bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diversity and Distribution of Biosynthetic Gene Clusters in the Halophilic Bacteria
Authors: Kumar Amit , Nivetha R 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Halophilic bacteria have emerged as a promising source of bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic and biotechnological applications. In the present study, we conducted an in-silico analysis to investigate biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) of halophilic bacteria for which genomes are available in the public database. In the Halodom database, 670 halophilic bacterial genomes were identified. The genomic data were available for 454 of them. We used the antiSMASH database to identify potential BGCs. The presence of BGCs in 447 bacterial species was revealed, ranging from 1 to 44 per genome. More than 400 species showed the presence of 2 or more BGCs in their genome. Common BGCs were ectoine, terpene, betalactone, Type III polyketide synthases, and ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs). We also observed a moderate positive correlation (R2 = 0.40) between genome size and the number of BGCs in the genome. A diverse range of BGCs were found across different bacterial clades. However, the phylogenetic analysis revealed that certain clades such as the phylum Actinomycetota and subclades formed by the members of Cyanobacteriota, Myxococcota and Pseudomonadota were particularly rich in the multiple BGCs. The study highlights the potential of halophilic bacteria for bioactivity production.
A Comparative Study of Cancer Burden Among Males Aged 35 to 75 years in Ghana: Evidence from GLOBOCAN 2022
Authors: Agyemang Emmanuel Ababio , Amaning Patrick Kwaa , Lameck Tess , Agbor Divine Arrey , Agyemang Esther Owusu , Gmanyami Jonathan Mawutor , Djanie Ashie 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Cancer is a leading cause of death globally ranking second behind cardiovascular diseases as the all-time leading cause of death in the world. In Ghana, there was an increased rise in cancer cases from 24,009 in 2020 to 27,385 in 2022. The total number of deaths due to cancer in 2020 in Ghana was 15,802, which rose to a total mortality of 17,944. Liver cancer is the most common form of cancer among Ghanaian males, which is followed by prostate cancer. However, among Ghanaian men aged 55+ years, prostate cancer is the leading cancer incidence.
Objective
The study aimed to examine the cancer burden among Ghanaian males aged 35 to 75+ years using the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) 2022 cancer estimates.
Materials and Methods
This comparative descriptive design examined the cancer burden among Ghanaian men aged 35 to 75 years using the GLOBOCAN 2022 database. The corresponding population consisted of Ghanaian males stratified into four groups. The incidence and mortality cases as well as the age-standardized incidence and mortality ratios on the various forms of cancer among Ghanaian males aged 35 to 75+ years were obtained from the GLOBOCAN 2022 cancer estimates.
Results
A total of 11,398 cancer cases were recorded in 2022 among Ghanaian males. Liver cancer constituted 23.3% of the total cancer cases, and the incidence of prostate cancer in Ghana was 2,395 (21.0%). The leading age-specific incidence and mortality rate of cancer among Ghanaian males aged 35 to 44 years was liver cancer disease, with age-standardized incidence of 35 per 100,000. Even though, prostate cancer was the highest cancer incidence among men aged 55 to 64 years in Ghana, liver cancer was observed to have the most mortality cases with an age-standardized mortality ratio of 50 per 100,000.
Conclusion
The leading cause of cancer incidence among Ghanaian males was liver cancer, however, prostate cancer was most incident among men aged above 54 years. Lifestyle changes, infiltration of national tobacco and alcoholic companies, late detection and screening, lack of knowledge and awareness, and limited health system are challenges faced with the prevention and control of cancer cases among Ghanaian males
Detection of tick-borne pathogens in blood-fed ticks from animals across nine Asian countries
Authors: Byun Hye-Ryung , Rieu Mi-Sun , Ji Seong-Ryeong , Nam Hyun-Young , Seo Seulgi , Choi Chang-Yong , Linh Bui Khanh , Thanh Hien Le , Kaewthamasorn Morakot , Sahara Ana , Galay Remil L , Wang Shang-Lin , Erdenechimeg Tuvshinjargal , Batbayar Nyambayar , Matsui Shin , Kawaji Noritomo , Avais Muhammad , Chae Joon-Seok 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Climate change, land development, and increased outdoor human activity have increased the prevalence and distribution of tick-borne pathogens, causing public health issues. Asia is considered a pivotal region of emerging infectious diseases caused by zoonotic disease, thus requiring active research in Asian countries. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct effective surveillance systems and establish preventive strategies against introducing novel tick-borne diseases.
Methods
Blood-fed ticks (n = 261) were collected from different animals across nine Asian countries between 2022 and 2023. Five genera of adults and nymph ticks were used, including Amblyomma, Haemphysalis, Hyalomma, Rhipicephalus, and Ixodes. Animals that collected the ticks were wild, domestic animals, birds and reptiles. Next-generation sequencing was performed to detect unknown pathogens circulating in the animals.
Results
From blood-fed ticks, clean reads of 18,382,262 − 30,460,619 of DNA viruses, 22,744,384 − 32,400,471 of RNA viruses, 134,506–286,282 16S rRNA of bacteria, and 147,154–352,826 18S rRNA of protozoa were obtained in nine Asian countries. After analysis of species, 28 RNA and 13 DNA viruses, 16 bacteria and 4 protozoa were detected. Several tick-borne pathogens including families, that cause zoonotic diseases, such as Phenuiviridae, Nairoviridae, Rickettsiaceae, and Borreliaceae were identified.
Conclusion
This study is distinctive as cooperative studies with nine Asian countries to prevent the spreading of tick-borne diseases across Asian regions. The results suggest that pathogens, which were detected from animal blood-fed ticks, can circulate in the animals and can be transmitted to humans. In addition, this study can provide a basis for effective surveillance systems to prevent novel pathogens.
