bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibiotic Resistance Genes in bacteria from Anthropogenically Impacted Indian River Ecosystems
Authors: Naznine Fahmi , Ansari Mohd Ikram , Aafreen Ushba , Singh Katyayani , Verma Ronit , Dey Mansi , Malik Yashpal Singh , Khubaib Mohd 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

River ecosystems serve as a significant habitat and water sources for diverse organisms, including humans. An important environmental and public health concern is the increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARBs) and genes (ARGs) in aquatic ecosystems brought about by excessive pollutant flow. The research highlighted the potential implications of wastewater from treatment plants, acting as a reservoir for multidrug-resistant bacteria. The analysis of the collected Gomti and Ganga rivers water samples showed high antibiotic resistant bacteria in both the rivers. The ARBs percentages in these rivers revealed high resistance, highest with ampicillin (100%), followed by cefotaxime (96.4, 63.1%), erythromycin (52.6, 57.8%), amikacin (68.4, 50.8%), tetracycline (47.3, 54.3%), nalidixic acid (47.3, 45.6%), streptomycin (68.4, 67.2%), gentamycin (43.8, 35%), chloramphenicol (26.3, 33.3,%), neomycin (49.1, 29.8%), and ciprofloxacin (24.5, 7.01%). Further, antibiotic resistance genes in Gomti and Ganga water samples disclose distinctive patterns, including resistance to ermB (25, 40%), tetM (25, 33.3%), ampC (44.4, 40%), and cmlA1 (16.6%). The presence of ARGs in the river water shows threat of transferring these genes to native environmental bacteria. To protect the environment and public health, constant research is necessary to fully understand the extent and consequences of antibiotic resistance in these aquatic habitats.
Psychological Factors and Family Communication in Children with Elimination Disorders: A Comparative Study
Authors: Ebrahimi Mehdi , Nasab S. M. Hossein Mousavi , Hosseinpour Mehrdad , Moghadam Noshirvan Khezri 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objective
This comparative study aims to assess psychological symptoms and family communication in children with elimination disorders in comparison to their healthy counterparts.
Methods
Utilizing a quantitative approach with a comparative design, the study employed the General Health Questionnaire, Dyadic Adjustment Scale, Child Behavior Inventory, and Mother-Child Relationship Evaluation Questionnaire. The sample consisted of 25 children with urinary incontinence, 24 with fecal incontinence (treated at Imam Hossein and Milad Hospitals), and 23 healthy children, selected through convenience sampling.
Results
While there were no significant differences in general health and marital satisfaction among the groups, children with urinary and fecal incontinence exhibited higher intensity of behavior problems. Additionally, specific components of the mother-child relationship, including acceptance, overprotection, and rejection, were significantly elevated in the incontinence groups compared to the controls.
Conclusion
This study underscores the potential benefits of health measures, awareness programs, and family counseling in preventing socio-functional and emotional consequences in children with elimination disorders. Despite no significant differences in general health and marital satisfaction, timely treatment interventions are crucial to address behavior problems and enhance specific aspects of the mother-child relationship. Such interventions have the potential to improve the physical and mental well-being of both affected children and their parents.
Targeted data augmentation for improving modelrobustness against systematic bias
Authors: Mikołajczyk-Bareła Agnieszka , Ferlin Maria , Grochowski Michał 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The paper proposes a new and effective bias mitigation method called Targeted Data Augmentation (TDA). Since removingbiases is a tedious, always difficult and, on the other hand, not necessarily an effective approach the authors propose toskillfully insert them, instead. To show the efficiency and to validate the proposed approach, two representative and verydiverse datasets: the dataset of clinical skin lesions and the dataset of male and female faces, were selected to serve as thebenchmarks. The existing biases were first manually examined, identified, and annotated. Then, the use of CounterfactualBias Insertion, has provided the confirmation that the biases like the frame, ruler, and glasses, strongly affect the models. Tomake the models more robust against them, Targeted Data Augmentation was used: in short, the samples were modifiedduring training by randomly inserting biases. The proposed method resulted in a significant decrease in bias measures, morespecifically, from a two-fold to more than 50-fold improvement after training with TDA, with a negligible increase in the error rate.
