bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of novel carbapenem-β-lactamase inhibitor combinations: imipenem-cilastatin/relebactam results from randomized controlled trials
Authors: Yang Qingxin , Yang Yanqiu , He Rong , Yu Bin , Zhong Yueling , Lin Fei 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundGram-negative bacteria is a global public health problem. Treatment options include novel beta-lactamase inhibitors.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to collect information on the efficacy and safety of novel β-lactamase inhibitor combinations such as imipenem-cilastatin/relebactam (IMI/REL).MethodsIn order to comprehensively evaluate the clinical, microbiological, and adverse events outcomes, a meta-analysis was conducted on clinical trials comparing novel β-lactamase inhibitor combinations with existing comparator therapies.ResultsFour studies comprising 948 patients were included in the analysis. IMI/REL therapy demonstrated similar clinical responses to comparators across various treatment visits, including discontinuation of intravenously administered therapy visits [DCIV, RR = 1.00 (0.88, 1.12)], early follow-up visits [EFU, RR = 1.00 (0.89, 1.14)], late follow-up visits [LFU, RR = 1.00 (0.88, 1.13)]. Moreover, no significant difference in the microbiologic response of MITT patients was observed between IMI/REL and comparators across DCIV [RR = 0.99 (0.89, 1.11)], EFU [RR = 1.01 (0.95, 1.07)], and LFU visits [RR = 1.00 (90.94, 1.07)]. In terms of safety, therapy with IMI/REL and comparators exhibited similar risks of at least one adverse event (AE), drug-related AEs, and discontinuation due to AEs. The incidence of serious AEs (SAEs) was significantly lower in the IMI/REL group compared to the comparison groups. The predominant AEs were gastrointestinal disorders, with no significant difference observed between the IMI/REL group and comparators.ConclusionThe clinical and microbiologic response to IMI/REL in the treatment of bacterial infection was comparable to that of the comparator. Furthermore, the incidence of AEs and the tolerability of IMI/REL were similar among the comparators. Based on these findings, IMI/REL can be considered as a viable alternative treatment option.
Targeted next-generation sequencing for pulmonary infection diagnosis in patients unsuitable for bronchoalveolar lavage
Authors: Deng Zhenfeng , Li Chunhong , Wang Yingjin , Wu Fengwen , Liang Chunfang , Deng Wei , Wang Yuanli 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundTargeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) has emerged as a rapid diagnostic technology for identifying a wide spectrum of pathogens responsible for pulmonary infections.MethodsSputum samples were collected from patients unable or unwilling to undergo bronchoalveolar lavage. These samples underwent tNGS analysis to diagnose pulmonary infections. Retrospective analysis was performed on clinical data, and the clinical efficacy of tNGS was compared to conventional microbiological tests (CMTs).ResultsThis study included 209 pediatric and adult patients with confirmed pulmonary infections. tNGS detected 45 potential pathogens, whereas CMTs identified 23 pathogens. The overall microbial detection rate significantly differed between tNGS and CMTs (96.7% vs. 36.8%, p &lt; 0.001). Among the 76 patients with concordant positive results from tNGS and CMTs, 86.8% (66/76) exhibited full or partial agreement. For highly pathogenic and rare/noncolonized microorganisms, tNGS, combined with comprehensive clinical review, directly guided pathogenic diagnosis and antibiotic treatment in 21 patients. This included infections caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, certain atypical pathogens, Aspergillus, and nontuberculous Mycobacteria. Among the enrolled population, 38.8% (81/209) of patients adjusted their treatment based on tNGS results. Furthermore, tNGS findings unveiled age-specific heterogeneity in pathogen distribution between children and adults.ConclusionCMTs often fall short in meeting the diagnostic needs of pulmonary infections. This study highlights how tNGS of sputum samples from patients who cannot or will not undergo bronchoalveolar lavage yield valuable insights into potential pathogens, thereby enhancing the diagnosis of pulmonary infections in specific cases.
