bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a real-time recombinase-aided amplification assay for rapid and sensitive detection of Edwardsiella piscicida
Authors: Dong Yuchen , Zhou Dandan , Zhang Binzhe , Xu Xiaoying , Zhang Jian 
Published: March 2024

Edwardsiella piscicida, a significant intracellular pathogen, is widely distributed in aquatic environments and causes systemic infection in various species. Therefore, it’s essential to develop a rapid, uncomplicated and sensitive method for detection of E. piscicida in order to control the transmission of this pathogen effectively. The recombinase-aided amplification (RAA) assay is a newly developed, rapid detection method that has been utilized for various pathogens. In the present study, a real-time RAA (RT-RAA) assay, targeting the conserved positions of the EvpP gene, was successfully established for the detection of E. piscicida. This assay can be performed in a one-step single tube reaction at a temperature of 39°C within 20 min. The RT-RAA assay exhibited a sensitivity of 42 copies per reaction at a 95% probability, which was comparable to the sensitivity of real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay. The specificity assay confirmed that the RT-RAA assay specifically targeted E. piscicida without any cross-reactivity with other important marine bacterial pathogens. Moreover, when clinical specimens were utilized, a perfect agreement of 100% was achieved between the RT-RAA and qPCR assays, resulting a kappa value of 1. These findings indicated that the established RT-RAA assay provided a viable alternative for the rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of E. piscicida.
Long-term outcomes of survivors with influenza A H1N1 virus-induced severe pneumonia and ARDS: a single-center prospective cohort study
Authors: Tang Xiao , Xu Xiao-Li , Wan Na , Zhao Yu , Wang Rui , Li Xu-Yan , Li Ying , Wang Li , Li Hai-Chao , Gu Yue , Zhang Chun-Yan , Yang Qi , Tong Zhao-Hui , Sun Bing 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionSystematic evaluation of long-term outcomes in survivors of H1N1 is still lacking. This study aimed to characterize long-term outcomes of severe H1N1-induced pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).MethodThis was a single-center, prospective, cohort study. Survivors were followed up for four times after discharge from intensive care unit (ICU) by lung high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), pulmonary function assessment, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and SF-36 instrument.ResultA total of 60 survivors of H1N1-induced pneumonia and ARDS were followed up for four times. The carbon monoxide at single breath (DLCO) of predicted values and the 6MWT results didn’t continue improving after 3 months. Health-related quality of life didn’t change during the 12 months after ICU discharge. Reticulation or interlobular septal thickening on HRCT did not begin to improve significantly until the 12-month follow-up. The DLCO of predicted values showed negative correlation with the severity degree of primary disease and reticulation or interlobular septal thickening, and a positive correlation with physical functioning. The DLCO of predicted values and reticulation or interlobular septal thickening both correlated with the highest tidal volume during mechanical ventilation. Levels of fibrogenic cytokines had a positive correlation with reticulation or interlobular septal thickening.ConclusionThe improvements in pulmonary function and exercise capacity, imaging, and health-related quality of life had different time phase and impact on each other during 12 months of follow-up. Long-term outcomes of pulmonary fibrosis might be related to the lung injury and excessive lung fibroproliferation at the early stage during ICU admission.
The UK public’s trust in tobacco industry involvement in science – an experimental survey
Authors: Legg Tess , Bero Lisa , Lewandowsky Stephan 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionDespite the tobacco industry’s (TI) decades-long history of manipulating science, Philip Morris International (PMI) now frames itself as a benevolent funder of science and, in 2017, launched a new scientific organisation, the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World (FSFW). With concerns mounting that PMI’s actions are echoing historical TI influence on science, we aimed to understand the extent to which the public trusts PMI’s involvement in science, and whether channelling funds through a third-party organisation affects these levels of trust.MethodsThrough a representative survey of the UK public (n=1580) we investigated trust in direct (PMI), indirect (FSFW), and no (Cancer Research UK) TI involvement in science. Conservative worldview was investigated as a possible predictor of trust. Structural equation modelling was used to explore associations between variables.ResultsAlthough PMI was significantly less trusted than FSFW and Cancer Research UK, the public did not completely distrust it as a scientific source. Trust in FSFW’s involvement in science was higher before participants understood its TI funding. People with conservative worldviews demonstrated greater trust in TI involvement in science.DiscussionThe UK public needs to be better informed that the TI is not a trustworthy scientific source. Since channelling TI research funds through a third party increases the perceived trustworthiness of its science, steps to prevent such relationships are warranted. People with conservative leanings hold concerning views on TI involvement in science, which may be particularly hard to correct.
