bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Verification of the effect of data-driven brain motion correction on PET imaging
Authors: Odagiri Hayato , Watabe Hiroshi , Takanami Kentaro , Akimoto Kazuma , Usui Akihito , Kawakami Hirofumi , Katsuki Akie , Uetake Nozomu , Dendo Yutaka , Tanaka Yoshitaka , Kodama Hiroyasu , Takase Kei , Kaneta Tomohiro 
Published: July 2024

Introduction
Brain positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scans are useful for identifying the cause of dementia by evaluating glucose metabolism in the brain with F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose or Aβ deposition with F-18-florbetaben. However, since imaging time ranges from 10 to 30 minutes, movements during the examination might result in image artifacts, which interfere with diagnosis. To solve this problem, data-driven brain motion correction (DDBMC) techniques are capable of performing motion corrected reconstruction using highly accurate motion estimates with high temporal resolution. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of DDBMC techniques on PET/CT images using a Hoffman phantom, involving continuous rotational and tilting motion, each expanded up to approximately 20 degrees.

Materials and methods
Listmode imaging was performed using a Hoffman phantom that reproduced rotational and tilting motions of the head. Brain motion correction processing was performed on the obtained data. Reconstructed images with and without brain motion correction processing were compared. Visual evaluations by a nuclear medicine specialist and quantitative parameters of images with correction and reference still images were compared.

Results
Normalized Mean Squared Error (NMSE) results demonstrated the effectiveness of DDBMC in compensating for rotational and tilting motions during PET imaging. In Cases 1 and 2 involving rotational motion, NMSE decreased from 0.15–0.2 to approximately 0.01 with DDBMC, indicating a substantial reduction in differences from the reference image across various brain regions. In the Structural Similarity Index (SSIM), DDBMC improved it to above 0.96 Contrast assessment revealed notable improvements with DDBMC. In continuous rotational motion, % contrast increased from 42.4% to 73.5%, In tilting motion, % contrast increased from 52.3% to 64.5%, eliminating significant differences from the static reference image. These findings underscore the efficacy of DDBMC in enhancing image contrast and minimizing motion induced variations across different motion scenarios.

Conclusions
DDBMC processing can effectively compensate for continuous rotational and tilting motion of the head during PET, with motion angles of approximately 20 degrees. However, a significant limitation of this study is the exclusive validation of the proposed method using a Hoffman phantom; its applicability to the human brain has not been investigated. Further research involving human subjects is necessary to assess the generalizability and reliability of the presented motion correction technique in real clinical scenarios.
Incidence and risk factors associated with acquired syphilis in HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis users
Authors: Pedrosa Nathália Lima , Pinheiro Patrícia Matias , Filho Fernando Wagner Brito Hortêncio , de Araujo Wildo Navegantes 
Published: July 2024

Background
Acquired syphilis continues to affect millions of people around the world. It is crucial to study it in the context of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to achieve the goals set out in the 2030 Agenda since the literature suggests increased risk behaviors for sexually transmitted infections. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and factors associated with acquired syphilis among PrEP users.

Materials and methods
This retrospective cohort included data on PrEP users from all over Brazil from 2018 to 2020, retrieved from the national antiretroviral logistics system. We calculated the proportion of syphilis before PrEP, the incidence during the user’s follow-up, reinfections, and their possible associated factors. We conducted descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analysis, estimating the crude Relative Risk, adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR), and their respective confidence intervals (95%CI).