Characterization of a thermophilic and glucose-tolerant GH1 β-glucosidase from hot springs and its prospective application in corn stover degradation
Authors: Huang Yu-Ying , Lv Zhi-Hua , Zheng Hong-Zhao , Zhu Qian , Liu Meng-Ting , Sang Peng , Wang Fei , Zhu Dan , Xian Wen-Dong , Yin Yi-Rui 
Published: December 2023

Introductionβ-Glucosidase serves as the pivotal rate-limiting enzyme in the cellulose degradation process, facilitating the hydrolysis of cellobiose and cellooligosaccharides into glucose. However, the widespread application of numerous β-glucosidases is hindered by their limited thermostability and low glucose tolerance, particularly in elevated-temperature and high-glucose environments.MethodsThis study presents an analysis of a β-glucosidase gene belonging to the GH1 family, denoted lqbg8, which was isolated from the metagenomic repository of Hehua hot spring located in Tengchong, China. Subsequently, the gene was cloned and heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). Post expression, the recombinant β-glucosidase (LQBG8) underwent purification through a Ni affinity chromatography column, thereby enabling the in-depth exploration of its enzymatic properties.ResultsLQBG8 had an optimal temperature of 70°C and an optimum pH of 5.6. LQBG8 retained 100 and 70% of its maximum activity after 2-h incubation periods at 65°C and 70°C, respectively. Moreover, even following exposure to pH ranges of 3.0–10.0 for 24 h, LQBG8 retained approximately 80% of its initial activity. Notably, the enzymatic prowess of LQBG8 remained substantial at glucose concentrations of up to 3 M, with a retention of over 60% relative activity. The kinetic parameters of LQBG8 were characterized using cellobiose as substrate, with Km and Vmax values of 28 ± 1.9 mg/mL and 55 ± 3.2 μmol/min/mg, respectively. Furthermore, the introduction of LQBG8 (at a concentration of 0.03 mg/mL) into a conventional cellulase reaction system led to an impressive 43.7% augmentation in glucose yield from corn stover over a 24-h period. Molecular dynamics simulations offered valuable insights into LQBG8’s thermophilic nature, attributing its robust stability to reduced fluctuations, conformational changes, and heightened structural rigidity in comparison to mesophilic β-glucosidases.DiscussionIn summation, its thermophilic, thermostable, and glucose-tolerant attributes, render LQBG8 ripe for potential applications across diverse domains encompassing food, feed, and the production of lignocellulosic ethanol.
Small RNA signatures of the anterior cruciate ligament from patients with knee joint osteoarthritis
Authors: Kharaz Yalda A. , Zamboulis Danae E. , Fang Yongxiang , Welting Tim J. M. , Peffers Mandy J. , Comerford Eithne J. 
Published: December 2023

Introduction: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is susceptible to degeneration, resulting in joint pain, reduced mobility, and osteoarthritis development. There is currently a paucity of knowledge on how anterior cruciate ligament degeneration and disease leads to osteoarthritis. Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs), such as microRNAs and small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA), have diverse roles, including regulation of gene expression.Methods: We profiled the sncRNAs of diseased osteoarthritic ACLs to provide novel insights into osteoarthritis development. Small RNA sequencing from the ACLs of non- or end-stage human osteoarthritic knee joints was performed. Significantly differentially expressed sncRNAs were defined, and bioinformatics analysis was undertaken.Results and Discussion: A total of 184 sncRNAs were differentially expressed: 68 small nucleolar RNAs, 26 small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs), and 90 microRNAs. We identified both novel and recognized (miR-206, -365, and -29b and -29c) osteoarthritis-related microRNAs and other sncRNAs (including SNORD72, SNORD113, and SNORD114). Significant pathway enrichment of differentially expressed miRNAs includes differentiation of the muscle, inflammation, proliferation of chondrocytes, and fibrosis. Putative mRNAs of the microRNA target genes were associated with the canonical pathways “hepatic fibrosis signaling” and “osteoarthritis.” The establishing sncRNA signatures of ACL disease during osteoarthritis could serve as novel biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in ACL degeneration and osteoarthritis development.
