bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and evaluation of rapid and simple detection of Klebsiella pneumoniae using closed dumbbell-mediated isothermal amplification diagnostic assay
Authors: Zhang Yanli , Chen Xuhan , Ouyang Guifang , Wang Jiaping , Sun Yongcheng , Lai Yanli , Zhang Ping , Guo Fei , Yang Shujun , Mao Rui 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionKlebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is the most common pathogen causing hospital respiratory tract infection and epidemic. Gold standard procedures of microscopic examination and biochemical identification are widely used in clinical diagnosis with disadvantages of low sensitivity, time-consuming and sophisticated equipment requiring. An efficient, nucleic acid amplification-based sensitive and specific on-site identification of K. pneumoniae in clinical is necessary to facilitate clinical medication and disease control.MethodsWe developed a closed dumbbell mediated isothermal amplification (CDA) assay for the rapid and sensitive detection of conserved rcsA gene in K. pneumoniae by real-time fluorescence monitoring and end-point colorimetric judgement. We designed and selected a pair of inner primers of CDA to detect K. pneumoniae. Then outer and loop primers were designed and verified to accelerate CDA reaction to achieve more efficient detection of K. pneumoniae.ResultsThe results showed the detection limit of CDA assay was 1.2 × 10−5 ng/μL (approximately 1 copy of the target gene) within 60 min, which was 100-fold more sensitive than real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Several pathogen genomic DNAs (Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella sonnei, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Escherichia coli, Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, Candida albicans, Streptococcus agalactiae, Rickettsia, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Klebsiella aerogenes) were used to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the established K. pneumoniae CDA assay. Total 224 batches of samples from other strains tested were negative and 296 batches of extracted K. pneumoniae DNA samples were positive by the developed CDA amplification approach, revealing high specificity and specificity of the diagnostic assay. In addition, the results of real-time fluorescence amplification of the K. pneumoniae CDA were in consistent with those of end-point colorimetric results.DiscussionThe established real-time fluorescence and visual CDA assays of K. pneumoniae with merits of rapid, sensitive and specificity could be helpful for on-site diagnosis and clinical screening in rural areas.
Second language learning in older adults modulates Stroop task performance and brain activation
Authors: Schultz Douglas H. , Gansemer Alison , Allgood Kiley , Gentz Mariah , Secilmis Lauren , Deldar Zoha , Savage Cary R. , Ghazi Saidi Ladan 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionNumerous studies have highlighted cognitive benefits in lifelong bilinguals during aging, manifesting as superior performance on cognitive tasks compared to monolingual counterparts. Yet, the cognitive impacts of acquiring a new language in older adulthood remain unexplored. In this study, we assessed both behavioral and fMRI responses during a Stroop task in older adults, pre- and post language-learning intervention.MethodsA group of 41 participants (age:60–80) from a predominantly monolingual environment underwent a four-month online language course, selecting a new language of their preference. This intervention mandated engagement for 90 minutes a day, five days a week. Daily tracking was employed to monitor progress and retention. All participants completed a color-word Stroop task inside the scanner before and after the language instruction period.ResultsWe found that performance on the Stroop task, as evidenced by accuracy and reaction time, improved following the language learning intervention. With the neuroimaging data, we observed significant differences in activity between congruent and incongruent trials in key regions in the prefrontal and parietal cortex. These results are consistent with previous reports using the Stroop paradigm. We also found that the amount of time participants spent with the language learning program was related to differential activity in these brain areas. Specifically, we found that people who spent more time with the language learning program showed a greater increase in differential activity between congruent and incongruent trials after the intervention relative to before.DiscussionFuture research is needed to determine the optimal parameters for language learning as an effective cognitive intervention for aging populations. We propose that with sufficient engagement, language learning can enhance specific domains of cognition such as the executive functions. These results extend the understanding of cognitive reserve and its augmentation through targeted interventions, setting a foundation for future investigations.
