bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Establishment and validation of a dual qPCR method for the detection of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in bloodstream infections
Authors: Yu Lin , Kou Xianglan , Liu Ze , Guan Chushi , Sun Baoqing 
Published: February 2025

ObjectiveBloodstream infections(BSIs) caused by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) have a high mortality rate due to the high levels of drug resistance. There is an urgent need to establish a sensitive and accurate detection method to rapidly detect CRAB in BSIs.MethodsA new method was developed based on fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR) targeting the specific region of 16sRNA and OXA-23 gene from CRAB. The parameters were evaluated and optimized. This qPCR method was further applied in the detection of AB from 30 clinical specimens.ResultsThe qPCR method established in this study showed high specificity. The method successfully differentiated Acinetobacter baumannii(A. baumanii) from 26 other common pathogens in BSIs and identify the carbapenem resistance gene. The qPCR method shows a limit of detection (LOD) of 3×10-3 ng/μL, and displays good linear relationship between 16sRNA and OXA-23 and excellent repeatability (CV ≤2%). The results for the detection of 30 clinical specimens using this new qPCR method are in complete agreement with those using blood culture and drug susceptibility test.ConclusionThe qPCR method established in this study has strong specificity, wide linear range, good repeatability, and a lower LOD than PCR (Non-fluorescence quantification). The method provides new technical support for the early clinical diagnosis of CRAB in BSIs.
The role of HDAC2 inhibition in cardioprotection against doxorubicin-induced myocardial injury
Authors: Liu Jinsha , Fu Wenwen , Wang Xue , Liang Zuowen , Meng Fanbo 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionThe molecular mechanisms underlying cardioprotection against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced myocardial injury are poorly understood. Histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) plays a significant role in oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction and is implicated in many human diseases, This study investigated the relationship between HDAC2 expression and DOX-induced myocardial injury using the in vivo rat model of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and in vitro experiments with the H9c2 cardiomyocytes.MethodsThe rat model of DOX-induced myocardial injury was established by administering DOX via intraperitoneal injections. HDAC2 expression was suppressed by administering rats with sodium butyrate (SB) via intraperitoneal injections. Echocardiography measurements were performed at baseline and on day 15 post-treatment. The rats were euthanized on day 15 and cardiac tissues were harvested. The cardiac tissue samples were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin H&amp;E staining, immunohistochemistry, Masson staining, Sirius Red staining, TUNEL staining, and western blotting to determine the status of HDAC2 expression and myocardial apoptosis. In the vitro experiments, H9c2 cells were treated with DOX. HDAC2 expression was suppressed using sodium butyrate or transfected cells with the shRNA knockdown HDAC2 (shHDAC2). The H9c2 cells from different groups were analyzed by Rt-qPCR, CCK-8 cell viability assay, and western blotting to determine the status of HDAC2 expression and cardiomyocyte apoptosis.ResultsDOX treatment induced cardiac dysfunction in rats. The cardiac tissues of the DOX-treated rats and H9c2 cells showed significantly higher levels of HDAC2 compared to the corresponding controls. However, inhibition of HDAC2 significantly mitigated DOX-induced myocardial injury in rats. This suggested a strong association between HDAC2 expression and DOX-induced myocardial injury. In the H9c2 cells, HDAC2 knockdown by shHDAC2 alleviated DOX-induced apoptosis by enhacing AKT phosphorylation. These findings demonstrated that HDAC2 silencing protected against DOX-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.ConclusionSuppressing HDAC2 protected against DOX-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Therefore, HDAC2 is a promising therapeutic target for mitigating DOX-induced myocardial injury.
