bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IL-10 and IL-18: Key players in liver damage associated with hepatitis A virus infection
Authors: Hussein Zahraa A. , Al-Ahmar Saif D. 
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis A virus infection is a health threat with multiple transmission patterns across areas, It is evaluated using immune response markers IL-10 and IL-18, along with molecular and biochemical diagnostic methods for accurate diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: The association between liver damage and interleukin-10 and interleukin-18 levels in people with hepatitis A virus infection as indications of the risk of acute liver failure. METHODS: 110 samples were collected from Iraqi individuals from both sexes and different age groups [Formula: see text] 1 to [Formula: see text] 25, including 60 patients and 50 healthy people. All samples were collected from a hospital in Diwaniyah city, and the infection was confirmed by antiHAV IgM titers and One-Step RT-PCR. ELISA was used to determine the levels of IL-10 and IL-18, while Biochemical tests measured for alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and total serum Bilirubin (TSB) in serum. RESULTS: In this study, IL-10 levels were higher in HAV patients (0.12 [Formula: see text] 0.06 ng/L) compared to controls (0.11 [Formula: see text] 0.04 ng/L), but the difference was not significant ([Formula: see text] 0.17). Conversely, IL-18 levels were significantly elevated in patients (1.41 [Formula: see text] 0.71) versus controls (0.58 [Formula: see text] 0.35) ([Formula: see text] 0.00). Biochemical tests showed significantly elevated levels in HAV patients: ALT (170.18 [Formula: see text] 117.67 vs. 21.25 [Formula: see text] 7.41), AST (183.05 [Formula: see text] 128.13 vs. 26.00 [Formula: see text] 7.69), ALP (607.68 [Formula: see text] 214.93 vs. 202.02 [Formula: see text] 121.35), and TSB (2.77 [Formula: see text] 2.5 vs. 0.55 [Formula: see text] 0.14) (all [Formula: see text] 0.001). These findings underscore the potential of IL-10 and IL-18 as biomarkers for HAV severity and highlight their role in liver injury. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights the important roles of IL-10 and IL-18 in acute hepatitis A and reveals their impact on the immune response and liver damage. Elevated levels of IL-10, IL-18 and Biochemical tests are associated with disease severity, suggesting their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets to improve the management of HAV infection.
Akumulacja polityk publicznych. Charakterystyka zjawiska i metody jego pomiaru na przykładzie analizy świadczeń pieniężnych wypłacanych przez gminy
Authors: Mering Tomasz 
Published: September 2024

Artykuł przedstawia przegląd podejść metodologicznych oraz wyników badań realizowanych w ramach projektów międzynarodowych poświęconych ocenie zagregowanych zmian wdrażanych w politykach publicznych w państwach OECD w długim czasie. Artykuł charakteryzuje zjawisko nagromadzenia się (akumulacji) polityk. W warstwie empirycznej tekst prezentuje wyniki badań dla Polski, które są ukazane na tle wybranych krajów Europy Zachodniej oraz przedstawia możliwości nowej perspektywy badawczej na przykładzie analiz poświęconych zmianom zachodzącym w samorządowej polityce społecznej. Na podstawie zgromadzonego materiału empirycznego Autor wskazuje na specyfikę akumulacji elementów polityki społecznej w naszym kraju, wynikającą z opóźnienia w rozwoju polityki wsparcia dochodu rodzin wychowujących dzieci względem państw Europy Zachodniej. W oparciu o analizę rozwoju pieniężnych form wsparcia oferowanych przez pomoc społeczną na poziomie gminy w latach 2004-2022, Autor charakteryzuje główne mocne strony nowej metody analizy portfeli polityk polegające na uwzględnieniu czynnika czasu, który jest często pomijany w badaniach nad implementacją polityk publicznych. Dodatkową korzyścią jest tutaj możliwość szczegółowej analizy rozwoju polityk w perspektywie organizacyjnej, co pozwala na temporalną ocenę zdolności instytucjonalnej podmiotów administracji publicznej zmagającej się ze wzrastającą w czasie liczbą zadań do wykonania.