Effect of a probiotic and an antibiotic on the mobilome of the porcine microbiota
Authors: Monger Xavier C. , Saucier Linda , Guay Frédéric , Turcotte Annie , Lemieux Joanie , Pouliot Eric , Fournaise Sylvain , Vincent Antony T. 
Published: March 2024

Introduction: To consider the growing health issues caused by antibiotic resistance from a “one health” perspective, the contribution of meat production needs to be addressed. While antibiotic resistance is naturally present in microbial communities, the treatment of farm animals with antibiotics causes an increase in antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) in the gut microbiome. Pigs are among the most prevalent animals in agriculture; therefore, reducing the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the pig gut microbiome could reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance. Probiotics are often studied as a way to modulate the microbiome and are, therefore, an interesting way to potentially decrease antibiotic resistance.Methods: To assess the efficacy of a probiotic to reduce the prevalence of ARGs in the pig microbiome, six pigs received either treatment with antibiotics (tylvalosin), probiotics (Pediococcus acidilactici MA18/5M; Biopower® PA), or a combination of both. Their faeces and ileal digesta were collected and DNA was extracted for whole genome shotgun sequencing. The reads were compared with taxonomy and ARG databases to identify the taxa and resistance genes in the samples.Results: The results showed that the ARG profiles in the faeces of the antibiotic and combination treatments were similar, and both were different from the profiles of the probiotic treatment (p &lt; 0.05). The effects of the treatments were different in the digesta and faeces. Many macrolide resistance genes were detected in a higher proportion in the microbiome of the pigs treated with antibiotics or the combination of probiotics and antibiotics. Resistance-carrying conjugative plasmids and horizontal transfer genes were also amplified in faeces samples for the antibiotic and combined treatments. There was no effect of treatment on the short chain fatty acid content in the digesta or the faeces.Conclusion: There is no positive effect of adding probiotics to an antibiotic treatment when these treatments are administered simultaneously.
Comprehensive analysis of brain injury parameters in a preclinical porcine model of acute liver failure
Authors: Felgendreff Philipp , Hosseiniasl Seyed M. , Felgendreff Lisa , Amiot Bruce P. , Minshew Anna , Ahmadzada Boyukkhanim , Qu Zhi , Wilken Silvana , Arribas Gomez Ines , Nyberg Scott L. , Cook Casey N. 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionAcute liver failure (ALF) is defined as acute loss of liver function leading to hepatic encephalopathy associated with a high risk of patient death. Brain injury markers in serum and tissue can help detect and monitor ALF-associated brain injury. This study compares different brain injury parameters in plasma and tissue along with the progression of ALF.MethodALF was induced by performing an 85% liver resection. Following the resection, animals were recovered and monitored for up to 48 h or until reaching the predefined endpoint of receiving standard medical therapy (SMT). Blood and serum samples were taken at Tbaseline, T24, and upon reaching the endpoint (Tend). Control animals were euthanized by exsanguination following plasma sampling. Postmortem brain tissue samples were collected from the frontal cortex (FCTx) and cerebellum (Cb) of all animals. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and tau protein and mRNA levels were quantified using ELISA and qRT-PCR in all plasma and brain samples. Plasma neurofilament light (NFL) was also measured using ELISA.ResultsAll ALF animals (n = 4) were euthanized upon showing signs of brain herniation. Evaluation of brain injury biomarkers revealed that GFAP was elevated in ALF animals at T24h and Tend, while Tau and NFL concentrations were unchanged. Moreover, plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels were negatively correlated with total protein and positively correlated with both aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (AP). Additionally, lower GFAP and tau RNA expressions were observed in the FCTx of the ALF group but not in the CB tissue.ConclusionThe current large animal study has identified a strong correlation between GFAP concentration in the blood and markers of ALF. Additionally, the protein and gene expression analyses in the FCTx revealed that this area appears to be susceptible, while the CB is protected from the detrimental impacts of ALF-associated brain swelling. These results warrant further studies to investigate the mechanisms behind this process.