The effectiveness of the modified Epley maneuver for the treatment of posterior semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Authors: Chen Xiaosu , Mao Jiesheng , Ye Hua , Fan Luping , Tong Qiaowen , Zhang Hehui , Wu Chengcheng , Yang Xiaokai 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveTo compare the repositioning effect of the modified Epley maneuver and the traditional Epley maneuver for posterior semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (PC-BPPV).MethodsSixty-five patients with unilateral PC-BPPV were randomly divided into two groups. The control group received the traditional Epley maneuver, while the experimental group received the modified Epley maneuver, which prolonged the time in the healthy side lying position and the final bowing position. The number of successful repositions after one, two, and three attempts and the total number of successful repositions were recorded and compared between the two groups. A BPPV virtual simulation model was used to analyze the mechanism of the modified Epley maneuver.ResultsThe first repositioning success rate of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group (85% vs. 63%, p = 0.040). The experimental group achieved 100% repositioning success rate after two attempts, while the control group needed three attempts to reach 86% repositioning success rate. Four cases in the control group experienced canal switching during the repositioning process, while none in the experimental group did. The BPPV virtual simulation model showed that the modified Epley maneuver could facilitate the passage of otoliths through the posterior arm of the posterior semicircular canal, especially through the location of obstruction.ConclusionThe modified Epley maneuver is more effective than the traditional Epley maneuver in improving the single repositioning success rate and reducing the canal switching rate for PC-BPPV. This study provides a new option for the treatment of BPPV.
Recalibrating single-study effect sizes using hierarchical Bayesian models
Authors: Cao Zhipeng , McCabe Matthew , Callas Peter , Cupertino Renata B. , Ottino-González Jonatan , Murphy Alistair , Pancholi Devarshi , Schwab Nathan , Catherine Orr , Hutchison Kent , Cousijn Janna , Dagher Alain , Foxe John J. , Goudriaan Anna E. , Hester Robert , Li Chiang-Shan R. , Thompson Wesley K. , Morales Angelica M. , London Edythe D. , Lorenzetti Valentina , Luijten Maartje , Martin-Santos Rocio , Momenan Reza , Paulus Martin P. , Schmaal Lianne , Sinha Rajita , Solowij Nadia , Stein Dan J. , Stein Elliot A. , Uhlmann Anne , van Holst Ruth J. , Veltman Dick J. , Wiers Reinout W. , Yücel Murat , Zhang Sheng , Conrod Patricia , Mackey Scott , Garavan Hugh ,   The ENIGMA Addiction Working Group
Published: December 2023

IntroductionThere are growing concerns about commonly inflated effect sizes in small neuroimaging studies, yet no study has addressed recalibrating effect size estimates for small samples. To tackle this issue, we propose a hierarchical Bayesian model to adjust the magnitude of single-study effect sizes while incorporating a tailored estimation of sampling variance.MethodsWe estimated the effect sizes of case-control differences on brain structural features between individuals who were dependent on alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, methamphetamine, or cannabis and non-dependent participants for 21 individual studies (Total cases: 903; Total controls: 996). Then, the study-specific effect sizes were modeled using a hierarchical Bayesian approach in which the parameters of the study-specific effect size distributions were sampled from a higher-order overarching distribution. The posterior distribution of the overarching and study-specific parameters was approximated using the Gibbs sampling method.ResultsThe results showed shrinkage of the posterior distribution of the study-specific estimates toward the overarching estimates given the original effect sizes observed in individual studies. Differences between the original effect sizes (i.e., Cohen's d) and the point estimate of the posterior distribution ranged from 0 to 0.97. The magnitude of adjustment was negatively correlated with the sample size (r = −0.27, p &lt; 0.001) and positively correlated with empirically estimated sampling variance (r = 0.40, p &lt; 0.001), suggesting studies with smaller samples and larger sampling variance tended to have greater adjustments.DiscussionOur findings demonstrate the utility of the hierarchical Bayesian model in recalibrating single-study effect sizes using information from similar studies. This suggests that Bayesian utilization of existing knowledge can be an effective alternative approach to improve the effect size estimation in individual studies, particularly for those with smaller samples.
Cardioprotective effect of Sanguisorba minor against isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction in rats
Authors: Hosseini Azar , Ghorbani Atieh , Alavi Mohaddeseh Sadat , Forouhi Nima , Rajabian Arezoo , Boroumand-Noughabi Samaneh , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Eid Ali H. 