Investigation on the Distribution of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria In Dry Fish of Chalan Beel Area From Northwestern Part of Bangladesh
Authors: Zohura Fatema , Rahman M Habibur 
Published: September 2024

Dried fish, a valuable animal protein source, may pose health risks due to microbial contamination influenced by water quality, hygiene practices, handling, packaging, and transportation. This research focuses on conducting an in-depth analysis of the occurrence and antibiotic resistance patterns of bacteria, identified through 16S rRNA sequencing, in different dried fish varieties obtained from the Chalan beel area in Northwestern Bangladesh. For the purpose of this study, homogenization of collected samples was carried out and resulting homogenates were refrigerated at a temperature of -20°C. Then the samples were subjected to a series of 10-fold dilutions and spread over 1.5% nutrient agar supplemented with Tetracycline. Thereafter, plates were incubated at 37°C for a duration of 24 hours to form bacterial colonies. Twelve aseptically collected dried fish samples had a total viable count ranging from 2.0 × 10² to 6.5 × 10⁵ CFU/ml, with tetracycline influence at 32 µg/ml (7 × 10² to 5.4 × 10³ CFU/ml) and 64 µg/ml (3.0 × 10² to 2.1 × 10³ CFU/ml). Notably, Tengra fish (Mystus sp.) exhibited the highest viable count 6.5 × 105 CFU/ml (Control), while Darikana (Esomus danricus), Chela (Salmostoma phulo), Moa (Amblypharyngodon mola), and Guchi (Mastacembelus pancalus) fish showed the lowest count (3.0 × 10² CFU/ml) at a Tetracycline concentration of 64 µg/ml. Moreover, microbial analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified twelve unique bacteria belong to genera. The most prevalent genus appears to be Enterobacter, identified by 6 strains. These include Enterobacter hormaechei strains UCHE20, RB13, AUH-ENM30 and 20710, Enterobacter ludwigii strain JCR-38 and Enterobacter sp. M3. Other identified genera included Klebsiella (with Klebsiella variicola and Klebsiella pneumoniae), Proteus (Proteus mirabilis), Macrococcus (Macrococcus caseolyticus), Acinetobacter (Acinetobacter johnsonii), and Bacillus (Bacillus sp.). This study provides valuable insights into the complex microbial dynamics in dried fish, emphasizing the need for enhanced food safety and public health measures.
J. Bio-Sci. 32(2): 61-69, 2024
Attitudes and perceptions of Chinese oncologists towards artificial intelligence in healthcare: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Li Ming , Xiong Xiaomin , Xu Bo 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundArtificial intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare, yet little is known about Chinese oncologists’ attitudes towards AI. This study investigated oncologists’ knowledge, perceptions, and acceptance of AI in China.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 228 oncologists across China. The survey examined demographics, AI exposure, knowledge and attitudes using 5-point Likert scales, and factors influencing AI adoption. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.ResultsRespondents showed moderate understanding of AI concepts (mean 3.39/5), with higher knowledge among younger oncologists. Only 12.8% used ChatGPT. Most (74.13%) agreed AI is beneficial and could innovate healthcare, 52.19% respondents expressed trust in AI technology. Acceptance was cautiously optimistic (mean 3.57/5). Younger respondents (∼30) show significantly higher trust (p = 0.004) and acceptance (p = 0.009) of AI compared to older respondents, while trust is significantly higher among those with master’s or doctorate vs. bachelor’s degrees (p = 0.032), and acceptance is higher for those with prior IT experience (p = 0.035).Key drivers for AI adoption were improving efficiency (85.09%), quality (85.53%), reducing errors (84.65%), and enabling new approaches (73.25%).ConclusionsChinese oncologists are open to healthcare AI but remain prudently optimistic given limitations. Targeted education, especially for older oncologists, can facilitate AI implementation. AI is largely welcomed for its potential to augment human roles in enhancing efficiency, quality, safety, and innovations in oncology practice.
