bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the current status and influencing factors of nurses’ patient safety competence: a potential profile analysis
Authors: Xiao Qian , Huang Xi , Ren Xin , Wen Xiulin , Zhao Yujian 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveThe study aimed to understand the current situation of hospital nurses’ patient safety competence, identify potential categories, and analyze the distribution characteristics of demographic variables in each subgroup.MethodsA total of 1,996 nursing staff were selected to be included in this research using a convenience sampling method. A questionnaire survey was conducted using the Chinese version of the Patient Safety Ability Scale, and three dimensions of the Patient Safety Ability Rating Scale were used as explicit variables for potential profile analysis. The influencing factors of different potential profiles of nurses’ patient safety ability were analyzed using logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe safety ability of the 1,996 nurses could be categorized into three potential groups as follows: “ability risk group” (14.3%), “medium ability group” (32.9%), and “ability advantage group” (52.7%), with monthly income, participation in department training, self-learning, and love of nursing as the influencing factors.ConclusionThe overall patient safety ability of nurses is at an upper-middle level. The classification of nurses can be predicted by factors, such as monthly income, participation in department training, self-directed learning, and love of nursing. Nursing managers can formulate targeted interventions according to the influencing factors of potential profiles to improve nurses’ patient safety ability.
Effects of spent substrate of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) on ruminal fermentation, microbial community and growth performance in Hu sheep
Authors: Lu Mu-Long , Yuan Guo-Hong , Rehemujiang Halidai , Li Chang-Chang , Hu Li-Hong , Duan Ping-Ping , Zhang Li-Dong , Diao Qi-Yu , Deng Kai-Dong , Xu Gui-Shan 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionThe study aimed to evaluate the effects of Pleurotus Spent Mushroom Substrate (P.SMS) on the rumen microbiota, encompassing bacteria and fungi, as well as their interactions in Hu sheep.MethodsA total of forty-five 3-month-old Hu sheep were randomly assigned to five groups. Each group was fed diets in which whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) was substituted with P.SMS at varying levels: 0% (CON), 5% (PSMS5), 10% (PSMS10), 15% (PSMS15), or 20% (PSMS20).ResultsThe results indicated that higher proportions of P.SMS during the experimental period might have a detrimental effect on feed utilization efficiency, kidney function, and blood oxygen-carrying capacity. Notably, moderate levels of P.SMS, specifically below 15%, were associated with improvements in rumen NH3-N levels and absorption capacity. The results indicated that (1) PSMS20 exhibited a significantly higher feed-to-gain ratio compared to CON (P &lt; 0.05); (2) PSMS15 showed a significantly higher NH3-N content than CON, PSMS5, and PSMS20. Additionally, PSMS10 and PSMS20 had elevated concentrations of NH3-N compared to CON and PSMS5 (P &lt; 0.05); (3) The length and width of rumen papillae were significantly greater in PSMS20 compared to CON and PSMS5 (P &lt; 0.05); (4) Creatinine levels were significantly higher in PSMS20 than in CON, PSMS5, and PSMS10 (P &lt; 0.05); (5) By the conclusion of the experiment, hemoglobin concentration in PSMS20 showed a significant increase compared to CON (P &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, the addition of P.SMS influenced microorganisms at both the phylum and genus levels: (1) At the phylum level, the prevalence of Patescibacteria was significantly lower in PSMS20 compared to the other groups; (2) PSMS15 exhibited significantly higher relative abundances of Basidiomycota compared to CON and PSMS10, while PSMS20 also demonstrated significantly higher relative abundances compared to CON (P &lt; 0.05); (3) At the genus level, the prevalence of Candidatus_Saccharimonas in PSMS20 was significantly lower than in PSMS5, PSMS10, and PSMS15. Conversely, the prevalence of Phanerochaete in PSMS15 was notably higher than in CON and PSMS10, and it was also significantly elevated in PSMS20 compared to CON (P &lt; 0.05); (4) Correlation analysis indicated no significant correlation between changes in the structure of bacterial and fungal communities.DiscussionConsidering these findings, a high percentage of P.SMS negatively impacted feed utilization efficiency, blood oxygen carrying capacity, and kidney function, while a moderate percentage of P.SMS promotes rumen absorption capacity, indicating that feeding 10% P.SMS is optimal.