Results
Most of the 34,000 individuals who started PrEP were male (89.0%), white (53.7%), self-identified as male (85.2%), homosexual, gay, or lesbian (72.2%), and had 12 schooling years or more (67.8%). Of these, 8.3% had syphilis in the six months before starting PrEP, and 4% had it in the first 30 days of using the prophylaxis. We identified a loss-to-follow-up rate of 41.7%, although the loss and the cohort shared similar characteristics. The proportion of missed syphilis tests was high: 33.4% in the 30 days and 38.8% in the follow-up period. In the 19,820 individuals effectively monitored, the incidence of acquired syphilis was 19.1 cases per 100 person-years, and 1.9% of users had reinfection. The rate of missed syphilis tests at the 30-day follow-up was 33.4%, and the total follow-up test period was 38.8%. The multivariate analysis identified female gender (aOR 0.3; 95%CI 0.2–0.5), being white or Black (aOR 0.9; 95%CI 0.7–0.9 and aOR 0.7; 95%CI 0.7–0.99, respectively) as protective factors for syphilis. Being homosexual, gay, lesbian (aOR 2.7; 95%CI 2.0–3.7), or having a history of syphilis in the six months before PrEP (aOR 2.2; 95%CI 1.9–2.5) were risk factors for syphilis during PrEP use. Behaviors related to the risk of syphilis included accepting something in exchange for sex (aOR 1.6; 95%CI 1.3–1.9), irregular condom use (use in less than half of sexual intercourse sessions; aOR 1.7; 95%CI 1.53–2.1) and recreational drug use (poppers; aOR 1.5; 95%CI 1.53–2.1).

Conclusion
Syphilis in the context of PrEP has high rates and is associated with sociodemographic and behavioral factors. We recommend additional studies targeting prevention in this population to curb these figures.
Immunosuppression in stem cell clinical trials of neural and retinal cell types: A systematic review
Authors: Gowrishankar Shravan , Smith Matthew E. , Creber Nathan , Muzaffar Jameel , Borsetto Daniele 
Published: July 2024

Background
Pharmacologic immunosuppression regimes are commonly employed in stem cell clinical trials to mitigate host immune rejection and promote survival and viability of transplanted cells. Immunosuppression and cell survival has been extensively studied in retinal and spinal tissues. The applicability of stem cell therapy is rapidly expanding to other sensory organs such as the ear and hearing. As regenerative therapy is directed to new areas, a greater understanding of immunosuppression strategies and their efficacy is required to facilitate translation to organ-specific biologic microenvironments.

Objective
This systematic review appraises the current literature regarding immunosuppression strategies employed in stem cell trials of retinal and neural cells.

Methods
This systematic review was performed in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Inclusion criteria included studies presenting data on neural or retinal cells as part of an in-human clinical trial that detailed the immunosuppression regime used. Exclusion criteria included non-English language studies, animal studies, review articles, case reports, editorials, and letters. The databases Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to February 2024. Risk of bias was evaluated using the ROBINS-I tool.

Results
Eighteen articles fit the inclusion criteria. Nine articles concerned retinal cells, 5 concerned spinal cord injury, and 4 concerned amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A multi-drug and short-term immunosuppression regime were commonly employed in the identified studies. Detected immune responses in treated patients were rare. Common immunosuppression paradigms included tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and tapering doses of steroids. Local immunosuppression with steroids was employed in some studies concerning retinal diseases.

Discussion
A short-term course of systemic immunosuppression seemed efficacious for most included studies, with some showing grafted cells viable months to years after immunosuppression had stopped. Longer-term follow-up is required to see if this remains the case. Side effects related to immunosuppression were uncommon.
Data quality assessment of the Enhanced Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme (EGASP), Thailand, 2015–2021
Authors: Tongtoyai Jaray , Cherdtrakulkiat Thitima , Girdthep Natnaree , Masciotra Silvina , Winaitham Santi , Sangprasert Pongsathorn , Daengsaard Ekkachai , Puangsoi Anuparp , Kittiyaowamarn Rossaphorn , Dunne Eileen F. , Sirivongrangson Pachara , Hickey Andrew C. , Weston Emily , Frankson Rebekah M. 
Published: July 2024

Background
Quality assessments of gonococcal surveillance data are critical to improve data validity and to enhance the value of surveillance findings. Detecting data errors by systematic audits identifies areas for quality improvement. We designed and implemented an internal audit process to evaluate the accuracy and completeness of surveillance data for the Thailand Enhanced Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme (EGASP).

Methods
We conducted a data quality audit of source records by comparison with the data stored in the EGASP database for five audit cycles from 2015–2021. Ten percent of culture-confirmed cases of Neisseria gonorrhoeae were randomly sampled along with any cases identified with elevated antimicrobial susceptibility testing results and cases with repeat infections. Incorrect and incomplete data were investigated, and corrective action and preventive actions (CAPA) were implemented. Accuracy was defined as the percentage of identical data in both the source records and the database. Completeness was defined as the percentage of non-missing data from either the source document or the database. Statistical analyses were performed using the t-test and the Fisher’s exact test.