High sperm DNA stainability might not be an accurate predictive indicator of male fertility and assisted reproductive technology outcomes
Authors: Shen Liyan , Zhang Ce , Wang Gaigai , Fu Xu , Yang Shenmin , Wang Jiaxiong 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundThe clinical need for assisted reproduction continued to increase, so did the need for predictive markers of assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. Among all the markers, sperm DNA integrity was paid more and more attention in the assessment of male fertility in recent years, but its clinical value remains still in doubt.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study. Couples coming to our reproductive center were retrospectively enrolled, and semen and assisted reproductive technology parameters were assessed. Sperm DNA integrity was analyzed using a flow cytometric method. Statistics were analyzed to investigate the relationship of this on semen quality and ART outcomes.ResultsDNA fragmentation index (DFI) was affected by abstinence days and age, and was a directly correlated with sperm quality parameters (p&lt;0.001). Meanwhile high sperm DNA stainability (HDS) showed an unexplainable negative correlation with abstinence days (p&lt;0.05), age (p&lt;0.001) and body mass index (p&lt;0.01).For sperm quality parameters, HDS showed a similar relevance besides abnormal sperm head morphology (p&lt;0.001). Embryo cleavage and implantation rates were significantly negatively related to DFI in fresh intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles (p&lt;0.01) while HDS showed a positive relationship with high quality embryo rate (p&lt;0.05). For final outcomes, only the live birth rate from fresh intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles was positively correlated with DFI which is meaningless (p&lt;0.05).ConclusionsHDS might not be an appropriate marker for male fertility and further studies are needed to identify the efficiency of SDF in clinical practice.
Morphological description and DNA barcoding research of nine Syringa species
Authors: Zhang Meiqi , Zhai Xiaoou , He Lianqing , Wang Zhen , Cao Huiyan , Wang Panpan , Ren Weichao , Ma Wei 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionSyringa plants are highly valued for their ornamental qualities. However, traditional morphological identification methods are inefficient for discriminating Syringa species. DNA barcoding has emerged as a powerful alternative for species identification, but research on Syringa DNA barcodes is still limited.MethodsThis study employed a multi-locus strategy, combining the nuclear ITS2 region with chloroplast genome regions psbA-trnH, trnL-trnF, and trnL to evaluate the effectiveness of Syringa DNA barcodes. The assessment involved genetic distance analysis, BLAST searches in NCBI, sequence character analysis, and phylogenetic tree construction, examining both individual and combined sequences.ResultsThe genetic distance analysis showed that the sequence combination of ITS2 + psbA-trnH + trnL-trnF exhibited a variation pattern where most interspecific genetic distances were greater than intraspecific genetic distances. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test results indicated that, except for psbA-trnH, the interspecific differences of the ITS2 + psbA-trnH + trnL-trnF sequence were greater than those of all single and combined sequences. BLAST analysis revealed that the identification rate for nine Syringa species using ITS2 + psbA-trnH + trnL-trnF could reach 98.97%. The trait-based method also demonstrated that ITS2 + psbA-trnH + trnL-trnF could effectively identify the nine Syringa species. Furthermore, the neighbor-joining (NJ) tree based on ITS2 + psbA-trnH + trnL-trnF clustered each of the nine Syringa species into distinct clades.DiscussionThe study ultimately selected the barcode ITS2 + psbA-trnH + trnL-trnF, with an identification rate of 93.6%, as the optimal barcode for identifying nine species of Syringa trees. This combination proved to be highly effective in discriminating Syringa species, highlighting the potential of DNA barcoding as a reliable tool for species identification in Syringa. Future research could focus on expanding the sample size and exploring additional genetic markers to further enhance the accuracy and applicability of DNA barcoding in Syringa species identification.
Association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and anti-apolipoprotein A-1 antibody in children
Authors: Vuilleumier Nicolas , Pagano Sabrina , Lorthe Elsa , Lamour Julien , Nehme Mayssam , Juillard Catherine , Barbe Remy , Posfay-Barbe Klara M. , Guessous Idris , Stringhini Silvia ,   SEROCoV-KIDS study group, L’Huillier Arnaud G. 