Role of hypothetical protein PA1-LRP in antibacterial activity of endolysin from a new Pantoea phage PA1
Authors: Tian Ye , Xu Xinyan , Ijaz Munazza , Shen Ying , Shahid Muhammad Shafiq , Ahmed Temoor , Ali Hayssam M. , Yan Chengqi , Gu Chunyan , Lu Jianfei , Wang Yanli , Ondrasek Gabrijel , Li Bin 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionPantoea ananatis has emerged as a significant plant pathogen affecting various crops worldwide, causing substantial economic losses. Bacteriophages and their endolysins offer promising alternatives for controlling bacterial infections, addressing the growing concerns of antibiotic resistance.MethodsThis study isolated and characterized the Pantoea phage PA1 and investigated the role of PA1-LRP in directly damaging bacteria and assisting endolysin PA1-Lys in cell lysis, comparing its effect to exogenous transmembrane domains following the identification and analysis of the PA1-Lys and the PA1-LRP based on whole genome analysis of phage PA1. Additionally, this study also explored how hydrophobic region of PA1-LRP (HPP) contributes to bacterial killing when combined with PA1-Lys and examined the stability and lytic spectrum of PA1-Lys under various conditions.Results and discussionPhage PA1 belonging to the Chaseviridae family exhibited a broad host range against P. ananatis strains, with a latent period of 40 minutes and a burst size of 17.17 phages per infected cell. PA1-Lys remained stable at pH 6-10 and temperatures of 20-50°C and showed lytic activity against various Gram-negative bacteria, while PA1-Lys alone could not directly lyse bacteria, its lytic activity was enhanced in the presence of EDTA. Surprisingly, PA1-LRP inhibited bacterial growth when expressed alone. After 24 h of incubation, the OD600 value of pET28a-LRP decreased by 0.164 compared to pET28a. Furthermore, the lytic effect of co-expressed PA1-LRP and PA1-Lys was significantly stronger than each separately. After 24 h of incubation, compared to pET28a-LRP, the OD600 value of pET28a-Lys-LRP decreased by 0.444, while the OD420 value increased by 3.121. Live/dead cell staining, and flow cytometry experiments showed that the fusion expression of PA1-LRP and PA1-Lys resulted in 41.29% cell death, with bacterial morphology changing from rod-shaped to filamentous. Notably, PA1-LRP provided stronger support for endolysin-mediated cell lysis than exogenous transmembrane domains. Additionally, our results demonstrated that the HPP fused with PA1-Lys, led to 40.60% cell death, with bacteria changing from rod-shaped to spherical and exhibiting vacuolation. Taken together, this study provides insights into the lysis mechanisms of Pantoea phages and identifies a novel lysis-related protein, PA1-LRP, which could have potential applications in phage therapy and bacterial disease control.
Emergence of highly virulent and multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli in breeding sheep with pneumonia, Hainan Province, China
Authors: Wang Mengqi , Li Xuesong , Guo Guiying , Rehman Muhammad Nafees Ur , Gao Xiaomeng , Fan Lixia , Yang Nuo , Zeng Jifeng , Zheng Jiping 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundSheep are a rarely raised livestock in Hainan Island, China, because of the unfavorable tropical marine climate. Here, this article reports a severe pneumonia in the sheep breeding and domestication facility caused acute mortality during the winter 2021–2022.MethodsSix sheep were clinically dissected and histopathologically observed. The bacteria were isolated and cultured by traditional methods and identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. The genotypes, serotypes, virulence genes and antimicrobial resistance genes were analyzed by PCR and whole genome sequencing. The pubMLST website was used for phylogenetic analysis of related strains. Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was used for antimicrobial susceptibility test. The antimicrobial susceptibility test standard was referred to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The virulence of bacteria was detected by mouse infection model.ResultsEtiology and histopathology examination of the pneumonia reveled pulmonary abscess and alveolar neutrophilia and pulmonary fibrinous exudates. Escherichia coli was the only bacterial species isolated, primarily from the lungs and blood of the six dead or moribund sheep, a total of 29 E. coli strains were isolated. Antimicrobial resistance profiling shows that all the isolates were resistant to six agents (penicillin, ampicillin, cephalothin, neomycin, erythromycin, and vancomycin) belonging to five classes of antibiotics, classifying them as multi drug resistant (MDR). Furthermore, genotyping analysis revealed all strains were common with 11–17 virulence factors indicating high pathogenicity. The lab mice infection model shows that all strains severely affect the health status particularly weight loss, lethargy, pneumonia and shortly lead to death. The molecular epidemiological analysis indicated most strains share the same genotype as previously reported strains in humans and other farmed animals this suggests a high possibility of cross-species transmission (CST) of virulent and MDR isolates. This CST could be from sheep to humans and other farmed animals or from humans and other farmed animals to sheep.ConclusionTherefore, this study indicates that E. coli is an emerging threat that causes sheep pneumonia in Hainan, and the quarantine of contacts is important to control the spread of virulent E. coli and the transmission of acquired resistance genes between humans and farmed animals such as sheep.