Detection of neurophysiological markers of cognitive reserve: an EEG study
Authors: Katayama Osamu , Stern Yaakov , Habeck Christian , Coors Annabell , Lee Sangyoon , Harada Kenji , Makino Keitaro , Tomida Kouki , Morikawa Masanori , Yamaguchi Ryo , Nishijima Chiharu , Misu Yuka , Fujii Kazuya , Kodama Takayuki , Shimada Hiroyuki 
Published: August 2024

Background and objectivesCognitive reserve (CR) is a property of the brain that allows for better–than–expected cognitive performance relative to the degree of brain change over the course of life. However, neurophysiological markers of CR remain under-investigated. Electroencephalography (EEG) features may function as suitable neurophysiological markers of CR. To assess this, we investigated whether the dorsal attention network (DAN) and ventral attention network (VAN) activities, as measured during resting–state EEG, moderate the relationship between hippocampal volume and episodic memory.MethodsParticipants were recruited as part of the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology–Study of Geriatric Syndromes. Hippocampal volume was determined using magnetic MRI, and episodic memory was measured using word lists. After testing the effect of hippocampal volume on memory performance using multiple regression analysis, we evaluated the interactions between hippocampal volume and DAN and VAN network activities. We further used the Johnson–Neyman technique to quantify the moderating effects of DAN and VAN network activities on the relationship between hippocampal volume and word list memory, as well as to identify specific ranges of DAN and VAN network activity with significant hippocampal–memory association.ResultsA total of 449 participants were included in this study. Our analysis revealed significant moderation of DAN with a slope of β = −0.00012 (95% CI: −0.00024; −0.00001, p = 0.040), and VAN with a slope of β = 0.00014 (95% CI: 0.00001; 0.00026, p = 0.031). Further, we found that a larger hippocampal volume was associated with improved memory performance, and that this association became stronger as the DAN activity decreased until a limit of DAN activity of 944.9, after which the hippocampal volume was no longer significantly related to word-list memory performance. For the VAN, we found that a higher hippocampal volume was more strongly associated with better memory performance when VAN activity was higher. However, when VAN activity extended beyond −914.6, the hippocampal volume was no longer significantly associated with word-list memory.DiscussionOur results suggest that attentional networks help to maintain memory performance in the face of age-related structural decline, meeting the criteria for the neural implementation of cognitive reserve.
Exploring white matter microstructural alterations in mild cognitive impairment: a multimodal diffusion MRI investigation utilizing diffusion kurtosis and free-water imaging
Authors: Nelson Megan R. , Keeling Elizabeth G. , Stokes Ashley M. , Bergamino Maurizio 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundMild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a transitional stage from normal aging to dementia, characterized by noticeable changes in cognitive function that do not significantly impact daily life. Diffusion MRI (dMRI) plays a crucial role in understanding MCI by assessing white matter integrity and revealing early signs of axonal degeneration and myelin breakdown before cognitive symptoms appear.MethodsThis study utilized the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database to compare white matter microstructure in individuals with MCI to cognitively normal (CN) individuals, employing advanced dMRI techniques such as diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), mean signal diffusion kurtosis imaging (MSDKI), and free water imaging (FWI).ResultsAnalyzing data from 55 CN subjects and 46 individuals with MCI, this study found significant differences in white matter integrity, particularly in free water levels and kurtosis values, suggesting neuroinflammatory responses and microstructural integrity disruption in MCI. Moreover, negative correlations between Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores and free water levels in the brain within the MCI group point to the potential of these measures as early biomarkers for cognitive impairment.ConclusionIn conclusion, this study demonstrates how a multimodal advanced diffusion imaging approach can uncover early microstructural changes in MCI, offering insights into the neurobiological mechanisms behind cognitive decline.
Age-based stereotype threat effects on dynamic balance in healthy older adults
Authors: Borel Liliane , Alescio-Lautier Béatrice , Léonard Jacques , Régner Isabelle 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionStereotype threat can lead older adults to perceive their experiences in a biased manner, giving rise to interfering thoughts and negative emotions that generate stress and anxiety. Negative beliefs about aging may serve as an additional factor that increases the need for attentional demand, potentially resulting in a performance level below their actual capabilities. In the present study, we asked whether negative aging stereotypes influence a dynamic balance task and explored the means to counteract them in healthy elderly participants.MethodsThe performance of balance was compared in two groups of participants aged 65 to 75 years (n = 22) under stereotype threat or reduced-threat situation. Balance abilities were tested under dynamic conditions, requiring participants to maintain balance on a moving platform and using a gradient of difficulty (with eyes open or closed, without or with foam). Postural performance was evaluated by means of posturographic evaluation of the center of pressure displacement and motion analysis. Additionally, we investigated the effects of stereotype threat on a preferred walking speed task and on the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test.ResultsParticipants under stereotype threat showed poorer balance, particularly in challenging conditions (eyes closed, on foam), with less effective body segments stabilization. Their postural stabilization on foam was worse compared to a solid surface. Conversely, those in the reduced threat condition maintained better body segment stabilization across all conditions, indicating consistent postural control regardless of the presence of foam. Stereotype threat did not affect preferred walking speed or the time to complete the “Time Up and Go” test.Discussion-conclusionThis study provides the first description of age-based stereotype threat effects on a dynamic balance task and how to counteract them in healthy older adults. We suggest that the decrease in postural performance observed in participants exposed to stereotype threat can be attributed to a split in attentional focus between negative intrusive thoughts and the attention needed for maintaining balance. These findings open new perspectives on how to overcome negative expectations when evaluating and training physical abilities, thereby contributing to fall prevention among older adults.