Detection of Stealthy Encryption in Ransomware Using AI-Driven Anomaly Detection Models
Authors: Hocosaj Alexander , Pendleton Charlotte , Stoddard James 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Ransomware continues to pose a significant threat to cybersecurity, with increasingly sophisticated techniques allowing malicious actors to evade traditional detection mechanisms and inflict substantial damage on both individual and organizational levels. The introduction of an AI-driven detection model that integrates anomaly detection with supervised learning offers a novel approach to identifying ransomware activities, particularly those utilizing stealthy encryption techniques that are designed to avoid detection. Through comprehensive evaluation, the proposed model has demonstrated superior performance compared to existing methods, achieving higher detection accuracy, reduced false positives, and enhanced resilience against adversarial evasion. The model's scalability and efficiency across diverse operational environments further demonstrate its practical applicability, making it a viable solution for real-time ransomware detection in both high-performance and resource-constrained settings. The research contributes to the ongoing efforts to fortify cybersecurity defenses by offering a robust, adaptable, and scalable framework capable of addressing the evolving nature of ransomware threats.
Insights into the Spatial Ecology of Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolor) in Bhutan’s Protected Area at Phrumsengla National Park: Habitat Preferences and Conservation Challenges
Authors: Dorji Rinchen , Dorji Yonten 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Sambar (Cervus unicolor) is considered an important prey species of Tiger and other carnivores throughout South and Southeast Asia. However, the ecological information on Sambar deer in Bhutan is scarce. Therefore, this study represents a pioneering effort to evaluate habitat preferences and assess the impacts of both natural and anthropogenic disturbances on Sambar occurrence within Phrumsengla National Park, a designated National Protected Area. The study area was stratified into three forest types and the standard line transect method was employed for data collection. A total of 90 plots were established, comprising 45 already used by Sambar and 45 control plots representing other available habitats. The study analysis revealed that Sambar highly preferred an elevation range of 2356 - 2680 masl with northeast-facing slopes of 0 - 15o, preferred a canopy cover of 51 - 75%, a ground cover of 61 - 76%, distance to water sources of 101 - 200 m. The study also identified preferred vegetation types, with Sambar showing a marked association with tree species such as Taxus baccata and Betula utilis, shrub species like Sarcococca hookeriana, and herbaceous plants including Stellaria vestita. Furthermore, Sambar favored cool broadleaved forests over mixed conifer and fir forests. Livestock grazing was the prominent anthropogenic disturbance, followed by timber extraction, which had a strong negative correlation with significant difference (p < .05). The findings underscore the necessity for stringent regulations regarding livestock grazing and resource extraction within protected areas. To build on this foundational study, long-term monitoring and further research are essential for developing targeted conservation strategies and interventions, ensuring the sustainability of this vital species and its habitat.
Large-scale characterization of forest structure and complexity from remote sensing optical images
Authors: Xu Xin , Tong Xiaowei , Brandt Martin , Yue Yuemin , Mugabowindekwe Maurice , Li Sizhuo , Xu Qiue , Liu Siyu , Reiner Florian , Wang Kelin , Chen Zhengchao , Bai Yongqing , Fensholt Rasmus 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Forest structure complexity is an essential variable in forest management and conservation, as it has a direct impact on ecosystem processes and functions. Previous studies have primarily focused on tree cover as a proxy, which often falls short in providing comprehensive information on the structural complexity of forests. Sub-meter resolution remote sensing data and tree crown segmentation techniques hold promise in offering detailed information that can support the characterization of forest structure and complexity. In this study, we generated a dataset with over 5 billion tree crowns, and developed an Overstory Complexity Index (OCI) to characterize forest structure complexity from a horizontal perspective, by analyzing spatial relationships among neighboring trees from remote sensing optical images. We first extracted the location and crown size of overstory trees from optical satellite and aerial imagery at sub-meter resolution. We subsequently calculated the distance between tree crown centers, their angles, the crown size and crown spacing and linked this information with individual trees. We then used Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to condense the structural information into the OCI and tested it in China’s Guangxi province, Rwanda, and Denmark. In addition, we conducted a comparative analysis of OCI between protected and unprotected areas and among different forest types across these regions. Finally, we explored the relationships of terrain slope, distance to settlement and aboveground biomass with the OCI. Our result showed that the distribution of OCI values varies across the different bioclimatic regions, closely related to their respective forest characteristics. Higher OCI values were observed in protected areas as compared to unprotected areas, and OCI showed a positive correlation with terrain slope, distance to settlement and aboveground biomass. The proposed OCI is derived directly from standard tree-level attributes and supports a deeper understanding on forest structure and complexity in diverse ecosystems as compared to existing proxies.
Correlation between the Atherogenic Index of Plasma and Progression of Non-target Lesion Vascular Disease Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention using Drug-eluting Stents
Authors: Hou Tian-Hua , Wang Fei , Hao Cui-Jun , Zhang Chong , Ning Meng , Chen Yi , Wang Kun , Liu Ying-Wu 
Published: August 2024

