bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial resistance genes harbored in invasive Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii complex isolated from Korean children during the pre-COVID-19 pandemic periods, 2015–2020
Authors: Kang Hyun Mi , Kim Kyung Ran , Kim Gahee , Lee Dong-gun , Kim Yae Jean , Choi Eun Hwa , Lee Jina , Yun Ki Wook 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundAcinetobacter baumannii (AB) has emerged as one of the most challenging pathogens worldwide, causing invasive infections in the critically ill patients due to their ability to rapidly acquire resistance to antibiotics. This study aimed to analyze antibiotic resistance genes harbored in AB and non-baumannii Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii (NB-ACB) complex causing invasive diseases in Korean children. MethodsACB complexes isolated from sterile body fluid of children in three referral hospitals were prospectively collected. Colistin susceptibility was additionally tested via broth microdilution. Whole genome sequencing was performed and antibiotic resistance genes were analyzed.ResultsDuring January 2015 to December 2020, a total of 67 ACB complexes were isolated from sterile body fluid of children in three referral hospitals. The median age of the patients was 0.6 (interquartile range, 0.1–7.2) years old. Among all the isolates, 73.1% (n=49) were confirmed as AB and others as NB-ACB complex by whole genome sequencing. Among the AB isolates, only 22.4% susceptible to carbapenem. In particular, all clonal complex (CC) 92 AB (n=33) showed multi-drug resistance, whereas 31.3% in non-CC92 AB (n=16) (P&lt;0.001). NB-ACB showed 100% susceptibility to all classes of antibiotics except 3rd generation cephalosporin (72.2%). The main mechanism of carbapenem resistance in AB was the blaoxa23 gene with ISAba1 insertion sequence upstream. Presence of pmr gene and/or mutation of lpxA/C gene were not correlated with the phenotype of colistin resistance of ACB. All AB and NB-ACB isolates carried the abe and ade multidrug efflux pumps.ConclusionsIn conclusion, monitoring and research for resistome in ACB complex is needed to identify and manage drug-resistant AB, particularly CC92 AB carrying the blaoxa23 gene.
A rapid assessment methodology for quantifying and visualizing functional landscape connectivity
Authors: Schumaker Nathan H. 
Published: July 2024

ContextThe number of publications that evaluate or use landscape connectivity has grown dramatically in recent years. But the biological realism of common connectivity assessments remains limited. To address this shortcoming, I introduce a flexible methodology for evaluating functional landscape connectivity that can be quick to implement, biologically nuanced, and straightforward to interpret.MethodsI combined a US Fish and Wildlife Service land cover map with information from existing empirical studies to develop a movement simulator for the Fender’s blue butterfly, an endangered species in Oregon, USA. I use the resulting butterfly model to explore the concepts and mechanics behind my novel connectivity assessment methodology.ResultsMy methods are able to identify clusters of connected resource patches, quantify and visualize movement rates between patches, and identify opportunities for enhancing connectivity through restoration and mitigation. My results include an emergent dispersal kernel that captures the influence of movement behavior on connectivity.DiscussionThe methods I introduce are capable of generating detailed yet practical connectivity analyses that can incorporate considerable biological and behavioral realism. My approach is simple to implement, and the requisite data can be modest. The toolkit I developed has the potential to standardize connectivity assessments that use either real or simulated movement data.