Latent dynamics of primary sensory cortical population activity structured by fluctuations in the local field potential
Authors: Sederberg Audrey , Pala Aurélie , Stanley Garrett B. 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionAs emerging technologies enable measurement of precise details of the activity within microcircuits at ever-increasing scales, there is a growing need to identify the salient features and patterns within the neural populations that represent physiologically and behaviorally relevant aspects of the network. Accumulating evidence from recordings of large neural populations suggests that neural population activity frequently exhibits relatively low-dimensional structure, with a small number of variables explaining a substantial fraction of the structure of the activity. While such structure has been observed across the brain, it is not known how reduced-dimension representations of neural population activity relate to classical metrics of “brain state,” typically described in terms of fluctuations in the local field potential (LFP), single-cell activity, and behavioral metrics.MethodsHidden state models were fit to spontaneous spiking activity of populations of neurons, recorded in the whisker area of primary somatosensory cortex of awake mice. Classic measures of cortical state in S1, including the LFP and whisking activity, were compared to the dynamics of states inferred from spiking activity.ResultsA hidden Markov model fit the population spiking data well with a relatively small number of states, and putative inhibitory neurons played an outsize role in determining the latent state dynamics. Spiking states inferred from the model were more informative of the cortical state than a direct readout of the spiking activity of single neurons or of the population. Further, the spiking states predicted both the trial-by-trial variability in sensory responses and one aspect of behavior, whisking activity.DiscussionOur results show how classical measurements of brain state relate to neural population spiking dynamics at the scale of the microcircuit and provide an approach for quantitative mapping of brain state dynamics across brain areas.
White matter functional networks in the developing brain
Authors: Huang Yali , Glasier Charles M. , Na Xiaoxu , Ou Xiawei 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundFunctional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is widely used to depict neural activity and understand human brain function. Studies show that functional networks in gray matter undergo complex transformations from neonatal age to childhood, supporting rapid cognitive development. However, white matter functional networks, given the much weaker fMRI signal, have not been characterized until recently, and changes in white matter functional networks in the developing brain remain unclear.PurposeAims to examine and compare white matter functional networks in neonates and 8-year-old children.MethodsWe acquired resting-state fMRI data on 69 full-term healthy neonates and 38 healthy 8-year-old children using a same imaging protocol and studied their brain white matter functional networks using a similar pipeline. First, we utilized the ICA method to extract white matter functional networks. Next, we analyzed the characteristics of the white matter functional networks from both time-domain and frequency-domain perspectives, specifically, intra-network functional connectivity (intra-network FC), inter-network functional connectivity (inter-network FC), and fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF). Finally, the differences in the above functional networks’ characteristics between the two groups were evaluated. As a supplemental measure and to confirm with literature findings on gray matter functional network changes in the developing brain, we also studied and reported functional networks in gray matter.ResultsWhite matter functional networks in the developing brain can be depicted for both the neonates and the 8-year-old children. White matter intra-network FC within the optic radiations, corticospinal tract, and anterior corona radiata was lower in 8-year-old children compared to neonates (p &lt; 0.05). Inter-network FC between cerebral peduncle (CP) and anterior corona radiation (ACR) was higher in 8-year-olds (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, 8-year-olds showed a greater distribution of brain activity energy in the high-frequency range of 0.01–0.15 Hz. Significant developmental differences in brain white matter functional networks exist between the two group, characterized by increased inter-network FC, decreased intra-network FC, and higher high-frequency energy distribution. Similar findings were also observed in gray matter functional networks.ConclusionWhite matter functional networks can be reliably measured in the developing brain, and the differences in these networks reflect functional differentiation and integration in brain development.