Results
We sampled and reviewed 70, 162, 85, 68, and 46 EGASP records during the five audit cycles. Overall accuracy and completeness in the five audit cycles ranged from 93.6% to 99.4% and 95.0% to 99.9%, respectively. Overall, completeness was significantly higher than accuracy (p = 0.017). For each laboratory and clinical data element, concordance was >85% in all audit cycles except for two laboratory data elements in two audit cycles. These elements significantly improved following identification and CAPA implementation.

Discussion
We found a high level of data accuracy and completeness in the five audit cycles. The implementation of the audit process identified areas for improvement. Systematic quality assessments of laboratory and clinical data ensure high quality EGASP surveillance data to monitor for antimicrobial resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Thailand.
Network pharmacology and molecular-docking-based strategy to explore the potential mechanism of salidroside-inhibited oxidative stress in retinal ganglion cell
Authors: Zhang Peng , Zhao Hongxin , Xia Xiangping , Xiao Hua , Han Chong , You Zhibo , Wang Junjie , Cao Fang 
Published: July 2024

Background
Salidroside (SAL), the main component of Rhodiola rosea extract, is a flavonoid with biological activities, such as antioxidative stress, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic. In this study, the potential therapeutic targets and mechanisms of SAL against oxidative stress in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) were investigated on the basis of in-vitro experiments, network pharmacology, and molecular docking techniques.

Methods
RGC oxidative stress models were constructed, and cell activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and apoptosis levels were examined for differences. The genes corresponding to rhodopsin, RGCs, and oxidative stress were screened from GeneCards, TCMSP database, and an analysis platform. The intersection of the three was taken, and a Venn diagram was drawn. Protein interactions, GO functional enrichment, and KEGG pathway enrichment data were analyzed by STRING database, Cytohubba plugin, and Metascape database. The key factors in the screening pathway were validated using qRT-PCR. Finally, molecular docking prediction was performed using MOE 2019 software, molecular dynamic simulations was performed using Gromacs 2018 software.

Results
In the RGC oxidative stress model in vitro, the cell activity was enhanced, ROS was reduced, and apoptosis was decreased after SAL treatment. A total of 16 potential targets of oxidative stress in SAL RGCs were obtained, and the top 10 core targets were screened by network topology analysis. GO analysis showed that SAL retinal oxidative stress treatment mainly involved cellular response to stress, transcriptional regulatory complexes, and DNA-binding transcription factor binding. KEGG analysis showed that most genes were mainly enriched in multiple cancer pathways and signaling pathways in diabetic complications, nonalcoholic fatty liver, and lipid and atherosclerosis. Validation by PCR, molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulations revealed that SAL may attenuate oxidative stress and reduce apoptosis in RGCs by regulating SIRT1, NRF2, and NOS3.

Conclusion
This study initially revealed the antioxidant therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of SAL on RGCs, providing a theoretical basis for subsequent studies.
Betaine and I-LG may have a predictive value for ATB: A causal study in a large European population
Authors: Xian Xiaomin , Li Li , Ye Jing , Mo Wenxiu , Liang Dabin , Huang Minying , Chang Yue , Cui Zhezhe 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
To analyze the causal relationship between 486 human serum metabolites and the active tuberculosis (ATB) in European population.

Methods
In this study, the causal relationship between human serum metabolites and the ATB was analyzed by integrating the genome-wide association study (GWAS). The 486 human serum metabolites were used as the exposure variable, three different ATB GWAS databases in the European population were set as outcome variables, and single nucleotide polymorphisms were used as instrumental variables for Mendelian Randomization. The inverse variance weighting was estimated causality, the MR-Egger intercept to estimate horizontal pleiotropy, and the combined effects of metabolites were also considered in the meta-analysis. Furthermore, the web-based MetaboAnalyst 6.0 was engaged for enrichment pathway analysis, while R (version 4.3.2) software and Review Manager 5.3 were employed for statistical analysis.