Published: February 2025

Background and aimsAutoantibodies against apolipoprotein A-1 (AAA1) are elicited by SARS-CoV-2 infection and predict COVID-19 symptoms persistence at one year in adults, but whether this applies to children is unknown. We studied the association of SARS-CoV-2 exposure with AAA1 prevalence in children and the association of AAA1 seropositivity with symptom persistence.MethodsAnti-SARS-CoV-2 and AAA1 serologies were examined in 1031 participants aged 6 months to 17 years old from the prospective SEROCOV-KIDS cohort and recruited between 12.2021 and 02.2022. Four SARS-CoV-2 serology-based groups were defined: “Infected-unvaccinated (I+/V-)”, “Uninfected-vaccinated (I-/V+)”, “Infected-Vaccinated (I+/V+)”, and “Naïve (I-/V-)”. Reported outcomes were collected using online questionnaires. Associations with study endpoints were assessed using logistic regression.ResultsOverall, seropositivity rates for anti-RBD, anti-N, and AAA1 were 71% (736/1031), 55% (568/1031), and 5.8% (60/1031), respectively. AAA1 showed an inverse association with age but not with any other characteristics. The I+/V- group displayed higher median AAA1 levels and seropositivity (7.9%) compared to the other groups (p ≤ 0.011), translating into a 2-fold increased AAA1 seroconversion risk (Odds ratio [OR]: 2.11, [95% Confidence Interval (CI)]: 1.22-3.65; p=0.008), unchanged after adjustment for age and sex. AAA1 seropositivity was independently associated with a 2-fold odds of symptoms persistence at ≥ 4 weeks (p ≤ 0.03) in the entire dataset and infected individuals, but not ≥ 12 weeks.ConclusionsDespite the limitations of the study (cross-sectional design, patient-related outcomes using validated questionnaires), the results indicate that SARS-CoV-2 infection could elicit an AAA1 response in children, which could be independently associated with short-time symptoms persistence.
The neuroanatomy of Broca's aphasia
Authors: Pracar Alexis L. , Biondo Nicoletta , Dronkers Nina F. , Ivanova Maria V. 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionBroca's aphasia, a condition characterized by nonfluent speech and difficulty with language production, results from focal brain damage and is most often caused by stroke. Although traditionally linked to lesions in Broca's area (Brodmann areas 44 and 45 in the left inferior frontal gyrus), recent evidence suggests that the neuroanatomy of Broca's aphasia is far more complex, implicating a broader network of cortical and subcortical regions. This study aimed to delineate the specific cortical and white matter features that, when damaged, lead to persistent Broca's aphasia.Methods39 chronic cases of Broca's aphasia and 41 cases of stroke survivors whose language functions returned to within normal limits (WNL) were included. Lesion analyses and disconnection mapping were conducted using the Brainnetome Atlas and the Lesion Quantification Toolkit (LQT).ResultsResults highlighted the critical role of the left insula, particularly its hypergranular and dorsal granular regions, which showed 99.2% and 93.6% lesion overlap, respectively, in Broca's aphasia cases. These regions, along with portions of the motor cortex and the parietal and temporal lobes, contribute to speech production and language processing. Importantly, the traditionally defined Broca's area showed minimal overlap, challenging the conventional understanding of its role in chronic Broca's aphasia. In addition to cortical regions, white matter tract analysis revealed complete disconnection of key pathways, including the arcuate fasciculus, extreme capsule, and middle longitudinal fasciculus. The corticospinal tract and inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF) were also heavily disrupted, suggesting that damage to both cortical areas and their structural connections contributes to the hallmark symptoms of Broca's aphasia.DiscussionThese findings emphasize the distributed nature of the neural network underlying Broca's aphasia, extending beyond traditional Broca's area to include multiple cortical regions and their associated white matter tracts. The study provides new insights into the structural basis of language impairment, offering a more nuanced understanding of Broca's aphasia.