A novel method in myocardial injury risk stratification using intravenous fat emulsion as sole rapid preparation for unfasted patients to suppress myocardial 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake for optimal cardiac PET imaging: a proof-of-concept randomized-crossover trial
Authors: Li Michael H-G. , Boktor Raef R. , Rowe Christopher , Weinberg Laurence , Riedel Bernhard 
Published: October 2024

ObjectivesOptimal imaging of ischemic or inflammed myocardium via 18F-FDG PET imaging requires suppression of background carbohydrate metabolism in normal myocardium. Sole administration of intravenous lipid emulsion has not previously been used to rapidly prepare unfasted patients, such as in emergent clinical situations. In this proof-of-concept pilot, we posited that intravenous fat emulsion suppresses physiological metabolic uptake of in non-ischemic, non-inflammatory myocardium in unprepared and unfasted setting for enhanced cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.MethodsWe conducted an ethics-approved, single-blind, prospective randomized crossover trial of 10 healthy volunteers from January 2020 to June 2021. Participants were unfasted and rendered hyperglycemic before being administered either high dose intravenous lipid emulsion—1.5 ml kg of 20% lipid emulsion, followed by 15 ml/kg/hr for 30mins—or saline prior to 18F-FDG injection and subsequent cardiac PET imaging. Assessors undertook image analysis for maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax), minimum standard uptake value (SUVmin) and qualitative assessment, and groups were compared using univariate analysis.ResultsThe study population age was 44.5 years [IQR 32.5–56.5], with 50% male and a median BMI of 22.75 [IQR 25.0–28.5] kg/m2. The study was feasible and there were no adverse side effects from the interventions. In these participants with normal myocardium, 18F-FDG uptake was reduced by intravenous lipid emulsion as assessed by SUVmax and qualitative assessment (p = 0.042, r = 0.454 and p = 0.009, r = –0.581, respectively).ConclusionsIntravenous lipid emulsion suppresses background metabolic uptake of 18F-FDG even in unprepared and unfasted patients. Our findings prove and expand the possible applications for cardiac 18F-FDG PET in various settings, including in emergent settings as a means of rapid preparation in place of current more time-consuming standard protocols, allowing time-critical management to be effected.
Vitamin C intake and osteoarthritis: findings of NHANES 2003–2018 and Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Hongjie , Jiang Xuan , Bai Lei , Chen Jiahui , Luo Wei , Ma Jianxiong , Ma Xinlong 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundThe role of vitamin C in osteoarthritis (OA) is still a subject of debate. Our aim was to combine the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and MR studies to explore the relationship between vitamin C intake and OA.MethodsClinical information on participants during NHANES 2003–2018 was collected and the relationship between vitamin C intake and OA risk was assessed using logistic regression modelling. In MR analyses, three methods were used to explore the causality of vitamin C intake with OA. Sensitivity analysis to verify the stability of the MR study.ResultsThe cross-sectional study included a total of 31,527 participants, categorizing them into low (&lt;30.2 mg), medium (30.2–93.0 mg) and high (&gt;93.0 mg) level groups based on their vitamin C intake levels. Logistic regression models showed that vitamin C intake was not associated with OA risk (p &gt; 0.05). Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method of MR study showed no causality between vitamin C intake and OA (OR = 0.993, 95% CI: 0.901 ~ 1.095, p = 0.882). Sensitivity analysis indicated that the MR study was reliable.ConclusionOur cross-sectional and MR studies showed that vitamin C intake was not associated with OA risk. More researches are needed in the future to investigate the link between vitamin C and OA.