Efficacy and safety of azilsartan medoxomil in the treatment of hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Ling , Wei Guo-Cui , Xiao Qing , Chen Qian-Lan , Zhao Qian , Li Xiu-xia , Pan Ling-ai , Xiong Xuan 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundAngiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are utilized for the management of hypertension and diabetes. Previous meta-analyses suggested that azilsartan medoxomil (AZL-M) improved blood pressure (BP) reduction, but there were no safety findings or suggestions for patients with hypertension or diabetes.MethodsWe performed an efficacy and safety meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating AZL-M therapy for reducing BP in patients with hypertension. Patients with hypertension complicated by diabetes were analyzed. The relevant literature was searched in English and Chinese databases for RCTs involving AZL-M in hypertension. Efficacy variables included the change from baseline in the 24-h mean systolic/diastolic BP measured by ambulatory BP monitoring, the change from baseline in clinic systolic/diastolic BP, and responder rates. Safety variables included total adverse events (AEs), serious AEs, AEs leading to discontinuation, and AEs related to the study drug. The raw data from the included studies were utilized to calculate the odds ratio (OR) for dichotomous data and the mean difference (MD) for continuous data, accompanied by 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical analysis was performed using R software.ResultsA total of 11 RCTs met the inclusion criteria, representing 7,608 patients, 5 of whom had diabetes. Pooled analysis suggested a reduction in BP among patients randomized to 40 mg of AZL-M vs. control therapy [24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) (MD: −2.85 mmHg), clinic SBP (MD: −3.48 mmHg), and clinic diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (MD: −1.96 mmHg)] and for 80 mg of AZL-M vs. control therapy [24-h ABPM mean SBP (MD: −3.59 mmHg), 24-h ABPM mean DBP (MD: −2.62 mmHg), clinic SBP (MD: −4.42 mmHg), clinic DBP (MD: −3.09 mmHg), and responder rate (OR: 1.46)]. There was no difference in the reduction of risks, except for dizziness (OR: 1.56) in the 80-mg AZL-M group or urinary tract infection (OR: 1.82) in the 40-mg AZL-M group. Analysis of patients with diabetes revealed that AZL-M can provide superior management, while safety and tolerability were similar to those of control therapy.ConclusionsAZL-M appears to reduce BP to a greater extent than dose-control therapy and does not increase the risk of adverse events in patients with hypertension and diabetes compared with placebo.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=464284, identifier PROSPERO CRD42023464284.
Association between gut microbiota and diabetic nephropathy: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Ye Zhitao , So Tikyeung , Zhang Tianyou , Gao Xia 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundTo clarify the causal relationship between gut microbiota and diabetic nephropathy (DN), we employed Mendelian randomization (MR). Despite a strong correlation observed, establishing causality is still unclear. By utilizing MR, we aimed to investigate this relationship further and shed light on the potential causal effect of gut microbiota on DN.MethodsGenetic instrumental variables for gut microbiota were obtained from a GWAS with 18340 participants. DN summary statistics (1032 cases, 451248 controls) were sourced from a separate GWAS. The primary analysis used the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method. Reverse MR analysis was conducted to explore reverse causation. Rigorous sensitivity analyses were performed to ensure the resilience and reliability of the study’s findings.ResultsWe found two bacterial traits associated with an increased risk of DN: genus LachnospiraceaeUCG008 (OR: 1.4210; 95% CI: 1.0450, 1.9322; p = 0.0250) and genus Terrisporobacter (OR: 1.9716; 95% CI: 1.2040, 3.2285; p = 0.0070). Additionally, phylum Proteobacteria (OR: 0.4394; 95% CI: 0.2721, 0.7096; p = 0.0008) and genus Dialister (OR: 0.4841; 95% CI: 0.3171, 0.7390; p = 0.0008) were protective against DN. Sensitivity analyses consistently supported these results. In the reverse MR analysis, no statistically significant associations were observed between DN and these four bacterial traits.ConclusionsOur analyses confirmed a potential causal relationship between certain gut microbiota taxa and the risk of DN. However, additional studies are required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms through which gut microbiota influences the development of DN.