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Oxidative stress is a major instigator of various cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction (MI). Despite available drugs, there is still an increased need to look for alternative therapies or identify new bioactive compounds. Sanguisorba minor (S. minor) is a native herb characterized by its potent antioxidant activity. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of S. minor against isoprenaline-induced MI.Methods: Rats were treated with the hydro-ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of S. minor at doses of 100 or 300 mg/kg orally for 9 days. Isoprenaline was injected subcutaneously at the dose of 85 mg/kg on days 8 and 9. Then, the activities of various cardiac injury markers including cardiac troponin (cTnT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine kinase muscle brain (CK-MB), creatinine phosphokinase (CPK), and antioxidant enzymes in serum were determined. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and thiol content were measured in cardiac tissue, and histopathological analysis was conducted.Results: Our results show that isoprenaline increased the serum levels of cTnT, LDH, CK-MB, and CPK (p &lt; 0.001) and elevated MDA levels (p &lt; 0.001) in cardiac tissue. Isoprenaline also reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and thiol content (p &lt; 0.001). Importantly, the extract abolished isoprenaline-induced MI by elevating SOD and catalase (p &lt; 0.001), reducing levels of MDA, and diminishing levels of cTnT, LDH, CK-MB, and CPK cardiac markers (p &lt; 0.001). Histopathological studies of the cardiac tissue showed isoprenaline-induced injury that was significantly attenuated by the extract.Conclusion: Our results suggest that S. minor could abrogate isoprenaline-induced cardiac toxicity due to its ability to mitigate oxidative stress.
Social support, health literacy and anxiety among pregnant women during coronavirus 2019 pandemic in Thailand
Authors: Phutong Piangkhuan , Thaithae Suparp 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThe ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to have a significant impact. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to its effects, which may increase their anxiety levels. This study aims to investigate anxiety levels in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand and to identify factors predicting such anxiety.MethodsThe researchers collected data through an online questionnaire from November 2021 to May 2022. The sample included 404 pregnant women. The questionnaire consisted of personal information, health literacy related to COVID-19, social support, and anxiety related to COVID-19. The content validity of the questionnaire were verified by three experts, with content validity indices of 0.87, 0.80, and 0.87 for each domain, respectively. The reliability of the questionnaire were 0.96 for health literacy, 0.95 for social support, and 0.96 for anxiety. Moreover, in-depth telephone interviews were also conducted with pregnant women. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, stepwise multiple regression, and content analysis.ResultsGroup of 404 pregnant women were studied, and the results showed that pregnant women had a high level of health literacy regarding COVID-19 and pregnancy (mean = 96.36, SD = 14.23) and social support level on a high level (mean = 83.99, SD = 11.34). Most of them were concerned about anxiety related to COVID-19 infection and pregnancy on a moderate level (mean = 47.78, SD = 11.49). The factors predicting the anxiety of pregnant women during the COVID-19 outbreak in Thailand included health literacy related to COVID-19 (β = 0.468) and social support (β = 0.283), with a prediction rate of 32.80% (R2 = 0.328) with statistical significance (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionThis study revealed the anxiety level of pregnant women during the COVID-19 outbreak in Thailand, which was moderate. Health literacy about COVID-19 and social support can predict the anxiety level of pregnant women.
Mindfulness and negative emotions among Chinese college students: chain mediation effect of rumination and resilience
Authors: Shi Keke , Feng Guoyan , Huang Qiyong , Ye Meilin , Cui Hongbo 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveThis study examines the mediation effect of rumination and resilience between the relationship of mindfulness and negative emotions in Chinese college students.MethodA total of 3,038 college students (19.94 ± 1.10) were investigated by Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MASS), Rumination Response Style Scale (RRS), Resilience Scale (RES) and Depression-anxiety-pressure scale (DASS-21), and the mediation analyses were conducted by adopting PROCESS macro in the SPSS software.Results① Mindfulness was negatively associated with rumination and negative emotions (r = −0.69, −0.72; P &lt; 0.01), and positively associated with resilience (r = 0.63, P &lt; 0.01). Rumination was negatively associated with resilience (r = −0.59, P &lt; 0.01), and positively associated with negative emotions (r = 0.83, P &lt; 0.01). Resilience was negatively associated with negative emotions (r = −0.71, P &lt; 0.01). ② Mindfulness can not only directly predict negative emotions (95%CI, −0.12~−0.09) but also affects negative emotions through three indirect paths: Rumination was a mediator (95%CI, −0.24~−0.20), resilience was a mediator (95%CI, −0.07~−0.06), and resilience and rumination were a chain mediator (95%CI, −0.04 ~ −0.03).ConclusionMindfulness not only influences negative emotions directly, but also through the mediating effect of rumination and resilience indirectly.
