bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genomic analysis of Enterococcus faecium from non-clinical settings: antimicrobial resistance, virulence, and clonal population in livestock and the urban environment
Authors: Lopes Jéssica , de Lencastre Hermínia , Conceição Teresa 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionEnterococci are commensals of the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals that evolved into opportunistic pathogens with high antimicrobial resistance and virulence. Multidrug-resistant Enterococcus is a major cause of hospital-acquired infections worldwide. For this reason, the characterization of non-clinical reservoirs of Enterococci and their epidemiological link to resistant hospital isolates is crucial for controlling their spread.MethodsA total of 295 samples collected from livestock (pigs and cows, n = 135) and environment (public buses, passengers hands, and urban environments, n = 160) were screened for Enterococcus spp. E. faecium antimicrobial resistance profiles, virulence potential, and clonal population were further characterized.ResultsEnterococci were detected in 90.5% (n = 267) of the samples, with a higher prevalence in livestock (100%) than the environment (82.5%, p &lt; 0.0001), but none of the isolates exhibited vancomycin resistance. E. faecalis was the most prevalent species (51.7%), predominantly found in livestock (62.2%), while E. faecium was more common in the environment. Of the 59 E. faecium isolates, 78% showed resistance to ≥3 antibiotic classes and contained associated resistance genes, namely tetracyclines (tetM and tetL), beta-lactams (mutations in pbp5), and high-level resistance to aminoglycosides (ant(6)-Ia and aac(6′)-aph(2″)). A wide array of virulence factors was detected among E. faecium, associated with adherence, biofilm formation, and adaptation to host response, while hospital-associated virulence markers, such as IS16, were less frequent, probably due to the non-clinical nature of the isolates. Clonal population analysis revealed a diverse E. faecium population. Although no direct epidemiological link could be traced between our isolates and specific clinical isolates, infection-associated genetic backgrounds were identified in non-clinical isolates: one isolate from pigs belonged to CC17 (ST32), while four isolates belonged to CC94, including one recovered from pigs (ST296), one from cows (ST2206), one from the urban environment (ST1205), and other from buses (ST800).DiscussionThis study underscores a high prevalence of clinically relevant Enterococcus species among healthy livestock and the environment. Despite the absence of vancomycin resistance and limited hospital infection-associated clonal lineages, the presence of E. faecium with significant virulence potential and resistance to critical antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine highlights the need for continuing surveillance of non-clinical reservoirs.
Differences in brain connectivity between older adults practicing Tai Chi and Water Aerobics: a case–control study
Authors: Port Ana Paula , Paulo Artur José Marques , de Azevedo Neto Raymundo Machado , Lacerda Shirley Silva , Radvany João , Santaella Danilo Forghieri , Kozasa Elisa Harumi 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the neural mechanisms that differentiate mind–body practices from aerobic physical activities and elucidate their effects on cognition and healthy aging. We examined functional brain connectivity in older adults (age &gt; 60) without pre-existing uncontrolled chronic diseases, comparing Tai Chi with Water Aerobics practitioners.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional, case–control fMRI study involving two strictly matched groups (n = 32) based on gender, age, education, and years of practice. Seed-to-voxel analysis was performed using the Salience, and Frontoparietal Networks as seed regions in Stroop Word-Color and N-Back tasks and Resting State.ResultsDuring Resting State condition and using Salience network as a seed, Tai Chi group exhibited a stronger correlation between Anterior Cingulate Cortex and Insular Cortex areas (regions related to interoceptive awareness, cognitive control and motor organization of subjective aspects of experience). In N-Back task and using Salience network as seed, Tai Chi group showed increased correlation between Left Supramarginal Gyrus and various cerebellar regions (related to memory, attention, cognitive processing, sensorimotor control and cognitive flexibility). In Stroop task, using Salience network as seed, Tai Chi group showed enhanced correlation between Left Rostral Prefrontal Cortex and Right Occipital Pole, and Right Lateral Occipital Cortex (areas associated with sustained attention, prospective memory, mediate attention between external stimuli and internal intention). Additionally, in Stroop task, using Frontoparietal network as seed, Water Aerobics group exhibited a stronger correlation between Left Posterior Parietal Lobe (specialized in word meaning, representing motor actions, motor planning directed to objects, and general perception) and different cerebellar regions (linked to object mirroring).ConclusionOur study provides evidence of differences in functional connectivity between older adults who have received training in a mind–body practice (Tai Chi) or in an aerobic physical activity (Water Aerobics) when performing attentional and working memory tasks, as well as during resting state.
