective bibliometric analysis.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome measures were the numbers and percentages of women as first, last, and corresponding author across all CDSR oncology publications. Additional outcomes included authorship differences between countries and percentages of women authors over time compared using the Cochran-Armitage trend test.ResultsIn total, 548 articles were analyzed. Women were first authors in 52.26% (n=277) and corresponding authors in 50.75% (n=272), respectively. Women represented only 39.4% (n=210) of last authors, significantly less frequent than male counterparts (p &lt; 0.001). The percentage of women last and corresponding authors has increased significantly in the past 20 years (p &lt; 0.05). Countries such as the Netherlands and Australia consistently showed equitable representation in first, corresponding, and last authorship, while other countries such as Italy and China had uniformly low rates of female authorship.CoclusionsOur results highlight patterns of gender inequity in oncology publication authorship in the CDSR from 2001-2020 at a global level. Notably, women were less likely to serve in the last author position which, independent of assigned corresponding authorship, is generally assumed in academic oncology to designate the leader of a published study. Substantive efforts to correct this disparity are needed to achieve gender parity in publicly perceived leadership in oncology publications.