Catgut embedding in acupoints combined with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Qiu Jingjing , Xu JiaZi , Cai Yingyue , Li Minghong , Peng Yingsin , Xu Yunxiang , Chen Guizhen 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundTo date, the clinical modulation for bone metabolism based on the neuro-bone mass regulation theory is still not popular. The stimulation of nerve systems to explore novel treatments for Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is urgent and significant. Preliminary research results suggested that changes brain function and structure may play a crucial role in bone metabolism with PMOP. Thus, we set up a clinical trial to investigate the effect of the combination of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and catgut embedding in acupoints (CEA) for PMOP and to elucidate the central mechanism of this neural stimulation in regulating bone metabolism.MethodThis trial is a prospective and randomized controlled trial. 96 PMOP participants will be randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio into a CEA group, an rTMS group, or a combined one. Participants will receive CEA, rTMS, or combined therapy for 3 months with 8 weeks of follow-up. The primary outcomes will be the changes in Bone Mineral Density scores, total efficiency of Chinese Medicine Symptoms before and after treatment. Secondary outcomes include the McGill Pain Questionnaire Short-Form, Osteoporosis Symptom Score, Mini-Mental State Examination, and Beck Depression Inventory-II. The leptin, leptin receptor, and norepinephrine levels of peripheral blood must be measured before and after treatment. Adverse events that occur during the trial will be recorded.DiscussionCEA achieves brain-bone mass regulation through the bottom-up way of peripheral-central while rTMS achieves it through the top-down stimulation of central-peripheral. CEA combined with rTMS can stimulate the peripheral-central at the same time and promote peripheral bone mass formation. The combination of CEA and rTMS may play a coordinating, synergistic, and side-effect-reducing role, which is of great clinical significance in exploring better treatment options for PMOP.Clinical trial registration: https://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier ChiCTR2300073863.
Down-sampling in diffusion MRI: a bundle-specific DTI and NODDI study
Authors: Spagnolo Federico , Gobbi Susanna , Zsoldos Enikő , Edde Manon , Weigel Matthias , Granziera Cristina , Descoteaux Maxime , Barakovic Muhamed , Magon Stefano 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionMulti-shell diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging (dMRI) data has been widely used to characterise white matter microstructure in several neurodegenerative diseases. The lack of standardised dMRI protocols often implies the acquisition of redundant measurements, resulting in prolonged acquisition times. In this study, we investigate the impact of the number of gradient directions on Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and on Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI) metrics.MethodsData from 124 healthy controls collected in three different longitudinal studies were included. Using an in-house algorithm, we reduced the number of gradient directions in each data shell. We estimated DTI and NODDI measures on six white matter bundles clinically relevant for neurodegenerative diseases.ResultsFractional Anisotropy (FA) measures on bundles where data were sampled at the 30% rate, showed a median L1 distance of up to 3.92% and a 95% CI of (1.74, 8.97)% when compared to those obtained at reference sampling. Mean Diffusivity (MD) reached up to 4.31% and a 95% CI of (1.60, 16.98)% on the same premises. At a sampling rate of 50%, we obtained a median of 3.90% and a 95% CI of (1.99, 16.65)% in FA, and 5.49% with a 95% CI of (2.14, 21.68)% in MD. The Intra-Cellular volume fraction (ICvf) median L1 distance was up to 2.83% with a 95% CI of (1.98, 4.82)% at a 30% sampling rate and 3.95% with a 95% CI of (2.39, 7.81)% at a 50% sampling rate. The volume difference of the reconstructed white matter at reference and 50% sampling reached a maximum of (2.09 ± 0.81)%.DiscussionIn conclusion, DTI and NODDI measures reported at reference sampling were comparable to those obtained when the number of dMRI volumes was reduced by up to 30%. Close to reference DTI and NODDI metrics were estimated with a significant reduction in acquisition time using three shells, respectively with: 4 directions at a b value of 700 s/mm2, 14 at 1000 s/mm2, and 32 at 2000 s/mm2. The study revealed aspects that can be important for large-scale clinical studies on bundle-specific diffusion MRI.