Identify BCAT1 plays an oncogenic role and promotes EMT in KIRC via single cell RNA-seq and experiment
Authors: Li Shiqing , Guo Yinsheng , Zhu Guanhua , Sun Lu , Zhou Feng 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundKidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is a major subtype of renal cell carcinoma with poor prognosis due to its invasive and metastatic nature. Despite advances in understanding the molecular underpinnings of various cancers, the role of branched-chain amino acid transferase 1 (BCAT1) in KIRC remains underexplored. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the oncogenic role of BCAT1 in KIRC using single-cell RNA-seq data and experimental validation.MethodsSingle-cell transcriptomic data GSE159115 was utilized to investigate potential biomarkers in KIRC. After screening, we used BCAT1 as a target gene and investigated its function and mechanism in KIRC through databases such as TCGA-GTEx, using genome enrichment analysis (GSEA), genome variation analysis (GSVA), gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of the Genome (KEGG). BCAT1 expression was detected in clinical tissue samples using Western Blotting (WB) and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining techniques. We established cell lines stably overexpressing and knocking down BCAT1 and performed WB, qRT-PCR, cell scratch assay and transwell assay.ResultsBCAT1 was highly expressed in KIRC and was associated with disease prognosis and TME. Patients with mutations in the BCAT1 gene had shorter overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). patients with high BCAT1 expression had shorter OS, progression-free interval (PFI), and disease-specific survival (DSS). GSEA showed that BCAT1 was significantly enriched in epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Bioinformatics analysis and WB and IHC staining showed that BCAT1 expression was higher in KIRC than in paracancerous tissues. In vitro experiments confirmed that BCAT1 in KIRC cells may promote EMT affecting its invasion, migration. We constructed a protein interaction network (PPI) to hypothesize proteins that may interact with BCAT1. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) revealed the immune infiltration environment of BCAT1. Furthermore, hypomethylation of the BCAT1 promoter region in KIRC may contribute to disease progression by promoting BCAT1 expression.ConclusionBCAT1 promotes KIRC invasion and metastasis through EMT and has prognostic predictive value and potential as a biomarker. It may become a novel biomarker.
The energy metabolism-promoting effect of aconite is associated with gut microbiota and bile acid receptor TGR5-UCP1 signaling
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Cheng Hao , Wu Jing , Zhou Yaochuan , Tang Fei , Liu Juan , Feng Wuwen , Peng Cheng 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionAs a widely used traditional Chinese medicine with hot property, aconite can significantly promote energy metabolism. However, it is unclear whether the gut microbiota and bile acids contribute to the energy metabolism-promoting properties of aconite. The aim of this experiment was to verify whether the energy metabolism-promoting effect of aconite aqueous extract (AA) is related to gut microbiota and bile acid (BA) metabolism.MethodsThe effect of AA on energy metabolism in rats was detected based on body weight, body temperature, and adipose tissue by HE staining and immunohistochemistry. In addition, 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing and targeted metabolomics were used to detect changes in gut microbiota and BA concentrations, respectively. Antibiotic treatment and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) were also performed to demonstrate the importance of gut microbiota.ResultsRats given AA experienced an increase in body temperature, a decrease in body weight, and an increase in BAT (brown adipose tissue) activity and browning of WAT (white adipose tissue). Sequencing analysis and targeted metabolomics indicated that AA modulated gut microbiota and BA metabolism. The energy metabolism promotion of AA was found to be mediated by gut microbiota, as demonstrated through antibiotic treatment and FMT. Moreover, the energy metabolism-promoting effect of aconite is associated with the bile acid receptor TGR5 (Takeda G-protein-coupled receptor 5)-UCP1 (uncoupling protein 1) signaling pathway.ConclusionThe energy metabolism-promoting effect of aconite is associated with gut microbiota and bile acid receptor TGR5-UCP1 signaling.