Objective:
To examine the correlation between Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) levels and the
progression of non-target lesion vascular disease following the deployment of drug-eluting stents (DES).

Methods:
We retrospectively enrolled patients who had undergone successful treatment for CAD with DES
and subsequently underwent a coronary angiography follow-up at the Cardiology Department of Tianjin Third
Central Hospital from January 2017 to July 2022. The annual change in Gensini Score (GS) was calculated according
to two angiographic evaluations in order to assess the progression of non-target lesion vascular disease;
a change greater than 1 indicated progression, while a change of 1 or less indicated stability. AIP was calculated
according to serum lipid parameters. Multivariate Logistic regression model was used to evaluate the
relationship between AIP level and progression of non-target coronary artery lesions. The ROC curve analysis
was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value of AIP for coronary artery non-target lesion vascular disease
progression.

Results:
Out of the 344 patients who were monitored over a median duration of 1.2 years, 113 exhibited progression
of non-target lesion vascular disease. Initially, baseline AIP levels were notably higher in the progression
group compared to the non-progression group (0.30 [0.14, 0.43] vs. 0.11 [-0.06, 0.31]), and this difference
remained significant during the follow-up period (0.19 [0.06, 0.34] vs. 0.11 [-0.06, 0.22]). Multivariate logistic
regression revealed that AIP is an independent predictor for the progression of non-target lesion vascular disease
following DES treatment. Individuals in the highest tertile of AIP faced a considerably elevated risk compared
to those in the lowest tertile (OR = 4.88, 95% CI: 2.12-11.21, P < 0.001). Moreover, utilizing receiver
operating characteristic curve analysis, a 0.15 AIP level cut-off was determined for diagnosing disease progression,
with a sensitivity of 73.5% and specificity of 56.7%, and an area under the curve of 0.672 (95% CI:
0.613-0.731, P < 0.01).