Repeat hepatectomy versus thermal ablation therapy for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dong Renhua , Zhang Ting , Wan Wenwu , Zhang Hao 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundThis meta-analysis was conducted to assess the survival benefits of repeat hepatectomy (RH) and thermal ablation therapy (TAT) in managing recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted in the PubMed, SinoMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Medline, and Web of Science databases using relevant keywords to identify all studies published on this specific topic. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using a fixed-effects model.ResultsThis meta-analysis included a total of 21 studies, comprising 2580 patients with recurrent HCC, among whom 1189 underwent RH and 1394 underwent TAT. Meta-analysis results demonstrated that the RH group exhibited superior overall survival (OS) (HR=0.85, 95%CI 0.76∼0.95, P=0.004) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR=0.79, 95%CI 0.7∼0.9, P&lt;0.01) compared to the TAT group. Regarding postoperative complications, the TAT group experienced fewer complications than the RH group (OR=3.23, 95%CI 1.48∼7.07, P=0.003), while no significant difference in perioperative mortality was observed between the two groups (OR=2.11, 95%CI 0.54∼8.19, P=0.28).ConclusionThe present study demonstrates that, in comparison to TAT, RH may confer superior survival benefits for patients with recurrent HCC.
Cognitive impairment assessment through handwriting (COGITAT) score: a novel tool that predicts cognitive state from handwriting for forensic and clinical applications
Authors: Balestrino Maurizio , Brugnolo Andrea , Girtler Nicola , Pardini Matteo , Rizzetto Cristiano , Alì Paolo Alessandro , Cocito Leonardo , Schiavetti Irene 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionHandwriting deteriorates proportionally to the writer’s cognitive state. Such knowledge is of special importance in the case of a contested will, where dementia of the testator is claimed, but medical records are often insufficient to decide what the testator’s cognitive state really was. By contrast, if the will is handwritten, handwriting analysis allows us to gauge the testator’s cognitive state at the precise moment when he/she was writing the will. However, quantitative methods are needed to precisely evaluate whether the writer’s cognitive state was normal or not. We aim to provide a test that quantifies handwriting deterioration to gauge a writer’s cognitive state.MethodsWe consecutively enrolled patients who came for the evaluation of cognitive impairment at the Outpatient Clinic for Cognitive Impairment of the Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal and Child Sciences (DINOGMI) of the University of Genoa, Italy. Additionally, we enrolled their caregivers. We asked them to write a short text by hand, and we administered the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Then, we investigated which handwriting parameters correlated with cognitive state as gauged by the MMSE.ResultsOur study found that a single score, which we called the COGnitive Impairment Through hAndwriTing (COGITAT) score, reliably allows us to predict the writer’s cognitive state.ConclusionThe COGITAT score may be a valuable tool to gage the cognitive state of the author of a manuscript. This score may be especially useful in contested handwritten wills, where clinical examination of the writer is precluded.