Individual cognitive therapy reduces frontal-thalamic resting-state functional connectivity in social anxiety disorder
Authors: Kurita Kohei , Obata Takayuki , Sutoh Chihiro , Matsuzawa Daisuke , Yoshinaga Naoki , Kershaw Jeff , Chhatkuli Ritu Bhusal , Ota Junko , Shimizu Eiji , Hirano Yoshiyuki 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionPrevious neuroimaging studies in social anxiety disorders (SAD) have reported potential neural predictors of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-related brain changes. However, several meta-analyses have demonstrated that cognitive therapy (CT) was superior to traditional exposure-based CBT for SAD.ObjectiveTo explore resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) to evaluate the response to individual CT for SAD patients.MethodsTwenty SAD patients who attended 16-week individual CT were scanned pre- and post-therapy along with twenty healthy controls (HCs). The severity of social anxiety was assessed with the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS). Multi-voxel pattern analysis (MVPA) was performed on the pre-CT data to extract regions associated with a change in LSAS (∆LSAS). Group comparisons of the seed-based rsFC analysis were performed between the HCs and pre-CT patients and between the pre-and post-CT patients.ResultsMVPA-based regression analysis revealed that rsFC between the left thalamus and the frontal pole/inferior frontal gyrus was significantly correlated with ∆LSAS (adjusted R2 = 0.65; p = 0.00002). Compared with HCs, the pre-CT patients had higher rsFCs between the thalamus and temporal pole and between the thalamus and superior/middle temporal gyrus/planum temporale (p &lt; 0.05). The rsFC between the thalamus and the frontal pole decreased post-CT (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionSAD patients had significant rsFC between the thalamus and temporal pole, superior/middle temporal gyrus, and planum temporale, which may be indicators of extreme anxiety in social situations. In addition, rsFC between the thalamus and the frontal pole may be a neuromarker for the effectiveness of individual CT.
Prediction of patient admission and readmission in adults from a Colombian cohort with bipolar disorder using artificial intelligence
Authors: Palacios-Ariza María Alejandra , Morales-Mendoza Esteban , Murcia Jossie , Arias-Duarte Rafael , Lara-Castellanos Germán , Cely-Jiménez Andrés , Rincón-Acuña Juan Carlos , Araúzo-Bravo Marcos J. , McDouall Jorge 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionBipolar disorder (BD) is a chronically progressive mental condition, associated with a reduced quality of life and greater disability. Patient admissions are preventable events with a considerable impact on global functioning and social adjustment. While machine learning (ML) approaches have proven prediction ability in other diseases, little is known about their utility to predict patient admissions in this pathology.AimTo develop prediction models for hospital admission/readmission within 5 years of diagnosis in patients with BD using ML techniques.MethodsThe study utilized data from patients diagnosed with BD in a major healthcare organization in Colombia. Candidate predictors were selected from Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and included sociodemographic and clinical variables. ML algorithms, including Decision Trees, Random Forests, Logistic Regressions, and Support Vector Machines, were used to predict patient admission or readmission. Survival models, including a penalized Cox Model and Random Survival Forest, were used to predict time to admission and first readmission. Model performance was evaluated using accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and concordance index.ResultsThe admission dataset included 2,726 BD patients, with 354 admissions, while the readmission dataset included 352 patients, with almost half being readmitted. The best-performing model for predicting admission was the Random Forest, with an accuracy score of 0.951 and an AUC of 0.98. The variables with the greatest predictive power in the Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) importance analysis were the number of psychiatric emergency visits, the number of outpatient follow-up appointments and age. Survival models showed similar results, with the Random Survival Forest performing best, achieving an AUC of 0.95. However, the prediction models for patient readmission had poorer performance, with the Random Forest model being again the best performer but with an AUC below 0.70.ConclusionML models, particularly the Random Forest model, outperformed traditional statistical techniques for admission prediction. However, readmission prediction models had poorer performance. This study demonstrates the potential of ML techniques in improving prediction accuracy for BD patient admissions.