SHEP1 alleviates cardiac ischemia reperfusion injury via targeting G3BP1 to regulate macrophage infiltration and inflammation
Authors: Ge Junbo , Xin Zhong , Li Hua , Tingwen Gao , Zhenyang Guo , Weng Xinyu , Yikai Cui , Peng Li , Wei Luo , Tao Hu , Zhen Dong , Peng Wei , Yun Cai , Yijing Lu , Rifeng Gao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: The macrophage-associated inflammation response plays an important role in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI). During MIRI, the role and molecular mechanism of SHEP1 regulating macrophage remains unclear.
Methods: By co-cultured with hypoxia reoxygenation cardiomyocytes in vitro, macrophages with SHEP1 knockout or overexpression were detected cell migration ability and related proinflammatory factors; and the molecular network regulated by SHEP1 was identified through transcriptome-wide analysis; then its target molecules were verified by co-immunoprecipitation method. In vivo, an ischemia-reperfusion heart model was established to observe the changes in cardiac function, cardiac tissue injury and inflammation of macrophage-specific deficiency of SHEP1 mice, and to analyze the improvement of cardiac function by administrating inhibitors for targeted molecules of SHEP1.
Findings: The expression of SHEP1 was increased in macrophages co-cultured with hypoxia-reoxygenated cardiomyocytes and within ischemia-reperfusion injured myocardium at the early stage of injury. Cell migration and inflammation were also enhanced in SHEP1 knock-out macrophages and macrophage-specific deficiency of SHEP1 mice under MIRI, which further led to deteriorated cardiac injury and cardiac function in vivo. RNA-sequencing and co-immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry showed that macrophage-derived SHEP1 competitively bound to G3BP1 to suppress inflammation via the MAPK pathway. And administrating inhibitor of G3BP1 could improve cardiac function in macrophage-specific deficiency of SHEP1 mice under MIRI.
Conclusions: SHEP1 targeted G3BP1 to antagonize cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting infiltration and proinflammatory responses of macrophages, which provided a potential and clinically significant therapeutic target for MIRI.
Tailoring Schottky Barriers and Active Sites in Bi-metallic Cluster Mesoporous Carbon Nitride Heterostructures nanocomposite for Hydrogen Evolution with In-situ insights
Authors: Rao V Navakoteswara , hukwon Kwon , Nagaveni M , Ravi P , Lee Yonghee , Lee Seong Jae , Kim Kyeounghak , Shankar M V , Yoo Jung Ho , Ahn Chiwon , Kim San-jae , Yang Jun-Mo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The advancement of photocatalysis relies on the development of novel hetero-structured materials with unique architectures. In this study, we successfully synthesized a hetero-structured g-C3N4 (GCN) material with a distinctive surface modification. To further enhance its photocatalytic performance, we optimized the Ag-Ni concentration to maximize the active sites for hydrogen evolution reactions. By using systematic physicochemical characterizations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we elucidated the pivotal role of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) in facilitating the formation of an efficient charge transfer channel and promoting the effective generation and separation of photo-generated carriers. From the DFT calculations, we also demonstrated that the Ag-Ni nanoparticles provide more efficient active sites than Ni nanoparticles for water splitting and hydrogen evolution and In-situ TEM exploration. Furthermore, the hetero microstructure consisting of thin g-C3N4 nano scrolls has a crucial role in shortening the migration distance of the carriers, effectively suppressing carrier recombination. Consequently, these extraordinary characteristics resulted in a superior solar light-driven photocatalytic H2 evolution rate of 2507 µmol h− 1 g− 1, surpassing the rate achieved by bulk g-C3N4 by a remarkable 18.6-folds. Moreover, the apparent quantum efficiency of this hetero-structured material reached an exceptional value of 1.6% under a 1.5 G air mass filter.