Retinol intake and PCOS management: a plasma metabolite and protein analysis via Mendelian randomization and NHANES 2011–2016
Authors: Chen Peng , Ni Sha , Liu Qi-Fang , Ou-Yang Ling 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) represents a complex endocrine disorder characterized by a significant interplay with metabolic dysfunction and obesity. This research endeavors to elucidate the causal dynamics among plasma metabolites, proteins, and PCOS, alongside Body Mass Index (BMI), to pinpoint prospective therapeutic interventions.MethodsThis investigation employed Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses combined with data derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to explore the relationships between 1,400 plasma metabolites and PCOS, factoring in BMI adjustments. Additionally, the study examined the influence of plasma proteins and performed a retrospective cross-sectional analysis focusing on retinol consumption and testosterone levels.ResultsMR analyses showed metabolite Glycosyl-N-(2-hydroxynervonoyl)-sphingosine (GNS) and protein Keratin 19 (KRT19) were identified as significant markers in the context of PCOS and BMI adjustments. A Phenome-Wide Association Study (PheWAS) underscored the linkage between KRT19 and BMI, while gene-drug interaction findings demonstrated a connection between KRT19 and retinol. Analysis for NHANES data disclosed a negative correlation between retinol intake and testosterone levels, particularly within normal weight and obese cohorts, suggesting the feasibility of dietary interventions for PCOS management.ConclusionThe study sheds light on the intricate interactions between plasma metabolites, proteins, and PCOS, considering BMI variations, and highlights KRT19 protein as a promising therapeutic target. The outcomes support the integration of retinol consumption into dietary strategies to regulate testosterone levels and potentially alleviate PCOS symptoms, underscoring the necessity for personalized nutritional and therapeutic approaches in the effective management of PCOS.
Association between dried fruit intake and kidney function: research from univariate and multivariate Mendelian randomized studies
Authors: Gao Yuhang , Yue Xinghai , Zhao Wanchao , Yuan Fang 
Published: October 2024

ObjectivesObservational studies have identified an association between dried fruit intake and kidney function. However, these studies have limitations such as vulnerability to confounders and reverse causality bias. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the potential causal relationship between dried fruit intake and kidney function.MethodsA two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was conducted using a large-scale genome-wide association study dataset to investigate the causal relationship between dried fruit intake and kidney function markers (blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CR), uric acid (UA), cystatin C (CyC), hematuria, microalbuminuria). The main analytical method was inverse variance weighting. In addition, we applied the MR Egger and weighted median to assess the robustness of the results. Finally, Multivariate Mendelian randomization (MVMR) was used to estimate the direct effect of dried fruit intake on kidney function markers.ResultsThe univariate MR analysis showed that increased dried fruit intake was associated with lower kidney function markers, including BUN (β: −0.171, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.239 to −0.102, p = 1.063 × 10−6), CR (β: −0.205, 95% CI: −0.311 to −0.099, p = 1.455 × 10−4), UA (β = −0.317, 95% CI: −0.384 to −0.249, p = 4.439 × 10−20), and CysC (β = −0.323, 95% CI: −0.384 to −0.249, p = 1.074 × 10−11); however, it was unrelated to hematuria and microalbuminuria. Causality persisted after performing MVMR analysis; however, with the addition of alcohol consumption and smoking as exposure factors, the causality for UA (β = −0.296, 95% CI: −0.523 to −0.068, p = 1.094 × 10−2) and CysC (β = −0.238, 95% CI: −0.465 to −0.011, p = 4.024× 10−2) weakened, while the causality for BUN (β = −0.038, 95% CI: −0.215 to 0.138, p = 6.698 × 10−1) and CR (β = −0.038, 95% CI: −0.431 to 0.046, p = 1.347 × 10−1) disappeared.ConclusionIncreased dried fruit intake was associated with lower kidney function markers (BUN, CR, UA, and CysC) in the absence of smoking and alcohol consumption; however, the causal relationship between dried fruit intake and BUN and CR disappeared in the presence of smoking and alcohol consumption. These results provide a promising avenue for delaying the course of chronic kidney disease.