bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High mortality associated with inappropriate initial antibiotic therapy in hematological malignancies with Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream infections
Authors: Ma Zijun , Lai Chengcheng , Zhang Jun , Han Yuren , Xin Mengjie , Wang Jinghui , Wu Zhuanghao , Luo Yonggang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBloodstream infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms such as Klebsiella pneumoniae are a significant challenge in managing hematological malignancies. This study aims to characterize the epidemiology of Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream infections specifically in patients with hematological malignancies, delineate the patterns of initial antibiotic therapy, assess the prevalence of resistant strains, identify risk factors for these resistant strains, and evaluate factors influencing patient outcomes. A retrospective analysis was conducted at a single center from January 2017 to December 2020, focusing on 182 patients with hematological malignancies who developed Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream infections. We compared the 30-day mortality rates between patients receiving appropriate and inappropriate antibiotic treatments, including the effectiveness of both single-drug and combination therapies. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and multivariate logistic and Cox regression were used to identify factors influencing mortality risk. The 30-day all-cause mortality rate was 30.2% for all patients. The 30-day all-cause mortality rates were 77.2% and 8.8% in patients who received inappropriate initial treatment and appropriate initial treatment (p < 0.001). Inappropriate initial treatment significantly influenced mortality and was a key predictor of 30-day mortality, along with septic shock and previous intensive care unit (ICU) stays. Patients with carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) bloodstream infections exhibited more severe clinical symptoms compared to the CSKP group. The study demonstrates a significant association between empirical carbapenem administration and the escalating prevalence of CRKP and multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae (MDR-KP) infections. Furthermore, the study identified inappropriate initial antibiotic therapy, septic shock, and ICU admission as independent risk factors for 30-day mortality.
Long-term endoscopic gastric mucosal changes up to 20 years after Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy
Authors: Iwata Eri , Sugimoto Mitsushige , Akimoto Yoshika , Hamada Mariko , Niikura Ryota , Nagata Naoyoshi , Yanagisawa Kyosuke , Itoi Takao , Kawai Takashi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHelicobacter pylori eradication therapy reduces the risk of gastric cancer. However, it is unclear whether the severity of risk factors for gastric cancer such as atrophy and intestinal metaplasia are reduced after eradication in the long term. We aimed to study long-term changes in endoscopic risk factors for gastric cancer up to 20 years post-eradication. The endoscopic severity of gastritis according to the Kyoto Classification of Gastritis in 167 patients was retrospectively evaluated over an average follow-up 15.7 years. A significant improvement in mean total gastric cancer risk score (4.36 ± 1.66 to 2.69 ± 1.07, p < 0.001), atrophy (1.73 ± 0.44 to 1.61 ± 0.49, p = 0.004), and diffuse redness (1.22 ± 0.79 to 0.02 ± 0.13, p < 0.001) was observed compared to baseline in the Eradication group. However, there was no change in the never infection and current infection groups. The frequency of map-like redness increased over time until 15 years (3.6% to 18.7%, p = 0.03). The Cancer group had significantly higher risk scores at all time points. Endoscopic atrophy significantly improved in eradicated patients over long-term, suggested that eradication is one of the key elements in gastric cancer prevention. Individualized surveillance strategies based on endoscopic gastritis severity before eradication may be important for those at risk of gastric cancer.
Identification of the health education targeted susceptible population of tuberculosis in Ningxia, Northwest China
Authors: Ma Ning , Chen Linlin , Ding Fan , Liu Xianglong , Li Jiangping , Zhao Yu 
Published: June 2024

AbstractKnowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) survey, as an effective measure tool, is of practical significance for identifying the susceptible population in high-incidence regions of tuberculosis (TB). We aim to identify the health education targeted susceptible population of TB and discuss the acting pathway of KAP in Ningxia. A multistage random sampling method was used to conduct a face-to-face questionnaire survey for residents. The latent class analysis (LCA) model was used to classify susceptible populations of TB, and the structural equation modeling (SEM) model was also employed to investigate the interaction mechanisms of KAP (mediation analysis). We further applied the ordered logistic regression model to explore the associated factors. A total of 973 residents were enrolled, 70.6% were male, aged from 16 to 89. The LCA analysis demonstrated that 3 categories of susceptible populations of TB ("overall good", "positive attitude" and "overall poor") have optimal goodness of fit (BIC = 7889.5, Entropy = 0.923). SEM model indicated that the attitude plays a significant mediation effect from knowledge to practice toward TB (an indirect effect of 0.038, and a direct effect of 0.138). The ordered logistic regression results found that age, sex, marital status, education level, occupation, family income, self-perceived health status, having a family member or friend with TB, and knowing the DOTS strategy were significantly associated with classifications of KAP level towards TB. Based on the LCA model, we accurately classified the susceptible population of TB into 3 groups with different degrees of KAP. We found that TB attitude plays a mediating role between knowledge and practice. Therefore, we should pay more attention and carry out targeted health education in the community to these populations with overall poor KAP towards TB, and develop effective strategies and measures to realize the End TB Plan.
Evolution and driving factors of inequality in CO2 emissions from agricultural energy consumption in China
Authors: Zhao Xiaojing , Li Xuke , Xi Yanling 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe inequality in CO2 emissions from agricultural energy consumption is a major challenge for coordinating low-carbon agricultural development across regions in China. However, the evolutionary characteristics and driving factors of inequality in China’s agricultural energy-related CO2 emissions are poorly understood. In response, the Kaya–Theil model was adopted to examine the three potential factors influencing CO2 emission inequality in China’s agricultural energy consumption. The results revealed that, from 1997 to 2021, agricultural energy-related CO2 emissions per capita showed a significant upward trend, with prominent polarization and right-tailing phenomena. Overall, the inequality was on a downward trend, with the Theil index falling from 0.4109 in 1997 to 0.1957 in 2021. Meanwhile, the decomposition of the national inequality revealed that the within-group inequality declined from 0.3991 to 0.1634, which was greater than between-group inequality, based on zoning the 28 provinces into three grain production functional areas. As for the three kaya factors, the energy intensity contributed the most to the overall inequality, followed by the agricultural economic development and CO2 emission intensity. Based on these results, this study provided some potential strategies to reduce agricultural-related CO2 emissions.
Sex-specific transgenerational effects on murine thyroid gland imposed by ancestral exposure to neonicotinoid thiacloprid
Authors: Diba Lahmidi Mariam , Le Noc Morgane , Dali Ouzna , Kernanec Pierre-Yves , Merret Pierre-Etienne , Jaulin Christian , Smagulova Fatima 
Published: June 2024