Sewage reclamation process as multifactorial public health risk concern: a longitudinal study.
Authors: Cuevas-Ferrando Enric , Girón-Guzmán Inés , Sánchez-Alberola Santiago , Falcó Irene , Díaz-Reolid Azahara , Puchades-Colera Pablo , Ballesteros Sandra , Pérez-Cataluña Alba , Coll José María , Núñez Eugenia , Fabra Maía José , López-Rubio Amparo , Sánchez Gloria 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This year-long research analysed emerging risks in influent, effluent wastewaters and biosolids from six wastewater treatment plants in Spain's Valencian Region. Specifically, it focused on human enteric and respiratory viruses, bacterial and viral faecal contamination indicators, extended spectrum beta-lactamases-producing Escherichia coli and antibiotic resistance genes. Additionally, particles and microplastics in biosolid and wastewater samples were assessed. Human enteric viruses were prevalent in influent wastewater, with limited post-treatment reduction. Wastewater treatment effectively eliminated respiratory viruses, except for low levels of SARS-CoV-2 in effluent and biosolid samples, suggesting minimal public health risk. Antibiotic resistance genes and microplastics were persistently found in effluent and biosolids, thus indicating treatment inefficiencies and potential environmental dissemination. This multifaced research sheds light on diverse contaminants present after water reclamation, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in wastewater management. It underscores the need for a One Health approach to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Transthyretin amyloidosis prevalence and characteristics in Korean patients with heart failure with preserved or mildly reduced ejection fractions
Authors: Kim Se-Eun , Lee Sang-Hyup , Oh Jaewon , Lee Chan Joo , Hwang Sang Hyun , Kang Won Jun , Kang Seok-Min 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The diagnosis and awareness of transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) in heart failure with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) > 40% remains under-recognized. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of ATTR-CM in patients with heart failure with LVEF > 40%. Patients with LVEF > 40% and maximal left ventricular wall thickness (MWT) > 10 mm who underwent bone scintigraphy were retrospectively investigated. Patients with a definite cause of heart failure were excluded. ATTR-CM was diagnosed when grade 2 or 3 myocardial uptake was observed on scintigraphy. Among 97 patients (male, 62.5%; median age, 69 years), 13 (13.4%) were diagnosed with ATTR-CM (wild type, 69.2%; hereditary type, 30.8%). Age or biomarker levels did not differ significantly; however, all patients with ATTR-CM were male. The ATTR-CM group had a significantly higher prevalence of polyneuropathy or carpal tunnel syndrome than the non-ATTR-CM group, accompanied by a longer PR interval, thicker MWT, larger left atrial volume index, and higher E/e’. Accordingly, ATTR was present in a substantial number, particularly among men. Clinicians should suspect ATTR when a male patient exhibits neurologic symptoms, diastolic dysfunction, and a long PR interval.
Reduction in Chemotherapy Relative Dose Intensity Decreases Overall Survival of Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Patients with Locally Advanced Esophageal Carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Li , Zhu Jie , Chen Xue , Wang Yi , Wu Lei , Wan Gang , Han Yongtao , Leng Xuefeng , Zhang Jun , Peng Lin , Wang Qifeng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Many patients undergo dose reduction or early termination of chemotherapy to reduce chemoradiotherapy-related toxicity, which may increase their risk of survival. However, this strategy may result in underdosing patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (LA-ESCC). This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the relative dose intensity (RDI) and survival outcomes in patients with LA-ESCC.