Causal impact of human blood metabolites and metabolic pathways on serum uric acid and gout: a mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhong Yan , Yang ChengAn , Zhang BingHua , Chen YingWen , Cai WenJun , Wang GuoChen , Zhao ChangWei , Zhao WenHai 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveHyperuricaemia and gout are common metabolic disorders. However, the causal relationships between blood metabolites and serum urate levels, as well as gout, remain unclear. A systematic evaluation of the causal connections between blood metabolites, hyperuricemia, and gout could enhance early screening and prevention of hyperuricemia and gout in clinical settings, providing novel insights and approaches for clinical treatment.MethodsIn this study, we employed a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis utilizing data from a genome-wide association study involving 7,286 participants, encompassing 486 blood metabolites. Serum urate and gout data were sourced from the Chronic Kidney Disease Genetics consortium, including 288,649 participants for serum urate and 9,819 African American and 753,994 European individuals for gout. Initially, LDSC methodology was applied to identify blood metabolites with a genetic relationship to serum urate and gout. Subsequently, inverse-variance weighting was employed as the primary analysis method, with a series of sensitivity and pleiotropy analyses conducted to assess the robustness of the results.ResultsFollowing LDSC, 133 blood metabolites exhibited a potential genetic relationship with serum urate and gout. In the primary Mendelian randomization analysis using inverse-variance weighting, 19 blood metabolites were recognized as potentially influencing serum urate levels and gout. Subsequently, the IVW p-values of potential metabolites were corrected using the false discovery rate method. We find leucine (IVW P FDR = 0.00004), N-acetylornithine (IVW P FDR = 0.0295), N1-methyl-3-pyridone-4-carboxamide (IVW P FDR = 0.0295), and succinyl carnitine (IVW P FDR = 0.00004) were identified as significant risk factors for elevated serum urate levels. Additionally, 1-oleoylglycerol (IVW P FDR = 0.0007) may lead to a substantial increase in the risk of gout. Succinyl carnitine exhibited acceptable weak heterogeneity, and the results for other blood metabolites remained robust after sensitivity, heterogeneity, and pleiotropy testing. We conducted an enrichment analysis on potential blood metabolites, followed by a metabolic pathway analysis revealing four pathways associated with serum urate levels.ConclusionThe identified causal relationships between these metabolites and serum urate and gout offer a novel perspective, providing new mechanistic insights into serum urate levels and gout.
Liquid L-T4 therapy in hypothyroid patients with gastric diseases, an observational study
Authors: Fallahi Poupak , Ragusa Francesca , Patrizio Armando , Mazzi Valeria , Botrini Chiara , Elia Giusy , Balestri Eugenia , Barozzi Emilio , Rugani Licia , Palmisano Elena , Cosenza Maria Carla , Varricchi Gilda , Ulisse Salvatore , Benvenga Salvatore , Ferrari Silvia Martina , Antonelli Alessandro 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionThis is an observational and retrospective study, in which we have analyzed data from patients affected by gastric diseases (p) who have been treated with liquid L-T4 (L-LT4;84 p), or tablet L-T4 (T-LT4;120 p), for the replacement therapy of hypothyroidism. The aim of the study is to compare the stability of TSH [normal range, 0.3-3.5 μIU/ml] in these patients.MethodsAll p assumed L-T4 30 minutes before breakfast. The types of gastric disease were: a) T-LT4 group: 74 chronic gastritis (CG); 4 gastrectomy for gastric cancer (GTx); 42 gastro-plastics (GP); b) L-LT4 group: 60 CG; 3 GTx; 21 GP (p&gt;0.05). 66% p in T-LT4 group were chronically treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPI), against 51% in L-LT4 group (p&gt;0.05). The frequency of Helicobacter Pylori infection was 17% in both T-LT4 and L-LT4 groups. The gender distribution, mean age and body weight were similar in the 2 groups (p&gt;0.05). The mean L-T4 dosage in T-LT4 group at the basal evaluation was 1.22+/-0.27 μg/kg/die, in the L-LT4 group 1.36+/-0.22 μg/kg/die (p&gt;0.05).ResultsAt the basal evaluation the prevalence of patients with a TSH&gt;3.5 μIU/mL in T-LT4 group was 36%, in L-LT4 group 46% (p&lt;0.05). After adjustment of the dosage of the LT-4 therapy, the p were re-evaluated in an interval range of 5-9 months, for 4 times, during an overall period ranging from 23 to 31 months. At the first re-evaluation, the prevalence of p with a TSH&gt;3.5 μIU/mL was 13% in both groups. At the second re-evaluation, the prevalence of p with a TSH&gt;3.5 μIU/mL in T-LT4 group was 26%, in L-LT4 group 13% (p&gt;0.05). At the third re-evaluation, the prevalence of p with TSH&lt;3.5 μIU/mL in T-LT4 group was 19%, in L-LT4 group 9% (p=0.05). At the fourth and last re-evaluation, the prevalence of patients with a TSH&gt;3.5 μIU/mL in T-LT4 group was 18%, in L-LT4 group 5% (p&lt;0.05). Mean FT4 and FT3 circulating levels were not significantly different in the two group at each visit.DiscussionThese data suggest that the liquid L-T4 formulation therapy can result in a more stable control of TSH levels in hypothyroid patients with gastric disorders in the long-term follow-up.