Urban low-carbon governance and ecological efficiency: new evidence from prefecture-level cities in China
Authors: Liu Jiaqi , Xu Kexin , Jin Dian , Wu Chengliang , Zhang Yang 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionIn the search for sustainable development, urban eco-development is becoming a core agenda for all countries. China’s low-carbon city pilot (LCCP) policy is an important initiative to promote urban low-carbon governance. And exploring the direction of LCCP policy is an important step towards sustainable urban development.MethodsSuper-SBM is employed to calculate urban ecological efficiency using panel data from 254 prefecture-level cities between 2007 and 2020. The methods of kernel density estimation and spatial Markov chains are applied to the spatial analysis of urban ecological efficiency. The spatial analyses examine the spatiotemporal patterns and dynamic evolving trends of urban ecological efficiency. Additionally, the multiperiod difference-in-differences method is used to assess the impact of the LCCP policy on urban ecological efficiency. On this basis, we apply the method of mechanism analysis to discuss the influence mechanism.ResultsThe results indicate that urban ecological efficiency gradually forms a continuous spatial clustering pattern, although there is a widening tendency in the absolute differences. In the subsequent transfer process, the spatial factor plays a highly significant role. Benchmark regressions and auxiliary robustness tests demonstrate that the LCCP policy is effective in improving urban ecological efficiency. Further analysis shows that the effect of LCCP policies on ecological efficiency can be transmitted by promoting green technology innovation as well as facilitating a low-carbon transition in the energy mix. The above findings indicate the presence of the "Green Innovation Effect" and the "Decoupling Effect".DiscussionThese discoveries enhance the theoretical framework of urban ecology and offer valuable insights for other regions seeking to implement low-carbon urban governance.
Comparing the environmental impacts of pollution from two types of industrial zones on the coast
Authors: Liang Jian , Ma Chae-Woo , Kim Kwang-Bae 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThe construction of coastal industrial zones has significantly impacted the marine environment, with the extent of these effects varying based on the type of industrial activity. This study compares the environmental impact of two prevalent types of industrial zones along South Korea’s coast: ironworks and shipyards.MethodsWe assessed heavy metal pollution near these industrial zones using the Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Nemerow Pollution Index (Pn). To evaluate the impact of heavy metals and organic matter on macrobenthic communities, we employed redundancy analysis (RDA) and Spearman correlation analysis. Additionally, we used the AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index (AMBI), Multivariate AMBI (M-AMBI), and Benthic Pollution Index (BPI) to gauge the ecological quality of the affected marine environments.Results and discussionOur findings indicated that the biodiversity and abundance of species near shipyards were significantly lower than those near ironworks. Results of PLI and Pn revealed that the ecological risk posed by heavy metals from shipyard activities was significantly higher than from ironworks. The AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index (AMBI), Multivariate AMBI (M-AMBI), and Benthic Pollution Index (BPI) demonstrated that the ecological quality of Asan Bay (ironworks) is better than that of Dangdong Bay (shipyard). RDA analysis identified Lumbrineris longifolia, Ancistrosyllis hanaokai, and Theora fragilis as biological indicators for assessing heavy metal and organic matter pollution. Spearman correlation analysis indicated that BPI and species richness index are effective indicators for evaluating such pollution. Overall, the negative impact of shipyards on the marine environment was significantly more significant than that of ironworks. Our study provides valuable insights for the South Korean government in managing coastal industrial zones and formulating relevant policies.
Bibliometric analysis of global research trends in magnetic resonance imaging studies of substantia nigra in Parkinson’s disease (2001–2024)
Authors: Jiang Mei , Deng Xu , Qiu Zixiong , Li Jie , Song Zifan , Chen Xiaoshuai , Chen Ruiqi , Huang Xianzhi , Cui Xiaojun , Fu Yuan 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundParkinson’s disease (PD) is a globally prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, primarily characterized by muscle rigidity, resting tremor, and bradykinesia. The incidence of PD is rapidly escalating worldwide. Numerous studies have been conducted on the application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in investigating the substantia nigra (SN) in PD patients. However, to date, no bibliometric analysis has been performed on this specific research area. Therefore, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current status in MRI research on the SN in PD patients.Materials and methodsMRI study records related to the SN in PD patients from 2001 to 2024 were searched by using the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) database and then the CiteSpace and VOSviewer were used to conduct bibliometric analysis.ResultsOur analysis found that the number of published articles related studies on MRI of the SN in PD showed an overall upward trend over the past decade, in which Lehericy, Stephane, Du, Guangwei, and Huang, Xuemei are the top three authors with the most articles. Additionally, United States, China and Germany are the main contributors to MRI studies of SN in PD. And Shanghai Jiao Tong University, University of Florida and Seoul National University are the leading institutions in the field. Finally, the keyword analysis showed that the hotspots and trends of research in this field are mainly concentrated in quantitative susceptibility mapping, neuroimaging, and neuromelanin-sensitive MRI.ConclusionThese analysis identified the most influential authors, institutions, countries and research hotspots in the field of SN-MRI research in PD, which has reference significance for the research interest in this field and provides a new idea for PD prevention.