Methods
This retrospective study assessed patients with LA-ESCC (cT2N + M0, cT3-4NanyM0) receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) with curative-intent esophagectomy. The patients received 2 courses of paclitaxel plus carboplatin (TC) combination radiotherapy prior to undergoing surgery. During NCRT, RDI was computed, defined as the received dose as a percentage of the standard dose, and the incidence of dose delays was estimated (≥ 7 days in any course cycle). The best RDI cutoff value (0.7) was obtained using ROC curve. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves were compared using the log-rank test, the treatment effect was measured using hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Results
We included 132 patients in this study, divided into RDI < 0.7 and RDI ≥ 0.7 groups using cut-off value of 0.7. RDI grade was an independent prognostic factor for OS. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were well balanced between the groups. There was no evidence that patients with RDI < 0.7 experienced less toxicity or those with RDI ≥ 0.7 resulted in more toxicity. However, patients with RDI < 0.7 who were given reduced doses had a worse overall survival [HR 2.058, 95% CI 1.13–3.74, P = 0.015]. The risk of a lower RDI increased with a longer dose delay time (P < 0.001).
Conclusion
The RDI below 0.7 for avoiding chemoradiotherapy toxicity administration led to a reduction in the dose intensity of treatment and decreased overall survival.
Differential Effects of Intrinsic- Versus Extrinsic-First Corrective Exercise Programs on Morphometric Outcomes and Navicular Drop in Pediatric Pes Planus
Authors: Ketabchi Jafar , Seidi Foad , Haghighat Shila , Falsone Sue , Moghadas-Tabrizi Yousef , Khoshroo Fatemeh 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Although the connection between muscular strength and flatfoot condition is well-established, the impact of corrective exercises on these muscles remains inadequately explored. This study aimed to assess the impact of intrinsic- versus extrinsic-first corrective exercise programs on muscle morphometry and navicular drop in boys with flexible flatfoot. Twenty-five boys aged 10–12 with flexible flatfoot participated, undergoing a 12-week corrective exercise program, with a shift in focus at six weeks. Ultrasound imaging measured muscle thickness and cross-sectional area (CSA), and the navicular drop test assessed flatfoot severity. The results demonstrated a significant interaction between exercise type and sequencing on muscle morphometry. Initiating with intrinsic exercises led to sustained improvement, even after transitioning to extrinsic exercises, while extrinsic-first exercises caused deterioration in intrinsic muscle morphology, which was recovered after transitioning to intrinsic exercises. Statistical analysis revealed significant improvements in muscle thickness and CSA over time, particularly when initiating intrinsic exercises first. The intrinsic-first group also exhibited a more pronounced reduction in navicular drop. In conclusion, initiating corrective exercises with intrinsic muscles proved more effective in improving foot muscle morphometry and reducing navicular drop in boys with flatfoot. Therefore, commencing correction with intrinsic muscle exercises is recommended before progressing to extrinsic muscle exercises.
Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20210818052223N1) on 2021-09-08
Safety and Efficacy of Platelet-rich Plasma Injection for Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Ragheb Ahmed M , Lotfy Amr M. , Fahmy Mohamed , Elmarakbi Akram A 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Affected sexual relationships have an effect on both men's and women's quality of life (QoL). Because of their ability to aid in tissue healing and vascular remodeling, platelet-derived therapies are becoming more and more popular in a variety of medical and surgical fields. The purpose of this research is to assess the safety and effectiveness of treating patients having erectile dysfunction (ED) with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections.
Patients and Methods:
A prospective, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study had been conducted to evaluate patients suffering from ED in Urology outpatient clinics at Beni-Suef University Hospital in Egypt. 52 participants with mild to moderate ED were divided into two groups: group A, who received three PRP penile injections, and group B, who received three saline injections, 9 ml for each injection site.
Results
A month after the last injection, the PRP group's IIEF was 16.12 ± 1.25, while the placebo group's was 15.99 ± 1.21 (p = 0.683). Following a 3-month period, the IIEF for the PRP group was 16.44 ± 1.17, while the placebo group's was 16.31 ± 1.06 (p value = 0.653). Following a 6-month period, the IIEF for the PRP group was 16.35 ± 1.45, while the placebo group's was 16.23 ± 1.19 (p value = 0.727). In terms of IIEF, there was no significant difference between the two groups following one, three, and six months of treatment.