Results
A total of 21, 17, and 19 metabolites strongly associated with ATB were found in the three databases after preliminary screening (P < 0.05). The intersecting metabolites across these databases included tryptophan, betaine, 1-linoleoylglycerol (1-monolinolein) (1-LG), 1-eicosatrienoylglycerophosphocholine, and oleoylcarnitine. Among them, betaine (I2 = 24%, P = 0.27) and 1-LG (I2 = 0%, P = 0.62) showed the lowest heterogeneity among the different ATB databases. In addition, the metabolic pathways of phosphatidylethanolamine biosynthesis (P = 0.0068), methionine metabolism (P = 0.0089), betaine metabolism (P = 0.0205) and oxidation of branched-chain fatty acids (P = 0.0309) were also associated with ATB.

Conclusion
Betaine and 1-LG may be biomarkers or auxiliary diagnostic tools for ATB. They may provide new guidance for medical practice in the early diagnosis and surveillance of ATB. In addition, by interfering with phosphatidylethanolamine biosynthesis, methionine metabolism, betaine metabolism, oxidation of branched-chain fatty acids, and other pathways, it is helpful to develop new anti-tuberculosis drugs and explore the virulence or pathogenesis of ATB at a deeper level, providing an effective reference for future studies.
Proteolytic activity of rumen bacterial species from the genus Prevotella
Authors: AVGUŠTIN Gorazd 
Published: July 2024

27 strains belonging to four recently described anaerobic bacterial species from the genus Prevotella were tested for proteolytic activity against 14C labelled casein. A great variability in casein degradation activity was detected, supporting the phylogenetic findings about this bacterial genus. The highest activity was detected with P. brevis strains and some individual strains representing unique taxonomic lineages. For the rest of the strains, belonging to P. ruminicola, P. brevis and P. albensis, the commonly made assumption of an important role in protein breakdown in the rumen ecosystem is presumably not valid.
Variability of selected characteristics in sets of buckwheat, millet and amaranth; selection of perspective genotypes and comparison of their nutritive value
Authors: MICHALOVÁ Anna 
Published: July 2024

During the past three years, evaluation has been carried out in the sets of buckwheat, millet and amaranth, and the selected morphologic and phenologic characters, productivity and nutritional value were assesed. The highest variability level at particular varieties within all three crop sets was observed in the yield (coefficient of variation for buckwheat - CV= 37%, millet - CV= 16.3%, amaranth - CV= 32.2%). Other characters under study showed the medium variability level. Within the crop sets under experiment the most productive genotypes were selected for further research and for the utilisation. The nutritional value parameters were divided into four groups: I. Main quality characters (crude protein, oil and starch content), II. Content of essential fatty acids, III. Content of essential amino acids, IV. Content of mineral compounds. The basic differences become evident in the nutritional value of buckwheat, millet and amaranth in the characters of groups I. and II., and as to the content of essential amino acids. No differences were found in the buckwheat and millet indices of group IV. (content of mineral compounds).
Symbiotic efficiency and storage stability of molasses based liquid inoculant formulations for soybean (Glycine max L., Merr.)
Authors: HACIN Janez I. , SPANRING Jože 
Published: July 2024

Three liquid inoculant formulations (broth culture mixed with molasses, perlite or vermiculite) were tested for the survival of rhizobia on seeds and early nodulation in the field. Two inoculant formulations were used to evaluate the response to inoculation of eleven soybean cultivars in the field.
Good survival of rhizobia was observed in broth stored at room temperature (20 - 25o C) over 27 weeks. Initial population of 109 rhizobia/ml declined to 108 rhizobia/ml, as determined by plate counts and MPN assays. Broth inoculant applied to seed with molasses as a sticker, was superior to vermiculite or perlite supplemented inoculant, with respect to survival of rhizobia on seed, whereas perlite supplemented inoculant was the most effective with regard to early nodulation. Agronomically acceptable numbers of viable rhizobia (104 to 106 CFU per seed) were maintained on inoculated seed stored for 4 weeks at room temperature. In 11 soybean cultivars a 119 to 193 % increase in seed yield was observed as a result of inoculation. Although the highest response to inoculation was recorded in cultivars with lowest yield, when uninoculated, this did not compensate for lower response of cultivars with high yield potential. Total plant N analysis indicated that, even at moderate grain yield (about 2400 kg/ha), well nodulated soybean crop fixed about 240 kg N/ha, of which about 170 kg N/ha may be returned to soil with plant residues.
Vpliv različnih hitrih metod osamitve genomske dnk salmonel na občutljivost PCR
Authors: TRKOV Marija , JERŠEK Barbara 
Published: July 2024