Modeling seizure networks in neuron-glia cultures using microelectrode arrays
Authors: Boddeti Ujwal , Langbein Jenna , McAfee Darrian , Altshuler Marcelle , Bachani Muzna , Zaveri Hitten P. , Spencer Dennis , Zaghloul Kareem A. , Ksendzovsky Alexander 
Published: September 2024

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder, affecting over 65 million people worldwide. Unfortunately, despite resective surgery, over 30% of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy continue to experience seizures. Retrospective studies considering connectivity using intracranial electrocorticography (ECoG) obtained during neuromonitoring have shown that treatment failure is likely driven by failure to consider critical components of the seizure network, an idea first formally introduced in 2002. However, current studies only capture snapshots in time, precluding the ability to consider seizure network development. Over the past few years, multiwell microelectrode arrays have been increasingly used to study neuronal networks in vitro. As such, we sought to develop a novel in vitro MEA seizure model to allow for study of seizure networks. Specifically, we used 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) to capture hyperexcitable activity, and then show increased network changes after 2 days of chronic treatment. We characterize network changes using functional connectivity measures and a novel technique using dimensionality reduction. We find that 4-AP successfully captures persistently elevated mean firing rate and significant changes in underlying connectivity patterns. We believe this affords a robust in vitro seizure model from which longitudinal network changes can be studied, laying groundwork for future studies exploring seizure network development.
Nasopharyngeal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae among children aged 30 days to <60 months in Beijing and Shenzhen, China (2018–2021) during pneumococcal conjugate vaccine introduction and the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic
Authors: Du Qianqian , Liu Zhaoqiu , Wang Hongmei , Wang Yani , Liu Li , Wen Xuexia , Yu Sangjie , Ren Qingqing , Gonzalez Elisa , Arguedas Adriano , Fletcher Mark A. , Pan Kaijie , Morales Graciela Del Carmen , Deng Jikui , Yao Kaihu 
Published: September 2024

ObjectivesTo describe the carriage rate, serotype distribution, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) nasopharyngeal (NP) isolates among healthy children aged 30 days to &lt;60 months in the cities of Beijing and Shenzhen during 2018–2021.MethodsA NP swab sample was collected among four annual cohorts of healthy children at routine well-child visits. S. pneumoniae was identified by culture, optochin sensitivity and bile solubility, serotypes determined by latex agglutination and Quellung, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing performed using E-test strips.ResultsS. pneumoniae NP carriage was 13.1% (645/4,911), with the highest S. pneumoniae carriage prevalence (15.3%) observed in 25 to &lt;60 months. The carriage prevalence was 15.1% in children 13–24 months, 13.2% in children 7–12 months, and 8.2% in children 30 days to 6 months (P &lt; 0.01). Living with siblings [20.0% vs. 9.4%: OR: 2.42 (95% CI: 2.05–2.87)] or attending day-care [31.8% vs. 11.3%: OR: 3.67 (95% CI: 2.94–4.57)] increased the risk (P &lt; 0.01). During the period (January 2020–April 2021) of strict non-pharmaceutical interventions to prevent and control the COVID-19 pandemic, the proportion of children with S. pneumoniae colonization declined from 16.0% (94/587) to 5.8% (108/1,848) in Beijing while increasing from 14.5% (64/443) to 18.6% (379/2,033) in Shenzhen. Among S. pneumoniae isolates, 36.7% (237/645) belonged to 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) serotypes, 64.3% (408/645) were non-PCV13 serotypes, including 20.8% (134/645) non-serotypeable S. pneumoniae (NST). A total of 158/644 isolates (24.5%) were MDR. For the PCV13 isolates, MDR was detected in 36.3% (86/237) of isolates; in comparison, 17.6% (72/407) of non-PCV13 serotypes, including NST, were MDR (P &lt; 0.01). S. pneumoniae NP carriage was detected in 10.7% of children with previous pneumococcal vaccination (PCV7 or PCV13 only) compared with 14.9% in children without previous pneumococcal vaccination.ConclusionsThe highest S. pneumoniae carriage prevalence were found in the oldest age group (25 to &lt;60 months) and in children living with siblings or attending day-care. Vaccination with PCV7 or PCV13 was associated with lower PCV13-serotype colonization. In Beijing, S. pneumoniae carriage significantly declined during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Comparing psychometric characteristics of a computerized cognitive test (BrainCheck Assess) against the Montreal cognitive assessment