Determinants of clinical outcome in patients with moderate/severe Graves' orbitopathy undergoing treatment with parenteral glucocorticoids: a retrospective study
Authors: Le Moli Rosario , Naselli Adriano , Costanzo Gabriele , Piticchio Tommaso , Tumino Dario , Pellegriti Gabriella , Frasca Francesco , Belfiore Antonino 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundGraves' orbitopathy (GO) occurs in approximately 25-40% of patients with Graves' disease (GD). High levels of anti-thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TRAbs), smoking habit, sex, older age, longer duration and amount of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism are well-recognized risk factors for the occurrence, severity and clinical course of GO. Oxidative stress (OX) has recently been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of GO, and several clinical conditions related to OX have been investigated regarding the presentation and severity of GO.AimWe aimed to evaluate the impact of clinical conditions related to oxidative stress on the outcome of intravenous glucocorticoid (ivGCs) therapy in a cohort of patients with active moderate to severe GO (AMS-GOs) treated at a single institution.MethodsWe retrospectively studied a series of patients with AMS-GOs who were treated with ivGCs from January 2013 to May 2022. GO clinical evaluation was performed at baseline and at 6 (W6), 12 (W12) and 24 (W24) weeks after starting ivGCs by the seven-point clinical activity score (CAS) alone and by overall clinical criteria (CI) according to the European Group of Graves' Ophthalmopathy (EUGOGO). Total cholesterol and calculated LDL cholesterol (LDLc), triglyceride, body mass index (BMI), diabetes status, history of hypertension (HoH), smoking status, age and sex were used as covariates for the clinical outcome of GO to ivGCs.Results and conclusionsLDLc and HoH negatively and independently modulated the response of AMS-GOs to ivGCs. Notably, slightly elevated LDLc levels (&gt; 130 mg/dl) reduced the response of orbital soft tissue to ivGCs, whereas more elevated LDLc levels (from 175 mg/dl to 190 mg/dl) and HoH were associated with poorer clinical response of eye motility and proptosis.
Network-based pharmacology and UHPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS reveal Jinhua Qinggan granule's mechanism in reducing cellular inflammation in COVID-19
Authors: Qian Liping , Zeng Zehua 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionThe outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, leading to COVID-19, poses a major global health threat. While specific treatments and vaccines are under development, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has historically been effective against pandemics, including viral pneumonias. Our study explores the efficacy and mechanisms of Jinhua Qinggan Granules (JHQG) in treating COVID-19.MethodsWe analyzed JHQG’s components using UHPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS, identifying 73 compounds. Network pharmacology and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) were used to assess JHQG’s effects on immune cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Literature review supported the antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects of JHQG.ResultsJHQG targets were found to interact with immune cells, including neutrophils, monocytes, plasmablasts, and effector T cells, reducing their overactivation in severe COVID-19. JHQG’s modulation of these cells’ activity likely contributes to reduced inflammation and improved clinical outcomes.DiscussionOur findings provide insights into JHQG's mechanism of action, highlighting its potential in controlling the inflammatory response in COVID-19 patients. The study supports the use of JHQG as a safe and effective treatment for COVID-19 and similar viral infections, leveraging its ability to modulate immune cell activity and reduce inflammation.