The purpose of our research was to determine the effect of rapid methods for isolation of Salmonella genomic DNA on PCR sensitivity. Salmonella specific primers ST11 and ST15 were used for DNA amplification. Among tested procedures the best PCR sensitivity was achieved after treating of sample with NaOH and SDS solutions and heating of sample in water bath at 95o C for 15 min. PCR detection limit for Salmonella in pure and mixed cultures was in a range from 104 to 105 cfu ml-1. Described procedure for DNA isolation is rapid and not work-consuming.
Mehanična nega rastlin
Authors: VUČAJNK Filip , BERNIK Rajko 
Published: July 2024

Mechanical cultivation is a significant technological measure in plant production. On Slovenian farms a combination of mechanical cultivation and herbicide spraying is reasonable. Advantages and weaknesses of mechanical cultivation are described and different ways of cultivation for plants which we cultivate mechanically. Different types of machines for mechanical cultivation and ridging of potato are presented and effects of cultivation on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.).
Soil respiration measured with soil flux chamber LI-6400-09 – effects of soil temperature
Authors: MAČEK Irena , VODNIK Dominik , BATIČ Franc 
Published: July 2024

The rate of exchange of CO2 between soil and atmosphere is controlled by atmospheric and soil physical and biological conditions. Predominant processes that produce carbon dioxide in soil are root and soil organism respiration and decomposition of organic matter. In our research, soil CO2 efflux in homogeneous soil samples was measured with dynamic chamber system LI-6400-09 employing infrared gas analyzer (IRGA). Simultaneously, soil and air temperature were measured and the data were later correlated with soil respiration. The measurements were performed at different day periods and at different weather conditions in order to determine the optimal measurement conditions. CO2 efflux was significantly lower (0.70 ± 0.14 m mol m-2 h-1) when measured in the morning with average soil temperature (12.2 ± 1.7 oC), compared to the measurements during the cloudy day with efflux (1.44 ± 0.23 m mol m-2 h-1), average soil temperature (16.4 ± 0.8 oC) and the sunny day efflux (2.24 ± 0.38 m mol m-2 h-1) with the highest average soil temperatures (21.2 ± 3.2 oC). The soil temperature accounted for 80.1 % of soil respiration variability. The Q10 value, calculated for soil CO2 efflux was 2.3. Thus, to collect an appropriate amount of comparable data replications, required due to high soil spatial variability, soil respiration measurements should be performed at relatively stable atmospheric conditions. The comparable flux measurements should be taken always at the same day period.
Sulphur in balanced karst pasture nutrition
Authors: VIDRIH Anton 
Published: July 2024

In the work described in this paper, the effects of sulphur (S) fertilizers in combinations with nitrogen (NP) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers on herbage production were investigated. Results from the first three years of experiment carried are reported. Field experiment was carried out at mountain sheep pasture Vremščica. Sulphur was added at a rate of 60 kg ha-1. Same was for nitrogen. Phosphorus was applied at 90 kg ha–1 each year. As a result of more balanced supply of nutrients to plants, and the sheep grazing, the similar herbage mass was obtained few days earlier during each consecutive year. Most efficient on average was the combined application of NPS which gave 24 % higher yield of herbage than control treatment. Statistically significant differences were found (P=0.05) further for NP, NS and NPK treatments too. Clover content showed a trend for a slight decline on treatments where N was applied. This small decrease in clover content was probably a result of the shading of clovers by grasses. Amount of herbage utilised during two rotations was 3.5 t ha –1 DM for NPS treatment, and this was for 67 % higher from what was achieved on control treatment.