Authors: Huynh Duong , Sun Kevin , Ghomi Reza Hosseini , Huang Bin 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionPrevious validation studies demonstrated that BrainCheck Assess (BC-Assess), a computerized cognitive test battery, can reliably and sensitively distinguish individuals with different levels of cognitive impairment (i.e., normal cognition (NC), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia). Compared with other traditional paper-based cognitive screening instruments commonly used in clinical practice, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is generally accepted to be among the most comprehensive and robust screening tools, with high sensitivity/specificity in distinguishing MCI from NC and dementia. In this study, we examined: (1) the linear relationship between BC-Assess and MoCA and their equivalent cut-off scores, and (2) the extent to which they agree on their impressions of an individual’s cognitive status.MethodsA subset of participants (N = 55; age range 54–94, mean/SD = 80/9.5) from two previous studies who took both the MoCA and BC-Assess were included in this analysis. Linear regression was used to calculate equivalent cut-off scores for BC-Assess based on those originally recommended for the MoCA to differentiate MCI from NC (cut-off = 26), and dementia from MCI (cut-off = 19). Impression agreement between the two instruments were measured through overall agreement (OA), positive percent agreement (PPA), and negative percent agreement (NPA).ResultsA high Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.77 (CI = 0.63–0.86) was observed between the two scores. According to this relationship, MoCA cutoffs of 26 and 19 correspond to BC-Assess scores of 89.6 and 68.5, respectively. These scores are highly consistent with the currently recommended BC-Assess cutoffs (i.e., 85 and 70). The two instruments also show a high degree of agreement in their impressions based on their recommended cut-offs: (i) OA = 70.9%, PPA = 70.4%, NPA = 71.4% for differentiating dementia from MCI/NC; (ii) OA = 83.6%, PPA = 84.1%, NPA = 81.8% for differentiating dementia/MCI from NC.DiscussionThis study provides further validation of BC-Assess in a sample of older adults by showing its high correlation and agreement in impression with the widely used MoCA.
Prediction of medical admissions after psychiatric inpatient hospitalization in bipolar disorder: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Miola Alessandro , De Prisco Michele , Lussignoli Marialaura , Meda Nicola , Dughiero Elisa , Costa Riccardo , Nunez Nicolas A. , Fornaro Michele , Veldic Marin , Frye Mark A. , Vieta Eduard , Solmi Marco , Radua Joaquim , Sambataro Fabio 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveBipolar Disorder (BD) is a severe mental illness associated with high rates of general medical comorbidity, reduced life expectancy, and premature mortality. Although BD has been associated with high medical hospitalization, the factors that contribute to this risk remain largely unexplored. We used baseline medical and psychiatric records to develop a supervised machine learning model to predict general medical admissions after discharge from psychiatric hospitalization.MethodsIn this retrospective three-year cohort study of 71 patients diagnosed with BD (mean age=52.19 years, females=56.33%), lasso regression models combining medical and psychiatric records, as well as those using them separately, were fitted and their predictive power was estimated using a leave-one-out cross-validation procedure.ResultsThe proportion of medical admissions in patients with BD was higher compared with age- and sex-matched hospitalizations in the same region (25.4% vs. 8.48%). The lasso model fairly accurately predicted the outcome (area under the curve [AUC]=69.5%, 95%C.I.=55–84.1; sensitivity=61.1%, specificity=75.5%, balanced accuracy=68.3%). Notably, pre-existing cardiovascular, neurological, or osteomuscular diseases collectively accounted for more than 90% of the influence on the model. The accuracy of the model based on medical records was slightly inferior (AUC=68.7%, 95%C.I. = 54.6-82.9), while that of the model based on psychiatric records only was below chance (AUC=61.8%, 95%C.I.=46.2–77.4).ConclusionOur findings support the need to monitor medical comorbidities during clinical decision-making to tailor and implement effective preventive measures in people with BD. Further research with larger sample sizes and prospective cohorts is warranted to replicate these findings and validate the predictive model.