AbstractNeonicotinoids, a relatively new widely used class of insecticide is used in agriculture to control insect populations. We examined the capacity of ancestral exposure to the neonicotinoid thiacloprid (thia) to induce transgenerational effects on thyroid tissue. Pregnant outbred Swiss female mice were exposed to thia at embryonic days E6.5 to E15.5 using 0, 0.6, and 6 mg/kg/day doses. Thyroid paraffin sections were prepared for morphology analysis. We apply ELISA method to measure T4 and TSH levels, RT-qPCR for gene expression analysis, ChIP-qPCR techniques for sperm histone H3K4me3 analysis, and immunofluorescence microscopy and western blots for protein detection. We observed an alteration in the morphology of thyroids in both males and females in the F3 generation. We observed an increase in T4 hormone in F1 females and a significant T4 level decrease in F3 males. T4 changes in F1 females were associated with a TSH increase. We found that the amount of Iodothyronine Deiodinase 1 (DIO1) (an enzyme converting T4 to T3) was decreased in both F1 and F3 generations in female thyroids. GNAS protein which is important for thyroid function has increased in female thyroids. Gene expression analysis showed that the expression of genes encoding thyroid gland development, chromatin, biosynthesis and transport factors were affected in the thyroid gland in both sexes in F1 and F3. The analysis of sperm histone H3K4me3 showed that H3K4me3 occupancy at the Dio1 locus has decreased while Thyroglobulin (Tg) and Matrix Metallopeptidase 2 (Mmp2) genes have increased H3K4me3 occupancy in the sperm of F3 mice. Besides, DNA methylation analysis of our previously published datasets showed that, in the sperm of F1 and F3 thia-derived mice, several genes related to thyroid function show consistent alterations. Our data suggest that ancestral exposure to thiacloprid affects thyroid function not only in exposed but also in indirectly exposed F3 generation.
C-type natriuretic peptide/cGMP/FoxO3 signaling attenuates hyperproliferation of pericytes from patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Dabral Swati , Noh Minhee , Werner Franziska , Krebes Lisa , Völker Katharina , Maier Christopher , Aleksic Ivan , Novoyatleva Tatyana , Hadzic Stefan , Schermuly Ralph Theo , Perez Vinicio A. de Jesus , Kuhn Michaela 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPericyte dysfunction, with excessive migration, hyperproliferation, and differentiation into smooth muscle-like cells contributes to vascular remodeling in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH). Augmented expression and action of growth factors trigger these pathological changes. Endogenous factors opposing such alterations are barely known. Here, we examine whether and how the endothelial hormone C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), signaling through the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) -producing guanylyl cyclase B (GC-B) receptor, attenuates the pericyte dysfunction observed in PAH. The results demonstrate that CNP/GC-B/cGMP signaling is preserved in lung pericytes from patients with PAH and prevents their growth factor-induced proliferation, migration, and transdifferentiation. The anti-proliferative effect of CNP is mediated by cGMP-dependent protein kinase I and inhibition of the Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway, ultimately leading to the nuclear stabilization and activation of the Forkhead Box O 3 (FoxO3) transcription factor. Augmentation of the CNP/GC-B/cGMP/FoxO3 signaling pathway might be a target for novel therapeutics in the field of PAH.
Prevalence of ST1049-KL5 carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae with a blaKPC-2 and blaNDM-1 co-carrying hypertransmissible IncM1 plasmid
Authors: Liu Hongmao , Xiang Yating , Xiong Mengyuan , Xiao Xiao , Zhou Junying , Tian Hongpan , Chen Qingsong , Li Yirong 
Published: June 2024

AbstractInfection caused by KPC and NDM carbapenemases co-producingKlebsiella pneumoniae(KPC_NDM_CRKP) poses serious public health concerns. Here, we elucidate the prevalence of a hypertransmissible lncM1 plasmid, pKPC_NDM, co-carryingblaKPC-2andblaNDM-1genes in sequence type 1049 K_locus 5 (ST1049-KL5) KPC_NDM_CRKP isolates. Genetic and clonal relatedness analyses using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, single nucleotide polymorphism analysis and core genome multilocus sequence typing suggested clonal dissemination of ST1049-KL5 KPC_NDM_CRKP strains in our hospital. Whole genome sequencing identified an identical 76,517 bp-blaKPC-2andblaNDM-1genes co-carrying IncM1 plasmid pKPC_NDM and a pLVPK-like hypervirulent plasmid in all ST1049-KL5 KPC_NDM_CRKP isolates. pKPC_NDM shared 100% identity with a previously sequenced plasmid CRKP35_unnamed4, demonstrating high transferability in conjugation assay, with conjugation frequencies reaching 10-4and 10-5inEscherichia coliandK. pneumoniaerecipients, respectively. It also maintained favorable stability and flexible compatibility, with retention rates exceeding 80% after 10 days of continuous passage, and could be compatible with pre-existingblaKPC- orblaNDM-carrying plasmids in recipient strains. This study summarizes the characteristics of KPC_NDM_CRKP outbreaks and highlights the importance of ongoing surveillance and infection control strategies to address the challenges posed by ST1049K. pneumoniaestrains.
Bismuth pyramid formation during solidification of eutectic tin-bismuth alloy using 4D X-ray microtomography
Authors: Luktuke Amey , Kastengren Alan L. , Nikitin Viktor , Torbati-Sarraf Hamidreza , Chawla Nikhilesh 
Published: June 2024