How forage grain ratoon rice improves the grain yield during the ratoon season
Authors: Gai Panpan , Chen Yuanwei , Sun Xin , Chen Hongjing , Yang Desheng , Ren Miaofei , Liu Lei , Wang Weiqin , Zheng Hua-bin , Tang Qiyuan 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionIn recent years, with the rapid expansion of ratoon rice production in Hunan, a unique ratoon rice-based production system, forage-grain ratoon rice (FG-RR), has been newly developed. Ratooning rice is a season of rice harvested by utilizing the dormant buds on the rice stubble left after harvesting the first season of rice to sprout and grow. Therefore, the characteristics of stalks themselves are crucial for the production of ratoon rice. The cutting period and higher stubble height directly affect the characteristics of ratoon rice stubbles. Based on this, we conducted the following research.MethodsIn 2021 and 2022, field experiments were conducted in central China to study the effects of different cutting periods and stubble height on the regeneration rate and nutrient content of ratoon crops. The treatments included two cutting periods (10 days after heading in the first season and 30 days after heading in the first season, respectively referred to as T10 and T30) and two stubble heights (10 cm and 30 cm, respectively referred to as H10 and H30).ResultsCompared with the T30H30 treatment, T10H10 and T10H30 increased grain yield by 48.1%, 41.7%, 73.1%, and 65.2% in the two-year ratoon seasons, while T30H10 reduced grain yield by 30.9% and 19.5% in the two years, respectively. Early cutting increased the panicles, spikelets per panicle, and filled grain rate to varying increase, while higher stubble height increased panicles but decreased spikelet panicle. On the one hand, early cutting and higher stubble height increased the dry and fresh weight, nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs), organic carbon (C), and nitrogen content of rice stalks, thereby improving the regeneration rate of ratoon rice. On the other hand, early cutting and higher stubble height retention increased the accumulation of nitrogen in rice stubble throughout the entire growth period and facilitated the transport of nitrogen to the mature panicles.DiscussionTherefore, appropriate early cutting and higher stubble height retention are the keys to improving the grain yield and stability of ratoon rice.
Micro plastic driving changes in the soil microbes and lettuce growth under the influence of heavy metals contaminated soil
Authors: Shirin Jazbia , Chen Yongjing , Hussain Shah Azhar , Da Yanmei , Zhou Guowei , Sun Qingye 
Published: September 2024

Microplastics (MPs) have garnered global attention as emerging contaminants due to their adaptability, durability, and robustness in various ecosystems. Still, studies concerning their combination with heavy metals (HMs), their interactions with soil biota, and how they affect soil physiochemical properties and terrestrial plant systems are limited. Our study was set to investigate the combined effect of HMs (cadmium, arsenic, copper, zinc and lead) contaminated soil of Tongling and different sizes (T1 = 106 µm, T2 = 50 µm, and T3 = 13 µm) of polystyrene microplastics on the soil physiochemical attributes, both bacterial and fungal diversity, compositions, AMF (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi), plant pathogens in the soil, and their effect on Lactuca sativa by conducting a greenhouse experiment. According to our results, the combination of HMs and polystyrene microplastic (PS-MPs), especially the smaller PS-MPs (T3), was more lethal for the lettuce growth, microbes and soil. The toxicity of combined contaminants directly reduced the physio-biochemical attributes of lettuce, altered the lettuce’s antioxidant activity and soil health. T3 at the final point led to a significant increase in bacterial and fungal diversity. In contrast, overall bacterial diversity was higher in the rhizosphere, and fungal diversity was higher in the bulk soil. Moreover, the decrease in MPs size played an important role in decreasing AMF and increasing both bacterial and fungal pathogens, especially in the rhizosphere soil. Functional prediction was found to be significantly different in the control treatment, with larger MPs compared to smaller PS-MPs. Environmental factors also played an important role in the alteration of the microbial community. This study also demonstrated that the varied distribution of microbial populations could be an ecological indicator for tracking the environmental health of soil. Overall, our work showed that the combination of HMs and smaller sizes of MPs was more lethal for the soil biota and lettuce and also raised many questions for further studying the ecological risk of PS-MPs and HMs.