Predicting and comparing the long-term impact of lifestyle interventions on individuals with eating disorders in active population: a machine learning evaluation
Authors: Irandoust Khadijeh , Parsakia Kamdin , Estifa Ali , Zoormand Gholamreza , Knechtle Beat , Rosemann Thomas , Weiss Katja , Taheri Morteza 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate and predict the long-term effectiveness of five lifestyle interventions for individuals with eating disorders using machine learning techniques.MethodsThis study, conducted at Dr. Irandoust’s Health Center at Qazvin from August 2021 to August 2023, aimed to evaluate the effects of five lifestyle interventions on individuals with eating disorders, initially diagnosed using The Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale (EDDS). The interventions were: (1) Counseling, exercise, and dietary regime, (2) Aerobic exercises with dietary regime, (3) Walking and dietary regime, (4) Exercise with a flexible diet, and (5) Exercises through online programs and applications. Out of 955 enrolled participants, 706 completed the study, which measured Body Fat Percentage (BFP), Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR), Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol, Total Cholesterol (CHO), Weight, and Triglycerides (TG) at baseline, during, and at the end of the intervention. Random Forest and Gradient Boosting Regressors, following feature engineering, were used to analyze the data, focusing on the interventions’ long-term effectiveness on health outcomes related to eating disorders.ResultsFeature engineering with Random Forest and Gradient Boosting Regressors, respectively, reached an accuracy of 85 and 89%, then 89 and 90% after dataset balancing. The interventions were ranked based on predicted effectiveness: counseling with exercise and dietary regime, aerobic exercises with dietary regime, walking with dietary regime, exercise with a flexible diet, and exercises through online programs.ConclusionThe results show that Machine Learning (ML) models effectively predicted the long-term effectiveness of lifestyle interventions. The current study suggests a significant potential for tailored health strategies. This emphasizes the most effective interventions for individuals with eating disorders. According to the results, it can also be suggested to expand demographics and geographic locations of participants, longer study duration, exploring advanced machine learning techniques, and including psychological and social adherence factors. Ultimately, these results can guide healthcare providers and policymakers in creating targeted lifestyle intervention strategies, emphasizing personalized health plans, and leveraging machine learning for predictive healthcare solutions.
Time to recovery and its predictors among children aged 6–59 months having uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition attending an outpatient therapeutic program in Northeast Ethiopia: prospective cohort study
Authors: Feleke Fentaw Wassie , Masresha Setamlak Adane , Mulaw Getahun Fentaw 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThere are insufficient data regarding the variables influencing recovery times, despite the accessible outpatient therapy program (OTP) bringing services for treating severe acute malnutrition (SAM) closer to the community. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the factors influencing the recovery duration in children with uncomplicated SAM between the ages of 6 and 59 months who were attending an OTP in North Wollo, northern Ethiopia.MethodsFrom February 2021 to July 2021, 356 children, ages 6–59 months, enrolled in a facility-based prospective cohort study. An interviewer administered a semi-structured questionnaire once a week to acquire anthropometric measures. The data were imported into Stata version 14.2 for analysis from EPI data entry version 4.6.06. The time to recovery for each attribute was determined using a log-rank test, a survival curve, and a Kaplan–Meier estimate of the median time to recovery. The Cox Proportional-Hazards Model was used to identify independent predictors of recovery time; statistical significance was indicated at 95% CI and a p-value of 0.05.ResultsWith a recovery rate of 74.7%, the median recovery period was 56 days. Frequency of growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) service utilization [AHR = 1.622 (95% CI: 1.052–2.130)], cough [AHR = 0.385 (95% CI: 0.176–0.843)], maternal delivery at health center [AHR = 1.448 (95% CI: 1.023-2.050)], and maternal literacy [AHR = 1.445 (95% CI: 1.019–2.058)] were determinants of time to recovery.ConclusionThe median recovery period was 56 days with a recovery rate of 74.7%. Regular utilization of GMP services, maternal delivery at the health center, and cough at admission were independent predictors for this study. As a result, there should be a greater emphasis on the importance of girls’ (future mothers’) education and nutrition counseling, particularly the integration of GMP service components into institutional delivery/for girls/women who have received little education on how to improve time to recovery and the success of the OTP.