Conclusion
In brief, our research revealed no data to support the application of PRP injections in the management of mild to moderate ED.
Developmental Regression in Children: A Scoping Review of Definitions and Measures
Authors: Furley Kirsten , Sindhu Vishnu Priya Mohanakumar , Brignell Amanda , Williams Katrina 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND Developmental regression in children is a concerning symptom as may be an early indication of a neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative condition or a developmental epileptic encephalopathy. The heterogeneity of conditions that feature developmental regression, and the absence of a universally accepted definition or approach to measuring regression impedes consistent early recognition. Understanding what definitions and measures are used in studies focused on developmental regression in children is a crucial first step towards developing consistency in health care and research.METHODS A scoping review of definitions and measures used for developmental regression was conducted searching Medline, Embase, Cochrane and Psych Info databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines were followed.RESULTS Of 17374 potential publications, 164 were included. Four condition groups were identified through thematic analysis. These were grouped as Neurodevelopmental (n = 121); Progressive Neurodegenerative (n = 19); Developmental Epileptic Encephalopathies (n = 5); and Genetic conditions (n = 19). Collectively, most studies (83.5%, n = 137) used an operational definition that specified type of skills lost, but less than half of studies specified age of developmental regression onset (39.6.%, n = 65), or duration of skills loss (43.3%, n = 71). Measures to assess developmental regression were inconsistently used and only 3% (n = 5) of studies used a developmental regression specific tool. Nearly half (42.7%, n = 70) used study specific measures and 22% (n = 36) used the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised as a single measure.CONCLUSIONS Developmental regression is inconsistently defined and measured. Given the heterogeneity of conditions that can feature developmental regression, there is need for consideration of a definition that can be broadly applied at the time of regression. A consistent approach will enhance research rigor, collaboration potential and advance timely clinical care.
Evaluating the Effect of Noisy Thermal Images On the Detection of Early Breast Cancer Using Deep Learning
Authors: Husaini Mohammed Abdulla Al , Habaebi Mohamed Hadi , Elsheikh Elfatih A.A. , Islam Md Rafiqul , Suliman F. M. , Husaini Yousuf Nasser AL 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of mortality among women globally. There were techniques that have been developed to enhance early detection, among which thermal imaging has emerged as a promising modality capable of identifying potential signs of breast cancer in its early stages. In addition, Thermal images provide valuable pixel-level information by capturing temperature variations between healthy and cancerous tissues. However, the susceptibility of these thermal images to noise poses a challenge to the diagnostic accuracy in early stages. This research aims to assess the influence of various types of noise on performance of recently developed different deep learning models designed for early breast cancer detection. In addition, a comprehensive analysis was conducted using a substantial database to assess the impact of noise on the models' efficacy. Also, encompasses different categories of noise characterized by distinct mean and variance values ranging from 0.01 to 0.09. The findings reveal that the introduction of different types of noise, albeit within a small range of mean and variance values, adversely affects the performance of deep learning models. It shows that these filters play a pivotal role in enhancing the accuracy of classification. Moreover, the results show that salt and pepper noise, varied between 0.1 and 0.3, significantly impacted the accuracy of inception MV4, reducing it from 100–51.58%, without adding filters in pre-processing. Additionally, the introduction of variance in multiplicative noise from 0.2 to 0.8, demonstrated an effect on classification accuracy only at noise levels of 0.7 (89%) and 0.8 (43%). Moreover, the results show that performance metrics for proposed method were accuracy of 99.82%, sensitivity of 0.996, specificity of 1, precision of 1, NPV of 0.997, FNR of 0.004, LRN of 0.004, AUC of 0.998, EER of 0.002, and F1 score of 0.998, but FPR of 0. In conclusion, findings underscore the significance of refining both noise mitigation strategies and preprocessing techniques to advance reliability and accuracy of thermal imaging as a diagnostic tool in breast cancer detection in early stages.