Perceived health outcomes of recreation and happiness: exploring the mediating role of resilience
Authors: Sarol Halil , Polat Sezen Çimen , Ekinci Erdoğan 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionPrevious research has shown that leisure activities can positively influence perceived health outcomes by increasing individuals’ levels of physical activity. Yet, little has been discovered about the mechanisms that are driving this association. This study was conducted with the aim of examining the relationship between perceived health outcomes of recreation and happiness as well as the mediating effect of resilience.MethodsThe study comprised a total of 451 adult individuals residing in seven different geographical regions of Turkey, who were included using a convenience sampling method, and the data were collected between March and June 2023. Respondents completed assessments utilizing the Perceived Health Outcomes of Recreation, Brief Resilience Scale, and The Oxford Happiness Questionnaire-Short Form. Data analysis was executed employing the PROCESS macro for SPSS.ResultsThe study’s findings revealed that perceived health outcomes of recreation had a positive effect on both happiness (β = 0.146, [95% CI: 0.106, 0.186]) and resilience (β = 0.156, [95% CI: 0.107, 0.205]). Resilience had a positive effect on happiness (β = 0.435, [95% CI: 0.362, 0.507]). Furthermore, the relationship between perceived health outcomes of recreation and happiness was partially mediated by resilience (β = 0.068, [95% CI: 0.042, 0.096]).ConclusionAs a result, participating in leisure activities has been found to have a positive impact on perceived health outcomes, which in turn positively affects both happiness and resilience. Additionally, psychological resilience can be said to partially mediate the relationship between perceived health outcomes of recreation and happiness.
Formalized peer referral to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis supported with self-testing: a mixed-methods pilot study among young Kenyan women
Authors: McGowan Maureen , Wairimu Njeri , Reedy Adriana M. , Mogere Peter , Culquichicon Carlos , Njeru Irene , Malen Rachel C. , Jahn Albrecht , Bärnighausen Till , Roche Stephanie D. , Ngure Kenneth , Ortblad Katrina F. 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundThe uptake of daily oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)—a highly effective intervention—remains low among African adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) who could benefit. AGYW who initiate PrEP often do so through informal peer referral, which may be enhanced with formalized peer referral and peer-delivered HIV self-testing (HIVST). To understand the feasibility of this PrEP referral model among AGYW, we conducted a pilot study in Kenya.MethodFrom March to May 2022, we recruited AGYW (≥16–24 years) using PrEP (i.e., “peer providers”) from public healthcare clinics in Kiambu County and trained them on HIV prevention, HIVST use, and peer-supported linkage to clinic-based HIV services. Following training, peer providers received eight HIVST kits and were encouraged to refer four peers (i.e., “peer clients”) to PrEP. We completed surveys with peer providers and clients one month following intervention delivery to assess PrEP initiation among peer clients. Later, we conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) with peer providers and clients to identify factors that facilitated or challenged intervention outcomes.ResultsWe trained 16 peer providers (median age: 23 years, IQR 21–24) who reported delivering the intervention to 56 peer clients; 30 peer clients (median age: 21 years, IQR 19–22) contacted the study team and were enrolled. Most of the enrolled peer clients reported behaviors associated with HIV risk (e.g., condomless sex; 80%, 24/30) and were PrEP-naïve (87%, 26/30). At one-month, PrEP initiation among eligible PrEP-naïve peer clients was high, as reported by providers (78%, 43/55) and clients (85%, 22/26); recent HIVST use was also high among peer clients (provider report: 95%, 53/56; client report: 97%, 29/30). In the FGDs, participants reported that intervention outcomes were facilitated by close preexisting relationships, HIVST assistance, and being escorted to clinic-based HIV services by peer providers; intervention barriers included conflicting priorities and limited HIVST experience.ConclusionA formalized model of peer referral with HIVST delivery supported PrEP initiation among Kenyan AGYW. These findings demonstrate the potential for peer-delivered interventions to engage AGYW in HIV prevention services; however, more research is needed on the effectiveness and sustainability of this approach at scale.