AbstractNext-generation electronic packaging strategies like heterogeneous integration packaging necessitate low melting temperature solder alloys. The Sn-58Bi alloy is notable candidate for its low melting point, but the development of coarse Bi particles during solidification adversely affects the joint’s mechanical properties. The mechanisms determining the morphology of these Bi particles remain unexplored. Here, we employ a 4D investigation of the solder solidification process. We observe the growth of novel pyramidal morphology of precipitating Bi in-situ during the solidification. We decipher the growth mechanisms that lead to the pyramidal shape of Bi crystals. The crystallographic nature of the pyramid facets and the inaccuracies in the Jackson factor prediction of interface stability for semimetals is investigated in detail. An alternative way of analyzing the atomic configuration for a stable solid-liquid interface is proposed. Finally, the effect of grain boundary defect formation on the growth morphology of Bi crystals is studied.
Early detection of dementia with default-mode network effective connectivity
Authors: Ereira Sam , Waters Sheena , Razi Adeel , Marshall Charles R. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAltered functional connectivity precedes structural brain changes and symptoms in dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the largest contributor to dementia at the population level, and disrupts functional connectivity in the brain’s default-mode network (DMN). We investigated whether a neurobiological model of DMN effective connectivity could predict a future dementia diagnosis at the single-participant level. We applied spectral dynamic causal modeling to resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data in a nested case–control group from the UK Biobank, including 81 undiagnosed individuals who developed dementia up to nine years after imaging, and 1,030 matched controls. Dysconnectivity predicted both future dementia incidence (AUC = 0.82) and time to diagnosis (R = 0.53), outperforming models based on brain structure and functional connectivity. We also evaluated associations between DMN dysconnectivity and major risk factors for dementia, revealing strong relationships with polygenic risk for Alzheimer’s disease and social isolation. Neurobiological models of effective connectivity may facilitate early detection of dementia at population level, supporting rational deployment of targeted dementia-prevention strategies.
Spraying amorphous carbon coated zinc to prepare powder-based anodes for long-life zinc-ion batteries
Authors: Tang Jiahao , Cao Jiale , Jiang Yunxuan , Gou Siying , Yao Ruiqi , Li Yingqi , Liu Bo-Tian 
Published: June 2024

Amorphous carbon coated zinc powder based anode offers better reaction kinetics and lower mass compared to zinc foils, which significantly improves the reversible properties of the zinc plating/stripping and overall energy density of the devices.
Au nanoparticle-catalyzed double hydrosilylation of nitriles by diethylsilane
Authors: Karapanou Maria Ioanna , Malliotaki Dimitra , Stratakis Manolis 
Published: June 2024

The Au/TiO2-catalysed reaction between Et2SiH2 and nitriles proceeds smoothly providing double hydrosilylation adducts, which are deprotected with HCl/Et2O to yield the hydrochloric salts of the corresponding amines in very good to excellent yields.
A New Method for Documenting Sign Language Productions in Schools
Authors: West Erin , Dettman Shani 
Published: June 2024

Purpose:
There are well-established guidelines for the recording, transcription, and analysis of spontaneous oral language samples by researchers, educators, and speech pathologists. In contrast, there is presently no consensus regarding methods for the written documentation of sign language samples. The Handshape Analysis Recording Tool (HART) is an innovative method for documenting and analyzing word level samples of signed languages in real time. Fluent sign language users can document the expressive sign productions of children to gather data on sign use and accuracy.

Method:
The HART was developed to document children's productions in Australian Sign Language (Auslan) in a bilingual–bicultural educational program for the Deaf in Australia. This written method was piloted with a group of fluent signing Deaf educational staff in 2014–2016, then used in 2022–2023 with a group of fluent signing professionals to examine inter- and intrarater reliability when coding parameters of sign accuracy.