Image stitching and target perception for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle-collected side-scan sonar images
Authors: Zhang Zhuoyu , Wu Rundong , Li Dejun , Lin Mingwei , Xiao Sa , Lin Ri 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionAutonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) are capable of independently performing underwater navigation tasks, with side-scan sonar being a primary tool for underwater detection. The integration of these two technologies enables autonomous monitoring of the marine environment.MethodsTo address the limitations of existing seabed detection methods, such as insufficient robustness and high complexity, this study proposes a comprehensive seabed detection method based on a sliding window technique. Additionally, this study introduces a sonar image stitching method that accounts for variations in image intensity and addresses challenges arising from multi-frame overlaps and gaps. Furthermore, an autonomous target perception framework based on shadow region segmentation is proposed, which not only identifies targets in side-scan sonar images but also provides target height measurements.ResultsComprehensive seabed detection method improves accuracy by 31.2% compared to the peak detection method. In experiments, the height measurement error for this method was found to be 9%.DiscussionTo validate the effectiveness of the proposed seabed detection method, sonar image stitching method, and target perception framework, comprehensive experiments were conducted in the Qingjiang area of Hubei Province. The results obtained from the lake environment demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Household income unequally affects genetic susceptibility to pulmonary diseases: evidence from bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Xu Hongfa , Deng Hailian , Wu Yueying , Yang Yu , Zheng Xifeng 
Published: July 2024

ObjectivesPrevious observational studies have reported a close association between socioeconomic status and pulmonary disease-related morbidity. However, the inherent causal effects remain unclear. Therefore, this bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) study aimed to identify the causal relationship between household income and genetic susceptibility to pulmonary diseases.MethodsAn MR study was conducted on a large cohort of European individuals, using publicly available genome-wide association study datasets using a random-effects inverse-variance weighting model as the main standard. Simultaneously, MR-Egger regression, weighted median, and maximum likelihood estimation were applied as supplements. Sensitivity analysis, comprising a heterogeneity test and horizontal pleiotropy test, was performed using the Cochran’s Q, MR-Egger intercept, and MR-PRESSO tests to ensure the reliability of the conclusion.ResultsA higher household income tended to lower the risk of genetic susceptibility to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, OR: 0.497, 95% CI = 0.337–0.733, p &lt; 0.001), asthma (OR: 0.687, 95% CI = 0.540–0.876, p = 0.002), and lung cancer (OR: 0.569, 95% CI = 0.433–0.748, p &lt; 0.001), and further indicated potential causality with pneumonia (OR: 0.817; 95% CI = 0.686–0.972, p = 0.022). No association was evident with COVID-19 (OR: 0.934, 95% CI = 0.764–1.142, p = 0.507), tuberculosis (OR: 0.597, 95% CI = 0.512–1.189, p = 0.120), or bronchiectasis (OR: 0.680, 95% CI = 0.311–1.489, p = 0.400). Reverse MR analysis suggested no reverse causal relationship between pulmonary disease and household income status, while sensitivity analysis verified the reliability of the results.ConclusionThe results revealed that the population with a higher household income tended to have a lower risk of genetic susceptibility to COPD, asthma, and lung cancer.
Association between SARC-F scores and risk of adverse outcomes in older patients with cardiovascular disease: a prospective study at a tertiary hospital in the south of Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Tan Van , Nguyen Tuan Dinh , Cao Dinh Hung , Nguyen Tuan Dinh , Ngo Trinh Thi Kim , Do Dung Viet , Le Thanh Dinh 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionOlder patients typically face elevated mortality rates and greater medical resource utilization during hospitalizations compared to their younger counterparts. Sarcopenia, serving as a prognostic indicator, is related to disability, diminished quality of life, and increased mortality. The SARC-F questionnaire, known for its cost-effectiveness, offers a valuable means of assessing sarcopenia. This study aims to explore the association between SARC-F scores and risk of adverse outcomes in elderly patients with cardiovascular disease at a Ho Chi Minh City hospital.MethodParticipants aged 60 and above, admitted to the Department of Cardiology - Interventional and Cardiovascular Emergency of Thong Nhat Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City from November 2021 to June 2022, were recruited for the prospective, single-center study. The prognostic outcomes included all-cause death and the initial occurrence of emergency re-hospitalization within 6 months’ post-discharge. The Kaplan–Meier analysis compared the overall survival rates between different SARC-F score groups.ResultsThe study enrolled 285 patients with a median age of 74 (67, 81). During a 6-month follow-up period, there were 14 cases of mortality. A SARC-F score of 4 or higher was significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, with HR of 2.02 (95% CI: 1.39–2.92, p &lt; 0.001), and higher incidence of re-hospitalization events with RR of 1.66 (95% CI: 1.06 to 2.59, p = 0.026). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicated a notably higher mortality rate in the patients with high SARC-F scores (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionIn elderly patients with cardiovascular disease, the SARC-F questionnaire could serve as a simple and cost-effective method for detecting mortality and the risk of re-hospitalization.