Promoting post-traumatic growth in cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial of guided written disclosure
Authors: Cafaro Valentina , Rabitti Elisa , Artioli Giovanna , Costantini Massimo , De Vincenzo Francesco , Franzoni Francesca , Cavuto Silvio , Bertelli Tatiana , Deledda Giuseppe , Piattelli Angela , Cardinali Lisa , De Padova Silvia , Poli Sara , Iuvaro Maria Domenica , Fantoni Giovanna , Di Leo Silvia 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundCancer is a life-threatening disease that triggers not only vulnerability to distressing symptoms but also a meaning-making process that may lead to post-traumatic growth. As people often struggle to integrate cancer illness into their meaning system to reach an adaptive meaning, psychological interventions focused on a reappraisal of the illness experience can facilitate this process. This multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) was primarily aimed at assessing the efficacy of a writing intervention known as a guided disclosure protocol (GDP), compared to a generic writing intervention, in promoting post-traumatic growth in stage I-III breast and colon cancer patients at the end of their adjuvant chemotherapy.MethodsBetween January 2016 and August 2020 recruitment of eligible subjects took place during follow-up clinical consultations. Assessment occurred at baseline (T0), after the intervention (T1, 3 months from baseline), and at 6 months from baseline (T2). Both interventions consisted of three 20-min writing sessions to be performed once every two weeks. Change in post-traumatic growth was assessed using the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, meaning with the Constructed Meaning Scale, and psychological distress with the Impact of Event Scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.ResultsIn the five participating centers, 102 eligible patients were randomized and 72 participants completed follow-up evaluation. Most patients were women (79.4%), had breast cancer (68.6%), and stage I (27.5%), or stage II (44.1%) disease. Mean differences did not reach statistical significance for any of the dependent variables. However, an effect of the GDP, although not statistically relevant, was observed after the intervention in terms of enhanced post-traumatic growth and increased distress measured with the Impact of Event Scale.ConclusionThis is the first RCT investigating the efficacy of a GDP in cancer patients having post-traumatic growth as the primary aim. Though GDP is a promising intervention in promoting post-traumatic growth, the lack of statistical significance of our findings may be due to the study being underpowered, hence this trial should be replicated with an adequate sample size, paying attention to supporting recruitment.Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: 2015/0024360.
Measuring resilience for Chinese-speaking populations: a systematic review of Chinese resilience scales
Authors: Tian Zhenyu , Kuang Kai , Wilson Steven R. , Buzzanell Patrice M. , Ye Jinyi , Mao Xinyue , Wei Hai 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionDespite the rapid growth of interdisciplinary resilience research in Chinese contexts, no study has systematically reviewed individual-level measurement scales for Chinese-speaking populations. We report a systematic review of scales developed for or translated/adapted to Chinese-speaking contexts, where we assessed how widely used scales fare in terms of their psychometric qualities.MethodsStudies included in this review must have been published in peer-reviewed English or Chinese journals between 2015-2020 and included self-reported resilience scales in Chinese-speaking populations. Searches were conducted in PsycINFO, CNKI (completed in May 2021), and PubMed (completed in January 2024). We developed coding schemes for extracting relevant data and adapted and applied an existing evaluation framework to assess the most frequently used resilience scales by seven methodological criteria.ResultsAnalyses of 963 qualified studies suggested that Chinese resilience scales were used in a diverse range of study contexts. Among 85 unique kinds of resilience measures, we highlighted and evaluated the three most frequently used translated scales and three locally developed scales (nine scales in total including variations such as short forms). In short, resilience studies in Chinese contexts relied heavily on the translated 25-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, which scored moderately on the overall quality. The locally developed Resilience Scale for Chinese Adolescents and Essential Resilience Scale received the best ratings but could use further development.DiscussionWe discussed how future work may advance widely used scales, and specified seven methodological recommendations for future resilience scale development with existing and new scales in and beyond the Chinese study contexts. We further addressed issues and challenges in measuring resilience as a process and called on researchers to further develop/evaluate process measures for Chinese-speaking populations.