Conclusion:
AIP significantly correlates with the progression of non-target lesion vascular disease among patients
with coronary artery disease who have undergone DES treatment, establishing itself as an independent
risk factor in addition to conventional predictors.
Does Maternal HIV Infection Affect Neonatal Outcomes?
Authors: Zarkesh Mohammadreza , Kermani Farzaneh , Ghalibaf Mohammad Bolbolian , Orooji Azam , Moradi Raheleh 
Published: August 2024

Background:
Pregnancy among women infected with HIV is classified as a high-risk
pregnancy. While previous research has indicated an elevated likelihood of preterm birth, low
birth weight, and early gestational age in infants born to mothers with HIV, the correlation between
maternal HIV infection and different neonatal results remains unclear.

Objective:
This study aims to investigate the impact of maternal HIV infection on after-birth neonatal
outcomes using machine learning (ML) and statistical methods.

Methods:
A case-control study is conducted through a three-stage process: Initially, the outcomes
among newborns from HIV-positive mothers are identified through a combination of literature review
and expert survey. Subsequently, data are paired at a 1:2 ratio based on gestational age with
infants from HIV-positive mothers (n=48) compared to HIV-negative mothers (n=96) as the control
group. Finally, various feature selection techniques are applied to identify outcomes that exhibit
significant differences between the two groups.

Results:
The statistical analysis showed that the rate of addiction among HIV-positive mothers is
higher than that of the HIV-negative group. The need for mechanical ventilation and duration of
ventilator-assisted breathing in infants born to HIV-positive mothers are significantly higher than
in infants born to HIV-negative mothers. Moreover, based on feature selection methods, increasing
the need for mechanical ventilation and reducing surfactant administration were two important
outcomes.

Conclusions:
To investigate the impact of maternal HIV infection on neonatal outcomes, various
statistical and machine learning-based feature selection techniques were implemented, and the results
showed that the presented methods can be utilized to examine the potential impacts of different
diseases contracted by the mother on the infant.
Isoflavone as a Mainstream Menopausal Symptom Therapy: A Systematic Review to Unravel Ambiguities and Overcoming Challenges for Wider
Acceptance
Authors: Siregar M. Fidel Ganis , Tobing Immanuel Dio L , Subuh David Justin 
Published: August 2024

Background:
Menopausal symptoms impact the quality of life. Isoflavones, phytoestrogens
found in plants, gained attention for their potential in alleviating menopausal symptoms due to
their estrogen-like effects. Therefore, clinical implementation of isoflavone-based therapies remains
uncertain due to conflicting evidence and various challenges.

Objective:
This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of existing literature to
elucidate the efficacy, safety, and potential of isoflavones as a mainstream therapy for menopausal
symptoms to identify and address the ambiguities and challenges that hinder the broader acceptance
of isoflavone-based treatments in the medical community.

Methods:
The search was conducted across major databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and
Web of Science, from inception to the present date. search strategy included controlled vocabulary
terms and keywords related to isoflavones, menopausal symptoms, therapy, and clinical trials. Eligible
studies were systematically assessed for quality and risk of bias using established criteria. Data
on isoflavone dosage, intervention duration, outcomes, adverse events, and overall efficacy were
extracted.

Result:
The findings of this systematic review shed light on the current state of evidence regarding
isoflavone-based therapies for menopausal symptom management. Other studies suggest potential
benefits, conflicting evidence, and methodological heterogeneity, which highlight the need for
standardized approaches and further clinical trials. Addressing safety concerns, optimal dosing regimens,
and long-term effects is pivotal in establishing isoflavones as therapy for menopausal symptom
relief.

Conclusion:
Collaborative efforts within the research and medical communities are imperative to
overcome challenges and bridge gaps in knowledge, ultimately facilitating the wider acceptance and
integration of isoflavone-based therapies in menopausal symptom management.
Asymptomatic Thyroid Nodule Detection in a Referred Patient, A Case Report
Authors: Homeida Lujain A. , Taher Sara W. 
Published: August 2024

Introduction/ Background
Thyroid gland abnormalities or enlargement can be easily detected during a routine oral examination. Dental clinical examination involves inspecting and palpating different parts of the head and neck, including the thyroid gland. Referral of patients is crucial for proper patient care.