Real-life experience with first-line treatment with daratumumab, bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma ineligible for autologous stem-cell transplantation
Authors: Domingo-González Amalia , Alonso Fernández Rafael , Jiménez Ana , De Soto Álvarez Teresa , Lerma-Verdejo Ana , Pradillo Virginia , Benzo Callejo Gonzalo , Sánchez-Pina Jose , Landete Elena , Velasco-Valdazo Alberto , Menéndez-Cuevas Marina , López Riñón Mónica María , Ramírez-López Andrés , Blanchard María-Jesús , Askari Elham 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThe regimen with daratumumab, bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone (D-VMP) is one of the recommended treatments for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) non-transplant eligible due to the results described in the ALCYONE trial. However, real-life outcomes with this regimen are limited. This study assesses the real-life effectiveness and safety of this regimen.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the data on efficacy, safety, and survival parameters of D-VMP regimen in 112 patients with NDMM not eligible for autologous stem-cell transplantation with attention to the effect of age, R2-ISS, high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities (CA), and depth of response.ResultsPatients aged ≥75 years constituted 70% of our cohort. Fifty-two percent had R2-ISS 3-4, and 60% had high-risk CA. Twenty-three percent of patients would have been excluded from the ALCYONE trial. After a median follow-up of 31.4 months, all patients had completed induction, with a median number of cycles of 9 (IQR 6-9). The overall response rate was 95%, and 72% achieved very good partial response (VGPR) or better. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 41.5 (95% CI, 34.3 to NE), and the median overall survival (OS) was not reached. The most frequent adverse event (AE) was neuropathy (27%), followed by gastrointestinal symptoms (13%) and hematological AE (10%). Age did not negatively impact survival outcomes. Patients with ≥2 high-risk CA or those who achieved &lt;VGPR had a worse OS (p= 0.026 and p= 0.030). After performing multivariate analysis, we didn’t find statistically significant prognostic factors for PFS or OS.DiscussionIn real-life practice, the D-VMP combination showed a similar efficacy and safety profile to those reported in the ALCYONE and OCTANS trials.
Recent advancements in liquid marbles: fabrication, materials, control mechanisms, and applications
Authors: Ghavami Hamed , Liu Yuxiang 
Published: September 2024

Liquid marbles (LMs) are versatile soft matter systems comprising a liquid core encapsulated by a shell of hydrophobic particles. LMs exhibit non-wetting properties and hence have enhanced mobility compared with droplets on a solid substrate. Recent advances have expanded their fabrication methods, material choices, and applications, particularly in microfluidics. This mini-review highlights the progress in LM research over the past 2 years, focusing on novel fabrication techniques, unique materials, multi-physical control schemes, and emerging applications including solar energy harvesting, cell culture, controlled substance delivery, gas sensing, and pollutant decontamination. We provide opinions on the unaddressed needs in LM research and on the trend of LM developments, specifically for the applications of LMs in lab-on-a-chip applications.