Results:
Interrater reliability measured by Gwet's Agreement Coefficient, was “good” to “very good” across the four phonological parameters that are components of every sign: location, movement, handshape, and orientation.

Conclusions:
The findings of this study indicate that the HART can be a reliable tool for coding the accuracy of location, orientation, movement, and handshape parameters of Auslan phonology when used by professionals fluent in Auslan. The HART can be utilized with any sign language to gather word level sign language samples in a written form and document the phonological accuracy of signed productions.
Simulation-based inference with neural posterior estimation applied to X-ray spectral fitting
Authors: Barret Didier , Dupourqué Simon 
Published: June 2024

Context. Neural networks are being extensively used for modeling data, especially in the case where no likelihood can be formulated.
Aims. Although in the case of X-ray spectral fitting the likelihood is known, we aim to investigate the ability of neural networks to recover the model parameters and their associated uncertainties and to compare their performances with standard X-ray spectral fitting, whether following a frequentist or Bayesian approach.
Methods. We applied a simulation-based inference with neural posterior estimation (SBI-NPE) to X-ray spectra. We trained a network with simulated spectra generated from a multiparameter source emission model folded through an instrument response, so that it learns the mapping between the simulated spectra and their parameters and returns the posterior distribution. The model parameters are sampled from a predefined prior distribution. To maximize the efficiency of the training of the neural network, while limiting the size of the training sample to speed up the inference, we introduce a way to reduce the range of the priors, either through a classifier or a coarse and quick inference of one or multiple observations. For the sake of demonstrating working principles, we applied the technique to data generated from and recorded by the NICER X-ray instrument, which is a medium-resolution X-ray spectrometer covering the 0.2–12 keV band. We consider here simple X-ray emission models with up to five parameters.
Results. SBI-NPE is demonstrated to work equally well as standard X-ray spectral fitting, both in the Gaussian and Poisson regimes, on simulated and real data, yielding fully consistent results in terms of best-fit parameters and posterior distributions. The inference time is comparable to or smaller than the one needed for Bayesian inference when involving the computation of large Markov chain Monte Carlo chains to derive the posterior distributions. On the other hand, once properly trained, an amortized SBI-NPE network generates the posterior distributions in no time (less than 1 second per spectrum on a 6-core laptop). We show that SBI-NPE is less sensitive to local minima trapping than standard fit statistic minimization techniques. With a simple model, we find that the neural network can be trained equally well on dimension-reduced spectra via a principal component decomposition, leading to a faster inference time with no significant degradation of the posteriors.
Conclusions. We show that simulation-based inference with neural posterior estimation is a complementary tool for X-ray spectral analysis. The technique is robust and produces well-calibrated posterior distributions. It holds great potential for its integration in pipelines developed for processing large data sets. The code developed to demonstrate the first working principles of the technique introduced here is released through a Python package called SIXSA (Simulation-based Inference for X-ray Spectral Analysis), which is available from GitHub.
Plant-Derived Peptides: (Neglected) Natural Products for Drug Discovery
Authors: Gruber Christian W. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPeptides have emerged as key regulators in various physiological processes, including growth, development, stress, and defense responses within plants as well as ecological interactions of plants with microbes and animals. Understanding and harnessing plant peptides can lead to the development of innovative strategies for crop improvement, increasing agricultural productivity, and enhancing resilience to environmental challenges such as drought, pests, and diseases. Moreover, some plant peptides have shown promise in human health applications, with potential therapeutic benefits as ingredients in herbal medicines as well as novel drug leads. The exploration of plant peptides is essential for unraveling the mysteries of plant biology and advancing peptide drug discovery. This short personal commentary provides a very brief overview about the field of plant-derived peptides and a personal word of motivation to increase the number of scientists in pharmacognosy working with
these fascinating biomolecules.