Case Presentation
In this report, we present the case of a 42-year-old female patient referred to the oral medicine clinic from an orthodontic clinic for the evaluation of tongue pigmentation, during which a thyroid nodule was incidentally detected. The patient was diagnosed with doxycycline-induced tongue pigmentation and was referred for further assessment and management of the thyroid nodule. The patient underwent total thyroidectomy, and the tissue was consistent with that of multiple goiters with no malignancy.

Conclusion
This case highlights the importance of the dentist’s role as a health care provider in detecting any abnormalities presented during the clinical examination and their responsibility to refer the patient to the appropriate medical specialists when needed.
Penetration of Universal Adhesive System after Smear Layer Removal on Dentin Using Tamarindus indica Solution
Authors: Wiyono Herdina , Meidyawati Ratna , Putranto Aditya Wisnu 
Published: August 2024

Background
The smear layer causes a weak bond to dentin; therefore, removal of the smear layer with ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) solution was recommended. EDTA can cause erosion and changes in dentin’s microhardness. Hence, natural products that are biocompatible and have fewer side effects are being developed, one of which is Tamarindus indica. Tamarindus indica solution contains organic acids (citric acid, acetic acid, and maleic acid), therefore, it can dissolve minerals (demineralization), remove the smear layer, and act as a chelating agent.

Objective
To compare the penetration of the universal adhesive system after smear layer removal on dentin using Tamarindus indica 2,5%, 5%, 10%, and 17% EDTA solution.

Methods
Premolars (n=24) had their enamel removed, exposing the dentin. Four groups of smear layer removal agents, Tamarindus indica 2,5%, 5%, 10%, and 17% EDTA were applied to dentin. A universal adhesive system was then applied, restored with composite resin, and incubated at 37° for 24 hours. Penetration of the universal adhesive system was observed using a Scanning Electron Microscope.

Results
There was a significant difference in the penetration of universal adhesive after smear layer removal between Tamarindus indica 10% group and Tamarindus indica 2.5%, 5%, and EDTA 17% group (p <0.05). The longest resin tag penetration was found in Tamarindus indica 10% compared to Tamarindus indica 2,5%, 5%, and EDTA 17%.

Conclusion
10% Tamarindus indica solution was effective in the removal of the smear layer and resulted in longer penetration of resin tags compared to 2.5% Tamarindus indica, 5% Tamarindus indica, and 17% EDTA.
Perception of Pain Intensity and Quality in Patients Treated with Conventional Fixed Orthodontic Appliances Versus Clear Removable Aligners: A Pilot Study
Authors: Alturki Ghassan , Jamel Ahmad , Alshuaybi Abdullah , Baeshen Hosam , Farag Arwa M. 
Published: August 2024

Objectives
The main objective of this study was to compare the perception of pain intensity between patients treated with fixed orthodontic appliances and those treated with clear removable aligners. The secondary objective was to investigate the pattern and quantities of analgesics use immediately after orthodontic adjustment visits and correlate this with the intensity and quality of the perceived pain.

Methods
Two hundred participants, 100 treated with fixed orthodontic appliances (G1) and 100 with clear removable aligners (G2), filled the Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), the Numeric Pain Rating scale (NPRS), and the Present Pain Index (PPI) at baseline (before orthodontic adjustment or changing to a new aligner) and 24-hours post-adjustment visit.

Results
The mean change in the NPRS values from baseline to 24-hour post-adjustment showed significantly higher pain intensity in G1 (3.15±2.47) compared to G2 (1.58±1.74) (p<0.0001). There was also a statistically significant difference in the frequency of reporting of SF-MPQ pain descriptors between G1 and G2, with more pain associated with G1. The PPI 24-hours post-adjustment showed that 94% of G1 reported some form of pain compared to only 79% in G2. At the 24-hour post-adjustment visit, 34 participants in G1 and only 8 participants in G2 reported the use of analgesic medications (p<0.0001).

Conclusion
Overall, patients treated with fixed orthodontic appliances reported higher pain perception compared to patients treated with clear removable aligners during the first 24 hours following the adjustment visit.