Exploring university students’ nutrition literacy in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Alshahrani Najim Z. , Bafaraj Adeeb Ghazi , Alamri Hisham Mohammed 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionImproving individuals’ nutrition literacy can be one way to promote healthy dietary behaviors, which lowers the incidence of non-communicable diseases. In Saudi Arabia, there is a limited information regarding nutrition literacy among students. Therefore, the purposes of this study was to investigate university students’ nutrition literacy and identify its predictors in Saudi Arabia. Another objective was to assess how nutrition literacy is associated with eating habits among this sample.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was carried out among students attending the University of Jeddah and King Abdulaziz University (Jeddah City) in Saudi Arabia from June 2023 to September 2023. Using a convenience sampling approach, 570 students were enrolled in this study. An online-based structured survey tool including demographic details, a food frequency questionnaire, and a nutrition literacy scale was used to collect the data. Descriptive and multiple binary logistic regression analysis were performed.ResultsApproximately 40.4% of the participants exhibited poor nutrition literacy. Female students were less likely than male students to have poor nutrition literacy (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 0.62; 95% confidence interval, CI = 0.42, 0.92). Underweight (AOR = 1.73; 95%CI = 1.22, 4.56) and overweight participants (AOR = 3.1; 95%CI = 2.77, 7.23) were at higher risk of having poor level of nutrition literacy as compared to those who had normal weight. Students who did not take any nutrition-related courses had a 1.3 times higher probability of having a poor level of nutrition literacy compared to their counterparts (AOR = 1.3; 95%CI = 1.05, 3.74). Moreover, poor nutrition literacy was associated with higher weekly consumption frequencies of red meat, processed foods, funk foods and sugar-sweetened beverages.ConclusionA higher percentage of university students had poor nutrition literacy, which was associated with gender, self-reported BMI status, nutrition-related courses and unhealthy eating habits. These findings can assist university administrators and policymakers in implementing effective measures to enhance students’ nutrition literacy rates in Saudi Arabia.
Association between dietary magnesium intake and pelvic inflammatory disease in US women: a cross-sectional study of NHANES
Authors: Chen Zeru , Wu Zichun , Zhang Yuying 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundPelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a common gynecological condition associated with significant morbidity and healthcare costs. Emerging evidence suggests that dietary factors, such as magnesium intake, may play a role in PID risk. However, the relationship between dietary magnesium intake and PID risk remains uncertain. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between dietary magnesium intake and the risk of PID.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015–2018. Weighted multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between dietary magnesium intake and PID. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was performed to assess the linear and non-linear associations. Subgroup analyses were performed based on baseline characteristics.ResultsA total of 3,034 women aged 20–59 were included in the study. Magnesium intake exhibited a significant association with lower PID risk in weighted multivariable logistic regression. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for dietary magnesium intake in quartiles Q2 (133.12–214.93 mg/day), Q3 (214.93–287.19 mg/day), and Q4 (above 287.19 mg/day) compared to Q1 (below 133.12 mg/day) were 0.48 (95% CI: 0.28–0.82), 0.64 (95% CI: 0.32–1.27), and 0.40 (95% CI: 0.18–0.88), respectively. Stratified analyses showed that significant association between dietary magnesium intake and PID in older subgroup but not in younger subgroup. Additionally, RCS analyses consistently revealed a linear negative correlation between dietary magnesium intake and PID risk.ConclusionThis study reveals a significant negative correlation between dietary magnesium intake and risk of PID, particularly among older individuals. These findings underscore the importance of dietary factors in gynecological health and highlight the potential role of magnesium supplementation in PID prevention strategies.
From sequencing to validation: NGS-based exploration of plasma miRNA in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Cui WangPeng , Xuan Tao , Liao Tian , Wang Yu 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveA non-invasive method using plasma microRNAs provides new insights into thyroid cancer diagnosis. The objective of this study was to discover potential circulating biomarkers of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) through the analysis of plasma miRNAs using next-generation sequencing (NGS).MethodsPlasma miRNAs were isolated from peripheral blood samples collected from healthy individuals, patients diagnosed with PTC, and those with benign thyroid nodules. The Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform was employed to establish the miRNA expression profiles. Candidate miRNAs for diagnostic purposes were identified utilizing the Random Forest (RF) algorithm. The selected miRNAs were subsequently validated in an independent validation set using RT-qPCR.ResultsNGS results revealed consistent plasma miRNA expression patterns among healthy individuals and patients with benign thyroid nodules in the discovery set (6 healthy cases, 17 benign cases), while differing significantly from those observed in the PTC group (17 PTC cases). Seven miRNAs exhibiting significant expression differences were identified and utilized to construct an RF classifier. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for PTC diagnosis, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.978. Subsequent KEGG and GO analyses of the target genes associated with these 7 miRNAs highlighted pathways relevant to tumors and the cell cycle. Independent validation through RT-qPCR in a separate cohort (15 CONTROL, 15 PTC groups) underscored hsa-miR-301a-3p and hsa-miR-195-5p as promising candidates for PTC diagnosis.ConclusionIn conclusion, our study established a seven-miRNA panel in plasma by Random Forest algorithm with significant performance in discriminating PTC from healthy or benign group. hsa-miR-301a-3p, hsa-miR-195-5p in plasma have potential for further study in the diagnosis of PTC in Asian ethnic.