Efficacy of YL-1 hematoma crushing needle combined with hematoma drainage in intracerebral hemorrhage treatment
Authors: Chen Xianyong , Chen Danhong , Sun Shaonan , Huang Zhenyong , Hu Weipeng , Zhu Qiangbin 
Published: February 2025

ObjectiveEarly craniotomy evacuation in hematoma surgery does not significantly improve the prognosis of patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The YL-1 hematoma crushing puncture needle, specifically designed for ICH evacuation, has an uncertain therapeutic efficacy. This study aimed to evaluate its clinical effectiveness.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients with ICH who underwent twist intraosseous drill needle (TIDN) surgery at our institution between September 2016 and March 2023. Clinical outcomes were analyzed.ResultsThe surgical group demonstrated a significantly shorter hematoma resolution time, averaging 14.71 days less than the conservative group (p &lt; 0.001). The Barthel Index improved more in the surgical group, with an average increase of 8.214 points (p &lt; 0.001). Seven days post-admission, the increase in Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores was significantly higher in the surgical group, with an average improvement of 1.471 points (p &lt; 0.001). Additionally, the duration of mannitol administration was significantly reduced in the surgical group (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionTIDN surgery combined with hematoma drainage may serve as a viable surgical alternative for basal ganglia hemorrhage patients. This approach appears to reduce mannitol usage, mitigate craniotomy-associated risks, and promote short-term improvements in GCS scores and Barthel Index, highlighting its potential clinical benefits.
Diaporthe betae sp. nov., a new species associating with sugar beet root rot in Heilongjiang Province, China
Authors: Shao Hongtao , Ma Chunquan , Yu Bing , Chen Sixue , Li Haiying 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionSugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is an economically important crop grown worldwide, but its production is threatened by root rot diseases caused by soil-borne fungi. This study aimed to identify and characterize a new pathogen causing root rot in sugar beet in Heilongjiang Province, China.MethodsDuring 2019 and 2023, isolates were obtained from infected sugar beet roots showing symptoms of red-brown or black lesions and tissue necrosis. The pathogenicity of the causal organism was confirmed by Koch’s postulates. The isolates were characterized based on morphological features and multilocus phylogenetic analyses. To evaluate potential control measures for this new pathogen in field conditions, the fungicides pyraclostrobin, boscalid, and fluconazole were tested for their efficacy in inhibiting the growth of this new pathogen in vitro.ResultsThe newly discovered pathogen was found to differ from previously described taxa in conidial morphology, molecular features, and disease index. Thus, the pathogen was determined to be a new species, which we called Diaporthe betae sp. nov. All three fungicides demonstrated significant inhibitory effects, with fluconazole showing the strongest activity and pyraclostrobin the second-highest efficacy.DiscussionThe discovery of this new pathogenic fungus will help researchers elucidate the pathogenesis of sugar beet root rot and provide a theoretical basis for performing targeted monitoring, preventing diseases and implementing control measures.
Dynamics of endophytic fungi composition in paris polyphylla var. chinensis (franch.) hara seeds during storage and growth, and responses of seedlings to phytohormones
Authors: Peng Tong , Yang Tao , Sha Jie , Zhao Jiang , Shi Jianwu 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionEndophytic fungi exhibit diverse interactions with plants, from pathogenic to mutualistic symbiosis, and the community composition is regulated by phytohormones. Yet, the composition and dynamics of endophytic fungi in Paris polyphylla var. chinensis (Franch.) Hara (PPC) during fresh seed (FD), sand-stored seed (SSD), and seedling (SS) stages remain unclear. Similarly, the overall impact of phytohormones on the management of endophytic fungal communities is yet to be elucidated.MethodsWe carried out a pot experiment to examine the effects of various stages of PPC seeds and the external addition of three phytohormones, namely, melatonin (MT), strigolactone (SL), and 24-epibrassinolide (BR) on the endophytic fungi of PPC seedlings. This was done through internal transcribed spacer (ITS) amplicon sequencing.ResultsThe study of the endophytic fungal microbiome in FD, SSD, and SS stages of PPC revealed an increased richness and diversity of fungi during the SS stage, with significant changes in community composition observed. We found that Sordariomycetes played a crucial role in this process, potentially contributing to the establishment and growth of PPC seedlings. Additionally, this study investigated the influence of phytohormones on the phenotypic and physiological characteristics of PPC and its endophytic fungal community. Our results demonstrated that MT and SL significantly increased PPC biomass by 69.32 and 15.23%, respectively, while 2 mg/L of BR hindered the growth of PPC roots. MT, SL, and BR not only induced significant changes in the composition and diversity of the endophytic fungal community in PPC but also affected biomass potentially through specific regulation of potential biomarkers. Furthermore, phytohormones were shown to indirectly modify the endophytic fungal community by altering antioxidant system in plants.ConclusionThis study provides novel insights into the dynamic changes of microbial communities in the FD, SSD, and SS stages. Furthermore, the differences among various phytohormones ultimately enhance our predictive understanding of how to directly or indirectly manipulate the plant microbiome to improve plant health.
Association between atherogenic index of plasma and cognitive impairment in middle-aged and older adults: results from CHARLS
Authors: Zhou Juan , Han Han , Bai Weimin 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundThe atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) has been proposed as a novel biomarker predictor for dyslipidemia and has been linked to various diseases. In this study, we explored the relationship between AIP levels and cognitive impairment in a middle-aged and older population.MethodsThis study utilized data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) for 7,918 individuals aged 45 and older. The AIP was calculated as the logarithmic ratio of triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. To assess the relationship between the AIP and cognitive impairment, logistic regression models were employed, while restricted cubic spline analysis was conducted to explore potential non-linear associations between AIP levels and cognitive impairment.ResultsThe study participants had a mean age of 58.4 ± 8.8 years, and 49.1% were female. From 2011 to 2018, 2,911 participants (36.8%) developed cognitive impairment. After adjusting for potential confounders, the AIP was found to be significantly associated with cognitive impairment. In particular, participants in the higher AIP quartiles (Q2: odds ratio [OR]: 1.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24–1.69, P &lt; 0.001, Q3: OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.40–1.91, P &lt; 0.001, and Q4: OR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.43–1.98, P &lt; 0.001) showed an increased risk of cognitive impairment compared to those in the lowest quartile (Q1). Additionally, a non-linear relationship was observed between AIP levels and cognitive impairment risk (P for nonlinear &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThe study finds that elevated AIP levels are linked to an increased risk of cognitive impairment in middle-aged and older adults, suggesting that managing dyslipidemia could help reduce this risk.
Improving equity and wellness in cancer care with people of Latin American and African Descent: a study protocol
Authors: Santos Salas Anna , Watanabe Sharon M. , Sinnarajah Aynharan , Bassah Nahyeni , Huang Fleur , Alcalde-Castro Jacqueline , Judge Harkeert , O'Rourke Hannah M. , Camargo Plazas Pilar , Salami Bukola , Santana María J. , Abdel Rahman Omar , Iyiola Iqmat , Wildeman Tracy , Vaughn Lisa , Ahmed Sadia ,   The Patient Advisory Council
Published: February 2025

BackgroundCancer inequities such as late access to cancer screening and diagnosis affect people of African and Latin American descent in Canada. These inequities in addition to experiences of racism and discrimination and unequal living and working conditions are detrimental to their wellness. We aim to delineate together with people of African and Latin American descent a patient-oriented pathway to improve their equity and wellness in cancer care.MethodsThis is a 3-year community-based and patient-oriented participatory research study. The study will take place in Alberta and Ontario and will involve 125 participants including people with cancer, family and community members of African and Latin American descent, and health care providers. We will conduct in-depth interviews with patients and families and focus groups with community members. Together with patient partners and community collaborators, we will delineate a patient-oriented pathway in cancer care to improve equity and wellness for people of African and Latin American descent in Canada. Finally, we will explore the acceptability of the pathway with a small sample of patients, families and health care providers.ConclusionThis study will advance our knowledge of equity and wellness in people with advanced cancer from racialized communities in Canada; and increase our understanding of how racialized populations live through a cancer diagnosis. The study will also generate knowledge of how a patient-oriented health equity pathway can contribute to reduce cancer inequities in the care of our study populations.